How the 80/20 Rule Can Lighten Your Life After 55
- Written by A.G. for Age Well Kit
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
What the Pareto Principle Reveals About Your Home, Your Time and Your Peace of Mind
Personal Note
The 80/20 rule, also called the Pareto Principle, is one of those ideas that can change everything.
I started applying it when my husband and I moved from 5,000 square feet of loft space to a 2,400 square foot house and had to drastically downsize. It’s been four years, and I have yet to miss a thing.
The 80/20 rule was first observed by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in the late 1800s. It began as a comment on land ownership: 80% of Italy’s land was held by just 20% of the population. But this pattern has shown up across daily life ever since. A small portion of input tends to create most of the results.
For those of us over 55, the rule becomes even more useful as we adjust to a new normal and edit our lives. Recognizing that only a small percentage of what we own, do or manage actually matters makes everything lighter. Fewer things to manage or clean, more space to think and time to enjoy.
Insights About The 80/20 Rule
It’s not about exact math
The 80/20 rule isn’t a literal split. The point is that a small number of inputs usually lead to the biggest results.
It’s built into nature and systems
This dynamic isn’t just human. In a garden, 20% of plants often attract 80% of pollinators. In farming, 20% of crops may yield most of the harvest. A small number of strong contributors often carry the system.
It’s a decision filter, not a statistic
In daily life, this principle helps you ask: what few things make the biggest difference? Whether it’s objects, habits or relationships, that question is often more useful than sorting by category.
It works for energy, not just stuff
There are only a few routines, people or commitments that truly restore us, while many drain us. Knowing which is which helps us spend energy where it counts.
It helps reduce guilt
Letting go of things can bring up guilt. The 80/20 rule reframes that: you’re not failing by not using everything, you’re just behaving the way most people do. Understanding this removes shame and makes choices feel easier.
It’s a tool for aging with less friction
Simplicity is a strategic choice later in life. If 80% of your daily friction comes from 20% of your clutter or routines, you know where to focus first.
While researching the Pareto Rule, I came across a helpful video by Joshua Becker. Here is a short summary of the video and a cheat sheet with the points I found most useful. The video is embedded at the bottom of the page so you can watch it without leaving this site. Below that, you’ll find links to related articles.
Video Summary
In this video, Joshua Becker walks through 15 everyday categories where the 80/20 rule applies:
clothing, shoes, kitchen items, books, toys, cleaning supplies, decorations, office supplies, electronics, linens, food, makeup, furniture, square footage, and digital tools. By recognizing these patterns, viewers can make more deliberate decisions about what to keep and what to let go.
Cheat Sheet
Use this checklist to spot where you're only using a small portion of what you own and where you can simplify.
1. Clothing
You wear the same few items most of the time. Identify your favorites and consider letting go of the rest.
2. Shoes
Special occasion shoes aside, you likely reach for the same pairs repeatedly.
3. Kitchen Utensils & Appliances
A handful of tools do most of the work.
4. Books
Most books are rarely reread. Keep the meaningful ones, donate the rest.
5. Toys
Kids favor a few favorites. Minimize based on what they actually use.
6. Cleaning Supplies
A few products like vinegar and dish soap cover nearly all tasks.
7. Decorations
Only a small portion has deep meaning. Display those and store or donate the rest.
8. Office Supplies
You likely use the same pen and notebook every day. Reduce the extras.
9. Electronics
Old or unused devices pile up. Declutter and streamline the ones you rely on.
10. Linens
Towels and sheets tend to rotate from the top of the pile. Keep what you use.
11. Food & Recipes
Families often cook the same few meals. Simplify planning around these staples.
12. Makeup & Toiletries
Keep only what you actually use. Most products go untouched.
13. Furniture
Your family sits in the same spots every day. Use that insight when furnishing or replacing.
14. Square Footage
We spend most of our time in just a few areas of the home. Consider this when choosing or designing a space.
15. Digital Life
Most time is spent on a small number of apps and websites. Organize accordingly and delete the rest.
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that inspired this article
Video by Joshua Baker. All rights belong to the original creator.
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