As I get older, the thought of decluttering and having “less stuff” appeals to me more and more. While a minimalist lifestyle is not for everyone, there are many benefits that come with living as one.
WHAT IS THE MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE?
Minimalism can be a confusing word to define because a “minimalistic lifestyle” could mean something totally different for you than it does for me, and that’s okay! We will outline some easy steps to become a minimalist.
Minimalism is about clearing out the clutter in your life and making space for what matters most to you. Some people find this leads to more time, more money, improved relationships, and even increased happiness.
If you’re considering becoming a minimalist but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, here are some things to consider before taking the leap:
- How does my home make me feel?
- Am I comfortable when I walk in the door, or does the clutter stress me out?
- What do I want my life/home to look like?
- How will minimalism affect my family?
- How will it change the way I spend money and time?
EASY STEPS TO BECOME A MINIMALIST
MAKE A LIST OF ALL YOUR POSSESSIONS
Go through, room by room, and take inventory of what you have. Sometimes seeing it all on paper (or typed in a spreadsheet) is just the motivation you’ll need to start downsizing.
Sell what you don’t need or use anymore. Keep only those items that give value or meaning. Yes, I’m talking about Marie Kondo-ing your house – and life! Get rid of it if it doesn’t spark joy.
If you’re on the fence and not sure if an item is something you should keep or give away, the best way to find out is to try living without it for 30 days. At the end of that time, if you still want it, then get it back.
It won’t be easy, but with a little patience and determination, anyone can become a minimalist.
WORK YOUR WAY
Some people prefer to downsize by working on all of one type of item first, like dishes or clothing. Others prefer to work room by room.
Maybe you want to start in the easiest room so you can get that snowball effect of motivation. Or, maybe you know you have a lot of clothes to get rid of and there’s a clothing drive coming up for a local charity.
No matter how you choose to work through your home, whatever feels best to you is the “best way”, because it’s a way you can enjoy and stick with. If you get discouraged and don’t enjoy minimizing your home, are you really going to make it a lifestyle?
Probably not!
RESPECT THE JOURNEY
Even if you’re not minimizing your belongings at as quick of a pace as you had intended, respect the journey you’re on by praising yourself for taking the step towards a simpler life at all.
It’s important to remember that this is a journey, and not everyone will accomplish it at the same pace. It’s okay if decluttering feels challenging for you right now; just respect where you are in the process by acknowledging how far along you are already! Every step counts.
FOCUS ON PROBLEM AREAS
Whatever your problem area is in your home, give it a little extra focus.
For some, that will be the kitchen, while for others it will be the kid’s playroom. Acknowledging the problem areas and keeping an eye on them is key.
Decluttering your home can be daunting, but it’s important to take care of the problem areas first. If you have a lot of clothes that need to go or piles of paper accumulating on the kitchen countertop, those are probably good starting points for decluttering.
Once you’ve dealt with these issue spots in your house and made some space, continue working through each room one at a time until everything is decluttered (or as close to it as possible).
Remember – this is about making peace with what will stay in your life and letting go of what won’t add value anymore.
RE-EVALUATE ON A REGULAR BASIS
Whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly, you must evaluate your minimalism on a regular basis if you want the habit to stick. Some of us are paper collectors or craft hoarders, and that type of clutter will sneak up on you if you don’t check in with yourself regularly.
You may also like this post: 30 THINGS YOU CAN GET RID OF TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME:
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