Going minimalist is about more than just de-cluttering — it’s about getting rid of all clutter, permanently. Here’s how to get back to basics.
What it will take:
Mental fortitude.
Getting rid of your things requires commitment. You have to make a decision about every item you own, and that can be mentally taxing — and it won’t happen overnight. You can start this process today by putting a box in every room.
“When you come across something you haven’t used in a long time, or ever, throw it in,” said Rachel Jonat, who writes the blog TheMinimalistMom.com. “If you are scared about wanting those items again, hold onto the box for six months and then donate everything.”
Mentally, you may have to do some preparation to get into the right mindset — because, let’s face it, a lot of us like our things. But things have a catch. That big house and everything in it take time to clean and organise, and it takes money to maintain it all.
Start small.
You aren’t going to be able to declutter your life in a day, or even a week. And the process may seem really daunting. Ditch the obvious things. Get some forward momentum by starting your giveaway pile with the items you clearly do not need — the mugs you never use, that ugly thing you received as a gift.
Start a pile for a car boot sale or yard sale. You can also make it easier to part with things by passing them along to someone else who can use them.
Reassess after a few weeks and see how you feel. You may find it difficult to let go of certain items in the first or second round of purging, but on the third round it could end up on the giveaway pile.
Consider a big change.
Moving into a smaller space isn’t for everyone. But if you are a renter and your lease is coming up, or you’re really struggling to manage your home payment each month, downsizing accomplishes a few things: It encourages less stuff, less time cleaning, and of course, smaller bills.
Do it smarter:
Avoid comparisons. Your minimalism is yours alone — it’s what works for you, in your life, at this time. If you want to keep every book you’ve ever read but cut your wardrobe down to 12 items, that is what you should do.
-Adapted from bbc.com