5 Things You Don't Need | Reduce, Reuse, Minimalism

If you're like me, sometimes you feel a little overwhelmed, perhaps even guilty about the amount of stuff you own. Over the summer I finally said, "enough is enough!" Thus, the purging process begun and I started the incline to decluttering not only my home, but my mind. In the short, six months that I've adapted a minimalistic lifestyle, I have picked up a few pointers that I wish I knew from the start.

Minimalism is NOT one size fits all

Think carefully about your goals as a motivating factor which will carry you through the process of reducing. While therapeutic, decluttering your home can be a very trying experience. It will test you in ways you did not expect. I chose to follow the advice of Marie Kondo whose best-selling book as helped millions find joy in "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing." Marie suggests holding each item individually and asking yourself, "does this item spark joy?" If the article of clothing, piece of furniture, or appliance does not spark joy, then you thank the item and put to the side to discard appropriately. When eliminating elements of your home, it's equally as important to dispose of them in a conscientious manner. It is recommended to give the item to friends or family, donate or upcycle the product if possible. Tossing an object in the trash should be done only when necessary such as if the item is broken beyond repair. Being mindful about where your unused items end up will help you keep a clear mind while clearing out the closet.

ADOPT A STRATEGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Don't let anyone rush you! Motivated as you may be, minimalism is absolutely a process- TRUST IT! More importantly, trust yourself. If you only feel comfortable going through a few drawers a month when reducing, then follow that intuition. If you feel comfortable with chaos, feel free to go ham and tackle the entire home at once. A word of caution though, sometimes when tackling the disorder you may not be able to accurately decipher which items you'd like to keep and which you'd like to purge. The tactic that made sense for me was to address one room at a time. I also would place items in the corner for a month or so before eliminating them. This allowed ample opportunities to use each item. If I didn't manage to wear those flannel-lined leggings, then it was time to go. There are no wrong ways to practice minimalism, no rules that you must follow. This process is for you; remember that as you go through your home.

steadfast guidelines for purging

1. Eliminate Duplicates- Do I really need multiple bathrobes? Probably not. I found this particularly applicable when it came to a few common household items such as cleaning chemicals, makeup, and hair products. Listen, I have thick, curly hair. I do actually need quite a few hair products to tame this mane, so eliminating all of them wasn't an option. However, I am more aware when I purchase new supplies. I think about what I already have to avoid buying duplicates that will ultimately clutter the bathroom. For household cleaners, I stick to the natural and use white vinegar on most surfaces. For the rest, a general all-purpose cleaner does the trick.
2. Don't Over Decorate- Let your signature pieces get the spotlight they deserve. Try to avoid overshadowing those beautiful works of art by overcrowding the walls. Throw pillows were one of my guilty pleasures (I felt they really complete the room), but in reality the bed doesn't look less made without them. Ditch the decorative pillows and stick to the basics. Consider limiting the amount of blankets you have scattered between the bedroom and living area as well. When unmade they can make a room look messy even if everything else is in place.
3. Technology- It's 2019 everyone, time to go digital once and for all. Unless they have a sentimental attachment, upload all your favorite CDs and DVDs to a hardware and donate then donate them. Most streaming websites have everything under the sun you could want to watch or listen to. Consider a subscription to popular sites such as Spotify or Netflix to fulfill your entertainment consumption. Go through that tech drawer you have as well. Do you know what those manuals or random wires go to? If the answer is no, then it is time to ditch them. Manuals/guidebooks can be found online now so there's no need to hoard them either.
4. You Don't Love It- Everyone has those gifts that we're conflicted about getting rid of because Grandmom made it for us or a t-shirt big sis gave us. Now it doesn't fit, it's worn out, or frankly doesn't fit your style. Don't feel conflicted about re-homing the item. I promise your loved ones won't mind and it's better it goes to someone who will love it.
5. Habitual Hobbies- Is this the year you're FINALLY going to pick up that guitar and learn a few songs? Chances are if the past 5 years haven't been your year to master that ax, this won't be either. Don't let it become a source of negativity or guilt because you haven't managed to make time for that new hobby. Cut the ties and let it go, just like Elsa.

Need more guidance on a minimalist lifestyle? Check out the Netflix documentary: Minimalism. You may also like the book: Everything That Remains.