Most people spend their time at home either getting ready for work, coming from work, or sleeping at night, and the cycle repeats. Upon waking up on a weekend and looking around, they don't understand why there are so many things in the living room or kitchen. They don't get why there's clutter in the apartment when they spend all their time at work. In such a situation, minimalism comes to the rescue.
Marie Kondo, one of the prolific organizers of today, compares these forgotten items to people. She asks if these forgotten items had feelings, would they feel happy? Most likely not. Therefore, Kondo advises freeing them from the shelves, drawers, or cabinets and letting them go. For most people, this task is difficult. If you're one of them, the following decluttering tips will come in handy.
Tip 1. Declutter and organize only once
Marie Kondo advises cleaning up and organizing once. Dedicate a whole day to cleaning up, trying to turn it into a game. The Marie Kondo method involves spending a long time and finally enjoying the result. Subconsciously, you will want to keep your space neat and clean, making future cleaning simple and easy.
For example, if your old school notes, video games, and childhood DVDs are still in your dresser, throw them away. You will feel so free that you won't want to fill the clean space with anything soon. Of course, these items remind you of the past, yet they don't give you enough oxygen to live in the present.
Tip 2. Don't complicate the cleaning process
Holding an old card in your hand and wondering whether to throw it away or put it under books on the shelf, ask yourself a few questions. For example, did this thing serve its purpose? When did you bring it home? Why do you keep this thing at home?
Don't complicate your life. If you received this greeting card for your birthday ten years ago, it has fulfilled its mission. Relive the emotions it gave you and let it go.
Tip 3. Analyze your needs and desires
People get used to their things, and the brain craves novelty. It's like with your favorite food: no matter how much you love pizza, you'll eventually stop craving it if you eat it every day. When you buy new sneakers, no matter how expensive and popular they are, you will get used to them. Eventually, your brain will need something new, and you might purchase a new pair of shoes.
Recognize that sometimes you buy new things for the sake of buying, not because they make you happy. Modern social media and advertising promote consumer culture and encourage buying more and more things. As a result, you buy many things you don't need and clutter your space with them. Listen to your true desires and needs, and do not fall for marketing tricks.
Tip 4. Don't force yourself to do what you don't want
Remember that your home is not a museum or a warehouse. Of course, you may have a collection of books in your home library. But if things don't bring any value, throw them away. Don't clutter the space with unnecessary items.
Get rid of things you haven't used in a year, like a toaster or a steamer. Consider donating or selling them. Yet always listen to your desires, and don't force yourself to get rid of all things, even if it's one of the tips for organizing your house. Organize your space the way it's convenient for you, as there are no universal rules for this.
Tip 5. Learn the art of minimalism
Getting rid of things is not something you can acquire in a moment. It's a skill that develops over time. For example, you can't wake up one morning and speak Spanish fluently. So, start doing small steps: say goodbye to a few things you don't need, and over time, you'll be able to part with more things.
Start by discarding items you have forgotten about. For example, you clean up and find a pair of jeans you haven't worn in a long time. You think, "Oh, I forgot I even had these." Such thoughts indicate that it's time to donate or throw them away.
Tip 6. Start decluttering right now
Start throwing away things you've forgotten about right now, whether you're lying in bed in your room or traveling on a train. Get rid of at least one thing right now. It can be anything – a receipt from a restaurant you've already paid for or a beautiful dessert box you've eaten from. A seemingly insignificant action now will add incentive to continue cleaning.
Remember, minimalism is more than the absence of unnecessary things in your room or wardrobe. It's a lifestyle and mindset where you reconnect with yourself, focus on the present, and increase your productivity. If you make minimalism your way of life, you won't just give it up as a trend.
Don't be afraid to incorporate a minimalist mindset into your routine. The concept of minimalism is closely related to the philosophy of mindfulness. By cleaning and organizing your space, you also clear your mind and organize your thoughts.
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