MINIMALISM 101

Minimalism. “What is it?”, we hear you ask. Minimalism is the act of removing what isn’t adding any value to your life, to make room for the stuff that actually is. Minimalism can cover many aspects of your life; for example, removing toxic relationships, clutter, time commitments and negative thoughts. In this post however, we are going to look specifically at practising minimalism in your home. Let’s start the new year with a new perspective on the “stuff” in your life.

Here are 5 ways to tap into minimalism and de-clutter your home environment!

1. Step back and observe your surroundings

The first order of business on your minimalism movement is to observe your home, belongings, lifestyle and attitude from an objective perspective. Do you own multiple versions of the same items? Are you stressed about finding places to store your belongings? Is your closet overflowing with clothes you no longer wear? Do you spend way too long in the kitchen searching for utensils? The more you’re able to view the details of your life through an unfiltered, objective lens, the more clearly you will be able to see what it is you want to change.

2. De-clutter small spaces regularly

It can be daunting to do a major clean of your home and declutter the space. A good idea is to declutter small spaces on a regular basis, one room at a time, broken into bite sized and manageable areas. Pick a day each week to make your “declutter day”, then tackle just one drawer, cupboard or shelf in the kitchen. Then next week, move onto the bedroom: one draw, wardrobe or shelf. Repeat this process throughout all the rooms in your home until you have left no draw unturned!

Start simple and get rid of any duplicate items you own. Next, get rid of everything you don’t use or see on a regular basis. As you go through your belongings, focus on eliminating not just the items you don’t use, but also the ones that don’t bring joy or meaning to your life.

You can choose to donate, recycle, re-purpose or give away any items that no longer fit into your lifestyle. After breaking up a major chore into super short tasks over a few weeks, you’ll find your home increasingly clutter free! You may start to feel less overwhelmed with choices and start to re-focus your energy on things that truly matter to you.

3. Be strict about what you bring into your home

Living a minimalist lifestyle is to give adequate thought to the things you bring into your home. Creating a minimalist home is not only about being organised with the items already in your space, but it’s also about keeping unnecessary things out. Think very carefully before you accumulate items from others, and even more carefully before you click confirm on that online order (just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you need it!). Before you bring something new into your home, ask yourself questions such as “Does this add value to me?”, “Does this item have a practical function in my home?”, “Does this item bring me joy?”

4. Purge regularly

We inevitably must make purchases in life, however you can regularly evaluate our belongings to see if anything has become a burden or unwelcome distraction in your life. Depending on your lifestyle, a regular purge process can take different forms. You might comb through your wardrobe at the start of each season to eliminate clothes you no longer want. Or, you could walk around your house once a month and put everything you don’t need into a big donation bag. You might also impose a “one in, one out” rule – meaning that for every item you bring into your home, you get rid of another. This keeps your home, and your mind refreshed and clutter-free throughout the year.

Tip: why not kill two birds with one stone and give each part of your room a quick clean whilst you’re decluttering? Your home will end up fresher, cleaner, and ready for the next chapter of life.

5. Be grateful for what you have

Living a minimalist lifestyle is largely about the search for contentment, and contentment begins with gratitude for the things you surround yourself with. Try to shift your focus on the beauty, convenience and ease your possessions bring to your life; whether it’s a photo that makes you smile, or the coffee machine that jumpstarts your morning. When you feel grateful for everything you own, the desire to own more gradually disappears.

Do you practise minimalism at home? Share some of your own tips with us!