We all want less stress and less things tying us down, but do we actually know how to get there? Growing up I had way too many things. As a result of this, my room was always messy and I was stressed out.
I learned how much I love a clean space. A clean bedroom, a clean house and a clean work space. I need my home to be my escape from the messiness of this world, not where it all goes.
The thought of being a true minimalist has always thrilled me. However, it is way harder than you might originally assume. All of a sudden you realize just how many memories one shirt brings up.
I think the key to really jumpstarting a minimalist life is slowly realizing what you don’t like anymore. In my closet I had so many shirts that I just didn’t love. They were cute, but my style had changed. That’s a really good starting place and a good thing to start understanding.
Start small. If you love your clothing, start with something more simple. I love starting with my bathroom. There’s no reason to have 10 different cleaners. Once you get the hang and release feeling from cleaning junk out, you’ll be ready for bigger areas.
I have always loved organizing my kitchen. All the plastic containers that we have a million of the same size… get rid of them! When you open your cabinets and see everything neatly stacked, it makes it much more rewarding.
Last, move into your bedroom. Start with your nightstand. As you organize and only keep what you really love next to you in bed, your space will offer you a breath of fresh air.
I keep a picture of my wedding day, a glass container with all my crystals, and a salt lamp on my nightstand. Those things give me relaxing energy and help me feel less stressed in a spot I love to relax in.
One key thing to continue to tell yourself as you sort through years of collecting is, “If I don’t use it, I need to lose it!” And it’s true, if it’s not something you actually use, you shouldn’t continue holding onto it.
When it’s time to go into my closet I have a rule for myself. If I don’t wear it, or it’s been over a year since I have, It’s time to part ways. If what I have doesn’t bring me joy, why am I continuing holding onto it?
Minimize how many items of one thing you have. You really don’t need a million plates and cups. One for each member of your family and a few extra will do. The more you have, the more work you have to do. The easier it is to let it get out of control.
When I only had 4 plates, 4 cups and four of each utensil, cleaning dishes was not hard! I knew I had to clean when I didn’t have any more to use. And when I didn’t have more, it only took me a max of 15 minutes doing the chore I hate most!
Stop buying so many things. Make a rule for yourself that when you buy something new, you get rid of something old. This will help you prioritize if you really need what you want to buy.
It’s hard stepping into minimalism, but the reward far outweighs. Coming into a clean, organized home full of things you love is incredible. It’s easy to clean, relaxing to be in and easy to find everything you need.
Start small. Make small decisions everyday and soon enough, you’ll be in a space you love. Change can’t happen overnight so be patient with yourself as you learn to let go of what you once thought you could’nt live without.
Stay safe out there, friends.
All my love,
Talesha