Previously, we looked at some common misconceptions about minimalism. Knowing those things were crucial before anyone could truly move to the next stage of minimalism, because this is a tricky subject to grasp, but we can all learn as we go.
Coming from a family who hoards, it was stressful for me to see things fill my spaces as I grew up. As a result, deciding what to keep and what to discard was a problem. That’s when I began looking through books and websites about minimalism to figure out where I should begin my journey.
It paved the way for me to find it very easy in my present moment. Of course, because I live with my family, it’s unlikely that I compelled them to do the same thing I did. However, I had the freedom to apply it to my belongings, and I gradually began to declutter and clear unwanted items from my space.
And now, if you’re keen on venturing on this minimalist journey, I’ll show you how to get started.
Begin with your wardrobe.
This may appear tedious and difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can apply it to your other things too. Take out all of your clothing and divide it into two sections. One; clothing that you love and have worn several times in the last 3-6 months. Two; clothes you haven’t worn in the last 6 to 12 months. Contemplate whether you’d wear these clothes again from the second section.
If the answer is no, or if you’re only going to use it one last time, put it away for charity. Quick tip: do it quickly and mindlessly, because if you start thinking about it, you’ll end up putting all of your clothes back in your cupboard.
Declutter your digital space.
Go through your phone or laptop and delete anything that isn’t necessary. You’re know the drill. Perhaps the game apps you haven’t used in months, emergency screenshots or emails you forgot to delete, and unnecessary Whatsapp conversations. Delete it to find room for more important things in your device. I recommend doing this once every 2-3 weeks. It’s almost as if you’re clearing your mind while doing so.
Getting rid of expired things.
This is something that we often overlook over time. If you live with your family, you almost certainly have a lot of things, the majority of which have expired. From old sauce bottles in the kitchen to moisturisers in the bathroom, there’s plenty. Take a garbage bag and go through your house, looking for anything with an expiration date. If it’s past its expiration date, toss it in the trash right away.
If possible, rent or borrow.
You may occasionally require something that you will most likely only use once. Perhaps a dress, or a book, or any tools with a specific purpose, and so on. Rather than wasting money on something you won’t use for the rest of your life, consider renting it or borrowing it from friends or family. Not only will you save space, but you will also save a lot of money.
‘One in, one out’ method
This is a very effective method that I practise, particularly when it comes to my clothing. It’s a simple rule that works wonders when it comes to keeping clutter in control. Follow this rule to keep yourself from hoarding: every time a new item enters your home, a similar item must leave.
There must be one drip out for every drip into the bucket; this ensures that your home does not flood, risking your progress. For example, for every new dress that goes in the closet, an old one comes out; for every new pair of shoes that goes in, an old one comes out.
These are the five simple steps a beginner can take to begin their minimalism journey. Also, I am not an expert in this subject; these are just suggestions that I have tried and found to be effective. So, give it a shot if you want to join us on this journey, and let us know if you have any advice or thoughts for others. This will always be a safe place for diverse opinions.
Happy Sunday!
Source: 1, 2
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