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Stumped and not sure where to turn next on your minimalist journey? Relax. It’s not a race and what works for someone else may not work for you. You are on your journey and your journey is unique to you. You need to proceed at a pace YOU are comfortable with. If you cannot see yourself living with fewer than 100 possessions – don’t start with that goal in mind. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Have more than one? I know when I started going through my closet I must have had 6 black purses. Do I need 6 black purses? Of course not. I eliminated them all but 1 that I use whenever I go out. But you are not me. You may decide you need 2 black purses. Purge based on your comfort level. You can always go back and donate later.
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- Declutter at your pace. There is no rush. You didn’t accumulate all the stuff in your home overnight, you don’t need to get rid of it overnight. There may be an attachment to some of the items. If you cannot decide whether to donate an item, let it go. You don’t have to hurry up and make a decision on every single item at that moment.
- Get rid of the junk drawer that holds everything you have kept for an emergency of just in case. My grandmother lived through the depression and kept many things that to me hold no value. However, when you live through one of the worst economic times for our country, you view things differently. To me, holding on to baggie ties and bread bags is not necessary but to her it was. Think about where you are in this equation – that will help you to declutter.
- Don’t keep items such as gifts or other items given to you if you aren’t using them or don’t want them. Guilt can be a powerful thing but you do not have to have items in your home if you do not want them. Give them to someone who wants them and will use them.
- Paying for storage space? Have no room in your attic or garage? That is a sure sign that you are holding onto too many possessions that you are not even using. Start by getting rid of the storage space you are paying for then work your way through the other storage spaces. Have a yard or garage sale to sell these items and put extra cash in your pocket. After the yard sale, donate the rest.
- Are you a magazine or newspaper junkie? Cancel the deliveries and subscribe to receive these on your phone, tablet or computer. That alone will save a lot of trees 🙂 I have not purchased a book in almost 3 years since I received my Kindle as a gift.
- Stop shopping. If you use shopping for entertainment, stress relief or a reward – STOP. It’s time to find a new hobby.
Each journey is personal to the person taking it. Take your time, look at the items you are getting rid of then enjoy the results of a clean, clutter free home. Ohmmmmmm!
Blessings,
Denise
For tips on how to begin your decluttering journey, you can Start Here, or snag a copy of the 30 Day Challenge (our Minimalism and Decluttering eBook).
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