Minimalism tips
Eliminate Unworn Clothing
A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn it in a year, it is just taking up space in your closet. If you don’t like the way you look in it, get rid of it. If it no longer fits, get rid of it. If you forgot you had it and haven’t missed it, get rid of it. With gently used clothing items, donating is a great way to pass your excess goods along to someone who may be in need. This course can help you build a minimalist capsule wardrobe if you need a bit of help getting started.
Get Rid of Anything Broken
Or ripped, or torn, or whatever. If it is defective, you don’t need it. Ripped shirt? Toss. Broken toy? Toss. Bent spoon? You get the idea.
Declutter One Room at a Time
Start with the room that is bothering you the most, perhaps the one that sparked your desire to read an article about minimalism. The items you keep should be things you use regularly or things that bring significant value to your life (such as sentimental value). Get started with my free declutter planner!
Set Up Your Zones
Before you get started, you’ll want to decide how you’re going to sort your items so you don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel as you go. Designate a few key zones or categories into which you will separate your items. They might look something like this: Keep, Sell, Donate, Recycle, Trash. If you think of other categories that fit your needs, feel free to include them. But remember: try to keep things simple.
Too Many Plates and Cups
Do you have a family of four, and twenty-five dinner plates and glasses in your cupboard? It is always good to keep a few extra plates, bowls, cups, and mugs on hand for potential guests, but don’t overdo it. Take the number of people who live in your household and double it. Remember, these things get washed and reused. At the very least, you don’t need 50 coffee mugs.
Get Rid of Doubles
If you have three pizza cutters, four whisks, and eight wooden spoons, you have room to do some eliminating.
Throw Away Outdated Food
You might be astounded at what kind of expired items you have haunting the back of your pantry and freezer. It is worth going through and getting rid of some things. If it’s expired, you don’t need it. Try these long-lasting storage containers to keep food fresh longer.
Clear Out Every Few Months
To keep clutter in check, go through your home every few months and clear out excess items that may have accumulated.
Write Down Your Purchases
It may seem irrelevant, but this small measure of accountability can prevent lots of unnecessary spending. Write down everything you buy and how much you spent. Before you know it, you’ll be rethinking that knick knack or pair of shoes before the transaction rather than after.
Keep it Clean
Giving your space a fresh, rejuvenated feel will supplement your minimalist attitude. It is hard for clutter and garbage to accumulate when you are maintaining your home regularly.