Minimalism: first steps to declutter your life

Here are some ideas to start decluttering and organizing your home, flat or room. Sometimes, a little organization is all we need to be more productive or, even happier. We feel better if we are surrounded by beautiful things, and things look more beautiful if they are organized! Thus, check these simple ideas in order to start to declutter your life:

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”—Will Rogers

Start decluttering small:

Start with an area that is small and that will not interfere with your work or life. Take your time to organize, it is not necessary to do everything in one day, -although I have found that this is usually more productive. I set one day or weekend that will be devoted to the organization, cleaning and decluttering and I do all at once. This way, I won’t have to think twice about stuff I am giving away.

 Marie Kondo style is not for everyone:

Similar to the first point, how to declutter depends on your preferences. Like me, Some like to do it all at once, while others choose to do little a little. But don’t use this as an excuse to procrastinate. If you want to declutter your life, you will have to work on it.

A good way to avoid procrastination is to have a strong motivation: maybe you are moving houses, or your partner is moving in with you, you are having a baby, or finishing your studies. Look for an excuse that will help you organize your life, both mentally and materialistically.  

Official discarding area:

Set an official place for things that you want to get rid of and make sure every member of the family is aware of it. As the box starts to fill, take them out of the house to prevent the feeling of regret.

Do not buy what you don’t need:

There is no point in decluttering if you keep bringing unnecessary stuff into your home. Before shopping something that might not be necessary, think twice. Do you really need it? Try to avoid buying on impulse. Look at it this way: buying clothes or accessory on impulse is the equivalent of going to the supermarket on an empty stomach: you usually end up full and regretting the choices you made.

Go with the easy stuff first:

Start decluttering the easy stuff. First get rid of the clothes you haven’t worn for a long time, the technology you don’t use anymore or the books that you won’t be reading again. The first step should be an easy one to help you feel motivated.

Discard the unnecessary duplicates:

This entirely depends on the use you give to your stuff. I have a lot of clothing duplicates (mainly basic t-shirts) which I use almost every day. So, just discard what you don’t need. It would be a waste of resources to through away something that you actually use. You can donate your excess clothing to one of the thrift stores in Destin, FL.

Declutter your life by being less Emotional:

The most difficult stuff to get rid of, are often those we feel emotionally attached to. Sometimes we don’t even like the item itself, but the memory it holds. A good idea for some of these items is to take a picture or make a digital copy. This is especially helpful when dealing with school projects, diplomas or picture frames.

Organization boxes:

Separate your unwanted items into boxes: one donation box (this is not for old, broken, dirty stuff, these are items that family members, friends, colleagues, shelters or NGOs will be able to use), one trash box (broken, non-reusable items that will have to go for recycling), and one sell box (for those things that you feel guilty of giving away – maybe because they were really expensive – but you don’t use anymore). The items in this box could be sold online. There are multiple sites that are specifically created for secondhand products. Check the ones that work best for your country, create an account and start selling!

Organize:

Everything has to have its place. Organize all your stuff and tell your family or roommates where everything goes. When your house is untidy and your stuff is all over the place, it tends to look like you have more than you actually do. So, tidy up!

Go with your instincts:

Try to make quick decisions: if you pick up a dress or a jacket that you have not worn for a long time and your first reaction was to get rid of it, do not stop to think twice. You will end up regretting your decision. Go with your instincts!