Are you tired of having too much stuff? Feeling overwhelmed by a cramped and cluttered space? Start transforming your space with some minimalist declutter tips.
Take a page from the minimalism movement—a lifestyle aiming to embody the phrase “less is more”.
If you’re not sure where to begin or how to tackle the overwhelming task of going through everything you own, here are some tips to help you move towards a more minimal living space.
Start small
Have you ever heard of the phrase “low-hanging fruit”? While your instinct tells you to start decluttering a major area, being able to tackle a smaller, more manageable space can help you in the long run.
Start by selecting a shelf or a table to declutter for the day. With each small victory, you’ll be able to get your bearings and build your confidence and decision-making skills for the larger, more cluttered areas.
Identify a space’s purpose
One of the best ways to help you decide on whether or not an item is considered clutter is knowing how it fits into the space it’s in. By visualizing a space’s purpose, it becomes easier to keep anything that contributes to its purpose and cull anything that does not.
For example, designating a room as your workspace means removing any item that doesn’t help you get your work done.
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Find motivation in charity
It can be hard to let go of things, especially ones you’ve owned for a while or have precious memories attached to them. However, if you can find a cause for donations that tugs on your heartstrings, you may feel better about letting these items go.
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It can be as big as contributing to a major charity foundation, to something as simple as giving friends and family your hand-me-downs. At the end of the day, you’ll be rehoming items to people who need them more while freeing your space from clutter.
Put clutter over the cost
Remember how much you spent on a bag, a pair of shoes, or even a vase? You’ll probably feel guilty for even thinking about throwing these items out. However, as long as you no longer find an item useful, it becomes more of a liability. The benefit of having a cleaner home with brighter, positive energy should outweigh any object’s monetary cost.
If parting with an item feels like too much of a dent in your assets, consider selling them through online platforms. Not only are you able to get rid of clutter, but you can also make a little bit of money back (just to make you feel better).
Ask the right questions
Anytime you feel stuck on a particular object, interrogate yourself on how you really feel about it. Ask yourself the following questions:
- If each space has a purpose, where does this item belong?
- Do I have the physical space to keep this item?
- Does it serve a purpose that hasn’t been met by something I already have?
- Does the item make me feel good, or does it get in the way of feeling good?
Answer as truthfully and as honestly as you can. After all, the person who stands to gain the most from this process is you.
Use the “temporary storage” method
Going through your things can trigger a wave of nostalgia, especially for items you may have rediscovered in the process of decluttering. It can be an emotional experience to reminisce, and you may feel compelled to save these items instead of removing them.
One way to test this attachment is through the “temporary storage” method. To do this, gather all the items in question and put them into a box or container. Label the container with a set date, like three months, for example, and keep it out of sight, then set the alarm for the exact date.
Revisit the box and its contents once you receive the alarm. This helps you emotionally distance yourself from the items, letting you judge them with a more objective point of view.
Learn to ask for help
While decluttering is for the benefit of your home, you don’t need to be the only one involved in completing the task. Find a trusted loved one—whether family members or long-time friends—who can set aside some time to help you go through things in a given space.
You’ll be surprised how an additional person or two can speed up the process of sorting, packing, and disposing of.
In addition, having a trusted friend around can help you make better judgments about items being clutter or otherwise. A good friend would be able to keep your decisions in check and provide a more distanced opinion on the things you own.
Conclusion
The word “decluttering” can easily conjure up an image of a mountain of personal items with no end in sight. With these minimalist declutter tips, you can take the small but significant steps forward on your journey to a more simple, clutter-free home.
Author
Michael Hill is the Marketing Manager at Ayala Land International. He believes that every day is a chance to learn something new.
In his free time, he writes about home improvement, personal finance, and lifestyle articles while listening to soul and jazz music.
I love this post, and yeah I am a firm believer of less is more, and these are some amazing tips or declutter, Ask the right question was the best tip for me, its unique and very different. Amazing post
Ty I’m glad you found it helpful! I too stand by the “less is more”.