8 Ways to Live a More Minimal Life
Living minimally doesn’t have to mean living without— it just means living more simply and with much less stress. Here are 8 ways you can let go of some of the extra clutter in your space and gain some much needed mental clarity:
1. Count as you go
You’ll never realize just how much stuff you own until you count as you go. I also found that making a number goal of things to get rid of kept me going on my journey. As I went, I noticed I had even more than what I thought— I ultimately counted over 500 items that were donated, sold or thrown away.
2. Throw out your “just in case” item
Extra screws from that desk you put together months ago, old rubber bands— there’s a lot in your junk drawer you keep just in case one day it’ll come in handy. News flash: it probably won’t! Cleaning out the drawers that just collect those items just finally gives you the space to hold the items you need to locate.
3. Try the 20/20 rule
If you can replace an item with $20 and can purchase it within 20 minutes outside your home, it’s okay to get rid of it. I was always afraid that by throwing away one of my 10 plain white tee’s or one of the five mascara’s I have open at any given time, that I’d be angry when there was a time I needed it. Turns out, it’s honestly easier (and more fun!) to buy one amazing white tee and one mascara than have copious amounts.
4. Cancel subscriptions you don’t want
Paring down your subscriptions is the easiest way to get both physical, digital, AND monetary stressors out. Think long and hard about which actually bring you happiness when they arrive every month, and which you wait to open for a few days after it comes. This also applies to Spotify, Hulu, Netflix, etc.
5. Pare down your kitchen appliances
Fill your kitchen counters with the essentials. Keeping only what you use often on your countertops avoids clutter while also making sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of your appliances. Store away any items that only get used sometimes, such as your favorite cast-iron skillet.
6. Take care of digital clutter
When I have too many folders and tabs open on my computer, I feel my productivity immediately begin to dwindle. Sorting files, deleting old photos you already have archived elsewhere, and taking care of those tabs you’ve had open forever immediately make you feel less cluttered and relieved when you open your desktop.
7. Declutter expired items ASAP
ALWAYS check the labels on your packages, as more natural makeup products generally won’t last as long. And if you’re still unsure, do the good ‘ole smell test.
8. Sell/donate/throw away any item you haven’t touched in three months
Who isn’t guilty of keeping clothes in your closet just in case you lose or gain 10 pounds in the next six months?! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Keep track of the items you wear, and if you cannot remember the last outfit you made with that piece, it’s gotta go. You want to feel confident in the clothes you wear, so don’t feel ashamed to get rid of pieces that make you feel otherwise.
Minimalism is about living a life of only the material items that do bring you joy, so if you feel most ease having an entire collection of gel pens even though you only use one black pen always, it’s okay!
