The Minimalism Myth: Finding Your Perfect Level of ‘Enough’
I’m not sure where your mind goes when you hear the word “minimalism,” but mine immediately pictures a stark, empty room with little character or coziness. While I can appreciate certain minimalist principles, I believe everyone needs to find their own perfect level of “stuff” that works for their lifestyle.
Minimalist Guidelines That Work for Us
Here are a few minimalist guidelines my husband and I try to live by:
- Do we need it or want it? There’s a big difference between necessity and desire.
- Is there something else in our house we could use instead of buying this item? Often we already own a solution.
- Is it an essential or a nicety? This helps us prioritize our purchases.
In addition to those guidelines, I try to be realistic with myself: Will this really improve my environment? Is it adding to the clutter, or do I genuinely have space for it?
The Emotional Side of Clutter
Let’s go emotionally deep for a second. The bottom line about clutter is that we often try to fill our lives with things we think we need, when in reality, we need to learn to be happy with ourselves, what we have, and who we are as people.
Let that sink in for a minute…
Finding What You Really Love About Your Space
When we examine the spaces in our homes and identify what’s truly essential—along with the sentimental items we’re not willing to part with—we’ll likely discover what we really love about our living environment.
For some people, holding onto things is a way of staying connected to the past. But in the interest of reducing clutter, would a photo be sufficient instead?
The Art of Decluttering
When it comes to decluttering and organizing, the essential first step is decluttering itself. However, only you can decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
I encourage all my clients to identify what’s most important to them and focus on that goal. If you enjoy maximalism but want less clutter in your life, that could be a challenging journey—but I have complete confidence that you can do it!
My Personal Minimalism Journey
In my own life, I’ve realized I truly enjoy minimalism. The fewer things I’m attached to and have in my house, and the more open space and clear countertops I can see, the more relaxed I feel. (Science backs this theory too!)
Remember: no one’s judging you but yourself. If you feel like neighbors or friends are judging your choices, that’s something you’ll need to work through on your own terms.
