As you embark on a home organization project or two, why not take a page out of a minimalist’s book? As it turns out, there’s a lot we can learn from self-proclaimed minimalists and their approach to decluttering.
Read on for four key tips that minimalists stand by when decluttering their spaces, and get ready to witness major change within your own home after implementing these helpful techniques.
Meet the Expert
- Shira Gill is an organizing expert and author of Minimalista, Organized Living, and Life Styled books about organization and minimalism.
- Jennifer Burger is the founder of minimalism-focused blog Simply + Fiercely.
1. Set Your Intentions
Prior to beginning a major decluttering process, you’ll want to set your intentions.
“Minimalism is really about living more intentionally and creating a home and life that reflect your personal values,” says organizing expert Shira Gill. “When we invest in setting up our physical surroundings with care and treating the things we own with respect, our homes become less of a dumping ground and more of a sanctuary.”
“Begin by clarifying why you want to declutter in the first place,” she urges.
Setting a clear goal will help you stay on track, and it’ll help you understand why you may be decluttering, so you can hold yourself accountable. Having a value-based reason for getting organized will help you stay motivated and maintain the space, Gill believes. And it’ll be easier to stay organized moving into the future.
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2. Reflect on Why You’re Getting Rid of an Item
According to Jennifer Burger, the founder of a minimalism-focused blog Simply + Fiercely, there is a reason why we have so much clutter.
“Clutter stems from a lack of clarity, meaning the more you learn about your taste and lifestyle, the better,” she explains. “For example, let’s say you’re decluttering an old sweater. Before you let go, ask yourself why you’re not keeping it—and be specific! Is it the color, the fabric, or the fit?”
You can then use this information to determine what types of other items to keep or toss. This method will help you save more time and energy. And, moving into the future, knowing that a certain color or fabric tends to get filtered out of your closet eventually, you might save yourself money and a headache by simply not buying those pieces in the first place.
Not sure where to donate those pre-loved pieces? Consider looking up local donation places near your area for more options.
“Think outside the box: Preschools, churches, theaters, community centers, and parenting groups are all great resources for giving your unwanted items a second life,” Gill says.
3. Make the Most of 15 Minutes
Minimalists are intentional about keeping their spaces tidy and clutter-free all of the time, not just following a major purge. One easy way to curtail clutter? Taking on a 15-minute-long organization project.
“Try cleaning a single surface like your nightstand, dresser, or dining room table,” says Gill “Ditch any expired products that are cluttering up your bathroom or medicine cabinet.”
You might be surprised how relieved you feel after completing one of these small tasks. A little effort will go a long way in making your space feel more cared for and comfortable.
4. Don’t Keep Items to Use in the Future
Burger acknowledges that it can be difficult for people to part with certain items due to the fear that these pieces will come in handy someday down the line. But she suggests reframing this approach.
“Ask yourself, ‘if I needed this someday and didn’t have it, what could I do instead?”” Burger suggests. “Your focus is on all the ways you’d get by if you didn’t have your item (and odds are there are plenty), making it much easier to let go.”
If the only thing stopping you from getting rid of clutter is an eventual trip to the pharmacy, maybe just cut the clutter.
