Although I don't push my clients to become minimalists, it is something I am very passionate about and think would improve anyone's life.
I have always been a neat and organized person. However, I did not start becoming a minimalist until a few years ago. And it's been a journey...
Going from not thinking about the amount of stuff I had at all, to purging and living with only what I need or makes me really happy, did not happen over night. And actually, I'm not there yet. I'm still decluttering. And that's ok. What I use and like changes over time, so I will continue to declutter indefinitely.
For example, this week I decluttered a dress I don't feel good in anymore, a pair of boots I used to love but no longer wear, some perfume I no longer like, and a speaker that I tried and realized doesn't work. Every time I come across something I know I won't use or don't like, I set it aside to get rid of. That way I don't have to keep looking at it and feeling guilty about not using it.
There are some things I still "hoard" more than I think I should. And that is normal. Everyone will have some categories that are hard to fully pare down even after being minimalist for a while. For me these categories include sentimental items from my childhood (cause I don't have anywhere to display them in my current place so they just sit in a box), photos (cause I don't take time to go through them all), clothes I like but don't wear often, small purses and bags (my addiction), hats (I have 5 and hardly ever wear 1), print books (I prefer to listen to books on Audible), & old electronics (I don't know what to do with them).
I think the two biggest things to remember with these categories is (1) why you struggle with them and (2) that it is ok to have a few categories like this. For example, I at least know I only keep too many photos because of a time issue. This can be remedied if I just put in the effort, and since it is not a big priority in my current season of life, I can let it go and worry about it later. And with my purses and bags, I know if I decide I am done with all my extras, I can let them go, but for now, they make me happy to just know they are there if I need them, and that's ok.
So those are the categories I have a bit too much in, but the rest of my stuff is very minimal. My kitchen items, décor, cleaning supplies, toiletries, bedding, office supplies, shoes, etc. are all fairly pared down and THAT is why the other categories are okay... because I have ROOM for them.
Even in writing this blog post, I realized there are a bunch of items in my room I don't use. So I am going to take a minute to grab those items now and set them aside.
Wherever you are at in your decluttering/minimalism journey, know it's normal, and that it will take time, don't stress, just get to work...
Takeaways:
What you use and like changes over time, so you'll probably continue to declutter indefinitely. And that's normal.
Every time you come across something you know you won't use or don't like, set it aside to get rid of (even if you don't run to the donation center that same day).
It's normal to have some categories that you feel like you have too much in. Just make sure (1) you know why and (2) that it really is okay.
If you are starting your minimalism journey, make sure to not allow yourself to hoard in too many categories, otherwise you won't make much headway.
Comment below with where you're at in your minimalism journey. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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