One might note that in contemporary society people are exposed to more offered commodities than ever before and thus, minimalism has become a trend that has called for people to learn to live intentionally. The fundamental idea of minimalism is a change of the perspective and attitude toward life which reduces stress, brings joy, and liberates from clutter. Here, it is essential to note that getting rid of clutter in your home and embracing minimalism helps you get back control of your house and your life. Here, I will discuss how to introduce the minimalist approach as a way of ‘de-cluttering’ your life and hence your mind.
What is Minimalist Living?
Living simply therefore refers to having less stuff, less clutter, and fewer distractions to make room for what is essential in our lives. It’s not about abstinence, but about removing all obstacles – material or negative thoughts that hinder you from being happy. This way, unnecessary things in life also reduce in terms of material wealth, family, and work-related commitments resulting in more time for that is meaningful.
This is especially true for US residents whereby bigger houses and the culture of using many products are common, they can feel that minimalism is a bit hard to adopt but if one does, it is very fulfilling. It is therefore recommended to start one’s change initiative small and very purposeful.
Happiness increases through the removal of unnecessary stimulants or clutter so that the brain can only focus on the things that are important for health such as physical and mental health.
First, one should bear in mind that the process of minimalization comes hand in hand with an improvement in mental health among other perks. It has been identified that clutter causes stress, anxiety and overwhelm to occur in an environment. As you know, when one’s environment is cluttered, so is the person’s mental state.
In contrast, cleanliness of the environment gives mastery, tranquility, and an organized working environment. It minimizes decision fatigue and lets you appreciate the environment with little to no change for the worse without worrying about tidiness. This is because, in addition to teaching-learning, minimalism also teaches the act of living deliberately by being prudent especially when it comes to the way you spend your time or money.
Some of the measures that are useful when organizing to de-clutter your home that have been highlighted in this paper include the following:
1. They found that in some instances it is possible to achieve the greatest success by beginning with the transformation of a single room.
Of course, you can never try to declutter your entire home in one go as this is usually tasking. Instead, tackle one room
2. Using the “Keep, Donate, Discard” Approach
Eliminate everything in the room that isn’t necessary or makes you happy; otherwise, get rid of it. If not, then it is high time that you should let go of it. Create three piles: Some students labeled their containers as “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Discard. ”
Keep Products that are needed or create real pleasure or joy.
Donate Clothes, shoes, accessories, and other things that are in good condition and have not been used by the owner but can be useful for a different person.
Discard: Defective and non-functional products must be disposed of or recycled.
It can be easy and fast, helping you quickly separate your things without giving it deep consideration.
3. Milk Clear Counter & Open Area
Since minimalism emphasizes the need for openness and space the main design concept of the minimalist home fits this style perfectly. But if you want to declutter your home one of the most effective tips is tidying up countertops and other flat surfaces.
In the Kitchen: Limit the number of appliances and utensils to those frequently used in preparing or cooking meals or snacks to be stored on the counter. All the rest should have their place in the cabinets or drawers.
In the Living Room: Use a simple decor on flat surfaces so that you avoid making the space look cluttered: You could, for instance, use one or two large items such as a vase or a photo frame. The interior design of the open space makes the room look larger, brighter, and calm.
4. Declutter Your Wardrobe
More often than not, your wardrobe is one of the first locations to take cleaning up around the house. Nine out of ten, it is usually the case that most of us wear only twenty percent of our belongings eighty percent of the time so there’s a lot of room for decluttering.
Tip: Make use of what is known as the “Capsule Wardrobe” method. Concentrate your wardrobe on a dozen or so fine, timeless classic things that you like and use frequently while removing the rest.
mr Mr. Minimalist suggests that, for instance, by condensing your clothes collection to some necessities, you will not waste as many mornings in front of the mirror.
5. Digitally Declutter
Unfortunately, Minimalism is not restricted to material possessions. Same way your computer space is cluttered with excessive files, apps, and notifications can clutter up your virtual space. Start by organizing your digital life: Start by organizing your digital life:
Email Inbox: Delete yourself from their mailing list – newsletters or promotional emails that go to the waste bin. Categorize your important emails in subfolders.
Phone: Remove unneeded applications, and turn off unnecessary notifications to minimize interferences.
Cloud Storage: Sort through the files and photos that have been found and place them onto the rack in the correct order and place.
Sustainable Minimalism: The name of the book is: ‘’Keep it Simple, Not Boring ‘‘
Many people believe minimalism is boring, and there is no creativity to it whatsoever, but again, that could not be further from the truth. But as it was mentioned from the very beginning, it does not necessarily mean that one has to wake up one fine morning and decide to live an ugly life with an ugly house. However, a minimalist home can also be fashionable and chic, it all depends on how one arranges it.
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Don’t clutter your home with these poorly made items that have recyclable materials, rather go for a few quality items that will remain usable for many years. This ranges from furniture, clothing, and cutlery among others A classic example is the use of the theme and the Color. Apart from this, it results in a matching look and feel and in this way, you are not likely to go for frequent changes since they are quite costly.
2. Accept Medium Colours and Organic Buildings
As for the color choice, it is possible to name whites, greys, and earth colors as they create a feeling of space. To soften the stimulation, use tables, countertops, shelves, and furniture made of natural things such as wood, stone, or cotton fabric.
Spartan modern interiors tend to be as wide open as possible, and neutrality assists in this effort while also just making spaces less constricted.
Maintaining a Minimalist Lifestyle
Cluttering is a process that does not end here. Thus, there are some habits one must possess if they wants to stay as close to the minimalist lifestyle day in and day out.
1. Mindful Consumption
In light of the above points, there are certain questions that one should always ask himself before he can buy any new item for his home or office. This approach helps in avoiding the formation of clutter and accumulation to occur again.
2. Declutter Regularly
Concepts like minimalism are not for a day, week, or month activity. Empty the house periodically, and take time to evaluate the items in the house to get rid of those that are not useful. The point is that you may realize that whereas something was important half a year ago, in the present it will not be necessary at all.
3. Emphasize Having Experiences Rather Than Possessing Objects
One of the foundations of minimalism mainly focuses on the idea of switching from objects to values and significance. Do not buy more goods and gadgets, go for a vacation, enjoy time in nature, or simply carry out rated activities such as; Being with friends and family. Such times produce cherished memories and are far more fulfilling than acquiring many things in one’s lifetime.
Minimalist Living is Freedom
There are rules to live by for minimalist living and to achieve a simple and clutter-free life and these rules are more than just the physical aspects of organizing your house. Just as you wouldn’t put your toys back into the box you took them from if you wanted to make room and freedom for yourself, or you don’t mind having an untidy room full of all kinds of shards at the same time, you should know that simplifying the environment and limiting yourself and thinking twice before bringing something new into your life can help decrease stress and increase the productivity while cultivating a positive and healthy state for yourself.
It may be getting started today with its first step or the tiny steps that it can achieve from the onset. This is to note that minimalism is not about getting things right but just making progress in the right direction. Start from one room in your home and begin decluttering it and you will know how satisfying it is to live a simple life with so much contentment.
