Minimalism is about finding clarity and purpose in a world full of distractions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by ‘clutter ‘stuff’ or simply want to live more intentionally, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through practical steps to simplify your life, save time and money, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.
1. Clear the obvious clutter
Sell or donate anything large and obvious that hasn’t been used for the past 12 months. Whether it be furniture sitting in the attic or garage, décor that doesn’t appeal to you anymore, even houseplants you aren’t particularly drawn to anymore. Anything obvious that is redundant and no longer serves you can go.
We have had great success using Facebook Marketplace here at minimalism. Here are some tips for selling items successfully:
- Style your item in photos to provide inspiration to buyers
- Take clear, well lit photos in natural daylight if possible
- Provide all dimensions and the suburb for pick up
Don’t have anything obvious to sell? No problem, start with step 2.
2. Understand your inspiration
Without a clear goal, you may begin a cycle of ruthlessly decluttering buying more, and decluttering again. This will be an expensive exercise and is not the overall aim of minimalism and a minimalist lifestyle. The idea is to decentre ‘things’ by first decluttering, and then focusing on a more intentional lifestyle. What would you prefer to spend more or less time doing? For example, spending less time cleaning and more time spending quality time with friends and family sounds like great inspiration to me.
Use Pinterest to research which aesthetic aligns best with your personal style, suggestions include:
- Warm or organic minimalism
- Wabi sabi
- Scandi minimalism
- Extreme minimalism or furniture free
Or incorporate a mixture of these styles (which is what we do). Understanding which style or aesthetic you are working towards will help you in step 3.
3. Deep decluttering by starting small
Starting with a big decluttering project can be daunting, especially if this is the first time you have taken steps towards achieving a minimalism home. It’s helpful to begin with a small area, either by picking a single drawer, a shelf, or a small corner of a room. Focus on this one spot and go through each item, deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away. By handling one small space at a time, you can see progress without feeling overwhelmed. Each small step makes a difference and helps you build momentum towards a more organised home.
Keep referring to the inspiration identified in step 2, and work through each room in the house. My approach is typically bedroom first, then living room, bathroom, kitchen and finally attic or garage (wherever the largest amount of clutter accumulates).
In each room, begin with areas that are less emotionally charged and have fewer items, such as your bedside table or a single dresser drawer. This approach helps you build confidence and see immediate progress, making it easier to tackle more challenging areas later.
4. Simplify your wardrobe
Create a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces that you love and wear often. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps your wardrobe organised.
A cluttered wardrobe can make daily routines stressful and time-consuming. Simplifying your wardrobe by creating a capsule collection can help you streamline your choices and reduce decision fatigue. Here’s how to get started:
- Assess your current wardrobe by taking everything out of your wardrobe and drawers. Lay it all out so you can see what you have.
- Sort items by dividing your clothes into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Keep only the items that you love, wear regularly, and that fit well. Donate or sell items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. Discard anything that is worn out or damaged beyond repair.
- Identify your essentials by focusing on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Aim for a selection of basics in neutral colours, along with a few statement pieces that reflect your personal style.
- Rotate seasonally by storing out-of-season clothes separately to keep your current wardrobe uncluttered. Rotate items as the seasons change.
- Prioritise quality over quantity by investing in high-quality pieces that will last longer and withstand frequent wear. This reduces the need for constant replacements and helps maintain a minimalist wardrobe.
- Organise efficiently by arranging your clothes in a way that makes them easy to access and see. Use hangers for items that wrinkle easily and fold others neatly in drawers or on shelves.
- Maintain regularly by periodically reviewing your wardrobe to ensure it remains clutter-free. Donate or sell items you no longer need and avoid impulse purchases that don’t align with your minimalist goals.
5. Unsubscribe
In our digital age, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant influx of emails, notifications, and subscriptions. Unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and services is a simple yet powerful step towards a more minimalist lifestyle.
Start by going through your email inbox and identifying newsletters, promotional emails, and other subscriptions that no longer serve you. Use the unsubscribe link typically found at the bottom of these emails to remove yourself from their lists.
6. Live an intentional life
Living an intentional life involves making conscious choices that reflect your values and goals. This means setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout. It also involves mindful consumption, where you carefully consider each purchase to ensure it adds value or joy to your life, helping to reduce clutter and appreciate what you already have.
Practicing gratitude is another key aspect, as regularly reflecting on what you’re thankful for can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a positive and content mindset. Additionally, creating daily routines that promote simplicity and mindfulness, such as a morning walk, meditation, or journaling, can help you stay grounded and focused on your goals.
By integrating these practices, you can create a life that is aligned with your values, reduces stress, and brings more joy and fulfilment.
