When considering whether or not minimalism is the right approach for simplifying your life, you probably fall into one of three categories.
One. Let's go! Where's the dumpster? I'm ready to toss all of this garbage.
Two. No way. I don't have a problem with stuff, I have a problem with space.
Three. Tell me more. This sounds interesting but I have no idea where to start.
Sometimes, the twos make the jump when they see how happy the ones and threes are.
Becoming a minimalist or a weightlifter or a birdwatcher isn't something that just happens overnight. As with any kind of change, I've become a minimalist over time. It's been a slow process. There were times when I was sure I needed to have a sweater in every color because it was perfect, and then other times when I was sure I needed no sweaters.
Neither approach is right, but there is a common ground. The key here is to lean in to a lifestyle change with consistency and dedication. Sure, it's taken a long time to get to the point where I am now, but it's been my experience that slow shifts are more sustainable over a long period of time than radical, immediate change. The journey to minimalism has been really eye opening, and in taking small steps, I've really discovered that getting rid of stuff wasn't the root of this for me. I wanted to discover what really meant something to me, not just what I held on to because I thought that I needed it.
Here are some tiny steps that can help you start a journey toward having less and enjoying life more.
1. Write it down. Make a list of all the reasons you want to live more simply. If you are sick of debt collectors, write it down. Mad that you never get any time with your kids? Write it down. To stressed out to sleep at night? Put it on paper. These are your whys and your whys will provide great leverage when you think it's too hard to keep going. Your whys will help you remember what matters.
2. Discard the duplicates. Walk through your home with a box and fill it with duplicates. If you have two sets of measuring cups, put them in the box. Copies of the same book or DVD? Put one in the box. Doubles on place mat sets? You only need one. Once you fill the box, label it "Duplicates" and put it out of sight for 30 days. If you don't need anything or don't remember what was in the box, donate it.
3. Declare a clutter-free zone. This area could be a kitchen table, your nightstand, a countertop or a drawer in your kitchen. Use that clutter-free zone as inspiration to live with less. If you enjoy that clean, clear environment, expand the zone a little bit each day. A clutter-free countertop can become a clutter-free room and a clutter free room can become the clutter-free, minimalist home you've been thinking about.
4. Travel lightly. Travel always renews my love of minimalism and living simply, and it's always one of the hardest things for me to do! Whenever I'm preparing for a trip, my mind fills with what-ifs, and my first packing looks like I'm taking my entire wardrobe with me.
The next time you take a trip, pack for one-half the time. If you are traveling for four days, pack for two. You can wash and hang clothes if you need to or wear the same things twice. See how it feels to carry less baggage.
5. Eat similar meals. When you think about how much time you spend thinking about what you are going to eat for lunch, make your family for dinner, or what you need to pick up at the grocery store, it's clear that food is not always simple. Try eating the same breakfast and lunch all week and have two or three dinner choices that rotate throughout the week. If your family complains, let them know it's an experiment and then talk about it at the end of the week.
6. Save $1,000. An emergency fund simplifies everything. If you are paying off debt, only pay your minimum payments until you can save $1,000. If you aren't in debt, but still spend what you have, set aside money every day or every week until you reach $1,000.
Trying these one at a time will probably help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. If you continue to take tiny steps and lean into the life you crave, the changes become less alarming and more enjoyable. Even if it takes 10 years to get to where you think you want to be, the benefits begin immediately.
The beauty of being a beginner minimalist is that you can be curious, and daring. You can ask for help, get back up if you fall, and look forward to new adventures in a life with less stuff, drama, debt, and obligation.
So, go forth and start to be clutter free!
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