Minimalism: declutter, reduce, own less, be happier. That's the idea behind the new trend of "less is more. Find out here how you too can free yourself from old ballast.
Minimalism is a new trend that casually gives the middle finger to consumerism and is supposed to make us live more relaxed, happier and more consciously. Sounds pretty idealistic, doesn't it? Can it work like that?
That a minimalist lifestyle has a positive effect is actually true. The reason is quite simple. Every object is registered by our brain, even if we are not aware of it.
The more things there are around us or pouring out of the closet, the more the brain is strained to pay attention to them. Our gray cells love clear surfaces, quiet walls and simple structures.
That way, we can concentrate much better on really important things. World domination, for example. Or other projects that are at least as promising :)
But how do you go about it? When you have both feet in the mess, you need a battle plan. That's right! That's why we say: Yes to minimalism: declutter here we go. Yihhhhaaaaa (battle cry - it makes everything better!).
Minimalism: declutter and get rid of old ballast
Now, before you eagerly roll up your sleeves to your armpit, you should be clear about how you're going to declutter. We have put the following systems through their paces. :)
Take time for minimalism: decluttering must make sense
Is it 10 p.m. on Sunday night now? You are reading this article and are eager to get rid of everything directly? We can understand that! However, you should briefly set the blinker and pull over.
Do you have an important meeting tomorrow? Do you actually have to prepare a presentation? Are you avoiding studying for an important exam? Then save the euphoria for a more meaningful time.
Of course, you should have a desire to declutter. Nevertheless, enough time should be planned. This can be 2-3 hours, depending on your mood. Or even a rainy weekend. So think about how you want to proceed best.
Then take your time and start relaxing. Make sure you don't get distracted. Clean out every drawer so you really have all the things in hand. Wipe out the shelves and then put back the items you want to keep.
Systematic mucking out: Where do I start?
To declutter well and effectively you need not only time (as much as you want), but also a well thought-out system. We have two different ideas on how to get rid of old clutter.
The first option is to work your way from shelf to shelf and room to room. You should not start in the kitchen or in the storage room, there are usually so many things stashed that the motivation disappears again faster than you can look.
It is even better to clean out thematically. This takes a little longer. But this way you save yourself the frustration of finding parts just before the end that you actually already had in your hands three days ago. Best example: Winter boots (storeroom, hallway, cellar).
So get an overview of all your belongings. Then you can better see what you have twice, which parts are defective or totally obsolete and clear out specifically. And hey! If you think, "Oh, I still have that?" Then it can be sorted out directly ;)
How do I decide what can go?
Here, too, there are different strategies. I like to declutter intuitively. That means I let my gut decide whether I keep the things or sort them out. It's a snap, and so far there have been no moments when I've regretted my decisions.
Keep things with emotional value. This means mementos. And sincere emotions. Even if it seems different to you, most likely there is no close bond with the physically deprived porcelain dwarf from grandma.
If you're also forever pondering each item, get help. One piece of well-intentioned advice as a decluttering master: don't ask your partner when you're cleaning out your apartment. It will backfire on you! Rather, ask a friend for support. :)
You just don't know whether you should keep something or dispose of it? Then ask yourself if you have used, worn or used this item in the last 12 months. If not, then you can pretty much dispose of it with a clear conscience.
Hello minimalism: declutter and then?
Now, when you have piled up a 2 x 2 meter pile of useless things, comes the next step. You have to get rid of the things. It's best to do this quickly, so that you don't spend all your time reminiscing and then pull out the dusty dwarf again.
Then it is important to decide: What is defective, terribly ugly and absolutely unusable? That goes straight to the trash. If something can't be reused, it doesn't have to be hoarded in the basement.
Especially with books and fashion, it is a good idea to pass these things on. If the clothes are still in order, you can donate them to a charitable institution or give them to friends.
Whether you can still make money with the old stuff? It depends on it. Flea markets are great, because you can get rid of many things with a one-time effort. But whether it makes sense to put each part individually on the Internet, depends on the respective value.
Our conclusion:
Let's go for minimalism: decluttering is great! It's fun, liberating and sets a great example against the general consumerism. We not only have more space afterwards. But also learn to appreciate our belongings much more. It's worth it :)
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