When we talk about organizing and decluttering, we cannot avoid the topic of minimalism. I find it amazing how minimalists are able to live and maintain that kind of lifestyle. Though, I notice that some people are intimidated by it because it seems restrictive and soulless.
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Minimalism can look different for you
Minimalism is often described as not having much. But I personally would like to describe it as ‘fine-tuning’ our possessions. Meaning, narrowing down what we have only to things we desire and love— so we can still have the things or activities that we enjoy.
Now the problem comes when we start to overly attach our emotions to the stuff we have. Or fill the void inside us through buying more stuff. That’s when we start collecting clutter. To balance this, I teach my clients to only have stuff (that they enjoy) in a quantity that they need. For example, you don’t need 10 different colors of that same thing!
So I created some rules and guidelines to help you decide whether you should buy something or not (also applicable when you need to let go of your stuff):
- Do I have a need for it?
- Will I use it for the next 6 months?
- Do I have a home for it?
If you answer ‘no’ to three of those, then you don’t probably need it. And I understand that this mindset shift to ‘minimize’ can be tough for some people. Especially for those who have made buying a habit.
So how do we successfully change our mindset?
In order to change, you first have to dig in to your self-destructive mindset(s) as to Why you tend to collect clutter. Do you attach your self-worth to the amount of stuff you have? Do you feel guilty of letting things go? Figure out your underlying reasons first.
Find out the possible reasons why you collect clutter.
In the process of downsizing, you have to create habits or systems in place that help you maintain the ‘order.’ Even when you are faced with distractions or challenges in life that make you neglect your home life. It could be some small tweaks (that make a huge difference) such as having an accessible hook in place to hang your bag when you get home. It could be making your bed right after you wake up so you don’t have to come home to a messy bed.
These simple routines can make for a minimalism lifestyle, aside from having only the stuff that you need.
Keeping it simple and gentle
You don’t have to create big changes in an instant. Because taking small steps are more effective in creating lasting change. Plus, in my experience of helping clients, creating new habits and routines take around 3-6 months or more!
So creating a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to be scary and stressful as we think. It just all comes down to shifting mindset, creating routines and habits, and finding the reason why you collect clutter. Once you got through the process, everything becomes so easy from there.
Opening yourself up for change is worth it. Through decluttering, organizing, or minimizing, you are removing all the physical and mental blocks that’s affecting your inner peace, health, relationships, time, and more. It’s letting go of a lot of weight so you can let abundance come into your life. I could literally see the huge difference when my clients get through the process!
Work with me
In organizing and decluttering, I’m very big on understanding the layers on why we’re collecting clutter and how we feel overwhelmed by it. I’m not just an organizer that says, “ok this needs to be gone.” Because that’s not helpful for you. We will get into the bottom of why you have this and that, why you can’t let go, and more. Because organizing and decluttering takes a lot of mental releasing too. I will support you and help you get through the process!
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