Minimalist Experiment

Minimalism is trendy these days but what most people don’t realize is that it’s not about wearing monochrome clothes and living in an Ikea furnitured home. It’s an actual lifestyle that can help you to live more mindfully and be more conscious about what you consume. I’ve been taking steps to living a minimalist lifestyle and although I wouldn’t call myself a proper minimalist yet, I still have some experience I would like to share.

(in no particular order)

getting rid of just in case items

needing an item you have priviously decluttered, but finding a cheap, easy alternative

“I don’t need this daily or weekly, I will just toss it and hope fo the best”

you see somthing cute or awesome and don’t have the impulse to buy it

an invitation for an event has you asking around for suitable clothes in your circle of friends instead of shopping

first name basis with people at goodwill/salvation army/charity shops

you feel overwhelmed in a huge mall because you are not used to it anymore

wearing stuff out until the last possible bit

that sentimental item wasn’t so sentimental after all

“Hm, should I go vegan/zero waste/plastic free/moneyless/quit my 9-5 job?”

so tiny houses, huh?

library? Read all the books!

Pack your suitcase in 10 Minutes

1. Don’t Use, Don’t Need: If there’s an item that you’ve convinced yourself to keep because “maybe” you’ll need it or you haven’t quite found the use of it yet. You don’ need it. Don’t keep it. If you don’t know when you’ll use it or what you’ll use it for—most likely, it’s not something to hold on to.  

2. Uncomfortable or Unattractive Clothes: Whether it’s the blouse you got as a present, or the pants that doesn’t quite hug your waist like you want it to, it needs to go. Why keep something that doesn’t fit you or makes you uncomfortable. Consider donating to good-will or thrift store. There are various ways to go through you’re clothing, but most likely if it’s been folded in your drawer or in the back of your closet for more than six months, and you’ve worn it once (or not at all), then there’s no need to keep it. Getting rid of uncomfortable and unattractive clothes is a good opportunity to do some sensible shopping: buy things you know are your style, that fit you completely and that you could wear throughout the year because it’s good quality. Investing in proper clothing allows you to not spend so much money throughout the year (or over many years).

3. Thanks, but No Thanks: Getting rid of gifts might seem heartless, but think it through. The gift was meant to make you happy, but if it’s something that’s taking up space or you don’t need or use—seems more like its making you unhappy. Opposite of the intention. Pass the gift on to someone who you know will appreciate the gift/make them happy. Let the gift fulfill its “gift-ly” duties.

4. Broke, but Can’t Fix: If you own something that’s broken or damaged to the extent it’s not fulfilling its use, what’s the point of holding onto it. If it can’t be mended or repaired, and it’s an item you use often, then it’s time to let it go. It’s served it’s time. (Check if it’s re-sellable though, you might get some extra cash)