Minimalism Is Dead. Do This Instead.
#2 Stop Impulse Buying — Use the 7-Day Rule Instead.
To some, living a life using no more than 15 items is ample. Phone, key, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and a pair of socks. Inhale… a pair of jeans, boxers, a t-shirt, jumper, one pair of shoes and a jacket for when it’s spritzing outside. There we go, fifteen items. It’s not for me, though.
I understand the sentiment; with fewer options to choose from, our decisions become more manageable. There’s merit to that, and it works, but at what point does having less become so impractical, it becomes devoid of purpose and frankly a burden?
7 Steps to Help Make Space for the Things That Matter
Minimalism, in its very essence, is living on the absolute minimum possible. Being a hoarder is living on the absolute maximum possible. Let’s find a happy medium. Let’s collect memories, experiences, and all the things that bring us joy and let’s let go of anything else. Let’s look at 7 Steps to Help Make Space for the Things That Matter
#1 Collect Moments over Things
When given the option, choose the experience over a material product. The special moments in our lives are what make us who we are. Memories can withstand the test of time, and they don’t ‘clutter’ your house. That said, a piece of furniture that holds sentimental value and is essential to you is not ‘clutter’. It’s something that brings value. Keep it.
#2 Stop Impulse Buying — 7 Day-Rule
It’s ok to own things but don’t be afraid to delay your buying decision. I often use a 7-day rule. If there’s something I want, I try not to buy it straight away. I wait a week, and if I still feel strongly about whatever it was, I’ll buy it. Quite often, I forget entirely what I ‘had-to-have’. When this happens, I save a bit and protect some sacred space in the home.
#4 Try the Hanger Hack
When it feels like a workout every time you look for an outfit to wear, you’ve got too many clothes.
A couple of tips to stop the overflow in your wardrobe are to firstly, only keep clothes that fit well and make you feel good. The second is to turn the clothes hangers to face the opposite direction.
Each time you wear an item of clothing, turn the hanger. These are the items you’re keeping. In 12 months-time, donate or throw out any clothes that are facing the wrong way. You’ll have been through the seasons by that point. If you haven’t worn them in the last 12 months, you won’t in the next 12 either.
#5 Limit the Mugs You Keep
Ok, this is personal to me, but that’s what this list is all about. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. It’s a list of ideas that may or may not work. If they resonate with you at all, give them a go. If they benefit you in some way, keep going. If they don’t work, don’t use them, though.
So, mugs. If there are two people in the house, it’s doubtful you will ever need more than six mugs. Look in your cupboard, if they’re piled up high on top of each other, think about the last time you served up two-dozen cups of tea in one sitting. If the answer is never, try letting some of them go.
There is surface clutter which is what everyone sees but be ruthless about the cupboards and storage boxes too. It’s amazing how much calmer you feel when you know you’re not covertly hiding/hoarding.
#6 Read up on the KonMari Method
Marie Kondo is an organising consultant — who knew that was even a thing — and she’s brilliant. She often talks about keeping only the things that spark joy, and that’s the key. We all want to bring a sense of calm into our own homes and in turn, to our lives, but this doesn’t mean we have to live in a colourless and sterile environment. I enjoyed the book, but it’s also worth listening to her interview on ‘The Tim Ferriss Show’ or watching a couple of episodes from her TV series.
To Finish Up
Minimal; the least possible, a negligible amount and -ism’ an act, process, practice. Minimalism, in its most real sense, means living with the least amount possible.
It can get pretty extreme at times. The problem is, I quite like having a sofa. I also enjoy having my favourite books on display and a journal on my bedside table. Some plants, a TV and a place to rest my coffee are what make it home.
Minimalism, in its extreme form, isn’t for me, but, I have and do find it hugely beneficial to create space for the things that bring joy to my life — This is what it’s really about.
A competition to see who can live on the least sounds stressful. I’m all for freedom, but there’s a tipping point where it would make most people, myself included, anxious. If this is happening, we’re losing the sentiment behind minimalism.
A practice which is designed to de-clutter the mind, shouldn’t be filling it back up again with anxious and negative thoughts.
Let’s forget minimalism, try ‘reductionism’ instead. Keep the things that make you smile but reduce anything that doesn’t add something to your life.
Thanks for reading,
— Dave
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