How to Get Started Decluttering & Downsizing
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Though you now have an introduction to the concept of minimalism and how you can create your own approach, you may still feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to starting. The idea of streamlining your life can be a bit of a challenge, to say the least.
I hope to relieve your mind today with some simple tips on how to begin decluttering and downsizing. None of this must be done right away, and it’s not the end of the world if you backslide a bit.
The very act of getting started is enough to propel you toward a life of intention that you control. Read on to get started.
You’re Allowed to Take Your Time
While you don’t want to procrastinate or drag your feet about starting your minimalist lifestyle, it’s crucial you understand that everything doesn’t have to happen all at once.
You’ve already begun the process of identifying your priorities and your reasons for wanting to embrace minimalism. Taking action toward those goals is going to be a process.
It will take a period of time to reach your vision, and your life of minimalism will evolve. Think of it as a journey with no deadline for reaching your destination.
Start Where You Are with One Step
As with any journey, it all begins with taking one step. Sure, you can plan it in your mind and daydream all you want, but your journey doesn’t begin until you take action.
When you take one action, you begin to build momentum toward continuing to make progress. Making a small change over time with baby steps keeps you from becoming overwhelmed.
One easy way of getting started is to take out the trash. Most of us have things that we know we don’t need but just haven’t taken the time to get rid of. No better time than the present to toss old boxes, broken items you’ll never fix, or clothes that are in disrepair.
Another action that isn’t too terribly overwhelming is to choose just one room to tackle, rather than worrying about paring down your entire home. Perhaps cleaning out even one cabinet is where you need to start. It doesn’t matter what you do. Just get started.
Read Next: One Item Multiple Functions: A Great Goal to Owning Less
Ask Some Tough Questions
Asking yourself some questions about each item you encounter on your path to minimalism can help you to decide which ones need to go.
First, consider whether the item brings you joy. If it doesn’t make you happy, toss it or give it away. Next, think about how long it’s been since you’ve used it.
Generally, you can afford to get rid of something if you haven’t used it in a year. If you have duplicates of something, that’s definitely a sign you can probably scale back on that thing.
Finally, think about whether someone else could get more use out of the item. If you no longer engage in a hobby or activity, you might actually feel better passing that thing along to someone else who does.
These are merely a few tips to get you started on your decluttering and downsizing journey. It truly does get easier once you begin.
