Teach me how to become a minimalist

**Sophiasmama** · 12-15-2011, 08:46 PM

I've come along way,but still have work to do...actually considering selling all the jewellery as I no longer wear it...tamed the closets down...what is a minimalist home? Just want a complete change in my heart and not sure how to achieve it. Thanks for reading!Janine

**oheoh's momma** · 12-15-2011, 08:52 PM

I don't exactly know how but believe that would bring much harmony to my home and life. But hubby no way he likes stuff especially dvd's which I hate no where to put them. I would also like further advice on the subject.

**zakity** · 12-15-2011, 09:01 PM

My take on it is just getting down to what you need (and maybe a few keepsakes or items handed down through the family).

**Sophiasmama** · 12-15-2011, 09:22 PM

That makes total sense...and I hear you on dvds...they are taking up space in a hall closet. So keeping items that hold a special place...and getting rid of excess?

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-15-2011, 09:23 PM

Minimalism is more of a personality trait than a skill. I'm a minimalist because I don't like stuff, it's not something I work at. Throwing things out is my favourite activity

If you want to reduce, my personal view is that you do it in little bits. I'm not a fan of the emotionally wrenching decision forcing like they do on TV clean up shows - unless there is a serious safety issue (ie hoarding), in which case there should be therapy involved. Get rid of stuff you want to get rid of - but just keep at it. Eventually you will get back to things that you have already purged and you will be ready to part with more of them. Hopefully that made sense?

The best thing is to set either a time or item goal each day, and get rid of stuff that is easy. It snowballs by itself, you will want to get rid of more and more because it is so freeing. So don't bother with the agonizing decisions, it should be enjoyable not painful.

**dcompton** · 12-15-2011, 11:09 PM

I agree with Monkeywrangler that setting a goal, preferably a little one, is a good way to start. If you discard even two things a day, that's over 700 a year; 3 a day would be over a thousand.

But I also agree that it's at least partly a personality trait. I love tossing things too, and get restless when there are too many things around. I have very little tolerance for things sitting on flat surfaces, much on the walls, or lots of stuff hanging around in closets and cabinets. I turn loose of most things easily. But many people don't and it's surely harder for them. Also, a room that I find comfortable, even too full, might seem cold and barren to someone else. We all need to find our comfort level with stuff.

**Sophiasmama** · 12-15-2011, 11:21 PM

I love decluttering...I don't have much on the walls and things that sit on shelves...always taking clothing to donate(Mine,Sophies and Kevs)...so maybe I'm not far off. My big issue is buying Sophie clothes...trying to prevent anymore overbuying...so for summer she has 18 outfits...which i got on sale(top and cotton short sets and a few dresses)...there was this idea of only having 21 hangers in the closet...but somehow more creeped in lol...Tomorrow I'll do a once over to see if we can purge some more. She also has enough stuff for next winter as I bought a bit big and can get 2 winters from it...I counted 25 sets(Winter lasts 5-6 months).

**Palooka** · 12-15-2011, 11:22 PM

Just watch "Selling The Spelling Manor" on HGTV.

You will feel better. I don't care how many millions I have, I would never want that much stuff to deal with. OMG, my jaw dropped when they showed her attic.

Stuff just stresses me out. I like simple. I guess I have the Minimalist personality.

**Sophiasmama** · 12-15-2011, 11:25 PM

LOL...I can't watch Hoarders...makes me clausterphobic

**OOwl** · 12-16-2011, 12:53 AM

I love the minimalist rule of "one in; one out," which keeps me honest to the minimalist lifestyle. Example, I recently replaced a 30-year-old saucepan (lost lid years ago). Even though it was perfectly serviceable, it went into the donate box the DAY the new (bought on SUPER sale) saucepan arrived, rather than keep an "extra" as many people would do. I apply that across the board. If something new comes to live here, something else is leaving. It's working. . . .

Best of luck to you!

**SwirlyThing** · 12-16-2011, 07:14 AM

I think some people attach memories and emotions to objects and some people keep those memories and emotions solely inside of themselves without attaching them to things.

The former will never be minimalists. The latter will. Some of it is your personality.

I am the latter type, and tend only to keep things I use. I have a one year rule: if I haven't used it in a year, I don't need it and it can be discarded. That may be a good place to start.

**Sophiasmama** · 12-16-2011, 09:28 AM

Thanks for posting Everyone...Must be a minimalist... we only kept one baby outfit from when Sophie was small...it's the dress she wore at 7 weeks to Grandpas funeral...can't part with it.

**cab54** · 12-16-2011, 10:19 AM

I check out a site called zenhabits when I want to minimalize----

A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home :zenhabits

**cab54** · 12-16-2011, 10:22 AM

More from Leo Babauta's zenhabits site---

On minimalism :zenhabits

**bookwormpeg** · 12-16-2011, 12:57 PM

I love having things I love around me but after visiting my sister in FL I decided I had too much. She is a minimalist. I packed up alot of things that were sitting on my tv stand...I haven't missed them. All these things are going to another sister in NY who's grandkids have a thing at school where they can "buy" Christmas presents for their parents from things people donate....lucky parents...
So, I am trying to live with less...I find it's less to dust and clean and I am loving it...hitting the china cabinet next..