Top five ways to become a minimalist

Our house is currently undergoing renovation. And it has been challenging for the construction crew as they had to keep on moving the stuff in the house around… And putting them back at the end of the day. It’s hard because of the stuff we have “hoarded” over the years which made me gasp in disbelief myself. (Imagine all that money I could have saved). Back to the hoarding, I know it’s a long shot–but I’m planning to make a lifestyle change when the renovation is done. And that includes being a minimalist. Haha, says people who know me. But at least the idea crossed my mind. Here’s goes the top five ways to become a minimalist, which I intend to follow one of these days or years…

1. Start with a clean slate

This means looking around the house and checking out which ones you need and which ones you can do without. If you haven’t used anything in a while and has been left in the closet to gather dust, then chances are, you won’t be using it now or even in the near future (otherwise, it wouldn’t have gathered dust, right?). So, review your stash then start decluttering. Whether you give these stuff away or re-gift them or sell them, just get the items you don’t use or need out of the house!

2. Organize and categorize your items

That means putting certain things in one location like, for example, memorabilia in the living room or writing instruments in a common area where an office desk is set up. This will minimize the clutter because instead of having pens and pencils in different areas of the house, you just have one particular site where to keep them. This will avoid you having to buy many writing tools for use for each part of your house. This way, you can also track the things you actually have and own. Also make sure you only have a certain number of items for use per each person. Some interesting rules of thumb: keep three sets of sheets per bed and three towels per individual.

3. Learn that not all sentimental items should be kept

When you find yourself struggling to decide if an item should stay or should go, ask yourself these three questions: Is it useful? Is it the only one I have? Does it bring me happiness? If you answer yes to any of the above questions, then it can stay. But if not, simply kiss it goodbye and let go.

4. Keep items that have multiple uses

That means keep things like a Swiss army knife around which has, among other things, a cork screw, a can opener, scissors etc. Or a blender which can actually perform a slew of tasks like those of a chopper and food processor). A cooler which, when unused, can store pantry items. Or a chair which you can use to reach out for items above the shelf instead of buying a ladder. Finding multiple uses for a single object can make it easier for you to clear out space.

5. Bring in less

Once you’ve minimized the amount of things you own, make sure that you start to limit what you bring into your home, as well. But take it one step at a time. Remove one piece of clothing or bag from your closet for every new item that you buy. Set yourself a spending limit for new items each month and don’t go overboard. Congrats, you’re now a minimalist!