"Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom".
1. 1 Day = 1 Item.
Colleen Madsen gives away one item each day. Over the past several years, she has experienced quite a transformation simply reducing her stuff one day at a time.
Here's how it works: clear out clothing items from your closet by hanging all of your clothes with the hangers in the opposite direction. When you're finished wearing an item, place it back into the closet with the hanger facing the normal direction you choose. Wait for about six months or so (however long suits you) and you’ll begin to know which clothes you don't mind selling or donating. This method also works wonders on anything else you have laying around in the house!
3. Donation.
There are hundreds of donation centers such as St. Vincent's and Goodwill that are always excepting decent home goods every day, so get busy and get organizing!
4. Four-Box Method.
Pretty easy: grab four good-sized boxes and label one for Trash, Keep, Giveaway, and Sell. Go through each room in the house (including the kitchen) and remember to always ask yourself if the item is an absolute necessity if you have any hesitation.
5. 333 Challenge.
Also known as Project 333, Courtney Carver created this wonderful challenge for people to wear only 33 articles of clothing for 3 months. Try picking a new number if 33 is too difficult of a challenge. Most importantly, learn and have fun!
6. Organize a Yard Sale.
Want more simplicity? Then keep it classic by creating nice, eye-catching signs for a profitable sale right at home. Keep your earnings, or spread some love and donate to charity for a more worthy and rewarding act. Need ideas? Help children fight against cancer at St. Jude. or be a part of humanitarian aid at the Red Cross.
7. Change your perspective.
This can be difficult for some, but that's ok! Don't pressure yourself and allow these experiences to over burden you. Take baby steps if this is your first time and things will fall together naturally.
8. 12-12-12 Challenge.
A simple challenge of finding 12 items in your home to donate, 12 items to sell, and 12 items that aren't usable and can be thrown away. It's a fun and exciting way to quickly organize 36 things in your house.
Take time to learn about your purchases from buying clothes to grocery shopping and decide whether it's necessary or unnecessary.
10. Imagination- Use it!
Psychology Today recommends using your imagination to help declutter things that may seem a bit difficult to get rid of. Try searching for creative DIY's on Youtube. Here are some helpful videos for inspiration:
-DIY Room Decor Ideas by Christine Kobzeff.
To learn more about minimalism, check out The Minimalists at www.theminimalists.com.
