Steps towards Minimalism

Way back in 2019, I watched a popular Netflix show entitled “Tidying up with Marie Kondo.” It was weird that a show about cleaning up should be so popular but the show was very entertaining and the fans, including me, couldn’t stop harping on Marie Kondo’s revolutionary Konmari method.

According to the Spruce, the Konmari method “encourages people to get rid of items that no longer have a purpose (or no longer “spark joy”) and keep items that are purposeful and meaningful.”

I tried to incorporate the Konmari method in cleaning my stuff. Although, it was difficult since I am a generally messy person and a bit of a hoarder. Slowly, however, it has been easier to let go of stuff that no longer “sparks joy”. Anyway, things had taken up a notch when I discovered minimalism.

It was a somewhat similar idea to Marie Kondo’s Konmari method wherein you let go of unwanted and unused stuff but it also includes not buying things you don’t really need in the first place. It doesn’t only apply to stuff, minimalism is a lifestyle. It also applies to the food we eat, career choices, and even in writing.

What I learned about minimalism has been inspiring. Advocates of minimalism suggest that it can help you find freedom in many aspects of life. Freedom from consumerism and debts. It can also free up your time since minimalism can lessen time spent cleaning, maintaining and shopping stuff. You’d also have the financial freedom to support causes you’re passionate about. Aside from all the freedom it gives, by owning less stuff, you’re indirectly helping the environment.

The Minimalists have a great elevator pitch regarding minimalism:

Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution.

As mentioned in my previous post, I want to integrate minimalism more into my life, albeit slowly. As change has always been a gradual process for me. Here are some steps I want to take to incorporate minimalism into my life:

Declutter our house

I guess it’s the best place to start. Looking at the mess in our house is already stressful. The clutter was very distracting so I’d usually prefer going somewhere else when I want to trade or write. Also our house isn’t spacious so my little one and I tend to bump onto stuff quite a lot. It only makes sense to declutter.

For this, I may copy @mrprofessor ’s clever idea of selling 5 items a month. Clothes are a different story, though. We have a TON of them. I actually thought of donating some last year but a foundation rejected them since apparently, the DSWD discourages donating clothes due to the pandemic. I may just give them to people I know warning them of course to wash it and sun dry before wearing them. And I do have a harebrained idea of setting up a preloved items shop in shopee. At least, the people who’d get them really want them.

Avoid Impulse Buying

Buying online is one of the ways I de-stress. I’d browse on shopee for some fancy home improvement stuff that would complement the nordic theme I want to accomplish for the house or some new toys for my baby that promise she’d be super smart, busy and happy. Clicking on the ‘Place Order’ button brings a certain amount of joy. A few days after, the delivery guy would arrive bringing me ‘presents’ wrapped in plastic and bubble wraps. Of course, I’d be excited to open my package. After opening them, I’d be happy and proud.

After some time, only a few of them get really used or truly ‘spark joy’. I’d realize that the fancy new knife I bought was dull or the plastic plate organizer I got broke easily when I placed heavy plates. The battery-operated ice cream truck that I was sure my little one would love ended up ignored. Apparently, she likes pushing the cars herself and hated that it runs on its own.

Come one month and my credit card bill arrives. Then, I’d be stressed again.

I guess, for home improvement stuff, I’d think carefully if we really need them and I’d scrutinize more if they serve their purpose. If they’d just end up in the trash bin, no need to buy them. For baby toys, I won’t be buying any for this month, even for the next few months. She has so many toys already. One good advice I got was to rotate toys. I’d keep some and put them out when she no longer wants to play with the other toys. During special occasions, I’d just let her choose one.

Say No to Free Stuff I don’t Need

I used to love receiving hand-me-down clothes and other free stuff. However, most hand-me-downs are usually ill-fitting for me (since they’re not really bought for me) or they do not really match my style. As for the others, most end up as clutter and our house can no longer accommodate clutter. As for gifts, what do you do with gifts you don’t really need (or even want)? Any advice would be appreciated.

Use Less Car

If I’m not going to bring anything bulky, a bike, I guess, is better to bring than a car. We’d save on gas and it’s more environmentally-friendly. Aside from that, I’d get to exercise.

Declutter my mind

Hey, the mind gets cluttered too. I want to let go of excessive wants that won’t really make me happy or that would only upset the people around me. I also want to free myself from negative thoughts against others and feelings of self-doubts. As they say, let go of the noise and listen only to the music.

I am excited to start this journey as this may bring self-growth and hopefully, the feeling of freedom that minimalism promises. Actually, I was ecstatic to find this community on Hive. I hope that this community flourishes and that more people can discover minimalism.