I have gathered a list of steps that I used to become minimal. I did not know these steps in order to become minimal, instead this is the process that I went through. When I was done with my purge, all I had remaining would fit into my Jeep.
- Realization that you have too much stuff in your life
- For the real minimalist, this step would include getting rid of everything and doing the reset. Or…..step two for a normal person would be to simply declutter. Get rid of those empty boxes, that stack of junk mail, and clean out that junk drawer.
- Clean out your closet. Find everything that doesn’t fit, is out dated, or you don’t wear, and get rid of it. You can donate it, give it away or sell it at a garage sale or on Craigslist.
- Clean out the garage, your closets, your attic and your basement. Get rid of everything that you no longer need or use.
- Set aside everything that you cannot do without. Your papers (passport, birth certificate, etc.) valuables, priceless mementos.
- Set aside everything that you think that you could never get rid of. Keep this separate from your things that you cannot do without, and from the rest of your stuff.
- Start purging. If you are moving, this is a great time to get rid of beds, furniture, appliances and a lot of the big stuff that can be replaced. If you are not moving, when you are done, you could probably move into a smaller place.
- Look at the stuff that set aside and thought that you could never get rid of. Now get rid of some of that stuff.
- Habits, free yourself from some habits. Do you get a $5 coffee every morning, well not anymore. How about those dinners out, gone. Look at the things that you do, or do for others, and cut back. By cutting back you will have more time for yourself.
- Call yourself a minimalist. Embrace your inner minimal.
Ok, you are now minimal what does that mean. It means that your surroundings are less cluttered. It’s an amazing relief when you have less. Do you remember the last time that you gave your car, or your house that deep cleaning? You got rid of all the stuff lying around and you cleaned every surface…..do you remember? Do you remember that feeling when it’s all done and you sit down in that clean car or clean house? It’s a wonderful feeling of knowing that you have accomplished something. It is also a huge relief. We all know when something needs to be done, like cleaning the car, or cleaning the house, or even purging stuff. When it is finally done there is a sense of relief. Minimalism is a huge stress reliever, if you don’t believe me, try it.
If you struggled with this issue or can inspire others on this subject I would like to hear your story. Please comment below.