A Modern Day Spring Clean

Let’s become a Minimalist 

To follow up on my last post about decluttering my life. I wanted to take on a challenge and this year I've decided to take on the Minimalist challenge, where each day you get rid of an item. So day 1 you get rid of one item, day 2, two items and so on. Focusing on streamlining everything I own to see what items I truly value the most. From decluttering I’ve learnt that one of my main sources of anxiety was coming from the amount of stuff I had and didn't want another year like that. So here's what I did...

While doing this throughout May/June I decide to ask myself these 5 questions.

1. Have I used it in the last 60 days?
2. Is it damaged? (holes, old, doesn't work)
3. Does it fit?
4. Do you find value in it?
5. Are you going to use it in the next 60 days?

If any are the answers are No or if you're questioning yourself about it, then get rid! You don't need it. Or even put it to one side for a period of time and if you haven't used it in that set amount of time then it’s time for it to go. It's just more clutter in your life that isn't needed. Empty your wardrobes/drawers start with a clean slate, try everything on and ask yourself the same five questions. Are you happy with the way you look in it? Do you feel good in it? If you don't, why keep it. Don't keep it for the 'what if' moments, "what if I lose that weight", "what if I go to this place". Cause these "what if" moments means holding onto something you never know will happen. So letting go of the items will give you that freedom to realise what you truly value. Trust me if feels pretty good letting go, it can almost be addictive. (The good kind)

I decided to categorise my items into, Recycle - so items I thought that wasn't worth passing on but could be used for another purpose. Sell - items that are still practically new or hardly used so I could make a few quid on them (which is always a plus). Charity shops which is where most of my items have gone, just  to save the hassle of selling and means the bulk of stuff I'm getting rid off has gone. (And can't think twice about keeping it) And finally giving away so items I think my friends or family will find more value in (mostly my mum).

To discover more about minimalism check out the documentary - Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Thing, which you can currently steam on Netflix's. As well as there podcast where they cover everything from decluttering your mind to careers and relationships. Minimalism isn't just about decluttering the objects in your life, it's about finding what truly brings you happiness and taking away everything that doesn’t.

I hope this helps or inspires you to check out the minimalist or to try the challenge for yourself. Are you doing a Spring clean this season? Let me know any of your tips and ticks you use to declutter your life.