8 Tips for Minimalism and Decluttering Your Space
Oct 31, 2023 09:31AM ● By Sharon Kurtz, owner of Organique-Design
1.
Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Decluttering and changing your lifestyle can
be a daunting task. Start slowly, focusing on one area at a time. Consider
taking smaller steps, like saying, "I'll declutter one shelf today." Break
it into bite-sized chunks and tackle them more frequently if needed, rather
than in one large swoop.
2.
Balancing Sentiment and Necessity: Strive for a balanced approach, preserving
sentimental and essential items without veering into extreme minimalism. Take pictures
of sentimental items. For art preservation, you can explore options at ArtkiveApp.com
to create a book or one large art piece of kids artwork.
3.
Responsible Disposal: For items in good condition, consider donating or
recycling. Battery recycling centers are an environmentally-responsible choice.
You can implement the "one-in, one-out" method (for every new item
you acquire, you must relinquish another).
4.
Selecting Essentials: Prioritize items that bring joy and have a positive
impact on your life. Organize them to prevent visual clutter, which can affect
your mental well-being. Keep items you know you'll need or use frequently.
5.
Budget-Friendly Choices: Save money by purchasing used items or repurposing
existing ones, such as reupholstering furniture. Consider donating items in
good condition to charities like Habitat for Humanity.
6.
Effective Decluttering: Start with non-sentimental items and categorize
your belongings into "Keep," "Donate," "Dispose/Recycle/Give
away," and a "Maybe" pile for emotional items. For the
"Maybe" pile, store the items somewhere you won't see them every day.
If you haven't used them for about six months, feel free to donate them.
7.
Neutral Support: Seek nonjudgmental assistance during decluttering. Some
people may prefer to avoid involving family members to maintain a smoother
process.
8.
Mental and Financial Benefits: Decluttering offers numerous mental health
benefits and potential cost savings. It also simplifies matters for loved ones
in the future.
Embracing
minimalism and reducing your environmental impact is a common goal. Ultimately,
your personal journey and comfort level matter most.
Sharon Kurtz is the owner/founder of Organique Design, a residential interior design and art studio in Orlando. She is here to help! Visit www.organique-design.com and/or call 407-494-3619.
