As I mentioned in my last post, my husband and I are starting a journey towards minimalism. I believe everyone has their own version of what works for them. For some, it would be Scandinavian in nature where furniture is neutral, bright, modern and minimal. For others, it might look more like a traditional home but with less clutter; minimal decor, accent pieces, furniture, and personal items. Whatever personal style of minimalism you strive for, you're not wrong. It's the baggage that comes from too much stuff is what is to be avoided.
What does my version of minimalism look like? Probably more the latter of the two examples. I love modern, but it lacks a certain coziness. Pretty in pictures, but not always comfortable. So my goal is simple; reduce clutter to only those objects I use or that bring me joy, and live a life that has meaning beyond consumerism.
A little side note...this was me yesterday when it came to unpacking and sorting boxes:
I've been pondering this journey for a while now. Can't say how long exactly, but it was definitely before we knew we were downsizing. So I've been pairing down items, mostly clothing, for a few years. But something always happened; I filled up my closet again. I would take two or three garbage bags filled with clothes to the Goodwill several times a year and still I was overwhelmed with "stuff". I didn't give it much thought as to why my closet was always overflowing despite my annual purging, but it has recently occurred to me that it was because I wasn't being deliberate with my purchasing. I would buy a tee shirt because I liked it; not giving any thought that I had one extremely similar to it waiting at home. I didn't have a mental inventory of all my clothing. Who realistically does? So that's where my journey began initially, and now that I have resolved to commit to minimalism, I think it's fitting I continue with that momentum.
Now, I am equally guilty of hanging on to sentimental items even though they long ago fulfilled their usefulness. Getting rid of some of my tee shirts I never wear is going to be hard. Before we moved, I donated over 100 tee shirts. I had ones that reminded me of my school marching and jazz band trips (Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Missouri), ones from a time when I was thinner than I am now, ones that I liked at the time, but could never find the right outfit for...you get the picture. Just looking at them made me feel heavy. Like, "Ugh, I'm going to have to haul these around forever". I always thought my kids (I don't have kids...yet) would like to see mementos from when I was their age. They would want to wear my old "vintage" tees because it's cool, and ask me if I was really that skinny once! Hahahaha!
So my personal challenge for the week is to go through all the remaining boxed up clothing and, if it doesn't fit on a hanger in the closet (or in those cool closet shelving units from Ikea), it's getting donated. My idea of a minimal bedroom/wardrobe is one with no traditional dresser and every top hanging and every pair of pants folded. I will also donate all jeans, jackets, sweaters, and tops that don't fit anymore. It isn't minimal to hold onto clothes that no longer fit (you can always buy a smaller or larger size if you gain/lose weight).
I'm also a firm believer in quality over quantity. Invest in a quality wardrobe. Clothes that are made well will last longer and look better for longer. I am totally guilty of buying fast fashion because it's trendy and cheap. In the long run, that's the stuff that clutters my drawers and closet; cheap, fast fashion. Tailored or fitted items will always hold up to trends. As Coco once said, "Fashion changes, but style endures."
Having said all of that, I challenge you, this week, to go through a dresser drawer, closet, or box of clothing you never or hardly wear, and donate them. Lighten your physical and mental load. Part with those items that no longer fit or bring you joy. Someone else will get enjoyment out of them too!
WISH ME LUCK!!
What does my version of minimalism look like? Probably more the latter of the two examples. I love modern, but it lacks a certain coziness. Pretty in pictures, but not always comfortable. So my goal is simple; reduce clutter to only those objects I use or that bring me joy, and live a life that has meaning beyond consumerism.
A little side note...this was me yesterday when it came to unpacking and sorting boxes:
I've been pondering this journey for a while now. Can't say how long exactly, but it was definitely before we knew we were downsizing. So I've been pairing down items, mostly clothing, for a few years. But something always happened; I filled up my closet again. I would take two or three garbage bags filled with clothes to the Goodwill several times a year and still I was overwhelmed with "stuff". I didn't give it much thought as to why my closet was always overflowing despite my annual purging, but it has recently occurred to me that it was because I wasn't being deliberate with my purchasing. I would buy a tee shirt because I liked it; not giving any thought that I had one extremely similar to it waiting at home. I didn't have a mental inventory of all my clothing. Who realistically does? So that's where my journey began initially, and now that I have resolved to commit to minimalism, I think it's fitting I continue with that momentum.
Now, I am equally guilty of hanging on to sentimental items even though they long ago fulfilled their usefulness. Getting rid of some of my tee shirts I never wear is going to be hard. Before we moved, I donated over 100 tee shirts. I had ones that reminded me of my school marching and jazz band trips (Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Missouri), ones from a time when I was thinner than I am now, ones that I liked at the time, but could never find the right outfit for...you get the picture. Just looking at them made me feel heavy. Like, "Ugh, I'm going to have to haul these around forever". I always thought my kids (I don't have kids...yet) would like to see mementos from when I was their age. They would want to wear my old "vintage" tees because it's cool, and ask me if I was really that skinny once! Hahahaha!
So my personal challenge for the week is to go through all the remaining boxed up clothing and, if it doesn't fit on a hanger in the closet (or in those cool closet shelving units from Ikea), it's getting donated. My idea of a minimal bedroom/wardrobe is one with no traditional dresser and every top hanging and every pair of pants folded. I will also donate all jeans, jackets, sweaters, and tops that don't fit anymore. It isn't minimal to hold onto clothes that no longer fit (you can always buy a smaller or larger size if you gain/lose weight).
I'm also a firm believer in quality over quantity. Invest in a quality wardrobe. Clothes that are made well will last longer and look better for longer. I am totally guilty of buying fast fashion because it's trendy and cheap. In the long run, that's the stuff that clutters my drawers and closet; cheap, fast fashion. Tailored or fitted items will always hold up to trends. As Coco once said, "Fashion changes, but style endures."
Having said all of that, I challenge you, this week, to go through a dresser drawer, closet, or box of clothing you never or hardly wear, and donate them. Lighten your physical and mental load. Part with those items that no longer fit or bring you joy. Someone else will get enjoyment out of them too!
 |
| These three boxes are AFTER I donated 6 garbage bags full of clothes 😲 |
WISH ME LUCK!!
Comments
Post a Comment