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Minimalism is all about simplifying your life by owning less and prioritizing what truly matters to you. One of the key principles of minimalism is decluttering, which involves getting rid of possessions that no longer serve a purpose in your life. To make decluttering easier, it can be helpful to categorize your possessions into four different categories: unused, unwanted, unloved, and unnecessary.
Unused Items: The Dust Collectors
Unused items are possessions that you haven’t used in a while or that have been sitting around collecting dust. These can include clothes that no longer fit, books you’ve already read, or kitchen appliances that you never use. To declutter unused items, take a good look at each item and ask yourself when the last time you used it was. If it’s been more than a few months, it’s probably safe to say that you don’t need it anymore. Consider donating or selling these items to free up space in your home.
Unwanted Items: Dont Bring You Joy
Unwanted items are possessions that you don’t like or that don’t bring you joy. These can include gifts that you’ve received but don’t really like, or clothes that don’t fit your style. To declutter unwanted items, take a moment to reflect on why you don’t like them. Is it because they don’t fit properly, or because they don’t match your personal taste? Once you understand why you don’t want these items, it will be easier to let them go. Consider donating or selling these items to someone who will appreciate them more.
Unloved Items: Lost Their Shine
Unloved items are possessions that you used to love, but that have lost their appeal over time. These can include items that were once trendy, but that are now outdated, or souvenirs from a trip that no longer hold sentimental value. To declutter unloved items, take some time to think about why you used to love them. Is there a specific memory attached to the item, or was it simply a passing phase? Once you’ve identified why you no longer love these items, it will be easier to let them go. Consider donating or selling these items to make room for new things that you truly love.
Unnecessary Items: Things You Dont Need
Unnecessary items are possessions that you simply don’t need. These can include duplicate items or items that you bought on a whim but never ended up using. To declutter unnecessary items, ask yourself if you truly need the item in question. If you have multiple versions of the same item, consider keeping only the one that you use the most. If you bought something on impulse, but have never used it, consider donating or selling it to someone who will get more use out of it.
By categorizing your possessions into these four categories, you can make the decluttering process much easier. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff you own, you can focus on each item individually and decide whether it serves a purpose in your life. Remember, minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything you own – it’s about prioritizing the things that truly matter to you and letting go of the rest.
Here are a few additional tips to help you get started with decluttering:
- Start small. If you try to declutter your entire home in one day, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and give up. Instead, start with one room or one category of items (like clothes or books) and work your way up from there.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one old item. This will help prevent clutter from building up again in the future.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to keep items that don’t fit neatly into one of the four categories above, as long as they bring you joy and serve a purpose in your Life
More Decluttering Resources
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This blog is based on one of Ryta’s YouTube videos where she published several videos a week. Check out her channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ritawilkins
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