Minimalism - it's not just about getting rid of stuff

Minimalism is not just about getting rid of stuff. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The "Minimalists") define minimalism as "a tool to rid yourself of life's excess in favor of focusing on what's important- so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom." Stuff doesn't provide happiness and can distract us from finding our true purpose. 

Click here for a few strategies to get you started with your journey of minimalism.

• 20/20 rule (defined by "The Minimalists"): If you are questioning whether you need something and it takes less than 20 minutes and less than $20 to replace it, let it go. It's fairly easy to acquire things.  Amazon delivers to your door!  Adjust the 20/20 rule to 10/10 or even 5/5 if that feels right to you.  There are many items that can be purged even within those parameters.
• Examine your buying habits: When shopping consider where you are going to put the items when you get them home and what you are going to get rid of to make room for the new items.
• The Pareto Principle says we use 20% of our stuff, 80% of the time.  So why let all that excess clutter our homes and lives? Consider letting go of items you use infrequently.  Do you really need 3 crockpots or a second coffeemaker?  Probably not.  Instead, borrow one from a friend or neighbor if you get in a pinch. 
• Give your excess to those in need.  It can be motivating to think that someone could use that second coffeemaker daily rather than having it sit in the basement on a dusty shelf.  
• Let go of your "imaginary self."  If you imagine yourself as a gourmet baker and have all the gadgets but never make time to bake, let it go.  You might feel better after the big purge because you won't see yourself as failing at these lofty idealisms.

Practicing minimalism (or even just trying one strategy above) can help you achieve your organizing goals and free you from the burden of overabundance.  Trust that you will be able to get what you need when you need it.  In turn, you might find your true self and purpose under all that clutter!  

Be bold and reclaim your life with less!  Happiness awaits you.