3 Simple Things I've learned While Pursuing Minimalism

It’s been a little more than 8 months since we began decluttering, and today I’m sharing 3 simple things I’ve learned while pursuing minimalism.

As I sit to write this my mind automatically went back to how I felt this February. Overwhelmed. Stressed. Anxious. Tired…no, Exhausted. Angry. Sad. Lonely. So. Many. Words. I knew about 90% of my stress and anxiety came from the clutter that felt like it was closing in on me. What began as a simple decluttering turned into full scale minimalism FAST. Today, I’m sharing 3 simple things I’ve learned while pursuing minimalism.

1. I need WAY less than I think/thought.

The number one thought that went through my mind while I was decluttering was “what if I NEED this…”. I took the chance, and decided to declutter those “what if” items. You know what? Turns out, I didn’t need them. I still don’t need them. There’s a pretty good chance I will NEVER need them. I’ve started marking things that I haven’t used, and putting them back in the drawer, closet, cabinet that they reside in. If they remain untouched, or the mark hasn’t been moved or taken off, it means I haven’t used them. I don’t need them.

It’s been eye opening, and honestly, alarming, at how little in our home we actually use. I read that the average American family only actually uses 20% of the items in their homes. That means, most likely you don’t touch, admire or use 80% of the things filling your home. I can tell you from what I’ve learned about myself, that’s most likely true.

2. I don’t miss (and won’t miss) the things I’ve decluttered.

When I was sorting through my clothes (read that here: How To Minimize Your Wardrobe in 30 Minutes or Less!) I KNEW I was getting rid of things I’d miss. Guess what? I don’t even remember 90% of the things I’ve decluttered. I don’t miss them at all. Better yet, my family has never come and asked where something’s at. They don’t miss it either. I will admit that I decluttered three things that I do, indeed, miss. You can read that here: Three Things I Regret Decluttering + Minimalism Update. Really though, they mean nothing to me compared to the peace of mind simplifying has given me!

3. Owning less really does mean less stress.

I can’t even begin to tell you the transformation I’ve seen in myself since we have minimized our belongings. That girl I described in the first paragraph no longer lives here. Sure, things still get stressful, but it’s very rarely the house that triggers it. I know that now the house can quickly be cleaned back up, and peace can be restored. I don’t have to spend hours decluttering. No more stressing about stuffed closets. All of that tension I felt when I’d walk from one chaotic, cluttered room to the next is gone. GONE. That is magical.

I know that minimalism isn’t for everyone. I just wish I could explain how much decluttering has changed the way I feel. If you’ve been thinking you’d like to simplify your home let me encourage you to start right now. In a small space, even a basket of magazines. Just start. I almost guarantee you won’t regret it!

As always, thank you so much for spending a tiny part of your day with me. I appreciate you more than you know!!