I am embarking on becoming a minimalist. Thankfully, this is something my husband supports. I started a few months back and have made a major reduction in my wardrobe (including shoes and fashion jewelry) along with many other things that just weren't "needed'. So far this month we have reduced the amount of furnishings and toys we own, but I still have a ways to go. Does anyone know of any good blogs or books I can check out. More than anything I am looking for personal stories along with before and after pictures. Thanks in advance.
Thank you all for the responses, the link, tips/advice, well wishes and the humor. :o) My best wishes to you all as well! :)
I am in my heart... trying to get there physically but it's hard for me to let go of some things... and I have a craft room full of stuff. I have about 8 garbage bags full of stuff (and more to come) that I will have a garage sale, then donate the rest.
A good rule of thumb, if it hasn't been used in a year, then it is likely that it can go.
I am, my husband less so. I have always been. I can't share any before and afters, but I can offer you some techniques.
1. don't acquire unless you are ready to purge. meaning, if you get a new t-shirt, be prepared to part with an existing t-shirt.
2. don't get anything you don't have or can't find a home for. if it can't be put away, chances are, it won't.
3. insist on clean counters, desks, etc. clutter begets clutter.
4. be process driven. see a task through, i.e. laundry isn't done when its put in the machine, but its done when its folded, ironed, and put away, and the inside of the machine is wiped down, and the dryer filter is swept clean for the next use.
5. technology is your friend. if you have sentimental attachments to your children's outgrown toys, take photos of each of them, put them on a thumb drive, in a photo book, etc, and get rid of the objects. you can still linger about the memories without the stuff.
6. minimalist doesn't necessarily mean bare (although it can if that makes you happy) it means spare. its like the difference between the dollar store and a high end boutique. with less stuff clamoring for your attention, you can focus on those few items that you treasure and that bring you happiness.
7. remember we don't need much, but too little can be problematic too. you didn't expect to hear this from me, but suppose your partner decides he only needs three pairs of socks, one black, one blue, and one beige, but the laundry is done every 7 days, you need to think hard on whether 7 or perhaps 8 pairs total is more realistic.
8. beware of kitchen gadgets and gizmos. Most everything can be accomplished with a knife, a cutting board, a pot and a pan. if you have a bread machine and a frozen yogurt maker, and a ice tea brewer, you might want to rethink those.
9. don't forget to scrutinize your calendar, e-mail accounts, paper files, and book cases, these are purgeable as well. desubscribe from things you don't want cluttering your inbox and your mind.
10. consider going "green" in terms of your cleaning products. this is one area where I am making a change. instead of having a bottle of toilet cleaner, another for windows and glass, another for stainless steel, another for the granite counters, another for the oven, a wood polish, a duster, etc. I am going to use down what we currently have. then I plan to replace them with nothing but the vinegar, soap and baking soda concoctions you see on recipes for on the web all the time.
Feel free to PM me for more ideas and suggestions.
Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
I knew of a blog, but I downsized my bookmarks and lost it. :(
I wanna be but alas that will never be...I love my stuff :)
Good luck!!!!!
My mom calls me a minimalist. I don't mind.
I love to decorate my house. I have gorgeous window treatments, yet, not a ton of anything else... For example: My family room is decorated with custom made window treatments that have gorgeous taupe tassels on them. I have a tv in there. I have a couch and a recliner free of pillows. I have one pretty cherry wood cabinet for storage. In the middle of the room, I have a beautiful area rug. There are 2 pictures on the wall. I got rid of the cocktail table because it was a junk and dust collector. Aside from that, I have a few plants on the cabinet. That's it ! My windows and area rug are a tad over the top, but, it's an easy to clean room.
My living room is the same. I have an over the top window treatment w/ cream tassels and a pretty country french area rug. The couch is plain and I don't have any storage in there except for the cabinet my stereo is in. On my mantle, I have a few green plants and a few family photos.
This summer I will be de-cluttering the kitchen. I have mismatched dishes, mugs, cups, silverware and the list goes on and on in that room!
I have been working on one room at a time.
My husband and I are somewhat minimalist. We don't like much "stuff" but the things we do have are quality, and mean something to us. Not much on the walls, not a ton of furniture, no clutter, nothing stashed in corners, closets, or under beds. We don't have kids yet, so maybe that will change our situation someday, but it makes everything easier to handle when you don't have a ton of junk. We don't need much to live day to day. When we start to see some messes, we know it's time to get rid of something! I really like Fanged Bunny's response. I'd love to incorporate some of her ideas.
Rofl... Does being poor count?
I am not a hoarder but I do like to keep stuff. I did downsize a few years ago but yeah, not so much. I like stuff. The "if you haven't used it in a year, discard it" rule I can't do. Because I know the minute I get rid of something, I'm going to want it! Drives hubby nuts! I did get rid of a storage shed but I'm getting a new one because my kids want some of our furniture but she isn't moving out until November. :)
I am not. i love stuff. If I wanted to reduce I would look at online tips for furnishing a small apartment or dorm. The designers have to really think to fit a small space, so it becomes about what is essential and ingenious ways to do more with less. Good luck with your new thing and if you any extra stuff, send it my way!
Oh good lord no. I describe my house as "heavily furnished and decorated". Although since my hubby and I have been together (going on 5 years) I have been downsizing and I'm doing a great job at it. I don't think I want to be a minimalist by I can tell the difference in how I *feel* when there isnt so much junk laying around. Good luck!!!
I read a book called "It's All Too Much" that you might be able to find some inspiration from. I also loved "The Not So Big House" for ideas and pictures. I'm not big on acquiring things, but I have a hard time throwing things away, so we definitely have too much stuff in our house. I'm going to check out that "100 Thing Challenge" book next. :)
