Becoming a Minimalist

I've considered this too JJ, but have no idea where or how to start. Sometimes I think my family is too big and has too many needs for such an undertaking. I suppose the first place to start would be to halt my wants. Lol. I'll be watching this post for informative replies. :)

When you use something, move it to a separate drawer or pile. For example, kitchen utensils you use go into an empty drawer. At the end of a month, keep only what is in that drawer. Everything else gets donated. Clothes you have worn go into a special pile. At the end of the season, pack up everything that didn't make it into that pile.

Then tackle clutter. Allow yourself five decorative items per room. One box of sentimental stuff to save. Everything else would probably be better off donated and given to someone who needs it.

For toys, every new toy or book means one is given away.

Well, for me it would take a month where my family goes SOMEWHERE ELSE and all responsibilities and deadlines get suspended so I can stay home alone and do nothing else but get rid of everything with a personal organizer by my side.

Short of that, I never have time above daily life to do more than purge gradually, but it never makes much of a dent. :( Where did all this come from ? I'm not a shopper, and I'm not sentimentally attached!....it just breeeeds....

I don't know if I could ever be a minimalist! I just have too much stuff and am too sentimental. Although I have downsized ALOT and continue to do so. If you can do it I give you kudos! Good luck!

On that journey myself and the more I get rid of, it seems like the more I have to get rid of. I was AMAZED at the junk we'd accumulated. Love the journey though and am anxious to read your other responses...Good luck!

Join your local freecycle.org group so items dont end up in a landfill. Have a successful yard sale and earn some cash.

I have no idea what you mean. Could you possibly expand your post a bit?

Clean out closets and dresser drawers thoroughly every season. If any clothing item is in bad shape, pitch it and if you haven't worn something in over year, donate it unless it's an item that doesn't go out of style aka: the little black dress. The same applies to the refrigerator, cupboards and pantries. If you are replacing a household item such as a toaster, throw out the old or donate it instead of saving it. Stand over your trash can daily and throw away any junk mail (this stuff can get out of hand pretty quick). I only buy products that I know I will loyally use even though I might get a good deal on competing brands. This saves me space. If something breaks either fix immediately, if you use it regularly, or it or throw it away. Have a paper shredder handy to go through paperwork once a year. Keep knicknacks to a minimum.

Get rid of anything that doesn't inspire you to be the person you are.

Keep your mind clear, your attitude broad and the circle of friends around you small.

gl!