How Minimalism Can Declutter You Life Emandra Garavito

By Emandra Garavito

Sometimes life circumstances can be overwhelming, and when that’s the “Holding onto things is fear-based because if we get rid of things that have case, it’s easy to feel unmotivated, unproductive and mentally unavailable. For most, this can be triggered by something “It’s nostalgia we’re afraid we’ll lose the memory. If we get rid of things we might need later, we fear that we’re going to regret our decisions,” as simple as having too many files downloaded on Brisson says. “A lot of the times we see our stuff as a reflection their computer or something a bit larger, like having a disorganized house or work space. better to of us and so we don’t want to lose part of ourselves.” But minimalism has other benefits, as it can also help Despite the culture of multitasking, the human mind is incapable of focusing on multiple things choose timeless be sustainable for the planet, if practiced correctly. Oftentimes, items that an individual doesn’t want at once. The more we ignore these situations, the more they start to affect us both physically pieces instead of are either donated or sold to be repurposed. It also means that minimalists think more practically and mentally, which inevitably causes us to about space and purpose, leading them to shut down. buying things and consume less. How do we fix this? The answer for many A good example of this is buying a pair of good quality is minimalism. Minimalism is the idea that things should be simple and have purpose; whether it be design, art, or other forms or media or objects. Marie Kondo, a famous Japanese organizing consultant, describes this technique as “sparking joy,” which sneakers, even if the price is higher, instead of buying three pairs of cheaper shoes. The more expensive pair will likely last longer than the cheaper ones, while also reducing excess waste and space. Not only will this way of thinking benefit the planet, but it will also benefit your wallet by halting all of those impulsive purchases. throwing them away in a continuous cycle.”means thinking thoroughly about whether an item is truly Currie also added that minimalist interior designs can also valuable to that person. If the person is unable to find joy in be unsustainable if certain design aspects are missing. “Drapery is that item, then they “thank” it for its service and set it free – meaning, something you hardly ever see in minimalist spaces, which is very important getting rid of it. This unique process allows people to go through their because it helps with energy efficiency by regulating room temperatures. belongings, memories and other aspects of their lives to help declutter their It’s also important to think ‘I can afford this, but do I need it?’” she said. spaces and make people feel more in control of who they are. “Minimalism is a trend that comes and goes so it’s better to choose Adriana Currie, the Interior Design Department Coordinator at Fullerton College, discussed minimalism and its appeal. “When you get down to it, timeless pieces instead of buying things and throwing them away in a continuous cycle.” people want more organization and control in their lives. They equate getting Although it seems as though minimalism may take some time to adapt to, rid of things with minimalism. The idea of having less translates to adapting taking small steps to try and make more decisive choices is an easy way the minimalist ‘look’ since people downsize, declutter and organize. The to start. minimalist look is very sparse but every item has an intention for being there,” she said. How to make minimalist choices: For individuals who suffer from mental health issues, minimalism can help calm and even reduce their symptoms. This practice allows individuals to filter 1. Declutter Your Spaces through the things that bother them or make them feel a certain way, evaluate Go through those clothes that you keep telling yourself you’ll wear, or that how it affects them and then make a decision on whether or not that thing junk drawer full of pens and pencils, or that space underneath your bed. Think is valuable to them. The process of doing this has been seen as therapeutic. about how many times you use those items or if they still suit your needs. Zachary Brisson, who is pursuing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and 2. Rethink Purchasing Decisions has completed a master’s in the same field, commented on the positive aspects of decluttering and minimalism by stating, “Decluttering a space is considered to be a simplified behavior. When people practice simplified behaviors they typically experience higher levels of gratification, autonomy, and competency. This is why decluttering a space can reduce anxiety and Are you just buying this shirt because it’s currently in style? Why not purchase something that’ll withstand the trend? Think about how you can use something throughout multiple situations or occasions. Also think in terms of quality, not quantity. help you feel organized and in control of your environment.” 3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Minimalism may not work for everyone, as Brisson also mentions the effects Reduce the amount of impulse purchases you make, reuse or redecorate of the cultural conditioning we’ve experienced by associating physical items certain items so they can be used in different spaces or serve a different with our own self worth. This association has given us an excuse to only collect purpose, and recycle or donate whatever you don’t want anymore. more in order for ourselves to feel more valuable. This can cause minimalism to be difficult for individuals who suffer from anxiety or obsessive-compulsive 4. Value experiences instead of physical items personality disorder, since both disorders are fear-based. Minimalism is all about living more without having more. Instead of buying items, buy experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime. For birthdays and holidays, give someone a whale watching excursion or a trip to the zoo, it’ll last longer than a video game or pack of socks.