Minimalism isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about intentionality. If you’re serious about simplifying your living space, the first step is ruthless decluttering. Experts agree: the easiest way to start is by asking one question about every item in your home: Have you used it in the last year? If not, it’s time to let it go. Here’s a breakdown of the top five categories minimalists tackle first.
Clothes: The Closet Reset
The closet is ground zero for clutter. Minimalism starts with a realistic assessment of your wardrobe. According to Amélie Saint-Jacques of Amelie Organizes, begin by removing anything seasonal you didn’t wear. Keep special-occasion items, but beyond that, be honest.
Reba Bassett of Revelation Organizing suggests a simple trick: flip all hangers backward at the start of the year. As you wear items, return the hangers to their original position. At year-end, anything still backward goes. This method forces you to confront what you actually use.
Makeup & Skincare: Streamlining Your Routine
Vanities and bathroom cabinets often hide expired products and forgotten gifts. Toss anything past its prime or unopened. Once the easy decisions are made, assess your routine. Are you holding onto duplicates? Streamline your collection to only what you actively use.
Electronics & Appliances: The Cord Chaos
Kitchens and offices are magnets for unused gadgets and tangled cords. Saint-Jacques recommends purging small appliances that collect dust – juicers, bread machines, and the like. If you haven’t touched it in a year, someone else will enjoy it more.
Holiday Decor: The Sentimental Purge
Holiday decorations are prime real estate for clutter. Before putting them up, evaluate each item. If you didn’t use it last year, you probably won’t miss it. Keep a small, curated selection of sentimental pieces in a keepsake box. The rest can go.
Extra Storage Items: Breaking the Container Cycle
Minimalism isn’t about replacing clutter with more storage. Get rid of excess containers, garment bags, and grocery totes. You likely won’t need them, especially if luxury items came with protective packaging. Reduce down to a manageable amount of reusable storage.
The Hard Questions : The key to avoiding regret is asking why you haven’t used something in a year. Is it sentimental? Expensive? Easily replaceable? By facing these questions honestly, you can make informed decisions about what truly deserves a place in your life.
Ultimately, a minimalist home is about owning less and enjoying more. Decluttering isn’t just about space; it’s about freeing up mental energy and creating a more intentional way of living.
