Let’s talk about living a lighter life with more intentionality and less “stuff”; living life based on minimalism.
Julia Ubbenga, a well-known organizer, writes about living a minimalist life. Specifically, Ubbenga’s recommendations often reminded me of my own history working with people. Here is my experience, as well as my customers opinions about transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle.
What is to live life with less stuff?
People feel “lighter” immediately.
Some others say they have more time for family.
An interesting fact is that writing and speaking about minimalism holds people accountable to this lifestyle, evidently preventing them from going back to their consumption-driven ways.
Here are some significant lessons from Julia Ubenga and my clients’ experiences with minimalist lifestyles:
1. You don’t miss what you let go of—you never really needed it anyway
Believe it or not, you don’t miss what you donate because you already gave it a good use. Think of it this way– now you have the satisfaction of knowing that someone else will put it to a good use. Hence, you are blessing someone else.
– Interesting Fact: 80% of the possessions in your home are likely unused or unloved (most of us use just 20% of our stuff). Indeed, we need so much less than we think to be happy.
2. Minimalism is about more than your possessions
Once you remove your excess physical stuff, you unveil other areas of your life that need to be decluttered: your calendar, your mind, your heart, your habits, your relationships.
Removing outer clutter gives us more space (and time) to observe and address our inner clutter.
Likewise, think of it this way: clutter is anything that does not support your better self.
It’s in letting go of both the outer as well as the inner clutter that real lightness is found.
3. The things that matter most aren’t things
The truth is that the things that matter most are our relationships. Particularly with family, friends, and my students and clients just to name a few.
4. Often, you don’t realize the true weight of your clutter until it’s gone
Studies show cluttered homes lead to increased stress (higher cortisol levels) and anxiety. As a result, clearing clutter has immediate benefits; your nervous system relaxes with each excess possession that you give up. In my experience, a minimalist lifestyle is an opportunity to shed what’s weighing you down and fill your life with what makes you feel lighter and more alive.
5. Kids really do thrive in a simple environment based on minimalism
Society sells us the message that more stuff equals a better childhood for our kids. However, I disagree.
A study of toddlers (ages 18-30 months) found that when children were given fewer toys (4 vs. 16) they played longer with each toy and in more varied and creative ways than when many toys were available.
For children aged 1 to 8 years, a study found that children were more likely to fully utilize toys that were age-appropriate compared to toys designed for older children.
6. It’s okay to live in a way others don’t always understand
You don’t need to justify living with less. Instead, just focus on realigning your values and what matters most to you.
7. Life isn’t a push to do more or own more
It’s about doing significant and purposely things. After reading, learning, and expanding my experience in the organizing field, I have been reassured by my customers, that peace of mind has a direct connection to selectively and significantly slowing down and clearing the work and personal clutter around us.
The bottom line…
Fumio Sasaki, author of Goodbye Things, says that
“Minimalism is built around the idea that there is nothing that you are lacking,”
People living a minimalist life say that they lack nothing, and need so much less than what they expected to be happy.
They also say that, conversely to our consumer culture’s push for more, the “good life” isn’t one we can buy.
Happiness simply isn’t found in bigger, or trendier things, but in meaningful simple things.
Call me at 773-803-9415 if you want to embark in a journey to simplifying your spaces.