I wanted to share a few tips I have learned throughout the years that taught me the art of living with less. I enjoy having a peaceful living environment. The fact that I have my own apartment to reflect who I am... brings me so much joy. I enjoy downsizing and organizing my spaces regularly because it makes room for things I love. Let me acknowledge that my Dad taught me all of this, so I dedicate this newsletter to him! Perhaps I will have him come on as a guest if you are interested in hearing more on these topics?
-Value the space in between things rather than just the things themselves. My dad always taught me that as a minimalist he values the space between things as relaxing and calming. Physical objects can clutter us and pull away our attention and our mindfulness.
-Practice your non-attachment
Practicing your non-attachment is part of Buddhist philosophy. I would describe it as not staying attached to material things or letting your possessions own you. It is based on the idea that everything is changing and that nothing is permanent. We don’t get to take any of this with us after our time is up.
-Buy one, GIVE one
For every piece of clothing or pair of shoes I bring in… I donate an old one. I like to play by the hanger rule. I stopped buying hangers years ago. If I do not have a hanger to place the new clothing on...I have to free one up by donating something.
-Thank what you no longer need & say goodbye
I get super sentimental and have difficulty parting ways with some items that hold special memories. It may sound silly...but like Marie Kondo, I like to thank my belongings for the good times and the memories. It is nice to express gratitude and say goodbye without needing to feel guilty for giving old stuff up.
-Take a picture
When it comes to some of the pieces from my childhood… It can be difficult to throw things away that I have had for so long. Sometimes taking a photo of my old artwork can free up space for things that I hold more valuable now that I am an adult.
-Drink the nice wine & burn the good candles
I was holding on to so many products, afraid to “waste them” on an average weekday. Life is too short. Burn the expensive candle, don’t let your wine collect too much dust, and stop saving your spa products under your sink for a “more special occasion”.
-Create a memory box or a time capsule
Look, you don’t need to wipe away your entire existence. Keep one memory box or time capsule with your favorite concert tickets, wristbands, guitar pics, old photos, high school memorabilia, etc. Promise to go through it regularly and reminisce what is in there. Free up what no longer serves you to make room for new memories.
-Clean Sweep
Take everything out of an area to reorganize it! Anyone who watchces organization shows knows why this is important. You must be able to see everything you are working with in order to find a home for each thing. It helps you know where your belongings are when you always put them back where they belong.
-Clean as you go
No one likes a big mess at the end... so clean up as you go. Get rid of things as you use them up. Don't give yoursef a harder time later but just shoving things away where they don't belong.
-Golden rule of selling your stuff: what doesn’t sell does NOT come home!
Do you really want to hold onto this stuff for another few years without ever touching it? If you want to sell it… try and sell it! If it doesn’t sell... it's got to go!