Even before I watched Marie Kondo’s episodes on Netflix, I’d already been thinking about living more simply. Fewer possessions, fewer clothes, fewer “junk items” that we keep “just in case.” (Just in case of what, exactly?)
As a first step, I started with food. I buy what we need for the week’s recipes—no random ingredients for future meals. Next, beauty products. I’m cutting back on eyeshadow palettes and tubes of mascara. One at a time—I replace them when they run out. (Instead of stockpiling tons of colors when I know full well I always end up using the same ones anyway!)
During my big seasonal cleanups, I take the opportunity to take inventory of all my belongings and sort through the things that are no longer useful to me or that no longer bring me joy (as Ms. Kondo would say). Not only are my closets, drawers, and storage spaces less cluttered, but cleaning goes faster, expenses are easier to predict (and fewer), and those famous storage units are better organized—and, most importantly, fewer in number!
When an item is no longer useful to me, I like to sell it for a small price. If it doesn’t sell, I’ll donate it to a local charity.
With a lovely little 18-month-old who wants to explore everything, we have more space to play with her. With the money we’ve saved, we go on family outings and can afford to invite friends over more often.
It’s reassuring to think that I’ll probably have about ten fewer boxes to pack when I move in the future, since I’m mindful of how much stuff I buy.
I’d really love for my partner to join me in my minimalist journey. However, he’s very attached to his belongings. I don’t force him to be as involved as I am, but I’d really love for him to sort through, donate, or sell the things he no longer uses! Personally, having fewer possessions helps me reconnect with life’s little joys: a candlelit bath, a hot cup of coffee, family laughter, more spacious living areas, and the smell of clean floors… for as long as they stay that way (we’re moms, after all!)