After years of being on and off social media, I noticed a common thread: we are all searching for something. The search is on from a pair of sneakers to our life’s purpose! It seems to be woven into our DNA; we are searching, and once that search is filled, the next one begins. Have we stopped to ask ourselves, ‘What am I trying to fulfill?’ What if we start by removing instead of adding? Could we already have all that we need at arm’s length?
By lightening the load and treading through life a bit more simply, we can uncover the things already there to enjoy. Is less more? While minimalists have significantly impacted today’s culture by adding nuggets of truth, there may be an approach that is a bit more digestible for not-so-minimalist people. By definition, decluttering is the removal of unnecessary items. Minimizing means reducing something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant. By combining these two methods, we can achieve a balance. With balance in mind, let’s declutter our items and minimize some possessions altogether. Here is a deeper dive into things to declutter; please keep in mind that these are just suggestions and ideas to get your creative juices flowing about what to declutter.
1. Photos
Photos are a moment in time, a trigger to good or not-so-good memories. If you look at a photo and like how it makes you feel, keep it. If the photo gives you a not-so-good feeling, discard it. If you think you are throwing away someone else’s memory, mail them the photo, but only if they would be happy to receive it. Keeping old photos can hold us back from the person we want to be. Does your current spouse want to see old photos of an ex or previous spouse? Does it matter to you to keep this item?
2. Trophies
I know these are badges of honor; I get it. We worked hard for these, and they are not replaceable if we earned them with great intention and purpose; great! But if these were made with the intent to be something we are not, via ego-driven actions that destroy our lives, do we want to keep them? Are we going to hang them on our wall, so all people who walk into our home see our accomplishments? Or will they be stored in a box to be hidden and carted around during every move? Intensions are a great place to look at when making these decisions.
3. Relationships
This is a challenging and one of the most difficult aspects to tackle. History is something that, over time, I have grown to appreciate. Chatting with a close friend or family member can be one of the most nostalgic feelings we can ever have. As time goes on, we change and evolve, and people can either add value or hold us back. We all have 24 hours a day, and relationships require time and nurturing to thrive. I often ask myself how I want to spend my time. If it is toxic to us, remove it. However, it does not need to be harmful to say that this person is not adding value to my life, and I am not adding to theirs. Leave it right there, no more, no less.
4. Music
Music is one of the most transcendent forms of art that triggers so many emotions. Music can shape our thoughts, and our thoughts shape our lives. Let’s ask ourselves, is this good for our spirit? Does this music trigger my ego or prompt humility? Depending on what you’re looking for, it is the type of music you want to feed your precious ears.
5. Extra Vehicles
Most households today have two or more vehicles. Have we asked ourselves if this is necessary? Let’s take a moment and consider the care and cost it takes to maintain a car. Could we re-position our daily tasks and habits around owning one car? While convenience is excellent, sometimes inconvenience is precisely what brings us closer. Carpooling with your spouse, imagine the conversations you would have that may have been missed.
6. Credit Cards
I know all the points; these points can get us rewards, plane tickets, and hotel stays. Sometimes, free stuff isn’t so free. While upfront, having credit cards comes with perks, ask yourself if this is taking up more of your time with budgeting or making it harder to stick to a budget. Does it prompt us to spend more or less when shopping, and do we need more than one card or any at all? Paying your credit card bill is also another step, and an account that could be eliminated.
7. Events, school functions, birthday parties, etc.
These are all great things to attend; we can agree that nothing stresses us out more than being overly scheduled. Regarding invitations, choose wisely and kindly say no; I can’t make it; excuses are unnecessary, and people don’t like them anyway. The less obliged we feel, the more we spend our time in places where we add value.
8. Books
Books are lovely; I mean, the direct link to ideas, thoughts, and an escape to another world. At one time, these were our movies. While having a collection of books is beneficial, do we need to keep them all?
9. Shoes
Do we need such a wide variety if we only wear one pair at a time? How about if we have what we need, plus 1? It’s easy to accumulate a collection of shoes over time, especially as adults, since our shoe size tends to remain the same. Limiting the number of shoes we have can allow us to purchase better quality and have less clutter.
10. Complicated Anything
Here is a question I often ask myself. What is the most straightforward path that will get me the result I am looking for? Ask this question when looking for new cooking recipes, hobbies, decorating, clothing, vacations, etc. It is surprising how often we can complicate things and end up purchasing more than we need. Sometimes, the most straightforward path is the most enjoyable and leaves us with less waste of product and time.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering and minimizing are ongoing habits; the more we practice them, the easier it becomes to recognize the items that need to be removed. These are not rules, but rather ideas that can be customized to fit your needs. Decluttering some of the most challenging areas is a great way to tread through this season a bit lighter! Enjoy.