Minimalism: More Than Just Decluttering (My Messy Journey)

The Great Purge That Wasn’t So Great

Okay, so, minimalism. It’s been trending for ages, right? I kept seeing these perfectly curated Instagram feeds, these Zen-like homes, and I thought, “I want that!” I pictured myself sipping herbal tea in a pristine living room, surrounded by nothing but carefully chosen, aesthetically pleasing objects. The reality? Ugh, what a mess!

I started with a vengeance. I went through my closet, ruthlessly tossing anything I hadn’t worn in six months (or was it a year? I forget the rule). I boxed up books, donated kitchen gadgets I’d used exactly once, and even got rid of furniture. It felt amazing…for about a day. Then the panic set in. Was I being too hasty? Would I regret this?

I remember this one specific moment so clearly. I was standing in my (suddenly very empty) living room, staring at the bare walls. And I felt…cold. Not physically cold, but emotionally. It felt sterile, impersonal. I realised I’d gone too far, too fast. Was I trying to be someone I wasn’t? I almost immediately started second-guessing everything I’d gotten rid of. This was not the peaceful, minimalist utopia I had envisioned. It was more like a minimalist wasteland of my own making. Maybe I needed to rethink this whole thing. Who even needs that many throw pillows anyway? But did I throw out *too* many?

Minimalism Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All Thing

The funny thing is, I think a lot of people get caught up in the *idea* of minimalism without really understanding what it means to them, personally. We see the Instagram aesthetic and try to replicate it, forgetting that those are just carefully curated snapshots. Everyone’s journey is going to look different. It’s not about having the least amount of stuff possible; it’s about having *enough*. And “enough” is different for everyone.

For me, the biggest takeaway has been about intentionality. Before, I’d just buy things because they were on sale, or because I thought I *should* have them. Now, I try to be more mindful. Do I really need this? Will it truly add value to my life? Or is it just going to end up cluttering a drawer? This shift in mindset is what made all the difference. Now I’m not just throwing things away, I’m actively choosing what to bring *into* my space, and into my life. It’s kind of like…building a life on purpose, you know?

What Does “Enough” Actually Mean?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. I don’t think there’s a definitive answer. I think it’s a constant process of reflection and adjustment. The amount of possessions that bring me joy without causing undue stress or anxiety is probably a good starting point. It requires me to be honest with myself about my needs versus my wants.

I’ve found it helpful to consider the things I truly value. For example, I love to cook. So, while I did get rid of some kitchen gadgets I never used, I kept my favorite knives and my stand mixer. These things bring me joy, and I use them regularly. On the other hand, I realized I had way too many clothes. I tend to wear the same few outfits over and over. So, I kept the clothes I loved and felt good in, and donated the rest. It’s about prioritizing what is actually important in your life.

Beyond Decluttering: A Mindset Shift

Ultimately, I’ve realized minimalism isn’t really about the stuff. It’s about the freedom that comes from letting go. The freedom from the constant need to acquire more, the freedom from being weighed down by possessions, the freedom to focus on experiences rather than things. If that makes sense?

It’s a mindset shift. And it doesn’t happen overnight. There’s no magic number of possessions to reach, no finish line to cross. I still have days where I feel overwhelmed by clutter, and I still occasionally buy things I don’t need (hello, impulse shopping!). But now, I’m more aware. I’m more intentional. And that’s progress. Maybe you should check out Marie Kondo if you’re curious. I read her book a while back and it really started me thinking about what sparks joy!

So, is minimalism right for you? I don’t know. But I do think it’s worth exploring. Start small, be patient with yourself, and focus on finding what “enough” means for *you*. It’s a journey, not a destination.