So we’ve all seen those beautiful homes where everything has a place. It’s cozy and warm and delightful. My secret to you about those homes is this- there is absolutely a closet of thing chaotically filled to the brim somewhere in that house, hidden from sight.
For those in the United States, we live in consumerism and materialistic tendencies. The sizes of families have gone down but the size of homes have increased. Long story short- it’s hard to get a handle on our houses!
I first learned about Minimalism when I was in college. I was watching a YoutTuber named Matt DeAvella. He talked about using minimalist lifestyle to simplify he day to day life, clothing, even his budgeting so he could pay off his student debt in less than ten years. Since then I was hooked on the idea! But it takes more than just liking an idea for it to work.
However, flash forward three years and I’m living with my boyfriend who does not live this lifestyle at all. So how do you cope? How do you declutter when it’s his things? I have a few tips on that:
I took on a 30 day decluttering challenge where on the first day you decluttering one item. Then the second day, two items. This goes on until you hit 30 days or you tap out because you’re out of items. Personally, I never saw the 30th day, but I did get the amount of things in my home reduced significantly and I maintained it for the most part. Per the Marie Alonso method. All of the items in my home bring me significant joy and light. In fact, I was able to move all my items into a small studio apartment without needing to reduce any personal items (with the exception of a kitchen table.)
Ask about the item
Do you see that old magazine or broken glass that’s just existing but you’re not sure why? Keep your communication aboutz as it open and see if it’s something that they still want to keep. And if they do? Respect that! It brings them joy so why would you remove that?
Declutter Your Things Too
You can always see someone else’s mess from a mile away, but have you checked your own closet lately? Or that junk drawer? Or cleaned up your mail pile? Focusing on your items is important. Besides, by decluttering your items, you inspire your partner to do the same.
One Item a Day
My partner has never been and will never be focused on clutter or having a super tidy home. And that’s okay! But I am and we agree that we need to meet in the middle on this issue. So our solution is this:
One item to declutter a day. Whether it’s being thrown away, donated, sold, whatever! It’s one item a day. We don’t purchase a lot of excess things so when it comes to decluttering, the one item rule works for us because the ratio of items being declutter Ed is higher than the items entering our home.
And always, always, ALWAYS ask about it first if it doesn’t belong to you!
Decluttering can be helpful or extremely overwhelming depending on the person. Never be afraid to go at your pace! You deserve to live in a home that brings you nothing but peace and joy. Hopefully decluttering some of the misc items that you no longer care about can help.
Until Next Time,
Dana
My Bright Corner 