Leaf by mxruben
Leo Babauta’s guide to creating a minimalist home is significant for many reasons but mostly because it is so simple to implement.
It is pathetic how much clutter winds up on my desk, my coffee table, and on my floor. Every time I clean a spot and turn it vacant, it gets cluttered a day or two later.
I need to stop procrastinating and increase my white space.
Erin Lanahan explains this in her expose on leaving home:
If you are loaded up with physical, emotional, and mental “stuff,” there is no room for something new and better. Practice letting go of one thing today—maybe it’s an old idea, an old story, a piece of clothing, or an unhealthy relationship. Allow yourself to process all the feelings and fears that come up as a result.
Remember, when you hold on tightly, you declare that you are incapable of manifesting something equal or better.
I need to let go.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
The guide was actually quite helpful for me. My desk and drawers are always so filled with things I don’t need. Anytime I need to find something important it is just way too hard to find because all of the “stuff” everywhere. Throwing stuff out is better for everybody.
Don’t merely throw your clutter away, but either recycle or freecycle it. One person’s clutter is another’s joy.
Recently when I shifted my house from one city to another, I found that everything I needed was packed in six boxes. I had to let-go all the remaining stuff! That reminds one as to how many things we purchase without thinking about their long-term retention costs!
@Raj you are totally right on this. I had the same experience when I moved. Less accumulation definitely makes life more simple. Now if I could just teach my wife to leave her shoes behind… LOL!
It’s beyond purchasing goods but otherwise getting them and for whatever reason not letting go. Or, putting stuff in multiple places and not in one place; for instance, are your office supplies in one place or scattered around?
Totally agree with the idea of minimalism and getting rid of the unnecessary stuff around your house. Housekeeping gets so much easier. I actually also moved most of my tableware to difficult-to-access cupboard, so I @ the moment have only 2 plates, 2 glasses etc. Oh, the easiness.
That depends how many cupboards one has.
Maybe you just seal your cupboards with huge locks or something and treat them as decoration elements from there on. :]
November 5, 2011 at 8:11 AM
I am the world’s worst clutter keeper!!
But when I moved recently, I cleared tonnes of stuff out. Felt good!
I have a new rule… if I havent used it/worn it in 6 months, then I don’t need it and it can go!
That is a worthy practice — but the 6-month rule doesn’t work for seasonal clothes. Do you get rid of the winter jacket?
Also look beyond clothing and into, well, anything. Even books. If you haven’t read or opened a book on your shelf in the past 12 months, why do you still keep it?
November 5, 2011 at 2:32 PM
After writing about simple living for a couple of years, I’ve become something of an expert on increasing white space. Still, my home and my life are more cluttered than I would like.
The key is to first clean up the things that really bother you, then you have the rest of your life to collect things and eliminate other things.
Gip
My perspective is if your environment is cluttered then your life is too. It takes your surroundings to be acceptable for your life to go along with it.
November 5, 2011 at 4:37 PM
Ari, excellent photo for the post. Letting go is not the mainstream past time, but its something we could do more often. Perfect timing for things I’m working on today for business and personal management!
It’s really is hard letting go of some stuffs that you think you would still need. I several boxes at home that my husband deemed nothing but just waste of space and utterly trash. But I couldn’t find myself letting go of it. After reading you post, I think I would be able to slowly let it go.
i really agree with you on this. very nice point. thanks a lot for sharing this!
Letting go is the hardest thing you will ever do from someone whom you love so much and from the one whom you have sacrificed your life.
I totally love Leo’s writing. It’s so conversational and friendly, yet at the same time very powerful.
Instead of just thinking that it’s a nice read, I actually end up implementing his advice. That’s quite rare, I have to confess.
I love simplicity in my house. I am not exactly a supporter of minimal house; however I read your Leo’s guide and I keen on “simple artwork” and also on the point number 15 of this guide, “place for everything”. Another fact that is crucial for me is that it is easier to clean. Last but not least, in my point of you minimal house gives a sense of calm.
It’s the little things with great sentimental value that I find hard letting go of, but I suppose there’s no harm in putting it away in a drawer… and displaying it when your mother-in-law who bought you that gift is visiting?
I do agree though, I always say I need space to think! No clutter please!
Half way through Leo’s guide, I literally got up and started cleaning my office, bookcase and a few other places for about two solid hours. I’m back now
I actually feel a lot better too. Thanks!
Well, I don’t understand why you want to let go all of this, please explain more, I need some personal motivations by you.
Totally agree with the idea of minimalism and getting rid of the unnecessary stuff around your house. Housekeeping gets so much easier. I actually also moved most of my tableware to difficult-to-access cupboard, so I @ the moment have only 2 plates, 2 glasses etc. Oh, the easiness.