Over the past two years, an alternative form of living called minimalism has become popular. Minimalism is intentionally living with only the things you absolutely need. I started to get interested in minimalism about two years ago when I came across a makeup decluttering video. From there, I watched room cleaning videos, decluttering videos, and then I found minimalist videos. These videos were entertaining and gave me the urge to start deep cleaning and decluttering. My journey to minimalism started with decluttering my clothes. I realized I had so many clothes that I never wore, so I decided to keep only what I thought was necessary and donated the rest. I used that process with makeup, books, shoes, papers, etc. I’m definitely far from being the perfect minimalist, but remember everyone’s journey is different! Minimalism has found a purpose in my life by encouraging me to not be wasteful and to be aware of the things I am buying or using. I encourage anyone reading this to try out minimalism in one part of your life.  It may completely change your thinking about your accumulation and spending on possessions.

Here are 3 websites that can help you start your journey to minimalism:

https://makespace.com/blog/posts/how-to-become-a-minimalist/

https://bemorewithless.com/begin/

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/minimalism-benefits/

The Konmari Method

An organizational specialist and founder of the Konmari method named Marie Kondo, entered the media spotlight in 2019, because of her two decluttering books and Netflix series. Marie Kondo’s way of tidying isn’t to decide what to get rid of, but to decide what to keep. It is a way to simplify and organize your space.

Marie Kondo’s way to decluttering is:

1. Commit yourself to tidying up.
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
3. Finish discarding first. Before getting rid of items, sincerely thank each item for serving its purpose.
4. Tidy by category, not location.
5. Follow the right order.
6. Ask yourself it it sparks joy.

And five categories to tackle:

• 1. Clothes
• 2. Books
• 3. Papers
• 4. Komono (a.k.a. Miscellaneous Items)
• 5. Sentimental Items

Marie Kondo’s website:

https://konmari.com/

Printable guides to follow:

https://makinglemonadeblog.com/free-printable-decluttering-konmari-method-checklist/

https://www.askawayblog.com/2019/02/the-ultimate-konmari-decluttering.html

https://themommadiaries.com/free-printable-konmari-checklist/