Most blogs on minimalism discuss getting started with minimalism via decluttering, but there is a lot of information out there, so here are some specific ideas to help you.
- You can use these suggestions for any month, not just December:
- These “games” from Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn aka The Minimalists are a good way to jumpstart the process:
Packing Party: Unpack a Simpler Life
- If the “games” above are too overwhelming to begin with, decide on a smaller goal, perhaps one item from one room a day, or one item from each room, or set the timer and declutter as much as you can from one room in X minutes, or . . . you decide. It’s ok to start small!
- Shosh’s mid-life method for starting to declutter: Declutter the same amount of items as your age (you don’t have to tell anyone how many items that is)! Challenge the people living with you to do the same.
- Skim through Joshua Becker’s book, The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
. Becker also offers an online course: “Uncluttering.” (I took this course when it was offered free as part of his book promotion.) He offers the course several times a year and mentions it on his Facebook page, Becoming Minimalist, and his blog (same name). Here are a few ideas from his blog, Becoming Minimalist:
. Becker also offers an online course: “Uncluttering.” (I took this course when it was offered free as part of his book promotion.) He offers the course several times a year and mentions it on his Facebook page, Becoming Minimalist, and his blog (same name). Here are a few ideas from his blog, 15 Clutter Busting Routines For Any Family
10 Creative Ways to Declutter Your Home
- For wardrobe advice, take a look at capsule wardrobes such as Courtney Weaver’s Project 333: Project 333
- Courtney Weaver also has a blog, Be More With Less, with many useful tips:
25 Ways to Simplify Your Life in 10 Minutes or Less
7 Tiny Steps for the Beginner Minimalist
The Little Guide to Digital Decluttering
- Leo Babauta has multiple posts from his blog, Zen Habits, about getting started. Here are a few:
The Quickstart Guide to a Decluttered Home
Simple Living Simplified: 10 Things You Can Do Today to Simplify Your Life
Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life
25 Ways to Simplify Your Life with Kids
- Read my blog! While it focuses on my journey, I generally address some of the larger issues or struggles that many of us go through, especially after years of raising a family. I often include tips or resources at the end of each post. Take a look at these posts in particular:
19-Deep Decluttering: Dressers and Closets and Garages, Oh My!
Check out my Resources page for some ideas on who and what to read, listen to, and watch.