If you are an aspiring minimalist and looking to live more simply there are several pitfalls associated with this lifestyle. So, before you begin or if you are at the start of your journey, here are some common mistakes you should try to avoid:
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Believing everything you see on social media: YouTube videos, Instagram stories and Facebook pictures can be weeks, months, if not years in the making. Take for instance a mother who is doing one final decuttler of her children’s toys- she may have been on her minimalist journey for several years. Don’t believe that a 20 minute video is just the result of a few hours of work. It’s not, so avoid putting pressure on yourself to keep up with these unrealistic expectations.
Working to a number: Some minimalists work to a specific number of items they prefer to own. While this may be a good fit for them, it won’t necessarily gel with your way of life- especially if you are someone who has a lot of stuff to start with. Whittle your items down to what you love and what is useful- whatever number that comes to is your personal sweet spot and that’s OK if it’s not the same as someone else’s. You don’t even have to count everything you own- that is just one tool of many people use to keep on top of the flow of things in and out of their home.
Following someone’s advice to the letter: Whether you read books on minimalism, watch videos or follow popular minimalists on Instagram, you don’t have to live life exactly as they do, or mimic their actions exactly. More often than not- influencers in this field will use the disclaimer that this has worked for them but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you- and this is very true. Everyone is different and minimalism will mean something else to you, so do what feels comfortable and carve your own path.
Starting with sentimental stuff first: This is without a doubt the hardest category to declutter, so it’s important that you ‘warm yourself up’ with easier places in the home to strengthen that muscle. If you begin with the most difficult items, you are more likely to stop before you reach the stuff that you have no attachment to. Purge your junk mail before you tackle your photos for instance.
Starting without a purpose: What do you want to minimise for? If you don’t know ‘the why’, you will struggle to finish or find the motivation to even start. Be clear what your reasons are behind paring down your things.
- Do you want to sell your excess items to put some money away for a holiday of a lifetime?
- Do you want to downsize to a smaller home?
- Do you want to be at peace in your current surroundings?
- Do you want to reduce the amount of arguments you partner and your partner have around stuff?
Write the whys down if you need to to keep focused throughout.
Doing too much at once: Those who dive into decluttering often lose their momentum quickly because it is hard work, especially if you have a lot to get through. Don’t think you are going to become a minimalist overnight or sort your home out in a weekend. This simply won’t happen. Little and often is the best approach as it’s sustainable and manageable whatever your life looks like. If you are a busy, single mum of two with a full time job- tidying out your sock drawer is more achievable than emptying an entire garage. Start small and you are more likely to persist.
Letting things linger: Once you have decided to get rid of something- make it your priority to get it out of the house ASAP. The longer things stick around in a holding area or in the boot of your car, the more likely they are to venture back into your home. Children are experts at seeking things out they haven’t seen in a while only to proclaim they are their ‘favourites’ again and you will feel compelled to return them to your space once more. Don’t give them the opportunity. Now the charity shops are open again, there is no excuse.
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