- become a minimalist.
- write a novel.
- run a marathon.
- quit smoking.
- learn a new language.
- lose 30 pounds.
- meditate every day.
- remain a minimalist.
decluttering make-up
in case you are looking for a weekend decluttering project – how about minimalizing some of the old make-up that you no longer use (or rarely use)? perhaps, this article will give you the inspiration to finally remove some of the old products you may be holding on to just in case… what is the shelf life of make-up?
donate your old prom dress at jordan’s furniture
i realize this news story is regional (if you live in new england), but it is such a great idea that i couldn’t help but spread the word:
jordan’s furniture has recently announced that they will be teaming up with anton’s cleaners once again to provide prom dresses for teenage girls who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them. the program couldn’t be easier. just bring your gently-used, wearable prom dress to any jordan’s furniture by april 14, 2009. the dresses will be collected at jordan’s and then cleaned by anton’s cleaners. the program utilizes local schools and social services to distribute the dresses. the program is appropriately titled: belle of the ball.
what an amazing opportunity to help a teenage girl create a lasting memory and remove some clutter from your closet at the same time.
Why I Am a Good Candidate for Minimalism
Looking back, I can now begin to see some of the reasons why becoming a minimalist was an easy decision for me:
- I don’t make a ton of money. We have enough, but not too much. Financial circumstances have always played a role in my decision making.
- I’m a bit naturally frugal. Minimalism is not the same as frugality, but there is plenty of overlap.
- I enjoy minimalist design in all things, from clothes & watches to art & interior design.
- We are done having children. Although my kids are young, we have no need to “hang on to something just in case.” When they outgrow something, we can give it away. That doesn’t mean future parents can’t become minimalist, it just means, for me, the process was a bit easier.
- I don’t fear change. Becoming minimalist is definitely a life-changing decision. I’m not afraid of it, I look forward to it.
- There are things I value more than possessions. God, family, relationships, character. When our pursuits are for greater things that material possessions, minimalism is an easy change to see the benefit of.
- I enjoy clean, tidy, uncluttered rooms. I like clean spaces, but don’t like to clean. Go figure! Minimalism scratches that itch.
- We entertain often. Minimalism helps us keep the house in a perpetual state of order for when company arrives.
- I kinda like the attention that comes from being minimalist. I’m not afraid to live a countercultural life. In fact, I love to tell others about you. Mostly because people love the idea when they hear about it.
How about you? What factors/experiences in your life, have made you a good candidate for minimalism?
my home’s clutter collection sites
my family has been on the journey towards minimalism for 5 months now. over the course of the 5 months, i have identified some of the key clutter collection sites in my home:
- kitchen counter (mail, school papers, kids’ artwork)
- bedroom dressers (coins, magazines, books, pocket items, work projects brought home)
- dining room table (toys, shopping bags)
- home office desk (receipts, unpaid bills, computer print-outs, paperwork)
- toy room (toys, toys, toys)
clutter attracts clutter. and these specific areas of my home have brought frustration to my life as they continue to collect clutter even after five months of purging. clearly, they require almost daily attention.
this past weekend i turned a corner in my thinking. i realized that five months ago i would not have been able to identify my clutter collection sites. today, i can tell you what they are and what collects there. i understand the flow of my home enough to realize what needs to be attended to each day. and am now at a place to address those areas and seek solutions.
it’s all part of the process of becoming minimalist.
can you identify your home’s clutter collection sites?
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