For every minute spent minimizing possessions, an hour is earned.
People live busy lives—sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance. Nevertheless, it is a reality of the world we live in.
As a result, there are many who wish to minimize their possessions, but can’t find the margin to do so. If that’s you, this blog post is for you. First, to provide encouragement. Second, to issue a challenge. And third, to offer practical ideas on some ways to find time for decluttering your stuff and enjoying more of the benefits of owning less.
First, some encouragement:
As you declutter, you will almost magically find more time in your schedule. Our possessions are more of a distraction and drain on our time and lives than most people realize. As you move through lived-in spaces, removing items you no longer need, you’ll be surprised how quickly time seems to come back to you.
Your effort is an investment. Accomplish a minute of work, receive an hour of freedom on the other side. Minimalism always works that way.
Time spent removing possessions is never wasted. (tweet that)
But there is an important reality I need to issue here as a challenge:
Each person needs to make minimalism a priority in their own lives. Possessions won’t remove themselves. We need to find the time to push through the initial investment that is required to accomplish this in our homes and lives.
There is an oft-cited proverb that goes like this, “A person being too busy is a myth. People will always make time for the things that are really important to them.” There is truth in that statement. Any busy person who wants to declutter their home, must be willing to make it a priority.
How then, can we find the time to experience these benefits?
Here are 7 Ways to Declutter on a Busy Schedule:
Find one or two that work for you.
1. Wake up early / Stay up late.
When I first started minimizing, there was a two-week stretch when I woke up every morning at 5am, accomplishing 45 minutes of decluttering before my day even started. I didn’t necessarily like getting up early. But I knew, for a short period of time, I could do it—especially for such an important cause. If you are more of a night-person, choosing to stay up later for a period of time is also an option.
2. Turn off the television / Internet browsing.
The statistics concerning our screen time are really quite unbelievable: nearly 10 hours/day. Reclaim control over your life and home by choosing to set aside your electronic device for just 45 minutes/day. Again, this doesn’t need to be a permanent change (though you may like it more than you think). But for a period of time, it can provide the extra time needed to declutter your home on a busy schedule.
3. Make it “family-time.”
One reason finding time to minimize our possessions can be difficult is because we value the time we spend with family—after being away all-day, spending time with our loved ones is important to us and them. Rather than seeing the minimizing of a room as isolating yourself, bring them along and do it together. I realize, of course, this may be easier said than done. But don’t you think these are important skills you want to pass on to your children (and maybe spouse)?
4. Postpone one hobby.
Hobbies are important. They energize us, educate us, and provide a valuable distraction that allows us to re-engage our responsibilities with a fresh mind and body. Make minimalism your hobby. This does not mean you have to give up painting, reading, gardening, mountain-biking, golfing, quilting, baking, or woodworking forever. It simply means you are postponing that hobby briefly… to craft a new life where you can enjoy them more in the future.
5. Take a staycation.
Rather than leaving town for your next week (or long-weekend) vacation, decide you are going to stay home and minimize instead. You’ll save money—in more ways than one. You’ll be able to almost entirely reinvent your life. You can still enjoy fun and unique outings in your own hometown. And most importantly, it may be the most life-changing vacation you ever take.
6. Send the kids away for a short time.
Removing the day-to-day parenting responsibilities for a period of time will likely supply you with the needed hours to accomplish much toward minimalism. On a grand scale, see if the grandparents would be willing to host the grandkids. Or, coordinate summer camps. If neither of those options are possible, don’t discount the amount of work you can accomplish by sending the kids out for an evening alone with your husband/wife.
7. Pass off one responsibility.
This is not always possible in every situation or relationship, but it may be in yours. If you and your partner are in-sync about your need to own less and take back control of your lives, passing off one responsibility for a period of time is something to consider. Could your spouse commit for a few weeks to handle the meals, the laundry, the bedtime routine, the mowing, or cleaning up the kitchen in the evening? Just be sure to use your newfound time efficiently and wisely if he or she agrees :).
Minimalism is not an easy change to make. If you’ve been accumulating possessions in your home for the last several decades, it’s going to take more than one evening to remove them. But as you progress, you will find caring for your home becomes much easier and less time-consuming—resulting in more space in your schedule to minimize other places.
For tips on getting started, begin your journey with easy steps, focusing on the most lived-in rooms in your home. You’ll notice the results and experience the life-giving benefits quicker.
The process of decluttering is a long process – at least for me. I have been working for some time to rid our home of all the stuff that has accumulated over the 40 years we have lived here. As we look toward the next phase of our lives and downsizing, I know lots of stuff has to go. This article has provided additional motivation to continue to move forward when the process seems unending.
Ten years ago, after my divorce, and I moved from a large home into this smaller townhome, I got rid of so much stuff because it would not fit into this townhome. And I did not want many of the things from my “old life” around. It was so Zen in my townhouse….lots of empty drawers, shelves and closets and an empty room. Well, in ten years, much stuff has come into my life (as I knew it would!) so now every drawer, closet and shelf is full. I am purging now in an attempt to get it back to the way it was when I moved in. It has taken a lot of time and energy (gladly spent); but I am surprised at my struggle to get rid of so many things! I am finding it a struggle to give up pretty items I don’t need and have no place for, and also items that I don’t use that I might need one day. I keep as a daily mantras: “Do I really need this?” and “what can I get rid of today?” It helps and my journey continues!
That is short, sweet and to the point. I am going to get up early and get rid of the crap!
Totally inspiring
These are great tips. I have found that no matter how busy we are decluttering can happen when we make it a priority. Also, one thing I’ve found super helpful is to just pay attention as you’re going about your normal routines. I keep a cute basket that is used only for items I’m decluttering. When I come across something that is damaged, straight to the trash or a multiple or something no longer used I place it straight in the basket. When the basket is full I put it in the care for drop off to the donation center.
Margie,
My deepest condolences to you!! You are being very wise to clean out your husband’s things and give them to people who can use them. After my mother passed away, daddy wouldn’t let us even throw away scrap paper she had written a note on…EVERYTHING was exactly the same. Two years later when daddy passed away cleaning out his things and her things brought us double grief. God Bless you!
Margie – thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m happy that uncluttering has given you a mission and something to do in your home. And you’re right, you’ll enjoy it so much more now that it’s uncluttered and peaceful. God be with you and bless you!
My goodness Margie, that really touched me also. Have you read these latest supportive comments? I too, am an avid reader on here but only the first time have commented. Sending you an Irish hug to show warmth and understanding on the passing of your husband. I am so motivated by your words and selfless pragmatic attitude. God Bless and if it suits comment another time so we can see how you are doing x
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. That takes real courage to share your story with others. You are extremely strong for de-cluttering during this time. I can’t say I could do the same. You deserve the peace you will get for all your hard work.
My husband I were already in process of getting rid of the “things”, stuff we “thought” we may have a use for SOME day or may “fix” one day.. it started on New Years Eve of 2018 as we were getting ready to put our Christmas Tree back in the attic. Having spent 9 months cleaning out his mothers house in 2007, we decided we would go ahead and start cleaning our house up and OUT. We completely emptied our attic and the ONLY thing up there is the Christmas Tree. I told my husband that “well, that will be one less thing our son has to do when we’re dead”… We had no idea that 7 days later my husband would be diagnosed with a VERY aggressive cancer. So in between doctors and chemo I continued to declutter and go through things…our battle with the BEAST ended on July 16th..because we knew the end game of his cancer, I was grieving from Day One. Even though it’s not been quite two weeks, I have started serious declutter. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond sad at losing my soulmate of almost 39 years..but I am a realist and know that life DOES go on..There are already men in a homeless shelter that can pick one of his shirts to wear or a pair of pants…someone needed those things more than I needed to keep them..sorry for the long story, but to those of you that are thinking of minimizing and decluttering in the future, don’t wait, do it now..after all, most of it is JUST stuff! I’m not even saving for a yard sale..donation, trashing or freebies…and it’s also helping me stay busy, so that when I return to work, I will come home, yes, to a quiet house, but to one where I can know that there is Peace in.
I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I’ve never commented on anything here before, but your post really touched me. Do what you need to do and what you think is right. My thoughts go out to you and your family. I’m so sorry x
I am so sorry for your loss. When my father died after a short fight with the BEAST, my mother started clearing his things out of the house quickly, as well. After having to clear out both of my grandmothers’ houses, she wanted things to be easier for my brother and me. She felt some guilt for this, as friends of hers said how hard it was to give up their spouses’ things. I told her that she needed to do things on her own timeline. My brother and I greatly appreciate her cleaning out all of the unneeded things before the time comes for us to have to do it all at once, as we both live in different states. She also feels more peace with a pared-down house.
My mother likewise, gave dad’s stuff to relatives and missions in local city. We have been decluttering this past year, waiting on a townhouse to become available. I still think I need to get rid of more stuff, as in the beginning it was easier because I knew what to get rid of. Second time (after waiting awhile) I still found items. Furniture is easiest overall to unload. Got some packed boxes in garage going to group home next week.
Margie I am so sorry to hear of your loss. But you are right, someone might really need that item. It was very generous and brave of you to think of others. When my dad died my mom took his untouched/sealed glaucoma medications back to his doctor and was able to donate them to another patient who couldn’t afford them. He and his wife met my mom and were so grateful and I know it eased my mom’s grief a little bit.
My mom told me a long time ago to put ALL my kitchen utensils in a box and then take out what I need WHEN I need it) and put it away. Then after a few months see what you’ve still got in the box and gift it to the local homeless shelter. It’s amazing how little I actually use in the kitchen. I started doing this in all my rooms and it’s helped me enormously in seeing how much I actually use, versus how much I thought I used.
I try to declutter an area nearby while I am waiting for something. If I am making supper and waiting for a timer to go off I take those minutes and scan through a kitchen drawer to see if there is anything I can remove. The same in the bathroom while brushing my teeth. If I spot an item I haven’t worn in a long time while getting dressed I drop it in the donate pile. Tiny decluttering sessions can really add up!
I’d like to have someone address the on going nature of minimalism. The things that lurk in dark corners of the garage that still need to be dealt with. The daily choices to not buy more stuff and give stuff as gifts. The challenge for an artist/crafter with a variety of interests.
I do the “get up early— and turn off the TV” type deal. It really helps!