Note: This is a guest post from Anthony Ongaro of Break the Twitch.
“One quick question: why are we all working so hard for stuff we don’t need, just so you can ‘tidy up’ and give it all way…?” —Carl Richards
It’s no secret that removing excess can create an incredible amount of freedom. With fewer things to organize, less financial stress, and more time to pursue things that matter, minimalism creates the opportunity to design a life aligned with your values.
Once you’re in the swing of things, it feels great to donate and declutter items from your home. At a certain point, you’ll reach a place of equilibrium where you’ll simply have to maintain the work you’ve done. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to continue building upon the progress you’ve made.
Here are seven ways to create new opportunities and take additional steps in your intentional living journey.
1. Start a blog. Starting a blog is one of the most important things I’ve done for my intentional living journey. A blog provides personal accountability, a record of learnings over the years, and a place online where people can connect with you. I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to connect with other bloggers and creators who are making things they’re passionate about. Many of these connections would have never happened had I not started putting my ideas out into the world online.
2. Take better care of your things. If you’ve pared down your belongings in a significant way, you should be left with the things that you love most. A little bit of extra care can preserve them for much longer than typical lifecycles. For example, using a dryer is one of the most damaging things you can do to your clothes. With fewer clothing items, hang-drying is quick, easy, and preserves the quality of the clothing. I’ve learned to enjoy doing laundry, and thanks to this method, I have many shirts that still look brand new despite being worn every week for the last two years. I use a folding rack that can be easily stored when not in use.
3. Travel somewhere new. Going to a new, unfamiliar place can be perspective-changing, and incredibly powerful. Try visiting a place that is outside of your comfort zone, perhaps somewhere less economically fortunate than where you live. There are very happy people all over the world living on a fraction of the income that an average first world resident earns. Traveling to such places will change the way you think about money, and the power of what it can accomplish when used effectively.
4. Donate money. When we commit to live with less, the money we require each month decreases. As debt gets paid off and spending lessens, you can choose to leverage your resources to change the world for the better. There are organizations doing amazing work, putting 100% of donated funds towards projects that make a direct and immediate difference in people’s lives. Not only do you get the freedom that comes with choosing to live with less, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
5. Volunteer time. It feels great to serve others, but connecting with other volunteers can be just as rewarding. It’s empowering and uplifting to be around people who help others actively take steps to do so. Spend some time connecting with people in the spirit of giving and you will find your own life filled with joy and gratitude. Find an organization with a mission that aligns with your values, then register to volunteer with them.
6. Do nothing. Just because you have more time and energy to do something, doesn’t always mean you should. It’s easy to fall back into the “busy” trap and let unproductive things fill the space created by decluttering. One of the best things you can do for yourself is leave some room to breathe, relax, or simply catch up. Put the smartphone away, sit, and gaze out the window for a while. It may feel unproductive, but rest assured: you’re sharpening the axe instead of chopping with a dull blade.
7. Establish a new daily habit. In order to enhance the positive changes you’ve created through decluttering, implement a few daily habits into your life. Start with just one thing and do it every day for a week; then add on another thing each week. These habits can be anything from a 10 minute walk to spending a few minutes learning new Spanish vocabulary words. Start small, build up as you go, and commit to at least 60 consecutive days.
Intentional living is a lifelong pursuit, and doesn’t stop once the decluttering is done. There are many ways to spend your time and energy that add substantial value, opportunity and joy for yourself and the people you love.
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Anthony Ongaro writes at Break the Twitch and helps others explore ways to live a more intentional life. You can also find him on Facebook and YouTube.
These are great tips, Anthony! I also rarely use our dryer and I agree that it helps the clothes last longer and look fresher (and it also reduces ironing, which I haven’t done in a really long time!).
Decluttering is definitely an ongoing process as I have gone through several periods of my life intermittently ‘nesting’ then clearing out like crazy.
At the age of 47 I feel that I have finally reached my point of ‘peak consumption’ and have spent the last few weeks clearing each drawer, cupboard, work surface and room of everything I really don’t need or like.
I would never have described myself as a hoarder yet have still made numerous trips to my 3 favourite charity shops weighed down with bags of clothing, accessories, homeware and ornaments.
My entire CD and book collection I donated to charity following a family bereavement a few years ago, after which I made several significant changes which seem to have had a domino like effect, greatly enhancing each area of my life in turn.
I exchanged a mind numbing but well paid job ( where I felt duty bound to remain until retirement) for a part time minimal wage job working with people (which is oh so more rewarding and I can actually make a difference to others lives ), lost a significant amount of weight after educating myself on fitness and nutrition, addressed the cause of my life long anxieties head on and rediscovered the simple joys in life, especially long walks in nature.
I have always lived with a minimalist mindset, as a child I loved to clear out my tiny bedroom and as a teenager/young adult rarely watched television.
I have never owned a car and walk everywhere or use public transport.
Whilst colleagues were filling their (100% mortgaged) new build 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom homes with 60″ flat screen tv’s, acquiring the latest ‘must have’ car and spending 2 weeks on alcohol fuelled holidays in Tenerife, I was quietly paying off the mortgage on my nice little flat and enjoying cultural trips to Europe, educating myself in language, the arts, history and politics.
I always loved the liberty of travelling with only the bare necessities and my favourite clothing packed in a small case and staying in hotel rooms which were small and sparse but contained everything needed.
I also enjoyed the freedom of being ‘ in transit’ , completely untethered to a house full of belongings. Nowadays I get that same feeling when out walking in nature with my little rucksack.
I don’t imagine I will ever reach the extent of living in a home with only a seat and one vase, no pictures or curtains and only 2 pairs of shoes (though I admire those who do)
I do like a very neat and clean home with everything in its place. I prefer a lack of storage as I feel that storage just encourages clutter.
I’ve always dreamt of a ‘capsule’ wardrobe and am constantly editing my clothing and accessories.
My latest challenge is to leave my credit card at home and only use to purchase large items as although I clear off the balance each month I am realising that using cash makes me think through each purchase very carefully.
It also makes me question, appreciate and enjoy every item, be it a punnet of fresh strawberries or a notebook.
I also spend a lot of time just quietly thinking. I used to feel compelled to fill every waking moment with activity to somehow justify my existence to others. I’m learning to let go of that now.
It’s so good to read there are many likeminded people out there, on various stages of the minimalist journey. I love that each article and book I read resonates with my own experience yet also teaches and inspires even further.
It’s a constantly enlightening process.
I really enjoyed reading your blog Gill I’ve never blogged but maybe I should. Funny I bought a dryer but have not used it I hang clothes on the door handles or door frames lol
I encourage others to clean out the un needed stuff often, give the usable items to group homes in your area. We have several in my community. Call first before donating furniture since they will come and pick it up. Re-gifting to group homes or others, items not needed also.
For people who cant travel too often to declutter their minds I think a walk anywhere in nature is good- in the park ,by a fied by a river by some trees or whatever . Nature is a great healer.
Thanks Anthony, it’s a great post to remind us that decluttering should be viewed as the catalyst to a change in lifestyle and not the end result.
I looked at the previous comments and see that a lot of us have already done number 1 and started our own blogs – lovely.
I like to think that a rising tide raises all ships. More people talking about this, the bigger the movement! Thanks for your kind words. -Anthony
Awesome article! I didn’t know that using a dryer can lessen the life of clothes. I will have to hang dry more often.
This is a great post!! Thank you!!
Thank you for your kind comment, Hailey. Take care -Anthony
“Intentional living is a lifelong pursuit, and doesn’t stop once the decluttering is done. There are many ways to spend your time and energy that add substantial value, opportunity and joy for yourself and the people you love.”- This really spoke to me. It is so true. I also love how once we are able to stop decluttering we are able to look outward. I am definitely finding this to be true.
Love it – I’m glad that resonated with you, Catherine. It has been a very significant change for me as well.
I love to travel to somewhere new. It really opens my perspective and experience new things.
And it is true that sometimes I feel overwhelmed and just need to do nothing and gaze out the window. Great tips Josh. :)
Travel is one of the great horizon-wideners. New perspective, new life. Thanks Shawn!
I love this, so much I read on productivity is about doing more with the extra time, but I love the idea of taking the extra time to do nothing. We have lost the art of being bored with so much to do a click away! Thanks for the post
Thank you, Kristal – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’m 6 months into minimalism and am losing momentum so thank you for this!
http://www.rosieleizrowice.com
Keep it up, you got this! It’s a journey and you’ll find your balance point when it comes.
Great post! Also +1 on the mental decluttering! After all what’s the point of the physical declutter (objects, and data), if the mind is still cluttered? I started to pare down possessions and head towards minimalism over a year ago now, I’ve still not reached a point where I can say “There! I’m minimalist!”, but the journey is fun. One issue is that my partner is a bit of a minimalist “muggle”, so I try to lead by example. Over the last year I have witnessed her actually perform tiny sparks of minimalism…so I think it’s working!
I’m also considering starting a blog, mostly in order to improve my writing skills, but also to garner some accountability so that the habits I form stay with me.
Wonderful post–there are far to many “do more” posts encouraging greater productivity. I definitely have my best insights when I give myself some mental rest, travel, volunteer or just help others in some way. It’s easy to become near-sighted when we’re just focused on “how much I can get done today.”
Hi Anthony— thanks for your your guest post here! Living intentionally is great. I’ve learned so much from Joshua and his friends, like you :)
Love the laundry idea!
I have also found (especially with work clothes) you don’t have to wash them every-time you wear them. Yes, often they can be hung back up in the closet.
I’m also a big fan of thrift shops for clothing—
1. The savings is phenomenal.
2. I’m all about the reuse–reduce–recycle
3. It gives me the opportunity to drop off unwanted items as-well.
In a world of chaos— it’s wonderful to do our small part to make the world a better place and to help enrich the lives of those around us. Little things go a long way…and intentional living makes it happen! :)
I think I’m going to be shifting to 100% thrift shopping for any ‘new’ clothing I get. There is a stylist that works at one of the places here where I live, and she will help you build effective outfits out of things they have there. Seems like a great way to do it. -Anthony
I’d like to start a blog but I haven’t a clue as to how to do it. (I’m not exactly a computer whiz. If I go beyond e-mail or Facebook I’m lost.) I don’t even know the difference between a blog and a website.
This might help you get set up —> https://www.becomingminimalist.com/start-a-blog/
It’s amazing how being intentional with our daily actions can change our lives; the personal freedom that comes along with that. The biggest thing, one that often keeps quite, is that the more you take care of yourself through daily intentional actions, the more it impacts the people around you. When I take care of myself— journaling, writing, meditating, working on a passion project—I’m able to give my best self to others. My kids see me differently, therefore, my parenting has changed, resulting in an influence of my family tree. What might seem small, i.e. journaling, can have a lifetime affect on those around you. Quite fascinating. Great tips and thanks for sharing.
Nice post! The momentum that started when I decluttered and bought nothing for a year never stopped, luckily. Once you let go of “stuff”, it feels so good you want to keep your life that way!
Amen! Love to hear that. Thanks, Julie.
I do all of these things (and nothing!) and they definitely help me live more intentionally. Absolutely love this piece.
Hi Daisy, I’m glad you enjoyed it, I enjoy your blog as well. :) -Anthony
Anthony- Your suggestion to “do nothing” is often overlooked as a viable way to declutter your mind. My father was a busy Judge and handled many complex cases. Sometimes I’d catch him on weekends sipping on an iced tea on the patio, doing nothing. I’d asked him what he was up to and he’d say, “Day dreaming. It clears my mind.” Here’s to a little more day dreaming in our lives!
Hey John! What a cool thing for your father to do. Sounds like an incredible influence. -Anthony
Great post :) I am having problems with my “mental clutter” so I am trying to find ways to relax and am getting into meditation.
Thank you for reading. – Anthony
Excellent tips and a great reminder of just how important this is to our mental well being, as well. Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you, Ashley!
Love all these ideas, especially the do nothing! It’s my favorite! However, my husband and I have 7 children so no drier would make my life much LESS simple. Everyone has a small wardrobe (a week and a halfs worth on average) and I do laundry once or twice a week. How? We wear our clothes for several days before they are deemed “dirty” (unless they truly are covered in dirt or food) No point in washing clothes that aren’t truly dirty. So while I do use my drier we wear our clothes several times which results in less laundry and less washing and drying too!
Melissa, you’re right – my hang dry advice is completely circumstantial. It sounds like you have a great system worked out for your family, though! -Anthony
Not only decluttering your physical space and mental space(good suggestion Jeffrey Pillow) but, I’ve been struggling but am starting to declutter my electronical (tech) space. Gives more time for relaxation and a whole lot less stress/anxiety in life.
The digital space is a whole other realm. So much storage and infinitely stackable folders make it easy to forget what’s there. Thanks for your comment, Lois.
Indeed. The electronic space is my next frontier on which to embark. I have to admit though, I’m dreading that one a bit. At the same time, once it is condensed and organized, it will make things so much easier to find and utilize, particularly in regard to writing.
After you declutter your physical space, declutter your mental space with meditation.
It pairs well with a minimalist mindset and is one of my main ingredients in managing anxiety, an affliction I’ve had all my life.
Yes! It doesn’t stop with the physical space around us.
I haven’t completely decluttered my house but I started to declutter my head of anxiety a couple of weeks ago. I started swimming and that just makes every thing melt away.