“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Whenever I have opportunity to speak on the benefits of minimalism, I allow time at the end for some question and answer with the participants. I believe strongly the journey of minimalism is a personal journey. And as a result, I always expect there to be unique, specific circumstances in the audience which could not possibly have been addressed from upfront.
And while each setting, venue, and audience vary from presentation to presentation, the first few questions from any audience are nearly identical. Depending on who I call on first, I will receive one of these questions: What about my sentimental items and family heirlooms? What about my books? What about my kids’ toys? My husband/wife will never go along with this idea, what should I do with their clutter?
Interestingly enough, each of these questions sound unique. And in some ways they are, they do represent different personalities and/or family dynamics. But there is one great similarity in each of these questions. And it is this similarity that causes too many people to get stuck in their journey towards a clutter-free home.
Notice, each of these questions represent the apparent “toughest” thing in their homes to declutter: books, heirlooms, or clutter from someone else in the family. Each of their minds has quickly raced to the most difficult area in their home to declutter. And the thought of removing those items from their home seems daunting.
My response to their question is always the same: Take heart. You don’t need to start with the hard stuff. Instead, start at the easiest place possible in your home. Build up little victories and momentum by clearing the clutter from your automobile, a drawer, your living room, or maybe your bathroom cupboard. You’ll quickly begin to experience the benefits of living with less… and you’ll know what to do when you finally arrive at the seemingly impossible areas in your home.
A few years back, I ran a marathon. It was the fulfillment of a life dream. I had always wanted to run one as an exercise in self-discipline and focus, but the challenge always seemed to difficult. How would I ever run 26.2 miles? What about that stretch of mile 20 to mile 26? Where would I find the mental strength to run through the “wall” as I neared the end?
The fear of running 26.2 miles kept me from even trying.
That was, until I picked up a book titled, Run Your First Marathon. While I ultimately found conversations with other marathon runners to be a bit more helpful in my training, this book by Grete Waitz provided me with all the motivation to get started. Specifically, it was the training guide that motivated me the most. It read:
- Day 1: Run 1 mile.
- Day 2: Rest.
- Day 3: Run 1.5 miles.
- Day 4: Rest.
I found great motivation in this training plan. You see, I knew I could run one mile – that was an easy step. I even knew I could probably run two miles… and that would get me all the way through almost the whole first week. Suddenly, I stopped worrying about miles 20-26.2 and I just stayed focused on accomplishing what I knew I could accomplish. Ultimately, the lessons I learned while running 1, 2, and 5 miles prepared me to run 10, 12, 14. And the lessons I learned running 10, 12, and 14 miles prepared me to run 18, 20, and eventually 26.2.
So go ahead. Start your decluttering journey with the easiest step – just pick one drawer. And leave your toughest questions for mile 20. You’ll get there when you are ready.
Susan says
When I read a great book I send it to my sister who lives interstate or lend/give it to one of my friends. She sometimes sends me ones of hers. I still know that my books are out there somewhere and I am sharing the enjoyment. I write my name and phone number and sometimes a quote. My books travel all over.
Antje says
Thank you for your inspiring blog! I have recently started decluttering, and just by decluttering the entrance, the kitchen and the dining area, I feel I have more time with my kids after work, because I don’t have to clean up all the time. The living room is next, and this weekend, I will be starting the 333 project. I was married to a hoarder, and although I was very sad when he ended the marriage, I am glad to get rid of so many things I never wanted or needed in the first place.
Best wishes from Germany!
Diane Soper says
Every time I walk by my china cabinet I tell it “your day is coming”!!!! Feels so good! Twelve coats went out of my house today! Why on earth would anyone ever need twelve coats? The majority of them had not seen the light of day in years!
ren says
Love reading the opposing views, no where does it say to throw precious items, but what may be precious to you Maybe a burden to others.
Jayne says
Love the idea about taking a picture of the item that is important to your memories. It was so much easier parting with them.
Grateful granny says
I had a number of items (less than 50) that belonged to either of my two grandmothers and my mom – all deceased. I faithfully kept these things, even though their style was not my own and I seldom, if ever, used them. Finally got to the point where I moved across state and into a small home. I offered these items to my children first – for sentimental reasons, if they wanted them, then asked friends and finally just packed them off to St. Vinnie’s because they have several “vintage” sales throughout the year. I do not miss the, don’t feel guilty and have lovely memories of seeing these objects in grandmas’ homes and in my childhood home. And if I end up with Alzheimer’s. these objects will have no meaning for me. I’ve never been a hoarder/got to keep it just in case type person, always been organized and neat and now the icing on the cake is being a minimalist. Got rid of surplus coffee cups; kept 4 plain white that match my basic dishes (4 place settings only) and kept 4 black mugs for tea. That’s it. Granddaughter (2) comes to play and pulls out the cloth basket that fits under the coffee table. All her toys are in there; but her favorite thing to do – search the house for all the spheres that kitty plays with. I’ve been searching for something to “validate” my feelings about stuff and minimalism is it. Thank you. If I could shrink my 880 sq. ft. house I would.
Jeannie says
I am definitely working on this and have been for a couple of months and have done the easier projects first and it is very encouraging and my goal is on a drawer or closet at a time but I also have been purging as I decorate for Christmas… don’t just put up the tree but go through the excess or unwanted ‘stuff’ and get rid of it or donate as the season changes…that does take time. Even if it is small I do something every day and in the spring there will be bigger projects (like the garage) to finish from the fall YIKES.. Thanks for your daily post Joshua.. I try not to miss reading them because it keeps me going especially over the Christmas season as there are soooo many flyers that come in but I read what you said about not looking at what you don’t have but be grateful for what we already have (too much)!!!
Karathoner says
Practice the 15 minutes a day declutter. It really helps to segment your time. I like my regular books. Yes, I have cleaned some out but can’t go entirely Kindle or Nook or whatever ( use an IPad ). Taking online courses and find I need the actual book to mark and read, I must be too old school. Also, don’t like to fall asleep to electronic reading. So books are going to be around in my house.
My biggest problem are still things passed down from family. I have seven children, four are still at home and I’m never quite certain what to keep.
Keith says
I’ve been contemplating the “tiny house” concept for a few years now; and now that our kids are married, big dogs have passed, and we are MT nesters, looking more seriously at this lifestyle. I love the de-clutter syndrome and work on it everyday. Why wait to bless your family, friends, or the needy when you’re gone ?
bonnie says
books are the most difficult to get rid of. I dont want to see bookstores dissapear. I like the feel of a book as i turn the pages. I have a nook and put books on there too. But I read my real books more. I have downsized on the paperbacks and am planning on doing that again. But the hardcovers are a treasure.