Quintessence: So You Want To Be A Minimalist

Growing up, I began wondering if I would become a hoarder. I hated getting rid of anything. I still remember one of my family's first garage sales. My parents wanted me to get rid of some things that I didn't use, and I figured "hey, yeah, sure, I have a ton of stuff anyways."

And I got rid of this yellow kitty beanie baby. It was that, and about two other things, really.

But that beanie baby. I watched a girl about my age pick it up, pet it, and ask her mom if she could get it. I watched my mom give them a cheap price. I remember thinking it wasn't enough. But the girl smiled and within minutes, she was walking away with my toy.

As you can see, that sort of tore a hole in me for a while. After that, I didn't really get rid of anything.

I didn't want that feeling again, being ripped apart from something that I had once used and played with. Even if, you know, I played with it twice.

So I kept everything I could. My parents of course, knew I didn't need old report cards and tests and projects, so every now and then, they would encourage me to get rid of things. About twice a year, we went through room after room and had to get rid of at least three things. THAT WAS HARD.

Then, I met Katie. She had half the stuff I did, and she thought she had too much stuff. And as most friends are, she became quite an influence. At first, I was taking all the clothes she didn't want. But as time progressed and our friendship grew, she pointed out I didn't wear a majority of my closet. So why did I have it?

Because I'm emotionally invested, of course!

Which is BAD.

So, this is a work in progress. As things continue to change in my busy life, I'll let you know how this goes. Though I'm not quite there yet, I'm working my way there, step by step!

First step: is tossing out anything broken, or too used up. Cute shirts with stains you can't get out and won't wear, broken pencils and crayons, shoes with too many holes.

Second step: the 6th month rule. If you haven't worn it in six months, toss it. Being in college calls for a necessary range of clothing, from business casual to a fancy dress to paint-splattered jeans depending on the occasion, really. Because of that, it makes it a little tougher. There are a few necessities you need. But you don't need two pairs of paint splattered jeans, for starters.

Third step: you don't need a second wardrobe/collection "just in case." That caligraphy case you've had for years, just in case. That extra pair of black pants, just in case. That third sequin sweater, just in case. Things change- including yourself. It's mostly unlikely you will need them again. So since you can do without now, you can figure something out in the future.

Fourth step: Projects. It just needs a button sewed on, I just need to go find a new zipper, this just needs some more hemming. If you haven't done it now, whose to say you will do it later? Go out NOW and fix it, or toss it. Seriously.

Fifth step: emotional attachments must be dissolved. It had a good run but you don't need or wear it anymore. This is hard, trust me. I'm still working on it. I have a lot of things from my grandmother that I never use. I loved the woman, but I don't need to show it by keeping her things I do plan to ever wear. That's not the best tribute to give the good woman, after all. So it's okay to get rid of it.

Tips:

If you are wavering on something, give it a week. Try it out, wear it around the house or out of the house. If it bothers you at all, toss it. I love my clothes but if it's too much of a hassle- it keeps bunching, it doesn't look good with anything, etc- then it just has to go!

Emotional detachment is tricky. This woman suggests to get rid of five little things a day, and work your way up. You can try that as well!

Keep items that are memorable. Not items of people who were memorable.

Don't get distracted by vaccumming, organizing, reoorganizing, and so on- it will distract you. Purge and get it done! This woman has several other tips in purging.

Essentially, keep things that you VALUE.