When we moved in together three years ago, Amy and I decided not to get cable TV. We have certainly seen the benefits many times over and haven’t regretted the decision for one second. Check out these reasons why I think you should do the same.
Break the Twitch Articles
Three Benefits of Decluttering
Even after decluttering three-quarters of our possessions over the years and in our latest move, decluttering is one of the practices Amy and I continually keep up with. Decluttering periodically allows you to take a fresh, new perspective on your home and your life. By cleaning up the clutter, you’re clearing out the “excess stuff.” Besides, you’re removing distractions. You can better focus on what’s important and how you’re spending your time.
With that, here are three benefits of decluttering that we experienced within the first two months of decluttering.
Three Benefits Of Decluttering
1 / You look forward to coming home
When you have a decluttered living space, you look forward to coming home. It’s easier to feel relaxed, focused, and at peace. With less clutter around your space, you can focus on the task fully. One benefit that surprised Amy and me was how much lighter we felt without the clutter. It was a weight we didn’t even realize existed. We had gotten so accustomed to how we were living before. Decluttering areas in your home can really change your perspective and how you feel when you move around the house.
2 / Laundry becomes easier
Laundry has gotten more manageable than ever! While I have less clothing now, I’ve taken better care of my clothes. It’s because the ones left are the pieces I love. I even go through the process of hang-drying them when needed. Better yet, laundry takes significantly less time compared to when I had more clothing. I used to take my time and wait until I’d have piles of laundry to do. This method prolonged the process and was a big hassle. Now, the process is much lighter and enjoyable.
3 / You realize you are surrounded by ca$h
As you unclutter your home, there will be items that may be worth selling rather than donating or discarding. This moment is when you’ll realize that you are surrounded by cash. You may not get as much as you want for these excess items. However, selling this excess stuff will help you convert your old items into cash. It also helps you rethink all the buying choices you made. For the items you can’t sell, check out this intentional decluttering guide for what to do with your decluttered items.
Additional Benefits of Decluttering
Decluttering your work environment might be the solution you need if you have been getting distracted more often, like me. One of the other benefits of decluttering and minimalism is that it’s been shown to improve mood and focus. Decluttering will give you extra space and energy to focus without as many distractions (with the help of tools like free Chrome extensions, of course!).
If you’re new to minimalism and decluttering, understand this process may be overwhelming and intimidating at first. However, there’s no need to hurry. Take it slow; take your time. If you want, start in your home office, if you have one, or your kitchen. You can even divide your home areas into smaller sections and then move your way up from there. There is no time limit. Taking the time to declutter daily in small spurts is one productive way to get started. Playing minsgame was how Amy and I decluttered early on, but there are many other decluttering methods to choose from.
There’s no downside to learning how to declutter your space, and many benefits of decluttering. Tackle a small space or a few items daily. You’ll gradually build more motivation and space for what you want more of in your life.
Intentional Weekend Inspiration Vol. 4
Today brings us to volume four of the intentional weekend inspiration roundup. Here are some posts that I loved this week, and I think you’ll enjoy them as well. Kick back with your favorite beverage and get your mind into the right gear this morning. Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you on Monday!
No Sidebar | Why positive thinking and clarity are essential to happiness.
The School of Enough | I looked at my iPhone this morning and finally said it.
One Green Planet | It is a great feeling, beginning to align your behavior with your values.
Everyday Mindful Living | Simplify Saturday: Practice gratitude.
Productive Flourishing | What counts as meditation?
The Best Way To Start Minimizing
The very first step of transitioning to a simple or minimalist lifestyle is often overlooked. When looking for the best way to start minimizing our possessions, we’re often guided towards decluttering, donating and purging. While this is absolutely a step on the simple living path, it’s not necessarily the best way to start.
The interesting part is that the first step requires absolutely nothing, no resources or time commitment. It is literally the simplest way to get started — but it certainly is not the easiest.
Ready for this?
[Read more…] about The Best Way To Start MinimizingSimpleREV, Minimalism & The Quickest Way To Happiness (With Special Guest)
In this vlog, I speak with Joshua Becker of becoming minimalist about his event-opening talk at SimpleREV 2015, the benefits of minimalism, and how we can find the quickest path to happiness by helping others.
Super grateful for the opportunity to sit down and chat with this guy, for all the inspiration he provides to this community, and his willingness to hang out on the vlog. Enjoy the video.
In the video we mention:
- The Hope Effect (A new nonprofit)
- Becoming Minimalist (Joshua’s blog that likely needs no introduction)
- SimpleREV (The simple living event that we talk about, happened this last weekend in Minneapolis)
- Joel Zaslofsky (The main brain behind SimpleREV, and my 2015 event co-host)
Have a great week everyone!
Intentional Weekend Inspiration Vol. 3
Today brings us to volume three of the intentional weekend inspiration round-up. Here are some posts that I loved this week, and I think you’ll enjoy them as well. Kick back with your favorite beverage and get your mind right this morning. Due to all of the magic happening this weekend at SimpleREV 2015, there will be something a little different for Monday’s vlog. Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you on Monday!
So many aspects of minimalism can benefit both the physical and mental parts of our lives. Here’s a great post (with webinar included) by Marc and Angel: Three ways to clear the thoughts that complicate your life.
How impactful can an action from a single individual be? Check out the tipping point. Includes video of dancing, so it’s a guaranteed win.
True story: I’m an adoption worker that finds homes for hard-to-place kids.
Sweden introduces a six-hour work day. This is a movement I can get behind.
Consumer Education: On learning how to spend. (Thanks to my friend Kit for recommending these last two)