I noticed that of late I’ve struggled to find the time and motivation to get rid of stuff I don’t need. Minimalism is a process and by nature this means the items in my home should be constantly re-evaluated as to their purpose there. Well, today I purchased a new top (long story as to why but I had a gift card) and as a result of having a gift card, this resulted in a new purchase. I didn’t just buy something for the sake of it, but rather filled a gap in my wardrobe in terms of a particular style that was missing.
However, these days I find myself paranoid by shopping. I’ve come some far in my journey that I’m determined not to take any backward steps. I don’t want to undo all my previous good work with one trip to the shops on a Saturday afternoon. As a result, I have a one in two out policy (for now at least though this ma change in the future) because I’m aware there are some things I still have too much of.
I apply this concept to any purchase, not just items of clothing. For instance, last Christmas I did receive a few gifts and so as a result for each item I brought into my house, I got rid of two things. Regardless of the way in which an item enters my home as far as I’m concerned it has to be one in and two out. It’s the only way I could think of to keep on top of my situation as it can be easy to slip back into old habits and before you know it you are surrounded by overwhelming amounts of cutter again.
On this particular occasion however I seemed to be hitting a brick wall. I couldn’t figure out what to get rid of. And then it happened, my eyes passed over a jumper I like but had never worn…and found myself asking if I would ever wear it. Probably not. As much as I like it I just wasn’t really a jumper sort of girl. That’s all it took was that one item, that one small thing created a greater sense of momentum and in the next couple of minutes a pair of pants and a dress that I hadn’t worn in years had also vacated my wardrobe forever.
Sometimes that’s all it takes, just that one item to give you a sense of motivation and inspiration. I often find that the first item is the most difficult, but rest assured once you’re over that first hurdle it only get’s easier. The more I get rid of, the easier the whole process becomes. Before you know it you’ll be on a role too.
All it takes is just one thing.
Is getting rid of the first item the hardest for you?
This is Minimalism 