By miss minimalist |
Are you holding onto certain items because they might be “worth something?” If so, it’s time to take the Ebay Reality Check. Just about everything imaginable has been sold on Ebay.com—which makes it a great reference with which to value your items.
Unless you are dealing with some true rarities, why pay for an expensive appraisal when you have all that Ebay info at your fingertips? Chances are, if you want to sell an item, that’s where you’ll end up; and no matter what valuation an appraiser gives it, you can only sell it for what someone is willing to pay.
Tired of dusting around that vase you inherited? Don’t know what to do with that old turntable in the basement? No longer interested in the figurines, paperweights, or sports memorabilia you once avidly collected? Take a few minutes, surf over to Ebay, and see what it’s going for!
Chances are, most of your clutter is not fetching a fortune—and in my opinion, any item unlikely to sell for more than $10 is hardly worth the time and effort to photograph it, list it, and ship it.
But that doesn’t mean you have to hold onto it… Feel free to let it go! If you ever have the need for such an item in the future, look how inexpensively you can acquire it!
And for those few treasures for which you can pocket some serious cash—why not go for it? If you don’t need it, and don’t love it, take some snaps and put it up for auction. You’ll have the photographs for memories, and some extra space in your house. And don’t you think Aunt Edna would be pleased if her old silverware helped finance a kitchen makeover?
By miss minimalist |
Of course, the ultra-minimalist solution to bedding would be a mattress on the floor. But if you’re not quite ready to take that step, the Gallica bed from the Futon Company (pictured at left) is the next best thing.
It’s made from rubberwood with a walnut stain, and can be used either alone or with two tatami mats under the mattress.
I love the low profile, sleek lines, and absence of a headboard. It satisfies all the functions of a bed frame without the fussy detail or bulk of traditional furniture. The small side table (sold separately) is perfectly proportioned for, and blends in beautifully, with the bed.
On a budget? Learn to build your own platform bed with this handy video from YouTube:
YouTube – Platform Bed Building
Or follow the step-by-step instructions outlined here:
How to build a platform bed : My Family Loves It
By miss minimalist |
Victor and Soeun V.’s New York City 518 sq. ft. studio apartment was a winner in Apartment Therapy’s “smallest coolest apartments 2007″ contest.
It’s a wonderful example of how minimalist living can make even the smallest spaces seem open, airy, and serene.
I love studying such photos to see what design and decluttering principles I can apply to my own space. Here’s what I’ve learned from Victor and Soeun:
1. White, white, and more white. White and light colored walls make all the difference in making a small space appear larger. Uniformity is important as well–when the eye can’t easily pick out transitions between walls, corners, and rooms (because, for example, they’re all painted the same color), the brain receives an impression of expansiveness.
2. Purely functional spaces. The living area consists of a couch and small table. The dining area is defined by a simple table. The “bedroom” is a bed–nothing else. Furnishings are reduced to the bare minimum–no need for nightstands, console tables, curio cabinets and other miscellaneous pieces that serve little purpose than to hold additional clutter.
3. Absence of clutter. The surfaces are clear, and free of knickknacks and other assorted items. Although the books are exposed, the uniformity with which they are lined up suggest “storage” rather than “clutter.” And they even add a bit of interest to the space!
4. Natural texture. The wood floors, wood dining table, and wood countertops add enough warmth to keep the white palette from feeling sterile. Ditto for the four pillows on the window seat.
5. Translucent materials. What a wonderful way to enclose a space without solid walls! They’re a great solution to hiding clutter or creating privacy, while still creating the impression of one continuous space–plus, I love how they “glow” from the light within!
The minimalist houses in design magazines can often seem cold, staged, and far removed from our daily lives (in terms of both practicality and expense). Victor and Soeun’s apartment, on the other hand, is a fantastic example of “livable minimalism”–a well-designed, decluttered space, whose principles we can actually replicate in our own homes.
By miss minimalist |
The Internet is such a wonderful source of information, that I no longer feel the need to subscribe to any magazines. In fact, many publications make the same content available on their websites, rendering paper copies largely unnecessary.
That said, I know many people prefer to kick back with their favorite glossy rather than stare at a computer screen. Fair enough! As long as you keep current with your incoming subscriptions, you can keep magazine clutter under control. Commit to reading each one the month it arrives. When the new one appears in your mailbox, out goes the old!
If you have a backlog of unread issues, limit the number of publications to which you subscribe. Once you’ve fallen behind two months or so, you’re unlikely to catch up—and the magazine piles will grow and grow. Remember, it’s only possible to read and absorb so much information; anything beyond that only leads to mental clutter. It’s important to keep your mind as clear as your space.
And by all means, do not keep an entire magazine for one interesting article. Tear out the article and file it; or better yet, scan it into your computer. The less paper clutter the better, and the information will be at your fingertips when you need it.
One more thing: if you are going to receive paper subscriptions, please don’t let them pile up in a landfill. Recycle them, or donate them to your local library, physician’s or dentist’s office. And when you’re feeling “greener,” think about giving up the paper copies altogether—you’ll not only save money, but a whole lot of trees!
By miss minimalist |
 According to the Self Storage Association, the self storage industry has been the fastest growing sector of U.S. commercial real estate over the last 30 years. At the end of 2008, there were over 51,000 primary self storage facilities in this country. The total self storage rentable space in the United States is estimated to be over 2 billion square feet—an area more than three times the size of Manhattan!
In fact, there are 7.4 square feet of self storage space for every person in the nation—meaning every American could stand under a self storage roof at the same time (!).
If you are one of the 10% of U.S. households that currently rents a self storage unit, it’s time to ask some questions:
* Can you list the contents of your self storage unit from memory?
* If not, do you really need to own things you don’t even know you have?
* When is the last time you used these items?
* Is it worth paying good money to store things you rarely (if ever) use?
* How important is an item that you don’t use (or love) enough to keep in your home?
One of the first steps to becoming a minimalist is to empty out your self storage unit. This is even easier than decluttering your home, as you’ve already made a physical (and perhaps emotional) detachment from these things.
So make a final visit, bring home only what you need, and sell, donate or Freecycle the rest (please do what you can to keep it out of a landfill). You’ll eliminate the mental, and monetary, burden of renting a “second house” for all your excess stuff!
By miss minimalist |
How wonderful it would be to have a bathroom like this one (by Agape Design)! Simple lines, gleaming white surfaces, not a toiletry in sight…ahh…
Seem out of reach? Don’t despair! You can achieve a similar “clean and serene” look in your own home—even if designer Italian fixtures aren’t in the budget.
Just follow these ten tips for creating a minimalist bathroom, and you’ll have a space that soothes your soul while you brush your teeth.
The basics:
1. Empty all the (moveable) contents out of the bathroom. Yes, really. You’ll be surprised how many things you’ll find that don’t really need to be there: that moisturizer that made you break out, the hotel samples you brought home from your last vacation, the curling iron you haven’t used in a decade.
2. Go through your daily routine, and put back only those items you use on an everyday basis. If you don’t touch it at least once a day, it doesn’t belong in your bathroom. Keep those seldom-used items in a box in your linen closet instead.
3. Create ample storage. Make sure you have enough storage to keep all items hidden (preferably behind opaque, mirrored, or frosted doors), even if this means adding a cabinet to the space. It’s important that everything have a place.
4. Keep surfaces clear. If you follow only one tip in this article, make it this one. Clear surfaces are the key to a minimalist bathroom. Do whatever’s necessary to keep your hairbrush, deodorant, razor, eye shadow, and other sundries off the countertop.
5. Keep it clean. Basic cleanliness goes a long way towards making your space more serene. Give surfaces a quick wipe down once a day to maintain that spotless look.
The extras: (if you want to go a step beyond…)
6. Paint the walls white (or a very light color). White walls make a small space feel larger and airier, and create a sense of uniformity. To achieve a minimalist look, you want the walls to “disappear;” the less obtrusive you can make them, the better.
7. Replace old-fashioned fixtures with modern ones. This doesn’t mean you have to spend big money on a designer faucet. Simple, streamlined fixtures can be obtained at reasonable prices from home improvement centers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
8. Replace the shower curtain with a glass or acrylic door. If this isn’t an option, choose a simple clear or white curtain.
9. Use white towels for a luxurious, spa look. Nothing will ruin your minimalist look faster than a hodgepodge of mismatched towels.
10. Accessorize with one decorative item like a single candle, orchid, or glass bowl of pebbles.
By miss minimalist |
Dear Stuff,
I’m not sure how to break this to you…but the time has come for us to part ways. Sure, we have a long history, but we simply can’t go on pretending that we’re still happy together.
It seems that after all these years, our relationship has lost its spark. I recall the magic of when we first met: how your shiny newness caught my eye, how I vowed to have you at any price, how excited I was to bring you home.
It didn’t take long, however, for the novelty to wear away. Maybe it was the thrill of the hunt, but once you were mine, you no longer seemed quite so attractive. In fact, much of the time, you just seemed to be in the way.
What’s more, you never really lived up to your promises or expectations: owning you didn’t make me any smarter, happier, cooler, or sexier. Instead, our relationship drained my energy and my wallet. I’ve spent untold hours (and dollars) keeping you looking nice and in good repair, protecting you from theft, and moving you around when I’ve had to relocate.
To be honest, though, your presence in my living room, bedroom, kitchen, and closets is stifling me. I can’t help but wonder how you’ve expanded so much over the years. I’m getting tired of stepping over you, cleaning around you, and generally wondering what to do with you. I need some space, some serenity, some room to breathe.
Of course, you’re not entirely to blame; I was no angel, either. Though I kept a roof over your head, I never really lavished you with attention. I shoved you away in boxes and closets, sometimes neglected to maintain you, and all too often simply ignored you.
Therefore, I think you’ll also be better off without me. You’ll have a happier life with someone else—someone who wants you, needs you, and appreciates you for what you are. And don’t worry, I won’t be so cruel as to leave you out on the curb. I’ll post flattering photos of you on Craigslist, sing your praises on Freecycle, and contact charitable organizations to find you that special someone.
So I guess this is goodbye…Let’s part without regrets, and look on this as a new beginning. I already feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I’m ready to embark on a new life—unencumbered, footloose, and full of possibility!
Yours Truly,
Miss M.
By miss minimalist |
 I recently received a free George Foreman grill for opening a bank account. I had absolutely no use or desire for one; but the bank manager presented it to me with such flourish, it seemed downright rude to refuse it.
No problem, I thought—I’ll simply accept it, then turn around and give it away. Easier said than done: it took me three weeks to find a taker, as almost everyone to whom I offered it already had one. (Note to self: next time try Freecycle.)
Since then, I’ve become much more aware of the “freebies” that come into my life…and I’m much less likely to accept them. These little gifts, samples, trials and tchotchkes are a particularly invasive form of clutter. At least when you purchase things, you need to make the decision to pay for them—a formal “invitation,” if you will, to bring them into your life. Freebies tend to slip in rather stealthily, in the guise of a “gift,” sneaking their way into your bathroom cabinets and kitchen drawers.
It’s difficult to visit any place of business without being proffered a pen, calendar, or magnet with the company’s name. Attend a professional sports event, and you’re sure to come away with some kind of fan memorabilia. Purchase makeup at a department store, and your bag will be stuffed with tiny complimentary lotions and potions.
It’s not easy (especially for those of us who want to be polite!), but if you don’t want it, don’t take it! I now stop for a few moments to consider what’s being offered—and in most cases, find a nice way to decline. Occasionally I receive some strange looks, as turning down “free stuff” is not expected behavior in a consumerist society. But each refusal is a small victory in keeping clutter (and advertising!) out of my life.
By miss minimalist |
 One step at a time.
(Photo: chad_k) I don’t always have the time (or inclination) to set aside a few hours for decluttering. At the same time, I like to feel that I’m making progress in ridding my home of useless things.
My solution: the One-A-Day Declutter. It’s super-easy, super-fast, and most importantly, keeps me going in the right direction.
Every day, I commit to purging ONE item from my house. It can be anything—a worn-out pair of socks, a book I’ll never read again, a gift I could live without, a shirt that doesn’t fit, an old magazine article, etc. It doesn’t take much effort, and at the end of the year, my home is at least 365 items lighter.
Since I don’t like to put potentially-useful items in the trash (and ultimately, a landfill), I keep a donation box tucked away in my hall closet. I add items to it one by one, and when it’s full, donate it to the Vets, Goodwill, or other charitable organization. (If you don’t want to keep a box of “clutter,” you could certainly Freecycle items as you go along—it just takes a little more effort.)
All-around, it’s a win-win-win: I have less clutter, someone in need winds up with something useful, and the planet is better off!
I keep up this regimen even after I’ve done a massive decluttering—in fact, it’s become part of my daily routine. It may sound strange, but getting rid of something each day just makes me FEEL good. It puts me in control of my stuff, keeps the clutter from creeping back in, and moves me one step closer to my goal of having a minimalist household.
By miss minimalist |
I’m starting this blog to explore the joys and challenges of a minimalist lifestyle. I truly believe that having less stuff can lead to a happier life, and would like to discover that elusive point of “just enough.” Along the way, I hope to create a site where fellow aspiring minimalists can share their ideas and experiences, setbacks and success stories.
You may be thinking, “Oh, I could never be a minimalist,” “I have pets,” “I have kids,” “I have a closet full of shoes,” “My desk is buried in paperwork…” That’s okay!
The term “minimalism” can be intimidating; all too often, it conveys a sober, serious, sterile feel. Upon hearing it, your mind conjures up images of spare, cool interiors…concrete floors…gleaming white surfaces…hard edges…empty rooms.
While such austerity is quite beautiful to some (including me!), it’s not for everyone. Even if you’re not a fan of minimalist design, the world of minimalist *living* is wide open to you.
And what a wonderful world it is! Minimizing all the extra *stuff* in your life can be incredibly liberating. Why be tethered to a closet full of clothes you no longer wear, a living room packed with dust-collecting knick-knacks, or a garage stuffed with who-knows-what? Your things can weigh on you like hundreds of little anchors, committing you to housing them, cleaning them, insuring them, etc.
How light and free we could feel if we let go of some of them! Think of the extra space, the extra time, the extra peace we could have…
Ask yourself the following questions:
* Do you have a desire to declutter?
* Do you think you’d be happier without so many things?
* Are you ready to take steps to minimize the stuff in your life?
If you answered, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” then you’re already on the way to becoming a minimalist. Welcome to the blog, and please leave a comment—I’d love to hear your story!
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