How I Used Moving as an Excuse to Become More Minimalist

Summary

The author describes their journey towards minimalism, prompted by an upcoming move, which led to a realization of the value of owning fewer, more meaningful possessions.

Abstract

The article narrates the author's personal experience with embracing minimalism as a lifestyle choice, particularly during a move from their current home. Initially overwhelmed by the clutter of unused items, such as college textbooks and excessive clothing, the author found liberation in downsizing. This process involved critically assessing the necessity and emotional value of each possession, resulting in the donation or disposal of items that no longer served a purpose. The author reflects on the psychological impact of clutter and the benefits of minimalism, including reduced decision fatigue, increased focus on what truly matters, and a heightened appreciation for cherished items and relationships. The article also touches on the broader implications of minimalism, noting its presence in the lives of successful individuals and its potential to foster efficiency and control. Ultimately, the author concludes that minimalism is not about achieving a particular aesthetic but about creating a living space and lifestyle that align with one's values and priorities.

Opinions

The author initially resisted downsizing, fearing they might miss discarded items, but later realized the insignificance of most items they parted with.
Minimalism is not solely about owning fewer material objects but about eliminating items that do not add value or purpose to one's life.
The author acknowledges the socioeconomic privilege inherent in the ability to discard possessions and emphasizes that minimalism is more about personal feeling and practicality than achieving a specific aesthetic.
Successful figures like Michael Bloomberg, Marcus Aurelius, and Mark Zuckerberg are cited as examples of individuals who practice minimalism in their daily lives, suggesting a correlation between minimalism and efficiency or focus.
The author criticizes the common tendency to equate consumption with happiness and advocates for a more critical approach to purchasing decisions.
Minimalism is presented as a sustainable lifestyle choice that can positively impact both consumer behavior and mental well-being.
The process of decluttering has led the author to a greater appreciation for the people and things that are truly important in their life.

I learned to value the things that are truly important to me by getting rid of the things that aren’t

My closet made me sigh every time I opened it. I longed to be the epitome of Pinterest feeds with every item sorted by color and type. In reality, the space was a jumbled mess of storage boxes stacked upon one another because there wasn’t enough space to have a drawer system, or even a decently-sized hamper. Instead, I crammed a small hamper in the corner and bathroom essentials in the other because I live in Seattle, and space is not only a scarcity, but it’s also ridiculously priced.

Now that I’m moving out, I keep asking myself “Why do I still have my college textbooks?” and, “Do I really need this many pairs of woollen socks?” and my absolute favorite, “Why is my pantry so stocked with oatmeal and noodles when I never eat either?” Downsizing my belongings isn’t a burden, but a welcome reprieve from the clutter and items unknowingly weighing down my life.

Before I did so, I have to admit I was reluctant. Wouldn’t I miss some of these items? Wouldn’t I need my extra bedsheets, even though I never used them and continue to only use and launder one set? What about my variety of deodorants? A day later, I can easily say no, I don’t miss my possessions because I don’t remember most of the stuff I donated or threw out. I grew unnecessarily attached to material objects that meant pretty much nothing to me.

And that’s when I finally understood the concept of minimalism. Minimalism isn’t about having less material objects, or making the spaces around you more efficient, but reducing the items in your life that aren’t providing a purpose or value in your daily life. It leaves more room for the things that really matter. In my case, that’s birthday cards that make me laugh and cry, and Polaroids of those closest to me, and my skincare collection (yes, I promise I do use every single product).

For most, minimalism makes us think of Marie Kondo, and the loads of memes from early 2019 about sparking joy. But there’s truth behind the humor. A while ago, many of the items I donated would have made me happy and been in constant use, but times change and so do we.

I understand the critics of minimalism. The socioeconomically disadvantaged can’t throw out items that aren’t in use or they no longer like. Not everyone is going to be able to have the aesthetic walls and perfectly matching furniture. I certainly don’t. But cleaning up my apartment and getting ready for the move taught me that minimalism is not as much of an aesthetic but much more about how you feel. It eliminates decision fatigue from your living space and reprimands you for equating consumption with happiness. My path to minimalism is different from the enticing media about aesthetics. Your items don’t have to be pretty in order to fit the cookie-cutter Instagram feed for decor. They need to be practical, and loved, and that’s okay.

Some of the most successful people in the world practice minimalism without even realizing it. Michael Bloomberg, former New York City Mayor, claims that he owns no more than six pairs of shoes. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, was known for his philosophy of Stoicism which supports extreme minimalism. Mark Zuckerberg famously only wears gray t-shirts and jeans, and he claims it helps him stay focused and leave his decisions for what really matters. “I feel like I’m not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life.” I’m not saying that minimalism will make you successful, but the energy we can save can be put toward finding that extra push to get more tasks done. The bottom line is about efficiency and being in control.

It’s so easy to forget how out of control our lifestyles and living spaces are. There should have been a time that I stopped and thought about how to maximize my small studio. But I didn’t. That’s how I ended up with too many mugs and pens for a single person who doesn’t physically write and drink warm beverages often. It’s common to buy food because we are bored or buy clothes because they’re trendy, but that doesn’t make these purchases particularly useful. I find in the last few days that I’m more critical about any more purchases, not because I’ll have to pack it away in a suitcase, but because I would buy things that had no assigned value in my life. I’m more willing to let my belongings go, even if they had an assigned value, because many are replaceable, and something about that is freeing. I am no longer so attached to items, and it’s made my shoulders lighter and my room cleaner. I had never realized that physical clutter could affect my mental state so much.

For me, it’s a new mindset that feels sustainable, both in the sense of consumerism and my mental state. Minimalism isn’t this perfect lifestyle that will solve your problems for you or make you successful, but it is a tool that gives you more energy for the tasks that matter and more consideration for the things that matter. I feel like I threw out a bunch of items, but added an appreciation for the things and people around me.

A simpler life sounds appealing, because as a graduate student, my professional and academic future feels like chaos, and this newfound mentality is a gift. I can only hope that it will help me focus on my health, my work, and the ones that I love.