When I first landed in Sydney with just a single suitcase, I left behind a world of material possessions that once defined my life. This minimalist approach unexpectedly liberated my spirit and opened up a world full of possibilities.
The purpose of this blog post is to share insights from my life abroad, where I learned that minimalism is not only freeing but profoundly fulfilling. And how once I incorporated this idea into my life, discovering its benefits and alignment with my values, I never went back to hoarding.
Navigate to where you want to go:
- Introduction
- The Accidental Minimalist
- Change Is Everywhere
- Practical Tips For Decluttering
- To Finish Up…
Introduction
I grew up in a household where we always thought twice, or even three times, before throwing anything out, just in case it might be useful in the future.
My dad, a DIY expert, instilled this mindset in me, as it was our family norm. However, when I started living on my own, I realized that this way of life didn’t make me feel good.
It wasn’t until I moved abroad that I truly understood the liberating power of decluttering. Initially, I thought letting go of my possessions would be the hardest thing to do, but once I decided to donate, sell, and leave everything behind, I never felt more right.
In these lines, I want to share some ideas on how to declutter your space to improve both your mental and physical well-being.
The Accidental Minimalist
Living in a foreign country forces you to assess what you truly need versus what you merely want, emphasizing experiences, relationships, and personal growth over material accumulation.
Moving to Australia, I learned to navigate limited space and resources, which reshaped my perception of necessity and value. It was less about optimizing physical space and more about optimizing my life.
This stark contrast reinforced the minimalist mantra: less is more.
Minimalism is about making room for what truly matters, both in your surroundings and in your mind, leading to happiness through simplicity and meaningful experiences.
Living abroad pushed me to rethink my lifestyle and helped me live more intentionally. It taught me to be careful with what I buy, which has long-lasting benefits.
Studies show that having fewer things and a tidy space can boost well-being.
As I continued my journey, I embraced slow fashion and reduced material purchases. When I got rid of things, I made sure to donate or pass them on to others who might find them valuable, focusing on what truly resonates with my life’s deeper meaning.
Change Is Everywhere
Decluttering is more than tidying up; it’s a transformative journey reshaping your relationship with the world. My experiences living in various spaces taught me this lesson profoundly.
Traveling and living out of a car made me appreciate essentials; with limited space, every item had to serve a purpose or bring joy, teaching me to prioritize experiences over possessions.
Living in a small room reinforced these lessons, necessitating selectivity about what I kept and creating an environment that supports peace rather than clutter.
Preparing to move or return home, I parted with belongings I once thought defined me, realizing my identity wasn’t tied to material possessions. Donating and giving away items was liberating, and returning with just a suitcase enabled focus on what truly mattered: relationships, personal growth, and new experiences.
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle helped me navigate transitions with ease and gratitude, and the reverse culture shock reinforced the value of a clutter-free life.
Decluttering taught me that freedom and happiness lie not in the things we own, but in the space we create for what truly matters. It’s an ongoing journey of letting go and finding joy in simplicity.
Practical Tips for Decluttering
Tip 1: Start Small – Focus on One Room or Category at a Time
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, much like the first time you moved abroad.
To make it manageable, start small by focusing on one room or even a single category, like books or kitchen gadgets, and complete it before moving on.
This approach makes the task more manageable and allows for small victories that keep you motivated.
For instance, tackle the notorious junk drawer in the kitchen first. You’ll not only create more space but also discover forgotten treasures, like a cookbook with a perfect banana bread recipe. Celebrate these little discoveries, and gradually, your space will become clutter-free and more functional.
Tip 2: The “Joy” Test – Evaluate Each Item’s Value
Inspired by Marie Kondo, the “joy” test is a tool for decluttering.
Ask yourself if each item either sparks joy or serves a genuine purpose. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.
This process encourages mindfulness and helps you curate a space filled with items that enhance your life and reflect your personality, rather than just taking up space. It’s about creating a home that supports your happiness, not achieving perfection.
Tip 3: Digitize Where Possible – Embrace the Digital Age
Reduce paper clutter by digitizing documents like bills, receipts, and statements.
This approach not only frees up physical space but also enhances organization and accessibility, as important documents can be accessed easily via your smartphone or computer.
Utilize apps and cloud storage solutions to keep your digital files organized and eco-friendly, transforming your workspace into a clutter-free and efficient environment.
As someone who loves notebooks and “old school” paper, I understand the importance of keeping some things handwritten. I will always use journals for my notes and ideas.
However, digitizing as much as possible, like switching to digital calendars and some notes, allows me to have them always with me on my phone. It saves time and keeps everything organized.
To finish up…
While I embrace a minimalist lifestyle, don’t imagine that I only have a bed and a kitchen in my apartment.
I love maintaining a clean space, but I also cherish my plants, cozy cushions, personal pictures, notebooks, and a few other cherished items. However, the biggest clutter often comes from things we only use once a year or not at all, and that’s what decluttering is all about.
Maybe you feel differently and love all your belongings, believing you need them all. That’s fair enough—I used to think the same way. The key is to start small and simple. Perhaps this approach will give you the insight you need to make the life changes you desire.
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