Ever feel overwhelmed in your space? Ever consider cleansing your life of unnecessary objects? Ever wonder what a life of minimalism would feel like? I definitely do.
I live in Los Angeles where housing costs are seriously a joke, so as you can imagine, my space is quite small. My home is a studio apartment, and always feel like the walls are closing in on me. Why, you might ask? Because closet space is limited, I have the tendency to buy a lot of things I don’t need, and finally, I haven’t been proactive in cleansing my space of things that are no longer useful.
When I was nearing my 30th birthday a few weeks ago, I realized that I just couldn’t live in a space that was literally consuming me. It felt like the things I owned were taking over, and I didn’t have any space to move around. How could the things I own now own me?
So I started to wonder, why do I need all these things? What would life be like if I only had the bare essentials? Would a physical cleanse help? Could a life of minimalism be what I needed?
This is how Project Closet Cleanse came about.
This was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. The overall process is still in the works, but starting on my walk-in closet literally changed three things: my perspective on my home, seeing how many things I actually have, and realizing how many things I don’t need anymore.
Throughout the process, I utilized concepts taught by Marie Kondo. I took the time to go through each and every item, hold it in my hands and ask myself, as Marie recommends, “does this bring me joy?” I found this very helpful, and it assisted me in moving through the motions. Focusing on that philosophy of minimalism was definitely a key component…
Before starting Project Closet Cleanse, I was terrified. The results, however, provided me with so much relief. We had done so much work! Overall, it felt so great to know that I have options in the way in which I can utilize my space. I had enough room to be able to add or change things. My space was cleansed of everything negative, and it was now organized. This was the gift of all gifts, and I was so grateful.
With the positive impact of this significant change, both on my mental and physical wellness, I am now working on other parts of the apartment. I cannot wait to continue cleansing my life of things that are unwanted and unnecessary. And maybe decorate a bit!
Are you interested in cleansing your life?
Check out my method for Project Closet Cleanse:
1. Dedicate time
Dedicating a time will allow you to stick to making this change. Whether it’s 30 minutes each day, or a whole weekend, set time aside. It will make all of the difference, and you (hopefully) won’t have any distractions.
2. Have a plan
Before you start to throw things all over the place, make sure that you have a plan in place. Consider starting with a particular section, or a particular room. Regardless of where you begin your cleansing journey, plan out how you are going to attack your space. Start with one room, or even a section of that room. Bottom line, don’t overwhelm yourself!
3. Disposal
As you’re separating all of your things, you need to decide what you plan to do with the items you are going to cleanse your space of. Will you utilize boxes, bags, or bins? Be sure to have them ready so you know how to separate your things. Will you donate? Recycle? Sell to a second-hand shop? Swap with friends? Whatever it is, think about it beforehand!
4. Does it bring you joy?
Touch it. Hold it. Does it make you feel happy and put a smile on your face? Does it remind you of a moment in time that was so great your heart was going to burst? If you answered “no,” that’s a problem. If any negative feelings exist, let it go. Negative associations can mean that this piece is no longer meant for you.
No one has room for negativity—literally and figuratively.
5. Is it useful?
It’s simple: if you will utilize this item, keep it. If not, get rid of it. Bye, Felicia.
6. Will it somehow contribute to your life?
If an item no longer contributes to your life, it’s time to say goodbye. Remember, it’s important to focus on the bare essentials during this space cleanse. Less is truly more!
7. Does it add value to your life?
Whether it is an everyday item or a special item, does it add value to your life? Is it of significance to you?
8. Donate, donate, donate
Just because an item (in good condition) is no longer valuable to you doesn’t mean that it won’t benefit someone else. If you plan to donate, do some research beforehand. Is there a particular group or charity you hope to support? Reach out and see what items they accept and what their process is. Many of these agencies also pick-up items, which can be very helpful in the cleansing process.
Also, most donations are tax deductible!
9. Reorganization is key
The primary aspect of a project such as this is to feel free in your space. That includes decreasing clutter and being organized. Time is also of the essence, so being able to find your things is really important. Maintaining shape, condition, etc. is helpful in making your items last, too. Be sure to spend time reorganizing your space so that it best fits your needs and can appropriately house your things.
10. Space isn’t Everything…
Remember, even a small space can feel large enough when the right plan is in place…
Happy cleansing!
xx,
Paula
