Simplicity & hygge

Free up your mind by clearing out your space.

Living with less

What if every item in your closet was something you loved and were excited to wear?

What if your dresser tops were completely clear, aside from a special memento or two?

What if there were open countertops in your kitchen, uncluttered shelves in your closet, and you didn’t panic over a surprise guest because your home was always tidy?

Whether we’re conscious of it or not, the space in which we live has a direct impact on our wellbeing—how we feel, how clearly we think, how uptight or at ease we are. By clearing the physical clutter from our lives, we can clear the mental clutter too.

Here are some of the resources I found most helpful on my journey toward living with less:

The Minimalists Podcast by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

This podcast got me started on my minimizing journey. I also recommend their 30-Day Minimalism Game.

The Uncluttered Course by Joshua Becker

This online course includes videos, interviews, and weekly challenges to help you declutter your home in 12 weeks. Each cohort has its own Facebook Group where you can find encouragement and get inspired by the progress of your peers.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

In addition to tips for decluttering, she also shares helpful organization and folding techniques—even my socks have converted!

Capsule wardrobes

The average person wears only 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. So why are we holding onto so much? A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that can be easily mixed and matched—maximizing the number of outfits you can create while minimizing the number of pieces you need. Pro tip: Shoot for timeless styles rather than trendy, fast fashion. You won’t need to shop as often, so you’ll save money and the planet! 

Minimalism Tips

Here is a collection of tips and questions I like to use and ask myself. Many of these come from the resources listed above.

  • Watch this video before you start decluttering.

  • Completely clear as many surfaces as you can (floors, bathroom and kitchen counters, the top of your fridge, etc.) to bring total peace to a space.

  • If something is "too special," start using it.

  • When it comes to papers and digital files, only keep things from three categories: currently in use, needed for a set period of time, or must be kept indefinitely.

  • Ask yourself these questions as you pick up each item:

    • Do I use this regularly? / Does this add value to my life right now?

    • Would I re-buy it?

    • Can I live without it? / Do I feel lighter without it?

    • Is it a duplicate?

    • If I end up needing it later, can I get a new one for $20 or less?*

*I find this question very helpful for those “just in case” items. I also like to think of it this way: If I get rid of 100 “just in case” items, even if I end up needing to re-buy two, that’s still 98 things I’m no longer holding onto!

Looking for an accountability partner and resource who can help you simplify your life? Get in touch and let’s do it together!

All things hygge

This isn’t exactly minimalism, but I find minimalism and hygge to be a perfect pairing. If you aim for this duo, your space will feel cozy, peaceful, and inviting.

So what is hygge? Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish concept that doesn’t have a literal translation in English. But perhaps the best way to describe it is the feeling of coziness and well-being. It’s reading a book by the fire on a cold, winter day or enjoying a warm, filling meal surrounded by the people you love. Hygge is about taking a break, taking a sip, and taking time to soak up the riches of what matters most. Meik Wiking explains in The Little Book of Hygge, “Hygge is about making the most of what we have in abundance: the everyday.”

By creating your own hygge haven, you can enjoy the warmth of hygge all year long.

Recommended books: The Little Book of Hygge and My Hygge Home

Web resource: How to Incorporate Hygge Into Your Home