#2   Reduce

 

 

I Want To Do It Because:

 

By reducing the number of things I own I can:

> have more space to use freely

> have less things to worry about

> be low-maintenance

> clean less things

> feel more relieved

> have more free time

 

 

Always Keep in Mind To:

 

1) Declutter

 

By decluttering I mean clean up. Or as Japanese people call it "seiri, seiton" (click to learn more about the 5S of housekeeping)

 

> As a rule of thumb, I will remove everything I haven't used for the last 6 months. If it's been there all this time untouched, it means I will most probably not use it in the future either. Get rid of it. I should be careful not to throw it, though!

 

> Sell, give away, repurpose, or as a last resort: recycle. Why not have a garage sale or go to the local thrift shop/recycling shop? I shall be MERCILESS! I will not let any attachment feelings stop me!

 

> Take one small place at a time. Big projects scare me.

 

> If it's anything I love or is a very beautiful memory, but it's dusty and useless, I will take a picture! I will make an album writing down the beautiful story behind the object. After all, what's important is 

the feelings I have for the object, not the object itself!

 

2) Minimize

 

> Keep only the "bear" necessities. (Yes, it's the perfect time to listen to the soundtrack from The Jungle Book Disney movie)

> I have to be ruthless!

For example: do I need 12 sets of tableware? When I have guests, why don't I just make pizza or any type of food one doesn't need to use tableware to eat: like these amazing recipes.

   Note to self:  Check out how some people are already living a minimalist lifestyle and are so happy!

 

3) Organize

 

> As a general rule, around the area where I spend most of my time (e.g. table/desk), there should be only things that I use as a regular basis (daily or weekly at most).

> Bring closer the things I use often, preferably at an arm's reach.  

> The things I use monthly or at most seasonally (e.g. Christmas, Easter), should go into a cabinet/storage room.

> The rest of the things should disappear. I can then apply the 6th R (Rent) of the 10Rs of Zero Waste and rent or borrow the things I only use 1-2 times in a few years (e.g. power drill, baby walker, skis)

 

 

Right Now I Can:

 

1. Declutter and reorganize "my own space" based on how often I use the items. At the same time I should make sure that the objects I use often are close to me, preferably at an arm's reach.

 

2. Make a list of things I need if I were to travel for a month. Those are probably the only things I really need to live comfortably.

 

 

The Good Part

 

> I will have more free time to spend with my family or friends, because there are no more magazines/newspapers to fill my precious time with. 

> I will have more free space to use however I want to.

> I will feel more relieved because it's cheaper and easier to clean and maintain less stuff.

> I will be more organized.

> I will lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

The Bad Part

 

> It will take me some time at first to declutter properly, to decide what I actually need and to organize myself. But on the long run, I will become more organized and my space will be easier to clean.

> It will have to let go of many of my precious belongings. But it's ok, because I will make sure to remember the feelings and the people who are important to me!

 

Questions? Ideas?

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