Minimalism 101

Minimalisms is a growing movement with amazing potential. Consciously maximizing the enjoyment your environment provides is invigorating for the spirit and more sustainable for our planet. Before plunging into a minimalist lifestyle there are a few basic ideas to keep in mind.

1) Minimalism isn't about throwing away all your possessions willy-nilly. Take time to think about each individual item in your home. Does it add value to your life? Does it brighten your life or serve a vital function? In the words of my tidying hero, Marie Kondo, “does it spark joy?”

2) Remember that the value of a memory is not in an item, it lives in you and with the people who share those memories. Consider taking a photograph of sentimental items that you wish to let go of. This way you can cherish a piece of the memory without holding onto the physical item.

3) Think like a dog. Have you ever noticed a dog is just as thrilled to receive a dirty stick as they are a fancy toy or expensive treat? They are simply happy for the gift of joy and the promise of playtime. Embrace this ideology in your own life. You don’t need to have the most expensive new toys. The importance comes from the value you see in an item. Collect moments of joy rather than trinkets.

4) Having less doesn’t mean going without. It is adopting an awareness of what you have and what you really want in your life. Filling our lives with items we think we are supposed to have doesn’t equal success or happiness. Having a lot of stuff, in the end, only means you're great at acquiring stuff.

Responsible Disposal

Clearing out the clutter can be exceptionally thrilling, but it’s important not to get caught up in the passion. Responsible disposal of your purged items is the key. Don’t toss everything onto the curb for the garbage truck. Make sure any items that can be recycled go to the appropriate locations and donate any items that could still be of value to someone.

1) Look for a program in your area that promotes reusing unusual items. Many types of items aren’t normally accepted by goodwill or similar donation programs. In Edmonton AB, we have a location called the Reuse Centre where people can take old craft supplies or bits and bobbles like milk jug lids or old vinyl records that don’t play anymore. These items can then be repurposed by artists or those who can give these items a second chance. Reuse Centres are an excellent resource for low-income children’s programs or community projects. Supporting these programs promotes the idea that what we may normally consider trash can still be useful.

2) For items that are still in usable condition, I suggest donating them to your favourite local program. Look for Goodwill, women’s shelters, youth programs, anywhere you feel that your items would make the most difference in your community. Take this opportunity to be the light in someone’s life.

3) Check out your local Eco Centre to find out what kinds of items they take in to reuse or recycle. This is most likely where you will want to dispose of any old spray cans, electronics, or items that need to be broken down before they can be safely disposed of. Think carefully before you toss items into your trash bin. You would be surprised how many items can be easily reused!

4) If you're an artist, consider how old items can become your next art project. Give them new life and potentially make some money in the process! Remove the items that don’t bring value to your life without adding to our world's landfills.

5) For old cotton clothing that is ripped or stained look for an alternative to trashing them. Goodwill often tosses these items and won’t put them out for sale. One option is to use these old items as cleaning rags. Another great option is to look for a local program that needs material to make face masks for the homeless or communities in need. Your old garment could help protect your community instead of rotting in a landfill.

6) Add books to your local Little Free Library or donate like-new condition books to a local school or public library program.

Maintaining The Minimal

1) When you have the itch to buy a new book or movie try checking a library first. Many libraries now carry music, movies, and technology that you can borrow rather than buying new items. Programs like Edmonton Public Libraries offer a ton of services aside from media rentals. Opportunities like 3D printing and music recording technology are available for public use. Look into your local library and see what might be available before you click purchase or head off to the store.

2) Avoid re-binging on unnecessary new items by making a list of items you think you want or need (aside from food and essentials). Come back to that list in two weeks or a month and see how you feel about the items. Have you thought about them since writing them down or were they just a momentary whim? Is this really an item that would add value to your life?

3) Try implementing a one-in-one-out method. If you feel like you need a new sweater or shoes, consider whether you have an item that is no longer serving you that could be let go. This helps you to think critically about the items you already have and whether you might own something already that will solve your current need. Maybe you will rediscover the love for a neglected item or maybe you will decide to get that new goody. The important part is considering whether you want something out of a desire to shop and get that hit of instant gratification, or if you have a legitimate need. If you decide to purchase the new item try checking a thrift shop for hidden gems before you head to a big-name store.

Shows To Set You Up For Success

1) Less Is More: how to be happy with nothing

(available on Amazon Prime)

2) Minimalism: a documentary about the important things

(available on Netflix)

3) The Minimalists: less is now

(available on Netflix)