Minimizing and Organizing
Minimizing and organizing – are they the same thing?
People who have embraced minimalism and have either Konmaried their lives or simply learned to let go of nostalgic items they’ve kept in storage are not immune the being disorganized. In fact, in some cases, minimalism is a way to hide a lack of organization. It seems like you are organized because you’ve removed enough clutter to feel like you are. But not having clutter and actually being organized are two different things. Just because you have so little stuff that it can fit in a closet so that it is out of sight doesn’t mean what you’ve keep is organizing or that you’re any more efficient.
MINIMIZING AND ORGANIZING ARE TWO DIFFERENT GOALS
While one can certainly complement the other, minimizing is not the same as organizing. Organizing is about developing systems and strategies so that what stuff you do have is in a smart location. It’s about making sure you can find it when you need it, that doesn’t overwhelm you. Organizing lets you honestly assess what you’re keeping, why you keep it, and what relevance it has to your life. Minimizing focuses more clearly on getting rid of all the stuff. One effort can help the other. But unless you’re selling everything but what you can hold in a suitcase and galivanting around the globe, you’re never going to be able to get rid of all your stuff.
HOW ORGANIZING CAN HELP YOU MINIMIZE
When we work with clients, we spend time getting to know you. We learn about you and what you need to be more organized is what you’re hanging onto and why. We learn a lot through the process of organizing things like closets and cupboards and garages and pantries and bathroom shelves and more. We often find that a lot of what you’ve been hanging onto has been because of
Guilt (but I paid so much for those boots – I should keep them just in case my feet ever shrink enough to wear them without excruciating pain)
Guilt (but my grandmother gave that to me and if I get rid of it I’ll be destroying my memory of her)
Guilt (but my kids made me this in kindergarten and they’ll think I don’t love them if I don’t keep it)
What ifs (I might need it someday)
Deals (It was such a great price – I know I already have 3, but you never know)
Once we work through the emotional attachment, minimizing sometimes finds its way. Put items you do save into a display to hang on the wall where you can actually enjoy them. You can remember other things as well with a digital photo. Other items you can be ok saying goodbye too.
KEEP, DONATE, THROW AWAY
The organizing process does help you minimize, but minimizing and organizing are not the same. One thing to keep in mind: minimizing does not mean living in austerity. You don’t have to have a 20-piece monochrome wardrobe. You don’t have to remove all of the décor that brings your home to life. We help you sort through what you’ve collected over the years. We make those first steps in identifying what is still useful, what might be better off with another owner, and what has really outlived its usefulness.
If you’re ready to take your next organizing steps, get in touch. We can’t wait to help.