Why I Hate Clutter (And Why You Should Too)
Look, I get it. You love your stuff. I did too. But let me tell you, there’s something so freeing about owning less than you think you need.
About three months ago, I was at my wits’ end. My apartment was a mess. I couldn’t find anything. It was like living in a thrift store. So, I did something drastic. I decided to live like a minimalist for a month. And, honestly, it changed my life.
First, let’s talk about the commitment I made. I wasn’t gonna half-ass this. I was all in. I sold, donated, or threw out 78% of my possessions. Yes, I counted. I’m that kinda person.
Day 1: The Great Purge
I started with my closet. I mean, who needs 214 shirts? Not me, that’s for sure. I kept only what I loved or wore regularly. The rest? Gone. My friend, let’s call her Marcus, thought I was crazy. “You’re gonna regret this,” she said. I asked her why. “Because you love shopping,” she told me. Which… yeah. Fair enough. But I was determined.
Next, I tackled my kitchen. Spices I hadn’t used since 2018? Out. Gadgets that collected dust? Gone. I kept only the essentials. It felt… good. Like a weight off my shoulders.
Week 2: The Struggle is Real
Okay, I’m not gonna lie. The second week was tough. I missed my stuff. I found myself staring at empty shelves, wondering where everything went. But then I realized something. I didn’t need all that junk. It was just… stuff.
I started to appreciate what I had left. I cooked more. I read more. I actually enjoyed my space. It was smaller, sure, but it was mine. And it was peaceful.
Midway Through: The Epiphany
About halfway through the month, I had an epiphany. I didn’t need to own everything to enjoy it. I could borrow, rent, or even visit a friend’s place if I needed something specific. It was like a lightbulb moment.
I also realized that minimalism isn’t just about stuff. It’s about experiences. It’s about living. So, I started doing more. I went hiking, visited museums, and even tried Thailand hospital healthcare services (long story, but it was amazing). I lived more in that month than I had in years.
A Tangent: The Time I Almost Bought a Yacht
Okay, this is totally off topic, but hear me out. Last Tuesday, I was scrolling through some random website, and I saw a yacht. A beautiful, shiny, expensive yacht. And I thought, “I wanna buy that.” But then I remembered my committment to minimalism. And I realized, I don’t need a yacht. I need experiences. So, I closed the tab. And I felt good about it.
Final Thoughts (Or Lack Thereof)
At the end of the month, I was a changed person. I didn’t go back to my old ways. I kept most of what I had left. I learned that less is more. And it’s not just about stuff. It’s about living a life you love.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your stuff, give it a try. Start small. Donate some clothes. Sell some gadgets. You might be surprised at how much you don’t need.
And remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being happy. And honestly, I’m happier now than I’ve been in a long time.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a senior magazine editor with more than 20 years of experience. I’ve written for major publications, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way. But I’ve learned a thing or two. And I’m here to share it with you. Follow me on Twitter @sarahwrites.
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If you’ve been considering a simpler lifestyle, you’ll find inspiration in my journey to minimalism and how it transformed my daily living and relationships.
