5 Things Minimalists Ditch Every Year

Last updated on August 12th, 2024

Embracing minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer items; it’s about making intentional choices that simplify your life and create a serene living environment. If you’re aiming for a clutter-free home that feels spacious and inviting, it’s crucial to regularly evaluate what you own and let go of what no longer serves you.

Minimalists have perfected the art of decluttering by ditching certain items every year. Ready to discover the secrets to their streamlined spaces? Let’s dive into the five things minimalists never keep for more than a year.

1. Clothes: Out with the Old

Your closet is often the first place to accumulate clutter, making it an ideal starting point for your decluttering journey. Minimalists regularly purge their wardrobes of clothes they haven’t worn in the past year. This includes seasonal items, footwear, and even accessories that no longer fit their style or serve a purpose.

Solution: Adopt a systematic approach to closet decluttering. At the start of the year, turn all your hangers backward. Once you wear an item and rehang it, turn the hanger the right way. At the end of the year, any clothes still on backward hangers should be evaluated for donation or recycling. This method helps you objectively assess what you actually wear and need.

2. Makeup & Skincare: Streamline Your Routine

Makeup and skincare products can easily pile up, especially with the allure of new launches and gifts. Minimalists ditch expired products, duplicates, and items they haven’t used in the past year. This not only declutters the space but also ensures that what remains is fresh and beneficial for your skin.

Solution: Sort through your cosmetics and toiletries, separating daily essentials from those you rarely use. Check expiration dates and get rid of old or unused items. Streamlining your routine to a few high-quality products can simplify your life and reduce clutter.

3. Electronics & Appliances: Less Is More

Kitchen cabinets and office drawers often become graveyards for outdated electronics and seldom-used appliances. Minimalists are ruthless when it comes to purging these items. Anything that hasn’t been used in over a year, like old gadgets, frayed cords, or small appliances, gets the boot.

Solution: Conduct a thorough audit of your electronics and appliances. Donate or recycle items that are still functional but not useful to you. This clears space and reduces the mental burden of maintaining unnecessary gadgets.

4. Holiday Decor: Simplify Festivities

Holiday decorations can take up significant storage space and often, many items remain unused year after year. Minimalists evaluate their holiday decor annually, keeping only the pieces that bring joy and serve a purpose. This makes decorating for the holidays more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Solution: As you unpack holiday decorations, set aside those that you no longer love or use. Consider donating or recycling them. Focus on quality over quantity, and keep decorations that have sentimental value or add significant charm to your celebrations.

5. Extra Storage Items: Less Storage, Less Clutter

It might seem counterintuitive, but having too many storage containers can lead to more clutter. Minimalists keep only the storage solutions that they actively use, eliminating the excess that takes up space without serving a purpose.

Solution: Go through your storage containers, garment bags, and extra grocery bags. Keep only what fits neatly within a single container or basket. This approach prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items and maintains a tidy, organized space.

Embrace the Freedom of Less

Creating and maintaining a minimalist home isn’t just about reducing clutter; it’s about making space for what truly matters. By regularly evaluating and letting go of these five categories of items, you can achieve a more organized, serene, and intentional living environment. Ready to transform your space? Visit the Homebliss blog for more tips and inspiration on minimalist living.

Happy decluttering!