Minimalistic Living: The Path to Intentional Home Organisation

In today's world, where rapid delivery and the latest trends flood our social media feeds, our homes have shifted from serene sanctuaries to mere storage units for our belongings. Often, we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by our possessions even before we step through the door.

Embracing an organised lifestyle goes beyond simply purchasing matching storage bins; it's a conscious choice to escape the disorder of excessive consumption and create a space that breathes. Whether you're looking to reclaim your guest room or transform your living area, this guide offers insights to help you turn your home into a functional work of art. 

1. Start by Decluttering

Organising requires decluttering. Getting rid of all the things that are eating up space in your house without actually being of any use.

You cannot organise a cluttered space. Instead of investing all your savings in closet organisers, make some hard decisions, and you’ll be surprised by how much space unnecessary items were taking up. 

Digital decluttering has also taken up so much space on our phones and in our minds. Organise digital files, unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, and cancel subscriptions to streaming apps you don't use.

2. Overcoming the Hoarding Habit
 

Hoarding can result from a just-in-case philosophy. Why do I hold on to the rusty whisk? It's because I might need it to bake a three-tier cake someday. Why do I hold on to the pair of jeans when I haven’t fit into them since 2015? It's because I might go on a diet.

To break this cycle:

Have you used it in the past 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days? If not, it’s probably taking up space in your home for free. Recognise that shopping is a hobby, not a necessity. Before clicking ‘Buy Now,’ wait for 48 hours. Chances are that you will not want it anymore.

3. Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is not just a white box and a single chair; it means that each item in your home must either serve a purpose or bring you happiness. The fewer items you have, the more important each one is and the easier it is to organise your home.

It means embracing what you do have and being a mindful consumer. Instead of jumping on every trend and purchasing every trend-adjacent thing you can find, take a minute and try to think if that new thing actually brings you joy or adds any value to your life.

4. Reset Regularly

Clutter doesn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear forever either.

Create small reset rituals, like setting a timer for a quick 10-minute reset between cooking dinner and going to bed, and always clean after dinner to avoid starting your day with a messy kitchen. 

These mini-resets prevent chaos from building and keep your home feeling light without requiring massive cleanups.

To maintain the integrity of your living space, eliminate the junk drawer. Organise your space so it feels fun and personal, not cluttered.

5. Letting go of the Guilt

Many people struggle with decluttering because of guilt over wasted money or sentimental attachment. Holding onto unused items doesn't recoup their cost; it only consumes space and energy.

You can appreciate what an item meant to you while still letting it go. Gratitude and release can coexist.

Instead of accumulating possessions, prioritise investing your time and resources in relationships and experiences.

Progress Over Perfection
 

Home organisation is a process, not a destination. Your home is a living space, not a museum. There will be days when the pile of paperwork becomes overwhelming, or the clean laundry is left unfolded, and that is just the way it is. 
The point of minimalism and home organisation is not to project a perfect image in the social scene; it is to remove the obstacles between you and the people and activities that truly matter.

Rather than succumbing to the temptation to over-consume, cultivate a space that feels like a refreshing breath of air and one that feels like you.