We all have an affinity for beautiful things, don’t we? I was once the proud owner of a closet brimming with handbags and a plethora of clothes, many of which still bore their tags after months of hanging unworn. Perhaps it was a spur-of-the-moment purchase or maybe the color just didn’t suit me once I got home. Regardless of the reason, I began amassing items that served no purpose in my life.
My obsession with aesthetics didn’t stop at clothing; it spilled into every corner of my existence. Decorative throw pillows, an excessive supply of office materials, and various home decor items filled my space. If I liked something and could afford it, it found a place in my home, regardless of necessity.
While having a collection isn’t inherently negative, for me, it spiraled out of control. Clutter heightened my anxiety levels—an untidy space felt suffocating. Initially, I managed to maintain order in my home, but after marrying my husband, our belongings multiplied. Adding a few children into the mix only exacerbated the situation. Kids accumulate stuff at an astonishing rate.
Before I knew it, I was trapped between rediscovering forgotten items and feeling like I was on an episode of a hoarding show. The chaos had become overwhelming, and I reached a tipping point.
I began my decluttering journey with my closet. If I hadn’t worn an item in six months, it went into the donation box. Gradually, I tackled each room, continually asking myself: Do I love this? Do I really need this? Do I already own something similar? With each question, the donation pile grew.
When it came to my children’s rooms, I felt apprehensive. I decided to let them keep anything they truly valued. My daughter, witnessing my efforts elsewhere in the house, inquired about the donation pile. I explained that we would be donating to families in need at our local shelter—a cause I am passionate about through my work.
Her eyes softened as she absorbed the information. “They don’t have a home? Or toys?” she asked. Without hesitation, she grabbed a box and headed for her room. I followed her down the hall, watching as she thoughtfully selected items for her donation. “They can have these, Mommy,” she said, presenting me with a nearly overflowing box.
Fast forward a year, and our home is now a sanctuary filled with only the essentials. The time, money, and energy once devoted to accumulating and managing our possessions are now invested in creating memories as a family. We explore new places together rather than spending hours searching through a cluttered closet or picking up stray toys. We’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters.
Although we still occasionally acquire new items, like that enticing beauty product from Target, we approach new purchases with mindfulness. Our family now understands the difference between needs and wants. If we bring something new in, we often pass something old on to someone who might appreciate it more.
As my husband wisely pointed out during our initial decluttering phase, “No one needs 16 throw pillows.” Especially when we have each other.
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In summary, my journey toward minimalism has not only decluttered my home but also restored my peace of mind. We now focus on what enriches our lives and let go of the excess, allowing us to fully enjoy our time together.