Decluttering: 5 Rules for a Lighter Life
If you've heard about it often and know what it is, but have never considered decluttering , this article is for you! You'll discover what decluttering is, how it can improve your life, and how to put it into practice (and make it last) by following 5 simple rules! For example: did you know it can also be applied to skincare?
Decluttering: what is it and what is it for?
They say decluttering is a declaration of war on the superfluous. What if it were instead a declaration of love for the things you can't live without?
Literally, "decluttering" means "making space." In fact, the philosophy of decluttering involves eliminating all the things that are no longer needed and superfluous. What's the benefit of giving away or, if it's too old, throwing away that faded high school sweatshirt? More than you might think!
Here are some benefits of decluttering :
- It allows you to make space and organize the rooms in a conscious and functional way, because you eliminate the things you don't need or are broken and that now take up precious space
- promotes the recovery and recycling of clothing and furniture, accessories, books, CDs, records, etc.
- It makes you understand which of all the objects you own are the ones that really matter to you.
- increases productivity , because it allows you to live and work in an environment that is easier to manage
- makes cleaning faster
- eliminates stress , because a clean and minimal environment promotes mental relaxation and makes you live in harmony
- If you decide to sell clothes and items in good condition, it can represent a small source of income to invest in things you want or that may be useful at the moment.
Plus, decluttering also means eliminating objects, clothing, and memories that carry a negative emotional charge . As difficult as it may be to part with them, if these items are part of the past, there's no better way to open up to the future than eliminating them and making room for the new!
If we've converted you to the philosophy of decluttering and you want to know how to get started, keep reading and discover the 5 rules for a lighter life !
1. Delete BEFORE you fix!
If you're about to move , completely redecorate your home, create a meditation corner in your home , or if you simply want to make space and get rid of everything you no longer need, start with the first simple rule of decluttering: eliminate before you tidy up !
Only in this way can you be sure to reorganize and store only the things you love, in the order you want. This brings us to the second rule.
2. Haven't used/worn it in the last year? Get rid of it!
The key to eliminating unnecessary items isn't sentimental, but practical: if you haven't worn it in the last year, there's no reason to keep it because (trust me!) you won't this year either. Much less next year.
The only exceptions: valuable vintage pieces (TRUE value) and elegant clothes and accessories you might wear to your next formal occasion.
3. Proceed by category, not by room!
If you're thinking of starting with a particular room, you're wrong: the easiest way to declutter your home is to declutter by category .
Here's how: choose a category, check your entire house for items that fall into that category, group them together, and then analyze them to figure out what to throw away, what to donate, and what to keep.
In this case, it might be helpful to start with the categories that are least important to you: this way you can practice decluttering and understand how to make a selection that reflects your current lifestyle.
4. Also include skincare products and accessories
Few people think about it, but the house can be full of:
- old, expired, or long-opened creams and lotions
- broken or no longer used skincare accessories
- products that are no longer suitable for our skin or that we bought out of curiosity and never used.
For this reason, even a skincare decluttering routine is definitely helpful! Start by checking products that are past their opening date, then move on to those you won't use because they're not good for your skin, and then move on to old accessories you no longer use. We bet your skin will feel less stressed, too!
5. Stay true to minimalism
Once you've completed decluttering, there's one last rule to follow: try not to accumulate useless objects and products!
It may seem difficult, but after the initial decluttering, a more orderly and harmonious space can give you the minimalism push you need. A few practical examples?
Before buying a piece of clothing, do a closet check: if you find similar items, maybe it's not worth spending money on something you already own.
How can you eliminate waste in your skincare routine ? First, choose products that are truly beneficial to your skin. Pay attention to the packaging: a pump dispenser like the one for Biancamore Body Creams prevents waste, allows you to use up every last drop of product, and protects the contents from external damage.
Another tip? Avoid plastic accessories and opt for wooden combs, brushes, and massagers : they'll last longer and, if they break, won't pollute the environment!
Make room for serenity!
Decluttering frees up space not only in your home, but also in your life: by learning to live with what you really need, you'll be able to instantly understand whether or not it's worth buying a new item or garment... and you'll know how to enjoy the ones you have, making the most of them. Isn't that wonderful?
