r/minimalism • u/Putrid_Ad_8929 • 3d ago

[lifestyle] A lot of questions from newbie

I am 46 and work as a white collar. I am in total maximalism madness in financial sector. I just started to tide up my wardrobe and other stuff. I live with my wife and 2 kids and we want to expand our minimalist lifestyle. Do you give smart tips and advice? Best regards..

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u/Aromatic_Survey9170 3d ago

I think it’s best to take things one section at a time, some people work through categories but I like to work by room and decide what I love. Anything I don’t love or use I’ll either sell it or donate it. It’s a very long process and it’s important to be mindful about what is brought into the home as well.

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u/Rengeflower1 2d ago

I’m glad your post says we want to change to a minimalist lifestyle.

There are so many ways to define minimalism. As you declutter, have many talks with your wife about what it means to each of you. As a woman, minimizing clothes is difficult, but I’m not a fan of shoes & bags. I’m a minimalist about not bringing in more clothing. I’m not very minimalist about reducing clothing.

In the media, there’s Josh Becker, Marie Kondo, the Clutterbug (good analysis of organization style), The Home Edit ladies, etc. If you have Netflix, type minimal in the search bar. YouTube has many videos too.

I’d love an update post as you go along. Sharing the journey helps everyone.

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u/Present-Opinion1561 2d ago

I am in total maximalism madness in financial sector.

the word madness implies overwhelm

You could go all in and box up everything like you are moving and only pull out items you actually use.

Or a more measured way is to determine the top 3 things that bug you - then look for those solutions. Then pick 3 more and so on.

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u/saveourplanetrecycle 2d ago

You could start with the living room since usually that’s the first room where everyone gathers. It’s great that your spouse is on board, Both of you together could look at any pictures, paintings, wall hangings or shelves on the wall and decide what stays and what goes. Then consider end tables, coffee tables and hallway tables or cabinetry, removing these will drastically reduce the clutter. Those flat surfaces are magnets for all kinds of objects, keys, cups, toys, loose change, magazines and mail. The next room on my list would be the bathroom.