Spring Cleaning! (again...)

Happy Spring, Minimalists!  It doesn't really feel spring-y here in north Texas, because we're supposed to be in shorts for festivals and art shows.  Instead we're turning on the heater again and still wearing fleece.  

Alas, nothing says "clean out your crap!" like the calendar flipped to April! 

Why do we spring clean every year?  Do we accumulate THAT much stuff over the winter months that we need to do an overhaul AGAIN after the spring thaw?  It looks that way.  Perhaps we need to at least address this cycle.

Here are a few suggestions from your friends at Cowtown Minimalist, in no particular order:

1.  There is nothing wrong with buying something, whether it is a new sofa, a coffee mug, or a pair of earrings.  When you do, consider what already lives in your home, and decide if the new acquisition can take another's place.  Donate, Ebay, or give to friends what you are replacing.  

2.  Dying to "complete" a collection?  Ask yourself why.  Is it imperative you have each figurine in that Precious Moments collection (I always go back to those things because I just will never understand their appeal)?  Will you truly feel "complete" when you have found/purchased the last piece in the set?  Or will you be wandering off to find another thing to collect?

3. If it gets relegated to the the garage/attic/room no one enters, it's probably not that important, so consider eliminating its presence from your household.   We have such a hard time parting with things that were costly, were handled by someone who is now dead, or that held a dear memory.  Remember that physical objects only hold the value we have assigned them.  You can unassign that value, or take a photo and store that in the cloud. Permission granted.

4.  If you have children or a partner, consider them in your lifestyle choices.  If you died tomorrow, would they really care or want any of your stuff in boxes and crammed in closets?  I'm not saying to always live like you're dying, but once you're charged with sorting a loved one's life of belongings, you may be more prudent about what you leave after you're gone.  I have instructed my children what has some financial value, so they can sell that if they want after my demise.  Otherwise, hang on to my wedding rings and my Aggie ring. They don't take up much space and are tangible symbols of my life.  I am hopeful everything else is in your brain or in pictures. 

5.  If you have an object that you have assigned value, for heaven's sake USE it or display it.  A vase that your grandmother always had in her home?  Put flowers in it and look at it.   Your mother's wedding ring?  Wear it if you can.  Or put in on a necklace.  Stop hiding stuff in boxes. 

6.  Don't buy shit on vacation.  You don't need another t-shirt or sea shell to commemorate your trip to Destin.  You were there. Unless you've had a brain injury or dementia, you can remember your trip.  The talisman shell collection won't change that.  Just enjoy your adventure and skip the souvenir shops.  It will make your life more simple when it comes to next year's spring cleaning!


Remember, everyone's minimalist journey is different.  It's not about sparse walls or empty closets.  It's about mindfully appreciating what we bring into our lives, so we don't have to gnash our teeth over getting rid of it later. 

Enjoy your Sunday, Minimalist friends!