To ask about your minimalism experiences?

[BoogieWonderlandfibbed]

Have just discovered the minimalists after watching their documentary and can see the appeal and it got me started on a big clear out, but after watching a few podcasts have been feeling it’s a bit cult lite like. Has anyone gone minimalist without turning it into their job/sm lifestyle or done it and reverted? Left the kitchen looking at my bread bin wondering whether to charity shop it so am in a middle land atm!

There are many people who have gone minimalist without making a big fuss about it, or who have tried it and reverted back to a more conventional lifestyle. And that's okay. Minimalism is not a competition or a status symbol. It's about finding what works for you and what makes you happy.

If you are feeling stuck or confused about whether to keep or donate your bread bin, I suggest you ask yourself some questions, such as:

• Do I use it regularly and enjoy it?

• Does it serve a purpose or add value to my life?

• Does it fit in with my vision of how I want my kitchen to look and feel?

• Does it spark joy or gratitude in me?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you may want to keep it. If the answer is no, then you may want to let it go. But ultimately, the decision is yours. You are the only one who knows what's best for you and your home.

I have ADHD (self-diagnosed) and I feel so much calmer after having a good clear-out, less to manage, clean, organise, insure and so on. But you have to know how much you will feel comfortable with. Best thing is to look at taking out items one at a time and taking your time over it all.

@BoogieWonderlandfibbed this is an old thread but would like to share my experience. I watched the minimalist documentary in netflix maybe a year ago and in my case it completely changed my life.
I haven't stopped donating stuff and most importantly stopped buying things such as clothes, things for the house. I do ask myself every time I come across something I like "is this adding value to my life?" Which normally is a "no".
It's so much nicer to live in a house where everything has a home. I didn't follow the Mari Kondo style. I went room by room and involved the kids in the process. My DH is actually good at it as he never bought much stuff for him.
Not only I feel happier in always tidy spaces but it's the amount of time I have now to enjoy life. The house is tidy very quickly now (few things laying around). I used to feel angry with the amount of time wasted before tidying up.
Of course it's not for everyone but I think it's about knowing what makes you happy and the following up. 😊
How is your tidying/ decluttering journey?
@frumpyflora I think I also have a self diagnosed ADHD where I find hard to switch off my brain! This has made me a lot calmer too.

Thank you @girlswillbegirls I made a a strong start and then kind of ground to a halt. The first minimalists vid was really inspiring but I actually got turned off them by watching their podcasts. Maybe I binged too much but it started to feel a lot cult like and I was disappointed in the second film. I have some totally empty cupboards and a lot fewer books and a half empty loft so not all bad. So far I haven’t missed anything I’ve got rid of and the local charity shops have had a fair amount. Surprised what people will take off free cycle too for anyone considering that as well.
maybe time to have another rethink!

Interesting, I didn't know there was a second film and I never listened to any of the podcasts. Only the first film "converted". I does sound a bit like a cult all right 😀
It sounds great you have some free space like the loft. I have to go through mine (that's for a rainy weekend). I'm trying to keep my drawers not too full and to see everything that is there. There is always room to reduce more and more, and I do wonder if this is a bit addictive. Like yourself I never missed anything I discarded (and I can hardly remember the stuff).
I do have friends now that they find my home a bit "bare" , this is in relation to common spaces. I had a visitor asking me if "we just moved in" hahaha.
I do let the kids decide because I don't want to impose too much and one of them tend to keep more stuff than the other two.

I have done this but I've been told numerous times here that I am doing minimalism wrong so I shan't elaborate. I would recommend tho.

@NimiN No one can do minimalism wrong if it works for you that’s all that matters🤗