My Messy Road to (Almost) Minimalism

Confessions of a Recovering Hoarder (Kind Of)

Okay, so maybe “hoarder” is a *slight* exaggeration. But seriously, I had a problem. My closets were overflowing. My drawers wouldn’t close. I had clothes with tags still on them – years after I bought them! Sound familiar? I knew something had to change. I saw these YouTube videos, you know, the ones with the super zen minimalists living in perfectly white apartments with like, three possessions. I thought, “I want that peace!” But uh, the reality? A lot messier. I started with Marie Kondo. Big mistake. Well, not a *total* mistake. I did learn to thank my socks before tossing them (don’t judge). But the “does it spark joy?” thing? I mean, my old concert t-shirts spark joy! My collection of vintage teacups sparks joy! Pretty soon, everything was sparking joy and I was back where I started, drowning in stuff. I mean, who even knows what “spark joy” really means? I began to feel defeated, and a little bit silly. Maybe minimalism wasn’t for me.

The Great Purge (and Subsequent Regret)

Undeterred – and maybe fueled by too much coffee – I went for round two. This time, I decided to be ruthless. If I hadn’t worn it in six months? Gone. If it was even *slightly* damaged? Gone. If I even *thought* about maybe getting rid of it? Gone! I ended up donating, like, three huge bags of clothes, books, and… who knows what else. Honestly, it felt amazing at first. My closet looked so empty and clean! I was practically floating on air. Then, a week later… disaster struck. I had a wedding to go to. And guess what? The only dress I owned that fit and wasn’t completely hideous was… you guessed it, the one I’d donated. Ugh, what a mess! I ended up scrambling to find something to wear, spending way too much money on a dress I didn’t even really like. Talk about a learning experience. I should have been more thoughtful about what I was getting rid of. And maybe kept that dress, just in case.

Apps, Podcasts, and the Slow, Gradual Shift

After the wedding dress debacle, I realized I needed a different approach. Something less… extreme. That’s when I started exploring minimalism apps and podcasts. The “Declutter” app was actually pretty helpful. It sends you daily reminders to get rid of one thing. Small steps, you know? Less overwhelming. And the “Minimalists” podcast? Surprisingly inspiring. They talk about minimalism as a tool for freedom, not just about having less stuff. That really resonated with me. It’s not about depriving yourself; it’s about intentionally choosing what you value. This, I could get on board with. I started thinking about why I was holding onto things. Was it because I actually loved them? Or was it because I felt guilty about the money I’d spent on them? Or because I thought I might need them someday? Asking myself these questions made it easier to let go. Maybe it’s worth checking out some similar podcasts?

Finding My Own Version of Minimalism

So, where am I now? Well, my apartment still isn’t featured in any minimalist magazines (and probably never will be). But it’s definitely less cluttered. I’ve stopped buying things I don’t need. I’m more mindful about what I bring into my life. And I’ve learned that minimalism isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about creating a space that supports your values and makes you feel good. It’s about finding your own balance. I still have my concert t-shirts and my vintage teacups. But now, I also have room to breathe. And that, my friends, is worth more than all the stuff in the world. Funny thing is, the biggest change wasn’t in my closet, it was in my mind. I no longer feel the need to fill every corner with something. The silence is… actually kind of nice.

Was It All Worth It? Honestly, Yes.

Looking back, yeah, I made some mistakes. I got rid of a perfectly good dress. I probably donated some things I shouldn’t have. I spent way too much time agonizing over whether or not a chipped mug “sparked joy.” But I also learned a lot about myself, my habits, and what truly matters to me. Minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a journey. And I’m still on it. Maybe you’re thinking of embarking on your own journey, if so, I say go for it. Just, you know, maybe keep that one dress you really like… just in case. And don’t worry if you slip up. It’s all part of the process. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll even be able to close all my drawers! (Okay, probably not. But a girl can dream, right?)