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Minimalism can feel a little intimidating. You might picture people living out of backpacks or owning just a few carefully curated items, but it doesn’t have to be that extreme. It’s not about giving up everything you own or turning your home into a Pinterest-perfect, empty space. Instead, minimalism is about cutting out the things that weigh you down—whether that’s stuff, commitments, or distractions—so you can focus on what really matters.
If you’re curious about minimalism but don’t know where to start, here are 10 small, simple steps to ease into it without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Start With One Drawer
You don’t have to clear your entire house in one go. Start with something manageable, like one drawer. It could be that junk drawer in your kitchen or the one in your bedroom stuffed with socks. Empty it out, toss or donate the things you don’t need, and neatly organize what’s left. You’ll feel an immediate sense of accomplishment, and that small win might inspire you to move on to bigger spaces.
2. Clear Out Your Car
If your car is cluttered, it can feel like you’re carrying chaos with you everywhere you go. Spend 10 minutes cleaning it out—toss the old receipts, empty water bottles, and random things that have accumulated. You’ll feel more relaxed on your commute, and it’s a quick way to declutter a space you use daily.
3. Focus on One Category at a Time
Instead of trying to declutter an entire room or closet, pick one category of items to work on—like shoes, books, or kitchen gadgets. When you go through just one group of things, it’s easier to see what you truly use and love, versus what’s just taking up space. Plus, it makes the process less overwhelming.
4. Try the “One In, One Out” Rule
Every time you bring something new into your home, let go of something else. Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair. This simple rule can help keep your belongings from getting out of control and encourages more mindful shopping. Over time, you’ll find yourself thinking twice before buying something, knowing it means giving something else up.
5. Unsubscribe From Emails
Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s digital, too. Start by unsubscribing from emails that no longer interest you or bring value. Most of us get bombarded with newsletters, sale alerts, and random updates that we don’t need. Fewer emails mean a less cluttered inbox and less time spent scrolling through things that don’t matter.
6. Take a No-Buy Week
Try a week where you commit to not buying anything except the essentials (like groceries or gas). It’s a great way to hit pause on impulse purchases and reflect on how often we buy things out of habit or boredom. You might be surprised by how little you actually need and how much more intentional you feel by the end of the week.
7. Limit Your Wardrobe for a Week
You don’t have to throw out all your clothes to simplify your wardrobe. For one week, pick 10-15 items to wear and stick to just those. This will help you see which clothes you actually like and wear often. You’ll also appreciate how much easier it is to get dressed when you’re not overwhelmed by choices.
8. Scan Important Documents
Piles of paper can make any space feel messy. Start small by scanning and saving important documents digitally. Even if you just tackle one stack of papers or one drawer, you’re taking a big step towards a cleaner, more organized life. Plus, it’s easier to find things when they’re stored on your computer rather than buried under a pile of papers.
9. Create a “Maybe” Box
If you’re hesitant to let go of certain items, try creating a “maybe” box. Put the items you’re unsure about in the box, seal it, and store it out of sight. If you haven’t needed or thought about anything in that box after six months, it’s a sign you can probably live without them. This method gives you time to adjust to the idea of letting go, without the pressure of making immediate decisions.
10. Set a 10-Minute Timer
You don’t need hours to make progress. Set a timer for just 10 minutes and focus on decluttering one small area—maybe it’s your nightstand, the kitchen counter, or your bathroom shelf. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short time, and these small bursts of effort add up over time.
Minimalism isn’t about being extreme—it’s about making little choices every day that help you focus on what really matters. With these small steps, you can start to simplify your life in a way that feels doable, not overwhelming. It’s about making space, little by little, for the things that truly add value and joy to your life.
