Here's What Happens When You Minimize Even a Little

Are you longing for a perfectly decluttered, simple home that makes everything about your life easier and better?  There's only one problem with that dream... it's not going to come true overnight.

But don't worry, and don't give up!  It really is worth the time and effort to declutter.  The best part of it is that you don't have to minimize everything to start seeing benefits.  You're going to enjoy some positive effects as soon as you begin.

Why you shouldn't wait

Decluttering even a little is like quitting smoking.  Did you know that within 20 minutes of smoking your last cigarette your heart rate and blood pressure start to normalize?  There's more: 

• Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal levels, improving your body's oxygenation.  You'll have more energy and clearer thinking.

• Within just one day, your risk of having a heart attack lowers significantly.

• Within a couple of weeks, your lung function has improved, and your white blood cell count normalizes since your body is no longer fighting the toxins in cigarettes.

Wow!  This doesn't even count the money you save, how much better you and your home smell, and how much less yellow your teeth are!

(By the way, if you're trying to quit smoking or vaping, smokefree.gov has a lot of resources.)

Decluttering your entire house would be a wonderful accomplishment, and the more you declutter the more benefits you'll see.  But I want to encourage you – minimizing anything will have a positive impact.

Maybe you have a large home that you've lived and accumulated in for decades.  Maybe your spouse isn't on board with decluttering, and there are areas you can't touch.  Maybe you're physically unable to do the work for long.  There could be any number of reasons why it's hard for you to declutter, and that's okay.

Don't wait!  Start with a small task and watch it improve your life.  The benefits of decluttering kick in right away.

12 positive examples

1.  Wardrobe

If you minimize your clothes, your closet will look and feel less chaotic.  You'll spend less time deciding what to wear, laundry will be more manageable, and your confidence will soar because your streamlined wardrobe is filled with pieces you like and feel comfortable wearing.

2.  Beauty and personal hygiene

If you minimize the products you use in the bathroom, you'll clear counter space, speed up your morning and evening routines, make cleaning easier, and save money.

3.  Cooking utensils and gadgets

If you minimize your kitchen tools, you'll be left with the items you prefer because they work best for you.  You'll have an easier time storing and finding them, and less to clean up.  You may even find you enjoy cooking more than ever.

4.  Food storage containers

If you minimize your storage bowls and lids, you'll be left with pieces that go together and function well.*  You'll spend less time searching for what you need since they'll be easier to store and put away.  You might even waste less food, because you won't have excessive amounts hiding in the back of the refrigerator, turning into gruesome science experiments.  With fewer containers, you'll eat those leftovers while they're still good.

* As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links.

5.  Mugs, water bottles, and glassware

If you minimize the cupboard that's crammed with these things, you'll be able to keep the best and make room to store other things you need.  You'll clear out freebie junk and gifts that weren't your style.  You'll be able to drink from your favorite mug every morning, find the "good" water bottle that doesn't leak, and toast with your best wineglasses.

6.  Towels, sheets, etc.

If you minimize your linen closet, it will look more organized, and every piece will be easier to access and put away.  You'll streamline laundry.  You'll also be able to use your best towels, sheets, tablecloths, and more, instead of storing them for a "special" day that never comes.

7.  Desk and office supplies

If you minimize the items in your working area, you'll have more space and an easier time finding what you need.  Many studies show that an uncluttered work area lets you focus and accomplish more, which will make you feel good about your competence and productivity.

8.  Books

If you minimize what's on your bookshelves, you'll be able to create a more attractive display of volumes you love and want to keep.  You'll find your favorites more easily, and have room for something new.

9.  Décor

If you minimize décor, your rooms will be easier to dust and polish.  What remains will get more attention because it's not hidden in a crowd.  And decluttering is a fantastic opportunity to curate your style.  No matter what fads or whims you went with in the past, or what your parents or grandparents kept and passed to you, you can evaluate who you are and what you love, and keep only the things that suit you now.

10.  Hobbies

If you minimize your gear, you'll have more time for each hobby that remains, with more opportunity to improve your skills and finish your projects.  And instead of crowding your closets, the tools and supplies you don't need can be given to someone who will use them.

11.  Toys

If you minimize your kids' toys, you won't step on them so often.  Your children's play will be more creative and cooperative, they'll find it easier to clean up, and your entire family will enjoy more peace and less complaining.

12.  Junk

If you minimize (or even eliminate) your junk drawers, you'll free up space for stuff you actually need.  As you toss the old menus, bent paperclips, dead pens, dried rubber bands, random screws, and unidentifiable keys, you'll gain momentum that helps you tackle other areas in your home.  You'll be able to locate the few useful items you've stowed away over the years and organize them so you can find them again.

You can do this!

As you can see, there are tremendous benefits no matter where you start decluttering.  It doesn't matter where you begin as long as you do!  You can't go wrong with these four basic steps:

• Gather everything from your chosen category in one place.
• Decide how much is needed, and choose your favorites until you reach that amount.
• Donate the rest if it's still in good shape.  Be generous with what you no longer need.
• In future, acquire fewer items of higher quality and usefulness.

Even if you only manage one area for now, you're going to reap the benefits.  Good luck!

Related article:  Try 50 Ways to Leave Your Clutter – But Don't Stop There

This post has been added to and adapted from one of the chapters in my newest book, The 4-Hour Declutter (part of my Minimalist Basics series).*  Get a jumpstart on a more spacious and comfortable home with the indispensable tools I share in the book.  You don't need to be perfect, you just need to show up.  Take the first step today!  

By the way...

Happy Mothers' Day this Sunday!