I mostly share what you should declutter (and it’s almost everything). There are a few things though that I recommend holding onto. You shouldn’t declutter these 7 special things.
Letting go and decluttering your stuff to make time and space for what actually matters to you is really important. I recommend you declutter your closet to reduce decision fatigue and have easier mornings. Declutter your kitchen so you can enjoy the space most of us are gathering in. I even suggest you declutter your sentimental items, especially if you aren’t really enjoying them. We all love books but you can declutter them too!
A health diagnosis was my wake-up call. After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, I made the decision to eliminate as much stress as possible from my life. Clutter was part of that stress. Not only did decluttering lower stress and improve my health, it came with many other benefits. I didn’t declutter everything though. I held on to these 7 special things you shouldn’t declutter.
7 Special Things You Shouldn’t Declutter
Not only shouldn’t you declutter these special things, prioritize them. Make them important in your life for better health and a more enjoyable life.
1. Don’t declutter things that actually simplify or improve your life.
The goal when simplifying isn’t to own the least amount of stuff. It’s about defining what enough means to you. Hold on to things that simplify or improve your quality of life. I kept my coffee machine and my favorite coffee cup for instance. I have a desk and a walking pad in my office. I don’t “need” them to get my work done but moving while I’m writing improves my health and creativity. The things that fall into this category will look different for everyone. Trust yourself to know what does or does not add value to your life.
2. Patience is something you should always hold on to.
Aside from slowing the pace of my own life, what helps me most when it comes to remembering how to be patient is remembering that people are people. We are all human beings in a hectic and sometimes hard world. Practicing patience for the big things and the little things works. That doesn’t make you perfect at patience, just a little better than before. It’s good for your heart and good for the world. Don’t forget to be patient with yourself too! Here are 3 practical tips that have helped me be more patient and I think they can help you too.
3. Hold onto consistency.
Consistency matters much more than intensity when it comes to decluttering or simplifying in any way. A consistent, tiny-step by tiny-step, slow and steady approach will result in long-lasting progress and change. If you get bored, take a break or throw in a fun decluttering challenge occasionally and then get back to consistent progress. If you feel frustrated, remember that slow progress is still progress.
4. Keep your sense of humor (especially while decluttering).
Decluttering can feel so hard and it can be fun too. When we gather for Declutter Hours, we always find someone who “wins” the Declutter Hour because they find something fun or silly. Some Declutter Hour members have found gift cards or cash while others discover something in the pantry that expired years ago. If we have to do this work anyway, we may as well laugh a little!
5. Rest falls under “things you shouldn’t declutter.”
Instead of decluttering or delaying rest, we need to prioritize it. That might mean going to bed early, canceling a few things from your schedule and doing absolutely nothing or scheduling mini rest time throughout the day. If you struggle to rest or feel guilty about resting, read Gentle, Rest More, Stress Less and Live The Life You Actually Want for good tips and support.
6. Never declutter your curiosity.
Stay curious. Ask lots of questions. Try new things. I get especially curious when my initial reaction to something is, “No, never, not that.” A lot of people feel that way about the minimalist fashion Project 333 challenge. And then after they try it, they wonder why they waited. If there is something you are curious about but aren’t sure about trying, turn it into a challenge or experiment. Collect data and make your decisions based on facts instead of fears.
7. Don’t declutter analog activities.
Prioritize the analog activities that bring you joy. The real secret to staying off your phone is engaging in things that aren’t on your phone. Try reading more with these 7 books to re-start your reading habit. You might enjoy watercolor painting. These watercolor books and sets make it easy. Go for a walk, knit a scarf, play Mahjong. Have more fun and experience real joy by engaging in more analog activities.
If you want to spend less time online and more time enjoying the world around you, consider these two steps for analog living.
Of course, most of these things aren’t things at all. Simplifying your life invites you to be more intentional about how you live. Every one of these special “things” will help you intentionally feel better and more joyful.
