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| I used to be a hoarder and this is how I adopted a minimalist lifestyle |
It's true. You read it right. I used to be a hoarder. But it's also been more than a year since I decided to start adopting minimalism in my life.
After watching The Minimalists' documentary on Netflix called "Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things", I finally made a life-changing decision: to start adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Emphasis on the word start, because I'm still in the process of doing so.
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| The Minimalists (@theminimalists) |
First things first, according to Merriam-Webster, here's what minimalism means: "a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity."
So like I said, I used to be a hoarder of the things I really like such as makeup, clothes, bags, shoes, or just about anything that I find cute.
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| Colourpop haul 2019 |
I actually believe that hoarding starts at home and it's actually pretty common especially in a Filipino household. Based on my personal experience, I grew up with very strict and practical parents so we're used to hearing "sayang". Like "Sayang yan, 'wag mo itapon!" and "Sayang, pwede pa magamit.", or "Sayang, akin na lang. May pag-gagamitan din ako d'yan." and I've nothing against them.
But after I watched The Minimalists' documentary, it was like a spiritual awakening. I wanted to learn more so I researched and read articles to fully understand minimalism. And after doing so, I was shocked by all the things I have accumulated. Some of them are barely touched or used, and there's a few that I haven't been able to open and use at all.
I also evaluated my closet and converted to a semi-minimalist wardrobe. Since then, I've been spending less time thinking about what to wear to work every morning. Moreover, I've been constantly decluttering (every 1-2 months). I follow Project 333, the minimalist fashion challenge created by Courtney Carver of bemorewithless. Basically, you have to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.
I also evaluated my closet and converted to a semi-minimalist wardrobe. Since then, I've been spending less time thinking about what to wear to work every morning. Moreover, I've been constantly decluttering (every 1-2 months). I follow Project 333, the minimalist fashion challenge created by Courtney Carver of bemorewithless. Basically, you have to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.
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| https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/ |
I'm also a bit OC like I can't function properly if my surrounding is a mess, so cleaning and organizing regularly is a must for me. I'm so thankful for the KonMari method by Marie Kondo because it helped me organize in a systematic but simple way. (If you don't have the time to read any from her 4 books, just watch Tidying Up with Marie Kondo in Netflix.) It's so useful and effective that I even KonMari-ed my relationships and Facebook friends. 🤣
It's truly a struggle, especially if you're the only one cleaning at home with a full-time job and doing some freelancing on the side, plus also enjoy having alone time.
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| KonMari Co. (@konmari.co) |
It's truly a struggle, especially if you're the only one cleaning at home with a full-time job and doing some freelancing on the side, plus also enjoy having alone time.
However, it's difficult for me to totally be a minimalist as I enjoy treating myself to a few purchases every now and then, aka retail therapy. I love shoes so much that I had a month that I bought 3 pairs of branded shoes...
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| Adidas Gazelle in Black |
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| Adidas Ultraboost 2018 in Black and Gold |
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| Dr. Martens 1461 in Black, Yellow Stitch |
So I figured, I'll only allow myself to buy things if:
- I truly need it and will be able to use it for years; or
- I will use it as many times as possible then sell it (I sell some of these stuff at Carousell, or I sometimes donate it to the less fortunate) once I've already maximized the CPW, or cost per wear. This is especially helpful if you like to keep up a little with fashion or gadgets.
I don't think I'll be a full-on minimalist anytime soon, but I always make sure to incorporate minimalism in every aspect of my life in my own terms. Not only at home, but even at work.
Here's my minimalist workstation at home last August 2018:
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| My minimalist desk at home last August 2018 |
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| My minimalist mini-office at home last August 2018 |
I spend some of my free time doing some freelance work, so I made sure to have space where I can think, stay focused and work in peace at home.
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| My minimalist desk at home (March 31, 2019) featuring a sweet note from my Husband! |
Here's what my workstation in the office looks like a few months ago. I wasn't able to take a photo of my current one, but it's similar to this. I regularly change what my workstation looks like just so it feels refreshing, LOL.
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| My workstation at the office |
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| My Starbucks 2019 Planner |
I like my workstation neat, organized and clean so that I can be more focused and get more things done. A messy station for me means unorganized and scattered thoughts. 😅
If you want to know more about minimalism, as well as connect with people who have adopted this lifestyle, I found a group that can help you jump-start minimalist living: join Minimalist Philippines' Facebook group. Or you can simply like their Facebook page to be inspired and get tips.
Note: This is not a sponsored post. Just thought about sharing how minimalism worked wonders for me. Perhaps it could do the same with yours too! 😉
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Work with me! The Multi-Hobbyist blog accepts work and collaborations with brands, companies, and individuals for sponsored posts, advertisements and alike. I also photograph and blog about music, concerts and music festivals. Send me an email at themultihobbyist@gmail.com.
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