It is the start of a new year, new semester, and possibly a new you. With all of the change in the air it is possible that the phrase “out with the old” is the best tactic to starting off on a better foot. Recently I looked around my room and realized just how much stuff I had, including clothes and shoes that I just didn’t need anymore. I decided that I did not need everything in my room that I did not use anymore and then I took it a step further. I decided to become a minimalist in order to unclutter my life. It sounds difficult, but it is the best decision to start over.
Tackling your wardrobe.
The first step to becoming a minimalist is to look at your closet and, I mean, really look. It does not need to be stuffed to the brim with clothing. You just need a few key pieces. There should be a few cute tanks, cardigans, sweaters, and of course your LBD. With statement pieces it is easy to mix and match which creates tons of options with less clutter. The main goal is to get rid of three things that are creating a mess. These things are what I like to call the
1. “I will fit into this one day.”
2. “I wore this for one occasion.”
3. And “the items that I have not touched in over a year.”
These extra articles of clothing are dragging you down. Throw away anything that is too big or too small. If it does not fit and you are not wearing it, then it is taking up extra space. Also, claiming a stake in your closet is that adorable dress or shirt that you wore one time but just cannot give away. Unfortunately, it is time to realize that article of clothing will probably not be worn again so it is better to give it away and hope that someone else has a great night in it. The third is self-explanatory; if it has not been worn in year or more, give it away. For college girls another rule of thumb is that if it was something you left at home instead of taking it to school, it should also be given away because you have already proven that you are able to go months without it. It feels good to give away your clothes to younger cousins or to GoodWIll because they are not being wasted anymore. Also, cleansing your closet is not an excuse to fill it will junk again so when you are shopping, keep in mind your key pieces and add things that fit in with the clothing you already have.
Photo: myfriendkatherine.com
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What kind of makeup do you keep?
We live in a world where makeup trends are always changing from a bold lip to now bold brows. Over the years this can cause a pile up of makeup that is going to waste and taking up space. The thing to keep in mind when getting rid of all the excess makeup is quality as well as the use. A lot of makeup trends like the red lip never truly go out of style. Even if you are not sporting a red lip right now it does not mean you have to throw away lipstick. The key is to cut down. Ask yourself “do I really need eight shades of red?” If the answer is yes then keep them, but if you are like me and love one shade only keep that one. Another idea to keep in mind is how much you use products. As a college girl I have my everyday simple makeup and my going out makeup. Most of the makeup can overlaps like the foundation, eyeliner, and mascara. Bright lipsticks and eyeshadows are only for nights uptown or interviews. Most of you know what makeup you wear the most. Any crazy, colored eye shadows that are not used every weekend should be thrown out along with any products that do not work for you anymore. If you bought blush but have not touched it in months, ask your roommates if the color works for them, and if it does not, it is better to part with it. All of the women reading this have a beauty routine so stick to it. A piece of advice for staying minimal when it comes to makeup is to try free samples before making a purchase.
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Knowing the difference between what’s junk and what’s sentimental.
After going through your wardrobe and makeup stash, it is time to get rid of the junk. There are papers, pictures, candles, crafts, gifts, and even more things that we hold onto that we do not need anymore. This part includes old junky jewelry, nail polish and pictures of people that you have not talked to in years. One of the hardest parts is finding a place for the things that have real sentimental value to you but do not fit with the way you decorate. It is encouraged to keep sentimental items even when they do not fit in with the rest of the items you use regularly. Aside from the sentimental items it is time to give away items that are laying around and have no use aesthetically or mechanically. If something has been broken for months and you have not fixed it, pitch it.
Photo: justagirlandherblog.com
Becoming a minimalist is about focusing on what we really use and need in life. When I cleaned out my room, it felt good to give away all of the old clothes, stuffed animals from my childhood, and extra things I did not need to others who did need them. This will also help to reduce stress by creating a useful space for everything without clutter. As college women there is a lot of change happening in our lives right now, and becoming a minimalist helps to save money and makes it easier to move from school, to our hometown, to wherever our dreams jobs take us with less hassle.