Minimalism has become a buzzword. Netflix documentaries, Instagram accounts full of white walls, books about "living with 100 things". That can be inspiring, but also intimidating.
The good news: You don't have to go radical. Even just a bit less stuff can make a difference.
What Minimalism Means to Me
I'm not an extreme minimalist. My apartment doesn't look like an Apple Store. I have books, kitchen stuff, decorations – all sorts of things.
But I have less than before. And – this is the important part – I only have things I've consciously chosen to keep. No clutter just lying around because it happens to be there.
That makes a difference in everyday life. Less tidying up, less cleaning, less "where did that go again?". More space, more clarity, more calm.
Why It's So Hard to Let Go
Before you start decluttering, it helps to understand why it's difficult.
We're attached to things because they represent memories. The gift from grandma, the souvenir from vacation, the T-shirt from the concert. The thing itself might not be important, but what it means is.
We're attached to things because we think "someday". Someday I'll wear that again. Someday I'll need that. Someday I'll fit into that again. That day usually never comes.
We're attached to things because we paid for them. Giving them away feels like waste. But the money is already gone, whether you keep the thing or not.
Knowing these mechanisms helps to overcome them.
How I Got Started
My first step was to start with the obvious.
Things that are broken. Cables without a matching device, clothes with holes, broken things "I was going to repair someday". This was easy because the decision was clear.
Things I have duplicates of. Three scissors, five pens, two identical sweaters. What for?
Things that have been unused in the closet for years. The fondue set I never unpack. The books I'll never read. The sports equipment for hobbies I've given up.
After this first round, a surprising amount was already gone. And I didn't miss any of it.
The Harder Decisions
Then come the things where it's not so clear.
The book I read years ago and might want to read again. The jacket I only rarely wear but like. The heirloom I don't actually like, but that came from someone important to me.
Here a question helps me: If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it? If no, then why am I keeping it?
With heirlooms and mementos: The memory isn't in the object. It's in me. A photo is often enough to preserve the feeling without needing the space.
The Process Takes Time
Important: You don't have to do everything in one weekend.
Minimalism isn't a project you complete, but an attitude you develop. It's okay to go slowly. One drawer this week, one closet next week.
Some decisions need time. If you're unsure, set the thing aside and come back to it later. Sometimes with a bit of distance it becomes clearer whether you need it or not.
Where Do the Things Go?
When you've decluttered, you need a plan for the stuff.
Giving away is my favorite. On PIKITUP, in Facebook groups, to friends and family. The items get a second life, someone is happy, and you're rid of them.
Selling is worthwhile for valuable items. For everything else, the effort is often higher than the return.
Brockenhaus (thrift store) for larger quantities. They take a lot, and you don't have to deal with individual pickups.
Disposal as a last resort. What truly nobody wants anymore needs to go. That's okay.
What Happens Afterward
The best thing about minimalism isn't the decluttering itself, but the afterward.
Fewer things means fewer decisions. What should I wear? Easier when the closet only contains what I like. What should I eat? Easier when the kitchen is organized.
Fewer things means less responsibility. Every object needs space, care, attention. Fewer things, more capacity for other things.
And – perhaps most importantly – fewer things means more awareness about what comes in. Before buying something new, you ask yourself: Do I really need this? Or will this be decluttered again in a year?
Conclusion
Minimalism doesn't have to be extreme. Living a bit more consciously, hoarding a bit less, letting go a bit more often – that's already enough.
Start small. One drawer, one closet, one area. See how it feels. Keep going if it's doing you good.
And if you find usable things while decluttering – give them away. On PIKITUP or elsewhere. That way you help yourself and others.
What's your relationship with minimalism? I'm curious – hello@pikitup.ch