Minimalist Ideas Archives - Tidy Lifestyle

how to let go of perfection when home organizing

Tidy for Peace NOT Perfection

January 7, 2026November 26, 2025

How home organization and tidy practices can help you let go of perfection.

What spaces feels better and increases function?

Before & After Studio Project

Perfection is Sneaky

Perfection is sneaky. It whispers that if we just try a little harder, buy the right bins, or keep every corner spotless, then we’ll finally feel calm and in control.

But the truth is, perfection often blocks the very peace we’re looking for.

Organizing invites you to slow down and actually look at your life: what you value, what you’ve outgrown, and what supports the person you’re becoming.

As you sort through your things, you’re also sorting through expectations. You start to notice that perfect isn’t the goal—clarity is. Ease is. Joy is.

Be Intentional

Letting go of perfection doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in small, meaningful moments:

When you choose progress over procrastination.
When you release the guilt of unfinished projects or things you thought you “should” keep.
When you realize your home is allowed to look lived-in because you live in it.

Tips for Letting Go

Focus on “better,” not “perfect.” Aim for small improvements that make life easier. A drawer that’s 80% organized still works beautifully. Progress counts.
Choose function over aesthetics. Pretty bins are great, but systems that actually support your daily habits matter more. Priority: ease, not Instagram.
Use the “good enough” rule. If the space works, reduces stress, and you can find what you need—stop there. “Good enough” is often exactly right.
Break projects into micro-tasks. Instead of “organize the closet,” try “sort shoes.” Small wins build momentum and reduce overwhelm.
Expect a little mess—because you’re human. Life shifts. Homes get lived in. Allowing wiggle room prevents burnout and increases long-term success.
Let your space evolve with you. Systems aren’t set in stone. Adjust them as your lifestyle, family, or needs change. Flexibility = freedom.

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Gifts: How to Receive and Give Gifts

July 7, 2024June 5, 20241 Comment

What is the purpose of a gift? Learn how to receive and give gifts of joy not guilt.

The purpose of gifts extends beyond the material value of the item itself. Gifts are powerful tools for communication, connection, and emotional expression.

Expression of love and affection: a common love language in American culture is gift giving
Celebration: holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions as a way to mark the significance of the event
Gratitude: giving gifts can be a way to express gratitude for someone’s help, support, or kindness
Custom and Tradition: gift-giving is deeply ingrained in customs and traditions. It’s a way to uphold social norms, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community.
Surprise and Delight: giving and receiving gifts can bring joy and excitement, especially when the gift is unexpected or particularly thoughtful. It adds an element of surprise to relationships and occasions.

Let’s dive into how gifts impact our life, organization at home/work, and decluttering.

What’s more meaningful than gifts?

Receiving Gifts

The purpose of a gift as a receiver is to receive the gift. Once you have received the gift, you have fulfilled its purpose. Now that the gift is in your possession, it is up to you to decide what to do with it.

Reflect on Your Values: Consider what’s important to you and your living space. Reflect on whether the gift you received align with your values, interests, and lifestyle. This reflection can help you prioritize which gifts to keep and which ones to let go of.
Assess the Gift:
- Do you love it?
- Will you use it or enjoy looking at it if it is displayed?
- Does it hold sentimental value or evoke positive memories?
- Does it align with your current needs and lifestyle?
Have the Courage to Donate it: The last thing the gift giver would want is for you to hold on to something the adds negatively to your life. Perhaps, he/she actually wants the opposite – for you to feel happy, content, and at your best, regardless if you keep the gift or not.
Express Gratitude: Even if you choose to declutter a gift, take a moment to express gratitude for the thoughtfulness and generosity of the giver. You can thank them sincerely for the gesture while acknowledging that the gift may not fit your needs or preferences.

When you decide to keep a gift, fulfill its purpose by deciding if it is to be used (practical) or displayed (joy):

Practical

It makes life easier
It supports you in a specific way
It is useful
Place the item in a storage place with intention where it will be used and is easy to access

Display

Sparks positive feelings when you see the item
Adds aesthetics and visual appeal to your space
Triggers a memory and experience you want to remember
Remembering a person, animal, or loved one

Declutter Guide

The Desire to Gift when Decluttering

When we declutter, all of our energy and time should be focused on the decision of what to keep and discard.

One of the biggest signs that you don’t love and should not keep an item is when you want to gift it.

We love to distract ourselves in different ways and one of the main ways we procrastinate during the decluttering process is when we have the desire to gift or give items away to loved ones.

What we don’t realize is that this reaction is an excuse to not let go. Instead of giving a gift of joy, we are giving a gift of guilt. The guilt that we feel about an item is then transferred to the person we give it to. Ultimately creating a vicious cycle of gifting and guilt. Common items we have the urge to gift:

Items we never used
Perceived high value: expensive, rare, unique
Sentimental value: association with specific memories, experiences, or relationships.
Gifts we have received and kept out of guilt or obligation
Fear of offending the gift giver
Attachment to material possessions: attached value to physical objects that give a sense of security or identity

Have the courage to let go. When we let go we are are also streamlining the entire organizing process by simplifying it to two piles: what to keep and what to discard.

Please see this list of donation centers and the causes they support. Pick a cause you truly care about. It will be easier to let go and give you peace of mind when you know your precious items will help those who are truly in need.

Donate & Support

Giving Gifts

When we look back on our life when we are old, what will we remember? Will we remember the designer pants or fancy kitchen appliance? Probably not. We will think fondly of the memories, experiences, hobbies, pets, and people who made a mark on our lives.

When it comes to giving gifts, give the gift of experience. An experience or excuse, to spend quality time with your loved ones. Time is our most precious asset in life. Life goes by so quickly and it is even more important to schedule intentional time with those we care about.

Have the courage to let go and embrace the most important thing we have in life: each other!

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Indoor Plants & Home Organization

March 20, 2024March 21, 2024Leave a comment

We explore the powerful connection between indoor plants and home organization, highlighting how integrating plants into your living space can enhance both its aesthetic appeal and organizational functionality.

How do indoor plants help with organization?

Routine Maintenance: Caring for plants often requires a regular schedule of watering, pruning, and cleaning. Incorporating plant care tasks into your routine can help you develop good habits and a sense of responsibility.
Time Management: You need to allocate time for watering, fertilizing, repotting, and other tasks based on the needs of each plant. This practice can help you prioritize tasks and manage your time more efficiently, improving overall organization.
Space Utilization: Organizing indoor plants involves determining the best locations for them based on factors like sunlight, humidity, and available space. Arranging plants in an organized manner can maximize space utilization and create an aesthetically pleasing environment, similar to organizing other items in your space.
Attention to Detail: Caring for plants involves paying attention to small details such as leaf discoloration, pest infestations, or soil moisture levels. This attention to detail can translate into other areas of your life, fostering a more organized and observant mindset.
Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully caring for plants and watching them thrive can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This sense of achievement can boost motivation and confidence, leading to increased productivity and better organizational skills in other areas of your life.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in plant care activities, such as watering, pruning, or repotting, can promote mindfulness and relaxation. Taking the time to focus on these tasks can help reduce stress and clear your mind, leading to a greater sense of calmness and mental clarity. This mental state can enhance your ability to stay organized and focused on other tasks.

Incorporating plant care into your life can contribute to a more organized and harmonious living environment.

Pain Points & Solutions

What kind of plants are aesthetically appealing AND low maintenance?

Snake Plant
African Violet
Monsterra
Elephant Ears
Pothos

Snake Plant

Caring for a snake plant (Sansevieria) is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.

Light: thrives in indirect and low light conditions
Watering: once a month
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
Maintenance: Repot every 2-3 years

African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia) are popular houseplants known for their colorful, delicate flowers and attractive foliage. Add a pop of color to any room, as they come in a variety of colors – purple, white, pink, and red.

Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: water from the bottom, fill a saucer or tray with water to allow the plant to absorb water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: Repot every 6-12 months

Monstera

Known as Swiss cheese plants or split-leaf philodendrons, are popular for their large, glossy leaves and unique foliage.

Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years

Elephant Ears

Elephant ear plants, also known as Colocasia or Alocasia, are tropical plants known for their large, heart-shaped leaves

Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years

Pothos

Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, are popular houseplants known for their easy care and trailing foliage.

Light: thrives in wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright, indirect light
Watering: allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water thoroughly, saturating the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
Maintenance: Repot every 1-2 years

Habits & Organization

What are the benefits of having indoor plants?

Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants help to purify the air by absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while releasing oxygen. This can lead to cleaner and fresher indoor air.
Stress Reduction: Research suggests that spending time around plants can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and well-being. Indoor plants can create a more relaxed and pleasant environment.
Enhanced Mood: Indoor plants have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, helping to lift spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Their presence can contribute to a more cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.
Boosted Productivity: Having plants in the workplace or at home can increase productivity and concentration levels. Studies have found that being around greenery can enhance cognitive function and improve focus.
Better Indoor Climate Control: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can increase humidity levels indoors. This natural humidifying effect can help to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment, particularly during dry seasons.
Noise Reduction: Certain indoor plants can help to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels, making them ideal for use in busy or noisy environments.
Visual Appeal: Indoor plants add beauty and visual interest to indoor spaces, enhancing aesthetics and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Connection with Nature: Bringing a piece of nature indoors can foster a greater sense of connection with the natural world, even in urban or indoor environments. Taking care of plants can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Improved Sleep: Some indoor plants, such as lavender and jasmine, emit soothing fragrances that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Placing these plants in bedrooms can create a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
Health Benefits: Reducing the incidence of headaches, allergies, and fatigue. They can also help to speed up recovery times from illnesses and surgeries.

Overall, incorporating indoor plants into your living or working space can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being, as well as contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

Please Note: All of the plants mentioned in this post were recommended by Collin, owner of Culiver Cultivations. Culiver Cultivations offers garden design, consulting, and education business in the San Francisco area.

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atomic habits by james clear 4 laws for building and breaking habits

Organization & Habits

March 13, 2024March 14, 2024Leave a comment

What’s the secret to developing healthy habits and maintaining organization?

Small habits can make big changes.

“It doesn’t matter how successful or unsuccessful you are right now. What matters is whether your habits are putting you on the path toward success.” – James Clear

Get 1% better everyday

Forget goals and focus on the system.

Goals = Results

Systems = Processes that lead to results

If you’ve tried changing your habits but haven’t changed, perhaps the issue isn’t you. The issue is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear

Pain Points & Solutions

Build an identity-based habit

“The key to building lasting habits is focusing on creating a new identity first. Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity. What you do now is a mirror image of the type of person you believe that you are (either consciously or subconsciously).

To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself. You need to build identity-based habits.

Changing your beliefs isn’t nearly as hard as you might think. There are two steps.

Decide the type of person you want to be.
- “I am an organized and tidy person.”
Prove it to yourself with small wins.
- Actions speak louder than words

Your identity emerges out of your habits.” – James Clear

Every action you take contributes to the type of person you want to be.

How to grow a good habit

Make it Obvious

Be specific with your actions
- “I will [BEHAVIOR][LOCATION] when [TIME] every [DAY].
- I will organize my home when I wake up every Sunday morning.
Use Habit Stacking
- “After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]
- “After drinking my coffee, I will declutter paper mail.
Design your space around your routine. Make cues of positive habits visible and obvious
- Place a hook near the front door for your keys to hang.

Make it Attractive

Pair an action that you want to do with an action you need to do
- “Before I hangout with friends, I will tidy up my room.”
- “When I get food delivered, I will wash the dishes.”
Join a culture where your desired behavior is the norm.
- Online: tidy lifestyle community group, declutter groups, minimalist groups, simple living groups
- In-person: tidying workshops, women’s groups, parent groups
Create a positive ritual. Do something you love immediately before a unfavorable habit
- “Before I tidy up, I will treat myself to my favorite coffee.”

Make it Easy

Reduce friction. Decrease steps for good habits
- For example: I always set out my outfit, purse and shoes the night before a work day. Then I get to enjoy my morning drinking coffee and preparing for work.
Prime environment. Design your space to make future actions easy
- Strategic storage spots. In the closet closest to the main door, store your coats, shoes, and most used accessories. When you walk out the door, you can grab everything with ease
Master the moment. Optimize the small choices with the biggest rewards
- Physical checklists are extremely helpful to keep productivity up and feels rewarding.
- A simple walk during your day allows you to clear your mind and appreciate the moment. This small action can cascade into your state of mind at work and your interactions with others.
Use the 2 minute rule
- Any habit can be condensed into 2 minutes. The key is to begin incorporating the habit slowly and then eventually 2 minutes becomes 3, then 4, etc.
- Example: Fold one piece of clothing right after you take a load out of the dryer.
Automate your habits to lock in future behavior
- Practice putting your keys and wallet in the same place each day
- Tidy up every Sunday
- Set a deadline of one month for all sale items. If you don’t sell it, have the courage to let go and let it be used/loved.

Make it Satisfying

Make the habit enjoyable
- Turn on music, put on a tv show, dance a little, sing!
Reinforce good habits. Reward yourself immediately after a positive habit
- After I tidy up, I will take myself out to my favorite lunch spot! Yey!
When doing a difficult habit, remind yourself of the benefits
- When I fold laundry it is easier for me to pick out outfits, feel less guilt of it sitting in a basket, and frees up floor space.
Track your habits
- Write a list of all of your habits both good and bad. Reflect on this list and make more mindful choices.
Never miss twice. When you miss a habit, jump right back in
- Don’t get discouraged because you haven’t organized your home for a week. It’s never too late to get back on track!

Tips to Stay Tidy

How to break a bad habit

Make it invisible

Reduce exposure. Out of sight, out of mind
Hide the TV remote, keep snacks on a high shelf in a cabinet, place cigarettes in a box in a hard to reach spot

Make it unattractive

Reframe. What are the benefits of avoiding bad habits?
I feel more productive, present, healthier, lighter, motivated when I don’t watch tv.

Make it difficult

Increase friction. Increase the number of steps for bad habits
- In order to get a bag of chips I have to get a step latter, reach up to the highest shelf, take down the bag before eating
Use a commitment device. Limit future choices to only the ones that help
- Higher a professional organizer and commit to the process
- Buy a gym membership and commit to a better physical and mental state

Make it unsastifying

Team up with an accountability buddy. Support each other and hold yourselves accountable.
Make the costs of your bad habits public

“Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? How can I make it attractive? How can I make it easy? How can I make it satisfying?”

– James Clear

Dive Deeper and Read Atomic Habits!

Everything in this blog post is from James Clear author of Atomic Habits.

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The information from this blog post is sourced from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and his website.

before visual clutter kitchen cooking oils

How to Reduce Visual Clutter

February 15, 2024February 26, 2024Leave a comment

Visual clutter is the presence of excessive and distracting visual elements typically in the form of advertisements and branding on products. It can negatively impact the aesthetics, functionality, and focus within a space.

Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

before visual clutter bathroom toiletries — Visual Clutter from Product Labels

What is Visual Clutter?

Visual clutter occurs when there is an overload of elements that cause distraction and scattered thinking. Vibrant colors, giant words, and pictures make it difficult to focus and function in a space.

Why is it in my home?

Imagine yourself walking through the isle of a store. Every product on the shelf has to stand out against its competitor. Companies thrive off of the excessive elements because customers become familiar with the brands color and design.

Pain Points & Solutions

Before & After Kitchen Clutter Example:

after visual clutter kitchen oil bottles — Product labels contribute to unfocused scattered thinking

How does it effect me?

When we bring products into our home, these labels scream and shout on our shelves. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the product which causes:

distraction
cognitive overload
reduced comprehension
slower decision making
scattered thinking
decreased aesthetic appeal

Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

before visual clutter cleaning solution holistic — Less functional container with loud label

after visual clutter cleaning solutions holistic — Less functional container with loud label

Simplicity is Key

A clutter free environment and design allows individuals to:

process and absorb information more efficiently
appreciate aesthetics
experience a greater sense of focus and clarity

Best Products 2024

How can I reduce it?

Take labels off of products
Take products out of plastic
Toss boxes that items come in
Store all disposable bags together and out of sight
Use reusable glass spray bottles and hand soap containers: these look nice and reduce visual clutter

Before & After Komono Hobby Clutter Example:

before visual clutter komono hobby cats — Visual Clutter from small items add up

after visual clutter komono hobby cats — Visual Clutter from small items add up

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paper organization with tidy lifestyle organizing in walnut creek ca

Home Office Paper Organization: What Papers do I need to keep?

November 27, 2023May 6, 2024Leave a comment

Keep your home office tidy with this guide on paper organization.

Store Records Electronically

The best advice from CPA Jocelyn Fong is to save your digital files and keep them in order by year for 7 years. At the end of every year it is important to download and save your documents online via cloud and/or a hard drive. It is a rookie mistake to rely on banks to retrieve records, as most banks typically only keep files for 3 years.

It is also a smart idea to take photos (or scan), copy, and convert paper documents into a digital format. You can save these documents on a hard drive or in a secure cloud like google. This allows you to save important documents and access them remotely in case of a natural disaster or emergency.

Prevent Identity Theft

Is the google cloud safe to store tax documents? Yes. I recommend using a password that is unique to this specific account. Do not use the same password as shopping, socials or other personal websites.

Dispose of physical old tax documents, statements, or any papers with personal information by shredding. Do not simply toss in the trash. Although identity theft mostly takes place online these days, it is best to be extra cautious.

How long do I keep my tax records?

Seven years if you want to be safe and protected from a potential audit. Again, I highly recommend saving all files in a digital format with your files in order.

If I own a business, how long do I keep receipts?

Seven years unless the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration gives written authorization for earlier disposal. This includes all records involving sales or use tax liability. This is particularly important if they are itemized receipts.

Should I keep divorce papers?

It is in your best interest to retain any and all documents related to your divorce, forever.

Tidy Paper Guide

Personal Documents to Keep

One year

Paychecks
- If you have no equity you can save one paycheck per a quarter
- If you have equity save every paycheck for the year
Cancelled checks

Three years

Medical bills (if there is a deduction save for 7 years)
Expired insurance policies (car/personal)

Seven years

Expired insurance policies (renters insurance, etc.)
Supporting documents for tax returns
Accident claims and reports
Tax related medical bills/bills
Sales receipts
Property records/improvement/renovation receipts
Mortgages, deeds, lease documents

Forever

CPA reports
Legal documents
Estate documents
Income pay checks
Income tax returns
Investment trade records
Retirement records

Special Circumstances

Car records (as long as you own the car)
Stock and bond records (7 years beyond selling)
Warranties and manuals (only keep if you still have the product)
Depreciation schedules and capital asset records (3 years after the tax life of the asset)

Personal Documents to Digitize

If you haven’t already, please opt-in to paperless settings. Typically, these papers end up compiling in piles causing more stress than good. You should be able to access all of your statements online, where the data is aggregated together.

Bank statements
Credit Card statements
Retirement contribution statements
Utility bills

Business Documents to Keep

Seven years

Purchase orders
Deposit slips
Requisitions
Receiving sheets
Employee applications
Employee records (after termination)
Employee time cards
Internal reports
Inventory log
Expired insurance policies
Accident claims/reports
Employee tax records
Expired contracts/leases
Inventory logs
Payroll records
Purchase orders
Sales records
Vouchers
Travel/entertainment records

Forever

Audit reports
Cancelled checks (tax payments)
Contracts
Leases
Deeds
Depreciation schedules
Investment trade confirmations
IRS reports
Legal records/correspondence
Mortgages, bills of sale
Property records
Retirement records
Tax returns
Trademark/patent registration

Need more paper organization help?

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The information here is sourced from the Franchise Tax Board, California Tax Service Center, CPA Rod, and CPA Jocelyn Fong.

minimalist living room couch for simple living

How Can I Start a More Minimalist Lifestyle?

October 9, 2023March 11, 2024Leave a comment

8 minimalist ideas to start your minimalist lifestyle today!

How can I be more minimalist with clothing?

Create a Capsule Wardrobe.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe? It is when your clothes are composed of interchangeable items that maximizes the number of outfits you can wear. Learn more about how to create a minimalist wardrobe.

How can I declutter books when I love reading?

Keep books that spark joy® when you see them or that you will read now. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t read a book that’s been sitting on the shelf for years, will you really read it?

Get A Free Consultation

How can I become more minimalist with books?

This sounds super old school but I recommend renting books from the library. I find that I actually read the books I get when I know I have to return them in 2-3 weeks. This also allows me to read all kinds of books (old and new) without them taking up space in my home.

How can I downsize paper in my house?

Stop the flow of paper coming in! It’s important to have a routine when it comes to mail:

Immediately toss advertisements/spam/junk (less paper accumulation)
Open envelopes and discard, only keep the important paper/letter (keep only what you need)
Place important papers, bills, letters in a pending box
Set a day to go through the mail once a week (no pile build ups)

If you haven’t done so already, automate all of your bills online and sign up for the paperless setting.

minimalist kitchen ideas on how to have less

Is it possible to have a minimalist kitchen?

Yes. Although this category is probably one of the hardest for me personally. I maintain having less in the kitchen by:

Mindful spending: Less kitchen gadgets and more questions like, “What purpose does this item serve?”
Buy food you intend to eat now not later.

How can I have less cleaning products?

Honestly, the only cleaning product I use is vinegar. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and a perfect solution if you have pets or kids in the house. I have 2-3 spray bottles each filled with vinegar that I keep in the kitchen to wipe tables/counters and in the bathrooms.

I’ve used vinegar for years and love the simplicity of having one product to clean everything.

Before & After Photos

How can I feel more minimalist with laundry when I hate folding?

It’s normal for laundry to be left in a basket for a few days. It is not normal when that is literally the place it lives and if it does – it better be in a designated spot in a closet. If you absolutely despise laundry and folding then I recommend –

Hang most/all clothes
Designate separate drawers for small items: socks, underwear, bras
Designate a spot for your hamper to live that does not create visual clutter

The key is to have a home for your clean clothes even if you don’t fold them. Simply toss items into drawers or on hangers. If you’re really lazy just leave them in the hamper but have a designated spot for that hamper to live. Create a system that works for you, is easy to maintain, and doesn’t disrupt the look and feel of your minimalist home.

Do I really have to declutter my sentimental items?

Absolutely not. It’s important to keep and display sentimental items throughout your home! If an item really means a lot to you then why not appreciate and look at it daily? Minimalism is about creating an environment that energizes and supports your lifestyle.

sentimental vase displayed for joy in minimalist home

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