L.I.M.
Where to begin : slow down and start to notice your behaviour as it relates to your things. Which items bring you happiness or connect you with loved ones? Which kitchen tools or items of clothing do you get the most use out of? Alternatively, which possessions feel like a burden — like that pair or pants you’d like to fit into — or are no longer useful to you? Start off by going through your possessions by category (wardrobe and accessories, kitchen and entertaining items, desk and paperwork) and ask yourself questions about each item you own: * Can I live without this? * Does this really bring me happiness? * Is this something that I am actively choosing for myself or just something that I’ve always had? If you can live without an item, it doesn’t bring you happiness, it isn’t your style or it isn’t useful to you, it’s time for that item to move along.
Minimalism doesn’t have to be about giving up all of our creature comforts. It's about filling the gap between ascetic minimalism and the typical consumption habit, to find a warm and inviting balance of minimalism catered to the person at hand. It’s finding the sweet spot for how much stuff you like to have around to meet your needs and add beauty to your living space without the distraction of unnecessary items.
What to do about knickknacks : cut down on clutter by allowing one item to stand for many. For example, a single framed photograph can be a thoughtful reminder of a favorite trip, instead of a dozen souvenirs spread over a bookshelf. Another tip is to use empty space to visually elevate objects. After you declutter, the objects that remain will have more visual power simply due to the absence of other objects. Use blank walls or cleared shelves to display objects like vases as art.
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