Start Empty; Become Full

This is my approach to minimalist organizing & de cluttering- a system I use when I want to organize a part of my room/life. I recommended only choosing to do one system at a time. For example, spend today organizing your clothes, or your bookshelf, or your desk, or your cosmetics. If you do it all at once, you will become tired and uninterested. It's better to take things slowly and do them properly then go fast and do it incorrectly.

The philosophy behind this way of organizing (Start empty; become full) is that our excess possessions weigh us down. I consider excess possessions as possessions that don't support a hobby, serve a useful function, or being a lot of beauty into your life. Also, if you start empty, it's like a clean slate in your mind, and in front of you that allows you to get into a minimalist mindset.

How To

Choose whatever you are going to organize today- bookshelf/closet/makeup drawer/desk and empty it out. Completely. Take every book off that shelf, every pencil out of that desk. Start with a completely empty, clean slate. Notice how lovely, beautiful, and clean it is to have that empty bookshelf. Spread your stuff all over the floor.

Then, when you start organizing, put stuff back onto the shelf with thought and care. Every item on your bookshelf/desk should have to earn it's way there. If it isn't adding a value or use to your life, it doesn't belong taking up your precious space. Additionally, if you have all the extra space, you make space, both physically and mentally, to attract the clothes, books, etc. that you actually want.

Every item I own pulls its weight- if it doesn't, I don't own it. Unless it pulls it's weight, stuff is just stuff. When's useful/beautiful it becomes more then stuff- it becomes an object, a possession.

For organizing, I also recommend a generous block of time. If you rush though it, you'll be less then satisfied with the results. I also like to listen to really upbeat, fun music. Delhi 2 Dublin is my current favourite; they're Irish/Indian fusion, and they're rad.

How to you organize? Would you use this method?

♥ Luinae

P.S. Check back tomorrow for an article on how to organize your closet using a mix of Limits, and Start Empty; Become Full