How To Minimize Your Digital Clutter

In this up and coming technological world it can be very easy to have lots of digital clutter. You could have thousands of photos, tons of unimportant emails, or even just a bunch of programs downloaded on your computer that you don't even use. With it being 2019 now I think it's a great idea to declutter and kick start the new year with a clean space both physically and digitally. Now let's get into it! 

I feel like lots of people get a bunch of people get spam emails from stores about the newest sale or just random sites that somehow found your email and now you are on their email list. I actually found a statistic that said 45% of all email is spam. Now to me that is no surprise but some may find it surprising. Just think of how much spam and junk is in your inbox right now that you could get rid of. All you have to do is unsubscribe and then you won't keep getting annoying emails from the same people over and over again. Your inbox will be cleaner and your stress just might go down a bit. 

Photos can really easily accumulate and you may find your camera roll a little out of control and messy. Keeping only the photos you like or the one's that serve a purpose is a great way to declutter your photos. For example if you have a Kangaroo meme that you were keeping and it made you laugh one time and now it's just sitting there clogging up your photos-just delete it. Also if you screenshotted your work schedule for the week and now the week is over then it would be good to delete the photo because now it doesn't serve a purpose. 

Unfollowing people that you don't resonate with is great for eliminating the content that you don't want to see. A lot of times there is random junk on social media and you look at some of the stuff on your feed and you are like "who is this person". So just hit the unfollow button if you don't like the content of the person you are following or if it's a random person that you don't even know. Follow only what inspires you and what you could get value from. Anything else can go.

Why have programs or apps on your phone or computer that you don't even use? It's kind of pointless and if you delete those apps or programs you could free up more storage on your phone. It is also nice for everything on your device to serve a purpose and not just have junk sitting there. I personally have 17 apps on my phone but every single one of those apps serves a purpose and I use them on a daily basis. So only keep what you use and delete all other apps you don't use. 

And that wraps up this post! I hope this helps some of you guys out there who are drowning in digital clutter. 

Spring cleaning: Your closet

It's getting to be spring time, which means it's time for some spring cleaning. I mean it doesn't even have to be spring to do some cleaning. So in this post I'm going to be giving you tips and tricks on how to tackle your closet. The closet is probably the most unorganized place in the whole house. It's where we put all of our stuff. A lot of us just cram everything we own into a 5 foot space. And then when you open it, you know it's a disaster, but you're too lazy to clean it. According to closetandstorageconcepts.com, "We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest just hang in our closets”. You guys already should know what I’m about to say, but for reals why do you still have clothing in your closet that you don’t even wear?!

Step one- if you don’t wear it, donate it, because someone else could get use out of it.

Another way to remove the excess and make your closet simpler is to only have your closet be for clothes, because that should be the only purpose of a closet. I mean who wants to be going through a closet with a bunch of jungle jam in there, just have your clothing and other things you wear, like hats, shoes, etc. This eliminates stress and the feeling of not knowing what’s in your closet. It also creates a sense of organization because you know where all of your clothing is, that way you don’t have to go looking for it.

Step 2-Eliminate jungle jam from your closet and only have your closet be for clothing.

Don’t fall into the storage industry trap, bins and lockers don’t fix the problem. The only way you will achieve true organization is to let go of all the excess(the stuff that you don’t use or get joy from). Once you let go of the excess you will be more stress free. You won’t have to worry about misplacing stuff or where something is, because when you have less stuff, there is less to worry about, and you will know exactly where all your stuff is.

Step 3-Understand that bins, and lockers don’t fix the problem, and the only way to fix the problem is to let go of the excess.

Once you let go of the excess and get it down to the stuff that you use and brings you joy, color coat your clothing so that it will be even easier to pick what you are wearing. This eliminates the sense of not knowing what’s in your closet even more. I do this to my closet and I love it because it looks really pretty and organized. It literally only takes me four seconds to pick out clothes because of this feature.

Step 4-Color coat your closet

To make things easier you can even try to fit your dresser or a bookshelf in your closet that way all your clothing and accessories are right in one place. I can only fit my bookshelf in my closet and I use it to store all my shoes and my purses. That way you can just grab and go. This may not be realistic for some people’s closets, but if you can fit these things in your closet, you minus well put it in there.

Step 5-If you can fit your bookshelf or dresser in your closet then put it in to make everything all in one place.

If you have extra space you can decorate your closet with art or other cool things to make it more visually appealing. I love home decor so you will always see me spicing up my closet if I have extra room. It adds personality and makes your closet more fun to walk into. Another thing that you could do would be to make all of your hangers the same color, it creates a nice vibe, and it’s good for people that have ocd about how things look. I have all my hangers the same color because to me, it creates a more organized, fresh vibe.

Step 6-Add finishing touches

I hope you guys liked my tips and tricks on closet organization. I'm thinking of making a whole spring cleaning series on here but I'm not sure. I'm always thinking of new ideas. We will see, but I’ll be back next week with a new post on my march favorites.

A minimalistic aproach to buying things

So as you guys know I'm a minimalist. Or you may not know. But anyways today I'm going to be talking about a minimalist approach to buying things. So let's refresh on minimalism real quick. Minimalism is living a more rich life with less. It's having time to focus on the important things. You can focus on the important things by getting rid of the stuff/relationships that don't give you joy or that you don't use.

Understanding what you need and what you don't need
A lot of people make the excuse that they "need" something when it's actually just a want, and they will buy it. It's okay to want things, everyone wants things. But we have to be able to distinguish wants vs needs. This will help you make better decisions when it comes to how you spend your money. We all know pretty much what we need and don't need so when it comes to buying things focus on only the things that you need. But if you find something else it's okay to treat yourself if you haven't treated yourself in a while. But don't start using treating yourself as an excuse, because there is a difference between treating yourself too much and treating yourself just the right amount.

What to think about when you do treat yourself
When treating yourself think about these two things.Will you use it, and will it bring you joy? If it does then it's good to go through with buying it. But if not then rethink your decision. But let's say for example if you think it will only bring part-time joy then rethink your decision too. By eliminating the things that don't bring us joy or the things we don't use, it will bring us freedom. Freedom isn't easy for those who love to splurge, but if you change your mindset then freedom will come easier. Spending less money=Freedom, now do you want freedom?

Quality over quantity
When you do have to buy something new, think quality over quantity. You want what you buy to last a while, right? Paying extra for a nice quality item that you know is going to last years is well worth your money. Now I'm going to tell the wallet story about why you should buy quality over quantity. So I got this wallet from Target and it lasted about half a year and then the coin purse zippy part of it broke on me, and I lost all my coins that I had in there, I was mad. But I understood why it broke because it was a cheap wallet. Then for Christmas 2016, I decided to get a Kate Spade wallet and I knew that this wallet would last me years because it's made from leather and it's designer. And I've been using it ever since Christmas and it's still not broken in yet. It's great! So sometimes it's better to go for quality over quantity.

The real purpose of minimalism

I have noticed that some people think minimalism has to do with the stuff we have. That that is the only thing that minimalism has to with. This is partially true but not completely because minimalism is what you get out of living your life with less, stuff is also just an element of minimalism. How might your life be better with less? Just ask yourself that and see where that question takes you. Honestly there is a ton of benefits to minimalism. These are the benefits that are also listed in my first post about minimalism.

*It eliminates our disconnect
 *Have more time

*live in the moment
*More freedom
*Your space looks more appealing

*Pursue your passions
*More confidence
*Easier to clean your place

*You're happier

*Grow as individuals
*Spend less money
*Less greedy

*Focus on our health

*Contribute beyond ourselves
*Set an example

*Not tied to the past

*Find things easier
*Less stress

*Discover the purpose in our lives

Minimalism is a tool that you can use to focus on the important things. By making deliberate decisions, you can focus on the important things in life. What are the important things in your life? 


Once you figure out whats important you can use minimalism as a tool to help you focus on the important things more. You can start small or just go big. For example you can start eliminating the stuff that does not bring you joy, and the stuff that you don't use. We are a consumer driven society so simply donating the stuff that you don't get value from will give joy to another person's life, and help you focus on the important things instead of status, and how much you got. Since minimalism is not just about stuff, try to minimize the bad areas in your life, and try to improve yourself. You get the point it's all about living a more meaningful life with less. But if you want to live a more meaningful life, you have to take action right now. 

It seems like every new years people will say, "I'm going to workout more this year". But 90% of the time they will stop working out within a couple of weeks. The truth is that if you want to accomplish something you have to start working on it right away and stop making excuses to not do it. If you want to be a minimalist, you have to start now. If you want to live life with meaning and passion, start now. Minimalism is just a tool, and it's a great tool. You can use it how you would like to.

The true purpose of minimalism is living with more meaning and not being distracted by all the stuff in our lives. By living with less we can focus on all the important things. Truly less is more. 

Things I've learned from being a minimalist

I've been a minimalist for five months now and I've learned a lot from minimalism and I'm still learning. I thought I would share what I learned from being a minimalist. 

1)Less is more-If you get rid of the excess that is not adding value or joy to your life you will live a more meaningful life. By owning less I am happier. I have more freedom. I live in the moment. I'm contributing beyond myself. I'm focusing on my health. I'm setting an example. I'm focusing on my passions. My space is cleaner. I'm not attached to my stuff. I can find things easier. I'm getting more out of life by living with less.

2)Going shopping is a waste of time-Getting new items is nice but most of the time you don't need it and you're wasting your money. If you have clothing already why do you need more? because it's just too cute? No if you have clothing already that you enjoy don't go get more. I'm not being sexist or anything but woman are usually the ones who love spending their money on stuff they don't need. I really wish more woman can wake up and be like "maybe I don't need that necklace" "I already have ten necklaces". I gotta say ten necklaces is even a bit too much.(this tip is for compulsive consumers) But aye if you need something for real go get it. 

3)You don't have to spend you're money once you get some-Back when I used to be a little kid I always just spent all my money as soon as I got some. I felt as if I had to spend my money because I was greedy for toys as a little girl. But finding out about minimalism made me realize that I don't have to spend my money as soon as I get it. I can invest in something with my money. 

4)Clean spaces look better than a pack rat nest-When your room is clean you feel great right? Clean your room. Your space will look more visually appealing because you got rid of the crap you don't need. You know that barney snow globe that's just collecting dust, just donate it if it does not bring you joy. But aye if that barney snow globe is giving you lots of joy keep that barney snow globe dude. 

5)You're more focused on your passions-Minimalism has made me focus on my passions more. I update my photography page a lot, I love writing on my blog, I paint, I enjoy decorating my room, I explore new places, I'm doing the things I love to do. Just one year ago I used to just sit inside all day and browse useless websites. I'm glad I'm actually getting off my ass and doing something. I read theminimalists.com and they really inspired me. Now here I am living it and being totally happy. I'm the happiest I've ever been honestly. 

6)Technology isn't everything-Too many people now in days don't go out and experience real life because they are too busy online. I think life is too short to just stare into a screen all the time. I've talked to some kids in my earth science class who say that they spend their whole weekend on their phone, I think that is really unhealthy because you need to go out and breathe some fresh air.

7)Contributing beyond yourself makes you feel good-When I was decluttering my life I gave a lot of my stuff away to my friends and I donated it too. It felt amazing to know that I was helping someone out there who needed the help or that I would give joy to another person. I think people can be selfish at times and giving to another person will make you less selfish. Everyone benefits from giving just remember that. 

8)Living in the moment is better than worrying about the future-Living in the moment is great because you can think about what you have to do right now. Right now I'm writing this post right. It is great to plan for the future but don't worry about what the future holds for you. If you think your future will be great then it probably will be. But if you want a great future you have to take action right now. Don't wait til it's new years to say "new year new me" because we all know you will be the same person as last year okay. 

9)Your stress will decrease a bit-Stress is something that lots of people have right? Minimalism helps out with that. When you get rid of the stuff that you don't need or the stuff that you don't get joy from or the stuff you don't use, you will be less stressed. Less visual and mental clutter means less stress. 

10)You can find and clean things easier-The great thing about being a minimalist is you know where everything is and your space is so easy to clean. It literally takes five minutes to clean my room. I used to struggle with not knowing where something is because there was piles of clothing and books and who even knows what on the floor. Now my room is mostly always clean and everything has a place. 

11)You don't get upset by small things anymore or hit the panic button-I used to get upset by small things and I would sometimes hit the panic button for some situations that were not a big deal.I'm the kind of person who fixes the problem as soon as it occurs instead of complaining about it. For example: Snookerdoodle got out a week ago or so and me and my dad went to chase her. It's funny watching her run because she can literally run forty miles an hour. We got her back with a treat, she always comes back so it's not like I'm going to worry about nothing. Take action people

12)You're more productive-I've noticed a change in my productivity when I became a minimalist. I used to just sit around all day online but now I get bored of being in the house and I get bored from being online. On weekends I go out two to three times a day. I'll take care of small tasks immediately and if I have to do work for school I'll do it. 

13)You care more about your health-I don't know what it is about minimalism but it makes you care more about your health. I make sure I get some exercise in everyday, I get some of my exercise in by going on bike rides, walking home from school, and doing workout videos. I try to plan my workout schedule but it never works out.

How minimalism has impacted my life

Minimalism has changed my whole outlook on life in a positive way. I noticed that I feel a lot happier, lightweight, and stress free. My room looks a lot more visually appealing and everything is very convenient to find. When Snookie escapes the house and runs down the street, I don't get mad, I just laugh at her running. Just a month and a half ago I would get mad at small things like that. When I go out shopping, I notice that I ask myself if I really need it. I'm getting to be a smarter shopper and I've been saving money. I used to just buy things because I felt like I had to spend my money. But it's completely my choice. I don't have to do anything if I don't want to do it. 

Finding out about minimalism has made me realize that less is more.  

I'm not against having materialistic items and consumerism. I love going shopping, but I don't buy much, only the stuff I need or will use on the regular. You can treat yourself to items, but just don't let it get out of control. 

I find myself questioning why people hold onto certain things that they truly don't need. People will hold onto things because they are sentimental or because they might need it "just in case". But most of the time you won't ever need it "just in case". Sentimental items can be hard to get rid of because of the emotional attachment. But for those sentimental items, allow yourself a box to put the most important sentimental items into and the rest donote, sell, give to a friend, etc. 

Every time I go through my stuff, I feel lighter and a sense of freedom. I ask myself, Did I use this recently? Why am I keeping this? Will I wear this? These questions have helped me get rid of the excess. I don't overthink it, I just ask these simple questions.

So overall minimalism has made me happier, saved me money, reduced the stress, and made my life easier. 

How minimalism can improve your life

What is minimalism?Minimalism is about living a meaningful life with less. It's getting rid of the stuff that is cluttering your life. It's living with the things you actually use. It's living with fewer material possessions. It's a way to free yourself from the stress that is building up in our lives. It's focusing on what is really important. Now ask yourself, 

What is really important?

You may be thinking, "What is the benefit of living with fewer materialistic items"? 

*It eliminates our disconnect

 *Have more time

*live in the moment
*More freedom
*Your space looks more appealing

*Pursue your passions
*More confidence
*Easier to clean your place

*You're happier

*Grow as individuals
*Spend less money
*Less greedy

*Focus on our health

*Contribute beyond ourselves
*Set an example

*Not tied to the past

*Find things easier
*Less stress

*Discover the purpose in our lives

People have grown too attached to their stuff. It's getting in the way of our personal growth. We need focus on the things that really do mean something, and the things that are important in life. By just cleaning out your room, it makes you feel better right? Clean up your junk and donate all the things you don't need and the stuff you don't use. By donating the stuff you don't need, it supports people who do need those things in their life. It will make you feel good to know that you're giving to someone.

You see, I'm just trying to change people's mindset that materialistic things are happiness. Life is more than just an endless shopping trip.