1. SHOPPING FROM YOUR STOCK
When practicing any degree of minimalism, it is important to work through everything that you own and use products up before you buy any more, says Bonnie Borromeo Tomlinson,
2. ONLY REPLACING, NEVER STOCKING UP
Once you have worked through your household stocks, then it is important to not immediately replace everything you worked through.
‘If you want to go shopping for something, replace it instead of doubling up,’ she begins.
3. CUTTING BACK ON FURNITURE
Of course, minimalists don’t live without any furniture (that would be impossible) but many of them do cut back on how many pieces they have, and how large they are – especially when it comes to items you can hide clutter in to help with the decluttering process.
4. WORKING IN 20-MINUTE CHUNKS
A far more relaxed approach to minimalist decluttering, working in 20-minute chunks is great for those of us just starting out on decluttering, and people whose homes are already pared-back, but need a little TLC.
‘I love to set a 20-minute timer, focus on one area or category, and sort through items being honest when asking questions such as: Is this item adding value or taking away from my life? How do I feel about this item? Does this item represent who I am becoming?’ says Theresa Russell
When working in a shorter time frame, it can help to work through a preplanned decluttering checklist to make sure you stay on task and make the most of the minutes, so as not to end up in a worse position clutter-wise than you started.
5. FOCUSING EFFORTS ON DECOR COLLECTIONS
Home decor ideas can make or break a home, but when it comes to minimalism it often breaks it, says Stephanie Seferian – even when you try to use it somewhat intentionally.
6. FOLLOWING THE 90-DAY RULE
If you are someone who likes to hold onto belongings ‘just in case’, then it can be helpful to set yourself some strict rules you have to follow, suggests Millie Hurst
‘The 90-day rule is a strict process followed by some minimalists who will get rid of any item in their home they have not used in the last 90 days, and will not use in the next 90. For instance, if you are coming to the end of the winter months and have not touched certain hats and scarves, you won't be using them in the coming spring and summer months, so they need to go.
‘This method needs some good planning, but it can be effective once you get the hang of it,’ she says. ‘It is a really good way to discover what to get rid of for a minimalist family room, or things to get rid of for a minimalist entryway without getting rid of things you’ll later regret.’
7. PRETENDING TO PREPARE TO MOVE HOME
If you have ever moved home before, then you will know how important it is to declutter and use a moving house checklist to make the switch run smoothly. If you really want to cut back on your unnecessary belongings, acting as if you are about to make a cross-country move is a great, albeit intense, way to do so, says Erica Thompson