Embrace a Fresh Space
Getting Organized in the New Year with an Eco-Friendly Minimalist Mindset
As the new year rolls around, many of us feel inspired to refresh our lives, set new goals, and, of course, get organized. While decluttering can often feel overwhelming, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to rethink our consumption habits and make intentional choices that contribute not only to our personal peace but also to a healthier planet. In this post, we’ll explore how minimalism and eco-friendly practices can guide your journey toward a more organized, less cluttered home.
Embrace a Fresh Space
Understanding Clutter and Over-Consumption
Clutter is more than just a physical issue; it can also lead to mental chaos. Our homes often become repositories for items we no longer use, need, or love, which can create stress and overwhelm because of all we have to deal with. Over-consumption exacerbates this issue, as we continuously bring more items into our lives without really thinking it through or evaluating what we already own. There seems to be a never ending influx of ads, promos, reels, and more constantly vying for our attention to get us to purchase more and more even if we don’t really need it. But that dopamine hit makes it worthwhile – for a moment. Then regret hits and those sparkly things become one more bit of clutter that takes over your space.
This year, let’s commit to breaking this cycle. By focusing on reducing clutter and being mindful about our surroundings, we can create spaces that foster clarity and calmness.
Embrace a Fresh Space
Embrace Minimalism
(to the extent it works for you)
Minimalism is a lifestyle choice that encourages living with less—less clutter, less stress, and less environmental impact. This looks different for each person and family – there is not just one right way to do this but there are some ways to think about it:
- Evaluate Your Belongings: You can do the typical keep/toss/donate but also really think about each items purpose and how you feel about it, plus the quantity you have of each. Often we have duplicates or things we prefer so editing out the excess is key.
- Clear The Backlog: If you find yourself with piles because things don't have homes - it's probably because the storage spots you do have are full of stuff you don't use or need. Clearing out the old stuff and using your storage for the items you actually use can really make a difference. We joke that organizing is often like an archaeological dig...
- Adopt a One-In, One-Out Policy: For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing one (or more!). This helps maintain balance and prevents accumulation.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Invest in durable, high-quality items that will last longer rather than buying cheaper, lower-quality alternatives. This not only reduces clutter but also lessens the environmental impact of frequent purchases.
- Reduce the Variety: Figure out one bathroom cleaner (ideally a natural one!), one type of sock, one perfect coat, the right set and quantity of dishes, etc. Not having to make so many choices or having 20 different types of soap means you can use the one you actually like and replenish when that is out.
- Be Mindful About Your Space: Think of your home as a refuge and a sanctuary where each item that enters it has value and meaning. Curating your space in a way that works for you rather than a dumping ground for anything that can make its way there.
- Honor Your Surroundings: Your home is a reflection of who you are and what has meaning to you. Anything in your home that doesn't serve that or reflect who you are means it probably doesn't deserve to be there.
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Create Homes For Your Things: When your items have designated spaces where they live, it's a lot easier to see the volume and the variety so you aren't necessarily thinking about needing new things all the time.
- When Is Enough Enough: At what point do you have enough? Is the thrill of the hunt worth the constant battle to store things, clean things, find things, or fix things?
Embrace a Fresh Space
Implement Eco-Friendly Organizing Systems
As you organize your space, consider integrating systems that are not only functional but also eco-friendly. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Choose Sustainable Storage Solutions: Opt for storage bins made from recycled materials or natural fibers. Look for options that are durable and can be reused for years to come.
- Declutter Responsibly: When letting go of items, think about how you can recycle or donate them responsibly to reputable organizations or using online options like Buy Nothing or Freecycle.
- Create a Paperless Environment: Minimize paper clutter by going digital. Use cloud storage for documents, and consider switching to electronic bills and statements. Not only does this reduce physical clutter, but it also saves trees!
- Sustainable Cleaning Products: As you organize, don’t forget about cleaning supplies. Opt for eco-friendly products that are free from harmful chemicals. Consider DIY options using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Embrace a Fresh Space
The Pitfalls
- Overthinking. Don't get caught up in the worry about making sure every single item goes to someone in actual need of that item or obsessing over everything being perfectly clean and tidy for the donation process. Sometimes it's messy and sometimes things don't go where they need but the end goal is to get it out of your house so sometimes done is better than perfect.
- Procrastination. It's easy to put it off til you have all the time in the world but be real - that'll never happen. So even small steps are worthy and have benefit - don't get caught up in waiting til just the right moment when you can do portions in the time you do have.
- Perfectionism. Getting organized is a process and it's not always going to be perfect right away. Embrace small changes and don't get caught up in the picture perfect images on social media and remember that it's not so much about how it looks but how it functions.
- Self Doubt. We often don't think we can make a change or do a different thing but telling yourself you can't means you probably won't. It's our nature to be self critical but ideally that means positive change and not being paralyzed in your decision making.
Embrace a Fresh Space
Mindful Consumption Going Forward
Once you’ve taken the steps to declutter and organize, it’s essential to develop a mindful approach to consumption moving forward. Here are some tips to consider:
- Pause Before You Purchase: Implement a “waiting period” for new purchases. If you’re tempted to buy something, wait 24 hours to see if you still want it. This simple step can help curb impulse buys. It's not like you haven't abandoned an online shopping cart before...
- Know What You Have: Having a handle on what you already own helps your decision making process for new things coming in. This is where being organized really makes the difference. If you know you already own something, you are less likely to get more of it.
- Support Local and Sustainable Brands: When shopping, seek out brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Supporting local businesses not only reduces your carbon footprint but also contributes to your community.
- Avoid Fast Fashion & Cheaply Made Products: It's not just the environmental impact but the constant need to replace things that just don't hold up. Invest in quality pieces that will last and hold their value.
- Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cycle: I'm personally a huge fan of consignment and resale for household furnishings and clothing. I love giving things a new life especially if it's something that I love and really works for me.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the environmental impact of products and industries. Understanding how our choices affect the planet can empower you to make more conscious decisions.
Click to find these products (and more) to help on your eco-friendly organizing journey!
iDesign Linus Stackable Storage Bin Clear
*made from 51% recycled plastic
Water Hyacinth Bin Natural
*handwoven from natural water hyacinth
Stackable Wood Bin
*crafted from renewable paulownia wood
SmartStore Nordic Basket
*crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled material
The Container Store Artisan Rattan Cane Bin
*handcrafted by artisans with pine wood and woven rattan, two easily renewable resources
Marie Kondo Shoji Bamboo Bin
*handmade of bamboo, an easily renewable resource
The Container Store Kyoto Bamboo Stacking Drawer Organizer
*made from bamboo, an easily renewable resource
Bigso Stockholm Boxes
*crafted from approximately 90% post-consumer recycled acid-free paperboard
Embrace a New Year and a Fresh New Space
The new year is a perfect time to embark on a journey toward a more organized and sustainable lifestyle. By reducing clutter, embracing minimalism, and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can create a harmonious living environment that nurtures both your well-being and the planet. Let’s start this year with intention, focusing on what truly matters—quality over quantity and mindfulness over mindlessness. Here’s to a clutter-free, eco-conscious new year!
