Decluttering - alternative way, mindful accumulation?

dragonlily

Hi everybody,

I've been trying to declutter for what seem like forever. I have Marie Kondo's book and have read infinitum worth of articles on how to minimise etc. This has been really helpful in lots of ways but it doesn't seem to have any helpful effect on what actually comes IN to my home.

I have been pondering whether actually what I need is to focus on a vision of who I am, and how my home and possessions could become an outward reflection of me and my family as opposed to an ongoing emotional drain.

So to take one tiny area of my possessions I had tried to run down my makeup over 3 years or so, so have ended up with very little left. So, I have addressed the issue of having an excess of products but that then leaves me faced with having to purchase more.

I have scarily just researched and obsessed over a mascara purchase and eventually went for an inexpensive Boots Natural Collection one @ £1.99 (which is BTW lovely) and matches my self image of being careful with money but still waiting to look nice and avoiding animal testing.

So, I am wondering if instead of focusing so much on decluttering whether the longer term solution is about mindful purchases where you only let items come in if you really do believe they are in sync with you, your values and what 'sparks joy'.

Any thoughts? x

scorpio_biker

Hi,

I like this idea. I'm just starting a big de-cluttering, but once I am done I will make sure any new purchases do fit in with my life.

Thanks for the post.

Goldiegirl

Having gone through a major de cluttering process in recent years, i'm not going to 're-clutter'

I went on a long holiday recently, and i bought back no tourist souvenirs.

I took loads of photos, bought back a few foodstuffs which we've now eaten and enjoyed. I did buy a Radley purse, which was really a birthday present, as I needed one, and I love Radley.

It's a bit 'deep' for me to have a vision of who I want to be etc, but the end result is the same - my house is clear of clutter, and I don't intend bringing a load of junk back in!

chiefpossession

I totally understand what you mean. I put together a capsule wardrobe for work because I was fed up with the panic every morning because I had a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear. It was liberating and I didn't need to buy anything - for months! .....But it felt so strange. I don't particularly like clothes shopping - but I bought NOTHING and even had to stop myself window shopping because I knew I wasn't going to buy anything.

Valli

I think Martin has already hit the nail on the head here with his money saving mantras!

So, when shopping you should be asking...

Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
Is it worth it?
Will I use it?

Just add in. Marie's mantra

Does it spark joy?

And if you answer no to ANY of these mantras don't buy it!

PasturesNew

I didn't understand the question ..... it all got a bit arty farty for me.

dragonlily

I went on a long holiday recently, and i bought back no tourist souvenirs.

I took loads of photos, bought back a few foodstuffs which we've now eaten and enjoyed. I did buy a Radley purse, which was really a birthday present, as I needed one, and I love Radley.

Well done on not bringing in more stuff. I think the purchase of the purse is a good purchase because it is something you actually needed so worth getting one you love because then it will last.

I totally understand what you mean. I put together a capsule wardrobe for work because I was fed up with the panic every morning because I had a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear. It was liberating and I didn't need to buy anything - for months! .....But it felt so strange. I don't particularly like clothes shopping - but I bought NOTHING and even had to stop myself window shopping because I knew I wasn't going to buy anything.

I am looking at capsule wardrobes at the minute too, although my indecisive nature is causing me problems! I think I'm going to go for a navy base, because the majority of my 'staple' clothes are navy. How many things did you go for in the end in yours?

So, when shopping you should be asking...

Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
Is it worth it?
Will I use it?

Just add in. Marie's mantra

Does it spark joy?

And if you answer no to ANY of these mantras don't buy it!

Sounds like a plan

I didn't understand the question ..... it all got a bit arty farty for me.

LOL, no worries. I'm quite interested in the psyche about the relationship people have with their possessions, and how we are impacted by marketing. I guess we are all interested in different things.

chiefpossession

Dragonlily - my colours were based around purple and black with some teal.

I made it up with

2 x skirts
2 x trousers
2 jackets
2 cardigans
6 tops (including jumpers)
1 dress

I made sure that everything went together and I really wanted to wear them - did they 'spark joy'? (although I hadn't discovered Konmari then) It made sense to spend some time putting the combinations together. I felt a bit twitchy with so little in my wardrobe, but I had plenty of combinations and was never stuck for something to wear. If anyone noticed that I was wearing the same thing, they didn't say. I did 4 months with the same key pieces and it was great. Note to self - must sort out spring/summer combos now!!

dragonlily

Chiefposession you have me inspired I am definitely going to get on with it and put one together!

I don't have any skirts, as not the right shape for them at the moment (need to lose weight!) so will go for for trousers instead

I am so going to do this tonight!!

VfM4meplse

Goldiegirl wrote: »

I took loads of photos, bought back a few foodstuffs which we've now eaten and enjoyed.

I always buy consumables - and oddly non-electrical kitchen gadgets I haven't seen here - when I go away. They are always either consumed or used.

If gifting I always go for something consumable: food, alcohol or flowers. I receive plenty of unsolicted gifts from visitors during the year: which either get consumed, re-gifted or donated straight to the chazzer. I'm not one for ornaments that collect dust.

[Deleted User]

Goldiegirl wrote: »

Having gone through a major de cluttering process in recent years, i'm not going to 're-clutter'

I went on a long holiday recently, and i bought back no tourist souvenirs...

Our house is very uncluttered, but we do like to buy souvenirs from holidays.

What we now do though is buy something pratical that we need for the house. So our place mats that we use everyday were bought on holiday and I have some mugs that we bought when away too from another holiday.

So if there is something we really need we try and wait until we go away and see if we can buy it then.