Free Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity by Genevieve Parker Hill

finishing.
     
    Combining Methods
     
    Do you remember from the last chapter if you're a purger or a collector? Purgers will be much more likely to blaze, while collectors will enjoy the gazing process. If a purger and a collector are working together, it is also possible to combine the two methods in one home, perhaps blazing certain junk drawers and gazing the treasure box under your bed. You may also find yourself feeling like employing a different method on a different day depending on your mood and how busy you're that day. Sometimes, when we find a drawer that is stuffed full of forgotten items, my husband says “We need to do a blaze-and-gaze.” Combining methods is most realistic for couples who need to make sure they aren’t throwing away each other’s stuff.
     
    Even if you’ll be using a little of both methods, pick your favorite so you know which one you’ll mainly be using. Go with the one that most excites you and gives you a sense of energy and openness, not the one that makes you feel dread or makes you want to procrastinate. Whatever method you choose, have fun with it. This whole process can be fun if you give yourself plenty of time and support.
     
    Decluttering Area by Area
    Now we’ll go through each room in the house, each outdoor space, and any storage spaces. As we look at each area, we’ll subdivide it into the smallest portions we need to in order for it to seem manageable. Some people will take bigger bites, and some will be more comfortable with nibbles. I find that doing a room per day seems doable but not overwhelming. You may want to go faster or slower. It will depend on the room and how much stuff is in it, and the nature of the belongings in the room. For example, to whom does the stuff belong? Is it extremely dusty, dirty, or dangerous to handle? It is valuable or will it all be trashed? Does any of it require special treatment such as old pharmaceuticals or electronics? Don’t feel bad if you can do only one small area each day. My mom finds that she prefers to do one shelf or drawer per day, and she’s a blazer. Go at your own pace.
    As you approach each room, keep in mind your Minimalist Mission Statement. This will allow you to be discerning with what you keep and what you get rid of. For example, let’s say you have a kitchen loaded with tools and gadgets, a closet stuffed with clothes and shoes, a sewing room filled with fabric scraps and notions, and a garage filled with seeds, soil, and gardening tools. Let’s say that the exercise we did at the end of Chapter Three helped you realize that you haven’t used the sewing supplies in a long time, and you don’t really enjoy spending a long time selecting your outfit for the day each morning. In fact, you could care less about fashion. However, you’ve been enjoying gourmet cooking more and more, and you’ve taken a greater interest in growing your own vegetable garden in the back yard. In this case, while you’ll still want to sort through your kitchen and gardening supplies for things you no longer need or use, it’s likely that you’ll keep most of those supplies. However, your realizations about sewing and fashion can free you to sell or give those supplies away as a set.
    To save more space, consider replacing your hobbyist supplies with multi-purpose things. Multi-purpose and space-saving items exist in almost every category of household goods. From nesting bowls to nesting tables, it’s easy to find minimalist substitutes for things you use infrequently. One creative strategy for space-saving items is to look f or goods marketed for use in RVs, boats, or airplanes. Employ your favorite space-saving items and strategies for infrequently used things – after you’ve edited out the bulk of the things in that category.
     
    Items for Use, Pleasure, or Meaning
    Decide on your first room or section of a room. Make it small and easy, perhaps a drawer or one shelf. If you have selected the blaze method for this