Why less is sometimes more and how you can declutter your home (and your phone) and become more relaxed
In a world that confronts us daily with advertising, new trends and endless things, it can easily happen that we feel overwhelmed by material goods. The feeling of excess and the constant hunt for more leaves many people with a deep feeling of unrest. This is where minimalism comes in - as a conscious alternative to consumer society: fewer things, less stress, but more space and time for what really matters. But what exactly does minimalism mean?
What is minimalism?
Minimalism is not a rigid lifestyle, but a personal decision that is intended to bring more freedom, clarity and satisfaction. It is about getting rid of everything superfluous and focusing on what is essential - be it in your own home, digitally or emotionally. Minimalism does not mean living in empty rooms or denying yourself everything you like. Rather, it is about consciously dealing with your own needs and letting go of things that no longer offer added value. It is a way to free yourself from material and mental ballast in order to create more space for the really important things - for relationships, personal development and well-being.
According to a 2021 study, over 60% of respondents said that having too many items makes them feel stressed and disorganized. Decluttering can therefore be a first step to clearing your mind. In this article, you'll learn how to make minimalism a part of your life - whether it's your living space or your digital everyday life.
Decluttering your home: Start simple, make a big impact
Minimalism in your own home does not mean living in bare, empty rooms, but rather focusing on the essentials and getting rid of unnecessary burdens. Studies have shown that untidy living spaces can increase stress hormone levels. A good place to start is with small, manageable steps. A first step could be to start with a drawer or a single cupboard compartment. For each object, ask yourself: When did I last use it? Does it give me joy or is it useful? If the answer to both questions is "no," then the object can probably go.
Consciously plan a fixed time every day to declutter - even 10 minutes is enough to gradually create order. Focus on specific areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or wardrobe. A tried and tested principle is the 30-day rule: if you haven't used an item in the last 30 days and are unlikely to use it in the next 30 days, it's time to get rid of it. A lot of things that are no longer needed often accumulate in the wardrobe in particular - clothes that have not been worn for years can be donated and benefit other people. According to statistics from charity organizations, around 20% of donated clothes are reused, which can also leave you with a good feeling.
Digital relief: decluttering on your mobile phone
But the digital space can also become an invisible burden. On average, we spend over 4 hours a day with our smartphones. This time is often dominated by a multitude of apps and notifications that burden us rather than help us. Digital relief means consciously minimizing in this area too - removing unnecessary things that disturb focus and creating clear structures.
Go through your apps and delete anything you no longer need or rarely use. There may be apps you downloaded once and have never used since. Remove them and make space - both on the device and mentally. Notifications can also be a major stressor: turn off unnecessary notifications and only activate the ones that are really important. This will help you concentrate better and use your screen time more wisely.
Another area that often uses up a lot of memory and mental energy is the photo gallery. Sort through your photos regularly, delete duplicate or blurry images, and save only the best memories. There are also numerous apps that can help you sort and organize your photos. Creating order on your smartphone can be just as liberating as tidying up your home - and will lead to you using your phone in a more relaxed and less stressed way.
Minimalism in old age: more space, less ballast
Minimalism becomes an important issue, especially as we get older. As the years go by, we not only collect memories, but also a large number of objects that can become a burden at some point. An overcrowded home can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and can even pose safety risks, such as tripping hazards in the home. Minimalism in old age helps to minimize these risks while making the living space more pleasant and organized.
The conscious decision to get rid of unnecessary things not only creates more space in the physical sense, but also mental freedom. Studies have shown that people who declutter their living spaces experience a higher quality of life and feel less stressed. Having fewer possessions also means spending less time cleaning, organizing and maintaining - which is an immense relief, especially as we get older.
A practical tip is to focus on the things that really have high emotional value. Mementos can be digitized to save space without losing the memories. Consciously decluttering and simplifying results in a tidy, friendly home that is not only safer but also creates more space for new positive experiences. A 2018 study found that older people who rid themselves of unnecessary baggage have fewer depressive symptoms and are generally more satisfied with their lives.
Conclusion: Less is more – for more serenity and quality of life
Minimalism does not mean giving up everything, but rather living more consciously and concentrating on the essentials. Decluttering - whether at home or digitally - can lead to more clarity, space and mental peace. A minimalist lifestyle can be a real relief, especially in old age, as fewer things need to be organized and looked after. Less ballast means more freedom and time for the really important things in life.
So why not start today? Take one area, be it an overflowing drawer, your photo collection on your phone or a corner of the living room, and get rid of what no longer brings you joy. You will see that every little piece of baggage you let go of makes your life easier and more relaxed. Sometimes less really is more - try it out and feel the change!
