When minimalism became all the rage a few years ago, I jumped on the bandwagon and started clearing out my house like a crazy lady. It felt liberating to get rid of things that no longer served me. But as I stood in my kitchen one day, washing the same plate for the umpteenth time that day, I had a moment of clarity. Did I really want to live with just four dishes, one for each family member? What about when friends came over? Would I ask them to bring their own plates?
That’s when I realized minimalism wasn’t for me. I love having a stack of cozy blankets ready for family movie nights. I enjoy hosting dinner parties without worrying about running out of plates or cups. My life isn’t about owning as little as possible—it’s about creating a home that serves my family and our purpose. I’m not a minimalist. I’m intentional.
Intentional living is about using your spaces with purpose. It’s not about how much you own, but whether what you own adds value to your life. Over the years, I’ve found a rhythm that helps me reset when a space starts to feel overwhelming.
Here are four steps I take whenever clutter begins to pile up:
- Ask, “What do I need this space to accomplish? Every space in your home should have a purpose. Whether it’s your closet, kitchen counter, or living room, knowing what you want the space to do helps you decide what belongs there. Is your closet meant to hold only your clothes, or should it also store seasonal items? Do you want your kitchen counters to be a functional cooking area or a display for your favorite decor? Define the purpose first.
- Take everything out of the space. Yes, everything. It’s hard to reorganize or declutter when you’re working around items. Removing everything gives you a clean slate to work with and helps you see the space for what it really is. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to wipe down surfaces and start fresh.
- Throw away the actual trash. This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how much actual trash accumulates in our spaces—receipts, broken items, empty packaging. Toss it out and free yourself from holding onto things that have no value.
- Categorize and organize based on the space’s purpose. Now it’s time to put everything back, but only the things that align with the purpose you defined in Step 1. Categorize items to make the space functional and visually pleasing.
Glimpse My Closet Clean Out
Before: Everything piled in here and growing by the day.
During: Everything came out. I want to purpose this hall closet for bed linens, beach towels, and craft/project/game storage.
After: Using organizational items that I already had, some new folding styles, the purchase of sheet set bands and new bins, this closet is clutter free and styled to serve its purpose!
Intentional Living Is Personal
What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. Intentional living isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about creating spaces that align with your unique lifestyle and values. Maybe you love a minimalist aesthetic, or maybe you thrive in a home filled with sentimental items. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s purpose.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by a cluttered space, remember: you don’t have to strip it down to the bare bones to find peace. Just take it one step at a time, and focus on creating a home that serves you and your family. Intentional living isn’t about what you own—it’s about how you use it to love and serve well.