Minimalism. The white ‘empty’ houses in architectural magazines. Two pairs of shoes by the door with a single coat hanging by a hook on the wall. Kitchen counter with two glass containers that included pasta and coffee. Why are these two next to each other and immediately accessible? These were the first pictures that were imprinted in my mind. Appealing, especially since I was raised in a cluttered household. That was the picture-perfect goal that I had in mind when I first set out on this journey. Mythical.

The first victim was my wardrobe. Countless new t-shirts and random clothes were given away to local charity, with countless more just simply thrown away. And why do I own so many pairs of shoes? Two thirds of them were gone. Every piece needed to serve a specific function. And when the dust settled, the wardrobe looked better, and I no longer developed a headache when I looked at it. Apparently, one wardrobe is enough for all seasons and functions for this guy. 

The second victim was my workspace. The picture here was just a screen, a keyboard and a mouse. Everything wireless. The IKEA catalogue incarnate. And then humility. Power can’t be wireless. And what about the not-so-aesthetic work laptop? With that rollercoaster out of the way, it was time to purge the space that I spend most of my waking hours. Same principle, everything that didn’t serve a function was gone. Including that dreaded rat’s nest made of ancient cables and business cards. Shoutout to recycling services. Suddenly, I had space to hide my phone, so it doesn’t distract me, and decluttered workspace makes for a more concentrated mind as well. Easy win.

The third victim was the fridge. But that requires a standalone post. And a vaccination.

The seed was planted. In one afternoon, momentum was gained. Not so mythical after all.