The Myth of Minimalism – IKEA Wisdom

Decluttering and organizing is an on-going process. In the ’90s, I read Sidetracked Home Executives by Pam Young and Peggy Jones. It was one in a long list of organizing books I checked out of the library and tried. But, it was the first one that really worked for me. I still use 3 x 5 cards.

Lately friends and family are inspired by Marie Kondo. I agree, decluttering and organizing is life-changing. But, I’ve got to share this from the latest IKEA catalog.

The Myth of Minimalism

Are you stressed out by your stuff? You’re not alone. Our Life at Home Report shows that having “too much stuff” is the single biggest cause of stress at home. But paring down too much actually might cause more anxiety than relief. We’re supposed to want to live with fewer things, but our belongings represent our memories, hopes and dreams. (Does selling that guitar mean you’re admitting that you’ll really never be a musician?)

The items that are emotionally meaningful to us, even if they aren’t practical, do bring us happiness. So, it’s helpful to think about prioritizing and using storage solutions rather than just minimizing and tossing things out. Professor Russel Belk, a leading expert in the meaning of possessions, tells us that this is about a healthier behavior than immediately letting things go. We can temporarily try out living without them, which helps us reconsider and only move on when we feel ready – in a year or two, or, in the case of that guitar, never!

Read more from our annual Life at Home Report: lifeathome.IKEA.com

“Items that are emotionally meaningful to us, even if they aren’t practical, do bring us happiness.”