Having recently bought some Christmas stocking fillers online for our teenager, I am now using the cardboard delivery box to do a sweep of our home prior to guests arriving over the festive season.
Simplest is best
It occurs to me that the ‘one in, one out’ rule is arguably one of the most powerful (but simple) tools in our minimalist toolkit. So, why am I finding things to place in that box, if this is something I believe in? It’s because I didn’t stick to the rule! That summer hat I found in Corsica two years ago was to replace the floppy one I wasn’t wearing, but I just found the original in my chest of drawers,….
Keeping on top of your stuff
As I mentioned in my last post in which I reviewed Joshua’s Becker’s The Minimalist Home, achieving a minimalist environment is one thing; maintaining it is another (especially during life’s key transitions, which seem to be associated with moving stuff around!).
As I wrote previously, it’s a bit like deciding to lose weight by going on a low carb diet (for example). All diets work if you stick to them; you’ll benefit from letting go of the excess pounds and will feel physically and mentally lighter. Decluttering is similar. Let go and you’ll enjoy the benefits but unless you have a strategy for maintaining your new-found lifestyle, the chances are you won’t embed it and be able to stick with it.
Going back to ‘one in, one out’
This is where the ‘one in, one out’ rule comes into its own. When we decluttered my late mother-in-law’s house during the summer and early autumn, I brought home a white vase that had belonged to her. When I subsequently chose an even prettier one that no-one else wanted, I actually let the white vase go (and got rid of another one at the same time). So, that was one in, two out!
The hardest part of being a minimalist
Next week, I’m being interviewed by a media student who is making a documentary on minimalism. In our pre-interview correspondence, he has asked me a number of questions, one of which is, “What is the hardest part of being a minimalist?”
My response will be that anyone can live a minimalist life; it’s not hard. However, there was a moment when I realised that because I use and enjoy all of my things, some of them will actually will wear out! The one in, one out rule very much applies then.
The easiest part of espousing minimalism
The easiest part of adopting a minimalist lifestyle is when you receive something you both wanted and needed. Here’s where the ‘one in, one out’ rule really comes into its own.
With Christmas just around the corner, chances are you’ll receive something during the holidays that will replace something you already own. We are so fortunate to live in an age where we can (and do) ask for a ‘new X’ (insert watch, coat, pair of gloves, scarf, laptop… the list goes on). So, consider the ‘one in, one out rule.’ If, like me, you don’t own many items in a particular category, a replacement item of great quality can enable you to let go of the existing item you already own that may be past its best.
A great way to maintain minimalism
So, intentionally review your existing items when you receive something new and stick to the ‘one in, one out’ rule. This way, when you reach for something you need, you’ll find your best and the loveliest things just waiting to be enjoyed. A very Happy Christmas to you.
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One in one out really is the key. I’m not always good at it and need a catch up.
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Thanks, Amy. A quick sweep round is all it takes – my box is getting full!
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Sticking to the one-in-one-out rule is fairly easy for me since I live in a small apartment. What I struggle most with is getting others to understand and accept that I have chosen this lifestyle and enjoy it. While my apartment is not completely empty, the furnishings and decor are minimal and people sometimes comment that it seems like no one really lives there. That is certainly not true, my husband and I just choose to live differently.
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This reminds me of the time we were visited by an elderly neighbour. He looked around – somewhat bewildered at our lack of stuff – and said how much he liked the house because, ‘I can see what you’ve got!’ (i.e. nothing!)
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I’m glad I found your page. I just started my minimalism journey! I’m really excited, but it can be overwhelming at times. There is just so much stuff. One in one out is a great way to stop adding to the mess while trying to work through it. I find it also stops me from buying things sometimes because i know I will need to also get rid of something and it doesn’t seem worth the buy anymore.
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Welcome, Lindsay! I hope my posts will be of value, as you begin your journey!
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I definitely prescribe to the one in, one out rule.
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