.png)
Marie Kondo’s wildly popular book, “Spark Joy: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” has resonated with so many of us, we thought it would be fun to explore the joy of living with less and how that plays out in apartment living.
Apartment living is not known for its ample storage, and even when there is, downsizing can still be refreshing. From family heirlooms to seasonal wardrobes and sports equipment, even the largest walk-in closets can quickly begin to resemble a retail store. Yet when it comes to weeding out those things we no longer use, need, or want, letting these possessions go can be surprisingly difficult.
To counteract that, let’s explore some of the benefits of living with less:
1. Save money. The accumulation of things in excess of what you need or use costs you more money. If you don’t really need 30 pairs of black shoes, 18 vintage guitars, and 3 scooters – you can free up your budget as much as you free up your space.
2. Less cleaning. Minimalism means less stuff, which means less upkeep and dusting, which in turn means more freedom.
3. Save time. It takes time to keep up with your things. You have to maintain them, and if they are valuable, you might need to buy additional renter’s insurance and also create meticulous records of all your things – the list goes on. If your items are taking up too much time, and it doesn’t make you feel good to own them, maybe it’s time to say goodbye.
4. Showcase your treasured things, not every single thing. When you have fewer things taking up space, you can showcase that special piece of art or that collectible by devoting an entire wall or shelf to let it shine with no competition.
5. Find your inner peace. Living in a cluttered environment can be stressful. Things get misplaced easily. There’s a tendency to push and shove other things to make room for new arrivals, and the cycle continues until you find yourself renting a storage unit or up-sizing just for your stuff.
For some, less is more. For others, more is just more, but not necessarily better. Either way, joy is never defined by things, but rather, by the happiness we gain by a life well lived.
-The Weidner Team