I’m a sentimental hoarder; I hold onto physical objects and items from my digital world like my life depends on it. I’m also a big fan of the impulsive “just in case” purchase. But, as I graduated college and am now preparing to move out of my parents’ house, I’m finding that I have a lot of STUFF I forgot I owned, which means I’m not using it, which makes me question why I still “need” it.
As 2014 comes to a close, I have a growing need to simplify my life; to embrace change and let go of things that bog me down. I crave a lightness and order found only when one manages to de-clutter every aspect of their being. Personally, it means clearing the unnecessary things out of my life and finding time for what I actually enjoy.
Clutter can be mental, physical, or media-wide and can be found in every aspect of your life. However, simplifying things can be done through small, easy, immediate changes or changes that take more time but have a greater reward. 
Every little change is a success when you’re able to spend more time doing things that add value to your life.
Here are some basic, beginner ways to simplify your life that I will be following in 2015:
- Cut down on your screen time.
Focusing your time on texting, TV, computers, and technology affects your life in ways you don’t always see. It rearranges your values and self-worth. Start by turning all electronics off a couple hours before bed and unsubscribe from or delete media that you no longer find necessary. Spend more time in the present and less time focused on what’s happening in other peoples’ lives.
- Clear off one counter at a time.
Being unable to find a home for everything can be a tell-tale sign of an over accumulation of clutter. Start by clearing off some kitchen counter space or a shelf on your bookshelf. Use this clutter-free zone as an inspiration to live with less. If you enjoy that space, expand the clear environment a little each day. Just think of all the cleaning you can avoid when you have less to organize and dust.
- Have a daily routine.
It’s about getting in the habit of completing those not-so-fun tasks first so you have more time for the things you enjoy doing. Getting in the routine of dealing with things immediately when they come up will save you stress when deadlines or smelly laundry creep up on you.
- Rid yourself of negative thoughts.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Unsubscribe from that “perfect” Instagram feed, block your ex, forgive past quarrels, and realize that most negative emotions are completely useless. Find a way to put a smile on your own face. Each day is a gift and it’s unfortunate when people go around holding onto negative thoughts.
- Remember to take time for yourself.
Somewhere along the line a busy schedule became something to envy. People take pride in and love to talk about how busy they are, but fail to mention how miserable it actually makes them. Be sure to take even just a small part of your day to have time for yourself. Practice some morning yoga, cancel evening plans, read that book you’ve had on the shelf for weeks, take a nap, or go for a quiet drive. Whatever works for you. It’s important to remember that it is completely okay to take a step back from your busy day to focus on the quality and health of your being.
- Donate or sell.
Accumulating stuff – from clothes to furniture – is incredibly easy. Letting go of things can be hard and time-consuming. Learning how to love and use what you have is an excellent quality to possess. Start by going through one room at a time. Place items you haven’t used in six months or longer in a box that you set aside for a month. As you need items you placed in that box, feel free to grab them, but if after a month you find that you haven’t worn that blouse or used that electronic device, donate or sell it.
- Handle one task at a time.
As good as you think you are at it, multi-tasking can actually cause higher levels of stress and lower productivity. Work on one large or two small tasks at a time. Focus all your energy on doing well and completing that task, then move on to the next. It’s easier to complete something when it has your utmost attention. Suddenly that to do list will seem less intimidating.
The benefits for creating a simpler life definitely outweigh the time and commitment it takes to analyze the clutter in your life. Focus on the things that actually matter to you. Filling your time with activities you enjoy, surrounding yourself with people you love, the elimination of stress, growing bank accounts, mental clarity to focus on your well-being, and time to spend on your personal goals are just a few of the benefits to leading a simpler, less cluttered life.
-Mikaela Hammer, JETPUBS Inc.