Are you an admirer of a minimalist lifestyle? There are many reasons why more and more people are turning to this lifestyle, from improving mental health to saving time and making their space more functional.
But before you call yourself a minimalist, know there’s a price to pay — from narrowing down your shopping list to bidding adieu to some of the stuff that has lingered in your space for years.
But don’t worry; the benefits of embracing this lifestyle far surpass the pain of losing some of the stuff in your space.
In this coverage, we take a dive at some of the items you just have to wave goodbye to as an upcoming minimalist. We’ve curated plenty of insights for you in this article, so please read to the end.
Read: 11+ Common Misconceptions About Minimalism
Items To Dispose of For a Minimalist Living Room
The living room is a place where we come together to make memories with our families, friends, and guests. So, as you begin your minimalism journey, you have to work on your living room.
Creating a minimalist living room can make it look more inviting, revolutionize the whole living room experience, and create more space for making memories with your loved ones.
But what exactly must you let go?
Here are some of the things to consider tucking away from your family room:
1. Excess Toys
Who in their childhood didn’t cherish toys? I guess we all had that one favorite toy we so much cherished in our early stages.
Toys make great companions for kids and go a long way to help in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of the little members of the family.
But do you realize how quickly these toys can stack up and take over the space of your living room?
That’s why, when you begin decluttering your living room, you must get rid of the toys that are no longer used.
You see that Eddy bear you bought for your baby when he was 2, and now he’s 7? It shouldn’t be taking up space in your living room. He outgrew it long ago, so it’s no wonder he doesn’t bother with it anymore.
So, get rid of it alongside other toys outgrown by your kids, and you’ll see how much space opens up for other things that actually matter.
2. Old Magazines and Newspapers
We all love to keep up with current events and stay informed, but let’s be honest – we often end up hoarding old magazines and newspapers without ever reading them again.
These unread materials can pile up in our living rooms, taking up valuable space and creating visual clutter. As a minimalist, you should get rid of these old newspapers and magazines regularly to keep your living room clean and organized.
Not only will this declutter your space, but it will also prevent the build-up of unnecessary paper waste. Consider recycling them or donating them to libraries or thrift stores instead of throwing them in the trash.
3. Excessive Furniture
Do you see that chair your uncle gifted to you a decade ago that’s been collecting dust for months or even years? How about that extra coffee table you bought during a sale but never actually use?
If you’re serious about embracing minimalism, then they’re among the items you have to get rid of from your living space.
Living rooms are often the center of furniture accumulation, and as a minimalist, it’s important to assess your furniture choices.
Get rid of any excess furniture pieces that serve no purpose or are rarely used. Stick to the essential items such as a sofa, coffee table, and a few chairs if necessary. This will declutter your living room and create more open space for a minimalist aesthetic.
4. Unnecessary Decorations
Who doesn’t love seeing their space looking great? I guess we all do. But let’s face it — sometimes we get carried away with home decor and end up accumulating too many decorative items in our rooms, some seldom or never used at all.
We’re a couple of months into our new year, and you’re still hoarding some Christmas decorations in your living room — it’s time to let them go.
Don’t get me wrong. You don’t need to throw them away if you’re sure about using them come this year’s festive season. Not at all.
However, you can at least store them away in a designated area to keep your living room clutter-free and create a more minimalist feel.
5. DVDs and CDs
Remember the DVDs and CDs you bought before flash disks and streaming services became popular? If you’re a movie or music lover, it can be hard to let them go.
But the truth is, how often do you actually watch or listen to them now? We’re in the digital era, with easy access to our favorite movies and music online.
So, it’s time to finally remove those physical copies in your living room. You can download or stream them when you want to watch or listen to them, without the added clutter.
6. Books You Rarely Read Or Never Read At All
Books are fun and provide an escape from reality, allowing you to relax and unwind after a truly busy day.
But let’s be honest — no two books are the same. Some are super fun and interesting, while for others, we read only a few paragraphs or even sentences and put them away for good.
And if you’re an avid reader, sometimes you can become overambitious and buy books you’ll never read.
If you have a pile of books gathering dust in your living room, it’s time to let go of the ones you’re unlikely to read again. Consider donating them to libraries or thrift stores, and keep only the books that bring value to your life and align with your minimalist lifestyle.
If you’re flexible enough to work with soft copies, that’s even better. Get digital versions of your exciting books. It will save you loads of space while still giving you access to your favorite reads, anytime, anywhere.
7. Dead Plants
I won’t lie — I love keeping plants in my space. They bring a sense of nature indoors and have many health benefits.
But let’s be real — keeping plants alive can be quite challenging. This is especially true if you’re not a green thumb or simply too busy to regularly water and care for them. This often results in dead plants cluttering your living room.
To maintain a minimalist living space, it’s important to get rid of these dead plants.
Do you see that beautiful succulent that died when you went on vacation? It’s time to say goodbye and make space for a new, healthier plant or simply enjoy the open space without any plants.
Remember, a minimalist living room is all about simplicity and functionality. So, let go of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring value to your life in this space.
8. Bad Lighting
Lighting helps set the mood and atmosphere in a room. However, sometimes we overlook its importance, resulting in poor lighting in our living rooms.
If your living room has dim or harsh lighting, it can create a cluttered and uncomfortable environment. As a minimalist, you should strive for natural light to illuminate your space as much as possible.
Consider opening up windows or using lighter curtains to let more natural light in. You can also add a few well-placed lamps or dimmable lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Remember, good lighting is not only essential for a minimalist aesthetic but also for your overall well-being.
9. Photos
Photos help bring memories to life. They’re one of the few things that help us travel back in time without leaving the present.
But not all photos are equally valuable. Why would you be keeping a photo that reminds you of a past relationship you’d rather forget?
As you declutter your living room, get rid of all the photos you won’t mind loosing. This involves those that bring negative emotions, blurred ones, and duplicates. Only maintain the best and most meaningful photos to keep your living room tidy and organized.
10. Extra Supplies
This goes to those who love having a “just in case” mentality when it comes to household supplies. I’m talking about extra phone cases, batteries, remote controls, candles, etc.
As much as you may need them in the future, they just don’t deserve a spot in your living room — at least not at the moment. Find them another spot until they’re needed. Or, if they’re readily available at your local store, you can donate them to friends who may find them helpful.
11. Outdated Electronics
Electronics go out of fashion really fast. So, if you love to move with the times, chances are you have a pile of outdated electronics in your living room.
Old TVs, game consoles, speakers, and any other electronics that are no longer used or needed should be disposed of. This will declutter your living room and also create more space for newer and more functional devices.
But beware: Electronics aren’t like your regular waste. They need more specialized disposal methods, so take them to your local electronic recycling center.
Alternatively, put them up on the market and sell them. It’s a great way to make some extra cash while decluttering your space.
If they’re in great condition, you can also consider donating them to charities or schools that may still find them useful. It will bring a sense of happiness and satisfaction while at the same time taking it off your hands.
12. Cables and Cords
In this digital age, it’s easy to accumulate a pile of cables and cords from old devices or chargers that we no longer use. These can quickly become tangled messes and add clutter to your minimalist living room.
To declutter, organize these cables and cords by labeling them or using cable ties. You can also invest in wireless charging options for your devices to eliminate the need for multiple cords.
And don’t forget to dispose of any broken or unnecessary cables in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Read: Are Zoos Really Ethical?
13. Anything You Don’t Love
Finally, as a minimalist, it’s essential to let go of anything that doesn’t bring joy or add value to your life. These can be decorative items you bought on impulse but never really loved or furniture that doesn’t fit your style.
Let go of these items and make space for things you truly love and appreciate. Remember, less is more in a minimalist living room. And by decluttering and being intentional with your belongings, you’ll create a sense of peace and simplicity in your living space.
So take the time to evaluate each item in your living room and let go of anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings joy to your life. It may be difficult at first, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run for having a clutter-free and minimalist living room.
