We are often told that minimalism is the end-all solution to organization. “Own less. Keep less. Display less. And voila! You’re organized!”
While there is some truth to that, the reality is more nuanced than it seems. Minimalism isn’t for everyone. There are people who genuinely need to own what they own.
For that reason, minimalism should be a tool in our arsenal, not a rulebook we must abide by.
Why “Less” Doesn’t Automatically Mean Organized
We often think that if we get rid of some items, our spaces will magically become more organized. But simply having “less stuff” won’t do the trick.
We can have a minimalist closet and still end up with a pile of clothes on the floor. It happens because we haven’t put proper systems in place, and we haven’t created clear spots where the things that matter can belong.
Organization is all about the systems we put in place. It’s about organizing what we have and finding a home for all the important things. That includes things you need for work, hobbies, and even hobbies that no longer exist.
Life isn’t always going to be that minimal, and that’s okay. We should focus more on practical organization, what actually works and what will be functional day in and day out.
Organization and aesthetic work together well; they’re not mutually exclusive. The key lies in balance. If we focus too much on the aesthetic, we could end up with an impractical space. If we focus solely on organization, we could end up with a cluttered mess.
And ultimately, that’s what’s most important: sustainability. If we can create systems that are flexible, we are more likely to have a long-term relationship with it rather than an unsustainable one.