12 tiny steps for beginner minimalists
ONE
STRIP OFF YOUR CLOTHES
According to the organization guru Marie Kondo, only what really makes you happy should stay in the closet. So just clear out all the clothes, touch every single part and let your stomach decide.
TWO
NO JUNK MAIL, PLEASE!
Hundreds of advertising papers that end up directly in the garbage? Nobody needs it! So simply attach a "No Ads" sticker to the mailbox and maybe even encourage the neighbors to imitate you. Also goes online!
THREE
SHOP NAKED
On average, we Germans throw away around 476kg of household waste per capita every year – and the trend is rising. If you want to save on packaging waste, simply arm yourself with a jute bag and a mason jar and go to the nearest unpackaged shop. Only unpackaged, plastic-free food is sold there.
FOUR
I CARRIED NO WATERMELON!
Yes, you can easily watch “Dirty Dancing” twenty times. And yes, also "Star Wars", "Friends" and Co. But if you want to make better use of your time and discover something new at the same time, you should switch to completely new films or series. As an (even better) alternative, we recommend: Turn the TV off and out.
FIVE
UNFOLLOW AND UNFRIEND
Whether Facebook or Instagram: some contacts would have been better not closed afterwards. So why keep following? Simply consciously browse through the friends and follow lists and create more freedom with one click.
SIX
JUST ENOUGH STORAGE
The memory of the 99% occupied cell phone storage space makes you sweat? With a cable, two clicks and a few minutes, the memory can be transferred to the computer and sorted out. Tinder is so 2016? Simply delete unloved apps to make room for new ones.
SEVEN
CLEAN DESKTOP
The notes pile up on the desk, the monitor is full of fingerprints and you can no longer see which desktop background you had because of all the documents? A "clean desk" looks better and creates space for new ideas.
EIGHT
GET LIGHTER
Ballpoint pens, receipts, chewing gum, frayed business cards - anyone who is wondering why their handbags have become so heavy again should sort them well and clear out the unnecessary.
NINE
PAPERLESS BILLS
The majority of monthly bills often go unread from the mailbox to the wastebasket. Anyone who switches to electronic billing not only saves waste and time, but also franked mail.
TEN
NO(!)TIFICATIONS
A WhatsApp message here, an Instagram like there and you should have been doing sports for 20 minutes – how would a day be without notifications or smartphone reminders? Just turn it off and enjoy!
ELEVEN
A NIGHT (WITH-)OUT
Leaving your smartphone at home every now and then and going out with friends without it is not only good for relationships, but also for the battery level.
TWELVE
24H DETOX
No, don't go without eating, instead go shopping – for 24 hours. No coffee-to-go, no rolls for lunch, no magazine after work.
