Are Organizing and Minimalism the Same Thing?

Ages ago, when I first started working in clients homes there was often the fear and pushback of a professional organizer making you get rid of everything.  I'm sure that is still a common mis-conception these days too.  

While both living and organized life and living a minimalistic life are lifestyle choices, I don't believe they are the same.  For us at Hopeful Simplicity,  being organized simply means everything has a home.  Systems are setup for your personal style and sustainable success.  Minimalism, in my phrasing, is more count and process based.  I often think of time capsule wardrobes when it comes to minimalistic process.  Here are the core key pieces and that's it.  I'm sure defining both can vary from person to person but that's simply how I look at them. 

When it comes to responding to the misconceptions the pushbacks can be plenty and that's one of the hardest parts to get past when starting this organizing journey.  It's accepting that you can be organized and have stuff but there is a balance that needs to be created to control the clutter and consistently stay organized.  Simplifying is the hardest step for most people and if you're thinking organizing and minimalism are the same,  then that step just turned into a mountain.  If you are more Hopeful thinking though,  Simplifying is decluttering what isn't serving your current live(s).  It doesn't mean you have to get rid of everything right now!  It's accepting the process of what's really being used and appreciated in the day-to-day of your life.  From there it's sorting everything into a home and sustaining your systems for success.  

Do you have an organizing question or topic you want to talk more about? Connect with me here and let's get the conversation started!