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Year-End Minimalism Review

Originally written by Sherry from Inner Mongolia on January 4, 2023

Quarterly Decluttering Journey​

I practice decluttering every quarter - discarding unnecessary items and organizing existing ones. December marked my regular decluttering session, and here's what I removed from my life.

Books and Notebooks​

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Previously, I was reluctant to part with books, but I realized many wouldn't be read again. Local elderly collectors near the community dumpsters will likely recycle them.

What I Kept:

  • Bookshelf #1: Books I repeatedly reference
  • Meaningful childhood sketches
  • Japanese study notebooks from N1 preparation
  • Selected art journals

What I Discarded:

  • Unused sketchbooks
  • Old language study materials
  • Various journals and notebooks
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While these items witnessed my journey from elementary school art to self-studying Japanese and now English, I rarely revisited them. I believe in embracing the present self and letting go of past attachments when necessary.

Wardrobe Review​

Current Inventory:

  • 30 tops
  • 10 pairs of pants
  • No dresses/skirts

Key Insights:

  1. Majority is menswear, which I prefer calling "human wear" - comfortable and practical
  2. Discarded uncomfortable women's clothing that:
    • Restricted movement
    • Caused discomfort
    • Exposed midriff
    • Prioritized appearance over comfort
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Living in Northern China with good heating, I wear summer or light spring/autumn clothing indoors, adding just a down jacket for winter outings.

Skincare Minimalism​

My entire skincare routine consists of just three items:

  • Lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Serum (won't repurchase)

Philosophy: I have oily skin with occasional hormonal breakouts. I've moved past anti-aging concerns, believing that wisdom and knowledge matter more than appearing younger than peers.

Living Space Optimization​

Recent Changes:

  1. Removed a cat-scratched sofa chair
    • Improved window view and space flow
  2. Replaced too-tall bar chairs
    • Custom-ordered appropriate height chairs
    • Revitalized dining area usage

Reflections on Minimalist Living​

Core Principles​

  1. Continuous Assessment

    • Regular review of possessions
    • Staying sensitive to daily items
    • Appreciating life's subtle beauty

  2. Personal Agency

    • Prioritizing comfort over appearance
    • Making choices based on personal needs
    • Rejecting societal beauty standards

  3. Focus on Enrichment Last year's achievements:

  • Read 43 books
  • Played 25 games
  • Watched 98 movies

As Thoreau said, we should explore our own way of living rather than following our parents' or neighbors' paths.

Moving Forward​

My minimalist journey continues with:

  • Reduced material purchases
  • Increased focus on intellectual growth
  • Regular decluttering sessions
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The following images document my year-end decluttering process and current minimalist setup.

Books for Disposal Bookshelf Organization Kept Reading Materials Old Notebooks Art Journals Wardrobe Items Current Closet Setup Winter Wardrobe Minimalist Living Space New Dining Setup Decluttered Items Organized Space Skincare Essentials Reading Corner Daily Living Area Final Result