Finding My Inner Minimalist

I'll be the first person to admit that 'minimalist' is not an adjective people would use to describe me. I am, for lack of a better word, a hoarder. It doesn't matter if it's pens, sunglasses, notebooks, old bank statements, lipsticks or DVDs: I can't throw anything away.

I mean, I might need it.

Recently, I've started to realise that all the clutter is making me cluttered. I can't concentrate, can't make a decision and can't seem to just get my shit together. So maybe it's time for a change - and maybe that change is minimalism. No, I haven't read Marie Kondo. I haven't had some revelation about items not bringing me joy. To be honest, the thought of getting rid of my DVD stash brings me out in a cold sweat. And I couldn't tell you the last time I watched an actual DVD. God, maybe I should read this book. An attachment to crap films cannot be healthy.

So I thought my first step on the road to minimalist living could be my handbag. I've had the same one since uni, and it's been used to lug around textbooks, notebooks, purses, hairbrushes...and a pretty huge makeup bag out of which I use probably two things. I love this bag, but it definitely needs to be cleared out. A Marc Jacobs bag should not be a bin used to store my old supermarket receipts and train tickets. It shouldn't have crumbs and chewing gum wrappers at the bottom. Maybe it's the size? Maybe I should downsize for a little while. Hell, maybe I should just use my pockets like a man. But then, where would I put my Tangle Teezer?

So I recently took advantage of a rainy (boring) Saturday afternoon to empty the thing out, give it a much needed vacuum inside, and take my first steps into a more minimalist life. Kinda.

Where to start?? Gone are the lipsticks, the empty water bottles, the notebook I never use and the extra comb - just in case, you know? In my makeup bag, now I only have hand sanitizer (necessary), hand cream (also necessary), a few hair bobbles, a lip balm and the bare minimum of makeup product. I know, I'm proud of me too. The rest of my bag consists of the occasional umbrella, my tangle teezer and my purse. As easy as it was clearing out my bag, I can't part with enough loyalty cards to make my purse any lighter. Yet.

So there we have it. I now throw out receipts. And I don't have a sore shoulder all the bloody time. Maybe I'll even try using a smaller bag! I've bought myself the Marie Kondo book too, but it definitely won't be getting dragged about in the bottom of my handbag for the next few weeks. The DVD's are next!

Disclaimer: I went on the Marc Jacobs site whilst writing this. Big mistake. I need one.