The benefits of decluttering and the minimalist lifestyle

How many shirts do you have? How many of them are comfortable? How many do you actually like wearing?

The data is not available, but somewhere out there are people with closets bursting with clothes. Every available surface has something on it — a figurine or seven, framed photos, a saucer for loose change, and a box filled with general clutter.

Ace Aspillaga lives a very different life. The decoration in his condominium is sparse and to say that he keeps clutter to a minimum is an understatement. Ace actually list down the contents of his wardrobe — a consequence of living the "minimalist" lifestyle.

What is minimalism?

Sociologist Bernie Karganilla from the University of the Philippines Manila defines minimalism as "voluntary simplicity."

"Pinili mo na maging simple lang 'yong pamumuhay mo," Karganilla said.

This could be because of "austerity" or deciding to make only necessary purchases due to meager resources. Another is "rationalization" or understanding that the space you are occupying is limited and buying large pieces of furniture — even if it's pretty and you can — makes very little sense.

So how does minimalism affect one's life?

1. That elusive feeling of satisfaction

Ace lives the principle explained by Karganilla. "Kung ano 'yong kailangan mo lang, 'yon 'yong ipapasok mo sa buhay mo," he said. By following this basic rule, Ace said he learned the "value of enough" and he taught himself how to be content. 

2. You won't feel too broke to do the things you really want

Ace doesn't really feel like he's consciously thrifty, but because of the way he lives, he is able to save more money for the things he really wants or needs. He pays his bills (which are also kept to a minimum) on time and he can spend a little on his hobby, photography.

3. Cleaning will feel less like a chore

According to Ace, it takes him give or take 40 minutes to clean his entire condominium. Minimalism means less clutter, less items to move around and return to their places, and less stuff to remove dust from.

4. It creates a relaxing yet productive atmosphere

There's more breathing space and Ace said that with minimalism, you can get rid of things that are distracting. He emphasized the need to focus your resources on things that are important and Ace applies this to other aspects of his life. He only snaps photos of what he really likes and he only hangs around people who he bring meaning to his life.

Organizing consultant Trisha Tancongco said that the first step for people who want to try this lifestyle is to set a goal. This is something that you'll have to want for yourself, which means only you can keep yourself motivated.

Knowing your personal reason for decluttering is what will help in committing to being a minimalist.

In Ace's case, his decision started with just wanting to furnish his living space in a aesthetically pleasing way and it grew from there. His journey was made easy by the fact that he knows what's important to him — photography — and he sticks by it.

Tancongco said that deciding what's important to you will help you remove unnecessary baggage in your life. Part of this is the emotional attachment we form with objects, which is one of the reasons why some people start accumulating stuff they don't use.

"You want your possession to serve you, you don't want to serve your possessions," Tancongco reminded everyone. "Ayaw mong maging slave to the things you have."

Ask yourself again: How many shirts do you have? How many of them do you really need? — Aya Tantiangco/LA, GMA News