I always thought my college apartments in San Diego were small compared to others’. That was until I moved to New York and into my first city apartment.

Then I realized how wrong I had been before.

To sum up my current living arrangement, there is no living room space. It consists of a kitchen, with a little nook for a tiny dinner table that comfortably sits two. My roommate has the master room with a closet, and some upper shelves for storage and my room is the smaller version with no closet, or any type of built-in storage space. Then there is the bathroom. With no sink.

Essentially, our space is small but it has granted me with a blessing which is the power to eliminate of the unnecessary belongings I hold on to. Space is precious in my humble abode, so if I don’t have a deep rooted attachment or obsession with it, then I don’t need it.

I can’t even begin to describe how enlightening the process of cleaning out my closet has been. At first it was a little difficult letting go, but once I saw the glimmer of light, I knew I’d never go back.

If you are looking to downsize your load, here are 4 tips to help you achieve true minimalism.

1. Clothes can take up a lot of room. So ask yourself: If you wouldn’t feel confident and sexy wearing that jacket or blouse you own to meet someone important, why do you need it in your closet?

Enough said.

2. If paperwork/ birthday cards are a year old, chuck it.

I’m all about sentimental notes/cards, but I’ve learned there is a difference between year old birthday cards, and love letters from your boyfriend or words of encouragement from your mother. Some things are worth the save, and then others aren’t. You’re friend will still be your friend even if you threw about the birthday card she sent you last year. If she won’t be, well then, throwing it away may have been a good idea.

3. In order to add, you need to subtract

Something that is fantastic about my hanging rack closet is I can only fit so many things on it. So, my rule of thumb is if I HAVE to have something i.e. new jacket or blouse, I have to get of rid something to make room for it.

You have several fantastic options when you are getting rid of clothes, especially nice designer things you once loved and spent a lot of $ on, once upon a time. I am a big fan of the app, Poshmark. You upload images, a description and your selling price to your “closet” and buyers can purchase with a click of a button. The app sends you a pre-paid shipping label, then you package it up in a free box, courtesy of the USPS, and ship it to its new owner! You can set up direct deposit so your earnings go straight into your bank account and you didn’t even lift a finger.

4. Why stop at just your belongings?

Clear our all of those toxic relationships and people weighing you down. Meditate on who brings you joy and happiness. Even if you can only name 2 or 3 people, that's all you need. Once you let go of the bad and accept the good, you will attract positive energies. You will refill your "soul closet" with beauty.

Ani