Decluttering for Creatives
This past year or so, I’ve been going on a decluttering spree. It’s been a bit of a mashup between the KonMari method we hear so much about, a taste of minimalism and about a bucket of hoarders amatuer hour.
I don’t know if I will ever be able to really call myself a minimalist, but going through this major decluttering journey has been so freeing.
Even so, there is one group of things that has been more difficult than the rest: my art supplies.
It’s been challenging to detach from some of those things because I’ve always defined myself as an artist so in a way, I guess I felt like my huge stash of supplies defined me. I think part of me has always been worried that stripping down those things would be like stripping down my identity.
But I’ve had a bit of time to sit on it, and a few changes of perspective have helped me tremendously.
So to help my fellow creatives let go of the stuff that doesn’t serve you, here’s some things to remember when you’re decluttering your creative supplies.
You’re not less of an artist by having less things
creativity goes hand in hand with resourcefulness. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about what you do with what you have.
your things don’t define you as an artist. You don’t need a stockpile of supplies to prove that you’re creative.
Do your supplies match your growth as a person?
Something you enjoyed doing a few years ago might not be something you’d enjoy doing now. And that’s okay! Don’t hold out in the hopes that you’ll fall back into it if it’s not your thing anymore.
For example, I used to really like making jewelry as a teenager! But a lot of the supplies I bought were relatively cheap and wouldn’t last long. I don’t really like wearing or gifting jewelry that won’t last and therefor isn’t sustainable and so I’m parting with many things I accumulated over the years.
Ask yourself what you really love doing.
Not just like or enjoy, but love
For me, I’ve always liked a lot of thinks! I’ve had my run with clay, fabric, scrapbooking, jewelry making, journal binding; all the crafty things. Consequently, I’ve accumulated a ton of supplies. But there’s only a few of those things I’ve actually done in the last couple of years, let alone love to do.
As I was going through my stuff, I asked myself what I’m really passionate about and would like to start doing on a regular basis again. I realized that although working with clay or paper or jewelry is fun to me, I don’t do them often and I don’t have any plans to really dedicate my time to them any time soon. What I am passionate about right now is knitting, drawing, and painting. I love doing all of those things and I’m going to actively work on making time for them! And sewing is something I have definite plans to pursue so I’m holding onto my sewing machine and the fabric I know I’m going to use.
You can always come back to something
Remember that if you do decide to take up one of those hobbies in the future, you can source your supplies when you’re really ready to dedicate your time to it.
In the meantime, it’s not doing any good by sitting in a closet and collecting dust when someone else could really put those supplies to good use and you’d have more space (mentally and physically) for your true passions.
Narrowing your options can help curb the overwhelm
If you’re indecisive like me and struggle when you have too many options, getting rid of some supplies you’re not putting to use will help ease some of that creative anxiety.
Consequently, you’ll probably get more done in the long run. When you get that creative itch to do something, you can just reach for your favorite tools and projects instead of wasting time trying to decide what to work on and how to do it.
If you’re still struggling with narrowing your creative supplies, just keep in mind that if you really love it and use it all, you don’t have to get rid of it in the pursuit of minimalism or decluttering! Stay true to yourself as a person and take your time.
I’ve done a couple rounds of art supply decluttering so far, but I know I’ve got a few more rounds to go before I’m in the right headspace to let go of more.
The most important takeaway here is to remember that your tools don’t define you as a creative. So if you’re feeling a bit burdened by the amount of stuff weighing you down, listen to that cue, and lighten the load. Trust your own resourcefulness and watch your creativity grow.