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💡 TLDR
So apparently, your bookshelf is now a museum of spine-only books? I’m not mad, I’m just confused. How do you even know which book you’re reaching for if the covers are all hidden? And why is beige th…
So apparently, your bookshelf is now a museum of spine-only books? I’m not mad, I’m just confused. How do you even know which book you’re reaching for if the covers are all hidden? And why is beige the default? When will this beige obsession end? Is minimalism just a fancy way of saying “strip your life of color”? Not if Christine Platt, the Afrominimalist, has anything to say about it. She’s here to tell you that minimalism isn’t about sterile white rooms or one chair in the middle of a void. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you so you can actually live in your space.
Platt’s book, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less, flips the script. “Minimalism isn’t bland—it’s about feeling present, not perfect,” she says. Think bold colors, mud cloth, wax prints, and textures that scream “I exist.” Her take? Authenticity over aesthetics. “Living with less isn’t about how your life looks, it’s about how it feels,” she explains. And that’s not just for your home. “After I decluttered my house, I still didn’t feel free,” she recalls. “Because our mental clutter—guilt, shame, regret—is the real burnout trigger.”
So yeah, you’re supposed to let go of stuff and the feelings you’ve been holding on to. Platt’s advice? Release the emotions you’ve been suppressing. “Crash out, release everything, reset your nervous system,” she says. And women? Especially Black women and femmes? We’re told to “do it all” but then criticized for feeling. Platt wants us to stop pretending we’re okay with that. “Let go of the narrative that you have to be everything to everyone,” she says. Fall is the perfect time to reframe decluttering. It’s not about lack—it’s about transition. Refresh your closet, swap summer clothes for fall vibes, and let go of what no longer aligns with your life.
Key points: Minimalism is about feeling, not looking; start small (like your spices or pantry); repurpose sentimental items instead of tossing them.
💫 So what’s your first step to decluttering.
So what’s your first step to decluttering? Share your start below!
❓ People Also Ask
How do I start a minimalist lifestyle?
Start by decluttering one area, like your closet. Keep only what brings joy or serves a purpose. Set a daily limit on new purchases to avoid overbuying.
What are the benefits of minimalism?
Minimalism reduces stress, saves money, and improves focus. It creates more space and simplifies daily routines, leading to greater mental clarity and satisfaction.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇