THIS SPRING, GO MINIMALIST: THE ART OF LESS IS MORE

​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

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Eliana Barriga

Spring is a beautiful season, and one of my favorite times of the year. People begin to break away from their winter hibernation and emerge to a fresh, warm start. It is time to plant our gardens, deep-clean the barbeque, spruce up the outdoor social spaces, and plan our summer vacations. It can all seem overwhelming and it is important to  nd the motivation to get all the tasks done. Where do you find inspiration?

Design and current lifestyles are taking a turn toward minimalism—clean lines, clear uncluttered spaces, clearing distractions and junk —but where do you start? It’s easy to spend hours reading about it, or drooling over other peoples spaces on Pinterest, but how do you put it into action in your own house or business? Set small goals. Take small steps, tackle each thing one at a time, and do it start to finish so you can see your progress, and celebrate what you have done. Make your list —is it as simple as the junk drawer? Every closet in the house? How does your desktop look, or the countertops between your customer service associates and your clients? Give yourself something to do every single day to build the habits of a decluttered life.

A quote by William Morris states, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Ask yourself these questions when you are editing the items in your home or shop: Is it beautiful? Is it useful? If not, it is time to recycle it! Keep in mind your clients may be asking themselves these same questions when deciding on purchasing products from your store, so make sure your products have these qualities! Small appliances that multi-task — such as an Instant Pot — will allow your client to make room on their counter and in their cabinets by taking the place of their crock pot, steamer, rice cooker, and pressure cooker.

This spring, don’t just clean, clear! Clear your workspace, your home, your business, and your mind. You will create priceless space and time for what really matters.

It has been said that “If we take the time to de-clutter our life and maintain it, we will be able to live a more meaningful life.” I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s to streamlining life!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

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