My room has never been neat, organized, or even remotely well-kept. I do have a problem, though, with the fact that before I decided to go minimalistic, my carpet was a myth because there were so many clothes on the floor. 

Yes, you heard me right, I decided to become a minimalist. Anyone who knows me probably just gasped–”Cara, a minimalist? How funny!” 

And their reaction is probably reasonable. 

While staying up until 3 a.m. wasn’t the most exciting process ever, I did learn much about myself and my disorganized manner of keeping my room.  

I learned that if something is important to you, it doesn’t matter if it takes up space.

I got rid of clothes and picked up a truckload of trash, but I still have two or three tote boxes full of little pieces of my childhood.  

I also learned that thrift shopping for clothes at .50 cents a piece is a dumb idea–you’ll end up with a laundry mountain if you’re anything like me.  

My tips for becoming a successful minimalist are as follows: don’t.  

I wanted so desperately for my room to look like an IKEA advertisement. Even after I realized my room will always be as cluttered as my brain, I was disappointed in myself. 

In all seriousness, if you want to become a minimalist, you’ll have to be dedicated. If you’re anything like me, the process will be worth it–even if you end up a failed minimalist.  

Next task: the monstrosity that is my closet.