Organizing Tips From Shira Gill’s New Book: Minimalista
Updated on October 18, 2023
San Francisco professional organizer Shira Gill admits that clutter busting is her super power. In her new book, Minimalista (Ten Speed Press, 2021), she sets out to demystify how her clients (who range from NASA scientists to celebs) can hone in on what they value most. “A cluttered living space is a universal stress trigger, it doesn’t matter if you are smart or famous,” writes Shira.
The book is broken down into a five step process that moves beyond label makers and file folders so that every inch of the house can be streamlined and orderliness can be maintained, long-term.
- Clarify
- Edit
- Organize
- Elevate
- Maintain
Shira has moved more than 25 times throughout her life, and it’s taught her that rooms can be transformed one at a time. Even tackling a single drawer will give a feeling of success, boost confidence and make you excited to take on other areas of the home.
Shira advocates for investing in high-quality furniture, especially if you’ll be sitting or sleeping on it. “I bought my first living room couch and chair from a big box store after graduating from college…it started falling apart almost instantly. While I was on a pretty tight budget at the time, I could have waited for a sale or even invested in a much nicer used set.”
“Editing one toy category at a time will ensure that you (and your kids) don’t get overwhelmed.” Prompt children to review their toys and make two piles — one for the items they love, one for the stuff that has to go. “Make sure not to hover or pressure your kids so they can practice making clear and decisive choices all on their own. Hello, life skills!”
The kitchen and pantry are among the most detailed and time-consuming spaces to organize. “People tell me they could never have open shelving because of the cluttered mess hiding behind closed doors. My easy answer is to invest in one nice set of plates, bowls, and glassware that you are proud to display. This goes for bowls, plates, and glassware.”
Jot down all of the activities you want to be able to do in your living and dining rooms. Be as specific as possible. “I’ve had clients who wanted to practice yoga in their dining rooms and host macramé workshops in their living rooms. It all makes sense if it makes sense to you.”
“Your bed takes up a significant amount of square footage in your bedroom. If it looks like a hot mess, so does the rest of the room,” says Shira. And consider how you curate your nightstand. Her rule of thumb is only pretty things are allowed on it: fresh flowers, a framed photo, and a candle and book are typically displayed.
Laundry rooms and storage closets are magnets for clutter, and they tend to collect a random assortment of household items. “It takes far less time to overhaul a storage closet, or any other hidden storage space, than you might think. Turn on some tunes and set your timer for 15 minutes; transformation is on the way!”
To answer the thorny problem: “But what if I need it one day?” encourages you to hold onto everything ‘just in case,’ according to Shira. It feels so much better to believe that your life is abundant, that you are resourceful, and that you will always be able to buy (or borrow) the things you truly need. “In all my years of helping clients organize their homes, not once have I had someone call me and regret that they got rid of something. Instead, I constantly hear how free, light, and liberated people feel when they allow themselves to just let go and move forward.”
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Vivian Johnson
Minimalista copyright © 2021 by Shira Gill. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC
Shira Gill