Michelle Obama: The Queen of Minimalism and Decluttering
Michelle Obama: The Queen of Minimalism and Decluttering
Michelle Obama is a woman who has inspired many people worldwide with her grace, intelligence, and style. She always looks impeccably put together, whether she’s speaking to large crowds or relaxing in the comfort of her own home. But there’s more to her than just her fashion sense – Michelle Obama is also known for being a proponent of minimalism and decluttering.
It’s no secret that Michelle Obama has an eye for design. Her fashion choices are always on point, and she even redecorated the White House during her time as First Lady. But when it comes to her personal life, Michelle takes a more minimalist approach.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey back in 2018, Michelle revealed that she hates clutter and tries to keep things simple at home. “I’m not a hoarder,” she said. “I don’t like clutter.” This sentiment is reflected in the way she decorates her living spaces – clean lines, neutral colors, and few decorations.
But it’s not just about aesthetics for Michelle; decluttering is also about mental clarity and focus. In her book Becoming, she talks about how cleaning out closets helped her get through some tough times during Barack Obama’s presidency. “I was trying to figure out where I was going next,” she wrote. “Clearing my closet meant I was clearing my head.”
Michelle isn’t afraid to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose in her life either. In fact, one of the most famous examples of this was when Oprah visited Michelle at the White House shortly after Barack had been inaugurated for his second term.
During their conversation, Oprah noticed that all the furniture had been swapped out since their last visit four years prior. When asked why they made such drastic changes, Michelle simply replied: “New beginnings.”
This willingness to let go extends beyond just furniture. Michelle told Oprah that she regularly goes through her closet and donates clothes to Goodwill or other charities. “I try to keep myself lean,” she said.
But it’s not just about physical possessions for Michelle; she also values a clutter-free mind. In an interview with The New York Times, she talked about the importance of taking time for herself and disconnecting from technology. “If I’m going to be a good leader and mother and wife, I have to do things that fill me up,” she said.
One way that Michelle fills herself up is through exercise. She’s known for her dedication to fitness – in fact, during her time as First Lady, she launched the Let’s Move! campaign which aimed to fight childhood obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity.
Michelle’s approach to minimalism and decluttering has resonated with many people who are looking to simplify their lives. She even inspired Marie Kondo herself when they met at a White House event back in 2015. “She touched my heart,” Marie wrote on Instagram after meeting Michelle.
But it’s not just about inspiring others; Michelle practices what she preaches too. During her time in the White House, she famously wore only a few select pieces of clothing (her “uniform”) so that she could focus on more important matters than what outfit to wear each day.
In Becoming, Michelle talks about how this practice helped her feel more confident in public appearances as well: “Knowing what worked for me was empowering because I didn’t have to spend any time thinking about it.”
Ultimately, Michelle Obama is an inspiration when it comes to minimalism and decluttering – not just because of her impeccable style but because of the mental clarity and focus it brings into her life. Whether you’re looking to clear out your closet or simplify your schedule, there’s no doubt that we can all learn something from this queen of minimalism.