If you are new to minimalism or want to refine your process a little more- lists can be invaluable to keep your home empty but your life full. Here are seven list that every minimalist should consider…
A daily to do list
A grocery shopping list: Keep a pad on the side in your kitchen and write down items as you run out of them, so you know exactly what you need. If you come across something in another room of the house- seek out your list and write it down there and then. If you think you’ll remember it when you’re near your list later in the day- you won’t! This helps you to stay within budget but also means you won’t pick up any unnecessary purchases at the store that you might not use because they were bought on whim.
A daily to-do list: If you want to spend your time more meaningfully- make sure you know what you need to do at all times- so you don’t waste any moments being bored or undecided. Write a list each night so you know exactly what you need to do tomorrow- even the little things like emptying the dishwasher. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing off a daily checklist as you complete each item on there. Once you’re done- spend the remaining time wisely.
A gift list: Rather than thinking about a gift close to a person’s birthday, a couple’s anniversary or Christmas – make a list of what people show an interest in throughout the year or ask them what they want. The sooner you know- the better you’ll be able to budget for this time of year and you can be confident that you are not wasting your money on something they don’t want or need.
A ‘necessity’ shopping list: For any other shopping you might NEED- worn out clothes, shoes, bags, electricals, furniture etc, write them down as you discover that you NEED them. Then do your research- seek out the best you can buy for your money and opt for quality over quantity or you will NEED the same thing just an few months down the line. This way, you will truly appreciate the purchase. If you don’t NEED something write it on another list…
An ‘I want’ shopping list: Write down the things you come across during the weeks and months that you don’t need but WANT. Then leave it on there for a designated period of time- a month perhaps. You might find that you desire for the item subsides- in which case- cross it off the list. If you still want it after your time limit is over- perhaps it’s something that you feel will greatly benefit your life. If you have the budget- allow yourself a want purchase every now and again.
A capsule wardrobe list: List what you have in your wardrobe currently- if you like to stick to a maximum number of items- use this as your guide. Establish if there are any gaps in your collection. If there are- write them beneath. You can either purchase this later down the line if you find you really want it or ask someone else for it if they want to buy you something to celebrate an event. It can also help you to recognise the things that you aren’t wearing- in which case you might like to donate them or encourage yourself to wear them more.
A bucket list: Most minimalists follow this lifestyle to make more of the time they have left. To reduce the amount of time they spend on things and increase the amount of time they spend on experiences and with people. Make a list of the things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket’ and put a plan in place of when you would like to do each one along with an idea of how much it will cost so you can budget appropriately.
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