When we think about a minimalist lifestyle most of us probably imagine clean, Insta worthy, white homes. Either that or empty, cold boxes.
Minimalism on Female First
My early impression of minimalism was that it was only for single people living in stylish city-centre apartments or Tiny Houses. It was something unattainable for someone living in a small town with a husband, three children and two cats.
However, the truth is a minimalist lifestyle can be whatever you want it to be. There aren't any hard and fast rules, you just have to find a way to make it work for you and your life. It's more about living with intention and thinking about what you bring into your life and why.
If you're just starting out or thinking about it, these six tips will help you on your journey to living with less.
Involve the whole family
If like me you have more than just yourself to consider, the first step is to get the family involved. Explain what your plans are and why. When you start to declutter have them join in with the process. If you're loved ones are hesitant to give up their things, leave them alone and concentrate on your own. When they see how much nicer it is living with less, they’ll be eager to join in.
Start small
Many people put off decluttering because the thought of doing the whole house is overwhelming, but if you start in one small corner you will have done the whole house before you know it. Choose one drawer or shelf and start there. Once it is clear, you will probably love it so much you will want to keep going.
Approach gift-giving gently
When you embrace a minimalist lifestyle gift-giving can become a tricky subject. The best way to approach this is to sit down with people and explain that while you don't want more "stuff" you appreciate the thought and if they really want to get you something, get you an experience - preferably something you can enjoy together. Most people will appreciate that the best gift you can give is your time.
Wait 30 days before making a purchase
We live in a fast-moving world and are exposed to more advertising than ever before, so it's unsurprising that as a society we purchase more than ever before. Many buy on impulse rather than need. A great rule of thumb wait 30 days before you purchase anything. Of course, if you break something and it needs to be replaced you might not be able to wait an entire month but look for alternatives first. Maybe you have something else that can do the job, or a friend has one that they aren’t using. You don’t always need to go out and buy something new.
Choose quality over quantity
Living a minimalist lifestyle isn't an exercise in misery, there will be times when you want/ need new things. The key is to buy less but better-quality items that will last. Cheap, low quality "stuff" is bad for the environment and will probably need to be replaced sooner meaning you also spend more money in the long run. This can be applied to everything from shoes to furniture.
Develop gratitude
It sounds overly simplistic but the more grateful you are for what you have, the more likely you are to be content with it. Find joy in everything you own; if something doesn’t bring you joy, it doesn’t deserve a place in your home. The more we buy the more consumed we become with “stuff”. Whether we admit it or not that is never going to bring any kind of lasting happiness.
For more minimal and simple living inspiration visit my blog – My Little Simplicity Project.
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Twitter @simplicityproj2
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