The Minimalist Lifestyle

In this article, you will learn about the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle and how to implement it in your daily life!

 

What Is The Minimalist Lifestyle?

Minimalism is a choice based on the intention to live with only the things you truly need. The concept of intention is really important as the minimalist lifestyle is primarily a way to live a more happy life, detached from your material possessions and able to focus on what matters most. 

Minimalism is not a competition about who owns the less stuff or who spends the less money. It is a way of life allowing you to free yourself from our consumer society, working all our lives to buy items we do not really need and living always faster without having time to do anything to the full. You’ll learn to experience real freedom, create more, live in the moment and get rid of excess and overconsumption in order to find a lasting happiness.

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If you feel a minimalist lifestyle would suit you, here are some easy steps to follow in order to get rid of excess in your daily life.

First, make three piles of everything in your house:

• Essential items: the ones representing the basic needs of a human being (clothes, shelter, food)
• Non-essential items: the objects which add value to your life, even if they are not indispensable strictly speaking (dining table, couch, bookshelf, etc.). Embracing minimalism means the major part of your items should fit in this category.
• Junk items: the hundreds of items and artefacts we don’t need and which bring us nothing. Get rid of these objects in order to make room for things that really value and bring you joy. Just ask yourself when was the last time you used each item and when will you use it again, it will often help you realize how needless an object is!

Once you’ll have started to minimize your possessions, you can learn how to buy less, live below your means and declutter your home!

 

How To Buy Less

Turn your back on consumerism and reduce the amount you spend on stuff and outings. You can find other ways to enjoy yourself than takeaway coffee or impulse purchases, focus on experiences and quality time with your friends and family.

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Define your essentials, which are the things you use regularly and are really valuable to you. For example, you might need a new notebook or new underwear but don’t necessarily need to buy a new coat.

Create a capsule wardrobe, focusing on a few essential clothing items that will never go out of style. Identify your personal style and then eliminate what you haven’t worn for a long time. Minimizing your wardrobe will help you get a better grasp of your own style and avoid unnecessary purchases in the future. Embracing slow fashion and fighting shopping impulses is capital in order to reduce your possessions. 

 

Live Below Your Means

Living below your means can seem hindering in everyday life. Car loans, student loans, your mortgage or rent, and credit card debt are all hanging over your head, ready to ruin your day. However, living below your means is simply about not spending more than you earn and avoiding debt by following simple tips. You’ll be more stable financially and able to focus on important things. 

Create a budget to get a good grasp of your finances. Calculate your income and expenses and you will clearly understand if you’re living beyond your means. 

Focus on specific areas where you can reduce your expenses. Costly memberships, take-out food and drinks, clothes or even new cars are often useless expenses which can help you save up a lot more than you think. The average American households spend more than 70% of their yearly earnings, and some even 100%, instead of saving up!

Do not hesitate to negotiate rates and bills with banks and credit unions. Nothing is carved in stone. 

 

Declutter Your Home

You will also feel a lot better once you have decluttered your home. For example, you can donate or sell unworn clothes, recycle old electronics and cables, get rid of duplicate cookware (how many coffee mugs do you really need?) or give any personal care products approaching their expiration date. 

Once you will have a minimalist house, here are 7 daily habits to keep a decluttered home:

♥ Video: 7 Daily Habits for a Clutter-Free Home: Declutter for Good ♥  

The minimalist lifestyle can still seem daunting to you, join our community of zero wasters and find people who can advise you on how to live like a minimalist!