For many years I was the one who would advise my friends how to be a minimalist. How to callously "chuck 'em away", to put it simply. Now I'm over 50, I'm increasingly getting attached to 'things' in general. But it is part of the aging process - it takes longer to organize yourself as your brain slows down. Your memory is shorter, so something you were going to do about a year ago is still left undone, right there with you. Because a year ago seems like yesterday. Yep. That's me.
Did You Know?
- Decluttering Homes: 78% of minimalists report feeling less stressed after reducing their household items.
- Savings Increase: Minimalists save an average of 30% more of their income than non-minimalists.
- Waste Reduction: Minimalist households produce 40% less waste compared to average households.
- Clothing Consumption: Minimalists own 50% fewer clothes, significantly reducing impulse buys.
- Housing Preferences: 60% of minimalists prefer smaller living spaces for easier maintenance and lower costs.
- Digital Detox: 70% of people who adopt minimalism also reduce their digital device usage by 20%.
- Transportation Choices: 55% of minimalists use public transportation, bikes, or walking as their primary mode of transportation.
Getting Ready To "Go"
You know, when you come to my age you start to think about the remaining years of your life more often.
I might only have 10 more years to live, I might live up to 90... depressing, isn't it? I don't want to be a stinky old man who lives in a dingy room full of dusty old clutters like candlestick holders and rusty mustard cans from a flea market... And leave all that behind when I die.
So I am getting ready - not necessarily preparing myself for the day I die, but to have a less materialistic mindset. Simplify. Without having to feel "hollow". I still need my Expresso machine, my gadgets, my D&G jacket, and Armani underwear!
Benefits Of Minimalism
There are many benefits that you can receive if you know how to be a minimalist. Cleaning becomes easier to start with. No more spending money on things that you don't really need. Less distracted and stressed, i.e. your life in general will be more productive.
And spiritually - for example, Feng Shui always talks about clearing the clutters. Zen teachings refer to nothingness as a "gateway to enlightenment".
By clearing your surroundings, you'll bring your own calm & peaceful environment, you know what I mean? And it's not like you're thrown into a white room (that'd be freaky!), you will be creating your minimalist lifestyle by getting rid of unnecessary stuff and acquiring less stuff.
Did You Know?
- Personal Productivity: Minimalists report a 35% increase in personal productivity due to fewer distractions.
- Environmental Impact: Minimalist practices lead to a 25% decrease in individual carbon footprints.
- Charitable Donations: Minimalists are 30% more likely to donate items rather than throw them away.
- Shopping Habits: 80% of minimalists stick to shopping lists, significantly reducing unnecessary purchases.
- Mental Health Benefits: 65% of minimalists claim improved mental health from living with less.
- Debt Reduction: Minimalists are 40% less likely to incur new debt than average consumers.
- Consumer Goods Spending: Spending on consumer goods drops by an average of 50% after adopting minimalism.
Start With Decluttering
The first step to adopting a minimalist lifestyle is to declutter. This doesn't mean you need to throw everything away, but it does mean choosing what you really need and love. Here’s how you can start:
- Sort Through Your Stuff: Go through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard.
- Give Yourself Time: Don’t try to declutter your entire home in one day. Tackle one area or room at a time.
- Be Honest: Ask yourself if you really use or need each item. Sometimes, we hold onto things just because we have them, not because they serve a purpose.
Simplify Your Digital Space
Minimalism isn’t just about physical items; it’s also about your digital environment. Simplifying your digital space can reduce stress and free up time.
- Clean Up Your Inbox: Unsubscribe from emails you no longer read or need. Try to keep your inbox as clear as possible.
- Limit Social Media: Reduce the number of platforms you use and the time you spend on them. This can help decrease information overload.
- Organize Digital Files: Regularly review and organize your digital files. Delete old files and duplicate photos to keep your digital space tidy.
Law of Attraction Planner
- Aims to enhance mental, physical, and social aspects using the law of attraction
- Contains 248 pages with weekly and monthly overviews, journaling, and habit tracking
- Provides tools like mind maps and vision boards for setting and achieving goals
- Offers an 8-step system to reduce stress and procrastination.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
When you do need to buy something, choose quality over quantity. This principle can apply to everything from clothes to furniture.
- Invest in Good Quality: Buy items that last longer, even if they cost a bit more. This reduces waste and saves you money in the long run.
- One In, One Out: When you buy a new item, let go of something else. This helps maintain a manageable amount of possessions.
- Shop Mindfully: Before you buy, ask if the item is necessary and if it fits with your minimalist goals.
Create a Minimalist Wardrobe
A minimalist wardrobe doesn’t mean wearing the same clothes every day. It means having clothes that you love and that work together.
- Capsule Wardrobe: This is a small collection of versatile clothes that you enjoy wearing. Typically, this includes items that mix and match well.
- Seasonal Review: At the start of each season, review your wardrobe. Donate or sell clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in a while.
- Avoid Impulse Buys: Resist the temptation to buy clothes on a whim. Stick to your list of needed items when you shop.
Simplify Home Arrangements
Creating a minimalist home environment can make your space more peaceful and cleaning much easier.
- Minimal Furniture: Choose furniture that is functional and that you really need. Fewer pieces make your space look bigger and cleaning simpler.
- Neutral Colors: Stick to neutral colors for walls and major pieces. This creates a calm, cohesive look.
- Clear Surfaces: Keep counters and tables mostly clear. This not only looks better but also makes it easier to clean and manage your space.
The Minimalist Lifestyle
The Minimalist Lifestyle pack consists of an ebook, checklist, resource cheat sheet, and a little "mindmap" to visualize your minimalism management. The book first explains why "less is so much more" in all aspects of life. Then it moves on to teach you how to be a minimalist step-by-step. It has some essential tips and useful advice.
"Remove Boxes", for example. The first thing that comes to my mind whenever I think of a storage solution would be to get nice boxes. Store whatever the stuff in a box and put that box on the shelf, in the cupboard, etc. Because it would look neat.
Wrong.
"Boxes under the bed and on the wardrobe get badly dusty unless they have a lid. But more importantly, they once again will play on your mind by taking up room and by removing those crucial areas of ‘space’ that make a room feel much bigger and much lighter."
So I would need to get rid of the boxes - essentially means that I'd have to go through everything that's in each box and expect to find a lot of things to dispose of. Ah, and how you can dispose... There are a few "rules" to stick to, such as the "one-in, on-out" rule, and the "3 months rule" that will make it easier for you to determine.
Did You Know?
- Energy Consumption: Minimalist homes use 30% less energy due to smaller space and fewer electronic appliances.
- Leisure Time: Minimalists enjoy 25% more leisure time by cutting down on shopping and maintenance of possessions.
- Quality Over Quantity: 90% of minimalists prioritize quality over quantity in purchasing decisions.
- Reduced Cleaning Time: Minimalists spend 40% less time cleaning due to having fewer possessions.
- Social Media Usage: After adopting minimalism, individuals spend 50% less time on social media.
- Mindful Eating: 70% of minimalists practice mindful eating, leading to healthier diet choices.
- Job Satisfaction: 30% of minimalists report higher job satisfaction by not pursuing materialistic career goals.
Take Advantage Of The Benefits
The course ebook also talks about "when you've become a minimalist" - how you can take advantage of your surroundings (clean, organized space) and improve it for the future, such as making room for the important things.
It also tells you that minimalism can provide financial freedom.
"By having fewer items that you feel you absolutely ‘must own’, you can decrease your regular outgoings and the amount of money you rely on to be happy and fulfilled.
The result is quite powerful. All of a sudden, you’ll find that you have less financial strain, less debt, and much less stress as a result."
I got the book and found it useful especially one-in-on-out policy. Checklist is good, but mindmap is difficult to read. I think it’s worth the money. Thanks.
Kalle
Hi Kalle, thanks for your comment. I’m glad you feel the Minimalist Lifestyle package is worth the money you paid for. I must agree the “mindmap” is a little difficult to read as it’s spread with small writings. But I have used the checklist and found it useful too.
Love the idea of Fen Shui and Zen. Many people misunderstand the teachings for example they believe that placing a particular ornament in a windowsill will bring the fortune but they also leave other stuff everywhere in the house, so they’re blocking the fortune. Clear your surroundings.
Hi Martin, Fen Shui is about cleansing the space by clearing clutters first before possessing an item to attract good fortunes, isn’t it. Whether you believe all these teachings or not, we all have to clear our minds at times in life, and we don’t need materials to distract us for sure. Thanks for your comment!
It’s hard mate, esp. when you live with someone else.
It’s not like I’m provided with my own man room lol.
But try not to buy things that don’t do any jobs. like pictures sculpture things like that.
Good job good page mate.
John
Hi John, thanks for your comment. That’s it, a man cave! That’s what you need! A beer keg may be functional though another clutter. Yes you’re right, sculptures and ornaments make your room busy. It’s hard to get rid of them when you’re emotionally attached. The Minimalist Lifestyle book will tell you how you can deal with that, too. Thanks again John for your visit.
Hi Ray, I would love to be a minimalist but I live in such a small apartment, I don’t have many belongings but I try keeping things tidy. Still my room looks cluttery. How can I tidy and do these books help?
Seb
Hi Seb, thanks for your comment. The Minimalist Lifestyle package tells you how to become a minimalist practically and also tells you the benefits you may receive from it. I think it’s much easier for those who live in a smaller space and own less stuff. It’s not about shoving all your belongings in a cupboard and hide them away. It’s about keeping necessities and getting rid of things that are not. I hope the package will help!
Thank you very much for all advice to become minimalist lifestyle. I can study and learn many things to become minimalist at this page.
Tien.
Thanks Tien, I appreciate your comment!
I do believe in Feng Shui and try to declutter my home, I do believe it works. Minimalist lifestyle brings out full of possibility in work, love, and life ethos overall.
Thanks June for your comment! Good to know that you’re into Feng Shui and keep your possessions at minimal level. It clears my head and mind and helps me focus on my work at home also.