Minimalism is a choice that encourages a lifestyle free from excess. The decision to live in simplicity, with as few objects as possible, is a goal to feel free from the pressure of consumerism and materialism. When you have a minimalism-oriented mindset, you can start a simpler life by eliminating excess personal belongings. Thinking on a larger scale, you can consider cutting down on furniture, living in a smaller house, or getting rid of the car. The minimalist way of life has no specific rules and is flexible enough to adapt to your needs, no matter the circumstances.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting into the Right Mindset
Step 1. See the benefits of a minimalist life
In large part, it actually represents a practice of mindfulness; the act of getting rid of the sense of possession is a way to get away from the materialism, consumerism and distractions of the modern world. Evaluate the following benefits:
- Less concentration on material goods to devote yourself more to personal fulfillment;
- Less stress about the money you make
- Less clutter and more free space.
Step 2. Limit social commitments
A hectic social life goes against the principles of minimalism: less clutter, less stress and the possibility to devote energy to other things. Take the initiative and get rid of harmful friendships, focusing instead on the people who contribute to your happiness and well-being. You do not have to feel obliged to maintain social relationships that do not benefit the quality of your life, for example:
- Friendships with people who don't care about the best for you;
- "Push and pull" emotional relationships that cause sadness.
Step 3. Reduce social media activity
Keep only a couple of applications and disable all others. This minimalist choice allows you to reduce the number of notifications and alerts you receive during the day, which can increase to the point of becoming excessive and causing stress; if you don't want to uninstall apps, at least turn off notifications and check for updates whenever you like.
Step 4. Join some minimalist community
There are many, online and in real life, in Europe as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia, which focus on a minimalist lifestyle. You can find meeting groups that meet in some cities and that offer the unique opportunity to share moments with other people who have made the same life choice as you, as well as the fact that you can learn other things from them. Look for groups that congregate in your area or search online to find a virtual community of other minimalists like you.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Excess Personal Assets
Step 1. Make a list of the things you don't use and get rid of them
Go around the house and make a list of all the items that you never use, but that other people might find very useful and enjoyable (like the waffle iron, if you find that you never eat them). Look at the various elements and ask yourself if you will use them in the next 3-6 months; if the answer is no, get rid of it in the following ways:
- Giving them to friends or family who would like them;
- Placing online sales ads;
- Organizing a house sale;
- Taking them to a thrift store;
- By donating them to a charity in your area.
Step 2. Eliminate the litter
Cluttered documents can be very confusing and make it harder to find the ones that really matter when you need them. Organize an initial cleanup by dividing your paperwork into categories (such as taxes, warranties, user manuals, bank statements, and so on). Get a locker or binders to store your important documents and make sure you throw away any cards you don't need (mail you no longer use, shop advertisements, etc.) as soon as you realize they no longer have any value for you.. To reduce the clutter of documents, open a bank account and other similar services online, so that there is no more paper correspondence.
Step 3. Clear the closets
Examine their contents and those of other dressers or various furniture and eliminate any clothes that no longer fit you, that are wrinkled or that you have not worn for several months. Sort out clothes, shoes, boots, outdoor clothing and accessories; put everything in a container and take it to a local charity. Get rid of worn or damaged clothing or use it for other purposes (for example, as house cleaning rags or as material for craft projects).
Step 4. Throw away the things that are no longer useful
You may still have some items in the house that should be discarded to make room and avoid using them in the future. Expired foods, condiments, and spices, as well as over-old makeup products are just examples of things you should throw away immediately so as not to risk using them. Check these items regularly every few months to make sure you don't pile them up when they're unusable.
Part 3 of 3: Evaluating Big Changes
Step 1. Get rid of excess furniture
To fully live as a minimalist, you should think about getting rid of furniture that seems superfluous to you. For example, coffee tables are not always useful, but they tend to fill up with untidy objects; even decorative display cases (and knick-knacks) are often in contradiction with a minimalist lifestyle, as are large home theater systems; sell or give away the large furniture and enjoy the space you have freed up.
Step 2. Consider moving to a smaller house
With the aim of reducing material objects and simplifying the surrounding environment, this is an option you can consider. Although modern society encourages you to choose an imposing, larger and "dreamlike" home, opting for a smaller home instead can be an excellent opportunity for your well-being. A smaller house or apartment as a minimalist lifestyle choice can make you happier for the following reasons:
- It means less debt and less financial risk;
- A small house requires less maintenance;
- When it is smaller, at more affordable prices, it is also easier to sell (if you decide to do so);
- You are less likely to accumulate clutter.
Step 3. Think about the possibility of traveling without a car
While living without a car is not a prerequisite for a minimalist life, it is still preferable. Between the expenses for fuel, repairs, maintenance and miscellaneous taxes, owning a car constantly requires energy and money. Some minimalists need it for certain life circumstances (for example they have children or have to drive to work), but you can choose to use it only when absolutely necessary. If you have the ability to do without it, you can make your life easier by using public transport, taxis, services like Uber or even walking.
Step 4. Talk about important life changes with your loved ones
If you do not live alone, it is important that you evaluate the minimalist choices with them and that you find an agreement. If they are interested in joining your life changes, you need to discuss ways to fit shared spaces and objects, as well as become responsible and minimalist consumers. If they do not want to share this style, evaluate the limits and parameters of the minimalist changes you want to make, in order to find the right compromise of the spaces, objects and consumer goods in sharing. It is important to discuss and talk about all the changes before making them, to avoid possible conflicts.
