Minimalism - Keep the Best, Get Rid of the Rest

 

What is Minimalism? 

Minimalism, or the minimalist lifestyle, isn't about "just getting rid of things".  It's about appreciating the things in your life that are useful, or meaningful, and letting go of the rest. It's about realizing we don't need a lot of "clutter" in our lives in order to be happy.  Sometimes, less is more. (Minimalist Living: 25 Essential Tips for Living With Less.)  

 

Minimalism is different for everyone.  What's important for one person may not be for someone else.  For instance, one person may not want any knick knacks, while another can't live without their Precious Moments figurines. 

 

Sometimes we get really attached to our stuff.  We identify with it.  So give yourself time to figure out what works for you. And give yourself permission to change your mind.  

 

Minimalism is an ongoing journey, where you create a lifestyle and mindset that is both fulfilling and manageable long term. 

 

Benefits of Minimalism 

The benefits of minimalism listed below are similar to those for decluttering.  But minimalism is even better because it challenges our assumptions about what we need. (Decluttering is Great. Minimalism is Even Better.)  

• Freedom – less stuff to pursue, purchase, maintain and worry about 
• Less stress – excess clutter can cause anxiety, so can the endless pursuit of more 
• Save money – most of us can live with far less than we think 
• Save time and energy – with less stuff to keep track of and everything in its place, you'll waste less time and energy looking for missing items, less time cleaning up 
• Improve mental health – reduce attachment to physical things, greater life satisfaction, feel more in control 
• More focus and productivity – less distractions so you can think about more important things like your health, relationships, etc. 
• Eco-friendly – investing in fewer, but higher quality, longer-lasting products, is more sustainable for the environment  
• Help local community – donating unneeded items to local charities 
• Self-knowledge – learn more about ourselves during the minimalist journey 

What Are Some Ways to Simplify Your Life? 

Simplifying your life goes hand-in-hand with minimalism.  And can extend beyond physical possessions to other areas of your life, such as your time, finances, and actions. Below are some examples. (READ THIS for the BEST Simple Living Ideas)  

• Declutter – eliminate what you don't need, donate 
• Find a place for everything  
• Streamline your wardrobe – keep only what you actually wear and need 
• Reject consumerism – quit the never ending cycle of keeping up with the Joneses, resist trends/fads, and sales/discounts on items you don't need 
• Buy quality over quantity – save time and money on buying replacements later 
• Take better care of your things – they will last longer 
• Repurpose items – be creative and find new uses for old items  
• Prioritize multi-purpose items – no need for a toaster if you have a toaster oven 
• Expenses and credit cards – reduce debt and extraneous credit cards, get rid of unnecessary costs, automate bill payments 
• Combine errands – save time and gas 
• Reduce cleaning products – consider making your own (e.g. vinegar and water) or hire cleaning service 
• Pre-plan meals – make a weekly meal plan or use a meal delivery service 
• Turn off notifications  
• Learn to say no – even to social media 

What is Swedish Death Cleaning? 

It might sound morbid, but Swedish Death Cleaning is basically getting rid of your excess clutter before you die so your loved ones don't have to. It’s also about rethinking your relationship with your stuff.  If it doesn’t have value for you, then you are better off without it.   

 

Margareta Magnussen came up with the term in her 2017 book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter".  

 

Personal Experience 

It turns out that I'm a minimalist and didn't even know it.  For years I've been eliminating things from my life.  I think it started about 10 years ago when I moved into a smaller condo.   

 

Knowing that I would have less space, I carefully evaluated everything I owned.  I discovered that there was a lot I could live without.  But it wasn’t always easy. 

 

Letting go my beloved Nancy Drew books was especially hard. But I had no one to give them to and I certainly wasn't reading them anymore.  I suppose I could have sold them, but I didn't want to bother.  Instead, I gave them to my local library, along with many other books I wasn’t reading.  Books are great for sharing. 

 

I also donated my favorite childhood doll to a doll museum I found online.  It was time. (In case you were wondering about the doll photo, that's Barbara.  My mother still hasn't forgiven me for giving away the closest thing she had to a grandchild.) 

 

I ended up keeping only the things that were important or useful to me.  In the last 10 years I've gotten rid of a lot of those as well. Some have been replaced with something new, but not all.  In fact, each year I find I have fewer "things", while those that remain all have value to me. At least for now. 

 

I now give careful consideration to every new item that I bring into my home.  Do I really need it?  Do I have something similar?  Will it add value to my life?  Is it of good quality so it'll last? Does it serve multiple purposes? 

 

By reducing my possessions to just what I need to be happy (no more, no less), I feel lighter, more relaxed, more organized, more in control, and more satisfied. 

 

(Time for my usual disclaimer.)  Even though I have embraced the minimalist lifestyle and think everyone could benefit from a little minimalism in their lives, it may not be right for you. 

 

What do you think?  Does the idea of downsizing excite you or stress you out? 

 

Check out my companion article on decluttering (Clutter, Clutter Everywhere, What Am I To Do?).