In today’s consumerist world, people are continually being told to buy more. Through advertising, product placement and social media influencers, brands are getting their message out there and making us think we need to spend money. But there are numerous benefits to owning less. You don’t need all the latest gadgets and the finest clothes for a happy life.
The practice of minimalism is perhaps the polar opposite of our consumerist culture. It means intentionally living with only the things you truly need. What this entails will be different for everyone, but what is essential is the mindset that you don’t need hordes of “stuff” for fulfilment.
A minimalist lifestyle means you spend less money and choose only to own the most meaningful and essential possessions. You will have a tidier home and less to tie you down, meaning you will feel happier and less stressed as a result.
If you wish to practice a minimalism lifestyle, there are some daily habits you will need to adopt.
Decluttering
When you first decide to become a minimalist, you may have to begin with an enormous overhaul of your possessions. This is when you figure out what you really need and what you can live without. Freeing yourself of these unnecessary material goods can be enormously liberating.
But decluttering is not a one-time affair. It is a continual process that you will need to refine and improve constantly. It’s impossible to avoid things accumulating in your home, so make an effort to have a regular declutter, perhaps weekly or monthly. If you have too much sentimental stuff that you can’t face getting rid of right now, consider renting a storage shed so you can at least keep them out of your home.
Purchase mindfully
As a minimalist, impulse shopping is a big no. You will have to get into the habit of making all purchases mindfully. When considering an item, ask yourself whether you really need it, whether it’ll make you happy, or if you could opt for a more expensive but better quality item that will last longer. Where possible, try to purchase items that can serve multiple purposes.
Keep surfaces clean
When you get home from a long day at work, it’s easy to throw your keys on the table, kick your shoes on the floor, empty your pockets on the dresser and forget about it. But this is a slippery slope.
The more clutter you have in your home, the less motivated you will be to keep it tidy, and conditions will quickly deteriorate. Get into the habit of clearing all surfaces before you go to bed each night, and you will wake up in the morning to a spotless home.
Clean as you go
No one likes getting up in the morning and facing a towering pile of last night’s dirty dishes. When you do anything messy, such as cooking and eating dinner, make sure you clean as you go rather than leaving it all to the end. Get into the mentality of rinsing plates, wiping surfaces and loading the dishwasher while you cook, and you will be able to transfer this mindset to other areas of the home.
Have a place for everything
How easy is it to find things in your home? Ensure every single item has its own dedicated space in your home, and things of a similar type are stored together. This will ensure you can always find what you need and will keep your belongings from cluttering up communal spaces.
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