If you type ‘minimalism’ in YouTube you will find various thumbnails of people sitting in empty spaces, claiming they are minimalists. The minimalist movement is huge – but is it just a trend and is it really realistic to live with very little around you? Why Minimalism is the right fit for you? Let’s delve in!
I’m facing the prospect of moving countries. I need to de-clutter everything, and take very little with us. I have been interested in minimalism and want to use this time to become comfortable with the idea and to be able to bring it into my new home.
What is minimalism?
Minimalist doesn’t just mean clearing clutter – it’s a way of life.
It’s about living mindfully, intentionally, and being appreciative with the things you DO have.
How Minimalism Is The Right Fit For You
-How to become a minimalist?
It seems that there is a breaking point when one decides to become a minimalist. Maybe it’s triggered by burnout, desiring the life of a nomad or some life changing event that makes one stop and re-access their living arrangements.
Minimalism can come in different sizes, according to various blogs across the internet, it varies from 5 to 10 types of minimalism. Mind blown!
Having said that – there is not a ‘right‘ way to do minimalism – you do what feels right for you.
What do you value the most? Remove anything that doesn’t add value to your life.
Clutter and stuff can be a hindrance to inner peace
Emotions to our stuff
You can feel guilt if you hold onto things – particularly if you’re not making use of something… but the emotions don’t stop there, there’s more emotions affected by clutter.
Indecisive / decision anxiety
Stress
Anxiety
We all can have an emotional attachment to things – photographs, kids drawings, clothes. But when does it become more of a burden than anything else? And seeing those items everyday, well does it make you feel good?
Time spent on our stuff
Do you have a garage/basement/attic that is used as a storage unit? I do too! It’s very difficult to get out of the mindset, if a space is there – why not fill it?! We need storage though…don’t we? Or maybe we don’t and we should use everything we have?
Looking at your storage, ask yourself – is there a reason WHY you’re accumulating clutter?
Is there something from your past you can’t let go of?
Or do you feel your identity is within the things you own.
How to become a minimalist
Surround yourself with minimalism
– Listen to podcasts, tv shows to get inspired and more comfortable with the idea of de-cluttering
Stop before you buy
-Moving forward, be mindful of what comes into your home – question before you buy anything – Do I really need this? Will I use it often?
Let it go
-You don’t need to hold on to things – give yourself permission to ‘let go’. Did you buy an expensive article of clothing and have worn it once? Maybe you know deep down that you’re unlikely to wear it again, but you spent money on it, so better to keep it ‘just in case’. I’ve done this – I have two items that I spent money on, but I have never worn them! I’m going to practise what I preach and put them to charity…honest – dress going in black bin liner now!
Mindful of your emotions
Adjust your mindset, are you comfortable in your own skin, your own identity? Is there a reason you feel you need to buy something? Be conscious the next time you consider buying…
What About You?
Are you a minimalist or have you dabbled in minimalism? I’d love to hear what steps you implemented if you’d like to share below..
If you enjoyed this, have a look at my previous posts such as How to declutter your mind
Till next time, dear reader.
CG
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