At this point in our society, you’ve likely heard of minimalism, or someone labeling themselves as a minimalist. However, a lot of people don’t know what minimalism actually is. Some refer to minimalism as an interior design style, while others call it what it is––a lifestyle. I’m included in the latter group, because I do consider myself a minimalist. Below I’m going to break down what minimalism is, and why I chose a life of minimalism.
Less Stuff Means Less Distractions and Maintenance
Think about it, the more things you have, the more things can break and require your attention. Not only is it frustrating when items break, fixing and replacing things gets expensive both in terms of money and time. In fact, people are more stressed, less creative, and have a hard time relaxing when they’re surrounded by clutter according to one study.
Prior to reading that study, I thought I was the only person who felt stressed with excessive stuff. However, many people don’t even realize they feel the same way. Why? Because they become accustomed to drowning in a lot of things that don’t actually mean much of anything to them. That’s no way to live.
Let’s do an experiment. Take a look around now, wherever you are. Seriously, I’ll wait.
Now how many items did you see that are actually significant to you? Now look again.
Chances are you noticed even more items then you did before. That’s because you’re accustomed to stuff around you that does nothing but fill space for you. Whether those additional items are random knick knacks that you’ve accumulated over the years. Or maybe it’s a rug that you kind of hate, but it has always been there, so you just keep it around because––well, that’s what you do.
I’m telling you––if you look at something and it doesn’t excite you––get rid of it!
The Lifestyle Is Extremely Versatile
There are too many blogs, videos, and social media posts out there telling people how many items you should own in order to be a minimalist. All of those posts are ridiculous because minimalism isn’t based on the number of things you own. Instead, minimalism applies to each individual differently.
My life of minimalism probably looks a lot different than yours. So don’t get caught up on people telling you that you need x number of items to be a minimalist. Instead, choose a life of intentionally living with items you love. Anything you don’t love, or doesn’t have a purpose should go.
Any Items You Do Own Are Your Favorite
Everything I own has a specific purpose. I do my best to avoid owning anything with the thought––just in case. By only owning items that have a specific purpose, you’re left with items you love. Which is much more fulfilling than having items there just to fill space.
For example, the only items in my wardrobe are my favorite items. The same goes for my bookshelf, electronic devices, self-care items, and so on. If I look at something and it doesn’t excite me, or I just shrug my shoulders, it goes into the donate or sell pile.
Minimalism Helps You Save Money
There are two main reasons you will save money as a minimalist. First, you’re simply buying less stuff––that’s kind of the point isn’t it? The second reason is you have the money to buy higher quality items.
Put it this way, let’s say you’re looking for a new pair of jeans because your old pair finally wore out. Well, naturally most of us want the best deal we can get so we look at the cheapest pair of jeans we can find. However, you might notice that the quality is clearly questionable at best, so you might look somewhere with a little better quality.
If you choose to invest in items that are higher quality, you won’t have to replace the item as soon as cheaper items. And when you’re talking denim, high quality denim lasts much longer and in some cases––forever!
It’s An Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Like I mentioned before, minimalism is an extremely versatile lifestyle. That also applies to day to day decisions that can lead to excessive consumption. Luckily, being a minimalist has some great benefits for the environment. For instance, one of the best things you can do is choose to walk or bike as much as you can to avoid excessive emissions. Plus, getting out and moving is good for you.
Another way minimalism helps me avoid harming the environment is through consuming less clothing––specifically fast fashion. There are several fast fashion brands out there that produce unbelievably cheap clothes because they seem to think there are well over four seasons in the year. By changing their clothing lines almost weekly, fast fashion companies make consumers feel “out of date” and that triggers an impulse that they need the newest trend.
In fact, a popular fast fashion company even slashed their clothing before throwing it all in the dumpster to make sure no one could wear it or sell it. Anyone who saw these items damaged had a sense of being “out of style,” and caused those same people to go back and buy what was considered in again. This company’s behavior results in an absurd amount of waste.
Much Stronger Relationships
I never thought that minimalism would help my personal relationships but it did. By getting rid of all the distractions and unnecessary stuff, I felt less stressed and was able to be fully present in relationships. Both my relationships with friends, coworkers, and my relationship with my fiance improved.
So, are you interested in giving minimalism a try? There are several challenges you can try to jump start a life of minimalism. Some of my favorites are:
- The 30-Day Minimalism Game
- Project 333
- A Month of Plastic Free
- Meatless Monday
If you’re interested in this whole minimalism thing, but still have questions, please reach out to me! I’d love to talk through things with you. All I ask is you come with an open mind.