Considering what or who truly makes you happy can have a hugely positive impact on your life. Experiences over things. Appreciating fully the items you love most. Decluttering. Surrounding yourself with people who make you lighter and more joyful.
Minimalism can extend to many aspects of your life, and while the concept isn’t for everyone, minimalism can lead to less stress and a lighter outlook. Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to delve in. We’ve gathered seven tips that will help you get started on your minimalist journey, no matter how far you’re traveling.
1. START WITH YOUR CLOSET
Although there are many aspects to living a minimalist lifestyle, your closet may be the easiest place to begin. Consider each item. Which ones do you absolutely love? Which ones make you feel your best? Those are the items you’ll keep. Sort out worn pieces or items that don’t fit into your evolving style and bring them to your nearest Goodwill or have Give Back Box pick them up for free.
2. ONLY KEEP THE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR KITCHEN
Nina Faulhaber, the co-creator of athleisure line Aday, suggests stocking your cabinets and refrigerator with the essentials: olive oil, soy sauce, sesame sauce, and then buy the food you’ll cook that day so nothing goes to waste. While this may be more challenging with a family, a single person could certainly complete a clean sweep of their refrigerator.
3. DECLUTTER AROUND THE HOME
Start with setting aside the items in your home you don’t need. Begin slowly and separate belongings you want to keep and ones you can donate or toss. Store the non-essential items out of sight so you can get used to their absence. They key here is remembering that minimalism doesn’t mean throwing out every single item aside from your toothbrush – it means making more space for what makes you the happiest.
4. REUSE, REDUCE, AND RECYCLE – THE MINIMALIST WAY
Instead of getting a new version when something breaks or is worn out, use a DIY approach and repair or reuse it. Glass jars, broken furniture, and broken dishes are just some of the items you can repurpose instead of going to the store and purchasing something new.
You’d be surprised by how many alternative uses your everyday items can have. (Inna Reznik / Shutterstock.com)
5. TOSS YOUR DUPLICATES
Walk around your home and take inventory of all the items you have multiple sets of such as DVDs, measuring cups, phone chargers, two copies of the same magazine or book, etc. Put these duplicates in a box and donate it if you feel you can do without.
6. FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTHIEST RELATIONSHIPS
Figure out those people in your life who make you the happiest and hold on to them. If you have toxic or unhealthy relationships, take a step back and filter them out. Even if this cuts your friend group in half, spending time with those who lift you up and inspire you will always leave you feeling lighter and happier. Decluttering can also apply to your relationships, so make sure you’re surrounding yourself with those who add positivity to your life.
7. REMIND YOURSELF WHY YOU WANT TO GO MINIMAL
What are your reasons for wanting a more minimalist lifestyle? This will be different for each person and there’s no “right” way to be a minimalist. Is your objective to donate or toss all the things that don’t bring you joy, Marie Kondo style? Would you rather focus on your relationships and bringing more positive energy into your life? Write down your goals and why you’re embarking on leading a more minimalistic life, keep them somewhere visible, and then cut yourself some slack. This is a difficult concept for many folks in the beginning and the mindset shift takes time. Before you know it, you’ll be comfortable and satisfied with the parameters that you created for your new life.
