Why in the world would you ever consider living like a Minimalist?
Does the thought of living a minimalist lifestyle sound interesting to you, or is it something younger people are doing, but it’s not your cup of tea.
Let’s pretend that all your decluttering and organizing of your home is almost done.
There’s nothing wrong with looking to the future if you are still at it.
The question becomes, how are you going to keep your house organized and decluttered after all of your hard work?
If you need help with planning to declutter your life, you need to read,
Make a Stress Free Plan to Declutter.
Simplify Your Life
This might be the perfect time for you to start thinking about what it might be like to make your life simpler.
Wouldn’t it be nice to focus on what’s important to you or what makes you happy?
Personally I think it sounds like a good idea, but I understand if you don’t know exactly what that would mean for you.
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minimalism can mean “deciding what is important in your life and recognizing happiness.” –
What is Minimalism Anyway?
Before we talk about how to act like a minimalist, we better decide what it means.
From what I can tell, there is NO ONE definition for minimalism, and there are no rules you have to follow to be a member of the minimalism club.
At first, I thought to be considered a minimalist meant you had to get rid of pretty much everything you own, and start wearing the same clothes over and over.
And for some that might be what the definition of minimalism is, but the truth is, living a simpler life can look different for each of us.
I came across a few statements describing a minimalist lifestyle that made sense to me.
Take a look and see if there is one that rings your bell.
Minimalism can be:
- owning fewer possessions
- deciding what is important in life and recognizing happiness
- simplifying your life and learning to live with what you really value and need.
This will look different for each of us, so a good place to start is for you to answer the following questions for yourself.
What is important to you?
(For me, it’s family, friends, having money to live the life I want.)Â
What makes you happy?
(My happiness comes from spending time with family, planning my own free time, and laughing.)
What do you love to do?
( I love using new technology, cooking, writing, sleeping late, watching game shows, and playing cards)
If you are asking if all of this be considered minimalism, the answer is YES!
Because you know why?
You get to make your own rules.
1. Own Fewer Possessions
We have all heard the statement “Less is More“.
If we are being honest, we all know having more belongings doesn’t make us happy in the long run.
But no one is suggesting we get rid of everything we have collected over the years.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked hard for my money, and getting rid of all of my valued possessions would totally take me out of my comfort zone, and I think I would feel sort of sad.
I hope when you decluttered you didn’t get rid of all your possessions.
I sure didn’t.
When I came across things that I loved or had value to me, I kept them and I put them in a place where I can see them every day.
My best example would be the painted clay treasures my children made when they were in school, or the cookie jar my grandmother used to keep filled whenever her family was around.
If you feel like you still need help decluttering, check out Marie Kondo’s book. She has amazing advice on how to live more simply by decluttering your life.
Have you heard of Marie Kondo and her amazing advice on how to live more simply by decluttering your life?
Get it from Amazon here.
Spending Your Time As a Minimalist
“My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.”~ Steve Jobs
We all know, “if you don’t plan your time, someone else will“!
Believe me, at my age, I can tell you that this is all true!
Seriously, how you plan your time is so important!
We take the time we have for granted, we all want more, but we all just get 24 hours each day.
What I am trying to say is, you need to declutter how you spend your time so you can spend it on what is important to you and on what makes you happy.
- I love being with family & friends, but I also value time alone and have become very protective of that time.
- What do you not want to spend your time on? For me, this includes committees and organizations I’m forced to join, but it also includes going to lunch with a person you don’t want to be with.
- Focus on who & what is most important to you.
Schedule the things you really want to do first. - Even though some people are persistent & don’t easily take no for an answer, make planning your own time a priority.
- I find it easier to say no to the people who try to make me feel guilty for not saying yes. They eventually stop.
It’s Simple, Spend Less Money
We all know having more belongings doesn’t make us happy in the long run.
We all spend money on things we really don’t use or need.
Seriously, open your kitchen cupboards and look at just your dishes and stemware. When was the last time you used some of those things?
It goes without saying, if you declutter, you need to be a little mindful of what you buy so you don’t fill up your house again.
Still, spend, but spend wisely.
Remember minimalism doesn’t mean you never get anything new again, it means you are intentionally buying what you really want and value.
Stop Stockpiling Groceries
Yikes. Here is an interesting way to minimize.
Buying groceries could be included in the Control Spending category, but I totally think this is an important “simplifying” topic on its own.
I already shop with a list – no surprise.
However, we still throw away too much produce and things we let become outdated in the cupboards.
But the biggest grocery topic for me is dealing with LEFTOVERS!
I like to cook and have lots of great recipes.
In reality, I know I am not cooking for a crowd all the time, so I should make less. I have this mindset that I can freeze the leftovers and save a night of cooking.
When we do entertain guests or a crowd, I stress about the horror of possibly running out of something! I have never run short of anything!
A minimalist move here is to make a menu list for the week, then make your grocery list.
Only buy the ingredients on your list and start using
re-useable bags. Then, remember to bring them into the store the next time you shop!
Another tip is to never throw food into your cart because it’s on sale, especially meat and produce.
Your bill will quickly double or triple and now you have food without a plan. I have experienced this so many times. Just saying.
Minimalism is keeping & using only what you truly want & need.
Keep in mind this is about simplifying your life and focusing on what is important to you!
There are many ways to simplify your life, and you can make this your own journey. Enjoy it.
P.S. Don’t forget to download your Free Checklist on Minimalist Living.
Get tips on decluttering, shopping, spending time, shopping, groceries, and more.
P.P.S. You also may be interested in finding out more about
How to Plan Life Experiences to Make You Happy
6 Easy Steps to Declutter Your iPhone
How to Live a Healthy Digital Lifestyle.
Leave a comment on how you have simplified your life!
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