Minimalism is a way of life. Where to begin?

Vol 27, Issue 9, 15 November 2024

Minimalism can be described in different ways, but it all has one common thread: the philosophy of simplicity and conscious choice. It means choosing what we value the most in life, what we truly need, and removing everything that distracts us from that. Minimalism can apply to various aspects of our lives – work, relationships – but our home, apartment, or place of residence often takes center stage.

If you are considering introducing this style of living into your home, here are some points to consider:

• Money: The fewer possessions you have, the less money you spend. Additionally, at some point, you may realize that money can be spent on more important things than material possessions.
• Time: With fewer things in your home, you spend less time organizing, cleaning, and shopping. This allows you to have more free time during the day for activities that matter to you.
• Mood: A minimalist lifestyle can be less stressful. With fewer things, there is less stress and responsibility.
• Environment: By buying less and consuming less, you help protect the environment and reduce the use of natural resources.

If you are ready to embrace the benefits of a simpler and more conscious lifestyle, here are some tips on how to create a minimalist home:

• Focus on one area

The hardest part of simplifying our lives is often figuring out where to begin. We are tempted to try to minimize everything in our homes at once, but this approach is not effective. Instead, focus on one room and make a change there. After a successful transformation in one area, move on to the next. Ideally, start with the room that seems easiest to you. Use it as an inspiration for other areas of your home.

• Start with the visible areas

After selecting a room, it would be a good idea to focus on the things that “catch the eye”, such as items on shelves, cabinets, and floors. Then, move on to the hidden areas of the room, such as drawers and closets. This will allow you to see your progress as you go.

• Keep only the essentials.

When deciding what to keep and what to discard, it’s a good idea to focus on only the items that are truly essential and meaningful to you. These items should be those that you use on a daily basis. As you move around your home, take a moment to consider each item and ask yourself: does this add value to my life? Will it help me create the home I desire, or can I live without it?

• Clean regularly.

Making your home minimalistic is one thing, but keeping it clean is another. Your home is a living space, and sooner or later everything can get messy. Therefore, it’s important to have the habit of cleaning up accumulated junk. Organizing your space and knowing which areas require daily, weekly, or seasonal attention is key.

• Find your purpose and start living.

This is one of the most significant aspects of a minimalist lifestyle. If you struggle to maintain a minimalist approach, remember why you began on this path in the first place. Perhaps it was to save money or to spend more quality time with loved ones? This is crucial, as ultimately, a simple and minimalistic life involves making more conscious decisions.

«The goal of minimalism is not simply to have fewer possessions, but to lead a more conscious life»