Minimalism 101

We live in a world where it’s easier than ever to accumulate stuff, and most of us have done a great job of collecting a lot of it – myself included – in the past.

Whether it’s clothes, books, knick-knacks, make-up, toys for your kids, or whatever your assortment of choice may consist of, many people tend to live highly cluttered lives, often without even realising it.

Minimalism is an increasingly popular lifestyle geared toward the simplification of our everyday lives, and its implications can be as broad or as specific as you prefer.

“Minimalism, rightsizing, slow fashion and design, and quality over quantity, overcome so many challenges. It’s kind to our planet, our wallets and to humankind. It also cures a good deal of job stress, and emotional distress and frees up time to enjoy life, travel, spend time with loved ones, volunteer and care for our own health and fitness.”

At its core, minimalism is about getting rid of the things that don’t contribute value to your life, and that can mean anything from reducing your shoe collection from 100 pairs down to 20 to cancelling digital subscriptions with the goal of decluttering your inbox.

Whatever your current situation is, take a few moments to reflect on these questions:

• What is minimalism to you? How does it resonate with your values and goals?
• What are your biggest challenges to living a minimalist lifestyle? How can you overcome them?
• What are your non-negotiable possessions? What are the items you can’t live without?
• What are some areas of your life where you could declutter? Start with your home, wardrobe, or digital space.
• What are your core values? How can you use these to guide your minimalist journey?
• How can you create a minimalist capsule wardrobe? What are the essential pieces you need?
• How can you declutter your digital life? Delete unused apps, unsubscribe from unwanted emails, and organise your files.
• How can you simplify your finances? Create a budget, track your expenses, and cut back on unnecessary spending.
• How can you simplify your relationships? Set boundaries, communicate honestly, and focus on quality over quantity.
• What are your dreams and goals? How can a minimalist lifestyle help you achieve them?

“Minimalism isn’t a focus on what we choose to let go of, but, instead, a focus on what we choose to keep. In all things, quality over quantity, and meaning over more.”

Minimalism is a design and lifestyle movement that emphasises simplicity, functionality, and reducing excess. Here are some basic principles to get started with minimalism:

1. Start with a clean slate: To begin practising minimalism, start by decluttering your home, office or living space. Get rid of everything you don’t need, use, or love. READ MORE: 30-Days of Minimalism Challenge
2. Embrace simplicity: Once you’ve decluttered, focus on incorporating simplicity into your life. This could mean simplifying your wardrobe, your daily routine, or your schedule.
3. Function over form: Minimalism prioritises function over form. This means that when choosing items for your home, focus on their practicality and usefulness rather than their aesthetic appeal.
4. Quality over quantity: Minimalism also values quality over quantity. Instead of buying multiple cheap items, invest in high-quality items that will last longer and serve you better in the long run.
5. Mindful consumption: In practising minimalism, it’s important to be mindful of what you consume. This includes not only physical items, but also the media you consume, the food you eat, and the energy you expend.
6. Focus on experiences: Minimalism encourages focusing on experiences rather than material possessions. This means prioritising experiences like travel, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies over accumulating more stuff.

Remember that minimalism is a personal journey, and there is no one “right” way to do it. It’s about finding what works for you and your lifestyle.

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