The Hardest Part of Minimalism

When you hear the word "minimalism," what comes to mind?  Do you think it means getting rid of stuff you no longer need?  Keeping essentials and nothing more?  Eliminating things that don't bring you joy?

Or maybe you imagine white walls, almost no furniture, and zero knickknacks or personality.  Maybe you believe a minimalist would give up all technology.  Or... the opposite!  You picture tons of tech, glass, steel, concrete, and nothing soft or comfortable.

Sadly, I find that most people resist the idea of minimalism because they can't wrap their heads around the idea of having or wanting less.

Yes, people worry that their houses will look sterile or unoccupied if they don't have a lot of stuff.  They expect arguments with family members or roommates who want to hang on to everything.  They're concerned about decluttering something they'll wind up needing or wanting later on, so they struggle with "just in case" insecurities.

But for many of us, the major fear about minimalism is how odd and left out we expect to feel.  Someone who lives with less won't fit in with the majority of people who are competing, comparing, and keeping up with the Joneses.

Why minimalism is weird

For much of human history, most people were so poor that more was always better.  After the Industrial Revolution, when more items were mass-produced and prices came down, most people aspired to own all of the items that had formerly been available only to the wealthy.  Later, and especially after World War II, manufacturers and retailers wanted unlimited growth, and concepts like "this year's model" and planned obsolescence took over.  We bought even more.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and not only do most of us have everything we need, we have plenty of extras.  We have stuff in boxes, closets, and off-site storage that we don't even remember owning.  Many of us feel overwhelmed and overburdened with belongings, schedules, and the flood of information.

Maybe you come from a reasonably comfortable middle-class background.  "Trading up" has always been an accepted way of life, and it's difficult to change that common behavior.  Especially if you're from an affluent family or area, or if you've been acquisitive in the past, it might be hard for you to stop measuring people's importance or success by what they own and how busy they are.

It's time for us to think differently.  It's time to become much more deliberate about what we acquire – for our finances, for the environment, for peace of mind, and maybe even for the good of our souls.

Why being weird is worth it

I recently encountered this excellent definition of minimalism, which comes from blogger Kalyn Brooke:

Minimalism is being fully aware of what you have or do,

why you have it or do it,

and making sure that everything you own and do has a purpose.

This doesn't describe a particular minimalist aesthetic.  It's not about a certain look or number of items.  You can still keep your gallery wall, your favorite cooking tools, and your most meaningful keepsakes.  Your kids can still have their toys.  You can continue to meet with your book club and volunteer at your children's school.

But if you become minimalist, you'll stop acting on auto-pilot and learn to control your impulses.  You won't fall victim to consumerism.  You won't stay busy just to feel important.  You'll become aware of which items and activities add value to your life, and which just crowd or complicate it.

As a minimalist, you're not weighed down by things that don't matter.  You have more money, time, and energy for what you care about because you don't fritter them away on non-essentials.

Minimalism brings freedom and satisfaction.

Related article:  Why You Should Make "Less is More" Your Mantra for Life

Take these 5 easy first steps into minimalism.

1.  Clear your counters.

The easiest way to begin decluttering is to clear a counter or two.  Small appliances, cannisters, cookbooks, spices, cooking utensils – whatever it is that clutters your kitchen counter is stealing the space you need to prepare food and making it harder to clean up.  In the bathroom, culprits include bottles, candles, lotion dispensers, plants, grooming implements, and more.

Simply remove it all, put it in a box or basket, and set it aside.  When you need something, you can pull it out of the box and find a home for it.  If you don't have a lot of cupboard or drawer space where necessary items can live, either declutter a few extras from those spaces, or get creative with other storage options.*

Give yourself space and calm to inspire and encourage your decluttering journey.

* I've said "no" to ads, so thanks for supporting this blog with your purchase.  If you use my links, I may earn a small commission.

2.  Keep a donation box.

I keep a box for donations on the floor of the closet in my guest bedroom.  When I encounter something I'm no longer using, in it goes!

Don't overthink this.  Just make a sweep through any room, grab what you don't use or love, and stash it in the box.  As it fills, schedule a time on your to-do list to take it to the thrift store.

3.  Think before you buy.

Even if an item is on sale, that doesn't mean it has to come home with you.  This is true even if it's free!  Our clutter problems would be solved if we paused and thought before adding something to our carts (real or virtual).

Cut off clutter at its source.  Ask yourself:

• Why am I thinking about buying this item?
• Will this item lead to additional purchases (such as shoes to go with a new dress, a new handbag to go with the shoes, and so on)?
• How much time and energy will this item require for maintenance?
• Do I already own, or could I rent or borrow, something else that will do the job this item does?
• What will I remove to make space for this item?  (the "one in, one out" rule)

Thoughtful, intentional purchasing will make a huge difference to your home and budget.

4.  Choose quality over quantity.

It's not always smart to go for the cheapest available option.  I don't buy brand-name pain killers or rolled oats.  But I spend a fair amount of money on comfortable shoes that will support my body and last a long time.  Think about what's particularly useful and necessary for you, and spend your money accordingly.

5.  Add white space to your calendar.

Minimalism is about more than your belongings.  Nowadays, we may be busy every night of the week and booked every weekend.  Instead, limit the number of extra responsibilities and social activities you say yes to.  Block in space for family time and quiet personal time.

Use the "one in, one out" rule for your schedule, too.  If someone at church asks you to help with the children's ministry, and you already sing in the choir and organize lay readers, say, "I'd love to!  But I only have so much time.  What do you think I should drop?"

As with your belongings, figure out what's most important and focus on those things.  Drop the guilt you've been conditioned to feel when you don't bend over backwards to be all things to all people.

Weird... and proud of it

You don't have to get rid of everything to start down the minimalist path.  Minimalism will set you apart from the mainstream, but sometimes it's fun to be a rebel!  In the case of minimalism, I'm happy to be counter-cultural.  The peace and contentment I've found are more than worth it.

Related article:  Why It's Good to be Weird