How to: Minimalism

Yet another new series for my blog. This time it’s a ‘How to’/tips/hacks sort of thing! Expect tips related to writing, health, beauty, fitness… everything you can think of! If you want tips and/or hacks on a topic in particular, let me know in the comments below! Just a small disclaimer, these tips are based on both my research and personal experience. If you disagree with any of these, you can add and remove your own choices 🙂

So take out your notepads, put the kettle on and get writing!

The above meaning which I found from mindfueldaily.com is quite accurate in my opinion. You would think bigger houses would cope with all our materialistic possessions – be it appliances, technology, clothes, etc. – but there are now more self-storage facilities in the US than there are McDonald’s restaurants, and that is a LOT.

Research also says people are now more depressed than they have been in DECADES. This goes to show that money can’t buy you happiness, so maybe a more minimalist lifestyle is the way to go!

I have been trying to incorporate more minimalist approaches and it has saved me a LOT of money, not to mention a happier, lightweight lifestyle. here are some ways to declutter your home and life which are very easy to apply…

Write down your reasons for decluttering. This will help motivate yourself to get started and also keep track throughout. Some reasons may include saving money, less stress and even just to have a nicer, cleaner home!
Decide on the value of your items. Minimalism isn’t necessarily about getting rid of excess possessions, but choosing to give MORE WEIGHT to those you value the most over others. So for example, instead of having 20 framed photos that you like, chose to display your TOP FIVE. Once you decide which items to let go of comfortably, you can really begin to ACTUALLY let go.
If you can’t eliminate, REDUCE. Donate, dump or repurpose these excess items and free up space. Because, let’s face it: who needs ten sets of bedlinen in a two-bedroom apartment?!
Sort your wardrobe out. While researching on adopting a minimalistic approach to life, I found a challenge known as Project 333; a challenge so effective it was featured on numerous magazines. It consists of choosing 33> items of clothing to get your through 3 months and donating/storing the rest. Choosing outfits never seemed so easy!
Set up a charity box. Get plenty of boxes and fill them with items you no longer use or value the least. Donate them to a charity shop – not only increasing space in your home but also saving the environment to produce less items.
Just in case items? CHUCK THEM OUT! Things like random screws, small strings, end roll of a tape have got to go!
Evaluate sentimental items. This can be difficult to people who hold onto things sentimentally quite easily such as myself. But this brings us to #3 – ‘Decide on the value of your items’. Chances are, tickets from a concert you barely recount, or birthday cards, aren’t bringing yu much value.
Declutter your car. This doesn’t apply to me because my car’s barely six months old, and still in pristine conditions. But if the minute you step out of your house you’re into another messy hoard that is your car, then it’s equally unhealthy. Throw away those candy wrappers, coffee cups and useless pieces of paper. That extra weight off the car will help it run more efficiently!
Embrace new media. Cancel magazine subscriptions and stop buying newspapers. Mother Nature will be glad… and so will you! You won’t be missing out on much; everything you need can be consumed in digital format. Also opt out of junk mail and sign up for online banking.
Buy experiences NOT things. Instead of treating yourself to an expensive pair of shoes or perfumes, invest in an experience. Some examples: wine tasting class, kayaking, cooking classes and a weekend getaway (either alone, with friends or significant other). These memories will last longer than a pair of shoes ever will!
The ’one in, one out’ rule. If you really have to buy something new, then remove something else. This way you’re guaranteed not to slip back into your old, clutter-filled ways.
Quality over quantity. It’s better to have one pair of really good shoes than five mediocre pairs. Despite higher quality items being more expensive, they look better, last longer and work more effectively. This rule also applies to aspects of life like friendship and parties.
Say NO. This can be tricky to many (including myself), but it’s a vital step in simplifying your life. The more you practice saying ‘no’, the more natural it will become.
Declutter your DIET. Bring also your minimalist ethos into your kitchen. Choose simple, locally grown and organic whole foods. Say goodbye to processed junk. You will also and look better in no time.
Accept minimalism as a JOURNEY. Minimalism is about living a more meaningful life which requires periodic reassurance of possessions, jobs and relationships. The premise is THE MORE YOU LET O, THE MORE YOU GAIN. Keep letting go and see where it takes you!

Hope you enjoyed this How to for today! If you don’t know where to start with living a more minimalist life, then take a look at the 7-day challenge below! Super simple to follow!