How You Can Start a Minimalist Lifestyle

Have you ever moved from one place to another and thought you own too many things that you don’t really need? It’s not surprising because, in the United States, one in every four people has a problem with clutter! You have too much stuff that you don’t even use and could actually be weighing you down.

It is, therefore, a relief for many people when one of the biggest home décor trends became more than just a trend but has now been adopted as a lifestyle – minimalism or minimalist living.

In this post, Blossom and Broom will tell you all about minimalist living and how you can start living with less:

What Do You Mean by Minimalist Living?

The lifestyle has become more popular in the last few years, thanks to Marie Kondo and her famous KonMari method, which has started many homeowners on their minimalist journey. On top of that, the ‘tiny homes’ movement has also urged many to get rid of their excess belongings and strip down to just the essentials.

But did you know that the concept of minimalism is not new at all? It may even have originated from Buddhism. A traditional Buddhist or a monk follows a minimalist approach in life as they believe clinging onto material things is the cause of suffering, given that nothing lasts forever. The term “minimalism” was first coined in the ‘60s by a British art theorist. Since then, it has always been used to describe a way of life that focuses on living with less to appreciate more.

Minimalism can be applied not only to your home design approach but to all areas of your life, from your work to your relationship and others. When used in the context of home design and lifestyle, it’s not just having bare white walls and open spaces. It’s about the intention. It’s practicing the idea of keeping something for a good reason. That means decluttering and organizing everything so you’ll have a more purposeful approach in life.

How to Start a Minimalist Life at Home

Focus on One Room First

Don’t try tackling every area of your house at once because you won’t be able to do it, and it’s just going to overwhelm you. If you have ever seen an episode of Marie Kondo’s show, you’ll know that you should only focus on one area at a time. Start with the easiest room to organize because it will give you such satisfaction when you’re done. You’ll be inspired to do another! Take your time as this can be a relaxing experience, too.

Keep Only the Essentials

If you’re serious about adopting a minimalist lifestyle, you need to practice the art of letting go. This can be challenging because most people look at their possessions as symbols of their achievements. Many tie their happiness to their collections of shoes, clothes, toys, and others. You can ask Marie Kondo’s well-known question, “Does it spark joy?” but that might not be enough because, let’s admit it, most of your stuff probably does. You can consider whether or not you use the item often enough or if you need it. Ask why you got it in the first place. By thinking about these, you’ll be able to determine which ones you’re going to keep and which ones you can donate or sell.

Stop Buying More

Once you have successfully kept your belongings to just the essentials, stop shopping for more! It can be tempting, especially with those convenient shopping apps, but resist the urge to make a purchase. Remember your purpose for doing this and the trouble you went through to achieve a simpler and clutter-free life.

Conclusion

Minimalism may be the best home design trend ever because it does not apply to your home. Once you have successfully done it with your house, you’ll realize that it soon becomes a lifestyle. You’ll be more grateful for the things that have meaning and purpose, and you’ll be happier, too.

Maintaining a clean and organized home, no matter what style you might adopt, is never easy, and you can always use some tips from experts. Blossom and Broom shares not only minimal design home tips but also tips on gardening and more! Check out our posts today!