As I’m getting older I’m starting to view life in a different way.
I’m learning that the greatest things in life aren’t things. I’m learning that superficial things only bring temporary fulfillment.
So today I’m going to talk to you guys about how to become a minimalist.
I do want to point out that I still love to occasionally shop, collect certain things, and buy things that bring me joy; that will never change. But, I’m striving to let go of things that no longer benefit or better me.
I’m by no means a minimalist expert, and still have days where I contribute to the world of consumerism a little more than I’d like to admit, but nobody’s perfect…
{ Decide why you’re becoming a minimalist } — Most humans won’t do something unless they have a clear reason why they’re doing it. Minimalism is no different.
Ask yourself, “Why do I want to live more and own less?”
You don’t have to have a very descriptive answer, but just one little reason can be a great motivator!
{ Minimize your quantity } — This is the first step to becoming a minimalist. Getting rid of stuff can be scary, especially when you’re used to having lots of stuff in your life. So, start small. Even if it’s just one or two items, that’s a great start! If you have a hard time letting go of a certain item, give it to someone you know as opposed to charity. That way they’ll take good care of it and that may set your mind at ease a little more.
{ Closet clean out } — I love to do this at least once a month. I go through my closet and pick 3-5 items that I don’t use or haven’t worn in over 1 year. I donate them to a local ministry that gives back to the community and helps those less fortunate.
Things that no longer benefit you may benefit others!
{ Reap the reward } — In the midst of getting rid of old things, I’ve come across some good quality items that are actually worth money. It might not be the best idea to sell a pair of socks or a half used candle. But, it would be a good idea to sell that leather jacket you don’t wear anymore. There’s so many different ways to sell things on and offline.
Here’s a few of my most recommended ways to sell stuff : Have a garage sale, become an eBay seller, become an Amazon seller, run a classified ad in your local newspaper, see if a friend/family member would be interested in making a deal.
{ Only buying what I need } — I used to think if I walked into a store I had to buy something or else I looked silly. Or if I got a gift card as a present I needed to go out ASAP and spend it on something. The past few months I’ve really checked myself in this department and now save gift cards and use them towards purchases that are actually necessary.
{ Make shopping lists } — Making a shopping list is a great way to keep yourself accountable if you’re know to by everything in the store. Before, heading the supermarket make a list of what you really need (not what you really want) and stick to it!
{ Budget, budget, budget! } — This kind of goes hand in hand with shopping lists. Maintaining a budget will not only help you become more minimalistic, but you’ll also save money. Sticking with a budget isn’t always easy, but once you see how much money you can save, you’ll be so glad you stuck with it.
{ Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it } — How many times have we all said, “Well, I don’t need it, but it’s such a good deal and I may need it someday…?”
Yep, I’ve been there too.
It can be so exciting to get a good deal on something, and yes, saving money is a great thing. But, before you take advantage of the ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ deal, make sure it’s something that will serve you, not your love for shopping.
{ Prioritize } — Probably the whole reason you’re becoming a minimalist is to let go of superficial things and focus on life’s priceless gifts. So, every time you think about going on a shopping binge, remind yourself why your chosen the path to minimalism. Remind yourself of what’s really important in life.
That’s all for today’s post! I hope you guys enjoyed my post on the topic of minimalist and how to become one. Feel free to let me know your thoughts on the topic and/or post in the comments below!
Question Time:
Do you consider yourself a “minimalist?”
How often do you clean out your closet? It’s okay to be honest 😉
Thanks for these great tips! So many women I work with need to take your advice. You should see some of the closets I visit! I couldn’t agree more that focusing on life’s priceless gifts should always be priority.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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You’re very welcome, Kathrine! I used to be a closet hoarder myself. Thankfully, by using these tips I’m limiting my clutter day by day. Happy Friday!
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My budgeting advice is to shift into a “hobo mode”. Switch into the view of a person who will move out and go out on a journey tomorrow. And so, if you’re buying a new book or a new piece of clothing think how practical it is!
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That’s a really cool mantra! I’ve never thought of it that way 😀
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Love this list! I really love minimalist trend, specially on house decor ♥
http://www.heresometimes.com
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Thanks, Jen! I love minimalistic decor too! It’s so simple and timeless! =)
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I love this post!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: WHY I STARTED A FASHION BLOG & SUNSET IN PARIS…
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Thank you so much, Mónica! xx
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I am a major purger. I hate “stuff.” Great post!
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That’s a great way to maintain a minimalistic lifestyle! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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Fantastic post! I’ve been devoting 15 minutes every day to thinning things down (aka de-cluttering). I want to get back to enjoying my life by living in a simpler and less chaotic manner.
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Thank you, Linda! That’s a great idea! Living a simpler life is what I want to do too =)
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It makes life so much easier, doesn’t it?
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I love this post! These are all great tips on why to minimize your life and space! Thanks for sharing! xo
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
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Thank you, Luci! I’m so glad you found this post helpful ❤
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Nice tips my dear! I have the same lifestyle….Kisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Bloglovin of Eniwhere Fashion
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Thanks so much! I’m so glad you stopped by! Isn’t this lifestyle the best?! 🙂
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I DO consider myself a minimalist in mindset – our family home doesn’t reflect that yet, but that’s what happens when you have 3 kids and a husband! We’re slowly working through our things being more intentional about making decisions about items. So much of our clutter is just stuff we havent taken the time to evaluate – our clutter blindness!
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I have a case of clutter blindness too, Angela! Like you, I’m slowly making progress and focusing more on the non-materialistic things in life. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Have a great week.
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Excellent tips!! I always tell people that I love lists so much that I make lists about my lists, lol. Enjoy your Sunday beautiful!!
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Thank you, Andrea! Lists are such a great way to stay organized. It’s such an awesome feeling having everything checked off your list at the end of the day. Hope you have a splendid Sunday ❤
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Edye, keep up the good work! I don’t necessarily label myself a minimalist, but I am a person who only shops when I have to, am not interested in more things or keeping up with the Joneses, and never ever exceed my limited storage space. When people (usually ones who happen to have way more storage space than I do) complain to me about their lack of storage space, I always say “You don’t need more storage, you need less stuff.”
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Hi, Jean! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words. I love your motto! Such great, truthful advice to give others. Have a great week!
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Check it out! I nominated you! https://entirelyerika.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/the-mystery-blogger-award/
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Thanks so much, Erika! You’re so kind ❤
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Thank you for all the tips! I’ve definitely started trying to minimize my wardrobe a bit since last year! Its hard but I do feel a lot more serene with less things in my life!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
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You’re very welcome, Didier! I feel like life is more serene when I have less stuff too! Have a lovely week =)
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Love this! Such a good guide to becoming more minimalist. What I struggle with the most is not buying things I don’t need. Pretty much every time I go in a store I buy something. I love getting rid of stuff too! I’ve sold stuff on Vinted in the past as well, and I’ve been meaning to do it again because it’s a great way to clean out your closet and make a little money. 🙂
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Thanks, Anne! I struggle with feeling obligated to buy something whenever I go into a store too. I’ll have to look into Vinted, it sounds really cool 🙂
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Love this! I am totally a minimalist! I don’t like clutter in general and even like my furniture to be minimalist!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
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Thanks, V! I love minimalistic furniture! It’s so timeless and like a breath of fresh air 🙂
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Great tips! I’m definitely leaning more and more towards minimalism!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
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Thanks, Tamara! Wishing you all the best on your move towards minimalism ❤
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Awesome post! I think I’m somewhat of a minimalist haha. Definitely appreciate the simple and small things in life. 🙂
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Thanks, Rebekah! The small things are sometimes the best things! 🙂
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This is such a great post. I pride myself on becoming a minimalist, but I have to admit, I wasn’t always this way. Like you, I sort of started turning towards it as I got older. These are great tips!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
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Thank you so much, Siffat! I love growing more and more into minimalism. Life really does becomes much easier. Have a great week ❤
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This is a good reminder for me to go through my closet to clean it out. I always think “but what if NEED this polka dotted shirt for something” even if I haven’t worn it in like two years haha. but i always feel so relieved after a big room clean-out!
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I’m the same way! I always try and convince myself I’m going to need that pair of shoes that are way too small. As if my feet are magically going to shrink 😉 Have a splendid week, Liv!
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So many great tips! My boyfriend is a pretty solid minimalist- I’m totally not, haha. However, I’m trying to learn a bit from him and adopt a few practices. Closet clean-outs are definitely a must!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
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Thank you, Ashley! I think it’s so neat that you and your boyfriend are opposite in that aspect. Such a great way to learn different things from the other person! Hope your week is going well ❤
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Agreed! Minimalism is about keeping or buying only what you need–no fluff. Minimalism still means you have a rich, beautiful, and full life. Just with less crap. 🙂
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I couldn’t have said it better myself! So many people think minimalists have 10 things to their name; when that is far from the truth. We have lots of things; just things we really need. 🙂
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I am so glad I found your list is very good and complete. It’s easy to forget all this so thank you for refresh.
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You’re very welcome, Ewa! I’m glad you stopped by =)
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Such great tips! For me, keeping things minimized is so important – we move to Europe each year so it really forces me to only keep what’s important!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
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Thanks, Annessa! I’m sure when you can only take “x” amount of things with you, it helps keep you accountable for things you really need.
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I agree with this post, completely! As I get older, I realize how important experiences vs things are and to put my efforts (& money) towards that.
xxo.
@ShantelRousseau
SIMPLYSHANTEL.COM
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I’m so glad you stopped by and that this post resonated with you, Shantel! Wishing you a marvelous weekend ❤
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Thank you for this post Graceful Coffee. I don’t consider myself a “minimalist” (yet?!) but my husband and I have been traveling with hand luggage only for the last 7 months. Before we packed up and left home, we managed to fit all of our possessions into one small van…
It was a strangely freeing sensation!
I find that traveling with less makes me less stressed, and it has also given us lots of opportunities to save too. I wrote a bit about some of these opportunities here: http://www.beautifulbudgetlife.com/travel-longer-less/
Thanks again!
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I’m so glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post, Sarah! That’s so cool that you and your husband are venturing out across the world without all that extra baggage. I totally agree; it’s so freeing! 🙂
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Wonderful post. I feel the need to decrease lately. Especially with the world starting to thaw out again. I really want to refresh my home with less!
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Thanks so much, Anne! I always feel the need to throw out the old in the spring time too.
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I’m a minimalist by necessity, but I do get hit with the temptation of a good deal…and have the tendency to spend a little more just to hit that free shipping limit on Amazon haha. #turnituptuesday
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Amazon is so tempting for me also, Paula! They have such good deals!!! 😀
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