In today’s world, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest fashion trends or style guides—and those restock videos don’t help. With so much consumerism chaos, it’s time to embrace minimalism! Let’s dive into what you should ditch, what you should keep, and why this could be the lifestyle choice you’ve been waiting for.
1. Learn Why
Before diving headfirst into minimalism, learn the deeper reasons for the shift. It’s easier to make and follow through with changes when you identify the root cause. For example, are you simply looking to declutter or do you impulse shop?
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2. Limit Sentimental Items
We’re not advocating to pitch childhood teddy bears, but sentimental items are often ground zero for clutter. No one says you have to get rid of grandma’s quilt, but you also don’t need to keep gifts you’ll never use or display every photograph of a lost pet. Digitizing photos or creating memory boxes keeps mementos alive and your space free.
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3. Multi-Function Furniture
Minimalists know how to make the most of their space, and that includes multi-purpose items. Furniture with various functions—like bed frames with storage or coffee tables with shelves—helps free up space and reduces the need for additional furniture.
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4. Regular Check-Ins
Minimalism is a lifestyle, not a one-and-done cleanup. Regular reevaluations let you take stock of what to remove. It’s an ongoing process that maintains the minimalist lifestyle and can even open your eyes to patterns in behavior, which help you steer clear of them in the future!
5. Declutter
Decluttering is so much more than tossing every item—it’s an art form that requires a little creativity. Knowing how to make the most of your space (and storage) helps you keep essentials, donate what you don’t need, and clear your mind. Decluttering can be gradual, too, so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
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6. Start Small
Decluttering your home isn’t the same as scrubbing clean a fridge. You don’t need to throw everything away or live off one piece of furniture. Minimalism is all about recognizing ways to declutter while maintaining your individualism; it’s about less, not nothing!
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7. Donate and Sell Items
One of the best parts of minimalism is the chance to give back—donating items helps others in need and frees up your space. If you need a little pocket money, you can also throw a couple of items on Facebook Marketplace to see who bites.
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8. Go Paperless
It might shock you how much paperwork is actually in your home! Paperless bank statements let you keep important documents in one easily accessible place. By the same token, canceled magazine subscriptions free up tons of space, too.
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9. One In, One Out
The one in, one out rule is very simple—whenever you buy a new item, sacrifice an old item in the same category. For example, donate an old shirt if you buy a new one. People have followed this mentality for years to clear their space and save a little money.
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10. Quality Over Quantity
Instead of spending money on low-quality products, invest in better stuff that lasts longer. Splurging on multi-purpose items for the kitchen or the living room saves money in the long run, and removes any unnecessary clutter from your space.
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11. Determine Necessities
High-traffic areas like the bedroom or bathroom are often cluttered to high heaven. Odds are, you don’t need a 20-product skincare routine or a closet full of linens. Determine essentials and get rid of the rest.
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12. Daily Cleaning Routines
Decluttering is sort of like going to the gym—skip a couple of sessions and next thing you know you haven’t gone in eight years. Keep up the routine! Establish a daily cleaning schedule to remove any clutter from surfaces or ensure items get put away.
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13. Store Seasonal Items
A good way to free up some space is to store seasonal items separately. Keep winter clothes in another closet and put away the Halloween decorations until it’s time for bowls of candy.
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14. Clear Entryways
Hooks, baskets, and small benches free entryways from unnecessary clutter. You’d be surprised how open a space can be when shoes are off the floor and coats are tucked away.
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15. Get Out of the House
Investing in life experiences means less money spent on junk. Even if you don’t spend the summer traveling, coffee with friends is more than enough to deter unnecessary shopping. Getting out of the house is good for the soul, too.
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16. Don’t Fall for Fads
Seasonal fashion or the latest skincare fads are designed to make you buy—don’t fall for it. You don’t need that influencer’s lip liner and you certainly don’t need the Taylor Swift’s closet. Live your best, minimalist life!
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17. Keep Surfaces Clear
A coffee table book here, a tissue box there…what’s the harm? The truth is, knick knacks don’t seem like a big deal, but they often lead to distracting clutter. Keep surfaces clear so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
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18. Save Money
It’s easier said than done, but don’t spend money on what you don’t need. Spending journals keep better track of where your money goes—and can open your eyes to just how many throw pillows you buy!
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19. Finish Items
It’s tempting, but don’t pick up any food if there’s stuff to eat at home. Indulging in different snacks or testing out BBQ sauces clutters the fridge, your pantry, and your life! Not to mention, you can always grab items from Costco to stretch their shelf life.
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20. Be Kind, Be Patient
Above all else, it’s important to be patient. Minimalism won’t happen overnight and it’s okay to declutter one room at a time. Show yourself a little kindness through such a big lifestyle change.
