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Perhaps the Beatles knew what they were talking about when they sang that money can’t buy you love. Maybe it’s time to do a massive purge, get rid of the clutter in your life and start living a minimalist lifestyle.

Every day, society shouts that you need to buy new items or live a certain lifestyle to be happy. But does the bigger house, fancier car or trendier clothes fill you with a sense of contentment or love? Most of these objects come with a hefty price tag that drains your savings and adds stress to your life.

It’s clear that consumerism has created a cycle of buying, which leads to excessive clutter – but how can you make changes to streamline your life? Keep reading to find out!

What Is a Minimalist Lifestyle?

A minimalist lifestyle means that you simplify your life to focus on the things you value most. Minimalists typically own fewer products and concentrate on practicing intentional shopping. By owning less, minimalists have the freedom to seek enjoyment out of other parts of their life. They focus on being self-sufficient with the products they have rather than overindulging.

How Can You Become a Minimalist?

It’s important to recognise that minimalism is a way of life and takes time to adopt. Use these five tips to start making the transition to a minimalist lifestyle.

1. Think About What Matters the Most

It’s time to decide what you want most out of life. Before you can begin the process of simplifying your life, you must identify your values. Are you looking to spend more time with your family? Would you like to discover your passions? Adopting a minimalist approach can help you to reach your goals.

Use your priorities to frame your mindset. Train your mind to think that you’re saying yes to spending time with family, saving money and self-care. If you focus on this, you’ll spend less time worrying about shopping.

2. Act With Purpose

Minimalism is all about intentional choices. You are intentionally making changes to create the lifestyle you want for your family. When you go shopping, you should enter with a plan and purpose, rather than choosing items spontaneously. Look for healthy forms of self-care like meditation rather than relying on retail therapy.

You’ll act as a role model for your children and teach them that they do not need material things to be happy in life.

3. Declutter and Downsize

Now that you’ve decided to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, it’s time to declutter and downsize. Begin this process by forming separate piles such as keep, donate and trash. If you plan to move to a new home, consider how much space you will have available. Many donation centers would be happy to accept your family’s gently used clothes or household goods. Any items that are in poor condition should be discarded rather than donated.

As a parent, you’ve surely realised that your children have favourite toys and clothes that they cherish above all else. Keep those items, and donate things that aren’t valued or used often. Look for duplicates around your home or areas that could be simplified. For example, do you need a library of books if you can access them all digitally on your phone? Reduce what’s unnecessary in your home and appreciate the freedom it brings.

Minimalism helps you to find a deeper appreciation for the things you own.

4. Value Your Time and Health

Spending doesn’t lead to love or joy. Maybe you’ve thought that if you had the nicest house on the block or bought a new accessory, that you would be happy. Yet, once you had those items, you wanted something more. To break this cycle, you must focus on creating your own happiness by living in the present.

Practice mindfulness and gratitude by concentrating on the good that already exists in your life. Find peace from daily activities and choose actions that add value. Organising helps to free up time and energy, allowing you to make healthier choices and improve relationships.

5. Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Whether you’ve decluttered the entire house or driven past your favorite department store without stopping, celebrate your minimalist accomplishments. Choose an experience with your family rather than buying a new object. This type of celebration will create memories and joy in your life. Continue to set goals and reflect on your achievements.

What Are the Benefits of Minimalism?

A minimalist lifestyle can save you time, money and energy. You’ll be able to spend less time cleaning because there will be fewer objects cluttering your home.  You’ll have more money to use for experiences, charities and savings. By spending less on physical goods, you’ll have confidence that you have money set aside if emergencies arise.

This lifestyle will improve your intentionality, and you’ll find yourself able to focus more on your passions and values.

Take It One Step at a Time

Minimalism, like many things, takes time and practice to turn into a sustainable lifestyle. Stay positive as you transition to this new way of thinking and living. Clutter can cause stress, anxiety and depression, so even small changes will benefit your life. Use these five tips to find a balance that works for you and your family.

Take it one step at a time and start enjoying the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle today!

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  • I look forward to taking one step at a time and enjoying this lifestyle.

    Reply

  • This is something I must do this coming year – maybe it will be my New Year’s Eve resolution!
    Thanks for your post – it really truly does make sense

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  • I love these but always get stuck at step 3!!!

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  • Great article. It really is amazing how much lighter you feel with less clutter.

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  • I’ve stopped buying things just because I like them. If I think I want something I’ll give it a week or so and if I still want it then I know I’ll get the use out of it. I’ve been able to save a lot more money this way.


    • I do exactly the same thing; I walk away and take the time to think and reflect on the benefits of any possible purchase. Sometimes I do purchase and sometimes I don’t; it is such a good thing to do. A week goes by very quickly but allows enough time for thinking and reflection.

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  • I can happily see something i want and then walk away and leave it for a week. It allows me to time to reflect on if i do indeed need something rather than want.

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  • Yes, we totally have to do this in our house

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  • Helps my mind to remain clear with less clutter around.

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  • We have decluttered and downsized and are trying to live a more minimalist life.

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  • It’s a good lifestyle and we all do it to a certain extend I believe by focusing on the things you value most. And except of decluttering of material things we can also declutter of immaterial things (like thoughts believes and relationships). With Christmas approaching it’s good to keep this minimalist lifestyle in the back of our minds.

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  • I suggest not doing it all in one go. One a weekend, spend a few hours in a room and get rid of the things you don’t need/want. Baby steps

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  • I would love to declutter and become more minimalist. I find it pretty hard to do with kids though.

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  • definitely need to declutter but still like to feel like it has a homey/ family feel.

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  • I envy this lifestyle but have such a hard time letting go!

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  • Yes, you need physical books! There are massive benefits to physical books which electronic books can’t match (although there’s certainly a place for them too).

    Reply

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