Ours is a world of excess. A big house, a fancy car, designer clothes, a chunky watch that costs the bomb … you get the picture, right?

Intuitively, we know that the best stuff in life isn’t stuff at all, and that relationships and meaningful experiences are the staples of a happy life, but from the moment we’re born we’re told to pursue more, and that’s exactly what we do. We’ve all become victims of the modern epidemic to be more, do more, have more. More. More. More.

It’s easy to fill up our lives because there are so many things that sound amazing, and yeah, we hear about what others have and constantly want to add to our lives. Take a look around your home – you’re probably surrounded by things you’ve worked hard to own – that flat-screen didn’t come cheap, nor did the luxurious sofa in your living room. But, what if there is actually more joy in owning less?

Think about it, time and money are two of the most valuable resources we have. And when life gets simpler, the amount of these two things that a person has, will rise. Eliminating excess will give us the opportunity to focus on, and be grateful for what we already have, rather than what we don’t have. By not keeping up with the Jones’s you will be living with less stuff, less debt, and more freedom to spend money on experiences which will result in more time with those you care about.

So, minimalism in essence is not about all-white countertops or fitting all your worldly possessions into a single backpack; minimalism is about cleaning the clutter from your life and adjusting your mindset so you can live with more purpose and peace. A minimalist is, simply defined, someone who decides to be intentional about what they include in their life.       

So, how do we streamline towards living with less?

• Always ask: “Will this simplify my life?” If the answer is no, reconsider.
• Declutter your home. Discard the duplicates. Do you need 2 sets of measuring cups or doubles on placemat sets? Pack all duplicates in a box, if you don’t need it within 30 days, donate it. Get rid of anything that isn’t making you feel comfortable, clean, inspired and happy.
• Want less. Recognize that you already have everything you need to live a meaningful life.
• Buy only what you can afford. How much do you really need? Not as much as you probably already have.
• Purge regularly. Try the “one-in, one-out” rule. For every item you bring into your home, you get rid of another.
• Eat similar meals. Think of how much time and money you’ll save! Have the same lunch and breakfast all week and rotate dinner choices. No waste. Simple!
• Move into a smaller space. If you’re renting and your lease is coming up, downsizing will encourage less stuff, less cleaning, and smaller bills.
• Be a re-user. Repair and fix things rather than replacing them.
• Invest in high quality. Have a sparse home filled with designs you adore versus a home full of things you just sort of like.

“Not one of my happiest memories is tied to anything I own” – Abbe Wright. So, true, don’t you think?

Source: oprah.com, theminimalist.com, becomingminimalist.com, simplyfiercely.com, makespace.com, relevantmagazine.com, expertrain.com, permaculturenews.org, evonews.com, bbc.com, bemorewithless.com, nytimes.com tinybuddha.com. apartmenttherapy.com, lifehack.org, marcandangel.com, noisebar.com, abreathofsimplicity.com, slowyourhome.com, zenhabits.net, becomingminimalist.com, mindbodygreen.com, huffingtonpost.com

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