Ever thought about ditching the baggage and creating a minimalist lifestyle? More millennials are adopting the “less is more” mantra after growing up in homes with too much clutter. The trend to decrease possessions and live a tidy life is resonating with consumers across the country. So, whether you want to clear out your closet, live a simpler life, or sell some unwanted items to put towards your credit card debt, these six tips for living a minimalist lifestyle will get you started.
6 Tips for Living a Minimalist Lifestyle
Take a Fresh Look
If you want to thin out your possessions, you need to step back and take an honest look at all your stuff. It is easy to pass that same old stack of magazines every day and no longer notice them. The first tip to creating a minimalist lifestyle is to take inventory of anything and everything. This will help you set goals and open your eyes as to just how much stuff you forgot your own.
De-Clutter Small Areas
After listing all the useless items, you may be overwhelmed with the idea of cutting back. We recommend starting with small, focused areas instead of trying to de-clutter the entire house in a weekend. If the game closet is bursting at the seams, take an hour to pull everything out and organize any missing pieces. Only keep the games that you play on a regular basis or those that hold special meaning. Once you’ve finished, move onto another small area. Consider choosing small areas all within the same room to feel more accomplished as you move throughout the house.
Think Twice About Purchases
Cut down on the amount of money you spend on things that don’t really matter. Create a budget for yourself with the help of budgeting apps that will help you track your spending and see where you overspend. Minimalists have more of their money on experiences than physical possessions which is one of the perks of this lifestyle.
Incorporate Nature
A common thread you’ll see in many minimalist’s homes is the use of indoor houseplants as decorations. Many grow herb gardens in their kitchen or place larger plants near windows for privacy. Houseplants do more than just look pretty. They also can make you feel better by decreasing stress and purifying the air.
Become More Thankful
Minimalists tend to be more grateful for things in their life. They enjoy their one pair of good hiking boots and are genuinely thankful for them. Becoming more mindful and content with your belongings will curb the need of always wanting more. Minimalists don’t mind only having one good coat or a few plates because that’s really all they need.
Slow Down
Living a minimalist lifestyle isn’t just about getting rid of the physical things that clutter up your life. It’s also about de-cluttering your mind and schedule. Enroll in yoga classes or listen to music that encourages you to slow down and enjoy life at a slower pace. Make room for me-time.
Changing your lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. De-cluttering will take time, but it will help create more space that won’t take much time to clean. Don’t make the changes all at once, but slowly incorporate these six tips for living a minimalist lifestyle.
Author Bio: Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
