Easy Ways to be More Minimalist
It sounds very simplistic (get it?) but if we shared one tip from our guide to becoming a minimalist it would be this: get rid of stuff!
At one point we had more stuff in a 600 square foot apartment than anyone would ever need. We started to realize all the things we thought we needed were things we were much better off without.
Sometimes the process of getting rid of stuff seems daunting so we're here to try to make it look a piece of cake. This way you can be more minimalist without all the hard work.
We found little strategies that are easy to do and make the shift to minimalism simple. It may seem difficult to make the switch but once you start a minimalist journey, it will become second nature.
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Pick a Give-Away Category Monthly
Pick items in a certain category to give away each month. It can be anything and everything.
Once you start, it's kind of like a chain reaction. Before long you will have a huge pile of stuff to donate! You can start in an area where you have the most items lying around or start small.
Suggestions for Give-Away Categories
- Movies
Focus on One Room at a Time
You don't want the process to be too overwhelming. Start small and just do one room.
It can be whatever room you want. Odds are once you see how easy it was for one room, it will make the rest of the process even easier.
It also gives some instant gratification. We found that by focusing all of our attention on one room also made sure we completed our goal of going minimalist.
Place Items in a Bin
One strategy that may help if you have separation anxiety is to take all the items you are thinking of getting rid of and place them in a bin. Next, take that bin and put it away for several weeks/months.
Did you miss the stuff in the bin? Did you ever have to get any of the stuff out? If the answer is no you can get rid of the bin with a good conscience.
This helped us. Each time we moved we were able to see what was being unpacked and what wasn't. When we realized there were items we never used, it made it simple to get rid of them.
Find Ways to Help Others
Most people like making changes to improve their own lives, but helping others can give you that extra motivation you need. Don't just throw everything away, instead give it away.
Some people may not agree with this notion since it may impede others from obtaining a minimalist lifestyle but giving items away can be a great thing! For one, you are allowing others to use an item that had no use in your home but may have a huge impact in someone else's home.
You can always find thrift stores or donation centers that benefit society in some way. After making donations, you may feel better from helping others not to mention the benefit of a cleaner home.
How Donation Centers can Benefit Others
Employing disabled citizens in the community
This often includes a wide age range and all types of disabilities, making an even greater impact.
We have seen where the companies send vans to nearby nursing homes giving those people a chance to stay active both mentally and physically. We have also seen where those with learning disabilities can get the guidance they need to excel at their job.
Profits are used for other good deed operations
Some stores use profits solely to keep other great programs up and running. We have seen stores that benefit local animal shelters, hospice programs, and safe havens for women.
Give opportunities to communities
One store used profits to run a fishing program which helped kids spend their free time after school fishing instead of possibly getting into trouble. Another store offered free professional dress attire for interviews to those who could not otherwise afford it.
Becoming a minimalist can seem like a big shift to make. These steps can not only make it easier but can make it seem more worth your while.
