Minimalism is a lifestyle change that can be quite difficult or insane seeming to anyone whether you find it appealing for your own life or not, and many people that talk about becoming or being a minimalist do sometimes make it seem a lot easier than it really is.
This is also a choice that is completely different from a mentality and experience for every individual. Whether you’re just curious, you’ve tried and failed before, or you’re just starting you may want to know more specifics about what to do or how to make the transition easier. Here are some simple tips for the beginner minimalist.
Communicate First
Communicating with yourself and with anyone that will be involved in or partaking in this change with you such as your household is the most important and easiest step to this effort. You can do this by making videos for yourself or others, writing things out, talking, or otherwise getting your thoughts and plan out there. Think of why you want to make this switch, what parts are most important to keep or follow, and so on. It can help you find motivation and action plans.
Slowly Change Patterns
As with any habit or life change, you have to take it slow to get the best results. If your goal is to de-clutter, try doing that to one room or area you use often for a while to see how it works for you. If that works well, move forward from there. Or if your goal is to reduce your belongings but you’re worried you might need some items you get rid of; try just putting things you want to get rid of out of use for a period of time and if you don’t actually need something, get rid of it.
Keep Emergency Needs
If something you are getting rid of may be needed down the road or for emergencies, keep it separate in a kit. Or even make your own emergency kits and plans for your household that can help simplify crisis times. Also, if you are financially able to try to work on budgeting to be able to save aside money for sudden expenses that may come up. All of these methods are ways to reduce your stress in life and reduce the worry or stress of transitioning lifestyles too.
Mindset First
When you jump into something less prepared or think of minimalism as just one particular effort or only a physical change you’re most likely setting yourself up for failure or at least a much harder time. Remember that minimalism is also part of a mindset and is meant to reduce your stress, not increase it. If you feel off or like your mind isn’t in it there is never any shame in stopping for a while or re-evaluating your process to fix this problem.
These tips can help anyone get a bit deeper knowledge on how to more easily make a move towards minimalistic thinking or living, or help someone that’s struggling to fully get into the groove of this idea as they’re starting out for the first time or a new attempt.
Since the nature of minimalism itself is so varying this truly can be a difficult move for so many people, and if you’re struggling with the concept or actions of this know you’re not alone.
Also remember when thinking about this list and other practices to make or stick with what works best for you personally. It’s totally okay to change things up some or adjust for your specific needs.