Inside: A minimalist home can help create a calm space that encourages peace and relaxation. These eleven simple methods are practical and make it easy to maintain a minimalist space.
Your home should be a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself, no matter what the day brings.
A minimalist home will look different for everyone, since we all live different lives. But one thing that should be the same is that we keep only the items we use and enjoy, not more.
Maintaining a clutter-free home will make it easier to clean, relax, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Here are 11 simple ways I create a minimalist home that I know will help you, too.
Declutter your home
If you have been on my blog, you know I was going to start with decluttering. You do not need to spend a full day or all weekend decluttering.
Start with one small space in your home, such as the kitchen counter, an entry closet, or a bathroom cabinet. Focus on one space at a time before you move on to the next.
Related posts.
15 Simple Decluttering Tips for Beginners to Keep a Tidy Home
Decluttering Guide: 90/90 Rule to Declutter Like a Pro Now
Clear flat surfaces
Clear surfaces instantly make a home feel minimalist. Clear all flat surfaces by decluttering or rehoming items to their proper places.
For example, in the kitchen, store the toaster and blender away and remove any decorations to keep your space from looking cluttered.
In the bathroom, store away all your skincare and makeup, keeping only a few items on the bathroom counter.
Think about how often you use these items. Although you may use some every day, storing them away will not make them hard to grab, use, and put back in the cabinet.
Not only will it make your space look like a minimalist home, but it will also make cleaning easier.
Everything has a home
Every single item in your home should have a place it belongs at all times. Your shoes belong on the shoe rack, dirty clothes in a laundry hamper or basket, and car keys on a key holder or in a drawer.
When every item in your home has a place, a “home,” it is easier to maintain a minimalist home and put things away after use.
Also, when every single item has a home and is labeled, everyone in the home knows where to put items back.
Avoid items that look cluttered
You may not realize it, but some items in your home can make a space look cluttered. Next time you walk into your home or a room, pay attention to the items that make a space look messy or cluttered.
These items may include too many picture frames on the wall, too many throw pillows and blankets, or unused furniture.
Consider decluttering some of these items in every space in your home to create a minimalist home.
Related post.
Decluttering Tips: 14 Surprising Things Making Your Home Look Cluttered
Embrace “Less, but Better”
Having fewer high-quality items will help you achieve a minimalist home. You can apply “less but better” in many areas of your home.
For example, I have only one Yeti cup for my morning coffee, which I use every day. I also use the same Yeti cup when running errands in the morning. I do not have separate cups for the morning, afternoon, and travel, nor do I have seasonal cups.
Have one reusable, high-quality water bottle, one pair of running shoes, and high-quality, long-lasting clothing.
Be realistic with what you own
To simplify your day-to-day and create a minimalist home, be realistic about what you own—keep only the items you enjoy and use.
For example, if you work out four times a week, you don’t need twenty workout outfits. Keeping eight or fewer is ideal.
This applies to everything in your home.
How many spatulas do you need? Towels, bedsheets, and dishware? Being realistic about what you own will make your day much simpler. It’s easier to clean, fewer clothes to wash, easier to find items when you need them, and easier to keep organized.
Incorporate natural elements
A minimalist home does not need to be all white walls and no decorations. Choose a color palette you like and incorporate natural elements.
Bringing the outdoors into your home, such as wood tones in your furniture, flooring, and décor, can help create a calming environment. Add a few easy-to-care-for plants instead of decorations.
Mindful shopping
One way or another, things will always come into our homes. This includes birthday gifts, holiday items, school projects (if you have kids), and the items we bring in. It is key to be intentional about what we bring into our home.
Mindful shopping is one way to do this.
There are many ways to practice mindful shopping, such as avoiding stores when bored, buying items just because they are on sale, and waiting 30 days before making a big purchase.
Being mindful will help us maintain a minimalist home.
Related post.
Mindful Shopping: 10 Ways to Save Money and Reduce Clutter
Be intentional with décor
As the seasons change, we may want to decorate for the season, but being intentional with decorations is important not only for keeping a clutter-free home but also for making cleaning easier. Adding only a few decorations here and there will still make your home feel in season and create a minimalist look.
Create calm zones
We should all have a space in our homes where we can relax and do something we enjoy, like reading a book, savoring our favorite drink, or having some quiet time.
Find a space in your home to create a calm zone, such as a corner of the living room, an office, or a corner of your bedroom. If you have a space near a window, it makes the calm zone even better.
Using an accent chair and adding a throw blanket next to a window can help make the space feel cozy.
Establish daily routines
Daily routines can help you avoid decision fatigue and maintain a minimalist home.
A morning routine can include opening your window curtains, making your bed, and putting away the few clean dishes while your coffee brews.
An evening routine will include washing the dishes, cleaning the counter after dinner, wiping down the dining table, and doing a daily reset of your living room by putting things back where they belong.
Daily routines are my favorite and make my day go so much more smoothly.
Final thoughts
A minimalist home should be one you can enjoy as soon as you walk in, no matter what the day brings. It should include only the items you use and enjoy, making it easier to clean and keep tidy.
If you start by decluttering your home and continue with small, regular sessions, I know that maintaining a minimalist home will be easy for you.
I hope these simple tips help guide you in creating a home you love and enjoy every single day.