Inside: Take the steps to create your dream life by embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Below you will find ten simple ways to ease into a minimalist lifestyle that are practical and easy to implement.
A minimalist lifestyle is a powerful tool that can help you shape your desired life.
It allows you to take control of your journey towards your goals, whether paying off debts, increasing your savings, or spending more time with your loved ones.
My journey with minimalism was life-changing. In just a year, I was able to pay off 18,000.00 in debt and transition from a full-time job to being a stay-at-home parent. Something that I would not have been able to achieve without minimalism.
I know a minimalist lifestyle can also help you create a life you enjoy and spend more time on what brings you joy.
Benefits of a minimalist lifestyle
- Increase productivity- less clutter in your home will increase focus. Eliminating distractions and focusing on what matters will make you more productive in your personal and work lives.
- Financial freedom- a financial plan that reduces expenses will allow you to spend money on enjoyable experiences. Rather than material possessions that will require your time and energy.
- Less time cleaning- a minimalist lifestyle will make cleaning easier. The fewer items you own, the fewer items you need to maintain.
- Reduced stress and anxiety- a clutter-free, organized space will reduce stress and create a peaceful environment.
- Better sleep- a clean and tidy bedroom will make falling asleep easier. A messy, cluttered bedroom will affect how you fall and stay asleep.
10 ways to ease into a minimalist lifestyle
- Say no more often
I always used to say yes when I got invited somewhere as soon as someone asked me. Then the day would come, and even though I did not want to go, I felt like I was already committed the day they invited me.
If you are the type of person who always says yes to everything, try to say no more often. If you have a hard time saying no, reply with let me check my calendar and I will get back to you.
Saying no more often gives you more time to do things that you want to do and that you enjoy.
- Schedule alone time on your calendar
At the start of every week, schedule alone time so you can do something you want to do.
This does not mean running errands, cleaning the house, or paying bills.
Alone time is something that you will do for yourself.
I schedule alone time for three to four hours on the weekend. I take a short nap and do whatever I feel like doing. Sometimes I stay home, and sometimes I walk around the garden section at Lowe’s.
This is the perfect way to recharge.
- Remove a social media app
I removed Facebook in 2020, and I do not miss it. Depending on how many social media apps you use, try to eliminate one or two.
Social media can make you feel like you do not have enough, or buy something you do not need. It also consumes much of your time and takes your attention away from your loved ones.
Instead of endlessly scrolling on social media, get up and go for a walk, enjoy a hobby, or take some time to declutter a small space in your home.
- Enjoy quality time with loved ones (avoid being on your phone)
Make time to spend time with your family and friends. When spending time with them, avoid being distracted by your phone.
I see this everywhere I go. At restaurants, parks, and waiting rooms at the doctor’s office. They are next to a family member, and instead of talking to them or even sitting down enjoying the company, they are too distracted by the phone.
Put your phone away, even for thirty minutes, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
- Simplify your wardrobe
Simplifying your wardrobe starts with decluttering it. This makes getting ready for the day easier.
Wear what fits and you feel comfortable in. Do not follow fashion trends since those come and go, leaving you with clothes you will not wear after the fashion trend passes.
Buy quality clothing that will last, and you will learn to value and take care of more. Avoid fast fashion made with cheap materials that will get ugly after a few wears.
Simplifying your wardrobe will save you time and money, and most importantly, avoid clothing items ending up in the landfill.
Decluttering Clothes: How to Quickly Declutter and Organize Your Clothes
- Make simple family meals
Make meals that are simple and your family enjoys. I make meals that require a few ingredients and are one-pan meals.
Order your groceries for curbside pickup to avoid walking into the store and buying items you do not need. When you order curbside, there is an option that says ‘Buy It Again’, and here you will find items you buy the most. This makes ordering curbside less time-consuming.
Making simple homemade meals and ordering curbside will save you time and money.
- Declutter regularly
Decluttering your belongings can be tricky at first, but it gets easier once you start decluttering regularly.
Start with one area at a time, decluttering for thirty minutes daily for at least six days. Take before and after pictures to motivate you to continue your decluttering journey.
A clutter-free home has many benefits, including less stress, less time cleaning, and increased productivity.
I also recommend The Minimalist 30-day challenge by The Minimalist. On day one, you remove one item, on day two, you remove two items, on day three, you remove three items, and so on. In thirty days, you will have decluttered more than five hundred items.
Once you have a few donation boxes and bags, quickly take them to the donation center to avoid creating clutter with donation boxes.
This is the best way to create a clutter-free home without feeling overwhelmed.
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- Change your spending habits
Your spending habits keep you living paycheck to paycheck and add clutter to your home. To help you change your spending habits, you need to see where your money is going.
Get your bank statements from the past few months and highlight them by category—your necessities like mortgage, electric bill, minimum debt payments, medical insurance, groceries, etc.
Then, you can see what you spend on shopping and eating out. Also, write down your debt and your interest on each debt.
This will be an eye-opener to see where all your money is going. Make a plan to cut down as much as possible, pay off debt fast, and then increase your savings.
Changing your spending habits will help you reach your financial goals quicker, and you will be mindful of what you bring into your home.
- Create simple routines
Creating daily routines that work for you will simplify your days. These routines include cleaning, meals, skincare, and nighttime.
For example, create a cleaning routine that requires one daily task that takes less than thirty minutes.
Your skincare routine should be simple, with a few products you enjoy that work for your skin type.
Lastly, a nighttime routine will help you prepare for bed and the following day.
Routines will save you time since you know what to do on a particular day and time. This is one of my favorite ways to ease into a minimalist lifestyle, and I am ready no matter what the day brings.
- Be content
When you start decluttering your physical clutter, you will notice you have more than enough. More than enough clothing, skincare, makeup, home decorations, etc.
There is no need to waste money on more items you probably won’t use.
Being content with what you have will help you live a less stressful life.
Be content with the home and the car you can afford. Instead of getting into a bigger house you can’t afford or a luxury vehicle that will keep you living paycheck to paycheck.
I highly recommend reading Things That Matter: Overcoming Distractions to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker and Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works by The Minimalist Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
Related posts.
How to Become a Minimalist in 30 Days
10 Simple Steps to Declutter When Feeling Overwhelmed
Final thoughts
These simple ways to ease into a minimalist lifestyle are your gateway to a more intentional and fulfilling life. Start today with a positive mindset. Plan your alone time, declutter a small area, and take a step towards your desired life. Keep your end goal in sight, and soon, you’ll fully embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
I’d love to hear about your journey towards a minimalist lifestyle.
When do you plan to start embracing a minimalist lifestyle, and which tip was your favorite?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.