Living a minimalist lifestyle: A list of ways to start

Living a minimalist lifestyle has become a popular trend in recent years. It involves owning fewer possessions and simplifying your life in various ways. A minimalist-style home is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a lack of clutter. If you’re looking to start living a minimalist lifestyle, you can do so regardless of the location of your home. This post will discuss a list of things you should do to start living a minimalist lifestyle. 

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Characteristics of a minimalist home 

As mentioned earlier, a minimalist-style home is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a lack of clutter. It’s a space designed to be both calming and inspiring, focusing on the essentials rather than having a lot of items. 

Furniture in a minimalist-style home is functional and unobtrusive, emphasizing practicality over aesthetics. Multipurpose furniture is often used to maximize space and reduce clutter, such as a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. 

When it comes to decor, less is more in a minimalist-style home. A few key pieces that serve a purpose are preferred over an abundance of decorative items. Artwork is often used sparingly, with a focus on large, statement pieces rather than small knick-knacks. 

Also, everything has a place and a purpose in a minimalist-style home. The space is organized and uncluttered, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. This results in a living space that is both serene and inviting, with a sense of calm and order that is often missing in more cluttered spaces. 

Advantages of living in a minimalist home 

Living in a minimalist-style home has several advantages that can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. Here’s a look at some of them: 

Reduced stress and anxiety 

A minimalist home can help reduce stress and anxiety by creating a calm and uncluttered living environment. When you have fewer, well-organized belongings in your home, you will not only be able to move freely, but your mind will also be more relaxed. This leads to a better mental state as well as other health benefits. 

Improved focus 

A minimalist-style home can help you focus on what’s important in your life, such as personal relationships, health, and hobbies. With fewer material possessions to distract you, you can focus more on personal growth and self-care. 

More space 

With fewer possessions, your home will feel more spacious and open. You will be able to move around more freely. This creates a feeling of comfort and relaxation. 

Financial benefits 

Living a minimalist lifestyle can save you money in the long run. By purchasing fewer items and focusing on quality over quantity, you can reduce your expenses over time. Additionally, selling or donating items you no longer need or use can create extra income or tax benefits. 

Steps for establishing a minimalist home 

Here’s a list of things to do to start living a minimalist lifestyle: 

1. Start small 

Don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to declutter your entire home in one go. Instead, start with a small area, such as a drawer or a closet, and work your way up. This will help you build momentum and make the process more manageable. 

2. Declutter one room at a time 

Rather than tackling the entire house at once, declutter one room at a time. Doing this will help you stay focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Make piles of items to keep, donate, or sell. 

3. Create a designated space for everything 

Designate a specific place for each item in your home. Knowing where to find each item will make your home more organized. Also, you will prevent clutter from accumulating. 

4. Simplify your wardrobe 

Having a minimalist wardrobe means having a few high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more, and invest in versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. 

5. Embrace multipurpose furniture 

Consider furniture that has multiple functions, such as a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit. This can help you save space and reduce clutter. 

6. Limit your decor 

In a minimalist-style home, less is more. Limit your decor to a few key pieces that you love and that serve a purpose. 

7. Clear your floors, walls, and surfaces 

Besides the furniture, your floors should be completely clear. Nothing should be stacked or stored on the floor. The same goes for walls and flat surfaces. Except for one or two pieces of artwork on your wall and one or two simple decorations on your flat surfaces, anything else should either be sold, donated, or stored out of sight. 

8. Use subdued colors 

While you could have a splash of color in your space, most of the room should have more subtle colors. Generally, white is the ultimate minimalist color, but any solid color that doesn’t stress the eye can do. 

9. Use plain patterns 

Sophisticated patterns such as checkers and flowers are visual clutter. Preferably, you should go for solid colors for your floor coverings. 

10. Go for plain Window treatments 

Having too much ornate stuff around your window creates visual clutter. Simple, solid-colored curtains or bare windows can give you a more minimalist look. 

Conclusion 

Living a minimalist lifestyle can bring many benefits, including less stress, more space, and a greater appreciation for what you have. By starting small, decluttering one room at a time, and embracing simplicity in various ways, you can create a minimalist-style home that is both functional and beautiful. So, take the first step towards living a minimalist lifestyle today and enjoy the many benefits that come with it. 

Written by Billy Guteng. March 20, 2023

Billy was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture and he supports the KUKUN team as a content provider.