4 Simple Steps to Kickstart your Minimalist Lifestyle!
Are you pulled in by the promises of minimalism? But, you’re not sure where to start? You’re in exactly the right place!
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle means questioning what’s necessary to be happy. It helps us cut through the rubbish and truly enjoy our lives. If that sounds good to you, then read on. We’ve put together a simple list of the steps you should take to start living minimally.
The tips are easy to follow but boy, will they change the way you think about your life!
1. Ask yourself, ‘which of my belongings can I do without?’
Our first step might sound a bit minimalist cliche, but hear us out! Sorting through your belongings can help you understand what’s important in your life. Having less clutter also makes our living spaces less stressful to be in. Just look at our article detailing the benefits of minimalism.
Now, where to start on the decluttering process?
Make sure you take one possession at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Are there any pairs of shoes you haven’t worn in a couple years? We all have them hanging around, taking up unnecessary space. Or, what about a crazy kitchen utensil you never worked out how to use? Make today the day you free yourself and get rid of them!
If you’re still not sure on how to start, Joshua and Ryan from ‘The Minimalists’ have some great ideas for you. Why not try their 30-Day Minimalism Game? To play, you pair up with a friend and slowly get rid of belongings you no longer need. On day one, you throw out one thing. Day two? Find two things to get rid of, and so on. By the end of the month, you’ll have eased your way into a minimalist lifestyle. You won’t be as tempted by unnecessary stuff ever again!
And remember, minimalism isn’t about having a lack of possessions. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that add to your life. Maybe some of the things you don’t need will be valuable to someone else. Try selling your unwanted items and start saving money. Less clutter and a bit of extra cash in your pocket? Sounds good to me!
2. Get the right balance of focal points and negative spaces in your home
After your life-affirming clear-out, it’s time to look at your decor.
Your home should be the place you feel happiest and most relaxed. And yet, a lot of us neglect the spaces we spend all our time in. With some small changes, you can transform your home into a minimalist paradise.
Take one room at a time and work out if there’s anything that doesn’t sit right with you. Clashing patterns or overpowering colours tend to make spaces feel smaller and stressful to be in. A simple coat of white paint might make all the difference! Opting for more neutral soft furnishings, like bed linen or cushions, also makes spaces feel calmer.
That doesn’t mean you should be without decoration! Project Nord has a collection of Minimalist Posters which make stunning focal points. A few posters might seem like a small change, but they have the power to transform the feeling of a room.
So, why not try out a thought-provoking design in a space you work in? An abstract piece like our Still We Rise Poster suits this perfectly. Or, for somewhere you want to feel tranquil, what about our Les Lunes Bleues Poster. It's simple, calming, and understated.
Our beautiful Play Poster, available online right now!
3. Find alternatives to single-use plastics
Another key part of minimalism is thinking about your impact on the planet. Is yours minimal? If we all make a commitment to having fewer possessions and buying less, we’ll slow the rate of production. This is the most useful thing we can do to save the planet! Take a look at our sustainability complete guide for more information on this.
But, it’s not as simple as throwing everything out and having to compromise on the luxuries we enjoy. If we buy smarter and invest in hard-wearing, reusable items, we don’t have to feel guilty! Here’s a list of reusable products to get your hands on…
If you love drinking coffee, get yourself a keep cup. Some people drink coffee every day. Think of all those plastic-lined ‘paper’ coffee cups blocking up landfill. It’s an easy change to make, and some shops offer a discount to those who come with their own cup!
Major supermarkets are moving towards selling fruit and vegetables loose. So, instead of using a plastic bag to collect your produce, take your own reusable produce bags shopping with you.
Stay hydrated without ruining the planet by buying a reusable water bottle. Water fountains are popping up everywhere now. Take advantage of it! Always leave the house with a bottle in hand.
All this environmental stuff doesn’t need to be boring. There are so many options out there now, so you’re sure to find something that suits you perfectly.
4. Make the most out of your time!
Minimalism isn’t all about possessions. I’ll prove it to you by asking a basic question. What’s more valuable to you than your time? Nothing, of course! So, you need to start being more selective about how you spend it.
Take a look at your diary. Are you regularly doing things which don’t bring happiness or value to your life? It’s time to do an audit!
Let’s start by thinking about the big, bad internet monster. Social media! On average, internet users spend 2 hours and 22 minutes on social media every day! But, is it making us happy? All that editing, all that self-curation. You know the drill - it’s not healthy! So, put time aside each day to detox from your online personas.
As a part of that, try arranging to spend meaningful time with the people around you. We’ve all got used to catching up over screens. But most of the time, it’s the conversations we have in person with people that have a lasting effect on our lives. They’re worth prioritising!
There you have it! Four simple steps to help you on the road to minimalism. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle has so many benefits and we’re excited for you to try it out!
Written by Jessica Slater.
Images sourced from Pinterest and Project Nord website.