What is on your mind when discussing minimalist living? Decluttering stuff? Live without a feeling of desolation? Everything is simple and a little? In recent years, there have been many new life movements that encourage one to reduce ties and dependence on worldly possessions, namely minimalism. One of the initiators of minimalism who became a role model was Marie Kondo with the KonMari method which made this lifestyle even more popular.

What is the minimalist lifestyle?

Minimalism is a simple lifestyle, not excessive, and emphasizes quality over quantity. In addition to reducing costs for purchasing goods, a minimalist lifestyle also reduces the sense of belonging to an item, thereby providing peace and happiness.

When choosing to live with minimalism, you have to step out of your comfort zone and give up what you have to "go" or "get rid of." Wow, that sounds scary, right? It means that this lifestyle will teach you to be more sincere and grateful in life.

You have to give up the shoe collection that is lined up on the shelves away and only leave a few pairs until the pile of clothes in the closet is given to someone else. You have to get rid of the desire to buy things that will only be "display" for a more spacious view of the room. Moreover, you also have to be willing to lose your love for worldly things and things.

How to start a minimalist lifestyle?

1. Tidy up the pile of unused items
   The first thing that is important for starting a minimalist lifestyle is decluttering stuff! Make sure the items you have are needed, get rid of unused things, or give them to people who are more in need.

2. Spend only on the best
   Keeping everything minimalist will affect spending patterns. You have to be selective in buying any item. Make sure to buy the things you need of the highest quality. No longer should you be tempted to buy a lot just because you don't need a discount.

3. Take good care of the goods
   The fewer and more valuable items you have, the more you will be willing to spend more time caring for these items so that they are of good quality and maintained. So, you can use these items longer, use them until they run out, and minimize them becoming waste.

4. Pay attention to time management
   Not only reducing goods, but living minimalism also means using time effectively and efficiently and giving priority to things that have a higher urgency.

The advantages of living a minimalist lifestyle

The salary is more durable, finances are healthier
Practicing minimalism means reducing the number of possessions. Of course, the automatic monthly salary will last longer because it is not easy to be tempted to buy things that are not needed. So, the money can be saved or try long-term investments.

The mind is calmer and more comfortable
Whether we realize it or not, the environment has a big role to play when it comes to buying something. With the concept of minimalism, it means that you will feel satisfied with what you have and don't need to be obsessed with following the prestige established by the environment.

Increased free time, a more regular lifestyle
The more limited the number of items you have, the shorter the activities for cleaning and arranging the house. So, the remaining time becomes more and can be used for other productive activities, such as pursuing hobbies to upgrading skills and knowledge.

More focus on achieving life goals
You will be more able to control yourself, from career, productivity, to finances. Having a strong focus will make your life goals and priorities easier to achieve. Minimalists also usually prefer to invest in experience and traveling. You can start designing your traveling dreams here!

When a minimalist lifestyle is embedded, living life will be easier because there are fewer choices and all of them are of high quality. You will appreciate life more, be realistic and avoid yourself from glitzy materialism and hedonism.

“Minimalism is asking why before you buy.” – Francine Vay