Minimalist Lifestyle Tips

A minimalist may choose a simply decorated living room.

Our lives are overflowing with too much stuff. Paper litters our kitchen tables. Our walls and curio cabinets brim with other people's old stuff. We fill our ears with noise, our bellies with junk and our time with unnecessary commitments.The acquisition of useless objects seems normal because we are surrounded by others who do the same. But the cry of the minimalist is growing stronger: "De-junk! Dump the useless!"

Location, Location, Location

Avoid driving where possible.

Where we live has great bearing on how we live. But no matter our location, a minimalist lifestyle can still be achieved. While you should avoid driving for environmental reasons, sometimes walking and biking are not possible. If you live in a place where driving is a necessity, plan ahead so you can map your route and keep driving to a minimum. Change your dining habits by preparing your own meals and eating at home.

Living Space

Reduce the clutter in your home by sorting and tossing. A good rule of thumb is: if you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it. Minimalist writer Everett Bogue quit his job a few years ago and reduced the amount of items he owns to 75. He uses the Internet to write and sell books about his lifestyle. Bogue's approach, however, would be maddening to the average Joe, considering most of us have more than 75 items within arm's reach.

Free Time

Watch out for life suckers.

Use your free time wisely; consider your activities and pursue only those that aren't time suckers. Don't lose countless hours in front of inane television shows being seduced by television advertising. They just want you to buy more stuff. Staying away from digital parasites, such as social networking websites, will afford you more time to focus on yourself and your life.

Friends and Family

Make time.

As we begin to unload our junk, we network with others who are like-minded. We are drawn to them as both resources and friends because we meet on common and uncluttered ground. We are moving in the same direction, speaking the same language. We learn through these folks, and with their support, that less is best. The minimalist family makes wise and only necessary purchases. It is not concerned with living like other people and does not live beyond its means. The children are raised to understand that clutter is a trap and to not be controlled by stuff. This lifestyle affords families the time to build rich relationships.

References

• Living A Minimalist Lifestyle
• A Guide To Creating A Minimalist Home
• How To Become Minimalist With Children

Resources

• Minimalist Living