Adopting a minimalistic lifestyle can be exciting and rewarding.
Being surrounded by clutter and so many things that we’ve complied over the years can get overwhelming and also creates energetic blocks.
When it comes to minimalism, there are so many options available. If you’re not sure where or how to begin incorporating it into your daily life, here is a checklist that will help you get on the right path to lead a successful minimalist lifestyle in two major areas – your home and in your personal life.
Minimalism For Your Home or Office
Take Inventory
This is perhaps the most important step to get started. Begin your inventory by walking through your home and office and making a mental note of what is there, what should be there, and what needs to go.
Grab a notebook and pen. Label a page “Unnecessary.” Walk through again and list the unnecessary items on the page.
Once you have a clear list of the unnecessary items, write down the reason why you keep those items around. For example, they have sentimental value or it’s something you have on your to-do list but never get around to doing.
Think about your list of unnecessary items and the reasons/excuses you still have them.
Now, write down how having this item will enhance your life and the last time you actually used it. If there is no real value in keeping it, it has no sentimental value, or it has not been used in the past three months, throw it away or give it away.
Get an Accountability Partner
In order to part with material possessions, you may need an accountability partner.
Have your list handy and share it with your accountability partner.
You can make it a fun day where dinner or something fun is the reward for a day of tossing and donating stuff.
Have your accountability partner remind you just how useless that third stapler on your desk is. Donate it or give it away and have your accountability partner pry it out of your hands if necessary.
Once you have taken these steps, go out, and celebrate.
Create a Storage System
Whether it’s sophisticated or simple, buy or make a storage system that works for you.
Have your accountability partner help you set up an organizational system. Label everything so things are easy to find. When working in your office, do not keep more than two or three of anything including pens, pencils, and other supplies.
Restock when you are down to the last item. Avoid buying things ahead of time so that you don’t begin to build up a stockpile.
Ask For Help
Get your accountability partner to walk through this process with you. Ask them to allow you to reach out to them when you have difficulty resisting a “good deal” because you buy in bulk.
Remind yourself, or have them remind you: “You don’t need it. Less is more”.
As you practice eliminating, reducing, and organizing items, your mindset begins to change to that of a minimalist. But, this is just the beginning. You need to keep this focus and momentum going.
In today’s society it is so easy to buy in bulk, impulse buy, overspend and everything else. You have to be conscious about your purchases and the items you choose to keep in your spaces.
In everything you do, think twice. If you need help to resist buying something or in making a decision, don’t hesitate to call in reinforcements. That is why you have an accountability partner.
Minimalism In Your Personal Life
I’ve touched on minimalism in your home or office, let’s explore what that looks like personally. Here are some things you can do to embrace minimalism in your life:
- Take responsibility for everything that you do.
Nobody can make you buy something if you are disciplined and take responsibility for your actions and decision to embrace minimalism.
- Make a declaration.
Declare out loud to yourself or anyone who will listen that you are going to adopt a minimalistic lifestyle. Don’t say that you are going to “try” minimalism. Say it emphatically and affirm it with confidence! “I am living a minimalistic lifestyle,” or “I am a minimalist.”
- Ask for support.
Gather your friends and family members. Or, if they are supportive, find a community locally or online that will be supportive. Tell them of your decision to adopt a minimalistic lifestyle. Explain how important it is for you to open your life to more time, money, freedom, and happiness. - Find a support group.
Join a minimalistic group in your area or online. If you can’t find one, create one. Get the word out about the group and your lifestyle change by sharing your experiences and taking action. Lead by example to enrich your own life as well as inspiring others.
- Be a role model.
If you expect your children to follow suit and your peers to respect you, then be a role model for living with less. Show what it means to embrace the knowledge that things don’t really make you happy. You can teach those around you the benefits of minimalism by showing the benefits.
- Focus on one thing at a time.
Don’t scatter your time or energy. Focus on doing one chore or task at a time, and do it well. People appreciate and expect your undivided attention.
- Learn to delegate.
Start with one small task per week as to not overwhelm those you are seeking help from. Ease into delegating on a weekly basis. You can also invest in services, like a housekeeping service to tasks off your plate.
- Learn how to say no.
Saying no, in the beginning, may be difficult. Take your time and practice it.
Keep it simple by saying, “No.” Don’t elaborate or make excuses. NO is a complete sentence. You don’t have to explain yourself. Get used to awkward silence, repeated requests, and pleading. Continue to say, “No” or “I wish I could, but I simply can’t.” While it sounds simple, it does take quite a bit of practice.
- Avoid time-wasters.
Take inventory and eliminate unhealthy behaviors and attitudes such as spending too much time on social media sites, constantly texting, and watching too much television.
Replace those with things that bring you and others more joy. Keep a record of how you’re spending your time and note how much time is wasted. Start to take that time back and declare it as your own. Spend time with family and friends, take up a hobby, pursue your passions, or begin to tap into your life purpose.
- Become a conscious shopper.
Ask yourself pertinent questions: Do I really need this? Is this an impulse buy? Can I survive one week without it? If the answer is yes, then take the money you didn’t spend on the item and apply it to your savings. It could go towards a dream goal, vacations, special treat, charitable causes, investment fund, or your retirement.
If you get stuck, you can return to this checklist for a quick and easy reminder on how to live a minimalistic life you love.