Millions of people are transitioning from homes full of material things to simpler, minimalist living quarters that feel lighter and cleaner. The simpler lifestyle is hugely popular because it has attractive benefits.
Minimalism is a less-is-more idea that’s about simplicity, utility, elegance, and avoiding the unnecessary. The focus is on enjoying life’s experiences instead of materialism. A minimalist lifestyle can reduce stress and debt, make housekeeping easier, and increase productivity.
- Figure Out the “Why”
It’s critical to figure out why you want to have a minimalist home and how it can support the life you plan to live. Going through this process makes core values transparent. When your intention is clear and set, it is much easier to decide which possessions should stay and what will go.
Clarifying objectives also helps determine how the project will go. For some people, the ideal transition involves making gradual changes over a period, such as a year. For others, transitioning to minimalism begins with arranging Discount Dumpster Rental and then tossing decades of unwanted items.
- Decide on Necessities
People who change to a minimalist lifestyle are often surprised at how little they need to be happy. There’s also less to care for, which saves time and money.
The key is to decide which things are necessary. Professional organizers suggest making notes of favorite belongings and keeping only essential things. Don’t be afraid to get rid of unused items, even if they were gifts. According to the KonMari organizing method, you should consider whether something brings you joy, and if it doesn’t, get rid of it.
- Declutter Your Home
To create a clean, simple home, it’s critical to remove clutter before attempting to reorganize. Begin by figuring out what is creating clutter, and then prep for decluttering. Take a walk around rooms and identify organizational problems.
Per experts at Extra Space, it’s also a good idea to list items required for the project. These can include trash bags, boxes, cleaning supplies, and organizer tools.
- Clean as You Work
Work systematically through rooms and clean each one as clutter is removed. Wipe down shelves, bookcases, and appliances.
The minimalist look features a clean, fresh, and tidy home, so it’s essential to vacuum floors thoroughly. A HEPA vacuum will clean and remove pollutants and allergens.
- Sell, Donate, or Toss
Sort unwanted belongings into piles to be tossed, donated, or sold. There are companies that will pick up unwanted things and donate or recycle them.
You could make extra cash by selling unwanted things on sites like OfferUp or eBay. Belongings that are useless to you might be just what someone else needs.
- Reorganize Your Home
Create an organizational system that makes efficient use of all your space and keeps things tidy. You can be creative and use wasted areas by adding hooks or shelving.
Invest in attractive bins and store things like linens and cosmetics in empty areas. Even the smallest homes often have a surprising number of areas that can be converted to storage.
- Replace Over-sized Furniture
Bulky furnishings do not fit nicely into a minimalist home. Exchange oversized beds and couches for sleeker models that are comfortable and appealing. Manufacturers offer dozens of tables, chairs, sofas, and beds designed for smaller spaces.
Transitioning to a minimalist home means eliminating the unnecessary and keeping only what is useful and makes you happy. Turning an average home into a minimalist one means decluttering, cleaning, eliminating bulky furniture, and becoming well-organized.