It is easy to say that one day your going to live with less and have just the essentials needed to survive. Going minimal is a step in that direction.
Living with less things and sticking to it is not always as easy as one would think. Since we all have an urge to buy things or own things. But, some of things that we buy or own are not always the things we need. Here are some thoughts on how to Be Minimal and removing the things you actually do not need.
Make Your Intentions Clear
You need to know why you want to make this lifestyle change a reality. Living with less is immensely liberating, but it is also a big change - and it can be easy to fall back into old habits in no time. Being minimal is not easy and some things might need to be sacrificed.
Declutter in stages
Ultimately, minimalism is based on the principle of living with fewer possessions. Less clutter allows you to focus on the things that make you happy in life, and the things you need. Do it in stages. Start small and take it from there.
Have a System and stick to it
Some people start decluttering and end up with a messier space than intended. Organizing it will not only save you time and effort, but also you will end up with a much more effective system. Consider the rule of three; What to Keep, What to Donate and What to Throw.
Be Timeless with your wardrobe
A closet with the latest trendy clothes tend to get old fast. Try to be timeless with your fashion. Make it simple, afterall a white t-shirt, a red baseball cap and a pair of jeans can get you far.
Strive for a Paperless life
Going paperless not only adds towards a more minimal lifestyle and less clutter, but it massively reduces your carbon footprint too. Besides you don't need to keep a buckload of papers around anyway. Keep the ones that are important
Experience more, Possess less
Enrich your life with new skills and adventures, not with a new car or motorcycle that loses value the second you start driving it. Seeing the world around you is far greater than having the very latest smartphone or the newest car. An experience never really loses it's value.
Minimalist Mindset
Make minimalism a habit, and an essential part of your life. It is you that make the decisions on how you lead your life, so make the best out of it. Most things in life starts with putting your mind to it and making the dream a reality. It doesn't happen over night, so be patient.
Consider Alternative Living
Live in a van or a smaller apartment or even a smaller house. Spend less money on things you do not need or simply only buy the things that you need. The current trend now is Tiny Living and Container Homes where less space forces you to remove things that have no purpose.
Sell the stuff you do not need
If you count the hours you spend watching TV, you will sell your TV faster than you think. The same goes for the espresso maker that you spent a fortune on but rarely use. Be smart about the stuff you add as well as the stuff you remove. think more than once about if it is needed or if it is just a nice thing to have.
Travel Light
No one needs all the crap we bring with us when we are traveling. Bring only the essentials and be smart about what you bring and what you can find at your destination if needed. Living out of suitcase might not be for everyone, but it is a liberating thought only having a bag with your entire life with you.
Plan everything
Everything from meals to work and sleep. Plan everything and be humble about it, since you are not superman or superwoman. Be smart with your choices. Planning also helps you get control of your life.