The minimalist lifestyle prioritizes simplicity, focus, and intentionality. It’s about living with less and surrounding yourself with only the things that truly matter to you. If you’re a beginner and interested in incorporating minimalism into your life, the good news is that you don’t have to make drastic changes all at once.
Here are some small steps you can take towards embracing a minimalist lifestyle!
Why Start Small as a New Minimalist?
Our society likes to measure progress by how quickly it’s achieved. There’s so much pressure to reach your goals under a certain amount of time, even if you’re unable to sustain that success long term. As you embrace the minimalist lifestyle, I invite you to change the way that you measure your achievements.
Instead of setting a goal with the intention of accomplishing it as quickly as possible, make it your intention to work towards it for as long as possible. The longer you work towards a goal, the more progress you will inevitably make, albeit, over the long term.
This is how you should approach minimalism as a beginner. Don’t treat the minimalist lifestyle as a race to the finish line. Instead, make small changes every single day to live more intentionally. I promise you that this sustainable approach to minimalism will be crucial to your success.
So, what small steps can you start taking towards becoming a minimalist? Keep reading to find out!
10 Small (But Mighty) Steps to Take Towards Minimalism
By taking small but mighty steps towards minimalism, you can begin to simplify your life, reduce clutter, and focus on what truly matters. The key is to start somewhere and be consistent with it.
Here are 10 steps you can take towards minimalism as a beginner!
1. Start Decluttering One Drawer or Shelf at a Time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years, start by decluttering one shelf or drawer at a time. This will allow you to focus your energy on one small section of your home at a time. No home has an infinite number of shelves (although it may seem like it). Eventually, you’ll declutter them all!
2. Get Rid of Duplicates
If you’re not quite sure where to start decluttering, start with things you have multiples of. I mean, do you really need 3 can openers?
Getting rid of duplicates is low hanging fruit for beginner minimalists. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve simplified your space without the risk of letting go of something you’ll regret.
3. Give Away One Sentimental Item
Sentimental items can be especially hard to let go of. So, don’t get rid of all of your beloved trinkets right off the bat!
Instead, give away just one item that you love to a friend or charity. See how it feels to live without that item before giving away something else. I guarantee you’ll feel joy knowing it’s in the hands of someone you love or has gone to a good cause.
4. Delete Old Files and Images from Your Devices
Most aspiring minimalists understand the importance of decluttering one’s physical space. But how about one’s digital space?
These days, most of us spend a lot of our time online (unfortunate, but true). That’s why it’s important to make sure that your digital space is as clutter-free as your home.
Take the time to go through your computer, cell phone and tablet and delete any old files or images you no longer need. Delete apps that you don’t use (or wish you weren’t using).
If you want to take the extra step in simplifying your phone, you can even turn your smart phone into a basic, ‘minimalist’ phone. The cleverly named, ‘Minimalist Phone‘ app turns your phone into a minimal phone by blocking apps after you’ve been on them for a certain amount of time. This will help you significantly reduce your screen time. It has done wonders for improving my productivity and focus throughout the day!
5. Unsubscribe From Email Lists and Catalogs
Speaking of decluttering your digital space, take a look at your email inbox. Do you have 1000+ unopened emails from retailers that you have been subscribed to for years? If so, unsubscribe from them!
Unsubscribing can help to reduce the temptation to make impulse purchases, as you will no longer be bombarded with constant advertisements and sales promotions.
6. Limit the Items in Your Purse or Backpack
How many things do you carry around with you on a daily basis? Just the essentials, or, is your bag a cornucopia of gum wrappers, an umbrella, candy, an overstuffed makeup bag, etc?
If it’s the latter, set a limit on the amount of items you allow yourself to carry in your purse or backpack! You’ll feel lighter for it, both mentally and physically.
7. Get Rid of Old or Expired Items
It’s easy to hold onto expired products for years if your space is cluttered. You won’t even know they’re there!
Luckily, these things are easy to part with because they can’t be used anyway. Whether it’s expired skincare products, makeup, cleaning products, food or medicine, make it your goal to throw out anything you know you can no longer use.
8. Let Go of Broken or Outdated Electronics
Before I embraced minimalism, I remember holding onto broken electronics for years and years. At the time, I simply wasn’t aware of how heavy all the useless items in my home were weighing on me until I finally decluttered my space.
Let go of any broken or outdated electronics you’ve been holding onto. Yes, the Gameboy, Tamagotchi and Nintendo that you haven’t touched in a decade count!
9. Get Rid of Clothes That No Longer Fit
Keeping clothes that no longer fit you can be a constant reminder of a past version of yourself, when you may have been a different weight or size. This reminder can be detrimental to your self-esteem and confidence. So, let go of those ill fitting clothes that are no longer serving you and focus on the present. By donating your old clothes to a local charity or thrift store, you can give these clothes a new life.
10. Stop Buying Books
I know what you’re thinking. Why in the world would you tell people not to buy books?! Hear me out. I’m not telling you to stop reading, that would be absurd. I’m simply telling you to stop buying books.
Most people buy a book and only read it once. Maybe they revisit it every few years if they absolutely love it. But, for the most part, their books sit idly on a bookshelf collecting dust.
So, start borrowing books from the library instead. Most libraries even let you request books if they don’t already carry them. You can also borrow books from friends or download the digital version on an e-reader (which is more economical and space saving than owning a physical copy!).
In Conclusion
Becoming a minimalist requires time, patience, and a willingness to let go of unnecessary possessions and distractions. As a beginner, easing your way into the minimalist lifestyle can help make the transition more manageable. Start by decluttering one area at a time, letting go of broken electronics or getting rid of clothes that no longer fit you.
Remember that minimalism is about living with intention and focusing on what truly matters in life. While it may take some time to adjust to a minimalist lifestyle, the benefits of simplifying your life are well worth the effort!
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