How to live like a minimalist?
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Even with the best intentions, most of us have some type of clutter. Whether it’s buying too many shoes or not being able to resist those closeout sales, living with less can seem impossible. So, if you’ve found yourself yearning for a more minimalist-type lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place.
Determine your why
Everyone has a reason why they want to live more minimalistic. Some want to feel free and not be tied to possessions while others want to share their wealth with other people. There are even those who have just had enough of tripping over unused items in their home and realize that having fewer things will make it easier to keep their home in shape and manageable. Whatever your reasons are, you need to know your why. Sit and think about why you feel compelled to live with less. You should think about how doing so will impact your overall happiness. Once you have a clear understanding of those answers, you can then put your plan into motion.
Create a timeline
Creating a definitive timeline to start living like a minimalist is as important as knowing why you want to live like one. Start by writing down a reasonable timeline in steps, which you can cross off as you complete them. Give yourself enough time to complete each task without having to make excuses why you did not reach that goal. For example, if you can’t see the floor in your spare bedroom and know that it’s going to take at least two weeks to clear the clutter, don’t assume you can rush and have it done in one weekend. That will only result in feeling disappointed in yourself and possibly giving up completely.
Free up your finance
Doing away with physical clutter is not the only way to live like a minimalist. It’s not uncommon to be financially bogged down as well. House and car payments, in addition to student loan debt, can make you feel like you’re drowning, even if you earn a high salary. And once you add credit card debt into the mix, it can be downright stressful. If your goal is to live financially free and you’re looking for ways to reduce your student debt, applying for a credit card where you can take advantage of the rewards is something to consider. You can use the cashback to lower your monthly payment and possibly pay off your loans sooner than anticipated. With the right mindset, financial freedom from student debt is possible.
Invest in quality
As tempting as it is to scoop up bargains, it can end up costing you more than if you invested in higher quality items. Not only do you spend more money, but you usually end up with more unwanted, unused things around the house. Before buying anything, ask yourself if you really want it, whether you’re buying it out of what or need and whether you’re just buying it because it’s on sale. Asking these three questions can help you be more mindful of what you buy and lay the foundation of living more minimalistic.