The minimalist lifestyle gained immense popularity in the past few years and for many of us, the appeal of minimalism was heightened by the isolation, 24/7 forced home life we experienced in the Covid pandemic.

Month one was an adjustment, perhaps slightly novel with a touch of fear for what was to come. Then month two started and we were well passed the month one stage. With the news showing death and tragedy all over the globe, many of us locked down in our homes began a process of deep thinking, reflection, and habit-altering.

The process we started continued long beyond the end of lockdowns and masks. We were more conscious about our day-to-day lives, what we needed, and what we valued. Life was precious and stuff was less meaningful than ever before.

Our lockdown lives caused us to face every corner of our personal spaces. Surrounded by mountains of excess, we started to rummage through cupboards and storage spaces we hadn’t touched in years. Unsurprisingly there was tons of stuff in these spaces that we had accumulated and simply didn’t use or hadn’t looked at in a very long time. Some items just had sentimental attachments and nothing else.

It was in the midst of this global chaos that many people started to embrace minimalism and its principles. However, becoming a pure minimalist isn’t for everyone, and it can be too difficult a transition for some. Too EXTREME!

Fortunately, there are ways to adopt a minimalist lifestyle and utilise certain principles to enhance your life without completely committing to minimalism.

Not sure how you felt when you first heard the term but we at wekurate felt very apprehensive and nervous that practicing minimalism would mean a life of deprivation, servitude, and getting rid of almost everything that we enjoy or have.

The great thing was that with time on our hands, we started to learn and apply what worked for us and so in this article, we will share some practical tips on how you can apply minimalism to your day-to-day life, without having to go the extreme.

To start, let’s better understand what a minimalist exactly is.

What is a Minimalist?

A minimalist is a person who embraces a lifestyle that prioritizes simplicity, intentional living, and the reduction of excess in all areas of their life. Minimalism is a movement that has gained popularity in recent years, and it is often associated with living with fewer possessions, simplifying one’s schedule, and focusing on experiences rather than material goods.

At its core, minimalism is about living a more intentional life. This means being mindful of what you own, consume, and do on a daily basis. Minimalists often choose to live with fewer possessions, which can help them reduce stress, increase their focus, and free up time and space for the things that matter most.

Minimalists also tend to prioritize experiences over material possessions. This could mean traveling, trying new things, or simply spending time with loved ones. By focusing on experiences rather than things, minimalists can lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

It’s important to note that minimalism looks different for everyone. Some people may choose to live with only the bare necessities, while others may simply strive to be more mindful of their possessions and their impact on the environment. There is no one “right” way to be a minimalist, and it’s up to each individual to determine what works best for them.

It is the realisation that it is more about freedom, meaning, and fulfillment than it is about deprivation, and that everyone can apply the principles to different extents without spiraling into a pit of despair or drastically having to change everything.

WeKurate’s ways to adopt a minimalist lifestyle without being a minimalist:

1. Declutter your Space

Decluttering your personal space is a great way to start living a more minimalistic lifestyle plus we found it greatly improves your feeling towards your space and improves your day-to-day mood. Decluttering your space doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach, and you can take it one step at a time. We would suggest that you start with one room or one category of items, such as your closet.

The quickest starting point is to get rid of anything you don’t use or love, and only keep the things that add value to your life. Be careful of sentiment clouding the value and be RUTHLESS. Once you start, it becomes easier and easier and once the lightness of the space starts to hit you, you will be inspired to complete the process.

For example, we took created a rule for our closet that if we hadn’t worn something in more than a year, then it was highly likely that we wouldn’t wear it in the year ahead and so it was immediately discarded. Donating these items to others is the best way to remove them from your space. Please just make sure that they are in decent condition and underwear is a no no.

Here are some functional steps and tips to help you begin this journey of decluttering your personal space:

1. Start with a plan: Before you begin, take some time to plan out what you want to achieve. Decide which areas of your home you want to tackle first, and set realistic goals for what you want to accomplish.
2. Take it one step at a time: Decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to take it one step at a time. Start with a small area, such as a single closet or drawer, and work your way up to larger spaces.
3. Use the “one in, one out” rule: To prevent clutter from building up again, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you should get rid of an old one.
4. Sort items into categories: As you declutter, sort your items into categories such as “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away.” This can help you stay organized and make it easier to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
5. Ask yourself the tough questions: When deciding whether to keep or get rid of an item, ask yourself tough questions such as “Do I use this regularly?” and “Does this bring me joy?” When last did I use this? Be honest with yourself and don’t hold onto things out of guilt, sentiment, or obligation.
6. Donate or sell items: Donating or selling items that you no longer need can be a great way to give back to your community and make a little extra money. Consider donating items to a local charity or selling them online through websites like eBay, Craigslist, or community Facebook or other such groups.
7. Create designated spaces for items: Once you’ve decluttered, it’s important to create designated spaces for the items you’ve decided to keep. This can help you stay organized and prevent clutter from building up again plus sticking to point number 3 above.
8. Practice maintenance decluttering: Decluttering isn’t a one-time event, and it’s important to practice maintenance decluttering to keep your space organized. Set aside time every few months to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use.

By following these functional tips, you can declutter your personal space and embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Remember, the key is to take it one step at a time, be honest with yourself, and stay committed to living with intention.

2. Mindful Consumption

Being a minimalist is all about being mindful of what you consume. This means being intentional about what you buy, and only buying things that you need or truly love. It’s also about being aware of the impact your purchases have on the environment and others. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you really need, or if it’s just something you want at that moment. Many of our needs are actually just wants and the items purchased are impulsive, just temporary fixes to a much deeper problem. They make us feel good temporarily.

Becoming conscious of your purchases and why you bought what you bought is part of the process you can implement to become more mindful of your consumption. Embracing mindful consumption is an important part of adopting a minimalist lifestyle.

Here are some ways to become more mindful of what you consume:

1. Buy with intention: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and if it aligns with your values and priorities. Avoid impulse purchases and take the time to consider whether the item will truly add value to your life.
2. Quality over quantity: Instead of buying cheap, disposable items, invest in high-quality items that will last longer. This not only reduces waste but can also save you money in the long run.
3. Choose sustainable options: When possible, choose sustainable and eco-friendly options. This could mean opting for products made from sustainable materials, using reusable bags and containers, or choosing products with minimal packaging.
4. Avoid fast fashion: Fast fashion is a major contributor to waste and pollution. Instead of buying trendy, inexpensive clothing that will quickly fall out of style, consider investing in timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come.
5. Practice minimalism in your diet: Consider adopting a minimalist approach to your diet by focusing on simple, whole foods rather than processed and packaged foods. This not only reduces waste but can also be better for your health.
6. Be mindful of media consumption: In addition to physical items, it’s important to be mindful of media consumption. Limit your time on social media and choose high-quality media that adds value to your life. The infinite scroll is a beast and a thief of time. Check our digital minimalism section below for more.
7. Reduce food waste: Be mindful of food waste by planning meals in advance, buying only what you need, and storing food properly. Consider composting or donating excess food to minimize waste.
8. Embrace the sharing economy: Instead of buying items that you only need temporarily, consider sharing or renting them. This not only reduces waste but can also save you money. For example, if you own a book, consider swapping it once you are done with others who are like-minded. Perhaps even consider moving to digital reading on a Kindle.

By becoming more mindful about what you consume, you can reduce waste, save money, and lead a more intentional life. Many products that we consume harm the environment in their creation, and impact negatively the lives of those who produce them by employing poor labour practices (sometimes slave labour), packaging, transport, etc. Understand where your products come from, and the value chain.

Remember, the key is to focus on quality over quantity, choose sustainable options, and be intentional about your purchases. You may also want to adopt a more extreme approach to your wardrobe and build a capsule wardrobe.

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: A Step-by-Step Guide

3. Simplify your Schedule and Create a Routine

Another way to embrace a minimalist lifestyle is to simplify your schedule. Cut back on commitments and prioritize the things that are most important to you. This can help reduce stress and give you more time to focus on the things that matter.

If you need some tips to help you simplify your schedule and reduce the stress and overwhelm of a busy life perhaps these can help:

1. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to prioritize self-care and set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be anything from practicing yoga to reading a book or spending time with loved ones.
2. Say no to unnecessary commitments: It’s okay to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities or values. Be honest with yourself about what’s important to you, and don’t feel guilty about declining invitations or requests that don’t serve your best interests.
3. Simplify your to-do list: Simplify your to-do list by focusing on the most important tasks and letting go of non-essential tasks. Consider using a productivity method like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and prioritize your tasks. We have placed a link below this list if you want to learn more.
4. Limit screen time: Limiting screen time can help reduce stress and promote a more peaceful, focused mindset. Consider setting limits on social media and email use, or taking regular breaks from technology to recharge and refresh. Implement a no-device for the first 90 minutes of the day and the last hour of the day. Putting your phone on silent and set notification permissions for your apps to prevent push messages and other popups from distracting you or diverting your attention is another way you can reduce screen time.
5. Create routines and systems: Creating routines and systems can help streamline your schedule and reduce decision fatigue. This could mean setting a morning routine, meal planning for the week, or creating a cleaning schedule for your home.
6. Schedule downtime: Make sure to schedule downtime in your schedule to rest and recharge. This could mean setting aside time for a weekly hobby or scheduling a vacation or staycation to disconnect from the stress of daily life.

Find out more about The Pomodoro Technique

By simplifying your schedule, you can reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and make time for the things that truly matter in life. Remember, the key is to prioritize self-care, be intentional with your commitments, and create systems and routines that work for you.

4. Digital Minimalism

Digital minimalism is about decluttering your digital life. It means reducing the number of apps you have on your phone, unsubscribing from unnecessary email newsletters, and limiting your time on social media. By simplifying your digital life, you can reduce distractions and increase your focus on what’s important.

If you need them, here are some simple tips to help you simplify your digital life and reduce your screen time:

1. Limit social media use: Social media can be a major time-waster and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and comparison. The infinite scroll is a real thing and the apps are designed to keep you hooked and active on their platforms. Consider setting limits on your social media use, such as checking it only once or twice a day, or taking regular breaks from social media altogether.
2. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails: An overflowing inbox can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Take the time to unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and newsletters that don’t add value to your life. Routinely delete items you do not need and archive mail to logical folders once you have dealt with it if you need to keep a record of it.
3. Simplify your digital workspace: Just like your physical space, your digital workspace can benefit from decluttering and simplification. Take the time to organize your files and folders, delete unnecessary documents and files, and create a system that works for you.
4. Use technology mindfully: Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone or computer, use technology mindfully by focusing on one task at a time and taking regular breaks to rest your eyes and mind.
5. Turn off notifications: As we previously mentioned, notifications can be a major distraction and disrupt your focus. Consider turning off non-essential notifications and only allowing notifications for important messages and calls. Putting your phone on silent or in another room while you focus on a task will also help you to reduce distractions and improve your productivity.
6. Practice digital detoxes: Just like a physical detox, a digital detox can help you reset and recharge. Consider taking a break from technology for a day, a weekend, or even a week to disconnect from the stress and overwhelming impact of digital life.

By practicing digital minimalism, you can reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and make time for the things that truly matter in life. Remember, the key is to limit social media use, simplify your digital workspace, use technology mindfully, and take regular breaks to rest and recharge.

5. Focus on Experiences

Minimalism is also about focusing on experiences rather than things. Instead of buying more stuff, focus on creating memories and experiences that matter and add value. This could be anything from taking a hike with friends to trying a new restaurant in town. By focusing on experiences, you can reduce the clutter in your life and create meaningful memories.

Instead of accumulating material possessions, minimalist living encourages you to invest in experiences and memories in which you are truly present and that bring joy as well as meaning to your life. If need some ideas for what experiences you can gift or get for yourself, check out:

4 Minimalist and Unusual Gifts to Inspire You

1. Travel: Traveling is a great way to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. Instead of accumulating more things, consider investing in travel experiences that create lifelong memories and broaden your horizons.
2. Attend events: Attending events such as concerts, theater productions, and sporting events can be a great way to immerse yourself in new experiences and make lasting memories.
3. Connect with nature: Spending time in nature can help you connect with the world around you and create meaningful experiences. Consider taking a hike, going camping, or simply spending time outdoors in a park or nature reserve. Leave your phone behind and if you are worried about needing to call for help should something happen take a non-smartphone that enables you to call or SMS but does not have a camera or internet. Here are some examples of portable no-frills phones for you to consider.
4. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact in the world. It can also be a meaningful experience that allows you to connect with others and make lasting memories. Plus it just makes you feel good when you help others
5. Learn new skills: Learning new skills, such as cooking, gardening, or a new language, can be a great way to invest in yourself through experiences that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life. A bonus is that you will meet new people and possibly open up new opportunities.

Summary

Adopting a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to mean becoming a full-fledged minimalist. By taking small steps towards minimalism, you can still reap the benefits of living intentionally and mindfully. Whether it’s decluttering your space or simplifying your schedule, embracing a minimalist lifestyle can help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

We hope that this article has sparked some ideas and provided you with some help for your journey to a more intentional life through minimalism. Below is a video from Gabe Bult, looking at clutter-free rules for a minimalist. Give it a watch.

If you would like to start living a minimalist lifestyle, how about starting with the 30-day decluttering challenge that focuses on sorting out your wardrobe?

This is an easy starting point and something that you use and access every day. Huge impact when done and is a great way to start the process. Here is a link if you are interested:

30-Day Decluttering Challenge: Tips to Transform Your Wardrobe for Minimalist Living