We’ve all heard the phrases “live life to the fullest” and “live large.” While those statements conjure up images of a lavish life filled with all the things you want and more things you don’t, there’s a new mindset that’s gaining popularity across the US and beyond: “Less is more.”
As this defining principle of minimalism is increasingly accepted, people are beginning to realize that minimalist principles can make their lives feel more complete than ever, despite the fact that they are told to throw away unnecessary things and purge old ideas.
Listed below are 11 expert tips on living a full life with minimal principles and less.
1. Find the fun
Myrna, from Soulfully minimal The more minimalist principle explains the joy that comes with less, “Minimalism can be fun, if you keep the things you love, it feels good and Let everything else go“
2. Focus on what’s important
Colin Wright, author, podcast producer and speaker Exile lifestyle says, “Minimalism is about focusing on what’s most important to you and spending more of your time, energy, and resources on those most important things.”
“Translate that philosophy into your space and you’ll tend to make a lot of the tough decisions and tradeoffs a lot easier and the outcomes will be more in line with your preferences and ideals,” he urges people.
3. Never push
“I’ve been on a minimalist spectrum, from trying to get as little as possible to embracing lots of colorful art and comfort items, as long as they’re joyful additions to my home,” explains Caitlin Liz FisherAuthor and Life Coach.
He explains, “I’m willing to hold extras — but only if they fit in a designated space. My minimum rule is ‘no shoving.’ If I have to push and push things to fit something in a shelf, bin or drawer, something else has to go to make room.
“As long as everything has a designated place, my clutter is less stressful and my home looks and feels happier!”
4. Be intentional
“In my experience and the experience of my clients, living with less leads to greater comfort! After clearing the clutter, they are surrounded only by the things they truly love. The stress and anxiety of managing excess items is replaced by more joy, peace and tranquility in their home,” explains. Minimal-ish mama.
She notes, “The physical space they create translates into internal space as well. This means they can be more present with their loved ones and make time to pursue the hobbies and activities they enjoy.”
“As a minimalist, I try to shop purposefully, making sure that everything I bring into my home is high quality, beautiful, and built to last. While the colors in my home are simple, I focus on texture, plants, and vintage pieces that tell a story to make it feel cozy and comfortable.”
5. Make room for meaningful things
Erin TannehillA modern housewife, homesteader and declutterer says, “When decorating a small space, use pieces that mean something to you or reflect your personality. Swap out a cheap lamp you don’t really love for a family heirloom, or invest in one that fits your style.”
“By decorating your space with meaningful pieces, you’ll find that you don’t need a beautiful and comfortable home.”
6. Free yourself from the furniture
Moving from hometown to city, from Angela Mostly mindful – simple life in the city suggests, “Living with less stuff makes you happier A hygge-centric environment“
“Recently, we decided to try living furniture-free. Along with the health benefits of hanging out on the floor, the lack of furniture has made our apartment more attractive.”
“Ditching the sofa and dining room table isn’t for everyone,” she admits.
He encourages people, “If you can reduce the amount of furniture in your home to create more space. You will find the result significantly pleasant.”
7. Simplify your space
Anastasia Millwood from the aptly named home organization company Organized in five Simple suggests that “every space in your home should be no more than five minutes from tidying up. Minimalism is not about a perfectly tidy home.”
At the end of the day, “it’s about keeping the house easily organized.”
8. Use every inch
Karen Trafzger, a minimalist, writer and manager Maximum gratitude, minimum content website“Smaller homes require more versatility, more communication, and more awareness of each other’s needs,” he says.
“Still less stuff can provide all the comfort and utility we need to live happily in that small space,” she explains.
“A kitchen table can be used for meals, as a desk, and as a gathering place for family conversation or game night. A sofa can offer seating and an extra bed. A trunk can be a coffee table when storing extra blankets, hobby supplies, or out-of-season clothing.”
9. Mess up
Erica LucasA minimalist and decluttering expert went into great detail to explain his four-part approach to adopting a more minimal lifestyle:
- Declutter one day at a time. Living comfortably with less takes time and practice. Start with a junk drawer, an assortment of your clothes, or a basket of toys. It’s hard to get motivated to declutter if you’re overwhelmed, but picking up the pace day by day can lead to a happier life with less stuff.
- Adopt an open space in your home. Design your home with key furniture pieces and allow light and love to fill open spaces instead of stuff. The open space makes my home easier to keep clean and feels less stressful than our home before minimalism.
- Instead of thinking about what to donate, think of things to keep. Changing your perspective when dealing with your wardrobe or kitchen drawers can help you live in less time. My mantra for the first year of decluttering was: “Decide what to keep. Ask why. Let the rest go.”
- Embrace that clutter happens. I keep an “outbox” by my front door for items to take to the donation center, the library, the post office, or a friend’s house. Living with less time makes it easier to spot clutter in your home. I have learned to recognize clutter as a selection Instead of judging myself for being messy I need to create.
10. Negative space, positive vibes
Deb Shephard, the minimalist behind the mother and content creator Clothes in abundance “Be okay with negative space because it can add balance to any room. There’s no need to fill everything,” she tells People.
11. It’s all about conscious healing
Our final and most cerebral tip comes from Joe Bennett, a life coach at Solomojo Coaching.
She approaches minimalism with the mindset that, “Having a minimalist mindset means consciously curating what you want and need.”
The key is to “determine what you value and then occupy the home with only those things that are used often, function well and look good.”
“Create a consumption criteria that focuses on satisfaction, yet prevents overspending, clutter and waste. Prioritize organizing spaces with mental health in mind, such as limiting technology and clearing window barriers to observe nature.”
Define your own minimum principles
Minimalism is Design principleA state of mind or a goal you are striving towards every day. Regardless of which camp you fall into, minimalism can streamline your space, ease your mind, and redefine the way you approach every day. Follow any or all of the expert tips listed above and start seeing the world in a whole new light today.
