9 Types of Minimalists: Which One Are You?
The word “minimalism” has had a lot of exposure in recent years, but there is still some confusion about the meaning.
In short, minimalism can mean different things to different people. Read about what minimalism means to me here.
It can be used to describe an architectural style where elements are reduced to their most basic form, or it can refer to living with less stuff in order to live more fully.
There are also various ways that people practice minimalism, depending on how they choose to live life. This post explores 9 types of minimalists.
Before I began my minimalist journey, I thought minimalism was a one shoe fits all kind of thing. I believed that minimalism meant owning very little and I even thought there were ‘set rules’ to stick to.
What is it about minimalism that appeals? The idea of living with less stuff may seem appealing when we come home each day surrounded by clutter and chaos.
Read also: Minimalism For Beginners: 10 Tips To Kickstart Your Minimalist Life
Minimalist living has become an important part of many of our lifestyles as we try to simplify everything in order for us to enjoy what really matters most: time spent with family and friends.
Here are 9 different types of minimalists. Do you consider yourself to be any one of these?
1. Eco Minimalist
Also known as a green minimalist or a sustainable minimalist, they embrace the principles of minimalism and apply them to recycle, reuse and repurpose.
The eco minimalist uses what they already have in order to reduce their carbon footprint and the strain on Mother Earth’s resources.
Read also: 15 Ideas For Sustainable Living: Ultimate Beginners Guide
These types of minimalists can be identified by their use of vintage or recycled items in their homes, their commitment to recycling and upcycling, purchase of eco-friendly products, recycling what they no longer need, using reusable bags when shopping, and eating locally grown produce.
Read also: Simple Zero Waste Swaps to Use Around the Home
The eco minimalist usually has a strong sense of community involvement too, with many taking part in environmental projects, tree planting, beach clean-ups and fundraisers for environmental charities.
Read also: What is eco-minimalism and is it really for you?
2. Aesthetic Minimalist
The aesthetic minimalist is most concerned with the beauty in simplicity. They focus on visual beauty in every space.
This type of minimalist may have some items that are more expensive, but they choose quality and aesthetically pleasing items over quantity.
Their homes have an uncluttered look to them, with the main objective being the practicality of a living space.
The aesthetic minimalist can be easily identified by their use of monochromatic colour schemes, soft textures and neutral tones in furniture or decor.
Read also: Creating a Serene Sustainable Gallery Wall with Poster Store
3. Frugal Minimalist
The frugal minimalist is most concerned with the cost of their belongings and saving money on things.
They spend a lot of time researching used or second hand items, whether it be in thrift stores, yard sales or on Craigslist and only buy when essential. They also often hand down, borrow or rent items they don’t need all the time.
A frugal minimalist is able to spend less time worrying about money and more time on things that are important.
Read also: 10 Ways to Achieve Financial Minimalism
4. Extreme Minimalist
The extreme minimalist has embraced the minimalist way of life completely, keeping only a handful of items. They do not own anything that they don’t absolutely need.
They may appear to have very little belongings to an outsider, but they are quite comfortable with what they have.
An extreme minimalist might only have one set of everything – one plate, one bowl, one coffee mug – but it is all they need.
This type of minimalism is more about being free from material attachments and not missing anything they own.
Read also: Do the benefits of extreme minimalism outweigh the sacrifices?
"Make things as simple as possible, but no simpler." -
Albert einstein
5. Mindful Minimalist
The mindful minimalist is mostly focused on the idea of living mindfully with their belongings. They practice simple living in an effort to live with intention.
They might have a lot of items, but they are all carefully chosen for a specific reason. A mindful minimalist lives intentionally and mindfully spends their money on the things that are most important to them.
The mindful minimalist can be identified by their desire to follow their own path in life, supporting the idea of self-actualization. They are most concerned with their own personal growth and happiness.
Read also: 13 Brilliant Characteristics of a Minimalist Person
6. Nomad Minimalist
The nomad minimalist is one who has no fixed abode and may move frequently, whether it be moving to a different city or country or by travelling.
They might have temporary housing situations while exploring the world without settling in one place for too long, and likely carry their worldly possessions in a backpack.
This type of minimalism can also mean being transient, being free from having fixed assets, such as a house or car.
The nomad minimalist generally doesn’t stay in one place for too long and they embrace that lifestyle.
7. Essential Minimalist
An essential minimalist is all about paring down to the bare essentials of what they need. They have a core group of valuable possessions that are just right for them.
Their focus is on owning only what they love and finding joy in what they already have. They are aware of the capabilities of their belongings and don’t worry about having lots of things that they will never use.
The essential minimalist is also likely to be a purist, choosing quality over quantity when it comes to their belongings. They believe in owning items that last longer than trends.
8. Digital Minimalist
A digital minimalist despises clutter as much as the next minimalist, however they are mostly concerned with having a clear email inbox and desktop than kitchen counter.
The digital minimalist only has the bare essentials on their computer, everything else is carefully deleted or archived away.
Read also: Disconnect to Reconnect: The Significance of a Digital Detox
They have no unecessary apps on their phone and if they do sign up for something new, they will be sure to unsubscribe just as fast! They will do what it takes to clear out clutter and keep their inbox uncluttered too.
9. Rebel Minimalist
The final type of minimalist is the rebel minimalist. They march to the beat of their own drum and don’t follow what others might view as the usual ‘rules’ of minimalism. They might not be following any rules at all and are just doing their own thing.
They enjoy the benefits of living with less, but they also embrace the idea of having fun too.
By nature, the rebel minimalist doesn’t love being given a label!
Conclusion: 9 different types of minimalists
As we’ve seen, there is no one size fits all approach to minimalism. There are as many ways of living a minimalist lifestyle as there are people with different lifestyles.
Do any of these types of minimalists resonate with you? Perhaps you’re a combination of a few different types? Let me know in the comments below!
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I would call myself a ‘frugal minimalist’. I use put instant decaf coffee in the top of my coffee pot and perk it with cold water. I tear my Kleenex and paper towels in half before using. I would love to share my ‘tricks’ with others who are frugal also!