27 Easy Minimalism Tips for Beginners
I first heard the words “less is more” during architecture school when learning about the famous minimalist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
I had no idea then how these three simple words would later completely transform my life. Now I consider myself a minimalist, and this philosophy has permeated every single aspect of my life.
Today, I want to share 27 ways that less is more. Consider this a beginner’s guide to minimalism.
1. Fewer options = more confident decision making
An entire plethora of choices may be quite overwhelming, while if you pare your choices to just a few, you will make decisions more quickly and easily.
2. Fewer commitments to others = more time for personal passions
Being part of a community is important, but we can also get burnt out and spend all of our energy in this way, forgetting about our own passions.
3. Less furniture = more space
We often forget about the importance of space. Having fewer bulky furniture pieces allows us to move around more freely and creates a feeling of openness.
4. Less in the cupboards = more access to needed items
The fewer things you have in your drawers and cabinets, the easier it will be to find whatever you need at a given moment.
5. Less shopping = more saving
This is pretty self-explanatory.
6. Fewer toys = more imaginative play
Review your kids’ toys and eliminate ones that do not engage their natural creativity and imagination. Open-ended play items will help your children learn to entertain themselves.
7. Less on the counters = more space to work
Horizontal surfaces are working surfaces, and piles of stuff on them do not help you get any work done.
8. Fewer stockpiles = more rotation of useful items
It might be tempting to buy in bulk, but we might end up forgetting items and not being able to rotate through them efficiently, so things go bad and get wasted.
9. Less wasting = getting more out of your product
Everything is so accessible today that we forget to value our possessions like our ancestors did and make the most out of them.
So use kitchen scraps as compost, sew up holes in your clothing, and generally do not rush to throw things out and replace them.
10. Less time on social media = more loving your life
Being on social media is often associated with comparisons and feeling bad about our own lives.
I do encourage you to find joy in your own life, and stop comparing it to others.
11. Fewer clothes = more ease in choosing outfits
If your wardrobe only consists of what suits you, it is so much easier to get dressed every morning.
12. Less complaining = more contentment
Instead of being sad about what you do not have, take a moment and appreciate all of the blessings that you have been given in life.
13. Less stress = more and improved sleep
It is nearly impossible to get a good night's sleep when our minds are buzzing.
Try to find the night-time routine that calms you down, whether it is meditation, reading or journaling.
14. Less available junk food = more healthy eating
If we do not have fast food lying around, we may be prompted to instead reach for a healthy choice or even try a new recipe with ingredients that will leave us feeling more fulfilled and satisfied longer.
15. Less visual clutter = more peaceful setting
If your eyes are darting around the room from thing to thing not able to settle anywhere, it can be distracting and even a bit stressful. Allow your eyes to focus on a few select pieces.
16. Less comparing = more connecting
We are all created with our own special talents, abilities and purposes in life. By stopping to compare ourselves to others, we can celebrate each other’s accomplishments and connect more deeply.
17. Less quantity = more quality
In shopping, always prioritize quantity. Get fewer things that will last you a longer time.
18. Less talking = more listening
If you are talking all the time, it is really difficult to hear what other people have to say.
19. Less stored = more used
With so much storage space available to us, we may forget how freeing it is to only keep the items that truly serve us.
20. Less TV = more time for other activities
It is tempting to sit down in front of the TV after a long day, but cutting back on it and exploring other hobbies can bring great joy to life.
21. Fewer goals = more focus and intensity
Setting goals is awesome, but we can overwhelm ourselves by taking on too many. Focusing on just a couple at a time makes it so much easier and more enjoyable to achieve them.
22. Less negativity = more ability to see positive
There is almost always good to be seen if we just look for it.
23. Less to manage = more or better care
In a garden, trying to grow every type of vegetable possible would inevitably lead to failure, because you cannot take care of them all well enough. This is true for any other area of life.
24. Fewer papers piled = more access to important ones
By decluttering papers regularly, you can avoid missing and misplacing those that are important.
25. Less digital clutter = more efficient devices
Our computers and phones often get so full of files that they start working slower. Take some time regularly to do a quick purge and keep those devices running smoothly.
26. Fewer duplicate items = more use out of what you have
Only owning one of a particular item means using it routinely and getting maximum use out of it before it needs replacing. Moreover, you are going to know exactly when it needs to be replaced.
27. Less questioning = more confident decision-making
Instead of overthinking and overanalyzing, try to listen to your intuition and go with your gut.
Minimalism for beginners
Minimalism is not just about shopping and decluttering, it is a way of life.
These 27 ways to do less and get more is my introduction to minimalism for beginners.
If you have any other minimalist tips for beginners or ideas of why less is more, feel free to leave a comment below.
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