Life gets messy.
Between a busy work schedule and personal responsibilities, things start to pile up — whether those are physical items like dirty dishes and old stuff or mental ones like overdue tasks and unread emails. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you get rid of this extra clutter by guiding you to keep only what you truly need.
A minimalist lifestyle not only helps declutter your physical spaces but also your mind. The philosophy behind minimalist living emphasizes intentional choices about what we surround ourselves with. By focusing on essentials, a minimalist mindset reduces stress and enhances overall well-being.
Embracing minimalism and decluttering doesn’t mean living with the bare minimum. The goal of becoming minimalist is to audit bad habits, downsize unnecessary belongings, and thoughtfully assess what adds value to your minimalist life. The true definition of minimalism lies in prioritizing things that bring meaning to your life and intentionally focusing on what matters most.
What is minimalism?
Minimalism is a movement aimed at decluttering both physical and mental spaces. People who practice minimalism live with fewer belongings, and they approach minimalist living with an intentional mindset, developing strong organizational skills.
By eliminating the excess, they find more purpose in what remains. This concept promotes a simple life and encourages people to find happiness in simplicity.
To better understand the concept, here are some examples of what a minimalist person is or sometimes looks like in pop culture. They’re someone who:
- Lives in a small minimalist home, cutting down on space and possessions and saving time on maintenance
- Carefully manages a budget, allowing them to invest and save money to develop a stronger financial foundation for the future
- Avoids unnecessary stuff, and focus on the quality of life over material possessions.
- Prioritizes experiences over material possessions, choosing to invest in hobbies and quality time with loved ones rather than accumulating items
- Avoids unnecessary digital distractions, like excessive social media or cell phone use, to focus on more fulfilling free time activities
- Only purchases reusable products and builds personal responsibility about adopting more sustainable habits that create less waste
- Adopts organizational routines to improve efficiency and avoid burnout, like putting items away after using them or breaking the day up into different productivity blocks
Whether it's downsizing their spaces, choosing clothing more intentionally, or limiting distractions, minimalists aim to simplify life and increase their sense of freedom. They realize that a simple life is not about deprivation but about clarity and purpose.
Famous minimalists like Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and Marie Kondo have popularized the concept of minimalism through their content and advocacy. They encourage individuals to get rid of items that do not serve them and to pursue a minimalist life of freedom and intention.
However, there are common misconceptions about minimalism, such as the idea that you have to get rid of everything or live with nothing but the bare minimum. In reality, minimalists choose to live with what brings them joy and aligns with their values.
5 benefits of minimalism
Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a minimalist lifestyle, require patience and intentional planning. Here are five benefits of becoming minimalist:
1. Less clutter, less stress
Mess creates cognitive overloads that raise stress levels. An article in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reports that mess creates cognitive overloads that signal the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which pushes your body out of its natural homeostasis.
Over time, chronic and acute stress negatively impacts your body and mind, from decreasing your memory function to lowering the effectiveness of your nervous system.
So, decluttering your spaces is essential for a healthier life. By keeping a minimalist home, you help your body and mind function at their best, promoting well-being and freedom from mental clutter. This approach reflects the zen habits philosophy of finding calm through simplicity.
2. Improved collaboration
Arriving late for work because you lost track of your keys, or losing time searching through stacks of disorganized documents, are avoidable time-wasters. These bad habits could end up poorly reflecting your work ethic and reputation. The minimalist lifestyle teaches efficiency, helping you avoid wasting time looking for misplaced stuff.
Relationships are built on trust and respect, and streamlining your spaces could help you show up for the people who depend on you.
3. Enhanced productivity and focus
Your brain is constantly processing information and stimuli, and the more physical objects you have in your space, the harder your brain works to filter them out, according to research from the Journal of Neuroscience.
With fewer distractions, the brain can concentrate on what matters. Minimalist living helps you declutter your environment, resulting in a clearer mindset that enhances productivity and focus. Practicing zen habits can further help with mental clarity.
4. Happier life
Living with less doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. Insights from Social Indicators Research reveal that satisfaction with your standard of living helps define your life satisfaction.
The philosophy of minimalism fosters gratitude for what you have and promotes happiness through intentional living. A minimalist life emphasizes relationships and experiences over excess stuff, creating a deeper sense of fulfillment and a more simple life.
Materialists might define their standard of living based on how they perceive their wealth or material possessions, while minimalists might define it as happiness or contentment with what they have. The latter fosters a culture of gratitude that can make you overall happier.
5. Better budget
For many households, the cost of food, housing, and healthcare have increased exponentially faster than wages, according to a report from CBS that analyzes data from 2022. Buying less and selling items you no longer use can help you save.
By downsizing and living with less, you'll spend your money more wisely. The minimalist approach encourages you to focus on quality over quantity, helping you save and invest in experiences that bring you joy and long-term freedom. Realizing that you don't need everything can free up resources for more meaningful experiences.
By spending your paycheck on functional items and experiences, you have extra money for saving or investing in your financial wellness.
How to be minimalist: 24 tips
Becoming minimalist doesn’t have to happen overnight. In fact, it’s best as a slow process, giving you time to self-reflect and be intentional about what habits and items you decide to get rid of. Here’s how to embrace a minimalist lifestyle:
1. Figure out your priorities
The minimalist philosophy isn't one-size-fits-all. Start by understanding your personal goals and values. Whether it’s downsizing your belongings or investing in a minimalist home, make intentional decisions. Practicing zen habits can help you focus on the essentials and clear mental and physical clutter.
Take some time to journal or meditate on your goals. You may want to improve your relationships with more bonding experiences, create a savings plan, or be more organized at work. Goal-setting and prioritization will give you the clarity you need to build an action plan.
2. Start small
Becoming minimalist doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on small changes, like organizing your desk or decluttering your clothing. Little by little, you'll feel the freedom of a minimalist life. Remember, a simple life isn’t about getting rid of everything; it's about being mindful and intentional in your choices.
3. Appreciate what you have
Social media algorithms or toxic people can trick you into comparing yourself to others. Try to focus on yourself instead. Start your day by writing down something you’re thankful for, like being happy with your job or spending quality time with family. The gratitude practice can put you in a good mood and remind you about what’s important to you in life.
Developing a gratitude practice helps you stay intentional and avoid over-accumulating stuff. The mindset of minimalism is all about appreciating your belongings and living with less. This approach echoes Marie Kondo's famous question, "Does it spark joy?"
4. Declutter everyday
Daily decluttering habits help maintain the simplicity of a minimalist lifestyle. Keeping your spaces free of unnecessary stuff allows you to focus on what truly matters and live a more simple life.
5. Organize your space
Once you’ve downsized, make sure your minimalist home stays organized. Clear storage containers, designated places for every object, and routines help you live more efficiently, ensuring that you don’t need to handle everything all at once.
6. Build a capsule wardrobe
A minimalist wardrobe contains versatile, timeless clothing items that you can mix and match, which cuts down on clutter and contributes to your intentional, minimalist life. A selection of versatile items emphasizes functionality and personal style over trends. And an extra benefit of having less clothing is less time debating your outfit during your morning routine.
7. Digitize documents
A paperless approach is part of the minimalist lifestyle. Storing important documents digitally frees up physical space and helps declutter your home or office. According to a 2021 report from Forbes, American businesses waste $8 billion on managing paper each year, despite digitization.
Storing important documents electronically in a centralized platform, whether at work or at home, can save you time searching for documents and encourage easier information-sharing. It also keeps them safe from damage and frees up physical space.
8. Invest in multi-functional items
Minimalists choose products that serve multiple purposes. This intentional approach reduces unnecessary stuff and supports an efficient, minimalist life. All-in-one printers or universal docking stations can eliminate bulky machinery or cables that create eyesores. And choosing collaboration tools that combine messaging, file sharing, and project management can also improve teamwork.
To-do lists, calendars, and task management apps can help you stay on top of your daily routine and eliminate mental clutter. These apps support the minimalist mindset by helping you prioritize and stay organized. Keeping track of your schedule gives you more clarity to focus on your work and ensure you don’t fall behind or miss a commitment.
10. Repair broken items
It’s tempting to toss broken objects and start from scratch with something new. But repairing them can save you money and eliminate waste. Instead of buying new stuff, repair what you already have.
This practice supports a sustainable, minimalist lifestyle and aligns with the concept of making the most of what you have. Sweep through your home and office and evaluate what damaged or broken objects need some attention. Fixing your possessions is a great way to both live more sustainably and build valuable soft skills like resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
11. Monitor your screen time
Too much digital clutter can overwhelm your mind. Reducing screen time helps maintain the intentional focus of minimalist living.
Install a focus app, program quiet modes on your phone, or turn off push notifications to help reduce your screen time. A digital detox can improve your sleep schedule and build a better work-life balance, giving you mental space to focus and spend time on activities that truly bring you happiness.
12. Invest in experiences
Rather than accumulating stuff, minimalists prioritize meaningful experiences.
Minimalism doesn’t have to equate to strict frugality or a boring lifestyle. It just means spending your time and money with more intention. If you want to limit material goods while also adding joy to your life, focus on experiences.
This shift in mindset is central to the minimalist philosophy. Additionally, spending time on enriching hobbies or interacting with your loved ones will create deeper bonds and lasting memories that can make life more meaningful.
13. Choose quality over quantity
Although quality items may cost more in the short term, they pay off in the long run. When you buy less, invest in quality items that last longer. The minimalist philosophy values quality over quantity to prevent unnecessary spending. Whether investing in a new computer, office chair, or clothing item, aim for finding something excellent over several of an item.
14. Encourage community sharing
You don’t need to own everything, especially with items you don’t use frequently. Renting books from the library, swapping tools with friends, or sharing software licenses with coworkers can reduce unnecessary duplicates and waste. Share books, tools, or other items with your community. It fosters connection and reduces the need for excess stuff. Likewise, giving and receiving generosity improves relationships and builds community.
15. Practice mindfulness
Impulse purchases might fill you with a temporary burst of satisfaction, but it wanes until the next impulse buy. Mindfulness practices like self-reflection and gratitude can help you better understand your core values and avoid those impulses. They give you the space to reprioritize how you spend your money and time.
16. One in, one out
Many minimalists follow a “One in, one out” rule to avoid impulse buys. When purchasing a new item, habitually donate one you already own. If you’re buying a new sweater for fall, give away one you never wear, or reflect on whether you actually need something new. This can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and save space in your home.
17. Donate
An object you no longer need can serve an important purpose for someone else. When cleaning your freezer, closet, or office space, consult with community centers or organizations and see if your items can help them out. The satisfaction you get from helping out someone else may be the push you need to declutter your space. Decluttering in this way supports a minimalist lifestyle and helps others.
18. Put it on the calendar
Declutter regularly, whether that’s every two months or an annual spring cleaning. Schedule regular decluttering sessions to ensure that your minimalist space stays organized and intentional. Scheduling it into your calendar will ensure you turn cleanliness into a habit, and it tells the people around you when you plan on decluttering so they can help.
19. Build a budget
Minimalists often maintain a strict budget to ensure their spending aligns with their priorities. This helps them avoid accumulating unnecessary stuff. Create a personalized budget that identifies fixed, variable, and discretionary expenses to avoid spending money on things you don’t need. Placing clear guidelines and expectations on your spending habits will help you think twice before purchasing something, aligning your finances with your goals.
20. Track your spending
Along with your budget, try to write down every purchase you make. This helps you build a deeper awareness of how often and how much you spend, creating accountability and prompting self-reflection. Carefully read your monthly bank statements to ensure you eliminate subscriptions or services you don’t use, whether a newsletter, gym membership, or streaming service.
21. Reroute meaningless expenses
Rather than spending your cash on new clothes each month or buying a new phone with every update, put that money into your savings or retirement fund. Seeing your money consistently grow can make it easier to say no to a new pair of shoes.
22. Track your progress
Journaling your feelings about your journey to becoming a minimalist and adopting these habits. It can help you stay motivated and reflect on practices you might want to improve. Write down the positive impact of a tidy space and better habits on your life. This self-reflection can be a powerful motivating force, filling you with a sense of accomplishment and pride in your self-improvement.
23. Find your calm
For some, impulse purchases are a quick fix when something overwhelms them or causes stress. If you want to treat yourself to relieve a bad mood, try to place that energy elsewhere and create better habits. Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to realign yourself.
24. Connect with others
If you’re having a tough time living with fewer things, check out some self-help books, podcasts, and TED Talks to inspire you. Additionally, resources like Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus offer guidance on the journey of becoming a minimalist. Their teachings can inspire you to continue living intentionally.
The wisdom and experiences of others can show you what your goals look like in practice. Professional organizer Marie Kondo’s Netflix show “Tidying Up” and famous minimalist Joshua Becker’s book The More of Less are great places to start.
Simplify your life
Whether you’re downsizing your belongings or developing a minimalist mindset, this minimalist philosophy offers a path to living with more intention. As you begin the process of decluttering, remember that the journey to a minimalist life is one of patience and self-reflection. Letting go of stuff gives you more freedom to focus on what matters most.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, a coach can help. Connect with a BetterUp Coach to start embracing a minimalist lifestyle that works for you.
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