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Today’s topic is more of a reflection of some very important things I’ve learned after 3 years of minimalism. I dove into a minimalist lifestyle 3 years ago, right when my husband and I got married. We moved into our very first “home” together (it was a fifth-wheel trailer!). Because we were going to be living the “tiny” life, I knew I had to learn to live with less.
This is how my minimalist lifestyle began. While our place was tiny, I wanted to make sure I always kept it clean and organized. You probably already know that small spaces became cluttered very quickly! Initially, I thought I would be cleaning a lot less in a small space, but I clean so much more! It’s not a bad thing though, as I can clean very quickly even though I have to do it more often.
I became a minimalist rather quickly, decluttering anything and everything we had no real use of. Fast forward 3 years later and I am still living that simple, minimalist life! I have learned so much since then and have gotten better at it. Here are some important things I learned after 3 years of minimalism.
1. How to Make Due
It’s important to note that when my husband and I first got married, I was fresh out of college and we were both only working part-time jobs. That being said, we were living in the expensive Bay Area and not making very much money.
There were several times that we ran out of certain things and I simply wouldn’t go buy more unless absolutely necessary. Because we were already used to living so simply, learning how to make due became natural. For example, if we ran out of a certain food item or ingredient, I would use substitutes that I already had on hand for certain meals instead of running to the grocery store halfway through the week.
Related: 10 Things I Stopped Buying as a Minimalist
2. My Style
Growing up, I was always taught to buy everything that was on sale. It didn’t matter if it was good quality, or that I even liked it. If it was cheap or on sale, then buying it was the right option. This led me to collect random clothing items that were low quality and did not make me feel good. I ended up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear (I think many of us have been there!).
When I became a minimalist, I was very excited to create a capsule wardrobe and only own things that I absolutely loved! I discovered my style, which is neutral, timeless, minimalist, yet feminine. Every piece of clothing in my closet is something I love and get a lot of use out of! They are all high quality items that I either thrifted or purchased brand new.
I also though it worth mentioning that most of my clothes are from Everlane, whether thrifted or purchased new. If you are a petite female like myself (5’2 here), many of their ankle length jeans actually hit me at the ankles! If you know, you know.
Related: How to Create a Minimalist Spring Capsule Wardrobe
3. Minimalism Saves Time & Money
Because I was buying a lot less stuff, I was saving a lot of money! Minimalism also saves me tons of time cleaning and organized and worrying about STUFF. It’s easier to clean my home, do chores, and get ready in the morning.
Related: How Minimalism Can Save You Tons of Money
4. Minimalism & Letting Go
Another one of the things I learned from minimalism is how to let go. I used to have somewhat of an emotional attachment to certain things, but I have now learned to let go. They are just things, after all. They just sit there, collecting dust. It’s our memories and experiences that actually matter.
Thankfully, it wasn’t too difficult for me to let go. I realized that many people I know have a much harder time letting go of things, but for me it’s like taking a weight off my shoulders now.
5. How to Stop Impulse Purchases
Minimalism also taught me to stop impulse purchases. Let me be clear, I have never been a shopaholic, but I have had my fair share of impulse purchases and unneeded shopping sprees. Whenever I felt stressed or insecure, I would resort to retail therapy. Of course, it was always a short term solution and I always regretted it.
Now, I resort to other ways of coping with stress such as exercise, painting, or unplugging from social media for a day. I have gotten pretty good at only buying what I need and not much else!
6. Being Content
This leads to my last point, which is learning to be content with what I currently have. I’m not going to lie, I used to compare myself to others A LOT. Often times, this would lead to my impulse purchases or me just feeling very down about myself and where I was in life. One of the things I’ve learned from minimalism is to be content with what I have and my current situation, while still allowing me to work towards my goals of bettering myself in a healthy, positive way.
Honestly, I am a lot happier living a minimalist, slower paced life. I don’t have to pretend to be something I am not, I don’t have crazy debt, and I am not stuck in this consumerism mindset. I still enjoy nice this and fun experiences, but they are all things I chose because I wanted them, not because someone else had them or is doing it.
Related: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
If you think minimalism is right for you and want to get started, sign up and get your FREE decluttering checklist!
Sincerely,
Denise XOXO
