Chances are, if you’ve been reading blogs lately, you’ve come across more than a few posts about minimalism. What is minimalism? Is it actually something worth pursuing? Does it have any benefits? Most importantly, is it right for you?
Minimalism is basically downsizing your home and possessions and living with less than usual. For some people, minimalism means only having necessities, rather than “wants,” but for other people, minimalism simply means living within their means, not going into debt, and not having excess possessions. For many people, minimalism means getting rid of that extra crockpot you never use, owning only one car instead of three, or downsizing a closet to just 10 outfits instead of 30.
Do you have areas in your home that look like this?
If you feel that your life is cluttered, too busy, or that you have too much “stuff,” the idea of minimalism may be appealing. Some families take minimalism to the extreme, going so far as to get rid of all but a few toys, ditching extra DVDs and dishes, or even clearing out extra furniture. Others choose to be more moderate with the idea of minimalism and simply try to de-clutter their homes, purchase new items with discretion, and live within their budgets.
There are many books, blogs, and articles on minimalism, but when it comes down to it, the choice is up to you. While downsizing your possessions, getting rid of clutter, and becoming more organized is a worthy goal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be a minimalist. As an individual, you can pick and choose what aspects of minimalism you like and ditch the rest.
I have never read about the minimalist movement. I think these days, with the economy in a constant state of disarray, that most people are keeping in check what they need vs what they want. At least, that is what I have noticed from more and more of my friends.