I did not set out to have a minimalist lifestyle, by any means but God is funny like that. In 2017, we were hit by not one but two category 5 hurricanes which tore off the roof our home and destroyed everything we own. We were able to recover some important documents like passports and marriage certificates but besides what we had thrown in 2 suitcases for the 4 of us, that was pretty much what we had left.
When I woke up the morning after the first hurricane, I was just so happy we survived that I didn’t even care about the stuff. Of course, I was sad about not having that particular roof over my head. But the things inside didn’t bother me as much. Guess when you are so thankful for life and health, you just don’t have the mental space to worry about the material things. I realized in the coming months that I had placed way too much time, effort and money on things that I actually didn’t care about. Go to my post Minimalism: What Does it Really Mean to get another way to look at this rewarding lifestyle.
When I went into GAP, Old Navy, etc. after the storms, I realized I was super hesitant and really picky about my purchases. I had what Steve calls a mindset shift. I wasn’t just picking things up because they were cute which used to be my only shopping criteria.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before you Make a Purchase
- Do we need this?
- Are we actually going to wear this more than once a year?
- Is the material easy to take care of (i.e. can I wash and dry it?)
- Is it comfortable (especially the kids’ clothes)?
- Can it match easily with other items?
Aren’t you proud? Your girl actually had criteria (aka standards) for shopping. I was putting more stuff back than I ever had before. And if I wasn’t completely sure I should buy something, I just didn’t and that was new for me as well. Just waiting to see if I needed something was the biggest change for me. Instant gratification was no longer winning.
The Benefits of Pausing Before you Buy
As time went on, I realized I had the urge to shop less and we were saving so much more. That turned into more time for me to do other things besides online shopping and more cash available for travel and investments. There are levels to this, obviously, and you have to do what is right for you. Just ask yourself why you are buying another pair of jeans when you own 5 or purchasing the latest phone when your old one works just fine can be a good first step.
I have become addicted to my somewhat minimalist lifestyle especially when it comes to our home. The kids don’t have a lot of toys which means less clutter and they use their creativity a whole lot more. Last week they built video game controllers out of blocks and had an imaginary battle in front of a powered off TV with fake sound effects and commentary included. It was hilarious and so much fun to watch. I also don’t miss having stuff piled up on counters or oozing out of drawers. The house is easier to clean and feels like a place I can actually relax. Namaste!
So, hopefully, I’ve sold you on the benefits of simpler living. How can you start to move towards a minimalist lifestyle? I personally am a baby step kinda girl. Here are 10 items in your house that you can get rid of this weekend and will help you breathe easier and encourage you to keep going.
10 Items to Get Rid of This Weekend
- Socks without a match (taunting you every laundry day)
- Toys your kids no longer play with or don’t have all the appropriate pieces (release it!)
- Anything with a hole in it (vintage jeans excluded)
- Expired food and medications (check your spices too)
- Tupperware with no lids (just let them go!)
- Hair or skin products that do not work for you (that mask that gives you a rash)
- Manuals for appliances (you can google those now)
- Electronic cords that do not fit anything in your house (it’s time)
- Pens that don’t work (toss ’em)
- Old receipts, coupons and mail (papers are the new roaches)
I hope you try it and let me know how it goes. I fell into this minimalist lifestyle and love not only living with less but organizing what you have left so comment if you want me to dive deeper into this topic or have any questions about how to simplify your space. I’m hoping we won’t have to spend as much time at home in 2021 as we did in 2020 but just in case, let’s create a clean slate!
So many snippets in this post echo everything I also felt after storms and in the process of building (and buying) a new life. I feel that there are two “movements” happening currently that I see in the lives of those around me. Hyper-consumerism as a means of coping. And Minimalism as a means of liberation.
This is so so true, Nina. Comfort over freedom. I hear so many people complain about not having enough time to do what they want to do but I don’t think we realize how much time is spent accumulating and managing all the stuff.
Running to do #’s 5,7, and 10 now! Lol…well after work that is! Would love to hear more on organizational tips for the home and parenting hacks! Xoxo
Thank you so much for the feedback. I will get working on it!
Since I’ve become married to my husband, he has definitely installed a more minimal approach to my lifestyle. He goes through the home and our storage sheds every six months, and we end up donating a lot. As a result, like you, I have been more critical in the thought process behind the things I buy.