Using Less & Living More

Using Less and Living More: 5 Steps to Minimalism 

“Minimalism” is a buzzword that gets thrown around frequently these days, but the idea of transitioning to a minimal lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially for parents who know firsthand just how many belongings kids require. Can you really practice minimalism when you have stockpiles of old baby clothes, soccer gear, and art projects tucked in every corner of the house? Yes! Here are five ways to get started.

• Create a purpose. Minimalism looks different for each family and household. Think about what you want to minimalize and why you want to make the change. It could be for your health, to lower your stress levels, to save money, to help your family, or for many other reasons. Talk to your spouse and kids to get them on board with your vision. 

• Start with a weekend. If you’re not sure where to get started, set aside a weekend to get rid of 100 things from around the house. You may be surprised how quickly you hit that number! Most people find that making it through the first weekend gives them motivation to continue.

• Discard duplicates. It can be overwhelming to think of purging lots of items from your home, but one of the easiest ways to start is to get rid of anything you have multiple versions of, including kitchen utensils, books, movies, games, or clothing items. Set the items aside for a few weeks—if you don’t miss them in that time, it’s time to get rid of them. 

• Start small. You don’t need rid the clutter in your entire house at the same time. Choose a room or even a section of the room and try to keep it clutter-free. This can even be as simple as de-cluttering your car. Once you’ve kept that area clutter-free and minimal for a week, expand the area to another room in the house.

• Condense your menu. A minimalist lifestyle is about more than just belongings, clothing, and junk—it’s also about food. Minimalize your cupboards and your grocery bill by eating similar meals. Try to cook meals that have similar ingredients to cut down on your shopping list, and reuse those menu items frequently over the course of a few weeks. 

There you have it. Transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to be an immediate and drastic change. Consider the needs of your schedule and family to create a clean, clutter-free environment that can help everyone in your house.