Are you feeling the weight of needing to buy and have more? You’re not alone: many people find themselves spending more, but they aren’t getting any happier. Enter minimalism; here are seven ways to let go of the need for stuff and live lighter (and cheaper).
Declutter Your Space to Declutter Your Mind
The first step to frugal minimalism is to deal with the physical clutter in your home. Start small with maybe a single drawer or closet. As you flip through your things, ask yourself: “Do I use this? Do I even care about it?” If the answer is no, consider donating or selling it. This not only frees up space but also creates a more peaceful surroundings allowing your mind to breathe and focus on what truly matters.
Clean Up Your Digital Workspace
Digital clutter is very real, and many people ignore it since it doesn’t take up precious desk real estate. But it’s smart to take a moment and clean up digital workspaces to boost productivity and lower your stress. Think of all the time you’ll save by not sifting through endless notifications and digital distractions — and maybe slowly chip away at that massive inbox backlog.
Practice Mindful Spending
Frugal minimalism is about intention, especially in how you spend. Before you buy something, take a beat and ask yourself if it goes with your values and lifestyle. The more thought you give to buying something, the more you’ll only buy things you actually need. It’s not about not buying things — it’s about conscious consumption that saves you a considerable amount on your bottom line.
Try a Capsule Wardrobe
What if every time you opened your closet, the only thing you saw were clothes you actually wanted to wear? That’s what a capsule wardrobe is: easy-to-combine basics and separates you mix, match, and love to put on. The best capsule wardrobes contain timeless pieces that are both high-quallity and versatile. This way, you’ll feel more organized and less likely to buy fast fashion that you’ll only wear once.
Don’t Pay for Entertainment
Entertainment is remarkably cheap or even free if you know where to look. Visit local parks, art galleries, or community events. Libraries frequently offer free workshops and even have the latest and greatest movies to rent. Cut back on costly concerts and events and see what your city has in store for you without spending a cent!
Connect With Your Community
Minimalism is a lot easier (and more fun) when you have support. Consider joining a local swap group, where you can trade items you no longer need. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also lets you meet like-minded people you can share frugal and minimalist tips with — maybe even make a new friend! Online social circles are also a good idea for learning more about modern minimalism and discovering some unique ways to save money.
Go DIY
While not every person should wield a power saw, there are so many opportunities to DIY things that aren’t hard and barely cost a thing. Whether it is making your own cleaning products or upcycling your furniture, a do-it-yourself approach can save you some bucks and put your creativity to the test. You might even discover a love for something that surprises you, so why not teach yourself a new skill and see what you can do?
