Operating under the idea of “less is more” in life and money, the minimalist model of living is something more people are beginning to ascribe to. The thought is the fewer possessions one has, the less crowded your life becomes. From interior design to closet space and all spaces in between, minimalism is gaining traction among consumers of all ages and all economic brackets. Here’s what you need to know about minimalism and the minimalist model.

The Benefits of Minimalism

The benefits of minimalism are different for every person, and people have different reasons for embracing the minimalist model. Some of the common reasons for embracing minimalism include:

• Cutting down on spending to save for specific goals (paying off debt, down payment for homes, returning to college, etc.).
• Reducing personal drama to live in the moment, and be more present when dealing with friends and family.
• Clearing out the clutter in your home and in your life so that you are not overwhelmed or overcrowded by unnecessary, unused, and unwanted things.

As you can see, the benefits are far-reaching for those who dedicate themselves to living minimalistic lifestyles.

The benefits can be even broader than you expect, though. By reducing the “noise” around you (from things like the Internet, the clutter in your home, financial concerns, etc.), you may even discover a more peaceful existence. With less stress, you might find you realize physical and mental health improvements. These benefits are priceless.

A Minimalist Home

A minimalist home is one that offers many positive contributions. Not only is it uncluttered, but it is also easier to clean, maintain, and keep organized. Minimalist homes are not overcrowded with furniture. They offer clean lines and transparent surfaces. If you do have accent decorations in the minimalist home, they are few and, usually, meaningful.

When you embrace a minimalist home, you focus on the quality of items in your home, rather than their quantity. This is how you begin.

Tackle one room in your home at a time, and begin with the most essential items in the room – the furniture.

• Get rid of bulky, overstuffed, and oversized furniture in exchange for slim lines, simplicity, and subdued colors.
• Then, get rid of the things you do not need or that you do not have strong memories attached to.
• The next step is to clear floors and surfaces in your room. Then the walls. There should be no or very minimal “clutter”.

This does not mean you cannot have any decorations in your life, only that you should have fewer distractions from the decorations you choose.

A Minimalist Life

A minimalist life is one that is better for your finances, your health, your mind, and the planet. When you live a minimalist life, you develop deeper relationships with the people in your life and focus more on things that truly matter to you. You also do not get caught up in the “noise” and “clutter” of the world around you. Your home becomes simpler to clean. You have time for the things that are most important to you, and you have the money and the energy to pursue activities that matter most.

Takeaway

The minimalist model is one most people would be happier pursuing in life. When you have fewer things, you discover you need fewer things. When you are unconcerned over accumulating more possessions, you enjoy the belongings you have even more. It is a gift you give yourself.