A Dozen Simple Ways to Embrace a Minimalist Lifestyle at Home

A Dozen Simple Ways to Embrace a Minimalist Lifestyle at Home

My family has been on a journey towards minimalism and simplicity in many aspects of our lives: financially, at work, and especially in our home. With two children and all their belongings, it hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made significant progress.

Over the past few months, we’ve tackled our home one room at a time, decluttering and streamlining each space. Now, our home feels simple and free of unnecessary items. I believe that clutter not only takes up physical space but also mental space. Creating a minimalist home has had a profound impact on our family’s well-being. Here’s how we did it:

HOW TO BEGIN TO CREATE A MINIMALIST HOME

Although I’ve listed these tips, there isn’t a strict sequence to follow. The key is to decide to pare down as much as possible. While I may never achieve the perfect minimalist home, these tips can help anyone interested in embracing minimalism:

1. Start with one room. Simplifying an entire house at once can be overwhelming. Focus on one room, such as the bedroom, particularly the closets. Use the success in this room as motivation to tackle other areas.

2. Begin with the furniture. Less is generally more when it comes to furniture. Think about which pieces you can eliminate without sacrificing comfort. If there’s a piece you rarely use, consider removing it.

3. Keep only what you need. Evaluate each item in the room and ask yourself if it’s essential. If you can live without it, get rid of it. Aim to strip the room down to its essentials—you can always add a few select items later.

4. Clear the floors. Once you’ve minimized your furniture, make sure the floors are clear. Donate, trash, or store anything that’s left on the floor.

5. Clear all surfaces. Flat surfaces should be clear as well. This makes a big difference in achieving a minimalist look.

6. Clear your walls. Keep your walls bare except for one or two simple pieces of artwork or mirrors.

7. Store your stuff. Store everything you need out of sight, in drawers and cabinets. Bookshelves can hold books but nothing else. Use this opportunity to donate, sell, or trash items you’re storing.

8. Choose simple window treatments. Opt for bare windows, simple solid-colored curtains, or wooden blinds.

9. Use subdued colors. Stick to neutral or soft colors for most of the room—white is a classic minimalist choice. Adding a small splash of bright color as an accent is fine.

10. Edit and eliminate. After a few days, reassess the room. Ask a friend for an objective opinion. You’ll likely find more things you can simplify.

11. Find a place for everything. In a minimalist home, everything should have its designated spot. Even the coffee maker should have a place.

12. Enjoy the simplicity. Once you’ve simplified a room, sit and take it in. Notice the peacefulness? It’s a wonderful feeling.

By following these steps, our family has been able to create a more minimalist and peaceful home environment.