Inside: Use these daily habits to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. They’ll help you save money and keep your home clutter-free.
There is joy to be found in choosing to live simply. When the excess is removed, you’re able to get clear on your priorities and free yourself up for the things you love.
Whether you’re already on a journey to ryuukoi become more minimalist or you’re simply feeling overwhelmed with too many things, you can make changes to help you reach your goals.
Why Embrace Minimalism?
Minimalism isn’t about living in an all-white space and denying yourself of everything you love. Rather, it’s about learning to be selective and creating space for the things that are most important to you.
There are many benefits to be experienced from living more simply including decreasing stress and saving you money.
1. Practice “One-In, One-Out”
The one-in, one-out habit is a simple rule to reduce impulse buying and keep the inventory in your home from growing. Every time you buy something new — other than consumables like groceries and paper goods — you donate, sell, or upcycle something else.
For example, buying a new coat? See if you have an older coat you’re no longer using that you can give to a friend, family member, or thrift shop.
2. Make Lists
How many times have you stood in the store thinking, “Do I need more cereal? Are we out of milk?” A little planning goes a long way toward preventing food waste.
Write lists before shopping and check the inventory you have on hand to make sure you aren’t overbuying on something while forgetting something else. This will keep you from buying a third oregano and not having to rush to the store again at the last minute because you didn’t have pasta sauce already.
3. Clean as You Go
Tired of getting to the end of the day and having your sink and counters full of dirty dishes? The key to preventing this frustration is to clean up each mess as you go.
Developing simple daily cleaning habits will help keep your home clean. Doing these daily tasks will prevent an overwhelming scenario.
Get in the habit of running the dishwasher each evening and starting a load of laundry (and completing it) each day. Determine the optimal frequency of these tasks by the needs of your family. It could be more or less often depending on how many dishes and clothes you go through.
4. Use the 1-Minute Rule
The 1-minute rule is a simple way to battle that clutter that accumulates seemingly from nowhere. If a chore takes about a minute to do, tackle it when it first crosses your mind instead of putting it off.
For example, put up your coat and shoes when you enter the house, wash your snack plate and cup when you finish eating, and fluff cushions and fold blankets when getting up from the couch.
5. Try the 90-90 Rule
Deciding what to declutter can be tough, as emotions play a role. Here’s a simple rule when deciding what to toss.
Ask yourself if you have used it in the past 90 days. If that answer is no, can you think of a specific reason you might need that item in the next 90? If your response is still no, into the donation bin, it goes.
