We\u2019ve all heard the phrases \u201clive life to the fullest\u201d and \u201clivin\u2019 large.\u201d While those statements conjure up images of a lavish life filled with all things you need and even more of the things you don\u2019t, there\u2019s a new mindset embracing that\u2019s gaining popularity all throughout the U.S. and beyond: \u201cLess is more.\u201d<\/p>\n
As more and more embrace this defining principle of minimalism, people are beginning to realize that minimalist principles can make their lives feel more full than ever before, despite the fact that they\u2019re being asked to toss unnecessary items and purge outdated ideas.<\/p>\n
Listed below is advice from 11 experts on minimalist principles and living a full life with less.<\/p>\n
1. Find the fun<\/h2>\n
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Myrna, from Soulfully Minimal<\/a> explains the joy that comes with the less is more minimalist principle by saying, \u201cMinimalism can be fun, it can feel good if you stick to keeping the things you absolutely love and let everything else go<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Colin Wright, a writer, podcast producer and speaker from Exile Lifestyle<\/a> says, \u201cMinimalism is about focusing on what\u2019s most vital to you and spending more of your time, energy and resources on those most important things.\u201d<\/p>\n He urges people to, \u201cTranslate that philosophy into your space and you\u2019ll tend to find a lot of otherwise tricky decisions and tradeoffs become a lot simpler and the outcomes tend to be more tailored for your preferences and ideals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have been all over the minimalism spectrum, from striving to have as little as possible to embracing lots of colorful art and comfort items, as long as they were joyful additions to my home,\u201d explains Caitlin Liz Fisher<\/a>, an author and life coach.<\/p>\n They go on to explain, \u201cI\u2019m willing to hold onto extras \u2014 but only if they fit in a designated space. My minimalist rule is \u2018no shoving.\u2019 If I have to shove and push things around to fit something into a shelf, bin or drawer, something else has to go to make room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as everything has a designated place, my clutter stress is reduced and my home looks and feels happier!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn my experience and the experience of my clients, living with less leads to more comfort! After clearing the clutter, they are surrounded only by items that they truly love. The stresses and anxieties of managing excess things are replaced by more joy, peace and calm in their home,\u201d explains The Minimal-ish Mama<\/a>.<\/p>\n She notes that, \u201cThe physical space they\u2019ve created also translates to internal space. This means they can be more present with their loved ones and make time to pursue hobbies and activities they enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs a minimalist, I try to shop intentionally, making sure that everything I bring into my home is of high quality, beautiful and built to last. While the colors in my home are simple, I focus on textures, plants and vintage pieces that tell a story to make it feel cozy and comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin Tannehill<\/a>, a modern homemaker, homesteader and declutterer says, \u201cWhen decorating a smaller space, use pieces that mean something to you or show off your personality. Swap out the cheap lamp you don\u2019t really like for a family heirloom or invest in one that fits your style.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy decorating your space with meaningful pieces, you\u2019ll find you don\u2019t need as much to have a beautiful and cozy home.\u201d<\/p>\n Going from the homestead to the city, Angela from Mostly Mindful \u2013 Simple Living in the City<\/a> suggests that, \u201cLiving with less stuff makes for a happier, more hygge-focused environment<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRecently, we decided to give furniture-free living a try. Along with the health benefits that come with hanging out on the floor, the lack of furniture has also made our apartment more inviting.\u201d<\/p>\n She acknowledges that \u201cDitching the couch and dining room table isn\u2019t for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n She does encourage people to, \u201cSee if you can reduce the amount of furniture in your home to create more space. You\u2019ll find the result remarkably soothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Anastasia Millwood from the appropriately named home organization company Tidy in Five<\/a> makes the simple suggestion that \u201cEvery space in your home should never be more than five minutes from tidy. Minimalism is not about the perfectly tidied home.\u201d<\/p>\n At the end of the day, \u201cIt is about having an easily tidied home.\u201d<\/p>\n Karen Trefzger, a minimalist, writer and manager of the Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff website<\/a>, says, \u201cSmaller homes require more versatility, more communication and more awareness of each other\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n She goes on to explain that, \u201cFewer belongings can still provide all of the comfort and utility we need to live happily in that smaller space.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA kitchen table can be used for meals, as a desk and as a gathering place for family conversation or game night. A sofa might offer seating and an extra bed. A trunk could become a coffee table while providing storage for extra blankets, hobby supplies or out-of-season clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Erica Lucas<\/a>, a minimalist and decluttering expert went into great detail to explain her four-part approach to embracing a more minimalist lifestyle:<\/p>\n Deb Shepherd, the minimalist mother and content creator behind Clothed in Abundance<\/a> tells people to, \u201cBe OK with negative space because it can add balance to any room. There isn\u2019t always a need to fill everything up.\u201d<\/p>\n Our final and most cerebral tip comes from Jo Bennett, a life coach at Solomojo Coaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n She approaches minimalism with the mentality that, \u201cHaving a minimalist mindset means consciously curating what you want and need.\u201d<\/p>\n The key is to \u201cDetermine what you value and then only occupy the home with objects that are used often, work well and feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCreate a consumption criterion that focuses on satisfaction, yet prevents overspending, clutter and garbage. Prioritize arranging spaces with mental health in mind, such as limiting technology and clearing window obstructions to observe nature.\u201d<\/p>\n2. Focus on what\u2019s important<\/h2>\n
3. Never shove<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n4. Be intentional<\/h2>\n
5. Make room for the meaningful things<\/h2>\n
6. Free yourself from furniture<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n7. Simplify your space<\/h2>\n
8. Make use of every inch<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n9. Messes happen<\/h2>\n
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10. Negative space, positive vibes<\/h2>\n
11. It\u2019s all about conscious curation<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDefine your own minimalist principles<\/h2>\n