How to practice minimalism in the home

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

In a world that often values consumption and material possessions, minimalism offers a refreshing approach to living. At its core, minimalism is about intentionally living with less, simplifying your life, and focusing on what truly matters.

Minimalism can take many forms, from decluttering your home and wardrobe to reducing your digital footprint and sing experiences over material items. By embracing minimalism, you can gain a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and fulfilment in your life. Minimalism also allows you to make better, more mindful purchases. When we buy less stuff, we can focus on having fewer, higher-quality items that will last for years ahead.

So, wondering how to get started with minimalism? Here’s our top tips for making your home the clear and zen environment you want it to be.

Declutter Your Home

One of the key stages of minimalism is decluttering your home. By removing excess items and focusing on the essentials, you can create a more peaceful, organised, and functional living space. Start by going through your belongings and asking yourself if each item brings you joy or serves a purpose. Consider donating, selling, or recycling items that you no longer need or use. Take time to do a thorough job, and don’t be shy to binge watch Marie Kondo as you go along. Work through each room, step by step, and make sure to clean the space until it is sparkling!

If you haven’t already read our ‘Ultimate Declutter Guide’, use our following tips to aid your declutter process:

Understand your WHY.
Set an achievable goal.
Start with one small area at a time.
Create a sorting system (keep, donate, sell, recycle, bin).
Be ruthless in deciding what to keep.
Be ruthless in deciding what to keep.
Use storage solutions to organise what you keep.
Regularly review and maintain your decluttered space.

If you need extra help decluttering your home, LOVESPACE storage is here to create extra space. Affordable storage can be a fantastic way to keep the items you love and might want later, without compromising on your minimalistic lifestyle. Find out more about our storage units with collection and delivery.

Use Simple Colours

Removing items from your space is one thing, but deciding what to do with the stuff that’s left is another. To create a minimal and clear space, choose light, block colours wherever you can. This is particularly important in rooms made for relaxation, such as your bedroom and bathroom. Think of light blues and pinks, sage green and French grey. Busy patterns should be saved for another space and whites should be you go-to base colour. The last thing we want to feel is cramped as we fall asleep, so keeping the space light and airy is key to creating a relaxing environment.

Simplify Your Wardrobe

Simplifying your wardrobe is another important aspect of minimalism. By reducing the number of clothes you own and focusing on quality over quantity, you can create a versatile and stylish wardrobe that reflects your personal style. Consider creating a capsule wardrobe, which is a small collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Separate your items into ‘Key Basics’ and ‘Statement Pieces’. The perfect capsule wardrobe will be made up of good-quality, timeless pieces. Focus on simple colours, such as white, black, neutrals and blues, with textures that feel comfortable and durable. Denim, linen, cotton, and wool are examples of fabrics that will look good and last. If you are somebody who likes a pop of colour, keep a few statement pieces to pair with your core-capsule collection.

Here’s how to create a capsule wardrobe:

Start by taking inventory of your current wardrobe and identifying your go-to pieces. Look for items that you wear frequently and that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Next, consider the colour palette you want to work with. Choose a neutral base colour like black, white, or grey, and then select a few accent colours that complement each other and your skin tone.
Choose classic, timeless pieces that will never go out of style, such as a tailored blazer, a well-fitted pair of jeans, and a little black dress.
Select pieces that can be easily dressed up or down, such as a simple blouse that can be paired with jeans or a skirt.
Choose pieces that are versatile and can be worn in different seasons, such as a lightweight sweater that can be layered in the winter and worn on its own in the summer.
Stick to a limited number of pieces, such as 30-40 items, to ensure that each piece is versatile and can be worn in multiple outfits.
Invest in quality pieces that will last longer and hold up well over time, even with frequent wear.
Don't forget to include accessories, such as a versatile handbag, a statement necklace, or a classic scarf, to add some variety to your outfits.
Remember that the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your wardrobe and make it easier to get dressed each day. Don't feel like you need to follow every trend or have a wide variety of options in your closet. Focus on quality, versatility, and pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Limit Your Digital Life

In today's digital age, it's easy to become overwhelmed by information overload and constant connectivity. Minimalism can help you reduce your digital footprint and prioritise mindfulness and presence in the moment. Unsubscribe from emails and social media accounts that do not add value to your life and consider taking a break from technology by setting aside time for digital detoxes. By doing so, you can reclaim your time, attention, and focus, leading to greater productivity, creativity, and happiness.

Here are some tips on how to embrace digital minimalism:

Set boundaries: Decide on specific times of the day when you will check your email and social media and stick to them. Consider turning off notifications on your phone and other devices, so you can focus on your work or other important tasks without interruption.
Delete apps and accounts: Be intentional about the apps and accounts you keep on your devices. Delete apps and social media accounts that you no longer use or that don't bring value to your life.
Embrace analogue activities: Rediscover the joy of offline activities, such as reading physical books, taking walks, or spending time with friends and family without the distraction of devices.
Practice mindful consumption: Be intentional about the content you consume online. Limit your exposure to negative news and social media posts, and seek out high-quality, informative content that brings value to your life.
Take a digital detox: Consider taking a break from technology altogether for a period of time, such as a day or a weekend. Use this time to focus on other activities and hobbies, and reflect on your relationship with technology.

By embracing digital minimalism, you can simplify your digital life and focus on what's truly important. Whether it's improving your productivity, reducing stress and anxiety, or simply enjoying more offline activities, digital minimalism can help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life.

Practice Mindful Consumption Minimalism is not about depriving yourself of the things you need or enjoy, but rather about being mindful of what you consume and how it affects your life. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it is something you really need or if it will bring value. Consider buying second-hand or repurposing items to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.

When purchasing items for our home, it is important to consider the long-term. Think carefully about which items you need to invest in, and which items you don’t. Any essential items that you will need on a day-to-day basis should be mindfully considered. For example, the bed that we sleep in, along with our mattress and bedding, should be an investment. Rather than buying multiple pretty duvet covers, pick one that will last the test of time and improve your quality of sleep. In the kitchen, don’t buy lots of cheap kitchenware that will diminish after a few washes, choose a few sturdy pots and pans that will see you through hundreds of delicious meals.

Embrace Simplicity Embracing simplicity is the heart of minimalism. By focusing on the things that matter most to you and letting go of the rest, you can create a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Simplify your routines, schedule, and commitments to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. Identify areas of your life that could benefit from a simpler approach, such as meal planning or home organisation. Focus on what brings you joy and fulfilment and let go of the things that do not.

Conclusion

Minimalism is about intentionally living with less and focusing on what truly matters. By decluttering your home, simplifying your wardrobe, limiting your digital life, practicing mindful consumption, and embracing simplicity, you can create a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Give minimalism a try and see how it can positively impact your future.