“Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy things we don’t need.” This classic monologue from the Hollywood Blockbuster’ Fight Club’ has a deep meaning, and at some level, it points to the idea of minimalism.

Minimalism is living as frugally as possible while fulfilling your basic needs. Minimalism preaches against the practice of accumulating material possessions that serve no purpose other than stroking one’s ego or letting them comply with the preconceived notions of success.

If you subscribe to the idea of minimalism, even remotely, and want to go down this path, this article is for you. We will share a few insights and tips to help you get started. Along the way, you will also see how minimalism can make your life simpler, enriching and more fulfilled.

Minimalism Starts at Home

Minimalism is not what most people think. You don’t have to give up everything you own. Rather, you must identify things that you value the most while getting rid of everything else that doesn’t serve any purpose in your life.

Hence comes the decluttering part, and it’s tricky because anything you pick up to discard makes you want to hold onto it. So, here’s a thumb rule that you can follow. Pick up items that you haven’t used in the last six months. Put them in a box and donate or sell them off. If you haven’t used those things in the last six months, you will probably not use them again.

Do Your Bit for the Environment

Minimalism is driven by an underlying objective to simplify lives and conserve the environment. As a minimalist, you will want to reduce your carbon footprint and adopt environmentally friendly alternatives wherever possible. For instance, downsizing your vehicle or switching over to an EV is a great place to start, or finding the best energy provider in your area and making your home energy efficient. Replace older appliances with 5-star-rated appliances to conserve electricity and reduce your monthly bills. Minimise your e-waste by avoiding impulsive gadget purchases. Most importantly, use public transport or bicycle for city commutes and running errands. 

Benefits You Will Reap in the Long Run

A luxurious lifestyle costs you more than just your money. It costs you your freedom and often makes you a slave to your job because you have credit card bills and EMIs to pay. “Things you own, end up owning you.” 

On the other hand, minimalism helps you break free from this materialistic trap. You don’t have to worry about paying a $400 EMI for a fancy car or buying expensive furniture, accessories and clothes. 

This feeling can be liberating in many ways. You can work at your will, take a week off for vacation, become financially independent, and retire early. The best part is that you will have sufficient money in your bank account to spend on experiences that you will fondly remember rather than buying things that will stop giving you pleasure and satisfaction down the road.

By getting rid of the clutter, you will be eliminating distractions so you can focus on things that add meaning and purpose to your life. 

Conclusion

It’s not always easy to lead a minimalist lifestyle. But the long-term benefits are worth the effort. By prioritising experiences over materialistic possessions, you will have beautiful memories to look back at, which will give you more happiness than anything else.