Minimalism — Is It Right for You?
If you are considering the idea of minimalism, you may be curious about it. After all, it sounds like a noble goal. Clean and precise — these are two words that never would have crossed your mind before looking at minimalism.
But is it really worth giving up personal belongings on such a grand scale? What if your lifestyle re-centers around things instead of people? It might be good to know what you’ll be getting into before going down this route.
If minimalist living is right for you, here are some factors to think about before taking the plunge.
What It Means
Minimalism means different things to different people. The first and most frequently asked question is whether it has anything to do with living as a hermit. It does not! Minimalism is about living simply, in a home free of clutter and unnecessary things.
To some people, this means that all the knicknacks need to be tossed out into the yard.
To others, it means embracing only two or three pieces of furniture. Your minimalist lifestyle will vary depending on what works best for you and your family.
Your Financial Status
If you want to embrace minimalism, you’ll have to decide what you’re willing to give up in favor of less stuff. Do you plan on buying things new or second hand? Do you want to live with as few people as possible, or do you want to invite friends over? Do you want to live in a small home, or do you want a room in a larger house? The answer to these questions will help paint your picture of what minimalism looks like.
How Much Real Estate You Have
A minimalist lifestyle can be done in any size space. Whether your bedroom is just big enough for a single bed, or the main room is so large that it only accommodates three couches, minimalism can fit into each and every part of your home.
You’ll have to decide for yourself whether you want a large house or a small house, and then match your own minimalism to that decision. A tiny home suggests little need for personal items, while a large home might suggest larger amounts of personal space.
Your Design
Minimalism is about the little things. It’s about what you see in your everyday life, and making sure that it’s not cluttered or unappealing. Your design concerns are another factor in how much you decide to limit your stuff.
A minimalist design is simple, with just enough things around the house to make everything look good together. You might choose to have shelves full of books or an entire wall dedicated solely to photos of the family members.
