Our guide to becoming a minimalist

It sounds very simplistic (get it?) but if we had one tip for becoming a minimalist it would be this: get rid of stuff!

At one point we had more stuff in a 600 square foot apartment than anyone would ever need. We started to realize all the things we thought we needed were actually things we were much better off without. Once we started our travel physical therapy careers, we slowly downsized and really strived for the “less is more” way of living. Now all of our belongings fit into our 18ft trailer. We have been nothing but happy with this lifestyle change and really encourage others to join the movement. It may seem difficult to make the switch but honestly once you start the process, it seems like second nature. For some, becoming a minimalist can be challenging so here are some tips to make the process easier.

Find ways to help others

Most people like making changes to improve their own lives, but helping others can give you that extra motivation you need. Don’t just throw everything away: give it away! Some people may not agree with this notion since it may impede others from obtaining a minimalist lifestyle, but giving items away can be a great thing! For one, you are allowing others to use an item that had no use in your home but may have a huge impact in someone else’s home. Plus, you can always find thrift stores or donation centers that benefit society in some way. After making donations, you may feel better from helping others not to mention the benefit of a cleaner home.

Examples of how donation centers can benefit society

• Employing disabled citizens in the community — This often includes a wide age range and all types of disabilities, making an even greater impact. We have seen where the companies send vans to nearby nursing homes giving those people a chance to stay active both mentally and physically. We have also seen where those with learning disabilities can get the guidance they need to excel at their job.
• Profits are used for other good deed operations — Some stores use profits solely to keep other great programs up and running. We have seen stores that benefit local animal shelters, hospice programs, and safe havens for women.
• Give opportunities to communities — One store used profits to run a fishing program which helped kids spend their free time after school fishing instead of possibly getting into trouble. Another store offered free professional dress attire for interviews to those who could not otherwise afford it.

Get rid of the “what if “ mantra

Be careful with the thought “I’m saving it for a special occasion”. We see this all the time with storage units, items for kids and black tie formal clothes. Honestly, who knows if that “special occasion” will ever occur. If it does, most people want to buy new things that are in a better condition or more appropriate for the current style. For a lot of people if you hold onto stuff too long, your attachment starts to grow. Finally you say “let’s get rid of such and such” but are stopped by the thought “maybe I will use it”. Trust us, you won’t. You’ll forget about it shortly after giving it away and you’ll never look back.

Challenge yourself a little bit every month

Pick items in a certain category to give away each month.It can be anything and everything. Honestly, once you start, it’s kind of like a chain reaction. Before long you will have a huge pile of stuff to donate!

Suggestions for give away categories

• Some clothes you haven’t worn in a while
• DVDs you never watch
• Books you aren’t going to read
• A toy your kids don’t play with anymore
• Furniture you never use
• Electronics you don’t need

Focus on one room at a time

You don’t want the process to be too overwhelming. Start small and just do one room. It can be whatever room you want. Odds are once you see how easy it was for one room, it will make the rest of the process even easier. It also gives some instant gratification.

Place possible give away items in a bin

One strategy that may help if you have separation anxiety is to take all the items you are thinking of getting rid of and place them in a bin. Next, take that bin and put it away for several weeks/months. Did you miss the stuff in the bin? Did you ever have to get any of the stuff out? If the answer is no you can get rid of the bin with a good conscience. This really helped us. Each time we moved we were able to see what was being unpacked and what wasn’t. When we realized there were items we were never using, it made it simple to get rid of them.

One last thing…

During a typical night of web browsing we searched for less stuff, more happiness and came across this Ted Talk by a guy named Graham Hill. If you need a little more motivation to downsize this is a great place to start. It’s funny and only about 5 minutes long.