CindyIt’s impossible to turn on the television, listen to the radio, or install a new app on your phone without being faced with a barrage of ads. In a society that so strongly encourages consumers to shop, it’s no surprise to see most of us wind up with lots of stuff we don’t need.
If you’re on a mission to streamline your life and live a little more simply, here are six minimalism hacks that will help you live more with less.
Minimalism Hacks for Simple Living
#1 Cut the cord.
Let’s face it – you probably don’t need the premium cable package with hundreds of channels and on-demand movies. If you feel like you are taking advantage of the bundle, you might need to reconsider how you spend your time – too much television isn’t good for anyone. But if you know you really aren’t getting your money’s worth and are just struggling to make the call, just sit down and look at your bill. Compare that to what you could spend if you opted to use a few streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Living with fewer channels will help you spend your time a little wiser and save a few dollars.
#2 Purge your closet.
When was the last time you took everything out of your closet? If you can’t recall, it’s time to tackle your wardrobe. Start with a clean slate by taking everything out. Evaluate each item. If it’s something you don’t wear often, doesn’t fit with your personal style, or is showing too many signs of wear, it may be time to retire that particular piece. If it’s in good condition, consider giving it away to a friend or donating to a local charity to keep it out of the landfill.
It can be far too easy to hang onto stuff we tell ourselves we’ll wear because we feel guilty over spending so much money on something that’s provided no value. It’s OK. Let it go. When you’re done, you’ll be left with a much more streamlined wardrobe that consists of the items you actually wear. You won’t miss the stuff you got rid of, and you’ll notice it’s easier to find the things you use.
#3 Stop buying so much stuff.
We live in a society that’s constantly trying to sell us something. Grocery stores are arranged to encourage you to spend impulsively, and advertisements dig deep into our subconscious and tell us we’ll suffer if we don’t own the shiniest new stuff. Because of this, most of us own far more than we really need – or even want.
The easiest way to curb this is to cut back on your spending. Adopt a family budget that doesn’t allow you to spend frivolously. Evaluate large purchases carefully. When you do commit to spending on something, make sure you’re investing in a high-quality item. The last thing you want is to find yourself replacing stuff time and time again.
Interested in reading more? Check out my post on How Minimalism can Help your Mental Health!
#4 Get rid of clutter.
Look around your home. Are your countertops clean, or are they covered in stuff? Does your end table serve as a useful place to sit a drink while watching television, or is it already occupied by today’s mail, your purse, and a host of other things? It can be easy for clutter to creep into our lives. Clutter can have a negative impact on our mental state, making it tough to focus and sort our thoughts, so it’s to your benefit to get rid of some of the stuff occupying your space.
#5 Be grateful for the things you have.
Again, it can be hard to fight the urge to spend. We’re conditioned to want more and to pride ourselves on the things we own and the money we spent on them. One way to make living with less a little easier is to embrace gratitude. The more grateful you are for the things you already have in your life, the more value you’ll find in them, and the less tempted you’ll be to seek out new stuff.
#6 Evaluate your space.
Do you have more room in your home than your family needs? If so, it can be tempting to fill the empty rooms and extra space with stuff. Consider downsizing to a smaller home if the market’s right and your family is ready for a change. You might be surprised to find a smaller space to be the right fit, and you’ll notice some added benefits, too, from paying less for utilities to having less to clean.
Are you ready to lead a simpler life? These simple minimalism hacks will help you get on track. You don’t have to make huge changes to notice a huge difference. Try one out today!
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