Ten Confessions of a Minimalist

1. I don't like the word "minimalist". It sounds too buzz-wordy, too fetch, and way too trendy. I think there are some people on this planet who associate the word minimalist with people who live "off the grid" or only own three shirts, two pairs of pants, and a backpack. That is so far from reality in my mind. To me, being a minimalist means living a lifestyle where we try to own fewer things, do what is best for the environment and the world we live in, all while focusing our energy and effort on what's really important to our family- quality time, sweet simplicity, going on as many adventures we can, and sharing the love and light we were given with the people around us.

2. I loath extra appliances. Like for real, I still don't own an air fryer, toaster oven, espresso maker, immersion blender, the list goes on. These appliances can take up so much space, are used quite infrequently, and are typically a pain to clean. Truth is, you can get by with just a few appliances and achieve the same results. In my house you'll find a microwave, oven, toaster, blender, stand mixer, rice cooker, electric tea kettle, Keurig coffee maker, and crockpots.

3. Being a minimalist is not a one and done thing! In the beginning you will consistently have to declutter, declutter again, then collect information/data on why things are still piling up yet again, and then determine what you are going to do about it. I am constantly re-evaluating my home's closets, dressers, cupboards, storage spaces, flat surfaces, and kid's spaces.

4. When I walk into a cluttered home, the first thing I think to myself is "Hmmm, seems they have an inventory problem here". For me, excess clutter is a sign that there are simply too many things in a home and/or not enough good dedicated spaces to put those things.

5. Getting dressed is so much easier being a minimalist. My closet is only filled with things that I love, that fit my body right now, and that I feel comfortable and confident in. I learned a rule of "no 7's" which changed my outlook on my wardrobe and shopping for new clothes. When looking at a clothing item, I ask myself on a scale of 1-10, how do I feel about this item? If it fits me right NOW, and is an 8 or greater, then its a "heck yes - keep it". There are no sevens allowed. So anything 6 or less leaves my home or is never purchased from the store.

6. My house is always 5 minutes away from being able to host. Being a minimalist makes it quite simple to get ready for expected (or even the unexpected) company. A quick pass with a dishcloth at the flat kitchen surfaces, run the vacuum over the rug, and wipe down the toothpaste of the kid's bathroom counter (for the thrid time today), and we are ready for company.

7. People will visit your home or kid's bedrooms and comment "I wish my house/kids rooms were this clean" and you'll try to explain that you didn't clean, its just your lifestyle. A place for everything, and everything in its place. I have even heard my kid's friends say to my own children while playing "Wow, your room is soo cool, you have so many toys". Spoiler alert, they don't have THAT many toys, they are just that easy to find and play with.

8. Being a minimalist is good for children. In a world of chaos, clutter, and loads of mixed messages, the last thing they need is a home filled with those things too! But kids can really stink at minimalism at first. Kids can become quite attached to old gum wrappers, random pieces of cut up papers, and old broken toys that have memories associated with them. I am not saying we cannot be sentimental, but there is a solution for that- a memory box. If the memory box becomes too full, then its time to declutter the box and decide what stays and what must go.

   
   

9. I love giving and receiving practical and useful gifts. Fancy new coffee syrups, new athletic socks, and dining gift cards - yes please! The consumable gifts (food/drinks) or gifts where something new is replacing the old (e.g., nice socks) are always my go-to's whenever possible. More is not better when it comes to stuff, clutter, and belongings. If I can do my part to help someone else not "collect" things they never asked for in the first place, I consider that a gift giving success.

   
   

10. I slowly and somewhat secretively became a minimalist over time. Eventually my husband caught on to my shenanigans and over time became a fan as he too experienced the peace of a simpler and cleaner home, the ease of putting things away, and the time and energy savings that come with living this lifestyle.

If your skeptical about minimalism, it's okay, I was too! But I was also curious enough about the benefits and wanted to just try it out. If that's you, I recommend you start small- maybe with your personal wardrobe or kitchen. There are tons of YouTube videos out there (I was hooked for a long time on The Minimal Mom).

If you need it... permission to try minimalism today. I promise you won't regret trying :)