Life as a minimalist: The 7 Virtues

The essence of minimalist living at its core is more than just getting rid of things. It’s not just a design trend or a fleeting lifestyle choice; it’s a philosophy centered around the intentional reduction of excess in favor of what truly matters.

Minimalism is all about making room for experiences, relationships, and activities that enrich our lives.

By focusing on fewer but more meaningful possessions & removing the unnecessary, we create space for what truly resonates with us- synchronizing clarity, purpose & organization.

✨Virtue #1 : Quality Over Quantity

Why Quality Matters

In a world inundated with mass-produced items, choosing quality over quantity can be a game-changer. High-quality items tend to be more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. They stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.

I personally love to explore locally owned businesses, farmers markets & community gatherings. I always find hand made, home grown, home made & locally sourced goods. The quality in conscious consumerism is our quality of life.

RELATED: Zero Waste Lifestyle

Examples of High-Quality Essentials

Think about investing in a good high quality products and brands. There are so many small businesses out there that have the same values as you do. Focusing on replacing every new purchase with goods that align with your core principles.

👍Look for items that offer the following:

Cruelty Free
Toxic Free
Sustainably Sourced
locally made
Eco-Friendly
purchase with purpose

As a minimalist, I love few things with even fewer ingredients 😉

Check out this post on a greener laundry routine

Finding products that contain every single one of these values is hard to do; but they’re out there if you look. It all starts with us, our commitment to ourselves, our discipline & our efforts. Which takes us into……

✨Virtue #2 : Multi-Use Items

Versatility is bliss

Whether it be multi-functional furniture to multi-use household goods, the concept embodies the minimalist style by serving multiple purposes within a single piece.

This not only saves space but also reduces the number of items needed in your home.

Multi-Functional Furniture Picks to Consider are a sofa bed, a coffee table with storage, or a desk that doubles as a dining table.

These pieces can adapt to your needs, making your living space more dynamic and efficient with multiple uses.

Furniture is not the only multi- use goods out there either. I personally love products such as Dr. Bronners.

Not only is Dr. Bronner’s the top-selling soap in the U.S. natural marketplace. they Only use the purest organic & fair trade ingredients. No synthetic preservatives, no detergents or foaming agents—none!

So ofc I love Dr. Bronners for their ingredient list but what I truly love is using the 18 in 1 Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Soap– I use this as a hand soap, face wash, body wash, shave cream, fruit & vegetable wash & also use on my pets ! However, the list of uses doesn’t stop there, their website offers lots of uses, tips & tricks including recipes for dilution ratios. 10/10 will always love Dr. Bronners!

✨Virtue #3 : Timeless Clothing

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of essential clothing items that don’t go out of fashion and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. This approach simplifies daily dressing and reduces the clutter of an overflowing closet.

Key Timeless Clothing pieces

Include items like a classic white shirt, a pair of well-fitted jeans, a versatile blazer, and a little black dress. These pieces form the foundation of a stylish and minimalist wardrobe.

I like to start with memorabilia pieces when overhauling my closet. These are the shirts, hoodies, hats, jewelry etc. that have memories and stories behind them from places I went or things i did & absolutely can Not depart from.

✨Virtue #4 : Decluttered Living Spaces

I think It’s truly fascinating how we associate our life experiences with the items that surround us. I strive to make my home not just my safe space, but my paradise. A environment that gives me peace, relaxation & reflects the importance of self care.

I’ll usually do a walkthrough of my house, taking it room by room evaluating all my things and asking myself:

If the answer is a NO- Girrrllll you know what to do!

This one gets most of us. You may have an item and have not used it in the past year but you hold on to it “Just in case we need it” 🙄If it aint the bank account then get rid of it- you’ll probably never need it anyways and at the point you do….. buy or borrow one then.

Some Items or Clothing pieces give off bad memories or emotions. It’s not that we didn’t love that dress, but after that horrible night out in it that’s all i think of every time I look at it. Unfortunately life happens regardless of what we’re wearing, but we always seem to hold memories tied to certain places or things. It’s all good, let go & move on. better to replace than to hold on to things that give off bad energy.

My golden rule of thumb: If it doesn’t make you happy or make you money, it’s simply NOT worth your time.

I’m no longer allowing the burden of guilt (that I put on myself) to affect me. Instead I’ve turned the thought process into a positive by embracing re-gifting, donating & up-cycling.

The Art of Decluttering

Decluttering is about more than just tidying up; it’s about making deliberate choices about what to keep and what to let go. This process can be liberating and transformative, leading to a more organized and serene living environment.

Simply put, One mans trash is another mans treasure. Don’t ever be afraid to rid yourself of the un-wanted, Just be sure to use eco friendly practices & recycle, Donate or Up-cycle whenever possible 💚🌎.

From there it’s so much easier to clear out the unnecessary clutter that isn’t serving me anymore. If it gives off a funky vibe & makes me feel guilty bc it was a x-mas gift from so & so & here we are in July- still haven’t touched it- Gone!

Techniques to Maintain a Clutter-Free Home

Regularly assess your possessions, adopt the one-in-one-out rule, and utilize storage solutions that keep items out of sight but easily accessible. One of my favorites is a rolling under bed storage bin. Since I don’t have a dresser, I simply use these as my dresser drawers. They have little handles on the sides that make it super easy to roll in and out under the bed. I love it- out of sight yet use them everyday! These practices help maintain the minimalist aesthetic and functionality of your home.

✨Virtue#5 : Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Items

The Connection Between Minimalism and Sustainability

Minimalism and sustainability often go hand in hand. By choosing eco-friendly products, we reduce our environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable way of living.

Sustainable Products

Opt for items like reusable water bottles, biodegradable cleaning products, and sustainably sourced home goods. These choices contribute to a healthier planet and a more mindful lifestyle.

check out this great post with: 100+ Eco Friendly Products to live a Plastic Free, Sustainable and Zero Waste Lifestyle

smartphone with simple recycling sign on screen placed on white eco friendly mesh bag

✨Virtue #6 : Digital Minimalism Tools

Simplifying Digital Life

In today’s tech-driven world, digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Digital minimalism involves using technology intentionally and sparingly to enhance, rather than detract from, our lives.

Top Digital Minimalism Apps and Tools

Consider apps that help manage screen time, declutter your digital files, and streamline your online activities. Tools like Trello, Evernote, and digital detox apps can help you maintain focus and reduce digital overwhelm.

✨Virtue #7 : Mindfulness Practices

Incorporating Mindfulness into Minimalism

Mindfulness and minimalism complement each other beautifully. Being present and fully engaged in the moment can enhance the minimalist experience, making life incredibly fulfilling and meaningful.

Simple Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

Practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or simply by paying attention to everyday activities like eating or walking. These healthy habits can reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

to sum things up…

If there’s one key take away of a minimalist lifestyle its that small changes make a big impact.

Embracing the Minimalist Lifestyle

Adopting a minimalist lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing commitment and mindfulness, but the rewards are plentiful. By focusing on what truly matters, we can lead richer, more meaningful lives on purpose.

“There is great power in letting go, and there is great freedom in moving on.”
-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

The Long-Term Benefits of a Minimalist

Minimalism offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress, increased financial savings, and a greater sense of purpose. By embracing minimalism, we create space for joy, creativity, and authentic connections.

Let’s begin our journey towards a waste-free existence, armed with the knowledge and determination to make a lasting impact. Join the movement towards a cleaner, eco-friendly future.

Together, let’s build a world where waste is minimized, resources are cherished, and our actions reflect a deep respect for the Earth we call home.

Cheers to your minimalist journey!

I hope you have found these tips helpful & give ’em a try today! 🌍🌿💚

Toxic free life

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-Tills

Life as a minimalist: The 7 Virtues