Minimalism For Beginners: A Practical Guide To A Simple Life (2024)

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In this post we are going to cover the overall concept around minimalist living, and the benefits that accompany it.

Within this minimalism for beginners guide we will share the core principles that make up this lifestyle, as well as a practical 3 step process to help you along the simple living path.

If you’re ready to experience more freedom, peace and simplicity in your life, then this post is for you!

Let’s get started..

Table Of Contents

Minimalism For Beginners

Minimalist Principles

Moderation

Efficiency

Intention

How To Start A Minimalist Life

1. Shifting Your Mindset

2. Learning To Let Go

3. Curating Your Life

Final Thoughts

Minimalism For Beginners

So, what does it take to be a minimalist? Where is a good place to start? And how long does it take to become a minimalist?

The short answer, it’s more than likely going to look a bit different for everyone.

While many ‘minimalism for beginners' articles focus heavily on the decluttering aspect, we have found that to be only a small portion of this lifestyle.

Minimalism is not just about living with less, but living with what matters.

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Over the years I have learned minimalism is more about the way you approach, view, and choose to live your life. For me it was a shift in perspective, and a complete reordering of my priorities.

Minimalism helped me uncover & eliminate several mindless and destructive habits I had within my life. It also revealed a path to the freedom, clarity and contentment I was seeking.

What are the rules of minimalism?

While there are no official ‘rules’ when it comes to minimalism, there are a few guiding principles that influence the way this lifestyle is practiced, which we will cover later.

The official definition of minimalism according to Webster is; a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.

However, when defined as a lifestyle, it can encompass many variations and adaptations.

For a list of minimalist living examples, refer to our Minimalist Handbook where we provide a compilation of the many ways minimalism is practiced.

Overall, a basic understanding of how minimalism is lived can be refined to three core principles: Moderation, Efficiency,and Intention.

Minimalism For Beginners: A Practical Guide To A Simple Life (1)

Minimalist Principles

The way minimalism is practiced has a lot to do with how we prioritize and view what actually matters in life. It’s about getting to the root cause of why we feel scattered, distracted, stressed and unsatisfied.

When we do get to the root, we soon realize the ‘things’ we were previously engaging in (and accumulating) were simply not filling the void in our life as we had hoped.

With this insight, we can begin to make the changes needed to pursue a simple and more fulfilling life.

Minimalists typically use 3 guiding principles to achieve this: Moderation, Efficiency, and Intention.

Moderation

Moderation is about avoiding excess and extremes. It’s a practice by which we can create balance, simplicity and discipline in life.

When we practice moderation, we become aware of the waste and unnecessary excess around us. We also gain a newfound appreciation for all that we do have.

Practicing moderation is not about living with the bare minimum, but instead being reasonable about what you truly need and what things are just 'extras'.

Living life with moderation in mind helps us see through the clutter, get clear on what really matters, and focus more on the things that hold true value in life.

Efficiency

Efficiency is the process of limiting, or avoiding, waste and excess. It is also a means to achieving the maximum output from the minimum amount of effort.

This concept is occasionally referred to as the ‘minimum effective dose’, or the idea of working ‘smarter not harder’.

When we put a focus on efficiency, we find ways to streamline, systematize, and/or simplify the habits and routines in our life. In addition, we begin to be more effective with our living and storage space as well.

The main objective here is to free up as much of our precious time, mental energy, focus, and even physical space as possible, in order to create room for more life.

Intention

Living with intention means living life with direction, clarity and purpose. It’s about focusing yourself towards a worthy goal or objective, defining your values, and living by them.

Living this principle is also about making an effort to be more intentional not just with our time, focus, energy, but also with the items we bring into, and keep, in our lives.

When we live with intention, we stop allowing ourselves to get swept away by whatever seems pressing and urgent at the moment. We instead have a clear set of values, create a plan of action, and stick to it.

Overall, we have found these 3 principles to be foundational. These are meant to act as a guide in how you practice minimalism, as well as how you approach your habits.

So understanding this, how do you take these principles, put them into action, and actually start living a simple minimalist lifestyle?

Simplify Your Lifeone newsletterat a time

How do I start a minimalist life?

Living a minimalist life starts with having a basic understanding of the principles listed above, and then building them into your life.

This is a 3 step process that will help set you on the path towards simplicity.

The 3 Steps covered below are: Shifting Your Mindset, Learning To Let Go, and Curating Your Life.

1. Shifting Your Mindset

Shifting your mindset is going to be the first step.

When you start to think more like a minimalist, you will naturally begin to declutter, clean up, and eliminate the things that no longer hold value or meaning to you.

This is also where you can truly begin to embody the concept of moderation, and start to view life with the ‘less is more’ mentality.

To assist you in your mindset shift, we have a few resources listed below for you to explore.

While they don’t necessarily provide a ‘becoming a minimalist checklist’ they will get you pointed in the right direction.

The Subtle Art Of Downshifting Life (5 Surprising Benefits)

In this post we are going to explain what it means to downshift life, and the subtle ways you can begin doing so.

Here we’ll explore several reasons one may opt to downshift, and 5 surprising benefits that come as a result.

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Want To Achieve Work-life Balance? Try This Proven Approach

In this post we are going to cover the definition of work-life balance, as well as what it sets out to address.

Here you will learn not only the benefits that work-life balance has to offer, but also what this concept misses.

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3 Simple Ways To Embrace Minimalism And Find Contentment

In this post we are going to explain what minimalism is, and some ways you can incorporate it into your life.

We will cover the benefits of minimalism, along with tips for adopting a minimalist mindset.

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Living In A Simple Life: Our 4 Stage Journey To Freedom

In this post, we’re going to detail our journey from clutter and chaos to a life of simplicity.

We also provide the 4 stage framework that moved us towards living in a simple life.

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2. Learning To Let Go

The next step in the process is learning to let go.

Letting go is not just limited to physical items, but anything in life that holds you back.

Things such as negative thought patterns, consumer culture, overextending yourself, fruitless habits, or even the overuse of tech/social media.

Consider the minimalist practice of efficiency in this step.

As you let go of the excess, cluttered schedules, time wasters and energy drainers, you can begin to streamline & optimize what’s most important.

To further understand the process of letting go, as well as explore some minimalist tips for decluttering, we have selected a few resources to get you started…

Unplug Technology: Learn How To Disconnect & Restore Your Life

In this post we are going to explain what it means to unplug from technology and why it’s important.

Here you will learn practical tips for disconnecting, as well as ways to reset your mind and bring more purpose & joy to your life.

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The Ultimate Guide To An Organized Life (40+ Tools & Tips)

If you’re looking for a complete guide to organizing your home & life, you’re in the right place.

We’ve curated more than 40 resources to help you organize each area of your life.

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5 Things To Let Go Of Now: Focus On What Really Matters

In this post we are going to cover 5 things to let go of in order to create space for what truly matters in life.

Here you will learn not only the benefits of letting go, but also how each of these things holds you back.

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40+ Ways To Finally Declutter Your Life [The Ultimate Guide]

If you’re looking for a complete guide to decluttering, you’re in the right place.

We’ve curated more than 40 resources to help you declutter each area of your life.

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3. Curating Your Life

The final step is to actually curate your life, and all the things within it. Applying the minimalist principle of intention is going to be key to making this happen.

Creating a simple and meaningful life won’t happen by accident. It happens when you decide what is important and start moving towards it.

It is when you become clear and aware of your values, as well as your mindless habits, and resolve to live as the most authentic version of you.

To help you along the process of curating life, here are some additional resources to get you started…

These 4 Fundamentals Are Key To Living Your Best Life

In this post we’re going to cover the 4 Foundational Principles for living your best life.

Using these principles, you’ll be able to flourish throughout all of life’s seasons.

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How To Gain Both Comfort & Luxury Being A Conscious Consumer

In this post we are going to define what it means to be a conscious consumer, as well as the benefits gained from becoming one.

Here you will learn the basic habits of a conscious consumer, as well as how this concept relates to minimalism and consumerism.

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5 Signs You’re Escaping From Life (And A Reliable Solution)

In this post we’re going to reveal 5 ways you might be escaping from life, and what you can do instead.

Here you will learn not only the benefits of defeating escapism, but also the steps you can take to build a rich & fulfilling life.

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Restore The 7 Key Elements You Need For Living a Simple Life

In this post, we’re going to explain what it means to live a simple life and how to achieve it.

We’ve found that there are 7 key areas that, when brought into balance, simplify life overall.

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Final Thoughts

Although this was written as a minimalism for beginners guide, it can apply to anyone looking for inspiration and direction.

When pursuing a minimalist lifestyle it’s less about the specific number of items you have, but more so the mindset, awareness and intention you bring to the practice itself.

While living more ‘minimalistic’ will look slightly different for each person, in the end it’s about the peace, freedom and control you gain over your life in the process.

What about you?

Which minimalist principle do you need to put more focus on?

Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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Minimalism For Beginners: A Practical Guide To A Simple Life (2024)

FAQs

What is the 90 rule for minimalism? ›

It asks two simple questions: Have you used this in the past 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer to both is no (with the exception of things like seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or anything used only for a specific part of the year), it's time to get rid of that thing.

What is the 20 rule minimalist? ›

Then we tested our hypothesis: the 20/20 Rule. Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location. Thus far, this hypothesis has become a theory that has held true 100% of the time.

What is the 1 in 1 out rule minimalism? ›

The one in one out rule for decluttering is a practice that purges one item from your home each time you bring in one new item.

What is the 15 minute rule becoming minimalist? ›

You don't need to add more to your already full life. You don't need to make big investments or buy fancy gadgets to make progress. You just need to clear the space, maybe just for 15 minutes. You just need to start right where you are with what you already have.

What is the 30 30 rule for minimalists? ›

To stave off impulse, I created a rule that helps me avoid unnecessary purchases. If something I want costs more than $30, I ask myself whether I can get by without it for the next 30 hours. Hence, “the 30/30 Rule.” (If it's $100 or more, I tend to wait 30 days.)

What is the 1 in 1 out method? ›

A one in, one out policy is a method used to control the number of people in one place or building at any one time. Where a place or building has reached its maximum capacity, further entry is only allowed upon a person leaving. It is especially used in nightclubs and bars, and most military establishments.

What is the 1 in 10 out rule? ›

One In, Ten Out Rule

Buy one new shirt, get rid of 10 items of clothing. This has two positive effects. First, you'll be less likely to buy something if you have to get rid of 10 items. Second, you'll dramatically speed up the process of clearing out clutter.

What is the one in one out strategy? ›

A popular wardrobe management and shopping strategy is the “one in – one out” strategy. This approach requires that for every new item you bring into your wardrobe, one item (usually the requirement is that it is in that same category) must leave your wardrobe.

What do you declutter first? ›

Start by clearing off your bathroom counters, emptying drawers and completely cleaning out linen closets in or near your bathrooms. Some experts recommend decluttering multiple bathrooms at once to really get an idea how much excess you have. You may have enough soap to last you for two years and not even know it!

How to start minimalizing? ›

Get rid of as much as you can on the day of minimizing. Once you've decided to get rid of something, it's dangerous to keep it around. Set a hard deadline by which you need to deal with everything else you've decided to keep. There's no reason it should occupy space in your house for more than 10 days.

How to live a simple minimalist life? ›

Tips for living a minimalist lifestyle
  1. Make a budget. When it comes to keeping an eye on the items you own, it might help to start with a budget. ...
  2. Manage subscription services. ...
  3. Declutter your space. ...
  4. Choose sustainable items. ...
  5. Consider a capsule wardrobe. ...
  6. Try out minimalist apps. ...
  7. Figure out what works for you.
Apr 6, 2023

What is the rule of 33 minimalism? ›

The idea behind Project 333 is simple: Wear only 33 articles of clothing for the next 3 months. All clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes count towards your number. Exceptions include wedding rings, underwear, sleepwear, in-home loungewear, and workout clothing.

What is the 90 90 method of decluttering? ›

What is the 90/90 decluttering rule? The premise is simple and somewhat brutal: if you haven't worn something in 90 days and don't see yourself wearing it in the next three months (90 days), then it's out the (wardrobe) door.

What is the 6 month rule for decluttering? ›

'At the core, the six month rule basically states that when you are organizing your space and decluttering, anything you haven't used in the past six months can probably go,' explain Ben Soreff, a declutterer at House to Home Organizing. 'The rule allows for exceptions including holiday decorations and keepsakes.

What is the rule of thumb for minimalists? ›

20/20 rule for minimalist living

The Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus invented this great minimalist rule: If you don't use it and you can replace it for less than $20 in 20 minutes, you can declutter it! I LOVE this tip. So often we hold onto things because we think we might use something one day.

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