Over the past decade, I have read countless (probably in the tens of thousands) blog posts, articles, and books on the topic of minimalism.
I tweet them, share them, and link to my favorites almost every day.
But over the years, I have found there are 7 blog posts/articles I return to over and over again. I have recommended each of these blog posts too many times to count.
There is no “required reading” for minimalism… I encourage you to make it unique to your passions, goals, and family. But if I had to create a list of “recommended reading” for anyone who desires to pursue a minimalist lifestyle, these would be the articles on my list.
7 Blog Posts Every Wannabe Minimalist Should Read
1. A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home on Zen Habits.
Leo offers 16 steps to creating a minimalist home—enough for anybody to get started on the process. In my opinion, it is the greatest blog post ever written on the subject.
Annie Leonard’s 20-minute video was first produced in 2005. But if you want to better understand how society has manipulated us to overconsume, there is no place better to start. It will forever change how you see shopping and consumer goods.
3. Declutter Your Fantasy Self by Miss Minimalist.
One of the most important realizations we need to make on our journey towards minimalism is the understanding of how our excess possessions distract us from living our best lives. Or, in the case of this important blog post, how possessions keep us from discovering our real selves.
4. Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids on Becoming Minimalist.
Minimalism with kids is not easy, but it is possible. And not only is it possible, it is important. Our kids learn from our example every single day. Additionally, there are life-long benefits to helping kids embrace the lifestyle of minimalism. This article serves to inspire parents to consider the benefits of owning less.
5. Project 333 on Be More With Less.
Project 333 is a minimalist fashion challenge that invites people to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months. One of the greatest benefits of the experiment is how it begins to challenge our assumptions about how much stuff we need. The challenge focuses on clothing, but the principles can be applied in countless other areas of life.
6. A No-Frills Kitchen Still Cooks on The New York Times.
Minimalism can be difficult to apply in functional spaces—the home office, the tool shed, the kitchen. We often fall into the trap of thinking that everything we own is needed to accomplish a purpose. But in this highly practical article, Mark Bittman lists exactly what is needed for your kitchen to function… and what is not.
7. 101 Physical Things That Can Be Reduced In Your Home on Becoming Minimalist.
Many people will miss the joys of minimalism because they are afraid to begin. They fear if they remove an item from their home, they will regret it in the future if they need it. This rarely happens. But if that fear describes you, begin the process of embracing a more minimalist home by simply reducing some of the duplicate items in your home. Here’s a list of 101.
