Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It is about focus, intentionality, and making the most of the one life we have been given.
It is also a growing movement around the world.
But there are many who still misinterpret the term. They think it is about barren walls, cold environments, or empty cupboards. But they are incorrect.
Minimalism isn’t about owning less than you need, it’s about owning exactly what you need.
Correctly applied, minimalism results in more money, more time, more focus, and less stress. It also results in a life of greater joy, greater meaning, and greater significance.
If you are drawn to the benefits of minimalism, but still apprehensive, here are ten things you can do today to test out the lifestyle and live more like a minimalist.
10 Things You Can Do Today to Live More Like a Minimalist
1. Remove one box of clutter from your home.
Minimalists own fewer possessions. As a result, their homes feel more peaceful, more calm, more spacious, and less stressful. You may not be able to declutter your entire home in one day (It took us nine months), but you can make a little bit of progress.
Try to remove one entire box of clutter from one room in your home. And then, notice the difference it makes.
2. Clear one surface.
Every physical possession in our field of vision results in visual clutter. Our eyes naturally gravitate to the things around us as we subconsciously scan our surroundings on a constant basis.
Find one surface in your home that you can clear entirely (a bathroom counter, a coffee table, a shelf, or a nightstand) and remove everything from it. Notice the clear surface. Now, imagine that feeling throughout your entire home.
3. Don’t buy anything and put $49 into savings.
The average American spends almost $18,000 a year on nonessentials. If you want to take one small step toward living more like a minimalist today, don’t buy a single nonessential item. Then, put that $49 into a savings account. Tomorrow, do the same thing. You’ll be surprised how quickly your savings account will fill up when you stop buying stuff you don’t need.
4. Go for a long walk.
Walking is good for the soul and the body. It provides opportunity to think and reflect on life. If you want to live more like a minimalist, go for a nice long walk today.
Notice how wonderful it feels to have some extra time in your day to breathe and relax. And while you walk, consider the direction of your life and if you’re living to your fullest potential. Would removing some distractions allow you to focus more on things that matter?
5. Turn off the notifications on your phone.
Minimalists work to remove distractions from their day—whether it be unnecessary possessions, unnecessary appointments, or unnecessary notifications like email or social media (or even texts).
For the rest of the day, turn off all notifications on your phone except for phone calls (even text messaging). See how it changes the feel of your entire day. Tomorrow morning, turn on just the notifications you actually missed.
6. Eliminate one obligation.
Minimalism extends beyond physical possessions. It sparks intentionality in all areas—relationships, habits, and your schedule.
Today, eliminate one obligation from your life that you do not enjoy or does not further your greatest passions and pursuits. Make the phone call, send the email, cancel the reservation… whatever you need to do. Reclaim your time to live the life you desire to live.
7. Make up one game with your kids.
Studies show us over and over again that fewer toys are beneficial to our children. Advertisements may tell us the newest toy will result in a better childhood for your kids, but that’s simply not true. Fewer toys consistently provide opportunity for deeper play and imagination to develop in your family.
So grab a few toys and make up a new game (such as an obstacle course) with your kids tonight. You’ll see the value of less, and have a great time too.
8. Wear your favorite outfit.
It’s true, most minimalists own fewer clothes than other people. But not because owning fewer clothes is a sacrifice. Just the opposite in fact. Owning fewer clothes means everything hanging in my closet is my favorite. There’s nothing I’d rather wear than my favorite outfit every day.
Today, wear your favorite outfit. Notice what you like about it. And then, imagine a world where you get to wear that every day.
9. Turn off your television one hour earlier than normal.
Because minimalists have embraced a more intentional approach to life, they remove unhealthy habits. For me, removing television was one of the most important. And while I still sit down to watch sports with my son or an occasional series on Netflix, television is no longer a focal point of my life. It no longer robs me of life and potential.
Tonight, turn off the television one hour earlier than normal. Use the free time to talk with your spouse, write in a journal, go for that walk, or go to bed an hour earlier. Almost anything you choose will be more worthwhile.
10. Do one thing you love.
The greatest thing about minimalism is that it frees money, time, and energy for your greatest passions. This is the greatest benefit—a life lived focused on the pursuits that result in true happiness, joy, meaning, and fulfillment.
So today, do one thing you love. And then, imagine yourself doing more of that every single day from here on out. And you’ll get a small picture of why people continue to flock to the message of minimalism.
Minimalism isn’t about living a boring life detached from reality. It is about rejecting society’s version of reality and living a focused, intentional life on your own terms.
Try out just one or two of these small steps today—and begin experiencing what the rest of your life can look like. You’ll love minimalism and you’ll love owning less.
Inge says
You can’t spent 18,000 on unnecessary things if your social security it 1480 a month.
Instead you sell everything you can get money for and become a minimalist that way.
Michael Wheeler says
My TV watching is becoming less and less, however contrary, I seek programs of travelling, documentaries and last hour of evening is turned onto either Soundscapes or Smooth Jazz on Music Choice. This background beautiful sound keeps me balanced, relaxed and allows time for reflection, meditating, admiring my sparse home. And yest giving Thanks to what I have, where I’ve been and where I am today. God Bless!
Helene says
Today is very unusual. I found my next rescue dog ( adding something into my life ) and found two chairs to remove from my office. Have two weeks (what a deadline) to as much as possible finish the decluttering I was planning before he arrives. A beautiful push with fantastic motivation. Wow! And that is not an April Fool story. It’s the real deal.
Trish says
Reading through the comments I realize that there are many different levels of minimalism. What is a minimalist lifestyle for one person may look different for someone else depending on circumstances, finances, etc. I am an artist currently prepping for a huge private show for 800 people. My home studio is currently overflowing with canvases and wood panels and other things that I need in my work. It certainly doesn’t feel minimalistic but it is necessary. Joshua gives us starting points and ideas to help us work toward our goals. Not everyone can afford to put money in savings every month, nor can others like myself clear off those surfaces ( I have to put those wet paintings somewhere to dry). For me, it’s about finding a balance. I look forward to the ideas, applying what I can to help work toward my goal of living only with, what I as an individual need. Thank you all for your different perspectives and thank you Joshua for your continued ideas and encouragement.
sally shields says
Well said… it can always be applied to one’s circumstances.
Betty says
Hes says instead of buying that outfit for 49.00…go to the bank and put it in savings. Hes saying people waste 18,000 a year. Its true…you are spending it anyway. So use that money to save instead. Huge will power.
Vy says
So true. Excellent advise.
Marci says
As an artist, I totally agree!! I want to be less cluttered, but collect interesting subject matter and rent a small house. It’s very difficult. (Plus canvases, art supplies etc!) But reading other people’s coping ideas helps!
Jan Steinman says
Television? What’s that? Phone notifications? You mean when my land-line rings? Do people have more than one outfit?
Guess I’m already a minimalist.
Stephanie says
Staying at home in pajamas for 4 days has allowed me to do complete some work I have put off and lazy out. Television can be disturbing since I have it on all day long. I have decided to take on more starting a hobby (reading, drawing…) to keep my mind off from this enduring crisis. Have I been a minimalist before, I would have cut off a lot of the spread of all the demands that has caused the prices I am very pessimistic about the economy and direction (if there is any) that our country is taking. What to spend on when you have nothing to spend on. It comes naturally down on us to make more effort. My recent trip over California has helped me to better understand about living within our means. Saving in time and money has been for us to walk to the nearest convenient store, talking over a coffee, see each other more often over shopping and feels hopelessly at peace about what I need to buy more. There is so much more we can do to stay closer to what we want to do and think we can do in a day without spending a penny. Recently the cost on flights has coming back up and lots more cancellation. I am glad that this end of the year means I am now back to a calmer place. Staying closer to home and work.
John Bush says
Couldn’t you have pared the list down a little?
Stephanie says
Absolutely agree@
Katrina Beranek says
Haha
Heather says
My MIL does a great clean out every year. I have tried to do it with her the last two years. The number of items to lose is the year we’re on, so this year we try for 2022. I only made it to 1400 last year, and I still need to work on my mindset, but it’s a great challenge.
Laurie Morra says
I’m not trying to be snarky, generally interested, how can there be 1400 items to discard? What type? Like do you count a package of plastic forks as 24 items or one? Ive always donated consistently, so I cant imagine having that much to discard at once.
Olivia says
A packet counts as one. Once you start the process you will be surprised at how easy it is to reach 1400 items, if you own a lot. I didn’t and when I started my journey after watching YouTubers rave about it I often find myself getting rid of more and more. It can also be as simple as unsubscribing to unsolicited mail, getting rid of one too many dishcloths or pillows. It is a learning but freeing process. I also have a rule if I do bring something into the house at least 2 items have to go.
Holly says
Great idea!!
Leslie Perry says
I really like this sentence: “Minimalism isn’t about owning less than you need, it’s about owning exactly what you need.”
Ruchi says
I like that along with de clutter in physical spaces, it leads to mental de clutter as well. Living a peaceful & joyful life is something we all aspire for after all.
Germaine says
… agree!
Marcella says
How you deal with your belongings has nothing to do with your parents and their belongings. Focus on yourself.
Barbara says
Good insight – I like this.
Kate says
I think the positive energy you and your family are channeling is so worthwhile! Thank you for the small bits of encouragement that don’t make it feel overwhelming. Small steps, big results.