Note: This is a guest post from Melissa of Melissa Camara Wilkins.
You might think that minimalists are all about white walls and clutter-free countertops, but that’s not the whole story. Minimalists know that having less stuff offers more space for focus, gratitude, and meaningful work.
Whether your own desk is clear or your bookshelves are overstuffed, consider trying out these ten things that minimalists don’t do.
1. They don’t lose sleep over keeping up with trends.
When it comes to stuff, minimalists aim to own just enough. They might invest in fewer, higher quality pieces, but they’re not spending a lot of time and energy shopping for those shoes/tote bags/coffee table baubles everyone else is after, the ones that will be outdated and disposed of before the season is over.
That’s not to say that minimalists don’t pay attention to style—they just tend to invest more in their own personal style, not the style dictated by consumer trends. Instead of trying to fit in, minimalists focus on who they are and what’s right for them.
2. They don’t succumb to decision fatigue before noon.
Energy spent on inconsequential decisions—what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, where to look for the keys that are missing yet again—adds up fast. We all have a limited amount of decision-making power each day, and using it on details takes away from our ability to be decisive when it really matters.
When you pare down your wardrobe, your kitchen, or your clutter, you cut out unnecessary options. You can save your decision-making power for creative projects, for your relationships, and for productive work. By eliminating the unnecessary, you create more energy for what matters most.
3. They aren’t drowning in email.
Decluttering isn’t just for office supplies. Minimalists keep their digital lives clutter-free too, and that includes unsubscribing from emails that aren’t useful. Just like the mantra from William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,” only invite messages into your inbox if they’re useful or delightful to receive.
4. They don’t worry about what other people think.
Minimalists have learned not to defer to the crowd when it comes to important decisions. Living with less is like swimming upstream, so minimalists get lots of practice at doing what they think is best instead of following popular opinion.
Most of us have a tendency to be overly influenced by other peoples’ opinions. What will they think about what I wear, where I live, what I do? Our best choices are made when we let go of that fearful inner voice. We could all stand to practice that more often.
5. They don’t spend Saturdays cleaning out the garage.
When you’re not using all those things you buy, they need to be taken care of: stored, cleaned, fixed, organized. Minimalists refuse to give up their free time for extra stuff maintenance. Instead of storing everything you’ve ever owned, let go of the things you don’t use anymore. Less time spent cleaning and organizing all that junk you’ve stored means more Saturdays spent doing what you love.
6. Or tidying up everything else.
Many minimalists say they love a clean home, but hate to clean. The easiest way to keep things tidy is to get rid of everything that clutters up a space. Clear counters are easier to wipe up. Clear floors are easier to vacuum. Don’t just reorganize; remove. And make sure that everything you do keep has a specific home in your house, so you can put things away when they’re not in use.
7. They don’t let the past dictate their future.
The things you’re surrounded by remind you of what you believe is important. If you don’t weed out the belongings you’ve outgrown, it’s like your past is living with you all the time. You don’t need to own everything you’ve ever used. Keep things that support who you are, who you’re becoming, and let go of the rest.
8. They don’t forget what their loved ones look like.
Minimalists have this crazy idea that maybe wanting less is better than buying more. They don’t spend time and money buying things they don’t need, to impress people they may or may not even like.
Whatever your budget, spending less will help it stretch farther—leaving you with more time to be with friends and family away from work, and less stress during your downtime so you can actually enjoy the people you’re with.
9. They don’t lose the habit of curiosity.
Creative thinking requires staying curious. Minimalists get to practice curiosity all the time, asking themselves questions like: Why do I own this? Why did I say yes to that? Is this habit still serving me? What would life be like without this? What’s really important to me? What can I let go of?
The practice of asking questions and seeking your own answers—not just the culturally approved ones—is helpful in all kinds of areas beyond dealing with desktop clutter.
10. They don’t skip out on great memories.
Many minimalists prioritize experiences over things. Instead of collecting knick knacks, they collect memories. Whether they’re having fun as a family, planning outings with friends, or going on solo treks, minimalists aren’t looking for the next great buy, they’re keeping an eye out for their next adventure.
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Melissa Camara Wilkins writes a beautiful blog about giving yourself permission to be who you were made to be. You can also follow her on Facebook.
Bernice says
I go through my things in my cabinets and take out any unnecessary items. It all look so nice and I feel good. Then the mail comes, shoes are not put where they belong, books are all over the sofa (We both love books and reading.), drinking glasses on the counter in the kitchen. I think you get the picture. How do I get myself and my husband to put away things as we use them? Would love some advice so tidying up doesn’t become such a big job. We are retired, but every day before I can cook, I have to clear the countertops. Thank you so much!
Brooke says
I like the “two minute rule”, if you can do it in under two minutes just do it. For example- put the cup right in the dishwasher or wash it right away. I use it at work too especially to prioritize emails. If I can do it in under two minutes I just finish it, if not I notate the file and set a task for it based on its level of urgency, same can be done at home.
I also like time blocking as a home time management skill and I try to cut out a half hour to an hour a day based on the day to tidy up. I just choose one or two specific tasks to do instead of trying to do it all. I come from a family of clean freaks so this was an adjustment.
My mom recently retired within the last year and I’m working with her on a schedule so that she just spends her retirement focusing on her own wellness instead of chores.
Mail was actually pretty easy to adjust habits out of all the minimalist skills. I pull out important stuff as I walk in the door and put the junk right in the shredder or trash bin. The important mail gets the two-minute rule and either it’s handled or noted for the time block. We’ve opted for paperless for most of our policies and accounts so we actually don’t get much paper mail in that regard and we don’t subscribe to magazines or catalogs. There are lots of great articles that get posted through this website and it’s associated Facebook page that have helped build those habits. Hope some of these help!
Kristin Evans says
I make it a habit to pick up if I’m leaving that space, moving from kitchen to living or office to living or living to bedroom. If you know/think you are gonna use an item again it can stay out but if you know that it like when the pizza slicer gets used & theres no more pizza to slice cuz there isn’t anymore in the house, it goes directly into the dishwasher. I hate dishes in the sink with a passion.
Tina says
Minimalists don’t rent storage space. They can open a cupboard and feel peaceful. They have room in their car to offer a ride.
Their children feel free to have friends come over. A neighbor can drop in any time.
B Diane Deviney says
Yes!!
Ellen says
I agree! I feel greatful for all my stuff, and greatful that I have stuff to donate to Ukraine. But hopefully some day when Kids stop growing, and my weight stops fluctuating I will no longer have stuff to donate. Others have plenty, so do not feel guilty about that! Love your posts ♥️
H Barton says
Dear Joshua, I have found your site on the Internet lately. Very interesting from all aspects. Mostly it seems to come back to some very basics life skills to a healthy lifestyle. I’ve contemplated to make improvements for us. My wife and I have no children and I see that would be “easy” and doable Love your posts. Keep them coming…!
Michelle Gast says
Very helpful, thanks for sharing.
amy says
after reading this blog post, i was encouraged to throw away the things that belong to my past so i can save up more time and energy to enjoy holidays instead of doing cleaning and re-organizing things again and again.
Thanks for the post! Love and support your work!
:)
M says
Each time I read your blog I learn a new way or different way to enjoy my surroundings. I will be looking for Melissa Camara Wilkins
blog, I believe it will be interesting. Thanks for your insight.
Mylène says
Hello,
French frog is there!
(What a pity for your book the Minimalist Home, but you are forgiven :-) (french humor!)).
Regarding 10 things that minimalists do not do, I had never realized until now that by becoming minimalist I allowed myself to be who I really am. However, I feel more free. This remark is very correct.
I also believe that I have increased my ability to think outside the box. And yes, I confirm, to be minimalist is also not to worry about what the majority thinks.
Thanks to your work, now I know Melissa Camara Wilkins.
Thank you for your work.
Bonjour de France!
Nicky says
I am already nearly there but found your book inspiring and helps me when I speak to clients as I work as a de-clutterer and home organiser.
I find I have more time to do things now and less stuff- our home stays clean and I can almost always find things I need! I am human and do sometimes not put things back where I should!
Keep on blogging Joshua its inspiring…..
Bernadette Butler says
Excellent points! Doing some already and need to work on other areas. Thank you for the info
Rod says
unless you’re grateful for what you have, or grateful you don’t need it, living with less means little, gratitude is everything…