How to Become a Minimalist – The Insanely EASY Guide to Declutter Your Life

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Are you interested in learning how to become a minimalist?

If not, it’s time to consider.

In short, becoming a minimalist could save you money and provide you with a newfound peace of mind.

To help you decide if minimalism is for you, this post covers many aspects of minimalism including:

• What minimalism is
• Why you should become a minimalist
• How to convert to a minimalist mindset
• Things minimalists don’t buy
• Other miscellaneous tips for becoming a minimalist

Before we get too far into it, let’s first start with explaining what minimalism is.

How to Become a Minimalist: What is Minimalism?

You might say minimalism could be defined as a lifestyle of living with less, or minimal belongings.

There’s a spectrum of minimalism from beginner minimalism to what I’d refer to as hardcore minimalism. This involves living with the bare minimum, upcycling and re-using items for different purposes, and producing less waste.

I have been what I would call a borderline minimalist most of my life naturally.

By this, I mean I’ve never liked having a bunch of stuff I don’t use or things that don’t add value to my space.

But here within the last couple years, I would say I have embodied an increasing amount of minimalist habits into my life.

If you’re intrigued, read on for why you should consider becoming a minimalist too.

How to Become a Minimalist: Why Should You?

So you know what minimalism is, but you don’t know if it’s for you?

Here’s why you should stop buying things you don’t actually need and become a minimalist.

Clear Up Space as a Minimalist

Well, for one, it will naturally clear up space in your home for things that actually bring you joy.

Once you start clearing your home and life of excess things, you will have a different perspective.

You will then be able to actually assess what you like, don’t like, need, and don’t need.

For example, have you ever found yourself staring into your closet and not being able to mentally put together a single outfit because you’re overwhelmed by so many different pieces?

Once I started clearing things out, I rediscovered pieces of clothing I forgot I had, that I actually loved, and was able to visualize said pieces in different outfit combinations.

It’s just how our brain works.

When you have a lot to look at, it can be overwhelming and hard to process each and every item.

So when you have more things, you have a tendency to repeat the same outfits over and over because it’s just easier that way.

According to Forbes, a 2005 study compared 200 self-identified voluntary simplifiers and 200 matched control participants and found that voluntary simplifiers showed more positive emotion and well-being than did control participants.

Save the Environment as a Minimalist

We only have one Earth, so why not take care of it? Becoming a minimalist is the environmentally friendly thing to do. When you have less stuff, you make less waste. Simple as that.

Save Money as a Minimalist

Lastly, and maybe the most appealing aspect, is that if you become a minimalist, it will save you hella money.

You’re buying less, which means you’re spending less.

This equates to more money in your pocket to spend on things that really do fill up your cup such as experiences, travel, high quality items you actually love, contributions to causes you care about, etc.

How to Become a Minimalist: Changing Your Mindset

The first step to becoming a minimalist is shifting to a minimalism mindset.

A lot of people don’t realize they have hoarding tendencies, or a subconscious fear of being without, so to speak.

This comes from a core belief that resources are scarce and you should hold on to what you have because someday you might need it.

While this might be true in a sense, a lot of what people hold onto they never actually end up using or needing.

Aside from this way of thinking, other people use retail therapy and shop to fill a void.

The only problem with this (beside the damage to your bank account) is that this doesn’t actually solve anything.

Minimalism really is a shift in mindset, so really try to dig into your underlying beliefs as a starting point.

How to Become a Minimalist: Things to Not Buy or Keep

It’s no secret minimalism is about having less stuff.

But what stuff exactly?

I’ve compiled a list of things I don’t buy as a minimalist to maintain a minimalist lifestyle.

Don’t get me wrong, it can be tempting to always want to have the newest and the best of anything.

However, as a general guideline, try to steer clear of the following.

1. Anything in bulk

I really don’t buy anything in bulk as a minimalist for two reasons.

The obvious is that I will have to find storage space for the extra.

The other reason is that I like to try new things and switch up my products.

There’s very few items I love enough to buy in bulk and use over and over.

2. Beauty services

I can easily DIY pedicures, manicures, eyebrows, lash extensions, and sunless tanning.

And if I’m being honest, 9 times out of 10 I feel like after I purchase these services, I’ve wasted my money.

I rarely leave super happy with my results and I always find myself thinking, with just a little bit of time and effort, I could have done them better myself.

For this reason, I tend to not spend money on these types of services.

3. Multiples of same type of product

Let’s face it, unless you’re an influencer, you don’t need more than 2 mascaras, 3 makeup removers, and 5 foundations.

You can clear up so much space by just going through what you already have and asking yourself for each type of product which one (s) you use the most (1, 2 tops) and donating the rest.

This applies to more than just beauty products. Think cleaning products, electronics, etc.

Instead of throwing these things in the trash, make sure to rinse and clean them out if you are recycling, or donate lightly used ones to friends and family.

4. Monthly subscriptions & memberships

There’s only a select few subscriptions I have and an even smaller number that I actually pay for.

If possible, try to keep your monthly subscriptions and memberships minimal.

Keep in mind these things can really add up to your monthly expenses without you knowing as well.

Clear it out!

5. Clean up your phone

Minimalism doesn’t only apply to your physical surroundings; it can also show up in your phone organization.

If you haven’t touched an app in over 6 months, delete it. There’s no need to clutter it up with apps you don’t use regularly.

You can also clear up storage space on your phone by going through old pics and deleting the duplicates, screenshots you mistakenly took, or photos you don’t need anymore.

The same thing applies for emails. I have my email inbox super organized with folders and I don’t hold onto old emails I don’t need.

6. Excessive organizational tools

Remember, you don’t need more organizational tools; you need less stuff to have to organize.

7. Old paper documents

If a document is over 5 years old, 9 times out of 10 it’s just taking up space in a file cabinet.

Every few months I try to go through my file cabinet and dispose of any old documents I’m certain I don’t need anymore.

For example, this includes old health insurance EOB’s, receipts, expired insurance policy details, etc.

8. Impulse buys in stores

Try to avoid anything in the checkout aisle or on end caps. As a rule of thumb, if you didn’t go in to get that item, don’t buy it!

9. Placeholder items

Don’t buy placeholders for items such as decor or clothes.

What I mean by this is if you want something that’s a little too pricy for your budget, go without until you can afford it (as long as it’s not a necessity).

Don’t just buy something to get you by until you can get what you actually want.

Do research, look at reviews, and get things you really actually want. Settling for a placeholder items is just a waste of money.

Remember, it’s okay to have some bare spots in your house!

10. Bulk sets of kitchenware items

This might include pots and pans, cups, mugs, and plates.

A lot of the time I don’t like everything in the set and end up picking and choosing what I want anyways.

By avoiding bulk sets, I can make sure everything I have is handpicked by me.

11. Separate products

Try not to buy multiple types of the same type of product and purchase items that have multiple uses.

For instance, when it comes to medication, I don’t buy Ibuprofen AND Tylenol as they’re both pain relievers.

I also don’t collect a million different supplements.

I will keep up on buying a good hair skin and nails vitamin but that’s about it.

Look for a multi-vitamin that addresses your needs instead of taking a separate supplement for each concern.

When it comes to hair products, I look for a heat protectant that also doubles as a leave in conditioner and has multiple other benefits such as this Redken leave in cream that doubles as a heat protectant and leave in conditioner.

Another great example of this is cleaning products.

Many cleaning products are multi purpose and can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, and everywhere in between like this Method spray.

12. Household fragrances

I stick with soy candles and the occasional Bath and Body Works candle (I know, I know: not the most non-toxic option but I can’t pass up a good Flannel or Leaves candle being the basic beeyotch I am).

But as far as other fragrances go, I don’t purchase wall plugins, scent sticks, or concentrated room sprays.

13. Body sprays & scented lotions

While it’s tempting to grab the little freebie Bath and Body Works body lotion, I stopped doing this.

I only invest in good quality perfume because the fragrance lasts a lot longer and more concentrated.

I have about 4 good quality perfumes; one fruity, one floral, one bold/sultry, and one light everyday.

Side note, recently I’ve been obsessed with finding my signature scent, so if you have any good recommendations, drop it in the comment section.

14. Coffee mugs

It’s crazy how much space these things can clutter up.

And don’t even get me started on the countertop “Coffee Bars” with Rae Dunn mugs galore (no offense if that’s your jam).

But if we’re keeping it real, no one realistically needs more than 3-5 coffee mugs.

15. Dog toys

I’m a dog mom so I regularly go through my dog’s toys and get rid of the ones he doesn’t play with.

I also don’t buy him new toys unless one gets ruined. The same thing could apply for baby toys if you’re a mama to a human!

16. Shelves

I really don’t like the idea of having shelves hanging around my house, except for my bookshelf.

When you hang up shelves, that’s just adding more surface space to sit trinkets, decor, etc.

Avoid the temptation altogether by skipping hanging shelves.

17. Artificial plants

Another thing I stopped buying when I became a minimalist is fake plants as decor. They honestly just collect dust.

Instead, I started keeping real plants to purify the air and add an actual organic feel to my home.

18. Feminine pads

This might sound gross to some at first, and I admit it takes some getting used to, but I use these re-usable washable feminine pads.

I typically only use them when I sleep (added perk: they’re way comfier).

All you do is rinse them out in the sink after use and throw them in the wash with dark towels, etc.

19. Nail polish

Answer honestly: how many nail polishes do you have stored away somewhere in a cabinet with dried goop on the sides that you haven’t used in 2+ years?

Nail polish seems to be one of those impulse buys that you forget about after you’ve worn it once.

I rarely buy nail polish and if I do I invest in one I know I will like based on pictures from Pinterest.

If you can stick with 10 or under tried and true nail polishes, I’d say you’re in pretty good shape.

20. Toothbrushes

Do yourself a favor and convert to this electric toothbrush instead of buying a new toothbrush every 6 months.

They work way better anyway!

21. Floss

Same thing here: instead of using string floss, I use a WaterPik flosser.

Not to mention this thing is super satisfying to use as you can see all the junk flood out from between your gums as you use it.

Having one of these reduces floss waste and saves you money on buying floss.

22. Physical Calendars

While there is something satisfying about writing things out on a physical calendar, I never keep up with it and it’s just not as practical for me as keeping all my to-do’s and events on my phone.

Between the Notes app and Google Calendar, I don’t have a whole lot of use for a physical calendar.

23. Disposable Plates and Silverware

There’s no need to clutter up your space (or landfills for that matter) with paper, plastic, or styrofoam plates. The same thing goes for plastic silverware and utensils. Not only will you find yourself producing less waste but you will save money from no longer buying these unnecessary household items.

24. Paper Towels

Ditch the paper towels and stop cluttering up your closets by using these super cute and handy reusable cloths instead.

They are extremely absorbent, machine washable, and make clean ups a breeze.

25. Checkbooks

With online banking, there’s no need for a physical checkbook to be sitting around. Utilize the convenience of online banking and opt out of receiving a checkbook.

26. Notebooks/Pens

Hang up a dry erase board or chalk board as an alternative to physical notebooks for quickly jotting things down or for weekly dinner menu planning.

Not to mention when you have a bunch of notebooks, random pens start to appear everywhere and have a tendency to accumulate.

27. Old Phone Cases

This used to be an item I would hold onto “just in case.” But the chances are, after you have used a phone case for a while, you’re probably not going to use it again.

Other How to Become a Minimalist Tips

Become a Minimalist by Adopting a New Shopping Style

Don’t go shopping just to shop, and only go in aisles/areas of store where you know you were meaning to get something from (no browsing).

You basically need to change your shopping habits entirely.

Something I started doing that literally changed my life is I started asking myself the following questions before I purchase something:

1. “Do I really need this item?“
2. “Will purchasing this item add value to my life?“

If the answers to both of those questions are no, I simply just don’t buy it.

Return Items

Don’t be afraid to return items you don’t like, most stores have flexible return policies and will give you store credit even if you accidentally threw away a receipt.

I refuse to keep things that I bring home and don’t end up loving.

There is no shame in returning things you decided you don’t want or need. Things can look shiny and new and beautiful in the store, but once you get it home you might realize that all it was was an impulse buy.

Don’t worry though, it’s not too late to return.

Most stores have pretty flexible return policies. As long as you have the receipt or there’s a visible bar code to scan, you’re in the clear.

You can at the very least get store credit to buy something else that you actually need or love.

Final Thoughts on How to Become a Minimalist

I’ve been working towards becoming a minimalist over the last few years and it definitely hasn’t been an overnight transformation.

As I mentioned, I’ve never been one to collect a lot of *things,* but I still fall into the temptation of accumulating more than I need. It’s a journey and a work in progress like anything else, but so worth it in the end.

Want more insight into the details of my minimalist lifestyle? Be sure to check out my post:

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