7 first steps for a beginner minimalist

As with any lifestyle change, people who are determined to become minimalists can often be categorized as follows:

First category: Go ahead - have you seen the trash can here?
Second category: Thank you, but no - I have no problems with things, only with space.
Third category: This is very cool, but it is not clear where to start.

Sometimes the latter change their minds, seeing how much happier people from the first and third categories have become.

I gradually switched to minimalism. I tried, then changed my mind, moved forward again, took a step back and in the end stayed forever.

What's the matter?

Over the course of seven years, I have simplified my attitude towards food, possessions, credit, health, home, and business. I deliberately was in no hurry, and there were several reasons for this.

From experience I know that a leisurely transition turns out to be more stable as a result than an abrupt change.
My family is the most important to me.
I had to experiment to find out what exactly was enough for me.
I was looking for something more. Didn't plan to just get rid of things. I wanted to find what was most important to me, what made my heart sing.
Until now, I am looking for something, defining and experimenting with something. I do not set for myself some kind of ultimate goal.

If you are just beginning or halfway through the journey of simplifying your life and becoming a minimalist, you should love these tips.

7 first steps for a beginner minimalist

Write it down.
Throw out the same items.
Determine the area to be decontaminated.
Travel light.
Less clothing.
Avoid excessive variety in your food.
Set aside $ 1,000.

1. Write down

Write down a list of why you decided to simplify your life. If you are bored with collectors, write it down. Are you often angry with children? Write this. Do you sleep badly due to stress? Write. Want to get rid of your boss? Yes, and write that too. All of these are your reasons, they are in difficult moments and will remind you to continue. Your reasons will help you remember the most important things.

2. Throw out the same things

Take a box, walk around the house and put all the duplicates in it. Notice that you have two sets of measuring cups? Put one in the box. Multiple copies of the same book or DVD? Put it there too. Same napkin sets? Why do you need so much? After you fill the box, mark it as "Duplicate" and set it aside for 30 days. If during this time you did not get anything from there, and do not even remember what was there, donate it.

3. Determine the area for decluttering

There are many options: a table in the kitchen, a bedside table, a countertop or a kitchen drawer. This junk-free zone will be your incentive to start getting by without unnecessary things. Do you like this free space? Then start expanding it a little every day. An uncluttered countertop can grow into an uncluttered room, and this room can become the clean, minimalistic home you've dreamed of.

4. Travel light

When I travel, I rediscover the magic of minimalism and the benefits of a humble life. Take half as many things on your next trip. For a four-day trip, pack your clothes for two days. You can wash and dry your clothes if needed, or wear the same set twice. You will see how much easier it will be with less luggage.

5. Less clothing

Project 333 is about wearing only 33 wardrobe items for 3 months (clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories). Sure, it sounds a little over the top, but many people have already seen how much easier life makes it.

6. Avoid excessive variety in food

Think about how much time it takes to choose a dish for lunch, to prepare a family dinner, to buy groceries, and it will immediately become clear that food is not always easy. During the week, try to eat the same for breakfast and lunch, and leave a choice of 2-3 dishes for dinner. If your family complains, explain that this is just an experiment and ask for their opinion at the end of the week.

7. Set aside $ 1,000

Money set aside for a rainy day makes life easier. Make only the minimum loan payments until you set aside $ 1000. No credit, but are you still spending too much? Set aside a small amount daily (or once a week) until you have accumulated $ 1,000. You can try to complete the Task for 52 weeks. Put away $ 45 every week and you can save more than $ 1,000 in 45 weeks. Money set aside for a rainy day is known to reduce stress and the number of rainy days.

Start following these steps one at a time, and then continue to follow them until your life is the way you dreamed of. Even if the transformation takes ten years, the benefits will be immediate.

The great thing for a beginner is your curiosity and fearlessness. You can ask for help, start again if you fail, anticipating a new amazing life without trash, worries, debts and obligations.