People have started learning how to create a minimalist lifestyle to face hot issues of society such as inflation, rising unemployment rate, environmental pollution, etc. That has made us realize living frugally, avoiding waste, buying what is needed, and reusing things. In addition, a minimalist lifestyle is one of the most effective methods, helping us to move towards those things more easily.

So how do we start a minimalist lifestyle? Follow the tips below; it will bring you a surprise!

The origin of the minimalist lifestyle

Based on various reports worldwide, it is still unknown what officially formed this lifestyle. However, several records preserved over the years still deal with the subject.

The West:

The phrase “minimalism” began in the 50s and 60s of the last century and appeared as a movement in New York. At that time, “minimalism” was applied mainly to cinema and music, using fewer instruments in the song, and the scenes were limited to mixing different colors.

The East:

In eastern countries, the minimalist lifestyle is perhaps best known through traditions from Japan. Legend has it that people in this country during the Edo period lived within limits by laws that prevented the display of wealth and possessions.

Although the exact origin is uncertain, minimalist living like the Japanese has gradually “taken root” to become a symbol in the lifestyle of this nation to the present time.

What does a minimalist lifestyle give us?

Mental health

Science has proven that our surroundings play an essential role in our mental health. A minimalist, clean and tidy environment gives a feeling of calm and satisfaction. The less furniture you have, the less cluttered your space will be.

 

 

 

SwapNow is a suitable suggestion to help you post and exchange items you rarely use to receive more necessary things.

Increase motivation and productivity

Many items around make it impossible for us to work efficiently. According to a 2011 study in Psychology, scientists at Princeton University found that clutter makes it difficult to concentrate on work. Our cortex can get overwhelmed and distracted, making it difficult to focus.

Strengthen your finances

A minimalist living will help you spend money on meaningful experiences instead of buying many things messing up your house. Once you get rid of the “having more things make us happier” mindset, you’ll discover a new hobby of saving money.

For example, instead of buying new clothes frequently, you might decide to put your money to invest in something for your future.

Having fewer items also means you can choose to live in a more “selective” space. So you can update your style easily, reduce money spent, and increase your savings.

Good for the environment

Perhaps many of us have noticed the dangers of climate change at this moment (Global warming, melting ice, plastic waste, etc.). Indeed, the consequences caused by humans are more evident than ever.

In this urgent situation, a minimalist lifestyle is essential. With the mindset of reducing purchases and consumption, a minimalist lifestyle will reduce waste in the environment, and each individual will live more consciously with nature. 

You can implement this lifestyle by actions such as refusing to use plastic products, shopping less, reusing, recycling, etc.

SwapNow – one of the applications connecting people through an application to post and exchange rarely used items between people to contribute to protecting the environment.

Check out the 3 most practical steps to start the journey of minimalism.

Consider getting rid of items no longer used for more than 3 months.

First, you should remove rarely used things from the shelves, cabinets, and drawers. If you find any items that have not been touched in the last 3 months, consider if you still want to keep them or exchange them. 

Next, categorize rarely used items in different bins or bags. You can give them away or exchange them with other people who would need them more on SwapNow.

Keep things organized, displaying only frequently used items:

After “purifying” the living space by sending out unnecessary things, the remaining items must be placed in the appropriate places. To keep room space open and minimalist, only display important stuff in the “prime” locations.

Spend carefully, buy quality products:

One of the biggest problems in minimalism” is wise spending. This does not mean limiting shopping to a minimum.

As mentioned, minimalism is seen as a way of thinking rather than a framework and specific constraints. Applying this to the financial aspects, before making a buying decision, ask questions like:

• How long will this product last?
• Does this product possess many different uses?
• What occasions and situations will need this product? 
• Do you need to use it often?

Answering the above questions, you have partially completed the “test” to learn about the product and allow yourself to consider spending more carefully. It may be a time-consuming and cumbersome process at first, but practicing it regularly will form a habit for you and gradually won’t feel difficult anymore.

With some refined information about minimalist living, hopefully, you can directly apply them to your daily life from today. In particular, keep in mind that: the essence of minimalism is not to “minimize” everything but to “simplify” unnecessary things from which to “optimize” the aspects that are more important to you.