My family has been on a journey to embrace minimalism and simplicity in various aspects of our lives—financially, in our work, and at home. With two kids and all the stuff that comes with them, it’s been a challenge, but we’ve managed pretty well. Over the past few months, we’ve gone through our house one room at a time, decluttering as we went. Now, our home is streamlined and simple, with only the essentials remaining. I’ve found that a minimalist home not only clears physical space but also brings mental clarity. Here’s how I did it:
HOW TO CREATE A MINIMALIST HOME
There are no strict steps to follow; you just need to decide to pare down as much as possible. While I might not achieve the perfect minimalist home, here are some tips for anyone interested in adopting minimalism:
Focus on one room at a time. Trying to simplify your entire house all at once can be overwhelming. Start with one room and then move on to the next. I began with my bedroom, particularly the closets. This room can serve as motivation to simplify the other rooms.
Start with furniture. Fewer pieces of furniture generally make a space feel more minimalist. Think about which items you can remove without sacrificing comfort. Is there furniture you hardly ever use? Consider getting rid of it.
Keep only what you need. Assess each item in a room to see if it’s truly essential. If you can live without it, get rid of it. Strip the room down to its essentials; you can always add a few select items later.
Clear the floors. Once you’ve minimized your furniture, make sure your floors are completely clear. Donate, trash, or find a storage spot for everything else that’s on the floor.
Clear all surfaces. All flat surfaces should be clear, which greatly enhances the minimalist feel.
Simplify your walls. Keep your walls mostly bare, with the exception of one or two simple pieces of artwork or mirrors.
Store your stuff. Keep everything you need out of sight, in drawers and cabinets. Bookshelves should mainly be for books. As you store things, take the opportunity to donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need.
Opt for simple window treatments. Bare windows, or simple, solid-colored curtains or wooden blinds, work well.
Use subdued colors. Most of the room should feature subtle colors. White is a classic choice for minimalists, but any solid color that’s easy on the eyes works. A tiny splash of bright color as an accent is fine.
Edit and eliminate. After a few days, review everything again. Ask a friend for an objective assessment of the room. Often, you’ll find more items to simplify.
Assign a place for everything. In a minimalist home, every item should have a designated spot, even the coffee maker.
Celebrate your progress. Once you’ve simplified a room, take a moment to sit and admire it. Notice how peaceful it feels? It’s a truly wonderful sensation.