Become a Minimalist in 10 Easy Steps: Simple Ways to Declutter Your Life and Embrace Simplicity

As a Digital Nomad you have a lot of freedom – but also one big restriction: your luggage. If you’re on the road a lot and move regularly, you can’t have a shipping container with your entire household goods following you every time. The solution: You have to reduce yourself to the most necessary – become some sort of minimalist. And that’s good news because owning less is good for your mental health – I’ve compiled the scientific facts for you here.

But where to begin when starting a more minimalistic lifestyle? How rigorously do you need to be? Here are 10 steps to help you start your journey toward minimalism.

1. Start by decluttering your space

Go through each room in your home and get rid of items that you no longer need or use. Be ruthless and honest with yourself. You don’t have to do it all in one day. Maybe find 5 items every day for one week!

Start by dedicating time to each room, systematically evaluating and purging items that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy. It’s a chance to be both ruthless and honest with yourself about the necessity and relevance of each possession.

Breaking down the decluttering process into smaller, more manageable tasks can make the endeavor less daunting. Set a goal to find and eliminate a specific number of items each day—perhaps five items over the course of a week. This approach not only distributes the effort but also allows for a more thoughtful examination of each item.

As you navigate through this decluttering journey, ask yourself poignant questions about each possession. Does it contribute positively to your life? Is it genuinely useful or sentimental? If the answer is no, consider parting ways with it.

Decluttering isn’t just about creating physical space; it’s a mindful practice that can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Letting go of the unnecessary allows room for a clearer mindset and a more intentional and purposeful living environment.

2. Determine your values and priorities

Taking the time to figure out your values and priorities is important for minimalism. This step helps you focus on what truly matters to you. It also helps you avoid buying things you don’t need. In the end, the most important things are your health and your loved ones, right?

By keeping only the possessions that are truly important, you show what you value. A clean and clutter-free space highlights what matters in your life. This helps you see that material things do not bring happiness or fulfillment. Each item you keep should have a purpose or bring you joy. This approach transforms your space to support your life.

Knowing your values also helps you make better decisions. It becomes easier to say no to things that do not match your priorities. This prevents clutter from building up.

This step also makes you think about why you bought things in the past. Were you influenced by society, acting on impulse, or looking for happiness in stuff? Understanding these patterns can help you grow and live a more satisfying life.

3. Set minimalism goals

Start small and work your way up. On your journey to a minimalistic lifestyle, it can be helpful to set specific goals, such as getting rid of one item per day or week.

Consider beginning with a modest goal, such as getting rid of one item per day or week. This deliberate and gradual approach not only avoids the stress of an overwhelming overhaul but also allows you to cultivate a habit of mindfulness and intentional decision-making.

By choosing a single item at a time, you can focus on the significance of each possession and make thoughtful decisions about its place in your life. This methodical approach encourages a deeper connection with the decluttering process, fostering a sense of purpose and mindfulness.

As you witness the impact of your small yet consistent efforts, you may find a newfound motivation to continue the journey toward minimalism. The beauty of starting small lies in its accessibility and adaptability to your own pace and lifestyle.

4. Adopt a “one in, one out” policy

Adopting a “one in, one out” policy is a simple way to stay organized. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one you no longer need. This keeps your possessions in check and prevents clutter.

This rule makes you think carefully about what you buy. You will ask yourself if you really need the new item. By removing an old item, you create balance in your home.

The “one in, one out” rule helps you keep a tidy and organized space. It encourages you to buy only what you truly need. This is a key part of minimalism—focusing on quality, not quantity.

You can use this rule for digital items or commitments too. If you take on something new, let go of something old. This keeps your life balanced and stress-free.

This policy also makes you appreciate what you have. By letting go of items, you see what is really important. It helps you make better choices in the future.

Following this rule can also help the environment. Donate or recycle items you don’t need. This reduces waste and helps others.

In short, the “one in, one out” policy is a great way to stay organized. It helps you control clutter and live a more intentional life. Your home will stay clean, and you can focus on what really matters.

5. Embrace simplicity

Minimalism is about living with less, but it’s also about finding joy in the things you do have. Focus on the things that bring you happiness and let go of the rest.

The heart of minimalism lies in finding joy and meaning in the things that truly matter to you. As you navigate your journey toward a minimalist lifestyle, pay careful attention to the items and experiences that bring genuine happiness into your life. These could be simple pleasures—a cherished book, a piece of art, or the warmth of shared moments with loved ones.

By embracing minimalism, you’re actively curating a living space that reflects your values and cultivates a sense of contentment. It’s a deliberate choice to surround yourself only with the items that spark joy and align with your priorities, letting go of the rest.

The process of finding joy in minimalism goes beyond possessions; it extends to the freedom and mental clarity that come with living a life unburdened by excess. It’s about stripping away the non-essential, allowing space for what truly matters, and savoring the richness of a life focused on intentional experiences.

6. Learn to live with less

Minimalism is not about deprivation, it’s about living with purpose and intention. You’ll find that having less actually leads to more freedom and happiness.

The heart of minimalism lies in finding joy and meaning in the things that truly matter to you. As you navigate your journey toward a minimalist lifestyle, pay careful attention to the items and experiences that bring genuine happiness into your life. These could be simple pleasures—a cherished book, a piece of art, or the warmth of shared moments with loved ones.

By embracing minimalism, you’re actively curating a living space that reflects your values and cultivates a sense of contentment. It’s a deliberate choice to surround yourself only with the items that spark joy and align with your priorities, letting go of the rest.

The process of finding joy in minimalism goes beyond possessions; it extends to the freedom and mental clarity that come with living a life unburdened by excess. It’s about stripping away the non-essential, allowing space for what truly matters, and savoring the richness of a life focused on intentional experiences.

7. Be mindful of your consumption

Be aware of your spending habits and make conscious decisions about the things you buy. For me it helps to track all my expenses in an app.

One effective strategy to enhance this awareness is to track all your expenses using a dedicated app. This approach not only provides a comprehensive view of your financial transactions but also offers insights into patterns and trends in your spending behavior. It allows you to identify areas where you may be overspending or accumulating possessions that don’t align with your minimalist goals.

The act of logging each expense into an app creates a tangible record of your financial choices, fostering a heightened sense of accountability. It becomes a reflective tool, prompting you to question whether a purchase is a genuine necessity or a momentary desire.

As a Digital Nomad navigating the dynamic landscapes of various locations, the app serves as a portable financial companion, helping you stay mindful of your spending habits regardless of your geographical location.

8. Find inspiration from the minimalist community

There are many resources available online, such as blogs, podcasts, and social media groups, that can provide inspiration and support on your journey to a minimalistic lifestyle.

Blogs dedicated to minimalism often share personal experiences, practical tips, and thought-provoking insights. These narratives not only offer guidance but also foster a sense of community by connecting you with like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations.

Podcasts provide an auditory escape into the world of minimalism, featuring interviews, discussions, and expert insights that can deepen your understanding of the philosophy and its application in daily life. Listening to the experiences of others can be a source of inspiration and motivation as you navigate your own minimalist journey.

Social media groups and communities offer a dynamic space for interaction, where you can engage with fellow minimalists, seek advice, and share your progress. The collective wisdom and diverse perspectives within these groups create a supportive environment that can be immensely beneficial, especially during moments of transition or challenge.

Here are some of my favorite minimalist resources:

The Minimalists (Website and Podcast)

• Website: The Minimalists
• Podcast: The Minimalists Podcast
• Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus share tips, essays, and resources on minimalism and intentional living.

Becoming Minimalist (Blog)

• Website: Becoming Minimalist
• Joshua Becker offers practical advice and inspirational stories to help you simplify your life.

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method (Book and Netflix Series)

• Book: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”
• Netflix Series: “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”
• Marie Kondo’s method focuses on keeping items that spark joy and organizing your space effectively.

Zen Habits (Blog)

• Website: Zen Habits
• Leo Babauta’s blog covers minimalism, simplicity, and mindfulness with practical advice and personal insights.

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (Documentary)

• Available on Netflix and other streaming platforms
• This documentary explores the lives of minimalists from various backgrounds and how minimalism has improved their lives.

Miss Minimalist (Blog)

• Website: Miss Minimalist
• Francine Jay shares tips, strategies, and success stories to help you live a minimalist lifestyle.

Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki (Book)

• This book offers practical advice and personal experiences on how to declutter and embrace minimalism.

Simple Families (Blog and Podcast)

• Website: Simple Families
• Podcast: Simple Families Podcast
• Denaye Barahona provides insights on minimalism, parenting, and simplifying family life.

The Minimalist Vegan (Blog)

• Website: The Minimalist Vegan
• Masa and Michael Ofei share tips on minimalism, veganism, and sustainable living to help you simplify and live intentionally.

9. Embrace quality over quantity

Instead of buying many things, focus on getting a few high-quality items. These items will last longer and work better. When you buy something new, think about its quality. Ask yourself if it will last a long time.

High-quality items might cost more, but they save you money in the long run. You won’t need to replace them as often. This reduces waste and clutter in your home. It also means you have fewer things to take care of.

Choosing quality over quantity helps you appreciate what you have. Each item becomes more valuable to you. You start to enjoy the simple, good things in life.

For example, buy a sturdy pair of shoes instead of several cheap ones. Choose a well-made jacket that will keep you warm for years. This way, you focus on what truly adds value to your life.

This step also helps you avoid impulse buying. You think more carefully about your purchases. This makes your spending more intentional and meaningful.

In the end, embracing quality over quantity leads to a simpler, more fulfilling life. You surround yourself with things that matter and let go of the rest.

10. Remember that minimalism is a journey, not a destination

It is important to be patient with yourself. Understand that change takes time. Minimalism is not something you achieve overnight.

Be kind to yourself as you learn to live with less. There will be ups and downs. Some days will be easier than others. That is okay.

In the end, minimalism is about finding a balance. This balance should work for you, your lifestyle, and your values. It is about focusing on what truly matters. It is about letting go of everything else.

Remember that everyone’s journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another. It is important to find what works best for you.

Take small steps and celebrate your progress. Each step brings you closer to a simpler, more meaningful life. Enjoy the process and learn from it.

Minimalism is a way to improve your life, not a strict set of rules. Keep your goals in mind and stay flexible. Adjust as you go and find joy in the journey.

Final Thoughts on the Necessary Steps to Minimalism

By taking the first step towards a minimalist home, you can experience less stress and mental clutter, as well as enjoy the beauty of a more intentional life. The journey to minimalism starts with simple steps like decluttering your living room and creating a capsule wardrobe, which can lead to fewer possessions and less time spent on managing your stuff.

As you move towards fewer material things and less clutter, you may find that you have more time for the most important things in your life. Whether it’s adopting a tiny house lifestyle or simply reducing the number of sentimental items and beauty products you keep, minimalism can help you focus on what truly matters. It’s not about getting rid of everything, but about making conscious choices that align with your core values.

Remember, the journey to minimalism is a long way, but taking tiny steps can lead to big changes. So, next time you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list or find yourself struggling with bad habits, consider the basic idea of minimalism and how it can help you live a more fulfilling and stress-free life.

I hope these tips inspire you to start your minimalist journey and make positive changes in your everyday life. Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions! Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu