By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
For those of you who know me, follow me, or have ever been to my home or office, you would likely not think of me as a minimalist because I continue to surround myself with a number of hand-selected beautiful things that I’ve collected over many years as an interior designer.
And yet, what they’ve noticed, what I’ve noticed is that over the past 5 years since decluttering, downsizing, and embracing my role as the “Downsizing Designer” is that I’ve definitely changed and evolved over time as I’ve integrated many minimalist practices into my life and lifestyle.
I do believe it’s possible to have It all:
- To live with less… A lot less! In my case 95% less to live like a minimalist and…
- Still surround yourself with the special well-curated things that are meaningful to you.
There are many myths surrounding minimalism that I found to simply not be true. These are just a few.
3 Minimalist Myths
1. Minimalism means depriving yourself
This could not be further from the truth. Rather, a minimalist chooses only things that matter most and let go of anything that doesn’t.
Living with less provides more time, money, and freedom to pursue what matters most to you.
In fact, it frees you up to make room for those people, activities, and things you may not have had time for before.
2. Minimalism is boring
The reality is that when you declutter when you live with less, what happens is you actually begin to value what you do have even more.
A simple life in many ways contributes to a higher quality of life because you have more time and energy to focus on the people and experiences that add a certain richness and value to your life.
Having less helps you to be present, to enjoy each moment!
3. Minimalism means you have to give up so much
- When you let go of excess stuff, not having to accumulate even more…
- When you start to say no to the never-ending cycle of more, bigger, better…
You open the door to a less busy, less cluttered life, a life with more peace, contentment, and freedom.
It’s when you realize your simple life is a good life, one where you have enough and that you are enough.
Get My 5 Step Guide To Lose The Clutter But Not The Memories Workbook
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If you are thinking: How can YOU start living a simpler life with less…
A life that is less stressful, less busy, and less overwhelming, here are 5 easy steps to start living with less so you can live more.
1. Declutter your home, your schedule, and your possessions
Of course, you would expect me to recommend decluttering… It’s true!
- When you remove the excess in your life i.e., possessions, busyness…
- When you let go of the desire and the need to accumulate more…
You will immediately start to feel lighter, more agile, and free to live your life differently when you pare down to only what you need and love. Things that are meaningful to you and add value to your life.
This decluttering and paring down takes time. It’s one shelf, one drawer, one closet at a time.
2. The spending purge or the “no spend” challenge
- Challenge yourself to one day, then one week, then one month of no spending.
- Don’t buy anything other than what you absolutely need.
Changing your spending habits and not buying more is a smart way to begin your journey to learning to live happily with less.
3. Minimize your distractions
When you intentionally reduce your distractions:
- Less social media
- Less screentime
- Less shopping
You become more aware of the habits that prevent you from being fully present with your mindless spending.
You become more focused, able to enjoy being in the moment, and experience your life differently.
4. Practice the art of editing and curating
The challenge of living with less never really ends. Minimalism is an ongoing commitment.
- Make it a daily habit to edit and curate your possessions, your schedules, and your habits…
Anything that gets in the way of living a simpler more abundant life that is aligned with what matters most to you.
5. Enjoy new experiences every day
Living with less frees up time, money, and energy to focus on new experiences that will add value to the quality of your life.
Living with less, minimalism provides a sense of control over your own life, your time and what you choose to do with it.
If your life is out of control and you are longing for a simpler life, it’s important to understand that the choice to push the reset button is all yours.
Life doesn’t have to be complicated.
It doesn’t have to be busy.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
If you want a simpler life all you have to do is try integrating some of these minimalist principles into your daily life.
Overtime you will discover:
- Your habits are changing.
- Your desire to own less changes.
- You change because you’re developing newfound respect and appreciation for the power and the joy of living with less.
Did you know that we have products on our online shop that can help you get started on your downsizing and decluttering journey?
Get Rita’s #1 Workbook on Amazon!
Tired of the clutter but finding it hard to start? Meet – the easy, fun, and effective way to declutter! Rita, a lifestyle design expert, cracked the code on decluttering. She solved the two biggest challenges: How to get started and how to stay motivated. Watch this quick video to see what’s inside!
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