Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome to this week’s blog, where we dive into what minimalism really means—on your terms. If you’ve ever felt like minimalism comes with a rigid set of rules—white walls, empty shelves, a wardrobe of only neutrals—then I have great news: minimalism isn’t about following someone else’s playbook. It’s about designing a life that reflects what truly matters to you.
Forget the pressure to conform to a specific aesthetic or lifestyle. Minimalism is a mindset, not a set of rules. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can embrace minimalism in a way that feels natural and sustainable for you—without guilt, pressure, or comparison.
Why Minimalism Looks Different for Everyone
If you search for minimalism online, you’ll see images of pristine, all-white rooms, tiny capsule wardrobes, and homes with barely any furniture. And while that might work for some, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Minimalism is about living with intention—not just decluttering, but aligning your space and lifestyle with what brings you peace, joy, and fulfillment. For some, that might mean owning only the bare essentials. For others, it could mean keeping a collection of books, sentimental items, or creative tools that inspire them. Both are valid.
The key is understanding what adds value to your life—and what doesn’t.
Forget the Rules: How to Define Minimalism for Yourself
Instead of following a checklist of what you “should” or “shouldn’t” own, focus on these guiding principles:
1. Identify Your Priorities
Ask yourself: What do I want more of in my life?
- More time with family?
- More space to think and breathe?
- More financial freedom?
- More creativity and inspiration?
Minimalism isn’t just about what you let go of—it’s about making space for what matters most.
Try this: Write down three things you want more of in your life. Then, consider what you can declutter—physically or mentally—to make room for those priorities.
2. Keep What Serves You—Let Go of What Doesn’t
Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. It means keeping the things that add value to your life and releasing what doesn’t.
- Love cooking? Keep your favorite kitchen gadgets.
- A book lover? Curate a library that truly brings you joy.
- Sentimental about family heirlooms? Display them with intention, rather than letting them pile up in storage.
The goal isn’t to own less for the sake of it—it’s to own with purpose.
3. Minimalism Isn’t Just About Stuff
Minimalism extends beyond your possessions. It can apply to:
- Your schedule: Are you overwhelmed by commitments that don’t serve you?
- Your digital life: Do notifications, emails, and social media clutter your mind?
- Your mental space: Are you holding onto beliefs, habits, or relationships that no longer align with who you are?
Minimalism is about simplifying every part of your life, not just your home.
Try this: Identify one non-physical area of your life that feels cluttered and find a way to simplify it.
Finding Your Own Rhythm
Minimalism isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. Some weeks, you might feel inspired to declutter an entire room. Other times, you may just focus on simplifying your morning routine. Both are valid.
Your version of minimalism will evolve over time, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to listen to yourself and honor what works for you.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of minimalism feels right for me?
- What areas of my life need more simplicity?
- How can I create a home and lifestyle that truly reflect my values?
When you stop comparing your journey to others and embrace minimalism on your own terms, that’s when the real transformation happens.
Ready to Start? Take the First Step
If you’re looking for a simple way to ease into minimalism, my Essential Checklists Workbook is the perfect starting point. It provides room-by-room checklists to help you declutter at your own pace—without feeling overwhelmed.
Purchase Rita’s Essential Checklists Workbook today and start simplifying your life, your way.
Got 5 minutes? Check out Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series, where I share five quick tips in just five minutes on decluttering and simplifying your life.
