Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome to this week’s blog—where we’re breaking down the idea that minimalism has to be all or nothing. If the idea of minimalism feels restrictive, like you have to follow a strict set of rules, I want you to know something: minimalism has wiggle room—it’s not about perfection, it’s about intention.
If you’ve ever felt like minimalism wasn’t for you because you didn’t want to get rid of everything or fit into a rigid mold, this blog is for you. Minimalism isn’t a set of rules to follow—it’s a mindset that adapts to your lifestyle. So let’s talk about how you can embrace a flexible, rule-free approach to living with less.
Why a Strict Approach to Minimalism Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Minimalism often gets portrayed as extreme—owning only 100 things, getting rid of all sentimental items, or living in an all-white, furniture-free space. While that works for some people, it’s not the only way to live with less.
For most of us, a rigid approach can backfire because:
- It creates pressure to “do minimalism right” instead of finding what works for you.
- It can feel too restrictive—and restriction often leads to frustration.
- It doesn’t account for real life—families, hobbies, or personal preferences.
Minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about creating a life that feels lighter, freer, and more intentional—on your terms.
Minimalism with Wiggle Room: A Flexible Approach
Here’s how to embrace minimalism without feeling restricted:
1. Keep What You Love, Let Go of the Rest
Minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything. It’s about keeping what adds value to your life and letting go of what doesn’t.
- If a collection of books brings you joy, keep them.
- If your kitchen gadgets make cooking easier, don’t force yourself to donate them.
- If sentimental items hold deep meaning, find a way to display them intentionally.
Minimalism should feel freeing, not like a punishment.
2. Use Guidelines, Not Rules
Instead of strict rules like “own only 30 pieces of clothing,” try using guidelines:
- The One-Year Rule: Haven’t used it in a year? It may be time to let it go.
- The Just-In-Case Rule: If you’re keeping something “just in case,” ask if it’s truly useful.
- The Space Rule: If it’s taking up space but not serving a purpose, reconsider its place in your home.
These flexible guidelines help you declutter without feeling pressured to follow rigid rules.
3. Embrace “Good Enough” Minimalism
Your version of minimalism doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Maybe you:
- Keep extra dishes because you love entertaining.
- Have a wardrobe that’s larger than a typical capsule collection.
- Like a little bit of organized chaos in your creative space.
Minimalism isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making intentional choices that support your life.
4. Declutter in Stages, Not All at Once
If getting rid of things feels overwhelming, start small:
- Declutter one drawer instead of an entire room.
- Remove five items a week instead of feeling like you need to purge everything in a weekend.
- Set a 15-minute timer and see how much you can simplify in that time.
Small steps lead to big results, and doing it gradually prevents decision fatigue.
5. Let Minimalism Adapt to Your Life’s Seasons
Your version of minimalism will evolve over time. What worked for you five years ago might not work today.
- Moving into a smaller home? You might need to downsize even more.
- Starting a family? Your needs will change, and so will your approach.
- Pursuing a new hobby? You may need more space or supplies.
Minimalism isn’t a static lifestyle—it’s an approach that shifts as your life changes.
The Benefits of Minimalism with Wiggle Room
By allowing flexibility in your minimalist journey, you:
✔ Avoid burnout and frustration.
✔ Create long-term sustainable habits.
✔ Design a lifestyle that works for you—not one that follows someone else’s rules.
✔ Feel more joy, peace, and freedom while still enjoying the things you love.
Minimalism isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about getting it right for you.
Ready to Start Simplifying—Your Way?
If you want a practical, flexible way to ease into minimalism, my Essential Checklists Workbook is the perfect guide. It includes:
✅ Room-by-room checklists to help you declutter at your own pace
✅ Reflection prompts to help you align your space with your values
✅ Sustainable action steps that make minimalism feel easy and natural
Purchase Rita’s Essential Checklists Workbook today and start simplifying without the pressure of rules.
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.
