5 Types of Minimalists

There is no definite definition of minimalist living. For some people, being a minimalist means living with the absolute essential needs. For others, it entails getting rid of things they don’t love; or basically, the clutter. If you’ve been considering becoming a minimalist, it is imperative to gather as much information about it as possible. Knowing what to expect goes a long way in not only simplifying your journey but also in ensuring that you achieve your goals.

What does it take to become a minimalist? One of the things that you must ascertain is the approach that best suits you. To help you understand this better, we have outlined five types of minimalists. They include:

1. Frugal Minimalists

You are a frugal minimalist if you are concerned about saving money. Since you only spend money on rare occasions, you do not accrue more and more possessions. You don’t mind converting old bedsheets into curtains, reusing yogurt containers, or growing your own food. The most recent fads and products do not bother you at all. You consider replacing something that is still working a wastage of resources.

2. Nomad Minimalists

It defines a person who lives out of a backpack. A good number of young people have begun their minimalist journey while backpacking the world. Besides their versatile clothes, the other thing they keep on hand is the possessions they cherish the most. Why would someone want to lead this kind of life? Some see it as a practical way of traveling around the world, while others just want to discover how little they can live.

3. The Green Minimalist

It is a person who is keen on filling their home with eco-friendly products. Just like the frugal minimalist, the green minimalist reuses and repurposes items. As such, they don’t produce any waste and is more focused on purchasing products that not only last longer but also reduce the amount of waste in the world.

4. The Mini-Must

This is not your ordinary minimalist. For this person, the challenge to live with less is continuous. This person is constantly in search of ways to reduce their need for particular items so that they can get rid of it completely.

5. The Aesthetic Minimalist

While this person isn’t keen on minimizing their possessions, the aesthetic minimalist aims for a clutter-free living space. They derive a lot of peace from a tidy home, and as such, seeks an opportunity to keep minimum possessions. Such a person would rather keep an item they consider clutter put away wisely, as long as it’s out of sight.

Once you have established the type of minimal living you wish to pursue, you may now continue with the other steps. Consider these effective tips for becoming a minimalist:

1. Start small

Understand that you cannot become a minimalist overnight. It is a process that you must be willing to undertake gradually. It will take you some time to evaluate your possessions, and also set your priorities right. This isn’t something that can happen in just one day because it can get really overwhelming.

2. Set goals

Minimal living touches all the aspects of your life, including how you spend your time and with whom. Becoming a minimalist also means getting rid of activities that waste your time. Determine if the activities that surround your life add any value, and if not, shake them off. Who do you spend your time with? Do they add any value to your life? If not, you know what to do.

As you can see, these things cannot happen in a day. Have one huge goal (achieving minimal living), and then realistic sub-goals that target the different areas of your life. This is where you get to set the limit. Decide from the word go, things that you wouldn’t be willing to let go. It is also advisable to work with a deadline.

3. Live deliberately

It means forgetting the past, not worrying about the future, and instead, living for the moment. The last thing you want to do as a minimalist is to deprive your present its joy and power. If you must think about the past, use the mistakes and experiences as important lessons. At the same time, make good use of the present to build formidable foundations for a bright future.

What are the benefits of minimalist living?

• Happiness comes naturally
• Minimal living gives you freedom
• Minimalist living helps you spend your money wisely

1. Happiness comes naturally

Once you declutter, you shift your attention from material possessions to the things that really matter. You begin to focus on your loved ones and hobbies. In turn, you begin to enjoy a new sense of freedom and happiness. Imagine a situation where you aren’t afraid of losing your material things.

2. Minimal living gives you freedom

You get the opportunity to get rid of the things that initially clouded your brain, and in turn causing stress. Decluttering material possessions, bad habits, as well as unproductive relationships gives you balanced mental health.

3. Minimalist living helps you spend your money wisely

It is particularly good for individuals who have been struggling with impulse buying, and hence, buying things they don’t necessarily need. Impulse buying sets you several steps backward as far as your financial progress is concerned but if you do not need those then you are set.

By following the above tips, you should encounter only a few challenges here and there on your pursuit of minimalism. While it is not easy, it is achievable. Many people have done it, why not you?