Do you own a ton of items in your home? Is keeping an inventory of your stuff becoming difficult day by day?
If the answer is yes, then you should consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Minimalism is about owning less stuff. Keeping only those possessions that are necessary for your survival. Like millions of other minimalists over the globe, I have too benefited from living minimally. Minimalism can bring some massive improvements in your life. Particularly, when it comes to your finances and mental well being.
Here are a few benefits I can share with you about a minimalist lifestyle.
1. It gives you a sense of freedom
As you get rid of the unnecessary stuff from your life, you begin to realize how their presence was hindering your happiness and success. Stuff like a large house, car, furniture, fancy clothes, expensive electronic gadgets can sometimes consume your life and take control of you. Also, the extra cash you save, can boost your savings and make you feel financially more secure than you were before.
2. It lets you focus fully on your dreams
A minimalist lifestyle will give you the space to explore newer territories and will provide you the leverage to try out things that you never attempted before. Instead of worrying about your power bills, car insurance, home maintenance expenses, etc, you are now fully free to focus on your life goals.
3. Manage your life well
It can get extremely difficult to manage a life that is messy and all over the place. I am talking about managing your health, wealth and relationships. With fewer things to worry about, now, you can manage things with ease. I am not asking you to sell off your home and live in a tiny home forever. Just get rid of those things(both tangible and non-tangible) that are not adding any value to your life.
4. Freedom to travel the world
Living in a van is not for everyone. But some extreme minimalists have made their dream of traveling the world come true by living in a small van. YouTubers Eamon & Bec have been living in their tiny van for more than 2 years now. Watch this video to hear directly from the nomad couple.
5. You become happy and never get bored
Stuff like a guitar, god books, a good pair of sports shoes, a laptop, a good internet connection is not very expensive. And for most minimalists out there, these things are more than enough to live a happy and interesting life. As you don’t feel desperate to make money and run the rat race, you create enough space in your mind for creative ideas to grow and flourish. You can use this creativity in building a business, finding cool jobs, etc.
Summary
That being said, minimalism has its unique challenges that you might face as you attempt to declutter your life. There will be times when you will feel regretful as you are now not a part of the rat race. You don’t have the latest new furniture that your neighbor bought last week. You will be commuting to work on a bike instead of a comfortable car. But with time, your understanding will grow and you will become comfortable with this new lifestyle.