7 Common Minimalism Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
These seven minimalism mistakes are SO common that I have made every single one of them!
And I’m here to help you avoid them.
Common Minimalism Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Thinking You Have to Get Rid of Everything
No! Minimalism is about looking around and really taking the time to see if the things living your daily life with you are making you happy or serving you. If not, then get rid of it! The point is to look at your life and possessions and be able to spot the excess and get rid of it to help your life function and flow better. The problems come when I hear stories of people getting rid of a ton of stuff when first learning about minimalism and they’re all motivated and have a fire under them and regretting several things. Speaking from experience!
Purging your House and Buying a Ton of Stuff to Fit the Minimalism Aesthetic
This should not become another trend that companies are selling you! You don’t need to convert your home to be super-white & bright & airy, and rush out and buy the minimal looking cute baskets and labels and things from the person inspiring you to be minimalist. This is missing the point! Minimalism is meant to reduce and simplify. Start where you’re at and clear the clutter and excess in your home. Analyze your purchasing habits. Move slowly and purposefully. The cute labelers and baskets can come later when you’re ready to organize! I recommend decluttering and then waiting a while to really see what organization tools you need where in your home.
3. Copying Surface Level Instead of Diving Deep
True minimalism requires you to dive really deep and learn about yourself. Copying what you see online can be tempting and easy, but unfortunately it doesn’t usually work out in the end. We're all totally different, lead different lives, and have different wants and needs. I might have six kids and live in the country while you might be single living in a city apartment. You might really like my aesthetic, but your version of minimalism is going to be completely different to mine and copying me will most likely be a waste of your time and your money! You have to take the time to really learn about yourself and what you need for your situation and your life.
4. Limiting Yourself to a Certain Number of Items
This was popular for a while, but it’s silly! You don’t need to reduce your wardrobe to the same number as someone else on social media. They’re not living your life! You should have the amount that works for you. Declutter to the limit of what you need, get rid of the excess, and be more mindful moving forward on what you really need vs what you want.
5. Not all things need to be super minimal in your life!
This is a big one that I don’t think enough people talk about. Your hobbies or the things you love can take up extra space because that’s what makes you happy and that’s great! It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else. Don’t get rid of everything just for the sake of be minimal.
6. Trying to Do it All at Once and Freaking Out
This is a lifestyle change! If it suits you, you can blitz your whole house at once, but honestly it’s overwhelming and exhausting. I understand. I’ve done the same thing where I get motivated and want to get rid of EVERYTHING. But here’s what usually happens - you get to the hallway point of pulling out everything in your house, and then you lose steam or something comes up that forces you to stop, leaving your house a chaotic and stressful mess! It’s much healthier to take it one step at a time and take the time to really understand the principles behind minimalism and what they mean to you.
7. Feeling Guilty When Perfection Isn’t Met
Even years into minimalism you’re going to buy something with the best of intentions that doesn’t quite work for you. And that’s okay! You don’t need to feel guilty about it. All you can do is learn from it and move on. Nobody is perfect!
One of the biggest takeaways is to really and truly understand that minimalism is a lifestyle, and so much more than an aesthetic or a trend. I't’s not something you “do” once and then never again. It’s a process and a way of life that takes a while to develop and unfold for you.
It’s a beautiful thing!
Hope this helps you in your journey in minimalism!
xxBecca
