5 Minimalist Principles that Will Benefit Everyone (Even If You’re Not a Minimalist)
This week at the grocery store, the latest edition of Real Simple magazine caught my eye. Waiting in line to check out, the words “Clutter-Free Home” leapt off the cover, grabbing my full attention.
The bold print beckoned, offering an invitation to indulge. My daughters were thoroughly distracted by strategically placed, kid-friendly checkout items. Recognizing my chance, I snatched up the magazine, and eagerly began glancing over its content.
I hadn’t even read past the Editor’s Note on page three, when I saw it: complete confirmation that minimalism is still so often misunderstood. The note read:
“You know what truly matters, but sometimes stuff just gets in the way.”
It continued.
“Although you don’t need to go full-on minimalist and winnow down your possessions to a shirt, a bowl, and a spoon, you do sense that life would be richer if your world were a bit less cluttered.”
Yes, life is unquestionably richer with less clutter. But who says a full-on minimalist only owns a shirt, a bowl and a spoon? The Real Simple editing team does. And so do many others who misunderstand minimalism.
Minimalism is not a quest to own as little as possible. It’s not about white aesthetics and cold, empty rooms.
Minimalism is a lifestyle defined by focusing on what matters most and intentionally removing anything that distracts you from that. It’s a mindset: you understand you have enough and more stuff doesn’t promise more happiness. A minimalist lifestyle nourishes your soul by giving you space and time to go inward and learn who you really are. Minimalism often becomes less about your stuff and more about the you beneath your stuff.
Minimalism looks different for everyone, depending on their lifestyle. I’m a full-on minimalist and mother of three. Believe me, I have more than one spoon.
While minimalism doesn’t come with a set of rules, it does come with general principles.
See, minimalists do certain things to adhere to their values. Minimalists use filters when out in the world to continually focus less on stuff and more on what matters most in life.
And I’d have to say that, even if minimalism isn’t your goal, you’d benefit from adopting these five minimalist principles.
Here are five minimalist principles that will benefit everyone:
1. Ask why before you buy
Minimalists are conscious consumers. When you own just what you, use, and love, you begin to ask “why” before you buy. The answer to this “why” uncovers truths that lead to greater self-knowledge. Is your motivation to make a purchase driven by a need to look a certain way? Is it based on masking an uncomfortable feeling? Do you have an unmet need that you’re temporarily satisfying through consumerism? By analyzing their buying behavior with questions, minimalists make space to work on the person behind their purchases.
2. It’s not a good deal if you don’t need it
Minimalists are intentional about what they buy and welcome into their lives. When you realize impulse shopping and purchasing items just because they are on sale brings no real value, you stop. You adopt a mindset that is unaffected by marketer’s propaganda. Detachment from possessions and clarity on what matters most leaves you untempted by advertiser’s mind games—no matter how shiny, new, and necessary the item may seem. Minimalists enter the world of consumerism with intention and freedom.
3. Forget about keeping up with the Joneses
Minimalists don’t feel a need to keep up with the Joneses. Happiness doesn’t come from living just like someone else or by owning what others own. Living with less creates space to align your life with your authentic self. By replacing comparison with gratitude and authenticity, you realize how little you actually need to be happy. Minimalists don’t see “stuff” as a status symbol, but rather as a tool to support the life they’ve been called to live.
4. Make space for what makes you comes alive
Minimalists choose experiences over stuff and adventures over acquiring things. Minimalists know that owning less stuff means more space, time, and energy for what matters most. You can channel energy that you used to spend shopping and caring for unneeded stuff toward going inward and developing your passions and purpose. Family time, prayer, leisure—whatever it is you value—can become a daily theme for you, not a side note. With less to clean and maintain, minimalists have more free time to engage in what makes them come alive.
5. Embrace sustainable choices
Minimalists are more likely to make choices that are eco-friendly. Less consumption naturally leads to less waste. Many minimalists downsize to smaller homes, reducing their ecological footprint. When minimalists make purchases, they often buy sustainably made items of higher quality instead of amassing cheaply (and even unethically) made items. Buy Nothing groups promote the reuse of items instead of sending unneeded possessions to a landfill. A minimalist lifestyle is a lifestyle that supports the environment.
If you’re considering going minimalist, I say go for it. In my experience, it’s a journey into a lifestyle defined by less stress and more meaning.
But even if “going full-on minimalist” doesn’t appeal to you, I encourage you to at least try out one of these minimalist principles above.
You’ll become a more conscious consumer, live more intentionally, and have more space to focus on what matters.
Now, that’s something everyone can benefit from.
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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City apartment home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, and one-year-old son. You can also find her on Instagram.
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