Minimalism
The art of living with less. A philosophy of ridding excess stuff to live life experientially and with intention. Clearing the clutter can be life changing. There is something to be said for the clarity you experience when your space is simple and your life is free from distractions. Living with less is also good for the environment. One added bonus of minimalism is less spending on stuff equals more money in the bank and less debt on credit cards.
Simplicity | Less is more | The art of living minimally | Living Intentionally
Only own items that you love and are useful.
Borrow | Rent | Share whenever you can - this is much lighter than owning items.
Keep the memories close to your heart and part with the stuff that weighs you down.
Let it go - for any items you don’t need or love donate them to support a charity of your choice.
Eliminate duplicates - keep all like materials together.
Opt for subscriptions and sharing services over purchasing stuff.
Invest in your community - Start a Free Library, a Tool Sharing service, a Community Garden.
Support your local library - using a lending library instead of purchasing books and subscriptions.
Bike Sharing Services are a wonderful way to explore.
Rent outdoor equipment and supplies if they are only used on occasion, this way they do not need to be maintained and they are not taking up valuable real estate in your home.
Ride Sharing Services are a great resource for urban dwellers - it may be a good fit for you instead of owning a vehicle.
Try a capsule wardrobe - see how you can live with less and eliminate decision fatigue.
When making purchases choose quality over quantity. Well made, high quality items will last and can often be repaired.
ARTICLES
Capsule Wardrobes: How to Build a Sustainable Closet for Life | Good On You | June 17th, 2019
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe | Courtney Carver | More With Less
How to Start a Neighborhood Tool Share | Susannah Shmurak | EarthEasy
What Is a Community Garden - Benefits & How to Start Your Own | Amy Livingston | Money Crashers
The life-changing magic of making do | Benjamin Leszcz | The Globe and Mail
BOOKS
Clutterfree with Kids | Joshua Becker
Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less | Greg McKeown
Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living | Linnea Dunne
The Joy of Less | Francine Jay
The Little Book of Hyge - Danish Secrets to Happy Living | Meik Wiking
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FreeCycle - post items you are purging and you can make them free to those in your community.
Little Free Library - Find a Free Library or Create Your Own in Your Neighborhood.
LocalTools.org - Find your Local Tool Lending Library.
Toolsity - Tool sharing website.
SITES
Be More With Less - Courtney Carver known for her minimalist wardrobe challenge - she keeps is straight and simple.
Becoming Minimalist - Joshua Becker is very readable and has the family perspective. He has written some good books and articles on minimalism.
Miss Minimalist - Francine Jay has written two of the best books on minimalism - Lightly and The Joy of Less.
Reading My Tea Leaves - Erin Boyle author of Simple Matters delivers great information in a simple manner.
VIDEOS | CLIPS
Where Your Plastic Ends Up- The Story of Plastics | The Story of Stuff Project
Be the example to live by. My daughter has embraced minimalism like no other. She kicks my ass on keeping a tiny wardrobe.