Although minimalism seems to be gaining momentum or becoming ‘trendy,’ I’ve noticed a lot of misconceptions about minimalism that keep people from giving this lifestyle a try. It doesn’t have to be this extreme, close-to-nothing lifestyle that’s post-worthy. No amount of stuff or certain aesthetic makes you a ‘minimalist.’

You can be a minimalist and have a collection of items, kids, a large house, and even a wardrobe that’s not a capsule wardrobe. Let’s debunk some of these common misconceptions so you can have the motivation you need to give this lifestyle a try.

what minimalism applies to

One of the main reasons I tried minimalism is because of the mindset shift that comes with this lifestyle. It transforms your mindset on life and your ‘stuff.’ You learn to reevaluate your relationship with the items you own and why you own them.

But, this doesn’t just apply to stuff. First, figure out what you value most in your life. Family, career, passion projects, or something else! Then, minimalism will help you remove anything that doesn’t support those values. It can be applied to every area in your life. From what kind of consumer you choose to be to how you choose to spend your time, and even finances.

With a minimalist lifestyle, you learn that we often mindlessly go through most of our day. When we become more intentional with how we’re living, it transforms our life. You learn to only give your time and energy to those things you actually love and cherish. Minimalism is a mindset shift that not only helps you declutter your stuff but helps you reevaluate what your values and relationships are. Then you’re able to learn how to give them the time and energy they deserve.

minimalism means a cold aesthetic

This couldn’t be further from the truth! Yes, some minimalists follow a certain aesthetic that can tend to look like what’s mentioned: minimal decor, some furniture, and white walls. However, this does not mean that this is what you have to follow to be minimalist!

Being a mother of two small children, as well as having a fiancé with hobbies that involve a lot of equipment, that kind of lifestyle wasn’t an option for me right now. Minimalism is about keeping what you need, love, and enjoy. For us, it’s toys and activities for my kids, music and gaming equipment for my fiancé, and plants galore for myself. It doesn’t exactly sound like a minimal amount of stuff.

Most people would walk into our house and not think it was minimalist at all. But, this is again the beauty of minimalism! It’s personalized to your lifestyle, passions, and hobbies. Minimalism doesn’t mean you have to let go of your personal style or inspirations. It’s more about finding what the right amount of stuff is for you. Staying conscious of your choices and lifestyle to see what supports your values right now. Then, if hobbies, relationships or values change, just adjust your minimalistic approach accordingly. Minimalism will change with you, it’s not a restrictive but an evolving lifestyle.

minimalism is…

Minimalism is an encouraging lifestyle that enriches what you already have and love. It’s a mindset shift that will truly impact your life for the better. There’s no mold or rules to follow, rather it’s a lifestyle that focuses on living with intention. Find what you love, what your passions and values are, then get rid of whatever doesn’t support them. Make time for life, a life you truly love, and get rid of all the second-nature habits we’ve picked up through our lives that don’t benefit our values or where we want our life to go.

Minimalism is a lifestyle that will shift with the life you have now. It can be for families, budget-conscious, passionate art lovers, and more. It’s honestly a lifestyle built around your personality. Minimalism is living with less to make room for more.