Top 10 Minimalism tips
Shapes & patterns
It isn’t just photos and illustrations, you can also fill between the spaces with geometric shapes and patterns. Unleash your creativity and go berserk with shapes if you have to. Take inspiration from geometric designs across categories. Remember that minimalism should encompass your composition as a whole, and shapes need to fit in with the other elements. Now, it’s time to put these elements together and use minimalist tips and tricks to paint a consistent visual.
Use Public Transportation
Another minimalistic travel hack is to use public transportation everywhere you go. It may not always be the most reliable but at least you will have more money to spend on food, drinks, and activities. Using public transit is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy your surroundings, and even make new friends. However, it’s important to factor in your travel time to your itinerary. This is because public transportation often takes a little bit longer to get from point “A” to point “B”.
Be okay with saying “no
Learn how to say “no” and be totally okay with it. This will give you more time and more money for the things most important to you. If you don’t decide to do this, you’ll be spending money and time doing things you don’t want to do at all. Next step:
- Read: 6 Strategies To Help You Say No (blog post)
Find like-minded community.
One of the most challenging things about minimalist living is finding people who “get” you. Personally, I don’t have many in person friends or family who are living a minimalist lifestyle or even interested in minimalism at all. I’ve also realized the hard way that minimalist living is a sticky subject to talk about in real life because if someone isn’t ready to declutter, talking about decluttering can make the other person feel judged – and that’s NOT what we’re going for here. It’s also been a challenging path to walk with kids, as they tend to be the recipients of most of things that can quickly become clutter. Learning how to navigate Christmas and birthdays is particularly difficult at first. That’s why you need community. You need people who love talking about minimalism as much as you do! People to cheer you on as you declutter (instead of scratching their heads at your giddiness about getting rid of stuff). Thank goodness for the internet and blogging, because it’s where I’ve found and built so many friendships with like-minded minimalists. Ironically, Instagram – possibly the most anti-minimalist social media platform – is the place I often go to connect with other minimalists and to be inspired. I love following their journeys and sharing my own. If you’re looking for an account to follow with not all white, marble, granite, drool-worthy home photos, come follow my Instagram account: This Simple Balance. I keep it pretty real over there for those of us trying to practice realistic minimalism.
Establish Price Alerts
If you decide to fly to your travel destination, start by reviewing Google Flights. It’s a wonderful tool to find the best flights at the lowest prices. Additionally, you could set up price alerts for your desired location. Sites like Kayak and Travelocity allow you to establish an alert when your desired flight itinerary drops in price. Quick Minimalists Travel Tip: Flexibility is the key to finding the best fares.
Pay yourself first
When you’re trying to save money, practice saving money right when you’re paid instead of spending first. You are always going to find ways to spend what you make every month, so you might as well save first so you have something to show after all that spending.
Take advantage of negative space
Negative space, white space or whatever you want to call the space that isn't used, is the most valuable piece of minimalism. There's no need to fill every open surface with decor or belongings. Having open, unused space makes your apartment feel larger and calmer, so just because you can put something in an open area doesn't mean you should.
Save a 3-6 month emergency fund
Save an emergency fund in a regular checking or savings account that you set aside for emergencies. How much you should have in your emergency fund depends on your income streams (the fewer sources of income, the more you need in your emergency fund). The biggest point to take away here is that you should have some cash money set aside for emergencies.
Cut back on technology
It controls all of our lives. From our phones to our laptops, we just can’t seem to get away from it. But in 2021, you can decide to do that. Don’t spend so much time browsing social media or watching the latest Netflix show. The more you avoid it, the more you’ll realize you’re really not missing out on much being off of social media. There’s a whole world out there filled with physical people. Sit down and have a cup of coffee with a friend. Get more of that human interaction in your life again. You might be surprised how much that changes your mood.
Reduce Toiletries
If you have 15 different shampoos, stop buying shampoo for a while. Use them up. Or get a shampoo bar that lasts longer. Love this eco-friendly one! Get into the habit of having one bottle of shampoo, with one extra in the closet for when you run out. Follow a similar system for things like body washes, toothpaste, etc.