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Minimalism or simple living is a term you might hear more frequently. Our lives are getting busier, “hustling” has become trendy and it is considered normal that work commitments take priority of your life. We are known as the human race and we are literally racing… I don’t think any of us know what exactly for. Our world is fast, instantaneous and ever changing. We can have anything we desire at our fingertips. It’s hard, exhausting and expensive to keep afloat.”Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for, in order to get to a job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, car and the house that you leave empty all day in order to afford to live in it.”
–Ellen GoodmanTraveling abroad has given me a great insight of living simple and minimal. Sometimes the happiest people are the ones with the least belongings and the few belongings they do have bring them great joy. I am grateful I live in a country of abundance, however I believe it is a privilege, not a right. Many in the world go without, while some of us are greedy, ungrateful and wasteful.

I want to live a life of purpose, where I can reclaim my time and truely live life to the fullest.
Living minimal is less expensive, for example a smaller house is cheaper, involves less furnishing, cleaning and maintaining. I’m not saying you need to shut up shop and go live in a Tiny home (which we LOVE everything about) but living above your means in a house with empty rooms for the in laws to visit in the holidays seems unnecessary for us.

Minimalism doesn’t have a set rules and to each individual it can mean something different. The main drive behind this way of living is freedom. Freedom of debt, distractions, clutter and time, having less to live more.

Though our own journey we have found happiness though life itself without the need for material possessions and have learnt to make conscious decisions with our choices and our money.

While there are many ways you can live minimally, here are our top 5 tips for making your home more minimal

1. Declutter

Who doesn’t love a spring clean? Imagine living a life where you felt that fresh and organised every day! You need to start off on a clean slate and get rid of items that are not practical or bring you joy! You can have a garage sale, donate to charities or pass on your belongings to friends and family.

2. Choose quality over quantity

Initially these items might cost more however having key staples that you love that will last a lifetime will bring you joy.
Try to support local, ethical and sustainable items for your home or wardrobe, remember we vote with our dollar, so support those companies doing what is in line with your ethics.

3. Decorate your space with a purpose

Plants, books, candles and throw rugs are practical additions to your home. House plants improve air quality and aromatherapy candles have many health and wellness benefits depending on the oils used.

4. Go paper free

The kitchen bench is a magnet for organised chaos, the main culprit being Mail. Get a “no junk mail” sticker for your letter box, set up direct debits and pay bills online. While you’re on your emails, clean out your inbox and unsubscribe from emails, newsletters and any advertising you no longer need because remember we don’t need advertising if we are living minimally!

5. Get creative with gifts

If you have heard of the 5 love languages you will know that some people give and receive love in more ways than giving gifts. Some receive love in the from an act of service such as cleaning your friends yard or building them a vegetable garden. Others might be spending quality time together like hiking or going on a road trip.
If you do decide to give a gift, consider cooking a meal or purchase an experience rather than material possessions. Hand written letters, homemade beauty products, knits or candles are also a great idea as there is the extra effort involved rather than buying a gift in a hurry.