If you’ve ever seen an episode of the TV show, Hoarders, then you know that having too much stuff, and not knowing when to let go of those things can literally kill people. In fact, in 2016, Roger and Maureen Firestone were killed in a fire that quickly spread through their home because of the many cardboard boxes they had. Yet, if the statistics are anything to go by, more than 19 million Americans are hoarders. Those are alarming numbers, although there are less extreme examples to emphasise the benefits of minimalism!
While minimalism has long been in existence, it didn’t gain widespread awareness until the 2010s. We suspect that horrible hoarder stories, as well as the TV shows around hoarding, further fueled the idea of minimalism –although it still has a long way to go. If you’ve been thinking of adopting the minimalist lifestyle but aren’t sure if it’s for you, this post should help.
It’s More Affordable
Minimalism is based on the idea of owning a lot less than modern society would have you believe you need. If TV shows have achieved one thing in the last 20 years, it’s convincing people that they need a lot of stuff to be happy.
The often ignored downside is that people are living paycheck to paycheck because they’re up to their necks in debts that they took just to buy stuff.
The minimalist lifestyle is more affordable as it not only allows you to completely declutter your home and get rid of everything that you don’t need, but it also prevents you from buying more.
This way, you can save a lot more money, while cutting down on your expenses. Done correctly, you may be able to move to a smaller house, without it affecting you or your family –if you have one.
Provides a Beautiful Space
Because there’s less stuff in the house, you actually have more room to decorate your space accordingly. You’ll also be able to effectively plan and design where everything goes in the home, which is one of the most important benefits of minimalism.
For instance, if you love working out at home, you can build a designated home fitness equipment space that complements your home’s ambience –seeing as it’s a big part of your life. This is better than leaving the equipment anywhere and causing potential personal hazards.
You’ll also be able to properly decorate your space, using only decors that are complementary to the space and match other fixtures or items in the home
Less Stress
A cluttered home is a stressful home. Cleaning it is such a chore, as well as keeping it clean. With minimalism, you’ll eliminate that clutter, which makes cleaning the house easier and less difficult.
This further translates into less stress for you, and frees up your mind for more important things. A minimalist home is often very aesthetically pleasing, provides a great ambience, relaxes you, and frees up your mind.
As a way of life, minimalism is pleasantly addictive. Once you start, it’s almost impossible to go back to the clutter-filled life that you once lived. In fact, you’re more likely to keep seeking news ways to cut out more junk from your home and your life. There’s a reason why many successful people choose the minimalist lifestyle. It’s because it’s so fulfilling and liberating.