miss minimalist logo

minimalist

Walls of Stuff

An observation from my minimalist life: when you don’t have a lot of stuff in your home, you tend to look outward for entertainment.

When my husband and I lived in our tiny flat in England, we rarely spent our leisure time indoors—other than reading or cooking, there simply wasn’t much to do. Instead, weekends and evenings would find us walking the streets of London, or the idyllic paths of the countryside.

The same holds true now: even though we live in a larger house, there’s still not much to keep us inside. During the day, I usually put Plumblossom in my Baby Bjorn carrier, wander through the neighborhood, and chat with anyone who happens to be out and about.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Chris

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week we have an inspiring contribution from Chris, who explains the steps she’s taken to simplify her life and reduce her carbon footprint.

Chris writes:

Although I’m late to minimalism I’m a work in progress. I’ve been on the outskirts of it for years, telling my friends and children not to buy Christmas, birthday, etc. presents; if they had to “buy” me something they could make a donation to Heifer International or a charity of their choice.… {Read more}

Minimalist Maternity Wear

At this time last year, I was a few months into my pregnancy with Plumblossom. My goal had been not to purchase a single piece of maternity wear, and rather make do with what I already had.

Naïve and ambitious, I know—but I’m proud to say that I almost achieved it.

The first trimester was easy. Although I never had any morning sickness, I also didn’t have much of an appetite. I’m glad I didn’t run out to the nearest Motherhood store after my positive pregnancy test, because my normal clothes fit perfectly fine for the first few months. And as I wanted to keep my pregnancy secret for as long as possible, my attire didn’t tip anyone off (though declining wine at dinner raised a few eyebrows!).… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Caitlin

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today, Caitlin shares her story with us. A post-divorce move into a flat of her own inspired her to do some major decluttering; read more about her experience on her blog.

Caitlin writes:

I want to preface this by saying that I discovered the Miss Minimalist blog about two weeks ago and have purged about half my stuff (and read the entire archive) since then. Plus, I moved into my first flat all on my own.… {Read more}

100 Possessions: Turquoise Wellies

At first glance, this particular possession may seem way out of line with my minimalist principles. But hey, a girl’s gotta have a little fun, right?

Maybe they make me a bad minimalist—they’re not a basic color, and they don’t go with everything in my closet (though I typically pair them with anything anyway). They’re not lightweight, and they don’t fold down to nothing for easy storage and transport. And they’d take up way too much space in the minimalist’s proverbial backpack. ;-)

So why are they part of my life?

1. They’re practical. When I lived in England, I learned that in rainy weather, there’s nothing better than a pair of wellies to keep your feet warm and dry.… {Read more}

Freedom

A reporter once asked me, “What’s the best thing about being a minimalist”?

I answered with one word: freedom.

Really, that’s what it all boils down to for me. When my home, my schedule, and my mind are stripped free of excess, I feel completely unencumbered.

Too much stuff can enslave us in myriad ways. Physically, it can take over our homes, crowding us and our children out of precious living space. It can also drastically reduce our mobility, creating an inertia that discourages us from moving and embracing promising new opportunities.

It can also weigh on us psychologically, dragging on our spirits and energy until we feel too overwhelmed and lethargic to accomplish anything.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Tony

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week, Tony tells us how minimalism helped him rebuild his life after some personal setbacks. Check out his blog to read more about his journey.

Tony writes:

I guess my journey to minimalism started back in 2003. At age 40 I found myself divorced and one morning I drove away from the family home with the few things I could fit into my 10-year old car. It doesn’t sound like an auspicious start, but I learned one thing, even when you have nothing life goes on.… {Read more}

Sinking the Boat (or Ancient Chinese Decluttering)

There’s a popular Buddhist story about Layman P’ang, a successful merchant in 8th century China. He was a family man who, instead of becoming a monk, chose to pursue a lay practice and study the sutras with his wife and children. Worried that his material wealth might impede his path to enlightenment, he put all his worldly possessions in a boat, and sank it in the middle of a river.

Ah, don’t you sometimes wish you could do the same! Decluttering can be a long and arduous process, as we agonize over each possession. Should we keep it? Should we part with it?… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Hulya

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today we meet Hulya, who tells us about her decade-long minimalist journey and the inspiration behind it. Be sure to visit her blog, A Minimalist’s Musings, to learn more.

Hulya writes:

Although I’m new to the blogland I’m not new to minimalism. For the last 10 years I have been methodically, diligently minimising my possessions, decluttering my environment and my mind. The benefits are enormous. I’m much calmer, more organised and definitely jollier.… {Read more}

No TV Update: Three Years and Counting

Three years ago, my husband and I gave up our television when we moved overseas. At the time, I had no idea how we’d feel about its absence, or whether or not we’d replace it upon our return. Well, I’m happy to report that we love being TV-free, and have no intention of obtaining another.

In fact, we recently traveled to Texas for a family wedding, and during the five days in our hotel suite never once turned on the TV (we didn’t even notice its presence until the third or fourth day!).

Here’s a quick rundown on how tuning out the tube has enhanced our lives:

More silence.… {Read more}