8 Reasons to Become a Minimalist: How to Live More With Less!

Haven't heard about Minimalism yet?

Well, it's the next big thing. With so much pressure to own the newest gadget, the coolest car, or the biggest house, many people are realizing that consumerism isn't the key to real happiness. Many of the things we purchase end up cluttering our homes and essentially our lives. Some are beginning to ask: are these material items really as necessary as we are led to believe?

Minimalism isn't about throwing everything away and living without any possessions. It just means that everything that you own adds value, and plays an important role. In other words, everything you have is intentionally kept, used, and/or cherished.

Is living a minimalist life the best choice for you?

It is certainly something that could benefit many, especially those wanting to be more mindful in their daily lives. Here are some reasons why turning to minimalism might be a good starting point for greater fulfillment. 

Ways that Becoming a Minimalist Can Benefit Your Life

• It makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze!
  Once you've downsized your closet to only containing items you absolutely love to wear, you'll save yourself a lot of time making daily choices. Everything you put on will look fantastic, so you won't have to worry about it!
• Your mental and physical health will improve (across many facets).
  Without added clutter around your home and your life, you will have more room to focus your energy on everything you want to accomplish. You will feel less stressed, and be more productive with fewer obstacles in your way.
• You will be reassured that everything you own has a purpose.
  Do you have a junk drawer filled with things that you might use someday? How often do you really open it? Here's a good rule of thumb: If something in your junk drawer costs less than $15, and you haven't used it in at least 30-days, toss it. Everything you have left are items you actually use!
• It makes it easy to be able to find what you're looking for.
  Can't ever seem to find your keys? Can't find where you put your favorite True Citrus packets? Always feel like you have to search for everything? It is much easier to find what you're looking for when there's no clutter in the first place.
• You will feel less stressed, and have a more positive outlook on life.
  Walking into a mess causes unnecessary stress. Our minds are calmed when everything is neat and orderly. With minimal items around, it creates a more relaxed atmosphere.
• You'll save a lot of money!
  Not only will you just buy items that truly add value and happiness to your life, you'll be more mindful that you're purchasing things intentionally. That means more money for a vacation, paying off debt, or adding to savings!
• It will place more value on relationships and experiences, rather than material things.
  A post by The Minimalists says it perfectly: Love people, use things. The opposite never works.
• You'll save time, since you wont have to do as much cleaning, tidying, and organizing.
  The easiest way to organize all of your things is to own less stuff!

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[Credit: Popplestone, Tyson. 10 Signs Its Time to Declutter Your Life & Become A Minimalist. Mind Body Green.]