She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Illusion of Minimalism

As I reflect on my journey towards minimalism, I realize it wasn’t until I faced a challenging period in my life that I began to care about living simply. The clutter and chaos in my living space, exacerbated by a friend’s temporary move into our second bedroom, sparked a sense of unease and discomfort. I saw myself slipping into a pattern of mindless consumption, and it scared me.

Over the past year, I’ve worked to declutter my closet, develop a system to curb my clothing collection, and use up personal care products before buying new ones. My partner and I have also donated many items to charity, and we’re finally starting to enjoy the benefits of a more organized and peaceful living space.

However, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in the minimalism movement – a focus on aesthetics over substance. Some proponents of minimalism advocate for extreme measures that not only don’t contribute to a simpler life but also perpetuate the very problems they claim to solve.

Beware of Misguided Advice

There are several pieces of advice that I believe do more harm than good:

1. The Label-Free Illusion

The notion that labels on household products clutter our vision and create a non-uniform view of the room is not only futile but also wasteful and inefficient. Instead of transferring products into label-free containers, we should focus on reducing packaging waste.

2. The Plate Paradox

While excessive plates and cutlery can be a source of clutter, getting rid of them entirely might not be the solution. Keeping a few extra on hand can be practical and even encourage social gatherings.

3. The “Love” or “Need” Fallacy

The rule that we should only spend on things we absolutely “love” or “need” can be misleading. If we’re prone to justifying unnecessary purchases, this rule can become an excuse to continue overspending.

4. The DIY Trap

Aligning simple living with countless DIY projects can be counterproductive. While some DIY projects can be fun, they often end up being costly, time-consuming, and messy.

5. The Clutter Conundrum

While excessive clutter can be annoying, a little bit of clutter can be practical. We shouldn’t feel pressured to create a sterile environment that lacks personality.

6. The Neutral Obsession

Preferring a neutral aesthetic has nothing to do with minimalism. Insisting on replacing every item with a more expensive, neutral version can be pretentious and misses the point of minimalism.

7. The Luxury Myth

Spending more on fewer things can be a good ideal, but it can also lead to a materialistic mindset. We should focus on finding a balance between quality and affordability.

Creating a Truly Minimalist Life

So, what can we do to create a more minimalist life and habitat? Here are some practical tips:

• Focus on discipline and moderation in your purchasing and collecting habits.
• Evaluate why and when you buy things.
• Throw things out more often.
• Apply the “capsule” concept to various areas of your life.
• Take time to appreciate what you already have, rather than constantly adding to your collections.
• Don’t be afraid of a little clutter.

By adopting these principles, we can create a more authentic and sustainable minimalist lifestyle that prioritizes simplicity, practicality, and self-awareness.