5 simple ways to become a minimalist! How can you Buy Less and Utilize More? – Unleash Fashion
Here, in this article, you will learn about how retail tricks us into buying more and how we can become conscious consumers by “Buy less and Utilize more” psychology. This article will introduce you to 5 simple ways to become a minimalist and live a healthy clutter-free life.
In the last couple of years, people have become conscious of how much money they spend on buying clothes or accessories, which they soon end up keeping in the closet and rarely use. This not only causes clutter in their houses and acquires unnecessary space, but it also makes them feel confused and tired. Therefore the trend of buying essential items for the closet is on heat. You can check what ultimate wardrobe essentials are required to create a minimalist wardrobe.
Why do we want so many clothes?
Well, the answer is quite simple. As Fashion goes at its peak and grows progressively, new trends come and go very fast. Hence, we often try to keep up with the pace believing we would look outdated or old-fashioned. This then leads to buying the latest trendy outfits you have seen a model wearing on Instagram or a new collection launched by a designer.
Nonetheless, to say, attractive sales and offers often tempt us to buy mindlessly without even thinking if we need them or not. Seeing such tendencies, there has been a culture of minimalism that has widely been adopted worldwide. This is to enable conscious buying habits of the user and reduces the effect on our environment and its degradation.
What is minimalism?
Before we move on to the ways you can follow a minimalistic lifestyle, let’s understand what minimalism is about? According to the concept of Larson and Erikson, Minimalism is about avoiding the unnecessary, it’s about simplicity, utility, and elegance. It’s all about “LESS IS MORE” in terms of embracing the most of fewer things. The most common misconception is that minimalists “suffer” and “sacrifice” while having fewer things and less exciting experiences. This is so untrue and in fact, it is quite the opposite. True minimalists need only particularly selected items and they make the most of them, thus enriching (and not limiting) their experience. Simply put, quality triumphs over quantity.
Why has minimalism become a necessity?
Living a minimalistic life can be monotonous for many. It can also be challenging at times, but despite all of this, living a life of minimalism has its benefits. Becoming a minimalist allows you to eliminate any form of clutter in your life, so you can live a simpler, more spacious life.
One of the best things a minimalist person could do is save a lot of money. You cannot imagine the saving you can make from living a minimalistic life.
The world’s first youngest billionaire, Mark Zuckerburg, is a true example of minimalism. His dressing style is very modest and straightforward. In an interview, he mentioned dressing so casually to save so much time and be less confused about what to wear for the next meeting.
Now, we don’t have to do that much casual in our dressing to live a minimalistic life. This article will tell you how you can buy less and utilize more without compromising Fashion.
5 Simple Ways to be a minimalist:-
- Start with Decluttering
This is the first and one of the most crucial steps in creating a life of minimalism. It is a step where most people find it hard where to start. Well, if you feel the same, worry not!
First, start by listing the items and categorizing them as per the priority. Now that you have organized the clutter keep aside the things that are not much needed and pick those you use regularly or the ones that play an essential part in your life. More on this in the next point.
Remove things you rarely use. You can do so by selling it or giving it to someone in need. I know it’s hard to get rid of something you have been saving for years but trust me, you don’t need them. It is just consuming a lot of space in your house and your head. - Make a list of essentials
Jot down the items you can’t live without. Things that you use regularly. Justify, why you need them in life? And if you feel, they aren’t that important, get rid of them!
To make a capsule lifestyle, you must know what suits your personality. Understand your taste in clothing, food, accessories, or any utility item. Organize your wardrobe, pantry, etc, according to it. To do this, you must be very clear on how to set it up.
Listing down essentials and making a category among them is also required. - Shop consciously
This is the step where people lose control of the urge to buy more. Seeing a SALE on your favorite outfit or getting a buy one get one free option is tempting, that is precisely what the seller wants, after all, They make such tantalizing offers to increase their sales.
Not to mention, the amount of money we spent on buying such unnecessary items yearly is beyond your calculation.
To avoid this, the best thing you can do is make a list of items you need before shopping. Restrict your shopping only to the listed items. Do not get lured by the SALE tag or exciting deals that are especially there only to attract you. It will take many attempts to avoid getting distracted, but you will make it if you stay persistent. - Resist the temptation
As discussed in the above paragraph, the temptation is one of the main reasons why your wardrobe is cluttered with unnecessary clothes or your pantry is filled with those outdated/ unnecessary products.
To get rid of this you need to master two major skills in your life i.e., discipline, and control. You cannot expect yourself to not get tempted by the biggest SALE or an offer on your favorite brand. For that, you have to develop a conscious mindset and resist the instant gratifying temptation. - Check up regularly
Even after you are done with decluttering and making a capsule wardrobe, do not forget to look over it regularly. Focus on the progress you are making. Regularly check what items you poses and what needs to be disposed of/rejected. It will take time to make a routine to check up, but as you progress, it will become your simple second nature. You won’t even realize it like you are doing it as work.
Key Takeaways
- Do not over-analyze: Take it easy, especially when you’re just starting. Do not try to overwhelm yourself with the amount of energy or time this will take to get through this in the initial stage. The starting is always the hardest!
- Make a plan but be flexible: The key to getting a minimalistic life is to be flexible. when things aren’t going your way, have patience and be ready to adjust your activity.
- Make a short/pen note: Remember those sticky notes you fill in to highlight essential details in college. Yes! You can use them for highlighting your to-do list as well. It will not only act as a reminder but also help you lighten your head from overthinking.
- Make it a habit: The best way to make a habit is to make it your routine. Build a schedule for picking one activity that needs to be done this week. Soon, you will notice you are making progress and it is becoming a part of your life, naturally.
Minimalism is not a short-term practice anymore. It has become necessary for us to enable a minimalistic approach to our consumption. If not completely, we must follow it in some way or the other.
