
Guest post from Rebecca of D&R Tabb
Minimalism as a way of life is intriguing to many of us, but difficult to put into practice. Here are 6 relatively pain-free ways you can introduce yourself to a ‘less is more’ lifestyle.
1. Make getting rid of stuff fun!
In the spirit of Crystal’s 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home series, I did “7 Days of 7 Throw Aways.” I made a game out of finding 7 items each day to give or throw away. This was so much easier than trying to de-clutter the whole house and I even found myself coming up with more than 7 items some days.
2. Streamline your Facebook news feed
Evaluate each person on your news feed and decide if seeing his or her status updates every day are worth the time you spend reading them. If you don’t want to ‘unfriend,’ simply click “Unsubscribe” or subscribe only to the “Most Important” updates.
This makes your online visits quicker as you spend less time perusing through unnecessary information in order to find the information you are interested in.
3. De-clutter as you go
Small changes make a big difference. While you are waiting for water to boil for your spaghetti dinner, go through your utensil drawer and find 3 things you don’t need anymore. Challenge your children to find 5 things to give away during the commercial break of a show. Progress, however small, is still progress!
4. Lay ground rules
If you go shopping for new clothes, make “one in, one out” your rule. If you buy a new shirt, another shirt has to go to the garage sale pile. If you buy new underwear, get rid of a few old pairs (you’re probably due for that, right?)
5. Surround yourself with minimalist thinkers
Conversations with like-minded friends will bolster your confidence that you’re making wise choices. Not all our friends and family will ascribe to our choice to reduce when everything in our culture tells us “More! More! More!” but be conscious of the influence others have.
If you feel inadequate or envious after visiting a friend with many possessions, counter that feeling by reading quotes on minimalism or making a list of reasons to be thankful for less.
6. Re-think the American dream
I used to dream of having a large home. But I have learned living in our small home is just as good! I love that I can almost reach our entire home with the vacuum plugged into one outlet. I am so glad to only have two bathrooms to clean.
While everyone’s choice of home is personal. I have really started to question whether the money and effort that goes into owning a large home is really worth it, not the mention the time spent to earn that money!
This choice can make a huge difference in your commitment to being a “semi-minimalist” because you must be intentional about what you bring into your home.
Rebecca is a former educator turned stay-at-home mom. She enjoys exercising, reading, and blogging about her life as a wife and new mom at D&R Tabb.








































