5 Steps to Minimalism During Quarantine

During this time of forced isolation, we have plenty of time and space to reconsider what we put our time and energy into. This is the perfect time to slow down and identify what truly adds value to you. In essence, this is the root of the philosophy of minimalism.

If you have ever considered or been interested in giving minimalism a try here are five easy steps that you can take during this quarantine to experience the benefits of minimalist living.

STEP #1 - Declutter Your Home

The easiest and most rewarding step when beginning minimalism is to declutter the spaces in your home. Beginning with the space of most inspiration, or maybe something simple like your junk drawer, you can feel the liberation and clarity instantly when you choose to identify what truly adds value and remove all that doesn't.

My tip to you would be to begin by first replacing the items that you use on a regular, daily basis. Then begin to look for inspiration of how you would like your space to look and feel. This might include extras that you truly cherish, like family photos or sentimental items, in addition to some value adding decor. In my case I love decorating with books and live house plants.

STEP #2 - Let it Go

For the items you have removed, create different piles to trash, donate, or sell. Simply put, let them go remove them from your space and your life. The extra space will give you time and clarity to truly focus and pursue the things that are left over, and the things that add value to your life.

STEP #3 - Declutter Your Spending

Hulu and Netflix might be something you consider valuable right now… But often we get caught up spending on subscriptions that we typically don't use. Sometimes we even forget that we are still paying for them! Take the time to make a list of the things you are spending on, deleting, and swapping for things that add greater value. An example of this might be swapping Netflix for that online fitness program you’ve been wanting to try.

STEP #4 - Face the Digital Clutter

So much of our lives are now digital. How many apps, notifications, and media are we inundated by every single day? I like to unsubscribe from marketing emails that distract my time, delete apps that are no longer in use, turn off notifications on everything except for the most important, and create a system to save my personal media.

If you are using a cloud to store your media, my tip would be to review the cloud each week to delete and sort through. This makes reviewing your memories and finding your important files super streamlined! I also recommend converting your paper files to digital.

STEP #5 - EVP

EVP stands for the Everyday Vacation process:

Use this process throughout each of the steps. Take the time to evaluate the elements that add value, vacate what doesn’t, and then prepare a plan that will help you progress towards living life on your terms.

Ultimately you don't have to be a Pinterest perfect minimalist in order to benefit from the practice of minimalism. By applying the Everyday Vacation Process in each area of your life you will utilize your space, time, energy, and money on things that create a more value, meaning, and fulfilling life.

Hope to give it a try!
~MJ