When the word minimalist is uttered what do you think of? Do you instantly think of a stark white 200 sq foot living space with only 30 belongings able to fit into your backpack? That is exactly what I thought of as I embarked on this journey. I quickly realized that you can’t put this word into a box and expect it to fit everyone. I absolutely love that you can explore the lifestyle and make it fit for you and your family.
I discovered that there are 6 types of minimalists and there is no right or wrong way to live this lifestyle but maybe these examples will help you to simplify you life and start living with less so you can enjoy life more.
- Green Minimalist~ This type is a person who tries to have everything in their home be eco-friendly and to re-purpose and recycle to lessen the effects on our landfills. They tend to be very aware of the impact that consumerism has in the world and will buy higher quality but less of as to not create waste.
- Maximum Minimalist~ This type is always challenging themselves to need less and less and they live by the quote “Only keep what I believe to by useful or beautiful”. This type will also join challenges to see how minimal they can actually live.
- Evolving Minimalist~ This type is a person who realizes that they have too much stuff and need to make a change and focus on eliminating excess. This type is always a work in progress and may evolve or combine other types of minimalists.
- Aesthetic Minimalist~ This type is not focused on reducing possessions but is aiming for a clear and de-cluttered living space.
- Nomadic Minimalist~ This type is focused on only being able to have what they own in a backpack. The things they have are of high quality as so they will last, quality over quantity. They like the challenge of seeing how little they need to live.
- Frugal Minimalist~ This type is concerned with saving money, not liking to spend it, they don’t collect a lot of possessions. They reuse everything they can and are usually self sustaining.
I look at this list and I identify with 1, 3 and 4. I buy only green as I don’t want to add to the destruction of the earth. I look at my home and realize I have way to much stuff that I don’t need so I need to change focus and eliminate clutter as to make my home neat and clean and enjoyable again. I heard a quote and it really hit home.
Spend your money on experiences, not things. Your clothes won’t last forever, but you will always have memories.
Making of a Minimalist
Making of a Minimalist 