The internet is full of stories of people quitting their jobs, giving up everything they own, and packing just the bare necessities to travel around the world in a caravan. In a developing economy like India, even though this idea might not sound feasible you still can take a minimalist approach. A minimalist lifestyle helps getting rid of what you do not need to shift your focus to more important things in life. You free yourself from materialistic obsessions, reduce procrastination, and save more money in the long term.
Here are some ways you can adopt minimalism in your lifestyle. Note: This does not include quitting your job.
Declutter your homes
Get rid things you have not used for more than a year. You can donate old books, clothes, toys and other objects. The thought that ‘you might need it someday’ is a cavemen survival instinct which is totally irrelevant today.
Furniture
We have seen our parents and grandparents filling the house with pieces of furniture like crockery shelves, chests, and a large dining table with twelve chairs. Remove those pieces of furniture which have no use other than storing objects of no use, blocking the flow of air and taking up space.
Décor
Keep the most beautiful and the ones that mean a lot to you and get rid of the rest. These objects may delight you for the first few days after purchase. But these later complicate your daily schedule as most of these objects require regular dusting, cleaning, and polishing.
Wardrobe
Zuckerberg is famous for keeping a simple wardrobe. Invest in quality products that last longer, instead of buying dozens of cheap dresses that were available on discount sale.
Buying
Before you go on a shopping spree, ask yourself whether you really need those products. This requires a bit of practice and self-restraint. Instead, spend money on experiences like travel or visiting a museum.
