This post is really going to wet your whistle for minimalism. I didn’t get into the minimalist mindset until later in life and I really wish I could have brought it more into my apartment days. If minimalism interests you but seems too intimidating or overwhelming then I have some things to share that could help you turn your apartment into your own personal retreat. Free from unnecessary distractions and physical things that weigh your life down. To do this you need to think of your own reasons why. Why does minimalism interest you; if it does at all? What is your motivation? You may even need to write the reason/s down on a post it and put it on your refrigerator to remind you when you are starting the bang your head against the wall. Not really- but maybe. Your reasons why will be one of the things that will help you reach the goal of making the most of your space.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris

Have you found your reasons why? For me it’s the peace that it brings into my life and that there is less to clean! And if I can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying moments in my home I’m all in. For some, their reasons why include having free time and just simplifying their lives. Got your reason? Ok, let’s go.

(My retreat. Sometimes all you need is a good book and a cup of tea. Oh and comfy couch. And some pillows. And maybe some flowers. And a coffee table for when your arm gets tired of hold the tea…not much at all. Book: At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott)

Let’s first talk about need versus want. Every space and circumstance is different and that makes your needs different too. It took me a while to figure this out. And as I continue on this journey I am still figuring this out. Something else that I have also learned is that our circumstances in life often change and so our needs must change with it as well. Everyone on this earth has basic survival needs. Food, water, and shelter. But from there needs widely differ. It would be impossible for me to tell you whether or not you need a computer. In most of our lives that is crucial to our livelihood, and although it does not fill our bellies, it’s still definitely a need.

“Love people, Use things. Not the other way around.” -The Minimalists

But then let us consider things we don’t need. For example, I could probably say you don’t NEED a giant ice-cream floaty for your pool but everything else you need to navigate for yourself and reflect on. And let me tell you, there will be growing pains. You will look at a pile of stuff you have acquired and wish you could watch paint dry instead. But let me give you some encouragement. It does get easier! And if ever there is a time to practice making your life lighter and more peaceful it would be now; while living in the apartment! There is a 3 step process that clicked with me that I would like to share with you. Although, there are many processes to simplifying your life this is the one that I have naturally created for myself and works the best for my own life.

“Tidy house. Tidy mind.” -Unknown

Step 1: Take everything out of a room! No, I am not crazy. I have tried over and over to just assess everything in the room and pick out what I don’t want. And this sort of works. But nothing works like this method. I will explain to you why in the steps below. Trust me.

Step 2: It is only after everything is removed that I make piles and assessments. My piles are usually keep, giveaway/sell, and trash. This step goes hand in hand with Step 3 which is …

Step 3: Create you dream space. Only put back into the room what you love, think is beautiful, and serves YOU to the best of its ability. Because really, who is doing the owning here? The stuff or you?

(Can you tell our couch is “well loved”? Our little family of four happily piles onto one couch in our house. We got rid of our other couch during our move to Lancaster, CA from Las Vegas, NV and have not looked back since)

Setting you up for success: Need some resources that will give you a tiny kick in the pants? I have some for you that might be helpful to you below.

1. Declutter minimalist 30 day challenge. Interested in challenging yourself? Try doing this. I really like this printable version you can find on Cait Flanders blog.
2. Books to read:
   1. At Home with Madame Chic By Jennifer Scott (really anything this wonderful lady writes)
   2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
   3. Minimalism: Living a Meaningful Life (on my list) by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
3. Stuff to watch on Netflix:
   1. Minimalism: A Documentary About Important Things by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

I am in no way affiliated with any of these sources. This is just me dumping all the stuff I have learned onto you in the hopes of helping you to bring more peace and joy into your life. You’re welcome.

Love,

The Semi-Minimalist

Meet The Semi-Minimalist. Mama and full-time student by day. Blogger and sewist by night. Born in Stuart, Florida she currently resides in the southern California desert. Beginning her blogging journey in December of last year she has also spends her spare time developing both her home with minimalism and beginning the journey of creating her business of ethically sourced clothing.

Read more at Thesemiminimalist.com or find her on Instagram @thesemiminimalist for more minimalist misadventures and sewing antics. Have any questions about minimalism?

Feel free to ask at thesemiminimalist@gmail.com.