Ours is a world of excess. A big house, a fancy car, designer clothes, a chunky watch that costs the bomb… you get the picture, right?

Intuitively, we know that the best stuff in life isn’t stuff at all, and that relationships and meaningful experiences are the staples of a happy life, but from the moment we’re born, we’re told to pursue more, and that’s exactly what we do.

Take a look around your home – you’re probably surrounded by things you’ve worked hard to own – that flat-screen didn’t come cheap, nor did your fibre broadband, or that luxurious sofa. We live in a world where less is rarely more. But at what cost? Are you sick of debt? Mad that you never get enough time with your kids, or too stressed out to sleep at night? What if there is actually more joy in owning less?

Truth is, minimalism will always look different. And no, it’s not about all-white countertops or fitting all your worldly possessions into a single backpack; minimalism is about cleaning the clutter from your life and adjusting your mind set so you can live with more purpose and peace. A minimalist is, simply defined, someone who decides to be intentional about things (possessions, people, ideas) they include in their life.

Material objects tend to crowd out the very emotional needs they are meant to support. Our fondness of stuff affects almost every aspect of our lives. Enormous consumption has global, environmental and social consequences and many experts believe that consumerism plays a big part in pushing our planet to the brink.

Eliminating the excess is slightly unconventional but many of us feel the need to have less, to spend less, to do less, and to need less. Perhaps you won’t change to the latest smartphone all that often or obsessively check your emails. Instead, you’ll focus on, and be grateful for what you have, rather than what you don’t have; resulting in more time with those you care about. More free time to do more of what you love; stress less, spend less and have less pressure to keep up with those around us.

So, how do we streamline towards living with less?

• Discard the duplicates. Two sets of measuring cups? Or doubles on placemat sets? You only need one. Pack all duplicates in a box, if you don’t need it within 30 days, donate it.
• Declare a clutter-free zone. Maybe your nightstand? If you enjoy the clean, clear environment, expand a little. A clutter free zone could become a clutter free room.
• Dress with less. If you haven’t considered Project 333, dressing with only 33 items for three months (clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories included) may sound extreme, but people found that it makes life easier instead of more challenging.
• Eat similar meals. Think of how much time and money you’ll save! Have the same lunch and breakfast all week and rotate dinner choices. No waste. Simple!
• Move into a smaller space. If you’re renting and your lease is coming up, downsizing will encourage less stuff, less cleaning, and smaller bills.
• Be a re-user. Repair and fix things rather than replacing them.
• Be grateful for what you have.
• Purge regularly. Try the “one-in, one-out” rule. For every item you bring into your home, you get rid of another.
• Invest in high quality. Have a sparse home filled with designs you adore versus a home full of things you just sort of like.

“Not one of my happiest memories is tied to anything I own” – Abbe Wright. So, true, don’t you think?

Source: www.oprah.com, www.theminimalist.com, www.becomingminimalist.com, www.simplyfiercely.com, makespace.com, relevantmagazine.com, www.expertrain.com, permaculturenews.org, evonews.com, www.bbc.com, bemorewithless.com, www.nytimes.com tinybuddha.com. www.apartmenttherapy.com, www.lifehack.org