Minimalism isn’t just about owning less: debunking the top misconceptions.
Table of Content
Misconception #1: Minimalism is only about getting rid of stuff.
Misconception #2: Minimalism is only for wealthy people.
Misconception #3: All Minimalists have white walls.
Misconception #4: Minimalists are all tidy
Misconception #5: Minimalism is about adopting a frugal lifestyle.
Introduction
Minimalism has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years as people seek to simplify their lives and reduce their material possessions and their impact on the environment. However, while there are many benefits to living a minimalist lifestyle, several misconceptions surround it.
People often see us minimalists as weirdos who own one plate and two t-shirts and have empty rooms with white walls in their houses. In their minds, Minimalists also have a fixed prescribed number of items they must not alter or increase. While I have white walls, many extreme minimalists have almost no furniture. Minimalism is not an instruction manual on how to live your life. We are not weird or saddos that deprive ourselves of life’s pleasures. We go out for meals, travel, get drunk and do many things the general population does.
In an earlier article, I explained the concept of minimalism and what it is and isn’t. In the below article, I want to explore that Minimalism isn’t just about owning less and debunking the top misconceptions.
Misconception #1: Minimalism is only about getting rid of stuff.
One of the most common misconceptions about minimalism is that it is simply about getting rid of stuff. While it is true that minimalists tend to own fewer possessions than non-minimalists, minimalism is about much more than just decluttering.
At its core, minimalism is a philosophy of living intentionally and focusing on what is truly important in life. This can include everything from relationships to material possessions and work.
While yes, minimalists reduce the number of possessions. This is not so that we own a fixed number of items. Instead, it is about only holding on to things that enrich our lives and discarding unwanted stuff and duplicates. I, for example, am an avid tea drinker and own several teapots as these enrich my life.
Intentional living also extends to other areas in life, not just material possessions. For example, minimalists reduce the number of appointments in their diaries. Minimalists also think about the people they have in their life and ask whether someone who has been nothing but mean and horrible deserves to be their friend.
You get the drift. Minimalism is about decluttering every aspect of your life.
Misconception #2: Minimalism is only for wealthy people.
Another common misconception about minimalism is that it is only for wealthy people who can afford to live without many possessions.
While it is true that some minimalists live in expensive homes and own expensive possessions, this is not a requirement of minimalism. On the contrary, many minimalists live on tight budgets and focus their resources on experiences rather than possessions.
To learn more about minimalism and wealth, check out my article on the subject.
Misconception #3: All Minimalists have white walls.
There are two broad categories of minimalism. One is about aesthetics, and the other is about lifestyle.
Aesthetic minimalism is about reducing visual clutter and having clean and light surfaces and walls. Marissa, from a to Zen life, describes aesthetic minimalism as follows:
In the home, a minimalist aesthetic will emphasize reducing visual clutter and creating a clean and harmonious environment, with a neutral color palette, bright spaces, and maybe a succulent here or there for good measure.
That means allowing simple beauty to shine via generous natural lighting, large windows, modern features, and lots of white.
While aesthetic minimalism and lifestyle minimalism often go hand in hand, there is no requirement for you to have white walls and modern furniture. Instead, you can be a minimalist with colourful walls and heavy old-fashioned furniture.
Misconception #4: Minimalists are all tidy
While reducing the number of material possessions, you own means it will be easier to keep your home neat and tidy than for someone who owns loads of knick-knacks, not all minimalists are tidy.
There is no requirement to have your socks sorted by colour or to have all your books neatly in one place.
Misconception #5: Minimalism is about adopting a frugal lifestyle.
While it is true that minimalists tend to be more mindful of their consumption habits, not all are anti-consumerists.
Some minimalists still enjoy shopping and acquiring new things, but they do so in a more intentional way. For example, they may choose to buy only high-quality items that will last a long time or focus their purchases on experiences rather than material possessions.
Unlike minimalism, Frugalism tends to focus on reducing cost and saving money rather than reducing possessions and buying quality. Please read my article on the differences between Frugalism and Minimalism to learn more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while minimalism has become a popular trend in recent years, many misconceptions exist. By understanding what minimalism is and is not, we can better appreciate the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle and approach it as a personal journey rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,