Tag: #lessismore

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    I Don’t Ever Think About What to Wear … and it’s Awesome

    Jamie Perkins

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    I Don’t Ever Think About What to Wear … and it’s Awesome

    Just the other day I saw a posting for a huge estate sale. There were several photos posted highlighting the person’s most prized possessions which were going to be on sale. Among them were “piles” of clothing. It made me wonder… when was the last time that person wore all those clothes…or did she even wear all of them? It was advertised that many of the articles of clothing still had tags on them. How could that be possible? How could one person ever collect, much less wear, that many articles of clothing?

    If you’ve ever had to sift through a loved one’s belongings once they’ve passed, you’re going to want to continue reading as a reminder to yourself about how it felt as you were going through them. Now, apply it to yourself and to your closet. Have you ever considered what will happen to your clothing once you’re no longer around to tend to it? Make it easy on them.

    Have you ever counted the number of clothing items in your closet and dresser drawers? Research shows that the average person owns about 148 pieces of clothing, yet often only wears 20% of them regularly. I currently own about 75 articles of clothing plus a half dozen sweatshirts and jackets. This feels about right, yet I still only wear about 20% of what I have on a regular basis. Interesting, isn’t it?

    Assessing Your Current Wardrobe

    If the time is right, walk into your closet and begin counting!  It’s important to assess what you currently have in order to create a minimalist wardrobe that reflects your style and needs.

    Inventory and Categorization:

    To begin, take stock of all your clothes. Start by emptying your closet and organizing your garments into categories. Categorize them into two main groups: essentials and non-essentials. Essentials are items you frequently wear, love, and fit well. Non-essentials are items that are rarely worn, no longer fit, or you never really liked, but perhaps spent a bit too much money on.

    I’ve been there! I used to feel like I had this huge, walk-in closet, and it needed to be full. But it didn’t matter how full it was, it never felt like enough. That mindset can be very destructive and costly, and it feels so good to just “let it go.”

    I used to feel like I had this huge, walk-in closet, and it needed to be full.

    Decluttering Techniques:

    There are many methods out there to help you begin your decluttering process, but at the end of the day, it comes down to these three questions.  You should focus on creating a collection of versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.

    Remember these questions during the decluttering process:

    • Do you love it? Keep what you love.
    • Does it fit well today? Keep what fits right now.
    • Have you worn it in the past year? Keep only what you’ve worn in the last year.

    Assessing your current wardrobe is the first step toward creating a minimalist style that simplifies your daily routine and enhances your fashion choices.

    Building Your Minimalist Wardrobe

    Let’s get started by selecting some core pieces which will serve as the backbone of your wardrobe. Remember, only keep what you love, what fits perfectly at this moment, and what you’ve worn within the past year. Be honest with yourself! Embracing this approach will really help you streamline your choices.

    Identifying Core Pieces

    When choosing what to keep, it’s important to identify the staple items that effortlessly blend functionality with style. Think of classic white shirts, versatile denim jeans, good quality t-shirts, cashmere sweaters, and comfortable footwear. These timeless essentials act as the building blocks for lots of outfit combinations, ensuring versatility and longevity in your choices.

    Find one you like and buy it in multiple colors.

    Quality Over Quantity

    Choose quality over quantity. Instead of succumbing to the bargain sales rack purchases, prioritize investing in high-quality clothing that stands the test of time. Choosing pieces made from superior materials not only ensures durability but also lasts longer and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

    So, as you embark on the journey of building your minimalist wardrobe, remember that the average person owns about 148 pieces of clothing, but true style lies in selecting pieces that resonate with your personality and will and stand the test of time. Keep what you love, what fits perfectly in the present, and what you’ve cherished in the past year – therein lies the essence of a minimalist wardrobe that speaks volumes with minimal pieces.

    Maintaining Your Minimalist Wardrobe

    Here’s the challenging part! In my minimalist wardrobe journey, I’ve learned that maintaining a clutter-free and intentional closet is key to truly embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Regular wardrobe audits are a must. These audits involve assessing my clothing choices, keeping what I love, what fits right now, and what I’ve worn in the last year, while bidding farewell to items that no longer serve a purpose.

    Regular Wardrobe Audits

    Conducting regular wardrobe audits is like giving your closet a breath of fresh air. It allows you to reassess your clothing choices, ensuring that every piece aligns with your minimalist values and personal style. By following the simple rule of keeping what you love, what fits well, and what you actually wear, you can maintain a streamlined wardrobe that reflects your authentic self.

    Is it time to let it go?

    Mindful Purchasing Practices

    Mindful purchasing practices are vital for sustaining a minimalist wardrobe. Investing in high-quality pieces that are versatile can significantly reduce the urge to constantly shop for new items. Before making a purchase, consider why you want to add this to your collection of clothing. Do you need it? Do you want it? Are you replacing an existing item with this new one? It’s important to be intentional with your purchases…otherwise, bad habits creep right back in, and pretty soon, your closet is bursting at the seams again. Remember, the average person owns about 148 pieces of clothing. By practicing regular wardrobe audits and mindful purchasing habits, you can maintain a minimalist wardrobe that is both stylish and sustainable, reflecting your unique personality and values.

    Donate what you can no longer wear.

    Embracing a minimalist wardrobe has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about owning fewer clothes; it’s about simplicity and knowing that I’m not leaving behind huge piles of “stuff” for my loved ones to have to sort through. As I decluttered my closet and focused on quality over quantity, I realized that less truly is more.

    I’ve simplified my life and discovered a newfound sense of freedom in my clothing choices. The average person owns about 148 pieces of clothing, but I’ve learned that I don’t need all of that to feel confident.

    A minimalist wardrobe isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about empowering yourself to make intentional decisions about what you wear. Embrace the simplicity and elegance of a minimalist wardrobe – less time fretting over outfits means more time for what truly matters in life. Let your personal style shine through with carefully selected pieces that speak volumes without saying a word.

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    Just Keep On Keeping On

    Jamie Perkins

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    Just Keep On Keeping On

    Starting a minimalist journey is just the tip of the iceberg. The true challenge lies in maintaining the momentum. It’s about making conscious decisions every day that align with your minimalist values. Today, let’s discuss some tried-and-true strategies to encourage you to stay on track with your minimalist journey. This piece will provide you with ideas about HOW to keep that minimalist flame burning brightly.

    1. Setting Your Intention and Goals

    To maintain momentum in your minimalist journey, it’s essential to start by setting clear intentions and goals. Ask yourself why you want to embrace minimalism and what specific outcomes you hope to achieve. By having a clear vision and purpose, you can stay motivated and focused on your journey.

    Keeping up the momentum in your minimalist journey requires commitment, consistency and a willingness to let go.

    2. Decluttering in Bite-Sized Steps

    Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can make the process more achievable. Instead of tackling your entire living space in one go, focus on decluttering one room or area at a time. This approach not only makes the task less daunting but also allows you to see tangible progress, which can be highly motivating.

    3. Embrace a Minimalist Mindset

    Minimalism is not just about getting rid of physical possessions; it’s also about adopting a minimalist mindset. Practice gratitude and learn to appreciate the things you already have instead of constantly seeking more. By shifting your mindset and valuing experiences and relationships over material possessions, you can sustain your minimalist journey in the long run.

    Words of wisdom from my mother

    4. Create Systems and Routines

    To maintain a minimalist lifestyle, it’s vital to establish systems and routines that support your goals. Develop efficient organization methods that work for you and incorporate them into your daily life. For example, designate specific spots for frequently used items and make it a habit to return them to their designated places. These systems will help you avoid clutter build-up and make it easier to keep things organized.

    5. Stay Mindful of Your Purchases

    One of the core principles of minimalism is being mindful of your purchases. Before buying something new, ask yourself if it aligns with your values and if it genuinely adds value to your life. Avoid impulse buying and take the time to consider whether the item is a want or a need. By practicing mindful consumption, you can prevent unnecessary clutter and maintain the momentum of your minimalist journey.

    6. Seek Inspiration and Support

    Finding inspiration is essential to maintaining momentum in your minimalist journey. Seek out sources of inspiration that resonate with you personally. This could be through reading books or blogs on minimalism, following minimalist influencers on social media, or attending minimalist-themed events or workshops. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can also be a great source of inspiration and motivation.

    Keeping up the momentum in your minimalist journey requires commitment, consistency and a willingness to let go.

    7. Handling Criticism

    When embracing a minimalist lifestyle, it’s not uncommon to face criticism or skepticism from others. People may question your choices, labeling them as extreme or unnecessary. It’s essential to stay true to your values and not allow external opinions to sway your commitment to minimalism. Educate others about the benefits you’ve experienced since adopting this lifestyle, such as increased clarity, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your journey and can provide encouragement and advice. Remember, minimalism is a personal choice, and as long as it brings positivity to your life, it’s worth pursuing.

    Maintaining momentum in your minimalist journey is crucial for long-term success

    Celebrate progress, not perfection. Remember that your minimalist journey is unique and personal to you. Avoid falling into the trap of comparing your progress to others or striving for perfection. Instead, celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. Reflect on how far you’ve come and acknowledge the positive impact that minimalism has had on your life. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, you’ll continue to build momentum and enjoy the journey toward a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle.

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    Who Needs Complicated?

    Jamie Perkins

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    Who Needs Complicated?

    There’s something wonderful about keeping things plain and simple. It’s a practice that often goes unnoticed, but it’s one that can bring about a great deal of joy. Keeping your taste simple doesn’t mean you’re boring or lack creativity. Instead, it’s an appreciation of the basics, a return to the roots, and a celebration of minimalism.

    “Simplicity boils down to two things. Identify the essential and eliminate the rest.” – Leo Babauta

    It’s all about enjoying the things that matter to you. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what’s important. So, let’s talk about the underappreciated joy of keeping your tastes simple.

    The Benefits of Keeping Your Taste Simple

    When it comes to our personal preferences, simplicity can often bring us unexpected joy. In a world filled with endless choices and constant distractions, keeping our taste simple can provide several benefits that enhance our overall well-being.

    Less Decision Fatigue

    Who needs complicated?

    Have you ever felt mentally exhausted after spending hours contemplating various options? Simplifying your taste can help alleviate decision fatigue. By narrowing down your choices, you’ll spend less time and energy on trivial decisions, allowing you to focus on what really matters. With fewer decisions to make, you’ll experience a sense of relief and clarity, enabling you to be more productive and efficient throughout your day.

    Increased Satisfaction

    Simple pleasures often bring the greatest joy. By keeping your taste simple, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things in life that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s savoring a home-cooked meal, enjoying a walk in nature, or listening to your favorite song, simplicity allows you to fully immerse yourself in these experiences and feel great satisfaction from them. By embracing simplicity, you’ll discover that happiness can be found in the most uncomplicated moments.

    Saving Money

    Who needs complicated?

    Are you tired of constantly chasing the latest trends and feeling the pressure to keep up with others? Keeping your taste simple can be a great way to save money. By focusing on what brings you joy, you’ll be less inclined to spend on unnecessary material possessions or indulge in fleeting trends. Instead, you’ll develop a more mindful approach to your spending, investing in experiences and items that align with your values and provide long-term fulfillment.

    Appreciating the Little Things

    It’s easy to overlook the beauty in the small details that make life memorable. By keeping your taste simple, you’ll develop a heightened awareness of the little things that often bring a smile to your face. Appreciating the little things is important. It’s easy to overlook them in our busy lives, but they can bring us joy and gratitude. The small moments, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a kind smile from a stranger, can make a big difference. When we take the time to notice and appreciate these simple pleasures, we can find happiness in the present moment. So let’s cherish the small things, for they can bring us immense joy and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us each day.

    There’s Joy in Keeping Your Taste Simple

    “It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

    In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle and overwhelming choices, finding joy in simplicity can be a breath of fresh air. Embracing a simpler lifestyle can bring about numerous benefits, from reducing stress to learning to be grateful for your many blessings.

    Less Stress

    Living a simpler life can help alleviate the burden of stress that often accompanies a complex and cluttered existence. By streamlining our choices and reducing unnecessary distractions, we can focus our energy on what brings us joy and contentment. Minimalism, both in physical possessions and in mental clutter, can provide a sense of calm and tranquility.

    More Happiness

    Who needs complicated?

    When we simplify our tastes, we often discover that happiness can be found in the little things. We learn to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and find joy in the ordinary moments of life. By shifting our focus from constantly seeking the next big thing, we can find contentment in the present moment and improve our overall well-being.

    Cultivating Gratitude

    Simplicity allows us to appreciate what we have and be grateful for the blessings in our lives. When we strip away the excess and focus on the essentials, we gain a deeper understanding of what matters. By cultivating gratitude for simple pleasures, we can enhance our overall satisfaction and find greater fulfillment in our daily lives.

    Prioritizing What Matters

    By keeping our taste simple, we can better prioritize the things that truly matter to us. We can identify our core values and align our choices accordingly. When we let go of the need to constantly chase after the latest trends or accumulate material possessions, we can invest our time and energy into the relationships, experiences, and pursuits that bring us genuine happiness and fulfillment.

    Who needs complicated?

    Living a simple life is a choice that can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and peace. By focusing on what matters most, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of more. We learn to appreciate the present moment and find contentment in the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

    So, let’s simplify our schedules, let’s simplify our possessions, and let’s simplify our minds. By doing so, we’ll discover that a simple life is not only joyful but also liberating.