One great way to save money and concentrate what is most important to you is living as a minimalist. Here are some tips for living a minimalist lifestyle.
GET RID OF STUFF
Humans collect a lot of stuff over time and they don’t necessarily need all of it. Take inventory of everything that you own and ask yourself a few questions:
- Have I used this item in the last 3 months?
- Will I use it in the next 3 months?
- Is this item necessary to my life?
If you answer no to any (or multiple) of these questions, it’s probably for the best to get rid of this item. Depending on the quality, you may be able to make a little extra money by selling it. Look for resources such as your local classifieds and social media to complete the sale.
DOWNSIZE IF POSSIBLE
Once you clear out your things, you may find that you don’t need as big of a home. Many Americans find themselves in a situation known as being ‘house poor’. This means that a larger than recommended proportion (30%) of their income is going toward mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, etc. Living in a smaller home can not only save you money on the mortgage side, but will allow you to spend that money elsewhere in your budget helping you to save more, pay down debt faster, or spend more on fun.
CLEAN OUT CLOSETS
We all have those clothes in our closet that we never wear or have so many, we have trouble deciding what to wear every day. Go through everything and separate them into four separate piles: keep, sell, donate, and throw away. Just remember to not fill up your closet again after cleaning it out. Unsubscribe from your favorite store’s email lists and don’t go shopping without knowing exactly what you are going to buy.
START EATING WITH PURPOSE
Meal planning and cooking ahead of time will not only help you save money but will reduce the stress of making dinner every night and allow you to make healthier choices. Keep healthy snacks at your desk so you won’t head to the vending machine throughout the day.
