Have you ever considered minimalism? If your first thought was, Nah I can’t live with white walls and futuristic furniture, well, same here! However, I realized I had more in common with minimalists than I thought. While I haven’t completely decluttered and simplified my life, I am well on my way to a slower, more minimalist lifestyle. Here are six signs you might be a minimalist and how I knew I was too.
You’re Overwhelmed By Clutter 
The disdain for clutter is probably a good sign you’re a minimalist. Or at least have a minimalist mindset. There once was a time when I was unphased by chaos, and even now, I can stand a small of amount of it in my presence; however, ignoring it feels like trying to walk around poop on your sidewalk. There is only so long you can go before you have to do something about it.
Nowadays, it doesn’t take much disorder to get me decluttering. There is something about a lack of excess that is liberating. If you are sensitive to clutter, chances are you might be a minimalist.
You Wear The Same Things Over And Over
I have never been a fashionista, but oh, have I tried. I mimicked all my friends and wore the latest trends in the name of fashion. While I looked nice and could quickly put things together, it always felt forced and unnatural to the true me.
I am a Jeans (or leggings) and T-shirt girl through and through.
Easy. Classic. Timeless.
Now that I am older, I have a uniform. Fall and spring are usually, leggings, sneakers, and a T-shirt with a Jean Jacket to spruce it up. Summers are full Dresses and one-piece rompers so that I don’t have to think about matching tops and bottoms. This keeps things simple and me from shopping for stuff I don’t need.
If you prefer a smaller wardrobe with all of your favorite clothing, you might be a minimalist.
You’d Rather Have Experiences Than Gifts
It’s highly frustrating to get gifts you don’t need or want. I have received many things from well-meaning people I was not interested in. I, too used to give gifts that I am sure someone chucked to the side, however, I’ve never regretted having dinner with someone, sharing a boat ride, or taking my kids to the jump park.
Our fleeting time leaves me craving more memories. I will take an experience any day, opting to capture a moment of fun with my kiddos instead of flowers, or a night out with friends instead of a candle.
The one thing I am almost always willing to accept is books. That however is the exception, not the rule.
If you value experiences more than handbags, candles, and jewelry you just might be a minimalist.
You Value Simplicity
Simplicity is one of my top five values. I hold it in high regard and try to find ways to apply it to every decision I make.
I don’t want a complicated, overworked, hustle-and-hurry lifestyle. Due to this, I let simplicity guide me through most if not all of my life choices.
Simplicity can be defined in many ways, but I especially love Leo Babouta’s definition:
“Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.”
Eliminate the rest, indeed.
I want to have time for the things that really matter to me, and using simplicity as a tool helps me design an intentional life… If you like removing excess and focusing on what matters, you might be a minimalist.
Consumerism Turns You Off
I watched a video recently where a man interviewed a woman on a subway, asking her what was better, an iPhone or Samsung? She gave a great answer, saying that people only buy an iPhone because it looks good to have one… not because it’s better.
Conspicuous Consumption is what it’s called, and it means buying goods or services to display one’s wealth.
I am not anti-consumerism, but I am anti-waste, anti-overconsume, anti-excess, and other habits that make us feel less for the gain of our economy. I find a massive problem with how our culture cares more about a three-dollar t-shirt than the amount of damage done to the environment to make it, or the conditions that the person who made it, was put through.
If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, check out the True Cost, Trashed, and Less is Now documentaries that highlight the actual cost of consumerism.
If you, too, are turned off by overconsumption, join the club. The minimalist in you is peeking through.
You Care Greatly About Your Carbon Footprint
Not every minimalist is an environmentalist, and not every environmentalist is a minimalist, but the two go hand in hand.
Minimalists buy with intention, being careful to have only what they need and what brings them value. Minimalists don’t believe in excess, therefore, contributing much less to the carbon footprint than our maximalist friends.
Environmentalists may not live a minimalist lifestyle but are careful not to be wasteful. They buy mainly second-hand in a circular economy and use what they have instead of buying, and they donate, recycle, and gift items like it’s a full-time job. These people are keeping the Earth afloat, and God Bless them for it.
Respectfully…
I am not here to place minimalism on a pedestal, because, when misused, it can create discontentment, blame in relationships, and shame, among others. When used appropriately, minimalism can free up space for better relationships, time for healing and health, and room to be content with what you have and where you are in life.
Have you noticed any of these behaviors or attitudes in your life? You quite possibly are a minimalist or a minimalist in the making.
If minimalism is a new concept to you and you’d like to explore further, check out TheMinimalists.com or ZenHabits.net
