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The Minsumer Movement: A Quiet Revolution

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Something wonderful happens when you start living a minimalist lifestyle: you begin to really think about what you consume, and question the necessity of every purchase.

How amazing would it be if such mindful consumption became the norm? Not only would we all have more time, more money, and more space in our homes; we’d also have a healthier planet, and more resources for future generations.

In order to promote such an idea, however, we have to define it and give it a name. We have to let others know it’s a viable lifestyle alternative, and provide support to those pursuing it.… {Read more}

To Live Content with Small Means…This is My Symphony

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Today I’d like to share this quote from William Henry Channing:

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common–this is my symphony.”

I think it’s a beautiful, and refreshing, take on creative expression.

Advertisers encourage us to “express ourselves” through the things we buy.… {Read more}

Spring Decluttering

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So it’s finally here…spring. And you know what that means, don’t you? It’s time for some major decluttering!

I’ve always loved this time of year. The cherry trees will soon be in bloom, as well as the Bradford pears, magnolias, and dogwoods. The whole world seems fresh, new, and beautiful—and I want my home to be just as lovely!

After my major declutter for our UK move, I have significantly less to do this year. Instead of tackling a three bedroom house with a basement, attic, and garage, I’ll only be dealing with a two bedroom flat. Surprisingly enough, though—as minimally as we live—there’s still some work to be done.… {Read more}

Minimalist Seeks Survivalist

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I just finished reading a novel about the aftermath of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, and it has me thinking about survivalist issues.

As an urban-dwelling minimalist, let’s just say I’d be up the creek if the SHTF. I have three days of food and water at best, and nothing to speak of in terms of tools or other supplies. (I’m certainly not bragging about this, and in fact am a little embarrassed to admit it.)

Although I know it’s prudent, every fiber of my being is against the notion of stocking up. However, I think when it comes to emergency preparedness, I’ll have to fight against my minimalist instincts.… {Read more}

Minimalist Philosophy: Wise Words from a Reader

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One of the reasons I love writing this blog are the comments I get from my readers. They’re a wonderful source of inspiration, and a great opportunity to learn how others incorporate minimalist principles into their lives.

Yesterday, I was thrilled to receive an incredibly insightful comment on one of my older posts. I know that many of you do not receive the RSS Comments feed (you can subscribe by clicking this link), and would likely never see it. Therefore, I’ve decided to highlight it in today’s post, as I want to make sure that nobody misses it.

I think this comment beautifully expresses the essence of minimalist living, and can serve as inspiration to us all.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Jenna Ann

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

I don’t have anyone scheduled after today’s post, so I’d love to receive more stories. I know there are more Real Life Minimalists out there — don’t be shy! :-)

Today, Jenna Ann shares with us her thoughts on minimalism, voluntary simplicity, and homemaking; please visit her blog to read more!

Jenna Ann writes:

My husband and I both grew up on the low to middle side of “Middle Class”. Our married lives were more in the “Lower Class” as we struggled to make ends meet, raise our kids and have some of the luxuries of life.… {Read more}

Minimalist Flooring: Carpet Tiles

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I love a bare floor as much as the next minimalist. However, sometimes an area rug is desirable — to delineate a section of a room, add a touch of color, or simply provide some warmth underfoot.

Anything larger than 6’ x 9’, however, can be awkward, heavy, and difficult to move.

In our former house, we found a great solution: carpet tiles, such as those made by FLOR. They’re 20” squares that come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns that you can mix and match.

Here’s why they fit with our minimalist lifestyle:

They’re portable. Frequent movers will love them for this reason alone.… {Read more}

Study: Experiences Bring More Happiness Than Stuff

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If you asked me to name my favorite “purchases,” I’d be much more likely to rattle off vacations I’ve taken, operas and ballets I’ve seen, and nice dinners I’ve had — rather than any things that I’ve bought.

Well, it seems I’m not the only one. A new study shows that experience-related purchases, rather than material ones, bring more happiness to the consumer:

“The results show that people’s satisfaction with their life-experience purchases – anything from seeing a movie to going on a vacation – tends to start out high and go up over time. On the other hand, although they might be initially happy with that shiny new iPhone or the latest in fashion, their satisfaction with these items wanes with time.” Click here to read the entire article…

In short, the study explains that material purchases are easy to compare, and therefore more likely to lead to second-guessing and dissatisfaction.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Aspiring Minimalist

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

I don’t have anyone scheduled after today’s post, so I’d love to receive more stories. I know there are more Real Life Minimalists out there — don’t be shy! :-)

Today, Aspiring Minimalist shares her story with us, and explains why she has chosen to pursue a minimalist lifestyle; check out her blog to learn more!

Aspiring Minimalist writes:

Growing up, my family has always been frugal. My parents immigrated from Hong Kong in their late twenties, to start a new and better life in Canada.… {Read more}

Minimalist Home: Naked Windows

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When it comes to home décor, there are few things I love more than naked windows. In my book, they’re right up there with empty walls. :-)

Of course, I recognize that window treatments can be quite practical—and in many cases, quite necessary! We live in the city, in view of our neighbors across the street; therefore, leaving our bedroom windows bare is out of the question. Our living room, however, is on a corner; and even though it has large, floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s less directly “exposed” to nearby buildings. Furthermore, a large tree right next to it provides privacy three seasons of the year.… {Read more}