How to Be a Part-Time Minimalist

Do you ever wonder if you're doing minimalism the "right" way?  Maybe you cleaned out your closets and your junk drawers, got rid of the china cabinet and the extra TVs, but then a few days later you bought some new clothes or books.

Or maybe you've streamlined your budget and paid off almost all of your debt, but now you're thinking the money you've put into your emergency savings account could pay for your dream trip to New Zealand.

And maybe you stay home with your family most week nights, and you've cut your involvement in extra meetings and activities that no longer excite you, but each weekend seems to have a church responsibility, another job you want to finish in your fixer-upper home, and/or a get-together of some kind.

Are you really a minimalist?

What minimalism is

Minimalism isn't about getting rid of everything you own or living like a monk in a cave.  It's about getting back to basics, keeping only what you need, use, and love, and ending the obsession with having it all.  It's about getting rid of all the extra stuff in your life to make space for the things you truly need and enjoy.

The truth is, if you're thinking about minimalism, weighing your options, and trying to make choices that are best for you rather than following the crowd to the mall or the big box store, you're becoming minimalist.  You're learning to be intentional about your time, money, energy, and aspirations, and that's a big step in the right direction.

Maybe you're not a minimalist in every single area of your life, but that's okay.  You can be a part-time minimalist.

Related article:  What Minimalism Is, What It Isn't, and Why It Can Benefit Your Life

3 steps to part-time minimalism

It's certainly better to be a minimalist part of the time, in some areas, than not at all.  It's the same principle as trying to lower your ecological footprint by making less wasteful choices.  Maybe you can't grow organic fruits and vegetables, wear only organic hemp clothing, walk or take a bus everywhere, and generate all of your own solar or wind energy.  That doesn't mean you can't refuse single-use plastics, recycle everything possible, turn down heat in the winter and use less air conditioning in the summer, be thoughtful about how much you drive your car, and make everything you buy last as long as possible.

Here are some part-time minimalist concepts to keep in mind.

1.  Minimize when you feel like it.

Especially when you're just starting to simplify your life, it might not feel easy (or even practical) to streamline your closet, reduce your collection of "just in case" extras, pare down your schedule and say no more often, or cut your budget.

Don't stress.  This process isn't meant to make you tense and fearful.  The purpose is not to make your life miserable – in fact, it's the opposite.

So minimize when the mood strikes.  Take advantage of the moment when you're looking for something you need and have to dig through a pile of stuff you don't even remember owning.  Use that opportunity to box the stuff up and get it out of your house.

And if that inspires you to clear out some more stuff you don't need, go for it!

2.  Stop judging and berating yourself and others.

The ultimate goal of minimalism is to be happier, more grateful, and more at peace.  So no matter how much or how little minimalism you're practicing, if it's not moving you in that direction, stop and think about your real purpose.

Believe me, I know it's hard to avoid judging yourself.  You set goals, and then get mad at yourself when you don't reach them.  Try to focus on what you've accomplished instead of however much you believe you still have to do.  Set smaller goals and make them habitual, because tiny, consistent steps will help you get where you want to go.

Perhaps you're feeling guilty because you splurged on a beautiful new handbag after decluttering five old ones.  If that bag is a quality piece that will perfectly hold all you need to carry while blending with all or most of your outfits, use it and be happy that you've made one area of your life so straightforward.

A related issue is the judgment we pass on others.  Do you think your friend's minimalism is too extreme?  Keep that opinion to yourself, while encouraging her to do what makes her feel satisfied.  Jealous of another friend who just bought a new car?  Think about what really matters to you and how your choices will help you reach your goals, and let him manage his own finances.

Your minimalism isn't going to look exactly like anyone else's, and you are only accountable to yourself.  The longer you practice, and the more you realize how much you already have, the more your attitudes will change.  In my experience, you'll stop measuring success by how much you acquire and how busy you are, and embrace a different idea of what makes a good life.

Related article:  18 Tiny Tasks That Let You Succeed at Simplifying Your Life

3.  Keep experimenting.

Since we live in a consumerist society, experimenting with minimalism can yield some big surprises.  You don't have to give away most of your belongings and become a minimalist overnight.  You can sample minimalism in many areas:  your wardrobe, budget, schedule, hobbies, travel, décor, eating habits, gift-giving, and more.

So as new minimalist ideas come to your attention, stay open to them.  If you have an opportunity to work from home one day a week, give it a try.  If a friend talks to you about how she downsized her hobbies or cut processed foods from her diet, listen and consider if this might be right for you.

You don't have to become minimalist in every possible way.  Part-time minimalism lets you consider new possibilities and try out the ones that appeal to you.  The whole process stays fresh and interesting, and you may discover you're happier with much less than you ever imagined.

It can be useful to experiment with simplifying your life.  You can find out what's hard, what's easier, and what works or doesn't work for you, and what you might like to make permanent.  My book, The Minimalist Experiment,* helps you consider physical clutter, digital clutter, your mindset, your schedule, your finances, and your personal well-being.  It contains 36 different challenges, with plenty of inspiration and encouragement for your journey.

Big changes come from tiny steps taken over and over.  One or more of these experiments is sure to make a positive difference in your life.

* This blog is powered by reader support, with no ads.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

Want even more guidance and encouragement?  My newest book, Goodbye Clutter: Say Hello to the Freedom of Minimalism, is in the works now, and will be published later this month.  You can pre-order the e-book edition at a special price.

Decluttering is a form of self-care.  When our homes are cluttered, we feel stressed and guilty about all the chores that demand our attention.  We feel irritated when we're unable to find what we need amid the chaos.  It's hard to focus or relax when we have piles of things with nowhere to belong.

We want something different and better for ourselves, and that's where decluttering comes in.

Decluttering doesn't require stripping down to a bleak existence.  It's about finding that just-right mix of ease, comfort, and beauty.  What remains will reflect the best parts of you.  

I know that Goodbye Clutter will inspire you and give you the practical advice you need to find room for your life – your activities, your family, your friends, and your comfortable place to rest and recharge.