The different types of minimalists ...

Dear all

I have recently came across an interesting list, it lists the types of minimalists (from the perspective of motivation).

Credit to Brooke Allen Harris aka Happy Simple Mom. Her post can be found here.

The list is:

• Frugal minimalists. Minimalists who don’t spend money, for whatever reason.
• Aesthetic minimalists. Minimalists who like an aesthetically pleasing home with very few items on display.
• Mindful minimalists. Minimalists who practice intention or essentialism in all aspects of their lives.
• Save the earth minimalists. Minimalists who practice zero waste or other sustainable practices.
• Traveling or experimental minimalists. Minimalists who live out of backpacks or value experiences over a more permanent home.
• Counting minimalists. The minimalists who count how many items they own and refuse to go over such number, either for their entire home or for a specific category.
• Normal minimalists. I put a lot of moms in this category. Moms who are fed up with cleaning and the stress of being stretched too thin! Getting rid of stuff and life clutter helps these minimalists feel lighter, but they are OK still having a “lived in” but clean home.

I think I will group my motivations to be 'Mindful' with a hint of 'Frugal' stemming from necessity. I do wish to eliminate waste by using less, however I am not as extreme as 'Save the earth' are likely to be. 

Something that comes to mind - is there a difference between being intentional with money and being frugal? I think there is ... but it is a thin line. There are certain things that I want to keep as part of my life (e.g. face cream, eye liner) but I am not purchasing as I can live without them in this present moment (Dave Ramsey - Baby Step 2). I may allow the purchases from my next month's budget, or I may not. My face care and make up routine is intentional ... it fits into a small box. I am willing to spend money on the products in this box, even though there are alternatives for spending less. 

Until soon,

Lija

Go shopping in your wardrobe ...

Dear reader

I'm sure it was Joshua Becker that said that whenever he wants something new he goes shopping in his wardrobe. Or perhaps it was someone else. 

Whenever I went through a cycle of cleansing / decluttering ... MK'ing my wardrobe I would take it all out and go shopping for the items I wanted to buy for my wardrobe (free of charge). 

In the last couple of months my mum has lost significant weight (a first time in my adult life I found we were the same size - distressing point in respect of my weight). So we went shopping in my wardrobe ... I have offered her all those dresses that I kept just because she loved them or she got them etc. I offered other clothes that I still liked but that just did not suit my body.

It was a double bonus ... I finally could say my wardrobe was minimised and mum, who intends on dropping another 10kg did not need to invest in a completely new wardrobe ... she of course bought new pieces but it meant she could afford to do so (not just splashing out on the basics). 

How about having a party ... a shopping party with all your friends at yours where the discarded items are available to be purchased (for free) should they wish them ... whatever remains goes to a charity. 

I mentioned that my clothes are quite minimalistic. It is getting to the stage of not having anything to wear (and not due to having many clothes).

My personal wardrobe ...

About half of clothes in this picture I do not yet fit into ... but I loved them so much I am unable to part. I am also slowly losing weight (aren't we all).

Next up is my drawer ...

For most part home or sports wear ... and that black blouse I do not yet fit into. 

And the wardrobe that I actually wear...

Before you judge me on having almost the same amount of clothes on my door as in my drawer and wardrobe ... I already mentioned I am not perfect. I have this weird thing installed into me since childhood ... once you take out clothes from you wardrobe and wear once you are unable to put them back until they go in the wash. I wonder whether anyone else has this peculiarity. Amongst others is you have 'home clothes' into which you change on return to home. 

I do need to tackle some of my preconceptions. How aesthetically pleasing would it be if I had clothes in the wardrobe rather than on my door? Also surely with a minimal wardrobe ... you wear it. Clothes that is not worn at present can be packed away (or donated) instead. Choice wise you will only have two places to turn to for decision ... rather than three. 

Until soon,

Lija