It Starts with Decluttering
“I started by sorting through the baby items. I gave away most of them, and then moved on to other items around the house,” Stephanie continues. “Is decluttering the first step to a minimalist lifestyle?” we ask. “Many people accumulate stuff and are not used to decluttering,” Stephanie replies. “That is why I warn novice minimalists that decluttering is not always easy. Don’t start with your grandmother’s stuff in the basement, that’s too emotional! Just like in the gym, you don’t start with the heavy weights. Start simple, for example in the linen closet. Reduce the number or towels and bed sheets you have, because you don’t’ really need more than two. Then move to the kitchen, and so on.”
Buying as a Last Option
Stephanie warns that decluttering is just the start of minimalism. “Decluttering only has a temporary effect unless you fundamentally change your relationship to things and consumption. Again, that can be challenging, because in this country, a lifestyle of consumption is prevalent. Buying new things, upgrading your car and your phone, and accumulating material possessions are seen as normal. From an early age, we are surrounded by advertising that promotes consumption. It means that when you become a minimalist, you go against the flow and you have to be comfortable with that,” Stephanie adds.
“What also made it my lifestyle of choice is the realization that all the stuff we buy has to be produced, packaged, transported, and discarded. That costs a lot of raw materials and energy and is usually very polluting. It means that buying fewer things is also more sustainable.” We agree. The question we have for Stephanie is how she broke free from the consumer culture.
“What works well for me is consciously taking a break,” Stephanie responds. “Whenever I think I need something, I pause instead of ordering it immediately. I wait for 24 hours and then ask myself if I really need it. Often, the answer is no. I was doing fine without it, so I will be fine if I don’t buy it. If the answer is that I do need it, then I try to come up with an alternative for buying. For example, if my daughter wants to try soccer, I might borrow a soccer ball first. Or I try to buy it second hand. I only buy something new as a very last option,” Stephanie explains.
Benefits in Three Layers
Stephanie is used to talking about minimalism. She chooses her words carefully and gives us an interesting perspective when we ask about the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle. “I like to divide the benefits into three layers. The first layer contains the direct and daily benefits. Owning less stuff means wasting less money and having less clean-up and maintenance stress.”
“The second layer contains the indirect benefits. As we have money left at the end of the month, we can use it to do something valuable. We can take a family trip to a national park, or set it aside to go on holidays. There are also benefits for the planet, such as less pollution and less waste.”
“Finally, there is a third layer: inner peace. I used to worry about whether I looked presentable in my clothes and how the brand of car I drove reflected on me. I’m much less concerned with that now. I notice that I act more based on my own values.” Indeed, in one of her Instagram posts, she proclaims that “An ‘unesthetic’ life is still a happy one”, as her 16-year-old jacket still keeps her warm, a hand-me-down coffee grinder still grinds fresh coffee, and her daughters look cute in thrifted clothes.
“Minimalism is really about enjoying the simple things, like having time for your family and yourself, being out in nature, being less stressed, and having memorable experiences instead of more stuff”, Stephanie summarizes.