The Minimalist lifestyle offers many perks, including the appealing notion that simplicity is a savvy response to our collective wake-up call about consumerism damaging the planet.
However, Minimalism can sometimes push people to become something they’re not. The things we own often reflect our carefully crafted identities, so when Minimalism demands a drastic downsizing, it can feel like it’s stripping our lives of their unique flair. The quest for less shouldn’t mean purging the vibrant chapters that make our lives rich and colorful.
If Minimalist cleanliness isn’t your style, why force it? Minimalism can sometimes feel like a rigorous diet for your belongings, reducing your space to a showroom of white tiles and Scandinavian IKEA furniture. One pan, one spoon, and a small wardrobe of organic fabrics might suit some, but for others, it’s just a recipe for a bland and impractical lifestyle. Simplicity may sound simple, but it can be less practical than it appears.
Ultimately, Minimalism is just a tool, and like any tool, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to organize your space in a way that suits you, even if it means your home doesn’t hit that Minimalist high note. A cluttered but cozy space might be your kind of harmony.
Life’s too short to live in a space as warm as a morgue. If surrounding yourself with cherished objects brings you joy and tells your story, then embrace it! As Marie Kondo wisely—though often ignored—said, if clutter sparks joy, who’s to stop you from indulging in it?
Idea for Impact: Live with intention, not deprivation. If you’re not going to enjoy it, Minimalism risks becoming just another trendy fad rather than something genuinely practical. After all, why sacrifice comfort and personal expression for the sake of an Instagram aesthetic?
I just got 2 really insulting YouTube videos pushed on me about minimalism. Both targeted the AARP crowd, were older women speaking softly about spiritual fulfillment, and both basically said that old people don’t need stuff, that it’s all just clutter, & needs to be cleaned out before you die so you don’t inconvenience your kids. One basically said ‘no one wants your junk’.
I am so disgusted. One, I do know what is junk & what is saleable on the second hand market, thanks so much. Two, one of my daughters & several of my friends most certainly DO want certain things of mine!!!! Three, & most important, I LIKE my stuff!!!! As long as I can take care of my things & have a place to display them, I’m keeping it!!!
I find that this preachy attitude of minimalists has really taken over. We are all mental if we don’t cut back to the bare bone, somehow! I had my LANDLADY sniff about how I had too much stuff, for lord’s sake! Not talking about fire or other health hazards, at all (I keep my place clean – & yeah maybe books & crafting supplies are possible fire hazards but GOOD GRIEF!!!). This is the attitude that just makes me want to scream.
So yeah – THANK you for this article!