Reasons You Don't Want to Live Minimally and How to Make it Sustainable

No one can deny that minimalism has a certain appeal – leaving behind the stress of possessions, clutter and material goods. Indeed, many people find that reducing the amount of things that take up their space gives them new clarity.

But, for many of us, the idea of living minimally isn’t so attractive. We’re worried about what throwing out things might mean, especially when at times it seems easier to just hang onto things. So, if you’re wondering why you don’t want to live minimally and how to manage it, here is some food for thought.

First, you may be concerned that minimalism means cutting back drastically. While it’s true that minimizing your possessions will inevitably mean some level of sacrifice, it’s not entirely necessary to go to extremes. Many people enjoy a minimalist lifestyle while still keeping a comfortable level of material goods.

Second, another common fear is whether minimalist living is sustainable. After all, it can be difficult to break out of grooves. But, in reality, there are numerous tools to help you sustain a minimalist lifestyle from budget tracking apps to going paperless.

Third, it can feel uncomfortable to create boundaries for ourselves. It seems that, sometimes, our attachments to things give us a sense of comfort and security. But the truth is that part of living minimally is managing the psychological transition away from our sentimental items.

Something else you should consider is that letting go may make us nervous about future hardships. We may feel that without material goods and comforts, we’ll be worse off when an emergency strikes. While it’s true that minimalism involves prioritization of essential items, that doesn’t mean you’re giving up safety and security.

Of course, living minimally doesn’t have to be an exercise in deprivation – it just requires that you’re more mindful and selective when it comes to your purchases. Here are some tips on how to start moving in a minimalist direction:

- Focus on quality over quantity – when you do buy something, choose high-quality items that will last and serve you better.

- Keep track of purchases - just as important as investing in quality goods is getting a handle on your spending.

- Ask yourself if you really need something - every time you’re tempted by something, pause and think critically about whether you really need it.

- Cut down on non-essentials - think carefully about which luxuries you indulge in, and let go of those you don’t need.

- Declutter regularly - practice regular cleaning and organizing to make sure your home stays neat and tidy.

It’s understandable why the idea of minimalism can be intimidating. But having an awareness of why this lifestyle is so appealing and how to approach it responsibly can help keep it manageable and sustainable. Living minimally isn’t about deprivation or giving up everything you love, it’s about being more intentional and taking control of your environment.