Myths About Minimalism

Minimalism has become a buzzword in recent years that often conjures images of empty, undecorated homes (Think that long beige hall in Kim Kardashian’s home) or tiny house dwellings without many possessions (I, personally, love tiny homes). I’m here to tell you that “minimalism” can mean something different for everyone! So, let’s debunk some myths, and explore what it really means to be minimal.

Myth #1 You have to get rid of everything except the essentials.

False. What I tell people when helping them purge is only to take an honest look at if that is something you actually will use. For example, when I got married I registered for every baking supply I could find thinking I was going to make every cake in existence. After a couple of years of a full cabinet where I only grabbed about 2 pans out of it, I took inventory and let go of that spring form pan that I never even learned how to use and 2 of the 4 round cake pans like I’m going to make a multi-tiered cake. Ha! The point is not to ever be without, but rather to be realistic about what you actually use. Keep that heart shaped waffle maker that your kids love, but let go of the sushi making kit you haven’t touched in years.

Myth #2 Your home will be cold and empty.

I would never dream of telling anyone to get rid of their decorative pillows or throw blankets. I want your home to be comfortable, cozy, and beautiful! Being minimal is about loving the things you have rather than your home being full of meaningless decor we buy to fill the space. Instead of buying a trendy coffee table book just because it looks cute, display a book that reflects your interests or one that you truly enjoy reading.

Myth #3 You never buy anything.

My bank account begs to differ. While some people have the willpower to go on spending freezes for a certain month or week, I do not possess that power. However, I did have to retrain myself not to buy things just because they’re cute or because someone else recommended it. Before I make a purchase I stop and ask myself if I really have a place or use for it. That small shift in mindset has saved me the money and the household clutter of many a trendy outfit that looked good on her but wouldn’t complement my body type. It has kept me from running out to buy that adorable wall art I saw on an instagram picture that I have no place for.

Myth #4 You have to wear the same clothes over and over again.

Let’s piggyback off the last myth. Capsule wardrobes are something that is gaining more and more popularity all over social media. And, while I think they are super helpful, I also think it can be interpreted differently for different people. Some people can travel for 3 weeks in Europe with a 7 piece capsule wardrobe… I wish that were me… but, not everyone has to pair down their closet to a small number of items. I do suggest that my clients not have a closet packed full of clothes when they only gravitate toward the same shirts over and over. Now you might be wondering, “But what about those outfits that I have in case I need to go to a fancy dinner party even though I haven’t been to one ever in my life?” Instead, ask more disciplined questions: “Do I LOVE this?” And “Do I look GREAT in it?” And “Do I wear this OFTEN?” Of course, special occasions are going to come up, and I see that as a fun excuse to shop now. In my own closet, I have a nice red dress that I bought 3 years ago before the pandemic canceled the event I had in mind for it. 3 years later, I have never worn it and I see no future engagements that it would work for. Also, my body has fluctuated in the last few years and I’m not thinking it would even work for me anymore. Time to let it go.

Myth #5 You can’t keep sentimental items or collectibles.

I am a big fan of having collectibles or family heirlooms IF YOU LOVE THEM! I am not a fan of keeping something that your great aunt kept forever and then dumped on you when you don’t even like it or want it. I think it’s also important to recognize that sometimes our preferences change and you might no longer have an interest in that thing you’ve been collecting for years. (I’m looking at you, shot glass collection I started in high school.) Let go of those things that don’t serve you, and get some enjoyment out of the things that do! Use that antique tea set you inherited. I love to have an aesthetically pleasing cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon!

You don’t want your house to be a cluttered mess that stresses you out! I want a home where I’m surrounded by the most useful and beautiful things that calm me. So next, time you hear the word “minimalism” or someone mentions being more minimal, try to remember that it just means that you have less excess and more of what you love!