5 Habits Of A Minimalist

Someone asked me what habits help me in this lifestyle and I want to share those with you!

1. Make intentional purchases.
   This is probably one of the biggest changes I have seen. Not only do I not frequent stores as often as I used to, but I only go with a purpose. I still put random things in my cart. But more often than not, I put them back before I enter the check out line. Maybe it was because I got rid of so many things that I knew cost hard earned money and were never used. Or maybe it’s because I know I need a place for that item in my home and know it will take up valuable real-estate. Whatever the reason, I am now extremely intentional with the things I purchase and bring into my home.

2. Every item has a home.
   Every item in my house has a home, a place where it belongs. This keeps my home tidy and makes sure I don’t have unnecessary duplicates.

3. Touch an item once.
   Because every item has a home, I try to touch it only once. This is a habit I still working to develop fully. If we will just immediately put things in their place rather than moving them from surface to surface, our homes will stay so neat! Another added benefit to putting things away is that they will not get lost!

4. Create routines for minimizing zones.
   I have a routine for systematically going through my home each year to minimize each zone in my home. You can find my routine HERE. By developing this habit, I have been able to consistently keep the zone in my home clutter free. Find a routine that works for you.

5. Keep a consistent donation routine.
   No matter how much we follow each of these, things just appear. Especially if you have children, you know how true this is. As careful as I am about what I bring into the house, I still have things that need to leave each month. We have a local shelter that does a monthly pick up. They text me and I respond if I want them to pick up on my porch that month. I have yet to find a month where I didn’t have at least one bag ready for them. In our upstairs linen closet, we keep a bag or box in the floor for donations. If my kids want to donate an item, they know where to drop it.
   Another idea is to keep a bag or box in the trunk of your car for donations. When it fills up, drop it off.
   Find what works for your family, but a consistent routine to donate items is key to keeping your home minimized.

Which of these habits have worked best for your? Which will you work to develop?