I bet you’ve probably heard of minimalism. Maybe you even have an understanding of what it is. But do you know how to tell if someone is really a minimalist person?
I am a minimalist, and you’ll already know this if you’ve been following my journey. But what exactly does that mean?
Firstly, let’s start with what minimalism is…
Minimalism is not just a trend or fad; it’s an intentional lifestyle decision that has the potential to transform who you are as a human being.
If you’re tired of feeling like there’s never enough time for anything, if you’ve had too many material things come between yourself and those close to you, if you feel stuck in life because all the stuff around you feels like an anchor dragging at your feet, then minimalism might be right for you.
Minimalism is a philosophy that focuses on intentional living, living with just the essentials and doing away with the unnecessary. It’s about finding happiness in what you have, not what you don’t. it’s possible that you can be a minimalist person without even knowing it!
- What is a minimalist person
- Characteristics of a minimalist person
- They don’t like clutter
- They prefer keeping things simple
- They may have a capsule wardrobe
- They value space
- They don’t enjoy tidying or cleaning
- They don’t shop for the fun of it
- They are likely to have more free time
- They despise waste
- They don’t need ‘stuff’ to make memories
- They strive to be content with what they have
- They don’t need to fit in
- They value experiences over material things
- How to become a minimalist person
- Conclusion
What is a minimalist person
A minimalist person is someone who seeks simplicity, usefulness and clarity. They pursue a lifestyle that focuses less on material possessions and more on what they value in life – what makes them happy.
They don’t get bogged down by non-essentials and focus on enjoying what really matters to them.
There are many benefits to being a minimalist person, such as improved mental health, less stress and more time for things we truly enjoy.
So, how do you know if someone’s a minimalist person? Are there any signs?
Some might say that it’s someone who lives with the bare minimum of what they need. Others say that minimalism is an attitude that’s reflected in the things you do and the way you think.
Read more: What Minimalism Means To Me (And What It Really Doesn’t)
However, there are many characteristics that can help you identify if you’re already living as a minimalist person.
Characteristics of a minimalist person
They don’t like clutter
Minimalist people don’t like too much things cluttering up their life because it’s distracting and can be a burden.
Decluttering and getting rid of items is usually the first step to minimalism for many.
Once everything has been decluttered, a home will be found for only things that add value to their lives.
Clutter usually stresses out minimalist people and they just want to keep their home clean and free from too much ‘stuff’.
They prefer keeping things simple
People who have a minimalist mindset have their eyes opened up to the beauty of simplicity. They know that too much of anything is just not needed, and they won’t settle for less when it comes to their essentials – including peace of mind!
They prefer to live a simple life, instead of getting lost in the hustle and bustle of things that may not matter.
They may have a capsule wardrobe
Minimalist people don’t spend too much time or effort on their clothes.
When choosing what to wear, they prefer to choose items that are simple, comfortable and easy to mix with other pieces. This is how they end up with a capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is basically having a small number of simple-yet-stylish pieces of clothing. It’s a concept that’s becoming more and more popular these days.
A minimalist person will know what looks good on them and how to mix items together for new outfits. They only purchase clothes that they truly need and will add value to their wardrobe.
Read more: How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes: An Essential Guide
They value space
Minimalist people value the use of space and have a knack for making sure that everything in their house has its own place.
Everything they own serves a purpose, and they see no point in owning things they don’t need, want or use. They know how to organise their space well and maintain it.
Read also: A Minimalist List Of Things To Get Rid Of
They don’t enjoy tidying or cleaning
Minimalist people really don’t enjoy tidying and cleaning.
The concept of cleaning is often ridiculous to them! Why waste so much time and energy on polishing the floor, washing the dishes and arranging things?
Obviously, these tasks need to be done at times, but when it’s a constant battle to keep your house clean and tidy, it just takes up precious time that can be spent doing something more meaningful.
Which is why they organise their homes in a way that’s easy to maintain. They get rid of things they don’t need, which results in less cleaning and tidying.
Read also: 10 Unexpected Benefits of Having a Clean Home
They don’t shop for the fun of it
Living simply means that minimalists choose to spend their money on things that are important to them – items that serve a purpose and will ultimately improve the quality of their lives.
Minimalist people don’t believe in buying things just for the sake of owning them – there needs to be meaning behind every purchase and they’re highly selective about what they choose to buy and own.
For example, let’s say that minimalists like to use digital calendars. They may spend a considerable amount of time finding the most functional and durable one that will serve them for a long period of time. They won’t simply buy the first calendar they see, instead researching various brands to find which one is best for their needs.
Read also: How to stop shopping online for clothes you don’t need
Read also: How to Shop Like a Minimalist: 12 Ways to Shop Intentionally
They are likely to have more free time
Minimalist people spend less time maintaining their belongings, so they have more free time to do things they love.
Living simply results in having more freedom when it comes to spending your days pursuing your interests and passions. They are likely to be more productive, make better use of their time and ultimately spend more time doing things they love!
Read also: 12 Needless Things That Waste Your Time Every Day
They despise waste
People who live a minimalist lifestyle gradually become more aware of their impact on the environment and the planet.
Minimalist people never forget that they are given this planet to look after, together with all its inhabitants. They know that being grateful for all they have should be their priority because it’s not how much you have but what you do with what you have that matters most.
Read also: Simple Zero Waste Swaps to Use Around the Home
They don’t need ‘stuff’ to make memories
Minimalist people don’t get hung up on ‘stuff’ – they know that all that really matters in life are the memories you make with your family and friends, not how many ‘things’ you accumulate over time.
Material objects aren’t what define who you are, so there’s no point having too much to distract yourself from living a meaningful life.
Read also: 26 Things I Stopped Buying To Embrace Minimalism
They strive to be content with what they have
Minimalist people try to be content with what they have, knowing that being happy shouldn’t depend on how much you own.
They live more simply because they know it makes them happier. They prefer experiences over things, which is why they will spend more time doing things they love with the people who matter most to them.
Read also: How To Be Happy With What You Have: 7 Secret Steps
Read also: 101 Simple Joys of Life We Must Not Forget
They don’t need to fit in
You’ve heard of ‘keeping up with the Jones’, right? Minimalist people are not after impressing others with what they own or how their home looks like because it’s already minimal enough for them.
They don’t need the newest gadget on the market or the best handbags just to be like everyone else.
They don’t try to fit in because they know the key to happiness is being true to yourself.
They value experiences over material things
Minimalist people don’t attach themselves to material possessions because they know it’s one way of taking their eye off what matters most, which is bettering themselves as a whole person.
What makes them happy is not what they own or do, but the simple pleasures in life. They make the most out of their time and enjoy doing things like having conversations with friends, reading a book on a Saturday afternoon or cycling to work instead of driving.
They focus on experiences over things, because of how fleeting life can be and the low-value that many material things have compared to what’s of real value in life.
Read also: The Best Experience Gifts For The Whole Family
How to become a minimalist person
The first step towards becoming a minimalist is figuring out what your values are. Ask yourself what’s important to you, then figure out what you need to simplify in your life so that it aligns with the way you want to live.
Start clearing off your clutter by donating items that don’t make sense for your lifestyle anymore. You will feel more at peace once everything has a place where it belongs and you know the value of what you need and own.
Minimalist people challenge themselves to live this way because they want to feel free, not overwhelmed by their possessions or life in general. They are grateful for what they have, don’t equate it with status, and recognise that ‘stuff’ will never make them truly happy anyway!
Conclusion
In a world where people are often tempted to chase after the newest, shiniest things on the market, minimalism is one way of taking a step back and living with less.
Once a minimalist mindset is adopted, it no longer becomes just about ‘not owning too many things’, but how you can make your life more simple and easily manageable.
Free of tension about clutter, minimalist people have more time for experiences that are important to them. They feel less stressed and happier since all their needs are met with less stuff around them – it’s a truly refreshing way of living!
Of course, not all of these characteristics may be your characteristics as a minimalist person and they are interchangeable depending on your mindset and how you prefer to live.
If you want to find out more about minimalism, read the following articles:
Minimalism For Beginners: 10 Tips To Kickstart Your Minimalist Life
Things I Stopped Buying To Embrace Minimalism
21 Simple Living Tips To Reduce Stress
The Difference Between Minimalism And Simplicity
What Minimalism Means To Me (And What It Really Doesn’t)
A Minimalist List Of Things To Get Rid Of
Are you a minimalist person? Do you share any of the above characteristics of a minimalist person? Let me know in the comments below!
