5 TIPS TO LIVE MINIMALLY LONG TERM

For those of you who have followed me for awhile, you’ll know that I have transitioned into becoming a minimalist. Once you become a minimalist, it can be easy to go back to your old habits, and you can find yourself purchasing things that you otherwise shouldn’t.

So I wanted to share 5 tips with you for living minimally long-term!

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Once you’ve culled your items, and then realize that you need to purchase an item, make sure you do your research before purchasing that item.

For example, I needed a new pair of black heels for my wardrobe, so I did some research on what kind of black heels I needed suitable to my lifestyle. I researched things like comfort, quality, longevity and how often I would be using that item. Then after I did my research I went to a store that sold them and walked in them and asked a lot of questions before making my purchase.

My research resulted in purchasing my first pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes:

These are a very classic low-heel shoe that I use all the time and I guarantee that if I hadn’t done the research, I would have purchased something out of impulse without researching how it felt, comfort, longevity, etc. and likely would not have made the right choice.

People who impulse shop more often than not regret what they purchased later on. The great thing about doing research before you purchase something is that it prevents you from impulse shopping and therefore saves you from wasting so much money!

2. Invest in your Items

I am a big believer in purchasing items that are higher quality, so that you don’t have to repurchase them later on. It is important to note that not all expensive things are made well, and not all inexpensive things are not made well (tongue twister!)

3. Take Care of your Items

Taking care of your items properly will keep them looking brand new!

As soon as I purchased my Manolo Blahnik’s, I went to a cobbler and asked him put a rubber sole on the bottom of the shoes so the leather wouldn’t wear. I also regularly clean and polish these shoes.

4. What Sparks Joy

Pay attention to what makes you happy! Don’t purchase something just because you feel like you have to or because it’s what all the other minimalists are doing. Minimalism is a very personal experience, and you can make it whatever you want.

A lot of minimalists are neutral color lovers - I am one of those people, but I don’t believe that all minimalists have to like neutral colors…you can like bright pink, neon green, electric blue and still be a minimalist!!!!

5. Embrace Simplicity

I recently posted my EXTREME BEDROOM MAKEOVER, and I caught myself looking at one of the walls with nothing on it and thinking hmmm something should go there, but then I realized that that’s actually not what I want - not every wall needs to have something on it and not every corner needs to have something in it.

Essentially that’s also what minimalism is - to simplify your life and make it more enjoyable. So embrace simplicity - it’s a beauty in itself!