Living Like a Minimalist for the Summer
For the past month, I’ve been living with almost NONE of my stuff. As many of you know, I’ve moved back in with my parents for a month and a half before transitioning to Chicago for school. (You can read more about that here). This past month has been INSANE!
A lot has happened in the past month. My bank account is slowly getting smaller. My blog has been put on hold. Actually, most, if not all, of my projects have been put on hold. I’ve barely read anything. I’ve worked a ton. The list of my summer, thus far, could go on. However, I wanted to write a blog post about one of the great things I’ve learned this last month.
That is: it’s possible to live minimalistically.
I’ve watched a ton of Minimalism Vlogs read a lot of blog posts about it, etc. And I never thought that I would be able to obtain a lifestyle like that. Capsule wardrobes sounded like a nightmare. Losing all my stuff sounded gross. And I’m not a fan of the “clean-white” look that most minimalists have.
However, for the past month I've been living with a small closet wardrobe, my laptop, a few pairs of shoes, my hygienic products, and that’s about it.
Living minimalistically IS possible. And I never would have thought it would be for me. But I really like it. I don’t have to worry about all of my stuff (currently in storage right now), and I’ve begun to get more creative with what I have.
I’m contemplating decluttering my wardrobe after I move. I brought only my summer clothes and a few jackets. Despite only bringing a few things for the summer, I’m finding that I still haven’t used half of the items in my newly decreased closet! I will definitely be refining it once I move.
I’ve learned that, for me personally, I only need about 5-10 t-shirts, 5 pairs of shorts/pants, some undergarments, 5 pair of shoes (if that), and 1 or 2 dresses and jackets. It’s incredible.
This may sound like a lot for some people, and for others this might seem insane. I’ve always had a bunch of clothes (many that have stayed with me since middle school—I still wear my eighth grade book club shirt to work and yes, I get loads of compliments from it). My mom has a closet that takes up half her room, no kidding. And I’ve just been pretty used to having a ton of clothing.
I’m learning that, I don’t need all of that. I can capsule wardrobe (by the season). I can cut back a lot of what I own and appreciate what I have.
I’m considering paring my summer closet down to:
- 5 pairs of shoes
- 5 dresses (different occasions)
- 10 t-shirts
- 3-5 tanks
- 5 pair shorts/pants combined
- 3 skirts
- And two lightweight jackets
Not including my undergarments, I think this works best for me. I’m considering pairing down jewelry as well, as I’ve survived the summer with no earrings or rings or watches and only two necklaces. I do miss some of my accessories, but I’m beginning to realize I don’t need half of them!
Now, I’m not going to get into makeup, but there could definitely be some pairing down on that too.
I move in August (I plan to create a bunch of vlogs/videos of the move, reno the space, and write a ton about my new adventures). But most importantly, I plan to cut down a lot of my “stuff” and begin living minimalistically.
Minimalism isn’t just about owning less. It’s also about being environmentally aware. It’s about being sustainable and affordable. I’m excited to take what I have learned this summer and begin implementing these ideals in my life.
Here is a list of ways I’ve decreased my “stuff” and how I plan to continue this trend:
I’ve paired down my closet
As you read above, I’m living (essentially) with ONLY my summer closet. And it almost feels like too much! I actually did a mini declutter upon moving back into my parents' house. So it’s wild to me that, even after purging once, I could still do it again!
I’ve paired down my makeup
Since moving in and placing everything in storage, I haven’t really been wearing a lot of makeup. I have a small pouch that contains moisturizer, foundation, concealer, 2 mascaras, one lip gloss, chapstick, tweezers, eyeliner, and an eyebrow kit. That's it!
It contains one of everything I’d need and it’s pleasant! I don’t have to dig through a bunch of cosmetics. I own my favorites and I can pick what I’d like to wear between them.
This is especially nice for the summer since I prefer to be more natural in my makeup routine as I’m often outside or in the pool.
I’ve prioritized plants and hygiene
As far as other items go, I only brought with me some hygiene products, my laptop, some books, and my plants. That’s all I really need to be happy and content—to feel as if the space is somewhat mine.
By prioritizing my needs versus my wants, I’ve eliminated a bunch of clutter from my life. I’ve come to terms with what I require to be happy in a space and it’s honestly so relieving!
I don’t have a bunch of knick knacks around. I don’t have too many clothes. I don’t have to worry about a messy desk. It’s nice to know that I don’t have as much to clean or worry about.
I’ve ridden myself of many knickknacks
On the topic of knick knacks, I’ll be honest. I own a bunch. The majority are souvenirs/gifts from friends and places I’ve visited. They’re all in storage right now.
Knick knacks collect a lot of dust on my shelves, however, I still love them. I have sentimental attachments to many of them. Although, since moving back in with my family and cutting down only to the bare necessities, I’ve realized that, despite having an emotional connection to my knick knacks, at the end of the day, they are only material objects and are not as important to my growth and environment as I once thought.
I’ll always have the memories from my Knick knacks, even when they are long gone. This doesn’t mean that once I move I’ll be getting rid of them. However, it influences my future. I don’t think I’ll be buying any decorative knick knacks anytime soon. I’m too focused on making sure that everything I buy has a use and/or purpose in my life.
I’ve learned that I don’t need A LOT to feel happy
This is the number one fact I’ve learned since living minimalistically for the summer. When I first moved out of my parents house into an apartment in June 2018, I was shocked at how homesick I felt due to my “stuff” not being unpacked in my new space.
I defined “home” as the objects I brought with me when I moved. I didn’t feel safe and welcome until all of my knick knacks were set up. It was a crude awakening back then to realize that I connected all of my material possessions to a fleeting feeling.
A year later, I’ve started to define home as a feeling separate from my material objects. I don’t need them. I am free without them. It is possible to be completely content with a living space so long as I have my essentials and necessities.
Living minimalistically for the summer has really influenced my thinking for future spaces. I move again in August and I’m excited to implement these new ideals into my new home.
Minimalism is different for everyone, but the main idea/goal is to be comfortable with less. And I am! I plan to continue reducing my closet, reducing my clutter, and focusing on my needs rather than my wants.
I hope this post aided in any questions about living minimalistically. If you want to see more, you can check out similar posts in my Ethical Living series, or, comment below and let me know what you’d like to read!
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