5 Minimalist Home Essentials
Living a minimalist lifestyle isn’t about living a life devoid of possessions. Quite the contrary. It’s about living a life of purposeful possessions. Let’s face it. It’s far too easy to accumulate “stuff” these days. When you make the choice to “go minimal,” you make the decision to be more mindful and purposeful with the “stuff” you do choose to hold on to.
Leading a minimalist lifestyle is a matter of personal choices, preferences, and values. The things which minimalists are drawn to are rarely the same. In the end, it’s about what you need rather than what you really kind of want.
All that said, here are 5 home essentials that most minimalists can agree are necessary. Though your style may vary!
Storage Solutions
You might not be accumulating a bunch of “stuff” but you will want a place to hold the stuff you do have. Minimalists generally agree that storage is an important part of building your minimalist dream pad. We also recommend vertical storage which maximizes your space by occupying a smaller footprint in your home. As an added bonus, vertical storage solutions can help give your place the appearance of being larger as taller fixtures draw your eyes upward which gives the impression of expanse.
Floating storage options such as shelving can also help maximize your space without cluttering the room.
Minimalism comes in many forms, but one thing most practitioners would agree on is that storage solutions are key!
Emergency Supplies
One of the quintessential ingredients in any home; emergency supplies should never take a backseat to your lifestyle. From first aid kits to fire extinguishers, keep in mind that cutting down on “stuff” doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind.
That doesn’t mean you need to clutter your space with emergency rations. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure you have at least a simple first aid kit and fire extinguisher just in case!
Charging and Electronics
Let’s face it, even minimalists need to be “plugged in.” And while wireless charging solutions do exist for many devices, unfortunately, we’re not able to be 100% cordless in our society just yet. From cell phone chargers to tablets; smart tv's and smart devices. Sometimes we just need a little power.
Most importantly, however, is keeping it simple. Opt for cordless solutions whenever possible, and minimize or manage cords whenever possible.
A Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot
Just because you’re going minimal doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the kitchen. In fact, the kitchen tends to be where some minimalists feel free to splurge a little. The great thing about a crock-pot or slow cooker is how versatile it is. From ribs to soup, if you’ve got a little time and the right ingredients, a slow cooker can be the gateway to a number of culinary delights.
Best of all, you can cut down on all the other pots, pans, dishes, and trays cluttering up the cupboards while still enjoying awesome, tasty, dishes.
A Small Set of Tools
Need a workshop? Probably not. Let’s face it, it’s easy to accumulate a small fortune’s worth of hammers, nails, screws, and more. In fact, we probably all have a drawer or a closet somewhere that houses all our “around the housework” stuff. It can get out of control, but that’s no reason not to have a few essentials handy.
Having a small toolkit is essential to tackling the inevitable around the house projects that will pop up. And by keeping it all localized in one little kit, you can resist the urge to splurge on big expensive items or unnecessary accessories.
Something You Love And Can’t Do Without!
Your minimalist home can be and look like anything you want! The one unifying principle is that you reduce waste, cut down on excess, and live (and decorate) more purposefully. However, this doesn’t mean you need to cut out the things you love!
Whether it’s a model airplane, a piece of art, or a prized piece of memorabilia; make sure your functional space is fashionable as well! Stock and decorate your space with pieces of sentiment and meaning, personal to your own unique personality.
In the end, minimalism is about doing and surrounding yourself with an intentional purpose! If it means something to you, celebrate it!