7 questions that help build a minimalist mindset

Minimalism is seriously trending right now. People are decluttering, simplifying, opting for less instead of more. But like any lasting life change, it starts with adopting new habits and new patterns of thinking. A minimalist mindset is the place to start for a serious lifestyle shift.

Society tells us more is more.

Stores offer “once in a lifetime” sales, media tells you what you “need” to have in your closet. Advertisements have a general attitude of “you deserve it all”. We might even get fooled into believing we have to buy more things just to fit the minimalist style. (Guilty.)

But minimalism isn’t just a style. It’s really about figuring out what’s important to you, filling the needs, and removing the excess. It’s about simplifying, freeing yourself up so that you can focus on what matters most. (Which is something I believe personally and is part of my mission with this blog.)

This perspective takes practice.

As I’ve adopted more of a minimalist mindset, it’s changing how I look at physical things, and helping me adapt the way I shop and spend, and view what I have around the house. If you’re working more towards simplifying, here are some questions to ask as you consider making purchases.

Please note: Again, minimalism is a practice. And these aren’t laws. Please don’t feel like you have to go through all of these questions every time you shop, or you can’t buy something just because.

It also doesn’t mean that everyone has the opportunity to consider these options. Please don’t feel pressure, but instead use these as guideposts towards making mindful choices.

1. Do I already have something at home that looks like this, or fills this need?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been shopping in a store, held an item of clothing up to myself, and realized I’m already wearing something identical. Anyone else?

It’s not just for clothes. I can buy new books, when I already have ones at home I haven’t read yet. I can buy a new bottle of shampoo to try when I have two half-finished ones at home.

There is always pressure to buy. But when you step away from the noise and physically take a look at what you have (shopping your closet – or living room or kitchen, etc) – think about what might already fill that need.

2. Can I rent, borrow or recycle this first?

Is it something you need to buy? Maybe you can “try before you buy” to see if it’s a good fit. Or you can borrow, if you only need to use something for one occasion or season of life. Maybe you can even find someone getting rid of something you need.

There are tons of resources. The library offers books, movies, magazines, music, books on tape, games. You can ask friends. Facebook is another great resource for groups that offer exchanges, lending libraries, or buy nothing groups.

3. Does this fit my lifestyle?

Several years ago, we bought a new-to-us couch from a yard sale. It was from West Elm, it was a great deal – and it was white. I was pregnant at the time, and we knew going into it that it probably wasn’t the best for kids.

But West Elm! A whole sectional! Just a few hundred dollars! I don’t regret it. I remember it fondly as a comfortable place to sleep that pregnancy. But beyond that, it wasn’t much use to us. It got dirt smudges. And it pretty much sat in the basement until we moved out.

Be reasonable about your expectations for something. Can you use it in this season of life? Does it fit you now? Does it have the potential to sit unused, or be damaged and end up useless?

4. Will I have to buy more things so that I can use this?

Read that again.

Does this one purchase you’re making mean that you will have to make another purchase (or multiple)?

Sometimes it’s not until later that you realize that: the new dress doesn’t go with any of your shoes; a fancy new teapot requires that you actually buy tea; a toy that could be fun on its own might have your kids begging for the accessories that go with it.

5. How long will this last, and can it serve multiple purposes?

Quality wins over quantity. I often used to go for the cheapest thing I could find. There are a few instances where I’ve been able to use those items for years. But many times I end up getting rid of it quickly, due to it wearing out or not quite being as useful as I’d hoped.

Find items that are quality, and consider ones that can serve a few purposes. It doesn’t mean you have to always shop high-end. Secondhand pieces, for home goods or clothing, can work just as well.

6. Am I just looking for something new?

Confession time: I’m a little addicted to shopping. It’s the thing I instinctively turn to when sadness or frustration or anxiety hit. While something new is comforting for a little while, it doesn’t last. Then I’m back where I started.

Whether shopping is your vice or not, we all can struggle with the desire for something new. It feels good when that Amazon box arrives on the doorstep. It gives you joy – for a little while.

I’m starting to learn to find joy in what I already have, not in the next new thing. It’s really a choice – to find satisfaction and fulfillment in the things around me. To not spend my down time swiping through shopping apps (even if I claim I won’t buy).

7. Do I LOVE it and does it bring joy?

Buying is so easy. Tap a button, and it arrives on your doorstep that day (or tomorrow). Find anything you need. You might already have a list of go-to stores you can stop by on the way home from work.

Slowing down, however, is hard. Taking stock. Asking the questions. Really considering if something brings you joy (or more stress) before you buy it.

A former roommate always suggested letting yourself sleep on it. If in the morning you’re still thinking about it, go back and take a look, maybe even get it. If not, you might realize you have something else that fills the need. Or you forget about it and didn’t need it in the first place.