My Journey to Minimalism: How I Discovered It & How to Know If It's Right for You

A couple years ago, I had one of those moments where the walls feel like they're closing in, not because my house was shrinking (although it definitely was), but because my stuff was taking up so much mental and physical space. I was tripping over things I didn't use, cleaning rooms that never seemed tidy, and realizing that a lot of my belongings weren't actually adding any joy to my life.

Around the same time, life circumstances nudged me into a smaller space. First I downsized by about 600 square feet, and then, a little more than a year later, I downsized again, losing another 600 square feet. Suddenly my tiny little apartment was bursting at the seams. Every surface was crowded, every closet was overflowing, and I was exhausted from trying to keep up with it all.

Clothes hanging in a closet

That became the catalyst for letting things go. At first I was just making space because I had to, but it felt so freeing, so good, that I kept going. This was the moment I stumbled into minimalism, not as a trendy aesthetic or a stuffy set of rules to be followed, but as a way of simply breathing easier.

What Minimalism Really Means

At it's heart, minimalism isn't about owning nothing or living in an empty white room. It's about intentionally choosing what earns a place in your life. For some, that means a capsule wardrobe. For others, it's clearing kitchen counters or letting go of hobbies they no longer enjoy.

For me, minimalism has become about function, peace of mind, and ease of maintenance. If an item stays in my life, it needs to serve a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is practical and obvious; other times it's simply that the item brings me joy when I see it or share it with others.

When I decide whether or not something belongs in my life, I also ask: what does it take to maintain this? How much energy does it cost me to keep it? Those questions have saved me from a lot of unnecessary stress.

I've also expanded this practice into my digital life. My files stay clean and organized, my email inbox hovers near zero, and I keep my social media profiles pared down to only what feels valuable.

Is Minimalism Right For You?

Here are a few signs minimalism might be calling your name:

• You feel overwhelmed by clutter, even after you've cleaned.

• You spend more time managing your stuff than actually enjoying it.

• You keep things "just in case," but can't remember the last time you actually used them.

• You crave more time, more freedom, or just more peace.

For me, the stress mainly came from never having a clear open space to live in. There were piles of papers, stacks of towels and clothes (neatly folded but with nowhere to live), and crafting or hobby supplies I swore I'd use "someday." I was tired of living around my things instead of living my life.

Messy Kitchen Table Covered in Papers

Minimalism looks different for everyone. For some, it's getting rid of half their wardrobe. For others, it's saying no to overstuffed schedules and focusing on intentional living. The common thread is learning to make space for what matters most.

A Simple Experiment to Try

If you're curious about dipping your toes into minimalism, try this:

Messy Tool Bench in a Garage

1. Pick one area of your life - A drawer, a shelf, or even your phone apps.

2. Ask yourself with each item - "Does this serve me? Does this bring joy, function, or peace?"

3. Let go of one thing today - See how it feels to have just a little bit more space.

You don't have to overhaul your whole life overnight. Minimalism isn't about perfection. It's about experimenting with less so you can create more room for what truly matters.

For me, minimalism isn't about getting rid of everything, it's about keeping the things (and people, and habits) that matter most. It's been a slow sometimes messy journey, and it's far from complete, but it's been a journey that's given me more clarity than any storage bin ever could.

This post is just an introduction. I'm excited to start exploring minimalism with you more here on the blog, so keep an eye out for new posts.

If you've ever wondered whether minimalism is right for you, I'd encourage you to take one small step and see how it feels. You might just find that "less" really does give you more. Post on Instagram or Facebook and tag your photos #buddingwithpride if you try out the experiment! I want to go along with you on your journey to minimalism!