Many times people who are unfamiliar with the different levels of minimalism assume that it means living in a tiny, bare home, intentionally depriving your self of anything that makes life easier and more comfortable. In it’s most drastic form, perhaps that definition could be correct, but for most people who practice living with less, a minimalist lifestyle looks different from person to person and family to family. What may be essential for some may not be needed for another.

While it is true that most minimalists own much less than the average consumer, living with fewer possessions is really just the result of living only with what is intentional and useful. Once you have stripped away what is not being used or enjoyed, you end up with far fewer items, thus leading to a minimalistic home.

Even though my home is filled with fewer physical possessions, it isn’t empty, it is filled with more-

-Time. Time to enjoy the company of my husband, children and friends, instead of spending that time on the care or purchase of items.

-Order. With fewer possessions, my home has more empty space. Items aren’t crammed into every closet and on every shelf. Everything fits comfortably and there is a place for each item, which lends itself to natural order and organization.

-Comfort. Every item in my home down to the pillows and blankets are there because they are used and bring comfort, happy memories, or are useful. My home is comfortable to me and my family based on what we value.

-Fun. Living a minimalistic lifestyle allows me to spend much less time cooking, cleaning, over committed, etc., and lets me use my energy and extra days having fun with those I love. From simple things like board games on Sundays to camping or exploring our local area, fun has increased in our home since we started living more minimally.

-Money. It’s true, if you buy less, you have more money. Being extremely intentional about what you purchase will allow you to end up with more money in your bank account, and more peace of mind for possible rainy days.

-Love. I’m not about to say that those who aren’t minimalists love each other less, because that’s simply not true. What I am saying is that there is more room for love in life when you are living more minimally and intentionally. You are focused more on people and not on things, opening up the door to love more.

Find room for what matters by getting rid of what doesn’t. Just for fun I’m including some pics of my ‘minimalist’ home below for those who would like a peek inside.

What is your home filled with now that you’ve removed your ‘stuff’?