Top 10 Minimalism tips
Above-the-fold magic
When you’re designing a webpage, landing page, or any other web property, your above-the-fold content, or the content directly visible on the first page without scrolling or any other action should be the hub of minimalism. How much you interest audiences with this content decides whether they scroll down or navigate further. In this section, place only the topmost impactful and high-level content with a great amount of negative space. You can increase the content density further into the navigation.
Start a side hustle
If you want to make extra money, start a “side hustle” (a job on the side of your day-job). There are tons of options for side hustles . Whether it’s because you want to get out of debt, save for a down payment on a house, or just pay your bills, a side hustle can change your finances for the better. Don’t feel stuck making the money you do from your current job – there are always ways to make more money. Next steps:
- Read: 45 Ways To Make Extra Money (blog post)
- Read: How To Be More Efficient Working From Home (blog post)
Buy Less Stuff
It’s kind of obvious but a lot of people don’t realize how our buying habits can enslave us. The more you buy the less money you will have, therefore you will have a larger debt. But that’s not all. You will own more possessions which will only cloud your thinking and clutter your physical space as mentioned. Only because there is a sale in the nearest mall this doesn’t mean that you should take advantage of it. Create a list of the things you really need in your life. For example, a new iron because the current one you have is not ironing your clothes good and the ceramic plate is damaged. List all of your things in a list and do your best to NOT buy things that aren’t inside your list.
Stop comparing.
I meant what I said about reading minimalist books and listening to minimalist podcasts for inspiration, but with all that reading and listening, the line between inspiration and comparison can be very thin. One day, I’ll read a blog post about having a minimalist kitchen and be inspired to declutter even more. The next, I’ll see one family’s spacious and sparsely furnished living room – with far newer décor and furniture than mine, I might add – and despair of ever achieving that level of clutter-free living. I forget that we are squeezing five kids into under 1200 square feet (by choice and for good reason). I forget that we homeschool, so we will naturally have more school supplies and games than the family that doesn’t homeschool. Your home and your life shouldn’t look like anyone else’s. No one else is you, living your unique life with your unique circumstances. What is clutter to you might not be clutter to someone else. Minimalist living is an awesome thing, but it can, if we’re not careful, turn into a competition of who can own the least. Ironic, since its original purpose is to steer us away from the competition to own the most.
Invest in yourself to make more money
If you want to make more money, invest in yourself. This could be in the traditional form of going to college, or it could be in a much more affordable way, like taking on online course. An example would be taking a class to learn how to become a virtual assistant and make money from home. Just don’t ignore the opportunity to make money on your own terms because you’re not there yet. Take a course and get started. You’re worth it.
One in, One Out
When you get something new, something old has to go. This is a great rule for clothing, but can work well for other items too.
Master the art of procrastination
No, you can’t give the middle finger to everything in your life – but when you have a strong resistance towards doing perhaps it’s a sign that you should give in to procrastination and just try being. It seems counterintuitive as a minimalist trick, but it works wonders.
Do what you want, just do no harm
Finish off your year of minimalism with this simple motto that takes the complexity out of ethical dilemmas by granting you freedom to live by your own rules — so long as they don’t impede on anyone else.
Diversify your income
Diversify your income so you don’t rely on one source entirely. Whether this is through a second job, investing in the stock market, or starting a business, you can find ways to bring in multiple streams of income. The average millionaire has seven streams of income.
Limit the metallics
Having too much shiny metal in a room isn't ideal for a minimalist apartment. It's okay to have some gold or silver incorporated in smaller ways but avoid larger pieces that are mostly metallic, like a silver lamp or gold side table. Instead, use them sparingly and opt for more matte or satin finishes on furniture and decor.
