Minimalism – From American Movement to American Lifestyle

Minimalism is a movement gaining traction throughout the United States. With its roots in American art of the 1960s and 70s, Minimalism has changed from a designation for galleries to a lifestyle shaping how Americans live and approach their daily lives. Its rapid growth as a lifestyle trend has seen a slew of series, documentaries and articles touting the mental and physical benefits of freeing up space. So read on to find out how and why people from New York to Nevada have turned an artistic style into a lifestyle.

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism as a movement entails creating peace of mind by transforming the physical space around us. As cities have become more crowded and the feeling of being overwhelmed is a reality for more and more people, Minimalism has sought to create lifestyles in which people do not take the stress of the office home with them. The basic idea is simple. Something we were all told as children and even beyond. A messy space makes a messy mind. Clutter crowds our mental space, exacerbating feelings of unease and stress by making the mental images of overwhelming tasks into a physical reality. Increasingly, we come home from busy jobs in stressful cities like New York and find it impossible to switch off and relax. Thinking about all the things we have to do. Pack away the Christmas decorations, do another load of laundry, clear out desks, the list is never ending. Minimalism is the principled rejection of this basic mode of living. While there are many different approaches to the lifestyle, they all include making space for your body to put your mind at ease. People engaging in this lifestyle claim all kinds of physical and mental benefits including lower levels of stress and anxiety, better sleep, higher productivity and a more rewarding sense of self. Not to mention saving money in the long-term.
What does Minimalist living look like?
There is no right or wrong way to do Minimalism. Different approaches suit different people and different lifestyles. Indeed the plurality of different approaches has given us a whole new vocabulary linked to decluttering. Ever heard of someone who is “Marie Kondo-ing”? What about someone “downsizing”? Or maybe a friend of yours is part of the “tiny house movement”? These are all different approaches of the same principle. Ridding your house of unnecessary clutter and optimizing your storage space. Less stuff in your way, less worry in your life. This kind of movement can seem quite stressful in itself. What to do with all your stuff? How to pick, what to keep and what to store. Maybe it’s easier to go down the “hoarder” route?

Practical tips for living the Minimalist lifestyle

Well we at Boxie are here to help New Yorkers declutter their houses and free up their mind. The great thing about Minimalism is a small change can make a big difference! So there is always the option to take it as far as you want. Not everyone has to downsize to a tiny house! So read our tips on decluttering!

• Ease into it! The idea of just throwing away everything you have accumulated in your apartment is probably tempting to some but intimidating to most. So the best advice is to start small. Maybe by clearing out one specific desk or closet that has been in your way for far too long!
• Go room by room: Choose the project you want to take on and finish that before you move on! Having even one space in your house that is clear and calm will give you the chance to experience the benefits and keep you motivated for continuing your lifestyle change.
• Optimize your storage solutions: Declutter does not have to mean throw out! You can externalize your storage if you’re not ready to throw it all away just yet. While that may seem quite stressful in itself, companies like Boxie24 are there to help with full-service, convenient solutions. Think big items, antiques, presents or inherited heirlooms, all out of your way but only a delivery away.
• Try seasonal storage: Can’t decide what to keep? An easy way to save space is to move out and store your stuff seasonally. Keep your winter items, such as jackets, skiing equipment or cold-weather tyres from crowding your house when you don’t need them. Don’t know what to do with your Halloween and Christmas decorations come January? Try to get them out of your hair, until you need them again.
• Lose big items: Larger furniture pieces that never seem to be used, but always seem in the way are prime candidates when downsizing. Put them into storage to free-up space in rooms. You would be amazed by what a difference larger empty spaces make! They will make rooms feel bigger and airier, lessening feelings of claustrophobia.
• Make use of your newfound space: Combine the benefits of living minimally with other healthy practices. Maybe use your clearer surroundings to try out that yoga routine you’ve been thinking about, or even take up a messy hobby such as painting, knowing that your furniture is safe from drops and splatters! Give yourself the permission to enjoy the changes you have made in your life!

Minimalism has changed from an artistic style to an approach to life that has changed the way millions of Americans live. By keeping things clear and simple physically, you can keep them clear and simple mentally. Declutter the mind and body for a happier, healthier home life by making changes to the way you see all things, small and large. Making big changes starts with one small change. While deciding what to keep, what to store and what to junk may seem intimidating, it has proved to be a liberating experience for many of Boxie24’s thousands of customers. If you want to find out how to begin storing your goods for a clearer house and mind call us at: 844-337-7739