I’m in the midst of a life-altering transition. Having lived with my partner for nearly a decade, we recently decided to move in together. In the process of combining our belongings, I’ve learned just how much stuff we have!
And while living with less is something I’ve always wanted to do – and something that’s been easier than ever after adopting minimalism – it can be challenging to maintain these habits when your budget is tight.
That said: It is possible! Here are some ways you can start practicing minimalism without breaking the bank…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Minimalism on a budget is possible and can be a fulfilling lifestyle choice. |
| Simplifying your life can lead to a greater appreciation for experiences over material possessions. |
| Minimalist living can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve mental health. |
| Getting started with minimalist living involves decluttering, simplifying your schedule, and practicing mindfulness. |
| Incorporating minimalist principles into your life can help you save money and live more intentionally. |
Set a Goal
Set a goal for how much you want to save.
This can be as simple as “I want to save $500 this month,” or it can be more specific and involve multiple savings accounts: “I want to save $250 in my checking account, $250 in my savings account, and then contribute the rest of my paycheck ($500) toward paying off debt.”
Use a budget to track your progress toward reaching that goal amount! You don’t have to follow every rule we laid out for our budgeting guide here; just use whatever works best for you!
If tracking everything manually is too much work for you (or if there’s some other reason why keeping track of all those numbers would be difficult), consider using an app like Mint or Personal Capital instead.
No matter which method works best for you, make sure that at least once per week (and preferably twice) when you check back in on your financial situation whether it’s through additional manual calculations or an app you’re able to see how much money has gone into each individual category so far this month and how close those figures are getting towards meeting their stated goals over time.
The Art of Decluttering: Tips and Tricks for Simplifying Your Space: If you want to simplify your living space but don’t know where to start, check out our guide on the top tips and tricks for decluttering your home.
Spend Time at Home
The first step toward living with less is to spend more time at home. If you’re anything like me, this can be a challenge.
I love going out and exploring new places it’s one of my favorite things to do. But when it comes down to budgeting for minimalism, spending less money on going out means I have more money for other things (like saving for retirement).
There are also plenty of other ways outside of just cooking your own food that staying at home can save you money:
- Stay in touch with friends and family instead of seeing them at restaurants or bars
- Read a book or listen to music instead of seeing movies or concerts
Use What You Have
Living a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to come at the expense of your bank account. In fact, you can be just as minimal with a full wallet as with an empty one.
There are many ways to use what you already have without breaking the bank:
Reuse, repair, and recycle instead of buying new items, why not see if there are any other options? For example, if your favorite shirt has developed holes in it after years of wear (and washing), try patching them up instead of buying a new one.
Or perhaps some other piece of clothing is no longer useful for its original purpose but could be reused in another way for example, perhaps it could make good rags or cleaning cloths!
By reusing items that would otherwise end up in the landfill (where they would sit indefinitely) we’re helping our planet stay healthy and green while saving money at home on our own budgets too!
Don’t buy new when you can borrow it if something costs money but will only be used once or twice before being thrown away (e.g., wrapping paper), consider borrowing whatever item(s) need using rather than purchasing them yourself!
Minimalism and Mental Health: How Simplifying Your Life Can Improve Your Wellbeing: Looking to reduce stress and improve your mental health? Our article on minimalism and mental health explores the connection between living with less and finding peace of mind.
Get Creative
A few simple ideas to get you started:
Make your own products. Homemade cleaning supplies are not only cheap and effective, they’re also thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
Use things in new ways. Rather than simply tossing out that old pair of pajama pants, turn them into an apron or a cute top for your kids!
Use things in different places. If you’ve got a little corner of your home that isn’t being utilized at all, throw up some shelving and make it into an office nook! Another option would be to use the space behind your sofa as storage space for blankets and pillows so they don’t clutter up the living room area (and create more clutter).
Use things differently during different seasons of the year—or even on different types of days (e.g., rainy vs snowy vs sunny). Don’t just store all those winter sweaters—you can fold them neatly instead and use them as backdrops when taking pictures with friends! See? There’s no excuse not to be creative!
Creative DIY Ideas with Brand Recommendations
| Idea | Description | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade cleaning supplies | Effective, affordable, and eco-friendly alternatives to store-bought products | Mrs. Meyers, Method, Seventh Generation |
| Upcycling clothing | Repurpose old clothing into something new, like turning old jeans into cutoff shorts or adding patches to a denim jacket | Levi’s, Wrangler, Patagonia |
| DIY skincare | Make your own skincare products using natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, and shea butter | The Body Shop, Lush, Kiehl’s |
| Handmade gifts | Create thoughtful and unique gifts for loved ones, like DIY candles, bath bombs, or picture frames | Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, Michaels |
| Repurposing furniture | Transform old or outdated furniture into something new, like painting an old dresser or reupholstering a chair | IKEA, Wayfair, West Elm |
Getting creative is a great way to personalize your home, wardrobe, and self-care routine. By utilizing DIY ideas, you can reduce your spending and create custom items that express your unique style. The table above highlights a few DIY ideas with brand recommendations that would make for an ideal starting point.
Prioritize Your Purchases
To avoid getting caught up in the hype of new things, you need to know what’s really important to you and what you can live without. Here are some questions that might help:
What do I need? Not everything new is an improvement over what we already have. Sometimes, it’s just a waste of money or time. Before buying anything, ask yourself if it will truly improve your life or make things more convenient (but not necessarily better).
Do I like this item? If so, how much do I like it? Will this item make me happy for a long time or am I just excited about having something new right now? Will this item even last long enough for me to get my money out of it? Is there another item that does the same thing but costs less or lasts longer—and makes me happier in the long run?
Would someone else want this item more than me? It’s easy to tell ourselves that we don’t need something when there are other people who could use it far more than us!
We should always consider donating items before purchasing them–not only does this help others out (and keeps us from wasting our money on stuff), but also saves room in our houses as well as allows us to spend our hard-earned cash elsewhere
The Minimalist Mindset: How to Simplify Your Life and Live with Less: If you’re tired of feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it may be time to adopt a minimalist mindset. Learn how to get started with our guide on simplifying your life.
Don’t Buy Single-Use Items
I’m sure you know what it’s like to buy a thing, only to realize that it wasn’t worth the money. In some cases, that item was only useful once and then thrown away.
But sometimes it can be used over and over again and even if it isn’t, you’ll still need something else to replace what you lost or discarded.
That’s why I don’t buy single-use items anymore: because every time I spend money on something, I’m also spending money on additional waste that adds up over time! If something has an expiration date or is made with materials harmful for the planet (like plastic), then there’s no sense in buying it in the first place.
There are simple ways around this:
Don’t use disposable plates, cups or cutlery when they’re not needed (for example, when having breakfast at home).
Instead of throwing these away after one use like most people do, wash them by hand and store them in a container until next time!
This way too much energy isn’t wasted cleaning up afterwards; plus doing so will save space since there won’t be any extra containers taking up room inside your cabinets either!
Use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones whenever possible – this way fewer trees will have been cut down just so we could live comfortably without thinking about sustainability issues surrounding our consumption habits!
Think Long Term
One of the biggest benefits to living with less is that you can spend more of your money on things that will last longer.
A good quality table will cost more than a cheap one, but it won’t break down in six months or fall apart if you have kids around.
A good quality mattress will cost more than a cheap one, but it won’t sag in three years and leave you with back problems.
A lot of people find this idea uncomfortable because it requires us to sacrifice instant gratification for long-term payoff.
But think about how much money we waste on things like expensive coffee every day when we could save up for something bigger instead!
Minimalism 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Decluttering and Simplifying: Interested in exploring minimalism but don’t know where to begin? Our Minimalism 101 guide is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to declutter and simplify their lives.
Establish a Secondhand Wardrobe
A secondhand wardrobe is a great way to build up your wardrobe without spending a lot of money. If you have family or friends who are willing to give away their old clothes, this can be an easy way to get started with minimalism on a budget.
Another option is shopping at thrift stores or consignment shops, which sell clothing that people no longer want.
These places usually have racks full of gently worn clothes for sale at low prices and sometimes even for free if the store is having an end-of-season sale!
You’ll want to be sure that the items fit well so they don’t look like they came from some sort of rag bin (or worse yet, Walmart). But if it’s something that fits well now and won’t need any alterations before wearing it out in public? Then go ahead and buy them!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| thredUP | An online thrift store that offers secondhand clothing from a variety of brands at a significant discount. |
| Poshmark | An online marketplace where users can buy and sell gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. |
| Vestiaire Collective | A luxury consignment platform that allows users to buy and sell high-end designer clothing and accessories. |
| Depop | An app-based marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of vintage and trendy clothing and accessories. |
| The RealReal | A luxury consignment platform that specializes in high-end designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. |
Building a secondhand wardrobe is an excellent way to save money while still looking stylish. Not only is it affordable, it’s also an environmentally friendly way to shop. The table above features some popular secondhand clothing brands with a brief description of their offerings. By exploring these brands, you can start building your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Learn to Repair and Maintain Your Belongings
Learning to repair and maintain your belongings is one of the simplest ways to save money. It’s also a great way of making sure you have access to the things you need, even if they’re broken.
There are many ways to learn how to repair and maintain your belongings at home: you can find instructional videos online or take classes at local community centers or libraries. You can even read books on how to do it!
In addition, there are plenty of websites that offer step-by-step instructions for repairing everything from torn shirts and ripped jeans all the way through appliances like fridges, ovens and washing machines; just make sure that what you’re doing is safe before attempting repairs yourself (and always consult an expert if possible).
Why Less is More: The Benefits of a Minimalist Lifestyle: Living with less can have a variety of benefits, from reducing stress to saving money and time. Check out our article on why less is more to discover the advantages of embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
Choose the Best Quality You Can Afford
For example, if you have $50 to spend on a pair of shoes and are looking for something that will last for years and look good in the meantime, buy leather. Leather is durable and lasts longer than other materials because it’s more absorbent.
If you need something that’s not going to get damaged easily (like an expensive camera lens), go with glass or plastic lenses they won’t break easily like metal ones would! If your budget is tight but still want something unique, consider buying a custom-made item from Etsy or Ebay.
They might cost more upfront but they’re worth every penny when compared to mass-produced items made in China which can often be unsafe or don’t fit properly (especially if they’re too big).
Finally: always ask yourself whether what you’re about buy fits your needs first before spending money on things just because everyone else does too!
| Material | Advantages | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Durable and absorbent, lasts longer than other materials, high-end look and feel | Allen Edmonds, Clarks, Frye |
| Cashmere | Soft, lightweight, and breathable, keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer | J.Crew, Everlane, Naadam |
| Silk | Luxurious feel, lightweight and breathable, hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin | Equipment, Reformation, Grana |
| Linen | Cool and breathable, environmentally friendly, becomes softer with each wash | Eileen Fisher, J.Crew, H&M |
| Stainless Steel | Durable, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, doesn’t tarnish or fade | Citizen, Bulova, Seiko |
| Ceramic | Scratch-resistant and durable, hypoallergenic, lightweight and comfortable to wear | Rado, Bell and Ross, Chanel |
When purchasing goods within a budget it is imperative to use your financial resources wisely. The best way to do so is by investing in high-quality materials that will last for years, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Whether you’re looking for durable shoes, cozy sweaters, or sleek watches, selecting quality materials is essential. The table above outlines some of the best materials to look for and brand recommendations within each category.
Conclusion
We hope that reading this article has inspired you to make some changes in your life. Minimalism can seem like a daunting concept, but it doesn’t have to be!
By following our tips and keeping an open mind, you can start living a more minimalist lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about minimalist living on a budget:
AtOzenLife: This blog post offers practical tips for living a minimalist lifestyle without breaking the bank.
RocketMoney: In this article, you’ll find advice on how to simplify your life and save money in the process.
MinimalMantra: This blog post provides tips and strategies for living on a budget while still enjoying a minimalist lifestyle.
FAQs
What is minimalist living?
Minimalist living is a lifestyle focused on simplicity and reducing material possessions. It involves removing clutter, owning only what is truly needed, and living intentionally.
How can minimalist living benefit my life?
Living a minimalist lifestyle can help reduce stress, increase focus, and save money. It can also lead to more intentional and mindful living, as well as a greater appreciation for experiences over material possessions.
Do I have to get rid of all my belongings to live a minimalist lifestyle?
No, minimalist living is about intentionally decluttering and simplifying your life. It’s up to each individual to decide what possessions are truly necessary and what can be let go of.
Can I adopt a minimalist lifestyle on a budget?
Yes, minimalism and budget living can go hand in hand. By focusing on what’s truly needed and eliminating unnecessary expenses, it’s possible to embrace a minimalist lifestyle without breaking the bank.
How can I get started with minimalist living?
To get started with minimalist living, try decluttering your living space and only keeping items that are truly necessary. You can also focus on simplifying your schedule and reducing commitments, as well as practicing mindfulness and intentionality in all areas of your life.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.