How Minimalism Saved My Time, Space, and Sanity

Hey, girlfriend! Despite what mainstream media says, minimalism isn’t just a fad—it’s a lifestyle. In my experience, the time and effort spent downsizing has been completely worth it.

Save Time

Long before I became a minimalist, I would spend hours getting ready—one hour actually preparing and two more just sifting through my cabinets and closet, trying to decide what to wear and what scent to go for. Over the years of cleaning out my space, I’ve developed a very specific taste, which has simplified my life. Now, almost everything in my closet coordinates—fitting, material, and colors all complement each other. This makes picking an outfit and packing for trips so much easier.

I applied this same approach to my hygiene routine. I found myself gravitating towards warmer scents, so I gave away products that didn’t align with that, like the cucumber and candy cane scents I only used once a year.

Before you tell yourself it's tough because you "use or love everything you own," ask yourself if you have a favorite item—a shirt or scent you reach for again and again. Chances are, you do. That means everything else is unnecessary clutter.

Save Space

I love knowing that my space is filled with only the things I truly love, rather than an assortment of unloved clothes and trinkets. It might sound a little weird, but I genuinely feel like my items can "breathe" now, rather than being squished and suffocated by excess. I no longer hoard unworn items or wonder when I’ll ever fit into a pair of pants again. I don’t buy little souvenirs just to fill space or for momentary satisfaction.

I thought I’d miss having a closet full of clothes, but the opposite is true. I don’t miss having so many options because, one, I barely wore half of what was in there, and two, I can actually see what I have. This makes me feel more connected to my things. I no longer look at my clutter-free desk and feel the urge to add a random desk toy.

No matter how well I folded my clothes or organized my things, it still felt like a mess. The only solution was to have fewer things. Now, when I clean, it feels like I have a neater space.

Save Money

It may seem like becoming a minimalist is expensive upfront, especially if you think you need to buy a bunch of basics or fancy storage containers. But the opposite is true. There’s no need to buy more if you already have your favorite things in your possession. When I do go shopping, I have a much clearer idea of what I need, instead of mindlessly picking up whatever was on sale or looked good on a mannequin.

This also applies to self-care products. By narrowing down what works for me, I’ve stopped being swayed by trends and influencer recommendations. Not only am I helping the planet by consuming less, but I also feel more in control of both my space and my wallet. Gone are the days of impulse purchases and buyer's remorse.

Save Energy

For me, fewer things equals fewer problems. I can’t tell you how much time and energy I’ve saved by knowing exactly where everything is. I used to constantly lose things and spend what felt like forever searching for them. Now, everything I own has a designated spot, making it so easy to find what I need.

Having fewer items also means less time spent cleaning—it's easier to contain the mess. If my space does get a little disorganized, it’s no longer a huge task to tidy it up. Instead of spending hours doing laundry or rearranging my drawers, everything is already pretty neat. This saves mental energy and frees up my time to do the things I truly enjoy.

Once you let go of the things you "kinda love," you make more room for the things you can't live without. Declutter, and you’ll realize that most of what you own is excess, not essential. What truly matters is enjoying the little moments in life—like a clean space, a deeper connection to your belongings, more money in your pocket, and a greater sense of purpose