I’m sure you’ve heard the word minimalism before, usually in context with themes of restricting yourself or owning as little as possible. And while these are not technically wrong, minimalism does require you to make smart purchasing choices and consider what you need above what you want. But the true minimalistic mindset has so much more depth to it. Minimalism is about freedom. Freedom from the materialistic. Freedom from consumerism. Freedom from regret. Freedom from stuff. Check out The Minimalists for an in-depth look at the philosophy of minimalism.
When I just started my digital nomad journey about 2 years ago, I had two large suitcases stuffed to the brim with clothes, shoes, toiletries, books and more. I ended up even having to pay an overweight baggage fee at the airport. Basically, I had tried to take everything I own with me. I remember staring at my bookshelf and painfully choosing which books to take with, and which to leave behind. If you’re like me, who can’t walk past a bookstore without going in to “just browse”, you’ll have an idea of what my collection was like.
It was during this process that I realised just how much stuff I had been accumulating over the years - how many unnecessary purchases I had made based purely on wants, and not needs. They say you only realise how many things you have once you need to move. I can confidently add that this is the case for long-term travelling as well.
I started feeling overwhelmed, not just by all the choices I had to make, but it was as if all my possessions were a physical weight on me. And so, the minimalist mindset started kicking in. Slowly, at first, I should add because as I mentioned, I still ended up taking two large suitcases with me.
My digital nomad adventure began in Sri Lanka, Colombo, and as soon as I collected my suitcases from the conveyor belt I was already starting to feel the burden. It’s not easy wheeling around a combined weight of 48kg, not to mention hefting them in and out of cars.
While I was drinking my morning coffee at the hotel I was staying at, I observed my suitcases on the floor. They were like open sandwiches with their fillings spilling over the edges. It was then that I decided nope, I’m downsizing, and started to sift through all of my clothes. I filled the hotel’s laundry bags with what I had resolved on parting with and took them to the Salvation Army. I was proud of myself. Not only did I do a good deed, but I was taking more concrete steps towards detaching from the materialistic. When it was time to pack once again and move onward in my journey I had a much easier time and I didn’t have to pay an overweight fee again! Progress.
Fast forward almost two years and I’ve fully realised and integrated minimalism into my lifestyle and mindset. For someone like me, keeping up with this kind of lifestyle is a bit easier because I always have to keep in mind that what I buy will have to fly. It all comes down to one important question regardless: Do you need it, or do you want it?
Buy Smart
The idea here isn't just about reducing the number of shoes in your closet. It's about making every item in your life work harder for you. Think of a Swiss Army knife; it's one tool that serves many purposes. This smart buying concept can be applied to all areas of life; like a versatile jacket that’s perfect for both a chilly office and a casual hike, or a pair of smart sneakers that can be dressed up or down. The key is to choose items that serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for excess and making the choices in what you do own much more valuable.
Quality Over Quantity
This principle goes beyond material goods; it touches on how we spend our time, the people we surround ourselves with, and the activities we devote our energy to. Imagine sipping a single cup of beautifully crafted coffee instead of chugging three cups of mediocre brew. That’s the essence of quality over quantity. Investing in fewer, but better things, means those things can last longer, perform better, and ultimately provide more satisfaction. This shift in perspective can dramatically change how you view purchases and experiences, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Declutter Regularly
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s a habit to cultivate. It’s about constantly asking yourself if the items in your life are adding value or just taking up space. This routine check-in can be incredibly liberating, as it allows you to reassess what’s truly important. The benefits go beyond just a tidy space; decluttering can lead to a clearer mind, making it easier to make decisions and focus on your goals. Think of decluttering as pruning a plant; by cutting back the excess, you allow for healthier growth and blossoming.