Minimalist rules in my home

Hello everyone!

When I saw this prompt, the first instance that came to my mind was envisioning a situation where I am married and asked to establish some standards of minimalism in the house to help us live simply and well. It would certainly be an easy task if my wife is a minimalist, but it would be more challenging if she holds the opposite perspective. The following are some standards I would set:

Essentials Come First, Second, and Last:

I have fallen in love with the idea of acquiring only what I need—items I will actively use, rather than things I purchase and leave untouched. In fact, buying unnecessary items makes me feel like I am wasting money. Therefore, my home must adhere to this principle. We should prioritize essential items, ensuring they are useful and add value to the home. Buying things simply because they are trending, only to discard them later without use, is not acceptable.

I remember an incident last year when a neighbor of mine bought an expensive set of glass plates. To this day, he has never used them. I visit his house frequently, and those plates remain in a corner, being swallowed by dust. It's not that the plates are serving as decoration(with the shiny effect) in the house, they're at a corner

This principle does not apply only to physical items but also to activities and habits. I am not suggesting that we should never try new things—of course, we will—but introducing an extravagant lifestyle as a habit is not welcome.

Spaces Must Be Simplified:

As I mentioned in one of my previous articles, my brother does not care whether things are arranged properly or not, and I used to frown at him a lot because of this. My home will certainly emphasize the importance of identifying and simplifying spaces. Plates and pots should remain in the kitchen and should not be seen scattered around the living room. My eyes get dizzy when things are cluttered and disorganized. Even if the house is small, it should be kept simple, neat, and well-arranged.

Decluttering Is a Must:
One of the key factors in maintaining a spacious and comfortable environment is regular decluttering. It will be a rule in my home to declutter frequently, getting rid of items that are no longer useful. Clothes and shoes that are no longer worn should be given away, ensuring that life remains simple and organized.

Reconstructing and Repurposing: Items that can be recycled, reconstructed, or repurposed should be utilized creatively. Everyone in my home must adapt to this lifestyle. Just last week, I wrote about how I reconstructed and double -purposed a table in my house. Although this may pose some challenges, it is entirely doable with a bit of creativity and effort.

Mindfulness:

Beyond the physical aspects of minimalism, the mind must also be considered. Mental well-being should be nurtured by allowing the mind to take regular "holidays" to relieve stress. This can be achieved through activities such as nature walks, exercise and many others. Additionally, lighthearted family conversations and laughter should be encouraged. These activities are essential to maintaining a healthy mind and ensuring that mental burdens do not accumulate—a concept I like to call "decluttering the mind."

Thanks for reading.

This is my entry to the #Kiss writing idea.

Photos used are mine