Debunking the Myth (What Minimalism Isn't)

We’ve all heard the stereotypes about minimalism…

“Why would you want to be a minimalist? You can’t have anything and have to wear the same outfit every day.”

“I like my stuff too much...I could never be a minimalist.”

“That sounds so boring. You never get to shop.”

“How depressing to make yourself live without!”

But here’s the truth: minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself — it’s about living with intention.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” version of minimalism. It’s not about following a strict set of rules or living in an empty house. It’s about choosing to surround yourself with the things that truly bring you joy and purpose.

Yes, it takes a mindset shift, especially in a world that constantly tells us we need more to be happy. But once you start focusing on what really matters, you realize how freeing it can be.

Minimalism isn’t about having less. It’s about making room for more of what you love, even if you still love your stuff. Do you love shoes? Then keep your shoes. I'm not telling you that you can only own three pairs of shoes. I'm merely suggesting that whatever you own should bring you joy each time you use or wear it. (So if you're only wearing 8 pairs of the 60 pairs of shoes you own, maybe get rid of a few...). And you shouldn't have tons of extra stuff that is unnecessary.

One of my favorite podcasters owns just two pens.

That’s it—two.

If one stops working, she has a backup, and in the meantime, she can easily buy a replacement. Simple, right?

Meanwhile, I probably have fifty pens scattered around my house (and honestly, it might be more!). Why? Because I love office and school supplies—and because I’ve never really taken the time to declutter them.

I tend to hold on to a lot of “what-if” items. You know, What if I need this later? The problem is, I almost never do. And even if I did, most of those things are easy to replace.

When we let go of the “what-if” clutter, we make space for what truly matters—and discover that simplicity feels a lot lighter than “just in case.”

While I might never simplify my collection down to just two pens, I do plan to make every area of my home feel a lot lighter. Through this journey, I’m slowly learning that I can live without all those “what-if” items—and let me tell you, it’s incredibly freeing.

It’s also been a wake-up call. I’ve realized how much time and money I’ve wasted over the years buying things “just in case” and then never actually using them.

In one of my previous blog posts, I talked about the one-month rule: place your “maybe” items in a box, tuck it out of sight, and set a reminder on your calendar for one month later. If you haven’t needed anything from that box in that time, it’s safe to let it go.

I’m planning to use this rule in my home office next, and I’d love for you to join me! Let’s declutter those pens, markers, papers, folders, and all the little things that make our office or stationery drawers feel overwhelming. Together, we can create spaces that inspire focus, not frustration.

The point is, whether it’s your closet, your home office, your bathroom cabinet—or any space in between—it’s yours. You are free to own as few or as many things as you like. Just make sure those things aren’t taking up so much “space” (in your home and your mind) that they keep you from enjoying the people and moments you love most.

Choose to declutter instead of just organize, and you’ll find yourself reclaiming so much time and energy you didn’t even realize you were losing.

That’s the true goal of minimalism: living intentionally, on your own terms.

Let’s declutter—and truly enjoy life again.