• The Good Life
    • Parenting
    • Clean & Tidy
    • Motivational Monday
  • Healthy Eats
    • Healthy Life
  • Conversations
  • Our Favorites
    • What’s Working Wednesday
    • Friday Favorites
    • Guest Post
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Mommy Convos

True Minimalism, Purchasing and 10 Goals to Start a Minimalism Journey

in Clean & Tidy, Conversations, Motivation, The Good Life, What's Working Wednesday on 30/10/18

I’ve been spending a fair amount of time with groups of minimalists lately— on Facebook! (Yes- I think it’s kinda lame too… but stay with me..!) So- if you’ve ever been in an active Facebook group before, you’ll see that people are very open to chatting about all that’s on their mind about the topic. I recently learned a few interesting things about minimalism in these groups I wanted to share here-

Minimalism means so many different things to different people. Here are some of the different aspects people focus on for their journey to be more “minimal”:

  • Minimalist decor- homes as bare as possible, yet still stylish.
  • Minimalists on a budget- buying as little things as you can to get by.
  • Physical clutter minimalists- getting rid of everything that doesn’t serve you well right now.
  • Minimalists for the environment- trying to make your “footprint” on our earth as small as possible
  • Mental minimalists- only filling your life with things that bring you joy!

I’m sure there are a few more aspects I’ve missed, but someone recently commented that this minimalism craze can feel like a competition. Some get caught up thinking that if they get rid of enough stuff that they will feel peace and joy. I believe minimalism is gaining such popularity because we’re trying to counter-balance a strong societal push to accumulate more stuff! If we stop and think, we know that having more “stuff” doesn’t equal happiness… but neither does having less!

10 minimalism challenge ideas. goals to start minimalism. How to purchase as a minimalist. Tips to keep your home minimalist. Minimalism goals. Tips for buying as a minimalist.

Minimalism is all about making room for the things we value. No one has room for everything, so we need to intentionally limit things we don’t find valuable to make room for more important stuff! This applies to our time, our mental energy and our property.

Here are a few things I’ve noticed help our family stay more minimal:

1. Don’t Let to Society Tell You What You Do or Don’t Need:

  • Maybe starting your kids in preschool or sports at young ages isn’t all that necessary to you
  • Maybe the toys (or clothes or _____) your kids really enjoy aren’t nice to look at
  • Maybe you don’t mind the small size of car/home/etc you have
  • Maybe your family doesn’t value class photos or whatever it is that seems like such a “must have”.

Just remember that in every budget, whether it’s massive or teensy… when you make a purchase- you are choosing that over something else. Hopefully, we are learning to make purchases that align with things that are important to us! I do place value in not stressing over things I can’t change. So, when we mess up on a purchase, we can choose to let it go!

2. When Purchasing New Things:

Before purchasing a new item, think of all the similar items you currently own. Do you currently have something that fills that need? If yes, you’re probably better off stopping right there. But if not, why are you replacing the item? Make a more educated purchase this time!

For example: our socks don’t match up, so we hold on to the mismatched clutter and then eventually throw them out. Next time you’re buying socks- buy the exact same ones you currently have, or buy a big batch that will match each-other! Take a mental note to ensure that you keep buying the same type when you inevitably need to replace them. Bonus tip– (affiliate links used in this post!) black socks are the way to go- especially for kids! They all match each other and don’t show the wear as much!

Another example: Tupperware. I’ve really enjoyed having a good, quality glass set that I can add to as needed. All the lids fit each-other, it doesn’t get stains or marks, and it can heat up without the worry of carcinogens. I’ve had this set for six years and I LOVE it. These make great gifts too!

3. Take a Shopping Break

My husband and I have enjoy doing a No-Spend November ever since our newly-wed days. We don’t purchase anything from Nov 1st-Thanksgiving and it really changes our perspective. We enjoy seeing that what we have IS enough (and SEVERAL more big reasons)… Anyway I’ve posted tons on that already here & here… The point: if you intentionally take a longer shopping break than usual, you’ll skip on a few purchases you really don’t need and it helps you realize you can enjoy life with less.

4. Make a Specific Goal.

If an all-out No-Spend Month is more than you’re interested in doing, here are some other cool minimalism goals I love:

  • Eliminate recreational shopping for a year. Skip going shopping for fun or when you’re bored (that includes browsing in person and online). See what happens!
  • Take out 30 bags in 30 days! Donate or trash them!
  • Take a look at all the people you keep in touch with. Lovingly take some action on unhealthy relationships.
  • Tackle all the paper in your home and figure out a good system to keep it under control. Here’s the one that works well for me!
  • Go through your closet. Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in a year. Notice what it is about your favorite items that keeps you going back. Let that guide you when you shop for clothes.
  • Start a HABIT of thrift-store donating. Have one or two collection spots in your home that you are always filling as soon as you know your family no longer values that item. Having these spots in a handy location helps you immediately take care of clutter! I have one in our laundry room and another in our master closet. Schedule a monthly drop-off in your calendar if needed!
  • For every new item you bring into your home, one must go! I heard about that family that did that when I was in college and it really impressed me. The family recognized that they were happy just as they were, and so they could spread what they have to others and lived very simply!
  • Read an awesome book on minimalism:
    • The Life changing MANGA of tidying up is so cute and fun ’cause its all in comic book form! So helpful still though!
    • The More of Less (one of my personal faves)
    • Essentialism
  • Figure out your “why” for you would like to be more minimal. What is something that you want to be able to do, but feel held back?

What do you think about minimalism?

Do you think it’s all it’s cracked up to be? What have you tried? What’s your biggest hang-up? I love chatting about it all! (Obviously, right?) Morgan has a post about practicing minimalism around the Holidays— ’tis the season- check it out!

Jennica

Add a Comment

Avatar

About Jennica

Jennica is a mom to four energetic girls, and wife to her love-at-second-sight husband. She ran a cleaning business for ten years, and would love to see the day that her entire house could be clean-- all at the same time. Until then, you’re likely to find her folding big loads of laundry while listening to inspiring podcasts, or chasing her little girls down the street!

Restored 316 Feminine Wordpress Theme Design using the Genesis Framework

Sign up to get our latest printables for FREE!

« Book Review: Girl Wash Your Face- Rachel Hollis
Add the Magic of the Santa Boot to Your Holiday Traditions »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

So glad you found us!

Mommy ConvosHi there! We are Morgan & Tiffaynee and we are the mommies behind Mommy Convos. It is our mission to inspire mothers to build and strengthen their family relationships. We believe mothers can change the world, and that happens - one conversation at a time.

Join the convo!

Don't miss out on our latest insider freebies!

Instagram

mommyconvos

We believe mothers can change the world and that happens one conversation at a time. Snag our free "Summer Resources" E-book below 💕🏡

Morgan & Tiffaynee
Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Popular Posts

childbirth, postpartum depression, how to identify PPD and PPA, difficult pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic childbirth, childbirth, how to understand what postpartum depression looks like

How a Difficult Childbirth can Surrender your Mental and Emotional Health

5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year

Planning Christmas Like a Minimalist

30 Captivating Christmas Books You Need to Read Now

Join Us on Instagram

mommyconvos

We believe mothers can change the world and that happens one conversation at a time. Snag our free "Summer Resources" E-book below 💕🏡

Morgan & Tiffaynee
Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Daily Boutique Deals

© Mommy Convos, LLC and mommyconvos.com, 2017.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2021 · glam theme by Restored 316

  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • About Us