Monday, February 6, 2017

10 necessities to keep the minimalist household running efficiently




Hello again, dear reader. For the past few days we've been discussing how to start towards a minimalist lifestyle by getting rid of things and simplifying one's life, so that it is more productive, as well as clutter and stress-free so in this post rather than discuss things that should be jettisoned from the minimalist life. I thought I would show you some of the basic items that every minimalist should have, these are necessities for a quality household (side note: this post is not discuss wardrobe as clothing styles and/or clothing requirements are so unique and varied for each individual. They would take too long to discuss. However, most minimalists agree that your wardrobe should consist of anywhere between 16 and 33 items. Depending on which minimalist philosophy, you choose to ascribe to. It is also obvious that you will of course need things such as a toothbrush toothpaste and deodorant and other grooming necessities, except for the toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant is also a personal preference)...

No two households are the same — still; there are some universal truths to life at home. So whether you're an avid cook living in an apartment, a raw vegan living in a rural tiny house or a DIY aficionado living in a bungalow, your home will benefit from having these 10 essentials.
Most of the items on this list are practical, but a few lean toward comfort and aesthetics. Why not? After all, your home should be as pleasant as it is functional.
  1. An emergency light source. Keep a flashlight, candles and matches, easily accessible (and charged, as the case may be). I hope you never need this, but if you do, you'll be greatly relieved to have it.
  2. Towels. You may be an extreme minimalist who showers at the gym, but everyone needs towels at home. At the very least, two bathroom towels and two kitchen towels.
  3. Basic utensils. A fork, a knife, a spoon. Even if you've never cooked in your life, you may hate the cheap knives that come with your delivery food or may forget a fork for your take-out Chinese.
  4. A small tool set. A hammer, a flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, and pliers will suffice. You may not believe me, but you'll end up using it — to stop a running toilet, hang a picture, pry open a paint can, etc.
  5. Bedding. A necessity, of course. And, if you're over the age of 20 and are still sleeping on your sheets from grade school, you need new bedding.
  6. A small cleaning kit. Spills and mistakes happen, even if you have a cleaning lady. Your kit may contain only Windex, bartenders friend and a sponge, but you'll use it at some point (hopefully regularly, to keep your place nice and clean).
  7. An extra set of keys. Given extra set of your keys to a trusted family member or friend. You may only need to ever call them once to use them but it will be a huge relief. Alternately, if you're constantly misplacing things, you can keep an extra set by the door. Use them on days that you really can't find your primary keys.
  8. Art. Many people mistakenly believe that just because you are a minimalist. They can't be anything on the walls except beige or white paint, only having beige or white paint on your walls is not cool and minimal — it was sad and depressing.  Frame a sentimental postcard, buy a reprint of a favorite painting, browse Etsy or local art fairs — just get something on the walls to make your home more warm and personal.
  9. A comfy place to sit. Have one place you can cozy up for long phone calls, read books, contemplate the state of the universe, or just stare at the wall. After all, your home is your sanctuary from the world.
  10. One thing you really love. A framed drawing by your niece. A memento from a favorite vacation. Display one item that brings you joy, no matter how often you see it.

As always, thanks for listening more to come soon.

1 comment:

  1. Good advice, except for the towels. I have to have lots of towels, since I never use one more than once without it being laundered. I'm not really obsessive, but I can't stand using my towels more than once.

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