Minimalism, what is it and do I really want it in my life?

Ahh minimalism, living in a nice clean space with rustic floor boards, and an artistically draped throw rug over the back of a desk chair that looks like one you used to sit in back in grade 3. There is a geometric print on a white washed wall and a pine scented candle burning on the window sill.

Does this sound like you?  Does this sound like something you want to be?

If yes, that's fantastic, but this article is not for you!  Instead check out this website for all the lovely spotlessly clean white walls and square white couches that you can feast your eyes on (but not let your dog sit on)!

Well it is...and it isn't.

Google minimalism and you will find plenty of different meanings about what it is and what it means to people.  The minimalist (pretty much the guru's on this stuff) talk about minimalism being freedom.

For This Little Life, we like to think of it a little differently. We absolutely want people to live more with less (because we all have too much stuff), but we want you to live more with the things you love and less with the things you don't.

Here's an example...a This Little Life client, (lets call her Jane) has a beautiful library full of beautiful books collected, gifted and inherited over a life-time.  When first discussing what Jane's goals were for her home in the next 3-5 years, Jane was worried that This Little Life would ask her to consider to stop buying books and culling some of the collection as they won't fit in the shelves anymore (they are starting to pile up on the floor).

Absolutely not! If buying books is something you love, and having too many books than you will ever need in your life is what you want, then do it, and don't feel guilty about it, enjoy it!

But...what about those Vogue magazines from 1983 that are taking up the bottom two shelves?  And the Gourmet Traveller's from 1998?  And that encyclopedia collection that the kids used to use before the internet was invented?  These are the things we want you to focus on and work out if they are enhancing or hindering what you love.

And great news...after sitting down and committing to an action plan, Jane's library is looking better than ever (no more books on the floor!) with space to spare waiting for the next Robert Galbraith.

Is all your other stuff getting in the way of enjoying the things, experiences and people that you love?  Talk to This Little Life now about how we can help you make more space for what you really enjoy!