Simplicity: Declutter and Simplify Your Life

By Laura Montini and Johanna Vogel

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Overwhelmed by work, by people, by chores, by things… ? Have you ever dreamed of leading a simpler life? A life with less worries and more free time. A healthier life?

If you answered yes to any of those, then Simplicity is for you. 

In this book we'll take you through various lifestyle changes you can do in order to live the life you wish. We'll explain what simple living is about, and guide you through your journey to a simpler lifestyle using various methods, and explaining other types of simpler lifestyles as well. 

Starting by decluttering your life, and with actions you can take right now, we'll help you accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Montini
• Release date: Jul 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201109820

Book preview

Simplicity

The quality or condition of being simple, uncomplicated, easy to understand.

The quality or condition of being plain or natural. 

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever looked around and felt overwhelmed by the amount of things you own?

Are you experiencing a high level of stress?

Is materialism something you’ve wanted to break free of?

Have you wished you could spend less time cleaning?

That you could live a calmer, happier life, owning things you really care for, minding people and experiences more than things?

We can help you make the changes that will improve your life.

With Simplicity, we aim to help you on your journey to a simpler way of living. Whether you want to rid yourself of excess, to begin on a simpler, more sustainable way of living, or simply to reach a level where you feel less stressed by what you own, we’re here for you. Head to a simpler lifestyle in secure, well-tried steps.

This book will help you understand some of the most popular paths to leading a simpler life, so that you know exactly what to do when you decide to begin your journey. We will show you several ways to begin the decluttering process so you won’t be bogged down by excuses. No matter your current situation, you can start your own route to a simpler, healthier lifestyle.

Anyone can do it. You can as well.

Simplicity will help beginners as well as those who are already well on the road to their new lifestyle.

But remember: Simplicity is not a destination, it’s an ongoing journey. Don’t expect to be done and never have to clear up again; a simple lifestyle requires upkeep and mindful choices. As you advance in this path with us, you will find that your choices today will be your habits tomorrow.

Laura & Johanna

THE PATHS

Now, let’s begin your journey by introducing you to various lifestyles related to simplifying your life. They all share similar views and a similar goal: the ultimate goal is to cull your belongings and clear your mind and soul from clutter and stress. Some might be more extreme than others, and there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to deciding which best suits the life you envision. Ultimately, it’s not really about the labels. You might find that perhaps you’re happy in between what people consider minimalist and a simply uncluttered home, and that’s OK, that’s why we aim to bring you as much information as possible rather than focus on simply becoming one thing or the other.

The key to success is picking what works best for you. This way you will accomplish more than you ever expected. Pick what works for you, and be happy.

What is Minimalism?

The dictionary defines minimalism as:

A style or technique (as in music, art, or design) that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity.

And indeed, when we think of minimalism, what we first imagine is vast, open spaces; sparse furniture, almost nothing on surfaces, and usually white and black. That might well be what design minimalism is, but it’s not the end-all and be-all of the term.

But what really is minimalism?

There seem to be two schools of thought on the matter.

On one hand, many people believe that you can’t be a minimalist unless you own under a certain amount of items or have clear surfaces all over your house. That minimalism requires nothing but a bed on the floor in your bedroom and nothing more. 

On the other hand, a lot of minimalists will argue that a less extreme lifestyle, even if not as sparse, is still minimalism. Because they’ve culled down their belongings to an amount that they use and make them happy, they have no excess clutter troubling their lives, and thus are able to achieve what we all seek: a simpler life.

If one were to take minimalism at its core label, then we’d have to say that yes, minimalism is purely that which is derived from the aesthetical form of design. Which implies reducing your possessions to your basic needs. In truth, however, we believe that if you wish to label yourself anything, then true minimalism lies in between those two points.

Minimalism is mindfulness over materialism, it’s a way of thinking that is mindful to your needs and to where your true happiness lies. It should lead to more awareness caring and conscious living. It makes us more mindful of the things we consume, of our environment, and of how we treat our bodies and connect to others.

Who is it for?

If you’re looking for a truly simplistic way of living, detached from those possessions that keep you from the life you want, and keeping only those that matter the most to you, then this is for you. While it may seem easier to start this lifestyle as a single person, it is an adventure that will strengthen your values as a couple, and a legacy you build with your family.

What is Frugality?

Frugality is defined as:

The quality of being economical with money or food.

Thriftiness.

Frugality is being mindful of your money, being smarter about what you do with it, knowing how much you need, and when you need it. The practical applications of these are obvious: it can help you repay debt faster, afford better quality things, and afford experiences.

It’s perhaps not in and on itself a way of living simply, but we believe it is an integral part of it, and that several of the initial steps towards it overlap with those required to become a minimalist or transition to a simpler lifestyle. This is because it teaches you not to bring more things into your home, or add more to an already overloaded manufacturing world, usually by upcycling,