What is minimalism? It must mean living in an empty tiny home with a single chair to maybe occasionally rest on, right? 

The minimalist movement is something that has been trendy for at least a good decade now. But it’s different from things like FIRE or being a big Justin Bieber fan. I’m told it’s no longer appropriate to refer to them as Beliebers.

Minimalism is wide open to interpretation. Because a key part of the word is minimal, we assume it means less. If that was the conclusion you jumped to, you’re partly right.

There are no real rules or laws governing what is or isn’t considered minimalism. As such, minimalists will range in interpretation .What your idea of minimalism is will be different from mine; unless of course you’re a long lost twin of mine. If that’s the case, you better start running. I think I’m the evil one.

Let’s give minimalism a simple definition

When it comes down to it, minimalism is cutting out the unnecessary parts of life as much as we can. We chose to name this site Practically Humans with a purpose. Practicality is a huge part of being a minimalist. In my definition, it’s the most important part.

Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you never buy things. Jenny and I buy things regularly. Sometimes it comes with great sadness. We really don’t enjoy spending money. 

Neither of us limit ourselves when it comes to needs. Those things cannot be controlled. It’s the purchases that fall into the wants category where we cut down. If you have a minimalist’s mindset already, you don’t think twice about it either. It’s why we don’t feel the need to budget.

Sure, there are some wants you have to convince yourself not to buy. It’s not always easy but it’s fine to give in. There’s no hard and fast rule about only being able to own a certain amount of items. If something will bring you joy, comfort, or happiness, there’s nothing wrong with making the purchase. Just make sure it stays within your budget or at least within your reasonable means.

On top of being minimalists, we also pay close attention to our finances. It’s actually a lot easier, too, because when you only buy things with intention or a clear purpose, you manage to save a lot of money.

How do we define minimalism in the end? Without knowing you or how you feel, minimalism is one of those self-described labels like a realist or The World’s Greatest Dad. You’re a minimalist if you want to keep things simple and actually do. Buying fewer things is the start of it. There’s organizing those things and simplifying your life, too.

Simplicity is what attracts me to minimalism most. I think most will agree. In today’s world where we’re connected to technology constantly, it’s nice to have some control over how complicated other parts of our life can get.

To me, minimalism is keeping life simple, thoughtful, and practical.

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The book that convinced us to start investing and being more proactive with our money and lives: The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias

The gear we use to make our YouTube videos at the Practically Humans YouTube Channel

• Sony ZVE10 Camera
• Sony Retractable Zoom Lens
• MOVO Shotgun Microphone
• Audio Cable
• Memory Card
• RGB Lights
• Studio Light

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