This post is all about creating a peaceful home using concepts from minimalism for your small spaces.
Living in a small space can be frustrating as it feels like a constant struggle for control – control over clutter, storage, and the never-ending accumulation of things (especially if you have children). However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Minimalism offers the ability to live in a space you truly love, no matter the size. By prioritizing simplicity and intentionality, minimalism allows you to create a functional and peaceful home that you are always glad to come home to.
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My home is by no means minimalist. But it is tiny(ish). At 750sqft for three people and a puppy, it can get cluttered fast. Not to mention, there is no built-in storage. Below, I share some inspiration that helped make my home feel peaceful and functional, so you can, too. Whether you live in a tight apartment, a tiny house, or a trailer, embracing minimalism through these tips can help you make the most of your space.
Why minimalism works for small spaces
When most people think of minimalism, they picture an empty dining room with only one chair and place setting. Or they see a bedroom with the mattress directly on the floor and a small duvet covering it. Everything is black and white, and let’s face it, boring.
Thankfully, that is not the reality for most people who practice minimalism! Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself from everything you enjoy and living without modern comforts. Instead, it is about being intentional with choosing what adds value to your life and removing the excess. This frees up the space in your home allowing you more mental clarity and peace of mind, giving you more time and energy to do what you enjoy.
The thing about small spaces is: they require this kind of intentionality. Every square foot matters when you live in a tiny apartment, making the minimalist approach the perfect choice.
Benefits of practicing minimalism for small spaces
Reducing the number of things in your home makes it open and inviting. Instead of being a space you dread returning to, it becomes a welcome environment that provides rest and relaxation. Here are some of the simple benefits of practicing minimalism in small spaces.
- Less time spent cleaning | When you eliminate excess clutter in your home, you no longer need to spend time and energy caring for it. Instead of spending all weekend moving your clutter to clean around it, you can have a clean space in less than an hour, giving you time to enjoy your hobbies.
- Brings more joy | Minimalism allows you to let go of anything that does not serve a purpose or bring you joy. When you only have things you use and love, you will experience more joy when walking through your home.
- Facilitates more community | One of my favorite benefits of having a minimalist(ish) home is the community that comes from opening my house up to guests every week. Because I do not feel like I have to spend all day cleaning, I can focus on building community with family and friends.
What minimalism looks like in small spaces
Small spaces can get cluttered so quickly, which is why minimalism is such a valuable tool. Here is an example of some things you would find (or not find) in a minimalist home.
- Clear the Clutter | Minimalist homes are usually clutter-free, with only one or two sentimental pieces on display.
- Create storage where you can | Minimalists are great at making spaces out of nothing as part of their efforts to keep their houses open.
- Consider less furniture | If you look at a minimalist home, you might notice less furniture. This is because minimalists keep only what they truly need and opt to let go of any furniture they do not use.
How to create your dream minimalist home
Before you can begin your journey towards minimalism, you must start with a mindset shift. Minimalism is not a one-time project but a lifestyle change that encourages using and loving what you have. Ask yourself what you value in life, and make changes so your home reflects that. Keep the things you use regularly, and consider donating whatever you haven’t touched (or thought about) in years.
Start with one room or category
Decluttering is key to minimalism, but it can feel overwhelming at times. So start with one room or category and work through your house. Don’t worry if there are days that you are feeling extra overwhelmed or you only have 20 minutes to declutter. Choose a small project for those days, such as cleaning out one shelf in your closet or a small section of a room you know you can get done.
One of the best areas to start your minimalism journey is in your closet. Clothes are something that everyone has in excess these days, and because you regularly wear your clothes, you know what you love and what can go.
Keep only the essentials
No matter what space you decide to declutter, you must make some tough choices. Consider following the “keep, discard, donate” method to help you in the process. If you come across something you love or use often, place it in the keep pile. When you find something you don’t love or use, feel free to put it in the donate pile or discard pile, depending on if the item is still good quality. Following this process will help you clear out your home quickly because you can take the discard directly to the trash and the donate can go straight to your local thrift store.
Another useful pile to have is the “time will tell” bin. Grab a large tote or garbage bag, and place anything you are unsure of inside. If, over the next 3-6 months, you decide you need something from that bin, you can easily retrieve it. Otherwise, don’t open it for 3-6 months and then go through it again. Now you should be able to tell if any of those items are worth keeping or if you can donate the box.
Clear the floors
If you’ve ever seen a picture of a minimalist house, one of the first things you will notice is the clear, open floors. This isn’t by accident – anything left on the floor tends to look like clutter, making the room feel smaller than it is. In small spaces, this effect is even more pronounced because there is no room to spare. Make it you goal in every room to only have furniture touching the floors and everything else picked up.
If you need some extra floor storage, consider a large basket for blankets or kids toys. This over-the-door hanging basket would be perfect to add to a closet to keep things out of sight. And a storage bench is the perfect addition to keep shoes concealed in the entryway.
clean off surfaces
Similar to having clear floors, having surfaces clear of clutter will free up brain space and save you from unwanted anxiety. Although those nicknacks were cute when you bought them, they tend to accumulate and overcrowd each other, making it so you don’t enjoy any of them. Kitchen appliances are also famous for stealing the joy out of cooking because you have to work around them. Declutter anything that is on open surfaces and see if you can find a home for anything that remains.
Related post: Christian Minimalism | How a Popular Concept Points To God
Take minimalism to the extreme in small spaces
Another thing to consider when it comes to decluttering is that we tend to only use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. This is known as the Pareto Principle and can be helpful when making those tough decisions. If you want to make an extreme declutter, consider setting yourself a goal of getting rid of 80% of your possessions. You may surprise yourself by how much excess you have in your home.
Minimalism design tips for small spaces
Decluttering is the first step to gaining your minimalist home, but sometimes it isn’t enough to create the cozy space you dream of. A minimalist design promotes a home where you can relax and be comfortable, which is particularly beneficial in small spaces. Consider using some of these tried and true tips to create your dream minimalist space.
Use the same color palette
Typically, minimalists stick to a neutral color palette featuring whites, grays, and earthy tones. Although these colors do promote a calming aesthetic, don’t feel the need to get rid of color completely. Simply stick to one or two colors within your color palette while leaving the rest more neutral and cohesive.
use plain colors or simple patterns
Too many patterns can be overwhelming to the eyes, so try to stick to clean lines for furniture and decor. Although there is nothing wrong with having some pattern in your home, less is more when it comes to a minimalist design.
Use decor sparingly
Instead of displaying an entire row of Target finds on your shelves, consider choosing just a few meaningful pieces that bring you joy when you see them. A minimalist approach to decor allows your home to feel relaxed and uncluttered while emphasizing what is important to you.
Keeping it minimal
It can feel amazing to finally have your house decluttered and set just the way you like it. However, if you aren’t careful, over time things will accumulate back up and crowd your perfect home. In order to stop the chaos from erupting, consider implementing the “one in, one out” rule. This is as simple as it sounds. Anytime you bring something into your home, let it replace something you already own. For example, if you find the perfect cozy sweater, take a look inside your closet and evaluate if you have a sweater you no longer care for.
Another great way to keep your home clutter-free is to keep a donate box in a closet and anytime you come across something you no longer use or love, simply add it to the box. When the box becomes full, take it to your local thrift store with no regrets!
This post gave you tips and tricks on how to practice minimalism to keep your small spaces peaceful and functional.
