This article explains how I merge together being frugal and a minimalist at the same time. I show you the benefits and tradeoffs that are needed.
I will write about them in the order of becoming a minimalist, starting with decluttering.
Frugal and a minimalist
I am not only a minimalist, but also frugal. In my opinion, both lifestyles do work very well together, but you have to finetune.
Decluttering
One of the first activities you do as a minimalist is decluttering. Or at least, it is a central action that you have to make.
The minimalist in you will probably use one of the decluttering methods and slowly clean up your home. One useless item after another will be gone and sooner or later you will find your home with only the things you need. This is a process that takes time and effort.
However, the frugal side in you couldn’t like that. You may have all these items, electronics or tools you have kept because you thought “I might need it someday”. Also, you might think that throwing away is like burning money.
In my case, I rather tend to minimalism, even extreme minimalism. The reason is that I know what I need and what not. I had a lot of books, games, memories, tools that just lie around and do not serve anything. Thanks to minimalism, I reduced my consumption and now own a lot less. I now use my clothes, my drill, my few electronics and the rest that I really need, and not someday.
The best thing that in my city is a place where you can (as a member) loan things ranging from a hammer to a pizza oven. So if I plan something with my friends, I do have access. As they say, sharing is caring.
After a quick search, I found Rückify that promotes itself with “Rent anything from anyone”.
Saving and spending money
This is another moment that can be difficult for you to decide on. Do I rather buy quality clothes that are expensive or not? How much should I save on eating out, subscriptions and more?
Those are all valid questions, and there are again two sides:
The minimalist in you wants to have a fulfilled environment, but minimalistic. Therefore, you should invest in things that are important to you. If you are an avid painter, you should buy yourself the tools and materials you want. However, you are still a minimalist and don’t consume too much. You still try to reduce spending, or rather consumption, like frugalism.
The frugal side in you wants or needs to cut down as much as you can. Also, you might want to spend almost nothing. I wrote an article about the Best ways to save money, if you are interested.
In my opinion, minimalism and frugality go hand in hand. I reduced a lot of spending in connection to food, subscriptions and shopping. In fact, I don’t own any more household insurance, because it would be cheaper and easier to buy the damaged or stolen items. However, I also invest money in good sports clothing where I feel good and I know that they last a few years.
I think that the solution to reduce everything is quite good. But you should make a line and invest in one or two areas that are important to you. Also, you shouldn’t deprive yourself.
In conclusion – minimalist and frugal
Finally, I wanted to show you with two examples that minimalism and frugality can work well together. They can even reinforce the trend to consume less or be more mindful.
Remember, you need way less than you think. Try these lifestyles out and make up your mind. It takes time and patience, but the reward can be totally worth it!