I wondered to myself the other day about how committed to this minimalism journey I am? What would be considered going too far with this concept, and is it negatively permeating other areas of my life? 

When I get into an idea, interest, or passion, I tend to be the kind of person that takes it and runs. I spend a lot of time researching it and then applying it. It’s safe to say that there have been instances over the last 7 or 8 years where I might have made a few mistakes and unintentionally gone overboard with going less.

If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “how minimal is too minimal?” have a read through the list below to see if you can relate.

HOW MINIMAL IS TOO MINIMAL?

You’ve needed something soon after getting rid of it.

For me, this has taken the form of missing a sweater or a pair of shoes that I’ve just put in the donation bag. For others, it could be getting rid of a family member’s belongings (either your kid’s or your partner’s) while caught up in the moment of organizing and decluttering and taking it too far. 

When you find yourself in a panic tearing the house apart, looking for something, praying to God that you didn’t accidentally give something away – You might have been too hasty.

What’s helped me overcome this is now leaving a three-month holding period for anything I mean to donate. Suppose the urge comes up about its whereabouts, or I suddenly want to put together an outfit with one specific item that I thought I would never wear again. In that case, I know exactly where to find it and avoid Discarder’s Remorse (Yes, I just invented that term myself).

Not being able to entertain more than one other person properly.

I am all for zero waste and not hoarding unnecessary kitchen items. In fact, I’ve talked about my love for meal kits and their low waste benefits in a previous blog post. But – if you can’t decently host at least a few of your favourite people in your home for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you may need to do some essential shopping. Mind you, this all comes from personal experience, so I’m not trying to sound preachy. Try to have the basic cooking spices, utensils, glassware, seating, and kitchenware to make and host dinner for a small group, and you should be good to go.

This also applies to hosting overnight guests. We’ve all been in those situations where either we need to crash on someone’s couch, or someone needs to crash on ours. In cases like that, it’s always wise to have enough sheets, pillows, blankets, towels etc., for a friend or family member(s) to feel comfortable.

You’re not comfortable in your home.

One should spend time in all rooms of their home without feeling the lack of any essential item. For example, always having enough blankets to keep you warm on your couch, enough furniture to comfortably lounge on with a partner or friend, or enough storage boxes for seasonal clothes. These items change depending on your personal needs, and you should never ignore them.

When minimalism starts to feel like a burden rather than peace.

If you identify too much with the concept and begin to feel like you have to adhere to some strict minimalist code of conduct constantly, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your choices. Don’t feel the need to give up on any creative hobbies requiring unique supplies or certain clothing items that you’ve had for years that hold sentimental value. Any time you feel you might be negatively impacted if you have to get rid of something, you have to take a step back and channel your decluttering energy somewhere else.

When it starts imposing on others too much.

If your family members are complaining that they can’t find something that you’ve recently binned on their behalf, then maybe you’re enjoying your minimalism journey a bit too much. It’s easy to get swept up in the storm of enjoying clear and empty spaces but not at the expense of a sour mood from someone special to us. Different things mean different things to people, and it’s rarely our place to get rid of something that isn’t ours. At least not without asking first.

When you don’t have enough stuff to keep you occupied.

Its’ always nice to get outside as much as possible. I’m not criticizing enjoying nature, socializing with friends or being out of the home more than you are in it. I’m just saying that for me, one thing I’ve noticed when I’ve lived with the bare minimum is that I end up getting too bored too quickly. Not having enough books to read, a television or iPad, or a music setup will have you staring at blank walls real quick. Don’t skip out on those if you need them. Besides, if you’re not an absolute loner, you will probably end up hosting a few people over at some point and will need those items to entertain.

In conclusion, since starting this blog, minimalism has been on my mind all day, every day. I’ve connected with many like-minded people in different sustainability forums who have inspired me further about the subject.

I will always advocate for living lightly, but I have to ensure I reign myself in. After all, life is short and meant to be enjoyed. Don’t be so strict with yourself that it makes you too stressed out or the ones around you.

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Thanks for reading.