Some Pros and Cons of Minimalism

Over the past year, I've increasingly become more of a minimalist. I'm all about "simple" living, and I feel like "living with less" goes hand in hand with that concept.

Matt tells me that when he mentions to his coworkers that he has four kids, one of their most frequent responses is how busy we must be.

Yes, of course we're busy. But when you have less STUFF sitting around in your house, fewer toys and clothes and books and everything else, there is honestly less TO DO.

But minimalistic living has pros and cons.

CONS:

If you have one mint-colored tank top (that you really like), and it gets discolored in the wash (who knows why), then... it effects *several* outfits, and not just one tank.

Your husband suggests an afternoon away at a state park, and you have to go out and buy shorts AND lace-up shoes, because you don't own any.

You sell your church shoes. Then, you must wear flip-flops to church until you buy another pair of church shoes.

You hear the incredible idea of only wearing what you LOVE. So you get rid 3 shirts, and you're left with three.

What you wear for pajamas are also staples in your during-the-day wardrobe.

You overhear a conversation between your kids and the neighbor kids...
Neighbor Kid: Do you have any dolls?
Your kid: No.
NK: Do you have any dress-up clothes?
Your kid: No.
NK: Do you have any games?
Your kid: Yes, we have a matching game.
NK: Well, what do you play?
Your kid: We play blocks. And we draw. And we play outside. Aaand... that's it.

Your husband is leaving for a business trip, and you realize he doesn't have enough nice socks to carry him for even a short trip, considering he wouldn't be doing the wash every day!


PROS:

Packing for a trip is a cinch. You open your kids' drawers, pull out their nicest clothes (leaving *not much* in their drawer), and pack it into a suitcase.

You tell your kids to clean up their toys, and they stick all their blocks in a couple boxes. BOOM. Done.

You tell your kids to clean up their books, and they grab their few books (scattered around the house) and stick them in a basket. Done.

Everything has a place--whether it's the diapers, the shoes, or the cooking utensils. There's only one or two of each item (okay, besides diapers ;)), so as long as it's returned to its proper place, it's not easily lost.

Laundry is simplified, and there's less OF it.


We aren't completely minimalistic, believe me. I love variety in accessories, for example, and so the girls have an entire BOX of hairbands and bows.

But for this season of life, living with LESS has been so helpful. There are fewer messes, which are easier to clean up... For me personally, there's less stress, too, so I can focus on doing what I enjoy!