Minimalist life set-up at 27
What is minimalism?
Many definitions can be found with this word on the internet. For me, it’s living simply with less. Many people live this kind of lifestyle without defining it. Others live by the definition of this lifestyle. Individuals and families choose this lifestyle for different reasons and purposes, again there’s no single principle that governs this lifestyle. I see it as a flexible way of lifestyle and there’s no rule on how minimal is minimal.
You can check the website of theminimalists.com if you feel that my definition is not enough. This website is governed by two guys who are on the hall of fame for minimalism, and it would be not right not to give credit to them.
How do I get here?
I’m still in the process of being a minimalist. In my childhood days, I used to have lots of things and loves to collect or hoard stuff. But my father would remind me again and again on how I should not be hoarding toys or things. He was the real minimalist. He only wears white T-shirts, a few clothes, and does not buy things he doesn’t need. But it could also be that money was difficult during those times for our family. However, when he died, we went through his stuff and he had left only a few things after living six decades, and that made me think of my life. When I die, where would all of my stuff go? I prefer to die and be remembered for the experiences that I had with the people around me than be remembered for the stuff that I had acquired.
What do I own and what I’d like to own:
- Macbook- I have had my Macbook Air in 2018. It’s still working fine after 4 years and I do not think of departing from it even when I could afford a new one. The cons of this one are that eventually it gets saturated with files, and then it becomes full. There is a solution to this which I am still planning to buy, one terabyte of an external hard drive.
- Mobile Phone- It’s difficult not to have one. I am using an android phone (Samsung) and I am sometimes feel pressured to switch to iPhone. The phone I have today is the one I got 2 years ago, I may upgrade but not soon. I think as long as you are happy with your phone there’s no need to change every time there is a new one in the market. Also, I only have 2 cases that I am switching whenever I feel like it. Some people fell into the trap of buying more cases than they usually need. If you opt to save and be minimal keep it to two and throw the rest.
- Mini Rice Cooker- An Asian living in Europe should buy her own rice cooker. Seldom is rice served in fast food chains or restaurants. So, I got a mini rice cooker that can cook quick noodles as well.
- Hair Blower- When you have to shower at night before bed, you do not want to be sleeping with wet hair and end up having colds in the morning. I got a travel size one, though I wish I really have a Dyson wrap.
- Luggage- I have two. One for hand carry which is something I am proud of having because I got it at a very discounted price since I bought it during the hiatus of the pandemic. The larger one is what I had since 2016. Even when you try to practice a minimal life, it does not mean that you are not going to travel.
- Clothes- I can count my clothes and I could remember the last time I wear them. Some people would be uncomfortable wearing the same clothes most times but then you will learn how to care less. Before, I used to care a lot about what people thought of my clothes, now, as long as my clothes are washed and they look presentable enough. I feel enough. Also, when you are outside and it’s winter or cold, you will have to wear a coat over it.
- Water Bottle- I have a thermos bottle, I have lost one of my Contigo bottle before at the airport, so I am more cautious now in bringing my bottle and I make sure it is not as expensive as Contigo because when it gets lost, I could not afford another heartbreak from losing a water bottle again.
- Shoes- This is where it gets tricky because I have like four. But I think it is already minimal considering that an average 27-year-old lady has like five pairs of shoes. Why it’s four? It is because it is the number I need. I have a pair of white Keds sneakers, one pair of black shoes for work, one pair of ankle boots, and one running shoes. So, I am thinking of adding some lady’s shoes, like the nude ones but I do not know when would I need it, so it’s still an idea.
- Three bags- There are people who could live with only one everyday bag, and I wish I was like them. However, I need to have a small body bag for shopping. A tote bag for travels or for throwing in everything. And, last but not the least, a backpack for work.
- Yoga Mat- This one is still on my list. I usually use any mat at home, so when I moved out, I couldn’t do yoga properly yet. Getting a yoga mat is not that necessary but it kind of motivates you to do some physical activity.
- Kindle- I love books, actually I am more obsessed with paperbacks but when you try to be a minimalist you can’t hoard physical books because they’ll end up as clutter. Quite an expensive stuff, so I am looking for second-hand ones or maybe wait until the sale comes before I buy it.
- Guitar- I used to have a guitar when I was thirteen years old but then it got ruined by the typhoon. I’ve only borrowed guitar thereafter. Right now, I am looking for a second-hand guitar because again a brand new is quite expensive. I’m really not that good at playing the guitar, I am more of a beginner always, however, I’d like to always challenge the musical side of my brain. A guitar might be bulky in moving around, so I am just getting a smaller size. Also, I feel hesitant about this because I am not a musician, and being seen around moving with a guitar is quite awkward. Also, I am a Swiftie so it would be sad if Taylor releases a new song and I couldn’t play it.
The rest of the stuff I use is owned by my landlord, like the couch, I am sitting in, the mattress bed except the two pillows and duvet, closet, TV, and dining set in my room. I don’t intend to stay renting forever, when I envision the future, I’d like to imagine having my own house. However, being a minimalist renting in a shared house or flat makes much more sense. If I move to a different country again or even just in another house, I do not want to have so many things to be carrying with me.
In terms of the financial aspect of living a minimal lifestyle, some would say I could save a lot. It’s not true though, I mean, I am still starting out of a life away from my family, investing in this kind of lifestyle is not that cheap. I bet I still could have saved more if I am living in my parent’s house but it’s difficult to have a minimalist lifestyle if you’re environment is packed with things and stuff that your family can’t let go of because of various reasons.
As we journey in this life we tend to choose the lifestyle that we would like to have and what we could sustain. In my 27 years, I found that accumulating stuff is not for me. I’d rather invest my money in personal growth and giving to others, especially to my family. I believe I am privileged enough in my own place and I hope that living a minimal life could bring abundance to other aspects of my life and to other people I care for.
