<div><img alt="Minimalism" src="https://staging.rankandstyle.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Frns-dev%2Fmedia%2Farticle%2F93%2Fce%2Fminimalism_3oTZ9ZZ.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;q=75" height="500" width="500"/><div><p>Minimalism has been a buzzword for quite a while now, but what exactly does it mean? While it does have to do with literally “minimalizing” facets of your life, there’s actually quite a bit more to this trending term than you’d think. Ahead, we’re giving you the deets on what it takes to live a less-is-more lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><h4><b>The Values of Minimalism</b></h4><p>While it’s tempting to try to reduce minimalism to a single statement, perhaps the best way to properly understand the concept is by breaking it down into some of its most important elements.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Living Intentionally</b></h4><p>First and foremost, minimalism should bring a sense of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuabecker/2018/02/28/the-case-for-minimalism/#597196717119">intentionality along with a realignment</a> to your life’s goals. What is the purpose of living? Are you simply going through the motions of your 9-to-5 job and post-workday spin class? Adopting a minimalist lifestyle is a good way to create a sense of intentionality and purpose for the very reason you wake up each morning.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is about your Mindset</b></h4><p>While minimalism may conjure up images of stark, white-walled living spaces, it isn’t really about the outward appearance. It’s an inward, internal, primarily mental effort to find your passions and discover what you really care about.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Resisting Peer Pressure</b></h4><p>We live in an internet-dominated, social media-obsessed world where everyone has an opinion on everything. Minimalism strives to resist the incredible peer pressure that so many opinions can have on a person’s psyche. It frees you to live your life confidently, as yourself, in every situation you find yourself in.</p><h4><b>Minimalism Breaks Away From the Material</b></h4><p>A true minimalist mindset naturally leads to owning less stuff, especially in a world where we’re constantly inundated by material things. However, the goal isn’t to prove a point or see how much you can deprive yourself of the things you need. It’s about breaking away from the unnecessary indulgences and keeping only the things you love—and it affects every level of life.</p><p>The concept of quality over quantity becomes key here. Rather than purchasing the cheapest bra you can find or stocking up on 7-for-$27 undies that you don’t really love, invest in the <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-underwear-for-women">best, quality-made undergarments</a> that will last for many washes and wears. Minimalism isn’t about having less stuff—it’s about filling your life with high-quality items you need and love.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Living Honestly</b></h4><p>Last but not least, remember that minimalism thrives on honesty. In a sense, all of the previous points reflect this sentiment. If you’re not being honest with everything from your mindset to your possessions, you’re lying to yourself. The minimalist lifestyle frees you to tap into who you really are and then shamelessly and honestly show that to the world.</p><h4><b>The Benefits of Minimalism</b></h4><p>While there are tons of obvious benefits to freeing yourself from material things and adopting an honest, intentional, and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, there are quite a few other benefits to minimalism, as well.</p><p>Minimalism promotes <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2019-02-12/millennial-money-minimalism-can-declutter-finances-too">healthy finances</a>.</p><p>Minimalism frees up time typically spent cleaning the clutter.</p><p>Minimalism enhances <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/201902/what-can-minimalism-do-mental-health">mental health</a> in multiple areas including stress and depression.</p><p>Minimalism enables a green, eco-friendly lifestyle.</p><p>Minimalism can lead to better relationships with the people around you.</p><p>And, of course, these are just a handful of the most impactful elements of minimalism. Even if you’re sold on the concept at this point, though, the challenge that still remains is how to live minimally.</p><h4><b>Tips for Living a Minimalist Lifestyle</b></h4><p>For starters, take a deep breath and relax. The minimalist lifestyle is actually quite a bit easier to adopt than you might have guessed. Below, find a few quick tips to help you shift your mindset in a minimalist direction.</p><h4><b>Set Clear, Achievable Goals</b></h4><p>Heading through your house with a garbage bag and a ruthless determination to rid yourself of every item that doesn’t spark joy is not the best way to kick off a minimalist life. In fact, it’ll probably lead to a bit of remorse before you know it. The best way to start? Sit down and set some clear, achievable goals.</p><p>What do you want to accomplish? Do you have tons of clothes with the tags still on them as a result of too many impulse purchases? We’ve all been there. Rather than simply donating them all, consider building a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-essentials-for-a-capsule-wardrobe">capsule wardrobe</a> first so you can see what you really value and are willing to wear on a regular basis.</p><p>If you have too much stuff cluttering up your living spaces, come up with <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-2019-home-decor-trends">a specific design</a> and aesthetic for each room before getting rid of the unnecessary decor, while taking care to keep whatever adds value to the space. In other words, start with small, basic, achievable goals, and have a plan in place to achieve them.</p><h4><b>Quality Over Quantity</b></h4><p>Every time you invest your hard-earned money into something for your home, do it with an eye towards quality. One of the initial, tangible effects of minimalism is a reduction of your possessions. </p><p>Only keep the things that bring genuine purpose and meaning to your life. This applies to everything you purchase for your home. When you get something new, make sure it’s made to last.</p><h4><b>Start Small</b></h4><p>Minimalism can have a dramatic effect on every element of your life. It’s not something you can achieve overnight, and it’ll take time to make a shift in your mindset.. Remember, you’re trying to set achievable goals as you start out. </p><p>It doesn’t matter if you live in a tiny studio apartment or a gorgeous, five-bedroom home—you’re going to want to tackle one section of your living space at a time. Start with a smaller area like a bedroom, bathroom, or even your car. If you take on too much at once, you’re going to get overwhelmed fast. Whatever your situation, make sure you start small.</p><h4><b>Stay Focused</b></h4><p>Finally, remember to stay focused. You’re not doing this for a week, a month, or even a season of life. Minimalism is a long-term commitment. Remember to circle back to your goals and check in on your progress from time to time. </p><p>Are you maintaining a healthy mindset? What about your possessions? Do they all provide some sense of value? It’s amazing how quickly old habits can creep back into the picture. Strive to stay focused, and you’ll stay on track.</p><h4><b>Living a Minimalist Lifestyle</b></h4><p>Choosing to live a minimalist lifestyle is a wonderful thing. Harness that passion and excitement and use it to fuel your initial push towards freeing your mind, reducing your possessions, and living your life with utter intentionality. </p><p>As you shift your mindset, living spaces, and overall attitude towards life to match your new minimalist lifestyle, you’ll begin to find freedom from financial concerns, an easing of the stresses of life, and better relationships with those around you. Once you’ve gotten a taste of the incredible benefits a minimalist lifestyle can bring, you’ll never want to go back.</p><p><i>Opening image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-design-minimal-1087819/">pixabay.com</a></i></p></div></div>

Minimalism

What Is It, What Are Its Benefits, and How Can You Incorporate It Into Your Life?

<div><img alt="Packing Light" src="https://staging.rankandstyle.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Frns-dev%2Fmedia%2Farticle%2F2b%2F4f%2Fpacking-light-how-to-pack-a-carry-on-bag_cZbQ1ox.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;q=75" height="500" width="500"/><div><p>Packing light has several advantages, especially since more and more airlines are adopting a la carte pricing policies. These new fees often include charges for checked baggage. Baggage fees are the norm for low-cost carriers, and major airlines charge passengers for checked luggage on domestic and regional routes. The cost can range from <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/AirlineFees">$25-$100</a> for one checked bag each way, depending on the route and the airline. That means that unless you travel with carry-on-only, you may add $50-$200 more to the cost of a round trip flight. </p><p>Cost isn’t the only advantage of packing light. Have you ever had to wait for your suitcase at baggage claim? Most baggage claim areas are beyond security, so crowds can be even worse there than at check-in. If you master the art of packing a carry-on, you can breeze past this congested part of the terminal and leave the airport quickly. </p><p>You will also avoid the chance of having the airline lose your bag. <a href="https://apex.aero/2017/05/04/sita-baggage-report-2017-lost-luggage-technology">Airlines have been getting better at handling baggage</a>, but they still lose about five bags per 1,000. If you travel enough, it’s likely you will eventually lose a bag. With carry-on luggage, you can avoid this possibility.</p><h4><b>Why Master the Art of Packing Light?</b></h4><p>Carry-on-only travel has advantages, but it also has drawbacks. If you are not used to it, it can seem almost impossible to pack everything that you need while accounting for variables such as TSA restrictions.  </p><p>However, once you master the different aspects of packing light, you will see that traveling with a carry-on is possible, and it will save you time and money. Here is what you need to know about traveling light. </p><h4><b>Get The Right Bag</b></h4><p>Airlines have very specific rules for carry-on luggage. Enforcement of these rules can vary, but it is best to be on the safe side and get a bag that meets the published size requirements. Legacy carriers, such as <a href="https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/during-your-trip/carry-on.html">Delta</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp">American Airlines</a>, say that a suitcase needs to be 22" x 14" x 9".  It pays to <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/airline-baggage-fees-american-delta-united-jetblue-air-canada-westjet">research luggage size requirements</a> before you fly. Some airlines allow slightly larger sizes, and others require smaller cases.</p><p>Luggage manufacturers are aware of these rules, and they make <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-carry-on-luggage">stylish and functional carry-on suitcases</a> that meet most airlines’ requirements. Some of these bags are adjustable. Usually, this means they have a zipper that, when open, allows the suitcase to expand by an inch or so. </p><p>In addition to the right bag or luggage, getting <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-travel-accessories-on-amazon">the right travel accessories</a> for your personal needs and your destination can help make packing light even easier. From compact tools to luggage organizers and compressors, there are a lot of useful items that can empower you to bring the necessities and keep your luggage manageable.</p><h4><b>Bring Versatile Clothing</b></h4><p>One of the most challenging aspects of packing light is choosing what to bring and what to leave. One way to deal with the “should I pack it” question is to only bring clothing items that you can mix and match. For example, each top that you pack should be able to fit with two or three different bottoms. To accomplish this, you can work within a specific color scheme or opt for clothes with neutral colors. Be sure to pack for the weather in your destination. If you are not 100% certain about the forecast, bring clothing that you can easily layer. </p><p>If you are taking a longer trip, rather than packing more, you can plan to do a load of laundry mid-trip. </p><h4><b>Use Packing Organizers</b></h4><p><a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-handbag-organizers">Packing organizers</a>, such as compression bags or packing cubes, give packers two vital advantages. First, they allow you to organize your suitcase. Even though you only have a 22” x 14” of space, cubes can help keep your items organized. </p><p>Secondly, cubes or bags allow you to maximize the number of items that you can fit into your suitcase by compressing everything as much as possible. Manufacturers make cube sets that are specifically for standard-size carry-on cases. </p><h4><b>Be Strategic With Liquids</b></h4><p>Choosing clothing items might be the biggest challenge for some carry-on users, but for many, the most significant packing problem comes from TSA liquid restrictions. Currently, the TSA allows three containers that have 3.4 ounces of liquids or less. These rules include aerosols, gels, and pastes. You need to carry liquid items in a separate, clear bag that you can take out during the security screening. Some companies manufacture <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-tsa-approved-toiletry-bags">convenient, TSA-approved toiletry bags</a> to make the security checkpoint process easier. </p><p>The liquid rules sometimes change, so you need to <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule">check with the TSA</a> before traveling. You can limit the impact of these restrictions by opting for solid soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics, and deciding which items you can purchase at your destination.</p><h4><b>Forget “Just In Case” and “What If” Items</b></h4><p>For the average traveler, a lot of suitcase space gets taken up with “just in case” items. Hopefully, you have already packed all your necessities, and your strategic and versatile clothing choices can help you deal with the weather. At this point in your packing process, you should ask if you really need to bring any additional items. </p><p>If you think that you “might” need an item, the odds are probably against you having to use it. If you do need something that you didn’t pack, you can always purchase it at your destination. </p><h4><b>Ask About Amenities</b></h4><p>If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, you should research the available amenities before you leave. In some cases, you can even call and ask for something that the hotel does not mention on their website. They may provide you with something extra if you request it beforehand. </p><p>“Amenities” may not just cover things such as toothpaste and shampoo, but also hairdryers and larger items. If you do not have to bring a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-hair-dryers-2014">hairdryer</a>, you will have that much more space in your suitcase. </p><h4><b>Double-Check What You Can Bring</b></h4><p>TSA liquid restrictions affect what you can bring, but other regulations can cause problems at security checkpoints. Some of these rules, such as bans on lighters, knives, and hazardous chemicals, are obvious. Others, such as restrictions on the size of scissors and clippers that you can have, are less obvious. You can find <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all">lists of accepted and prohibited items on the TSA website</a>. </p><h4><b>Continually Re-evaluate and Reduce</b></h4><p>Review your strategies during and after each trip. What items did you need that you didn’t bring? What things stayed in your suitcase the whole trip? What items were easy to purchase at your destination? While you can follow specific strategies for carry-on-only travel, your personal travel needs are different from the needs of others. Because of this personal dynamic, there is always going to be an element of trial and error while you learn to pack carry-on luggage. </p><p>If you see the size of your suitcase and TSA regulations as guidelines for your packing, rather than limitations, you can succeed in your efforts to learn the art and science of carry-on-only travel.</p><p><i>Opening image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/luggage-packed-travel-trip-1081872/">pixabay.com</a></i></p></div></div>