Written by Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store
The need for more space is a common problem. From expanding the family to the growing collection of seasonal items and accumulated ‘tat’ – there are many reasons we find ourselves seeking more room. Furthermore, with rising uncertainty around the UK housing market, the option to upsize and move is providing its own set of challenges, leaving many searching for ways to improve and embrace the space they have rather than joining the property hunt.
However, finding ways of optimising your current living situation, especially when it is cluttered with the everyday build-up of family objects, memorabilia and ‘saved for a later day items’, can be an extremely daunting task – often creating the feeling of being overwhelmed or ‘boxed-in’. This is affirmed by Civic Science, which found that post-pandemic living has encouraged an increased number of people to consider minimalism, as we focus on what really matters.
As a result, more homeowners are starting to embrace the art of minimalism, a mindful approach to consumption, that also helps to prioritise storage to create a balanced, organised and harmonious living space. By utilising various yet simple techniques, homeowners can unlock the benefits of minimalism and optimise their living space – without costing the earth.
Out with the old, organising the new
Its well-known that decluttering can make your space feel tidier, bigger and more organised. Not only can decluttering improve the overall aesthetic, but it also goes a long way in improving our feelings at home too. In fact, a recent study from the North Texas University found that more than 85% of people reported a connection between active minimalism and improved well-being.
The first step to decluttering and achieving that minimalist lifestyle in your home is to start by making your way through the space and throwing out items that no longer serve a purpose. A general rule of thumb to follow is if you haven’t used an item in a year then you may not need it anymore.
Secondly, it’s important to avoid making piles of belongings by ensuring that everything has a home, and if it doesn’t, question its importance in your life. Do I need this? Does this serve me? These simple yet effective questions can cut through the noise and help inform pragmatic decisions.
Starting from the inside
When it comes to obtaining minimalism, it’s important to remember that less is more.
Once you have removed any unnecessary clutter from your home, it is time to start working from the inside out – the interiors.
Often referred to as the heart of the home, the living room is a place where you want to feel zen, and there are several things that you can do to achieve this. In fact, decades of studies have shown that the use of natural light and calming colours has a positive effect not only on mental well-being but also on physical health. By sticking to simplicity and keeping colours soft and neutral in the living room, you can create a monochromatic environment of natural tones which are a great way of creating a relaxing and balanced vibe.
Another useful tip for the home is by adding mirrors into smaller spaces to give the illusion of a larger interior while increasing the amount of light in a room. By maintaining this concept throughout the house, you can create a serene space that is cohesive as well as embracing minimalistic practices.
It’s also important to bring this concept to areas that might traditionally be busier, for example, the kitchen. By increasing worktop space and storing away unnecessary items, it will help to open up the space, widen the eye line and ultimately reduce the chaos that can easily occur.
Seek alternative storage solutions
Although the thought of implementing minimalist practices into your life may sound straight forward, not everyone can allow for it without having to part with personal belongings that still bring joy.
Self storage and minimalism may sound contradictory, but in fact, both can go hand-in-hand to help to reduce overconsumption while enabling you to still enjoy your personal belongings. Essentially, it is a great solution for storing away seasonal items, furniture and clothing that would otherwise consume a lot of space.
One of the main benefits of self storage is that it only requires an individual to pay for the size of the space they need, while providing the flexibility for securely storing necessities, from family bikes to Christmas decorations. It can be especially useful when downsizing or relocating too, as affirmed by the latest SSA UK Industry Report, which revealed 30% of all self storage customers are involved with move-related reasons.
Ultimately, when used correctly, self storage can be a useful tool for achieving minimalism when your circumstances may not always allow for it.
Minimal fuss, maximum impact
Whilst creating a minimalist lifestyle may sound initially overwhelming, there are easy ways to transform your space. Whether it’s through embracing simplicity through decluttering, accentuating the interiors through light or embracing alternative storage solutions – minimalism can be achieved and will create a lasting impact on mental well-being, home harmony and space optimisation for the short and long-term.
About the author
Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store
Established in 2005, Ready Steady Store is one of the fastest growing self storage providers with cost effective storage units located in the Midlands, and South, North and East of England.
