Many people want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle at home but don’t know where to start. An important first step is being more mindful about the items you bring into your space — minimalists avoid surrounding themselves with objects that lack a clear purpose.
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According to The Spruce, three professional organizers and minimalists shared the five categories of decor purchases they regret the most over the years. Knowing these tips can help you keep your home organized, functional, and stylish.
1. Large furniture
Every room needs essential furniture, but don’t rush to buy the first sofa that looks appealing. Minimalists like Michelle Parravani, co-founder of Designing with Less, emphasize that oversized furniture can overwhelm a space.
“Buying furniture that’s too big for your space will always make it feel like there’s too much stuff in the house,” says Parravani, noting that the saying “less is more” applies to all items, not just small objects.
She recommends optimizing the quantity and size of furniture, such as choosing a loveseat and an accent chair instead of a bulky sectional sofa.
2. Single-use kitchen items
Before buying the latest trendy kitchen gadget, think about whether it will actually be useful. According to Parravani, minimalists don’t fill their kitchens with appliances they rarely use, such as bread machines or electric rice cookers.
Avoid anything you won’t use daily or weekly to keep your kitchen clean and functional.
3. Trendy accessories
Buying trendy decorative objects for the home can create unnecessary clutter, explains Parravani.
“It’s better to walk into a store with clarity about what you really need and leave the rest on the shelf,” she says.
Vanessa Ruiz, professional organizer at Sparkly Maid San Antonio, adds: “These objects often look out of place and rarely find a permanent home or purpose.”
Investing in timeless decor helps avoid regret and supports a minimalist aesthetic.
4. Travel souvenirs
Millie Naor, founder of Bella Organizers, warns against souvenirs and travel keepsakes: “At the moment, you think they’ll give your home a special touch, but they often end up stored away in a closet.”
Avoid bringing home items that don’t match your current style or don’t provide lasting joy. This saves both money and space.
5. Non-functional items
Minimalists prioritize practicality and aesthetics in decorating. Ruiz explains: “If an item isn’t striking or functional, it will likely be recycled or stored away.”
For example, a pretty but uncomfortable vanity isn’t worth the space it takes up. The same goes for decorative objects without a clear function, which can obstruct views and make cleaning more difficult.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines from minimalism and organization experts (The Spruce), you can avoid impulse purchases and keep your home harmonious, functional, and stylish, while making the most of every space.
Source: The Spruce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
