I remember the moment minimalism first caught my eye. It was like opening a window to a different way of life – one that didn’t revolve around stuff, but rather on what truly mattered. Our journey to minimalism began with selling a whole house full of items and trading them for a simpler life in a small travel trailer. At the time, it felt like shedding an old skin, leaving behind a life we had outgrown. We were ready for change, and minimalism seemed to hold the key.

At first, I dove in deep, maybe a little too deep. Letting go of things felt liberating, almost intoxicating. The less we had, the lighter I felt. But as with anything, there were lessons in the extremes. There were moments where I had gone too far, getting rid of items I would later need. That’s when I learned one of minimalism’s core lessons: It’s not about deprivation, it’s about balance. My version of minimalism has evolved since then, into gathering little treasures that make my heart happy. I’m all about finding pieces that bring real joy, while still keeping things cozy and clutter free.

Our time traveling in the RV reinforced that for us. We had only a few boxes stored at my mom’s, and that was it. When we returned, we moved into a small condo and needed furniture. This time, I was intentional about what came into our space. I wanted to buy only what we need, but still make my house a home that reflects our style. Instead of running out and buying everything new, we turned to secondhand sources. Estate sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace. I quickly discovered that there’s something uniquely satisfying about finding just the right piece this way. Each item wasn’t just about filling a space, but about giving new life to something that had a history or had a purpose. Many items were gifted or collected over time.

Shopping secondhand became a bit of a treasure hunt. There’s a thrill in coming across that perfect piece that just needs a little love. Each find had its own story, and we got to be part of that story by bringing it into our home. It was more than just decorating, it was curating a space with character, personality, and intention.

In the process of sourcing furniture and other essentials secondhand, I also fell in love with the idea of sustainability. By choosing pre-loved items, we were reducing waste and supporting a more eco-conscious lifestyle. And honestly, it made our home feel even more special, knowing that everything inside was thoughtfully chosen, kindly gifted, or saved from being discarded. We had a few core small pieces of decor that stayed us with the whole way and I love the little story they hold.

As time went on, we would regularly reassess what we owned. Anything that no longer served us was sold or given away. Minimalism became a practice, not just a one time purge. It’s about continually making space for the experiences, relationships, and items that enrich our lives while letting go of the clutter that holds us back.

When we moved back into an RV last year, we decided to keep only some pieces storage, those thoughtfully curated items that held significance. This prepared us for our move to an off-grid cabin, where we walked in having most of what we needed. Every item that made it into our new home had earned its place, the result of years of mindful consideration.

Minimalism hasn’t just influenced our home, it has deeply transformed how we approach our finances. One of the unexpected joys of this lifestyle is the freedom that comes from simplifying not only our belongings but also our bills.

Living in a small travel trailer helped us realize how little we needed, and with that came a reduction in our expenses. A smaller space meant fewer things to buy, fewer things to maintain, and much lower bills.

As we moved into off-grid living, we made further adjustments. Investing in solar power meant we could cut out electricity bills entirely. Our initial setup was a commitment, but the reward has been independence from the grid, and long term savings.

The simplicity of minimalism extends to all areas of our lives, including our finances. By reducing monthly costs and unnecessary purchases, we’ve created more breathing room. We’re no longer tied to an overwhelming amount of financial obligations, which allows us to save for experiences or investments that align with our values. Minimalism has helped us create not just physical space, but financial space, giving us the freedom to live with less worry and more intention.

Minimalism, for us, is about finding balance. It’s a philosophy rooted in intentionality, being conscious of what we allow into our lives and why. It’s about removing the excess to make room for the essentials: time, experiences, connection, and a sense of peace. Along this journey, I’ve learned that minimalism isn’t just about owning less, it’s about making more room for the things that truly matter.

The ability to live simply, with fewer material possessions and lower bills, has been transformative. We’ve gained freedom from the constant pull of consumerism and found more time to focus on what truly enriches our lives. Whether it’s the joy of curating secondhand finds, the satisfaction of reducing our environmental impact, or the peace that comes with financial simplicity: Minimalism has reshaped how we live, allowing us to focus on the good stuff.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris