A year of minimalism: How to live with purpose in 2022

January

After Christmas, our homes are often full of new items gifted over Christmas, with plenty of leftover food in the cupboard from the celebrations.

Start your year of minimalism with a no-spend month (spending on only the essentials including bills, fuel and fresh groceries) so you can take stock of what you have, and use up everything you’ve already got available.

Start saving money towards something special, such as that summer trip you’ve always wanted to take.

February

Instead of gifting physical gifts for St. Valentine’s Day (or any other birthday or special occasion this month), consider a gift experience that someone can enjoy.

Giving memories, instead of things, shows extra thought and consideration, without cluttering their homes with extra items.

Experiences don’t always have to be pricey, cook a special meal for someone, or treat them to a home-cinema night with snacks and a film of their choice.

March

With a new season on the horizon, it’s time to begin a spring clean and declutter of your home and garden.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying items away or buying storage to hide them in, it’s about keeping what is practical, and what brings you happiness, then making intentional decisions to sell or donate what is not.

Imagine how much more space you’ll have without the clutter, and with less maintenance and time cleaning, you can use your time how you want.

April

Decluttering isn’t just about physical items, but it also digital products that no longer serve a purpose.

Make April the month for a digital declutter.

Start by unsubscribing from email newsletters that make you long for things you can’t afford, unfollow social media accounts and personalities that don’t make you feel good, and remove apps that tempt you into purchases you don’t need, or don’t benefit from.

It’s a good time to reduce time spent on social media.

May

Spend the month being intentional with your time, using it wisely to do things you want to.

It means not doing things out of habit, and saying no to things that take up time but bring no fulfilment or happiness.

Living intentionally means choosing to do things on purpose.

Be intentional with purchases, considering if they’re worth bringing into your minimalist home. A big part of intentionality is gratitude for what you already have, and how you’re choosing to spend your time and money.

June

Time to pack away the spring wardrobe and hang up summer clothes, ready for warmer days and balmy evenings.

Before buying anything new, go through everything you’ve got, including shoes and bags, and try them on to ensure they still make you feel good and are fit for purpose.

If there are things you no longer want, consider donating them to friends, family or a charity shop.

Don’t be tempted to keep something that you won’t wear, it clutters your space.

July

While the weather is warm and pleasant, enjoy the great outdoors. Base your activities around being outside, whether it’s a simple picnic, a trip to the seaside, or discovering a new rural area for a walk.

Discovering new places and having simple, cost-effective days out can help you to gain a new perspective, have new experiences, and a much-needed change of scenery away from home.

Collect memories as souvenirs, instead of adding extra physical clutter to your home.

August

With school holidays underway, diaries are often filled with activities, playdates, and days out.

This can feel overwhelming (for adults, as well as children!) financially and for time management.

Slow down and prioritise what’s important. It’s good to say no to events/activities you won’t enjoy, so you can use the time (and money) for other things.

Lazy days of slow living and simple fun can be enjoyed by everyone, as well as reducing pressure to keep up with everyone else.

September

As another season passes, take stock of what you have at home, so you can plan for purchases you may need to make for the autumn or winter.

Start by auditing the kitchen cupboards, and begin to use up what you already have in for suppers, or begin to batch cook these ingredients into meals for another day.

Consider if you need to buy items for the new season, such as weather-appropriate clothing and seasonal decorations by first checking what you already own.

October

The best way to have a minimal kitchen is to eat seasonally.

Having a selection of fresh, seasonal produce available for meals and snacks is a sustainable way to eat, and it will also change with every season so you will never get bored.

October is the season for squash, leafy greens, and figs!

November and December

During these months, be present. Christmas memories aren’t made on a high-street looking for perfect gifts, they’re made by being together, giving your time and being present in the moment.

Enjoy nativities, carolling, parties and family times in the spirit of the season and minimalism, with presence, happiness and joy.

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