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Simple Living Vs Minimalism: What’s The Difference?

Simple Living vs Minimalism

I'm sure you've heard these two terms thrown around, especially as of late. But, what do they mean? Are they just two ways of saying the same thing? Are they different? Let me help you decipher these two lifestyles, their similarities and differences. Perhaps, you'll find that one of them is fitting for you and will help you find a new peace or joy in life.

Minimalism is a state of mind characterized by the absence of clutter and distraction from one's daily life.

Simplifiers, on the other hand, want less but don't mind having more stuff in their lives.

To summarize: the minimalists in this world like to live with less stuff and they are constantly modifying their lifestyle to reflect that. While those who choose simple living are looking to slow down from the rat-race.

If you want a strict ideology that will help guide your journey, minimalism is the lifestyle for you.

However, if you just want to embrace a simpler lifestyle without all the hassle of having to pare down your things (or even buy less in general), then simplicity is for you.

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Simplicity and minimalism are both about reducing possessions.

They can coexist peacefully. They also share some of the same ideals even though they are different styles of living.

Do the research to decide which lifestyle is best for you. Let's dig deeper into the differences and similarities of simple living vs minimalism.

What's the meaning of simple living?

Simplicity is a way of life that focuses on the value of things, not the things themselves. Simple living is a way of life that's easier and more slowed down.

It's choosing to find ways to make our lifestyle less complicated and more peaceful. People who practice simple living seek to restore balance back in their lives and spark a renewed sense of joy.

What's the meaning of minimalism?

Minimalism is a way of life that is all about making the most out of the smallest amount of content. A way of living that involves owning less in order to have only the things that bring one the most meaning and joy in life.

It can be practiced through decluttering the home of all of the items that aren't adding much value to your life, filling up space with all of the items that add more value to your life, and other aspects of life outside of decluttering the home.

Minimalism doesn't have to be one way – you can have a lot of things in your home that bring you joy, even if for someone else, they would see that as clutter.

Simple living vs minimalism, the difference

Simplicity is the key to minimalism.

Minimalism can be defined as the adoption of a lifestyle that is centered around the idea of living with less and spending more on experiences and belongings. Minimalism is a lifestyle that is based on the idea that life is better when it is simple. It's a philosophy that involves the reduction of possessions

Simple living is more broad and includes lifestyles beyond minimalism.

One example of simple living is homesteading, which involves growing one's own food and creating their own clothing and craft work. People who practice homesteading use renewable energy sources, such as wind power and solar power.

Another example of simple living is living off-the-grid, where a home is not connected to public electricity or other public utilities.

Should I practice simple living or minimalism?

There are minor differences between simplicity and minimalism. If you're unsure which lifestyle is right for you, try both and see what works best for you. Your perfect fit may be either lifestyle or something in between.

Simple living is a lifestyle that focuses on living with less. It's about consciously choosing what you want and need, and then eliminating the rest.

It's a lifestyle that can include refraining from luxury and indulgence. Living without some modern conveniences for some (off grid/homesteading).

Minimalism is a lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity and reducing the amount of possessions an individual has.

There are many benefits to practicing minimalism, including improved mental and physical health, decreased stress levels, and more time for leisure activities.

Some people choose to live a minimalist lifestyle because they believe it promotes greater happiness and well-being.

Life in harmony with ourselves, with the people we love, and with our environment is a core component of both lifestyles.

What is Simple Living?

Simple living is a lifestyle that focuses on less, being more sustainable and reducing the environmental impact of your life.

It is the pursuit of the things that make life wholesome and “cozy” by letting go of things that make it complicated.

Simple living doesn’t necessarily always involve owning as few things as possible . It can sometimes, if the principles of minimalism resonate with you, but it isn’t a requisite.

simple living vs minimalism

Going back to the basics is also a pretty prevalent feature in simple living.

Simplicity rejects the fast-paced, hectic lifestyle in favor of a slower, more sustainable approach.

Simplicity involves reducing or eliminating clutter and possessions in order to live with less materialism.

It emphasizes living naturally without using any artificial additives or technologies.

Simplicity is often associated with a return to traditional values and ways of life.

While simplicity may be appealing for some people, it can also be difficult to achieve and maintain due to its environmental and financial demands.

What is Minimalist Living?

Minimalist Living is a lifestyle where you live with less material possessions, and focus on the essentials. It is a philosophy that can be described as “less is more”. It focuses on the importance of simplicity and contentment, and is a way of life that emphasizes the importance of the experiences in life rather than the things.

simple living vs minimalism

Minimalist living is all about removing the unnecessary things in your life and living with only what you need.

It's not about living with scarcity. Rather, it is finding the most important things that bring you joy, happiness, growth and productivity through simplicity.

Minimalism is exploring limited things that are truly valued. Minimalists don't buy any random stuff or waste money on unnecessary things. But this does not mean that they lead a boring life. In fact, I can say that they are leading the happiest and quality lives!

A minimalist lifestyle is about prioritizing what is necessary- simplifying your life to focus on what's really important to you!

It's a path that can be applied to both the physical and mental aspects of life. Minimalist principles can be used to improve any area of your life, including relationships, work, and spirituality.

There is no one right way to live a minimalist lifestyle – it's up to you to find what works best for you.

What do I see the difference as?

Minimalism is more about the stuff, while simple living encompasses more than that.

For simple living, it's important to reduce their impact on the planet and live slower, while for those practicing minimalism it's important to live more intentionally and keep what adds value to their lives.

There is a difference between minimalism and simple living, but they are related in that they are both ways of life that involve less technology and more human interaction.

Living simply means living without unnecessary technology or possessions.

Minimalism is a trend that incorporates living simply, but it's not always clear whether it's just an act of old-fashionedness or whether people really do need less stuff. (Personally, I think we really do need less stuff)

Both minimalism and living simply are related to reconnecting with what it means to be human and have magical experiences.

Simple living vs minimalism isn't really a competition either. Neither lifestyle is better than the other in comparison, but one will fit you better and that's all that matters. What works for you is the key. What works for me may be different.

Are they really just the same?

Simple living and minimalism are intentional in their implementation. They both aim to create a happier, more meaningful life with much more time for things that really matter.

There is disagreement about whether simplicity and minimalism are lifestyles or just trends.

The final verdict on whether they are the same or different is subjective. They are not the same, just as they are not altogether different.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Simplicity and minimalism are found coexisting with each other. The sweet spot is at the intersection of the two philosophies.

To arrive at your versions of simple living and minimalism, try out simplicity and minimalism first.

Final Thoughts

I can't see myself cutting out most of my technology and I like some of my material things too much to transition to simple living, but minimalism is a perfect lifestyle for me. I enjoy my life more with the changes I've made towards a minimalist lifestyle and, while I wouldn't mind trying homesteading or living off grid, I just don't think they would be fitting for me long-term.

The goal of transitioning to either lifestyle is finding a sense of balance, peace and joy in your life. If you've been wondering about simple living vs minimalism, I hope this has helped answer some of your questions about both.

Do you have more questions? Ask away and I'll do my best to help you answer them!

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