
Minimalism is quite the buzzword these days, and for good reason. Have you ever wondered what all the hype was about? What is minimalism anyway
Today, I have a treat for you! Erin Tannehill of The Tannehill Homestead is here to explain the basics of minimalism and how it can benefit you.
The Basics of Minimalism
As women, we wear many hats and those hats pile up greatly over time. That is, until one day when we topple over due to the weight of these hats and realize that enough is enough
You have made the decision to live your best life {assuming because you follow Sarah}, but your routine may not always reflect your intentions
Six Principles Beginner Minimalists Should Follow
Before moving into the benefits of how minimalism will help, you need to learn the basics. Since minimalism is different for every woman, these are going to be a bit more broad than specific
1 // Start with decluttering
Decluttering the excess from your home will give you space to breathe. With less to clean around or organize, you gain time to do things that are a priority in your life
2 // Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Having a smaller wardrobe full of only the things you love to wear ensures you always feel beautiful. With the versatility of your clothes, you can always find a new way to wear something
Related Post: Capsule Wardrobe Rebuild
3 // Clean as you go
If you leave the living room headed towards the kitchen, see if there is anything that needs to be taken to the kitchen, such as empty glasses or plates {because who does not use the living room as their dining room at times?}.
By doing this along the way, cleaning does not seem like it is as grueling of a task.
4 // Implement the 90 Day Rule
Keep clutter at bay by going through your things, quickly or thoroughly, to see if anything needs to be donated or tossed
5 // Make YOU a priority
Minimalism resets your life so that you are able to determine what is most important. As a woman, it may be hard to hear that you have to put yourself first sometimes. However, if you want to live your best life, you do!
Establishing a self-care routine is a must for any minimalist, whether it is walking a scenic trail or getting a facial. Who knows, you may just want to lock yourself in a closet for a few minutes to get some peace
Related Post: Mental Cleanse Challenge
6 // Everything MUST have a home
If you cannot find a home for something that probably means that it is not important enough

Five Ways Minimalism Can Change Your Life
Now that you know the basics, we are going to discuss a few benefits that will result from implementing these basic minimalism principles. I told you that every woman can benefit from these, so now let me prove it to you!
1 // Cleaning takes less time
When you have less to move around to be able to clean, cleaning becomes a breeze. Furthermore, when you clean as you go, there is less to put away before you clean your home
From homemakers to career women, all women need more time to focus on the important things in life versus spending too much time cleaning the house.
Related Post: Minimalist Cleaning Routine to Maintain a Tidy Home
2 // Fewer decisions have to be made on mundane tasks
There are only going to be so many decisions made in the day. Do not waste them on wondering what you are going to cook for dinner or what you are going to wear
You instantly become more intentional in your day-to-day routine when you know you only have XYZ to choose from instead of the entire alphabet.
3 // You create routine flexibility
The hardest part about having a routine is having it interrupted for whatever reason.
By reducing the things you have down to essentials and maintaining self-care practices, these interruptions seem more like a little bump in the day versus a mountain.
Getting back into the flow of your normal routine will be nothing compared to before these implementations.
4 // Improved mental health
Having only the things you love and/or use, as well as a self-care routine, your mental health will improve. With an increased mental health, you can withstand more during the day and feel better!
The focus you need to power through your to-do list comes easier, and your patience seems to last a bit longer.
5 // You have time for what is important to you!
What do you value? Because minimalism provides time for that.
Personally, I love to garden, tend to our farm animals, and piddle with hobbies; but I also work full-time, attend a college that is an hour away twice a week, and run a blog.
Before I became a minimalist, I could not have done all of this together.
Because I implemented these minimalism basics, I am able to receive these benefits.
The best part is that you can have the same control over your life! Do not let the things occupying your home and mind determine the life you lead.
You deserve more than that!

Hi! I am Erin, owner of The Tannehill Homestead. I am a wife, fur baby momma, small farmer, and kombucha obsessed! I love sharing how simple living can change your life by getting back to the basics, removing the excess, and focusing on what is most important. You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and join my Facebook Group!
Thank you so much to Erin for sharing with us today! Be sure to head over to her blog or comment below to let her know how much you enjoyed hearing from her.
I have been decluttering our home for a while now and it has made a world of difference. While I have never considering what I am doing to be minimalism, I suppose it is. There are so many benefits to getting rid of all of that excess stuff. I do feel happier in our home and I look forward to finding more items that we don’t need anymore. Even though it’s been a long process, and there is still lots to do, I am so happy that I did this. The one thing I haven’t worked on is creating a capsule wardrobe, but that is now on my list to do.
We just moved into a smaller house, and we’re doing some MAJOR decluttering. It feels amazing! I would like to try a capsule wardrobe, too.