How To Reach Minimalism: Best Apps, Books, Films…

Minimalism can be a trendy movement for some, a philosophy for others or merely an idea of a perfect lifestyle some desire to reach one day. Yet there is something that unites all of those groups: to achieve minimalism in its most effective and beneficial form, one has to have a clear plan for each step of the way. While minimalism presents a life that has as little stress, that overconsumption and clutter cause, as possible, it is no wonder that those who seek such life look for answers and instructions in a variety of sources. It is, after all, a perfect sense to make the journey towards minimalism easier following the guidance found in books, movies and actively using helpful apps designed to assist a minimalist in achieving a clutter-free life.

Documentaries and books about minimalism are in high demand since the outbreak of the latest pandemic. To simplify one’s life, home and schedule became a matter of importance for some, and the ability to control emerging desire to shop online constantly for others. As the AD says,  “Could these shows (and books) be in demand because filling your home with stuff has become too easy? During the online shopping era, as brick-and-mortar businesses lean into click-and-order instead, it seems like downsizing your way to happiness has never been so hard.” Says AD.

In this article, we have collected a list of documentaries, shows, books and apps that can be used by both; the one who is just starting in the minimalism journey and the one who needs the inspiration to keep going. Those are useful resources that not only allow an easy way to achieve minimalism but also can accompany you along the way offering ideas and support.

DOCUMENTARIES ABOUT MINIMALISM

Minimalism: A Documentary about the Important Things (2016)

The documentary tells the story of where The Minimalists (famous blog and podcasts, created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, that offer minimalism as an alternative to exhausting consumerism) began. Besides, it is an inspiring film that includes interviews with authors, scientists and other people who found this concept life-changing. For those who are just starting decluttering and simplifying the documentary will be an encouraging source that not only gives food for thought but stimulates to keep progress on.

Thrive With Less

The documentary records an inspiring set of challenges that a group of students from Michigan State University decided to pursue to prove that chasing after luxurious lifestyles became a destructive and obsessive idea of our generation. The film explores ideas of living in a smaller space, not dining out, limiting the number of clothes and so on. The main purpose is to prove that by chasing after somebody else’s idea of happiness one might lose the passion of his own.

Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Those Netflix series tell stories of different people and one neat lady who brought a spark of joy along with clever methods of space organizing to many homes and families. Marie Kondo is known as an expert who helped a lot of people to invite true value and meaning into their lives by emptying spaces from clutter and allowing passion and energy to flow in.

BOOKS ABOUT MINIMALISM

Essential by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

The book is an ideal start if you are looking for somewhat of instruction for a minimalist lifestyle. It was written by the founders of The Minimalists and covers such topics as simple living, decluttering, finances, health, and relationships. “These gentlemen mix humour and satire with insightful and practical steps for living a minimalist lifestyle,” says The GoodTrade..[https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/reorder-your-routine-with-these-books-on-minimalism-simplicity]

The Joy Of Less by Francine Jay

Read this book before you start decluttering: it is inspiring, resourceful non-fiction that coaches you on how to establish minimalist habits and guides you room by room sharing organization tips and ideas. The author is convinced that by eliminating distractions one can create a harmonious and happy life.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

If you feel like you need more of Marie’s method of tidying up after watching her series on Netflix, this book is the next step. In the book, this famous cleaning consultant shares real steps one can implement to achieve a more balanced and joyous life by organizing and simplifying.

Other books to consider:

Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson: a guide on reducing your waste.

The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees: minimalist wardrobe and manual to find your style.

Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh.

APPS

Moleskine studio: Just like the famous notebooks the app that includes a notebook, an organizer and a time page, is designed to deliver a simple way to manage your notes and agenda. The only downside is it is not available on Android, and if you want to have full access the subscription would cost $40 per year. Yet, as most users say, the efficiency, layout and convenience of the app are so worth it.

Done: It is a simple habit tracker that a user can easily adjust to a variety of healthy routines they want to develop or keep up with. Use it for anything from water intake counting to meditation. Overall it is digital assistance that can accompany you along the way to self-discipline and better planned beneficial routines.

Notion: The app is built to assist you in such tasks as creating future goals, taking records of projects, creating to-do lists and organizing the professional side of your life. Some users say that freelancers would find it especially beneficial because the app has helpful features like built-in templates to manage a career whether you are an author, an entrepreneur or work in a creative field.

Tell us what books or movies inspired you to start a minimal lifestyle and what organizing apps help you keep going.

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Maria Henrick
Luxiders Magazine Constributor