Minimalist is the art of letting go. According to Breakthetwitch.com, minimalist lifestyle is a concept where living life as less and simple as possible does give maximum benefit.

It is based on the idea that almost everyone has something that they do not really need and should only keep what can add value to their life. However, minimalism is not frugality.

Chengkiiit, a Singaporean Youtuber that talked about Frugal Living & Minimalism on his Youtube channel said that frugality focuses on spending less while minimalism emphasizes on owning less.

“The purpose of being frugal can be spending less in order for us to achieve financial independence and retire early. While for the minimalist, owning less means we can have more freedom, energy, space, and time which we can use it on people or things that can truly bring us value.

“Minimalists might buy what is needed at a sufficient quantity. While for frugal people, they might buy more during sale events or promotions,” added him.

He also added that minimalists are focusing more on the quality of the products. Alongside with the term quality over quantity.

“In order for the minimalist to own less, they will buy one or a few products that can serve them for years without worrying about sustainability.

“While for frugal people, they will opt for the cheapest yet viable option. Other factors like form, functionality, quality, or brand are less important as compared to the cost,” added him.

Syahir Nordin, 26, a stylist at Media Prima Berhad, has been practicing minimalism for two years now.

“I used to be a shopaholic. I would spend almost every week by spending on unnecessary things like new clothes, shoes, gadgets, skincare products, and others.

“I’m obsessed with buying trendy things. In such a success-driven culture, it seems like materials are the only way to attract attention and flex the success that I have made in my career.

“It all started when I watched the 'Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things' on Netflix. I suddenly realized that I need to change my perspective and habits,” says Syahir when contacted by Berita DIMENSi via Google Meet.

During an interview, he said minimalism is totally a life changer not only financially but also mentally and spiritually.

“The powerful impact that I got is when I finally redefined the idea of success. It is nothing about materials brandings, but more than that.

“I slowly buy less by making a list on what to buy and what not. It is not an easy process, but I must control the expenses as well and lessen the debt.

“Then, I started to clean up the wardrobe first by selling them as preloved items online and moving on by getting rid of stuff that makes my living rooms, kitchen, and the bedroom look messy.

“Never thought cleaning up and having wide spaces at home can give me a peaceful mind,” says Syahir.

Joshua Becker, an Author of The Minimalist Home and The More of Less, during the interview with SeedTime Money said, “we never realized how much stuff we had until we put it in the boxes.”

“I always think optimizing is probably the perfect word for what I’m talking about by owning the right amounts of possessions.

“And I really want to challenge my assumptions about how much I need and will own even less than I think I need,” says Joshua.

Like the article? Share it now!