One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the last few years is minimalism, in other words, to cut back. I don’t exactly consider myself a minimalist, but I try to prune the overgrown areas of my life to make more space for what’s important. I say “no” more often, try to make do with less, and devote more time to the things that I consider essential: family, relationships, nature, and quiet.
One area that can easily get out of control is my “digital life,” especially my time online. I read The New York Times almost obsessively, I’m on social media every day, and I love discovering interesting websites and blogs — but I remind myself to cut back on all that, too.
So, it’s with a bit of irony that I share my favorite minimalism websites because, in actuality, they wouldn’t want us to spend too much time online. In fact, some of the best websites devoted to minimalism have folded, or the owners have taken extended breaks, because they’re practicing what they preach.
Here are my favorite minimalism resources. I’d love to hear your suggestions, too!
No Sidebar
No Sidebar is a website dedicated to helping people design a simple life. The founder, Brian Gardner, recently took a break from the site, but it’s still as rich as ever thanks to many guest contributors and an active Facebook community. Start with their 10 most popular posts and check out this excerpt from his favorite post, “Why the White Space in Our Life Matters”:
“The white space in our life is where the magic happens.
I encourage you today to find one — just one — area in your life that you can make a change. Take one small step towards the life you dream of having, and experience the joy I know you long for.”
Raised Good
A photo posted by Tracy Gillett (@raised_good) on
Raised Good is actually a parenting website, but I’ve included it here because Tracy Gillett’s approach to parenting is minimalist in many ways. An advocate for children’s needs and attachment parenting, Tracy shows how raising children in a love-based, simple fashion can create healthy, happy families. Check out “Simplicity Leads to Happiness in Children (and Here’s How to Do It)” and “Simplifying Childhood May Protect Against Mental Illness.”
Be More with Less
Not just another site about the minimalist lifestyle because this one has Project 333, a minimalist fashion challenge about dressing with 33 items or less for 3 months.
Zero Waste Home
A photo posted by Bea Johnson (@zerowastehome) on
I’ve been fascinated by this site since first discovering it about a year ago. The founder, Bea Johnson, is a native of France but lives in Mill Valley, California. She and her family have a “zero waste home,” meaning that they produce very, very little garbage (virtually zero–take a look!). Her approach inspires me to think about packaging, shopping choices, and more.
Reading My Tea Leaves
Erin promotes a “simple, sustainable life” on her blog and in her book, Simple Matters. If you enjoy minimalism with a dose of fashion, travel and family life like I do, this blog is for you.
Read more: 10 Tips for a More Sustainable Wardrobe
The Minimalist Baker
Minimalist Baker applies minimalism to food by showcasing simple cooking. According to the cute, young wife and husband team from Portland: “All recipes require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl or 1 pot, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. Most are plant-based and gluten-free.”
The Minimalists
View this post on Instagram
The OG proponents of minimalism! Their website, series, and podcast are full of helpful tips for men and women who want to downsize their life.
And a few new discoveries that you might enjoy, too:
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” WORD, Cicero.
A photo posted by Brooke McAlary (@brookemcalary) on
Any favorite minimalist blogs or resources that you’d recommend?
P.S. Books on minimalism in case you’d like to explore more in depth
Thanks for sharing this information.