Minimalism Made Personal: How to Simplify Life Your Way
A word that can spark calm… or horror. You might be someone who’s flirted with the idea, maybe read a book or watched a Netflix doco. Or maybe you’re fully committed to the clean-counter, less-is-more way of life. Or perhaps you're someone who takes deep comfort in the presence of beautiful, layered belongings that tell your story.
Here’s the thing: minimalism isn’t a trend or a rigid set of rules. It isn’t about depriving yourself or throwing out everything you own. It’s about intentionality. And that’s what we’re really interested in at Beautifully Sorted.
In the world of organising, minimalism sometimes gets a bad rap. People often assume it means white walls, capsule wardrobes, and living with 15 items and a cactus. But real minimalism is far more expansive and personal than that.
So what is minimalism, really?
Joshua Becker—one of the clearest, kindest voices on this topic—sums it up beautifully:
“Minimalism is intentionally living with only the things I really need—those items that support my purpose.”
It’s about letting go of the extra so we can focus on what really matters—whether that’s more time, space, calm, clarity, or simply the ability to get out the door on time with your keys exactly where you left them.
When we work with clients—whether it’s in their homes, workspaces, or holiday properties—we don’t walk in with a trash bag and a lecture. We start with questions. Real, thoughtful questions that matter:
What do your current days look like—and what would your ideal day feel like?
If you had a spare weekend, how would you spend it?
What space in your home feels heavy—and how could we lighten it?
What’s something you love that you wish had more presence in your space or routine?
We want to know how you use your space, who shares it with you, and what you dream of having more time or energy for. Because that’s where we find the clues for how to make your version of minimalism work—on your terms.
Minimalism is not about perfection
Here’s a little truth from me: I don’t have it all figured out either. I’ve got too many notebooks. I still make odd midweek supermarket dashes for tinned tomatoes. I sometimes forget birthdays (and then panic buy a candle that feels a little meh).
But I have figured out what helps me breathe easier.
Knowing where things are when I need them.
Being able to welcome friends or family without rushing around shoving things in cupboards.
Spotting something my mum made with love that makes me smile every single day.
Having the space to think clearly, to move freely, and to feel at ease in my own home.
That, for me, is minimalism.
Joshua Becker’s take on minimalism offers even more layers:
Freedom from the passion to possess
We’ve been conditioned to believe more is better. But more often than not, “more” just means more stress, more cleaning, more decisions, more storage. Minimalism invites us to step off that treadmill and find joy in enough.
Freedom from modern mania Life today is fast. Too fast.
We're constantly connected, scheduled, and multitasking our way through the day. Minimalism offers a pause button. It gives us permission to slow down and focus on what’s truly important.
Freedom from duplicity
One of the most surprising benefits of minimalism is how it helps us live more authentically. When we let go of the stuff and expectations that don’t serve us, we become more consistent across all areas of our lives. We show up as ourselves, not the version we think we should be.
Freedom to live more deeply
With less clutter—physical, mental, emotional—we have space to explore what brings us joy. Minimalism isn’t about saying no. It’s about saying yes to what matters most.
But is minimalism for everyone?
Yes… but not in the way you might think.
Minimalism doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. For one person, it might look like a sleek home with only the essentials. For another, it might be a warm, collected space filled with art and heirlooms—but with intentional systems in place that allow it to function beautifully.
What matters is how your space supports your life. Do you feel calm when you walk through your door? Can you find what you need when you need it? Do you have time for the people and experiences that fill you up?
If the answer is no, or even maybe?—you’re not alone.
And the good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out solo. That’s where we come in.
At Beautifully Sorted, we don’t prescribe a formula. We walk beside you. We listen. We ask. We tailor. And together, we shape your home—or workspace or holiday property—so it serves you, your people, and your lifestyle.
Because minimalism isn’t about lack. It’s about clarity.
It’s not about having less. It’s about having what matters.
And it’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about getting it right for you.
If you’re ready to explore what your version of intentional living could look like, we’d truly love to chat. We’re here to help create space—head space, time space, and room space—for the life you actually want to be living.
So whether minimalism for you means a calmer kitchen, a more functional wardrobe, or simply clearer headspace at the end of the day, remember: it’s not about following rules. It’s about finding the version that fits you, your home, and your life beautifully.
