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Be A Minimalist: West Coast Minimalist Living Chronicle

Originally written by Minimalist Sweet on July 27, 2018

Introduction​

"The constraints are actually a very powerful thing, because constraints force you to be disciplined, to understand that because you have limits, every element in the container must be important."

Personal Background​

  • Location: California, West Coast
  • Status: Senior college student
  • Living situation: One-bedroom apartment with partner
  • Housing: Temporary residence, planning to move soon

Home Organization​

Kitchen: "Less Storage, More Freedom"​

Philosophy

The kitchen follows a simple principle: fewer items mean easier organization and cleaning.

Appliances & Storage:

  • Standard American open kitchen
  • Built-in appliances (dishwasher, microwave, range hood, oven, refrigerator)
  • Abundant cabinet space, mostly empty by choice

Cleaning Tools:

  • Dyson V7 cordless vacuum
  • Wet/dry mop
  • One cleaning cloth

Daily Cleaning Routine:

  1. Save leftovers
  2. Load dishwasher
  3. Wipe counters and stove
  4. Vacuum kitchen floor
  5. Mop with cleaning solution

Living Room: "Warmth and Comfort"​

Design Elements:

  • Gray-white-pink-gold color scheme
  • Warm lighting
  • Floor carpet for casual dining
  • Minimalist furniture arrangement

Minimalist Beauty & Skincare​

Journey to Minimalism​

  1. Separate uncertain-use items
  2. Create second-hand beauty product groups
  3. Use opened products promptly
Personal Experience

After creating a WeChat group for second-hand beauty products among international students, I've sold approximately $1,000 worth of items, including skincare, makeup, and textbooks.

The Minimalism Game​

Decision Making Process​

Purchase Decision Framework

When considering a purchase, ask yourself: Would you rather have this item or its equivalent in cash? If you'd prefer the cash, it's not essential.

Recent Returns & Savings:​

  1. Gold-rimmed makeup organizer ($15)
  2. IKEA pink vase ($15)
  3. IKEA white vase ($2)
  4. Table placemats ($10)
  5. IKEA pink plates ($3)
  6. Motion sensor night light (gift return)

Total Savings: $45

info

The following images document various aspects of minimalist living in a West Coast apartment.

Kitchen Overview Storage Solutions Living Room Setup Bedroom Organization Kitchen Storage Minimalist Decor [... remaining images ...]

Mindful Consumption​

Breaking the Shopping Addiction​

The essence of minimalism isn't just about discarding items, but about freeing ourselves from material attachments and finding genuine contentment.

Psychology of Shopping

Shopping often acts as a "strong stimulus behavior" - providing immediate gratification similar to short-form videos. Like any addictive behavior, it creates a cycle of temporary happiness followed by the need for more purchases.

Alternative Sources of Happiness​

Instead of seeking joy through purchases, focus on:

  1. Regular exercise
  2. Developing hobbies
  3. Maintaining a quality lifestyle

Practical Minimalism Tips​

Before Purchase Checklist​

  1. Is it something I truly need?
  2. Can I afford it?
  3. Does it spark joy?
  4. Can it be borrowed or substituted?
  5. Do I have space for it?
Return Policies in America
  • Amazon: 30-day unconditional returns
  • Sephora: 180-day unconditional returns
  • IKEA: 1-year unconditional returns
  • Nordstrom: Lifetime free returns These policies greatly support minimalist lifestyle practices.

Daily Decluttering Practice​

Recently Removed Items:

  • Worn-out T-shirts with stains
  • Empty serum bottles
  • Perfume samples
  • Unknown data cables
  • Unused decorative items

Lifestyle Changes​

Exercise and Health​

  • Ballet classes twice weekly
  • Taekwondo three times weekly
  • Community pool and gym access
  • Regular BBQ gatherings
Health Benefits

Regular exercise not only improves physical health but creates a natural aversion to unhealthy foods and sedentary lifestyle.

Beauty & Skincare Minimalism​

Organization Methods​

  1. Categorize Uncertain Items:

    • Place questionable items in separate storage
    • If unused for 2+ months, consider removing

  2. Sample Management:

    • Use opened samples promptly
    • Avoid saving for "special occasions"
    • Transfer favorite products to travel containers

  3. Expiration Awareness:

    • Track opening dates
    • Prioritize nearly-expired items
    • Focus on one product category at a time

Environmental Consciousness​

Sustainable Practices​

  • Mindful purchasing reduces waste
  • Second-hand selling extends product life
  • Focus on multi-use items
  • Choose quality over quantity

Minimalist Bedroom Bathroom Organization Storage Solutions Kitchen Setup Living Area Closet Organization Beauty Products Minimalist Setup Daily Living Storage Examples Room Overview Kitchen Details Living Space Organization Methods Practical Solutions Overall View

Conclusion​

Key Takeaways

Minimalism isn't just about owning less - it's about:

  • Making conscious choices
  • Finding sustainable joy
  • Creating efficient living spaces
  • Building healthy habits
  • Respecting environmental impact

The journey to minimalism is ongoing and personal. It's not about reaching a specific goal, but about continuously refining our relationship with possessions and finding what truly brings value to our lives.