Minimalism has gained popularity as a lifestyle choice, but implementing it in shared living spaces can present unique challenges. Home organizing expert Shira Gill, author of Minimalista and Organized Living, offers valuable insights on how to incorporate minimalist principles successfully when cohabiting with others.
Shira Gill is a globally recognized home organizing expert, bestselling author, and speaker. She has inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives, and developed a process and toolkit that applies to anyone, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle.
Shira is the author of Minimalista and Organized Living, and has been featured in 100+ print and media outlets including Good Morning America, Vogue, Dwell, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Domino, Forbes, Goop, Harper’s Bazaar, HGTV, Today, InStyle, Parents, Real Simple, and The New York Times.
Shira characterizes minimalism as a deeply intentional lifestyle rather than a design choice. It involves continuously discerning what is genuinely essential and eliminating the rest. This mindset moves beyond the surface appeal of bare spaces to emphasize thoughtful decision-making about what one allows into their life, whether related to material possessions or daily commitments.
At its core, minimalism revolves around setting clear priorities and directing attention accordingly. In a society overloaded with choices and distractions, it becomes essential to consciously manage physical items, relationships, schedules, and energy. This philosophy promotes the establishment of boundaries and deliberate living.
Applying minimalism in shared households can be complex, requiring negotiation and collaboration. Shira advises individuals first to understand their personal clutter threshold and then discuss with housemates to establish compromises. Strategies include defining personal spaces for individual freedom, maintaining collective standards in communal areas, and emphasizing the benefits of cleanliness, such as spontaneous hosting.
Effective storage is vital in supporting a minimalist environment, particularly in compact living areas. Shira suggests using concealed storage, monochromatic containers, and vertical solutions. Open shelves should be reserved for aesthetically pleasing items, while every object should have a designated place to minimize disarray.
Adopting minimalist principles in shared settings yields several advantages. These include reduced stress, smoother cleaning routines, decreased interpersonal conflict, enhanced focus, and more mindful consumption. The approach also supports streamlined daily routines and greater ease in managing transitions.
To put minimalism into practice, Shira outlines actionable strategies. The one-in-one-out rule helps regulate the inflow of possessions. Daily habits, such as resetting spaces or promptly handling clutter, prevent buildup. Short, focused cleaning sessions — like the “15-minute win” — make decluttering more manageable. Simplifying the donation process and designing systems that are understandable even to a child contribute to maintaining order.
Minimalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make your life easier and more intentional. Even if you can’t master folding fitted sheets, you can still embrace minimalist principles that work for your lifestyle. The result is a more harmonious home environment that supports the needs and values of all inhabitants.
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