Is A Minimalist Life Actually Achievable? I Challenged Myself For A Week To Find Out
I’m going to be honest with y’all — my friends would describe me as quite the opposite of a minimalist. I love my trinkets and going all out (which admittedly hurts my bank account).
That’s what inspired this investigation, as just like the rest of us, I’ve discovered you can’t be a maximalist in a cost-of-living crisis. The cost of everything is on the rise, from rent to groceries and even a coffee. So, even though I would froth another labubu, it’s probably time I cut back.
It’s not just for money, though — there’s also a need to simplify our very chaotic lives. Starting with that cluttered desk, which would give Marie Kondo a heart attack.
Let’s give this whole less is more thing a try, shall we? Here’s my minimalist diary.
Thursday
Today marks the first day of my minimal living journey. AKA, cutting the stuff you don’t need from your life.
The first thing that comes to mind, as a serial treat-yourself girl, is streaming services. The number of subscriptions I have is wild. After some calculations, it turns out I spend almost $1,000 (!!) a year on streaming services. Screaming, crying, throwing up.
I’m cancelling all memberships but one, so I can rotate them monthly. That way, I actually use what I’m paying for instead of getting overwhelmed by too many options. Fingers crossed I snag those juicy comeback discounts that brands love to throw around.
Another thing I did, which you can too, is compare insurance bells and whistles that you’ve never used. For example, Bingle offers simple car insurance without the fluff. You can choose from two types of car insurance policies. Third Party Property Damage covers the cost if the use of your car causes damage to someone else’s car or property. While Comprehensive Car Insurance covers damage to someone else’s car or property, as well as accidental loss or damage to your own car. That’s literally it – no rewards programs that you end up paying for later or mysterious discounts*.
Friday-Saturday
After a long week at work, I’m very tempted to partake in some retail therapy. Alas, I prevailed by distracting myself with an early morning run club.
I felt so much better, and the good news is that no shopping was done.
I also refused the shopping temptation by going off-grid. I booked The Pines Cottage in Kosciuszko National Park with my family. It has the nature (and no mobile phone reception) I’m looking for.
You bring your own camping gear, unlike hotels, which offer unnecessary extras like shampoo and conditioner bottles that lowkey dry out your hair. Plus, if they go unused, they end up in landfill by the time you’ve checked out.
The peace and quiet are so nice, and I’m writing this as I read by the fire. Maybe I can get used to this minimalist life after all.
Sunday
I feel very zen after my little camping getaway, so I’m determined to keep the minimalism going by not spending any money today.
First off, I want a free exercise class. Turns out there’s an initiative in Sydney called Yoga Under The Bridge, which is paid for by the council. Side note: There are heaps of classes like this around the country, so I’d highly suggest finding your closest one.
My friends came with me, and it was truly a 10/10 (and free!). Next up is donating blood, because you’re not only being a decent human being, you’re also getting free snacks and drinks afterwards. Lemme tell you, you feel good after.
Look at all those freebies. Credit: Emily Sturgess.
Monday
Monday is upon us, and I’m hating every second. Usually I buy a coffee, but I made one at work instead. Great success. I saved both time and money.
To keep this minimalism thing going, I started a scrap bin. That way, my mum’s chickens can eat the food waste (instead of it feeding the landfill).
Tuesday
Not going to lie, I’m very tempted to get takeaway right now. However, this diary system is keeping me accountable. I use my leftover zucchinis to make stuffed pasta boats, saving me $40 on sad, cold Uber Eats.
I know it may look messy, but lemme tell you, it tastes amazing. Credit: Emily Sturgess.
To make the most of what I have, I played with the keyboard that’s lying around, instead of investing in a new hobby and dropping $50 on craft supplies at Kmart. I’m getting pretty close to Charli XCX’s 360, if I do say so myself.
Wednesday
I’m craving a sweet treat at this point in the week. Luckily, my mum has a lemon tree, so we made lemon butter and turned it into icing for a slice.
Winning at life.
I paired it with some frozen dumplings we had left over in the freezer. Food wastage fears me.
Thursday
To celebrate finishing my minimalist week, I’m hosting a ‘Bring What You Have’ night with my friends, where, you guessed it, you bring what you have.
Luckily, I have plenty of mocktail mixes left over (which I would’ve just thrown out otherwise).
Takeaways from living a minimalist life (for a week)
Honestly, I was surprised by how attainable a minimalist lifestyle turned out to be. Simple changes like swapping takeaways for DIY fakeaways (homemade sushi, anyone?) and brewing my own coffee were easy swaps that saved me money.
Somehow all of the sushi mysterously dissapeared. Credit: Emily Sturgess.
The only part that was actually tough? Cancelling subscriptions. Luckily, comparing car insurance is easier with an insurer like Bingle Car Insurance.*
I also didn’t expect to find so many free ways to stay active — from yoga in the park to joining the local run club. It proved you don’t need to splurge on fancy gym memberships or gear you’ll barely use.
The main habit I’ll keep for good? A regular digital detox. Taking a break from my phone for a weekend gave me actual breathing space — and way more mental clarity than I expected.
Minimalism sounded intense at first, but turns out, it’s really just about small, intentional swaps. So consider me officially… minimalist-ish.
*Paid ad. Bingle Car Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Bingle Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement at bingle.com.au before buying this insurance and consider whether it’s right for you. Target Market Determination also available.
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