Minimalists share certain philosophies and traits. Here are some characteristics of typical of minimalists:
A sincere desire to make the world a better place. Minimalists are often against capitalism. In an attempt to avoid supporting companies with questionable ethical practices, many minimalists opt not to buy things they can’t get second-hand.
A goal of being less dependent on society. The less needs a person has, the easier it is for them to thrive. Many minimalists are free spirits who want to be able to pursue their passions whatever they may be. The more dependent they are on a job, the less time and resources they have available to start their own businesses, travel, grow a garden, volunteer at their children’s school, etc.
A hunger to live life according to one’s values. Society seldom teaches that less is more. Yet, there are a number of people wanting to go back to basics and live a simpler lifestyle. They know that there is more to life than fancy clothes and cars and they want to live according to their values.
Frugality. Minimalists are well aware of what things cost. That’s why they’re not quick to make purchases. They think about their needs and wait until items go on sale. That allows them to get the most from their money. Rather than buy things they don’t need, the think about the longevity of an item. They consider quality over quantity and purchase items that can be repaired easily and used over and over again.
Creativity. Because minimalists make so few purchases, they have to be creative when their needs change. That’s why it’s important for them to be imaginative. Repurposing is a big part of a minimalistic lifestyle. It entails making new items out of old items.