In a culture where more is more minimalism has a certain appeal albeit one that can also feel intimidating. Not only do we add sentimental value to many of the items in our home but we also accumulate piles of it as the years pass. It can be overwhelming to even think of cutting down on the clutter. Minimalism doesn’t have to mean an all white house devoid of knick-knacks or a lifestyle only for those couples who opt to forego having children, however. By using the tips and tricks listed below you can create a happy balance in your home that is inspired by minimalism. Uncluttered surfaces. Part of the appeal of minimalist homes is how neat and clean they are. Everything is intentionally placed and countertops aren’t filled with gizmos and gadgets. You can easily give your home the same feel by giving everything you own “a home”, that is, a place that it will always be returned to when not in use. Create storage space in drawers, cabinets and consider investing in furniture that pulls double duty with hidden storage inside. By creating storage that is out of plain sight you allow yourself the sleek, clean look of a minimalist home without tossing out half of your belongings. Quality over quantity. So many purchases we make eventually get pushed to the back of closets after the excitement of a new item wears off. The next time you go shopping, opt for quality over quantity. Whether this is with household items, clothes or toys for your children you can choose just one “category” to start. Knowing your family’s lifestyle will really help aid in the decision process of what items will get the most use so that you can then choose one that is well made. Minimalism does not equal boring. You can still have decorations, paintings and knick knacks while maintaining a minimalist home. Keep what you truly love or items that hold value to you and place them somewhere in the open where they can truly be enjoyed. Arranging the items you keep on display artfully creates an air of intention instead of clutter. Keep decluttering. Don’t let this be a one-off project. Each month take some time to assess your home. You will be sure to find more and more you can get rid of as time goes on and you become more comfortable with having less stuff in your home. Easily decrease the amount of things you have by clearing out duplicates. Think towels, kitchen items, cleaning supplies, etc. Ask yourself if you use this item every three months, and if it’s not a seasonal item, consider donating it. Keep in mind that this process doesn’t have to be a big project where you makeover your entire house. You can always begin with one room at a time or even just one area of a room. Shop less. This step is one you can proactively and easily work on each week. Every time you go shopping assess the items you are putting into your cart whether it’s a physical one or online. Ask yourself if these are must have items and envision them in your day to day life. If you can’t see yourself reaching for it time and time again, put it back on the shelf. When looking at sleek minimalist homes featured in the glossy pages of a magazine you might be tempted to think your home can never achieve a similar look. However, this is not so. With a dedication to the process of decluttering over time and making smart purchases, you too can have a minimalist inspired home before you know it!