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Minimalism, with its mantra “less is more,” has transcended the boundaries of art and architecture to become a lifestyle philosophy embraced by people across the globe. More than a trend, it’s a response to rampant consumerism, information overload, and the fast-paced nature of modern life. Individuals from diverse cultures, social backgrounds, and economic realities have adopted minimalism, seeking simplicity, freedom, and purpose. In this article, we explore how minimalism is practiced worldwide, the stories of those who live by this philosophy, their daily routines, and the tasks that shape their lives. Let’s dive into the practices, motivations, and impacts of minimalism across various regions, highlighting how it adapts to unique contexts.

What is Minimalism?

At its core, minimalism is the practice of reducing excess—whether material possessions, commitments, or distractions—to focus on what’s essential. Originating as an artistic movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by simple forms and neutral colors, it has evolved into a lifestyle philosophy that prioritizes quality over quantity. It’s not about living with the bare minimum but about keeping only what adds value, whether in possessions, relationships, or daily activities. This approach promotes mental clarity, sustainability, and emotional well-being while challenging the culture of overconsumption.

Globally, minimalism manifests in varied forms, adapting to local needs and cultures. In Western countries, it may be a reaction to materialism, while in resource-scarce nations, it often reflects a practical necessity to live with less. Let’s explore how people from different regions incorporate minimalism into their lives.

Minimalism in the United States: The Minimalists and the Pursuit of Purpose

In the United States, minimalism gained prominence through Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists. Childhood friends, they abandoned successful corporate careers and lavish lifestyles after realizing that accumulating possessions didn’t bring happiness. Joshua, after his mother’s passing, and Ryan, overwhelmed by the stress of selling products for children, decided to simplify. They sold 80% of their belongings, moved to smaller homes, and created The Minimalists blog, which now has millions of followers. Their documentaries, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016) and The Minimalists: Less is Now (2021), available on Netflix, have inspired people to rethink consumption.

Daily Routine in the U.S.

The routine of an American minimalist, as described by The Minimalists, is structured to maximize time and energy. Joshua, for instance, starts his day with a simple morning routine: 10 minutes of meditation, a black coffee, and an hour dedicated to writing or planning. He avoids multitasking, focusing on one activity at a time, such as answering emails or creating blog content. His home is organized with minimal furniture, neutral colors, and functional items, reducing cleaning time. In the afternoon, he prioritizes activities that fuel his passions, like giving talks or meeting with the community. At night, he disconnects from electronic devices to read or spend time with friends and family.

This routine reflects the minimalist philosophy of eliminating distractions and unnecessary commitments. Many American minimalists adopt practices like the Project 333, which involves using only 33 clothing items for three months, simplifying wardrobes and reducing daily decisions. They also digitize documents and prioritize experiences, such as travel or cultural events, over accumulating possessions.

Minimalism in Japan: Marie Kondo and the Magic of Tidying Up

In Japan, minimalism is deeply rooted in the culture, influenced by traditions like Zen Buddhism and the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which values simplicity and imperfection. Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (2015), became a global icon by teaching that we should keep only items that “spark joy.” Her Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, shows how she helps families let go of unnecessary possessions, transforming their routines.

Daily Routine in Japan

The routine of a Japanese minimalist, like Kondo’s followers, is marked by discipline and intention. Many start the day with a mindfulness practice, such as meditation or organizing their space. Take Aiko, a young woman from Tokyo who adopted the KonMari method. She wakes at 6 a.m., makes her bed, and reviews her wardrobe, ensuring each item has a designated place. Her small home, typical of Japan’s urban areas, is decorated with minimal furniture, neutral tones, and ample natural light, creating a serene environment.

During the day, Aiko focuses on priority tasks, using a list of just three essential items, a common minimalist practice to avoid overwhelm. She avoids impulse purchases, favoring durable, multi-purpose items, like a high-quality pair of shoes used for both work and leisure. At night, she dedicates time to hobbies like reading or ikebana (flower arranging), activities that promote calm and creativity. Aiko also practices regular decluttering, donating clothes or items unused for over six months.

Minimalism in Brazil: Influencers and Peripheral Communities

In Brazil, minimalism has gained traction as an alternative to consumerism, particularly in large cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Influencers like Nathaly Dias, from the Blogueira de Baixa Renda channel, show how to apply minimalism in peripheral communities, where living with less is often a necessity. Nathaly teaches how to declutter wardrobes and organize with essential items, often donating or selling pieces to generate extra income. Others, like Regina Ribeiro (@minimalistasustentavel), share how minimalism brought purpose to their lives, saving resources and prioritizing experiences.

Daily Routine in Brazil

The routine of a Brazilian minimalist varies by socioeconomic context, but the essence remains: simplify. Vivian, a minimalist from São Paulo featured in Metrópoles, transformed her routine after watching a documentary on minimalism in 2020. She wakes early, takes a walk outdoors, and has a simple breakfast of fruit and homemade bread. Her home has minimal furniture, and she keeps only essential kitchen utensils, making cleaning easier. Vivian shops for clothes once a year, choosing timeless, high-quality pieces.

At work, she uses minimalist productivity techniques, like the three-task rule, and avoids unnecessary commitments. In the afternoon, she dedicates time to hobbies like gardening or reading, and at night, she disconnects from social media to avoid distractions. Vivian says minimalism reduced her stress and helped her value family time, like simple dinners at home. In peripheral communities, minimalists like Nathaly adapt the philosophy to maximize resources, such as mending clothes instead of buying new ones or sharing tools with neighbors.

Minimalism in Europe: Sustainability and Coliving

In Europe, minimalism is closely tied to sustainability and the zero waste movement. Countries like Denmark and Sweden, known for Scandinavian design, incorporate minimalism into homes with functional furniture and neutral colors. The concept of coliving—shared housing that promotes resource efficiency—is also popular, especially in cities like Berlin and Amsterdam. Graham Hill, an American designer who lived in Europe, popularized minimalism with his TED Talk, arguing that less space and fewer things can lead to more happiness.

Daily Routine in Europe

In Germany, for example, Anna, a minimalist, lives in a 40 m² apartment in Berlin. Her routine begins with a breakfast prepared in a compact kitchen with few high-quality utensils. She uses public transport or a bicycle to get around, reducing her carbon footprint. At work, Anna prioritizes essential tasks and avoids unnecessary meetings, using digital tools to organize her schedule. Her wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe with 30 versatile pieces, simplifying her mornings.

In the afternoon, Anna spends time outdoors, like walking in parks, and at night, she participates in community events at her coliving space. She shares appliances and tools with neighbors, reducing the need for individual possessions. Anna also digitizes documents and books, keeping her space paper-free. Her routine reflects a pursuit of sustainability and human connection, core values of European minimalism.

Minimalism in Africa: Necessity and Tradition

In many African countries, minimalism isn’t a choice but a reality shaped by resource scarcity. Yet, individuals like Kwame from Ghana turn this necessity into a conscious philosophy. Kwame lives in a small house with his family, using multi-purpose furniture and sharing resources with the community. His approach to minimalism is influenced by traditional values, like the importance of family ties and reusing items.

Daily Routine in Africa

Kwame wakes at dawn to tend a community garden, which provides fresh food for his family and neighbors. He wears simple clothes, often mended or handed down, and avoids unnecessary purchases. During the day, he works as an artisan, creating useful items from recycled materials. His home is decorated with handmade pieces, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic without losing cultural identity. At night, Kwame gathers with family to share stories, a practice that strengthens community bonds without relying on material possessions.

Benefits of Global Minimalism

Regardless of the region, minimalism brings universal benefits: reduced stress, financial savings, sustainability, and greater focus on relationships and experiences. Psychologists, like Alessandra Araújo, note that simplifying life promotes mental health, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional clarity. The practice also has a positive environmental impact by decreasing consumption and waste.

How to Start a Minimalist Routine

1. Declutter Gradually: Start with one room or category, like clothes or papers, and donate or sell what you don’t use.
2. Prioritize Tasks: List three essential tasks per day to avoid overwhelm.
3. Consume Intentionally: Before buying, ask, “Is this necessary? Will it improve my life?”
4. Digitize: Replace physical items, like books and documents, with digital versions.
5. Create Clean Spaces: Keep environments organized with minimal functional items and neutral colors.
6. Value Experiences: Invest in time with friends, family, or hobbies instead of material goods.

Conclusion

Minimalism around the world is more than a trend; it’s a philosophy that adapts to diverse cultures and realities, uniting people in the pursuit of a lighter, more meaningful life. Whether in the United States with The Minimalists, Japan with Marie Kondo, Brazil with influencers like Nathaly Dias, Europe with coliving, or Africa with community practices, minimalism proves that less can be more. By simplifying routines and daily tasks, minimalists find freedom, purpose, and connection, showing that true wealth lies in experiences and the essential.