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Minimalism's Dirty Secret: The Surprising Expense of "Living with Less"

Rita A Sladack

Aah, minimalism - the trendy lifestyle that promises simplicity, clarity, and reduced stress. But hold onto your overpriced, artisanal soap, folks, because this journey to enlightenment comes with hidden costs that'll make your wallet weep and your sanity question its life choices.

Let's start with the poster child of minimalist living, Kim Kardashian. Her high-profile example of a "minimal monastery" perfectly demonstrates how to spend millions to look like you own nothing. Who needs personality when you can have stark white walls and furniture that looks like it was designed by a particularly frugal ghost with impeccable aesthetic concerns?

Left Image : The Sun. (2022, December 1). Kim Kardashian's minimalist home décor [Photograph]. The Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/12/NINTCHDBPICT000779228339.jpg

Right Image: Essential Home. (2020, March). Inside Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s stunning minimalist home [Photograph]. Essential Home. https://www.essentialhome.eu/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Get-Inside-Kim-Kardashian-Kanye-West%E2%80%99s-Stunning-Minimalist-Home_4.jpg

The Allure of Minimalism

At its core, minimalism encourages individuals to intentionally live with fewer possessions, focusing instead on what truly matters:

  • Reduced Stress: Fewer items mean less clutter and chaos, creating a calming environment.

  • Increased Focus: With less to manage, individuals can concentrate on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions.

  • Environmental Benefits: A minimalist lifestyle often promotes sustainable living through reduced consumption.

Yet, the journey to minimalism can reveal hidden costs that challenge the notion of simplicity.


Image: Teich, K. (2023, August 14). The streamlined kitchen overlooks the infinity-edge pool. Robb Report. https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/minimalist-montecito-home-for-sale-1235803200/


The Hidden Costs of Decluttering: Quality Over Quantity

The first step in your minimalist lifestyle? Decluttering! Throw out everything you own in the name of intentional living. Then, replace it all with expensive, "high-quality" items that look exactly the same but cost ten times as much. Because nothing says "quality over quantity" like dropping a month's rent on a single chair that promises to improve your sleep quality.


Image: Dwell. (2023). [Image of Connect 2 and Connect 4 prefab homes]. Dwell. https://www.dwell.com/article/connect-2-connect-4-prefab-homes-33ca36b8/6868693388066172928


The Paradox of Replacement

But wait, there's more! To achieve that coveted minimalist look, you'll need architectural modifications. Knock down those pesky walls that give your house structure. Install floor-to-ceiling windows so everyone can see just how little you own. And don't forget to paint everything white - it's not truly minimalist unless it looks like you live inside a giant marshmallow with exceptional environmental benefits. You also would have to consider:

  • Upgrading to uniform dishware or stylish storage solutions.

  • Custom-built storage systems to hide everyday clutter. How much do you think that will cost?


Architectural Modifications

Achieving the clean, open spaces characteristic of minimalism often requires significant structural changes. For example, Kim Kardashian's home underwent extensive renovations, reportedly costing $20 million, to create the serene, uncluttered aesthetic that defines her minimalist lifestyle. These modifications include removing walls, installing floor-to-ceiling windows, and creating open-plan living areas.

Image: Curbed Atlanta. (2018). [Exterior view of modern home in Ansley Park, Atlanta]. Retrieved from https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10222681/full_16.jpg

Maintenance and Upkeep

Of course, maintenance and upkeep of this austere paradise is a full-time job. Hope you like cleaning, because those pristine surfaces show every speck of dust. The time costs of maintaining your slice of minimalist heaven? Astronomical. But hey, at least you're reducing clutter, right?


The Psychological Cost of Minimalism

But the real joy of minimalism comes from the constant psychological burden. Did you buy too many forks? Is that throw pillow ruining the feng shui of your living room? Quick, throw it out and buy a more expensive, less comfortable one! Mindful purchasing has never been so stressful. You think it might lead to:

  • Anxiety about acquiring new items

  • Guilt over owning possessions that don't fit the minimalist ideal

  • A constant need to justify purchases and possessions

As noted in personal accounts, such as those shared by individuals transitioning to minimalism, the emotional attachment to certain items can complicate the journey. Reality is many minimalists grapple with the decision to keep or discard well-loved pieces, often leading to a storage unit filled with items that symbolize their struggle with attachment.


Image: Fletcher, J. (2020). [Photograph of outdoor space at modern mountain house]. Curbed. https://archive.curbed.com/2020/4/13/21217613/modern-mountain-house-california-ski-retreat


Lessons from High-Profile Minimalism

Kim Kardashian's "minimal monastery" serves as a case study in the hidden costs of minimalism. While her home showcases the beauty and tranquility that can come from living with less, it also highlights the financial and emotional complexities involved. Here are key takeaways:

  1. Invest Wisely: Choose quality items that align with your values but be mindful of your budget. A well-crafted piece can be worth the investment, but it doesn't need to come at an exorbitant cost.

  2. Gradual Transition: Embrace minimalism slowly to avoid the shock of sudden expenses. Consider decluttering in stages, allowing time to adjust to each change.

  3. Mindful Purchasing: Be cautious of the "minimalist aesthetic" that often accompanies high-end design. Remember that true minimalism is about functionality and intentionality, not just appearances.

  4. Embrace Imperfection: A lived-in home can still embody minimalist principles. Allow for some personality and warmth in your space, rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.


Image: Edar Home. (2018). [Vray render of modern home office]. Edar Home. https://edarhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/19-Awesome-Modern-Home-Office-Ideas-01.jpg

Conclusion

While minimalism is the perfect way to simplify it might complicate things immensely. From the financial implications of high-quality purchases to the emotional challenges of attachment, the journey to living with less is not without its complexities. By understanding these nuances, individuals can navigate the path to minimalism more effectively, ensuring that their pursuit of simplicity aligns with their values and financial realities. Ultimately, true minimalism isn't about achieving a perfect, Instagram-worthy life; it's about creating a space that brings peace and aligns with personal values—regardless of how many or few possessions one chooses to own.

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