Studio Apartment Minimalism: Needs vs Wants
When storage space in my 400-square-foot studio apartment started feeling limited, I embraced minimalist living as the solution. This compact 37-square-meter space is surprisingly efficient, and I’ve grown to appreciate it deeply. Even if I moved somewhere larger, I’d likely just accumulate unnecessary things. So instead, I committed to a minimalist lifestyle that makes my current space work better.
The Core Principles of Minimalist Studio Living
Adopting minimalist living practices has transformed how I view possessions. I started by removing anything unused for a year, significantly reducing my belongings compared to when I first lived independently. In this post, I’ll share commonly owned items that are actually unnecessary when practicing minimalist living in a studio apartment.
Why Minimalist Living Means Letting Go of Unused Items
A fundamental principle of minimalist living: if you haven’t used something in a year, you probably don’t need it. A complete cycle of seasons without using an item reveals its true value in your minimalist lifestyle. Keeping things “just in case” contradicts the purpose of minimalist living.
Your Space Should Work for You, Not Your Stuff
With minimalist living, I realized I pay rent to house myself, not my possessions. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, I use my space more efficiently. Living in a smaller, minimalist space is actually more practical—everything is within reach, and rent is lower.
Clarity Through Minimalist Living
As my minimalist lifestyle evolved, I gained clarity about what’s truly essential. Many items I once considered necessary proved useless in practice. This careful curation creates a sanctuary filled only with things I genuinely appreciate—a core benefit of minimalist living.
How Minimalist Living Creates More Time
A minimalist lifestyle reduces time spent on maintenance. Without unnecessary items, cleaning and organizing become simpler. Minimalist living eliminates the hassle of dusting unused decorations or reorganizing cluttered spaces. You’ll also spend less time searching for things when practicing minimalist living.
Balance in Your Minimalist Lifestyle
Minimalist living isn’t about discarding everything. Sometimes, removing certain items creates inefficiency—like hand-washing clothes after discarding a washing machine. A sustainable minimalist lifestyle balances the value items provide against their maintenance costs.
Unnecessary Items I’ve Eliminated Through Minimalist Living
In the Bathroom
My minimalist lifestyle approach to the bathroom:
- No washcloths/loofahs (bacteria magnets; hands work fine)
- Removed drain covers (better to clean drains regularly)
- Replaced large bath towels with small hand towels
- Eliminated bath mats (a hand towel works perfectly)
In the Toilet Area
Minimalist living choices for the toilet area:
- No toilet lid or seat covers (unnecessary and unhygienic)
- Replaced toilet brushes with spray cleaner (more effective)
In the Kitchen
Minimalist lifestyle changes in the kitchen:
- Removed countertop trash cans (use the main bin directly)
- Eliminated sink drain covers (regular cleaning is better)
Laundry Simplifications
Minimalist living laundry solutions:
- No drying racks/clothespins (all-in-one washer-dryer handles everything)
- Eliminated fabric softener (modern appliances make it unnecessary)
In the Living Space
Minimalist lifestyle choices for living areas:
- No wall clocks/calendars (smartphones handle this function)
- Eliminated indoor slippers (double socks work better when cold)
- Replaced dishcloths with disposable options
- No dining table (a folding table or desk works perfectly)
- Removed carpets/rugs (they collect dust and complicate cleaning)
- Eliminated decorative items (they just collect dust)
- Switched to e-books instead of physical books
- Consolidated climate control devices where possible
Electronic Devices
Minimalist living approach to electronics:
- No DVD player (streaming services are sufficient)
- Eliminated separate recorders (smart TVs have built-in functions)
- Simplified audio systems (smartphone + Bluetooth speaker)
- Single monitor setup (reduces cable management and space issues)
- No tablet (smartphone and laptop cover all needs)
Clothing Minimalism
My minimalist lifestyle wardrobe:
- One suit for special occasions
- No separate pajamas (comfortable everyday clothes work for sleep)
- No designated “home clothes” (wear comfortable clothes everywhere)
- Limited clothing variety (three identical outfits per season)
- Stopped folding laundry (sort by type and put away directly)
The Freedom of Minimalist Studio Living
Some might view my minimalist lifestyle as extreme, but it’s the result of eight years living independently. These were items I used without question at my parents’ home, but minimalist living helped me realize they weren’t necessary.
Excess possessions create unnecessary housework. Living alone made me appreciate the efficiency that minimalist living provides. Technology like robot vacuums and washer-dryer combos support my minimalist lifestyle by eliminating chores. Soon, I’ll add a dishwasher to complete my vision of efficient minimalist living, even in a studio apartment.