The minimalist lifestyle is perhaps one of the best trends to hit millennials. It allows you to focus on the basics so you can live simply, inexpensively, with more time and resources to spend on what really matters to you. However, like any other movement, minimalism requires conscious effort and dedication if you want to reap the benefits of the lifestyle. Here are 3 tips on how you can effectively transition to minimalism today.

Identify what matters most.

Minimalism at its core is making do with the essentials in life. To do this, you need to be able to identify the essentials. Apart from the basics that you and your family need to live, what are the things that you won't be able to live without? This could be anything from a laptop that you use for work or your second camera if you happen to be a photographer. It could be something abstract, like better financial stability, more time for family, or more time for yourself. Knowing what these things are can help you let go of those that do not fit inside the essentials box. For example, you can strip yourself of superficial friendships that used to cost time and emotional energy, which you can invest in more worthy relationships.

Take it slow.

Sticking to a minimalist lifestyle for the long haul can be challenging. There are days when you feel like you are not living up to expectations or your life is not zen enough. It is important to remember that each person runs at his or her own pace. There is no finish line with minimalism, just a slow, gradual improvement in how you live your life from one day to the next. So take it slow, allow yourself to slip up and lag behind if the effort to keep up becomes more stressful than it is worth. Minimalism also includes the practice of letting go of unnecessary emotions, and sometimes that means taking time to acknowledge them before you can effectively make a clean break.

Surround yourself with like-minded people.

Getting into the minimalist lifestyle becomes more challenging if you are doing it in the middle of a sea of consumerism. If your friends and family have no trouble accumulating stuff, you may find it hard to let go of yours. So seek out like-minded individuals who can encourage you to keep paring down so you can arrive at that streamlined, simple lifestyle. Minimalism allows you to strip your life to the basics so you can focus on the essentials. Try these tips out for a more enjoyable and effective switch to the minimalist lifestyle today.