My story with minimalism began with my clothing. When I was 19 years old I moved out of my parents house into an apartment. At this time all my clothing had been purchased by my parents; my own personal sense of style was mostly nonexistent and I just wore whatever my mom thought looked good.
 
After a year or two (around 2017) it became time to purchase clothes for what seemed like the first time, I really had to stop and ask myself: "What do I like? And what do I want"? I narrowed my wardrobe down to the picture above. White dress shirts for work / formal occasions, and black T-shirts for everything else. I was working as a legal assistant in a small law firm and it became so commonplace for me to wear my white shirts no one batted an eye, a lot of people thought it was cool and were envious I could pull it off. (funny photo below from this time)

I began trying to apply the concepts of minimalism in all the other aspects of life… looking to see if I could gain more time in my day, reduce my tech.. or my furniture, etc. Now, why did I become a minimalist? For me It simply felt good. Not keeping too many items around me allowed me to focus and be present in the moment. Also, I don't enjoy waking up and deciding what to wear, this is burdensome to me and it’s a decision I don’t want to or have to make! The minimalist mindset is one that is very intentional. 
 
Minimalism is a tool, not an end goal. What do you dislike? Minimize it. What do you enjoy? Spend more of your time & money there - whatever it may be for you. I'm not doing this to look cool on Instagram, I've got things I want to do in my life.
 
 
Reduce your stuff - find your self.
 
 
I've moved minimalism (and even extreme minimalism) into other areas of my life such as technology, and I keep my core possessions in a 14L backpack. I keep this at my side so I'm not far from my stuff, I never have trouble finding this or that, wondering which computer or hard drive one of my files is on.
 
Cost is a factor in this too. Depending on who you ask, the average American spends something like $100/mo or $1200 /yr on clothing. I think this is an unneeded expenditure. In the life of the minimalist there is really no longing to keep up with trends or flaunt wealth with clothes or possessions. My entire wardrobe as it sits costs around $500 including shirts, pants, shoes, underwear, and jackets. What's cool is not desiring anything else. Having only premium items surrounding you. Wearing your favorite outfit every day. This $500 number could be reduced immensely by buying used clothes/gear, but you also must consider the cost per wear equation; my stuff costs pennies, and I plan on keeping most of it. Having merino wool is expensive but I think its worth it to focus on other things in life besides doing laundry.
 
I live a otherwise normal life though. I own a bed and a desk, I own a Honda Accord  and a cool old truck. I work a physical job with its own separate uniform… I admire these digital nomads and minimalist vagabonds, tiny home dwellers and van-lifers. I suspect my life will be following in one of these paths very soon. Follow along as I involve minimalism into more areas of my life and share my thoughts.
 
Thank you for reading.
Nick Branson