This may be a strange question to pose, but, what is the difference between minimalist living and just “plain old Frugal living”?
The two are very easily connected as living frugally often means living simply and minimalism often means doing things in a less expensive way. Let's explore the difference between the two so you can decide if minimalist living is right for you.
What is the Difference Between Minimalist Living and Frugal Living?
To start, let's define both terms.
Frugal living is simply the art of finding a cheaper way to do things. It is doing things in a way that means you can afford it or in a way that makes it easier to afford other things you want, desire or need.
Minimalism is basically just escaping consumerism. It is living in such a way that you stay away from the constant need to “keep up with the Joneses”. It is living simply.
Now, frugality is definitely a part of minimalism. In order to get away from a feeling that you need to have the next big thing that is available for purchase, it is important that you find ways to get around that mindset and living frugally is one of those ways. For instance, instead of buying more storage containers, using ones from food you already bought is one way to combine frugality with minimalism.
Just as living with less is common in frugal living lifestyles, it is vital to a minimalism lifestyle. It can be very freeing to get rid of things you do not absolutely need or use. Minimalism requires that you live with only the things you absolutely need in order to avoid feeling like you need to take on too many possessions, promises of time and even food.
Minimalism is also like living frugally because it is living a life that is low in debt as well as low in financial obligations.
Here are some examples of what a frugal living person would likely do verses a minimalist for a greater understanding of the difference in the two.
A frugal living individual might cancel cable and instead go with a streaming service. A minimalist would probably get rid of TV all together and instead opt for a creative low cost hobby to fill in down time.
A frugal living individual would try to make meals with low cost ingredients and would search out the way to get the ingredients they desire the cheapest. A minimalist would likely just work with what they have on hand or what they can easily obtain for a low price, possibly homesteading to grow their own food.
A frugal living individual would seek out the most cost effective way to buy new clothing for their wardrobe in the changing of seasons. A minimalist would likely just alter the clothing they already own and learn skills like sewing or mending to make their clothing last the longest.
As you can see, neither way is necessarily “better” than the other, but rather the difference lies in buying more vs “making do” with what you have.
I want to stress that there is no wrong way to be frugal or minimalist. Either are really great lifestyles because they allow a person to decide how far they wish to go with each one.
Do you live a minimalist lifestyle or a frugal one? Does either lifestyle appeal to you?
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What is the Difference Between Minimalist Living and Frugal Living
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
October 16, 2015 at 3:23 pmMy life is definitely frugal first (although being frugal isn’t just about spending less) but also moving toward minimalism. For me, understanding I don’t need a lot of things in my life makes being frugal even easier.
Sandra says
March 19, 2016 at 6:43 pmMinimalism is about not thinking about things. Your two pair of pants, merino wool leggings, six tops, and cardigan go with your two pair of shoes. In fact, all of it fits in your one tote bag. There is certainly nothing more to add. Yes, you’ve tailored your clothes so that they fit you. You may have spent over $100 on each of the merino wool items, but they can go longer without washing, plus they last for many, many years.
When it comes to food, a minimalist will forgo the majority of grocery store foods, but will spend what it’s worth to buy organic and non-GMO unprocessed foods. A minimalist might only have a very good cutting board, two very good knives, and a stick blender, one pot and one saute pan. This minimalist actually raised a family of four with only four place settings. Everybody learned very early to keep track of their own place setting.
A minimalist has about two towels per person, and possibly 4 washcloths, along with two sets of bedding per bed–so one set can dry on the line when the bedding is changed and the laundry is done.
This minimalist has one couch, several floor cushions for when company comes by, that hang on the wall when not in use, no “entertainment center”, and Japanese style bedding that folds up and is stored in a cupboard everyday. It takes about 30 seconds.
What does a minimalist do with all the time freed up from decluttering and cleaning? Well, we go hiking, biking, travelling, and are active in our local community. I’d rather read a good book on my smartphone any day, rather than watch television.
Cathy Williams says
March 31, 2016 at 2:07 pmI always thought I was frugal but according to this post I’m more in line with minimalist. I was brought up with make do and mend mentality. My mum made most of our clothes, and cooked food from what was grown in the garden. I would love to grow my own but sadly my health is against me. My mum still has chickens for eggs and sheep for lamb though. I think I’m better with livestock.