Minimalism is a lifestyle that embraces living with less.
It runs counter to the consumerist culture that encourages buying more and more.
And whats underneath is just so awesome.
It even helped her family become debt free.
We talked to Madsen about how she cleared the clutter and embraced minimalism.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
I didnt really have anything to lose, Madsen said.
There was too much for them to manage.
Embracing minimalism removed the claws of consumerism in her life, she said.
That made it easy to buckle down on paying off debt and avoiding taking on new debt.
I dont know which was more life-changing simplifying our house or getting out of debt, she said.
I didnt realize how much stress we were carrying when we were in debt.
And I didnt realize how much stress all of this stuff in our house caused me.
Becoming debt free has empowered their family to pursue what really matters to them.
Our focus is so different now, Madsen said.
We dont look at this stuff to try and make us happy.
Its just not about the stuff anymore.
Start watching YouTube videos or reading articles or reading books about it and try it out, she said.
If you have young kids, like she did, she recommends you start decluttering their belongings without them.
I do think kids are minimalists at heart, Madsen said.
Another key tip to keep in mind: Minimalism doesnt have to mean getting rid of all nonessentials.
We still want our house to feel cozy, she said.
And so, we still keep decorations and pillows and throw blankets and that kind of stuff.
Its also perfectly fine to make the transition in stages.
They now lean into giving experiences as gifts or sticking to practical gifts.
She and her husband are also pretty intentional about telling family and friends what their kids need.
Its not always easy.
Kids get so much stuff and are exposed to a bunch of consumerism these days, Madsen said.
[Our house is] enjoyable to be at.
Its easy to keep clean, Madsen said.
Even though our house is small its only 1,500 square feet we just love it.
We love being here.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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