I first watched the documentary Minimalism when it was released on Netflix in 2015. The simplicity of the minimalist lifestyle really appealed to me, and as a new military spouse, I was naive enough to think that traditional minimalism seemed to go hand in hand with military life. After all, when you move so often, why would you want to keep moving things that you’re not using? Almost 10 years and 3 houses later, I am proposing a sub category in this movement – Military Spouse Minimalism. Military spouse minimalists know these five things:
They Might Need it in a Few Years
But really, they might! They’ve been around the military long enough to know that the climate can change from one extreme to the other with every move. Sure, they might live in Florida now, but it makes sense to keep and store winter clothing for the next time they get an assignment to Minot. It’s one less thing they need to replace when the time comes, because they know there’s a good chance it will.
Household Decor Gets Expensive
Sometimes their favorite pictures and artwork don’t fit well in a house, or the landlord won’t let them decorate the walls. But at least this house came with curtains! They won’t lose sleep over parting with their precious paintings. They’ll just store them in one of the many black storage totes in the garage.
Cheap Furniture is Optimal
A non-military spouse minimalist would argue that quality, long lasting furniture is far superior. But a military spouse minimalist knows that no matter what price they paid, the movers are likely to break it. Inexpensive furniture can be much easier to claim and replace. Plus, it hurts less seeing a broken IKEA shelf than a shattered German antique.
Purging is a Part of Life
They know when they truly no longer have a use for something, and they have no problems parting ways. They have a designated box in their house for donations at all times. As soon as their kids outgrow a pair of shoes or neglect a toy for too long, it is on its way to the Airman’s Attic.
Sentimental Items Must Be Small
Lastly, they know there are a few belongings that are irreplaceable because their value exceeds monetary. They know that, ideally, these things need to fit in their car or suitcase so they can ensure safe keeping during a move. If they have to utilize government contracted movers, they oversee every step of the packing process, and hold their breath until it arrives.
At their core, military spouse minimalists know that having less makes life simpler. But military life is never simple. So they embrace their reality, prepare for what they can, let go of the unnecessary, and cherish the things that make them feel at home.