Minimalists know how to improve their living spaces without accumulating more items. They enjoy completing home upgrades that will stand the test of time and allow for more enjoyable day-to-day routines while reducing visual clutter throughout the house.
We spoke with three minimalists who have shared five of their favorite home improvement projects that make all the difference in their quality of life.
Investing in New Hangers
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Forget holding onto those wire hangers from the dry cleaners, even if they were free of charge—you can repurpose them in other ways outside of the closet. Instead, make a point of purchasing well-made hangers that will improve your closet’s appearance and functionality at the same time. It will be more than worth spending a bit of additional money to make your closet look good and operate more efficiently.
“Investing in sturdy wooden hangers for both the entryway and primary closets is an upgrade I’ll never regret,” Shira Gill, the author of Minimalista. “They’re more than functional—they create a sense of order and intention that resonates with minimalist principles.”
Better yet, Gill adds, opening her closet doors to see a coordinating set of hangers makes her feel like she is browsing a boutique while getting ready for the day.
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Incorporating Built-in Storage
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Gill is a major proponent of adding built-ins to any area of the home, explaining that with this approach, there isn’t a need to weave bulky furniture pieces into a room.
“Minimalists know that clutter-free surfaces are key to creating a peaceful home,” she says. “Whether it’s custom cabinetry in the living room or drawers under the bed, built-ins keep everything organized and out of sight, while maximizing every inch of space.”
Prioritizing Multi-Purpose Furniture
If you’re a renter and therefore cannot make permanent changes like adding built-ins, Sarah Anthony, the founder of Organize & Design, offers another viable solution: multi-purpose furniture.
Anthony recommends looking for furniture items such as a coffee table that can open up to hold blankets and books, a bed with built-in storage, storage ottomans or benches, and the like. Going this route will help you design a more airy-looking living space that isn’t stuffed to the brim with baskets, drawers, and cabinets of all kinds.
These pieces come at a range of affordable price points, and better yet, you can easily bring them with you to your next home or apartment when your lease ends.
Tackling the Garage
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Minimalists understand the importance of making the most of their garage rather than letting the space turn into a dumping ground for anything and everything that doesn’t already have a home inside of the house.
Amy Berryhill, the founder of Spiffy Chicks, likes to purchase garage cabinets or opt for shelves that can house various bins. You can still keep a wide range of items in the garage, but by taking these steps, you won’t be rummaging around wondering where you left something specific.
She adds that taking the time to organize and streamline this area of the home will pay dividends in more ways than one.
“Transforming a garage into a calm, organized space not only enhances its functionality but also provides a visually soothing experience when arriving home—a small upgrade that makes a big impact,” Berryhill says.
Investing in Quality Basics
Gill understands the importance of making lasting upgrades that will allow a home to shine for years to come.
“That means prioritizing timeless, foundational updates like a fresh coat of paint in a neutral or calming color palette and refinishing our floors to bring out their natural beauty,” she says.
These projects will enhance the appearance of your living space but do not involve bringing more clutter into your house. Gill explains how this will help create a blank canvas for intentional living and will satisfy you for years on end.
“Minimalists like me know that investing in quality basics reduces the need for constant redecoration and allows the beauty of simplicity to shine through,” Gill says.
