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The benefits of minimalism make it an appealing choice for organizing and lifestyle, but for many people, it is not a practical option. In When Minimalism Isn’t an Option, Part 1, I explained three reasons why minimalism may not work if you live on a tight budget:

1. You may not be able to afford the high up-front costs associated with the highest quality products.
2. Objects may provide you with more value than “experiences.”
3. You may need two of everything.

If these apply to you, the minimalism pros and cons may weigh in favor of cons. Should this be the case, here are some tips for making the best of things.

1. Redefine your ideals.

First of all, ask yourself how much you are letting the ideals of other people determine your own outlook on organizing and lifestyle. It is important to remember that many minimalists are living on a higher income level, and have a different life perspective as a result.

In essence, minimalism is to some degree a privilege, and therefore a way of expressing privilege. But it does not make sense to let the views of those in a different economic class frame your reality. Instead, try to ask yourself what you value and enjoy. It may not be minimalism at all.

2. If minimalism is important to you conceptually, find other ways to express it.

On the other hand, you may have other philosophical reasons for being a minimalist. If that is the case, you should not abandon that philosophy, but you should look for other ways to make it part of your life.

This may involve a less literal interpretation of “less is more.” It may mean cultivating simplicity in other aspects of your existence, cutting away unnecessary complications or ties.

3. Avoid buying anything you do not need.

Even when you are living on a tight budget, you will sometimes inevitably feel an urge to purchase things which are not strictly necessary. Try and keep these types of purchases to a minimum. That way, at least any “clutter” in your home will be necessary “clutter,” not unnecessary “clutter.”

4. Find organizing solutions for your necessary “clutter.”

As discussed in Part 1, there are situations where you may end up with duplicate items in your household which are not practical to donate. If someone gifts you and appliance which you already own for example, is not pragmatic to get rid of it. The one you’re using will inevitably fail. Keeping the duplicate now means being able to replace it for free later.

Since you cannot simply get rid of these items as a wealthier minimalist probably would, you should instead look for solutions to organize extra stuff. If you are creative, you can at least make your home tidy and organized, even if it has a bit less space than you would prefer. The right home organizing supplies can go a long way toward achieving this.

In conclusion, not everyone can afford to be a minimalist in the strictest sense. But there are still solutions and alternatives which you can use to make your home organized and “clutter-free” as possible. You can also learn to integrate some of the more universal aspects of minimalist philosophy with a perspective which is more grounded in your financial reality. Both should increase your happiness overall.