In January 2019, I flew to Berlin to start my studies. I was really excited because it was my first time in Europe. It became even more exciting when I tried to pack all my belongings into one giant suitcase, hoping it would be enough to last me at least for the first few months. I carefully selected and eliminated items I really needed, such as clothes, a pair of shoes, my camera gear, and some stationery. I even left behind my Bluetooth speaker and my 14″ laptop because I didn’t want to carry a heavy backpack.

I was worried about bringing too much stuff that I might not use in the future, thinking it would just become a burden. After I arrived in Berlin, I didn’t buy many things besides the essentials, knowing that I would eventually have to move to another apartment. But after my first move, I realized something important: I don’t need a lot of stuff to sustain my life. I just need clothes to protect me through the seasons (since we have four seasons here, the clothes need to be adaptable) and a few simple items for college and hobbies.

I used to own a lot of T-shirts and kept things I thought I might need later, but I never did. My room made me uncomfortable because it was so cluttered. Since then, I’ve been researching simple living and discovered something called minimalism. I’ve learned about owning only the things that make you happy and spark joy. The key is to live as simply as possible. Material things will never truly satisfy you; the gratitude for what you have will sustain you.

In the first couple of months, I began to declutter my clothes and papers. I started trying to buy and own less than I used to, aiming to live in a cleaner space. I also began growing plants as a new hobby, which helped me appreciate nature even more. I clean my room more often and buy less food to prevent waste. I’ve also started using less electricity and paying close attention to my water consumption.

I realize that this new lifestyle is not only beneficial for me but also for the environment. I still own many things, but I try to apply the principles of minimalism in every aspect of my life. Becoming a minimalist isn’t something that happens overnight; it’s a long-term practice, and I believe I can continue to improve. I understand that some people may not share the same principles as me or other minimalists, but I see the value in minimalism, and I believe it’s worth trying.