I strive to lead a minimalistic lifestyle. But just to be clear, that doesn’t translate to owning nothing.
We’re a family of four. As you might guess, we have beds, dressers, living room furniture, a television, a dining table, desk, tableware, and my kids have their own rooms with their own possessions in their closets.
My wife likes to sew and read, and I like to cook, write, and play sports. We appreciate a minimalist lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean we own nothing. To live is to consume after all.
However, our mission has been to own just what we need—to remove ourselves from the grasp and false promises of overconsumption.
Overconsumption starts when we cross the boundaries of our needs and move haphazardly into the realm of wants.
The struggle is real. Credit cards allow us to spend beyond our income all the while advertisements nudge our desires towards material possessions. Our culture further normalizes this behavior.
It is overconsumption that fuels the desire for constantly larger homes, faster cars, fashionable attire, newer tech, and cluttered storage. It sells the illusion of happiness, but only results in a relentless craving for more. It robs us of purpose, misdirects our passions, and depletes our resources.
It is time to break free from this ruthless cycle.
We need to reflect and recognize that overconsumption isn’t fulfilling its promise of delivering happiness and satisfaction. Consumption is a necessity, but overconsumption isn’t.
And we can lead a more fulfilling and enjoyable life by intentionally rejecting it.
Here are 12 compelling reasons to escape overconsumption in your life:
1. Reduced Debt
In the US, consumers’ average credit card balance is $5,910. Overall, Americans owe just short of $1 trillion dollar ($986 billion to be exact).
This debt burden induces stress and binds us to jobs we dislike. Buy less, get out of debt.
2. Less Maintenance
Owning fewer possessions means less time and energy spent on upkeep.
Reducing our attachment to material possessions gives us more freedom and time for pursuits that truly matter.
3. Diminished Lifestyle Envy
Today’s digital age bombards us with lifestyle images that spur envy and dissatisfaction.
Rejecting overconsumption can help quiet the desire to constantly upscale lifestyle norms like trying to “keep up with the Joneses.”
4. Minimal Environmental Footprint
Overconsumption strains our planet’s resources. Living simply respects our planet’s capacity and contributes to its sustainability.
5. Less Influence from Trends and Fad
Every generation brings new trends that entice us to spend.
Stepping away from overconsumption lets us appreciate the value of timeless items and saves us from chasing fleeting fashion trends.
6. Less Social Pressure
Our society promotes spending as a means to show off wealth. By resisting overconsumption, we can break free from the pressure to impress with material possessions.
7. Increased Generosity
Choosing minimalism over overconsumption gives us more time, energy, and financial resources. It also helps us take our attention off ourselves and helps us see the actual need of others.
8. Greater Contentment
Some believe you need contentment to curb overconsumption.
However, my experience has been that actively resisting overconsumption cultivates a profound sense of contentment and satisfaction in our lives.
9. Heightened Awareness
Overconsumption blinds us to the false claims of fulfillment and happiness sold by department stores. Stepping back gives us a clearer perspective on these empty promises.
10. More Appreciation for Life’s Intangibles
Real life thrives in the intangible: love, hope, faith.
Our actions should reflect our understanding that the most precious aspects of life are not material possessions.
11. Greater Financial Intentionality
Escaping overconsumption enables us to better manage and direct our finances towards what truly matters to us. Whether that’s donating more to causes we care about, investing in experiences like travel, or building an emergency fund, financial intentionality becomes attainable when we conquer overconsumption.
12. Promoting Healthier Relationships
Overconsumption often strains relationships due to the financial stress it creates.
By breaking free from it, we can focus more on cultivating and nurturing our relationships—especially as we free us time and resources for that purpose.
Breaking away from overconsumption is not an easy endeavor. If it were, more of us would be doing it. But it’s a battle worth fighting.
Overconsumption steals more from our lives than we recognize.
Dawn Vereeke says
I was happy to see your wife sews and reads, like myself.
Question for her…how does she keep her sewing supplies from multiplying like rabbits? I sew garments and quilt and my sewing room is full to the brim. How does this hobby fit in the minimalist lifestyle and is there a sensible way to somehow reduce supplies. I’ve tried numerous times, but this is all stuff that is used occasionally, and I end up just rearranging! Help please!
Paula B says
I have the same issue with watercolor painting supplies. I have more than I will ever use. I’ve thought about gifting some of my paints but I do use them from time to time. For me, I think it’s a matter of getting used to the idea that we can manage with less. It’s hard.
Moses says
One of a kind and sincere remainder. The truth is that many people know what to do, but very few do what they know.
I think this is a habit worth forming. Good habits are are good to live with and very hard to form. Bad habit are dangerous to live with and so easy to form.
John says
We sold our home with a big pool, grounds, and guest house for a smaller home. We seldom used the pool, and were tired of the endless pool and landscaping expenses. Less is truly more. We love our new house, which is easier to clean and requires far less maintenance.
Billie says
Great article! Spot on!!! Thank you Joshua!
Rebecca Repp says
Today one goal is to get 10 items out of my house and this list helps!
Caecilia Fryrear says
We have had no need for a television for the past 25 years. We do have a laptop to keep us up to date. We downsized from a three bedroom house to an RV and it was so freeing. Now, after three years, we’re in a two bedroom apartment and have furnished it with recycled furniture. I find it difficult to keep from getting more bargains into this small space, but I am working on it.
Judy says
So true, Joshua—- to live is to consume. I like space though and the thought of filling up my little house with all kinds of stuff is very unappealing to me. When I do need or want something I try to find it at a thrift store first.
AJ Young Jr. says
This is great information that I read often. My journey has been slow, but I purpose to be much more intentional this quarter. I realize that by prioritizing a minimalist lifestyle, I can do much more good in the earth. I’m getting there. Thanks for the continued encouragement
Annie Beesley says
I really enjoy your commentaries and thoughtful posts. Just a small contribution here…a concern of mine is yes, I am downsizing and giving away, and emptying my closets, but where does it all go? Do we ever take stock of the amount of stuff that does go out the door?? I know there are mountains of plastic and clothing that are accumulating as we all minimize…..and “recycle”.
I think re-use and re-pair need to come back into ‘fashion’…..homemade quilts from all those lovely clothes we don’t wear anymore?!
Alice says
Now that I’ve crossed the threshold toward a minimalistic life, the constant bombardment of advertising shocks me. What truly troubles me is that people are normalized to this! As I’ve begun my deowning project, all the time I used to spend watching television is now spent on gathering donations and getting the ‘stuff’ out that’s not needed. When I do glimpse a little TV now and then, I cannot stand it because of the advertising. I’m thrilled to be engaging in a more intentional life.