Most of us sense it deep down, even if we struggle to articulate it: the constant presence of too many things in our homes and lives.
We see it when we’re looking for that one shirt in a pile of too many, when we can’t find a place for the new gifts we receive, or when we spend what seems like forever constantly cleaning, sorting, and re-arranging.
Our garages are no longer spaces for our cars but storage areas for boxes full of stuff we never use. Drawers become increasingly difficult to close, closets are stuffed to the brim, and sometimes, our belongings control us rather than us controlling them.
It’s helpful to take a step back from our current way of life and realize, while it is common to us, compared to human history it is entirely unique.
And by that I mean, consider this: Never in human history have human beings owned as much stuff as we do today!
We’re in uncharted territory, leading lives of unprecedented abundance. Even worse, not only is this level of possession-ownership entirely unique, it is a burden to us.
Consider these 15 startling stats to understand just how unparalleled our journey into materialism has become.
1. The average American home has quadrupled in size over the last 100 years—from 700 square feet in the 1920s to 2,700 square feet in 2015. (source)
2. Still, more than a third of Americans rent self storage—spending $38 billion every year. (source)
3. The average American shopper buys 60% more clothing items than they did 15 years ago but keeps them for half as long. The average garment may be worn as few as ten times before disposal. (source)
4. The average American woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet. In 1930, the average American owned just nine outfits. (source / source)
5. Yet, American households spend, on average, almost $1,500 on clothing every year. (source)
6. No wonder the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year! (source)
7. American credit card debt now exceeds $1 trillion for the first time—twice as much credit card debt as just 10 years ago. (source)
8. Americans make one impulse purchase every two days, spending up to $5400 annually ($324,000 over their lifetime). (source)
9. Americans spend over $8 billion every year on unwanted gifts. (source)
10. The average American household now owns 25 connected devices. (source)
11. The average person in Great Britain owns 80 books which they haven’t read. (source)
12. Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted. (source)
13. Even though we stock our kitchens with food we don’t eat, Americans now spend more on dining out than on groceries. (source)
14. 80% of the items we own are never used. (source)
15. Americans spend $18,000 per year, per person, on nonessentials. (source)
The numbers are clear and paint a picture of just how much we’ve accumulated. It’s surprising, really, when you think about how different our lives are from all other previous generations before us.
But here’s the good news: we don’t have to keep living this way. There’s a simpler, more freeing path ahead. Owning less and making more room for what truly matters.
So, why not start today? Begin with one drawer, one shelf, or one closet. Consider this your invitation to a lighter, more intentional life. And the first step? Maybe it’s as simple as a visit to your local donation center.
I agree with the main point of the article: Americans are buying (and storing) many more things than they used to. I think the case for a minimalist lifestyle is a strong one. But I also think we risk a backlash by (unintentionally, I’m sure) overstating the case.
For example, when I read stat #2 (more than a third of Americans rent self storage) I was distracted by what seemed like an exaggeration. So I went to the linked source. From what I can tell, the source was not especially careful with one of the headlines. It said, “Almost 40% of Americans rent self storage, survey says.” Really? 40% of Americans rent self storage? I find that hard to believe — unless you’re excluding those who are 18 years old and younger, which is roughly 20% of the population. I THINK the headline meant to convey that nearly 40% of American ADULTS rent self storage.” But the details provided even more nuance. The source article said, “38% of respondents declared themselves to be self storage users in 2021, including past, present and future intention to use this service.” Including PAST, present and FUTURE INTENTION to use?! C’mon.
Another “startling stat” is #4: “The average American woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet. In 1930, the average American owned just nine outfits.” The problem is, that stat isn’t tracking the same thing over time. One number is talking about ITEMS, the other is referring to OUTFITS. The second source says as much: “In 1930, the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, that figure is 30 outfits — one for every day of the month.” The statistic is revealing all by itself. But it’s 9 vs. 30, not 9 vs. 103. There’s no need to jigger the numbers.
Very enlightening statistics! I wish everyone could see these! Confirms that my minimal way of living is the right path! I have never been happier with this way of life, wish I had known it when I was in my 30s!
Very interesting numbers! I had to compare some of it to my country.
Turns out swedes live on less than half the living space than americans.
I don’t know anyone who rent a storage unit.
Swedes buy 33 pound of clothes annualy, and throw out 16 pound of clother (much less than 81 pound).
Swedes are not perfect or annything. Just really surpriced about the differens in consumption.
As a fellow swede: Thank you for this comparison :)!
The statistics you posted are an eye opener. It’s fall and I started more donation boxes. Once I go through Christmas decorations that will be donated too. I just need to break family and friends of gift exchanging.
Very. interesting facts, Josh. So interesting in fact that I decided to see how I stack up against them because I am fascinated by things like that. Here are the results:
Fact #1: The average American home has quadrupled in size over the last 100 years—from 700 square feet in the 1920s to 2,700 square feet in 2015.
Me: I live alone (with three cats) in a 1650 square foot home.
Fact #2: Still, more than a third of Americans rent self storage—spending $38 billion every year.
Me: I once rented self-storage for 18 months when I was between homes and temporarily living in a furnished studio. Never before or since.
Fact #3: The average American shopper buys 60% more clothing items than they did 15 years ago but keeps them for half as long. The average garment may be worn as few as ten times before disposal.
Me: I haven’t bought a single item of clothing other than necessary underwear in about 15 years.
Fact #4: The average American woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet. In 1930, the average American owned just nine outfits.
Me: I own more than I need but less than my closet needs to be full. My one downfall is fashion hats but I haven’t bought a new one in years.
Fact #5: Yet, American households spend, on average, almost $1,500 on clothing every year.
Me: Ouch! I’d say in the last ten years it has averaged out to about $10 per year.
Fact #6: No wonder the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year!
Me: Nope. Anything I get rid of is still good and goes to my community’s thrift store. Nothing has gone to the trash.
Fact #7: American credit card debt now exceeds $1 trillion for the first time—twice as much credit card debt as just 10 years ago.
Me: Zero! Aways zero!
Fact #8: Americans make one impulse purchase every two days, spending up to $5400 annually ($324,000 over their lifetime).
Me: I shop carefully and have made very few “want” purchases in the last 20+ years. Just not interested.
Fact #9: Americans spend over $8 billion every year on unwanted gifts.
Me: When I bought Christmas gifts I was the giffter everyone wanted; I know how to buy the thing the giftee actually wants. But I stopped the giving and receiving of all gifts several years ago.
Fact #10: The average American household now owns 25 connected devices.
Me: Holy cow! Really? I own a laptop and one flip phone with no abilities other than being a phone. I don’t know if that counts as one or two.
Fact #11: The average person in Great Britain owns 80 books which they haven’t read.
Me: Many years ago, I performed a few major clean-outs.. I went from 2200+ books down to my current–and staying there–119.
Fact #12: Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted.
Me: Only a bit guilty. Less so since. Covid; I haven’t eaten out since March off 2020. I am also getting older and chose to spend money on a tremendous housecleaner twice a month and none on eating out again. A choice I am very happy with.
Fact #13: Even though we stock our kitchens with food we don’t eat, Americans now spend more on dining out than on groceries.
Me: Zero since March of 2020 And never again. Prices are outrageous, miscellaneous fees are insulting, and I can do better.
Fact #14: 80% of the items we own are never used.
Me: I am a hardcore follower of the rule that if it isn’t used in a given period of time, it goes out. The length of time depends on what the item is. (Anyone want some Costco butter? I got plenty in the freezer when someone I know went into the hospital and now nursing care; will never come out again. I won’t use this much so it’s free.)
Fact #15: Americans spend $18,000 per year, per person, on nonessentials.
Me: Whoa, in ten years that could nearly pay off my mortgage. Nonessentials or mortgage free? Oh yeah, tough decision.
So you are not average, possibly unique as you also live alone.
I agree with this post. You see excess all around you most of the time. We certainly do not live like our predessors. We have way too much disposable stuff. Buy way too much food and easy option for most is the bin. I can remember my mom buying oranges and us sharing them with friends who came to play.
Look how out of control Halloween and Christmas has become. Buying themed crockery etc. Buying stupid stocking fillers etc. All adds up. And most of us are guilty of it. It takes discipline to stop. It is a journey that we need to be reminded of. Thank goodness for blogs like these.
Couldn’t agree more, Judy. I’ve been on a minimalist journey for many years and *still* have to think twice when I see some pretty seasonal decoration.
Halloween began in August. Christmas in late September/early October. It’s sad. We need to all hop off this crazy train.
I love butter! 😁 But also, I love all the ways you’ve shown that are different than average. We don’t live like the average American, but we still do fit in some of these areas. We have old devices than need to be cleaned and recycled. We have four children who are growing out of clothing and shoes, so that’s a given. We eat 90-95% of our meals at home, with 5% not from scratch. We currently rent, but are wanting to buy a house down the road.
We have much room for improvement, but I appreciate reading how others live their lives not chasing after the alleged American Dream full of all the things.
Is there somewhere I can find past articles. I skimmed the last one about appreciating the life you have, thought it was good and tried to save it so I could go back to it later but I seem to have sent it off to who knows where and can’t find it
Yup, you can find the Archives Page right here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/archives/
I downsize for seniors moving to independent living and I volunteer at a Thrift Shop. I see so much STUFF in both areas, and lots of new things that were impulsively bought and never used. Seeing the overabundance and waste is an impetus for me to own less.
TIP: Parents and grandparents, don’t keep your stuff to hand down. They don’t want 95% of it. Donate it to a good non-profit and know they will use the proceeds from it to help those less fortunate.
It is not easy but I am trying to convert my home to minimalist standards and I think I finally got my husband to be onboard! But we definitely have a long way to go. Thank you for the articles, the more I read the more empowered I feel to move forward with the “Purge”😂
I just drywalled our garage and got rid of a ton of stuff. We will have a tall shelf in the corner for garden supplies, air filters for cars, fishing gear, softball and golf gear and rakes/shovels either hanging or leaning. That’s it. The garage will be clean and nearly completely uncluttered. This is starting a minimalism revolution in our home!
The Hunter Gatherers had it right. Only own what you can carry. Just imagine no need for police or wars.
Extra stuff would be a burden to thrives and no one would accumulate enough riches to go to war over ;-)