Minimalist living is counter-cultural. It stands contrary to the life pursued by most people in the consumer-driven society within which we live.
But there is more joy to be found owning less than can be found pursuing more. Consider just some of the benefits of living with fewer possessions:
1. Spend Less | Choosing to accumulate only the essential often results in financial freedom.
2. Less Stress | A minimalist home is significantly less stressful.
3. Easier to Clean | The fewer things in our home, the easier they are to clean.
4. More Freedom | The sense of freedom that comes from minimalism is truly refreshing.
5. Good for the Environment | The less we consume, the less damage we do to the environment.
6. Be More Productive | Our possessions consume our time more than we realize.
7. Example for my Kids | These are valuable life lessons they will never learn in the media.
8. Support Other Causes | Money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on.
9. Own Higher Quality Things | More is not better… better is better.
10. Less Work for Someone Else | Create a less stressful life today and lessen the burden on someone else too.
11. Be Happier | Owning fewer possessions makes you happier.
12. Do Work You Love | Own less stuff. Choose work you love.
13. Freedom From the Comparison Game | Our culture begs us to own more.
14. Time for Things that Matter Most | The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you.
15. Visually Appealing | Make your home more appealing.
16. Not Tied to the Past | Release the past to create a better tomorrow.
17. Less Places for Your Heart | Invest your heart into meaningful things.
18. More Opportunity for Rest | Take a deep breath.
19. Find Things Easier | Own less clutter. Find stuff quicker.
20. Live in a Smaller Space | For most families, a house is the costliest investment they’ll ever make.
21. Display What You Value Most | Communicate what is most important.
About Joshua Becker
I believe some of us have great anxiety and can’t concentrate because of our clusters and mess! Great post, thanks.
Thanks, Joshua. Newspapers, and magazines become a clutter in our house. I receive them and just don’t have time to go through them. I bring them in my car, that my spot to sit and enjoy them. You do guess that right, my car is overly covered with papers. I can hardly take anyone in. This is where i take nap and read, and eat lunch, rather than be in the break room. It is just the smell of them that stir me away from them, not the bad news,
Thank you Joshua. Your list is impressive. I have in the past received something from my aunt that I wish i didn’t have. The jewelry was putting pressure on me to do more so it totally owned me. I couldn’t return it to her. Now i am stuck with many nights not knowing what to do in the future with this. I can’t give, can’t wait, and can’t wear it. So i am thinking of giving this responsibly back to my cousin. I just don’t really like it this way. Finally, this list here means pretty much everything to me. One thing, some few things I just have to have around the house. And this will always be. I just can’t be without those.
biggest benefits for me is additional TIME and FOCUS. Space to focus on what’s important
I like number 14 the best. The more stuff you buy the more you have to work to pay for them and maintain them.
14. Time for Things that Matter Most | The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you.
I have collections that bring me joy. I actually have trouble thinking of my life without thm. Any thoughts.
Me too. I grew up with much of nothing. I love a huge house and spending time in my home. I love decorating and changing things out for seasons. Living in a small place would be claustrophobic. Owning less does not make me happier. I agree only on a few, in that money could be saved. I would need more in depth discussion to find out if any of the others would work for me. I enjoy stuff. I don’t work and don’t want to for any reason.
Great article. Provides lot of food for thought.
Loved reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insipiring..
This is a great article, thank you for the reminder :-)
Completely agree Joshua! Thanks!
I have been trying to owning less things. It’s so easy to be discouraged but this post really made me motivated again to seek this lifestyle!
Cat
This is so true! Owning less is freedom. Time is the most valuable asset.
Why is owning stuff taking away freedom? Makes no sense. I have stuff and freedom too.