Several years ago, we made a bold, life-changing decision. We decided to intentionally live with fewer possessions. It had become very clear to us that our clutter was stealing time, energy, and focus from our pursuits that mattered most. And removing unneeded possessions would free up precious resources and opportunity.
We started right away working through each room, closet, and drawer in our home to remove the unnecessary clutter from our home and lives.
Along the way, we began noticing a troubling trend: duplicates. In fact, we owned duplicates of nearly everything. We began to quickly realize we had bought into thinking that went like this, “If owning one of something is nice, owning more will be even better.”
But we were wrong. And lately, I have begun to intentionally embrace a new philosophy. I have begun to appreciate the simple joys of owning one.
Consider the benefits of owning just one of an item:
- We own only our favorite of every object.
- We take better care of our belongings.
- We routinely use each of our owned possessions.
- We can quickly identify what needs to be repaired or replaced.
- We can easily identify the importance and purpose of each item.
- We create opportunity to own higher quality items.
- We find more capacity to help others with our excess.
- We experience increased intentionality in our purchases and possessions.
There is indeed a peaceful joy to be discovered in simply owning one. And this principle can be applied to almost any item we own: One coat. One spatula. One mug. One pen. One set of bedding. One television. One…
Surely, the practical implications of this principle will vary from household to household. Its opportunity will play out differently in your home than mine.
But the simple joy of owning one has too quickly been forgotten. It is time we remember its simple beauty… and live less cluttered lives because of it.
Image: Wolfgang Staudt
Janice Stringer says
For many years I have attempted to live this way. I have found it hard at times when loved ones close to me – do not live by the same principles but feel recently the importance of this is coming ever closer in my life. In my life, I would like to do more rather than have more. Living is so important. In an english society where rental/ buying a property can be so expensive. I think its important to work out what you value and live your life doing what makes you happy.
Jesus Campa says
I totally agree with this philosophy, except in one area of my life. I love mechanical watches. They add value to my life because my best friend is a watch aficionado as well. We have very involved discussions about watches and their functionality and design. I tried to find just one but I can’t. Before I wanted at least 9 or 10 different ones, but after a lot of thinking and taking everything into consideration I narrowed it down to just 4. I am also not focused on acquiring the last two anytime soon since the two I own add immensely to my life.
Tricia C says
My dad was a minimalist years ago. When he died, and I had to deal with his estate- what a blessing! Everything was tidy, no extraneous possessions. The attic held 3 items! A joy to pass on what he had and a wake up call regarding possessions.
Annie OH says
Tricia,
Thank you for telling us about your dad’s minimalism, and the great blessing you experienced when you handled his estate.
I have no immediate family where I live who could handle my estate. My nieces live across country, and one or both will have to fly here to handle things. Due to their work, it would have to be a very quick trip.
I am a senior citizen, and because of my love and concern for my nieces (and respect for their time) I made the decision to put my entire environment/life in “estate ready” condition. In a way, this
is taking minimalism to the highest level.
This has been an overwhelming project, but one that is worth every minute I put into it. I have never liked owning things so I’m
not swamped with “stuff,” so the time involved has been surprising. A lot of time. But then — I’m putting things in order so my lawyer can see to it that my home and all other issues related to my estate are handled. If my nieces cannot get here all will still be taken care of.
Takes a lot of thinking and instruction writing not to mention the
sorting/decision making, mailing things to people that I want them to have, etc. I will live comfortably, but my small home will be able to be closed up in two days maximum and the estate papers filed. Done.
I went into a bit of detail in case anyone should happen to read this who is also making their life estate ready. I’ve not read a word about this issue anywhere, and I read extensively.
How freeing this is! If there were do-overs in life, I’d go back to my early 20s and live this way daily: estate ready.
Cheers!
Paula says
Thank you for sharing. You inspired me to get started though I am in my mid 40’s. How long did it take you to complete your process?
Best,
Paula
Bonnie says
I am in my mid forties and am doing this too. Almost all my precious family items have been passed to my relatives; genealogy info, photos, jewelry, artwork, etc… things I enjoyed for years that others I care about are now enjoying. Almost 3 years ago I moved alongside the Natioal Forest here in Northern California and fires DO happen so I am glad I already did this. Also a I cannot stress enough how important it is to set up your estate. I jumped onto creating my own plan after a disastrous financial crisis with my mothers unplanned estate and verbal wishes. Save everyone the grief and angst so that they can focus peacefully after you are gone.
Frank says
Been trying to live this philosophy, too. And the biggest benefit seems to be that I save a lot of time. Now I don’t have to wonder if my ‘other’ item is still OK or what. That’s at least 3 seconds spared! :)
Jodie says
Another fantastic article and many of the comments were very enlightening as well!
Catherine Booth says
We live in a simple three bedroom house made of fibre board. When we bought it, it was to be our “First home”. Now we have just about paid off the mortgage and everyone is asking us so when are we going to upgrade our home? Firstly, our children are almost independent adults. Secondly, why would we move into a larger home with potentially higher maintenance and costs just as our children are probably going to move out and create their own lives? We have chosen instead to renovate our home, adding solar panels and changing certain areas to make them lower maintenance.
When I started my minimalist journey, my pack rat husband was dubious. However, he’s seen first hand how much simpler my personal life is – I have just one hobby, when I dress in the morning it takes me next to no time to choose my clothing, and it’s so much easier to clean and tidy our home with less furniture and knick knacks. Now he’s on board and is decluttering nearly every day.
My children are still pack rats, but I don’t impose my lifestyle beliefs upon them. It will be soon enough that they will move on and take their clutter with them and I will miss them dearly.
I don’t think anyone should impose their minimalist beliefs upon another. Far better to let them see for themselves how much happier and relaxed I am and to realise minimalism brought me to here.
Cheers.
Josh says
I think that Jan hit is right on the head. My philosophy in life has become ‘what do I NEED today in order to achieve my life goals?’
I believe that living with intention is important. You buy ONLY what you NEED. Need is defined by what helps you to accomplish your goals. You need to eat, so buy only what you NEED to feed yourself. You need to be around people sometimes, so buy clothes… but ONLY enough clothes for what you NEED to accomplish. This might be different for some people (some might need dressier clothes, while others can get by with plain clothes) but the important word is NEED.
My philosophy says that ‘Today, I have everything that I need for my life. Therefore, there is no need to buy anything else.” If I can literally get through the day without it and still pursue my goals, then there is no need to add anything else. This has been one of the most freeing and amazing decision that I have ever made, and I have never looked back once. I have also realized that, since I literally won’t spend a dollar unless I NEED to, my bank account also grows upward instead of downward.
I work (I am a freelance writer) and my money goes into the bank, but I simply don’t spend it. In the future, I plan on buying a home with cash (because I also have a debt-free policy in my life). I am a firm believer in this philosophy. It is all about living simply, and only buying what you need. (remember, only what you absolutely NEED! Do you need 2,000 square feet of living space? You can probably get by with 800 if you have 2 kids like me… we have plenty of room!)
Kim L says
great post.
I like this quota: “If owning one of something is nice, owning more will be even better.”. Yes, totally true to me, and worst habit. The difference is I want to own knowledge. I wanted to be good at everything, and I tried to adapt all of them, but I couldn’t do all of them, my ability has limit, my health, my endurance, etc. Then, I figured that, all of these knowledge is great, but I need to realize what is importance, and necessary to me instead of doing things I want.
Owning too much is good, but it creates you more stress, frustration. It only makes you complicated and tired. That is what I feel right now.
Susan F says
One pen!? They multiply like rabbits — or coat hangers
Jan says
Upon reading most if the comments, I see a lot of justifying going on. The example of one dish, one mug, one thing is only an example. If you need two, three or twelve then you need them. The operative word is NEED. Being a minimalist is not about the count. It’s about consumerism and living comfortable with what you have. If great-grandmas’ good dishes are your treasure and you can’t bare to part with them, then don’t. If you need several coats, then you need several coats or shoes or slacks.
My needs are different from every one of the above commenters. My philosophy; if you think you’ll regret getting rid of it, box it up and see how often you think about it in a six month period. If you haven’t thought about it, used it or needed it in that time; it’s time to get rid of it.
Don’t ever get rid of an item because someone else says you should. Find your own level of comfort. After all it is you who has to live this way, it’s your choice. Not theirs.
Good article btw.
Anne Stockwell says
My thoughts exactly – and well expressed.