Minimalists come in all sizes, ages, genders, races, nationalities, social classes, and religions. It is a growing movement that continues to invite others to live with less and define their lives in greater ways than by the things they own. Yet despite its recent growth, it continues to be misunderstood by a percentage of the population.
With that in mind, I think it would be wise to personally address some of the common misconceptions about minimalism in case you are thinking any of them.
Minimalists Are Boring
A minimalist life is not void of excitement or entertainment. In fact, minimalism reduces many of the mundane tasks (organizing, shopping, cleaning) that rob us of daily excitement. And when unnecessary possessions have been removed, minimalists are free to choose for themselves what things will define their lives.
Some will choose to travel the world, find a new hobby, appreciate nature, get involved in their community, or spend more time with friends.
Minimalists Don’t Own Nice Things
Actually, one of the greatest unforeseen benefits of owning less is the opportunity to purchase possessions of higher quality. For some reason, many people don’t correlate owning fewer things with owning nicer things. But the truth is, they go hand in hand and are directly related.
When a commitment is made to buy fewer things, our lives are opened to the opportunity of owning nicer things as well. In fact, one of the key thoughts behind minimalism is it is far better to own a few, quality things than a whole bunch of junk. This relates to technology, clothing, furniture, sporting equipment, and countless other areas.
Minimalists Are Not Sentimental
Less is different than none. Personally, my family finds more value in sentimental belongings if we keep only the most important pieces and place them in a significant place. As a result, rather than a box full of sentimental things stuck in the basement or attic, we display the most important sentimental pieces from our past somewhere in our home—again, promoting the things that are most valuable to us. Minimalism doesn’t mean we had to throw away all of our sentimental belongings.
Minimalism Is Too Hard
In a world that seeks to own more and accomplishes that by encouraging others to do the same, minimalism is countercultural. It is a lifestyle that goes against the mainstream belief about what constitutes happiness. In that way, it is difficult. It requires trust, intentionality, discipline, and frequent readjustments. It forces us to define our values and choose what is most important in life.
But it is not so hard that you can’t do it. In fact, if my typical family of four can do it, so can you. There’s nothing special about us. The only difference between you and me is that somebody took the time to introduce my family to a new way to live life. We removed our possessions, discovered the joy that can only be found by living with less, and have never looked back.
No wonder minimalists come in all sizes and shapes. And no wonder it is a growing movement where countless people are deciding to own less and define their lives in greater ways than by the things they own. They find freedom because of it.
Eve says
I started decluttering when I became ill & realized I had to simplify so I starting by putting things in boxes & garage bags. I started slowly and it made such a difference. Housework was so much easier. That was in 2006. We stopped buying unless its was necessary. Usually you can borrow or get things you need from thrifts. I was amazed the things we had that were neither necessary or beautiful. Neither one of us wanted them.
Recently my husband was put on blood thinner for Afib. I decided to get rid of all glassware in the kitchen. We now have shelves with really pretty plastic ware that works in oven or micro. I love the extra space in our cabinets & haven’t missed a single thing. My final letting go of batterbowls & vintage dishes didn’t hurt at all as it turned out.
Don’t be afraid to let go. You’ll find you won’t miss things. Out of sight, out of mind is really true.
hashmo says
I wholeheartedly agree with this comment.
Even just boxing up everything you haven’t used in the last year and getting it out of the house and into the garage/storage can make such a huge, quick and easy difference (because you don’t have the pain yet of making a decision to let go). Sometimes you need to taste the benefits of minimalism first before realising how awesome it is. Then when you come to tackle those boxes later it isn’t so hard because you simply don’t want those items back into your now clean and joyful home/mind/life.
Danielle says
I am one of these skeptics, but I never thought minimalism was boring. I have a great friend who is an example of what it can bring to your life, and even how to do it with children.
But you have not convinced me on the “its not too hard” front. Especially if one parent has to do more of the heavy lifting due to job constraints or mismatched desires, or time commitments. Making modest efforts for over a year now and still buried in stuff and acquiring stuff. No help no time no way. I get about 45 min of time each week to do anything on this front if I am lucky but just try to keep my head above water and fail at that most of the time.
Judy says
Ask for help.
Susan Terkanian says
I was “forced” into owning less for a couple of reasons: smaller apartment; financial constraints. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. It also opened up a new career for me for a few years — professional organizer. During these years of being pruned, I developed a heightened ability to discern between “want” and “need”. I also learned not to settle for something, but to wait until whatever it was I was looking for was found — just the right thing. I’ll never look back!
David Y says
Thanks Joshua. As you say, we are all different. I don’t know if I would qualify as a true minimalist. But, downsizing and living more simply has freed me to do what is more important to me.
I don’t miss the things that are gone. And, I do think about quality and good value when I do need to get something.
Sharon says
Love this. It’s not all or nothing. I recently redecorated my living room (on a tight budget & I sold older items). It now has a spacious Scandinavian feel to it, more light & airy. Clutter stresses me out.
Ola says
I love this. Minimalism really can mean different things, but I think it’s always tied into living intentionally. I completely agree that “too hard” is a myth. Owning less frees up a lot of time and allows you to pursue hobbies and interests. Thanks for another great post!
Kim Walzer says
I am still a ” baby Minimalist” and have a long way to go but the space I have opened up in my home, my mind and my spirit is huge! This may not mean much to some folks but I was able to sit on my back porch today in the beautiful North Carolina sunshine for 2 hours and read a magazine and even take a quick nap ….in the afternoon on a Tuesday !!! Life doesn’t get much better then that when your life was full from morning to night just a few short years ago maintaining the American Dream and slowly losing my own dreams one day at a time! Minimalism for me has allowed me to make space where space was needed to live a more meaningful authentic life.. Thanks Josh for your great articles and your gracious spirit .
CR says
Not only was I inspired by Joshua’s blog, I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Thanks to all of you who inspired me to continue in my journey towards minimalism.
Karenlizh Henderson says
My daughter started me on minimalism but like others my husband wont have anything to do with it. So I’m just working on “my stuff”. It’s hard and there is no much of “my stuff” I wish my husband would be on board with it to help. I’ll get it done with or without him.
Sabrina says
I have the same problem, especially with my kids. My oldest is sentimental about everything. It drives me crazy!
Valerie says
I see these narrow-minded attitudes. Society denigrates what doesn’t suit status quo of their materialist consumer driven culture. He who seeks the freedom inherent in simplicity has everything to gain. New trends have to begin somewhere. We need to evolve toward a minimalist culture.