In a world that measures success in material possessions, owning less is countercultural.
But through the years, I have found motivation to own less in the many studies that support the decision.
Though culture and marketers encourage us to buy more, those who study the impact of excess possessions on life encourage us to own less.
If you ever find yourself needing a little bit of extra motivation to own less and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, I encourage you to come back to this article. Bookmark it if you need to.
No matter who you are, you’ll find something here to encourage you.
Ten Scientific Studies that will Encourage You to Own Less
1. Owning Fewer Possessions Reduces Stress
Clutter makes us feel stressed. When you concentrate, you can actually feel the weight of excess possessions on your shoulders.
Studies confirm the feelings we have. Research confirms that possessions can make us feel stressed, anxious, and depressed. Clutter produces a chemical reaction in our body.
Even more fascinating, according to a study published in 2011, people who value their possessions highly tend to experience higher levels of stress and depression. Not because of their quantity necessarily, but just because of the value they place on them.
Not only can minimalism help clear clutter from our homes, it can also reframe the value we place on physical possessions. Win-win.
2. Owning Fewer Possessions Boosts Well-Being
The modern growth of minimalism as a lifestyle is still relatively new. But according to all of the research and evidence collected thus far, a consistent positive relationship has been found between voluntary simplicity and well-being.
This 2021 paper (Minimalism, Voluntary Simplicity, and Well-Being: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature) reviewed 23 empirical studies to reach that conclusion.
3. Owning Fewer Possessions Can Improve Relationships
In 2021, research was published in Frontiers in Psychology by three researchers in China. According to their findings, people who were less materialistic and focused on experiences rather than material possessions had more positive social interactions and stronger social bonds.
Owning less paves the way for stronger relationships with others.
4. Owning Fewer Possessions Helps Us Sleep Better
Sleep researchers have discovered that cluttered bedrooms were associated with poor sleep quality. In a physically cluttered environment, it can take longer to fall asleep and experience restful sleep.
As a result, the study suggested that removing excess possessions from the bedroom can lead to a better night’s rest.
5. Owning Fewer Possessions Boosts Productivity
A study by scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that clutter in the workplace can have a negative impact on productivity.
Participants in the study who worked in a cluttered environment performed worse on tasks that required concentration and problem-solving than those who worked in a clean and organized space.
6. Owning Fewer Possessions Can Help You Save Money
A recent study, released only in March 2023, studied the impact of minimalist practices on consumer happiness and financial well-being and discovered “adopting a minimalist lifestyle saves substantial money.”
According to the study, this happens for three reasons: 1) reduced purchases saves money on items that add no life value; 2) adopting a prudent and thoughtful stance when controlling consumption; and 3) balancing spending according to budget limitations avoids debt burdens.
I’ve been writing about minimalism for 14 years… and I am really excited to see more and more research emerging on the impact of it on individuals and society at-large.
7. Owning Fewer Possessions Can Help Bring Happiness
According to research from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas, experiences tend to bring more happiness than material possessions. The researchers concluded that people are happier with experiential purchases over material ones irrespective of when you measure happiness: before, during, or after consumption.
In fact, after studying the data, the researchers said, “If you want to be happier, it might be wise to shift some of your consumption away from material goods and a bit more toward experiences. That would likely lead to greater well-being.”
8. Owning Fewer Possessions Improves Our Physical Health
In a 2016 study titled “Clutter, Chaos, and Overconsumption,” researchers studied the impact of a cluttered environment on habits—in this case, overeating. Participants in the chaotic kitchen condition consumed more cookies and calories than those in a standard kitchen.
An orderly environment, on the other hand, can lead to healthier habits and personal choices—including increased physical exercise.
9. Owning Fewer Possessions Can Improve Memory
Increased physical possessions around us increases the visual noise in our minds and lives. This visual distraction of clutter increases overload and even reduces our working memory.
10. Owning Fewer Possessions Promotes Better Play for Our Kids
A 2017 study from The University of Toledo makes an important observation for us as parents, “when provided with fewer toys in the environment, toddlers engage in longer periods of play with a single toy, allowing better focus to explore and play more creatively.”
This is important for us to realize. Constantly adding more toys is not the best way to help your child grow and develop.
And based on all the studies above, constantly adding new possessions to your home for your own sake is not the best way to grow, develop, and live your most meaningful life.
Mary :) says
These are helpful reminders of what has already been stated on Becoming Minimalist. As a mom of many small children, I have experimented with the 4 vs. 16 toy philosophy. It has proven to be correct over and over. Watching how children play and become overwhelmed in a chaotic environment reminds me that we are not really different as we age. Less turns out to be better, it just usually takes us decades to realize it!
Sandra says
Always neat and tidy, I’ve gone through periods of more possessions and less. Now that I’m retired with chronic illness I have embraced minimalism 100% and have never felt more free, calm, and satisfied. Today I donated my bedside table, lamp, and a few other pieces. I think that’s the “last” of things to go. I can’t believe how easy it is to clean, pick up, etc, and everything stays clean longer without various landing spots for dirt and dust to accumulate. Thank you for all the wonderful advice and content to keep my mind, soul and body in the best shape it can be.
Greta says
My spouse asked the hypothetical question, facing a house full of possessions: What would it take to move overseas? I looked around at the accumulation of everything, and realized none of it mattered.
“A thousand dollars, so I can cover my needs for a month; my laptop, so I can find work; a fresh pair of underwear so I can freshen up after the long flight; and some friends on the other side.” And even from that list, it is only the friends who matter.
Fran Lee says
And the fresh underwear :)
Betsy says
The older I get the more I want less. My husband is a woodworker, he’s made most of our furniture minus our bed and sofa. His work is beautiful. He retired last year and is buying tools he’s always wanted and now has the time to use. This sounds ridiculous but I keep hoping I pass away first because I don’t know how I’m going to clear out all the large equipment. I’m clearing out constantly so our children don’t have a big burden.
Deb says
When we moved into an RV to live in retirement we had to get rid of almost everything, and still I took too much along. I had spend months getting rid of stuff and just could not give up any more possessions. Then over time, the more I gave away the lighter my world felt. Now I believe the way way I think about stuff deep down has changed me and having less feels great. We did buy another house but I keep boxes in the garage all the time for donations on a regular basis.
Barbara says
I have been reading your articles for years. They’ve helped me reevaluate my need for all my possession. I started decluttering in 2019 just before Covid and kept it up. Everyday I share items, give away, donate and joined online selling sites. It’s a wonderful feeling to recycle all these lovely pieces. Thank you!
SK says
This is one of your best posts ever (and I am one of your original readers). Thank you so much. Seeing a post from Becoming Minimalist in my inbox always makes me so happy!!! Thank you for the consistently excellent content.
Annie says
About to move across the country to be with family, at retirement, turning 70, etc. This bevy of articles is helping to reinforce my wanting to get rid of things, especially as it costs a lot to move them! I struggle most with irreplaceable things like grandparents’ letters and journals, my own correspondence and journals….I can’t digitize EVERYTHING! Plus I find physical artifacts are ‘present’ in a way that photos of them are not. This is difficult.
Penny Robertson says
Ask your family if they want the objects you can’t seem to let go of. I watched a show one time that pointed out, when we die, our family is under enough stress. Adding on to this with possessions they will need to deal with after our death is one more hassle. It is just a thought. What you value may mean nothing to someone else. Sorry if this is too much but it is how I am living and yes, I am younger. 50 to be exact.
Mon says
While hard to first believe any of these, it is all very true in practice. Takes some time but does work out well.
Cynthia Kolb says
Great article…I have been striving to have less , for about 9 years now..I am definitely moving along and have found more peace in my life…I am 73…,cleaning easier , can look at and appreciate what I have and do not have to ” root” when looking for things. 💞