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.
Julia Mundt says
My 60yo husband has dementia. An uncluttered environment & structured day/schedule does wonders for his health & welfare. Visual clutter is hard for him to process/make sense of. I so agree, spending time/money on “doing things” rather than acquiring things, has far more value.
Lee Hellinger says
Many people are already homeless and living outside minimally here is Los Angeles so maybe they took advice from this article.
Amber Clark says
Minimalism and & homelessness have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Do better, Lee.
Olivia J says
Love this blog post. I always have admired how some people can live with fewer belongings! This is something I have always struggled with doing cause I worry I made need it down the line even though I probably won’t.
Julia Mundt says
In 2021 we sold everything in our 2500sf house & 2-car garage and moved across country with what we could fit in our single car. It’s been two years now. It’s amazing how we can get by without singe-task items. I have family and friends who are willing to loan me a taller ladder or Bundt pan☺️
Sehar Askari says
“Take only what you need, rest is a burden” saying of Hazrat Ali(as)
Verity says
It sounds like the mantra now being pushed by the Davos elite that “you will own less, and feel better”. I agree that clutter is stifling, but I also believe you have some assets and hobbies to make your life more comfortable and enjoyable.
Linda A McDonald says
Assets and hobbies are two very different categories! A hobby of running, for example, only requires some decent shoes, assets could be investments or basically any object you own of value.
Marge says
I agree. Lots of “things” we cannot carbon trade, & would end as additional municipal wastes that the WEF would need to create more global policy about, so, we kerp for recycling so as not to buy new things again as advertised, say by the LV group…
Sini says
The Davos Elite’s mantra is “You’ll own NOTHING and be happy”. It’s about control and agenda. It’s about politics to minimize citizen’s power. Minimalism, in my humble opinion, is very different in my opinion. It’s not about controlling others, it’s about voluntarily getting rid of EXCESS stuff that does not serve your own / family’s needs. Keeping what really serves your needs and what you really like. Having a home that gives space to breath and is easy to clean abd organize with less things to manage.
Hasan Abdullah says
Optimal consumption of resources helps a healthier and longer life for the planet earth!
Chrissy says
The less things you own, the less that owns you. 💕
Jordan Griffin says
Love this!❤
Ssenyonga Steven says
Minimalism makes life look so simple , you are not worried about tomorrow you live your life day by day and don’t bother yourself by what is around you.
Susan says
How in the world do I get/convince my partner to clear out all those useless possessions? I really strongly dislike clutter!!!
Flora says
Ask your partner to simplify one room. Don’t throw anything away just put it aside for a month. Tell your partner that he or she can have anything back in a month if it is still wanted. Then enjoy that room together! After a month or two, talk about it and open the box and see how your partner feels.good luck!
Anneli says
Start with your own belongings. It’s relationships over decluttering so start with easy things. Like broken stuff or things not important to any family member. Family members can get inspired when seeing the benefits, but it might take some time. One method is also to put memories of someone that are not used in one box so they are not floating around and easier to manage.
Lee Ann says
I find the hardest part of simplifying is giving away all the things associated with a joyful hobby in the past. It feels like a piece of yourself has died. I gave away wine-making supplies, upholstering equipment, home food canning and dehydrating paraphernalia. It is difficult in the moment but WONDERFUL when you adjust. There is no downside to simplifying through minimal living.