There is an important truth about life that is helpful to understand: sometimes, the things we think will make us happy actually keep us from it.
For most of my life, I believed the ‘American Dream’ was the path to a better life—a bigger house, a fuller closet, the latest gadgets, and all the things everyone else seemed to be chasing. So I chased and accumulated those things with determination, convinced they would improve my life. But looking back, I see how many of my years were spent chasing the wrong things.
It’s not easy to admit, but much of my life was wasted pursuing possessions that didn’t matter. By the time I was 33, our home was filled with stuff—furniture, clothes, toys, gadgets, and countless items we thought we needed. Each new possession came with a hidden cost: time spent cleaning, organizing, repairing, and maintaining. Our lives were quietly being consumed by the very things we thought would bring us freedom.
Then, everything changed.
We began removing the excess—over 60% of our possessions—and in doing so, discovered a life filled with greater joy, purpose, and freedom. We found more time for faith, family, friends, and making a positive impact in the world. We uncovered passions we didn’t know we had. And we realized that the pursuit of possessions had been stealing our best years.
If I could go back, I would start living simply much earlier—in my teens, in my twenties, or as a young family. Because the earlier we embrace simplicity, the sooner we experience its life-giving benefits: less debt, less clutter, more money, more intentionality, more time and presence with the people who matter most.
The truth is, the path to simplicity looks different for everyone. Some get to learn it as a child from their parents. For others, it comes later—perhaps in a season of financial strain, a move to a smaller home, or a moment of clarity about what truly matters. Some discover simplicity as they raise young children, others discover it when they downsize after their kids have moved out. Some find minimalism through a book, a blog, a documentary, a conversation with their neighbor, or a life-changing event. Others stumble into it gradually, one small step at a time.
But no matter how or when we find it, the best time to start living simply is always now.
Here’s why starting early matters:
1. Simplicity Builds Better Habits
When we start living with less early in life, we develop habits that can shape more of our future. We learn to value experiences over things, relationships over status, and purpose over possessions. These habits can become the foundation for a life of ever-increasing intentionality and fulfillment.
2. It Frees Up Resources for What Matters
The earlier we simplify, the more time, money, and energy we have to invest in what truly matters. Imagine the impact of saving more, giving more, and pursuing passions sooner rather than later.
3. It Helps Us Avoid Regret
One of my greatest regrets is not starting sooner—wasting years and money chasing things that didn’t truly matter. I wasted too much of life chasing things that didn’t matter, only to realize later that they were distractions from what did. Starting early helps us avoid that regret and live a life aligned with our values from the beginning.
4. It Prepares Us for the Unexpected
Life is unpredictable. Simplicity equips us to handle change with grace. Whether it’s a career shift, a move, an unexpected diagnosis, or even a global health crisis, living with less means we’ve found freedom to help us be better prepared to adapt and thrive.
5. It Sets an Example for Others
When we choose simplicity, we inspire those around us—our children, friends, and community. We show them that a meaningful life isn’t found in what we own but in how we live. And the earlier we can start showing that truth to our kids, the more likely they are to believe it.
The beauty of simplicity is that it’s never too late to start—no matter where you are in life. Whether you’re 20, 40, 60, or 80, the benefits are waiting for you and able to be enjoyed just as soon as you want. But the earlier we begin, the sooner we experience them and the more time we have to enjoy them.
So, where do we start?
Begin small. Declutter a drawer. Cancel a subscription. Say no to something that doesn’t align with your values. Each small step builds momentum and brings clarity.
The best time to start living simply is now. Don’t wait for the ‘right’ moment or perfect circumstances. Start today, and create a life you’ll never regret.
Yes, I wish I too had gone on the simple living path years ago. Although we never wanted for anything growing up, I still accumulated a lot of junk in my younger days, a lot of stuff that just remained in the cupboard. I liked the idea of owning these outfits and accessories but never felt comfortable wearing them. Once the dopamine wore off from the shopping trip, things were just relegated to the back of the closet. Anyway, I have pretty much scaled down most aspects of our life, still get those urges to shop but I limit myself to adding to the virtual cart and then forgetting about it:).
Completely off subject, anyone else having problems with the archives page not showing the updated version? Every time I go to the archives page, it’s showing only the articles for February 2025. I have to then go to the main page and scroll down and back and forth for the new articles. Also I cannot see the list of articles for March. Help please.
Great article and great advice. I’m curious about the photo of the tree in the lake. Is that in Wānaka in New Zealand’s South Island? We visited there 2years ago. It certainly looks like it.
awesome article for sure, working on clearing out, wondered why I bought so much just filling a void, I guess.
Retired now and making life more simple. Take care and keep up the good work
We have embraced simplicity and experiences over stuff. We have struggled with eating out – we love being out in the community, supporting local businesses, the staff have become friends – but it is expensive. Should we be donating that money? There is so much need in the world.
Excellent article. Wish I had read it 30 years ago when I was at my peak of buying “the latest and greatest”. I’m taking the Uncluttering Class currently and much of that “ latest and greatest” stuff is being moved out of my home with a vengeance. I look forward to reading the magazine as well. Thank you, Joshua.
#3 I totally can relate to. I did overbuy in clothing, home furnishings, etc. But will say I had garage sales to get rid of the ‘old’ items. They never remained in the garage, closets…. But come my early 40’s minimalistic living took off. And I remember vividly how much more at peace and content I felt and still do beyond words today. I do inspire others along my journey but I can’t fix them. I let them know I’m there for them and give moral support even help with garage sales but majority remains in their control.
Another excellent and inspiring article, right when I needed the gentle reminder, “T’is a gift to be simple, t’is a gift to be free”.
As always your article has been an inspiration to how I look at my life. I’m lucky to read your beautiful work. You’ve always encouraged. I never feel down or sad instead I get encouraged and motivated because your truly share what is true and real. The art of owning less truly brings freedom if only we knew. Thank you again Joshua for your inspiring thoughts. Means alot.
This article is coming at a great time for us. We are worried about the state of affairs in our country and we have just quit buying unnecessary items and not only has it been lighter the bank account is better too! We have more time for things we want to do and really enjoying our home and not having to run away to look, buy, return and repeat. Weight off of the shoulders for sure!
You are right, the more you own, the more you have to do to maintain it, clean it, etc. it owns your time and you can’t spend that time with the ones you want to.
Thank you for your motivating writings and encouragement! I have been working on preparing our home for sale as my husband is not well and I will be facing major changes ahead.
Thanks for reminding me it’s one step at a time, a drawer, a closet shelf, cancel a subscription, small steps toward more simplicity and peace throughout the process. No discouragement. Move ahead.
There is more room for my faith and helping others when I’m not bound by these distractions of stuff.
God bless your day! Lucinda
I started living more simply out of necessity; becoming a solo mom and moving from a house into a small apartment. It was really tough, at first, to let go of things that I valued but as time passed I realized that wasn’t thinking about “the things” after they were gone and that the less I had.. the less I wanted. In other words, as I started letting go of things, I began to feel like I just wanted to let go of EVERYTHING. This makes it sound like I have it all figured out, but I don’t. I simply enjoy living simply.
Thanks for the article. I’trying but not hard enough. I want to sell lots of stuff but I’m unsure of the way right now.
I want leanness and will have it I hope.
Thanks again.
I’ve had to learn to stop chastising myself for all the money I wasted to purchase stuff. I grew up with very little and went overboard buying once I was making my own living. If I could turn back the clock I’d make better decisions. I purchase very little now and am constantly paring down what I already have. Now I give myself a pat on the back for life lessons learned to move on from the guilt.