There are many reasons people live a minimalist life. Sometimes it is forced upon them: a low wage, a lost job, or a broken relationship. Others embrace the lifestyle reluctantly, for any number of reasons.
But that is not my story.
My story is that I intentionally chose to own less. It was a decision I made years ago when I stood face-to-face with the emptiness and burden of unneeded physical possessions. And it is a decision that I continue to choose every single day: to own less rather than more.
Why do I choose to live a minimalist life?
I live a minimalist life because I like owning fewer things. Not only do I love minimalism, I genuinely enjoy it.
Here are 12 Reasons I Like Owning Less
1. More Money.
I’ve lived my entire life with enough money to provide, but never too much. As a result, financial considerations have always played a significant role in my decision making. Owning less has freed up money for me and my family. And I kinda like that.
2. Fewer Chores.
I love having less work to do around my house when I am home. When I go to work, I work hard. So when I come home, I like to rest and be with my family. Owning less (and living in a smaller home) means I have fewer household chore demands on my time every evening—and every weekend.
3. More Free Time.
Owning fewer things (and shopping less I might add) has freed up my time to a greater degree than I ever imagined. More free time means more opportunity and more potential for my life.
4. Better Example for my Kids.
Living a minimalist life has modeled for my kids that personal belongings are not the key to happiness, that security is found in their character, and that the pursuit of happiness runs a different road than the pursuit of possessions. These are valuable life lessons.
5. More Intentionality in Life.
I started living a minimalist life because I was discontented with the focus of my life’s energy. But among its greatest gifts, owning less brought me intentionality—not just in the things that I chose to own, but in my pursuit of wellness, values, and spirituality. And for that, I couldn’t possibly be more thankful.
6. Aligns with my Faith.
I dive deeper into my personal faith in my book, The More of Less, than I choose to do here on Becoming Minimalist. But minimalism has been a spiritual journey for me. It has not only brought new understanding to my faith, it has brought greater depth of practice. That alignment is something I cherish.
7. Better Relationships with Others.
Owning less has allowed me opportunity to be a better friend. I should be careful here, I wouldn’t say that minimalism automatically makes somebody a better friend and/or person. But it does provide extra margin in life for somebody to become that.
8. Less Comparison.
There is no joy to be found in comparison—and so many of the comparisons we make in our mind have to do with material possessions. It’s a shame really, those things shouldn’t impress us. But when I choose to intentionally own less, I also choose to no longer compare what I have with others.
9. More Opportunity to Contribute.
It seems to me either we’re living for ourselves or we’re living for others. And while I understand there is a proper time for both, too many people (and for too much of life) spend too much of their energy focused on selfish living. As I reject the empty notion of always desiring more and more for myself, I free myself to live selflessly for others.
10. Better Self-Understanding.
Minimalism forces questions of values onto a person. It caused me to question assumptions about my purpose, passion, and inward motivations. The journey inward is not always easy, but it is always important. And choosing to own less prompted that for me.
11. Own Higher Quality Things.
When I buy fewer things, I open up my life to the opportunity of owning nicer things. I will admit this benefit of minimalism came unexpected to me. For some reason, I didn’t connect owning fewer things and owning nicer things. But the truth is, they go hand-in-hand and are directly related.
12. More Appreciation for the Things I Do Own.
Sometimes, the easiest way to feel more satisfaction in life is to appreciate what we already have. And it is impossible to appreciate the things you have if you’re constantly obsessing over the things you don’t. As I intentionally own less, I develop a greater appreciation for the things I have chosen to keep.
Minimalist living is countercultural. It is contrary to every advertisement we have ever seen because we live in a society that prides itself on the accumulation of possessions. But for me? I like owning less. I enjoy living a countercultural life. The reasons for it are life-giving.
About Joshua Becker
Thank You Joshua for the articles about minimalism. I enjoying coming back to check for articles which might interest me. As a former fundamentalist evangelical charismatic Christian, Atheist for approximately 15 years now, I appreciate that you don’t cram your beliefs down others throats. If religion is mentioned in an article, I simply skip over it because I’m here for information about minimalism.
As for Agnostics or Atheists who seem a bit touchy about religion being mentioned, my guess would be, it’s because they have had Christians insult them (as have I) that they can barely stand to even hear the word “religion”. Just for understanding for Christians, I’ve been told, “You’re NOT an Atheist!” (as if I didn’t know who I was after 50 some odd years), to “Well, then you weren’t a Christian to begin with.” then the usual “You’re going to HELL!” I’ve decided that I need to remind Christians that their God is supposedly the ultimate Judge & He will decide whether I go to Hell or not & they should do as the Bible says & “Judge not that ye be not judged.” Mat. 7:1.
Joshua, do you think that would be an appropriate answer?
Corrections: enjoying should be enjoy, (as have I) should be (as I have been).
Oh give it up. I don’t think advertising your aesthetic views is any more interesting than advertising your Christian, Jewish, Muslim views. Trust me, people don’t care.
I think there should be enough items for life
These are some very good examples for others to follow. It’s far too easy to overstretch yourself in trying to have it all.
Such a great post. We get one opportunity to live out this thing called life. If we spend so much energy, passion, and time trying to fill it up with stuff that really isn’t going to fulfill us at the end of the day, then we may miss the life that we were truly meant to live.
Both my husband and I will be retiring June 30, 2019. We are relocating back to the mainland from Hawaii, I don’t want to start my retirement sorting though years of Momentos and collections. I am ready mentally to give as much as I can away. Where do I start? and how do I get my husband on board? He loves to collect?
Thank you I’m advance.
#10 Is an important piece of the minimalism journey for me. Thank you Joshua. Your book and articles have helped me very much.
These are some very good examples for others to follow. It’s far too easy to overstretch yourself in trying to have it all.
Great article, makes complete sense to me. I have wanted to leave my 9-5 corporate job for a while the time taken away from my growing family is too unbalanced in my eyes. I am more than willing to work less for more time with my family and make the necessary sacrifices.
However, my husband is someone who likes to keep things just-in-case and it causes me much distress having to juggle working full time and keeping on top of things at home.
Any tips on living with someone who doesn’t see your point of view?
Abi
My husband is the same way… and I just lead by example. Also I am sure to get him perishable gifts such as flavored coffee or whatever … otherwise it will sit forever. I am really making progress and an impact in our home… I believe he is inspired by my determination and I hope it rubs off! ALSO— never push the issue. My husband would rebel ;) Has to be their choice.
I feel proud of myself this week. I have emptied a whole floor to ceiling bookcase full of crafting gear so I can have more room in my work/hobby area. As someone who used to hoard when teaching( you DO need lots of resources), I have steadily been reducing gear for this year, and regularly before that. I sometimes feel a bit “desperate” and just have to “chuck” things ( donate in big lots), but mostly it is a quietly considered process. Your articles keep me focussed, and remind me that I am doing well.
Thank you Joshua for your thoughtful insights about minimalism and the advantages this way of life has had for you and your family! I personally appreciated the inclusion of your spiritual journey and how you’ve written about that as well. Just turned #67 years this week and know that our decluttering and downsizing will be appreciated by our kids someday when we pass on, but is something my husband and I can enjoy now! It’s been truly liberating and a joy to throw out, recycle and give away items that were once of value but are no longer needed in our home or our lives!! Thanks again!!
Real world insights, Excellent article.
I’m in the twilight zone of life (ouch) with a lifetime of accumulating books, papers, souvenirs, doo-dads, personal writings, “research” articles and more. I have more, mugs, towels, sheets, appliances, and clothes than I need and handbags,too. Is it any wonder that fate introduced me to this minimalist guy.
Thank you JOSHUA for your great articles, they have been instrumental in helping me transition into a minimalistic life over the years.
I have to admit that as an agnostic, I do not enjoy at all comments related to your faith or other personal ideological convictions, but I am glad I did not unsubscribe last year because of that.
It would be useful to remember that we agnostics and atheists are growing in number as a percentage of the population, and our acceptance of religious dogma in our literature is decreasing rapidly.
I hope you continue to write your wonderful posts about minimalism, and I also hope that in the future they will not be tainted with religious ideology and dogma, for the benefit of your very diverse audience, audience that has not been previously selected for philosophical convictions, and an audience that does not read your posts looking for any form of religious message or indoctrination. Thank you.
Joshua has simply described his own journey. Everyone has one when it comes to minimalism. Everyone has different journeys and reasons for their choice of minimalism , and I find it very interesting to read the many very different reasons people choose this lifestyle. Some involve religion, some do not.
If we were all alike the world would be a very boring place! It’s always kind to respect each of our journeys which have brought us to this way of life. :)
Well said, Sheryl!
Raf, I agree. I was raised Catholic, but no longer practice any religion. My husband was raised Lutheran, and he no longer practices. We teach our kids about world religions so they can choose as adults to practice one or none as they see fit.
I see letting go of “stuff” as a humanistic and environmentalist thing to do. Sure, it relates to some of the things in a variety of religious texts, but first and foremost, it pertains to how we respect the planet, respect our resources and respect the other living things that share the planet with us.
I have stopped following several blogs… one in particular about “moms who save money.” The posts would alternate between religious stuff and then 20 posts about ‘deals’ on consumer goods. I got tired of ‘deal on this on amazon.com’ and ‘deal on this at cents of style’ and ‘buy this journal and tee shirt, get earrings half off.’
Raf– I think it is important to remember that Joshua is not trying to persuade others to abide by/ follow his religious convictions or beliefs in this post whatsoever, merely pointing out that his journey, as with thousands of other minimalists, is in some way informed by his own personal faith. There is no “dogma” in this post to accept– if you are trying to be a kind and open-minded human being, you will understand that each person’s journey in life is different.
Joshua, I am in my mid-20s and have been a minimalist (and a follower of your blog) for 5 years, though this is the first time I have commented. I have always deeply appreciated your on-point analysis of consumerism and minimalism. I have a combination of religious and environmental (not to mention personal!) reasons that encourage me to pursue minimalism, and I have received enormous benefits from the Youtube videos of the times you do talk about the connection to your faith. I would encourage you to not avoid sharing whatever you are comfortable with for fear that it may alienate a few readers. Many thanks for everything you do.
😊♥️
“Tainted”? What a tolerant agnostic/atheist you are. Joshua mentions his religious faith because it’s been a critical part of HIS journey, and since it’s HIS blog, he’s free to share it. For the record, I’ve been reading this blog for ages, and have also read Joshua’s book, and I cannot recall a single instance of him insisting that minimalism should have a spiritual/religious aspect, or even hinting at the particulars of his own faith. The man’s a pastor, for crying out loud, and does a very neat job of alluding to his spirituality while NOT cramming it down anyone’s throat. If the mere suggestion of anyone’s spiritual life is enough to offend you, I suggest you (1) find another blog to read, and (2) get the stick out of your backside.
Amen! Alix, I totally agree!
Yes!
I am by no means a minimalist yet, but I have gotten rid of a lifetime of collections of “old stuff” I used to love. I am amazed at how much less cleaning and dusting I have to do.
I have no children, and my goal is to keep paring down till by the time I pass away ( if not sudden and unexpected or something), my niece has little to deal with.
I am getting to the point where I can finally let sentimental things go. I held on to old things… just because they were “always around”. It’s hard to place it in a bag for charity—- but I have, and I thank the item ;) Truthfully, when I pass away, someone else will just toss the junk anyways!!! When I finally release the item I feel so free!!! I can focus and enjoy the here and now… rather than being reminded of the bittersweet past.
Not wasting money on stuff we don’t need has helped us put enough away for a decent emergency fund, which we needed this year. Our air conditioner broke during a nasty heatwave and an outlet burned out so we had to call an electrician, (it was beyond something we could repair ourselves.) It felt good to be able to pay for those things without panicking about where to find the money. It also encourages us to keep up the good habits even though it is countercultural. We don’t give a hoot about what the Joneses have!
Thank you Joshua! I began my minimalism journey for reasons 1-5. Now, several years later, I’m discovering and enjoying #11 – the ability to enjoy the highest quality of the few possessions I choose to keep. My minimal lifestyle is so much more luxurious! I’m now even looking at relocating to a different community that I used to believe I couldn’t afford. Now that I can live in a smaller space, I can afford to live in places I previously thought were just vacation spots!
Yeah man. This really hit home for me also. When we were young and had kids I knew we needed more money in our budget. Formula and diapers are really expensive. So we budgeted and got by. Over the years my wages continued to grow. My budget stayed the same. Everyone bought news cars I bought really nice used ones. I took care of them like they had to last forever. I bet all of them are still running somewhere. We still live in the same old house and it’s a little tight buy we manage. Because of this I was able to start businesses without risking my lifestyle. Today my spending is about what it was after my first child was born. We took really nice vacations every year. Whilst my peers paid their mortgage. We can shop for the healthily expensive food. Those around us ate simple filler foods.
Bottom line we made choices and found most had no choice. I’m only 38 we have what we need. We have time and the money to maintain what we have. Instead of working harder at top income levels. We work less hours and have more time to enjoy our children before they leave us. Retirement has been an option for a while. We still produce, if we ever choose to stop working it will be on our terms. That’s what I call security.
This is awesome. We have had a very similar journey, and would not change a thing. Now we are 60 and able to do whatever we want. It is a blessing. I encourage anyone to give frugalism and minimalism a try, and see how it feels to you!
Thank you for this post!
In particular the last paragraph is essential for me: minimalism is countercultural. Withstanding the norm continues to be my biggest challenge.
Thank you for writing this piece, it spoke to me and I sighed an Amen at the end. I’m in the midst of my journey right now.
I give things away all the time. Most of my things were bought second hand. Except for glue and a few tools, all my hobby supplies were free or used. I try to make a very small impact on the environment. Someone asked me how I store my hobby items. I recycle or give away the parts I don’t need. I store most items flat. If I haven’t used something in a year, I give it away. Someone gave me 4 pairs of jeans and I kept the one pair I liked and passed on the others. Someone gave me costume jewelry and I kept one piece and gave the rest to my DIL and a young friend. My mother was a hoarder and I keep very little.
When people get older, some less cleaning, housework, smaller spaces to heat and cool. Unused and unneeded stuff end up at several group homes in last year and a half. Will continue to encourage others, not dictate.
I love the comment You are so right! as the older I get the less I need…
I started minimizing years ago but I don’t skimp on the quality when I by furniture. I spent $2500 on a couch, and $1800 on my loveseat. I bought them over 10 years ago. I get them steam cleaned once a year, they still look like new. My relatives thought I was crazy. However, in the ten years they have had to replace their cheaper couches 2 or 3 times & realize they have spent more than I did & my furniture will last at least another 10 years.
Hi Joshua,
I really connected with your idea of being a better friend. I’m on a journey to downsize and live with less stuff and I find that I have more time to actually truly listen to others when we talk. I’m not as worried about money or whether I need to clean up something. I guess my mind is becoming decluttered at the same time life is. It’s a great feeling!