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.
Brenda says
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.
Judy says
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.
Annie says
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!
Krista says
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!
John K Cosby says
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.
Sarah says
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!
Rika says
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.
Mimi says
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.
Tina says
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.
laura ann says
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.
Kurt says
I love the comment You are so right! as the older I get the less I need…
Terra Seninger says
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.
Kristie says
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!