I wasn’t always a minimalist, and for a long time I had little interest in minimalist living. I bought excessive amounts of clothing and household items, hoarded things “just in case,” and rarely questioned whether purchases were necessary. Back then I wasn’t motivated to become a minimalist and I often spent money on items I didn’t really need.
About two years ago I recognized that I had far too much stuff and an unhealthy attachment to material things. Since then I’ve donated or given away most of my belongings. Today I keep only what I need for the day or week ahead. There’s no excess, and before I buy anything I consider how I’ll actually use it.
Part of the reason this change was inevitable is that I travel full-time, and there’s only so much I can carry. Letting go of most of my possessions was difficult, stressful, and exhausting—so I don’t want to repeat that process. That experience taught me the value of keeping only what truly matters.
I don’t expect everyone to become a minimalist, and I’m not trying to force anyone into a particular lifestyle. Purchasing things isn’t inherently wrong—many items genuinely improve life—but the average person often keeps more than necessary. Excess possessions can contribute to debt, lead to impulsive or status-driven purchases, and waste time and energy.
Minimalist living changed my life for the better, and I believe it can improve others’ lives as well. I used to spend a lot of time and money on new things; now I’m far more intentional. Our homes and expectations have also grown over time. For example, the average home size in 1950 was under 1,000 square feet, whereas by 2013 it had risen to nearly 2,600 square feet according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bigger homes and bigger expectations make it easier to accumulate things we don’t need.
Here are some clear benefits of minimalist living:
- Save more money. Buying less and choosing only what you truly want or need reduces unnecessary spending and helps build savings.
- Reduce clutter. Clutter can be overwhelming and stressful. Fewer possessions create a calmer, more manageable environment.
- Gain time. Owning less means less time spent cleaning, maintaining, and repairing belongings—time you can use for hobbies, relationships, or rest.
How minimalist living has changed my life
Clothing no longer defines me.
Adopting a minimalist mindset made me realize I don’t need a wardrobe full of trendy items to be happy. I rarely buy clothing now and have been wearing many of the same pieces for years. I focus on classic, well-made items that won’t go out of style and that I genuinely like, rather than chasing every seasonal trend.
Understanding that I don’t need extra stuff feels liberating. I choose what I want and need instead of buying to keep up with others or to satisfy emotional spending impulses.
Minimalism gives me more time.
When you own fewer things, you spend less time caring for them. Fewer items mean less cleaning, fewer repairs, and less maintenance—freeing up time for the things that really matter to you. I’d rather live with less than constantly worry about the upkeep of possessions I rarely use.
Related blog posts about minimalist living:
- What I Learned By Donating And Giving Away Nearly All Of My Stuff
- Downsizing Your Home? Here’s How I Went From A 2,000 Square Foot House To An RV
- Minimalism 101: One Thing a Day
- Maintaining a Minimalist Wardrobe
- How I Live in a 400 Sq. Ft. House – My Minimalist Home
- How I Live On A Sailboat
- Why Paying For A Storage Unit Is A Waste of Money
I’ve learned I don’t need much.
Before minimizing, I kept many items “for the future” yet rarely used them. I probably used no more than 25%—and likely much less—of what I owned. Many people hang on to objects out of fear they might need them someday. If that sounds familiar, try setting a one-year limit: if you don’t use an item within a year, you’re unlikely to miss it.
Instead of buying rarely-used items, consider renting or borrowing. When I reflect on everything we donated, I can’t even remember many of those things—proof that they didn’t add real value to my life.
I save more money by owning less.
Living with fewer possessions has significantly improved our finances. We’re more realistic about needs versus wants and more resistant to impulse purchases that lead to clutter. Recognizing years of wasted spending makes it easier to say “no” in stores and to buy only what’s truly necessary—even in tempting environments.
That greater control over spending has translated into substantial savings.
Related:
- 30+ Ways To Save Money Each Month
- How To Save Money – My Best Money Saving Tips
- 8 Things To Sell To Make Money
- Are You Making Your Life Difficult? 18 Ideas To Simplify Your Life
- How To Reach Your 2018 Goals
Things don’t make me happy.
More possessions do not equal greater happiness. Objects don’t make you a better or more successful person. In many cases, they complicate life rather than improve it. I now have fewer belongings than ever and I’m happier than ever.
Think about it: how often do people celebrate choices like “I’m so glad I bought all those pairs of pants 35 years ago”? True contentment doesn’t come from accumulating things. Own only what you truly want or need, not what others expect you to have.
A minimalist home lets me travel.
Maintaining a minimalist lifestyle—especially in a small space like an RV—makes full-time travel possible and enjoyable. Excess possessions would make travel difficult and less fun; keeping only what matters allows me to embrace the freedom I value most.
Do you think minimalist living could change your life? Why or why not?