Why owning less things is better?

Answered by Frank Schwing

Owning fewer possessions has numerous benefits that can greatly improve our lives. Firstly, it reduces the amount of cleaning and organizing we need to do. When we have fewer things, there is less clutter and less stuff to dust, sweep, and tidy up. This frees up valuable time and energy that can be spent on more meaningful activities.

Additionally, owning fewer possessions means less time spent on repairing and maintaining them. Often, when we accumulate many things, some of them end up getting neglected or forgotten. They may require regular maintenance or repairs, which can be time-consuming and costly. By owning fewer possessions, we can minimize these tasks and focus on more important aspects of our lives.

Financially, owning fewer things can also be a significant advantage. When we have fewer possessions, we are less likely to spend money on unnecessary items. We become more mindful of our purchases and prioritize quality over quantity. This can lead to significant savings in the long run, allowing us to allocate our resources towards experiences and activities that truly bring us joy and fulfillment.

Furthermore, owning fewer possessions creates physical space in our lives. When our living spaces are clutter-free, we experience a sense of openness and tranquility. We can move around more freely and have room to breathe. This physical space also extends to our mental and emotional well-being. With fewer possessions, our minds are unburdened from the constant need to acquire and maintain material possessions. We can focus on what truly matters, such as our relationships, personal growth, and pursuing our passions.

Owning fewer possessions also encourages us to examine our lives and evaluate what truly brings us happiness. When we are surrounded by an abundance of material possessions, it can be easy to become attached to them and mistakenly believe that they define our worth. However, by letting go of unnecessary possessions, we are forced to confront our true values and priorities. We can question our consumerist mindset and shift our focus towards experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

In my own experience, I have found that owning fewer possessions has greatly improved my quality of life. Several years ago, I embarked on a minimalist journey and started decluttering my living spaces. The process was initially challenging, as I had to confront my attachment to material possessions. However, as I let go of unnecessary items, I felt a tremendous sense of liberation.

With fewer possessions, I had more time, energy, and financial resources to invest in experiences that truly brought me joy. I started traveling more, exploring new hobbies, and investing in personal development. I realized that the accumulation of material possessions was not the key to happiness, but rather the pursuit of meaningful experiences and personal growth.

Owning fewer possessions offers numerous benefits that can enhance our lives. It reduces the time spent on cleaning, organizing, and maintaining our belongings. It also alleviates financial burden and allows us to prioritize experiences over material possessions. Moreover, by owning fewer things, we create physical and mental space to explore and examine our lives more deeply. Through my own journey towards minimalism, I have discovered the true value of owning less and living life to the fullest.