Is less really more? In today’s world, we are told to “keep up with the Joneses” or perhaps in our case to “keep up with the Kardashians”. But, will all of our material possessions, fast fashion choices, fancy cars, and gluttonous ways really make us happy? Or is less really more? The answer… lies within yourself.
I’ll get more into that in a later post, but for now I will share the 8 reasons why I think we can all benefit from living with less.
1. Less stress, more control.
When our homes are filled with clutter, it clutters our minds and well. We can’t think as clearly and it can even affect our health. We may feel stressed by the mess, overflowing box of knicknacks, or like my husband, stressed because he cannot find what he is looking for amidst the clutter. The need to organize things which all too often are out of place, all can put unneeded stress into our lives. With less stuff around, you will feel more control of your life and less anxiety surrounding the the objects in your home. A sense of control helps to lessen anxiety and gives you a hold on your emotions.
When friends and family come to visit, cleaning will be easier too!
When you own less, you are able to organize in a way that is productive and helps you find things you need in an efficient manner rather than rummaging through a bunch of boxes.
2. You will learn to be happy the way you are.
Learning to realize that life is about experiences and people, rather than things is so important, and I think most will agree. The issue lies in that, we all too often do the exact opposite. We focus on our things rather than those around us. For instance, we may focus on buying the perfect gift, the perfect outfit, the cutest decor, the best car, the nicest house … and then filling the nicest house with the nicest accessories, just to replace it a few years (or less) later with more of the best stuff. By minimizing the about of ‘stuff’ you buy, you are able to focus on just that. You are also able to find a new wave of happiness.
3. Your focus will shift from ‘quantity’ to ‘quality’.
Rather than having an abundance of items that will end up in a landfill sooner than later, you will realize it is better to purchase quality items that will last much longer. This will also save you money in the long-run and since you are not purchasing a million cheaply made items, you will have the money to purchase items of better quality.
4. You’ll save money.
When you live with minimalism values, you will purchase less unnecessary things, saving you money and time. Instead of purchasing items on a whim, you will purchase things you actually love and will use. These are the items that will help add happiness to your life. (Notice: I said ‘add’ happiness, not ‘bring’ happiness to your life).
5. You’ll realize memories aren’t made from things.
Hoarding boxes of your grandmother’s china, kitchen accessories, lamps, and knicknacks will never replace the moments spent with your grandmother. While it may bring you back to those years spent, it will never even replace things like photos, videos, or memories. When you hoard things, you are not able to let go on an emotional level. You need to let go.
6. But, you’ll appreciate the things you have.
When you rid your home of clutter, you will be able to enjoy the things you truly love and cherish. Free of unneeded distractions, you’ll be able to focus on what makes your happy and be grateful for them.
7. You’ll have more space.
When you declutter, you are left with more space. A key point to remember is, once you have more space, do not fill it with more stuff. Enjoy the space for what it is. Every square inch of your home does not need to be filled with stuff.
I remember when I moved into our first home. Complete with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, spacious living room, dining room, sunroom, and basement – each area of my new abode needed to be decorated and filled with the perfect compliments to create an inviting space for family and friends. At the time, it was just my husband and I, so I couldn’t wait to fill each room with STUFF just because I had the space to. Now, years later, I’ve decluttered quite a bit and can enjoy the space for what it is. Every counter no longer needs
8. It’s better for the environment.
When we stop giving in to the all of the commercial hype surrounding things, we are not only clearing our lives of the unessary, but we are also impacting the planet in a positive way. Every step matters.
Ok… I’m guilty.
“What if I need this one day?” is the question so many people, including myself ask. There are several ways to evaluate the answer to this question. For example, when it comes to an article of clothing, you may lose weight, gain weight, change your style, or simply like other items better. This concept can apply to other items you own as well.
My final thoughts: Clearing our lives of clutter helps us see our lives through a clearer lens, ultimately leading us to live a less stressed, happier life.
Thanks for reading!