11 Benefits of Owning Less

Maybe you’ve heard about this whole “minimalist” thing and it intrigues you but you just can’t imagine giving up your stuff and owning less. 

I mean, what’s the point? We live in a world that idolizes things. The more stuff you have = the more value you have. And if you have expensive stuff? Oh boy, you’re basically the popular kid in high school all over again. 

But there’s a reason why so many people are talking about minimalism and why they love it so much. There are so many benefits of owning less.

The only downside I can see if having to change your old ways. Which, come to think of it, only sucks while you’re doing it. Afterward, you’ll feel amazing! 

Here are 11 Benefits of owning less:

1. You’ll spend less 

Naturally, owning fewer things means you’re buying less and therefore, saving money. Who doesn’t love having a little extra cash on them?

Read: 29 things I quit buying 

2. You’ll spend less time cleaning 

I know we’ve all been there: you clean and clean and clean and the mess never goes away! No, it’s not magic. It’s just you own too much! Owning fewer things will result in you spending less time picking things up.

3. More freedom 

When you own less, you’re not tied down to very much. You’ll feel freer to travel, go out and experience things and even move as you please!

If you’ve ever moved, you know the dread of having to pack EVERYTHING up. It’s actually a huge reason why a lot of people simply don’t ever move.

4. Lessen your environmental impact 

I’m what I like to call an “eco-minimalist”. My main reason for being a minimalist is because it reduces my carbon footprint. 

One way or another almost everything ends up in a landfill. By purchasing/owning/consuming less, you’re producing less waste. 

You’re also reducing the demand for new things to be made. This means fewer resources are wasted. it might not seem like that big of a deal when you’re just one person, but these decisions can really add up over your lifetime. 

5. Ability to invest in higher quality items 

Because you’re purchasing less and saving money, you’ll be able to invest in high-quality items you’ll actually use. Like electronics, a new car, whatever you can think of!

6. You’ll be happier 

This one makes a lot of people roll their eyes but trust me. When there isn’t clutter in every corner of your home you’ll be able to think clearer, be more productive and be happier. 

There’s just something about a minimal space that brings a feeling of calm and peace and joy. 

7. More space

Going back to that cluttered feeling, it often leaves us anxious and frustrated. Imagine what you could do with the empty space in your house, car or wardrobe without all the extra…stuff.

8. Find things easier

If this point isn’t enough to convince you to try minimalism, I don’t know what is! Trying to find something you just had has been one of the worst things in life. No joke.

But if you don’t own as much, chances are the thing you’re looking for will be in plain sight! Which again, it’s gonna save you time and a whole lot of frustration. 

9. Learn the value of things

Having fewer things usually means the things you own are important and useful meaning you’ll take better care of them and truly learn the value of things. 

A part of minimalism and “eco-minimalism” is only owning what is necessary and usually only owning one of something instead of multiples. When we do this, we learn how to value and cherish the things we own so they last a long time.

Check out my video: things I only own one of

10. Learn to be content with what you have

Speaking of valuing things, owning less can really teach you a lesson on contentment. By cherishing and valuing the things you own, you’ll slowly start to learn that you have everything you need and before you know it, you won’t even want anything new.

11. Be more than your belongings

Ever wonder if people really like you? Maybe you worry they’re using you? It’s a very real possibility. We hold physical things at such a high degree that some time we’re identified by the things we own or the car we drive or whether or not we have the latest iPhone.

I can almost guarantee that when you start on this minimalist journey and stop buying as much you’ll learn who your real friends are. 

Other than that, you won’t have to identify your worth by your belongings. We can truly be ourselves and see ourselves for who we are with no distractions.

Related: How to know if minimalism is right for you 

Related: 45 things to get rid of right now

Related: I bought no new clothes for a year

I hope this inspires you to give minimalism a try and see the benefits of owning less for yourself! It seriously has the power to change your life in so many different ways. 

But don’t just take my word for it, try it and you’ll see!

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