This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Minimalism: You’re better off without all the things you buy
I refuse to be overly materialistic.
Having more things brings no joy, peace, contentment, or achievement.
It’s nice to be able to buy them, but it’s better to be able to live without them.
Minimalism Is Eccentric
It’s a materialistic world, and if you don’t have a lot of stuff, you’re eccentric.
The best time to see how much a person has is when they move. The easier the move is, the less stuff they likely have.
But the more stuff you have, the more tedious it becomes for you to transition to your next place due to requiring more financial and physical resources to move all of your stuff.
As a kid, I had a natural affinity for minimalism. One of my rituals throughout the year involved going through my stuff to learn what I could give away. Many times it didn’t seem like there was much to give, but when I started asking myself specific questions, I could narrow in on what to release from my life.
Here are some of the questions I regularly ask myself about the stuff I have:
When was the last time I used this item?
How does this item make me feel?
If I have feelings of nostalgia, does it feel like positive or negative energy?
Does this item make me feel lighter or heavier?
When do I plan to use this item again?
How often do I use the item now?
It’s healthy to be choosy about the items we keep in our lives. Many are not choosy enough and accept everything that comes their way.
It’s an interrogation, but it challenges me to rethink keeping something. I leverage a similar process before I make a purchase.
A Different Way To Live
If you walk into my home, you might find it bizarre.
It’s relatively empty.
There is little decor.
You won’t find much stuff in it.
It throws people off.
They might even think I’m financially struggling because I don’t have anything; my house is barren.
But I’ve always been this way.
I’ve learned how to live with less.
And I know I could learn how to live with even less.
The less attachment you have to things, the more freedom you’ll experience. Instead of investing in things, I focus more on experiences, such as travel.
Every item in my home must serve an active purpose. By establishing this strict philosophy, I am cautious about the items I bring into my home, the items I buy, and the items I keep.
If I receive a gift that doesn’t fit into my lifestyle, I find someone else who will cherish it and give it to them.
Because you receive a gift does not mean you must keep it. I’ve even given away sentimental gifts because keeping them did not make sense.
There are only a few sentimental items I keep.
Since I do not spend a lot of resources on things, I get to focus on priorities such as:
Living well
Eating well
Traveling
Investing
What are your priorities?
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.