3 Ways The Stuff You Own Lowers Quality of Life

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Do you wish you had more space in your home? Wonder why you can’t afford the nice things in life, or continually feel like you never have enough time? Perhaps consider that the amount of stuff you own lowers the quality of your life.

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3 Ways The Stuff You Own Lowers the Quality of Life

Minimalism is for Messy People Too

Even though I practice minimalism, I’m not a naturally organized person. I don’t enjoy color coding tabs in folders, or organizing and categorizing the miscellaneous cosmetics found in my bathroom. In my room growing up you could find an embarrassing large heap of clothes, toys, books, and trinkets.

Because I’m messy is precisely why I found minimalism. I simply could not keep up with all the stuff I had collected into adulthood. I realized that the unintentional stuff you own lowers the quality of your life. Next week’s post includes ways to solve these challenges and create more time, space, and money.

How the Stuff You Own Lowers the Quality of Your Life

1. Less Time Lowers the Quality of Life

The first way the stuff you own lowers the quality of your life is with time. Anything you bring into your home will cost you time. It will cost you time to look for it at the store, buy it, organize it and store it.

Last summer I decided to host a garage sale. It took me at least a whole afternoon to price everything. Then a whole day to sit at my garage sale. Then another couple hours loading up my car with all the stuff that I didn’t sell and donating it. It was in my mind a complete waste of time, and not even close to profitable. Instead, gate keep future useless objects from entering your home.

2. Less Money Lowers the Quality of Life

Going to the store, working to make the money, and storing your stuff all takes time of course. However, did you ever think about how much money all of that stuff you bought costs? Obviously when you’re buying excess stuff constantly you are spending your well earned money. Specifically all the money that was wasted on stuff you never found useful, only used once, or now just takes up space in your garage?

Your personal finances are affected by how much stuff you purchase out of habit. Think like a wealthy person instead. “Is this an investment or will it depreciate?” Of course, not everything will be an investment in money. Something that saves you time, or gives you quality memories can be considered an investment, even if it costs you money. So don’t turn into a stingy miser, but instead be intentional with your purchases. What will this bring to my life? Is it worth it?

3. Less Space Lowers the Quality of Life

A smaller home can actually be better for you. However, a large home is usually what is wanted by most. Why? Of course for space, but perhaps also to serve our egos. When we bought our first home I remember feeling a little bit bitter. We bought below our means, which was smart, but I also felt like I didn’t have enough space. Space for what? Space for random stuff I wanted to fill my house with of course!

When you have less stuff you start to recognize all the space you have in your home. I walk into rooms now with large pockets of empty space, as all the excess clutter has been cleared. My closet is now large enough because I simply have less clothes. In fact, we have more than enough space and have found our home to be the perfect size for us. Plus, the added benefit of a low mortgage payment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, constantly rushing, or living paycheck to paycheck in too small of a home, consider incorporating minimalism habits. With this “Literally Simple” solution you don’t have to seek a larger home, get a new job, or completely clear your schedule. You don’t have to get rid of all your possessions and live on a bus next week either. Minimalism, decluttering, and tidying can be added into your routine easily with a few simple habits. Check out next week’s post for guidance and a kick start into decluttering your home, time management, and personal finances.

You might also like a list of clothing items, items for my toddler, and home products I no longer buy or bring into my home to start gate keeping your own home.

Join the Discussion

What room in your home needs the most decluttering? Where would you love to see empty space? How could you “declutter” your schedule to have more time doing things you love? What unnecessary purchases are you making?

P.S. I always ask readers to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I consciously try to document my everyday simple life. Since we happen to be on a debt free journey, it can be motivating because most of my activities are intentionally inexpensive. However, if you’re trying to cut out social media, you’ll need to subscribe directly to this blog.

Author

-Maria Halcumb
B.A. in Secondary Education, English, and Physical Education
M.A. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and Reading Specialist