The Best Benefit of Owning Less

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Best Benefit of Owning Less

Yes, I love the idea of open clutter-free spaces, and the ability to cut my monthly spending down, but minimalism for me has always been about time. Time to do whatever I want, which is easier said than done as a mother. That’s why the best benefit of owning less is having more time.

When you own less you don’t have to organize as much, store things, clean, worry about ruining objects, or even be in stores as often. In fact, once you make the habit of owning and consuming less, large pockets of time will suddenly appear. In my life, this happened just recently.

By consuming less, I was able to start my own local tutoring business, write a book, and create a blog. Yes, that meant that instead of shopping, or organizing things I worked on creating lesson plans and marketing myself. Instead of consuming news, or social media I drafted and collaborated on a book.  Instead of worrying about what other people thought and buying excess, I got frugal and invested in my own business and passions. As a new mother, I cut out so many trivial activities that I actually had more productive time than ever before. Can you imagine? Time can be warped incredibly easily, if you’re willing to see the best benefit of owning less.

The Best Benefit of Owning Less – Saving Time

Less Time on Choices

Not sure what to wear again this morning? When you only have about 33 items in your closet the choice is much easier and more efficient. I rarely spend more than 1 minute contemplating what to wear.

I also have less cosmetics, which saves me a considerable amount of time each evening and morning. You might like to read about my simple morning and evening skin care routine that will also save you time.

Less Time Spent in Actual Stores

I rarely enter Target anymore. I found that I rarely “needed” anything from that store. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Target. I think I LOVED it a little too much, and that’s why I had to just avoid it.

Now, If I need food, I go to a grocery store. If I need an electronic or clothes I order online, preferably quality and second hand. I can’t remember the last time I was actually in a mall. I don’t “window shop.” I keep a list and stick to it. This saves me time avoiding stores all together, and also while shopping.  

Less Time Cleaning

Please don’t assume that my home is spotless because I love to declutter. I live with a toddler. Let’s be realistic. However, cleaning and “picking up” has become less time consuming because there are less items to clean. I don’t have to pick up 50 different toys, just 15. Dusting around a collection of 50 different DVD’s takes a lot longer than dusting around zero. Having less objects in your home makes clean up a breeze and so simple even a toddler can help!

Less Time Spent Driving

When you are consuming less, you drive less. I don’t need to go to 3 different stores on a Saturday. I don’t need to go out to eat when I have all the ingredients and a husband who loves to cook 😉.

Less Time Worrying About Things that Don’t Matter

When you have less stuff, you can actually focus on things that matter. I used to care about how big our house was, or what people thought about the clothes I was wearing, or how big the diamond on my engagement ring was. Definitely not what matters, and slightly embarrassing to admit in public. You’d be surprised how much mental time and energy goes into portraying a certain lifestyle with our stuff, while continually feeling like you are inadequate. Don’t get me wrong, I like to dress nicely and buy quality items. I just try not to worry about “things” anymore, and I stopped consuming in excess. Stuff is just stuff and most of it can be replaced.

Final Words

If you focus on time, you’ll see that consuming excess stuff is a complete waste and that’s why it’s the best benefit of owning less.

Don’t you want to free up your Saturdays instead of cleaning out your boat, organizing your garage, or decluttering your pantry? Start a few minimalism habits and you’ll be well on your way to saving yourself time. The only thing you can’t get more of on this earth.

Join the Discussion

How has owning less saved you time?

Author

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