76 Life-changing Minimalism Benefits (that always surprise people)
Studies show that average households own between 10,000 and 300,000 items. For those on the mid to high end of that spectrum, this "stuff" sucks up our time, money & energy.
Where do you think you would fall on the stuff scale?
Minimalism can be a good way to declutter your life, but it's also about more than just getting rid of stuff. It's about living mindfully, making life easier, being eco-friendly, and being present with the things you do have.
Here are some of the wonderful minimalism benefits for you, your home, relationships, and more!
Minimalism Benefits for your Home
1) Your home is clutter free
Can you imagine!
2) Everything has a logical and labelled home
This makes everything flow easier
3) Your home looks bigger and brighter
Space is so inviting in a home!
4) You will be surrounded by what you love
…instead of spending time around things you never really liked.
5) Small messes aren’t stressful
You know that everything is quick and easy to tidy
6) Cleaning is so much easier
Minimalism makes your house a cozy and cleaner place to live in.
7) Your home will stay cleaner for longer if there are fewer items sitting around attracting dust
This also saves money by not having to buy as many cleaning products!
8) Uncluttered homes look cleaner than cluttered homes
We spend so much time cleaning up around our stuff. If your house is clean, but full of junky clutter, it never has that really clean feel.
9) You get into the habit of doing a daily teeny-tiny-tidy
Make a daily habit of it - set a timer for 1-5 mins (depending on your energy level) and tidy your little heart out!
10) You'll be ready to downsize if ever needed
Just think - your clutter could be in the way of you retiring earlier.
11) Getting ready for guests takes a fraction of the time
I can’t think of anything more terrifying than last minute guests pre-minimalism.
12) You will save money on storage space and expenses
Fun fact - the storage industry makes more money than Hollywood.
13) Minimalism will help you enjoy your home instead of constantly feeling obliged to work on it
Note: Keep in mind that you can still have a home full of meaningful stuff! Minimalism is about choosing intentionally. It's not an all or nothing thing - it's about including what matters most to you, and getting rid of things you no longer need.
14) Things are easy to find
No more losing things for months at a time! If you can’t find something within 30 seconds, it’s in the wrong place.
15) Moving is easier
The less you have, the less you have to load into the moving truck!
16) Safer environment for your pets
If your puppy is anything like ours, clutter = tasty treats.
17) You can use spaces as intended
Instead of a laundry basket extension, you can actually eat at your dining table!
Instead of an old hobby graveyard, you can actually park your car in the garage!
18) Repurpose empty spaces
By removing clutter, you’ll gain back little nooks, and even whole rooms!
Hello new morning coffee spot!
Oh hi new home office!
Maybe you can even rent out some of your newly discovered space and create a new income stream.
19) Your home will be easier to organize
You’ll have less things and more space so organizing will be a breeze!
Living in an organized space makes every day dramatically easier.
Minimalism Benefits for your wardrobe
20) You wear all of your clothes and love everything you wear
It’s easier to be intentional with your wardrobe & create a capsule wardrobe when you have less clothes
21) You'll save time and money when shopping as you'll know your personal style
Knowing what fabrics, styles, colours and patterns you’ll actually wear helps you shop more intentionally.
22) You'll reduce your decision fatigue when getting ready.
You can spend those few extra minutes lying in bed enjoying a cup of coffee before beginning your day.
23) Getting ready will be fun, quick and easy
As you replace pieces, you'll naturally be drawn to quality items that will last longer and reduce waste
24) Laundry is less intimidating
Laundry is less likely to build up when you have less clothes. Granted, you'll still be wearing the same amount of clothes, but your laundry mountain days will be behind you!
No more laundry mountains!
25) Kids will benefit from having less clothes too
You’ll be amazed at how much time, money and energy you’ll save with a
Halfway through creating a capsule wardrobe for my toddler, Willow!
Bonus - here’s a clothes storage hack that works great for kids, teenagers and messy people!
Minimalism Benefits for your Money
26) You don't buy things that you don't need.
Minimalists are no longer buying their lives, they're shopping for their needs. After a while you begin to realize just how little you need in order to be happy! You become free from brands, free from materialism, and free from the illusion that more is better.
Another minimalism inspired money with is a monthly no spend week.
27) You’ll be able to get debt free easier
With the extra money freed up by your new minimalist lifestyle!
28) You can save up emergency / sinking funds sooner
Minimalism has finally allowed us to save for a rainy day. We feel more financially secure because we have a buffer. It makes such a difference. A call from our mechanic during a service doesn't make my blood run cold anymore.
29) You are able to free up money to invest earlier
We've been investing in a robo-advisor for the last few months and have already made over $600.
30) You shop intentionally so don’t regret purchases.
You can read more about shopping more intentionally
31) You have more money to donate to causes that are important to you
Three of our favourite organizations to support are:
32) You can make money
You can make money by selling items that you declutter.
Here are some tips on how to get rid of things you no longer need & selling.
Minimalism Benefits for your Relationships
33) We prioritize our loved ones
When there are fewer things around us, we spend our time focusing on what is truly important to us. We have more time to do the things we love, with people we care about
34) You say "no" more
Every "yes" that you give, is a "no" to something else. If you say "yes" to an extra voluntary role, that might mean having to say "no" to more family time. Save your yesses for what’s truly important to you, and say "no" to everything else.
35) You limit time, or cut ties completely with toxic people in your life
No one needs that kind of negativity.
When we experience the peace of mind that minimalism gives us, we are very protective over it.
36) You set more boundaries
Boundaries are the epitome of respecting yourself and other people.
The more boundaries you set for yourself and your family, the more you hear and respect other people’s boundaries and don't take them personally.
Someone setting boundaries with us is a huge honour - it means that they value us and want to keep us in their lives.
37) You make time to do things that make other people happy
...when your cup is overflowing, you want to, and without expectations
38) It’s easier for loved ones to sort through your things
Should anything happen to you, decluttering now will make the process of sorting through your things a lot easier on your loved ones.
Minimalism Benefits for your Kids
39) You can declutter and/or rotate toys
This encourages more independent and creative play.
40) Less overwhelm
Children will be less overwhelmed & more confident about making choices for themselves
41) Less yelling
There is less yelling in the home because there's less mess and less stress
42) More tiny hands tidying up
Kids are more likely to put their toys away if it's nice and easy to do
43) Modelling minimalism for your little ones is a wonderful life lesson
It will set them up for success and teach them valuable life skills.
44) Safer environments for little ones
With less clutter hanging around, minimalism homes are safer environments for curious babies and toddlers
Minimalism Benefits for the Planet
45) You will be living more sustainably
Living a more minimalist lifestyle is an effortless way to be more eco-friendly.
46) Less money goes to the big corporations
Being a minimalist is an act of rebellion in a world that wants you to BUY, BUY, BUY
47) You can easily start living a low-waste lifestyle
Low waste is about making mindful decisions about the impact of your everyday choices on our environment, especially when it comes to food packaging, clothing and consumer goods.
48) Less of your money will be going to the fast fashion industry
You'll be shopping less often and can purchase quality pieces that will last longer.
49) You'll be able to reuse, reduce and recycle more
If there's fewer things to throw out, then you have higher chances of recycling them!
50) Donating your items benefits those in need
Whether it’s benefit charitable organizations, or helping people find things they need at a reasonable price, donating your items back into the world is a really positive thing to do.
See some donating tips here.
Minimalism Benefits for you
51) Minimalism is a wonderful way to make the most of your time on this planet!
It can be difficult to find time for all of your interests because you spend so much of your time taking care of material possessions, or avoiding unwanted chores like cleaning out closets and drawers. Just imagine how much more fun it would be if you had all that extra time back for hobbies & loved ones?
52) You'll feel more calm
There will be so much less physical, emotional and digital clutter in your life.
Minimalism relieves us of the constant nagging fear of failure.
53) Minimalism will give you a new, clearer perspective
If you have a lot of stuff and are feeling physically or emotionally burdened by it, then minimalism can change all that. When you begin clearing out your possessions, it gives your life a whole new meaning. You’ll understand what truly matters in life, and be able to see the big picture much clearer than before. Minimalists are often happier because they feel as though they’ve found themselves again.
54) You'll do less and prioritize rest
Doing absolutely nothing is healthy and wonderful.
55) You'll let go of perfectionism
You'll see that it never served you.
56) Minimalism is flexible
There’s no one way to do it - it looks different to everyone.
There are no minimalism police (but there are some judgey people in Facebook minimalism groups so be sure to block any meanies!). It’s whatever works for you and your family.
57) You'll be more healthy
You have the time to look after your physical, mental and emotional health
58) You’ll be the boss of you
No one else gets to tell you what to buy or what to do.
59) Your worth will no longer linked to your productivity or possessions
I spent years basing my self worth on my belongings and how many things I’d crossed off of my to do list that day.
60) You let go of the past and move forward
Releasing physical possessions is a powerful way to let go of the past
61) You can travel more often
With extra money in your budget and less commitments, it’s easier to prioritise travelling if that’s important to you.
62) Travelling will be easier because you pack lighter
You can be ready to go in minutes!
63) You’ll be more content with less
No more, “I’ll be happy when…”
64) You'll live more intentionally
Minimalism is like having an extra pair of eyes around to tell you when you are doing something out of habit and not because it is meaningful or important. Having fewer items around you will create space for clarity and focus. Once this clarity is present, you’ll notice when your actions are influenced only by habit and not purpose.
65) Minimalism will make you braver
Letting go of things that you thought you'd never be able to is a great way to grow your confidence. The less we have, the more courageous we become. Minimalism helps inspire us to be honest and appreciate what we do have in our lives. It makes us consider what is really important, and makes us stand up for it.
66) You'll have more free time because you minimized your calendar and commitments
I love having free time so much that I make a point to pencil in free time to make sure I don’t overbook myself.
67) You'll feel aligned with your true purpose
If you start relying on materialistic things so much, you’ll soon know what you truly enjoy doing.
68) You'll say what you mean and mean what you say
Everything gets simpler, including how you communicate.
69) You'll aspire to be more than just ordinary
If you are striving towards a goal that is bigger than yourself (like starting your own business or writing a book), minimalism can help keep you on track. By cutting out the distractions that make it difficult to focus, minimalism will allow you to be more productive.
70) You'll redefine what success looks/feels like
The biggest goal of minimalism is to always be on the search for a pure source of happiness. Happiness that comes from within yourself and not because of a thing or event outside of yourself. In a world where we are constantly striving towards success, it can be hard to remember what it feels like to be truly happy. When you practice minimalism, it’s much easier to remember what true happiness feels like!
71) You'll feel more self-disciplined and have higher standards
You’ll feel really proud of all of the changes you’ve made, and won’t settle for things in the future.
72) You'll have peace of mind
We can get so caught up in what everyone else is doing that it drives us mad. When you experience a sense of peace, you are less worried about things that don’t really matter. You become more content and adapt to the world at your own pace. Minimalism releases you from the "keeping up with the Joneses" hamster wheel.
73) You'll have more time to learn
Have you ever thought about going back to school? Minimalism can help you free up time so that you’ll be able to study again!
74) It’ll be easier to stick with good habits
There’ll be less stuff competing for your attention
75) Your creativity will blossom
When you’re not distracted by material things, your mind can wander freely. You'll have the time and space to be creative once again! (this blog is proof of this!)
76) You’ll be a happier, more positive person
I know that I certainly am!
Conclusion
We covered how there's more to life than accumulating lots of stuff, that having a home full of items is not necessarily an indicator of happiness and the numerous minimalism benefits.
Minimalism is a beautiful and authentic way to live your life.
If you'd like to learn more:
For the best round up of all things minimalism & organization, take part in my 60 day challenge: part 1 - how to become a minimalist in 30 days challenge which covers the mental, emotional and physical process of being a minimalist & part 2 - how to organize your home in 30 days
To learn my step to step process of how to declutter your home, follow the Minimize My Mess Method (MMMM)
If your house is so cluttered that you don’t know where to start, this will jump start your decluttering process by clearing 80% of your clutter in one afternoon
Did I miss any of your favourite things about minimalism? Let me know in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you!
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