I did an earlier post where I listed five reasons for wanting to live a simpler life.
Then I told you how to clean out your closet.
What I didn’t do, however, was focus on why I believed owning less is beneficial for you.
I probably should have done that first, since owning less is one of the steps towards a simpler life.
Here are my reasons, based on my own experience:
1. Better control over finances.Â
Things cost money. Less things means less money spent and more in your wallet. Having less things also means it costs less to maintain your stuff. Have you ever noticed that the more things you have, the more things you need to buy to store them in (whether it be a box, a storage unit, or a house)? Then you need to pay for any repairs, cleaning [supplies], replacements, and so forth. Things drain wallets and put you in debt. Do you really want to acquire something that you will be paying off for the next ten years or incur more credit card debt?
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I bet you’re wondering where the heck tiny house people put their clothes?!
That’s easy. They don’t have a lot.
Before you toss in the towel as you have no idea how you’re going to pick a complete wardrobe from an entire closet and dresser(s) of clothes, relax.
Other people have done it. I’ve done it. You can do it.
I used to have two dressers, a full closet, and several boxes in the attic. And I don’t even like fashion!
Now, with the exception of some boots and coats, all my clothes can be packed into a couple of gym bags.
My goal is to get everything in one bag. Your goal might be similar. Or maybe you just want to get rid of the dresser.
The fun part about clothes is that no one has the exact same wardrobe. We all have different lives that require different types of apparel. For example, I have four pairs of boots: cowboy boots for line dancing (don’t judge), waterproof winter boots, everyday sweater boots, and a classy pair of boots with heels for dress-up occasions. To some people, that’s a lot. To me, it’s just right for where I am in my life.
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Before we begin with today’s post, I wanted to introduce myself as this is my first appearance on Tiny House Talk. I’m Laura! I’ve been an evolving minimalist and tiny house enthusiast for the past few years. My husband and I are making the jump into tiny house living this year. When Tiny House Talk was looking for some people to supplement content, I jumped at the opportunity. Alex decided he would give me a shot and trust me with some writing. What better way to introduce myself to the Tiny House Talk community than to list the reasons I love living simply?
Living simply goes hand-in-hand with tiny houses and living in small spaces. A small space can only hold so much room for objects, hobbies, and passions. Living in a small space forces people to re-evaluate their values and lead richer lives. That said, here are five main reasons behind my desire to live simply:
1. Eliminate debt and create financial peace.  I actually have never been in debt, but have heard many stories about how focusing on simplicity has helped people pay off and eliminate their debt. What I have noticed is a better ability to manage my finances. After I cut back on certain bills, financial obligations, and consumer products that I didn’t need (gym memberships, television/internet services, clothes, etc.), I found more cash in my wallet to spend on the things that really did matter: savings, healthy foods, and unique experiences. As everyone knows, feeling secure about your money brings about a sense of peace.
2. Being a conscious consumer. Living simply doesn’t mean you can’t buy stuff at all and turn down every opportunity that comes your way. It just means you become much more aware of your needs versus your wants. As I progressed on this journey, I learned that most of the things I considered needs were actually wants. There is only so little one really needs. In addition, when it comes to making purchases and choices, I question whether or not the item/experience will add value to my life, whether it is disposable or well-made, whether it could come with us in tiny house or will be something we have to toss, and so on. I’ve been able to eliminate many potential purchases in my life when I ask these questions, as well as things I already had (perk: donations are tax-deductible.). My husband and I have also learned to live within our means and become [more than] content with what we have.
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