6 Things I've Learned in 6 Years of Living a Minimalist Lifestyle

Next week marks the six-year anniversary of my journey into a minimalist lifestyle.

A journey that has been more life-giving than I could have ever imagined.

As I jettisoned unwanted and unloved items from our home, I made more space for the things that truly mattered. Over a year's time, I let go of 75% of our stuff.

Our home looked different, yes, but the transformation went deeper than just the visible.

As my focus shifted from amassing and sustaining status symbols to embracing what truly mattered, I felt a renewed sense of meaning and richness.

I started showing up more peaceful and present in my relationships. With less clutter to distract me, I began noticing the beautiful details in my life and practicing gratitude. I traded comparison for contentment, restlessness for authenticity and peace.

A minimalist lifestyle has taught me many lessons over the last six years.

I'll share six of them below in hopes that they inspire and encourage you to declutter your home and embrace a life with less stuff.

Here are 6 things I've learned after 6 years of living a minimalist lifestyle:

1. You don't miss what you let go of—you never really needed it anyway

As I journeyed into a minimalist lifestyle, there were moments where I felt paralyzed in my decluttering efforts, worried that I'd miss or need the things I let go of.

After six years of living with less stuff, I can safely say that you don't miss what you donate—you never needed it anyway.

You may feel angst or worry as you heave a box of possessions out of your trunk and hand it over to a donation center employee. After about a minute's time your mind is onto other things—freed to enter the present moment more deeply with less stuff. You're no longer concerned about your just-donated items. And you won't be again.

Eighty percent of the possessions in your home are likely unused or unloved (most of us use just 20% of our stuff).

We need so much less than we think to be happy. You won't miss that 80%. If you're feeling called to let it go—go for it.

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached over 1M people worldwide through her blog. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home. She resides with her husband and their four extremely lively young children. You can also find her on Facebook.