Debunking Myths About Minimalism: It’s Not About Owning Less

“Do I need to discard everything I don’t use?”

“No! Not yet!” I reply. The most common misconception about minimalism is that it’s about owning less. But what if you own a hundred luxury hotels? You wouldn’t want to let go of your source of income, right?

In my case, I have a jacket I bought for a skiing trip. I haven’t been skiing since. The jacket wasn’t expensive, and I could part with it. But I haven’t. It’s still in my wardrobe because, even though I haven’t used it, I’m not giving up on life just yet. I might ski again. In fact, I’m certain I want to. And I’d rather not splurge on another jacket that I’ll only wear for five days. The point here is, not everything you don’t use needs to be discarded. In fact, it might be more beneficial to hold onto some things.

So, if minimalism isn’t about owning less, then what is it about?

Minimalism is about reducing stress.

How so?

Simply put, minimalism is about addressing the areas in life that cause you stress. Let me explain. If you own a library of books but need the space for a nursery, feel free to donate most of them. The public library—and those in need—will thank you! If you find yourself meeting friends only out of social obligation, consider minimizing those interactions to reduce the stress they bring. If a drawer in your dresser is so packed with jewelry that it won’t close, take the time to sort through it. Examine what should stay and what should go. The same applies to relationships. If certain people in your life make it difficult to enjoy the present moment, maybe it’s time to redefine those relationships. Set your own boundaries and take it from there. It’s not easy, but, as with anything, it’s worth the effort.

As the saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” So change yourself. Change your circumstances. Day one of this journey will be hard, but by day twenty, you’ll find yourself in love with the space you’ve created—space that will allow you to enjoy the journey itself.

Letting go isn’t about making hard choices; it’s about reclaiming your life. It’s about freeing yourself from things that don’t belong in your space, let alone control it.

Minimalism isn’t about owning less; it’s about being owned less. Think about it: How much of your stuff do you truly own, and how much of it owns you? Whether it’s keeping up with toxic relationships because they’re familiar, or following routines that disrupt your peace just to avoid confrontation, these possessions and obligations are what possess us. Take a deep breath and let them go. Cherish the memories of what they once meant to you, and let go of the guilt of doing so.

Yes, mistakes will happen. Feelings may be hurt. Some treasures will be lost. But in the grand scheme of life, that simply means they were never meant to be yours in the first place. Like a floating log drifting down the river, they stayed by your bank for a while before being swept away. Don’t beat yourself up about letting go. Just let go.