Why More Isn’t Better

Living minimally seems to contradict everything the United States stands for. A minimalist eliminates everything that is unnecessary and focuses on a simpler way of life. It is a philosophy not about living without, but about living with better. 

On a recent trip to Cambodia, family members had pegs on the walls of their bedrooms with two or three robes hanging down. There were no elaborate closets, shoe trees, armoires, or chests of drawers. They did not have kitchens filled with every gadget from air fryers to cappuccino makers. They did not have garages overflowing with so much stuff that cars are kept in the driveway and they didn’t rent storage units to provide space for more “stuff.” 

Other countries do not have the incessant need to accumulate things the way we do.

One advantage of living minimally is that your life is not crowded with “stuff” and “clutter,” leaving you more time for important things. Living minimally leaves a smaller carbon footprint as you use less of everything from water to electricity. You don’t need as much furniture, clothing, funds and energy to maintain a smaller living space. Larger homes take up a lot of time and money due to extra costs, time needed to clean and organize them and the stress of constantly keeping up with everything. 

By living minimally, one avoids chasing “more,” thus reducing stress and being happy with what one has. Less time is spent decluttering, your time is easier to manage and your life is easier to live when you choose quality over quantity and buy only things that bring you joy.

I just moved into a smaller place, which has brought me a lot of joy due to its wonderful location and the fact that I purged a lot of things I had been clinging onto for years. Purging my wardrobe is my biggest challenge. One suggestion is to start in January with all your hangers facing the same way and as you wear an item, turn the hanger facing the other way. By the end of the year, you will see what you didn’t wear for an entire year so you can purge it.  

It is also suggested for every new item purchased, purge an old one.

Living minimally can also apply to the digital world. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, get rid of cable and watch programs that truly matter to you versus mindless channel surfing. Delete apps that you never use, and read magazines and papers online instead of having them delivered to take up space in your home. By saying no to buying more things or taking on more time commitments, you are taking steps to live a simpler more mindful life.

Nancy Peltonen serves as President/CEO with The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves on committees for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Palm Bay Maker Faire Committee, and State Small Business Expo Partner, and still finds time to volunteer with many local organizations and travel the world.

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