Minimalism. For some people it’s a scary word, and for others it speaks calm. For me, it’s life-changing. My mind was blown after watching the documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things,” featuring minimalists Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn. I asked myself, “Can I genuinely look at every item in my home and say it has a purpose and makes me happy?” The answer was: absolutely not. While doing deeper soul searching after seeing this documentary, I was moved to buy less and, as a result, live more.

I know what you’re thinking: “You’re an organizer, so you’re supposed to already have less.”

And while that may be true, I’ll admit that I am also an active participant in this consumeristic world. I’ll share some secrets that you may be able to relate to. It wasn’t uncommon for me to:

1. Go to Home Goods and feel the high of purchasing new dish towels because “they’re just so cute!” and “for only $4.99?!”

2. Go to an event, get my tenth free reusable bag, and think, “I could use another one of these!” But, can I really?

3. Find a scarf I really liked on sale, and then buy it in seven different colors, because…why not?

While living a more minimalistic lifestyle, I have a process that works for me, and it’s rooted more in a sense of need than want. I’m more likely to purge items that are not necessary. I also consume less, now more conscious of what I’m bringing into my home.

In adopting these habits, I have a clearer space and more peace of mind. I can also list other ways in which minimalism is so much more than just owning fewer things:

1. Stress relief—Having physical clutter in your life often leads to mental clutter as well. Having fewer things can help you feel calm rather than get distracted by all that’s in front of you.

2. Increased productivity—Having fewer things means fewer distractions, which allows you to get more done.

3. Decreased value—When was the last time you looked at a purchase and can say it still holds the same value that it did when you first bought it? According to psychologist, Dr. Thomas Gilovich at Cornell University, “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

4. More focus on experiences—While things lose value and luster, experiences are memories that last a lifetime. In many cases, they even help mold the person you have become.

5. Time—This is something we all wish we had in greater quantity. Rather than spending time decluttering, fixing, and spending, create more time to do things that are more meaningful to you. These things can include catching up with a friend, taking a walk outside, or enjoying a nice meal.

6. Less spending, more saving—lf you recently checked your bank account and wanted to crawl back under the covers, stop spending your money on unnecessary things. Instead, save that money for when you really need it.

7. Environmental awareness—According to this article, the average American throws out 65 pounds of clothing per year. Think about the waste tossed into landfills, as well as the dyes and chemicals of clothing leaching into the soil. When going minimalist, there are several alternatives to throwing your things into the trash. Drop your stained or damaged clothing off at Planet Aid bins in your town and check out our blog post “Unexpected Places To Donate Your Unwanted Things.”

8. Cleaning—Less stuff = less time cleaning and maintaining.

9. More hosting—Currently afraid of having people over because your house is a mess? Now that you have less, your place looks and feels cleaner. Let go of that fear of judgment!

10. Increased joy—Keep in mind that the best things in life aren’t things. Take this as an opportunity to focus on yourself. Find what makes you happy and set goals on how to achieve that.

Before you start to gather your things and hold onto them for dear life, take a moment and ask yourself if these things are really serving a necessary purpose in your life. Think about what your values and goals are, and how slimming down can make them more achievable.