When the term minimalism or a minimalist lifestyle is mentioned, it’s often associated with not spending money, not accumulating things, or having white walls and one sofa—basically, the images you see on Pinterest.
While minimalism can be about aesthetics, it’s also about freeing yourself from the burden of excess.
There’s nothing wrong with having more, but there’s a certain freedom and relief that comes with less.
What is a minimalist lifestyle?
A minimalist lifestyle can differ from person to person since we all need and want different things during different seasons of our lives.
Living a minimalist lifestyle means aiming to live with less of what you do not need and choosing to create memories rather than chasing material items. Enjoy the simple things every day brings instead of chasing the next big thing.
15 Benefits of a minimalist lifestyle
I first heard of minimalism during a difficult time in my life: infertility. I started decluttering my possessions to distract myself from IVF treatments and the long wait that comes with them. By the time I had a successful pregnancy with the treatments, I was already living a minimalist lifestyle. Now, I get to enjoy my toddler and set routines to maintain our home.
A minimalist lifestyle has many benefits, and while it may be a little tricky at first, you will reap all the benefits by the time you know it.
For instance, you might have more time for hobbies or less stress because you’re not constantly cleaning or organizing.
Below, you will find 15 benefits of a minimalist lifestyle that can help you enjoy a simplified life.
1. Saves time
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle can be a time-saver in various ways. For instance, if you only keep clothes you love and enjoy, you’ll have fewer laundry loads and less folding and putting away.
You’ll find items more quickly because you’ll always know where they are. Each item you own should have a designated spot, making it a breeze to locate. No more wasting time searching for your car keys or sunscreen when you need them.
2. Saves money
Finding ways to save money can take much work. But with a minimalist lifestyle, saving money can be a little easier. For one, you will not buy duplicates of items since you will know where items are and only buy when you run out of an item.
Also, this lifestyle teaches you to be content with what you have and keeps you from spending money on unnecessary items.
3. Less decision fatigue
This will help when you are getting ready for work or to exercise. By keeping clothing, shoes, and accessories you love, enjoy, and fit, getting prepared for the day will avoid decision fatigue. You can also lay out your workout clothes the night before.
Also, have your clothes, shoes, and accessories ready for work the night before.
Doing this will also save you time in the morning.
4. Less stress keeping up with the Jones’
It is good to want nice things, especially when buying quality over quantity. So, when making a purchase, you buy when needed rather than because you are trying to keep up with what everyone else is buying or doing.
We do not know how someone bought an expensive purse. It can be that they saved for months to make that purchase, or they did not have the money, used a credit card, and are now in debt.
I do not stress about keeping up with the Joneses because I know what I need and can afford.
5. More money
You’ll have more money in different ways. Not spending money on items you don’t need will leave you with more money. Not buying items just because they are on sale, even though you think you are saving, actually saves more.
Simply simplifying your meals, like meal prepping or making more homemade meals, will reduce your spending.
Making a few changes at the end will leave you with more money to spend on vacations, hobbies, or that weekly Starbucks drink. Imagine the joy of sipping your favorite coffee without worrying about the cost!
6. More time
We all have the same 24 hours a day, but with a minimalist lifestyle, you spend less time doing things you don’t enjoy and more on what you enjoy.
Spend less time shopping for items we don’t need and more time reading a book, relaxing, or catching up with family or friends. You can also spend more time enjoying a hobby, reaching a goal, or self-care and self-improvement.
I highly recommend reading Things That Matter: Overcoming Distractions to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker and Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works by The Minimalist Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
7. Embrace simplicity
One of my favorite benefits is simplicity. You can embrace simplicity in many ways: simplify your wardrobe, meals, and home decorations. Simplify your skincare and cleaning routines, and you get the idea. This simplicity brings a sense of contentment, peace, and ease with the world around you.
8. Eco-friendly
Using eco-friendly items is one of the best ways to save money and, at the same time, try to save the planet. You can use eco-friendly items like paper towels, reusable storage bags, and reusable make-up remover.
Avoid buying plastic water bottles and refill your water bottle. Try using eco-friendly items every month and see what works for you. Avoid buying plastic and single-use items.
I highly recommend Grove Collaborative. They carry eco-friendly and sustainable household cleaning, personal care, and beauty products and deliver straight to your door. This subscription box has no minimum; you can skip a month and cancel at any time. They offer free shipping on orders over $29.99 and for VIP members.
Some brands I use are Method Body, OSEA, and Grove Co. Here is the link for Groove Collaborative.
9. Less waste on landfill
This is one of the reasons I chose to donate to a non-profit, and it makes my decluttering easier. I know that items that are still in good condition can be used by someone who needs them.
I avoid buying items I do not need to prevent them from ending up in the landfill. Buying second-hand first can also help keep items out of the landfill.
10. Less clutter
Having a clutter-free home can reduce stress and increase productivity. It will also make cleaning and organizing easier. Every item in our house needs our attention one way or another. Avoid having clutter to create a peaceful and cozy home you can enjoy.
Read my How the Silent to-do list distracts us from what really matters post here.
11. Better relationship
It can help improve your relationship with your loved ones. I make quick, simple meals, which gives me more time to spend with my family in the evening. I spend less time wanting material possessions and value time with my loved ones. I also spend less time cleaning and enjoy quality time with my toddler.
12. Increase productivity
A clutter-free, clean, and tidy home will help increase your productivity and creativity. With fewer distractions, you can focus on essential tasks and have a more productive day. 
13. Value time over money
We can always make money but never get our time back. The more money we make, the more money we spend. And we spend it on material things or eating out. You can work less and enjoy life more. Make a budget and cut some of your unnecessary spending. You could live off of making less money.
When you do that, you can work less and do more of what you enjoy.
14. Lead by example
As much as I would love all my family and friends to live a minimalist lifestyle, it is really up to the person. What I can do is lead by example and let them know the benefits. I have a toddler, and I hope to show her that time is more valuable than money. Material things do not make you happy.
15. Less debt
When it comes to spending, you usually wait when purchasing instead of impulse buying. You save for big-ticket items until you have enough to buy the item. Doing this will help you stay out of debt. You can’t afford the item if you need to use a credit card to make a purchase.
Final thoughts
Consider a minimalist lifestyle a journey rather than a destination. Minimalism isn’t a quick fix or a temporary trend. It’s a lifestyle that may require decisions, some of which may not be easy. But as you stay committed, you’ll find it’s a journey worth taking that will simplify your life and bring you closer to your minimalist goals.
Related posts
How to Start a Minimalist Lifestyle 15 Tips
10 Reasons you Should Start Decluttering Now and Embrace Simplicity
Comment below and let me know what is your favorite benefit.