10 Scientific Studies that Will Encourage You to Own Less

[@simini1837]

My father used to say possession is a burden

[@daughterofmyabba]

My mom says you don't own stuff, it owns you.

[@simini1837]

@@googlegoogle5889 me too, regret getting so much in my 20s and 30s...

[@MoralesCorner]

Wise people right there

[@Theinsomniac826]

I started decluttering at the start of the pandemic. I thought it would be a fast easy process but I was shocked to see how many things I owned. It took me a year just to declutter! I am a minimalist for life. My house is cooler in the summertime too. Now I throw away things all the time, and I rarely shop.

[@izi.z2384]

It's taken me over four years to declutter. I have a lot of books, papers and informational items so that for me has made it even more painstakingly slow and time consuming. Ugh! Won't say I am totally there yet but definitely much further along the way on my "relatively" minimalist lifestyle.

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

Me too we have rid our home of 4, 000 items.

[@ShakeMyWay]

It took me 5 years to declutter my own posessions and then get the rest of the family on board.

[@Angultra]

I've been decluttering steadily for over a year, it's an ongoing process but feels good to see the fruits of your labor.

[@juleslincredule]

Key Points: 1. Owning fewer possessions reduces stress: Clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. People who highly value their possessions tend to experience higher levels of stress and depression. 2. Owning fewer possessions boosts well-being: There's a positive relationship between voluntary simplicity and well-being, according to a 2021 paper that reviewed 23 studies. 3. Owning fewer possessions can improve relationships: A 2021 study by Chinese researchers found that people who focused more on experiences than material possessions had stronger social bonds. 4. Owning fewer possessions helps us sleep better: Cluttered bedrooms are associated with poor sleep quality. Removing possessions from the bedroom can lead to better rest. 5. Owning fewer possessions boosts productivity: Clutter in the workplace negatively impacts productivity, as shown by a study from Princeton University. 6. Owning fewer possessions can help you save money: A study from 2023 found that adopting a minimalist lifestyle can lead to significant savings, due to reduced purchases, thoughtful consumption control, and avoiding debt burdens. 7. Owning fewer possessions can help bring happiness: Experiences tend to bring more happiness than material possessions. Shifting consumption away from material goods and more towards experiences can lead to greater well-being. 8. Owning fewer possessions improves our physical health: A 2016 study found that cluttered environments can lead to overeating, whereas orderly environments can encourage healthier habits and choices. 9. Owning fewer things can improve memory: Physical clutter can cause visual noise that overloads and reduces our working memory. 10. Owning fewer possessions promotes better play for kids: A 2017 study found that when provided with fewer toys, toddlers engage in longer periods of play with a single toy, promoting better focus and more creative play.

[@parkerposey788]

Declutter = Destress = ☮️

[@garlicgalore]

One of the surprises for me when I decluttered was how much I really enjoy and appreciate the things I do have. The first time I noticed this was with my teapot! I used to have several, but downsized to one I really like. I feel so happy every time I use it and Im not sure exactly why this is. I get the same feeling with everything else Ive downsized- dishes, linens, clothes.

[@AC-ib3jj]

Aw this is lovely ❤

[@giennefarcais6834]

It's like having one friend that you love the best. It's special and heads above the rest.

[@marianna6733]

The same here with mugs

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

After 37 years of life, I know that if given the space I will fill it. I'm happy to now be in a 146sq foot space with my spouse and I know even with a child, the largest space I can handle without needing therapy is 600sq foot max. I've always loved order and having a place for everything. But in this society, it's good to have reminders. ❤

[@izi.z2384]

It's good when we know ourselves... and make decisions based upon it.

[@sxwrtr918]

I started decluttering 10 years ago when I sold my condo and decided to move to a smaller space. One day I just dove in, tackling the easier objects like clothes, nicnacs and kitchen items. Then books (a bit harder), CDs/DVDs, and LOTS of paper clutter and magazines. Then some superfluous small and large furniture. Sold a few items, but most I donated to a big thrift store benefiting animal shelters. A couple years later I decided to pull the plug on my full-time job, after much grappling with the idea. But after having worked 40+ years, living well within my means, and having been taught the value of saving and being debt free from an early age, I decided to enjoy the freedom and choice these things had made possible and have more experiences, free time, start a little creative business, and just relax and enjoy life and friends more. I pared down so much that I decided to move into a spacious high-top van (with a cat) six years ago and do some traveling too. So I also eliminated rent and utilities. I am quite comfortable in this space and have everything I need. Your wonderful videos have keep me on track and remind me why I embraced a more minimalist lifestyle in the first place.

[@chris-ci7ch]

I think I was a minimalist but did not know it. I am in my 70's and people of my generation thought that I was odd. I appreciate your valuable advice and hope that younger generations learn from you.

[@LauraMacMillan-cp9yk]

My Dad was, too. Growing up in the 60’s, I commonly heard him say these two things: “What do I need that for?” and “I don’t ( or, wouldn’t) use that.”

[@lesliejones7018]

I'm in the decluttering process. It's slow going as I have some physical issues but I'm making progress. All the minimalist guidance from you and Dawn (from The Minimal Mom) has made me rethink what to give my grandchildren as gifts. Cool rainboots and raincoats for both of them (girl 10 & and boy 6), hair products for the girl, cooking with grandmom days, and a special book for each. Thank you for passing on your wisdom, Joshua! It's very much appreciated.

[@tgayer1]

Keep up the good work! 💪 I would come and help you if I could! 💕

[@Back_To_Basics]

At my previous work desk, I collected so much paperwork, books, stationery and knickknacks that my colleagues gave me. When I got a new job, I promised myself to only have what I needed for work. It has definitely improved my concentration, productivity and sense of well-being each time I work at my desk.

[@arti232005]

it takes time to accept that one can live with less pocessions .. it took me 15 years to clear up things at home but its so relaxing feels so light and above all I feel now life has so much time to do so many things ..when we have less things we r not dependant .. life around is so manageable .

[@Conval-wi5eh]

So it seems to me that it all comes down to the fact that we only have so much time and energy every day. Spending it to manage our clutter (physically or mentally) takes precious ressources away from other important areas of our lives (health, relationships, managing finances, taking care of ourselves). I can't help but wonder if the causal chain is the other way around: We are not unhappy because of the clutter, we live in cluttered homes because we are unhappy. In my opinion the negative emotions and being unable to manage them, the stress, the feeling of not being heard or seen, the overwhelm and the lack of control come first and the clutter, the overeating, the substance abuse, the binge watching, the smoking, the skin picking etc. are just poor attempts to cope with all the negative feelings in a way that is compliant with our society. Most of us are were not taught how to deal with emotions and manage our metal health. Minimalism is a way to get out of that and take on a different perspective. The ultimate benefit is not a decluttered home. What minimalism helps us with is setting our priorities straight. By removing items from our lives we ask ourself questions like: "Do I need this? Does this serve a purpose in my life?" which ultimately leads to questions like: "How do I want my life to look like? What is truly important to me?". Once we have identifies our priorities we are able to work with our coping mechanisms. We start to realize that we don't really feel great to eat a bunch of cookies or drink a glass of wine every evening to "destress". We declutter like crazy, because we are tired to deal with all the stuff over and over and over again when we want to spend time with our familys or work on something that is truly important to us. We realize what has mae us miserable and are finally able to make changes in our lives.

[@nieladrew]

Well said

[@judypeterson803]

Actually, it appears you took all his facts and scientific studies and interjected your opinions. Wrong comments for this video, whether they're valid opinions or not. Sorry. I'm feeling snarky today because of my clutter. Fact.

[@TabithaGomes]

❤❤ I was always a minimalist until we had kids starting 8 years ago (we have 4). You don't realize all the stuff that comes along with them as gifts. We've been downsizing for 3 years and I still find stuff to get rid of. Thank you Joshua!

[@kristindowner9897]

When I’m struggling to order my day, I put a JB video on speaker and it “jump-starts” my organization and focus engine every single time! Thank you Mr. Becker for doing these KZbin Vlogs. They minister in more ways than just clearing out “surface clutter.” “Order begets order,” and setting the surface aright for right reasons helps us crave “right order” deep within as well. Only TRUTH makes that impact. Which helps us in turn open our hearts AND homes to seeking after the real Way, Truth, and Life as well.

[@susan5661]

Excellent video Joshua! So great to have science validate the practice of minimalism 😊

[@simply.clutterfree]

Less means so much more! ☺️❤️

[@chance702]

This is a REALLY great video. I feel like my clutter DRAINS my energy - and now you share scientific info to back that feeling. OVER CLUTTERED, CHAOTIC lack of organization seems to drain physical and mental energy, as well as creating confusion in our minds, leading to serious memory issues!!!!

[@errollebert3463]

Hi Joshua .I think I've watched all your videos. Quite inspirational. I've adopted minimalism and debt freedom 4 years ago. Stlii looking forward to an interview with the lady and her daughter who introduced you to minimalism.

[@RayTator]

Lynn here Rays wife of 54 years Ana I loved every corner filled NO more and I love what I have done getting rid of things that are not important thank you

[@sbaumgartner9848]

I enjoy listening to you. You may repeat much of what you say, but because you say it in different ways, it helps to hear these valuable words regularly. It's shocking how many problems western society has today, with extreme consumerism being one of them. It's become a disease.

[@Catherine-d8n]

L ‘ éthique c’est l’esthétique du dedans . Pierre Reverdy The expression of who you are … Thank you .⭐️

[@DavidKellogg-z4o]

I found out the hard way. I collected and collected stuff that I thought I wanted and could use in the future. And then I needed too move and I realized all that stuff is a pain in the ass too move and store. I have been trying too declutter and limit my possessions for years now. It is a never ending battle and I am loozing.

[@sunnystring64]

In addition to my personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of others (as Joshua often speaks in previous videos), as minimalists we always contribute greatly to the wellbeing of the environment! Therefore, for me, minimalism extends to experiences that leave a negative material footprint. Philosophically speaking: I "own" the fuel of the flights around the world, I "own" the trash after the big party...so there too, I want own less.

[@walqqr1]

Also: less clutter = better health. A place with too much clutter tends to accumulate more dirt, germs and bacteria, which leads to several health problems. A place with no clutter is more clear and easier to keep clean, and cleanliness helps you stay healthy. And even if you still get ill now and then for other reasons (like a flu you caught from cold weather), it's easier and faster to recover in a clean, clutter-free environment.

[@lylagray9669]

Silent watcher, here! I love all your videos and I wholeheartedly agree that the more you own and the more cluttered your house is, the more stressed you are. I have slowly been decluttering (an ongoing thing with me) and love the freedom I feel. Thank you for all your wisdom, Joshua!

[@annaberg6505]

I haven't read those studies, neither have I fact-checked your statements - but I FEEL that this is so true.

[@ChrissyLeahy]

Watching from sunny Sydney Australia. Inspiring tips to implement. Thank you Joshua.

[@isabelkassan5244]

I have been decluttering! I can’t believe how much I have let go! I I intend to keep on! I started for a reason nothing to do with the decluttering and minimalism!

[@mariah3654]

Whatever it takes!

[@MinutesWithMaria]

Thank you so much for showing the studies that support minimalism, especially the ones about health. Also memory. I always believed that owning less would help to improve memory since we have less to keep track of. Great video. I saved this one cause I will be watching it again and plan to share it the next time someone gets on my case for decluttering. 😊

[@supercrazydesi]

We moved from 3650 sq ft house that was sparsely decorated and fully furnished. We filled our two attics and garage with just in case items. Started decluttering and did some house projects like paint, wall fixtures or moving furniture etc. during pandemic. Our house was 80% decluttered and looked excellent after tens of trips to the goodwill and sold many furniture items. It took me two years to get to that stage where my home looked like an insta ready home. It was emotionally tolling for me but I was happy. Since then we moved to 2200 sq.ft house and have no attics and much smaller closets and vanity. I feel like its crowded and congested but can't think of where to start and how to declutter this time. I feel so lost and defeated.

[@natalieeubank4533]

One space 5 minutes at a time, The minimal mom would help you so much!!

[@tgayer1]

How many people are in your house?

[@garlicgalore]

Just want to share something that worked for me in a teeny tiny home with children. I aggressively boxed up everything that felt extra or in the way in uniform size boxes...and actually lived with a wall of boxes for a while. I think it matters that the boxes are uniform so they don't look terrible to live with for a while, or are easy to cover up. It was a whole lot of what The Minimal Mom calls "time will tell" boxes! Any time something felt in the way I got it out of sight. It started to feel really nice to not have things in the way of seeing and doing things with the people in my space. When I was ready I started looking at boxes, which I did one at a time and with my family. If anybody wanted something from the box we had to decide what would leave to make room for it. This was not as hard as I expected, and sometimes things went back in a box to think about another time- I totally did not stress about deciding, just put it back in a box for another day. It all just became a process and we actually enjoyed opening the boxes because we removed the stress and it became like opening presents. After a while we knew when we saw something again that we missed it and wanted to make room for it, or it wasn't missed at all and could go. Maybe some of this idea will be right for you! And give yourself time - I read once that it takes 4 years for most people to really settle a new home! ❤

[@giennefarcais6834]

I think I have read every book written on this subject, and one that really got me going (other than JOSHUA's, which are GRAND) was the book Throw Out 50 Things by Gail Blanke, I think was her name. It has lots of good ideas to get started, lists and such. If you're not a book person, you might start with your flat surfaces like tabletops, one drawer, one closet. It sounds like you have been successful in the past so you probably will be again!

[@rg-mi5hh]

Declutter five minutes a day. It took awhile to get where it is. We are using this strategy and it works to take away the overwhelm. I watch a youtube channel on midwest cleaning, hoarders heart, Dawn the minimal mom, Dana K. White slob comes clean, and clutterbug.

[@gingerstrait836]

These all make perfect sense. Thank you!

[@loveandparty4118]

I threw away a lot of collectibles. I ended up less afraid of losing them in a fire or theft since there were no items to begin with.

[@thirdcoast-nx7jx]

The more you own the more it owns you. Not my saying but words I live by.

[@mariah3654]

Decluttering today, took a break and saw this in my notifications. Thank you! The scientific studies did the research- great findings on the cluttered kitchen. Huge motivation to keep it decluttered!

[@SM-yy2vg]

Just finished a declutter to move across country. Then I’ll be helping my elderly parents to do a Swedish Death Cleaning.

[@mariah3654]

That's awesome 🖼

[@SM-yy2vg]

@@mariah3654 thanks. So far I’ve only been able to throw away expired food. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@mariah3654]

@@SM-yy2vg baby steps! just do what's in front of you. eventually you'll reach the finish line.

[@diday605]

Hi Joshua! Watching from Philippines.

[@anukamineni]

Its been 5 months i am following your ideas about owning less, These are inspiring points, i am watching from India. Thanks to you Joshua!

[@tgayer1]

Happy for you! Well done!

[@heidibastawros8722]

I’m returning to minimalism. Love it.

[@tiashadae1143]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@retha6504]

Thanks for sharing, Joshua !

[@shirleyburnham2782]

I'm still learning, still decluttering xx

[@alfurqaan_]

Detachment is not that you own nothing in this world, detachment is you own everything but nothing owns you. Hazrat Ali (Allah knows best)

[@randydorrow1689]

Excellent simplicity. Thanks 🙏

[@WildKraftyAotearoa]

Everything you say is fantastic! Thank you!

[@shannonelliott9230]

This one was really good! Thank you!

[@rosanne7804]

Love this! ❤️

[@nataliiapanova792]

Thank you very much for the amazing video! I am on my way to minimalism and your videos here on KZbin and the your posts on Facebook help me in this process a lot! Wish you all the best in your life!

[@kennethbailey9853]

Love Your Teachings.

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thank you for watching.

[@bonniehafeman9757]

Good message. Thanks.

[@jayathome2898]

Awesome resources thanks!

[@aNaturalist]

Terrific list. One thing though, while the label "minimalism" is fairly new, intentionally living with less or dressing down is definitely not new. Movements from Antiquity on through to various groups in the last 50 years have chosen to eschew or not display wealth, as an ideal. The label of minimalism is just more embraced by the middle and upper middle classes, more than other labels, in western cultures.

[@jjandregg693]

💐Thank you💐

[@JupiterAquarius-pe1cw]

Thank you.

[@BL-rb7jm]

What I find is interesting when you give kids a lot of toys. It's almost like a babysitter for you and eventually they get so tired of the toy and it doesn't lead to developing a child's. Imagination if it's a type of toy that doesn't allow them to use their imagination. When I was a kid my dad told me to take the peace out of the garden and take toothpicks and put them in the piece and make them look. Like a little man and then the toothpicks and then we would use the pod as a little boat and we would take these little P stickman and and put them in a Bucket of water and they would float around. Or my dad would make me make a little trench that went downhill and used the garden hose to make a river. So there goes my little stickman in their little canoes down the river. And that didn't cost anything. So I would pick the peas and then I would play with some of them. It surely took the boredom out of picking peas and shelling them.

[@hrbob8349]

Nice voice. Insightful.

[@janethunt4037]

Thank you for this encouragement. I would not call myself a minimalist, but it sure feels good to have some decluttering done. I have simplified the flat surfaces in our bedroom, and I definitely feel more rested in it now that I did before.

[@heidibastawros8722]

And it makes your space feel bigger too

[@amandasfreshstart534]

Good Word!!! 🙂

[@valerierogers9609]

Visual clutter will translate to dialog in your head such as this needs to be cleaned, fixed, moved, you don't fit anymore.. . etc. 😂

[@moneymo6417]

This dude has insane hair genetics.

[@nandhinic1902]

Thank u guruji good morning to u

[@laurac4572]

Can you help me understand how some people are able to work through the clutter and get things done? Is there any research on that? For instance my husband is not bothered by clutter. If he needs to do a task, he gets it done. But I’m actually at a disadvantage because I can’t get anything done until I clean up the clutter. So I’m already a step behind because I allow the clutter to be an obstacle. So as much as people and research say that decluttering is good, why do I feel like my need to declutter is actually a weakness? Does this makes sense?

[@JoshuaBecker]

I would be interested to see how productive your husband could be without the clutter slowing him down from accomplishing even more.

[@laurac4572]

@@JoshuaBecker I have no doubt that he would be even more productive. Another example, I have a friend whose kitchen is a mess but she’s able to ignore all that and still cook in it. She’s not stressed out by the mess and she can still function within it. If my sink is filled with dirty dishes, I can’t even begin to cook a meal until the sink is empty. Some days I am overwhelmed and tired and those dishes are standing in my way. I don’t have that superpower that others have to just ignore it and still move forward with the task at hand.

[@giennefarcais6834]

@@laurac4572 maybe they appear to be able to ignore the messes but it's still affecting them in terms of stress - that they might not show you - or depression - likewise.

[@Conval-wi5eh]

There is actual research on this. The one most effected by the clutter in the home is the one who is responsible for most of the housework in the home. It's so simple, but still mind-blowing. That is why studies find that most women are more effected by clutter in their homes: They are the ones responsible for tidying up, cleaning and managing stuff. If there is a stay at home husband, it has the same effect on him as well and the working wife is way more laid back. Get your family on board. Cleaning up after themselves is a way of supporting you and your mental health and showing gratitude for the work you do. My partner and I have an individual room and I love it. I don't have to stress about the chaos in his room, he is responsible for it. If I find something from him while tidying the appartement, I just toss it in his room. Likewise, if I have a stressful time it is okay that it gets a bit chaotic in my room as it doesn't affect him. I find that most women don't have a place for themselves in their own homes so they are forced to tidy up a nook for themselves before they can even have a place to relax for five minutes.

[@tgayer1]

I don’t think it’s a weakness at all. I think people just function differently. I think if you declutter the things in the household that you take care of, your husband may realize it is more peace and can make him more productive.

[@sylviebernier8589]

Bonjour Joshua Pourriez-vous faire la traduction en Français, j 'aime la simplicité et vos conseils sont enrichissants A bientôt en Français Merciiii.

[@juliestockwell6213]

I would love this lifestlye, i do what i can with my household stuff, but i cannot get my husband on board. Really frustrating.

[@JoshuaBecker]

I'm sure your husband has many other wonderful qualities.

[@ritaseymour8116]

Thank you for the video.Its very interesting. I am wondering if you could do a video on autism. ?

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thanks for the recommendation, but I feel too inexperienced with that specific topic to make a video about it. I’m sure there are others with more experience with autism creating helpful content.

[@delicadacomoumelefante]

Can you put the references in the description box, please?

[@natalieeubank4533]

He did, he put the links in the description box

[@delicadacomoumelefante]

@@natalieeubank4533 thank you. I didn’t see the blog post

[@catherineterry9110]

how to part with jewerly

[@halbecker2858]

I like my stuff!

[@Kate-lo1in]

Wisom

[@pritikhan28]

❤❤❤

[@juliabroadley8411]

I actually gave up shopping and joined a gym

[@JoshuaBecker]

That is literally my exact story.

[@livingoncoffee]

That information was useful; however, you were racing through it.

[@robinnorth1809]

I simply play the video at 0.75 speed, that way it's more my pace and I can digest everything better ;)

[@francescam.e.1884]

I find I have way too much stuff on my phone and computer. I just spent 4 hours removing pictures from my phone ( emailing to save on my computer). It’s overwhelming! Help us with electronic clutter please! I had almost 4,000 photos and had saved years’ of inspiring memes. It’s too much!! I can’t get back that time! Some memes were yours! What is wrong with me? I’m an information hoarder! Omg I just admitted that.

[@sandradisclafani6725]

❤️👍🏻

[@olivia9066]

❤

[@chowwong09]

❤👍🏼

[@mrlovegrove3327]

I think this guy measures success by how high he can get his hair.

[@alanbirkner1958]

December 2023: thanks. Tina, Al's wife

[@BL-rb7jm]

Years ago it was the sign of prosperity when you had many possessions. Then it became egotistical. Today it's not practical to have excessive amount of things that you never use. And it is much better to be humble than it is to be arrogant in nature. You push people away when you brag about what you have or if you show it off as to say look at me. Especially if a neighbor or a friend It's struggling and does not have nearest much as you. Who has the most friends those who say look what I have or those who say what can I do for you? How can I help you. So if you want to love your neighbor then don't brag how much you have don't assert yourself as to say I am better than you because I. Have more money or more things it's very unkind

[@tina8796]

BINGO

[@margaretronchi1032]

They actually promoting You own nothing and you will be happy 😂

[@curiousONE3893]

Joshua, I love how you pack so much helpful information into six minutes 🕢💜

[@ChrissyLeahy]

Watching from sunny Sydney Australia. Inspiring tips to implement. Thank you Joshua.