5 Reasons Minimalish Living is a Generous Choice
I hear lots of opinions about decluttering and minimalism, and one of the most common critiques I hear is that minimalism is selfish. That it deprives our children, or it’s an elitist standard that is inherently judgmental.
I hear those complaints, and understand the concern. With any goal or mission, if we stop considering the people around us because we’re so focused on one way of doing things, then we’ve lost sight of what truly matters.
At the same time, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just because some people have decided minimalism is about status or aesthetic doesn’t mean that living with less is a selfish way to live. On the contrary, I believe that when we keep our hearts focused on the ultimate goals for a minimalish life, we’ll discover that it’s one of the most generous choices we can make.
Here are 5 reasons living a decluttered life is ultimately generous:
1. Creates Opportunities for Donation
Perhaps the most obvious is that we can give people the things we don’t want to keep! By donating to shelters, charities, or even friends, we give someone else the chance to benefit from items that were simply taking up space in our house. Whether it’s clothes, books, toys, or household items, your contributions can make a tangible difference in someone else’s life.
2. Reduces Waste and Benefits the Environment
Decluttering thoughtfully encourages recycling and rehoming items instead of letting them end up in a landfill. By finding new uses or donating items, you're participating in a sustainable practice that helps reduce waste. This conscious approach demonstrates generosity toward the planet and future generations. I don’t know about you, but I want my kids and their kids to live healthy, happy lives even when I’m no longer here!
3. Frees Up Space for Connection
I’m pretty sure 100% of us know the feeling of panic about guests coming over because the house is a mess. Decluttering our homes allows for a much higher willingness for hospitality. Our friends or family can feel more at home because it’s easier to find somewhere to sit, to find a cup in the cupboard, or even just to move around in the space.
By making your home inviting and easier to navigate, you’re extending an unspoken invitation for deeper relationships and quality time with loved ones.
4. Models Generosity for Your Community and Children
We don’t necessarily borrow sugar from our neighbors anymore, but I really love that our neighbors lent us a tall ladder for hanging Christmas lights last year, and I love that we lent out a car seat when our friends had their nephew in town.
When you regularly share items so that not every person has to own everything, it sets an example for others, including children, to think of sharing and giving as an integral part of life. It helps us foster those feelings of true belonging and safety within a network of people, all helping each other out.
This past weekend, my 4-year-old daughter was decluttering her drawers with me and was excited to think of a little girl from church who might get to use her too-small tap shoes. It made my heart so happy!
5. Fosters Emotional Generosity for Yourself & Others
Self-care is not just bubble baths and comfort food. Letting go of items you no longer need fosters a more peaceful spirit and reduces stress, which then gives you the energy and positivity needed to be more present and giving toward others.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m stressed, my patience and energy is kaput. Living in a decluttered home that reduces stress makes me a better parent, wife, employee, and friend because I have a much greater emotional capacity when all the stuff isn’t bogging me down.
If you want to feel more inspired to live with less in order to live more generously, check out THIS episode of The Paring Down Podcast with ultralight backpacker, Glen Van Peski. His generosity is incredibly inspiring, and you’ll walk away with a whole new outlook on what it means to take less and do more.