Seven Things I Learned About Minimalism in The More of Less

“Imagine a life with less: less stuff, less clutter, less stress, and more time for the things that actually matter.” —Joshua Becker

This opening quote is a great summary of Joshua Becker’s message in The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own.

As someone always on the lookout for ways to streamline my life and focus on what truly brings me joy, I found Becker’s insights both revolutionary and grounding.

Here’s a rundown of the top seven lessons I gleaned from his book, which might just inspire you to embrace minimalism in your own life.

Lesson 1: Less is the new more.

It sounds counterintuitive, but the central thesis (as you can probably tell from the title) is that by owning less, we can actually live more fully. Minimalism isn’t about going without—it’s about having more of what matters.

Joshua challenges the common perception that success and happiness are measured by the quantity of our possessions, suggesting instead that true contentment comes from experiences, relationships, and believing in something bigger than ourselves—not things. And that oftentimes, the things we own actually keep us from that better life.

Here’s how he descibes it: “Our excessive possessions are not making us happy. Even worse, they are taking us away from the things that do. Once we let go of the things that don’t matter, we are free to pursue all the things that really do matter.”

Lesson 2: Decluttering is not the end goal, but a means to an end.

While many of us start the minimalism journey by focusing on decluttering, Becker emphasizes that this is just the first step. The real goal is to clear space in our lives for the pursuits that matter most to us.

Decluttering is not about creating a spartan, austere home but about making room for personal growth and fulfillment.

Lesson 3: Generosity is a key component to successful minimalism.

One of the most impactful ideas from The More of Less is the concept of using our excess to benefit others. Joshua talks about how minimalism enables us to be more generous—we can give away things we don’t need to those who do. This not only helps others but also enriches our own lives by fostering a spirit of generosity.

As he explains, “As your minimizing frees up resources you can share, go ahead and give them away with freedom and joy. Your heart will feel warmer. The world will be a better place. And you will discover you never even needed the stuff in the first place.”

Lesson 4: Mindful consumption is crucial.

In a world where consumer culture reigns supreme, Becker advises adopting a more mindful approach to what we buy. He encourages us to ask ourselves whether each potential purchase will add meaningful value to our lives or simply contribute to the clutter we’re trying to escape. Mindful consumption helps us resist the lure of unnecessary acquisitions.

Lesson 5: Minimalism looks different for everyone.

Another key takeaway that I took from the book is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to minimalism. The More of Less underscores the importance of finding a personal balance that allows us to live our best lives. What minimalism looks like for you might be different from what it looks like for someone else, and that’s okay.

Here’s another key quote from the book: “I encourage people to get rid of what isn’t necessary so they can better pursue their goals in life.“

Lesson 6: The journey of minimalism is ongoing.

Embracing minimalism is not a one-time event but a continual process of evaluating and re-evaluating our possessions and our priorities. Becker shares his own ongoing journey and encourages readers to remain open to adjusting their approach as their lives and circumstances change. They have two children at home so it was helpful to read this in a way practically applicable to a family.

Lesson 7: Focus on your why.

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from The More of Less is the importance of understanding why we’re drawn to minimalism in the first place. Whether we’re seeking more time with family, less stress, or the ability to pursue our passions, keeping our underlying motivations in mind can guide us through the challenges of decluttering and beyond.

Reading The More of Less was more than just an educational experience; it was absolutely life-changing! They say you can never unlearn something or go back to exactly who you were before. In this case, I’m glad that’s true.

Joshua’s blend of personal stories and practical advice made me reevaluate not just my possessions, but my priorities. I’m excited to apply these lessons and live a new life filled with less clutter and more of what truly matters.

Here’s to finding the life you want, under everything you own.

Fresh start, here I come!