All you need is less and maybe coffee

I recently completed another move, and with each relocation, I’ve noticed that material possessions seem to matter less and less. It’s incredible how liberating it feels to embrace a simpler lifestyle, focusing more on experiences and connections rather than things.

In a world where your phone dings every five seconds and your closet looks like an avalanche waiting to happen, it’s time to ask yourself: Do I really need all this stuff?

Enter minimalism—the revolutionary idea that you might already have enough throw pillows. But before you panic, minimalism isn’t about living like a medieval monk (though, props if you can pull off the robe). It’s about simplifying, decluttering, and ultimately, creating a life that doesn’t require you to wade through a sea of unread books, smelly shoes and broken phone chargers.

And if you need a little guidance, there’s a great book called All You Need is Less that might help you get started—unless, of course, your first step in minimalism is refusing to buy more books. In that case, well played. But if you’re open to it, Pig City Books is a great place to order a copy.

At its core, minimalism is about intentionality. That means keeping only the things that serve a purpose or bring you joy—yes, even if that means holding onto that one Dave Matthews Band T-shirt you never wear but have an emotional bond with.

It’s also about making smarter choices. Do you really need a seventh coffee mug with a sarcastic quote on it? Or another set of measuring cups even though the first five remain untouched? Probably not.

Picture waking up and NOT stepping over another nonworking printer. Sounds nice, right? Clutter creates chaos, and chaos creates stress. Less stuff means fewer stubbed toes and a little more peace. And let’s talk about money—when you stop impulse-buying kitchen gadgets that claim to “change your life,” you suddenly have more of it. Shocking, I know.

Owning less also means consuming less, which means fewer landfills filled with regrettable 3 AM Amazon purchases. And when you’re not busy managing piles of junk, you have more time for actual human connections. Yes, people are still a thing.

With fewer distractions, you can finally focus on what matters—like how to fold that fitted sheet the way your father taught you.

The key is to start small. One drawer, one closet, one section of your house at a time. Rome wasn’t decluttered in a day. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t. If you forgot you even owned it, you definitely don’t.

And minimalism isn’t just about physical stuff—digital clutter is real, too. Unsubscribe from emails that you don’t read or that don't bring you joy (look at you, random store discounts that tempt you into buying things you don’t need).

Prioritize experiences over stuff. Take a trip. Try a new hobby. Spend time with people you love. Turns out, memories take up zero closet space.

Most importantly, decide what minimalism looks like for you. Maybe it’s clearing out the garage or finally letting go of those socks with holes in them. Either way, progress is progress.

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation—it’s about freedom. Freedom from clutter, unnecessary spending, and the overwhelming pressure to own more. And who knows? Maybe by embracing All You Need is Less, you’ll finally have enough space to, I don’t know, open the closet door when company comes over.

So, go forth and declutter, my friend. Just… maybe keep the coffee machine.

Some things are sacred.