We all know that clearing out a load of old junk can feel great.

Reducing the clutter and freeing up space seems to have a very cathartic effect. Have you ever considered how nice it might be not to accumulate all the junk in the first place? Much of what we consume is unnecessary. How much do you actually need to live your life?

Free up your resources

Space

Whether it’s a junk draw in your kitchen or a spare bedroom you can’t use, clearing out the junk and not replacing it with newer junk can help your life to become more organized and calm. Living a more minimalist lifestyle can free up space in your home you can use for other purposes, such as a reading nook or an office.

Money

Learning to consume less will save you money. The simple act of not regularly and consistently buying things you don’t need will send your bank balance in the right direction. The money you save can be used for a number of positive things, such as reducing your debts, buying something you do really need, or going on a trip to somewhere and experiencing something new.

Tips for saving time and money

It’s usually far easier to lose track of what we’re spending when we’re just swiping a card. Using cash can really bring home just how much we are spending, and make us a little less reluctant to part with our money on an impulse purchase. If you’re going somewhere and don’t need to purchase anything, then don’t take your wallet or purse with you. Marketers are experts at enticing us into parting with our money, but the likelihood of an impulsive spend is greatly reduced if you don’t have access to your money.

Cut your costs

To increase the savings you make re-examine your finances and habits to see how you can save even more. As part of our consumer society, everything is becoming disposable. However, making a point of starting new habits, such as using an appliance repair company, before just rushing out to buy a replacement can save you lots of money. It can really help the planet too.

You can also use comparison sites to ensure your insurance policies and utilities are all on the best deals you can get. With a vast array of Internet resources that cost nothing to use, it’s easy to make substantial savings by shopping around.

Get to know yourself

Whether we use food or shopping as a crutch, many of us are trying to fill a void that exists within us. Asking yourself what really matters to you is important. It allows you to prioritize the things you really want, and focus your efforts towards making lasting changes that truly make you happy.

Just as consumerism can become habit, so can saving money and time. Living a minimalist lifestyle, and enjoying the benefits, can become every bit as addictive as the rampant spending credit cards allow us to perform. In reality, most people seem to favor experiences over things. If you’re one of these people, start making the change today to help you lead a happier life.