{"id":1773,"date":"2014-04-15T10:35:00","date_gmt":"2014-04-15T16:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=1773"},"modified":"2015-07-28T15:28:32","modified_gmt":"2015-07-28T21:28:32","slug":"ownless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/ownless\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Own Less"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"10<\/a><\/p>\n

You may own your stuff, but it owns you right back. It owns your money, your time, your attention, and space in your home.<\/p>\n

I dress with 33 items or less<\/a> and have lived with fewer than 100 personal items<\/a>, but don’t believe owning less than a specific number of things will make you happier or make your life better. The number is not important.<\/p>\n

It is important however, to understand the impact of things you buy, own, and take care of. Owning something might be a complete waste of money and time, or it might bring joy and value to your life. I own a laptop and it allows me to work from anywhere and connect with people everywhere. That = joy and value. I also own beautiful art that hangs on my walls. It’s not necessary, but it makes me smile. That = joy and value.<\/p>\n

Owning less allows me to fully appreciate the things I do have, and it also reminds me that I don’t need much to be happy.<\/p>\n

\"10<\/a><\/p>\n

1 Sell your stuff.<\/strong>
\nHave a yard sale or list the stuff you don’t use or appreciate on eBay or Craigslist. Remember that all of these channels take time, so if you don’t need the money, or selling the item isn’t worth the time you have to invest, give it away.<\/p>\n

2. Dump the guilt.<\/strong>
\nInstead of feeling guilty for spending so much or holding on so long, remind yourself that you have paid enough and let it go.<\/p>\n

3. Practice one in, one out.<\/strong>
\nTo prevent clutter creep and really think about your purchases, commit to donating one item for every item you bring home.<\/p>\n

4. Hide it.<\/strong>
\nIf you aren’t sure if you need or want something that you already own, hide it in an unmarked box for 30 days. If you don’t remember what’s in the box, give it away.<\/p>\n

5. Ask 3 questions.<\/strong>
\nJoshua Becker invites you ask 3 questions before making any purchase.\u00a0Read this to find out what questions you should be asking<\/a>\u00a0before purchasing clothing, furniture, food and other items.<\/p>\n

6. Experiment<\/strong>
\nThe number isn’t important but challenging yourself to live or dress with a certain number of items gives you important information. It can help you determine what’s enough for you, and also make time and space for you to understand what you really want and need. Choose one of these simplicity challenges to get started:<\/p>\n