A Guide to Getting Rid of Almost Everything

How Many Items Do You Really Need?

Most people vastly overestimate how much they actually need to live comfortably. Research suggests that we only use about 20% of what we own on a daily basis. While extreme minimalists sometimes live with fewer than 100 possessions, the goal is not about hitting a specific number but rather curating your belongings to serve a meaningful purpose.

A common misconception is that extreme minimalism is only for the eccentric. In reality, many who practice it find that removing the excess allows them to focus more on relationships, creativity, and personal growth. Whether it's a traveler living out of a backpack, a digital nomad carrying only the essentials, or a homeowner with a nearly empty house, the lifestyle is adaptable to different needs.

Why Owning Less is More

The idea of getting rid of almost everything may sound extreme, even impossible. After all, we live in a culture that celebrates accumulation—more clothes, more gadgets, more possessions. But what if we told you that shedding most of your belongings could lead to greater freedom, mental clarity, and even success?

At its core, extreme minimalism is about living intentionally. It's about choosing what truly adds value to your life and letting go of the distractions that weigh you down. While you don't have to go to the extremes of owning only 100 items, there's much to learn from the mindset behind this practice.

The Mental Mindset Behind Letting Go

1. Freedom from Decision Fatigue

   Every item in your home is a decision waiting to be made—what to wear, where to store things, what to clean. The fewer items you own, the fewer decisions you have to make each day, freeing up mental energy for things that truly matter.

2. Less Clutter, Less Stress

   Studies show that cluttered spaces contribute to stress and anxiety. A home filled with unnecessary items can be overwhelming, making it harder to relax and focus.

3. Detaching Identity from Possessions

   Many of us tie our self-worth to what we own. But possessions do not define us. By letting go of unnecessary items, we learn to appreciate ourselves for who we are, not for what we have.

4. Sharpening Your Focus on What Matters

   When you remove excess, you make space for things that truly matter—relationships, experiences, personal growth, and meaningful work.

How Successful People Practice Extreme Minimalism

Minimalism isn't just for monks or nomads. Many of the world's most successful people practice some form of extreme minimalism. Here are three notable examples:

• Steve Jobs: Known for his signature black turtleneck and simple wardrobe, Jobs believed in eliminating unnecessary choices so he could focus on innovation.
• Fumio Sasaki: A Japanese author and editor, Sasaki once lived in a cluttered apartment before embracing minimalism. He now owns only a handful of items, claiming it has freed him from stress and unnecessary decisions.
• Andrew Hyde: A traveler and entrepreneur, Hyde once reduced his possessions to just 15 items, demonstrating that extreme minimalism can be compatible with an active and successful lifestyle.

The Benefits of Owning Less

You don't need to go to extremes to enjoy the benefits of minimalism. Here's how simplifying your life can improve your well-being:

• More Time: Less time spent cleaning, organizing, and shopping means more time for what you love.
• Less Stress: A tidy, simplified space reduces mental clutter and creates a sense of peace.
• Financial Freedom: Buying less means spending less, leading to savings and financial security.
• Increased Productivity: Fewer distractions lead to improved focus and efficiency.

How to Start Letting Go

If you're ready to embrace the benefits of owning less, here are some practical steps to begin:

1. Start Small

   Don't feel pressured to get rid of everything overnight. Begin with one category—clothes, books, or kitchen items.

2. Set a Decluttering Deadline

   Give yourself a timeframe to decide whether an item truly serves a purpose. If it hasn't been used in six months, it's probably time to let it go.

3. Visualize Your Ideal Space

   Picture a clutter-free environment. What items do you see? What's missing? This can help you make intentional choices about what to keep.

4. Use the "One-Year Rule"

   If you haven't used something in the past year, chances are you won't use it in the future.

5. Digitize When Possible

   Scan important documents, switch to e-books, and store photos online to reduce physical clutter.

6. Donate or Sell

   Give your items a second life by donating them to those in need or selling them online.

Finding Your Balance

Minimalism isn't about deprivation—it's about intentionality. You don't have to live with only a backpack of belongings to benefit from this lifestyle. The key is to strike a balance that works for you. Whether you choose to downsize your wardrobe, clear out unnecessary gadgets, or simplify your home, embracing a "less is more" mentality can bring a sense of peace, freedom, and fulfillment.

So, ask yourself: What's truly important? And what can you let go of today?