7 Reasons We Buy More Than We Need

Excess material possessions do not enrich our lives. In fact, buying things we don’t need keeps us from experiencing some wonderful, life-giving benefits.

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You can read more tips in my book, The Minimalist Home.

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

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[alanbirkner]

My husband and I take a big vacation every year or so. We are in our 70's. We each take a carry-on and a tote bag. On a trip to Hawaii people were envious.
If we can't lift it, we don't bring it. Tina

[katgallardo]

When my stepdad passed away almost three years ago, I started buying home decor I didn’t need to fill the void. The worst part about this is that I buy in two’s so that doubles the space and money. Couple of months after my stepdad passed away, my son joined the Airforce and my emptiness became even greater. I don’t think I can ever become a minimalist, but I’m slowly learning not to purchase anymore things and I’m on a journey to let go of at least 50 percent of my stuff. I have learned so much since I found your channel. Thank you! 😀

[MarielaMerino]

The best things in life are not things ✨ my favorite quote

[whatfun]

Nice. In 6 minutes and 26 seconds you've laid bare the roots of one of the most destructive forces operative in our world today.

[kathyward]

Will be moving to another state in six months so I’m in the process of going through every single thing I own and let me tell you, the high that I got buying it was not worth what I’m going through now to get rid of it!
And I have extreme guilt of all the money I spent on many things that I didn’t need & never used!😫

[heybonbon]

Most times we don't realize that we have too much or that the items are unnecessary until we start to get rid of them.

[simini]

1. Seeking security
2. Pursuit of (more) happiness
3. Advertising
4. To impress others
5. Due to jealousy
6. Compensating deficiencies
7. Because of selfishness
Thank you for the video! Its a fascinating question indeed. In the book Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki he also delves into it. I often wonder about it myself. I think for many people it's shopping therapy when they are like you said for example lonely or sad. Also I think boredom can lead to buying stuff. Especially now during COVID-19 lockdowns etc some people have less to do and go to the internet to treat themselves to purchases.

[thebarky]

I think I purchased items through the years on impulse. I see something and buy it without giving much thought. I look back and think it’s such a there are so many positives to owning less. Less clutter, less to clean, less to move.

[shannongreen]

The length of your videos are brilliant.

[aliciagc]

The best things in life are free. We found one of our dogs on the street. The other in a junkyard. They have enriched our lives more than any material possession ever could. I call them my treasures. Priceless.

[seventhchild]

Joshua....I really dont envy or is jealous of the possessions of others because most of the time they are up to their ears in Debt, miserable, not really prepared for emergencies l(like so many now affected by this started 11 years ago downsizing my life, cleared debt, living a decent, peaceful Life. More is definitely not better!....every 6 months I go through my things...anything I'm not using, wearing, ETC gets donated to to the goodwill, or given away to really is freeing being debt free, peaceful, limiting possessions, living within my financial means....

[brianhall]

Good subject you brought up when my three siblings and my mother and father passed away in 11 months and a divorce I reflected on the words my father said two months before his passing he said the best things is what life offers you that do not cost you anything I hope quoted my father right thank you mr. Becker have a peaceful afternoon

[annaalm]

My shopping habits have drastically changed thanks to videos about minimalism like this one. I No longer buy things just because they are nice or could be useful. They must serve a purpose in my life, be of good quality and I really have to like them. It is such a burden dealing with all the stuff I acumulated in the past two decades that I never ever want this to happen again!

[PeaceNotPerfextion]

Very insightful... decluttering is ongoing; most of our buying habits are the result of “emotional” stuff. Once we start “unpacking” throwing or giving away things, it’s like an avalanche of issues/memories/ fears/ areas that we’re “stuck” come to the surface. These videos are on point and extremely helpful.

[carolscott]

I've found that during Covid I've hardly gone in stores at all except for necessities. And, I've noticed that I don't care as much about my outfit either since there seems to be a separation between your face and your outfit when you have a mask on. So as long as it fits well not that concerned about what I'm wearing.

[KICLEI_CANADA]

I struggle between minimalism and homesteading/essentialism. I feel what I am buying is needed.

[Deb.-.]

I read this tonight on another program .... and how true it is.

Junk is something you keep around for years ....
and throw out 2 weeks before you need it!

[monicayoung]

Thank you. I needed this. We have decluttered so much. Every weekend we donate a boot load. I think we are done for now. I need to now focus on not bringing more into the house. I'm really focused and know exactly what I need in the next few months soninshiykd be able to keep to my new life style.

[kape]

I think it is common to treat ourselves to shopping nice or expensive things as a way to compensate ourself for the things we lack in our lives. A feeling of ”I deserve x or y because...”

[deirdreedwards]

On my own journey to minimalism and loving it. Thank you for inspiring me 💕