15 Years, 15 Lessons: My Journey of Becoming Minimalist

These last 15 years have been a journey of learning, understanding, and growth as our family has embraced a minimalist lifestyle.

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Recent videos:

That Person is More Important Than Your Phone

10 Scientific Studies that Will Encourage You to Own Less

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Most popular videos:

3 Things to Buy to be Happier, According to Science

Top 10 Things to Declutter Right Now

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You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

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

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[cgcvinyl]

Thank you Joshua! I've been a minimalist for almost a year now. I'm a 60 yo man on disability and downsized my living space to a 1 bedroom apartment. Downsizing, you really are faced with your clutter! My biggest challenge is my vinyl records & cd collection. I have more music collected over 50 years than I'll ever have time to listen to. I've begun letting go of albums I will never play. Ever! I have a long way to go but it's very freeing and calming to have less clutter now. Really calming and gives me much happiness. 😊

[michelesusanne]

15 Lessons:
1. The Power of Less
2. Real Wealth is Intangible
3. Contentment cannot be purchased
4. The Richness of Giving
5. Comparison is the Thief of Joy
6. Minimalism is a Life Long Journey
7. Intentionality is a Key of Joy
8. Minimalism Sparks Spiritual Growth
9. Our Identity is not defined by what we own.
10. Our kids are watching us more than we think.
11. Minimalism forces Clarity
12. Money can be spent on better things than material possessions.
13. Minimalism is Personal
14. Selfless work is often the most Meaningful.
15. The world needs Minimalism

[nanettebrown]

I recently began watching your YouTube channel. It was recommended to me by an elderly gentleman I encountered while shopping at a department store. It happened when I was contemplating purchasing a storage bin, and he amusingly remarked, "Do you really need that? You seem to have quite a lot already!" His comment got me thinking about the amount of time I spend cleaning up both at home and at work. It made me realize how much more free time I could have if I owned fewer possessions. I wanted to express my gratitude to him for sparking this insightful realization.

[kellywade]

As I am crying now, with years of regret but recent joy and liberation as I watch your videos...THANK YOU!!! I, actually wanted to not wake up some days because of my stuff...but was so ashamed if I had a medical or other apartment emergency. Generational hoarding on both sides of the family...Lockdown got me started on getting rid of stuff but it wasn't until Nov 2023 that I finally realized that I can't bring more things into our home. Haven't been to Marshalls since then and no more returns because it takes up time and I can't manage. I want to sell a lot of things but my time and peace are more important at 50...so, I'm taking the loss, blessing others by giving away.🙏🏾

[shilopitt]

Thank you Joshua for helping me find a better way of life than just wasting my life taking care of material things. (And please thank your neighbors daughter as well). I’m forever grateful.

[Sypeth]

I have found your website over 8 years ago and never looked back ! I like to call myself a functional minimalist, I want to have just enough to enjoy my life but stuff must not prevent me from doing an action easily… i.e. If I need to move 3 things to reach the one I want, I have too much stuff. ADHD reinforced my need for minimalism, it removes unnecessary steps and less choices mean less time thinking, which is soooo relaxing ! And yes, I only wear black t-shirts, even as a woman, because overthinking in the morning (or at night !) over meaningless (to me !) stuff is not how I want to live my life. So thanks for sharing and as mentionned by another person, thanks to your neighbor’s daugther 😅

[judymorales]

My sister introduced me to “a slob comes clean” in 2020 which led to other sites Minimal Mom, Clutter Bug, etc. and You.
Having been a lifelong tidy person, I naturally jumped on the bandwagon.
When you referenced Randy Alcorn’s book Money, Possessions & Eternity, I devoured it. Powerful!
Now I have my sweet 77 year old husband watch your 4-5 minute YouTube clips. You can too - Teach an old dog new tricks! 🤗
Thank you, Josh!

[mscatnipper]

Joshua, you are the sole reason I was able to finally de-clutter my life. Until I took your 12-week course, my fear of letting go kept me stuck with way too many possessions. You were the first person to offer me something better in exchange for giving up what was getting in the way of that seemingly unattainable goal (for me, to have a welcoming home and ample time to spend with friends). Instead of feeling shame about my clutter, I was able to feel happiness about my incremental steps toward making space in all areas of my life, so I could fill that space with what I truly valued. Even better, I've been able to pass along your teachings to those struggling, which has enriched my life far more than holding a new possession. Thank you!

[mariab]

Thank you Joshua. I am not a minimalist, but during the last few years I have continually been decluttering and intentionally evaluating what to keep. It has been and it is a challenging journey in letting go of stuff. With all this - I continue to pursue in becoming more minimalist as it brings more peace, structure and joy into our lives. Your motivational and inspirational videos are always appreciated 🙏.

[cindynevels]

Thoughtful words and so much food for thought. Thank you.

[Pearls]

Less is more..
Worth is not wealth..
God bless you, Joshua..
You are a great teacher❣️

[fionaclarke]

Hi Joshua, I have been following along with your journey for many years but I have never commented. I really value your faith based approach to minimalism, that it isn't just about decluttering and decor but living a more intentional life. I have several of your books and currently reading your devotionals on YouVersion. Thank you for all you do to bring a great message we all need to hear, it has really helped me in my decluttering but also living a more simple life. Many blessings from New Zealand.

[stephenkent]

Thank you Joshua, I’ve watched your videos for a couple years now. I started downsizing and becoming a Minimalist. My Wife is a borderline collector of everything. So I can only control my stuff. My things. But I’m ok with that. Thank you so much.

[LJ-wwvf]

"New season of life..." gosh, I love that!!!

[avenj]

I very recently listened (again again) to the 14 years video so it’s so interesting to see this one pop up 😊😊

[kakylong]

Great video! We are on our journey to minimalism & it is amazing at how it frees our mind, time, money & so much more. Thank you, Joshua. 😊

[jeanbrozack]

Thank you for this amazing recap of your journey. It helps more than you know!

[danryan]

Many years ago as a younger army officer I would have the profound experience of serving overseas and witnessed how little people need and own. At the time I had very little too, and since then I naturally became a minimalist. My life is different today with a wife and two kids but my behavior is the same and my family appreciates it. It’s not always easy but we have less and do more. My personal net worth will allow me to retire early and freely roam without stuff.

[carriemainquist]

The power of less. Hit me right between the eyes. Minimalism brings clarity. I have work to do! TY Joshua Becker!

[mattrandall]

Ive listed about 20 items on ebay this past week that i was decluttering. I listed below market value to sell it faster and sold about half the items week 1. Because of these videos i value being free of the items more than getting ultimate monetary return on every item. Ive also given a lot of things away that i would have usually tried to sell. Im all about speed in decluttering now. Thanks Joshua!