"Owning less is better than organizing more "

The heart of the idea here is that reducing the number of possessions you have is more beneficial than simply trying to arrange and manage a lot of stuff better. It’s about simplifying life by cutting back on what you own, rather than constantly trying to find new ways to fit everything you have into your space.

Historically, this notion has gained traction alongside the minimalist movement, which encourages people to pare down their belongings and focus on what truly matters. This quote might come from someone who’s fed up with the endless cycle of tidying up—think about how Marie Kondo’s tidying philosophy, which suggests keeping only items that “spark joy,” has resonated with so many. People are overwhelmed by clutter, and the idea that owning less can actually lead to a happier, more peaceful life is pretty revolutionary.

Let's bring this to life with a real example: Imagine Sarah, a busy mom of two who’s always felt like she’s drowning in toys, clothes, and household items. Every weekend, she spends hours organizing—putting things in labeled bins, rearranging closets, yet it never feels like enough. Her house is always in a state of semi-chaos. One day, inspired by the minimalist approach, she decides to have a massive declutter. She involves her kids in the process, teaching them to appreciate and care for fewer toys. Over a few weeks, they donate and sell more than half of their possessions. Suddenly, Sarah notices that their home is easier to clean, there’s more space to relax, and the kids are even playing more creatively with fewer toys. They’re no longer overwhelmed by choices, and the house feels more peaceful.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by taking a hard look at what you own and ask yourself: Do I really need this? Does it add value to my life? If not, consider letting it go. This process can be daunting, so tackle it one room at a time. You don’t need to do it all at once; just start with a drawer, a closet, or one corner of your house. The goal isn’t to live with nothing, but to live with what you need and love.

Here's a story to illustrate the concept: Picture your friend Mike. He’s the kind of guy who loves gadgets—his apartment is filled with electronics, cables, and devices he’s collected over the years. Every time he gets a new gadget, he spends hours finding the perfect place for it, organizing his cables, and setting it up just right. Yet his apartment always feels cluttered, and he’s constantly stressed about where to put things. One day, Mike reads about minimalism and decides to give it a try. He starts by selling or donating the gadgets he rarely uses. He realizes that he doesn’t need four different coffee makers or three old laptops. Gradually, his apartment empties out, and he feels a weight lifting off his shoulders. He now spends less time organizing and more time enjoying the things he truly values.

In essence, the key takeaway is to simplify your life by removing excess. It’s not about having nothing, but about having what you truly need and cherish. This shift from organizing more to owning less can lead to greater clarity, peace, and freedom. So, next time you find yourself knee-deep in stuff, remember that sometimes, less really is more.