Hoarding vs. Minimalism: A Simple Guide to Finding Balance
Written by Michelle Ong | October 22, 2024 | Growth
Understand why we hoard and how to find a middle ground between hoarding and minimalism.
Are you more of a hoarder or a minimalist? Do you struggle to let go of things and often give in to the temptation of getting more, or are you disciplined in keeping only what’s essential? I’ve been thinking about how to find a better balance—not aiming for extreme minimalism, but something that works for my lifestyle. In this post, I explore why we hoard and how to find a middle ground between hoarding and minimalism.
Why We Hoard
“Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships, and bad habits. Clutter is anything that does not support your better self.” — Eleanor Brownn
Hoarding reflects our mindset towards clutter. It is often a way of fulfilling an emotional or psychological need. It reflects our deep desire for more—whether to fill a void or seek a sense of satisfaction. This need for “more” extends beyond physical things to mindsets and beliefs. And even to toxic relationships.
Many of us, despite knowing certain relationships harm our well-being, continue to hold on to them for various reasons: fear of loneliness, the desire to please others, fear of change, or simply the uncertainty of what life would be like without those people. But in clinging to these relationships, we end up hoarding emotional baggage, increasing our discontent, and draining our energy and peace of mind. As Brené Brown said, “You are the gatekeeper of your life; you get to decide who you let in and out.” The more we hold on, the more we lose ourselves, and our sense of balance suffers.
Take my own experience, for example: I have clothes, soft toys, books, and even random objects I don’t use anymore, but I still hold on to them. Some are worn out, others I’ve never used, yet the intention to declutter never really takes off. Every time I set aside time to clear things out, I end up cleaning them and putting them back in their original places, telling myself I might need them one day or that they hold sentimental value. Old toys, in particular, are hard to part with because they remind me of my childhood. It feels like throwing away a piece of my past. But while this emotional attachment seems harmless, it creates physical clutter that affects more than just my space.
Physical clutter also adds to our mental clutter. When our environment is crowded, it mirrors the mental chaos we experience: endless thoughts about daily life, unresolved issues, and dreams for the future. This clutter, physical or mental, hinders clear thinking and decision-making, trapping us in a cycle of wanting and keeping.
It’s important to ask ourselves if holding on to these things is really serving us. The solution is balance. As Lao Tzu once said, “By letting go, it all gets done.” Letting go doesn’t mean we forget the memories or lose a piece of ourselves—it means making room for what truly matters. It means understanding what “enough” means to us and simplify. For a deeper dive, check out my post on our irrational urge for more.
Finding The Right Balance
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris
I’ve been curious about the minimalist movement and how to clear out unnecessary clutter in my life. The core idea is to live simply—let go of what you don’t need, stop chasing after more, and embrace the belief that less is more. It sounds great in theory, but putting it into practice is a whole different story.
While I wouldn’t say I’m a hoarder, I definitely struggle with decluttering, mainly because of sentimental attachments. I get it—many of us feel the urge to buy things we like, especially in today’s consumer-driven world where ads are everywhere, online shopping is a click away, and promotions tempt us at every turn. Plus, there’s the pressure to reward ourselves, like treating ourselves to nice meals after a tough day. Surrounding ourselves with friends who love to shop doesn’t help either!
Yet, I’ve seen people who embrace minimalism and report feeling happier and more content. So, how do they do it? Inspired by Lao Tzu’s idea of wu wei—going with the flow and letting go—I’ve been exploring Japanese principles that help me stay mindful and avoid unnecessary clutter.
As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Each small change can lead to a more fulfilling life. Here are five practices that have guided me in this journey toward simplicity and mindfulness.
1. Wabi-sabi
Often we chase after more and better because we feel what we have isn’t good enough, always aiming for perfection. This can lead us into the trap of wanting more. Wabi-sabi, a Japanese principle, encourages accepting imperfections and being content with what we have. By doing so, we avoid the constant desire for more and live more simply. As a bit of a perfectionist, I used to spend too much time trying to make everything just right. Embracing wabi-sabi has helped me accept imperfection and let go of chasing after better, freeing up time and energy for more important things.
You might want to check out this post where I dive into why we often want more and whether that’s really what we need.
2. Muga
Our desires often come from our ego—the bigger it is, the more we want and chase after. The Japanese word muga means selflessness, letting go of ego and detaching from materialism and personal desires. Practicing muga is key to living a simple and peaceful life, focusing on what truly matters rather than pursuing excess.
Practicing muga has become a useful daily reminder that I apply in everything I do. It helps me be more considerate of others, understand and appreciate their perspectives, and approach situations with empathy. When it comes to buying decisions, muga reminds me to focus on needs rather than wants, helping me live more simply and meaningfully.
You might also enjoy reading this article where I explore whether a simple lifestyle is realistic, along with another post that lists things we should let go of to simplify our lives.
3. Zazen
I came across the Zen practice of zazen, which involves seated meditation and self-reflection, and I’ve been meditating daily ever since. Spending just 20 minutes a day on this simple practice has done wonders for me. It has helped me become more mindful, clear my mind, and focus on the present instead of dwelling on the past or future. It has really helped me reduce my cravings for unnecessary things. I’ve begun decluttering, donating items in good condition, and embracing a simpler, more peaceful life.
4. Kanso
“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” — Joshua Becker
The Japanese word kanso means simplicity and cutting out clutter. It’s about focusing on what is essential and meaningful, while minimizing excess and distractions. Kanso complements my zazen practice and has become a key principle I apply in daily life, helping me decide whether I really need to get something or do something. It’s a reminder to embrace simplicity and stay focused on what truly matters.
5. Harahachibu
There’s an intriguing Japanese practice called kobachi, where meals are served in small bowls. This concept is rooted in the Okinawan principle of Harahachibu, which encourages us to eat until we’re 80% full. By stopping before we feel completely full, we can avoid the sluggishness that often comes from overeating. This practice not only supports better digestion but also promotes overall health.
Okinawa is renowned for its long-living and happy residents, embodying the concept of ikigai, which further highlights the benefits of this mindful approach. I’m now trying to apply Harahachibu not just to my eating habits but also to other areas of my life, helping me avoid excess and maintain a sense of balance.
Check out the Pinterest pins below for more articles on self-care.
Final Thoughts
This post shares five Japanese practices that have helped me with my attachment issues and decluttering. I hope these ideas inspire you to adopt a simpler, clutter-free mindset. I want to wrap up with an insightful reminder from a friend: she finds it easier to declutter because she believes donating her pre-loved items can bring joy to others. It’s a great reminder that giving, rather than hoarding, can be much more fulfilling.
If you’re wondering how to get started or what to do next after reading this article, consider checking out related posts on Zen principles, Japanese philosophy, or tips for building lasting habits to help you become more mindful and self-aware.
I hope you found this article helpful! Feel free to pin and share it with your family and friends so they can benefit from it too.
