Less stuff equals more life, supposedly. Extreme minimalism is a lifestyle where people try to live with as few things as possible, often limiting belongings to around 100 items or less, while regular minimalism is about decluttering and keeping only what you need. This lifestyle isn’t about making yourself go without, but rather about simplifying life to focus on what truly matters. So whilst consumerism takes a hold globally, extreme minimalism pushes back to reclaim time, space, and mental clarity. But is it effective?

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What does it look like? The idea is to own only what you absolutely need. It could mean living in a small space with very little furniture or, for some, being able to carry everything they own in one backpack. One extreme minimalist, Fumio Sasaki, famously got rid of his bed, choosing instead to sleep on a simple futon.

How they do it: Two popular methods are the 90/90 rule and the one in, tenout rule. The 90/90 rule involves asking yourself if you’ve used an item in the past 90 days, and if you plan to use it in the next 90 — if the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. The second method dictates that every time you bring something new into your home, you get rid of ten other things. This keeps your belongings in check and prevents things from piling up again.

Reducing your possessions doesn’t just clear out your physical space — it clears out mental space, too. Research has shown that when you have fewer things, there’s less to manage, clean, and think about, leading to less stress and more focus on the things that make you happy, like relationships or personal growth. Many people who embrace this lifestyle report feeling lighter, more in control, and less overwhelmed by the constant noise and demands of modern life.

But minimalism ≠ being cheap to yourself: By buying less, people can save money that can then go towards experiences, travel, or even long-term goals like paying off debt or saving for retirement. Instead of just buying things because they’re on sale or convenient, it encourages you to think carefully about every purchase. Instead of buying five pairs of shoes, you might buy one sturdy, versatile pair that works for most occasions.

Another reason people are drawn to extreme minimalism is the positive impact on the environment. Many minimalists focus on buying high-quality, durable products that don’t need to be replaced as often, which helps reduce the strain on natural resources and keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills.

But it isn't for everyone. Living with very few possessions can be tough, especially in a world that encourages buying more. Parting with sentimental items can be emotionally challenging. There’s also the practical side — some people might need more things to feel comfortable in their day-to-day lives, and sometimes it’s not a choice. New parents may need to buy more items to accommodate their newborns, especially as they grow. People with physical limitations may need more equipment to help around the house.

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