Letting Go With Minimalism: 13 Things I Gave Up That Improved My Life

After six years of minimalism, I’ve realized that some of the biggest improvements in my life came from what I let go of, not what I added. 

From travel habits to phone habits, here are the things I’ve released and why they brought more peace, clarity, and joy.

1. Big travel and overpacking

I started minimalism to have more time with my family and to travel, but big, complicated travel stressed me out. 

Now, I travel with just one backpack, even for a month-long trip. We pack light, wash clothes mid-trip if needed, and avoid the hassle of waiting for lost luggage. It’s made travel so much more enjoyable.

2. "Just in case" clutter

We used to keep random stuff "just in case". Think junk drawers full of mystery batteries and screws. I’ve started scheduling time to actually go through those areas and use my 6-12 rule:

If I haven’t used it in the last 6 months and don’t expect to in the next 6, I let it go. That rule alone helped us get rid of five bags of clutter when we moved.

3. Guilt over letting things go

I used to feel guilty getting rid of gifts or things I spent money on but never used. I’ve realized that if someone gives me something I don’t need, that doesn’t mean I have to keep it forever. And if I already know I’ll donate it eventually, I might as well do it now and free up space and mental energy.

4. People pleasing

I used to say yes to everything and shape my life around what others might think. I’ve learned that I can’t please everyone and I shouldn’t try if it’s at the expense of my own peace or my family’s well-being. It’s okay to help others, but not to the point of burnout.

5. Chasing perfection

I used to want everything to be perfect: my house, my projects, even my YouTube videos. But now I try to embrace "good enough." 

I even left a visible bracket on a shelf to remind myself that imperfections are okay, and sometimes, they add character.

6. Comparison

I thought hitting certain subscriber goals on YouTube would make me happy. But every milestone left me feeling kind of the same. 

Whether it’s income, travel, or stuff, comparing myself to others never actually leads to contentment. It’s the journey that matters.

7. Hustle mentality

I used to pack every minute of the day with tasks. But I’ve learned to put boundaries around my work and allow time to just be. 

Hustling isn’t bad, but overdoing it creates burnout. Now I focus on being productive in less time and it feels way better.

8. Always being on my phone

I’ve set up guardrails to reduce my screen time, like using apps that limit how often I can open Instagram, or tapping my phone to block social media. 

The result? More time for family, more focus, and way less mental clutter.

9. Needing to be right

Letting go of the need to always be right has changed the way I approach conversations. I try to ask more, listen more, and genuinely consider that I might be wrong, because I often am. That shift has made me more open, curious, and calm.

10. Checking my phone in the morning

Starting the day without checking my phone has been a game changer. Instead, I focus on planning, reading, or quiet reflection. It sets the tone for a much more grounded and productive day.

11. Easy food

I’ve let go of quick, processed foods because they just make me feel bad. Now we eat more whole, local foods and I feel more energized, clear-headed, and healthier. After a while, junk food doesn’t even taste good anymore.

12. Clothing choices

I basically wear the same thing every day: one pair of pants and one shirt, or close variations. No more decision fatigue. It’s one less thing to think about.

13. Juggling too many goals

I no longer try to balance everything at once. Instead, I focus on one or two intentional goals each season, like getting healthier or spending more time with family. That means accepting trade-offs, but it drastically lowers my stress.

Letting go of these things hasn’t just simplified my life, it’s improved it in deep and meaningful ways. If this resonated with you, check out my tutorial on the 14 things I no longer buy as a minimalist.