Minimalism is a way of lifestyle that revolves around owning less material possessions and buying less stuff. It is in direct contrast with consumerism that actually advocates that buying and spending more will lead to more fulfillment and happiness. Recently, more and more people are discovering the joys of minimalism, which can come as a shock to many who have a notion that millennials are spoiled brats that can’t take no for an answer, because minimalist lifestyle requires a lot of self-restraint and discipline, especially in the beginning.

Parents are the root

That’s true but in a completely different sense. A lot of millennials grew up in abundant households where they had mostly anything they wanted. Yet, their parents managed to create big economic downfall, probably due to their reckless and excessive lifestyle. Therefore, millennials did learn that spending money on things they don’t really need is counterproductive. They simply don’t want to make the same mistakes their parents did, so they’re opting for less spending, more minimal wardrobe and less expensive cars.

Minimalism is enticing

More minimalist lifestyle looks very promising, especially to someone who’s ready to make a drastic lifestyle change. Having fewer things means less clutter, and less clutter means more peace of mind. Netflix also contributed to the popularity by showing Tidying up with Marie Kondo, a series where Japanese author and organizing consultant, Marie Kondo helps people declutter their homes, by getting rid of things they don’t need anymore. So it’s no wonder that millennials now have a new obsession that actually benefits them and the environment alike.

Improves overall character

That’s right, minimalism is in direct correlation with saving the planet living a greener life. Millennials are very concerned with climate change and global warming, and they’re desperately trying to find a way to stop it or make it less severe. Living minimally and adopting zero-waste philosophy is a great way to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Recycling is beneficial to the environment, so naturally, millennials are going to take an effort and reuse everything they own, instead of constantly buying new things. More and more people are rejecting fast fashion in favor of ethical shopping such as turning to slow fashion brands and thrift stores.

Decorating is a breeze

Unlike the previous generations, millennials can’t afford lavish homes and expensive furniture, so it’s logical they’re finding their own ways to decorate their homes. Minimalist home decor doesn’t require many furniture pieces which is perfect for those who can’t spend much or simply prefer to be surrounded by less. Instead of hiring an expensive interior home designer, millennials are finding creative DIY solutions. Embracing the concrete home design trend would ensure better longevity and more interesting-looking home; this material is firm, sturdy and comes in various decorative types. Also, living minimally means being more original, so it’s not uncommon to see unusual light fixtures or creative kitchen solutions that were unimaginable a decade ago.

Builds money-saving habits

Recently, prices have gone out of hand, there’s no doubt about that. Jobs are less stable, gas prices went up and college tuition are more and more expensive. So, millennials, who need to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars of college debt can’t really afford to buy expensive items just to show off in front of others. They prefer to save money and live more responsibly, and minimalism can greatly help them achieve that. Buying a lot of clothes they won’t wear that much is only temporary happiness, so millennials are choosing to focus on buying fewer pieces that are more durable and of better quality. That way, they can also learn to manage their funds and shop smarter.

Helps to prioritize what’s most important

So, if they’re not spending on clothes, jewelry, and home decor, how do they spend money then? Well, turning to minimalism can actually enrich one’s life because if you’re not focused on buying trivial items, you can actually focus on saving for something that really matters. That can be a new computer, a trip to Europe and Asia, or investing in further education. Millennials have figured this out, so they’ve chosen to spend their hard-earned money on things that can actually benefit them in the long run.

Next time you see a millennial talking about minimalism, instead of judging them, take some time to think about what they’re actually saying. Just because they’re living differently, doesn’t mean they’re spoiled or bored. Because chances are that they’ve discovered a way to improve their lives and be responsible at the same time.