Letting Go of Materialism: Why Experiences Bring More Joy Than Stuff

Janelle Hawk Azar
Sep 24
8 min read

Person enjoying a cozy morning reading a book with a cup of coffee, representing simple, mindful moments over material clutter

I think we can all agree on one thing: we live in a world that constantly tells us more is better. More stuff, more clothes, more gadgets—it’s everywhere. It’s on our social media feeds, popping up in ads, and woven into the algorithms that know exactly what to tempt us with. It’s a bit of a UGH moment, right? A total overload.

I've been there, too. Scrolling on Pinterest and seeing the perfect, minimalist kitchen that just has to have that fancy new air fryer. Or watching a reel that convinced me I absolutely needed that trendy knit throw blanket to make my living room look like a magazine cover. We're trained to believe that the next purchase is the one that will finally make us feel complete, that it’s the key to a happier life. But here’s the thing. When was the last time a new purchase truly made you feel happy for more than a week?

I mean, I’ve been there—buying that “must-have” Dyson vacuum… or that cute jacket from Lululemon… only to realize it’s just taking up space after the initial excitement wears off. Apparently, at my house…we hoard vacuums, 6 last time I counted, and I’M A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL! The initial thrill fades, and you’re left with just another thing to dust, store, or eventually get rid of.

What sticks with me, though, are the moments. The ones you can't put in a box or store on a shelf. Like the time I finally beat my nephew and my husband in our annual golf outing, or that spontaneous trip to Put-In-Bay for a summer concert that turned into one of my favorite memories. Even something as simple as a slow Saturday morning with my coffee on the patio, my kitties curled up nearby, and a good book in hand brings me way more joy than anything sitting in my shopping cart.

I want to chat about letting go of materialism and finding deeper meaning in experiences. Don’t worry—I’m not saying you can never shop again! Because let’s be real, we all love a good Target run. But I’ll share some practical tips and little pro secrets for shifting your focus from “stuff” to the kind of memories that actually last.

The Overwhelming Trap of “More Stuff”

It’s wild how quickly our homes can start feeling crowded, isn’t it? One little “just in case” item here, a trendy accessory there, and suddenly spaces that used to feel calm feel anything but. As a professional organizer, I see it all the time—clutter sneaks in slowly, and before you know it, it’s not just taking up space in your home, it’s taking up space in your mind too. It becomes this silent to-do list that follows you from room to room.

A lot of it comes down to materialism—the subtle, everywhere-you-look kind. Social media, ads, clever marketing… they’re all whispering (sometimes shouting!) that you need more stuff to be happy. We’ve been trained to crave that “instant gratification” feeling—the little burst of excitement when we click “add to cart” or bring home something new. That high doesn’t last, but the clutter stays, quietly weighing down your space and your energy.

Overstuffed closet with clothes piled and hard-to-find items, illustrating clutter and disorganization at home.

I’ve had clients with closets so packed they couldn't find a single outfit they felt good in. Kitchen drawers were so jammed with gadgets that they owned three can openers but couldn't locate one when they needed it. The emotional burden of that chaos is real. It's not just physical; it's mental and emotional. You're constantly managing things you don't even use. You're feeling guilt about a purchase you never wore, and shame about a messy corner you can't seem to conquer. This is what I mean when I say things are tied to our emotions. We attach memories, guilt, and future "what-ifs" to every item, making the overwhelming process of letting go feel even harder.

The tricky part is that chasing these little bursts of excitement keeps us stuck in a cycle. It’s easy to think, “just one more thing will make life better,” but usually, it just adds more to manage. Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about breaking free from the habit of letting materialism dictate your home and your mindset.

Pro Tip: Think of every new item as extra baggage. Ask yourself: Will this genuinely add value or joy to my life—or just become something I have to manage later? That’s what I like to call a gentle pause. It's a moment to question the impulse, to reflect on your true needs. Even small pauses like this make a huge difference in keeping your home—and your head—light and free.

Moments Over Material

Scenic beach view in St. Maarten representing mindful spending on experiences and travel memories instead of clutter

Let me ask you a question: when you think back over the past year, what sticks with you more? Finally snagging that trendy jacket you’ve been eyeing? Or that spontaneous weekend with friends that had you laughing until your cheeks hurt? For me, it’s definitely the moments. Those little adventures, the belly laughs, even quiet evenings trying something new—they make you pause and think, this is what life is really about.

Here’s the thing: once we notice how “more stuff” weighs us down, it makes room for something way better—experiences. I’m talking about the moments that stay with you, the ones you can’t put in a box or store on a shelf. There are truly no regretful moments.

Take my family, for example. We've made it a tradition to take an annual trip to a new place. It's not 1, not 2, not 3… we’ve visited places like Chicago, the Smoky Mountains, St. Maarten, and the Rocky Mountains. And let me tell you… Those trips are pure gold. Who needs another sweater when you can be hiking in Colorado together, making memories that last a lifetime? I remember one trip to the Smokies where we got caught in a sudden rainstorm while hiking, and we just huddled under a rock overhang, laughing at how soaked we were. That memory is worth so much more than any souvenir we could have bought.

And it's not just big trips, either. We’ve started doing experience gifts for our nieces and nephews. Our youngest ones we take on a Christmas adventure, like bowling or painting. I love watching their faces light up as they get to pick out their own paint colors and create a masterpiece. For our older nephews, it’s an annual golf outing that totally ramps up the competition and gives two of us bragging rights throughout the year. Those moments—the ones with the people you love—are the ones you’ll remember most. You can’t put a price on the excitement of a new experience or the feeling of a shared inside joke.

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

Here’s something I love reminding my clients: decluttering isn’t just about making your home look nice—it’s about clearing mental space, too. Every item we hang onto that doesn’t truly serve us takes up more than just physical room—it’s taking up brain space, energy, and even time.

Neatly organized kitchen drawer with utensils arranged for a clutter-free and functional home.

I remember working with a client who couldn’t find a single spatula in her crowded kitchen drawer. She had duplicates, gadgets she thought she “might need someday,” and things she bought because they looked fun at the moment. Sound familiar? That’s materialism sneaking in—holding onto stuff because we think it’ll make life better, even when it doesn’t.

We spent the afternoon sorting and letting go of items she hadn’t touched in years. We took on the overwhelming task of going through the kitchen one drawer at a time. The initial feeling was one of dread, but we worked through it together. By the end, her kitchen was functional, her drawers finally made sense, and she let out a big sigh of relief. She felt lighter. Not just in her home, but in her head. That’s what is so special about letting go: it frees up space for the stuff that really matters—experiences, memories, and time with the people you love.

Even letting go of the tiniest things can make a big difference. That stack of scarves you never wear, the books you’ll never get around to reading, or those little knick-knacks that never really sparked joy—saying goodbye clears room for the moments that stick. Picture using that extra energy and space for a spontaneous day trip, a laid-back concert, or a fun night catching up with friends. It’s those little moments that fill your cup with stories you’ll actually remember.

Pro Tips for the Letting Go Process:

Be honest with yourself. Hold each item and ask if it genuinely adds value or joy to your life. If the answer isn't an enthusiastic "yes," then it's time to let go of it.
Give yourself permission to let go. It's okay to get rid of a gift you never used or something you spent a lot of money on. It served its purpose—it was a beautiful gesture, and now it's someone else's turn to use it. There are no regrets here.
Reframe sentimental items. Can’t part with your old greeting cards or your kids’ art projects? Snap a picture of them! You'll have the memory saved forever without the box of paper taking up space in your attic. It's about remembering the feeling, not hoarding the thing.
Don't try to do it all at once. Start small. Grab a single drawer, a shelf, or even just a corner of a closet and pull out the stuff you’ve been holding onto “just in case” or out of habit.

Mindful Spending: Buy What Actually Matters

Box of gourmet chocolates wrapped as a clutter-free gift idea for mindful giving during the holidays.

I’m not saying you can never buy anything ever (because hello, we live in a consumer culture). The trick is mindful spending: invest in things that actually enhance your life, not just clutter it. Think timeless pieces, practical tools, or items that truly support your lifestyle. Maybe it’s a high-quality coffee machine because you love the experience of a slow morning, or a new pair of hiking boots to get you outside more. Pair that with a focus on experiences, and every purchase becomes intentional instead of impulsive.

You know, I like to show my appreciation for my clients' trust and patronage by giving them disposable gifts—things like toffee, cookies, chocolates, and sometimes even a personalized candle. It’s a way of saying thanks that doesn’t add clutter. It’s a little treat that you get to enjoy… and then it’s gone, leaving only the good feeling. It's a small way to practice the mindset of experiences over stuff.

Pro Tips to Make Every Purchase Intentional:

Give yourself a 48-hour pause before grabbing anything non-essential. If it still feels like a “yes” and you know you’ll actually use it, go for it. If not? Pass. That way, your stuff actually works for you—and your life stays full of the things that are truly important to you.
The "One In, One Out" Rule. This is a classic for a reason. Frame it not as a chore, but as a way to be intentional. When you bring something new into your home, you have to let go of something similar. It keeps the clutter from piling up in the first place and forces you to be honest about what you truly need. You can say something like, "For every new coffee mug, an old one has to say goodbye. It’s tough, but it keeps the cupboard from becoming a black hole of chipped ceramics.

Think about this: What's one small experience you can plan for yourself this week?

A Little Reminder…

So, my friend, here’s the takeaway: the life you’ll remember isn’t filled with shelves of things—it’s packed with experiences, moments, and memories that make your heart full. Even with the holidays coming up, it’s a good reminder that you don’t need to go overboard with gifts or decor to make the season feel special. By stepping away from materialism and living more intentionally, you create room—inside and out—for what really counts. It’s in the laughter, the little adventures, and those quiet, simple moments that life feels full, meaningful, and just…good.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one small way you’re planning to focus on experiences this season instead of stuff? Let’s share!