I have decided I am a Utilitarian Minimalist!  Why? Because it works toward my personal goals to be more self reliant and self sufficient.  I don't know if there are groups I can join, perhaps I am the first-- because I just made this philosophy up.

Let me explain, I have noticed a change in myself in recent years.  I hate excess crap in my life and I have had a decided slant toward the utilitarian in my desires and purchases.  Effectively, if it won't:

• Save me time
• Save me money
• Make me money

I don't want it, nor do I need it! It needs to serve a real purpose in my life or it adds to the clutter and chaos of my life.

Need some examples? 

• I believe in vehicles that are tied to their use:
  • A high MPG compact for commuting
  • A minivan for family/people moving 
  • A pickup with a plow and cargo space for a direct work functions 

• I believe in tools that boost my:
  • Efficiency
  • Productivity
  • Safety

A chainsaw comes to mind . . .

Further, I believe there are things that need to be used regularly, and others that are irregular-- those things should be borrowed or rented.  That moves us to minimalism.

I also embrace minimalist ideals, in that I want less stuff to:

• Move
• Warehouse
• Insure
• Maintain
• Finance

My view is be sure you really need it and use it . . . otherwise, don't buy it or get rid of it.

I have always been a "closet" minimalist.  Years ago, when I was married the first time, my ex-wife never understood why I liked:

• Compact
• Unseen
• Money making and saving assets
• Time saving assets

Clearly, we weren't on the same page.  I am not saying as a minimalist that I believe in or want a spartan lifestyle and existence, but I prefer less crap.  As a minimalist, this is not to say I don't appreciate good design ad a nice appearance, but form needs to follow function and it had better be cost effective.

So in my desire to be more self reliant and self sufficient, you can be sure I will surround myself with the useful and non-cluttering.

Utilitarian Minimalists of the world-- Unite!

This post originally appeared on Self-Reliance-Exchange.com, here is the link to the original post: Become a Utilitarian Minimalist!

Like this post? Check out the related posts for more information.  You can also get email notification of new posts in your email by subscribing.  Your email address won't be used for any other purpose than to send you notification of a new post.

Related posts:
Right-Sized Living
Another Look: What If We Had Less, But Better?
Simple Living—What if You Had Less, But Better?
Quality of Life . . .
Quality and Value
More Thoughts on Simple Living