Resetting Life with Intentional Ownership, Not Just Decluttering

“I’m fine just as I am. But I want to keep only what truly fits me.”

The minimalist lifestyle gaining attention among today’s younger generation is not just about “letting go,” but about “owning just the right amount.” It’s a new way of living—one that involves boldly removing what’s unnecessary and keeping only what suits you best.

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The Difference Between Non-Possession and Intentional Ownership

Non-possession refers to a life free from unnecessary things. Popularized by Buddhist monk Beopjeong, it emphasizes the meditative idea that true freedom comes not only from giving up material things, but also from letting go of desires and attachments. In this approach, emptiness itself becomes the ultimate goal, going far beyond merely reducing consumption.

In contrast, intentional ownership is about finding a balanced amount of possessions based on both community values and personal needs. Rather than discarding everything, it involves consciously choosing to keep what you frequently use and love. This is a more practical and realistic approach to minimalism that avoids excessive consumption and over-ownership.

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Non-Possession Is Ideal, But Not Always Realistic

Minimalism in the past was rooted in the philosophy of non-possession. It celebrated a lifestyle of shedding not only things, but also emotions and relationships. But today’s younger consumers take a different approach. Rather than blindly eliminating, they tend to keep what holds value to them.

Their version of minimalism is about reducing unnecessary consumption while creating a space that reflects their tastes and individuality.

They use three criteria to reassess and refine what they own:

• Functional value: Do I use it well and often?

• Emotional value: Does it make me feel good? Is it tied to meaningful memories?

• Aesthetic value: Does it match my space and personal style?

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Resetting Space and Mind Through Digital Detox

It’s not just about physical space. Digital clutter is also being addressed. Many in their 20s and 30s are minimizing digital fatigue by cleaning up their social media accounts, deleting unused apps, and turning off nonessential notifications.

Some go further with digital minimalism as a way to reconnect with themselves—removing unnecessary digital noise and focusing instead on meaningful content and deep relationships.

Not Just “Decluttering,” But “Customized Curating”

Whereas it used to be admirable to reduce 100 items down to 10, today’s style-conscious generation finds more value in carefully selecting 50 items that suit them perfectly.

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• Instead of throwing out all your books, keep only those that inspire you.

• Instead of reducing your wardrobe, keep clothes that clearly express your style.

• Instead of cutting off all relationships, focus on those that energize you.

• Instead of storing countless meaningless photos, organize only your treasured memories into albums.

This generation, with its clear personal standards, reconstructs life in a way that is both efficient and true to itself.

Reducing what’s unnecessary to make yourself clearer—that’s the minimalist reset method being practiced by Gen Z, who are passionate about self-expression.

How are your space and your mind right now? If you feel overwhelmed by too much, try not just “emptying,” but “re-choosing.” Even what you already have can take on new meaning and value.