My wife and I live in a cozy garden apartment with almost no furniture. We have a bamboo table and two camping mattresses, and that’s pretty much it. At 57 and 60, people expect us to have comfy chairs and coffee tables, but we actually prefer sitting on yoga mats. Surprisingly, this lifestyle has brought us immense happiness.
Back in 2020, we were lounging on a nice couch, and I never would have imagined that we’d end up here. But as we transitioned into a furniture-free life, we found unexpected perks that made the change worthwhile.
How We Embraced Minimalism
We didn’t intend to go minimalistic. In 2008, we started experimenting with different lifestyle choices, but avoiding furniture wasn’t on our radar. Everything changed when I heard a podcast discussing living without furniture. Although my wife was skeptical, we found ourselves moving into a furnished cottage, only to realize it wasn’t for us.
Months later, we returned to Cape Town, where an empty apartment appeared in my inbox. The garden’s charm won my wife over instantly, and I felt it was a sign to embrace this new way of living. We jumped in, learning as we went. Our first mistake was a cheap futon, which we quickly replaced with our camping mattresses.
The Benefits of a Furniture-Free Home
Living without furniture has had some surprising health benefits. We noticed that we were getting physically stronger. Constantly sitting and standing from the floor forced us to improve our posture and balance. Unlike a plush chair that lures you into hours of sitting, this setup encourages movement.
We’ve moved several times in the past few years, and having no furniture makes relocating a breeze. Housework is simple, and clutter is practically non-existent. Plus, our curious cat loves this environment. He enjoys zipping around, making the floor his playground.
Challenges We Face
Not everyone can understand our lifestyle choice. Friends often ask how we entertain. The truth is, it can be awkward. We don’t host gatherings but prefer meeting at parks or cafes instead. It works for us, and we appreciate that.
Interestingly, our next lifestyle experiment involves returning to a more traditional setup since we plan to travel in a van in 2026. But let’s be real; there’s a limit to how much discomfort we can handle.
A Broader Perspective
According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, many people are seeking minimalism for its mental health benefits. Reduced clutter is linked to lower stress levels and improved focus. As society shifts towards valuing experiences over possessions, our journey fits into a larger trend.
As we navigate this living experiment, we’re excited about what the future holds, even if it means more furniture down the line.
If you’re curious about minimalist living, you can dive into more insights from health experts about its advantages here.
