Just because we want to live simply doesn’t mean we should swear off all modern conveniences. Whether it’s a microwave, a dishwasher, a dryer, or a car, there’s a downside to going without some modern conveniences.
Some people take pride in living off the grid with few modern conveniences. If that’s your thing, more power to you. But I look at things from a practical standpoint. And practically speaking, many modern conveniences help us to live more minimally.
A Matter Of Time Vs. Stuff
I don’t go overboard with my modern conveniences, but I have a few. Here’s a list of modern conveniences that I use most every day:
- Electricity
- Running water
- Electric range
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Toaster
- Electric shaver
- Lawn mower
- Weed Eater
- Car
- Television
- Computer
- Smart Phone
- Heating
- Air conditioning
I don’t own a microwave.
I’m sure I missed a few of my modern-living tools. Think about it. That’s just what everything on this list is: a tool. Well, maybe not the TV.
Owning and using most of the items on the list will save you a lot of time, and sometimes money. A minimalist should consider how much time he or she spends doing menial tasks. That’s not to say that menial labor is always bad.
But how much extra time would it take for me to draw my water from a well? How about hanging all my clothes out to dry? And once I started using an electric shaver, I’ve never looked back.
Modern conveniences are not bad. They’re simply tools to help us save money, time, and hard work. Now let’s consider how this makes life more minimalist.
Modern Conveniences Allow You To Do What You Love
For me, the main purpose of living simply is to give me more time to do the things I love. That includes travel, recording music, writing, and spending time with my family.
My washing machine and dryer save me several hours per week. So does the dishwasher. My car is a lifesaver when I need to be somewhere quickly and cannot ride my bicycle.
Without the modern conveniences on my list, I’d be chopping wood all winter. I’d be cooking outdoors over an open flame. I’d be living like it were the 1800s. And that would be hard, and rather silly I might add.
When I weigh the pros and cons of modern conveniences, I see a win-win scenario for owning a few.
Don’t Go Overboard
Just because I own a few modern tools for living doesn’t mean I have to live in the lap of luxury.
First, I stick with the basic modern needs. You won’t find a garage full of power tools at my house. I own very few small kitchen appliances. And I have an economy car.
Second, I go with basic models. Recently, my washing machine bit the dust. It was a basic entry-level model and it lasted almost ten years. I replaced it with another basic model. Basic models get the job done. There’s little sense in buying a $1200 washing machine when a $400 machine works just fine.
Bottom line: Modern conveniences are a healthy part of living minimally. You just need to keep things in perspective. Like anything else, it’s about moderation.
