Australia is having a minimalist moment. Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Milburn preach the joys of owning less and living to more than 2 million readers. Now they’re going on a global tour and inspiring a host of others. So why the sudden urge to declutter?

A movement of self-imposed minimalism and moderation is replacing spending sprees and unchecked consumerism. But what’s causing it? And what elements contribute to this new ‘simple life’?

‘Til death us do part’ is usually reserved for weddings. But as sustainability becomes a bigger concern, it could be applied to our prized possessions, from cashmere jumpers to iPhones. But how achievable is this in a world where acquiring and upgrading are the status quo?

“If socks can have a lifetime guarantee, why can't anything?” asks entrepreneur Tara Button. This is the premise behind her online store, Buy Me Once. It only stocks products – from tables and chairs to towels and toothbrushes – that are made to last a whole lifetime.