About Us
My name is Joshua Becker. We are a family of four living in Peoria, AZ. My wife and I are in our early-thirties. My son is 9, my daughter is 6. We are just your typical middle-class family… minus the dog and physical possessions.
After a conversation with my neighbor on Memorial Day 2008, we decided to become minimalist and intentionally live with fewer possessions. We immediately cleared the clutter from our home and life. As a result, we found a valuable new way to live life centered on our most important values. It has been a journey of discovering the abundant life is actually found in owning less. And it still ranks as one the best decisions we’ve ever made with our life.
Our story has been seen on the CBS Evening News, NPR, and countless media interviews around the world. Our books have sold in the tens of thousands. And we have had opportunity to share this message to thousands of people at various venues all across the country.
This blog is about our journey towards a rational approach to minimalism. (You can read more about the start of our journey here.) It is about the joys and the struggles. It is about the lessons we have learned. It has inspired millions around the world. It is written to inspire you to intentionally live with less. And find more life because of it.
If you are looking for a good place to start, try some of our most popular posts of all time:
- The 10 Most Important Things to Simplify in Your Life
- 15 Surefire Ways to Impress Others
- Benefits of Minimalism
- 101 Physical Things That Can Be Reduced in your Home
- The Unmistakable Freedom of Contentment and How to Achieve It
Or, if you really like what you see, take a stroll through the archives.
You can also read more about the lessons we have learned in our book wrtten to encourage others: Simplify. 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life.
Our seond book deals with the heart issues of a simplified lifestyle by focusing in on our most important relationships: Inside-Out Simplicity. Life-Changing Keys to your Most Important Relationships.
For interviews, guest post proposals, or general questions, you can contact us at becomingminimalist@gmail.com.
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Dear Mr. Becker,
On Amazon.com the e-book version of your book “Simplify” was listed at the price of $0.99…I must tell you your book was worth so much more to me than that, by far. After slowly sifting through (what I guess my preferred genre of reading would be), “self-help” books, throughout the past two years I have been and am determined to explore the many truths in how to enjoy life within our core being. There is one quote that I took from your book that I promise will stick with me as a moral for the rest of my life. You said, “If Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things that I most value, it is also about deciding what is most important in my life and removing the things that distract me from it”. I know I will evolve my life in time into the ways of my own version of Minimalism, but I must say I look for writing both complicating and simple and your book is the most clearest, smallest piece I’ve read that will carry a huge impact in my life forever. I”m slowly gaining powerful tools to truly comprehending the real values and reasons to enjoy today. I just wanted to let you know your book is one of the few “tools” I have found so far in my personal journey to my enlightenment. Thank you deeply, Koryn Wasielewski
Love your blog and enjoy following you on Twitter. Do you know of any good minimalism podcasts that I can listen to while driving? I’m always looking for good material to absorb traveling to and from work. Thanks again for your help and inspiration.
Don
I was loaned your book via Kindle. I read it all and enjoyed it very much. I like what you are saying and how you say it. You’ve got another fan.
Joshua, I wanted to just say that I appreciate your thoughts and blog so much. For many years I have lived like this, and enjoy the fruits and joy of not owning anything really. Recently in a wonderful pastoral, my bishop mentioned that indeed, all belongs to the Almighty. In all walks of faith, I believe that many that live this life with less, understand the more in many ways and facets of being here on this earth. Someone that taught me this early in life was Dorothy Day. In the morning with a bowl of what ever was handy at the ‘mission’, she rifled through a box for clothes for the day’s work, and did exactly that: lived for the day. Thank you for bringing that forward to me again. peace and much happiness to you.
I read your book, very practical and useful. Thank you.
Hi Josh! How is arizona? Miss you all up here in the snowey North!
As we have been de-owning our offices lately, I find I am accumulating stuff on my computer instead of hard copies. Have you written anything about minimizing our cyber life? Blessings to Kim and the kids!
Hi Joshua, your book was a great introduction to rational minimalism for me. I have de-cluttered and de-owned many thing in my home over the past 2 weeks and feel completely liberated. This was a significant life changing event for me and I will continue in this lifestyle. Thank you!!!
Do you have any hard copies of your book that i can purchase and give to friends?
Glad to hear you liked it. Currently, it is only available in digital format.
Great website…very inspiring! I think I found a typo on your home page:
“a life that can better appreciate the simply joys of the people and relationships around you right now.”
I believe you meant *simple* instead of *simply*
Keep up the GREAT work!
Joshua– I love your blog– found it a few months ago when I really started pushing ahead with reducing my belongings. I also have young children about to turn 2 and 4. My husband and I made a conscious decision on the first christmas with our daughter that we wanted her to understand the concept of “enough” as she grew up. She got 2 gifts from Santa and we have expanded that to 2 gifts each and one to share. Even that is nearly overwhelming to small children! Anyway, our desires to limit the material items our children have seems to be an uphill battle against grandparents, friends, etc. We have imposed a 2 gift rule w/ grandparents but they seem to find any excuse to give our children more “stuff”– Halloween, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, etc.! I continue to tell them how I feel and they think they are “good” and respectful of my wishes. My nearly 4 year old I would consider a hoarder, but part of me feels that is part of being a kid– a stage. I wonder if making her give up items and/or secretly getting rid of things she doesn’t use often makes her feel like the small piece of control she has over her own life is being taken away… just musings, but I would love to hear more of your thoughts regarding children and minimalism. Thanks so much!
Dear Kristin,
When I was young my mother got rid of several items without checking with me and I am still annoyed. (“It was worn out.”) (She died 3 years ago. I am 56.)
If you have made it plain to your child that a particular item is her property, PLEASE let her make her own decision about how long to keep it. Set a good example for her of course, but let her decide. She’ll learn more about dealing with her stuff if the “practice runs” are actually for real.
Good luck.
Beth
Hi Joshua,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your blog, they are truly inspiring.
I am a graduate student in San Francisco State University’s Psychology program in the Personality and Well-being lab where we share with you similar goals in encouraging minimalism by straying from materialism and towards experiential buying, as a means of improving well-being. To further the movement and the research between spending and well-being, we have created the website http://www.beyondthepurchase.org. Do you know of any resources or colleagues that may be willing to help publicize our efforts?
Thank you,
Alison
Reposted a link to your Lenten blog on FB and my blog http://peacefulones.blogspot.com/2012/02/lent-day-3-thankful-for-no.html. THANK YOU. I enjoy where God is leading you, I’m grateful for insights through you. Blessings on your day and your work.
Hi Joshua,
Have been following your blog for some time, and have really benefited from the wisdom it contains.
Just wanted to say a quick thank you for the inspiration you’ve given to me over the past year. It has given me great encouragement in my journey into minimalism.
I’ve been documenting the principles I used during my journey and, if you’d like to read what I’ve written, it can be downloaded here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/underwear-simplify–clutter-enjoyable-ebook/dp/B007HDP8X2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331114561&sr=1-1
I wrote it just so I could share with a few people how much life has changed for me, and would be honoured if you read it.
thanks again for the great stuff on your site,
ant
Your website is God sent!!! It is by far, one of the BEST websites I have EVER found….thank you!! :)
Being a minimalist transcends owning stuff…things… It is healing…freeing on so many levels.
Regards,
Gloria
Hi Joshua, I’m at university in England, and currently working on a project I could use your opinion on.
I’ve basically been looking at the way in which people value their possessions, why they buy what they do, and how it makes them feel. So for example, you might say a person buys a car to make them feel more confident, and another may buy one to project a certain status to society. There are also possessions which have no financial value, but retain memories or feelings of nostalgia.
Whichever way we look at it, we work to make money, which we then use to buy things that we hope will bring us happiness. However, we rarely realise that the things we own will never bring us true happiness, and many people base their lives on owning loads of stuff, rather than experiences and relationships, for whatever reason that may be.
Brand and advertising certainly have a lot to answer for. Essentially finding ways to sell people more stuff than they need to thoughtlessly improve sales, market share, and profits. As much as a person wants to believe that a brand has their best interests at heart, it is rarely the case. This is not only an unhealthy situation for the individual, but also for the environment as a whole.
I believe that the post-recession consumer is shifting from senseless consumption to sensible consumption. If this the case, how does branding and marketing make sense in a post-crash, debt-ridden and increasingly self-conscious sustainable – fundamentally anti-consumerist world? A world where sustainability in all its forms is desirable, and people are increasingly being convinced that they could be happier and more satisfied by coveting and owning less.
As valid as this may be, is living a life void of brands, advertising, and material goods in itself a sustainable long term basis for living good lives, when all we hear is that we need to spend to drive the economy – the thing that, whether we like it or not, underpins our lives.
So as someone that is going into the industry of advertising, an industry which is potentially to blame for materialism, consumerism, even environmental issues, it would be hypocritical to say that we should all get rid of everything we own and stop buying stuff.
I think the way a brand markets its products can actually be a solution towards these issues, rather than the cause. For example, products with longer lives, better durability, simple manufacturing processes, and essentially an honest brand which doesn’t try and manipulate people to sell more.
So I’m promoting this concept through the creation of my own clothing brand ‘Natural Shift’ which is essentially about moving towards a more natural/sustainable way of consuming – to consume only what we require to enable us to live happy, meaningful lives.
I’m putting together a book that discusses this idea, talking to people from different areas such as finance, advertising, minimalism, fashion, environmentalists etc. So this is where I need you. Just a few questions and if you feel there is anything you would like to say about the above that would be great as well.
Essentially what I’m asking you is, do you think that marketing could be the solution to materialism?
Regards
Jake
Found your contact tab. Just not in the usual place. I sent you a PM on Facebook about your site. I love this site!
Looking forward to the newsletter. Was minimalist way back when, the 70s due to limited income and desire to enjoy a full life anyway.
The old time books I used back then…”Possum Living” and the Meenomite book, “Having More With Less”
Just a question here…
I wondered if anyone has experienced any moments of a wierd feeling of sudden loss? This is really difficult to describe, but as I’ve been clearing out the knickknacks from previous trips, as I took out the rug in our living room I never liked (who says you have to have a rug anyway?) and as I limit my items to the space I have available without the use of horizontal surfaces to store them… I felt a strange feeling of “what do I do now?”.
It is a complete bodily reaction to having fewer items in my house and I’ve never felt anything like it. I was completely stumped for a minute.
Then I decided that I would fill up the “loss” feeling with what I want next… so now I’m copying out articles about people doing amazing things that will inspire me in what I’d like to do. The UK Financial Times always does interviews with interesting people… from Fair Trade advocates to former CIA directors who are now living green and encouraging others to get off our oil addiction in order to bankrupt the countries producing the regimes we only used to shoot at and try to blow up.
Interesting stuff, but I was too busy with my STUFF in my house to be able to focus on inspiring people and getting on the way to living my Dreams.
This is such an amazing journey and I thank you for your site and your honesty as it is intensely encouraging.
Joshua, my friend found this site of yours and I really enjoyed going through it. It’s encouraging. I will continue diggin’ into the posts and while I do that, I wanted to share with you my story…
http://www.moreorlessproject.com
It seems there are many minds who thing alike and yet a wonderfully different. May it be well with you. Looking forward to more.
David
Hi Josh,
just wanted to say thanks.
Am reading the new book and it inspired me to get up and sort through some of the stuff that was piling up around me. A friend, a school, an opshop and a charity second hand bookshop are a about to receive some donations!
Now I have to decide what to do with my empty storage boxes . . .
Julie
Hi Joshua, I stumbled upon your website and I love it. I, too, come from a minimalist background. Because of my upbringing, our family celebrate Christmas differently. Instead of exchanging presents, we chose to spend time together as a FAMILY. We would cook a nice dinner, play some boardgames, and tell each other stories. There was none of that “what did you buy me for Christmas” nonsense. That changed when I met my first husband. His family was huge on giving presents. I went in a shock when I walked into my former mother-in-law’s home for Christmas. She had a huge pile of presents in the living room — and 99.999% of these presents were junk, I am sorry to say. Each year, these junks just accumulated and a majority of them end up in the storage, collecting dust. My marriage did not last (not because of this!) — but once I was done with that marriage, I reverted back to my “minimalist” ways and could not be happier. Thankfully, my second husband shares my philosophy!! We’re both very happy and look forward to teaching our future children the joys of being a minimalist.
Joshua,
I find your blog very inspirational. I have read a couple of your books on Kindle and they are super helpful as well. I started clearing out a lot of my belongings last week and have found it liberating. When I walk into the store now to get something essential and begin thinking about making other purchases, I spend much more time weighing the item’s effect on my life.
Thanks for everything your blog and books have taught me. (Also, all of the helpful links you include in your posts.)
Best wishes,
Nicole
Do you have an Affiliate program? I am starting a website which has a page dedicated to people who do what you do. I am still working on it and getting the bugs out but it would be great to have you on there.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But
maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or
two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
I want to thank you for your blog. I have recently changed email addresses, and the ONLY blog I’m subscribing to in my new one is yours.
I enjoy reading about your journey and thoughts, and while I am a long way from being the minimalist that you are, I am currently going through a whole redefinition of my life that includes the chucking of STUFF (including emails!). My kids and I have left their father, our old house and at least 50% of our belongings. We live now in a much smaller house with a fraction of the belongings, no tv, and good old fashioned routines of reading, doing homework and cooking wholesome food. We are ALL happier.
I still feel a need to shed more of our possessions, and continue to slowly do that. But the first go at it was dramatic and successful and freeing. I thought about you and your words all the way through that experience, and that’s the truth. I’ve decided to go back to my old home to get things in a month, if I find myself needing them — and the truth is, I can’t remember much of what was left behind!! Kids haven’t mentioned a THING about their stuff, after their favourite toys and books arrived. They are also an inspiration.
Thank you for your blog. You’re the one I’m holding onto going forward.
Hi, I just wanted to know how you cope with Christmas and birthdays. How do you not insult people by not wanting any gifts! I struggle this every Christmas. I ask for gifts I can eat and drink but always end of with a lot of unwanted items.
found your site through your guest post on Zenhabits….love your blog and look forward to reading your books….we in India have always been living a minimalist lifestyle but that has been changing in the recent years due to increasing influence of consumerism and exposure to western culture. While westerners are being drawn towards minimalism and simplicity, we sadly are being pulled towards materialism forgetting our traditional spiritual ways of life. Blogs such as yours are gentle reminders of gaining happiness by simplifying your life. Thanks for sharing amazing posts on your blog.
Hello am Jeniffer from UK i wanna thank Dr Paloma for what he has done for me at first i taught he was scam but until i just decided to follow my mind.i told him that my ex lover which i loved with all my heart left me for another all Dr Paloma did was to laugh and said he will be back to me in 3days time i taught he was lying on the 3rd day my ex called me and said he wanna see me,i was shocked then he came over to my place and started begging that he was bewitched,immediately i forgives him and now we are back and he his really madly in love with me.All thanks to Dr Paloma he indeed wonderful incise you wanna contact him here his is private mail palomaspelltemple@yahoo.com
You were recommended by an atheist, who strives against Conservative Christians on another site. In reading over your “Judging” points, they sound very Christian to me. In fact, I am wondering why you are “reinventing” the Sermon on the Mount, unless it is for profit in selling so many books, which in turn would buy you many things you wouldn’t need for a minimalist lifestyle.
Thanks for the comment and the question Margaret. I have been a pastor for the past 15 years and continue to do so today. I have taught often about the Sermon on the Mount and its practical benefits for our lives today.
This site is read by readers of every spiritual leaning. And I do work to make sure all faiths feel welcome on Becoming Minimalist as the lifestyle has benefits for everyone.
Hope that answers your question.
Interesting blog and articles. I live in Newcastle (UK, nr Scotland) I’m a minimalist, and now that i’m down to the bare bones of my material existence, I’m constantly trying to find more things to get rid of. It is however causing friction in my life with my wife and her family, they think I am some kind of weirdo giving everything away to charity and travelling by foot and rucksack. She thinks it is a phase which annoys me because this is my lifelong philosophy. Having no huge tv, games console, lavish holidays, smartphone and wardrobe of clothes etc… i feel like i’m being derided. We got married in very minimalist fashion (basically spent nothing) and her friends did not like this. I was a lecturer but got sick of constant streams of emails and meetings and students, previously worked as a Commercial Analyst but again couldn’t do the 9-5 types, carrying out meaningless work when i could be outdoors or doing something i enjoy. I have very little outgoings (rent and basic food) and don’t need to make big bucks, i control my own life. However, my only concern is that my wife does not want to live like this, she has opportunities to get out of her debt and she buys things, it’s so irritating – no matter how many times i have told her. In addition to this, This is causing friction and i’m not sure how to deal with this. Her family have a child and they shower it with gifts constantly, it makes me sick and i fear that having a child myself will test my life philosophy which i love.
Have considered many times getting away and wanted to move to Berlin although i felt emotionally attached to stay for some reason. Any advice? how to deal with other people and their thoughts?
Hi, Josh. Don’t know if you are aware of this…but YOU and YOUR message is the entire reason I live the life I live now. (At the moment, I’m sitting watching my 4 month old play with his play mat while I enjoy a cup of warm coffee. This would never have happened in MY OLD LIFE). I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making a difference in my life.
Denise Johnson
I’m writing a book on the role the mind plays in our health
and would like to quote you on your 10 tips for living in the present.
Sure, go right ahead.
Dear Joshua,
I have only started learning about all of this because a friend of mine liked your FB page. I want to find out more about all of this but gazing at a computer monitor for any length of time is hard on my eyes. I don’t have a Kindle, in spite of Amazon’s multitudinous attempts to get me to buy something I don’t need. Now I see that that is the only way your books are available. Perhaps that is your attempt to keep people from filling up one more little space in their house, but it doesn’t do me a lot of good. What now?
Hi Joshua my name Philip.I live in Idaho I am really interested an what you are teaching here it sounds great.I want to know one thing first. Who are you as a man? Please be the one who answer this because I need to know who you really are. This will determine how deep I go with what your saying and teaching. Thank you Sinserly Philip Johnson
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established
blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks
do you have a French version of your blog so i could share with more people here in Quebec and in France
Thank you for your inspiration. I was already on my way but you picked me up to carry me forward even further!
Hi, Joshua.
Hey, I am writing a story about Daniel Suelo for the University of Colorado alumni magazine. I happen to know someone who knows Suelo well, and I got a great interview.
My conundrum: I am looking for someone to provide a second voice for the story, just to talk a bit about the idea of minimalist living and where Suelo fits into that.
My double conundrum: I have suddenly been called out of the country April 20-30 and the editor would like the story before I leave tomorrow.
So I don’t know how available you might be, but if you are, I would love to chat with you briefly about that today or perhaps tomorrow morning.
Thanks for considering.
Clay Evans
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This site is absolutely fantastic! I have always tried to maintain a minimalist lifestyle I’ve just never known how to articulate it as well as you do here.
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