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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Hi new minimalist family ~ I stumbled across your blog in my own attempts to comprehend what a minimal lifestyle means for a family of 6! Similar to your own experience, I couldn’t find a lot of information. I am dropping you a line to let you know I appreciate the Biblical aspect your blog has shared a couple of times. In my findings thusfar, most sites seem to take a new age, cosmic spititual point of view. And that is just not my lifestyle, as I believe in God and I am a Christian. My husband presented me with this idea of living because we are in the mist of losing most of our material possessions. We have really had to examine what we would “sacrafice” if we were called to do so. And what we are experiencing is that it is so much more than just “stuff”. It is a journey of sacrafic, obedience and discipline. Thank you for sharing your experiences and incorporating your faith. And thank you for allowing me to share mine.
Michelle, if your still out there…I’d love to hear how it is going for your family of 6. I also have four kids and a wonderful husband! We have been working to pair down our lives intensely as well. We have acreage, too many vehicles, my husbands commute is too far and we want to give our family a life of more LIFE not STUFF!!! I appreciate Joshua’s blog and that it also includes faith. We are Christian as well but feel you can pull good things out of almost any religion! It seems rare to have anyone admit online that they are Christian, so thank you Joshua and thank you Michelle.Let me know how the paring down has been over the last two years. We’re only about 6 months into our serious journey of paring down as a family (already dropped the cable TV) but still have to sell some cars! Anything you say will be inspiring to move forward! Cheers!
Lisa, I’d love to connect with you. We are a family of 11, living simply. I just started writing about minimalism recently but we’ve been on a journey over the past 3 yrs. Come visit me & leave a comment so that we might connect privately, if you’d like.
Hey,
Flipping through blogs at wordpress brought me here. For a long time I’ve been wanting to reduce stuff in my life too. In my case it’s mostly been about reducing matter – I’d just love to increase hanging out on town in cafes and such if I could.
Anyway, I had a nice time reading about your attempts at minimalazation and decided to leave a note :)
Hey guys,
Nice to see you on the blogosphere. Will be following your minimalism endeavors and have already gleaned some great points and insights into things I’ve never thought of before (condiments being one of them). Godspeed on the journey and hope to see you all soon.
Hi there,
I just linked your blog to mine (be whole now) and plugged you in today’s post. Thanks for sharing your journey with the rest of us! Stop by and visit during one of your clutter-free moments.
Hi there! Stumbled across your blog and I can’t get over how similar our paths are. My husband and I have 2 kids and I have been feeling more and more of late that God is calling me to a life defined by simplicity. Not deprivation, but living on the minimum instead of the maximum!
I have spent the last 10 months de-cluttering and simplifying our home and lives. I did one round of simplifying and when I started looking at my things more critically, I realized that the first go-around was really the tip of the iceberg.
It all started rather unspiritually last Halloween. ;) I was schlepping to the door for trick or treaters. I was embarrased at the state of my house and thinking about Christmas and it all just came to a head internally.
The thought occurred to me – -I live in a darling little victorian house that could be the epitome of home and warmth, but it feels cramped and messy. And I knew Christmas would be here before we know it and that will mean *more* decor and clutter. Talk about missing the point and skipping the whole peace and reason for the season.
So I decided that night to start the next day removing as much clutter and reorganize so that in a few weeks when the Christmas season hit, I was going to enjoy my little house and cramming it full of peopler and things I really loved.
I worked my TAIL off and it made a huge difference in our Christmas and in my mental clutter. I started to look for things that had meaning in my stash of Christmas decor and somewhere along the process, I started to see *all* my things in a new way….I wanted to be surrounded by things I love and not by stuff I should keep. I re-thought what I wanted our living spaces to be like and how they could serve our family better. For example…while a rocking chair emotes a feeling of warmth and comfort, how practical is it when my wrestling little boy gets it in the head and floor space is at a premium?
And in the 10 months since, I have kept at it…paring down our entire house- – basement to bathroom – -every drawer and corner. I’ve taken countless overflowing car-fulls possessions to the thrift store and there isn’t a single thing I wish I’d kept. That concept has been sobering to me say the least…I had *that* much stuff that was “out of sight out of mind”. Oy…no wonder we’re consider the “haves” of the world. And I’m still finding things weekly that I can purge.
To me, this isn’t about if I have 100 things or 1000. It’s about living on the least I can. It’s about spending less time thinking about stuff and more time loving people. It’s about living in the present and not being caught up in the past or waiting for the future. It’s about seeing everything I have as a huge blessing.
Am I down to the bare minimum? Probably not, but I’m working on it. But I feel like I’ve discovered a new way of living that involves real thought and priorities and creativity. I ask myself questions now when dealing with my things…Will I really use this thing (and not just in theory!)? Is it in the most sensible place for it? Would it mean more to someone I love to have it? And most importantly “Just because I CAN buy something, does it mean I have to”?
And this desire for simplicity has spilled over to how I spend my money and my time too.
For me it’s an obedience thing. I have been given by God a huge heart for the less fortunate of the world. So how can I possibly justify being excessive and wasteful if I care about the poor?
I am really enjoying reading your blog from start to finish and thank you for your transparency. Blessings to all of us as we find explore this journey we’re on and God’s best for US.
I like this website. It is set up well. Easy to read and find things. Nice job.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit and your kind comment. I agree with Jana. A very nice site and filled with good intentions. Funny how the more we do without, the more room there is to fill with that which matters most. Will keep in you and yours at heart wishing for you an enlightening journey in minimalism. Much metta, two hands as one.
My journey began from forced circumstances, a divorce after having been married for 30 years. Having to downsize from a large home with 30 years of accumulated stuff was a real eyeopener! The things you thought were so valuable, you find nobody wants and most of the time it is even difficult to give it away. I realized all the stuff I had were useless collections of things I had accumulated over the years. I put the rest in storage, lived with my Dad for five years. All that stuff in storage I couldn’t even remember what was in there and had lived happily without it all for 5 years. When I finally bought a small townhome, I resolved to have only five pieces of furniture and the bare minimum of everything else. All that stuff in storage I again gave it all away b/ c it was more trouble than it was worth to try to sell it for the little amount of money I would get. Plus it was liberating to just give it away to some really happy people rather than trying to get money for it. Forget the showy suburban materialistic lifestyle!! Its more work than its worth to try and impress a bunch of people who really don’t even know who you are anyway. I am so happy owning practically nothing.
Myself, wife+babyinside, boy, and girl have been on this process of decludderization… or minimalism ourselves. We are followers of Yeshua(Jesus) and believe that we, throughout our lives must de-emphasize this world and project the world to come! An added bonus is minimalism is very beautiful and we can breathe in this kind of surrounding. I think minimalism is part of the walk with Yeshua and following his way…
Hi,
Its great to see how far you guys have come along. I have been reading your blog for quiet some time now and it is definitely inspiring. I too have been on a similar journey recently and it is so good to see that I am not alone. Your blog has inspired me to blog about my experience as well.
Good luck!
Anu
Have you read the book, The Happy Minimalist?
If you have, I would love to know your thoughts on it?
I just ordered it from Amazon, and wonder what others who are interested in Minimalism think about it.
Love your blog! I just nominated you for a blog award – Superior Scribbler.
http://becheap.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/award-winning-blogs/
i came to your site via zenhabits.net, and have been reading away happily all day. i find this place wonderful! i’ve been toying with the minimal lifestyle after finding myself homeless and living on the streets in lovely burlington, vermont. that was a few years ago, and my life has changed so much from then, but i’m still working on incorporating more lessons on minimalism into my world. this site will be a great resource to me! thanks for making this website. you are awesome. <3
I so love this blog. Nothing more to say, everything else to emulate.
Love the minimalistic lifestyle that is how we came about for our garage sale website.
Living with less is certainly the new age theme and is going to help us come out of the recession on top
Hi! Just found your blog by searching for “minimalist family”–guess I came to the right place! More photos of your minimalist life would be inspirational. :)
My question for you is: does minimalist always equal modern? It seems that in your blog you are saying no, minimalist can mean a way of living rather than just a design style. It seems that you do like some of the modernist minimalist designs (the wall clock?) but is it necessary to become a fan of such styles or no? Must all minimalists aspire to all-white interiors and chrome accents?
I am a minimalist at heart–although with four children, you probably couldn’t tell from my home–but my aesthetic would probably be more “practical and down to earth minimalism” rather than the formal minimalist styles you see in magazines.
@leann – good question.
for me, “minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things that i most value.” and subsequently, “the removal of distractions that keep me from the things i most value.”
personally, i do prefer modern minimalist design – as you can tell from the photos and links that i have included on this blog.
but you’ve got to develop your own style of minimalism that matches who you are as a person, what you most value, and your stage of life.
Any way to follow by email? Thanks.
Hello, I was looking for a way to subscribe by email but can’t see one. minimalized out? ;-) I’ll sub by rss for now but would prefer an email option if there is one?
Cheers!
I love your website! I’m a minimalist, too! I need nothing! I tell family and friends – don’t give me gifts- donate $ to animal shelters instead!
Honestly, I am sharing your stats with my audiences! What’s your twitter name?
I have to applaud you for understanding what so many people don’t. I found myself the happiest when after college I got my first professional position which paid well, and I devoted myself to spending the same that I was before I got the job. I have to say that I have a modest savings, great quality things in my apartment, and am able to seek a Master’s Degree with little stress. I have a question, how is your family currently interacting with media? How much tv, what form of cable or satelite, and how does that interaction pan out for you all?
I came to your site from Zen Habits today, and I am really impressed. I wish I’d had your support when my kids were younger and they would always be wanting more “stuff”, and I would always be fighting a losing battle to get the house clean and tidy! Some supporting arguments would have been useful back then…
I found myself wondering though, about the style you use in your entries. I mean the lack of capital letters for sentences, names etc. It’s not “text speak”, because your (American) English is perfect, and so it’s only a minor irritation, but why do you do it?
I have a theory that it’s a device to encourage “mindfulness”, by making it necessary for the reader to concentrate just a little harder than normal, while continuing to use language well to convey your meaning.
Am I right?
Even though I have been on a long term journey to simplify my life and possessions, I have not really explored the specific topic of minimalism.
Truthfully, my first impression of it was a bit guarded because I thought that for some people it comes from a scarcity mentality (being afraid of or opposed to wealth).
I have to say though, that I really like your definition:
“minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things that i most value.” and subsequently, “the removal of distractions that keep me from the things i most value.”
I find that definition to be healthy and refreshing. In a few short words, you summed up the primary focus of my life right now.
So apparently, I’m a minimalist. Who knew?
Just came across your blog (the whole six-clicks of separation thing)…looking forward to reading more. I live in Colchester. Howdy neighbor!
I’ve been reading Leo for a long time and just happened upon your site last week. I like it very much. I’m trying to minimize myself because I have a pack-rat for a husband. He is not budging at this moment, but we’ll see in the future. I check everyday for new post and have gone back to the beginning of your recording in 2008.
Thanks so much for you insight concerning the topic and change to a new way to think about life. I’m just beginning….let’s see how I can try on your advise for size.
I wrote an ebook about “my life as a minimalist – satisfaction and success through simple living” (in German). Send me your email-address and I will send you a free copy as a pdf-file to download on your computer. Yours, Dr. Bernd Fischel, ofischel@aol.com .
I love your website. I too appreciate the Christian slant as I am a Christ follower and wish that more Christians felt the conviction to live a simpler life.
I’ll be checking back often to see what else you have to say.
BTW — any chance you’ll be publishing your book as a book? It’s great that it can be downloaded, but even minimalists may have the desire to own a few good books that they return to over and over again, and can read out in the woods or while looking at the ocean, without technological support!
Go with God.
just starting on the minimalist path … so much to learn, but the desire has been there for quite some time. i don’t see facebook listed for following you … is this intentional, or just in the works? i’d love fb updates/tips. thanks, and be blessed!
‘Aparigrah’ – one of th main principle in Jain Religion in India. It means ‘Do not collect more stuff than required’ and keep your requirements at minimal
You may go by one of the many sites related to ‘Jain Religion Principles’
Thanks
Bought the book – just scanning through and noticed something you might want to change – middle of page 15 you write of making a 360 degree turn – wouldn’t one be then headed in the same direction? A 180 would be the opposite heading
I think the line is a 360 degree “approach” – meaning that it covers all aspects.
Don’t really know how I got here but so glad I did. Great insight and I will be ordering the ebook.
Very interesting site and useful tips; thank you!
I can recommend people interested in a christian view on living in simplicity reading some books/sites on the Rule of Saint Benedict. I personally found the books by Wil Derkse (‘A blessed life, Bendictine guidelines for those who long for good days’ and ‘The rule of Saint Benedict for beginners, spirituality for daily life’) a great help. And of course there is Zen Buddhism which is the advocate of uncluttered and simple lifes ‘avant la lettre’.
Probabely one of the things I enjoyed most about trying to live an uncluttered life is the wide variety of historical sources it draws from (see ‘Less is more, an antholgy of ancient & modern voices raised in praise of simplicity’ by Goldian Vandenbroeck for an exhaustive source of quotes from all around the world and history).
I stumbled upon this site via another website a little less than a week ago. I’ve always felt I lived a simplistic lifestyle, but when I read several of the entries, I realized my life could be simpler, maybe even a lot happier. I don’t like a lot of stuff especially if it’s not practical. I feel really bad when someone gives me a gift I will NEVER use, but I accept anyways because people do enjoy giving.
I decided I’d tackle my things again. I implemented the backwards hangers, donated 2 extra large lawn bags of clothing/shoes and items, and will have a garage sale this weekend (tomorrow) to get rid of some more things! Thank you and to all who leave comments.
Love your site, love your message. We’ve moved house twice in two years and have to move again soon. My heart was heavy and I got to thinking about piling all our stuff on the lawn and setting fire to it and then, more constructively, about what makes a home. Not the truck of Stuff, that’s for sure. I’m starting small. Inspired by you and Zen Habits, I’ve stripped down my desk: I don’t need more than one pen and one pencil to write my next book. I only have one writin’ hand! I’ve taken all but one of the novels I’ve been meaning to read away from my nightstand. I feel lighter, more free, more focused. I’m challenging myself – if I haven’t picked up my sketchbook in a year, do I need 12 different grades of pencil? What’s wonderful is how much has already been added to my life by the simple practice of taking a few things away. Thank you.
I also have learned a lot here. My comment to many who ask, “Does minimalism mean modern?” is: I find that having pared down to a minimum, that what I have can be the best of the best, and since I have so little, no one thinks anymore that I am trying to “one-up” them. I have a bit of a hoary apartment, very cheap furniture and simple stuff, just to live there. But my “tools” are simple: the best macbook air, an ipad, an iphone, a very good compact camera… end of story.
Thank you so much for all your great ideas and Minimalist energy! I recently opened a Forum to address this new passion of mine! I would like to also link to your site if thats ok with you. I used to live in Saratoga Springs NY, and have visited the area you live many times, it’s God’s country! Anyway, if you would’t mind me also posting my Forum’s address, we can help our commuity grow!
–> http://minimalist.freeforums.org/
Thanks!
I came here via your submission to wpbeginner and became a fan of your concept of minimal approach and you have done an excellent job with applying that concept even to the site ! Most sites today are loaded with flashy ads, and yours is a treat for sore eyes! keep up the good work!
Wonderful site… Thanks for the inspiration. Many years ago, I sold everything and moved out of the US and lived with very little possessions, taking public transportation and having no television. That enriched my life tremendously. I hope others will find the wisdom, happiness and fulfillment in living lightly.
Just “happen” to stumble across this site today. I say “happen” because I believe nothing happens by chance, but everything has a reason.
Thinking about dipping my toes into the minimalist lifestyle pool and this site has been a great source of help. Hope to one day, sooner than later, jump all the way in!
Thanks!
JSR
I like the layout of this website! Nice job. I’m a minimalist and I’m currently living in South Burlington, Vermont, so in a way, we are neighbors. My website, http://www.kriskemp.com is about how to own less, live more.
Hi! I’m reading Inside-Out Simplicity right now (got it from the Simplify Your Family Life Sale) and I’m loving it. Thanks!
Hello, I’ve been happily following your blog for about a year now. I’ve taken much inspiration from it and wanted to thank you for the thoughtful and well written articles. I knew I wanted a simpler way of living but putting a name to it and seeing a blog written that talks about the things I was thinking has been very beneficial.
On a side note, there is a song that came out around the same time. Its the first song that I could actually “see” the music. I’ve heard people say that a lot, but could never relate. Anyway, the song makes me think of minimalism and needing more out of life so I thought I’d share it with you. Check out Dan Black, “Symphonies” and see what you think too. -Maybe without the video the first time, I mean, the video is cool and all, but I love it more in my iPod than I do on youtube. ;)
Keep up the good work!
Great site. Fun to read how others came to the site after being attracted to minimalism. I was after I read of Thoreau’s experience at Walden’s Pond. Here’s a recipe that fits the lifestyle and replaces chips and the crunchy cravings.
Homemade matzo. Make your own snack food with more nutritious and less expensive ingredients. There are only two ingredients; whole wheat flour and water. Two parts flour to one part water. Mix them in a bowl, knead, cut into chunks, and roll thin with a rolling pin, drinking glass or Mankiewicz wine bottle. To remain kosher (and, why take chances?) you have to do this in eighteen minutes or less, from start to finish ( because the dough will start to rise and it’s supposed to be unleavened), so, preheat oven to 475 and bake 3-4 minutes. If you are successful and want to try a bigger challenge; drink the bottle of wine first.
Hi! I am new to the minimalist lifestyle, I have been thinking about a way to be happy with less stuff for some time now and so I started researching living life as a minimalist. I came across your site from The Minimalist Journey and I really appreciate everything you have here. It is really helping me realize that this is what I have been looking for and you have so many helpful things that you say in your blogs. I am going to start small, one room at a time. But I know that this is something right for me and I thank you and your family for sharing it with everyone!
Hello!! Love your website and follow you on FB. I wanted to share this video with you since I thought it was so appropriate for minimalism. I especially can appreciate it as a coffee drinker. :-) Trust me, well worth the 3 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3NgzQ9Pcsg&feature=player_embedded
What a gift to the world your website is. Thank you.
I would like to just GIVE away our stuff. Just list it all in a post on freecycle and leave it on the front porch. Imagine…so simple, suddenly weightless and free… But then I feel guilty…like this would not be financially responsible. But it’s only money, right?
Has anyone done this? Just give it all away?
Hi! First, this website is great.
Second, I wanted to tell you that you are very inspiring. For a few years, because of my social background, I have learned to enjoy simple things in life, like eating with the people I love, speaking with my friends without doing anything, just talking and feeling fine et cetera… So I think I already had a minimalist approach of life, without knowing what minimalism was. Now that I know, I want to live like a minimalist. Not right now, jumping from black to white, because I’m only sixteen, but this is definitely a way of living I want to achieve during my life, and I’ve already started. So thank you.
Amazing blog and amazing resources. Reaching out to you right now for an interview spot.
Hi!
I’m going through your second book at the moment and I stopped at the one about honesty. I’ve been thinking about it myself many times already, there are these small tricks and lies we use in everyday life just to make it easier, so called “white lies”. Everytime I do this I always have this bad scratching somewhere inside me, meaning my consious will remind me about this and I will have more stress. I’m trying to totally reduce the lies in my life, but I faced the cituation now almost ‘lie or you will not get anything’. I have a dog and I’m trying to find the apartment, I’ve been searching already for ages and all house owners say no to the dog. So my friends advice me not to mention about the dog and just live with it, which would definetely increase my chances to get the apartment but also will bind me to go ahead with lying about the dog in the future. What should I do?? I don’t want to sacrifise all the work done in the direction fo becoming minimalist and simplifying my life, but if I don’t lie now my life will be really complicated and stressfull for long following months as well and in the end I will not be able to get the apartmentthat I want and enjoy it!
I would really appreciate your point of view!
Cheers,
Anna
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