Becoming Minimalist

Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.

7 Ways to Sample Living With Less

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To that end, allow me to offer 7 areas of life where living with less can be sampled. They are designed to be picked one-by-one, risk-free. Conducting each experiment for 3-4 weeks will give a good feel for the practical benefits, but hey, it's your experiment. You decide the length.

“There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little.” —Jackie French Koller

From the moment we’re born, we’re told to pursue more. Advertisements from every television, radio, newspaper, magazine, billboard, and website scream to us on a daily basis that more is better. As a result, we work hard hours so that we can spend countless dollars purchasing the biggest homes, fanciest cars, trendiest fashions, most popular toys, and coolest technologies.

But we all know it’s not true. We all know, deep-down, that happiness can not be bought at a department store—more is not necessarily better. We’ve just been told the lie so many times we begin to believe it.

But what if, in reality, there is actually more joy in owning less? 

That truth would change almost everything about us. It would change the way we spend our hours, our energy, and our money. It would change where we focus our attention and our minds. It would change the very foundation of our lives. And if it were true, it would free us up to pursue the things in life that we most value. In other words, it would be a life-changing and life-giving realization.

Unfortunately, for some, the idea of intentionally living life with fewer possessions is just too counter-intuitive. It’s an approach to life they have never been introduced to or have never been invited to explore. The benefits have never been articulated. As a result, it’s too far a leap… too long a stretch… and jumping in with both feet is just not going to happen.

But maybe there’s an easier way than jumping in with both feet.. maybe the lifestyle can just be sampled for a bit. Oh, one may not experience all the benefits that are afforded to those who jump in with both feet, but they just may taste enough to continue along the journey.

To that end, allow me to offer 7 areas of life where living with less can be sampled. They are designed to be picked one-by-one, risk-free. Conducting each experiment for 3-4 weeks will give a good feel for the practical benefits, but hey, it’s your experiment. You decide the length.

7 Ways to Sample Living With Less

1. Clothes. According to statistics, we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. That means that many of us have closets full of clothes that we no longer like or no longer fit us correctly. They are just taking up space. The simple exercise of going through your closet and removing all unused clothing leaves your closet lighter, your mornings less stressful, and your wardrobe full of things you love. Give your lighter wardrobe 30 days to work its magic… you’ll never miss those unused clothes.

2. Decorations. Many of the decorations in our homes hold no personal value to our lives. They just simply happened to match the color of the carpet or be on sale when we walked into the store. Unfortunately, they are distracting you and your guests from the decorations in your home that share your story and highlight your values. Take a moment to walk through your home with a discerning eye. Leave only the decorations that are the most meaningful and the most beautiful. Your home will begin to share your story in a beautiful way. And your old decorations will likely end up on sale at your next garage sale.

3. Toys. Too often, we fall into the line of thinking that says more is better… and so do our kids. We begin to purchase and collect far too many toys for our children. As a result, our children have no need to learn how to be creative, helpful, careful, or sharing. In that regard, fewer toys may benefit your kids in numerous ways. Although you may want to consult your children before you relocate their unused toys, there’s a pretty good chance that after only a few weeks the old, unused toys will be forgotten (except by whomever used to pick them all up).

4. Cooking Utensils. There never seems to be enough storage space in our kitchens. Yet most of our grandmothers cooked far more often, far more elaborately, and far better than many of us today… in much smaller kitchens. The truth is that when it comes to cooking, simple is almost always better. We need far less cooking utensils than we currently own. As a result, our drawers, cabinets, and countertops can be far better organized and useful if we simply owned less. To give this experiment a shot, check out this article from the New York Times: A No Frills Kitchen Still Cooks. Then, store all your unnecessary utensils in a plastic bin, put them away out of sight, and see if you just enjoy cooking a little bit more in your new, clutter-free environment.

5.  Televisions. According to Nielsen, the average person watches 4 hours, 35 minutes of television each day. And the average American home now has more television sets than people. That threshold was crossed within the past two years. There are 2.73 TV sets in the typical home and 2.55 people. In the average American home, a television set is turned on for more than a third of the day — 8 hours, 14 minutes to be exact. We are literally sitting on the couch while life passes us by. Experiment with owning less televisions. As a result, you will watch less. And when you do, you will be more apt to do it together as a family.

6. Counter-tops. Clutter is a form of distraction. It pulls at our attention and redirects our thoughts – even for just an instant. Everything sitting out on your countertops competes for your attention. Unfortunately, we have become so accustomed to these distractions that we don’t even notice them anymore… until they are removed. Experiment, even for just 7 days, with keeping your countertops completely clear. Store things in drawers, cabinets, pantries, or temporary storage boxes. After one week, you’ll likely return some of it for the sake of convenience, but I’d bet my bottom dollar that you won’t return all of it.

7. Furniture. It may require some heavy-lifting, but if you’re up for the challenge, removing excess furniture from your rooms will immediately open up significant space and airflow in your home. The rarely-used pieces of furniture in your home are quickly recognizable and taking up more space than you realize. Oh sure, this experiment requires a place to store your furniture during the trial period, but it’s a quick and easy way to remove some of the largest clutter from your home.

Joshua Becker

About Joshua Becker

Writer. Inspiring others to live more by owning less.
WSJ Bestselling author of The More of Less.

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Comments

  1. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity – just love it.
    Now to build up the courage to launch on this route to discovering the inner joy of living with less.

    • Tell me you are still going strong and have not reverted to your old ways (what I catch myself doing!)~Signed, Trying to Become an Ex- Paper Hoarder Among Other Things

  2. Minimalist living. This appeals to me. I realize that I have wasted money all my life, and trust me, my father echoes this in my head. I have been blessed to lead a rather wealthy existence. I made good money. But I see that I wasted much of it thinking I needed stuff to surround me. I could probably be a millionaire now if I had held back! I regret it and have tried to de clutter but everytime I do, I find that I miss the things that I have given away! Like clothes for instance. I go throught the closet stuff the give always on garbage bags, drag them to the Salvation Army and then a few weeks later I am looking for a piece that I gave away.

    • When it comes to clothes you already have, I’d recommend just get rid of stuff that doesn’t fit or you know darn well you will never repair. Keep the rest since you already have it. Eventuallly as clothes get worn out, discolored, ripped, and/or stained you’ll start using the excess. And don’t buy more. Signed, Learned After the Same Happened to Me.

      • That’s a brilliant idea. Have a “when in doubt” back up pile/area.
        Yes, donated a beautiful jacket about 4 years ago and I still miss it – ugh.

      • A Dear (now departed) friend challenged me to not buy any clothes for a year.
        (undies an exception!)
        Best challenge ever & I highly recommend to everyone once in their lifetime. I emptied my wardrobe tried everything on, mix & matched like never before. A whole new wardrobe.. BRILLIANT

      • I agree. i have decided just not buy anymore and use up the ones I have. Plenty of clothes but usually stick to the same ones so will try to wear different ones

    • I struggle with NEEDING something the day after I gave it away. But I realized a thing about it the other day. I didn’t ever want that thing BEFORE I got rid of it and am only thinking about it now because I just saw it and thought about it and reminded myself that I own it. I gave myself all the reasons that I needed it just the other day. But then my rationality explained to my sentimentality that we had plenty other items just like it and this one could go.
      I try to remember later on, when I want that thing, that I previously, being of sound mind and body, did knowingly and intentionally get rid of it.
      Then I go smell my favorite calming essential oil blend and try not to freak out about life without whatever the thing is.

  3. In 2008, at age 60, I looked at myself in in a mirror in one of the four bathrooms in our 5,000 sq. ft house in Denver and decided that I ‘couldn’t live like this anymore.’ Whatever I couldn’t fit into a 17 ft U-Haul truck or the Jeep it was towing wasn’t going to make the trip to Coeur d’alene Idaho. I took my two bikes and my sea kayak, and the clothes I liked most. I went from a custom 5,000 sq. ft home to a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment located over a Paso Fino horse barn. Three years later I moved to an island on Puget Sound. Whatever I couldn’t fit inside or on top of my Jeep didn’t come with me. The rest I gave away. If you would have asked me ten years ago if I thought I could retire on the amount of money I now live on, I would have laughed and thought you were kidding me. I have never been so happy, or free. I have learned how to dance on the other foot….

    • Hello Steve. Reading your comment nearly brought a tear down my cheek. I’m in my 30s now but that is the life I want for myself when I retire. You have inspired me with your story to work harder to reach that goal. Thanks and God bless.

    • I absolutely love your story. It spoke to my heart. It’s clear your spirit has been set free. Well done and bless every fresh new day that awaits you!

    • I love this! Approaching 60 and distraught that life is not how I imagined, simplicity and minimalism is calling to me. Instead of spending more time sad and upset at what I don’t have, I am moving toward being blessed by what I do and even paring it down more. Just spent a weekend with a family member in a 5,000+ custom home and of course it is fabulous! but it really got me thinking- that really isn’t what I desire. Long road ahead but perhaps the happiness I seek is really in less!

    • Steve your reply to this post brought tears in my eyes. You have summed up your reflection in a beautiful and inspiring way which caused an emotional shift for me. Very well said sir and I will continue working towards a similar experience.

    • Sometimes it can take a lifetime to long for happiness and well-being. Sometimes it can be enough to watch a TV spot with Jousha Becker and read a memorable posts by Steve who used his own mirror to self-reflection.
      I will soon turn 63 and live by the philosophy of “less is more” ….

    • Thanks for your story. Not being ready for retirement myself has haunting me since 5 years ago.

    • Oh, and I have to admit that I want to live in a big house for at least ten years to get it out of my system. Signed, Wanting to live Large Because I Know I’ll live Small Later

  4. I am having trouble. One set of sheets. But the thing is, we need flannel for winter and cotton for summer.
    And, once a month a cleaning lady comes. There is not time for me to get the kids up and to school, and wash ALL their sheets and dry them, by the time cleaning lady gets here. So we need two sets. But then, that’s 8 sets of extra sheets! My whole closet. :( 6 kids and 2 adults.
    And trust me, having her clean (the scrubbing and stuff that keeps mold away) is essential. Plus, it forces me to keep clutter away or she can’t clean!

    • Being a minimalist is about making your life easier and more productive. It doesn’t mean giving away things that are useful in your life situation. Relax, DE clutter and don’t worry about having extra sheets that make your life simpler come wash day.

      • I agree with Cindy. For example, I have enough underware to wear a fresh pair for three weeks, if not four. That works for me. Yet, I don’t have the same set up for socks & bras. Signed, No Overkill Where Not Necessary

    • If you really want to reduce the number of sheets you use, have all flat sheets. When you change the bed, put the bottom sheet in the wash, put the top sheet back on the bed as the bottom sheet, then use the clean sheet as the top sheet. This way you only need three sheets for each bed.

      Better still, change 4 beds at a time; the 4 bottom sheets will be washed and when they’re dry they will become the clean sheets for the OTHER 4 beds. This way you will also need only 4 beds’-worth of pillow cases spare because you’ll be changing them at the same time as the sheets. This means at most you would have 4 sheets (not sets) and 4-6 pillowcases in your closet. (duplicate the numbers for cotton/flannel)

      Fitted sheets always wear out quickly, then your whole set is ruined. It is NOT hard or slow to put a flat sheet on a bed and do hospital corners. And a flat sheet always fits after it’s shrunk, unlike “fitted” sheets which get tight from shrinkage and rip if your toenail so much as brushes against them.

      I much prefer flat sheets. We have a standard size bed and I put king size sheets on to give us more coverage. This is possible because of using all flat sheets.

      • Great idea. Why didnt i ever think of that?

        I have 4 kids so lots of linen to be washed and changed. Especially with potty accidents! I wont see flat sheets the same again. Thanks ????

    • Fold each set up smaller than a pillow and put that complete set in one of the pillow cases. It will free u of clutter.

    • Minimalism to me is having what I need and use. That’s it. We have temperature ranges from -40C to 40C so I understand needing a variety :) I store off-season sheets & blankets in plastic bins in our basement. I store the guest bed sheets in the same room as the guest bed. Maybe try storing the clean 2nd set of sheets in each child’s room (under the bed perhaps or up on the top closet shelf).

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  7. My kitchen counter tops are absolutely clear and I love it. Gave away the microwave to the crew at the Dollar Store for their backroom and haven’t missed it a jot. Going to give the closets and the kitchen another pass. Television is on “vacation pause” as I do more with online. Have lived without tv in the past and I like it (except for missing sports). I have been paring down for 12 years. Getting to the bare bones is really fun and satisfying … I was laid off from a $55K/year+benefits job in 2008 … and it is hard to imagine that in 2015 (income about $15K) my life is richer,, simpler. I’ve found that when a challenge comes up … if I slow down, think and persevere I can meet it. I am more creative when life can’t be fixed by just writing a check. Love your blog, Joshua!

    • I like what you are saying. Being all-around healthy is what I’ve learned (living @$15K to begin with) is what’s important as a foundation. Healthy in terms of finances, health-including mental, and a active family life that only includes family members who promote loving, respectful relationships.

  8. I like what you wrote about the clothes in our closets, I’m going to try this!

  9. Love reading your blog. Your thoughts are such an inspiration. I am a divorced mom raising 12 year old twin boys all by myself. I have been paring down for about the last 6 months and I am loving my life so much more. Even my boys are happier with less. We moved into a smaller apt and have seen big savings on the light bill among other things. Making our life simpler has allowed me to work way less and go back to school to do something I will enjoy. My poor coworkers work their butts off, are constantly worn out and I feel bad for them because they just don’t understand my lifestyle and how much more happiness is out there when you get to do more of what you want with life instead of just working it away.

    • I’m a hoarder because I hoard. My mom and two of my sisters hoard, too. My hoarding isn’t as bad as them because I don’t own a house and garage like them, but I’m sure if I had the space, I’d fill it. I got sick of criticizing them and looked at myself. I’ve got my hoarding down from 7 rooms to 1. My partner is in shock. Signed, No More Projects & No More Saving It–Just in Case

  11. Simplifying sounds all well and good. So my question is:

    What could possibly be the (emotional) reasons why a person vehemently resist, even aggressive when paring down or simplifying was suggested? Denial? Lack of motivation? Hiding?

    • I’m not the guru, but I believe that things are anchors. They anchor is firmly in the world. They tie us to an idea or a sentiment. We need a few tethers, but too many weigh us down. If we feel that we aren’t sufficiently tethered, we seem to literally be trying to hold ourselves down with so many paperweights.
      I have also been studying addiction and a lot that I have read and listened to talks about being connected to our friends and families instead of being connected to our addictions. Clutter is another addiction. There is a video on YouTube called “everything you know about addiction is wrong” by Johann Hari, it is a tedx talk. Listen to him and think about STUFF as the thing a person is addicted to.

      • That sounds really interesting. I know I hold on to more as family has died. My spouse is much more minimilist than I, and what I see as a comfortable presence of possessions, they see as hoarding. So, sometimes it’s just 2 very different viewpoints and comfort levels. Trying to find a respectful balance. Unfortunately I often feel so criticized and bullied that I hold on to stuff as a way to assert my own right to exist as an indivudual. However I still love this blog, and strive to keep life as free as possible of unnecessary clutter, and not be living in reactionary defensiveness. It’s tough to respect both…maybe we need 2 houses!:). Always good to examine motives, and seek that which gives us joy. Love 2 us all!

  12. I appreciated the sentiments of the article, but I think you need to review the correct usage of “less.” If you are referring to items that can be counted, the correct adjective is “fewer.” For example, “Experiment owning fewer televisions.” “We need far fewer cooking utensils…”

    • Thank you…i was thinking i was the only one who squirmed a bit over less and fewer!

  14. Good article.
    I’ve been learning on minimalist living a lot recently and what struck me was how it is essentially one of the core teachings of the Buddhist philosophy. The lesser possessions you have , lesser the worries will be. Lesser the worries , freer the mind will be. Freer the mind , happier a person will be. I’m actually feeling ashamed of myself for not thinking about a more simpler practical application like this of such a fundamental teaching of a philosophy I believe in.
    I made a major purchase a few weeks ago and while it made me ecstatic to possess that thing for a while , I realize that it no longer makes me as happier, as with the most things I have purchased -necessities or otherwise. I took the first step of the long process of letting go with purging my clothes. While it was a very difficult decision to let go of things I have bought with my hard earned money , it was also such a ease of burden on my mind and I’m already looking forward to continuing the process with my other possessions…

  15. I researched the process of how to start my way as a minimalist last year. I sold my TV (didn’t watch it much) and decided to use my PC for internet while using a ‘dumb’ phone for a month as a way of pairing down a duplicate, testing if I could get used to internet limitations. If I had internet on my PC, why duplicate that to my phone? I was paying for both Cox internet and T-Mobile data through my phone plan at the time. That was a lot of money every month, especially the notification that I over used my phone data often!

    My PC decided not to work for a majority of that same month (surprise, surprise), and being in school, the PC was easier for the online class and research for campus courses during the no-school-snow-day assignments we got. I bought another smartphone. I was fine that 1 week of PC and paying a cheaper phone bill. Then, my brother in law fixed the PC after I got the phone. I missed using the phone and decided to keep it, yet…I still have my PC currently. Guess who doesn’t use it often (me!)

    I happen to know my roommate’s laptop is broken and her very old computer is going to be donated soon once she has a replacement. I found the perfect way of giving it to her: if she de-clutters her unused computers out of the apartment, and use mine she can have it. That way, while I’m here I don’t feel like I’m “going cold turkey”. It will still be here for use without the title of “mine” and next time I move, it’s one less item to worry about!

    My mind got sidetracked off the minimalist way. Granted, I don’t have a crazy amount of stuff; I am OCD and love everything organized. I naturally tend to pair my stuff when I move or get more stuff coming in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have duplicates of different things piling away in closet storage.

    Reading this article has gotten me inspired once again on the minimalist path, and at just the right timing!

    Thank you so much for this information and a reconnected inspiration!

    • I have lived alone for the past 11 years and just turned 40 this year. I must say there were many days I was lonely and longed for my life that was left behind. I had “Everything”….and I that’s just simply put. During my marriage, we lived in a 5,000 sq ft home on 10 acres. Ahh! The life! Or so I thought.

      Since then, I bought a 1,600 sq ft 3 bedroom home on 2 acres and lived in it alone for 5 years. I only wanted the home because my children were in middle and high school and wanted a private, quiet home for them to finish school and prepare for college.

      And now, here I am. I live in Phoenix, AZ in a 1 bedroom condo by myself and I could not be more thankful that life took me on this journey. During the years , I bought more clothes and home decor to fill 3 homes and last a lifetime. I have since downsized to a 32 piece wardrobe, a car paid in cash, and way more money in my savings.

      I have taken the minimalist living journey for the last 3 years and has taken me this long to rid of all the material things I once had to have so badly. One must remember minimalist is not only physical things but a state of mind that helps with financial things like too many credit cards and unnecessary bank accounts. I was able to condense not only my home life but also my financial well being.

      I still have nice quality things but not so much of it. Living minimalist doesn’t mean you have to live like a peasant. I copied the life styles people who built contemporary homes with more living space but less furniture, which taught me how to prioritize my home decor and living space. I actually found that by going with more quality products, I saved more money over time. Buying something just because it’s on sale or cheap doesn’t actually save you money when you buy too much of it. Less is definitely more.

      I am teaching the rest of my family to live the same life….My Mom especially, she keeps everything..lol! Thanks for the inspiration and have a blessed year!

  16. In July 1977 in Mother Earth News I found this quote by Marya Mannes: “The Good Life exists only when you stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is, rather than longing for what might be. The itch for things – so brilliantly injected by those who make and sell them – is in effect a virus draining the soul of contentment. A man never earns enough, a woman is never beautiful enough, clothes are never new enough, the house is never furnished enough, the food is never fancy enough.

    There is a point at which salvation lies in stepping off the escalator, of saying, ‘Enough; what I have will do…..what I make of it is up to me.'”

    Somehow that piece of wisdom survived my hectic life until now I have it posted on the face of my propane refrigerator (I have lived off grid for 17 years now). My cottage is small, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. I am gloriously happy now with so little.

    My one “vice” is my books. I finally started seven years ago to give them away and not keep them, but I still have quite a few.

    What a wonder these past 17 years have been. I am blessed.

  17. I make a point of going through all my personnel belongings every 6 months at least and tossing what is not being used. So far no regrets as I am careful not to go berserk. Have also learned that this purging cycle does NOT include the wife’s items. Made that mistake once, pretty much urged that extended endeavor. But I do humor her as I continue my purge of Stuff..

  18. Oh im sooooo being minimalist i cant wait i threw out alot of everything and already i feel great and i can look at the money i have in my pocket now people see me and ask me for funds and i just smile because i know i have a choice to give or not to give yes

  19. I have been paring down and I love it. My spouse has slight hoarding tendencies. You wouldn’t know it necessarily by looking at my home, but the places designated as “his spaces” it is obvious. His closets, garages (we have 2), basement workshop area, home office, side table (which I ferry all the papers and send them up to his office), all filled with stuff. Not floor to ceiling, just cluttered and messy and hard to find anything. Stresses my eyes. He collects random stuff. So that is one thing. Then there is me. I’ve allowed myself to release more and more stuff. My spaces are clean and open and bright. However, I still shop and buy more. So it creates a distraction and constant cycling and recycling of items. Junk shops, and sale/clearance items are a trap. Then when I get around to the next purging round, I feel so angry at myself and guilty for having wasted the money, but not enough to not buy something else if the impulse strikes. And I buy with emotion and justify with logic. I am going to stay away from the junk shops more. I mean I don’t go a lot, and sometimes months go by without going at all, but it has become a pastime and boredom killer for us to go for a drive and check out a shop on an occasional Saturday. So how do I release the shopping mindset? I’m obviously filling a need/ an emptiness with it. That is clear. And I prefer minimalist, so I’m kind of in this weird place of minimalist-non-minimalist.

    • I am in that same spot. I recently came across a blog called Minimalist Packrat that touches on the different types of personalities when it comes to keeping stuff. I figured out I am 2 types but anyone can be a mix of many or dominate in one type. I am a Collector and a Cycler. My collector days are mostly done from my youth. Having more financial ability now is what transferred me into a Cycler and that being the worst for me as this is the big money waster! I will buy, enjoy, Goodwill the item, then buy another which is never ending!

      Well now that the mirror has been placed before me and after typing myself I am now AWARE as hell when I get near a store and am getting quite good at resistance. Now in my mid forties I am preferring the saved money in the bank and the free-feeling of becoming minimalist. I have been on this journey for a few years now and have continuously rid myself of things. My home is finally very minimalist now, including a capsule collection for the year of 45 pieces of clothing (closet hangers).

      Have hope and be truthful with yourself about the end goal when your about to spend that money. If the desired object doesn’t fit your goal, then don’t buy it! That’s working for me more and more now. There IS a light at the end of the “stuff tunnel”. after all.

      The final push for me is now understanding my triggers and the truth of my perfectionism. I am re-training my brain to be content with the beautiful and sparse decorations and furnishings I have. I want to leave a monetary legacy to my closest friends when my days are done and this newer lifestyle is getting me on track.

      And one more note. My mother passed away in 2011 sadly. Of many hints that needed immediate attention one really hard truth is that when we pass nothing goes with us. It’s all left behind for others to deal with. Well what I dealt with was Goodwilling and freely giving away an entire household of Moms massive amount of stuff. Not exactly a healthy way to grieve. Don’t leave that burden behind!!

  20. hello everyone i have read and loved all these story’s now id like to share my own maybe some one will take something away from it like i have done from one else’s.my husband and i have both lived hard life’s he moved to WA state from AR to be with me at the time we lived in a dark nasty little apartment with nothing but a bed and 1 TV we had no cable no internet nothing but our phones and each other we didn’t even have dishes but we were so happy and in love within a year or 2 we bought a mobile home it was huge to us we had our son in October and in January our house burnt down it was a total loss.we did not know how to pick up and move on our marriage was in trouble from all the stress all we could focus on was we had lost.even though we didn’t want it an opportunity come to us to buy a 35 ft travel trailer its been 5 months since we moved in it its been a god send to have our own space again we are putting our family and our marriage back together and starting to love life again getting back to the basics you really learn what life is all about

  21. #1. We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time! Oh how true. I prove it to myself every year when I go camping or on a trip. I take more than I use, and never miss all I leave behind.

  22. 2016 will be my transition into this lifestyle. I realized that material possessions no longer attract my attention. I’d much rather have a clean look from home to attire. Even with my websites, I’ve changed the look to a minimalist style. Thanks for this post it has put me a step in the right direction.

  23. We have just moved for the 3rd time in 3 years and we definitely have too much “stuff”. I have a clean out every time we move but we still seem to accumulate so much. The kitchen is definitely a problem area, I try to stay away from buying gadgets and things but I get lots of gifts which are for the kitchen, then I feel guilty getting rid of them. I think I will work on the idea that if I haven’t used it in 12 months…it needs to go.

    • Maybe I don’t understand minimalist. I have never had as many things as what people have posted here. And still, my life seems too complicated. I wear the same uniform almost every day whether I am working or not. I am a retired mechanic. If I’m relaxing or working in the summer, I’m wearing shorts and Uniform shirt and/or a bathing suit for days on end. In the winter I am wearing just enough to keep from freezing my butt off. I am stressed and would like to get more simple. We are planning to move to the country in the next three years. I hope that will help. Of course, country is not easy to find within 300 miles of where I live now zip 76135. My wife will not move away from our children. I really think we need to. There are so many beautiful places in Texas/Arkansas/Oklahoma/Louisiana/New Mexico. But, she can’t see that because of the kids that seldom come to see us anyway.

  24. Thank you, Tammy! This concept of making collages can be applied to so much stuff,,,including one’s own yearbooks. There are many avenues to explore – thank you for opening this door.

    I love what GraphicArts is offering now: making collages using a chalkboard image as your surface. Go to graphicstock.com to load & get started! There are all kinds of ideas with very good guidance on this site. It’s all FREE!

  25. I truly appreciate this blog. I have found over the years that I am much happier with “owning” a lot less overall (mentally, emotionally and spiritually) and having fewer items as well. I am always disappointed at how I will spend money on “things” only to end up donating or giving them away. A lot of times it is because I shop online, but silly me, I decide (against my better judgment) not to keep the receipts, so I can’t return the things that I don’t end up loving. The only answer is to donate them. At any rate, I don’t buys a WHOLE lot anymore, so I don’t have to do this as much as I used to. I have pared down my decor, my furniture, and now we are down to 6 rubbermaid containers which fit neatly on a shelf in the garage. I am seriously considering getting rid of some of that stuff as well, because a lot of it is old letters and cards that I can’t say that I’ve ever really pulled out and looked at again, nor do I truly desire to do so. In this electronic age, it is not necessary to have a lot of hard copy photos, so we will probably scan ours in to an electronic file and then get rid of them. I feel SO FREE! Thanks again for this inspiring blog!

  28. As an artist or crafty person, I find having less, more difficult than most.

    Out of necessity, I have gotten rid of at least half of the things in my household.
    I can’t be done yet, but many things are sentimental. My husband passed just over a year ago. In the process of moving and having to get rid of many things, I vowed I would not ever again keep so much.

    Pictures aren’t always helpful, but I have used this to great advantage.

  29. Minimalism

    Minimalism is not about giving up all of your material possessions to the point of deprivation. It is not about living a solitary life. It is not about not buying anything for a whole year. It is not about giving up on technology. It is not about detaching yourself from the use of social media.

    Minimalism is simply about giving up the excess in your life to make space for the things that really matter. It is about minimizing the noise (physical or emotional) in your life so you could focus on the present. It is removing the clutters so that you can have more space and time for yourself. It is living with enough so you can give the excess to others. It is about giving up on labels and living up with principles. Minimalism is about finding happiness within.

    There are many places, websites and books wherein you could find different meanings of minimalism. It will differ from person to person but one thing is for sure, the meaning will always revolve around the things that matters to us.

    I invite you to be generous, to be present, to be healthy, to be purpose-driven, to be better, to be passionate, to be free, to be principle-oriented, to be creative, to be yourself and to be a minimalist.

  30. Hi
    I’ve just found your article, and thought, no way, I live Minimal, so there is nothing in here that can challenge me – I was wrong.
    We rarely watch TV..I am a single parent living alone with her 2 boys (10 + 12) we do family running and don’t do name brands so what could they possibly say that I can change – the kitchen for one! yes I am a women who loves her “stuff” and I still hold onto my kids shoe-box each of their first booties and baby caps they wore with their hospital armbands. But putting those baby items in a frame on the wall, will make my lounge look amazing.
    And yes I admit to being a parent that proudly lives for my kids so the house is for their enjoyment and the toys and things can seriously take over. Crates of toys need to go. their TV though can stay as I need my own TV in case I want to watch a movie which is usually on a weekend. Some furniture pieces to need to go.
    The space will be appreciated.
    Countertops – being the only one who cooks in the house – oh yes, the herbs have taken over basking in the sun, fresh herbs better than dried, perhaps a place on the wall space will grant extra counterspace. Re-arranging /swopping cupboards worked like a bomb for me in my spring clean, my pots are closer to the stove and the food cupboards closer to the fridge which makes meal planning a good few minutes less. Thank you for showing me that I can still learn alot. Keep up the good work.

    Marina and the boys.

  31. I really like these suggestions, especially if a tidier kitchen will make me enjoy cooking more. I think the bigger struggle for me is not to purchase more. I don’t enjoy shopping but occasionally get the rush of shopping online! Thanks so much for this reminder.

  32. I currently live in a one bedroom apartment by myself. When I moved into my first apartment I didn’t reject any furniture that was offered. I assumed this would only save me money from not having to buy anything! After one move, I realized there were some pieces I didn’t use as much as others. It’s taken a while for the idea to set in, but I’ve donated a chair and dresser from my original collection. The dresser was difficult because it was in great condition. However, I had only filled the drawers because there was space, not because I needed the organization. At first I cleaned out the dresser and used it as a nightstand for a couple of months. Then I decided I wanted by floor space back and donated it. It took some effort, but having the open space is worth it.

  33. I enjoyed your article .. and appreciate those that believe ‘less is more’ and choose to incorporate that philosophy in their lives. … I’m 75 years old. I surround myself with things that i LOVE .. (and it seems i LOVE a lot of ‘stuff’ (that I consider ‘treasures’) that hold very special ‘memories’ for me in my lifetime. And they truly give me great JOY. YESSSS .. i could ‘cull my clothes closet’ more often (I do this every couple years). I find such happiness each holiday and season going through all the ‘decorations’ that i have accumulated over the years (and continue to accumulate!) … My grandchildren find such glee in revisiting these treasures when they visit our home .. and i adore when they ask questions .. “to tell them the ‘story’ of it”. I believe my family and friends come to know me better by my home and it’s ‘contents’. Yesssss .. i have ‘attempted’ the ‘counter clearing’ .. (filled with wonderful pottery, vintage kitchen ‘utensils’ … etc. etc. etc.) but it does not take me long to put it all back .. ha! and maybe even ADD TO IT!) and yesssss, part of my chldren’s ‘inheritance’ will be all my ‘stuff’. And I am completely happy with the knowledge that they will decide what is important enough for them to keep and what they wish to release. My ‘clutter’ does not cause me ‘stress’ .. I feel happy when walking into different rooms in our home and seeing and being able to ‘touch’ the memories of my life. When i want ‘simplicity’ in my surroundings (which, quite honestly, isn’t very often) .. i visit the ocean, or take a walk in the forest .. stay at a ‘simplistic’ cottage for a few days … but I am always happiest at ‘home’.

    • What argument will convince this person that her whole existence is a product of marketing and consumerism. No one needs stuff. Did Jesus need stuff? In any example of great leadership was there stuff that cluttered the homes. No! To think clearly and move about the country is therefor a commitment to live within ones means and to live simple-ly so that others too can live. This happy feeling of touching memories is absurd, that was given up many years back when I realized the event or person stays in my mind not my clunky things.

      • The point of minimalism is to prioritize what you LOVE. After 75 years of living, this person has much to love. Who’s to say their “treasures” are things they bought? Maybe they collect seashells. Who knows? I feel anxious in a home with lots of stuff but that’s ME. Everyone is different. What is minimalist to one isn’t to another.

      • I agree… object work in the same way photographs used to do -before the digital era- it is, they are fetishes (understood as “an inanimate object worshipped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit.”).

    • I have many less “things” than I used to have …but like you “touching my memories” makes me happy. Some people do not understand that but that does not matter either. They can live the way they like…

    • I live a minimalist lifestyle, however, I can relate to your story. My children love visiting their nanny with all her knock knkca and treasures accumulated over the years and you are right – they prompt wonderful story telling!!! Your story has made me think what it will feel like for my future grandchildren to enter an “empty” home….

    • When my children where young I bought each of them a box, we put things in there we didn’t won’t to throw out, each school holidays i would sit with them and we would go through the box , remembering lots of good stories, the things that we couldn’t remember the story to where thrown out. My daughter 24yrs and my son 21 still have one box each filled with special memories.

  34. Tried to read the article “No Frills Chicken Still Cooks” that you have a link to but the link doesn’t give me the whole article. Any hints?

  36. I’m back on board with trying to have less stuff, but I do understand Fanny’s view of life also.
    Living with less isn’t what makes us all happy. It sounds like she only has the items that bring her joy. Maybe her less is not as less as some others, but maybe it is way less than others.
    Great article!

  38. Materialism and unhappiness, interesting thought! As a middle aged male I believe there is truth to this, after watching the documentary on minimalism I’ve decided to have a paradyme shift away from the notion that having more is better. It’s interesting, over the last few years I’ve had several friends who have done what I call “down sizing for death”, I sense a liberating happiness enter into them as they have parted with their life stage props, “worldly goods” mentally and physically letting go of the unnecessary! Stepping away from traditional thought and influence, media etc

  39. Thanks Josh for your insight. Interesting paradigms. I guess when I sell all my “stuff” so that I have very little in my home, I’m supposed to feel better in myself??? And I’d then be like everyone else … Hmmmm might try it! Will keep you posted.

    • It’s not about being like everyone else. It’s about freeing yourself up to the be the very best you want to be. Simply eliminating “things” won’t bring you happiness, but the point of the post is to allow yourself to consider how material things consume our time & money, that could be put to better use exploring what really matters most to us in life.

  40. I buy a lot if things at thrift stores – similarly i use thrift stores as “nearly free storage” for stuff i like, but dont need right now. As an experiment next time you need something new try the thrift store first – usually you will find the thing you were going to buy for $25 and get it for $5. Once you experience this a few times you gain the freedom to deliver tonnes of stuff there to share with others and have confidence if you need anything ‘someday’ you will find it easily for a couple of dollars

  41. I think the minimalist mindset is easier for some personalities than others. There are several of us in my family (including me) who like things very organized. We can’t stand clutter, dust, or a lot of things on our counters. We call it our curse…lol!
    So it was quite natural for me to relate to the documentary about living a minimalist life because it seems so nice and “clean” so to speak.
    However, even with this personality “quirk” I still have way too many clothes, kitchen utensils, socks, gloves, jackets, etc. It will be a pleasure for me to get rid of more stuff because I usually cull out things every year but I’ll do a better job now.
    As far as keepsakes and memorabilia, I realize that most of it will not be of interest to my 3 grown children. Do they really want to keep my high school annuals in a box in their garage as I have for the past 55 years?! I’d rather have it easier for them to dispose of my things than wade through a ton of junk after I’m gone.
    I loved the documentary and will do all I can to live the minimalist life while enjoying people, outdoors, nature walks and spending a lot of time with friends and family.
    By the way, I’m 76 years old and my husband of 59 years is in a facility with Alzheimer’s. He no longer knows the meaning of our shared “stuff” anyway. My precious memories are all stored neatly in my brain.

  42. We had to move to a much smaller home a few years ago. It took us about 6 months of donating “stuff” that we aquired over the years that we didn’t need or use. I saved my favorite pictures and bought a few new items that match the style of our new home. Since we don’t have a lot of storage now, no basement, garage or attic, we are constantly recycling older stuff for someting new and maybe a little different. I don’t mind not having a lot of stuff, it takes me less time to clean and more time to play.
    p.s. I’ve been married for over 35yrs and still have the same 3 stainless steel bowls I got as a wedding gift. I use them almost every day!

  43. I retired 4 yrs ago and my minimalist wife is retiring next year. We are also moving and downsizing. I was totally impressed with the minimalist documentary. My wife is very happy that I decided to sell most of my Musical toys. Also went through my wardrobe and donated many cloths to the Salvation Army? My wife’s philosophy is if you haven’t worn or used it in the last year you don’t need it. That made it easier for me to part with my worldly poccessions. It’s a great feeling of freedom when you clean up and minamalize!
    Please Recycle , Cheers!

  44. Less stuff frees up the mind for better endeavors than collecting it, slowing down our life maneuvering around the obstacles we purchase, finance. And end up neglecting when the gotta have it, galloping gimmees wears off.

  45. I have only in the past week watched the minimalist documentary and have been completely taken with it. I am now starting to work through the things in my life which I have had some joy from (books mainly) but now decide to keep safe in the knowledge that I will never read again…

    Clothes are going the same way, I work in a job where a uniform is provided and sadly a great proportion of my time is spent wearing this uniform so the next challenge for me is going to be the 333 (33 items of clothing for 3 months).

    I am greatly looking forward to clearing clutter, sorting out the things that really matter in my life compared to the things we just keep for the sake of it, or once loved and now just retain.

    I love the thought of donating the things I loved so that others can enjoy them too and have found that as I am clearing out boxes in the garage of books and other items I have found things that I love which I am keeping as they matter to me, so I have brought back that appreciation.

    The other thing I am hoping to change is that without buying for the sake of buying I don’t need to work the amount of overtime that I have been and can spend more time with my family.

    Of note I am 34, live with my partner and two children who are 7 and 16 months, it may take me a little while to convince the rest of the household but I think once they see the improvement in me, they will be drawn in.

    I hope that everyone out there enjoys what they can of being minimalist, even if its only moving on a few things or just regaining that appreciation for once loved items it really has been an eye opener for me.

    Martin
    x

  46. I have been following your posts since more than two years,I found a name for what seemed an inexplicable feeling to me…yes it’s minimalism that I wanted around me! Thanks!
    Though being in a stereotype family of six members,with relatives frequently visiting it has been not completely possible but yes I have been successful hoti a certain extent to de clutter my house.
    Thanks once again!

  47. I’m just 26 yo and have a room with only 4 things : a bed, a computer, a small table and a place in the wall where i put my clothes (have 12 in total xd yees i know it’s too ) !! I don’t need anything else: having a trusted nearby place for eating great food so i don’t have to cook!! I I never buy useless things !! I’m 90% of my time alone so the only time i buy things is for travelling and camping. Life is much easier and i recommand people to start being minimalist because for me it’s my way of life for 6 years and i’m totally happy!!

  48. Lafuu na claup cip, golie mau shukdedae. Kanu en nanoo nanoo – issy mar cluc de dae. Za luin ephinn dar gud ne moe lin cudoon.

  49. To the first point, what are the statistics? It is just pareto rule and this is not a statistic. Of course is easy to use it as an rethoric figure but come on, you should be more realistic, minimalism is about being realistic in the end.

  50. Enjoyed your article. I do urge you to refer to Elements of Style or such to learn the correct usage of “less” and “fewer”. It is an important difference.

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