Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.
The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.
For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.
What Is Minimalist Living? Here’s How to Start Living With Less, According to Experts | Good Housekeeping by Hannnah Jeon. This simple, purposeful lifestyle is about more than just decluttering your home.
The 27 Greatest Decluttering Tips of All Time | Apartment Therapy by Shifrah Combiths. The reward—and the reason that keeps me going when decluttering seems like an overwhelming task—is that at the end, your home will contain only the things that serve you.
It’s The Right Time To Declutter Your Home | NPR by Kathy Valentine. The pandemic has given me the no-excuse, buck-stops-here, elusive gift of time.
Less Waste, Low Effort: Simple Kitchen Swaps to Cut Down on Single-Use Items | The Guardian by Lindsay Miles. Some thoughtful ideas in here.
The Simple Guide to a Clutter-Free Home | Becoming Minimalist on YouTube
Kay says
In Hannah Jeon’s article, she leads with “‘minimalism” ‘is nothing new — it actually has its roots in Buddhism.”
Joshua, this what you wanted us to believe?
joshua becker says
No, that is what she believes. I hope you found encouragement in the article.
Dayna says
While I can’t claim to be a minimalist, I find the topic fascinating. Since the pandemic began I have noticed how little I actually need as far as material items. Thanks for writing on this topic. I plan to read some of the books on your suggested reading list.
Renate Archibald says
What does one do with all their discards? Fill more landfills? I honestly don’t know what to do with all the unwanted items. Aren’t charities being overwhelmed with donations? Since Covid-19 there must be even more donations as people have more time to declutter. What do you do with all your unwanted stuff? Seriously, I’m very disturbed at the amount of waste, therefore I just go on keeping it all.
joshua becker says
If your local charities aren’t turning away donations, they are still accepting them.
Judy says
Pack up your car and drop it ALL off at Goodwill!!! All of it. You will feel wonderful.
Prakash Ghai says
I agree a 100% here. That is a quick fix indeed :)
Judy says
Clutter is like weed… if you don’t keep up with it … it slowly takes over. I feel like I am starting to accumulate more than I need again. I am dropping off a trunk load of stuff at Goodwill today. I hate clutter—- it is easy for me to be a minimalist.
Kelly says
Help! How many puzzles should we realistically own?!? Need advice on how to gently explain to my husband (opposite of minimalist) that these puzzles could be entertaining someone else instead of collecting dust In our cabinet! ? How many is too many?
joshua becker says
You’re going to have to answer that for yourself. But it might help to consider how often you work on a puzzle and how many puzzles you currently have. If you’ve got 5 years worth of puzzles, you probably have too many. Or, even more important, are we talking about keeping puzzles you’ve already completed? How often do you repeat completing a puzzle?
Alice says
I keep three puzzles – and rework them again and again, sometimes leaving the edges for last, completing sections at a time, or setting new time records for myself.
Trish Dorland says
I am a Quaker. One of our testimonies (values to live into) is Simplicity. The Pendle Hill Pamphlet #244, Reflections on Simplicity
By Elaine Prevallet, addresses simplicity at the spiritual level. that is the core of simplicity for me.