Author Topic: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?  (Read 16116 times)

dachs

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Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« on: June 27, 2015, 04:05:47 AM »
Hey there. I know that there are some threads about minimalism here.

But I'd like to know who considers himself to be a minimalist and how you practice it. Do you count things and try to possess as little as possible? Or do you just try to get rid of everything you don't use regularly?

And to what parts of your life do you apply minimalism? Just material possessions or also on your investment account (just 1 to 3 ETFs), your computer (deleting everything that you don't need anymore) or even friends?

deborah

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2015, 04:27:59 AM »
I am a maximalist within the Mustachian tradition. MMM is tries to maximize his store of cheep current (as against out of date) products, but minimize his consumer sucka products (including tourist products). I preserve my harvest of fruit and vegetables in my store room and use them up as the year passes. I aim to maximize my harvest within the bounds of our food consumption. For example, I aim for 52 bottles of tomato puree each year from the tomatoes I grow, as that is the amount of tomato puree we use each year (between the end of the harvest one year and the beginning of the harvest the following year).

I don't think I am a minimalist!

Cougar

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2015, 08:42:53 AM »

it all depends what you can live with.

for instance, jacob of early retirement extreme fame makes his own food anf repairs his own clothes and furniture.

i just keep things as long as they are functional like having an phone 4 with the latest ios, so it works just as well as an phone 6 or tv thats not hd or plasma or anything else that is more than you need for tv and buying name brand clothes at discount stores when the wear out.

it all depends what youre comfortable with, i tried to get more extreme but just didnt like it; it wasnt worth the extra $100 a month in savings to me.

as to the minimalism to clearing out clutter, i say move and you'll find out what's important to you.

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2015, 09:49:18 AM »
I consider myself a minimalist. For me it's primarily about mobility and also because I feel better with less stuff. I think it's a bit of a psychological quirk - the opposite of a hoarder.

Because mobility is a concern I've gotten rid of all my furniture that I couldn't move by myself. I also decluttered several times in the last few months to get down to the key items that I need and like. I'm planning to do a count, but that's for my own self-interest and for blogging; I'm not really comparing myself to anyone and don't care about the exact number. I'm just curious. I'm guessing around 300-400 things? It will be interesting to find out.

But with counting there is another set of issues. I plan to count spoons individually, for example, but all knitting needles as 1, or at least 1 pair as one. I'm not sure yet. 3 spoons is quite reasonable I think, but 3 knitting needles won't get you far.

I'm also cheating a bit currently as I use some of my roommate's stuff. But most of the things I use I wouldn't get my own anyhow. Like the microwave and electric kettle - I'll use them while I'm living here, but won't buy my own when I move out.

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2015, 10:39:20 AM »
It's just a matter of periodically reviewing everything that you own and determining whether you would be better off with or without each individual item, recognizing that ownership and storage are real costs.

Ricky

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2015, 11:28:12 AM »
Quote from: dachs
But I'd like to know who considers himself to be a minimalist and how you practice it. Do you count things and try to possess as little as possible? Or do you just try to get rid of everything you don't use regularly?

And to what parts of your life do you apply minimalism? Just material possessions or also on your investment account (just 1 to 3 ETFs), your computer (deleting everything that you don't need anymore) or even friends?

I definitely try to apply minimalism to all aspects of life. One bank account, one savings account, one investment account. Owning more than one ETF doesn't really matter since it's still is all treated basically as a lump sum in your investment account for account total purposes. Rental property bugs me, though. It's more of a business, although generally higher returns. I can't imagine owning 100 units like some hardcore investors do. Of course it's great money but you're never completely free from it. Just like any business owner, there's no complete escape.

I am trying to get by with one computer, except that I really enjoy gaming and can't come to grips with the fact that I'll either have to buy a gaming machine or a console since my Macbook isn't the best tool for it.

I don't think having fewer friends necessarily is a minimalist thing. Just a quality of life thing. I'd rather have 2-3 amazing friends than 30 mediocre ones, and I'm sure anyone (minimalist or not) would agree with that. One is lucky to have one truly great friend (other than family) in their entire lifetime.


it all depends what you can live with.

for instance, jacob of early retirement extreme fame makes his own food anf repairs his own clothes and furniture.

i just keep things as long as they are functional like having an phone 4 with the latest ios, so it works just as well as an phone 6 or tv thats not hd or plasma or anything else that is more than you need for tv and buying name brand clothes at discount stores when the wear out.

it all depends what youre comfortable with, i tried to get more extreme but just didnt like it; it wasnt worth the extra $100 a month in savings to me.

as to the minimalism to clearing out clutter, i say move and you'll find out what's important to you.

Well, Minimalism != Frugality. Two different things. Yes, there is some overlap. But I don't think a minimalist is primarily concerned with saving money, although it can be a nice side effect. For instance, you can either own a crappy phone and a nice camera, or own an iPhone which is a great phone that has a great (relative) camera. The iPhone is the minimalist's dream. It does so many things and does them well. And of course, there are usually higher costs of ownership with the iPhone (up front and also recurring).

Minimalism is sometimes about compromises in pursuit of owning fewer things. If you repair your own clothes and grow your own food, that means you have to have tools and supplies around to do those things, versus just walking into somewhere and buying it. One is cheaper, one is more "freeing".

I think it's a bit of a psychological quirk - the opposite of a hoarder.

I agree. It's definitely a psychological thing, and I often wonder if my thinking is any better than a hoarder's. I tend to think yes, until you get to a point where you're cutting yourself short by not owning certain things that you really need and are useful. So there's that fine line.

I do think minimalism caters to the nomadic, frequent mover/traveler. It's ironic that I don't consider myself any of those and in fact I hate traveling (the actual travel part). I think if you apply minimalistic ideas to your life you'll find the benefits come from not having to worry about so much stuff/less headache in your life rather than the goal of owning as few of things as possible. For instance: if everything breaks at once it won't be as big of a deal if you own 5 important things rather than 20 unnecessary ones.

Ultimately, I think, minimalism is about simplification of life, and focusing on the few things that you truly love to do. It's such a great feeling once you get there. You learn to embrace being "irrelevant" and just existing and enjoying your life.
« Last Edit: June 27, 2015, 11:36:46 AM by Ricky »

jsternitzky

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2015, 12:35:48 PM »
In my house, if it hasn't been used or touched in the past year it is at risk of being sold or given away...

Those broken things in your garage or basement that you might need or might fix someday....get rid of it.

That is the best place to start.

dachs

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2015, 04:38:17 PM »
Quote
I don't think having fewer friends necessarily is a minimalist thing. Just a quality of life thing. I'd rather have 2-3 amazing friends than 30 mediocre ones, and I'm sure anyone (minimalist or not) would agree with that. One is lucky to have one truly great friend (other than family) in their entire lifetime.

Yes, that! Having a few really good friends (it takes time to build quality relationships) rather than lots of "friends".

And yes, minimalism and mustachianism are contradictory at times. A minimalist might not get a device just to cut his hair because he can just go an have his hair cut, a mustachian would buy one in order to save money (and maybe time).


Squirrel away

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2015, 03:21:13 AM »
I do have less stuff in my house than the average person but I will occasionally buy quality items if I feel like I want them and know I will make use of them.

I limit myself to certain things like kitchenware, I only have five cups for example, as there's only two of us living here and we don't need more than that.

I have a capsule wardrobe (almost like a uniform) and a very minimal make up collection. I find it leaves more time for the important stuff in life like reading, spending time with loved ones, playing fetch with my dogs, napping etc... if you don't have lots of clutter to clear up and clean around.:)

I think it's a bit of a psychological quirk - the opposite of a hoarder.


I think the same.

forummm

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #9 on: June 28, 2015, 05:19:20 AM »
Carlin may be the best standup ever.

I practice selective acquisition and retention. As long as I have the space I hold onto things that may provide me with value in the future. But since I don't acquire a lot of stuff, there really isn't that much hanging around unneeded. The only things I really acquire at this point are books (I have a lot of those but they are generally on the order of $1 each and I'm going to read them all when I FIRE and then trade in) and food (acquire in bulk cheaply and then eat). Before I understood how little clothing I needed, I acquired a bit too much. But it's not taking up that much room (like an extra box or 2 worth). And I also bought a lot of DVD TV series when they were on super sale. But I will also watch them when I FIRE. And then get rid of them.

If we needed to move we could be pretty lean. But I'd want to work through my books and DVDs first :)

Ozstache

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #10 on: June 28, 2015, 05:28:13 AM »
My wife and I adopted minimalisation principles about 8 years ago and have been steadily downsizing our stuff ever since. If something is not regularly used or is no longer loved, it goes. If we buy something, it has to be of high quality and/or great beauty and intended to be regularly used or admired respectively. As a result, most cupboards, wardrobes and storage spaces in our house are at least half empty, the two-car garage can easily fit two cars (even though we only own one) and our rooms are minimally, but functionally and aesthetically, furnished. Getting rid of unnecessary stuff not only reduces physical clutter, it clears associated mental clutter with it. It has been as much a life changer as mustachianism has been for us. My minimalist advice on the subject - do it!
« Last Edit: June 28, 2015, 06:23:54 AM by Ozstache »

happy

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2015, 05:59:30 AM »
I'm on the way to becoming a minimalist.  I still  seem to have too much stuff but its getting less and less. I'm not sure when I will have cut back enough to call myself a minimalist, but I don't think I've arrived yet.

dachs

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2015, 07:31:46 AM »
I'm on the way to becoming a minimalist.  I still  seem to have too much stuff but its getting less and less. I'm not sure when I will have cut back enough to call myself a minimalist, but I don't think I've arrived yet.

I think minimalism is not about how many things you own but rather an attitude.

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #13 on: June 28, 2015, 12:07:36 PM »
I'm definitely a minimalist, with the qualification that I still have tons of stuff - but being a homesteader type, it's stuff that gets used a ton. If anything, I tend to get rid of stuff too readily, as I've frequently had to rebuy things.

dachs

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #14 on: June 28, 2015, 12:12:49 PM »
I'm definitely a minimalist, with the qualification that I still have tons of stuff - but being a homesteader type, it's stuff that gets used a ton. If anything, I tend to get rid of stuff too readily, as I've frequently had to rebuy things.

The question might be if you really had to rebuy those things or if it had been possible to rent or borrow it if you use them only occasionally.

fartface

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #15 on: June 28, 2015, 01:59:48 PM »
If your interested in this topic: becoming minimalist.com has a wonderful blog. I "like" him on FB and get all his articles in my newsfeed.

Since finding his articles, I've probably unloaded about 20% of my household goods (mostly clothing & shoes). I couldn't believe how bogged down I was in "stuff". We're NOT big spenders; however, over the years I've built a reputation of accepting friends/relatives/neighbors cast-offs. People give us LOTS of CRAP, most of it 'like new' because they are 'spendypants'.

Example: when my SIL's daughters got tired of their matching sheet/comforter/pillow sham sets, they were delivered over to my house by my MIL. Two sets! They still smelled new...no color fading...nothing...they just grew 'tired' of the style/color. Now, what I should have done is thrown out/donated my kids' ratty comforters, but I still have them laying around...same goes for clothes which said SIL gives to us by the GARBAGE bag full.

Now, recently, I've been selling what my kids won't wear and have made about $300. Not bad. At any rate, whatever I don't sell by end of summer will be donated. It just felt good to get it all out of my house and into the garage (where we hold our rummage sales) and soon out for good.

Melody

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #16 on: June 28, 2015, 05:48:27 PM »
People say I am minimalist (I live in a sub 400sqm apartment that feels open and airy and has no built in storage or special Ikea storage (one free standing wardrobe, one shelf and a cabinet which doubles as a pantry) but I still think I have too much stuff. So minimalism for me is "feeling happier with less stuff in your life".  I also practise minimalist travel (never ever take checked bags, except if travelling for work and need to take files etc).

mustachepungoeshere

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #17 on: June 28, 2015, 06:38:15 PM »
Minimalists love to argue over the definition of minimalism, but I am a declutterer.

Our apartment was always immaculate but I have shed more layers of Stuff than I ever thought possible, and I find it a more peaceful place to be. Housework takes less time, things can be put away faster, and it's easier to find what we need.

I think minimalism overlaps with mustachianism by helping you become aware of your own consumerism to avoid making the same purchasing mistakes in future.

In the early days of our marriage we tended to bring home freebies from family because we were living on a tight budget out of necessity. As our finances have improved, and I have convinced my husband of the merits of paying for quality items, those freebies were among the first to be decluttered.

I'm sometimes caught between the two and have to decide what is more important. I have about a dozen roll-on deodorants in my bathroom vanity, bought at a discount. A true minimalist would have one. But I justify it because it is a consumable, and it does save money in the long run.

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #18 on: June 28, 2015, 07:04:13 PM »
I think it's a bit of a psychological quirk - the opposite of a hoarder.


I think the same.

Me three.

I'd say I'm an aspiring minimalist. But getting there. I find life to just be better when I own exactly the right number of something - not too few, but not too many items - and they are all good quality and in good condition.

It's not about money for me, and I've never used minimalism to enable small space living, either. I find uncluttered spaces to be far more appealing to the eye, and more peaceful to exist in.

MMMaybe

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #19 on: June 28, 2015, 09:22:18 PM »
I would say that I am a natural minimalist who has drifted a bit!

Prior to getting married, you could have fitted all of my belongings into 4 boxes and a couple of suitcases. Now I am living this real "grownup" life and am drowning in stuff. I can't wait to get rid of it. I am whittling it down and it feels good to me.

I would say that I would prefer to live in an apartment over a house because it means owning less stuff and having fewer things to take care of generally...

MayDay

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #20 on: June 29, 2015, 06:33:38 AM »
I consider myself a minimalist.  I live with a husband who is decidedly not a minimalist.  I have 2 kids who come with hordes of stuff. 

I actively reduce my own stuff, for example in the last year I've gotten rid of 90% of my own paper books, sewing supplies, childhood mementos, framed "art" and family pictures hanging around the house, clothes that I don't wear, and knick-knacks.  I've also significantly downsized the kids' toys, art supplies, and junk. 

But after all that I am overwhelmed by stuff that is sacred to my H (CD's he never listens to, a pool cue he never plays with, all the office PAPERS he must keep, books he never reads, exercise equipment he does not use, electronic gadgets that he acquires and then fails to use after the first month, etc.  I am sitting here looking at the blood pressure machine he never uses, the old broken ipod, the old broken ipad, the old broken cell phone, the old heart rate monitor watch he does not use.  CRAZY MAKING. 

My other struggle is the kitchen stuff.  We cook from scratch for 4 people, so we use a lot of pans, dishes, etc.  I don't wash by hand, so we need enough plates to fill the dishwasher.  I can garden produce, so I have all my canning jars.  I have a mixer, blender, and food processor, all of which I use regularly.  etc.  I wish I could figure out how to not need so much kitchen stuff, as it does bug me a lot.  But I also use it all.  I've seen people talk about improving their knife skills so they don't need various choppers, but I can't see me getting good enough to make 24 quarts of diced tomatoes as quickly as the food processor does.  I'm still working on that dilemma.  I did just get rid of one cooling rack and one baking sheet, because we really never need more than 2. 

Our main struggle with incoming stuff is H buying stuff he swears he is going to use (with his fun money) and then not using it, but not getting rid of it.  And kid stuff, from well meaning family members.  I can't make H do anything, and I try to be as firm and clear as I can with relatives, without being straight up rude. 

The latest from MIL was this sticky sand that she thought we should take to restaurants for the kids to play with while we wait.  1.  OMG LADY SAND IN A RESTAURANT?  WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?  2.  You want me to drag sand around in my purse or something?  3.  We eat out like once a month.  That stupid sand got dumped in the sandbox, where sand belongs.   But its never ending.  My brother just went to India for work and got the kids each a camel leather bank.  Ummm.... cool souvenir, but WTF are they supposed to do with them?  The answer is leave them on the floor of their room until their mother throws them away in a fit of rage.  My sister lives in Guatemala and likes to bring them souvenirs.  My mother cannot control herself when she steps into a Kohls. 

MLKnits

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #21 on: June 29, 2015, 08:16:26 AM »
There are aspects of minimalism that I find reasonably easy to apply (having less stuff--I'm still a North American with an absolute abundance by global standards, but by local ones, my apartment is pretty damned empty) and ones that I find impossible (focusing on one thing at a time, paring down my goals and desires).

The mental vs. physical aspects are tricky for me. The mental one also feels like a moving target--I don't take on too much, work a short day, get plenty of sleep, but on the other hand my average ten-minute period involves checking four apps or browser tabs, or switching back and forth between other tasks. Short attention spans are not generally considered minimalist. Which I understand, but ... I'm not sure I care enough to change it.

I agree with the person above: I'm a declutterer, centrally. Other aspects of minimalism are secondary to me, though they probably deserve to have first priority.

Michael792

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #22 on: July 12, 2015, 12:21:27 PM »
I grew up not liking having a lot of stuff, and have done several large purges throughout life just to get rid of shit I don't need anymore.

When I moved to Korea last year, I took two duffel bags and a backpack. I still had stuff at home, but all I took with me was one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, about eight shirts, my (minimal) amount of electronics, and everything the military wanted me to have with me. During my time in Korea, I did accumulate things, but mostly stuff my parents sent from the house or gifts they wanted to give me. I've been telling them for years I don't want anything, but they keep buying me stuff. I keep it a while and then get rid of it.

On leave in the past month, I got rid of about 9 or 10 boxes of crap I don't need, my truck, my tools, my weapons, and old police gear. I now own two suitcases, two backpacks, a footlocker, a duffel, and two boxes of stuff. I haven't counted it (I am going to count everything but the boxes: had to leave those at home. The counting will mostly be out of pure interest.) I learned in Korea that the minimal amount of stuff I had was just fine, if a bit tricky to manage. I prefer having at least two pairs of pants and shorts. I have a lot of clothes now, but I plan on moving back to Korea in a couple of years...so what I have now will be pared down much further when I do that, to probably a backpack and a duffel or two. Oh, and I do have some cooking utensils and an Xbox 360 I picked up in Korea for $40. I'm getting into gaming and videotaping it to put on Youtube, so maybe I'll keep the console and provide a variety of content. Plan on getting a small stream of income that way.

Edit: I didn't read the questions. Read a different thread on minimalism and thought I was reading this one when I replied. I try to get rid of things I don't use regularly and for which I will have no purpose over the next few years. I also have recently applied minimalism to my computer. As of yet, I have no investments, but I will only get into one or two accounts with a very singular investment strategy. Other than that, it's in material possessions so that I can better enjoy life rather than being bogged down by the burden of a bunch of useless bullshit.
« Last Edit: July 12, 2015, 12:47:20 PM by Michael792 »

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2015, 01:04:01 PM »
I think it's a bit of a psychological quirk - the opposite of a hoarder.


I think the same.

Me three.

Four.

If you saw my house you might say I had plenty of stuff, but I try to cull things. I let an attic room go to shit for too long and I felt oppressed. It feel happy getting rid of things. When I watch Hoarders, I feel I understand those people if I imagine the opposite compulsion: agh, too much useless stuff, must make it go away!

Zamboni

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2015, 02:00:50 PM »
Another aspiring minimalist here. Wish I was better at implementation. Someday I will slow travel, and that will seal it for me since I won't be able to have stuff I can't cart with me.

Elle 8

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #25 on: July 12, 2015, 07:32:04 PM »
A couple years ago when I first started learning about minimalism I was having lunch with my and my SO's daughters.  It was close to Christmas so I told them I didn't want them to get us anything for Christmas because I was becoming a minimalist.  They both laughed out loud.  You see my SO is a borderline hoarder and I have packrat tendencies.  We used to go to estate sales/flea markets all the time and just get stuff we might use someday because they were good deals.  We don't do that anymore and I'm trying to declutter the house.  But it's hard when the person you live with won't get rid of anything.  Sigh.

midweststache

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #26 on: July 12, 2015, 07:54:02 PM »
Minimalist... ish.

I'm slowly paring down my closet, after being raised in a home with two other women who shop for fun. I've had a walk-in closet since I was 12; I'm now down to half a standard closet and three dresser drawers (and slowly getting rid of more...). I own two purses: a work bag and a small bag. I have absolute minimal bathroom products (my make-up bag has a BB cream, lipstick, eyeshadow and mascara, plus an eyeshadow brush and eyelash curler--that's it). I don't even use a hairbrush anymore, thanks to my short hair (don't worry, DH has three to make up for my lack thereof).

We keep as little paper in the apartment as possible, and try to function mostly digitally for calendars, music, accounts, general paperwork, etc. (Google accounts are great for this). I keep a zero inbox, though I have three inboxes (thanks, pre-GMAIL email and school email). I also keep my desktop completely empty as I am able (I currently have chapters of my project on my desktop as a reminder to get on my revisions...) We have a small collection of DVDs (maybe 20?) that we haven't watched in at least a year, but I'm not sure we'll get rid of them anytime soon.

We have a pretty small apartment, so generally speaking out hoarding abilities are limited anyway; we do have an obscene amount of books that, try as I might, never seems to decrease in size! (We also have a ton of reusable grocery bags, that all store in our big, insulated TJ's grocery bag.)

Zikoris

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #27 on: July 12, 2015, 08:50:22 PM »
Aspiring minimalist. I'm working on it. I remind myself regularly that we'll be getting rid of everything once we retire and start our slow travel, which helps avoid buying new things. I'm gradually getting rid of most stuff that's not essential or dearly loved. It would certainly be a lot easier to move now than it would have been a year ago, should I need to at any point.

I think I'm at the fewest number of furniture items I've ever had - a double desk, kitchen table, rocking chair, bookshelf, night stand, kitchen cart, small filing cabinet, and two folding chairs. My bed is built in to the wall, so not really furniture. The bookshelf might go if I get rid of some more stuff.

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #28 on: July 13, 2015, 05:41:26 AM »
I hate clutter. The lest things I have that I don't need, clean or fix the better I feel.

Astatine

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #29 on: July 13, 2015, 06:13:21 AM »
I'm reasonably minimalist but DH isn't, so you'd never guess if you saw our house.

In the last 3 years or so, I've probably gotten rid of maybe 80% of my stuff. It's so utterly freeing. The older I get, the more I loathe and detest nostalgia and feeling sentimental about the past.

I have less than a metre's width of books (down from close to 15 metres a few years ago). I have a few sentimental things (a small amount of wedding memorabilia, a couple of sketchbooks, a wall covered in my paintings and drawings, some digital photos from the last 5 years, a small pile of recent-ish photos) but I continually whittle down the remainder. Anything that makes me feel anything other than happy or joyful is gone. I have a small amount of jewellery - couple of pairs of earrings, a few el cheapo rings.

I have a reasonable amount of kitchen stuff, but it all gets used. Ditto gardening stuff. My wardrobe is streamlined and I have less clothes than most people I know, but it's probably not really minimalist given the volume of clothes I have. But nearly everything I do own is high rotation and gets worn a lot.

I have more papers than I'd like but it is really hard to know how much to cull. I don't want to scan and keep it electronically. Clutter is clutter, regardless of whether it's digital or hardcopy.

I'd love to have less stuff in my house, but ain't gonna happen anytime soon.

Boganvillia

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #30 on: July 14, 2015, 10:03:25 PM »
Yes, I identify as a minimalist.

Ways I practise:

- wardrobe: restrained shopper; currently doing Project 333 as experiment, but didn't need to cull at all.

- avoid consumerist behaviour more generally.

- travel with carry-on only: have done so for years.

- I declutter a lot.

Ways I don't:

- I don't avoid owning excessive cutlery, etc.

- Our house is too big. I swear it was the only house we could get. It is sparsely furnished and we have boarders in to avoid empty bedrooms.

- I don't care about the size of my inbox at all.
« Last Edit: July 20, 2015, 08:29:51 PM by Boganvillia »

Spud

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #31 on: July 15, 2015, 12:05:39 AM »
I own very little in the way of clothes and personal items. I shop for clothes (or anything else) about once a year. I have worn the same jeans and T-shirts for about 8 years. I have 2 pairs of shorts I wear in the summer. I have just 5 pairs of footwear from walking boots to flip flops.

We have very little furniture in our house i.e. there is plenty of open space.

I have about 5 apps I've downloaded on my smartphone. All of them were free. One of these apps is a chess game and another is web browser. Most of my friends seem to have hundreds spanning about 20 different screen panels (or whatever they're called). They don't even know what half of them are an none of them serve a purpose. As far as I can make out they are basically just games or for short term amsuement.

My smartphone is my only gadget but I use it more like a dumbphone, so gadgets aren't really something I "do".

I shave my own head once every 4 - 6 weeks (cheap, low maintence).

Our garage is empty. Our neighbours garage is crammed full of tools and toys.

I reassess my possessions about every 3 months and give it to charity of recycle it or eBay it, but to be honest, there is never much to get rid of.

[RANT}
My desk at work has on it a PC, two monitors a keyboard and a mouse. There is literally nothing else. I have a few papers and one folder in a draw. I use one pen and look after it. If it breaks, runs out or I lose it then I go to the stationery cupboard and get another. I don't have 50 pens in multiple pots on my desk surrounded by papers, post-it notes, personal belongings, 3 phones, pictures of my family and a load of half eaten food.
[/RANT]

I have one pair of work trousers and one shirt for each day of the working week.

My desktop screens on both my home and work PCs have 3 icons or less on them. Most other people at work seem to have a a minimum of 30 icons. Just looking at their desktop stresses me out.

freeazabird

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #32 on: July 15, 2015, 12:39:24 AM »
I consider myself a minimalist. I try to keep things that work for my lifestyle as long as possible. I try to be very careful about what items I bring into my home. I declutter often. I live in a relatively small home and like it that way because it helps to minimize my possessions and time and money needed for maintenance. Recently I am starting to become a minimalist eater, opting for simple foods instead of complicated dishes.

Melody

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #33 on: July 15, 2015, 03:08:00 AM »
I always think of a minimalist house as being a white box, but mine is covered in art and pretty but functional things (eg I display my rollerskates and guitair, my tea is on display in vintage tea tins, my dried foodstuffs are displayed in glass bottles etc) but then I realise I live in sub 400sq ft (36sqm) and don't have any built in storage or boxes of stuff lying around so I guess I am minimalist in that way. My minimalism comes from only having stuff I use, but that stuff is allowed to be on display.

Squirrel away

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #34 on: July 30, 2015, 04:14:03 AM »

Johnez

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #35 on: July 30, 2015, 07:35:28 AM »
I'm a hoarder, but periodically go through my possessions to find stuff to get rid of or give away. Invariably someone close  to me (family members or girlfriend) will whine about what I'm giving away as if was their problem. "You've had that flannel forever," or "That's a perfectly good thingamajig!" Ugh... One of my problems is that I have so many "plans" for things. My legos and books are for future kids, aquarium equipment laying around waiting for a useful project.... It seems illogical to toss perfectly good stuff, but its annoying having all this stuff.

riverffashion

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #36 on: July 30, 2015, 10:20:05 AM »
http://www.thinksaveretire.com/2015/07/29/be-sensible-not-minimal-why-minimalism-sucks/

I read this today but I don't agree with his view.

I don't either . also seems he has completely missed the mark IMO.

asauer

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #37 on: July 30, 2015, 01:38:02 PM »
Minimalist?  Not sure.  Essentialist?  Yes.  I practice that in terms of stuff- having only as much stuff as will actually add joy/value to my life.  But more importantly (and IMHO more helpfully), I have eliminated non-essential "noise".  A few years ago we got rid of cable and only watch a few shows on Netflix.  Additionally, I only have a few websites I visit.  I also unsubscribed from nearly every magazine/ RSS feed.  I don't get the paper and I don't listen to the radio.  Books, YouTube and Podcasts are better "opt in" information sources for me.  Yes, there are legit information sources on youtube.  That's actually helped way more than getting rid of mere stuff.  I'm now less overwhelmed and anxious.

ArcadeStache

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #38 on: July 30, 2015, 05:35:03 PM »
I think I'm leaning more toward essentialist, too. I'm not about to toss my extra few spoons or anything but I have been getting rid of excess crap like its my job and making conscious decisions about what I will really use and keep. I'm also trying to apply the same concept when faced with a purchase. Having less physical stuff around really does put me at ease. It just feel like I now somehow have less responsibility or burdens on me.

boy_bye

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #39 on: July 30, 2015, 05:40:42 PM »
i don't know if i am actually a long-term minimalist, but my husband and i just got rid of almost all of our belongings and are living out of airbnbs for the next several months and, so far (10 days in) i love it. when we get to a new place, i bring in my carry-on size suitcase, my computer backpack, and my art bag, and i'm good.

we do have a 5' x 10' storage unit holding some books, journals, and a few pieces of furniture which we'll claim when we figure out where we want to settle down.

but yeah, other than that, everything we own fits in our honda fit and i love it!

riverffashion

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #40 on: July 30, 2015, 06:06:05 PM »
i don't know if i am actually a long-term minimalist, but my husband and i just got rid of almost all of our belongings and are living out of airbnbs for the next several months and, so far (10 days in) i love it. when we get to a new place, i bring in my carry-on size suitcase, my computer backpack, and my art bag, and i'm good.

we do have a 5' x 10' storage unit holding some books, journals, and a few pieces of furniture which we'll claim when we figure out where we want to settle down.

but yeah, other than that, everything we own fits in our honda fit and i love it!

Awesome. I'm not currently traveling , but all my things ( except bed ) fit in my compact car. It's lovely. It's the third time in my life I've paired down so much. Makes moving and traveling very easy.

palebluedot

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #41 on: July 30, 2015, 07:32:22 PM »
David Caine had a good article recently on possessions: http://www.raptitude.com/2015/07/out-of-sight/

dachs

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #42 on: July 31, 2015, 11:12:57 AM »
Priject 333 is interesting, however I just counted my stuff and I only had like 40 items, so that project shouldn't be much of a challenge for me. Have you guys found any good inspirations for a fashionable male wardrobe with 33 items?

Melody

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #43 on: August 01, 2015, 06:06:34 PM »
I have a friend who wears nice levis (black or very dark blue) and basic black fitted tees or black or white button down shirts. He has one pair of desert boots, and a black hoodie + pea coat for winter. He probably has no more than 20 items including shoes (black desert boots in winter, converse in summer) but always looks stylish. In summer he wears shorts cut down from the oldest of the jeans. He works in the entertainment industry as a freelancer so while he needs to look respectable, he doesn't need a work wardrobe as such (though his 20 items would include his one tie!) It's quite impressive. I think the key is everything must fit well and be able to be dressed both up and down.
For shoes I like RM Williams or similar on a guy (leather boots with elasticated sides). They work with both a suit and jeans and are the ultimate shoe. They also have a little bit of a heel which is a plus if you're under 6ft :-)
I also think this is easier for men as men are not expected to have so much variety in their wardrobe. I suspect nearly every man I work with has only 10 items of work clothes (5 shirts, two suits and a pair of shoes) ... or at least it seems that way. Because you know I don't really notice if you wore a light blue shirt yesterday and you're wearing light purple or light green today ;-)



ETBen

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #44 on: August 01, 2015, 07:03:50 PM »
I'm a minimalist in that when I left my husband in March, I took only what the boys and I needed.  Bare minimum.  And then purchased new furniture and home supplies from zero.  (I was fortunate enough to be able to do this.)  I have nice things.  They coordinate.  But I have the things I need and want.  Not endless sets of kitchen tools and things you use once a year. 

Dee18

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #45 on: August 01, 2015, 11:52:54 PM »
Jonez, I found it helps to think of Cragslist/ebay as my spare closet.  If I get rid of Legos and want them later, I can find tons of used ones (and run them through the dishwasher to clean them).

Melody

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #46 on: August 03, 2015, 03:17:05 AM »
Jonez, I found it helps to think of Cragslist/ebay as my spare closet.  If I get rid of Legos and want them later, I can find tons of used ones (and run them through the dishwasher to clean them).
This is very helpful in large cities but less helpful in regional areas. It also relies on having a vehicle as otherwise the replacement process can be too time consuming. But for a lot of people (myself included) it's a great way to operate. I would also point out the lack of need to own something friends/neighbours own unless you need to use it regularly.

TonyPlush

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #47 on: August 04, 2015, 03:49:52 PM »
To me minimalism is being aware that more stuff is not better, and that there is a very real burden to owning things.

As a result, I don't buy souvenirs, my apartment's walls are barren, and I analyze and agonize before any material purchase.

Traveling 120 days a year and living out of a carry-on suitcase for weeks at a time has reinforced this belief to me. I find myself (and others) are happiest when they are living in an empty hotel room enjoying the world around them. Maintaining objects and admiring clutter only limits freedom and detracts from what's important in my life.

I'd love to live out of my suitcase permanently, but there are certain things that make that impractical for me. Furniture, kitchen tools, and sports equipment are my biggest obstacles to this goal at the moment.

SecretMinimalist

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Re: Who is a Minimalist? And how do you practice it?
« Reply #48 on: August 04, 2015, 07:25:10 PM »
I would like to have less stuff and can rarely think of anything I'd like when people want to buy me a gift.  DH is more of a hoarder. For my birthday this year, as a "gift", DH got rid of X items of his stuff (where X=the number of years old I am). 

 

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