10 Practical Tips for Maintaining Minimalism in Your Life

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Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.
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[@minimalist5555life]

Empty space is quite calming

[@beckyrosenowgartman3445]

I love your statement about clearing up clutter before it becomes normal. Then you don't even see it.

[@ps0195]

I thought in the very beginning of my seemingly long journey towards minimalism that it would be one time and done. That definitely hasn’t happened. It is a continual process of being mindful. Also, sometimes other people in the family are ready and sometimes they’re not….so I can only control what I can control which is myself. As always, this channel is a great reminder to keep pressing on.

[@Jean-ni6of]

You can't press on until you get started.

[@simply.clutterfree]

Yes! Decluttering is never "done" - we need to constantly "protect our progress & simpler space"...

[@rg-mi5hh]

Less stuff is less to manage. Five minutes a day has really made a difference huge difference over time here.

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

It took me over 5 months to do the first deep declutter. Now, I do an annual deep declutter, which is going on now. It is really hard to keep it from accumulating again. The marketing media is too good at their job. The Minimal Mom started me down this road and she introduced me to you. Thank you for producing these videos. They help keep me focused.

[@Cr3sc3nt1]

Yes, it was minimal mum, Dawn, that I stumbled across, who resonated with me. I sent her links to so many of my friends. We each are on different stages of the decluttering journey. It was Dawn that recommended this channel.

[@janblackdog3418]

I don't have friends or family interested in sharing in the minimalism journey, so that's why I appreciate your channel so much. It does provide continuous inspiration and community for the process. Even though I already know what to do, the continued inspiration is important. I appreciate you and the work you do.

[@drrola-ul9uc]

Me too 🤗 i do it my own

[@janiewerner]

I agree! My family and friends think im nuts!

[@drrola-ul9uc]

@@janiewerner me too 😂 but i dont care really im so happy with my changing , at least i'm saving money now and not crazy about shopping its such a relief

[@drrola-ul9uc]

Ofcourse i still buy some stuff here and there but i choose what i really need its a nice feeling , u feel like u know what ur doing in life and u set ur own minimalism according to your circumstances

[@chanceebersole3215]

I is so much more relaxing with less stuff. Also do not impose buy.

[@ruthprescott1136]

I love the fact you get to the point straight away !! And as always a very informative video thank you xx

[@ewaeriksson7148]

Detsamma tycker jag. Bra att få höra de tio tipsen genast, och inte en massa onödigt prat, som ofta förekommer i andra liknande videos . Tack!

[@valerierogers9609]

Spending on extras is a thing of the past. Most of us don't have the luxury of spending. It's a new era and a good time to think minimalist.

[@aileenoneill5619]

"Embrace the idea of empty spaces".... love this ❤

[@DCB938]

Very good ideas and tips. What I’ve been doing for the last few years is make a note of what I think I really want and/or need, example I do a lot of my shopping on Amazon, so I put thinks in my cart and leave it there for a minimum of 2 weeks before I look at it again. By then a lot of stuff I delete from my cart. The rest I give another 2 weeks. By then I have fully realized that I can live without any of the stuff. Saved me a lot of money over the years. 😊

[@breec3346]

So just the other week, I finally got to the level of minimalism that I wanted to achieve! I decluttered my clothes to the point that I only have what I truly need or will feel confident in, and they all fit in my hamper! Also I decluttered all of my things I have a little bit it things on my dresser like my deodorant and my hair brush and a couple of other small things, and the rest fits on one shelf in my two tier shelving unit! I used to have a bedroom and a half of things! I moved to my step dads house and I came with two large bins of stuff and now I feel so much better now that I am free of all of the unnecessary clutter I had!!! Yay!!!!

[@Fredfred14]

Thank you for that "minimal" message! Short, and to the point!

[@Bessie66]

My decluttering has now taken just over 2 1/2 years - I’m so mindful now what I buy

[@Au-19]

I love empty spaces!! 😊

[@adamk2778]

I started my decluttering about 2 weeks ago. And even though I just started what I've done makes me feel so much better. My only issue is my wife is not on board. I'm not pushing her to do it and told her this is something I'm doing for me and hopefully at some point she may see the benefits as well. She keeps telling me I'm crazy and I shouldn't be getting rid of my stuff. She even gets angry with me when she sees the boxes I'm filling up for donate, trash and sell. Any advice you can give me with this issue. Btw, I'm not touching any of her stuff or our sons, it's just my stuff.

[@ajsstuff4080]

She might find it scary that you're able to part with so much. Any change in s loved one can cause an upset. I hope at least she's not sabotaging you. Did she perhaps come from a home that was lacking and see the "things" as valuable or comforting? The fact that you're only decluttering your stuff is wonderful. I hope it becomes contagious.

[@jadyphan5892]

It's good that you're decluttering your stuff and not hers. I think your wife will come to see the benefits of minimalism over time. She will realize how much of the stuff she has when none of it is yours. Just don't force her to do it, but the best you can do is encourage.

[@suzik5257]

Just make sure that you reassure her that you are not having a mid life crisis, nor that you are planning your exit strategy from the marriage. She might be a little bit nervous about the changes. 🤔

[@alejandrapoch9338]

Keep going! I’ve been decluttering for the last 5 years and I can say I’m a minimalist now. My husband has difficulty letting go of his stuff. But by decluttering our whole house layer by layer he accepted it and as of last year started to get rid of his own stuff. He asked me for help. And I only took stuff out and put it in a ‘time will tell box’ just in case he regrets something. Nothing has come out of those boxes! So keep decluttering! You’re doing great! Eventually it’s contagious, though it may take a couple of years.. be patient

[@thestraightroad305]

@@suzik5257This was on my mind too. I think reassurance is very important for those who need things to create a sense of security and stability. Also, sometimes as a wish to surround oneself with beauty. To see one’s partner detaching from things may feel threatening or rejecting. My husband and I are going through this for about the third time now and we’ve finally become used to it and feel unified in it. We aren’t as strict as Joshua but we’ve certainly benefitted from his observations. We reassure each other by stressing the importance of our relationship and shared goals.

[@9FatraBbits]

Thank you. You are right - the minimalist journey doesn’t end. I am grateful for these uplifting videos. I’ve recently decided to give away or trade the things I’m parting with. This is doubly satisfying.🍁🍂🐇

[@marjoriehall9984]

My DH and I have been full-time RVing for nearly four years now. Every year (at least) we end up donating items we found out we didn't need. Our small space forces us to have a "one thing in; one thing gone" mentality.

[@AliWade1971]

Thank you. It is definitely a constant ‘journey’. I have simplified our home and my wardrobe over several years. Now I get to the more difficult details - the old family photos, items given to me when family have passed …..

[@sparklejesusfreak]

I agree completely on the motivation! I watch videos on minimalism every week because I often will learn new things about myself or how to reevaluate how I look at things I have. It has helped tremendously. My 9 children and I can quickly clean the entire house from top to bottom in about 45 minutes. We have so much more free time to enjoy time together or pursuing our own hobbies such as sewing, baking and music. Your knowledge has been such a blessing to our life. ❤

[@rosanne7804]

Less stuff= More time, more money, more peace of mind, more space, more self-confidence, more freedom… I could go on.

[@TheSabadine]

I found out this week that I'll be moving house early next year as the landlord - who lives in the house with me - is selling up to move interstate to help out his elderly parents. I'm grateful for discovering minimalism & decluttering about three-quarters of my possessions (and, if I'm honest, also a little smug). This move will be one of the easier ones :)

[@janetmorehouse4665]

lol @ (and, if I'm honest, also a little smug)... Love this!!! Way to go @TheSabadine !

[@kikisiegers]

Thank you so much for the inspiration. I have been silently watching the channel for many years now and been learning a lot about consumarism and decluttering. I did a lot of decluttering/selling/donating and I see many benefits. My space feels fresh and nurturing and of course it's still a journey of what I let into my life and what I let go. My mom started seeing the benefits from decluttering aswell and likes her tidy home. A collection of 30 years of empty boxes, gone. I think I once started with one cluttered drawer and worked my way to cleaning out the basement. The mental space that comes with this puts us both in a better mood. Very gratefull for getting to know about the lifestyle.

[@sharminkhanluies6461]

Joshua, it's you who inspired me to learn about decluttering and minimalism. Thank you!

[@lalablotz7348]

Every time I get the urge to shop and basically buy crap I don’t need (purses and shoes are a weakness) I watch one of your videos and poof the urge is gone. Money and peace of mind saved 😀

[@joemama8525]

If you feel guilty about decluttering gifts, just remember that stuff was dumped on you. You didn't choose to own it.

[@NicholasHallows]

A much needed reminder. I've been a minimalist for several years but in the last year I started collecting Star Wars figures again after one impulse buy opened the flood doors. It's tough because I really enjoy them and taking photos of them feels creative... but it is occupying too much of my mental space, and soon too much physical space as well - my physical boundary keeps expanding! #plasticcrack

[@jmm1817]

Taking pictures of figurines I don't know if I would admit that one😅 LOL good for you

[@bonniehafeman9757]

Good message Joshua. Thanks for sharing. You are appreciated.

[@rfoley402]

Thank you for the reminders and encouragement. It's needed.

[@IceAge20017]

Great advice about trying to live without an item for a month. It really puts into perspective how important it is to you.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I was doing really well decluttering and letting go. But I've got to the place where I have had some costly auto and household repairs in recent months so I'm on a strict budget in order to regain my financial balance. This prompted me to not keep decluttering out of fear I might need some existing excess items in my home and not have the money to buy new if I declutter them. I realize this is not entirely rational! But I'm giving myself a few months off from deep decluttering...with the caveat of not bringing anything else new in! I'll plck up again after the New Years. Perhaps you will make a video about people like me who sometimes just need a time out along the way but don't want to relapse into mess and clutter. 😊

[@IceAge20017]

One problem I had was with holding onto items I intended to use far in the future. For instance I would buy brakes and tires for my car even though my current ones were still good, and they'd be cluttering my space for years before I'd eventually use them. What solved this for me is asking myself "will I use this item in the next month" when I'm about to buy something. If the answer is no then I put it back. And for the items I already have, if it's less than $20 I get rid of it. It's worth paying a few bucks to have a much cleaner space. Don't forget to ALWAYS DONATE!!! Never just throw items away if they have any value.

[@bobbijonichols6786]

Love your videos. Always helpful & motivating.

[@mariaruiz8444]

Thank you Joshua I love your videos!! God Bless you ❤

[@mj482]

Feeling amazing, just dropped off a full trunk of clothing and miscellaneous stuff to Goodwill. This getting rid of stiff that I no longer use feels great, I ended up with empty shelves and containers empty and empty drawers. ❤

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Love your statement about buying experiences instead of stuff. So I just got my Mariah Carey Christmas concert tickets for Madison Square Gardens. I put it off every year🥰

[@JoshuaBecker]

Wow! Enjoy.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Peaceful ! 😊

[@lhale9176]

Open and clear is calm.... In your space and in your head... Peace is everything. Chaos of "stuff" is chaos in your place and chaos in your head. Start and make it happen if it is your mission. Keep what u love discard in multiple ways the things u don't want or need. Wishing us all luck in this peace journey 🕊️.....give to the less fortunate things in good shape and useful. U will be a blessing to someone else.❤✌️ 🙏 Bless u.

[@letitiabaker3377]

Great video thank you. I now find I ask myself " Do I really need to purchase this?? and 9 times out of 10 will delete it from my in box. I still struggle to let things go that I have paid a lot of money for! Guilt at making a mindless purchase I guess ~ a work in progress as always.....

[@leonaklein8146]

Moving helped me to get to a more minimal lifestyle. I constantly look around for things to declutter. And I stopped buying stuff.

[@carlamendoncapeixoto]

Boa noite Joshua! Todos os hábitos q vc citou fazem muito sentido pra mim, mas de todos "Amar o Vazio" é algo surreal, é tão bom o vazio, libertador. Gratidão por mais este vídeo inspirador. Grande abraço aqui do Brasil de Minas Gerais!

[@TheEclecticPagan]

My favorite tip for living a minimalist lifestyle is to buy experiences not possessions. I see life like a movie because I feel that you'll create memories by living the life you want. In the law of vibration, you attract what you are not what you want. You can still get what you want, however when you match the vibration like a radio or TV you're matching the vibration. I think minimalism is high vibrational emotion because it encourages you to live a fulfilling life.

[@tgayer1]

Thanks, Joshua!

[@shirleyyoung6284]

Another very informative video.Thanks Joshua.

[@judithbentley965]

Great tips! Thanks, Rev! You are awesome!❤

[@user-ic1tc7yg2q]

Always look forward to your videos Joshua. Thankyou for your work. God bless you and your family

[@dianahake1544]

Loved this thank you Joshua!

[@daviddrainville4564]

Thank You. I am embracing the new lifestyle and I am immediately seeing the benefits.

[@misssicily100]

I admire you and I am glad that I have you as a reminder to stay on track and stop buying.

[@prashastipandey6868]

I live in India and your video is equally helpful to me as here also Indian festivities starts from October. Thank you🙏🏻

[@thebusybees2006]

Thank you for the video

[@user-ek8de4kt4u]

I love it thank you soooo much

[@annetteaughney9182]

This keeps me motivated to keep pushing on. Really loving it.❤ Thank you! Received the first of your books today in the post "The more of less" and waiting for 2 more to arrive. But can't start them yet as have to keep them till Xmas morning. It's gonna be difficult to wait😁

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

You’re my inspiration!🙏

[@yessumify]

Grateful to have found your channel, sir. You are like a wise brother giving advice and encouragement. God bless you, your family, and your pursuits in Jesus's name.

[@Shika_33]

Thankyou for this

[@Maria-dm5mh]

Love your emails!

[@gramarye_cottage]

Great tips 😉Thank you 🙏🏻 I’ve just started on my minimalist journey. My home is clutter free and very minimal. I now have a capsule wardrobe too. My intent is to keep it that way. Subscribed ✅

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Thank you!❤

[@randydorrow1689]

Great job Josh😊

[@oksmaiman8261]

There’s also noise/sound contamination to avoid… I make sure I hear something mindful peaceful or silence when the space is cluttered

[@donnawiseman9311]

Thank you, Joshua!

[@joshuaduca5527]

being simple and living your life without not caring to other is gives you peace and joy and happiness that will fulfill in your humanity because when you are calm and wait on things and working on it with your self you will be their it will be a long journey but everyone have a different directions of successbut instead of doing the things are not important just focus on what matters because we are at the present moment we dont want to waste it the chance we still living in the joyful life and live it while we are still young

[@shirleygermain5707]

I bought a new frying pan today and immediately threw the old one in the garbage. I think I got it down! Lol

[@ninamady5861]

Thank you for your video.. grateful xx

[@simini1837]

Thank you for the video!

[@heliamartins3378]

Hello Joshua 🙏🙏

[@kathryndalton9867]

The more I get rid of the more people give me! They're offended if I say I don't need it. Yesterday I came back with another lamp which I don't need

[@audreycasassa1683]

Yikes I have a pile of donations sitting bu my door that I haven't been able to take to donate and I live in a small town so there is no pick up I tell you this because this pile of donations is attracting clutter. Also setting boundaries is so important but sometimes hard to do. I just moved and my sister gave me a TV because I did not have one. Nice but I don't watch TV. I was also give several small appliances I don't use and have no space to store them. If I can't consume it I don't want it. I am trying😊

[@williamdo9309]

loved!

[@nancyyoung9972]

I’m having a problem letting go of socks!weird yes!I live just outside philly pa. We have 4 seasons. I have light weight socks and medium to heavy. I find if my feet are cold I am. I am trying to just keep what fits in a container In drawer still can’t get rid of rest. I did get rid of 15 pairs. Still have a bunch. Any suggestions??My apartment minimal in bathroom,kitchen and main living area. It’s a studio. I’m having trouble with clothes. I have lost 34 lbs trying to lose 26 lbs more. I have worn clothes till falling off. Mainly pants. I have 5 pairs and 2 leggings for now. Shirts and socks and T-shirts I still have to pair down. I’m on fixed income hard for me to afford clothes. I have coats too big and my friend just gave me jacket for now that fits. I’m reluctant to get rid of 3 coat’s that are too big. Any ideas?

[@kamloopscruiser874]

@nancyyoung9972 try a “holding tank”. I call it that. It’s where I put stuff I want to declutter but I can’t quite let go of yet. I’ve had periods of poverty and even now on a pension I am cautious. So I get the problem. I set aside a corner of the guest bedroom closet for my clothing holding tank and a box or boxes for the other stuff on the shelf above. I can live with my ideal minimalist wardrobe, socks, undies and other things like kitchen items and see if I need to go back into the tanks and reclaim an item or two. Keep the boxes or closet section as long as you feel necessary and go through and let go of the stuff you are now able to safely part with. 🤗big hug- I’ve been there and it’s so worth it to declutter even if it’s not the way everyone else does it! It still works but it takes the risk out of letting go. Hope it helps

[@kamloopscruiser874]

You don’t have a guest closet but my holding tank method works anywhere because the boxes fit perfectly in newly decluttered drawers or closets.

[@danielswords3969]

Want to become a true minimalist? The first excess to get rid yourself of is your excess money. Give away your excess income and savings through benevolence, goodwill and charity. After believing I had achieved extreme minimalism I realized all of my sacrifices have amounted to eliminating only first world luxuries and self-indulgences. The pathway to happiness is not through having less stuff, it is through practicing kindness and benevolence. Strive daily to emulate the before Christmas minimalism and the after Christmas kindness and benevolence of Ebenezer Scrooge.

[@philipw4849]

I just became debt-free and the weight off my shoulders is very uplifting and promising. However, I now have the fear of spending money even on new experiences and opportunities Is this normal? It is as if I have a deep guilt or deep remorse. If I even spend $1 on something that may be considered unnecessary.

[@ajsstuff4080]

Congratulations on getting out of debt!!! Instead of being afraid to spend on experiences, maybe try saving up the money for them so it's not coming out of your budget. Make it a gift to yourself. What is considered unnecessary is very personal. I will put things in my Amazon cart and let them sit for a few days to decide if I really want/need them. Same with shopping in a store. If I bring something home, I leave it in the bag for two days to see if still has the same pull. If not, I return it. You can do this. You've done the hard part by getting out of debt. Bravo!

[@bradfoley4096]

A family of 4 no problem try a family of 14 😭 & 9 of those are girls that never want to get rid of anything. 3 of our girls have moved out, gotten married & just got their own place. So 12 people still live here but I’m still trying to get our stuff to a workable amount.

[@clairemontgomerycampbell5261]

Cape Town ❤

[@NightOwlGamingz]

Are the hair products you use essential for your minimalist journey

[@Krisg611]

Joshua, What has been your habit involving holidays such as Halloween and do you partake in it?

[@JoshuaBecker]

Yup, we sit out in our driveway with friends and hand out full-size candy bars. Always fun to see long-time neighbors and meet new ones.

[@user-ib5og7xo6g]

Cannot click on website to get on email list. I use a Comcast email address. Can I be placed on the list to receive emails in my email?

[@JoshuaBecker]

What problem are you experiencing?

[@EmmanuelSchmitz]

I love empty spaces!!

[@pritikhan28]

❤❤❤

[@dilipanand1676]

❤😊

[@olivia9066]

❤👍👍👍

[@amandakelly2747]

I love empty space but my husband fills it up 😮

[@Borisyadne]

map, chair, blinds, books in the back :(

[@shelleyjohnson451]

In the background of this video, are you subtly trying to sell your books?

[@TravelT970]

If I was gay I’d marry this guy& not for his looks.

[@Hannah-Melton]

Good message Joshua. Thanks for sharing. You are appreciated.

[@Ronald-Butler]

Always look forward to your videos Joshua. Thankyou for your work. God bless you and your family

[@Paige.Robinson]

I bought a new frying pan today and immediately threw the old one in the garbage. I think I got it down! Lol