Being A Minimalist: How I Decluttered My Life

Fumio Sasaki used to live a hoarder's life full of clutter. Today, he owns barely 20 pieces of clothing (including socks). Long before Marie Kondo, here's why Japanese like him have been converting to a minimalist lifestyle.
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[@lukehero]

I remember having a big house full of stuff. Then I decided to go travelling, so I sold everything I owned until I had just what I could carry on my back in a carry-on size bag. It felt amazing to get rid of all those things. After returning from travelling some years later I decided to remain minimal, only having what I truly need and it feels great.

[@solephonic]

i read his book 'goodbye things'. was definitely inspired by this dude. mass consumerism has ruined this planet so many ways.

[@connorlynch3474]

I totally agree. I love Marie Kondo, but I don't think she puts enough emphasis on the best way of avoiding things that clutter your home and your mind: not buying stuff!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Agreed.

[@josuediaz1111]

Goodbye things was WRITTEN by THIS GUY

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

@@josuediaz1111 WE ALL KNOW THAT.

[@choux7746]

@@connorlynch3474 It's like comparing apples and bananas. Konda is not a minimalist but an organizing adviser. She helps organize, which allows all people, not just those who wish to reduce, to organize/tidy up their space. I mean, why would a minimalist need help organize few things? 🤣

[@ohheyitskeekz]

Fumio looks so clear headed and organised, like there's nothing weighing him down.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

He probably does have things weighing him down, but with fewer possessions, he can focus clearer on those problems.

[@freebird1721]

@@Musicienne-DAB1995 .. in order to solve them.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@freebird1721 Haha, yes!!

[@mariavictoriasalita5273]

His apartment is cool! I wish to live in that kind of unit.

[@catherinechen9496]

His book is one of my favourite. I am living in a 3 bedroom house, and for the first time I feel my house is too big. Another great advantage of being minimal is that I do not worry about my house getting break in cause there is nothing to steal :)

[@folksurvival]

Where will your children sleep if you move to a smaller place?

[@MariaLopez-hc2nm]

Ha ha

[@siyabulelatshali1012]

So true hey.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

People should not steal, period.

[@heavy_ang_patay]

@@folksurvival who said he's gonna have children?

[@daveinjapan]

This man is a genius: by not buying "useless items" that gather dust in his home, he gets to spend his $$ (or yen) on things he actually enjoys. Like life experiences.

[@DjZeroPlayer1]

Yup im trying to get there too, if you really just life with necesseties, i thinl you will start to think whats really important

[@condorX2]

That's exactly what Jesus taught us. Give all your things away and make Mary Magdalene pay for everything.

[@condorX2]

Yep. I'm guessing self pleasure is on the list of money saving tips. It's disease safe too.

[@silverbells4732]

I am exactly like him.....of not buying any dust collecting items....I don waste my money on such items. I love having lots of space in my house.....and even my wardrobe is managed well.....its really easy for me to manage myself....and I practically wash my hse every weekend..bcoz I don hv a single clutter..... I discourage any souvenirs frm my frnds.....I ncourage them to buy snacks instead.....

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@silverbells4732 I kept buying souvenirs, and I have barely kept any of them. They were just impulse buys. Ironically, they were things I could have bought in my home town. The only souvenirs I would buy now are pens, since I use those prodigiously.

[@Corricopat]

I have simplified my clothes to comfortable, stretchy, lightweight clothes that can be layered according to the seasons here in NC. I have black and white for everything. 3 pairs of shoes. I have three necklaces. My one fashion statement/vanity is my prescription glasses frames. 4 pairs: Dedicated distance, dedicated readers, Distance sunglasses, reader sunglasses. I still have a pair of Matsuda reading sunglassesI bought in 2001. I still use them! Their style is back. I recycle other old frames I have as they come back into style, as spares. What I love is having time to accomplish my tasks at home! To hear the birds, smell my flowers, eat the veggies I grow, and watch the light change on my walls, as sun passes, hear the trees rustling in the breeze or enjoy open windows during a thunderstorm, breathe fresh air, prepare and cook my own fresh food, hand-wash my dishes, as the day passes, with my kitties as my companion. I plan art projects, save up for supplies. Living in the moment instead of the past or the future is liberating and fulfilling!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Excellent. I find this inspiring!

[@calisongbird]

What do you do for work?

[@vivibuffy3352]

I actually prefer Fumio's book over Marie Kondo's. I feel that he's more relatable since he's not a pro organizer.

[@animmamani3731]

Yeah I felt the same way

[@elvejane]

I absolutely agree! He even mentioned in his book that organizing isn’t the same as minimizing!

[@lovetotravel780]

@@elvejane I agree, I personally don't think the Marie Kondo stuff is minimalism it seems more about just organizing. I think just because a person organizes and folds their clothing in a certain way doesn't equate to minimalism.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@lovetotravel780 That is an interesring distinction, which has definitely made me think about my pile of notebooks.

[@pamelaalston9130]

Goodbye Things is my favorite book. I send them as gifts to my loved ones as well.

[@alanbirkner1958]

We're near Chicago. I'm 74. Three of us are in a 2BR condo. Every day, I get rid of at least 25 items. Trash, recycling, give away, or sell. Each craft I do has a plastic shoebox. We travel with an overnight bag and a small tote bag each. I enjoy color and connection. I enjoy art and decor. I think creative reuse is key. Tina, Al's wife

[@rjnuzzi1648]

I review this clip daily... a minimalist of 38 yrs, since I was 20, I'm still inspired by the more strict, stricter than i...

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Watching this video regularly inspires me, too.

[@luyangche8278]

Currently in the progress of reading his book. Don't agree with exactly everything, but it has been really enlightening and even somewhat humorous at times. Definitely a good read.

[@JolieUTU]

This is my goal! So inspired by his story and how he now enjoys his life to the fullest!

[@mysummertouch]

I’m really happy that he has a chair and a table. I tried to live without them and I had headaches from leaning down my head.

[@lightbennington7309]

People want to go to other planets, but what about our own places? We can make them so clean, airy and light that they will be little wonderful planets too, on our beutiful Earth! “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” -Lao Tzu

[@elenafernandezguiral5488]

A bit too extreme for me but I understand the message. The point is keeping exactly what makes you happy.

[@lsamoa]

Exactly that

[@atikarahmah2291]

I think "happy" is not the correct word, "need" sounds right Keeping everything that you need, not just happy He used to keep books and stuff he likes, but he threw all of them, and just kept things he need #sorry if i am wrong

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

My minimalism looks different to his. I have more books on my shelf, and I have quite a few notebooks and stationery. However, I recently admitted to myself yet again that my impulse buying was designed to conceal deep psychological problems. So I must always stay aware of what I am buying now-- particularly food.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

The minimalist lifestyle is for people who want focus more on other important things. It's to free up space for productivity, travel experiences, and efficiency.

[@fab3439]

Awesome! Please do another interview with Fumio Sasaki !!! This is my favorite video on all KZbin as it is very calming and inspiring!

[@mesmo72]

I enjoyed reading his book a month ago. I appreciate his way of minimalism and his open nature.

[@fahmiluthfi7991]

i like his perspective, instead of preaching about consumerism or finding zen or whatever, he just said i life simple for easier cleaning and have more drive to go outside the house....no need to complicate this beautiful lazy lifestyle with all those meaningless jargon..

[@pennyfromqueens]

Yea, hes a normal guy lol. No need for pretense

[@pennyfromqueens]

And ultimately Zen is a philosophy that some people feel called to adopting its teachings as a lifestyle, the same way Fumio has adopted the core values of Minimalism a his own personal philosophy in life.

[@Lunay08]

I aspire to be an extreme minimalist. Im currently a minimalist and its absolutely freeing. I have moments when i slip up due to my mental health issues, but I end up getting rid of those items later. Its not having the item thats the fun part, its the shopping. Now I focus more on giving my money away when I am able to, as it brings the same joy as shopping. If I ever feel the need to shop, I just like to donate to a friends stream or give to someone who is homeless

[@Saral_Lekhi]

The only thing about this level of minimalism I don't like is, it's very self isolating. It is uninviting and caters to individual comfort n that is all. Most minimalists I see, pare down their place where even one more guest will be unwelcome. They won't have an extra cup or spoon for them. I find that deeply solitary and lonely. I love decluttering..not having too much, nor becoming so severe, personally. I would love for some people I like to come over fearlessly and find my place warm and inviting.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

I try to follow a minimalist lifestyle. I have a lot of books, notepads, and stationery. Everyone's minimalism looks different.

[@Tech-Corner2023]

I think that is extreme to ask people to bring their paper cups. You can still be a good minimalist with even 6 glasses, cups, 6 plates etc. Most people they show on videos exaggerate. Just one set of kitchenware would be enough especially if the person is not using a dishwasher. Minimalism can still be enjoyed by having colourful patterns, nice looking things in a conscious amount and not keep buying new ones like souvenirs etc, not flooding cupboards and storage units over time, even when you have space.

[@midastouch9858]

"Its easier to go out when you live in a simple room" I just realised my stuff has bound me to my house! I can't go out cos I have everything I need and want at home. I wanna live free 😢 😭

[@jesstuyor1158]

He really understand how temporary life is... I am planning to declutter now it's just I'm still dealing with my emotions since I am still attached to my possession that I'm about to let go now.

[@carolannebrown6156]

I have same issues. We will get there😍

[@myriangarcia9060]

I literally just got his book today and I go on KZbin and this pops up in my feed. I'm like " how did KZbin know I was reading his book?" 😂

[@neiritanuki2072]

U used google to find his book ;)

[@myriangarcia9060]

Neiri Tanuki haha technically yes! I saw it on a KZbin video 😂 then got it at a store! But Minimalists used technology a lot!!! So we use Google for many things ;)

[@brooklyn7405]

I just read his book last week too

[@ashraz5817]

His book change my life!

[@trevbermi1684]

Skynet is here. It's listening, kniving, etc ways to get to know its enemy- humans.

[@user-di2vw1mm7w]

feels kinda nice seeing all those pictures right after finishing his book.

[@ariadnaarcos23]

I grew up with 3 wardrobes in Mexico, then I married an italian man and moved to Italy with only 2 suitcases. I own a very basic collection of clothes, barely I shop, 4 years since then and I'm so happy!!!

[@pincopallino9728]

Thank you very much. I have read your book and was an inspiration. I don't now if I will became minimalist but after beginning to declutter my home I'm feeling better!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

You will profit from drcluttering, regardless of whether your home looks like his or not.

[@nascentnaomie]

The lightness and freedom inspires me

[@paulasooaresm]

Even more interesting than read his book is to see how much he changed people's lives. I'm a beginner in this journey but I hope some day I'll find the right balance in my own minimalistic way of living.

[@translator544]

Watching this while tossing stuff away from night stand

[@deatraparks4739]

thank you for this-- how i love this simplicity, coming from america where stuff is your worth--this is freedom--deatra

[@solromero7415]

Fumio Sasaki , my inspiration in this journey

[@bayuagnitirta5401]

I'm reading Fumio Sasaki's book "Goodbye things" and I just finished creating list of items to be sold/donated from each of rooms in my house. Once I finish reading that inspiring book, I will start my journey to be minimalist.

[@vaitownexus4935]

How is it going so far?

[@carolannebrown6156]

Did you do it?😊

[@Momma_AL]

It’s been 3 years soooo … 🤔

[@pcchilek609]

Yes the lightness and freedom is inspiring!

Caption your videos so that people from other countries can understand what you teach. I have read your book and I am very grateful to you for sharing your experience.

[@TET2005]

Free your mind... uncluttered lifestyle... way to go.

[@Jake24378]

I really enjoyed this video. His style of minimalism is inspirational!

[@ShojiVR]

i am selling my unused stuff and suprised i can save lot of money trying to be a minimalist, thanks fumio

[@julianvergara4428]

I know this is a trend that's been around for quite a while, but I would argue that he was one of the first millennials who brought the trend back to life. I like him more than any other minimalist.

[@Beatles0223]

He's a Gen Xer (born in 1979).

[@Cat-ik1wo]

Not a trend, a lifestyle! Its eyes wide open and no longer in chains and bondage or brainwashed by consumerism and capitalism.

[@evi4822]

Inspired. As I'm getting start to get rid stuff I don't really need in my bed room tomorrow.

[@unboxingpress]

beautiful. very inspiring

[@samfdsd2134]

i'm reading his book!! very impressive and impirational!

[@WillowFrancais]

It’s admirable, but I don’t think I could do it. I understand why not having so much is a good idea, but having some home comforts isn’t so bad.

[@JolieUTU]

Guess he has what he needs...

[@nguyenthienhuong9068]

Thank you for inspiring.

[@karensimplyadventurous7305]

Very inspiring. I hope alot of people will adapt to it. Instead of hoarding stuff

[@floryan9157]

This is the real minimalism, cz minimalism is not about style that sometimes other videos on youtube try to explain, minimalism is about keeping things you really need and choosing something significant for your life.

[@mariavictoriasalita5273]

I want to follow his footsteps. Minimalism equates to liberty and I desire that liberty.

[@siticotijah8976]

looks tidy, clean, and healthy

[@etheldawe3886]

I love how he lives and so true

[@ginasmitten7836]

I bort Fumios Book called Goodbye, things. This is how I found out about him and I was completely shocked by how straightforward and easy to read his book was. I've read alot of minimalist books for example Joshua becker and Marie kondo and it turns out Fumios Book is the only one that I need so I donated the rest. I re read this for inspiration. It feels personal and I connect with him and some of his techniques have helped more than any of the other research I have done for example asking myself. Would I buy this item again? I really like this guy so now I'm watching his videos too lol

[@jk3432]

ぼくたちは習慣で、できている。 を読んでます！ 多くのことを色々な角度から知ることのできる本だと思いました！

[@app825]

I am reading your book after Konmari. It's worth to keep these books while it help me easier to make decision to throw lots of other no spark joy stuff away. Thank you so much.

[@ros8986]

Fumio's book really is for everyone, not only for people who want to live as he lives.

[@ros8986]

CNA Insider - actually Fumio's book talks about Marie Kondo in a way that makes me think his minimalist journey did not happen before her book.

[@abdulhamidalfani]

LV, Coach, Gucci, etc are screaming in harmony watching this

[@anniinthewoods8287]

Love his book ❤️ It helps a lot

[@fakehesap6383]

You definitely inspired me more than any minimalists

[@cristianexalmes5691]

Amo,amo ,amo minimalismo ❤

[@simplin0r1an86]

For all of the minimalist people I watched, he is the best. I cannot be extreme as his but hopefully one day I can:)

[@deatraparks4739]

hello fumio--i have been reading your book again---its falling apart---you are my favorite minimalist----i still have to go thru alittle junk--but ive done very well--- you did well---deatra

[@husna.j5521]

I started to be minimalist since last month. Too many clothes, books, toys, Clearing room by room, nothing make me happier. I guess our projects will be finished another 2 months as we only can do by weekends.

[@vaitownexus4935]

How is it going?

[@tofu_boy7]

Very inspiring.

[@punkyoliverio]

Wow! Amazing!

[@raymondgonsalves2138]

I love your book so very helpful THANK YOU

[@bajubaji313]

goals.

[@bluemercy297]

One thing 2 say. He has more clothes than I 🤣 I have to sneaks 2 pants 2 shirts 2 pair socks 1dress 1jacket 1back pack. And no jamers because I go to sleep with my clothes on🤗

[@sc22333]

My hero!!!

[@biharizoltan2]

really true: the things You own, they own You.

[@janinesheedy8432]

I love his book too! Agree with everything except the BOOKS 📚 I need my books 🤓

[@CallofCoonCoon]

I really love your books so much You are my inspiration to be minimalist. I hope my boyfriend to be like you and me.

[@ohanaproject985]

his book changed my life.

[@cyrilliyinfo1762]

Very interesting, I never heard it before, I wish I could be a minimalist just like the author..I wish I could get in touch with him..

[@laminage]

When he talked about how unhealthy his life was it was a fact of life. A lot of the stuff he had especially books could have been old and yellowing that produced dust and that could produce bacteria and with all of that clutter it's very hard to clean and sterilize. Once a week on Saturday I dust and once a Month I do a deep cleaning but how he's changed his life is truly inspiring and amazing. How could I get his book?

[@walkingwanderer4769]

Theres more bacteria in you than you cells.

[@simplin0r1an86]

Amazon!

[@deericcio3379]

I got it from library , so now I don’t have too own it

[@p.c.7184]

" The important thing is that it's easier to go out when you live in such a simple room " lol

[@fashionemporium7670]

It forces you to go out as there is nothing to look forward to in the room.

[@pennyfromqueens]

@@fashionemporium7670 facts lol

[@KopiItemPait]

Yesterday i'm found your book in bahasa Indonesia version Mr. Sasaki, after that I'm interested being minimalist.

[@KopiItemPait]

@@rafi6618 ada, gue beli di gramed kok. Judulnya Goodbye, things. Hidup minimalis ala orang Jepang by Fumio Sasaki

[@Ahlinda-rz6rs]

Wah,sama.Saya juga sudah punya bukunya versi Indonesia.Saya beli di Lazada.Buku favorit saya.Saya sering membaca buku tersebut,berulang ulang.

[@NaruruArtDumpStation]

Easy for a guy to choose less clothes *cries in a mountain of fashion*

[@frankm.2850]

I read Fumio’s (I’m assuming they didn’t flip his name to match western conventions) book two years ago. It’s hands down my favorite book on minimalism and I’ve been moving towards this lifestyle ever since. The one thing that’s holding me back is laundry. How do you deal with keeping clothes clean?

[@connorlynch3474]

I'm quite new to minimalism, but this is one my my issues as well. I've been washing underwear and socks by hand twice a week and drying them on radiators, because I rarely have enough laundry for a full washing machine load.

[@Cat-ik1wo]

On a higher level! It made me laugh though, use the same detergent to wash everything. I like that!

[@wilson2810]

Read his book Goodbye,Things. Changed my life and house completely,way better than Marie Kondo

[@JolieUTU]

Yes, exactly. Marie Kondo is for people who really just want someone to say "its ok to keep all your stuff if it brings you 'joy', so just keep all of it"! So lame....

[@vaitownexus4935]

@@JolieUTU i think the kondo method is meant to organize everything that you have. Not minimizing as the main factor.

[@choux7746]

@@JolieUTU You sound like it's a bad thing. 😂 Why are people comparing two individuals that teach different approaches? Is it because they are Japanese? Minimalism is NOT for everyone!

[@solromero7415]

Thank you

[@user-oj8fr8yp9v]

Молодец так держат , Чистота порядок 👍👍👍👍👍

[@laminage]

If there was one thing that I learned about Asian Culture and visiting Homes is that Cleanliness has always been the norm. I remember reading this fantastic Book called Midnight by Sister Souljah where the Main Protagonist Bilal Ode nicknamed Midnight meets and falls in love with a Art Student from Japan named Akemi, he meets her Family in a Upper Middle Class Community in New Jersey and everything in the house is nothing short of spotless.

[@MaggieSimpson1]

Eso es un cliché, hay muchos asiáticos que tienen la casa sucia o desordenada. Casualidad que tu has visto ese lado pero menos mal que existe KZbin y puedes ver la realidad.

[@rolandojr.antonio6855]

Wow, nice video.

[@yudiansah2603]

What a good life...

Legende teu vídeos para que pessoas de outros países possam entender o que você ensina. Li teu livro e estou muito grata a você por compartilhar tua experiência.

[@user-mu2gc5db2n]

That's me!

[@Kevin14henrY]

Very japanese concept style. #LessIsMore

[@akwaabab8504]

Yes!

[@epicon6]

I’m not a minimalist but i have half the clothes he has :)

[@saltytroopa6578]

Is it me or are almost every minimalist in KZbin has a Dyson.

[@antoinebrenet5197]

So practical and convenient

[@bakhytgul4457]

does he really need a Dyson vacuum indeed in this tiny apartment without any rugs, couch etc? ))

[@Windschattenboxer]

Love it

[@gabrielknight5726]

Ngl. his apart before looked pretty dope to me

[@user-qb2yw5yy5x]

大量の書籍、DVD、CD... 断捨離はサブカル鬱から脱出するいい手段だよね。今はストリーミング、電子書籍があるからオタ活もPC、スマホさえあれば余裕。

[@livethegoodlife1740]

OMG. IF YOU CAN DO THIS, THAT MEANS I CAN DO IT TOO... OOOOH WOW. TFS.

[@markomontenegro]

this dude is the most japanesse dude in Japan

[@user-qt6iw4mv9j]

so nice 👍🏿

[@kirayagamoto8620]

Huwaaa minimalistado, hay!

[@gabiedubin]

i think this guy overdid it

[@webxiaoli2235]

Bravo 👍😁

[@user-xo1cm9uh1o]

無印良品すごい好きそう