CAN YOU BE A MINIMALIST COLLECTOR? | minimal millennials

[@raewolfheart]

You don't have to make any excuses for what you love. Don't let anyone tell you how you should live your life. I love your minimalist lifestyle! Thanks for sharing!

[@thematneys]

Thank you! That is so true, and it's such a good reminder for everyone.

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

I'm a minimalist and a crafter. Those two things rarely go together. The trick for me is only bringing in supplies for a current project instead of bringing supplies that I might use for some yet-to-be-defined craft. This keeps my collection of yarn or whatever small and uncluttered.

[@thematneys]

Oh so interesting! I was actually thinking about that the other day, weirdly enough, like what it would be like to try to be minimalist while being an artist or a crafter. Thank you for sharing!

[@kathrynwitte3398]

Priscilla Bettis it's not a "collection" if it's just the supplies for one project and discarded afterward.

[@joerazakmex88]

Im on my way to minimalism in most aspects of life, but one of my hobbies is machining and toolmaking and seem to struggle with all the tools sometimes required to build anything, or the tool I need to build to be able to built the real thing I need to make

[@kriscote9017]

I think that minimalism is about curating your possessions and only having the things which you use or add value to your life. If a collection is used or adds value to your life then I think it fits!

[@hh-qy8zt]

exactly

[@LadyTracyOfTheDisk]

As both a record collector and book lover, I'm impressed that you have no more than what you have. For me, some things can be digital and others, well, just have to be physical objects. There's just something about an old book or an original record that speaks to me. I agree with what you said about deciding what you want; the key to keeping a collection within bounds is mindful acquisition. I'm pursuing minimalism as best I can, but the books and records nevertheless abound here!

[@thematneys]

+Tracy Bryant yeah totally get it! When did you start becoming more minimal?

[@LadyTracyOfTheDisk]

I started in 2009 by buying a Kindle and thinning out some books (over 200 are gone now.) That led to getting rid of many loads of other things. Minimalism has changed my thinking quite a lot, but my house still doesn't look obviously minimalist at this point.

[@lisachubrilo]

I'm working on my minamlist life..I enjoy ur process of figuring it out. I too have a lot of books. I have got rid of most and continue to do so, where my heart lies is an action figure collection..I'm 48 and No One would ever look at me and say..oh wow..she's a toy collector! But I've gotten rid of a lot and still working on it..but I love them and would regret not having them..so it's a battle in my head and heart.

[@gijose83]

a book that you never tire of reading again and again is definitely worth keeping

[@thematneys]

We totally agree, thanks for the comment!

[@moon_child_000]

My collection is kinda sorta handy, minimalism-wise, 'cause I'm collecting Pokemon, been ever since 1999 >.>' and they fit nicely into DS/3DS and their tiny cartridge homes (for older gens) ... so yeah. ^^'' Oh and I also think there is absolutely nothing wrong with collecting both books and music records, as far as collecting goes, you're basically treasuring melody and beautiful/wise thoughts preserved in books. As long as you read/cherish them and are able to display the most of them, you're as minimalist as the people who have only a backpack in my opinion. In the end, it's all about what brings you joy, no use being a minimalist if you keep thinking about books you got rid off but still loved.

[@thematneys]

Wow, that's such a good point. "No use being a minimalist if you keep thinking about books you got rid of but still loved." Love it! Would you say you're a minimalist?

[@moon_child_000]

Glad you agree. ^^ I'd say I am, being that every single item I touch, either in my room or within my closet, as Marie Kondo would put it, "sparks joy". Another criteria I follow is that all of the items I own (besides some super precious mementos) are used frequently, and usually needed at least several times on a monthly basis.

[@thematneys]

Ivan S Very, very cool. That's definitely how we try to live as well. We just went through our storage the other day and gave away about 2/3 of it because we never saw it, so we never used it. Now we have less in our storage that we either need now or will need in the van, plus we have access to it since it isn't packed in there. It feels great!

[@Face0Less]

I love collecting paintings. I always make sure to go to a museum when I visit a new city and buy a painting from there. It's like a time stamp for me. I can look at the painting in multiple ways. To remind me of my trip, who I was with, where did I go, and what I did but also I can look at the art work itself and find enjoyment from that.

[@thematneys]

That is beautiful and I don't think you can really put a price on that. There's a risk as a minimalist to get very attached to the process of throwing things out and miss out on some really beautiful things in life. Thanks for sharing. Also, we also always get museum memberships and use them all the time.

[@mdolley11]

I have a collection of 3000 different plants in my 1acre garden, it brings me much joy and I love them all so very much, on my very short journey into minimalism I have found so much that's so easy to let go of and not hold onto and I haven't missed. But my garden and plants are my passion and love and not once would I consider them a burden or controlling

[@94bestyearever]

Thank you so much for this video. I have multiple collections but struggle to curate it. I live pretty minimalistically in every other area of my life so my relationship with my collections are a constant struggle. It makes me feel better to know others choose this lifestyle without completely sacrificing everything they love.

[@Natsuhiiboshii]

I am so glad that I found this video! I decluttered all my stuff, but I just love books, I can't get rid of them... I sold few of them that I didn't like that much, but I still have around 50 books that are my favourites. :D It's tough. And I realised that I shouldn't stop buying books cause they spark joy for me. :)

[@thematneys]

Yeah absolutely! For us, minimalism is just being intentional about only owning things that truly give you joy, so if multiple books do that for you, then why get rid of them? Thanks for commenting!!

[@minimalistgecko4867]

My books were the first thing I unpacked! My first 270 times were books, only 75 of those which are physical. I often buy physical, kindle, and audible so I can listen and continue a book on the go and on my phone on lunch breaks at work. Maybe you’re like me too- that if you were to travel the world, you may just download them all, so you’d never lose the library. I think for you, it’s beyond excess and aesthetic. You’d find a way to bring your library with you. Additionally, I have a good control of my library, by donating books often to the free libraries on the side of the streets! It’s a great way to give back to the world, let go, and find new titles to borrow! Great video!

[@elissagail1663]

Great attitude, I loved this video! I wasn't as brave as you are. When I moved into a car, I put 5 boxes of books into storage with friends lol. I donated 7 other boxes so I felt good about it at the time. After a few months in the car I realized I could live without them. I'd let go of everything else so easily, kinda crazy how emotionally attached I was to my books. I now keep one shelf of books I'm not willing to part with. (and know I'll read again and again) I've also started buying books online with iTunes cards and adjusted to reading on the iPad, which has been a huge help adjusting my passion for reading to a minimalist lifestyle.

[@autumnrosedearborn8923]

My husband and I are minimalist and also books and records! Hahha too funny. My husband collects the records and I collect the books. We love it. It doesn't clutter our home or life, they are all organized nicely but there are a lot, but there's so little of anything else. People come over and can see very plainly what we find value in.

[@jazlynbell8202]

This gives me hope. I was struggling with the thought of getting rid of my collections, but knowing that I can narrow it down and still be minimalist, helps.. :)

[@jakehendy]

I found you guys through watching your van videos and now I'm going back and watching all of the other videos because 1 they're related to stuff I'm interested in, but also 2 you guys are so cool!! Seriously, keep putting out videos! You guys create great content and you give a good name to the word "millennial" so keep it going! Also my two cents about collecting stuff would be this: minimalism is a tool to help you rid your life of the things that aren't so important and focus on what matters most to you! So if your books or records or whatever it is are important to you and add value to your life, then keep them, and get rid of the things that don't :)

[@thematneys]

Thanks man! That's exactly what I think too.

[@victorbealor736]

I am supposing that being a minimalist means what you have you use constantly and not just taking up spacee, but as I stated in a earlier video of yours, that you will come across things in your travel and young life that you might not fine again. if a wonder memory can be attached to it or just that warm feeling you can get from an object you should keep it and fine a way to save it for that later part of your life. people say you should just make memories, but as you get older you need certain objects to spark that memory. you may have to spend for storage, not sure it's fair to have other people store your memories for you while you live a care free life. just an old man's opinion. enjoying you two.

[@thematneys]

That's a great point, thank you for your insight!

[@cherii20075]

Completely understand. I could NEVER imagine just getting rid of my whole book and CD collection, though I have purged a lot over the course of my KM journey (I'm not sure I like the label "minimalist" just because of the expectations that accompany it so I won't consider myself one for the time being). Good job with letting go of most collections and living out in a van! :D

[@shess1640]

Video of my heart!!!! I so relate to this.... I have just moved...a bit of a downsize .... I got rid of oooohhh maybe 1/3 of my books.....and a few CDs... I need to understand my options when it comes to keep music or getting rid of CDs.... but books....despite living in a city with a great library system and having a library 2 blocks away... my home would feel so empty and brinking on soulless if I had no books.

[@thematneys]

Sooooooo with you there. Oh yes, book are just the killer. I just can't imagine getting rid of all of mine.

[@tigre2299]

Nice video! Your comment about bringing books on the road made me realize that I don't have any book in my RV. I'm ashamed! lol! Having books is always useful for that rainy day in the wood or that sunny day relaxing at the beach! Anyway, cheers from Montreal (Qc)!

[@thematneys]

Haha well everyone holds books at different value :) I (Aubry) don't read as much as Christian does so I'd probably forget them too if Christian wasn't bringing them ;)

[@linneawestberg6435]

i your Uploaded playlist on rn and hava known you for the duration of your newest videos up until this one and im already in love

[@thematneys]

Thank you so much for following! We're glad to have you here :) Your 5 goals are inspiring!

[@XandriaRavenheart]

Stamp collector here...I was wondering how collecting stamps can fit into my minimalist lifestyle. But I guess it could if the stamps that I keep are ones that I truly love and enjoy!

[@frankm.2850]

I have books and eBooks. The physical books all fit at least one of the following: 1) I highlight, scribble notes, open "randomly" 2) aren't available in Kindle format 3) are borrowed from the library.

[@jordandale85]

I've seen a bit of you guys from from Eamon & Bec and Trent & Allie and decided to binge your channel. I do that a lot, subscribe, then come back to watch from the beginning. Paused on the books above the record player.. I now like you guys a lot more!!

[@jordandale85]

And then the collection gets even better!

[@hannahbritcher1688]

I have a book collection and it was so great to hear you view on this. I've been looking to minimize it, but there are many books I just don't want to part with. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@hannahbritcher1688]

I just looked at your list. Steinbeck's East of Eden is the best book I've ever read. It's so exciting that you haven't read it yet and will get to read it for the first time, because there's nothing like reading a great book for the first time.

[@AlexxWretched]

I have two very small collections (If I can even really call them that) I have a beautiful set of Winnie the Pooh books from when I was about a year old, still in brand new condition. I still read these every month or two, sometimes up to every six months. I also have a very small toy collection consisting of a 1997 Spike toy from the land before time and the VW bus from the movie cars. I guess they aren't really collections...

[@leighannapalmer1052]

love the classics ,” The Great Gatsby”,” Wuthering House” , and “ The Jungle” are some of my favorites! ( such a random list lol)

[@net31rec]

i was drinking out of the same stumptown mug as watching this. i'm currently purging 500 records down to 50, the first few hundred were easy, but i'm stuck now, so i just drink coffee and listen to war on drugs and silver jews and get distracted - but the struggle continues.

[@thematneys]

I love that you were using the same mug, haha, we love it. Totally get it on purging records. How long have you been collecting them and why have you decided to purge? - Aubry (P.S. War on Drugs is like our favorite album on vinyl, especially when we're cleaning haha.)

[@kimesch9698]

You don’t need to get rid of things you use and enjoy. Congrats for realizing that.

[@89editor]

Hello, thank you for the videos! Totally enjoying them. I'm recently getting interested in records and wanted to know what record player you use and if you would recommend it? Thanks in advance!!

[@thematneys]

Yes we would recommend it! Here it is: amzn.to/2pRPIGk

[@89editor]

Thank you so much! :) Would love to see future detailed videos on your knowledge with records like the coffee videos! :) Thanks again!

[@bigphilly7345]

Sounds legit to me. However, I'm a whale reader, so I switched to a kindle to save space and I have a rule that I don't buy a new book until I've read the current one.

[@ChildhoodRPG]

want to be minimalist but i’m a game console collector 😂

[@RustyNickels]

Do you have to label yourself a 'minimalist' or can you just have only useful stuff?

[@shess1640]

going to try to not judge you for owning DIANETICS.

[@thematneys]

I'm not a scientologist but my grandpa is very active in the church. Got to be aware of all opinions ;)