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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[@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-hito-dake]

@@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@minimalist5555life]

Is Fumio still an extreme minimalist. Love to watch an update

[@JolieUTU]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@baggydude7582]

What if you go to people's places, bring gifts to them and spend quality time toguether? It's not self isolating if you don't want it to be... Imagine you are homeless but you are not, yo can surround yourself with people who like you because of who you are and not for what you have.

[@fab123fab]

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

[@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 … 🤔

[@nascentnaomie]

The lightness and freedom inspires me

[@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.

[@123a-o5d]

I agree with this. I don't understand the one cup thing though, that seems like it would have such a tiny benefit with a significant downside.

[@janinesheedy8432]

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

[@pcchilek609]

Yes the lightness and freedom is inspiring!

[@jessiejohnson1208]

"the benefit of having fewer things, surpasses the need to have a lot of things"

[@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

[@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😍

[@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.

[@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

[@biharizoltan2]

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

[@solromero7415]

Fumio Sasaki , my inspiration in this journey

[@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.

[@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.

[@АлександрСавенков-п2ю]

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

[@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.

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.

[@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 😢 😭

[@deatraparks4739]

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

[@ShojiVR]

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

[@evi4822]

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

[@Jake24378]

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

[@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:)

[@rjnuzzi1648]

Amazing... all my applause... I've been a minimalist for 38 yrs... not exactly that paired down but it is inspiring, even as I am often as austere

[@siticotijah8976]

looks tidy, clean, and healthy

[@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?

[@karensimplyadventurous7305]

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

[@mariavictoriasalita5273]

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

[@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!

[@abdulhamidalfani]

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

[@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...

[@translator544]

Watching this while tossing stuff away from night stand

[@GeorginaPlantoria]

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

[@samfdsd2134]

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

[@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.

[@cristianexalmes5691]

Amo,amo ,amo minimalismo ❤

[@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.

[@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！

[@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.

[@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🤗

[@unboxingpress]

beautiful. very inspiring

[@anniinthewoods8287]

Love his book ❤️ It helps a lot

[@ohanaproject985]

his book changed my life.

[@fakehesap6383]

You definitely inspired me more than any minimalists

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

How to be a KZbin minimalist . First buy a complete camera setup , like a don't A7R MK4 , Zeiss lens x 3 , a good carbon fiber tripod , best SD card, fastest SD card reader , maxed out Mac book pro. Oh editing software like final cut pro or premiere pro... Then go subscribe to a music platform so you can use tracks for background music . Next , color coordinate your video room , make sure the place that's facing the lens is as bare as possible ( minimalist art direction ) Oh also remember to plan at least 2 months ahead for your content . Sponsors sponsors sponsors ! ...yes KZbin minimalists are a joke

[@pennyfromqueens]

Why you hating so hard lol

[@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.

[@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.

[@nguyenthienhuong9068]

Thank you for inspiring.

[@coldba]

やはり日本のミニマリストでは佐々木さんが一番本物に見えますね。最近の若いユーチューバーの方は、部屋はすっきりしてるのに声や存在の主張が大きくて、全然ミニマルではない笑 声の反響で隣人にも迷惑だろうし。。 目に見えないゴミの山に埋もれているのに気が付かない。 知性や人間の本質の違いと言ってしまえば、それまでなのですが… 佐々木さんは素晴らしい！

[@НиНКим]

Молодец так держат , Чистота порядок 👍👍👍👍👍

[@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

[@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..

[@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!

[@sc22333]

My hero!!!

[@砂糖市-d6q]

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。

[@Cat-ik1wo]

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

[@warrenbeattysnose]

Ngl. his apart before looked pretty dope to me

[@bajubaji313]

goals.

[@raymondgonsalves2138]

I love your book so very helpful THANK YOU

[@marydc7625]

I wonder how he dries off after showering and especially what kind of multipurpose detergent he uses!!??

[@NaruruArtDumpStation]

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

[@carolinefasth4030]

Im not a minimalist , but I love to see videos about minimalism and read his book, its almost religious for me.

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

I really like him, his vision and the concept of minimalism. But I think this is a bridge to far. Giving the apartment a touch of cosiness with a few colours and bit of acoustic damping on the ceiling would give it a bit higher live ability without detracting from the minimalism. Also a few basic utensils for cooking, eating and drinking can hardly be regarded excessive consumerism, and is probably more environmentally friendly than plastic utensils.

[@pennyfromqueens]

Yea seriously. I think it's great to found his meaning to life that's so inspirational, but also it just seems quite uncomfortable how bare his place is. Like, you really couldn't save like 2 extra cups and plates to offer a friend something? Lol

[@pennyfromqueens]

It just is kinda quietly suggesting there might be an underlying mental health issue that hasn't been properly addressed or healed from exactly yet. He got very overzealous I think with the excitement and shift in mood and wanted to purposely stretch his limits to how far he can go, maybe bc of the intrinsic motivation he has unlocked?

[@KenyattaScott-c4q]

Girl your comments have me splitting my side's! 👍 True and so humorous!😆

[@dbaang213]

how is he living right now? 😅

[@furadhawkan]

“Live in this world like a traveler.” Prophet Muhammad PBUH

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

"More possessions, more worries." Rabbi Hillel

[@gabiedubin]

i think this guy overdid it

[@JK-vc7ie]

I lived like that after college as a bachelor

[@punkyoliverio]

Wow! Amazing!

[@epicon6]

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

[@yudiansah2603]

What a good life...

[@tofu_boy7]

Very inspiring.

[@ingrid9635]

This comment section is too cluttered, stop commenting you guys 😑😂😂

[@arlenyholmquist3641]

Lol

[@markomontenegro]

this dude is the most japanesse dude in Japan

[@livethegoodlife1740]

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

[@saltytroopa6578]

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

[@antoinebrenet5197]

So practical and convenient

[@ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝοΥΠΈΡΤΑΤΟΣ]

That's me!

[@rodolfodelatorre-es5768]

Yeah but how do you digitalize all your photos and documents if either your external hard drive suddenly stops working, or you suddenly need it in a bigger file?

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

After 6 yesrs of being a pure minimalist, I am now a proud maximalist.

[@かか-x2q9v]

無印良品すごい好きそう