Ep. 157 | Excess

Joshua & Ryan talk about reducing excess stuff, including some of the things that might add value to your life. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
How do I appropriately address the frustration I experience when I lose any of the few things I truly value? (14:45)
How do I determine if any family items are heirlooms to be saved for future generations? (23:14)
Should I minimize gradually or quickly? (32:46)
How do I minimize dispassionately? (36:09)
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Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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[@ahoardersheart]

Excess...the story of my life. But I have been selling my new hoarded items and putting that cash towards my debt. My goal is to be completely debt-free and hoard-free by this time next year ❤️

[@ladyann7077]

How did it go?👀

[@wewemcrhyne]

I am so so so proud of you!! I have loved watching your journey out of hoarding and into the life that fulfills you!! ❤️

[@lilylife4426]

I had a handbag situation, too, before discovering your documentary. I am down to one bag after sucessfully selling them on eBay. The feeling of freedom from these bags is priceless and I no longer surround myself with people, who care about what bags I carry. You, guys, changed my life! Big hug to you both!

[@Ms.MD7]

Same here, I was a handbag "collector" until I discovered the minimalist guys and the lifestyle altogether. I probably had 50+ and down to 15. My goal is to only own less than 5 so I've been reselling it all on Poshmark and donating the rest. It feels so good to get rid of stuff and make money at the same time.

[@pinkroses135]

That's awesome 👏🏻

[@user-ch2lp9er6p]

Joshua & Ryan, LOVE THIS ONE! I drive a 25 year old car and enjoy the fact that it frees up my money for other things. Love the reminder that I do not need to chase anything in life. Excess stuff is frequently on my mind, not needed! Love you guys!

[@Jade-bh1eh]

What is wrong with me that it doesn't bother me one bit to get rid of stuff? lol. It feels to good & is so freeing. I think bc I get so stressed out by anything I pick up that I feel like I have to find a place for.

[@callewag]

Just a thought re wedding rings/ old jewellery that means a lot - I’m going to have my grandmas old rings made into a new ring that is more my style and that I will wear, rather than having slightly damaged rings just sitting in a box. Not cheap, and not a solution for everyone, but some may find this more helpful than parting ways with them :)

[@MinimalisticLifestyle333]

That is a good idea. I never thought of that; I’m going to do the same.

[@his0wiz]

I would suggest to the woman with the handbags that instead of holding on to them for a possible- one day daughter, maybe sell them and then save that money to invest in her (or his- if you have a son) future for schooling. There is really no guarantee that your future daughter will even be big into handbags, but saving it for their college education is something that your child would more likely be appreciative of than handbags that they will likely just feel beholden to because her mom gave them to her.

[@iamjane9628]

Agree 100%!

[@Ms.MD7]

Agree. She can sell all those at Poshmark or other online luxury reselling platforms and make some money. Why wait to give it to your children and transfer that burden on them (this will only apply if they want it).

[@letsbefreeletsbefree7183]

Yes i would do the same or not education because its free in my country but too a down payment to a home :)

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Ech college. Similarly, let the child use it for their home and towards whatever future they would be happy with. College imo is rarely worth it unless ur going into medical or criminal justice

[@lanakeskisaari8409]

@@letsbefreeletsbefree7183 wow what country are you in?

[@carolynjory8683]

A good way to manage OCD is to make sure items are uniform. One colour plate reduces your stacking alternative coloured plates. Same colour pegs stops me using different colour for different clothes. Different colours help my dyslexia memory but not my OCD or feeling cluttered if on open shelving. X

[@suelaprise]

Literally the day after we adopted 3 little preschool brothers to make 10 kids, my husband shared the minimalist podcast with me. We have 5 grown kids and I’ve told them all about this podcast right after they took a couple bunches of stuff we were trying to unload! Feeling freer everyday thanks so much

[@lucyijr]

If it were easy to get rid of things everyone would be a minimalist. We attach meaning to many things, that's natural, it's just realising that we can un-attach from these things if we choose to.

[@jjuniper274]

I hate when stores switch brands for bras. Something you guys would never understand, but a comfortable bra is a rare find.

[@stephaniecasper7578]

Try the brand from Chico's. It's very comfortable and effective, which I was surprised to find in a wireless bra (I can't normally use a wireless one).

[@pinkroses135]

Facts lol

[@pinkroses135]

Intentional art definitely has a purpose. It inspires one to dream, to live, to enjoy, to rest, to achieve, to discover, to expand their horizons. Man cannot live by math and science alone.

[@QuinnanScott]

These guys are extremely influential with great insight

[@Paula-sw2tt]

When my husband got sick with cancer, we had to put almost everything we owned in storage. When he was dying, I found out he lost the storage (he never told me he could not pay for it). He died in 2009. It has taken me this long to realize that I have things that I really love more now. So although I miss some of the things I lost, especially my beads and supplies, my fine China, collections, and heirlooms, I feel okay now. What I truly miss the most are the pets we had to rehome. But there too I now have the best cats in the world.

[@iamjane9628]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

[@Ms.MD7]

It's been a year since I've watched your documentary... it seriously changed my life. I'm not where I want to be yet but I'm getting there. Just donated and sold so many items and I no longer put too much sentimental feelings over many things. I even shredded 95% of old photos that don't even mean a lot to me. This feeling is so freeing. I value being a minimalist more now and has even lead me towards frugalism which in turn debt free 🤗

[@natashyas4149]

The trinkets of success only show how much money you have, not how much happiness. Wow - emotional attachment to physical items is non transferable.

[@alyssarosengard6674]

Thanks for dealing with heirlooms. These r the toughest for me. I am slowly letting them go, especially because I come from a dysfunctional family background.

[@cjfroese70]

“Form a plan and work that plan.”❤️

[@sarahlockridge7879]

To Abbie: I recommend seeing a Psychiatrist. Perhaps it's a form of anxiety; which OCD is as well. I struggle with even things that bring value and meaning in my life still stress me out to be there. I have yet to get this one at peace in my life.

[@renaeselix5648]

Just discovering you. I’ve already begun this the last year of my life. Loving this. Thank you

[@Mmmmkaaay]

Just unloaded 4 garbage bags of stuff. I thought I was a minimalist. I was wrong. Clearly.🙄 Where does this stuff come from?! Does it multiply overnight when we're asleep?

[@marram2852]

I gave my youngest son my mother's diamond for his wife's engagement ring. It took me about 15 years after her death to be ready to part with it, but very glad I did!

[@AkS143joyful]

Love it! "We're not the stuff police." Let it go.... Sell them and do something with a loved one that is memorable or sell them And give it to someone struggling for the holidays. You can do it!

[@Cheezcurd]

Amazing podcast...the content is just life-changing

[@kblusnia]

I think you've talked in other episodes about attachment. It would be nice to revisit that point and the importance of values and relationships. When we die, everything stays and most of it gets thrown and given away. Thank you for your generosity.

[@jjuniper274]

I just got a notification from my favorite store right now.... "Jenny, we miss you. Enjoy a reward for your next visit. Claim it now." 🙄

[@alyssa13renee]

Lol i did too! My email said hurry! dont miss out, sale won't last long

[@jeremiahcepeda3456]

Netflix apparently misses me too. Cuz I got Hulu

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

Another eye-opening program, guys. Really put things into perspective. Thank you!

[@namrataguppta2533]

Joshua and Ryan....he is an Indian Monk named Gaur Gopal Das....his journey is similar to yours in a way...he is a corporate guy turned monk! All disillusioned souls! Gorgeously deep conversations....as always!

[@alanbirkner1958]

I collect signed crystal. I buy it at rummage sales and thrift shops. I only have 6 pieces. I give away the cheaper pieces as I get nicer pieces. There are groups that collect vases for hospitals and nursing homes. They put flowers in them. Tina

[@kristinolan7240]

Omgoodness this was SO meaningful to me 💕

[@renee4495]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@Itallnew]

I wonder if there are people out there that don’t feel emotional when getting rid of stuff? I feel very little emotional response when I get rid of things. If anything I only keep things because I feel guilt that someone else would be hurt if I got rid of it. If I lived alone I would probably own very little.

[@natashyas4149]

If you live within your means, you've won the lottery!

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Your podcasts are just great!!

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Great episode.

[@Virtual-Media]

Anyone have a link to the video they broadcasted at the beginning of the show?

[@sarahlockridge7879]

"a life without yachts" 😆😆 Actually boats are a burden... Been there done that owned it for a year. We spent more money taking care of it and storing it than using it for 3 months a year (Indiana)

[@fernandoalarcon8534]

I have started to sell and give awy my excess clothing. When shopping, I have used Poshmark. I am taking small steps.

[@jjuniper274]

I kept the large 20-year-old Gucci bag and use it was a briefcase, and I have the matching wallet. I got that from my dear brother, and it is sentimental in that respect. I also have one semi expensive small leather clutch. Honestly, the rest could be sold...and probably will. I do have a gym bag, and a Vera Bradley backpack. Everything else to me is just excessive. Love this podcast! ❤️❤️

[@SiIentAzn]

Hey guys, I just started listening to your podcasts (currently on episode 7).. got a long way to go before I listen to this episode and got this question for you guys. How do you deal with impulse buying while you're travelling?

[@creativedutchess4866]

Mariah talks Ryan out of it lol

[@dianaciloci1978]

So true!

[@leeharrison8790]

Some folks use the words standard of living when in fact they may be referring to quality of life as well .. Same church different pew ? some say live like no one now so you can live like No one later ...

[@Antistylestyleclub]

Trying to declutter my minimalist-video excess.

[@janiesuper3222]

I like that you defined "excess"

[@kristinolan7240]

Does anyone know who was speaking in the * standard of life * video they showed? I loved it so much! 🌟

[@vcanadian1971]

Gaur Gopal Das

[@Alldaysun]

"The 10.1 📱"🤣

[@plsspayorneuter]

Handbag caller: It's obvious that these bags are not yours, though they were given to you. Sell those bags and pay off some debt, if you have any. Or take your mom on a vacation with you and talk to her about redefining your relationship. If we're talking Coach, consider donating them to an organization that empowers women to pursue new careers. If you are getting rid of Birkin bags, consider setting up a foundation in your mother's name.

[@mentenaya]

Hi guys! I have a question...what do you think about the idea of "abundance"? It's difficult to me thinkin how to be minimalist and see the money (dinero) like a good thing 🤔 sorry my english 😂

[@YenNieNg97]

yahhh!!!! i cannot change certain brands!!

[@jjuniper274]

I'm doing my journey slowly but surely...with bursts of fast downsizing.

[@cabayern9416]

I know someone who brags about her car, handbags, electronics, trips etc. She gives the impression she is better than others due to her possessions.

[@lanakeskisaari8409]

Handbag lady, quarantine them sealed in the shed? Maybe revisit in 6 months

[@urooz]

27:39 shoutout to Osho

[@dougpage1132]

No if you won 1.6 billion things WOULD change , and drastically. God is what you are missing. It isn't minimalism, or to much money, it is your relationship with God.

[@askyourselfwhatdoyoureally3542]

We rage against everything except the Machine...

[@martadaianysiqueira7787]

Qiero em portugues

[@JayneTenn]

And if one can't afford to buy multiplies of their favorite stuff? Seriously, what about minimalism for the low income and the poor? Their excess may not necessarily have resell value either.

[@stephaniecasper7578]

I think for us, we have to start with the savings of not spending excess money.

[@stephaniecasper7578]

As for the multiples of favorite things, there aren't many things we need multiples of anyway. Yes, making sure those few things are all of the quality we want takes time, but it's easier when we're not getting excesses of things we don't need or use.

[@blackmuslimconservative]

That guy in the video clip said some sensible things, but he had an excess of paint on his face.

[@vcanadian1971]

The paint is for his spiritual beliefs as a priest or maybe a monk. Hindus wear markings for many purposes. Some markings denote the sect they belong to, others tell if a woman is married or not, and some have deeper metaphysical reasons.

[@tbpmermaid]

His name is Sadhguru. It does matter. He is a person, not a thing. You just used him to make a point. You should love him enough to know who he is.

[@zvezdanapavicevic256]

Hi Lynne do you have a full name. When i type Sadhguru someone else comes up not him :(

[@ic9728]

So true! I also didn't like the way they used his video and didn't bother to find his name

[@iownadodge7081]

His name is Gaur Gopal das, and it’s listed on the lower right of his videos. 🥰

[@MandySam13]

That is Gaur Gopal Das. Not Sadhguru.

[@kseniachest]

Who is Sean?

[@TheMinimalists]

He’s our producer!

[@jayontario7285]

Jackie Treehorn treats Objects like Women, Man!