Ep. 297 | Minimalism Rules

[@robynfree1558]

When I get an Amazon package, I fill up the box it came in with donations.

[@beans4853]

No way I love this idea! I am currently paring down my collection of reusable bags by filling them with donations, but the Amazon boxes are just so perfect

[@ALightAngel]

I do a lot of crafts so craft supplies are an issue for me. I love having the supplies when I need them but I really wanted to downsize where I could. I started with yarn. I could have donated it directly but instead I made 10 neck scarves and donated them to people living in a homeless encampment. (The weather was exceptionally cold at the point they were delivered.) So I cleansed that category of supplies AND got a tremendous feeling of fulfillment from doing something for people who could really use what I created.

[@katja6228]

Great!

[@mandie3049]

I hear ya girlfriend.

[@sariahhayford3331]

This resonates with me!! I'm making baby blankets with my yarn to minimize my craft supplies :-)

[@ALightAngel]

@@skabettispaghetti5451 I totally agree with that approach. Serendipitously, I became aware of a winter clothing campaign for the homeless in our area around the time I was contemplating what to do with all my yarn. Had that not been the case, donating it would have been the better move.

[@radhasrinivasan203]

Very good idea :)

[@alanbirkner1958]

I am 71, I am not climbing on ladders much these days. I went through some art supplies and gave a big bag to the local food pantry for their free table. Then I filled a bag of sweaters for Goodwill. Another box of China and glassware is going to Goodwill. I use your 20/20 rule. We've had friends die suddenly with houses full of stuff. We have never had much, now we have less. Tina

[@kraykray4118]

I like what Joshua said here "As a minimalist all my things are my favourite things" good way to look at what we own

[@emmaadams5905]

I love that these episodes always drop right before I go to the grocery store they give me something constructive to listen to on my drive there and back!

[@grumylynn]

Josh, I love that you said "I don't really care" when referring to what we thought about the coffee mug. Caring less about others' thoughts about "things" is definitely a form of minimalism, I would think. And caring too much is consumer-istic, Ya?!

[@trueeagle5487]

"Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, Or Do Without’". I heard this song by Don Grooms years ago at The Florida Folk Festival, ( was not able to find it on the internet). In the sixties when our favorite pants tore, we put a patch on it. The thing is, if you keep putting patches on eventually you have a new pair of pants. A rule that applies to most every thing, even the cells in your body.

[@racheltaylor2549]

Something you don't hear much is how to transition from what you learn as a child about 'having more stuff' and how if you didn't have extra or grew up with one parent there was a lot of stigma. That person then grows up with the idea that having more stuff or abundance is more socially acceptable and more 'normal'. I grew up in a single parent household as one parent died at a young age so we had very little extra. There were no brand names or treats in the cupboard. So fast forward 20 years when I had a child myself I subconsciously over compensated for that and found it hard to let go of things, holding on to that negative lesson that less meant poor or lower class. Its hard to let go of those early lessons particularly if there was shame or bullying but I guess that is the beauty of finding your true self through minimalism and living authentically without fear of being judged.

[@ff2154]

That is a Good Point. I have Immigrant parents and the desire to hoard is strong in them

[@petmomful2260]

Your comment is interesting because I grew up with parents who were very mean and abusive, and we had less cause my dad was a cop and made little money. Across the alley from our flat, my friends parents lived on a tree lined street with big houses. I never had the Barbies, or bikes, or things they had. They did fun things that my parents NEVER did, like have kids over, etc. I was only let in their house twice. One time I remember being let in and they were PULLING TAFFY! Can you imagine how fun that was for me to be included in this? I always felt inferior, and that they looked down on me. I would tell my friends something crazy that my dad mentioned, (he was a homicide detective, so use your imagination), and they would say that I was lying, and they told their mom and she said I was lying, too. To this day I get upset when someone says I am lying. When we moved away, I was in 6th grand and I walked all the way back to their house to see them. Someone made an insulting comment, and I turned around and walked home. I never saw them again. To this day I do not know why these people did not like me. I never had the cool shoes, or sweaters that the other girls in high school had. This kind of stuff is so hard to put out of your heart. It does not matter why they did not like me, but I would still like to know.

[@SirTaoSan]

I have bunch of older clothes. Things that own me since over 10 years (some of them). And that even after throwing out and donating quite a bit. I'm not a fan of hanging clothes, i've restricted my wardrobe (including seasonal items - i need them here where i live), i'm down to about 5 large drawers. T-Shirts, Buttonshirts, Pants... everything is folded marie kondo style and stored in said drawers, stacked so that everything is visible. In order to actually use all my clothes (season permits), i put the freshly washed laundery in the back and only take the one at the front - therefore wearing trough all my cloths. once in a while i have to / i can let go of one or the other, due to being worn out. And once i'm down to a number that's suitable for my life, i'll get one new at a time, when one old has to go.

[@cedarrockcabin3633]

O! M! G! Many times I’ve thought that if my house caught fire how relieved I’d feel. Like a weight had been lifted. We had downsized & had a lot of junk in boxes in storage. We had all this junk from combining 2 household that we hadn’t dealt with then had my parents estate to deal with and as we were wrapping that up I was diagnosed with cancer, went through chemo then recurred before being well enough to deal with the junk. Over 2 yrs passed. Thank God mice got into quite a few boxes of junk while in storage. When I recovered and started going through boxes, every time I’d grab a box I secretly hoped mice had gotten in as that gave me permission without guilt to throw out the whole box without going through it (they never chewed through, but got in through the punch-outs to carry the boxes). Unfortunately, they did not get into all of them. So then I reboxed the junk to organize the junk I didn’t know what to do with and am going through them now. I have now created a guideline that if I haven’t dealt with that box within a month, out it goes. That guideline came to me after hearing about Ryan’s boxing party. Guilt is my biggest stumbling block. What will my sister think if she finds out I gave away this thing. I ended up with my mothers Crystal because my sister had Crystal so she proclaimed it mine. WTH am I going to do with it?! I have never been a China/silver/Crystal person. Give me mismatched handmade pottery dishes, mason jars and stainless steel flatware any day and serve buffet style. Putting on airs ain’t my thang. I am also giving my adult children things they want now and getting rid of as much as I can as I have learned….they don’t like want my junk either.

[@nicoleschlanger9876]

Anna's question is so relatable. I have went through the same thing. I found for my self personally it was how much I spent on these items, that made me not want to dirty or wear out. I wanted these things to last forever so using less stretched out the life of these items.

[@Carcassbits11]

I read online about people who wore their nice shoes and they fell apart on the first wear because they had been sitting for so long

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Your statements about language and its effects are so true and language is something that gets me going. The word 'diet' has been corrupted over the years, it actually means 'the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats' not some eating plan that a person goes on and off of. In the past, doctors always asked about your diet, but because of really good marketing and saturation, the word has taken on a different meaning and the misunderstanding has not helped the health of Americans. The best eating habit in the world, is to just eat what works for your body. There are many more examples, but I will not go on, thank you guys for sharing and inspiring.

[@hopemurphy90]

this brought back memories of a book i had which was published posthumously but made by a photo journalist Dan Eldon called 'the journey is the destination'. i sometimes think of this when i feel like a goal i have is becoming overwhelming as it helps to snap me back into the present. love your podcast ❤

[@Bobbi-the-Croz]

I did the backward hanger strategy one year. It was revealing and helpful to let go of things that kept me clinging to my fantasy self. I also have only a certain amount of hangers, when I bring in something new and there is no hanger for it, something must go. 👍🏼

[@kraykray4118]

I liked the suggestion a caller made about waiting a month before a purchase. Great tip👍

[@lamochilademary1969]

When buying clothing I have strict rules, only natural materials, local, small business. That makes it more difficult to go on a shopping spree.

[@Becky-vb8fs]

My husband isn't a minimalist and is sentimental but will do without and doesn't like to spend on himself a part from books and gym gear. I'm minimalist, no attachment to things but like to treat myself and our family to events. The rules we share are save up for things to buy them in full (nothing on finance a part from our mortgage), don't buy things we won't use or enjoy, experiences and activities are essential purchases to us, have savings in the bank and live under or means

[@PinkSallyProductions]

I’ve just started your new audiobook and this episode is a great companion to it. Thank you both for helping me (OCD and over-sentimentality had left me with a stuffed house) to define my boundaries with ‘stuff’ and clear not only my house a lot, but also my mind! Be well 🌹

[@anielyantra1]

Here is my pruning process; I do it by sets. A set is your clothes or your kitchenware, etc. I lay the set of stuff out so I can visually see all of it. Then I prune to the essentials I wish to keep. I take all the rest and bag it and put it in a staging area. If I feel I pruned too much I rejoin the deleted items. After 30 days, the rest of deleted stuff goes and I make a mental note to not buy it again.

[@wakeupstylellc]

Just ordered the book yesterday!! So excited to read it 👏👏👏

[@DavidDavisDH]

The only time I disregard minimalism rules is when it comes to my car tools because I fix my own car, so maintenance stuff like brakes, spark plugs, oil changes, etc, the tools are not always used often, but it saves a lot of money when I do them myself compared to a shop.

[@cynthia6771]

These guys helped me become a minimalist. I have never been happier and only live with my bare essentials. My only issue is I still have christmas decor that I cant seem to part with and sweaters. And I dont even know why I hold on to so many sweaters when I live in southern california! Whyyyy

[@MaggieLoveMTC]

Cynthia, Christmas is so special to a lot of people because of the good feelings/mood one feels seeing our places decorated a certain way. Don't feel bad about keeping your Christmas stuff. I've decided to go minimalist, but my Christmas stuff stays unless I am absolutely sure I will not be using them. I always wait until Christmas is over and I'm putting my stuff away to purge some.

[@cynthia6771]

@@MaggieLoveMTC thanks I feel better now about keeping my christmas decor😋 The easter stuff I was able to part with easier but my beautiful ornaments that I collected from my travels is hard to let go

[@augustineschaefer5522]

My favorite things are the things I’m currently using. I don’t quilt anymore so I don’t have a small stash of fabric, I now have a small stash of wood and a table saw. I don’t miss the fabric, but I know that I’m only one stop away from fabric (that I’ve not bought in years)

[@TingTingalingy]

I'm taking the day off today after 2 days of intense labor in this heat wave happening in Michigan. So I'm going to listen to this then get to work on minimizing things I've been meaning to let go of.

[@IndigoAwakener]

Totally relate to Anna's fear about using our favorite things lest they wear out. It's just a different iteration of "lack mentale" rearing it's ugly head. The fear that we won't be supplied. In reality, something better WILL come along, it always does

[@Carcassbits11]

Yeah I have work clothes and nice clothes. I almost never go anywhere nice so idk why. 🤷🏼‍♀️ now I wear nicer comfy clothes to work and if they get ruined then I get the fun of buying a new one lol

[@carinkveton8691]

Such a good episode! Thanks guys for the "different from society" ways of thinking about our stuff. Very helpful.

[@anuragbadola]

Absolutely loved this podcast.

[@maureenvandine4004]

The past is for learning. The future is not ours to behold. The present in the Bible is just for today. It is minimalism at its finest.

[@ramonalofgren5552]

My faves: When I declutter and area, 50% can stay I have a time out drawer in my dresser. Things go in and if I don’t look for the item, or if I put something on and take if off (it’s not quite right), it gets donated before the season ends. On garbage collection day, my rule is to go around and fill up the remaining space the recycle or garbage container When I look for new furniture now, I prefer non-storage items. Less places to stick things.

[@YanickFM]

I'm liking and subscribing to the coffee mug

[@cosmopoliteancie]

I have been living in a small campervan, in the subarctic country Sweden, for a couple of years. I am still simplifying my belongings. I found a youtube video with a big help: 1) WERE do I look for this thing X when I need it? ( Not buying, not borrow etc) 2) PUT it There NOW!!! In the same time I have been starting to look at That place IF there is something else that have to go. Because in a small box there is no room for Everything

[@Mindywright27]

I’d be more sad about the loss of coffee than the mug ☕️ 😏

[@kevindcreates]

pre-ordered mine. about half way thru. want to read it thru first once, then re-start and go step by step!

[@tineke298]

If these pants would spontaneously combust, I hope you don't wear them at that moment 😂😂😂

[@labudabuda]

I came to Canada 30 years ago with two pieces of luggage. I can not believe how much stuff I've accumulated in these years! This is what capitalism does to you :) I already donated and threw away many boxes and bags. It's much better now, but I still feel suffocated. In a few months I will be very light and mobile!

[@monicacreates]

It really is our greed and insecureties that do it, not capitalism, noone forces us to buy a lot of things.

[@labudabuda]

@@monicacreates That too, but in former Soviet Union most of people were minimalists by default :)

[@suen5006]

@@labudabuda that's not minimalism. It's just poverty.

[@labudabuda]

@@suen5006 First, there's a word in English "sarcasm". Second, what interesting is that now people in Russia have more stuff, bigger homes or apartments, few cars in a family, but.... they are not happier and even less satisfied with their finances. They crave for more...I wonder why?.....

[@labudabuda]

@@monicacreates The problem is too many choices.

[@salinasmith928]

Such an informational video. Keep up the good work guys! Been reading your book. First one I bought from you guys. Have been following you for about 3 years. Very hard to let go of stuff.

[@moanateliersoo18]

I just sold 68 books and it felt so interesting.

[@kolitiokada9825]

Do we have to wait for "spontaneous combustion" or can we have a bon fire now? ;)

[@trueeagle5487]

Ha Ha

[@jordanh4127]

So excited you are coming to SLC. I was able to go when you came to The Depot in slc in 2017. I plan to get tickets as soon as they are available!

[@pel264]

fantastic colourful coffee mug. Great humour!

[@jonihaworth7016]

New podcast! Im pumped!! 🙌

[@cated.7954]

Buddha teaches, "Everything is impermanent." Something I work hard to remember...

[@juliawashburn675]

For anyone who is struggling with sticking to habits, I'd suggest reading a the book by James Clear Atomic Habits. He talks about breaking down the goal into a super small habit that you can do. Do small things consistently.

[@selena-565]

Love the new setup. #minimalist4life 💕

[@MauricioMartinez-td9eo]

Beautiful coffee mug

[@kayligo]

I really like the blue of the wall….wish you kept this background

[@kriscanmanifest]

Please do an event in Vegas!!! It's the city of EXCESS we need you here!! lol

[@misssicily100]

awesome points guys!!

[@Kyriecat12]

I'm going to apply the packing party to my current situation. We are moving, we've already thrown out donated given away etcetera stuff, when we move I'm letting everything that I do have boxed up sit inside the garage and I'm only unpacking items we need. After such a time as items are left those will get tossed as well. I have one item that I'm trying to sell, it's this huge grandfather clock I inherited. Apparently it's supposed to be worth some money but I can't even get anyone to buy it I'm not really sure what to do with it at this point. I honestly thought about donating it somewhere but I don't even know where to.

[@Sky-Child]

Just leaving my appreciation of the very fine white mug 😆

[@monikasea]

I have just used all cosmetics and will never buy more than I need

[@labudabuda]

I think i have enough till Im 90....lol I threw away old cosmetics, use only what I like

[@graciousme2258]

I give myself permission, to, let, go.

[@carylmaluping9632]

this is amazing...

[@colleenwassell3132]

I can relate to Anna. I have curves and it isn't always easy to find a comfort fit. You just gotta get on with it though.

[@sheilacarrier5152]

You guys are funny, I dig ya'lls style!

[@katja6228]

The Maria-Thing 😂😂😂

[@Mindywright27]

I’d be more sad about the loss of coffee than the mug!

[@natashyas4149]

Worrying is so useful to me because then it never happens. 🤣 Don't worry about your favorite pants wearing out - it WILL happen.

[@majohnse]

I believe that there are no major down sides to minimalism for the individual. However, what about on a societal level? What are the implications for an economy (US and world-wide) if a large percentage of the population adopts minimalism? I believe that the pandemic’s effect on the economy gave us a glimpse into what this would look like, many saying it was akin to, or worse than, the Great Depression. It seems that no one, or very few, is talking about these issues. It is a question that I would like for you to explore on your YT channel or Patreon channel. My thought is that minimalism is a philosophy/world view that favors, in most cases, the priviledged. Case in point is the young man in your movie who could live his life out of two bags. How many of us could afford to do that?

[@susanjmcfarland]

Wishing you were coming to Michigan.

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Willing to make a short road trip? 😉😉

[@susanjmcfarland]

Thinking about it. I’ll check the Chicago dates. Would love to come. Both of you are inspirations. As a fellow introvert love your wisdom. Thank you for all you do. 🙏🏻🤗

[@chantelllllllll]

Oh no I want it all 💸

[@Kyriecat12]

I'm afraid to let go of my children's childhood. I have a ton of "keepsakes". I want to make art with some and let go of the rest and every time I try I can't. My son is a senior, daughter is 25. I know there's a reason. I haven't figured that one out yet. Still analyzing lol.

[@racheltaylor2549]

I'm learning to buy less and be more minimal. If I visit amazon or ebay or similar sites I put stuff in my basket and leave it there for at least a week before I check out. 9 times out of 10 I just move it to my 'save it for later' and don't buy it.

[@laylamorgan4018]

Oh god I'm watching this in 480 😂😂sorry josh lol

[@suen5006]

I'm pretty sure in our lifetimes you will be able to find more pants. Granted, the perfect pair can be hard to find at times.

[@JaTurtle515]

I know I’m eight months late on this comment but I feel like if I have a favorite pair of pants it’s because they fit really well, and that’s all.

[@petmomful2260]

As a quilter, that comment about the memory quilt makes me think that maybe there is no point in making a family member a special quilt that they will cherish. Maybe it will just become a burden to them! Maybe I should give my quilts to charity, instead.

[@sinkintostillness]

Just ask them. "I would like to start a new quilt to fulfil my creative desires, would you be interested in receiving this?" Maybe involve them in a colour theme, or even ask if might have some items to include in the design.

[@petmomful2260]

@@sinkintostillness That is a good idea. My last quilt was for my first great-grandbaby who was born 2 days ago. Everyone loves a baby quilt, and needs them. People simply have NO idea how much work goes into a quilt, and how much it costs to make. I also made a mermaid quilt, and matching pillow, for fun, and decided to give it to a little girl I know who has very little due to family struggles. I was told that when she received it, she exclaimed that it was beautiful!! That brought much joy to my heart.

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

A more expensive tennis racket will not make you a better player.

[@walkerskii]

Great content! I have a lot of sneakers, but my question is about the 6 pair which are white: 3 leather & 3 canvas, Adidas Stan Smith, K-Swiss & Tiger Asics, Jack Purcell, Converse All-Stars & Vans skateboard. I understand in the journey towards a minimalist lifestyle, is a personal thing, with no right & wrong, but what do you think about me having one canvas & one leather pair in my closet for daily use & store the other 4, to replace as needed. This might sound silly, but it's obviously important to me, maybe that's at the root of my problem, I'm also a recovering cheapo, so I hate the idea of letting go of shoes I purchased, especially since I was quite attracted to each of the 6 individual styles.

[@sinkintostillness]

I know I'm commenting late, but I hope you kept the shoes. They're your "thing" and you're allowed to let your personality shine through even on a minimalism journey. I would say own that and as they wear out if you don't feel the need to replace them then don't. In the meantime love them, display them, use them!

[@walkerskii]

​@@sinkintostillnesshello thank you for your late response, I did keep them, I wear all of them & decided i'll not buy additional white sneakers, until I've worn out all of them. Then going forward (as a minimalist) I'll limit myself to one pair of leather (for winter) & one pair of canvas (summer) so at any given time, I'm always wearing, only my favorite pair.

[@rudymalizia479]

I spent a lot of hours, one day, removing all my clothes from hangers and folding them. I am in gym clothes daily. I have a lot of nice shirts and ties. I have many shorts and shorts outfits to look nice. I live in Florida. Again, im in gym clothes all the time. I even splurged on new gym clothes but continue to wear my old ones. I have a dream of having friends and needing to dress fot get togethers and dancing. It has bot man8fest in 40 years. Im almost 72. I think if a young man at my gym and another at a grocery store. I imagine inviting them to my house and letting them maje outfits for themselves. I also cinsider the weird factor. As much as id like the joy if giving my MANY great clothes to so eone, personally, i need to "let go" of that ideal as surely as i need to "let go" of the social life dream and just " let go og these beautifulky folded clothes. Box em and bring them to the thrift store. I used to dress G.Q. Now I dress P.U. I used to be very youthful and handsome. Now I'm not. At LEAST I could give myself the joy of becoming a minimalist that throughout my entire life, (however OCD consumed with cleaning, organizing and beautifying and overwhelmed with stuff), I have always said I wish I were.

[@rudymalizia479]

As usual, autoincorrect did a number on my writing. There is no edit feature here in.

[@rudymalizia479]

I'd love to ket go of autocorrect which sabotages relentlessly.

[@lynnblackLion]

I want to be a minimalist. My Rule: less is more. I have trouble making decisions, so I decided to keep everything. Now I have a hoard. Overwhelmed. I need my less is more thought process to match my actions. grrr

[@bethanycreativeside4326]

I tried to download the minimalist book but it won't let me. What do I need to do in order to download the book?

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Email [e-mail] and we'll help you out.

[@wplantz]

I loooooooove that mug! Where’d you get it? Jk! 🤣

[@ingainge3146]

I told my friend about The Minimalists and she said this is rich people who are bullshiting. She said i am poor and this is not for me. And i think it is sooo wrong. Usually the poor people spend their money on different crap. Rich people usually are very organized. This is what i learnt during my business carreer. Every time the desk was messy i just knew this person will not succeed.

[@bjwilliams]

Wow, she named herself 'poor'__self fulfilling. I always liked organization. When I see folks in the grocery store with full basket of processed foods, I know they won't be eating healthy! Same thing. 🙃.

[@larrythelobster2474]

Advertisements do suck

[@catmandoo3735]

Sometimes I just want to get rid of all my photos and photo albums "all at once" by just tossing them all into the dumpster in the alley. What stops me is wondering if there's something that could somehow be misused. I'm not sure why anyone would be interested in photos of my life and my travels but these days you just don't know. I don't even care about them or want to scan them. I haven't looked at them in years. What did you guys do with the hardcopies and negatives once they were scanned? I think about burning them in my fireplace or firepit in my backyard but I imagine that would emit lots of hazardous chemicals and acrid smoke into the environment.

[@blkcanary8218]

What about shredding them? Or taking them to a mass shredding event if you don't want to spend time shredding them yourself?

[@labudabuda]

I could never get rid of old photos even after I scanned them. Digital copy is not the same. Shred meaningless pix and keep old family photos. It does not take that much space. Throw something else away instead :)

[@MaggieLoveMTC]

Shred them.

[@fatafaelasuf8281]

👍

[@vocaloid7916]

I love to write a lot and holy Jesus i basically clean it daily

[@nomad4431]

Can a minimalist let go of...the minimalism? Did I just create a paradox? Because sometimes it feels like there is too much minimalism.

[@mikemcghee5413]

the guy on the left reminds me of the crazy gang member in Escape from New York with Kurt Russel.

[@louisedost8476]

What no Charlotte????😳🥴🤔🤔

[@tulsanify]

I need Minamalists merch that says "Mmmm," -- Ryan Nicodemus And "Love people use things, because the opposite never works," JFM Any available?

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Not currently!

[@tulsanify]

@@TheMinimalistsPodcast thanks for letting me know! I'll just make a janky version of a t-shirt for myself lol 😂

[@juliestephens7740]

Like your content but you guys say “ pithy” way too much. You need to purge that word 😂

[@sparkwebdesign]

Love the work guys - but something with this sound is weird. Overprocessed? New Mics? Not sure, but does not sound like you. Low frequencies are too high I think.

[@beatrizaceiton2396]

God is not a minimalist. He created a billion plus things. Why should I be a minimalist? I want to be like God. 😊💗❤👌💖

[@monicacreates]

We can enjoy the things he created, we don't need to own them all.

[@housecleaners4124]

If they are sober and happy and not high on this set I totally apriceate this real happiness , is it weird that I don’t trust it Couse it’s to real? Meaning I’m only usto be living crap! So sad!

[@gillianforrest2686]

Why is your rule 1 in TEN out and not 1 in ONE out??

[@judemathieu7090]

Padantic 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@becomingasupermommy]

How is the set a gift to us? I dont think viewers care