Ep. 303 | Recluttering

Joshua and Ryan talk about how to avoid recluttering our lives with new possessions, burdens, and obligations once we’ve excised our excess. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively on Patreon: • The Minimalists Privat...
Questions answered in this episode:
00:00 What is “recluttering”?
07:12 How do we address recluttering with loved ones and roommates who seem to see our clean spaces as places to dump their stuff that doesn’t have a home?
17:29 How do we ensure the items we bring back into our homes after decluttering don’t become recluttering?
31:31 How do I figure out my ‘why’ for recluttering?
34:17 What’s problematic about having options?
35:54 How do you define “consumerism”?
#TheMinimalists

[@nea4463]

Joshua and Ryan staring at each other in a suit or tie , with their eyes smiling, laughing is so refreshing to see !!

[@helenaquin1797]

Their collars looked starched and everything ~ The mystical words of 'all upset is in our minds' felt like the talk was going down to cult-ville, but Ryan's tempering add-on about the exceptions was important to me. (Thinking here of the community of us humans making up a kind of fabric together that can, indeed, be upset by the worst of human nature enacted against children, the vulnerable, like animals, etc.) A cult I nearly got sucked into had a variation of this being a, 'nothing is bad' theme and I found it disturbing. Love you two-💜

[@Sapientiam]

I try my best Not to reclutter in my prosess of requiring items I need and want. On the other hand I recently decluttered a retro ceiling lamp and an antique tin mug, along with some other Collectible mugs. I declutter things each week, but at the same time I can see now just how much I own and clutter up my home. Much more than what I thought I had. Even though I have given away, sold and thrown away much I still see that I have a long way to go before I'm tottaly free from my clutter. It took me a lifetime of collecting them so I guess it's only fair that it'll take me a while to get rid of them. Little by little I declutter (each week) and that helps my sanity along the way.

[@happyjourneywithlynn2534]

i have just recently decluttered...threw out a dresser, a school desk, a 12 yr old futon, futon mattress, and a 5 tier plastic shelving unit. I got a metal 5 tier shelves in place of dresser and school desk. Takes up the same space, and holds what was on the plastic shelves. Then I got a power lift recliner for health reasons and a new area rug, which takes up less space. Now it is the day after the recliner was delivered and walked into my living room and I got shocked immensely. There was more empty space than the day before. Then I realized that I WANT THE REST OF MY PLACE TO BE MINIMALISTIC. Now I know I have to work very hard to keep myself from recluttering. I know I got a lot of "stuff" that could be useful, but then maybe able to do without it. Yet the hard part as well is 90% to keep it uncluttered. I am willing to put in the work, but got to have patience. It will take time and many decisions that may hit me like a 10 ton bus. Btw...Love the new studio

[@oc4029]

The artwork looks like you guys! Seriously, the clean, crisp background is the simplicity you discuss on the podcast. I see the dark blue as Josh with depth, integrity, and seriousness. And the lighter blue reminds me of Ryan, more playful, tranquil, and open. I don't know if this was the artists intention but it's kinda how I interpret it.

[@alanbirkner1958]

In the 1950's, men dressed like you to work in offices with no air conditioning. Love your work. Tina

[@Bobbi-the-Croz]

Looking sharp, guys! 🕺🏼🕺🏻

[@mypeacefulhome5121]

Love you guys. You’ve inspired me so much over the last year I’ve been following. I may be in the minority but I loved the colored background the blue and green hues complimented your skin tones and made it so easy to watch. I’m finding the background now very busy, random and Super distracting from your words.

[@judylloyd7901]

I love the art! It's great 😁 But I do find a more intrusive backdrop for the guys themselves.

[@brandymonville7511]

I loved the simple blue too.

[@brandymonville7511]

@@nancyc7629 why can't she have an honest take on the art? Art is about seeing an image filtered through one's own lens of perception... nothing is the same! I personally thought the blue screen was aesthetic. This one seems a bit more busy is all...

[@brandymonville7511]

The show is about minimalism, the artwork is distracting. The art by itself is beautiful. I personally think it's a distraction when combined with their overall theme which is simplicity.

[@brandymonville7511]

The suits make me think of busy businessmen...

[@Becoming_Persephone_]

The studio looks amazing! Your joy is what makes it so beautiful. Thank you for the amazing podcast.

[@greatfinds7576]

😊😊

[@kolitiokada9825]

Seeing the minimalist guys in white buttoned up shirts, ties - and Joshua wearing a suit jacket.......does not compute! Made my skin itch!

[@helenaquin1797]

Well they are experts with what they've experienced through their lives' intitiations. Nothing conveys confidence like structured clothing..(Think of how much better you feel that a pilot wears a uniform instead of random stuff.)

[@kolitiokada9825]

@@helenaquin1797 I do not think that "clothes makes the man" - just think off all those drunk pilots who looked great in their uniforms!

[@helenaquin1797]

@@kolitiokada9825 It was more a comment about how nice they looked showing such respect toward their huge achievment..A 'home' for their future podcasts that truly feels like them, more than a comment about how there are never problem pilots/police officers/plastic surgeons and the like who often wear structured clothing.

[@GustavoDiazV]

9:49 Nothing in this world can upset me. That’s so powerful !

[@laylamorgan4018]

Hello from Scotland... Thank you for another great pod cast the studio looks amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@danielleb6064]

Just put my name on the waiting list at the library to take out "Love People, Use Things"! Congrats on the new studio space!

[@dbartz5510]

Love the new studio! Great reveal! You two make me smile!😊❤

[@user-bt9sr7jl5m]

Congratulations to the Minimalist and all your crew on opening the new studio. I love you ❤️

[@michelleneuman579]

You both look nice and uncomfortable with the ties. I'm surprised ties are still a thing. If I were a man that would be the first noose I would declutter! Great show!

[@lorenl9262]

Great new studio but the paintings look as if a killer wale exploded all over your walls...LOL!!!

[@ArtyAntics]

The intro made me smile so much, and I really needed to smile today! One thing I learnt about boundaries is that I am responsible for my own feelings and the other person is responsible for theirs. Accepting that is so freeing because I can do something about the things I am responsible for and that is very empowering!

[@rc1387]

The artwork is stunning. But that's just my opinion. As long as it makes you happy and inspires creativity - that's what matters. Congrats on the studio being finally completed. If you added fedoras and sunglasses you would have looked totally Blues Brothers with those threads. Am still battling with the urge to reclutter - the more I declutter, the more experiences I want to try out (many require purchases/clutter), the more creative outlets I want to pursue (some also require purchasing and storage of those items), and the more beauty I find in art and handmade objects (battling the need to admire those from afar vs. possessing). Thanks to you both for hitting the nail on the head with Ryan's comment about the shoes - that he's looking for a reason to buy them - and your response outlining a few reasons he shouldn't. If you don't have a reason and have to search for one, it's probably best not to get that thing as it's not meaningful or essential enough.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Just moved!!! Did packing party idea... feeling overwhelmed still. I need to get rid of more. Less is now!

[@siyoyoung8063]

I'm so glad I moved over to watch this instead of listening. You guys crack me up.

[@divisionistheillusion]

Congratulations, the space looks great. How exciting, a space for abundant creativity. Again another insightful podcast 🙂

[@nickicaulfieldgmail]

I love listening to you guys. I'm sorting through boxes right now with your podcasts sort of keeping me company. :) Thanks a bunch.

[@madisonromero3529]

First two thoughts... 1) beautiful artwork. 2) no way Joshua's OCD leaves that black paper all over the ground for entire episode.

[@judylloyd7901]

Apparently it's been up there for a few weeks.

[@julesj2478]

Events are not problems they are just events. It’s the resistance to the events that cause the problems. “The Untethered Soul”.

[@magdalenamajka798]

My thumb goes before watching 👍👍👍

[@carylmaluping9632]

Thanks for this...you look great guys

[@lanegardinier760]

I so want ti see black name badges with Elder Minimalist printed on it with those shirts and ties! :D

[@sharonheatherington]

Swit swoo young gentlemen!! Looking very sharp! X

[@esthernohemi5856]

I love love love the studio!!!!

[@aurgho_]

It looks so beautiful. Love the blue all the way through (hey! that rhymed!)

[@ktrudy1]

I love these guys!!!♥️. And Love the new studio!!!🥰

[@lauragibson918]

Congratulations on your new studio! Yall look great! 👏

[@jenniferhodgson1114]

Love you guys. Very insightful comments. Love the studio space unique. Congrats 🍸

[@goshasiemieniuk3945]

Hello! I am following you for the beginning , you are amazing guys! I love your new studio!

[@BL-em1ur]

I laughed at your Allen Edmonds shoe story! Got one myself. My maternal grandparents worked at the shoe factory in Port Washington, WI. She was a manager and he was was a shoemaker. He was a fine craftsman, even designed and built their house. He had a shop in the basement that smelled of leather and tanning supplies. When I was an art student in NYC I went to a cousin's wedding in WI and my mother insisted she buy me shoes because I only had doc martens! We went to the Allen Edmonds outlet and picked out a simple pair of flats. Back in NYC I decided to wear them one day and didn't take ten steps on the sidewalk before I slipped, but didn't fall. I tried to catch myself, and what ensued was a hilarious series of movements kinda like I was tap dancing, slipping slipping slipping but not able to get a grip on anything, until I decide to let myself just fall to the ground. The only casualty was a shoe -- I managed to rip the sole off of it!

[@bumblebee803]

Geia sou Ryan, from a fellow Greek woman in Australia. I hate re-cluttering spaces, my trick is to make my spaces look so beautiful that I don't want to mess them up again. And it's also handy being a designer.

[@carlyc5355]

Love the new studio, the art is amazing! Congrats!

[@GabysKitchen]

reclutter! yes! been there, done that! but only meaningful things!

[@sandysmom100]

Beautiful artwork! Nice studio !!

[@Jacy28]

Is it really a problem??????? Great insights to this podcast. Thank you guys.

[@jordanh4127]

I am still laughing about the “men’s warehouse” haha 😂

[@darleneatkinson6730]

What a subject, What I learned it has something to do with following others, I am bible reader it read cling to a wife or cling to husband or follow the flock so I think we as human are automatic born to cling to stuff follow others and it a creation thing, That how I view it, I grew up with my parents 10 other siblings and me, there was 13 of us and I never knew nothing about hoardering or cluttering and I use to think why is there all this stuff, then I realize I was the 10th child born so the stuff was already there because of all of the family members born before me. So I honestly think we are born this way. I then realize once my mother past away now what do we do with it all? I am glad I had older sisters and brothers they just came to my mother house help take care of everything. So I realize everything turns out alright no matter what we go with. I do enjoy both you're subject matter it help me to think about my own life how am I conducting my life so thanks for the videos This is my 3rd video watching with Minimalists Podcast.

[@sandrabalictan5203]

You rock!

[@bernadettethirsk3948]

Studio looks fantastic 👍

[@anniebell6846]

Fuck I feel seen guys I live in a very transient situation and constantly get to clear others shit after setting very clear boundaries about it not being ok. COngratulations on your studio Beeeula your art is beautiful

[@beulahanne1701]

Thank you so much!

[@vickihewer5245]

Hi from New Zealand, . You are both inspiring.

[@zsuzsannabak1530]

You guys make me smile. Love this channel. Thank you. By the way, did you borrow the suits or thrifted?

[@ZacharyBuhler]

Very cool, the studio is looking good guys.

[@theresagraham9368]

LOVE IT !

[@loriann822]

I’m going to bet, that is the ONLY SUIT THEY OWN 👍🏻

[@marianmcgill7263]

Love the art, but damn the show made me get up and get rid of declutter that I bought into my new apartment, which is but he way only 330 sq. Ft.

[@ravenrosewitches]

I thought about my recluttering and I realized I never let go of the previous item when I upgraded. I had a leather jacket that was okay and found a better classy and incredibly great condition. I was sure why I had them both and realized I never thought to get rid of the one that wasn’t as high quality. They are different styles but the trench is more of a statement piece so it stays. The other goes to donation

[@kolitiokada9825]

Are we upset with the other person or are really upset with ourselves for how we handled/are handling the situation? Perhaps the problem/upset will keep happening until we do something differently. My world is a nicer place when someone else's "brand of crazy" meshes with my "brand of crazy". Thanks for the dynamic discussion in your awesome new studio - love the flow of color!

[@GabysKitchen]

that was so cute!

[@TriggerHappy923]

Nice!

[@paccarcrap]

No 😮😮😮, I ❤️ my Breville toaster. A lil bit more + lift & look options

[@lizb8850]

Never seen you guys in suit before 🙂

[@nancyparker2199]

You guys look so handsome.

[@scorpio7938]

Nice studio i am always decluttering i think do i need this one ? Most of the time its no i am trying to just have what i use i made smoothies before and froze some i need my blender i dont use it all the time but i do use it great listening

[@sharonatseanicstudios9970]

😂 jackets...I hear you. Lived in San Diego but plenty of jackets and wore them all. 😂

[@beatrizaceiton3691]

I'm recluttering on hand sanitizer, face masks and toilet paper. Also I'm concerned about having an extensive first aid supplys ❤🇨🇦

[@KP-we9ku]

you guys look so good 👍 😍

[@Inanitas_]

9:58 it sounds like a quote from Paul Watzlawick.

[@rcpinzonjr]

"Funeral crashers..." Hilarious!

[@pissyspacek3531]

Love the studio! It looks awesome and so do both of you.

[@EnjoyLife9876]

Congratulations guys... U guys are always the best and do look awesome without those tricks.. Ryan looks like Jesus Christ.. 😆😉😉

[@Becoming_Persephone_]

I wonder what Joshua & Ryan think of the new Netflix series "Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo" I started the first episode the first thing said was, "items are our friends..." and I couldn't continue watching, I felt like it was telling me everything that I have learned to let go of.

[@faqu529]

You guys look fancy today👀😍

[@ah5721]

I'm struggling with trying to get rid of things because I do need some money from the physical objects. When do we just let go even if we are in need of the money but don't want the object anymore?

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Set due dates! If the item hasn’t sold, reduce the cost or donate the item.

[@ragga7862]

I did set due dates to get rid of certain things i bought for a lot of money, and when nobody wanted to buy them, I let them go. It freed up storage space for the things that actually bring value to my life. That's priceless.

[@deborahpelt6327]

Love the suits, background distracting !!!

[@jearodz]

You guys look so handsome with the suits and shirt and tie =)

[@joannemorris1689]

Suited and booted..

[@GabysKitchen]

they are non- essential, if i said so myself that I cook for a living!

[@lydiabarnett8571]

No chairs? Iis this intentional?

[@lamochilademary1969]

We have to declutter words, we are word horders.

[@BarefootBard]

I kept waiting for you to crack up and remove the art panels. Hmmm. Kind of a busy backdrop that visually clutters the screen, detracting from focus on the actors. Nice artwork for a dramatic modern dining room. For a minimalist podcast studio -- eh, not so much. Actually prefer the solid green and blue background. The dress shirts and ties are pretty off-brand for The Minimalists' look, too. Spoiled by your extreme simplicity, I guess.

[@suewarren4486]

40 year old men who still want to breastfeed! I did not need that mental picture. Decluttering now.

[@gug1970]

well... thats ironic.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Mens Wearhouse

[@safepethaven]

I beg you to NOT use or perpetuate the expression "I'm sorry you feel that way"; if you don't know what it means and the true intention behind it. Do a five second Google search about its true meaning, and after going through five or six screens of repetitive definitions, read what it means on the street level. You would never use that meaning either to anyone. There are two scenarios: 1. someone uses the expression who does not know its meaning [that is bad enough] but no excuse for using such an offensive phrase, or 2. to use it when you do know its meaning, then shame on 'you', collectively]

[@catboy_official]

Yeah it's a non-apology. Passive aggressive

[@cynthia6771]

Its the men in black IV 🤣

[@anabarol1687]

Funeral crashers 😄

[@fionajacobs112]

Men's Warehouse...! 😂

[@cecemoon1208]

I really dislike the paintings. Sowwwy. It looks cheap especially the middle one, not good technique. I preferred the old studio, more professional looking.