Ep. 330 | Too Much Stuff

The Minimalists talk about how much stuff is enough stuff, and how much stuff is too much stuff. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively on Patreon: / theminimalists
00:00 How do we avoid apathy when we’re sorting generations of stuff?
04:30 What does “letting go” mean to you?
08:33 When you have too much stuff, how do you determine what to let go and where to send it-yard sale, online consignment, donation center, or, very worst-case scenario, landfill?
09:56 What is The Minimalists’ process for letting go?
16:23 How do we appropriately address a loved one’s consumerism that causes us discomfort?
#TheMinimalists

[@plumiish]

I live in Europe and I've never heard of anyone who owns a storage facility. Make America storage-free again!

[@aaron___6014]

Is it common for people to have lots of hobbies in Europe?

[@plumiish]

@@aaron___6014 Yeah, sure!

[@thaneknight]

My Great grandmother lived through the great depression, single with two children. She said there were two types of people that came out of it. Ones that would hang onto everything they could and the others if they had two coats would give one away. I try to remember this when looking at stuff. I believe having things is often rooted in fear, as much as perceived happiness.

[@natashyas4149]

You are already complete. You are just getting rid of the things that are in the way. Amen.

[@ren8240]

I love hearing people talk about their older parents getting onboard with minimalism. I have watched (& encouraged) my own mum who is in her 70s go from owning over a thousand books to decluttering her possessions down by probably a third. She is now obsessed with Tiny homes & can't wait to live in one. When I asked her recently how she is going to convince my dad (who is a "shed guy" with ALL the tools) to downsize his stuff, she replied "No I will just wait to have my Tiny house when he is gone!" Somewhat presumptuous but...Ohh-kay! 😌

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

I moved to Texas during covid and purchased a 1200sq foot home. Filled it with stuff like bed frame and sofa and tools...to the point that it felt like I was living someone's life. Now I'm moving back to San Francisco for work and trying to fit all my Stuff onto 378sq foot, has brought me back to myself, realizing I really didn't need all these stuff I filled a big space with. What I really needed was a smaller space😥. So trying to sell what I can dirt cheap BUT also remembering not to fill my new space with stuff in the future. Have to stop the cycle.

[@ellisburton8733]

It's amazing how straight forward it is to get rid of 20% of your possessions (that's 1 in 5 of most of your items) and not to replace them. And mostly their not even noticed.

[@nnylasoR]

“I wanted to have *fun* with [letting go] - because there was *freedom* in that fun.” This is something I seriously needed to be reminded of right now. It has not been “fun” holding on to so much excess for so much of my life … cleaning it, relocating boxes of it, trying to sell it, then feeling sad and defeated when no one else wants it (and so I keep it anyway 🤦🏻‍♀️). Tending to this excess is not only *not fun*, it’s a torturous compulsion that continues to prevent me from living out the fun I dream of having. I’m thankful for every poignant pithy quote and 🤯 realization I receive through your -highly entertaining- talks. Each one brings me that much closer to a complete mindset shift. I’m close, I tell ya. The STUFF and my lifelong struggle has really got me pissed off and annoyed these days. That is a *VERY* good sign - and a hint of lasting change… ✊

[@iamchampagne8183]

FYI. It’s “Erlangen” Germany. I should know. I lived there for 6 years ❤

[@marisacognetta4985]

I keep getting rid of things in big chunks and it feels like it never ends 😬 then at one point I was getting rid of 1 small item a day! I still can’t believe I feel the need to purge more..I don’t really feel like I own a lot either 🤷🏻‍♀️ my problem in the past was bringing more back in..also when I would sell items it actually did me a disservice! I needed to feel the burn of the wastefulness I created because if I got money it would do this weird justification in my head that it wasn’t that bad…

[@ninazuninazu6123]

I am so addicted to this show

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

I've now been decluttering for 6 years. Some people are professionals after this long, but nope, not me. I still struggle with rooms that don't function quite like they should, a desk that I can never do any work at, etc... Ugh, does it ever get easier? 😫

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Keep the hope! You’ve got this.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I started my minimalist journey over 10 years ago and I still struggle.It is not always easy to stay on top of. One thing I have done that makes my life easier is to keep everything in "modules". I have a clear box for important papers that are in binders with those clear plastic dividers, one clear box for cosmetics, one for medicines and vitamins, one for art projects, one for a "junk drawer,( i.e. batteries, pens, etc.)one for an "office"(paperwork I need to deal with that week that I keep in a folder), and so on-you. This way, I can find whatever I need in a moment, it stays dust-free and when I am done with whatever I am using, it goes back in the box and I put it in a closet.I am so happy that I came up with this idea as it has helped keep me sane and organized through a lot of moves.

[@fablefoxdigitalarts5013]

You might need a professional help. Clutter might not be the main problem, but a symptom to another deeper issues.

[@brg2743]

We do five minutes a day decluttering. It has changed our home. More to go.

[@MichelleD1989]

Even though I have gotten rid of 80% of allll the STUFF (inventory from my business that closed in 2020) and just too much of everything.... I actually love when I get mad and "rage purge" & pack up anything in my way that irritates me. Every week I want more and more GONE!

[@johnyang1420]

Cool

[@loretta1261]

I Love rage purge!! You named it perfectly 😁

[@MichelleD1989]

@@loretta1261 👍💯

[@TGBahr]

For me, the deep urge to get rid of most of my already few belongings in my 1 room apartment was, as I believe, an inner drive to truly get to know my (the) self. I pictured myself in an empty room with nothing but a matrace and found peace in this imagination. What else is there but _yourself_ in an empty room, in the middle of the desert, alone on a mountain or on the open sea? It's about the focus on the self that I was and still am driven to. Today I'm decluttering just a little bit pretty much every weekend, but I know that it doesn't have to be like in my imagination. I meditate in self-inquiry (see Ramana Maharshi) while enjoying the slow process of refining my posessions to my changing interests over time, and leaving things behind that can no longer serve me at that particular point in time. I like to create a comfortable atmosphere in my home and don't deprive myself of comfort, but I feel a need to own as few things as possible, while trying to save as much money as I can. I have a great need for freedom and I thrive on the idea of being able to leave to where ever at a moment’s notice, without any posessions or obligations tying me down, as I plan to immigrate to Canada to be with my fiancé as soon as restrictions lift, and I intend to travel light.

[@gracielaloo1378]

you guys have been so helpful thank you

[@nnylasoR]

…A huge THANK YOU to Ryan for @14:44 -15:06 - acknowledging that “simple is *not* EASY.” ✊🥺

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

"Letting go of the stuff isn't going to make you more complete". Can we all just take a moment and take that in because I know I need to🙏

[@simonc34]

If it is collecting dust, go it must.

[@DavidDavisDH]

I returned my 6 drawer dresser and I used the money for a good used projector for movie nights. The 2 reasons why I did this: it takes up less space than my TV which I'll sell later and it has a bigger picture. I got this idea from a KZbinr, plus I use to own one before. This will give me joy on movie nights which I plan on having friends come over to enjoy! I really like these little programs you guys are doing, I also got the ebook from website. I really appreciate the minimalist mindset which is refreshing from all the junk you heard on ads.

[@michelleneuman579]

Compassion over judgement is huge in this journey! Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortune of others. I could use it in a sentence but I don't want to throw hubs under the bus! Thank you guys!

[@laurat7324]

I agree with the person who said that this is like therapy. By the time I finish listening, I feel like I have learned something about myself.

[@jenniferhodgson1114]

I love your program. You guys have great energy so natural and honest. I also love your new studio space so unique and eye-catching. With gratitude. 🌻🦋

[@sandranewinggriffiths3556]

Re: judging others. It's sometimes really difficult when you offer advice to people you care about and they don't take it. At some point you have to accept that what works for you doesn't work for someone else - or it's not the right time for them.

[@mssendfitness]

A family member is overwhelmed by their things and wants to clean up. However they don't want experienced help. They expressed that by having others help them clean, it stresses them out more than the task of cleaning. The continued rejection of helping hands for 10+years also hurts the relationship.

[@alanbirkner1958]

A long-term friend has 9(nine) storage units full of stuff. I learned this from her sister. My friend doesn't want my help to clean these out. Tina, Al's wife

[@JewelsprideBengals]

I'm so excited to hear you're coming to Vancouver!! I just bought tickets for a group of us who are huge fans... so looking forward to it. Thank you! 😀

[@Ikr2025]

I only became aware I had an issue with clutter a few years ago, and also that I wasn’t all that far from crossing the line and becoming ‘hoarder’. Probably because all possible options for storing clutter in a semi-tidy way (in wardrobes, cupboards, basement, under tables, under the bed etc) have now been used and the clutter is also now in more visible areas - lining the hallway, filling corners of rooms, lining bedroom walls, in boxes behind the couch.. It has now become officially ‘embarrassing’. I don’t think I am really a hoarder as I have actually have got rid of a tonne of excess and clutter over the years - mostly donated to fundraisers, school galas, friends, neighbours, charity. But I still often cannot keep up, partly as I have 3 children and much of my day & energy is used up on daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc etc already. Which I try to keep on top of as I think we really would become like hoarders if I didn’t.

[@arlenelicklider4643]

Y'all are always inspiring, even if I hear the same one twice, I still get something I missed the first time.

[@ericamciver1293]

I always feel like I fall back into the consumerist trap. With 5 kids , spouse, a cat and myself I constantly find my family needing things and removing what is no longer needed or wanted. I also find there is not a lot of blog posts, videos or other content out here on this issue.

[@christelschmidt7468]

We are renovating and need to store some items in a storage facility. It was unfortunately no problem to find a facility. In fact, I know I will be storing things that I will sell, donate, recycle in the future.

[@ellea88]

Yes, maybe create a new piece of custom jewelry with the diamonds and gold! My sister took in a stone and they turned it into a ring for her.

[@lenanayashkova]

I would disagree that storage isn't a problem as it is extremely unlikely you will use stuff that is so out of the way (obviously everything has exeptions). My friend had a storgae unit to store stuff she was sorting out for her late parent, but the goal was to eventually let it all go

[@scorpio7938]

Great listening I notice I am more in touch with what I bring in my apt I did need bowls so I bought some 2 other ones broke before I bought a few new ones

[@ellisburton8733]

Ice storms.. Def not minimal weather 😱 I'm UK based and our weather is def more Minimalist (apart from the rain 😭)

[@natalieduncan3791]

Yes it's all about the behaviour and attachment style to stuff.

[@nnylasoR]

“He didn’t have a pen!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@johannegarneau6739]

Please do come to Canada. Toronto or better Montréal. Love you guys. Big hugs. Xx

[@LizKrause]

Don’t wait for a yard sale just Facebook marketplace. I know Canada has some similar online markets but I’m not sure the name

[@mariah3654]

I donate a lot. I feel good doing it, get a tax deduction, and it saves me time & energy not having to set up a garage sale. I've learned garage sales are fun & a good opportunity to socialize with neighbors, but never ever turn a profit 📈

[@alanbirkner1958]

I'm 72, my mom hoarded papers, trash, yarn, and fabric. I've never had many clothes or much stuff. My cousin died in his massive hoard. My MIL wanted me to register for china, crystal,etc. 50 years ago when her son and I got engaged. We said no. We're still using the stainless steel and Corelle from long ago. I've never seen a moving van behind a hearse. Tina, Al's wife

[@g.m.3054]

I chuckled at the last sentence, Tina, because it’s so very true! That line will stay with me, thank you 🙂

[@FisherOfMen705]

From judgement to compassion...fundamental aspect of solving all the world's problems right there

[@indy500tabasco8]

my buying junk dropped from 10 to 1 after visiting Pakistan. there happiness comes from within rather than buying trash

[@joscribner]

I have hated adds since I was in school and learned the ways company’s grab your attention through adds.

[@cassiemurphy4851]

Too much “stuff” in the new background. Distracting.

[@elaine-65]

Maybe not judging but helping them if they are overwhelmed. I used to do side kicks helping people move. Problem was they barely wanted to get rid of anything. Drove me nuts. You can’t organize clutter and you can’t take it with you. Just my opinion. Been there done that.

[@mariah3654]

A helpful hint is to do 15 minutes at a time in one area, 15 in another, 15 in another, then rest 15 minutes. Flylady covers a lot of these issues. Clunky website but good tips. The 15-minute decluttering in one area at a time is just one. Set a timer ⏲️. The timer is your friend. If you can't do 15, do 5.

[@justsayin3647]

Good morning

[@KimbradleyMasterGardener]

Good Morning from Nashville Tennessee USA 🇺🇸

[@durianwalker]

i told my dad to try to get rid of some of his stuff so he has more free time. He did. how is that not loving

[@bmwvintageprincess]

The way I felt I dropped them as comments here. Many be m 2 tired from work. Josh n Ryan I LOVE 💘❤YOU. You are my best podcaster. I buy less 😌 to minimise. THX a lot.

[@lashays.crayton2128]

She should prob still go to therapy. She could talk about what she is learning in her therapy sessions actually. Furthering processing and solidifying .

[@bmwvintageprincess]

I have an idea why not take a mat you both sit on it under a tree and make the podcast with a simple mobile phone. I would love to see that.

[@aaron___6014]

The guy on the left talks like a pastor.

[@susanamilitante5024]

Even if it cost me more than 20 dollars, I’d declutter it within 1 day, my peace of mind is worth more than 20 dollars, id donate it id there’s ni taker, it will be in the trash bin in the morning, just when the garbage truck arrives

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Yesterday I refrain myself from buying. JOSHING love you 👦

[@mishmashmosh6305]

Can you be a minimalist and still live in a large home? Or is that kind of not the point?

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Yep!

[@sunbeamred8175]

@@TheMinimalistsPodcast which question are you replying 'yup' to? 🤔. Confusing 😐 😳 !!

[@bmwvintageprincess]

I love you guys.

[@Maxhuertas]

This is the minimalist I miss, a lot of the new episodes are just a lot of blah blah with more than one host it’s kind of annoying, what a shame. Hope you guys come back to being just you two on the show.

[@Maxhuertas]

I wish it was just you two like before now with the extra cohost it’s just not very minimalist is it?

[@bmwvintageprincess]

How to get rid of my job but not the money

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Josh how do I Declut me. Vanish..

[@bmwvintageprincess]

The Decor is an eyesore I love you both but not the paint pleeease change it Josh

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Josh your background is too much is giving me eyesore. Let go some of the dark blue paint at the back. Paint some white of the right side. Please Josh. Love you. Will love more after u complete my request.

[@bmwvintageprincess]

You are a minimalist so don't take 30 yrs take minimum Yr to become minimalist.

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Why don't you guys talk less if you are minimalist. You don't hoard stuffs but you hoard a lot you consume too many words.

[@johnyang1420]

Take a chill pill buddy

[@Canuck_Gal]

Simmer down.

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Don't move too much while you are talking please. Be minimal