Ep. 347 | The Minimalist Checklist

The Minimalists discuss ten ideal ways to simplify our lives. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively on Patreon: / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
00:00 Where do we best start our decluttering odyssey?
13:02 What is “setting the stage”?
20:45 What is the “true cost” of an item?
24:32 What two ways do you recommend to save money on every purchase?
33:36 What platforms have you found reliable for selling unwanted items?
42:12 How do we effect positive change in our city’s policy regarding architectural aesthetics?
42:37 What is “wabi-sabi”?
59:47 Listener comments and minimalism tips.
#TheMinimalists

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

How do *you* keep your life simple?

[@JillWilliamsWatercolor]

Still working on it, but living full time in a 112 sq ft. space helps you focus on it! Only keeping things that I need literally to sustain my life, vocation, or that bring me joy...and some of the latter 2 have had to be culled as well. But the sheer physical and emotional weight of 40+ years of accumulation is now gone, and it feels amazing and free.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Boundaries in ALL areas of my life.

[@lyndalou2892]

@@sarahlockridge7879 OOOHHHHHHH Yesssssss ! Very wise practice ! 😺😺😺

[@leeharrison8790]

Understanding how a self governed style of living actually works has allowed me to grasp who's responsible for what ... that simplified my life a lot .. & what ever I select I own .. while understanding what I say & do is something in which I have selected .. & require non of it to be selected by others ... to each their own .. has great value to me personally ! I do enjoy the solitude of mining my own business .. That option alone has provided me with the most personal enjoyable simplest life I have ever experienced !

[@amalexander7711]

Allow a set amount of space for each category. Once that space fills up - if it fills up - something has to go to get something else.

[@RadCenter]

I had to laugh at the discussion about coupons. Way back in the 1980s, my mom used to say, "If they have to bribe you to buy something with a coupon, you can probably get along without it."

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

A friend of mine years ago realized this about sales.. he saw an item that was buy 1 get 1 or something similar… he pointed out that instead of him saving money by buying this (food) item he didn’t need & hadn’t been planning on buying that day, he was actually spending money that he wasn’t intending on spending. That really stuck with me.

[@ellenmariejohnson589]

When faced with something that I think is beautiful and is a great price, that I don't need, I say to myself "It is ok to enjoy this in the store and leave it here". This has saved me from buying many things that were "a good deal".

[@annrose3259]

O

[@NormyTres]

I've often been OK with this, and have had to point this out to boyfriends in the past that if I see something in a shop and I say 'that's nice', it doesn't mean I'm hinting! Some have complained I'm always wanting things, but I'm just enjoying seeing them.

[@HighLadyoftheSpiteCourt]

I’ve been trying to teach myself and my kids that as well. All three of us are skeptical in the moment but trying to trust the process 😂

[@emmawagner471]

My wise aunt did this with my children when they were still very young when she'd take them out to walmart. They'd look at toys for a while and put them all back on the shelves. "We did not come to buy toys, but we can look at toys."

[@elisabethm9655]

Yes, sometimes I look at stores as if they were museums and showrooms - places to visit and enjoy and I acquire the item by having seen it, maybe even snapped an image … I don’t need to take it home.

[@kasiabednarska1207]

About visual clutter on the streets - i moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada and here the law doesnt allow for banners, advertisments, signs. This is so refreshing, there are little blue signs with a name of the business and arrow indicating wchich way and how far it is but its all cohesive and not "in your face". I really love it after living in a big city!

[@elisabethm9655]

That progression get rid of 1-30 items game…yeah, at the end you’re asking yourself if the box of 25 thumbtacks counts as 25.🤣

[@dianer8881]

Out of necessity, I was a minimalist for more than 65 years. Since I saved every extra penny, I recently purchased $7500 of clothes, accessories, linens, kitchenware, tools, office supplies, etc. It will all bring beauty and joy to the rest of my life! No regrets, no credit card, no interest. Since I have always taken very good care of everything I have, I also decluttered and gave many of my things to friends and family, which they really enjoyed. Now, my possessions are more practical for my new life as well.

[@sharonjackson1035]

Nice thing about buying used quality items, you can resell them after you've had your use for close to the same price.

[@elisabethm9655]

Or even more if you care for it carefully😅

[@mevis81]

You’re making a big difference in many people ‘s lives. I am one of them. Thank you very much.

[@breec3346]

Whenever I’m in a store to get what I need if I happen to see something I love, I will grab it and hang onto it until I’m done finding what I NEED and then I will look at the item I loved and if I still feel the same as I did when I first saw it I will buy it but if my thoughts have changed about the item I will put it back. It gives me time to forget about the item I’m holding that I love and if I still love it when I come back to it I will purchase it! Instead of acting on impulse! It really helps me and 99.99% of the time I will not feel the same way and will put it back!!

[@MsJatek]

I like the black background the most!

[@lauribailey580]

i get so much value out of the used furniture i have bought, and ditto for the clothing. better for my budget and better for the planet.

[@kraykray4118]

I really like what Joshua said in relation to his daughter Ella he said that she doesn't get a lot of answers from him but she does get a lot of questions from him. Great way to get young minds thinking and grow their minds

[@ericawhitfield9289]

As for purchasing rules for myself, I have a rule that if it wasn’t already on my list before I saw the item, I must wait at least a week. It takes away the power of browsing. A lot of times the 30 hours over $30 isn’t a strong enough boundary. My sister, for instance, can $10 herself into debt easily. If someone is a natural browser or window shopper at a store such as TJ Maxx or the like, you will always find an item that piques your interest under that dollar threshold.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

As much as I would love to buy used furniture.... The fear of bed bugs is overwhelming. Without getting into details... It can be the most horrible thing to go through.

[@Alenajellybeans]

I'm also scared of this - but wood/metal furniture shouldn't be a problem

[@sarahlockridge7879]

@@Alenajellybeans it is. They live in everything. They actually like hiding in wood cracks.

[@dawndooley152]

Yes they love little cracks in wood.

[@goosewithagibus]

If possible, steam it BEFORE it enters your house. Do a thorough inspection. Don't use any stupid products or anything on it, they don't work. Just get a steamer, they're cheap. Steam it a few times over. Not a big deal.

[@tzz615]

If it’s a piece you love, some exterminators offer a service where they put a piece in a room and gas it. I have done this with a special piece that had termites, it was not expensive.

[@nata3467]

I am by no means a minimalist but I have chosen to follow some of the ideas from this podcast and others to be more mindful of what I bring into my home and the why behind it many of their ideas have helped me become more frugal and save more money

[@BE-bs8oe]

Yeah, and dear Nata, it saves buckets of energy too. No dusting, organizing, debt, shoppingmalls, unhealthy bluescreenshopping. Maybe some potting of plants? A walk down to à neighboor? A good hot drink just to enjoy doing nothing...

[@KarenHernandez-rm6je]

I’m struggling with my moms things as well . I’m slowly letting go of things . I have her diamond ring and a few other sentimental things. But at first I just wanted to keep everything. 💔

[@PeaceDayCortez]

“Letting go of everything to regain everything”! This! ❤

[@Magazinelady]

There was a restaurant, Apt Cape Cod, that closed for the day, because customers were mistreating the staff. I am sure the restaurant was short staffed because it seems everybody is since the lock down. This was in Brewster, MA. The staff was treated to a "day of kindness." This happened in June, 2021.

[@elisabethm9655]

Sometimes complexity is beautiful…I cannot imagine a more beautiful sight than looking up at the Milky Way - should I wish for fewer stars? Would a rain forest be more desirable if it were a desert? True beauty lies in the harmony of the composition. And when x is truly in a state of beauty, it will be simple by it’s nature. Personally, I find the texture and arrangement of a William Morris fabric to be a delight - but I can also appreciate the clean lines of a brutalist building…though I find them cold and a wee bit uninspiring. BTW - I’ve just recommended the film , Minimalism to my children and plan to rewatch as a reward after I clean out another closet.🥰

[@briannab5296]

Love your viewpoint! ❤

[@nnylasoR]

While making progress in my journey towards recovering from [hoarding disorder], I asked my husband to: “Raise your hopes … Lower your expectations.” …Pretty similar to what you guys just said. ✊♥️

[@nataliewoodward1214]

Another interesting and humorous episode Thank you all

[@nicoleh.4173]

Hey guys, I'm reading "Four Thousand Weeks - Time and How to Use It" at the moment. The author talks about our finite time and how we think we can control it. We invest our time hoping that it will lead to a more carefree, better future, instead of living in the moment. You briefly talk about doing nothing in this podcast, and the author writes that doing nothing is the hardest thing to do. You also touch on a couple of subjects he writes about in this book. I'm wondering if anyone else has read it? It might be an idea for your podcast, too.

[@user-uf5sh7ku8z]

I'm trying to get it from the library.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I saw a 2nd hand Hermes handbag in a store. Neat idea, but I don't need one. I saw a (no kidding) $71,000 purse on a KZbin video. A woman had 4 of them. Think of the hungry kids she could feed instead. Tina, Al's wife

[@carinkveton8691]

I'm sorry to hear the original documentary is no longer on Netflix, as it's how I first heard of you. That being said, you were able to reach people before then, and of course have your podcasts, books and other platforms to keep spreading the word! Love you guys!

[@sjd9214]

The dicumentary is now on KZbin

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

I just watched it on KZbin the other day

[@marywall5262]

I love the comment: “ Making rent is a challenge...because jeans are expensive.” ON POINT!!!

[@carolkelly5255]

I love this "angry room" concept. It made me giggle. It could be very useful.

[@tinaolson744]

I’ve been listening to this at the start of my day and end. I’ve been adding items to my “donation” laundry baskets. I purchase tall laundry baskets that I add donations to so there’s an item someone else can use and it looks nice.

[@Matthew8473]

I'm completely enthralled by this. I recently read something similar, and it was absolutely mesmerizing. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove

[@iloveyellow7214]

Hello its Jan. 22, 2023 now aaand its my 33rd birthday and Im ere to say that theres nothing more worthwhile to do than watch your "Live life with less" videos and start my 33rd year of existence here on earth by actively doing the pointers you have here for the first 30 days of my 33rd year of exitence. I will email a pdf copy of that to you guys but I'll use the email i'll find here in your youtube 'about' section. after the 30 days. I found you guys when I was 20 so and Im so happy you guys are still here and helping me to live life eith less Have a great day ahead! Happy new year indeed :D

[@leeboriack8054]

If I see an impulse item, I take a picture and I have it for as long as I want.

[@Ikr2025]

I sometimes do but then seeing the photo makes me keep wanting the item every time I see it.

[@lonnekeboons]

Yes! 'I don't know' is so powerful. Not knowing is embracing being human.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I just sold a box of junk for $10. Not much, but 2 gallons of gas. I have another bag for Goodwill, too. Tina, Al's wife

[@metasamsara]

"With the right attitude, any room can be a bathroom"

[@musiclover-cu5jy]

I do that at Home Goods. I’ll go through every aisle and place things in my cart that seem just terrific. Then I sit on one of the chairs in the furniture area, and remove almost everything, then put them back where they came from. I’ll end up with just a few items to buy. The last time I was there was months ago, so I’m buying very little!

[@michellecd4722]

Ryan is a "10", period! ;)

[@munirasultana2313]

Loved the show 💟

[@A222Z]

Yrs ago & before minimalism became so well-known, we wouldn't have asked 'what do you do w/your time?' - bc we would have been 'always' busy 'organizing' our clutter. 🤪

[@trinahughes1230]

I know this an older video, but I'm a newbie around here ... I had to say something about my little city , because the person that said how ugly their town was.... my little around 1200 people total- we have a festival every year, it's great , however when the town hall redesigned our downtown, apparently they had this dumb idea to have all the benches face the buildings, not the street ! It's a huge pet peeve of mine....

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

I have struggled with impulse spending & buying unnecessary things that I think I want, that look nice (but don’t fit in with the rest of my home stuff) or that is a good deal. A few years ago I have to discard much stuff due to mold. It was hard. I took a lot of pictures of items before throwing away and that was super helpful. When I was ready to let of if a lot of sentimental stuff that really was stupid to hold on to, I laid it out on the floor & took pics. And I have never once needed to look at those pictures since. Like he says in one of the videos I watched- his mom isn’t in the stuff and she’s not coming back even if he holds on to everything that was hers… I held on to things given by friends who have passed on.. and I have recently let go of things of theirs I was holding on to (I take pics of the items to make myself feel better about it)… this statement helped me to let go of a few more things I had from a friend who died tragically. The items were just sitting around collecting dust… so I put them in the box for Goodwill. I remember my friend without needing those items sitting around

[@estherkinzelmann4875]

I hear you nearly dayly so I save a lot of money 😄😊

[@NormyTres]

Finally! I can now watch the film - yay!

[@debbietalksalot]

The competition between "minimalists" really turned people off of trying.

[@lilarose9348]

Any recommendations for how to minimize screen time when I have apps for many daily activities. Examples- calendar, notes, audible, reminders, language learning, nutrition tracking etc. 🤯. I’m very overwhelmed by this and I’m not sure how to limit it.

[@mermeow]

Thank goodness I had control...I was drinking my water when Ryan said, "or bathroom". 😹😹😹

[@Shells84]

You guys are awesome.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

I have a degree in architectural engineering technology! I can't wait to hear this episode!

[@iamloved223]

Ryan - I cannot sleep on one of those blow-up mattresses when camping. I switched to a hammock and it made a huge difference.

[@plainchemicals]

Your superpower is...letting go. This is a VERY Christian principle as well. Reminds me of the Jim Elliott quote. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose." (talking about salvation)

[@igorchichkin509]

Awesome 👍👍👍🎉🙌👏💓🥇👏🌟👍⭐️🧹love your advices

[@Peter-mf6gh]

U guys are so pleasing to listeng🎙🎧🎶

[@parkerrose3590]

You changed MY life!!

[@dorisward-mindfullivingcon875]

The stat that states the average home has 300,000 items is from 2014. Has anyone found a study or stat that is more up-to-date? I'm interested to know if that number has moved at all. Anyone?

[@LaceyStClair]

I’ve wondered about this as well.

[@angierecovering_clutterer2434]

If they're at my house, they've been counting continually since 2014.

[@leeharrison8790]

I enjoyed hearing the .. why ? My favorite question to offer my self or others , what is your .. Why?

[@heidilopez-felix8105]

Love brutalism architecture 🤩

[@Lady-Jane1]

Sad film not on NF anymore, it was a good place to point people to. Personally I purchased and have watched so many times (not a very minimalist approach - catch the irony😂). I also watch when I’m feeling very stressed because its aesthetic is really calming for me too. Love you guys.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

It is now on KZbin

[@kennethbailey9853]

Thankyou

[@gloriamia7633]

love u guys thanks!

[@mayapapayuh]

The 30/30 rule for me is more like 30 days not hours! haha. I am so careful with my purchases!

[@sylviadailey9126]

Essential, non essential (but adds value) or - junk???? What about 'Spark Joy's? 😃 I like that stuff too.

[@bethrichard2506]

If more people lived by "Do unto others as you would have been to yourself"

[@thefrankperspective4247]

"Screenless Saturday" So... shabbos. Got it.

[@marciafischbeck7653]

People ratings...I used to manage a busy restaurant and I dreamed of making a night once a month or so that would be called RUDE NIGHT where the staff could be as rude and sarcastic as they could be! I thought it would be fun and then the rest of the time they would be sincere!y caring and sincere! Then I realized it was time to change careers!

[@GinnyCarlsonOregon]

We changed the world

[@marianmcgill7263]

Having Internet is what's causing clutter and uncleanliness. No body cleans or tidy up. That's what you could do with free time.

[@nancymonahan7952]

do n throw old sports trophies away! I found a place in Michigan? that upcycles them for non profits Total Awards Mall I saved the name plates $30.00 for them to process..keep them out of the landfills!

[@happycustomer3448]

Letting goooooo❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SLCWriter]

where do Ya'll get those crisp well fitting black t-shirts from? I have a hard time finding good-fitting black, gray or white t-shirts, even more so for the female form, the neck and shoulders are always boxy. Or if it is a good fit, the fabric is thin as heck so does not hold up very long, less than a few months. So in the spirit of minimalism, should I buy well-fitting, short longevity clothing that meets my aesthetic? ( even the ill fitting t shirts , the fabric is decent but looses it color and the feel of the fabric is poor. Interested in your thoughts, minimalist fashion segment perhaps?

[@terriblue9792]

Just de cluttered my car..1/2 tall kitchen bag was full🤨 car door pockets full of trash.. HATE litter😏 I NEED to put trash in trash bin when I get gas🤷🏽‍♀️ OR… any suggestions welcome

[@qwertyqwert2772]

i didnt know you had been around that long!

[@GeoForReal]

Do you mind providing that google sheets of your room set up? (:

[@barkerpoe9221]

WILL YOU EVER Do The Writing class again?

[@rebekahshoop2949]

There is also the environmental cost of the thing.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Ryan, accept the things you cannot change🧘 if your body says you need a bed, give yourself permission and peace to have it.

[@Teaandabuscut]

i love your shows but have a question, i became a minimalist 3 years ago, did really well then had to flee domestic violence with my 2 teen dayghters, we had to leave so much behind, however we are only in a tempory house but dont know how long temp is going to be, i need certain stuff but cost wize what if it doesnt fit in the new house, im broke really so just buying is not an option, what would you do?

[@malzimus]

I'm sorry for your situation. You could keep an eye out on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for free or really cheaply priced items. Moving sale posts often give good prices because people often need to offload things quickly. There are also some "down on your luck" or "pay nothing" or "free, cheap, etc." Facebook groups as well often with an area or city name as part of them.

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

This would be a GREAT question for a future podcast episode. Would you be willing to send a voice memo to [e-mail] so that Joshua and Ryan can answer your question live on the show? In the voice memo, just state your name and city (or use a fake name if you want to be anonymous) followed by your concise question (write it down first); also mention if you are a Patreon subscriber, so we can prioritize your question. (And if you have more than one question, that's great-just send separate voice memos.)

[@thethoughtballoons]

Who is the woman speaking? Just curious.

[@bengali481]

l if you qualify for benefits while you are getting back on your feet, a county social worker might be able to point to low cost or even vouchered resources.

[@briannab5296]

Maybe you can get a police escort to go back with you to retrieve your stuff. Legally he (the ex) can't keep what belongs to you and your children.

[@happycustomer3448]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anniejaneNYC]

How do you guys feel about “Tiny Homes”?

[@sandranewinggriffiths3556]

They talked about that on a recent episode - two weeks before?

[@barkerpoe9221]

I just found yall

[@VolleyKir13]

The 30 day challenge would be easier if you did it backwards. On day one donate 30 items.

[@jazmineramay4292]

After 5 my brain turns off too.

[@SandySez]

Ryan, your dream restaurant did exist! One of my favorite Sundance documentaries, haven't seen it in years. So glad someone uploaded it. RIP Kenny Shopsin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZfbg6Wdq6l8nrc

[@leeharrison8790]

So ... If a option is mentioned / offered not as a requirement but a individual perceives it as a emotional form of trespassing on their emotional personal property of which they don't grasp they are in charge of their own emotions .. they seem to cry they are a victim here throwing out blame for what is said effected their feelings seeing they don't grasp they are in charge of their own feelings .. I wouldn't select to continue any further with them on that subject .. that would be abusive to me & them .. I grasp that ! Thanks for sharing .. I can hardly stand watching the hoarder shows revealing the emotional illness tied to hoarding ..

[@kencarey3477]

Show us your furniture

[@sharonhart3735]

I have this thing if you hadn't use it in 6mos.throw it away or donate it that means everything.

[@flanamac7993]

I was talking to my friend yesterday about scheduling holes in one's calendar. You can't go from one appointment to another because their is nothing to take up any splash that can happen in a day without disturbing the important parts. It is interesting that you understand our consumer economy is detrimental, yet continue to sell yourself. Consider how easy sleep would be it you stopped driving yourself past a reasonable, good life. Your guys life is sooooooo much more complicate and vexed than mine. You haven't gotten to simple yet, you guys live a too busy, complicated existence that you call minimalism. Hmmmm.

[@helensia6331]

22nd century fox news has been a great opportunity for us to see the 2 million people who are going to call the police and the police and the police 2nd street and the police and 2nd street 5 and the police and 2nd street and the police and the cops were there to see the

[@BLK2000]

i think im too stupid to understand this pod cast 😢