The PROBLEM With Minimalism

Minimalism was a huge lifestyle movement that was popular just a few years ago, but now it seems like almost no one talks about it anymore. Here’s what we found on the rise and fall of the minimalist movement.
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For further reading, check out the sources for this video here:
docs.google.com/document/d/e/...
Script: Caroline Eaton Pickard
Editor: Reid Valaitis + Kirsten Stanley
Project Manager: Lurana McClure Rodríguez
Host: Levi Hildebrand
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[@Nicksonian]

My ex-wife was an unintentional minimalist. She loved to throw things away. Bought little. Had few interests. Had few friends. Was obsessively neat. And is as cold as a barren white wall and concrete floor apartment. She truly believed that if you don’t use something in six months, throw it out. That’s why she threw me out.

[@defaulthuman01]

Like not because she threw you out, but because I've known people just like your wife. I hope your life is fuller, richer, and more vibrant now.

[@shro_okee]

damn that took a sharp turn in the end

[@aroojarshad6255]

hahahaha funny u

[@rbellamy804]

Sorry man, the ending of your story got me 😆.

[@Dona_Juega24]

😁😁😭

[@MrNoncredo]

I'm Italian, my wife and I made friends with an American couple who lives in our neighborhood in Rome, one evening they had dinner with us and kept complimenting us on our "minimalist style" after a while I asked what they meant and explained to me, I laughed, and I explained that our style is just about not spending money unnecessarily, if the sofa, even if it is 20 years old and works for what it is supposed to do, I don't change it, if my car is 12 years old but it works I don't understand why change it and spend money that I can use for holidays, trips, dinners, culture, in short, ours is not minimalism but rather anti-consumerism

[@drusilladana4184]

What you have described sounds like voluntary simplicity. It's my preferred way of living.

[@staceymeredith115]

I totally agree. The word 'minimalism' has unfortunately been claimed as the word to describe a trend. I was raised with my great grandmother's motto, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." And, after living in NYC for 15 years then moving back west back in 2010, I still live like I have a small NYC apt even though I now have a large home. True minimalism is a simple yet sophisticated lifestyle, not a trend, regardless of what one wants to call it.

[@emrej2527]

That’s the key

[@frusia123]

This. Everyone in Europe is a minimalist by the American standards. Just like we're all socialists to them, just because we believe that access to healthcare is a human right.

[@gardenjoy5223]

??? You are consuming a lot of other things on your holidays, trips, dinners and for culture. You just don't like to waste your money on extra stuff in the house, that you already have, to keep up with the Jones family. You make deliberate choices of where to put your money to use to enrich your life. But you are consuming. Just in a different way. Which is totally fine. Anyone not consuming is dead.

[@drew8235]

I'm a minimalist. But I still have a completely massive retro game collection. Fight me. The thing people forget about minimalism is that it's not really about having as few things as possible. Or at least it shouldn't be. It's about owning things with intention and meaning instead of just impulse buying more and more.

[@karthikone]

I'm vegan but eat all types of meat.

[@geekyprojects1353]

minimalism should be about making everything you own count. I sell (not donate or throw out) things I don't need anymore, but I buy and keep things I need.

[@Whtpaper]

Exactly - it's sad people thought they had to get rid of everything and mimic the Pinterest pages to feel like they made the change to minimalism - ie the all black/white/gray aesthetic. The consumerism engine made a ton of $ on that trend.

[@AndrewMai]

If you play those games often and they bring you joy, you are still a minimalist.

[@JmGmail]

Fight me? Sue me? Who cares what stuff you have . Get over your stuff . More of or less of does not matter.

[@Orangienblue]

it's funny how minimalism was supposed to help you save money, yet it just turned into people buying things that "looked minimalistic"

[@hiIamalina]

Exactly

[@calistafalcontail]

Truuuuueeeeeee

[@Dream-bebe]

Like a beige or solid gray shirt. Soooo boring!!

[@coreyw5981]

I would watch these videos and be like whoa that expensive hand soap on their counter, or candle, looks nice..im going to go buy it. I think i almost spent more money trying to be minimalist

[@07Flash11MRC]

This happens all the time. Every trend is nothing but a ploy to keep the cRāpītālį$t machines churning.

[@aidagibbons1045]

Also, minimalism is NOT about get rid of the stuff that you use.... it's about getting rid of stuff that you never needed in the first place or don't need it anymore!!

[@collaborativelearning1]

agreed, that is the key distinction.

[@joes.4149]

Lol then I’m a pro minimalist

[@Neocasko]

Exactly! Like, minimum literally means getting just enough.

[@TEWMUCH]

Totally. Also I would say get rid of things that distract u from your joy. For example if tv makes u feel lazy, gluttonous and addicted, u should get rid of it. But that's just my take on it.

[@Roccofan]

My closet full of shoes and expensive dress shirts perfectly insulates the draft created by the hole in my minimalist childhood. 😂

[@ericduan19]

Most minimalism influencers live like that because their job is to be a minimalism influencer

[@robertdotuan500]

those "minimalism influencers" are probably minimalists on camera only

[@louisross2919]

My fav thing was their V60 coffee routines. It always looked so simple but the reality was coffee grinds everywhere, paper waste in the bin and cleaning up multiple dishes. Worth it, but it illustrates that there’s always complexity just outside the view of the camera with minimalist aesthetic.

[@FutureProofTV]

You're not wrong. If you can make money by talking about a particular part of your life... you're probably going to talk about that thing rather than everything else that makes you a real person. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@sarahwatts7152]

Absolutely! I'd hate to live in a space that echoes

[@LittleRadicalThinker]

They don’t have to live minimally. They JUST need to promote it to make money out of… minimalists… what a joke.

[@pixelpuppy]

Mari Kondo was a huge thing, but what differentiated her from minimalism was the conscious decision to *keep* the things that were useful and had sentimental value, and to toss the rest so that we can more appreciate the things we owned. It was more like a personalized minimalism.

[@TroyQwert]

I read Marie's book, still keep it on a shelf. I watched her videos too. But inside me I argue with her all the time. Especially on times when I start using an item that I hasn't been using for years (and didn't get rid of it) and now give it another chance. On the occasion. And I don't have to spend on a new one. It's a special pleasure if that item is better than they do today. Don't follow Marie blindly, just get the idea and adapt it to your situation.

[@lsamoa]

Kondo isn't a minimalist, she's about keeping your home tidy. There's overlaps of course but they're still different things.

[@TroyQwert]

@@lsamoa , Marie Kondo is often associated with minimalism due to her emphasis on decluttering and organizing possessions. However, it's important to note that minimalism can be defined in various ways. Some sources define minimalism as owning fewer possessions, while others emphasize intentional living and promoting the things that are most valued. Marie Kondo's KonMari method focuses on keeping items that "spark joy," which aligns with the idea of intentional living and surrounding oneself with meaningful possessions. Therefore, while Marie Kondo may not strictly adhere to every aspect of minimalism, her approach to decluttering and organizing aligns with certain principles of the minimalist lifestyle.

[@lsamoa]

@@TroyQwert Having a philosophy with some common traits to minimalism doesn't mean you're a minimalist. Hers is deeply rooted in shinto. It's all about respecting materiality and showing gratefulness by taking care of things well. How much you own or not is irrelevant.

[@TroyQwert]

@@lsamoa , did I say she is a minimalist?

[@bluedreams517]

I was never a minimalist (I'm an artist....I like art and full walls and my hoard of art supplies). And I was never into the minimalistic aesthetic usually shown (white wall literally hurts me as I'm very migraine sensitive). But I always resonated with the idea of conscientious consumption and thinking "do I really need this?" I really hope that stays no matter how dead the full movement is.

[@edinger1978]

And THAT, to me, is what minimalism is all about. What Levi talks about in this video, in my opinion, isn't minimalism but rather, as he also alludes to, superficial minimalism, i.e. a fad, which by definition is a capitalist notion.

[@wintersprite]

I have a hoard of art and craft supplies too. I also collect dolls, stuffed animals, and other toys so minimalism wouldn’t work for me.

[@jackieknits61]

I always liked the intentionality of minimalism. I want my books and favorite things, but I am so tired of being told I need things, more things. I am awash in things, and I am tired of it. My minimalism has taken the form of not bringing anything into my home unless I have a place for it, either I have the space (rare) or I get rid of something. I never make a quick purchase, I think about it carefully and make sure I choose the right thing. If it's now or never, it's never.

[@ninascott8338]

I have tons of art supplies. That is my passion. However, I am always aware of what ELSE I can get rid of. My goal is that everything I own is organized and within reach.

[@chrisamies2141]

Even so I got rid of most of my art supplies when I went travelling last year - and on coming home found I still had plenty to make art with!

[@gizellakatalin]

I don't think minimalism died, I just think it shifted form. From the clean and simple aesthetic towards the consious consumer purchases. There are many people who have changed their mindset thanks to minimalism and have learned some pretty handy skills along the way of minimalism to determine whether or not to buy something, and if so, in good quality. As I see, minimalism is still alive and blooming, every time someone makes a conscious decision not to buy something unnecessary or to buy something maybe more expensive, but in great quality, so it can serve them for an extended period of time. At least, that part makes me feel like a minimalist ever since. But I also never defined it based on the number of my posessions.

[@yukariyamagishi6286]

Yeah, same in Japan. I wouldn't say it "failed" either, it still is alive and is affecting so much of our consumer culture. Contemporary minimalism doesn't go against capitalism either, since ppl are encouraged to upgrade stuff that we already possess. In fact a lot of the minimalist youtubers in Japan had videos on "best thing they bought this season" :D

[@rocioiribe5841]

DING DING DING! that's exactly it. i know am a totally different person than i used to be and a lot of is thanks to minimalism. but nuance doesn't make catchy, quick bite videos.

[@hoppypoppy950]

Interesting that you say that. For me, it was always the opposite: it all started with the conscious consumer purchases, and the clean and simple aesthetic just followed. Minimalism was a trend for the rich, who could afford to live a cluttered life. For poor people, it was simply a lifestyle.

[@charmedprince]

Yes and our ability to give away things we don't need. Not really just getting rid of everything. You can still live a maximal-minimal lifestyle.

[@charmedprince]

Yes and our ability to give away things we don't need. Not really just getting rid of everything. You can still live a maximal-minimal lifestyle.

[@Jhosey74]

Minimalism really just taught people to think, "Do I really need this?" We were always going to go back to buying more things, but that extra second to think about whether something was too excessive or would last long has probably helped out more people than we know.

[@hamzamushab]

Not buying things you want to stay in the minimalist label is self torture. There's a lot of people that aren't minimalists yet don't buy things they don't need. I felt as if people did so much extra work to stay minimal. It's counter intuitive

[@d1r3wolf8]

I came from wanting to become a minimalist to being an essentialist. I have very few clothes, just those that I wear often because I don't like trend following and even if I do, I wait a couple of months before buying and by then I don't want it anymore. But I have tons of sneakers because I love them. Essentialism teaches us to be really intentional on what we buy, keep, and maintain. You can't be minimal on every aspect of your life, specially on things that make you happy.

[@curliefro]

@@d1r3wolf8 plop

[@simt1973]

@@d1r3wolf8 : I like that term - "Essentialism". This lifestyle makes so much more sense, it sounds fulfilling, whereas "minimalism" and "maximalism" sounds more controlling/restrictive :)

[@god5535]

Define "need".

[@teresaromero8655]

I see Minimalism as a way of living and not as a “ Trend .” It’s has helped me to simplify my life and get rid of things that I hadn’t used in years….. So , I am happy now living a simpler life.

[@TEWMUCH]

Me too. I didn't even know it was a trend really. It serves me well to live minimal. I love it.

[@sleeplessinchicago9082]

Absolutely! While decluttering my living space, I am also able to simplify my lifestyle I do not, however, believe in hard-core minimalism, with its self-enforced limits and obsessive quest for empty space. I still surround myself with objects and colors that make me happy.

[@teresaromero8655]

@@sleeplessinchicago9082 Agree ! ! !

[@LittleMopeHead]

Exactly. This video should have added the word "trend" in the title. No way it encapsulates the true minimalism lifestyle.

[@vaderladyl]

It was always intended as a lifestyle, a forever lifestyle, then YT converted it into a trend. Many cultures have been practicing it for centuries.

[@create306]

Here's the deal: If you are a true minimalist, you wouldn't even call yourself one or associate with it. It's not a club, it's a lifestyle that compliments the personality that you're born with. Also, some people take it to the extreme, which is not sustainable long-term.

[@TEWMUCH]

Right. I currently live a lifestyle I think could be called minimalist. But I never followed anybody on social media to tell me how to do that, nor do I buy certain furniture lol 😅I just keep things to a easily manageable minimum. That includes work. I have simple personal care habits. Don't acquire many bills. Don't have a bunch of stuff. I make my life as simple as possible. In my opinion, minimalism is alive and well. I've gotten better and better at it. I think if ppl gave up on it, they probably went about it drastically instead of slow and steady and led by your heart. My room is all white now tho. And I love it.

[@Napalm_Candy]

"The first rule about fight club, is you do not talk about fight club."

[@sheldonpopesp]

it's the same with people who say they are vegan but actually mean they eat a plant based diet. very different to believe in an ideology vs just eating or doing something different.

[@yyby_]

it aint that deep man. you can call yourself a minimalist and be a minimalist. and no one is born with a personality, you have to grow up first. plus theres probably a club out there somewhere called "the minimalist club." anything can be a club

[@0num4]

Personality is not something you're born with. Individuals have certain behavioral predispositions based on their genetic inheritance, but they do not come out of the womb with a distinct personality. That is developed as a relationship between the individual and everyone and everything which surrounds them, throughout their lifetimes. To the contrary of what you're stating: There's no way to be a minimalist without bouncing it off the cultures and relationships we've cultivated over years. It's almost exclusively an associative decision. Also, the "true minimalist" idea is a logical fallacy; "no true scotsman."

[@shawn5838]

I think the part of minimalism that made people more intentional with what they were buying was good but when I tried it I felt like I lost my ability to be creative with decor and fashion and I really missed that. Also, some of the minimalism influencers who would brag about having no furniture always seemed ridiculous

[@FutureProofTV]

Yes! The expression of self and the aesthetic of minimalism often clash but the reality is you can be a minimalist and still own colourful stuff. That just tends to get missed.

[@TomikaKelly]

You can still buy fashion and decor that reflects your personality, you just shouldn't walk into the budget section of Target and buy everything simply because it's there and it's cheap.

[@f0x4nn3]

@@TomikaKelly TBH those cheap plastic crap that breaks after a week... no one should buy that. Thrift store is a better option when you are on a budget.

[@sexyshadowcat7]

@@f0x4nn3 Yeah cuz no one has ever bought something from a thrift store that breaks in a week lol

[@jackieknits61]

I had a friend who lived in a studio apartment who was an artist. She got the small condo because she liked to redecorate 3 4 times a year. She had basic furniture that she would either recover or repaint or add decor to completely change her space. She had a small storage space, and if it didn't fit in her storage or apartment, it went. She would never call herself minimalist, but she didn't burden herself with too much stuff either.

[@Zaguzah]

I would argue that there _was_ a consumerist aspect to minimalism... In some corners, it was implied that you should get rid of everything you have, but repurchase the proper 'minmalist' furniture, decor, tools, etc. to fit the aesthetic.

[@FutureProofTV]

True, there was a pressure to buy slim wallets and fancy water bottles in the name of getting something high quality.

[@ihague4568]

Then don't follow the movement. Follow what minimalism actually is.

[@livenandlove1980]

Yup. It was like I only have 1 piece of furniture, a coffee table.😌How much is that coffee table?: $1000000000000

[@NealWayne]

Cough cough Hueguh cough cough.

[@katymcdonald5481]

Yes! Especially in the fashion space there were so many videos about wardrobe “essentials” and instead of telling people to figure out what they were wearing as basics it encouraged them to adopt a prescriptive set of neutral often expensive pieces that didn’t take into account any individual needs.

[@roveplanteater6738]

I am a minimalist and have been for an extremely long time, but the reason why I stopped trying to associate with the community is because of how judgemental people are. I own less than 200 items and like it that way. I do not like to consume, and when I do, I try and buy second hand. I am poor (I only make 8k per year) yet have never had debt, pay rent, and am cash flowing college due to my "extreme" avoidance of spending money. It works for me, and yet others have been overly critical and would tell me I was too "extreme." But when you're this poor what other way is there to live? Spending money on college rather than items will help me escape poverty rather than continue to live in it.

[@gardenjoy5223]

Poverty was minimalism, before it became its own trend. By getting rid of so much of their stuff, some others escaped poverty by buying nice things for cheap. Everybody more happy :)

[@susanpost403]

I learned it’s ways, applied them, found the level of minimalism that suits me, and continued on with life. It was like learning a skill and no longer needing to study it so much after mastering it. I may watch a video here and there, but I feel like I’ve learned enough now that I don’t need to anymore. It was a skill and mindset I wanted to learn, not an obsession.

[@sleeplessinchicago9082]

It's like acquiring a foreign language.

[@pietrab3.14]

Minimalism used to be so great, but the true meaning of minimalism got lost so quickly. While less can be excellent, holding yourself back from having things or enjoying an experience is why it was so hard to keep it in my life.

[@thomaslacroix6011]

On the other hand, cutting back on everything, even if it's momentary, means you only take back what you truly value. If you didn't miss it while you were minimalist, it probably wasn't that important.

[@FutureProofTV]

Absolutely! Once things get popular like minimalism did it's hard for it not to get warped into something capitalism can make money off of. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@sbarclay62]

If you're holding yourself back from having things you enjoy or from experiences you want to do, perhaps you were doing minimalism wrong?

[@maenad1231]

I just picked certain areas of my life where minimalism actually benefits me. I’m very minimalist with my wardrobe and makeup these days which is extremely different from myself as a teenager. I actually like this a lot more and it’s less to worry about in the morning. I don’t force minimalism into areas of my life where it doesn’t feel naturally appealing. I will still allow splurges on skincare products and health foods. Continued access to higher quality skincare products and foods are things that actually benefit me physically & emotionally both in the short term and the long term. Following fashion and beauty trends really just is instant gratification and nothing more

[@pietrab3.14]

@@sbarclay62 I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do minimalism but I do realize my priorities weren’t in the right place. Now I have learned to fully enjoy my hobbies without worrying about how the items needed take up space in my life

[@Avellania]

I inherited a lot of stuff from relatives. I also grew up with a mother who has a slight horder tendency, who hates throwing things away and always forbid me from getting rid of stuff (old books, clothes, make-up, etc.). Minimalism and Marie Kondo helped me to feel less guilty about cleaning up and letting go of things that weren't connected to good memories. I still own a ton of items, but they make me happy instead of making me feel trapped.

[@defaultworkouts]

you will be left with her trash after she dies. what a HEADACHE!

[@evebenoit6368]

Avellania, this is exactly my story !

[@marasievers]

My mother is like that, too!

[@joylox]

I moved into a house that my great grandparents built that another relative was living in, and I got it as is because my family wanted it to stay in the family. I got rid of quite a bit, but also decided to keep a lot, mostly the furniture and a few handmade cross stitch works made by various family members. I have a fear of getting rid of something I might want or need later as it happened to me a few times as a kid, but moving really made me question what I wanted to take with me, what could be donated or given away, and what was literal garbage that I kept holding onto. In a way, it made me really miss the past, and the memories I had kept certain items to remind me of. Friends I don't see anymore, places that lost their significance to me, and some things made me sad for times when I didn't have chronic pain, and I had more friends who would do things with me. It was hard, and I'm still not done even months later, but it's so important to look at things more objectively.

[@defaultworkouts]

@@joylox your treasure so to speak is 100% GARBAGE to everyone else. no one wants it.

[@fernandoalarcon8534]

I never took minimalism as having one pair of jeans and three shirts. It was about consumerism, and buying just to buy. It’s about using what you have. I could never be like most of the KZbin or IG minimalist. I have a job where having a pair of paints and two shirts was not effective. However, I didn’t need the 30 shirts I use to have. It may not be trendy, but it’s effectiveness is still profound and useful.

[@Ikaros23]

It can be what you want it to be. That is minimalism is on " spectrum". But there is a difference of " minimalism" and " useing what you have". Minimalism is about realising that there is actualy a value of haveing less stuff. That is the benefits ( less to clean, more space, more money, the estetics of a clean environment, less mental obsessions about consumeing, less stress about FOMO and comparison to others). The " useing what you have" can be more of a stoic point of view. That is accepting the limitations of ones personal economy, and feel content with what one has in life.

[@darkangelkate3950]

I live in a studio apartment. In 11 months I have purged my 'stuff' twice because I felt like the walls were closing in on me. Now I only have the bare necessities, I feel like I can breathe again. So minimalism is definitely my lifestyle and I love it❤

[@Irish59]

Cool

[@lieslherman]

As someone who still is striving towards becoming more "minimalist", I've always focused more on the cutting out of excess rather than having the absolute bare minimum--and thats likely why I still enjoy following minimalist content. I have my hundreds of books, tons of baking supplies and gaming accessories, etc, but I have room for them because I no longer keep unused extras or gifts I felt too guilty to part with. I learned budgeting and tidiness through the movement, which have fundamentally changed my life... But as with most things in life, extremism is not sustainable or enjoyable long term.

[@FutureProofTV]

It was a real benefit for a lot of people, hopefully people can retain some of those qualities despite the fading trendiness. 🙏🏻

[@littlethoughtfullife]

@@FutureProofTV This video uses the term "minimalism FAILED" not that it simply faded in trendiness. Yes it is not as trendy as it used to be but I think that is because we as a culture have successfully absorbed what we needed from it and no longer need to be bathed in content about it. The minimalism movement has hugely changed mass amounts of people and normalized things like gifting experiences instead of things and I think that makes it pretty damn successful.

[@ihague4568]

@@FutureProofTV Fading trendiness doesn't mean that the the movement has failed. The goal to get off sugar has not failed simply because the Western World is hopelessly addicted to sugar. I think this speaks more to the metastasis of the materialism cancer. Synaptic plasticity must change first. It's not about throwing everything out, posting it on Instagram, and expecting your life to have all sorts of meaning.

[@TomikaKelly]

And that's exactly it. The idea was to be sustainable and intentional not to be an extremist. It shouldn't mean that you should live out of a backpack if you don't want to. It should mean that you only buy and pack things that you know you can use and enjoy, even if that means 3 suitcases.

[@idraote]

I have thousands of books and CDs. They take up a lot of space but that space is well managed and orderly. And those books/CDs have meaning for me. Minimalism can be a useful tool to concentrate on what is really important to you. To avoid spending money on things that are not important .

[@Fabmaster60]

My aunt once saied: "With every physical thing you own, you give up a bit of your personal freedom". She is in her mid 70s and probably never heard of a movement called minimalism. There is a lot of truth in that quote. The challenging thing is to find that sweetspot between personal belongings and personal freedom and this point is different for everyone.

[@supersucks]

this is it.

[@VictoriaSobocki]

Why don’t some things give us more freedom? I think several things do.

[@dkaob8351]

Material things give me freedom. Because, unlike money, things have “real” value which can be liquidated, traded, or even used as tools if times get rough. That means I will have options and the bargaining power to live a luxurious life while minimalists will all be lorded over by someone like me to obtain even the simplest goods they need. That’s not freedom. If you don’t have power, you spend your life living according to someone else’s terms, or else.

[@Fabmaster60]

@@dkaob8351 I'm sorry but this is fundamentaly wrong. You always have power over yourselve. With a luxury life you may have power over others but first you need to get to that luxury life (the carrot in our modern days world). If you always strive for a luxury life you will most probably run after something you will never catch (also at what point do you know you reached the luxury life?). The most power you will have when you stop running after the luxury life or the newest things and make money your tool to fullfill your basic needs (things that give you long term happyness and not a fast satisfaction for buying some stuff) but nothing more.

[@Fabmaster60]

@@VictoriaSobocki This is true to a certain extend. We can't go without anything material. My interpretation of that quote is more like for example "if I have nothing of value in my apartment, I have the freedome to not lock my door since I don't have to live in fear that my stuff gets stolen" or "If all my belongings can fir in one suitcase I can easily go wherever I want since I can easily take everything with me".

[@maddie8415]

The problem I most often see with minimalism is the huge emphasis on considering everything you don’t currently use as "toxic clutter" (physically and mentally), and the pressure to get rid of it all. If you know you’ll never use it again and attach no other value to it, yes get rid of it…but in order to be minimal about future purchases, it’s better to keep *some* items in storage. A good personal example is not getting rid of every item of clothing once it becomes too big or too small for me. I know that as an adult my body has varied within a few sizes and want to have some basic items stored away if I lose or gain weight (which tends to happen over time).

[@Lisette777]

You forgot the part about how endlessly empty, neutral, bland living spaces can be so very dreary when paired with the seemingly endless stretches of winter we go through here in Canada. It's cold! It's always dark out! Everything is grey, black, and white! Lol...I need *something* to look at! And some colour to make me feel happier. Not discounting any of your very valid points, but I think it might be easier to live a minimalist lifestyle in a warm and colourful country, where everything is vibrant green and blue and tropical flower bright around oneself. Also, thanks for bringing up the very valid "whitewashing" point! So true.

[@rosalindgatto9630]

I still think Marie Kondo is the cultural ideal for minimalism as a concept. She advocated not for getting rid of things, but for choosing what to keep, whether it sparked joy of was practically useful to you. Do all those anime action figures spark joy? Great! Let's figure out where we can store them so you can see and enjoy them as much as possible. I know personally that I have curbed a lot of my spending habits after I bought the Manga version of her book (one if which was, ironically, buying at least 1 new manga a week)

[@Genny-Zee]

If Marie Kondo was white, would the world be so invested? Prob not.

[@persephone213]

Yes, agreed! This is the kind of minimalism I practice. While I do hate clutter and enjoy a somewhat minimalist aesthetic as it calms my anxiety, I just really like to be intentional about surrounding myself only with things that bring me joy or are actually useful.

[@juliajs1752]

Half of what is left in my household is hobby stuff that makes me incredibly happy. I have fluffy pillows and colourful bed sheets. I think one of the problems is the "all natural beige and white colours and not a single picture on the wall" branch of minimalism, which made people feel bad for hanging on to things they loved.

[@KayKayBayForever]

Yesss. I still love Marie Kondo. She was really inspiring.

[@cr-pol]

how is that 'minimalism'? I'm not being snarky, but if that is 'minimalism' than I really don't understand what it was about. I am glad I totally missed the trend and the talk about it.

[@snailrat]

I think there's another reason it died: There's not much to say once you're done decluttering. It's exciting to get rid of excess and watch others do the same. It's interesting to hear how their lives have changed. But after a while, that intentionality becomes a part of the background. Minimalism was just a tool people used to streamline their lives, and once you don't need a tool anymore, you put it away. That's what happened to me, and that's what I see in so many content creators who faded away. You just move on to the rest of life with a little less weight, as you should.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

Or you aren't really and never were minimalist because you keep accumulating so you can keep decluttering. Watching people declutter organizational bins only to watch them fill up new ones to do the same job because different color/material/shape is obnoxious. Meanwhile my maximalist self is over here with the same blue and purple, cat scratched fabric storage bins in the no longer on trend in color 9 cube storage organizer I've had for 15 years because... they still work. Now that I've had several cats and they've thoroughly trashed those bins, I will replace them... but I'll actually be intentional about it and research what would be a good material option so I don't have to ever replace them again or I'll find a new to me unit to store all that yarn in a more visual way and repurpose the 9 cube without the bins to store books. Books are life. Books are knowledge you can't always easily find on the internet and books are always available without power or wifi.

[@DatingForRealYoutubeChannel]

I think that you are right, Cam. :-)

[@mirjam3553]

@Nexa Gotta say I'm with Amanda on this one - I very much enjoy owning physical books. Not random ones (I know some people like that too), not coffee table books, but good stories. A living situation without a proper bookshelf is difficult to call a home, in my mind. But there's definitely a lot of content that makes sense to have digitally instead (basically, non-fiction - recipes, how-to's, dictionaries, reference books of all sorts).

[@mirjam3553]

@Nexa I can agree with the eco aspect, sure. A clean look? That's a matter of taste, true that, I am indeed overly fond of the green-walled Victorian library aesthetic and to each their own. But forgetting the active enjoyment of your environment - making your home not just a place to stay overnight but a place you like spending free time at is where minimalism starts to fall apart for me. Because free time, joy and all of that can not be discounted. A clean minimalist look feeling refreshingly quiet, restful, a place to recharge for a new day of going out to keep on hustling - I can see the point of that. My bedroom is the emptiest room in the apartment and that's not by chance. But sitting on my couch I can see an aspirational drawing up on the side of a cabinet, my bookshelf is an active reminder of the awesome stories that can be told in the world and the selection of lego minis on the wall stands there as a reminder to not take myself too seriously. As for banning paper products in favor of digital versions, well... yeah, a big nope to that. If your device breaks down or runs out of power, you lose access in a blink. And that's the most ownership-y version - I'm not even going to discuss how simple it would be for a big company using a subscription model to just f everything up.

[@mirjam3553]

@Nexa You don't need a complete breakdown and data loss for your digital data to be inaccessible, just a longer blackout (think what happened in Texas). As for "I can just go out and have it all" - I'm glad that it can work like that for you. Not everybody can, not all of the time. Think rural, think snowstorm, think 'I don't have money to spend on being in indoors public spaces' (because most spaces need at least some expense). (And outdoors depends on your latitude, my N 59 winters are not too pleasant for that for half the year.) And while I'm all about buying less and spending on thought-through quality, banning physical if digital is available is a step too far as in can make lives considerably worse for people in situations. Choosing not to buy, choosing to rent, borrow, all of that is super - but removing the choice I will never support. Blanket rules don't make allowances for circumstances. Basically, what irks me about performative minimalism is that it looks down on.. stuff like the fact that the shirt I'm wearing is 10 years old, I darn my socks, my wardrobe/closet might be twice as old as I am, my colorful kitchen cabinets only hold one pot and one pan plus a few drifted dishes etc. Because I took the time to paint designs on my brightly colored wall, not just have it a neutral color. It isn't minimalist, but that doesn't mean thoughtless consumerism. And the instagram minimalism seems to view anybody with more than x possessions as a mindless wasteful consumer-zombie that hoards cheap colorful plastic knickknacks and wears all their clothes only once.

[@isitlina]

i remember being slightly put off and scared by all the minimalist vloggers because of how far into the extremes they went. i watched videos of people preaching minimalism while sitting in a barren apartment with close to no furniture and soul, or wear the same grey outfit every day, or insist on denying themselves and others small pleasures because they weren’t absolutely necessary. this life of ascetism and lack of colour and personality seemed so dystopian to me. like surely there’s a way to reduce buying things and de clutter your life and still have a space that reflects your personality and enjoy yourself beyond trying to fit into a new trendy aesthetic. a lot of the trends minimalism brought with it are very useful but it was the extreme way people approached it that made me just look at it like i would at cult people standing on my doorstep

[@MariaMariaDantas]

The lessons I learned while being more conscious of purchases and the things I owned but hadn’t used in years, will serve me for life. I never got to be a true minimalist, but maximalism isn’t for me either. Dead or not, I’ll still aspire to live more minimalistic.

[@Irish59]

🤔

[@bkbff]

The minimalism movement helped me get rid of so much STUFF that was stressing me out and the capsule wardrobe reduced my mental load by a surprising amount. I never wanted to live the Instagram minimalism life, but reducing how much junk I bought every month and how much stuff I had to "organize" in my home was super helpful. Now I regularly pass on superfluous items to others in my local Buy Nothing group.

[@honghong3153]

Too much laundry takes up energy and time.

[@bkbff]

@@honghong3153 And it took mental energy and more time to figure out what to wear

[@psylettagilroy]

I agree with this. It took me a while, but I finally accepted what I like to wear, and the practice of minimalism is what ultimately encouraged this. Minimalism also encouraged me to live an authentic life in other ways, once I stopped trying to fit into the mold of what other said it should look like. Now I've come to see it as living intentionally, and as far as "things" go, I try to have enough to live a comfortable life. 😁

[@collan580]

For me it was just great to learn to keep things simple. It helped me to think twice before I buy something new and even if I do i try to be practical about it. It helped me to get rid of things that just using up space and dont add anything to my life.

[@anonymousdogg1559]

I think in the end most people came to their own conclusions of what minimalism meant to themselves. I wanted to be a minimalist but then realized I needed a lot of stuff I was gonna get rid of for the reason of minimalism. So I made it my own in a way. I decided to limit buying things I didn’t need. I realized when you limit things and buy less, you don’t have a messy room, you have a clean car, you only have what you need and then some. This is what minimalism is to me. It’s helped a lot!

[@FutureProofTV]

Honestly this is the play right here. Take what you need, and leave what you don't. Thanks for the comment friend. 🙏🏻

[@melodyhenshaw2128]

This is exactly what I do. It’s relieved a lot of stress for me because I don’t have nearly as much clutter as I used to, I’ve been more conscious of my buying decisions so I don’t feel guilty for buying silly things I don’t need, and I know where most things are now because it’s not buried under crap haha.

[@th2030]

Yeah and minimalism looks different for everybody. There is no one size fits all. The essence of minimalism is to find what matters to you and to get rid of the excess, that’s superfluous and meaningless.

[@BriSoza]

Honestly, as someone in my 20s and is working towards building my future, I've been interested in minimalism but definitely my own version of it. I'm not trying to rid of all my belongings nor am I trying to live a restrictive life but I'm trying to pull away from this consumeristic mindset that I need every little bs that is the latest trend. I used to collect makeup, and I got to a point where that makeup got old and I barely put a dent in some of it. You look back at all this bs that is going to probably end up in a landfill. I could've had more money for bigger and better things like a future home or an awesome vacation. I was even buying clothes that I looked back at and didn't even like. I basically stopped being an impulsive shopper and I stopped having fomo over things that become junk.

[@Is_This_Really_Necessary]

Not a minimalist, but I have spent the last five years parting with possessions using the KonMarie method by Marie Kondo. And although I have parted with many items As someone who loves getting their hands dirty in paint, glue, grease, etc, I save a lot of money by repairing damaged items rather than just simply throwing it out and replacing it. The only times when I do buy something is when an item has become too worn out, is too far gone to be repaired, to swap out a large item for a smaller version (I did this recently with my rice cooker), or is something I think I can use in my day to day life. I should point out that Marie Kondo is not a minimalist, but an advocate for "Keep what brings you joy".

[@davidwilliama.7296]

I am not a minimalist, but I used to listen to The Minimalists podcast and I saw their documentary. From what I remember, minimalism isn't necessarily about an aesthetic or even having a very tiny amount of stuff. It's more about buying intentionally and not keeping things that aren't being used/don't make you happy. You can be a minimalist in certain aspects while keeping certain other stuff that is useful/enjoyable. For example, you could still collect books or video games if it's something you really like to do. You also don't have to have a simple aesthetic. You can wear interesting clothes or have a colorful house, but if certain clothes aren't being used, maybe get rid of them. If something has been sitting in a drawer for years, get rid of it unless it's something really important. I've heard of families where one person is a minimalist, but the rest of the family isn't, so the house still has stuff, but maybe that one person's room doesn't. I think the big thing is to keep what makes you happy or things that are useful and get rid of the stuff that is just cluttering up your space. Ultimately, minimalism was supposed to be a tool to make your life better. If it isn't, maybe back off of it in certain areas or altogether. It kind of makes me think of bullet Journals. They were supposed to be a better way to journal and it was simplistic at first, but then people started making them super artistic things to post on social media. It's fine if people enjoy doing that, but for many people it's better to go back to the simpler design of the bullet journal, or do it just slightly artistic, or just find another method. The bullet journal is a tool that can be customized for personal preference or it might not be for everyone to use. Same with minimalism.

[@dariadarusiadaria]

Thank you for this comment! This is exactly what I wanted to say :)

[@jessislistless]

Absolutely. That's why I still follow people like Matt D'Avella. As a former shopaholic, the idea of minimalism where you live with intention helps keep me in check. Before I even need to Marie Kondo my wardrobe, I start from the store, before swiping my card or tapping "order". Everything I own, now has a purpose. For every new book or piece of clothing, 3-5 must go.

[@ameliab4527]

I am the single minimalist in my family and I agree with what you said completely. Minimalism is something you chose for yourself and is about having what you need to live more not having less to live less.

[@michaelabeijer675]

What annoyed me about many of the minimalist blogs and channels was actually the consumerism: the underlying notion that a) everyone can follow the same formulas and b) you can always replace it if you need it later. (Not to mention the products that “make” you a minimalist!) Most of us can’t afford buying a new wardrobe because the weather or our weights fluctuate, neither can the planet!

[@ohsweetmystery]

Also amusing was the enormous number of people trying to capitalize on minimalism just to benefit themselves.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

EXACTLY! A true minimalist would mend & make do... would embrace who they truly are because that doesn't change with whims.

[@michaelabeijer675]

@Amanda Baule not to mention that they would know the distinction between WANT and NEED (ie between “that new water bottle is so nice, I want one” and “dang, my water bottle is leaking, I really need a new one” or even “I moved to the desert and I’m not drinking enough water as my water bottle is not insulated and I don’t like warm water”).

[@Greyinkling276]

Exactly what always bothered me. Some of us buy furniture one at a time, hold onto redundant things in case they're needed. I can't get a flimsy smaller chair, I need one that lasts. And the old one is in a corner or in storage because what if I move, what if the other one breaks? Minimalism is a trendy style requiring a buy in and fluid income, not a lifestyle for everyone.

[@thepissedofflandlord]

I think minimalism is supposed to be a philosophy to simplify your life. It's not about throwing out all your clothes just to buy all black shirts....its about getting rid of the stuff you don't like and clothes you don't wear, then next time you need new shoes questioning how versitile they are. Doing more with less and getting the most out of your things.

[@diysai]

The only negative thing I feel about Minimalism is that I started 15 years too late! I could have saved up a fortune and been in a better position career wise with less stuff to stress about. Although it is hard trying to convince myself that I don't need an upgrade, decluttering and having more money in the bank feel very therapeutic to me!

[@samiraarian9300]

Do agree 👍 it saved my life too, though a bit late

[@James_36]

I feel like I have always been a spiritual one and then modern society got its claws into me along with family and “friends “ and the constant hidden competition… ended up being impulsive and gambling and drinking etc… now I am older I’m thinking screw this - has this made me happy really? I had some good times but most the time it wasn’t. I still don’t know how I do this simplified stuff but i think I am going to focus on getting myself financially free from everything that annoys me. Its hard than people think in my view - no point talking about non simple folk either about it - any advise is welcome

[@user-pm7oj5kx3e]

At its heart, the principles of minimalism seem to be more about keeping and using what you have, need, and enjoy and letting go of things that don't fall into those categories. From an individual perspective, anything goes from there. I don't "need" more clothes, so I choose to wear what I have and only make future purchases based on my chosen needs. And I have a large library of books I enjoy which I will continue to expand. I can do both. Minimalism isn't about not buying, not having, not decorating, not using, or not enjoying. However, why do I have an ironing board I haven't used for 10 years? Or canning supplies I haven't used for 5 years? Or office supplies I haven't used for 3 years. Will I suddenly decide to use them? Time and history suggest that I won't. So why should I keep them? Minimalism allows me to ask myself honest questions and give honest answers about my home and possessions for the purpose of giving up things I don't need for something better. What are those things, is completely up to me. Over the years, as my husband and I have lost family members and would clean out their homes, in each and every single case without fail we would throw away or donate at least 50%, if not more, of their belongings that was nothing more than clutter, junk, unused, broken, neglected, hidden, etc. If I don't want to saddle my children with a similar situation after my passing, doesn't it stand to reason that I, and most people, fall into this situation? The situation of having way, way, way more than I actually need/use. Minimalism isn't a one-size-fits-all process. But rather a journey...a self-defined journey of self-discovery into a purposeful and intentional way of living and looking at things. Those who have had regrets or purged too much may have simply been overzealous, unrealistic, or lacked clarity and understanding in their efforts. In my opinion, minimalism isn't dead. As the principles behind minimalism have always been true and will always be so.

[@katysolopova]

I actually came to minimalism DURING the pandemic, because I found myself stuck in a location with just barely one suitcase full of clothes and personal items, and after the four months I was there were up, I realized I didn’t miss or have or need any of the things I left behind at home. That’s when my decluttering days begun, and those huge trash bags of just stuff are still getting donated to this day. But! Im so much happier now that I know that I don’t need to pack a huge suitcase for travel, and it’s much easier to pass on the random purchase at a random shop. It doesn’t matter if the trend with its aesthetics dies down, but hopefully a lot of people, like me, have found a new way to approach their lifestyle ❤

[@mktemple476]

I too was enchanted by the concept of Minimalism. But as someone who doesn't have unlimited disposable income, I became disenchanted rather quickly. Throw out something I haven't used in 6 months, a year?? I live in Texas. Sometimes it simply doesn't get cold enough during a winter down here to need one every single year. But it does happen, and when it does, I may not be able to afford to run out and buy another coat every single time I need one.

[@FutureProofTV]

It's easy to mistake minimalism for "owning nothing"... which obviously isn't going to work.

[@insertnicknamehere]

The minimalist thing is to keep the one coat for when you need it even if it's every few winter, not to buy several coats and not to get ride rid of the one after six months.

[@mktemple476]

@@FutureProofTV - Don't get me wrong - Minimalism did teach me a few things. It taught me to be more careful with my money, and a bit of patience. :)

[@honghong3153]

I know that what I was thinking also. What if an item got wet. Need extra on hand. Like wer shoes. Wet towels or blankets.

[@honghong3153]

@@mktemple476 😇😇😇😇😇😇😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄let's fly to the moon. Too much of this minimalist s hit.

[@dixiemerchant1052]

“ anxiety around their stuff” is the key part of the definition I needed to understand minimalism! The part I could not relate to and thus had never fathomed.

[@joanaalmeidaJA]

I am still a minimalist. I'm not just following trends. This is the kind of lifestyle that makes sense to me, that matches my personality, and that gives me a sense of mindfulness. As an architect and interior designer, I do not support extreme minimalism, but organic and naturalist minimalism is growing in popularity. Because it's all about sustainability, comfort and harmony with nature.

[@collaborativelearning1]

I am minimalist about some things but other things not so much. But the other things aren't that broad of a category, thank god. rather narrow in fact.

[@jessiedamour9116]

I agree. Also, who cares if the movement is no longer “popular”, it’s more about how it improves your life. Why does everything need to be a movement.

[@gardenjoy5223]

Oh no! You are the one 'inventing' those utterly boring buildings, that deform our cities? And which true minimalist would ever need an interior designer? I call BS, when I read it.

[@darcidrzewiecki3776]

I come from generations of hoarders and the "minimalism trend" taught me how to have a healthy relationship with my things and by extension has helped my family start to heal their relationships with their things. I'm always looking for more minimalism content

[@gabi.a]

yeeeaaah, I know people who thanks to minimalism realized in their 50's that they were hoarders. They keep broken things they knew were not woth fixing and had already replaced, clothes they haven't worn in 10 years and was taking up half their cloest's space, etc... They realized they did all that 'because they grew up very very poor and often couldn't afford even the basic...

[@gonzaga45377]

I come from hoarder parents and just realized I might be a hoarder too. Ever closet, drawer and ....lets just say every spare space in my house has been filled by something. Lots of times my hoarder mother would pass off stuff to me so she knew where it was if she ever needed it. No more. I have filled countless garbage bags of junk and trash and have donated 5 SUV loads to charities in my area. The sad thing to all of that is that it's hardly noticeable except in my bedroom. I will keep on decluttering although decluttering is a nice way of putting it. I do feel like I have a healthier relationship a month into this journey with my things than I ever expected.

[@shextasheoran6005]

Same here

[@alexisbalmaceda3309]

I think I found a healthy balance. I've learned a few tips & tricks that I know will stick with me to manage clutter. 1) One in one out. Don't bring in more belongings than you're taking out. 2) I don't think this is technically a minimalism thing but it helps a lot. "We're too poor to buy cheap things." ^ This one was a game-changer for me. Instead of buying cheap things in bulk, (knowing it will eventually break) I buy one expensive, good-quality thing that will last me a very long time. Whether it's an appliance, a coat, or a bicycle, I prefer investing in something that was made with intention that will serve me for many years. An example of this is my vacuum. My parents bought Bissel vacuums all my life. But between all the dirt we track in, and all the hair & dander from our pets, they never lasted long. Was buying a 60-dollar vacuum at Walmart more affordable? Maybe at the time. But we had to buy a new one every 6-8 months. So really, we weren't saving money at all. When I became an adult, I bought a Shark vacuum that had pet hair in mind. it cost me 170 bucks. But I've had it for three years and it works just as well as it did when I first bought it. And in the long run, it turned out to be the cheaper option anyway. 3) Don't buy storage bins before you've started discarding/cleaning. You'll feel the urge to fill these containers if they're empty, which will encourage you to buy more things that you don't need. Sort through your things, gather what you have left, and THEN look for a storage system. And for god's sake measure your furniture/spaces BEFORE you go out and buy a sh*t ton of canvas storage bins. 4) A lot of the time we buy something because we think we're out of it (in my house, that tends to be peanut butter). But 9 times out of 10, we had peanut butter all along. It just got shoved behind so much other stuff that we had no idea. If you have an excess of stuff, you won't be able to find anything. This is really disheartening when you do eventually excavate that jar of peanut butter from your pantry, only to discover that it is expired. This has happened to my family dozens of times over the years, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars. You can avoid travesties like this by not exceeding the space that you have. 5) Don't buy things that only have one purpose. This mostly applies to those little kitchen gadgets. Like a gizmo that only pits avocados, or separates egg yolks from egg whites, or that pan that only makes omelets. Unless you make omelets for breakfast every day, or have an avocado with every meal, it's not worth it. 6) Don't keep something just because it was a gift. If you know you're never going to use it, or you simply don't like it, keeping the object isn't going to make you happy. And it's not fair to the object, either. In my case, this is mostly in regard to clothes. My mom has a friend that likes to go shopping after she gets off work and she is the PINACLE of impulse buying. She'd get me shirts that weren't age-appropriate, or too small, or a color I didn't like. When this kept happening, I stopped accepting these gifts. It made me feel guiltier to let her spend her hard-earned money on clothes I knew I would never wear than it did to admit I didn't want them. And if you politely decline gifts that aren't to your taste, they can get a better idea of what you DO like. Those are the only ones that come to mind for now. Am I gonna limit myself to two pairs of shoes? No. Am I gonna have 7 duplicates of the same gray T-shirt? No. But I'm also never going to feel overwhelmed by my belongings ever again.

[@AWDTH1111]

I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist anymore but I was in the past and the reality was that it helped me reset my life. It helped me really start being intentional about my life even in the small things and many of the minimalist principles continue to guide me to this day.

[@mattday2656]

I get described as minimalist, only because clutter annoys me and I hate buying stuff because anti theft packaging makes entirely too much waste. I kind of hate minimalism as a designer, it reminds me of a slick capitalist take on brutalism

[@Penitenti]

“A slick capitalist take on brutalism” is the perfect way to describe it.

[@Nicksonian]

When I think of Brutalism, prisons are brought to mind. As this video suggests, those who turned their spaces minimalist created their own prisons.

[@alejandropaczka5735]

@@Nicksonian Yes very much like people who have their spaces cluttered full of stuff which of course it's not a prison because it looks normal.

[@perduellio9884]

This is the part that bothered me a bit about the video. I'm not certain minimalism (at the very least the 2010 part of it) was a straightforward opposition to consumerism rather than the aesthetics of its transformation. One of the greatest strength of capitalism has been to incorporate its own contradictions and it felt like it to me, like the aesthetics of a service/experience/subscription capitalism where ownership is abandoned in a search for recurring revenue from selling the immaterial/dematerialised. The least consumerist people I know are basically hoarders, keeping everything, repairing, tinkering, etc. (especially in the countryside, and especially the older generation, and despite that they're still a marketing demographic of their own).

[@mattday2656]

@@perduellio9884 exactly, minimalism benefits capitalism, generic makes the job easier sometimes lol. I can buy a $3 hanes plain white tee or I can buy a $30 dollar one at the gap, either way I coffee stain it after I wear it once and it becomes pajamas.

[@quinn_cooke]

I think the principles of it can be great, limiting spending and only purchasing what is genuinely useful for your lifestyle. I just moved countries and all of my worldly possessions were in two suitcases, I physically don't need anything more than that, it was an incredibly freeing process! However being minimalist for the sake of being minimalist and limiting your enjoyment of life in order to do so is truely ridiculous. I absolutely love fashion and clothing design, I purchase second hand or ethically made and have a 1 in 1 out policy, this allows me to enjoy my passion without feeling like I'm over consuming or feeding corporate greed. All about balance!

[@planetgenga]

I am a natural born minimalist as I am very sensitive to overwhelm. This has served me very well during my life so far. If it is in your nature to live this way great if not then do your own thing. Its the diversity that the planet thrives on. If we all do the same thing at the same time nothing is sustainable!

[@HisLilyPrincess]

I'm an artist and a minimalist, but no one can peg me as one. The habits of living with less means our needs and wants fit in our casita. I disagree that minimalism failed in 2020. We all learned to just go outside. Talk to family. Write letters. Learn how to make bread. Thanks, Livi, for your perspective. I appreciate it even if I don't agree. :)

[@adamspencer3702]

I still really think a lot about everything I buy, kinda got drilled into my head when I was really young, always worried if I REALLY need what I'm about to buy so I don't waste money. Heck, most of my "Consumer" spending is on eating out, because I know I could always use some good food!

[@calihiker7980]

Same here, food is my guilty pleasure, not material things 😂

[@FutureProofTV]

I'm not a minimalist, I'm food motivated lol

[@adamspencer3702]

@@FutureProofTV hell yeah! let's go food!

[@calihiker7980]

If anything, for me, minimalism taught me to buy reusable items whenever possible, and to fix things such as clothing whenever possible. Examples would be to use reusable sandwich bags, straws, grocery bags. I was never into buying clothing brand new or having a large supply of it, so using thrift stores for clothing has always been easy for me to be minimalist.

[@TheAbabeed]

Thank you for shaing and explaining this important topic. Minimalism is not about numbers or colors It's all about getting rid of things that we don't use often or we don't use at all, if tow people have the same one hundred items, the first one gets rid of 70 items and the second one gets rid of 30 items, they both removed the excessive things that they don't need, and I think this is minimilism, Plus people are completely different when it comes to using items.

[@cobracommander9138]

I learned about minimalism in college studying the great philosophers. From the time of Alexander the Great and even before that people realized that they were becoming slaves to their want of things. The first time I read Diogenes "when I saw a child drinking from his hand I threw away my cup" it had a great impact on me. Much more than any minimalist video or blog.

[@gymkata]

Clutter gives me anxiety and I have 'Nam like childhood memories of spending hours dusting my Grandma's countless furniture pieces and knick-knacks. My minimalism is necessary for my mental well-being. LOL

[@RayaRSS]

Same here

[@MorganGale]

I don't necessarily love maximalism, but minimalism was way too restrictive for me. I love collecting books (for example), and I felt judged for having so many, like people thought I was a hoarder for having a full bookshelf. I purged my collection several times and felt regret every time. Today, I have THREE bookshelves in my living room and I've literally never been happier. I get so much joy out of having objects to organize and engage with. 💙

[@bukketkid2567]

Instead of collecting books... (unless that was your hobby, then that's way different) you could get a subscription for digital novels. No clutter, keep your all time favorite rereadable books on a few shelves, could be cheaper depending how much you read.

[@mrs.marken4609]

Minimalism isn’t a number! If you love your books, keep them. Absolutely. Just because someone else who enjoys minimalism doesn’t read, who cares? Minimalism should be about letting go of things that take up your time and money, and ultimately keep you from reading.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

Welcome to being normal. And seriously, anyone giving you shade over having BOOKS can sod off. You don't have stacks of books so deep and so high you can't navigate your living space and its a danger to yourself. No. You have books on bookcases that bring you joy to own and to read and to have and likely to lend to friends and talk about and share. I honestly take way more issue with people who own books just to use them as decor. Like... read the books. I enjoy having books and yarn and fabric and cozy pajamas and perfume and lots of other stuff. Do I keep things I'll never use again/never read again/never lend... no. But its ridiculous to part with things you love/need/want to share if you're only going to end up repurchasing them or regretting the loss. That's emotional trauma. I still think about a book I gave away as a teen in a fit of "UGH" when not all my books fit on my one small bookshelf that I also used to store my board games and puzzles. Honestly, I should have just found a place for it. And now, now I'm left wanting to replace it but it also won't be the same because it won't be from my dad and its like $50 now on ebay with the dust jacket in tact.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

@@bukketkid2567 sure, if you hate authors and don't believe they should earn for their work. Promoting e-books not borrowed from the library is a slap in the face to authors. They get virtually no commission despite them being the same price as a trade paperback. If you love to read a specific author/s, buy the hardcover or at least the trade paperback. If you love to read in general, patron your local library and use Libby. If your local library blows, buy a pass to the Brooklyn Library.

[@bukketkid2567]

@@Chaotic_Pixie naw, I don't want friend and family to see all the (primarily) erotic novels I read sorry. And I don't have the money to buy hardback or softback (3$ a book is way cheaper than 12$). My area is very Christian so no erotic novels at the library.

[@Zeverinsen]

As a student who recently moved into a small box of an apartment, it very quickly became apparent that I had too much useless stuff. I've always been a very messy person as well (ADHD is great), which is the reason why I intentionally started trying to be more minimalist in general. I stopped buying so many things all the time (I shopped too much because of my previously untreated ADHD) and started giving away things I didn't use or didn't actually have a use for. Now I really try to buy things that I know I could use for several different purposes, or that fits in with what I already have. I almost completely cut my spending on clothes and shoes because I had _WAY_ too much. If I buy clothes now, I have set a couple of base colours that whatever I buy should be or match with, so I know that I'll *actually use* the items. Before I'd just buy anything I thought was pretty, and end up never using it. I've been trying to do this for about 5 years now, slowly organising and removing things I don't need or even like. Every time I've moved, I've rid myself of bags of stuff. I now feel like being more mindful of what you buy is important not only for your home environment and peace of mind, but also your wallet.

[@camilascherdien5280]

Hey, congrats Levi! So nice to see your growth, how you changed your mind, expanded your vision and went deeper in your analyses. I think that's is how a human experience should be, when we are able to be more and more mature and because of that be available to change our perception constantly.

[@BookishChas]

I’m still very much a minimalist. Even though it’s not “trending,” I think a lot of people still embrace it. I have plenty of color in my minimalism lol.

[@FutureProofTV]

Good to hear there's still people keeping it up!

[@ce565]

Me too. Talking about the end of minimalism is just as trendy as the rise of minimalism. Avoid clutter. Don’t chase trends or listen to stupid advertising. Buy quality products that last for years so that you aren’t buying so often. It’s not hard. It’s simple.

[@letsgowalk]

For me, “minimalism” just means concentrating on the things that are valuable to me, and not wasting time or money on frivolous things. It’s amazing how many people blow their cash on completely useless items. I don’t need a big fancy house, fast cars, designer clothing, or any of that. However, the stuff that I do cherish and enjoy, like travel, eating out, etc. provide a lot of enjoyment and value to me, so I won’t skimp on those. Basically, spend the minimum to get the maximum.

[@harfir7169]

Yes

[@Offensive_Username]

It's not the fault of minimalism if people understand it wrong and let themselves influence by uh... influencers.

[@in2webelieve997]

During the minimalist craze I was determined to downsize enough that I could fit all my belongings in a car and drive to the next town over and disappear. I still quite like minimalism. That being said though, I did regret getting rid of my couch

[@the-equilibrium]

I disagree with the notion that minimalism was fully anti-consumerism. While it placed a lot of focus on having few belongings, it also advocated for having the "right" kind of belongings. For examples influencers and creators would encourage replacing your current clothing with high quality (ergo expensive) clothing from trendy minimalist brands. They encouraged you to buy items with multifunctionality that often came at a high price while also getting rid of your current items that served the same purpose. They were still selling. In addition, the minimalism was connected to the 2010s sustainability movement that also encouraged consumption of "eco-friendly" goods. So while they discouraged large amounts of consumption, they still wanted us to buy into having a very specific set of expensive minimalist and sustainable products.

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

@@thekatvita Finally a comment that makes sense to me. If not buying stuff makes you a minimalist like these influencers claim, I'm a minimalist. But you wouldn't know because my home is full of stuff I've been gifted or inherited and they have a sentimental meaning to them. Just a few things are relatively new, and other things I just make them. I just posted in a comment that this minimalism trend just seemed like first world problems.

[@Draconicrose]

I'm still a minimalist. I always think about what I'm buying and why. I go through my stuff once in a while and think whether it still makes sense to have said stuff in my life. But then again, chaos and clutter and stuff stored for years and years kinda make my brain itch.

[@StargazerMay]

Me, who discovered mininalism only a few months ago: okay then, I'll just see myself out I guess. But seriously, from what I've seen around, minimalism might be a misnamer. Every single person I heard talking about it focused on the intentionality and mindfulness, the aesthetics being secondary. In fact, I've seen "minimalist" wardrobes with bold colours and patterns. Our lives don't all have to be a grey and white wasteland, but there is value in being conscious about what you surround yourself with. And personally, as someone coming from a poor family, I find it important to have an outside nudge to actually re-evaluate what I need in my home versus what I'm just hoarding for years, never to actually use.

[@colorlessoz]

My favorite post I had seen I think on tumblr or something was that the difference between minimalism and Marie kondo was that minimalism sucked everything out of you as well as your soul and punished you for even having stuff or after losing the stuff you want it back or you want to find more stuff to refill the hole. While Marie was a medium of " does this spark joy for you? Do you use it? How can I make your love for this thing or style fit around your life to make it compatible for you?" And I truly think that is what the idea of minimalism is supposed to be. It brings happiness and usefulness to your life.

[@treflu6113]

Main problem with minimalism was the people promoting it and their attitudes, they gave off an aura of superiority and annoying smugness. It also didn't help that it had ALL the red flags of a cult

[@fayebai579]

Yeah pretty much everyone who was loudly minimalist Came across as an a** in their interactions with people and with the rest of the world. There was a lot of judgment for people who didn't follow their lifestyles which turned people off

[@justynh1321]

@FayE Bai yeah, I had to cut out two people I considered my friends. See, they went hard into aesthetic minimalism, I get being more critical of what you buy and why, amd focusing in a more experimental life, but maximalism isn't about paying no attention to what you buy. I buy what I do with intention and I don't keep around clutter, I keep my home cozy and warm. I've put up wood panels on my walls, installed chair rail, put up wall paper, I've put down carpeting and got arm chairs and a love seat and end tables. I've got colourful walls and lovely lamps, most bought used, some built myself, others are heirlooms and some has been bought new. I don't want to live in a house that looks like an office and where I have to sit on the floor.

[@jokerpilled2535]

Sounds like every corporate douchebag or pretentious nerd I ever met.

[@Nicksonian]

Leaders of most “movements” are self-absorbed narcissists who seek to feel like geniuses. But usually, they’re just modestly clever arseholes who appropriate their ideas from others. Minimalism, perhaps, is an extremist doctrine that has fed by the current extremist political culture where there is no room for moderation of things or thoughts.

[@ihague4568]

​@@fayebai579 Just because half of the western world is hopelessly addicted to sugar, doesn't mean that the goal of getting of sugar is wrong.

[@ashersurdu9967]

As an art historian I appreciated the nod to minimalism first as a concept rather than a "lifestyle" aesthetic. Your introduction of class and economics also adds an essential dimension to the discussion of ideal lifestyles that is so easily overlooked. It's incredible how much more your life costs when everything looks more streamlined! Another interesting exploration into this topic can be found in the development of the post-war International style of architecture (think "modern white box" buildings) and its spiritual collapse with the (very) physical collapse of the Pruitt Igoe flats. The International style intended for a streamlined and universalized style that could span cultural and economic divides in the trauma following the world wars, but attempts to force lower-income families into sanitized and uniform cubes "because the rich people could live in streamlined and minimal glass boxes" only exacerbated the deeper class distinctions. Interestingly enough, echoing your conclusions regarding the decline of popular minimalism in recent years, Pruitt-Igoe began to be torn down in the early 70's along with a popular shift towards bright, clashing colours and a generally maximalist aesthetic.

[@collecticus]

Maximalist lifestyle has allowed me to surround myself with the things I love (movies, books, posters, magazines, candles).

[@swoonyg.1987]

Thank you Levi! Making this video was very brave.😌 Indeed, what was supposed to happen happened, and only the best version of minimalist stayed, not the idealistic version that was offered in the beginning, because it doesn't work for everyone. I never was a minimalist, but I always enjoyed watching videos about it because of the aesthetic of it. Now that I just left my parents apartment and my teenager room, I tried to adopted the "white furniture style" of minimalist in my one room appartement to enjoy the minimalist aesthetic without being minimalist, and I think it works fine for me. I will never be a minimalist, and that's ok, I only took what was useful for me in this trend.

[@PartlySunny74]

Many core values of minimalism have lasting worth: sustainability, reducing the messes we make and leave behind us (Swedish Death Cleaning), clarifying our goals, creating space for what we want, letting go of fantasy-selves, etc. Hippie “trend” of 60-70’s left, but valuing more freedoms, nature, diversity and peace continue to bear fruit. Minimalism will never be over for me. There have been so many highly pragmatic ideas shared by this movement

[@NotACat2237]

I would like mediumalism to come into style for once. A style of balance. A style of thoughtfully buying the things that will give you personal joy and use for years. A slow style that builds over time, as you add things to it. A style that ages and grows with you. A style that tells your story. You know, incorporating all the good things of minimalism and maximalism. A style of freeing ourselves from trends. A style that says it's OK to just paint things to cause the change you want instead of needing to buy the newest. That's not cheap, that's personal and responsible. A style of buying what fits your budget and your lifestyle.

[@skhjs9246]

Thank you! From now on I’m going to consider my own philosophy as “mediumalism” full credit to you for the naming rights! I’m building my life and my home as I grow. It’s only natural to use my favourite colours in my space, instead of whatever trendy colour I find least offensive. And while I’m shopping for a new sofa, I have no intention of getting one just because it is “new”, if I’m going to live with it for years, I want to love it.

[@jonnamakkonen]

I call it common sense. And I highly recommend it to everyone.

[@RayaRSS]

That's minimalism before the trend 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@user-wo4dh4qo3f]

In my heart I've always been a minimalist but I needed some tools from the videos to accomplish it, I recognize the difficulties of minimalism but it feels good to keep working on it, showing the video's of minimalism makes me joyfull and relaxed. I'm glad it made so much more people consciousness which is essential for our planet

[@vadymvv]

I'm with Einstein who have said “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”

[@nathaliejossen894]

for me it was never about the look or the style. it was a help to learn how to lead a more susatinable life. and it still helps me when I'm thinking about what I truly need or what I can get rid of. Awareness or mindfullness is true minimalism to me.

[@hellouu]

Same. I don't know why people only always think of minimalism as aesthetic when it is also intentional-living. Through minimalism, I've saved enoigh money and learned delayed gratification.

[@BradWadeNL]

As someone who was introduced to minimalism via Joshua and Ryan, I was definitely influenced. While Joshua kept saying, "“Five Values that allow us to live a meaningful life: 1. Health 2. Relationships 3. Passions 4. Growth 5. Contribution”. Passions are a huge part of my life, and my mental health. I ride and tinker with bikes. So I own a few bikes, and the gear and tools associated with bikes. Does my passion take up space, time and money, absolutely. The issue arises when you have spokespeople with passions and hobbies that don't require many things, and people are influenced by that, and they, in-turn, get rid of most of their things, and now they are sad. You're right in that people often miss the mindfulness aspect of the movement. Being mindful about what you buy, where you buy it, and it does in fact, add value to your life. Over the years I have gotten rid of many things that have weighed me down, and mostly own things that are important to me. I still hold on to things that I know I will get rid of. Go vote with your dollar folks!

[@cstone3178]

For some of us, minimalism comes naturally. I grew up moving every two years; we were a family of 8. You can bet my mother drummed it into our heads not to collect stuff just to have it but to be intentional. Every two years, we would have to go through our things and make decisions. In fact - and this is a little bit of a childhood trauma for me - when I was 12, my mother decided for me that I was too old for stuffed animals and gave all my stuffed animals away … while I was away at school; I came home that afternoon to discover them all gone. That childhood trauma aside, learning to be more intentional about belongings helped a lot. My tiny 125 sq ft. apartment in NYC? No problem! No money to buy new stuff? No problem! Keeping those (few) things with meaning is indeed minimalist. No one ever said you had to live in an empty room with just a futon. I love the knock-on effects of minimalism: less stuff means less searching. Less stuff means less cleaning (or easier cleaning). Less stuff means more time (and mental space) for creativity. I don‘t like maximalism or a home that is packed with crap; some people do. The folks who love a lot of collected stuff can usually tell you a story behind each object. If that is the case, super! It is the folks who have tons of crap and they don‘t even think about it … they need to learn the lesson of intentionality and minimalism. Most of all, though, I just wish we all could stop being lemmings. Be just as intentional about your social media consumption as any other kind; be intentional about what you watch on youtube and don‘t let the algorithm decide your universe for you. Be a thinking being not just a consumer! 😊

[@chimeiamv]

Minimalism always reminded me of that trend back in the 1700s and 1800s where wealthy women would try to appear pallid and sick because it looked beautiful and dainty, whereas the poor people had to live with the actual illness. It also reminds me of how Marie Antoinette had a play area for herself where she could pretend to be a regular person. It’s just rich people living a poor fantasy. I was never like “Gee. I would love to purge all my stuff I worked to buy with my hard earned money. 😂”

[@Vizivirag]

Same. Not everyone maybe, but people without financial privileges like these techCEOs' are already only buying what they need and what improves their quality of life.

[@GoricaNikolin]

Exactly!

[@fossilfightersfanforever7243]

iirc they wanted to appear very thin and sickly to give the impression they were giving away their food to poorer people. which is so fucked up.

[@user-tp8ut7cs6j]

Yeah, there's soooo much elitism in the Minimalist movement. It's kind of like how you only hear rich people saying money doesn't make you happy because they have no idea what it's like to live without money.

[@sofiafernandez1004]

Claramente nunca entendiste de qué trata el minimalismo 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@PromiscuitAIENT]

Yes, the minimalism wave was great. I was anxious about a lot of this that I owned. I grow up in a house full of drawers with old stuff that maybe one day in or life we could use, but we wouldn't know it's here. It made things clear in my head, questioning stuff like gift, shopping, etc... I'm not a minimalist, I still own a lot of stuff, but a lot less than before and it makes my life easier. So thanks random youtube recommendation.

[@KatrinaEames]

I was never able to afford the minimalist aesthetic - but being in my 20's for most of when minimalism was on the rise and trendy did mean that being poor did have a certain advantage, if I couldn't afford the best product that I needed I could always say it was about trying to buy intentionally and not because I could not afford the best thing.

[@goatmenace]

Balance has been a thing I practice as much as possible- I still have my things for a rainy day, but I don't buy anything I don't need or won't use. I don't need clutter, unless I can do something about it. I have my comfort things, but utilize resources when I can - I'm a book hoarder that ended up with not enough space, so I have sold a lot of books except ones I know I'll reread and reuse, and make the most of library apps, audio books and kindle (especially when kindle does giveaways). I stick to things that are my personality, and recycle and upcycle when I can. I remember just two months before the pandemic I bought a switch, as a treat to myself, and it became vital for entertainment over lockdowns and with a digital store I could just download a game without having to go to a store and buy one. So worth it.

[@cloveoverride]

Something I’ve noticed within myself is that I do get overwhelmed when I have too many things. As a home body and someone who appreciates both cleanliness and my items themselves, I feel a desire to care for everything I own. I dust on a regular basis, organize my space, and clean ordinarily. If I had a big house and lots of things to fill said house, it would contribute to my anxiety. But, I am also the person in my home that is in charge of the stuff. If I wasn’t, I don’t know that it would bother me so much.

[@putmyhandstowork1980]

This reminds me to purge some stuff again. I will always strive to get rid of things I don't need. Minimalism moderation.

[@BloodnutXcom]

I went through a minimalism phase myself when I saw the documentary and it clicked for me, especially as someone who rents and moves apartments about every year or two. The reason it didn't work for me is, I noticed I'm becoming obsessed with the aesthetic too much, to the point where I forgo interests and hobbies just so that they wouldn't be in the house. The realization that life is generally messy put a stop to it all. I'm still very intentional in what I bring home and I try not to keep clutter, but I also understand that not everything should be an Instagram-worthy space.

[@jocelynclaflin7161]

I've always loved the idea of minimalism, but the fact that my house looks like an antique shop proves that I can't uphold to that standard 😆 but I do like to think that only buying used, vintage items gives it a second life and keeps things out of landfills.

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

I love old things, I like this idea.

[@Greyinkling276]

I always felt that a certain amount of class or wealth is required for minimalism. That it often clashes with actually being frugal and practical. When you can't afford to buy twice or pay when needed for something then you have a necessity to hold on to things that may be needed later, be prepared, stock up for a riany day. A minimalist kitchen is for someone who eats out and cooks few meals at home, a frugal kitchen is cluttered. Then add to that the vimes boot theory. You need money to be able to afford only having to buy good boots once rather than bad ones every season. This video has been validation for all the times I've said this online then been attacked by people into minimalism who didn't want to hear it.

[@plastiquemonk]

the clean aesthetic was a real double edged sword in this whole thing. on the one hand, it was incredibly important in bringing massive amounts of attention to the movement when the millennial generation was starting to really seek self actualization. on the other hand, it provided a clear definition for un-nuanced consumer culture, which was able to quickly move its production to a superficially minimalist look while actively being in opposition to minimalist values.

[@chaseharlan01]

Are we ever going to get a trend that just focuses on moderation? Cuz that seems like the preferable way to live. You have just what you need and some of the stuff you want without living in need or excess.

[@lihtan]

I've always hated minimalism. I like living in a home with a plethora of books to read, and a workshop full of tools and materials that inspire creativity. Another part of my pushback against minimalism, is that I saw that it was a convenient way to cut manufacturing costs, and get the public to accept products that were deliberately stripped of their utility. When I went shopping for a laptop, I made sure it came equipped with an optical drive and an Ethernet port!

[@collan580]

Its fine that you dont like a certain style. Though why do you need an optical drive?

[@kornaros96]

@@collan580 optical disks that contain everything

[@LittleLionLover]

'To be able to think minimalist' in life at any given time is the key here. A mindset to declutter, donate valuable but 100% unused stuff. The ability to say No, I don't want to dust this object once more in the basement. And this minimalist thinking is also helpful when you inherit from your parents. Their lifetime memories, passions, especially you involved is extremely hard to handle. Minimalism did not fail, it is just another helpful puzzle piece that can be integrated in one's life. (Own opinion.)

[@waahtera]

I've always defined minimalism as having the amount of stuff you need, feel comfortable with and can handle without loosing your mind. I still feel that the core idea of recognizing what is important to you (mentally ans physically) and letting go of the rest is still a good idea and makes life better in so many ways. People tend to get caught up on superficial things and with any ism get way too extreme with it. For me minimalism means trying to live an authentic life, that is meaningful and enjoyable to you, and not just keep pursuing what is expected of you.

[@ambarrose]

For me, it isn't dead. But it evolved across time, as you stated yourself about painters, etc. In my personal case, I took my lessons from it. I live with ease and taking just what I actually need or love in life. It’s about that learning, about understanding what you really need. For me that's the real thing to take from the hot trend. I always felt overwhelmed with certain things and as I took them away or modified them, new doors opened for me as a person.

[@MikeKilo1969]

It may have died for influencers, but it’s alive and well in my household.

[@sarahferguson0]

Minimalism really helped me see how my consumerism really impacted my mental health. I found that living with less really helped me focus on what i do have and really learned to be content with less. I don't live the hard core minimalist life but i do see the value in the movement. One thing that i will never give up is my capsule wardrobe. It's a great fit for me and i really love having less clothes but the clothes i do have all really work well together and i just don't buy clothes like i used to. I think everyone should experiment with a capsule wardrobe. When i first heard about it i thought it was odd and didn't really get it but once i started to see the benefits i do like it. I can see where some folks might not and that's ok too, i just think it's worth considering.

[@JM-jd7yp]

I think that to suggest that eventually everyone succumbs to advertising is a very bold prediction. For thousands of years ascetics have practiced minimalism. It isn't a fad it is a timeless reality which has produced truly outstanding pieces of art, literature and progressed human spirituality. Those who treated minimalism as a fad may have moved on but minimalism hasn't. Thank you for your video.

[@yiyangliu4907]

I think intentiality is the real personal protection against consumerism, but let's not depend on it to change the world :) Thank you for making these videos, you have inspired me to pick up a second-hand pair of ski pants when I was almost about to jump on the gore-tex bandwagon. As you said, these stuff will outlast all of us and there's no need for a new one :)

[@glenoakes5388]

Adopting minimalistic concepts really let me shed the trappings I 'needed' according to consumerism and let me rebuild with intent. It's an ongoing journey. The things I do have are functional and beautiful. It let me focus on art that makes me happy. Yes I have a collection of antique glass dishes, but I eat off them daily. I've got glass cake and cheese domes now instead of generic Tupperware and I've acquired a collection of glass jars- the domes are where I store baked goods and cheese and the last pancake. It's nice to look at, but it's visible, so the food gets eaten and not thrown away. The glass jars are nice to look at, but buying ingredients is easier to not over or under stock the pantry. Minimalism taught me intent, restraint, and problem solving. I went from a 96 gallon trash bin half or more full every week to a 48 gallon bin not full once a month. It really helped pull me away from consumerism. I am in favor of whatever trends can teach people how to break the cycle of consumerism and live with intent.

[@labb592]

My husband & I call ourselves "essentialists" because we like to weigh function, necessity & personal taste. When we're on the fence we'll ask each other if an item is our "best life" version of it, or something we need or are settling for in the present. We still love to shop but minimalism taught us to pause, ask questions & elicit mindful evaluation. Marie Kondo's emphasis on individuality was much more organic & appealing than what I feel was the masculine version (because in my experience many men tend to be simplistic about daily rituals).

[@americanbookdragon]

I like the idea of minimalism. There’s a part of me that wants to go live in a cabin in the middle of the woods with some art supplies (hello Kiki’s Delivery Service) and an e-reader. But I like collecting books, records, DVDs and earrings. I like having different colored clothes, and I like my colorful decor. 😂

[@AdventureOtaku]

This makes me laugh. I became a minimalist after a painful divorce and then learning about Feng Shui (the precursor to the Marie Kondo set) in the mid 90’s. I was a minimalist straight through “the minimalist trend” and I am still going. I guess I am like the minimalist energizer bunny.

[@williamjongeward8672]

I think we can ditch the aesthetic but keep the mindset. For instance, recently I thrifted a Pendleton wool shirt in a super fun color pattern. I wear it just about everyday. Because it’s wool it means I can wear it more often and need fewer clothes. I get a dose of expressing myself while still rejecting consumerism

[@brother_basil]

I think the whole point of minimalism was to understand that a lot of stuff won’t bring a lot of happiness. That’s the whole point. And it never can get out of fashion. I like having just the right amount of things and projects and activities, and I really appreciate it, it makes me happy when I have the things that I really enjoy using. Like all my clothes are my favorite cloth, and all my knives are my favorite knives etc. It really changes your relationship with your environment and with your life. So, yeah, maybe it’s not that trendy, but seriously - this idea is great and it’s here to stay

[@mabus4910]

I learned about minimalism during the pandemic. I never emptied my home entiredly. And I still travelled with more than one tshirt. But it inspired me to clean out my closet and to buy more intentionally. I gave away books that I know I would never read and so on. It's not a 100% thing for me but something that inspired me and that I managed to integrate some aspects off into my life.