Ep. 007 | Stuff

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus discuss the issues with “stuff." Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
What do you do when the experiences you enjoy involve a lot of stuff?
What do you carry with you every day?
What do you think of the KonMari Method for decluttering?
What suggestions do you have for stopping compulsive buying habits?
Do you believe you should only own a certain amount of items?
Detailed show notes: theminimalists....
#TheMinimalists

[@rickwalker8259]

What made it way easier for me to get rid of over 200 books was to look them up on the web site for my local library. I found out that I could get almost all of them as either physical books or as digital loans. I made a list of authors and books that I thought I would actually (finally) read and donated about 180 of the books. And the bookcase they were sitting on.

[@amy2or3]

We have a donation box. I leave the box next to the front door and when people come over they can go through the box. They can take anything they might like as long as they agree not to throw it away (unless it breaks). If they no longer want it they rehome it or donate it. It works really well.

[@LeahHathcote88]

To one of your random comments in the podcast...yes, you can get detergent in a reusable container by making it yourself! Making it yourself is very easy and so much better for the environment (less chemicals, less waste). I just used a recipe off Pinterest last year and the detergent I made for my husband and I has lasted us a year so far, and still going. I think minimalism and finding alternative ways of doing things (like making things ourselves) go hand in hand. I'm really liking y'all's podcasts by the way!

[@theminimalistninja]

+Leah Hathcote would you mind sharing your recipe? I'd love to know your recipe!! :)

[@MichelletheHuman]

+Leah Hathcote I'd also like a link to your recipe. :D

[@theminimalistninja]

***** thank you!! :)

[@LeahHathcote88]

The Minimalist Ninja I was so happy to see you commented - I enjoy all your videos! Here is a link to the recipe I used: www.lizmarieblog.com/2013/05/diy-laundry-soap-one-year-review-recipe/ (I left out the Downy scent pellets and instead of the Fels-Naptha soap I used 2 bars of the Dr. Bronner's lavender castile soap) I hope that helps!

[@LeahHathcote88]

Mortal Human Female Check the comment above ^ for the link to the recipe I used. :)

[@itslloyd123]

I still can't fathom how this channel has under 70k subs! Just shows what kind of world we live in when people prefer watching videos of people playing Call of Duty.

[@pure5152]

now it has 264k subs! love to see deserving channels grow :)

[@feathersky860]

THANKS YOU MOTIVATED ME TO GET UP GO THROUGH STUFF

[@ptahisis]

a little late to the comments but the Konmari method worked wonders for me and opened the doors into minimalism. I can say I'm much more consistent when it comes to being neat. Also, while I do agree that it is simple to just begin getting rid of your items, her method may work best for those who feel overwhelmed and maybe needs guidance from a different perspective. I felt that her method was more of baby steps and a good way for those who want to begin ridding their excess items without feeling too overwhelmed or guilty. love you guys!

[@ladyTiger0714]

Same here, after purging what stuff we didn't use, want or need, than I came across the KonMari book. It is helpful in the "why" and brought to mind all the questions I had though out my own de-cluttering. It led to me no longer buying, and collecting, what little I had collected. Good comment!

[@ingridsturesson6593]

I did the Konmari method several years ago and I find that most of the organization still functions. But the spiritual side is also very important. I have started a scanning party inspired by you. That is a huge relief to be able to get rid of photo albums from three or four generations! Thank you!

[@katherinekier]

so glad you guys started doing this, you guys are great and such an inspiration.

[@bethanygoss2219]

You add value to my life. Thank you. Thanks to you, I can envision a lifestyle clutter-free and make small steps toward it.

[@RalphJBater]

The best Facebook meme I have seen said something to the effect: I have come to realize that crafting and collecting crafting supplies are two different hobbies...

[@PacashaYounger]

The culture of ownership turning to a culture of access was very thought provoking. Thank you for that! About hobby stuff: I am an avid knitter and spinner and I have way too many materials and tools. Lately, I have been paring down my stash (hoard) and adjusting my mindset where I buy only one or two projects ahead. Often, I run out of steam or no longer want to work on something I was once excited about- even days later! Getting too far ahead of myself and overbuying becomes a burden and stressful. Anyway, I am not there yet, but I will be! This can apply to many hobbies as well. I find that the fewer materials I have immediately available forces me to be creative and I have learned something new or enjoyed the process more. Any other knitters/crocheters may want to check out Robyn Devine's Minimalist Knitter ebook. It is an interesting read! And she knit hats for Ryan and Josh at one point! Thanks, guys. And please keep it up. Your work brings so much value to my life!

[@magpyeminifree5612]

You make a very good point about keeping the supplies limited to the current and imminent projects. I sew, make lace, embroider, weave, dye and assorted other crafts. It all adds up. There is so much that working on one project makes me feel I am neglecting other projects. Sadly I may have to pack away the things I truly need and let go of the large stash of fabrics and yarns that I got because they appealed to me or were a bargain.

[@theminimalistninja]

I haven't even watched it through but couldn't wait to comment - these podcasts are great! I also really enjoy the length of it all! Loved what you said about organizing - it's not about putting things into bins with nice lids and labels but about whether those items add value to ones life :) I actually do have one question: what are your thoughts on the zero waste movement? (see bea johnson, lauren singer). I think it goes beautifully with living a minimalist life :)

[@GG-si7fw]

I would add what Joshua Becker states about the cost of stuff, your time and cost to dispose once it leaves the house, trash service or landfill fee.

[@krm6029]

komari book goes a lot on the why before you even start, more of a personal why then a unitarian why

[@jaclyn3052]

Love you guys. Even though I have read pretty much every essay, these podcasts say the same thing but i still love it

[@AldoFelt]

30 day wait list!!!!!! smarttttt thanks buddy

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

Love your podcasts you guys have really helped me, glad you guys don’t talk about the konmari method because that is a way to get stuck within materialism and keeping clothes or objects because they spark joy but then in the later future they won’t help. That’s why I love minimalism

[@grumylynn]

I am on day seven of the 30 day challenge and I love it!

[@tomaszwyszkowski2253]

That Joy from buying things usually ends when I bring it home. Im even lazy to take thr tag of or take it out of the box. So sad

[@tialorabelin6993]

Montana Minimalists, yay! I am minimizing to move away to a different state but still.

[@gabrielbrasil5528]

keep these coming man two thumbs up man

[@MichelletheHuman]

Just pre-ordered an Everyman keyblade. Another great episode dudes.

[@ladyg19312]

does anyone know why i can't watch episode 8? it says "this video is not available"

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

I read the KonMari book (from the library) when it first came out, if it helps people, that's good, but not for me. The toilet brush, my wheelchair, the mop, etc do NOT spark joy, but I have to keep them. On the other hand, the gorgeous pink shirt and the extra hand bags DO spark joy, but I don't use them and they are in my way.

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Think of it more that a clean home sparks joy. Being able to get around sparks joy. And those items make it possible

[@gregmeissner9960]

It's difficult for classical music lovers to cut out physical albums and find quality stuff on mainstream sites (spotify, apple, pandora, satelite) because they tend to only play "classical light." Mozart, Pachelbel, and other "easy listening" classical crap gets really boring, really quickly. Ironically youtube has a far better selection. Also WMHT fm is the best source of real, substantial classical music. It streams live from my original hometown and in 50 years I have not found another classical station (in California or anyplace else that I have lived) that even comes close to it.

[@peter9802]

good stuff

[@barbarapope349]

Yes! Chapstick and leather man!🤣👍🏻

[@Lotusflowerwithlove]

There was/are ads on your videos, are you guys are of this?

[@LifeIsW0nderful]

how about minimalist podcasts :D one hour is really long...

[@mitchell32584]

+LifeIsW0nderful I really like them this way :/

[@GymClubHouse]

i listen to this in bits and pieces as i do other things around the house...

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

LifeIsW0nderful one hour is wonderful 😍😍

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

LifeIsW0nderful I listen to them in the background whilst decluttering

[@IrethEaron]

the argument that we use just 1 percent of our purchases After 6 months is not a reliable argument here. if you don't buy anything except food you also don't use anything you buy now for more than 6 months (because it will be used up or gone bad by then). Just saying... love the Podcast though :)

[@violetsnowdrop405]

>Konmari comes up >These two show themselves to be thoroughly ignorant Every time.

[@ZenDragoonYT]

? Explain

[@itsybitsyfeet]

LOL! I LOVE your advertisement joke 😂😂

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

I’ve started a packing party before travelling to America and my parents are so confused and I’m like dude no I’m sorting it out hahaha, also I’m a skateboarder and a filmmaker and I’m glad that question was answered. I live for your podcasts 👏🏼

[@kleinesdaisukii]

The discussion about the number of things made me wonder how people would handle Legos. If every single brick counts as an item, the few boxes in my attic probably account for 90% of the things I own numberwise 😂

[@CoftheIsland370]

After listening to the podcast and Josh gets all high and might, it became clear he hasn't read the "Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and therefore probably shouldn't comment on it. The KonMari method has nothing to do with putting stuff in boxes or organizing your hoard. Also, that book makes the why very, very clear. I'm new to The Minimalists. My only complaint is that you guys are all theory but light on the how-to. Too much of your recommendations are throwing a bunch of options against the wall and seeing what sticks.

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

Island Chick yes that’s so true

[@rachaelspedding7622]

I have a Q about the 90 90 rule. If you keep a nice fake Christmas tree you are going to use it every year until it wears out. But not in 90 days. Same goes for the decorations I spend a small fortune on and I love to put them up every 345 days or so! Not including Thanks giving. I'm in the UK. What do you think about this ?

[@rachaelspedding7622]

News flash for you two. The more you use a lip balm like chap stick it dries your lips out, so the more you use it the more you depend on it. You actually do not need it! Give it a try not giving it a try. I will leave you with a quote from William Morris. "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful.".

[@KleineMausii17]

I am a fan of this Podcast. It is sad, i am living in germany and can't come to your tour, because of kosts( i am a student). I hope you guys will be in germany in the next years. I get value out of your Podcast :)

[@kapahuludude66]

Too much stuff....I had a friend who had too much stuff that it bordered on hoarding it was scary. Their house was broken into and other than the obvious area where they broke in you couldn't tell anything was stolen pretty damn sad actually.

[@theblonderthanthou]

Fantastic listening, thank you guys. Love from Auckland, NZ

[@diagoddess4492]

its the best podcast i ce listened to from u guys. thank u for bringung awearness and richness