House Full of Junk | The Minimalists Ep. 411

The Minimalists talk about getting rid of things even if you think they won’t add value to others. Watch all 2 hours of episode 411 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
Discussed in this episode:
Intro (00:00)
What can I do with my items that I think won’t add value to others? (02:48)
How can I opt-out of my workplace’s themed dress-up days? (15:44)
Why do The Minimalists put out so much content? (25:43)
Where can I learn more about minimalist meetup groups? (31:00)
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#TheMinimalists

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Where do you keep most of your junk?

[@la_baby_khalil7703]

😒 EVERYWHERE in the house...ALL OVER THE PLACE UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE LACK OF DETERMINATION, DISCIPLINE, MOTIVATION, ROUTINE, and FULL-THROTTLE ENERGY...Feeling Hopelessness all the time lately...🙏😔🙏

[@jessicayang7462]

My grandparents house

[@jsdk84]

​@@la_baby_khalil7703I feel the same.I am a step dad of 2 kids with autism and I do 95+% of everything. Feels like 1 step forward,2 steps back everyday. Tripping over crap all over the floor, open cupboard its like pandora's box. It looks lived in apparently.

[@helenw9760]

Our loft is the last place to sort out and the home of 'we'll keep it just in case'

[@sarahlockridge7879]

In a closet and the garage.

[@sheila_rabant]

I'm to the point where I'm content with my belongings. No more decluttering; no more unnecessary purchases.

[@taryncolleen6536]

Goals

[@daughterofmyabba]

I'm getting there, man it feels good not to be needing to fill boxes with clutter to declutter on a daily basis.

[@user-cd7fs2hh2u]

How long did it take you?

[@emmawagner471]

Nice! 👍

[@sheila_rabant]

@@user-cd7fs2hh2u about 4 years

[@TamaraJoy7]

I laughed so hard when TK gave his idea for sticking a sign on a black tee to participate in a dress up day at work without having to buy a whole costume. In relation to this, at Christmas time in our street when every house lights up with a multitude of expensive lights and decorations, I just put a big arrow sign on my front lawn pointing to the house next door . The sign says. “DITTO”… it gets a massive laugh from passers by every year!

[@texaslaulie2565]

Hysterical!! Love it!!

[@katherineh.9379]

😂👌🏻

[@kellynoel77]

I have a solution for Harry Potter Day: wear your regular clothes and tell everyone you’re a muggle. Works for Halloween too.

[@cabbagecrosby1993]

I don’t celebrate Halloween, but went to chaperone some kids one time and I was pregnant, so I put my hair up in a ponytail and said I was Juno.

[@nikedoesthings]

That's a good one! Or he could ask people from work if they have something within theme to borrow so he can participate at work but doesn't have to own the items. It just depends how you go about it I guess. Maybe it'll create some understanding about him being a minimalist as well.

[@user-cd7fs2hh2u]

What is a muggle?

[@MichelleD1989]

I am "rage purging" this past week... if its not nailed down, its going!

[@Tony_Seed]

When I’m mad I get the most decluttering done as well, it’s like all of the mental blocks of “oh I might use that” and “what if” go away, I wonder why?

[@MichelleD1989]

@Tony_Seed YESSSS!! For me, it's because I'm just OVER all the stuff/crap/wasted money and getting rid of anything reminding me of every mistake made is a mentally healing process.

[@cmadison7591]

​@MichelleD1989 what about paper clutter 😢boxes and stacks - where to start?? 📦 📦 📦 📦 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@pamtewes5276]

😂😂

[@wayahrose]

​@@cmadison7591clutter bug or Dana k. White

[@sherianallen3268]

Harry Potter day, a lightning scar on the forehead would be a minimalist costume 😂

[@amandasymon4363]

I am listening to this while unpacking a box labelled sentimental items. You have helped me let go - thank you 🙏

[@natashyas4149]

I love TK. He is so awesome. Serious but injecting humor. Thank you!

[@The_Winsome_Pixie]

I said something similar to a friend, and it made her uncomfortable. I was playing the minimalist game and purging stuff, and she was quite uncomfortable with the concept. I think her reasoning was that if you keep it, you protect it from possibly going to a landfill. I pointed out that every single thing we own will-someday-end up in a landfill (unless it’s compostable or recyclable, obv.). We only have control over it until our death, and then it becomes some else’s burden. I told her it’s better to take care of it now-donating, selling, or trashing our stuff-and then change our consumption habits. I’m pretty sure she still wasn’t convinced, but what can you do. Lol

[@daughterofmyabba]

Love how you get right to the root of the problems, like how we associate ourselves with our stuff. Wow that's a really good point.

[@Jordan-4-Him-NM]

Retired now- I taught in public school for 21 years. I NEVER dressed up for pajama day, Halloween, etc. Pajamas are for 'at home-private.' I don't celebrate or acknowledge Halloween. Those around me knew who I was and it was never questioned or looked down on for me to be me. You are who you are- following and adjusting to everyone else's whims is up to each individual. I was still a very strong part of the team. No worries!

[@suenewark9397]

I played the mimimalists game on my own, I have been decluttering for some time, so knew I could GO SOLO! I took a scrap piece of paper and tracked it for April, on the 7th of April I had done up to day 15. I got rid of almost 600 items in total, well over the amount needed. I have been decluttering slowly for some time, this made a massive difference. In May I did a mini one to the 15th of May and have had a little bit of break to enjoy the Summer months in the UK. I've still got rid of about 100 items over the Summer, donating, recyling or tipping (but based on the material they are made from ie old trowel, rust, handle broken, goes in the metal). If you play the game, I really do think you are able to build up your decluttering muscles - mine are Huge. I am such a happy person generally, but the feeling of lightness getting rid of clutter and junk makes you feel even happier!

[@ericamciver1293]

For Brian , if his buddies are doing grilled cheese he could dress as in red and go as tomatoe soup😂

[@angiewalker1948]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing...just wear a sign that says whatever is needed for that day!

[@Mrsmomof2kids1]

I worked with kids for over a decade and we would always have a dress up week. If I had the theme in my closet, such as “ your favorite sports team”, then I would participate. If I had to go out and buy something then I just wouldn’t participate. I refused to go out and buy something for a one time thing. No one ever really cared.

[@eks2024]

I decluttered everything during pandemic but it's all accumulated again. I was trying to do this therapy session with myself and find reasons again I think it's my never ending shopping which is the cause of never ending anxiety to want to do things (I shop a lot for crafts, books, wool) etc And then it becomes suffocating with all those colors and things around and I want to get rid of it again... Then I get into tese guilty emotions thinking abiut landfills and planet and animals choking on the nets I buy fruits in or some packaging... I think the real cause for shopping is mental health, peer pressure, fear, FOMO, shame, anxiety, esteem issues, never ending wishes (the wondering mind) and existential crisis...

[@texaslaulie2565]

Oh my goodness! I can relate to “dress up days” …our grown daughter has two young boys living in a modest home in a prominent area here in Texas and for whatever reason the school has dress up weeks several times during the school year, even this week Monday wear PJs, Tuesday dress up as a superhero, Wednesday wear Teal, Thursday wear your favorite pro sports team Friday high school spirit wear…she has said over and over she can’t keep up with all the items and the boys often feel left out …so I try to get ahead of the days and help where I can but holy cannoli! These poor single moms are just treading water over here!

[@thebipolargirl101]

Wow that's a lot and hard on a child. Would printing pictures work stuck on a T-shirt with maybe some good editing of the kids faces in these items like superhero day a T-shirt with a paper picture of their face cropped into a superhero suit taped on? Or maybe start a community Facebook group for costume lending?

[@pamelacooley6457]

Great talk/ conversation. I’m learning to let go of a lot of my stuff. Lived in our house 30 yrs. Raised 3 kids. 30 yrs of stuff 🙈 I’m having to do it a little at a time. Have lots of grandparents things.

[@suzieq390]

I love watching it more than just listening. I would like to see what Malory looks like too. Love her laugh.

[@topaz23diamonds]

I’ve loved you guys since discovering you around 2016. But let me add that TJ is the BEST! A regular Ralph Waldo Emerson. I could listen to his wisdom all day. I’m from Concord, Mass and walking distance from where RWE wrote ‘Nature,’ so I know my Emerson! Keep up the excellent work. Thank you all

[@sugarXsnapXpea]

For the theme days... If you're crafty, you can make props and hats out of cardboard and printing from the computer. The clothes: you can borrow off friends or - charity shops for clothes (not sure if you have those in the states though? Thrift stores?), then take them back after, youll be donating to charity every week and not being wasteful, win win.

[@KK-zx1ny]

As a teacher, I have a lot of dress-up days. I keep a 1-gallon ziplock bag of various scarves and a 1-gallon ziplock of other headbands and trinkets all from Dollar Tree. If I have it I wear it, if I don't...skip it. Most of our days are color themed or holiday themed.

[@CAGChannel1]

Like your kick ass paper towel dispenser? I’ve taken so much sh- for buying that!! “ This is my wife’s ridiculously expensive minimalist, unnecessary paper towel dispenser recommended by her minimalist guru.” All said in good fun - I love that frickin’ thing!!

[@franmcdonald4702]

Don't buy junk going forward; Let go of what has served its purpose; Let go of what served you in the past but is not part of your life now; Your pile of stuff won't overflow the landfills.

[@clairejackson1865]

If you worry about the environmental impact of the disposal of a product, don’t wait until you need to get rid of it! Think about it before you aquire it and decide if it meets with your preferences. Also Terracycle is brilliant for recycling the hard to recycle!

[@katherineh.9379]

I love t.k's idea of dressing in all black and taping the word(s) of the theme party 😂 sounds hilarious and perfect!

[@paccarcrap]

0902, TK. I listen to a lot of the minimalist stuff, and Joshua tends to yammer on, and though he has lots of helpful things to say when you speak TKI stop and listen. What you said at 9:02 really resonated with me. Thank you, I keep a fairly clean and clutter free two bedroom apartment with my teenage daughter, but my room reveals what’s really going on and I am working hard to D clutter it and make it peaceful to sleep in. Thank you, thank you to all of you for what you have contributed to my life.

[@lynninguyen9849]

I think this is where DIY creativeness comes in. Don't just print stuff on paper that says "Harry Potter". There are ways to do regular clothing costumes. Like just draw a lightning image on your forehead. Or wear a dark suit and draw the dark mark on your forearm to become a deatheater. Or if you have a black flat sheet, you can be a dementor. For grilled cheese, bring two pieces of bread and "become" the sandwich. For tourist day, hold a map up and pretend you're a tourist. Use low effort props that are in the spirit of the celebration. Use cardboard and markers and lots of creativity. You don't have to buy stuff to buy into the camaraderie. That's what it's all about. The connection.

[@markspark7347]

You can also ask the workplace to provide a dress up box with costumes 😊

[@thebipolargirl101]

For Brian and co-workers dressups I love Tk's idea of words on paper even printing a picture on the paper of the item/theme it's for work so print it at work 😁 use medical tape too. If Co-workers question it, state I'd dress up if I don't have to buy anything otherwise this is the best you get that way it's not a cost or clutter to you, what happens to other workers who financially can't afford to do this as it sounds expensive too?

[@VinndraP]

I did not watch the KZbin video of this, I listened to the podcast, but as I found no way to comment on the podcast, I looked up the video so I could. I just wanted to say thank you! Until today, I have been driving myself crazy clipping digital coupons. I had two particular apps, that I had convinced myself to keep every single coupon clipped, just in case I bought any of it. I figured that was easier than actually looking for the ones I would probably purchase, I could just clip them all and if I bought something and saved some money then great! But this also meant I was spending time daily to open each app and clip all the coupons that had appeared since the previous day. It was weighing on me. While listening to this podcast I realized how stupid that is. It was costing me more than I was saving. I’ve decided to let go of using this type of coupons, and bonus, I was able to delete both of those apps as well! So again, thank you!

[@Tha_G0at]

People forget that a part of minimalism is asking your neighbors if you can borrow something from them. This is one of the main rationalizations to declutter your things is that you can borrow. It doesn't take much to dress up as something........... there's so many great ideas on Google that you could even find things around your house you didn't realize you own

[@shweecarpenter493]

For the employee dress up day, maybe shop at Salvation Army or Goodwill and then return the item when you are done to the donation center if you want to partake in the activity but not have more stuff in your house.

[@magpie3571]

One time a lady was going to an 80's party. She came over and asked to borrow some things. If I remember correctly, she found a scarf and a pair of earrings that she thought would work. That's my recommendation for the person with the themed dress up day at work.

[@a.a.507]

We missed Nicodemus 😢. You guys do an excellent job choosing the topic. You both are well spoken, smart and kind. However, there is something missing. He's definitely the heart of The Minimalists. ❤

[@Wwkat3]

How do you get past the shame and regret of wasting so much in resources on garbage? I made myself accountable, got rid of all of the junk, but I'm weighed down by the guilt of the $, security, and opportunities lost because of the material choices I've made.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

Life is too short to have guilt and shame. I just had a heart attack last month and when you think you're going to die, all you really think about is your family and your friends and your kids if you have any. You don't think about anything else. Just learn from what you consider your mistakes are, and move forward and have a beautiful life❤

[@tarawright7950]

I know this might sound rudimentary or silly, but put those thoughts in a bubble, and blow it away.❤️

[@thirdcoast-nx7jx]

Forgive yourself. Let go of the giant bag of rocks on your back otherwise known as guilt. Thank it for how it may have served you in the past, for the lessons you learned from it and tell it that it's time to move on without it. Give it a nod and let it be.

[@pinkroses135]

Knowing you're a different person with the knowledge of the experience. It comes with a cost yeah but what are all of the things it taught you? ______ doesn't work for my lifestyle/home/personal style/whatever because _____. Sometimes you learn from the wisdom of others and sometimes you learn from error. It's all data though.

[@annoravetz5908]

I feel your pain! I look around and see regret at spending all the money on the things lying around. I am doing a continuous "no spend" the last couple of years, just using the things that exist in the house. The worst was when my cousin brought over a box of costume jewelry left from her mother, aunt, and grandmother. She just didn't want to deal with it. So I sorted through, and there were 70 pairs of clip-on earrings! 70 pairs! It sold for $30 on eBay. When these items were bought, women were required to dress a certain way in the office. They were paid very little to begin with, but to then require them to spend money on jewelry sets, colognes, makeup, a salon hairdo every week, matching bags, shoes , and belts? This is slavery against females!

[@susandaw144]

I love to hear Malabama laugh! She really does have a good time. 😂

[@sandrantexas]

I understand Brian's problem at work. Tutu Day. I don't own one and never will. My ex boss attempted to shame me for not participating. She brought it up at my performance review. I got another job.

[@bombshellmusical9566]

For costumes you can buy a kit of face paint and use that to create various costumes. Eg for Harry Potter day draw glasses and a lightening scar, for grilled cheese day draw a sandwich on your cheek.

[@106tranquil]

Oh my god I cannot stop laughing. I am in the UK down on the Dorset coast watching the waves due to storm Agnes. I decided to listen to your podcast on loudspeaker on my phone, half pushed in my hat. I have hit something with my cheek causing you all to be sped-up. You sound like minions 😂 Oh dear!

[@anniebeanie710]

When it comes to paper sign ... if you are crafty you can make so much more with paper and things you own already :-) . Like S on the t-shirt and long sleeved something tied around neck like a cape for superman etc ...

[@rg-mi5hh]

Things accumulate fast. Little by little it is going if it isn't needed or used. We declutter weight when it holds us back. Sometimes it is slow to lose a few pounds, but it is so worth it.

[@Keepgoing47]

"Thrive in the apocalypse" Lol. Love it. 😂

[@annoravetz5908]

I just want to report that I am down to just 3 piles of junk! Just some papers from a couple of old courses I took, that I want to just scan (visually, not electronically-I took those courses 30 years ago. Those brain cells are long-dead!-and toss into the fireplace), and some things in another room, 2 boxes. All of the binders are empty and ready to be donated. I got rid of some more race T-Shirts, and donated the trophies 🏆. Savers donation center told me they are not taking trophies anymore, but they would make an exception just for me today. 😅

[@carrotandpineapple8756]

I am on my journey as minimalist. Has moved from bigger house to smaller house. Given away lots of things and throw away lots of things. Minimalist doesnt mean we cant enjoy life and be part of society. Minimalist gives more than others because their life dont hang on things or stuff. In society where women are demanded to have lots of cooking stuff, i still can have fun with family and friends by making simple food like jelly or crock pot meal that dont use lots of supplies and equipment. So Brian, I think you could help them with for example tidy up their outfit, offer free laundry for their outfit if needed, you dont have to buy more stuff, just offer help. ♥️♥️

[@iloname5007]

We put value into things. Nobody else needs all our expensive things after our death, even jewelry..

[@sleepingwhale]

" you are the one decomposing in your home... " 😅😅😅

[@pinkroses135]

More of a dash of it in all the rooms but the kitchen. Getting ruthless with minimalism there. The basement is dead to me until its go time. 😂

[@rasputozen]

The person is right to care that the things end up in a landfill. And when we just dump all our things into a landfill to "become a minimalist", not only does it put the burden onto someone else (usually wildlife and the planet), but it does very little to heal the core trauma. Much better would be for the items to be sorted by the person, disposed of if identified as legitimate trash, and for the excess clutter that's no longer serving us, to either donate or repurpose to a cause that does serve us. Matter is neither created nor destroyed, so a burden we take off of our own backs is a burden we put onto someone else. And who in the entire universe is better to handle our burden with the care and attention it deserves than we, ourselves, the person who has an intimate relationship with it. It's a huge mistake to frame the work of unburdening ourselves as this thing that needs to be rushed into and treated as an emergency with a fight or flight response. Instead use it as an opportunity to find creative solutions that don't twist your stomach into knots as you do them. That's how you simplify your life in a lasting and fulfilling way.

[@makeupdeva6166]

What do you decide on between the importance of decluttering vs. cleaning? It's easier to clean once more clutter is cleared. But then dirt builds up. What do you do with children's new schoolwork that they want to keep but you know they won't remember it soon enough? Or, not lose important schoolwork?

[@kevinhamilton6256]

My mother built a very large bulletin board hanging in the hall. It was divided in half, she found letters with bulletin board spikes and put out names at the top with those letters. Our school work was attached there, and once a month, she removed the last months school work and put those in a box that was later for us grown up and decide to keep or throw. Most I threw out. The old trophies went into another box that I eventually reduced to only the ones that meant the most. I bought an antique cabinet like one I admired that grandma had. On one side is a curio cabinet, and on the other is a slant top desk. The ONLY things I kept as I moved after I bought it was ONLY what would fit in the curio cabinet. That meant I had to choose what meant the most, and let go the other not-so-important items. But that's me. Best

[@MichelleD1989]

Cleaning and decluttering are two different types of tasks. Clutter is anything you keep and aren't using on a regular basis i.e. clothes that don't fit, appliances/gadgets not used, etc.. Cleaning is just that... if I don't clean up after meals, empty garbage, sweep/clean floors etc.. daily then it just builds up and causes more stress. Kids items from school... when they bring the item home let them know that you will display it wherever you want to choose for a couple days maybe one week but then tell them after that time frame if they want to keep it get it bin/small container and set it aside. they can keep whatever items they would like that will fit in that size bin and no more. If they want to add something to that bin but there's no room, they need to remove/toss something else first. Teaching children when they're young how to learn decluttering skills that will help them as they get older.

[@Janneli2024]

Yep true piece of me , I’ve been to Hawaii 10 times i always bring souvenirs back I love each time I could never throw a piece of me out exactly ....yep leaving for the kids so they remember me that’s what I tell myself 😮😢😢

[@emmawagner471]

I once burned a grilled cheese sandwich in a cast iron pan. It was completely black on one side. Ha! All black outfit makes sense to me🤣

[@amberklein1560]

Brilliant costume idea!

[@annahenselek6909]

I was a bit disappointed about the answer to the dress-up problem, but I guess it was also good for my horizons to hear a different view. Personally I would be very frustrated to be forced, on top of a demanding work, to additionally sacrifice my private time, effort and money for those "special" days. Also, are they even special if they happen that often? 🤔

[@catherinelemaster3883]

For the workplace costume days, why not dress with different hats (and wear all black!)

[@aoifenelson4167]

I was thinking a Harry Potter scar with a pen/paint/charcoal On forehead and glasses if you have them or can borrow some would be good minimalist costume Or just don’t show up If anyone asks say you were there wearing an invisibility cloak 😂

[@maribethvance9958]

If I were Brian instead of buying things to dress up for all these different days I would take t k's idea Up just putting a paper sign on and maybe just draw things out of paper for instance make glasses for Harry Potter out of Paper make a wand out of paper make grilled cheese sandwiches out of paper and tack them all over your black outfit , there's so many ways to be creative without actually spending any money all you need is some paper and some markers and maybe a little Is tape or a stapler

[@alanbirkner1958]

I am filling in for someone on Halloween. I'm borrowing an appropriate shirt and wearing black slacks. Around Christmas and New Year's I wear a nice outfit and sparkly earrings. We've been married over 50 years, we still talk about a friend of my late father in law, he had the ugliest sport coats we've ever seen. Tina, Al's wife.

[@tobyschoeneberger7126]

I am not....fill in the blank, directly from A Course in Miracles

[@ktrudy1]

What if you’re stuck between wanting minimal but yet YOLO🤔

[@whegotsa8874]

garage

[@debk6161]

De-mentor!

[@jsdk84]

The house

[@shirleyburnham2782]

😘

[@j.chayo45]

I was almost fired for not participating in a Halloween costume contest. I explained to them i am a follower of Christ i do not participate. It is against my belief. My boss cussed me out she was like a dog with rabies. The whole company shamed me even other people who claimed to be Christian.

[@donam9042]

Oh wow, thats really hard, but at same time a proof of how right you are with your belief ... one could think the enemy doesnt like it when you hold on to Christ. I got thrown by a friend from her flat when talking about my belief and that I would maybe no longer go Salsa dancing because I it somehow is not "clean", she got so mad at me that I had to leave her appartment ... I am not fundamentalist in any ways. Maybe you cozld find another job somewhere with people who are more true Christians .... Greetings from Dona

[@j.chayo45]

@donam9042 I haven't worked there since the pandemic. Praise God!

[@KA-ux5pp]

This show really suffers without Ryan. Now it's just two philosophers trying to out-write each other. TK and Joshua and great, but desperately need that grounded, more relatable counterpart.