Useless Things | The Minimalists Ep. 417

The Minimalists talk about what makes a possession useless and why it’s not your responsibility to manage the material expectations of others. Watch all 2 hours of episode 417 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
Discussed in this episode:
Intro (00:00)
What can I do with my old school lesson plans? (01:19)
How can I manage my father’s expectations without causing conflict? (11:18)
Why do people pay to keep things in storage lockers? (23:21)
What do The Minimalists’ think about Feng Shui? (33:33)
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[@TheMinimalists]

How long do you wait to get rid of a useless possession?

[@crimpychels]

If it is, in fact, useless to me (meaning in my life, it has no function and serves no purpose = adding no value), I do not hesitate to get rid of it. In my house, a "useless" item is not neutral. It does harm. If it does not have a function, then it is adding to the noise and the clutter, which increases my anxiety and hinders my ability to focus at work. I work from home, and it is extremely important to me to keep a clean, calm, and spacious environment. I am also a tad compulsive about how clean I like to keep the house. So fewer items = a smaller silent to-do list, shorter time cleaning, and just overall.. less to move or clean around. That being said, I know that may seem extreme to some people, but it's perfect for me. I have been on this journey with you guys for 10 years. In my senior year of high school (Vandalia, Ohio), a good friend of mine was excited to share the book "Everything That Remains" with me. He lent me his copy (complete with notes in the margins). I have never been an avid reader, but I read it twice, cover to cover, highlighted important statements that resonated with me, and also have gifted copies to several friends over the years. A huge THANK YOU for all the hard work that goes into producing your content. The Minimalists have added value to my life for a long time. -Chelsie

[@queenofbats200]

Like every few months i would go over my room and figure out which items i do use, do i still need it, will i need it in the future? For crafts and projects i will ask myself if i will ever get around to do it or finish it? Few months ago i decided to go minimalist and i have gotten rid soo much stuff. I cant remember how many times id go to Goodwill and drop off some stuff. I still have some stuff but its less than before.

[@kjmav10135]

Once a week I go to the thrift store to declutter. If iI realize it’s useless, it goes out every Saturday..

[@traumaVerse]

as long as it takes to walk to the bin. Unless it is useful to someone else then I put it in the car for the next time I go out and drop it off.

[@susanelza3629]

I purge monthly. But my box starts the second I see something is useless.

[@dawnmireles2912]

November 6, 2023 I do not look at removing things from my home as getting “rid” of things. I look at it as finding someone who needs it more than I do. I look at it as reusing it, recycling it, repurposing it.

[@krystalpatterson5379]

Thanks for the podcast! I'm in my 70s and have an 128 foot home, yes that's right! People do not understand how I can live in such a small. But it's just me! I have time I have time, I travel a lot, and am doing things I want to. It's just a place rest when I need to!

[@ricardodeabreualvarez2676]

I think people would benefit if Holly made her materials available online. Either KZbin videos led by herself or a website with all the modules or even a set of PDFs. It is an excellent and simple way to add value to the lives of many people while reducing time and emotional commitment!

[@Iquey]

Yup if she made some videos with the supplies and got through them all, she could donate them and then if people ask how the supplies work, they can just refer to her videos.

[@kristiperkins1682]

As a homeschooler-if she made science videos -we would love them!!

[@samanthap.879]

I loved that idea. She could make a video per lesson and then donate them after. I’d show my child. :)

[@franmcdonald4702]

I would gladly pay for a book of that compilation of science experiments. I home schooled my 7 children and kept the materials which I then used when I began tutoring other children and adults. It's a labor of love from the heart so I understand wanting to keep these things.

[@happycrafterkaren6873]

TK you have such a caring, compassionate way of expressing your ideas. There was some real pearls Thank-you

[@sharonsmith7917]

When my Mother retired from teaching kindergarten she gave all her bulletin boards materials etc to her grandson’s wife who had just started teaching elementary school students.

[@michellecd4722]

Can't watch this unless I unblock my adblocker. KZbin is now preventing people from watching any videos unless they remove adblocker OR pay for their ad-free subscription. Gotta love America, the land of the GREED!

[@vanessasmith6925]

Use Brave browser, it is AD free

[@janisstrohl5712]

TK...your response to the judgy questions is perfect!!🌷

[@BL-rb7jm]

Contentment really does lead to happiness. Professor Argir Hadjihristev, a Bulgarian expert on the subject of aging, says: “The basic evil is, first of all, not being content with the little that a person has.” Referring to the health benefits of being content, he adds: “The person who doesn’t try to live better than his neighbor, who doesn’t always try to have more and more, lives without competition and therefore without stress. And that is good for the nerves.” Yes, a throwaway society can never bring about true happiness. Even less so a throwaway mentality! It appears that more and more people are getting the message. Are you?

[@FoodShowFan]

Wow T.K. Is incredible!! So insightful and compassionate 🙏

[@karawelgoss412]

Thank you TK! You’re a bright light. As a teacher, you get it. Great suggestion !

[@Rachel-ul8et]

The people and family I put in my big home, and the things I have to make us comfortable have value. My home for sure had some, maybe lots, of stuff I don’t need, no doubt. I balance and know as kids grow, elderly relatives pass, time and need for this stuff will open up and fade, naturally leading to shedding it when it’s time. I get rid of things as I go, with a heavy priority on my family while I have them. Precious, and lovely. Making sure I keep the balance is why I watch these guys.

[@rachellebrooke4614]

As a homeschool mom of 4, I’d love to have Holly’s science materials! I hope some teacher benefits from her work and ultimately it will ignite a passion for science in some child’s life!

[@lc5542]

Thanks for all who takes the time to help others.

[@experiencewonder]

I love the practice conversations! How you handle other people’s questions. Thank you for inserting those examples

[@tracyhall9174]

It sounds like Holly LOVES doing this work, so working as a consultant (paid for by a non-profits?) seems like a great fit. Whether through short videos or by face to face consulting.

[@pinschrunner]

Not advice, but Holly could scan and put those on 2 different storage devices and recycle all that paper, load them online for an online course, free or not. Give the physical remains to the niece and let her have the "WhatIfIBecomeATeacherMoment"

[@rosamariaortizpino1238]

Overconsuming and overthinking

[@lovinglife3954]

Gosh I just had a similar conversation with a friend. Talking about my “standard of living”. They wouldn’t let it go, and I felt very much judged. I bit my tongue because it’s very obvious that I’m financially better off than they are, mostly due to my frugal ways. It was beyond awkward.

[@shade3403]

its been so long that im into minimalism lifestyle, before i even knew about it..and so thankful

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Josh aka Johnny Bravo 😎🔥 These podcasts are so profound!

[@samanthap.879]

I loved the role play conversation about not being defensive I am so defensive and I would love to be more like this.

[@mondfalkin3781]

I am a scientist and my advice to Holly: if she put a lot of effort into this project and it is "her baby", then she can make a video lecture, with explanation and material,... the trick is to digitalize everything... this is what scientists do, the result of our work are publications, books, video lectures... I have not much material possessions but I am like a hoarder in the digital world 😅

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Bigger house = more discontent. Been there. Smaller house now= discount tent. (The last dozen years have been a rough ride).

[@aurapajaijarat6525]

The role play part was insightful. I learned a lot from it. Thank you.

[@cassaundraspann-2qshab516]

Appreciate this conversation and the role playing!I get so caught up in why people ask things that are none of their business. I usually ask "why do you want to know" and their upset. Now thats the conversation Id like to have.

[@pinschrunner]

I just say, "In the South, people don't ask those questions."

[@perrycoffey5410]

​@@pinschrunneryea they do bunch of fake ass people down there you hear lmao

[@HoVseMD]

I would suggest for Holly to have a facebook or KZbin channel and continue teaching and enjoying the experience 🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍

[@SLangel18]

For Holly’s story. I would publish the material and sell the supplies with printed instruction sheets

[@sserton2839]

Our perspective is something else! Love this upload - have watched a video or so throughout the years; more-so in the beginning years. I am reconnecting and appreciate the whole video! Love the play by plays. Helps tremendously! 🇨🇦

[@paulabroadway1697]

Holly should donate that to a homeschool co-op! Those props and lesson plans could be stored in the closet at the co-op.

[@lynnoorman2144]

I agree with TK and Josh - if you have a troublesome friend or relative who doesnt understand why you want to be more of a minimalist, give them nothing to argue with. The questioners Dad is probably being concerned and caring, but coming from his perspective of what a prosperous life is, and wanting to see his son in a similar position. The Dad is possibly concerned about what will happen to his son, after he dies and maybe concerned, that his son, when he becomes an old man, will have no one to rely on or to care for him in turn ( although it has to be pointed out that this 'natural order' doesnt always work out.

[@FisherOfMen705]

Thank you again for adding to my growth in the ways that matter to me ❤

[@danielaesposito2928]

I'm from Italy and you're fascinating me with your theory. I Hope you 'll come in Italy once.

[@mariedavison3707]

Excellent suggestions about the teaching material ❤

[@mssiggypiggy]

Holly, I'm a first year science teacher who would absolutely love love love to learn from your lesson plans - would you consider sharing them with others? ❤

[@marianmcgill7263]

Damn Josh answer was so on point Expectations Wow

[@Melynda-uf5cg]

Student teachers would also benefit from the lesson plans since they have to learn how to create them. Colleges have courses and job positions that specialize in curriculum and instruction.

[@jenniferpearce777]

Loving the podcast x any chance you will be coming to the uk 🇬🇧 in the future would love you see you guys

[@autumngrace8541]

Get all your material put onto a disk. Get it cataloged so it could be accessed by others.

[@user-rq6ej3dh9o]

Yes those lessons online pay a lot of money and you can serve masses of people

[@user-xg4ue5cc2v]

Great job josh

[@simplepersonalfinance8930]

Poor Mr. "Justin Case", nobody wants to keep him :)

[@emmamcmeeken7734]

Education is full of stories. We are told "do it for the kids" so the system doesn't pay us. It's hours of work and sweat and tears into other people's kids. It's why it's hard to let go. And yes, "just in case" lives large in education too because I was recently teaching a novel that became popular again after 10 years of the school not using the novel. Teachers are Smaug sitting on our pile of resources 😂. Teaching is our identity.

[@paulajames6149]

Love those ideas…curiosity and I understand. It maybe effective but I couldn’t do either. It wouldn’t feel honest to me. I am not curious about their opinion nor do I understand why they would insert themselves. So I do what is honest to me…tell them to keep their opinions to themselves. It may not be effective but it is honest. And if I need to draw further boundaries then I am happy to do that too.

[@user-co9cu1hz6z]

Nov 6, 11:20. Tickets for Sunday Symposium Dec 3 already sold out.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I def feel like my parents are implying the same things to me without directly saying any of it. They’re toxic anyways tho so I stopped paying so much attention to them. But I DID have to do a bit of soul searching within myself to solidify why I want to “live small and simply.” To not apparently be all that “ambitious” as they seem to think I “should” be. So ya know. It’s my life (not anyone else’s) and that’s the bottom line. Or as the song says….”You may be wrong or you may be right.” Lol. I could be “wrong” but that is my right.

[@kristinkiddy9079]

So a hurricane kit would be defined as a "just in case" item but would obviously not qualify as "useless" if there was a hurricane. And i would argue that you want those items separate from what you might use at other times (such as a flashlight and batteries) because when the hurricane does come, you don't want to be scrambling to put it all together... And fighting everybody else in the stores. My family laughed at my "prepper" attitude until Matthew hit in 2016. Then they were so thankful that there was light, clean water and an emergency radio.

[@lisasoto3425]

Absolutely! Those crucial things become scarce when a storm is imminent or just occured. Also, if you live in an area that has frequent hurricanes, it goes from being "just in case" to "just for when".

[@jonglee3194]

yes

[@BrokeMillionaire1]

Is Nicodemus permanently gone?

[@ericamciver1293]

No. He moved to Montana. He was in the studio last week. He makes appearances now and than.

[@BrokeMillionaire1]

@@ericamciver1293 thank you. I miss seeing the entire crew.

[@ShoppingwithRina]

Nice

[@pianoarmond]

Gr8 podcast ❤

[@sandrarussell4087]

Donate it to a children's museum!

[@notasushifan]

Hi. I love your idea!

[@diannes1254]

Re-purpose , Recycle, Re-use so it doesn't end up in the landfill that way you don't get blamed or penalised by your Govt for polluting the environment.

[@user-kx6vk3nj9u]

Holly. Now, it is junk. Toss it.

[@redadaugelaviciute]

What about starting some local groups in continental Europe? :)

[@cristinabernal7770]

Where's Ryan?

[@darnitthelma4247]

Hate this phone, slow mo frowning part of video. Serial killer vibes 2:46😂

[@shirleyburnham2782]

👍

[@shannamcdonough9588]

She can sell her lesson plans online - to schools - to teachers- home schoolers

[@colette9495]

Where's Mr. Nicodemus?

[@user-rq6ej3dh9o]

Could she publish her material or setup a facebook page for others to download files

[@PSmith-ie9jx]

So is Ryan just a guest to the show going forward?

[@user-xg4ue5cc2v]

Miss ryan

[@kennethbailey9853]

🙂🙂🙂

[@newjerseycoast88]

this one has triggered me, i have heard these comments from my family,

[@jackie6903]

Missing Ryan

[@user-rq6ej3dh9o]

Think helping Gods other children so donate those educational things

[@henlohenlo689]

the earth is gonna run out of oil in 30 years and electric batteries is more scarce than that. the whole world may have to minimize go back horse back or walking.

[@luvyatubers]

We will never be out of oil because living plants animals humans turn into oil and gas BUT only a few will have it because it is running low. And they are readying everyone else for 15 min cities. A bicycle will do. I think it sucks but some people wish to live in a tiny town riding bicycles. They should start already doing that. Do any exist already in the US?

[@veganpajamas4211]

yall dont every smoke weed?

[@darnitthelma4247]

This is a load of crap what are they even talking about. We all need different things and we all want different things. How can Johnny bravo and side kick tell us what we should shouldn’t have??!😂😂😂

[@hmiclasses2803]

Alabama's laughing are irritating