A Day in the Life of a Minimalist

[Ultralight]

Hey, I thought you might like this video, especially the first minute and a half. But the whole thing is very good, very thoughtfully done.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG2GJZcBKOE

[lmerullo]

Thanks for sharing, UL. I like the whole thing!

[rosarugosa]

Pretty neat video, and I think it showed a good example of a home that is minimalist while still having some warmth and charm.

[Ultralight]

I like his little "joke" there at the beginning. haha

[SteveinMN]

He didn't strike me as living as a minimalist so much living intentionally. By the standards he outlined in the video here, most of us on the forum are "minimalists".

[jp1]

I was thinking the same thing as Steve. I'm certainly no minimalist, and have a few nice sized closets that are pretty full to prove it. But I do a number of things that this guy does. Like clothes. I have five casual work shirts (rugby and other long sleeve knit shirts) and just wear whichever one is on top of the stack along with a pair of jeans. And food. I plan stuff that's easy to cook and easy to provide leftovers for lunch.

[Teacher Terry]

I couldn’t get the sound to work.

[Ultralight]

I couldn’t get the sound to work.

Ask a millennial to help you with that!

[Ultralight]

He didn't strike me as living as a minimalist so much living intentionally. By the standards he outlined in the video here, most of us on the forum are "minimalists".
His wife is not a minimalist. So that probably makes him appear "less" minimalist.

He has two videos about dealing with the non-minimalist wife. "Living with a minimalist" and "Living with a non-Minimalist."

The first is told from her perspective. The second is told through his.

[Tybee]

Hi Terry,

I thought the millenial remark was rude. If you want to watch it, this might work better for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=tG2GJZcBKOE

[Ultralight]

Hi Terry,

I thought the millenial remark was rude. If you want to watch it, this might work better for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=tG2GJZcBKOE

I was just teasin'!

[Tybee]

Yeah, that's the defense about racist remarks, too, I was just kidding, where's your sense of humor, etc. Ageism is ugly.

[Ultralight]

Yeah, that's the defense about racist remarks, too, I was just kidding, where's your sense of humor, etc. Ageism is ugly.

Maybe if you worked as hard at not being offended as you do at being offended you might have a little more fun.

[Teacher Terry]

Thanks Tybee! I actually laughed. When we got our first VCR at age 30 I couldn’t operate it so got one of my kids to teach me.

[Ultralight]

Thanks Tybee! I actually laughed. When we got our first VCR at age 30 I couldn’t operate it so got one of my kids to teach me.

The young folks at my work are utterly flabbergasted when they find out I don't have cell phone. I tell them: "Back in my day we had to walk three miles uphill both ways in the snow to use a pay phone!"

[bae]

Maybe if you worked as hard at not being offended as you do at being offended you might have a little more fun.

OK, folks, name that tune....

[LDAHL]

I have to admit I frequently turn to my 12 year old for tech support. Especially with phones. I don’t view it as ageist so much as practical. She’s clever, has a lot more free time than me, and conducts a lot of her school and personal business electronically. Thinking back on my collections of comic books, interesting rocks and model rockets at that age, she’s something of a minimalist by comparison. Much more of her clutter is accessed through iPhone, Chromebook and Kindle.

[Williamsmith]

I was thinking how a simple thing like being required to work three shifts......would really screw up his intentional minimalism.

[jp1]

I was thinking how a simple thing like being required to work three shifts......would really screw up his intentional minimalism.

It would. And although he didnt mention that specifically he did admit that being able to work from home helped. My life would certainly be simpler if i didnt have to deal with the inconsistencies of SF’s transit system every day.

[Ultralight]

His form of minimalism would not work for everyone. He lives a charmed life, and he is quite aware of it.

[Williamsmith]

I am interested in the apparent inconsistency of a form a minimalism that manifests itself in obsession and compulsion over routines which are intended to take advantage of efficiency but develop harmful rigid behaviors that interfere with one’s ability to accept change. Is the form of minimalism a result of certain brain function or does the minimalism cause a change in brain function?

What would happen to a man who lives a charmed life in control of every aspect of his daily activities if he would lose control of the orderliness? Depression, anxiety, fear or paranoia. So are the forms of minimalism expressed here, actually healthy?

A person like this can be easily manipulated by applying stress to his daily routine. What appears to be a well adjusted balanced human is possibly a nervous wreck waiting for a place to happen.

[Ultralight]

I am interested in the apparent inconsistency of a form a minimalism that manifests itself in obsession and compulsion over routines which are intended to take advantage of efficiency but develop harmful rigid behaviors that interfere with one’s ability to accept change. Is the form of minimalism a result of certain brain function or does the minimalism cause a change in brain function?

What would happen to a man who lives a charmed life in control of every aspect of his daily activities if he would lose control of the orderliness? Depression, anxiety, fear or paranoia. So are the forms of minimalism expressed here, actually healthy?

A person like this can be easily manipulated by applying stress to his daily routine. What appears to be a well adjusted balanced human is possibly a nervous wreck waiting for a place to happen.

I would actually suggest that you watch some of his other videos. You might be less worried about his mental health or his rigidity.

But let us suppose your concerns are valid. What would be your alternatives to his charmed life?

[Williamsmith]

I would actually suggest that you watch some of his other videos. You might be less worried about his mental health or his rigidity.

But let us suppose your concerns are valid. What would be your alternatives to his charmed life?

My comment was more of an exploration, not a criticism of this one man’s lifestyle. I’m just musing about the possible weaknesses of the lifestyle. Flexibility and adaptability could be characteristics which might be eventually lost. I’m wondering how he might handle not being able to work out at the gym regularly, or a change in his eating schedule or diet, or a change in his partners daily routine or the addition of a child or two of three to raise. Anecdotally I see couples who never have kids or these challenges (married teachers for example) become very inflexible in not only their habits and routines but their politics. How do you compare? What are your similarities and differences to this chap?

[Ultralight]

My comment was more of an exploration, not a criticism of this one man’s lifestyle. I’m just musing about the possible weaknesses of the lifestyle. Flexibility and adaptability could be characteristics which might be eventually lost. I’m wondering how he might handle not being able to work out at the gym regularly, or a change in his eating schedule or diet, or a change in his partners daily routine or the addition of a child or two of three to raise. Anecdotally I see couples who never have kids or these challenges (married teachers for example) become very inflexible in not only their habits and routines but their politics. How do you compare? What are your similarities and differences to this chap?

Ah, okay, I definitely encourage intellectual exploration. haha

I think that the various forms of minimalism certainly have their weaknesses. Though I would say almost all lifestyles have weaknesses.

The chap in the video has done other videos, such as one where he goes to Australia for a couple weeks to stay with his wife's family. And he explains how he works out at a nearby park because he can't do his normal gym routine. So he does various push-ups to failure and such.

He also does a video on how he stays healthy while traveling. This includes preparing some basic, healthy meals but also indulging in some of the local flavor.

His minimalism and mine are different, for a lot of reasons. He lives with his wife, who is not a minimalist. So her closet and her other areas are a bit chaotic. But his attitude is "Oh, well, whatcha gonna do?" And he just keeps his area tidy and they both keep common areas tidy. Her closet remains stuffed. haha

I don't know his plans to have kids or remain child-free.

I think being minimalist in my way helps me to be more flexible when traveling, for instance. I have stayed in various Air BnBs -- sometimes with families or couples or an older retireee. Sometimes I get a whole apartment with all my own facilities. Sometimes I am in a little, tiny room in a house with several other guests. Sometimes I have to share a bathroom. And so on, so I just roll with it. After all, I have little luggage and I don't overload my time.

The chap in the video is upper middle class. Whereas I am working class. My minimalism is not a visually appealing or stylish. I am a pragmatic minimalist. He has his own successful business. I am just a loan drone grunt for the gubmint. Those are just a few of the differences.

But I think he and I are similar in the sense that we want to live meaningful lives. That fuels our minimalism. I would argue he is much more successful and that than I am. We also both want to streamline the annoying or just not enjoyable things in life. I wear the same outfits to work every M,T,W, Th, and F. This is similar to his all grey shirts. haha We minimalists do this because it is easier, simpler, and does not take up any decision-making energy.

Many minimalists are child-free by choice. Does the idea of being child-free by choice bother you in some way?

[Williamsmith]

“Many minimalists are child-free by choice. Does the idea of being child-free by choice bother you in some way?”


As a basic belief, one should be about doing anything one wants as long as it doesn’t do violence to others or interfere with the status of another’s property. I’m good with your child free minimalism. Preferring that those who have children are motivated to raise productive honest citizens and those who aren’t motivated remain child free.

[Tammy]

I am interested in the apparent inconsistency of a form a minimalism that manifests itself in obsession and compulsion over routines which are intended to take advantage of efficiency but develop harmful rigid behaviors that interfere with one’s ability to accept change.

Exactly.

It’s not emotionally nor mentally minimalistic when every waking moment is focused on counting things and maintaining perfect order.


To clarify - I’m not commenting on the man in the video necessarily. I’m commenting on various minimalists I have observed over the years who seem to be driven by obsession in their thoughts and compulsion in their living.

[Ultralight]

It’s not emotionally nor mentally minimalistic when every waking moment is focused on counting things and maintaining perfect order.




It isn't? I think that if a person likes to count their things and focus on perfect order in their surroundings and that makes them happier, then more power to them. Good on them.

Minimalism, outside of the fundamentals, is what you make of it.

I have minimalist friends here who live in ways I would not want to live, but they are minimalists.

Why so concerned over this, Tammy? Why the strong feelings? I am asking sincerely. I am not baiting you.

[Ultralight]

I have a calendar on my wall with my obligations and appointments and such. In one corner each month I will write the couple of things I add or subtract from my belongings. Then at the end of the month I will put them in my spreadsheet. Would you consider this obsessive? Just curious...

[herbgeek]

Would you consider this obsessive? Just curious...

I would, but its not my life. You do you. From my perspective, the energy involved of keeping constant inventory, and feeling bad about it if my possessions exceed some artificially determined number (or conversely, having some sense of pride because I'm below some artificially determined number) isn't how I want to spend my limited mental energy. If I need to add a few extra cups because I want to have friends over, then why beat myself up for adding to my inventory? I prioritize relationships more highly than things. Does an empty apartment love you back?

[LDAHL]

When does a useful habit become an unhealthy obsession? Seems mostly like a matter of personal preference to me. More an esthetic choice than a syndrome. Some may prefer extreme decluttering. Some don’t see it as worth the effort. An empty room won’t love you back, but neither will many relationships.

[SteveinMN]

Does an empty apartment love you back?
If one's external life (long work commute, HSSJ/chaotic environment, "complicated" relationships, etc.) is not minimal, then a place that meets one's preference for simplicity or minimalism can be a reflection of loving oneself. Personally, I think maintaining an inventory to a certain number is a level of minimalism I don't care to achieve, but if it works for someone else, it does not hurt me. On the other hand, I think we all need to find those places that rejuvenate us, and the multilayered Ralph Lauren or Early Twentieth Century Castoff look doesn't do it for me. I'll take uncluttered and monochromatic every time.

[Tammy]

It isn't? I think that if a person likes to count their things and focus on perfect order in their surroundings and that makes them happier, then more power to them. Good on them.

Minimalism, outside of the fundamentals, is what you make of it.

I have minimalist friends here who live in ways I would not want to live, but they are minimalists.

Why so concerned over this, Tammy? Why the strong feelings? I am asking sincerely. I am not baiting you.


I don’t have strong feelings on this. I simply have an opinion.

[herbgeek]

I'll take uncluttered and monochromatic every time.

Oh me too! My sister used to tease me that my house was "boring" because of all the neutrals and lack of knick knacks. But for me, uncluttered is more than a mattress on the floor and a hard chair. To each his own.

[LDAHL]

If one's external life (long work commute, HSSJ/chaotic environment, "complicated" relationships, etc.) is not minimal, then a place that meets one's preference for simplicity or minimalism can be a reflection of loving oneself. Personally, I think maintaining an inventory to a certain number is a level of minimalism I don't care to achieve, but if it works for someone else, it does not hurt me. On the other hand, I think we all need to find those places that rejuvenate us, and the multilayered Ralph Lauren or Early Twentieth Century Castoff look doesn't do it for me. I'll take uncluttered and monochromatic every time.

Sometimes I miss the simplicity of wearing a uniform to work every day. Except for the shiny shoes part.

[Ultralight]

From my perspective, the energy involved of keeping constant inventory, and feeling bad about it if my possessions exceed some artificially determined number (or conversely, having some sense of pride because I'm below some artificially determined number) isn't how I want to spend my limited mental energy.

So putting a little note on my calendar that says "-grey polo shirt" because I wore it out and it has crusty armpits is constant inventorying? Or is it at the end of the month when I subtract it from my spreadsheet that makes it constant? Just curious...

I noticed during my decluttering process that my mind felt clearer as I decluttered. And when I got to about 350 I could easily recall virtually everything I owned. And I notice that if I am between 150 (my lowest) and 250 (my highest since becoming an "extreme" minimalist) then I am in my sweet spot for daily life.

If by "artificially determined" you mean decided on by an individual based on their wants, desires, budget, personal space, or what-have-you, then sure. It is certainly artificially determined, just like the 100 yards in a 100 yard dash or the pound of beans in a one pound bag of pintos.

People feel pride about lots of things. Some people feel pride when they get pregnant (even if all they had to do was lay on their back for 2 minutes). Some people feel pride when they reach a weight loss or fitness goal (even if it is just walking a 5k). Some people feel pride after reading a huge tome (even though they found it entirely entertaining to do so). I could go on and on. But almost everything people are proud of could be said to be "artificially determined."

You having no numerical limit on stuff could be said to be artificially undetermined. ;)


If I need to add a few extra cups because I want to have friends over, then why beat myself up for adding to my inventory? I prioritize relationships more highly than things.

I don't think I know any minimalist who would have any kind of break down emotionally or otherwise because they got some cups to entertain friends. Do you know any who would?

I prioritize relationships more highly than things. That is why I don't own many things or spend time on things I don't care about.


Does an empty apartment love you back?

Why would someone who claims to prioritize relationships more than things want their apartment and its contents to love them back? I don't expect places or things to love me (and this is probably one of the reasons I am a minimalist). I hope that certain people love me and I love certain people (and treat them accordingly).

[Ultralight]

I don’t have strong feelings on this. I simply have an opinion.
Okay, cool!

So what makes you hold this opinion? What are the reasons behind it?

[Ultralight]

Personally, I think maintaining an inventory to a certain number is a level of minimalism I don't care to achieve...
This "freehand" style of minimalism is totally acceptable. :)
I know people who do it this way, by "how the place feels."

[herbgeek]

Why would someone who claims to prioritize relationships more than things want their apartment and its contents to love them back?

I worded my original comment awkwardly, and what I said was not an accurate representation of what was in my head.

My point was -- and I'm just throwing out an example here, this is not a dig or judgement-- if I had a goal for 12 items in my kitchen cupboards but none of those 12 items was a second cup for a guest, should I be happy in achieving that 12 item number, if it precludes a higher priority which is having company. Or if I did go get an extra cup so I could invite someone to tea, should I beat myself up because I no longer have my goal number of items.

This does not apply to you, as you mention that you have played around with numbers to find your personal sweet spot. I was speaking more theoretical, about the principle I've seen on some minimalist discussions that one is a "good" minimalist if they have less than x things. The implication being that you are a bad minimalist if you have more (and should feel some guilt or shame for not having achieved this artifical goal).

[Teacher Terry]

I find the idea of keeping track of one’s stuff a little obsessive and crazy but it’s harmless.

[Tammy]

Okay, cool!

So what makes you hold this opinion? What are the reasons behind it?

I see traits of OCD in people who are extreme minimalists. Especially who make YouTube videos about it.

[JaneV2.0]

I find beauty in all kinds of design from layer-on-layer Boho, to MCM, to industrial chic, to French Country... If I were going to design a space, it would likely be a riot of color, short on the knick-knacks. I was raised in a house full of glassware and antiques, and while I appreciate those things I've experienced them, and prefer other styles. Lots of color, pattern, and texture--and some whimsy--would make me happy. I'm not particularly concerned with how others arrange their space.

[Ultralight]

I worded my original comment awkwardly, and what I said was not an accurate representation of what was in my head.

I know that feeling. Been there many-a-time!


My point was -- and I'm just throwing out an example here, this is not a dig or judgement-- if I had a goal for 12 items in my kitchen cupboards but none of those 12 items was a second cup for a guest, should I be happy in achieving that 12 item number, if it precludes a higher priority which is having company. Or if I did go get an extra cup so I could invite someone to tea, should I beat myself up because I no longer have my goal number of items.

I would say that your higher priority is the one that matters most in minimalism. So if you like to have friends over for tea you should have (and would want) all the accouterments. But that billiards table in the garage you have not used since 1997 -- yeah, that can go. It does not serve your higher priority of entertaining friends with tea.


This does not apply to you, as you mention that you have played around with numbers to find your personal sweet spot. I was speaking more theoretical, about the principle I've seen on some minimalist discussions that one is a "good" minimalist if they have less than x things. The implication being that you are a bad minimalist if you have more (and should feel some guilt or shame for not having achieved this artifical goal).

I don't often hear anyone calling anyone a bad minimalist. That would be a very rare occurrence, maybe even a nonoccurence. I have, however, seen aspiring minimalists feel some guilt about having so much more than they need or can use. They want to want to get rid of stuff. But they just don't seem to have the mental strength to do so.

[Ultralight]

I find the idea of keeping track of one’s stuff a little obsessive and crazy but it’s harmless.

How do you feel about counting calories or counting steps walked or miles ran?

[Ultralight]

I see traits of OCD in people who are extreme minimalists. Especially who make YouTube videos about it.

Give me a few examples?

[dmc]

I have no desire to be a Minimalist. But I also don’t like having a lot of clutter around either. When we moved from St. Louis I got rid of quite a few possessions, but I’ve noticed we are starting to accumulate quite a bit again. I need to start getting rid of some stuff.

Now if I can figure out how to stop the constant delivery from Amazon that seems to deposit something on my doorstep every other day it would be easier.

[Teacher Terry]

Got me! I count both steps and calories but it affects my health versus possessions doesn’t.

[Gardnr]

Compared to the average American lifestyle, we are minimalists. By definition we are not. That said, we've been in our 1850sf home since 1991. We still have empty cupboard/closet space. We DON'T do clutter. Everything has it's place and it's put away when not in use or when done being used. Generally, we're picked up before bedtime. I always have a box for the thrift store. When i come across something unused for awhile, in the box it goes. I probably take a full box twice a year still. We did a huge purge about 20ish years ago when we re-carpeted the entire house in 2 weeks. Emptied half the rooms into the garage and purged as it came back in. Rinse and repeat.

And like DMC, we really have no desire to be minimalist. I don't care how many "items" i own. I do care that we use what we have, otherwise it needs to go.

[Ultralight]

Compared to the average American lifestyle, we are minimalists. By definition we are not. That said, we've been in our 1850sf home since 1991. We still have empty cupboard/closet space. We DON'T do clutter. Everything has it's place and it's put away when not in use or when done being used. Generally, we're picked up before bedtime. I always have a box for the thrift store. When i come across something unused for awhile, in the box it goes. I probably take a full box twice a year still. We did a huge purge about 20ish years ago when we re-carpeted the entire house in 2 weeks. Emptied half the rooms into the garage and purged as it came back in. Rinse and repeat.

And like DMC, we really have no desire to be minimalist. I don't care how many "items" i own. I do care that we use what we have, otherwise it needs to go.

Uh... I hate to break it to you, but you might be a minimalist. haha

[Williamsmith]

I look at minimalism as a personal choice. As long as it is a choice that makes you feel better without interfering with someone else’s freedom ..... and I feel the same about clutter.

In short, this minimalist joke sums up my understanding of an obvious misapplication of minimalism.

”Two Irishmen walk past a bar.”

[Chicken lady]

Dmc, I find that amazon stops sending you things if you stop sending them money.

[iris lilies]

Dmc, I find that amazon stops sending you things if you stop sending them money.
Haha!

[catherine]

I look at minimalism as a personal choice. As long as it is a choice that makes you feel better without interfering with someone else’s freedom ..... and I feel the same about clutter.

In short, this minimalist joke sums up my understanding of an obvious misapplication of minimalism.

”Two Irishmen walk past a bar.”

Haha! Definitely misapplied--but if they did walk in, they'd walk in with nothing on them and they'd walk out with nothing on them, except a buzz--does a buzz count as a possession? If it does, they'd probably have fewer bills in their wallet, so does that count as a net minimalist gain?

When it comes to limiting possessions, Peace Pilgrim has to be the winner. She had her tunic and sneakers, a comb and note paper, pen and stamp. I think it would be difficult to beat that.

[happystuff]

I look at minimalism as a personal choice. As long as it is a choice that makes you feel better without interfering with someone else’s freedom ..... and I feel the same about clutter.


Which really becomes an issue in a household/relationship where one is striving for minimalism and the other is not. Compromise, yes. But it's really, really hard when one party sends out 3 items for each bought in and the other party brings in 3 item for each sent out.

[Ultralight]

Which really becomes an issue in a household/relationship where one is striving for minimalism and the other is not. Compromise, yes. But it's really, really hard when one party sends out 3 items for each bought in and the other party brings in 3 item for each sent out.

Do you all practice "zoning?"

[TabbyCaticus]

Super funny in the beginning! People often don't think I'm a minimalist because my house isn't white and I wear different color clothes. Funny the ideas we have, huh?

[happystuff]

Do you all practice "zoning?"

I'm not sure what "zoning" is. If you mean do we each have our "personal space", yes. And the family areas usually fall under my domain for maintenance so I feel free to declutter as I see necessary. LOL.