By miss minimalist |
If you asked me to name my favorite “purchases,” I’d be much more likely to rattle off vacations I’ve taken, operas and ballets I’ve seen, and nice dinners I’ve had — rather than any things that I’ve bought.
Well, it seems I’m not the only one. A new study shows that experience-related purchases, rather than material ones, bring more happiness to the consumer:
“The results show that people’s satisfaction with their life-experience purchases – anything from seeing a movie to going on a vacation – tends to start out high and go up over time. On the other hand, although they might be initially happy with that shiny new iPhone or the latest in fashion, their satisfaction with these items wanes with time.” Click here to read the entire article…
In short, the study explains that material purchases are easy to compare, and therefore more likely to lead to second-guessing and dissatisfaction. For example, we may worry that we didn’t get a good deal on our new car, or feel it isn’t up to par with our neighbor’s.
However, we tend to regard experiences on their own terms, instead of making comparisons. We’re unlikely (or unable) to judge our trip to Hawaii versus our neighbor’s trip, and therefore experience more satisfaction from it.
The results of the study confirm previous research on the topic, and were published in the January issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
I’ve discussed this matter with people in the past, and some have made the argument that when you purchase an experience (such as a European vacation), you have nothing to “show for it” afterwards; whereas a diamond ring, on the other hand, you can keep forever.
I’ve never been comfortable with that reasoning, and feel that memories of an experience are just as significant as a tangible object. I also feel that material purchases bring on a slew of other worries and responsibilities, such as cleaning, maintaining, insuring, repairing, and storing the item in question. Therefore, I’d take the European vacation over the diamond ring any day!
What do you think? Do you get more pleasure from material purchases, or experiential ones?
By miss minimalist |
Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
I don’t have anyone scheduled after today’s post, so I’d love to receive more stories. I know there are more Real Life Minimalists out there — don’t be shy! 
Today, Aspiring Minimalist shares her story with us, and explains why she has chosen to pursue a minimalist lifestyle; check out her blog to learn more!
Aspiring Minimalist writes:
Growing up, my family has always been frugal. My parents immigrated from Hong Kong in their late twenties, to start a new and better life in Canada. My two sisters and I were fortunate to have been born in Toronto, and given the opportunity that my parents didn’t have growing up.
We grew up poor, with only my dad working outside the house – he worked at various factory jobs in order to provide for my family. My mom stayed home and took care of us. She also ran a home daycare for up to 5 other kids at times (she is a super woman!).
My sisters and I never had fancy toys or clothes growing up, but we always had shelter, warm clothes and lots of good, healthy food to eat. We grew up happy and oblivious to the materialistic society we were in. We had one (real) Barbie, but I think we were most happy making soup concoctions from the leaves and grass, catching grasshoppers and playing tag in our backyard!
I want to share a story early in my life that still affects me to this day about materialism:
In grade five, I got new sneakers and I wore them (very proudly) to gym class. One of my classmates came up to me to check them out – Jonathon. He looks at them and smirks, “Those are no name brand running shoes. Hahaha. She’s wearing no name brand running shoes!” He runs off to tell his friends.
I was confused. I thought they nice sneakers with nice shoelaces (I only had velcro before these babies!). Not to mention they were Venture brand, not “no name”. I didn’t understand why the other kids laughed, as well. Because I was perfectly happy with my new sneakers until that moment.
I went home and told my parents. They explained to me that some people have brand name clothing, and they might think that makes them better than other people. But as long as our clothing keeps us warm, and comfortable, that’s really all we need.
I guess the moral of this story is that material things have a different meaning and purpose to everyone. How we use those things and how we view them is what’s important and can dictate our happiness. The way that I approach my minimalist lifestyle is simple – I want to be happy.
I want to make changes in my life to make my life more fulfilling, happy and simple. I will make the changes for myself, not because of what someone else thinks or believes. The choices I make, are my steps to freedom and happiness.
Growing up, I’ve had a few brushes with a more minimalistic lifestyle. In my college days, I alternated working full time (apprenticeships) and school every four months, so I had to move very often. I got so good at packing and moving, that I could pack up my life in about 5 or 6 Rubbermaid boxes in about 2 hours!
I also did a fair bit of traveling in my college days and backpacked across South East Asia, Europe, and Egypt in a 50L pack. It’s very exhilarating to be carrying all that need for the next few weeks (or months) in one pack. I was like a big snail with a mobile “home,” I began to realize that I really didn’t need much to be happy. Hence, a minimalist was born.
My passions in life are food and travel. I explore these topics on a daily basis, and sometimes through lifestyle changes (small and big), general thoughts and musing, and a bit of personal finance. Please join me as I embark on my journey to a minimalistic lifestyle.
{If you’d like to read more about minimalist living, please consider subscribing to my RSS feed, or signing up to receive new articles by email.}
By miss minimalist |
When it comes to home décor, there are few things I love more than naked windows. In my book, they’re right up there with empty walls.
Of course, I recognize that window treatments can be quite practical—and in many cases, quite necessary! We live in the city, in view of our neighbors across the street; therefore, leaving our bedroom windows bare is out of the question. Our living room, however, is on a corner; and even though it has large, floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s less directly “exposed” to nearby buildings. Furthermore, a large tree right next to it provides privacy three seasons of the year.
Therefore, we choose to leave our living room windows naked. It’s the best we can do in our urban environment. If we lived in the middle of nowhere (or with plenty of trees to shield the view), we wouldn’t have a single curtain, blind, or shade in the house.
Our situation was quite different in our former house, where our neighbors (and their windows) were just a few feet away on each side. Even then, however, we decided to forgo curtains, and opted instead for the simplest option we could find: translucent, white fabric shades that let in plenty of light and blended in to the white walls around them.
The loft apartment we lived in before that was ideal. There, we had an entire wall of factory windows; and since the building was in an industrial section of the city, across the street from an empty lot, we had no need to cover them. It was minimalist window heaven!
Sure, the argument can be made that window treatments are valuable for climate control—like blocking cold air in winter and sunshine in summer. However, I’ve been in plenty of homes where the curtains don’t seem to be providing any climate or privacy functions whatsoever; their raison d’etre is solely decorative. And if that’s the case, why have them at all?
Lest you think this matter too trivial to discuss, no less than Thoreau himself weighed in on it in Walden:
“I would observe, by the way, that it costs me nothing for curtains, for I have no gazers to shut out but the sun and moon, and I am willing that they should look in. The moon will not sour milk nor taint meat of mine, nor will the sun injure my furniture or fade my carpet; and if he is sometimes too warm a friend, I find it still better economy to retreat behind some curtain which nature has provided, than to add a single item to the details of housekeeping.”
So, how do you feel about naked windows? Do you leave yours bare, or cover them up?
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By miss minimalist |
 Today I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes, from Henry Thoreau’s Walden:
“It is desirable that a man […] live in all respects so compactly and preparedly that, if an enemy take the town, he can, like the old philosopher, walk out the gate empty-handed without anxiety.”
I’ve often wondered, if the place I live was suddenly struck by political unrest or natural disaster, could I walk out the door and leave everything behind?
Ten years ago, I might have found this difficult. I was in a more “accumulative” phase of my life, building a household as a young adult. I put a great deal of thought into each purchase, expressing my identity, in some respects, through my choice of clothing, housewares, furniture, and décor. I appreciated aesthetics and good design, and hunted down unique and one-of-a-kind “treasures” to own. Walking away from it all would have been at least mildly distressing.
After a decade of decluttering, purging, and practicing a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve become significantly less attached to my possessions. I own very little, and actually take pains to avoid acquiring anything too expensive, precious, or sentimental. I still appreciate art and design, but I’d rather meet my needs with things that are “good enough,” than invest in pieces I’ll feel obligated to keep the rest of my life.
I’m often reminded of this quote when I hear news reports of forced evacuations due to hurricanes or forest fires. There are often those who stay behind to “defend” or “protect” their homesteads, risking their own lives in order to do so. I, on the other hand, would be the first one out of there and headed to safety!
I wouldn’t give a second thought to most of the stuff I own, and the only possession I’d have difficulty leaving behind is my laptop. However, my distress would be caused by losing the information, not the device itself. Therefore, I back up essential data to both physical media and the cloud, so that the information exists independent of the hardware. Because everything with “memories” is digitized — photographs, letters, postcards, etc. — I don’t have photo albums or sentimental items that would be heartbreaking to lose.
In general, all the “things” in my life can be replaced; and in some cases, I may not even bother to replace them.
I’ve been on my minimalist journey for awhile, some years making more progress than others, but generally continuing on the same path. My latest move (from the US to the UK) was immensely valuable in “releasing” me from my stuff, both physically and mentally.
I’ve pondered the above quote from Walden for years, holding it up as an ideal to which to aspire. I’m thrilled to finally be able to say, and know in my heart to be true, YES, if the circumstances warranted, I could now walk out the gate, empty-handed without anxiety.
What about you? Could you leave it all behind? Is there anything in particular you couldn’t bear to lose?
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By miss minimalist |
Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
I don’t have anyone scheduled after today’s post, so I’d love to receive more stories. I know there are more Real Life Minimalists out there — don’t be shy!
This week, we have a wonderful contribution from Fox, who started on his minimalist journey just after college. I wish I’d been as wise at his age!
Fox writes:
I’m the author of The Tiny Ouroboros, a blog dedicated to living tiny, green, simple, and unconventional.
Here’s my profile:
I graduated from college two years ago. I went from relying on my parents to being on my own with a minimum wage job, a student loan, and a car note. I also owned four vehicles’ worth of “stuff.” Straight from financially comfortable to completely broke.
Since then I’ve purged most of my possessions, moved into the smallest/cheapest apartment I could find, picked up a roommate, and plan on having the student loan paid off by the end of 2010. I also took a good, hard look at my life and decided that due to my nomadic nature, RV life is probably a good bet.
As I’ve started purging and repurposing my life, I’ve discovered that I don’t miss most of what I’ve gotten rid of. In fact, I’m happier with less stuff. Less to move, less to think about, less to worry about losing. The idea of being free…free to leave it all behind, if necessary, free to move if I want and work where I wish, free to not have to worry about what to do with all the things that own me…therein lies the secret for a happy life.
I’ve always been a spontaneous person. I can’t stay in one place, and the idea of tying myself down to a job or a town just disgusts me. I want to travel, to move around, to discover new places, new people, and new things. Living in the same place and doing the same thing just isn’t my style. I need flexibility, and minimalism offers that in ways I never thought possible. Not to mention I now find myself “needing” to earn a lot less…a boon for someone who can’t stand money, keeping up with the Joneses, or supporting companies I don’t care for. And I get to spend more time doing what *I* want to do!
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By miss minimalist |
It is 10:55pm here, I’m working on our tax return, and the ONE pencil we own has run out of lead.
Instead of staying up to the wee hours mired in the fascinating intricacies of the US tax code, I’m going to finish my glass of wine and go to bed.
Who says minimalism doesn’t have its perks? 
By miss minimalist |
 If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ve probably noticed that my subject matter drifts from the profound to the mundane, from the philosophical to the practical. In exploring (and celebrating) a minimalist lifestyle, some days I feel like pondering the meaning of life, and others just pondering how many shoes I own.
Today, I’ll tackle a matter of great significance: the sheets and towels in our linen closet. (Actually, we don’t really have a linen closet, but rather a container for such items in our coat closet; but “linen closet” sounds more elegant, and those of you blessed with more storage space may actually have one!)
When we decluttered before our big move, we found that we had somehow accumulated way too many sheets and towels for a household of two adults. We’re not sure exactly how it happened, but we ended up with quite a collection: “everyday” linens, “good” linens, “guest” linens, “emergency” (ie. shabby) linens, etc. I have to confess, sometimes I’d buy a new set just because it was pretty, or I was in the mood for a change. Then instead of decluttering an older set, I’d hold onto it “just in case.” Embarrassingly enough, one set of sheets was still in its package.
When we started over here in the UK, we were determined to keep a lid on our linen count. To accomplish this, we’re using the following strategies:
1. We only use one size of towel, and dispense with the hand towels, face towels, fingertip towels, and other single function towels.
2. We think of our towels as functional items, not bathroom décor, and don’t feel the need to change them for aesthetic reasons (different colors, designs, etc.).
3. We don’t change sheets with the seasons, as we’ve found simple cotton to suffice just fine. Neither of us likes flannel sheets, so we don’t find it necessary to have separate summer and winter sets.
4. We’ve purchased only what’s absolutely necessary: two towels, and one set of sheets. We used to keep at least a second set of each, for use while laundering the other; but we’ve had no problems washing and drying our single set before putting it back into use.
5. We’re waiting until the last minute to purchase “guest” linens. We’ll purchase an additional set of towels and sheets when the arrival of our first overnight guests is imminent. During the 98% of the year that we’re not providing accommodations for friends and family, that set will serve as our “backup” when we’re laundering the first.
In summary: one set for now, two in the future (if circumstances dictate). It’s just enough to meet our needs, and provide comfort to our guests. Who knows, maybe you can find the meaning of life in that after all.
So what’s in your linen closet? Let us know in the Comments!
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By miss minimalist |
 Vases from Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen This past weekend my husband and I visited Copenhagen, an incredibly beautiful city. It was also incredibly cold, so in order to keep warm, we spent more time than usual going in and out of shops.
We had a wonderful time browsing the local housewares and furnishings stores. We’ve always been drawn to the Danish design aesthetic, as we find its clean lines and simple forms quite appealing. We’ve been using simple glass Bodum coffee mugs for years, and our former sofa (currently in storage back in the States) was made by a small Danish company.
What I particularly like about Danish design is that while it’s minimal, it would never be considered cold or sterile. Danish interiors are often spare, yet still manage to be warm, inviting, and interesting. I thought it’d be a great opportunity to pick up some home décor tips! To that end, I observed how the Danes use the following elements to create beautiful, minimalist spaces:
1. Natural materials. Almost everywhere we went, we noticed the incorporation of wood into the furnishings or room itself. (Even the airport terminal had wood floors, and the train station had a gorgeous beamed ceiling.) Whether it was a sofa, coffee table, or an entire room, a touch of wood gave warmth and texture to the streamlined designs.
2. Light. Window coverings seem to be kept to a minimum, in order to maximize natural light. Cafes and restaurants invariably had simple votive candles flickering on every table, giving the interiors a warm, magical feel with a minimum amount of décor.
3. White. White walls, combined with lots of natural light, made the interior spaces feel light, airy, and spacious. Many of the textiles and ceramics we saw were also ivory or white.
4. Whimsy. Splashes of color, or simple decorative motifs, gave a sense of interest and fun to many of the housewares and interiors we saw. These little touches kept the minimalist aesthetic from being too sterile or serious.
5. Celebration of form. The shape of each vase, bowl, cup, table, or chair seemed to celebrate the item’s function. I imagine that using them would bring a particular mindfulness to the activity in which you’re engaged (be it eating a bowl of soup, drinking a cup of coffee, or arranging flowers in a vase).
While we didn’t purchase anything, we greatly enjoyed the education, and will try to incorporate some of the above principles into our own home. Even though we’re minimalists, we appreciate beautiful design and enjoy creating an environment that’s visually appealing.
If you’re interested in learning more about Danish (and Scandinavian) interiors, I found the following books on Amazon (see if your local library has them!). They’re cheaper than a plane ticket to Denmark.
Does anyone else appreciate Danish/Scandinavian design, or have any other tips for beautifying spare spaces?
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By miss minimalist |
Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
This week, I’m pleased to feature Heather in Texas, who has shared some wonderful simple living advice in her comments to my posts. I hope you enjoy her inspirational story!
Heather in Texas writes:
I am not the type of person who believes that your age, adulthood or job in life dictates a right of passage to acquiring a certain pre-existing list of expected accumulation…whether credit cards (with debt), materials items with the right labels, the right house filled with (insert big box store name here) or even trying to exude a certain lifestyle. I am a visual person that must be comfortable in my surroundings. A mason jar with flowers, my white down comforter, yoga pants with a basic white t-shirt, snuggling with my son or giving my dog a scratch behind the ear. These make me happy and I can always go back over and over, without ever needing to feel that I am not up to snuff with others. I always liked the saying “Follow you Bliss.” No attachment or want…just lot of laughter and good food. It has made me choose EXACTLY what I want and to realize I don’t need a specialized this or that for one task or just because it’s the latest greatest.
I grew up in a packrat, image driven family. The keeping up with it all actually made me have a nervous stomach every time I stepped out the door. When I turned 18, I donated what I had to a charity and got on with MY life…which consisted of joining the military and living out of a duffle bag and back pack. My first little barracks room was shared with 2 other females…I had a bed, a stand up locker and the last small drawer in an otherwise tiny bathroom. It was about quality of quantity and I was in shear simplicity heaven!!!
When I moved into my first apartment, I literally spent weeks living with a white love seat, a large wooden box as a coffee table and storage and double bed mattresses on the floor. I added little bits and pieces here and there that I loved. I never wanted something that had to be in a certain order and arrangement just because. I wanted to invite 20 people over and enjoy myself and not worry about how clean is my house or is my “stuff” up to snuff.
I never really actually thought about minimalism, it honestly just comes natural to me. I know when I need to edit or put things away or when a good cleaning will make me feel better. It is also a metamorphous as I get a bit older. It’s the natural progression in finding me. Even now that I am married with a son and have more than I would like, we still live minimally compared to the average family. Our goal is to put away our paychecks to make that jump out of the rat race as soon as possible or when it just feels right. My ultimate goal is to one day, walk away from whatever I have when “THAT” day comes…whether 10, 20 years or tomorrow and hit the beach with a bag of clothes, a margarita and a smile. I want to not be afraid to waste my whole day building a sand castle or just picking up shells.
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By miss minimalist |
 Wisdom Path, Hong Kong On my recent trip to Hong Kong, I visited the Wisdom Path on Lantau Island. This outdoor “sculpture” consists of thirty-eight wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra, a text treasured by Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists.
The columns, each about 10 meters (~30 feet) in height, are arranged in a figure-eight infinity symbol; they stand on a steep hill, in a serene, natural setting overlooking Lantau Peak.
In short, the Heart Sutra espouses the doctrine of “emptiness.” One of its famous lines teaches that “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.”
Such emptiness is not to be interpreted in a nihilistic, nothing-exists sense. Rather, it means that nothing is absolute—everything is relative and impermanent, and in a constant state of change. Therefore, there is no point in becoming irrationally attached to things.
I couldn’t help but think how beautifully this coincides with minimalism, and living as non-attached to material things as possible. I feel that embracing “emptiness,” rather than clinging to the material aspects of existence, opens us to a more direct, genuine, and fulfilling experience of life.
Although I haven’t taken any Buddhist vows, I agree with (and live according to) many aspects of Zen philosophy. I don’t know whether my minimalism has led me to embrace Zen Buddhism, or vice versa—but the two seem to complement each other very well.
Does anyone else feel a tie between their spiritual beliefs and minimalist lifestyle?
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