By miss minimalist |
 One is enough I often wonder if the urge to collect is hard-wired in the human race, or just something encouraged by our society.
When I was a child, I remember my friends building collections of dolls, coins, baseball cards, comic books, and pop culture/movie memorabilia. I always felt a little left out. I don’t know if it was due to a lack of interest, short attention span, or early minimalist tendencies, but I had zero desire to participate in the collecting trends that were popular at the time (I won’t date myself by naming them!).
When I was a young adult, however, I finally caved to the pressure. In our post-college days, my boyfriend (now husband) and I started collecting vintage cocktail shakers to decorate our apartment. We had a great time scouring antique shops and flea markets to track them down. To be honest, I think we did it more for the thrill of the hunt than the actual objects.
Then one day, we stopped and asked why on earth we were collecting these things (we had acquired about 20-30 by that time). I think we both realized we weren’t getting any pleasure out of the objects themselves; we simply enjoyed having a mutual hobby, and could just as well entertain ourselves with other pursuits.
Fortunately, we were able to liquidate the entire collection on eBay in six weeks –- and we felt so *free* after the last one left our home!
Needless to say, that was my first and only foray into the world of collecting. I’ve only been tempted once since then, when I acquired a lovely kokeshi doll from Japan (see photo above) and considered purchasing more. However, I recalled my first collecting experience, and knew I’d eventually tire of them and end up selling them on eBay. Therefore, I decided to bypass the entire process by declaring that “one is enough.”
I’d love to hear about your experiences with collecting. Have you ever had a collection? Or have you dissolved one in your minimalist journey? Let me know in the Comments.
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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.
Today we have a wonderful contribution from Christopher, who explains how his childhood experiences inspired him to pursue a simpler, more minimalist life.
Christopher writes:
I was raised in a family where every square inch of every home I ever lived in as a child was used to its maximum potential. It wasn’t cluttered; it was organized, but boy was it ever filled! You had to squeeze around the garage to get out of the cars. Food and supplies were stored around all walls of the garage. There was a whole drawer dedicated to “wire”, cookie jars filled with breath mints, racks 3 deep times 5 wide with laundry detergent, an unplugged refrigerator that stored nuts, a freezer with “seal-a-meal” planned-overs, and tupperware bowls of soup and frozen bread. Growing up, some friends thought we were preparing for the apocalypse. I didn’t know life could be different. My parents had parents of the great depression, and while they didn’t keep busted up rusted out hardware and bent nails to straighten up one day like their folks did, they did jump into the big box store mentality of buy in bulk, bigger is better, and more is safer.
But when I moved away to college I learned life could be simpler. Having one of an item and fully using it up; and going out mindfully to replace it meant a lot to me. Having a refrigerator where at the end of the week I could wipe it down because I saw the back of it, made me smile. Being able to move from my rented apartment and pack all of my belongings in one car made me happy beyond belief. Of course along the way I collected more and more things.
Nonetheless, when I set out to own my own home and create my own life, I was mindful of having drawers where I knew what the contents were inside. And I didn’t have to press hard on the contents to close them. Closets in the guest room that didn’t have my own seasonal outfits in them, but instead just two pillows and a blanket, and ten empty hangers. A key ring that has three keys on it, all of which I use every day. I learned to cherish the space between things rather than the things themselves. I’ve been happier for it. I did marry someone closer to my parents then myself in this regard. It brought a smile to my face when I saw a box recently labeled “junk drawer” and opened it to find a time capsule of items from my wife’s junk drawer 3 moves and 12 years ago. Items she hasn’t needed for over a decade; still following us like a dust bunny.
-Christopher
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By miss minimalist |
 When I wake up each morning, the first thing I do is read a passage from the Tao Te Ching. For those who aren’t familiar with it, the Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese philosophical text written by Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC. It’s relatively short, consisting of 81 passages, so I read through it about 4 ½ times each year.
Over the years, its words have shaped my actions, decisions, and the direction of my life. At the same time, my life experiences have given me a deeper understanding, and appreciation, for its words.
Today I’d like to share some of my favorite minimalist quotes from the Tao Te Ching. They’re from a wonderful translation by Stephen Mitchell; his interpretation is modern, readable, and particularly accessible for those new to the text.
1. “In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.”
2. “If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.”
3. “If you want to be given everything, give everything up.”
4. “If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.”
5. “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.”
6. “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
7. “In the pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.”
8. “The Master’s power is like this.
He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire.
He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed.
He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old.”
9. “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.”
10. “The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others, the happier he is.
The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is.”
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By miss minimalist |
Lately, I’ve been captivated by the idea of white floors.
Sure, they’re probably impractical, and a bugger to keep clean, but my goodness are they beautiful! (And I think they’d fare well in my no-shoes, no-pets household.)
Of course, I’ll be living in a rented flat for the foreseeable future, so I won’t have white floors of my own any time soon. For now, I’ll content myself with gazing at these lovely photos from Apartment Therapy…and sharing them with you.
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By miss minimalist |
 Warren and Betsy Talbot 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 thrilled to present Warren and Betsy Talbot’s story. They’ve sold almost all of their stuff, and plan to embark on a multi-year, worldwide trip. Visit their blog, Married with Luggage, to follow their adventure!
Warren and Betsy write:
Our names are Warren and Betsy Talbot, and we just sold our house and most of our belongings to embark on a 4-year journey around the world. We started off a few years ago with a 3000-square-foot house in the suburbs of Boston and are now renting a furnished room from a friend in Seattle before we head out on October 1 for South America.
Want to know what happened in between?
Our minimalist story starts with wanting to have more of a life, which in our case meant less stuff. We decided to change jobs to limit our insane work hours (and the “stuff” we needed to soothe ourselves), leading to a move to Seattle. We bought a 1000-square-foot townhouse, unloading a lot of stuff both before and after our move. Life was good.
A year after we moved we had 2 people close to us suffer major medical problems (both in their 30s), which was a huge wake-up call for us.
LIFE IS SHORT.
We started evaluating what was important to us in life and realized we lived for our yearly big vacations. We could do without a lot of big living in our day-to-day if we could have more travel. So we started planning – what would it take to travel full-time? What we would do with our stuff? And so it began.
Almost 2 years later we have saved a lot of money, sold our house, 90% of our possessions, and have homes ready for our dog and cat as well as a few treasured art and personal pieces we want to keep. Everything else was just holding us back from living the way we really want.
I think minimalism gets a bad rap because people think it is all about giving things up. But until you get that stuff from your past out of your way, you don’t have room to let a big future come in. In my way of thinking, minimalism is the extravagant way to live because you get what you really want out of life.
You can read more about our downsizing and trip planning efforts at Married with Luggage and click on the Simplicity link to find out all the creative ways we got rid of our stuff (and made a few bucks).
Three cheers for going small to live really big!
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By miss minimalist |
After purging all my office supplies when we moved overseas, I was determined to keep my new workspace as simple and streamlined as possible. Not only do I work better in an uncluttered environment; I don’t want to accumulate anything extra by the next time we move!
Here’s ten techniques to keep things to a minimum:
1. Stop incoming paperwork. Get off mailing lists, cancel magazine subscriptions, and sign up for online billing and statements. The less physical mail you have to deal with (and file), the better!
2. Digitize existing paperwork. Sure, a scanner is one more piece of office equipment; but it’ll probably take up less space than the paperwork it replaces! If you don’t need a physical copy of something, turn it into bits and bytes – that way, you’ll still have the info, without all the clutter.
3. Print as little as possible. Think long and hard before you hit the “print” button – the last thing you need is more paperwork to file! As an alternative, print to a PDF file using free software like cutePDF or pdf995.
4. Use an online fax service. Instead of devoting valuable space to a fax machine, make use of an online service like eFax.com. If you only send faxes once in a blue moon, do it from Staples or a copy shop.
5. Lose the landline and answering machine. If you use your cell phone and voice mail to conduct business, you can do away with these devices and save the desk space.
6. Think multi-functional. The more things you can accomplish with one machine, the better. For example: instead of having a separate printer, scanner, and photocopier, invest in one device that performs all three tasks.
7. Downsize your supplies. If you’ll never use 1000 paperclips, 500 file folders, or 50 pens, give away the excess (to friends, family, or a nonprofit). Instead of buying super-size quantities of office items, purchase only what meets your needs.
8. See what you can live without. Don’t own things simply because they’re “expected.” I never thought I could go a year without a stapler or paperclips — but I’m happy to report that I have. (I guess attaching papers isn’t as important as I’d thought!) I also haven’t had need of a highlighter, hole punch, or rubber bands (all things I used to own).
9. Ditch the desktop. A laptop takes up much less space, and gives you the freedom to work anywhere. You may even end up ditching the desk! 
10. Do less work. Just kidding (sort of). Instead of taking on every project that comes down the pike, leave yourself a little free time. Not only will you be less stressed; you’ll have an emptier inbox, desk, and file cabinet to boot!
What techniques do you use to create a minimalist workspace? Share them with us in the comments!
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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, Sarah shares her story with us. I love her honesty about her struggles with consumerism (we’ve all been there!), and her determination to continue on a minimalist path.
Sarah writes:
Ever since I was little, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with “stuff.” Acquiring it gives me a thrill, having it when I need or want it gives me a feeling of security and control, but having it in my space grates on my nerves!
I am the kind of person who feels uneasy and mentally scattered amidst clutter. In my teenage years, I acquired masses of stuff. Somewhere around 18, I downsized much of it. This cycle has continued throughout my life, and today I’m in debt as well as a downsizing mode again.
I currently live in approximately 650 square feet with my boyfriend. I lived in this one bedroom apartment alone before he moved in and I had a bed, dressing table, dresser, couch, chair, flatscreen tv, 2 end tables, dining table, and 6 dining chairs. My boyfriend contributed another flatscreen tv and stand, an elliptical trainer, and quite a few articles of clothing, toiletries, etc.
Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning in our stuff, but I’m hesitant to part with things because I’m in so much debt that I literally can’t afford to replace anything if I need it later. I am also struggling with how to declutter while living with another person (who sometimes questions why I am selling things) and what the next phase of minimalism is after my physical stuff has been decluttered.
This is not to say that I haven’t come a long way. I own considerably less than most people my age. When I moved into my current apartment, friends who stopped by before I got settled were shocked at the paltry number of boxes I had. I recently became vegan (primarily an ethical choice) and I am trying to focus on simple pleasures like walking to the library, taking trips to the beach, and cooking at home.
I haven’t completely freed myself from the grasp of consumerism. Makeup, shiny hair, and high heels are a big part of my identity and I love having the perfect outfit or accessory for an occasion. A part of me still has expensive tastes and desires status symbols and exotic vacations. However, I keep striving for true luxury: a simple and minimalist home with one prominent vase of lovely flowers; a clear and uncluttered mind with one focus at a time; a serene and grounded life.
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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.
Today, it’s my pleasure to bring you Gil’s story. Dissatisfied with the amount of “stuff” in his life, Gil set out to purge three-quarters of his possessions. I’m so glad he’s decided to share his experience with us!
Gil writes:
I could say my own path to minimalism started not only as a desire to downsize my personal possessions, but also to take the focus off of said items and project it onto those things which are much greater and bigger than me. Now, my goal is not to rid myself of everything except my toothbrush, BUT, to live and enjoy only those things which I need and will give me happiness. In essence, I am seeking freedom from consumerism and material excess.
I was raised in a wonderful home full of life’s “creature comforts” and as an only child, I had never wanted for anything. Additionally, I was, like so many in American society, conditioned to think that unless we are surrounded by an abundance of material goods and spend our weekends shopping at the local mall, we are unsuccessful and don’t “fit” in with society’s norms and expectations.
Over time, I amassed over 200 books, Hundreds of VHS tapes and DVDs, close to 250 CDs, 10 video game consoles and countless games, artwork, clothes, you name it. Plus, I have a storage shed full of things that I hadn’t used for years. I still relished the thought that those items would “come in handy” some day. An item that I was mesmerized by would loose its “coolness” in a month, only to be replaced by something even better, and the cycle would repeat itself.
When buying things without hesitation or conviction, I didn’t consider the bigger picture, but lived for the moment. I also failed to take into account that one day, I would want to get rid of them. In due time, I began to feel overwhelmed, suffocated and weighed down by all of these things. Around 2007, I began to develop a plan to rid myself of at least 70-80% of the items I owned. It would not be an easy undertaking, but I was bound and determined.
I started with the storage shed. I cleaned it out over the course of two weekends and forgot I had more than half of the things in there. I donated, pitched and sold those items. I also gladly told the storage company I would no longer need their services. I then turned my attention to my apartment and was relentless over the course of several months. CDs I no longer listened to, books no longer read and movies no longer watched went to the exit door. They were sold and donated. Clothes that no longer fit or were out of style, donated. The same applied to the remaining items. In 2007, I moved to be closer to my fiancée and got rid of more things.
As recent as this weekend, I did some more purging and donated more books, sold more DVDs, video games and CDs. Now, I am down to 20 books, 2 game consoles, 30 DVDs and 20 video games. I also burned my remaining CD collection onto my IPOD. I would still like to go through my wardrobe, but as of this writing, I feel I have “arrived”. Needless to say, I feel like a new person, re-born, so to speak. Plus, I take comfort that someone else can use and enjoy those things I no longer want.
Striving for a minimalist and simpler way life does NOT equate to an existence of deprivation or denial. In fact with each day, I am feeling a sense of freedom, richness and wealth that extra things and “stuff” simply could not accomplish for me. I am also free to explore other areas and avenues in life that I allowed to be closed off because of my accumulation of and fascination with things. While I strove to “keep up with the Joneses, I left Gil behind in the process and came up empty. Additionally, the price tag of having too much supersedes any dollar figure. It can be stressful and mentally draining.
My wife to be hasn’t yet been bitten by the Minimalist bug, but she told me that she admired me for what I was doing and hopes to follow suit, but not to the extent I have. We will be moving into a brand new home soon, so hopefully that will be some impetus for her.
I still enjoy the few things I have elected to keep and now I can really appreciate their value and beauty even more. I can also focus on what’s really important at the moment.
In conclusion, Minimalism isn’t a current fad or buzzword for me, but a long-term journey. I’m sure it will be challenging at times, but I am ready!
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By miss minimalist |
When my husband and I travel, we love to walk the streets of foreign cities and admire the architecture. We’ve seen it all: from the Art Nouveau apartment houses of Prague, to the neon skyscrapers in Hong Kong, to the Gothic cathedrals in almost every European country. What we don’t see very often: minimalist buildings.
Therefore, I was delighted to encounter some lovely examples on a recent trip to Helsinki and Tallinn (a 2-hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland). After spending the last several months gazing at elaborate turrets, intricate stonework, and churches carved with every manner of saint, sinner, and gargoyle, the Scandinavian architecture was a breath of fresh air. The white stucco, simple silhouettes, and unadorned facades of these buildings made my minimalist heart sing!
So today, I’d simply like to share some snaps from my trip. I hope you enjoy the minimalist eye candy, and perhaps be inspired to visit these beautiful cities!
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