The Minimalism Paradox - The Minimalists (2024)

FAQs

What is the paradox of minimalism? ›

Minimalists don't avoid material possessions; we avoid excess. Paradoxically, by owning less, the things we own bring greater joy to our lives. In other words, all of our things are our favorite things.

Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the 90/90 rule is a decluttering process that requires you to ask yourself two questions about objects you're not sure about: Have you used it in the past 90 days? And if not, will you use it in the 90 days ahead?

Minimalists spend money on all sorts of things all the time. The difference lies in what they spend money on. Minimalist's choose to spend money on experiences, true necessities, personal growth, and others. They choose not to spend money on extra stuff that is bound to become clutter.

Minimalism is a movement with the goal of reducing physical and mental clutter on an individual basis. People who practice it own fewer items and try to find more purpose in the things they own or practice, developing enhanced organizational skills to guide day-to-day decisions more efficiently.

It Helps Relieve Your Mind from Stress.

However, if you're a minimalist, your mind gets a lot of relief. You'll be better positioned to reorganize your mind and life. Remember, positive thinking will let you have fewer mental triggers as you have less things disturbing your mind.

Minimalism experts believe in freeing yourself from modern “possession mania”. In practice, what minimalism most often comes down to is a live-from-a-suitcase lifestyle that prioritizes experience over objects.

Project 333™ is the minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.

'At the core, the six month rule basically states that when you are organizing your space and decluttering, anything you haven't used in the past six months can probably go,' explain Ben Soreff, a declutterer at House to Home Organizing. 'The rule allows for exceptions including holiday decorations and keepsakes.

Remove Everything and Replace Only What You Use

No matter what rule I use when decluttering a messy space, my first step is always to remove every item, clear out the offending closet or cabinet, and wipe it down.

How much money do minimalists save? ›

Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs

The more items you own, the more things that can break or need repair. A minimalist lifestyle can help you save on these unexpected expenses by owning fewer things. A conservative estimate might be a 10% saving on maintenance and repair costs, which averages to about $200 a year.

Minimalism isn't about spirituality or religion, but there are a lot of minimalists who follow God or live by a set of spiritual principles.

According to a survey by the Simplicity Institute, an organization that surveyed 2,500 people across various countries who self-identified themselves as living with fewer possessions, 87 percent of respondents indicated they were happier now than when they owned more possessions.

IT IS INTENTIONALITY.

It is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. At its core, being a minimalist means intentionally promoting the things we most value and removing everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality upon us.

Minimalism as a life philosophy boils down to living a simple life with fewer but carefully selected things, fewer commitments and less noise to, instead, gain more clarity on the things that truly matter, more time, and more calm.

In essence, minimalism promotes conscious decision-making about belongings, time, energy, and relationships. Minimalists are authentic, valuing simplicity and rejecting superficial mass consumerism. They aim to highlight the beauty, essence, and true purpose of things in their lives.

Minimalist Lifestyle Tips

Don't try to be extreme if it doesn't fit what you want your life to look like. The whole point is to live a life that you enjoy and that brings you happiness. That's what minimalism is all about. Removing stuff that you don't love so that you can enjoy doing what you love.