For those who appreciate simplicity in any form.

I know a lot of us suffer through Christmas, mostly because our friends and families who don't live by, nor have made an effort to understand the lifestyle, shower us with unwanted materialistic goods. Requesting for nothing is never accepted (nothing is never granted); something is always granted; something material is always given (and mostly, it's purely junk). Donating the gifts brings a lot of guilt, and turmoil between the giver and the receiver. The overindulgence of "temporary stuff" makes it a painful holiday.

So, how about we collectively make the presence of our version of Christmas what we celebrate, instead? If it's for religious reasons, people tend to respect other peoples' boundaries a bit more. And, minimalism is in a sense a religious practice that we engage in to honor both the earth and our souls; it is not "just" a lifestyle... it's a meaningful lifestyle, and deviation from it causes those who are influenced by it physical pain, by anxiety and stress, etc.

So, why couldn't we make our own religious holiday?

I did some brainstorming...

How about we start telling people that we don't celebrate Christmas.

Instead, we celebrate a Quiet Celebration, on Essential Eve and Stillness Day.

On Essential Eve, we practice reflecting a peaceful, understated holiday centered on meaningful gestures.

On Stillness day, our practice evokes a sense of calm and mindfulness, where the act of giving is the focus rather than material accumulation.

On Stillness day, we might accept or give handmade gifts, or edible gifts. But purchased gifts are not traditionally part of the Quiet Celebration.

Unfortunately, outsiders don't tend to understand ideas and concepts others live by without a name being given to it. When a name is given to it, it becomes a "thing" and things occupy space, and have boudaries of their own.

Maybe this is a bit far stretched... but, have any of you really convinced your friends and family by just saying "Please don't get me gifts?" How many of them actually respect your boundary request? I am guessing not many, because the boundary is not clear; they don't understand the significance of the boundary. However, I bet people who say "I celebrate Kwanzaa, not Christmas, for religious reasons" or "I celebrate Hanukkah, not Christmas, for religious reasons" are much more able to get their messages across that they do not want to be included in the frivalous Chrismas gift exchange.

If anybody wants to set this into motion, it will have to be a collective effort in order to make the idea get around and be understood... for the words A Quiet Celebration to have any meaning to people... If you are on board, feel free to add a comment on what you'd like to include into the holiday traditional "rules". Let's make our own Holiday, so that we can finally enjoy Dec. 24/25 as modern day adults.

I realize this was an overly ambitious and maybe radical request of everyone here to think about. But, at the very least, I hope you all know that you are not alone. We share a lot of the same grievances during this holiday season. A season that could be so much richer, if we weren't overwhelmed by the modern presence of materialistic gift giving and receiving that is seemingly forced upon us.

I wish you all a holiday season filled with love, and experiences that are meaningful to you.

I moved recently, and it made me think about furniture a lot. I know there are probably a lot of minimalists that own no furniture, and that's cool- but not for me. I personally love solid wood, antique furniture that's unique. Furniture that's going to last you know? However, it doesn't really fit my current lifestyle I guess. I've discovered that when you're moving apartments every year/ every other year trying to fit a 100 pound, solid wood piece into my car and haul it up and down 3 flights of stairs by myself isn't ideal.

I did recently buy patio furniture, but it's a simple table with 2 chairs that can actually fold up flat and they're perfect in terms of being lightweight and portable while still functional! It made me wish all my furniture was like that. I bought a couch second hand and just the process of finding a friend with a truck and organizing a day both people were available made me consider floor pillows. 😅

Honestly if I felt comfortable enough in my life that I thought I'd be in my current apartment or even my current city forever, I'd spend extra for the solid wood. However, I truly want to move overseas or at least out of state in the next couple years. The idea of dragging around all this stuff plus the exhaustion of taking 8 car trips over 2 days to move all my stuff is half the reason driving me to be a minimalist right now. So I'm either going to just buy second hand or try and find lightweight, portable furniture from now on until my future is more secure. Sorry if I'm ranting, I just wanted to get the perspective of others on this and read about your personal approach when it comes to your furniture.

Guys could you please help me to choose some pieces for my wardrobe? I'm looking for some top-wear which can be worn all around the year... For example i can wear a cotton or oxford shirt in summer as well as during winters, all i need is a thermal undershirt or a sweater. On the other hand I can't wear flannel during summer.

I made a collage of my existing wardrobe ( don't include burgundy Henley as well as polo, i had to return them because of the quality)

I also attached the pieces that I'm considering but feel free to suggest anything you prefer.

https://imgur.com/a/YuEuPm8

I have to confes that my Achilles' heel is food. I normally can control it during the week as a follow my own diet, meal prep, count kcalories, etc. But in situations where food is plenty available I simply eat until I can't no more, and I eat a lot! Example, last month I went to a wedding where food was far available, I ate and drunk so much that I was feeling sick at night, I told myself that I wouldn't do it again. Then today I had our companie's Christmas party and guess what? I did it again

I'm not fat or anything, I'm very fit, gym daily and have a good diet, but every time that food is free or if I go to a buffet I have this urge to eat until I'm about to throw up.

I'm posting here because I see some correlation with minimalism. I'm an adept to minimalism and have no desire for objects like my friends do, however I see they have no desire to eat until they get sick like I do, so I assume this is something I can work on.

I’m a minimalist because I have to be— I have severe ADHD and if I have too much stuff, my mind feels completely cluttered. My boyfriend on the other hand, is definitely not a minimalist. He has stuff EVERYWHERE. Stuff on the walls, stuff on shelves and tables and counters. There are no empty surfaces at his house. And his house is dark. He chose to paint it dark blue when he moved in. I feel so completely claustrophobic when I go there. (And we live 4 hours apart, so I stay for about a week at a time.) I get stressed out just thinking about going there. But he is so defensive and won’t get rid of anything. I’d greatly appreciate any advice. I’ve tried to talk to him about this so many times.

I'm beginning a journey of minimizing so much in my life, unnecessary actions, opinions, objects, and clutter. I'm kind of resisting a lot in my life right now. I'm looking for surprising/smaller things in your life that you have found was helpful in cutting out/reducing. I'm kind of looking for many ways to better myself/clean out everything in my life. I've previously been somewhat of a maximalist, as well as hoarder, and collector. I've been slowly deciding what is important in my life over the past ~year, but I have felt a rejuvenated effort recently.

If this doesn't make sense, or belong here let me know! Thanks!

My two aims in life at the moment is to sort out my money and lose weight / get fit.

My current hobbies include trying to go to live music and reading - I’m going to try and swap this for running as it’s fairly cheap to do and it’ll aid losing weight / not spending loads on gig tickets / travel and books should aid my finances.

I love my tattoos (only have two) and Lego but I’m considering giving up my Lego stuff as it takes up room and focus more on tattoos.

Is this minimalism? Has anyone else restructured their lives like this?

Some maybe remember my comment regarding downsizing and how I seem to have way too many clothes. Well, I need some more insight. I'm currently going through some positive life changes and I think this could lead to some weight and inch loss. I'm not positive, however. The thing is, I would love to downsize and do it by removing my cheap clothes and replacing them with quality items. My question is where to start? If I wind up losing weight in the nearish future, I don't want to lose money. What items should I start replacing that can be altered if I happen to lose weight? Slacks? Jeans? Can dresses be brought in everywhere? What about tops? Advice would be appreciated.

I loooooved this...I'm a sucker for a nice Bullet Journal!
Thought it worth sharing.
Sometimes more is less.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=misPZUHa01E

I have adhd and after listening to the minimalist podcast it’s really helped me. The issue that I’m having is that I’ll get something from amazon or the store with every intention of using it but then my wife puts it away and it ceases to exist anymore. And then when I go through my stuff for the monthly “do we really need this” thing I’m explaining why I got it and what it would help with. Any suggestions to help me combat this issue I’m having??

Im going on a 5 day trip to Florida next week to visit with some family right before Christmas that a family member was kind enough to book for me so I can see them.

That being said I tried to make the flight as cheap as possible and am only bringing one carry-on.

What should I bring with me? I have a small list of essentials I know I must bring.

What would you bring?

We got rid of our TV as I felt like it was really easy to use it as a crutch with 2 young kids and I wanted to make sure I was as actively involved as possible and that I was cultivating their creativity. We have just reached 1 year without a TV in the house and we all love it! Kids don't seem to mind at all and we have a tablet we can use if they ask but they rarely do.

I feel so much lighter without it and I just wanted to share as I never thought we would be able to go without and I'm super proud of us.

Minimal things = maximum life ❤️

Hi! I’m getting closer to my capsule thanks to you all.

Here’s my question… do you just go for it and get rid of things you have not worn or don’t love anymore?

I’m not sure why I’m saying .. just in case?? lol

Like I hate blue so why am I saving blue hats, blue shirt… I never feel pretty in them

What’s your protocol to purge??

Thank you!!

Idk what sustainable way there is to get past my craving for legos (and knock off legos).

Short of making my own playdough which is compostable, or digging up mud to mould..

I'm on ultra consumer crack and quitting it is making me twitchy

Hi guys,Im in the minimalist lifestyle aprox 3 years ago,i get rid of almost everything,clothes,random stuff etc,but something that still in my room it's a collection of 10 books (Pretty little liars saga) but i never read it,idk what and going to do with them,i never readed,im not interesting in doing it(at least the mayority 9f times)it making an space that i want empty,but it was a gif,and also,it hurts me so bad just trow them or donated,the books are in english and im from a country when we talk in spanish,so,any experiences,what in going to do ,please,tell me your opinion,thanks

A friend gave me a belated birthday gift this weekend. Historically this friend gives me all sorts of little trinkets and I always worry about how to get rid of them. This year, he said “I had a really hard time with you because I know you don’t like “stuff,” and then pulled out a beautiful drawing he made of my cat. Best present ever!

Hey guys! We recently finished this little "mother-in-law" / air b&b space and put in that cute little Nespresso machine. But there are pods pods pods everywhere! I thought this would be a much better solution but when my wife sorta took over that space as an office (goodbye income property) she stocked it with, what? 800 dollars worth of coffee pods? There has to be a better way to utilize this space for coffee and to clean this up, keep it tidy, and save some money. Not to mention I feel like a loser when we have all these bags of empty pods that sit in my car to be sent back, never get sent back, and then wind up in the garbage can. Ideas? Help? (please help :). )

https://imgur.com/a/82f5aRR

So, over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey to become a minimalist. I’ve decluttered my life by getting rid of various things, including clothes, old gaming consoles, unnecessary purchases from Amazon and AliExpress, and even some kitchen items. In total, I’ve managed to reduce my belongings to about five or six small boxes.

But I’m wondering when I should stop decluttering. Is there a point where it becomes excessive?

It seems that the more I declutter, the more of a snowball effect it becomes. I find myself looking at everything and not wanting to own it anymore. Owning less has actually helped reduce my stress levels, and I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the reasons behind my initial attraction to certain items.

I’m tired of receiving things. I’m happy with what I have. My family doesnt know me well enough to get me anything of value. How can I politely tell them that I don’t want things. They can still give experiences (restaurant gift cards… etc). All I ever ask for is gas money (I have an hour long commute 5 days/week)

I want to be more conscious about what I bring into my space. How to say this politely?

I don't love doing money because it's so intangible for kids, but I'm also not really in support of dollar store trinkets and I try to be mindful of the inventory we bring into our home. That being said, this child is very much a gifts person and it's a true love language for them.

I would love any ideas you might have for making this a special thing without setting a precedent that's not sustainable.

For whatever it's worth, our kids know the tooth fairy isn't real; we just pretend for fun.

Thank you for any ideas you might have!!

How do you decorate your home as a minimalist????

I’m looking getting getting a futon to replace my bed so I can have more bedroom space but I’m hard-pressed to find an affordable futon that doesn’t seem like it would be a pain to sleep on for longer than a couple of weeks.

Any recommendations that won’t break the bank?

Just a quick reminder since I wanted to clean my email accounts today. In gmail you can create filters for specific words.
I chose words like: Black Friday, cyber monday, discount, price, (...). All mails and future mails wont reach my email anymore.
It helps not only to buy stuff on Black Friday but also having a clean minimal mailbox.

Can someone tell me if this lands in minimalism or not Spoty

After many trials of a capsule wardrobe, it looks like I’m still settling with black as my main color. I’ll add some other colors maybe.

It’s crazy how I just feel so much confidence in black. I definitely need to get more variety but I’m feeling it. Maybe a white or pink here and there.

I’m just excited to eliminate the confusion. My new look is on the way! Losing weight, going blonde and embracing my simple life:) probably go get nails done and not stress if this is minimalism.

I also love how black makes me look thinner too!!

Learning how minimalism is not about restriction but more just loving what you have. Totally in. All of a sudden, couldn’t care less of social media…. I think this happens when you begin to own your true identity, like who cares what people like or don’t like :)

So you've tried telling people "no gifts." You might have begged. And still they insist on getting you unwanted things. And if you try to be firm, it probably turns into an confrontation--- and the holidays always spawn angry arguments anyway.

Instead of arguing with people who don't listen, just accept the gifts with a fake smile and take them directly to a thrift store.

Just because someone bought it for you doesn't mean you have a duty to keep it. You don't even need to take the time to unpack the gift.

That way, you can enjoy everyone's company and have a nice holiday (after all, you and the insistent gift-givers are probably close friends or family). And the unwanted gifts will be gone as soon as you drop them off.

Hello everyone, I'm in the middle of my teen years and i have a big problem with having too much stuff.

I wrote this in spit of anger (kind of but I've calm down) so please bear it.

I have a basic amount of clothes but as I'm looking at is, I've been gaining more and more. I have a lot of dresses, jeans, T-shirts, winter clothes (sweaters with two coats), shoes (heels, and sneakers, boots and a pair of uggs), I put the clothes in three sections, winter clothes, summer clothes (the jeans are both winter and summer), and inside clothes, and its just tshirts, pajama pants, sweat pants (2), and just normal buttoms with a comfortable texture, Idk what to also do with the dresses so i just put the long arms together and the short arms together. I joined the group today since I've also been tired of my sister who since she sees shein as a branded store with low cost stuff as some kind of an amazing store, she buy stuff every month, when she gets her payment, (shes in a medical field so she gets a lot of money), I have talked to her about this but we have argued and argued too much so i'm tired of it. I also still have the clothes from elementary, middle school, and even the new clothes I've been gaining throughout my high school years.

By now I need help myself since she won't contribute. How can I have a basic amount of clothes and stick with them for a year without adding something, where can I start because day by day, I'm tired of living in a trash looking room, this one isn't my fault, and related to minimalism since my sister messes the room up every time I clean it, it'll restart, food mess, clothes mess, shoes mess, at this point everything. I'm utterly tired because when I visit my friend's houses I see their rooms are always the same when I come back, I clean my room like a day within a week but at this point I'm tired..

The main point is I'm tired of my sister's attitude so I plan to only take care of what's mine, please help me, where do i start, I've been stuck with this for a long time, where to start. My sister and I have argued a lot and I realized shes a little bit immature about this situation, so please, I just need help with my side, I just need a guidance through this since my parents are of maximalists too and won't help, and never listened to any of my opinion about this.

Unfortunately due to my sister's traveling (the hotels) and insane of having more and more stuff she has brought bed bugs in the house and as tired as I am, I want to do something that'll also help my siblings (bigger) do something as well, I want minimalist as a lifestyle as well because having no space stresses me out. I hope that was not too personal but my family is somehow okay with living like this but I'm not so I want to start with becoming a minimalist first and then I'll pay for the pest control.

Also, our whole house is clean except all of our rooms..

Thank You, I will appreciate anyone who hears me out. Thank You again.

I live in a 280 square foot condo with my fiance and 2 cats. To be honest, the layout is perfect and w'ere able to fit a king size bed, have a computer desk for my gaming tower, washer/dry + dishwasher, store my ebike stored inside the unit, and still have plenty of play area for our cats. I can even play VR after I shift the futon around, which is awesome.

It does take a lot of effort to keep everything clutter-free, but both of us feel like we aren't cramped and we've been here for 2 years now. We pretty much keep the main living room area empty besides the cats' play house & cat trees. We have a drop table for sharing meals and move our bench that we use as an ottoman back and forth for our chair.

Once we upgrade to a larger condo or single family house later down the line, I'm sure we'll feel like royalty haha. Luckily we have a free storage unit downstairs which is obviously packed to the brim (literally) with all unused items.

I had some stuff stolen from me that was kept stored in my room, by a housemate of mine. The stuff included CDs, old 'dumb' phones, a camera, and personal recordings and documents from 10-20 years ago, which I won't be able to recreate.

It's been months but I'm still traumatised by it. It's stuff I don't "need" to function, and I should just get over it, but I can't stop thinking about it. I never really purchased much to begin with, but I've just been on a journey to try to sell everything superfluous, for small amounts here and there, which is a lot of trouble and work really. Seems easier to just dump everything in a bin and be done with it.

I don't feel unsafe as I know it was a dodgy housemate and a one-off, but I feel like I want to get rid of everything remotely personal I have now and just reset, as I feel violated and that anything can be taken from me unless I watch over it 24/7. Has anyone else experienced a theft of such sentimental items and has minimalism helped you to deal with this?

I'm a senior in college and about to move in with my fiance sometime next year. I want to minimize clutter by only bringing things I need/love into the new house. I don't know where to start or how to do this since I've lived in this room for almost 8 years. I'm a sentimentalist and maximalist so decluttering is hard for me. TIA for any advice!