For those who appreciate simplicity in any form.

This year I have decided to focus more on reading than on buying books. I have been reading for pleasure for several years and have set an annual reading goal, which I have met well. However, I always get the urge or impulse to buy books (mainly digital) that pile up and I don't read. I now have a library of more than 150 titles, so this year I have set myself a challenge: not to buy books for a whole year. These are the rules of the challenge:

1. Do not buy any books until January 2026 (neither digital nor physical).

2. The challenge ends in January 2026, but can be extended until I finish all the books I have.

3. Adapt my reading to each situation I face during the year (my library contains books that reflect my personal interests: minimalism, lifestyle, philosophy, novels, literary classics, etc.).

*Books that I must read for work or academic subjects could be an exception.

At the end of the first year of the challenge, I will review how it went and decide whether to continue it. The idea is to create a balance so that I can take advantage of and enjoy the books I already have, without being distracted by thinking about acquiring new ones.

I’ve been slowly decluttering and getting rid of things that no longer have value or use for me. My space already feels a lot cleaner and I feel so much more peace as of lately, the feeling of being free from a lot of stuff is so freeing. On the other side I’m afraid of making bigger moves and regretting getting rid of some stuff. I donate a part of my collection that I didn’t care for and plan on selling other pieces but I’m afraid I’ll miss them even though I wouldn’t buy them nowadays and I wish I haven’t bought lots of my stuff in the past. How do you get past the fear of regretting?

Personally I have two 32 oz water bottles that I rotate when one is dirty, one sticker covered hydroflask and one green “cirkul” bottle. I also have one 30oz metal tumbler that I was gifted. No mugs no other glasses.

This has been on my radar a lot over the past few months. Over this past week, however, my four month old baby has stared at my Apple Watch more times that I can count completely enthralled and distracted by the little tiny screen. That was the final sign I needed to take it off.

Today was day one. I took my 20 year old stainless steel Tourneau watch (arguably still very nice!) to have the battery replaced because I do still want to, ah hem, tell time. So I’m experimenting with doing it the old fashioned way for the first time in years.

The first thing I noticed was how NICE it is to not feel digitally tethered all the time. It was as if my attention constantly had a tiny little voice nagging at it 24/7. As for the fitness tracking, I’m also not one to need more motivation to work out and be physically active…it’s just part of who I am.

So yes, it’s still an experiment, but I’m proud to say I’m really happy with the results so far.

Anyone else do this?

I’ve probably spent $700-1000 on everything.

Console: $385 Charging dock: $22 Animal crossing Controller: $75 Black controllers: $45 Pro controller: $50 Probably 10+ Games: $300-500 Cases: $50

I could have easily spent over $1000

It scares me to think that because it doesn’t feel like it when you buy stuff one at a time.

I basically struggled with a spending addiction of hobby phases and this was one of them. It stemmed from seeing a grandma playing animal crossing and I just coveted.

I barely played the console, but for a summer my friends absolutely loved playing it.

The only use I might still have for it is to play grand theft auto because even after 30 years I still play it here and there.

What do it do? I listed everything for $650 and no one was interested. I can try $500. Is it worth selling it for half the price I paid? Should I sell the games individually?

I’ve become very minimalist and sold most of my phases but this is one item that has stuck behind

I have some photography equipment, tech boxes, a printer I use from time to time, a hunting rifle, bike rack, box of cables and souvenirs that I have lying around. Where do you keep all the STUFF that you only use from time to time? And would you consider getting rid of it if you only use it occasionally?

For those who don't know, OCS is a variation of OCD generally characterized by obsessive decluttering or "anti-hoarding". A lot of people, even most lifelong minimalists who identify strongly with the philosophy, have never heard of it.

In general, the line between minimalism and OCS (and between all healthy and unhealthy behaviors) is whether it has a negative impact on your life. Some of the indicators are:

• Feeling like something isn't "complete", like an itch you keep trying to scratch but can't
• Getting rid of useful things only to rebuy them over and over again (rather than just a few times in an error of judgment)
• Anxiety vis a vis clutter, even if your space is immaculate, you can never get rid of enough
• Distressing levels of guilt/anxiety and surrounding what and how much you own
• A "rush" when you get rid of something, even when maybe you logically shouldn't
• Chronic financial harm, not just in the beginning when you're making a lifestyle change
• The idea that when things are finally "perfect" or you're done decluttering you'll finally be free, and yet that day never comes and practically can't
• Purging when nervous or anxious about life events
• Existing OCD

I'm not trying to say that minimalism = disorder or that everyone falls into one or both categories, I'm just wondering because sometimes I mention it to more extreme minimalists and there's this lightbulb OH moment where they have a label to attach to the "minimalism" that is actually causing them to suffer as opposed to helping them (or not).

Hi all, I live in a camper so minimalism is my friend and it has been challenging learning how to be more disciplined. Coming from a 3k sqft house with dogs and a son. Anywho, I’m looking for a minimal utensils organizer. The drawers is 9x11 and my initial choice was the Joseph Joseph stacked one that’s common at Amazon and I have seen at Ross. That one is too long. My new idea is having like pegs with adhesive inside the drawer and just stack the utensils. Anyone got any recommendations. Trying to have it take the least amount of volume as possible.

Currently I’m looking for affordable options, I’d like to spend under $400 preferably, I’m interested in Matsu currently, but I’m also looking emoor, both create authentic Japanese futons.

If anybody has any suggestions or insight on these that’d be really appreciated, I currently own a Japanese futon that is in desperate need of replacement.

I live in a fairly small house with a husband and two children. I feel like my house is just busting at the seams with stuff. With a small house comes small closets. I want to downsize my closet. Every time I try I end up shopping again. Like I go in phases. I believe a lot of my shopping has to do with my self esteem/ body image. I find myself just browsing online then buying so much. A lot I end up returning but I do have a lot of clothes/shoes/boots/bags. The worst part is I work from home except one day a week. Where I could wear anything. I go to the gym five days a week. So it’s not like I have a lot of occasions to wear the clothes I have anyway. I feel so defeated. The closets on my house are overflowing. My kids have a lot of toys but I can’t exactly ask them to get rid of things if I can’t do it myself. Plus they will grow out of a lot of their toys anyway at some point. Any help or suggestions that has worked for anyone here would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, how do you guys deal with objects/clothes that have emotional value ? I have a lot of clothes that I never wear but they were my mom's and she passed away. I have also a lot of random things that belonged to her all around my apartment but it's hard to decide if I should throw them away.

Hey minimalists.

I hate my big cloumsy bed.. I want to get rid of it.

So.. Im looking for the best quality, transportable or foldable bed you can buy.

Preferable it should be 2 single beds. So i can seperate them from when sleeping two. (I need alot of space when i sleep)

EDIT: Maybe something that can be used as a sofa/ couch when not for sleeping.

anyone knows whats the best choice?

I'm finding I need a good medium size purse.

I have 1 cheap, tiny, vegan leather purse that's a little bigger than a clutch that barely holds anything. Got it for clubs, travel, and I thought daily.

And I have 1 big black leather purse I call my "black bag of holding." It's a vintage name brand I bought at a thrift store overseas and had for 5 years so far.

Both are black and simple design.

I feel like my daily sweet spot might be a more medium purse. I would like to buy a purse once and not need to replace it if possible (like my big one). Style wise I'm into either basic black, or edgy + goth (lol I know).

My big purse is too big for daily, but great when I need to haul a lot of stuff (example: headphones, notebooks, water bottle, snacks); it's close to tote size. The small one cannot hold my phone + pocket A6 notebook + keys + Aviator wallet + touch up makeup (like compact and lipstick). I really need something that can hold all that, and maybe a little more wiggle room for headphones ect. But at least those basics.

Lifestyle wise I'm a DJ and yoga teacher.

Are there any styles or brands fellow minimalist women recommend? I'm so lost. Handbags are not something I'm educated on (more into backpacks as a DJ). I'd post on the handbag sub - but all the posts are about having like 6-100 name brand handbags and that's not my vibe. I thought I could survive with 2, but I'm thinking 3 is more my place.

What bags do you have? How many? What's your favorite?

TDLR; looking for a medium size bag that can fit phone + pocket A6 notebook + keys + Aviator wallet + touch up makeup (like compact and lipstick) + small headphones

I'm wondering how people cope with downsizing when there's monetary value and potential functions for things you own.

For example, I don't make much money. I'm pretty into fashion. I'd love to downsize my closet. But, some of my clothing isn't cheap and could still serve me for years and years. Shoes, for example, have a lifespan. So if I already have a few extra pair of shoes, it'll stretch the lifespan of the ones I wear, because I won't wear the same pair every day. It can feel difficult to get rid of stuff when it feels like I'm taking a monetary loss.

I could sell stuff second-hand, but rarely do you get a good deal. Better than nothing, I suppose

Has anyone dealt with these feelings? Has anyone regretted downsizing their closet?

It's so stressfree because I don't have to think much or give so much thought about what to choose I just see what fits best among the clothes I have and I'm good to go

I (23f) hated social media culture in high school because it made me feel horrible about myself. I never understood the fixation on it either. I would watch videos or read articles and forums about taking breaks or deleting socials for good, and how life changing it would be. I really believed that something was missing, and that deleting social media would help me a lot. It seemed like the answer to a lot of my questions. Eventually I deleted instagram when I was a junior in high school, and I never had facebook or twitter. When tiktok came along, I became a user even though I didn't use other platforms. To me, tiktok felt different. I liked tiktok because of the personal algorithm, not having to consume celeb media if I didn't want to, and it seemed like there was content for every person, regardless of interest. I made music and posted some singing videos that actually gave me a lot of followers and attention but that anxious feeling social media has always given me came with the response of my content. I eventually deleted my account and the app after posting for just a few months. I became really involved on discord because I loved to play games with online friends. Eventually the same feelings I got from instagram in high school crept in while using discord. I eventually deleted it too, and youtube became my main source of "social media" if it could even be considered that. I justified it because it can be genuinely resourceful. But now even youtube seems different, with the ads and never ending self promotion of celebrities. I never wanted to become someone who just sat online doing nothing but consuming, and always ran away from the idea of that.

With this being said, I don't believe my life is better because of this. I feel such a disconnect from society even more. Part of me is starting to think that I have fixated on this idea of being social media-less, and I wonder if it's a way for me to avoid society in yet another way? I am a very bubbly person in public and am not afraid to talk to new people in hopes of making new friends, and I've been told from many co workers that I am extremely magnetic, and a joy to work with. I've always tried to make the most out of social interactions. But it feels stale and fleeting. People are so anti-social these days. I don't connect well with others even though I am trying very very hard; people can't understand someone who puts themselves out there boldly to make lasting friendships. This lifestyle is not satisfying to me, and now it is hard for me to get on an app such as tiktok, even to just look at ideas or inspiration; things I love. I love nature and spas and hydrotherapy and I tried viewing those things online because it makes me feel comfort but it seems like I can't handle being on a social media app to try and get some joy without feeling like I'm "getting swept up in society". I am literally torn. I feel disconnected from society even though I don't have issues with talking to people. My creativity is lacking, even though I thought that being offline for so long would make it grow. Do I still keep trying to live a life offline? Do I need to work on myself and control my habits? Do I have an unhealthy relationship with social media? If so, any ideas on where this might stem from?

Especially TK, always going on his prefab motivational speaker rants. No doubt he turns the chair backwards before “rapping” with some high school kids about Catholicism (no offense to Catholics, he just seems like a phony).

It’s too bad because I liked a couple of the episodes I heard initially. But then I kept listening and realized these guys are hacks. The one dude’s grand life lesson was that he shouldn’t have financed a Rolex when he got a fancy corporate job. How stupid could you possibly be?

Outerwear seems to be the area I struggle with the most. I divide mine into lighter more "indoor" jackets and outdoor ones and coats.

Indoor

• leather vest
• red light jacket (sorta like cardigan)
• black light jacket (sorta like cardigan)
• jean jacket

Outdoor

• puffer vest
• black leather jacket
• brown leather jacket
• workwear jacket

Coats

• raincoat
• leather hooded cropped coat
• long down winter coat
• velvet peacoat
• wool peacoat

I feel like I found the perfect amount of shoes for my lifestyle so I wanted to share with you guys.

My everyday shoes:

1. Sandals (summer)
2. Loafers (summer + warmer mid-season)
3. Waterproof sneakers (mid-season)
4. Ankle booties (colder mid-season + winter)
5. Knee-high boots (winter)

This way I have two options to choose from at any given moment in the year. Switching between two pairs allows me to keep them smelling clean. Living in a wet cold climate doesn't help.

The shoes I need for my hobbies:

1. Motorcycle boots in case I ever crash on my bike
2. Trail runners, which function as both my hiking shoes and running shoes
3. Indoor gym shoes for weight lifting

For important events where I have to look fancy:

1. Shiny black mary-janes (feminine vibe)
2. Dress shoes (masculine vibe)

My everyday shoes are all barefoot shoes, which is why I have these two separate non-barefoot shoes for special events (even the fanciest barefoot shoes still look a little weird).

Then what is left:

1. Indoor slippers (I cannot wear outdoor shoes inside)
2. Flip-flops are mandatory for swimming pools and public saunas.
3. Rubber rain booties for gardening. I also take them camping and to muddy festivals. Even if water/dirt gets into these, I can rinse them out, change socks and my feet are completely dry and warm again. I wish I had figured this out sooner.

That's 13 in total. I guess I could reduce that number, but not without sacrificing hobbies, hygiene or comfort.

How many shoes do you guys have?

Genuine question for those who own businesses, are active in the community, or are a part of non-profit group. Can you function without social media and still fulfill your obligations/stay connected to your community?

Context: I own a local business and am part of non-profit leadership in a rural, small town (County pop. 13k, city pop. 6k). We have no central source of information distribution aside from FB and Insta. We have a tiny, weekly paper that only old people read and all of our radio stations come from bigger cities nearby. Because of this, all advertising or notice of events and news takes place through word of mouth or local FB groups and posts. I would love to disconnect and not deal with social media on a personal level but I feel that it is very much a requirement for functioning in my area on a community level. Without it, I have no way of learning about what's happening locally or of spreading the word about my own events and efforts.

Has anyone in a similar situation cut the digital cords? How did it work out? What adjustments did you make? Is it even possible in this scenario?

Thanks for reading!

Hi All! I've been a minimalist for good few years now. Went through the ruthless decluttering stage, the counting stage, tiny living situation stage, clean black and white home decor stage, capsule wardrobe, digital minimalism, lifestyle essentialist etc., you know how it goes I bet.

At the moment I've found myself to be much less occupied with all that, although the skills and mindset I've learned do help me day to day. I do declutter periodically, usually room by room, whenever I feel like the situation calls for it or if I have to reorganize something.

Question to all of the seasoned minimalists: have you also found yourselves to be a bit less radical in time? Or the other way around: you're still counting stuff years into it with rigid rules? Or maybe you're lurking here still, but went fully in the other direction?

Are there any rules that you still follow 100%, or do you now rely on your intuition more? Anything you do or keep in mind to maintain the lifestyle?

So...as I'm decluttering things I don't need anymore, I find that I end up with a lot of empty counters and spaces and I'm not a fan of this sterile/empty look...
I'm also not good at caring for plants and I just don't know what I could put around the place to make it more cozy. I definetly don't want to buy a lot of stuff, especially decoration items with no use.
Does anyone have advice on more sensible things to embellish the home a bit?

Feel free to suggest diy things or upcycling ideas that have a bit of a use to them as well :)

One thing I have found in my life over the years is to stop collecting things. I was never really that bad, but one time I decided to get rid of like 70% of what I owned. Went through the whole house.

You can also declutter your phone time. The average American spends 4 hours on their phone with something like 2.5 hours in non-essential. That like a month a year. Think if that was re-directed to a new skill or something.

This is a hypotetical question. Also you can bring any other items with your car

For me, its a bed, a washing machine and a fridge 😊

Ok so i'm in the UK and on the lookout for some long-sleeve t-shirts that will last long and are not too expensive, any recommendations?

Can anyone relate to this: having extended family in poor parts of the world makes it super hard for me to get rid of things.

E.g. Right now I'm looking at a pair of shoes. I can't even remember if they were a gift or what, because they're not my style.

Another example, a science kit that kids have outgrown.

Ok, so take them to the charity shop.

But

With the science kit I know that the charity shop will probably throw it out, as it is too battered. So I put it in the attic thinking, I'll do a yard sale/car boot sale, and at least someone will want it for free.

Or when someone is flying out to the old country they could take this. Of course they can't. Their one bag allowance is for clothes and actual nice new gifts.

The shoes, I think: I could get £5 for them, send a £5 when someone is going to the old country. I never do.

Or a mug with a chip on the outside and which was a shitty souvenir type of thing to start with. No one is going to want that.

My house is overflowing with such things.

I think, ok, do Freecycle or something. But it just feels stressful to coordinate pick up with a stranger. I don't want them coming to my house.

So three categories of things (1) Things which retain utility but are too battered looking to sell. (2) Things I feel I should sell to pass on the money, but which I never do because it feels like too much hassle. (3) Things no one would pay for and probably wouldn't even want for free, but where it feels monstrous to put them in the bin/garbage.

How do you navigate this?

transitioning to this lifestyle is hard, how do you guys do it?? fortunately i've had a little success but even as an aspiring minimalist there are some things i just can't seem to let go of and when i think about that, it makes me wanna accumulate more stuff which really defeats the purpose of what im trying to do here.

basically i just wanna know how everyone else has managed to make it through that obstacle, and how their experiences went if you'd like to share

edit: i probably over exaggerated the situation more than necessary, it's all cause i'm moving too fast with this decision. even though i've thought about it for a long time, i didn't think too carefully about it which lead to the existence of this post, rendering said post kinda pointless now and confirming the fact that i've basically answered my own question. i suppose the point i made this was because i needed closure from others, which i certainly got, thanks everyone.

I compiled a list of activities that I'd like to do this year at least once. I'm 21, if you're older than me I would love to hear what you think.

So far I've got:

• Get a proper haircut
• Go to a concert
• Go to the skate park
• Buy (and ride) a bicycle
• Go and get driving lessons
• Go to the beach
• Take a long train ride out to the country

I guess I'm looking for more 'one off' things I should try before dying, that are budget friendly instead of broader lifelong suggestions like 'pick up a language / go to gym / learn new hobby'.

Please throw me recommendations relentlessly regardless of how 'dumb' you think they may be.

As I learn and grow more towards minimalism, I find it challenging to let go of parts of my past self that I identified with through my items. These were items that once sparked much joy and comfort, but now I look at them and feel stuck on whether to part with them or not.

How did you allow yourself to let go of your past self, even when it got tricky? How did you get over your self doubt and know you wouldn't regret it?