Extreme Minimalism: How To Live With 150 Things (Or Less)
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
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Learn why there is nothing "extreme" about extreme minimalism - and how to best implement it. You CAN liberate yourself from the shackles of consumerism.
✏️ In This Episode:
00:00 Why Extreme Minimalism?
01:42 How To Go About Decluttering
02:36 Do a Test Drive
Also, check out my comprehensive guide on extreme minimalism:
nielsbohrmann.com/extreme-min...
Hi there 👋 If you're new to my videos, my name is Niels Bohrmann. I'm a content creator and life coach. If you like to nerd out about self-development as much as I do, subscribe for weekly videos.
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I really love the 4 or 5 minute long form content. It says the extact same amount a 10 to 20 minute video would.
I prefer that, too. Sometimes, with very technical stuff, I think the long formats are justified. But often, it could be more condensed.
That is not to say there isn't a place for long form content on UA-cam. I loved me some hours long videos.
@@drbuni I am currently watching some rather long Notion tutorials and enjoying them. That's a good example of true long-form content. You couldn't teach that stuff in 5 minutes.
I'm surprised but I also started thinking differently. I'm tired of crap sitting on my shelves and getting dust. Minimalism is the way to go. There are few things I can't live without, but most I can just walk by. I'm also sick and tired of consumerism, this needs to stop. Nice vid btw
Get started, John! Get a bunch of moving boxes today :-) It's a bit scary but also quite fun. And as I said in the video - if it's not for you, you can just go back.
Transitioning from a high fashion collector to a milimalist, honestly it's been over a year & I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff, but it is still challenging to minimise my wardrobe, sometimes watching content like this helps me to let things go.
So inspiring! Thank u so much😊😊😉
Glad you found the video useful, Rexton. It's a journey, don't stress yourself out. And Jesus, you can draw!
@@nielsbohrmann thank u so much! Can’t wait for more videos from u 😎👊
I'm already a minimalist, but I'm absolutely fascinated and have experimented with 'extreme' minimalism. I'm of the same belief as you; that extreme minimalism isn't actually extreme at all and is a just a label now attached to it because we're used to owning so much stuff now. So anything less now feels extreme.
100% agreed. Your comment reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." (Jiddu Krishnamurti). A bit dark, but you get my meaning ;-)
@@nielsbohrmann I know that quote, I love it. I just couldn't remember who'd said it. It reminds me slightly of the crab in the bucket mentality for some reason.
I am an extreme minimalist who lives with a toddler and in our own home. It suprises me daily how much we dont need. This week we decluttered our toaster and kettle and its incredible because at one time or another I thiught they were absolute needs. No. They are wants. Especially because we have working stove top and frying pan and pot who can do both.
"No. They are wants." Spot on. I have had the same thoughts over the years several times. We completely overestimate the amount of stuff we need, and it is not doing us good. Just subscribed to your channel. And I also don't buy white socks anymore (in reference to your "My UK Minimalist Wardrobe" video).
@@nielsbohrmann Haha, thanks. It really, truly is interesting what is actually, seriously, life in danger need vs a would improve my life, kinda want but don't have to need. I feel like there is a 3rd category as well but can't put my finger on it.
@@extrememinimalism It is always interesting observing yourself making these judgment calls as an extreme minimalist. I would argue there are some items that are not absolutely necessary, but that still add so much value that they are worth it. For example, I have naturally very sweaty hands and therefore always carry a pair of workout gloves. Do I really need them? Technically, no. I could wrap a towel around a pull-up bar or do my mobility work on a non-slippery surface. But the gloves make the whole process more pain-free. You know, that kind of item. Weird example :)
@@nielsbohrmann Nah, I totally get it. My Acupuncture Mat and toe separators are the same sort of thing. 🤣
@@extrememinimalism 🤣
I live with pain & depression most of the time, but having become an extreme minimalist has reduced my anxiety & given me the ability to keep my house tidy & clean(ish) every day, even with a home schooled 10 year old, & a husband! It also allows me to have just enough energy left for my family, which is far more important than unnecessary material possessions!!
I LOVE & enjoy your videos & agree 100%!
That is fantastic, Heather. I am glad extreme minimalism is helping you deal with your pain and depression. I suspect it might help a lot of people in that regard. And vice versa, consumerism tends to amplify those issues. Some studies are pointing in that direction, too. On a side note, wouldn't that be interesting? If therapists prescribed decluttering and non-consumerism instead of pills? :) Anyway. Thank you for sharing, and have a great day!
Way to go, Niels! The quality of this video is right up there with UA-camrs who have hundreds of thousands of followers. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Cam, very kind of you. All the credit goes to my very talented video editor (who is also a joy to work with). I checked out your most recent video ("Del Valle Bikepacking") - beautiful aesthetics! And what a cool trip.
Most of my possessions are in boxes in my room. No matter what, I intend to keep tools. All of them aren't used regularly, but all of them have a purpose and eventually do get used on my scooter or other things. Even specialty tools will in time be needed. Tools alone would constitute at least one-hundred items. Cooking tools add up too, but there are many things that can be released.
I have made lists of things to keep but have never pulled them all out and put them into one area. This is something that I want to do soon. It will visually show me just how much I don't use or need. In the last couple of weeks I have been scanning photographs into digital format. I had no idea that there were hundreds of them. Thank you for your wisdom. I absolutely LOVE the photo you have selected to be at the top of your page to go with the quotation.😆 Subscribed.
Yeah, the tool question is a good one. I think it is perfectly fine to keep several tools, as long as you semi-regularly use them. With cooking utensils, I think it's a bit easier to keep the number low. Nice side effect - the kitchen never looks messy, even if you don't get around to cleaning your dishes right away.
"The last couple of weeks I have been scanning photographs into digital format. I had no idea that there were hundreds of them." I did the same thing. Also for a bunch of letters I wanted to keep (that's how old I am ;) Thank you for subscribing, I appreciate it. Let me know how it goes with your inventory experiment!
Main thing is I wish there was a section of this video dedicated to responsible disposal/rehoming. Donating to goodwill and other similar places is 99% just a middle man between the landfill. It’s important to take responsibility for all that you’ve come to obtain
That's a great idea for another video! Just added it to the list. Thanks for pointing that out.
I am extreme minimalist for ages. I don't have even microwave. Parents are looking at me and ask: hod do you cook at home? Like you need a microwave to cook?
I live with less than 220 items as for now. Most of my items are mountain biking related or kitchen items and few electronics plus capsule wardrobe. Right now count is at 216 items and 220 is the maximum for me. To get one item, I need to get rid of another, so this makes you to buy less. You don't want to buy a home theater just to throw your laptop away. I am tired of shopping, 9-to-5 jobs, decision making and posting big life on social media. Simple is the new shiny. Thank you for the video, I will always live this way. Environmentally friendly, just no one will thank you for that.
"Parents are looking at me and ask: hod do you cook at home? Like you need a microwave to cook?" - This made me smile :) I have had similar conversations.
"To get one item, I need to get rid of another, so this makes you to buy less." - Great strategy.
"Simple is the new shiny." - It is! :)
I like your point about the 9 to 5, I often make that myself. When you consume a lot, you chain yourself to your 9 to 5. But when you consume extremely little, you are much more likely to escape the rat race. People often don't see that connection, but it's very real.
I keep my emotional items in little boxes. It's works for me. I like to keep things but I don't want them see all the time. The items are really old but good memories, I remember of everything but I still go through if I can throw out something.
Nice approach, Maria!
I’m an extreme minimalist and I agree 100% with this approach! I love simplifying the decisions themselves. Thank you for sharing.
It's applying minimalist thinking to minimalism :) Thank you for commenting, Elizabeth!
I have been a minimalist for close to 20 years and have gone to less and less items in the past 10 years. Some of it has been due to retiring and having less need or desire for work related clothing and items. Other things have been let go by traveling with carry on only for months at a time and seeing how little I need to be happy and function well. I don't see going down to 100-150 items total as I have tools for hobbies I need and I find it more relaxing and comfortable to have more dishes and silverware or similar things to go through a week then wash and reset rather than washing things daily. Toiletries and self care products sure have gone way down from years ago as have footware and wardrobe items that are different.
You sound content, and I think that is all that matters. These numbers (15-150 items) are ultimately arbitrary. If I had an equipment-intense hobby, I wouldn't think about it for one second. Well, I actually do now - UA-cam :) But trying to minimize that as well. Anyway, thank you for sharing. BTW, the kitchen stuff is the opposite for me. It forces me to clean up after myself regularly. But everybody is different. Again, thanks for sharing.
I don't actually have a lot of 'stuff '. The only items I cannot get rid of are my books and bookcases. Oh, and candles and candleholders. I like it like this. Thank you for your good ideas. Take care.
Books are a tough one. I struggled with this one for a long time, as I had an almost sentimental attachment to some of my books. Eventually, I did get an ebook reader; traveling with all my books was simply not an option. But to this day, I prefer reading print copies. Sometimes I will get one, take notes (if it's non-fiction), and then gift it to somebody once I'm done. But if you are a stationary minimalist, I think there is nothing wrong with keeping your books. Enjoy them! :) And thank you for commenting.
I have always ben homeless now i sleep in a vehicle and extremely wealthy but looking back i always thank myself for only carrying 1 or 2 bags made my life way way easier im up to 689K right on fully saving took me 16 years tho.
That's an interesting point you bring up, the connection between extreme minimalism and frugality. The question is - do you stay with your minimalist setup once you become wealthy? I think you made the right choice.
I am also one who was never taken in by the 'spark joy' movement. I also never took everything out of my wardrobe to try on etc, just quickly went along the clothes Keep or Out. Done and dusted within minutes.
No prisoners! :)
This is my goal. I have been a collector all my life. It is a great burden as you get older.
I like your goal :) You are right, the more stuff you have, the harder it is to get started. And naturally, this is related to age (= more time to amass things). But I think it's great that you are reflecting on this. Give it a try! You can also do the box experiment I described in the video, but just do it in one room. If you enjoy it, expand the experiment to other rooms.
Love it.
i like your idea. im gonna give it a try
Very cool, Dean. Let me know how it goes!
Thanks for producing this video. Well done! Those of us attempting to live a minimalist lifestyle appreciate any good tips to make the goal easier to achieve. I hope that you will produce a series of minimalist lifestyle videos in the future. Your subscribers are waiting.
Thank you, Michael! I will try my best :-) Someone in the comments suggested doing some more practical, vlogging-style videos about minimalism. I was thinking of maybe unpacking my backpack once I arrive in a new location and giving a live commentary. We'll see.
Yes, I think you will find interest out there in exploring various aspects of minimalist lifestyles. Keep on vlogging.
As you drift around the globe, you're likely to encounter a number of fellow minimalists. It might make for some colorful content to interview them and do a video on their environment as they practice their ethic.
@@michaelmurphy2311 That's another great idea for a video format, interviewing other traveling minimalists and showing their setup. I just took a note! Maybe we'll do one together :)
Great vid… authentic… thanks!
Thank you, Corrine, I appreciate it!
Thanks! I needed to hear/know/learn this . . . .
Glad you got something out of it, Paulus.
I really want to be a minimalist but my husband of 23 years whom I love ❤️ so much is a hoarder! It is so difficult and really the only reason we argue 😢
Maybe you could divide up spaces to an extent? For example, you have a room (or several rooms) where you get to be a minimalist, and that is off-limits for him. And vice versa, he has a room (or several) where he can indulge his hoarding tendencies. Just an idea.
@@nielsbohrmann THankyou so much very good idea!
@@jamieoyster5530 My pleasure.
Yes! Amazing
Thank you, Katja!
The "spark joy" method is actually pretty good. It is a kind of habit that you can use later (when you shop,...).
You make an interesting point. I just wonder if you can really predict if something will spark joy when you are about to buy it. I find that I can only tell a few weeks or months later. Anyway, thanks for commenting!
@@nielsbohrmann
If you did spark joy with all your stuff, you are trained to predict if the product is sparking or not. It's probably something you already had.
did this 21 years ago and lived happily on the road till i domesticated again, when the covid hit. now i own about 300 things in a home. it's a trip and highly recommended. thx for the content.
Thank you, Maureen. 300 things is still really good. Every time I stay somewhere longer, my number tends to go up as well. It's not a race, obviously. These numbers are just indications.
Great approach, I will try that
Let me know how it goes!
I am currently living in a small apartment, and I keep getting rid of things daily, however I still have so much I have trouble letting go. I come from a poor country, my chidlhood was a time of inflation, war, and crisis, and I have noticed that the whole country and the culture favors hoarding. As opposed to consumerism, due to bad financial situation, people just tend to keep, reuse and repurpose literally everything- from plastic bags, to old furniture, and cars, and everything. Nothing is in a bad enough state to throw away, for maybe you will need it, and then you won't have money to buy it. I moved to another country, and slowly I am releasing this belief, but it is extremely hard, especially knowing that so many people around the world struggle, and yet we have too much or throw something away (especially food). I am slightly comforted by the fact that my current country at least has good recycling and repurposing systems, so hopefully things go where they are supposed to. Also I am trying to implement this method- I look at the price of each item as a value in a sense of time- 15 euros is 15 days, after that, that item is free, it has served its purpose, and if necessary it is OK to donate, let go, or recycle it.
"I come from a poor country, my chidlhood was a time of inflation, war, and crisis, and I have noticed that the whole country and the culture favors hoarding. As opposed to consumerism, due to bad financial situation, people just tend to keep, reuse and repurpose literally everything- from plastic bags, to old furniture, and cars, and everything. Nothing is in a bad enough state to throw away, for maybe you will need it, and then you won't have money to buy it."
Very interesting observation, thank you for sharing, Ana. That makes perfect sense.
"Also I am trying to implement this method- I look at the price of each item as a value in a sense of time- 15 euros is 15 days, after that, that item is free, it has served its purpose, and if necessary it is OK to donate, let go, or recycle it."
Ha, also very interesting. Never thought about it this way. Maybe you should record a video about your minimalism journey? It sounds like you have a lot to say.
Great video.
Thank you!
I just started. Your video help
Cool! Let me know how it goes.
good video!
Thank you!
Gern mehr!
Working on it!
¡Sinceramente me encanto!
Gracias :)
I can already tell that you are gonna have a huge channel! Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Roman, I guess we will find out :) The first video (this one) did much better than I expected, the second and the third less so. But I am sure it's a process.
I already declutter now i use what i have and dont buy. Want to be mire exrteme but not throwing everything away it take patience and time
It's a process, Sophie, you grow into it. Enjoy the journey.
for the algorithm ❤
Thank you, Devi!
Hey Niels, really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with Best Quality Editing in your videos better than your Editor with good pricing and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail which will help your videos to reach to a wider audience ? Pls let me know what do you think ?
Hi Malek, thank you for the offer, but at the moment, I have no need.
yeah extreme minimalism is bullshit for me personally. nomadic people still have Stuff, our ancestors made trinkets for themselves, and 100 items would be all my clothes alone, and im not interested in getting rid of my colorful wardrobe, let alone my photo albums, or cookware, or my collections. this would feel like being in prison and id get frustrated when I needed something but didnt have it bc of an arbitrary number of belongings, which would only contribute to more waste as id have to purchase things over again. i think assessing what one needs or not is a fine idea, but marie kondo's approach helped me way more.
thats from my own perspective. things like choosing from 7 colors of socks, or displaying gifts my parents got from abroad, using quilts my grandmother made for me, really make me happy. if this lifestyle makes you happy, i think thats the important thing, even if it would drive me crazy.
Of course, Gwen. We all need to choose the lifestyle that is right for us. If your things make you happy, cultivate that happiness. For me, it's the opposite. That's why I chose minimalism.
@@nielsbohrmann yeah, its intersting to see things from perspectives so radically different from mine, ahaha. im glad it works for you and brings you joy
You are the wisest man I have seen that still lives. A man after my own heart. A real friend and saviour of the environment. You should consider going political because western countries are rapidly turning into landfill sites, moth and rust corrupting our beautiful world. Brother, I love you x
I don't feel so wise most days ;) But thank you for your kind words.
How do you deal with books? - What you say sounds intriguing but I'd have to exclude books.
I eventually bit the bullet and got a Kindle - even though I prefer print copies. But doing the digital nomad thing, it was the easiest solution. However, if you want to exclude books, exclude them :) I think of all the items that you can "hoard," books are really one of the best choices. Just enjoy them.
Alternatively, you could get a print copy, read it, take notes, and then gift it to somebody. That's another option. But as I said, no need to overcomplicate it if you have a stationary setup and enjoy your books.
@@nielsbohrmann Thanks, for the time being I'd happily settle for the first option, the second option sounds rather advanced.
Just an FYI that Joshua Becker doesn't talk about "sparking joy". He has a totally different approach.
My "sparking joy" remark was in reference to Marie Kondō; but you are right, I should have made that clearer. Thank you for pointing it out!
Pero como llego mis hobbies que hago con lo que disfruto hacer me gusta la de curación si ser minimalista no podré disfrutar de la decoración, porque eso es acumular cambiar comprar cosas nuevas
Of course, you should do what you enjoy. But just as a counterargument - maybe experiences are more important than nice things?
I believe what we will remember at the end of our lives are the things we did and the people we did them with; not the things we were surrounded by.
If that is true, then we might come to regret all that time spent decorating (even when it seemed like a good idea at the time).
But like I said, not trying to convert you :) We all must do what we feel is right for us. Have a great day!
Please shoot videos on UA-cam as well. show by your own experience what it's like to be an extreme minimalist. it seems that this idea exists, but how to implement it is not quite realized.
That's a great idea, thought about that too. Like a vlogging-style format, "A Day in the Life of an Extreme Minimalist." Just took a note.
@@nielsbohrmann I second this.
@@dustinrhodes526 Well, you already successfully kicked my butt with the newsletter! :-)
@@nielsbohrmann Lol. But I am grateful my subtle suggestion worked! ;-)
👍👍👍
I love watching minimalist life. I am a maximalist and a huge hoarder. I don't feel alive otherwise. It's nice to be able to live happily with no procession.
Unlike me I love my things and my home. I bought a new house with extra room because I don't want to get rid of my things and I need more room for more things. I am still building my collection.
Wish I was a minimalist
It's a process. I was fantasizing about getting rid of most of my stuff for years before I did it. So, you might just need more time. It's not a race. But I think it's great that you are reflecting on this.
@@nielsbohrmann I think what I have is a illness. 🤔 When I travel the first thing I do arriving at my hotel is unpack my suitcase and spread out my belongings. When I see very empty place I start to feel stressed and anxiety. It makes me very uncomfortable, very cold and depressed. So I am so envious of anyone who can live a minimalistic life. Not having many things really saves labor and money. However when I try to look it up, all the results are talking about how minimalism reduces anxiety. I've tried to pack my things away in a box. I label them and all. But when I needed the item I start to get very frustrated. I've thrown things out that I didn't use for a long time and I rarely throw anything out but the few times that I was so sure I would never want certain item I ended up wanting it back. I am still upset about something that I got rid of 10+ years ago. Then I start telling myself see that's why you don't put things away or throw anything out. I think I am beyond saving. I am trying to watch more of these videos, trying to convince myself.
@@keyboardbunny Thank you for sharing. I think I understand better what you are dealing with now. That is tough. Have you considered therapy? I did some a couple of years ago. I was at first very hesitant because of the stigma associated with it but then found it to be a great experience. Not just for dealing with a certain pain point at the time but for overall clarity. Maybe it will do the same for you? It's worth a try!
Dustin :-)
Komisch, aber immer, wenn jemand fluently Englisch spricht, hört man heraus, dass die Muttersprache Deutsch ist.
So isses :)
It's called minimisim when you have money. It's called being poor when you don't!🤷🏼♂️
Hi Jon. I get this argument a lot, but I don't agree. I lived on about 1000 € (some years less) for 10+ years. Yet, when more money started coming in, I didn't change my lifestyle. I know a few other minimalists who have similar stories. Anyway, thank you for commenting!
Excellent. Looking forward for more.
Thank you, Hans. The plan is to do one every week now.
subbed. sub to stuff. i have a phone a bed cloth toothbrush health and fitness.
That sounds pretty minimalist! Thank you for subscribing.
Love it.
Thank you!