Minimalism
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Resist buying trinkets and junk by realizing they likely end up rotting in a landfill.
95% of such items end up wasted in landfills.
one person who lived it
Get rid of clothes that no longer fit and devices unused for years to clear clutter.
These items are not needed and take up space.
one person who lived it
View peace as the result of giving up rather than getting.
Peace that lasts long enough graduates into happiness.
one person who lived it
Host friends for events at home with a TV instead of going to bars.
It saves time and money compared to bar visits.
one person who lived it
Actively ask for help, beg, complain, or bother people when in trouble.
If you do not signal distress, people will assume you are fine and move on.
one person who lived it
Declutter your physical space and get rid of items that make you feel guilty or remind you of unfulfilled promises to yourself.
Having less can make things easier and help other areas fall into place.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Start simplifying by getting rid of material possessions you do not need or use.
It helps get your foot in the door of simplification.
one person who lived it
- Slowly reduce possessions over time to minimal essentials, focusing on high-quality items you actually need.2
Focus on accumulating skills and experiences over material goods.
Experiences have no physical space and can be carried forever; skills are enjoyable possessions rather than burdens. One person found more value in spending $6k on plane tickets than on a second car.
2 people, independently
Buy secondhand items like sofas instead of new ones to save money and focus on quality over quantity.
Secondhand items can cost a fraction of the price while still being amazing.
one person who lived it
7 more on this
Limit personal items to what fits in one medium luggage and one backpack.
Lighter loads reduce stress.
one person who lived it
let go of luxuries and avoid debt for non-necessities to reduce strain and feel freeing
owning too much becomes a strain
one person who lived it
Stop purchasing things you do not need or will not use enough.
5 people, independently
Sell musical instruments or other hobby items if you are not using them.
They will either become outdated or suffer component failure.
one person who lived it
Restore or deep clean existing items rather than entering into payment agreements at big box stores.
Restoring items is more rewarding than buying new ones on credit.
one person who lived it
Buy the specific item you want rather than a substitute that merely resembles it.
This prevents nagging thoughts about replacing the item with the one you actually desired.
one person who lived it
Reduce, reuse, recycle, and resell items instead of throwing them away.
Throwing items away is considered a waste.
one person who lived it