Examples of Extreme Minimalism And Why It’s Not For Everyone

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17 Comments

  1. Erika Sutus says:

    I’m a minimalist and I used to think that my two cats had more possessions than I did. 😂 Now with my twin babies in tow I struggle a bit with the chaos around me. Hopefully with time I’ll manage to be more organised.

  2. Minimalism is more to me than just shedding possessions but an overhaul of my mindset and thinking and elimination of bad habits such as excessive alcohol, unhealthy food and toxic relationships and other mental and social clutter. In turn I can then focus on what is crucial and important.

  3. Francine Strickland says:

    I just moved into an apartment.i don’t at this time ,have it arranged or essentials .but when i tell people i don’t have Cable .they get a pitiful look on their face .I am just evaluating , between needs and wants.I am enjoying the quiet..being without a frig was challenging .I am investigating the minimal way of life.I found the article inspiring Thank you.

  4. There are poor people who rent storage units. I find that very sad.

  5. Many of my neighbors didn’t have furniture growing up. They weren’t minimalist. They were poor. Minimalism is fine but in some ways it feels like it’s applauding what wealthy people do out of choice, what poor people out of necessity.

    1. I couldn’t agree more, Heather. It’s all about perspective and awareness of different experiences while also being comfortable making the best of your situation.

    2. Nkanyola Sekgobela says:

      Wow that’s very thought provoking

      1. We all have to make choices with our stuff and money. I feel it’s more crucial to have a really good budget of what it costs to live. I only buy what I need, but I have a clutter free well maintained home and car. I m not saying to live without the “fun stuff” but when your buying more fun stuff than maintaining your home and car, something’s wrong. Cynthia

  6. I believe we’re ignoring the elephant in the room – extreme minimalists have obvious psychological problems. They want to be different but they end up living the same way, spouting the same philosophy and competing to see who has the least amount of stuff. You say that’s untrue? Then why do they bother stating their count – they could keep that private if they really didn’t care. I’m concerned their young viewers who haven’t yet develop their intelligence and fall prey to this absurd form of living. Let’s face it, if it was “normal” then we’d all be doing it!

  7. Hi.

    I discovered your website through Pinterest and this is an absolute delight!

    I wasn’t aware a extreme minimalism existed. But I don’t think this is for me. My goal is to become minimalist when I get my own place, and I think your blog (and some others) could be really help.

    Extreme minimalism however is fascinating. I’d love to see more about this. I don’t know if one day I’ll be able to become an extreme minimalist, if I could ever want it. But I think this is pretty cool some people can do it and be happy about it. I really love the momentum minimalism gets.

    Its very important to reduce our footprint, and also see what’s really behind the consumerism.

    Thank you for your work. 🙂

    1. We’re grateful we were able to find each other. Yes, seeing examples of what is considered extreme is a valuable exercise to help us reflect on our behaviours. Glad you enjoyed the read!

  8. Well, I think extreme minimalism is a bit extreme (if this makes any sense). I don’t agree living without furniture. I would get sick and depressed bot to sleep on a bed, my spine will suffer….
    I’ve been watching Youheum’s videos for a while now and I try to understand her motivation. I love some principles she follows, but I could never live like that.
    However, I am trying to be more sustenable. Became a vegan 5 years ago and started to declutter my wardrobe and my house since 2019. I must admit… It feels amazing to have less possessions and love them all.
    In the end, I believe in balance. Extremism is never good in life 🙂

  9. During the last few months I have filled boxes and boxes with things I don’t need. As soon as Goodwill reopens, most of it will be gone. Then there are 4 bags of books and magazines to donate to the public library. I buy much less than any of my friends. My clothes are basics in neutral colors.

  10. Darlene Johnson says:

    I practice extreme minimalism but only with my wardrobe, personal belongings and electronics. I have always been a minimalist, as I grew up quite poor. I have embraced the life style since I was a preteen. It brings me comfort now and reduces my anxiety. That being said, I have a family of 6, all adults over the age of 23. I don’t infringe on their way of living with more. They think I’m a little weird, but love me anyway. I recently bought my husband a couch, as sitting on a pillow on top of a jute mat was uncomfortable for him. ?❤

    1. Haha, I love it. I’m sure your husband appreciates the coach a whole lot more! Thanks for sharing your approach to being selective with how you practice extreme minimalism, especially with your family.

  11. Thank you for another thought provoking start to Sunday morning. Your article presents a really valid approach to looking at the implications of extreme minimalism. Seeing how other people live and considering the larger global context where so many people don’t have the luxury of making these choices, because they don’t own anything anyway, is very helpful for me as a way of reconsidering my priorities and choices… ps ..your work on the minimalist vegan is wonderful!

    1. Hi Sally, you’re too kind! It puts things into perspective when you think about people in different situations. I’m glad you found this post helpful.