10 Odd Little Minimalist Things I Do
Photo by Sarah Jane
Note: this will be another short, sorta-fun post that’s not on the weekly schedule. It’s not supremely useful, so feel free to skip this post. :)
As I noted last week, I consider myself a minimalist. Does that mean everything I do is minimalist? No, but there are some odd little things I do that you might consider minimalist.
Today I felt like taking a minute to share them with you.
- No watch. My watch broke a couple of years ago, and I decided I’d go without it. It saves me from having to put on a watch every day, and I feel much lighter. Plus, it has the advantage of making me less conscious of time, and more conscious of what I’m doing and who I’m with.
- No wallet. This isn’t an original idea, of course, but about a year ago I put my wallet in my car’s glove compartment. Now I only carry a few bills in cash, my driver’s license and my debit card, bound with a clip. My membership cards, discount cards, etc. are stored in my wallet in my glove compartment, and you know what? I never need them. I think I’ve only gone in the wallet once to get out a card in the last year.
- No keys. I began to simplify my key ring until it just has a few keys: office, home, car and post office box. Then I decided I didn’t need to carry them around with me. Now I just leave them in my glove compartment, and only carry around my car’s remote key (that little clicker thing that locks and unlocks the car). My pockets are so much emptier.
- No cell. Well, actually, I do own a cell phone. And it’s usually in my car. But I just have it for emergencies, mostly because I have kids and want to be available for them. However, I rarely make phone calls and if my kids are with me, I turn the cell off and leave it in the glove compartment. Man, I love that glove compartment.
- No bed. Actually, I have a bed. But it’s just a king-sized mattress that sleeps myself, Eva, and our two youngest babies. As our babies sleep with us, we decided it would be safer if the bed was low. Plus, I love the minimalist look of having only a mattress.
- No desktop icons. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but my computer desktop is completely free of icons. They are just visual clutter, they slow the computer down (it takes extra cpu cycles to draw icons), and they are an inefficient way of organizing or accessing your programs and documents. I use keyboard shortcuts for everything.
- No desktop storage. I don’t store my info on my computer’s hard drive. First, because I got tired of emailing myself my work files, so I could access them from home, or putting them on a flash drive or uploading them to web storage, or syncing my files. I decided to put everything online, and use online apps so that I could access info from anywhere. And it has made my life so much easier and simpler. I sometimes use desktop apps, but I then transfer it online and delete the file from the hard drive. I still have stuff on my hard drive, of course, but that’s just because I haven’t bothered to delete my old files — I don’t actually use them.
- No mobile Internet. I know iPhones and Blackberries and laptops with WiFi and other such mobile computing is all the rage these days, and I’ve been sorely tempted myself, but I’ve opted not to get such a device. The cell phone I mentioned only makes and receives phone calls. Actually, it can send text messages, but I’ve never done it. I like the freedom of being away from the Internet when I’m out doing something, either alone or with my family. It’s liberating to be disconnected.
- No cable TV. I’ve mentioned this before too, but a few years ago we made the decision to cut out cable TV from our lives. It was partly out of frugality, but also because cable TV tends to run your life. There is so much junk … er, I mean entertainment … on cable that you never do anything else. For a few months, we used rabbit-ear antennas to get the few free channels they have here on Guam, but we soon scrapped that too. Now, we watch DVDs, but not even every night. In fact, we haven’t watched a DVD for a few days now. Instead, we do miraculous things like read, and talk, and go outside.
- No ipod. My teen-aged daughter has an ipod. It’s almost always hooked into her ear. It makes conversation difficult. I have a cheap mp3 player that I bought for running, but it made running less enjoyable for me. Now, I run with only my thoughts and nature in my head, and I go places without the distraction of constant music. It’s nice.
Bonus link: Minimalist bread. No kneading, simple recipe, delicious and perfect. Also see: followup, blogged, blogged again.
How about you? Any odd minimalist quirks? Share in the comments.
- Posted on 21 August 2007 in Aboutzenhabits, Simplicity |
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Comments (113)
quench Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:00 pm
I don’t have a car, so no glove compartment. So I need to carry all those things you have in your glove compartment if I want to use them at all. I don’t look as minimalist when you see me walking down the street, but having no car is a pretty big step towards minimalist, anyway….
brent Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:16 pm
every time I read your “all my apps are online” I think “ooh. I would HATE to have to use an online Solidworks (CAD)!”
Sure, if you’re using the equivalent of word for windows and maybe a couple of simple spreadsheets, online apps must be great. The rest of us are chained to our desktop computers because we actually USE our computers to do things, not just as fancy word processors.
You might as well go back and use WordStar if that’s all you use your computer for.
—-
Having said that, nice tips.
I totally agree with the last one. I ride my bike MUCH better without the mp3 player.
Jose Negron Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:17 pm
No desktop icons…that’s been a huge help for me for a few years considering the fact that my profession requires that I spend an insane amount of time in front of the computer.
For those that aren’t aware, you can turn off your PC’s desktop icons by right-clicking the desktop > clicking “arrange icons by” > and un-checking “show desktop icons”.
Nice list!
chad Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:22 pm
Just a hint: When I want to go minimalist with my keys, I just take my car key instead of the remote clicker thing. I know the one time I just take the clicker is the one time the battery will die, and I’ll be locked out of my car. Also, if someone breaks into my car (which happened a month or so ago), they won’t be able to steal it.
Trevor Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:23 pm
*I’ve not worn a watch in five or six years; besides, my cell phone (like most teenagers’) functions as a clock for me. *I’d like to keep my desktop storage: then I’m in control of my files and not at the mercy of a fallible server. (I do perform weekly backups, though). *This past year or so, cable has dropped off my interest list, and my list of finished books has multiplied. *I have an iPod, however, but its headphones aren’t surgically implanted in my ears. It’s nice to have the luxury of a simple, easy-to-use mp3 player when I want to listen to music in bed, or on a plane, during road trips, etc.
Investing911 Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:43 pm
What happens if your car gets broken into? There goes wallet, cell phone and keys. Ouch.
Carm Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:56 pm
Another great post. Thank you. I’m intrigued with the idea of going to online storage of computer files. How do you do that? Do you use something like GoogleDocs or some sort of file sharing service? Also do you worry about backups or do you trust the online service to take care of that for you?
Thanks again.
Mariette Says:
August 21st, 2007, 20:59 pm
Good tips. What online apps do you use for document storage?
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:13 pm
@Brett, Carm & Mariette: I’ll be the first to admit that my needs are much simpler than many people’s needs. Most of what I do is writing, and yes, that means I use the computer as a glorified word processor. As a writer, I feel no shame in that. It’s the coolest word processor ever. For writing, I generally use Google Docs (although, depending on my needs, I’ll also use AbiWord, DarkRoom, or a text editor), which means I don’t need to save my word processing or spreadsheet stuff to the hard drive.
I also blog, which I do using Wordpress. I do a bit of photo editing (nothing complicated), for which I use a desktop app (either Photoshop or Gimp, depending on which computer I’m using). When I edit a photo, I save it to the hard drive, and then upload it to Picasa, or my blog, and then delete it from the hard drive.
I do use other desktop apps, such as bit torrent, autohotkey, graphics programs, music programs, pdf creators, text editors, and some specialized apps for my day job. However, I don’t keep any files on my hard drive for long — it’s more of a scratch drive.
And of course, I use Firefox. All day. All of which makes going back to WordStar a bit problematical. :)
As for storage, if it’s not stored in one of the online apps I use (there are others I didn’t mention), I’ll use box.net.
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:22 pm
Re: my car getting broken into … it’s a possibility. It hasn’t ever happened to me, so it’s not something I worry about much. But if it happens, I’m screwed anyway. I don’t keep cash or credit cards in the wallet in my glove compartment — just cards and stuff that aren’t that important. My cell phone is cheap and replaceable. My keys are replaceable — and if they break into my car, they can steal it even without the keys.
Another thing to consider is that it’s just as likely that you could be mugged, which means they’d have your wallet, keys and cell phone if you’re carrying them on person.
Personally, I don’t worry about that kind of stuff. I’m not saying I’m better because of it, but my philosophy is that it’s all replaceable. I had a typhoon ruin just about everything I had a few years back. My family was OK. I didn’t care about the stuff.
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:27 pm
@quench: Yes, having no car is more minimal than no wallet or keys. :)
However, you might still consider no wallet or cell phone, and of course you don’t need a bunch of keys if you have no car. Just the house or office key.
Anyway, the point is that I try to consider what I really need to carry with me, and leave the rest behind.
I’d also like to point out that just because I do these things doesn’t mean I recommend them for everybody (your situation is different than mine) or that I feel superior because of it (I have a weird minimalist fetish, I think).
The Mystery Train Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:29 pm
I subscribe to the same philosophy, that it’s all replaceable.
My house was burglarized while I was on vacation this spring, and they stole everything I owned, down to my clothes and even my toothbrush. Losing all that stuff puts things into perspective: if the people you care about are okay, you realize that the things you cared about, well… you don’t really care about them all that much after all.
Molly Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:29 pm
I hope you’ll expand on #7 at some point. Considering the time I waste backing up my files, it’d be interesting to not have to worry about them so much in the first place.
And as for the iPod–I have to say, for me it works as a minimalist tool. I no longer have CDs (or the darned cases), I don’t have to own a TV (anything remotely worth seeing is available online, and I can store it on the iPod), I don’t need a CD player or a radio, or a sound system, or any of the other thousand things associated with listening to music, I’m not tied to the computer when I listen to audiobooks, etc. It’s a lot of functions in one tiny package–for me. Obviously YMMV. And I’m sure with you on the watch thing.
I’m amused, by the way, by the thought that your glove compartment seems far from minimalist!
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:36 pm
@Molly: lol. That’s true, although besides the wallet, keys and cell phone, the only other thing in there is the insurance and registration.
However, although I know you were only teasing me, I think this is a good opportunity to point out that being minimalist (at least to me) doesn’t mean getting rid of everything — but it’s useful to keep the stuff you do need out of sight, whether that be in a glove compartment, a drawer or a cabinet. That’s not to say that you should have them crammed with stuff, but you get the point. :)
Brian Tanaka Says:
August 21st, 2007, 21:59 pm
This post reminds me of the minimal amount of stuff I carried around with me after I left the corporate world — just a single housekey and a little cash. It was nicely liberating to be free of the watch, pager, cell phone, wallet, et cetera. Woo!
Christa Says:
August 21st, 2007, 22:17 pm
Isn’t it a pain to make the bed when its on the floor?
m Says:
August 21st, 2007, 22:34 pm
The more I read here, the more I realize why I have been attracted to your site. You seem to share a lot of the traits and values that I care about and am interested in. I’ve loved the last few posts.
Now, as for your question–currently, I am more minimalist in mentality than I am in action, I think. But some of it comes through in the following:
When our coffee maker broke we didn’t replace it. Instead I make coffee every morning in the plastic funnel we had bought for a few dollars for camping trips. Just put in a filter and coffee and pour boiling water over it. Voila! And, it tastes much better than it did when we had a coffee maker and takes up much less space on the counter, too.
We live in a small apartment and I am getting rid of things and trying to sell them to lighten or load and hopefully prepare us to live in an even smaller apartment when we move.
No cable (just got rid of it).
One car for two people.
No bottled water–just use a filter.
No blackberry, ipod, etc. Just a cell, and a cd player at home and a computer.
No storage–everything we own is in our little apartment.
***Not sure if these are the types of things you mean when you say minimalist.***
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 22:43 pm
Thanks for sharing, m! Hey, I like your blog … and just to show you that we have even more in common, I’m a Bay Area fan myself. I lived for several years in San Francisco, in the Sunset district, and for a couple of years in Vallejo. Still have relatives in the city, in Marin, in Walnut Creek. It’s an awesome area.
I enjoyed a recent post of yours:
We Are So Much Richer Than You May Realize
Keep up the great work!
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 22:50 pm
I should also add, for anyone interested, that I’m overly cheap. I think it’s important for runners to replace their shoes regularly, so you don’t get injuries. But I recently wore out my shoes so badly that I ran out of the soles … literally ran out of the sole on my right shoe. It came right off. It was crazy. Now I really need to get a new pair.
I haven’t bought new clothes in almost two years. My couch is so old that I am shopping for a new one, although I’ve been putting that off for too long (it has holes in it).
When my wife wanted to buy a printer, I tried to convince her of the benefits of being paperless. Unfortunately, as a teacher, she does need to print stuff (although I tried to make a good argument about having a completely electronic classroom, it didn’t fly), so we decided to buy one. Luckily, I found out that my mom just bought a new printer, so we’re getting her old one for free!
I’m not bragging. I’m just saying, I’m cheap.
Jeremy Says:
August 21st, 2007, 22:59 pm
I dig the “no keys” one. Might have to try that tomorrow.
Just ditched cable TV. No complaints so far.
Wish I’d stuck to the “no bed” one . . . bought a nice new bed recently and now I just feel like it’s one more thing that owns me instead of vice versa.
Totally agree with the iPod one, and enjoying running more without it — goes triple for snowboarding! Then again, I grew up a swimmer, so a zenlike ambient noise during strenuous exercise is the norm for me.
Prediction: one day having all your data and apps on one machine will be seem more minimalist than having it all “in the cloud”.
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 23:05 pm
@Jeremy: what you say regarding the minimalism of one computer is true, but not if I use two machines or more. It’s a hassle to transfer stuff between computers. That said, if I could just use a laptop for both home and work, that would be even better. And as I’m headed towards quitting my day job, I think my life will be that much simpler then.
Karol Says:
August 21st, 2007, 23:19 pm
I’m with you on almost the whole list. I do have a box spring on the floor under the matress and I store things on my hard drive. I also totally love my ipod but use it mainly for podcasts which I listen to if I can’t get to sleep or for travel. I quit carrying a purse years ago. A big step I took about 20 years ago was to quit wearing any kind of make up. I never liked the way it felt on my face and it was wonderful to toss it all out.
m Says:
August 21st, 2007, 23:43 pm
Thanks, Leo. I’m so flattered that you liked that post and my blog. People like you are one of the reasons I love the Bay Area and feel at home here. In fact the people are one of the main reasons that it’s so hard to leave this area.
I’ve been nowhere else with such a high concentration of people who I can relate to so well to and feel so at home among. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you love it here and spent years living here!
Charles Says:
August 21st, 2007, 23:46 pm
Well, first off, I have only recently realized that I am a minimalist. I sort of walked around annoyed about things, and then I realized that it was all the crap I have.
Anyway, the no key thing I totally dig. We just bought a 2004 Jetta, and my absolute favorite thing about it is the key/alarm combo thing. Basically, its the same size as a regular alarm clicker, press the button, and the key pops out a bit like a switchblade.
I can’t agree with the no desktop files though. I have to keep stuff on my computers. I rarely run into problems though, because I network, so I only ever edit a file actually on one harddrive. Plus, my work computer is a laptop, so I’ve never left a file at work.
I also love my ipod. I consider that necessary clutter.
Will definitely have to think about going walletless though.
Leo Says:
August 21st, 2007, 23:59 pm
Love hearing from all of you! Just so I’m clear: if you don’t do some of these things, that doesn’t mean you’re not a minimalist or that you’re cluttered or anything. I wasn’t trying to insult ipod fans or people who have files on their computer or wallets or what have you. I just wanted to share some ways that I’ve minimalized my life — they’re specific to my quirks, not anyone else’s. :)
Dave Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 0:42 am
I’m with ya on the no icons on the desktop - drives me nutty. I have a watch, but it’s titanium and very lightweight so it doesn’t bother me. I’ve turned my Moleskine notebook into a wallet so I don’t carry that around anymore.
I’d love to be able to get rid of my keys, but at the moment I only have three on there so it’s not too burdensome.
Great post. Thanks!
Patricia Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 0:57 am
I only carry the keys of my house and my office in a key holder that also holds my student ID card and my debit card.
Since I moved to this country 2 years ago I have never bought a cell phone and I have never cash with me (I use my student ID for the bus and I cook my own lunch, so I never need it).
I used to carry also mi PDA and my scientific calculator (I needed that for class). But I have installed a scientific calculator program in the PDA so now I carry less things!
I don’t use a watch also and I have never had an Ipod or MP3 player. Nevertheless, mi digital camera is always with me!
Lise Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 3:27 am
I think I like your minimalism posts the best :)
Well, I’ve managed no watch for… a lot of years now. I have a cell phone, so mostly I check the time on there if I need it. There are reminders of time everywhere you go, anyway; it’s hard to escape it - why do you need it written on your wrist?
I recently “upgraded” from a mattress on the floor to a bed, and while it’s less minimalist, I think it looks neater and simpler and less “messy college days” in my bedroom.
No desktop icons. Did this a few months ago after your Edit Your Life post on editing your workspace. It’s great to come into work in the morning and see nothing but a gorgeous picture when you turn your computer on.
No mobile internet: I don’t (yet) have an iPhone or a Crackberry, but since I’m the kind of person who would be jacked in via neural cannula if I could be, it’s probably only a matter of time.
BAMS Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 3:37 am
What happens when your car gets stolen or broken into? You just lost everything, your keys, wallet, cell phone, etc…
james Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 3:58 am
Snap for 7 of your 10 points. I’m feeling rather virtuous.
We have never owned a TV. We just borrow them from friends with too many.
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 4:47 am
@BAMS: See my comment about the stolen car issue above.
Emmy Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 5:01 am
Hi there Leo!
I enjoyed this post very much! About the MP3 machine thing I so agree, I wrote a blogpost about breaking my habit of listening to the thing some time ago: http://www.newworldview.com/blogs/vanswaaij/archive/2006/11/05/getting-out-of-the-habit-the-journey-of-change.aspx#comments
Thanks for the good articles over here!
Grendel Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:14 am
You have to move the matress over the day so the sweat from the night can get out - matresses lying on the floor 24/7 tend to mold after a while.
p.s.: I don’t have a car, so, no glove compartment for me ;-)
David Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:16 am
Hi Leo, I noticed your comment about how your two youngest babies sleep with you at night. I was thinking of doing this with our next child, but my wife is not so sure as she thinks the move from our bed to their own will be difficult. Do you have any more tips or comments on this?
Love your blog!
Kate Leopold Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:24 am
You forgot one thing -
No life :-)
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:26 am
@David: Your wife is right … moving the kids out of your bed can be difficult. All of my 6 children have slept with us, and they are always reluctant to sleep on their own bed. But it’s doable, of course — my four oldest are now sleeping on their own. The key is to do it gradually, and not try to force them too suddenly. Let them try it out, make it a game, make it fun. Try putting a toddler bed in your room first, to get them used to sleeping on their own.
There’s always a debate on this in parenting circles, but it’s never been a problem for me. The key is to be willing to wait until they’re ready, and to make it a gradual and willing transition.
However, if that’s a problem for you (and it can hamper a couple’s sex life), there’s nothing wrong with keeping your child in a separate crib or (later) a separate bed.
David Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:36 am
May I ask why you choose to have your children sleep in your bed rather than a separate bed/crib? Was there one particular reason that made you think it was worth it?
Thanks for being so open about your life on this blog - I’m sure your helping many people with your open and honest views…
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 6:41 am
@David: Well, this is really a separate post. :) But briefly:
* It’s easier for the breast-feeding mother to feed in the middle of the night. It saved us many a sleepless night.
* It helps bond us to our babies. There are many other ways, of course, but we have cherished being so close to our babies at night.
* It gives us a feeling of security. Actually, there are dangers in sleeping with infants, so you really have to take precautions here, but the main thing is that we always knew our babies were safe, because they were right next to us.
I’m sure I could think of more, but I think those are the main reasons. Email me if you have other questions, as I think we’ve strayed a bit too far from the main topic. :)
Sam Smith Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 7:19 am
I got an iPod for free when I bought my laptop about a month ago and thought it would be great for running. I took it out once and it got in the way so much that it just wasn’t worth the hassle. Now that I ride my bike around campus, i can’t even imagine trying to fumble with a set of earphones at the same time.
Pril Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 8:40 am
Wow you really do stream line? What are the benifits of having your children sleep with you? I find that very intresting and was wondering if you could post an the benifits of that and what age will that be at a halt?
I started a blog unlazy me you can tell it’s just starting but i made a post
“9 ways to feel alive!!!” and would love your thoughts on it Leo!!
So when you have a minute could you check that page out?
polaralex Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 9:13 am
I totally agree with all your “Minimalist Things”, especially wish “No watch”, “No cell”, “No iPod” (at certain times), but I disagree with “No Desktop Storage”. You really can’t rely on online all the times.
Anyway, being minimalistic can really save your life.
Lilx Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 9:23 am
Leo, I’m so fan of your lifestyle, I read your blog everyday.
Nice post, I agree with most things listed and I’m adding one, as Arjun Muralidharan says:
NO CAR: I know you have a lot of children and already commute by bike (as I remember having read in your blog), but I encourage other people to sell your car and buy a bicycle. It’s cheaper, healthier, environmental-friendly, some times less time-consuming.
Garrett Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 9:30 am
Eight out of ten for me. Great stuff here. Keep up the good work.
Dumitru Tira Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 9:53 am
I don’t have a watch, car, wallet or any other kind of junk, mostly because I don’t use them, my cellphone is mainly my clock, mp3 player and occasionally sms receiving/sending machine.
Stephen Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:00 am
Have you thought of trying out Amazon’s S3 service instead of Box.net? Heck of a lot cheaper.
Michel Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:25 am
“NO CAR: I know you have a lot of children and already commute by bike (as I remember having read in your blog), but I encourage other people to sell their car and buy a bicycle. It’s cheaper, healthier, environmental-friendly, some times less time-consuming”.
I second that opinion.
Christa Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:37 am
This is to Karol. I love that you threw out your makeup.
What freedom! Your right makeup is a pain!!
Amber Yount Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:43 am
How’s your love life when you have two babies sleeping with you?
Must also get so cramped….I like my space.
Kate Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:44 am
I’m with you on many of these tips - I ditched subscription tv about 4 months ago and haven’t regretted it once. But I’m puzzled about how many people agreed with “no watch”. It might be because I have a military background, but wearing a watch eases a part of my brain that gets anxious about being places on time. And now I’m a teacher, and have to write the date dozens of times a day. When I forget my watch I have to do mental calendar math to figure out the stupid date (OK I know Monday was the 20th, so Tuesday was the 21st, so since today is Wednesday it must be the 22nd…argh! annoying!). When I have my watch on I feel like I can relax that part of my brain and get on with my day. And yes I know the cell phone displays the date and time, but most of the time glancing at my wrist is so much quicker. Just my $0.02, thanks for the post and keep up the great blogging!
Erick Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 10:55 am
Note to self:
steal author’s car, take wallet, steal identity
AgentSully Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 11:02 am
I aspire to be minimalist, but it’s a work in progress! Thanks for the inspiration, Leo!
lynn Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 11:24 am
Just a note on the key thing, from experience-
I usually carry my car key in my pocket, alone, and leave my other keys in the car. One reason for this is I don’t have a key fob thingy, but the second reason is that I once had my car stolen, while I was delivering pizza, because the key was in it. Luckily, the police recovered my vehicle unharmed. BUT, what i didn’t know until then was that most insurance agencies will not pay out the value of your vehicle if it’s stolen WHILE THE KEYS WERE IN IT. Not in the ignition, mind you, just in the vehicle, accessible to . I suggest you DO NOT leave a key in your vehicle, locked or not, if you hope to get your insurance money when the car is stolen! Sure, lots of theives can get it started anyway, but you might as well make it difficult on them. :)
Doug Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 11:40 am
Nice post! I’ve been slowly doing a lot of these things. Stopped wearing a watch years ago, only carry one key with me, cancelled cable and INTERNET at home a couple months ago. Internet was the hardest
! The wallet in the glove box is a new one, will try that.
Rebecca Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 11:56 am
Like Quench, I also carry a lot of that stuff with me as I rarely use the car. This requires a purse, of course. While I strive for minimalism, in this case, I think the lack thereof actually increases my efficiency. If I am out and about, I can consolidate errands if I have discount cards, coupons and whatnot on hand.
I also do not have cable TV.
I do however have an iPod but I tell myself it is a professional necessity as a musicologist. :-) I try not to be permanently plugged in however.
Ian Harris Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 12:04 pm
So no cell phone, no iPod, no TV. This sounds like a post more about being a luddite than a minimalist :-)
Phil Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 12:08 pm
Been doing that for some time now (no wallet, keys, watch cellphone), and it came naturally, i never tought about doing it. Only recenlty i started using a watch (gift from girlfriend), and cellphone (gift from dad) but i could totally live without them.
I’m going to try the no local storage on the computer thing!
rottie Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 12:18 pm
I think the “put everything in your car” idea is a very bad one. It’s easy to lock yourself out, and if your car gets broken into they not only have your keys but they can find your address in you wallet too and empty your house.
I also dislike the “mattress without a bed” idea. I have been in this situation and your mattress needs room to breath when you are sleeping on it. Otherwise it will create fungus, moist and other hard to see but very unhealthy problems.
I’ve also no more watch and no more cable tv. I love having no desktop icons. But I only use online storage for trivial stuff like rss feeds (google reader & igoogle) and bookmarks. Unless you pay you have no guarantee in case there is a data loss on the server. And not to mention privacy.
I have an ipod but i use it only in bed for sleep-enhancing mp3’s or audiobooks.
About keys and wallet and such: I’m female so there is always a purse to put everything in it. :)
Bryan Price Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 12:23 pm
4. No cell. - A true introvert then! :) I have teenagers to track. So not only do I have a cell, THEY have cells as well.
5. No bed. Babies. OK, so you’re not middle aged. Yet! At the age of 48, my wife and I had to throw the water mattress away and buy a real California King mattress. I know my back is feeling better for it, as is hers. But I don’t see it being any easier with the mattress on the floor. As I stagger off to go to the bathroom at night, I’ve got popping joints and what not going on, and my wife thinks I limp to the bathroom (I evidently recover and am not limping by the time I get back). Not good at all.
6. No desktop icons. I’ve currently got a quad core running. I don’t have bunches of icons around, but I’ve got enough for simplicity. I have links to a couple of folders for URLs that I want to keep for one reason or another. And my frequently used programs get their icons there. I could pare them down more, but it’s sparse as it is. I take it no background picture either?
7. No desktop storage. Backups are a pain. But I’ve currently got about 300GB right now in use of my 500GB hard drive (I’m adding a 160GB and a 200GB this weekend…) Online storage? And yeah, I know I have about 4GB of duplicated files (I just found a program to do that for me). Out of 300GB? I’m not surprised. But then, you have to make sure that you have 100% connectivity all the time. Not in my life yet!
Aaron Griffin Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 13:13 pm
It’s important to note a few things here.
You do _have_ some of these items, you just leave them in your car. This isn’t as applicable to city dwellers who take public transportation or ride a bike. I carry my cell and keys on my person because of this.
All in all, though, I do much of this myself. I haven’t worn a watch in ages, for much the same reason. I don’t carry a wallet (just I do have a jimiX), and I generally carry the exact same things in my pockets every day.
Balfour Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 13:21 pm
Just joining this - 62 responses! Can’t wait to read.
Me: no cable, no tv, no vcr (never had a dvd player, other than laptop), no stereo, no car. I got an ipod mini as a present, but don’t use it. Not having the larger things creates so much space at home and more space for reading and within myself. Not having a car is just wonderful for me, an urban dweller. I use the subway, carsharing (Zipcar), an occasional cab, and mostly my feet. No mobile internet (not that I don’t want it and might be sorry when I get it.)
I have a minimal netflix account and watch dvds on my laptop.
Anthony Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 13:23 pm
Personally I hate carrying bulk around, so I’ve whittled my stuff down to a PocketPC/Phone in a leather case which also holds a 2Mb SD/USB drive and my 2 main bankcards. This means I have all of my documents and main apps with me, my MDA is my mp3 player, clock etc.
The annoying thing is that I’m also fitting my study in between my professional work, so carry loads of books around!
I’ve also started using a paper planner - my own design - for various reasons based on feedback from the excellent blogs like Zen Habits and Lifehack.
Balfour Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 13:26 pm
Jose Negron - thanks for the tip on hiding desktop icons - never knew that one! Now I can see what it’s like to not use them at all before I start deleting them all. I do use a few, so it’s a test to see how I like it.
kamal Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 13:30 pm
Leo,
An idea for a future post based on #7. If you could list all the online apps you use and for what purposes.
martha in mobile Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 14:05 pm
Minimalist oddities: figuring out how to use up the very, very last drop or bit of a product before recycling or reusing the packaging. Keeping clothes for as long as they are whole and unstained (I wear a dress that I bought 30 years ago — it wasn’t stylish then and it isn’t stylish now, but I get compliments on it all the time). Happily using the furniture my relatives pass on to me.
Maybe these are more of the “living lightly” variety than minimalist.
Jacob Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 14:08 pm
It’s a bad idea to keep all that stuff in your glove compartment! With your keys in there, as well as other personal identifying information, if someone manages to steal your car, they’ve also (in effect) now stolen everything in your house (because they now have your house keys, address, and your bank cards).
That’s a rather dangerous way to live.
Otherwise, though, these are excellent tips… many of which I’ve been doing for some time now. Simplicity rocks.
Adam Weishaupt Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 14:34 pm
No wife, no horse, no mustache.
Eric Hanneken Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 14:42 pm
Responding to the objection that leaving lots of stuff in his glove compartment is risky, Leo wrote,
Another thing to consider is that it’s just as likely that you could be mugged, which means they’d have your wallet, keys and cell phone if you’re carrying them on person.
That is a possibility, but I doubt it’s just as likely. According to the FBI, the robbery rate in the United States in 2005 was 140.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. The larceny-theft rate was 2,286.3. Granted, these figures are broader than just mugging vs. theft from cars, but the difference is an order of magnitude.
Soda Pop Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 14:59 pm
I am with you on about 50% of these. Some seem like they are more trouble than merit. I also consider myself a minimalist. My oddest quirk is that I dont have a bedroom. A room just for sleeping seems like a waste. I have a futon couch I can expand, but when it’s just me, I sleep on it couch-mode.
Technology can help you be a minimalist. It can consolidate objects. If you had an iPhone, you wouldn’t need a home computer.
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 15:04 pm
Regarding theft from my car, I responded to this issue in the comments above. I personally don’t live my life worrying about my stuff being stolen, and it’s never been an issue for me.
@Eric: you might be right — I wasn’t really speaking statistically, but more along the lines of both being a possibility. Neither of the statistics you offered were for mugging or for car theft, but regardless, my point is the same: your stuff could get stolen either way, and it’s not worth worrying about it, at least for me.
Sour Grapes Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 15:23 pm
Keeping stuff in your car instead of your pockets is about as far from “minimalist” as it’s possible to get. That’s like having a man to carry each item of shopping to save on supermarket bags. And what’s the point of having a phone if you don’t have it with you? If it’s not on your person when you’re out, it might as well be on your desk back home.
A point about the iPod: just because you have one on you doesn’t mean you need to listen to it. Listening while cycling is a very bad idea, and maybe while running too, depending on where you are. But as someone has said, you save on all those CDs cluttering up the place, stereo installations. You can have music, video, audiobooks, contacts and notes. And you can even use it as a flashdrive. I have Portable Apps installed on my Nano, so my own (sinced-up) browser goes with me everywhere, along with all the rest.
Online documents is the way it’s going. I already have mail, notebooks, docs, calendar all online. More and more people do.
Deftly Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 16:07 pm
Holy security holes Batman. Car broken into = identity theft problems, not to mention the thief can easily go for a joy ride. Online storage of the wrong files on something that gets hacked = identity theft problems. Call me paranoid but this just doesn’t sound well thought out.
There is good advice about a lot of ways to minimize here but a lot of red flags pop up while reading this.
Eric Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 16:07 pm
Hi. I love your blog.
I hear a lot of problems about keeping a cell phone and blackberry. I lived in West Africa in the Peace Corps for 2 years. I didn’t have a phone, no mail system, no electricity. I promised myself when I got back the the States that I would get a cell phone and appreciate what we have in America.
It seems like people don’t like those convenience devices because they feel like they rule their lives. But I love, after being so far from the friends outside of my village, having all of them at my fingertips. I’ve considered getting a Blackberry just because it would mean I wouldn’t have to tie myself down to a desk to communicate with people. I mean, how often do you start surfing when you check your email? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just check it, fire off some emails, and put it away?
It seems much simpler to me. If I don’t want to answer the phone, I don’t. But I just love talking to my friends.
Ok thanks. I don’t mean to dis your choices, just to explain mine.
Eric
Snakk3 Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 17:53 pm
I just don’t like the ipod one. I love music, and i want my ipod when i want to hear music. sometimes is too much… when i do some sport i like to have music in my ears, because motivates me. when im tired of it i just turn off and enjoy da nature sound that is usual where i live.
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 21:46 pm
I have to say, I did this post thinking that it might be fun to share some things I do.
I wasn’t expecting such strong reactions … some people have reacted very favorably to this post, and I’m glad … and others are strongly against it, which is fine too. I’m not sure I get why they are so strongly against what I do, as these are just my personal quirks, and not for anyone else, but that’s OK.
However, I will say that if you disagree with me, please be civil. Name calling and utter rudeness aren’t tolerated here. It’s my blog, and I don’t mind disagreements, but I only ask for civility. I will delete rude posts calling me a moron, or calling anyone else names, and I have done so already.
I hate to be heavy handed. I love discussions, but I don’t want them to degenerate into name calling and childishness.
Leo Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 21:51 pm
@Deftly: I addressed the “security holes” issue in the comments above. Material possessions just don’t mean that much to me, but you are free to do as you’d like. Seriously, in the 18 years since I first owned a car, I’ve never been broken into. Neither has anyone else I know. And that includes in major cities. Sure, it happens, but it’s just not that much of a risk to justify paranoia on my part. Also, even if it does, there’s nothing in my car that’s worth that much to me, including the car itself. My family is all I care about.
As for identity theft, for online storage I only use the major companies, and I haven’t heard of this happening very often. And anyhow, the stuff I store online is just articles and photos and stuff like that. Nothing that valuable. Many people bank online and they don’t worry about that. It just doesn’t seem like that much of a problem. And what’s the worst that could happen in identity theft? I don’t even own a credit card. I don’t store any passwords online. The worst that could happen is they would post something on my blog, and hey, I don’t mind a guest post now and then! :)
Jasi Says:
August 22nd, 2007, 22:26 pm
i must be an odd little minimalist then. i do most of this. no icons, no bed (baby in my kingsize mattress, too. -love it), no hd storage, no wallet, 2 keys + 1 clicker, no watch.
but my cell phone comes with music, camera, internet(s- heh), and all sorts of location devices. i don’t use it much but, i’m a stranger in a strange land. it is my safety net.
i long for warmer climes so i can rid myself entirely of winter storage. that’s what really gets at me. i don’t store anything other than that and *gags* holiday decorations. ah, the comprimise of marriage.
Julia Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 2:12 am
As far as sleeping on the floor goes, why not try a Japanese futon? Japanese people traditionally use special beds that they can fold up and store in a closet during the day and when I lived there for 4 months, I was amazed at how comfortable and simple it was, and how much space it saved.
If hunting down a futon seems too difficult, my good friend’s family simply lays down a sheet and pillow and sleeps on the carpeted floor.
That said, these are great tips. I especially like someone’s idea of using a moleskin notebook as a wallet– I may have to steal that one.
BAMS Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 4:30 am
@LEO regarding car-break-in: Great response! I tried being minimalistic a few times in my life, and I just can’t do it. I am not a freelancer and I work IT. That is probably the main reason I just can’t do it. My wallet, treo, and set of keys are always on me (filing cabinets, car, house, and a couple other ones). My car and desk are even more clustered.
But I do keep most of my data on a thumb drive, backed up on my desktop @ home, and laptop hard drives. And all my desktops are blank (ubuntu or windows). So i guess when it comes to living in the virtual/digital world I’m halfway there. You can’t really survive working IT if your PCs are all disorganized and out of whack. My inbox also never has more than 10 messages in it at a time. It either gets filed or noted & deleted. Good post and an even better response!
Sorry to hear about the typhoon, hope everything is back in order now! :)
koke Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 10:07 am
no watch, wallet, and TV for me :)
About the wallet, it’s becoming a problem since I usually carry some cards which have deteriorated to the point they aren’t legible anymore. Maybe I need one of those jimi plastic wallets.
I have a strange binding to my keys. Even when I am thousands of miles away from home I have to carry them on my pocket or I feel I miss something. Weird :)
And desktop icons… almost there. I loved the kinkless desktop approach. I have five folders in my desktop at any moment, even when I mostly use them from the dock
Matt Wolfe Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 10:54 am
I think I have every single thing on that list except for the mobile internet. Recently I took a trip to Colorado and brought nothing but my clothes and some books and it was awesome. We stayed in a little log cabin with no cable or computer and we were perfectly fine. We managed to keep ourselves entertained the entire time. We hiked, traveled about the little town, hung out at the lake, and relaxed and read books. The trip was a total eye opener. Ever since then, I’ve been attempting to completely simplify my life. Great Post.
Adam Snider Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 17:15 pm
I like the idea of storing everything online, instead of on my PC, but I worry about what would happen if something ever happened server-side that caused me to lose all of my data.
Sure, something similar could happen on my PC, but at least it would be something under my control.
Abel Says:
August 23rd, 2007, 22:20 pm
Leo, excellent post! A “not supremely useful” post has generated so much interest.
I really like your simple lifestyle. I thought I was simple enough. But you beat me flat. A few things we share in common: no watch, no cable TV, no mobile Internet, no ipod.
I can’t take the “no keys” approach as I am paranoid that my cars will be stolen and that leaves me with no keys to go home ;-)
jo Says:
August 24th, 2007, 1:59 am
I don’t wear a watch either. I used to sell them & have several I got as sales bonuses, but I quit wearing one as it prevents me from clockwatching at work, or wherever. If I really need to know what time it is, to make it somewhere I’ll set the alarm on my cellphone. I’ve had to at times, put a sticky note over the clock on my desktop (I know I can hide it) and my office phone–or even the clock on a treadmill. This is especially helpful when you’re doing a task you dislike.
I can’t imagine forfeiting time with my Sig O to have the whole family in bed. I had a friend who was doing that, and then she was complaining about her lousy sex life since she had a family. I reminder her who was sharing her bed. I know it can be a warm & loving experience, but I promise you’ll be blogging about kicking your kid out of the bed someday! You should give your wife some of her own alone time, even if it is just to snuggle.
jo Says:
August 24th, 2007, 2:00 am
ps. do share your favorite online aps!
jo Says:
August 24th, 2007, 2:02 am
sorry one more thing, I had a friend recently who hid her purse under her seat & her car still got broken into & someone stole it. if you’re goign to hide stuff in your car, make sure you look around before you put your wallet in your glove compartment.
Winter Says:
August 24th, 2007, 2:08 am
hmm lets see, here are my minimalist quirks as you say- and I def have plans to do more but for now…
1) absolutely no cell phone and no landline (I use skype if I have to)
2) no car
3) no furniture
4) only a few change of clothes, a few pairs of shoes
5) no makeup
6) cut out almost all of my social networks, IM handles, and email addresses (but not all! : )
7) basically I try to live with out frivolous wants and materials. Whenever I want something I let myself get quite and realize if my authentic self truly wants it or if it just something that has been pushed onto my via others wants/desires/conditioning.
Thanks for sharing! Namaste, Winter
Lilx Says:
August 24th, 2007, 9:25 am
I’m with Winter,
No furniture.
No landline.
Mike Says:
August 24th, 2007, 9:42 am
Here’s a great page on getting rid of desktop clutter:
http://www.avesh.com/blog/DesktopZenReducingVisualClutterOnYourDesktop.aspx
Jacob Says:
August 24th, 2007, 10:33 am
Maybe add to that, though I’m not sure if Leo does it, but own a Mac. Don’t have to constantly maintain anti-virus and anti-spyware software subscriptions and definitions, impossible-to-find drivers, junk like that. Don’t have to be worried about security or buy a new machine when you lose one to a virus or spyware.
A Mac just works. And when it doesn’t, there are very competent people paid to make it work for you. It gets out of your way and lets you work; the perfect minimalist computer.
I’m a programmer; I use one. I very well could maintain Windows if I wanted to, but I can do PHP quite easily on Fetch, Firefox, and TextWrangler. So I don’t bother messing with Windows.
Also I agree that while eliminating music from your life is quite minimalist and may be good for some people, others enjoy music (myself included). If you’re going to have music, the iPod is the best and most minimalist tool to use for it.
denise Says:
August 25th, 2007, 21:01 pm
Many years ago when I only wore jeans and flannel…if it would not fit in my jeans pocket without distracting the eye of the beholder then it did not go with me. So essentially my jeans pockets were a walking glove compartment. :) Now I have two pairs of earrings, three pairs of shoes and my closet consists of an seven foot rod with about 3 empty feet of space. Not bad for a female, huh?
golf Says:
August 26th, 2007, 1:29 am
I always use every pixel of my screen when i work, with all windows maximized, it doesn’t make a difference to me how many icons on the desktop. And the good things about putting files on desktop is…. esp on windows machine, at the open file dialog, backspace means go to the “parent directory”, and desktop directory is the “grand parent of all directory”, as long as i hold down the backspace key, it’ll bring me to the desktop from wherever my current directory is.
goodboy Says:
August 26th, 2007, 5:37 am
Being minimalist is not to be minimalist!
Les Says:
August 26th, 2007, 13:09 pm
What is the benefit of not having icons on the desktop? Seems a bit laughable to consider that part of a minimalist lifestyle.
How many of you have airconditioners, eat meat, or own a coat? Now getting rid of THOSE items would be impressive. :-)
No offense, but saying that you are minimalist because you keep your crap in a car is also pretty Bush league. Getting rid of the car, and keeping the wallet/phone in your pocket would be FAR more minimalist, IMO.
Samson Says:
August 26th, 2007, 17:29 pm
This is a great article and I will definitely try a few of these. Also, I’m very happy to read the following post by “M”:
“Thanks, Leo. I’m so flattered that you liked that post and my blog. People like you are one of the reasons I love the Bay Area and feel at home here. In fact the people are one of the main reasons that it’s so hard to leave this area.
I’ve been nowhere else with such a high concentration of people who I can relate to so well to and feel so at home among. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you love it here and spent years living here!”
I’m a young guy and I want to move to the Bay Area as soon as I can sell my condo. I’m looking to move for the exact reason stated above… I want to live in a great community with high quality, friendly people. I can’t wait to move and hopefully I’ll feel at home there!
How is it not to own a car in the Bay Area? I live in the Denver suburbs and having a car here is a must. But I’m hoping when I move I can live in an area where everything I need is close by. I love urban life =)
Deborah Says:
August 26th, 2007, 20:12 pm
Wow! I already do nine out of ten of these. I’m ging to look into the tenth. What a pleasure to find like minds.
Here’s my minimalist way to de-clutter your home visual field. No no NO labels visible on any product in plain sight in your home. Put shampoo, dishwashing soap, cereals, dried fruit, honey, tea, coffee, salt, oil, ALL of it in neutral containers like plain tupperware, decorative tins, travel squeeze bottles, cut glass cruets, mason jars, etc. I collect these from trash and recycle bins, Goodwill, foreign travels, and yard sales. There’s some beautiful container design out there. This also helps you to buy Costco-size quantities and dole out fresh bits as needed.
Focus on the things you want to see - your photos, books, instruments, textiles. And family!
