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I agree with the idea around removing clutter, and only buying what you need - but I think that extreme minimalism would only work if you lived on your own and

I agree with the idea around removing clutter, and only buying what you need - but I think that extreme minimalism would only work if you lived on your own and were in full control of your environment. Being married and having a couple of kids, you have to accept your life is not just yours, it is shared with others who have needs AND wants. They like to tip a pile of toys out and choose the one they want to play with that day - I cant just get them ONE high quality toy. My wife could surely survive with just one high quality lipstick or perfume, but to deprive her of variety in things like that would be mean. I suppose what I am saying is, when you live in a shared space, you concede optimal living and enjoy more variety.

hunvreus 14y ago
As I said in another comment, I am aware that having a wife and kids changes the game. I don't know yet how I will deal with it, but I hope I'll manage to keep things lean enough.
roc 14y ago
To say nothing of the goals and activities that come with 'grown-up' life and having a family, that don't map well to "everything fits in one suitcase." Does family bonding really happen when everyone is staring at their own tablet? Cooking and baking are universally recognized for their family benefits going back to before written history. Parties don't happen without at least furniture, glassware and music. Play dates and sleep-overs? I guess if every kid coming over knows to bring their own stuff... What about gear for hobbies? An easel? A dremel? A drill press? Or what about vacation concerns like a fishing-pole or snowboard? Pets? Running shoes? A tea kettle? Minimizing clutter is a great thing. But absolute minimalism is really only achievable by the young, healthy and single contingent that have seemingly no ambitions or interests beyond heads-down work and/or meditation.

hunvreus 14y ago

As I said in another comment, I am aware that having a wife and kids changes the game. I don't know yet how I will deal with it, but I hope I'll manage to keep things lean enough.

roc 14y ago

To say nothing of the goals and activities that come with 'grown-up' life and having a family, that don't map well to "everything fits in one suitcase." Does family bonding really happen when everyone is staring at their own tablet? Cooking and baking are universally recognized for their family benefits going back to before written history. Parties don't happen without at least furniture, glassware and music. Play dates and sleep-overs? I guess if every kid coming over knows to bring their own stuff... What about gear for hobbies? An easel? A dremel? A drill press? Or what about vacation concerns like a fishing-pole or snowboard? Pets? Running shoes? A tea kettle? Minimizing clutter is a great thing. But absolute minimalism is really only achievable by the young, healthy and single contingent that have seemingly no ambitions or interests beyond heads-down work and/or meditation.