"Minimalism" is a Scam

Should be called "intentionalism"

Minimalism has helped me declutter stuff I didn't need. It gave me permission. I'm a clean, organised, tidy person naturally. But I had too much of certain things, like clothing. I will never cut down to 5 items of clothing like a lot of hard core minimalists, but I've donated a lot to charity now. And I always have something to wear that fits and what makes me feel good. I got a rid of other stuff too but will never be a 'true minimalist. For me it's helping me save money because I don't want to buy everything in site. It's given me some self control :)

I wanna share my story a bit, sorry for my bad English. I used to live in Korea alone for study. Originally I’m coming from Indonesia. I started to learn about “Minimalism” there. Because I constantly moving from one place to another place. I started becoming a “Minimalist” since then. The result of this lifestyle was happened in 2018, I achieved my emergency fund goals. I watched several videos from Aja Dang, etc... or read some books from Fumio Sasaki, Marie Kondo, and other amazing creators. Many people have wrong conception about “Minimalism” and acting like it is a “cult” meanwhile for me who living in Asian Countries & having less of space the “mindfulness” & “minimalist” room organization are totally useful. I shop less, I shop things that I need mindfully, Doing reduce/reuse/recycle, choosing good food for my body (it helps me to look fit and younger too 😂❤️) I don’t download useless app and all my stuff can fit inti 1 room. Minimalism is not for everyone, indeed. Many people abused this lifestyle. But It does help my life even until now 🤗

Minimalism isn't the scam. People who make it into a cult, create the scam.

I suspect minimalism has become a way of controlling other people. "If your house isn't as bare and colorless as mine, there is something wrong with you!" I like beautiful objects; my husband likes souvenirs. He treasures every marble that every kid ever lost in the 110 years since our home was built. That is one of things that makes him who he is.

Unfortunately many does not understand what minimalism is, resulting in those kinds of unreal videos. To me is making mindful decisions and trying to keep time to spend on myself and loved ones.

Everyone has their own version of minimalism. I don’t like to have a bunch of stuff. I just started living this way a year and half again. No need for me to have 8 coffee mugs and excess games/movies when I don’t even play them….good video

The only issue I have is that if you enjoy your collection people still tell you to get rid of it. That's not helpful

I call myself a luxury minimalist. I got rid of all the things, which had no value to me. But … I have an „overpriced coffee setup“ with a nice mashine and mill because I love coffee and I enjoy every single cup. I own three bikes (steel, titanium) because I love cycling and do it almost every day. That’s why to me minimalism doesn’t mean have only this or that. It’s a personal approach being more conscious (as you already mentioned)

That is one type of minimalism. Everything I own is colorful. But I dont own much. Everything I have I love and brings me joy.

I think that everything can become "a cult", you know. If the person rely too much on stuff and then get rid of all but don't seek help for this hole that they feel, they will become obssed with other stuff, like minimalism. One good friend of mine did a surgery to reduce is stomach (I'm brazilian, just forgot the name in english haha) and then, out of thin air, he couldn't compulsive eat. So he started to drink A LOT to fill that space inside him. It's not about all the beautiful minimalist aesthetic things, it's about people finding space to live a better life, but some people got it all wrong.

I like the Marie Kondo method of decluttering because you get to keep all the stuff that makes you happy but are encouraged to let go of the dud gifts, bad clothes, ugly art etc. I have most of my sentimental toys, I have lots of comfy cushions, I have way too many chairs for 1 person but my home is clean, my stuff is kept to a minimum, and my peace is maximized

minimalism changed my life drastically for the better but there is def not a one size fits all. It really should be called common sense because ultimately thats all it is. Unfortunately society now is greed based and debt based. Minimalism just takes us out of that and back to the basics.

Minimalism helped me to live a peaceful and calm life. I used to organize all the clutter I have. After minimalism, I decluttered all the things, which I never used for past 10 years. It made to realize Owing less. Now I am peacefully, I have everything I need. Minimalism is awesome

I think minimalism becomes unhealthy when we rely on the emotional benefits of decluttering, cleaning, spending less etc. Trying to find the route to happiness through minimalism will only just make us unhappy, especially when comparison and burnout gets involved. I started to go down that hole when I was reading Marie Kondo's book, but realized I shouldn't focus so much on what I should be getting rid of, but focusing on myself and my habits first. I definitely don't think minimalism is a cult or a bad lifestyle, but I do agree the videos here on youtube can get preachy, as you described. Mindfulness is key. Thank you for this video!

I have decluttered multiple times and each time helps more than the last. Each time is a chance to look at something and ask, "Why am I keeping this? Have I used it recently, and how many decluttering sessions have I asked those same questions?" HOW you look as a minimalists really is lifestyle and hobby specific. A home owner many have many tools and equipment to do their own repairs and yardwork, while a condo owner or renter may have none of those. Someone into camping may have a summer sleeping back and a winter one, a single person tent and a family tent, etc.

Something i don't understand about this "minimalist houses" is the size of those places, if u said u only have what u need, then why they have big places to Live in? Most minimalist should Live in tiny houses and shoebox appartments...

Some people do minimalism with the wrong intention. If you're starting minimalism because you think it will bring you happiness, no, you have to want to turn your life around and consciously want to be happy. If you don't want to put in effort to be happy, then nothing you do will ever make u happy. It starts with you.

Moving to a simple, more intentional life has made a huge difference in my life. I am a very practical person and have both filtered the online advice & chosen not to watch content that is one-sided. I think balance is important in our spaces & in our thinking. Personally, the type of "minimalism" you are describing at the beginning if this video is not one that has ever had any draw for me at all.

True.... somehow all Minimalists preach minimalism and then themselves move to bigger houses , buy things for their homes , give links for the items they purchased ... Kudos to you to to say what ground reality is...