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> I have noticed that people pushing minimalism...or at least the idea of "throw it away and buy it if you ever end up needing it" is a luxury that I think many people take for granted.

I am inclined to disagree here and will say you're not making the full calculation.

One of the biggest costs that most people have in their life is paying for a place to live (be it rent or buying and maybe paying back for that). If you have fewer things this allows you to have a smaller space to live in. The reduced costs from that will more than make up for the occasional "I have to buy something that I might still have if I hadn't gotten rid of it a few years ago".



I do think there's multiple reasons for hoarding or minimalism. I'm just saying that I've noticed more well off people in my life advocating for minimalism over the years. I do agree with your sentiment.

In general, the poorer people I know aren't almost-homeless poor. Maybe they're just bad at managing everything (money, time, assets). They tend to be paying for those storage spaces. I see those storage spaces everywhere. I'm kind of curious what the average demographic is--like you say, space is expensive. I have used them, but only during transitions for a few months at a time. The terms of the contract made me think I wasn't the norm.

Your comment reminded me that my brother travels significantly more than I do, but travels with so much. I travel a few times a year, but absolutely hate having extra stuff. For me it's not about the cost of having an extra bag. It's about not wanting to wait for checked luggage, slinging around another extra bag (or just one heavier one), and not carrying it around. I'm sure he has his reasons for over-packing (perhaps being prepared, having appropriate attire means more to him), but for neither it's about the money. I'm sure for some people is is, though.


I think this poster is generally making the argument for stocking yourself with multipurpose tools and discarding single task or infrequent task items. As a contrived example, a funnel is a tool which will come in handy in many situations. But an old baby toy will likely only come in handy when a nephew is over once per year. Heck a funnel is even a decent baby toy.


Some may even say a funnel is pointless since you can create one with paper or foil lined paper for that once a year time you might use it.


You could be a hoarder in a tiny apartment, too.

Or you could be a minimalist who prefers the mostly empty feeling of a large home filled with few things, just like web designers who place huge margins everywhere.


'Huge' does not leave an impression of minimalism.


If what's huge, is blank space. maybe it does?




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