How Japanese Minimalism Changed My Life: 5 Principles to Declutter Your Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- When there is too much clutter, you can't think. When you can't think, you can't create. When you can't create, your world slows down. What if we only filled our lives with things that had real value and removed everything else.
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My name is Zach. I’m a Resident Physician in Boston. I make videos about medical school, studying, and growth. I love trying new things and often mess up. However, every time I screw up, I usually learn something. Whatever I learn, I post it either on TH-cam or on my website 🌐 (zhighley.com/).
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Thanks for another informative video. I followed Marie Kondo's methods several years ago and I was amazed by how much I decluttered. But this year, I have been on a new declutter focus following some of the Swedish ideas, especially "Death Cleaning", which has been even more effective and less rigid than Japanese methods. I am now living an "intentional" rather than "minimalist" life. It's not about stuff, it's about everything and what meaning it has in your life. It took 6 months of reviewing every single item I own and decluttering what no longer bore purpose in my life. And I cannot believe how much I removed from my home, even though I have been careful and frugal and well organised and tidy. The great thing is I have no urge to buy anything to replace what I decluttered. Second, I follow a Chinese philosophy, "You know you're rich, when you know you have enough". I have less and less but feel richer and richer. Mentally, I feel lighter and lighter and not weighed down by stuff. This also goes for a digital and financial declutter. Finally, a friend of mine, an architect, told me years ago that we look at housing in terms of how much storage space there is. The danger with this is that we fill it with stuff. Hence, the smaller the place, the less storage available, the better. We soon realise how we don't need so many things. My goal is to have as many empty drawers and cupboards and spaces where practicable, without the urge to fill these spaces up. It is amazing how this intentional way of living saves you so much money and my goal is to fill my life with experiences rather than stuff. Humans consume too much and end up throwing most of it away. Look at fast fashion! I have a clothing budget of $15 per month and I often don't even spend that. I realised after my last decluttering purge, that so much stuff I bought was hardly used and now I think of all the money I wasted. I don't want to do that anymore. As a society, we have too much FOMO! This has to stop and we have to realise that we are falling victim to marketing and advertising ploys time after time.
Agreed 👍
Hello. It's all good to declutter etc. But in any case it ends up cluttering planet earth with all the clutter again isn't it? Imran throwing all of the junk to a scrap collector, old clothes to people who can perhaps reuse used clothes, books to old books collector etc? In the endxwhat can these people with the junk ? Won't they be overwhelmed? Humans always had it all messed up and complicated. Because we never bothered to use our thinking and other powers appropriately. Consumerism began with the western world and nothing can be done about it. US is perhaps the biggest consumer of plastics and many disposables. 🙄😱☹️😠
I love your way of thinking, this is where my life is headed to also. Intentional living is making me a better mother, daughter, and friend- and I’m now adding low waste ideology to my everyday life and I’ve never felt better
Exactly....!!!!
I agree
I'm a long time simple living fan. Great video! Funny you mention only drinking water, because that's exactly what I do. I also only eat plant foods. My grocery shopping is VERY easy and simple, as is my food prep. I have home clothes and street wear. The home clothes are all very similar to each other. The street clothes are also same styles so I don't have to think too hard about creating an outfit. I only have a few jewelry pieces and accessories, like a scarf and one bag that match everything else.
This winter I'll complete my goal of digitizing ALL photos, recipes and paperwork, so nothing to store physically. The relief is real!!
I eat the same breakfast every day. I own very few clothes, I drink coffee in the morning and water the rest of the day. I thrive on same routines, including meals through the week and cleaning chores. Love this life!
What is your everyday breakfast?
@@DaliborPetkovski-y6q Nuts and fruit.
Minimalism is always intriguing but has been born from prosperity. Giving things to charity shops is very noble if you prefer to not deal with selling them. I visit a Habitat for Humanity thrift shop regularly and have seen both the very poor and the very well off shopping there. It's a joy to see a poor older lady happily taking a piece of fine china to the cashier counter. The lady obviously recognized the quality and was able to add it to her house for $2.00. Half my furniture is used and I am happy with it. I don't feel that I am taking from the poorer shoppers there since I have donated many items there myself. God bless Jimmy Carter and his beloved wife.
Just got back from Japan. Everything is clean sleek and not cluttered. People are kind and courteous. My friend left iPhone on bullet train. It was returned within an hour. Healthy food. I wanted to stay but language is difficult ❤
Hi from Okinawa Japan! We need people like you (who appreciate Japan)! Many English speakers find jobs in IT, ALT, USA military, contractors to military, embassy and consular jobs.
My son works at Okinawa often. He loves the people and the culture. Here’s to Japan from Texas, USA. Thank you!
@@aikofujita2420 thank you. I took my 18 yo granddaughter as a hs graduation gift. She choose Japan. I’m an artist. I loved the creative aspect of the culture. Unfortunately we were only there 2 weeks. I’m encouraging her to return as an exchange student. I would love join her.
@@pamelagilmour8060 She may try the Rotary Club. Our club hosted many young people from the USA. In fact, one particular young girl so loved Japan that she went to Okinawa High School; later, in mainland Japan, to Asia Pacific University. She stayed there at APU as a recruiter. She went home to Pennsylvania during the Pandemic but returned and married a Pastor’s son. We attended the University graduation March 2017 and Wedding September 2023.
@@pamelagilmour8060
That would be an amazing experience for you both. 🙏🏼
I was in Japan 30 yrs ago, wish I could visit again. The most beautiful country and culture I ever visited.
I found you really interesting to listen to, and you spoke sooo much sense. I too followed Marie Kondo's methods in the past, which worked in some ways for me, but some were too restrictive for me too. I like to see things I love out in my home, and would not be happy in a minimalist home. I definitely have way too much stuff in my home that I need out of it, but I am so desperate for money, I try and sell it to no avail it seems?! I have two rooms full of things I have not touched in about 7 years. I only go out of my home to walk my dog, due to my sever anxiety, which the stuff in my home is not helping of course! I have not been out and about since 2020. I can not afford to get someone to help me remove things from my home, as I am living on my pension. So I have to do what I can on my own. Blessings to you from Jilly & Madge the rescue greyhound, from West Devon, England. xxx
I sell things on Facebook Marketplace. I usually list three things at a time. (I have a few rules for how to stay safe doing this.). I give each rotation about a week, and if the things haven't sold I usually decide it's because I'm either meant to keep them, or it's not the right time, so I take them back down, and go on to another three items. This keeps you from obsessing about selling something, and it keeps people from taking advantage of you. I only accept cash or Venmo, and I'm clear up front with people the price I expect to see when I meet them. A lot of people will try the, "oh, I only have 'some amount less than they agreed'" when you meet them, at which point you say. I'm sorry, I had several full price offers, and I can't sell for the lower price. Always be prepared to walk away. People who low ball you won't take proper care of your item anyway. I once had a women pull this trick with a really beautiful rug that I was selling her. So I not only had to endure the lower price, but watch her stuff my rug into the back of her car in a way I would not have done. Never again. After that, I just said no, when people tried to give me less. I've had to move apartments unexpectedly a few times, so I've had a lot to sell. Most people are really nice, and I've meant some truly wonderful people.
If you go this route, never give out personal information to someone who asks. Look up a video on how to safely sell items on Facebook marketplace. There are a couple of basic tricks to staying safe and being successful. You can do it!
1. Create space by decluttering your physical possessions. (Does this item give me joy?)
2. Embrace space by having as much physical space as possible where you live. (Organize all the things in your life purposely.)
3. Eliminate choices. (Maybe wear the same outfit every day. Maybe eat the same breakfast every day. Maybe you only drink water.)
4. Everything is transient, nothing is perfect, and that's ok.
5. Can we apply the idea of simple living to our thoughts and our actions?
Thanks so much.
Thank you for the notes. I'm a slow writer and your post is a great help.
You can photo shot the list to your phone
Love this thanks ❤
Those Rothco prints behind you spark my joy. I used to do art like that but it's been in the back of the closet for years. Time to get out the paints again!
Especially since you can pick your own colors!
Japan has a culture of year-end cleaning. I think most Japanese do a bit of decluttering at this time :)
Got one in Chinese culture as well, usually we clean up and do some decluttering before the year end(February)
In Iran we have it too
Slavic culture has this too.
We clean a lot lol 😂
New Year resolve.
Respect for our belongings and space, gratitude for our blessings and a spirit of excellence in even the small things.
It's in South Indian tamil culture too..there is a boghi pongal festival where people give away things which are no longer make sense. It's not just things..but spiritual too.
We always did seasonal decluttering (Brazilian) they even clean the house before cleaning lady arrives and after they leave😂😂😂
We have all heard about the 'Does it bring me joy?' concept. But I think the way you rephrased it as 'Does this bring value to my life? ' is much more profound. We have plenty of things that we need in our homes that provide purely practical value. No joy there LOL
Yes! Real life.
This is true, but sometimes you can get joy from things you thought were only practical.
My late husband had a set of Corelle dishes that I have always disliked because they were so dated (not that they were attractive even back in the late 80's). I saw his argument in favor of the Corelle as opposed to other types of dishes, but I just couldn't get over the fact that I really hated the look of those dishes.
But recently, I inherited my grandmother's Corelle dishes, which have colorful flowers on them and I love them. The old dishes got the boot and I actually get a little sense of happiness when I wash these dishes, because I like how pretty and cheerful they are. Joy from dishes; who knew?
I also took a brass light switch cover out of my grandparent's house. It was by their door my entire life. A couple of days ago, I polished it up and put it up next to my door. Now, I enjoy a light switch cover.
So joy can be found even in practical or utilitarian items--although I will allow that it's much harder to find these things, so you have to make do with what you have until the perfect X comes into your life. But be open to the possibility that maybe there's a clothes iron or a microwave or a light fixture out there that will make you happy when you use it--an item that makes you say, man, this is so superior to all the versions that came before that I will never have any other kind again.
"The Minimalists" say does it add value to my life.
As a japanese who can't clean my room,this video has great meanings for me.Most japanese now should reconsider these types of japanese culture.
Sorry for my poor vocabulary and grammar😢
Thanks for posting this video!
Your grammar is actually pretty good
Your Grammer is better then some Americans
@@Afett111*grammar 😉
Kudos to YOU as I have been a minimalist for several years now and I have not owned a couch in several years as I am a PISCES like Steve Jobs and I believe that I share his exact birthday so this completely makes sense to me!!! Great video :)-
I am a minimalist, I don’t own a bed frame currently, I truly enjoy a open & clean space, satisfying beyond words. Now eating the same breakfast every morning I’m not sure about that lol
You don’t have to eat the same food daily to be a minimalist, that idea is silly.
@@sct4040It's not entirely about minimalism. It's about avoiding decision fatigue. Plus there is the matter of having lots of ingredients in your kitchen. I am guilty of that. But I like to eat a wide variety of cuisine.
I don't own any furniture at all, besides one office chair and a few folding tables. It's hard to explain to people why, but it's what's right for me.
I don’t know how Japanese minimalism changed your life.. But you surely have changed my life Zach ❤️
Thank you for your video, very refreshing. I have been doing minimalism for several years. I usually take time to refresh the minimalism idea (although it's almost always the same), but I like your video, very refreshing and good explanation. Salute!
2:03 wow ! Love this clean view of your comfy and tidy place !
This video sparks joy for me ❤
Thank you l.I learned a lot. Really helpful.
I read a book and then sell it or donate it. Even her book!! In the last year I have only kept one book the whole time, my Bible. Life changing when you move house.
Good plan. I know there are a lot of people who say they can't bear to part with books. I have a lot at the moment, but have put a firm stop to getting any more until I get some read. My landlady and I share some tastes in reading so we share back and forth.
great vid
as a resident, decision fatigue is real
been really trying to open up my mind and clear clutter
it's tough, but worthwhile
Your point is well-taken about minimalism, but Steve Jobs didn't live without a couch because he was a minimalist. He did so because he was an abusive narcissistic perfectionist who tortured those around him. He would have arguments with the family at the dinner table about the technological features of his washer and dryer. He refused to furnish his living area because nothing was ever "good enough." It's an illustration how any philosophy--taken too far--will become a tyranny of the soul.
This is exactly right. It all comes down to what brings YOU joy. And if you're taking joy in torturing the people around you with your philosophy, then you might want to look at that. (ahem, Steve, rip) I love how you synthesized these principles without making them complicated or emotionally weighty, thank you for that. I can be a clutter queen. And I've come to accept that having a bit more stuff in my environment brings me joy. I love the feel of Country shabby. Textures and soothing colors. A few more bits and bobs. That is what brings ME joy, while the aesthetic of modern minimalism leaves me a little claustrophobic. We all have to find our personal joy zone. But still...too much is too much, and I love how you help us zero in on identifying this for ourselves. :)
Thank you. Enough about that psycho.
Thank you for this video and the message you've shared. I was feeling quite anxious just now, until I watched your video. It's put things into perspective 💛
Very nice and practical video ❤️
Thanks Zach, i really enjoyed the video. And thanks for the recap it was helpful.
Greetings from the Czech Republic, I love your videos. Been watching them for some time. Extremly educating and helpfull. You helped me a lot in productivity, turning your life for better etc. Good idea for some future video: Video focusing solely on meditation, how to practice, how to start, how to keep focus etc. Looking forward to future videos, thank you. Cheers!!!
Well done! This is gold!
It's funny how we all hang on to clothes in hopes of "Someday'". Konmsri starts with this category in her method saying to keep sentimental items last but for many of us we do have an emotional attachment to our clothes. But it's still a good place to start since we have so many clothes😂. Good luck on your journeys y'all 😊
Yes this is it!!!!! 🙌 less is better - always trying to get more and achieve more isn’t as beneficial as marketing makes it seem. Thanks for explaining this in a simple way! :)
Great reminder video. I love getting rid of stuff
Me too! I love cleaning and declutterring and organizing! It makes me soooooo happy!!
Thanks for sharing minimalism tips. In love with minimalist spaces & lifestyle! 🤩
Thank you! Me too!
0:14 It's been great seeing zach's sense of humor thrive with his youtube journey 😂 great videos man
I don't have to decide what to wear, but I still have variety. I just wear my clothes in order of how they are hanging. No decisions just the first top and the first pair of pants on the right.
Wow! The most unusual cool idea I have seen in a long time!
👍👍Thank you very much for guidance regarding the Japanese way of minimalism 🙏🙏 from India
exactly. i want to practicing not needing it as opposed to wanting anything
I'm someone who has never been able to clean up. It's practically a mental disorder; I have a pathological hatred of cleaning and organizing. But Marie Kondo's book removed the shame and self-hatred out of cleaning for me by focusing on the positives of cleaning and thanking items before letting them go.
I am a "Simplest" and have been living this way for over 6 years now. My life is a pleasure. I tried asking the "Does this park joy?" question with my friend whose home I cannot visit it is so filled with stuff. She is not a hoarder. EVERYTHING fills her with joy. Of course, that is a lie. Her "collections" represent a deep-seated sense of unworthiness. THIS is a cultural thing in America--particularly for women. Surrounding yourself with consignment store stuff that did not cost much makes you feel safe. So "minimalism" appeals to lots of us but will never appeal to the vast majority who are "cultural hoarders".
And to know if it sparks joy is t know if it feels like it drags you down or makes you feel happy and uplifting. Also, before buying something touch it and see how I feels before buying it!
That was helpful, thank you. I really need to get minimalism and calm into my mind.
thanks Zach! glad you're talking about minimalism! I actually have been living without wifi (crazy!) and it's felt similar mentally. that and you inspired me to start making youtube videos, and I just hit 1k subs! keep inspiring us!
Without WiFi? Amazing! Then how comment though haha but no well done on YT as well. Keep going!
@@ZachHighley you can comment without wifi if you're built different! jk I just do my work in a library and like my livingspace doesn't have wifi. very minimalist bc there's no router!
A few years ago I was watching a video like this one and when the person said Keep only what brings joy, I looked at my closet and I thought "my God, I would be naked" 😊
Will try from this year
I like your art collections !
Simple living , high thinking
I feel like Confuscious wouldn't say that if he had a Sleep 8 and smart plugs managed through automations from a Homepod, lol. I get a dopamine rush when Siri turns my lights on, haha. But true, the idea isn't about being overly attached to material things. There are people and extraordinary experiences to delve into and immerse in. BTW, I love your green shirt. Where did you get it from? Looks like something from Club Monaco.
I spent 5 hours reorganizing and decluttering my closet last night. I am a well organized person, but my closet had too much visual clutter. I ended up with a large bag of shoes and clothes to donate, and I have set aside some purses to sell online that I no longer use.
Great video and random question but what brand of shirt are you wearing during the video? I want to get one too :)
i eat only fresh local beef. it makes my life so much easier and healthier when it comes to my food choices. not to mentioned ive cured crohns disease by cutting out processed foods
Luvly video thank you!
Look at how well this vid is doing.
Thanks to you I also read these 2 books, they're amazing, I've already sold and donated countless items, and if feels absolutely amazing to declutter and simplify your environment and your life. So I want to thank you Zach!
Great books righttttt
❤Thanks For Shearing
You Are So Sweat!!!❤
Japanese Minimalism is wild, you’ll have some people who only have what they need and then you have others who buy a house worth of anime and popular culture merch and have a room full of boxes
one word wonderful. How is that for mini idea
Excellent video. Thank you. 💯
Where did you get your shirt from? Looks very comfortable. Just one more thing! I promise.
That intro got me😂
Have you adjusted the truss rod on your guitar? The neck angle looked concerning per the shot I saw....
I realize why I have a hard time getting rid of things I was going through a box and there were some things for my granddaughter's play Tickets and I didn't even remember the play until I saw the tickets and it's like that when you get my age I think that's part of the emotional issue but I truly want to live simply I don't want to be a minimalist actually but just live simply and I'm trying very hard as long as I can give something to someone I've taken bags and bags of baby clothes and winter coats and warm pajamas and blankets and sheets to people that need them and I can get rid of them so quick if I can find someone that needs them but other things I have a more difficult time with I'm worried I'm going to pass away and leave too much for my family to have to deal with anybody have any suggestions to help me do this more quickly
Thank you.
Great video as always say
🌍🌟
Thank you! Cheers!
Awesome video, thank u so, greetings from Mexico City
Meditation is essentially de-cluttering your mind....and creating space for new creative thoughts.....and meditation is the main practice in Zen.....
you have a beautiful and warm energy home
I think I need this
kitchen appliances dont give me joy😅but I need them😮
Interesting note regarding Zuckerberg and Jobs wearing the same set of clothes daily - A few years ago in Australia, a pair of morning TV hosts conducted an experiment. She wore different clothes daily and inevitably there was critique about her choices on all sorts of of other media. He wore the exact same clothes each day (for a year perhaps? I can't recall that detail) and *nobody noticed* .
Point being, in theory that elimination of clothing choices is wonderful, but try being a female in the public eye and getting away with that.
Great video and channel.
Excelent Zach❤
Your Tshirt looks very nice, could you please tell what brand/model it is? :)
What shirt brand did you choose?
I used to think the people who criticized consumerism were crazy. But now I think things have gone too far. We are surrounded by cheap, throwaway if it breaks items. It's harder and harder to find quality goods that will last a lifetime and people are now producing things so that people don't have to think, the smart appliance or computer or AI will do the thinking for them.
Here's to having a few, really high quality things in your life and less junk.
Its a great way of life. The only thing that bothers me is a missing goal. When I simplify my surrounding and perhaps stop watching TV and may be reduce all my social networking. I do not have a clue what to do with my time - I dont have any goals to follow..
Maybe traveling around the world? Collect memories/experiences, not stuff
Maybe get a passport and experience another culture! It WILL open your mind and expand your heart & ignite your soul
Volunteer someplace you have a strong attraction to. Travel…even locally. Check out interesting events near you. Jog, walk, bike.
Great one ....🎉
You are awesome.
True..JAINISM already believes in this principle of minimalism sinces ages.
You forgot paper clutter in Marie’s order of what to go through first. It comes after books.
Nice... noted...
Hello zach. Big fan❤. Can you put a video about how to start studying
Like how to start studying for the first time ever?
Sorry for late reply YES first time ever new day new study session yeah
From birth to death we undergo metamorphosis. Every year, we outgrow our clothing, shoes and books. Thrift shop or trash?People who are savers live cluttered lives.
You're awesome... I subscribed... 😀
Wonderful video.
I have such a hard time getting rid of books…
❤ wow, this is motivating me. You talk calmly, make it simplified and are keeping my attention 100%. Great 👍 way ypu have to in speaking and getting these very helpful ideas that i will keep in my mind as I amin midst of decluttthe expensive things. Marie Kondo's book helped when a lot back when it first came to out but as a youtuber, my thing was hauls. Not doing this anymore. Hard when in a tiny crsmped apt and can not spread out as i have things everywhere. I am not one who can think on clutter. I noticed it was much eadier in a big home plus went faster and decision making. Thank you. New subscriber here.
How dose Multi tasking relate to this
Fly Eagles Fly Zach!
Nice!
I enjoyed this video but was puzzled by the way you flipped between "7" and "5". The title referenced 5 principles but your opening statement said you would go over 7 principles. Then you call your final tip "Tip number 6". It makes me wonder if you originally intended 7 tips but changed your mind. In any case, good video.
Minimalism is what the world needs
Watching on repeat 😂😂😂
Love this!!!!!!!!!?❤
This content is a breakthrough; akin to a book that was a breakthrough in its approach. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove
Where do yo throw away/donate things? Is it easy to drive to the donation location where you live? The “hard part” for me: finding the charities and donating to them.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away"
do you said 7 keys?? 😅😅
Bro what do you use for video editing software.. final cut or divinci resolve?
I use Final Cut Pro but I have an amazing editor as well!
Props for the Wabi Sabi t-shirt stains
What shirt are you wearing in this video. I like it?
think beyond objects... agreed
If I get rid of everything that doesn't bring me joy, I won't have clothes or dishes, and so on. If somebody has that much stuff that they can pass on stuff that doesn't thrill them, there's a bigger issue at hand.
Toilet brush gives me joy.