The 35 Most Pointless Possessions For Minimalists

Welcome to the whimsical world of minimalism, where less is more, and sometimes, more is just… well, more than you need! I recently conducted a survey that feels more like a peek into the attics and garages of minimalists (and those aspiring to be). My quest was to uncover the ‘Most Pointless Possessions for Minimalists’. The responses I got were as varied as the colors in a kaleidoscope, revealing that one person’s treasure could very well be another’s clutter.

So, buckle up (or should we say ‘declutter’?) as we dive into the fascinating results of our survey. You might find yourself re-evaluating that ‘essential’ item you’ve been holding onto, or perhaps, you’ll nod in agreement with a sense of minimalist camaraderie.

Either way, prepare for a light-hearted exploration into the world of minimal living!

The Most Pointless Possessions For Minimalists

Imagine, if you will, a world where clothes dryers are debated as passionately as sports teams, and where guest rooms are scrutinized more than a detective inspects a crime scene from cars that some see as essential to others dubbing them as road-bound white elephants, to the extra bathroom – a sanctuary for some and a redundant space for others.

The respondents in my survey didn’t hold back in sharing their views on what’s essential and what’s excessive in the pursuit of a minimalist lifestyle.

But let’s see what the different users mentioned as their choice as the most pointless possessions for minimalists, and in the end, you will find the top 5 agreed-upon items!

• Novelty gear (e.g., Big Mouth Billy Bass)
• Veblen goods
• China cabinets
• Unnecessary kitchen equipment
• Paper shredder
• Garden storage table
• Memberships that are not used
• Extra cars
• Furniture that is not functional
• Vacation homes/cabins/beach homes
• Clothes closets with unworn items
• Dining room
• Generator
• Rescue Pets
• Dining room table/breakfront
• Dishwasher
• Entertainment center
• Lawn mower and weed wacker
• New/fast cars
• Hot tub/pool
• Heated driveway
• Perfectly clean house
• Outdoor Lighting
• Recreational vehicles
• Club Membership
• Life insurance
• Toys and collectibles (for adults)
• Fine China
• More than one bathroom per person
• Decorative pillows

Now these 5 below were by far the items that the participants of my little survey mentioned when it came to pointless possessions:

• Clothes Dryer: A clothes dryer, though seen as a convenience by several users, was labeled pointless by other minimalists who prefer air-drying for energy efficiency and garment longevity. However, other users argue its necessity in humid or cold climates, where air drying is impractical, highlighting the dryer’s importance in maintaining a manageable laundry routine.

• Guest Room: The guest room sparked debate; some viewed it as an underutilized space, especially in a minimalist lifestyle focused on functionality. Others countered, citing its multipurpose nature – doubling as a home office or craft room – and its value in nurturing relationships through hosting friends and family.

• Extra Bathroom: An extra bathroom was deemed unnecessary by participants favoring a simpler home layout. They argue one is sufficient and additional bathrooms just add cleaning chores. In contrast, others highlight the practicality and privacy it offers in a household with multiple members, particularly during sickness or hosting events.

• Car: Cars were considered pointless by urban dwellers with access to public transportation, emphasizing the high costs and environmental impact. However, for those in rural or less connected areas, a car is essential for daily commuting and tasks, demonstrating how geographical context significantly influences the perception of a car’s necessity.

• TV: TVs were often seen as redundant in the age of laptops and mobile devices, with some minimalists viewing them as contributing to unnecessary clutter and passive entertainment. Yet, others disagreed, pointing out the value of TVs in family bonding, news access, and entertainment, especially when used responsibly and selectively.

So there you have it, 35 more or less pointless items among users looking for a minimalist lifestyle. Can’t say I agree with all of them, but there are several valid arguments for most of the possessions if I have to be honest.