# Podcast Ep. 550 | Surgical Decluttering

Source: https://www.theminimalists.com/p550/
Published: 2026-08-03
Updated: 2026-07-29
Author: The Minimalists

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[Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/FazxQhwlBtM)

Joshua and T.K. talk about surgical decluttering, when more is better than minimalism, our favorite minimalist furniture brands, a new 14-minute decluttering rule, and much more.

### Listen to the Episode

[Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-minimalists/id1069757084) · [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5ECF0soZ1H5NxZHanAzUYd?si=G2qCiXhyRZGKuo0UEVs09Q&nd=1&dlsi=8c00a1b05f9643d7) · [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/theminimalists)

### Discussed in This Episode

- Is expectation premeditated disappointment?
- When does minimalism stop solving the problem and start becoming the problem?
- When is more better than minimalism?
- Right Here, Right Now: Zoom calls with The Minimalists and Tom Cat’s embodiment sessions.
- WWJO: What couch and dishes does Joshua own?
- When is it time to replace well-used everyday items without wasting money or depriving oneself?
- How does a minimalist prepare for a backpacking trip?
- Talkaboutable: Every mess in your home is a choice. 
- Talkaboutable: We’ve never been more connected, and yet we’ve never been more disconnected. 
- More About Less: The Hats
- Added Value: A book of questions and a documentary about podcasting. 

### Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at *[MinimalMaxims.com](https://minimalmaxims.com)*.

- Expectation is premeditated disappointment.
- Hammers don’t build homes—people do.
- When minimalism gets in the way, never hesitate to throw it away.
- Minimalism does not create joy—it uncovers it. 
- Minimalism isn’t deprivation; it’s abundance healthfully expressed.
- Minimalism isn’t owning things forever; it’s owning the right things for right now.
- If you’re carrying it every day, make sure it’s worth its weight.
- Every postponed task is a form of background noise.

### Links Mentioned in This Episode

- Added Value: [Age of Audio](https://www.aoamovie.com/)
- Book: [The Book of Questions](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761177310?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback)
- Book: [Emotional Clutter](https://www.theminimalists.com/emotionalclutter/)
- Book: [Our Gods Wear Spandex](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634067?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback)
- Book: [Very, Very Simple](https://www.theminimalists.com/vvs/)
- More About Less: [The hats](https://seths.blog/2026/03/the-hats/)
- Record Your Voice: [Call.Show  ](https://call.show/theMinimalists)
- Subscribe: [Simple Newsletter](https://www.theminimalists.com/subscribe/)
- Tom Cat Atelier: [Em(body)ment](https://www.tomcatatelier.com/new-homr)
- Tour: [How to Let Go](https://www.theminimalists.com/howtoletgo/)
- Watch: [Talkaboutable #1](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYVrtvptw2g/)
- Watch: [Talkaboutable #2](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVUQ4BLktUt/)

### Follow Our Team

- [Joshua Fields Millburn](https://instagram.com/joshuafieldsmillburn)
- [Ryan Nicodemus](https://instagram.com/ryannicodemus)
- [T.K. Coleman](https://instagram.com/officialtkcoleman)
- [Benjamin Hull](https://www.benjaminhullaudio.com)
- [Matt Savidakis](https://www.instagram.com/mattsavidakis/)
- [Shawn Mihalik](https://shawnmihalik.com)
- [Jeff Sarris](https://www.instagram.com/jeffsarris/)
- [Dave LaTulippe](https://spyr.me/)
- [Cat Remaks](https://www.instagram.com/tom_cat_media/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com.

Subscribe to The Minimalists via [email](https://theminimalists.com/subscribe/).