The 2025 Maximum Gratitude Minimal Stuff Recap

Welcome to the final post of 2025!  This is #104 for the year, and #753 for the blog, all created by me over the past 7+ years.

Once again, I'm so grateful to you, my readers.  Nearly 90,000 of you visit each month, and there are 50% more of you subscribing compared to last year at this time.

I also appreciate those of you who take the extra time to email me directly (karen@maximumgratitudeminimalstuff.com).  Not only are you kind and supportive, but you often bring up interesting points I haven't considered, which inspires me to think, research, and write some more.  Thank you so much!  It's wonderful to join with you on the journey toward a simpler life.

I'm also thankful to all of you who purchase items I recommend and link to on Amazon.  Since I haven't allowed ads on this site, I count on the small commissions I receive every time you make a purchase.  They add up!  I never link to anything I wouldn't buy and use myself, so I'm happy to pass the good word to you.

You all know I enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, so those of you who support my work by treating me to a virtual cup really make my day.  Thank you Carolyn, Melia, Kimberly, Deborah, Carrie, Cindy, Moira, Susan, Denise, Anne, Tracy, Carol, Amy, Natalie, and so many others!  I love to connect with you via Buy Me a Coffee.  As for those of you who purchase and read my books – you're definitely my favorites!  You're who I think of most when I sit down to write.

Progress and milestones

As I mentioned above (and I'm sure you've noticed), I continue to refuse Google's targeted ads on this site, and to resist the many other marketing sites who contact me (almost every week) asking that I link to them in return for a commission.

I do hope to earn some income from the many, many hours I devote to this work, so I'm happy to remind you of the four new books I wrote this year.  Goodbye, Clutter came first, in February, and then The Minimalist Diet on my mother's birthday in June.  On Labor Day, I published The Wealthy Minimalist, and at the end of October the pocket-sized A Simpler Christmas appeared, part of my popular Minimalist Basics series.

I'm proud that 20 of my posts were featured on the giant website nosidebar.com, and that one of them was among the Top 5 articles published there for this year!  I also continue to be a regular guest author on thesimplifydaily.com, and was excited to contribute an article to the September issue (#34) of Simplify Magazine.

Writing is fun for me, but it's also a lot of work and a challenge to my creativity and intelligence.  Without readers, it would be very difficult to sustain the energy and commitment I bring to the task.  Thank you for giving your time and attention.  I sincerely hope you find it valuable, inspiring, and (dare I say it?) maybe even life-changing.

Top 10 posts in 2025 according to readers

1.  How to Live Like You're Rich (Part 3)... Even if You Don't Have the Budget for It

You don't need the high-end status symbols if you savor and appreciate the good things you already have.  Here's Part 3 of the "Living Rich" series.

2.  18 Places to Use the 80/20 Rule to Help with Decluttering

The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) is noticeably true in many areas.  It's a powerful idea for curating our possessions and making intentional choices.

3.  Enjoying Analog: How to Spend More Time in Real Life

Before we surrender ourselves to AI and lose our capacity for independent thought and action, let's embrace analog living and spend more time offline.

4.  Try My Bite-Sized Approach to Decluttering

There are many decluttering methods, making a task that should be clear-cut harder to tackle.  Here's a simpler idea that uses minimal time and effort.

5.  Low-Cost Hands-On Hobbies that Help You Lose Weight

"Grandma hobbies" are back, and guess what?  They're relaxing, fun, and good for sharpening your brain, and they could help you lose weight.  Learn how with this post.

6.  Why Decluttering Isn't Working for You, and How to Do It Right

You've decluttered your home and felt free and proud of the result.  But in a few months, clutter is back.  What happened?  And how can you fix the problem?

7.  Beware of Free Stuff that Isn't Really Free

Freebies seem generous and fun, but they can be risky, and maybe you should be the odd person who won't accept them.  Here's how to decide.

8.  How a Daily Latte Might Mess Up Your Future... Or Not

Will your daily coffee run ruin your financial health?  There are several factors to consider, but mindfulness and mindset are all-important.

9.  Simple Beginnings: 10 Tiny Steps Toward Minimalism

You can start your minimalist life today.  Be curious and daring!  You can do most of these tiny steps without planning or waiting, and see immediate benefits.

10.  7 Clear Signs that You Own Too Much Stuff

What's all the fuss about decluttering?  Isn't a little mess normal in a busy life?  Here are a few ways to tell if it's time to minimize your stuff.

10 of my personal favorite 2025 posts

1.  How to Help Your Parents (or Yourself) Downsize

Your parents will want to replicate familiar surroundings; you'll want to help them reduce their possessions and responsibilities.  Here's how you can accomplish all of it.

2.  15 Little Luxuries that Make Even a Minimalist Feel Rich

Minimalism helps you pay attention to rewarding details of each day, and these little treats and comforts enhance life without taxing your finances.

3.  6 Powerful Emotional and Spiritual Benefits of Decluttering

When we're decluttering, we think primarily of physical results, although they're not necessarily the most profound.  Here are other effects that will change you on the inside.

4.  Easy Ways to Improve Your Life by Subtraction

In our culture, we're so used to getting more and more that we might not notice the ease and benefits gained by subtraction.  Let's explore them.

5.  16 Simple, Effective Ways to Declutter Your Mind

In this world of stress, clamor, endless projects, and chores that test our endurance, a less-cluttered mind is an asset.  Try these strategies to find what works for you.

6.  How Too Much Money Can Steal Your Joy

The pursuit of riches is a goal that never ends, with several downsides that will harm your happiness.  Here's why you should be content with less.

7.  The Most Important Thing I Learned While Dressing with Less

You've probably seen capsule wardrobes all over the internet.  Here's the best reason I've found to try one, and easy steps for how to get started.

8.  Let's Remember the Great Women Who Have Inspired Our Lives

Our first memories and encouragements come from our mothers.  In one of my most personal posts, I'll share stories about my mom that have influenced me, hoping to inspire your own.

9.  The Dream of Equality and Freedom

Abraham Lincoln looked at the United States as it tore itself apart and believed it was worth defending.  In a rare politically-tinged post, I talk about how we too need to strengthen our prized ideals.

10.  What If I'm Happy Not Being a Star?

Our culture expects us to hustle, strive, and go for more.  We can't all be #1, but that's what we're told to aim for.  Can we be happy without stardom?