Davaadorj Sukhbaatar, who began living as a minimalist after observing the Japanese people living that way while living in Japan from 2017 to 2019, said he owns only six outfits and his Sunday clothes. He said his lifestyle has helped him travel more and save more money for his future. His friend, Emilia Anderson, said she admires Sukhbaatar’s way of life.“I admire his mindset of prioritizing experiences above objects,” she explained.
When Sukhbaatar, a sophomore studying business management from Mongolia, first traveled to Japan, he said he had one large bag, a suitcase and a backpack. Sukhbaatar explained the challenge of bringing all his belongings with him weighed heavily on his mind, so he said he decided to become a minimalist.
“The benefits of living a minimalist life include living a simple life by not having things you don’t need or use at all.”
Sukhbaatar said, “Keep less, worry less.”
On his next trip home to Mongolia for the summer, Sukhbaatar said he left almost all of his belongings, traveling back to Japan with only one suitcase. “I took almost nothing, and when I got to Japan, I went shopping and bought simply the necessities,” he explained.
How to become a minimalist
Sukhbaatar described himself as an outdoorsy and extroverted individual who enjoys hikes, trips to the beach and meeting new people.
Everything he needs can fit in his suitcase, and he said he uses each item on a daily basis. Packed in his suitcase, Sukhbaatar has six of the same-colored T-shirts, six pants and Sunday clothes.
“I try to limit my wardrobe to at least six pieces since it is easier to maintain and care for. If you don’t use it, you don’t need it. It is cluttered, and if you do not clear it away, it may place a significant load and weight on you.”
He also owns one pair each of hiking shoes, running shoes, slippers and casual shoes he wears on Sundays and special occasions.
Sukhbaatar shared while he may lack some things, he doesn’t feel the need to carry or collect items he doesn’t use every day. “When I need anything, I may sometimes ask or borrow it from folks or friends.”
Expanded perspectives
Anderson, a freshman from California majoring in elementary education, said she met Sukhbaatar through a mutual friend. “He’s a really cool guy, and he’s definitely expanded my perspective on different ways of thinking and living.”
They would often talk about travel, shared Anderson, and he gave her advice on how to travel light and live with necessities only.
Anderson said she has considered living a minimalist lifestyle because she finds peace of mind in keeping things tidy and simple. “I like to be able to keep track of everything I own rather than collecting and being overwhelmed by having too much stuff.”
Being misunderstood
Sukhbaatar described an incident with officers at an airport as one of the downsides of living a minimalist lifestyle. On his way to BYU–Hawaii, he said was pulled aside by police officers and questioned about his luggage.
He shared, “The police officer asked me, ‘Is this all your luggage for four years?’ He was suspicious.
“The most challenging part of living a simple life is having others misunderstand or assume I lack materialistic things.”
Uncovering his love for travel
Sukhbaatar said, “It was amazing to arrive at BYUH with less luggage and to have to live a basic life. It provided me with the opportunity to discover a new love, which is travel. It provided me with the chance to discover and pursue my passion.”
Since studying at BYUH, he shared how he has been able to visit more places and pursue other interests. “A minimalist lifestyle allows me to save more money for the future.”
Sukhbaatar said not having to stress about his belongings allows him to focus on what matters most.
“It’s incredible how much free time and productivity you gain when you empty out your luggage of needless items.”
Minimalism: not for everyone
Sukhbaatar said minimalism is also an excellent way to maintain a neat home.
Purevsuren Narantuya, one of Sukhbaatar’s roommates and a junior business finance and economics major from Mongolia, added, “Sukhbaatar’s minimalist life is very interesting and cool. ... His room is not messy and his laundry is very simple to clean and tidy.”
Although Narantuya has seen many of the positive ways minimalism has affected his roommate’s life, he said he decided the lifestyle is not for him. “I don’t see myself living a minimalist lifestyle because I love all my stuff,” he said.
A minimalist lifestyle can work with either married or single individuals, Sukhbaatar shared. “I have friends who are married and tried it out, but it is challenging with children.”
He explained some people might need much more. “Others might have 10 suitcases and use every single item in it. That depends on a person’s needs.” •