I can tell you right now as a person who hangs out food samples as my job I don’t care AT ALL if you buy it or not. I’m paid hourly not by commission. Never feel bad for taking a sample and not buying
I do a lot of online shopping. I put things in my cart and then take a few days or weeks or more until I'm sure it is truly purposeful; I don't buy about 90% of it all!
Also, holes in sheets or any fabric can be patched if caught early on. Scrap fabric can be cut into smaller squares and kept as a reusable toilet paper replacement 😍
This video was posted at a great time, when everyone is getting ready for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and upcoming Christmas sales. Shop intentionally! Thank you.
My husband had no problem agreeing to it but the rest of my family wouldn't do this. I understand though and know they enjoy gift giving. Most of my family gives us gift cards to restaurants and places we do purchase from. My sister and I have always exchanged wish lists.
Rene Hoffman My family and I do exchange gifts at Christmas. But I make sure the things on my list are items I will use and need. This year I asked for porch decor.
I always say to my children there is a difference between what we want and what we need and before we buy anything we must ask ourselves whether we need or want this thing😊
Yes! But I also think it is great to ask yourself what you really, really want the most. Then save money for that instead of buying small things just because you want something now. For example my son wanted a guitarr when be was nine. Instead of buying candy and small stuff he saved and got the guitarr. That really made him happy and be played so much.
We shop the library for fun outings. Audio and print books as well as very expensive magazines are available to borrow for 3 week checkout. Also our library has a sale rack of used books and videos and magazines from 25 cents to $2. Get a library card!
My husband and I decided to make a nice dinner together this coming Valentine's Day, and no physical gift giving involved other than a few goodies for our toddler. I was having doubts that was "good enough" but I see now that it's perfectly fine! As busy parents, time spent together is more important anyway.
Thanks for this very timely video. My biggest takeaway was putting those catalogs, flyers in the recycling without looking at them. I tend to "just look" and most times don't buy but why waste the time or put me in a buying mindset.
Sometimes I dont look through a box and just throw it way without looking because I say to me self “ I don’t know what’s in here because I don’t look through it or need it”. I have never regretted this.
Stop settling...wow...I haven't really heard it said this way before and I am realizing this is one of my downfalls. Especially when it comes to secondhand shopping.
settling is the downside of secondhand shopping, as you can only choose from whats actually in the stores at the time you need it, unless you can visit every other day to see what else comes in, but that's not very efficient on fuel or time
Your channel is really helpful. Today I went shopping for some Christmas decor for the kids' rooms and on my way to the store I listened this video. I came home with very few items and only those that I really loved and felt that they will stay with us for a very long time. Thank you for doing this work!
Thanks for all these tips. When something is on sale I always get the feeling that it’s now or never. Too much pressure to decide. It stresses me out! 😕
I'm happy the video helped! The crazy thing about sales is that there will always be another sale or another opportunity. The companies don't want us to think that way, but we have the power as consumers!
I love the idea of not buying something out of guilt! We love Costco for many reasons but every time we taste something and the person behind the counter tells me ‘it’s in the store only for a few more weeks! Grab yours now!!!’ I just tell them it’s not in my shopping list and we won’t have space in the fridge.
Abundantly Minimal haha, yes, not many places offer samples. I actually love trying things to know if I actually would like them. Then you get to try it and either confidently buy or not :)
I like that idea of going for a walk. Like dogs, Humans are traveling exploring animals. We need to go on walks, when able, to avoid a buildup of restless energy or bad health.
I'm a fashion addict, but I do it minimally. I buy cute jackets that would match all of the shirts I have instead of just one. And I do the one in and one out rule to keep my wardrobe minimal.
Love this ❤. Rule 7 was a hard hitter for me..and I needed to hear it right now. Thank you Sarah, you have saved me a lot of stress and future spending.💐
I have issues with asking for things as gifts,(and being told what to buy for people, as well occasionally - it comes across as being demanding and expectant) also at a certain point in life (usually mid-late teens) you even stop getting asked "what would you like for christmas/your birthday" etc
I just came across your channel last week and have been listening to your videos as I declutter for inspiration and motivation. I love your practical tips and down to earth style. This video especially is so helpful! I realized I am great at decluttering, but also great at re-cluttering! I plan on instituting these habits. The thing about the free shipping is so true...it gets me every time. Also, "ignorance is bliss." I realized I randomly browse online shops when I'm bored and that's something I need to stop because inevitably I wind up with crap I never planned on buying and don't need. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you for all the wonderful content you put out! This has become one of my favorite channels!!
Love this video! I started ordering online and picking up items in store and quickly exiting the store! I can't stand the chaos. It seems I get stuck behind people that are "lost" or browsing in stores. I can't do that. lol 😂
I love your content so much. It's really meaningful. The only thing I would personally say is that I do think sales are evil, but the choice to buy from a sale isn't.
#1. So true. We don't have cable and my son hates stores, he is so I aware of the kids shows and products out there. I love it. Only downside, the things he IS I to usually aren't readily available. I have to start my search early for birthday and holidays lol
I quilt and make bags, and I have a couple companies I order from maybe 2-3 times a year. But they send daily emails of sales and new items. Rather than unsubscribing and having to create new accounts each time I order, I mark them as spam! I dont see the daily emails, and when I do order, I remove them from spam until I recieve my items, (that way I get the shipping updates), then put them right back in spam! This has saved me tons of $ as I only go to their websites when I need something now and am not tempted by daily sparkles of fabric or fancy tools. :)
I don't get catalogues or Flyers - I get my mail at a PO Box and have signed for no junk mail. I also do not give out my email to stores so I do not get shopping emails. For me, I keep a list of wants or needs and wait on that list for 30 days. I thrift everything I can. I do not "window shop". I got to the store only when necessary. I also practice 1in/1 out on everything but groceries. I don't stock pile or buy bulk anymore (we live in 600 sq ft).
I call the unwanted catalog companies and tell them to take me off their mailings. It’s a waste to have them sent to you and then just put them in the recycle when you can never receive the ads in the first place.
I can fall for so much stuff if I am shopping, especially online. I always wait at least a day before buying & find 99% of things I immediately forget once it isn’t in front of me. If I haven’t forgotten about it I can then calmly stand in front of my wardrobe & see if it would fill a need & work with other items in my wardrobe. My difficulty is that when my children were small I was a single parent after my divorce & was so broke. I had so few clothes, could only afford really cheap stuff & wore it until it was really, really ratty, no second hand shop options back then. I keep telling myself I will only buy good quality replacements for things now but I just can’t do it. My children are grown with their own families, I am no longer poor but it is sooo ingrained in me.
I pretty much stopped buying clothes online (be it new or used) - I had to return so much stuff because it didn't fit. Since I'm a short and slightly chubby guy I really need to try things on to see if they fit properly. Very often the sleeves are too long, the waist is too tight or things just look weird or funny on me. Sizing isn't reliable anymore, either, varying wildly from brand to brand. Same goes for shoes. That's why I started to shop at local stores again, which of course also benefits the economy of my home town. If I can afford it I also try to buy things made in my country (Germany) or at least in the EU. Sometimes I wonder when and why I came to depend so much on online shopping in the first place - I live in a big city for crying out loud. Maybe it was a combination of tempting offers, free shipping and laziness? I'm definitely done with that.
I think you are not alone with struggling to purchase clothing and shoes, among other things, online, since sizing can be a big challenge. The act of supporting local businesses has so many benefits, so it is great to hear you are doing more of that!
@@AbundantlyMinimal even *I* hate getting catalogs and I do it for a living! hahahaha I'm on an automatic list that receives each one of our catalogs and as soon as I get it, I walk in the house and it goes right in the trash.
Before buying the one in one out principle is good. But one pair of say shoes out before you buy a new pair. Not shoes out for a new top. Do we really need say special clothes for church, a wedding or... Rent, borrow or make do with what you have. Are you going to a fashion parade or to attend the actual activity.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I liked it. I do shopping sometimes for fun! eventhough I love the idea of Minimalism. God luck and do more videos about Minimalism.
In regards to free shipping I absolutely fell into that trap . My guilty pleasure Amazon prime . Costing me around $200 for the month of December. This is coming from a person that “budgets “ every dollar that comes in . To my “defense “ items bought wet house hold items. However I am no longer doing that
I got rid of Prime for that reason, instead I put things into the cart then wait to see if I really need it. Then I bundle or wait until I have $25 worth of items. I have saved so much money, not being trigger finger happy.
Ugh the good for now is a mindset I’ve been falling into lately. Especially with clothes for myself. I hate shopping for clothes but I need new ones so I’ve just grabbed a few things that are good for now but not my favorite.
I give myself a week to decide if I really need something and usually, I don't buy. Leave items I my online shopping carts for a week and when I come back to them in a week, I normally don't buy anything.
I enjoyed this video very much. Well thought out, well-presented! I especially liked the portion where you mention about you and your husband not giving gifts just because there’s an on occasion like Christmas or a birthday. I find that we give each other intentionally and have done so for the nearly 30 years we’ve been together, and it’s more meaningful this way. In fact, this “tradition” has apparently rubbed off on our two kids. In this way, “gift-giving” for us becomes more loving. An example would be that we don’t give a Christmas or a birthday gift to the kids, but if they need a new laptop or the phone is just too old and it’s time to upgrade then we go out and buy right at that moment. However, we explain to them that because of the cost of the item, it would serve as their gift for the next two birthdays, etc. I find that our kids have also become more grounded this way and don’t develop any sense of entitlement.
I have a list of clothing items that my daughter needs and the quantities she needs, it's so helpful, when I find something that I think she would like I buy it and take it off the list. I have done the same for myself, I find it very useful.
Just found your videos. Thanks! & ever heard of Isabella Rossellini? An actress from my era. You look like her and her short hair would just shine those eyes! Enjoyed the videos. Thanks!
Were you nervous to film out in front of a store at all? I would be terrified to film in public. Thanks for the video! It has been helpful for me to remember that if I didn't know a product existed, I might not want to buy it or seek it out in the first place
I have two question for you sarah and i hoped i get answer ;) 1. How can you be so sure if the minimalist habit is from the our past poor life that happen to us, then now become a habit unconsciously, or it is the natural way of human being? 2. How you deal from "being cheap", although you can afford to buy more expensive stuff, yet you wait for second handed ? Bless you and your upcoming children..
I'm not sure if I have an answer to the first question, but for the question about "being cheap", I think it is all about mindset and labels. I don't really care if someone thinks I am being cheap. I don't look down on secondhand stuff, and I know when I purchase something second hand or not the most expensive stuff, I can save money for what matters to me (financial freedom) and also reduce my negative impact on the world. I hope that helps!
I prefer second hand items from a thrift stre; it 's the thrill of the hunt, and any mistake doesn't cost as much as the same item at retail price. Secondly, I like "really good" jewelry. Retail jewelry is insane. I buy my stuff through Everything but the House. I couldn't afford 14k gold earrings retail, but at auction I can. Who can tell it's second hand? Doesn't 't bother me. Of course, some items need to be purchased retail --- undies and socks, for example, or Gasoline. Some stuff is trouble if you buy it used. 14k doesn't carry cooties! ;)
Haha no announcements yet! I've read that it's recommended to take prenatal vitamins starting three months before trying to conceive, so I have been taking them since June! :)
RJ and I used to exchange gifts but we don't do it anymore. 2 things I don't like to do is clothes shopping and groceries. There was a couple things you mentioned that I did identify with in my past. O by the way you had as cracking up laughing over the hole in the sheet you really do use your stuff until you can't use it anymore.❤
I won't buy something online unless I get free shipping :) I make sure I have plenty of money in my account that I use my debit card , so I can take advantage of sale items when out shopping. Especially in clearance sections , where I usually head for first when out shopping or shopping online . I will shop until I find what I want for the best price :) Happy New Year ! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Be careful about free shipping. I ordered some clothes and paid for them with a debit card from an account I rarely use. It asked "Would you like free shipping?" Of course I do. I didn't realize by clicking yes I had subscribed to something. A few months later I was reviewing that account and saw for several months they had been withdrawing a monthly fee. It took some time for me to track it down and figure out who was doing it and I had to tell them to stop. They were not too happy to do that.
For the third time I am going to try to post again. I hope I'm not posting something offensive and someone out their is deleting the post. When I was in Hawaii I was sold a pearl for a very low price but it turned out this person wanted to sell me a $200 setting for the pearl. I'm not one to spend $200 on jewelry. I buy jewelry at Rite Aid. I ended up paying $200 for something that I didn't really want because I didn't know how to get out of it. Later, I learned from my mother, six words, "What are you trying to sell?" One problem I've had are trial periods. I thought after the trial period it would stop and I would call and tell them I wanted it. Instead they'd just continue and add it to my credit card. I let someone have it one time and said, "I didn't give you permission to continue this or charge my credit card!" I don't do trial periods very often but if I do I put it on my Outlook Calendar. I had some guy come over and try to sell me cremation insurance. He said I was approved and that if I wanted it to call him by a certain date. I asked him if they would charge me without my permission. He told me they would not. I went off the Australia and New Zealand. When I got home I found a strange charge and figured it was something I had gotten in New Zealand. A month later the same charge came up and this time I knew it wasn't from New Zealand. It took me some research to find out where it came from and I told the it had to stop. These companies will often use a name not recognizable. Another time I ordered clothing online. I used a debit card from an account I don't use very often. When I checked out there was a selection for free shipping. Of course I wanted it. By checking that I subscribed to something where they would take out $12.95 a month. I had to hunt down who and why that money was coming out of my account. Watch out--it can be very sneaky.
Also regarding sales, it's important to be realistic about actually how little time there sometimes between one sale and the next, and if you actually cannot wait until the next sale period to buy the item you are looking for.
Yes, if something is on sale, I ask myself if I can wait for the next sale or when I receive my disability cheque. If buying something on sale would leave me without money for food or other essentials, purchasing the current sale items is not worth it.
Great video. Curious if there are any blogs and/or companies that rate other companies on how sustainable they are. For example, I’m trying to go cruelty free on my cosmetic/beauty products. There are several sources I can turn to (ie Leaping Bunny) as they have done tremendous research. I would like to make my purchases from companies that are more ethical and use more sustainable practices, but doing all of that research myself would be overwhelming. Any suggestions on people that have compiled some information?
I don't have a perfect answer, but a few ideas I have are to see if companies participate in 1% for the planet or are a certified B corporation. I also recently discovered Levi Hildebrand's RUclips Channel and I believe he has some videos related to labeling and the sustainability of products. I hope that helps!
Here is a TEACHER SECRET. When you look at an item on Amazon, it will be recorded in your "Browsing History". DO NOT, add it to your cart. So many times, I have added something to my cart and come back to it at the end of the day. I have found the price to be considerably more. I have a friend who does the buying for a charter school. She put about $100 in the schools shopping chart. She got permission from the principal/superintendent of the school to buy the merchandise. When she came back to check out, she found the items to be $20 more.
Apologies for the negative comment I deleted it. It’s just frustrated being bombarded by advertising, all the time, then watching a video that is promoting companies, products etc etc It makes it feel like, in the end, the video content was just all a leading up promoting the links given Again sincerest apologies Have a great day 🙂
No worries! I totally get it! That's why I do choose to mention if I am working with a brand right away at the start of the video, so people don't feel like it's being sneaky. Have a great day!
While this one video I watched was interesting and clear, for a minimalist your channel certainly offers an overwhelming abundance of repeat content videos, yet you've only been doing this for three years? One minimalist suggestion gleaned from another channel is, an over-abundance of choices that essentially offer the same thing is deliberately designed that way. When it comes to RUclips, it's click bait, or, the person offering it doesn't really know/cannot bring themselves to part with their stuff. Not a good look for a "minimalist". People have only just so much time to pay attention to (any type of) advice. That has served me sufficiently so will stick with it.
I detest shopping for clothes and shoes. In both cases I want them to make me feel good and they usually don’t. So I rarely go for fast fashion. I prefer certain styles that usually don’t appear there and I like natural fabrics and simply colours. Nespresso is awful. I like their coffee but they balked at me using my own bag. They Wanted to give me a bag so I’d advertise them for the rest of the day. My reusable bags do not have brand names on them for a reason.
Learn how to make things, you will stop buying cheap items and start working on things that are actually perfect for you and appreciate them mire because you know how much time it took to make the thing
That is true! The way I described this point in the video however, is only about being ignorant of sales and products available, because if you don't know about a product, you can't buy it. I hope that makes sense!
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I can tell you right now as a person who hangs out food samples as my job I don’t care AT ALL if you buy it or not. I’m paid hourly not by commission. Never feel bad for taking a sample and not buying
That is great to hear, Cristin! Thanks!
I've actually done this before! As a kid, I used to eat the free samples all the time, but now I only do it sparingly. :)
Maybe they need it. Don't judge
So great. I've been asking myself if this wasn't on sale or wasn't cheap, would I buy it. If the answer is no, I don't buy it.
That is also a great strategy!
I also do that... I almost never buy anything on sale.
Great tip!
I do a lot of online shopping.
I put things in my cart and then take a few days or weeks or more until I'm sure it is truly purposeful; I don't buy about 90% of it all!
Also, holes in sheets or any fabric can be patched if caught early on.
Scrap fabric can be cut into smaller squares and kept as a reusable toilet paper replacement 😍
That is a great strategy!
Wow that's amazing!
This video was posted at a great time, when everyone is getting ready for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and upcoming Christmas sales. Shop intentionally! Thank you.
That was the plan! Thank you!
What is cyber monday?
@@Mossssssssssssssssss Try googling it and you'll find out :)
Sometimes less is more, I mean, shopping your closet or restyling your wardrobe is an option too!
This is definitely true, Veronica!
My husband and I don't exchange material gifts either. For Christmas we are hiking/biking and hot tubing in the woods.
I love that! Those sound like really fun activities!
I’ve been trying to get my husband to do that for years. Finally he gave in. No one understands that I don’t want anything.
My husband had no problem agreeing to it but the rest of my family wouldn't do this. I understand though and know they enjoy gift giving. Most of my family gives us gift cards to restaurants and places we do purchase from. My sister and I have always exchanged wish lists.
Rene Hoffman My family and I do exchange gifts at Christmas. But I make sure the things on my list are items I will use and need. This year I asked for porch decor.
I don't like shopping.I feel overwhelmed in shops.I stick to my lists only
I agree! I don't like going to malls or traditional stores like I used to when I was younger. Sticking to your list is a great plan!
I'm doing better at sticking to lists😍
I always shop with a list at the super market and never go hungry before shopping.
I always say to my children there is a difference between what we want and what we need and before we buy anything we must ask ourselves whether we need or want this thing😊
YES! This is so important!
@@AbundantlyMinimal ♥️
Yes! But I also think it is great to ask yourself what you really, really want the most. Then save money for that instead of buying small things just because you want something now. For example my son wanted a guitarr when be was nine. Instead of buying candy and small stuff he saved and got the guitarr. That really made him happy and be played so much.
We shop the library for fun outings. Audio and print books as well as very expensive magazines are available to borrow for 3 week checkout. Also our library has a sale rack of used books and videos and magazines from 25 cents to $2. Get a library card!
Libraries are awesome!
@@AbundantlyMinimal my hubby works in library, he would be happy to know how you think about library 😉
My husband and I decided to make a nice dinner together this coming Valentine's Day, and no physical gift giving involved other than a few goodies for our toddler. I was having doubts that was "good enough" but I see now that it's perfectly fine! As busy parents, time spent together is more important anyway.
Love it! Meaningful experiences and time spent together are better than stuff any day!
Thanks for this very timely video. My biggest takeaway was putting those catalogs, flyers in the recycling without looking at them. I tend to "just look" and most times don't buy but why waste the time or put me in a buying mindset.
Thank you, Lynne! I hope that tip helps this season!
The free shipping ALWAYS gets me plus the settling and I still want the original item, another great video
It can be very tempting! Thanks!
Same here! There is just to much to see😅
Sometimes I dont look through a box and just throw it way without looking because I say to me self “ I don’t know what’s in here because I don’t look through it or need it”. I have never regretted this.
Stop settling...wow...I haven't really heard it said this way before and I am realizing this is one of my downfalls. Especially when it comes to secondhand shopping.
It's very easy to do with secondhand shopping! I hope this idea helps you with your future purchases!
settling is the downside of secondhand shopping, as you can only choose from whats actually in the stores at the time you need it, unless you can visit every other day to see what else comes in, but that's not very efficient on fuel or time
I can relate! I didn’t realise others have this downfall too.
Excellent video. These points are practical, reasonable and make sense. I plan to use many of them.
Thank you! I'm excited to hear that!
Your channel is really helpful. Today I went shopping for some Christmas decor for the kids' rooms and on my way to the store I listened this video. I came home with very few items and only those that I really loved and felt that they will stay with us for a very long time.
Thank you for doing this work!
Oh my goodness this makes me so happy! This is exactly why I wanted to make this video and that is great to hear, Amanda!
Thanks for all these tips. When something is on sale I always get the feeling that it’s now or never.
Too much pressure to decide. It stresses me out! 😕
I'm happy the video helped! The crazy thing about sales is that there will always be another sale or another opportunity. The companies don't want us to think that way, but we have the power as consumers!
I love the idea of not buying something out of guilt! We love Costco for many reasons but every time we taste something and the person behind the counter tells me ‘it’s in the store only for a few more weeks! Grab yours now!!!’ I just tell them it’s not in my shopping list and we won’t have space in the fridge.
I was actually thinking of Costco when I put together this idea!
Abundantly Minimal haha, yes, not many places offer samples. I actually love trying things to know if I actually would like them. Then you get to try it and either confidently buy or not :)
I like that idea of going for a walk. Like dogs, Humans are traveling exploring animals. We need to go on walks, when able, to avoid a buildup of restless energy or bad health.
Definitely! I know it's something I look forward to on a regular basis!
I LOVE your channel !!! I love your peaceful voice and delivery. Thank you.
You are so kind! Thank you!
Me too!
As usual Sarah, very well thought out. Really made me rethink a few shopping traps I fall into, thank you.
I'm happy to hear that, Tracy!
Don’t be tempted by free shipping. Great advice!!!
Thanks, Erica!
Proud to say I have waited to buy some things I wanted and needed until the black Friday sales this year.
That's awesome! Intentional shopping at its finest! :)
I'm a fashion addict, but I do it minimally. I buy cute jackets that would match all of the shirts I have instead of just one. And I do the one in and one out rule to keep my wardrobe minimal.
Those are great strategies!
Love this ❤. Rule 7 was a hard hitter for me..and I needed to hear it right now. Thank you Sarah, you have saved me a lot of stress and future spending.💐
I'm so happy that the video helped you, Robyn-Maree!
Have an actual list or things you NEED to buy/replace. And try to get good quality if you can afford it, or ask for those items as holiday gifts.
Those are also great options, Katie!
I have issues with asking for things as gifts,(and being told what to buy for people, as well occasionally - it comes across as being demanding and expectant) also at a certain point in life (usually mid-late teens) you even stop getting asked "what would you like for christmas/your birthday" etc
I just came across your channel last week and have been listening to your videos as I declutter for inspiration and motivation. I love your practical tips and down to earth style. This video especially is so helpful! I realized I am great at decluttering, but also great at re-cluttering! I plan on instituting these habits. The thing about the free shipping is so true...it gets me every time. Also, "ignorance is bliss." I realized I randomly browse online shops when I'm bored and that's something I need to stop because inevitably I wind up with crap I never planned on buying and don't need. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you for all the wonderful content you put out! This has become one of my favorite channels!!
Thank you for all of the kind words, Dawn! I'm really happy that this video was helpful!
Perfect day to post this right before Black Friday 💪. You walking on the street looked so cool. Like you’re a journalist 😍
Thank you! I'm trying to get more creative with filming locations! :)
Love this video! I started ordering online and picking up items in store and quickly exiting the store! I can't stand the chaos. It seems I get stuck behind people that are "lost" or browsing in stores. I can't do that. lol 😂
Thanks, Christine! The online ordering and picking things up in the store is a great way to save time and prevent browsing!
I love your content so much. It's really meaningful.
The only thing I would personally say is that I do think sales are evil, but the choice to buy from a sale isn't.
Thank you, Jenna! You are very kind!
This video is really good on Black Friday.
I'm happy to hear that!
Thank you for the video! It is a great reminder!
You are welcome!
Thank you for this honest, eye opening video. The after holidays sales get me so often. I will start unsubscribing and removing store apps today.
You are so welcome, Pamela! I am excited for you to put some of these tips into action!
Yes. I asked "why.." a lot on my buys. Lol but no more, I'm doing better.😍
I'm so glad you are doing better with it! Have a great new year!
@@AbundantlyMinimal u2😘
#1. So true. We don't have cable and my son hates stores, he is so I aware of the kids shows and products out there. I love it. Only downside, the things he IS I to usually aren't readily available. I have to start my search early for birthday and holidays lol
Thank you Sarah for all the ideas you providing, it really helped me organizing my life in much better way.
You are so welcome, Ammar!
I quilt and make bags, and I have a couple companies I order from maybe 2-3 times a year. But they send daily emails of sales and new items. Rather than unsubscribing and having to create new accounts each time I order, I mark them as spam! I dont see the daily emails, and when I do order, I remove them from spam until I recieve my items, (that way I get the shipping updates), then put them right back in spam! This has saved me tons of $ as I only go to their websites when I need something now and am not tempted by daily sparkles of fabric or fancy tools. :)
This is also a great strategy! I've had to use this for a few email lists that I unsubscribed from but didn't stop receiving emails!
I don't get catalogues or Flyers - I get my mail at a PO Box and have signed for no junk mail. I also do not give out my email to stores so I do not get shopping emails.
For me, I keep a list of wants or needs and wait on that list for 30 days. I thrift everything I can. I do not "window shop". I got to the store only when necessary. I also practice 1in/1 out on everything but groceries. I don't stock pile or buy bulk anymore (we live in 600 sq ft).
Those are all wonderful strategies!
I had written to all advertising paper Post companies. And the paper waste removed. It is also better for the Ecology❤️
It is wonderful that you did that!
Wow! I have added something to my Amazon cart so many times...just to get FREE SHIPPING! Most of the time the additional item could have been skipped!
It's very common! Maybe this will be a helpful approach from now on! :)
I call the unwanted catalog companies and tell them to take me off their mailings. It’s a waste to have them sent to you and then just put them in the recycle when you can never receive the ads in the first place.
That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
I did this also! I get very few catalogs. Make it much easier.
First time here 🙋♀️ thank you for all these tips and ideas 💡
Welcome to the channel, Natalia! I'm happy the tips were helpful!
These are all great rules. I especially like the one 'don't settle'.
Thank you so much, Kathleen!
I can fall for so much stuff if I am shopping, especially online. I always wait at least a day before buying & find 99% of things I immediately forget once it isn’t in front of me. If I haven’t forgotten about it I can then calmly stand in front of my wardrobe & see if it would fill a need & work with other items in my wardrobe. My difficulty is that when my children were small I was a single parent after my divorce & was so broke. I had so few clothes, could only afford really cheap stuff & wore it until it was really, really ratty, no second hand shop options back then. I keep telling myself I will only buy good quality replacements for things now but I just can’t do it. My children are grown with their own families, I am no longer poor but it is sooo ingrained in me.
I pretty much stopped buying clothes online (be it new or used) - I had to return so much stuff because it didn't fit. Since I'm a short and slightly chubby guy I really need to try things on to see if they fit properly. Very often the sleeves are too long, the waist is too tight or things just look weird or funny on me. Sizing isn't reliable anymore, either, varying wildly from brand to brand. Same goes for shoes.
That's why I started to shop at local stores again, which of course also benefits the economy of my home town. If I can afford it I also try to buy things made in my country (Germany) or at least in the EU.
Sometimes I wonder when and why I came to depend so much on online shopping in the first place - I live in a big city for crying out loud. Maybe it was a combination of tempting offers, free shipping and laziness? I'm definitely done with that.
I think you are not alone with struggling to purchase clothing and shoes, among other things, online, since sizing can be a big challenge. The act of supporting local businesses has so many benefits, so it is great to hear you are doing more of that!
I literal lol'ed at the unwanted catalogs comment. I work for a pretty big company as THE person that decides who to send our catalogs to.
Haha, well, "don't hate the player, hate the game", I guess :)
@@AbundantlyMinimal even *I* hate getting catalogs and I do it for a living! hahahaha I'm on an automatic list that receives each one of our catalogs and as soon as I get it, I walk in the house and it goes right in the trash.
Purchasing a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign for a few dollars to stick on my letterbox has been brilliant to stop those catalogues that draw you in to purchasers
Great tip, Keri! Thanks!
Before buying the one in one out
principle is good. But one pair of
say shoes out before you buy a new pair. Not shoes out for a new
top. Do we really need say special
clothes for church, a wedding or...
Rent, borrow or make do with what
you have. Are you going to a fashion parade or to attend the
actual activity.
Great tips!
Even though I do love flowers, I told my hubby to stop wasting money on them especially on Valentines Day. It's such a rip off on that day.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I liked it. I do shopping sometimes for fun! eventhough I love the idea of Minimalism. God luck and do more videos about Minimalism.
You are welcome! It's all about balance!
In regards to free shipping I absolutely fell into that trap . My guilty pleasure Amazon prime . Costing me around $200 for the month of December. This is coming from a person that “budgets “ every dollar that comes in . To my “defense “ items bought wet house hold items. However I am no longer doing that
Amazon Prime does make it very easy to go over budget, but I'm glad you are back on track! Have a happy new year!
I got rid of Prime for that reason, instead I put things into the cart then wait to see if I really need it. Then I bundle or wait until I have $25 worth of items. I have saved so much money, not being trigger finger happy.
Love your channel!! Such an inspiration. ❤️
You are so kind, Paige!
You have some interesting and unique points!
Thank you, Jennifer!
What a great video !
By the way , who is also watching this video in quarntine
Thank you, Sami!
I am.
Thank you. This is great for 2020!
You are welcome, Kat! I'm so happy to hear that!
Ugh the good for now is a mindset I’ve been falling into lately. Especially with clothes for myself. I hate shopping for clothes but I need new ones so I’ve just grabbed a few things that are good for now but not my favorite.
I needed this for inspiration of not buying things this weekend . 😊
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Friends and I call random gift giving as JUST BECAUSE presents.......... Just because I treasure your friendship, I know you'd like this, etc.
Love this!
I give myself a week to decide if I really need something and usually, I don't buy. Leave items I my online shopping carts for a week and when I come back to them in a week, I normally don't buy anything.
That is a wonderful way to make sure we don't buy on impulse!
This is the best channel ever..... thanks
You are so kind! Thank you!
I enjoyed this video very much. Well thought out, well-presented! I especially liked the portion where you mention about you and your husband not giving gifts just because there’s an on occasion like Christmas or a birthday. I find that we give each other intentionally and have done so for the nearly 30 years we’ve been together, and it’s more meaningful this way. In fact, this “tradition” has apparently rubbed off on our two kids. In this way, “gift-giving” for us becomes more loving. An example would be that we don’t give a Christmas or a birthday gift to the kids, but if they need a new laptop or the phone is just too old and it’s time to upgrade then we go out and buy right at that moment. However, we explain to them that because of the cost of the item, it would serve as their gift for the next two birthdays, etc. I find that our kids have also become more grounded this way and don’t develop any sense of entitlement.
I love this! Thanks, Francesca!
I have a list of clothing items that my daughter needs and the quantities she needs, it's so helpful, when I find something that I think she would like I buy it and take it off the list. I have done the same for myself, I find it very useful.
Thank you for sharing these strategies, Ana!
My God, I love this video! So helpful
Yay! I'm so happy you think so! :)
The 24 hour wait time works like a charm for me. Sometimes I still buy it, but more often I don't.
I'm glad to hear that, Dorit!
I've got a paper shredder hooked up to my mail box lol :D
That works haha! :)
😁
Just discovered your channel! Thank you!!
Welcome! It's great to have you here!
Just found your videos. Thanks! & ever heard of Isabella Rossellini? An actress from my era. You look like her and her short hair would just shine those eyes! Enjoyed the videos. Thanks!
Thanks, Bev!
Were you nervous to film out in front of a store at all? I would be terrified to film in public. Thanks for the video! It has been helpful for me to remember that if I didn't know a product existed, I might not want to buy it or seek it out in the first place
I used to be more nervous about filming in public, but I am trying to be more courageous to produce to the best work I can!
Yes, about the free shipping.
Love these tips!
Thank you, Julie!
I have two question for you sarah and i hoped i get answer ;)
1. How can you be so sure if the minimalist habit is from the our past poor life that happen to us, then now become a habit unconsciously, or it is the natural way of human being?
2. How you deal from "being cheap", although you can afford to buy more expensive stuff, yet you wait for second handed ?
Bless you and your upcoming children..
I'm not sure if I have an answer to the first question, but for the question about "being cheap", I think it is all about mindset and labels. I don't really care if someone thinks I am being cheap. I don't look down on secondhand stuff, and I know when I purchase something second hand or not the most expensive stuff, I can save money for what matters to me (financial freedom) and also reduce my negative impact on the world. I hope that helps!
That did help. Thank's for your time and answer.
I prefer second hand items from a thrift stre; it 's the thrill of the hunt, and any mistake doesn't cost as much as the same item at retail price. Secondly, I like "really good" jewelry. Retail jewelry is insane. I buy my stuff through Everything but the House. I couldn't afford 14k gold earrings retail, but at auction I can. Who can tell it's second hand? Doesn't 't bother me. Of course, some items need to be purchased retail --- undies and socks, for example, or Gasoline. Some stuff is trouble if you buy it used. 14k doesn't carry cooties! ;)
Number 2 and 3 is totally me!!
Wait..... Prenatal vitamins? Did I miss an announcement? 😊
I said that same thing out loud.
Haha no announcements yet! I've read that it's recommended to take prenatal vitamins starting three months before trying to conceive, so I have been taking them since June! :)
@@AbundantlyMinimal it is. It's also recommended that your partner take supplements too. Good luck with your journey, may it be blessedly simple.
i anticipated a wedding once. i wasn't invited so it's a good thing i didn't buy a dress for it lol
RJ and I used to exchange gifts but we don't do it anymore. 2 things I don't like to do is clothes shopping and groceries. There was a couple things you mentioned that I did identify with in my past. O by the way you had as cracking up laughing over the hole in the sheet you really do use your stuff until you can't use it anymore.❤
Haha I'm so happy it made you laugh! That hole is pretty bad haha
Oh my....Number 5 at the thrift store. 😂😂
I won't buy something online unless I get free shipping :) I make sure I have plenty of money in my account that I use my debit card , so I can take advantage of sale items when out shopping. Especially in clearance sections , where I usually head for first when out shopping or shopping online . I will shop until I find what I want for the best price :) Happy New Year ! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Happy New Year to you! It is always a great victory to find a needed item on clearance!
Be careful about free shipping. I ordered some clothes and paid for them with a debit card from an account I rarely use. It asked "Would you like free shipping?" Of course I do. I didn't realize by clicking yes I had subscribed to something. A few months later I was reviewing that account and saw for several months they had been withdrawing a monthly fee. It took some time for me to track it down and figure out who was doing it and I had to tell them to stop. They were not too happy to do that.
Great content!
Thank you, Eveline!
For the third time I am going to try to post again. I hope I'm not posting something offensive and someone out their is deleting the post. When I was in Hawaii I was sold a pearl for a very low price but it turned out this person wanted to sell me a $200 setting for the pearl. I'm not one to spend $200 on jewelry. I buy jewelry at Rite Aid. I ended up paying $200 for something that I didn't really want because I didn't know how to get out of it. Later, I learned from my mother, six words, "What are you trying to sell?" One problem I've had are trial periods. I thought after the trial period it would stop and I would call and tell them I wanted it. Instead they'd just continue and add it to my credit card. I let someone have it one time and said, "I didn't give you permission to continue this or charge my credit card!" I don't do trial periods very often but if I do I put it on my Outlook Calendar. I had some guy come over and try to sell me cremation insurance. He said I was approved and that if I wanted it to call him by a certain date. I asked him if they would charge me without my permission. He told me they would not. I went off the Australia and New Zealand. When I got home I found a strange charge and figured it was something I had gotten in New Zealand. A month later the same charge came up and this time I knew it wasn't from New Zealand. It took me some research to find out where it came from and I told the it had to stop. These companies will often use a name not recognizable. Another time I ordered clothing online. I used a debit card from an account I don't use very often. When I checked out there was a selection for free shipping. Of course I wanted it. By checking that I subscribed to something where they would take out $12.95 a month. I had to hunt down who and why that money was coming out of my account. Watch out--it can be very sneaky.
Thank you for sharing, Mona. It is a good reminder to avoid signing up for offers that could cost us down the road, without us realizing it!
Great advice.
Thank you, Cynthia!
Also regarding sales, it's important to be realistic about actually how little time there sometimes between one sale and the next, and if you actually cannot wait until the next sale period to buy the item you are looking for.
This is also a great tip!
Yes, if something is on sale, I ask myself if I can wait for the next sale or when I receive my disability cheque. If buying something on sale would leave me without money for food or other essentials, purchasing the current sale items is not worth it.
@@Jenatorre definitely need to prioritise having money for food and essentials and emergencies.
I thought The title was “international shopping”
which is why I clicked 😂. Oh well I’m here so ..
😁😁😁
Great video. Curious if there are any blogs and/or companies that rate other companies on how sustainable they are. For example, I’m trying to go cruelty free on my cosmetic/beauty products. There are several sources I can turn to (ie Leaping Bunny) as they have done tremendous research. I would like to make my purchases from companies that are more ethical and use more sustainable practices, but doing all of that research myself would be overwhelming. Any suggestions on people that have compiled some information?
I don't have a perfect answer, but a few ideas I have are to see if companies participate in 1% for the planet or are a certified B corporation. I also recently discovered Levi Hildebrand's RUclips Channel and I believe he has some videos related to labeling and the sustainability of products. I hope that helps!
Abundantly Minimal Thanks!!
Here is a TEACHER SECRET. When you look at an item on Amazon, it will be recorded in your "Browsing History". DO NOT, add it to your cart. So many times, I have added something to my cart and come back to it at the end of the day. I have found the price to be considerably more. I have a friend who does the buying for a charter school. She put about $100 in the schools shopping chart. She got permission from the principal/superintendent of the school to buy the merchandise. When she came back to check out, she found the items to be $20 more.
Great tip!
Great video
Thank you, Deeanna!
I regret rushing into purchasing a house and a car I could not afford.
Great reminders. I've been away for awhile. Made me smile to see your still creating excellent content. Happy thanksgiving!
Great to have you back! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Great video!! #savemycoins #thankyou🧡
Thanks, Donna! I love your hashtags!
Have a presentless Christmas with adults.
This is definitely something I am on board with!
Apologies for the negative comment I deleted it. It’s just frustrated being bombarded by advertising, all the time, then watching a video that is promoting companies, products etc etc
It makes it feel like, in the end, the video content was just all a leading up promoting the links given
Again sincerest apologies
Have a great day 🙂
No worries! I totally get it! That's why I do choose to mention if I am working with a brand right away at the start of the video, so people don't feel like it's being sneaky. Have a great day!
Abundantly Minimal Thank you. Will do🙂
@@AbundantlyMinimal I enjoyed the video until your sales pitch at the end then you lost me....
While this one video I watched was interesting and clear, for a minimalist your channel certainly offers an overwhelming abundance of repeat content videos, yet you've only been doing this for three years? One minimalist suggestion gleaned from another channel is, an over-abundance of choices that essentially offer the same thing is deliberately designed that way. When it comes to RUclips, it's click bait, or, the person offering it doesn't really know/cannot bring themselves to part with their stuff. Not a good look for a "minimalist". People have only just so much time to pay attention to (any type of) advice. That has served me sufficiently so will stick with it.
Thanks for the feedback! Is there a type of content you would like to see more of?
Ignore advertising.
That is very true!
Pro tip: buy your groceries online and get them delivered.
Great tip!
I detest shopping for clothes and shoes. In both cases I want them to make me feel good and they usually don’t. So I rarely go for fast fashion. I prefer certain styles that usually don’t appear there and I like natural fabrics and simply colours.
Nespresso is awful. I like their coffee but they balked at me using my own bag. They Wanted to give me a bag so I’d advertise them for the rest of the day. My reusable bags do not have brand names on them for a reason.
I feel you on the clothing shopping! Unless it is secondhand shopping or an ethical company, I feel pretty icky and avoid regular stores at all costs!
Learn how to make things, you will stop buying cheap items and start working on things that are actually perfect for you and appreciate them mire because you know how much time it took to make the thing
Definitely true!
Ignorance isn’t always a bliss because think about the Earth and think about global warming
That is true! The way I described this point in the video however, is only about being ignorant of sales and products available, because if you don't know about a product, you can't buy it. I hope that makes sense!
Abundantly Minimal yeah you are right but let’s not forget about the Earth
"New tradition" Is an oxymoron.
Every tradition that is currently practiced was new at some point.
@@AbundantlyMinimal but it would be called a new practice... not a new tradition.
Lol, did you just say PRENATAL vitamins ?
Haha yep! It's recommended to take them prior to getting pregnant! I'll be sure to report when I have news! :)