Minimalism: 12 Things I Stopped Buying
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
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![8 Things I Don't Buy Or Own As A Minimalist [Minimalism Series]](/img/1.gif)
What have you stopped buying? What do you think about my video? :)) I am exploring new ways to share my stories and ideas. It's not perfect at all, but let me know how you like it!!
Conni Biesalski trying to stop buying bubble tea and starbucks drinks, good for my health and my wallet, trying my real best now!
Paper towels! We use cloth napkins and I let the kids pick the material for theirs 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. But, please, re-edit the closed captioning. It takes away from the integrity of your message.
I will join your advocacy!
Clothes: do you buy clothes for each season? What do you do with your winter clothes?
I need my books. There's nothing like physical turning a page, smelling a new book and underlining my favorite quotes.
Oh please... get over it.
Agree, I hate reading on screen . I love books 🥰
While I usually don't underline stuff in books (unless they are books for school (re-training in Germany sends you back to school, so I am a student again ATM) or for learning a skill etc.), I get wanting to have a physical book! I have my own tiny library (I own several hundred books) :)
I got rid of my ex-wife and started saving a ton of money.
I think that doing this will save me a lot of money.. 90 percent of the junk in my house is hers lol. she shops almost daily at ROss or Tj maxx. i cant stand it..
Lmao
Hahahahaha
Good one! Wives are a drain.
I got rid of my ex husband. The
quality of my life improved so
much. He was so focused on
a set lifestyle and saving money
in a bank. Yet he was so poor
inwardly. My life now is so great
and living in Switzerland is surely
the best for me. My life is so
enriched.
I practice aesthetic minimalism instead. I only want things that are truly beautiful. So many minimalists become obsessed with plain, colorless living. Color feeds my soul. If I am going to have only two bowls, I want them to be the most beautiful bowls I have ever seen preferably with a story to tell. Maybe an antique porcelain bowl that I got in Paris or one that belonged to my grandmother when she was a child.
I agree with this. Your things don't need to be boring.
I didn't know this is a thing but this is much more appropriate for me! Thank you!
They paint minimalism so gray, that kind of discourages me to become a minimalist. I like your idea of being aesthetic minimalist.
I agree! I’m exactly like this too...I love beautiful things...and I’m a minimalist as well
@@Thorsdaughter007 yes, but what the OP meant - as I understand it - is that many people who blog about minimalism show only the blank, grey side of things. They have blank, ugly clothes, their dishes are likewise very ikea-like, heir walls and furniture nothing but pastel grey and white. the artworks on their walls - all ikea, simple, person-less. All their inerior decor looks like bought in the same shop. It's called fashion. W used to have punks in the 70s, then grunge in the 90s, then the early 2000's came and we had depressed emos. Now we have depressed and depressing post-milennials fighting the system of consummerism. It's just another ideology-driven fashion. They're all the same. The don't wear bovver boots or flanel shirts or big fringes covering a side of the face. Instead, they wear white, ikea crap. That being said - I am an aesthetic minimalist too. I got rid of more than a half of all of my belongings, my mindset has changed, I'd love to - one day - own as much as I can pack into two suitacases, sure... but I also would want to have it beautiful and not grey and boring.
1. Fast fashion clothing
2. Physical gifts
3. Shiny tech gear
4. Physical books
5. Body lotion
6. Jewelry
7. Extra pairs of underwear
8. More than 2 pairs of shoes (+ flip-flops!)
9. Notebooks
10. Souvenirs
11. Special occasion clothing
12. Just-in-case items
thanks for the summary ;)
@L. A. McDonough my list is just the video's list. I copied it for easy referencing for those who are watching the video and want to paste it into their journals or the like :)
I dont buy any of this crap and I'm not a minimalist
I have SO many shoes and dresses! 😣Ive already gotten rid of a garbage bag full and STILL have way more. I'm SO overwhelmed!😥 Also kitchen gadgets are my weakness, BUT I use them ALL!
Gabriel González Vázquez thx for listing!
i used to love buying lots of clothes, shoes,purse etc. a year ago i stopped that habit. i only buy basics like food, soap if i run out. im totally changing slowly. im proud of myself
Well, you dont need any of those things anymore. You already have 'em :)
Good for you. Glad you were able to have such a powerful realization and we're able to act on it!
@@ESport211 yes, a lot of changes too in my life that made me realize that I do not need a lot of things to be happy. As ling as I have a roof to stay, food to eat, car to bring me places i need to be and basic needs that's it. I rather have less and be happy than have more and still wanting more and not happy at all. I want to save to travel and enjoy the experience of life not save to buy material things that are just ending up as clutter.
Exactly
Food
Bus pass
Concert tickets
Day sails
Advil
love that for you!
I really enjoyed just listening to you talk without the use of inappropriate dirty language. Such a rare thing these days. I was able to listen to the whole video in front of my children without having to explain what's not every day conversation. Congratulations to you!!
Additionally, I like your ideas and definitely agree shiny things being a consumable hazard. Although I have a house full clutter and it is a work in progress with young children, I get and respect the concept (although I have always disliked shiny stuff). I am struggling to keep minimalistic with young children and their artwork.. toys and wants.... so i appreciate this motivator. We are huge on experiences. xx
Ok, I get that constantly swearing would be bad (only immature people and rebellious teens do that IMHO) - but trying to protect your kids from "bad words" is just dumb IMHO. Kids can easily understand that this is not how normal people talk after all - I mean I watched adult films at a quite young age and I knew that people weren't usually running around and beating each other up or worse: Gunning each other down in the street!
@@dreamingflurry2729 so how old are you And how old are your kids? Mine are definitely too young for uneducated foul language. Once they're old enough they'll watch what They want. I also saw films etc in my youth. Most of it was simply rubbish when I look back ... this video was refreshing. Maybe overthinkong my comment....
I sold my home and got rid of all my possessions about two years ago..I now travel solo full time House sitting my way around the world with 5kg of carry on luggage.
I have a few items stored in my sons garage and that's all I own. I'm 65yrs old and this is one of the best decisions I've ever made. For me to it's all about freedom and it's wonderful.
Love it!!!!!
I'm 60 and this really appeals to me, maybe not for a long time, but for a little while. Maybe travel around Canada.
jacqueline davis. You are so right. Our Hindu scriptures ask us to leave home and everything, and proceed to the forest to live a life of study and contemplation. This is after a stage, when we have discharged our duty to society, so that we may live without being a burden on society. You are practising that. We have great freedom from care and worry when we have few possessions. The ancient Tamil poet-Saint Tiruvalluvar said:
யாதனின் யாதனின் நீங்கியான் நோதல்
அதனின் அதனின் இலன்
which means: Whatever thing a man has renounced, he has attained freedom from the pain ( grief) due to that thing.
Wow I wish I could do that soon on my 60s. I think you made the right decision. ❣️ Good luck to you.
@@nanjappa42 what language is that?
A good lesson to be learned and to live your life by!
I have to move soon and I have a 2500 sf home full of stuff in every room plus a two car garage full. I've recently started watching vids of a family of 12 that lives minimally. Not too long ago they packed up and were able to move out of their huge home very quickly because of the few things they had!
I wish I saw a vid like this 30 years ago, but better later than never.
Is the family of 12 that lives minimally on youtube, what's the channel?
That is a very good idea, no more presents! give a favour, service, compliment, quality time etc. Thumbs up!
I have been doing this a very long time. I give gift cards for restaurants most of the time or theater tickets/gift certificates. It saves me the time and expensive of wrapping paper, too. I love getting restaurant gift cards!
My truck is sitting outside tonight with about 90% of my stuff to haul off to the Goodwill tomorrow.
Congratulations :) enjoy letting go!!
Plissa Barrett 3 months later, do u miss your stuff or rebuy any of it?
also my truck is full waiting for day light! found charity that sales to raise money to help those in trouble /gives our stuff to help thoes who are with out stuff- victims of crime against body and souls. Peace
Plissa Barrett that’s what’s up
Many years ago an older friend told me, 'the more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you' - I didn't fully grasp what he meant back then but as I have grown older, I totally get it. Have gone through purges and de-cluttering phases but I want to do more. And, oh my my did the special occasion clothing and just-in-case items categories resonate with me. Thank you for sharing!
Quote is loosely paraphrased from "Fight Club". Verbatim I think its "the things you end up owning, end up owning you". Very true nevertheless.
@@carlkligerman1981 it's an old old philosophy...even a little before the "movies"!!
I agree with most everything on your list, except I love books and still have about 30 of them. I also love notebooks and love writing in them.
Too much internet is bad for the brain so I believe in physical books! It interferes with sleep & there's so much not known. It's very relaxing to have a book in your hands.
@@jenny-wc8qy You can still use the library and get a physical book and return it.
R G: It’s not the same. I like smelling MY books and sometimes I like to have them handy to read them again (to refresh my memory) or for a quick reference. Book ownership is unique and a part of me.
pattiecake11 If you "love" these things, then they probably add value to the quality of your life. Congratulations on your meaningful choices.
me too! Rare and classic books are important to me too. Notebooks and the physical act of writing on paper retains memory and is a more direct form of expression. I also agree that too much reliance on technology will not make us happy. #NOTO5G
As a middle aged hoarder, this video is so inspirational. Shopping is an addiction that can be conquered, thanks to folks like you!
My dad's a hoarder and I've picked up hoarding tendencies from him. I'm slowly throwing out stuff I haven't looked at in months or years... I won't say it's easy as you know, especially if it's good, usable stuff. Most of it for me is sewing material and art supplies. But I'm determined and if I donate it, at least it won't go to waste if someone needs it more than me. The value of having a clean home and room to think is far more important for me than this crap overtaking my space.
Minimalist and frugality is good anxiety fear depression go away easily if this is in us because we have a wide good and fresh environment we also had this little mess before.but go try motivate much better 😊
If you have to go to a wedding but are in this situation. Someone who is from Asia, we have massive and decorative weddings, coming in jeans bouyyy will they judge you so hard. One thing I found that works well is that renting a dress or outfit. You pick up the outfit, wear it and drop it off. So you don't have to have this fancy clothing in your wardrobe that you probably won't wear again. I found I might just share this...😁
Yes renting is a great idea if it is necessary!
@@ConniBiesalski Exactly! Thanks for liking 💖👍
@kookie. I was a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. Dress was ugly and rented, loved giving it back to the store.
@@sunrae7680
Hahahaha I love it! There we go, imagine if you had to buy it????
@@itsmee2023 UGH !!! It had a huge bow on the back. I did not pose for ANY pictures. Yesss.
The only one I'm uncomfortable with: Not wearing anything that's dressy. Ever.
Sometimes we dress up for *others* in a *good* way, and not for ourselves. For example: for a funeral, a wedding, a bar mitzvah, etc. It's not about "me" and what makes "me" comfortable. Wearing a suit or sport coat or a dress or a skirt to a funeral, even if it's uncomfortable, won't kill any of us. It shows *respect* for the honored person(s) or their family/loved ones. If I or anyone shows up to a funeral visitation wearing jeans -- especially when nobody else does -- it's a distraction that draws (possibly negative) attention to oneself. It is simply inconsiderate to draw attention to oneself when attention should be on the honored person(s). It's fine not to *own* dressy clothes: Just get or borrow or rent some for when the next event calls for it. But don't use "minimalism" as an excuse to disrespect others at an important even that calls for semi-formal or formal attire.
Dhumma Vati agreed. I would hate if someone came to my wedding in jeans and converse. Rent a dress pants and a nice blouse.or go to the thrift shop, but show some respect for the occasion..... it can’t be always all about you and how you feel.
It's very possible to buy a basic black, simple dress that would be appropriate for a meeting, a funeral, a wedding, or other occasion. The shoes or the purse could dress it up or down......I hate getting dressed up for anything so I have a lot of black items: pants/blouses-short sleeve, long sleeve/cotton tops/a black skirt, etc. Add a sweater or a jacket, shawl, and the look changes.
A simple black dress or black slacks & top can cover most of these.
At 9.32 You mentioned " uying things when needed then & there".. One doesn't need to buy dress for speciall ocasion, You can hire those.. There are places, they wont let You in, in case you wear jeans...
Sorry, but I can't completely agree. My parents passed away a few years ago, and if it's a choice of coming to a visitation in CLEAN, casual clothes...or not coming, I think the family would prefer you came.
Recently one of my uncles passed. I remember 2 things about the visitation and service that followed: a few relatives that live close by did not show up and my uncle's brother-in-law who is a dairy farmer showed up in his work clothes, but a very clean set of clothes. I think my aunt, his sister, with her Alzheimer's didn't really notice and I assumed from the way my aunt's sister was dressed, that the family was barely getting by.
If you have access to nice clothes, by all means wear them to "special occasions". If you don't, come anyway, just don't draw undue attention.
Mmmm
Only buy what you need
Very simple
Forget what you want
I am a minimalist as well. I do not eat out because it is unhealthy and saves $$. I do not even own a TV. I would rather have the $$$ saved and have that security rather then spend my hard earned money on things I will not really need. With that said , I keep emotion out of buying. I ask myself if I " need " or just " want " something. It makes things much simpler and I save the green:) Good video.
thanks for sharing!! It really helps to check in with ourselves and learn how to distinguish between "need" and "want"!!
Quite right too, i dont like tv's either, and also dont have one, i got rid of almost everything, it was costing at least 2000 to keep it in storage anyway, now its gone ive never been happier!!
I'm not a minimalist & don't think I ever will be 😳 but I like your videos for how they make you think. It has definitely inspired me to get rid of some of the things I own that I don't need anymore 👍🏻
and that's the reason I make those videos ;) even if they inspire just a little shift in perspective and in people's lives, all the work was worth it!!
@@ConniBiesalski completely! Thank you! 😊
I love what you are talking about. I started getting rid of almost everything in my house and it *completely* changed my behavior and spending habits on a daily basis.
How did you do it?
Spending much LESS, are you?
Does me being poor make me a minimalist
Jose Lozano
That’s an interesting question
Well it fits me and I'm proud
LOL!
I dont think so...it makes you rich because you are living a free life...free of clutter/junk. Enjoy it
not by choice
This is a good video. Everyone has to go on their own journey with this concept. The temptation to be a fundamentalist with any philosophy or religion is always there. If a little of doing something is good then doing the extreme must be better. No not necessarily. If only owning two pairs of shoes works for you that’s great, but I’m not giving up shoes I’ve had for years that I love just because I only wear them four times a year. My point is simply this: being a good minimalist or anything else has more to do with being honest with yourself than getting rid of almost everything. Because we live in such a consumer saturated society, it can become a game to see how much we can live without. Well I was in the military and lived with next to nothing for a while in my youth but I didn’t feel like a minimalist. I was roughing it because of necessity. Being addicted to stuff is bad; being addicted to not having stuff is bad. In case I haven’t made myself clear, addiction is bad. Honest self discovery leads to true freedom. The number of material things each of us has will be different based on being true to yourself.
I like to go between about 4 or five pairs of shoes. The pairs last longer and it is good for your foot too.
For me, living abroad was the best lesson in minimalism/spending control I could ever get. Every time I went to buy something I would ask myself if it fit into one of three categories 1)Functionally necessary on a daily/weekly basis 2)Special/valuable enough to be worth shipping home 3)Something I was comfortable enjoying for a time and giving away when I left.
This kind of systematic thinking every time I went to purchase something made me really consider everything I bought. Did I need that pot for my kitchen? I decided on the most multipurpose one and used it nearly every time I cooked. Should I buy that beautiful plush blanket? I enjoyed it for the winter and liked enough that I decided to ship it home and still use it 15 plus years later. Is art for the walls of my flat important? I chose some inexpensive posters that took up more space and gave them away when I left, and also would have been fine throwing away, instead of buying something fancy I would have felt bad about leaving behind.
I don't always manage it. I've definitely fallen off the wagon a fair few times, but I always try to cast my mind back to when my life fit into two suitcases and how liberating that was. Being able to pack up and be ready to leave in under an hour was a powerful feeling. I can't say that of my life any more, but I do try to remember that my purchases should be intentional rather than impulsive.
Me as well, when i moved abroad i just became a mimilist big time !! and it worked spendidly for me!!
So funny when I scrolled down to see merchandise ! LOL!!!
From Tina---
I am almost 70. I get most clothes secondhand or free. I never buy perfume or cosmetics. We keep giving things away. I have been emptying pieces of furniture and giving them away. Most of our furniture was from garage sales many years ago.
One thing I like with this lifestyle is how c-l-e-a-n it is. People seem to comment upon how sort of nice and fresh my place is. The more stuff that's around the more dirt and bacteria and opportunity for odor there can be. I also really dislike carpeting, to put it nicely. Very nice video. Tyvm
yes, I totally agree!!
My daughter and son-in-law live a very minimalistic lifestyle. They have 4 children and my daughter does not work outside the home. They carry no debt and have quite a bit in savings. I am so proud of them at their age - most people at 30-35 have so much in debt and sometimes cannot see their way out.
It's really a great things they dnt carry debt..
Recently I've had some financial difficulties do to several money sucks, happening at once. I've come to realized how much money I've wasted on buying clothing. I have over a thousand dollars of just in case special occasion clothing in my closet, I've never worn. Not to mention my designer handbags and shoes, I've spent thousands on. I'm done!! Maybe not a complete minimalist, but very much self aware.
Sell those clothing at consignment shops or mercari, poshmark, Ebay
While watching this video, I looked around my room and felt so „crushed“ by all the items I have. One thing I have now decided to give away are my board games. I use them so rarely and I will give nearly all of them to the board game collection that the student representative club at my faculty has (they organize regular board game nights and I feel like they can use these games more than I do).
Yes, they weigh you down. That's how I feel right now. Kind of like makes sense to the Fung Shi stuff, create more space for energy to flow.
What brands would you recommend for high quality clothing?
Emily May Cox-Mundy check out the background of brands. Many garments are made in parts of the world where there is no concern for the environment. They use toxic materials and slave labour. Secondhand /vintage from charity shops - famous names, natural fabrics. High quality should mean expensive because the materials and labour are superior and long lasting. Buying cheap doesn’t last
Wearing jeans to a wedding? I understand being comfortable (and that some weddings are super relaxed), but I'd feel strange not respectfully "dressing for the occasion" going on such as a wedding.
I bought a dress for 30 euro cause a collegue got married and I had absolutely nothing except jeans and t-shirts and the rest said they'd go in a suit. Turned out to be a joke. They all showed up in jeans. Tsssss.
This is great! I got into minimalism about 2 years ago and I love it. My wife and I are doing experience gifts this year for Christmas :)
That’a awesome! Experiences FTW! Thanks for stopping by and great to connect! Love your work, Nick!
Love it!
I love this video. I went to my closet, which doesn’t have much now, and divided it 1/3 to keep (2 pants, 2 shirts, maybe 2 ties, 1 jacket) and 2/3 to sell or give away.
Cleaning products
I make my own vinegar in a glass jar for cleaning using rainwater, apple cores, and honey. It costs me less than a dollar for a gallon and uses no plastic.
It has many other uses such as being a natural antibiotic, astringent, fabric softener and deodorizer, vegetable wash, salad dressing.
I've never heard of that combination. What are the ratios and why applecore and honey?
Yes, vinegar is so useful! So is baking soda! #Frugalfani
Yes, I am a minimalist still decluttering and learning tons! Loved your video. I have a 36-month buying moratorium. If I think I "need" something I put it on hold for several days. By that time I've forgotten about it. I also experience the item mysteriously manifesting for my use on many occasions. I am moving rapidly into "you will be provided for".
I have tried to incorporate minimalism into my life but when you have an office job, that's so hard. But you are inspiring me to rethink things.
I still love physical books. My friends Kendle account blew up and she lost everything.
David Hammond when my kindle died I got another one and Kindle/amazon restored all my book onto the new kindle
I see everything except the jewelry, I am assuming that minimalism has something to do with spirituality, and to me that idea of bliss, it often comes from the sublime, art, jewelry can be that. Having something that another person created that is awe.... and being able to appreciate it, and support a way of life that creates things that matter.
I 'm not a minimalist but I love the idea of multi-purposing the coconut oil.
Excellent! You sound free and happy.
When traveling I go minimalist. Mix and match and less of everything. Easier to carry. Also the sweetest people can be met in laundromats.
Loved your video as I need to downsize and identify with several of your ideas!
Awesome video! I've gotten some good ideas from your list. I've gotten rid of disposable plastic straws. A good start to my minimalist journey.
Don't forget all plastic clothes... Polyester, etc... That are releasing nanoplastic mess into our waters...
I stopped stocking up on food for the month. Most would go to waste or get outdated because I had no plan or specific menus. Now I buy only enough for a weeks worth of meals. I plan each menu to insure it doesn't go to waste. I liked your vidoe
Thank you so much for this video!!!! I feel WOKE!
No car
No tv
No computer
Bike..android..bus pass
Tank you so much for the video. I love it! I have way too much stuff and I want to start to change that.. Ofc I have to start small but that you name 12 specific things helps a lot.
Way to go my girl...I have been going this way for many years now..I feel so free and liberated..I stopped giving physical gifts too coz I realized people have more than they need
Hi, I so agree with your list! I started my journey as a minimalist/essentialist almost two years ago when I moved to China. It hasn't been easy but perhaps easier than if I had not moved overseas. I did bring a lot of my stuff (just.in.case.) and I did find myself buying more stuff (90% tech gear) that I thought I needed. In hindsight, I didn't NEED them. I just wanted them. And so it is this new awareness that has helped me to gradually wean away from this die-hard "gear acquisition syndrome (gas)" - Ryan Nicodemus. I draw a line down that used scrap of paper and write the words "I WANT" as a heading on the left side; I then write "I NEED" on the opposite side. I remind myself to hold off on buying for five days. Each day (if) I feel like I'm inconvenienced by not having that item, I write a sentence in the "NEED" column explaining why. Yeah, I know - a whole sentence. What a bother! But that's the point. It has to be so worth it that I have to justify it in writing. It's like when I had to convince my dad to buy me an Apple II compatible back in the 80s. Yes, I'm old. It's worked so far, but now I'm struggling with the urge to buy the new iPad Pro...(deep sigh).
There is one more minimalism genre I'd like to explore. And that is minimalism in relationships. I know. It is counter-intuitive as humans are social creatures; it goes against the whole concept of social networking. Like you and other RUclipsrs, I am not encouraging simply a quantitative change (though a reduction will likely become a consequence in the process). I am reassessing my relationships and becoming mindful about the relationships I really want to maintain and nurture. In particular cases, it has been painful or very challenging. It is a kind of sacrifice that feels like I'm being amputated. But if that limb is dead and rotting anyway, I'd rather be free of it. Sorry for taking up so much space here. Best wishes! Looking forward to you next video:)
I have a number of colognes cus I really like switching between them but I DONT NEED THEM. So I’m not gona waste money on them anymore
hell yeah!
For myself I have also stopped by shoes shoes shoes just because they were cute. I donated many pairs of shoes - that I literally never wore. I now have a pair of sneakers that I wear until they "die" I have a pair of black comfortable but still cute dressier shoes and a few pairs of slippers. I have a pair of water shoes for going to the splash park or pool because flip flops kill my feet. I love that I use what I have. For my friends that I know do not like stuff my gifts to them are edible. My best friend of 56 years hates chackies and clutter. So she gets a jar of homemade Christmas jelly (Amish) for her birthday a week later I but her bingo boards for that night. I love how much she appreciates it. TFS 🤗
Its not good to wear same pair of shoes everyday.
In my opinion, beyond the most basic necessities we do it for a feeling of power. We have, therefore we are. I do it too, but much much less. I'm using up many consumables presently and will take stock again.
These days.. the more non-essentials I dump... the better I feel. I did need to get a special jar openner as I injured my hand.. and a metal straw... but melon baller a d corn holdets... BE GONE!
I own a desktop, three outfits, and a pair of shoes, and a toothbrush. I think I achieved minimal lifestyle without trying.
I love fishing , spearfishing, playing guitar, doing weights, playing games , off roading. So I need quite alot of stuff but it's not endless like buying clothes.
Conni, what you’re saying is very idealistic for me at the present time. It’s my dream to do that, but maybe someday... working on it .looks easy for you because you’re single and young.
We should make every month with a “A” in it an Amazon free month
Another amazing video ☝️💃☝️💃☝️ I did got rid of about 80% of the stuff I owned in last 2 years, charity and bin. And as well I've stopped buying a lot a lot of stuff, mostly cosmetics, clothes, cleaning products, etc. And I can see for me personally it's an ongoing process of editing my life. Big warm hugs to you 💝 xxx
that's really wonderful, my dear! you are on such a great journey!!
Yes, me too, it really is an ongoing process. I donate as soon as I buy so its a constant purchase and release situation.
I agree with what you say, specially the gifts. I have stopped with gifts for years. I started when people asked what I wanted for my birthday and I couldn't really answer that. A very few of my friends are the same. Thanks to Marie Kondo I can now part with gifts easier.
Loved your video! It really inspired me to clean out my stuff and think twice about new things!🙏🏻
Not long ago I taught myself how to make bread at home and now I can make loafs of bread for other people, too, instead of buying them useless gifts. 🙂 I don't have CDs, DVDs or physical books anymore (although I love reading to a great extent); I'm fascinated by getting all the literature and music without having all the clutter around; I'm 56, and fascinated by the fact that through the technology suddenly there are so many objects I once had to physically buy but now don't need to have around anymore.
Thank you Conni. I've been forced to downsize. I am currently living in a van that I had built into a tiny home (without a shower). I always manage to get showered so no worries there. I have a history of having a lot of "things". Even still, I have too much as I am paying for a garage to store some of my "things" that I should unload. I went from making excellent money to being harmed prolifically during workers comp medical procedures. I now live in chronic pain and cannot work. Never, did I ever, think that I would wind up in this position wherein I am unable to work and make money. So, now I am learning albeit slowly, to live in a small space.
Funny enough, I'm trying to get where you are. The crap I own clutters my mind and I've fantasized about living in a tiny home or van. I figure I'll just get a 24 hr gym membership for showers and such. Sounds so liberating from a standpoint where I feel suffocated. Sorry to hear about your situation... but I'm glad you've found the positives in it.
You’ve motivated me to do a huge end of year purge and really weed out the crap I don’t use. And I always donate to a good cause and recycle recycle recycle! Thanks for a great video!
ohhhh that makes me so happy to hear :))) HAVE FUN DECLUTTERING!!
Everyone I have met that live for shopping seem to be empty inside.
Really enjoyed this... I’ve just begun my minimalist journey... thanks for sharing!
There's no luggage rack on a hearse!
amen . will be 70 years on the planet tomorrow - really been aware of that and working on giving it all away NOW!
@@kindredspirit3875 Just turned 70 years on the planet in May. Living completely on social security now. The biggest problem I have now, is not food or shelter, or other material possessions. I discovered that I no longer have a desire or need for any of these things. My biggest problem is I have no friends or a companian. I've been married 3 times in my life but they all left for greener and richer pastures many years ago. I need somebody to love and for the right reasons this last time.
@@jameskoralewski296 ditto! truck full now to take off to charities. . this is only second time i have commented ! thanks for reply . this seems fun to be talking to a similar person in cyber land! I say that same thing about luggage rack and or that coffin full with me no more room for STUFF Peace and Joy to you.
Creamation
$895
Great Video, Conni! I just started cleaning up all that mess a few days back... incredible how much stuff I collected over the years! I will try to get rid of 90% of my stuff and our plans to move into a bigger apartment can be postponed indefinitely.
it's soooo easy to accumulate stuff and so difficult to get of it, isn't it! Have fun decluttering!
and, to take it a step further, that extra money for that bigger apartment, could be squirreld (spelling) away for your nest egg. Just a thought....
I do find it quite comical that in a video teaching people about minimalism that so many people are dying to know what kind of iPad you were using so they could buy it lol. I guessed they missed the point
Ah you know it’s ok, I don’t judge that.
@@ConniBiesalski True... sometimes owning the right things... things that FIT our lifestyle, CAN help to simplify our lives.
@@faithrada So true. One goal I want to achieve myself is getting rid of paper I've written on by finding a way to do it electronically. I just don't deal well with paper at all.
AWESOME VIDEO, CONNI!
Absolutely love the style of it and of course your words.
I call myself a minimalist, but I am coming more from the ethical and environmental side of it. Got rid of a bunch of stuff a few years ago when I moved out of my parents house and really asked myself what I really need when it comes to buying stuff. I still own kind of a lot of things, but not as many as the average person my age. I still have a bunch of items I will slowly use up, so I’ll keep them around, even though they’re not really regularly needs of mine. Minimalism is not just the things we own or we don’t own, it’s much more a mindset how we value things and every thing we do.
happy you like this video!! took forever to shoot and edit, so it's great to hear, when you guys appreciate it!
My reasons for being minimalist are definitely also many-fold and ethical/environment are definitely part of it as well!
I don't keep stuff for years and years in case I need it. My rule of thumb is "If I'm not using it, give it away. Someone may need it NOW, more than I do."
I been living minimalist seen birth not because of my choice but boz we live like that. I remember when I was kid we don't have electricity we use lamps, no furniture only dining table and chair my grandpa make.we don't have toilet we poo in backyard and put some soil after so it well decompose later. We live like this because of poverty and we live happy and
content. My greed for change to experience having a thing or stuff that other have. when I go to City to work and buy something I don't have before.i feel happy now I want to declutter all of those stuff to go back to simple and minimalist living again.
Ok I’m with you on most of these things.... but the shoes situation.... what if you have to go somewhere “dressy” ? A wedding... a funeral?
I don’t buy cleaning products anymore . I saved the original bottles but I make My own cleaning supplies by watching other channels .
I have the swifter cleaner but I don’t buy the boxe
With the wet pads for several reasons : they are toxic to pets, and it is such a gross waste of plastic ( the container that comes with ) and the sheets itself . I do use instead small sizes towels that I pin on each side to clean the floors . When dirty, I flip it inside out . When the other side is dirty, I remove whatever dust bunnies and just throw it in the washer .
I don’t buy new kitchen towels anymore to dry dishes that I wash by hands , or don’t buy sponges . I use old sheets , when they are worn out or faded or ripped , instead of throwing them away , I cut them in several rectangular sizes and use those to wash or dry . They are soft and again , keep reusing them and wash them constantly .
I don’t have collection of dishes , glasses or watches . One set . When it breaks , I buy it . I have been wearing the very same watch from 23 yrs ago from an ex boyfriend . I’m still wearing it to this day .
Maybe I’m too extreme st these , but they work for me . But I still have a lot more to learn from others .
Thank you so much .
my newest computer is 9 years old, my tablet is 6 years old. But i do have a 2 year old phone, its my newest tech.
but i have a long way to go
I might need that cable that I've had for 5 years and can't remember where it came from or what gadget it is from and have not used it once in my life one day!
How do you solve the paper clutter problem? For example: the finance ministry in our state orders you to keep the bills of the LAST SEVEN YEARS in case they make a finance control on you. then you have to be able to show that you actually did your taxes right. this alone takes up a lot of space. also the originals of all my reports and certificates from school, university, extra classes etc take a lot (and even though I own them in a digital way, I surely can't throw them away). this is a real challenge for me. also my weight has been going back and forth in the last years, so I own a stock of clothing in size 36 and another one in size 38/40. every time my weight goes down, I put on stock A, and when I get fat again, I put on stock B. This also takes much space but I just can't rely on my body to just have ONE WEIGHT constantly over more than 3-5 years. But I am very proud to say: all my stuff fits into 45 moving boxes now :) this is the smallest amount of stuff I ever owned. I want to reduce further though.
This is the first video of yours I've ever watched. Loved it. Thanks.
I like that phrase "just in case". It's a constant reminder for me💯
I’ve gotten/getting rid of so much stuff I rarely use or don’t like. Use the mostly now empty pantry and linen closet for pots/art supplies, etc. Just changing how I organize my things based on how I use them. Decluttering is best when you are very precise about whether or not you actually use/need it so much that it takes up space in your place. It has meant a lot less time dealing with or dreading dealing with stuff that is meaningless. I’m on a mission.
A really good one, thank you. When traveling with only 18 kg each, we became minimalists by force too and it feels, as you say, very liberating. Thank you for sharing. 😘
yes, being a traveller definitely helps to realize how little we actually need to be happy :)) lots of love!!
yup, definately its all about her and only her. nobody else matters. your not willing to be a little uncomfortable for a few hours for a loved one? no, you don't need to buy an outfit every time something happens but a multi purpose semi formal outfit is good to have. Shoes? I can't wear my work boots to the gym or sneakers to my sister's wedding. Work boots, snow boots, hiking shoes, sneakers, loafers, nice shoes, and flip flops. personal hygiene - bar soap, tooth paste/brush, shaving gell and razor, tp, mouthwash, and deoderant. Cleaning supplies- simple green, window cleaner, scrubbies, dish washing soap, broom, mop, rags, and newspapers. Clothing, 7 pairs of quality pants - 3 jeans, 2 casual, 1 formal, and 1 sweats. I'm bad with t-shirts (I'm a sucker for fundraising t-shirts) but other than t-shirts about a dozen most of for winter layering, underwear - 10 pairs, socks about 20 pairs half of for winter, 2 coats, 2 hats, 2 pairs gloves, umbrella, sunglasses. my phone (Obama free), a computer a friend gave me, and a bunch of woodworking tools and art supplies. All in all about $5,000 in value, no credit card debt, if I can't afford to pay cash I don't need it. I don't own a house, I rent a room 8'x9' from a friend. I too can pack my essentials in a backpack and hit the road leaving everything behind. How many people live a minimalist life? A real minimalist life? Large open homes with multiple bathrooms and bedrooms with a huge kitchen? 150 square feet is more than enough for one person adding about 50 to 75 more per additional person. I understand having a large kitchen, dinning, and livingroom if you have a large family or entertain groups often but not living alone. Even the trendy tiny home people just fill every square inch with stuff.
I'm just saying I'm so much better than you because I do it better.
I’m definitely no minimalist but we have mostly the same list of don’t buys. With the exception of gifts. But only if i see something that they’ve talked about and need. But for birthdays, we ask that no one brings presents. And I do have some books. Not a ton as I often have many from the library. Some I eventually purchased because they are reference books and it makes it easier for me to have physical books for those situations.
However, just in case...that MAY actually be where my entire life changes. If I didn’t have just in case stuff, that would likely change my life. Thanks for you view on minimalism!
I stopped buying fabric softner. I still buy clothing if I really like it. The problem is I don't see a lot that I really like. I have to wear a uniform to work everyday so I like having girly things to wear and use on my days off. I like having cute sandals to show off my pedicure. I live where we have all seasons so I have clothing for all seasons. I wear my clothes/shoes until they wear out. I probably have clothes/shoes that are older than you but if I like it and use it I keep it. When my clothes wear out they become rags to clean with, use when painting a room. I love dresses and skirts, especially if I go out with friends. I like to feel put together and feminine. I buy good panties and bras and I don't put them in the dryer. I love love love handbags. I've said I need handbags anonymous. But I use a bag for a month or two and then switch it out for another. I'm not a minimalist and probably will never be one but for some reason I love these type of videos. I find them soothing and sometimes I use them to help me drift off to sleep.
"We come without them, we leave without them" I guess you can say that for every other possible thing or concept so it's not a great argument. This coming from a minimalist.
I’m looking to buy a house right now.
Maximum sq ft I’m looking at is 400sq ft.
The blanket on my bed right now
I found on the side of the road.
Many clothes I wear I found on the side of the road.
I don’t own a car
I own two bicycles, just in case.
Social-Programming - hell, I myself am not a minimalist (I don't actually want to be), but I am not a mindless consumer either. I buy things I know I will enjoy (sometimes I buy nothing except food for months!), but not many of them and only after thinking it over, comparing options (I recently bought a drawing screen tablet (XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro) - after wanting one for 4 years and always being on the look out for one! But I never liked the offerings. Wacom is too expensive and the other companies weren't quite there yet, but now I felt the time was right!)...I like frugalism! Don't buy a lot of stuff, but do buy things you enjoy...like real books (I do enjoy them more than reading on an e-ink-reader...not that I don't want one of those, too :) )
Combined with a 40 hour work week (sometimes more, hell some people still work 6 days a week!) that most of us do not enjoy in the slightest! You need to counter that and a lot of people turn to "retail-therapy" -.-
I usually argue against owning lots of shoes, but frankly: Even as a man, I need dress-shoes and something that can get dirty (I usually use older trainers for that) and at least 2 pairs of shoes for daily use...had one of my daily shoes give out on me last week and it would have sucked not having shoes to go to work (re-training, I don't plan on sticking with the 8 to 5 (1 hour lunch-break)...hate it frankly, especially getting up early...it's 1 AM in Germany now and I can't sleep, I am a night-owl after all!)
Fashion I do agree on (don't follow it - I think fashion is useless tripe and I don't buy into it)...but I still have more clothing than you do (which is kind of sad, I am male and there are women out there that have less clothes than I do? Damned!)
I sadly need "special" clothing...can't go to the office without a collared button-up shirt at least and I do have one suit-jacket
ps: Owning useless junk doesn't make us happy, but owning things we do use? I mean you couldn't do your lifestyle without a laptop - so you have to own one and why not make it a good one (you would probably be frustrated if you used an el-cheapo junk-laptop!)! Others might enjoy going around on a bike, so they own a bike (hell, there is probably a digital nomad out there who travels around on a bike somewhere or in campervan!)
when i decided i had had enough of the horrible people i had to deal with at work, wanted to retire early, i made a decision that made it possible - unless the item was used to generate food, power, or money, i didn't buy it. garden tools, fine. power tools, fine... painting supplies (to product art to sell at farmers markets), fine... but all the nickynacky crap i used to buy, literally a shopping cart full of stuff at Winners, all that went out of the window. and when you plan on generating your own electricity, that also makes you think about the electrical gadgets you purchase. however, there is no restraint when it's something for my pets.... they get anything they want... er... i want...
I stopped upgrading smart phone instead i buy foods for bulking 👌
I love this! You know, as a mom, one thing I HATE!!!!!! Goodie bags from bday parties, stuffed full of crap! I recently found 4 that my daughter never even looked into. FOUR, four bags full of tons of little crap, I sent it all to Goodwill. I'm guilty of having a lot of books and journals, LOL I love to write, I want my daughter to have something with my handwriting on it when she gets older, I love my mother's old letters. But I make concessions with other areas in my life, I get rid of lots of things, such as shoes, I had so many shoes! I never wore half of them, I don't buy make up anymore either, I used to have 10 different eyeshadow palettes at any given time, now I pick one neutral palette and that's it.
I agree that it is great to declutter, but it is more difficult to practice it in some societies,especially if you are married- I personally have 2 elaborate Greek weddings to attend this week so will need my special occasion clothes and people here do notice very much what others are wearing. Also,we quite often gave big family gatherings so we need to have extra cutlery and crockery.
But l Iove your ideas and am trying to own less
OPA!!
One of the main things that people overspend on is houses. You really, really do not need all of the space that you think you do. Same with new cars. New appliances in the house will go in and out of style, too. These are significant expenses.
Agree. Most of us aren't home most if the time, too. And how much actual entertaining do you actually do in your house? Houses are best for people with kids. But before and after that, stay small and save money on heating, maintenance, taxes, etc. I look back and should havd gone smaller years ago.
this was a great list! I have lots of paring down to do :)
you can do it ;)
Omg the sound of the sharpie or whatever writing the 12 things makes me want to rip my ears off. But I love the video ❤️
I think people forget you pay for libraries in your taxes if you own a home. It may not be much on your tax bill compared to school taxes but you are still paying for it. Even if you don't own a home and rent, a portion of your rent dollars go to paying local taxes which in turn pay towards the local library. Librarys have computers, too, so utilize your libraries. Also, if you don't have air conditioning, it's a cool place to hang out and nobody bothers you.
I told my daughter once that I didn't think we'd ever be truly happy till we had nothing but a backpack on our backs. I don't think we own things. I think things own us.
I’m curious, what do you do with your “important papers” ie: tax stuff, etc.?
Just in case IS real, unfortunately. 2 pairs of shoes only? yes, i know somebody who did that. And had the very interesting experience of having one pair ruined by a flash flood due to a sewer malfunction, exactly when the second pair decided to break out of the blue. That is, not even having what to wear to go shopping for another pair - no, flip flops didn't work, because it was winter time, so flip flops would have been equal to frozen toes. So... it's all nice and good, and you don't need 50 pairs of shoes, but 3-4 seasonal ones do make much more sense. Because of course it depends very much where you live, you just can't wear the same things in -20 C and +40 C - which are both normal yearly changes in some parts of the world.
As a woman I have started to get used to the thought of having just that one party dress. Usually I feel like a woman is supposed to have an array of dressy clothes and never wear the same outfit to a party.
But then I thought; hey, if guys can have one or two nice suits to switch between - I could to. Without feeling guilty.
It seems young people are becoming more mobile than ever before and that elders are also getting into the idea now that the children are all out of the nest. For those that can, I think it's absolutely fabulous to be so free! Right now I am tied to an oxygen machine and can barely get around; but I still want to get rid of physical things that just seem to 'weigh me down'. It seems the new theme everywhere! People are wanting to work through their issues and let go of unneeded memories, unneeded relationships, unneeded things. And people are finding new relationships - have you all noticed the new DNA discoveries where people are suddenly finding (after grown) they are adopted or their parent was adopted? And then they find new family (that is, if the new folks have worked through their issues also:)! What a great time to exist and see all these much needed things happening.
I need to stop buying gifts. Idk about how I feel about the apple pen. Hmmmm I might need to go to a store to try it out
I’m really trying to shed some of my things. Literally so many that even now I have a hard time being rid of. I’m not quite there yet. I feel like in the past I viewed things as investments and that thinking has done quite the opposite for me. Reallllly rethinking this. Thank you for your openness and maybe I feel like I can try to downsize a bit.