As you may be aware, regarding wearing the same colors/style every day, Albert Einstein always appeared to be wearing the same suit every day. When asked about this, he explained that he had seven identical outfits that he changed into each day. When asked why, he said that having to think about what clothes to wear every day for variety was to him, a waste of thinking time and effort, that he would rather use thinking about more important things. Genius!
Could it be more likely Einstein was nothing more than a deep state controlled asset womanizer that couldn't even make a decision on what to wear because he was way too busy enjoying All the Sequestered stolen Nicola Tesla's genius technology Godly gifted mastery over Eternal Cosmic Knowledge and Reality
@@ifyoujustthinkmoreclearly it's very possible I think everyone of Us has at one time or another experienced many similar circumstances so maybe it can help one way or another to possibly let a brother sister know that We gotta raise Our Awareness to the fact that everything We've ever been trained to believe has been serious misinformation, appreciate Ur perspective I'm sure he probably went through many of those circumstances throughout Cosmic time so I hope and pray Einstein has found peace love and joy that surpasses all understanding despite various dimensional debilitating circumstances he may have lived wishing positive love peaceful existence for every living Soul on every level in this holographic Eternal Cosmic Reality
When I find slacks and a top appropriate for home and streetwear and comfortable, I buy 7-10 of each. (I work remotely.) (I buy extra in case the manufacturer discontinues the article of clothing.) People think I have only one pair of slacks and one top. They don't know that I have multiples of each. The slacks and tops can be washed together. One less decision. Accessories can break the monotony. I love it.
even though I have a ridiculous amount of clothes/footwear and it's the one area I'm NOT minimalist, I do think this is kind of how I operate. I am very particular about the fit of my clothes for example so when I find a top or dress that suits my body well I will buy at least 2-3 of that item in different colors or prints and wind up mixing and matching for several years with my other items.
I turned off most notifications a while ago, and man, it’s such a blessing. I still see them when I pick up my phone, but I can choose whether I want to deal with them right away or later, without constantly being interrupted in whatever I’m doing.
I love when you say if you can't afford to pay for it twice, you can't afford to pay for it once. This is so true and I wish everyone would take that advice. BTW - Levi is absolutely adorable!
I live by this rule for many years now, it helped me a lot. The other one being "If you need to ask for the price range, then this item is not for your budget". With wine, cheese, gourmet food, branded goods etc. being much more overpriced than their actual worth.
This would only apply to some things. There are also things that if you can't afford to buy, then you also can't afford to not buy (maintenance, dental work, healthier food). If you don't take care of those expenses then they'll bite back later with more costly emergencies.
@@acidityliquidity211 It reminds me of an ethical car dealer, who gives good advices to his customers and once he said, if you buy a car for 10 grand that is in the range of 80 grand, then you'll pay the remaining 70 all the same, just later. To the mechanic. Not the dealer.
I like to think "would I buy this again if I didn't have it" to help me justify purchases, a lot of the time I find that impulses can be weeded out this way
My favorite tool is the 30 day list. If I get the urge to buy something that isn't an absolute need, it goes on my 30 day list. If I still want it 30 days later I will probably buy it. This is the ultimate cure for buyers remorse. You'd be surprised how few items make it 30 days and how much money you'll save.
I do the same thing! I put it in a special Bookmarks folder, and then if I still want/need it a month or so later, I come back and think about it again! But 99.99% of the time, nope! It's gone! lolol.
One thing I've learned to do, is do what I call a "Tool Reset" after every project I work on in the garage. Say I get done with a car brake job, sometime shortly after I collect all the tools I used, clean them up and put them away. Same with any chemicals, supplies, old parts and empty boxes. they either get put away or go into the trash or recycle. Clean up any grease, oil or chemical spills.That way the garage is clean and orderly, and I'm ready and can find things I need to do the next job, say on a mower.
Is it crazy to feel so like minded with some random girl in internet? Except you are not random at all, you are simply exceptional. And it's not about the specific things you do, it's about the process. The way of thinking and the willingness to question aspects of your life that leads you to those places. It's extraordinary to see and watch someone so interesting.
I so do the clothes thing. Comfortable jeans and short or long sleeved tee shirts and jumpers does it for me, no decisions, no complications and virtually no shopping! Win!
Excellent advice!!! Unfortunately though its a good Idea to have at least 2-3 paper copies in 2-3 locations of important documents!! With all the solar flares, bad weather,fires etc, the internet, and electric could go out. I feel its a very good back up plan just in case. Although its a hassle to make copies and it takes alot of space, its better to have what need than not have them
I do a "taskbox" of boring cleaning/organizing tasks that help keep stuff tidy. It's just a box with 3x5 note cards with certain trouble areas that if done weekly, keeps the house nice. I pick one at random per day and do it. Once completed, the card goes in the done section of the box. If this is kept up with, it is super easy to clean next time with even less effort. You don't get overwhelmed with a million things to do.
I don't go paperless because if something happened to me, my next of kin would have to constantly monitor my email account. I get more peace of mind knowing there will be paper reminders of when things are due.
All but one of my bills are are on auto pay through my bank. My fluctuating credit card bill comes through the mail monthly. When I topple off the twig my executor should find it easier to clear up that part of my estate.
You could build a paper file with all these things in it, and leave it for your kin. A simple list of your passwords, what regular bills you have, account numbers, due dates, etc. Even if you have all your bills still paper, anyone left behind is going to have to shuffle through all of it. That's not doing them any favors.
I'm 51 and looking at early retirement. I'm actively making lifestyle changes so I can be financially and mentally prepared for the transition. This video gave me some good ideas, especially buying it twice.
I'm a female clothes horse. My addiction to new clothes ended when I discovered what I like to wear most was men's clothing. Men's cargo pants. SO practical. Men's coats. SO warm. So many pockets! I don't need to carry a handbag when running local errands. Now I am not tempted by fashion jeans.
I generally shower at night. Started this habit while working at a steel mill. Even though I spent most of my time in the office, I needed the shower before bed.
My best minimalism tip is to get rid of (or use up) everything in your pantry, fridge and freezer and only buy ingredients for things you are currently cooking. Then use up all those ingredients before you decide to cook something else. Otherwise you will slowly have a whole bunch of random ingredients that will one day go off just cluttering up your storage space and in turn cluttering up your mind and causing you to give up cooking altogether. You can have stock ingredients in the fridge/pantry, like sugar and butter and milk, etc. But you really don't need that random bottle of oyster sauce and that walnut oil or those harissa seasonings. They will just go off before the time you use them next.
We sort of do this. Buy groceries for the week with specific meals we'll make and no extra, except in extreme weather conditions when it is more necessary. BIG home cooks though so we will use all the condiments and oils and spices sooner or later and have almost ZERO waste. I cannot abide wasting food.
Your channel, which I discovered only a few months ago, already has changed my life for the better. Thanks, Nicole, for doing what you do. Live long and prosper!
Can you please do a video just about Levi? After long day in retail dealing with entitled customers, it would be so nice to see his little sweet face yo brighten my day.
"System" is the key. Have a system developed for everything that routinely keeps you and your home functioning. Takes WAY less bandwidth than having to strategize and restrategize. ☺
My added tip would be 'never leave a room empty handed'. In this way folk tidy up as they go along. Also, the very old one of 'a place for everything and everything in its place!. I love the 'buying it twice' idea - im gonna copy that one! Thank you Nicole. Big fussess for the gorgeous Levi!
Bingo on the no notifications! I only want to hear my phone if it is important! Family/friends/contactor (new roof). We have 2 stories so every time I go up or downstairs, I look for stuff to take with me. Many times I put things next to the stairs to make one big trip. If I forget something...oh well, more exercise 😊
You’re the best thing that happened to me last year lol Also , I started minimalism bc of what I see being a Hospice nurse … I love love being a minimalist
I tend to be drawn to your channel because you’re one of the few on here that actually offer different content to the usual of channels that offer the same recycled jazz.
Outbox works well. Also, I keep a small lightweight basket beside my stairs as a handy reminder for toting things up and down. Since I use a chair-lift, it's a bonus ... As is your sweet Levi ❤
I always like physically shopping off season for things I need. I don’t do it as often anymore, I have enough clothes. It’s so much cheaper to shop off season, and Amazon NEVER has sales. Not like the stores do anyways. 🤷♀️ I do most of the things you’ve mentioned. I make myself a nice Sunday dinner like my aunt used to do for us, and I freeze several servings. I may leave one out for another weekday but I’m with you, I don’t like leftovers day after day. Well, unless it’s tacos 😊
I'm thinking about having a set of papers on my bedroom door. One saying what should be done every month. One every quarter. One every year. But also not having anything too long or detailed like a daily routine paper or having more than seven papers all over the door. Keeping it somewhat simple so it's not too hard to follow but also helpful at making me remember essential maintenance items like the furnace filter or cleaning the ac condenser, etc.
I just use a yearly wall calendar...at the beginning of the new year I transfer anything like insurances/ car maintainance/ dog worming etc. I also note any memorable events and keep the wall planners as a sort of diary to look back on.
Concerning hair: ladies, men have known for AGES that short hair is faster, neater and (in some respects) cleaner. That’s why over 5 years ago I shaved my head. I previously had shoulder length very fine, straight hair. I continuously threw money at my hair trying to make it do something. I had tools, and serums, and special shampoo and dreaded the wind, rain, and humidity. The freedom I have found in NOT having to maintain my ridiculous hair has been immeasurable. I now just quickly maintain my own buzz-cut, and I no longer spend any money or waste any energy on it. It’s a life changing decision!
I used to have quite long hair but cut it extremely short before a shoulder surgery, as I knew it would be too difficult to deal with on my own. Even the hairdresser kept asking me if I was sure. But afterward, I exclaimed that now I understand why so many older women have haircuts like this! Turns out that I am an older woman and I still wear my hair short.
Hell no, I am female and I prefer to look like one. Beauty...like everything worth having you have to put effort in and while haircare can be annoying, most woman do not have pleasant enough facial features to look good with short hair.
Go short hair! I get what Rosieposie is saying. And I won't say I'm immune to societal programming. But I've often liked the look of short hair and am endeared whenever it's been explained as a choice of simplicity. Not that anyone should care about this one guy's two cents!
I have very long thick wavy hair and I love it. For about 20 yrs I had a spiky pixie cut and I loved that also. BUT - when my hair is like, shoulder length or so, it's a big pain to style and care for. I think very short or very long is easiest!
Yep. Stop fighting what your hair wants to do naturally really helps. I wear mine shoulder-length, but cut it myself, saves a ton of money and looks just as good.
Thanks for the clever idea of “match your wants”. I’m going to do it. 👍🏼 I feel the same way about showering before bed. However, I do sometimes end up with a major bed head🤡 I’ve already implemented the other habits but still could improve on the food prep. I noticed that most minimalist content creators are living as a couple with young kids, or living alone. Living with other adults of a different mind set can make for other challenges. So learning to stress less over other people’s messes is an opportunity for me to clean up my internal clutter.
Great video on what I refer to as Systems. Personal hacks, prep work, etc..that I do in order to improve my quality of living via eliminating most low level decisions, and uneccessary expenses during my work week. I like the base-prepping thinking. interesting idea, but I food prep.🤮(you CAN freeze it too) 😉 You dropped an unexpected morsel today: So simple, but it had never occured to me, The paying twice law for "wants" is brilliant...and will be implemented immediately. Thanks always for your content.
I have heavily standardized china, cutlery, towels, socks, underwear, etc. in order to minimize any kind of sorting, and it makes it easy to store and find things. This has been a dealbreaker for me (and most of the other valuable tips that Nicole shared in this very good video).
Matching your wants is something I want to add - great idea! I need to tweak my wardrobe, too. I already have a favorite brand of jeans that I wear all the time, but I need to simplify my shirts. Too much trial and error buying has cluttered my closet. Thanks for the reminder, Nicole.
Nicole, I have sad news. On 4-16-24 at 0830 AM CST USA, my beloved 11-year-old Chihuahua mix, Milo, died. He had a heart murmur and was on Vetmedin, but he went into heart failure this morning and succumbed despite the brilliant care by his veterinary team. It is so strange to be typing this without him watching and nudging me to go for a walk. Nicole, thank you for your past kindness and encouraging words during Milo's health journey.
Thank you for these videos. My friend was recently bemoaning the fact that I don't have decorations in my apartment, so I appreciate seeing someone else do what I do. It's reassuring to know I'm not just crazy 😂
I feel like I have a ton of decor items until I go visit friends who literally have it covering every surface. They started referring to me and my husband as minimalists way before I realized we actually ARE!
I do a lot of the same things you do. I grew up wearing school uniforms and I basically do the same thing now. I've got a color palette I work with. Everything is mix and match. I kinda of do the same thing with food. I don't like to cook, so I batch cook a few times a week, freeze then assemble on the day I want to eat it. I haven't watched your video on Amazon. That's one thing we do differently> I shop there a lot because I don't like to shop or go in stores. I order from Amazon no more than 2x a month, usually once. Through the month, if I want something I put it in the cart. On my shopping day, I review what's in the cart and I decide if I still want it or need it, or I save it for later to watch for a particularly good deal. No impulse purchases that way. And no driving around looking for things either. I use a grocery shopping service as well. No impulse buying and save $ by picking it up myself. The prices for my service and the store that i shop at are in-store prices. I'm not just interested in saving $. I'm also interested in saving time. I have creative projects that I want to give my time to.
Great video! I completely agree with num 1. I was hooked and literally almost had a panic attack when I could not find my phone. I went from high blood pressure to low blood pressure by removing the vice. I am a paper bills person and actually simplifies my life, first junk email is worse than regular junk mail thus hate going in it, second, having to sign into a site and enter a username and password to view the bill is annoying, last I can just put them in a pile and login to my bank account and schedule to pay them every Sunday. Less time consuming to me, I do use autopay for bills that dont change in price and is nice too.
I've been showering at night since I was a kid. I never switched to mornings because my mom told me it would take too long, and I wasn't about to wake up early to go to school.
It actually came as a shock to me that people in North America (sometimes) did not shower before they leave home in the morning. It is a general rule in Indonesia that you have to shower before you go to the office/school. Additionally, showering at night is a frowned upon practice as it is viewed that we can become sick from the cold of the shower.
@@hanitaputradjaya3507 I have only lived in the USA but I can understand that too. I generally bathe in the morning but when I was a teen and early 20s I had oily skin and really felt dirty and weird if I did not shower or bathe before school or work. While I didn't stink thankfully it was just not "fresh". I admit I am glad to have oily skin now as I have fewer wrinkles in my late 40s but yeah that would never have worked out for me taking showers at night when I was younger!
Dear Nicole, Thank you for all your wisdom! Can you please do a video on tiny homes? Like are they worth it in the long run? So you ever wish you took that approach versus buying your home and having a mortgage for the rest of your life? Pros and cons of tiny homes with a few acres of land? I feel like the American dream now a days is just being debt free, and that won’t be the case buying a house or renting the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing!
I really love your videos. I tried the turning off notifications yesterday when I was trying to find ways to not be as much on my phone and it's great. I love the was you talk about things. You are very clear, practical and highly intelligent and it's always refreshing to hear what you have to say.
Some of this is useful but I have to have a quick shower in the morning if I am going to work, I also have a longer shower before bed. I somehow seem to be able to detect a somewhat "unfresh" but not necessarily unpleasant smell on people who tend not to shower in the morning. I also love amazon prime. I agree with the rest of the video.
I think this depends very much on who you follow. My biggest hobbies are crochet and photography, so I follow many accounts connected to those topics. Many of these accounts feature great tips and projects, and they post fantastic photos that help me visualize the final product. I also love cooking accounts, accounts dedicated to small space organizing and many others. I personally love IG, and have gotten many excellent ideas and product recommendations from the platform.
Social media platforms realistically should be used by those who have something to show off/market to others as a form of advertising. That and to spread knowledge of tricks/ideas that others may not be informed of. Other than those two situations, its all mindless consuming.
Ha ha there’s me watching your video eating one of my batch cooking meals when you mentioned about batch cooking 😊 I’m very fugal. I really like the idea when you buy something, you buy it again by putting the money into savings, that’s clever and not heard of that one before.
Also, going out of you way to put things in a certain place like your keys or phone it saves you from looking for these items, was told this as a kid and it stuckck with me,
lol i thought i was the only one who hated meal prep, i cannot eat anything that has been more than like 1 day in the fridge, but i do prepare pasta sauces etc too which last like 2 days
Since you asked, I have 8 out of 10 of these habits. Yea for me. The outbox and the pay twice are new. I will love to adopt them too. Since we spend so much of our time online, to reduce clutter I have long ago adopted a zero inbox policy, Morning and night, I clean out my inbox. Also, I personally hate seeing little number bubbles next to phone apps so I leave groups that post too much and leave apps that are annoying that way. Love your channel. I've been a fan for several months.
Ooh! I thought batch cooking and meal prepping were the same thing, but what you said actually makes a lot of sense! I really like that idea! I always thought I'd meal prep a ton when I moved out, but maybe I'll batch cook instead! lol. We'll see! That's so cool! Thanks for the info and insight, Nicole! :D
Glad to be early! Love your videos! I agree with you about notifications. They drive me crazy. I even silence group texts. I could do better at productivity. Always trying to learn new things to improve.
I like to have choices when it comes to clothes. I cleaned out my closet a few years ago and now I follow a rule: one in, one out. If I buy something, something has to go, so it keeps me from purchasing clothes and shoes I don't need. I now mostly replace items that are worn out.
I do the outbox thing too! Mine's also a closet in a spare room, and then I have a spot on a table near the door for items that are leaving the house that day. After watching this video while traveling I started to follow the 2 minute rule also. So far, loving it! Agree also about batch cooking being great and full-on meal prep being gross! No thanks. I strongly believe a lot of people wind up getting takeout or delivery and throwing away Day 4-6 of their preps - they can't convince me otherwise haha
I do a similar thing like your outbox, but I label the box PIO for "pass it on", it helps to let go of stuff/clutter knowing someone else can make use it
Read this one somewhere recently -- for voicemail -- change your msg to: You have reached my voicemail. Now do the right thing. And leave a text. THAT is a WIN for minimalism and general annoyance at the least.
At that point just get rid of voicemail and don't bother setting it up whenever you get a new phone. I've never set up voicemail on any of my phones. Mostly because I'm lazy though, lol
The only things on my phone that can send me notifications are phone calls, texts, voicemails, and banking/credit card stuff. That's it! Everything else doesn't make a peep or show up at all! I don't need all that extra crap in my life, and it saves a lot of battery power, too! lol.
I LOVE that idea of paying for it twice and definitely will start using that. I agree with showering the night before Ive always done that but it started as a child when in TEXAS we didnt have any a/c so taking a cold shower at night helped me fall asleep.
For a minute there I thought the 2 minute rule involved dropping dinner on the floor. Steve Jobs had the same attitude toward fashion. If something big comes into my space something else must leave. If it sits for a year doing nothing time to go. E-readers preferred to actual books when possible.
The Outbox - love that and will be implementing that one! I've had phone notifications turned off for a long time and a slow morning, BOTH have done a TON to help me live a less anxious day to day
- Cooking is a big one, always a pain in the ass and I never liked meal prepping a whole week. I cut out all carbs, sugars and vegetables and just go butter, eggs, milk and meat (+ sauces). Super simple, super fast and it has made my progress in the gym among other things much better too, most importantly it saves a TON of time having as few ingredients as possible and knowing exactly what you will be eating at any time. - Another thing I do it excel spreadsheets for every month, putting in all income and expenses and adding every transaction and purchase I make. - Working out 2 times a week instead of 3-4, saving time, doing 2 full-body workouts for 2 hours each instead of 3-4 at 1.5h each, saves time on both travel, prep, supplements, food (hunger), and progress have been improving doing just more intense workouts twice a week instead of spreading it out. - Having a set outfit for every day im in the office (twice a week), just saves times always knowing what I will be wearing those two days. - Cleaning my plates / utenstils right after I use them, just comes right off and super fast to clean instead of piling it up and having things harden.
My only notifications are text and voicemail but my ringer is off 99% of the time so I only know if I get them by looking at the phone. I don’t even have the email counter on either so I never know if I get emails unless I open the app. So freeing! 👍🏼
Notifications are the time equivalent of monthly subscription fees. Both nibble away at your resources. I used to do the savings match on purchases too, though in my spin on it more went to a charity than to savings. The idea was if I'm going to spend money on a want it should be backed up by an equal amount of money doing something good.
Hi Nicole, have you been diagnosed with ADD? I have it and I struggled with it when I was teen, but I came to some of your method's by myself and they made my life so much easier. Cheers from Poland!
Thank you for the videos. Im a minimalist too and you’re right, it helps a lot. And makes you think about what you really want and need. what you really matters. You’re a very cool and smart woman. 💯✅
I used to collect DVDs (then later Blu-Rays) of movies and TV shows, but I found that I would often buy them with no intention of watching them anytime soon. I just wanted to own them. Eventually I ended up with a large stack of DVDs/Blu-Rays that I had never actually watched and these disc sets cost $20-$30 each when they are brand new. So, now I have a rule that if I'm not planning to watch the entire movie (or at least one episode of the series) that same night, then I don't buy it. I've had this rule in place since 2012 and, while I have broken it once or twice, it's saved me so much money and freed up so much space in my house. Plus, if you are patient, chances are you might find that same movie in the $5 bin in a couple of years.
Three day rule. If I find something I want to buy. I always try to give it three days. Then if I still think I want it but I usually find I don't want it anymore. My wife and I both have to agree or it doesn't happen.
I live on a needs based disability income in New England U.S and I live a perpetual minimalist life by no choice and car is the most valuable asset anyone like me could have and because of 130 million young people all searching for a cheap car they are getting much harder to find
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As you may be aware, regarding wearing the same colors/style every day, Albert Einstein always appeared to be wearing the same suit every day. When asked about this, he explained that he had seven identical outfits that he changed into each day. When asked why, he said that having to think about what clothes to wear every day for variety was to him, a waste of thinking time and effort, that he would rather use thinking about more important things. Genius!
Could it be more likely Einstein was nothing more than a deep state controlled asset womanizer that couldn't even make a decision on what to wear because he was way too busy enjoying All the Sequestered stolen Nicola Tesla's genius technology Godly gifted mastery over Eternal Cosmic Knowledge and Reality
I read that he was a real a$$hole to his wife, though.
@@ifyoujustthinkmoreclearly it's very possible I think everyone of Us has at one time or another experienced many similar circumstances so maybe it can help one way or another to possibly let a brother sister know that We gotta raise Our Awareness to the fact that everything We've ever been trained to believe has been serious misinformation, appreciate Ur perspective I'm sure he probably went through many of those circumstances throughout Cosmic time so I hope and pray Einstein has found peace love and joy that surpasses all understanding despite various dimensional debilitating circumstances he may have lived wishing positive love peaceful existence for every living Soul on every level in this holographic Eternal Cosmic Reality
@@ifyoujustthinkmoreclearly so definitely want people to realize Nicola Tesla's contribution is beyond measure far beyond anything Einstein ever done
Steve Jobs was the same way. Jeans and a black long sleeve t shirt or turtleneck.
I'm a senior. A prime is super convenient and simple. I do lose money but the trust makes it worth it.
When I find slacks and a top appropriate for home and streetwear and comfortable, I buy 7-10 of each. (I work remotely.) (I buy extra in case the manufacturer discontinues the article of clothing.) People think I have only one pair of slacks and one top. They don't know that I have multiples of each. The slacks and tops can be washed together. One less decision. Accessories can break the monotony. I love it.
even though I have a ridiculous amount of clothes/footwear and it's the one area I'm NOT minimalist, I do think this is kind of how I operate. I am very particular about the fit of my clothes for example so when I find a top or dress that suits my body well I will buy at least 2-3 of that item in different colors or prints and wind up mixing and matching for several years with my other items.
I turned off most notifications a while ago, and man, it’s such a blessing. I still see them when I pick up my phone, but I can choose whether I want to deal with them right away or later, without constantly being interrupted in whatever I’m doing.
I love when you say if you can't afford to pay for it twice, you can't afford to pay for it once. This is so true and I wish everyone would take that advice. BTW - Levi is absolutely adorable!
I live by this rule for many years now, it helped me a lot.
The other one being "If you need to ask for the price range, then this item is not for your budget".
With wine, cheese, gourmet food, branded goods etc. being much more overpriced than their actual worth.
This would only apply to some things. There are also things that if you can't afford to buy, then you also can't afford to not buy (maintenance, dental work, healthier food). If you don't take care of those expenses then they'll bite back later with more costly emergencies.
@@acidityliquidity211 It reminds me of an ethical car dealer, who gives good advices to his customers and once he said, if you buy a car for 10 grand that is in the range of 80 grand, then you'll pay the remaining 70 all the same, just later. To the mechanic. Not the dealer.
I like to think "would I buy this again if I didn't have it" to help me justify purchases, a lot of the time I find that impulses can be weeded out this way
This was a new tip for me that really is a good one. I will take it to my heart. :-)
My favorite tool is the 30 day list. If I get the urge to buy something that isn't an absolute need, it goes on my 30 day list. If I still want it 30 days later I will probably buy it. This is the ultimate cure for buyers remorse. You'd be surprised how few items make it 30 days and how much money you'll save.
I do the same thing! I put it in a special Bookmarks folder, and then if I still want/need it a month or so later, I come back and think about it again! But 99.99% of the time, nope! It's gone! lolol.
One thing I've learned to do, is do what I call a "Tool Reset" after every project I work on in the garage. Say I get done with a car brake job, sometime shortly after I collect all the tools I used, clean them up and put them away. Same with any chemicals, supplies, old parts and empty boxes. they either get put away or go into the trash or recycle. Clean up any grease, oil or chemical spills.That way the garage is clean and orderly, and I'm ready and can find things I need to do the next job, say on a mower.
Is it crazy to feel so like minded with some random girl in internet? Except you are not random at all, you are simply exceptional. And it's not about the specific things you do, it's about the process. The way of thinking and the willingness to question aspects of your life that leads you to those places. It's extraordinary to see and watch someone so interesting.
I so do the clothes thing. Comfortable jeans and short or long sleeved tee shirts and jumpers does it for me, no decisions, no complications and virtually no shopping! Win!
Excellent advice!!! Unfortunately though its a good Idea to have at least 2-3 paper copies in 2-3 locations of important documents!! With all the solar flares, bad weather,fires etc, the internet, and electric could go out. I feel its a very good back up plan just in case. Although its a hassle to make copies and it takes alot of space, its better to have what need than not have them
I do a "taskbox" of boring cleaning/organizing tasks that help keep stuff tidy. It's just a box with 3x5 note cards with certain trouble areas that if done weekly, keeps the house nice. I pick one at random per day and do it. Once completed, the card goes in the done section of the box. If this is kept up with, it is super easy to clean next time with even less effort. You don't get overwhelmed with a million things to do.
I'm terrible at cleaning so this is a great jdea.
I don't go paperless because if something happened to me, my next of kin would have to constantly monitor my email account. I get more peace of mind knowing there will be paper reminders of when things are due.
All but one of my bills are are on auto pay through my bank. My fluctuating credit card bill comes through the mail monthly. When I topple off the twig my executor should find it easier to clear up that part of my estate.
You could build a paper file with all these things in it, and leave it for your kin. A simple list of your passwords, what regular bills you have, account numbers, due dates, etc. Even if you have all your bills still paper, anyone left behind is going to have to shuffle through all of it. That's not doing them any favors.
I agree with you because they will discover your dill do orders and invoices if they are looking at your email
@@cariwaldick4898 Yep, all that stuff is in a binder. What I'm trying to avoid is them having to rely on my email for anything.
@@cariwaldick4898 - Ahh that'd be too easy, for them, gotta give 'em some challenge finding all your scattered paper work. lol jk
I'm 51 and looking at early retirement. I'm actively making lifestyle changes so I can be financially and mentally prepared for the transition. This video gave me some good ideas, especially buying it twice.
Minimalism takes maturity, self discipline and self confidence.
I'm a female clothes horse. My addiction to new clothes ended when I discovered what I like to wear most was men's clothing. Men's cargo pants. SO practical. Men's coats. SO warm. So many pockets! I don't need to carry a handbag when running local errands. Now I am not tempted by fashion jeans.
this is real UNLESS you have a Kardashian like hip to waist ratio then it is not happening
No notifications for me in the past 8 years... best decision ever... 🙌
I generally shower at night. Started this habit while working at a steel mill. Even though I spent most of my time in the office, I needed the shower before bed.
My best minimalism tip is to get rid of (or use up) everything in your pantry, fridge and freezer and only buy ingredients for things you are currently cooking. Then use up all those ingredients before you decide to cook something else. Otherwise you will slowly have a whole bunch of random ingredients that will one day go off just cluttering up your storage space and in turn cluttering up your mind and causing you to give up cooking altogether. You can have stock ingredients in the fridge/pantry, like sugar and butter and milk, etc. But you really don't need that random bottle of oyster sauce and that walnut oil or those harissa seasonings. They will just go off before the time you use them next.
We sort of do this. Buy groceries for the week with specific meals we'll make and no extra, except in extreme weather conditions when it is more necessary.
BIG home cooks though so we will use all the condiments and oils and spices sooner or later and have almost ZERO waste. I cannot abide wasting food.
@@seltzermint5 that's awesome, this problem definitely becomes less of an issue if you cook a lot
@quack-head0 I'm glad you can relate to my comment. Maybe try bulk cooking instead of 1 meal at a time. If you have enough freezer space that is.
I like getting notifications that you have a new video out.
🙏🏼
Your channel, which I discovered only a few months ago, already has changed my life for the better. Thanks, Nicole, for doing what you do. Live long and prosper!
Can you please do a video just about Levi? After long day in retail dealing with entitled customers, it would be so nice to see his little sweet face yo brighten my day.
The outbox is a great idea!
"System" is the key. Have a system developed for everything that routinely keeps you and your home functioning. Takes WAY less bandwidth than having to strategize and restrategize. ☺
Always love seeing Levi. ❤
He’s my favourite person
I really like the idea of putting back into savings the same amount you spend on wants. I’m going to implement this and see how it goes. Thank you!
My added tip would be 'never leave a room empty handed'. In this way folk tidy up as they go along. Also, the very old one of 'a place for everything and everything in its place!. I love the 'buying it twice' idea - im gonna copy that one! Thank you Nicole. Big fussess for the gorgeous Levi!
Bingo on the no notifications! I only want to hear my phone if it is important! Family/friends/contactor (new roof). We have 2 stories so every time I go up or downstairs, I look for stuff to take with me. Many times I put things next to the stairs to make one big trip. If I forget something...oh well, more exercise 😊
Could you please do a video on showing a few of your favorite batch cooking recipes?
All recipes are posted on Patreon.
Got rid of social media. Now addicted to minimalism videos.
You’re the best thing that happened to me last year lol
Also , I started minimalism bc of what I see being a Hospice nurse … I love love being a minimalist
I tend to be drawn to your channel because you’re one of the few on here that actually offer different content to the usual of channels that offer the same recycled jazz.
Outbox works well. Also, I keep a small lightweight basket beside my stairs as a handy reminder for toting things up and down. Since I use a chair-lift, it's a bonus ... As is your sweet Levi ❤
I always like physically shopping off season for things I need. I don’t do it as often anymore, I have enough clothes. It’s so much cheaper to shop off season, and Amazon NEVER has sales. Not like the stores do anyways. 🤷♀️ I do most of the things you’ve mentioned. I make myself a nice Sunday dinner like my aunt used to do for us, and I freeze several servings. I may leave one out for another weekday but I’m with you, I don’t like leftovers day after day. Well, unless it’s tacos 😊
I'm thinking about having a set of papers on my bedroom door. One saying what should be done every month. One every quarter. One every year. But also not having anything too long or detailed like a daily routine paper or having more than seven papers all over the door. Keeping it somewhat simple so it's not too hard to follow but also helpful at making me remember essential maintenance items like the furnace filter or cleaning the ac condenser, etc.
I've always wanted to make a similar list. I just never do or lose it somewhere 😂
I just use a yearly wall calendar...at the beginning of the new year I transfer anything like insurances/ car maintainance/ dog worming etc. I also note any memorable events and keep the wall planners as a sort of diary to look back on.
I just write the priority ones for the day on my hand
I really like the matching funds concept. Gonna incorporate that into my system! Thanks for the pointer!
Becoming a minimalist has been the best thing I've done in my life.
I like this outbox concept. I just moved into an apartment so now I can do some of this stuff so yay.
Concerning hair: ladies, men have known for AGES that short hair is faster, neater and (in some respects) cleaner. That’s why over 5 years ago I shaved my head. I previously had shoulder length very fine, straight hair. I continuously threw money at my hair trying to make it do something. I had tools, and serums, and special shampoo and dreaded the wind, rain, and humidity. The freedom I have found in NOT having to maintain my ridiculous hair has been immeasurable. I now just quickly maintain my own buzz-cut, and I no longer spend any money or waste any energy on it. It’s a life changing decision!
I used to have quite long hair but cut it extremely short before a shoulder surgery, as I knew it would be too difficult to deal with on my own. Even the hairdresser kept asking me if I was sure. But afterward, I exclaimed that now I understand why so many older women have haircuts like this! Turns out that I am an older woman and I still wear my hair short.
Hell no, I am female and I prefer to look like one. Beauty...like everything worth having you have to put effort in and while haircare can be annoying, most woman do not have pleasant enough facial features to look good with short hair.
Go short hair!
I get what Rosieposie is saying. And I won't say I'm immune to societal programming. But I've often liked the look of short hair and am endeared whenever it's been explained as a choice of simplicity.
Not that anyone should care about this one guy's two cents!
I have very long thick wavy hair and I love it. For about 20 yrs I had a spiky pixie cut and I loved that also.
BUT - when my hair is like, shoulder length or so, it's a big pain to style and care for. I think very short or very long is easiest!
Yep. Stop fighting what your hair wants to do naturally really helps. I wear mine shoulder-length, but cut it myself, saves a ton of money and looks just as good.
Your channel is fast becoming my favorite one. Such rich ideas, delivered passionately.
Yeah, I'm in the UK they stopped sending paper bills years ago.
Thanks for the clever idea of “match your wants”. I’m going to do it. 👍🏼
I feel the same way about showering before bed. However, I do sometimes end up with a major bed head🤡
I’ve already implemented the other habits but still could improve on the food prep.
I noticed that most minimalist content creators are living as a couple with young kids, or living alone. Living with other adults of a different mind set can make for other challenges.
So learning to stress less over other people’s messes is an opportunity for me to clean up my internal clutter.
Hi Nicole, thanks for another great video.
Great video on what I refer to as Systems. Personal hacks, prep work, etc..that I do in order to improve my quality of living via eliminating most low level decisions, and uneccessary expenses during my work week.
I like the base-prepping thinking. interesting idea, but I food prep.🤮(you CAN freeze it too) 😉
You dropped an unexpected morsel today:
So simple, but it had never occured to me,
The paying twice law for "wants" is brilliant...and will be implemented immediately. Thanks always for your content.
I have heavily standardized china, cutlery, towels, socks, underwear, etc. in order to minimize any kind of sorting, and it makes it easy to store and find things. This has been a dealbreaker for me (and most of the other valuable tips that Nicole shared in this very good video).
A warm bath or shower before bed relaxes you, lowers your blood pressure and promotes better sleep.
Matching your wants is something I want to add - great idea! I need to tweak my wardrobe, too. I already have a favorite brand of jeans that I wear all the time, but I need to simplify my shirts. Too much trial and error buying has cluttered my closet. Thanks for the reminder, Nicole.
Nicole, I have sad news. On 4-16-24 at 0830 AM CST USA, my beloved 11-year-old Chihuahua mix, Milo, died. He had a heart murmur and was on Vetmedin, but he went into heart failure this morning and succumbed despite the brilliant care by his veterinary team. It is so strange to be typing this without him watching and nudging me to go for a walk. Nicole, thank you for your past kindness and encouraging words during Milo's health journey.
I'm so sorry for your loss Cassie 💔
So sorry to read this, I know it is for Nicole but thinking of you. RIP Milo.
@@seltzermint5 Thank you
How lucky you and Milo were to have had one another, Cassie.
I do the no notification also. Spot on!
Thank you for these videos. My friend was recently bemoaning the fact that I don't have decorations in my apartment, so I appreciate seeing someone else do what I do. It's reassuring to know I'm not just crazy 😂
Does said friend have their own place? Critics are sometimes just envious of your peace.
I feel like I have a ton of decor items until I go visit friends who literally have it covering every surface. They started referring to me and my husband as minimalists way before I realized we actually ARE!
I do a lot of the same things you do. I grew up wearing school uniforms and I basically do the same thing now. I've got a color palette I work with. Everything is mix and match. I kinda of do the same thing with food. I don't like to cook, so I batch cook a few times a week, freeze then assemble on the day I want to eat it. I haven't watched your video on Amazon. That's one thing we do differently> I shop there a lot because I don't like to shop or go in stores. I order from Amazon no more than 2x a month, usually once. Through the month, if I want something I put it in the cart. On my shopping day, I review what's in the cart and I decide if I still want it or need it, or I save it for later to watch for a particularly good deal. No impulse purchases that way. And no driving around looking for things either. I use a grocery shopping service as well. No impulse buying and save $ by picking it up myself. The prices for my service and the store that i shop at are in-store prices. I'm not just interested in saving $. I'm also interested in saving time. I have creative projects that I want to give my time to.
Another home run!
Thanks again! Just turned off 80% of my notifications. Most of them were BS anyway.
Great video! I completely agree with num 1. I was hooked and literally almost had a panic attack when I could not find my phone. I went from high blood pressure to low blood pressure by removing the vice. I am a paper bills person and actually simplifies my life, first junk email is worse than regular junk mail thus hate going in it, second, having to sign into a site and enter a username and password to view the bill is annoying, last I can just put them in a pile and login to my bank account and schedule to pay them every Sunday. Less time consuming to me, I do use autopay for bills that dont change in price and is nice too.
Great video! Paying for something twice is a great idea. I will work on that.
I've been showering at night since I was a kid. I never switched to mornings because my mom told me it would take too long, and I wasn't about to wake up early to go to school.
Same!
It actually came as a shock to me that people in North America (sometimes) did not shower before they leave home in the morning. It is a general rule in Indonesia that you have to shower before you go to the office/school. Additionally, showering at night is a frowned upon practice as it is viewed that we can become sick from the cold of the shower.
@@hanitaputradjaya3507 I have only lived in the USA but I can understand that too. I generally bathe in the morning but when I was a teen and early 20s I had oily skin and really felt dirty and weird if I did not shower or bathe before school or work. While I didn't stink thankfully it was just not "fresh". I admit I am glad to have oily skin now as I have fewer wrinkles in my late 40s but yeah that would never have worked out for me taking showers at night when I was younger!
I always find some sort of value in your videos 😊
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for all your wisdom! Can you please do a video on tiny homes? Like are they worth it in the long run? So you ever wish you took that approach versus buying your home and having a mortgage for the rest of your life? Pros and cons of tiny homes with a few acres of land?
I feel like the American dream now a days is just being debt free, and that won’t be the case buying a house or renting the rest of your life.
Thank you for sharing!
I really love your videos. I tried the turning off notifications yesterday when I was trying to find ways to not be as much on my phone and it's great. I love the was you talk about things. You are very clear, practical and highly intelligent and it's always refreshing to hear what you have to say.
Some of this is useful but I have to have a quick shower in the morning if I am going to work, I also have a longer shower before bed. I somehow seem to be able to detect a somewhat "unfresh" but not necessarily unpleasant smell on people who tend not to shower in the morning. I also love amazon prime. I agree with the rest of the video.
Yeah, I'm menopausal at this point and sometimes I sweat at night despite my best efforts. It's morning showers for me!
Some great points to consider, Thanks Nicole Our " Grey Lady" 🙂
Thank you for sharing Nicole; I truly appreciate your videos 🙂I find that you always mention something that I have not heard in other videos.
What is the point of instagram? All I see are people craving attention and validation. It’s like Facebook, another time sink.
I think this depends very much on who you follow. My biggest hobbies are crochet and photography, so I follow many accounts connected to those topics. Many of these accounts feature great tips and projects, and they post fantastic photos that help me visualize the final product. I also love cooking accounts, accounts dedicated to small space organizing and many others. I personally love IG, and have gotten many excellent ideas and product recommendations from the platform.
Social media platforms realistically should be used by those who have something to show off/market to others as a form of advertising. That and to spread knowledge of tricks/ideas that others may not be informed of.
Other than those two situations, its all mindless consuming.
I think the engagement on instagram for "regular people" (not influencers or stars) feels inauthentic and weird even compared to other social media.
You look great without bangs
We finally got to see the forehead!
Umm did I miss something???
Bangs gotta go
@@SharpBalisongwhen?
@@JodyMay05 3:41
Ha ha there’s me watching your video eating one of my batch cooking meals when you mentioned about batch cooking 😊 I’m very fugal. I really like the idea when you buy something, you buy it again by putting the money into savings, that’s clever and not heard of that one before.
Also, going out of you way to put things in a certain place like your keys or phone it saves you from looking for these items, was told this as a kid and it stuckck with me,
lol i thought i was the only one who hated meal prep, i cannot eat anything that has been more than like 1 day in the fridge, but i do prepare pasta sauces etc too which last like 2 days
I like the idea of an Outbox. Clever 😮.
Damn you look unrecognisable without the bangs.
The comment I was looking for. She’s a whole different person with her hair pulled back
I thought she’d stitched someone else into the video but then I was like why would she do that 😂
@@sthom146same
Where in the video?
@@Eclectic8 at 3:41
Since you asked, I have 8 out of 10 of these habits. Yea for me. The outbox and the pay twice are new. I will love to adopt them too.
Since we spend so much of our time online, to reduce clutter I have long ago adopted a zero inbox policy, Morning and night, I clean out my inbox.
Also, I personally hate seeing little number bubbles next to phone apps so I leave groups that post too much and leave apps that are annoying that way.
Love your channel. I've been a fan for several months.
Ooh! I thought batch cooking and meal prepping were the same thing, but what you said actually makes a lot of sense! I really like that idea! I always thought I'd meal prep a ton when I moved out, but maybe I'll batch cook instead! lol. We'll see! That's so cool! Thanks for the info and insight, Nicole! :D
Love the "match your wants" concept. Am going to have to experiment with this 😊
Glad to be early! Love your videos! I agree with you about notifications. They drive me crazy. I even silence group texts. I could do better at productivity. Always trying to learn new things to improve.
I like to have choices when it comes to clothes. I cleaned out my closet a few years ago and now I follow a rule: one in, one out. If I buy something, something has to go, so it keeps me from purchasing clothes and shoes I don't need. I now mostly replace items that are worn out.
Very good video, Nicole!
I’m loving all the Simpson references! I’m starting a decluttering / minimal journey this year/summer. The visual clutter is so overwhelming to me.
I do the outbox thing too! Mine's also a closet in a spare room, and then I have a spot on a table near the door for items that are leaving the house that day.
After watching this video while traveling I started to follow the 2 minute rule also. So far, loving it!
Agree also about batch cooking being great and full-on meal prep being gross! No thanks. I strongly believe a lot of people wind up getting takeout or delivery and throwing away Day 4-6 of their preps - they can't convince me otherwise haha
I do a similar thing like your outbox, but I label the box PIO for "pass it on", it helps to let go of stuff/clutter knowing someone else can make use it
Read this one somewhere recently -- for voicemail -- change your msg to: You have reached my voicemail. Now do the right thing. And leave a text. THAT is a WIN for minimalism and general annoyance at the least.
At that point just get rid of voicemail and don't bother setting it up whenever you get a new phone. I've never set up voicemail on any of my phones. Mostly because I'm lazy though, lol
Brilliant!!!
Always interesting and useful content. Love your no nonsense take in simplified living.
I just love you, Nicole! You make mucho sense, and you have a personality I can relate to! It's rare!
The only things on my phone that can send me notifications are phone calls, texts, voicemails, and banking/credit card stuff. That's it! Everything else doesn't make a peep or show up at all! I don't need all that extra crap in my life, and it saves a lot of battery power, too! lol.
I LOVE that idea of paying for it twice and definitely will start using that. I agree with showering the night before Ive always done that but it started as a child when in TEXAS we didnt have any a/c so taking a cold shower at night helped me fall asleep.
For a minute there I thought the 2 minute rule involved dropping dinner on the floor. Steve Jobs had the same attitude toward fashion. If something big comes into my space something else must leave. If it sits for a year doing nothing time to go. E-readers preferred to actual books when possible.
very good video
The Outbox - love that and will be implementing that one! I've had phone notifications turned off for a long time and a slow morning, BOTH have done a TON to help me live a less anxious day to day
- Cooking is a big one, always a pain in the ass and I never liked meal prepping a whole week. I cut out all carbs, sugars and vegetables and just go butter, eggs, milk and meat (+ sauces). Super simple, super fast and it has made my progress in the gym among other things much better too, most importantly it saves a TON of time having as few ingredients as possible and knowing exactly what you will be eating at any time.
- Another thing I do it excel spreadsheets for every month, putting in all income and expenses and adding every transaction and purchase I make.
- Working out 2 times a week instead of 3-4, saving time, doing 2 full-body workouts for 2 hours each instead of 3-4 at 1.5h each, saves time on both travel, prep, supplements, food (hunger), and progress have been improving doing just more intense workouts twice a week instead of spreading it out.
- Having a set outfit for every day im in the office (twice a week), just saves times always knowing what I will be wearing those two days.
- Cleaning my plates / utenstils right after I use them, just comes right off and super fast to clean instead of piling it up and having things harden.
I very much liked the matching tip a clever way to boost your savings and reduce your impulse purchases.
My only notifications are text and voicemail but my ringer is off 99% of the time so I only know if I get them by looking at the phone. I don’t even have the email counter on either so I never know if I get emails unless I open the app. So freeing! 👍🏼
How do you turn off the email counter?
@@pennynickels5216 go into settings then notifications then find your email app and turn off the notifications
Notifications are the time equivalent of monthly subscription fees. Both nibble away at your resources. I used to do the savings match on purchases too, though in my spin on it more went to a charity than to savings. The idea was if I'm going to spend money on a want it should be backed up by an equal amount of money doing something good.
I like the capsule wardrobe idea. I need to clean out my closet again. Another idea is to organize your clothing by color.
Hi Nicole, have you been diagnosed with ADD? I have it and I struggled with it when I was teen, but I came to some of your method's by myself and they made my life so much easier. Cheers from Poland!
Your house is so cleeaan! My Spring cleaning is going just okay.
Thank you for the videos. Im a minimalist too and you’re right, it helps a lot. And makes you think about what you really want and need. what you really matters. You’re a very cool and smart woman. 💯✅
I used to collect DVDs (then later Blu-Rays) of movies and TV shows, but I found that I would often buy them with no intention of watching them anytime soon. I just wanted to own them. Eventually I ended up with a large stack of DVDs/Blu-Rays that I had never actually watched and these disc sets cost $20-$30 each when they are brand new. So, now I have a rule that if I'm not planning to watch the entire movie (or at least one episode of the series) that same night, then I don't buy it. I've had this rule in place since 2012 and, while I have broken it once or twice, it's saved me so much money and freed up so much space in my house. Plus, if you are patient, chances are you might find that same movie in the $5 bin in a couple of years.
Three day rule. If I find something I want to buy. I always try to give it three days. Then if I still think I want it but I usually find I don't want it anymore. My wife and I both have to agree or it doesn't happen.
Paper clutter drives me nuts also
I love the idea of an outbox or space that you put the outgoing items into. Currently they go onto the hall table or in the way 😂 but great idea.
I live on a needs based disability income in New England U.S and I live a perpetual minimalist life by no choice and car is the most valuable asset anyone like me could have and because of 130 million young people all searching for a cheap car they are getting much harder to find
The outbox is an excellent idea. Plan to set one up.
I too use the outbox (a large open plastic tub). A collector by nature - Doodoo happens, and gives my local thrift store an open channel = thx