Embracing Minimalism - A Guide for Women Over 60
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- Опубликовано: 14 июн 2024
- In this video, we dive into the concept of minimalism and how it can positively impact your life, especially for women over 60. Learn practical tips for decluttering your space, simplifying your lifestyle, and focusing on what truly matters. By embracing minimalism, you can reduce stress, increase your sense of freedom, and find greater joy in everyday moments. Join our Sixty and Me community as we explore this empowering journey towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.
#MinimalistLiving #SimplifyLife #WomenOver60
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Everything I own, owns a part of me. Yes to downsizing and decluttering! In 2022, I moved into a studio apartment, reduced expenses too. The process was mentally and physically exhausting, but well worth the effort. Freedom!
In 3 days I will be moving out of my 3 bedroom semi-detached home into a 3 1/2 apartment. I have been slowly decluttering for a few years but very seriously the last year in order to show the house and prepare for the move. I am turning 70 in October. I have not lived in an apartment since my 20's so I am a bit nervous about it but I hope that the new life style will allow me to have more time and energy to be more social. I have been dealing with cancers and chronic pain since I was 54 years old. Very lucky to still be around but it does affect my energy levels. Because of this, I decided to do this move while I could handle most of the physical work myself and make my own decisions. Sending love to all! Diane
Well done! Doing the move while you are still physically able to is important for anyone out there.
I am in the same situation as you right now. Selling home and moving to apartment. Trying to move most of the small things by myself while I am physically able. I don't want to deal with all the home responsibilities.
When I was 55, I sold my house and car to travel the world and put the rest of what I had into storage. After a year, I returned and realized I didn’t miss anything, so I sold or donated it all. When I was 60, I started thrifting, launched an online reselling business and now have over 4000 items in my small apartment. 4 years later, the business is growing fast and the extra income pays for all my travel. And my own personal possessions can still fit into a couple of suitcases!
🤦♀ Linda, I know the process, I think you missed my point.. Done with reading/commenting here.
Wow!
My husband died suddenly. Having lived in a very large house for over 30 years the amount of “things” were considerable. Especially books. I donated, gave some things to people who said they liked something. The goal was I only took what I was going to use, what I really liked and for clothes what I wore , loved and was necessary. It is decluttering. I was going to move across the country and the things that wouldn’t fit, suit the place didn’t get taken. I asked the children before I sold some precious sets of china. (Some were not used in the previous years ….). It is a draining experience but also cathartic. You do not want to leave an overwhelming mess for your children, so that is a starting point. You start in one corner, cupboard , drawer. Empty it look at what you have and decide! 😅😊
First my condolences for your loss. Sometimes you seem to motivate us and it sounds like you’ve made good use of your energy and building a new life.
I just went through that. I cried so much. I threw out the majority of family pictures, clothes, makeup, skincare, shampoos; you get the picture. The pictures and children's papers from school, the beautiful greeting cards, One of the hardest things I had to do. A few months later, my house is cleaned out and I feel like I can breathe. Trying my best not to buy anything else. House is so much easier to clean etc.
Thanks for sharing!!
I doubt I will ever be able to throw out my son's pictures or artwork now. It's all I have left. He died a few months ago at age 29. I will downsize other stuff, but someone else can do his stuff when I am gone. Its just too painful.
@@NoMoreTears64 I know there are no words I could ever say to ease your pain, but I am so very sorry for your loss. I have only one child and worry all the time something will happen to him; he is 54. Of course there are some things we will never part with. Pictures, some of his report cards, a cutting board he made at school. I pray you will find peace and we always hope we will see our loved ones again someday.
I was a minimalist from the age of 21 after reading Thoreau's "On Walden Pond." Fascinating! Well, I inherited hundreds of things from family. I've spent 30 years downsizing and still not done. The sentimental items are the hardest. However, in 2020, when we were locked down during the pandemic; I set a goal of disposing of 500 items! No matter how small. I did it! Everything was given to charities or re-cycled or disposed of. It felt good and kept me busy during a terrible time.
I'm trying. It's tough! I just don't want my son to have to deal with it.
My journey to a more minimalistic lifestyle started with a scarf. I was going out in the evening and decided I wanted to wear a particular scarf. I lived in a fairly large 2-bedroom apartment with lots of storage. Well long story short, it took me almost 2 hours to find the scarf and in the process, I had decided to pull out ALL my scarves and do an inventory of them. By the time I was done and had laid them all out on my bed, I had 76 scarves. Seventy Six. And I have one neck. More and more, I had been feeling that my "stuff" was owning me, rather than me owning it. This was the proof I neded that something had to change. It started me on a process of gathering up all like items (all jewelry, all makeup, all shoes, etc.) and downsizing each category by at least 50%. Once I started it took no time at all before I was often downsizing by 90% -- or more. It was so liberating and freeing! That was about 15 years ago, and I still maintain a limited "stuff" life for most things and has left room -- and budget -- for things I love (travel, yarn and cross stitch things, mainly) and I love it.
I’m a fiber artist and tossed some things yesterday. Kept and restored fiber I will be able to use. Yes a true “
Stash” but young me spent well on Aplus yarn and I will save money as I age. I have enough for about 15 projects. So thats probably 5 to 7 years worth. 😂😂😂
I’m in my 70’s now. OMG. I think stuff multiples when I’m not lookin. I inherited so much beautiful crystal, China and silver. Giving my items away for free wasn’t the problem. Finding someone who wanted them was (the problem).
I had the same experience.
I downsized at 60. I have what I need and I’m very content. Minimalistic lifestyle is the way to go. I’ll never look back 🙏🏻👍
Would you be willing to share with me how you handled your collection of Polaroids and paper pics? I have a ton and I’m in need of guidance on how to actually do something besides going down memory lane😢
you get more beautiful every day, I so enjoy listening to you , thank you so much !
Declutter by all means, but don't forget that like dieting, minimalism can become an illness for some. I've no need to become a minimalist since my loved belongings are all I have to maintain me for the remainder of my life. A sensible approach for those who travel maybe, but to genuinely save the environment it's wise not to be influenced into buying unnecessary stuff in the first place, whether to impress or otherwise.
I am on a journey towards minimalism but it’s a slow go as I have a packrat husband and two adult sons who live with me. My whole perspective changed when about 14 years ago I went to China for a month with only my carry on suitcase and a purse. While I was gone I missed very little and got rid of half my wardrobe when I got back. It has stayed a small manageable size since then. Then I tackled my makeup when one day I looked in my makeup drawer and realized I had more in therrr than my grandmother had owned in her long life. So most of that went. It’s a process but for me the hang up is books…
My minimalism journey began when our oldest daughter decided to cut us off from her life. Thankfully our grandchildren were grownup. The other thing I’m grateful for is we had a close relationship with her for about 45 years previous to cutting us off. She won’t tell us why she’s done this. Back to decluttering and moving into minimalism : We bought a home faraway from her. I gave my belongings to my other daughter, which included family photo albums and many collections I had accrued over many years. Our grandchildren and both daughters took furniture they wantedI , I donated things to charity and some things went to got-junk. We moved faraway to begin what will probably our final destination into this stage of our lives . I believe that oftentimes something good can come out of a bad situation. Had our daughter not cut us off, if the pain of that had not been excruciating we would never have embarked on this new way of living. We married early and this is the first time it’s been just us. No in-laws ( everyone has died) and no adult children. It’s just my husband, me and our beloved dog.
I love your intelligence,sharing ideas and life knowledge! By the way,your hair and makeup looks amazing... beautiful Margaret!!🌹
I want to downsize next year so this is a timely reminder. I have tried several times to clear out a certain large drawer and usually end up parting with a couple of items. Today I tried another way, take everything out and only put back the few items I really want/ need. It works much better, I put everything else away, if I don’t go look for it in three months it goes to charity.
I'm right now also in the process of simplifying and decluttering. My studio apartment is nearly done, my basement though is so full that I didn't even get to the things. I guess, I can just declutter them straight away. What takes a lot of my energy is thinking about whether I know somebody who might need what I want to get rid of or take photos to give away or sell. I think, this time, I will just dump a lot.
I’m taking early retirement and moving to Sydney Australia with my son at the age of 60. I’ve been down sizing for two years. Now just a few months away form my move things are going smoothly. I must admit that I saved a few things for the last minute. I will scan some things so thanks for the tips. I’ve been watching your videos for some time now and I am thankful I founded your channel Margaret.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope things work out with your new move. Sounds very exciting.
I have been inspired this week to start this process. Got rid of two bins in the closet. 2 bags of stuff thrown out feels lighter already. Thank you for the continued inspiration.
For most people, including me, to be successful, you have to realize that downsizing is a long-term journey not a short-term sprint. That's often the hardest part and the reason folks feel like they fail at it. I'm still working on downsizing in preparation for moving to a smaller place a few years from now. Every box of stuff that leaves is a relief that I celebrate.
BTW, that shade of coral scarf is just lovely on you, to me it perfectly complements to your skintone.
I have a friend who only has black tops/blouses/tees. Dresses them up and down.
I never thought of scanning paper memories. Great idea. I’ve taken carloads to my local charity store, and donated most of my work clothes to graduating students at a university. I still have too much stuff. I like the idea of starting small. It’s not that I’m attached to things so much, it’s the time it takes to go through it and get rid of it.
I've been getting rid of things since my husband died six years ago. Since I don't entertain anymore, it was easy to get rid of china, crystal, silverware, which I never liked anyway (most of it was handed down from my grandma, and I'm 77). I like changing my seasonal decor, and sometimes regret getting rid of some decorative items. Also, I should have made a list of what I got rid of, so I don't waste time searching for things😂
Thank you Margaret, I do have more things than I need, and my husband is a bit of a hoarder. I definitely need a good clear out.
I'm currently downsizing as much as possible. I actually have alot of things I'm preparing for to be auctioned off at some time. My son would prefer we take care of this before we pass away. LOL . We live on a small mini-farm and there are actually alot of things that I need to keep but my personal items, items in my home, etc I'm keeping less and less.
I did appreciate your journey. We have downsized a few times. It did make me cry to give my things away. You are right though it hurts for awhile but it doe lighten your life. I’m visiting my son and his family in California and see things left behind when my husband and I moved to Corpus Christi Texas.
Good Saturday 🌅 morning, Margaret. I have done the same thing and feel much better, and not so wayed down anymore and did not want my children too have to deal with my stuff🎉🎉🎉you look lovely, like how you put the colors together with the beautiful scraf🎉🎉🎉
I am just starting out (again) on downsizing. I need physical and mental space while dealing with life transitions. This video has helped me get motivated again and tackle this project in smaller steps. It has been quite overwhelming. I remember moving out into my first flat as a student, and how little I really needed. Back then it was mainly finding cheap options. I love that now it is about whittling it down to a few quality options.
I truly need The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning show on Peacock TV (in the U.S.) to come and do my entire home, attic and garage. No, I am not dying, I just own too much chit, don't know where to start and don't have the energy or stamina to do it. 😆
Don't try to do too much at once. Do a little each day. Like a closet or a dresser. Pick out items that you don't care that much about. Get a cardboard box and a trash can. Dispose of trash and put useful items that you don't want in the box. When full put the box near your front or back door. When you have a few boxes; give a charity a call or pop them in your car trunk and take them to a charity. As time goes by, you will see real progress. Eventually, it gets harder because you will be dealing with items that are more important to you; but, you can feel good that you will be helping others. Who knows, you might find something you want to sell ? These tips have helped me. Good Luck, Jane!
I have a cameo that was my mothers, she received it from my fathers aunt. Uts a out 50 years old. Just live it. ❤
I’m enjoying the journey! I’m much more calm and content; it is self-reinforcing and I feel more abundant!
Now I'm in my 60s I find I am generally done with clutter and collecting stuff....I've heard it called stuffocation! My parents were hoarders (and so was I to some extent) until clearing their house made me realise that they had made no judgement on what they kept....beautiful objects and unique photos were haphazardly piled up with decades-old receipts and sticky sweet wrappers!! I do occasionally get the urge to buy/collect, but I usually regret it afterwards! I love charity shops and trying to do a bit of good when I do purchase something. Being outdoors, the simple life...that's what counts. But it is a journey... there are always temptations!
When I was in my early 40s I moved to the UK from the US and did it all with just 2 suitcases, a carryon and my harp. I had a few small boxes shipped to me.
When I was 50, I moved to Ireland with even less.
Now I'm 60 and back in the UK with even less. I find photos and sentimental papers the hardest to get rid of, and I suppose I could digitize them. Even so, it's not all that much. Living like this has allowed me to do these big moves to other countries much more easily.
Now that I'm 60, I'll subscribe to your wonderful channel! ❤
You done a lot of moving in your life. I digitized all of my sentimental papers and found that solidifies the memory for me.
Yes, several years ago after reading Marie Kondo’s first book. I did what she recommended, especially with clothing and it did change my life. I can now get rid of things without being emotional. At this exact time I am going through my hardest part with the pictures and cards and memorabilia. I knew I was ready. I’m separating according to my children and asking them what they want and keeping what I truly want with just memories when looking at them and not being attached emotionally or fearfully. I will be finished by the end of this weekend. Thank you, Margaret. ❤️
What are you doing with your pictures that remain?
@@demi5378 i will go through the photos that my children return, decide if I want them, if not I will throw them away and keep what I want along with the photos I have that I decided to keep of my family in my growing up days. I will revisit them yearly and see if I want to continue decluttering them as I age. Thanks for asking, demi.❤️
I love minimalism I am & still struggling with many family photos tho!!!..I did put them into some plastic containers and put them in the spare room and they are still there!!!!..everytime I look at them I say gee I must do that job but I find it very difficult!!! I dont know if I will ever be able to finish it!!!!..I do love homes that are not cluttered so thats something, my husband and I live in a rental courtyard home so it is a lot smaller than what we had in the past so thats great!!!...but these darn family photos!!!! the bain of my life!!!!!...never mind, great video Margaret thank you so much for your time and effort as always.....Love from Margaret in South Australia.....across the Pond.....
You look beautiful Margaret!!
Enjoyed the video!
Thank you so much!
I try to keep things simple but it's not always easy. I get rid of things all the time that I don't need anymore. I still have more than I need. I don't want my kids to have to deal with all my stuff when I pass on. My mother kept so much stuff in her small apartment and then my sister had to go thru all of it. I don't know how she did it. I would have helped her but I lived in another state. Actually I think she threw out most of it. Back in 1983 I left my first husband and only had one suitcase with the stuff I decided to take with me (I was going on an airplane.) I should have tried to keep things simple but ended up buying more clothing, shoes, etc. once I settled in my new apartment. That was gradual, of course. I guess it's human nature. I fight against it but doesn't always work. There have been times in my life that I had very little clothing and shoes but that was mostly when I was very poor. Thanks for the inspiration, Margaret. I will try to simplify even more than I've been doing. At my age (upper 60s) why do I need to have a lot of stuff?
Getting rid of clutter is free ing
Took me months, lol
I feel free it's so good
I can pack up very easily now
Totally recommend
Thanks
I started decluttering many years ago and am still not ready. I gave and still give away loads and loads to charity shops or sometimes I go to the fleemarket to sell it ' cause I need some extra money for maybe getting some work done on my old car or something like this. But there is still so much stuff. Last year I moved and I had nearly 100 boxes. Most of it are books, I have maybe 400 books( although I gave away 200 or so) and sentimental items. I have a huge armoire full of photos and several boxes of kids stuff from when they were little. Also so many things from family members and my love who passed away. I have all my diaries and letters I received from the last 50 years etc. So nearly everything that I own has a meaning to me but it really is a lot. Only my clothing is less. It fills just 2 dressers and a small hanging rack ( including sportswear, sleepingwear, underwear). So at the moment I don't know how I could do more because I' m not ready to give away more sentimental stuff which is the biggest part.....🥴 Greetings from Germany
There's no reason to be cajoled into getting rid of stuff. It's important to keep books, certainly not let anyone have them to light a bonfire. Good idea to sell things, they go to homes who really want them, rather than getting tossed out as unwanted gifts.
You look exceptionally pretty in this post!
Great video Margaret, thank you, I find myself in an odd situation really and would love to hear Sixty and Me sisters thoughts as o do have wobbles about my next move! I currently live in a 3 bed but small bungalow in the UK. It’s in need of a lot of work and I only moved here just over a year ago thinking I could afford to do the work but it’s turned out to be an awful lot more than I could ever afford or do. I decided to move again but found any bungalow I could afford would need more money so ent on important maintenance and repair or updating work. Plus there’s the risks of finding someone reputable and trustworthy to do the work even if one could afford it. So, I’ve ended up buying a 2 bed semi barn conversion. It’s a ‘house’ with stairs which I’m not used to after 25 years of single story living. It’s more expensive than I’d wanted but better energy efficiency and a small courtyard garden which I’m now panicking is TOO SMALL though I hope I can make it pretty with a relaxed feel. Though I’m ‘downsizing’ in bedroom terms, the rooms themselves are quite spacious also square footage wise, it’s a bigger home. But no garage or drive or front garden, just an allocated parking space but the mews is attached to the title deeds. There is a downstairs bathroom and upstairs shower room. I worry that I’m using the little savings I have to make the move and though some days I feel ok about it, on others, I’d really love to be doing a proper downsize which would have been more sensible if I’d been able to find somewhere suitable. For now, I wanted to stay in the same area. I wondered if any other ladies have found themselves in similar situations? Love this site and all the work do Margaret. You and all the other ladies her are a true inspiration! 💕
Hopefully your comment will find some others. Best of luck with your move - and thanks for your lovely comments!
I've always been somewhat of a minimalist. The book, "Throw Out Fifty Things" got me started downsizing years ago, although I've kicked into high gear with it since I was widowed 4 years ago. I have garage sales twice a year and have sold a lot, and donated quite a bit too.
Cannot stand clutter. Serves no purpose. I have given things to younger family members. Still have a few things which belonged to grandparents. And of course my parents. I do keep the good Waterford crystal we were given when we married, and use It all the time. 'An object must be not just beautiful but also useful." I think William Morris said that.
...as my husband looks deeply into my eyes😊
You look fabulous!
I declutter often. I must admit I do thrift shop but I am trying to be more intentional with what i buy. My biggest thing I have always had to many of was handbags. Well I now have 4. That is enough. 1 nice black small back pack purse, 1 all leather bag my husband got me and 1 nice coach bag my daughter got me and 1 simple pink bag. That is all. That is a accomplishment for me to not get any more. I also have way less shoes than I did before we had kids. I am 56 and my shoes are way less than most of the years in my life. I just find I have certain shoes I gravitate towards so why have stuff your not using. I think we always think the more and more i have more to choose from but the truth is if what you have you really like and wear and use then you do not need tons. I have found the older I get more junk bugs me and I am always declutter to some degree. To much stuff annoys me but I am not as minimal as some but I also do not have as much as some. I find the older we get it is good to get rid of more junk so we do not leave a ton for our kids to go through when we pass.
So we heard a bit about your life in this video, Margaret. Would you mind telling a bit more? I would like to know from where you are originally, where you have lived in all your life. What was your profession before you retired? How did you come to Switzerland? Would be really nice to know. Greetings from Germany 😊
I recorded three videos on the story of my life about two years ago. You can find them on RUclips they will answer all your questions :-)
@@sixtyandme ok, so I will take a look 😊 Thank you!
@@sixtyandme I tried to find those videos, but it took such a long time to get to your videos of 2 years ago, and then there were hundreds so I was not able to find them. Can you send a link or give me a title?
I am definitely on this path to less is more, sadly my husband won’t get rid of much at all ! He always says he might need that one day then I’ll have to buy it again !!! 😉😉😉😉🤨🤨🤨
Same problem here! What can we do about this?
Same here. Funny thing is, if he did need something he wouldn't be able to find it in all the stuff anyway.
@@brendasmith8859 exactly !!!!!!!
@@tinekedelang6933 I don’t know ! If you figure it out let me know ! 😂
So so so sad😂
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🥰🥰🥰
I doubt I’m a true minimalist although I don’t have a lot of things sitting around I have memory things for my mom and etc. but lot of clutter and too many possessions makes me anxious and I just don’t like it
The easiest way to stay clutter free is just take a large bag and randomly put things in it and take it to charity or recycle next time you're out and about. Just pop large items in the front garden with a notice FREE. In some places things would vanish without the notice anyway! There are charities who will collect if you ask. Once you've done this a few times you can think of improving areas to look better, just taking small bites. No use making hard work of it because that would defeat the object. ❤
Great video Margaret , , I know I should remove some things from my home .
I take lots to the Salvation Army , but at the moment I am struggling with being consistent , I fall by the wayside by buying more. 😟
I love necklaces please do another video thanks
I am at a point in my life that i will be staying with my daughter in one state and my son in another. Not really a choice I want to do. But it's going to happen. Have to go through my stuff and make a life in both places. Any advice is welcome.
Hello there, I truly hope you can find a small affordable place that you can live in independently! Wishing you all the very best!
Hiya, I’m currently in the process of moving on from divorce and splitting time between the marital home which we’re selling and my static caravan. I’m sorting a backpack I can take back and forth. My favourite clothes, those I’m happy to wear daily, with options for the weather, a few nicknacks that are important to me and personal bits. So no matter where I am, in my mind I’m home. All the best xx ❤
Don’t offload your things to follow the minimalist “influencers.” They’re making money off their “declutter” mantra. Downsizing out of guilt or doing what you think your kids want or because you expect to be “liberated” is pure folly. Things can be touchstones of moments in our lives and special people. Things that may have no intrinsic value may be personal treasures to you. You will grieve their loss.
Well said. My most treasured items are those bearing happy memories, thoughtful mementos, many if them hand made and hand written, which continue to give me pleasure. My colourful life is shaped by past, present and future, not a grey prison cell which I would need to keep spotlessly clean.
NOT ME NOR MANY WISE FOLKS I KNOW…..SO SAD FOR U
I've been winnowing possessions for years. And I find some friends are distraught! They're afraid I'll die -- I'm much older than they -- and I tell them it makes my life easier! This week an eight foot ficus is going to the public library, who want it very much, to dress their plain old building. Against great pressure against it from worried friends! I think they're worried about themselves.
Great for you… u have seen the LIGHT OF LESS
Do you live in an efficiency apt
What is an efficiency apartment? :-)
A studio or one large room