After surviving breast cancer, my whole world changed in so many ways. I lost my beautiful red hair and when it began to grow back, it was really a very pretty gray. I can’t tell you how many women tole me I should color it! To me, it’s my life affirming badge of honor. I also quit worrying about so much makeup. Just sunscreen with a moisturizer, blush and lipstick. So.. be yourself and be happy. I’m 67 and am much happier with my decluttered life💕
Bless you! You are beautiful inside and out thank you so much for sharing your experience it is so inspiring, I’m struggling a lot right now so I really appreciate this ❤️
This was a helpful reminder for me. And I'm sorry people feel the need to tell you that you "should" buy lotions, creams, etc. I am sure the majority of folks who do so are trying to be helpful, but one of the things I am drying to declutter is "my opinion". I think I share my opinions too much and really, who is that for? Me, or the person on whom I am imparting all that wisdom? 🤣 Me! So I am trying to cut back...
This is something I need to declutter too! Before I say something (usually negative) I try ask myself if it's necessary to say it. As in, is this an issue that needs to be discussed and resolved, or can I let this one go? It's usually the latter.
I buy lotions and creams. I have very dry sensitive skin. But omg people need to keep their beak out if lotions and creams are not for you who cares 😂🤷♀️. X
I also don’t buy or use makeup anymore. I’m the only one of my friends who doesn’t wear makeup, sometimes it’s hard being the odd one out, but I’m actually more comfortable with myself now than I’ve ever been 😊
I never wore makeup. Whenever I tried, it looked awful. So I just don't use it and therefore don't buy it any more. The last time I wore makeup was at my wedding 14 years ago. And I let somebody do my makeup then. Since I don't use stuff in my face at all, my skin is much better than most of my friends skin.
I don't buy make-up, either, apart from the occasional bottle of nail polish, and I've not bought any of that for a while because I still have quite a lot left from the last time I bought it. I don't like a lot of make up on my face because it makes me feel uncomfortable and I don't like the heavily made up look, either.
Great video Laura. I used to work in skin care and know it’s all a load of smoke and mirrors. The best thing you can do for your skin (particularly the face) is wear sunblock.
Forcing myself to responsibly re-home, recycle, or re-purpose things I want to get rid of has reduced my shopping dramatically. When you are not allowed to simply drop off unwanted items at Goodwill, then you will think long and hard about accumulating more stuff. I do think that when we obtain an item, we are responsible for the entire life of that item, to the best of our ability. I don’t expect anybody to live 100% sustainably, but I know that we all can do better. 😁💜
I can’t believe people tell you what you “should” buy! Good for you to speak up and say that you are not shaming people and nor should they! Excellent list!!
I've never been a decore person, except during Christmas. I wouldn't buy brand new "everything" but I did buy a few things every year. Well, we've been in our house for 15 years, been together for 27 years, and 3 kids later, plus my grandparents old stuff, that left us with a ton of things in our attic for sure. We'd go up, Thanksgiving weekend, get everything, and bring it down, then put decorations up, box everything up, back in the attic it went. Finally, last year I decided enough is enough. I got EVERYTHING down, put what I wanted up, and the others I sorted and asked the grown children if they wanted things, then tossed a bunch of it. It is doing noone any good being stored and not used. If it didn't work, torn, missing parts, etc. out it went. The kids got their own bins, with their names on it, and they have their stuff. I'm tired of storing everyone's stuff. Don't get me wrong, I still have a lot of stuff, and I add 1 or 2 things a season, but nothing like what I had. If it was sentimental, but I didn't want to keep it (didn't use it), I took a picture, and it'll come up in my memories. I don't have to have that tangible item, someone else may appreciate it more.
Hello everyone! Regarding toiletries, another tip to cut down the space and money they take. I switched to solid cosmetics (I'm not sure that is the right phrase in English). Basically I use bars: bar soap, shampoo bar, conditioner bar, make-up remover bar etc. They are minimal and could be considered expensive at first but they last for a very long time; e.g.: I use shampoo bars since 2014 and a bar lasts me roughly a year while frequently washing my hair. To sum up: less space, less money in the long run, same hygiene standards and (depending on the brand) healthier and better for the environment!
@@yvonneschermerhorn866 I hope these products to be more available in the near future. I find them in pharmacies, supermarkets, organic shops and the internet of course! I live in Europe and as far as I know the brand Lush is fairly widespread. Even though that is not a favorite of mine, maybe it could be a good way to start exploring. I've not used their products in years but their conditionner for colored hair was pretty decent, as well as their body moisturizer/butter. Brands I highly recommend that are also available online: Lamazuna, Savon de Gaïa, Pachamamaï
I stopped buying so many magazines and now I just get them from the library. Once I'm done reading them, I return them and am out no money and they're not in my house..:)
I have a good way to keep myself from overspending. I keep a small notebook in my purse and if I find something I'm not sure if I should buy..., I write it down.. and if I still want it the next time.. I may buy it. Saves me from all that impulse buying.
Your anguish over physical planners reminds me of all the things I have purchased/“hoarded” for my FANTASY self...the person I would like to be one day. I really have to examine truthfully whether I ever will use these things or should I give up the fantasy and let go. 😒
I'm turning 25 in October (a baby I know) and I've had my laptop since I was 17, and my phone since I was 18. They are starting to struggle now so an upgrade will be due in the near(ish) future but I think I've gotten a decent amount of life out of them! And you're right about features. There aren't any big features that I'm missing from my devices, they're just slow because of age
When I decided to go small, I stopped buying makeup or toiletries until I used everything I had already. It's been 3 years and I just have to purchase shampoo and conditioner and in makeup mascara. lol Planners and the stuff that goes along with them I have a hard time downsizing yet need to lol
Everyone’s list is going to be different post decluttering. But we’re all essentially doing the same thing…we’re not buying things that we don’t need…and probably doing more intentional shopping.
I'm so in love with the feeling of the empty house after the holidays, too! And I don't even put a ton of decor, just my huge tree, with thousands of lights!
I think there’s a time in most of our lives when we’re drawn to the cheapest products because we’re on a budget. When we’re young and starting out it’s almost necessary to buy inexpensive products. As I’ve gotten older I’d rather buy less clothes but better quality. Also as I’m trying to declutter my home I want a smaller wardrobe so when replacing clothing, I will bring a quality piece into my home and donate several of the same in return. This minimizes my closet with longer lasting quality clothes. Also with just about everything else we purchase now we will do our research and buy better quality furnishings, appliances, etc. with hopes they they will last us a decent amount of time.
I am only 6 months in to my decluttering journey, and already I am noticing that I am a more Intentional shopper. I am encouraged to learn that the intentionality skill gets stronger. Thank you for sharing your list
I just helped some family members run an estate sale for their Mom. So much stuff! I've already gone through that with my mother and my husband's uncle and we're still trying to send some of those things down the road. We do not have kids, so I don't even know who would do this for me, but I'm very motivated to downsize now while I have the energy and not leave it until I don't care and someone else has to deal with it. It has definitely inoculated me against garage sales, estates sales, etc. Basically trying to do some Swedish Death Cleaning. Thanks for your videos - they keep me moving forward!!!
The "cheap-save-money" items are the biggest scam ever. You end up buying it several times over. Not to mention, the gas, time, and aggravation to replace the item that broke. I bought a cheap can opener. It broke on the first can. I bought cheap plastic coat hangers and they snapped getting them out of the wrapper. Save your money and put it to something better in quality. That is how you actually save money.
Also, I can buy much better quality stuff at Goodwill than I could afford to buy new, I don't care about mismatched pans or towels. But impulse buying is hard to control, knowing that if I don't buy it 'now', it won't be there next time if I change my mind.
I like the French concept of "cost per use" - investing more in most used items, and saving on basic but still similar quality bits. Charity shops often have higher quality clothes than Primark etc. for the same kinda money... And again the eco-bunny reusing/recycling aspect is awesome too 💗
Had a conversation with q6 year old daughter about cost per use of a dress she wanted to buy. Context second day of a Florida trip, car broke down just over border. She bought the dress, spending most of her holiday money. Years later, said to me that dress was so worth it, wore it for job interview after grad, got , many more times besides. Thought it the best US$25 she'd ever spent on clothes.
Don't worry about NOT buying new Christmas decor every year. I have lovely memories of unpacking the same baubles for the tree every year as a child and loved seeing familiar ones. 60 years on, one of those baubles hangs on my own tree.
I reuse my Christmas decorations every year, and stopped buying new ones because I was running out of space to store and display them. I only buy new ones if the dog chews something, or if it gets broken. I've also found that I don't like more recent ones - a few years ago there was a lot of animal/nature themed ones and I bought those, but new ones now seem to be back to styles I don't like. And reusing old ones does bring back memories of happier times, but I don't have any of the ones that I had as a child due to personal circumstances but would have kept hold of them if I could have as they would have reminded me of relatives who have passed away because they belonged to them.
YES! I would love to see what you buy more of as a minimalist. I'm also interested in seeing what you have invested money in in terms of belongings, maybe what costs most but was definately worth the bill
I would love to hear what you buy more of as a minimalist. Thanks for another video showing how decluttering helped you. I get ideas and that is a help.
So agree with all your list👏😊. I use basic toiletries.. "Trying new products" has never been my thing.. It would take far to much energy and headspace...I don't understand why that is a thing.. If something works for you, why buy/try something new? Washing up liquid, vinigar and baking soda, plus other natural products eg essential oils, dried lavender flowers etc are enough to clean. The only special product I buy is for my wood floors. I only buy gadgets and electronics when the old one is dead... I am only on my 2nd smart phone ever🤞. So agree with seasonal stuff. I used to love buying new Christmas decor to add to my collection, but now I have enough. I hate decorating nowadays to because it takes so much time and energy... I love packing it away to.. The house feels so empty😊.
Omg, I agree with everything you're saying! I so wish I would've learned most of this years ago, wasting money on "good deals" only to be unhappy with them and replace them soon. (Also Scout and the snowman is everything. A snowman with arms big enough to hug the whole world)😁☃️💙
I really appreciate your candor & authenticity. I find magazines give me house envy & make me discontent with myself. I do still get Real Simple, but most likely won't renew it. I'll enjoy them when at the salon. Cleaning products 😱 I am using up what I have then streamlining down to 2 or 3 products. And I completely agree about cheap products! Dollar store items are over rated. They can be useful on a budget, but generally aren't worth my dollar.
I don't buy toiletries.... You look amazing and I wouldn't worry about not using something when you're older honestly It's fine. You will age with beauty as well. I actually just commented on a video today because I don't use anything on my face and somebody was using toner and face wash and creams and I'm like wow I use dove sensitive skin bar soap. Shampoo conditioner deodorant toothpaste... that's it. 🙂 I do have some makeup that needs tossed out I actually haven't worn any of it now in gosh probably years occasionally I might throw on like a lip gloss or something or an eyeshadow but everything I have I'm sure is expired now I was meaning to toss it before and I hadn't yet. But even all the old stuff I bought years ago fits in a tiny little makeup bag so it's not bothering anybody. I don't get my nails done or haircut or dyed professionally. My wardrobe is a uniform I do have a few other items but it's nothing fancy or amazing or even a large amount so I'd say a minimal there. Who are the same shoes everyday I have a couple other shoes if there's special events but like I think I have maybe one pair of casual shoes one pair of dressier shoes. Some flip flops When I actually wear and one that's a dressier pair some boots that I never wear but I like them too much to actually get rid of. A pair of winter boots I do wear I do have items though that I want to purchase and haven't like snow boots because I haven't found a pair then fit me right. I would also love to have snow pants. Oh and I need a new pair of galoshes / rain boots because mine sprung a leak. I have my eye on some fantastic rainbow ones.
The mum of someone I used to work beside said, "buy cheap, buy twice!". And I love a bargain and saving money but I do question whether I need something now since decluttering. Quality over quantity, I think. 💕 And yes I'd like to know where your pennies are going these days!
Your insight about not buying magazines helped you in with not buying trendy clothes and new must have things. Magazines are a first trigger to tickle ones needs for getting, having more stuff. After all the pages are filled with attractive ads to get your attention.
Since pandemic started I stopped going as often to the dollar tree. I used to buy a lot of cheap seasonal decor. Now I only buy a few every so often. I have recently started to organize my house a little bit at a time to make it more functional. I decluttered some things too. Seeing the progress helps with my mental health. Especially since being at home 95 percent of the time. I would like a video about things you do purchase.
Just recently I ditched a hoodie that I loved. It was falling apart. And about a week ago I walked through a TK MAXX and saw a few things that I liked and I refrained from buying because I didn't have an idea where I would store them. From an equivalent of a Dollar Tree where I live on this planet I got a huge cup - fill it up three times a day, you get enough of liquid - and a few crafting stuffs I reckoned where I would store the item, I saw loads I would have liked, but I didn't because I didn't know where it should live. So I didn't get the things. My suggestion is to get stuff that will have a place in your closet right in the moment you see it in the store. Does it fit your current clothes/crafting items/kitchen equipment? It isn't easy to say no to things you like, but it can be done, it took me about three years to arrive there. Nonetheless, I still love to look at the nice things, pick them up at the store, look at them and after asking the vital question (where will I keep it) I'm grateful for having had a look at the items, and leave them at the store.
Hi Laura, Brilliant Video again! I will never fault anyone for they're choices! I'm Vegetarian my 40 yr old son is 100% Vegan. I mention this because everyone has their own path and that's the most important thing! Re skin care: The only item I use is moisturiser (I'm 68 and I have used one brand forever) Again another great video. Thank you Laura x
Like you, I thought that getting a planner and using it would be so much fun but it would last all of 2-3 weeks and then sit for months. I use my phone for planning, lists, notes, etc. Holiday decorations were sorted between my two kids. I do Christmas wreaths with my grandsons along with a few other decorations but that is it. I don’t decorate for any other holidays. I have enough cleaning supplies to last me through the year and all my unused toiletries went to my daughter. I do keep a list of household staples (on my phone) and once a month, I go through the list to see if I need to restock. This list consists of non-food items such as bathroom, laundry, household and kitchen supplies.
I wrap nearly all of my gifts, for every event or holiday, in brown paper and usually tie them with twine or reused ribbon. I save any tissue paper I receive to stuff the baggies and boxes that I also typically save. The main thing that sets my gifts apart is that I have just a few ink stamps from the craft store that I use with black ink to either make diy tags from scrap craft paper or to stamp directly onto the package. I’ll use Xs or periods to dot all over or sometimes I’ll hot glue on pom poms. Sometimes I’ll have a cute charm that corresponds with the person’s interests or even little bells and I’ll lace those onto the twine. I get compliments every time I give a gift, yet I only keep minimal supplies on hand.
I love tools. These days I buy the best I can afford, I watch youtube reviews to see what tool is the best for the money and I save up for it. Wish I'd realized that earlier, when I had accumulated 3 broken weed eaters in the garage that I never got rid of until I moved. Always kept thinking I'd fix them someday, that day never came.
My holiday decos are limited to what fits in 2 smaller totes and a box of reusable bags that go back and forth between family members. My tree is only 2’ tall (from a garage sale $1). I have it in a black Guinness bucket (from Target 15 yrs ago) and let my granddaughter decorate it. It certainly makes the holidays more enjoyable. Just enough out to be festive and takes 30 minutes to pack away.
This was a very enlightening video! I would love to see what you have bought more of since becoming a minimalist. I think with the shift in perspective comes a shift in priorities and it'd be fascinating to see. Since I began my decluttering journey, I have stopped buying nail polish-I had an enormous hoard of it. I thought "eh its just a couple of dollars a bottle and it's pretty" and so many would go to waste because I was overwhelmed by the choices. In the end I've only got 10 fingers and 10 toes, and really only need a handful of colors.
I so hear what you're saying about hair. Mine is driving me crazy!!!!! Think I'll be going for the chop in the not too distant future...and I'm planning on donating it. ❤️
We have a similar 3 tier Xmas tree. The last 2 years we got rid of the biggest bottom tier and just make it smaller and put it on the coffee table. It takes up much less room and needs less decorating too. A bonus was being able to declutter some ornaments too.
I don't like giving unsolicited free advice any more than I like receiving it, so the following is just how I do things and in no way am I suggesting anyone try or do these things. When I go shopping I have a list. I go straight to the aisle the item is on and continue until I have all the items then I head for the register and don't look around for other things not on a list. I do this when grocery and regular shopping and it saves me money. This saves me a lot of money and I rarely throw out excessive items from impulse buying. I have a few name brands I buy and have no problem buying them because they work for me and last longer than buying the cheapest versions; also these aren't high end, just not bottom end, somewhere in the middle. As for clothes I just buy what I need, not what's in fashion and not more than I need; by the looks of it I got off the fashion train back in the '80s. Nothing beats the tactile touch of pen on paper and handwritten cursive notes, but with programs like Outlook and One Note, I don't need a paper planner but I do love the Franklin Planner system, I just don't buy them anymore but I do practice the planning technique Hyrum Smith developed and taught when he introduced the Franklin Planner. I'll keep a small notebook with me for times when I can't get to my computer to write things down and update my computer as soon as I can. Franklin had a digital version of the Franklin Planner back in the '90s but they discontinued it; if Microsoft would merge Outlook and One Note you would have the next best thing to the digital Franklin Planner. I've cancelled all my subscriptions, so the only things I get in the mail are bills, misrouted mail, and flyers the post office puts in my mailbox even though I've put myself on "DO NOT MAIL LISTS" which cut my junk-mail down quite a bit, but I still get local flyers and the post office won't stop putting them in my mailbox because it's revenue for them. I've got all my old computers and cellphones, even the ones that don't work anymore; it's just not worth the hassle of "properly" disposing of it and they don't don't take-up a lot of space. - You may know this already but if not, you're computer is probably slowing down because of a lot of background applications running that you don't need running or sometimes installed. - Just about every time you give an app some kind of permission, it usually installs some sort of background app that runs all the time and when enough of these little pests are installed you'll notice your computer lagging and think you need to buy a new one when all you have to do is declutter your computer of unneeded apps. - I used to format my hard drive when this happened and reinstall everything but since computer manufacturers stopped giving you backup disks of your installed programs this isn't an option anymore but when it was the computer always acted like it was brand new after the format and reinstall of everything.
I have to say you look splendid in the star suit 😍 I, too, stopped buying the cheapest version of things some years ago. We’re not by any means rich (!!) so that means I sometimes have to wait to buy something because I have to save up or find it second hand, but it’s sooo much nicer being surrounded by higher quality things in my opinion. Makes you want to care for your belongings, and makes you want to really use them because they’re doing such a good job. I’d much rather have a few good ones, no matter what they are, than many cheap ones. Luckily my family feel the same.
I like how you explain why you don't buy something, as well as the reason why and how you think about the purchases you do make. This was a great video and gives me good ideas about how to curb my impulse purchasing.....don't really understand why you got negative comments about some of the things on this list - makes no sense.
The thing I stopped buying after my decluttering journey is gadgets. They're nice ideas, but really just take space. We don't and won't use them often enough to justify the purchase or get good use out of it. Decluttering took the joy out of buying clothes. I do buy more with intent now and wear the things I buy way more than I did before.
Gadgets also usually come with so many accessories and random bits. Cables, manuals, warranty info, extra parts, etc. Definitely a good idea to minimise those purchases.
I've quit buying everything except food, shoes get resoled every 6 months and have plenty of clothes and extra buttons. I've cut down on meat mostly veggies and fruits and kidney beans and bought big grill mate vegetable seasoning 1lb 4 oz it's still more than halfway full since February 2022.
There will be no regrets for not using most cosmetics . I am older, no regrets. Sunscreens a good idea, never wore make up. Read a book called "The Tightwad Gazette" in my twenties and retired early. Lots of people thought I was a little bit different, different is not so bad sometimes. I now spend my time with family and doing volunteer jobs.
Ugh. Why do people need to “should” each other!!!! I’m sorry Laura you deserve better. And Ice cream scoops I finally splurged on a pampered chef one and even that lost its coating eventually and left black marks on ice cream bc aluminum. Liked that crazy scoop enough to replace it. Covid helped keep me out of stores nice I figured out no good for me comes from online shopping after 6 pm and before 10 am ( not clear why besides I’m awake and alert and focused). My weakness is big satchels no reason just down to one and two backpacks now no more allowed. I need to cull toiletries bc I have reactive allergic skin and have product fails. Finally got a dermatologist bc skin cancer and upside he likes neutrogena sunscreen and cerave. Drugstore!!! Laura you do you block the haters if they persist you really help me just the way you are.❤️🇨🇦
Good list of things. Your little girl is so cute. De cluttering has done the same for holidays to me. Especially Christmas. I like nature in the house now. No flashing colored light, no tinsel.
The planner thing is a big surprise for me. Good for you I know that that's something that You love so I'm actually really proud of you noticing that you weren't using it as you had intended and it was actually becoming clutter or a burden on yourself. Excellent example of a fantasy self item. Knowing how we actually took is very important I know for me my best planning tools is a big blank calendar I have one that I write on and then I have a big one that I'll stick post it notes on for important things I don't want to forget particularly during a busy season last year I did not get used to it except for whenever I was like oh yeah what day is it. 🤣 I definitely work better with things like notebooks to jot down my own listen or customize as I need for that moment for a brain down for a grocery list or a meal plan or whatever. Simple and visual is best for me.
I subscribed to colouring heaven magazine this year. There's no adverts just colouring pages and I love it. Because colouring really helps my anxiety. I like you don't buy make-up and creams etc. My face cream is an eczema cream prescribed my doctor. The only thing I do buy occasionally is a lip balm coz my lips get So dry.
I agree with every single thing you said in this video. Christmas now has very mixed feelings. I love the happiness it brings my kids but the stuff! We have never had a huge amount of decorations but we also have a small house so it feels very crowded.
If you have any local mom friends that sell young living their theives cleaner is great! They may be able to give you a little sample pouch to try. I had tried the sample a few times before I actually purchased a beer bottle myself. It smells good kind of like cloves and that kind of spices smell. It works really well and I even use it on glass with good results. Great for bathrooms and kitchen surfaces that have grease and it doesn't take the finish off of wood like vinegar does. Or at least I haven't noticed that it has I have ruined things with vinegar cleaner in the past. A friend of mine gave me a sample years ago and it's my go-to cleaner for everything occasionally I'll have those things that I feel I need a harsher cleaner for like if I went too long on the shower and it needs from strong stuff to just sit there and clean for me..... but for everyday cleaning it is fantastic!!! I highly recommend and I'm not really into multi-level marketing type things but that product is worth buying It also is highly concentrated and you dilute it in a glass spray bottle so a bottle of it lasts me for almost a year I use it a lot more last year so maybe two bottles any year but the first time I started using it I didn't use it nearly as often as I do now. It actually kills germs and stuff too so I feel like it's a good cleaner. You also don't need to rinse it off items like high chairs and baby toys and I've had my kid and my dog get sprayed directly in the face with it and been completely fine. So safety wise I feel better about it also. Not that I recommend spraying anybody in the face but just in case it happens it's not a big issue like the other toxic cleaners out there. I even like it so much that I bring it with me if we go out of town. 🤣 They have other thieves products which are also amazing but I am the biggest fan and have tried the cleaner so that's when I'll speak about. Believe me I'm not somebody who gets all excited about cleaning products I hate cleaning stuff. 🤣
Nobody’s business what you do or don’t do fir skincare! And I totally agree about often buying the cheapest is not always the best. I am a sucker for thrift store shopping though, especially for my jeans😊and I adore paper planners. I have a digital app for some things, but I’ll never give up my gazelle planner willingly though 😂
I agree it’s the cheap things that trip me up😡 Why? The other is always thinking I need a backup😩 I have seen videos by Minimalist that share I only own one of😖 I love your channel and videos of your journey and we keep learning along the way.
I agree with you about everything except for the toiletries. And it is not a critic, you do whatever you want, it is just a concern regarding the dangers of the sun on your skin. I wouldn’t be able to survive without a moisturizer and a minimum of SPF in it. Especially as I have a very dry skin. For me it would be like living my life without water. Also your daughter probably has a very sensitive skin as a child, so she probably needs some kind of protection. There are excellent not too expensive brands which do the job. It is not a matter of cosmetic but of health. Just a thought… I’m pretty sure that your doctor will agree with me about that.
You do YOU! I just subscribed and love your channel! Forget the naysayers. I am also in the process of simplifying and ongoing decluttering. The fight to keep stuff out is real! lol
How sad is it that decluttering has taken the joy out of Christmas for you. You can truly simplify your collection of Christmas decorations without purging to the point (as you said) sadness. To me, not only are cell phones a big waste of money to initially buy, but then there is the monthly bill to deal with. Not to mention all the wasted time people spend on them. I am totally surviving just fine in life without one. I too, have survived two different types of cancer (losing my right kidney) and I also re-evaluated my life,,,,,,,,,,,my final analysis is,,,,,,,,,,,,,"you have to do what makes YOU most happiest & satisfied."
I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) you end up not buying a lot of things. I try to steer clear of chemicals and scents. Haven't bought fabric softener in years I use tennis balls in the dryer, it's rare I have static cling. I typically use dish soap, vinegar, water, rags, for cleaning along with alcohol or vodka. My husband uses the chemicals and paper towels. No perfume I use essential oils.
You do you, people judge way too much. I am now in an ongoing decluttering process for years and I have started to see that things bought without much thinking will just add to the job of decluttering them in the long run. I was never buying as much as most people but I have been even more low buy since lock down started. Even though I am still decluttering things I bought or got as a present before that.
I would never make you wrong for being yourself! You are wise and thoughtful. Don't let the less charitable and judgmental souls bother you. I think you are exemplary! One idea, if you add a bit of distilled vinegar to your cleaning water, it cleans better and is still very inexpensive and kind to the environment. Just a thought. Living on your own terms not only saves you time and money, it gives you peace of mind!
One thing which I don't buy are shoes that are from cheap shoe shops. In the 80's and 90's, you could buy good shoes and not need to spend a lot of money on them, but I noticed that in the middle of the 2000's and onwards that they aren't worth getting - they are usually uncomfortable and don't protect your feet very well. Just over 10 years ago, I had a problem with my heel that was made worse by the shoes that I wore because they didn't protect my feet from the cold. I also found that the heel of a pair of boots that I had cracked the first couple of times that I wore them, and another pair of shoes only lasted a few wears before they started coming apart... Cheap shoes just aren't worth it. You can buy shoes when they are in the sales for a good price that are normally expensive, but avoid those which are usually sold at a cheap price (in the UK, anything under £!5 I've noticed is problematic).
I love a lot of your ideas. And I agree everyone has to do what works for them. Your thing was planners my thing is toiletries. No way am I giving up my serums, lotions and potions. My skin is extremely dry and I would look like a shriveled up raisin if I didn’t use them. I enjoy the self care part of my daily routine plus everyone thinks I’m younger ( I’m 52) than my baby sister who’s 11 years my junior
I am not good at using a planner. I use a Fly lady calendar. I cut my magazine subscriptions down. I don't update items. We lost a lot of our Christmas stuff when we lost a storage unit.
For your Christmas stuff, you could make some decorations; for example, dried orange slice garlands, and using pieces of old clothes as wrapping instead of paper. That way you can just dump all the fabric in a box when the kids have unwrapped it and reuse it the next year, and you can recycle some of the homemade decorations 😊
I use shampoo and conditioner bars to save plastic waste and wash my hair less often too (it's good for it) I have also began making my own skincare, more often than not we have to buy additional products to combat the side effect of one's we use due to all the chemicals we don't realizeare in it, ugh!
@@cathyb4770 Yes the Viori brand shampoo/conditioner bars made from rice water (Uhh-mayyy-zzing, lol) or Lush brand shampoo/conditioner bars. It takes a few washes to get used to but they wash your hair well even though it doesn't feel very sudsy. And for moisturizer I spray rose water on my face (water from boiling rose petals) then grapeseed oil. And for body coconut oil with any essential oil that's good for your skin (coconut oil will clog pores In face, great for body)
I don't buy shampoo any more. I put the leftover slivers of our (Dove) soap into an old shampoo squeeze bottle, top it up with water, let it sit for a day or so, then give it a shake before using it to wash my hair. I have extremely long hair and get all sorts of complements on how shiny and soft it is.
Crazy that people get all critical about hand/body lotions. I only WISH I could go without them. I'm kind of envious. She's probably a lot healthier for it. I do manual labor so my hands get really dried out, so I have to use lotion. But people need to know that anything you put on your skin doesn't stop at the skin. It gets absorbed into your bloodstream...which makes things like insect spray really scary to me. I read ingredient labels. I couldn't find any lotions that didn't have cancer-causing ingredients, so I started making my own several years ago, & never looked back. I'm scared of cancer, so I try not to buy stuff that causes it. I know a lot of things do, but all those little things add up, so avoiding as much as possible can't hurt. Not needing lotion at all sounds like a dream to me!
I don't buy decor. I have even declutered the decor that was given to me. It doesn't have a purpose for me, it only takes space in what should be MY space. I try to have functional pretty things.
I don’t (usually) update phones. So ATT sent me a notice that they won’t be serving that model anymore. Whatever “G” it is apparently will be insufficient after February 2022. The joke’s on them. I researched and as 68 year old who texts, but rarely talk on it, and have a hard time seeing the tiny printing. At the recommendation of AARP, I am buying a Lively phone. Less expensive, and many features that will be helpful for me, especially safety and health features. And it probably will outlast me, for the next few years, anyway. 👍
Your skin is amazing so whatever works for you. My only must is sunscreen and in cold dry Midwest winters moisturizer (same one for face and body). Haven’t used hair conditioner since teen years. Simple is best is my thoughts.
You have beautiful skin, and you're lucky to not have to do anything to it. I cut back on specialty cleaners, especially as they don't work much better than the basics. I forced myself to pull them all out and use them up. Now I use water, Sal Suds, baking soda, and Dawn/vinegar mix. I have empty space where I used to store all that stuff, and cleaning is quicker and more efficient.
Yes I'd like to see the 'more of what you buy' video. I sometimes feel guilt because I find when I see a need for something in the home i don't hesitate to buy it but I feel some guilt. Before I would hesitate to spend that much on something or even at all and i would purchase things I didn't need but felt comfortable buying often such as 20 dollar or less books or other things on amazon. So im not sure if I've redirected my consumersim and I'm spending more or less now but I still feel somewhat frustrated with myself if that makes sense. I also find myself spending a lot on my outdoor flower beds because of how much joy I get from watching them grow and tending them. But I do wonder if my need for more will end. 😥
My MacBook Air is from 2012 and still going strong. I didn’t see the need to get a new one after college since I wasn’t using it for anything serious. That almost changed when I started working from home but I still find my computer does what I need it to and I was able to download the most recent operating system. Phones on the other hand are so tempting to update more frequently because the cameras are changing so rapidly. I’m about 4 models behind and no one lets me use my phone to take group photos anymore haha Also, my poor Filofax planners are sitting unused but I love them too much to part with them!
I don't think I have bought any makeup in the past 30 years. I wouldn't think anyone would have the opinion that someone else should use that stuff?! But the thing I have had to quit recently, as part of my focused decluttering, is going to thrift stores. I love thrift stores! But for now, I have to take a break from them. I have been in a couple times recently, and for the most part I am proud of my reserve, but I have to be very careful. Just because it is something unique and interesting does not mean it has a place in my house!
So relate to upgrading my tech! Omg, I had no choice but to buy a new iPhone cuz my screen got broke and things were failing with my old phone. I decided for the first time ever I was gonna invest in the new and latest iPhone 15 pro….a 1K purchase no doubt. So far, it has felt like buyers remorse for me! The photos r some better, but for somebody like me this phone was 1K overkill! I will never ever ever do this again …lesson learned 😢
To curb my impulse to buy, I have adopted a virtual shopping :"system" where I go onto a shopping site like Amazon for example, I look for the product and then put it in the basket and leave it there fir at least a week. If after a week or 2 ,I still need the product, I will purchase it. This has really helped me curb my impulse and also gives me the opportunity to use things that I already have lying around, because more often than not, we buy duplicate items that we really do not need.
After surviving breast cancer, my whole world changed in so many ways. I lost my beautiful red hair and when it began to grow back, it was really a very pretty gray. I can’t tell you how many women tole me I should color it! To me, it’s my life affirming badge of honor. I also quit worrying about so much makeup. Just sunscreen with a moisturizer, blush and lipstick. So.. be yourself and be happy. I’m 67 and am much happier with my decluttered life💕
Bless your heart honey. Glad you are doing well.❤❤❤
I'm also a breast Cancer survivor, after beating this battle like you have, nothing else really matters. Look after yourself, much love you hugs 🤗xxx
Glad you’re doing well ❤️❤️
Bless you! You are beautiful inside and out thank you so much for sharing your experience it is so inspiring, I’m struggling a lot right now so I really appreciate this ❤️
some hair color is carcinogenic!
This was a helpful reminder for me. And I'm sorry people feel the need to tell you that you "should" buy lotions, creams, etc. I am sure the majority of folks who do so are trying to be helpful, but one of the things I am drying to declutter is "my opinion". I think I share my opinions too much and really, who is that for? Me, or the person on whom I am imparting all that wisdom? 🤣 Me! So I am trying to cut back...
This is something I need to declutter too! Before I say something (usually negative) I try ask myself if it's necessary to say it. As in, is this an issue that needs to be discussed and resolved, or can I let this one go? It's usually the latter.
I buy lotions and creams. I have very dry sensitive skin. But omg people need to keep their beak out if lotions and creams are not for you who cares 😂🤷♀️. X
@@HowToGYST I love your sincierity, dear.....hugs from Malta
I also don’t buy or use makeup anymore. I’m the only one of my friends who doesn’t wear makeup, sometimes it’s hard being the odd one out, but I’m actually more comfortable with myself now than I’ve ever been 😊
That's wonderful. 💖
I never wore makeup. Whenever I tried, it looked awful. So I just don't use it and therefore don't buy it any more. The last time I wore makeup was at my wedding 14 years ago. And I let somebody do my makeup then. Since I don't use stuff in my face at all, my skin is much better than most of my friends skin.
@@solidstate9451 yep
I don't buy make-up, either, apart from the occasional bottle of nail polish, and I've not bought any of that for a while because I still have quite a lot left from the last time I bought it. I don't like a lot of make up on my face because it makes me feel uncomfortable and I don't like the heavily made up look, either.
Great video Laura. I used to work in skin care and know it’s all a load of smoke and mirrors. The best thing you can do for your skin (particularly the face) is wear sunblock.
Forcing myself to responsibly re-home, recycle, or re-purpose things I want to get rid of has reduced my shopping dramatically. When you are not allowed to simply drop off unwanted items at Goodwill, then you will think long and hard about accumulating more stuff. I do think that when we obtain an item, we are responsible for the entire life of that item, to the best of our ability. I don’t expect anybody to live 100% sustainably, but I know that we all can do better. 😁💜
I can’t believe people tell you what you “should” buy! Good for you to speak up and say that you are not shaming people and nor should they! Excellent list!!
I've never been a decore person, except during Christmas. I wouldn't buy brand new "everything" but I did buy a few things every year. Well, we've been in our house for 15 years, been together for 27 years, and 3 kids later, plus my grandparents old stuff, that left us with a ton of things in our attic for sure. We'd go up, Thanksgiving weekend, get everything, and bring it down, then put decorations up, box everything up, back in the attic it went. Finally, last year I decided enough is enough. I got EVERYTHING down, put what I wanted up, and the others I sorted and asked the grown children if they wanted things, then tossed a bunch of it. It is doing noone any good being stored and not used. If it didn't work, torn, missing parts, etc. out it went. The kids got their own bins, with their names on it, and they have their stuff. I'm tired of storing everyone's stuff. Don't get me wrong, I still have a lot of stuff, and I add 1 or 2 things a season, but nothing like what I had. If it was sentimental, but I didn't want to keep it (didn't use it), I took a picture, and it'll come up in my memories. I don't have to have that tangible item, someone else may appreciate it more.
Buy once, cry once. Buying the best you can afford can be hard, but if your finances allow it, it's absolutely worth it.
Hello everyone!
Regarding toiletries, another tip to cut down the space and money they take.
I switched to solid cosmetics (I'm not sure that is the right phrase in English). Basically I use bars: bar soap, shampoo bar, conditioner bar, make-up remover bar etc. They are minimal and could be considered expensive at first but they last for a very long time; e.g.: I use shampoo bars since 2014 and a bar lasts me roughly a year while frequently washing my hair.
To sum up: less space, less money in the long run, same hygiene standards and (depending on the brand) healthier and better for the environment!
This is a great idea!
I've never heard of these items coming in bar form, eg. "shampoo bar" except soap, of course.
@@yvonneschermerhorn866 I hope these products to be more available in the near future. I find them in pharmacies, supermarkets, organic shops and the internet of course!
I live in Europe and as far as I know the brand Lush is fairly widespread. Even though that is not a favorite of mine, maybe it could be a good way to start exploring. I've not used their products in years but their conditionner for colored hair was pretty decent, as well as their body moisturizer/butter.
Brands I highly recommend that are also available online: Lamazuna, Savon de Gaïa, Pachamamaï
I stopped buying so many magazines and now I just get them from the library. Once I'm done reading them, I return them and am out no money and they're not in my house..:)
I have a good way to keep myself from overspending. I keep a small notebook in my purse and if I find something I'm not sure if I should buy..., I write it down.. and if I still want it the next time.. I may buy it. Saves me from all that impulse buying.
I also use a wish list as a tool to keep my spending at bay, good one! 👍
Great idea!
I don’t write it down because if I can’t even remember I wanted it, the object can’t have been as necessary/appealing as it at first seemed.
I would LOVE a video of what you buy MORE of as a minimalist! I'm on my journey and still looking for ways to improve! Love from Minneapolis!
Coming very soon. 😉
Your anguish over physical planners reminds me of all the things I have purchased/“hoarded” for my FANTASY self...the person I would like to be one day. I really have to examine truthfully whether I ever will use these things or should I give up the fantasy and let go. 😒
I'm turning 25 in October (a baby I know) and I've had my laptop since I was 17, and my phone since I was 18. They are starting to struggle now so an upgrade will be due in the near(ish) future but I think I've gotten a decent amount of life out of them! And you're right about features. There aren't any big features that I'm missing from my devices, they're just slow because of age
When I decided to go small, I stopped buying makeup or toiletries until I used everything I had already. It's been 3 years and I just have to purchase shampoo and conditioner and in makeup mascara. lol Planners and the stuff that goes along with them I have a hard time downsizing yet need to lol
Books! I use the library far more and rarely find that I MUST add a book to the library. Also, jewelry and accessories. Just can't bother.
Everyone’s list is going to be different post decluttering.
But we’re all essentially doing the same thing…we’re not buying things that we don’t need…and probably doing more intentional shopping.
I'm so in love with the feeling of the empty house after the holidays, too! And I don't even put a ton of decor, just my huge tree, with thousands of lights!
I think there’s a time in most of our lives when we’re drawn to the cheapest products because we’re on a budget. When we’re young and starting out it’s almost necessary to buy inexpensive products. As I’ve gotten older I’d rather buy less clothes but better quality. Also as I’m trying to declutter my home I want a smaller wardrobe so when replacing clothing, I will bring a quality piece into my home and donate several of the same in return. This minimizes my closet with longer lasting quality clothes. Also with just about everything else we purchase now we will do our research and buy better quality furnishings, appliances, etc. with hopes they they will last us a decent amount of time.
I am only 6 months in to my decluttering journey, and already I am noticing that I am a more Intentional shopper. I am encouraged to learn that the intentionality skill gets stronger. Thank you for sharing your list
That red dress on you was perfect. ❤
Thanks so much. 😁 It's actually a jumpsuit. I bought it recently and love it.
I just helped some family members run an estate sale for their Mom. So much stuff! I've already gone through that with my mother and my husband's uncle and we're still trying to send some of those things down the road. We do not have kids, so I don't even know who would do this for me, but I'm very motivated to downsize now while I have the energy and not leave it until I don't care and someone else has to deal with it. It has definitely inoculated me against garage sales, estates sales, etc. Basically trying to do some Swedish Death Cleaning. Thanks for your videos - they keep me moving forward!!!
The "cheap-save-money" items are the biggest scam ever. You end up buying it several times over. Not to mention, the gas, time, and aggravation to replace the item that broke. I bought a cheap can opener. It broke on the first can. I bought cheap plastic coat hangers and they snapped getting them out of the wrapper. Save your money and put it to something better in quality. That is how you actually save money.
Also, I can buy much better quality stuff at Goodwill than I could afford to buy new, I don't care about mismatched pans or towels. But impulse buying is hard to control, knowing that if I don't buy it 'now', it won't be there next time if I change my mind.
I like the French concept of "cost per use" - investing more in most used items, and saving on basic but still similar quality bits. Charity shops often have higher quality clothes than Primark etc. for the same kinda money... And again the eco-bunny reusing/recycling aspect is awesome too 💗
Had a conversation with q6 year old daughter about cost per use of a dress she wanted to buy.
Context second day of a Florida trip, car broke down just over border. She bought the dress, spending most of her holiday money. Years later, said to me that dress was so worth it, wore it for job interview after grad, got , many more times besides. Thought it the best US$25 she'd ever spent on clothes.
Don't worry about NOT buying new Christmas decor every year. I have lovely memories of unpacking the same baubles for the tree every year as a child and loved seeing familiar ones.
60 years on, one of those baubles hangs on my own tree.
I reuse my Christmas decorations every year, and stopped buying new ones because I was running out of space to store and display them. I only buy new ones if the dog chews something, or if it gets broken. I've also found that I don't like more recent ones - a few years ago there was a lot of animal/nature themed ones and I bought those, but new ones now seem to be back to styles I don't like. And reusing old ones does bring back memories of happier times, but I don't have any of the ones that I had as a child due to personal circumstances but would have kept hold of them if I could have as they would have reminded me of relatives who have passed away because they belonged to them.
YES! I would love to see what you buy more of as a minimalist. I'm also interested in seeing what you have invested money in in terms of belongings, maybe what costs most but was definately worth the bill
I would love to hear what you buy more of as a minimalist. Thanks for another video showing how decluttering helped you. I get ideas and that is a help.
So agree with all your list👏😊.
I use basic toiletries.. "Trying new products" has never been my thing.. It would take far to much energy and headspace...I don't understand why that is a thing.. If something works for you, why buy/try something new?
Washing up liquid, vinigar and baking soda, plus other natural products eg essential oils, dried lavender flowers etc are enough to clean. The only special product I buy is for my wood floors.
I only buy gadgets and electronics when the old one is dead... I am only on my 2nd smart phone ever🤞.
So agree with seasonal stuff. I used to love buying new Christmas decor to add to my collection, but now I have enough. I hate decorating nowadays to because it takes so much time and energy... I love packing it away to.. The house feels so empty😊.
Omg, I agree with everything you're saying! I so wish I would've learned most of this years ago, wasting money on "good deals" only to be unhappy with them and replace them soon. (Also Scout and the snowman is everything. A snowman with arms big enough to hug the whole world)😁☃️💙
I really appreciate your candor & authenticity. I find magazines give me house envy & make me discontent with myself. I do still get Real Simple, but most likely won't renew it. I'll enjoy them when at the salon.
Cleaning products 😱 I am using up what I have then streamlining down to 2 or 3 products.
And I completely agree about cheap products! Dollar store items are over rated. They can be useful on a budget, but generally aren't worth my dollar.
I don't buy toiletries.... You look amazing and I wouldn't worry about not using something when you're older honestly It's fine. You will age with beauty as well. I actually just commented on a video today because I don't use anything on my face and somebody was using toner and face wash and creams and I'm like wow I use dove sensitive skin bar soap. Shampoo conditioner deodorant toothpaste... that's it. 🙂 I do have some makeup that needs tossed out I actually haven't worn any of it now in gosh probably years occasionally I might throw on like a lip gloss or something or an eyeshadow but everything I have I'm sure is expired now I was meaning to toss it before and I hadn't yet. But even all the old stuff I bought years ago fits in a tiny little makeup bag so it's not bothering anybody. I don't get my nails done or haircut or dyed professionally. My wardrobe is a uniform I do have a few other items but it's nothing fancy or amazing or even a large amount so I'd say a minimal there. Who are the same shoes everyday I have a couple other shoes if there's special events but like I think I have maybe one pair of casual shoes one pair of dressier shoes. Some flip flops When I actually wear and one that's a dressier pair some boots that I never wear but I like them too much to actually get rid of. A pair of winter boots I do wear I do have items though that I want to purchase and haven't like snow boots because I haven't found a pair then fit me right. I would also love to have snow pants. Oh and I need a new pair of galoshes / rain boots because mine sprung a leak. I have my eye on some fantastic rainbow ones.
The mum of someone I used to work beside said, "buy cheap, buy twice!". And I love a bargain and saving money but I do question whether I need something now since decluttering. Quality over quantity, I think. 💕
And yes I'd like to know where your pennies are going these days!
Your insight about not buying magazines helped you in with not buying trendy clothes and new must have things. Magazines are a first trigger to tickle ones needs for getting, having more stuff. After all the pages are filled with attractive ads to get your attention.
Since pandemic started I stopped going as often to the dollar tree. I used to buy a lot of cheap seasonal decor. Now I only buy a few every so often. I have recently started to organize my house a little bit at a time to make it more functional. I decluttered some things too. Seeing the progress helps with my mental health. Especially since being at home 95 percent of the time. I would like a video about things you do purchase.
Just recently I ditched a hoodie that I loved. It was falling apart. And about a week ago I walked through a TK MAXX and saw a few things that I liked and I refrained from buying because I didn't have an idea where I would store them. From an equivalent of a Dollar Tree where I live on this planet I got a huge cup - fill it up three times a day, you get enough of liquid - and a few crafting stuffs I reckoned where I would store the item, I saw loads I would have liked, but I didn't because I didn't know where it should live. So I didn't get the things.
My suggestion is to get stuff that will have a place in your closet right in the moment you see it in the store. Does it fit your current clothes/crafting items/kitchen equipment? It isn't easy to say no to things you like, but it can be done, it took me about three years to arrive there. Nonetheless, I still love to look at the nice things, pick them up at the store, look at them and after asking the vital question (where will I keep it) I'm grateful for having had a look at the items, and leave them at the store.
Hi Laura, Brilliant Video again!
I will never fault anyone for they're choices!
I'm Vegetarian my 40 yr old son is 100% Vegan.
I mention this because everyone has their own path and that's the most important thing!
Re skin care: The only item I use is moisturiser (I'm 68 and I have used one brand forever)
Again another great video. Thank you Laura x
Like you, I thought that getting a planner and using it would be so much fun but it would last all of 2-3 weeks and then sit for months. I use my phone for planning, lists, notes, etc. Holiday decorations were sorted between my two kids. I do Christmas wreaths with my grandsons along with a few other decorations but that is it. I don’t decorate for any other holidays. I have enough cleaning supplies to last me through the year and all my unused toiletries went to my daughter. I do keep a list of household staples (on my phone) and once a month, I go through the list to see if I need to restock. This list consists of non-food items such as bathroom, laundry, household and kitchen supplies.
I wrap nearly all of my gifts, for every event or holiday, in brown paper and usually tie them with twine or reused ribbon. I save any tissue paper I receive to stuff the baggies and boxes that I also typically save. The main thing that sets my gifts apart is that I have just a few ink stamps from the craft store that I use with black ink to either make diy tags from scrap craft paper or to stamp directly onto the package. I’ll use Xs or periods to dot all over or sometimes I’ll hot glue on pom poms. Sometimes I’ll have a cute charm that corresponds with the person’s interests or even little bells and I’ll lace those onto the twine. I get compliments every time I give a gift, yet I only keep minimal supplies on hand.
I love tools. These days I buy the best I can afford, I watch youtube reviews to see what tool is the best for the money and I save up for it. Wish I'd realized that earlier, when I had accumulated 3 broken weed eaters in the garage that I never got rid of until I moved. Always kept thinking I'd fix them someday, that day never came.
My holiday decos are limited to what fits in 2 smaller totes and a box of reusable bags that go back and forth between family members. My tree is only 2’ tall (from a garage sale $1). I have it in a black Guinness bucket (from Target 15 yrs ago) and let my granddaughter decorate it. It certainly makes the holidays more enjoyable. Just enough out to be festive and takes 30 minutes to pack away.
This was a very enlightening video! I would love to see what you have bought more of since becoming a minimalist. I think with the shift in perspective comes a shift in priorities and it'd be fascinating to see. Since I began my decluttering journey, I have stopped buying nail polish-I had an enormous hoard of it. I thought "eh its just a couple of dollars a bottle and it's pretty" and so many would go to waste because I was overwhelmed by the choices. In the end I've only got 10 fingers and 10 toes, and really only need a handful of colors.
I so hear what you're saying about hair. Mine is driving me crazy!!!!! Think I'll be going for the chop in the not too distant future...and I'm planning on donating it. ❤️
We have a similar 3 tier Xmas tree. The last 2 years we got rid of the biggest bottom tier and just make it smaller and put it on the coffee table. It takes up much less room and needs less decorating too. A bonus was being able to declutter some ornaments too.
Second hand is my new go to! Having trouble with car purchasing ugh!!!
I don't like giving unsolicited free advice any more than I like receiving it, so the following is just how I do things and in no way am I suggesting anyone try or do these things.
When I go shopping I have a list. I go straight to the aisle the item is on and continue until I have all the items then I head for the register and don't look around for other things not on a list. I do this when grocery and regular shopping and it saves me money. This saves me a lot of money and I rarely throw out excessive items from impulse buying.
I have a few name brands I buy and have no problem buying them because they work for me and last longer than buying the cheapest versions; also these aren't high end, just not bottom end, somewhere in the middle. As for clothes I just buy what I need, not what's in fashion and not more than I need; by the looks of it I got off the fashion train back in the '80s.
Nothing beats the tactile touch of pen on paper and handwritten cursive notes, but with programs like Outlook and One Note, I don't need a paper planner but I do love the Franklin Planner system, I just don't buy them anymore but I do practice the planning technique Hyrum Smith developed and taught when he introduced the Franklin Planner. I'll keep a small notebook with me for times when I can't get to my computer to write things down and update my computer as soon as I can. Franklin had a digital version of the Franklin Planner back in the '90s but they discontinued it; if Microsoft would merge Outlook and One Note you would have the next best thing to the digital Franklin Planner.
I've cancelled all my subscriptions, so the only things I get in the mail are bills, misrouted mail, and flyers the post office puts in my mailbox even though I've put myself on "DO NOT MAIL LISTS" which cut my junk-mail down quite a bit, but I still get local flyers and the post office won't stop putting them in my mailbox because it's revenue for them.
I've got all my old computers and cellphones, even the ones that don't work anymore; it's just not worth the hassle of "properly" disposing of it and they don't don't take-up a lot of space.
- You may know this already but if not, you're computer is probably slowing down because of a lot of background applications running that you don't need running or sometimes installed.
- Just about every time you give an app some kind of permission, it usually installs some sort of background app that runs all the time and when enough of these little pests are installed you'll notice your computer lagging and think you need to buy a new one when all you have to do is declutter your computer of unneeded apps.
- I used to format my hard drive when this happened and reinstall everything but since computer manufacturers stopped giving you backup disks of your installed programs this isn't an option anymore but when it was the computer always acted like it was brand new after the format and reinstall of everything.
I have to say you look splendid in the star suit 😍
I, too, stopped buying the cheapest version of things some years ago. We’re not by any means rich (!!) so that means I sometimes have to wait to buy something because I have to save up or find it second hand, but it’s sooo much nicer being surrounded by higher quality things in my opinion. Makes you want to care for your belongings, and makes you want to really use them because they’re doing such a good job. I’d much rather have a few good ones, no matter what they are, than many cheap ones. Luckily my family feel the same.
I used to decorate a lot for Christmas but not anymore. I mourn that lost joy. I'm not giving up my 3 Christmas trees though!
I put up a real pine wreath from trader Joe's every year and decorate that with battery lights and a few very special things.
I like how you explain why you don't buy something, as well as the reason why and how you think about the purchases you do make. This was a great video and gives me good ideas about how to curb my impulse purchasing.....don't really understand why you got negative comments about some of the things on this list - makes no sense.
Great video! I'm still mourning my fantasy self that does pretty planning every day, but that's just not me. Thank you for talking about that.
The thing I stopped buying after my decluttering journey is gadgets. They're nice ideas, but really just take space. We don't and won't use them often enough to justify the purchase or get good use out of it.
Decluttering took the joy out of buying clothes. I do buy more with intent now and wear the things I buy way more than I did before.
Gadgets also usually come with so many accessories and random bits. Cables, manuals, warranty info, extra parts, etc. Definitely a good idea to minimise those purchases.
A really good knife can replace so many bulky kitchen gadgets. My mother in law has an amazing "apple peeling machine" which takes up a LOT of space
Congratulations on your journey and your insight into what things to give up that actually prompt you to buy more stuff. Good for you!!!
No judgement here! I truly appreciate your opinion! You’ve actually swayed me on some things. Thank you!
I'm so glad. 💖 What's one of the ones that swayed you?
yes! would love to see a vid on what you buy MORE of. lots of focus everywhere on less less less. The other side would be good to see. Thanks!
I've quit buying everything except food, shoes get resoled every 6 months and have plenty of clothes and extra buttons. I've cut down on meat mostly veggies and fruits and kidney beans and bought big grill mate vegetable seasoning 1lb 4 oz it's still more than halfway full since February 2022.
There will be no regrets for not using most cosmetics . I am older, no regrets. Sunscreens a good idea, never wore make up. Read a book called "The Tightwad Gazette" in my twenties and retired early.
Lots of people thought I was a little bit different, different is not so bad sometimes. I now spend my time with family and doing volunteer jobs.
Ugh. Why do people need to “should” each other!!!! I’m sorry Laura you deserve better. And Ice cream scoops I finally splurged on a pampered chef one and even that lost its coating eventually and left black marks on ice cream bc aluminum. Liked that crazy scoop enough to replace it. Covid helped keep me out of stores nice I figured out no good for me comes from online shopping after 6 pm and before 10 am ( not clear why besides I’m awake and alert and focused). My weakness is big satchels no reason just down to one and two backpacks now no more allowed. I need to cull toiletries bc I have reactive allergic skin and have product fails. Finally got a dermatologist bc skin cancer and upside he likes neutrogena sunscreen and cerave. Drugstore!!! Laura you do you block the haters if they persist you really help me just the way you are.❤️🇨🇦
Yes, to the question for a video of what you buy more of! 😍
Watch this space. 😉
Good list of things. Your little girl is so cute. De cluttering has done the same for holidays to me. Especially Christmas. I like nature in the house now. No flashing colored light, no tinsel.
The planner thing is a big surprise for me. Good for you I know that that's something that You love so I'm actually really proud of you noticing that you weren't using it as you had intended and it was actually becoming clutter or a burden on yourself. Excellent example of a fantasy self item. Knowing how we actually took is very important I know for me my best planning tools is a big blank calendar I have one that I write on and then I have a big one that I'll stick post it notes on for important things I don't want to forget particularly during a busy season last year I did not get used to it except for whenever I was like oh yeah what day is it. 🤣 I definitely work better with things like notebooks to jot down my own listen or customize as I need for that moment for a brain down for a grocery list or a meal plan or whatever. Simple and visual is best for me.
I also agree with everything! Keep decluttering!
I subscribed to colouring heaven magazine this year. There's no adverts just colouring pages and I love it. Because colouring really helps my anxiety. I like you don't buy make-up and creams etc. My face cream is an eczema cream prescribed my doctor. The only thing I do buy occasionally is a lip balm coz my lips get So dry.
I agree with every single thing you said in this video. Christmas now has very mixed feelings. I love the happiness it brings my kids but the stuff! We have never had a huge amount of decorations but we also have a small house so it feels very crowded.
wow you look great in red! thanks for sharing your personal experiences
If you have any local mom friends that sell young living their theives cleaner is great! They may be able to give you a little sample pouch to try. I had tried the sample a few times before I actually purchased a beer bottle myself. It smells good kind of like cloves and that kind of spices smell. It works really well and I even use it on glass with good results. Great for bathrooms and kitchen surfaces that have grease and it doesn't take the finish off of wood like vinegar does. Or at least I haven't noticed that it has I have ruined things with vinegar cleaner in the past. A friend of mine gave me a sample years ago and it's my go-to cleaner for everything occasionally I'll have those things that I feel I need a harsher cleaner for like if I went too long on the shower and it needs from strong stuff to just sit there and clean for me..... but for everyday cleaning it is fantastic!!! I highly recommend and I'm not really into multi-level marketing type things but that product is worth buying It also is highly concentrated and you dilute it in a glass spray bottle so a bottle of it lasts me for almost a year I use it a lot more last year so maybe two bottles any year but the first time I started using it I didn't use it nearly as often as I do now. It actually kills germs and stuff too so I feel like it's a good cleaner. You also don't need to rinse it off items like high chairs and baby toys and I've had my kid and my dog get sprayed directly in the face with it and been completely fine. So safety wise I feel better about it also. Not that I recommend spraying anybody in the face but just in case it happens it's not a big issue like the other toxic cleaners out there. I even like it so much that I bring it with me if we go out of town. 🤣 They have other thieves products which are also amazing but I am the biggest fan and have tried the cleaner so that's when I'll speak about. Believe me I'm not somebody who gets all excited about cleaning products I hate cleaning stuff. 🤣
Nobody’s business what you do or don’t do fir skincare! And I totally agree about often buying the cheapest is not always the best. I am a sucker for thrift store shopping though, especially for my jeans😊and I adore paper planners. I have a digital app for some things, but I’ll never give up my gazelle planner willingly though 😂
My mam always says buy cheap buy twice!!! It's so true !!
I agree it’s the cheap things that trip me up😡 Why? The other is always thinking I need a backup😩 I have seen videos by Minimalist that share I only own one of😖 I love your channel and videos of your journey and we keep learning along the way.
I agree with you about everything except for the toiletries. And it is not a critic, you do whatever you want, it is just a concern regarding the dangers of the sun on your skin. I wouldn’t be able to survive without a moisturizer and a minimum of SPF in it. Especially as I have a very dry skin. For me it would be like living my life without water. Also your daughter probably has a very sensitive skin as a child, so she probably needs some kind of protection. There are excellent not too expensive brands which do the job. It is not a matter of cosmetic but of health. Just a thought… I’m pretty sure that your doctor will agree with me about that.
I do wear sunscreen if I'm going to be out in the sun for a while. And my daughter also wears it. So no worries on that score. 🙂
You do YOU! I just subscribed and love your channel! Forget the naysayers. I am also in the process of simplifying and ongoing decluttering. The fight to keep stuff out is real! lol
The red dress modeled during the closet declutter was stunning, I hop you kept it.
Sure did. It's had many outings. 😁
How sad is it that decluttering has taken the joy out of Christmas for you. You can truly simplify your collection of Christmas decorations without purging to the point (as you said) sadness. To me, not only are cell phones a big waste of money to initially buy, but then there is the monthly bill to deal with. Not to mention all the wasted time people spend on them. I am totally surviving just fine in life without one. I too, have survived two different types of cancer (losing my right kidney) and I also re-evaluated my life,,,,,,,,,,,my final analysis is,,,,,,,,,,,,,"you have to do what makes YOU most happiest & satisfied."
I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) you end up not buying a lot of things. I try to steer clear of chemicals and scents. Haven't bought fabric softener in years I use tennis balls in the dryer, it's rare I have static cling. I typically use dish soap, vinegar, water, rags, for cleaning along with alcohol or vodka. My husband uses the chemicals and paper towels. No perfume I use essential oils.
Your earrings are super cute. You have that lovely fresh spring complexion and they match well 😊
You do you, people judge way too much. I am now in an ongoing decluttering process for years and I have started to see that things bought without much thinking will just add to the job of decluttering them in the long run. I was never buying as much as most people but I have been even more low buy since lock down started. Even though I am still decluttering things I bought or got as a present before that.
Your honestly is wonderful to watch! Thank you so much for your thoughts!!
Thank YOU for your kind comment.
I would never make you wrong for being yourself! You are wise and thoughtful. Don't let the less charitable and judgmental souls bother you. I think you are exemplary! One idea, if you add a bit of distilled vinegar to your cleaning water, it cleans better and is still very inexpensive and kind to the environment. Just a thought. Living on your own terms not only saves you time and money, it gives you peace of mind!
Yes, I would love to see what you buy more of. 😀
One thing which I don't buy are shoes that are from cheap shoe shops. In the 80's and 90's, you could buy good shoes and not need to spend a lot of money on them, but I noticed that in the middle of the 2000's and onwards that they aren't worth getting - they are usually uncomfortable and don't protect your feet very well. Just over 10 years ago, I had a problem with my heel that was made worse by the shoes that I wore because they didn't protect my feet from the cold. I also found that the heel of a pair of boots that I had cracked the first couple of times that I wore them, and another pair of shoes only lasted a few wears before they started coming apart... Cheap shoes just aren't worth it. You can buy shoes when they are in the sales for a good price that are normally expensive, but avoid those which are usually sold at a cheap price (in the UK, anything under £!5 I've noticed is problematic).
New subbie here. I love listening to you. Your process is fresh and different than other declutter folks.
I love a lot of your ideas. And I agree everyone has to do what works for them. Your thing was planners my thing is toiletries. No way am I giving up my serums, lotions and potions. My skin is extremely dry and I would look like a shriveled up raisin if I didn’t use them. I enjoy the self care part of my daily routine plus everyone thinks I’m younger ( I’m 52) than my baby sister who’s 11 years my junior
I am not good at using a planner. I use a Fly lady calendar. I cut my magazine subscriptions down. I don't update items. We lost a lot of our Christmas stuff when we lost a storage unit.
For your Christmas stuff, you could make some decorations; for example, dried orange slice garlands, and using pieces of old clothes as wrapping instead of paper. That way you can just dump all the fabric in a box when the kids have unwrapped it and reuse it the next year, and you can recycle some of the homemade decorations 😊
Oh believe me, I definitely don't need more Christmas decorations. 😂 And I save and re-use all wrapping papers, ribbons, gift bags, etc.
I use shampoo and conditioner bars to save plastic waste and wash my hair less often too (it's good for it) I have also began making my own skincare, more often than not we have to buy additional products to combat the side effect of one's we use due to all the chemicals we don't realizeare in it, ugh!
@@cathyb4770 Yes the Viori brand shampoo/conditioner bars made from rice water (Uhh-mayyy-zzing, lol) or Lush brand shampoo/conditioner bars. It takes a few washes to get used to but they wash your hair well even though it doesn't feel very sudsy. And for moisturizer I spray rose water on my face (water from boiling rose petals) then grapeseed oil. And for body coconut oil with any essential oil that's good for your skin (coconut oil will clog pores In face, great for body)
@@cathyb4770 Ooh, I will have to try that recipe, look at you! You're awesome 👌
I don't buy shampoo any more. I put the leftover slivers of our (Dove) soap into an old shampoo squeeze bottle, top it up with water, let it sit for a day or so, then give it a shake before using it to wash my hair. I have extremely long hair and get all sorts of complements on how shiny and soft it is.
Crazy that people get all critical about hand/body lotions. I only WISH I could go without them. I'm kind of envious. She's probably a lot healthier for it.
I do manual labor so my hands get really dried out, so I have to use lotion. But people need to know that anything you put on your skin doesn't stop at the skin. It gets absorbed into your bloodstream...which makes things like insect spray really scary to me.
I read ingredient labels. I couldn't find any lotions that didn't have cancer-causing ingredients, so I started making my own several years ago, & never looked back. I'm scared of cancer, so I try not to buy stuff that causes it. I know a lot of things do, but all those little things add up, so avoiding as much as possible can't hurt.
Not needing lotion at all sounds like a dream to me!
I LOVE physical planners. I don't buy them because I don't use them, but it is such a struggle. They are so pretty!
Oh yeah, the struggle is real. 😂
I'd love to know what you buy more of, for interest, understanding and mostly good to know ideas :)
I don't buy decor. I have even declutered the decor that was given to me. It doesn't have a purpose for me, it only takes space in what should be MY space. I try to have functional pretty things.
I don’t (usually) update phones. So ATT sent me a notice that they won’t be serving that model anymore. Whatever “G” it is apparently will be insufficient after February 2022.
The joke’s on them. I researched and as 68 year old who texts, but rarely talk on it, and have a hard time seeing the tiny printing. At the recommendation of AARP, I am buying a Lively phone. Less expensive, and many features that will be helpful for me, especially safety and health features. And it probably will outlast me, for the next few years, anyway. 👍
Your skin is amazing so whatever works for you. My only must is sunscreen and in cold dry Midwest winters moisturizer (same one for face and body). Haven’t used hair conditioner since teen years. Simple is best is my thoughts.
I agree. And I've started wearing sunscreen more often in the past few weeks.
You have beautiful skin, and you're lucky to not have to do anything to it.
I cut back on specialty cleaners, especially as they don't work much better than the basics. I forced myself to pull them all out and use them up. Now I use water, Sal Suds, baking soda, and Dawn/vinegar mix. I have empty space where I used to store all that stuff, and cleaning is quicker and more efficient.
Yes I'd like to see the 'more of what you buy' video. I sometimes feel guilt because I find when I see a need for something in the home i don't hesitate to buy it but I feel some guilt. Before I would hesitate to spend that much on something or even at all and i would purchase things I didn't need but felt comfortable buying often such as 20 dollar or less books or other things on amazon. So im not sure if I've redirected my consumersim and I'm spending more or less now but I still feel somewhat frustrated with myself if that makes sense. I also find myself spending a lot on my outdoor flower beds because of how much joy I get from watching them grow and tending them. But I do wonder if my need for more will end. 😥
My MacBook Air is from 2012 and still going strong. I didn’t see the need to get a new one after college since I wasn’t using it for anything serious. That almost changed when I started working from home but I still find my computer does what I need it to and I was able to download the most recent operating system. Phones on the other hand are so tempting to update more frequently because the cameras are changing so rapidly. I’m about 4 models behind and no one lets me use my phone to take group photos anymore haha
Also, my poor Filofax planners are sitting unused but I love them too much to part with them!
I don’t buy magazines anymore. I don’t have subscription either. I agree with what you talked about
I'm with you on every single point! Are we grown-ups now?!🤔
I don't think I have bought any makeup in the past 30 years. I wouldn't think anyone would have the opinion that someone else should use that stuff?! But the thing I have had to quit recently, as part of my focused decluttering, is going to thrift stores. I love thrift stores! But for now, I have to take a break from them. I have been in a couple times recently, and for the most part I am proud of my reserve, but I have to be very careful. Just because it is something unique and interesting does not mean it has a place in my house!
So relate to upgrading my tech! Omg, I had no choice but to buy a new iPhone cuz my screen got broke and things were failing with my old phone. I decided for the first time ever I was gonna invest in the new and latest iPhone 15 pro….a 1K purchase no doubt. So far, it has felt like buyers remorse for me! The photos r some better, but for somebody like me this phone was 1K overkill! I will never ever ever do this again …lesson learned 😢
Yeah, I upgraded from the iPhone 7 to the 14 Pro Max and I hate it. 😂
Love your dress, so pretty. Thanks for the help,
Thank goodness for the library
Amen!
To curb my impulse to buy, I have adopted a virtual shopping :"system" where I go onto a shopping site like Amazon for example, I look for the product and then put it in the basket and leave it there fir at least a week. If after a week or 2 ,I still need the product, I will purchase it.
This has really helped me curb my impulse and also gives me the opportunity to use things that I already have lying around, because more often than not, we buy duplicate items that we really do not need.
Yes, I often do this too. It really helps. 🙂