1. The enjoyment of a trip is roughly proportional to the amount of stuff you bring. 2. If it doesn't have obvious value in your life, get rid of it. (This applies to way more than possessions.) 3. Minimizing is not decluttering. Decluttering is just moving the junk elsewhere. 4. "Just in case" is not a sufficient reason to keep an item. 5. Minimalism involves way more than just possessions. It involves how you spend your time and what relationships you allow as well.
Fire Rule. Would I miss item, if it was lost in a fire. That is a pretty good indication if it needs to be in your life. There are a few other rules I like to use before bringing an item into my home. 1) Do I need it; How will it improve my life 2) Should I wait to get the item that I really want or buy what will do for the moment 3) the 80/20 rule on wardrobe: you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time (I'm trying to get my wardrobe down to pieces I really love) 4) @GabeBult the channel has opened me up to the potential of having less and doing more with the money I have by investing instead of spending. Thanks,Gabe!
I've been hand washing the dishes before bed. It's a nice way to begin winding down and it's sooo refreshing waking up to a clean and clutter free kitchen every morning. Subscribed.
That’s actually what I’d always asked for as gifts for my kids when they were small too! Like a trip to the Children’s Museum or a pass to a trampoline park! That kind of stuff. That way our house didn’t get as cluttered as it could’ve. :)
My son is someone whooh put a lot of effort into getting me to think about experiences rather than material things. He's sort of a reflection of what I used to be before life took a lot of life out of me. He has taken me to mexico. New york city. And places i've never seen before. And it feels so awesome to feel like you're young again. He says mom I want you to enjoy life. I want you to experience things that you need to experience and that you missed out. So it doesn't matter what age you are start experiencing life. Leave the past behind because you're not going back direction.
Bless you both. This speaks to what a solid and loving mother you have been to raise such a wonderful son. May you have many more priceless experiences and moments together.
❤ I'm taking my mom to Ireland soon. We've been talking about it since I was 7 years old, but she's always spent every second and every dime taking care of others. I've started a fund for 2024, and told her to research our roots so we can choose an itinerary. She's earned it, and I don't want her to die without experiencing her #1 bucket list item, after giving up so much for her family.
That is one excellent video. I rented my place in NJ and moved to TX. left 95% of my stuff in a storage unit in Hoboken. Came back and reopened all those boxes just to find out that say 80% of the stuff I had stored (and paid storage) had no real use or emotional connection. Unplanned act, but ended up helping me figure out I really didn't need so many jackets, small collectables, old laptops, sweaters, old or broken gadgets....all things I didn't really need. So I donated some, threw away some. And only kept what I really liked and USED. Excellent video. I feel so much better now, and ready for new things in my life!
It's insecurity. Basically we all want to be loved and seeking out status symbols is a means of telegraphing our desirability and worth. Alain de Botton did a book on this. Quite amusing and gently encouraging us to change. I've never been big on status symbols and I don't understand why someone would be more preoccupied with what I have, and in me. That said I do enjoy some elements of good design and enjoy the fun of self expression in clothes. In some ways I think we're being convinced to blame ourselves, for not having enough, ignoring that this is the biggest gap in wealth distribution since before the French Revolution. If we blame ourselves and go all minimalist, it turns the energy inwards instead of seeking political change.
0:55 I'd panic, honestly. Not because of the loss of clothes/things themselves but because of the sheer expense and effort required to replace them. It is darn near impossible to find things off the rack that fit either my husband or I. I'm in between regular and petite and between regular and plus size. My husband is 6'11 and also husky. Men's Big and Tall stores only carry big OR tall... not both in one article of clothing. What we do have has been the result of years of special ordering items and having them tailored. 16 4e shoes are also not cheap or easy to replace.
I needed this today. My daughter and my best friend keep trying to get me to get rid of STUFF. I am not materialistic but since a major life change has happened I have bought more things like clothes and cups. I have realized I am slowly becoming a hoarder because of this life change. I am going to take everything you said and start making this change today. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
These tips are great! My house really did burn down last year and we lost everything. It was a great lesson to know that our happiness wasn't tied to our material possessions like you said. And honestly it was a bit relieving because we got a fresh start to live more minimally with less stuff.
Me too. 35 years ago. But I lost my family too. That’s still a hard pill to swallow cos the fire took all their photos. I hate that part. Everything else is an inconvenience at best
I have a back pack at the ready to take during an evacuation. In it is a micro SD card and a couple of readers for it. Also a small collection of favourite photos, some clothes, water bottles, toiletries, first aid kit. I feel I have everything I need in there for such a scenario. I also have a mobile HDD offsite at a family members house.
As a person with ADHD, I feel like minimalism is the way to go. Loved the tips and I'm confident it'll change the quality of my life drastically if I follow it right. I'm commenting here so that someone can keep reminding me to watch this video. That way it won't just stay in my saved videos playlist.
As a fellow person with ADHD don’t let this go away just because another activity took over and gets invested into heavily. I’m on board with this as well. Too much going on in my head as it is and trying to concentrate on and all the stuff I have just sitting around doesn’t help. It’s got to go
As a fellow ADHD person, it would be great to be able to actively do these 10 things, I wonder whether there is a ADHD compatible way to achieve the same outcomes? @@DadJuniorVideos
Yes, let this be help for all the folks with ADHD! I always find that the less my space is cluttered, the less it takes up space in my brain. Definitely going to implement some of the tips
When I was growing up, my parents and grand parents didn’t buy us toys. We went on trips. And I remember those trips. Camping, traveling to Europe etc. 👍🏻 Yes, all about those experiences !
@@73cidalia And a lot of trips were just going bike riding to our park and my dad played tennis with me. That cost nothing but I remember those times more than any toys I might have received 😊
In regards to your last rule, when I was teaching I found it helpful to layout not only my clothes, but even what I was going to need to put into my pockets the next day. One less decision that I had to make in the morning before going out the door!
It's not particularly painful for me to make small decisions and they are easier in the morning than at night when I'm tired and it's one more task keeping me from going to bed at a decent hour. Shaming people for not having the same routine as you isn't cool
I moved quite a few times when my kids were young, Their favorite part of each move was when the house was nearly empty.I decided I want that feeling for myself - I'm about 2/3 towards that goal!
I would add to the box rule. I keep a tote bag by the kitchen. If I come across something I don't use and realize I really don't need it, it goes into the tote. When the tote fills up I donate it. The tote is always there so as soon as I know I don't want the thing I can get it out of my space. I have ADHD and before the tote it felt like I would find a thing and think about getting rid of it but then fully conceptualize the process and immediately become overwhelmed. Now its just something that I can pop in the car every few months and have a little less clutter in my house.
Investing in experiences- absolute truth! My husband and I have been minimalists for several years. I LOVE your 90% rule, especially about clothing. We apply that to anything we purchase. Three things made a huge difference for us - 1. Everything having a place. 2. Seeing a task through before starting another - regardless of what the task is. 3. The most important I think - staying consistent. We both had very high pressure jobs, and home had to be our peaceful retreat - that's how our minimalist journey started, and still continues - now moving to garage etc... Your home looks very much like ours does inside, which I find very calming. Loved the video and the rules! I subscribed.
This video is a total eye-opener. The rules are so simple to follow, and I've already decluttered my space using the tips. It's amazing how a minimalist approach can make life less chaotic and more fulfilling!
I've watched a lot of videos on this subject. I appreciate the way you approach the topic and your laid-back style. The minimalist rule that began to change my life was the 2 Year Rule. It was a way to begin, or to ease my way into something like de-cluttering a closet or garage. For example, I go through the clothes and if I haven't worn it within 2 years, I donate it. Same with my tools, books, and so on. Then when I see the results, it acts as encouragement to take bolder steps.
I live in Australia and used to live in a spot which had a lot of bushfires. A scenario is you have 1hr to pack your car of stuff to evacuate. What would you rescue? It’s amazing how real it becomes when you have to evacuate your house. You really realise what’s important and what’s not.
00:04 The house on fire rule helps you evaluate your attachment to material possessions. 01:13 The 2020 rule is about letting go of items you keep 'just in case' 02:18 Use the two-day rule to develop new habits. 03:15 Consistency is key for forming and maintaining habits. 04:19 Investing money into experiences instead of stuff. 05:25 Focus on needs over wants and stop worrying about what others think 06:26 Implement the 90 rule to determine what to buy and reduce unnecessary expenses 07:29 Implementing the two-minute rule and nightly reset has cleared up my calendar and made a significant positive impact on my life.
I love the 20/20 and box rules. I’m a “pile” person. When you said “just in case” that’s me!!! (Little piles here and there and everywhere.) And you’re right anything I have for “just in case” is not needed and easily replaced. Thanks! 🍁🍂
Love all of these. In particular, I have a bin under the bed that has a few seasonal/infrequently used items and I've taken to storing my "wait and see" items there so that they're out of sight but I don't have to make an immediate decision. Just last week I opened the bin and was surprised by a sweater I'd forgotten I put there, lol, and now it has been donated!
For real!! I’m paying $200 a month for items I visit twice a year. In the process of clearing it out. It will be amazing. $200 extra cash into Bitcoin 🙌
@@tronskywalkerin my country there is no such a thing as paying for a storage unite 😄 We can rent an apartment if we need a place to storage stuff, but nobody does it as far as I know. Renting an apartment can be very cheap, I rent small apartment just to sleep over few times per month because renting it cost 100 e per month. This is the only good thing in our country, renting can be very cheap. Buying an apartment is very expensive, on the other hand. So, what are storage units? Some garage?
@@vanjalasko4685 It’s just a building that has many many sizes of rooms. Only for storing extra items that don’t fit in home. Like couches you don’t use, camping equipment. Anything really. In US We buy things we don’t need haha. Like I have new couch’s & old ones are in my storage unit. Once I sell all my items that I don’t need. I’ll be very happy 🙌
The Minimalist Mom calls that the Time Will Tell Box. It’s brilliant. So is that 20 20 rule - I hadn’t heard that one before and it is a great guide that I will put to use.
I've been following a lot of these for a while, but I love how you lay things out so clearly. I also loved how you articulated the clothing rule - it really works for me - and indeed it does make me feel happier. Thanks for this!
Thanks for the 20/20 rule ! I actually did lose everything I ever owned. I put my entire NYC apartment into a storage locker and the locker was auctioned off because I missed one too many payments. For the 1st week it was devastating, then it became liberating. Minimalism is freedom.
@@MaePhilippe-Levy I hope you don't mind if I correct your English? It's 'to lose' which is a verb. (Not loose which is an adjective or adverb, it can be a verb as in 'to loosen the tight belt'). This mistake is proliferating on social media. My French is not very good... And I would also be devastated to lose certain things as well. I did lose most of my things in a fire once. Then I lost a lot of things in a flash flood. Then I gave away most of my things when I moved interstate. However these days most of my belongings have memories attached and I don't like losing them. I have a vase that I bought at an industrial designer friend's sale of seconds. Had it for decades and it broke! Now my Japanese housemate is repairing it, the way of including gold in the cracks so it will tell a story. It won't be all smooth anymore. This is life.
I lost EVERYTHING in 2020 due to Covid while living under Draconian rules in Denver Colorado I literally had a bicycle and a backpack I quickly understood that all of those material objects I HAD were great but not necessary/needed and since have been able to comfortably live out of a 40 liter pack and my bike "I have everything I need and nothing I don't" and if I don't use something in two weeks time I pass it on 😊
The two minute rule turned me into a neat and tidy person! The nightly reset makes me start my day with a smile. Been doing them both for a while now. Playing the minimalist game with a couple of friends...going to use the house on fire question. Good stuff!
I have a 3 second rule when I’m trying something on in a dressing room, which is usually in a thrift store. If I don’t love it in the first 3 seconds, it goes back on the rack. That way everything I own is something that I loved in 3 seconds.
The 2 minute rule has been a game changer for me, and I learned it from you. So thank you so much for that. I'm now able to make small shifts that are making big changes in my life .
100%. I used to have this bad habit, especially during the weekend when I'd wake up and just lay back down on my bed scrolling through my phone for 20 minutes and sometimes it ends up being 30 minutes! While the 2 minute rule sounded extreme.. it really helped so much.
Really enjoyed this video! Straight on point with no fluff! I have a rule I would call the Daily Touch Rule. When I’m getting ready for a trip to the VA, usually 4 days, I open a suitcase and everything I actually USE in a day, goes into the suitcase (minus gadgets). When I return home I know what I did NOT need and declutter some from that point. I’m going to incorporate some of your tips! Thank you!! PS the ‘Just in Case’ was a big realization!
"The stuff we own, ends up owning us. " There is so much truth and wisdom in this statement. I am in a constant war against clutter, and it has led to numerous arguments with my wife. I wish she would learn the 20/20 rule.
I just discovered your channel as this video came up on my feed. I’m in the process of downsizing my things. I appreciate your tips here and will definitely use them as a guide.
I’ve watched a lot of these and you are the 2nd only to suggest ideas for self improvement rather than just to tidy the house etc. Really great. Thank yo7. From UK fan
Been going through depression and anxiety over the last few years and through therapy I've come to realise that I am in need of closure on circumstances that have affected me for a long time, I'm in a transistional period of my life and been binge watching alot of these types of videos, came across your channel and am appreciative of your pov... Am just saying thank you for the content you put out and helping me out by decluttering not only my things but decluttering my mind too, take care and have a safe Christmas and new year into 2024... To those that think it's ok to harrass others pov you can stfu and crawl under the rock you came from
@@garydorfner6695What the hell is wrong with you? I think it would be best to take your own advice and leave others alone. Are you that much hurting that you have to take others down to your level of hurt? Wouldn’t it be feeling great, if someone would reach out to you and show their appreciation? Be the change you want to experience. I wish you love and peace - and healing of whatever is darkening your mind and soul.
This is great. Particularly like the 20/20 rule. I have so much stuff I could throw out under this rule. I have a similar rule for buying clothes. I tell myself that if don’t absolutely LOVE IT when I look at it in the shop, I probably won’t like it that much when I get it home, or in a couple of weeks. So it’s a no. 👌🏻subscribed
A breath of fresh air post on minimalism. One worth jotting down a couple of notes. I remember my last trip to Europe in a carry-on and THAT was the beginning of my final steps into simple minimal living. Thank you.
my favorite thing I’ve learned from decluttering/minimalist is now when I purchase anything that it can be used for various items I removed most of the cups and stuff in the house and the cups I used can be used for coffee tea cold beverages everything so now I really only need 6 cups
The other thing I do now, is if I have to give someone a gift, I try to make it something edible. I think food gifts are better than knick-knack gifts, by far.
Minimalism clicked for me whenever I heard Joshua Fields Milburn say, "I dont have a lot of clothes, but all of my clothes are my favorite clothes." It's quite nice to be able to blindly reach into your closet, pull out an article of clothing, and be able to think, "Yep, this is what I'll wear" without even needing to take a second glance if you didn't need to. Everything should be that way in regards to our stuff. Life is too short to settle for second-string underwear.
7 months ago i went aboard in order to start my first job has an engineer, I went with a small suitcase (i couldnt pay a big one) and i discovered that all i need is 3-4 basic white tshirts 2 nice shirts for work 2 pants, 2 sports wear, 5 underpants a towel and a small neceser. i lived 7 months just with that. Each weekend id do laundry and keep going. Have been 2 weeks back at home for vacations, im still using my little suitcase
Me too. Went for 1 week and stayed 2 months and was in shock when came back home and saw my huge wardrobe. First thought: omg how do I choose now what to dress?? And for what all this choosing stress? And for what do I need all this?
These are great!! Most I hadn't heard told in this way and felt fresh and new. There aren't many videos like this that don't just say obvious stuff. Thank you!
There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.
Some great points - thank you for the video. When I watch things like this (or even read a self-help book) I'm often minded of "What do they do for a living?" Most of us are so busy just trying to keep our lives together financially that things like this get parked in the 'nice to do' category. I suppose if posting videos is your main source of income that is great. I've also found there are quite a few who have a husband or wife who is a high earner in some other field (interestingly, often law or banking) and for all they are posting good stuff online, they don't have that worry of staying afloat financially, which many of us have.
This is ace! Two rules I've really adopted lately for more general household living is... 1) Don't leave a room with empty hands - Helps keep things tidy with little extra effort. 2) One touch rule - If you pick something up to move it or tidy up, make sure you won't have to address it again. You sort the problem rather than just pushing it to another time.
This is a 90%+ video, I am keeping it! (= I subscribed) I love the straightforwardness of your presentation, no fluffy talk, straight to the point with usefull footage. Makes a lot of sense, thank you!
I couldn't have stumbled onto this video at a better time! I just retired and moved from a fully (overstuffed) furnished home I lived in for 22 years to another fully furnished home. I am trying to go through all the boxes I brought and decide what to keep and what to part with. The home I moved into was my mother's home. It is filled with family photos and mementos from a 90-year life. So much I need to part with but so, so hard.
Have someone help you. Oftentimes, having a neutral person who is not attached to those memories (and who loves decluttering) makes the process less painful.
I stumbled upon your video by chance and I have to say, it resonates with everthing that I am trying to do with my life now. Especially, now that my wife and I are juggling between our jobs, household chores, taking care of a toddler etc. The 2 minute rule combined with have a home rule is how I try to keep my sanity around the house for a while now. Also recenty sold my secondary laptop. Downsizing feels really good. Great content. Keep posting.
One rule that has worked out well for me is "Cost per wear" or "Cost per use". So for a clothing example: if you wear the item a lot and it lasts a long time, then the "cost per wear" keeps going down over time, so even if it's kind of an expensive purchase at first, the "cost per wear" is what really should be considered. For a nice jacket, a nice pair of jeans, a nice pair of shoes etc., the "cost per wear" can actually be quite low, and that's a good thing. The worst scenario is if you buy a pricey item and you only wear/use it a few times, purchases like this should be avoided.
Yeah for sure! I used to buy Buckle jeans cause they tailor them and they look nice. They were also very durable and lasted a long time. I had finally busted 2 of my 3 pairs and went back to replace them and they must have changed the quality because both started getting holes and ripping with minimal use. Still wear my OG ones to this day without any problems, so definitely be careful if it’s been a while. Some companies start cutting corners in the time it takes to replace what you like.
Yes! I used to think stores like lulu lemon were ridiculous but here I am still wearing items I bought from them almost ten years ago and they still look great. Plus, fewer shopping trips means less opportunity to get sucked into impulse buying. For awhile I bought cheap clothes from target but they always shrunk or frayed within a few months
Totally agree! I was almost embarrassed when I had to admit to someone I was wearing a shirt that was over 27 years old! And it still looked fabulous! Thank you Ralph Lauren cotton men’s button down!
Good rule! I recently decided to stop buying clothes at WalMart because they don't last or they lose their shape. I'd rather have fewer clothes of better quality, although I have very few clothes now, and know I can wear them for years than to have a bunch of WalMart stuff I'll have to toss out in a year or two at the most.
I have so much stress the Dr said that is causing my TMJ, for months I have been donating stuff I haven't used in a long time. I am getting better and it is freeing, I was surprised but it is working. Love your 20-20 rule, all the rules are great.
We are moving after 22 years. The amount of STUFF that is collected is insane! And I am a cleaner, I purge and sell allot. I had a big moving sale on Saturday. Sold 80% of what I had purged, the rest went to Habitat & Good will. It's just stuff....you can get more stuff! Now , I want less. It makes life calmer, less stressful. I spend money on experiences now, not things.
The house on fire rule is great for people who have not sufgered from house fires personally. Earlier this year 90% of my stuff got damaged from my whole apt bldg burning down and as someone who already had nothing and was displaced over an hour away it was absolutely devastating. Especially cause most of the things I cared about were things like my personal art collection, books, etc. So most of the paper or cloth products either burned or molded away from the water used. I also had a lot of heirloom things that were just unable to be found. Lots of precious memories and items that I genuinely treasured and adored from my family out the window, and I mourn everyday 😞
I agree with you completely on this. I could get over a house fire if all I had was basic furniture, clothes, a tv, and computer. I'd also add that the structural house was insured so I wouldn't go into massive debt. I imagine most people who like the fire rule are people in that scenario. Like you, I have many family heirlooms and personal family items that have deep meaning for me. If they went up in flames, I would be devastated. The furniture and TV I wouldn't care about, but those priceless items I would. I'm very sorry that happened to you.
Can you talk about minimalism and also staying prepared for emergencies like natural disasters? I find myself holding onto a lot of things "just in case" of an emergency
"Set up for Success the Night Before"-- I really like that. Awesome video was also trying to find out the song around 6:40 mark, it was super zenful. Great video, clear speaking as well... I gotta work on that myself.
I love reading books, so I decluttered a lot of those I was sure I wouldn’t read or re-read. I tried buying only e-books for a while, but I don’t really like reading on a tablet as much as a physical book. So now I have a rule that I will only buy and read one book at a time, and will sell/donate/gift it before I buy a new one. This rule is actually making me read a lot more than before I implemented it 😅 And I don’t buy a lot of books I never read anymore 😃👏🏻
@@witchypoo3535 I also love the library, but unfortunately they don't have all the books I would like to read. I live in a small town, and I don't want to ask them to buy new books all the time 😅
@@usernametaken799 Awww yes I understand 😀 I'm lucky to have a large library in the next town. I do buy some in charity shops aswell... Reading is great! 😍
@@witchypoo3535 That sounds amazing! I used to love the big library when I lived in a bigger city. I totally agree, reading is great! Forever grateful to the people who invented books! 😍
As a ADHD / Dyslexic / Depressive with OCD and hoarding lol, I had so many issues letting go of "Stuff" and after a massive life changing event, well 3 of them, I stepped back and looked at what I had. You are right, probably 90% of what I had could go, but it was the emotional attachment to the objects or "Things". I couldn't get over letting them go but it was adding to the emotional baggage keeping them. After the 3 life changing events (yes I know you want to know what they were lol - my last suicide attempt, My diagnosis that I had ADHD and my doctor telling me I had prostrate cancer). Clearly I didn't complete the suicide attempt, which was my 3rd. My ADHD I now have meds for and the Prostrate cancer ? Medical mistake when my records were updated, took 3 days to confirm it was a mistake. The thing is it took the life changing events to change my view of the "material assets", which I will lose, when I "leave this mortal coil". So why not take action now and start letting go. I does really help and I feel more at peace, less likely to be thinking about the items and feel more positive. Thank you for the video
Don’t give up, have faith in Jesus Christ for a positive outcome and healing as there’s nothing impossible for God. There are herbal supplements that can add to your treatment with hospital treatment like cats claw, other supplements , our minds are powerful so our words with faith can change outcome , I speak life in abundance in Jesus Mighty name 🙏 amen!
Glad you’re still here with us! We never realize how many people we will affect if we end our lives (ourselves). It’s devastating! So keep up the good fight. Trust in the Lord and ask for His help to endure life’s challenges. You are a valuable son of God with infinite worth! ❤️
@@sherbear2016 thanks for your words but I'm not a believer in God or Jesus Christ. I didn't ask for their help and I endured it on my own. I'm not going to ask for help when Im already better
@@aaronag7876 Ok. Do what you think is best. If you don’t think you will ever feel that way again and need help in any way, then you are doing better than most of us.
@@karinam4115 Do you realize how arrogant it is to assume that someone is or should be Christian? Maybe try being supportive of someone who has had great struggle without need to make it about you and your personal ways.
All excellent rules, and I like the names! Nightly re-set is a MUST for me, as is the two-minute rule. Waking up to a clean kitchen and neat home every morning is lovely. And instead of scrolling on a device if I have a minute or two, I can always neaten up an area, put away dishes or sort through the mail. New subscriber, THANK YOU!
First time viewer and new subscriber. The 2 minute rule has really changed my home life a lot (I heard about it about a year ago). If it's not gonna take more than 2 minutes, just do it now. I'll try incorporating some of your other rules as I'm working toward a more simple life. We're getting ready to downsize homes and as I clean out closets I'm decluttering so much stuff.
4 years ago I was working 2 jobs full time and in the winter of 2020 I quit and went snowboarding all through California and the Rockies. Best thing I ever did. One of the valuable lessons I learned, as I am someone with no children and no desire to have any, is I loved only owning the gear I was using to board. I didnt own the places I was staying. The car I had was a lease and I had all my clothes in my bag. I only owned the gear, my phone, laptop and some clothes. It all fit in my car and I LOVED IT!!! I then aspired from then to live that life. But living like that you realize you do a lot of this stuff on this list naturally. While I have since gone back to work and have a more permanent residence my goal in the end is to live out of a hotel room with a kitchen. This way if I wanna move I just gotta pack a few bags. I dont even want the furniture. I do have a lot of expensive hobbies (ice hockey, snow boarding, and mountain biking) with a lot of expensive gear so it'll take a while. But a man can dream.
My inlaws lived very happily in an extended stay hotel for several years. When they wanted to visit relatives or travel, they packed up, put the stuff in their car, put their car (with the stuff in it) into a storage locker, and went to the airport. When they returned, they got the car back, moved back into the hotel, unloaded the car, and that was it.
I just love your videos. As someone in my 20s, you’re educating me and saving me from making so many mistakes in the future. This content is so valuable, you deserve every bit of monetisation you gain from it. This is the kind of content I live for. I really love your philosophy on life btw. I never had good parents, I kind of look to you as a father figure.
As someone who lost all my clothes three years ago, yes it did effectively make me sad and depressed. The memories of this green shirt with a leaf on it is always something I can’t forget has it was a hammy down shirt. From my brother to my sister to me.
I'm very good at the box rule. The clothes rule, I can't follow that I am too attached. Also, many many of the clothes that I love are not made anymore.
Great getting started video. Simplifying your life is a journey not an event. My new rule is no more than two projects on my workbench at any one time. It forces me to finish what I start.
Good stuff. I do the sharpie method, kind of like the box rule. I write the year on an item when I buy it. Helps me know how long something lasted. Helps me put into context how often I've needed it. If I'm not sure if I still need it I write the current month and year. If another 6-12 months go by and it hasn't been used out the door it goes.
I have quoted the 20/20 rule for the last 3 yrs but have now decided it doesn’t quite apply anymore. Yes, things are mostly back in stock since covid but now things that cost $20 often cost $30+ and we aren’t bringing in much more income (btwn higher taxes, etc). So the 20/20 rule needs to be updated and we all need to carefully think about what we get rid of and bring in a LOT less.
I feel the same way after the pandemic. I am not buying anything that I don't need anymore, but I am holding on to some things "just in case" because I know I will be paying a lot more money for them when the time comes to use them. You might have an item put away for years and not use it, but the minute you get rid of it, it's the moment you will need it. It has happened to me many times. I will use the box idea and put them out of sight. That I like.
I agree. I am a minimalist - however - I have gone shopping in my closet of clothes and I always find something that will work for all those post covid weddings. I also agree that if you purchase good quality items that you love, you will reuse them many years.
The key is balance...pretty well every self declared minimalist I know is hyper focused on this thinking and takes this too far, it often becomes an obsession. Those that are overwhelmed in stuff, can certainly find that reductions in the amount of their stuff is freeing. Good principles overall.
Fabulous! I love to purge stuff. Not everyone enjoys this activity, I know. Clutter and too much stuff makes me nervous. I always say, ‘Will you want it in 2, 3 or 5 years?’
Yeah, it’s tough at Christmas time when my parents and sister are all pestering me, my spouse and kid to give them lists of things we want. All we want is to not have to buy and return stuff for Christmas. We spend all our money on trips abroad. Never even eat out in our own city.
Minimalism isn't a purchase, it's a philosophy. You have to live, eat and breathe it. Switching your consumption from stuff to a big house and euro vacations isn't minimalism!
Your name “Have a Home Rule” is the perfect name for that rule IMO. I use that phrase all the time. When I think about getting something I try to think of where it’s home is going to be or if I have a home for it, if I don’t, I don’t get it. When things are out of place in my house I put things back in their home, I ask myself if an item has a ‘better home’ when I am organizing my house. It’s like the old saying, “A place for everything and everything in it’s place.” My things have homes!
Every time Gabe uploads it’s time to watch no matter what ❤ love your work bro, seriously. Would you be open to doing morning/night time routines? Maybe a day in the live video?
I really like your channel. Great practical tips. I know you are focused towards young people but an old guy like me always get some great tips from you. You are never too old to learn to live better. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
What minimalist rule changed your life?
I do the box up ... if I don't know what to do with an object I put in a box and if I haven't touched it within 30 day I donate or gift them
1. The enjoyment of a trip is roughly proportional to the amount of stuff you bring.
2. If it doesn't have obvious value in your life, get rid of it. (This applies to way more than possessions.)
3. Minimizing is not decluttering. Decluttering is just moving the junk elsewhere.
4. "Just in case" is not a sufficient reason to keep an item.
5. Minimalism involves way more than just possessions. It involves how you spend your time and what relationships you allow as well.
Fire Rule. Would I miss item, if it was lost in a fire. That is a pretty good indication if it needs to be in your life.
There are a few other rules I like to use before bringing an item into my home. 1) Do I need it; How will it improve my life 2) Should I wait to get the item that I really want or buy what will do for the moment 3) the 80/20 rule on wardrobe: you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time (I'm trying to get my wardrobe down to pieces I really love) 4) @GabeBult the channel has opened me up to the potential of having less and doing more with the money I have by investing instead of spending. Thanks,Gabe!
Just asking myself _"When did i use this thing last?"_ handling an item that just seemed to pop up out of nowhere.
Having my kids follow the one in, one out rule from an early age, as well as the gifting of experiences.
Buy what you need and need what you buy. This is the rule, I go by.
I've been hand washing the dishes before bed. It's a nice way to begin winding down and it's sooo refreshing waking up to a clean and clutter free kitchen every morning. Subscribed.
Agreed, It stinks to wake up to having to clean before you can even make coffee. Sounds like you discovered the key, to enjoy the process.
"Investing in experiences" That got me right there. That's golden ✨️ 💛
That’s actually what I’d always asked for as gifts for my kids when they were small too! Like a trip to the Children’s Museum or a pass to a trampoline park! That kind of stuff. That way our house didn’t get as cluttered as it could’ve. :)
No fluff, no unnecessary talking, not hipster or cheese storytelling: just plain down to earth, good to learn tips. Subscribed 😊
Same
What is “cheese storytelling”?
It’s rare isn’t it
Same!
Not hipster but something hipsters would probably enjoy
My son is someone whooh put a lot of effort into getting me to think about experiences rather than material things. He's sort of a reflection of what I used to be before life took a lot of life out of me. He has taken me to mexico. New york city. And places i've never seen before. And it feels so awesome to feel like you're young again. He says mom I want you to enjoy life. I want you to experience things that you need to experience and that you missed out. So it doesn't matter what age you are start experiencing life. Leave the past behind because you're not going back direction.
Bless you both. This speaks to what a solid and loving mother you have been to raise such a wonderful son. May you have many more priceless experiences and moments together.
❤ I'm taking my mom to Ireland soon. We've been talking about it since I was 7 years old, but she's always spent every second and every dime taking care of others. I've started a fund for 2024, and told her to research our roots so we can choose an itinerary. She's earned it, and I don't want her to die without experiencing her #1 bucket list item, after giving up so much for her family.
So precious!
That’s beautiful
@AScrapOfKindness
Life is so short. Enjoy family while you're still alive.
That is one excellent video. I rented my place in NJ and moved to TX. left 95% of my stuff in a storage unit in Hoboken. Came back and reopened all those boxes just to find out that say 80% of the stuff I had stored (and paid storage) had no real use or emotional connection. Unplanned act, but ended up helping me figure out I really didn't need so many jackets, small collectables, old laptops, sweaters, old or broken gadgets....all things I didn't really need. So I donated some, threw away some. And only kept what I really liked and USED. Excellent video. I feel so much better now, and ready for new things in my life!
Status symbol is a form of control. Knowing who you are inside and living by your own principles is the best control that you can have over your life.
It's insecurity. Basically we all want to be loved and seeking out status symbols is a means of telegraphing our desirability and worth.
Alain de Botton did a book on this. Quite amusing and gently encouraging us to change. I've never been big on status symbols and I don't understand why someone would be more preoccupied with what I have, and in me. That said I do enjoy some elements of good design and enjoy the fun of self expression in clothes. In some ways I think we're being convinced to blame ourselves, for not having enough, ignoring that this is the biggest gap in wealth distribution since before the French Revolution. If we blame ourselves and go all minimalist, it turns the energy inwards instead of seeking political change.
0:55 I'd panic, honestly. Not because of the loss of clothes/things themselves but because of the sheer expense and effort required to replace them. It is darn near impossible to find things off the rack that fit either my husband or I. I'm in between regular and petite and between regular and plus size. My husband is 6'11 and also husky. Men's Big and Tall stores only carry big OR tall... not both in one article of clothing. What we do have has been the result of years of special ordering items and having them tailored. 16 4e shoes are also not cheap or easy to replace.
Have you tried buying for him online at Tall Slim Tees?
I needed this today. My daughter and my best friend keep trying to get me to get rid of STUFF. I am not materialistic but since a major life change has happened I have bought more things like clothes and cups. I have realized I am slowly becoming a hoarder because of this life change. I am going to take everything you said and start making this change today. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
These tips are great! My house really did burn down last year and we lost everything. It was a great lesson to know that our happiness wasn't tied to our material possessions like you said. And honestly it was a bit relieving because we got a fresh start to live more minimally with less stuff.
To a degree, it's not what happens to you, it's how you react to what happens to you, that determines your outcome in life.
@@kenc.9067 so true!
Me too. 35 years ago. But I lost my family too. That’s still a hard pill to swallow cos the fire took all their photos. I hate that part. Everything else is an inconvenience at best
@@philippamayall2091 I’m so sorry for your losses, I can’t imagine going through that. ❤️🩹
I have a back pack at the ready to take during an evacuation. In it is a micro SD card and a couple of readers for it. Also a small collection of favourite photos, some clothes, water bottles, toiletries, first aid kit. I feel I have everything I need in there for such a scenario. I also have a mobile HDD offsite at a family members house.
As a person with ADHD, I feel like minimalism is the way to go. Loved the tips and I'm confident it'll change the quality of my life drastically if I follow it right. I'm commenting here so that someone can keep reminding me to watch this video. That way it won't just stay in my saved videos playlist.
As a fellow person with ADHD don’t let this go away just because another activity took over and gets invested into heavily. I’m on board with this as well. Too much going on in my head as it is and trying to concentrate on and all the stuff I have just sitting around doesn’t help. It’s got to go
Adhd here too.. agreed. Commenting so I have more invested in re-watching this video when it's not 4am lol
As a fellow ADHD person, it would be great to be able to actively do these 10 things, I wonder whether there is a ADHD compatible way to achieve the same outcomes? @@DadJuniorVideos
Commenting for the other adhd commenters.
Yes, let this be help for all the folks with ADHD! I always find that the less my space is cluttered, the less it takes up space in my brain. Definitely going to implement some of the tips
When I was growing up, my parents and grand parents didn’t buy us toys. We went on trips. And I remember those trips. Camping, traveling to Europe etc. 👍🏻
Yes, all about those experiences !
Definitely the plan for my kids
We couldn’t afford toys or trips. 🤷🏻♀️ But you’re right. Experiences are so much better.
@@73cidalia
And a lot of trips were just going bike riding to our park and my dad played tennis with me. That cost nothing but I remember those times more than any toys I might have received 😊
I totally relate to that and agree with u
I had a lot of great experiences and imagination building with my toys.
In regards to your last rule, when I was teaching I found it helpful to layout not only my clothes, but even what I was going to need to put into my pockets the next day. One less decision that I had to make in the morning before going out the door!
Well any normal human being it brought up to do so. Always pack up and be ready for tomorrow - before you go to sleep. ;)
It's not particularly painful for me to make small decisions and they are easier in the morning than at night when I'm tired and it's one more task keeping me from going to bed at a decent hour. Shaming people for not having the same routine as you isn't cool
You choosed Italy for your trip! As italian i’m proud for this. Thank you for your preference!
You chose*
I moved quite a few times when my kids were young, Their favorite part of each move was when the house was nearly empty.I decided I want that feeling for myself - I'm about 2/3 towards that goal!
..."Just in case I need to make 18 cups of coffee at once..."🤣
Legit had to do this when my family showed up unannounced
This is soooo real 😂
Investments are the roots of financial security; the deeper they grow, the stronger your future will be."
The deeper your investment roots, the stronger your financial security will be in the future.
Exactly! With my adviser, I’ve cultivated deep investment roots, strengthening my financial security for the future.
I would love an introduction to an adviser who can help me strengthen my financial roots.
My CFA NICOLE ANASTASIA PLUMLEE a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further.
Thank you for this amazing tip. I just looked the name up and wrote her.
I would add to the box rule. I keep a tote bag by the kitchen. If I come across something I don't use and realize I really don't need it, it goes into the tote. When the tote fills up I donate it. The tote is always there so as soon as I know I don't want the thing I can get it out of my space. I have ADHD and before the tote it felt like I would find a thing and think about getting rid of it but then fully conceptualize the process and immediately become overwhelmed. Now its just something that I can pop in the car every few months and have a little less clutter in my house.
Investing in experiences- absolute truth! My husband and I have been minimalists for several years. I LOVE your 90% rule, especially about clothing. We apply that to anything we purchase. Three things made a huge difference for us - 1. Everything having a place. 2. Seeing a task through before starting another - regardless of what the task is. 3. The most important I think - staying consistent. We both had very high pressure jobs, and home had to be our peaceful retreat - that's how our minimalist journey started, and still continues - now moving to garage etc... Your home looks very much like ours does inside, which I find very calming. Loved the video and the rules! I subscribed.
This video is a total eye-opener. The rules are so simple to follow, and I've already decluttered my space using the tips. It's amazing how a minimalist approach can make life less chaotic and more fulfilling!
I've watched a lot of videos on this subject. I appreciate the way you approach the topic and your laid-back style. The minimalist rule that began to change my life was the 2 Year Rule. It was a way to begin, or to ease my way into something like de-cluttering a closet or garage. For example, I go through the clothes and if I haven't worn it within 2 years, I donate it. Same with my tools, books, and so on. Then when I see the results, it acts as encouragement to take bolder steps.
The 2 minute rule is the best. Amazing how many "things" get done immediately.
I live in Australia and used to live in a spot which had a lot of bushfires. A scenario is you have 1hr to pack your car of stuff to evacuate. What would you rescue? It’s amazing how real it becomes when you have to evacuate your house. You really realise what’s important and what’s not.
I am a minimalist but you have cleared my vision. I am humbled by your discipline. I subscribed to learn more so that I will do better.
00:04 The house on fire rule helps you evaluate your attachment to material possessions.
01:13 The 2020 rule is about letting go of items you keep 'just in case'
02:18 Use the two-day rule to develop new habits.
03:15 Consistency is key for forming and maintaining habits.
04:19 Investing money into experiences instead of stuff.
05:25 Focus on needs over wants and stop worrying about what others think
06:26 Implement the 90 rule to determine what to buy and reduce unnecessary expenses
07:29 Implementing the two-minute rule and nightly reset has cleared up my calendar and made a significant positive impact on my life.
Thanks for putting this list up. Just what I needed.👍
I love the 20/20 and box rules. I’m a “pile” person. When you said “just in case” that’s me!!! (Little piles here and there and everywhere.) And you’re right anything I have for “just in case” is not needed and easily replaced. Thanks! 🍁🍂
Love all of these. In particular, I have a bin under the bed that has a few seasonal/infrequently used items and I've taken to storing my "wait and see" items there so that they're out of sight but I don't have to make an immediate decision. Just last week I opened the bin and was surprised by a sweater I'd forgotten I put there, lol, and now it has been donated!
I would be relieved if they told me my $200/mo storage unit burned to the ground. Wow...I just realized that at this moment. Thank you.
Its literally a money shredder. Unless you have piles of gold hidden in there. 😂
For real!! I’m paying $200 a month for items I visit twice a year. In the process of clearing it out. It will be amazing. $200 extra cash into Bitcoin 🙌
Or $200 a month into a better investment vehicle.
@@tronskywalkerin my country there is no such a thing as paying for a storage unite 😄 We can rent an apartment if we need a place to storage stuff, but nobody does it as far as I know. Renting an apartment can be very cheap, I rent small apartment just to sleep over few times per month because renting it cost 100 e per month. This is the only good thing in our country, renting can be very cheap. Buying an apartment is very expensive, on the other hand. So, what are storage units? Some garage?
@@vanjalasko4685
It’s just a building that has many many sizes of rooms. Only for storing extra items that don’t fit in home. Like couches you don’t use, camping equipment. Anything really. In US We buy things we don’t need haha. Like I have new couch’s & old ones are in my storage unit. Once I sell all my items that I don’t need. I’ll be very happy 🙌
this is so timely as i pack up and move across the country. making my keep/donate process easier!
The Minimalist Mom calls that the Time Will Tell Box. It’s brilliant. So is that 20 20 rule - I hadn’t heard that one before and it is a great guide that I will put to use.
I've been following a lot of these for a while, but I love how you lay things out so clearly. I also loved how you articulated the clothing rule - it really works for me - and indeed it does make me feel happier. Thanks for this!
Everything i have fits in the 20ft travel trailer i live in full time. Ive never been happier.
Thanks for the 20/20 rule ! I actually did lose everything I ever owned. I put my entire NYC apartment into a storage locker and the locker was auctioned off because I missed one too many payments. For the 1st week it was devastating, then it became liberating. Minimalism is freedom.
Depend on what to loose.... I would be devastated to loose my library....
@@MaePhilippe-Levy I hope you don't mind if I correct your English? It's 'to lose' which is a verb. (Not loose which is an adjective or adverb, it can be a verb as in 'to loosen the tight belt'). This mistake is proliferating on social media. My French is not very good...
And I would also be devastated to lose certain things as well.
I did lose most of my things in a fire once. Then I lost a lot of things in a flash flood. Then I gave away most of my things when I moved interstate. However these days most of my belongings have memories attached and I don't like losing them. I have a vase that I bought at an industrial designer friend's sale of seconds. Had it for decades and it broke! Now my Japanese housemate is repairing it, the way of including gold in the cracks so it will tell a story. It won't be all smooth anymore. This is life.
I lost EVERYTHING in 2020 due to Covid while living under Draconian rules in Denver Colorado I literally had a bicycle and a backpack I quickly understood that all of those material objects I HAD were great but not necessary/needed and since have been able to comfortably live out of a 40 liter pack and my bike "I have everything I need and nothing I don't" and if I don't use something in two weeks time I pass it on 😊
The two minute rule turned me into a neat and tidy person! The nightly reset makes me start my day with a smile. Been doing them both for a while now. Playing the minimalist game with a couple of friends...going to use the house on fire question. Good stuff!
I have a 3 second rule when I’m trying something on in a dressing room, which is usually in a thrift store. If I don’t love it in the first 3 seconds, it goes back on the rack. That way everything I own is something that I loved in 3 seconds.
I love thrift shipping, and I love your 3 second rule! Thanks!
I won’t shop the week my period is due! I’m bloated and make wrong choices 😮😂
In other words, you're an impulse shopper!
Try keeping your wallet in the car so you can't buy it without a walk back!
The 2 minute rule has been a game changer for me, and I learned it from you. So thank you so much for that. I'm now able to make small shifts that are making big changes in my life .
100%. I used to have this bad habit, especially during the weekend when I'd wake up and just lay back down on my bed scrolling through my phone for 20 minutes and sometimes it ends up being 30 minutes! While the 2 minute rule sounded extreme.. it really helped so much.
I wish i had heard this 40 years ago. Bloody brilliant, such succinct wisdom!
Really enjoyed this video! Straight on point with no fluff! I have a rule I would call the Daily Touch Rule. When I’m getting ready for a trip to the VA, usually 4 days, I open a suitcase and everything I actually USE in a day, goes into the suitcase (minus gadgets). When I return home I know what I did NOT need and declutter some from that point. I’m going to incorporate some of your tips! Thank you!! PS the ‘Just in Case’ was a big realization!
yes many things people own is a lifetime of memories
"The stuff we own, ends up owning us. " There is so much truth and wisdom in this statement. I am in a constant war against clutter, and it has led to numerous arguments with my wife. I wish she would learn the 20/20 rule.
I just discovered your channel as this video came up on my feed. I’m in the process of downsizing my things. I appreciate your tips here and will definitely use them as a guide.
Living a simple life is beautiful, thank you for sharing that 20/20 rule.
I’ve watched a lot of these and you are the 2nd only to suggest ideas for self improvement rather than just to tidy the house etc. Really great. Thank yo7. From UK fan
Been going through depression and anxiety over the last few years and through therapy I've come to realise that I am in need of closure on circumstances that have affected me for a long time, I'm in a transistional period of my life and been binge watching alot of these types of videos, came across your channel and am appreciative of your pov... Am just saying thank you for the content you put out and helping me out by decluttering not only my things but decluttering my mind too, take care and have a safe Christmas and new year into 2024... To those that think it's ok to harrass others pov you can stfu and crawl under the rock you came from
Get over it. Move on. Geez. Stop thinking about yourself and what you need to do.
@@garydorfner6695What the hell is wrong with you? I think it would be best to take your own advice and leave others alone. Are you that much hurting that you have to take others down to your level of hurt? Wouldn’t it be feeling great, if someone would reach out to you and show their appreciation? Be the change you want to experience. I wish you love and peace - and healing of whatever is darkening your mind and soul.
To CeeJay2.0: I wish the best for you during your time of despair. I've been there. It's the worst. I'll bet you can make it out. Warmth to you.
Love your mellow voice and approach. I can definitely use your items in my life. Thanks for sharing. 🎉🎉❤❤❤
This is great. Particularly like the 20/20 rule. I have so much stuff I could throw out under this rule. I have a similar rule for buying clothes. I tell myself that if don’t absolutely LOVE IT when I look at it in the shop, I probably won’t like it that much when I get it home, or in a couple of weeks. So it’s a no. 👌🏻subscribed
A breath of fresh air post on minimalism. One worth jotting down a couple of notes. I remember my last trip to Europe in a carry-on and THAT was the beginning of my final steps into simple minimal living. Thank you.
I’m lying in my bed and I’m realizing that 95% of the “things” around me have no substantive meaning to me.
...But hopefully not your bedmate though, right? 😉
Ditto
understand the problem = ½ problem solved
my favorite thing I’ve learned from decluttering/minimalist is now when I purchase anything that it can be used for various items I removed most of the cups and stuff in the house and the cups I used can be used for coffee tea cold beverages everything so now I really only need 6 cups
No fluff, no unnecessary talking, not hipster or cheese storytelling: just plain down to earth, good to learn tips. Subscribed
Thanks !
The personal items , like my mom's toque and scarf , lapel pin of my grandmother ... unique things that can't be replaced
The other thing I do now, is if I have to give someone a gift, I try to make it something edible. I think food gifts are better than knick-knack gifts, by far.
Minimalism clicked for me whenever I heard Joshua Fields Milburn say, "I dont have a lot of clothes, but all of my clothes are my favorite clothes." It's quite nice to be able to blindly reach into your closet, pull out an article of clothing, and be able to think, "Yep, this is what I'll wear" without even needing to take a second glance if you didn't need to. Everything should be that way in regards to our stuff. Life is too short to settle for second-string underwear.
I do think you can enjoy a home and make good memories without much stuff. A pool is fun to center memories around.
She is really amazing with her skills. She changed my 0.5BTC to 2.1BTC
👍🤩💝 I agree. I started practicing minimalism 10 years ago, and I’ve made little changes over time. It has gotten easier and easier.
7 months ago i went aboard in order to start my first job has an engineer,
I went with a small suitcase (i couldnt pay a big one) and i discovered that all i need is 3-4 basic white tshirts 2 nice shirts for work 2 pants, 2 sports wear, 5 underpants a towel and a small neceser.
i lived 7 months just with that. Each weekend id do laundry and keep going.
Have been 2 weeks back at home for vacations, im still using my little suitcase
Me too. Went for 1 week and stayed 2 months and was in shock when came back home and saw my huge wardrobe. First thought: omg how do I choose now what to dress?? And for what all this choosing stress? And for what do I need all this?
These are great!! Most I hadn't heard told in this way and felt fresh and new. There aren't many videos like this that don't just say obvious stuff. Thank you!
There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.
Some great points - thank you for the video. When I watch things like this (or even read a self-help book) I'm often minded of "What do they do for a living?" Most of us are so busy just trying to keep our lives together financially that things like this get parked in the 'nice to do' category.
I suppose if posting videos is your main source of income that is great. I've also found there are quite a few who have a husband or wife who is a high earner in some other field (interestingly, often law or banking) and for all they are posting good stuff online, they don't have that worry of staying afloat financially, which many of us have.
This is ace! Two rules I've really adopted lately for more general household living is...
1) Don't leave a room with empty hands - Helps keep things tidy with little extra effort.
2) One touch rule - If you pick something up to move it or tidy up, make sure you won't have to address it again. You sort the problem rather than just pushing it to another time.
This is a 90%+ video, I am keeping it! (= I subscribed)
I love the straightforwardness of your presentation, no fluffy talk, straight to the point with usefull footage. Makes a lot of sense, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I couldn't have stumbled onto this video at a better time! I just retired and moved from a fully (overstuffed) furnished home I lived in for 22 years to another fully furnished home. I am trying to go through all the boxes I brought and decide what to keep and what to part with. The home I moved into was my mother's home. It is filled with family photos and mementos from a 90-year life. So much I need to part with but so, so hard.
Have someone help you. Oftentimes, having a neutral person who is not attached to those memories (and who loves decluttering) makes the process less painful.
One of the few people I have felt deserved a subscription for real and not out of habit or pity. Kudos!
I stumbled upon your video by chance and I have to say, it resonates with everthing that I am trying to do with my life now. Especially, now that my wife and I are juggling between our jobs, household chores, taking care of a toddler etc. The 2 minute rule combined with have a home rule is how I try to keep my sanity around the house for a while now. Also recenty sold my secondary laptop. Downsizing feels really good. Great content. Keep posting.
I love how these are not only applicable to minimalism. A lot of these can be applied to life with or without being a minimalist.
One rule that has worked out well for me is "Cost per wear" or "Cost per use". So for a clothing example: if you wear the item a lot and it lasts a long time, then the "cost per wear" keeps going down over time, so even if it's kind of an expensive purchase at first, the "cost per wear" is what really should be considered. For a nice jacket, a nice pair of jeans, a nice pair of shoes etc., the "cost per wear" can actually be quite low, and that's a good thing. The worst scenario is if you buy a pricey item and you only wear/use it a few times, purchases like this should be avoided.
Yeah for sure! I used to buy Buckle jeans cause they tailor them and they look nice. They were also very durable and lasted a long time. I had finally busted 2 of my 3 pairs and went back to replace them and they must have changed the quality because both started getting holes and ripping with minimal use. Still wear my OG ones to this day without any problems, so definitely be careful if it’s been a while. Some companies start cutting corners in the time it takes to replace what you like.
Yes! I used to think stores like lulu lemon were ridiculous but here I am still wearing items I bought from them almost ten years ago and they still look great. Plus, fewer shopping trips means less opportunity to get sucked into impulse buying.
For awhile I bought cheap clothes from target but they always shrunk or frayed within a few months
That resonants.
Totally agree! I was almost embarrassed when I had to admit to someone I was wearing a shirt that was over 27 years old! And it still looked fabulous! Thank you Ralph Lauren cotton men’s button down!
Good rule! I recently decided to stop buying clothes at WalMart because they don't last or they lose their shape. I'd rather have fewer clothes of better quality, although I have very few clothes now, and know I can wear them for years than to have a bunch of WalMart stuff I'll have to toss out in a year or two at the most.
I have so much stress the Dr said that is causing my TMJ, for months I have been donating stuff I haven't used in a long time. I am getting better and it is freeing, I was surprised but it is working. Love your 20-20 rule, all the rules are great.
We are moving after 22 years. The amount of STUFF that is collected is insane! And I am a cleaner, I purge and sell allot. I had a big moving sale on Saturday. Sold 80% of what I had purged, the rest went to Habitat & Good will. It's just stuff....you can get more stuff! Now , I want less. It makes life calmer, less stressful. I spend money on experiences now, not things.
The house on fire rule is great for people who have not sufgered from house fires personally. Earlier this year 90% of my stuff got damaged from my whole apt bldg burning down and as someone who already had nothing and was displaced over an hour away it was absolutely devastating. Especially cause most of the things I cared about were things like my personal art collection, books, etc. So most of the paper or cloth products either burned or molded away from the water used.
I also had a lot of heirloom things that were just unable to be found. Lots of precious memories and items that I genuinely treasured and adored from my family out the window, and I mourn everyday 😞
I agree with you completely on this. I could get over a house fire if all I had was basic furniture, clothes, a tv, and computer. I'd also add that the structural house was insured so I wouldn't go into massive debt. I imagine most people who like the fire rule are people in that scenario. Like you, I have many family heirlooms and personal family items that have deep meaning for me. If they went up in flames, I would be devastated. The furniture and TV I wouldn't care about, but those priceless items I would. I'm very sorry that happened to you.
Can you talk about minimalism and also staying prepared for emergencies like natural disasters? I find myself holding onto a lot of things "just in case" of an emergency
His mantra is not set in stone. If you need some stuff in emergencies then keep it. You can adopt his principle to what suits you.
"Set up for Success the Night Before"-- I really like that. Awesome video was also trying to find out the song around 6:40 mark, it was super zenful. Great video, clear speaking as well... I gotta work on that myself.
I love reading books, so I decluttered a lot of those I was sure I wouldn’t read or re-read. I tried buying only e-books for a while, but I don’t really like reading on a tablet as much as a physical book. So now I have a rule that I will only buy and read one book at a time, and will sell/donate/gift it before I buy a new one. This rule is actually making me read a lot more than before I implemented it 😅 And I don’t buy a lot of books I never read anymore 😃👏🏻
That's why I use the library cos I can just return the books when read 😊
@@witchypoo3535 I also love the library, but unfortunately they don't have all the books I would like to read. I live in a small town, and I don't want to ask them to buy new books all the time 😅
@@usernametaken799 Awww yes I understand 😀 I'm lucky to have a large library in the next town. I do buy some in charity shops aswell... Reading is great! 😍
@@witchypoo3535 That sounds amazing! I used to love the big library when I lived in a bigger city. I totally agree, reading is great! Forever grateful to the people who invented books! 😍
@@witchypoo3535yes but then you touch some old book in your bed pfff noo
I liked the "throw it out if it doesn't have a home". I'm going to mull over that and incorporate that. Thank you!
As a ADHD / Dyslexic / Depressive with OCD and hoarding lol, I had so many issues letting go of "Stuff" and after a massive life changing event, well 3 of them, I stepped back and looked at what I had. You are right, probably 90% of what I had could go, but it was the emotional attachment to the objects or "Things". I couldn't get over letting them go but it was adding to the emotional baggage keeping them.
After the 3 life changing events (yes I know you want to know what they were lol - my last suicide attempt, My diagnosis that I had ADHD and my doctor telling me I had prostrate cancer). Clearly I didn't complete the suicide attempt, which was my 3rd. My ADHD I now have meds for and the Prostrate cancer ? Medical mistake when my records were updated, took 3 days to confirm it was a mistake.
The thing is it took the life changing events to change my view of the "material assets", which I will lose, when I "leave this mortal coil". So why not take action now and start letting go.
I does really help and I feel more at peace, less likely to be thinking about the items and feel more positive.
Thank you for the video
Don’t give up, have faith in Jesus Christ for a positive outcome and healing as there’s nothing impossible for God. There are herbal supplements that can add to your treatment with hospital treatment like cats claw, other supplements , our minds are powerful so our words with faith can change outcome , I speak life in abundance in Jesus Mighty name 🙏 amen!
Glad you’re still here with us! We never realize how many people we will affect if we end our lives (ourselves). It’s devastating!
So keep up the good fight.
Trust in the Lord and ask for His help to endure life’s challenges. You are a valuable son of God with infinite worth! ❤️
@@sherbear2016 thanks for your words but I'm not a believer in God or Jesus Christ.
I didn't ask for their help and I endured it on my own.
I'm not going to ask for help when Im already better
@@aaronag7876 Ok. Do what you think is best. If you don’t think you will ever feel that way again and need help in any way, then you are doing better than most of us.
@@karinam4115 Do you realize how arrogant it is to assume that someone is or should be Christian? Maybe try being supportive of someone who has had great struggle without need to make it about you and your personal ways.
All excellent rules, and I like the names! Nightly re-set is a MUST for me, as is the two-minute rule. Waking up to a clean kitchen and neat home every morning is lovely. And instead of scrolling on a device if I have a minute or two, I can always neaten up an area, put away dishes or sort through the mail. New subscriber, THANK YOU!
I watch way too many minimalist videos
Time to minimize
Savage comment.
Maybe incorporate your consumption of minimalist videos into your minimalist routine??
Me too😂
@@katrinmariaabisz if only I spoke German!!
First time viewer and new subscriber. The 2 minute rule has really changed my home life a lot (I heard about it about a year ago). If it's not gonna take more than 2 minutes, just do it now. I'll try incorporating some of your other rules as I'm working toward a more simple life. We're getting ready to downsize homes and as I clean out closets I'm decluttering so much stuff.
4 years ago I was working 2 jobs full time and in the winter of 2020 I quit and went snowboarding all through California and the Rockies. Best thing I ever did. One of the valuable lessons I learned, as I am someone with no children and no desire to have any, is I loved only owning the gear I was using to board. I didnt own the places I was staying. The car I had was a lease and I had all my clothes in my bag. I only owned the gear, my phone, laptop and some clothes. It all fit in my car and I LOVED IT!!! I then aspired from then to live that life. But living like that you realize you do a lot of this stuff on this list naturally. While I have since gone back to work and have a more permanent residence my goal in the end is to live out of a hotel room with a kitchen. This way if I wanna move I just gotta pack a few bags. I dont even want the furniture. I do have a lot of expensive hobbies (ice hockey, snow boarding, and mountain biking) with a lot of expensive gear so it'll take a while. But a man can dream.
My inlaws lived very happily in an extended stay hotel for several years. When they wanted to visit relatives or travel, they packed up, put the stuff in their car, put their car (with the stuff in it) into a storage locker, and went to the airport. When they returned, they got the car back, moved back into the hotel, unloaded the car, and that was it.
I just love your videos. As someone in my 20s, you’re educating me and saving me from making so many mistakes in the future. This content is so valuable, you deserve every bit of monetisation you gain from it. This is the kind of content I live for. I really love your philosophy on life btw. I never had good parents, I kind of look to you as a father figure.
As someone who lost all my clothes three years ago, yes it did effectively make me sad and depressed. The memories of this green shirt with a leaf on it is always something I can’t forget has it was a hammy down shirt. From my brother to my sister to me.
You were reading Save the Cat! 🙂 And I couldn't agree more about the experience rule, we've started moving towards this as well.
I'm very good at the box rule. The clothes rule, I can't follow that I am too attached. Also, many many of the clothes that I love are not made anymore.
The social media part is so crucial to adresss and become aware of in our own lives
For Christmas - Something you want, Something you need, Something you wear, Something you read, Something you DO!!
Great getting started video. Simplifying your life is a journey not an event. My new rule is no more than two projects on my workbench at any one time. It forces me to finish what I start.
Good stuff.
I do the sharpie method, kind of like the box rule.
I write the year on an item when I buy it.
Helps me know how long something lasted.
Helps me put into context how often I've needed it.
If I'm not sure if I still need it I write
the current month and year. If another 6-12 months go by and it hasn't been used out the door it goes.
4:32 This rule just changed my life. Thank you!
I have quoted the 20/20 rule for the last 3 yrs but have now decided it doesn’t quite apply anymore. Yes, things are mostly back in stock since covid but now things that cost $20 often cost $30+ and we aren’t bringing in much more income (btwn higher taxes, etc). So the 20/20 rule needs to be updated and we all need to carefully think about what we get rid of and bring in a LOT less.
I feel the same way after the pandemic. I am not buying anything that I don't need anymore, but I am holding on to some things "just in case" because I know I will be paying a lot more money for them when the time comes to use them.
You might have an item put away for years and not use it, but the minute you get rid of it, it's the moment you will need it. It has happened to me many times.
I will use the box idea and put them out of sight. That I like.
I agree. I am a minimalist - however - I have gone shopping in my closet of clothes and I always find something that will work for all those post covid weddings. I also agree that if you purchase good quality items that you love, you will reuse them many years.
the fact that u gave so much quality tips in less than 10 minutes shows how ur really used to apply these tips ur giving away, thats incredible!
The key is balance...pretty well every self declared minimalist I know is hyper focused on this thinking and takes this too far, it often becomes an obsession. Those that are overwhelmed in stuff, can certainly find that reductions in the amount of their stuff is freeing. Good principles overall.
Good point. Becoming obsessed with the process is not exactly freeing. Good reminder. Balance.
GREAT rules to live by. Especially love investing in experiences rather than stuff and the house on fire rule.
I learn alot from your channel. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! I learn a lot from making it lol
Fabulous! I love to purge stuff. Not everyone enjoys this activity, I know. Clutter and too much stuff makes me nervous. I always say, ‘Will you want it in 2, 3 or 5 years?’
My family doesn't understand me at all. How I don't get excited about buying crap. If it doesn't add value, I don't buy it. It's all "want's v needs."
Absolutely! My sister is a shopaholic mo matter if it’s clothes food toiletries ….😮
Yeah, it’s tough at Christmas time when my parents and sister are all pestering me, my spouse and kid to give them lists of things we want. All we want is to not have to buy and return stuff for Christmas. We spend all our money on trips abroad. Never even eat out in our own city.
That is helping!!! Thank you❤😊my rule: if I buy new thing, have to take out 2 of similar. 😊
Love your videos. I was considering minimalism, all the benefits you explained made me go for it. ❤❤
Minimalism isn't a purchase, it's a philosophy. You have to live, eat and breathe it. Switching your consumption from stuff to a big house and euro vacations isn't minimalism!
@@sscbkr48 who said anything about euro vacations and switching to big house? What you talking about?
Your name “Have a Home Rule” is the perfect name for that rule IMO. I use that phrase all the time. When I think about getting something I try to think of where it’s home is going to be or if I have a home for it, if I don’t, I don’t get it. When things are out of place in my house I put things back in their home, I ask myself if an item has a ‘better home’ when I am organizing my house. It’s like the old saying, “A place for everything and everything in it’s place.” My things have homes!
Every time Gabe uploads it’s time to watch no matter what ❤ love your work bro, seriously. Would you be open to doing morning/night time routines? Maybe a day in the live video?
For sure! I’ll add that to the list!
So True ❤ my fav TH-camr 😊
@@GabeBultyes! We need skincare / morning / night routines please
I really like your channel. Great practical tips. I know you are focused towards young people but an old guy like me always get some great tips from you. You are never too old to learn to live better. Thanks for sharing. 🙂