Did you enjoy this “Do’s and don’ts” setup for a video? And if so, which topic should I make a Do’s and Don’ts video about next? Maybe self care, slow living, decluttering, or something else? Let me know!
I hope this isn't a test, I might fail some of these thirty. 😭 I wait too long after I decide to get rid of particular things, that's not so good as you pointed out. Maybe more videos on what is in your kitchen and food prep? I don't know if there is enough viewer interest though. Hi Vera 😀
I’d love to hear your do’s & don’t’s for planning a trip !! And packing for it. I know there are lots of variables / preferences for people with this. But I’d love to hear yours !
Hi! Lovely video, as usual, Vera! I would love to hear a Do's and Don't's video about maintaining a workable life... What you Do and Don't do that keeps you keeping on... You've probably mentioned all of these before, but maybe there are some hacks that are simply magical? 🌺☀️🌍🌏🌎✌️🕊️Like, I know for me, good food, water, and sleep are the most healing... plus letting myself be quiet and letting time pass! But I'm not doing as much as you are and I still have trouble letting go of Things!!!
I was feeling sad and bad then I sat down and saw you had posted a video. Spending just 14 minutes with you and your kind, calming voice made me feel so much better. If you ever wonder if you make a difference in peoples lives, you do. Truly.
I love the shop your house idea. My daughter had a beautiful sketch made of my parents when my mom died. I thought I’d get it professionally framed which would cost a fortune. I poked around my house and found a beautiful frame tucked in a closet that was the perfect size. Shop your house!
Going to a library is my favorite way to shop for free! I get such a high taking home tons of books and movies for free! It makes me so happy. My library even has "you saved this much" in the check out receipt! Love it! 😁
My tip is to not be afraid to return things! Sometimes you plan a purchase and are intentional when researching and still an item doesn’t work out. Luckily most stores will you allow you to return things. So keep your receipts! Your wallet will thank you and you will have much less worry when purchasing.
YES! That's a great one :) You could even wear something around the house for a few hours without taking off the tags, so you could still return it if you find that it's not exactly what you were looking for.
One minimalism trick that I learned from my closet is this: items in = items out. If I buy 3 new tops, I have to get rid of 3 old tops, in other words the # of items in my closet can't grow over time. This helps me a lot because it is a small immediate effort. I keep a box in my closet and keep adding older clothes to it until it is full and I can donate it. Another helpful tip, which is really hard for me to follow but makes life easier: when you don't need something anymore - don't put it in storage - get rid of it right away. Love your videos Vera!
IDEA: Take pic of your rooms & make decisions from the pic of what you want to keep, donate or toss. I think it is less overwhelming & less chances to get distracted on why you were in the room to begin with.
Hi Vera~ I can't agree more on the point of applying minimalism in other aspect of your life. The reason I start minimalism is to live a simple life. The less I have, the less in handling, doing, thinking, etc. It's not just about physical thing, but also our mind, body, and spirit. Zen and mindfulness is not about physical things, but it is also a type of minimalism practice. It's the belief and value about simple life.
One of the best things I have learned on my decluttering journey is to declutter first and then organize. For years I wasted So much time and energy and money shuffling my stuff around our Home. I bought many books on organizing, many Baskets, bins, Totes, etc. only to realize nothing was getting organized, just moved around. Your channel is one of my favorites for it’s down to earth approach to minimalism. I will probably not ever be a true minimalist, but our home is more organized and much neater Than it has ever been. Thank you for your words of encouragement and inspiration.
"Forgive yourself for past purchasing mistakes" is a big one in my life. It can be months ago, a year ago, or weeks ago and I have that guilt for buying something. I have returned something recently which felt empowering, but other things I've held because I can't dispose of ethically and hate to bag them and toss them. Both situations involve guilt. I think that's a good topic!
Yes, I forgave myself for all the handbags I bought from 2012-2019. Luckily, they were easy to resell, so are not a complete lost. I was able to recoup from 60-80% of purchase price. Thank you Fashionphile.
Your channel relaxes me. I love the way you speak, the way you smile, the softer music, and the space you use to film your videos. I have always disliked a messy home, but it still took me over a year to finally declutter things that I didn't REALIZE were clutter! I kept getting rid of more and more stuff because I never felt "done". One day I realized that my style is more "uncluttered" rather than "minimalistic". My bedroom is a very calm, serene, and zen -like space, but my small living area/kitchen/dining area/combination is very clean and uncluttered, but not what most people would consider minimal. I have only the things that I need/like, and I have only what I consider to be just enough. It took me awhile to get to this place, and your videos, such as this one, help me to understand that minimalism is different to each person and that's ok. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words Karen and I'm so happy for you that you made so much progress and got your home to a state you're happy with, in your own way 🤗💖 that's the way to go!
I agree with everything you said. I’ve been living a minimalist life in NYC since my divorce. It’s just stuff! There are things that are hard to part with, however: books, music (LP records and CDs), art.
Great tips, thanks a bunch! What really works for me is something you mentioned- namely making a list in my notebook. I was eyeing items on a few online shops but when I made a list of all the items I thought I wanted at the moment, a day later I actually realized that not only do I need like 2 of about 30 itens but I would have paid over 400 euros for crap that would clutter my home for months! 😳 I did feel quite ashamed given it was cosmetics too! It is fascinating when a person can spend out of boredom if not thinking about it!
After simplifying my closet, I routinely move clothing around to discover new ways to wear them. Just changing things around seems to give them new life. I also leave items in Amazon cart for a week or so before purchasing, and more times than not, I will end up deleting most of them.
Great list!! I love the "wear the clothes" idea, it's so simple, but I hadn't even really thought about that! Let's see... 1 DO: start small- pick a shelf, (not the whole case, just 1 shelf!) remove all the contents, and put back what you want in that space, rehome the rest- put it away or donate it. 1 DONT: Dont worry about the whole stack, (of paperwork, clothing, toys...) take 30 seconds to find a few items to put away and a few to toss or donate! Slow progress is still progress!!
Shop your home first ! 👌 Start a “ wish list “ 👍 Don’t dwell on bad purchases of your past ! Your home is not a storage unit ! ! ! 👏 Great video ! 👏👏👏👏
Don't expect your first declutter to be your last declutter. That's an unreasonable expectation and can lead to feelings of failure when in reality you're not done yet. Do be open to getting more stuff eventually. Early on you get rid of tons because you find a lot of what you owned you didn't like, however as you refine your possessions you'll refine your tastes and sometimes want to add back things you decluttered just of a different style.
I love the tip about not browsing! I recently decided to cut back on buying and then felt tempted by unnecessary browsing on a selling app. I think a great way to avoid unnecessary browsing is to delete shopping apps! If and when you need an item, a quick internet search will suffice. But by deleting the app, it is less accessible and tempting. (:
A tip I like that I’ve picked up along the way on this Journey : DO remember that Five Minutes Matters ( from Dawn, The Minimal Mom ... maybe Cas / Clutterbug, & Dana / A Slob Comes Clean, too!) . No need to put off decluttering or tidying until we have a huge chunk of time !! 5 mins is surprisingly productive , & it often creates momentum that easily turns into a few minutes more, too. Don’t keep gifts out of guilt. If you enjoyed it for a while, great ! If it was not a good fit, it’s now yours to do what you want to with. The Joy of the moment it was given to you can still be treasured. And you can free up your space.
This list is awesome! When I started watching I was "oh boy, for a minimalist video this has too many rules". But all of them are important and most of them aren't even touched on, congrats! I found you yesterday and I am enjoying your videos a lot, I have been feeling too tired all the time and finally I have someone who has a good idea on why, it all makes sense!
It's always good to keep watching such videos because they remind me of what's essential and help me remain a minimalist and benefit from all that it has to offer as a lifestyle and a mindset. Thank you!
Perfect advise on minimalism and living intentionally….. I try very hard to keep to these rules.. I love your idea about just taking a walk and treating yourself to a cup of coffee or tea instead of browsing Take care Vera ❤️
I have emigrated twice. And every time I have manage to full my home with stuff. Then I have realized it was just fear of the unknown, the new. Trying to hold on to things is just I sign of a troubled mind set and anxiety. So, I have started decluttering. And to my surprise I love it. I only buy what I really need, return anything that is short from perfect for me. It cleared my mind and I feel much free.
A ‘do’ that you once told that I use a lot is to see things like you do in a museum: you can enjoy them, how they look, how they are made, but that does not necessarily means i have to take them home with me.
I like the - don't use decluttering as an excuse to buy more - tip. I'd love to see a video on self control from browsing. Lately I've felt guilt for all the clothing I've purged and donated, who know if the donations went to good use or if they were discarded. The textile industry is one of the most wasteful. Love your plants, by the way.
Thanks so much! Hmmm yes, let me think about it. I think it's just something I started doing less and less, as my interest for shopping declined naturally, I just started browsing less. After a while, I started noticing the difference and I really liked it (much 'quieter' headspace when you're not browsing) so then I basically just stopped completely. Maybe it's something like a lifestyle change where you're slowly getting used to it
Great video! My don't - Avoid buying furniture with unneeded storage space, such as bedside cupboards (buy bedside table instead having only a surface top), etc. The less storage available, the less items you'll have. My do - Plan all purchases (food, home and clothes)
Vera, #20 is for me! I will hold on to stuff for weeks trying to figure out how to upcycle or recycle when I should have just trashed it. It was causing me such stress. I finally let that mindset go. I’m still working on letting go of the expensive items that I just don’t need and can’t sell. Great video as usual!😊
Good to hear you let that mindset go! :) No need to feel stressed out about it. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help with letting go of the expensive items. :) Have a nice day today!
been doing baby steps to declutter. got living room, hallway, bedroom and Dining room the way me and the wife want it . we have inherited so many things from family it is very difficult to part with . very hard to get out of the mindset to cherish what your given even if its does not add value or a function . we have a rather big family so you can understand the mounds of things that can fill a room in one holiday . how can we say no with out upsetting the whole family. we tried to ask the family to give only to the kids. but all the aunts and parents and grandparents feel the need to pop in a small gift when they think no one is looking. and that leads to all of them doing the same thing. to give you a glimpse this last past holiday we ended up with 5 different counter appliances a box of knick knacks about 10 holiday hand towles and about 4 sweaters for each of us and thats not counting the toys for the kids. me and the wife feel awful getting rid of things. this has been going on for about 10 years. we have had 4 huge yard sales in the last 2 years before covid and it still keeps coming . with tact how can we stop this. the guilt is killing us. and on a side note our house is the holiday house everyone comes to because we have the space. this is bad to say but covid did slow it down a bit
Excellent do’ and don’ts. I enjoy your relaxing videos. When l go shopping l will pick up things l think l ‘want’ or ‘need’. By the time l am ready to leave, l have already gone back and put almost all of it (or sometimes, ALL of it) back. I will also not take a cart or basket into places like the dollar stores or big box places, unless l know beforehand that l will need it for items that l REALLY need.
Thanks for your ideas Vera (such a pretty name!) Do remember that our tastes change over time, and that is ok, and we can declutter those things (like high heels). Don't get rid of things you can't decide on right away. Put them in a box and come back later- a few months later. You will know better then.
Your comments on “Impulse purchasing” are right on. Taking a couple of days to reflect on the item, do a little research, discuss it with your partner and then make a decision. This will prevent the entrance of more junk from entering the home! 😎
Hi Vera, another great video. My new tip to keep me on track with clothing is I treated myself to some fancy clothes hangers for my wardrobe (you can decide how many is your own right number but stick to it!). Now if I want to buy myself a new item, I have to let something else go out as I only have a finite set of hangers. Plus I bought them in my fav colour so my boys won’t walk off with them! Win win ☺️
I just discovered your channel just in time for my seasonal decluttering. When you hear that ‘stuff’ is energy and too much stuff around drain your energy or even cause anxiety - unknowingly. I removed the 2 pictures from the wall in my small bedroom and the room was almost echoing. Sound is energy. Interesting. Love your advice 🙏
Do find a sharing community to join to find homes for things you no longer use. I use "Buy Nothing" on Facebook and have enjoyed connecting with people in my area. Someone will post a "need" and I can sometimes fulfill the needed item for them. Just today someone was looking for buttons for a craft project with kids. I had a box of buttons I had collected over the years. I really did not need them. It was fun to think of a group of kids enjoying them. I included the ceramic box I had stored the buttons in too because I really didn't need anymore either❤
The wish list has really helped me avoid buying things that I don't need or already have enough of. Waiting to make a purchase for a day or 2 also works because it gives you time to see if you really love it, also having a certain number of things you want like you said is our "sweet spof" also is a good rule.
What is it that I really like your videos: a lot of calma, relaxed voice, some tea, good tips. Just fabulous. Content is brilliant, as usual. Very much to the point. I think you developed your own style during the years, not easy to get there. Keep going, highly appreciated.
"The best things in life are not things" is a very beautiful and wise quote!! Thanks for another very helpful and inspiring video💖 I absolutely LOVE your channel and you are doing an amazing job!✨Hugs from Norway🥰🥰
Thank you so much for your kind comment Aina, so happy you're enjoying my videos! I don't know who originally said that quote but I love it too :) Have a nice day today!
Great video! ‘do tip’ -keep my end goal in mind -it helps me decide if the item I’m mulling over would be included. ‘Do tip’ -imagine my ideal feeling in the space -this helps me feel grounded and brings clarity when I’m feeling overwhelmed. ‘Don’t tip’ -don’t keep something if I would give it to a friend who needs it. If I would give it away happily, then I’m probably keeping it out of guilt.
Hi Vera thank you. Really enjoyed this video. A don't for me is not to hold on to things just for the sake of it. A do is to give more thought before buying something. Another do and don't video on self care would be nice.❤
Packed full of good ideas as always. I like the shop at home but I have a different wording: it's a 100% discount if you don't buy it. I also sometimes wait a day before buying something, to see if I still want it. "Don't browse" is also useful: looking through sale brochures or coupons just makes you want things you wouldn't otherwise get. I don't buy many things in the first place, so I don't bother chasing sales. If something I'm already getting happens to be on sale, that's a bonus. And at Costco I reserve $10-20 to try a new food: you can do the same at the supermarket.
Hi Vera, I connect with all of your points here. When I started decluttering, I really didn't want to do it. I had so much stuff stored in boxes and in storage areas so I started decluttering a few items daily and progressed from there. It's a continuous process and I enjoy it now. When you mentioned shopping online I remember my neice saying to me that she might go online to buy a nice jacket and suddenly all these popups come up with shoes, trousers etc that would look nice with that jacket. So the temptation is there for sure. I find if I'm in a store now snd putting things in my basket, I pause halfway through and often go back and leave most of the products back where it was on the shelf.
Thanks for the inspiration, Vera! Re: #20. One thing I keep in mind is that most trash is sorted through several times after we toss it: By passers by, refuse collection technicians, and again by staff at the collection plant who sort and snag 'useful' items.
Thanks Dave! Also, it helps me to be more mindful when buying new things, considering the fact that I might need to discard it sometime in the future if I don't find it useful anymore.
These tips are perfect since a lot of people decide to "spring clean' their homes. My do is to have a wish list either with a store online or on paper to give me time to really think about an item I may want to purchase. My dont is to buy something made out of synthetic fibers. i prefer something more natural such as cotton, silk, linen, hemp, etc.
Thank you for all your great tips! I'm just "getting ready" to start decluttering and embracing more minimalism. I think the best tip for me is declutter first and then organize. I usually get too Gung ho and pull everything out of my closet and try to organize as I go and I end up in overwhelm and frustration and just throw everything back in the closet. I'll will focus on declutter first this time and hopefully I'll be more successful! Thanks for all you do, I'm really enjoying your channel!
This is such a good guideline video, Vera! I sure used to fall into the trap of keeping something for the future because I "might" find it usual later. Then 5 years later, it's still in a box in the bottom of my closet, etc. and never touched! Time to throw it out. Then, too, I've tried to pass on the "family heirlooms". They are another easy trap. I keep them for my kids, who are grown and have grown children themselves, but knowing the kids and the grandkids really have no interest. Instead, I've made stories about the things that spark memories, attached pictures, and then sent these things off to thrift stores for others to find joy in. Sometimes it's hard, but I had to learn it was the memories, not really the items. The kids and grandkids love the stories! Thanks for all the wisdom you share!
I definitely "DO" make use of the cart on the Amazon website. I put things in the cart and then think about them for a few days to decide whether or not I really need them. I "DON'T" go shopping in person like I used to, which cuts down on impulse buying. This is a result of the pandemic but I think I'll continue to really be mindful of when and why I go shopping in the future. Thanks for sharing this video; I enjoyed it.
"Do" Share your mineralization journey with others so they can be inspired to do the same thing! I started a social medial group and we are all decluttering together, sharing videos, photos, ideas, etc! It's very supportive and inspirational!
I also had to pay attention to why I was getting rid of the items I was getting rid of. It helped me not to bring similar items home 😄 For example, cheap t-shirts that would turn see-through after a while, excessive art materials or stationary that I'd buy too fast for the speed I use them up...
In this case, I'd say you did wonderfully Ngoni!! 😄🤗 I should have clarified by saying 'don't declutter someone else's stuff without their permission'.
Thank you for a very inspiring video. I love the comparison of decluttering to sculpting. I am at the beginning of my journey and all your tips have been very helpful to me.
Happy to hear the video has been helpful for you Joanna, wishing you lots of luck with your minimalism and decluttering journey! Feel free to let me know how it's going :)
@@SimpleHappyZen Thank you and I wish you all the best. I have all I need and even more, so decided to stop buying new clothes. I will shop at my house according to your advice. I will allow myself to buy something new once or twice a year, but I will give away something else.
I've found the Amazon Wishlist is a great way to give yourself the 24 hour (or longer) think period about whether or not you want/need an item. I can't tell you how many times I've put something in the wishlist, only to go back in later and delete it once I thought about it.
Do take your time in figuring out what matters to you. It's easy to get I'd of things and clear your schedule but you don't want to get rid of the things/events that matter. Don't be too hard on yourself. The journey towards minimalism can be long, sometimes with many bumps on the way. Be kind to yourself on the way. 😊
Happy to hear the video was helpful for you!! :) I think it's normal to feel like that every now and then :) Getting some fresh inspiration seems to do the trick for me as well
My personal tip, as I tend to get G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrom) when it comes to camera gear: Watch or read review about the equipment you already own! You will feel the value of the things you already have and the urge to upgrade or get something new will decrease
This was very helpful! I personally like to collect virtually, for example I liked to own books because I read so much that I sometimes can not remember every single book I read. Now I have a bookshelf App that helps me sort the eBooks and "real" books I rented or purchased and passed on. So that's my do. You already mentioned my donts ;)
I’ve been binge watching your channel and loving it. And in my humble opinion, the blue top you are wearing in this video is my absolute favorite color on you!
Yes, #3 is very key! Recently I didn't even have to go as far as to (wear) that item actually but I would say to myself instead, when getting dressed, and grabbing my favorite thing, "NO, you can't wear that, you're going to wear "this" instead. And "this," referred to the item in question. Once I knew I had to put (that) item in question on, it was suddendly blatantly obvious to me that, no I didnt' want to wear it at all!! And it was as simple as that😉😊 I then took it a step further by immediately placing that item into the car and taking it to the thrift store. After trading it in, I was even able to find a blouse that suited me in exchange for it. But even if I hadn't been able to trade it in that way I still would have donated it. After getting home, I thought to myself, "why did I even 🤔think that I wanted that other blouse?"...it didn't even fit right and it just made me feel bad about myself and the new one did exactly the opposite. But, I do not think that I would have come to that conclusion SO quickly if I had not told myself that I had needed to wear that exact unwanted blouse that very day. #7- This one was tough for me, the spending money on something new that I wanted bc I still tend to over-question myself on even things that I do find valuable. But, I'm getting better!
Do: speak with your family and friends about the kinda gifts you would like to receive or the ones they want that you can get them. so there won't be that awkward situation where you don't know what to do with the gifts you receive and don't need or want. Don't: Don't expect the perfect result in one go. decluttering takes time, and minimalism is a road not a destination.
Decluttering is sculpting a beautiful statue, I like that Vera 😊. One do: be patient, minimalism is a journey. Bonus do: find your Why? For me it’s free time, travel, and cultural events. Don’t? Don’t wait! 😁
You mentioned several videos you enjoy watching instead of the news. Are they listed somewhere? You speak so fast that by the time I grabbed a pen you were onto the next topic. Thank you you have a lot of great ideas.
We found some Dutch cookies in a convenience store: "stroopwafels", waffle cookies with caramel filling. They're in a thick cardboard box, the cookies stacked in plastic-wrapped batches, with a metal closing-clip on each batch. I'd never seen such cookies or clip before. American cookies are often in a plastic tray, an outer plastic wrapping, and maybe an inner plastic wrapping too, and if there is a clip it's plastic. I wondered if the packaging was due to EU environmental laws or the company's own innovation. Earlier I said if you're looking for ideas for your channel, you could show us the Netherland's parks and natural areas (a minimimalist stroll), or cultural details not well known outside the country. These cookies are an example. Another example would be the bike infrastructure we've heard so much about, and pedestrian-centric architecture. (Architecture for minimalists -- as opposed to minimalist architecture, which I find too modernist and is not at all the same thing.)
Thanks so much Mike!! YESSS stroopwafels, they're the best. Unfortunately the regular kind aren't vegan, so I can't eat them anymore. But I know a place where you can get vegan ones 😇 I did recently post a vlog showing Rotterdam on Patreon, and we often discuss Dutch habits or what it's like to live in the Netherlands here. Those clips for example are very common :) We use them for bread too. Don't really know why :) Also, if you're interested in learning about biking infrastructure (or general infrastructure and how the way that Dutch cities are built effects quality of life), I can reocmmend checking out the channel Not just bikes. He does a much better job at explaining those things than I ever could haha. Have a lovely day!!!
Do. Do not be afraid to let go of sentimental items. I was saving stories I wrote in college because I got A's on them. It was a proud time in my life. However honestly no one else I know would have the same feelings. As far as don't, right now I have none. I don't expect the people that follow me will live their lives the way I did.
Adding to the first Do: Shop your (grand-)parents home! Of course this depends on the relationship. But usually older people have a lots of excess stuff since they grew up keeping anything just in case. Half of my kitchen items are from my parents basement - stuff they haven’t used for 10+ years. I might not get them to declutter stuff. But they are happy to give away things they’re not using anyways when they see how grateful I am to reuse. And I don’t have to buy new or spend money.
Hopefully this doesn’t come off wrong. I would never steal things or coax sth. out of somebody lol. My parents just really have so much stuff in their basement - they don’t even know what‘s down there anymore. So when I moved into a new flat and needed some household items I found a bunch of perfectly fine kitchen things they had discarded but not gotten rid off a long time ago. My mom was really exited to give me the stuff. It was a win-win situation. And for me it felt even better than buying new.
I love that! Like you said, it might depend on your relationship with them, but I can definitely see how this could come in super handy :) Very sustainable too!!
Use your public library. This does away with the need for accumulating books games and DVDs. The library has printers, and photocopiers, so you don’t need these in your home. Sometimes you can give your old books to the library bookstore.
My DO NOT would be - do not minimize on important medical items. This could be items in case of emergency, items for maintaining health and of course items for conditions that apply to you or family.
Don’t forget to tell your family and friends about you’re decluttering journey. They can give encouragement and know not to shop for you! 🤣 Do - just keep going! This will take some time and many sessions.
Very useful video! Definitely coming back do it for a rewatch in the future. I have a problem with items that were gifts - I cannot bring myself to getting rid of most of them asit feels somehow wrong. Yet there are a lot of them that don't add value to my life.
Hi Vera, I really liked the idea of a decluttering plan! I will make one using your guide. Maybe you can make a video about do and don’t about traveling or slow living? Thank you!
From @joshuabecker: don’t buy an item, if you already have something at home that can serve the same purpose/function. I recently learned this with ramekins 😜 I don’t need a midsize dipping/sauce dish when I have smaller and larger ones that perfectly contain/serve condiments in the same way.
Did you enjoy this “Do’s and don’ts” setup for a video? And if so, which topic should I make a Do’s and Don’ts video about next? Maybe self care, slow living, decluttering, or something else? Let me know!
I hope this isn't a test, I might fail some of these thirty. 😭 I wait too long after I decide to get rid of particular things, that's not so good as you pointed out. Maybe more videos on what is in your kitchen and food prep? I don't know if there is enough viewer interest though. Hi Vera 😀
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I’d love to hear your do’s & don’t’s for planning a trip !! And packing for it. I know there are lots of variables / preferences for people with this. But I’d love to hear yours !
@Alice Congrats on the new job, so excited for you!!
Hi! Lovely video, as usual, Vera! I would love to hear a Do's and Don't's video about maintaining a workable life... What you Do and Don't do that keeps you keeping on... You've probably mentioned all of these before, but maybe there are some hacks that are simply magical? 🌺☀️🌍🌏🌎✌️🕊️Like, I know for me, good food, water, and sleep are the most healing... plus letting myself be quiet and letting time pass! But I'm not doing as much as you are and I still have trouble letting go of Things!!!
I was feeling sad and bad then I sat down and saw you had posted a video. Spending just 14 minutes with you and your kind, calming voice made me feel so much better. If you ever wonder if you make a difference in peoples lives, you do. Truly.
Oh wow Connie, thank you 💕💕💕 Hope you're feeling a bit better today 🌷
I love the shop your house idea. My daughter had a beautiful sketch made of my parents when my mom died. I thought I’d get it professionally framed which would cost a fortune. I poked around my house and found a beautiful frame tucked in a closet that was the perfect size. Shop your house!
I was looking for a new pot for a spider plant.. Found it, Grandma's ancient teapot that was no longer suitable for tea. 😀
Love both of these examples!
Going to a library is my favorite way to shop for free! I get such a high taking home tons of books and movies for free! It makes me so happy. My library even has "you saved this much" in the check out receipt! Love it! 😁
My tip is to not be afraid to return things! Sometimes you plan a purchase and are intentional when researching and still an item doesn’t work out. Luckily most stores will you allow you to return things. So keep your receipts! Your wallet will thank you and you will have much less worry when purchasing.
YES! That's a great one :) You could even wear something around the house for a few hours without taking off the tags, so you could still return it if you find that it's not exactly what you were looking for.
@Mariana D'Amelio Well take it as a learning experience! 👍🏻
I tend to shop when I'm depressed and bored which is very often and I'm over it 🙃
One minimalism trick that I learned from my closet is this: items in = items out. If I buy 3 new tops, I have to get rid of 3 old tops, in other words the # of items in my closet can't grow over time. This helps me a lot because it is a small immediate effort. I keep a box in my closet and keep adding older clothes to it until it is full and I can donate it. Another helpful tip, which is really hard for me to follow but makes life easier: when you don't need something anymore - don't put it in storage - get rid of it right away. Love your videos Vera!
IDEA: Take pic of your rooms & make decisions from the pic of what you want to keep, donate or toss. I think it is less overwhelming & less chances to get distracted on why you were in the room to begin with.
Ah that's very interesting!
“Don’t shop when you’re bored” really hit close to home. 😀 You’re right … I tend to do this and need to change that.
Happy to hear you found it helpful! :)
Hi Vera~ I can't agree more on the point of applying minimalism in other aspect of your life. The reason I start minimalism is to live a simple life. The less I have, the less in handling, doing, thinking, etc. It's not just about physical thing, but also our mind, body, and spirit. Zen and mindfulness is not about physical things, but it is also a type of minimalism practice. It's the belief and value about simple life.
Love that so much! Thanks for sharing Kaede
One of the best things I have learned on my decluttering journey is to declutter first and then organize. For years I wasted So much time and energy and money shuffling my stuff around our Home. I bought many books on organizing, many Baskets, bins, Totes, etc. only to realize nothing was getting organized, just moved around. Your channel is one of my favorites for it’s down to earth approach to minimalism. I will probably not ever be a true minimalist, but our home is more organized and much neater Than it has ever been. Thank you for your words of encouragement and inspiration.
Love this example, thanks for sharing Christa! And also happy to hear you're enjoying my channel :) Have a nice day today
🙋🏼♀️I can relate. I have a ton of bins, boxes, org bags....that are stacked up ....and empty. I don't know what I'm waiting on. More decluttering?
"Forgive yourself for past purchasing mistakes" is a big one in my life. It can be months ago, a year ago, or weeks ago and I have that guilt for buying something. I have returned something recently which felt empowering, but other things I've held because I can't dispose of ethically and hate to bag them and toss them. Both situations involve guilt. I think that's a good topic!
Thank you so much Barbara! I think we can probably all relate to that feeling of guilt. Definitely a good topic for a video :)
Yes, I forgave myself for all the handbags I bought from 2012-2019. Luckily, they were easy to resell, so are not a complete lost. I was able to recoup from 60-80% of purchase price. Thank you Fashionphile.
Loved your video 💟
Your channel relaxes me. I love the way you speak, the way you smile, the softer music, and the space you use to film your videos. I have always disliked a messy home, but it still took me over a year to finally declutter things that I didn't REALIZE were clutter! I kept getting rid of more and more stuff because I never felt "done". One day I realized that my style is more "uncluttered" rather than "minimalistic". My bedroom is a very calm, serene, and zen -like space, but my small living area/kitchen/dining area/combination is very clean and uncluttered, but not what most people would consider minimal. I have only the things that I need/like, and I have only what I consider to be just enough. It took me awhile to get to this place, and your videos, such as this one, help me to understand that minimalism is different to each person and that's ok. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words Karen and I'm so happy for you that you made so much progress and got your home to a state you're happy with, in your own way 🤗💖 that's the way to go!
Vera !!! Every week i wait for ur content. Only few people have that impact/influence on me.
Thank you so much Lakshmi for that wonderful compliment 🤗🍵 I'm glad you're enjoying my videos! Take care and have a lovely weekend
I agree with everything you said. I’ve been living a minimalist life in NYC since my divorce. It’s just stuff! There are things that are hard to part with, however: books, music (LP records and CDs), art.
Great tips, thanks a bunch! What really works for me is something you mentioned- namely making a list in my notebook. I was eyeing items on a few online shops but when I made a list of all the items I thought I wanted at the moment, a day later I actually realized that not only do I need like 2 of about 30 itens but I would have paid over 400 euros for crap that would clutter my home for months! 😳 I did feel quite ashamed given it was cosmetics too! It is fascinating when a person can spend out of boredom if not thinking about it!
The key is becoming aware :) Great job!
@@SimpleHappyZen So true! And thanks! :)
After simplifying my closet, I routinely move clothing around to discover new ways to wear them. Just changing things around seems to give them new life.
I also leave items in Amazon cart for a week or so before purchasing, and more times than not, I will end up deleting most of them.
Ah very clever, love the idea of switching things around :)
Great list!! I love the "wear the clothes" idea, it's so simple, but I hadn't even really thought about that! Let's see... 1 DO: start small- pick a shelf, (not the whole case, just 1 shelf!) remove all the contents, and put back what you want in that space, rehome the rest- put it away or donate it. 1 DONT: Dont worry about the whole stack, (of paperwork, clothing, toys...) take 30 seconds to find a few items to put away and a few to toss or donate! Slow progress is still progress!!
Love it! Thanks for sharing Anne Marie
Shop your home first ! 👌
Start a “ wish list “ 👍
Don’t dwell on bad purchases of your past !
Your home is not a storage unit ! ! ! 👏
Great video !
👏👏👏👏
Yay, happy to hear it! :) Thanks Teresa, have a nice day today!
Don't expect your first declutter to be your last declutter. That's an unreasonable expectation and can lead to feelings of failure when in reality you're not done yet. Do be open to getting more stuff eventually. Early on you get rid of tons because you find a lot of what you owned you didn't like, however as you refine your possessions you'll refine your tastes and sometimes want to add back things you decluttered just of a different style.
YES!!! Absolutely love this. Thanks for sharing Erica
I love the tip about not browsing! I recently decided to cut back on buying and then felt tempted by unnecessary browsing on a selling app. I think a great way to avoid unnecessary browsing is to delete shopping apps! If and when you need an item, a quick internet search will suffice. But by deleting the app, it is less accessible and tempting. (:
A tip I like that I’ve picked up along the way on this Journey : DO remember that Five Minutes Matters ( from Dawn, The Minimal Mom ... maybe Cas / Clutterbug, & Dana / A Slob Comes Clean, too!) . No need to put off decluttering or tidying until we have a huge chunk of time !! 5 mins is surprisingly productive , & it often creates momentum that easily turns into a few minutes more, too.
Don’t keep gifts out of guilt. If you enjoyed it for a while, great ! If it was not a good fit, it’s now yours to do what you want to with. The Joy of the moment it was given to you can still be treasured. And you can free up your space.
Absolutely love both of these tips! Thanks Liz :)
Good morning🌄
"Minimalism starts when you do"- that really resonated with me. Thanks for some super helpful thoughts here. See you next year!❤
So happy to hear it :) Happy New Year! 🤗✨🥂🍵
This list is awesome! When I started watching I was "oh boy, for a minimalist video this has too many rules". But all of them are important and most of them aren't even touched on, congrats! I found you yesterday and I am enjoying your videos a lot, I have been feeling too tired all the time and finally I have someone who has a good idea on why, it all makes sense!
I don’t even recall when I started. Not sure if it’s a year yet. But the constant outflow is making a difference!!
It's always good to keep watching such videos because they remind me of what's essential and help me remain a minimalist and benefit from all that it has to offer as a lifestyle and a mindset. Thank you!
Perfect advise on minimalism and living intentionally….. I try very hard to keep to these rules.. I love your idea about just taking a walk and treating yourself to a cup of coffee or tea instead of browsing
Take care Vera ❤️
Happy you enjoyed the video Christine!! 🤗🌷 Have a lovely day
Thanks as usual for the inspiration! My “don’t” is: Don’t buy things on sale just because you think you will never get such a good deal again!
Ah YES! Great tip :)
I actually started watching your videos instead of shopping online and I've saved so much money 😁
Yay!!! 😄💕
I have emigrated twice. And every time I have manage to full my home with stuff. Then I have realized it was just fear of the unknown, the new. Trying to hold on to things is just I sign of a troubled mind set and anxiety. So, I have started decluttering. And to my surprise I love it. I only buy what I really need, return anything that is short from perfect for me. It cleared my mind and I feel much free.
Wow that's so wonderful! Thanks for sharing Andrea
A ‘do’ that you once told that I use a lot is to see things like you do in a museum: you can enjoy them, how they look, how they are made, but that does not necessarily means i have to take them home with me.
YES!! Thanks Nina, I still do that too :)
And you can take a photo which doesn’t take up physical space rather than take it home 😊
Tip: In the time it takes for the kettle to boil for tea I can empty the dishwasher or put away the dog toys and straighten the living room.
I like the - don't use decluttering as an excuse to buy more - tip. I'd love to see a video on self control from browsing. Lately I've felt guilt for all the clothing I've purged and donated, who know if the donations went to good use or if they were discarded. The textile industry is one of the most wasteful. Love your plants, by the way.
Thanks so much! Hmmm yes, let me think about it. I think it's just something I started doing less and less, as my interest for shopping declined naturally, I just started browsing less. After a while, I started noticing the difference and I really liked it (much 'quieter' headspace when you're not browsing) so then I basically just stopped completely. Maybe it's something like a lifestyle change where you're slowly getting used to it
Great video!
My don't - Avoid buying furniture with unneeded storage space, such as bedside cupboards (buy bedside table instead having only a surface top), etc. The less storage available, the less items you'll have.
My do - Plan all purchases (food, home and clothes)
Thanks for sharing yours Claire, happy you enjoyed the video! :)
Vera, #20 is for me! I will hold on to stuff for weeks trying to figure out how to upcycle or recycle when I should have just trashed it. It was causing me such stress. I finally let that mindset go. I’m still working on letting go of the expensive items that I just don’t need and can’t sell. Great video as usual!😊
Good to hear you let that mindset go! :) No need to feel stressed out about it. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help with letting go of the expensive items. :) Have a nice day today!
been doing baby steps to declutter. got living room, hallway, bedroom and Dining room the way me and the wife want it . we have inherited so many things from family it is very difficult to part with . very hard to get out of the mindset to cherish what your given even if its does not add value or a function . we have a rather big family so you can understand the mounds of things that can fill a room in one holiday . how can we say no with out upsetting the whole family. we tried to ask the family to give only to the kids. but all the aunts and parents and grandparents feel the need to pop in a small gift when they think no one is looking. and that leads to all of them doing the same thing. to give you a glimpse this last past holiday we ended up with 5 different counter appliances a box of knick knacks about 10 holiday hand towles and about 4 sweaters for each of us and thats not counting the toys for the kids. me and the wife feel awful getting rid of things. this has been going on for about 10 years. we have had 4 huge yard sales in the last 2 years before covid and it still keeps coming . with tact how can we stop this. the guilt is killing us. and on a side note our house is the holiday house everyone comes to because we have the space. this is bad to say but covid did slow it down a bit
Excellent do’ and don’ts. I enjoy your relaxing videos.
When l go shopping l will pick up things l think l ‘want’ or ‘need’. By the time l am ready to leave, l have already gone back and put almost all of it (or sometimes, ALL of it) back.
I will also not take a cart or basket into places like the dollar stores or big box places, unless l know beforehand that l will need it for items that l REALLY need.
Ah very clever! :) Thanks for sharing
Thanks for your ideas Vera (such a pretty name!)
Do remember that our tastes change over time, and that is ok, and we can declutter those things (like high heels). Don't get rid of things you can't decide on right away. Put them in a box and come back later- a few months later. You will know better then.
Thank you so much! :) And yes, I agree with those tips very much :)
Your comments on “Impulse purchasing” are right on. Taking a couple of days to reflect on the item, do a little research, discuss it with your partner and then make a decision. This will prevent the entrance of more junk from entering the home! 😎
Yes! :)
Hi Vera, another great video. My new tip to keep me on track with clothing is I treated myself to some fancy clothes hangers for my wardrobe (you can decide how many is your own right number but stick to it!). Now if I want to buy myself a new item, I have to let something else go out as I only have a finite set of hangers. Plus I bought them in my fav colour so my boys won’t walk off with them! Win win ☺️
Ah such a great tip! Also love that little bit about the colour hahaha
I just discovered your channel just in time for my seasonal decluttering. When you hear that ‘stuff’ is energy and too much stuff around drain your energy or even cause anxiety - unknowingly. I removed the 2 pictures from the wall in my small bedroom and the room was almost echoing.
Sound is energy. Interesting.
Love your advice 🙏
Do find a sharing community to join to find homes for things you no longer use. I use "Buy Nothing" on Facebook and have enjoyed connecting with people in my area. Someone will post a "need" and I can sometimes fulfill the needed item for them. Just today someone was looking for buttons for a craft project with kids. I had a box of buttons I had collected over the years. I really did not need them. It was fun to think of a group of kids enjoying them. I included the ceramic box I had stored the buttons in too because I really didn't need anymore either❤
Ah that's so cute, I love that!
The wish list has really helped me avoid buying things that I don't need or already have enough of. Waiting to make a purchase for a day or 2 also works because it gives you time to see if you really love it, also having a certain number of things you want like you said is our "sweet spof" also is a good rule.
It's funny how something to simple like a wish list can be so helpful :) Hi Joan!
What is it that I really like your videos: a lot of calma, relaxed voice, some tea, good tips. Just fabulous. Content is brilliant, as usual. Very much to the point. I think you developed your own style during the years, not easy to get there. Keep going, highly appreciated.
Thanks so much, that's great to hear :)
"The best things in life are not things" is a very beautiful and wise quote!! Thanks for another very helpful and inspiring video💖 I absolutely LOVE your channel and you are doing an amazing job!✨Hugs from Norway🥰🥰
Thank you so much for your kind comment Aina, so happy you're enjoying my videos! I don't know who originally said that quote but I love it too :) Have a nice day today!
Great video!
‘do tip’ -keep my end goal in mind -it helps me decide if the item I’m mulling over would be included.
‘Do tip’ -imagine my ideal feeling in the space -this helps me feel grounded and brings clarity when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
‘Don’t tip’ -don’t keep something if I would give it to a friend who needs it. If I would give it away happily, then I’m probably keeping it out of guilt.
Ah that's a great way of looking at decluttering guilt! :)
Hi Vera thank you. Really enjoyed this video. A don't for me is not to hold on to things just for the sake of it. A do is to give more thought before buying something. Another do and don't video on self care would be nice.❤
Love those tips and thanks for the suggestion Cathy!! 🤗🌷
Packed full of good ideas as always. I like the shop at home but I have a different wording: it's a 100% discount if you don't buy it. I also sometimes wait a day before buying something, to see if I still want it. "Don't browse" is also useful: looking through sale brochures or coupons just makes you want things you wouldn't otherwise get. I don't buy many things in the first place, so I don't bother chasing sales. If something I'm already getting happens to be on sale, that's a bonus. And at Costco I reserve $10-20 to try a new food: you can do the same at the supermarket.
Love the tips! Thanks for sharing Mike
Hi Vera, I connect with all of your points here. When I started decluttering, I really didn't want to do it. I had so much stuff stored in boxes and in storage areas so I started decluttering a few items daily and progressed from there. It's a continuous process and I enjoy it now.
When you mentioned shopping online I remember my neice saying to me that she might go online to buy a nice jacket and suddenly all these popups come up with shoes, trousers etc that would look nice with that jacket. So the temptation is there for sure.
I find if I'm in a store now snd putting things in my basket, I pause halfway through and often go back and leave most of the products back where it was on the shelf.
Ah very relatable! :) Also, way to go with the decluttering, keep it up! :)
Thanks for the inspiration, Vera! Re: #20. One thing I keep in mind is that most trash is sorted through several times after we toss it: By passers by, refuse collection technicians, and again by staff at the collection plant who sort and snag 'useful' items.
Thanks Dave! Also, it helps me to be more mindful when buying new things, considering the fact that I might need to discard it sometime in the future if I don't find it useful anymore.
These tips are perfect since a lot of people decide to "spring clean' their homes. My do is to have a wish list either with a store online or on paper to give me time to really think about an item I may want to purchase. My dont is to buy something made out of synthetic fibers. i prefer something more natural such as cotton, silk, linen, hemp, etc.
Ah great, thanks Rebecca!!
Thank you for all your great tips! I'm just "getting ready" to start decluttering and embracing more minimalism. I think the best tip for me is declutter first and then organize. I usually get too Gung ho and pull everything out of my closet and try to organize as I go and I end up in overwhelm and frustration and just throw everything back in the closet. I'll will focus on declutter first this time and hopefully I'll be more successful! Thanks for all you do, I'm really enjoying your channel!
This is such a good guideline video, Vera! I sure used to fall into the trap of keeping something for the future because I "might" find it usual later. Then 5 years later, it's still in a box in the bottom of my closet, etc. and never touched! Time to throw it out. Then, too, I've tried to pass on the "family heirlooms". They are another easy trap. I keep them for my kids, who are grown and have grown children themselves, but knowing the kids and the grandkids really have no interest. Instead, I've made stories about the things that spark memories, attached pictures, and then sent these things off to thrift stores for others to find joy in. Sometimes it's hard, but I had to learn it was the memories, not really the items. The kids and grandkids love the stories! Thanks for all the wisdom you share!
Oh I love that!!! Thanks for sharing Bonnie
I definitely "DO" make use of the cart on the Amazon website. I put things in the cart and then think about them for a few days to decide whether or not I really need them. I "DON'T" go shopping in person like I used to, which cuts down on impulse buying. This is a result of the pandemic but I think I'll continue to really be mindful of when and why I go shopping in the future. Thanks for sharing this video; I enjoyed it.
Awesome that this works so well for you! :) thanks for sharing
"Do" Share your mineralization journey with others so they can be inspired to do the same thing! I started a social medial group and we are all decluttering together, sharing videos, photos, ideas, etc! It's very supportive and inspirational!
Ah that's lovely!
I also had to pay attention to why I was getting rid of the items I was getting rid of. It helped me not to bring similar items home 😄 For example, cheap t-shirts that would turn see-through after a while, excessive art materials or stationary that I'd buy too fast for the speed I use them up...
YES!! So important :) Thanks for sharing
@@SimpleHappyZen Thank you for sharing all the other 30 tips! :') Your channel is great
You look GORGEOUS in that color, Vera !! Sooo pretty !!
Aw thank you! I've had this sweater in my closet for years and years, somehow I don't wear it in my videos that often :) I'll wear it more
I love minimalism. Thank you, Vera. I have learned a lot by you all these years.
Aw thank you so much!! Take care and have a lovely day
I failed at #18. I helped my mom, who I describe as a hoarder, declutter her garage. Now we can actually walk through it!
In this case, I'd say you did wonderfully Ngoni!! 😄🤗 I should have clarified by saying 'don't declutter someone else's stuff without their permission'.
@@SimpleHappyZen ah okay, that sounds better. I thought I was in trouble. Lol.😄
Thank you for a very inspiring video. I love the comparison of decluttering to sculpting. I am at the beginning of my journey and all your tips have been very helpful to me.
Happy to hear the video has been helpful for you Joanna, wishing you lots of luck with your minimalism and decluttering journey! Feel free to let me know how it's going :)
@@SimpleHappyZen Thank you and I wish you all the best. I have all I need and even more, so decided to stop buying new clothes. I will shop at my house according to your advice. I will allow myself to buy something new once or twice a year, but I will give away something else.
Do spend on experiences, don’t spend on excessive junk food, fast food. Love these videos.
Thanks Kathy, great tips! :)
Wish Lists have been a wonderful game changer for me. 🌟
Has made me more intentional.
Happy to hear it, for me too! :)
Thirty is too many! Ten. Keep it simple!
The best things in life aren't things..I like this
Happy to hear it! I don't know who originally said this quote but I love it too
I liked everything you said Vera..but this stayed in my mind
What an excellent vlog, l have always held onto stuff in bags as l felt bad about throwing them in the bin, you have made me rethink.
Thanks so much Alison, glad it was helpful! :)
I've found the Amazon Wishlist is a great way to give yourself the 24 hour (or longer) think period about whether or not you want/need an item. I can't tell you how many times I've put something in the wishlist, only to go back in later and delete it once I thought about it.
Loved this Vera my do and don't would be do use a sofa throw don't buy a new sofa to change the look 🙃 thanks for Sharing Vera 😊
Ah that's a clever one! If the sofa is still comfortable, why not do it like this :)
Lovely helpful videoxxxthank you for sharingxxx
Do take your time in figuring out what matters to you. It's easy to get I'd of things and clear your schedule but you don't want to get rid of the things/events that matter.
Don't be too hard on yourself. The journey towards minimalism can be long, sometimes with many bumps on the way. Be kind to yourself on the way.
😊
Great advice!
I’ve been decluttering for a while but from time to time I get that low feeling. This video as helped so much thank u
Happy to hear the video was helpful for you!! :) I think it's normal to feel like that every now and then :) Getting some fresh inspiration seems to do the trick for me as well
You have helped me so much with my decluttering journey!! Jy is die beste!!!! Thanks for the tips. 100% helpful
So happy to hear that Anneke!! :)
My personal tip, as I tend to get G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrom) when it comes to camera gear: Watch or read review about the equipment you already own! You will feel the value of the things you already have and the urge to upgrade or get something new will decrease
I really liked this video Vera. It felt so real, like every mistakes we actually make in the process. Thank you.
Aw thank you, that's a wonderful compliment :)
Thank you so much , its very interesting and helpful video, I try to practice your advice ❤❤❤❤
Very enlightening! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to hear it :) Have a nice day!
Hello from Scotland,, I am starting my journey .. thank you Vera
Good luck on your journey, 😃🌹
Hi there, lots of luck!!!
This was very helpful! I personally like to collect virtually, for example I liked to own books because I read so much that I sometimes can not remember every single book I read. Now I have a bookshelf App that helps me sort the eBooks and "real" books I rented or purchased and passed on. So that's my do.
You already mentioned my donts ;)
Ah that's clever! :)
I like the idea of creating a wishlist. Thank you for the tip!
You're very welcome! :)
Oh yes, no24 is me right now. Striving to be better. Thank you for your video
I’ve been binge watching your channel and loving it. And in my humble opinion, the blue top you are wearing in this video is my absolute favorite color on you!
Aw thanks so much Elizabeth, and I'm so happy you're enjoying my videos!! :)
Best things of life are not things... Wow so inspiring.... Tons of love from India
Thank you, tons of love back! 🤗
@@DrChristopherJohnson Assam
Best video ever!!! I SO needed to listen to this! Thanks!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much María, happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Yes, #3 is very key! Recently I didn't even have to go as far as to (wear) that item actually but I would say to myself instead, when getting dressed, and grabbing my favorite thing, "NO, you can't wear that, you're going to wear "this" instead. And "this," referred to the item in question. Once I knew I had to put (that) item in question on, it was suddendly blatantly obvious to me that, no I didnt' want to wear it at all!! And it was as simple as that😉😊 I then took it a step further by immediately placing that item into the car and taking it to the thrift store. After trading it in, I was even able to find a blouse that suited me in exchange for it. But even if I hadn't been able to trade it in that way I still would have donated it. After getting home, I thought to myself, "why did I even 🤔think that I wanted that other blouse?"...it didn't even fit right and it just made me feel bad about myself and the new one did exactly the opposite. But, I do not think that I would have come to that conclusion SO quickly if I had not told myself that I had needed to wear that exact unwanted blouse that very day.
#7- This one was tough for me, the spending money on something new that I wanted bc I still tend to over-question myself on even things that I do find valuable. But, I'm getting better!
Love that story!!! 😄
I love the sculpture analogy!!
Thanks Margo :)
Allways a great inspiration, and a calming source!
Thank you so much, that's nice to hear :) Have a lovely day!
Do: speak with your family and friends about the kinda gifts you would like to receive or the ones they want that you can get them. so there won't be that awkward situation where you don't know what to do with the gifts you receive and don't need or want.
Don't: Don't expect the perfect result in one go. decluttering takes time, and minimalism is a road not a destination.
Love both of these!
All the reasons you named not to shop are the moments when I do shop 😂😂😂 Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge!
Awesome...idea's!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!
😊😁😀👍
Happy to hear you enjoyed the video Rosie! :) Take care and have a nice day today
Decluttering is sculpting a beautiful statue, I like that Vera 😊. One do: be patient, minimalism is a journey. Bonus do: find your Why? For me it’s free time, travel, and cultural events. Don’t? Don’t wait! 😁
Thanks Dominique and YES to your suggestions!! :) Have a nice day today
You mentioned several videos you enjoy watching instead of the news. Are they listed somewhere? You speak so fast that by the time I grabbed a pen you were onto the next topic. Thank you you have a lot of great ideas.
That was brilliant thank you ❤
Thanks so much :)
We found some Dutch cookies in a convenience store: "stroopwafels", waffle cookies with caramel filling. They're in a thick cardboard box, the cookies stacked in plastic-wrapped batches, with a metal closing-clip on each batch. I'd never seen such cookies or clip before. American cookies are often in a plastic tray, an outer plastic wrapping, and maybe an inner plastic wrapping too, and if there is a clip it's plastic. I wondered if the packaging was due to EU environmental laws or the company's own innovation.
Earlier I said if you're looking for ideas for your channel, you could show us the Netherland's parks and natural areas (a minimimalist stroll), or cultural details not well known outside the country. These cookies are an example. Another example would be the bike infrastructure we've heard so much about, and pedestrian-centric architecture. (Architecture for minimalists -- as opposed to minimalist architecture, which I find too modernist and is not at all the same thing.)
Thanks so much Mike!! YESSS stroopwafels, they're the best. Unfortunately the regular kind aren't vegan, so I can't eat them anymore. But I know a place where you can get vegan ones 😇 I did recently post a vlog showing Rotterdam on Patreon, and we often discuss Dutch habits or what it's like to live in the Netherlands here. Those clips for example are very common :) We use them for bread too. Don't really know why :) Also, if you're interested in learning about biking infrastructure (or general infrastructure and how the way that Dutch cities are built effects quality of life), I can reocmmend checking out the channel Not just bikes. He does a much better job at explaining those things than I ever could haha. Have a lovely day!!!
Do. Do not be afraid to let go of sentimental items. I was saving stories I wrote in college because I got A's on them. It was a proud time in my life. However honestly no one else I know would have the same feelings.
As far as don't, right now I have none. I don't expect the people that follow me will live their lives the way I did.
Great tips, thanks for sharing Nancy! :)
Adding to the first Do: Shop your (grand-)parents home! Of course this depends on the relationship. But usually older people have a lots of excess stuff since they grew up keeping anything just in case. Half of my kitchen items are from my parents basement - stuff they haven’t used for 10+ years. I might not get them to declutter stuff. But they are happy to give away things they’re not using anyways when they see how grateful I am to reuse. And I don’t have to buy new or spend money.
Hopefully this doesn’t come off wrong. I would never steal things or coax sth. out of somebody lol. My parents just really have so much stuff in their basement - they don’t even know what‘s down there anymore. So when I moved into a new flat and needed some household items I found a bunch of perfectly fine kitchen things they had discarded but not gotten rid off a long time ago. My mom was really exited to give me the stuff. It was a win-win situation. And for me it felt even better than buying new.
I love that! Like you said, it might depend on your relationship with them, but I can definitely see how this could come in super handy :) Very sustainable too!!
Use your public library. This does away with the need for accumulating books games and DVDs. The library has printers, and photocopiers, so you don’t need these in your home. Sometimes you can give your old books to the library bookstore.
Libraries could have some unexpected things like musical instruments or bicycle repair tools.
My DO NOT would be - do not minimize on important medical items. This could be items in case of emergency, items for maintaining health and of course items for conditions that apply to you or family.
Good tips, thanks for sharing Bradley!!
Don’t forget to tell your family and friends about you’re decluttering journey. They can give encouragement and know not to shop for you! 🤣
Do - just keep going! This will take some time and many sessions.
Hahaha yes!! Great tips Beth
Very useful video! Definitely coming back do it for a rewatch in the future. I have a problem with items that were gifts - I cannot bring myself to getting rid of most of them asit feels somehow wrong. Yet there are a lot of them that don't add value to my life.
Hi Vera, I really liked the idea of a decluttering plan! I will make one using your guide. Maybe you can make a video about do and don’t about traveling or slow living? Thank you!
Thanks so much for that idea Laura! :) It's a great one. Good luck with making a decluttering plan, let me know how it's working out!
From @joshuabecker: don’t buy an item, if you already have something at home that can serve the same purpose/function. I recently learned this with ramekins 😜 I don’t need a midsize dipping/sauce dish when I have smaller and larger ones that perfectly contain/serve condiments in the same way.
Exactly! :) Shop your home first. Thanks for sharing Terri