I enjoy your thoughtful comments about life in general. I am about 40 years older than you. As I look around my modest 100 year old house, I see far more stuff than you have in yours. But it is not clutter. The Art Deco clock on the mantel, the furniture and rugs we bought at auction, the furniture we had custom made, the Japanese silk embroidered landscape, the brass rubbings from England actually done by my brother-in-law in the '70's, the mahogany dining room set from an estate sale across the street. And, yes, the pictures of my late wife on that mantel with her favorite books flanking the fireplace. You may find over the years that those empty physical spaces fill with things that you use, love, and want to see everyday. Every item has a story. Not everything stays forever. Something you buy and adore may not get the same adoration 20 years later. That's a life with continuing growth and change. It really is a long, strange trip.
At 60+ life is made of memories and - hopefully! - plans. I took over my parents' furniture and am still happy to see the familiar wood pattern on a cupboard wall and fill the old shelves with my favourite books! (still need to get rid of some clutter though! 😂 )
As someone over 60 I've spent the past few years trying to purge all the "collections" I mindlessly spent money on my entire adult life. Let this be a lesson: don't buy needless things just because commercialism encourages you to do so. Put that cash to good use...savings or index funds. I spent the first fifty years of my life acquiring unnecessary stuff and now I'm spending time to let it go.
57 year old here. Oh! if I could have all that money back! I started the clean out about 3 years ago. 22 year old daughter got me going when she said she felt a little sick at our house, with all the stuff around ( after living in tiny NYC apartment with no money and no space).
same...have gotten rid of so much already with so much to go...all that time and energy, sigh but that's going to be handled and I know I am going to like the other side.
It depends a lot on what you have collected. As a music freak (same age as you), I have mainly collected records, CDs and instruments, primarily basses and guitars. The CDs are only worth pennies today, but records and especially musical instruments often retain their value or even increase it massivly. There are certainly other areas in which collecting can be a good investment (watches, vintage cars, paintings, etc.). But the usual junk is of course just a burden.
me too hate shopping and waste money but when I do spend money cash I always feel sad as money goes bye bye but once I stat using what I bough and enjoy it and say "money well spend" LOL
I never aimed for true minimalism...but as someone who has always been an outdoorsman who cares about conserving our natural spaces, I have always had a mindset about not being wasteful.
I own unnecessary things...but I don't let clutter build, and I don't shop to "fill a void" in my life. Clothes and shoes are mostly higher quality and natural materials instead of "fast fashion". They cost more upfront, but last years instead of being replaced every season. I do a lot of repairs to household items instead of replacing them. It's not true "minimalism"....but it's a lifestyle that I can sustain and still have enjoyment from without too much wasteful spending or generating a lot of clutter or garbage.
I appreciate your channel and the best part is that you're real. We all grow and change throughout our lives and you own that for yourself instead of trying to pretend you are exactly the same as you were years ago. I wouldn't expect anything different, but it is refreshing that someone on TH-cam not only doesn't compromise on their values, but acknowledges when some of them change over time.
Yes, any purchase I make I consider its end life. Technology has really made this difficult. I drive a 20 year old car, however newer electric cars require resources that are limited and mining these precious metals not only use unethical labor practices but are damaging to the environment. So the answer for me is drive less rather than buy a new car, for as long as possible. Use you cellphone for as long as possible…
@@gracesimplified3860 way to go Grace, me too. 20 yr old car and I still have a well functioning iPhone 6 As for electric cars....just watch Michael Moores 'Planet of the Humans'
Even Marie Kondo is no longer doing hee minimalism thing. I suspect minimalism might be a stage to pass thru as a mechanism to break the consumerism we are surrounded with. Not certain, I dont believe I've ever been a minimalist. Its more about intentional living/spending.
I agree, the minimalism "trend" is really the opposite or exit strategy of the whole over-consumption trend / culture. I keep on going back and forth a bit and finally seem to settle in between. I do buy a lot more intentional vs. impulsive / spur of the moment meaningless stuff.
In fairness, Marie herself said she wasn’t about minimalism. She was about organizing. The two can go together, and if you’re a minimalist that makes organizing easier. But they are so NOT the same.
my minimalism is tied to my age and I don't mind that at all. I'm 78 and in poor to fair health so why buy tons of apparel, furniture, decorations, small appliances, jewelry, etc.? I replace only stuff that wears out... It's easy to keep my apartment tidy now too. so this lifestyle is suits me well. Thanks for your great common sense channel, Nicole.
When people die, they often leave houseful of stuff for their heir to sort through and get rid of for days. I'm determined not to do that. It's something I would do till I die.
I've never experienced it as a burden, but as a good thing. Clearing out both my grandparents houses was valuable time to me, lots of good memories brought back, learned a lot and also made quite some money by selling stuff. Some antiques even became "family heirloom", because those told a story about the family history. The things people leave behind are their legacy, so be conscious about what legacy you'd want to create, just like our ancestors did. Ultimately, people come and go, but history will always be represented by the stuff that stands the test of time.
My mother has a hoarding problem. 😢 To clean her house will be an absolute nightmare and would take weeks. So, that's what a cleaning company is for. If I can't hire someone to it for me, I will take what she has left to me, and basically let the State take it or open it to a public free-for-all. To people with children, please do not burden your kids with ginormous amounts of knickknacks, clutter, and junk for them to get rid of.
I'm trying to live on as little as possible. Like it was in the depression. If I want something, I'll think about it for a while first. All I think about is consumerism.
I'm a little old lady. Literally. Today I got a grocery delivery. This means another batch of sturdy boxes to fill with stuff for charity pickup. Parting with cherished books has been the hardest, but favourites have been loaded onto my e-reader. No more sqinting! When I finally topple off the twig, the family will have an easier time clearing out my house.
I am one to a large degree. Sometimes I buy stuff and later think, why did I buy this? I look at it now and use it as a lesson (kicking myself) to not waste money on crap.
It can be different with me when it comes to clothes. I can buy an item which I can't say I like so much, but later it surprisingly becomes my favorite. Or on the contrary to but smth I am so excited to imagine to wear, but after a few times my spark of excitement about the item starts getting extinguished.
Lol. I'm a young senior who has been downsizing for the last decade. The fun part of culling your possessions is when you realize that you have boxes of stuff that you haven't touched in 20 years! I'm far from being any kind of minimalist, but I have definitely become more intentional and mindful about what new things I bring into my house.
I agree. It was not meant to be a trend but a way to do life. I never try to attain perfection with it. I just wanted to simplify my life and do what is best for my situation.
I work at our township recycling center, it's crazy how much people throw away. I try to keep it simple but as a mechanic I have to have so many things! Love the channel Nicole!
But all those things have a purpose, you actually need them. They are not a waste of money, but rather an investment. And no, there are no prizes for guessing what I do for a living :) For me, minimalism works by questioning the usefulness of whatever I am considering buying.
@@omaha2pt yes, I absolutely need my hobbyist watchmaking tools, to tinker with watches which are absolutely not complete luxury items since the invention of the smartphone lol
i think that society misunderstood minimalism ... it is a method of design to view/perceive within the discipline of utilizing the least amount of materials and effort to obtain an "optimal" balance of art/work/life... it doesn't mean that one ought to rid or deny themselves of pleasure or experiences... and unfortunately, many persons took it to that misunderstood extreme and doomed themselves to a empty existence with no pleasure except for "bragging about how decluttered their lives are now"... (anyway, for me, i never got any pleasure from "making things perfect"... i enjoy curvy lines and life's quirks )
I always defined my own “minimalism” as Conscious Consumption. It was never about going without. It was about deliberate spending on what truly gave me value. And I also felt it gave me more courage to chart my own course and define my own happiness and success. This allowed me to retire from full time work and I do some part time accounting and work one day a week in a disc golf shop cause I love disc golf and have played 104 rounds so far this year. That’s minimalism for me.
@@davesage4931 yeah.. that's a "life/work balance" for sure... and glad you're doing what you enjoy... disc golf has gotten real popular but i didn't know that there's actual pro shops for it... pretty cool
amen. I said something similar about materialism, it gets a bad rap but I think it could be done mindfully. start with the rule: "a place for everything and everything in its place."
Imagine being a minimalist on a ranch in Texas...hear me out...lots and lots of land...no one in sight except lots of horses, goats, chickens and your dog running in open fields. What a dream!!! Hugs from Texas.❤🇨🇱🐴🐶🐔🐷🐐
@@Cold_Hard_Truthbut see you are minimalist. A piano, a guitar, one hobby you enjoy and the things you need to do it. You’re not collecting bobble heads, Pokémon figures/stuffies, lawn equipment, etc. you have what you need to enjoy life.
I just don't like owning a bunch of stuff. I see people move and it's a huge annoyance and so much pointless stuff! If I move I can fit everything into one car.
Tell me about it. My parents are currently dealing with the repercussions of one of my grandparents (rest his soul) was a hoarder and the house is terrible! Took them such a long time to clean up like 70 percent of the place. Still a good bit to clean up too. I am not following that path, instead just buying what I really love. I just don't want crap I need to later move.
My journey was nearly the same as yours. I adopted minimalism as a life choice a few years ago, and now it's just part of me. Whenever I find myself in an actual retail store these days (aside from Goodwill), I feel overwhelmed and my senses are overloaded. Usually I turn around and walk right back out. However, I still enjoy watching TH-cam videos from like-minded people (like you). It lets me know I am not alone, and provides a quick shot of motivation.
I appreciate that you can realize when you've said enough about a topic and have decided you need to move on. There are several podcasters/TH-camrs that seem to just rehash the same info without adding anything new or useful.
This makes complete sense to me. I hope the minimalism behaviours will become second nature to me too, before long. I still have a lot of decluttering to do and changes to make. My living room is not really minimalist, but it is free from clutter and doesn’t have loads in it, so it feels airy and spacious. This is what I want the whole house to feel like because being in the living room eases my anxiety and makes me feel less stressed and overwhelmed. Slowly but surely I am becoming more intentional in all aspects of my life and I can already feel some benefits.
I started minimalism journey in late 1990s to get money and finances in order. I have grown more serious over the years and now have much fewer items, a capsule wardrobe, got rid of multiple collections and reduced all areas of my life. I feel freer and more relaxed and have more money saved and invested with zero debt. It was the best thing I could imagine. It also allowed me to retire in my mid 40s and travel the world. I think you have to want it and want the change not see it as popular a fad or a set specific way of living.
I am 70 now and been a minimalist most of my adult life, first out of poverty level of income, realizing I had no savings, one day in the 80's someone created the Spreadsheet for a computer, I put my income and expenses on that spreadsheet and wow, that changed my life. I was able to figure out where I could cut expenses and increase savings, then I figured out how to do compound interest on those savings (luckily CD's were 11% back then), still live as minimalist because I prefer life that way, I just don't need all that stuff, love the $140k/yr I get from $2.5 million in savings.
Something that turned me off from minimalism was the constant declutters I’d see on TH-cam channels. Like, you bought that shirt 3 months ago, why are you getting rid of it already? I feel like it lead to a lot of people getting rid of stuff that they used every year, because they only used it for a specific job once a year, but then after they decluttered it they realized they needed it to do that job and then had to get a new one. Minimalism created a lot of useless waste while promoting sustainability.
Nicole, you’re new to me. Minimalism is something I’m aiming at but motivation is something your channel gives me. Thankyou for everything you’re doing.
Minimalism as a lifestyle is ancient, as it was practiced by Buddhist monks. Later it became an aesthetic. I however began practicing minimalism at an early age. Later, In the early 90’s I came across a book by Elaine St James, called Simplify Your Life. it put a definition around my preference for living. After the internet took off and blogs became popular Leo Babauta minimalist journey attracted my attention. It really started trending and the counting of possessions and the stark aesthetic became a turn off for me, because it came across as an obsessive compulsive addiction.
Nicely explained, your natural humor adds a personal touch. Strange but I am wearing a gray t-shirt and admit I did fall on my head when i was a kid (tricycle, backhoe, construction site, hole) lol. Your articulation of this life niche is intriguing and rational in a world dominated by money.
I don't think I would call myself a minimalist, but I am very intentional with my spending. It's become so second nature that it's "hard" for me to spend money on bs. I see something and I think, wow, there are so many things I don't want or need. I have never overspend, but I somehow have so much of everything(!) I sometimes think how my brain worked differently when I was in my early 20s (I'm 46 now) I felt that stuff had an aura and I wanted some of that. Things don't have that glow anymore. Having solid savings does. F...you money, as you call it😂 Great video, Nicole❤
I feel this also. I started my minimalist journey during Covid. 🤷♀️🤷♀️ It has been amazing and freeing. I started my journey because of TH-cam and some of the people. Now I find I don’t need to keep hearing about minimalism because I’m right where I want to be. But I still like some of the people. So the people who have changed and added more Content to their channel are the ones I continue to follow. You have a varied content every week. So happy to have you in my life. ❤
I call myself a minimalist hoarder. I don't minimize the amount of things I own, but the amount of things I buy. This avoids buying and trashing and buying and trashing the same things over and over.
I have had a few big clear outs, made a lot of money. But I'm head of the family so have to keep a lot of things as I have to repair or replace whatever the family needs.
Personally I like to see more of us opting out of "the system" in order to gain more freedom and more enjoyment in life. The larger the trend the better. But, as minimalists we will still need to push back, or, fight back because those in "the system" will see the effects and craft a way for all of us to again be a part of "the system". It's an ongoing battle but it's worth it because there's more to our lives than what they want from us.
I agree, we have made minimalism very complicated. Also there are so many "dead horses" on the internet. Thanks for not adding more! That is why your content is still interesting. Love your channel❤
Minimalism is important to me, in a way that I don't think about it. It feels natural to keep an equal flow of the stuff I bring in to the house as I take out of the house. Only order online, if it is a necessity and a way better offer. It is so easy to be on top of the cleaning. I have a very classy wardrobe, and it fits into one closet. Keep my out of season clothing in one big moving box (spring/summer or autumn/winter)
I stIl love minimalism for the ease of cleaning and philosophy of intentional spending. I actually hadn't noticed much the change in your channel--I enjoy it either way!
I've been a minimalist for 30 years. I'm much like you, I hate clutter. I don't buy anything I don't need. The good thing about that is that I saved so much money I was able to retire in my early 50's. It's great to see young people that have a head on their shoulders and can manage money. Very rare these days. I have 5 children and try to have them watch your channel. You are a great influence and a role model to your generation. keep up the good work. You are a very impressive young lady.
As I minimalist I will continue going to watch your next video hopefully it doesn't turn out to be a plug for a new product. Us cheap people hate spending money for stuff we do not need.
I became attracted to minimalism in 2011. I went through a natural disaster that caused me to "lose" everything except my car (my home was well insured, hence the quotes), and have to start over from scratch when it came to most possessions. I was so determined to live with less and focus on basics. My partner at the time was not. He wanted more stuff than ever before, and fancier items. We wound up splitting for a variety of reasons and I found myself enjoying a simpler lifestyle. When I got a new partner (now my spouse) he was extremely minimalist by nature and still is. So that has worked out well. However, I've never considered myself a true blue minimalist because I have a bananas wardrobe, full of 80+ pair of shoes and boots and every color and style I like, 2 full size closets filled with clothing. Meanwhile, my overall attitude is still pretty minimal, decor included. I like simplicity and cleanliness and prefer consumable and/or practical gifts, and experiences over items in most cases. I have also become more of a quality over quantity person in every aspect except clothes/shoes. But even those, I buy stuff that does last and often secondhand, I'm not just going nuts with Temu hauls or racking up big department store bills either.
LATE comer to it - I moved into a van two years ago - sold everything I owned from the three bedroom house to do so. The most exasperating thing about it is my tiny dorm-sized fridge. I spend WAY more time at the grocery store than I want to - almost always in the fast checkout lane, because I can't fit that much in here. It was fun downsizing - I made an effort to see how much I could get rid of before I actually moved into my van. The answer was: Drum roll please: when I ditched the bed I slept on days before. . . . I slept on the couch the last couple of days, and moved the ONE plate, the ONE set of fork, knife, and spoon the ONE coffee cup, etc. into the van., I do like nice things to use in every day life. . . My artisan made cutting board, wooden spoon I use every day, and artisan made coffee cup I drink out of every day are luxuries I enjoy. The coffee cup, BTW - the only breakable thing in thing in my van kitchen. What I miss that I don't have space for: Keurig. . . . but the coffee I make is actually better with simple pour over system.
And you’re polluting less. Unless you sent it back to keureg, making those pods caused pollution, shipping such bulky things caused pollution, and then disposing of them is pollution.
Minimalism is something I plan on doing that I haven't even started yet. I'm 55 years old, and I'm about to inherit a house with 40+ years of accumulated clutter.
Thanks for the midweek video. I'm not into minimalism, I just try to be practical with my money and time. I know we are being manipulated to waste our money on crap that isn't good for us or the planet and is just making some a-hole wealthy
I agree with comment about everyone talking about the same thing. I've been noticing that and stopped following some. We now need to figure out what to do with all the stuff people have gotten rid of. Thrift stores can't keep up and alot of stuff ending up in garbage landfills. Any suggestions
I think you're right about folks who strayed away from minimalism for reasons of boredom during Rona times. Luckily here in the US in my state, Ohio, we didn't have lockdowns the same way other countries, or even other states in our union had. I wasn't on the minimalism train then, but upon moving in spring of 2023 I totally had a wakeup call as to how much stuff I didn't need, and was able to donate to thrift, as well as give directly to friends in need. i.e. couch, plasma tv, washer/dryer, and more. As for diet stuff, I went the exact opposite and I'd found in july of 2022 I saw a tedx talk on the Lion Diet and that led me to Dr. Ken Berry and learning about keto/carnivore. Which, for me, and my health needs turned out to be a good thing. I bring that up because it made my grocery shopping very minimal. Even before changing my diet I was buying all the organic or natural things I thought were better for me, turns out even if it was that, some of them were still processed and had too much sugar/seed oils. So ditching the carbs and grains and seed oils, even "organic" ones, making an investment in an air fryer or using a toaster oven really cut back on my grocery bill, my time at the store, my electric bill, as well as increased my personal time, which allowed for me to devote more time to my fitness with running. I think these days many of us are in a place of real priviledge to be able to choose what diet we have, because as an old addage goes, when you are broke, any food is health food.
@@soufwesthoustontx yeah a friend and her husband really appreciated getting it. They didn’t have one either and they took their laundry to his mom&dad’s house for over a year.
Just discovered your channel, it's great. I subscribed. I subscribe to many content providers on here and other sites. I loved your video on private equity firms. They've destroyed my industry. You're great at making the point without a lot of BS and unnecessary fluff. Looking forward to watching more of your stuff.
I only discovered minimalism in the beginning of 2021. I was very impressed with the idea and I embraced it but it is very difficult for someone who has many hobbies and love "collecting" things. However, I got to work and start selling things. All thing things I sold I never really regretted. I just want them out of the house. I freed up space and tidied up many areas which was so satisfying but it's very hard to keep at it as I have so many things to get rid of. So I slowed down. I don't think i can go to the extreme of minimalism but the idea is very good. I will still work at it to tidy up my place and make room.
Hi Nicole, I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot from them so Thank You for doing what you do. I want to answer a question you asked months ago in video and that was what do people use if they don’t use paper towels. I have a solution and I think it goes with minimalism, saving money, sustainability and your decor. What’s this you ask…well I stopped using store bought paper towels a couple years ago and have not looked back and it’s all because of Walmart Mainstays 100% cotton 6-piece Bar Mop Kitchen Towel Set in dark grey. They cost around $6.00 a pack in the U.S. I know better late then never, but I wanted to tell you about them. We use them for everything. Kitchen, cooking, cleaning, produce,microwave, car, bathroom and anywhere else you would use a paper towel. We wash them in hot water with our other towels and add 1 cup of vinegar to sanitize. I think they are a win all the way around 😃
I love books, DVDs and CDs too muy to be a minimalist. Not like I keep buying that stuff, but it does add value to my life. But very frugal in my expenses and was able to buy my own home which I love to keep clean.
That's exactly what my thoughts were when i was browsing numerous TH-cam channels dedicated to this topic: like all the core information on it can be given in maybe half an hour. Ok, let's take two more hours to give examples and tell some stories from a blogger's life, but that's maximum. But those videos are being made on and on. Personally i don't care, because i often listen to some videos that just coinside with a topic i am currently curious about, i listrn to them not hoping to find sope tip i was too stupid to find in my own mind but just for, idk, creating extra mood for decluttering, or loosing weight, or whatever. I personally stepped on minimalism path about a year ago. I sell knick-knacks for tourists and our shop is very messy and full with different small items, both ones we sell and those we use ourselves in working process. Gradually i began noticing how tired i am of all this visual noice. I like my apartment, tidy and with only a few items beyond basic ones, including Halloween decor i have year-round. All that stuff is easy and quickly to displase while cleaning and apartment, and i also like when i enter a room to take smth or open a wardrobe and my glance drops to exactly this thing, 'cause i know in advance where it is. Now i enloy having organized space and feel more calm since i don't have smth catching my eyes every second and distracting my focus.
I've always lived in small spaces, so minimalism still suits me. As I grow older though, I am becoming more disabled. I'd like a beautiful throw rug for my floor, but I keep tripping over it. A Dutch oven would be fantastic to bake bread in, but it is hard to hold. My personal style also continues to change. This week I got rid of several pieces of furniture. I don't know yet if anything will replace them, but I know I can be content with the lack of them in the meantime.
Minimalism has been around a very very very very long time. It’s not anything new and I growing up in west Texas and in the north Mexican state of Chihuahua we lived very simple lives with minimal items that were very well taken care of and lasted for ever.
I'm a minimalist in training. I recently discovered its benefits thanks to my BFF and just started getting rid of stuff. I have way too many clothes and counted 27 pairs of shoes (those are just those I could see around me). Yeah, still a long road ahead 😂
I love the minimalist lifestyle. I’m not totally there yet but I’ve stopped overbuying most things. My wardrobe being the main thing. I donated everything I don’t need and kept the essentials.
My problem with minimalism is that it would impede my hobbies. I like to tinker, and for me that requires material objects to tinker with. Usually it's handheld video game systems and watches which require a lot of specialist tools to tinker with or repair. Between the tools needed and the objects to be worked on there isn't much "space" for minimalism in my life. I'm not a video game or watch "collector" persay, owning maybe 5 watches and 5 systems, I usually purchase systems and watches to tinker with and then gift them. But I guess I should be careful or may find myself hoarding and/or overspending.
Its also probably harder too make money from that topic on TH-cam. I heard companies are more likely to sponsor videos that are relevant to their brand, although cleaning products like that vacuum are probably a good match for spotless minimalist homes.
I am de cluttering my life at 64 years old. How many frying pans do two people really need? Same for clothes, rugs, Knick knacks. The list is endless. Living the carnivore way of eating has really helped. I buy only meat, butter and eggs. I need one pan and I use my air fryer for most cooking. It saves me tons of money as I waste literally nothing that I cook. I make bone broth with leftover bones. I do take vitamin d3. Having a decluttered life is wonderful. Best wishes on your journey
It's important to me but I don't think about it in a conscious way much, I naturally like to eliminate various forms of clutter from my life, as it feels good. It comes naturally.
Still thinking about it - I have not sold off all the stuff I want to sell. But took a big step in 2024 and it hopefully will be a bigger step next year
I think this hit me in college 25 years ago when moving many times and what a pain in the butt it was to move more stuff. We used a futon mattress as a couch for a year and used a tv box as a side table. sruck with me my whole life.
I'm a bit late to the minimalism thing, and have come across it in tandem with the "underconsumption core" trend at the moment. I'm so glad to have found your channel among others on this journey to financial freedom/consuming less. It is also mental freedom and security! I feel at peace building my emergency fund (something I didn't have before).
A plain gray T-shirt suits you, especially in the setting you usually film your videos (which you know, of course, but I say it in acknowledgement). I like your intuitive approach, and the calm vibe and subtle colors are part of it.
Funny you mentioned Sienfeld because i had no idea minimalism was a trend for the last 5 years. I was first introduced to the concept when Kramer's friend gave him his old camcorder because he was being a minimalist and thought that was an intriguing idea.
I think the pandemic made me even more minimalist than I already was. Sitting around the house looking at the junk made me want to get rid of it, not buy more. Facebook Marketplace porch pick-up was a great thing to come out of the pandemic. I’m sure they already had porch pick up but I didn’t really think about it before the pandemic. I used to meet people in parking lots when I was selling something. During the lockdown I went full ham on my house and garage and I still find things to get rid of. I don’t know if I’m an actual minimalist as a rabid minimalist would describe it. I just don’t want to have a bunch of things that I don’t use and don’t serve a purpose, if it’s sitting in a box in the garage for 20 years, why own it?
We don't buy much stuff, but have ab accumulation of things we like from years of living. I like my house with its stuff and the occasional bought piece because it pleases me. Im not going to get rid of it. I generally think if I need something before I buy it ... for instance we are buying chickens and I've literally spent several different days trying to figure out the best solution to the housing problem, leaving it, coming back to it and I've finally come up with a cheap way to do it that fits me. You don't have enough to be a minimalist.
Looking back, my dad was a Minimalist long before it was a thing. He was never a "stuff" person, preferring instead to enjoy travel and tennis and dining out. He once tried to get me to put half of my toys away to enjoy having "less", but I don't believe I really got on board. Only recently (a year or two) have I started reading about Minimalism. If only I could get my better-half to embrace the concept of freeing ourselves of the stuff we don't and will never use. I love your videos!
I started watching your scam videos. They are great! I also watched your money and finance videos. I took some of your advice and it's made things much easier. By way of cutting spending, I also contemplated minimalism. I'm not a minimalist but I have definitely stopped unnecessary shopping and spending.
I was homeless a lot of times when I was in my 20's and that is a very, very minimalist lifestyle not by choice. I still now 30 years later live the same minimal lifestyle because I have to save and so not to be homeless again. I live on just about 1/2 of my income and save the other half. Once my basic necessities are met I try and find happiness without material possessions. I have great joy buying something especially what I really need, but I also get just as much joy about getting rid of something. I really enjoy have zero debt. I think that I will tend to spend more in retirement though because I won't be working.
Almost 70. Dismantled parents 5 bedroom, grandparents 3 bedroom, 2 bedroom condo of my mother's, been through many of my residences. One big mistake people make is "Looking For A Home 4 Your Shit". Sell what is truly easy to sell and gets quick money. Give what is quickly taken. Throw the rest of that Friggin Crap in the dumpster or put it out on rubbish night! Stop donating crap that they throw out! Stop feeling guilty about "You know, someone really poor could use this." I will donate to XXXX. NO! Give it directly to someone that needs it as I did an thick extra scarf in my trunk to a poor man in the cold. Your mental health comes first! Treat yourself to a new toothbrush.
You're right that the minimalist intentional mindset bleeds into other areas of life. There are certain things I swore I'd never do, and I assumed I'd feel terrible if I ever did them. But as the years went by, I decided to test those assumptions. I discovered I really didn't feel bad for doing certain things I swore I'd never do. Then I asked asking myself, what other rules can I let go of? It's a different kind of minimalism, but it buys ultimate freedom.
I'm practicing minimalism right now, but I view it more as being flexible. You could decide to go 100% minimalist and be super boring to some people during a portion of your life, or you can decide to go about 20% minimalist during another portion of your life. I would say I'm about 50% minimalist. I usually don't spend money unless it's on something I need. I do treat myself to purchasing some stuff I don't need from time to time, but I try not to do it too often. I have made some really big purchases this past year, but it has been to help me make money down the road, not because it's something really cool. I make a list of all the things I really want in the moment, and then I usually sit on them for about a month. What ends up happening is I end up not wanting about half of the stuff, and a few other things, I find things I already have that can be used in place of those items.
What I dislike about the minimalism trend going around, is when other minimalists try to set rules and judge "this IS minimalism, this is not minimalism, you have too much stuff, you still hoard too much and that's not minimal", we can all be minimalists with some stuff, but there's no guidelines or rules to it, there's no "glory" in having less, I prefer the approach of Ramit Sethin (from "I will teach you to be rich") who encourages you to find your own rich life and to be able to spend on what you love... but to not spend on what you don't love. Great video Nicole.
I enjoy your thoughtful comments about life in general. I am about 40 years older than you. As I look around my modest 100 year old house, I see far more stuff than you have in yours. But it is not clutter. The Art Deco clock on the mantel, the furniture and rugs we bought at auction, the furniture we had custom made, the Japanese silk embroidered landscape, the brass rubbings from England actually done by my brother-in-law in the '70's, the mahogany dining room set from an estate sale across the street. And, yes, the pictures of my late wife on that mantel with her favorite books flanking the fireplace. You may find over the years that those empty physical spaces fill with things that you use, love, and want to see everyday. Every item has a story. Not everything stays forever. Something you buy and adore may not get the same adoration 20 years later. That's a life with continuing growth and change. It really is a long, strange trip.
At 60+ life is made of memories and - hopefully! - plans. I took over my parents' furniture and am still happy to see the familiar wood pattern on a cupboard wall and fill the old shelves with my favourite books! (still need to get rid of some clutter though! 😂 )
How beautifully put...
Not everything stays forever. I love it!
As someone over 60 I've spent the past few years trying to purge all the "collections" I mindlessly spent money on my entire adult life. Let this be a lesson: don't buy needless things just because commercialism encourages you to do so. Put that cash to good use...savings or index funds. I spent the first fifty years of my life acquiring unnecessary stuff and now I'm spending time to let it go.
It really is time-consuming getting rid of it, even if you're just donating it!
Same 😏
57 year old here. Oh! if I could have all that money back! I started the clean out about 3 years ago. 22 year old daughter got me going when she said she felt a little sick at our house, with all the stuff around ( after living in tiny NYC apartment with no money and no space).
same...have gotten rid of so much already with so much to go...all that time and energy, sigh
but that's going to be handled and I know I am going to like the other side.
It depends a lot on what you have collected. As a music freak (same age as you), I have mainly collected records, CDs and instruments, primarily basses and guitars. The CDs are only worth pennies today, but records and especially musical instruments often retain their value or even increase it massivly. There are certainly other areas in which collecting can be a good investment (watches, vintage cars, paintings, etc.). But the usual junk is of course just a burden.
Minimalism is easy for me because I hate shopping and spending money
me too hate shopping and waste money but when I do spend money cash I always feel sad as money goes bye bye but once I stat using what I bough and enjoy it and say "money well spend" LOL
Me too
A good starting point, but very simplistic 😮
Me too!
then for what do you need money for? sleep with it?
I never aimed for true minimalism...but as someone who has always been an outdoorsman who cares about conserving our natural spaces, I have always had a mindset about not being wasteful.
I own unnecessary things...but I don't let clutter build, and I don't shop to "fill a void" in my life.
Clothes and shoes are mostly higher quality and natural materials instead of "fast fashion". They cost more upfront, but last years instead of being replaced every season.
I do a lot of repairs to household items instead of replacing them.
It's not true "minimalism"....but it's a lifestyle that I can sustain and still have enjoyment from without too much wasteful spending or generating a lot of clutter or garbage.
I appreciate your channel and the best part is that you're real. We all grow and change throughout our lives and you own that for yourself instead of trying to pretend you are exactly the same as you were years ago.
I wouldn't expect anything different, but it is refreshing that someone on TH-cam not only doesn't compromise on their values, but acknowledges when some of them change over time.
Yes, any purchase I make I consider its end life. Technology has really made this difficult. I drive a 20 year old car, however newer electric cars require resources that are limited and mining these precious metals not only use unethical labor practices but are damaging to the environment. So the answer for me is drive less rather than buy a new car, for as long as possible. Use you cellphone for as long as possible…
@@gracesimplified3860 way to go Grace, me too. 20 yr old car and I still have a well functioning iPhone 6 As for electric cars....just watch Michael Moores 'Planet of the Humans'
Even Marie Kondo is no longer doing hee minimalism thing.
I suspect minimalism might be a stage to pass thru as a mechanism to break the consumerism we are surrounded with.
Not certain, I dont believe I've ever been a minimalist.
Its more about intentional living/spending.
That is a very interesting theory. Feels like it make be in part at least true.
I agree, the minimalism "trend" is really the opposite or exit strategy of the whole over-consumption trend / culture. I keep on going back and forth a bit and finally seem to settle in between. I do buy a lot more intentional vs. impulsive / spur of the moment meaningless stuff.
In fairness, Marie herself said she wasn’t about minimalism. She was about organizing. The two can go together, and if you’re a minimalist that makes organizing easier. But they are so NOT the same.
my minimalism is tied to my age and I don't mind that at all. I'm 78 and in poor to fair health so why buy tons of apparel, furniture, decorations, small appliances, jewelry, etc.? I replace only stuff that wears out... It's easy to keep my apartment tidy now too. so this lifestyle is suits me well. Thanks for your great common sense channel, Nicole.
It makes sense.
My slow embrace of minimizing is that I want to retire on a boat. Only so much room on a boat.
@@dadzilla007 Awesome
When people die, they often leave houseful of stuff for their heir to sort through and get rid of for days. I'm determined not to do that. It's something I would do till I die.
Swedish death cleaning
You have no idea what a blessing that will be for your heirs. 🙂
I've never experienced it as a burden, but as a good thing.
Clearing out both my grandparents houses was valuable time to me, lots of good memories brought back, learned a lot and also made quite some money by selling stuff.
Some antiques even became "family heirloom", because those told a story about the family history.
The things people leave behind are their legacy, so be conscious about what legacy you'd want to create, just like our ancestors did.
Ultimately, people come and go, but history will always be represented by the stuff that stands the test of time.
My mother has a hoarding problem. 😢 To clean her house will be an absolute nightmare and would take weeks. So, that's what a cleaning company is for. If I can't hire someone to it for me, I will take what she has left to me, and basically let the State take it or open it to a public free-for-all.
To people with children, please do not burden your kids with ginormous amounts of knickknacks, clutter, and junk for them to get rid of.
I'm trying to live on as little as possible. Like it was in the depression. If I want something, I'll think about it for a while first. All I think about is consumerism.
@@30jenniferg yes, it's the American way. It's ruining our finances, our happiness and the environment.
That is great. Just also try to enjoy life and do what you feel works for you. Don't overthink it.
I'm a little old lady. Literally. Today I got a grocery delivery. This means another batch of sturdy boxes to fill with stuff for charity pickup. Parting with cherished books has been the hardest, but favourites have been loaded onto my e-reader. No more sqinting! When I finally topple off the twig, the family will have an easier time clearing out my house.
We drop things off where there are multiple mailboxes. I always pack a box or 2. Helps get rid of junk.
I lost 5 family members within a 2 years span and 5 years later we are STILL clearing out their stuff!!
I am one to a large degree. Sometimes I buy stuff and later think, why did I buy this? I look at it now and use it as a lesson (kicking myself) to not waste money on crap.
It can be different with me when it comes to clothes. I can buy an item which I can't say I like so much, but later it surprisingly becomes my favorite. Or on the contrary to but smth I am so excited to imagine to wear, but after a few times my spark of excitement about the item starts getting extinguished.
Lol. I'm a young senior who has been downsizing for the last decade. The fun part of culling your possessions is when you realize that you have boxes of stuff that you haven't touched in 20 years! I'm far from being any kind of minimalist, but I have definitely become more intentional and mindful about what new things I bring into my house.
I agree. It was not meant to be a trend but a way to do life. I never try to attain perfection with it. I just wanted to simplify my life and do what is best for my situation.
I work at our township recycling center, it's crazy how much people throw away. I try to keep it simple but as a mechanic I have to have so many things! Love the channel Nicole!
But all those things have a purpose, you actually need them. They are not a waste of money, but rather an investment. And no, there are no prizes for guessing what I do for a living :)
For me, minimalism works by questioning the usefulness of whatever I am considering buying.
@@omaha2pt yes, I absolutely need my hobbyist watchmaking tools, to tinker with watches which are absolutely not complete luxury items since the invention of the smartphone lol
i think that society misunderstood minimalism ... it is a method of design to view/perceive within the discipline of utilizing the least amount of materials and effort to obtain an "optimal" balance of art/work/life... it doesn't mean that one ought to rid or deny themselves of pleasure or experiences... and unfortunately, many persons took it to that misunderstood extreme and doomed themselves to a empty existence with no pleasure except for "bragging about how decluttered their lives are now"... (anyway, for me, i never got any pleasure from "making things perfect"... i enjoy curvy lines and life's quirks )
I found it funny that some folks got rid of their furniture and replaced it with white furniture because they thought that was being minimalist...😅
"Optimal Balance"...exactly how I view it as well.
I always defined my own “minimalism” as Conscious Consumption. It was never about going without. It was about deliberate spending on what truly gave me value. And I also felt it gave me more courage to chart my own course and define my own happiness and success. This allowed me to retire from full time work and I do some part time accounting and work one day a week in a disc golf shop cause I love disc golf and have played 104 rounds so far this year. That’s minimalism for me.
@@davesage4931 yeah.. that's a "life/work balance" for sure... and glad you're doing what you enjoy... disc golf has gotten real popular but i didn't know that there's actual pro shops for it... pretty cool
Hey Nichole, You're growing as a person!! And you're exploring new aspects of your life!! "You Go Girl"!!!!!
amen. I said something similar about materialism, it gets a bad rap but I think it could be done mindfully. start with the rule: "a place for everything and everything in its place."
Your wording with the title is crafty! You stopped caring, it went from voluntary to involuntary! More streamlined!
Imagine being a minimalist on a ranch in Texas...hear me out...lots and lots of land...no one in sight except lots of horses, goats, chickens and your dog running in open fields. What a dream!!! Hugs from Texas.❤🇨🇱🐴🐶🐔🐷🐐
Probably don't need all those chickens. And only one horse.
That sounds like paradise.
@@nobbynorisbut the horse needs a horse
2 horses, they are social and need a buddy to graze with.
@@Cold_Hard_Truthbut see you are minimalist. A piano, a guitar, one hobby you enjoy and the things you need to do it. You’re not collecting bobble heads, Pokémon figures/stuffies, lawn equipment, etc. you have what you need to enjoy life.
I just don't like owning a bunch of stuff. I see people move and it's a huge annoyance and so much pointless stuff! If I move I can fit everything into one car.
Tell me about it. My parents are currently dealing with the repercussions of one of my grandparents (rest his soul) was a hoarder and the house is terrible! Took them such a long time to clean up like 70 percent of the place. Still a good bit to clean up too. I am not following that path, instead just buying what I really love. I just don't want crap I need to later move.
My journey was nearly the same as yours. I adopted minimalism as a life choice a few years ago, and now it's just part of me. Whenever I find myself in an actual retail store these days (aside from Goodwill), I feel overwhelmed and my senses are overloaded. Usually I turn around and walk right back out. However, I still enjoy watching TH-cam videos from like-minded people (like you). It lets me know I am not alone, and provides a quick shot of motivation.
All it did for me is put a label on things. They call me a minimalist now and called me a cheap skate before lol
frugal is a prettier word.
I appreciate that you can realize when you've said enough about a topic and have decided you need to move on. There are several podcasters/TH-camrs that seem to just rehash the same info without adding anything new or useful.
This makes complete sense to me. I hope the minimalism behaviours will become second nature to me too, before long. I still have a lot of decluttering to do and changes to make. My living room is not really minimalist, but it is free from clutter and doesn’t have loads in it, so it feels airy and spacious. This is what I want the whole house to feel like because being in the living room eases my anxiety and makes me feel less stressed and overwhelmed. Slowly but surely I am becoming more intentional in all aspects of my life and I can already feel some benefits.
You got this Cathy!
Nicole, you are such a cool person. You’re so thoughtful and mature. I really enjoy your videos.
I just found your channel - you are awesome! Thanks for all you share ! So helpful- plus - love your puppy !
I started minimalism journey in late 1990s to get money and finances in order. I have grown more serious over the years and now have much fewer items, a capsule wardrobe, got rid of multiple collections and reduced all areas of my life. I feel freer and more relaxed and have more money saved and invested with zero debt. It was the best thing I could imagine. It also allowed me to retire in my mid 40s and travel the world. I think you have to want it and want the change not see it as popular a fad or a set specific way of living.
I am 70 now and been a minimalist most of my adult life, first out of poverty level of income, realizing I had no savings, one day in the 80's someone created the Spreadsheet for a computer, I put my income and expenses on that spreadsheet and wow, that changed my life. I was able to figure out where I could cut expenses and increase savings, then I figured out how to do compound interest on those savings (luckily CD's were 11% back then), still live as minimalist because I prefer life that way, I just don't need all that stuff, love the $140k/yr I get from $2.5 million in savings.
Something that turned me off from minimalism was the constant declutters I’d see on TH-cam channels. Like, you bought that shirt 3 months ago, why are you getting rid of it already? I feel like it lead to a lot of people getting rid of stuff that they used every year, because they only used it for a specific job once a year, but then after they decluttered it they realized they needed it to do that job and then had to get a new one. Minimalism created a lot of useless waste while promoting sustainability.
🎯
Nicole, you’re new to me. Minimalism is something I’m aiming at but motivation is something your channel gives me. Thankyou for everything you’re doing.
Keep these videos coming! Love them because they make us think!
Minimalism as a lifestyle is ancient, as it was practiced by Buddhist monks. Later it became an aesthetic.
I however began practicing minimalism at an early age. Later, In the early 90’s I came across a book by Elaine St James, called Simplify Your Life. it put a definition around my preference for living. After the internet took off and blogs became popular Leo Babauta minimalist journey attracted my attention. It really started trending and the counting of possessions and the stark aesthetic became a turn off for me, because it came across as an obsessive compulsive addiction.
I learned a lot from Elaine St. James. I wish I still had her books!
Nicely explained, your natural humor adds a personal touch. Strange but I am wearing a gray t-shirt and admit I did fall on my head when i was a kid (tricycle, backhoe, construction site, hole) lol. Your articulation of this life niche is intriguing and rational in a world dominated by money.
The gray tshirt bit...yep that's me...never giving that up
Post-covid minimalism is also known as poverty. Prices are insane...
I don't think I would call myself a minimalist, but I am very intentional with my spending. It's become so second nature that it's "hard" for me to spend money on bs. I see something and I think, wow, there are so many things I don't want or need. I have never overspend, but I somehow have so much of everything(!) I sometimes think how my brain worked differently when I was in my early 20s (I'm 46 now)
I felt that stuff had an aura and I wanted some of that. Things don't have that glow anymore. Having solid savings does. F...you money, as you call it😂
Great video, Nicole❤
I feel this also. I started my minimalist journey during Covid. 🤷♀️🤷♀️ It has been amazing and freeing. I started my journey because of TH-cam and some of the people. Now I find I don’t need to keep hearing about minimalism because I’m right where I want to be. But I still like some of the people. So the people who have changed and added more Content to their channel are the ones I continue to follow. You have a varied content every week. So happy to have you in my life. ❤
I call myself a minimalist hoarder. I don't minimize the amount of things I own, but the amount of things I buy. This avoids buying and trashing and buying and trashing the same things over and over.
I have had a few big clear outs, made a lot of money. But I'm head of the family so have to keep a lot of things as I have to repair or replace whatever the family needs.
Completely agree with the working part. Tired of it. Freedom is important to me and so is my personal time.
Personally I like to see more of us opting out of "the system" in order to gain more freedom and more enjoyment in life. The larger the trend the better. But, as minimalists we will still need to push back, or, fight back because those in "the system" will see the effects and craft a way for all of us to again be a part of "the system". It's an ongoing battle but it's worth it because there's more to our lives than what they want from us.
Ok. Thanks for your expertise. I wanted to have a mirror to see myself going out. But I agree it may not be a good idea.
I agree, we have made minimalism very complicated. Also there are so many "dead horses" on the internet. Thanks for not adding more! That is why your content is still interesting. Love your channel❤
Minimalism is important to me, in a way that I don't think about it. It feels natural to keep an equal flow of the stuff I bring in to the house as I take out of the house.
Only order online, if it is a necessity and a way better offer.
It is so easy to be on top of the cleaning.
I have a very classy wardrobe, and it fits into one closet. Keep my out of season clothing in one big moving box (spring/summer or autumn/winter)
I stIl love minimalism for the ease of cleaning and philosophy of intentional spending. I actually hadn't noticed much the change in your channel--I enjoy it either way!
Awwww, 2:31 min when you put the jacket on the floor, he was thinking, you guys go outside. So cute. ❤🐾🐾
Yay! Getting a mid week Nicole fix! 🎉
I've been a minimalist for 30 years. I'm much like you, I hate clutter. I don't buy anything I don't need. The good thing about that is that I saved so much money I was able to retire in my early 50's. It's great to see young people that have a head on their shoulders and can manage money. Very rare these days. I have 5 children and try to have them watch your channel. You are a great influence and a role model to your generation. keep up the good work. You are a very impressive young lady.
Nicole, the last minute of this video is the best words ever spoken on youtube!
As I minimalist I will continue going to watch your next video hopefully it doesn't turn out to be a plug for a new product. Us cheap people hate spending money for stuff we do not need.
I became attracted to minimalism in 2011. I went through a natural disaster that caused me to "lose" everything except my car (my home was well insured, hence the quotes), and have to start over from scratch when it came to most possessions. I was so determined to live with less and focus on basics. My partner at the time was not. He wanted more stuff than ever before, and fancier items. We wound up splitting for a variety of reasons and I found myself enjoying a simpler lifestyle. When I got a new partner (now my spouse) he was extremely minimalist by nature and still is. So that has worked out well. However, I've never considered myself a true blue minimalist because I have a bananas wardrobe, full of 80+ pair of shoes and boots and every color and style I like, 2 full size closets filled with clothing. Meanwhile, my overall attitude is still pretty minimal, decor included. I like simplicity and cleanliness and prefer consumable and/or practical gifts, and experiences over items in most cases. I have also become more of a quality over quantity person in every aspect except clothes/shoes. But even those, I buy stuff that does last and often secondhand, I'm not just going nuts with Temu hauls or racking up big department store bills either.
I live with a hoarder it really sucks. Im going nuts cant wait to leave
LATE comer to it - I moved into a van two years ago - sold everything I owned from the three bedroom house to do so. The most exasperating thing about it is my tiny dorm-sized fridge. I spend WAY more time at the grocery store than I want to - almost always in the fast checkout lane, because I can't fit that much in here. It was fun downsizing - I made an effort to see how much I could get rid of before I actually moved into my van. The answer was: Drum roll please: when I ditched the bed I slept on days before. . . . I slept on the couch the last couple of days, and moved the ONE plate, the ONE set of fork, knife, and spoon the ONE coffee cup, etc. into the van., I do like nice things to use in every day life. . . My artisan made cutting board, wooden spoon I use every day, and artisan made coffee cup I drink out of every day are luxuries I enjoy. The coffee cup, BTW - the only breakable thing in thing in my van kitchen. What I miss that I don't have space for: Keurig. . . . but the coffee I make is actually better with simple pour over system.
And you’re polluting less. Unless you sent it back to keureg, making those pods caused pollution, shipping such bulky things caused pollution, and then disposing of them is pollution.
Minimalism is something I plan on doing that I haven't even started yet. I'm 55 years old, and I'm about to inherit a house with 40+ years of accumulated clutter.
Thanks for the midweek video. I'm not into minimalism, I just try to be practical with my money and time. I know we are being manipulated to waste our money on crap that isn't good for us or the planet and is just making some a-hole wealthy
I relate to you. I agree. I went through a similar thing with minimalism.
I agree with comment about everyone talking about the same thing. I've been noticing that and stopped following some. We now need to figure out what to do with all the stuff people have gotten rid of. Thrift stores can't keep up and alot of stuff ending up in garbage landfills. Any suggestions
I think you're right about folks who strayed away from minimalism for reasons of boredom during Rona times. Luckily here in the US in my state, Ohio, we didn't have lockdowns the same way other countries, or even other states in our union had. I wasn't on the minimalism train then, but upon moving in spring of 2023 I totally had a wakeup call as to how much stuff I didn't need, and was able to donate to thrift, as well as give directly to friends in need. i.e. couch, plasma tv, washer/dryer, and more. As for diet stuff, I went the exact opposite and I'd found in july of 2022 I saw a tedx talk on the Lion Diet and that led me to Dr. Ken Berry and learning about keto/carnivore. Which, for me, and my health needs turned out to be a good thing. I bring that up because it made my grocery shopping very minimal. Even before changing my diet I was buying all the organic or natural things I thought were better for me, turns out even if it was that, some of them were still processed and had too much sugar/seed oils. So ditching the carbs and grains and seed oils, even "organic" ones, making an investment in an air fryer or using a toaster oven really cut back on my grocery bill, my time at the store, my electric bill, as well as increased my personal time, which allowed for me to devote more time to my fitness with running. I think these days many of us are in a place of real priviledge to be able to choose what diet we have, because as an old addage goes, when you are broke, any food is health food.
I definitely need a washer and dryer. I hate hauling clothes or washing by hand and the laundry places out here are getting expensive.
@@soufwesthoustontx yeah a friend and her husband really appreciated getting it. They didn’t have one either and they took their laundry to his mom&dad’s house for over a year.
I agree that it is a place of privilege to be able to make many of these choices.
Just discovered your channel, it's great. I subscribed. I subscribe to many content providers on here and other sites. I loved your video on private equity firms. They've destroyed my industry. You're great at making the point without a lot of BS and unnecessary fluff. Looking forward to watching more of your stuff.
one of the best channels on TH-cam right here 👏
also, see Prepper Princess.
I only discovered minimalism in the beginning of 2021. I was very impressed with the idea and I embraced it but it is very difficult for someone who has many hobbies and love "collecting" things. However, I got to work and start selling things. All thing things I sold I never really regretted. I just want them out of the house. I freed up space and tidied up many areas which was so satisfying but it's very hard to keep at it as I have so many things to get rid of. So I slowed down. I don't think i can go to the extreme of minimalism but the idea is very good. I will still work at it to tidy up my place and make room.
Great video! All true! Still very much a minimalist and always trying to find ways to live on even less! 😂 Levi is so precious! 🤎
"...was I full of shite from the start" 😂
You're hilarious...and full of great tips, not poop. Love your videos!
Hi Nicole, I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot from them so Thank You for doing what you do.
I want to answer a question you asked months ago in video and that was what do people use if they don’t use paper towels. I have a solution and I think it goes with minimalism, saving money, sustainability and your decor. What’s this you ask…well I stopped using store bought paper towels a couple years ago and have not looked back and it’s all because of Walmart Mainstays 100% cotton 6-piece Bar Mop Kitchen Towel Set in dark grey.
They cost around $6.00 a pack in the U.S. I know better late then never, but I wanted to tell you about them. We use them for everything. Kitchen, cooking, cleaning, produce,microwave, car, bathroom and anywhere else you would use a paper towel. We wash them in hot water with our other towels and add 1 cup of vinegar to sanitize.
I think they are a win all the way around 😃
I love books, DVDs and CDs too muy to be a minimalist. Not like I keep buying that stuff, but it does add value to my life. But very frugal in my expenses and was able to buy my own home which I love to keep clean.
That's exactly what my thoughts were when i was browsing numerous TH-cam channels dedicated to this topic: like all the core information on it can be given in maybe half an hour. Ok, let's take two more hours to give examples and tell some stories from a blogger's life, but that's maximum. But those videos are being made on and on. Personally i don't care, because i often listen to some videos that just coinside with a topic i am currently curious about, i listrn to them not hoping to find sope tip i was too stupid to find in my own mind but just for, idk, creating extra mood for decluttering, or loosing weight, or whatever.
I personally stepped on minimalism path about a year ago. I sell knick-knacks for tourists and our shop is very messy and full with different small items, both ones we sell and those we use ourselves in working process. Gradually i began noticing how tired i am of all this visual noice. I like my apartment, tidy and with only a few items beyond basic ones, including Halloween decor i have year-round. All that stuff is easy and quickly to displase while cleaning and apartment, and i also like when i enter a room to take smth or open a wardrobe and my glance drops to exactly this thing, 'cause i know in advance where it is. Now i enloy having organized space and feel more calm since i don't have smth catching my eyes every second and distracting my focus.
I've always lived in small spaces, so minimalism still suits me. As I grow older though, I am becoming more disabled. I'd like a beautiful throw rug for my floor, but I keep tripping over it. A Dutch oven would be fantastic to bake bread in, but it is hard to hold. My personal style also continues to change. This week I got rid of several pieces of furniture. I don't know yet if anything will replace them, but I know I can be content with the lack of them in the meantime.
Great video 👌 thanks 🙏
Minimalism has been around a very very very very long time. It’s not anything new and I growing up in west Texas and in the north Mexican state of Chihuahua we lived very simple lives with minimal items that were very well taken care of and lasted for ever.
I'm a minimalist in training. I recently discovered its benefits thanks to my BFF and just started getting rid of stuff. I have way too many clothes and counted 27 pairs of shoes (those are just those I could see around me). Yeah, still a long road ahead 😂
I love the minimalist lifestyle. I’m not totally there yet but I’ve stopped overbuying most things. My wardrobe being the main thing. I donated everything I don’t need and kept the essentials.
Still enjoying minimalist.
And since I am still paying down my debt, thinking religiously about what I really need is a must.❤from LA
My problem with minimalism is that it would impede my hobbies. I like to tinker, and for me that requires material objects to tinker with. Usually it's handheld video game systems and watches which require a lot of specialist tools to tinker with or repair. Between the tools needed and the objects to be worked on there isn't much "space" for minimalism in my life.
I'm not a video game or watch "collector" persay, owning maybe 5 watches and 5 systems, I usually purchase systems and watches to tinker with and then gift them. But I guess I should be careful or may find myself hoarding and/or overspending.
ive never thought about it
Its also probably harder too make money from that topic on TH-cam. I heard companies are more likely to sponsor videos that are relevant to their brand, although cleaning products like that vacuum are probably a good match for spotless minimalist homes.
Geez....I have respect for you Nicole. "I've said all that I have to say about this" Love that!!!
I am de cluttering my life at 64 years old. How many frying pans do two people really need? Same for clothes, rugs, Knick knacks. The list is endless.
Living the carnivore way of eating has really helped. I buy only meat, butter and eggs. I need one pan and I use my air fryer for most cooking. It saves me tons of money as I waste literally nothing that I cook. I make bone broth with leftover bones. I do take vitamin d3.
Having a decluttered life is wonderful.
Best wishes on your journey
Love your channel, love the minimalist vids also I have taken it to practice.
It's important to me but I don't think about it in a conscious way much, I naturally like to eliminate various forms of clutter from my life, as it feels good. It comes naturally.
Can't say I'm as much of a minimalist anymore but im glad I had a time with it cause it taught me to appreciate what I have
Still thinking about it - I have not sold off all the stuff I want to sell. But took a big step in 2024 and it hopefully will be a bigger step next year
I think this hit me in college 25 years ago when moving many times and what a pain in the butt it was to move more stuff. We used a futon mattress as a couch for a year and used a tv box as a side table. sruck with me my whole life.
I'm a bit late to the minimalism thing, and have come across it in tandem with the "underconsumption core" trend at the moment. I'm so glad to have found your channel among others on this journey to financial freedom/consuming less. It is also mental freedom and security! I feel at peace building my emergency fund (something I didn't have before).
Inspiring stuff indeed Nicole 💚
A plain gray T-shirt suits you, especially in the setting you usually film your videos (which you know, of course, but I say it in acknowledgement). I like your intuitive approach, and the calm vibe and subtle colors are part of it.
Funny you mentioned Sienfeld because i had no idea minimalism was a trend for the last 5 years. I was first introduced to the concept when Kramer's friend gave him his old camcorder because he was being a minimalist and thought that was an intriguing idea.
Minimalism Rocks !! Important to revisit occasionally.
Girlie you are spot on !
nice editing and content. thank you :)
The things you own end up owning you.
Simplify, simplify, simplify. - Henry David Thoreau
I think the pandemic made me even more minimalist than I already was. Sitting around the house looking at the junk made me want to get rid of it, not buy more. Facebook Marketplace porch pick-up was a great thing to come out of the pandemic. I’m sure they already had porch pick up but I didn’t really think about it before the pandemic. I used to meet people in parking lots when I was selling something. During the lockdown I went full ham on my house and garage and I still find things to get rid of. I don’t know if I’m an actual minimalist as a rabid minimalist would describe it. I just don’t want to have a bunch of things that I don’t use and don’t serve a purpose, if it’s sitting in a box in the garage for 20 years, why own it?
We don't buy much stuff, but have ab accumulation of things we like from years of living. I like my house with its stuff and the occasional bought piece because it pleases me. Im not going to get rid of it. I generally think if I need something before I buy it ... for instance we are buying chickens and I've literally spent several different days trying to figure out the best solution to the housing problem, leaving it, coming back to it and I've finally come up with a cheap way to do it that fits me. You don't have enough to be a minimalist.
Love this..
Looking back, my dad was a Minimalist long before it was a thing. He was never a "stuff" person, preferring instead to enjoy travel and tennis and dining out. He once tried to get me to put half of my toys away to enjoy having "less", but I don't believe I really got on board. Only recently (a year or two) have I started reading about Minimalism. If only I could get my better-half to embrace the concept of freeing ourselves of the stuff we don't and will never use.
I love your videos!
I started watching your scam videos. They are great! I also watched your money and finance videos. I took some of your advice and it's made things much easier. By way of cutting spending, I also contemplated minimalism. I'm not a minimalist but I have definitely stopped unnecessary shopping and spending.
Hello there! Can you talk about the cool coffee brewing device in your house? Thanks!
It’s linked in the video description
@AccordingtoNicole What's with not wearing makeup? Not that it's an absolute requirement for women, but I'm curious.
❤ the Minor Threat tee 👍
I was homeless a lot of times when I was in my 20's and that is a very, very minimalist lifestyle not by choice. I still now 30 years later live the same minimal lifestyle because I have to save and so not to be homeless again. I live on just about 1/2 of my income and save the other half. Once my basic necessities are met I try and find happiness without material possessions. I have great joy buying something especially what I really need, but I also get just as much joy about getting rid of something. I really enjoy have zero debt. I think that I will tend to spend more in retirement though because I won't be working.
Almost 70. Dismantled parents 5 bedroom, grandparents 3 bedroom, 2 bedroom condo of my mother's, been through many of my residences. One big mistake people make is "Looking For A Home 4 Your Shit". Sell what is truly easy to sell and gets quick money. Give what is quickly taken. Throw the rest of that Friggin Crap in the dumpster or put it out on rubbish night! Stop donating crap that they throw out! Stop feeling guilty about "You know, someone really poor could use this." I will donate to XXXX. NO! Give it directly to someone that needs it as I did an thick extra scarf in my trunk to a poor man in the cold. Your mental health comes first! Treat yourself to a new toothbrush.
You're right that the minimalist intentional mindset bleeds into other areas of life. There are certain things I swore I'd never do, and I assumed I'd feel terrible if I ever did them. But as the years went by, I decided to test those assumptions. I discovered I really didn't feel bad for doing certain things I swore I'd never do. Then I asked asking myself, what other rules can I let go of? It's a different kind of minimalism, but it buys ultimate freedom.
I'm practicing minimalism right now, but I view it more as being flexible. You could decide to go 100% minimalist and be super boring to some people during a portion of your life, or you can decide to go about 20% minimalist during another portion of your life. I would say I'm about 50% minimalist. I usually don't spend money unless it's on something I need. I do treat myself to purchasing some stuff I don't need from time to time, but I try not to do it too often. I have made some really big purchases this past year, but it has been to help me make money down the road, not because it's something really cool. I make a list of all the things I really want in the moment, and then I usually sit on them for about a month. What ends up happening is I end up not wanting about half of the stuff, and a few other things, I find things I already have that can be used in place of those items.
What I dislike about the minimalism trend going around, is when other minimalists try to set rules and judge "this IS minimalism, this is not minimalism, you have too much stuff, you still hoard too much and that's not minimal", we can all be minimalists with some stuff, but there's no guidelines or rules to it, there's no "glory" in having less, I prefer the approach of Ramit Sethin (from "I will teach you to be rich") who encourages you to find your own rich life and to be able to spend on what you love... but to not spend on what you don't love. Great video Nicole.