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I like how practical your advice is. Acknowledging the "frugal" versus "minimalism" was powerful I would add "prepper" which became super practical during COVID. Versus "problem solver process" which is how we end up getting half of the gadgets to make our lives easier. The shopaholic versus "the advice we got to give ourselves a present" as part of rewarding ourselves to celebrate milestones and to make things like weight loss have a reward. There are so many competing emotional and mental things going on and it helps to understand them. For me, problem solving for real problems that come up is the biggest source of stuff. It means that I genuinely don't know how to do things and I also don't want to spend money to have professionals come in, so I end up at the box store when my basement flooded with sewage and got black mold when a main line backed up. Professionals would have cost me thousands of dollars. Instead, I made hundreds of dollars of excess purchases and used some of it but, from now on, I will be using thinner toilet paper and I will be cleaning my main line every year. So I can get rid of all of this stuff immediately rather than store it in case it happens again. (But this is the 3rd time it has happened. It just is the first time I dealt with it myself.)
@@wishingb5859 if I may... Most hoarding or compulsive buying issue always come from, well, something else totally not related. Once we understand the pattern, it's easier to let go. If someone else does the cleaning/purging (a friend in my case, or could have been the cleaning professional in yours) we start all over again.
@@Poppy- I hear what you are saying. For me, it is 100% problem solving how to accomplish the things in my life better. Until I get a system, it is hard to figure out how to minimalize. The example I can use is that I finally got a water-only cleaning system. Then, I could get rid of all of the products and just have a steamer and microfiber cloths and I have a UV sanitizer. It took years to figure out how to clean but being able to get rid of all of the products naturally improved my ability to go minimal. Cooking, I haven't figured out how to succeed at Whole Food Plant-Based no oil cooking. If my Instant Pot had worked, I probably would have just used that but it failed miserably and also shot miso soup all over my kitchen. But shut itself off every time I cooked dishes with starches. It has taken years to research how to find non-toxic pans that don't stick when I cook without oil and that I can clean in my dishwasher and that don't harm my brain. Without the systems, it is almost impossible to do minimalism.
💯 You are my kind of person! I love walking and like to have comfy, good quality shoes. Also, sleep is something I really value because I really value my health. I invested in a great bed and mattress and it is life changing. 💕💕💕
@@kathrynrobinson8924 My family and friends thought I had lost my mind when I bought a new bed and mattress for €1,500. Worth every Euro. Kind regards from Ireland Kate. 👱♀️🏡💕
I just sold a big quilted bedspread I found heavy to move about and didn’t need it for the big bed I had I sold it very cheaply on a local site and the lady that got it was overjoyed with it I’m so glad it’s found someone else to love it
Wow! I love this. This is such a great way to look at it. It also helps when you’re finding it challenging to let go of something. To visualize the joy on the person’s face. It helps. 💕💕💕
Four years ago I gave a bubble gum pink summer dress. It was really nice fitting and comfortable. I always had compliments whilst wearing it thought I should have kept it. Last summer I bumped into a lady, twice, in two different neighbourhoods, wearing "my" dress. There! At least someone is happy so it's no regrets.☺️
Minimalism mistake number one: thinking that I didn’t actually need to minimalize but just organize better all I ended up with was spending money on organizing tools and resources but still have the same amount of clutter. You actually have to declutter! I felt that organization naturally followed removing the clutter from my home
My biggest minimalism mistakes were 1) I fell in the perfectionism trap of getting rid of something and replace it with a "perfect" version of it... Obviously it was kinda useless, I could have used up the things I had and eventually replace them with something better 2) I decluttered stuff before decluttering processes. What I mean is I kept quite a lot of items because I thought that they were a necessary step in a set routine. The perfect example for this is cosmetics: I used to hold on to setting sprays and lotions and serums and nail polish and all kind of hair products just to realize later that those were steps I skipped most of the time anyway. I don't enjoy painting my nails, so why did I own clear polish, colored polish, base coat, top coat and polish remover?? Now I just don't paint my nails anymore and I've got a lot of free space. Why should I keep setting spray and every shade of lipgloss on earth if I prefer powder to set my makeup and I always gravitate toward the same 2-3 shades of lipstick? I could have decluttered the processes first and really think about what MY makeup routine looked like instead of focusing on what marketing and other people thought it should look like.
Retail therapy was my biggest problem, especially kitchen items. At one time I owned 20+ frying pans. No, I'm not a chef. No, I don't cook everyday or even every week. I just loved shiny new kitchen equipment. I bought a $300 stand mixer that I never used. Not once. I gave it to a friend who sold baked goods as a side hustle. Over the past few years, I've given some items away to family and friends. Still got a ways to go but I'm getting there.
Gifts have been a difficult item for me. But I've had a revelation. I've decided to stop asking for no gifts or giving advice about what I would like (because that was not usually received well). I will receive gifts, thank the giver, then do what I want with the item. I have heard enough advice that the gift is now mine and is no longer attached to the giver, so I won't let their expectations weigh on me. With zero (or extremely fleeting) guilt, I will immediately re-gift or donate any item that isn't something I have a use for. It is a total waste if the item sits in my storage. Re-gifting or donating the item is the best use of it. When I receive the item, instead of being disappointed about things that are clearly not suited to me, I will think of the joy they are going to give to the person who eventually receives them.
I love this! I've recently gone though some storage bins and decluttered and donates come items I'd only been holding on to because they were gifts, not because I was using them. You are right is makes you so much happier to know you are donating them and someone else will get joy out of it rather than looking at it as "getting rid of it" and then feeling guilty.
Love this. What i also do is give friends "permission" to get rid of things they received from me as a gift (some time ago - since a few years back i started only gifting things that can be used up, like gift cards, candles, favourite chocolates etc.). Some of my friends who are also on a decluttering/minimalist journey still need to get this "permission" (others will never understand, so i don't bother). In my opinion the purpose of a gift was to tell me (or them, depending on who is at the receiving end) "hey, i thought of you" - if they get it right and i really like it and have use for it - great! If not: i value the sentiment and pass it on. Most of my friends understand this when i explain it to them and use this explanation for themselves now.
I always had a problem with buying too many decorative items. For a few years now I have a simple trick: whenever I see something in a store that tickles my fancy, I grab it and carry it around for a bit inside the shop. That way no one else can attempt to buy it - I get the feeling that it "belongs" to me. While I walk through the store I think about where to put it or what to do with it - and usually come to the conclusion that I don't need or really want it. So I put it back and leave the shop.
This is a great attitude to have. Very healthy way to deal with the strong emotions that come up when you feel obligated to keep a gift and guilty of the thought of letting go. Love this! 🌸🌸🌸
I can relate to all of these but especially the buying of furniture to store items. I don't think anyone would call me a minimalist from just looking around my house but when I think about all the storage furniture my husband and I used to have and the storage furniture we bought it is now crazy to me! I've been working on minimizing for the past 3 or 4 years and we have emptied and gotten rid of SO MANY storage items. Book shelves, shoe shelves, dressers and bins. My 5 year old daughter is even starting to understand the concept and cleared half her closet, on her own, of clothing she doesn't wear or want and agreed to sell a huge doll house and bin full of toys she doesn't play with.
My dad was too, think of how someone will be wanting to use it, since they’ll be actually wanting to buy it at thrift store because they “need it”. What helps my dad is how much someone can benefit for it and be put to use when donated.
Cost out your space by cubic meters and think how much space the item takes up. If it is still worth it, fine, but if it is costing two hundred dollars a year to store a saucepan…………
Minimalism means different to different people. There are so many variations in minimalism that it becomes useless to compares one person's lifestyle to other. Best thing about minimalism is that it gives the person focus and a sense of purpose. Buying less but quality stuff will always help in the long run.
I like your aproach to frugal vs. minimal way. Especially when you said no side is either right or wrong. Respecting different opinions is very important. As it is to stand by the choice we made. 😍
@@SimpleHappyZen by the way: thank you for so many great videos! In a TH-cam-World full of fashion bloggers i feel like your cannel is like a place to come home to ☺️ have a great weekend + greetings from Austria!
I love your advices, especially the "you dont have to" and "it's okay to..." , "There is no right or wrong" and that everyone has to feel comfortable. I often put a lot of pressure on me, without any necessity. Maybe because I think minimalism has to go a certain way. A reminder like yours, is helpful in these moments. I also like that you are honest to talk about things that went/Go wrong on your minimalist Journey. Please make more of these videos
Thanks so much! :) Yes I'm no stranger to putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself, so it's always nice to hear that reassurance from someone else
I have an antique trunk that I love. It is my take out box. (I LOVE that term!) My daughter in laws make sure to check it out when they come over. They call it a treasure box! Lol
I wish my entryway was big enough to use this idea! I’ve been trying to come up with an option for storing general outgoing items (store returns, gifts, errand items, etc.), but this would be more fun.
I think my biggest mistake was second guessing myself. Like nail polish for example. Deep down I knew I’m not into doing my nails but I kept some polishes and remover around and second guessed myself. Finally got rid of all of it and I really enjoy having my nails natural now.
I love the point you make about Minimalism versus Frugality. If you’ve ever struggled financially, letting go of things that aren’t beyond repair is very difficult. Even if/when you can afford to replace items, there’s the cost to the environment. Decor videos about staging your home have somehow convinced us that every table needs one, or preferably three, items on it to look good. Real life is so much easier with a table that is clear and ready for use.
I think I’ve made all of these mistakes! I’ve noticed that when I start thinking something needs to go I might as well get rid of it right away because it drives me crazy until I do. Off topic but I love your new lipstick 🥰
Thank you Tina! I noticed how I usually feel best when wearing nude colors, but I love how it's a bit shiny. And yes to the getting rid of it right away :)
That was very helpful. It reminded me that there are no set in stone rules, and that it's okay to figure some things out for myself. I have been re-organizing my desk constantly, and I have found something that I working very well. So I need to remind myself to keep trying...
Thanks so much Sue :) And you're right, there are no rules we need to follow, we're allowed to make it work for ourselves and not put too much pressure on ourselves
Yes to #7. I've been trying to explain that to a family member! I think when we've lived a maximalist like for so long, the idea of space is uncomfortable. Maybe it should be looked at as FREE space instead of EMPTY space
Great advice Vera. Having too many clothes was my problem. I have found that stopping buying clothes that other people like on me but I wasn’t comfortable in myself helped me to avoid having too many clothes.
This is one if the best minimalism videos I have seen. So many practical tips and informative gems! I was taking notes the whole time. Definitely one to watch again, especially just before a big decluttering session. 😉 Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us.
I used to be stuck at the gift items, and also the things my mother would get me as she had so great intentions, but after some years of not using the items so much I decided to let them hem go and people won’t even know! Also recently I told my mother in law I had donated some mugs and sugar pot she gave me since I never used it and it wasn’t my style at all. She was super ok with that, she had the same set herself and never used, but that day she decided to use, which was good in the end. She is the type of person who will old onto everything she got in her life... so no expectations!
Such great advice! My hardest items are ones that were gifted and it's obvious the person put a lot of thought into the selection... but which I don't really use. It helps me let go if I know someone else might be really excited to find it at a charity shop though!
Yes that's a tricky one :) Actually you could also use the photo tip with these items. It's the thought that counts, and this way you can always remember the thought that went into it
Wish list/to-purchase list is an excellent way to think about your future purchases and keep a track on what you really want and need. I have a list on my cellphone for the things I really need to purchase. For example, whenever I am in danger of running out a skincare product, I put it on my list. I usually buy things only from sale to save money so I refer to my list as what I'm missing at home and that way, I give myself a permission to buy the product if I see a good deal in the store or online. The list is really helpful because what's not in the list makes me think twice if I really need the item and the list makes me avoid impulse buying. Also, I don't feel guilty about buying new things anymore because all of my purchases nowadays are items that I use and need.
Thanks, Vera, I'm just starting my conscious, hopefully long-term path towards minimalism. Watched few of your videos. Really loved them. Appreciate the practical and simple to understand tips you give. Best wishes for the New Year!
I really love the way she admits her mistakes & guides us accordingly.just goes to show how honest & humble she is.thnks.all the tips were useful & reasonable.And here i must add that i shall take away frm this video wat suits me & is comfortable fr me.this is exactly wat she also says.cz the "minimalism journey",is an individual journey & every individual is different.Love this girl!Shall watch all her videos!!👍💜
Fumio Sasaki's quote, "Our things are like roommates, except we pay their rent" is absolutely brilliant! "It's not doing anyone any harm being here" reminded me of my mother-in-law's philosophy, which my husband sometimes quoted when I began downsizing and decluttering our empty nest. "Do you carry it around?" Ridiculous, but that's how she justified keeping stuff she never used. Luckily, my husband's thinking evolved and he now loves our clutter-free life.
Getting kicked out of the minimalist club. Loved that remark. Never keep things for 'In case' situations. Best is one out before one comes in - works great. But it must be in the same category. Greetings from cold grey gloomy November days in Zurich.
Greats tips. I declutter all year long. I’ve found it difficult to let go of things I’ve had for a long time. I seem to be sentimental about MANY things. Even if I’m not using them. It’s like peeling an onion. After each layer - I live awhile feeling good about the space - then decide about more items to let go. 🔲 I quit retail therapy shopping a long time ago. At the beginning of each year I assess needs for my wardrobe and plan updates for our home with my husband. This works out so much better. I’ve figured out how much is enough. This year I replaced worn bed linens and sofa pillows. A new faucet in the kitchen. And a toilet in one bathroom. My wardrobe needs: new loafers to wear with slacks, new sleepwear to replace worn pieces. Next year - I plan to get the triple mirrors replaced on our bathroom medicine cabinet and I think we’ll shop for a new mattress for our bed. Perhaps a new car for me. Mine is 12 years old and has 133,000 miles on it. This year it’s making more noise than usual. But, I also don’t drive as much as I used to. So, we’ll see. We also scrutinize all expenditures and cut any unwanted or unneeded services. Questioning everything.
Great job. Many of us struggle with this. But after loss of everything i hv found out only let back in your life what you need and what your heart will truly value. Thank you dear
Great advice. This is very helpful 🙏❤is hard for me to let go of my just in case items the most but after seeing more minimal videos I have gotten rid of so much things.
I had a cute tee shirt from the New England Aquarium, from the exhibit on leafy sea dragons, a cute water color design. While decluttering I decided to throw it away, miss that tee shirt every day :(
Hi Vera! It's an older video, but I'd leave this tip here anyway. When I go shopping and put an "impulse thing" in my carriage, I leave it there for one more round through the store, thinking about it and asking myself if I really need it. And if the answer is no after a while, I put it back before checking out of the store.
Great method with the phone. I have a set time limit that I'm on my phone and a set time in the evening to leave my phone alone and read just before going to bed
When it comes to gifts we dont use my sister asks the person who gifted the item if they'd like to regift it to someone else. Its a bit unusual at first but then for the giver its nice to have the possibilty to regift, use the item themselves or just say "oh you can gift/donate it as you wish" that help also with the feeling of guilt.
I just found your channel, and I'm addicted! Your content is consistently much more original than so many out there. I know that clicking any of your videos will gift me with NEW inspiration, new techniques, or even just that new angle. Keep up the beautiful, simple work! ❤
I just downloaded your Decluttering e-book. Happy to support your work, and looking forward to the changes in my home and inner life! Many thanks from a fellow HSP on this zen journey. 💌
Hey ur face and voice just soothes me up after a hectic day .... frankly my headache goes off hearing u out....u radiate positivity everytime I watch u ...may God bless u with everything that u wish for
I am by far a minimalist. I keep things that make me happy only. I am also environmentally conscious so I don’t go around throwing things I know I could use (I have re-purpose several things into containers for my plants for example). I feel there is a misconception about living a simple life. My take on it is that we do not need “things” to make us feel happy or worthy. All the things I have are things that are functional, useful, and liked. I follow a lot of Marie Kondo’s way. Everything in my environment (home) brings me joy.
Recently, I bought myself a long black dress that also came with its own cardigan. I did put it into my wishlist and then after two weeks, I finally decided to buy it after I consider few different wsys for me to style the long dress. Since I take on minimalism, every clothes that I own, I will try to style it in so many different ways in order to keep it fresh and new. This to avoid me from buying more unnecessary clothing items when I already had one. In short, your tips always helpful to me and all of us, Vera. So thank you.
My stomach still sinks when I think about how much money I spent on clothes 2-3 years ago 😅 now Im about to snap some pics to sell these white boots Ive never worn, that only make me want to buy a good pair of pants that match lmao
Thank you for your wonderful video . Am a minimalist myself ( try to be one ) . What I find hard is to attain minimalism goals since I have a kid who is 6 ..
I'm so Thankful for this video. I had been trying to figure out why I was having so much trouble getting rid of some things. Of course the sentimental is always hard. I just never realized that I had the competing minimalism with my frugality.
I'm happy enjoyed the video Lisa :) And if you haven't seen it yet, feel free to check out my video about sentimental items if you ever need some inspiration: th-cam.com/video/7AF5tH1D-pI/w-d-xo.html
ooooh i think that scrunchy would be a lovely belly band for your wish list journal. It would be a lovely reminder of the powerful lure of impulse items
I find your remarks on frugality vs. minimalism to be very much on point! To me, it's more worth it to be minimal and only keep what's essential to where I'm at in life in the present moment. In fact, I'd say that this is one thing that can lead to the mistake of buying things for a future time period that hasn't arrived yet. Things are just simpler when you're living for the present moment instead of buying or collecting things for the future when that time in space is still unknown.
When it comes to gifts, I wish people would be honest when I ask them what would they like. My daughter told me She was making Her Christmas list for gift giving, I let her know some small items that I would like : teas, small plants, that type of thing, after of course asking Her what does She really need, so We both don't end up with junk.
Yes I love making a list for the holidays. It's what we used to do with secret santa. That way everyone only has to buy gifts for one person, we all agreed on an amount so no one would feel like they need to overspend, and we provide each other with a wish list naming the items we'd be interested in
So something I do to counteract the buying things when sad thing, is that I do allow myself to buy something when I'm sad, but I have to physically go out to buy it (no ordering online), and it can only be plants. I still get the temporary morale boost from the actual buying of a shiny new thing, there's a barrier to actually getting it which means impulse buys pretty much don't happen, and most importantly ... you can just never have enough plants. Plants and kitchen equipment are the two things I'm not minimalist in, and that doesn't matter, because they are two things that bring a lot of joy and value into my life. Lots of people mistake minimalism for just "get rid of all your stuff!" instead of what I feel is the true essense, which is "genuinely think about which items add value to your life and which doesn't, get rid of the ones that don't but don't be afraid of having a lot of things that do in fact provide that".
Tip 12 is so me! Even when all seems in order, I sometimes get this urgent feeling that pops up and I have to move a certain item to a different location because all of a sudden I feel it’s not practical where it is... 🙄. My mistake is actually to leave it there for too long even if it’s not practical, don’t ask me why... 😂
Yayyyy my first video as a new subscriber (but I’ve watched almost all your videos, now, Vera!) Great video and information - I love your way of sharing with us and your personality and energy is so warm and peaceful 💖
Vera, you always speak so much sense but with humanity. I need to get rid of gifts, which I don't like, but were given to me by lovely people! I hope you got rid of that grey scrunchie!
I am sort of minimalist I only make space for things that bring me joy. I have a lot of just because, things that make me happy but l have purged most everything else!
Minimalism is a good concept but really only works in very stable countrys. I hope people realize that this is a very privileged state of being to be able to do. Keeping things in case are very real survival tactics that people use who can't just go out and replace things easily. I'm not bashing, I just wish people would realize that being able to just get rid of everything and buy when you want or need something is a privilege and should be treated as such😌 Beautiful home by the way.
Hi Rachel. I agree that even having stuff to discard (ie more than you need) is a privilege, and I personally think gratitude and understanding are very important. Which is something I often talk about on the channel. I don't believe in easily discarding things only to repurchase them later, a big part of minimalism for me is not contributing to the huge demand for consumer goods (that haven't always been produced in the best or most ethical or sustainable way). The differences between frugality and minimalism are very interesting and I think we can all find a way to make it work for ourselves. And thank you for your compliment about my home :)
I think that people with lesser means are often more intentional about what they buy, need and keep. I know that when I had much less disposable income, I could buy very little that I didn't need. That said, with the proliferation of dollar stores in the US, it's really easy to be a poor maximalist.
I disagree. I come from a third world country. You'll be surprised that the poor-low mid range are the ones who buy a lot of things they do not need the most. I think it's easier to target and influence them for some reason. There's even a study here in my country that poor people have more electric fans than mid-high range people which is odd. Why would you buy so much of it and keep so much of it in the first place?
I have a box of things that I want to declutter or I'm not sure of. It's a great solution. Also I do agree with the fact that you don't have to fill all the empty spaces in your furniture. I actually like some negative spaces. It helps elevate items that are important to you. The only mistake I made was comparing myself to others. Everyone lifes and needs are different, so there is no point of comparing.
Great video as always, really well structured and wonderfully common sense and practical approach to minimalism! I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Vera
I am guilty of the "just in case" mistake and end up hoarding a lot of stationery supplies! However, they do give me joy when I look at or go through them, and I will occasionally swap some out to use. I have made up my mind to stop buying anymore and be happy with what I have, and rotate them. I have also too many portable hard disks, on the digital side of things. Like physical spaces, digital clutter will expand to fill all available hard disks and the buying starts again, it's a vicious cycle. Now I don't keep copies of stuff that I can download from the Internet anymore, e.g. free software. Also, I missed the self-care video link, it was too fast on the video and I couldn't find it in the description. Can you please post it again? Much appreciated and as always, lovely video! 👍🏼
Can really relate with relapse into buying something new after months of decluttering (did toouch there). Will try your ideas about self care as an alternative.
I like to put things that I do not want anymore in a box in my garage that I can not “see through” easily. If I can’t see what is in the box every time I walk by, then I won’t change my mind and dig something back out again. Also when I put new items in that box, I discipline myself to not look at what’s inside.. I just open the top, put the item in and close it. As soon as the box is full to where I can not put something in….. then I immediately take it to good will on my next car trip. IF there is a fundraiser for a good cause needing items to sell, I donate it there.
I live in a 320 sq ft apartment I didn’t take it to the extreme yes the aesthetic is nice or whatever but the anxiety relief and ease In my environment has changed I feel so much more at peace
One of my current struggles with minimalism is always wondering if I’m being too “harsh” with myself based on the expectation that we’re supposed to live in a furniture free apartment with a backpack full of clothes. I’m struggling to find the balance between getting rid of items purely for the idea of “minimizing” versus identifying the items I truly do or do not need. Would love to know your thoughts!
As always good tips from you, Vera! ❤Although my journey has gone well over the past few years I still struggle with one particular area. I seem to always be chasing the best shampoo/conditioner/ hair product and the ultimate body lotion, somehow thinking that I'm going to find the one that I then will stick to. As a result I have an impressive collection of shampoo, conditioner, anti frizz products and body lotion. Every time I decide I'm going to use it up ( it will take a while) there is a new product on the market I "need" to try. And I know it's crazy, I know the ultimate product is probably not out there, but I still can't seem to stop myself. 😒 I'm sure I'm not the only product junkie out there, but I sure would like to get a grip on it. I am normally a perfectly sane (-ish 🤔) person, but it's like sanity goes out the window when it comes to these items.
Ah yes I totally get what you mean and I used to do this too :) Like you said, at some point I realized the perfect products aren't out there, and I need to accept the way my body is. My skin gets dry easily. My hair is kinda weird haha. No product so far has been able to 'fix' it better than another product I've tried. So I just stopped, used up everything I was still excited about, got rid of the products I wasn't excited about, and stuck to the things I thought worked fine. Maybe you could try to see where it is you get the inspiration for these new products, and see if you can lower the temptations for yourself. Do you find them in magazines? Instagram? Etc. If you don't know what's out there, it might be easier to stick to the basics
@@SimpleHappyZen That is really good advise. Of course there are channels for the inspiration. I will most definitely try and cut those off. Thank you, Vera! 🙏
Hi Vera, I really enjoyed this one! I do you a to go ... well it’s a bag in my closet and I’m trying to pear down to less decisions about dressing and end up with only items I love, it’s been working. Yes, jewelry is something I need to tackle ;) hugs Sunshine
It might feel awkward but you just bring it up :) Try to do it in a positive way and stick to talking from your own viewpoint. Instead of 'you always ....' say 'I would love to....' etc
I struggle with keeping things that I "might have use for". I also have a real problem with the small items that can't really be donated but I have terrible guilt throwing them out. I know it is silly to keep them in my house doing nothing but I struggle with the "waste" aspect.
Hi Charron 🤗 Yes that's definitely tricky! I think the biggest thing is learning from our purchasing 'mistakes' so that we don't repeat them in the future, and because of that, we create way less waste in the future, so if it's an item that can't be donated or sold or recycled, I think it's okay to toss it. You're doing the right thing because you're trying not to buy things mindlessly, and because of that you'll create much less waste in the future :) If that makes sense
Facing soon a crash of economy never seen in history the thought of "I might use it sometime later" might become true quite soon. It's not the time to give away stuff except it's broken or worn out.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey everyone! Make sure to check if you're subscribed to the channel, and to subscribe if you're not already. There's some really cool stuff coming up soon that I'm so excited about! And you're not going to want to miss it :)
Thank you 🙏
1:35 "Justine Case" is not a good friend, like I say 😉 (guilty as well of being friend's with "her")
I like how practical your advice is. Acknowledging the "frugal" versus "minimalism" was powerful I would add "prepper" which became super practical during COVID. Versus "problem solver process" which is how we end up getting half of the gadgets to make our lives easier. The shopaholic versus "the advice we got to give ourselves a present" as part of rewarding ourselves to celebrate milestones and to make things like weight loss have a reward. There are so many competing emotional and mental things going on and it helps to understand them. For me, problem solving for real problems that come up is the biggest source of stuff. It means that I genuinely don't know how to do things and I also don't want to spend money to have professionals come in, so I end up at the box store when my basement flooded with sewage and got black mold when a main line backed up. Professionals would have cost me thousands of dollars. Instead, I made hundreds of dollars of excess purchases and used some of it but, from now on, I will be using thinner toilet paper and I will be cleaning my main line every year. So I can get rid of all of this stuff immediately rather than store it in case it happens again. (But this is the 3rd time it has happened. It just is the first time I dealt with it myself.)
@@wishingb5859 if I may... Most hoarding or compulsive buying issue always come from, well, something else totally not related. Once we understand the pattern, it's easier to let go. If someone else does the cleaning/purging (a friend in my case, or could have been the cleaning professional in yours) we start all over again.
@@Poppy- I hear what you are saying. For me, it is 100% problem solving how to accomplish the things in my life better. Until I get a system, it is hard to figure out how to minimalize. The example I can use is that I finally got a water-only cleaning system. Then, I could get rid of all of the products and just have a steamer and microfiber cloths and I have a UV sanitizer. It took years to figure out how to clean but being able to get rid of all of the products naturally improved my ability to go minimal. Cooking, I haven't figured out how to succeed at Whole Food Plant-Based no oil cooking. If my Instant Pot had worked, I probably would have just used that but it failed miserably and also shot miso soup all over my kitchen. But shut itself off every time I cooked dishes with starches. It has taken years to research how to find non-toxic pans that don't stick when I cook without oil and that I can clean in my dishwasher and that don't harm my brain. Without the systems, it is almost impossible to do minimalism.
Two things I always buy high quality: mattresses and shoes, because you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping and the other 2/3 on your feet.
I heard it was Dolly Parton who this quote is attributed to xxx
Love it! :)
💯 You are my kind of person! I love walking and like to have comfy, good quality shoes. Also, sleep is something I really value because I really value my health. I invested in a great bed and mattress and it is life changing. 💕💕💕
@femm bot I feel like that about my Joya shoes, I literally can't function without them 🥰
@@kathrynrobinson8924
My family and friends thought I had lost my mind when I bought a new bed and mattress for €1,500.
Worth every Euro.
Kind regards from Ireland Kate. 👱♀️🏡💕
I stop and think of somebody else being so happy they found an item I donated. I thank God for it then free it up to bless another.
I just sold a big quilted bedspread I found heavy to move about and didn’t need it for the big bed I had I sold it very cheaply on a local site and the lady that got it was overjoyed with it I’m so glad it’s found someone else to love it
I donated it to a friend so I’m happy someone I know is enjoying it
Wow! I love this. This is such a great way to look at it. It also helps when you’re finding it challenging to let go of something. To visualize the joy on the person’s face. It helps. 💕💕💕
Four years ago I gave a bubble gum pink summer dress. It was really nice fitting and comfortable. I always had compliments whilst wearing it thought I should have kept it. Last summer I bumped into a lady, twice, in two different neighbourhoods, wearing "my" dress. There! At least someone is happy so it's no regrets.☺️
I love this mindset! ❤️
Minimalism mistake number one: thinking that I didn’t actually need to minimalize but just organize better all I ended up with was spending money on organizing tools and resources but still have the same amount of clutter. You actually have to declutter! I felt that organization naturally followed removing the clutter from my home
Love this :)
My biggest minimalism mistakes were
1) I fell in the perfectionism trap of getting rid of something and replace it with a "perfect" version of it... Obviously it was kinda useless, I could have used up the things I had and eventually replace them with something better
2) I decluttered stuff before decluttering processes. What I mean is I kept quite a lot of items because I thought that they were a necessary step in a set routine. The perfect example for this is cosmetics: I used to hold on to setting sprays and lotions and serums and nail polish and all kind of hair products just to realize later that those were steps I skipped most of the time anyway. I don't enjoy painting my nails, so why did I own clear polish, colored polish, base coat, top coat and polish remover?? Now I just don't paint my nails anymore and I've got a lot of free space. Why should I keep setting spray and every shade of lipgloss on earth if I prefer powder to set my makeup and I always gravitate toward the same 2-3 shades of lipstick? I could have decluttered the processes first and really think about what MY makeup routine looked like instead of focusing on what marketing and other people thought it should look like.
Thanks so much for sharing and excellent advice about decluttering processes :)
I initially had trouble with #1 too. I still find myself falling into that trap when I’m “perfecting” a particular space.
Excellent advice! Thank you.
Wow! This is incredible advice.
@@SimplyBeautiful516 you're all welcome! This community is so nice :)
Retail therapy was my biggest problem, especially kitchen items. At one time I owned 20+ frying pans. No, I'm not a chef. No, I don't cook everyday or even every week. I just loved shiny new kitchen equipment. I bought a $300 stand mixer that I never used. Not once. I gave it to a friend who sold baked goods as a side hustle. Over the past few years, I've given some items away to family and friends. Still got a ways to go but I'm getting there.
You can do it Tracy, good luck! :) And have a nice weekend
I had 14 frying pans..😂after watching Vera and diane from denmark I reduced it to 4.
I do cook everyday though.
Gifts have been a difficult item for me. But I've had a revelation. I've decided to stop asking for no gifts or giving advice about what I would like (because that was not usually received well). I will receive gifts, thank the giver, then do what I want with the item. I have heard enough advice that the gift is now mine and is no longer attached to the giver, so I won't let their expectations weigh on me. With zero (or extremely fleeting) guilt, I will immediately re-gift or donate any item that isn't something I have a use for. It is a total waste if the item sits in my storage. Re-gifting or donating the item is the best use of it. When I receive the item, instead of being disappointed about things that are clearly not suited to me, I will think of the joy they are going to give to the person who eventually receives them.
Love it! Absolutely amazing ✌
I love this! I've recently gone though some storage bins and decluttered and donates come items I'd only been holding on to because they were gifts, not because I was using them. You are right is makes you so much happier to know you are donating them and someone else will get joy out of it rather than looking at it as "getting rid of it" and then feeling guilty.
Love this. What i also do is give friends "permission" to get rid of things they received from me as a gift (some time ago - since a few years back i started only gifting things that can be used up, like gift cards, candles, favourite chocolates etc.). Some of my friends who are also on a decluttering/minimalist journey still need to get this "permission" (others will never understand, so i don't bother). In my opinion the purpose of a gift was to tell me (or them, depending on who is at the receiving end) "hey, i thought of you" - if they get it right and i really like it and have use for it - great! If not: i value the sentiment and pass it on. Most of my friends understand this when i explain it to them and use this explanation for themselves now.
I always had a problem with buying too many decorative items. For a few years now I have a simple trick: whenever I see something in a store that tickles my fancy, I grab it and carry it around for a bit inside the shop. That way no one else can attempt to buy it - I get the feeling that it "belongs" to me. While I walk through the store I think about where to put it or what to do with it - and usually come to the conclusion that I don't need or really want it. So I put it back and leave the shop.
This is a great attitude to have. Very healthy way to deal with the strong emotions that come up when you feel obligated to keep a gift and guilty of the thought of letting go. Love this! 🌸🌸🌸
I can relate to all of these but especially the buying of furniture to store items. I don't think anyone would call me a minimalist from just looking around my house but when I think about all the storage furniture my husband and I used to have and the storage furniture we bought it is now crazy to me! I've been working on minimizing for the past 3 or 4 years and we have emptied and gotten rid of SO MANY storage items. Book shelves, shoe shelves, dressers and bins.
My 5 year old daughter is even starting to understand the concept and cleared half her closet, on her own, of clothing she doesn't wear or want and agreed to sell a huge doll house and bin full of toys she doesn't play with.
Wow amazing that she's starting to do that by herself :)
I'm a hoarder and I'm doing my best to change for the best. Thanks for this video!
You can do it! :) Good luck
My dad was too, think of how someone will be wanting to use it, since they’ll be actually wanting to buy it at thrift store because they “need it”. What helps my dad is how much someone can benefit for it and be put to use when donated.
Interesting conundrum: frugality versus minimalism. I think this is my issue. Thanks for this video.
You're welcome :) It's interesting to think about
Same here :/
Having a very tiny budget doesn't help because I can't tell myself I will be able to afford it later if I need it after all.
Cost out your space by cubic meters and think how much space the item takes up. If it is still worth it, fine, but if it is costing two hundred dollars a year to store a saucepan…………
@@dees3179 Yes, excellent point!
Minimalism means different to different people. There are so many variations in minimalism that it becomes useless to compares one person's lifestyle to other. Best thing about minimalism is that it gives the person focus and a sense of purpose. Buying less but quality stuff will always help in the long run.
Very true! :)
I like your aproach to frugal vs. minimal way. Especially when you said no side is either right or wrong. Respecting different opinions is very important. As it is to stand by the choice we made. 😍
Thank you Lia 🤗 And I agree!
Whenever you look at your stuffed animals, you have this special, loving smile! I think, that's more than enough reason to keep them. 🧸🌸✨🤗
Aww haha thank you! Yes they're so cute, how can I not smile 😂
@@SimpleHappyZen by the way: thank you for so many great videos! In a TH-cam-World full of fashion bloggers i feel like your cannel is like a place to come home to ☺️ have a great weekend + greetings from Austria!
@@lena_penelope Ah that's so nice!!!
In the words of the great Hanna Montana, “Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days!”
Hehe, thanks for sharing these Vera!
Hahaha love a little Hanna Montana here and there 🤗
Thank you so very much Vera ! I cleaned a lot of clutter after watching this video.
That's awesome, congrats!!
I love your advices, especially the "you dont have to" and "it's okay to..." , "There is no right or wrong" and that everyone has to feel comfortable. I often put a lot of pressure on me, without any necessity. Maybe because I think minimalism has to go a certain way. A reminder like yours, is helpful in these moments. I also like that you are honest to talk about things that went/Go wrong on your minimalist Journey. Please make more of these videos
Thanks so much! :) Yes I'm no stranger to putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself, so it's always nice to hear that reassurance from someone else
I have an antique trunk that I love. It is my take out box. (I LOVE that term!) My daughter in laws make sure to check it out when they come over. They call it a treasure box! Lol
Aw that's so cute, I love that 😄
I wish my entryway was big enough to use this idea! I’ve been trying to come up with an option for storing general outgoing items (store returns, gifts, errand items, etc.), but this would be more fun.
What a nice thing to do.
I think my biggest mistake was second guessing myself. Like nail polish for example. Deep down I knew I’m not into doing my nails but I kept some polishes and remover around and second guessed myself. Finally got rid of all of it and I really enjoy having my nails natural now.
I love the point you make about Minimalism versus Frugality. If you’ve ever struggled financially, letting go of things that aren’t beyond repair is very difficult. Even if/when you can afford to replace items, there’s the cost to the environment.
Decor videos about staging your home have somehow convinced us that every table needs one, or preferably three, items on it to look good. Real life is so much easier with a table that is clear and ready for use.
Yes it's an interesting thing to consider :) Thanks for sharing Francesca
I think I’ve made all of these mistakes! I’ve noticed that when I start thinking something needs to go I might as well get rid of it right away because it drives me crazy until I do. Off topic but I love your new lipstick 🥰
Thank you Tina! I noticed how I usually feel best when wearing nude colors, but I love how it's a bit shiny. And yes to the getting rid of it right away :)
The only way to learn is to make mistakes. You don’t learn anything if you do everything right all the time.
Very true :)
Thank you for being so real! I found these roadblocks creep up quickly and you lay it out so nicely with tips etc. So glad I found your channel!
That was very helpful. It reminded me that there are no set in stone rules, and that it's okay to figure some things out for myself. I have been re-organizing my desk constantly, and I have found something that I working very well. So I need to remind myself to keep trying...
Thanks so much Sue :) And you're right, there are no rules we need to follow, we're allowed to make it work for ourselves and not put too much pressure on ourselves
Yes to #7. I've been trying to explain that to a family member! I think when we've lived a maximalist like for so long, the idea of space is uncomfortable. Maybe it should be looked at as FREE space instead of EMPTY space
Yes that's a good way to look at it :) And yeah, something is only empty because of the stuff around it haha, otherwise it would just be space
Free not Empty ..love that thought! thank you
Great advice Vera. Having too many clothes was my problem. I have found that stopping buying clothes that other people like on me but I wasn’t comfortable in myself helped me to avoid having too many clothes.
OH that's a great example! :) I can relate
This is one if the best minimalism videos I have seen. So many practical tips and informative gems! I was taking notes the whole time. Definitely one to watch again, especially just before a big decluttering session. 😉 Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us.
Wow thank you so much, that really means a lot to me 🤗💕
Thanks Vera as always. ❤ I do feel that when someone gives you a gift it is yours to do whatever you want with. I used to feel guilty but no longer.
Exactly! :) Thanks Cathy, enjoy your weekend!
I love the rotating box method. I don’t want to have to keep the decisions more than a minute. I don’t want to have to wait till a declutter day.
Yes that's so handy!! :)
This are my major roadblocks...I might need it....or it is attached to someone (guilt). Thank you Vera. ❤
You're very welcome Lena :) Take care!
I used to be stuck at the gift items, and also the things my mother would get me as she had so great intentions, but after some years of not using the items so much I decided to let them hem go and people won’t even know! Also recently I told my mother in law I had donated some mugs and sugar pot she gave me since I never used it and it wasn’t my style at all. She was super ok with that, she had the same set herself and never used, but that day she decided to use, which was good in the end. She is the type of person who will old onto everything she got in her life... so no expectations!
That's awesome!! :) I think that most people (not everyone of course) would be fine if we told them we regifted or donated something they gave us
Such great advice! My hardest items are ones that were gifted and it's obvious the person put a lot of thought into the selection... but which I don't really use. It helps me let go if I know someone else might be really excited to find it at a charity shop though!
Yes that's a tricky one :) Actually you could also use the photo tip with these items. It's the thought that counts, and this way you can always remember the thought that went into it
Wish list/to-purchase list is an excellent way to think about your future purchases and keep a track on what you really want and need. I have a list on my cellphone for the things I really need to purchase. For example, whenever I am in danger of running out a skincare product, I put it on my list. I usually buy things only from sale to save money so I refer to my list as what I'm missing at home and that way, I give myself a permission to buy the product if I see a good deal in the store or online. The list is really helpful because what's not in the list makes me think twice if I really need the item and the list makes me avoid impulse buying. Also, I don't feel guilty about buying new things anymore because all of my purchases nowadays are items that I use and need.
Yes, exactly! :)
Thanks, Vera, I'm just starting my conscious, hopefully long-term path towards minimalism. Watched few of your videos. Really loved them. Appreciate the practical and simple to understand tips you give. Best wishes for the New Year!
Thank you so much and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying my videos :) Happy New Year!
I really love the way she admits her mistakes & guides us accordingly.just goes to show how honest & humble she is.thnks.all the tips were useful & reasonable.And here i must add that i shall take away frm this video wat suits me & is comfortable fr me.this is exactly wat she also says.cz the "minimalism journey",is an individual journey & every individual is different.Love this girl!Shall watch all her videos!!👍💜
Thank you so much Tina for your wonderful comment! 🤗💕
Fumio Sasaki's quote, "Our things are like roommates, except we pay their rent" is absolutely brilliant! "It's not doing anyone any harm being here" reminded me of my mother-in-law's philosophy, which my husband sometimes quoted when I began downsizing and decluttering our empty nest. "Do you carry it around?" Ridiculous, but that's how she justified keeping stuff she never used. Luckily, my husband's thinking evolved and he now loves our clutter-free life.
Yes it's such a refreshing way of looking at it :) And so true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Vivian!
Getting kicked out of the minimalist
club. Loved that remark. Never
keep things for 'In case' situations.
Best is one out before one comes
in - works great. But it must be
in the same category. Greetings
from cold grey gloomy November
days in Zurich.
Yes I also love the one in, one out :) Thanks and have a lovely weekend, we finally have some sunshine here
There are some items that I love and I am happy with, I keep them because I will use them at the right time and cannot replace them.
And yes, keeping things “just in case”🙋♀️. Put me on that challenge list. 😆
Your breathing technique you shared with us has made a major difference (good dif.) in my life & I appreciate it so much, thank you!
Yay I'm so happy to hear that!! :) Have a nice weekend Judie
Greats tips. I declutter all year long. I’ve found it difficult to let go of things I’ve had for a long time. I seem to be sentimental about MANY things. Even if I’m not using them. It’s like peeling an onion. After each layer - I live awhile feeling good about the space - then decide about more items to let go. 🔲 I quit retail therapy shopping a long time ago. At the beginning of each year I assess needs for my wardrobe and plan updates for our home with my husband. This works out so much better. I’ve figured out how much is enough. This year I replaced worn bed linens and sofa pillows. A new faucet in the kitchen. And a toilet in one bathroom. My wardrobe needs: new loafers to wear with slacks, new sleepwear to replace worn pieces. Next year - I plan to get the triple mirrors replaced on our bathroom medicine cabinet and I think we’ll shop for a new mattress for our bed. Perhaps a new car for me. Mine is 12 years old and has 133,000 miles on it. This year it’s making more noise than usual. But, I also don’t drive as much as I used to. So, we’ll see. We also scrutinize all expenditures and cut any unwanted or unneeded services. Questioning everything.
This was one of the best videos I’ve watched in a long time. Such great, solid and useful insight. Thank you 😊
🤗❤
Great job. Many of us struggle with this. But after loss of everything i hv found out only let back in your life what you need and what your heart will truly value. Thank you dear
Great advice. This is very helpful 🙏❤is hard for me to let go of my just in case items the most but after seeing more minimal videos I have gotten rid of so much things.
That's awesome! :) Doing great Jean 🤗
I had a cute tee shirt from the New England Aquarium, from the exhibit on leafy sea dragons, a cute water color design. While decluttering I decided to throw it away, miss that tee shirt every day :(
Hi Vera! It's an older video, but I'd leave this tip here anyway. When I go shopping and put an "impulse thing" in my carriage, I leave it there for one more round through the store, thinking about it and asking myself if I really need it. And if the answer is no after a while, I put it back before checking out of the store.
Great method with the phone. I have a set time limit that I'm on my phone and a set time in the evening to leave my phone alone and read just before going to bed
Those are very healthy habits :)
A to go box!!! That is going to be a habit for now on! Thanks!
Love ur videos, thanks for sharing 🥰
Thank you so much Aneesa :) Have a nice day!
When it comes to gifts we dont use my sister asks the person who gifted the item if they'd like to regift it to someone else. Its a bit unusual at first but then for the giver its nice to have the possibilty to regift, use the item themselves or just say "oh you can gift/donate it as you wish" that help also with the feeling of guilt.
Ah that's also very interesting! :) And everything is out in the open
Hi I've just found your channel and subscribed. I realy need to Declutter. Thank you for these videos I know youl realy help me 💖
Thank you so much Beverly and welcome to the chanel! Good luck with your decluttering
@@SimpleHappyZen tha k you so much 💖
I just found your channel, and I'm addicted! Your content is consistently much more original than so many out there. I know that clicking any of your videos will gift me with NEW inspiration, new techniques, or even just that new angle. Keep up the beautiful, simple work! ❤
Aw thank you so much Jenn, that means a lot to me 🤗💕
I just downloaded your Decluttering e-book. Happy to support your work, and looking forward to the changes in my home and inner life! Many thanks from a fellow HSP on this zen journey. 💌
Aw thank you so much!!! 🤗 Happy decluttering!!!
Hey ur face and voice just soothes me up after a hectic day .... frankly my headache goes off hearing u out....u radiate positivity everytime I watch u ...may God bless u with everything that u wish for
Thank you for your kind words, and take care! :)
I am by far a minimalist. I keep things that make me happy only. I am also environmentally conscious so I don’t go around throwing things I know I could use (I have re-purpose several things into containers for my plants for example). I feel there is a misconception about living a simple life. My take on it is that we do not need “things” to make us feel happy or worthy. All the things I have are things that are functional, useful, and liked. I follow a lot of Marie Kondo’s way. Everything in my environment (home) brings me joy.
Sounds wonderful Elena :)
I'm almost done decluttering using your checklist!! 🥺🥺💞💞
That's amazing!! :) Congrats 🤗
Recently, I bought myself a long black dress that also came with its own cardigan. I did put it into my wishlist and then after two weeks, I finally decided to buy it after I consider few different wsys for me to style the long dress. Since I take on minimalism, every clothes that I own, I will try to style it in so many different ways in order to keep it fresh and new. This to avoid me from buying more unnecessary clothing items when I already had one. In short, your tips always helpful to me and all of us, Vera. So thank you.
Thanks so much :) Happy it was helpful! And yes, the wish list works great :)
My stomach still sinks when I think about how much money I spent on clothes 2-3 years ago 😅 now Im about to snap some pics to sell these white boots Ive never worn, that only make me want to buy a good pair of pants that match lmao
Thank you for your wonderful video . Am a minimalist myself ( try to be one ) . What I find hard is to attain minimalism goals since I have a kid who is 6 ..
I'm so Thankful for this video. I had been trying to figure out why I was having so much trouble getting rid of some things. Of course the sentimental is always hard. I just never realized that I had the competing minimalism with my frugality.
I'm happy enjoyed the video Lisa :) And if you haven't seen it yet, feel free to check out my video about sentimental items if you ever need some inspiration: th-cam.com/video/7AF5tH1D-pI/w-d-xo.html
ooooh i think that scrunchy would be a lovely belly band for your wish list journal. It would be a lovely reminder of the powerful lure of impulse items
Haha yes it could definitely self as a reminder! I'm going to try it out with an extra hair band, and see if I still get a headache
You are always so motivating! Now I'm going to go declutter 😉
Haha yay, that's awesome! Hope it went well
I find your remarks on frugality vs. minimalism to be very much on point! To me, it's more worth it to be minimal and only keep what's essential to where I'm at in life in the present moment. In fact, I'd say that this is one thing that can lead to the mistake of buying things for a future time period that hasn't arrived yet. Things are just simpler when you're living for the present moment instead of buying or collecting things for the future when that time in space is still unknown.
It’s my first time watching your videos and I have to say I really like it. It’s well structured and pleasant to watch 😊❤️
So happy to hear it, thank you Sarah! 🤗
@@SimpleHappyZen I also subscribed ☺️ looking forward to watching all your videos! Greetings from Germany!
Oooo I struggle with 6 a lot. And I loved the story about the shirt and scrunchi!
Thanks Victoria! :) Yes, say it on repeat: no need for minimalism guilt 🤗
Love your suggestions and cheerful personality. Life can be so overwhelming. You put things into perspective. Thank you.
Aw thank you Lisa 💕💕💕
When it comes to gifts, I wish people would be honest when I ask them what would they like. My daughter told me She was making Her Christmas list for gift giving, I let her know some small items that I would like : teas, small plants, that type of thing, after of course asking Her what does She really need, so We both don't end up with junk.
Yes I love making a list for the holidays. It's what we used to do with secret santa. That way everyone only has to buy gifts for one person, we all agreed on an amount so no one would feel like they need to overspend, and we provide each other with a wish list naming the items we'd be interested in
This is amazing information! So much to relisten to and apply!!
I'm happy to hear it :) Have a lovely day!
I imagine how good it is to have free space and time and work toward thar goal. Looking at hours spent cleaning clutter makes me sick.
That's a great habit, reminding yourself of your 'why' 🤗
So something I do to counteract the buying things when sad thing, is that I do allow myself to buy something when I'm sad, but I have to physically go out to buy it (no ordering online), and it can only be plants. I still get the temporary morale boost from the actual buying of a shiny new thing, there's a barrier to actually getting it which means impulse buys pretty much don't happen, and most importantly ... you can just never have enough plants. Plants and kitchen equipment are the two things I'm not minimalist in, and that doesn't matter, because they are two things that bring a lot of joy and value into my life.
Lots of people mistake minimalism for just "get rid of all your stuff!" instead of what I feel is the true essense, which is "genuinely think about which items add value to your life and which doesn't, get rid of the ones that don't but don't be afraid of having a lot of things that do in fact provide that".
Tip 12 is so me! Even when all seems in order, I sometimes get this urgent feeling that pops up and I have to move a certain item to a different location because all of a sudden I feel it’s not practical where it is... 🙄. My mistake is actually to leave it there for too long even if it’s not practical, don’t ask me why... 😂
Hahaha yes I get that :D
So true..loved all of them..your makeup is just perfect and I loved how you simplified all the ideas..God bless you..stay happy and safe
Thanks so much Sarah :)
Yayyyy my first video as a new subscriber (but I’ve watched almost all your videos, now, Vera!)
Great video and information - I love your way of sharing with us and your personality and energy is so warm and peaceful 💖
Yay, thanks for subscribing! 🤗 So happy you enjoyed the video. Have a wonderful day!
Vera, you always speak so much sense but with humanity. I need to get rid of gifts, which I don't like, but were given to me by lovely people! I hope you got rid of that grey scrunchie!
Thanks so much, that's nice to hear :) Good luck with the gifts!
I am sort of minimalist I only make space for things that bring me joy. I have a lot of just because, things that make me happy but l have purged most everything else!
Beautiful, inspiring, positive!
Thank you, Vera! ⚘
Aw thank you 🤗🌷🍵
Minimalism is a good concept but really only works in very stable countrys. I hope people realize that this is a very privileged state of being to be able to do. Keeping things in case are very real survival tactics that people use who can't just go out and replace things easily. I'm not bashing, I just wish people would realize that being able to just get rid of everything and buy when you want or need something is a privilege and should be treated as such😌 Beautiful home by the way.
Hi Rachel. I agree that even having stuff to discard (ie more than you need) is a privilege, and I personally think gratitude and understanding are very important. Which is something I often talk about on the channel. I don't believe in easily discarding things only to repurchase them later, a big part of minimalism for me is not contributing to the huge demand for consumer goods (that haven't always been produced in the best or most ethical or sustainable way). The differences between frugality and minimalism are very interesting and I think we can all find a way to make it work for ourselves. And thank you for your compliment about my home :)
I think that people with lesser means are often more intentional about what they buy, need and keep. I know that when I had much less disposable income, I could buy very little that I didn't need. That said, with the proliferation of dollar stores in the US, it's really easy to be a poor maximalist.
I disagree. I come from a third world country. You'll be surprised that the poor-low mid range are the ones who buy a lot of things they do not need the most. I think it's easier to target and influence them for some reason. There's even a study here in my country that poor people have more electric fans than mid-high range people which is odd. Why would you buy so much of it and keep so much of it in the first place?
Thank you so much for another beautiful content Vera! I have learned a lot and hopefully not getting lazy this weekend to declutter :D
So happy you learned some things, happy decluttering this weekend, you can do it! :)
Loved this content. Excellent. You have actually got your shit together hun. Brilliant. xx. and Thank You. Going to do this. Joanne
Thanks so much Joanne, you can do it, good luck!! :)
I have a box of things that I want to declutter or I'm not sure of. It's a great solution. Also I do agree with the fact that you don't have to fill all the empty spaces in your furniture. I actually like some negative spaces. It helps elevate items that are important to you. The only mistake I made was comparing myself to others. Everyone lifes and needs are different, so there is no point of comparing.
Yes! :) Thanks for sharing and have a Happy Monday
I really relate to the first and second point
Hi Vera! I'm wondering when you're going to start your podcast? You speak so sensibly, brings so much insight and inspiration! 🥰
Great video as always, really well structured and wonderfully common sense and practical approach to minimalism! I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Vera
Aw thank you so much Jonna! :) Have a lovely day
Vera such great tips. Question what face products do you use as it’s so fresh and clear.Can you make a video on your skin routine.
Thanks so much :) I actually have a video about it: th-cam.com/video/aqArakP5Sb0/w-d-xo.html
I am guilty of the "just in case" mistake and end up hoarding a lot of stationery supplies! However, they do give me joy when I look at or go through them, and I will occasionally swap some out to use. I have made up my mind to stop buying anymore and be happy with what I have, and rotate them.
I have also too many portable hard disks, on the digital side of things. Like physical spaces, digital clutter will expand to fill all available hard disks and the buying starts again, it's a vicious cycle. Now I don't keep copies of stuff that I can download from the Internet anymore, e.g. free software.
Also, I missed the self-care video link, it was too fast on the video and I couldn't find it in the description. Can you please post it again? Much appreciated and as always, lovely video! 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing! 😄 And oh I'm sorry, I forgot to post the links in the description haha 🤦🏼♀️ They're there now!
Can really relate with relapse into buying something new after months of decluttering (did toouch there). Will try your ideas about self care as an alternative.
Thanks for sharing Kat! :) In my experience, a little self-care goes a long way, and it's much more wholesome than shopping
I like to put things that I do not want anymore in a box in my garage that I can not “see through” easily. If I can’t see what is in the box every time I walk by, then I won’t change my mind and dig something back out again. Also when I put new items in that box, I discipline myself to not look at what’s inside.. I just open the top, put the item in and close it. As soon as the box is full to where I can not put something in….. then I immediately take it to good will on my next car trip. IF there is a fundraiser for a good cause needing items to sell, I donate it there.
I live in a 320 sq ft apartment
I didn’t take it to the extreme yes the aesthetic is nice or whatever but the anxiety relief and ease In my environment has changed
I feel so much more at peace
One of my current struggles with minimalism is always wondering if I’m being too “harsh” with myself based on the expectation that we’re supposed to live in a furniture free apartment with a backpack full of clothes. I’m struggling to find the balance between getting rid of items purely for the idea of “minimizing” versus identifying the items I truly do or do not need. Would love to know your thoughts!
Hi there! I talk about that in this video: th-cam.com/video/wAqLQ8xJppA/w-d-xo.html
@@SimpleHappyZen thank you!! ☺️♥️
Hi. Vera.. another master stroke video... 👍 Your video always inspired us.. you are explaining every in out properly.. just enjoy moments
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comment! :) Enjoy your weekend
As always good tips from you, Vera! ❤Although my journey has gone well over the past few years I still struggle with one particular area. I seem to always be chasing the best shampoo/conditioner/ hair product and the ultimate body lotion, somehow thinking that I'm going to find the one that I then will stick to. As a result I have an impressive collection of shampoo, conditioner, anti frizz products and body lotion. Every time I decide I'm going to use it up ( it will take a while) there is a new product on the market I "need" to try. And I know it's crazy, I know the ultimate product is probably not out there, but I still can't seem to stop myself. 😒 I'm sure I'm not the only product junkie out there, but I sure would like to get a grip on it. I am normally a perfectly sane (-ish 🤔) person, but it's like sanity goes out the window when it comes to these items.
Ah yes I totally get what you mean and I used to do this too :) Like you said, at some point I realized the perfect products aren't out there, and I need to accept the way my body is. My skin gets dry easily. My hair is kinda weird haha. No product so far has been able to 'fix' it better than another product I've tried. So I just stopped, used up everything I was still excited about, got rid of the products I wasn't excited about, and stuck to the things I thought worked fine. Maybe you could try to see where it is you get the inspiration for these new products, and see if you can lower the temptations for yourself. Do you find them in magazines? Instagram? Etc. If you don't know what's out there, it might be easier to stick to the basics
@@SimpleHappyZen That is really good advise. Of course there are channels for the inspiration. I will most definitely try and cut those off. Thank you, Vera! 🙏
I don't have much 'just in case' items anymore but those 2-3 items hanging around in my drawer still bother me 🤦🏻♀️
I love your stuffed animals! They are so cute! I am certainly guilty of using retail therapy lol.
Haha thanks, I'll let them know :D
Hi Vera, I really enjoyed this one! I do you a to go ... well it’s a bag in my closet and I’m trying to pear down to less decisions about dressing and end up with only items I love, it’s been working. Yes, jewelry is something I need to tackle ;) hugs Sunshine
Thanks for sharing!! :) If you need inspiration, I also have a jewelry declutter video :) th-cam.com/video/JMCsdHD1Sn0/w-d-xo.html
ah vera! not one of us is perfect and nor should we try to be - way too much pressure. love you and your videos 🥰😍😘xxx
I agree! :) Thanks and have a lovely weekend
Thank you for another great video.
You're very welcome Kathy, have a lovely weekend!
I hear you on gifts! I'd love to have that discussion with people, but how do you bring it up, especially with distant family members.
It might feel awkward but you just bring it up :) Try to do it in a positive way and stick to talking from your own viewpoint. Instead of 'you always ....' say 'I would love to....' etc
Great content, thanks for the inspiration
You're very welcome :) Happy Monday!
I struggle with keeping things that I "might have use for". I also have a real problem with the small items that can't really be donated but I have terrible guilt throwing them out. I know it is silly to keep them in my house doing nothing but I struggle with the "waste" aspect.
Hi Charron 🤗 Yes that's definitely tricky! I think the biggest thing is learning from our purchasing 'mistakes' so that we don't repeat them in the future, and because of that, we create way less waste in the future, so if it's an item that can't be donated or sold or recycled, I think it's okay to toss it. You're doing the right thing because you're trying not to buy things mindlessly, and because of that you'll create much less waste in the future :) If that makes sense
You might be surprised at what can be donated! Our thrift stores sell grab bags of similar small items.
Facing soon a crash of economy never seen in history the thought of "I might use it sometime later" might become true quite soon. It's not the time to give away stuff except it's broken or worn out.
Minimalism inspiration, gold!!🤩💛⚡️💫
Aw thank you! 🤗
Very helpful video. Lots of useful tips, thanks Vera 🙂
Thank you so much Anne! :)