When I began 'decluttering,' mysteriously, my husband would follow me around, ask what I was doing, and always carried that worried look. I assured him that it was my stuff I was dealing with and if anything was his, then I would ask him if it goes or stays. Two years later he is still in the suspicious mode. I have stayed true to my promise and stuck with my stuff only. But here is a question I would like to share with everyone. Who needs 300 screwdrivers? Answer: apparently, my husband.
I received two tool boxes filled with decades-old tools from a friend's estate. Assorted screw drivers, pliers, wrench sets, etc. I've used maybe a handful of them, but those tool boxes are staying with me. I can't imagine how much it would cost to replace all of them today.
You are spot on! I had the opportunity to look back and analyze my spending habits. How stupid I was. The junk bought, a nightmare. Minimalism was the smartest thing I did for myself! As the items were removed, so were the layers that was uncovered mentally and emotionally. The real issue is influence. We are all influenced. All our lives we are bombarded by the capitalist consumerist machine. We all had been following like children led by the pied piper. I question my purchases now. I question my purpose. Its with clear intentions. No matter what name you give it, boredom, or shopping therapy, etc. When you step back and look at your home, you have to look at yourself. Open your eyes. Things are no different from bandaids. We hide behind it, surround ourselves with it for protection and we become delusional with it. The point becomes lost. A lot of ppl could benefit from minimalism. You don't need a shrink, you have to do the honest work yourself.
So true! And the influence can be as strong as an addiction, with "pushers" coming at us from all angles. I relapse sometimes, but try to remember my why and stay gentle with myself.
About not having a clothing recycling place near you, I wanted to share that I recently spoke with a manager at an independent thrift store near me where I donate nearly all of my things. She told me that when textiles in their store do not sell, they sell them to a fabric recycler. She told me that I can bag things up that are not saleable (holes frayed, fabric scraps), mark the bag accordingly and they would pass them on to the textile recycler. Along the way the charity will also make a little money off the old clothes as well. Just a thought you could pursue, if interested,
I love what you said about sending stuff to the landfill. I totally agree. Everything will eventually end up in a landfill. You just have to be more conscious about reducing the amount of new stuff you bring into your home.
I think your point at ~5:00 is spot on! I still have more stuff than I would like, but generally it's because I have hobbies that require a lot of stuff. But the key (for me) is to keep it organized, totes and organizers from Dollar Tree are perfect for organizing art tools/supplies, a small dresser holds all of my miscellaneous/off-season trail running supplies. I have a small kitchen and love to cook and bake, so I'm very intentional when I make new purchases. My books, well... let's not talk about them 😂
All great advice! I'm always impressed with myself when I find more to declutter. I'm like a new puppy who didn't miss the pee pad 🤣good girl good girl 🤣 I can declutter or the 'maintenance' area multiple times over a 1 year period and still find stuff to donate, reuse or garbage. Over time we just want less stuff to maintain and it feels great.
I may have mentioned it, my sister gave me the journal Throw It Away by Guru Notebooks, it helps me a ton...it's wild how attached I can get to things, especially if it was handed down or given as a gift.
We don't have "Missing Socks" . We number our socks. Account that all socks in the laundry have a mate before putting them in the washer and the same for dryer. I have been married for 47 years, and only one sock has been MIA. It did not return from a fishing trip. Not bad statics. Thanks for sharing.
This made me laugh! I had a friend who thought every drawer and closet in my home was in perfect order. She heard a segment on how decluttering a drawer or closet can improve your mood. She said, oh Sue you have nothing to do I feel sorry for you! I laughed and said it is not a once and done activity but more like dishes and laundry.
Haha! most of us minimalish people are minimalish because we’re constantly going through drawers and closets to improve our mood and keep up with the inflow.
In my youth I thrived on chaos and clutter, even in the Royal Navy I was pretty chaotic and messy. However in my 30s and 40s I stressed and struggled, constantly buying more 'storage' because that would fix the problem ** spoiler it didn't fix anything ** Now I'm in my 50s I need my home and life so much simplified and going minimal has been a Godsend. My husband is dreading what I'm going to be like in my 60s and 70s, lol xxxxxxxx
Soooo True! Minimalist DON'T need to be boring colors at all! I have an entire 'living wall' of planters in my living room for living greenery! AND my bed is white sheets & comforter with a super soft pink microfiber blanket for a pop of color! I even have 2 pink microfiber (cal King bed & same size for both in the living room) throw blankets on my gray couch for the pop of color!!! I always did love pink & gray color combo! :) And in my dining area, an all white small table and chairs with bright teal cushions for another pop of butt softening color! Nothing boring about THIS minimalist's home!!! :)
I love your minimalist lite description! That’s exactly how I feel but couldn’t find the words. My home is warm and inviting now but definitely not stark. There is space around my decor & objects, which like you said, lets them be in the spotlight.
Just an FYI, 2 days ago I watched a crafting video where the sewist created stuffed bears made from sweaters and other clothing from the thrift store. They were adorable for children or teen gifts. I hate to say it but "One person's trash is another person's treasure". 😀
...I clicked the Reply button too quickly! Also, those who clean hoarder homes are frequently crafters. They save everything because it can be used as art of some sort.
Thanks Robyn! I really enjoyed your video today! I've ended up hiring a friend to come help me with the things I can't lift or carry, and we both have a good time chatting while making progress! She gets some extra cash, and I get some help at an affordable price. It has worked out well for both of us. It was hard for me to make that first call and take her up on her offer, but I'm so glad I did! I couldn't do it by myself, as I wasn't able to keep up on my own, and she's a friend that wanted to help, not judge.
Thanks Robyn! Always good advice from your videos. How about a 2024 reset series? Some of us (me) need to get back to basics of decluttering for a fresh start to the new year and some goal setting.
I've committed to buying clothe made of natural fibers: cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, viscose, etc. It takes a bit more effort, especially if you are on a budget, but quite doable. There are many on-line used clothes sites that offer a good variety at great prices. I just purchased a $200 cashmere cardigan for $40 on one of these sites. At least if you do have to throw them away, they are biodegradable. And I think your home is lovely....comfortable & decluttered. You are a great role model.
I live very rural. Don’t even have garbage pickup. I have decluttering victory fires. My husband takes joy in it. I’m still waiting for the piles of manly stuff to burn… 😂
I have a friend who thinks that I am getting rid of everything. I like that... Minimalist Lite.. My apartment is sooo homey with lots of color. I don't regret decluttering at all.
I am sorry that you get grief from some just for being human ( thowing something in the trash ). I must be a Minimalist Lite as well. We do our best to reduce, reuse, recycle; however every item does have an end to its usefulness.
A few years ago, my house was drowning in recyled items. My very sustainable, organic kids convinced me to trash these items in order to get my house in order as the first priority. Yes, put myself first. I've been decluttering and the recycling has not been my first priority. I gave myself permission, with my kid's encouragement, and made the decision to recycle cardboard, vs every little item I come in contact with. Although clothes with holes, trash! One lone sock, trash!. I'm still recycling, but realize, I alone, am not going to save the planet, but I'm doing my part, doing what I can, at this point in time. It's all progress in a positive direction.
When I began 'decluttering,' mysteriously, my husband would follow me around, ask what I was doing, and always carried that worried look. I assured him that it was my stuff I was dealing with and if anything was his, then I would ask him if it goes or stays. Two years later he is still in the suspicious mode. I have stayed true to my promise and stuck with my stuff only. But here is a question I would like to share with everyone. Who needs 300 screwdrivers? Answer: apparently, my husband.
And my husband too😂 plus about 20 hammers😮
Oh goodness!
Yikes! Both for the 300 screwdrivers AND especially for the following you around!! :(
🤣you should see my son's garage 🤦♀️
I received two tool boxes filled with decades-old tools from a friend's estate. Assorted screw drivers, pliers, wrench sets, etc. I've used maybe a handful of them, but those tool boxes are staying with me. I can't imagine how much it would cost to replace all of them today.
You are spot on! I had the opportunity to look back and analyze my spending habits. How stupid I was. The junk bought, a nightmare. Minimalism was the smartest thing I did for myself! As the items were removed, so were the layers that was uncovered mentally and emotionally. The real issue is influence. We are all influenced. All our lives we are bombarded by the capitalist consumerist machine. We all had been following like children led by the pied piper. I question my purchases now. I question my purpose. Its with clear intentions. No matter what name you give it, boredom, or shopping therapy, etc. When you step back and look at your home, you have to look at yourself. Open your eyes. Things are no different from bandaids. We hide behind it, surround ourselves with it for protection and we become delusional with it. The point becomes lost. A lot of ppl could benefit from minimalism. You don't need a shrink, you have to do the honest work yourself.
Well said! 🙏🏼
So true! And the influence can be as strong as an addiction, with "pushers" coming at us from all angles. I relapse sometimes, but try to remember my why and stay gentle with myself.
About not having a clothing recycling place near you, I wanted to share that I recently spoke with a manager at an independent thrift store near me where I donate nearly all of my things. She told me that when textiles in their store do not sell, they sell them to a fabric recycler. She told me that I can bag things up that are not saleable (holes frayed, fabric scraps), mark the bag accordingly and they would pass them on to the textile recycler. Along the way the charity will also make a little money off the old clothes as well. Just a thought you could pursue, if interested,
Thanks 🙏🏼
I wish thrift stores would hang up signs saying that. Just the other day, an acquaintance told me the same thing. I had no idea.
I love what you said about sending stuff to the landfill. I totally agree. Everything will eventually end up in a landfill. You just have to be more conscious about reducing the amount of new stuff you bring into your home.
Exactly! 🪴
I think your point at ~5:00 is spot on! I still have more stuff than I would like, but generally it's because I have hobbies that require a lot of stuff. But the key (for me) is to keep it organized, totes and organizers from Dollar Tree are perfect for organizing art tools/supplies, a small dresser holds all of my miscellaneous/off-season trail running supplies. I have a small kitchen and love to cook and bake, so I'm very intentional when I make new purchases. My books, well... let's not talk about them 😂
🤣👌🏼❤️
All great advice! I'm always impressed with myself when I find more to declutter. I'm like a new puppy who didn't miss the pee pad 🤣good girl good girl 🤣
I can declutter or the 'maintenance' area multiple times over a 1 year period and still find stuff to donate, reuse or garbage. Over time we just want less stuff to maintain and it feels great.
Good job! Love this!
I like the term "minimalist lite". I'll drink to that!🍷❤
Right? LOVE it!
I may have mentioned it, my sister gave me the journal Throw It Away by Guru Notebooks, it helps me a ton...it's wild how attached I can get to things, especially if it was handed down or given as a gift.
Oh yes. Sounds like a cool notebook! Did you throw it away?
You're describing me,I've been decluttering for about 3 years and finally my husband is starting to get it
Yayyy Tammy1
We don't have "Missing Socks" . We number our socks. Account that all socks in the laundry have a mate before putting them in the washer and the same for dryer. I have been married for 47 years, and only one sock has been MIA. It did not return from a fishing trip. Not bad statics. Thanks for sharing.
Oooh, I love the organization!
This made me laugh! I had a friend who thought every drawer and closet in my home was in perfect order. She heard a segment on how decluttering a drawer or closet can improve your mood. She said, oh Sue you have nothing to do I feel sorry for you! I laughed and said it is not a once and done activity but more like dishes and laundry.
Haha! most of us minimalish people are minimalish because we’re constantly going through drawers and closets to improve our mood and keep up with the inflow.
Yesssss
oh goodness!
In my youth I thrived on chaos and clutter, even in the Royal Navy I was pretty chaotic and messy. However in my 30s and 40s I stressed and struggled, constantly buying more 'storage' because that would fix the problem ** spoiler it didn't fix anything ** Now I'm in my 50s I need my home and life so much simplified and going minimal has been a Godsend. My husband is dreading what I'm going to be like in my 60s and 70s, lol xxxxxxxx
Keep it up! You deserve a peaceful home!
Soooo True! Minimalist DON'T need to be boring colors at all! I have an entire 'living wall' of planters in my living room for living greenery! AND my bed is white sheets & comforter with a super soft pink microfiber blanket for a pop of color!
I even have 2 pink microfiber (cal King bed & same size for both in the living room) throw blankets on my gray couch for the pop of color!!!
I always did love pink & gray color combo! :)
And in my dining area, an all white small table and chairs with bright teal cushions for another pop of butt softening color!
Nothing boring about THIS minimalist's home!!! :)
👍🏼✌🏼✨
I love your minimalist lite description! That’s exactly how I feel but couldn’t find the words. My home is warm and inviting now but definitely not stark. There is space around my decor & objects, which like you said, lets them be in the spotlight.
Love that! ✨
Just an FYI, 2 days ago I watched a crafting video where the sewist created stuffed bears made from sweaters and other clothing from the thrift store. They were adorable for children or teen gifts. I hate to say it but "One person's trash is another person's treasure". 😀
...I clicked the Reply button too quickly! Also, those who clean hoarder homes are frequently crafters. They save everything because it can be used as art of some sort.
Yep, that is how a lot of people see it for sure!
Thanks Robyn! I really enjoyed your video today! I've ended up hiring a friend to come help me with the things I can't lift or carry, and we both have a good time chatting while making progress! She gets some extra cash, and I get some help at an affordable price. It has worked out well for both of us. It was hard for me to make that first call and take her up on her offer, but I'm so glad I did! I couldn't do it by myself, as I wasn't able to keep up on my own, and she's a friend that wanted to help, not judge.
That's a great idea!!
Thanks Robyn! Always good advice from your videos. How about a 2024 reset series? Some of us (me) need to get back to basics of decluttering for a fresh start to the new year and some goal setting.
Oohhhh, it's coming Jean 🥰
It's important for people to know the difference between minimalism and minimalist design esthetic.
Yes - thanks 🙏🏼
Amen! This is so the way that i also think about my minimalist life! Love your videos !
Awesome! ✌🏼✨
I absolutely love your Lego room!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
I've committed to buying clothe made of natural fibers: cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, viscose, etc. It takes a bit more effort, especially if you are on a budget, but quite doable. There are many on-line used clothes sites that offer a good variety at great prices. I just purchased a $200 cashmere cardigan for $40 on one of these sites. At least if you do have to throw them away, they are biodegradable. And I think your home is lovely....comfortable & decluttered. You are a great role model.
Thanks so much! 🪴✨
"I bet not even Martha Stewart is really Martha Stewart." 😂 Shots fired. 😆💖
Haha
Great video! 1:10 is the key!
🎉✨✌🏼
I have a 3 strikes and it's out rule. After mending an item a few times, I just get rid of it if another hole appears.
Cool strategy!
Hiya, Great video, thank you. Just wondering if you have any Curly hair videos too? Thanks
I live very rural. Don’t even have garbage pickup. I have decluttering victory fires. My husband takes joy in it. I’m still waiting for the piles of manly stuff to burn… 😂
Oooh, love that!
I have a friend who thinks that I am getting rid of everything. I like that... Minimalist Lite.. My apartment is sooo homey with lots of color. I don't regret decluttering at all.
Wonderful!
Yes, i have time to read, go for a walk. Call a friend. No more shopping for fun or to pass time. 😊
yay!! I love it!
I don’t call myself a minimalist… I use the word intentionalist. And it sure is a work in process, because decluttering is never “over.”
Yes!
I am sorry that you get grief from some just for being human ( thowing something in the trash ). I must be a Minimalist Lite as well. We do our best to reduce, reuse, recycle; however every item does have an end to its usefulness.
A few years ago, my house was drowning in recyled items. My very sustainable, organic kids convinced me to trash these items in order to get my house in order as the first priority. Yes, put myself first. I've been decluttering and the recycling has not been my first priority. I gave myself permission, with my kid's encouragement, and made the decision to recycle cardboard, vs every little item I come in contact with. Although clothes with holes, trash! One lone sock, trash!. I'm still recycling, but realize, I alone, am not going to save the planet, but I'm doing my part, doing what I can, at this point in time. It's all progress in a positive direction.
Yeah Lyndi!
I like to refer my style as a Middlemalist I’m just right in the middle 😂
Oooh! Good one!
That's clever but hard to say!
It’s funny because the opposite of that myth is true - everything a minimalist owns is meaningful!
Exactly!!
❤
🥰
❤❤
🥰
you about to throw all your stuff out? thats too much money!! SMH
Hmmm, I don’t recall saying that 😜
@@MinimalistHome lol, thats what i hear ALL the time while they are still in debt. oh the side eye