PEOPLE ARE DOING MINIMALISM BACKWARDS

Today I want to share my opinion on how to approach minimalism in a way that will really work -- I'm basing it on my own past mistakes and what I've found works a bit better! I'll provide two specific strategies to use before you even declutter! This video is more than just tips on how to declutter -- it gives ideas about how to approach minimalism as a whole. Of course, this is just my opinion. I'd love to know what approaches or strategies have helped you be more successful at minimalism! Remember, ever person's journey is unique, so you're allowed to do minimalism your own way.

[suzann]

Minimalism isn't about throwing out your stuff. It's about realizing most of the stuff advertised to you is for stuff you don't need. Only get what you really need, and don't buy things you don't. Buy quality that will last a long time. I have had one sofa etc for 30 yrs and it will last probably 20-30 more.

[deek]

Instead of aiming for "minimalism" I'm going to strive for "contentment-ism" 😉thanks to what you've said here at the end!

[ritalynb]

I started minimalism by changing habits. I changed my job, my schedule, my shopping habits & limiting what was coming into my home. Then I started decluttering areas one at a time. I started with my closet because that was easy for me. I then did the rest of my bedroom. Then moved outward to other rooms. I have vigilantly protected the spaces once complete to make sure they stay decluttered & organized.

I also did a no-buy 2019, a low-buy 2020 and am doing a no-buy 2021. I find this helps me really focus on how I am living, what I am enjoying and what I want more/less of in my life.

Now when a space feels "wrong" to me, I tidy it and take a picture. I then look at the picture to identify what it is about the space that bothers me. It gives me a degree of seperation from the items.

[leslieannvanhumbeck]

I'm disabled and minimalism helps me to look after my apartment better. Plus I like the way it feels 😌.

[dfjulesful]

There are so many youtubers that are constantly clearing out their closets for the sake of "minimalism" but then the next video will be a shopping haul

[tonia.]

I started down the path of minimalism before I even knew there was an actual name for it. My husband and I lost both of our parents close together and we had the unenviable task of cleaning out 2 packed houses along with assorted storage sheds and work shops. It took months and was just so overwhelming on top of the grief. One day we came home with boxes and boxes of our parents “stuff” and it hit me that I was going to leave my children in the same situation if I didn’t change drastically. We started giving away to family, friends and charities. I have some sentimental things that I just can’t part with but my children will not have to deal with a mess when I’m gone.

[herewegrow]

Me and my husband had to start minimalism. There was one time he was like I DONT HAVE SHIRTS TO WEAR! I counted all his shirts that night and counted 74 shirts and 8 pants. I told him afterwards, he was very disappointed with himself. We started to sort out his clothes, sold some and then donated most. Now he has 15 shirts and is very happy with it. He gets to wear all of them in 2 weeks (just in time for laundry) and we have so much closet space! IT is the way to go

[linneamai]

Biggest tip from me🌿:

Put everything you don't use daily/weekly in a box, hide it from yourself and take the things you miss from the box and find places for them. The rest are usually meaningless or can be reused, remade, donated or recycled.

[catherinebronte]

every one starts out as a minimalist when they leave high school and get their first apartment. it is called being poor. but often people look back on their lives when they grow older and remember that that was often the happiest most freeing time of their lives. they did not have much but they felt happy.

[cheryl]

“I’m not a perfect minimalist yet.” There’s no such thing as a perfect minimalist. Minimalism is a philosophy and a concept that is ever evolving.

[annemariesamples]

Love this idea! I fell in love with minimalism in 2011, with 5 kids and lots of chaos! I had to give myself permission to move slow with thoughtfulness and intention. One day I would take everything of ONE shelf of my book case, and evaluate each item. Some things I returned to the shelf, or re-homed, or donated. But that one shelf felt beautiful to me when I was finished. I did that for each individual surface in my house over time. Then, one drawer at a time, then one box at a time. Decluttering can be emotional and exhausting, so allow yourself small victories!!! They add up! ❤

[valerierogers]

Back when I did FB I joined a minimalist group, but these folks seemed so hung up on numbers of items, near empty closets, "capsule wardrobe"... Some were throwing out, or actually burning perfectly good items. To me this was pathological, not minimalism. Never about numbers; it's about simplicity and not letting possessions possess you. Buying that new shirt may give a temporary rush, but you'll only wear one at a time 🙂

[riverhealing]

I’m in the process of getting rid of about 98% of my belongings. The only way for me to do this is moving and super downsizing due to empty nest, poverty and disability. It’s so liberating!! I feel so much joy to give away items that are useful to some one else. I’m keeping a few treasures and will be setting up a minimalist bedroom. My soon to be roommate is very minimalist. It’s exciting.

[hennahannnah]

At one point I was overcoming a shopping problem. I finally learned to say “I have everything I need today.” That helped me calm down and quit dragging home Stuff. I also take pictures of things I think I want to buy. If the item stays in my head and still looks good in the photo after a week or two has passed, I might consider going back to buy it.

[bonnievids]

Your voice is relaxing. Thanks for not yelling at the camera. 💕

[madelinemorphy]

"be content with what you have", minimalism explained. You have a good voice. very articulate.

[saraeclipse]

I've been decluttering my home for about 6 months and it feels so good! I found stuff I forgot I had! I have quit shopping and decluttering has taken over that "obsession" to the point I really don't want to shop and waste money on items that won't bring value to me or my home.

[myxochi]

Take photos of before and after. I didn’t think I was decluttering “enough” and I have much more to do but when I look at my “before” photos, I’m impressed at where I am compared to where I was.

[lisanoble]

I totally had to tell my neighbors and family “I can’t take any free gifts right now, I’m decluttering for my mental health!” Sometimes people don’t get it, and they kept trying to give me stuff they thought I needed. I just needed them to understand that my cup runneth over already. I don’t want anymore!✌️😄

[daisybuchanan]

I noticed as I went along that my “clutter threshold” changed and I came to appreciate more open space and breathing room in my home. That helped me stop bringing things in, and helped me put things away right away. Your brain literally changes. Thanks for this- great advice and I love your place.