10 Minimalist Practices That Simplify My Life

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for watching! Read more here: shannontorrens.com/10-minimalist-practices-that-are-life-changing/

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I think the more and more you get use to putting things away and seeing clear spaces the more you enjoy them. I enjoy just looking at empty counters, dresser, tables, etc.

[@shannontorrens1]

This is very true! I love clear spaces. 💛

[@Xyz-ud9be]

People think defferent about "full" spaces.. less is more! I love my empty top of the sideboards

[@jessicacollins8049]

Debbie's Dilemmas we just repainted our living room and it looks so nice with less furniture and less clutter. We still have to hang pictures but its so nice. Hopefully it will stay that way

[@katiethomas5889]

I am working on that myself ...

[@zoeymichael3966]

You have a really nice way of explaining and talking. I like it. It's very clear and not to fast and not to slow! 👍

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a nice weekend.

[@hivivalaham]

I switched to a small cross body bag years ago. I figured if men can go around with nothing but their pockets then why would I need to carry a huge bag full of crap?

[@Xyz-ud9be]

There are sooo many householders out there who dont know of this amazing way!

[@katherinejohnson2749]

I am on this journey. I realized I was using 20-40 Ziploc bags a week plus 20 plastic fruit cups a week for school lunches. This year my 4 kids have a reusable silicone lunch box. We also cut back on napkins and paper towels. We use cloth napkins now and rags/towels. It sounds like we use paper towels as often as you 😊. Thanks for sharing.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I love to know I am not alone with these changes. It sounds like you are doing great. I hope you have a nice weekend. 😀

[@paige5191]

They sell reusuable zip lock bags i can link the ones i got.

[@paige5191]

Actually the ones I got aren't avaible on Amazon. But Amazon has them i got a 12 pack for like 7 bucks.

[@mrsjaydie]

I never hear anyone say it helps to eat the same things every week, but for me it's been a life changer!! I love it. I hardly have to declutter my pantry!

[@shannontorrens1]

I totally agree!

[@Beepbopboop19]

Such a good idea! Please tell me your staple items! What do you love?

[@simplesgood7694]

I’m loving empty spaces as well. When surfaces are empty, they just call out to have a cloth run over them. Surfaces with stuff on them seem to me to cry out, “Way too much bother. Maybe later.” Minimalism has affected me in similar ways. I have no idea how I could be so productive if I hadn’t minimized my belongings. If I had known how much easier it would be, I would have decluttered years ago. Thank you for the videos, Shannon. I really appreciate them!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I completely agree about the clear surfaces. I don't mind picking up my house now because I know it only takes a few minutes. I hope you have a nice weekend.

[@Shiryone]

I can relate to all of these....freedom and peace. Only wish I had caught on years ago.

[@shannontorrens1]

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. 💛

[@TheJoaneD]

Decluttering has made my property so appealing, that it sold in 24 hours. Bonus, it also simplified moving to a new smaller location. As I unpack, I re-evaluate the necessity to retain or not. All in all, decluttering has been very profitable,

[@jenniferh8800]

Has anyone ever told you you look like Cameron Diaz LOL 💜 anywho, love your channel!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! Yes I have had people tell me that in the past, but not for a long time. I hope you have a great day.

[@jenniferh8800]

Shannon Torrens 😄you too! 💜💜

[@MsSmile2005]

I would to hear updates on how your no spend year is going! What have you been tempted to buy, what do you wish you had gotten before starting, how do your kids and husband feel about it, etc.

[@jessicacollins8049]

Decluttering a bag is easy when you have a car. I take public transit and carry a backpack. I dont think what I carry excessive , phone, small notebook, keys, sunglasses, and my phone battery pack. I have needed it several times this month when i was stuck somewhere with no way home.

[@trinam2503]

That sounds very minimal according to your circumstance. The beauty of being more minimal or intentional is that you do what fits YOUR lifestyle. There was a period when I didnt have a car, and had to take buses or walk everywhere. A backpack comes in handy! I frequently had up to 30min wait for bus connections, and a book to read and a water bottle was very handy!

[@sct4040]

I take mass transit also. During the winter, I need a bag big enough for gloves, hats, and scarf and in the summer a water bottle. Carrying a small snack keeps me from buying junk food on the way home.

[@christined2495]

This was a great video, I just took 3 different shades of lipstick and my compact out of my purse. One lipstick is enough, my purse actually feels light, I think those were the last thing to go that I didn’t need to carry. I bought a few months ago the tiniest wallet, room for my insurance cards, license, cash, and one credit card. I love not having a big clunky wallet.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I agree about the chunky wallet, I use to have a huge wallet and changing that really helped to lighten my load. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@Xyz-ud9be]

I agree with every single point! Saving money, replacing things, small bag..everything and I deleted instagram and tik tok..I read more books now👍🥰 no more social media for me!

[@shannontorrens1]

It sounds like you are doing great. I won't start tik tok for that exact reason. I don't want any more things to Keep Up With! I can barely handle the few apps I have going. I hope you have a great weekend. 💛💛💛

[@AWanderingEye]

It would be neat to see an update video --- for example how has "no spend" actually turned out, what glass containers worked/didn't work, what experiences worked out really well, were you able to reduce screen time, any additional changes you want yo share, etc., just a few questions this update video could cover.

[@geethamenathil979]

Hi Shannon we should have seen this program so much time before Thanks Kerala India Thiruvananthapuram 😀😀

[@genli5603]

Meh. I have a plastic acrylic bag inside my purse with stuff that can handle anything short of a hemmorhage. I use that stuff ALL THE TIME. Bandaids, chapstick, multi tool, meds, tape measure, Kleenex, etc.

[@Elizabeth-490]

Genius comment from you was that minimalist lifestyle makes you more aware of how much time you have on this earth. I think one reason why people can’t let go of things is a subconscious fear of death. I actually started on this journey when I became curious about Swedish Death Cleaning. Paring your things down allows you to live in the space-and the time- and with the people- that you do have now. Peace.

[@TheEralceralc]

Simplifying food has been great for us - the weekday meal plan is repeated every single week, a bit boring but the kids know what to expect and I don’t need to think about anything!

[@bcfriardoyle7697]

Clare Johns try a 2 week plan?

[@lb9549]

Great video. I do my best to send my kids with reusable containers and cloth napkins for lunch and snacks at school. We cut way back on paper towels as well but definitely still use for greasy and messy things. I cringe inside when a guest will grab a giant wad of paper towels for a tiny spill (!) My boys have even caught on to just tear a tiny corner if we only need a bit.

[@shannontorrens1]

We are doing the same thing, with the cloth napkins and reusable containers. I always hide our paper towels LOL. I hope you have a great week.

[@kristiedelozier3444]

Thank you for this video. I'm trying to do the same thing but it's hard when you live with a man that likes to do "projects" and has a lot of his tools and stuff in the house even though he has a building outside.... lol But he is out of town for a couple of days so guess what is getting out of the house ....lol I'm just having trouble getting him on board about throwing stuff that we don't need out. I hate to see a cluttered house.

[@AMcDub0708]

Ugh my husband does the same thing with water bottles. Huge packs of them every couple of weeks. I’ve tried buying the really big stainless steel vacuum sealed travel water bottles and filled it up for him but no, he likes the plastic disposable ones. I’ve asked him to maybe cut back but he makes his own choices. And I make my own choices. My choice for myself is to use reusable 😊

[@janethunt4037]

I have a purse that is very similar to yours. I bought it for international travel, but I've started using it all the time. No more of the purse must match the outfit nonsense. I just don't do it. I can easily find what I need, and unless receipts pile up, I can quickly find anything in it.

[@ljubovluczati]

Thanks for sharing, very helpful tips. My challenge is screentime due to youtube. I so much enjoy following you and other minimal moms and learn from your experiences, gain motivation, that it can easily add up to an hour a day. I don’t know who I should no longer be following...🤷‍♀️ Anyways, being mindful of the time spent any day is helpful. 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

I know what you mean about KZbin. I also have a lot of channels I love and follow. I don't ever unfollow them, but I just pick and choose the videos I want to spend my time with. As long as it makes you happy 💛

[@simplesgood7694]

Luczáti Ljubov I find KZbin really helpful too. There are so many great ideas and so much inspiration. It’s so helpful and just positively lovely to connect with people on the same journeys.

[@OliviaCo]

Thanks for all these tips, no shopping is a good idea

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks for watching!

[@farsanehmir404]

Can you Please tell me what do you use instead of paper towels? And if you bought them on amazon I would like to know the brand or the name on amazon . Thank u in advance

[@myrnarenoud3056]

You are a wise lady! Love your videos! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a great weekend. 😀👍

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

Congrats on reaching over 20k.😊❤️🙏

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! 💛💛💛💛

[@tamlynrn]

I bet your mom loves having you close by 💕 (I love having my grandkids and kids close)

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes! We are so grateful that we get to see her almost everyday now.

[@annabanana6150]

I love that you are more eco friendly now! That's a big and so important change. Keep on your good work 🙂

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Anna! Being more eco friendly is such an important change that we all have to consider, we are trying our best. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@annabanana6150]

@@shannontorrens1 you are so right! Have a lovely day, too.

[@AmandaBaias]

You look so good without bangs! Your face is so much more luminous 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Oh Thank you! It shows more wrinkles without bangs, but that is ok LOL.

[@rao433]

@@shannontorrens1 nooo you look beautiful trust me :)

[@googleuser8143]

Hi Sharron, I really enjoy your content. What I've enjoyed the most about becoming more minimalistic is the extreme organization that came along with it. Everything has a home now and a true purpose in our lives. We use what we have and we are more like our grandparents and great grandparents now where we shop when we need to replace something not for any other reason. We don't need "Stuff" to temporarily satisfy some sort of emotional need or fill an emotional void. We are more intentional and practical. Because of these changes we notice more $ in our pockets. When we put out trash or recycling out, our household puts out a small bucket of waste and our neighbors are putting out multiple extra large garbage cans out. We also seem to be setting a trend in our family. Everyone notices how much we've changed as a family and our way of thinking and now our siblings are starting to adopt the same practices!!! I'm enjoying seeing the changes in our extended circles. Loved your video!!!

[@shannontorrens1]

That is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with me. It is great that all your hard work is paying off. I also notice we have way less trash going out compared to just a few years ago. I hope you have a great weekend 💛

[@googleuser8143]

@@shannontorrens1 I hope you have fantastic weekend too.

[@husnaahmad6756]

Love your videos.... from.. INDIA

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much 😀

[@annlynch593]

Shannon, you are such a good person and I love the way you explain your ideas. For us, we have downsized, continue to declutter and meal plan most meals which cuts down on time in the grocery store and saves a ton of money. I hope to have a low spend year as well.

[@savetheanimals3085]

Omg! I decluttered my 5 and 6 year old daughters room and now they have both 10 toys Lego building blocks and 7 of each piece of clothing..... it is so clean and bonus point! Less washing!

[@23respectme]

I’m curious how less clothing means less washing? Wouldn’t you have to wash more often to make sure they still have something clean to wear? I really want to downsize my girls clothing but I’m scared I won’t have enough for them to wear at some point.

[@savetheanimals3085]

@@23respectme it's becausetthey now know if they keep changing that they will have no clothes left because they used to change like 10 times a day and put it in the washing basket even if it was clean so that's just for me but everyone has it work different 👍

[@katiethomas5889]

Thanks for posting this video! It was very helpful. One thing I invested in recently was a bento box for my daughter to use at school for lunch. That way we don't need to wash the smaller containers or use as many ziplock bags which I think will be good.

[@shannontorrens1]

That's a great idea!

[@patriciamccormack8463]

I laughed when you said your handbag was heavy even though there was nothing in it.Love your vlogs

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I was attracted to those really heavy bags with metal handles LOL. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@iamjane9628]

I agree and relate to all of this! I wish you were my neighbor in real life. :) You seem like such a kind and grounded person. Love your channel, Shannon.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Jane! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[@maryannhorner1900]

Can’t wait to see the screen free video Shannon. I’m really interested in trying that. I would love to see a video with more about how you downsized your purse. I really need to do that too. ❤️ your channel!

[@trinam2503]

I have that same bagalini purse! Love it! It's actually my "large" purse. I normally only carry a small card holder pouch that clips on my key ring. It holds my cards/Id and a small amount of cash. But that bagalini is perfect for traveling when I need a little more, or if we're going to be gone all day and I might need snacks or something to entertain my daughter. :)

[@victoriamather2267]

Always a great video and your hair looks great!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a great day💛

[@bonniejalsevac7946]

I just purchased a Baggalini, a larger one than yours, but its 100% what I like and need! Most expensive purse I have ever had( I am 70). I had been looking at it for a long time! I just tossed out two cheap, heavy purses. Thank you Shannon for some new motivation in many areas of family life! (My husband totally supported my buying a good quality purse😁)

[@CountryloverCountrylover]

Your videos are inspirational. We are a year into our decluttering and have embraced a more sustainable lifestyle as well. I never used paper towels and we eliminated plastic bottles sometime ago, but I have recently bought cotton handkerchiefs so I no longer need tissues and we have finally stopped buying cotton wool pads - we use the bamboo washable ones instead. Decluttering continues as we are planning to move to a much smaller house next year. Thank you for all the content you produce

[@gygy42]

« No spend year » now that is impressive! I love your channel! You give a lot of exemples and tips!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a nice weekend.

[@vazlet]

OK...this time I really am first!!! :) Lety from Chicago 💞

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend. 💛😀

[@northtosouthern]

Curious...what do you eat for breakfast & lunch?

[@shannontorrens1]

I eat oatmeal with cinnamon and coffee for breakfast and I have a fruit smoothie with protein powder and normally a piece of toast with almond butter and jam. Very simple LOL. Sometimes I switch out my usual lunch for a salad or veggie soup. I hope you have a good weekend.

[@daisyrowaro44]

Great video ! Thank you !

[@deborahkimball-billups6405]

How do u get rid of the bags 🎒 🤔

[@ThatSimpleLife61]

What do you use instead of cling wrap? I always enjoy your videos!

[@shannontorrens1]

I normally use containers with lids or beeswax wraps. I hope you have a great day!

[@AMcDub0708]

I use glass containers with a lid. Just transfer the leftovers into that and stick it in the fridge. And make sure to eat the left overs the next day so you aren’t always needing to buy more containers bc you have 7 days worth of leftovers every week. I’ve used the beeswax wraps before but honestly, it’s just one more thing to clean by hand and worry about mold or stains or holding smells in the fabric, so I got rid of them.

[@jodiwatch]

You might like the Plastic Free Fam channel. It documents her journey going plastic free. kzbin.info?search_query=plastic+free+fam Whoops! Continued listening as saw that you are trying to cut your screen time.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I love channel recommendations. I just limit my screen time, but I love channels I can learn from I hope you have a great day.

[@MR-rw3vc]

You always have helpful ideas! I am going to work on adding a screen free day to my journey. Thank you.

[@shannontorrens1]

I love my screen free day. It is always weird to log back in on Monday and realize I didn't miss anything that happened on the internet LOL. I hope you have a relaxing weekend.

[@annw1395]

I prefer you without bangs. Great tips!

[@shannontorrens1]

Ha ha Thank you!

[@LovesOfJuneBug]

Recently watched a video by another family minimalist about emergency preparedness. Meal planning aside, do you keep enough to be prepared for an emergency? Thanks 😘

[@shannontorrens1]

To be completely honest I probably don't keep enough for a major end of the world emergency but like most people we have enough to get by for at least a week. I am not into worrying about emergencies and it's surprising how little we would actually need if there was a true emergency.

[@AMcDub0708]

I’ve really tried to envision what constitutes a real “emergency” where we would need oodles and oodles of food on hand. I can’t think of a single realistic situation. There were bare shelves during the pandemic, but there was still food on the shelves. Maybe not what I would normally pick, but there was still food. If there’s a tornado, then my food is blown to smitherines anyway. A flood, it’s going to be carried off down the river. If we lose our jobs, well, that IS what money in savings and short term government help is for. If there’s a war or some other disaster, most likely we are getting the heck out of there anyway, as far as we can. There’s always food somewhere, and the Good Lord will provide.

[@sct4040]

@@AMcDub0708 During a snow storm, when I don’t feel like going out and too self-conscious to call for a food delivery. I feel bad for the food delivery guy😀.

[@KellyB3]

Great tips and reminders! Thanks 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a great day.

[@TomScryleus]

*this was really good Shannon!* *thanks for sharing*

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a great day.

[@crspcritter]

✊✊✊🤠❤️👍🏻 yup !!!- less is more -

[@nancygiorlando4059]

I’m looking for your sour dough English muffin recipe that you made in a skillet. I’m not sure which video it was in. I checked your website but couldn’t find it there. They looked very good and easy to make. My sourdough starter is ready and waiting. If you wouldn’t mind steering me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. I love your videos by the way. I wish I had discovered your methods when my kids were young. Stay safe.

[@shannontorrens1]

www.farmhouseonboone.com/how-to-make-sourdough-english-muffins Here is the recipe, it isn't mine but it is so easy and tastes great! I am actually making more today.

[@nancygiorlando4059]

Shannon Torrens Thank you very much! ❤️

[@StephanieJoRountree]

I love what you're doing! I hope you're following Dave Ramsey's program for your retirement.

[@shannontorrens1]

I am not following a certain program, but we try to save a lot of money and we have investments. I guess I am following the program my mom taught me LOL.

[@Xyz-ud9be]

Moms always knows best!

[@simplesgood7694]

Shannon Torrens Mom must have taught you well!!

[@debraflores7775]

Love your paintings!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you ! 💛😀

[@aprilmouse8793]

Yep same for me, I have more free time, I am more organized and my kids have noticed that I read books more often since minimizing. We just started limiting app time in our family a couple of days ago. The apps turn gray as a warning and then eventually shut off. So far it’s working great to keep my teenagers from spending too much time on their phones.

[@shannontorrens1]

That is so great that your whole family is on board with having less screen time. I find the apps very addicting. I literally have to limit myself with the reminder because I forget how much time I am spending on them. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@aprilmouse8793]

Shannon Torrens Well, I kinda made them get on board. :-D

[@aparnakulkarni1640]

Very good video!! 👍👍

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@txmom1122]

my ex neighbor could be your twin.

[@shannontorrens1]

😂 I am an only child, but I have had people tell me I look like others. I hope you have a good day.

[@LovesOfJuneBug]

You look gorgeous!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you that is very nice 😁

[@KarronAngel]

love your hair like that xxxxxxxxx

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!

[@milda0820]

💖

[@annalp7520]

This was a great video! Lots of excellent points and discoveries. The handbag one got me. I’m still carrying around a huge leather handbag that used to serve as my son’s nappy/baby bag. My son is now 6!! Time to change this situation ... 😂

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! Yes the handbag was a huge change for me and it wasn't easy because I am a bag lady LOL.

[@felichiah5845]

I didn't know no shopping was an acutely thing "trendy" I guess I've been no shopping for 14 years. I had a diaper bag now my kids are older I don't carry a purse I have a very small wallet my phone and keys I put in my pocket. My kids can have as much screen time was they want that being said my kids are never on there devices. They do alot of arts and crafts and use there imagination and read they love to read!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a great day.

[@felichiah5845]

As you yoo! Thanks for inspiring people to be more minimal.