10 Mistakes most new minimalists make

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I've been a minimalist for about 9 years now. And I can say that 1, it's one of the best changes I've ever made. And 2, it's not always easy and everyone will probably make a few mistakes along the way. In this video, I thought it'd be fun to talk about some common minimalism mistakes and how to avoid them. So that they can help you on your minimalist journey.
Of course, there's no real thing as a minimalism mistake. There's no one out there who has the rulebook of how it's done. So definitely take this how I meant it, as a fun way to talk about how we can get the most out of this wonderful lifestyle.
Which of these minimalism mistakes have you done, or do you recognize? Let me know in the comments. :)
Lots of love,
🌼 Vera
VIDEO CHAPTERS
» Intro 0:00
» Minimalism preconceptions 1:05
» When to deal with difficult clutter 2:55
» Know your purpose 4:10
» Just moving things around 5:00
» Not changing your habits 6:06
» Sponsored break 6:42
» The minimalist aesthetic 8:01
» The minimalism guilt 9:10
» Losing your individuality 9:57
» Sunk-cost fallacy 10:30
» You can't be a minimalist because... 11:42
» Final thoughts & recommendations 12:56
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[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for watching! 🤗 Are you a minimalist? Yes / No / Kind of? 👇

[@marypebbles90]

Kind of 🤍

[@janetmurphy4575]

I want to say “yes,” but I should probably say “I strive to be.”

[@inherwords6]

Kind of 🙃

[@Areli_Arabians]

No, but I greatly appreciate your content. The principles you have taught have helped me think of the way I shop and why I shop. I now think three times before purchasing an item. Thanks to your content I have left my hording ways behind. I realised that my books and art make me happy and I started decluttering the rest. I have been decluttering for the past two years now (slowly). This year in 2022 I have one last room to declutter. And it is mostly boxes of paperwork that I'll need to digitize or get rid off. I saved the most difficult for last.

[@alisongregson4740]

No. Minimalism concepts have been useful in the last few years to declutter and streamline my life and home. I have made great changes and I live much more intentionally. I will continue on this journey but doubt that I will ever be truly a minimalist, and that's ok.

[@lucytitus2183]

Once I started minimalism I never turned back. It gives me calmness. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me owning less. I hope you are well my friend! 🤗❤️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that minimalism brings you calmness :) It's the same for me. I'm doing well, hope you are too!

[@mbrady199]

"Minimalism" for me looks like tons of yarn and paints and art supplies. Because those things are important to me and can get cluttered if they don't have a clean home, it's easy for me to minimize things like clothes and dishes. Those items don't bring me as much joy and they encroach on space I've allotted for things that do bring me joy. I'm definitely still on my decluttering journey

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Sounds great :) Wishing you all the best with your decluttering goals!

[@lorieburtt592]

Misty B, I completely agree! I have a large collection of yarn, fabric, and art supplies, but those things don’t weigh me down since I touch them and use them all the time, and even just looking at them makes me feel happy. Creating is who I am, not just what I do. Minimalism for me means making room - both physically and mentally - for the things that matter, and not bringing new things into my home that don’t add function. When I feel unburdened in other areas, it’s easier to create.

[@lynby2108]

Some of the minimalist videos on KZbin are pretentious nonsense and not at all sustainable. The way you describe minimalism makes total sense :)

[@persephone213]

I’m sick of winter, too! The seasonal depression these days is real. Can’t wait for spring! Also, I totally agree about each person making minimalism work for them in their own way.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, even though it's the same every year, this winter feels longer somehow 😭 But it will make us appreciate the spring even more when it arrives :)

[@catherineaube2367]

I consider myself a minimalist even if I own more than 90 plants. They mean life to me and I love nature so much. I live in Canada, so we have a long and cold winter. Plants remind me of summer, essential for my mental health

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow 90 plants, you must live in a green oasis :)

[@PABWECG]

The reminder to start decluttering somewhere easy was SO important for me to hear. Thank you!

[@laineyespinoza4693]

I love number 10! Thank you for that! My eldest son struggles with wanting the household to be minimalist, while they have no interest. It was so lovely for him to hear someone not me say, "It's ok. You can only control you."

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's great advice and applies to lots of things in life :)

[@histeriasdeestavida4181]

I have the feeling that I didn't become a minimalist, minimalism was inside me. It was not hard to start living with less, ir was the other way around, I was buying a lot of stuff because everybody was doing it. So now, as a minimalist, I am the real me

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Def I think I’m looking more for “simple” (or make my life easier and more manageable and not have so much to “tend to” and get more in touch with things that suit me better) than “minimal.” Or on a practical level what works for me and what is in line with the way I want to move and be. I guess they just happen to cross over somewhat at times. Lol. I’ve had to live according to how someone else is far too much and it is just a really constricting kind of nightmare if you ask me. It’s like going thru life wearing clothes and shoes that never seem to quite fit you. Or something like being a fish out of water. A fish just belongs in the water swimming and doing fish things, and really has no business trying to live on land and climb trees.

[@gracavasc]

I love that question “ Does this deserve a place in my future?”!!! It will certainly help me with losing weight! Thanks for making me aware of the fact that we don’t have to use up or keep things just because we already spent something on them. Let’s not let them burden our future!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Exactly :) Happy that resonated with you! Have a lovely week

[@theravenwolf1]

I'm at the start of my minimalist journey which started as a No Buy and has spread to minimalism. My reasons for starting my journey is becoming more intentional about the things I spend my time, money and energy on. Asking myself how does this item or activity benefit me. I still have a lot of decluttering to get through as I am just at the start of my journey and I know it will take time but I am happy with the progress so far, more and more every day. My mind already feels less busy and more focused if that makes sense and I have a renewed gratitude for the things that I have and activities I do. Thank you for the videos they have all been really helpful and positive.

[@MissBeeMarie]

Good for you. 🙂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that Debra!! Congrats on all the progress you've made so far and wishing you the best with your minimalism and decluttering goals :)

[@ShawnLivesInItaly]

Hi Simple Happy Zen thanks for this content - I have been living the life of a minimalist for 35 years before minimalism was a term and way to live. I think I learned this in the army - all I had in the world back then was my military stuff so it was all in order and neatly put in my bunk space. I am glad I am a civilian now and have a little house with a nice family and a little cat named Daisy.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks Shawn, give Daisy a hug from me!

[@robertawiggins3695]

I am a minimalist who lives with a husband and daughter who are not minimalists. Early in my journey it was difficult for me because I was trying to obtain an aesthetic. I released that and focused on my positions and general areas like the kitchen or linen closet. They still are not minimalists but began to like the feel of the areas and often ask me to help them with their items.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's wonderful :) Thanks for sharing Roberta

[@srijaniroy1523]

For me, 'Minimalism'= 'Simple Happy Zen'. Really Vera, no one discusses minimalism so deeply like you. Most of the channels only show how to get rid of stuffs, i.e.- decluttering. But minimalism is more than that. And you have a deep understanding about it.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for your wonderful compliment! :) Really nice to hear. Have a lovely day!

[@cynthiahill3778]

I am so over winter !!! Spring can’t come fast enough.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes! :)

[@clairegibney6488]

I am a minimalist who over decluttered. I decluttered my excess storage stuff and then moved house and my current storage didn't fit the new place 🤦‍♀️. I now store my excess storage and empty moving boxes and packing materials in my mums loft for the next time my landlord puts the rent up and I need to move. I move house almost every year due to landlords. I dream of owning furniture, putting photos on my walls and painting my walls (any colour other than cream) one day. My friends don't think I am minimalist because I don't own plants 😂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Haha like minimalists always have to own plants 😄

[@cheshirecat200302]

Thanks Vera for the useful summary! I have also come to realize that minimalism is not an all or nothing practice-it is healthier to view it as having varying degrees or shades, and then decide if the current level of minimalism is good or helpful enough or if one should push on. 👌🏼

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Exactly! :) Love that

[@erinmaekinghorn293]

I consider myself a minimalist but I have a looot of yarn. If you'd ask my husband... too much yarn! ;D But it is something I use every day and it makes me happy. Living in a four-person family, it's hard sometimes finding the middle path of minimalism. The boys need their things, even if I find something unnecessary, they have their own opinions because they are their own individuals. All I can do is manage my own things and tend to the general areas of our home.

[@czechliffey5711]

there should be only one winter month, in December for Christmas. Then 5 months of spring 😍

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha yes, where do I sign up?

[@jennifercochrane8905]

Yes for the last 7 years and I feel so much more content in my life.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy to hear it :)

[@drazicmilosovic1065]

Ironically; I live in a very warm climate - and I love the approach of winter. That said - the seasonal experience (regardless of which) is entirely relatable. Great episode 😉

[@SimpleHappyZen]

If I were to live in a warm climate, I would definitely also be looking forward to winter I think :)

[@alonew]

I'm so happy for the last point. I'm a minimalist living with a person who is hoder + impulse buyer + maximalist..😖

[@flonagnanamuthu9978]

You are an inspiration to many Vera!!!! God bless you!!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you Flona, have a wonderful day today!

[@SuzannesSimpleLiving]

I love being a minimalist because it’s less stuff to look after and more time to enjoy my hobbies….I’m also looking forward to spring my favourite time of the year, we’ve had so much rain in the UK 😁🇬🇧

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks Suzanne, couldn't agree more! :)

[@VickyHafler]

Winter just started on Dec 21. We have a long time left. Yes, I too am waiting for the sun and warmth of spring.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes very true! :) Winter feels longer this year somehow...

[@barbarasylvain5060]

We're looking forward to -18 to -25 F. temps next week. But today the sun is brilliant (it's about 8 degrees F). I too look forward to the warmth of earth again. I've made minimalism errors too, the most frequent being the fight against the Sunk Loss Fallacy, where I don't use a stop-loss policy. It's a work in delightful progress.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow -18 to -25 F, that's crazy! 😱😱😱😱

[@karenstewart8818]

I suppose I'm a minimalist in the making. By using some of the minimalist principles, I've been downsizing the house in preparation for the day we retire and move to something smaller. I am really enjoying living with more space that I do not have fill, nor do I want to because it feels so clean and refreshing every time I walk into that particular room. I am also thinking ahead to when we are gone and our son has to clear out our home. He doesn't need to be faced with closest of clothes that haven't been worn since 1980 (This is totally my mother-in-law; I dread the day she dies as she has saved nearly everything she has ever bought nice 1963) nor cupboards full of unused kitchen appliances. We had a huge clear out this past spring and summer and sold so much at a garage sale. I've started to think more about buying things for the house....what'll happen to this in the long run? Do I really need another set of mixing bowl? The one thing I've allowed myself to buy without limits is yarn...I'm a knitter! I really like your opinion that you can be a minimalist in certain areas of your life, if not all. That alone gives me the freedom to practice minimalism at a pace that I find comfortable and happy for me...and also that I don't have to expect my husband to become one as well (although I hope my example will help him to embrace some of the practices, too).

[@karensho2265]

I live in Canada, and we had two snow storms this week, and I love it! The snow on a sunny day is very bright and shiny!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Must be very beautiful :)

[@lizzabbott]

Yay !! Haha I guess you could say I’m stubborn about keeping my books ( 2 large shelves of them ! But not COMPLETELY full). I wouldn't say I’m a minimalist ... probably “kind of”. I’m not a big shopper. And I LOVE purging items / decluttering and do so regularly. My home is progressively more peaceful for it. I am also inspired by YOUR home, Vera .... and by Dawn’s at The Minimal Mom. So I guess I’m an “aspiring minimalist”, taking my time and enjoying the journey. Definitely always happy when things leave my house. Happy 2022 ! Btw you look amazing ! You skin is glowing, and you are always naturally beautiful !

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Loved your comment, thank you so much for your kind words :) So happy you're loving the feeling of decluttering! :)

[@lorieburtt592]

Thank you for saying these entirely sensible things. Minimalism should absolutely be about personal choices. I am striving to achieve a minimalist lifestyle in certain areas, while enjoying a certain amount of what others would consider excess in other areas - because those are the things that make me happy. Living according to someone else’s rules or definitions is not a path to happiness. So, yes, start with the stuff that does not matter. For me, it is the clutter that developed over a period of time when I was too depressed to deal with it. An easy start to feeling like a weight has been lifted off of me. But, I’m keeping the kitschy stuff my mom gave me, because looking at it makes me happy. ❤️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that so much, thanks for sharing Lorie! :) Hope you're feeling better now

[@lorieburtt592]

@@SimpleHappyZen Yes, I’m feeling much better. You are very kind. ❤️

[@bethanyrose20]

I love this channel it’s so helpful and calming 💛

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you Bethany :) Love your avatar, it's so cute

[@bethanyrose20]

Thanks :)

[@momoffour2072]

"Does this deserve a place in your future?" I LOVE that!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks Judy! :)

[@dennisoverholts8396]

I am a minimalist and my wife is a collector and a piles person and it is very stressfull for me, however I am intentionally minimalizing my belongings: I do feel much better.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing Dennis! :) That's really all you can do :) And perhaps she might follow in your examples a little bit in the future, who knows :)

[@deborahtucker1113]

I am new to all this and just starting the journey. I am 67 years old and have a lot of “stuff”. My question is what do i do with the things? Thank you for this great video.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hi Deborah! Do you mean what to do with them, like how to get them out of your home? This is what I do: First I see if I know someone personally who might want it. In which case I'll just gift it to them. If I don't, then I see if it's something I can sell (either in person or online). If not, then I see if I can donate it (thrift store, charity, etc). And if it can't be given away, sold or donated, then I'll see if I can recycle it or just throw it away if it can't be recycled. Good luck!

[@biancarice789]

Yes I am a minimalist and I love going through my stuff every year :) Your video was great and very well made :)

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much Bainca, have a nice day!

[@TheRatounet]

I am interested to minimalism because of too much clutter in my house. Despite my wife is not interested at all i start with my home office which is also the place where relax (i feel too much overwhelmed in the living room with toys, blanket, decor, clothes...) i started around a year ago but still a very long way to go especially with clothes and shoes since i love them (e.g. i have 22 pair of shoes). However this holidays i started with my wife to declutter the pantries, some of the closet in the kitchen and make fun of her such do you want to open a catering business with your 200 tupperware?? Or what will you do with those 10 oven cleaner.... and it works we get rid of some trash and unuseful item, put things in order to but still havento daily put things back in their home.... so yes it took time but i managed to win some battles already...

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing! Happy you and your wife can kind of go on this journey together in a way that makes sense for the both of you

[@larissa9442]

I feel you! I also can't wait for spring to come.

[@helen1859]

I love to hear your thoughts, so calming, sensible and authentic.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much Helen, that's so sweet! :) Have a lovely day today

[@heidilopez-felix8105]

So ready for spring!!!😍

[@SimpleHappyZen]

YES! Me too 😄🌿🌻🌳

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

It is a process. I shop more when I am a bit down and sometimes destroy keeping the empty spaces. But I also hate clutter and think a clear vision of how I want to feel in a room helps a lot when I want to minimize and stop me from shoppimg. Giving to charity has been the best option for us. Then it is out of the house very fast and they can do something very important with the money. We have packed the car a couple of times and I don't miss the tings. We did not even use them..

[@janicevin4207]

#10 is for me! My partner is not into minimalism at all! so I declutter only the bedroom (he doesnot care as he does not spend a lot of time there), the bathroom (the clutter there was 90% mine!!!) and my wardrobe! I decluttered a bit the other spaces but put everything into boxes and I organized everything in boxes and on shelves in the basement so all our stuff is not so overwhelming...

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Sounds like a great compromise :)

[@drafederico]

I love your voice, is so soft and relaxing..🥰

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much :)

[@Delala]

Loved the video Vera! It was very relatable! The minimalism guilt is real sometimes! Especially when sharing things on socials 😅 I'm just trying to declutter the guilt as well as it serves no purpose 😋

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the video! Yes to decluttering guilt! :)

[@annlavine3576]

Sure. I hope you adopt soon. They are wonderful

[@kirsten9323]

I really recognize the guilt about bringing in something new I have been working on decluttering and have let go of a lot, but I also really wanted a record player. I felt that I couldn't buy a record player or records, because I would be bringing more stuff into my home. Then I decided to buy them anyway, but be intentional about buying only the records I really really want. That has worked great so far :)

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that! :)

[@mukundjere9230]

Hi. Vera.. Very nicely explained.. All doubts are cleared now. In some other youtubers they insisted to do the same. So confusion can occurred. Thanks once again. Audio quality very soothing. Just enjoy moments 🎉🎉

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much, happy to hear you enjoyed the video and that the audio quality with my new mic was good! :) Have a nice day

[@tara.asteria]

This is so helping, I'm a new subscriber! I started decluttering before, I have too many stuffs and even after I decluttered I felt it's still too many so I'm TRYING to be a minimalist ... first thing first not to buy many more stuffs lol. hope I can find peace with my belongings soon!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Sorry Vera my husband and I love Winter and we really haven't had any snow yet we had a little bit the other day we love to go walking in the snow. I live in Ohio in the USA❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah yes, snowy walks are kind of good :) You're right!

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Very well presented Vera! The sunk cost fallacy is still my weakness… and it’s mixed with “what if”. For example, I have a few designer purses and shoes that I never wear since Covid… but I still love them and I can’t sell or donate them, because you know… they were expensive, well maintained , and I might wear them again even though I work from home and rarely go out 🤷‍♀️ 😂. So this for now is the category that I choose to keep, even if it’s not in line with the rest of the concept. Anyway, who says I can’t, it’s legal no? 😁 PS, it was -24 last night here in Montreal!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha exactly! Who says you can't :) As long as it continues to feel like the right decision for you. And wow... -24.... that's something 😮

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

@@SimpleHappyZen Well, -37 tonight 😳. Does it ever get that cold where you live?

[@SimpleHappyZen]

​@@dominiquetheeasyminimalist ​ Wow... No it really doesn't get that cold here. Our climate is still pretty mild. Sometimes we have a few days of like -5 or even -10 but that's exceptional. Take care over tjere!

[@eduardaleao7041]

i became a minimalist this year and your video about 8 years of minimalism was one of the first ones i watched about it when i was looking up to know more about the whole concept/life style, and i believe that it was a major guide for me to the whole journey that minimalism is. i can proudly say that ive made none of those mistakes! i always get myself thinking back to what you said in that video: minimalism is not about deprivation but owning only what is essencial to me and makes me happy/adds value to my life. thank you for being such an important part of my journey!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow that's wonderful, thank you so much Eduarda!

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Getting started is hard, maybe because I want to do it all at once. I have to realize I can minimalize the number of steps I take at a time.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Exactly :) Great change can be created by taking one step at a time :) Wishing you all the best with your goals!

[@angeladoll5444]

The ironic thing people don't realize is that when you get rid of things you don't actually need or use, then you actually have ROOM for those things you do love and which bring you joy, and room for even more of them!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, minimalism frees up space, money, energy etc :)

[@anncat1111]

So beautifully put, and wise

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that, thank you for sharing Ann! Love the tip about imagining if you're moving, I've talked about it on the channel before and I've used it myself a couple of times as well. Works like a charm :)

[@Bethy_anne]

This is so true!! I am moving in a few days and I have decluttered so many things I have no use for! As I get my belongings down, I am thinking more about what how much I love the things I kept. Also, I am aware of what I am not ready to let go of, which leaves me with some emotions/thoughts to unpack :)

[@theresew9910]

Hi Vera great calming and relaxing thank you 😊 I made the mistake of becoming a minimalist at the same time as downsizing so did end up giving away things I now need 😔 but having space in a smaller house is much more important to me so I manage ok with the minimum, the pandemic has taught me to live differently and possessions are definitely not top of my list ❤️ the days are starting to stay lighter for longer here so yes roll on springtime 🌷

[@gretchendoyle8489]

Your insight, about feeling some happiness or relief if something just disappeared or someone else took it or took care of it, is the perfect thing for me to focus on. I know feel that way about my houseplants - I know, most people love them, but I have too much to take care of and they are one more thing. I’m going to look around my house and decide if I feel that way about other things. I’ve been on a “downsizing” journey for about 20 years but I have a kid and a husband and pets and feel overwhelmed with stuff!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing Gretchen, hope that tip will help you say goodbye to some of the things that feel stifling to you :) Have a nice day today!

[@PamperedWife]

This was a really great, helpful video. Thank you 😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much! :)

[@rachaelgraziotto686]

Great video Vera. Thank you for this refreshing video on minimalism. As someone who has been practicing minimalism for about 3 years I still have not fully been able to tackle my most challenging area, my closet.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you Rachael, happy you enjoyed the video! :) I do have a deepdive video about decluttering your closet, if you haven't seen it yet, maybe it could be helpful :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKWkqZuChLV2m68

[@asianangel5400]

Minimalst is simply this. Living your life with items that simplify and being mindful of what you own.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Nicely explained :)

[@designwithdevika]

Yes i am a practical and aesthetic minimalist 🌸🌸

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love it :)

[@mariskavandasselaarofficial]

Ik vind het zo mooi hoe open-minded je bent en dat iedereen mag zijn hoe die is. En ja, ook ik ben het sombere weer helemaal zat. Gelukkig komen er mooie winterdagen aan!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Dankjewel Mariska :) Jaaa volgende week krijgen we mooi winterweer! Lekker wandelen dus

[@bumblebee803]

I was born a minimalist, not by choice. But I love living this way as it keeps my creative flow going. But there are quite a few things I over indulge in, and I'm ok with that as I need these things to be creative.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bumble Bee, have a lovely Sunday!

[@feylights166]

I take some inspiration from minimalism, even though I don't really aspire to be a minimalist. I *do* aspire to be more intentional.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that :) Living with intention is so helpful

[@alwynnecartmell6602]

So easy to listen too.....many thanks...made my 2022 easier

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much Alwynne, happy to hear it! :)

[@nancyesposito1020]

Thank you so much for this video it really helped clarify things for me and the way that I was feeling! Overwhelmed and like I could never conform to some of the people in the videos I watched! I figured out why I want to live with less but I was just organizing certain things and starting with the simpler areas really makes sense you feel like you accomplished something and not so overwhelmed! I really need to adapt the principles to my life and keep the collections I want to just pair things down and this was very helpful!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yay, so happy the video was helpful for you Nancy! :)

[@lindatendron5293]

Minimaliste : be free , tranquility and more happiness and more money for self care or travelling! Thanks Vera for all your video !😍🙏

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you Linda, happy you enjoyed the video! :) Have a nice day today

[@charlenebrissette3348]

I am so done with winter too.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, spring, here we come! :)

[@jennierollins8789]

I am very sorry to say, spring is a few months away. As usual enjoyed this video. The content has lots of useful information. Throughout my life I have always used spring cleaning to empty out all the clutter that gathers. Something went wrong in the last few years. To busy or maybe lazy. I have been doing little things when I can. I do have a picture in my head for what I want. Thank you Vera.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you Jennie, happy you enjoyed the video! :) Sending a hug your way

[@sharonsharing3313]

Happy New Year! Thanks for your sharing and inspiration! You are the one of a very few KZbinrs I keep following in 3 years!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you so much, that means a lot :) Have a nice day today!

[@alison4090]

Watching your videos triggers me to take a nice herbal tea and this is in itself a nice thing 😊!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Herbal tea breaks are the best! :)

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Thanks for sharing Vera this was reinforcing and very inspiring for me have a lovely week💜

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yay, happy to hear that! :) Thanks Deborah, have a nice day today

[@amyhoover9]

I don't think this would qualify as a mistake, but one mindset that I still struggle with sometimes is understanding that minimalism is not something that everybody wants to live by, and so I have correct myself when being faced with other people's messes or versions of clutter. Other than that, I'd say that a lot of these mistakes are ones I can easily recognize as something that I've done before, especially the one about not changing my habits. Big oof right there for me, haha!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha big oofs are usually the best :) Thanks Amy, take care and have a great day today

[@ablueslenz]

Happy New Year, Vera! I still struggle with sunken cost fallacy. I will try to sell everything I want to get rid of just to recoup some of the cost. This means stuff will stay in my house longer. 😣 But, I am much better at not bringing in items for which I don’t have a functional need. That has saved me so much money and energy. The cool thing about conscious buying is the thrill of the hunt. If I must purchase home items, I’m always looking for the eclectic artisan item that has a story. I need at least two more dinner plates, but I want to make my own or purchase from a local pottery business.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy New Year to you too Teresa!! Wishing you all the best for 2022 :) I think if you can get some money back for valuable items, it makes sense to keep them around a bit longer so you can sell them. Also, if you sell them, there's a higher chance they'll get an actual second life, because someone will have spent money on them. So I hope you'll find buyers soon :) Also, I recognize that about buying new things haha. If I do end up wanting to buy something new, sometimes I'll spend months looking for the perfect one haha.

[@kathypolsgrove5507]

Thanks for sharing, you hit on many points that makes a lot of sense! Much easier to get started now. I tend to start with the hardest area, then give up. I’ll try your approach! I would love to live a more calmer and fulfilling life! 💕

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kathy, great to hear the video was helpful for you :) Feel free to check out my Decluttering & Home playlist if you ever need more help with decluttering. Have a nice day!

[@inherwords6]

I had to do a double check on the date you posted this because you said 2020. 😄 I love your videos! Thank you for being such a great inspiration! I’m looking forward to spring too! Hopefully COVID cases will go down in the spring! Take care xoxo

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha did I say 2020?? I haven't even noticed when editing this video 😂

[@maricorcabrera540]

I noticed that too. 😅

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oopsie, where did I say it? 😄

[@MissBeeMarie]

@@SimpleHappyZen I think when you were talking about Skillshare.

[@minimalmomgreece]

Thank you , Vera!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You're very welcome, have a lovely day!!

[@juliab628]

Hi Vera! I super enjoyed this video per usual. This is unrelated but I wanted to tell you that I bought Tofu for the first time. Do you pan-fry yours or oven-bake yours? What are your favorite seasonings to put on it besides garlic which we put on everything? Loving my vegetarian Journey! Your healthy eating inspires me so much. I am not vegan but vegetarian. Currently I am addicted to avocados haha have a blessed and happy day🥰🙋‍♀️🥑☃️⚘

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's wonderful, thanks for going veggie!! :) With tofu, what I mostly want to recommend is trying out different recipies to see what works for you. When I made tofu the first couple of types, I didn't really like it. Now I love it :) It's one of my favorite things. Usually I'll cut it up (drain it a bit first, that really helps :)) into cubes that are quite big, and I'll just panfry them with some oil, salt and pepper. I like it when it's plain haha. But you can also marinade it. You could break it up by hand so you get chunks, and marinade them and put them in the oven, that's really nice. You can crumble up the tofu and make tofu scramble. So try different things and see what you like :)

[@juliab628]

@@SimpleHappyZen Thank you for these ideas! I'm just now remembering your tofu scramble from a foodie video once. Can't wait to try these options :D :D

[@eirr0rmuziek]

We have been under an extreme cold warning for the last month solid. So done with this winter haha.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow I'm sorry to hear that, take care!

[@therealjenniferrr]

👋Also done with winter and it hasn't even snowed much. New York state here!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oh wow all the way from New York! 😮 I heard it can get real cold there...

[@therealjenniferrr]

@@SimpleHappyZen tonight says 16F (or -9C lol) 🥶

[@undynetheundying5405]

This video was inspiring, thank you 😊🙏

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much, that's nice to hear :)

[@undynetheundying5405]

@@SimpleHappyZen 😁😁😊

[@autumnjoycemarie]

Happy New Year Vera!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy New Year to you too! :) Wishing you all the best for 2022

[@heliamartins3378]

Happy New Year Vera . 🙏🙏

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy New Year to you too!! :) Wishing you all the best for 2022

[@claireedghill7563]

Very good video Vera!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much Claire :) Hope you're having a nice day

[@vlastastefanovic9070]

yes, I got start watching your videos 🌈

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you and welcome to the channel! :)

[@joycegonzales4994]

I just like to try to make my life and surroundings more simple to the eye, but I hate labels.

[@mysterykitty587]

Its odd but I keep my very few hygiene products in my bedroom currently and out of the bathroom. The bathroom is really nice to walk into since the counter practically has nothing on it. I dont own a piece of make up and use just my one deodorant stick and use my 1 bottle of perfume. I got quite a bit of shirts I want to take a look at and consider what I wanna keep and decide if I'm going to eliminate a few. I really dont dress up and I go to work where thats where I most frequent get dressed in my work uniform. I dont get out a ton and enjoy my house space. I know I already dont have the biggest closet ever which is great but I feel all the shirt options are very much unnecessary to my life. Anyone else got an issue between keeping more pants than shirts or vice versa? I think its interesting cuz I have more shirts than pants and not too many shoes. I got shirts especially for summer that are from one place the same style but just different colors lol. I want to keep quite a few cuz I love the style buuuuut I know I dont wear each one so I wanna down size. 😇

[@cherrycookie7365]

Definitely feel the thing with living in a cluttered home. I live in a one room apartment with another person who has tons of stuff, and it feels like no matter how much I minimise my own belongings, I still have to look at their mess, so what's the point? ):

[@jennierollins8789]

In my case my person uses the spaces I cleaned to put more stuff.

[@cherrycookie7365]

@@jennierollins8789 yikes!

[@nicoleperron3315]

Same, my mom died, whole house to do, my uncle died whole apartment to do, my landlord decided no more lockers, 25 foot storage gone, 20 years of my stuff. It's been a rough few years. My problem is I've spent the last few years getting rid of sentimental stuff I really want under pressure. Crying while letting go is not ideal, not having time to grieve and being able to do it when you feel like it, sucks. Now add to that a 22 year old son who is having stuff delivered left and right but doesn't get rid of anything! I know we are at different places in our journey but every single time I empty or clear out a space of stuff I actually want but don't have room for. I turn around and it's filled with his stuff. Then there's the on line university and lock down and curfew. Any ideas? So tired of staring at these four walls and stuff that has no home 🤣 I feel like I'm throwing out my life. I'm in an apartment and don't want to rent storage, I know that it would just stay there for years and never get used.😳

[@cherrycookie7365]

@@nicoleperron3315 Maybe you could set boundaries and agree that certain zones of the apartment are yours and his stuff can't be there?

[@nicoleperron3315]

@@cherrycookie7365 yes logically, but he puts one paper, then a book ... I just cleaned two spots 😄 so he took the stuff I piled on his desk and put it on two other spots🤣 it's like a crazy game of wack a mole. 😂 I never know where it will end up. But thank you for trying.😊

[@minimalistact7246]

Great video!!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much! :) Have a nice day

[@pigletsbank437]

I am very happy with most my choises over the years, but does anyone has spare pressure cooker by any chance... 🙄. Have a good week everyone, smile and feel bright!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You have a nice week too!! 🤗✨

[@kaede_jing]

Yes, I still have something that I keep because of the money that I have invested. But I know I will let it go one day.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You'll know when the time is right :)

[@naomisandoz3448]

leuke en goede video

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Dankjewel Naomi! :)

[@MyFocusVaries]

I find "The minimalist aesthetic" irritating. Not that I mind the way a minimalist person's home will look, but the idea that minimalism is primarily a decorating style choice! That's completely backwards. Minimalism is a lifestyle, and a certain look MAY come out of it (but not always).

[@rjansen4475]

Put down the tea! Lol

[@leenamannarkkad3765]

They are not giving one month free trial as you said.. only offering 30 off if I pay one years fee together..😞

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you Leena, did you use the link in my description? I'll bring this to Skillshare's attention.

[@leenamannarkkad3765]

@@SimpleHappyZen Thank you for your reply.. Yes...I used your link

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@Leena Mannarkkad I've looked into it and if you visit the Skillshare site directly through my link, you'll be able to access the 1-month free trial. You will need to put in your creditcard information, but you won't be charged until after the first 30 days, and you can cancel anytime during the free trial (in which case you won't be charged at all). Hope that helps! :)

[@angiebee598]

Have you ever thought of moving to a warmer, sunnier climate?

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hi Angela! :) Actually, as much as I'm done with this winter, I actually don't do well in hot weather. Summers are my least favorite season because I'll feel very uncomfortable physically. So if I were to ever move to another climate, I'd say it would likely be a colder one haha

[@zayden.o.]

I like Ur hair :)))

[@annlavine3576]

9 sort of. 10 no I live with cats

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Give your cats a hug from me!

[@sylviabol640]

🍀💚

[@SimpleHappyZen]

🤗🌷

[@mariadantas3217]

👌❤🙏

[@SimpleHappyZen]

🤗🌿🌻

[@JohnGalt1960]

In my opinion makeup is a mask.....I love natural beauty.