10 Things NOT to do When Becoming MINIMALIST

Here are 10 things I wish I had known back when we started decluttering and trying to become more minimalist. These are 10 things not to worry about when starting your minimalist and decluttering journey. I hope you have a fantastic day!
10 Things Not to do when Organizing: • 10 Things Not To Do Wh...
7 Things Not to do when Decluttering: • 7 Things NOT to do Whe...
47 Things to declutter today! : • 47 Things to Declutter...

[@shannontorrens1]

I hope you are having a good day! If you liked this video check out 10 Things Not to Do when Organizing : kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbIoKKZgrtkf6M

[@retiredsockmonkey7257]

Great tips....yes we need to declutter our minds and life along with stuff

[@dude988]

11. Don't try to push it on others. I have a tiny but organized flat. My sister has a big house full of stuff. During the pandemic she started to declutter and like with everything she does it became the one and only true way of life. Snarky comments when I buy something, on my existing things I like to have like stationery and I can see her mentally decluttering my living room, wanting to throw away things that have no value to her therefore have no value at all. Her house is still full of stuff and she once told me it's so much easier to have a small flat tidy and organized (and in a way minimal) because with her big house she needs more things.

[@WiseWomanLola]

I'm a gradual minimalist. Gradually getting there, releasing items as they are no longer of value to me.

[@SF-ru3lp]

I also found that it takes time and there are layers and layers of refining! G Ire

[@SabrinaMontoya77]

Me too. I do a declutter every month or so and always end up getting rid of the "maybes" eventually. Emotional attachments to things hold ne back most of the time.

[@refinedsimplicity8420]

Love the term gradual minimalist. Definitely working on that in my home. Wishing you much success in your journey.

[@ImaOKay522]

Once your home accepts that you are no longer bringing in excess stuff, it will cooperate by shining for you. Great video!

[@lindalee8952]

I really liked this video- thanks! I am 67 and well into decluttering my home after raising 7 children. During Covid, my son helped me completely empty out our overhead attic. It is empty and swept! I did it for my children- so they won’t have to do it one day. Even though I now also have some empty closets and drawers, I am not nearly done. I want this house only to contain things we want and use. Watching videos like yours keep me inspired and energized. Thanks!

[@wingabouts]

I've made a ministry of decluttering by having a garage sale twice a year and giving the money to a favorite charity. It is now a great game for me to go around the house and find "stuff" for the next sale. 👍

[@olivewakeling-wren2359]

Just tidying up helps. Making those children’s beds made a huge difference.

[@AnjLove01]

We still have tons to declutter, give away and or sell. But i see we are making progress at our own pace. Sending ❤ from the Philippines.

[@wendywhitley4611]

That's where I feel like I am. I have been going through stuff and have been to Goodwill so often they know my car and dog. Yet, I feel like looking around, nothing is different. But every cabinet, drawer, bag and bin has been gone through and thinned at least once. I just know there is still so much more to go.

[@kc3503]

Hi Shannon, thank you for sharing! Boy do know that feeling of coming back from the donation center and feeling like it hasn't changed and then telling myself it was another layer and it's progress. Every point you made was well said and encouraging.

[@shannontorrens1]

This is exactly how I felt for such a long time.

[@jcm4923]

My husband calls it "the first pass"..."not to worry, we can go through things again"..

[@audrey5941]

Season of life is so important. When I was young I’d take anything I could get my hands on. Most of it was very worn, or cheap or not really me. In time I’d upgrade until I finally arrived at the level I felt good about then I stopped seeking to upgrade. Now I see nice things at a great price and I’m not tempted to upgrade. I really feel comfortable with my life and I leave the thrift store thing for someone still in the upgrade cycle. I smile knowing someone is going to love it.

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Being minimal has provided me so much more freedom to live the life I want. I was able to move in my vehicle from Minnesota to New Mexico for an internship, back to Minnesota when it was over, and will soon be moving to California for my future job! Not to mention the simplicity and money it has saved me in my daily life, especially as someone with a chronic condition who has limited energy ❤️

[@DsnyLuv]

You are the most balanced and real I have seen. Thank you 😊

[@simply.clutterfree]

I discovered my "some reason I'm not getting there" was that I never stopped shopping! 😳😂

[@pippas5808]

I love the focus on finding what works for you rather than on sticking to arbitrary numbers - things like '33 items of clothing' or '20 books'. Far better to find out what quantity works for you and your life in your current season - and accept that this may change over time. I'll never be a 'true minimalist' because I have three bookcases crammed with books. But 8 years ago, I had NINE bookcases and many more books piled on tables, in cupboards, on the floor...A lot of people tell me I have too many books still, but the difference is that now, the ones I have are all ones I love and use, not ones I am keeping without thinking about it, even if I didn't like them very much. Maybe someday I will only have two bookcases - or one - or maybe just a single shelf. But what I have now is the right amount for my current season of life, and I'm content.

[@shannontorrens1]

I love hearing that! Yes it's best to do what works for you and not worry about what other people are doing and their number systems =)

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Something to also note (only halfway though so maybe you mention it) is your organization style. After watching Clutterbug’s channel I consciously realized I am a visual organizer so 90% of my stuff is on shelves & out in the open rather than behind drawers and cabinets. This makes my room look more “cluttered” if your style wants everything out neatly away out of sight. I did a massive declutter over the last 2yrs & I still do maintenance declutters (just got rid of 2 bags of stuff that was in drawers) but just because my shelves are full doesn’t mean they are cluttered.

[@rbdreamsart]

The paintings in your home are beautiful!

[@nata3467]

I am downsizing in stages so in three years everything will have a role (cabin/son/friends/donate) so liberating.

[@petmomful2260]

I find it so funny that your mom tries to get you to take stuff when you guys are decluttering her house. lol You guys are a great team!

[@angelwings1]

Your home in this video does look minimalist! And it’s so beautiful ❤

[@pamjones3377]

Thank you for the encouragement. I’ve been decluttering for months now, and the house is starting to feel better here and there, but still a long way to go!

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Morning Shannon! For me, it was "easier" getting rid of the bigger stuff and I would get lost in the little things that actually created most of the clutter in my rooms...it's also about the mental energy I believed I needed to go through stuff, decide what to keep or not, when in reality, focusing on the why I was doing it and being tired of getting back to those items again and again, was what got me to grow that minimalism muscle!!😄 Sending you guys a big hug!!!💝

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Alessandra, I think it can be so hard with little things too. Especially things we have had forever or could possibly use in the future. I love seeing your videos. I hope you are having a good weekend.

[@expressivepaper]

Shannon I think you hit the nail on the head it’s a personal mission. I think the main thing that draws me to becoming more minimalist is managing and using what I keep. It may be a beautiful Knick knack but if I can manage it and love it I keep it.

[@Maugirl2]

Yes i think that to keep going back to an area is really useful and this method works for me. I went through my wardrobe about 8 months ago and got rid of stuff but now i am going through it again. I do this in rotation to every area of my home because often those areas either pick up a few extra bits and pieces and can get untidy but also often we are not ready to let go of an item on the first round but by the second or third time we look at that area we can feel that it is time to let that item or items go… as you rightly say, it is like peeling an onion and everyone can do this at their own pace. Actually for a bit of fun right now, instead of getting everything out and going through the wardrobe in the normal way, and because i already got rid of the stuff that i really didnt like last time, i decided to wear a piece of clothing from the wardrobe each day… i am giving myself the whole day to wear it and decide if it really suits me or not… some stuff has gone back but i have already found 5 items that fit me ok, that i really liked but the style just didn’t suit me, so they got washed and put away for the charity shop! In this way i have the pleasure of wearing things one last time, i can say good bye to them happily and declutter them too lol . It’s obviously a slow process but thats ok for me and as i said before it is quite fun to do :)

[@dawnback]

I think a lot of people need to hear this more. Thanks for another great message!

[@Natalia_85]

Yes!!! There is a muscle that gets trained by doing thisss over and over!!! For me minimalism is a journey. I'm not quite there yet but Im waaay better than before starting the journey of course. In my case the first declutter was obvious stuff. Then I made a bit of an effort to let go a bit more. And through experience, you learn that the world does not end when you let go... and you can let go of a bit more. Yesterday I let go of a cute black dressy blouse because i have probaby more than 5 and I realize I dont need as many and I know I'll be ok. But knowing and feeling that, only comes with experience and going through the process.

[@samantharowley125]

I too had a bamboo drying dish rack and it ended up being donated. I just use a drying mat for a few items or the standard dish rack that gets stored under the sink when not in use.

[@teriw56]

Lots of positive help, everybody has their own size of inventory that works for them.

[@lorettagoldyn5918]

I really appreciate you videos. This one especially. Spoke to me because I expect and want perfection but I am 76. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself

[@lauriepowell3959]

I am a MIDDLEST! I like the things I have collected, I use what I have, I try to get rid of clothes I don’t/won’t wear. But I am very visually oriented. It makes me happy to have interesting art, furniture, etc. I still have my Afghan Hippie coat from 1971. I have some of my grandma’s shoes from 1940’s and sometimes even wear them. I don’t want a sterile environment, but I do want to live in clean, organized and uncrowded home. But why do I STILL keep finding things I have forgotten or never used. Just saying.

[@lb9549]

Thanks for pointing out how many curated images on social media are not real life. Especially the minimalist "entryway" on pinterest. There is ALWAYS one pair of brand new rainboots and ONE jacket. Clearly a family doesn't actually live in that space.

[@shannontorrens1]

Haha I know the photo you are talking about lol. Our entry way is one long very narrow hall. So unless we rip out the whole wall one day there isn't much we can do about that area lol.

[@Tubewomen]

Hi that was a great video on breaking down on how decluttering is different for everyone . Great job that’s why I love your channel so much your channel is so realistic ❤. Have a great week🙌

[@robynirons194]

I had the same experience with a bamboo folding dishrack. Stainless steel doesn't look as good, but it lasts so much better.

[@courtneyelizabeth4710]

Currently peeling the layers back in my house. That's so funny what you said about your mom. I'm sure it was a big shock for her. I'm glad she came around and I absolutely love when your mom is in the videos!

[@tamiurquizo746]

I'm a minimalist mom. I'm on my second year. I've learned so much.

[@Nan-ir9ct]

It's true it takes time to adjust to less cluttered surfaces. I decluttered some areas in my home and lived with it for a month, then worked on them some more. It does take time to adjust, but the freeing feeling I get when I see those areas now is awesome. I keep enough to be comfortable and yet not have a home that echos.

[@nancylanderson8012]

Such a good video, Shannon. You are so genuine and down to earth.

[@katapeter281]

I wish you would be my friend, so you could come to my house and help me with declutter 😅 but I guess that's kind of the point for doing videos for us 😁 I did some little delcutter this week 3 times while listen to your videos ^^ thanks! Ohh and I love the ones with your mom! 😁 she is such a joyful person! Wish you all good health!

[@ChocolateBoxCottage]

Such a reassuring video!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!

[@melanievaccaro6944]

Thank you for this video, I really needed to hear some of the advice. I've been decluttering my house for the last few months and despite the big difference I saw at the beginning, lately I've been feeling overwhelmed by what's left to declutter. Watching some of the KZbin channels on minimalism doesn't always help either as some of them just show perfection. That's why I love your channel showing us how to do minimalism living a normal life.

[@eileenryan4687]

Thank you for this info. It makes decluttering easier.

[@janicesmith3986]

I started decluttering 3 years before we finally put our house on the market. I was so thankful I had started that early especially when our house was only on the market for less than 24 hours (yes I said hours). However, my hubby always thought I was nuts for doing it, and I only decluttered MY stuff ….. he was never on board with our selling and moving but his health finally made the decision for him. Then he was like a deer in the headlight …. Not knowing where to start and when we finally got everything moved to Texas we ended up decluttering way over 50% of what he thought he HAD to keep as we just didn’t have the room for it and didn’t want to spend money on a storage unit. I constantly have a donation box going and add to it all the time, then drop it off every other month or so to goodwill.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for sharing your story with everyone! That is very inspiring, it can be a huge adjustment to let stuff go.

[@Dranma51]

I can relate! My husband hates getting rid of anything! I have however donated a few things without him knowing and he never missed it!

[@heidischultes2956]

So true 👍 great video ,thx ❣️ Greetings from South Africa 🙋👋

[@daniellecomeau2996]

There is a product called bowling alley wax/boston wax that comes in a metal tub and it is great for feeding, treating and sealing old wood furniture like that sanded sideboard. I think minwax has their version. It is thick but then you buff it in.

[@londalujan9706]

This is great! My MIL told me the same things your mom did, she once told me, “It looks like you just moved in” and now she’s slowly getting rid of stuff also!

[@KS-np4ul]

😅 My mum said just the same about my apartment, when I startet decluttering.

[@Trishanduke]

Thanks so much for talking about how long it takes to declutter. I've been downsizing regularly for 3 years and sometimes it feels I'm never going to get there. I can so relate to needing to be ready to get rid of certain things. It's a process that I am enjoying. Less is more now.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

My mom also gets stressed. She says "but that's so cute". Me: I know it's cute but I don’t need it". "Some day" and "just in case" are my enemies.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

@@edennis8578 it's not that simple I'm disabled and don't drive and she donates my things. But when I donate the stuff she gives me I give it to someone else to take.

[@simply.clutterfree]

It took me about two years before I saw the results I was looking for too. That was AFTER no longer being a shopaholic. Lots of layers over here! 😂

[@Toni-747]

Good morning, Shannon! I'm still on the journey, 1 layer at a time. Thank you for your help & encouragement ❤

[@bonessam9618]

Good morning, Shannon. Great video! I have never got to the extreme of counting things unless, of course, if it's how many spatulas, etc. That's never been my thing. It's always how it makes you feel, being realistic with yourself, and yes, always peeling away at the layers. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. I hope you have a great day, as always.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much for being part of my channel. I always enjoy reading your comments. I hope you have a great day too.

[@bellkatz9068]

So funny to hear your story about your mom's reaction to your decluttering! My husband and I are empty nesters. We will be selling our 5 bedroom home soon to move into a 2 bedroom house. As we downsize and make thoughtful decisions about what we will take to the new location, I find I am taking loads of stuff to Goodwill 2-3 times per week. My mom has the same reaction as yours, "But you might need this," "You could use that for...," "______ gave that to you, so you need to keep it," etc. Each load that leaves our house makes me feel lighter but makes my mom tense and anxious. I've discovered that she has an attachment to things because they connect her to a person or event. Not having that thing makes her feel like she's loosing that connection. For me, memories can exist without needing all the physical items around me. My new mantra is: less clutter = internal & external peace

[@shannontorrens1]

I love your mantra! That is so good. I hope you have a nice weekend =)

[@shannontorrens1]

@@edennis8578 Please be nice in the comments. Everyone has a different journey and a unique relationship with family. =)

[@kristinolan7240]

This was JUST what i needed to hear! ❤

[@maryleary3308]

Very wise advice. Thank you.

[@judithscharf6318]

I started during the pandemic. It does take time. The biggest thing for me was being very picky about what came into the house. It’s also hard to get other people on board at first , so I just concentrated on my things. My husband wanted to keep a spoon rest, and I felt it was too small and took up counter space. . One day it was in tne dishwasher and he was forced to use a small saucer instead. The light bulb went on for him and the spoon rest was donated. I also keep a close watch on whether items are being used enough to justify keeping them.

[@shannontorrens1]

I love that explanation about how the lightbulb went off for your husband. Sometime it is just a small thing that makes us realize we don't actually need or want something.

[@sarahspitzfaden]

I’ve made a few “mistake” purchases recently. When this happens I learn something new on my journey, but some reassurance helps when feeling a bit guilty about money spent. I feel like your mom’s initial reaction is all of us at the beginning and at sticking points, but it does feel so good to simplify. Onto declutter those items that didn’t work.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Sarah, I feel like mistake purchases are just part of life. I think we all have the best intentions and some things just don't work out. I hope you are having a good day.

[@julianaylor4351]

Consumerism has a lot to answer for. Some people think you should not own any books, as a well educated person, that disgusts me. Only get rid of books, you don't need or of no use because they have gotten trashed or are out of date guides or simply irrelevant to your lifestyle. So recycling or selling or donating is then, the set of options you have.

[@julianacrockett3256]

I have been following you for a while and I wanted to thank you for making these videos. More realistic ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Glad you like them!

[@amonralice]

🏠You mentioned the word "bare". I was afraid of my home looking bare at first, and I actually had a sense of guilt while getting rid of stuff purchased in time. But now, after 2 years of minimalism, I strongly feel that I have the power to let go of stuff (plus non-physical clutter) and enjoy life more. 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

I am always afraid of our home looking too bare but sometime that feels good too.

[@amonralice]

@@shannontorrens1 Yep, it's a good "afraid". 😁

[@mrsmummyj7856]

Simplifying your schedule struck a nerve! So important! Thank you for this video! ❤

[@lhydrenn8980]

I'm always looking forward on your videos. It really helps me to declutter and see the reality of the journey in minimizing our possession. Love from the Philippines ❤

[@alanbirkner1958]

Thanks, just thanks. Tina, Al's wife

[@jennyjenkins877]

I love that you said to do whatever works for you with the encouragement to become more minimalist because that really works for everyone!

[@janetlovesjesus100]

I doubt I will ever be the poster gal for minimalism. Far from it, but happy with my progress so far. I set my own standards. Another great encouraging video. 🙂

[@SF-ru3lp]

I think so too, Janet. Less is better and Essentislism is fairly close to minimalism as far as I'm concerned. G Ire

[@danicegewiss862]

I'm on the road to minimalism. We're getting closer. My husband filled his truck with junk wood today and weeded out several shirts. I'm proud of him. I'm annoyed when I see stuff on the floor. Fortunately, picking it up takes virtually no time at all. I still have more layers to peel from the onion.

[@SF-ru3lp]

@Danice Gewiss Every layer of less feels great and keeps us encouraged! Very best regards. G Ire

[@janetlovesjesus100]

@@danicegewiss862 loving the 'peel the onion' image. We are going on holiday in a few weeks and truthfully this makes me feel anxious, what to pack, what will I need etc. It's a chore. So today I am determined to try on my 'holiday' wardrobe and if anything doesn't make me feel good or if I have the thoughts of saving it just in case, it's being donated. Not being held hostage by a piece of fabric anymore. Flexing my decluttering muscles. 😀

[@joanhowlett2138]

Everything u said made so much sense. I enjoy your videos ,

[@elizabethr3107]

I liked this so true your not to rush ...

[@susannovak8263]

Great reminders! Thank you, Shannon.🌷

[@sandralory7375]

You hit on some many great points. Thank you!

[@vigneswarisuresh]

Love from India ❤

[@ednarose86]

I would love for you to list some of the other KZbinr minimalists that you watch :-)

[@mariahwilson6505]

Great video Shannon! Very encouraging ❤

[@hollyb5432]

Great video! Very realistic take on decluttering & minimalism.

[@katharinzander6514]

Just what I needed! Wonderful video, thank you!

[@Jeannes1234]

Shannon, there are lots of good tips and reminders in this video about decluttering. Thanks for this video!

[@OrganizedWithJoy]

Hey Shannon, loved this video! Great information and very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!💗

[@tiffanyerb9570]

Great video, Shannon!

[@sharonshmuel3386]

Love your videos & your words of wisdom ❤ it’s your home to do as you feel comfortable with- embrace having less is more lol 🥰

[@crimsonspice72]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. I needed this message. You've provided me with so much clarity. Thank you!!!!!

[@shannontorrens1]

I am so happy to hear this! =) I hope you have a nice weekend!

[@dawnsullivan6794]

Great advice Shannon! This video is helpful for those new to decluttering and minimalism as well as those of us further along on journey. I needed to be reminded of some of these. Thank you for sharing. 😘❤️🙏🏻

[@Julie-gz2lx]

I am constantly amazed at how much I relate to your mom. I felt the same about letting go of things in the beginning. My thought process has definitely changed! Thank you again for your encouragement. ❤

[@pamhowe5388]

Thank you for this wonderful video. In the last 2 yrs. I've really been getting rid of a lot of my items as my living situation has been drastically changed. I now have a roommate. & I find that living with much less physica itemsl & visual clutter I feel calmer & more at peace. Thank you for inspiring me. Enjoy your Sunday.❤

[@shannontorrens1]

I hope you have a great Sunday also =)

[@kims914]

Shannon, thank you so much for this video. I like how you approach minimalism. You never make us feel we are doing it wrong. 🥰

[@shannontorrens1]

I am so happy you are here. I try to approach minimalism in a realistic way. I feel if we make it too hard then it's not helping us but rather adding more stress. =)

[@JenniferH1724]

Excellent ❤

[@debbiemclean1090]

For me I minimalist enough to be able to sit or sleep when I need to and not worry as I'm disabled but yes it's like an onion, I still have layers to peel off and will do when I'm able xxxxxxx

[@shannontorrens1]

That is a great way to think about it, is just do what you can when you are up for it. Minimalism and simplicity is more than just the stuff in our homes. I hope you have a nice weekend. =)

[@debbiemclean1090]

@Shannon Torrens it's a busy weekend as I'm a carer for my mum and she has lots of hospital appointments, even on a Sunday xxxxxxxx

[@juliedavidson5596]

I am a natural minimalist but still find things everyday and wonder why I have kept them. I agree with you that everyone is so busy. Being still is not a concept for most people. Love your videos!

[@shannontorrens1]

Everyone I see around me is rushing around and I can't really understand why lol.

[@juliab628]

​@Shannon Torrens You have such a gentle and relaxed peaceful quality to all that you do. I used to think, "Maybe it's the slower type of living...the CA/New Zealand chill type of vibe?" But when you say that you ((also....like me)) wonder why everyone seems to be rushing around so much, I realized...it's our minimal way of life, isn't it? I think it is all about priorities...and it is an awesome feeling❤😊 Sunday we go to 8:30 church and then stay to serve/hang out until 11:15 and still have a day of being able to relax even more, at 🏡 home.

[@shannontorrens1]

@@juliab628 Hi Julia, I agree I think we are choosing to slow down more and trying to have less going on. Sometimes I think I should be doing more, but when I do I just feel worn out lol.

[@m.s.4356]

This is the first video I have watched from you and I thought ist was probably one of the best minimal/decluttering videos I have ever seen. So encouraging and „normal“ (in a good way). Thank you so much!

[@shannontorrens1]

Wow, Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@taniayoungson5614]

Great video! I love how simplistic your home looks! Glad your mom is now on board. I love watching her when she's in your videos. You have a wonderful relationship, and it shows. 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you are having a nice day =)

[@jcm4923]

This was brilliant. It definitely 'spoke' to me at where I am right now in my decluttering process. Thank you for your insight. The wisdom expressed here comes from experience.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I like to count my hanging clothes once in awhile just to see when I acquire new ones or change over seasons if I have more or less or about the same. Seems like now it stays about the same lol (and yah. It’s way more than 30 😂😂). I also count other things like silverware based on how often I want to have to wash them if worst came to worse. Lol. So I keep about a week’s worth. There was also this tendency at first to feel like enough decluttering is never enough. I guess one COULD go that far, but no, I really can’t see myself living in a thatch hut with nothing at all. 😂😂 I see it more now as staying mindful about just enjoying the journey. Just pausing along the way to enjoy the current place I’m at during any given phase of it and just noticing that how the changes I’ve made have improved my life so far. Mostly tho I just stay realistic about my available space to put things and I try to stay inside those boundaries without having anything over stuffed or too full or too difficult to make use of. Honestly, idc what people say Bcuz they’re not here every day having to live in it and care for it and clean it. It blows my mind when people do that Bcuz I just think....first of all...you don’t even freakin live here babes. Or they say I love your hair long. And I say so are you gonna come over every day and style it and wash it for me etc? Yah. Didn’t think so. Lol. Or I don’t like....well when did I ask you Tho? Well ok. Rant over and trying very hard to not go all cussy about it. 😅😅 But mostly it’s Bcuz my “why” is just reduce stress, eliminate unnecessary work, reduce discomfort, improve mental health, avoid decision fatigue, increase efficiency and uncomplicate my life as much as possible.

[@sarahthatcher123]

You always have such great videos.

[@simply.clutterfree]

I don't count the inventory of what I own...but I definitely found counting how much was leaving as a great way to keep focused on my goal and good motivator. I actually minimized my home by over 7000 things. That reduction in how much I owned made a big difference.🎉

[@shannontorrens1]

That is amazing! 7000 items wow! I kinda wish I had at least taken photos from the very beginning or video. I didn't start documenting all the decluttering till I was about a month into it. Like you mentioned in a different comment, we also had to stop bringing things in even if they were free to us. A ton of my initial clutter came from people offering me things and I would just say sure. lol

[@simply.clutterfree]

​@@shannontorrens1 I think so many of us are guilty of that

[@AngelaM72]

Many many thanks for this great video! Greetings from germany ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for being here. I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@andrearobbins9450]

Thank you for reminding me why I love your channel. I feel renewed and encouraged!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!

[@veronicaklinkenberg]

Hi, I am new here and whyle listening to minimalist videos I hear myself thinking I am absolutely NOT a minimalist, just wanna get rid of some old stuff en make my addict attrective again. So thank you for saying what you said in this video because I am all about simplefying so maybe I am an minimalist. Just won't call myself that because of what people think it is. So thank you again, I will ponder about this, how to call it a d what it is and what is means to me.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Veronica, I personally think minimalism has very little to do with the amount of stuff we have. It has become a way of thinking for me. For instance my parents in a lot of ways are minimalists even though they have an ordinary amount of things in their home because they aren't ever cycling through stuff. Their furniture has been the same for 30 years. In my opinion that is more minimal than someone who gets the latest decor every year, but has less of it. Whenever someone in the comments says I am not minimal I just think that's because they are only looking at the surface level of our home. Minimalism goes a lot deeper than that (at least for me). =)

[@veronicaklinkenberg]

@@shannontorrens1 thank you for explaining. I love that you go deeper!

[@leanna4170]

You don't have to have the perfect contemporary style furniture, be a vegetarian, drink Chinese tea, and practice yoga! 😄

[@PHBRNTGGR2]

I have been naturally a minimalist my entire life. I’ve always had the pretty much bare house. I am still constantly getting rid of things though. It’s just life. Things come in- things go out. People have tended to give me things my entire life also which adds to the mix. I guess they see my house and think I need stuff? 🤣😩 💕🥰

[@bobbiefarrar3036]

Shannon, is that a new kitchen? (had an island; taupe countertops) Loved it!

[@shannontorrens1]

Ha I wish! That was just an example photo of a dream kitchen =)

[@simplesgood7694]

I’m fairly minimal but getting too cluttery again. I feel a little discouraged but i I know I just need to get back at it again.

[@laurawade4115]

Great video…the diet analogy is so true 🤣

[@shannontorrens1]

I struggle so much with this way of thinking when I am trying to eat healthy. It's like one unhealthy thing makes me feel like the whole diet is over lol. One oreo doesn't mean I need to eat the whole pack lol.

[@devondagregg625]

🦋