10 Tiny Steps Towards Minimalism in 2023 | Saving Money, Decluttering, Simplifying

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for watching! 🤗🥰 What do you want to accomplish this year, when it comes to minimalism / simplifying your life?

[@bumblebee_ms]

Just a note to you Vera, you are NOT boring or predictable, you are dependable and mature. Exactly the type of person I accept.

[@patriciafisher3108]

This year I want to purge 20% of my papers AND maintain that number. Out of 500 pieces, 100 need to be purged. I will begin this task tomorrow.

[@kirsten9323]

I want to keep a more 'minimalist' calendar, saying no if it's too much, even when it comes to fun activities :)

[@carigl]

I want to declutter my bedroom and change the decor and visual clutter to make it a minimalistic room.

[@carigl]

Your videos are so useful for me, I love how you explain things. You have a tone of voice very friendly and smooth. Thank you for sharing this valuable knowledge ✨

[@rebeccabaron1348]

Thank you for your content. I went from a home to a small apartment. Which I love. I am older and now alone. I brought my large home pieces with me and for the couple years I have been here I have felt closed in and overwhelmed. Began this year selling almost ALL OF IT!! 😳 sold thre beautiful oversized couch for a white love seat. The table that seats 8 family members for a coffee table and two chairs. Took down the decorations and put them in the room I wasn’t working in. Looked at the blank spaces and decided what my simplistic visual of that space was. Or, if I wanted anything. I have open space now and I mean it when I say this. I feel like I can breath!!! I prepare healthy meals because I don’t feel overwhelmed with STUFF. I stretch and meditate and read go for walks because I’m not taking care of STUFF. Everyone thinks I have lost my mind. I can bring out the light weight folding tables and chairs when all the family comes. Everyone thinks I have lost my mind. Maybe I have. But if being mindless feels this good I have no desire to find it again. 😂😂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

So happy that's working out for you so well! :) Lovely that getting rid of big furniture items has given you room to explore and breathe :)

[@gillianm9367]

Animal rescue charities/shelters are always grateful for old towels so you could donate them there. Towels are a relatively inexpensive way to brighten up your bathroom and we all need a little extra self-care in January! I use hand towels in place of bath towels and guest towels as hand towels to save on laundry costs/drying time and storage space 🦋 I'd love to see your bathroom Vera, this is definitely the most minimalist room in my home as I can't abide any clutter there at all !!🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks! :) I decided to hold on to my towels for now, but if I do want to replace them sometime in the future, I'll check around to see if any animal shelters want them. Also, my bathroom is also the most minimal room hahaha. Zero decor, nothing. I want to make cleaning as easy as possible there :)

[@crystalneel748]

I have observed over a lifetime that the desire for material things starts when we are young adults with our new independence. At first it seems so exciting to be able to purchase all of your own things! Then after a few years you look around & all those things are now haunting you by becoming clutter, chaos & dust collectors. The world markets the purchasing of things as a visual sign of success. But it’s very deceptive in that they are really just selling it all trying to make money. I was guilty of overindulging in pretty things. But the years long decluttering process has taught me the best lessons so that all that stuff no longer appeals to me with the exception of fashion bc it’s one of my talents & therapeutic enjoyable forms of art.

[@williamclark1244]

I did a 'Wear it' challenge in 2022 to see what I wasn't wearing and I was able to get rid of a few items. I began recreating the coffee shop experience over ten years ago. I donate that money to organizations instead. I recently completed the 'Use it up' challenge. I'm going to do this a few times a year with food staples. It keeps things from expiring and being wasted. I agree wholeheartedly about cutting back on the noise. Right after the New Year I did a digital purge: unsubscribed, unfriended and unfollowed. I'm part of the vegan community also and I had to distance myself from some of the groups because of all the judgements and arguments. And it wasn't just vegan groups. It's toxic all over the internet as you well know. I start and end my days in silence. I feel much more relaxed and at peace when it is quiet. I don't take my phone or even a music device when I go on my morning or evening walks. And lastly, I always take a list when I go shopping so that I'm not tempted to buy something that I don't need.

[@roseshaw6344]

I also like to start my day quiet and in my grade quiet with God and his Word. What better way to start the day.

[@audreyhertz301]

I will be moving across country this year. I need to have everything decluttered by September. These last few months I have been using up items, donating items I was hanging on to "just in case" and giving items to friends who I knew would enjoy what I no longer needed. By the end of all this my husband and I will have decluttered at least 95% of our items. We are looking at this move as a clean slate and a way to start a new. Yes we will have to replace a lot of kitchen stuff but we can then buy the items we love and really enjoy!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow, such a big project!! Congrats on everything and wishing you and your husband all the best with your big move this year! :)

[@bumblebee_ms]

This week I bought stationary for my work and decided to clean and declutter my spaces. I ended up getting rid of almost 200 things which was a shock to me that I was ready to part with so many things I thought I needed "just in case". You are rubbing off on me Vera. I'm glad you're back.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow 200 items!! That's amazing! 😁

[@bumblebee_ms]

@@SimpleHappyZen I've added to the pile since then. I'm on a roll.

[@morgan5848]

I absolutely love the tip about going into stores like they are museums. As a minamist, people ask my why I like to go thrifting and that's why, so exciting to see items and know they where in people's homes for who knows how long or the story behind each item. I love it.

[@samarpitacctales7164]

Your videos have been very inspirational and this year I have planned to declutter and embark on my journey to minimalism. It is really stressful to see items piling up in each corner of the house and the level of maintenance needed to keep them in shape. I expect minimalism to simplify my life and change the relationship I have with things. Love from India. ❤️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for sharing Samarpita! Wishing you all the best with your minimalism and decluttering goals this year! Feel free to let me know how it goes :)

[@karolinasundkvist5762]

I just got to know that I might be losing my job! So many feelings and emotions right now, I am quite sad actually. Many of your suggestions will be useful, like how to save money and create a good mental climate! I hope to find a new job, but if I have too much time left over, I can always declutter or learn new things from Skillshare! I choose to be positive about this change. Thank you so much Vera for excellent advice, as always!

[@kymm256]

Thank you for your videos and great suggestions Vera. I am taking January, or however long it takes, to do one of the most difficult decluttering tasks: keepsakes and mementos. I will be 67 in February so there's a quantity to tackle. I began in December by gifting my three children each with a stack of their old drawings, school report cards, newspaper clippings, etc. as well as some small objects that have been around forever. Things that belonged to my grandmother and mother. They were quite happy to receive these things and we had fun on Christmas morning going through these items. I made it clear that they didn't have to keep any of it. A little got left behind. Now I will do a little whenever I can and hope to end up with one bin at most that we can pull out once in a while and have a trip down memory lane.

[@tempestholmes]

Hi Vera, I am in the process of decluttering clothes, books, decor, inherited clutter from relatives, and too many things to classify in a comment. Wow, just thinking about it is a little overwhelming. But no, I am starting this year decluttering the house bit by bit, taking it slow, and decluttering my body by watching what I eat and being more mindful about food and drink and how much exercise I get. Thank you for your channel, it is very soothing and encouraging, you seem very kind and gentle.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for your kind comment Heather!! Those goals sound awesome. Wishing you all the best in 2023 :)

[@caterinamerla599]

Easily and simply admitting that you are burping a lot as you did it's a life goal, so peaceful and zen 💚

[@MissBeeMarie]

Thank you for acknowledging your sponsor at the beginning of your video. That way, we can focus on your wonderful content without interruptions. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you for mentioning this! It's what I think would be the best experience for my viewers, so I'm happy to hear that helped :) Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year too! 🤗💕🌱

[@michelleevans2445]

This year I am working on my spending habits. For January I am tracking everything I spend. I will also keep decluttering throughout the year.

[@lovingsunshine3515]

I did well right before 2022 ended. I used my 2 week Christmas break from working at school to declutter and organize. My goal for 2023 now is mental declutter. I just deleted my Facebook app. I haven’t deleted my acct yet since I haven’t figured out how to save my old videos onto my computer. It has been so peaceful not knowing what everyone is up to and not seeing their highlight reels to make me compare my life. My goal is to focus on me and my family and to be more present. I’m also doing the low spend year. So far I haven’t bought anything unnecessary. I’m doing it one week at a time since it sounds more like it’s something I can accomplish instead of making it no-spend year. I’ve only bought groceries, toiletries, and gas so far. So this means, I have to stay away from Amazon just like FB.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Those sound like really great goals!! :) Wishing you all the best with them this year :)

[@myconfusedmerriment]

Great tips! Love that you mentioned window shopping. A lot of people think of it as a bad thing, and if you’re a compulsive shopper who’s just started trying to change your habits, it might be too tempting. But after a few years of working on my spending habits, I have found that it’s been really valuable for me to learn how to go into a store, see things I want, and leave them behind. The trick with taking a picture of the item and saying “I’ll think about it” helps me a lot, too. You get the dopamine hit from finding something cool, but you don’t have to commit to something the first time you see it. I find that I forget about most of these things pretty quickly!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah yes! I think it can really work for some people, and not so much for others. If it does tempt people to shop more, then maybe it's not such a good idea haha. For me though, it really works :)

[@loriar1027]

Lots of good suggestions! I recently retired and one of my goals this first year has been to purge all my closets. I don’t like visual clutter so I tend to put things in closets and cupboards. I’ve been working on it a little at a time and have made good progress. It’s a good way to start the new year.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah so nice!! Must feel amazing haha :)

[@katyreadsbooks1531]

I have several goals for 2023 that I’d like to share: 1. Pay off my credit card debt as well as microcredits. I got in a lot of debt last year due to unwise spending habits and I want to fix that. 2. I love reading but buying books seems to have developed into an entirely different “hobby”. This year I want to stop buying new books and focus on my physical tbr instead 📚 3. I’m doing an in/out items challenge I saw in one of your videos, very excited for this, it should be fun! 4. No-buy on clothing items. Another category I’ve spent too much on last year. I have enough clothes. The only thing I might allow myself to buy is a swimsuit - in case the one I have doesn’t fit me by the time we go on vacation. 5. Occasional no buy challenge to help me pay off the debt faster and save some money. It’s a new concept for me so I’m starting with a short term goal - just 5 days in a row. 6. I’ll definitely be doing the use-it-up challenge for skincare products. I used to stock up on skincare products but now I want to buy new products only having used up the ones I already have. I have 2 cleansers, 2 toners, loads of masks and I’ll make sure to use these up before getting anything new. Thanks again for the inspiration! ❤️

[@jimadams6159]

Another inspirational video, thank you. As well as decluttering my life both physically and mentally this year, I have decided to make it a no buy year unless important items need replacing.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You're very welcome! :) Wishing you all the best with your goals for this year!

[@valumen]

Dear Vera, I just had to stop the video at the „regarding clothes in shops as if they were in a museum“-tip to thank you!!! This is such a great idea. A few years ago I went to an antique fair. I was on a no-buy then and therefore was able to cherish the things for their beauty, thinking about how much love was invested in making those things. I was not on the hunt for new decor for my home, and it was such a peaceful experience. But I never thought of applying that technique to my main problem area, my want for new clothes. Now I will!❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy to hear that tip resonated with you!! :) I also like to use it on vacation when it comes to souvenirs. Definitely decreases the stress of figuring out which ones to buy (and how to cram them into my suitcase for the trip back, haha)

[@feylights166]

Entertainment backlog is definitely a thing lol. I am trying to read through all my unread books before I go on a book shopping spree. The exception I am making is new releases to series I already have, or a new release by a favorite author that I know I will read.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

YES! Same :)

[@eduardor0605]

I always find a lot of peace in your videos, have a nice year, Dear Vera. 🎊💐😻

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks so much, that's nice to hear :) Wishing you a wonderful 2023 too!

[@amyli092]

It's amazing how much I've found that I've been able to declutter since the start of January... I've been pretty good about logging everything that I'm letting go of in my journal, and when looking at things that way, I'm at a total of 44 items- plus one item that I've listed for sale on Poshmark. 😄

[@SimpleHappyZen]

WOW 44 already!!! That's great! 😁🌺

[@xxcnd83xx]

I decluttered my social media and stop engaging in comments on news social media, like the NYT for example. Some people made me so angry and frustrated and that was a waste of time trying to talk to small minded people (I'm being nice there 😂). Now I only follow people (and cats 😺) that I like and only leave positive comments (not that I was rude before, but I wasted time talking to rude people) and it makes my social media time more enjoyable. I also don't check social media when I wake up in the morning or before bed, I need silence in the evening and quiet music in the morning to wake up. Anyone else hates morning radio shows? That's my personal hell, listening to people talking loudly, laughing, joking in the morning 😂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahahah yes that makes total sense :D

[@Merciaks]

My main goal this year is to find a job which is a better fit for me. I am not enjoying my current job at all, which casts a big shadow over everything else, and a different one would make my life more simple and reduce all the mental clutter that it causes. Then I feel like I could tackle my bigger physical decluttering projects, like one of our storage cupboards with all the random home bits and bobs!

[@حرفإبداعيةفي5قائق-غ3ت]

Hello, who can help me? I will be brief for you. I want some clothes to protect myself from the cold, and I will prove to you that I am honest in my words. Who volunteers and helps me? Life is very difficult. Not everyone has luck. The lucky one is the one who helps people and loves good for people.

[@christined2495]

I love your minimalism videos…. I can’t imagine living any other way. I just brought to the thrift store all. Christmas decor I didn’t use the last two years, a wreath, tree skirt, and a few figurines, it always feels good to donate the things you no longer want Vera 190k subscribers I’m so happy for you, well deserved 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's great, congrats!! Also, thank you so much hihi 🥰🥰 So excited now that we're getting close to the 200k. It's crazy to think about :)

[@rosywilson3076]

My local charity shops won’t accept Xmas stuff after Xmas 🙁

[@christined2495]

@@SimpleHappyZen soon, and I am so happy for you ❤️

[@tonibetzner263]

Good tips. We are doing a use-it up challenge at my house. Luckily my entire family is on board, even my 14-year old, who was feeling stressed out by the number of shelves in his room. We've been able to remove one so far just decluttering and reorganizing. My goal is to get his room the way he wants it, declutter and organize my office and my bedroom.

[@elizabethdeslauriers7498]

Hiya Vera, I loved the idea as you described it so well , on how to sort decor items. This year I am on a No buy Low Buy year. Using up my pantry and cosmetics items. I am also concentrating on getting my personal information spit-spot, like my will, my credit card records, the beneficiaries all in line for the house, insurance policies etc. I want to be prepared and confident for the unplanned things we try to avoid. Thank you! Happy new year 🎉

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Those sound like really good goals! :) We also did some of that (getting personal info in order) and it's really comforting to know that things are taken care of :) Also, Happy New Year to you too! :)

[@NancyMcInnis18708]

Great Video... I have recently started to declutter my life and reduce clutter, be mindful and budget as I am now on my own after my 30 year marriage ended... I am finding that the more I move towards minimalism, the happier and less burdened I feel... Thank you for your inspiring and clear/concise tips. Happy New Year to you, Vera.

[@lonnagraves7937]

I have decluttered about half of my house, Christmas, storage and kitchen for the last 2 years; I also went through old memorabilia. Got rid of things I never thought I would. I am 53 and my children are grown, so maybe I am just in that phase of life. Now I am just maintaining. I still find stuff and I am like, why do I still have this, why didn't I already declutter it?......I have also decluttered activities and things like nails and hair, which I can totally do myself, and even FB.....what a weight that has been lifted.

[@rebeccabaron1348]

YES!!! You sound just like me. Deactivated Facebook and Instagram. Going through 59 years worth of stuff. Feels so good.

[@shirleygoldinger4762]

Hi Vera! I have been watching other videos on minimalism and decluttering but could not relate to their content. But then I found your channel, and you cannot imagine how inspirational and helpful it has been. Your lack of judgemental positions and your common sense struck a chord. Thank you! Hopefully I will be sharing with you(albeit virtually) this journey. Gracias!😊

[@pigletsbank437]

My tactics for minimalism is to stay out of the (online) shops. And menuplan before I go shopping for groceries. I feel that what I don't see I don't want or need. I declutter and reorganise one drawer, shelf or cupboard at a time. Have a great week and hope you had a good start of 2023. I am going to sip on some fresh steeped tea🫖.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, those are great! :)

[@rufinareyman449]

I have been watching videos for almost a year now on Minimalism. I have longed to simplify my life and you have done the most to inspirer me. You are gentle with you approach to the best ways and you give options that allow for my own individuality. I have managed to do some of this work through the “season” of giving and getting. We did a no gift Christmas and focused on the time spent with each other. We played games. I made seafood chowder and laughed till our ribs hurt. It was one of the best Christmas ever. Even though it was a 180° from all that I was use too and from all the stress that was taking over, I was able to find the “Joy”. So grateful that I found you and your KZbin space. God seems to find ways for what it is I Need to show up in the most unusual places. When I wasn’t even searching for it. But my heart was. Thank you Vera, you are Awesomely Amazing!!❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you so much for your kind words Rufina!! 💕❤️

[@peggymann925]

Hi Vera, I am becoming very good at decluttering and finding tranquility in having less and being organized. You are a large part of that for me, you are so fresh and real. Thank you for your videos!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow, amazing!! Congrats Peggy! 🤗🌱💕✨

[@ASmurf100]

Definitely agree about the mental clutter and cutting back on the noise - not just with my own thoughts but the opinions of other people too. The nuance seems to disappear in some discussions and it's two extremes instead of listening to each other and meeting in the middle. Need to declutter some of my social media accounts this year that I don't even go on anymore like Tiktok and Instagram and just save photos or memories from the accounts instead that mean something to me. This year is about stillness with my own thoughts and myself and hopefully clarity on what's really important to me outside of my work will follow.😊

[@estherellacarstens465]

Thanks for the tips. If I might add one: I always go through my admin at the end of the year and get rid of tax returns that are older than 5 years, receipts and other papers that I can also use in an electronic format, for instance. Gives me so much satisfaction!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oh yes!!! Such a good one 😁

[@gretchendoyle8489]

I frequently do the “use it up” approach, with the pantry, toiletries, cleaning supplies. It feels SO good to use up a bottle of something and toss it in the recycling bin. But then inevitably, I start feeling panicked that I don’t have enough in reserve (is that the scarcity mindset?), or go searching for the perfect hand soap or dish soap that doesn’t irritate my hands (just an example) and end up with 4 new bottles. I guess it’s all part of the journey.

[@mariona8569]

I do this too, get tired of too much stuff trying to use it up and then suddenly feeling like I don’t have enough back up just in case and filling it up again 😂

[@xxcnd83xx]

same here 😂at some point I had a full drawer for my skincare/hygiene back ups, I was always scared of not having enough, or my favourites being discontinued, or things were on sale and I ended up buying more than one. Also sometimes when you buy online you have to spend a certain amount of money to have free shipping so I'll buy more than what I need.

[@helen1859]

Hi Vera. I enjoyed these tips and relate to all of them 🐱. I've sorted my seasonal stuff and have been decluttering some items today to donate. I've given up selling online and send everything, valuable or not so valuable, to the charity shop. I like your point about mental clutter and I'm determined to keep going on this one. Thanks again and happy New Year xx

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks so much for sharing and congrats on the decluttering! :) Also, Happy New Year to you too!

[@bernadettejavier8184]

First off, Happy New Year, Vera! I minimize my life by shopping only once a month. Then when I walk in a park I don't bring any gadget with me. The park is not exactly quiet and when you're preoccupied with your phone you're going to miss, say, a rustle in the leaves made by small animals-something that is rare and priceless...Thanks for the video!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that! Also, happy new year to you too Bernadette! 🤗✨🌺🥂

[@juliemarkham4332]

I decluttered my house last year and am now working with the one-in-one-out rule, which is working well for me.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes! Sounds great :)

[@debonweb]

Thank you for this Vera. I honestly didn't think it was going to be of any use to me but I was wrong! You've made me realise the mental clutter in my life ie books I own and need to read, the list of things I want to watch, list of websites I want to checkout etc are all part of the process of decluttering. I just keep adding to the lists but now - after watching your video - I'm going to clear those lists before I add anything new. That way I won't have that anxious feeling popping up about having so much to do! Object wise I have too much stuff I guess but I still love my 'pieces' and to avoid clutter I manage them by keeping those not on display in a cupboard and I use rotation to change them up/swap them around a few times a year. That way I get pleasure from everything still but they're not all on show at the same time. Anyway ... this comment is too long but thanks again ..from the UK 🇬🇧

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for sharing Deborah! Glad you also found a helpful tip in the video :) It's also one of my personal favorites, because it also makes a big difference for me personally :) So I love talking about it

[@lizzabbott]

I’ve come so far, but I still have some stubborn paper clutter ( put away, at least, but still there! ). I have diligently tossed , or filed / scrapbooked a ton of this over the years. But itz time to finish !

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Haha paper clutter, the monster :D Good luck with it! :)

[@joanndavis4843]

Thank you so much for your sensitivity in relaying the meanings of what having too much of anything effects our lives. Consumerism fills voids with things, many things. And it's sad how we all keep going back for more. I am everyday looking for things to leave my house. I donate or leave it somewhere where another can find and hopefully it fills an actual real need for them. The problem is all my small antique furniture I've acquired throughout the years. Now I see that I would like the empty space instead. I feel kinda confused because I love the age of the pieces and to just give a few away (I'd probably settle on a price if I could find a buyer who's as interested as I am on the beauty and stories each piece has), is like giving my story away with it. So I guess that's the real power of it all. We all can learn a lot by listening to you. You are here to help whoever wants it, but most of all needs it.

[@teresaromero8655]

View the stores as a museum ….. 👌 👏👏👏👏👏 PS : Yes , there’s “ summer decor “

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahahaha thanks :D:D

[@702desertmom]

Great video Vera! My goal this year is essentials. Use up before I buy again. I’m doing a low buy year too. I did declutter my Christmas decorations! WooHoo! It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! Thanks for all you do!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's great Debbie!! :) Happy to hear it, wishing you all the best with your low buy year! :)

[@ellbarrow22]

I like to use window shopping’ to inspire ideas for using items (clothing or decor) that I already have in new and different ways. For example… maybe recover a couple cushions for an updated look.

[@sinzianapopa5732]

Hey Vera! Great video as usual! My goal this year for minimalism is to enjoy more of what I already have.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much!! That sounds like a great goal :)

[@angelafromaustria2251]

Your english is impeccable. I am in awe. And by the way, your hair is very pretty natural. I am a beginner for minimalism. Your channel is very inspiring for me.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you so much!! 🤗💕❤️

[@raefern]

This year I would like to continue decluttering and making my home more visually peaceful and simple. I want to discover how I can incorporate simple living into my busy mum schedule and see if I can make some small changes that help me feel and actually be more present with my children. I've only been watching simple living videos for a month but it is something I can see would be incredibly beneficial to me.

[@calsannepotgieter4200]

My big goals for this year are to build up some savings. And to have more equal relationships. I find I tend to chase people and over give. This year I want relationships that are a bit easier to maintain.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Those sound like really valuable goals :) Wishing you all the best this year!

[@mandyadams918]

As a quilter I have lots of fabric and I want to use what I have rather than buy more. I have been decluttering and new to my minimal journey so its slow and steady for me. I would like to end the year clutter free so my home can be cleaned quickly and easily and leave me more time to do things I want to do like sewing or spending time with family and friends

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Sounds like a great goal! :)

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

One large minimalist goal I have for this year is to declutter some furniture items. Having been indoors so much over the past few years I really came to realise that we have furniture items which we never ever use but originally bought because of the sense that a house is supposed to have these items. I'm really looking forward to the extra space we'll have once they've been decluttered. Your first and last tips made me smile; the first because decluttering surface clutter was exactly how I started with minimalism and it was what first gave me a powerful insight into how beneficial it would be for me, the last because I have just decluttered some Christmas decorations that we just don't use but each year somehow convince ourselves that 'we'll use them next year' lol. For me the start of a new year and minimalism have a very similar feel. Living a minimalist lifestyle makes me feel light and the new year does too, as if I've left a whole bunch of unwanted stuff behind in the previous year and started afresh in this one. One thing I'm super grateful to have from one year to the next however is of course Simple Happy Zen!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

I love that!!! Enjoy all the extra space this year :)

[@Thisblendedhomestead]

These are such great tips. I’ve started implementing a few already. Regarding the small expenses add up- so true! I went through my spending habits for 2022 and saw that I spent over $500 on Starbucks drinks in one year!! So my goal this year is to cut that in half and put the other half in savings! Also love your tip about mental clutter. This is something I didn’t even think about, but it’s what I really need to work on. Thanks so much for this video!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah yes that sounds very smart!! :) Thanks for sharing Joy

[@ksk881]

Your content is always so fresh, and it never gets old! The "goal" I have this year (2023) is to read all of the books that I have loaded onto my Kindle and to listen to all of the books that I have loaded onto my Audible app before I buy anymore of either! I have SO MANY!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you so much!!! Also, I love that goal :)

[@IntuitiveHealingLife]

My goal is to go through all my stuff and declutter, only to things I really use or they bring me right energy, also organize my wardrobe and make it look nice. I want to be intentionally adding new clothes and find alternatives to black. Also my goal is to make space for self care, so mind declutter and focus on the present time. Another goal is to notice how I feel, what would I REALLY need and communicate that honesty. I’ve noticed the tendency to please, for example when ive been tired I was agreeing to see people instead making the space to recharge and then meet up. Such an inspirational video!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for sharing your goals!! Wishing you an amazing 2023 :)

[@ms.schnapp7415]

Great tips! This year I want to spend at least 25% less on wardrobe items than last year. I'm keeping a wish list with costs so that I know the tentative total throughout the year. I recently went into a store and once I had the item I needed, I went straight to check out. No browsing! ♥

[@purrsephone2904]

It's nice to see you again. I'm planning to get rid of paper clutter first. I also enjoy your videos on emotional and mental health. Thank you.🪶

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much!! Wishing you all the best with your paper decluttering!

[@Purify123]

❤I'm so glad to have videos like yours to go to when I'm just so overloaded by life. It's so nice to remember to not feel guilty about slowing down & letting things go & living more simply😊

[@tracys3337]

I have been working on a use it up approach on hair care and showering products for over a year it has been wonderful. I am trying to get it to where I have one of each type of product I actually use and love

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that!! Feels so much better, doesn't it :)

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

Hi, Vera! Such great suggestions in this video. I particularly love that one about noise and useless discussions. In fact, silence is a wonderful way to declutter the mind, in my opinion, and discussions may be useless in most of the times, because people are not willing to change their mind easily, so why waste time, that could be used in something that makes us happy, trying to convince others we’re right? I’m in the process of changing my wardrobe, because for personal reasons I wore a particular colour that I no longer feel good in. I buy everything in a secondhand shop that has awesome clothes. So I can’t wait to decide if I want to buy something the next day or the next week, because there’s only one item of each. So I do the following: if I buy a skirt, a skirt has to be donated; if I buy a coat, a coat has to be donated, and so on. If I buy 5 items, I donate 5 items. It’s difficult to donate first, because I might not find what I need, so I do this. It has been working well and my wardrobe isn’t cluttered. I also always keep a list when I go to the supermarket and I follow it strictly. As to decorative objects, I believe that going slowly in giving them away is wise. That’s what I did over the years. I didn’t just donate all or most of them, because I really had a lot, and, as I did that slowly and mindfully, I don’t regret donating them. Thanks for another great video 💙💜❤️🖤💛💗🧡♥️💚

[@julieseifert8533]

I did a huge declutter during the pandemic, but recently I got more critical and have already taken 2 loads to the donation center. Decluttering at this point in my life is ongoing. I always have boxes available to put donations in. I also am more conscious of what I’m buying. I don’t want to turn around and donate it in a few years. I also had a moment similar to your towel story. I wanted to buy new art for our bathroom, and I realized there’s nothing wrong with what’s in there, and I’d rather spend that money on something else, or not at all.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks so much for sharing Julie! Sounds like you've already made great progress with decluttering and stuff :)

[@lorrem2539]

We did a major re-model and I really did a purge when it was all done. There was sooooo much stuff I was hanging on to because it was going to fix, paint, reupholster, etc. I am still trying to do more. I feel good that I inspired my daughter and older sister which have also started purging.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wonderful :) Congrats!

[@siany123]

My minimal goals are to 1) track what is coming in and what is going out each month so that I have a baseline for next year when I want to try and cut it down even further. And 2) to only shop for clothes twice this year, in April and September when the seasons change, and buy only to fill gaps in my carefully planned capsule wardrobes for the whole family.

[@jamesbriggs5740]

I decided that once a week I spend a little money at a local coffee shop on library day (Wednesdays). This improves my mood. Kathy B P. S. I'm retired so it helps me get out of the house.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That sounds like a lovely weekly tradition :) Definitely something to enjoy

[@VickyHafler]

I just “finished” my whole house(4 bedroom, 1 bath, living room, family room, kitchen)… it took a year. So I went back to the bedroom and went through all the closets, drawers, shoes. I ended up with two garage bags to donate. (These we’re all mine, my husband keeps his clothes in another room) to be fair I have lost 50 pounds so this needed to be done as they didn’t fit. I will be going back through each room, it takes much less time this time!!! I have over 200 plants, so I’m really considering downsizing. Plants in every room! They are my hobby and some income. It’s a balancing act there. I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for the time you put in.

[@martinakristofova4237]

“View stores as museums for pretty things”. I just ❤ this statement

[@katherinbaker397]

I really needed this video. Thank you! I resolve to be debt free and clutter free this year.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Amazing, wishing you all the best with your goals Katherin! You can do it 🤗

[@lintb6030]

Number 8 is one I want to practice more. It's a fine line for me between motivation and irritation. Getting motivated to (for example) clean or decluter by listening to something I like. And sometimes listening to long and then get irritated by the chatter😅.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahahaha yes I can relate 😁

[@deborahroper3694]

Hi Vera❤ Have a great day! It was so nice to see you again. I loved this video. I love all of your videos. I have spent my whole life feeling like I’m not good enough or accomplishing enough. I really appreciate the messages in this video. I’m going to try telling myself that “I am enough”.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Deborah, glad you enjoyed the video! :) Definitely 'I am enough' could be a great affirmation to practice with I think :)

[@KPoetWarrior]

Another fantastic video! Especially with your “use it up” idea. I’ve done that with items this past year and really enjoyed it but I’ve been struggling with the things in my “watch later/read later/play later” list. It was actually giving me anxiety at times! Thank you for your practical and gentle ideas to combat this! You are a blessing in my life! ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!! Happy those ideas resonated with you :)

[@stacybaumgartner9177]

I have recently moved into a much smaller apartment. I can't fit all my stuff in it so what I couldn't fit in my new apartment is in a storage unit. My goal is to go through and get rid of what I don't use at my new apartment. However, I have noticed there is actually stuff that I have in the apartment that I don't use or want anymore. So I have been slowly going through and decluttering. I have already gotten rid of 8 medium sized boxes of stuff. But still have a long way to go. I have stuff from when I was a kid and also inherited stuff from when my grandparents and parents passed away. Watching your videos really help me to stay on track. So thank you!!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow amazing, that sounds like a big project! Wishing you lots of luck with everything :)

[@Flukey_1970]

Ive tried to live a minimalist life long before it was a thing but was never able as due to being married to someone who was the polar opposite to being minimal it was never something i could do fully but since separating and setting up my own home i can fully live a minimalist lifestyle and your vids have helped a lot so thank you.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks so much for sharing Martin, happy you enjoy minimalism so much :)

[@juliejames3338]

thank you for a great video; recently moved house so we have decluttered quite a lot, but some things are still here; onwards and upwards; thank you for the inspiration

[@me7myself8and9I]

I had same filling about my sheets and pillowcases as you have with your towels, but than i realized i can just dye them. I started dying them every so often an i love them so much more.

[@sandykrieger5392]

Looking around my room right now I see my books on many of the surfaces. I will purge a few and corral the rest. Thanks for the motivation!

[@nicoledaniels8270]

I love your style very simple and pretty. simplifying my stuff has helped to simplify other things in my life so I have more time doing the things I love to do or have been wanting to do.

[@meamela9820]

My main goal for the coming year in terms of minimalism is try to find they things I enjoy and continue to try to figure out where I could be happier if I just replaced something. My most recent thing is that I have realised I want to declutter and replace some of my towels as I have sensitive skin (especially in winter) and there's actually a big difference between different towels in softness and how well they dry off me. It's such a easy thing to overlook, but it really changes my mood when I have towels that doesn't upset my skin. I'm usually a very use-what-you-already-have type of minimalist but I'm trying to let go of the idea that I HAVE TO use up stuff just because, and allowing myself to replace things if I'm actively making my life less enjoyable by using the (bad) stuff I already have.

[@lynby2108]

Mental minimalism sounds so good, I need to stay off my iPad more to achieve this:)

[@SimpleHappyZen]

It's really nice :) Hope it'll be helpful for you too!

[@kousikighosh7478]

Hi Vera!! I have recently started watching your vlogs... it's a great inspiration to start my minimalist journey.. This year I have decided not to buy any clothes as I used to buy lots of clothes and also to cut down my wants from monthly budget. I have also started keeping records of groceries to know the family consumption and purchase accordingly. It is a great way to avoid unnecessary purchases. I have started to maintain all my expenses and income in a Excel sheet to track my budget. From your video I got inspiration and guidance to be in my journey ❤️❤️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you so much, that's amazing what you're doing! :) Very intentional :)

[@cathvivar]

Thank you, Vera, for another informational and useful video. I am actually writing on my journal with the subject of "home decluttering", then I saw this video of yours. And it helped me set my minimalism goals for this year. Wishing you a joyful and abundant 2023!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah that's good timing, then! 😁🌺 Good luck with your goals this year! :)

[@erica6825]

Two of the things I'm applying minimalistic principles to this year, are free courses (I cannot stop signing up to these and then I don't do them!) and social media (even LinkedIn). I just feel like there is so much discussion out there, and reading other people's opinions and comments about topics literally add nothing to my life. It just makes me feel overwhelmed.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

I think those two are really good examples of things to minimize :) Thanks for sharing Erica!

[@Au-19]

I like window shopping and once home realizing how many things I don’t need 😊😊

[@ladyrois]

I always appreciate your videos and especially your perspective - it's so encouraging. The past few years have been super difficult for so many reasons. There's the obvious; and my dad's death in 2016, then, at the tail end of 2019, my mother died. I'm soooo grateful that my husband and I had gone through a several major decluttering phases. It gave me the experience and strength to go through all the things in my parent's home - they were still living in the same house I grew up in, and neither of my parents really threw anything away. It was a LOT! Like many, I cocooned over the last few years. And near the end of last year, I felt ready to face the things I saved from my parent's, and the growing clutter in the house. I'm not diving in, I'm addressing things as I come across it. I've done a lot of reflecting and have reached a place of knowing I have enough, and I can use what I have, and not feel deprived. There were so many things that resonated with me in this video and I'm looking forward to the small steps that add up to big things. ❤❤

[@marthamcquaid5440]

Thank you Vera, this is an awesome video. It gave me some food for thought as I start my decluttering. There are lots of things that I hadn't thought of before and really helped clarify some of my things that were holding me back with my decluttering process. I have started with trying to keep my horizontal surfaces as clear as possible and it really makes a difference. It make me feels calmer not having so much visual clutter and I really notice it when I go to my friends house where she has lots of things on her surfaces and it feels overwhelming to see it all.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks so much Martha!! Happy you enjoyed the video :) I know what you mean about visual clutter :) I actually enjoy seeing decor and things on people's surface at other people's homes, but at the same time, I'm happy mine is different haha

[@dijanawarrender8627]

I am not a minimalist but I have become much more mindful about the way I spend my time and money and am feeling good for it. I love the way you take long held beliefs and concepts and turn them on their head, encouraging us to think about old habits and ideas and maybe do things differently. I have a variety of cushions/vases/ornaments/artificial flowers and I change them every season creating a new look and feel in my home without shopping - very satisfying. I guess we do the same with our clothes, especially if you live somewhere like me that has 4 seasons, so why not with our home stuff?

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah that's a great idea!! Thanks for sharing Dijana :)

[@pinkroses135]

I guess Easter, Memorial/Remembrance days, 4th of July and birthdays would fall under summer type decor. I like faux roses with that rainy dewey look and lavender then but even that can add up. I enjoyed your list. 💝

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah yes! :)

[@janetstonerook4552]

This video was very helpful to me today. I've been a bit uninspired recently after my holiday company left and with it being dark winter here. I especially like #6 The get rid of one item per day challenge. I often find myself staring at some item thinking why did I buy that and why is it still on display and taking up space. Henceforth I will just toss it!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Happy to hear you got some helpful tips here :) Hope the inspiration will come back quickly! :)

[@bollybelly]

A shopping trick that I have is to try and find something in my closet similar to the item that I am drawn to purchase. Chances are I have something very similar already hanging in my closet. Since I am drawn to a certain style, I keep myself from buying similar things again and again 😅

[@peterjamesserdan7992]

I love your videos since 2021 I keep watching you. Thank you so much Vera

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you!!!

[@willthetrill8125]

Only if a good amount of folks do what you guys teach, just imagine how many millionaires we already have or will have in the future. Not the sad statistics where at least 50% of people are living paycheck to paycheck, even for high income earners. Great contents as always!

[@kiramceachern8040]

Your videos always inspire me to do better.

[@LouisaRubyDDD]

Love the tip about thinking about what you love about certain things such as eating out and how to recreate them at home. So helpful! ❤

[@LaLayla99]

My biggest goal thos year is buying my own home. I'm trying to a. save the money and live as though I'm already paying the mortgage/utilities/etc, b. declutter current belongings so I only take with me what I will actually need/want because I will have to purchase furniture/appliances/etc and c. determine what I want my home to say about me and how I really want to live in it, so I don't get a too-big or too small house. 🙂

[@darrenpierson2650]

I want to declutter more stuff. Every spring we go through things and either donate , give away or if it’s junk haul it out, and yet it seems like we have the same amount of things we did. This year has to be the year we get rid of more than comes in! I want to clear up more mental clutter. I wear hearing aides that have Bluetooth and all my text and notifications came through them, I turned off those notifications and I am less stressed already. I also put my phone on “Do not disturb “ more when at work and at home.

[@Millie.C]

For me this year will be more about low buy/no buy, so stirring more towards financial goals. But I would like to also take a more critical look at my wardrobe and make it more meaningful to me and my style.

[@marcewagner9434]

Vera....I am an artist and part time art teacher so it is in my nature to "collect" stuff that may be useful someday. I have however taken up the challenge and I am beginning to cull thru everything. This also lets me know I can definitely make a list of things I might need in the future and things I already have a more than healthy supply of. It will definitely be a process. 🙃

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Sounds great!! :) Enjoy the proces!

[@rebeccabaron1348]

Live hearing everyone’s intentions and goals.

[@user-md6ec7wp4m]

Thank you for another thought-provoking video...I am enjoying thinking what I can incorporate from your ideas and feel they are really helping me. I spent quite a lot of time in December and now in January working on setting up a good budget and review of 2022 and then working through the lesser seen clutter - which for me is photos on my phone and SD cards from my camera. I had 6 SD cards full of photos! Could not believe how many I had been holding onto. It is not like I go and look at them either. I ended up deleting more than 50% of the photos and now I can also cut back on my cloud storage. I think I still need to do more, but its a good start and for some reason I really hold onto photos as memories of good times and things I love. I have never printed a single one though, so looking at maybe printing a few to put up in the apartment as we have nothing on the walls. I'm still a bit undecided though. Sometimes the unseen clutter is hidden away and we forget all this other stuff we are also holding onto, along with the physical items/ stuff.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Wow, that's amazing! Way to go!! :)

[@Au-19]

I definetely agree about mental clutter , noise … 🤯