50 THINGS I DO NOT BUY To Reduce My Anxiety | MINIMALISM | Small Space Living | Money Saving Hacks

[@heinrichvisser8518]

I'm busy decluttering. It's the freedom that I want, I will get rid of most of the things in my life, except my aquariums, fur babies and my feather friends. Got rid of a huge lot of Tupperware this morning and other things I didn't used during this year.

[@naomiwood1287]

I liked the point of not stocking up. There's such a trend online of filling your fridges, pantries, and bathrooms with backups of items that might help with an aesthetic snack drawer or whatever, but don't seem very mindful. What if you decide you don't love a product anymore? What if there's something better value next time you go to the store? For some people having all these backups seems to ease their anxieties but for me it does the opposite!

[@mamas-day]

I have to agree! To me, it’s just results in more to store and organize (aka, more potential for mess and disorganization!)

[@rebeccabaron1348]

Me as well. 🙋🏼‍♀️. I used to stick up. No more. Just more stuff to overwhelm me. THEN when I don’t use the product anymore I feel anxiety throwing it out and think of the waste.

[@AWitchAndACat]

Not stocking up is definitely a privileged outlook. There are a lot of people who can't go to stores a lot because of various issues, either physical, psychological, etc. So although stocking up doesn't seem like a good idea for a lot of people for a lot of people it's the only way we can be sure we get what we need.

[@naomiwood1287]

@@AWitchAndACat I was referring to the TikTok videos that glamorize having extras of things for the aesthetic or ASMR rather than out of necessity, and often show excess amounts of expensive products that most people can't afford. I hope that clears up what I was talking about.

[@ashleymccready978]

@@naomiwood1287 like shelfies with a whole medicine cabinet of skincare? those give me anxiety XD I can barely use up four products up in a year much less three shelves full of stuff.

[@ashleymccready978]

I agreed with most of these, but my adhd self has to have backups of non perishable foods and toiletries because I usually forget to pick them up when we run out and it's such a hassle to run to the store. Also, does anyone else have flashbacks of growing up in a big family with waaaaay too many linens in the closet?

[@angeladenmark3164]

Being an Accountant!!! I'm very proud of you for not having credit cards & no credit card debt!!!! That will be a blessings when you purchase your home!!! Debt to income ratio is very important to our daily financial peace!!!!

[@mamas-day]

Thank you!!

[@SJP43]

Same! I don’t buy anything you’ve mentioned anymore and it’s literally changed my life. I had hyperthyroidism and got rid of everything that was causing me stress and healed myself without any medication.

[@mamas-day]

It’s amazing the toxins we can inadvertently exposé ourselves to through many common households/personal care products. Yay for wellness!

[@MoorUnityFarms]

Much gratitude for this video. I have been decluttering and noticing that I do not like a lot of things because it makes me high anxiety. I have stopped doing the nail polish ( I am a mom too), no perfumes, purses and other items. It's like a huge weight lifted off my shoulder becoming a minimalist. Much gratitude again for this video, it's really relatable.

[@mamas-day]

Thank you!! Monday's video will be all about 15 simple healthy habits for women (esp busy moms!) - you might really like that one too :)

[@feliciasuris2381]

I tried to do essential oil water diy for room freshners but would not stay around long at all. I upgraded to Mrs Myers ones and smells good and longer but not super long. Their pricey but I'll never use the fake sprays again

[@teresasmith2161]

I liked the video but it was weird that you played distracting music (background noise).

[@mamas-day]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@preston6814]

Agree

[@theancientsam]

I would disagree with op

[@katrinzimmermann3551]

I liked the background music very much! ;-)

[@Lungiswa.]

The background music didn't disrupt me at all, it was not overpowering at all.

[@maryb-h980]

Fab vid - I've only just found you! Brought up in farming/teaching family, for 68yrs I kept everything 'just in case' but overnight the Lord changed me & I've been working towards minimalism ever since. I don't have much energy, so it's not easy, but I will reach my goal. I certainly don't buy most of your list, which is a big help! Thanks v much mx

[@crystaldon4995]

Stocking up gives me such peace- and excitement - when I get a good deal!

[@mamas-day]

Great point about stocking up when you score a great deal!

[@lindass5966]

I bought all that in my 20s. By my 30s I was over it. Loved the video.

[@mamas-day]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PleaseHelpICantThinkofaName]

I use coconut oil for makeup removal, cooking, and several health purposes. It's several uses in one jar.

[@gillianm9367]

When buying sunglasses always check they have full protection against the sun ! Other than perfume (I wear 2 good quality perfumes made from 98% natural ingredients- mostly essential oils) I am with you on this list ! However I do paint my toenails in Summer when wearing sandals as my toes look a little weird otherwise 😆 For the perfect every day bag which is roomy, practical, comfortable to carry- I recommend Kipling brand 👍

[@mamas-day]

Oooo I’ve never heard of that brand- I’ll have to check it out!! Great point about choosing polarized lenses….

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Mostly my issues revolve around simplifying things to deal with how I’m prone to being perfectionistic or OCD about certain things. Having less and making things super simple and efficient really helps me to not waste hours on boatloads of nitpicking for hours on a ton of “little” things. Or just not falling into decision fatigue over things that aren’t THAT big of a deal. Also reduces my feelings of overwhelm and keeps me from procrastinating so much anymore. We all got something I’m sure. Lol. I feel like I literally can’t be half arse so I just make it where there’s less stuff to put my typical high standards on. Well if that make sense. Lol. I wouldn’t say I used to feel anxious as much as I felt heavy or depressed Bcuz a perfectionist thing really is to do it to the nines or don’t do it at all. And most days it was the latter Bcuz it all just seemed so impossible. So it’s easier for me to jump in and get things done now when its not this huge dread coming at me anymore.

[@catwannabe506]

I don't know if you really have OCD but it seemed to me that you were using it as another term for perfectionism. OCD is a real disorder that effects many people. It is not accurate to use the word in the place of words like clean, organize, or perfectionism it can make it seem like it isn't a big deal when it's a real struggle.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@catwannabe506 Well I know I get obsessed about certain things. I get stuck in it. Or I used to a lot more than I do now. I’m not making light of it but my obsessions are just not the typical things to do with germs. There are times I treat anything to do with water drops like it’s hot lava. Like I can’t stop myself from wiping or drying up any stray drop. Well like all the time. It’s a “thing.” I’m not wanting to go get some official diagnosis but I am beginning to see that most people don’t fuss about such things. And things in disarray mess with my mind also. I can’t work or think in a space (for example) where my surroundings are off kilter so to speak. I prefer to see pure order and symmetry and I will go to great lengths to make sure that is set up before I can even begin to start the regular work. Minimalism has helped me greatly tho. It just makes it easier for me to swoop up water or set things in order so I actually can get anything else done in a day besides just “correcting” out of order things. I’m sure some folks have it a lot worse than I do but struggle is still struggle whatever it is that torments any of us and just Bcuz maybe germs aren’t the thing that gets to me, other things do get to me very much. But yet I am determined to get to the bottom of it whatever it takes. Though that is one classic thing. Like the things on a shelf. They should match or flow. They should not be crooked or uneven on the shelf. Etc. I had a bout of it when I was younger Bcuz I became obsessed for awhile with sidewalk cracks. Avoided them like it would kill me. Or taking even steps. I just don’t like to put that out there Bcuz I often fear being mocked for something so weird. I also developed tics. So plz do not minimize or discount what it took me years of work and self discovery to work out for myself and just to try and help myself overcome. And well there was shocking change and abuse in my life and my coping mechanism was pretty much that. Trying to control something to the nth degree or honing in on something like that just to cope. But now I mean it’s like ten years of work. I’m glad to know that it doesn’t have to be to that degree forever and ever to the end of time for me. If there’s a way out to more peace, I’m gonna find it. It def makes me feel better that my decade of working on myself so far can produce at least some results. Bcuz you’re not looking at anyone who never had it bad. What you’re looking at is someone who put in ten years of hard work and is now seeing some improvements. And this does make me happier and feeling a lot better than I used to ever be capable of. It’s not that I don’t struggle now. It’s just that I have now finally been able to implement methods to make it less life disrupting than it used to be. I can now manage to leave the house more even Bcuz I used to not be able to leave until all those boxes were checked. I couldn’t get work done also until all the things were “fixed.” And so on. So I was either late or canceling things. Getting stuck and trapped in never ending impossibility. Etc. I still have to get the water up and the rest of it, but at least now I can just get outside of myself and even crack a joke about what I’m doing...yet again. Bcuz you see I have learned to end the self condemnation and despair about it so that is just one method I use. And the minimalism just comes in also to help there be less obstacles to deal with.

[@catwannabe506]

@@goodenoughgirl8102 I did not mean to minimize what you have gone through. It really just sounded like you were using OCD as another word for perfectionism. I've heard lot of people say stuff like oh, I'm so OCD. I just organized all my cabinets. They don't have it or think they have it I've asked. They just throw the word out there like it doesn't matter. That's what I thought you were doing. Congratulations on how far you have come.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@catwannabe506 Yah. I totally get it. I know how a lot of folks really do just throw that word around like they do and it’s like they don’t really know at all what they’re talking about. I guess I just didn’t want anyone to think I was one of those types. 😅😅 But you’re right. Accuracy about it is important. I was actually shocked tho about just how much minimalism really helped me in this area in such a practical way. I figure it had to be one of two things tho. Commit to a “career” of fixing things or get rid of more things to fix. Bcuz I couldn’t just stop my urges to to keep doing what all I think I must do. But a bad case of perfectionism isn’t so great either tho. I also have that as well to deal with. But most def it’s not the same thing as OCD. I guess I would say I am comorbid having both but maybe mid range vs not being so high range that I am personality disordered with it (which would be just having a number of the traits but it not really being full on OCPD). Dr. Grande did a great vid on OCPD and that was when I was like dang. Like I’ve got six of those traits he listed. Lol. It did have its advantages in abuse recovery tho Bcuz I became just as obsessed with that as I had a number of other things and it really facilitated the recovery process. When you can’t change a thing much I guess it’s more like you just have to find ways to make it work for you rather than against you.

[@catwannabe506]

@@goodenoughgirl8102 sometimes I wonder if I've ever said something that someone else knew wasn't accurate but they didn't tell me. I would want them to tell me because maybe I'll end up avoiding doing the same thing in the future.

[@trekkie-cat]

Great video! I've donated heaps of books- I've quality over quantity. I only kept what i truly love and only buy a book i know I'll like. Love being minimalist.

[@elizabethdumas4147]

I did not have a credit card until i wanted to ship flowers to someone. You really need them at times. I like the cash back advantage and i ALWAYS pay the balance in full automatically so NO interest. We all do waste a lot of money. My biggest suggestion is to avoid impulse buying by really thinking about a purchase before buying. I keep things in my "cart" and ponder a lot before buying. I do have way too many clothes for my lifestyle and frequently end up donating.

[@LauraStepney]

That was a really interesting watch because I also don't buy probably 45/50 of these things. Some stuff I didn't even realize that people buy...like extra sheets for adult beds? Seasonal dishware? So strange. I guess I'm more minimalist than I thought.

[@febiegem]

Wooow I can totally relate Melissa! This video explains why I also prefer to be a relaxed minimalist. It does help my mind to be at peace and free from stress. I mean, we are all different in expressing ourselves most specially the way we dress or the way we want our houses to look like, but for me, simplicity, practicality, efficiency, and minimalism works best! Small amount of things give more space, calm and comfort. 🥰 I'm inspired! Thank youuu!!!

[@mamas-day]

So glad you’re here Febie!

[@pastichehaus]

Everywhere I look in my small space is cluttered and I’m sure this is why my anxiety is through the roof. I definitely need to declutter and stop buying stuff I already have (just because it’s on sale). This video has helped me more than you know. New sub here.❤ PS. I like the music choice. 😊

[@mamas-day]

Glad you’re finding this helpful!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

I live with my husband in our 450 square feet home we built. Unfortunately, I brought my overconsumption self with me. So I struggle with being overwhelmed . I’m in the bad cycle of buying/ decluttering/ buying again. Trying to figure out why I do this

[@sinkintostillness]

It was also during my YTT that I also realised my need for less. I think studying the limbs of yoga changes your perspective on "stuff". I have been an anxious person ever since I can remember, it's been my "normal" for far too many years. I think I've always had the need for clean open spaces, but I was always very good at organising it all! Now I have proper open spaces, and not crammed full cupboards and drawers. I started by clearing the space I first see when I wake up and that helps get me in the right mind set right away. With less, the everyday maintenance becomes so much quicker and easier. This journey has also majorly helped us financially too as we are so much more mindful of what we bring into our home now. Now I'm not completely cured, but eliminating excess has been a massive turning point in reducing my anxiety.

[@mamas-day]

What a beautiful journey- thank you for sharing! You’re so right, a great place to start decluttering is the bedroom! It’s the last and first place your eyes rest each day 💕

[@dsmith4136]

I'm working on de-cluttering. Hard when you live with someone who refuses to stop buying and hoarding (living with and helping take care of my dad). Make sure people know about stocking up on stuff with chemicals (toothpaste, cleaning products, lotions, etc). The chemicals in these products break down and change over a few years. They can become dangerous and harm someone. Also the packaging is breaking down faster and faster. All those people who stock up on years worth of these chemicals will just have to throw them away. The landfills are going to be toxic. I have also found the can goods have started leaking. Had to clean up and throw away canned fruit my dad had bought a few years ago. Black sludge was leaking out of the cans.

[@mamas-day]

Thank you for sharing! I hadn’t thought about how those things break down over time. Food for thought!

[@shannonscheffel7366]

I have watched minimalist channels for years, and many many "what I don't buy" videos. This is, hands down, the best I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@mamas-day]

Ah thank you!!

[@fleurbeckwith9280]

I am not a crazy gap fan or anything but I believe they use great quality fabrics. I have very old gap tops and jeans and they still look fab.

[@tq325]

I am looking to reduce my clutter at home. I have found that many things on your list are things that I do buy. I'll have to rethink these to make my 2023 less cluttered and more serene. Great video!

[@mamas-day]

Thank you!

[@verolly31]

You can do it!!!

[@deborah9756]

I love your post. I agreed with everything you said. I have been a practicing minimalism for 50 years. Well it was kind of born into me too! Our whole family is this way. This is the 1st presentation I have watched that matches my lifestyle. Thank you.

[@mamas-day]

Awesome Deborah! Thank you for being here 💕

[@charlottemoncelon]

as a student, I don't buy any school bag because I'm constantly gifted tote bags and they really work for me ! thank you for your video :)

[@mamas-day]

I'm so glad! Great idea on the tote bags for books btw!

[@heatherperry5199]

I am finding that the older I get the less “stuff” want around me. I was curious though how you manage to not need stain remover in your laundry? It was a lifesaver when trying to get stains out of my little ones clothes. One day she got home with both chocolate AND ketchup on her dress.

[@mamas-day]

I try to lay items in the sun- that usually lightens stains!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

My go to is peroxide. Just pour some in with the load (like 1/2 cup or so). It’s great for most things, esp biological messes as it is enzymatic (breaks it down) and it’s very cheap. I prob should give my fairly new washer credit tho. It has a “heavy soil” option which I’ve used many times and it really does a good job. For really tough stuff you can just let it soak for awhile (peroxide) first, but most of my fairly bad stains come out without having to soak anything.

[@zaynab4514]

I ve always lived like this and it’s my mentality, i though it was normal . Well now i know it’s not and it takes people effort to reach this level , i feel proud and happy to be like this . Tho fun fact , i was actually trying to do the opposite for a while, i was like why is everyone buying stuff… let me try it , but then meh i didn’t find any purpose of doing so , so I’m back on my old track and even better and more conscious about it now.

[@leahaf808]

Hey if you love sparkling water, you should consider getting a soda stream. I love love love mine - it’s like having sparkling water on tap, plus it’s so much better for the environment

[@madamchabby]

I'm just about to move into my first apartment ever and this is a big help! Thank you!!

[@mamas-day]

Congratulations on moving into your own place!

[@burstallpass4394]

Nice video. I stopped buying houseplants. They deteriorate overtime and are always plagued with pests, viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Also got rid of most of my book collection. Paper is certainly a dust magnet.

[@mamas-day]

Paper is the hardest clutter to maintain! Soo much mail… :)

[@renabale1541]

Same. I love plants but they do add visual clutter and takes time to maintain. So I banned myself from the nursery 😋

[@CJoyArt]

Thank you for your generous video. I’m doing most of these too. One purchase I have made is a shark genius steamer for my floors. It does the most amazing job and is small. I used to have to get down in my knees too (using a reusable mop). It sanitizes the slope which I love. It’s been a game changer. Love your video.

[@mamas-day]

Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment! I’ll have to look into that steamer- with a toddler and a dog, our floors are always a work in progress :)

[@TheSolitary1]

This is so HELPFUL and this video also reassure me that being a minimalist is okay.

[@mamas-day]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@RedNicole22]

I was the same after pregnancy, it’s 21 years now, and still majority of smells make me sick and some give me a migraine. I used to LOVE perfume and cologne, but had to give it up. Now just Essential oils for me too.

[@mamas-day]

It makes such a difference!

[@mairead5891]

I buy paper towels, but I don't use them for cleaning or using when we eat, I use cloth dusters for cleaning and I've made a couple of sets of cloth napkins for everyday use at the table. If they get dirty then I wash them, iron them with a steam iron to sterilise them and reuse. I only use paper towels for cleaning my frying pans of oil or wiping up something truly vile where I know I won't want to rinse out a cloth.

[@mamas-day]

I never thought to make my own cloth napkins for daily use- what a great idea!

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Hi!i came across your channel for the first time today. I do not use paper products except for Kleenex. I use cloth towels to clean with and cloth napkins at the dinner table. This has worked out well for me. Stasher bags are great! I also have silicone mats for baking. It really helps with cleaning up! Nice to meet you!

[@mamas-day]

So great to meet you, thanks for being here Kristin! The silicone baking mats are a great suggestion!

[@imenehaddad2860]

I agree on everything except the air frying. I can't live without mine. Absolutely hate using the oven and having to clean it

[@mamas-day]

I've heard air fryers are amazing! I've never used one 😊

[@angelagrosso2162]

Great video Martha, please tell me what do u use to wrap you food..for freezer it's difficult without plastic bags😮.. thanks

[@mamas-day]

We freeze in glass pyrex or silicone Stasher bags :)

[@taylorverner3978]

I could hug you for the silicone sponge tip!

[@mamas-day]

It's life changing!

[@ginadiodati1965]

Love this video! Slowly, I've turned into a minimalist. Now, I'm old so over time I've collected stuff. When you tube became popular, a lot of girls like myself were memorized by makeup collections that were always posted. It was a maximum style of living in the 90s. At one time I had 32 bottles of just Essie polish alone. ..12 Mac blushes. Hoarding things was sort of trendy. We would spend $100 at Forever 21....every week! Garbage disposable fashion. Now in my late 40s, I'm completely different. Quality over quantity 👌 I'm no longer buying disposable fashion. I wear only neutrals and some primary colors...no patterns. Very minimal. Neutral quality handbags. I only now own 2 and one travel bag. Two polishes in nude and dark taupe. Makeup is high-end but only have one blush not 12. For me, I find I greatly appreciate the few things I have and I take care of them. I think it's important now to be frugal and a minimalist even if you have a great income.

[@catwannabe506]

Good for you!

[@mamas-day]

Yes! Isn't it lovely when all those daily decisions are just...simpler? What to wear, "does this match" etc etc...cheers to your refined sophisticated style 💕

[@maritzag.]

Thank you for the awesome tips. I agree with most and couldn’t help but laugh at your comments about everything extra always being for a wedding 😄

[@mamas-day]

Haha right!? We do what we need to for our friends, esp to celebrate something as monumental as a marriage 🥰

[@mariafranciscabertoglio6759]

I think I have always been a minimalist without knowing from seeing these videos. I am a semi professional baker and I am guilty of having many molds and a kitchenaid and a food processor. But I do sell the products so... and it is my side hustle. I don't even own a desktop and my laptop is on the older side. I am in the process of changing the cheap (and minimal) furniture I bought when I moved out for native wood made, small carpentry shop things that will last a lifetime. You made me proud of myself.

[@mamas-day]

Amazing!! Also can you believe I used to be a baker too! I made wedding cakes on the side of my day job for years. There’s soooo much equipment involved, especially for making sugar flowers, working with fondant, and all the different size and shape of cake pans! Not to mention piping tips and bags….

[@mariafranciscabertoglio6759]

@@mamas-day it makes a lot of clutter, but I went on a baking low buy this year!

[@whitelilycalla]

Quite strange... some of the things you mentioned are actually very helpful with lots of benefits, like credit cards (if you know how to use them right), or Uber etc (unless you have a personal drive to pick you up from an airport, for example)..

[@scrapgirl949]

This is a great video. I also don’t buy a lot of the things you mentioned. I spend most of my money on groceries so that meals can be cooked at home.

[@donnahilber8701]

it's so cute to see your little dog in the background !

[@mamas-day]

Thanks!! He’s such a good filming buddy :)

[@lorimcbrayer8431]

Baking soda and white vinegar, many uses

[@mamas-day]

Great tip!

[@UCanCallMeJesus1]

3) fun tip: if you have sensitive skin, then conditioner instead of shaving cream or soap works wonderfully. Learned it from a dermatologist

[@mamas-day]

Great tip!

[@jacksonschroederproductions]

12:42 You said no stain remover? How do you get stains out? I'm a minimalist as well and I use a shout stain stick. Do you use baking soda or vinegar?

[@mamas-day]

I just pretreat with a little regular (unscented, no dye) laundry detergent right when the stain happens. It works pretty well! For any stains caused by natural foods like turmeric, blueberries etc, laying them in bright direct sunlight works amazingly well!

[@jennifermizrahi98]

All great things not to buy- except your heals. I am 5’9” and wear them all of the time. Took me a while to get comfortable being the tallest girl, but I love it now :). Just go for it!

[@mamas-day]

I love this energy!! I need to just own my height and embrace it

[@skyedaisy4007]

Hi Melissa! Thank you, great video. I'm a minimalist too + agree with you on simple living. Hope you do more videos like this + would love to see a minimalist home tour with you talking through the reasoning of why you have less in each room.

[@mamas-day]

That is such a great idea! Thank you! 💕

[@skyedaisy4007]

@@mamas-day You're welcome! Looking forward to seeing it :)

[@ammalyrical5646]

You forgot period products. The last thing I got in that sense was an IUD to not get it anymore (it made my life a living hell). But cups are also a great, eco friendly solution. Even if it takes a couple tries to find the right one. In my case third time was the charm. I gave my old ones to other people who wanted them after sterilizing the things. It's just a one time purchase that can last up to 15 years if you treat it well. Although generally 7-10 years is a good long life for a cup.

[@mamas-day]

Ah yes! Such a great suggestion!

[@lizhorton5333]

Found this video really interesting. I also don’t buy a lot of things that most people do. I also reuse holiday bags, tissue, boxes, bows etc. I use muslin cloths for face washing, Like the ones from Eve Lom or similar brand. I also like to buy pre-loved clothing. I know my brands and you can get incredible bargains shopping second hand. I also like to buy high end used furniture.

[@mamas-day]

Oh! Where do you find good condition used furniture? That’s something I’d love to explore!

[@hilaryroberts506]

I have been working towards minimalism. I agree with just having one of something. If your brain knows that's your only one, you tend to be better about keeping track of it and taking care of it.

[@mamas-day]

Absolutely! Great point.

[@mariaprikhodko7067]

Thanks for making this visual list. I do agree to most of the things. But things like crafting to make ornaments with kids. How would I create memories at home (drawings, etc)? Other things work perfect for me too to reduce anxiety! Thanks

[@mamas-day]

We do lots of cooking together!

[@deea3586]

I’m surprised about credit cards on the list of things you don’t have. Good loans require having built really good credit. Do you pay big ticket items like a home or a car in cash? Also I love the library too! Libraries are so underrated and wish more people love them as much as I do. Do you usually borrow dvd’s in place of the streaming service?

[@mamas-day]

Yep, we buy (used) cars in cash, but not our home. We built sufficient credit to get our mortgage through paying utilities timely (and our student loans back when we had them). We actually don’t rent dvds because we aren’t really movie people, but the library does have them!

[@krn2683]

I've never had credit cards and had no problems getting a home loan when I bought my first house. I had about 2 years of student loans under my belt as my only credit history.

[@sarahcosta1735]

My family buys christmas ornaments when we go on vacation. Thats what our souvenirs are. Kinda similar to your christmas ornament tradition

[@mamas-day]

Such a great way to revisit memories each year!

[@LauraW-r7c]

I love this video!!!!!! I want to mention, that I also do the Christmas ornament thing for our 4 kids. They are now adults and slowly leaving home. When they leave, they take their ornaments. I’m realizing I have almost nothing left! I would advise you and your husband to get ornaments for each other or a family ornament, so you will still have some left! Hindsight

[@mamas-day]

Oh that is such a great suggestion!!

[@avrillee311]

I’m very anxious and stressed all the time Bc my husband is consistently making a mess and leaving things behind! I think maybe I should get rid of him! Such pain in my ass that I go home to mess everyday!

[@avrillee311]

@@c.d.mccullum9421 thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it!

[@cristinagarcia-up8zt]

I can watch this over and over to get it through my brain I don’t need this. Thank you for this video and

[@BeccaDoesStuffYT]

This was great! There were so many, I didn’t catch if you said wrapping paper. I pretty much stopped buying wrapping paper (except for once for my brother’s wedding gift). I reuse bags & paper I get from other people, and I have cloth reusable gift bags. I also get creative with wrapping gifts inside other gifts. I’ve used things like scarves as wrapping paper and also doubled as a gift.

[@mamas-day]

Oh that is a great category to consider! I love to save satin ribbons to reuse… something about real ribbon feels extra special 💕

[@BeccaDoesStuffYT]

@@mamas-day YESSSS!

[@CassyFilms]

Wow, the book thing was eye opening for me. I love books. I used to read every single day. Since I got to college, that hobby has been extremely downsized. I haven't bought books like I used to for years because I discovered I could find them online, or I can just go to the library, or use the app libby to read. However, I never thought about donating the other books I've collected over the years. They are great, but I haven't touched a lot of them in years. I know what I'm going through next.

[@mamas-day]

Yes! Not to mention, if you keep them, moving books is so cumbersome! After we moved houses 3 times I was done keeping heavy boxes of books 😆

[@kalliemj]

Does you silicone scrubber scratch your pans?

[@mamas-day]

It does not, but we cook with enameled cast iron, so I’m not certain about nonstick pans!

[@innerauthority]

Thank you for the inspiration. ❤

[@mamas-day]

You are so welcome!

[@tjjurake3506]

Ahhh. Grandmother's china...in a box in the basement. Limoges. Used to love this kind of stuff but now it is clutter. can't even sell it. I have often fantasized about living in a tiny house. Don't think I could do it.

[@faithhomeschool2789]

We don't by many of the things on your list and that was before minimalism. We are fragrance free in our home with the exception of essential oils. There is nothing better than a God focused simple lifestyle. Great video

[@mamas-day]

Thank you! Glad you’re here! 💕

[@novaricos]

love the simplicity and 'realness', especially the hair in the coffee, oh well, drinking it anyways, I'm a mom! " so true, cracked me up out loud! I'm not at all a minimalist, by any stretch of the imagination, but still love your video for its common sense and thriftiness too. If you do have your grandmother's china (or your own wedding china), just get it out and use it frequently, won't matter if some gets broken. Once in a while, teach the kids how to behave at a properly set table, so when they come across one they know how to negotiate it. (will open up more social levels to them in the future too, if they are comfortable around nice things!)

[@mamas-day]

That is such a great tip about teaching kids how to behave and treat special items with kindess!

[@angelagrosso2162]

Sorry 😢 thought you name was Melissa 😊

[@_mj_.]

I really enjoyed your video. I have GAD so can relate with how our surroundings impact on our mental health. Your movie made me feel like I could sit back, relax and take it all in. Very informative, calming and straight to the point. Love your dog too. 😊 New sub here. 🙂🇦🇺

[@mamas-day]

Thank you for your kind words!! Glad to have you here 💕

[@FindingFI]

Super thorough list! Thanks for being so concise

[@mamas-day]

Thank you!!

[@nicoleanagnostou7719]

I relate so much to you saying that you are always streamlining and refining :)

[@mamas-day]

Love that!

[@adams1030]

I definitely encourage you to consider credit cards more seriously. I have several and have auto-paid them all off in full every time, so I never worry about the interest. The benefit is that your money is better protected (fraudulent charges are much easier to get sorted than if someone actually drains your bank account), you can access great warranties/insurance/benefits, and of course save significant money. Just my 2 cents!

[@mamas-day]

Such a great add! Definitely worth a consideration for the added security benefits. Great idea setting them up to auto-pay...

[@nunziawright5957]

We do the autopay too. And so I can have a good credit. Since I don't like spent much really I don't use it much either. So it works.

[@chris-ci7ch]

I use a credit card. Pay it off every month no interest charges. Used my cash back to entirely pay for x-mas every year.

[@mamas-day]

Brilliant!

[@bitsandblocks7826]

Very inspiring video, your dog is divine. I do use a credit card and clear the balance monthly. Only because it gives extra consumer protection where I live (UK) on larger purchases such as kitchen appliances etc.

[@notinvogue4287]

I'm interested in your Dave Ramsey journey 😊

[@nandasa86]

I loved the silicone products!! Thanks so much for sharing. This video is a real inspiration to me!

[@mamas-day]

I'm so glad! The stasher bags and sponge are a game changer ☺️

[@rolbri1]

Most of these I don’t buy either. My one question is tissues. Do you not need these or what do you use instead?

[@mamas-day]

We just use a little toilet paper when we need to blow our noses! :)

[@leiahmerrick7814]

I agree on the tissues but I am curious, what do you use instead?

[@mamas-day]

Just some toilet paper ☺️

[@verolly31]

Makes me want to de-clutter again and again

[@colleenmadden1306]

I bought reusable handkerchiefs for us...and clothe napkins

[@lolawhite5181]

I love watching this video. I’m moving into a smaller house and this is really helping me. Most of the stuff is going on the curb. ❤

[@mamas-day]

Awesome! Moving is a perfect time to declutter!

[@nattyophelia7879]

I have 6 kids still in the house, 3 over 10 & 3 5 and under. Im constantly overwhelmed with stuff but i feel like i cant do anything about it cuz most of it isnt my stuff 😢

[@mamas-day]

You are doing AMAZING! That is a lot of people and people come with a lot of stuff (esp little ones 😅). Someday things can be more pared down but it sounds like this isn't the season for it quite yet! Maybe a simple place to start is making your bedroom the simplified, minimalist space so you have a calm place to retreat to at the end of each day ♥

[@Princessbritta]

No lotion? Do you live somewhere humid? If i didn’t buy lotion in Colorado, i would also have to stop showering all together so i didn’t dry out

[@mamas-day]

Not necessarily! I used vitamin e or sesame oil as a healthier alternative (check out my 10 Healthy Habits video for more about that if you’re interested!)

[@mamas-day]

*use

[@morganliz89]

Loving your videos! I'm happy to support your growing channel 💛

[@mamas-day]

Ah thank you!! 💕

[@1985homeslice]

Out of curiosity do you guys have a tv and if so what do you guys watch? I thought this video was so wonderful and fascinating

[@mamas-day]

Technically we have 1, but we havent turned it on in at least 6 months. Its 12 years old and barely works- doesnt even reliably connect with our laptop to stream anything to it 🤣. Its literally like a giant black hole on the wall that I’ve been debating just getting rid of altogether! Maybe this is the kick that I need to remove it and replace it with art ☺️

[@haleytruslow7200]

You sound so much like me! All of those things are just unnecessary to buy. Love the rent the runway idea

[@mamas-day]

So glad you’re here! And RTR is such a fun way to pick out something special for a nice event that perfectly matches the occasion, time of year, and current size/fit :)

[@marypladsen5231]

I LIVE for my second hand books, my New Yorker and New York magazines and a daily paper that is my love and hate at the same time - but otherwise I buy//have none of that stuff either. I raise you no tv, no clothes dryer in a cold climate, no cell phone and probably other stuff too. btw, love the window in the background and the pup. Is that a stop sign outside?

[@mamas-day]

No dryer (in a cold climate no less?) - that is #goals! You’re doing amazing!! Yep- our dog loves to bark at every last delivery truck that drives by ☺️

[@nunziawright5957]

Nice list 🙂. I don't buy make up or beauty products I don't own any of it. I always hated make up. Lol we do buy playdough and painting 🖌️ supplies but I keep few not too much. I am gonna try to spong u just mentioned here hopefully I like it. I love Xmas so I do decorate for it but I am learning to keep it simple 😃 lol. I don't own any fancy dishes but a friend got me 4 Xmas dishes that I use only for us lol we are a.family 4. We don't watch TV much so we don't pay for any channels really but we do have Amazon prime. For most part my list is similar to yours. I am always trying to do better. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@mamas-day]

Thank you for being here! It’s certainly a process and it’s evolved for me as we became parents… kids bring their own set of necessary items 💕

[@zeesworld3371]

Getting me some kitchen scrub .. if u have a link to which one you purchased would be great to know

[@mamas-day]

GreenLife Reusable Multipurpose Silicone 2 Pack Sponge and Scrubber, Hygienic and Odor Resistant Dish Washing, Scratch Free Cleaning, Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, BPA Free, Grey and Black a.co/d/0SJarUB

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

We don’t celebrate halloween, Christmas, Easter, birthdays etc so we save a lot. We do however buy gifts throughout the year when the sales come. We are intentional with what we buy and we don’t buy something that won’t be used a lot and usually we prefer to do experiences. It’s soo freeing to not get swept in with the masses.

[@mamas-day]

Love this Lulu!

[@charisedaniels5797]

You are an example that beauty doesn't have to involve a lot of accessories, makeup, and money. You are really amazing! What kind of laundry detergent do you use?

[@mamas-day]

What a compliment! Thank you💕 We use the free and clear version from target (unscented and no dyes)

[@juliecarns]

We stopped buying tissue (use handkerchief) and paper towels (wash up messes with rag (outgrown or worn out clothing); I’m looking into getting a bidet to quit buying tP. With you on 95% of your list; I make money opening Cc and getting the bonuses….made thousands of dollars but paid zero dollars in fees or charges.

[@mamas-day]

So smart! Banking credit card rewards points for travel etc can be such a great strategy!

[@mariak9085]

Very fortunate to be living next to a thrift store that does sell books. For just $1 every book. Joy In Every Moment has been a truly amazing find! Big selection, many bookcases, feels nice to just pick up a book and read it. I want to one day get a credit card that offers cash and percentage back on purchases. One credit card and cash.

[@mamas-day]

Love that you have such great access to used books! What a great way to stock one of those Little Free Libraries :)

[@mariak9085]

@@mamas-day That makes me happy too!! :) Haven’t seen them in my neighborhood, but up in the hills of LA there are some! Such a sweetheart way to give away used books! Thank you :)

[@marinalina6348]

Use body lotion to shave your legs and paper towel to wipe off the razor you will avoid holes in your pores and keep legs hydrated

[@agatasowinska]

I looove the mug. May I know where you got it from?

[@mamas-day]

Yep! It's from Anthropologie :)

[@agatasowinska]

@@mamas-day thank you 😍

[@rinainlondon8]

Amazing

[@SixFigureBusinessCoaching]

Great video, what a wonderful way to live.

[@mamas-day]

Thank you! Appreciate you being here!

[@yourfutureisnow6480]

Ever since Covid, I stopped going to the salon and just did my facials, hair remover, eyebrows, nails myself at the comfort of my own home. I actually like it. It's been over 2 years. What about supplements? Do you take any? Or just substitute real foods instead?

[@mamas-day]

I like to take Vitamin D every day, as well as (i know… this one is a little unusual) desiccated beef liver capsules. Liver is “nature’s multivitamin” but I just can’t stomach the taste to eat it regularly:)

[@yourfutureisnow6480]

@@mamas-day That's great. Thanx for your response 👍🏼

[@amysifuentes55]

Can you list the oil diffuser

[@zandragordon3623]

Wow there are a lot of things I don’t buy! The whole salon treatment because I feel it’s a waste of money! I so wish I could get rid of more things so that I don’t feel pressured to buy them! I’m a work in progress

[@mamas-day]

We are all a work in progress ☺️❤️

[@crystalfolse3208]

Thanks

[@sarybouthat]

#32 i had no idea that was even a thing- my family has aways used bags from when we've gone to the store-

[@mamas-day]

Love that!!