8 Important Minimalist Truths You Don’t Want to Hear

As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to help inspire you to take action on your decluttering goals with a little tough love. In today’s video, I’ll be covering 8 different minimalist truths to help you push through the mental blocks you may currently be dealing with. While some of these truths might be uncomfortable, I believe in you and your journey!
Other Videos I Mentioned:
Use It Up Challenge: • The Use It Up Declutte...
Non-Aesthetic Parts of Being a Minimalist: • Non-Aesthetic Parts of...
Enroll in my self-paced decluttering course Better with Less to tackle the physical clutter and mental clutter that is holding you back: abundantlyminimal.thinkific.com/
Looking for help with your decluttering? Get a bundle of all of my decluttering ebooks and minimalism challenge guides for over 50% off here: sowl.co/s/h6S7p
Don't want the whole bundle? Here are the links to each of the resources included in the bundle at the regular price:
Abundantly Minimal’s Complete Minimalism Guide: sowl.co/s/CQwr6
Declutter Day by Day: Decluttering Challenges, Checklists, and Planner: sowl.co/s/LRiMx
Declutter without Guilt Ebook and Workbook: sowl.co/s/62q3z
Monthly Minimalist Makeover Challenge Guides: sowl.co/s/UV9g3
Let’s stay in touch!
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Disclaimers: All opinions are my own, but any links included in this description may be affiliate links, which help me support my channel, at no cost to you!

[@jillstigs1637]

The money was gone when you buy the thing not when you declutter it.

[@fatanaolomi]

Unless you can return them. Lol

[@0hermitworm]

@@fatanaolomi A lot of returns get thrown into the trash. It's better to not purchase in the first place.

[@fatanaolomi]

@@0hermitworm my point was just to say you get your money back…..

[@chotanya]

What happens when you declutter and get rid of some items that you thought you don't need, just to need it later on and not have it anymore?

[@fatanaolomi]

@@chotanya That’s the million dollar question!

[@MJ-cz5gx]

I've been a minimalist for a number of years now, but since losing 3 loved ones in 2021, I'm finding it easier to own less and less cos I realise at the end of the day it'll be someone else's problem to sort when I die which I don't want and also I want to spend money been with those I love and making memories instead of buying useless items

[@jpanicacci]

That's been my motivation as well. I've been the "clearinghouse" for all my loved ones who have passed on their (multitudinous) items to me. In my Dad's case, it was his whole household, which took me 3 years to clean out, donate, recycle, etc. I lost 4 loved ones in eleven years, and I learned that their stuff is not at all the reason I still love them and cherish their memories.

[@statuscheck5861]

I think we all have to be realistic about what we need to be minimum and maximum in our current stage of life. Ten years ago I was a thru-hiker and for months everything I owned was in my backpack. During 2020’s stay at home orders were in place my household was glad to have a variety of books, movies, puzzles and board games to keep us entertained as libraries, schools, playgrounds and museums were closed for months. Those items are neatly displayed in a beautiful cherry bookcase my aunt gave me. Currently my town has is 3 inches of snow on top of a layer of ice, so it’s pretty responsible to have a ‘maximum’ pantry and power outage supplies on hand. We do a regular household edit to stay current with our needs and I think I’m gonna always value a certain amount of crafting/hobby supplies, entertainment and home decor because that’s what makes my house feel like home!

[@bhsprinkle]

You sound very prepared. That's great.

[@MemoryAmethyst]

My dad collected royal doulton china dolls. He gave several to me as well for birthdays and Christmas. He did the same for my sister. Now that he is gone, I have many of them literally in boxes in the basement along with china and silverware. My kids don’t want these things. I have given boxes and boxes of china, serving ware and household items including hand made doily’s and needlepoint pictures to charity. Eventually I will be able to get rid of the rest of dad’s treasures. Certainly I have learned a lesson about the idea of saving something for my kids to inherit : hint, they don’t want my crap no matter what I spent on it.

[@reneecailloux2573]

I agree that we should more lean toward "intentionality" than minimalism. Hope trendies watch you and rethink that "I'm going to get rid of all of this to rebuy what looks more like minimalism" ;-)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Renée!

[@fredalkent]

Clutter is middle class abundance

[@Shiryone]

Wow, great points. As for collectibles, my husband collected paraphernalia from the Olympics when it was hosted in his home city. About 20+ years later I convinced him to see what it's "worth" was on e-bay, and some of the items were selling for less than what he paid for them. Shoes he didn't wear much but he didn't want to get rid of dry rotted. And, etc. He wasn't happy about these things, but he faced the truth about his outlook on "stuff." I don't want to judge others and how they choose to live in their own homes, but I am uncomfortable being in an over-stuffed, cluttered space for any length of time. And the dust in places like this affects me physically. Thanks for another great video.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Those are great examples of a lot of the topics I covered!

[@feylights166]

It is sad to think of stuff ending up in landfills, for so many reasons. The biggest of course is the environmental impact (which makes me sick to my stomach). But it is also sad to think of the stuff itself just being thrown away, even if it's still good. Toys, for example. Labor and resources went into making them, and they're just...tossed. I'm not saying be a hoarder, I'm just saying the system itself, in which stuff is just discarded, is really sad.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Absolutely. This can be a good reminder about the importance to purchase and consume less.

[@katie7748]

This is why I donate or (better yet) just put stuff by the road with a sign saying free. One man's trash is another person's treasure!

[@datasciyinfo5133]

I like sewing and diy-crafting, because lots of things can be fixed and redecorated. Not every broken thing is worth your time to try to up-cycle, but a little skill in sewing and diy can fix something and make it better for your use. If there’s more good things to fix up than for my own use, I gift them to friends and neighbors after clearly making sure they will be happy with the item. I don’t want to foist a burden on anyone else. Also my card making craft has come in handy. I used to spend a lot of money on gifts anyway, and it was hard to buy something special each year for my close friends and family. Now I make a set of cards as my usual gift to friends. I enjoy designing and making them, and my friends and neighbors always seem to enjoy receiving them. They don’t take up much space, and usually the recipient can find occasions to use them up. Of course I over bought and hoarded card making supplies when I started! But after a few years I stopped buying cold turkey. Only in 2022 during Covid I went back in and bought some new supplies to refresh my collection. I thought about de-stashing my card supplies a few times, but each time I decided against it. I did give away a few of my extras but goodies to new crafters who enjoyed making cards with me, when her family moved away as a going away present. I bundled everything in a case with handle, so she can craft even on a long car trip. These also seem to be very happily received. I have a difficult perception of what is the appropriate amount of backup stash after the past 3 years. I am willing to have 7-10 years worth of extra supplies in important areas. As long as I have space and they are well organized and cared for, and the field is important to me. So now I’m storing 1.5 years of rice and dried beans. I have 5-10 years supply of sewing materials (fabric, needle, thread, batting, extra tools and accessory) and unused stamps and die designs for card making. I also have multiple power and battery charger backup for a prolonged electricity outage. 😊

[@kerynl.sanchez9891]

I like minimalism in a way that it lets you see what is really useful in your life, but I’m not a fan of empty walls and sterile aesthetics. I like my house decorated and pretty without obsessing about every single object in it ❤

[@jennyjenkins877]

I think building your decluttering muscles is code for getting real with yourself and there's a bit of denial when you first start the process. For example, I was hanging on to 30 year old eyeshadow until I gave myself the reality check that I don't wear eyeshadow and permission to throw it out. I guess it made it past the initial rounds of decluttering because I believed that it was something I should have on hand as a woman. Decluttering is quite the journey of self discovery and realizing that you'll be better off without a lot of things, which is often a total 180 mindset shift from where you begin.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love this thought, Jenny! Thanks for sharing!

[@danicegewiss862]

30 year old unused or used eyeshadow? 30 year old used likely harbored unfriendly bacteria.

[@stephr2980]

I've had that problem with jewels. I was given loads as a teen, never wore it since moving to England and finding who I am. Still took years to donate them all... Even though they'd been put away and not missed once.

[@SN-sz7kw]

Would love to see more free re-use centers. I was near one when my daughters were young. It relieved the guilt of unloading perfectly good items. And I always found something we could use when we did a drop-off.

[@bellebb8673]

My goal for 2023 is to find a balance with intentional living, minimalism, and my own personal tastes. I have hardwood furniture, Persian rugs, clocks, China, crystal, and silver that has been in my family for up to 150 years. It's not going anywhere, but it certainly takes up its fair share of space and maintenance. The challenge is to not add too much more. Some minimalistic web sites seem to be advocating that I chuck Great-great Grandma's clock. 😁 I don't kid myself that these things are super valuable since I know they aren't in style now; but they are valuable to me. So my goal is more low to no buy than decluttering or "classic" minimalism.

[@vaderladyl]

Same as me. I am into no buying or bringing more into my home. Giving away what I don't need but keeping the things I love and bring me joy like my decor. I lik a home with lots of decor I don't mind cleaning, so sue me.😀

[@jenniferr4738]

This was so helpful! One thing that I struggle with is keeping things because I don’t want it to go into the landfills. When you said, “Your home is not a landfill.” it really made me think about what I’ve been keeping. Still, I struggle with throwing things away.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear this was helpful, Jenniferr!

[@kayIins]

i'm afraid of those "i will find one thing to throw every day" challenges. it feels like throwing things just for the sake of throwing.

[@Marsolan]

You home is not a landfill. Love it.

[@dixiebell7011]

E-cycling is more important than any other recycling. In the 70s, we had a giveaway table in our complex.I have put items on the street with a free sign, and I have received nice dumpster "buys ". Most folks need to stop bringing stuff in.

[@CadetRedShirt]

Im going to be doing a No-Buy and a Use-it-Up challenges for 2023! For rule 3, I just have to point to the obscene amounts of Beanie Babies that don't sell for anything or minimal amounts at Yard Sales.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's great to hear! Beanie Babies are a perfect example of that rule!

[@datasciyinfo5133]

I investigated minimalism several times and decided it’s not for me. But I still enjoy watching videos and learning more about it. I usually find some idea that I can use to improve my lifestyle or get motivated to start on a project already on my list. So thank you for your channel! I’ve subscribed. FYI I am an economic prepper, and after 3 years of Covid, I have increased the number of years worth of extra tools, supplies, food, and consumables I am willing to store at my townhouse. For my home repair, gardening, diy wood working tools, emergency cooking, fire, battery backups - I got plenty of extras to last a few months to 10 years without access to stores. It’s a large place. I got enough dry beans and rice for 2 years for my family. To me this seems definitely not minimalist. I think I am anti-fragile and prepared for emergencies and a prolonged economic slump. I also bought a few new thing for my card making hobby during Covid, but didn’t go wild because I already had enough to last me 10 years. After 2008 financial meltdown I stocked up on lots of sewing tools/ supplies so I can make a living by barter if necessary for 5-10 years. Still, I would like to downsize in a couple of areas, ex. some exercise equipment bought during Covid that didn’t work out well, and extra household items and clothes/bags inherited from my parents when they moved away and downsized. I am planning to spend the next 3 years to dig out from these. Thus, your channel! 😊.

[@peggyminer9926]

I once spent about a year mindfully handling my trash to understand how I could reduce its volume. One example is that canned fruit creates more trash than frozen fruit than fresh fruit than home grown fruit. That activity eventually translated into looking at purchases from that view point. Even manufacturers and stores are reducing packaging. Consider the packaging and how you can upcycle it. Ultimately, do you really want and need it? I am looking at ways to use clothing that isn't suitable for Goodwill into dog coats or beds. Even washed your dog will associate the items with you ...and be calmer in your absence.

[@judithvallembois2744]

I think some of the thrift stores sell worn clothing, bedding and linens,etc to some type of rag company.

[@sarahbaud1776]

I think that the term minimalism is overused. I like intentional living.

[@vaderladyl]

I agree.

[@lovelyletter7460]

Great video! The thing that really resonated with me is the point about how the choices that you make for yourself (as in minimalism) seem to offend or impact others even though it doesn’t involve them. My elderly parents, for example live in 4 bedroom colonial (for the past 50 years) whereas my husband, son and I, live in a 2 bedroom 840 sqft condo. They are always trying to offload things to us and it makes me angry because I really need them to understand I cannot deal with any more things. I have a husband and child who like to collect and save everything and all I feel like i want to do is remove things from our home. It’s almost like my mom gets offended when I say I don’t want any extra things (no matter how sentimental they are). All this clutter creates anxiety and stress. 😢

[@jyes23.]

This video just made me subscribe. Pausing video to comment. Point 5 Excellent! I remember the exact point in time I became a minimalist. I think the lifestyle was just starting Sitting, petting my cat I looked at a display tower I bought because I didn't have any thing in that corner and thought, all that is is a dust collector I hate dusting

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad you're here, Jen! Thanks for sharing!

[@ariadnepiera4838]

You spoke so kindly of your neighbors and it reminded me of an experience I had with a friend. I have a friend who is more of a visual organizer with a tinge of perfectionism, and for years, I wondered how much stuff was behind closed doors, since everything seemed to be out. Turns out, I had the chance to help her organize when she was pregnant, and her closets were almost completely empty, and everything was out! Some people don’t like to put things away, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are hoarders, it might just mean they are waiting until they can perfectly put things away or like to have things out. Still annoying to have a shared space filled up by your neighbors for weeks, but it’s not necessarily that a person has more stuff than another.

[@katie7748]

Clutterbug calls them Crickets. Love her categories of organization!

[@anjamuller-wood2907]

Wise points about the long-term/historical perspective on "stuff"! The same thing goes for people's immaterial hang-ups and preoccupations, too. If human beings only realised their relative insignificance in the larger scale of things, then many of the personal obsessions and embarrassments that haunt them (and often trouble their relationships with others) would dwindle to insignificance. I guess what is needed is a psychological minimalism, too.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yes yes yes!!

[@nordicnisse]

I’m at a place in my Minimalist journey where these tips are very helpful. #3 and #4 were especially prudent right now. Thank-you!

[@evalindell2757]

I often hear people saying I invested in… then they say a pair of shoes, a bag or a car or something like that. Unless the car is an old Bugatti, a collector item,that you don’t drive/use, it should NOT be seen as an investment!

[@nicolle3517]

I bought a 100% wool dress for winter. The investment is the price difference between it and a cotton or plastic dress. The returns are a comfortable temperature experience and reduced laundry work. Not all returns are monetary.

[@evalindell2757]

@@nicolle3517 well, when I studied economics at university we were taught that it is not an investment unless there could be a profit in money. I think the wider term you use is a very good way to use the term if you know the difference. But I have met people, especially with low education and/or low income that get tricked into buying things they really can’t afford by a sales person talking about an investment. As long as you don’t think you can sell, what ever it is you bought, for a higher price than you bought it for. Then it is only a cost for you financially. Then of course we use the term to invest time or invest to get more comfort or whatever, but it is not strictly speaking an investment.

[@kaw8473]

I had a very uncomfortable Christmas conversation with my mother in law. I asked her how to make boundaries with another family member who spends a lot of money on gimmicky gifts (bouncy castle) for our son, she told me just to accept gifts and say thank you. I think that advice is a bit toxic for someone who truly wants firm boundaries.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

She's right. Your kid will get older and gifts will slow or stop. Let this one go.

[@marywhyte8484]

I've tried talking to people about limiting presents....it didn't work for the most part. Now I just say thank you, and then get rid of the ones I don't want (before letting my children see them).

[@serenitynow8021]

Ugh. I feel your pain.

[@vanessabogaert2104]

This is tough. My mother-in-law gives the boys junk that is often not suitable for their age. I think I’m going to make gift suggestions next year such as giving them an experience or a gift card. I already did this with my mother, and now she just sends a check which is honestly the best option.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

@Vanessa Bogaert she's your mom in law, which is tricky in the best of families. Don't meddle unless she asks specifically for feedback. Calling her gifts "junk" is really ungrateful too, even in your mind. Listen to Dads like me. We might know a few things.

[@upnorth316]

I continually ask myself, what would I gain by letting this item go? What could I use instead? And with collections, does having more of certain things enhance the collection or actually water it down?

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

I recently moved and I consider myself somewhat minimalist, but I still moved a lot of things. This inspired me to cut back even more. Also, you’ll never see a Uhaul behind a hearse

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear that this video could be helpful!

[@amyhoover9]

Change is hard, and that isn't limited to just minimalism. Thank you for sharing this video, Sarah! You really hit the nail on the head with each and every point you made! Hopefully, those people who never comment or are further in the back will hear this loud and clear 😊

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yes yes yes!

[@DazzleDust32]

Hi Sarah, how are you? Urgh, the landfill aspect is something I remember talking to you about. I am still very much using this knowledge to prevent me from buying excess stuff, and I encourage others, especially those who care about the environment, to do the same. By the way, I got a new job and I am loving it! Such a relaxing change from teaching! Have a good rest of the week. x

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Hi Gemma! Congrats on the new job! That is wonderful!!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Yah. I like aesthetically pleasing stuff when it comes to organization, but I don’t think I’d call that “minimalism” per se. I just like it ha ha. I like order and uniformity and symmetry and such. But then again, I’m kind of an OCDish weirdo. Things like diff colors and bin sizes would bother me and it just doesn’t feel “put together.” I do try to go on the cheaper end with most of it tho. I think it helps more with organization more than it does minimizing tho. For me it makes it easier in terms of less “visual clutter” and easier to be efficient with my space and to more easily find things. But then again, I’m the kind of person who can’t go to places like Michael’s Bcuz of the visual overload. It makes my head spin. Lol. Not sure I’m as minimal as I am just looking to simplify things. Mainly to eliminate a lot of decision fatigue and to make chores and various things easier and to feel more calm Bcuz things are orderly and put together looking (but also this does not mean all white or neural or soft colors at all. It just means that it has to flow together and make sense to me and many times I can simply paint something or just stick to a few colors I already have and group them in a more aesthetically pleasing way). I have some collectibles but I don’t think in terms of resale value. I just keep what I personally enjoy and make it part of the decor or put it in my one curio.

[@jainthorne4136]

My thought about your neighbors is that if they just moved in, the garage may be packed with this they still need to unpack from the move or perhaps they moved from a larger place and still need to cull it down. As for the boxes in the lobby--maybe they were presents ordered for others for Christmas. Yes they should have picked them up sooner but perhaps they were sick or out of town. I guess what I'm saying is that there are other explanations for what you saw. Having said all that, I think this video is great.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

For sure! They moved in 8 months ago, but everyone goes at their own pace!

[@MsDoglover02]

Your 12 week course gave me instant gratification and confidence to declutter more as time has gone on. You gave me a strong foundation to work from and I'm so grateful to have been your student. It's also helped me financially as I learned to reframe how I think about stuff. I don't sell things as it's more valuable to me to just get things out and into the hands of others that could use them. 🙂

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm thrilled to hear that you got so much out of the course, Lynne! I'm so excited for you!

[@tribsel]

8:11 But my home IS literally built ON a landfill! (lol) The guy who lived here in the early 1900's was a junk collector and would gather any and all old farm equipment from around the area and it wound up buried in the hill under where my parents built their house 80 years later. 😅 Dad got a metal detector a few years back and has been having fun digging up "ancient treasures"!

[@Honeymifffin]

“You’re home is not a landfill.” Wow this was a wonderful video that I really needed to hear, thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so welcome!

[@shesjustsomegirl]

Very true. Thanks for sharing these thoughts. We are all at different stages, but these seem like meaningful comments for most people trying to live a less cluttered life.

[@flufftronable]

Great video Sarah, things I've never heard before which is unusual and super helpful 👍🏻

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Sarah thank you for this video. I do throw things in the trash but I do feel guilty. Unfortunately somethings you just can't recycle. RJ and I wish Jake and you happy holidays and the best in the new year. Sending hugs 🌲❤⛄

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are very welcome, Cathy! We hope you and RJ enjoy the holidays as well!

[@butterflynerd0078]

I really like how you emphasized maintenance throughout the video :). I started my minimalism journey, honestly not meaning to a few years ago, then hubby came on board about a year or so later. I really worked on maintaining the kitchen items, then I moved onto the bathroom, then other small areas as well as my closet. Still working on the last one; I hate clothes and have sensory issues.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the video! Progress is progress, and it sounds like you're doing an awesome job!

[@Green4CloveR]

The reality is that stuff = time. The stuff we have saves us time. If you peruse a minimalist lifestyle, you’ll have to commit more time of your day to compensate for the lack of stuff you have. Many people in our society just do not have the luxury to make up for that extra time. For example if you give up a microwave and only use a traditional oven, you increase the time it takes you to heat up meals.

[@chickadeetle]

Just do what makes sense for YOU. There is no minimalism police (or should be none) that tell you what you have to do. All these "experts" on minimalism are here to help people reduce what they have. All the "rules" are not written in stone. Don't take it all so seriously, have fun with it. It is all tools to help you get to where YOU want to be, not so you can be part of some club. I don't care what other people think or say. No matter how much stuff I have from now on, it is less than had before. When I have what I need for MY lifestyle and no extra crap weighing me down, then I am minimal----for ME.

[@patriciarobinson5909]

Do you consider a maximalist space to be just clutter? I am a maximalist but 90% of my stuff is second hand!

[@sandrafromscotland]

Thank you so much Sarah 👍 I like these truths 👍 When you said mature I thought, yeah that's a good word to describe you Sarah 😊 Thoughtful, considered and truthful to keep me learning and thinking 👍

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are just so sweet, Sandra! Thank you!

[@liftpanic]

This is the best motivational decluttering video I've seen, and I've watched many, trying to get myself going.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much!

[@danicegewiss862]

No kids. Just a husband who says he likes decluttering, but he likes decluttering my stuff, and not his. He's a disorganized mess. I'm encouraging him to unload excess. He does...a little. I hate shopping. So minimalism is my joy. My in-laws passed. We're having to wipe their existence from the planet. His brother and wife encourage us to bring stuff home. No!!! Every year I declutter more.

[@BA-kh9fb]

Oh boy, I have one of those husbands too. I'm always telling him to work on HIS stuff. Even worse, he thinks he is a neat, organized person despite my many attempts to educate him over the years. Evidence does not change his beliefs. Anyway, I connected with what you said about your husband.

[@munirasultana2313]

Great Video 💟

[@marinadennis2004]

I could use some advice. Context: I am from a large Italian family and have, over the years, been given large pasta serving bowls averaging 18-24 inches in diameter at the rim. They are not small. We use these bowls to toss and serve family style. I see myself needing these bowls in the medium-term future (10-20 years for me). However, now, I live in a small apartment. My near-term future (next five years) has a cross-country move, and I foresee much of my stuff spending time in a storage locker for several months. Question: Do I downsize the bowls because everything I keep will need to be moved as stored? Or Do I keep the bowls because I will need to purchase nearly identical items in several years if I let them go?

[@freudianslip000]

I'm no expert in decluttering (far from it, haha), but my thought process would be this: 1. Is there any emotional/familial significance to these bowls that would make them feel different from similar ones purchased in the future? 2. Is there an extra cost associated with storing them (for instance, will you already be renting storage space that they will easily fit into, or would you need to expand/purchase more space to store these/similar items that you don't need right now)? If so, is it economically more feasible to pay for storage or to replace the items you'll be storing? 3. Is there someone you know who might enjoy having one or more of these bowls? Maybe you can gift them to someone who can use them now, then find someone to do the same for you when the time comes? "Buy nothing" groups are becoming more popular, and the knowledge that someone else will get use and joy from your unneeded items is really lovely, so I imagine you'll be able to find someone who (like you right now) would find a mutual benefit in passing their bowls along to you. I hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your upcoming move!

[@dianasimplifies]

Downsize the bowls. You may find out in the future you don’t need them or as many as you think! ❤

[@datasciyinfo5133]

Can the bowls be used now as trays to store other items you are keeping? Do you have a friend who can use them for the next 5 years and give them back to you when you need them? Are the bowls special to you? If no, no, no, then donate them. If yes, yes, no, gift them to your friend. Else you can flip a coin and decide afterwards what to do. If your coin toss said to toss them and you feel regret, give yourself permission to keep them. Use it to corral tabletop odds and ends and enjoy. If you felt no regret, then gift or donate them. 😊

[@susannee.colella6109]

It is too easy to shop online. Therefore, I have been going out to get items that I need which leads to purchasing less.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great idea, Susanne!

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

Brand new to you and loved this video. I'm full-bore into minimalism... It's like peeling an onion except, as you say, when you review the onion work 6-12+ months later you laugh and realize it's a big onion, because you have a stronger eye, more resolute to reality, and off more stuff goes! :)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Love it! I'm glad you're here, Elizabeth!

[@heidilopez-felix8105]

Such great advice 🥰

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Heidi!

[@jyes23.]

Me again. Point 8. Exactly

[@bhsprinkle]

Amazing advice. I'm just starting a decluttering process and I keep getting an influx of things from family members that I simply don't need. I think it makes things more complicated. Really the only space I possess is my bedroom but it gets overwhelmingly cluttered. Need to free my space and my mind.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You can do this!

[@achtungschmetterling120]

This felt like psychotherapy. It was good.

[@lindaripp5902]

Thanks

[@asavannah7439]

The only three things I have much of is Christmas decorations,books and plants 🌲

[@lynnerusso10]

wise - thank you

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so welcome, Lynne!

[@anniebeanie710]

Am i weird by trying to become ehmm... minimalist maximalist? :D Like i cant stand that zen homedecor that first comes to mind when you say minimalism ... more into maximalist homedecor (love colors, patterns. bold themes etc ...) but still i dont want to drown in stuff :P

[@fatanaolomi]

I love the minimalist look however I don’t like having zero books and zero things. I love someone else’s comment about intentionality versus minimalism.

[@Connie-ts1dv]

I think have your home pleasing to you. Have more decor. But don't have bins and closets full of unused decor.

[@fatanaolomi]

@@Connie-ts1dv To piggy back on this, this is exactly why I don’t decorate for holidays.

[@vaderladyl]

I call it mediumalist. That is how I have my decor.

[@sinkintostillness]

I think the word minimalism in terms of decor is just confusing. I believe minimalism is curating your space to your taste but with less. Your home should bring you joy as well as being functional. If you like bold colours and patterns go for it and still call yourself minimalist, just try to limit it within a space so the eye isn't drawn in every direction. Or to group like items intentionally rather than mish mashed together.

[@pattibrown2939]

Some goodwill is picky at what they accept. I had to take books to another town goodwill.

[@clairedaines508]

I'm lucky to have a secondhand bookstore down the road, they're always looking for fresh stock.

[@vaderladyl]

Yes some are. I have several ones I donate specific things depending on what they take and don't take.

[@vbachman6742]

The Public library here takes donations and holds a book sale twice a year to raise funds. I donated 12 boxes of books when I started decluttering and it was great to know I was helping my library and also other readers who could buy books for a low price.

[@katie7748]

Look for Little Free Library boxes, too.

[@mariemedeiros5672]

What to do about floor ( live)plants?

[@lynjaggi7204]

I just love your videos!! Very practical and hugely helpful. Thank you. Please keep them coming…I’m making headway 👏🏼👏🏼

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that they've been helpful!

[@EmmaKnightleyNo1]

Not liking the guilt-tripping and moralising, neither the claim of urgency or claim to minimalism gospel truths. Not helpful imo. The last one is an old old truth about any kind of change. Everyone at their own pace, some not at all, so what. Peace and Love to all, hoarders included ☮♥️

[@emmalouie1663]

I've been holding on to some old dresses maybe it makes me sad that I don't see myself getting dressed up nicely for any reason.

[@patriciarobinson5909]

You make it sound that maximalism is criminal!

[@carolineleiden]

The gifts. They are the problem. Throwing away gifts offends the giver.

[@AmethystWoman]

Not really fair to judge moving in. We have been making due for years. Stuff in till you decide what doesnt work?

[@gnomealone350]

There is this certain “minimalist” decorator/designer on KZbin. Her home is pretty large, pristinely and sparely decorated, mostly white and black, and really tasteful. However, her garage is filled with her excess “minimalist’ furniture, art and decor items that she swaps out on a regular basis since she gets bored with her spaces, and a lot of her content is about all the new “minimalist” stuff she is constantly acquiring. Incongruous? Yeah, minimally.

[@melissahoneybee8493]

Can you tell me who that is? I’d be interested to see their decor.

[@datasciyinfo5133]

Not a minimalist thing, but I saw a lot of professional home decorators (magazines, TV) encouraging customers not to display everything they have at once. They encourage curating the decor and swapping items out from storage. The really rich seem to just replace a whole living room set along with the color scheme for curtains and walls every few years! The “minimal” way to do this is by swapping out wall hangings, small decor objects, small furniture like a side chair, and changing the curtains, perhaps with the seasons (sheers in Summer, thick velvet in Winter).

[@SN-sz7kw]

Great tips. But…as an old ex-Catholic, I find the minimalist movement has become a new religion. Many of its practitioners are very judgy - viewing non-minimalists through a smug moral lens. It’s a lifestyle not a character trait. Many creatives are maximalists, because they see potential in almost everything. As are those who grew up in extreme poverty & simply enjoy abundance. Some are neurodivergent & do not process their environment the way minimalists do. Like cleanliness, minimalism is NOT next to godliness. It’s just a phase in someone’s life. Perhaps permanent. Perhaps not. I am 60 & find minimalism & maximalism to be situational. Dependent on the season of my life, my physical environment, those I live with, my emotional attachments. I was extremely minimalist in my youth, drifted into maximalism once children arrived, & am now downsizing & simplifying as they leave home & our energy is waning. Still, because we move a lot, we have a second permanent home, a farmhouse & multigenerational space that is stuffed with books, mismatched linens, too much furniture, stacks of chipped dishes, the stored items of adult children, etc. It breathes comfort & it’s where my heart is most at ease. It is where we will likely retire & I may curate at that point. But right now it is perfect.