8 Ways to Live Simply | A Go-to Resource for Minimalism Principles

MY INSTAGRAM: / elinlesser
MY PATREON COMMUNITY (find out more info here): / elinlesser
Videos on decluttering strategies:
3 Steps to Minimalism: • 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO MINI...
6 Questions to Ask Yourself to Make Decluttering Way Easier: • MAKE IT HAPPEN | 6 Que...
My Closet Declutter and Approach: • MASSIVE CLOSET DECLUTT...
Streamline Clutter in Your Home: • How to Make Your Home ...
Today I want to share go-to video on decluttering and minimalism! It can serve as a landing pad to keep coming back to for rejuvenating your minimalist pursuits!
DISCLAIMER- Some links found in this description may be affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission on purchases you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links--it's just one more way to support my channel!

[@Fair-to-Middling]

It's funny you bring up closets. My parents have a home built in the early 60's. It has 15, count 'em, 15 closets, and that's not including the storage in the basement. My parents have been there since 1968 and ALL of those closets are full, and of course, the garage has never held any of their cars along the way. I used to gripe about my 5 closets in my house. Pushing 63 now, I don't do that anymore because more closets = more stuff, and like they say, you can't take it with you!

[@ElinLesser]

It’s so interesting how time in one place can lead to so much more collection. Totally see how that happens!

[@user-wc6bl4zs4i]

I have one closet and it has my washer and dryer in it 😂 but that’s the reason why I get so overwhelmed with my belongings. I have nowhere to hide them

[@katiepreece1102]

Such a lovely video! Since starting a new job back in Jan, I feel like I’ve been constantly feeling conscious that it’s not impressive when I talk to others about it - yet, I come home not having to think about work, not feeling stressed, and having so much space to take time to myself to relax and have fun, and so much space to see others with a clear head. It’s definitely the sort of life I want for myself and encourage others to lead!🌟

[@Tim_G_Bennett]

This is a hard one. So much of what people at work talk about is what they spend their money on and I can only nod along.

[@janehasgoneinsane2766]

I love your use of the word "savor" because it really picks up on how humans enjoy things. We can rush through life, or we can savor it. Thank you! Jane

[@sarahthatcher123]

Thank you for putting all these principles in one video.

[@sekayiperkins7448]

It’s funny when you brought up about food because right before I found your video I was just realizing how much I rush through everything I do I tense my shoulders are tensed my whole body is just about getting it done I am not enjoying my life not because of stuff because I live life like it’s a responsibility not like I own it it’s not a job. I really love your delivery and you’re down to earth and realistic and you spoke about the ebbs and flows. Because when you’re a type a or just anxious written and future minded you get frustrated when things don’t go smoothly and it’s like messing up your plan so thank you so much I know I sound like I was rambling

[@rockyrodriguez3984]

Thank you for making your videos. It is so calming for me to hear suggestions on how to consistently work on my consuming and steps towards a more minimalist life. I have really enjoyed this journey, and your videos have helped. My husband and I still have a lot of work to do, but we definitely see how much time and energy we have towards things we took for granted- cooking, dinners, reading, spending time w others and our fur babies, etc. we are definitely doing more to lead w intention inside and outside of our home. So thank you!!!

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, thanks for this kind comment! I’m still in the process of finding that balance, too! :)

[@mindbodyhome102]

I am not a good flyer as I have off the charts anxiety around flying. I think I will watch your videos during my flight as your voice is so soothing. Content is excellent and your education in psychology is very evident!

[@NoelleAm]

Wonderful content! You are wise beyond your years. ☀️🌿

[@jeanmariemclain2836]

Love your videos. You reinforce the value of my simple lifestyle.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much :)

[@SaraBiancaBentley]

I absolutely LOVE point #2! It’s something that is often overlooked but we are so influenced by things - be it people, items, situations - on social media, more often than not in a subconscious way, and so much so that it adversely impacts every part of our daily journey. Sometimes we’re inspired and those are the channels and pages we should focus on. Those add value to our lives in some way… Really great video… so well thought out and presented! 👏🏻✨🌸

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much! And I totally agree

[@victoriageorgopoulou4292]

thank you so much.....this resonates so much with what feels intrinsically good....

[@krisvanallen]

Another thought on media: I am a crafter. When I look for a new knitting or crochet pattern, I only go to Ravely. It is a site dedicated to yarn crafting. My SIL uses Pinterest for pattern ideas. I can’t use Pinterest any more because of other distractions and the “need to” and comparison to others.

[@sandrainontario6710]

Saving this under Mental Health.

[@user-ig2hb2xh7b]

Good morning from Greece 🌅⛱️!!! I love your coffee ☕ mug!!! Thank you for your ideas

[@shmataboro8634]

Then: Free Stuff ☺️ Now: Free Space ❤️

[@outikoskela4146]

So nice video! I love the cool pace of it. Thank you!

[@kathleengoodnow3056]

This is a great video. Thanks!

[@amma7244]

Yup. Still working on managing consumption habits weight fluctuations contributed but it’s more than that.

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Cool to watch your channel grow!

[@sherry450]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@BrownandBendy]

Looooove your videos.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!!!

[@lisafreeman4832]

This was a lovely video! Thank you so much ... very calming and peaceful.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!

[@Isabella25271]

Hi! I am a new subscriber. Your content in this video resonates so much with me! Such great points to reflect on an apply to have a more meaningful life. It all comes down to be more honest with ourselves in regards to what we really want from life. You radiate so much peace and serenity. So happy to have found your channel. Greetings from Puerto Rico! 💖

[@bethyoung3654]

Great video! Thank you

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

Lovely video with many important thoughts. Your voice calms med down. We minimized a lot, but I also started a hobby/collection. That's a bit hard to combine. The collection gives me joy because I'm creative with it, but it so hard to keep the amount of stuff not taking over and make a mess. I try to limit myself into two cupboards. It feels a bit contraprodctive to have a collection while minimizing. I sell some of it. But when I am down I also shop to the collection to cheer myself up. That's a bad habit. So it's double. The collecting gives me both a lot of joy but also problems. We often know what to do, but struggle doing it. Feelings take over and then we often choose a short time kick. Thank you for a lovely channel!

[@ElinLesser]

That’s an interesting tension-between a collecting hobby and pursuing minimalism. Thanks for sharing! And thanks for the kind words!!!

[@moongoddess5394]

I resonate with what you say. I've recently decided to start dressmaking again after many years' absence, because I long to be more creative. However, I'm aware that embarking on a project, buying material, cotton etc and then maybe not finishing said project, could simply sabotage my efforts at decluttering. I've solved this problem by buying a few paper patterns, but no material; and then just dreaming about the dresses and skirts I might make .... sometime. I know this may sound a bit weird, but I am actually finding great pleasure in doing this; it's not costing much; there is no mess lying around; and if I do decide actually to start something, it will be because I am quite sure I have the time and space to complete it. In the meantime, I'm having a lot of fun fantasizing.

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

@@moongoddess5394 That fantasy fun is actuallty quite fun doing.😊 I do it a lot as well. 😊 About ten years ago I got rid of all unfinished projects after having very limited energy after an accident. That was hard. I used to finish projects before that happened, but felt I did not have the energy. I only allowed myself to have one little project at the time, and finish it or just get rid of it before I had one new. I need to downsize my new hobby and keep what I love the most. For a period of time I sold ten items before I could buy one new. I think I need to make a list of what I sell and buy, to know I don't cheat. And maybe change the number to 20 sold before I am allowed to buy one. I like when the home is airy. Right now the hobby room is a bit messy because of two big bags on the floor that can't fit in the cupboards. The first goal should be not even looking for anything new until I can fit these things in. That is the most resonable thing to do. I hope I have the strength to not look for anything new to buy when I feel low.

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

@@ElinLesserYes mixed emotions. The cupboard space should be my limit to keep a good amount of stuff. I don't think I will be really minimialsitic ever. Just much more minimalistic than before, with more empty and airy rooms. I like it that way. 😊

[@lolitlinchoco8902]

I really love listening to you ❤️😊 lovely video

[@SB-qn4st]

This video is love!

[@FaithNgJiaen]

thank you so much for this. it rly just helped me feel so much better from my overwhelm. thank u so very very much

[@annabelleclaudio8773]

Thanks for the video... God bless u

[@katgallardo2797]

I have the time, but my adhd gets in the way. Working hard on time management.

[@SB-qn4st]

What works for me is to focus on WHY I wanna pursue minimalism. It always helps me centre my focus on why I desire to live simply!

[@ElinLesser]

Totally! Me too!

[@SabinaSamperi]

where did you buy the lamp?

[@Stephanie-pt2eu]

okay so here's my problem - i've been watching a ton of videos and have started deeply going through mine and my kids stuff but here's my problem. Now I have a GIANT corner of my house full of all the crap i just want to get rid of. How do you get rid of it all so it doesn't just sit there? And what about selling? now all the stuff I want to sell is sitting in piles. My house now feels more chaotic than it did before.

[@kobrien7945]

The idea of selling the items and the hassle of that was too much for me to take on when decluttering. I choose to give away, offering items to friends and family if I thought they may have use of it and giving away to charity. I was also able to donate some big items to a fundraiser garage stall (yard sale). I try to remove things from the home as soon as possible, to avoid the overwhelm. Good luck on however you decided to remove the items.

[@teresasmith2161]

Great video. Music was distracting.

[@sarahdonaldsoncole2252]

Can you tell me the name of the plant you are watering. I have one but can find exact name. Thank you.

[@ElinLesser]

The palm? I think it’s just a palm… sorry I don’t have more specifics!

[@sarahthatcher123]

This may be a bit counter to your video but where is your white blouse from that you are wearing in the talking portion?

[@ElinLesser]

Haha I believe it’s from Target!

[@krisvanallen]

Media - long ago I vowed to reduced the number of people i follow on Instagram to 100 at the most. It has been freeing to me!