Effective Ways to Live with Less | MINIMALISM + being okay with less

[@donnabraud7945]

Your sweater comment really designated with me. I have been so bad in the past to think in terms of, "if I love this one, I should get a spare". I now have two identical pairs of jeans that I love and, when tempted to buy another just in case, I remind myself I only have one body and I do laundry quite regularly, so I don't need a third pair no matter how much I love them. Being satisfied with what you have is really the goal. Thanks for the video.

[@angelasinyard3743]

As a Cancer survivor and being given cancer free....my life is very much based on experiences and spending time with family and friends. Material provisions in excess is a lot of work. A neat clutter free space is the best way to live.

[@lu_re7198]

Yes. Saying “no” to more stuff you don’t need takes confidence and a determination to stay true to yourself and your values. 💕 Thank you!

[@Chrissyhappy]

I agree! I’ve really had to try and explain to family and friends that we don’t need anything. I don’t want them to buy for buying sake. I’d rather they kept their money. Me and my friends have agreed to stop buying and donate to our own chosen charities. It was so rewarding to be able to enjoy helping others. I donated to the local food bank. Now I just need to try and talk family into the same!😊

[@databasenomad]

my tip is: become a digital nomad for 6 months and after that experience you will see that you don't need that much- Sarah

[@autobotdiva9268]

i have stuff on the deck ready for the trash pick up....whooooo we. broken game chair, old ratty comforters, old bed frame, coats, jean jackets. i've gotten my 22 year old with adhd down to 2 sheet sets, 1 quilt, 2 comforters in clear storage bag thus far.

[@beegratefulfarm6933]

“Stick with one” is huge. I am always wanting to get a second or third of things I love. Clothes, makeup, etc.

[@minimalistsmanaged]

Ahhh so true about how we've been conditioned to collect and keep things, to accumulate more and more from such a young age. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video :)

[@arlenekeith6235]

I've been applying one in, two out. Keeps me ahead of acquiring too much. I have to really give a lot of thought to what goes out before I purchase anything else.

[@williamclark1244]

Minimalism videos have motivated me to become more ruthless with my belongings. I continually find more things in the house that I have not used in the past year(s) and even though some are hard to part with, I eventually release them after several declutters. Once they are out of the house I have no regrets and find myself thinking, "why did I hold onto that for so long when it hasn't been serving me?". I don't view it as any kind of a loss but instead as a blessing to someone else with what I no longer have a need for. I really want to start the new year with only what I actually use and value. I am happy to say that I am almost there!

[@laceyrushworth9823]

Excellent choice on a video topic! More influencers need to talk like this, we all need a break of trying to keep up and be perfect, but being what is already, is good enough. Love it! Your a breath of fresh air

[@Shiryone]

As a minimalist, I am a terrible gift "receiver." Are you? I rarely have ever received something that I really wanted or needed, unless it was something that I specifically asked for. But generally speaking, it's that awkward "poker face" and then the burden of having to get rid of the gift.

[@lisahansen9869]

I so relate to being a terrible gift ‘receiver’, but I find since minimizing my life that the giving of gifts has become challenging also.

[@Conval-wi5eh]

I have been buying my own gifts for nearly ten years. My whole family loves to give gifts, and I don't love to have a lot of stuff. It's our compromise and it works, although it is kind of silly that I order my own gifts (my family members are not comfortable ordering online), pay for them and receive the money from them some time after. The biggest gift my partner has given me this year is doing that part for me - I just had to send him a list and he asked my family members who wanted to gift me which item and what their budget was. It's a lot of work to plan this! I felt really loved. But, I have received some good gifts occassionally that I didn't ask for. Try to stay open minded, some things can actually enhance your life. I am more willing to get rid of the unwanted gifts I receive and not see it so much as a burden after I finally realized that my family expresses their love to me when they give me something. And they are more aware of my preferences now and try to give me stuff I can use up :)

[@melissataylor8910]

Everyone I know has a cluttered home. When you go there it’s like I can’t breathe. But that helps me on my minimalist journey. I do have one friend who’s home looks like hobby lobby through up there. It’s very nice and looks pretty but it just seems that everything is matching and her home doesn’t feel like it shows her true personality. My home is a lot of things that have a story. My not match but we love it❤️

[@ElinLesser]

Love that! The idea that everything has a story and shows your true personality? That's great!

[@laurenwrigley7036]

I agree the more you say no the “cooler” you become. Saying no has given me so much more confidence in my choices and that has gone on to influence other parts of my life as well. This confidence or self assurance means I can see something I love and can appreciate where I see it without bringing it home. I give compliments to others more than I ever have before because I don’t see the things they have as competing with what I have.

[@SandyBop-k1d]

Great video! I used to think minimalism meant I had to get rid of almost everything. Now that I have a plan on how to minimize my life, based on my personal needs, it’s not such a burden. I’m disabled, therefore, I need extra because I can’t get out and drive myself when I run out of an item. Once I find a product I really like, I ensure I don’t run out by ordering or purchasing another when I get to the last item. I can’t do laundry as often as I need because I require assistance. I ensure I have enough matched outfits ( at least 10 go to outfits) and underwear, in my wardrobe so I don’t have to worry about the pain of laundry. Minimalism is truly an individual journey, one can only succeed, by assessing your personal needs. 🧘🏽‍♀️

[@sharina4040]

I am going to try these tips! Been trying for years....but I'm not a quitter, hence 2024 it is another journey! TQ

[@littlelulu7403]

Owning less, and finding quality pieces♥️

[@melissaschloneger9902]

This was a very good episode, and I think the reason why is you were very organized in your discussion and your thoughts

[@ro2929]

I love your content! I am a mediumist. I find getting rid of things easy but I like to collect more and redecorate and turn it over. It is fun to give things to friends! Thanks, you are terrific! New subscriber. 😊❤

[@mariannestarchville3808]

God Bless you, i needed a reset talk❤

[@juliejohnson9225]

I really enjoy your videos. I like that they are relatively short, too. They are just enough to keep me motivated and on track.

[@donnarakitzis2719]

This makes so much sense. This is so relatable to me.

[@raerae8801]

I was thinking of revamping my closet, and I thought came up to come and look for your channel. I found you two years ago. And you inspired me to go through my closet and look at what I really have. What have I had for a long time that I have not worn and what do I really love And I started decluttering. And I was just having a conversation with a friend and I realize and I shared with her that I realize I tell myself that if I get rid of it and then when I need it, I won’t be able to find it because it’s a classic and they don’t make quality clothing like they used to. And what I’ve learned to tell myself instead is that if I need itI will find it and I will be able to afford it and it will be quality. So to tell myself the opposite of the lack mentality, the prosperous mentality that I will always have what I need, and I will never lack.

[@cantocant2346]

The shot of your home at 11:47 is so beautiful. I paused the video to really absorb it. I take so much inspiration from your home.

[@desireefederico9160]

Thank you for this video. I watch so many declutter videos yet still struggle with parting with my clothes. My goal for 2024 is to really decide which clothing items i truly love and somehow part with the rest. No more fast fashion. I too have eliminated the haul videos from my library.

[@jodieswife]

I like your channel...this info is very valuable. I'm declutter and your advice is great. Thank you!!

[@raydineseltzer5555]

I have only committed on maybe three videos in several years of watching and I can say I really loved this video. Thank you for today’s video.

[@ElinLesser]

Wow, thank you so much!!

[@mariannestarchville3808]

Thank you for your peaceful presentations

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for the kind comment! :)

[@petermuller4265]

I have been trying to clean out my office. But I have a multi shelf area that is just filled with stuff. I also have a storage unit. I have been working on minimalism for a couple of years. I remove items, and then more come in. I also see all the supply chain issues and feel like if I don't have multiples of something, I may never be able to get it again with what is going on in the world.

[@connellkellymarie3208]

Thank you for your encouragement. You are beautiful, smart, and super cool!!!💖

[@MsBubu26]

#2 is what I’m trying to do. I want timeless pieces now. Finding what works for me 😊

[@brigidbutler4312]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!, Elin! Wise and motivating, so gently, quietly encouraging and just what I needed to hear today

[@debbiefischer945]

❤❤❤ totally enjoying your channel ❤❤❤

[@raydineseltzer5555]

I have only committed on maybe three videos in several years of watching and I can’t say I really loved this video. Thank you for today’s video.

[@natalieguffey3936]

Yes use what you like

[@cwalsh4992]

Really needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Thank you. 😊

[@CAGChannel1]

Until they discontinue the products that work! This is my problem. I can’t get X product I’ve relied on and settled on for years; then I try to find the most similar thing and end up spending waaay too much and ending up with all kinds of stuff I don’t like. I haaaate this cycle. Trader joes is the WORST!! find the perfect hand soap or whatever from there, and, ooops, discontinued.

[@helen1859]

Thank you for giving these inspirational ideas. ❤

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, glad you liked them!

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Great video, Elin! I am a minimalist and have decided that starting in 2024, I am going to be a bit more ruthless with the stuff in my house. Ive been feeling a subtle shift in myself since pulling out all of the Christmas decor. The visual clutter is making me feel stressed and I no longer want to store this stuff. Really feeling that pull to be as minimal as possible. I have some big goals I'd like to reach next year and am feeling as though I have been distracted with my home and crap in it and that I need to change some things before I can begin to change. I think about you often and wonder how you are doing with vertigo?

[@Chrissyhappy]

The same thing has happened to me this year. I’ve spent the year declutterring and the Christmas stuff overwhelmed me. So I got rid of loads and kept a few bits I love. The charity shop were made up to take it all. Especially before Christmas. I feel so much lighter!😊

[@erinnmackie3507]

Any suggestions on how to tell your own mom that she doesn't need to buy you bunch of stuff on christmas? I appreciate the gifts, but I feel like I always end up with things I don't use. I know myself well enough by now to know what I like, what I wear, and what I actually use/need. I want to ask her to stick with a few items that she can afford (i'll admit, i love giving and recieving gifts), not 15 items that i have to politely give back. I'm also thinking about telling her to not fill a stocking for me, considering my boyfriend and i are planning on going somewhere on christmas.

[@cantocant2346]

Excellent video.

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I had decluttered my family history to manly stuff on my ancestry account, but then we were planning a family reunion so I started printing it out and putting it into folders again. Then my father died so the reunion got postponed as the family traveled for my father’s funeral instead of a weekend for the reunion, we had a day in the week for the funeral. I’m presently downsizing and selling my house and moving into a motor home and I will not need this stuff, I need to find a way to repackage this information, maybe a clip system rather than folder.

[@bumblebee_ms]

"Stuff is tricky, they want to hide"...OMG how do they do this, it happens to me all the time. I see it and think how did this get here?

[@ElinLesser]

Agreed!

[@dllamas440]

I really like your videos. What is your skin care routine ? It looks amazing 😊

[@ithacacomments4811]

Gifts from others.....ahhhhhh!

[@ginnylewis2391]

100% I have stopped following channels that constantly have "hauls" - so much waste

[@rmm4123]

I’m always amazed at how frequently they do these hauls-where do you put all of these clothes and when is enough enough?!

[@paigehooban1231]

I watched a video of a Mom doing a playroom/toy rotation/ declutter. I truly was horrified at how many toys they had and were keeping. This is a family that homeschools, preaches intentionality, minimalism, simplicity, etc.. I found it very hypocritical. I guess I am old school but I believe kids don’t need a specific toy to foster every developmental skill. Be creative with a few things. Go outside and gather things. Since when did “sensory tables” become a necessity? 🙃

[@ro2929]

One thing that looks great is to find a way to hide chords.

[@nicoleanagnostou7719]

I struggle with "stick with it" I always want ANOTHER one 😐

[@ElinLesser]

It’s tough! I’m with ya!

[@jolier1313]

How does one stop the urge to collecting things? Why do people feel the urge to collect things?

[@rmm4123]

I think it’s driven a lot by our culture, but also by a biological desire to make sure we never run out in times of potential scarcity. Ya know like a lot of cultures throughout history had to live through.

[@rmm4123]

Or also to try to fill a void that things can never fill.

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

Minimalism is an ilness, collecting art is very rewarding. Full can be organised

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

You are sick😂😂😂

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

Ridiculous, declutter daily and replace, no emptiness😡

[@paigehooban1231]

Please take your negativity elsewhere. If you think minimalism is an illness why are you even watching this video?

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

Go in a convent

[@jmsl_910]

binary fission is happening in my shoe collection!!! thanks for confirming🩵

[@sweetdistin]

This has just had me delting my shopping basket for another of my favourite jumper but in another colour. I know I dont need it but the fomo is real 😂 Great video thank you!

[@princessdumbarton9877]

A few years ago I bought about 6 new sweaters because they were so cheap. I haven't worn one of them.