3 SIMPLE STEPS TO MINIMALISM | How to get started pursuing a minimalist lifestyle

[@emmy8526]

I stayed in student housing during a trip a while back: white walls, basic furniture, no extraneous furnishings. At first it seemed kind of bleak, but during the days I spent there, I noticed how much calmer and more thoughtful I felt, and more focused on my outside environment, activities and people. The memory of that feeling has really stayed with me and motivated significant gradual decluttering, while also reducing temptation to refill my space. The feeling of lightness is too good! I do have a couple of collections that give me too much joy to give up, but my living space is so much roomier and with so many fewer objects that were more irritating than useful.

[@AhmetKaan]

*“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending...”* *―C. S. Lewis*

[@DemetriPanici]

*“Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves.” -Edwin Way Teale*

[@mariafromgermany]

I knew before I started why I wanted to own less, I had already figured out that owning so much, in itself, was stressful for me. I like to be flexible and every unnecessary possession was weighing me down. Slowly though, I realised another perk of owning less and spending less. It makes me feel more secure, more aware of myself, in a way. It makes me less scared of bad things happening, because I know I don't need much. Less scared of losing or breaking things I own. You would think owning less would make you more attached to the things you have, but for me, it was the opposite.

[@lorettapressler2838]

I really needed to see this tonight! I’m so lost at where I need to start on this journey! I grew up without a lot, and my parents moved around a lot and I had the basics,and I started working when I was about 13 in my dads store as a cashier after school and weekends and I never had a real childhood. It was a very dysfunctional family.As soon as I was 18 I moved out and went to college,became a RN and worked for the next 45 years. I’m 71y/o now, I never married or had any children, and can say that I have had a wonderful life. I made up for my not having much as a child and now I have way too much stuff! My home is full of Stuff and I’m having trouble with trying to downsize and I love everything I have! I have traveled to many countries and I always got a little piece of jewelry in the place’s I went and treasure’s that I love and now I don’t know what to do with it! I’m not very close with my brother’s, and they do their own thing and have families and both live 2K miles from me and have their own lives and families. One of my best friends of 40 years recently passed away very unexpectedly and I’m at a loss in trying to move forward and get my home uncluttered and what to do with my stuff! I hate to throw anything away but as you said the money is already spent, and I have been taking some stuff to Good Will, but I can’t seem to get motivated to do anything with it. I don’t know where to start and how to start! Any suggestions? Thanks! I need to find a Slice of Light 💡

[@marywhyte8484]

I know people often downsize memory items by taking pictures of things and making a photo album (and then donating the items), or by creating a memory box of things you want to keep. When you have a physical limit of what treasures you can keep, you focus on what to keep, rather than what to get rid of. Whatever items are left when you are done putting in your favorites, need to be donated/sold. This also makes the box the limit, rather than asking yourself whether you use it or love it, which can still leave you with too many items. I hope your journey is going well!

[@imchelsmeyer]

I’m sure you’ve heard this a ton but your voice is so soothing to listen to! You speak so calmly and thoughtfully! I love the content you share and hearing you share it!! ❤️

[@trishmitchell4548]

As an avid viewer of minimalism KZbin videos I have to HIGHLY COMMEND you on this video: intelligent, pragmatic, seeking depth and values-based this is the type of content that actually brings about change. Kudos and thank you for sharing 🙌🏻⭐️💕

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so so much! This means a lot. :)

[@melesandecarrington7884]

I really liked where you said to start with the space you spend a large amount of your time. My desk used to be so clear and slowly so much clutter has appeared! I’m going to start there :)

[@dianasimplifies]

We had to redo our bedroom floor and so that meant we had to move into a much smaller space for months while hubby worked on the floor situation. If you ever want to reduce your collecting, this might do it! Lol! I got rid of lots of books, decor I wasn’t using, some extra furniture and tried to only keep sitting out what I really care about. I have some stuff packed away I have not gotten rid of yet but my house is much more simple now and we had a couple of friends over last night for dinner for the first time since our mini remodel. 💜💜💜great video thx!

[@mauraronda1265]

It’s totally selfish. I want more time and not have to worry about stuff. It’s a game changer! Thank you. Great video

[@DrJessicaLouie]

This is a great 3 step process Elin! I also love starting with WHY and gaining clarity of our ideal lifestyle before jumping into simplifying or decluttering. The WHY will help us longterm to Clarify, Simplify and then Align everything together.

[@dreamweaver3761]

Very helpful. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@yeniruano43]

All your videos are very helpful!! Thank you for your time and advices!

[@annetteelder-clark505]

Stopping collecting Converse sneakers is a constant struggle for me. I know I love the nostalgic feelings I get when I wear them. I feel cute & happy. Because I'm downsizing I let go of clothes without a blink. I sold purses & didn't bat an eye. But there is a Converse outlet here in Nashville & they stock printed & colorful sneakers. I realize I'm a Converse addict & now have to avoid that mall altogether. I have 11 pairs & I just can't sell em or give em up. I haven't purchased any new pairs in 2021. I've seen about 4 new colors I'd buy in a heart beat, but I keep telling myself "NO!" I even found a work around, I told my loved ones I want Converse for Christmas. See, I'm terrible. Truly, this is an addiction.

[@dianasimplifies]

Oh wow I’m near Memphis and didn’t know Nash had a converse outlet. Cool! I actually think it’s ok to collect a few of something that you love and enjoy. Sounds like you are on the right track not getting any new ones all year, great job!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ingerfalch-jacobsen1717]

I don't know if I have ever wanted to pursue a minimalist lifestyle, but the ideas certainly appealed to me from the first time I heard about it (or maybe it was the second or third time I heard about it, but the first time it registered). So the why was pretty obvious, and at the same time irrelevant - I just felt a rush of freedom, a reassurance that I didn't have to hold onto items I didn't need, didn't use, didn't like. I started to get rid of the most obvious items, and then it kinda got rolling - the more I declutter, the more I see I can declutter, the more I feel I can live without. I don't follow any strict order - I tackle one small section at a time, or just pick up something that catches my attention in a negative way.

[@jasonmims5057]

Ive been decluttering cause I'm planing on buying my first condo soon and I've given away so much clothes to the goodwill it's like I can't believe I had all this crap.

[@junelovvorn3221]

I just found you today and I thoroughly loved this video. I have watched several. I liked and subscribed !!

[@ElinLesser]

Yay I’m so glad! Thanks for joining :)

[@lilybethjezzabelletaduranf9374]

Thank You For This ~Sooo Helpful+OhIJustAdoreWhiteShirts😁😁😁IHaveWayTooManyOfThose🥰🥰🥰

[@annamarieholstpahus8910]

Good points! What’s your side hustle? 🇩🇰😉

[@ElinLesser]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/sliceoflight10211

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🙂

[@DiegoB0525]

How do you suggest going about staying a minimalist if I also want to become a food prepper? Someone suggested to keep things hidden under my bed, I think that's one way. Do you have any other ideas?

[@dianasimplifies]

I am doing some food prepping and also have some extra supplies. After I cleared out all the clutter, I had space in closets to store extra food and supplies. I’m not a minimalist though. I just call it “simplifying” 😆

[@DiegoB0525]

@@dianasimplifies hehe. I simplified already, I just don't want to get out of hand and start buying a lot of stuff again.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@DiegoB0525 yep but when you see all those cargo ships just sitting out there and the stores around you have certain shelves cleared it’s kind of an eye opener. The stores around us are not getting their trucks in a timely manner and the trucks they get are not full. I hear the cashiers discussing it when I go in. I don’t want to go overboard either but I do like to eat! Ha!

[@DiegoB0525]

@@dianasimplifies yes I saw a lot of videos about that. That's why I want to be prepared before people freak out. I'm even planning on growing my own vegetables, even though I live in an apartment. I have a little patio so I can easily fit 2-3 tablets there.

[@s.sflower]

Yes, store things under the bed. Use closets wisely. You can even store things behind the couch or in any corner. Being a minimalist can help with prepping if anything, you'll have more money and space to store important things for an unexpected event.