Minimalism for Beginners - 6 Easy Tips on How To Downsize Your Stuff

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! And if you want to check out our minimalist apartment tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4umZHduZ7KHhdE

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

I LOVE your videos. Been following you guys for a few years now. Are you guys going to be coming through Toronto any time soon? Would love to meet you and your van!!

[@ellenchen1103]

Exploring Alternatives ，

[@alexvidu4517]

Lovely Video! Forgive me for chiming in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you thought about - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (just google it)? It is a great one off product for decluttering your home without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my close friend Aubrey at last got cool results with it.

[@sylviagarcia6880]

For holiday & birthday gifts for me I always tell family & Friends a home made gift is. Appreciated. Salsas, jams,cookies, breads coffee, or movie passes.

[@diysy9431]

I think 💭 the quote that inspires me the most is collect memories not items 😩

[@heidithomas5455]

You can keep pictures and store them on the computer. Less stuff and less space.

[@valenciacuttriss4259]

My daughter decided to give me memories instead of stuff for gifts.She takes me to movies or dinner and l am loving it.

[@chillinretreat5124]

Great tips!!! Got rid of 60000 dollars of debt...now working at optimizing and minimalizimg our home while working towards retiring!!

[@jennykirchner9989]

A Decade To Freedom congratulations

[@conniedetevis2119]

Great job, Congratulations!

[@seaglass8940]

How did you do that!? Thanks!

[@damelzat5309]

Nom DePlume there’s a vid on their Chanel (top of their page) about how they did that!

[@Maggotz4bra1nz]

amazing

[@Noukz37]

I'd just add that for future purchases, start buying the best quality products, so they last longer. That's one bad habit I had from before, buying cheap stuff that fell apart quickly and became useless waste. peace

[@daisygirl111975]

Noukz37 I’ve had to change my habits too...

[@deltaninjadrm]

My mom has gone through atleast 30 one time use cake pans over the course of the past 6 months. Every time she goes to the dollar store, I tell her to buy a reusable cake pan instead. She doesn't take my advice.

[@kallrose1]

Totally agree! I'm a HUGE fan of Dyson products. My daughter in law chided me for spending over $300 for a vacuum (I bought in from HSN with flex pay.) My first one I bought in 2004, it lasted for 10 years. I bought another 4 years ago. My other must have is Kitchen Aid mixer. Very well made and again just bought another one after 14 years. Worth every penny!

[@diysy9431]

Shoot I buy a bunch of 99 cent items

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

@@deltaninjadrm Christmas present

[@Scott-J]

Another way to purge, or just tidy up, is the Konmari method. You approach things functionally. Put all of your clothes in one place. Pick the things that make you happy to wear (or you need for work). Get rid of the rest. Put all of your books in one place. Repeat. Next group, next group, etc... I find when I work room by room I tend to redistribute items to other rooms. So I end up chasing the same junk from room to room. Good tips, good video, thanks!

[@sandybrownonyt]

Scott J, "I end up chasing the same junk from room to room". Great point

[@Phlow]

I wanted to add her method, too. It's the best one and most logic one.

[@turkeybowlwinkle4440]

I started minimalizing about 8 years ago and while I'm still not where I want to be I must be getting closer. A few months ago I had a carpet cleaner do my carpets and when he first came in he looked around and said it looks like no one lives here. I laughed and took it as a compliment.

[@susanbehring3401]

If someone asks me what I want for a holiday I tell them a gift certificate to one of my favorite food or coffee places. Hair salon's certificates are great too.

[@pinkysworn]

So far the most useful tips I’ve been trying to use are the ones about being a more conscious consumer and boxing up the things you think you want to get rid of. I have tiny closets in my house, but one is at least half full of clothes I haven’t looked at since I moved in. It’s going to be nice to get rid of all of them so that I have room for more “probably get rid of” types of items. Slow and steady.

[@Derpster2493]

Two year rule: If you haven't used some item in two years, throw it away. It's very much not essential.

[@teekayrezeaumerah]

Derpster 2 years is a very long time. I practice this but it’s a 3 month period for me. If I haven’t used it in 3 months, it’s got to go !

[@evilclown42]

Two years makes more sense to me. Most the year I don’t do a lot of baking for instance but around November-Jan I do a ton and freeze a lot of it. So most of the year a lot of my cooking and baking stuff goes unutilized but if I got rid of it I’d have to re buy it the next year for winter.

[@itsmeayana3220]

Derpster or even 1 year

[@ellentaylor-king6723]

Tip 1 - set a goal Tip 2 - listen to your instincts Tip 3 - set aside your favourite things (sentimental items) Tip 4 - downsizing Tip 5 - downsize responsibly Tip 6 - change your consumption habits

[@keerthi9907]

Thanks dear!💐

[@crystaludensi-435]

Thanks for this

[@elliebee4232]

This is by far one of the most helpful videos I've seen! Other videos of tiny bare apartments and having only two pairs of pants, 3 shirts and so on had me very stressed and discouraged about my own success at minimalism so far, but I'm glad to see that it doesn't have to mean getting rid of everything you own so much as being mindful of what you really need and what makes you happy. 🙂

[@wronggg]

Digital downsizing is especially overlooked, thanks

[@TheShauNanigans]

This is so true! I'm working on moving right now, but once I'm done unpacking I'm looking forward to unsubscribing from all the sites and deleting everything there, too! It's been extremely neglected.

[@bringsoutbetter]

I have deleted almost 50 apps. Now I feel lighter.

[@puddinggeek4623]

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” ― William Morris

[@testtesttest8479]

Beautiful things give a pleasure too see them in my house

[@christinetaylor5726]

Great video. I have been going through this process myself. It feels so good to get rid of stuff.

[@lindatait5326]

Stopping going shopping as a habit on Saturdays is wonderful! We spend less money and have more time. If we need something we will go directly to the specific store and get it. Why did we not start doing this years ago, so much wasted time, energy and money 😱

[@MelancholyMoondancer]

Great tips! After experiencing a fire (we lost almost everything) I started to become a bit of a minimalist. I have struggled on and off over the last ten+ yrs between having stuff again and getting rid of it. I think you saying right at the beginning that minimalism is individual is great advice! While I don't want a lot of stuff being a knitter, sewist ad geeks it can be a challenge.

[@thatgrumpychick4928]

I like the "this is what we do and what we recommend" elements of your video rather than "this is what you SHOULD do"

[@janeyd5280]

im sure its just a word they have helped to and people who use dont mean to be bossy. dont be a nit picket. these people are only trying to help. you can take their advice or not.

[@abnormal9542]

This was a great video on this subject. Short, sweet & to the point. Good job and thank you!

[@TealHouseFarm]

Thank you for sharing! I don't consider our family minimalists, but we've greatly de-cluttered our lives over the last year. It is such a freeing feeling and makes home life less stressful. Keep up the great work!

[@elleekani]

I am in the process of getting rid of things and oh my goodness! It’s such a lengthy process. I never realized how much junk I kept 😫

[@swethaanthony4958]

All I did was stopped buying and made sure I used all the stuff. And slowly discard them after they broke or were of no use to me.

[@rao433]

Requires a great amount of will power to do that.

[@niharmehta6086]

"don't buy unless you need it" and "fix it if it's broken" are two mantras I swear by. They've genuinely made me happy about the things I own (& happier about the things I don't)

[@trudydavis6168]

@@niharmehta6086 Fix it if it's broken is much harder nowadays. Some things have no more spare parts available or are made so they can;t be fixed so you are forced to replace them..

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

We downsized and threw out and sold a bunch of stuff in our mid-40's...from there, what i do is continual try to throw out, sell and give away a few things every week.....that's been going on for 10 years now...freeing up shelf space...and you HAVE to stop altogether buying "trinkets" and stuff you really don't need even if it's on a fire sale.

[@munirafaquir1837]

Accuracy Marked tnx for your advice I really want to leave with less,,, Less is more

[@madhatter909]

Accuracy Marked, I told my kids no more stuff, I have everthing I need. Just call me and send me a nice card.

[@CasuallyMatthew]

i love that box method where you leave something in the box and if you need it then you actually know. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@alexise.2270]

I'm working on the awareness phase with reducing things coming in. I've had several great moments where I've put things back or left with nothing. This is the area I'm focused on this month. Great, great video!

[@lovelearn5158]

While watching your video, I recalled that I have a drawer full of things, mainly clothes, that I wasn't sure whether I'd use again. I paused the video and have just removed all of the things for recycling!. I'll start refilling the drawer gain and put a reminder in my phone for 6 months time! I'm pleased with this small step in the right direction towards decluttering and simplifying.

[@margaretcooper797]

I do agree, I found downsizing emotionally difficult and advice about this has been so helpful to me.

[@Redivivus613]

Thanks so much for making this video! I knew there was going to be an ideal method for downsizing & adopting a minimalist lifestyle, so I'm very glad that you've created such an informative, well-made video that is simple & right to the point. I'm going to watch your apartment tour now. Please post more on this topic! Thanks again!

[@jokb235]

I am in the process of moving to another state. This has been the ultimate goal for me since I only want to bring what can fit in my car. I really haven't missed anything that I have gotten rid of and it feels great!

[@janeyd5280]

hope you are happy in you new state Johnathon.x

[@haitham5730]

THIS VIDEO have just LET ME find the first step toward chasing MY LIFE PURPOSE... THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU !

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Great info. I've downsized to 3 rooms (in an 8 room house), in prep to cabin living. Its doable.

[@heidithomas5455]

We went from 2100 sqft to 1100 sqft. And eliminated more than half our stuff. It's easier when the kids are teens but our child wasn't and getting rid of toys for her was hard on top of moving so I didn't. I got rid of more of my things to accommodate her. She's autistic and moving was hard enough. Over the first year, and after we were settled, we looked at what she had and what others her age had. She wanted to try to fit in and gave up 2/3 of her things. She's much happier with less clutter. Overall, it was the best thing our family did. We had so much space in the smaller house. If only we had done that in the bigger house....oh well. Live and learn.

[@perezronan2686]

Deleted Facebook than started Minimalism = I am more productive and more in control of what surrenders me. I feel less overwhelemed also.

[@toriwolf5978]

Perez Ronan good job I have never had Facebook and glad I don’t. Not into social media myself.

[@creativecompanion]

During quarantine we hung onto material things more than we normally would. There was so much uncertainty in the world and it became harder to find basic items that we needed in the stores. So, I'm finding that it takes a little more courage and mindfulness to declutter and purge n 2022. However, it feels really good to open up space in our home again and trust that it's okay to let go of those things that we aren't using and that someone else might need. I appreciate your tips here. Thank you!

[@nikkil764]

Perfect timing. Our church is going to have a garage sale. Great time to get rid of things and give to charity at the same time. If I do give away something I later find I need, it’s ok. I gave it to charity so the money I spend rebuying it isn’t wasted.

[@janeyd5280]

well done Monique.x

[@craigslaunwhite579]

Yes the chaos method. Great way to shift things to the next level.

[@Peter_Parker69]

my best tip: take several good pictures of the items you feel sentimental value for and keep them safe in a hard drive and get over it just like your past relationships. nothing is forever

[@PlayinMusic13]

The Friday night knitting club is one of my favorite books!

[@silverfoxjohnson9390]

Timing is everything, just moved from 2 bedroom to a studio, so much waslet go but now I have a plan to downsize and minialize my things! Thank you so much for the tips and tour!!

[@chelle7_myblueeyeddog]

Really impressed with your video. I've watched too many of these types of videos trying to get re-inspired. You video did the trick. Makes me want to get on with it - - now. ☺️ You gave easy concise tips with great explanations. Thank you! You have a new subscriber. 😊

[@lauraflores3678]

I really like your video. It’s very direct to the point, concise and efficient. Your points are very practical and easy to follow. Thank you so much!

[@jeanettenaumiec7784]

Love this video. Thanks for an easy relaxed presentation. Great tips !

[@mimwryip3628]

Thanks for this video! Going through the downsizing process myself as I’m moving into a small apartment next month 🙏🏼 having a hard time parting with my clothes! Lol it will be worth it once I can breath in my future space though 😄

[@SrSrk98]

wow nice tips, along with the tips, I love the crochet blanket...I crochet and was super excited to see the background :)

[@mariahkristinerealtor]

about to go through the downsizing process & get rid of a TON of things, so this video was so very helpful! thanks for sharing 😫😍🙏🏽🙌🏼

[@sallynahass8935]

Thanks for the brief and headed to the point. Respectful!

[@MatthewdePaula]

Great tips. The family factor is a big one, I think -- as loved ones always want to show their care/love through gifts. But if you're persistent and kind in letting them know your lifestyle choice, it eventually sinks in. But that doesn't mean you won't have to remind them periodically, too. :-)

[@Irene-gq4jr]

Really enjoyed your video. My home is far from cluttered but I do have too much stuff. I'm currently on a purge and keep watching videos like yours for inspiration. Many years ago I asked my family to give me candles and bath towels as gifts - things that will be used up or can be donated guilt-free to the local dog shelter. As a cat mum I also asked them NOT to give me cat paraphernalia - it's cats I love, not ornaments and tat!

[@HomeChannelTV]

excellent tips ... really found it helpful.

[@adel8632]

I just came up with Tip #3 a few days ago, and here it is in your video and I didn't need to work so hard to discover it! Such good advice to have a waiting period to deal with emotional/sentimental items... you can't process those things in a day. Eventually, I find that I CAN let go, I just needed to get there emotionally.

[@GnpHiker]

Tip #5 is a bit of my stumbling block for downsizing I really want to find new homes for the items I'm getting rid of or at least find a way to recycle them. I spent probably hundreds of hours trying to find all the pieces and parts to games and toys before giving them away. Its heartbreaking to go to the thrift store and then having the guy collecting the stuff just dump your box of things in his large box (upside down) probably breaking all the breakable stuff and making all the games unusable by dispersing things but trying to give away each item individually would be painfully time consuming. And then there is the large collection of clothes with holes in them. There is no fabric recycling in the area, so I keep them to use as rags (or maybe make a TShirt quilt or other craft project). I have far more rags than I can possibly ever use. It is just hard when the only future place for something is the trash, so I hang onto it hoping that I can find another use or that recycling for that item will come to our area.

[@rachelm7525]

Paperwork! We find it really difficult to decide how long to keep bank-statements and such, and I'm trying to fight the digital habit! Also sentiment is a big problem for us. My husband was one of six and we all bought each other Christmas presents! The guilt of 'so-and-so bought us that' is very powerful especially when family members are no longer with you. I have a great set of tableware which is badly scratched and chipped, and my son asked me the other day: "Why don't you replace it?" "Well, it's the one Christmas present my mother got right" !!! ☺

[@michellethelen6153]

I really like your channel. Canadians are so humble and honest. Yay Canada! (I'm American btw). I wish we had some channels here like this one, so well organized and thoughtfully delivered -- and interesting.

[@soulace3839]

Really helpful video because I think it's easy to get caught up in the idea of minimalism and what it should look like when in reality it will look different for each person based on your lifestyle. Thank you for sharing, peace & love your way! :)

[@booboo1546]

❤ the video...just starting to purge & declutter my over abundance of things i have accumulated...love the tips!! I am going to keep them in mind!! 😃

[@framedfigurefitness4685]

I see the New Earth on your book shelf, one of my favorites!

[@TheTaits08]

Great tips. I'm a minimalist. My husband is not. Our challenge is balancing the two lifestyles. I don't hold attachments to items and he likes to be prepared to hold onto items that may someday be useful. We negotiated to keep items that can be useful but if they aren't used in so many months or a year then we donate those items. We always shop at thrift stores to keep our purchases budget friendly and only buy when absolutely needed or borrow from a friend.

[@tabiripetrovich517]

TheTaits08 generally speaking it's the other way around: husband is a minimalist by default and last is not a minimalist by default. you guys are extraordinary :)

[@tabiripetrovich517]

R K and you don't?

[@crissyf79]

Uggh. I have this issue too. My husband hates getting rid of anything. On the other hand, I am ruthless and prefer to have very few things around me.

[@kestrels.9189]

Sounds like Matt D’Avella. His girlfriend isn’t a minimalist check him out as well.

[@palestblue]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. So straight forward and helpful

[@MsChucklebunny]

Great video! Thank you for sharing! I would love to see a video on being a minimalist artist/ crafter

[@naomizacharias8767]

I love that your video format is also very concise and minimal.

[@jacryan2004]

tip number two is the greatest minimalising tip ive ever heard! my home doesnt look very minimalist per say but everything has a function. even my kids gave away their toys coz its less clutter - but youngest kept books. i have mae the decision to start goin thru cupboards, clothes and pantry one by one so its less overshelming for me. same with the bathroom. i was most impressed by minimalist apaprtment tour! though i couldnt live there with two teenagers, im pretty happy with how minimalist they are....thanks for the inspiration :-)

[@funnytime1111]

I hate to be that person, but that snake plant needs help. Maybe put it closer to a window? Show it some love!!

[@jayalexander6798]

Allison Acosta 😘😘😘

[@aurasoular6804]

Lol right

[@pawsnotclaws2772]

Allison Acosta lol

[@TDLTheDailyLife]

Great video! I really like Tip#5. While I already do that, I never thought of it like that, or at least not phrased it like that. But I really like it, I think it was well said.

[@gailthorpe2070]

Thank you for making sense, so many miminimising vids are too complicated. And I love the crocheted throws! XX

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks So much Gail, happy you enjoyed the video :)

[@jamieh3397]

Helpful balanced tips, thank you

[@catherinejessen]

Now I feel motivated to clean my room. Thank you :)

[@mandmgirlHeidiK]

Great tips I been a minimalist for a few months and still learning.

[@ahoardersheart]

Great tips! I struggle with hoarding so this helps me towards my goal of freeing myself of my hoarding habits

[@kaepsele0711]

Ty for the tips! I started downsizing years ago and now I'm picking it up again. This time the focus is on other stuff. I started with my instincts but now I get to know more concepts/ methods of this process. I can recommend the Marie Kondo method. I especially like point number one, two and five!!!!

[@MsLindawoods]

Great video. You guys are one of my favourite minimalist. Video was so humble and simple. I love it

[@yukonjack21]

Thanks for a very reasonable and easy to follow method. It's VERY HARD for some of us older people to get rid of our stuff for us it's MEMORIES that we feel we are sacraficing. So much of it belonged to loved ones that are no longer with us. Love the idea of putting them away long before giving away, then months later, don't look in the box, if you haven't missed it, donate it. A bit less painful that way. I am trying...I know MY kids don't want to deal with all my stuff later :) I try to remember I am doing it for them which is better than saving it for them haha

[@burningmanmike]

thank you for your tips. i am editing everyday, and discovering that it is a process. a little here, a little there. if i bring something into our house, something's got to leave. trying a 1 in, 2 out method to accelerate the downsizing/rightsizing process, and to eliminate clutter.

[@freefallingintograce4634]

Amazing tips - so helpful! Thank you

[@toodlebug8852]

As for gifts from others, I tell people to get me things I need and will use up. I give them a list of my preferred household cleaners, detergents, soap, toiletries, makeup, etc. I love getting gift bags full of things I use every day.

[@FarooqKifayat]

I lived abroad and uncertainty and lack of permanency made me a minnimalist. Buying things just makes the grind bearable and is good therapy.

[@TheBugbugboy]

love the box idea

[@liesjekist3125]

I’m cleaning my childhood room and its really overwhelming so this is really helpfull!❤️

[@dandeangeli9860]

I really like the MINIMAL use if instructions...you get a lot of essential truths in a very short video

[@burningmanmike]

i've found that many wool items, lie lightweight wool dress shirts do not require special care or dry cleaning. once worn, simply hang the shirt in a well ventilated area. it will smell nice all on its own. however, if you happen to soil it, or perspire heavily in it, hand washing then dressing it will freshen it up without dry cleaning and its use of chemicals. another tip....buy the best/highest quality of goods you can afford for items you know you will keep a very long time. garden tools, power tools, clothing, housewares, appliances, etc... if you buy cheap, you might find yourself replacing those items a few, to many times throughout your life.

[@ellafadzillah]

These are very helpful tips. I have been trying to downsizing for a year and going through my things slowly

[@nataliaaabx]

This really put things into perspective for me and made the process so much less overwhelming and possible, thanks :)

[@dody889]

Thank you❤️

[@shenise1294]

Very helpful and straight to the point; thank you.

[@Knittingilove]

YOu have a beautiful crochet blanket behind you - thank you for sharing :)

[@Libri_amore_e_fantasia]

Knitting I Love Imho the crochet blanket should be the first to go.... sorry!!

[@cameliap1146]

@@l.2008 : sorry, but the look counts also ( and very much !) So...as Mariateressa, I say the crochet blanket should be the first next to go ! My eyes are bleeding 😂😭😂

[@111-g9r9p]

@@cameliap1146 Absolutely agree.

[@justfloating3944]

Some really great tips I've not heard before. Thanks!

[@conniedetevis2119]

Thank you for these great tips and making this video and sharing it with us.

[@thedeepend4419]

Great video. You guys are one of my favourite channels.

[@PHDinMeTV]

Thanks for sharing 🌸

[@IP-wb9st]

Great video. Thanks!

[@lifetobelived9102]

I really like your sorting ideas. So many times people say just let it go or take a picture of it. For me on some stuff taking a picture isn't enough. I will say I do prioritize items like say my grandma by thinking about how many other things I have from her. That way the minor items which I really have no attachment to other than they were from my Grandma can be let go.

[@briannab5296]

Great tips! ... love your voice, could listen to you speak all day.

[@evelina2363]

Interesting video as usual, your insight is precious. I would be curious to know if and how the periods you spend in homes in between travels (i.e. house sitting or renting as in your recent apartment) affect your minimalist attitude. Do you find you go back collecting (relatively) more stuff when you are not nomad? Do you find it hard again to get back to the minimal van lifestyle or has it become second nature? Do you need to purge your belongings again after spending time in a home before going back to traveling? I’d love to hear more about that!

[@solascripturamjc9681]

Very easy, helpful tips! Thanks!

[@bumblebeez1995]

Can you make a video on how to tell someone that you don’t want material items as gifts and would prefer gift cards or cash as an alternative because you don’t want anymore clutter or you’re living in a small space without a lot of room

[@timdougherty657]

Courtney Gough how about telling friends or family six months in advance of what you'd like for your birthday or Christmas gifts. That way they begin to get the idea you don't want clutter. Friend of mine hates getting "stuff" for his birthday and let's everybody know. :-)

[@janeyd5280]

or you could ask them to donate to a good charity of your choice.! x

[@angelita_bandita]

Good ideas, I appreciate the tips! ❤ I couldn't help but notice you are left-handed. So am I! 😃

[@vegiinbarbadosvg6005]

Some great tips - thank you

[@FlyingLight001]

I love u guys lol. You've changed my life man

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's awesome, thanks for positive vibes🙂🙂

[@frauleinparrenas653]

Love your alternative ideas

[@cartoonmark75]

Great information thanks

[@doylestown8]

This was great advice. As a side note, if you still have your snake plant, you are probably overwatering it. That’s the reason the leaves are all flopping over.

[@drpoorvakulkarni8473]

You have a very pleasant and calm demeanour. Love from India 🙏