Becoming a Minimalist | Minimalism Tag

[@PsychicKathleen]

One of the thought processes that happens as you age is the desire not to burden your loved ones, when you pass onto spirit, with having to deal with loads of your STUFF. I see that a lot in Victoria where the population of the aged predominates (as I'm sure you know :) ) However no one really knows how long they have to live and I think it can help serve as a guide for those seeking minimalism. If you were to die today how much of a challenge would your STUFF present to the grieving loved ones you've left behind? I have clients who have been burdened for months and in some cases over a year working to distribute, donate, sell stuff their loved one has left. It's emotionally painful enough to cope with the loss without this added burden!

[@MyNijahDarling]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm beginning the first steps of my minimalism journey and your story is so motivating!.

[@MyGreenCloset]

MyNijahDarling Thank you so much! I wish you the best of luck with your minimalism journey! It can sometimes be challenging but it's also really rewarding :)

[@suzannealbary246]

Thanks for the video! I've found that the more I get rid of, the easier it gets. I started off pretty small (one item a week, then one a day), and now I can easily clear a whole shelf/cupboard without feeling the need to hold on to anything that I don't use regularly, or has real sentimental value and I love.

[@DivirtaseOrganizando]

I've watched almost all of your videos by now and I am falling in love with the minimalist style more and more every day. Keep it simple!

[@MetalNettle]

The neckline on your top is beautiful! It suits you so well x

[@pkeele]

I agree, no counting your items for the average minimalist. Sticking to a number just because it is a number is just as mindless as having no limits at all. We've got to make our own rules and have just what we/our family needs and not more.

[@WatchMeDress]

Love this video since having my daughter I have been really trying to get my husband on board with trying minimalism.

[@lumay1966]

I'm so glad you did this. I'm enjoying everyone's answers. It's very interesting that you came to minimalism via environmentalism.

[@pitita585]

Hi there! This is the first video I've watched of yours, and I don't comment all that often but I had to say when you mentioned the quote by William Morris I got so excited! That quote has been my mantra as well whenever I've spent any time purging, cleaning, and organizing. I have said it to myself many times when I have been unsure or had difficulty keeping something, and more often than not, I have gotten rid of it. I also loved and appreciated your thoughts on counting item. I have noticed a low level of competitiveness in the "minimalist" community, where people argue that one person has too many things and that they shouldn't be allowed to call themselves minimalists. But just as with most lifestyle changes, everyone's circumstances are different and there should never be judgement when were all doing our best to progress as individuals. Thank you for a great video 😊

[@MyGreenCloset]

Lemon Flower That quote really does help with decision making, "Is it useful? nope... Beautiful? nope... Then it's gone!" :) I'm really happy you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting!

[@juliabrummer3302]

I'm a fashion design student from Brazil and as a minimalism lover I make my own clothes because I know how violent and bad the fashion industry is. My dream is move to Germany, I hope to meet you someday. Congrats for the channel!

[@Aya-em7ci]

Thank you for this video, this is so on point. It is scary how I can relate, on every point! Glad to find this kind of content on youtube as well :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Aya Brace I'm so happy you like it! I'm always excited to meet and connect with like-minded people on youtube, thanks for commenting! :)

[@FrigidWhisper]

Family giving gifts is the hardest thing. I have told them over and over that I am trying to minimize my belongings but they believe in having a lot of stuff because it might be needed one day. It bites bologna when I get something and then have to find another item to donate or discard. I believe in if you bring and item in the house (non-perishable) then an item must leave the home of equal size or value (or a multiple of items to make up that one brought in).

[@frenchiesironies]

Hello ! I have been looking for channels about minimalism for a long time and here they are now. I am so glad that other people share this on youtube. I wanted to start a youtube channel but I am still figuring out what content I really want to produce (definitely a part of this will be about minimalism). I have been looking for a nice starting video, and I think this tag is the one. This is really interesting to here other people's take on minimalism. Your tag was entertaining and your channel inspires me to start one. Wish you the best for this year and hopefully you will be making more videos on your channel ;) ! Cheers from France

[@MyGreenCloset]

Frenchies Ironies Thanks! Best of luck with your channel :)

[@racheljones9644]

Christmas was a big issue this year. My mother shows her love by giving gifts and she loves to give lots of it with a theme. It would insult her if I told her not to, which I have. So this year, I took a big trip to Goodwill the day after Christmas.

[@thevilepoet]

This is such a fun tag! Thanks for sharing!

[@ridiculousspider]

I love watching your wardrobe videos. I would be interested in Q&A style videos but also a room tour (maybe the kitchen), your makeup (if that is part of your minimalism journey), and how/where you buy clothes that are in line with your views on sustainable and ethical practices. Also, in one of your wardrobe videos, you are wearing your boots untied in one outfit. How do you get them to stay on and not have the lace ends hanging down?

[@MyGreenCloset]

ridiculousspider thanks so much for the suggestions! I'll definitely do a makeup and how/where I shop videos in the new year! I'm currently living in a temporary place so can't really do a room tour, but I will when I move somewhere more permanent :) I love wearing those boots untied! I think it has a lot to do with boots and laces (they're thicker, not slippery, and not too long) but all I do is pull the laces tight over the foot area and they stay on really well. They are also laced a little differently- the top 2 holes on each side, instead of crossing the laces to the other side, they go into a hole on the same side (sorry this is kind of confusing to describe...) which I think helps them not fall out. Hope that made sense!

[@a91170]

I am not a minimalist, but I recon I have waaaay too much stuff, so for my birthday I've asked my friends to donate to animal shelters.

[@ohsoparisienne]

oh never heard from this TAG. But I love you point of view about the minimalism thing, it's more than just starting a 333 challenge it's to live with less but more meaningful and qualitative gewd things. Since I started to work in the interior industry I was shocked to learn more about the fabrics and work and why it's so ceap. I know rather spend 50bugs for a thick white cotton shirt instead of 4 or I rather invest in a gewd handmade table or chair instead. Totally fell in love with youe videos. Thanks for that. Hopefully you enjoy cologne :) Bisous from Berlin

[@Naniminnaful]

This was an interesting tag. I loved your response. You are right when it comes to minimalism and people being entitled to live the way they like. Over time I learned that lesson with my father. Just because I became a vegan didn't mean he had to even if it would benefit him greatly. It took years to learn that lesson, and lots of wars between each other because he was trying to push me to return to eating meat as well. About the counting thing, I completely agree. If you love these things, use them on a daily basis, then what does it matter how many you have as long as it's not clutter? Everyone's definition is different from someone else's, and everyone's situation is different. If you have kids, you keep things for your children's development and education. So, Minimalism is a work in progress for my family as we figure out what we need, and don't. It seems like we are *almost* to the point of having everything we need/love/use.

[@MyGreenCloset]

***** That's great! Yeah I think the ideas of minimalism- evaluating, focusing on what's important and editing out things that just take up space in your home/life can be used in all kinds of situations and end up looking different for each person. :) Sounds like you're making minimalism work well for you!

[@Naniminnaful]

I absolutely cannot wait to see more of your videos on minimalism! They are extremely inspiring! Even with kids and a crazy family life, the things that you do can be applied to other things in the household.

[@NSLBC]

you were very concise in your explanations. Good video!

[@MyGreenCloset]

NSLBC Thank you!

[@ShesSayingSomething]

I've been researching minimalism and I'm glad I found this video and your channel. Keep it up!!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Saleina Bailey Thanks! I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@jackfordmac]

Thanks for posting. Very much appreciate it!

[@RoseyNYC]

My parents are hoarders so it's literally hard for be to go through this journey

[@999manman]

I feel your pain. I grew up with people who were more or less hoarders. You just have to carve out your own little space and discreetly rid the house of superfluous items a little at a time.

[@SimpleFull]

I love how eco friendly you are!

[@mrt169]

33 yrs old...bought the house, the vehicles, and a LOT of stuff to put in the house... I'm starting to downsize and go back to a simple life. Your stuff will own you...

[@MyLuckyGirlEra]

I completely agree with you! Got my own apartment recently and started paying for rent, organic food, utilities, transportation, etc... I came to a realization that surviving in this world is alot more expensive than people think. I've basically had to eliminate my bad impulsive buying habits.

[@mrt169]

yes I will confess, I bought in to alot of societies brainwashing about what is really important. The only thing that REALLY matters is friends and family...and a decent place to live

[@worshipcatalyst1]

I'm 33 and am in the middle of a purging phase.

[@caycthulhu7595]

Do you have any recommendations for books on minimalism?

[@SaraMitchell09]

I think the gifts is hard. We have asked our families not to buy us Christmas / Birthday gifts for years and every year we end up with stuff. We have a lot of stuff still sitting in gift bags that will most likely get donated. We do buy experiences (dinners / trips / theme park tickets) for family and friends rather than tangible items.

[@center852]

Fearless features. Noble voice. The beauty of such as if the time would stop.

[@spencer1046]

Quick question. Having just gone through the festive period how did you deal with this? It's generally a time of year when consumerism is absolute full flow.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Spencer Payton It definitely is, but I think it's good to just tell people you don't want stuff. This year was a little different for me since I spent it away from my hometown, but generally I like to focus on doing fun activities. It's also the perfect time of year to do cookie swaps, dessert parties, beer/wine tasting parties, potlucks and other food-related things with friends or family- share food instead of presents! Depending on your family and friends it can be difficult, but I've found that once you bring it up it turns out a lot of other people don't want things either. I'm fortunate that my family is actually really good about gift giving, focusing on things that are needed or consumables, so I haven't had any big problems. If you want to do a gift exchange, a great thing to suggest/do is to give 'experiences' - restaurants, movies, classes, concerts, sport events - whatever they're into. For the last few years my husband and I have be doing a holiday weekend trip somewhere, we pick a place together and then as a 'gift' plan an activity the other person would enjoy. Creating experiences and memories is so much better than stuff. :)

[@Sarahsayhello]

Wow this is really cool I loved it!!! I am getting really into minimalism i love hearing people who i can relate with :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Sarah Woods Glad you enjoyed it, best wishes with your minimalism journey!!

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

Hi! I'm in the early stages of downscaling stuff prior to a move in the summer. It's going well and I can't wait for the big purge pre-packing! :-) I'm like you in that I'm never likely to be into counting items. I already have a religion and so I don't want to make one out of either my diet or level of possessions. LOL! My answer to #6 would be very similar, although i don't really consider it 'guilty' as per the question wording. I'm an embroideress and have a good collection of fabrics and esp thread. I can't see that downsizing much. Having said that, it doesn't have to.:-) If I can reduce my 1000-ish books to about 500 this summer and around 200 in the long-term, I'll be happy. Good vids, thanks!

[@mishellesleepytime]

I love this tag :) I love the environmental benefits of minimalism it's one of my main motivators :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

mishellesleepytime That's awesome!

[@mishellesleepytime]

Oh absolutely. It is almost impossible to find certain products that are manufactured in an ethical manner too, and especially on a moderate budget. When I buy a product that I'm not at ease with the ethics of the production process (for example my laptop I'm typing on) I always make sure I use that product until it breaks down. It's frustrating to see people who for example, get a new phone every time a new model is released. That is consumerism at it's worst for me.

[@Simplydor]

I haven't had a chance to watch all of Ur vids But I'm curious to 1) Do U practice/Fallow the 1 in 1 out Rule ? 2) Do thrift Shop (( thirft store, garage sales, flea market etc. ) ? (( to keep things out of the Landfills )) 3) do U repurpose things ?

[@MyGreenCloset]

DorPurseFreak Thanks for your questions! I don't do 1 in 1 out but I do try to limit the space I have available for certain items; for example, since I've been moving around a lot my clothes all fit into a suitcase and large backpack and if I bring in items that won't fit anymore, something has to go. I love thrift shopping! I really enjoy finding beautiful, unique pieces and I also believe it's one of the most sustainable ways to shop. I also re-purpose things. I like to mend, up-cycle, and get crafty if possible. However there is a balance with this, because I used to hang onto items because I was "going to do something with them" and they just sat around... So now I give myself a time limit and if nothing has been done with the item in that time it has to go.

[@Simplydor]

That's Great ! I'm sure we would all love to see some of Ur upcycles 😊

[@chrlttspncr]

Just found your channel + watched every video, greatly enjoyed and very informative, keep it up!!!

[@MyGreenCloset]

CC Spencer aww thanks so much!! It's so nice to hear encouraging comments :D

[@pedroparedes2618]

Great video. Happy I came across your channel.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Pedro Paredes Thanks! :)

[@davidarbelaez4395]

Minimalism is a life changer.

[@n_7458]

Your top is so beautiful!

[@korynnininm]

My one weakness is art but I find it fine since I buy it all from local artists

[@auroramothergoddess]

So what did u replace shopping with ?

[@MyGreenCloset]

If I want to spend time with friends instead of going shopping together we now go for coffee/lunch/drinks or just do something else we both enjoy. Personally I replaced shopping with doing things I enjoy like drawing, hiking, reading, exploring, sewing, knitting, and other hobbies :)

[@auroramothergoddess]

that's cool thanks!:)

[@HannaRender]

This is so inspiring.

[@lotte89green]

I Really enjoyed your video.. how come you moved from Canada to Germany? Nice background btw. Would love to see the rest of the room. Only if you'd like to share. Best wishes from a city near Cologne

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks lotte89green! I mostly moved because I was ready for a change and always wanted to learn German. Plus Berlin has a great growing sustainable fashion industry that I'm hoping to work in. :) I'm excited to do some travelling around Germany this summer- if there are any places or cities you recommend visiting please let me know!

[@Thrark]

My Green Closet Hamburg is definitely worth visiting (not saying this just because I live here) and I'd say it is the most beautiful city in the entirety of Germany, if you like the feeling of a city with a harbor vibe. It is difficult for me to recommend any other cities as my top 3 are Hamburg, London and Vancouver so Hamburg is the only city in Germany I really enjoy.

[@MyGreenCloset]

rakkkar Hamburg sounds lovely, I definitely want to visit there this summer!

[@Thrark]

My Green Closet You should, I think you'll love it. If you are on the lookout for a good restaurant I can recommend either Hans im Glück, they serve tons of different burgers with good salad and amazing drinks, a lot of the burgers are also vegan and vegetarian, or you visit Schönes Leben in the HafenCity which is just a really good restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a solid food selection, even with a veggie menu.

[@THEisaacG]

I enjoy my gaming PC. That's the only thing I will always keep... maybe I'll turn it into a micro-itx build once cooling technology catches up.

[@sonyafby]

you're lucky that you don't have a gifts issue in your family. i wish i could call off gifts for grown ups in our family but i don't think it would go down very well!

[@MyGreenCloset]

I feel lucky, dealing with unwanted gifts can be really difficult! I'd love to see a video with your perspective on gift giving and receiving as a minimalist- what you do, and if you have any tips!

[@sonyafby]

My Green Closet maybe i've missed the boat for a minimalist gift giving video... next year! one thing i'm going to do for my birthday next year is to put on the invitation 'no gifts'. i thought about it this year but didn't and then received several items that... *coughs*... maybe didn't stick around for long...

[@pkeele]

I just posted a video on receiving too many gifts. It mostly pertains to my daughter these days, but my mom still comes over for a visit with a bag of stuff - every. single. time. It's a nice problem, but still a problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGLNXquPprWtna8

[@Kevin-ob2nl]

Thanks for your post. I am starting to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. I've recently taken on the task of de-clutttering y father's home for eventual sale. I stopped receiving gifts years ago (surprising how many people took this as revolutionary) and typically only give gifts that equate to time spent with loved ones (ex: bought brother's family a movie gift card so they could all see a family film together). If you have any good books, resources, or tips I'd be glad to hear them.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Kevin Conn That sounds awesome, enjoy the journey! :) I really like theminimalists.com and zenhabits.net for blogs, project333.com is a great structured approach to reducing clothing, I haven't read it yet, but The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo is supposed to be a really good book, it's next on my list, and there are also tons of youtube videos and channels on a variety of topics and areas of minimalism. Hope that helps, best wishes!

[@johnarmlovesguam]

I share your views on the materialist world. Keep up the good work. If you haven't read Diogenes...you will find minimalism is founded in ancient Greek philosophy.

[@kagame6524]

My 2015 Resolution: #minimalism

[@MyGreenCloset]

Axel Ntwari I hope you have an amazing year and enjoy the simplifying process! :)

[@cheesecakeplzzz]

You're beautiful, nice video! I'm working my way towards minimalism :)

[@DanniiiiA]

I guess I'm already a minimalist.

[@XDAKOTA]

u should be a model