My Essentials as a Minimalist

[@recorder71]

Finally...a minimalist KZbinr talking about the benefits of having a library card! As both a minimalist, and a library employee, I have been waiting for someone to talk about how wonderful the library is for so many reasons and so many people! Thanks for championing us!!!

[@NicholasGarofola]

So under-utilized! Hope I can spread the word, and thanks for watching Michael!

[@Icynova]

Between the physical, and the electronic download option, it’s priceless.

[@jeremyhelquist]

I’ve had a library card for several decades (regardless of where I’ve lived). I used to tote boxes and boxes of books with me each move. The reason I love the library is I’m still a lover of physical books, but they don’t have to clutter up my space by owning. Also a lot of library have discount (or free) passes to museum, events, zoos, free media accounts for shows and music, not to mention ebooks. Awesome!!

[@recorder71]

@@jeremyhelquist Absolutely! We are a community hub that offers way more than books! Many libraries now have seed collections, tool sharing, museum passes, musical instrument borrowing, toys, as well as many things that most folx don't think of!

[@mjt1517]

There's too many people and you have to bring back the books. I prefer my own private library. But, I'm not a minimalist, so...

[@jimkrause2416]

Bravo! I’m 66 years old and have lived by the rule of quality over quantity, living below my income level throughout my adult life, free of debt and worry. It’s refreshing to see the younger generation embrace the same lesson.

[@FA7ALtheGOD]

I stumbled across this channel after losing my minimalist mindset and now I'm looking forward to decluttering my life again, just wanna say thank you for the inspiration.

[@davidpacheco3619]

Same here! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@danarossa]

Same. I moved into a smaller flat and suddenly realized I own too much

[@lionrugissant]

same! i forgot my minimalist mindset as well and stumbled across this channel in my recommended and this is just what i need to get back!!

[@theboredprogrammer1114]

You're the minimalist that is finally close to my lifestyle preference except for the library thing as it is not a thing in my city. I usually just use my iPad to store pdfs/ebooks or borrow my husband's kindle for a quick read. As a woman, my variations are: 1. Good backpack- I have 2. One is plain black one that I have for years and it is used for quick trips both locally and overseas. One is also black but a smaller and sleeker backpack good for strolls around the city. Quite fashionable but it encases my essentials well 2. For my hair, I usually maintain it at shoulder level and I took the time and trial and error to learn to cut my own hair. I am confident of this now that I just cut or even color my own hair. Shoulder level hair or sometimes a bob saves me time and products to maintain my hair. 3. Fashion-wise, I have come into a stage in my life to value clothes not by brand or trend, but on how often and how long can I still wear it

[@unicornshark5527]

I started to get teary eyed when you said how old your cat was even if it was a small joke (I am autistic) ... But Too many people cycle through pets like disposables and I'm so happy my cat Titan (Mr. Stinky) is 6 years old. About the same amount I've been married for to my husband. And I'm actually happy you brought that little point up in your video. Thank you. 🥰

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you Reieny!

[@Spectreblu]

Loving the added bits of personality and humor throughout this video, really enjoying the flow of it! Library cards are super underrated too, the amount of things people can borrow like wifi hotspots or deals on things like museum tickets is huge

[@NicholasGarofola]

Exactly! Thanks for watching Nicholas!

[@RatnikCarrick]

As someone who recently ended up without the support system I had for years, minimalism is something I am trying to embrace. It's hard giving up on stuff I got used to over the years, but the reality of life makes the transition necessary. Thank you for this channel.

[@Nobroemo]

I’m really enjoying the advice on quality items over having less quantity and it feels really important to spread the message that minimalism doesn’t mean owning nothing. There’s too many of those channels out there, and it makes me appreciate yours all the more. I think your subscribers deserve a 25k Q & A (it rhymes) 😬

[@Nobroemo]

You could also make a Patreon for exclusive content and to get a first look at your merch, videos or things of that nature ;)

[@NicholasGarofola]

I'm working on a Patreon, just coming up with incentives currently. Thanks as always Gabriella, maybe I'll do a Q&A again...

[@asimplesolitude]

Thank you for bringing up library cards! I even use my library card on apps like hoopla and kanopy. So I don’t have to go to the library itself to get a movie or book. I just download or stream it and it auto returns itself so no late fees. 😊

[@NicholasGarofola]

I like that!

[@pauljakeman]

Really great video again buddy, great idea with including zen time. Shows that the things we need the most aren’t always actual physical things.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks Paul!

[@diagomachado9610]

I saw your channel as a suggestion on KZbin and I am glad I decided to stop by. I really enjoy your videos and all the content that you share!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@betteresting5351]

I literally agree with all of this. Ive been trying to become ore minimalist recently. As a student, i have a lot to keep track of and a lot of studying to do. Ive take your advice and so far so good

[@beverlys.peacockmccranie6522]

You are so much fun!! Smart advice! The hair segment cracked me up!!!!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Glad you liked it!

[@andyryan2945]

Just started watching your channel and I'm loving your twist on the standard "like and subscribe" call to action!

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Another great video, Nicholas! Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Brazil!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sneezyneezy3003]

Love these bro saw this uploaded on my lunch and got off work early to enjoy it , your videos really a little gold mine ! Keep up the good work nic !💯

[@NicholasGarofola]

I appreciate that!!

[@ChillOutsider]

Great video Nicholas! I actually watched some of your videos quite some time now and your videos helped me get started into minimalism. Thanks for the great content. 👌🏾

[@TheBenjaminBrowning]

As someone who has almost every trait of ADHD… but not yet diagnosed. I really should learn to become minimalistic. I love the calming nature of your channel! Subscribed

[@mauli.]

Love you. Simply that. I just love idea of minimalism, it gives so much air to breath and life, to live outside our cluttered and uneccessary material lifestyle. And unlike MANY others, who only try to achieve the "aesthetic" of minimalism, you actually are a minimalist ,as in, you have minimal objects which are just essentials. I dk why i just stumbled upon your content NOW. And yeah, i am here to stick i guess..... Really. Love this..

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks so much!

[@rachelrachel3214]

I love the 1 tb sandisk ssd recommendation! Thanks!

[@justpepe253]

Man this was so calming.

[@AlexMacevicius]

great advice. i know too many people with a lot of 'stuff' and they are unhappy because stuff clutters their lives.

[@cheeseballs3825]

Good idea buying the clippers. I've been using the same one for getting close to 20 years. Just put a couple drops of clipper oil on them every few uses.

[@linkhantmaung10]

i love your videos man...they're like super organized.

[@NicholasGarofola]

I appreciate that!

[@ulrikedarui2508]

Great video 👍🏻. I love that little smile at every end of the video, and the cat of course 😍

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks 😊

[@cinderyghost3130]

Bro your channel has been popping on my home page and I’ve just been binging your videos when I saw your sub count I was seriously surprised because the writing background and editing of your videos are elite class you are definitely underrated

[@NicholasGarofola]

Appreciate that a lot!!

[@albsmalbs]

I got my library card last week-I got my partner to get one too-I never realized how much stuff libraries have! Ours even has a maker space where you can use laser cutters, 3D printers, and cricut tools. I’m definitely gonna utilize it more often now that I have a card, especially since there’s books I wanna read, but I don’t wanna buy copies or listen to audiobooks.

[@davidrose1838]

Thank you for extolling the virtues of the public library system: mankind's greatest gift to himself!

[@Mrsjoyride]

I love ur content! it makes me think and laugh at the same time, amazing

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks so much!

[@memori365]

Yes to Sandisk. Do you plan to have a backup for a backup like a DIY SSD; something that I want to try. Digital clutter is the most challenging task for me as a minimalist. Files and photos easily add up. And decluttering is time consuming. And library card is a must for everyone. Apart from physical books have you also consider getting an ereader? Kindle, Kobo etc. When it comes to video editing, do you only keep the edited final video or also keep raw shots? I found that videos have huge file size (4k videos) that I might keep only the final video. Also would love to watch more about tech stuff (SSD, apps, gadgets etc) or anything you found useful. 😊 Thanks for sharing the things that you love. May we all have zen time every day.

[@NicholasGarofola]

I don’t currently have a backup for my SSD. And I do not keep the raw files after editing, just the exported video. More tech stuff coming 😄

[@memori365]

@@NicholasGarofola I’m going to spend my day off deleting raw files. Cheers to welcoming more space and less clutter.

[@paulahastings7865]

I'm always telling people about the library. Free books. Audio books, magazines, movies and music.

[@gilliangreen7563]

Quality over quantity makes so much sense😊 Ariel is such a pretty cat 🐈 😻

[@NicholasGarofola]

She is, thanks Gillian!

[@naturalflow157]

Thank you so much for sharing this journey, tips, and the experience as a whole. It is truly inspiring as I am someone who struggles with stress, constant cleaning, but feeling I can never get rid of the clutter. You truly inspire me to push myself to make the transformation into this lifestyle that will elevate my life to a place of peace and calmness. Thank you again and wishing you the best.

[@NicholasGarofola]

🙏🏻

[@literatelogos]

Thank you. This offers some great insight.

[@bositkhonsotivoldiev]

You are truly inspiring bro! I am honored to have found your channel. Keep it up and we are all ears!

[@Shenkie987]

7:41 I love the aesthetic of your vid, but reading empty notebooks is a bit too minimalistic for me. Subbed! 👍

[@ivanmayet7879]

One thing i bought recently (November 2021) was a Kindle (i read a lot haha) and it saved me a lot of time and money bc i can download books from the internet and i don't have to spend more money on them ;) (sometimes i feel bad about that but the authors are rich , so)

[@NicholasGarofola]

The library is vastly underrated. Thanks for watching as always Charné!

[@naeces3566]

hello, i was just wondering if i were to buy a kindle would i be able to download books from safari in epub format?

[@guinnessharvey4476]

Nice video production. Hats off to you:)

[@Angela-1974]

Great video 👍 How cute is that cat 😍

[@mikew8573]

Thank you again NIcholas for keeping me inspired and know I'm right on track living a embraced loving minimalist lifestyle. Does bring me so much peace to say the least. But one 'must haves' I don't let go of is my peanuts gang character and various books and art. They are in eyes view but well organized. I've been cutting my own years for about 12 years and although it takes times and keeping a ball cap handy it's paid off. I don't shave everyday so saves me on replacing my disposable shavers so soon.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks Mike!

[@anantasutrisno7136]

And your timex watch is dope!!!!!!

[@we_still_rise]

Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@bositkhonsotivoldiev]

Hey guys, This is the best minimalist channel, Period!

[@NicholasGarofola]

You’re too kind! 😄

[@townofrockridge]

Great videos...awesome tips. Stumbled on your "channel" by recommendation, subscribed and dig it. We sold our house and everything in it in 2021 to move and care for a family member. Best thing we've ever done. CATHARTIC.

[@NicholasGarofola]

I appreciate the kind words!!

[@teeI0ck]

good choice on the macbook

[@brooklynbound1000]

Zen time is a must. As a parent, I have to get up at 5:30 so I can have that zen time which for me is just time for me.

[@michaeldavies223]

I definitely got some ideas from this video, thank you

[@Mr_Crypt]

The humor in these videos are quite entertaining, keep it up! Ever think of making a Discord server?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Working on it 😄 my discord right now is attackonnick #0198

[@Mr_Crypt]

@@NicholasGarofola I'll friend you

[@ItsDarrinHintz]

One thing I would invest in good quality phone/laptop/bike/skateboard/book_bag

[@clydethecat]

Amazing video as always dude. Love the list, very thoughtful useful information and also CAT!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks Stephen!!

[@James-uk6hs]

higher quality for future proofing, good take. never thought about it actually

[@hbuzzell]

I think zen time is so important! Probably just as important as anything else on this list!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Agreed 😄

[@togafighter6812]

Interesting. I still own some of my grandpa’s heirloom, such as a mechanical calculator (ca 1940s), wristwatch and protractor. When you said that one and a half year would be a fairly long time, and you are right according today’s expectations, I could not resist being amused.

[@xixvii]

Can you speak about burnout associated with starting minimalism?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Working on a video about that

[@marcosnahuel_03]

I just discovered your channel by KZbin recomendation... I FRICKING LOVE YOUR CONTENT and the vibes you have. You seem and sound really chillax and calming, and the topics you talk about here are actually interesting; plus you have a really nice accent... I hope your channel keeps growing up 🥰 Edit: The way you edit your videos, omg, it's just beautiful in all senses

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you so much!!

[@danielemacciantelli1788]

the only problem about the library concept is , what i read most of the time is not present in 90% of the libraries:) but with the ipad mini and the digital books i solved that. (i am reading occult and esoteric /historical books btw). But i see your point.

[@kino_ngoo]

In my country, you can use the national id card as a library card as long as you register. Minimalism!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Very cool!

[@lyravaz]

Ótimo vídeo! Gostei muito dos critérios das suas checkboxes antes de comprar algo, certamente vou tentar replicar para minhas compras.

[@madeleinepousar]

Really loved the video! I would really like to know more about what items you hold dear to your heart! My favorite thing right now is an orange, sustainable and long lasting water bottle that I use everyday.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Love that!

[@jedlevron]

My mom started cutting my hair when I was around 15 and trained my wife. I haven't paid for a haircut in almost 25 years.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Love that!

[@cornyrocha267]

Perfect.. I loved It. Very useful....

[@anjou6497]

I always like your videos, and yes, it's such a good idea to cut your own hair. Can i mention, re the backpack...a paramedic once advised me to keep a permanent marker pen, or two on me. To mark out if you have to help someone who urgently needs a torniquet to stop serious bleeding. Write on the bandage the exact time the torniquet was applied. It gives medics in a hospital a valuable timescale re the injury. One thing i also carry is a simple pencil with a rubber top, + some paper. Too often cheap biros don't work when they should !. 👍🌱🌻🌱

[@NicholasGarofola]

A good idea!

[@anjou6497]

@@NicholasGarofola hey thanks Nick.. and socks are such a pain yet vital. Any ideas how to control them !? ☺🌱

[@traceygoodman6203]

You’re lovely and wonderful and even make me laugh but I still wish you’d give links to products mentioned so I don’t have to concentrate and remember lol 😂 stay blessed 💐👏🏻🙌🇬🇧

[@NicholasGarofola]

I keep forgetting!

[@sergiojaenlara2091]

Do you think cloud databases like notion, mem, obsidian, ... are minimalists choices or not?

[@MRSancutzik]

Simplicity in its best form!

[@tobybajrovic]

If you haven't backed up the contents of that SSD onto another drive, then that SSD isn't a 'back up'. Nothing about keeping all your data on one drive is keeping your data 'safe'. It's not expensive to have a back up. 1TB Hard Drive's cost like 60 bucks these days. Heck, your current system isn't even as minimalist as putting everything on your computer's internal drive. I'd recommend using that drive to do a time machine back up of your internal drive (or something similar), or at the very least use iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox to back up your important data to the cloud.

[@happyspacefun3796]

"this cat is 15 yo, it's retired" lmao

[@patriciaking7892]

Good morning Garagola👋. Love your videos and they've helped me with the minimalist journey ( which I've been on for at least 10 yrs ). A question: before becoming minimalist, did you spend money on items you later on got rid of? Any regrets about spending money on those items? Have a blessed day 💞.

[@NicholasGarofola]

I regretted some purchases, of course 😅

[@tommyle628]

wow, this looks life the time I was broke during university. I was a minimalist before it was cool

[@sshmczn]

Your cat is so cutteee

[@NicholasGarofola]

She says thanks ☝🏻

[@ThatsmeChristian]

Why do you not store your data in the cloud instead of the harddrive?

[@fencers]

My goal is to be a physical minimalist but a digital maximalist (but very well organized one). I’m scanning everything from 15-year old homework assignments to birthday cards. But once they’re scanned I can declutter the physical item, yet have it forever stored on my devices (and many other backup locations).

[@NicholasGarofola]

A good idea!

[@bcase5328]

It is good idea to have a digital backup routine, both physical and cloud. (Don't forget to password protect your digital files.) I like to backup daily to an USB, then routinely to an external hard drive. If you can store a hard drive at another location. If you lose your laptop, then you can reconstruct your data. Natural disasters/fires happen. After such you might not have immediate access to the cloud; but you still need/want the information in your files.

[@fencers]

@@bcase5328 oh trust me I know. I had a house fire two years ago. Luckily the stuff in my room was fine aside from some smoke damage. But even then I had cloud backups. Ever since then my backup strategy has only gotten better.

[@jtimleck]

Nice vid. I could do without the *specific* brand name items however. However we’ll-intentioned it’s the consumerism trap peeking around the corner - quality is important but we don’t need to give companies accolades which, unintentionally even, suggests that the items mentioned are the ones we need to own. And we are lost once again. There are plenty of choices of high quality backpacks and storage devices with naming them.

[@mackjay1777]

Great advice in general. I also use trimmer/clipper and a library card (yes, libraries are underused and people buy far too many books they will read once. Same goes for videos. Libraries often have a vast collection of DVD, also CDs).

[@JunhyeongKim_Crossfit]

High quality video.

[@winter-nu5wf]

NOT THE CAT HAHA, good video pretty much the same philosophy i live by loosely

[@Naztalgic]

Fantastic video.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks my friend!

[@mattgiffy1663]

Thanks for the inspiration! P.S. I like the Mr. Ballen like button reference lol

[@NicholasGarofola]

He's one of my favorites!

[@David-rq5pm]

Saw a few of your vids and love them. But just curious - u are minimalist and u have two backpacks? North Face and Bellroy?

[@NicholasGarofola]

The North Face one finally tore beyond repair

[@gabrielhfirmino]

Why external hard drive if exists cloud service?

[@Realsxullz]

Underrated!

[@LL-rf1kd]

I really enjoy your content!

[@NicholasGarofola]

I appreciate that!

[@CameronGillespiee]

I think paying for some cloud storage would be a much better option than an SSD. But if it works for you, it works for you!

[@2cool0]

i like your bed frame. what is it?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Ikea, Tarva is the model

[@Nsi-ks7dj]

Thanks for the insight, great video. new subscriber 😊

[@NicholasGarofola]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gabe_irl]

Great video!

[@anthonywilliams9415]

Fantastic list. Especially the backpack and hard drive!! #HighQuality

[@timyoungnc]

Enjoyed it, great content!

[@gabrielemazzuoli]

Good video!! What Is the brand of the tower PC only the box??

[@NicholasGarofola]

It’s the NZXT H510i 😊

[@gabrielemazzuoli]

Thanks

[@zaraallysha]

1. Zen time outdoor 2.

[@juliemarkham4332]

Where do you keep the litterbox? I'm sure you consider that an essential, as well. 😉

[@NicholasGarofola]

It is 😄

[@slimesushi]

thank you sir! like fr thank you

[@SVK2016]

Please give me the link of your keyboard.

[@Riteshkrpanda]

The cat one caught me off guard 🤣🤣🤣

[@alanmcmichael6406]

Hey man, new subscriber. Love the content. What is that little card thing attached to your phone?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Apple MagSafe Wallet

[@megsup167]

I liked this video.Thank u :) Greetings from Poland.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks Megan!

[@Abalone6]

How do you transfer your pictures and videos from iphone into a windows computer. I tried many times and i know it’s easily done if with a MacOS

[@NicholasGarofola]

I'm honestly not sure, I use a MacOS to transfer from my phone to hard drive. I'm sure there's a way with Windows just not a way I'm aware of

[@АндрейМихайловский-г5й]

You have good looking watches ⌚️👍

[@WeTheLost]

Where can I buy Zen

[@salenarichardson2766]

LOL the hair scene. 😂