Joshua Becker’s definition of minimalism is “the intentional promotion of the things we value and the removal of anything that distracts us”. It emphasizes having a clear picture of what we value and focusing on need over want. Minimalism has its roots in the arts, with artwork featuring simple lines and few elements. To start a minimalist lifestyle, Zen recommends writing down the reasons you want to simplify your life.
The goal of minimalism is to remove excess clutter from your life, allowing you to focus on your priorities and the things that truly matter to you. This includes removing physical possessions and promoting the things that bring value to your life. Minimalist values allow you to eliminate all clutter and only bring in items that add value to your life.
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle is an inward journey that offers more benefits than just a tidy home. Time and energy saved are productivity and simplicity gained. Minimalism involves decluttering and getting rid of things you no longer need, want, or add value to your life.
In summary, minimalism is a lifestyle choice that encourages individuals to clear their clutter, prioritize their priorities, and live with less. By focusing on what truly matters and letting go of anything that doesn’t align with those priorities, individuals can achieve a more focused and organized life.
📹 How to LET GO of Stuff? Minimalist Decluttering Tips | Live Minimally
How to LET GO of Stuff? Minimalist Decluttering Tips | Live Minimally Do you want to declutter your home or maybe your …
What is the 20 rule minimalist?
Over the past few years, the couple has been reducing their just-in-case possessions, ensuring they don’t pack anything just in case. They believe that any items we need can be replaced for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from their current location. This theory has been proven to be true 100 times, with no replacements needed and no longer requiring more than $20 or going more than 20 minutes. This theory is likely applicable to all items and people, including the couple.
The couple hasn’t missed the hundreds of just-in-case items they’ve gotten rid of, and most didn’t need to be replaced. Getting rid of these items clears their minds, frees up space, and takes the weight off their shoulders.
What is the 90 90 rule for minimalism?
The 90/90 rule, as devised by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, represents a systematic approach to decluttering. It entails posing two questions about each object: first, whether it has been utilized within the past 90 days; and second, whether it is likely to be utilized within the next 90 days. This rule is particularly useful in instances where JavaScript is disabled or blocked by an extension.
What is the minimalist 333 rule?
The 333 styling method is a minimalist fashion challenge that encourages individuals to wear only 33 items for three months, including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes. Created by Courtney Carver, it aims to simplify wardrobe choices and promote sustainable fashion habits. The method encourages mindful consumption and can lead to significant savings by reducing decision fatigue, decluttering space, and discovering what clothing items you truly love and use. It also encourages people to find contentment with less and promotes sustainable fashion habits.
What is the value of a minimalist?
Minimalism offers freedom from the pursuit of a life of consumerism and seeks happiness elsewhere. It values relationships, experiences, and soul-care, allowing us to appreciate our existing possessions and be grateful. Modern lifestyles often lead to hurried, rushed, and stressed lives, with constant multitasking and constant connection through cell phones. By becoming a minimalist, we can slow down life, disengage from this modern hysteria, and focus on keeping only the essentials.
This approach removes frivolous activities and emphasizes intentional endeavors that add value to life. By embracing minimalism, we can find true life-changing relationships and live a more fulfilling life.
Are there any benefits in having less stuff?
Owning fewer possessions offers numerous life-giving benefits, such as focusing on greater worth, having more money, time, focus, and energy, reducing stress, worry, and distraction. Minimalism promotes a better example for children and a better lifestyle for the planet, fostering generosity, gratitude, contentment, and intentionality. It also promotes a healthier lifestyle for the environment.
Do minimalists spend less money?
Minimal living is a cost-effective approach to financial freedom, as it involves accumulating fewer items, reducing expenses related to storage, maintenance, repair, cleaning, and disposal. This approach allows for more opportunities to use finances in other ways. While many believe that earning more money is the secret to financial freedom, it is actually spending less. This is the simplest solution to most money problems. Living a life that accumulates only the essentials often leads to financial freedom. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize a life that accumulates only the essentials to achieve financial freedom.
Why is minimalism so popular?
Minimalism is a design style that emphasizes conscious consumption and sustainability, promoting a purpose-driven lifestyle. It has practical benefits such as reduced stress, cost savings, and conservation. Originating in the 1960s and 1970s, it was led by artists like Frank Stella and Donald Judd, who challenged the status quo with simple, observable forms. This minimalist style, distinct from Abstract Expressionism, featured clean, geometric shapes and an industrial look.
It gained traction among artists and designers, shaping the visual language of modern design, with aesthetic minimalism playing a significant role in this evolution. Today, minimalist design is a popular choice in homes and galleries worldwide.
What is the value of minimalist art?
Minimalist art is characterized by a purified form of beauty, representing qualities such as truth, order, simplicity, and harmony. Early abstract movements, such as the Russian avant-garde, had a significant influence on minimalism. Camilla Gray’s 1962 book, The Great Experiment in Art: 1863-1922, published the first English-language book about the Russian avant-garde, which became more widely understood and inspired minimalist sculptors.
Dan Flavin’s Homages to Vladimir Tatlin, Robert Morris’ Notes on Sculpture, and Donald Judd’s essays on Kazimir Malevich and his contemporaries, all contributed to the development of minimalist art. These works, while radical, emphasized the importance of simplicity and harmony in art.
What is the philosophy of minimalism?
Minimalism is a philosophy that encourages living a simple life with fewer but carefully selected items, commitments, and noise. This approach allows for more clarity on the things that truly matter, more time, and more calm. It doesn’t require giving away all belongings or renounce all worldly things, but encourages being less attached to objects and focusing on those with real value. Marie Kondo’s “KonMari Method” is a step-by-step process of keeping only those belongings that “spark joy”. While some practical items may still be present, the goal is to reduce clutter, give more freedom, more space, and more appreciation for the things that are truly important.
The “KonMari Method” can be applied at work by cleaning up your desk, organizing your computer, muting applications, and drowning out the noise and bustle of a busy office by listening to soothing music on headphones. Focusing on tasks that are truly important and avoiding time-wasting meetings or frustrating discussions is also essential. Eliminating energy-draining items like snack drawers and mobile phones can lead to a calm, tidy workplace, allowing for more efficient work completion in less time.
Is minimalism a luxury?
Luxury minimalism represents a design and lifestyle concept that prioritizes simplicity, refinement, and the use of high-quality materials in the creation of luxury goods and living spaces. The objective is to achieve a sense of elegance through the implementation of these principles.
What is the point of being a minimalist?
Minimalism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of personal belongings and emotional connections over material possessions. It involves decluttering your space and keeping only items with meaning or purpose. Marie Kondo, a decluttering expert, has created a concept called KonMari, which focuses on tackling clutter by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items.
Kondo suggests holding each item and asking if it sparks joy in your life. If the answer is no, then the item should not be kept. This method requires careful consideration of the item’s significance to you before deciding to keep or throw it away. If you decide to get rid of something, Kondo suggests thanking each item for being in your life before letting it go. Minimalism can be integrated into cozy and homey spaces, allowing you to prioritize yourself and emotional connections.
📹 35 Things I Don’t Buy as a Minimalist
:: TIME STAMPS :: 00:00 Things I don’t buy 00:03 Scatter Rugs 00:25 Microfiber Cloths 01:00 7 Things I’m Using Up 02:12 Kitchen …
When I became an aunt, I bought my niece so much stuff, I did go overboard but we were all so excited, we all went overboard honestly. After 1 year, her room was so cluttered with toys, books and clothes that my sister decided to declutter, I realized that I spent so much money for such little use, while my niece would find kitchen silicone spoons more exciting than her own toys, she outgrew the clothes. It was an eye opening to me.
As a former hoarder in recovery. I’ve learned on my journey two styles that work for me. 1. The fire method. Which is, ask yourself if the house was on fire, would you try to save said item. 2. The mountain method. Which is, ask yourself if you had to carry said item up a mountain would you keep it. After asking myself those 2 questions, it has really helped me let go of so much stuff. I have a long journey ahead of me. Yet I am taking steps every day to simply my life and free my mind. My motto for this year is,” PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. ” 🐢 🏁 🏆 🏡 ❤️
I’m 51 (and have been diagnosed with lupus for 30 years!!!) and used to LOVE cute, cheap shoes. Uuuggghhh!!! I’m paying for that now!! But, YES!! My husband says “Don’t skimp on shoes, sheets or underwear.” With this statement I fell more in love with him! 😂😂 Oh, we’ve been married for 30 years this August!! ❤
When I first began my official decluttering journey last November, I made a list of all the things I like to buy: notebooks, pens, mud masks, cotton yarn, mini skeins of yarn, etc. And then I counted up what I already owned. That was eye-opening to say the least. I keep the list in my planner and a picture on my phone to remind myself that I’m in need of Nothing!
About books: As a former school librarian, books are a HUGE part of my life, but I own very few. Here’s my plug for using your public library! Even if you don’t live near one, most libraries make book checkout online simple. Books that I DO buy get passed along to friends to enjoy and they in turn, pass them onto others. Even the books I highlight, mark up or make notes in the margin get passed on. I know I am always curious about what others found useful, noteworthy or inspiring. It’s a secret book club of sorts. 😉 Thanks for your posts-I always find them motivating and inspiring!
Last year I did a no-buy year for products (shampoo, lotions, soaps, laundry detergents, floor cleaners) and I used them all up. FANTASTIC FEELING! My bathroom is so more minimal now and my cleaning products hardly take up room at all. This year I am doing a no buying year again – clothes and books. Those are 2 areas where my consumption has really gotten out of control. Although I love the thought of supporting authors I have too many books i purchased last year and didn’t read. So I am going to go thru all those and read them and then I have re-newed my commitment to use the library. All of these are great Dawn. Great article!
The craft supply tip is SO helpful! You mentioned that maybe 6 months ago and how it needed to be manageable. So hard as homeschool moms! So I threw away all the crayons. Hundreds. And all the colored pencils. I just started fresh. Probably not most cost effective but I needed to start over. So now each of my kiddos has one mason jar of colored pencils and one mason jar of crayons. At first there were lots of tears but now they love it! They actually use one at a time and put it in the jar! We used to have crayons and colored pencils everywhere!!! It’s been a game changer for us, and I’m thankful for your advice with that!
I have been learning over the past three years that this youtube website is one of about three websites that actually add value to my life, so I will continue perusal. I’ve discovered that I would much rather live my own life than perusal other people live theirs. There’s just way too much advice and “how to” information put out by moms and others on youtube that it creates a lot of anxiety snd stress to try and do all the cool things everyone else is doing. So goodbye to youtube, minus the 2-3 websites that have actually helped me to improve my own life, this being one.
This is such a great topic! My kids love cardboard boxes, too! Last week one of my daughters saw a beautiful hotel from American Girl catalog, she saw the price and started to come up with ideas of how she can create one herself. It’s been a week, her hotel looks amazing and she spends hours (with her siblings) of continuing creating and playing! I can tell from my experience that they would’ve never played for so many days and hours with store bought playhouse (as we are guilty of having them :-))!
The craft supplies. 🙌 My daughter is 5, extremely crafty, and we homeschool. At Christmas we were blessed (and bombarded) with LOADS of craft supplies. I ended up condensing it way down, putting some in one nice sized basket. The rest is in a big storage container in our basement. It’s worked out lovely. I’ve had to go downstairs and refill her craft basket a few times already, but it is so much easier for her to be responsible for her craft supplies. And I’m not having to pick up millions of tiny things all day. Win win!! 🥰
Dawn, every time you talk about kid’s toys it makes my soul SING! As a teacher for over 30 years, I 100% agree. The science is well documented that nature and simple materials boost creativity and higher thinking skills. Scissors, paper, tape, paints, crayons, nature items and recyclables are all they need and usually want. Cardboard boxes are the BEST!
Since decluttering a bunch I’m buying better quality instead. I LOVE my Birkenstocks and kept buying cheap slippers (I work from home) – I finally decided to spend the money on the Birkenstock slippers as I’m not spending so much money anymore and I’m very very glad I did, no more foot pain. Declutter and downsize so you can buy less and better quality
Last year I started using the simple 1950s housewife skincare routine. I have only three skincare product: Pond’s cold cream to remove makeup, pears soap to wash my face, and Olay original daily moisturizer. That’s it. Simple skincare routines are easy to maintain. It also helps you to maintain a budget because you have a general idea of how much each product costs to replace.
A note on Montessori toys: I heard somewhere that Maria Montessori, the creator of the Montessori method, developed her method while serving the poorest children in her community. You don’t have to shell out for fancy Montessori toys to do the Montessori method. The families that she helped wouldn’t have been able to do so.
We are on the same page. I only shop when there is a need and on my list. But I shop home 1st. I am at the point where I don’t enjoy shopping. I am no longer held hostaged by it. I don’t go to the store until my list has been checked and curated. Usually a month time. I have the control of it. Never going back to the mindless life. Always mindfull.
Pam here….biggest thing that helped in kitchen was getting rid of the gas stove and all those ridiculous grates!! I just got an induction cook top stove, which has convection oven with air frying. $1100. Induction glass top, no food burns on. If something spills over, lift pan, wipe with wet rag…burner is NOT hot…then continue cooking. I am legally blind and not having to worry about FIRE is HUGE and it is so much easier to clean and maintain
Microfiber cloths…how bad they are depends in part on the weave. the nice tight weave ones (not the fuzzy top like the blue one at the beginning) don’t shed as much. They last a long time. When they die–and you have to use them forever–I will put them in fabric recycling. The next best bet is 100% cotton/linen (because it’s easier on the environment, won’t shed plastic, and can decompose when it’s dead–but not if you put it into the landfill).
Your do not buy list is almost exactly what mine was last year and I’ve done very well . Now, after a year, I feel like I need to go through and just get rid of the things I still have not used in a year. Another couple things that were on my do not buy list was clothes and ‘anything that I already have at home’. This means don’t stock up on anything anymore. It’s just me and my husband here now and even if something is really cheap, I don’t need to stock up and I don’t need more of anything in my home. I have lost weight and ended up having to purchase a few pairs of jeans but otherwise, I have stuck to the plan and am seeing my storage areas starting to empty out. Such a good feeling.
I used to be a jewelry junkie, about a year ago I donated all costume jewelry, dozens of fashion earrings, necklaces, bracelets I invested in just 2 pairs a white gold and a yellow gold pair of hoop earrings, I have kept all my 14K pendants, necklaces, bracelets, so my jewelry box is very roomy now, I love having less jewelry WHO KNEW😂
I used to have to hold books in my hand to read them, but I love the fact that I can have several hundred on my tablet! The only book I have to have in my hand is my Bible, of course! Thanks so much for the great ideas and pointing out the many things we do not need to make us happy. So grateful for all you do Dawn 🦋🦋
I love the idea of use up what we have. It makes us good stewards of what we have been blessed with. We have gotten rid of so many flat surfaces. No regrets!!! I absolutely love that book you are holding, Love Does! The older we get, we must invest in good shoes. Definitely agree, we had 4 kids and they played better and longer with fewer toys! This is such a great article, Dawn! ❤
So – agree with one exception. End tables are the place for conversational or task lighting. Overhead lights are harsh and uncomfortable. So end tables aren’t for “us” they are for hospitality. No end tables means guests are usually uncomfortable. Speaking from the position of all furniture serves a purpose or it’s wasteful.
I totally agree. I am 74 and Shoes are the one thing I spend a lot of money on. I typically have only 5 pair of shoes at a time. As a retired Montessori Teacher…Montessori materials are not designed for individual home use. They are designed to be used in a classroom by multiple children for decades. The classroom I taught in had materials that had been in the classroom for more than 20 years. Just saying. If people what to homeschool and use the Montessori method, there are several books that address that for a lot less.
Love to see a article on how and what do you do and have and how do you store for emergencies preparedness? How many days worth do you store for water, food…- 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or 1 season or 1 year? Do you have back up systems like heaters, fans, portable stove and fuel, solar generator, vs gas generator and other tools and supplies? Do you have flash lights, weather radio, Blanks… do you follow the suggested lists that are recommended in case of weather disasters, grid goes down, food storage at the grocery stores? Where do you storage it? How do you handle just in case…? We have limited space and money to invest to buy all this emergency equipment, supplies, and back up systems.
I am grateful for you !!! You put things so logically. It makes total sense. My house was making me sick, depressed, and so over-whelmed. I was also working way too much. Total clearance junky here as well. So, yeah, I have purchased many many things I did not need. I thank you for these logical explanations to let them go. I still struggle….not lying…..but it is getting better. ………….Let me go back. We have spent the last couple of years getting out of debt. So working way way way too much, but to meet a goal. However the consequence was not enough time or energy to properly clean. House became a wreck. I would still “sooth” myself with some retail therapy……which made things worse (more clutter). So my debt was paid (except my house), had money in savings (for first time in my life), and I quit a crappy stressful job 12/25/22. First goal was to get my house back. Wasn’t very successful at first. It was daunting and overwhelming and I was just sitting around having panic attacks basically. Watched some YT and started getting some motivation. However your website has been a life changer. I think we just are enough like minded……you make sense but also keep it simple. I need facts. I need to know “WHY” you do something, and you deliver the information in that way. After I found your like 1 1/2 hour article….I was like…..OH GEEZ this is way too long, but it was just what I needed. I needed to get the rational and thinking process going. Have also incorporated some better storage along the way.
I just started rethinking my stuff this past weekend after stumbling on to your website. Thank you so much! I filled up three huge donation boxes and one huge black trash bag. One thing you might like is I dumped my kitchen trash on top of my decluttering trash (wet coffee grounds and all). I had no temptation to go back into that bag before putting it outside! 😂
When I went through treatment for breast cancer in 2015, I saved sooo much money on hair products, makeup, the salon and I no longer needed to go down the feminine protection aisle! That kind of got me out of the cycle of beauty products/upkeep, and I have kept it simple ever since. My mom taught us to always buy quality shoes since we were young, but all of our play clothes came from Goodwill, and she sewed a lot for us too. Granted that was in the 70’s lol, but my sister got a lot of my hand me downs ;). Before I buy clothing, I always look on Mercari or Poshmark first. Before I buy furniture (especially IKEA stuff), I always look on marketplace or Craig’s List. I mean, I’d rather buy something put together from IKEA than put myself through the torture of assembly lol!
This was my list for going into 2021. I thought it would take MAYBE 6 to 7 months to use up my extra. HA! I swear I am finally nearing the end of using stuff up and I am not a hoarder. I am quite simple/minimal. It’s a fun challenge! I also undecorated. If it came from a box store or mass produced, I gave it away. I thrift still, but it’s a very specific list. Example: Need a new water bowl for my cats. I was using something plastic (Trying to reduce my plastic in my home), went to thrift, found a great old deep vintage dish and it works great. What’s on my walls? I’m a photographer that is still learning but for Christmas, I had a pic blown up, oversized, black and white, in a clear simple frame (40 x 30) and it’s the only thing in my living room right now. Shoes- yes! I only wear certain brands and styles in those brands. Everything else left my closet. It’s an age and comfort thing and I still want to have some style and I know what I love. I love the simplicity. Your list reminds me of how my Nanna lived- curated, just what she needed, great quality and happy! Great list!
I use old towels to clean with & they work really well for everything. I’ve also started an inventory for all my makeup, shampoo, conditioner, skincare so when I feel like I want to buy something I’m reminded how much I already have. Long story long, this year is a low buy year for me so I can use up as much as possible.
This is my year of using stuff up while decluttering. I have eaten most of the food in my freezer. Almost done with another serum. I am a product junky, and I have finally realized I don’t go through stuff before it gets bad. Additionally, I am in the same situation you are, Dawn. I think it is all fine (enough), but I have yet to find a holy grail item. I am a lot older than you, so I need to stop expecting a huge change–the damage is long since done.
My favorite saying ? So many books, so little time ! I have purchased 3 new Bibles in the last 6 months because I do highlight and take notes in my Bibles. I find it difficult to annotate in a Kindle Bible. For fiction books, I find it easier to either put them on my Kindle or on my favorite app of all time…Audible ! Even so, I still manage to accumulate a lot of physical books like Cas’s “Clutter Connection” and non-fiction Christian books (I write in those, also). That really is the only excess that I have in this season of my life because of people like you and Cas who have led me on my decluttering journey for the past 2 + years. I just want to say Thank You ! My life and home are decluttered, simple, and peaceful.
I’ve been working on not buying a lot of these as well. As far as cleaning products go, when I ran out of toilet bowl cleaner I looked at my cleaning supplies and realized I had some Mr. Clean that I never use. So I have been cleaning my toilets with that and it works fine and the bathroom smells great. When it is gone, I’ll get the toilet bowl cleaner again and I won’t get the Mr. Clean.
I made the same commitment to myself as well! Toiletries, cleaning products, and pantry items. I want to go as long as possible before having to buy anything else. Going through my jewelry was SO DIFFICULT. but I did it. I still have way more than you, but I got real with myself and about what I’ve even worn in the last 3 years. I’ve also learned, I never ended up wearing bracelets and almost never the long necklaces. So now I make sure I don’t buy them either. IF I buy something, it needs to serve a purpose or replace something (1 in 1 out) and is normally just earrings. My FANTASY self wore tons of jewelry. My REAL self mostly just wears earrings
I’m doing the same thing as you — using up all of my skin care products, fancy lotions, hair products, etc. that I’ve collected over many years. It feels so awesome to use one up and then recycle the bottle! And, no $$ out the window this year or maybe longer (: buying that stuff. You’re a great motivator, and your articles are fun to watch — thanks!
Where were you when was raising my kids. We were dirt poor but we had so much junk. Now that I’m 72. I have less junk and more time for my family and friends. And I am not a minimalists. I still have a long way to go but I’ve been getting rid of junk since the beginning of the pandemic. It was so satisfying to donate my usable stuff instead of hanging on to it. Life is too short. Let someone else use it. What are you keeping it for. Have a great day 💙
For me, the easiest way to not buy stuff is to do a huge purging of stuff and why would I buy stuff, when I just donated or sold a million things? I feel SO GOOD right now because the attic got emptied so that my husband can add some insulation and I have reduced stuff by at least half. 13 plus bins are completely empty! Yay! It is such a good feeling. I occasionally buy a new book but I don’t usually keep it. I homeschooled my kids and once had thousands of books probably.
Hello. I just stumbled upon your article and love it! I am a minimalist but I am definitely tempted by the things that are for sale out there! When I go to the store or go shopping, I tell myself that I have everything that I need. And when I go into the stores, that seems to help. Also, I am always armed with a list and I don’t waiver from my list. I feel like marketing out there tells us we don’t have what we need… And we think we need to buy buy buy. … (just thought of Backstreet boys ! Lol) great article !
Thank you for your inspiring articles, I also love growing living plants and had plenty of them at one point, but when I discovered that I could grow food instead, I re-homed my plants. Now I grow greens and herbs in my house and it’s a Win Win! My absolute favourite is my sweet potato vining plant which is where I get my slips from in the spring and transfer them outside for the summer to get my harvest. 🥗✌️🌏
Unfortunately, I also had decided to use up all my shampoos and conditioners before I purchased more. BUT I regretted it so much! My hair got so dry and damaged! My old shampoos were not made for highlighted hair. Also, I’m going through a change of life (menopause) so my poor hair! I would recommend to anyone to please examine where you are now before you use up your old stuff.
Omg! You are me! 😂😂😂I agree with everything! We just moved into our new home and I kept it simple and classy! The actual natural design of the house and the furniture pieces are the decor! Countertops: clear! frequent cleaning to avoid build up and expensive cleaning products. Boys room: under the bed organizer. No toys, except my 6 yo collection of dinosaur. Everything virtual! I scan my files and organize folders. Buying quality clothes and shoes keeps you from frequently shopping. I will be shopping for my plants this week!
I recently started cleaning for a family. The sheer amount of cleaners they have is astounding. They have a specific cleaner for counters, one for the tub, one for the fridge…so far they love my work and haven’t realized I only use one or two. Easily a year’s worth or more, but it only looks like 5-8 bottles under each sink and in each closet.
Do you really want to minimize on your cleaning products? Pretty much EVERYTHING in your house can be cleaned with lemon, baking soda and vinegar. Literally, like everything. I have barely bought any cleaning products in probably a decade. I cannot stress enough how effective these materials are in cleaning, let alone how environmentally friendly it is to make this change in your home. PLEASE try this and make a article for all of your followers on the result of this change!!
The thing about the microfiber cloths was a surprise. But…if one wanted to follow it in the strictest sense one would also need to stop buying clothing and such that is made of man made materials (like polyester) as according to an EPA article (which does not even mention microfiber cloths): “While we have all seen the plastic bottles, bags, and straws that contribute to the plastic pollution problem, one major source of plastic pollution is less obvious: our clothes. The majority of clothing on the planet is made from plastic-based materials like polyester, rayon, nylon, and acrylic. When washed, synthetic clothing sheds tiny plastic fragments known as microfibers. Microfibers are the most prevalent type of microplastic (plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter) found in the environment.” So yeah, microfiber cloths are only a small part of the problem.
Another informative and inspiring article. I agree with so many things you say. I am not a minimalist, however I do try to keep my inventory under control. I recently gave away 2 sets of glasses (one was crystal from a great aunt) because they’d been in the kitchen in the same place unused for 16 years! Now I have empty shelves which I love looking at. Ha! Ha! Thank you for your wisdom Dawn. It is much appreciated.
Vinegar is my cleaner, add a couple drops of dish detergent you’ve got a sanitizer and degreaser. I clean my toilet bowl with baking soda. I’m going to start making my own shampoos, I used fermented rice water to rinse my hair I’ve stopped using conditioner. Look up how bad shampoos are. I had no idea about microfiber cloths hubby has them for vehicle washing. I buy 100% cotton cloths for in house, throw in my compost when done.
So timely. Not only do these suggestions help keeping clutter at a minimum, it is also a mindset that is better for the environment. I watched and followed a article a few weeks ago. My bathroom is now amazing. You were so right about the reason we don’t put stuff away if it’s not easy. I am also using up everything I have before buying something new. Same with cleaning supplies. My kids are older but I just saw a piece on the news about borrowing clubs for toys. In particular this was for children 0-3. I think that is brilliant. I also no longer buy new books. I borrow most books and magazines on the Libby app (library app in Canada) as well as borrow from my local library. Finally, I do like to have some paperbacks on hand for if I’m camping or just bored, then I buy a few from the thrift store and donate them back when I’m done. Also, I never buy new glassware. In my household mugs and glasses get broken a lot. I will only buy replacements at thrift store. As I stare at my bag of yarn, I am reminded of your article on objects that we buy because we want to be someone we’re not. I have so many projects that I’ve started and never finished. I had lofty ideas that I would crochet baby blankets and knit hats for those in need. Nice idea, but that bag of yarn and needles makes me feel worse, like I’ve failed the people I wanted to help. I’m glad I found your website.
I’ve started my minimalist journey this last year and it’s been very eye opening. I’m still dealing with my shopping addiction and the struggle is real!! I started off 2023 with a No Buy January. I made it, but it was tough. We are so programmed to buy anything at any time. Now for a No Buy February!! I think it will be easier (fingers crossed).
You were so motivating today! Thank you! I’ve been getting flowers once a week because after Christmas my home looked so bare and blah. I love having flowers in the kitchen. The price adds up though! I like to read my kindle everyday. The hardest part of it is trying to remember the titles to share with friends. I don’t buy cheap shoes anymore. I’m 64 years old. I can’t wear heels any longer either. I think it’s an age thing. Our feet take a beating every day, so they deserve something well fitted and supportive!
I also like listening to audio books from the library ☺. I have to buy the 80 dollar shoes too..I’m 54 and have had to do this since my late 30s. I love perusal how others think and do things. Myself I a buy decor or receive some and use it over and over again. We’ve been married 33 years and I’ve only bought new holiday decor at Dollar Tree or Thrift store. I’m not a thing person so much. I love things lasting for decades, even my clothes that I bought second hand to begin with. I think my tough area is lessening down what we’ve had for 20+ years because we don’t buy new things to fill up the spaces with that make us have to go through things and out of sight out of mind with me so I just forget what’s even there and don’t any negative connections to it being there. Just living the simple life ❤.
Hi Dawn~ I have been binge-watching your shows to help me minimize/simplify. Just to share about Amazon purchases or any online orders, is to be Mindful of the delivery people. I spoke to someone who worked during the Holidays for Postal Service and he said a lot of workers call in sick then the back up workers have to “shoulder” their load and they were working until nighttime to finish. It was breaking their backs and it is super hard work. That’s why a lot of people quit. This completely changed my shopping impulses and needs. IF I need something, I would rather support our local shops and buy them in person. Additionally avoiding all the boxes and packaging materials have been great too. I look forward to your amazing ideas, tips and just your lightheartedness on things :)). ~Christine C.
When I was a kid, it was a real treat for me when my mom took us to the library. I still remember sitting on the floor and the wonderful feeling when I opened a wonderfully illustrated book. Do parents still go to the library on a regular basis with their children? We could not afford buying books the way parents and grandparents seem to be doing now.
One of my mottos is: “You shouldn’t be a cheapskate about money you spend on a dependable pair of shoes, tires for your car, or a mattress.” Good footwear can prevent a fall or foot problems, safe tires for your car can prevent an accident, and a durable supportive mattress can really improve your health by helping you get more restful sleep and taking care of your body.
I love used book stores. During this decluttering journey I’m on with my husband (and we homeschooled our kids) I’ll bring two boxes or more loaded with books to the used bookstore and let myself get just one book (or. none) if they make me wait while they look through them. I always let them donate the ones they don’t want which is a nice service of our local bookstore. It’s a little reward and I’m getting rid of lots of books. We’ve donated probably 30 boxes of books in the last three years. Yup.
At last. I have seen you throw away many items. I say to myself, she should “force” herself to use up the product. Doing this has taught me to be SUPER strick about what I purchase and what I bring into my home. I learned this lesson with awful tasting toothpaste. Made myself finish it. Now I’m not as influenced with product claims as before.
Side note on the microfiber…studies also SHOW…that the majority of the microplasrics are released in the dryer( but the same is true of alllllll fabrics not natural) so if you like the microfiber, just hang them to dry! And I applaud you for saying I’ll use these up till they are no longer usable…and make a better choice next time!
I haven’t been able to wear cheap shoes since my late 30’s. I’m 70. In my job I worked standing and walking on cement and pavement. That’s so hard on feet and whole body. Good shoes are so expensive, but so necessary. It’s so true, once I began to seriously declutter, I also began choosing much more wisely when I purchased anything new. Plus I’ve stopped listening to influencers, because I really don’t need ‘it’! Thanks Dawn!
I just use simple vinegar and water for cleaning and threw away all my other stuff, and it works wonderfully. Only thing I use a product for is my wood furniture. Also – I think I was born a minimalist – I’ve always kept my house simple and it is definitely easy to take care of and clean and I really enjoy your little articles help to people that need it – it will change your life👍
I’m 26 and I can’t wear cheap shoes! After having my second baby this August I had to donate the last pair. I thought I really liked shoes, but I much prefer my trusty cowgirl(western) boots. I have two quality pairs that come standard with excellent arch supporting insoles and I don’t have to tie laces 🤭 I also have a quality pair of winter boots because we live in very northern Wisconsin. I’ll have to find something for summer that’s a little more water friendly, but I’m not in a hurry.