My adaptation of one of these rules is “one in when one is on its way out”. Not very catchy, but what I mean is that if I notice that an essential item is wearing out, I start looking for a suitable second hand replacement, rather than having to buy a new item in a hurry and finding it’s not quite doing the job.
Excellent video. The best thing I did was start tracking all my expenses, every dime. I was never a big spender but I wanted to understand my expenses better. I hold myself accountable to every purchase and it's amazing what you find you don't need.
I write down what I buy online in a book now, with the date I order it, who I order it from, and the amount, and then highlight it when it arrives. I can see how much I have spent, and when. I have never been any good at budgeting, but this does help me realize what I am buying and how much money I am spending in a month. xxx
I find it helpful to 'count the cost' not just financially but in terms of time and energy involved with owning the item for however long I may keep it. I try to think about storage, maintenance, possible repairs, and other 'stuff management'. For me, helpful questions might be 'how will I dispose of this when I'm done with it?' 'this dress looks like it would need ironing every time, do I really want to do that?' 'Do I like this ornament/photo frame enough to dust/clean it every week?' 'Am I prepared to remember to water and feed all these house plants!?' The answer is rarely yes... But if it is a yes, I can be confident it's an 'Absolutely Yes!' and I'll be sure to really enjoy the item.
I would replace "need" with "beneficial for my life (as it is right now)". And then "is the financial cost worth the experiment?" because every purchase is an experiment. And "am I buying this soley because I want the experience of buying something and not buying this particular item?"
I used to own several vases & plant pots, that were sitting under the kitchen sink! I donated them to charity & now have just one lovely pink vase, which I bought for 10p from the local jumble sale which sits on the dining table! I also only buy flowers when they have 30% or 60% off!
@@ThisEditedLife They really do! :) There's a mix of pink, red & yellow roses & Lillies & they look beautiful in the pink vase against the lime green wall!
Yes! Just looking and liking but not buying was refreshing and actually a relief! I did a “no spend” year last year and this experience was a pleasant surprise. My rule now is: Shop at home, or see if I already own the thing I’m currently obsessed about. 95% of the time I have it already!..or I can make it. 🐇💜
Jo, since watching your videos I've decluttered almost every room in my house, still have a way to go but I'm already feeling much lighter..I'm really enjoying the extra space . Tackling books this week...a mammoth task..but onwards and upwards
Use your head, not your heart. I'm glad you included that because the heart will too often tell you to buy whatever pleases it regardless if it's actually useful, necessary or decent quality. It can also keep you from letting go. That's how you end up with a buying addiction and a house full of clutter. Keep your heart in check but don't be a slave to it. Use your brain and practice restraint and critical thinking.
I would rather iron 50 pieces of natural fabric than wear one synthetic piece. That stuff is uncomfortable and hot, not to mention bad for the environment
If you want tips on how to stop buying stuff you don't need, watch this video ua-cam.com/video/G_ppu0hZ8WM/v-deo.html
My adaptation of one of these rules is “one in when one is on its way out”. Not very catchy, but what I mean is that if I notice that an essential item is wearing out, I start looking for a suitable second hand replacement, rather than having to buy a new item in a hurry and finding it’s not quite doing the job.
That's a great adaptation! It fits so well with my need to be organised!
Excellent video. The best thing I did was start tracking all my expenses, every dime. I was never a big spender but I wanted to understand my expenses better. I hold myself accountable to every purchase and it's amazing what you find you don't need.
Yes, tracking expenses really opened my eyes to my spending!
I write down what I buy online in a book now, with the date I order it, who I order it from, and the amount, and then highlight it when it arrives. I can see how much I have spent, and when. I have never been any good at budgeting, but this does help me realize what I am buying and how much money I am spending in a month. xxx
It sounds like that works really well for you 😊
I find it helpful to 'count the cost' not just financially but in terms of time and energy involved with owning the item for however long I may keep it. I try to think about storage, maintenance, possible repairs, and other 'stuff management'. For me, helpful questions might be 'how will I dispose of this when I'm done with it?' 'this dress looks like it would need ironing every time, do I really want to do that?' 'Do I like this ornament/photo frame enough to dust/clean it every week?' 'Am I prepared to remember to water and feed all these house plants!?'
The answer is rarely yes...
But if it is a yes, I can be confident it's an 'Absolutely Yes!' and I'll be sure to really enjoy the item.
Those are great questions. The ironing question is one I ask a lot!
I would replace "need" with "beneficial for my life (as it is right now)". And then "is the financial cost worth the experiment?" because every purchase is an experiment. And "am I buying this soley because I want the experience of buying something and not buying this particular item?"
Those are great questions to ask, thanks for sharing!
I used to own several vases & plant pots, that were sitting under the kitchen sink!
I donated them to charity & now have just one lovely pink vase, which I bought for 10p from the local jumble sale which sits on the dining table!
I also only buy flowers when they have 30% or 60% off!
That sounds wonderful! Fresh flowers really add something don't they ☺️
@@ThisEditedLife They really do! :)
There's a mix of pink, red & yellow roses & Lillies & they look beautiful in the pink vase against the lime green wall!
Yes! Just looking and liking but not buying was refreshing and actually a relief! I did a “no spend” year last year and this experience was a pleasant surprise. My rule now is: Shop at home, or see if I already own the thing I’m currently obsessed about. 95% of the time I have it already!..or I can make it. 🐇💜
Well done on your "no spend" year; it sounds like it was beneficial!
Jo, since watching your videos I've decluttered almost every room in my house, still have a way to go but I'm already feeling much lighter..I'm really enjoying the extra space .
Tackling books this week...a mammoth task..but onwards and upwards
Congratulations on your decluttering! Books were a big thing for me too - wishing you all the best with it 😊
Use your head, not your heart.
I'm glad you included that because the heart will too often tell you to buy whatever pleases it regardless if it's actually useful, necessary or decent quality. It can also keep you from letting go. That's how you end up with a buying addiction and a house full of clutter.
Keep your heart in check but don't be a slave to it. Use your brain and practice restraint and critical thinking.
The heart can get in the way sometimes, for sure!
We are building a new house this year and moving so we aren’t buying by anything that’s not 100% needed
How exciting! I hope the build and move go smoothly for you 😊
I would rather iron 50 pieces of natural fabric than wear one synthetic piece. That stuff is uncomfortable and hot, not to mention bad for the environment
Another excellent video that I can refer back to when needed, thank you.
Thank you so much for watching ☺️
Great video 🎉 all good points, all implemented
Some very sensible and practical advice thank you.
Thank you for watching ☺️
I do not agree with “rules” everyone got their own way of minimalism. And I personally turned around rule 1: one out one in.
Yes, everyone does minimalism their own way 😊