When it comes to things like books and music, I support libraries, but please keep in mind that artists (and especially lesser known artists) rely on successful sales of their art to sustain their practice. Be sure to pay artists for their art.
Me too, I've decided to start using mine again. I just forget it's there. I need a popup every time I click on a book selling site that says 'it may be cheap 2nd hand, but the library's free!'
Dvds have saved my sanity when we have power outages. I have a portable DVD player and if it needs to recharge I'll plug it into my car while driving around town. During storms cell reception is spotty.
I still have a few t-shirts with logos. Those are my "house cleaning" clothes. If I buy used shoes, I spray the inside and outside with lysol. Good enough.
I wear mine for physical stuff, running or classes - or days like today when I just want to do house stuff and not feel like I'm going to get flour or whatever all over it. (Laughing to myself coz I just baked banana bread and I am so going to eat the lion's share!!)
I only buy leather bound books because they are both pleasurable for reading and lovely. When I look at my library, it fills me with joy that I have read and reread all of these lovely books so many times. If we have a guest staying with us, I encourage them to read one of my books. If they truly love it, I will often gift it to them when they leave. It’s always a pleasurable moment when I hand them the leather bound book they enjoyed as they depart.
I used to be much more minimal and would make most of my house cleaners but I’ve become more of a consumer over the past couple years. This made me realize I’m gonna go back to allot of my old ways.
Great question, April! From my own experience, I have not found that DVDs have a high resale value. However, I did find this article that could help: wellkeptwallet.com/sell-used-dvds/
Hi Sarah, I also make my own cleaners as we are trying to stay away from chemical smells. I also make my own laundry detergent. Hope you and Jake had a wonderful Thanksgiving.!
Hi Sarah my husband RJ and I would like to wish you and Jake a Happy Thanksgiving. There are some of the things on your list that you don't buy anymore that we also don't buy thanks for sharing
Would you please give us the recipes you mentioned for cleaning. I do use vinegar mixed with water. But I have marble counter tops and leather on the outside of myfridge & one large cubard
I love baking! I would also eat most of it - my solution is to make a good basic cookie recipe (oatmeal raisin, which I switched to chocolate chips - as one does), I scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet and then freeze them raw. Transfer to container once frozen. Then, I bake 4 - 6 cookies at a time, often tied in with having the oven on for something else, anyway. To bake, I add 1 minute to the time. This way, it eliminates just eating it on a whim. Works really well! And I much prefer them warm!
That is a great strategy and it is awesome it works for you! I'm a little too intense about my sweets and found that I can microwave the frozen dough into yummy things in a flash, which means I can plow through frozen dough in a day or two, so I have definitely learned my lesson!
@@AbundantlyMinimal Oh, yeah, the microwave would make that trickier! (I don't have one). Sweets are absolutely my biggest weakness, I think that there's a area of my brain that is wired entirely for any variation of cream, butter and caramelised brown sugar. In the other hemisphere, there's a corresponding area for dark chocolate. I make a point of not keeping track of how many chocolate chips I go through in a month.
I have a ton of kitchen equipment. Thats my love and cook books. Other than that, i routinely get rid of stuff like clothes, purses, furniture, etc. I also dont buy ketchup, mayo, onions, pickle relish, mustard, ranch- or any salad dressings, napkins, forks, knives, spoons, straws, cups. microwave -storeage dishes, i get all this at convenient stores or restaurants.
Hey Sarah, thanks for sharing these tips. I’m a teacher myself and what caught my eye is that beautiful font you used in the thumbnail. That would look so cool in some of the materials I make. Can you tell what the name of that font is? Greetings from the Netherlands 👋🏻
Hi Roger! It is always great to hear from fellow teachers! The font I use in most of my thumbnails is kollektif, and I put the thumbnails together using Canva. I hope that helps!
I read all the books I own. I love the annual library book sale. I am at the library every week. Kathy B. P. S. I don't buy graphic t-shirts either. I have a couple i like and that's it for now.
I did 2 big declutters this year. After each one I said that will be it for at least a year or more. But 5 mths down the track Im ready for another one.😆 I gave myself a 2yr ban on buying clothing. The first yr is almost up and I bought a shirt last week. My wardrobe is in that awkward state of being 2 sizes too big and still a little too tight to wear out in public. 😀 I am starting to look a little too scruffy out in public these days. Will this decluttering ever end?😅
I don't think the decluttering ever ends completely, just because our needs change, as you have identified, but keep up the good work! The clothing ban sounds like a worthy challenge!
Hi me and my husband is going to sit down tonight and try and cut down next year example cleaning products books and anything else that we can stop buying cause we want to save xx
for me it's magazines, physical books, unpractical clothes, random drugstore makeup, stationary, fun kitchen gadgets, exercise equipment.. :) and probably a lot more. I wouldn't consider myself a real minimalist but I've decluttered a lot and atm really try to be concious of buying stuff. oh yeah and I also don't buy tshirts with prints :D I dislike them after a few months
I renecently bought some doc martens for less than half the price. The shoe got worn maybe three times so no big deal. Most used shoes I bougg that where worn more the people i bpught them from already washed before selling them.
Lysol spray or some time of antibacterial cleaner on the inside & a good cleaning of the outside will make used shoes look new and be thoroughly cleansed for new feet. I will say that you might want to be wary of anything that has “foot stains” typically found in sandals and dress shoes people have worn without socks. But there is no reason to just say no to used shoes as a whole. You can find great shoes barely or lightly worn for a fraction of the price.
My hubby and I went through a matching souvenir t-shirt phase. Purchased way too many as now we wear nicer casual clothes. We have decluttered about half of them. I’m thinking Decluttering 98 percent would be better. Maybe just keep the two Disney ones.
@@AbundantlyMinimal I'm not a minimalist but I do like a lot of your ideas! I still have a lot of books but I'm a big reader and I reread the books I have, so it's my one indulgence lol. I've bought most of them at yard sales, thrift stores etc. Even if I pay full price on a book, it will get a lot of use. Happy Healthy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Re desserts: I found if I make cookie dough I'll cook up a batch so each family member can have 3 each or something, then I'll either bake and give away the rest, or I'll freeze the dough in little balls. If we have a craving for a cookie we can grab out a couple balls of dough and bake them. But I've found that slows down the consumption somewhat. Re: books: I'm a bit of a germaphobe so don't like handling actual library books. However, since the pandemic I've discovered our library has beaucoup de e-books! It's fantastic! So many books, so little time. =D Also, they have audiobooks! So many audiobooks! It's a beautiful thing.
I accidently clicked on this very helpful video. I thought the Universe is trying to tell me something. I agree with everything you said. But what can I do with many professional Wedding photos, when we were more photogenic? ( Now 30 years old & my dear husband passed away 15 years ago.) Maybe just keep 3 photos & move on?
Thank you for sharing, Anne! I think there is no right or wrong way to simplify, and it sounds like those wedding photos are very special to you. You could simplify them if you want, but if they matter to you there is no need to get rid of them. I hope that helps.
I had almost completely stopped using paper towels... Only 1 roll in 6+ months..... until..... I got a puppy! Now I’ve been housetraining and with accidents in the house I have gone thru numerous roles... I know it’s only going to be temporary, but I’m back to paper towels.
You can pry my books from my cold dead hands! Lol, just kidding. I’m a book lover and borderline hoarder. I at one point owned over 500 books. I am currently “curating/decluttering” my collection and really keeping the books that I love and want to reread later. Same for DVD’s. I just wish I could have my books and their feel and smell without them taking up so much space lol.
Totally agree. I have to get my cleaning supplies under control (at this point I am using g what I have), also book buying. I have some "fun shoes" I no longer wear & consignment shops have told me they don't sell. $100 shoes, wasted money (ALLEGRA shoes)
While I never owned shoes that were that expensive, I can definitely relate to feeling like we spent too much money on certain items that didn't end up being worth it! Thanks for sharing!
Man haircuts would be hard!! Highlights and cuts make a huge difference... makes your hair go from drab to fab... definitely no on that! Good list though but personally some are not practical for me
Happy Thanksgiving Sarah and Jake! This may sound strange coming from a meat eater, but curious to know what vegans have for Thanksgiving dinner. Can you share what you will be having? 😀
Happy Thanksgiving, Daniel! We are visiting my mom's side of the family and are bringing smaller portions of some Gardein "turkey" product, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing/dressing, and a chocolate mousse dessert! I was going to make salad too but I ran out of time haha...priorities :)
Same.. I was trying really hard to kid myself I could wear heels 1,5 sizes too small. Had a dozen pairs at one point. Fantasy-me is a great concept, letting it go opens up the possibility for liking other things that serve my purposes better. Great work you're doing, thank you for the inspiring vids
Love your videos! :) You said that if you wear a shirt with the school logo on you are able to wear jeans on fridays. Does that mean your school has a dress code for teachers otherwise?
Wow! Our products are about the same price (assuming it is a 24 pack or something similar), but I used to go through about one pack of pads per month, so it would cost me a LOT more!
@@AbundantlyMinimal Oh, no, our packages contain 58 pieces. Maybe they are cheaper because of less packaging costs - all the pieces are simply in a cardboard box, they are not wrapped in plastic.
Hi Sarah I always enjoy your idea about minimal It’s not about minimal life but I know you’re school teacher Could react to BTS UN speech ,This is a group from South Korea bend Inspired so many young people 👍😀
Thanks , Sarah
When it comes to things like books and music, I support libraries, but please keep in mind that artists (and especially lesser known artists) rely on successful sales of their art to sustain their practice. Be sure to pay artists for their art.
Thanks, Melissa!
I feel like the public library is the best resource ever! 📚
That is so true!
Me too, I've decided to start using mine again. I just forget it's there. I need a popup every time I click on a book selling site that says 'it may be cheap 2nd hand, but the library's free!'
Michaela Trefoil and thriftbooks.com is a great site for used,cheap books. 😉
@@seasonalliving2881 ooh thanks! Dodges the dreaded site beginning with A. I'm in the UK, I'll check it out in case they're set up here too.
Yes, it is great just as long as you disinfect EVERYTHING you check out from a library.
My hair straightener broke and I decided not to buy a new one.. trying to embrace my natural hair texture
That is awesome! I actually did the same thing about a 7 months ago, and I like my natural hair texture so much better now!
Dvds have saved my sanity when we have power outages. I have a portable DVD player and if it needs to recharge I'll plug it into my car while driving around town. During storms cell reception is spotty.
I'm glad to hear that they have added value to you!
Man oh man, did I need to watch this video and be challenged anew. THANK YOU!!
You are welcome! I'm so happy to hear that it was helpful!
I still have a few t-shirts with logos. Those are my "house cleaning" clothes. If I buy used shoes, I spray the inside and outside with lysol. Good enough.
Those are great ideas for house cleaning clothes! Thanks, Bonny!
I wear mine for physical stuff, running or classes - or days like today when I just want to do house stuff and not feel like I'm going to get flour or whatever all over it. (Laughing to myself coz I just baked banana bread and I am so going to eat the lion's share!!)
You give such practical advice.
Thank you so much, Diane!
Great tips!
Thank you so much, Kerry!
I keep books. Extended period without power/internet and you will wish you had them. I don't own a TV so no need for movies.
Props for not owning a TV!
I only buy leather bound books because they are both pleasurable for reading and lovely. When I look at my library, it fills me with joy that I have read and reread all of these lovely books so many times. If we have a guest staying with us, I encourage them to read one of my books. If they truly love it, I will often gift it to them when they leave. It’s always a pleasurable moment when I hand them the leather bound book they enjoyed as they depart.
I used to be much more minimal and would make most of my house cleaners but I’ve become more of a consumer over the past couple years. This made me realize I’m gonna go back to allot of my old ways.
Life changes definitely play a role!
Great tips! What program/app do you suggest to sell these extra items such as hundreds of DVDs? Anyone?
Great question, April! From my own experience, I have not found that DVDs have a high resale value. However, I did find this article that could help: wellkeptwallet.com/sell-used-dvds/
Hi Sarah, I also make my own cleaners as we are trying to stay away from chemical smells. I also make my own laundry detergent. Hope you and Jake had a wonderful Thanksgiving.!
That is wonderful, Jenny! We did have a great Thanksgiving...I hope you did too! :)
6:46 I wonder if I can use apple cider vinegar for cleaning.
Apple cider vinegar works great for cleaning too! It can clean the same items that white vinegar can!
Great tips, thankyou💕
You are welcome, Tracey!
Hi Sarah my husband RJ and I would like to wish you and Jake a Happy Thanksgiving. There are some of the things on your list that you don't buy anymore that we also don't buy thanks for sharing
Thank you, Cathy! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving as well!
Would you please give us the recipes you mentioned for cleaning. I do use vinegar mixed with water. But I have marble counter tops and leather on the outside of myfridge & one large cubard
I love baking!
I would also eat most of it - my solution is to make a good basic cookie recipe (oatmeal raisin, which I switched to chocolate chips - as one does), I scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet and then freeze them raw. Transfer to container once frozen. Then, I bake 4 - 6 cookies at a time, often tied in with having the oven on for something else, anyway.
To bake, I add 1 minute to the time.
This way, it eliminates just eating it on a whim.
Works really well! And I much prefer them warm!
That is a great strategy and it is awesome it works for you! I'm a little too intense about my sweets and found that I can microwave the frozen dough into yummy things in a flash, which means I can plow through frozen dough in a day or two, so I have definitely learned my lesson!
@@AbundantlyMinimal Oh, yeah, the microwave would make that trickier! (I don't have one). Sweets are absolutely my biggest weakness, I think that there's a area of my brain that is wired entirely for any variation of cream, butter and caramelised brown sugar. In the other hemisphere, there's a corresponding area for dark chocolate.
I make a point of not keeping track of how many chocolate chips I go through in a month.
Great idea!
DVDs... I’m not a minimalist but I don’t even own one of these.
That's awesome! I think over the last few years they have become less common with the rise in streaming services.
We use knitted or crocheted cotton rags to clean with
That is wonderful, Joan!
Books are a problem as I do reread mine a lot. But I have made a dent in reducing what I have. Good list!
Thanks, Beth!
I have a ton of kitchen equipment. Thats my love and cook books. Other than that, i routinely get rid of stuff like clothes, purses, furniture, etc.
I also dont buy ketchup, mayo, onions, pickle relish, mustard, ranch- or any salad dressings, napkins, forks, knives, spoons, straws, cups. microwave -storeage dishes, i get all this at convenient stores or restaurants.
Hey Sarah, thanks for sharing these tips. I’m a teacher myself and what caught my eye is that beautiful font you used in the thumbnail. That would look so cool in some of the materials I make. Can you tell what the name of that font is?
Greetings from the Netherlands 👋🏻
Hi Roger! It is always great to hear from fellow teachers! The font I use in most of my thumbnails is kollektif, and I put the thumbnails together using Canva. I hope that helps!
Wow thanks so much! I found it. I’ve been searching for something as geometric shaped like ‘century gothic’ but with a good ‘t’. 😍
I read all the books I own. I love the annual library book sale. I am at the library every week.
Kathy B.
P. S. I don't buy graphic t-shirts either. I have a couple i like and that's it for now.
I'm so glad you love reading, Kathy!
I did 2 big declutters this year. After each one I said that will be it for at least a year or more. But 5 mths down the track Im ready for another one.😆
I gave myself a 2yr ban on buying clothing. The first yr is almost up and I bought a shirt last week. My wardrobe is in that awkward state of being 2 sizes too big and still a little too tight to wear out in public. 😀 I am starting to look a little too scruffy out in public these days. Will this decluttering ever end?😅
I don't think the decluttering ever ends completely, just because our needs change, as you have identified, but keep up the good work! The clothing ban sounds like a worthy challenge!
event t-shirts are a scourge
Absolutely!
Just wondering what state you live in? I saw you were shopping at meijer and I think those are mostly in the Midwest!
I live in Illinois!
Oh! I moved to Colorado from Michigan and I miss Meijer!
Hi me and my husband is going to sit down tonight and try and cut down next year example cleaning products books and anything else that we can stop buying cause we want to save xx
This is a weird comment to your comment but did you end up saving money?
Sonya Berry why is this weird lol we’ve saved enough money to go on a holiday abroad for 2 weeks next year
for me it's magazines, physical books, unpractical clothes, random drugstore makeup, stationary, fun kitchen gadgets, exercise equipment.. :) and probably a lot more. I wouldn't consider myself a real minimalist but I've decluttered a lot and atm really try to be concious of buying stuff. oh yeah and I also don't buy tshirts with prints :D I dislike them after a few months
This is a great selection of items that you no longer buy, Nina!
Used shoes that is just plain nasty. I draw a line there. No used undergarments and shoes.
Thanks for sharing! I am pretty hardcore in preventing waste and saving money haha :)
Orange Chicken why? I can see undergarments but shoes can be cleaned throughly and I wear socks with all my shoes anyways.
I renecently bought some doc martens for less than half the price. The shoe got worn maybe three times so no big deal. Most used shoes I bougg that where worn more the people i bpught them from already washed before selling them.
Lysol spray or some time of antibacterial cleaner on the inside & a good cleaning of the outside will make used shoes look new and be thoroughly cleansed for new feet.
I will say that you might want to be wary of anything that has “foot stains” typically found in sandals and dress shoes people have worn without socks.
But there is no reason to just say no to used shoes as a whole. You can find great shoes barely or lightly worn for a fraction of the price.
My grandma buys used shoes if she finds something amazing. She said a lot of times the shoes are new.
My hubby and I went through a matching souvenir t-shirt phase. Purchased way too many as now we wear nicer casual clothes. We have decluttered about half of them. I’m thinking Decluttering 98 percent would be better. Maybe just keep the two Disney ones.
I only keep paperback books from my two fave authors or I download them for free.
That is a great strategy, Stacy!
@@AbundantlyMinimal I'm not a minimalist but I do like a lot of your ideas! I still have a lot of books but I'm a big reader and I reread the books I have, so it's my one indulgence lol. I've bought most of them at yard sales, thrift stores etc. Even if I pay full price on a book, it will get a lot of use. Happy Healthy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
We all have our indulgences and that is awesome that books are your thing! Keep being awesome and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving too! :)
Re desserts: I found if I make cookie dough I'll cook up a batch so each family member can have 3 each or something, then I'll either bake and give away the rest, or I'll freeze the dough in little balls. If we have a craving for a cookie we can grab out a couple balls of dough and bake them. But I've found that slows down the consumption somewhat.
Re: books: I'm a bit of a germaphobe so don't like handling actual library books. However, since the pandemic I've discovered our library has beaucoup de e-books! It's fantastic! So many books, so little time. =D Also, they have audiobooks! So many audiobooks! It's a beautiful thing.
That is a great way to slow down consumption! Library ebooks and audiobooks are amazing as well!
I can't imagine only having 10 books XD Having them brings value to my life. And, as an author, I hope people buy my books lol.
It's wonderful they add value to your life!
I accidently clicked on this very helpful video. I thought the Universe is trying to tell me something. I agree with everything you said. But what can I do with many professional Wedding photos, when we were more photogenic? ( Now 30 years old & my dear husband passed away 15 years ago.) Maybe just keep 3 photos & move on?
Thank you for sharing, Anne! I think there is no right or wrong way to simplify, and it sounds like those wedding photos are very special to you. You could simplify them if you want, but if they matter to you there is no need to get rid of them. I hope that helps.
My brother scanned all his photos and made a DVD album.
I had almost completely stopped using paper towels... Only 1 roll in 6+ months..... until..... I got a puppy! Now I’ve been housetraining and with accidents in the house I have gone thru numerous roles... I know it’s only going to be temporary, but I’m back to paper towels.
Puppies seem like a very important use for paper towels! Happy housetraining!
You can pry my books from my cold dead hands! Lol, just kidding.
I’m a book lover and borderline hoarder. I at one point owned over 500 books.
I am currently “curating/decluttering” my collection and really keeping the books that I love and want to reread later. Same for DVD’s.
I just wish I could have my books and their feel and smell without them taking up so much space lol.
It is great that you love your books so much! Your comments made me laugh!
A book room would be so lovely. The ultimate retreat. With a little tea dispenser in the wall. 'Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.'
Totally agree. I have to get my cleaning supplies under control (at this point I am using g what I have), also book buying. I have some "fun shoes" I no longer wear & consignment shops have told me they don't sell. $100 shoes, wasted money (ALLEGRA shoes)
While I never owned shoes that were that expensive, I can definitely relate to feeling like we spent too much money on certain items that didn't end up being worth it! Thanks for sharing!
@@AbundantlyMinimal if you want them they're yours (size 8)
You are so sweet! I think I am okay though, but that is such a kind gesture!
Man haircuts would be hard!! Highlights and cuts make a huge difference... makes your hair go from drab to fab... definitely no on that! Good list though but personally some are not practical for me
You do you, Berenice! :)
Happy Thanksgiving Sarah and Jake! This may sound strange coming from a meat eater, but curious to know what vegans have for Thanksgiving dinner. Can you share what you will be having? 😀
Happy Thanksgiving, Daniel! We are visiting my mom's side of the family and are bringing smaller portions of some Gardein "turkey" product, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing/dressing, and a chocolate mousse dessert! I was going to make salad too but I ran out of time haha...priorities :)
Me too......no more fun shoes. Also clumsy. Lol😂😂😂😂
Haha I'm glad someone else is the same way :)
Same.. I was trying really hard to kid myself I could wear heels 1,5 sizes too small. Had a dozen pairs at one point. Fantasy-me is a great concept, letting it go opens up the possibility for liking other things that serve my purposes better. Great work you're doing, thank you for the inspiring vids
I recognize the Trader Joe's moisturizer in your bathroom. I use it too...lol
Nice! It's a good product!
Love your videos! :) You said that if you wear a shirt with the school logo on you are able to wear jeans on fridays. Does that mean your school has a dress code for teachers otherwise?
Thank you so much! We do have a business casual type of dress code on Monday through Thursdays.
How does one watch a dvd through a steaming service 🤔
Howard Zinn
Are feminine products expensive in the US? Because i buy two package of pads for about 3 USD each and they last me a year. :-O
Wow! Our products are about the same price (assuming it is a 24 pack or something similar), but I used to go through about one pack of pads per month, so it would cost me a LOT more!
@@AbundantlyMinimal Oh, no, our packages contain 58 pieces. Maybe they are cheaper because of less packaging costs - all the pieces are simply in a cardboard box, they are not wrapped in plastic.
Uh. Who buys dvds
val h Old people or those who don’t care for modern technology.
🖐🏼🙂
Hello Maria!
Hi Sarah I always enjoy your idea about minimal It’s not about minimal life but I know you’re school teacher
Could react to BTS UN speech ,This is a group from South Korea bend Inspired so many young people 👍😀
Thanks, Goldie! I will need to watch that video!
"tools to help us exercise" ---wink, wink
Haha, I just meant a medicine ball, a stretchy band and a swivel board.
Menstrual cup. Now you are just too stingy
Subirapay ???
Clickbait
How? 😂😂
Mmmmm.... Did you watch the same video the rest of us did? 😂😂
I went to a used book store trading in my books that i don't read into books that i would read also haven't bought dvds always use the library
That is a great option!