"I view decluttering as a means to create my life rather than strip away the life I have." I love this!

You can definitely be a minimalist and have a home that is colorful. I moved from a 13 room Victorian "cottage" in 2008. Over time I've gradually downsized to the point that I now live in my condo of just 386 square feet. I went from over 6,000 books to just my favorite 300 books. I kept all the art work that I truly loved so each wall is full of vibrant art work and, in fact, I painted the walls in my main room black which makes the colors really "pop". I have a small "reading room" area with about a dozen plants because I no longer have a yard and a large garden. You would never enter my home and say it's minimally designed. But it is 386 square feet and contains only what I really love and appreciate. So, minimalism doesn't mean "no stuff". It means carefully selecting what works for you.

@M_SC

11 ай бұрын

❤

The wasting money part was a big challenge for me to overcome. It’s true that the money was already spent, but I couldn’t let go of things until I realized they were being wasted sitting in my house. I’ve found such joy giving things away in my local “pay it forward” group. I love that I can give something with value to someone who may not have the funds to purchase it. It helps me feel like I’m not wasting money anymore because it’s being used! Just not by me!

I love #3. My home actually got a lot less boring when I started practicing a minimalism 8 years ago. I kept only what was valuable, functional and beautiful to me and my home is now filled with color, not clutter. The upside is that it looks like a curated art gallery and still only takes me 5 minutes to clean. Wins all around!

I just had a newborn 3 weeks ago. And I completely agree with the way people around us say you need so much stuff or to spend so much money on your child. But in reality it’s what is needed for your life style! Because it depends on the climate, the size of your baby and how big your house/apartment is. Overall it’s about getting the absolute necessities for your child. Thinking about better investment items that grow with your child so you aren’t wasting money. And if the family or friends want to spoil your child, try to guide them into getting items that will be useful for the present and near future to help out. Instead of random gadgets that will take up so much space in the house. But good luck to every parent and just know it’s really a beautiful journey !

Decluttering brought up lots of emotions for me I didn't realise were there. I needed to get rid of rubbish because it was taking over my living space and I had no room to move. So my son and I packed up the car and took several trips to the dump. The stuff I got rid of was actual rubbish - cardboard boxes from purchases, old broken furniture that couldn't be repaired, etc. But it upset me no end and I cried every time whilst driving to the dump. But afterwards I felt much better. I also fell into the trap of keeping stuff "just in case". I have plans to start a sewing business working from home and was busily gathering supplies so I could jump right into it, but I didn't start anything. I just kept gathering. I still have a lot of purging of stuff to do but I'm taking it one step at a time so I don't send myself into a nervous breakdown. Now I'm looking forward to having stuff that I need and want without drowning in unnecessary clutter. Being ruthless is tough on the psyche but well worth the effort.

@M_SC

11 ай бұрын

I felt that

I love your decluttering videos. They’re physically, practical and mentally encouraging at the same time. Something you said really struck me: “Our identity is not defined by what we own, it is shaped by our character, values, experiences, and contributions to the world.” I recently went to the funeral of my beloved cousin’s husband. I had always seen him as fun, loving very good to his family, both immediate and the rest of us, and he had such a loving bond with his wife and children. What I didn’t know was how much he had impacted his world while he was alive. There were over 200 people who came to celebrate Bob‘s life. And what really impacted me was looking at his urn (he been cremated as he requested) and noticing that all the things that he had possessed in his life, we’re gone. All that was there for his ashes, some flowers, a few pictures especially one of him in his favorite shirt which read I’m sorry I’m late, but I didn’t want to come. LOL! HE AND HIS LIFE or what was the most important. His impact on our lives, cannot be seen by what he owned by who he was. He gave me the courage to see my possessions as really not very necessary to who I am. And now with your videos, I’m truly ready to begin decluttering not only my home, but my life, finances and emotional baggage as well. Thank you so much for your videos and I’m proud to be your subscriber. 😊👍🙏

Congratulations on becoming a father! 🎉 ❤

I am a more seasoned parent. Around year three, I realized that most of the stuff that people told me that I needed I did not need. Kudos to you Nf hour family for creating boundaries and being clear about your vision

I’ve ALREADY LOST THE MONEY ❗️❗️ News flash!! Priceless ❗️❗️ Thank you ❤

When I had my kids I was young and we were poor , I was a stay at home mom who had a calligraphy business , my husband a machinist working man job at first , and there wasn’t so many new gadgets back then , the 80s we didn’t have much at all , and we went to the library a lot , they got ‘ new “ books every week . We went to the park every week and played on the “ big” toys, we fed the ducks the ends of bread , we baked pies and cookies together my girls are now grown , both very well educated, well rounded , creative individuals I am very proud of , we did ok , with the bare minimum

Yes please more minimal parent content!! Living in Scandinavia in a small city apartment puts some natural boundaries to the amount of stuff we can have but still we try to keep it as lean as possible. A practical toy store for kids is just overwhelming, what they really need is time and attention from their parents and loved ones. Capsule wardrobe also makes a lot of sense! Anything to simplify the babylife. You got yourself a sub.

Wow. This is the second video of yours I’ve watched. You are so eloquent and insightful. You definitely have gained a follower. I have started my declutter ing journey and am grateful to have a “coach” to rely on. Thank you.

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! I’m honored my content resonates with you so much. I definitely look forward to growing on this journey with you my friend. If you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out!

I wish there were more parents like you 🥰

Becoming a parent was exactly what set me alone a path of becoming more intentional and minimal, esp as a parent. It was a huge eye opener and allowed us to stay in a smaller place until the time was right to upsize.

You're a very wise young man. I enjoy your videos!

Love the clear purpose. The white everything makes what we see a nice backdrop, but a 1 large piece of art in calm colors that reflects the both of your personalities would go so far to solidify your shared discoveries and tell us more about you, your interests and your experiences. You would be supporting an artist and have a finished deliberate look in your home that would be curated by your new choices. Just my opinion here suggesting a further refinement of your stated journey. Thank you for sharing your story.

Wow! If you ever wonder if you have helped someone, you did today. I needed to hear the things you are saying. I was playing your content while I cleaned my refrigerator. Mind you, I have been wanting to clean out the fridge for a very long time. In fact, I've been meaning to do ANYTHING. I've watched many people who are organizers and talk about decluttering. But you got thru to me. Thank you. ❤️

As a mum of 5, almost 6, kids (10 and under), having less of the gadget type stuff is SO nice when they are little. With our first two or three, we had all the big, bulky things that really aren’t great for the babies anyway and just take up soooo much space. With the last few babies, I baby wear to avoid strollers taking up space and don’t use the big walkers or bouncers and such. Baby really doesn’t need much but we’re constantly told by others and companies that they NEED this or that. Thank you for addressing this. I’ve had worries lately that my house will just never be declutterred even with keeping baby stuff to a minimum but now you’ve given me good ideas to get back at it! ♥️

Glad I started listening to Ron again! I'm inspired to get back to being a minimalist/simplifying my life.

@RonaldLBanks

8 ай бұрын

Awesome! I’m honored! Please let me know if you ever have any questions!

What a video! I agree with the first lie the most, minimalism is not just the physical, it is a mindset in all areas of life

Great video, Ron! I wanted to thank you for all the inspiration I've gotten from your channel over the last few years. I luckily met a wonderful man in 2019 (who I know live with) - but as we are both in our forties we had duplicates of everything so some urgent decluttering was needed for us both to fit into our three-bedroom home in Wales, UK (admittedly, a lot of his stuff was donated - we kept mine!) While there are a few (very few!) things I think maybe I shouldn't have decluttered, this process has given me much more confidence in all my decision-making in all aspects of my life. So I got rid of some stuff that I regret but, you know what? nothing bad happened, I've learnt that it's ok to make mistakes, and this has led to some amazing life-changing decisions that I felt confident to make now. Additionally, I was able to sell so many things that I was able to pay off all my debt, and as I sold my property, I am now mortgage free! This enabled me to change my career and work part-time. My time is now my most precious 'possession'! (although I realise that not everyone is this fortunate). I wouldn't have been able to change my life in every way if I hadn't first strengthened my "decluttering muscles"! Thank you for all of your great videos, and huge Congratulations on your new baby son! To anyone who is still struggling with decluttering, I say just jump in! It might just be the best thing you've ever done!

I def need to do another round of decluttering, thank you for the tips!

As useful as your specific suggestions are, your insights into human nature and your ability to articulate those things are extremely impressive. You're a smarter man than I.

Thank you for this great video, helpful information. My home does NOT look like the youtube/instagram minimalist home, it is FULL of color, but I don't have lots of things and everything I own is useful and brings joy when I look at it as I use it, I keep people, mail, digitally stored stuff, etc very limited.

So good ! Thank you ! And congrats to you & your wife on the birth of your beautiful son ! Liz

Your ideas are interesting and I'm sure they work for many but this is not for me. I want to enjoy my belongings because I'm sentimental and seeing things brings me happiness. Your home looks beautiful but to me it does look a little boring. It would be great for your child to see color, it's a part of development. What will he have to remember you and the many places you've been to and things you did together. When my son comes to my house, that will one day be his, it's like going back in time for him. He takes his 3 yr old son I into his room and shows him his toys even from when he was 3. It means a lot to him. I have antiques that have been in my family who cherished them as well as myself. I remember stories that my grandmother and mother told me about the item. I don't have a color scheme all over the house with the exception of furniture and curtains being similar in color. I'm not a neat freak but I am a germ freak. I have clean clutter lol I'll be 61 in December and I know I need to get rid of "stuff" for many reasons. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed but many, many times I experience joyful and happy feelings. I've told my son when I die to get rid of anything he didn't like or means nothing to him. I think knowing he has my permission to let it go will make it guilt free. I guess every home and person likes what they like. Personal things reflects the person. Good luck with your beautiful clutter free home and mind but it would be nice if you at least had black and white framed selected photos on your wall. It's part of your life. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for your video!

I've been going through decluttering youtube videos all day and yours are by far the most clutter-free (no frills, no bs, no unnecessary dialogue... ), great insights, plus great production quality. Subbed!

@ajvintage9579

11 ай бұрын

Yes, thank you! I tend to follow minimalists that keep it brief and inciteful.

I am slowly decluttering my home but the most important thing I have learned is I stopped buying stuff. I now ask myself do I love it and what will I remove out of my home for it.

This aha moment is amazing❤ thank you for this very valuable video

Congratulations on the baby! We have always shared with the children that new toys are awesome and need room to live. For every 1 new toy In, 3 old toys go out. We have held on to this rule for our family and encourage others to incorporate it into their families.

@M_SC

11 ай бұрын

The math doesn’t add up

So smart! Children with fewer toys are more creative and happier.

Definitely drowning in other people's generosity over here. Being surrounded by family members that can see beyond consumerism is a blessing. I am blessed in many ways and that ain't one of them 🥴 Thank you for sharing your journey😊

Happy Belated Father's Day Ron. Thank you so much for your inspiration.❤

Thank you thank you thank you for saying about minimalism with kids, I needed to hear this, I’m on a journey to simplifying my life with a 3 year old. I’m a terrible hoarder 🙈 a work in progress. We have family that buy our son lots of things. We do toy rotations also and it’s definitely the best thing ever! I still have a long way to go decluttering toys and well…everything!! But I’m so glad you have spoken about minimalism with children!! Thank you!!!

One of my all time favourite videos! Thank you 😊

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

Wow! I really appreciate that. That’s amazing. Thank you. I’m also glad you enjoyed this my friend!

Always remember he is his own person too and would want to stay true to himself. He may lean your way and he may not

Love how active you are with decluttering.

Congratulations on the kid Ron! Looking forward to seeing more content from you and Matt about minimalism with kids.

thank you for what you do...

You are a light in this world

Hey, Ronald. Happy Father's Day. 💛 The way you looked around you while talking about the "boring" minimalist home, cracked me up. 😂 And also, I don't have kids yet, but thanks to minimalism and your videos, I'll be ready. 😁

Hey Ronald, your videos are helping me though my decluttering journey From west Africa Liberia.

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

This is awesome! I’m rooting for you my friend. I’m excited for your journey ahead. Let’s keep growing together!

This is already the best decluttering video and I'm only a couple minutes in.

Right on time with just the inspiration I needed to continue my decluttering journey. Took a breather for a bit. Now getting ready to tackle the difficult task of decluttering the sewing room. Its not so much the things but rather the plans and ideas that are difficult to let go of now.

You speak like poetry ❤️ It’s calming to listen too.

Ronald, it is so heart warmning to see young man like you speaks politely and gently. ♥️♥️

@M_SC

11 ай бұрын

Ewwwwwwww just be silent

@M_SC

11 ай бұрын

Or at least write proper English when you make such statements

Great! The whole thing about having kids and cherishing minimalism is possible! And it remains possible even when they reach adolescence. It's the mindset that counts. I love how open-minded you are! To live clutter-free is not a fashion, it is a matter of alignment, so why cling to specific colour codes for instance, isn't it true? Great work, Ronald!

Hi Ronald, I really admire the way you SPEAK. You are very good at talking (to an audience)

Summer 2023. I love this series. I have needed it for at least 40 years. A pleasure and an inspiration.

Nine whole months! Wow! An expert!

@cassieoz1702

10 ай бұрын

Yes, a nine month infant is not 'staying decluttered with kids'

Oh my goodness, so much has changed in your life since I last really watched a few years ago. So many more people have found your wisdom, how wonderful for the world! Congratulations on your little one and Happy Belated Father's Day! My son is a born minimalist. He's 18 now and has never once wanted more than just a couple of pairs of pants, a couple of shorts, and a handful of shirts. He wants enough clothing so that he has a full load at the end of the week with nothing left over. He has a pair of sneakers and a pair of crocs. He has a laptop, a Switch, and books. He has a small shelf where he has a few gaming items. That's it for him. This is what he has always, always wanted. He played with one of those baby clip on rings shaped like a shower curtain ring until he was about a year old and then moved to a couple of trains. That's literally it for him. Minimalism is most definitely possible for children and some definitely prefer it without input from their parents. I didn't take the turn towards minimalism until a couple of years ago so it wasn't me! I still have a long way to go. My younger sister is a minimalist and has very young children (1,3). It's proving hard for her. It's all about balance and making sure that the kids are happy. Some kids do need more than others to keep them occupied. They spend most of their time outdoors and electronics aren't allowed for the kids until they're older, they simply need more to keep them occupied than she prefers. My oldest is a crafter and always has been, this has meant a lot of projects over the years. And a whole lot of craft supplies. Their collection is meaningful to them, but certainly not minimalist and they're ok with that because it keeps their mind clear to have their inspiration nearby. I think the emotional, mental, financial, commitments decluttering is probably the most important. Thank you for sharing your words and wisdom.

"Capsule wardrobe baby addition", brilliant! You could easily monetize that and create a baby clothing market niche. How about labeling 2nd hand baby clothes (used/thrifted) as "Vintage". This is a such a great idea!

Hi Ronald. Thank you for your interesting videos. I easily get overwhelmed. You also seem (if I may say so) like a lovely guy. God bless you and your family.

Emotional currency is such a topic for great dialogue. If you ever skip through Colorado I'm curious if you would do a round robin at a coffee shop about minimalism and decluttering. 🙃

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

I was just in Colorado Springs with my family at the end of May. Took my son hiking…. I’d love to schedule some meet ups at coffee shops in various cities. Would be great meeting you all and chatting about minimalism.

@zennoodle

Жыл бұрын

@@RonaldLBanks Please start with Colorado again and Denver too if possible! 🙂

@CandyAustin

Жыл бұрын

Then Austin, TX:)

These are great ideas. With 1 newborn though, I don’t know if you’re quite ready to talk about kid clutter.

The last two points were what I was thinking. Thanks man for these words.

I'm truly glad I found this channel 💯💪🏾

Ten years ago I acquired a delightful Modernist-style white metal coffee table. A few months later, I had to move and could not take the coffee table with me, so I had to sell it. As I saw it leave with its new owner, I had an epiphany: it is your objects that define you, but the type of objects that you love that do. I am still a person who enjoys whimsical furniture with a minimalist touch, and that is what defines me, not the actual stuff that I have. What we like, what we enjoy, what we find useful, what drives us and are passionate about - that is what defines us

Watched a couple of your vids. I knew i had to subscribe when you mentioned you have a fam and still managed to stay ckutter free. Thank you for these videos! It's possible when you are intentional!

Great thoughts here! I always enjoy what you share!😊

Wow! Your channel is truly inspiring! You're eloquent and relatable!

We also minimize on kids stuff - we have a toddler and grandparents who love to spoil (we're working on that haha). But we love having a small selection of really great, age appropriate toys, as well as our baby capsule wardrobe (1 drawer of clothes fit for the current and upcoming season). Great video!

@countyofcaptivatingcorgwn4784

10 ай бұрын

When I was to become a grandparent, my daughter asked that the stuff I wanted to buy for my granddaughter stay at my house. It keeps me from buying too much, keeps her small house to cluttered and gives my granddaughter a special set of toys and clothes at my house. Maybe that will help the grandparents when they want to buy things. I love it because my daughter doesn’t have to bring anything to my house, because we have it here.

@user-mr2gy6hz9n

8 ай бұрын

We asked the grandparents to buy the kids experiences rather than things. Swimming pool memberships, tickets to the theater, punch pass at rock climbing center etc.

THANK YOU for always guiding us in path of improvement! Really good and helpful advice. All The Best to you and your sweet family.

I value you the perspective you have shared. Thank you for this very much.

Brilliant and eloquent video. I love how you phrase everything. Even your words are well chosen and thought out.

Happy Father’s Day

This video was very helpful! It confirmed and helped me move forward decluttering in other areas of my life. Thank you!❤

Just found your videos. You have a great and very accessible communication style. Thank you. Bringing my husband on board…

Brilliant as always Love the idea of minimalist is more than physical things.

I wouldn't call myself someone who's into materialism, but because fashion is something that I truly enjoy, I'm having to learn how to balance out my shopping habits so that I can have enough money while still enjoying the things I use and/or buy for myself. Too many minimalist KZreadrs (most of which I've unsubscribed from) have a very narrow view of what it means to be a minimalist, which makes me appreciate content like yours a whole lot more. Thanks for all that you do, Ronald, and happy belated Father's Day! 😊

okay thats it, i have to binge watch your entire channel

Got you there, Ronald. I never even used a stroller. 😂 But years later, I do have something of an open-ended toy store. 🙃 Nice vid. 💯

Thank you for this message it was truly open and genuine, wishing you and your family well.

Thank you for putting out such great NEEDED video content. I find your videos to be informative and very inspiring. Keep up the good work and I look forward to many more ideas, tips and advice you have to offer. Much appreciation

The more you own, the more that owns you. For everyone there is a harmony and balance that comes with owning stuff. I keep possessions to remind me of experiences. However on the flip side, just like you had your clothes and kicks I have that same problem with hats so now it's time to declutter. Onward! haha.

Ah. Very much looking forward to seeing how all this holds up under a kid honestly. Also have NO RESPECT from other family members or help in the house often. Makes a huge difference

Co is awesome!

😂 yeah, as long as your kids haven't started going to school and bringing home all the precious gifts they created, it's actually easy - if you, unlike me, have a family who's not all about toys 😑. But actually, good luck with throwing away the creations of your kids when they're old enough to realize that all of their gifts and presents are somehow not in your house. I hope you guys can do it. I really hope.

Always empowering to hear what your insights are on decluttering our lives. Thank you once again! 💚😊💚

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, I’m still in process of decluttering, but I’ll get there very soon. Thanks for the video. 👍🏻

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Very motivating ❤

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome my friend!!

Congratulations 🎉 Happy for your growing family ❤ Love watching your videos.

Amazing content. Thank you

I'm interested to see how your minimalism lifestyle is impacted when the kid grows! I'm sure there are tons of things newborns and toddlers don't really need, but I think at some point kids start to want certain things and of course you don't want to give them everything they want, but some things start to become important to them as individuals. I guess moderation is key here, wouldn't want to force kids to be more minimalist than what is comfortable to them, and at the same time it's okay to put some boundaries in place regarding stuff.

Thanks for sharing such amazing content and wisdom with the masses. Quick question? Where did you find your white square storage dressers at? I've been in search of a great storage that's sleek and clean appearance. Thank you immensely! God Bless!

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

The white storage dresser in my son’s room and the one behind me in my videos is from IKEA. It’s their Besta Collection that we custom configured to fit our needs. You can do so much with them and it’s affordable so you’re not breaking the bank.

@patricev.3795

Жыл бұрын

@@RonaldLBanks Thank you immensely! Hope you received the resources...I think it might have been deleted. Sharing is caring.

As I grandparent, my daughter and I were able to come to a good compromise. When I want to buy things for my granddaughter, they stay at my house, so she has her own clothes and toys here. It keeps me from buying too much and gives my granddaughter special toys at my house. ❤ ❤❤

Even the colour scheme of the video is minimalist. 😆 I'm still decluttering.

I could not live without colorful art on my walls. Lots of it.

Love content on decluttering. There are many good ones. But your approach resonates with me and by far my favorite of all.

I love this!!!❤

@RonaldLBanks

Жыл бұрын

I love that you loved it! Thanks for watching my friend!

@sunmoongodess

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your time and content 😊

I'm an MIP (minimalist in progress) & I have never seen a video about minimalism with a baby. It's brilliant! Love your point of view bc you're absolutely right, there's no reason why minimalism can't work w/ a baby in the home. Wish I knew that when my kids were babies!!

Great content.

Excellent.

So glad to have found your channel. Hope to start my journey soon. 👏👏

The losing money is a big one I’ve noticed. Equating items with money instead of seeing it for what it is now, just an item. sure, you can sell it secondhand, but until then you will have to hold onto the item and it will keep taxing at you Is the money worth it or should you just rip it off like a Band-Aid? At least that’s what I’ve been struggling with. On the other hand there’s also feeling rich and abundant with the more items you have aka “the more the better”, which is definitely my grandmothers pov and I understand it from her generation, but still, stuff can’t keep piling up and I have to intervene from time to time (even if it’s against her 100% will)

I love minimalist mom if you have not seen her content. She has a lot of kids lol. She's mastered it. Her home is also colorful.

The speaker discusses debunking misconceptions about decluttering, emphasizing holistic decluttering, managing clutter with kids, maintaining personal style, identity, and understanding the true cost of holding onto possessions.

my home as a minimalist is 99% white 1% light wood 😂 , if you ask me why , because I love it this way 😊 . Don't try to understand it ,( just like I can't understand how someone would live in a space with colourful decor because to me it is overwhelming and it will drive me crazy ) but just appreciate that we are all different 😉😊

Baby walkers are illegal in Canada now anyways. They're too dangerous! Babies have fallen down stairs that way ☹️