Me every time Natalie hits the next topic: “Preach!” 👏🙌

@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654

3 жыл бұрын

You do you! I applaud you for putting yourself out there, and holding fast to your needs and desires

Hallelujah! The only rules are the ones you set for yourself. They are your guidelines.

@eileenlester4342

3 жыл бұрын

Amen.

I break allll of the minimalist rules... mostly because I'm not one haha - But I love that you share your version of minimalism and what works for you, it makes it seem less intimidating for people like me! You're so motivating

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

As long as we're happy and growing and creating a space WE love to live in, right?! Who cares about labels!?

@findingaway5512

3 жыл бұрын

🤣 yeah Kim.... So not a minamalist. But us girls can dream. Natalie wears it well and makes it realistic to achieve.

@pamsunderland6095

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed with everything you said. Is there someone who wrote a book on minimalism in the first place?? I describe myself as Minimalish. Maybe more so now than when our two kids were at home, but have always tried to live a simple happy life. The only book of rules I try to stick to is “The Scriptures”. God created us so asks us to follow them to benefit ourselves! From looking at videos on KZread I find there are 3 types Minimalish, Minimalist and extreme minimalism and sometimes different parts overlap.

@nzcln89

3 жыл бұрын

Wait... The Wads is here!

@lauraallen2852

3 жыл бұрын

Between Kim and Natalie, my life is complete. My besties on the other side of the world.

Joshua Becker defined minimalism is living with intention. He emphasizes constantly that minimalism looks different from family to family due to our individuality and what is most comfortable for us. He also admits that there are no “rules “. Just live with intentionality, Don’t collect a lot of stuff that you can’t keep track of and find your happiest life. I think you are doing an excellent job! It’s a joy to watch your channel!

@MarielaMerino

3 жыл бұрын

Joshua said it perfectly! Love that 🙏🏻

@simplelifekj558

3 жыл бұрын

👍🏽

@AtoZenLife

3 жыл бұрын

Joshua has the best and most reasonable definition of minimalism. Comparing and counting is neither helpful nor healthy. ✨🙌✨

@elainecarrillo5434

3 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t have said it better I totally agree!

@leeibbertson1184

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you for sharing 💗

Speaking of letting go of 80%, let us all let go of 80% of judgement! Let me always always remember “Judge not, lest ye be judged”

I'm so sick of people imposing their do's and dont's on others. Do you and what works for your family!

@TTaddicted

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!!

To me minimalist means I'm getting rid of the things that clutter my life and add no value to it, to free up space/time for the things that are important to me/the things I love. To me it's not a one size fits all thing.....love you're channel!!❤️

@MarielaMerino

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Exactly the same for me 💛🙏🏻

@OurCrowsNest5

3 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh yes! Things that no longer bring joy are GONE 👏🏼

@MelindaPlainandSimple

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! It's not one size fits all. It's not even one size fits all for every person living in the same home sometimes! My husband likes stuff. I like space. I try to balance it so we both feel comfortable in our home. He brings value to my life, so I'm keeping him and all of his stuff, even if that means I can't be a minimalist.

@Joybug_51

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! As a mom of two daughters in their 40s, I now understand that what I thought would really matter to my girls when they had their own homes just doesn't. There are things that mean something and I have given those things to them as it comes up. "Mom, I always loved the ducky shaped pancakes best" Exiting my kitchen that evening was an extra large cookie cutter in the shape of a rubber ducky which my great uncle made for me when I was just a little girl and used to show him my fancy ruffled pants bottom up like a rubber ducky! And that matters very much to my daughter and my grandsons while my Grandmom's silver tea service is just a dust collector.

I was the person who only had the amount of food my family could consume in a week and when the pandemic hit we had to eat stuff we don't normally lol now I firmly believe in having a small stock of extra things we consume regularly like rice 😬 it was impossible to find locally when the pandemic first hit

I’m not a true minimalist when it comes to books and seasonal decor. I actually don’t even call myself a minimalist because the word is so relative. I call myself an intentionalist. I know what I own and why I own it. I don’t let clutter build up and I am intentional about what I bring into my home. Also, your outro song fit so perfectly for this video! 😆

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

Only we can define who we are! I love that you've set this for yourself! 👏🏼

@sarahclutter7649

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!!!

@nathalied9252

3 жыл бұрын

Love that ! From now on, I'll call myself an intentionalist too 😊

@anaalves3658

3 жыл бұрын

I think that intensionalist is a much better way of describing how you live, I think that I am one too 😊😊😊

@nissi0507Z

3 жыл бұрын

Same here🙌🏼

The minimalist rules I break are mostly related to my cooking/kitchen.I am am a foodie who loves to cook elaborate meals. I have 10 spatulas, 6 colanders, 4 crock pots, multiple whisks, spoons, ladles, etc. There are days I run out of all of these items because I cook so much. That is one area I will probably never be able to conform to traditional minamalist rules. And no apologies will be made :)

@MarielaMerino

3 жыл бұрын

I’m the same way. Have all the utensils and appliances. I’ve managed to keep it all organized though in my small apartment 😅

I like to go "idea shopping." where I don't necessarily guy things, but I'm able to see what's out in stores. It's helped me quite a few times when I do have the need to purchase something, since I know what items are available in which stores. Idea shopping also takes out the need to purchase every time I walk into a building.

“Minimalism” to me is just having things that are needed, used, and loved. Intentional is a good word for this. You and Dawn are responsible for my decluttering during this last year. So thanks.

@carolynridlon3988

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! These are the two gals I follow for "minimalism". They are real! Thank you Natalie!

That intro song was PERFECT! 🤩 I know exactly what you mean, one person will say I am an extreme minimalist, and then the next person says I have too much sentimental stuff - make yourself happy and ignore the rest (except Mother Nature, of course). 😆👍

The upstairs/downstairs concept is legit. I have bathroom supplies in each respective bathroom, not in a "cleaning spot." It saves my sanity...and it helps me from procrastinating.

@theannamueller

3 жыл бұрын

I live in a small flat and I have a set of cleaning supplies in the kitchen and in the bathroom, because I am too lazy or too practical to go into another room in order to get it when I need something. I have transferred them into smaller bottles so that they fit perfectly laying in a drawer and its just a pull and grab - easy and very convenient, and it doesn't involve any decision as to whether I want to make an effort to clean something, I just simply do it.

I am a book maximalist. I don't limit the kids when we find stories they love.

@conniehartley4770

3 жыл бұрын

Me too. My book collection is a carefully curated collection of topics that are very close to my heart (yes, I have read them all and they don’t just happen to have a nice book cover 😂). They are neither colour coordinated, nor hidden behind doors. Trying to limit the book shelves to just one wall, but really wouldn’t mind having a dedicated library room in the house... Some people collect shoes, I collect books 📚

@brittaniemccahill9010

3 жыл бұрын

SAME. I don't restrict our book budget because I love my book collection, my husband is an avid audible user, and my daughter LOVES the process of reading/story time. I want my children to grow up with a love of learning and books.

@musikluver

3 жыл бұрын

I was watching an old minimalism documentary and they were saying that everyone has a "thing" so if you have multiple bras or multiple books or shoes then go for it just don't have multiple of everything 🙌 love it!

@gloriscorner1472

3 жыл бұрын

@@conniehartley4770😍 I wish I had a book collection, and a section of my home dedicated just for that. 🥺But I have such a limited space right now. 😓

I get a bit cross with people who sit in the 'safety' of their homes writing critical messages to wonderful people like yourself who have the heart of caring and sharing. These videos and others like yourself inspire and encourage us to help ourselves get to a place where our homes are our refuge and a source of peace. I am very grateful. Thanks Natalie.

There’s no rules in minimalism and I love that. I hear people say they wish the could be minimalist but they love their book collection. It’s possible to be one and still have collections of things you love! ✨💛🙌🏼

I will never ever have a "minimalist" pantry, the closest walmart is 30 minutes away 🙃 the only thing I get from our local store is fruit and veggies and everything else is bulk purchases. That's how it's always been where I live 🤷🏻‍♀️

@Jwilly875

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Agree with this. My grandparents live in the country and minimalism is really only something I think people who live in the city can follow. You have to be prepared for everything when you live far away!

@musikluver

3 жыл бұрын

You're minimalist with the gas you spend 😜 i get that. My in-laws only go into town once for groceries for the same reason

The first thing I decluttered when I came back to minimalism is the rule book. We all need to do what works for us and mind our business otherwise. 💛#premierefam

This applies to people in general: Minimalism is different for everyone. Each person is different. Just because someone doesn’t do it exactly like you do doesn’t mean they are doing it wrong. Do you and allow others to do them.

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

Say it louder for the people in the back! 👏🏼

Someone seriously posted “ you can’t be a minimalist because you have more than one child?”. 🤦🏼‍♀️ i had no idea about this “rule”! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ unbelievable

@anaalves3658

3 жыл бұрын

That is the dumbest comment ever!!!🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦

@lenafreeze7131

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah ridiculous!

@robinj1482

3 жыл бұрын

I mean the second one was not even a deliberate choice for Natalie lol!

@bealea_lea_

3 жыл бұрын

So what should you do when you have multiple children and start your minimalism journey... declutter them...?

@theannamueller

3 жыл бұрын

That person should rethink that post, because according to their own logic there is an even more minimal option to just one child: no child. Seriously. 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

Your realistic minimalism is something I love. You have kids, a husband, hobbies, and things you just want! And that’s relatable to me, and help me with my own journey.

This is so cool I love "real" and "honest"

Thank you for saying that you don’t have to be a “certain way” to be a minimalist. I love that attitude! Truly helps others like myself take some pressure off.

Does a twin count as a duplicate? That one made me laugh so much. Unsolicited advice at its finest. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and learnings with us. P.S. please keep all of your children they are adorable. ❤️

I'm so glad you made this video. Because that's one of the reasons why I haven't entered the minimalist life... When it's so restrictive... It doesn't fit.

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to pull the curtain away from this myth! Minimalism equals freedom! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

I appreciate that you have allowed your own unique perspective and personality infuse your lifestyle and not seek to simply duplicate someone else’s life. I love listening to your ideas and videos.

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

Dang! I just couldn't live with myself if I was a duplicate! I would be miserable! 😅

@JM-xn5ic

3 жыл бұрын

@@NatalieBennett I agree I love the concepts and ideas surrounding minimalism and simple living but as I am journeying through this I desire to make it my own.

I stock up too. I'm a minimalist prepper. I don't like to shop so I will get 4 laundry soaps etc. Being minimal with other items gives me room to put extra food etc.

Are people really judging how you decide to live a minimalist life?! Sounds like they’re hoarding mounds of judgement they should let go of.

@NatalieBennett

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

Everyone’s beliefs of minimalism are their own. I’m trying to pair down items according to what I enjoy. I love pops of colour, seasonal decor etc.

I am so happy that you present your version of minimalism in such a nonjudgmental fashion!

My hubby is always “poking me” because I am a minimalist (and he is definitely NOT). Today I told him I am NOT a minimalist ..... I am an ‘intentionalist that loves to live simply’!

The bottom line is: DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! 💕 it’s ok to break “fake”rules 😉

I just wanted to pop in and say that you’re the reason why I decided to go more minimal and live with less. You made it seem so much more approachable and like it was ok for each person to do it differently. My husband and I are expecting our first little one in June and I cannot tell you how much less stress I have as a result of simplifying my life. And it truly does make you appreciate the things that bring you joy and do more of what you love, whatever that may be. So thank you for breaking rules and sharing with us!

I work 12-8 Monday nights, so I love the fact I get to watch you first and be in a good mood. Have a Blessed Day everyone!

I call myself a minimalist, even that I have color in my home, has more clothes than many think a minimalist should have. I love x-mas and have a lot og decorations even for Easter. I also stock up on some food...And I have far too many hobby items, yes too many hobbies too. I heard it all. But, I'm too old to care. And books... I love to read and learn. I have my rules for my minimalist journey, and as you say, there are no rules, besides your own. You have inspierd me so much. Thank you. 👍😊❤

You are a minimalst when you just decide to live your life simply and happily. Intentional choices make you live minimal without the stress.

I live in a two bedroom apartment and I have over 50 plants, still consider myself a minimalist!

I'm not a minimalist BUT LOVE watching Minimalist videos. It gives me the encouragement to Hit that closet or junk drawer and throw away. That is a win for me!

I feel like some minimalists go to extreme with paring down on towels and linens etc that don’t always allow for ‘accidents’ that require a change of bedding in the middle of the night without having to run a complete laundry cycle.

LOVE THIS! I shake my head at the 'rules' people put upon themselves just to call themselves a minimalist. The only 'rule' in minimalism is to declutter to the point of the amount of items that bring you joy and make your space feel beautiful and clean. Thank you for posting this video! SUBSCRIBED!

Natalie we are one in the same!!! Everytime you said a "rule breaker" I was thinking ok....I can still be a minimalist! I am right here with you on stock piling food and allowing things that bring you joy. I have areas of my home that still need a greater purge but I have downsized so so much!!! Literally multiple vehicle loads decluttered, donated, or taken to the dump.

You’re one of my most favorite KZreadrs to watch! You have really influenced me to let go of the things around my Home that I just don’t need in my life anymore. Also, you are a wonderful Mom and Wife and that encourages me so much!!

Great subject Natalie ! Being a minimalist helps me be my best self for the choices I made where I wasn’t a minimalist; having our third child, having pets, and traveling with our children. Having materially less to manage has paved the way for me to say yes to people, animals, and adventures that make my life infinitely richer. We’ve made choices that are very different than many peers, but I’m very pleased with our life and the choices we’ve made. Our kids are 18,21, and 24 and we’ve had an absolutely amazing time because we customized our life. No regrets, only joy.

Wise women stock up on food to prepare to feed their families. 😘 They keep their pantry well-stocked, use sales to get food and items for a cheaper price, and have ingredients on hand to be able to cook from scratch rather then spend money on take-out. They say a wise rule is to always have 72hrs worth of food/supplies/hygiene, but a week worth of food is better. And if you have a family, try to have a months worth, but 3 months of food is ideal. (And if you are a prepper, a year’s worth in storage somewhere in your house) Peace of mind to know that your family is provided for in case of natural disaster, economic disaster, or job loss is so much better than adhering to a made-up rule! Sad to think about the many people who went into a panic and flocked to the stores because they were not prepared during Covid-19. Better to be a Proverbs 31 woman than to follow a white-space trend 🥰 you can always organize your pantry and make it visually appealing 😍 I just did a pantry declutter but it’s already crazy again with my 4 kids getting into everything, so I want to go see your video! 💗

@atroy1983

3 жыл бұрын

Yes yes yes!

@TTaddicted

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!!

Loved this! I break so many minimalist rules too, but I still consider myself a minimalist. I shop for fun, I have seasonal decor, I have extra dishes for entertaining, I have several kitchen appliances (instant pot, air fryer, crock pot, 2 different coffee making devices, fondue pot...I use them all!), I moved into a bigger house a couple years ago - I LOVE the extra space - and doing so caused us to buy more furniture but it's a much better fit for our family.

I’m like the idea of minimalism because of the element of eliminating stress. Decorating for the holidays brings happiness, not stress. So why not??? You do you!

Girl I screamed when you said the comment about the toys! It kills me to see people say that their kids only play with wood toys. I really believe that isn’t true because it’s hard to prevent every family member giving the kid’s toys. Also, my kids love legos and hot wheels too. Do I hate the bright colors? Yes. But my kids are happy and spend so much time playing with them! Why would someone get rid of things that keep their kids busy and having hours of fun?! Love this video so much

@simplelifekj558

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣 exactly !!!! People are so ignorant sometimes especially those who do not have children !

We aren’t doomsday preppers, but many people who see our pantry would call us doomsday preppers 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ we live in a hurricane zone in Florida so always having snacks, water, & canned foods plus LOTS of tumblers for drinking water is a must for us. We are a family of 7 so when the lockdowns hit (although short lived here) I was pregnant with twins & couldn’t really buy what we needed for a weeks worth so it saved us! Plus each hurricane season there’s always crazy empty shelves so it saves us there too 😆

@angelaholland1236

3 жыл бұрын

I so agree with you Blessed Nest. I live with an elderly woman and I myself am confined to a wheelchair. It's never easy to do weekly or scheduled shopping. I stock up when I go out or find deals. That way if I can't get out for any reason I can still eat and have a essentials.

I finally realized it's logical to store a little stash of excedrine and ibuprofen in our office, because we kept having to go get it every day from the kitchen where we store them. It's logical to create "zones" and it's okay to have these in this zone, if I need it frequently in the zone!

Life is so dang short for anyone to care about lifestyle rules. I like your outlook. Some people obsess over decluttering or living with less that they miss the whole point of life.

1 minute left for me! Natalie, your site is one of only two that I follow every week! Super job!

The truth is no matter what you do someone will be critical of whatever you do. you are making a difference. i’m 51 and learning from you. we have a plied your method of “a budget of space quote throughout our house and it has been so freeing.

A person must live its own life and have their own limits, boundaries that work for you and your family

Loving this episode! Thank you Natalie, tidying my home while watching and feel so encouraged.💖

Natalie I love your heart and enjoy your channel so much! You have helped my mindset to focus on intentional living each day.

Thank you Natalie for this 🙏🏻 I’m so agree with you.

I feel like I'm a minimalist at heart and I love that you bring so much grace to a lifestyle that seems so rule driven. Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm so glad I found your channel. ❤

Love you for being so real! 👏❤️

These are the reasons I was so apprehensive about minimalism for so long. Thanks for sharing your journey for those of us that have similar situations!

I have 3 bedrooms to go, and I honestly love how much tidier our home is. My sons room will hopefully be completed over the next two days, then daughters after that. I wanted this done earlier, but it takes time, and instead of seeing all the mess still to go, I’m prioritising seeing the progress because you you. So thank you.

I have taken 21 bags of clothes out of my house and still don’t have a capsule wardrobe and never will. It simply wouldn’t work for me. I need dress clothes for work, clothes for working in the yard, mowing and barn chores., I have summer and winter horseback riding clothes, and casual clothes for the weekends, going out etc. I do now have empty drawers in chests and dressers and our clothes fit much better in our closets.

Set my reminder :) excited to listen while tackling some spring cleaning and making homemade soaps.

I love this video! Thank you soo much for keeping it REAL!

This is just what I needed to hear ❤️ Best video ever!

Love your videos! They’re so encouraging and give me the confidence to simplify my home. Thank you 😊

You are just so sweet, love your channel Nat, TKS for always being so encouraging in all of your videos 🤗

This is one of the reasons i love your channel things are good in moderation I'm not a minimalist but is always good to learn something new, love your channel ❤

Natalie - I started following you a couple months ago and love watching everything you post! Everything you share is so relatable, uplifting, and motivating. Thank you for doing what you do!

Love your channel! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on all these “minimalism rules”. You’re an inspiration to all of us!☺️❤️

I love your videos Natalie 😍 thank you for your honesty I'm always inspired after I watch you and your family ❤️ have a great week!

I love your shirt! The pattern is so pretty :) I love the honesty.

Thank you. I'm so sick of people beating down on you and on Sarah Therese. It's a journey, you learn what you want to do or what you do not.

I love this type of content! I have really shifted my mindset with you as an inspiration. I feel very connected to your view on “minimalism” and agree whole heartedly with many of your points in where it is okay to break the rules ❤️❤️

Love this!! I love watching your minimalist video and the others... its inspiring because they all say its less stressful , thats why im changing my ways!! 😊

I love your reality and way of life and your own version of minamalist. Its what works for you and your family and Im taking notes. Thank Natalie, I really enjoyed your video as always 😊

Yes yes I love to go to Marshalls and walk around. I am not a minimalism but I am a very organice person and with you I am getting rid of things more and more and I love it. Oh please, people do not have to judge you. No rules. Very good Natalie!

Thank you Nat for being brave, honest and realistic. In regards to shopping for relaxation, yes allow yourself a little fun so you don't get resentful. Even Jennifer Cook and other people living frugal lives say you need a little 'fun' money. Just budget for it, shop mindfully and think about where you will put the item, or what item at home you can let go, to make room, if you do the one in, one out' method.

I am trying to live more simply and intentional and this is so encouraging! I don't have to stop doing things I enjoy, but just do them with more intention. Thank you for your content I really appreciate the realism that comes with minimalism while living with three kids!

Well said! Great job encouraging and being real at the same time :)

I absolutely love your perspective, Natalie! You do such a great job of explaining things without shaming others or being judgmental. Your channel is my favorite!❤️

Thanks for addressing stocking food and supplies. That's been my biggest conflict with the minimalism concept. I watch several minimalist You Tubers that I literally worry about with 2 weeks of food and large families. I don't believe 2020 is the last time we'll see shortages.

Thank you! Wonderful video, amazing mindset as usual 🥰

Cheers to books being all around the house! Rolling eyes at people using Dr. Montessori's name to harass you online. There is much in common between the Montessori method and minimalism AND what you said about piles of "Montessori" toys is spot on. Great video, first-time viewer here. Also, Dr. Montessori's whole end game was world peace so using a pedagogy based on education for peace to try and make someone feel less than really erks me.

Excellent message! I completely agree that it makes sense sometimes to have more than one place for one thing. There is a dedicated space for books in all three of our bedrooms, our living room, and the kids' rec room. We are big readers and I love that a good book is always an arm's reach away. I think that says a lot about how we value books and reading. We also have a good amount of toys, but I've broken it up into 4 groups of a dozen or so, and I rotate them every 2 weeks. That way they don't get bored with the stuff they have, and it kinda feels like a mini-xmas every other week when they have a "new" lot.

I needed the freedom of this video. Especially when you talked about being intentional about what's in your home rather than seeing how little you can have. Thank you!!! ♥️

Thank you, Natalie. You make things seem so easy.

I stumbled on your videos recently and really like them. It makes minimalism more attainable.

Natalie, you did a great job explaining minimalism! Well done! We're all on our own journey so it looks a little different for each of us.

I'm so glad you made this video!!

I look forward to your videos every week !! Loved this video ❤️

I loved this video. Great job explaining how there are no rules, which really applies to all aspects of life. Your makeup was so adorable in this video!

Love love LOVE this video!!! Thank you! 😊💕🙏🏼😄

I am so glad you follow the beat of your own drum! Making and following your own rules that bring you joy is such great philosophy. Thank you for sharing 🥰💕 I have learned so much from watching your blog, and look forward to all of your posts

#PremiereFan This was so refreshing to hear you chat about :) We all need to take a step back and realize what works for one family doesn't always work for all families. I sometimes also think, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I work daily to focus on that because sometimes I get so excited about what is working for myself and our family, that I forget that it might not be the best for everyone else. :)

I love the balance that you bring to minimalism. Blessings to you for being an inspiration

So agree!! Rules are just ideas that we can use in our world - if they work for us. I appreciate all the ideas from many and choose if they work for me. So, thank you for your insights. Have a wonderful week. Happy Monday to all. 🌷🌼🌳

I absolutely LOVE your mindset about minimalism and have adopted several from your channel. Love it and thanks so much for your transparency.

I love this video Natalie. I have been a minimalist before I know what minimalism was, but I 100% support your "rule breaks". For me, minimalism is about making your life easier, pantry stores gives options, and make life with children easier, minimalism for me, should not be limiting yourself to the extreme. You do you. X

I liked this video. It makes so much more sense to find what works for me and my family, while still striving to minimize the amount of stuff we have.