I’ll never be a minimalist because I’m a little goblin and I like shiny things

@blue_pixxi9449

3 жыл бұрын

that's a mood tho cuz same

@roxxd5580

3 жыл бұрын

lmao i love this , a whole mood

@dumptruckanonymous9532

3 жыл бұрын

Fellow goblin here as well.... Same

@MarieHP

3 жыл бұрын

Goblin gang ✌

@sunshinesweetlove..8066

3 жыл бұрын

I've tried so hard but I will go buy crap I dont need.

The problem with minimalism is the idea that people hold in their own mind. It’s not about living like Kim kardashian or living out of a backpack or only owning 33 pieces of clothing. It’s having what you need, what you use and what you love. I am a minimalist but still hold on to my cd collection because I love it. My pillowcases don’t match and neither does my decor. It’s a mindset over an aesthetic but people don’t tend to see it that way because we are really only exposed to extreme minimalism. There are no rules, it does not have to be rigid or cold. You can own 55 t shirts if that’s what makes you happy. But don’t own 85 shovels when one will serve its purpose just fine. Ya know? Anyway, thanks for coming to my Ted talk. 😊

@prometheus5405

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a minimalist because I don't like to clean my things that often.

@yoshi314

3 жыл бұрын

"I am a minimalist but still hold on to my cd collection because I love it." there is no "but" there. it makes perfect sense. you can have bunch of stuff and be minimalist, if you actually use all of it. if you have a garage, it should be stocked with necessary tools, and not just one wrench because it's minimalistic.

@brennasmalley5999

3 жыл бұрын

I’m now a minimalist because I’m tired of working so hard just to purchase items. I rather have more time and less stuff, then work a lot and have more stuff

@starylize

3 жыл бұрын

exactly! it’s a lifestyle centered around having things that add value to your life, whether that value is in the item’s utility or not. people have the wrong idea of what minimalism is and then go off from there, when in reality it’s not having a sterile black and white house with no decor.

@pialabsis8844

3 жыл бұрын

your Ted talk mentioned exactly what I thought was important to point out, so thank you. If you ever do another one, let me know

Minimalism isn’t supposed to be an aesthetic so many people get it wrong. It’s about owning only what you love/need and lowering your consumerism in areas of life that you don’t personally find joy in. Some people do take it far, the opposite of maximalist. Both are fine ways to live, but yeah, for some of us it isn’t a trend. It’s not an aesthetic.

@213243D

3 жыл бұрын

Exactlyyy! And you can have a cozy minimalist lifestyle too. It doesn't have to be all white colors. That's not related to minimalism at all.

@lecturelegere4841

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! I was surprised to see Sarah talking about minimalism as an aesthetic, I never really thought about it this way...

@stefanienh4705

3 жыл бұрын

Yesss! Minimalism isn´t black or white. There are many definitions and everyone interprets it differently, but in the end it´s really about lowering consumerism in certain areas of your life, as you said. For example: someone who loves books (or T-shirts like Sarah does) can still collect them, but in other areas of life you just decide to only buy what you really need/use/love. And it hasn´t to be something expensive as Sarah mentioned, just stuff you enjoy 100%. Some can afford high quality items, some choose sustainable products or buy second hand, some still buy "normal" stuff but more thoughtfully ("do I really need this in my life?"). There are so many options to bring more minimalism into your life and NOT because you follow an aesthetic lifestyle, but because you want to find joy in a few things, and not in clutter.

@tiny.raindrops

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, that's what I take from minimalism, questioning what I consume and what I actually want to own. Because it really is just stuff, and I don't want to be drowning in things that don't serve me and weigh me down. And I also do not want to buy things I don't need or want and waste resources on them in the process. But I think it is important not to be too excessive about it, because then again those objects take up too much of your life when questioning their pupose every second of the day.

@saraviegas2141

3 жыл бұрын

exactly, it's like she's never even researched minimalism, just saw some aesthetic pinterest posts and decided what minimalism was

I love stuff and materialism. That's why I'm a minimalist. To me, it's a philosophy rather than aesthetic. It's about loving your environment and practicing conscious appreciation of what you own.

@karly.asshhh

3 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY!

@sususnandes

3 жыл бұрын

YES!!

@killsarawr

3 жыл бұрын

YASSS

Minimalism as a lifestyle isnt the same as minimalism as an aesthetic. Its about being mindful about what you buy and keep in your home. That can look a million different ways, and yes it can even include 50 T-Shirts. Its keeping things that "bring you joy" and not things that do not. If you look further into the minimalism community it is pretty down to earth. Kim Kardashian and viral van girls dont represent minimalism.

@sususnandes

3 жыл бұрын

Yeees! People who live minimally usually talk more about productivity than about being minimal

@theebonyshow5536

3 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY

I feel some minimalist influencer have gotten into a sort of race to see who can live with less and that still is focusing on things 🤷🏻‍♀️

@honeyandlavender_

3 жыл бұрын

YES. Some of them don’t even have a bed 🥴

I’m a fan of eco minimalism which basically just means I thrift all my shit lol I can have house decor and stuff that I enjoy but it isn’t harming the world or adding to fast fashion/etc.

My personal take on minimalism is buying only things I need and not much decorative objects. So useful things should still be owned and colors shouldn't be stripped off of everything.

@JessisKnoll

3 жыл бұрын

Thats one of the things I've always found a bit weird about conventional minimalist esthetics. It's almost always void of color. Sure have few items but why black and white or brown and white, or just white?

@iciajay6891

3 жыл бұрын

I buy most decor and furniture second hand. If I buy a new pices, I have to get rid of something. Same with clothes. All second hand. I try to buy books second hand too.

@smji5269

3 жыл бұрын

@@JessisKnoll Yeah I find it unsettling to have everything in one bland color, like yeah it would look cute to have a black and white kitchen or bathroom but I need to add some other colors and items to make it livable. Minimalism doesn't have to take away all of the fun from your lifestyle.

@WouldntULikeToKnow.

3 жыл бұрын

Make useful stuff neat looking! That's part of the Bauhaus philosophy, form *and* function together!

@sususnandes

3 жыл бұрын

It avoids color because more calm colors helps relax and “calm” your brain waves (cientifically speaking bright colors stimulates more brain waves, so if you want to calm down, orange won’t help as much as white or grey). But it’s not a rule, it’s just based on trying to make your space calm and soothing, if that’s bright colors for you you should do that

that picture of kim kardashians house, if it was really hers....that kind of "minimalism" only works if you have an enormous house where you have rooms solely dedicated to...having stuff in them that are never allowed to be photgraphed or anything, or you have enough space and enough rooms that can afford to only have like, 2.5 items in one room at all times. like that bedroom- where is the STUFF??? how do you EXIST in there, what do you DO other than sit and stare at white walls?? must be nice to have a whole room thats as big as my whole apartment just for sleeping. no storage, no nothing, just sleeping and when you wake up, you go to another room to put on clothes lmao

@Lololo-xr9st

3 жыл бұрын

They actually do have stuff in the rooms. They are hidden in tuck away draws in walls. I saw Kim open them once, they still have a lot of stuff especially for the kids.

@crystaldollhouse

3 жыл бұрын

The way it looks makes me uncomfortable?? Like the kind of unsettling place my brain makes up when I'm dreaming 😅

@jannecapelle_art

3 жыл бұрын

@@Lololo-xr9st really? i see... i still think it looks like a high end prison cell but oh well😂

@Lololo-xr9st

3 жыл бұрын

@@jannecapelle_art yes, i totally get what you mean! For me it would be to „clean“ as well. But I also see the appeal this way of living that way. For me personally I like my space to be very white/earthy tones like brown and green (green coming from planstes) and I like it be VERY tidy and calm on all the surfaces you can see. I also tuck away all my clutter in drawers and boxes. I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist as I have a lot of stuff but I like them a room looks kind of empty and soft. It gives me a sense of calmness and cleanliness when a room doesn’t have lots of colors or clutter. When I see a room that has lots of colors on things I get really nervous. I can’t calm my mind. I couldn’t take it as far as them but I understand the kind of peace if probably gives them.

I am a minimalist and I have stuff, I have the stuff that adds value to my life, I cut away the excess so I can concentrate on what’s important to me and I don’t buy without intention. I think the values of any ‘movement’ will get warped when people think they can ‘buy’ into it without understanding the ‘why’.

Hey Sarah! I very rarely leave comments and have learned a lot from your fast fashion videos and really respect you so I hope this doesn’t come across the wrong way, however, it sounds like you’ve only gotten the ‘aesthetic’ end of the stick when it comes to minimalism. I identify as a minimalist and am a KonMari die hard (not sure what else to call myself lmao), but I have 50+ band t-shirts, collect vinyl, have a full bookcase, and have things like statues from the collector’s edition of some video games because I love them and they make me hugely happy, etc. Minimalism is not about an aesthetic which is a common misconception, it’s about owning only things you love and truly value. My home isn’t all white and pristine or perfect and tidy all the time as that’s not realistic, even for those on social media who only portray that aesthetic, but it’s real and ‘normal’ and I find real comfort in having only the things I love and appreciate otherwise I feel overwhelmed and can’t function well. It’s not about feeling ‘superior’ because you own fewer things, for me and people with a similar, it’s truly about feeling at peace and not overwhelmed in your surroundings 😊 Hope this shines a bit of light on another side of minimalism!

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

I'm absolutely not a minimalist but I didn't feel like she was at all bashing real minimalism here. If anything she's praising the philosophical concept and criticising the people who treat it like a trendy or "ideal" aesthetic/lifestyle and misunderstand what it actually is. As someone with a lot of stuff because I'm secretly a dragon guarding my precious hoard of things that make me smile, I am often treated like my house is a pigsty or akin to actual hoarders just because I have a lot of stuff. Most of it is on display/visible, not just sitting around in piles (except when laundry gets backed up) yet I was actually reported by a repairman as "living in filth" just because he didn't like that my place isn't open clear spaces and empty tables. My landlord even confirmed it for me. It's that judgemental mindset of "you have a lot of stuff so you're gross/materialistic/lower class/morally corrupt" that she's talking about being a problem among people calling themselves minimalists, not the true mindset.

@Acashy

3 жыл бұрын

@@psychotophatcat that is not how I got the video at all. And if that was what she was trying to say I don't get why she would then keep using trendy stereotypes as reasons for why she could never be a minimalist. You can be a minimalist and have 50+ tshirts, have Ikea furniture and/or a dvd collection and/or have things on your walls etc. I think any 'lifestyle' that has an aesthetic associted with it, has had people who were attracted to the aesthetic but wanted nothing to do with the life (hippies, hiphop, punk, buddhism, bohemian and I could really go on and on here).

@seabeedeedaily

3 жыл бұрын

This.

Some people’s minimalist homes give me therapist office vibes. All white walls with plain looking art and decor. It gives such an unsettling feeling

@Prancer1231

3 жыл бұрын

Sterile.

@crystaldollhouse

3 жыл бұрын

It makes me uncomfortable

@Steph568

3 жыл бұрын

@@Prancer1231 yes thank you!! That’s exactly the word I was trying to think of hahaha

"She who must not be named." 😂 I've never heard that one before.

I see this narrative a lot and it's kinda becoming a pet peeve because minimalism isn't a style or aesthetic contest to own the least amount of things as possible or live in a clean white room with no furniture, its a mindset of being more aware and concious of your belongings and purchases. I naturally became minimalist after graduating/moving and realizing how much crap I had that I have no real use for so I've been trying to donate those things to people who would get value from them and enjoy it.

Being a wealthy vagabond (not homeless) seems to be an aesthetic for sure

@AJaeH

3 жыл бұрын

that's a really good way to put it

For me minimalism is easy and not "stuff" focused. I buy what I need and nothing more...I dont think about it beyond that. It helps me because I have a low income so buying a lot isnt practical for me. I think there are a lot of us who aren't going for aesthetics, but just dont like having more than we need. Just does nothing for me.

@airari24

3 жыл бұрын

It gives me stress to have clutter (parents are borderline hoarders, I think, in spite of us growing up poor), but I also can't live too extremely because that just makes life inconvenient and uncomfortable. So, I also practice this style of minimalism

@michellesmirnova4471

3 жыл бұрын

@@airari24 I get that for sure! My parents hoard shit too so that’s probably why I’m actively telling myself to not buy shit I don’t need (save for the couple of collections I have), I think a lot of people experience something along those lines!

@tri-angel

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly! If i already own something, i almost never feel compelled to buy another, unless i need a replacement. I do prefer maximalist decor tho. But mostly, the minimalism simply comes from not having a lot of money. I barely think about it day to day

I’m a natural hoarder, I have OCD, and the art of minimalism has helped me soooooo much. It’s not a “trend” for me. It’s literally changing my life

I love a “cozy/ homey” type of home over that look of nobody lives there any day!

I have been a minimalist for a few years and i can't quite agree with you on a couple of things. I wouldn't say that minimalism only works when you have more money. I don't have a lot of money and minimalism is the reason i can buy better things now. Quality not quantity. And I also have nicknacks simply because i like to look at them. They bring me joy so there is no reason to declutter them. I don't know if you're only talking about very extreme minimlism, but most minimalists have things that are just there because they bring joy( If the things bring joy they fulfill a purpose) And you also don't need that clean look to be minimalist. i have colorful walls with colorful pictures on the wall and i don't like white furniture. Almost the exact opposite of the minimalist style. Nevertheless i have very few things and rarely buy things. Minimalist Interior style and minimalist lyfestyle are two different things for me. I hardly think kim kardashian lives minimal. ( oops the text has become quite long:D)

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

She is speaking about the concept of minimalism being treated like an aesthetic instead of what it really is, which is what you're talking about. Aesthetic minimalism is completely different from the root philosophy of actual minimalism, which has been bastardized by folks who treat it as a trend in decor or "lifestyle". I hope that makes sense?

I just watched a video on why minimalism is the future that everyone needs to accept. Haha, let's hear the other side.

@renatagoncalves4576

3 жыл бұрын

let us know your opinions after watching this video haha

@Prancer1231

3 жыл бұрын

With everyone getting rid of their stuff, you need people who want stuff so it doesn't end up wasted or in a landfill.

@graciefirebaugh

3 жыл бұрын

what do you think? i always had respect for minimalism because of a documentary i watched, maybe it’s the same one you watched. this is an entirely different perspective. then again, i don’t think they have the same definition of “minimalism”

I never comment on videos, but this video came off really defensive from my point of view. I understand the minimalism aesthetic that you are referring to; however, there is a lot more to it than that. As a minimalist, I surround myself with the things that serve me and bring me joy (just like you mentioned), but I also think about it in terms of quality over quantity. Just as I try my best to not consume fast fashion, I also try to consume things that make me happy and serve a purpose in my life rather than fading and passing trends. In a world where many people are over buying because we are sold this idea that we NEED all of this stuff, I try to buy with intention and purpose. I think we are so caught up with labels and putting things into nice tidy “boxes” that we forget that just like almost everything else in life, minimalism falls on a spectrum and looks different for everyone who strives to be more minimalist. I also wanted to mention that as someone struggling with OCD and anxiety, it feels icky to hear minimalism talked about this way when I feel that for my personal health, a more minimalist lifestyle serves me well. Anyway, just thought I’d share a different perspective.

@shoobamocha

3 жыл бұрын

Agree! People get so defensive because they think minimalists expect them to get rid of everything they own when it's literally their choice how to apply it lmao

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

@@shoobamocha I've actually had people touting minimalism try to do that to me though lol. I'm naturally a bit defensive because of how frequently it happens so I get the feeling this video sprouted from similar experiences.

@thatbooknerdoverthere7899

3 жыл бұрын

@@shoobamocha Minimalists are judgy tho. I've seen them say that if you own too many things of anything it must mean you have disorder in your mind, or mind problems... They just don't see a difference between true hoarders and people who just happen to have more things than them, lol.

The way I understand minimalism is that..It's not about having the littlest of stuff. or depriving yourself from owning things. It's about being intentional with what you bring into your life and what you keep in your home. You can have multiple of things all at once if all those are serving you, and you can still be a minimalist. It's NOT the amount of things you have. It's living with intention.

Minimalism is supposed to be the opposite of consumerism. Western capitalist societies influence you to buy stuff, and then you get a new house for all of your stuff, and you keep filling you house with more stuff and soo on and on. Watch the minimalists documentary and you'll see a new side to minimalism other then the aesthetic influencer version

I consider myself a minimalist but I don’t have a minimalist aesthetic. My home is decorated and cozy, I change up decor every once in a while, I have things I only use a couple times a year, I have lots of materials for hobbies, even magnets in my fridge, haha, etc. I just buy things that serve me and my family, not more and not less. Everything I have fits in my home and it’s always tidy and clean. You don’t have to have an empty house to be a minimalist. It’s just not buying a crap ton of stuff that you don’t use (ex: having 15 bottles of foundation and mascara just because someone on youtube said to buy it). I guess what I’m trying to say is that I live simply and within my means 😂

I began to realize that the less I have, the happier I am. When I was anxious and depressed I would "treat" myself a lot buying tons of stuff I didn't needed. Now that I'm better mentally, I feel great decluttering and just owning what I truly love. To me minimalism is my key to feel less materialistic and more aware of the dangers and impact it has on nature. It's not a trend or an aesthetic.

I hear you, and I understand where you’re coming from, but it seems to me that what you don’t like about minimalism comes from when it is being disingenuously represented minimalism so important for my mental health and keeps my anxiety at bay at times. Having my things tucked out of sight means less noise bouncing around inside my head. Owning only what makes me truly happy saves me from disappointment daily (and saves me a lot of money as a college student). I wish you would have only stated why it wasn’t for you instead of discrediting the lifestyle as a whole. Even saying, “no offense to you if...” a couple times doesn’t take away from the sting when you say I’m probably doing it for the prestige or to feel better than others. I’m just trying to be healthy. I don’t want this to sound like an attack, because I don’t believe you meant to hurt anyone with this video. Your content is some of my favorite, and I thought I should just mention how this particular video upset me a little. I still love you

@maddipaige4479

3 жыл бұрын

And I know it isn’t for everyone. I would never tell anyone they should be a minimalist if it wasn’t for them.

@justathumb

3 жыл бұрын

i agree, there's always going to be misrepresentations of certain ideals, but i take minimalism as a generally conscious shift away from the hyper-consumerist mindset of recent decades - and that can only be a good thing for us and the environment. it's just a conscious effort not to view our world as disposable, in whatever form that may take. this video really did just feel like a bitch about personal gripes, and i say that as someone who loves clutter :)

@michellesmirnova4471

3 жыл бұрын

I get you but I think she was only really referring to the extremes and the negatives she’s seen of minimalism and really wasn’t trying to discredit people who just choose to live owning only what they need, that being said I agree that she probably shouldn’t have talked about minimalism on such a broad structure without REALLY knowing what it is, but I really don’t think she meant to say that being a minimalist means you’re doing it for the aesthetic or whatever, but I get why she’d come across that way

Maybe I'm wrong but I always considered minimalist a lifestyle that goes by hand with low waste. I guess some people do it for the aesthetic aspect because it looks clean but for me I see it more like trying to own just the things that you need to reduce the waste you create. I mean why are you going to own like 20 pieces of every piece clothe? 20 pairs of shoes? 20 jewelry pieces? 20 different eyeshadow palettes? 20 different shampoo bottles? 20 pillows? Are you really using all that or just buying it because you like to have things around? I don't consider myself a minimalist by any means but I try to buy and own only things that I truly need, use and enjoy. I live by the beach and is devastating seeing the amount of waste people create and end up in the ocean. That made me reconsider my lifestyle. I don't want to be selfish and buy all the things just because "I like it" knowing that I'm contributing to the waste.

@valel1879

3 жыл бұрын

totally agree!

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

As someone who has multiples of many thinngs you specifically mention, I have lots of stuff because I like and use it. While some people may only have a few outfits and be fine, one of my favorites things in life is dressing up in different clothes, so my wardrobe is expansive. I like to change up my appearance. It's fun for me. Therefore even though it looks like a lot or too much to most people, I actually do get use out of each and every item I own and don't go through my clothes quickly enough to generate waste, because I only buy what I really love and I donate or mend instead of throwing clothing out. I also collect various things like enamel pins, dolls, pieces of art, etc. because I love to decorate my home with what I like to look at and don't like seeing empty wall space. As for shampoo, unfortunately some of us have hair that acclimates rapidly to formulas then starts acting up after a month or two and have to rotate between different kinds 😂 Just a different perspective to consider from the more thoughtfully-maximalist side of things :)

@thatbooknerdoverthere7899

3 жыл бұрын

I think this is actually what the video addresses. Why is owning 20 things of some categories bad? What makes you think that person isn't using them? Why are you judging? I for once own many books, because I read them, like them, use them. I don't care if I don't really need them, having them brings something positive in my life, not something negative. I think mindfulness is more important in obsessing over numbers.

@karly.asshhh

3 жыл бұрын

@@thatbooknerdoverthere7899 And apparently you missed the point of my comment. I'm not a true minimalist and I think achieving that status is almost impossible but you can't deny that we as a society need to reconsider the impact that mass production and a consumery lifestyle has to the environment. Not only the number of products produced have increased with time (and natural resources are being used and depleted) but also the amount of waste we produce. Let me tell you I also love to read and I used to collect physical books (almost buying a new book every week) but now I read online and I force myself to buy physical books just when it's a series that I *really* like and want to add to my collection. I understand that exciting feeling of buying new books but after reading them they are literally just sitting around collecting dust. Why did I have to buy all those books when I could have read them on my phone? Just becuase I like seeing them? And what about all the waste that makes? I now I can't change your mind and that's not my intention but we have to stop being delusion about the ecological footprint of a materialistic lifestyle. As materialism and consumption are closely related, there is also a relationship between materialism and consumer ethics and I just said that I'm trying to be more ecologically ethical with my consumption because I believe that an individual consumer can make a change if we are part of something bigger.

minimalism the aesthetic and minimalism the lifestyle isn't the same. of course, people that try to gain an audience on social media are going to make their spaces look good, that's the way the internet works. but in reality, it's only about owning what you need and or items that you truly value. do I need five pans all the same size when I only live with one other person? probably not, I really only need two. do I need six pairs of shoes when I only wear three of them? no, ill donate the other three. it's as simple as that. minimalism the lifestyle has absolutely nothing to do with the way something looks. there are no strict rules for it, and you can own nicknacks tf lol. it's about keeping the things that truly mean something to you and not just buying things for the sake of buying them, or without really considering it first. actual minimalism is anti-capitalist, the minimalist aesthetic is capitalist, however. you don't need to spend a lot of money to practice a minimalist lifestyle, minimalism doesn't mean that you can only purchase items from specific expensive places. anybody who claims to be a minimalist and tells you otherwise is an asshole. and if you don't vibe with a minimalist lifestyle that's completely okay, there is no shame in that!

Came here to see another perspective. Through I'm not a minimalist, but I subscribe some minimalist youtuber and I know right away you have the wrong idea about that...

Thank you so much for making this. And another aspect I don't see mentioned a lot is how alienating this movement can be to people with certain mental illnesses. For me personally my bipolar and depression has ALWAYS manifested with focusing on what I'm doing wrong with my environment. When I've been at the depths of my depression I cannot declutter and tidy and I always felt like such a failure seeing how "easy" it was for other people and how wrong I was for not being neat all the time. Also with my OCD deciding whether to keep or get rid of things takes hours and hours because I just overthink and become obsessive. It's exhausting and not something everyone can just do in a weekend. It would just paralyze me. And on top of that the notion that if your house is clean then your depression magically vanishes. Same thing with exercise. Like yes those things can aide in a healthy lifestyle but they will not solve mental health issues on their own.

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

As someone with ADHD, I feel this. Decluttering isn't quick and easy. It takes a lot of mental and emotional fortitude for me to tackle the messes and I need most of that for getting through paid work.

@rosekaela

3 жыл бұрын

@@psychotophatcat I totally understand that ❤️

@gitterarch

3 жыл бұрын

exactly!!

I know this is totally irrelevant but I love the fact that you're painting your nails now that you stopped biting them. It was the first thing I noticed since you never have them painted lol.

As a creative, I would go crazy living in a house with zero personality.

I definitely love minimalism and appreciate a lot of the values that align with being minimalist. It helps with my mental health. My attachment to owning things was overwhelming. I spent a lot of money collecting things. I actually feel just as good enjoying a lot of things without being a collector. I have a million hobbies that are more fulfilling, cheaper, less anxiety inducing, and I don't have to spend any extra time decluttering. It's all about why you're doing it. I lost touch with why for a little while and bought things I didn't need. I no longer want some of the things, but I will never get my time or money back. These things brought me very minimal joy. I do own a decent amount of things, but I only own things that I love. I just love more physical things than most minimalists. I am comfortable with my balance.

@shoobamocha

3 жыл бұрын

It's so freeing to lose that obsession with material items and not feel like you have to constantly buy cute pieces of landfill on Amazon just because "gotta have it". Maybe that's too cynical but I just see products for what they really are as raw materials and the impact needed to create them. Now I can save my budget for travelling and things that will add value to my life!

I will never be a minimalist in my home decor because my husband and I LOVE knick knacks. Whether it's about stranger things, harry potter, f.r.i.e.n.d.s. vintage or antique thrift finds, etc. Also because I have decor that have been passed down to me by my grandma (passed this May) and my mom. Every year we switch the decor so that nothing goes forgotten. And to me, it keeps my grandma's spirit alive in our home because I'll have a little knick knack of her's that just takes me back to a moment of my childhood with her.

They may not have a HOUSE but they have a HOME, there's a difference... 🤷🏻

Also just keep in mind, minimalism doesn't necessarily mean low consumerism! You can still buy a lot of disposable things and get rid of them quickly and still be a "minimalist".

@Mmakeup

3 жыл бұрын

I agree

you said you tried the "shelves that are only for decor", but that is actually the opposite of minimalism... its only having stuff on your shelves that serve a purpose

i find minimalism somewhat cool to look at but in reality i'm a nerdy goblin who hoards books and tea kettles and way too many blankets. i am who i am!

@margotgrey1006

3 жыл бұрын

How I view minimalism is it not just about what you need but also what brings you joy, you can still be a minimalist and collect things for example as long as those things bring you joy. In my view it’s more about not collecting meaningless things that you don’t really care about that much or they don’t serve a purpose

@Andyttcc

3 жыл бұрын

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻yes accept embrace and love yourself!!!!!

I somehow have a hunch that the only minimalism youtuber you would ever come to like and find interesting (with some actual good values whose focus lies in doing what is good/functional to you as an individual) is A Small Wardrobe. She focuses on a minimal lifestyle and that the point is not the amount of stuff you own, but how it serves you in your life, and having a minimalist mindset (NOT the aesthetic). She also has a fantastic cat named Gary Jeffries 😸

My view on minimalism is that you should love what you have and have what you love. So if you love something (ex: a vacuum) because it serves a function that’s awesome. If you have something you love (ex: lots of shoes) that’s also awesome.

@hannahstolzer2085

3 жыл бұрын

If you love something, that is it’s purpose. That’s enough of a purpose to keep it!

I think it’s more helpful for people to view it as a tool rather than a lifestyle or some sort of goal. The principalof being intentional with our purchases and belongings can apply to anyone with any number of objects. Trying to reach some sort of aesthetic number of objects you own all to label yourself a minimalist is very shallow - and I don’t think the idea of minimalism is shallow at its core. Use the core principals as a tool to enhance your life in some way and I don’t think you can go wrong.

kinda related but can we talk about “minimalism” in color, too? idk what to call it but it drives me nuts! especially IG moms who clothe their children in all neutral and beige colors and their entire house is a monochromatic peachy/brown/beige block, including the kids’ rooms! I get that some people like it but its a trend I’m so over and IG is full of these. life is supposed to be colorful, especially your childhood, and I always feel kinda bad for the kids in an all-beige look, no cute characters on their shirts or toys, just living in a house lacking color.

@prometheus5405

3 жыл бұрын

I respectfully disagree, Monotone beige walls is good so that kids can draw on them.

@justine4652

3 жыл бұрын

I follow a mom who has the appearance of this, but in her stories you can see her child is wearing colorful clothes and has other toys. I hope most of those people are like that, where maybe they just like a look on their feed but actually let the child be a child

@Andyttcc

3 жыл бұрын

Same I follow some channels like that and their kids only wear white black and gray. And it kinda makes me sad for them.

Yeah, minimalism will never be for me. Also I don't like how sterile everything tends to look, it gives me health care facility vibes, and I just can't.

Hi, Sarah! I think that people have deformed minimalism a little bit, although it is true that it means a different thing to everybody. To me, it means being more conscious of the things that you love and buy. Honestly, you owning 50 shirts does not automatically rule you out as a minimalist.

I like the term houseless not homeless, they have a home, its a van/camper, its just not a house

My husband and I just moved from the US to Europe for work. We had to get rid of 99% of our possessions because we couldn't afford to store anything and family lived too far away. All we own now is in 5 suitcases. It was so much work just to empty out a 1 bedroom apartment I can definitely understand why minimalism is attractive to people. I really want to own functional items that are also interesting to look at so they can do double duty.

I like to consider myself a minimalist, even though I own a lot of media, like books/film/tv shows/music. So, a lot of minimalists probably wouldn't even consider me a minimalist because I have a lot of the things I love lol... Even though minimalist say its okay to own things you love. And the point of minimalism is to have more experiences, and these forms of media are experiences for me.

I like to think minimalism is a spectrum. While I by no means have little belongings, I like to think that I carry a minimalistic mind set. A few years ago I took a look at my spending habits and my need to just have a ton of stuff for no purpose at all. So I decluttered big time and no longer buy non essential makeup (I only buy things that I run out of like foundation, concealer etc. I have enough blush and eyeshadow to last me a lifetime). I was hoarding makeup big time and buying all the new releases. Now my last Sephora purchase was December 2018, and I was Rouge for years. I rarely buy clothing, and only keep things in my closet that I wear. I stopped buying shoes. I LOVE decor and home decorating so I have lots of decor on “useless shelves” because that’s what makes me happy in my space. But I do not keep extra decor stored away. Only what’s out and what I love. If I no longer like something, I sell or donate it right away. But I also try and not replace things unnecessarily. If I have something that’s functioning, but I see something I like better, I tell myself I don’t need it. I also love holiday decor so I have bins upon bins of it in my basement, but again, only stuff that gets used. Anything that doesn’t get used one year, will go on Facebook marketplace and find a new loving home. I also do not keep junk in my closets or drawers. Everything is organized and only what I need. I’ve saved so much money, and I like to believe it’s a form of minimalism.

homeless aesthetic?? I’m sorry... what

@psychotophatcat

3 жыл бұрын

There really are people like that. I see them around my town sometimes. Rich kids playing like they're homeless by traveling from place to place on their parents' money and begging once they're there. It's bizarre. There was a term for them but I can't remember what it is.

@aurorasore

3 жыл бұрын

@@psychotophatcat that’s insane wow

I could never be a minimalist. I don't like homes that look like show homes, and that look identical to everyone else's home who has that minimal, modern look, that haven't got any personal stamp on them at all. I like painting, so I think if I lived in an all-white blank environment, I would be scared to do anything in it. Also, I am sentimental. I like to keep things that I've got memories attached to, and I'm a collector too. I collect vintage books and dolls, and I like to look at them, so I wouldn't want them just stored away out of sight somewhere, because they make me happy. 😊

I feel ya on many of these points. I wanted to be a minimalist and boy did I try. I've heard ALL the pro-minimalism arguments. And I fully convinced myself they were all true, and it was the answer for everyone. It actually gave me more anxiety about purchasing things because it HAD to be the absolute BEST purchase, if that makes sense. Talk about decision fatigue and pressure. And then there's guilt when you realize you did buy something and don't end up liking or using it. Being a bit of a home body and an introvert, I was kind of left with a feeling of "well, now what?" Once I got rid of things. I realized all I really accomplished was an emptier living space. And honestly that can feel hollow..and boring. Maybe if you spend a ton of your time traveling and not being home, you wouldn't get so bored with your empty minimal home. Idk? Years later, I regret getting rid of some of the stuff I did. I've had to repurchase things that I thought weren't 'bringing value' to me 3 years ago. 🙄 It didn't 'free up time' to spend with people (still an introvert). Your home should feel homey, that deffinitely looks different to everyone and that's totally okay. We can all live and enjoy our lives, how many things we have generally doesn't matter all that much. It's just not that important. It almost contradicts itself: because if things are not what is important in life, than why would it matter if we have many or few.

@ashleyb9586

3 жыл бұрын

I could never stop over analyzing the things I did hold on to, i was always trying to decide if still needed them or not. It is just exhausting. Key takeaway: just live YOUR life

I have a lot of wall hangings and cds, jewelry etc. I like my things because the majority of my life I wasn't able to get those things. I don't buy things I dont need because I can't afford them.

I like to live right in the middle. I like the minimal style of organizing and note taking. For decor and clothing, I like to express myself creatively through the things I have and wear, which is honestly a lot Idk if anyone else is this way too

@sususnandes

3 жыл бұрын

Yesss!! And getting into the minimalist movement was what made me realize this

Thank you so much for this. I'm currently moving into my first adult home and I'm feeling ashamed for all of the 'stuff' I have. Everyone always pushed me to get rid of all of my sentimental possessions but that's not who I am

I've had some similar thoughts. I definitely have curated stuff, but I'm not minimalist.

My personal take on minimalism is only keeping/owning things I love and use daily or absolutely know I will use at some point (not just maybe I’ll use this someday) so personally I’d rather have one of something that I’d nice quality and I love and can get a lot of use out of compared to a lot of cheaper things that won’t last

Minimalism helps my mental health but I know it’s not for everyone! I think you have a misconstrued idea of minimalism. All of my furniture is functional not just for show. It’s not that I don’t have stuff, it just has a place in my house and a purpose. I also have art and things I love in my home and room. The whole idea is to not have attachment to things you own. You seem to have a social media idea of minimalism, which most people do. Social media definitely ruined minimalism for many people. I totally get why people don’t do it and I agree with a lot of your points. I am privileged and that’s partially why I’ve gravitated towards minimalism. You’re so right that many minimalists have money. I found myself spending so much on gadgets & garbage & found myself more and more depressed. I have manic depression so when I’m depressed I get overwhelmed by stuff. My mind can be so cluttered so for my creativity I need a clean space. I also hate cleaning so minimalism works for me. It’s not for everyone but I really appreciated your point of view!

I love when you say “your home should serve you” I’m kind of a clean freak & clutter can mess with my head to the point where I can’t relax. I’ve been trying to find a good middle ground living with a messy partner. So it’s been a hassle.

I'm 20 and grew up with CDs so I have my collection now and ppl laugh at me because they think theres no reason for it. They tell me digital is better or vinyl collectors prefer vinyl for the quality of sound or whatever but it's just nostalgic, I like the feeling and the motions of putting in a CD and the little sounds of the CD player before it starts

Love that you still own dvds and books! I always buy physical copies of movies/books/CDs that I love because I want to have the tangible thing (and support the artists!)

I never thought about minimalism as an aesthetic. I personally also do not think that being a minimalist is about waiving everything you dont absolutely need in life (in extreme cases maybe yes), but I think a lot of people also consider minimalism being more conscious of what you consume (goes hand in hand with sustainability) and holding on to/purchasing things you need/love.

I am definitely not a minimalist but gosh I cannot stand physical media! Having stuff around me makes me so anxious!

I agree I hate Minimalism™ but as someone with anxiety and who grew up with hoarders, having a space thats free of clutter and only owning functional items is what keeps me sane. I also like the added benefit of limiting your waste when you practice minimalism. Less stuff means less packaging.

i think you’re letting mainstream people change the definition of minimalism for you. like maybe they’re using the word “minimalism” as an adjective and not literally. i grew up poor so i didn’t have much of anything. i also happen to be a very clean and organized person. that being said, i still enjoy nice things! but i only purchase things that i love and won’t get bored of because it gets pricey when you accumulate so many things that aren’t being used. you can have art, decor, media ect as a minimalist as long as you love it or it’s functional to you! it’s all about lowing your consumerism, which is the opposite of capitalism...

I live "minimalistically", but my house is far from neat. There's clutter everywhere, be it clothes, dishes or random things. I'm always going to own things, but I just want to focus on what's essential to me, what actually has a purpose in my home. It's mostly about budgeting for me and I don't have endless money to spend on useless stuff so 🤷‍♀️

bottom line: all lifestyle trends are, at the core, an expression of the privilege of the people who create and follow them. just pick out of all of them whatever suits you best and makes you happy.

@justathumb

3 жыл бұрын

i respectfully disagree. to reject the excesses that first world consumerism has normalised in recent decades, can only be a sensible and ecologically responsible decision. there's always going to be people who buy into a trend rather than with integrity, but i think we should give credit to people who choose not to treat the world as a disposable entity, for whatever reason. it may be a privileged choice, but it's still a good one, and hopefully will drive the global market in a more accessibly sustainable way. (i say this as a clutter lover ;) )

I’d consider myself a minimalist. Too much stuff gives me anxiety and I can clean my house WAAAAY quicker now too, which helps with my allergies

@Idk-hz2cp

3 жыл бұрын

Same 😝🙌

@diamondcentury21

3 жыл бұрын

We’re literally the same person 😂 I’m the same haha

As someone who knits, sews, embroiders, paints, draws, makes jewelry .... I can't be a minimalist 😂 I need so many supplies to craft!! Fabric especially can be so expensive, so I collect sale fabrics haha! I collect other things too: little teacups, dragon figurines, secondhand books, sweaters and vintage handbags ... It would be so painful to part with my little dragons; even if they aren't useful in the least, they make me so happy! Lastly, I love looking at art and I could never live with blank walls. What a waste it would be to stop myself from putting art on my walls just because of an aesthetic ... Fulfilling my desire to look at art by only looking at it online would be unfair to the artists; but, if I purchase art, I get to look at their art on my walls everyday and they get paid for their work! Artists need to eat too 🌼

I usually love your videos but I have to say I’m disappointed that you’re spreading so many misconceptions of minimalism in this video. I agree with other comments that are saying this video felt weirdly defensive... I just hope you educate yourself further on this subject and re-evaluate the claims you made.

@paulrumohr

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. She doesn't get it.

@thatbooknerdoverthere7899

3 жыл бұрын

A few bad aspects of minimalists I've seen over the years, just to put some arguments (since you just judged her without any): - Minimalism is too object oriented: people focus too much on how many possessions they have, or rather don't, simplifying for them becomes a new obsession. It's not about owning, it's about having less and less and feeling a better person, a superior person... Because you own less stuff. This is the bad kind of minimalism to me. - Judging others: entering someone's house and seeing they have way more things than you, and thinking "man all this clutter their mind must be a mess". This is such a popular thing I've seen minimalists say... How wrong it is to equal objects to mental health? Leaving outside clear signs of unwellness like hoarding, a person who owns few possessions who equals owning more than them to mental illness? Jesus, the preachyness. And yet again, this kind of minimalist is focusing too much on objects to be a healthy minimalist. - Many minimalists think the only way to be mindful with buying things/doing anything really, is not doing it at all, being a super minimalist. Isn't this just avoiding a problem, if there is one? Let's say someone is bad at budgeting and buys on impulse... Will become a minimalist help, just stopping buying and obsessing on owning less and less? Shouldn't there be a more mindful approach? Minimalism is not for everyone and can lead to rebounding to bad habits. Minimalism treated as a cure to bad spending habits/shopaholic-ness... These are just a few points, but there are so many negative approaches to minimalism, not talking about them is absurd. And people have a right to say minimalism is not for them, doesn't mean they're automatically shopaholics that are getting defensive, lol. These kinds of accusations are part of the problems.

@paulrumohr

3 жыл бұрын

The title and theme of the video is why I will never be a minimalist. It's basically a treatise on how to do minimalism wrong, I wouldn't be that type of minimalist she describes. There's absolutely nothing appealing about the kind of minimalism practice she is describing. She's also left out all of the benefits of being a minimalist, conveniently. Pretty one-sided video.

i agree entirely with you- i enjoy having things that i like, i enjoy things looking tidy, that doesnt mean i have to get rid of everything i like

i don't see minimalism as that... for example, my roomates always have more stuff than me simply because I pass on clothing/makeup etc I don't wear and use regularly. I do it because stuff stresses me out. Clutter stresses me out. Choices stress me out. I like to use what I have. I have a lot of shoes for a minimalist though and that's okay because i wear them. For me it's all about being functional and practical and also not depending on certain stuff.

im a very messy person by nature, and during quarantine my clutter started giving me major anxiety-that's when i turned to minimalism, for the sake of my mental health and simplifying my life

i have thought about this so so much. i feel like minimalism now is investing a ton in quality pieces, shopping second hand for some things, and having everything be black/white/neutral/sterile.

I love watching minimalist videos. I think there is a balance between a blank and boring environment and one that is simple, useful and beautiful. I definitely cut down on buying “ stuff” and sticking to things meaningful and useful for me.

personally i like minimalism because having just the basics and being really selective about what i buy helps me keep my space really organized and clean more effortlessly, like it’s HARD to make a mess and i love that. Also because it gives me so much anxiety when there are too many things around it’s like over-stimulating

Haha minimalism... like Kim Ks‘ (Billion Dollar) mansion. I know you just meant the aesthetic but it’s still a funny example for minimalism!to me :D

I think you don't really get minimalism.

@Andyttcc

3 жыл бұрын

I think you don’t really pay attention.

There is certainly something to be said for owning fewer things, and valuing them more as a result (taking the time to fix things, instead of just buying new). I will also never be a minimalist, I also still have CDs (they're a great way to support artists), but I do strive for organisation.

I'll never be a minimalist because I love books: every room in my house, except the bathrooms, have tons of books.

@likeadino8580

3 жыл бұрын

Same! Plus you spelt minimalist wrong

@agneskorea5000

3 жыл бұрын

@@likeadino8580 thank you so much for correcting me, I wrote it almost in the dark XD

@likeadino8580

3 жыл бұрын

@@agneskorea5000 lol np

@NiklasJaeggi

3 жыл бұрын

Hey - you can still be a minimalist and own alot of books; minimalism is mostly about decluttering stuff that doesn't serve you in any way (practical or making you happy) ^^

@agneskorea5000

3 жыл бұрын

@@NiklasJaeggi the idea that I have of minimalism is owning the minimum of things, just the essential for the everyday life (if you live alone, just owning one cup, one plate, one pot, etc.); regarding to books, it's going to the public libraries instead of buying them. But at the end, what is important is to have a happy and healthy life!

I'm sorry but this video comes off like a disclaimer because you're afraid that people might ask you why you still collect all this clutter when you talked so much about sustainable fashion. I definitely agree that minimalism is not for everyone and that there are people that "convert to" minimalism for the wrong reasons/ways. I think the video would be better and feels less defensive if it's focused on the latter with more substance.

@jeanetteyarbrough3286

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. You don't have to be a minimalist but if you are preaching about sustainability and are constantly collecting stuff... you are not practicing what you are preaching.

I donated my old books throughout my childhood to my local sheriff's department to give to kids from low income families in their christmas gift giving program! I feel like that's my "minimalist" thing. I read e-books now since I feel like it's better for the environment (and Kindle books are cheaper). But of course I have like 10 sweatshirts in my closet because that's what I wear everyday 😂

Agree, being a minimalist ironically seems very expensive 🙈

@213243D

3 жыл бұрын

I think you're not understanding it properly? If you only spend on what you need you'll spend way less.

@sarahann7023

3 жыл бұрын

@@213243D this is true! but i think another conception is that you have to buy things that will last which is more expensive. like just a month or so ago i moved out of my parents house and into my first apartment. as a twenty year old i did not have enough money to invest in high quality furniture and all that. i had to get things i know will only last a few years because i couldn't wait until i could afford a $600 mattress and things like that. it's okay to buy things you know won't last!

@chaiiiins

3 жыл бұрын

@@sarahann7023 Of course it ok, and has nothing to do with minimalism. I'd hope even eco-minimalists understand that people need to live within their means.

@chrissmarie455

3 жыл бұрын

@@chaiiiins agreed

@diamondcentury21

3 жыл бұрын

@@sarahann7023 sometimes expensive doesn’t mean quality and vice versa , if you buy less expensive thing it can be a miss but it can also be a hit, I own IKEA furniture and so far they lasted 10 years, may I add all the pieces are still in really good shape ☺️

I really liked what Marie Kondo said: If it doesn’t soark joy, let go of it. But all my clothes, books, CDs and vinyl do spark joy so I like to surround myself with them :)

Looooove this video. I think about minimalism a lot too. During the lockdowns/stay at home orders, I was so proud of my inventory. I could craft, create, sew, play, eat, exercise, clean, do "closet cosplays", and so much more without ever going to the store, due to the fact i don't have a minimal inventory. When we had a hurricane a few months ago and my internet remained broken for a while, i could still watch shows and movies because i own them on DVD.

Being a minimalist has been very easy for me, the only clutter I own is tied to my hobbies so I still use it and I don’t just put it away in storage and leave it untouched for years

I honestlly just realized whole 2010-2020 I tried to fit in the box... I love my stuff too. Now looking back I miss my books and some clothes, I sold.

I love these kinds of videos from you. Keep it up!

You really spilt the tea here and I am SO HERE FOR IT

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS SARAH!!

Honestly I am not a minimalist but I hate clutter and I can’t understand how ppl can just live with so many things they never use. It gets on my nerves to have stuff like Christmas wrapping paper around me all year when I just need it once a year. Obviously I don’t throw it out but having to have it around me bothers me haha. If I could I would literally throw out half my flat...and then with time notice all the things I then would not have cause I thought I would never use it and threw it out haha It’s a dangerous game

I'd be interested to see someone dig into the rise of this aesthetic alongside the rise of housing prices (for in cities, often very small apartments or shared living situations), and the impact of domestic labour mostly falling to women. Less stuff is often, practically, less stuff to manage. I think it'd add another dimension to the very real & pertinent discussion of classism.

I don’t like a lot of things around my space that’s supposed to be comfortable from the outside world.I do this to keep my energy cleansed and protected without the mental baggage from items

The green pillow is gone!

You are very well spoken. I loved your perspective on this. I would like to add that I like having cleared off surfaces and less items because it makes me feel more free and I can easily pick up and go without any help.

I feel the same way about so many thing you said. I hate it when someone's house looks like no one actually lives there. Also I could never get rid of my books. Ever.

i finally gave up on trying to be minimalist aesthetically. i went to goodwill and got knick knacks. im now a proud owner of a statue of a pig with wings. it does nothing and just sits there and if anything bad happened to him i would die

I like that : home is where you live not where everyone else lives

(tw suicide) I was stuck in a rut of minimalism when I was super passively suicidal. I saw a video of a guy that said he wants only biodegradable clothing so that when he dies he can just decompose completely. I was stuck on this channel of a woman who lived out of a backpack and I felt as a disabled person that minimalism was the cure for feeling like a burden on others. The "Swedish death cleaning" method emphasizes thinking about when you die, and how much trouble you want others to go through getting rid of your things. Looking back on it, that was very disturbing. Minimalism I think can become very unhealthy in this culture where suffering is blamed on the individual. I now see that there is no such thing as a revolutionary movement that is purely individual. I am an artist, and I am allowed to draw and paint and keep sketchbooks of everything I've drawn. I should not have to only own things that are profitable.

Highlight of my week right here 🙌🏻 love you dude!

Minimalism ruined my life. I still have severe anxiety over having too much stuff, even food in the fridge. I used to own funko pops and other things, but with minimalism my entire life became “what can I own instead of what I own to cut down the amount of items I have”. Essentially it’s like a puzzle piece no one can truly win. Because it’s racing down to a zero you will never reach.