I'm a bit saddened by how rude or ignorant some of those assumptions are. Wow. To me minimalism is about living with only the things you want, need and use. Why is that so challenging to some people? Your clarity and stylishness is inspiring!❤
I was thinking the same thing. This must be comments from people that are new to Benita's channel and to the idea of minimalism. I thought that her response was perfect, what works for her might not work for you and that's okay 👍😁.
Honestly it seems like people want to pick fights from some of them. 😅 I'm not surprised tho, people forget the internet is not anonymous but they feel like they are so they just say whatever.
I am so pleased I come across the Benitas profile and videos....it really helps me focus and realise what is important...even more ..I don't need stuff... I agree with your post ... totally...
After divorce, I’ve downsized 3 times. What my daughter didn’t want was removed. At 60 I find that “stuff” and all the commercialism is exhausting. I’ve worked at creating a calm, neutral space in a one bedroom apartment that I love. 😊
I am also living in a one room apartment - organized, clean, decluttered and free of stress! Without anything that exhausts me! Best wishes to you from Germany 💛🙋🏻♀️🌈
I am in a 1600 sq ft house and I am always decluttering, it's just me and my hubby now, I hate extra stuff, I don't get excitement out of pulling all the boxes down to decorate for Christmas then putting them all away again, that just sounds so stressful to me although I did it for years, even seeing all the Christmas decorations in the stores makes me overwhelmed, I am looking now for what brings me peace in my home, I love the change I am 62, Maybe it's an age thing too
I know you are known for your minimalism, but I think when all is said and done your legacy will be coming to know oneself and creating a lifestyle unique to one’s identity. Your freedom is contagious!
I want to tell those people who think that they need more things as they get older that it’s really hard on your families when you die anyway. It makes even harder, though, when they are saddled with having to get rid of all your junk you’ve accumulated. I saw it over and over when I managed seniors apartments. Then I watched a friend get so overwhelmed when his parents died, leaving a two story house and enormous garage stuffed with things they hadn’t used in decades.
I watch your videos all the time. I’m not a minimalist, however I find you and your lifestyle so inspiring. I’m amazed that some of the questions and statements from the viewers have been so negative. Everyone is different. You are a wonderful inspiration. And even though, I can be a maximalist, I can recognize the gem 💎 of a person you are.💓
Cold-hearted? I just shake my head. I remember a decluttering show where the host was giving someone permission to declutter a painting their mother had done just before she died. He said, "The painting is not your mother, and it is not your mother's love." I found that very profound and very helpful when I consider what sentimental items to keep (hardly any)
My sister did some research into the impulse to buy and the regret after we do purchase things we don't really need. Research has found that there are some steps you can take to stop buying things, but also not feel deprived. Pick up the item and really look at it, give yourself that moment to enjoy it, then take a moment to consciously realize that moment is the most enjoyment you're going to get from the item, then put it back. All those steps make it so you don't feel a sense of loss for not having bought the item. I find it very helpful.
Once you do it, it's a game changer, I no longer have any decorations the house for all the seasons, sold everything even their containers, I can look forward to Christmas without feeling stressed
I do it just like you and it gives me a calm and relaxed life: no colors (they hurt my eyes), no unnecessary "keepsakes". My memories are stored in my head and what I forget shall be forgotten. It's always tidy, it gives me a good overview and I have control over things, not things over me. I'm looking forward to see your new home and also how you will decorate it 🙂
Thank you for saying you aren’t very sentimental. That is me too! It’s very helpful to me to hear it said in such a matter of fact way, it’s okay to not be sentimental! Great reminder. ❤
I am extremely sentimental but I was able to toss a ton of stuff as I don't want my daughter to be burden with the stuff when I pass, I even got rid of my year books, that was a tough one
I’ve said this before: I’m not a minimalist, nor is it my direct intention to be one… but I have found that owning less stuff has alleviated so much stress in my life. I love how soft and calming your videos and your home are. they have inspired me to pursue my own version of a relaxing home
I love your use of bins. I realized that, in addition to keeping things tidy, bins act like drawers in places where things in the back of a shelf are inaccessible. Love your channel!
I hear you Benita and it seems I'm hearing myself. So many of my friends just don't understand my way of living but nothing makes me happier than having my home organized and cozy minimalist ... I got so many ideas from you by the way ... can't thank you enough !!❣
I always feel lighter and less stressed after watching your videos. You always inspire me to downsize, de-clutter and live a more simple life. Your philosophy is very freeing...thank you Benita!
I think minimalism means something different for everyone. One can be a minimalist and have a lot of color in their homes. Or another person might love all white, or black etc. . As you said, need, use and love. I think those are the key elements. I could never be a minimalist, but I do love having a clean, tidy and spacious home. Thanks for the video ! 🥰🦃🍃🍁🍂💗✝
Yes, we are all different and we can learn and get inspired from and by each other. What a boring world if we were all the same!!! Hugs from Northern California!!!
I am a little bit sentimental and that’s why decluttering is hard for me. Your video prove that memories don’t need stuff at all! I love your lifestyle 👍
BAHAHAHA "Even an extreme minimalist has to replace their toothbrush (hopefully) and their one worn out pair of underwear-eventually!" lol that cracked me up! Thanks for another great video, Benita! I wish people wouldn't be so rude though, some of these really just floored me.
Love your videos, always a fresh delight. I have decluttered probably half of my house, my closet, Christmas decor and sentimental things. It feels so freeing; and I only keep what I need or really want or has a very special meaning. I still have things to declutter, mainly my garage, but one day at a time. Looking forward to your new home videos.
Excellent video. Some years ago we were the victims of several breakins over a multi-year period. Yes, there were awful feelings, but in the end I learned a valuable lesson about non-attachment to things. Most of what we lost we never replaced and have not missed.
Benita, thank you for another inspiring video. The little mantra I say to myself when cleaning and organizing is..... 'be like Benita' :) (also, I'm sorry to hear that people have been so rude to you, telling you how you will feel about anything you do.) I'm looking forward to your next video already! :)
I will never understand how people can be so rude and mean with their comments. Why bother. Like my mother always said, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Your home is charming and what you keep and get rid of is your business.
I admire how you are so confident in your decisions. People try to shake you but holding your ground in knowing what you need and don’t need is admirable. When my grandmothers house burned down, I realized that “stuff” can be replaced (or not). People and making memories are what we hold dear.
Thank you for being my inspiration. I declutter every day or organize 1 small space. My home is looking calmer and calmer. I can’t even remember what I sent out of my life. Thank you! ❣️
I agree about family heirlooms. The memories live in my heart and mind so I don't need to hang onto all those objects. I also declutter as soon as I come across things I just don't use anymore. No point in hanging onto things just in case you might need them someday.
"Everything that I have now is what I need, use, and love." I will try to remember this when moving to my new place. I can let go of things that I don't need, use, and love - and give them to someone else who will cherish them.
I have great admiration for you as you have and are working towards what works best for you and do not judge others♥What works for you is great what works for me is great! I recently mentioned to a neighbour I'm working on reducing my 'stuff' 'decluttering'. To the point that if I were to move I would want to be able to pack up everything in a day without having to decide should I take it, recycle it, donate it or garbage. It really is mind blowing what we are holding on to, but now I see I want to hold on to things I love, or have a purpose; everything else is no long necessary. It feels freeing and embracing the less is more for my home. It will take time but already seeing a difference.
My mom passed about 5 years ago, she had a 4 bedroom house full , I kept about 5 pieces, small pieces like jewelry, I took pics of everything and sent them to friends and family, sent items to whoever wanted them, after that I sold the rest and then donated what was left, I don't think my mom cared, I felt extremely relieved when the last piece left, I get you 100%. I by the way have 6 books, all have been read, use them as reference now, once I read a book I pass it on for someone else to enjoy
i love your space, people don't understand that people that are minimalist need/want less and it is more calming for them. I get people always telling me that I need more furniture but they all seem to find a seat just fine when they come over.
I've always been tidy and organised but in the last year or so I've been decluttering and find I don't want so much stuff anymore. My home feels lighter, quick and easy to tidy up and am way more mindful with what I buy. Even my husband has been decluttering the garage. My kids don't like to much clutter in their rooms either and don't ask for much. We are definitely all living now by what we really need, want, value and appreciate and even paying off our home quicker too. It's a good feeling going back to a more simple life, no debt (other than a small mortgage debt), not having to work so much and having more free time.
I used to hold onto sedimental objects and photos but that all changed once I moved from the USA to the UK. Packing only a few boxes and suitcases from a 3 bedroom house is not easy to do. 3 years later, we moved back to the USA, once again removing all we accumulated. Once you have to do something like that, you suddenly realized how freeing it really is to let it go with no regrets whatsoever. I never went back to the way I used to live again. Minimalists purchase quality, not quantity. All things in our home represent calmness. It is a known fact humans are connected to nature which we showcase in our homes. Ambient lighting, scents, textures etc add to the relaxed feeling. I also watch videos on explorers going into abandoned homes due to death of the owner or some other reason. Everything they have ever paid for and loved is either trashed, stolen or sold/given away. The real point is knowing its all just material things that take time to clean, oganize and fix. In the end, none of it will matter. Many would be surprised to know, family do not have the same attachement to your things. A good majority of your most loved items will eventually end up in a landfill. Through experience, I have learned what is really important...that is life itself, not stuff. I have saved money yet my space looks high end for being minimal. I love it!
Love watching your video, so peaceful. Sometimes I am dreaming of a minimal house, but most of the time I enjoy my adult, messy children living with me. I only can have my bedroom the way I want and we agreed to keep the living room organized, but the rest, oh well, messy.
Live so much your videos. The peace, quietness, this swedish vibe they provide. They encourage me to pursue my own decluttering and simple living process. Looking forward seeing your new place. Regards from Spain.
My mom had moved away to another continent recently and I am the only person here to manage all the belongings she’s left behind. I myself have been forever decluttering my apartment, I would make amazing progress for a week and then nothing much for the next few months, work and life happened. Now I find myself needing to continue decluttering mine in order to inherit some of the things from mom which I love. A huge task but I really want to do it as enjoyable as possible because there are so much memory there. I’ve donated 90% of the Xmas things already, t’is the season that some other people can enjoy them too.
I'm 62 and live in a tiny apartment . I've decluttered several times by contacting a local auction house . I really dislike dusting and don't want my precious time to be spent cleaning objects . I have a small china cabinet that I keep some things in . But I don't collect any more and if I bring something in my home it has to be useful and special . I love your outlook and style , it's so calming . I'm looking forward to seeing your new place ! 💕🇨🇦
I wonder what the people who need their 'things' would do if it was all destroyed by fire, flood, tornado, etc.? 🤔 I've always felt that getting rid of stuff frees up my space, my life, my brain, to make room for the things that really matter.
It's funny how some people think of mineralism as a bad thing. Having a clean organized not overflowing crowded home is a joy to live in!!! You don't need stuff to remember your loved ones that have gone. Having one or two small items that are special can be enough, it's the memories that are important. I don't have much colour in our home either . My husband and I are comfortable with warm wooden floors, light cream walls and colors of cream, black and and touches the blue. It's calming, peaceful and enough. Best wishes on your move and new home!!!😊🍁
I love how you respond to the comments that project how you will feel or make a judgment. You find humor in it, respect the commenter and restate your minimalist position. How very kind and mature. Inspiring.
I enjoyed this video as I do all of them. They evoke a sense of peace and calm. You are right. We are all different and need our space to be a reflection of who we are. We need our space to make us feel peaceful. I lived in a very small beach cottage and got used to and loved the small space and minimalist ideas. I had to think carefully about what I bought. I am now remarried and am working towards a more minimalist home and love the capsule wardrobe idea. I so appreciate your videos. Thank you. God Bless.
I’m not sentimental either. One of my daughters is like me. My other is like a pack rat. Whatever makes YOU happy and respecting individualism is much more important.
I live in earthquake territory. I'm a!ways asking myself, "What would you grab if you had 15 minutes to evacuate?" That really boils down to what's important. I donated lots of things last week and can't recall any of them! Working my way through every room. I'm tired of dusting everything! Ha!
Dearest Benita, I really admire you so much. Your videos are always an inspiration to me. I find your way of life very interesting and I like the absence of judgment of this video, we are all different and unique on this earth. Thank you for sharing your insight and experience with us. And I can't wait to see your new apartment! With love, Eugenie
I so enjoy your videos Benita. I find them very relaxing & calming. I do agree many of us do have too much ‘stuff’ cluttering up our lives. I hold up both hands & am guilty as charged on that one! So I have now decided I, too, am going to endeavour to start de cluttering my home as a result of your inspiring posts. Can’t wait to see your new home when you eventually move in! Best wishes. 😀
I love the continual inspiration I draw from your videos. I have always been fairly minimal and did a major reduction during the pandemic. We reduced our wardrobe so much we were able to remove a closet in the matter bedroom. Someone asked us what we were making room for. Our answer: "Light and space!"
Questions/comments like that definitely come from non-minimalists because if they were minimalists, they would know the calm and would not have to ask about it. They are watching, however, so on some level they are looking for that calm too, maybe they just don't know it. lol I looked back on my life and asked myself when I was most happy (with my space) and it was as a kid and had a minimal bedroom with the basics and some art projects. So I am striving for that again.
I'm definitely still in the process of decluttering my sentimental items. It definitely doesn't help when family and the like can unintentionally cause you guilt when you're thinking of parting with something.
I’m lucky in that my son is also quite minimal and has a very distinct sense of style. He’s also letting go more and more and doesn’t have a problem with me parting with things.
@@BenitaLarsson I'm glad you both are in sync with that! For me, my husband and I are both in our early twenties and aspiring minimalists. However, our parents are definitely not minimalists and continue to covet memorabilia. They give us physical gifts that we accept to not seem ungrateful, but the worry that we'll offend them by quickly decluttering said gifts can be burdensome.
I asked my daughters if they could remember what they bought me for Christmas last year and they couldn't remember. I also put some things away for a few months to see if anyone noticed ,they didn't so it went to the charity shop 😊
Hello Benita, recently chanced upon your channel and I'm grateful for that. Thank you for sharing your take on minimalism us. It'll be interesting for me personally, if you were to share more ideas on sustainability in minimalism. You do you and you are great at what you're doing! Keep up the good work ❤
I could not in any way be called a minimalist, but I keep my things very organized. I also declutter quite often. Color is my thing. I like deep jewel tones. Hate living with clutter so I have what I consider a small amount of "decor". Just things for my mantle and dresser in my bedroom. Loved the video.
Benita. Youhave given my daughter and me so much pleasure this past year with all your beautiful videos. If you ever travel to the US and happen to be on the East Coast please stop in Richmond Virginia so my daughter and I can take you around and show you all the beautiful parks and botanic gardens here. We would love to "pay you back" for all the wonderful ideas you have given us.
I love how intentional you are with your possessions. As a mom of five in a small home, I am somewhat forced to purge things regularly. I am not sentimental about most things, I think because I lost my home in a fire as a teenager and realize that the important things are not stuff. Excited for your new space! Thanks for sharing with us.
I'm shocked by some of those comments - how rude !! I feel frazzled if my surroundings are messy or dirty and much prefer a calm, tidy home. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your channel. Hi from Australia xx
Je suis comme toi....le blanc et les couleurs neutres me font du bien et j aime beaucoup les couleurs dans les jardins et chez les autres....merci pour cette belle vidéo ❤
I have been enjoying your videos for a long time now… my home is all neutral pallet and I love it so does my husband. So calming. So sad that some people have to comment negatively. Just don’t watch I say. Looking forward to seeing your new apartment. Much love from NZ 💕🍒
I think it's great and a very attractive way to live. And, if you ever do find you need something you declutter, it's probably something you can easily purchase at that time. Just because you might need something in the future doesn't mean you must store it in all the interim time. I wish I was less attached to stuff. I believe I would be much happier with about 50% fewer items and it would certainly be easier to clean. I am hoping you will continue to influence me to declutter because I want to feel calmer and less stressed in my home. Thank you!
I feel the same way you do about possessions and have had people say the exact same things to me. Nope! I’m fine with my wardrobe and the amount of things I have. Good luck with your move! Exciting times for you. ❤
Last year after watching the first of your videos I started a little Christmas DIY decoration project (white paper ornaments). This year two new roommates moved in: 9 month at that time, furry, purring, curious from here to the moon and playful all day long. So I decluttered about 70 % of the christmas stuff being ließ sentimental than I feared- because we won‘t have the chance to use them - probably the next 15 year. There will be no tree, no candles, no glass bubbles… The white paper ornaments will stay: they are easy to renew and won’t hurt „someone“ while playing. Meanwhile someone else is probably happy with a lot of my decoration stuff 😌
I live the same way and love not having so many objects. Clothing the same way too. We all only need so many things to make us happy. If others like to live in a full home of things, great. To each their own.
Hi Benita. I’ve followed you for many years, since Chez Larsson. It’s nice to see Minnie and Bonus all grown up. I struggle with down😊sizing. Is there one main sentence you say in your head that prompts you to get rid of something? I’m looking for that great question that I have to answer. Sometimes, it’s “would I buy that again?” That helps occasionally. 😢
I have been embracing the minimal life style and have gone through and eliminated a lot but still have such a long way to go! Thank you for your inspiration and helpful hints to keep pressing on! I am looking forward to seeing your new home and the changes you will experience. I love your current home and the neutral pallet. 🪴🍂🍁
Decluttering is my project this winter since I will be in the house more. I agree about not saving sentimental stuff. When I moved last year, I threw out tons of photos. They are now stored in my heart & mind 😌. As for a Christmas tree, I use a ceramic one a family member made that lights up. Perfect. Great video!
You live the life, that you love and that is good for you and that is amazing. How stressless, that you are so clear. I need a little bit more of stuff to feel good but I like the clearness of your point of view. We all need it to live our way of a lucky life.
Great video. I had to wait a day until I had a quiet time alone to watch on the BIG screen. I enjoy the soothing music. I love the way you film LIGHT, just beautiful. 😊 I will miss your apartment- isn’t that funny? A place I’ve never been. However I am SO looking forward to the reveal of your new place. I can’t wait to see how you decorate. Your style is inspiring. Thanks for delivering great content. Much appreciated 😊
I love that you are a minimalist. I have learned so much from you. Thank you so much!! I also love those shoes you are wearing in this video. Practicality is a dirty word to some but I really feel it enriches my life.
I second all the comments regarding the negative judgmental sentiments. I love your channel, have been inspired by you, and am gleefully awaiting your new apartment reveal!
Benita I love your minimal style! I, unfortunately, am a sentimental fool and have SO much stuff from generations before me. I've finally come to terms with letting stuff go and have spent the last year peeling back the first couple layers. Love your videos!
"Uhhhh... If you say so?" 😂😂 I love that in response to negative/rude comments! Also, I love how you use your teapot to water the plant in the kitchen. I do the same and my MIL *insisted* that I buy a watering can for when she was staying with us. I bought it, she used it once, and I continue to use our teapot (it holds so much more!)😅
My teapot is actually a watering can 😅 I got it at a flea market for 2 dollars this fall after my previous metal one had rusted through. I do love the idea of using a real one! Someone else mentioned doing it too a while back and it’s such a great reuse!
I love that you use your teapot to water your plants! I think I will start using a large one I have, that just sits in my china cabinet looking pretty!
Mine is actually a watering can! I found it at a local flea market for 2 dollars. I did have someone commenting on another video that he uses a real teapot for his plants! Such a cool idea!
Interesting, I was only chatting to a friend recently ( that also follows you ) about how I don't attach emotion to 'things'. People yes animals yes but not to things per say. My husband recently transferred all of our photographs ( literally thousands ) from hard copies to files on his computer ( that our children have access to ) and it felt amazing to get rid of all of those dusty albums. Not cold at all, just not a hoarder 😂 Keep on being you Benita, love everything you do.
These comments made me a bit upset. How can people judge others so easily? Benita, you have been an inspiration to me for years. You have no idea of the positive impact you have in my life and for that I am forever grateful. F the haters. I admire and respect you. Thank you.
