5 Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid | How NOT to Declutter
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- čas přidán 19. 07. 2024
- 5 Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid: How NOT to Declutter
This video shares the top 5 decluttering mistakes to avoid, especially if you are trying to live a more minimalist lifestyle in the coming year. I discuss how NOT to declutter and the decluttering pitfalls that may prevent you from simplifying in a way that is ideal for you. Remember, we are all on our own path to simplify, so make sure you do what is best for you first! Happy decluttering! Let me know if there are any other major decluttering mistakes I forgot to include!
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Switching from minimalist to essentialist was groundbreaking
@@kimgordon3695 um, what’s essentialist pls?
@@elizabethmathena7668 I’m so sorry. I do understand. I have special needs kids here, (adult and young), and I do know that there’s stress unlimited.. especially when you cannot just gather your keys and go like so many people can do. If you need anything I hope that you’ll let someone know here and maybe one of us can help in some way. I often wish I just had company to sit with me when I start a difficult project. If you need someone just give a yell here 🙂 💕🙏🏼
instablaster
My boyfriend is a hoarder and I am losing my life as a neat freak.
I also think when you have gone through any type of financial stress or poverty, there is an element of fear in throwing away old things. Subconsciously you fear going through it again and want to hold onto all your belongings as a safety measure.
Spot on! I have several boxes of things that I am ready to let go, but may be the only thing that stands between me and homelessness...someday. It is frightening to let go when you are afraid of the future.
@@wordsculpt: Oh, I agree and feel you.
Yes, I totally agree! Been through poverty/unemployment as well as hurricane Sandy which destroyed almost everything here. I have the mindset of "I could still use that thing or repurpose it" which os one of the ways I've survived...is reusing or repurposing..so it's hard to part with stuff even if I'm not using it at the moment. Silly example, after the hurricane, all we could eat was the Halloween candy we had. We ate that for weeks just because it was easy and available. (Yes, snickers will satisfy hunger for awhile lol) 9 years later, I've gained too much weight and trying to diet but yet, after Halloween, I can't bring myself to throw away any extra candy because I think "what if we need to eat it one day when we're starving again?" Of course this pandemic and it's uncertainty doesn't help my mindset of "what if" 🤨
I get that but that could be solved by actually selling the stuff if its something that does have value (not like in super expensive just someone might be willing to pick it up and pay for it), that way you are improving your financial situation. Also actually think through what you use or might need that item for, if you cant find a practical use and it also doesn't bring you happiness in life then it should be safe to get rid of.
I have some hiking equipment I've included I literally only keep for a possible emergency at this point (was planning to use a lot when I got it but realized I never will), like if I had to flee from my own home and survive in the wilderness for a while or I have to hunt my own food because the store stops delivering or something, some of it may be needed then.
Wow! Those were my same thoughts half way through the video lol. 😆
I pack small boxes of items and label them for 6 months out. If I haven't opened the box at all during that time it goes straight to a thrift store. This method helps me to let go without having regrets.
I love the sounds of that approach! Thanks, Carole!
Perfect and practical advice!!
It works!
that's a really great idea carole
Conesour
After two declutterings and regretting all the money wasted, an aunt told me a great tip to prevent having to constantly de-clutter. She said 'make it a rule never to come home with something you didn't go out intending to buy'. Now, if I see something I feel I want, I don't buy it... I go home, think about it for a week or so. Mostly, after that, I'm *meh* about it - no clutter AND no waste later. If I decide I really do want it still, I have it on the list of what I mean to buy when I go the mall. Hope this tip helps you too. Clutter wastes resources, and really wastes your money..
Thank you for sharing that great tip! It really cuts down on those impulse buys!
I like to do that too. It really does help a lot. Every once in awhile I'm sad that I miss something that was on sale for a really good price. But after doing it for a while I have gotten a feel for if I'm just seeing a bargain or I really need it and it's a good deal.
Thats so helpful. I dont let myself go to target bc its like i dont decide what i need from target... target decides what i need from target. Hopefully this helps me lol
Huft.. this is me.. but not my families.. not just my parents my other families also.. like each of our house there will be clutter everywhere!! Ugh.. when i tried to declutter, or rearrange em again, they get mad.. me and my brothers don't even have a proper bedroom because of this..
Omg thank you so much this is actually really smart!! I’m horrible with money so this going to help me a lot!! Thank you! I’m going to definitely try it.
1) Don't declutter just to declutter.
2) Don't take on too much at once.
3) Don't only follow the guidelines of others.
4) Don't become overly sentimental.
5) Don't let decluttered items stay in your space.
Thx!
Okay I can do this !!!!!!
I just have way to much stuff and I'm starting with getting rid of old clothes and other random crap I'll never use.
You know doing this (listing what is being covered in the video) lowers the creator channel's statistics? I saw your list and now I'm not going to watch the video because I no longer feel I need to. Videos need views in order to be successful. Please don't do this, I know for the audience it's helpful, but to the creator it's not and I believe she's put a lot of work in creating her content
@@catgato5803 that's more of a reason to watch the video to support the creator and give her a thumbs up for her video and share it !!
I created a "free" bin by my office at work. It started with just me unloading my recently purged items but now others will drop off their stuff, too. Anyone can drop and anyone can pick up. It's a great way to let go of your things by seeing someone you know find usefulness out of your discards. Every month or so, I box up what's not taken and donate it. And I always get a kick out of someone picking up something from the free bin that I've classified as seriously useless (but why not put it in the free bin!) and taking it home with them. It also has gotten me out of the mindset that an item might have been worth money if I'd taken the time to sell it. Things I think may have been valuable are often the items no one wants even when they're free.
This is a great idea!
This is so great and my experience too, except that the "free bin" where I live, is run by the council. I used to worry a lot about what would happen to the stuff I donated at thrift stores, or whether it should have been trashed instead. I also wondered if I should try to sell some of it, but I do realize that selling is work, and when I don't want something anymore, I don't want to deal with it anymore, but get rid of it. It amazes me what others will find valueable vs worthless, but the free bin is a good help for me to practice "don't judge". I have to NOT be able to keep track of what actually happens to "my" stuff, though, and this place, which is accessible for everyone, allows me to let it go.
Love this! My old apartment complex had the same thing in our laundry room! It was also a great conversation starter with others living in the apartment
For one moment I thought the bin was called free because it can help you to be free of items you nolonger want 😄
Love this!
You’re the first person I’ve come across to not be overly opinionated and pushy about decluttering, it’s so refreshing!
Aww, thank you! I'm so happy to hear that!
I have moved 3 times in 8 years. You realize how much stuff you have and what you don’t want to move. I’m grateful for decluttering.
Moving does provide a lot of clarity!
I moved from a music teaching job, and had to declutter props, music, instruments: and then downsized from my old house....still decluttering...
One thing people will say is that might come in handy one day but one day never comes.
That is so true!
Honestly, it's more of an excuse to keep things. If you purge something that you find you need later just re-purchase it.
I AM THE BIGGEST HOARDER IN THE WORLD and the things i hoard never come in handy but i need the thungs later which my mom made me throw away
Sometimes it does.
I once threw away markers which i held for 5+ years just in case I'll need them. Few years later i really needed them for my art project...
When I'm upset or stressed out I tend to "declutter" or purge items. I put head hones in, blast worship music and just get rid if a bunch of extra mess. My husband will come home and ask me who made me mad 🤣😂
Hey, whatever works to tackle a mess! :)
Love this😂❤
Right?! Nothing more soothing than throwing at the trash to some Chris Tomlin!
Jah bless. Thanks for the inspiration you didn’t know you flourished!
❤️😂
My wife was a minimalist it was very easy for her to get rid of my personal belongings not so easy for her belongings .
Dr . A . Rosenberg Gee! That is exactly how my ex husband used to declutter! 😄
Me tool
I think that is how most people declutter!
This is sad.
So sorry about this.🙁
🤣😂🤣
Funny thing, now that I am closing in on 60, I am feeling VERY weighed down by a lifetime of stuff. The temptation to get rid of all but the current essentials and interests & move to an entirely new space is very strong. And I’m a sentimental mum who has saved EVERYTHING. I think this is what leads to that grand tradition of parents telling their kids, “Come get your junk!” 😊
They don't, though...
I now understand when I finally became stable (married, children, and home). My mother start sending me all my stuff and things. I felt sentimental with she sent those things to me. Now I know why. I am waiting on my children to become stable. And I will share this family tradition🫢
I kon-maried my kitchen. Took days. When I went into the kitchen to have my morning coffee, it looked so bare it looked like I had moved out or died. It made me sad. Lol. Added some pretty 'clutter' and it felt better.
It is all about finding a happy balance! Good work for reflecting on what mattered to you! :)
@@simbalantana4572 What the heck? Cozy is very compatible with Konmari! (Waaaay more so than minimalism, which is Not what her method is about)
Did you ever actually read her book? she talks several times about how for some people they have many things that make them happy, and if you have lots of things that truly bring you joy that you need find a good way to incorporate them into your living space so that the space itself can also bring you joy. That means keeping things that make you joyful because they're cozy.
Also she explicitly talks about how several of her clients needed to get rid of the things that don't spark joy specifically to make room for buying New Stuff That Does Spark Joy. Like her version of decluttering isn't about avoiding getting new stuff (again it's Not like minimalism, which is about limiting things to what's necessary.) It's about keeping what makes you happy
I never have second thoughts about items once I put them in a donate bag. Once its in the bag, I’ve already made up my mind.
I love that!! That is wonderful!
I do this, too. Since buying a house and having a child, I have an area for gathering charity items, which I donate once it reaches a certain volume. It’s a little disconcerting that the area never stays empty for long.
I agree, I have four kids and its a continual process. It helps a lot to treat it as ongoing. I've seen many households with young children that have gotten overwhelmed by stuff.
I agree. But also if you haven't used it, you won't miss it so even if someone took it away without you knowing, you wouldn't even be affected!
Mossy Oak Mom the best rule of thumb as you say is to be sure before putting it in the donate bag and do not look in it again.
I love that you stress personalizing your needs and to stop comparing yours to the needs of others
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that! I think that is essential in today's society, not just with decluttering but most things!
@@AbundantlyMinimal I actually think our tendency to compare ourselves to others, is why we need to declutter in the first place...
@@ingerfalch-jacobsen1717 Depends. I'm cleaning my room because a messy messy room makes me feel more dead then usual.
If you're not sure about some items (maybe inherited or personally sentimental) put them in a shallow open box in the hallway or somewhere you will go past often. Then you can see them and decide over a few days rather than the pressure of deciding immediately. Just being able to see them often is a good push to knowing whether you want them in your home or not.
this is really healing to hear after a childhood full of people taking your stuff and throwing out everything you care about without even asking you
I'm sorry you had to deal with that.
Exactly!! I think that is why I hang on a little too long with things. But I hear that problem continues when you get married....then the spouse wants to trash things without asking. *Sigh*
Same ..my younger brother. .burned nd also thrown my books. ..when I am out..or he throw my all study materials. .I keep buying even new books she throw or sell out.he even thrown my clothes so many things which is hurts. .at times..he raise hands on me...too I am 32 year girl stay with my mum and brother my father passed away 2018..unfortunately my brother keep abusing mum nd me too he is 4 yrs younger ..but control all house.as a boss..
abcc abc so sorry to hear but just keep your chin up and I'm glad you and your mom have each other ❤️
Sorry to hear that. Well now it's your decision!
I agree with your warning not to go overboard with decluttering. I had a 50% rule when cleaning my parents' slightly hoarder house. In one session, do not declutter more than 50% of a space (plus trash). Get used to that for a month or two, then go at it again. It reduces the temptation to remove something you actually need.
Slow and steady wins the race!
It amazes me how every one of these declutter/downsize/minimalist videos are so Cluttered with intros and chatter. This one is better than most.
One time I bought this beautiful dress from a boutique. I loved it, first time I wore it to work, I got fired. Second time, I wore it, I got a speeding ticket. So I kept in my closet then I decided there is bad energy with that dress. I got rid of it.
That is quite a story, but it seems like it was a good idea to let go of the bad energy from it!
That’s really silly. Clearly the dress was innocent of all wrongdoing...
nmoss m I agree that would make me feel better about getting rid of it, Wonder If the new owner has bad things happen?
Daisystar Shine not sure, but I did not want it on my possession because it also reminded me of bad times.
I can’t listen to a certain song for similar reasons. I know better but it’s still difficult
The sentimental reasons you used for keeping items were nowhere near the kind of sentiments that cause people to hang on to items they don’t use.. Real sentiment comes from items that were given to us from a dear one who has passed on, like a parent or grandparent . Or how about an item that belonged to an ancestor. Mountains of pictures and photo albums of ancestors that were originally taken back in their day. Items you grew up with and you remember what life was like when you used those items even though there’s no need for them today. A childhood toy, gift, or even clothing item.such as a christening gown, dance costume. There’s childhood books, artwork etc. items that even though you don’t necessarily treasure but your loved one did so it had a special place in their home. Memorabilia from your parents service in the military, all the framed pictures they had on the walls of their home that represent their entire life. Those are just some of the things that are very hard to part with. If you are too young to experience this situation, it doesn’t mean you won’t some time in the future. When you hold on to family heirlooms it’s not always because you love that item, it’s because you don’t want to dishonor the person who once used it or loved it. So much harder to deal with than one might think.
Perfectly said......
I once decluttered all my childhood toys and things and sometimes i miss them so much but i can’t keep a room full of childhood things. I think maybe when you want to remember something or someone you can take pictures of it and get rid of some of the stuff
The choice isn’t all or nothing, between getting rid of everything or keeping a room full of toys.
My uncle had a stuffed monkey doll that he kept his entire life. My aunt wanted to throw it out once and he said don’t you dare, he’s my buddy. When my uncle passed away in his 70s, my aunt had the doll buried with him. That one doll probably stood in for a whole childhood of memories.
@@babichevi7950 very well said. You can keep a few items without having to keep EVERY SINGLE THING.
Julie Knudsen , I feel like your explanation was so complete and eloquent. Thank you for putting into a few, well chosen words what I have tried to explain to others since my parents passed, especially (not knocking it) the Ikea generation.
In the beginning I would donate stuff quickly and without thinking. I just wanted the stuff gone. That was 3 years ago. This past year as I am fine tuning my materials, I put things in a closet for a one month trial separation. This is working well for me.
I'm glad that system is working well for you!
I have been helping my Mom declutter and just recommended this to her. She is having trouble decluttering a lot and suggested she have a donate box and the “trial separation box” for the things she isn’t sure of. I told her to put her own timeline on it. (Maybe even 6 months or a year.). But I think this will help her see if she really uses it and realize that she doesn’t really use the items she thinks she does. I want her to feel the control over this process.
Trial Separation-great 💡 idea!
Loved this. It was insightful. I've gotten rid of ordinary clutter (clothes, books, knickknacks) in stages but now am boldly removing unnecessary furniture. Area rugs, keyboard, an old highchair and more, all clogging the flow of traffic. and making it hard to clean. Now I feel like I can breathe, plus it feels so airy and clean now. My goal is to see stuff as just stuff, like you said, and focus on doing things I really enjoy.
That is wonderful, Lainey! Keep up the great progress!
I need my books. I could probably minimalize in other areas, but not books. I go through them now and then, to get rid of ones that don't "spark joy" for me anymore, but I love feeling like I live in a library. I have a Kindle, and that has come in handy, but i still like physical books.
In my mind at least, books are more than just items. They contain stories, information. They can transport us to another world, teach us something. For me, this makes them highly beneficial and valuable to a good life.
Like Marie Kondo, i also believe in thanking an item when you get rid of it. Call me crazy, but even though it's "just stuff", I believe it is important to acknowledge it.
I'm a MAJOR book fiend. Annually, I do a book purge. I swear for the 30 books I buy each year, I often only purge like 3-5 books. I'm right there with you. The books I read are usually on the Malcolm Gladwell level. I love books about people issues, history, psychology, politics. So, if I get rid of something it's because it bombed big time and because I left it a very thorough review on amazon why it didn't stay in my library. hahaha
I agree, in my room i only need a place to sleep, a desk or something where i can work and study, my books and some clothes.
I agree100%
I began to "lend" them a little while ago keeping an it's-ok-if-they-don't-return mindset. It helps but still doesn't apply to all of my books haha and I decided to do so because I feel greedy knowing how much paper and organic supplies are needed to make a single book and only "using" it once. Not really a deccluter deal tbh.
@@reubz8644 as I said, I have a Kindle that I use frequently :) but I also like having physical books
I have a small basket in my bed room so that I can put things I don't really want anymore in there, then once it's full I drop it off at the charity shop. I also find taking pictures help me let go of things
That is wonderful! Keep up the great work!
I have done something similar but leave the box in the trunk of my car. As I find things I don't need they leave the house. Goodwill is next to one of the grocery stores I go to so it's easy to drop off regularly as the box fills up.
I have found taking pictures of the items helps me a lot too.
@@maureenclarke8120 same!!
My number one declutter tip is don’t drink alcohol while tossing things out.
You’ll get overly sentimental. And before long you’re sidetracked from the mission.
Good one! 🤣
😂💕👏🥴
Re your second tip, I’m taking my decluttering one drawer at a time, one cabinet at a time, one shelf at a time (pantry and linen closet). I take pictures of my finished work and keep them in the “Cleared Areas” album on my phone.
The most important thing I’m learning about decluttering is, once an area (or drawer, etc) is decluttered, make sure it stays that way every day. Don’t backslide.
Definitely! Great tip!
Great video. It's true, everybody needs to find their own way. For a while I was really overly determined about minimalizing and kind of forced the process. Now I take a more relaxed approach, I get rid of things when it feels right and when I'm ready to let go. Just this morning I threw away an old keychain I wouldn't have been able to get rid of just a year ago when I started the journey.
That is wonderful progress! Keep up the great work!
Sentimentality. What you said is so true. Sometimes, it is a good thing to invite a a friend who knows you very well to come and help you with decluttering. You won't ask the hard questions yourself. They will. You will be glad you asked for the help.
That is true! The outside perspective can be immensely helpful!
You literally read my mind! I was thinking today how I would love to just get rid of a bunch of stuff. And how life is getting in the way of me finishing my decluttering process. Thank you for these reminders! Also I was literally talking to somebody two days ago about them not wanting to get rid of books and I told them “ don’t get rid of your books!” People sometimes want to throw the baby out with the bathwater as an excuse not to get started!
I'm glad it was helpful, Stacy!
I love the book example you mentioned. a lot of videos I've watched says to declutter them. I've only decluttered books im not interested in. but books make me happy!
I love that books make you happy! :)
I struggle with book decluttering, too. This is my first year of not teaching, and I wonder, "Will I go back?" The books are important if I do because I'm a researcher--you can't replace these w a CZcams search. So, I started separating them... ones I thing I might use, ones I used because school didn't really give resources and I wrote my own material, and ones I LOVE. I gave the "in case" to a fellow historian to start his school's academic library. If I don't go back next year, I'll give the second group to them, too. And I'll always have "too many" of the ones I love but at least it'll be a few less, lol.
It is cool to hear from fellow and former educators! I can imagine the challenges that books pose from a research perspective, since you probably need a lot of materials!
@@AbundantlyMinimal I probably don't need them as much as I think I do... I used to cycle through them, and since we didn't know what we were teaching till sometimes a week (one year 2 days!!!) before school, I was afraid to let them go. I'm actually writing about all this now--and it touches on minimalism/decluttering/finances. That's why I was so happy when I found your channel. I was editing the final draft of the book, happy that there are other educators who get it:)
Yes the thing I mainly own myself are books but if you are going to refer to them again and/or loved the story, then keep it. If not, give it to someone else to read and love. Most of my books are self help/reference books on subjects but any that are story books are classics and ones I know I will read again. But in general most books once I've read them I pass on.
I think about ‘if there was a fire and I lost everything, what would be the things that would be hard to replace (not including love ones or pets) eg: Photo’s, Important papers, Passports, Prescriptions, Glasses or special Jewellery. The rest can be replaced “if needed” All overtime. Theses items I would definitely keep…The rest I could go through and declutter.
I have 45 feet of bookshelf space... One in one out. That is as minimal as I get, because I would live in a library.
That is awesome!
Books are my biggest concern. Every room (including the bathroom) has a bookshelf with 3 or more shelves. More than half of the shelves are double stacked, so I can't even see the titles of the books hiding behind. My rules 1. Go slow. Purge one shelf at a time as you think of it while watching TV or listening to music. 2. If I can get a copy at the library purge it. 3. If I have never read it, why? Get rid of it unless you have always wanted to read it. 4. Best buddy books - gotta keep. It's okay. You'll probably read it again. And again.
Interesting
The real deal, I disagree. I got rid of all the dictionaries, thesaurus' and the like a few years ago, because with Google, who needs hard copies taking up space?
PERFECT approach for me! Thank you for the sanity. I watched a CZcamsr who ditched a denim jacket that she loved and knew that she would wear again. What is the point? Now she will probably go and buy a new denim jacket because she LIKES wearing denim jackets. Perfect example of the first thing you addressed. I also like that you promote the idea of “chunks”. I absolutely MUST work like this or I would have worse piles surrounding me and causing a great deal of anxiety. Your way is pure sanity to me. There is only me to haul stuff out of here....not a whole crew! Thank you for your common sense approach.❤️ I now feel that there is nothing wrong with my “chunk” approach.
Thank you, Judi! I'm so happy to hear that this was helpful for you!
I recently threw away some things I need now. Had to buy new stuff. It cost a lot.
Lesson learned. First put it away (in a box or smth) and then see how you live without these things. Then decide.
Maya The Brave of Kitwanga this is my fear.
What kind of things did you end up having to buy again? Just to get an idea of what kind of things to be careful when purging
One thing we have done at our home is minimize (or in some cases eliminate) the typical gift exchange for birthdays and holidays. Most of the stuff we received as gifts was ending up in the donation box so in the end it was just a waste (not to mention the environmental impact). We save a lot of $$$ and instead buy items we really want or need. We still celebrate events but without all the trappings. Instead we go out to dinner or do something like a day trip. As a result, I enjoy the holidays a whole lot more now.
I'd be willing to bet that sentimentality is the No. 1 roadblock to people's effort at de-cluttering. The faux sentimentality examples were very well done.
Love the personal aspect. I sometimes wonder why I can’t declutter my makeup down to one bag like some people. But you’re right!
It is absolutely a personal journey!
When we moved in 2000 we had boxes and boxes that we had not opened clear up until 2012. We went thru the and shredded anything that was not needed that had personal info. And donated anything good. We trashed the rest. Awesome feeling. Now we are doing it again to move.
That's great, Becky! Moving is such a nice opportunity for a fresh start!
To me, the best tip is starting with a small part of a room like a part of your closet or shoes or drawers, not everything at once cause many times you get tired and things will just gets worst. Start small, you will not clean fast, it took me two weeks just for my room, but it is such a nice system I keep the organization for years.
Don’t do that thing that you take all of your clothes put on the floor and then clean, you will give up eventually and put all of the stuff back in the closet but now will be ten times worst cause you will not organize them back, probably just throw them and convince yourself that you will fix it later, this day never comes.
Great tips, Renata!
I live in Denmark with 4 very different seasons. I have decided to go through my stuff after each season. That way I can evaluate on how much I’ve used it and what is not useful anymore. I also forget what I use from the summer clothes when it’s winter time. Exactly because I don’t want to reinvest in things.
That is an excellent strategy, Charisma!
I decided for myself to stop watching decluttering videos from people living in Florida or other warm places
Florida person: "Look at this! I have THREE SWEATERS! Who needs THREE SWEATERS!"
Me: *cries in danish*
I like the idea of decluttering by seasons. This way I am not waiting for the season to come. Live in Chicago so I go through all the seasons. Thanks
Live in KY. Typically have a touch of four seasons Decluttered summer clothes as I put them away for the season. Now have 3, yes only 3 plastic storage containers of summer clothes.
I change sizes about once every 3 years so got to keep some fat clothes and some skinny clothes (not efficient i know). Worked well this past summer when I lost 45 pounds as I had skinny clothes to fall back on. Concerned will be dragging out the fatter clothes summer 2019. Haven't bought anything except thermal leggings since at least fall 2017.
I do the same but at the beginning of the next season for the next season. I usually see items I do not want to wear anymore, are too small or just worn out and then I think I don't want to wear this anymore and throw it out. Then I usually think about what items I need, in what colors I would like them and look out for those items. I also write these items down so I know that these are the exact items that I need
When I try to declutter I always stumble upon stuff like "I don't remember you but I should... somebody gave you to me and I don't want to insult them..." so I keep it xD
Sounds like a hoarder
I've found that I keep things that I "might find to be useful in the future" (rarely is that the case...)
If I haven’t used it within a year of getting it, I’m getting rid of it. By that time the person who gave it to you has probably forgotten it. Sometimes I know I won’t use it in the year to come, but I still keep it cause throwing it out immediately feels a bit asshole-ish 😂 but after a year? It can go.
@@sannewalraven7723 agreed. I've gotten way more into decluttering since I posted my original comment
Stuff like that that’s unused I tend to Donate.
I too have a toothbrush case that I use to keep a knife when we go to the outdoors! It's safe and the kids never touch it 😁
That is a great idea!
It's the new year. Last year, I started off decluttering. This year, I'll continue.
I still have my prom dress... from 8-9 years ago. Your sentimental part really made me realize I don’t need to keep them.... I have pictures of me in the dresses so why am I keeping them?
I'm so glad it was helpful, Jennifer!
Consign it, sell it on Mecari, bless someone use FREECYLE.
Joy Lake I ended up donating it. It’s from YEARS ago, super out of date now lol
I have my prom dress from 1963. My girls wore it and my 17 year old granddaughter will wear it. Then, maybe, I shall give it away.
I have my prom dress from 1974 and keeping it, it's not in the way...
I am overwhelmed with my stuff (I have a lot of my kids things who have moved out, and stuff my mum, and daughter left behind after they passed, to the extent that I have closed off some of my doors, and tried out of sight, out of mind..nope!
Taking it all out at the same times just overwhelms me to stress out levels, and it gets left!
This month (Nov. 2019) I really hit rock bottom when the stuff literally needed to be moved out of the way to get to a cupboard!! It's actually making my stomach hurt just thinking of it, and I am psyched to get started. I do get overly sentimental about the stuff, but they need the chance to shine in someone else's life, so I know it's not really 'gone'. I might even just take arty angled snaps of some things, and make a gallery wall in sepia, black and white, etc, so the memories are still evoked as and when..
I feel your pain, especially for those you have lost. Declutter slowly. There is no rush.
Taking pics of the items and making a gallery wall is a wonderful way to salute and honor their lives!
Maybe include a few pics of them or you with them too?
I hold on to items because I get sad thoughts because I say “if my kid was to pass...I would’ve wished I kept that”. I have been in the process of letting go and have even had a dumpster delivered. I’m on day 5... I started with things I KNEW without a doubt was trash. Now I’m into the sentimental things. If I become overwhelmed or start to become too emotional I take a break or move on to a different box. My strategy is to TRY to keep half and let go of half of each box. If it gets emotional I will go move onto something like a “junk drawer”. Sometimes it’s a small thing I de clutter... even if it’s as simple as an old purse. I am also realizing I need to be patient through this process. Keeping in mind what I have done and not thinking of what is still left to do. I just keep moving one box, or drawer, or whatever at a time. And I don’t get discouraged if there seems to be a box that I just can’t “halve” at the moment.... I’ll just ask myself to maybe pick just three things from the box to let go of today. I’m decluttering because I have toooo much stuff and it causing me stress. And because I don’t want my children to have to worry about all my “stuff”, should I pass on. I want them to know where to find the photo albums and the scrapbooks, and the legos(lol). It’s been rewarding so far, although I still have a long way to go. I’ve been able to find things that meant a lot but were hidden or buried by things that didn’t mean as much. And right now my rule is.....”nothing more comes in the house until I am done the first round”. My daughter saw two xmas items I put outside to give away... and she really wanted to keep them... so I told her you can keep them only if you go find two other xmas items from the box to get rid of 👍. My kids are 20 and 21.... somethings I get their input on what they might want me to keep. Those moments have been nice because I learn what kind of things they find sentimental. ( often it is different than what I find sentimental ). It’s nice to hear their point of view. That’s been the most rewarding part of this journey. Good luck to everyone out there who is trying to let go. I find that many things spark the same memory or old feeling. So if I have 10 things that spark a feeling or memory.. I will try to keep maybe only 3 of them.
I’m sorry.. my mini walk in wardrobe is filled to the rim! I can’t access clothes hung inside unless I moved everything out. It’s so stressful!!!
I’m stuck with wearing what’s near the door and drawers mostly :(
Mog-Gyver O'Neill you have had a lot of pain , how terrible , I love what you said about their things having a chance to shine on someone else’s life , when my husband died , a friend said ,’ don’t cry because they are gone , smile because they were here ,xxxxx
Great points! I have found in the past that I try to declutter just for the sake of decluttering. On the whole I’m very happy with the level of possessions I own. In the past 3 years I have decluttered approx 75% of what I own. Probably about 80% of what I own gets used on a regular basis. (Although since COVID I’ve found I do stockpile a little bit. Not a lot, but there were some items I just couldn’t get at a few points that I feel the need to hold onto more than I would. IE Toilet paper, pet supplies, etc.). It is just such a freeing feeling to live with less, it can be a bit addictive to declutter.
Congrats, Alexandra! This is huge!
I've seen houses with a LOT of clutter, making me want to declutter, even though i don't have a lot of things, especially like "them", i believe that the minimal things there is, the better! Just my preference 🤷♀️😁
Recent subscriber. Really like your content Sarah - succinct, well thought out guidance for people trying to get to grips with their possessions. Thank you! 👍
I am so happy to hear that! Welcome to the channel! :)
Good video, very refreshing.
I declutter about 6 months for real now and it feels really good. Even my husband says it's very nice because you have to clean less in the house.
He started decluttering his tools and stuff now aswell and he is so proud about it.
That is great to hear, Denise!
Hello, dear Sarah! Let me share something interesting about my decluttering habits. During pre-menstrual periods I get pretty crazy about decluttering, it's soooo easy to find things to get rid of and I feel soooo good about that! I would say I haven't regretted any of my decisions. However, I would warn the girls here to be careful during emotional instability. In my case, I would empty the house if I could hahaha! Maybe for some other people, they can get even more attached to the items. Have you ever thought about that specific woman's period and how it affects your decision-making? Nothing scientific, by no means, just my personal experience.
Thank you for sharing, Sandra! I had not heard of this before, but I bet there are others who feel the same way. Thanks!
I absolutely agree that I feel my hormones do impact my “cleaning” and “decluttering”. When I’ve discussed this with the women in my family they have told me it’s normal because we prepare for a family during different times of our cycle. Certain times of my cycle I’m lethargic and less neat than others, but other times I want to have a very neat and tidy home and during these times I want to reorganize and declutter everything!
@@alexandra109 Wow! Finally found someone with the same feelings and behavior! I didn't mentioned that, but having a neat and reorganized home is part of the process as well. This month I have been doing so many things in terms of organization, cleaning, decluttering and decor (hormons + new year preparation hahaha). Awesome to read your comments. Greetings from Brazil! Happy New Year!
So true
Sandra ozio I was the same, when I had a menstral cycle. I'm menopausel now and still get like it
I declutter every day. It became kind of an addiction. I don't really know why
I want to be have that addiction!
So I watch all these minimal videos, because I feel overwhelmed by my clutter. Physical clutter. Visual clutter. Psychological clutter.
But then in almost all these of videos the decorations and walls and such are so boring. Plain. Just a green plant and a white wall, for example.
To me, that is a huge turn off!
I know that minimalism is often described as a lifestyle built in varying degrees of minimal.
But who puts out videos regarding minimalism with a house in the background that is not boring?
Regardless, great content in this video.
Minimalism is a practice that is needed in one degree or another for so many people in our western culture.
Thanks for sharing! I can definitely see what you mean. I actually think my background will get updated pretty soon, since we just moved into our first home yesterday. This apartment I was at where I filmed these videos was very strict about keeping things the same, so we did not hang anything on the walls, we painted nothing, etc, so it was very bare (but we knew we would only be there for a year). In our new place, we already painted a room blue and will be hanging up a few things this week! :)
Search 'cozy minimalism'. I am a crafter and a crocheter, which pretty much means hoarder. I am eating my elephant one bite at a time, one room at a time. I just purged my kitchen... I still have dirty dishes, but it not so hard to wash and put up anymore. If I don't have a lazy spell, that is.
Abundantly Minimal I look forward to watching more of what you do!
Tasha Hargrove I will search those terms too. I’m a crafter, Gardner, woodworker, etc... the idea of organization and less visual clutter sounds good.
But I want to keep my interests... all of them.
I know what you mean. I love color and art. After reading the AM comment, I completely understand the lack of color and/or decor. Now, I’m glad at least there was a plant. 🌱 As soon as it started, I was thinking, a picture or mirror or something needs added to this blank wall. I find a lot of minimalism too “boring” for me, but I like the videos and applying things to my life or I would be overrun with too much art supplies (wait, is that even a thing?) and just too much in general. I’ve been working on eliminating things bit by bit. Happier with my wardrobe now, working on books soon....the sentimental stuff...I’ll get to it one day. :-)
This is great! I always end up more items after decluterring then the same thing happens on the next decluttering session that I'll be doing. With the small amount of time that I have like every week due to the demands of being an adult, this is a great way to stop getting more clutter than I am supposed to have. Thank you!
I'm glad it was helpful!
I’ve watched so many of these videos and most of them say to get rid of makeup and I just could never imagine doing that. It never occured to me that makeup doesn’t bring any joy into THEIR life, but it can to mine. Idk why I never thought of that 😭 Definitely still need to declutter it though 😳
A helpful phrase I use is "keep the best, declutter the rest", which could help you sort out your favorite items from the ones that didn't quite work as well as you'd hoped!
Yep true. My mom just tells me to get rid of such and such but i refused to part ways with my books and some bags. I declutter though some clothes and knick knacks and just keep my clutter in the 4corners of my room and sort them out and part ways slowly just so i wont be overwhelmed with everything all at once. I try to be mindful of what i put in though. Also my 3 shihtzus stuff/clothes, essentials take up space on my room too but all in all im happy the way it is organized chaos but soon im on the path to declutter again as a habit and try to be my own minimalist style. To each their own, consider decluttering at your own pace and with your own lifestyle. As i typed this, im cleaning my room and im decluttering too. Happy decluttering!
We have managed to accumulate way too much stuff! I’m in the process of decluttering, and am really looking forward to having our things more organized.
In the past I’ve been way too sentimental about different things, and as a result have a bunch of stuff I’ll probably never need. Your ideas are very helpful, and I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
I'm so glad they could help, Barbara!
Refreshing to hear a measured approach to this! It's stressful when you get the impression that the people who live with like thirty items total are TheBest™, it's nice to hear more balanced advice :)
I'm so glad to hear that!
Thank you for this video and insight. I feel so many people take so much way too literal and don’t live the life they want. Visualization of your ultimate life carries so much truth.
You are very welcome, Sonia!
I find that the longer I hold on to something, even if it wasn’t sentimental in the beginning it becomes sentimental SHEERLY due to the fact I’ve had it for so long!! Better to get rid of clutter before it feels like it becomes part of you 😂
Awesome! I like your sentimental examples. ❤ I shared content this morning on What NOT do to when decluttering that may be helpful!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thanks, Jane!
Thank you so much for pointing out that we are all different with different lifestyles 🙏 I needed that. I have already tossed things I had to re-purchase as I used it much more than the person decluttering online.
Thank you so, so much!
I'm so happy it was helpful! I think there are many people who have done the same thing as you, but we all value different things differently!
Yes! I've lived in a 400 sq ft flat for 10 years but you can pry my overflowing bookcases out of my cold dead hands. Everything else I declutter regularly.
If you haven't used it for 6 months to a year, get rid of it. If you have a lot of clothes, before you buy a new item of clothing, take two, to the thrift store!
Great tip, Rosemary!
That's the more extreme form of decluttering only the seriously commited ones can do XD
Very sensible tips!! Loved it!! So far, I just heard people saying to get rid of everything, no matter what and I felt very uncomfortable with this... At least I found you, someone balanced!! Thanks lots
I like how you gave a sample of stories to the items we keep, Also like the way you design your steps keep doing what you do.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!
Another great video Sarah! Have a great and prosperous New year! 😊
Thank you, Daniel! I hope you have a prosperous New Year too!
I adopted the one in one out rule. If I get a new book, I need to find an old one to get rid of, if I want a new shirt I need to get rid of an old one etc. Helped me a lot. If I notice that I still love the things I own and I can't bring myself to get rid of something? Then I don't need the new thing. It really makes you think twice about getting something.
Definitely! Nice work, Lara!
Thank you! This is one if the most sane videos I’ve seen. So many are falling into a trend and hype and radically parting with things they regret later. Subscribed! 😊
Welcome to the channel! :)
Abundantly Minimal Thanks!
This was great. Years ago I bought an espresso machine. The first few years I used it a lot but haven't used it for quite a few years. BUT, I keep moving it. It's only been this past move that had me thinking, I really should donate that. But I haven't.
This has helped me realize the time has come.
I'm glad the video was helpful, Mary!
these sell really well on ebay
I know this is more of a "recent" older video, but I enjoy going back and rewatching your content when it pops up on my recommended list. The reminders are useful!
I'm so happy to hear that!
I love and appreciate your point of view, since I am currently "carving my own path".
YES! I love that!
Yes!!I value your "common sense" that is not so common.Good stuff!
Thank you!
I use to get overwhelmed by looking at the whole thing. First of all, there are things we need to do, like the dishes, everyday. Trash is easy. Dishes belong in the sink. Clothes belong in the closet. Anything important, take care of it. Once those things are done, look for a couple of minutes chores. Then, start at the point that bugs you the most, a little at a time. Anything I no longer need or love, I make sure it's clean & then usually give it to the Viet Nam vets. They actually thanked me & told me, "What a nice thing you did!!" Out with the old & in with the new. I even threw my husband out with the bath water. Now, I can even roll over & not knock him onto the floor. Gathering a lot for the Viet Nam Vets & almost ready to make a phone call!! Put on the musica & dance your way through it & sing like someone can hear you!!
I've been a fan of decluttering for a number of years. Commenting on the sentimental issues, when I give anybody a gift I always tell them if you have to get rid of this you're not getting rid of me you were just getting rid of an object that I gave you.
Thanks for sharing, Janice!
Thanks Sarah. Yes I am guilty of taking things back inside from the declutter boxes going to the thrift store. Fortunately, they in most cases, do get a second "thank you and goodbye". eg. the cardigan with the hole in it that I am most likely NEVER going to mend. 😂
I like your "thank you and goodbye" approach! Thanks Olwyn!
A cardigan with a hole should actually not even go to a thrift store.
Yknow what helped me most with getting rid of sentimental stuff that made no sense to keep I just posted it to Instagram or took a picture of it y'know keep it but not physically it gives this release form
My declutter strategy is to ask myself if the item has enough value, monetarily or emotionally, to pay for moving to my next home in three years. Those items with some value were sold via Facebook Marketplace. Included items a sibling sent home with me for which I had no use, nor did my adult children. Priced items less than thrift store to entice a buyer. The thrift stores were over whelmed with donations of people decluttering. Have many more items to post for sale for porch pickup in the spring. Never follow the 6 month rule as frequently go to my stash of fabric, plywood, hardware to create something for gifting.
Clutter is in the eye of the beholder what is right for one person is not for the next... it's a personal journey of freeing up your life of the unneeded things in your life and there is no one size fits all in this.... I'm on a declutter at the moment well the last year....... getting rid of all the excess flotsum and jetsam of life but keeping an eye of what makes me who I am......
Keep up the good work, Neil!
So true!
For me the hardest things to declutter are greeting cards, old photos, drawings, receipts and clothes. Since I don't live at home anymore I give clothes to my mum's house and she donates them/throws them away. Because I never could do it myself :D great video btw.
moni x I’ve found that I can sometimes get rid of those sentimental items more easily if I photograph them first. That way I can still look at them and reminisce if I want to without having them take up space.
@@bruriadraiman5977 great idea. I need to declutter some digital things too. Than I can save some that really matter. Thanx for advice.
I don't have a Kindle, but love my books. I even brought many of my Father's books half way across the world with me. My mother was a teacher, and my Father a 'bookworm' who literally used the arms of his armchair as book.shelves. What can I say, I came by it naturally. My mother always said that as long as you have a good book, you always have a good friend! My daughter writes grants for a non-profit that puts books into the hands of low income children. Needless to say, my two year old grand-daughter has been enjoying books since she was a very young baby, and this 'Grammy' has started writing children's books. Mrs. Hellis, AKA Beatrix Potter, was not the only one to love rabbits!
Very sensible tips Sarah. Thanks.
Thank you!
I think people get more emotionally attached when the items seem to have been expensive and or could have some monetary value. We live in times where almost everything is replaceable so if is seems to have costed a buck too much, not easy to get rid of.
Sunk Cost! =)
This timing! I have a friend struggling with the sentiment thing rn and I’m going to definitely share this with her.
That is wonderful! I hope this can help!
Great tips. I always look forward to your videos.
Thank you, Crissy! That makes me so happy!
Got out all my diet books. Placed all on the bed. Sorted into stacks. Favorite. So-so. Not read. Spent 15 minutes flipping through the not read. Filled paper sack with the ones not in favorite stack. Sealed it with sealing tape and wrote on it Diet Books and drove to local library where they accept donations. Done. 👏🏻. Tomorrow another genre. This helped me see just how many books I had on one subject. I realized I did *not* need them all. 🎉
YES YES YES!!! So proud of you!
Awesome lady already benefiting
I'm happy to hear that!
Rebecca! I follow you on tube! I’m a Morissette fan i love your reaction videos. Glad to know you’re into minimalism too! Wow
This is a VERY practical honest truth. Thank You. I enjoyed it and agree.
I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks!
I hear you ! If I put something in the go away box , I can’t look into it ever again 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I like to think that the things i donated are being used, not just sitting in my attic or basement being wasted.
Absolutely! Paying it forward is the best!
I am overly sentimental about some of the art junk in my home because it was my mom's and she died... but I don't used at least 75% of it 😭
What kind of art? You can put it in a neat storage box which you can stack... or anything so that it wouldn't look like clutter. And just declutter other things.
Hello! Just subscribed today. Thank you for the video. I want to declutter and live a minimalist life, but have always worried about how to do it the right way and ensure I don't get rid of something I regret giving away later on (it has happened). I appreciate the tips in this video. Definitely something I will refer to over and over again, especially before we move to our house, and after we have gotten settled. Namaste!
Welcome to the channel, Kay! I'm glad the video was helpful, and let me know if you need help with any areas in particular!
I really appreciate your tip about not getting over-sentimental about items, and that you didn't include photographs or stuffed animals. Your examples were really helpful too
Thanks, Jewel! I'm happy to hear that!
HI Sarah, I have found once the items are in my donation box I leave them there. And yes I have worn myself out going overboard on my decluttering days. I have been taking a break and plan to start again soon. Happy New Year to you!
That sounds like a great plan! Happy New Year to you!
I know when I first started to implement minimalism into my life I was in a decluttering craze. I just reached for anything in sight and tossed it. Till this day I’m still filing the negative effects of needlessly decluttering things from my closet. It turned out that some of those items that I had I really needed. My suggestion for people who are new to Minimalism is to take their time evaluating what they wish to declutter. Once they have made up their mind on that particular item, then they should get rid of it. If I would have had this approach to decluttering like this, it would have saved me a headache and money.
A gradual approach can be very helpful! Thanks, Solomon!
Hi there! New viewer here! Loved this video! Decluttering is my main goal for 2019.
The sentimental things can be quite comical. I had this lyre to hold my music on my instrument during marching band (almost 10 years ago!) And it was hilarious, because it was a total piece of crap, held together by a paperclip, rubber bands and tape. But hey, I swear it was good luck! It was made by my favorite band teacher during his first year of teaching.
About 6 months ago, I sent a video message to my best friend saying, "Hey dude! Remember this!? I'm throwing it away. Ha!" She was like, "Noooo!!! That has so many memories!!" And it did, but it was also trash. Lol. It's nice to finally get rid of old unused things.
Hi Brandi! Welcome to the channel and thank you for your comment! I loved hearing your story about the lyre from marching band, and think it is great that you acknowledged the sentimental part of it, but knew it was something you didn't need going forward. Wishing you some successful decluttering this year!
Very practical tips. Thanks for sharing. It motivated me to continue on my de cluttering journey. Also subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more valuable videos😊
Thank you so much, Iwona!
The book purging is tough for me because the internet is so distracting. Books can keep me busy.
That is a wonderful part about books that I appreciate too! I can't have too many tabs open when I'm reading!
Katie gp books are still cheaper and easier for all people even those without smartphones/tablets and WiFi.
Yeah my husband and I love books and own a great many. Over the past few years we have reduced the number of books we own gradually down to about half. Our system is to keep books that we will use for reference, reread, or want to save for our children to read. Its amazing how many we were able to let go of when we examined whether they would actually get any additional use. I expect we will always have a lot of books but at least we are being more intentional about which ones we are keeping.
Keep your books, especially those that are out of print. There are many book not digitized. Those of us who loves to read can't do without. Declutter home decor, and clothes, instead, hate the knickknacks.
@@AbundantlyMinimal
I love books and have carried a book with me everywhere I went ever since I learned how to read. My bookshelves are full of wonderful books. I am a senior citizen now and am moving to a small apartment and am leaving the books for the new owners of my home. My life is so much easier now with renting kindle books from the library for free, and am even able to read the books on my cell phone, enlarging the print!!!
There's a dress i think of often, sad that I moved it forward before I figured out I could have worn an undershirt so it wouldn't be so low cut as to make me feel self-conscious. I kept the second dress I purchased at the same time, because it wasn't as low cut, and wore it quite a lot. What's funny now is tho' I still think of the dress I gave away maybe too soon, is that the second dress that I kept went out in the last batch because it's too small now. So here I am, still thinking sadly about a dress that would be too small now to wear anyway! I just laughed aloud at how silly I can be sometimes
Very nice tips and advice. Thanks for your video sharing it with the rest of us!
Thanks, Gennifer!
I have found useful to take pictures of certain items like souvenirs or random things I’m attached to but don’t need