Sorry, I wasn't clear with my cleaning supplies, so pinning this comment. 😊 I use Magic Eraser and Norwex cloths - the cloths are microfiber and silver, so they remove bacteria. They clean really well and I don't have to have "cleaners" This is the lady I purchased from: rebeccahix.norwex.biz/ She is super helpful, so you can ask whatever questions you have.
The best advice my mom ever gave me was, "Clean as you cook." Use a spatula--wash/dry put away while your food cooks. Spill some sauce--wipe it up immediately. Clean the extra dishes, the sink, the countertops, the stove as you cook. After the meal, you'll only have the dishes you ate on to load into the dishwasher.
When my sons were young and I cooked A LOT, I did this….cleaned as I went. I live alone now and I rarely cook complete meals, so I have unfortunately gotten a tad lazy. 😄😄😄😄. Well, maybe more than a tad!! 🤣🤣🤣
I noticed that when I rid my kitchen of the decor on top of the cabinets, it looked very empty and lifeless. So I put strands of twinkle lights up there that were on all the time and voila! Life!!
My car was always filled with trash - food wrappers, junk mail, straws, straw papers, soda cups. One of my dogs threw up in the car and I had to clean it up. I started taking all the trash out of it as well. I was astounded by the amount of trash I found under the front seats. I decided to make a concerted effort to keep my car free of trash. I got in the habit of stopping at the trash can whenever I get a diet coke or after my morning walk and dispose of any trash that was in my car and depositing the garbage even if it was only a soda cup and straw paper. I have kept it up for a few weeks and I am amazed at how much better I feel when I get in my car.
Isn't it nice? I try to keep my car clean because it feels like a little oasis of calm in the storm of crazy drivers :) I have a theory that road ragers probably all have messy/dirty/cluttered cars and it causes anxiety. Any additional stress just piles on until they hit breaking point.
@@JamieM470 interesting because the people which I know personally who have road rage at times are the ones who are obsessive about their cars being clean and tidy with no scratches. They seem to think they are always in the right and everyone else is the problem.
I watched a YT vide on Funny signs. There was a Highway alert sign that said “It’s a lane, NOT a birthright. Let them MERGE.” It doesn’t answer the question, but it does shine a light on part of the problem!!
Your " minimalism" still leaves a warm home... Most others are simply too stark... I tend to be mildly hoarding due to severe child abuse where I had to make EVERY penny scream...I also suffered serious losses from family thefts and natural disasters..but I am OK now and I have to stop catastrophizing...and make my life workable again
Thanks for sharing this Dorothy. I moved a lot as a foster child & can see how childhood trauma manifests in our lives. I like to always be prepared for an emergency & have a hard time letting go of anything that may help me survive on my own, like in a wilderness scenario or natural disaster. I don’t have a bunch of clutter but do start to feel an almost obsessiveness with having “enough” so sometimes I probably have more than I need. Most of us have experienced either trauma or messages from someone along the way, usually at a young age, those old tapes that may play in our heads even now, and we must remind ourselves: We are not the unpleasant and untrue messages we may have received from family or others. Blessings to you and peace to all reading this💕✌️
@@camm8832 thanks for this comment - I've just realized I have similar tape - what IF? What if I have to survive with only what I have at home? (Being born in Soviet Union probably has the impact itself. When people could not buy any furniture - and you luckily had one - you kept it like forever as a treasure - same with kitchen utensils or cleaning supplies or canned food or better quality clothes or tools... or lightbulbs... all at all. I think such programming have sticked to me :/ )
I actually reuse spaghetti jars and so forth for my leftovers. I can still see what is inside it. If we can't get to leftovers in time, I can just toss the whole jar since we cannot recycle glass where I live.
I only keep a couple cottage cheese contaners, and I only use them for leftover soup, chili, sauce, or beans. I eat these nearly every day, so I am in the habit of using that food within a day or so. Other things I use baggies or wrap, but first I see if I can add it to the leftover soup container.
About a month ago I decided to purge my kitchen of all the stuff I didn’t need, or use any more. In some cases, I found THREE of the same item, shoved in the back of a cabinet, lost and forgotten about. I was AMAZED that I had so much useless clutter. I threw it all away! I have so much more space in my cabinets now. It’s unbelievable. When I go to the stores now, and I look at all the kitchen stuff, I really think twice about what I actually need. Yes, indeed, the new stuff if pretty, and shinny. But, thinking about those 3 contractor sized trash bags of junk I threw away, makes me realize I don’t need *new and shinny.* I already have what I need and use. It saves me money and space for sure. And, yes, it does feel so much cleaner to not have all that unused junk laying around.
I totally agree with every point you made and the reasoning behind them. My only difference is about junk mail. Ihave a PO Box and used to just pull evrerything out and bring it home. I stopped this about two years ago and go through my mail at the Post Office. They have locked recycling cans there and I am always surprised at how little mail I actually bring home. I love your ideas and look at you as a source of encouragement. Thank You for your efforts.
I use sour cream containers and chip dip containers to put plant pots in so they don't leak onto tables/shelves. I also use the clear plastic deli containers as measuring devices for garden chemicals. I mark the sides with a permanent marker for the number of ounces it takes to mix with water. I also use them to store dry plant fertilizer. There are so many more things you can do with those types of containers than just put food in them.
The food storage containers one really resonated with me! We recently purged all the types of "reused" containers and mismatching pieces. I was SO intentional with what I bought next. So many sets are HUGE! 30 pieces...40 pieces! I did NOT want to have to take care of that many anymore! So I ended up getting 4 round ones and 4 square ones. S,M and L sizes. My husband was really skeptical about having so few. But it's working out great! And I can't WAIT to share with him your quote of, "If there are no storage containers left in the drawer...we need to eat up the leftovers"!!! Man, I love that! And Like Dawn (The Minimal Mom) says, "Things that hold stuff will HOLD STUFF"! She's so spot on! It's actually been really freeing retraining my brain with that one!
I used to have an entire cabinet full of saved yogurt containers. It was SUCH a relief to finally break the "I might need it" habit and just let them go. Now I have a few storage containers that are clear glass with a flip-top lid and I can see all my left-overs at a glance.
Rachel, you are my absolute favorite minimalist youtuber. Your videos inspire me to keep at it and I am giving myself permission to let things go and let the items hopefully bring some joy to others. You are so genuine and your joy with your life and your family bubble over in all your videos. I’ve learned through your videos to accept myself better and to discern my “fantasy” self from the real me. Best of all I am learning to accept the real me, finally at 62. Thanks for all your hard work bringing us these videos. You are making a wonderful difference in the world. 😊
I am with you Married 40 years..I am 59 and married 41years! I watch these videos and think ..Oh how I wish I had this information 20+ years ago! Better late than never so that I can spend more time enjoying my children and grandchildren!
I recently found your channel. I’ve been decluttering 3 generations of stuff for almost 2 years now. I’ve had some luck selling stuff on line but I’ve reached a point where I can’t really enjoy my house with all this stuff I know I should just give away. I admit that I’m overwhelmed. I know what I have to do and I just need to do it! Thanks for the motivation! I’m 46 and I want to live a simpler life. I want to do more things rather then have more things.
The blue glass collection on top of the refrigerator in my first appartement when I moved to Austin - history now - the dust was overwhelming. Thank you for reminding me. Commitments to Collections of stuff are not to be entered into lightly.
I inherited an absolute love for sunlight passing through transparent glass of different colors. My grandmother & mother were the same way. However, keeping them out of the kitchen (and away from the greasy dust that accumulates in a kitchen) is key. If they just have normal house dust on them, they clean quickly. It's the endless degreasing with hot soapy water, then rinsing and rinsing, that takes forever. Keeping them within reach is key, too. No cobwebs accumulating because I don't want to drag out a step-ladder. Just a quick swipe with a clean cloth or swiffer and on with my day.
You make some excellent points. My parents got a beautiful set of china when they first got married. They have been married for over 60 years they still have that china boxed up and in a room downstairs in there spare bedroom. I have tried many times to help my mom get rid of the china and many other things that cause clutter in there home and she can't let the stuff go. I know as my sister is back east and my brother is handicapped I will be the one stuck with cleaning out there home when they pass it overwhelms me. My advice is keep your life as clutter free as possible so your kids don't have to deal with it when you die!
Listening to you while decluttering some drawers was motivational. Thanks for giving me permission- that’s what my mom used to say to me when I would come to help her go through closets and drawers. I just realized I don’t have someone in my life to do the same for me, but your videos are a great substitute. Thank you.
Thank you Rachel, for your straight forward honest approach. We had 2 coffee mugs that were a gift, but honestly they don't hold heat, so why crowd our space? - Gone. Tea tins. Do I really need 38 tea tins? 8 Gone. I will drink the tea and then get rid of more. Totally off the kitchen subject, but something I haven't see you talk about yet, unless I missed it, photographs! Over the last 3 weeks I have tackled photographs. Bad shots, blurry shots, duplicates, I don't even know who the h*** that is? 600+ gone. It was so liberating! Maybe another subject to tackle? Keep up the good work Rachel, you are an inspiration!
@@Nourishingminimalism I went through all my photographs and discarded all the useless ones, and only kept photos of people that I know. What use is a photo of the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas unless there is a friendly face in there too?
One of the best investments I ever made was in a clearance paper shredder. I don't stack that junk mail anymore. I shred it immediately. The paper (if not heavily inked) gets used in my garden.
Three years ago I started working on decluttering and minimal living. Such a long haul it has been. your videos are helping so much to release so many items that I couldn’t before. It’s given me the happiness and freedom I’ve looking for! The video that finally helped me the most is My Fantasy Life. Boy was I ever delusional!! 😂 it put me on a new level of “clean/minimal/loving all the space I have now!” So many things I thought I might do or might need that had never happened and never will! Jump for joy! Thank you!!!!!
I started about three years ago too, as I saw retirement on the horizon and wanted to feel lighter for what might come. Isn’t it amazing how much we can pack away and the time it takes to go through/get rid of it?
This video popped up in my feed. I decided to watch it because we are moving soon. This has inspired me to really go through my kitchen items and decide if I really need this. Some items were sort of expensive but if I am not using them I should get rid of them. There might be someone out there looking for bargains at my local thrift store who would be so happy to have it. My kitchen in my new house will be much smaller so I have to scale down. Thanks for the inspiring me.
I reuse my containers a couple times then usually send leftovers when my kids come for dinner to “declutter “ I label leftovers with masking tape as I’m putting them away. And then once a week do a quick fridge clean out ( before I shop) and see what needs to be eaten!
Summary: A) 7:19 #5 Sort and deal with all paper B) 2:32 #2 Decorations. Only keep what you really love and are willing to clean on a regular basis. C) Only keep what you really need and actually use. Get rid of excess: 0:45 #1 Storage Containers 3:44 #3 Dishes 5:47 #4 Pots and Pans 9:19 #6 Cooking utensils 11:09 #7 Coffee mugs 11:39 #8 Large kitchen equipment 12:32 #9 Serving and entertainment items 13:44 #10 Cleaning supplies
You are so right about the washing up! 18 months ago, my husband died, after a long illness, and I was left to look after my home, and my 92 year old Mom (and her home); then we all had Coronavirus to cope with. I vowed never go to bed without clearing the kitchen, and doing the washing up, however tired, or however late it was. Coming down each day to a clean, clear space, and the routine of doing the job is of the things that kept me sane.
I love to experiment with different cuisines, and that means I need a lot of groceries of different kinds, and they need to be easily accessible. So I made baskets for the kitchen shelves - one for the oils and vinegars and one for the different teas and coffees. Also I made one for the different things required for salad and sandwich making for the fridge - jars of olives, jalapeno peppers pickled cabbage, sandwich spreads, salad dressings etc. So now I pull out the entire basket, use what I need and put it all away immediately. I don't have to hunt around for things, or find old expired stuff at the back of the shelves or fridge, while I went and got some more! Before buying the basket, I laid out all the stuff in the kitchen counter so I could have an idea of the kind of basket I needed - size, height, where I could best fit it on the kitchen shelf/fridge etc. I also donatedof any pots, pans and tins I needed for daily use, but were of odd shapes and sizes, and replaced them with nesting, multi-tasking ones. And, like Rachel said, I kept only my favourite utensils, those that earn their keep by being used often, and donated/put away the rest. And now I have begun to love cooking again, whereas for a while, I dreaded going into that kitchen!
I can't live without my crock pot and rice cooker but I have a brand new Instant Pot and never used it. You advise is spot on to declutter a kitchen. It's finding your favorite things and using them daily that makes it easier to enjoy what you have.I grew up where my mother rewashed her aluminum foil and plastic bags, that is something I let go of real soon when I left home. But returning to see her still do that makes me a bit crazy but that is her way and I like that we can follow your guidelines and do what works for us.
Very good advice!! In 2009, it was just me and my 3 kids, we had a full set of dishes and flatware...we went down to 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 mugs/dishes, 4 forks, spoons...it worked so well for us. I went a step further, and got patterned dishes...each kid had their own dish set, and then I used colored zip ties...for our flatware. Each person was responsible for their color/pattern. It really helped as I was working long hours, and all my kids were in school.
I do keep my favorite small skillet on the stove. I don't even put it in the drying rack after washing it, just put it back on the stove. I use it almost every meal, because I do not have a microwave.
Rachel...thank you for making videos ! Your channel inspires me more than any other minimalist channel on youtube. Because of you I printed out your checklist to declutter 180 things today. I only made it to 150 but hey...I was so proud of myself!! Now I want to only have 10 food storage containers instead of a million...lol!! You are just awesome! Please never stop making videos and sharing your wonderful tips!! :)) I really feel I can declutter my home now!!
Good tips. After this video I decided to declutter my Tupperware cupboard. I found I had twice as many lids as containers. Uh? Even the containers with lids were more than I needed, so I cut back drastically. There are so many areas of my life I am scared to declutter, but I find that once you get stuck in, it’s a bit like tearing off a bandaid - hurts for a second but then you feel so much better!
Oh my goodness- where have you been all my life??? I’m going to do this and challenge other people I know to do the same by sharing your video! Thank you thank you!!! 🙏
I got rid of everything from under my kitchen sink...I left a basin under the garage disposable in case it leaks. It feels wonderful. Thank you for your inspiration!
I just decluttered and reorganized my kitchen. I love it and it is so easy to keep clean. And functions great. I took time to see where I used kitchen tools and did my best to store them near that area as possible... creating zones like baking or chopping or cooking.
I'm keeping my Tupperware because I neatly stack them, I keep the tops in 1 place and they are in order too. I have a few clear containers with matching Lids and I keep them in their proper place. I gave away every sign in my house, don't need them. I do use short Battenburg lace/cotton curtain-1, at my kitchen sink. My pots/pans are All Clad, placed on a half circular, mounted to my wall. I don't allow my husband to use them! They last almost forever. I definitely agree with you on the glasses and dishes. I gave my youngest daughter my once prized china. I only used it 3 times per year. Less is best!
Love your videos. We must be "twins!" It feels wonderful reassuring to know that we are living better, smarter and effectively! I had to downsize twice, and all the things you talked about it so very true and makes such a difference in our lifes! Thanks for spreading the word! I use my plastic containers to give food to friends, it's a great way to get hid of them, because my friends don't have to return them! The Norwex cloths are truly wonderful. It only uses water and I have never had such CLEAN mirrors and windows! It's worth the investment!
I would love to see how you've integrated sour dough into your kitchen/life. Have you made a video on this? If not, please consider showing your set up and going over your routine around maintaining the starter, etc. TIA!
You really helped me feel better about letting stuff go. I get so anxious but I need to trust you and what everyone else says that it will simplify my life more in the kitchen and make things better. Thanks for the great advice especially the question I should ask myself "does keeping this JUSTIFY the space it is taking up?" :)
Yes. Very True. One Never has the time to do justice to dusting everything. So better to have the minimum required so Less to Dust and Clean especially if there is dust in the house in general. Tks.for such great tips to declutter. 🙏
I just found you. I’ve been watching these type videos this morning. I was doing everything already they were mentioning UNTIL…….. LOL. NOW I have a list!! Lol. I’m happy about it though ! I was looking for something to help add more space in my small house. After 20 years, things just add up. You gave me lots of ideas. Thank you! 😊
I love the cute green ceramic bird with the curl on its head!! Really eye catching! He makes me smile every time! G Ire... I like listening to your videos while doing my (slimmed down) chores!
we have an inside grill, and use it weekly, i agree to store less used items away from daily items, i have an events drawer and cupboard...the gravy boat, olive servers, fancy ladles, then for Thanksgiving type days I can go there when prepping for that day
Just a thought: don't you take a moment to unsubscribe from unwanted addressed mail when you take it out of your mailbox? Often companies have a section on their website where you can opt for email instead of paper mail, or unsubscribe completely. Or just email them about it. In the Netherlands we can also get a free sticker to put on the mailbox so you can make clear you don't want unaddressed mail. There are 2 different stickers to let the delivery people know if you don't want any of it, or if you only want to receive the free local newspapers, but without the commercial inlays and seperate promotional mail.
@@maureenzeelen386new people keep finding us! Here in US, we do not have that option of refusing delivery. Our address list info is often sold . My bills are mostly online. The mail we do get goes straight into recycling and does not come into the house so it is not a problem. I wish we could refuse delivery but....
@@jeannebowes2898 didn't know that's how you get that junk mail, sorry! Here your business address and phone number usually gets sold by the business tax "company" (so the government basically, yay) but mostly not consumer info. There are (shady) companies tho that just send/spread unaddressed mail themselves. No way around that but to mail/call them to fxxx off in the future and hope they take that note 😅
As a painter I can reuse the food containers mixing big amount of paint there or keeping some small supplies (with a note on a side). As for the kitchen use - I've learned the same - container must be transparent - if not, I just forget about what I've put there. 😂
I got rid of most of my plastic food storage as like to use glass but I could get rid of more! And I could get rid some of the glass too. I found I kinda hate the round glass containers, they don’t fit well in the fridge. Yes, I use to have decor totally covering the top of my cabinets I now only have a few things. I can say I have definitely minimized my pots and pans. Great tips! 👍👍👍
Really helpful for me. I see so many vids by minimalists, organizers, and people with big houses that don't apply to me. This is so practical and doable for me.
Thank you. For me all the tips are very helpful 🙂 I have so many plants and I had curtains in the kitchen-no more. Only 2 plants. I feel supported by you a lot. Thank you for all your knowledge and being honest.
Oh, those butter tubs, sour cream containers and the like!!!! I had a huge box in the garage and just yesterday whittled them down to 2 for grease! Hubby uses some in garage too. I save some of the microwaveable ones from restaurants for sharing meals with others. That way, they do not need to bring back the dish! 👍
I agree with most of your tips. Thanks especially for suggesting getting rid of large appliances. However, I disagree with not using my nicer dishes for company. It’s a way to tell them they’re special and having them for a meal is a special occasion.
When my daughter was a toddler, I didn’t have a whole lot of money. I put lids on little yogurt containers, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. and she used them as building blocks. I just stored them in a box at the bottom of the pantry. It was fun... and whatever didn’t fit went in recycling. Now I don’t save them... straight into recycling. Now I have one shelf of glass bowls for leftovers, maybe ten in total. It is working well.
I have a basket I keep in a cupboard in my kitchen island where I keep my storage ware. If it doesn't fit in the basket, I don't need it. For dishes, I just do them thru the day. It's so much easier to do one or a few than a sink/dishwasher full. As a home maker, I just do things as needed. It makes keeping a home clean so much easier. At one point in your video you said "I just didn't want to deal with it" (regarding papers) THAT is the problem with most people, in my opinion. If they just dealt with things, then simplify, life would be easier. tfs 🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗
Excellent! The container example was exactly what I needed to hear. I listen to multiple videos on You Tube, I now realize watching decluttering is not decluttering. I have to make a decision, thanks for helping me get there...
I really liked this video, you seem real with the exact problems I have and solutions that make sense. I distrust and can't follow those so called experts who never had a clutter problem in the first place, whos solutions are ''because they tell you to'' without the reason why. You are so right about having your favorite items right there if you get rid of the extra stuff that you dont use, or doesnt work. Thanks for being honest like using up all your dishes before you wash them, I thought I was the only one.
Great ideas! I don’t like my things talking to me. And even getting rid of one item in the cupboard makes a huge difference! Favorite mug broke, and it was quite large. It really made things much more spacious. I don’t keep containers from food very long. but if we have a used food storage container, and it was newly emptied, we use that for leftovers. And use a POST IT note on it. We keep post it notes in the kitchen for a lot of uses, including this and menu planning. Since we don’t have many dishes, I put dry ingredients in them for another meal
When you described the pots and pans scenerio of the stacking and unstacking them, this was something I've been "hee-hawing" about getting rid of. You helped me make the decision to donate those items that seem more in my way than serving my family.
Absolutely awesome!! Your advice is spot on!! Even though I did a major purge/declutter when I moved to Costa Rica 2 years ago, I am renovating my kitchen and because I have to completely pack up my kitchen, it is obvious that it is time for another purge. Thanks to you I have some practical guidelines and I know I will feel better on the other side :-)
I love this video. Your kitchen looks so warm and inviting, maybe because the counters are clear but there is decoration on the walls. Very nice! I like my kitchen appliances and while I removed the rice cooker and toaster (I also have a toaster oven), I still have several that I use regularly. I put a small set of three shelves at the end of my kitchen island and that's where they live. They are easy to use and yet not in the way.
the only catagory I haven't decluttered: cleaning supplies and cloths. I too have Norwex. love those. I will be decluttering under my kitchen sink tomorrow. thanks!
Lots of good things to ponder...As I am thinking about the things that are passed down...beautiful crystal bowls....etc..I think some things come from an Era where there was no cell phones,computers, massive influx of mail adverts, sports or gyms,or or other functions we feel pressured in to enroll, no fast food or home food delivery, or big box stores that temp us with more than the underwear we went in to purchase. Regarding meals, they were the event. Maybe planned in advance, invites sent. Apron put on, the table beautiful with a variety of home grown or local market foods, desserts that took some time with real ingredients in them.. AND everyone sat at the table for much more than 20 min. Max...I say all that because life has become so fast and fragmented and most of the time we are just running here to there with our brains or veging out I front of Tv...never deep thinking about any one thing like out brains enjoy and are created to do. ...just a thought...minimalizing will help us get back to that and so called Multitasking is highly overrated 😀lol. Thanks again Rachel
Just the thought of “filing papers” renews my ever present suicidal ideation. I’ve reduced the action to 2 boxes : my “ Go To Prison” box and the “ Lose Your House & Utilities” box. Works for now.
the lunch meat containers work for planting vessels, or seed storage, or craft supplies...the rest recycle. i've limited my storage containers too, mine were out of control. i minimized my dishes,and put the most used items in cupboards next to each other, putting dishes away is so much easier, it takes minutes to clean and put away...i minimized m pots and pans in my cupboard, but the extras are in the pantry...so i need to get rid of the excess,i love that my pans aren't stacked, so easy to cook. i plate our meals, it is fun, i feel like a restaurant chef.
I’m new to your channel. Thank you for these tips and encouraging words. Very good tips to follow. I’m reviewing now my serving pieces and donating many items to a church sale. My husband snd I don’t entertain very much now and no sense in keeping these larger pieces in the cabinets. A good show! Pat in Colorado
Just found your channel today. You are so sweet, calm, and down to earth. I can already tell that you are going to be my favorite minimalist channel because you are so motivating without the pressure. The area you live is so beautiful with the snow covered mountains. My scenery is mountains too, but wish people were as down to earth here like yourself. Thank you! So looking forward to the rest of your videos! Have to admit I speed ya up a bit because I wanna get to work on this! ☺ xo
I decluttered my dishes, pans, utensils...but was afraid to throw the extras away. So I put the ones I wasn't sure of in a box/tub, put in the garage . When I needed something, then went out and got the one(s) I needed and those got to stay in the kitchen. If I didn't use the others in a month...I got rid of them!
WOW! I have been wanting to de-clutter - but I really just did not know how to begin, nor how to "let go" of my kitchen toys and extra utensils, etc, etc, all that you mentioned. It all makes such good sense. I really love how clean and streamlined your kitchen looked and the cupboards. I need to do it.
I have very expensive, beautiful porcelain Herend. It was handed down to me by my mom. I don't know what to do with it. It is beautiful but I have no room and I don't want to bother with cleaning it, displaying it....I have much guilt in the fact that I don't want this. But, that's my problem and some how I will come to grips with and realize that I am me...not my mother.
If it is truly valuable in terms of $$$, not just sentimental value, then you can sell it on-line and use the money for something else you love that will remind you of "I bought this with the money from mother's china", e.g. a beautiful ring, framed art that is to your taste, etc. If the money isn't important, you could pack it away (attic? garage?) well-labeled and ready-to-ship, and include it in your will for a grandchild who might appreciate it (styles are often cyclical, e.g. the midcentury modern craze today.) I inherited a few items that I don't actually use, but it means a lot to me that (for example), these ceramic mixing bowls (now chipped & cracked) belonged to my great-grandmother who was born in the 1880's.
I have a large extended family, so I have a few large pots and crock pots... but I store them in the basement. My kitchen is very minimal. No plastic, we have a set of pyrex bowls with lids for leftovers. I only have a set of plates for just my family. If we have company, we use paper plates.
Me too! Why is it so hard? Let’s let them go! Great to be frugal and keep some things for just in case but not these bigger, seldom if ever used appliances.
Sorry, I wasn't clear with my cleaning supplies, so pinning this comment. 😊 I use Magic Eraser and Norwex cloths - the cloths are microfiber and silver, so they remove bacteria. They clean really well and I don't have to have "cleaners" This is the lady I purchased from: rebeccahix.norwex.biz/
She is super helpful, so you can ask whatever questions you have.
Thank you for posting this ! I was just going to ask if this was antibacterial.
The best advice my mom ever gave me was, "Clean as you cook." Use a spatula--wash/dry put away while your food cooks. Spill some sauce--wipe it up immediately. Clean the extra dishes, the sink, the countertops, the stove as you cook. After the meal, you'll only have the dishes you ate on to load into the dishwasher.
When my sons were young and I cooked A LOT, I did this….cleaned as I went. I live alone now and I rarely cook complete meals, so I have unfortunately gotten a tad lazy. 😄😄😄😄. Well, maybe more than a tad!! 🤣🤣🤣
@@heidimeigs3109 Me too!!🤣🤣🙈😎
@@heidimeigs3109 me too Heidi! Lol
I noticed that when I rid my kitchen of the decor on top of the cabinets, it looked very empty and lifeless. So I put strands of twinkle lights up there that were on all the time and voila! Life!!
Twinkle lights is so much better than all that dusty clutter :)
This is a fantastic idea…..so simple! And I love twinkle/fairy lights. Thank you for posting this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁😁😁
I am doing that. Love it
My car was always filled with trash - food wrappers, junk mail, straws, straw papers, soda cups. One of my dogs threw up in the car and I had to clean it up. I started taking all the trash out of it as well. I was astounded by the amount of trash I found under the front seats. I decided to make a concerted effort to keep my car free of trash. I got in the habit of stopping at the trash can whenever I get a diet coke or after my morning walk and dispose of any trash that was in my car and depositing the garbage even if it was only a soda cup and straw paper. I have kept it up for a few weeks and I am amazed at how much better I feel when I get in my car.
Isn't it nice? I try to keep my car clean because it feels like a little oasis of calm in the storm of crazy drivers :)
I have a theory that road ragers probably all have messy/dirty/cluttered cars and it causes anxiety. Any additional stress just piles on until they hit breaking point.
@@JamieM470 interesting because the people which I know personally who have road rage at times are the ones who are obsessive about their cars being clean and tidy with no scratches. They seem to think they are always in the right and everyone else is the problem.
I watched a YT vide on Funny signs. There was a Highway alert sign that said “It’s a lane, NOT a birthright. Let them MERGE.” It doesn’t answer the question, but it does shine a light on part of the problem!!
Your " minimalism" still leaves a warm home...
Most others are simply too stark...
I tend to be mildly hoarding due to severe child abuse where I had to make EVERY penny scream...I also suffered serious losses from family thefts and natural disasters..but I am OK now and I have to stop catastrophizing...and make my life workable again
Hugs to you, and courage!
Wow. You're my hero, Dorothy. 👍
Thanks for sharing this Dorothy. I moved a lot as a foster child & can see how childhood trauma manifests in our lives. I like to always be prepared for an emergency & have a hard time letting go of anything that may help me survive on my own, like in a wilderness scenario or natural disaster. I don’t have a bunch of clutter but do start to feel an almost obsessiveness with having “enough” so sometimes I probably have more than I need. Most of us have experienced either trauma or messages from someone along the way, usually at a young age, those old tapes that may play in our heads even now, and we must remind ourselves: We are not the unpleasant and untrue messages we may have received from family or others. Blessings to you and peace to all reading this💕✌️
@@camm8832 thanks for this comment - I've just realized I have similar tape - what IF? What if I have to survive with only what I have at home? (Being born in Soviet Union probably has the impact itself. When people could not buy any furniture - and you luckily had one - you kept it like forever as a treasure - same with kitchen utensils or cleaning supplies or canned food or better quality clothes or tools... or lightbulbs... all at all. I think such programming have sticked to me :/ )
@@camm8832 thanks Cam. We all have stuff from childhood. Nice to see you are so strong.xxx
I actually reuse spaghetti jars and so forth for my leftovers. I can still see what is inside it. If we can't get to leftovers in time, I can just toss the whole jar since we cannot recycle glass where I live.
I only keep a couple cottage cheese contaners, and I only use them for leftover soup, chili, sauce, or beans. I eat these nearly every day, so I am in the habit of using that food within a day or so. Other things I use baggies or wrap, but first I see if I can add it to the leftover soup container.
About a month ago I decided to purge my kitchen of all the stuff I didn’t need, or use any more. In some cases, I found THREE of the same item, shoved in the back of a cabinet, lost and forgotten about. I was AMAZED that I had so much useless clutter. I threw it all away! I have so much more space in my cabinets now. It’s unbelievable. When I go to the stores now, and I look at all the kitchen stuff, I really think twice about what I actually need. Yes, indeed, the new stuff if pretty, and shinny. But, thinking about those 3 contractor sized trash bags of junk I threw away, makes me realize I don’t need *new and shinny.* I already have what I need and use. It saves me money and space for sure. And, yes, it does feel so much cleaner to not have all that unused junk laying around.
Some decorations are easy to put in the dishwasher, others are too much work to keep clean. I find a clear empty wall is so mind clearing.
I totally agree with every point you made and the reasoning behind them. My only difference is about junk mail. Ihave a PO Box and used to just pull evrerything out and bring it home. I stopped this about two years ago and go through my mail at the Post Office. They have locked recycling cans there and I am always surprised at how little mail I actually bring home. I love your ideas and look at you as a source of encouragement. Thank You for your efforts.
I use sour cream containers and chip dip containers to put plant pots in so they don't leak onto tables/shelves. I also use the clear plastic deli containers as measuring devices for garden chemicals. I mark the sides with a permanent marker for the number of ounces it takes to mix with water. I also use them to store dry plant fertilizer. There are so many more things you can do with those types of containers than just put food in them.
The food storage containers one really resonated with me! We recently purged all the types of "reused" containers and mismatching pieces. I was SO intentional with what I bought next. So many sets are HUGE! 30 pieces...40 pieces! I did NOT want to have to take care of that many anymore! So I ended up getting 4 round ones and 4 square ones. S,M and L sizes. My husband was really skeptical about having so few. But it's working out great! And I can't WAIT to share with him your quote of, "If there are no storage containers left in the drawer...we need to eat up the leftovers"!!! Man, I love that! And Like Dawn (The Minimal Mom) says, "Things that hold stuff will HOLD STUFF"! She's so spot on! It's actually been really freeing retraining my brain with that one!
That's so great Kelsey! I'm glad you're finding that such a small amount works for you too! ❤️
I used to have an entire cabinet full of saved yogurt containers. It was SUCH a relief to finally break the "I might need it" habit and just let them go. Now I have a few storage containers that are clear glass with a flip-top lid and I can see all my left-overs at a glance.
Rachel, you are my absolute favorite minimalist youtuber. Your videos inspire me to keep at it and I am giving myself permission to let things go and let the items hopefully bring some joy to others. You are so genuine and your joy with your life and your family bubble over in all your videos. I’ve learned through your videos to accept myself better and to discern my “fantasy” self from the real me. Best of all I am learning to accept the real me, finally at 62. Thanks for all your hard work bringing us these videos. You are making a wonderful difference in the world. 😊
Oh my, thank you so much!! That's wonderful to accept the real you! ❤️
I am with you Married 40 years..I am 59 and married 41years! I watch these videos and think ..Oh how I wish I had this information 20+ years ago! Better late than never so that I can spend more time enjoying my children and grandchildren!
I love how real you are. Thank you for sharing your learnings openly to help us find a more happy peaceful life. You're a treasure.
🥰 Thank you Mary!
I recently found your channel. I’ve been decluttering 3 generations of stuff for almost 2 years now. I’ve had some luck selling stuff on line but I’ve reached a point where I can’t really enjoy my house with all this stuff I know I should just give away. I admit that I’m overwhelmed. I know what I have to do and I just need to do it! Thanks for the motivation! I’m 46 and I want to live a simpler life. I want to do more things rather then have more things.
You and me both sister! I've been at it , oh, about 10 years!!! So tired of the clutter. I've tried selling online, garage sales, crafts, etc.
The blue glass collection on top of the refrigerator in my first appartement when I moved to Austin - history now - the dust was overwhelming. Thank you for reminding me. Commitments to Collections of stuff are not to be entered into lightly.
I inherited an absolute love for sunlight passing through transparent glass of different colors. My grandmother & mother were the same way. However, keeping them out of the kitchen (and away from the greasy dust that accumulates in a kitchen) is key. If they just have normal house dust on them, they clean quickly. It's the endless degreasing with hot soapy water, then rinsing and rinsing, that takes forever. Keeping them within reach is key, too. No cobwebs accumulating because I don't want to drag out a step-ladder. Just a quick swipe with a clean cloth or swiffer and on with my day.
You make some excellent points. My parents got a beautiful set of china when they first got married. They have been married for over 60 years they still have that china boxed up and in a room downstairs in there spare bedroom. I have tried many times to help my mom get rid of the china and many other things that cause clutter in there home and she can't let the stuff go. I know as my sister is back east and my brother is handicapped I will be the one stuck with cleaning out there home when they pass it overwhelms me. My advice is keep your life as clutter free as possible so your kids don't have to deal with it when you die!
Listening to you while decluttering some drawers was motivational. Thanks for giving me permission- that’s what my mom used to say to me when I would come to help her go through closets and drawers. I just realized I don’t have someone in my life to do the same for me, but your videos are a great substitute. Thank you.
Thank you Rachel, for your straight forward honest approach. We had 2 coffee mugs that were a gift, but honestly they don't hold heat, so why crowd our space? - Gone. Tea tins. Do I really need 38 tea tins? 8 Gone. I will drink the tea and then get rid of more. Totally off the kitchen subject, but something I haven't see you talk about yet, unless I missed it, photographs! Over the last 3 weeks I have tackled photographs. Bad shots, blurry shots, duplicates, I don't even know who the h*** that is? 600+ gone. It was so liberating! Maybe another subject to tackle? Keep up the good work Rachel, you are an inspiration!
Thanks Susan! Yes... photographs... why do we keep those shots we never want?? 🤷♀️😂
@@Nourishingminimalism I went through all my photographs and discarded all the useless ones, and only kept photos of people that I know. What use is a photo of the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas unless there is a friendly face in there too?
I have that on my list
One of the best investments I ever made was in a clearance paper shredder. I don't stack that junk mail anymore. I shred it immediately. The paper (if not heavily inked) gets used in my garden.
Three years ago I started working on decluttering and minimal living. Such a long haul it has been. your videos are helping so much to release so many items that I couldn’t before. It’s given me the happiness and freedom I’ve looking for! The video that finally helped me the most is My Fantasy Life. Boy was I ever delusional!! 😂 it put me on a new level of “clean/minimal/loving all the space I have now!” So many things I thought I might do or might need that had never happened and never will! Jump for joy! Thank you!!!!!
I started about three years ago too, as I saw retirement on the horizon and wanted to feel lighter for what might come. Isn’t it amazing how much we can pack away and the time it takes to go through/get rid of it?
This video popped up in my feed. I decided to watch it because we are moving soon. This has inspired me to really go through my kitchen items and decide if I really need this. Some items were sort of expensive but if I am not using them I should get rid of them. There might be someone out there looking for bargains at my local thrift store who would be so happy to have it. My kitchen in my new house will be much smaller so I have to scale down. Thanks for the inspiring me.
I reuse my containers a couple times then usually send leftovers when my kids come for dinner to “declutter “ I label leftovers with masking tape as I’m putting them away. And then once a week do a quick fridge clean out ( before I shop) and see what needs to be eaten!
Same here
Summary:
A) 7:19 #5 Sort and deal with all paper
B) 2:32 #2 Decorations. Only keep what you really love and are willing to clean on a regular basis.
C) Only keep what you really need and actually use. Get rid of excess:
0:45 #1 Storage Containers
3:44 #3 Dishes
5:47 #4 Pots and Pans
9:19 #6 Cooking utensils
11:09 #7 Coffee mugs
11:39 #8 Large kitchen equipment
12:32 #9 Serving and entertainment items
13:44 #10 Cleaning supplies
You are so right about the washing up! 18 months ago, my husband died, after a long illness, and I was left to look after my home, and my 92 year old Mom (and her home); then we all had Coronavirus to cope with. I vowed never go to bed without clearing the kitchen, and doing the washing up, however tired, or however late it was. Coming down each day to a clean, clear space, and the routine of doing the job is of the things that kept me sane.
I love to experiment with different cuisines, and that means I need a lot of groceries of different kinds, and they need to be easily accessible. So I made baskets for the kitchen shelves - one for the oils and vinegars and one for the different teas and coffees. Also I made one for the different things required for salad and sandwich making for the fridge - jars of olives, jalapeno peppers pickled cabbage, sandwich spreads, salad dressings etc.
So now I pull out the entire basket, use what I need and put it all away immediately.
I don't have to hunt around for things, or find old expired stuff at the back of the shelves or fridge, while I went and got some more!
Before buying the basket, I laid out all the stuff in the kitchen counter so I could have an idea of the kind of basket I needed - size, height, where I could best fit it on the kitchen shelf/fridge etc.
I also donatedof any pots, pans and tins I needed for daily use, but were of odd shapes and sizes, and replaced them with nesting, multi-tasking ones.
And, like Rachel said, I kept only my favourite utensils, those that earn their keep by being used often, and donated/put away the rest.
And now I have begun to love cooking again, whereas for a while, I dreaded going into that kitchen!
I can't live without my crock pot and rice cooker but I have a brand new Instant Pot and never used it. You advise is spot on to declutter a kitchen. It's finding your favorite things and using them daily that makes it easier to enjoy what you have.I grew up where my mother rewashed her aluminum foil and plastic bags, that is something I let go of real soon when I left home. But returning to see her still do that makes me a bit crazy but that is her way and I like that we can follow your guidelines and do what works for us.
Very good advice!!
In 2009, it was just me and my 3 kids, we had a full set of dishes and flatware...we went down to 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 mugs/dishes, 4 forks, spoons...it worked so well for us.
I went a step further, and got patterned dishes...each kid had their own dish set, and then I used colored zip ties...for our flatware. Each person was responsible for their color/pattern.
It really helped as I was working long hours, and all my kids were in school.
I can relate to storing pots in the counter as it was a hassle to put back!
I do keep my favorite small skillet on the stove. I don't even put it in the drying rack after washing it, just put it back on the stove. I use it almost every meal, because I do not have a microwave.
Rachel...thank you for making videos ! Your channel inspires me more than any other minimalist channel on youtube. Because of you I printed out your checklist to declutter 180 things today. I only made it to 150 but hey...I was so proud of myself!! Now I want to only have 10 food storage containers instead of a million...lol!! You are just awesome! Please never stop making videos and sharing your wonderful tips!! :)) I really feel I can declutter my home now!!
🥰 awesome job today!!
Good tips. After this video I decided to declutter my Tupperware cupboard. I found I had twice as many lids as containers. Uh? Even the containers with lids were more than I needed, so I cut back drastically. There are so many areas of my life I am scared to declutter, but I find that once you get stuck in, it’s a bit like tearing off a bandaid - hurts for a second but then you feel so much better!
Great tips. Decluttering is an ongoing process! 🌞
Oh my goodness- where have you been all my life??? I’m going to do this and challenge other people I know to do the same by sharing your video! Thank you thank you!!! 🙏
I got rid of everything from under my kitchen sink...I left a basin under the garage disposable in case it leaks. It feels wonderful. Thank you for your inspiration!
I decluttered what you said and it is so easy now to put stuff away. Thank you….
Listening to this video while clearing out all the assorted jar lids. Thanks for the inspiration!
I just decluttered and reorganized my kitchen. I love it and it is so easy to keep clean. And functions great. I took time to see where I used kitchen tools and did my best to store them near that area as possible... creating zones like baking or chopping or cooking.
I love how your kitchen still looks decorated. When I get rid of stuff I somehow make the house look empty and lifeless.
Just put a minimal amount. You can always keep a few extras and rotate. That’s what I do !
Yes, yes, yes!!!!! Thank you ❤. Now all I have to do is start😂
I'm keeping my Tupperware because I neatly stack them, I keep the tops in 1 place and they are in order too. I have a few clear containers with matching Lids and I keep them in their proper place. I gave away every sign in my house, don't need them. I do use short Battenburg lace/cotton curtain-1, at my kitchen sink. My pots/pans are All Clad, placed on a half circular, mounted to my wall. I don't allow my husband to use them! They last almost forever. I definitely agree with you on the glasses and dishes. I gave my youngest daughter my once prized china. I only used it 3 times per year. Less is best!
A real life view, perfect
Love your videos. We must be "twins!" It feels wonderful reassuring to know that we are living better, smarter and effectively! I had to downsize twice, and all the things you talked about it so very true and makes such a difference in our lifes! Thanks for spreading the word! I use my plastic containers to give food to friends, it's a great way to get hid of them, because my friends don't have to return them! The Norwex cloths are truly wonderful. It only uses water and I have never had such CLEAN mirrors and windows! It's worth the investment!
I really like the hanging birds at your kitchen window. My eyes always gravitate to those colorful birds at your window.🙂
I had my Airpods on listening as I was decluttering my kitchen! thanks for the inspiration!!
Where have you been my whole life? I just watched three of your videos while cleaning my kitchen and decluttering my cups. Thank you.
Yay! Thanks for joining me here! 😊
"Ease of use in our everyday lives." 💜
Thanks for all the suggestions and tips.
I would love to see how you've integrated sour dough into your kitchen/life. Have you made a video on this? If not, please consider showing your set up and going over your routine around maintaining the starter, etc. TIA!
Ok- added to my list of video topics. 😊
You really helped me feel better about letting stuff go. I get so anxious but I need to trust you and what everyone else says that it will simplify my life more in the kitchen and make things better. Thanks for the great advice especially the question I should ask myself "does keeping this JUSTIFY the space it is taking up?" :)
Yes. Very True. One Never has the time to do justice to dusting everything. So better to have the minimum required so Less to Dust and Clean especially if there is dust in the house in general. Tks.for such great tips to declutter. 🙏
I just found you. I’ve been watching these type videos this morning. I was doing everything already they were mentioning UNTIL…….. LOL. NOW I have a list!! Lol. I’m happy about it though ! I was looking for something to help add more space in my small house. After 20 years, things just add up. You gave me lots of ideas. Thank you! 😊
I love the cute green ceramic bird with the curl on its head!! Really eye catching! He makes me smile every time! G Ire... I like listening to your videos while doing my (slimmed down) chores!
we have an inside grill, and use it weekly, i agree to store less used items away from daily items, i have an events drawer and cupboard...the gravy boat, olive servers, fancy ladles, then for Thanksgiving type days I can go there when prepping for that day
Awesome, Rachel! Thank you! I decluttered my countertops a few days ago and my kitchen feels so much better.
Yay! That's so great! ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachel! You and this channel are a blessing to do many of us!!!🤗💖🤗
Well, thank you so much! I started cleaning out my drawers, all those plastic containers and little odds and ends, before you finished talking!!
I just donated extra pie pans, and baking trays last week! Usually most of the mail goes into recycling right by the trash can.
That's so great Jeanne! ❤️
Just a thought: don't you take a moment to unsubscribe from unwanted addressed mail when you take it out of your mailbox? Often companies have a section on their website where you can opt for email instead of paper mail, or unsubscribe completely. Or just email them about it.
In the Netherlands we can also get a free sticker to put on the mailbox so you can make clear you don't want unaddressed mail. There are 2 different stickers to let the delivery people know if you don't want any of it, or if you only want to receive the free local newspapers, but without the commercial inlays and seperate promotional mail.
@@maureenzeelen386new people keep finding us! Here in US, we do not have that option of refusing delivery. Our address list info is often sold . My bills are mostly online. The mail we do get goes straight into recycling and does not come into the house so it is not a problem. I wish we could refuse delivery but....
@@jeannebowes2898 didn't know that's how you get that junk mail, sorry!
Here your business address and phone number usually gets sold by the business tax "company" (so the government basically, yay) but mostly not consumer info.
There are (shady) companies tho that just send/spread unaddressed mail themselves. No way around that but to mail/call them to fxxx off in the future and hope they take that note 😅
I feel proud of my self as I'm doing some of these things! Some I will incorporate!
Lady, you are giving me some serious cleaning motivation. Thank you!
As a painter I can reuse the food containers mixing big amount of paint there or keeping some small supplies (with a note on a side). As for the kitchen use - I've learned the same - container must be transparent - if not, I just forget about what I've put there. 😂
I got rid of most of my plastic food storage as like to use glass but I could get rid of more! And I could get rid some of the glass too. I found I kinda hate the round glass containers, they don’t fit well in the fridge. Yes, I use to have decor totally covering the top of my cabinets I now only have a few things. I can say I have definitely minimized my pots and pans. Great tips! 👍👍👍
I'm not a fan of the round containers either!
Really helpful for me. I see so many vids by minimalists, organizers, and people with big houses that don't apply to me. This is so practical and doable for me.
Really good, sensible advice. Especially getting rid of all those horrible plastic containers!!
Thank you. For me all the tips are very helpful 🙂 I have so many plants and I had curtains in the kitchen-no more. Only 2 plants. I feel supported by you a lot. Thank you for all your knowledge and being honest.
Oh, those butter tubs, sour cream containers and the like!!!! I had a huge box in the garage and just yesterday whittled them down to 2 for grease! Hubby uses some in garage too. I save some of the microwaveable ones from restaurants for sharing meals with others. That way, they do not need to bring back the dish! 👍
Otis
Yes! Thank you!
I have been doing some of these things, only having the things I really use in my drawers and cupboards...it works!
Sell them
I agree with most of your tips. Thanks especially for suggesting getting rid of large appliances. However, I disagree with not using my nicer dishes for company. It’s a way to tell them they’re special and having them for a meal is a special occasion.
When my daughter was a toddler, I didn’t have a whole lot of money. I put lids on little yogurt containers, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. and she used them as building blocks. I just stored them in a box at the bottom of the pantry. It was fun... and whatever didn’t fit went in recycling. Now I don’t save them... straight into recycling.
Now I have one shelf of glass bowls for leftovers, maybe ten in total. It is working well.
That’s so great! Kids have more fun with things that aren’t “toys” 😊
I have a basket I keep in a cupboard in my kitchen island where I keep my storage ware. If it doesn't fit in the basket, I don't need it. For dishes, I just do them thru the day. It's so much easier to do one or a few than a sink/dishwasher full. As a home maker, I just do things as needed. It makes keeping a home clean so much easier. At one point in your video you said "I just didn't want to deal with it" (regarding papers) THAT is the problem with most people, in my opinion. If they just dealt with things, then simplify, life would be easier. tfs 🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗🥰💐🌵🌞🌱🌿🏜️💗
Excellent! The container example was exactly what I needed to hear. I listen to multiple videos on You Tube, I now realize watching decluttering is not decluttering. I have to make a decision, thanks for helping me get there...
I really liked this video, you seem real with the exact problems I have and solutions that make sense.
I distrust and can't follow those so called experts who never had a clutter problem in the first place, whos solutions are ''because they tell you to'' without the reason why. You are so right about having your favorite items right there if you get rid of the extra stuff that you dont use, or doesnt work. Thanks for being honest like using up all your dishes before you wash them, I thought I was the only one.
Great ideas! I don’t like my things talking to me. And even getting rid of one item in the cupboard makes a huge difference! Favorite mug broke, and it was quite large. It really made things much more spacious.
I don’t keep containers from food very long. but if we have a used food storage container, and it was newly emptied, we use that for leftovers. And use a POST IT note on it. We keep post it notes in the kitchen for a lot of uses, including this and menu planning. Since we don’t have many dishes, I put dry ingredients in them for another meal
You have such a nice speaking voice, and I love all the ideas.
Great video and great advice/tips! Thanks so much.
When you described the pots and pans scenerio of the stacking and unstacking them, this was something I've been "hee-hawing" about getting rid of. You helped me make the decision to donate those items that seem more in my way than serving my family.
A pot rack would end all that!
@@norascott5803 I don't have space for a rack...otherwise that would work 😊
OMG We need you in our lives thanks for sharing 😊
Absolutely awesome!! Your advice is spot on!! Even though I did a major purge/declutter when I moved to Costa Rica 2 years ago, I am renovating my kitchen and because I have to completely pack up my kitchen, it is obvious that it is time for another purge. Thanks to you I have some practical guidelines and I know I will feel better on the other side :-)
I love this video. Your kitchen looks so warm and inviting, maybe because the counters are clear but there is decoration on the walls. Very nice! I like my kitchen appliances and while I removed the rice cooker and toaster (I also have a toaster oven), I still have several that I use regularly. I put a small set of three shelves at the end of my kitchen island and that's where they live. They are easy to use and yet not in the way.
You hit on on the hot spots in my kitchen. Wow maybe I can get some of this stuff out!’😊
the only catagory I haven't decluttered: cleaning supplies and cloths. I too have Norwex. love those. I will be decluttering under my kitchen sink tomorrow. thanks!
I really need to get back to my kitchen. Under the sink is a really good start for me!
Lots of good things to ponder...As I am thinking about the things that are passed down...beautiful crystal bowls....etc..I think some things come from an Era where there was no cell phones,computers, massive influx of mail adverts, sports or gyms,or or other functions we feel pressured in to enroll, no fast food or home food delivery, or big box stores that temp us with more than the underwear we went in to purchase. Regarding meals, they were the event. Maybe planned in advance, invites sent. Apron put on, the table beautiful with a variety of home grown or local market foods, desserts that took some time with real ingredients in them.. AND everyone sat at the table for much more than 20 min. Max...I say all that because life has become so fast and fragmented and most of the time we are just running here to there with our brains or veging out I front of Tv...never deep thinking about any one thing like out brains enjoy and are created to do. ...just a thought...minimalizing will help us get back to that and so called Multitasking is highly overrated 😀lol. Thanks again Rachel
Just the thought of “filing papers” renews my ever present suicidal ideation. I’ve reduced the action to 2 boxes : my “ Go To Prison” box and the “ Lose Your House & Utilities” box. Works for now.
Really great video. Your energy POPS!!!✨🌼✨
the lunch meat containers work for planting vessels, or seed storage, or craft supplies...the rest recycle. i've limited my storage containers too, mine were out of control. i minimized my dishes,and put the most used items in cupboards next to each other, putting dishes away is so much easier, it takes minutes to clean and put away...i minimized m pots and pans in my cupboard, but the extras are in the pantry...so i need to get rid of the excess,i love that my pans aren't stacked, so easy to cook. i plate our meals, it is fun, i feel like a restaurant chef.
I’m new to your channel. Thank you for these tips and encouraging words. Very good tips to follow. I’m reviewing now my serving pieces and donating many items to a church sale. My husband snd I don’t entertain very much now and no sense in keeping these larger pieces in the cabinets.
A good show!
Pat in Colorado
I just found your videos and I love you 💕 I am very motivated to declutter and live a more minimalist life thank you for your help
Oh thank you so much! ❤️
Just found your channel today. You are so sweet, calm, and down to earth. I can already tell that you are going to be my favorite minimalist channel because you are so motivating without the pressure. The area you live is so beautiful with the snow covered mountains. My scenery is mountains too, but wish people were as down to earth here like yourself. Thank you! So looking forward to the rest of your videos! Have to admit I speed ya up a bit because I wanna get to work on this! ☺ xo
So rightly pointed.... I needed this
Thank you for encouraging me to make some room in my kitchen.
Beautiful advice thanks 🙏
I am new here but I think you’re going to help me change my life
I decluttered my dishes, pans, utensils...but was afraid to throw the extras away. So I put the ones I wasn't sure of in a box/tub, put in the garage . When I needed something, then went out and got the one(s) I needed and those got to stay in the kitchen. If I didn't use the others in a month...I got rid of them!
Awesome! Thank you! I am ready to revisit some of the things I have already done. We are on the same page .
WOW! I have been wanting to de-clutter - but I really just did not know how to begin, nor how to "let go" of my kitchen toys and extra utensils, etc, etc, all that you mentioned. It all makes such good sense. I really love how clean and streamlined your kitchen looked and the cupboards. I need to do it.
I have very expensive, beautiful porcelain Herend. It was handed down to me by my mom. I don't know what to do with it. It is beautiful but I have no room and I don't want to bother with cleaning it, displaying it....I have much guilt in the fact that I don't want this. But, that's my problem and some how I will come to grips with and realize that I am me...not my mother.
If it is truly valuable in terms of $$$, not just sentimental value, then you can sell it on-line and use the money for something else you love that will remind you of "I bought this with the money from mother's china", e.g. a beautiful ring, framed art that is to your taste, etc. If the money isn't important, you could pack it away (attic? garage?) well-labeled and ready-to-ship, and include it in your will for a grandchild who might appreciate it (styles are often cyclical, e.g. the midcentury modern craze today.) I inherited a few items that I don't actually use, but it means a lot to me that (for example), these ceramic mixing bowls (now chipped & cracked) belonged to my great-grandmother who was born in the 1880's.
Something that helps me:
The item is .not. the relationship.
@@jeanvignes so lovely.!!xx
Or could you just save one item from the set to keep the memory. That one item to display or that you actually use like a bowl or serving plate?
This is so helpful . This is me all over the place . Thank you this has helped me so much .
Thank you.
I have a large extended family, so I have a few large pots and crock pots... but I store them in the basement. My kitchen is very minimal. No plastic, we have a set of pyrex bowls with lids for leftovers. I only have a set of plates for just my family. If we have company, we use paper plates.
I have a lg crock pot and a kitchen aid mixer that I've only used once. I keep thinking that I will use them soon. May be time to let go
Me too! Why is it so hard? Let’s let them go! Great to be frugal and keep some things for just in case but not these bigger, seldom if ever used appliances.
Very useful advice!