We are very similar in thinking! Very helpful! Side note: You make me laugh because everything is your favorite 😂😂😂😂 but when you only keep useful things and things you love, they WILL all be your favorite hehe
This was the solution I was looking for. I purchased the scanner and I love it. It was reasonably priced and works great. I got through a huge piles of papers in 2 hours! Thank you. Now, once a week, I can scan and get out from under the constant flow of paper. Love your videos!!! Here I am, a 64 year old grandmother, learning great things on how to downsize and make my life simpler. Please keep going.
I write down lists of meals and snacks I can make myself. I am also forgetful so when I'm hungry I panic and can't come up with any decent dinners without a list or Pinterest. Glad to know Melody is like this!!
Thank you Melody. This video has inspired me to go paper free as much as is physically possible. I love your videos and minimalist tips and view point. I have been minimising my possessions now for some time, my husband and I have already let go of a lot and your videos are really helping me to see how I can go alot further! Thanks again for your refreshing videos!
Thanks for your inspiration. I've always been organized. But I realized I've been organizing STUFF I don't use or need. Insane. Right? So far, I've minimized my clothes, storage ( I rotate seasons), kitchen stuff, books to only what I love and need. I've digitized as well. I'm paperless as well. Thank you for you minimalist videos
Love listening and watching your videos. I find you extremely inspiring. Wish I had seen your court reporting video before I went back to school for my LPN, then my RN. Sigh....
Another reason to scan: As receipts age the FADE so there is your pile of "valuable" tax evidence and the ink has deteriorated, easily to blank pages within 3-6 months of laying in a pile! Thank you for your videos! Can I suggest your putting a meal planning video together? I wanted to share your recipes org idea but had a dickens if a time locating it...guess I watch too much Melody! Thanks for all you do!
Thanks Melody for this idea of digitizing things. While I love to journal and write all things that come in my mind, paper clutters are really stocking up. I'll be looking into digitizing and save in the google drive. It is noteworthy to take action right away on paper that comes your way and not to wait for later and get annoyed of too much paper clutter :) Your advices are very helpful. Keep it up :) More power to your channel :)
Great video and great tips :) And I totally agree with you about advertising and websites that if I need something, I'll look for it myself, I don't want to constantly see posts like "5 things that do this" or "5 reasons to do that". That's why I hardly ever read any blogs or magazines.
Hi melody, can you do a video on how you organize your computer? Since everything is scan into your computer, how do you sort the file digitally? Thanks
With the books, I found out the same thing applies to video games. I had a whole book shelf of games and I never felt like playing through them, I got rid of most of them and only kept several and now i'm starting to play again.
Will you show how you organized your files on Google Drive? I would like to get rid of paper files, but don't know how to set up a system on the cloud. Thanks!
Melody, I absolutely love your videos. They are one of the best ones on youtube. Thank you for all the tips. Was wondering if you can do a video on tips/ways to get your partner on board with letting things go? That's one of my biggest challenges is getting my husband on board. Keep up the great work!
+Sandeep Sandhu I used Dropbox a lot when I was a freelance court reporter, but I have only used Evernote once or twice. I completely forgot about Evernote, but I should check it out again!
I look at magazines at the library & sometimes make copies of instructions or a picture or 2. Saves me s lot of money. I broke the magazine habit. I'm working on not making a billion notes or at least have them separated by subject. Mail: I pull it out of the box and walk to recycle bin next to dumpster and good by junk mail.
Where do you put your scanned receipts and important papers? If they are just on your computer - what do you do if your computer crashes? This is a big deal/obstacle for me as a paper freak and having our own business AND being writers! Thanks!
@Melody - Hi! FYI on your links ... Your first 3 website links are not working. I just learned that if you don't put the whole URL sometimes they don't work. Hope all is well with you! Btw: you are the first one to really motivate me! Maybe it was just the timing. But Thank You!
A pice of advice with the magazines would be to do a digital subscription instead. You will save money and never have them lying around your house. And if you like an article or picture it would be super easy to take a screenshot and save it to the cloud.
With really great (and free) scanning apps, no need for a physical scanner any more! It makes it perfect, recognises edges etc. and you can save as pdf onto your phone/drive - save the $80 and space for another thing :)
BEST paperless video because of the list of important originals to keep/scan the rest. Thanks to you, this made me compile a US LIST OF ORIGINALS TO KEEP which is tiny! IDs (FEDERAL AND STATE): Drivers license Passport Medicaid/Medicare ID cards Social Security card Permanent Resident (Green) card Federal Employee or Contractor ID card U.S. Military ID card OTHER IDs: Healthcare/vision/dental insurance cards OTHER VITAL RECORDS: Birth Certificate Marriage Certificate Voter Registration card Death Certificate Divorce Certificate OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO KEEP: Diploma/certs/transcripts Car titles Deeds Warranties NOTES: I'm not a lawyer, so ymmv. This is just what I've been able to figure out from Google. Scanned contracts and documents such as mortgages and notarized items are legally binding in almost all states. Worst case scenario means jumping through some hoops, so scan away! Hope this helps!
+Julie Quates I wrote down all the recipes I tried that I liked. I used to cook new things all the time, but I've been trying to minimize my recipes because it was getting out of control haha Since I rarely go in my recipe holder now, I'll probably digitize the rest and stick to the ones in my fridge envelope. Love freeing up space and figuring out what I own that will fill the new space :)
hello melody. I love your videos, they are so inspiring:-) I am moving from home to go to college and I am going to live in a dorm. can you tell me about how to start and then maintain a minimalistic lifestyle in college? thank you so much, have a great day. :)
I know this video is old, but I am LOVING your videos! I really think you should try bullet journaling... Could really sooth your minimalist organization vibes.
The one thing I have to say about chucking out manuals is always check them before you throw them out. My boyfriend threw out our vacuum cleaner manual and luckily I swiped it out of the bin before we took it out because it had the TWO YEAR WARRANTY info in it. Be mindful.
Just wanted to say that isn't one of the great tings with cookbooks that they give you examples and ideas that you never would have otherwise thought about? I know you can online as well att random recopies, but you said it as it was a negative thing.
+Niklas Forsman I get my ideas from cooking shows or blogs now, but I know Southern cooks swear by their cookbooks and I definitely don't want people to part with things they love and use all the time.
this is cool, although my only concern would be not being able to access valuable information in the event that technology fails us all (which, in the grand scheme of things, can happen at anytime). although your advice is really helpful for the sake of minimalism.
+kittyxhunni I agree! But the only important documents I could scan in were my receipts for the IRS. I am more worried about my physical copies (SS card, birth certificate) being lost in a flood or fire because I only have one. If you put things online, they are safer because you have two copies (one in the cloud and one on your laptop).
The only thing important that we can digitize are receipts for the IRS - we have to keep physical copies of everything else. If my receipts were gone from the two locations and I were audited, I would have to match my write-offs to my bank and Amazon statements.
+More Melody yeah if my boyfriend wants to add to the list he just tells me and I put it in my phone right away. if he's out shopping I can send him the list, even if I am away from home!
Digitizing everything is the one big decluttering job I still have ahead of me. I have a plan, but I haven't found (made) the time yet. But this inspired me, so thanks. Just subscribed by the way. Check out my channel if you want.
We are very similar in thinking! Very helpful! Side note: You make me laugh because everything is your favorite 😂😂😂😂 but when you only keep useful things and things you love, they WILL all be your favorite hehe
This was the solution I was looking for. I purchased the scanner and I love it. It was reasonably priced and works great. I got through a huge piles of papers in 2 hours! Thank you. Now, once a week, I can scan and get out from under the constant flow of paper. Love your videos!!! Here I am, a 64 year old grandmother, learning great things on how to downsize and make my life simpler. Please keep going.
I write down lists of meals and snacks I can make myself. I am also forgetful so when I'm hungry I panic and can't come up with any decent dinners without a list or Pinterest. Glad to know Melody is like this!!
Thank you Melody. This video has inspired me to go paper free as much as is physically possible. I love your videos and minimalist tips and view point. I have been minimising my possessions now for some time, my husband and I have already let go of a lot and your videos are really helping me to see how I can go alot further! Thanks again for your refreshing videos!
Thanks for your inspiration. I've always been organized. But I realized I've been organizing STUFF I don't use or need. Insane. Right? So far, I've minimized my clothes, storage ( I rotate seasons), kitchen stuff, books to only what I love and need. I've digitized as well. I'm paperless as well.
Thank you for you minimalist videos
This is one of the BEST video on youtube! Thank you for sharing and please continue videos along this line!! Very helpful.
+somebody Thank you! Such nice words :)
Love listening and watching your videos. I find you extremely inspiring. Wish I had seen your court reporting video before I went back to school for my LPN, then my RN. Sigh....
Another reason to scan: As receipts age the FADE so there is your pile of "valuable" tax evidence and the ink has deteriorated, easily to blank pages within 3-6 months of laying in a pile!
Thank you for your videos!
Can I suggest your putting a meal planning video together? I wanted to share your recipes org idea but had a dickens if a time locating it...guess I watch too much Melody! Thanks for all you do!
I'm soooooo glad I found your channel! You have so many valuable tips. Thank you so much for what you do!
+missdelilah23 So glad it's useful for you. Thank you!
Thanks Melody for this idea of digitizing things. While I love to journal and write all things that come in my mind, paper clutters are really stocking up. I'll be looking into digitizing and save in the google drive. It is noteworthy to take action right away on paper that comes your way and not to wait for later and get annoyed of too much paper clutter :) Your advices are very helpful. Keep it up :) More power to your channel :)
+Joy Mika Thank you, Joy! I was the same way. The notes were beginning to pile up haha I am glad all my letters are at least digital from the start.
Great video and great tips :) And I totally agree with you about advertising and websites that if I need something, I'll look for it myself, I don't want to constantly see posts like "5 things that do this" or "5 reasons to do that". That's why I hardly ever read any blogs or magazines.
Hi melody, can you do a video on how you organize your computer? Since everything is scan into your computer, how do you sort the file digitally? Thanks
I use the Genius Scan app for paper and docs as it will back up to Google Drive. Great for those who are hesitant to go paperless!
With the books, I found out the same thing applies to video games. I had a whole book shelf of games and I never felt like playing through them, I got rid of most of them and only kept several and now i'm starting to play again.
+brittanyS123 Great news! It's funny how it works: less means more.
Will you show how you organized your files on Google Drive? I would like to get rid of paper files, but don't know how to set up a system on the cloud. Thanks!
Samantha Stinson yes i agree please show us!
Melody, I absolutely love your videos. They are one of the best ones on youtube. Thank you for all the tips. Was wondering if you can do a video on tips/ways to get your partner on board with letting things go? That's one of my biggest challenges is getting my husband on board. Keep up the great work!
Dropbox and Evernote are also useful alternatives to gdrive. I use all three.
+Sandeep Sandhu I used Dropbox a lot when I was a freelance court reporter, but I have only used Evernote once or twice. I completely forgot about Evernote, but I should check it out again!
I look at magazines at the library & sometimes make copies of instructions or a picture or 2. Saves me s lot of money. I broke the magazine habit. I'm working on not making a billion notes or at least have them separated by subject. Mail: I pull it out of the box and walk to recycle bin next to dumpster and good by junk mail.
Love it!! I'm actually on track for a minimalism lifestyle! This video was really helpful!
You are so sweet and thoughtful person. thank you for your video!
Where do you put your scanned receipts and important papers? If they are just on your computer - what do you do if your computer crashes?
This is a big deal/obstacle for me as a paper freak and having our own business AND being writers! Thanks!
You must back up your hard drive or save to a thumb drive and store in a firebox.
She backs them up on google drive, it's a cloud
Thank you Melody for this amazing video! I want to start digitizing but am overwhelmed by my digital clutter!
And thank you for all the great ideas! I love your videos.
Love your channel, I have to try one size post it tip.
+Bojana Ilić Thanks! Every little bit of simplifying makes a big difference for me :)
Hey! Loving your recipe box. Do you have the amazon link for that?
@Melody - Hi! FYI on your links ... Your first 3 website links are not working. I just learned that if you don't put the whole URL sometimes they don't work. Hope all is well with you! Btw: you are the first one to really motivate me! Maybe it was just the timing. But Thank You!
A pice of advice with the magazines would be to do a digital subscription instead. You will save money and never have them lying around your house. And if you like an article or picture it would be super easy to take a screenshot and save it to the cloud.
+Niklas Forsman I love living in the 21st century! Great ideas.
Just found your channel and I love it!
+Donna88 Thanks!
With really great (and free) scanning apps, no need for a physical scanner any more! It makes it perfect, recognises edges etc. and you can save as pdf onto your phone/drive - save the $80 and space for another thing :)
I feel so inspired to declutter my room now😊
+Melody Nunez :)
Love all your videos!!!!...thank you for sharing 🌞
I LOVE those snap folders! I don't know if anyone already asked, but which brand are they?
BEST paperless video because of the list of important originals to keep/scan the rest. Thanks to you, this made me compile a US LIST OF ORIGINALS TO KEEP which is tiny!
IDs (FEDERAL AND STATE):
Drivers license
Passport
Medicaid/Medicare ID cards
Social Security card
Permanent Resident (Green) card
Federal Employee or Contractor ID card
U.S. Military ID card
OTHER IDs:
Healthcare/vision/dental insurance cards
OTHER VITAL RECORDS:
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Voter Registration card
Death Certificate
Divorce Certificate
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO KEEP:
Diploma/certs/transcripts
Car titles
Deeds
Warranties
NOTES:
I'm not a lawyer, so ymmv. This is just what I've been able to figure out from Google.
Scanned contracts and documents such as mortgages and notarized items are legally binding in almost all states. Worst case scenario means jumping through some hoops, so scan away!
Hope this helps!
I love your videos and channel! So helpful and inspiring :) And you are sweet and funny
Do you write down each recipe? Are these ones you've found online? Seems like a lot of work...I save so many recipes! :)
+Julie Quates I wrote down all the recipes I tried that I liked. I used to cook new things all the time, but I've been trying to minimize my recipes because it was getting out of control haha Since I rarely go in my recipe holder now, I'll probably digitize the rest and stick to the ones in my fridge envelope. Love freeing up space and figuring out what I own that will fill the new space :)
hello melody. I love your videos, they are so inspiring:-) I am moving from home to go to college and I am going to live in a dorm. can you tell me about how to start and then maintain a minimalistic lifestyle in college? thank you so much, have a great day. :)
A list of things to eat is brilliant!
where did you find the magazine page folder?? What brand is it?? I'm in Canada so we no longer have office depot but we have most big brands! Thanks!
I know this video is old, but I am LOVING your videos! I really think you should try bullet journaling... Could really sooth your minimalist organization vibes.
The one thing I have to say about chucking out manuals is always check them before you throw them out. My boyfriend threw out our vacuum cleaner manual and luckily I swiped it out of the bin before we took it out because it had the TWO YEAR WARRANTY info in it. Be mindful.
+Cierra Lopez Thanks for the tip!
Just wanted to say that isn't one of the great tings with cookbooks that they give you examples and ideas that you never would have otherwise thought about? I know you can online as well att random recopies, but you said it as it was a negative thing.
+Niklas Forsman I get my ideas from cooking shows or blogs now, but I know Southern cooks swear by their cookbooks and I definitely don't want people to part with things they love and use all the time.
You should use evernote and bring! Anyway use more clever aps, less paper anyways! Regards from switzerland
this is cool, although my only concern would be not being able to access valuable information in the event that technology fails us all (which, in the grand scheme of things, can happen at anytime). although your advice is really helpful for the sake of minimalism.
+kittyxhunni I agree! But the only important documents I could scan in were my receipts for the IRS. I am more worried about my physical copies (SS card, birth certificate) being lost in a flood or fire because I only have one. If you put things online, they are safer because you have two copies (one in the cloud and one on your laptop).
+More Melody true, but what if something happens to where you couldn't access them?
The only thing important that we can digitize are receipts for the IRS - we have to keep physical copies of everything else. If my receipts were gone from the two locations and I were audited, I would have to match my write-offs to my bank and Amazon statements.
+More Melody got you. thanks for responding!
Anytime! I love to chat.
I keep a grocery list in a note on my phone, it eliminates the need for a whiteboard on your fridge and post it notes.
+Marissa Mandeville Great idea! Especially if you're the only one in the house, great way to eliminate two things!
+More Melody yeah if my boyfriend wants to add to the list he just tells me and I put it in my phone right away. if he's out shopping I can send him the list, even if I am away from home!
Most manuals are on line
Adding to the magazine, PDF-Scan it so you have nothing saved in paperform at all
New subscriber here ❤️
What's your accent?
Ya what is it? Your accent is nice.
Digitizing everything is the one big decluttering job I still have ahead of me. I have a plan, but I haven't found (made) the time yet. But this inspired me, so thanks. Just subscribed by the way. Check out my channel if you want.
dont throw away paper recycle it
great tips!