Gabe Bult , I survived the hardship of socialism by being frugal. It’s in my blood. We used to say “it doesn’t ask for food, let’s keep it”, we might use it later. We also gave stuff that we didn’t need any more to our less fortunate relatives. We had to get rid of some stuff because we leaved in small apartments. Now I have a question for you. Why do you “clatter” money in your bank account? It’s so much easier to manage just a few dollars!!! 😉
My mom sees decluttering as a chore so growing up that mindset was all I was exposed to. I thought it couldn't be fun, but I was so wrong. I am not my mom and we find joy and misery in completely different things. I never knew how fun decluttering is until I started doing it myself. 💜
Attitudes towards clutter change with the generations and technology. I was a 70’s child. Everyone prided themselves on having a bulky stereo system, and a growing collection of records. During my teens in the 80’s, the stereos got smaller and we stockpiled cassette tapes. During the 90’s, we collected CD’s and VHS movies. In the 2000’s, DVDs. And the players to use them. I am now a grandmother. I still have my CD and DVD collection in portable albums. They mostly collect dust as I now have wireless streaming for television, movies and music. The modems and devices take a fraction of the space and power usage. Some things, like old family photographs (taken before digital) have to be kept, as some are over 100 years old now. The newer pictures no longer need an album, most of them are stored digitally. When I rent a movie, I no longer need to leave the house. New technology has benefitted the surge of decluttering because we can shrink the storage space required. But never forget, old technologies that preceded the new were necessary. Mobile phones as large as housebricks, clunky old desktop computers, bulky TV sets, landline phones and ADSL internet, giant VCRs, typewriters, printers, etc. It has now streamlined to smaller, more efficient products. We now hold computers in the palm of our hands, literally.
Such a well thought and wise comment! Even though I’m a totally different generation, but I still saw most of it and I totally agree with your judgment 👍🏻
As my son's teacher likes to say, the cellphone we hold in our hands is a more capable computer that the wall to wall computers that sent man to the moon.....sheeeesh!!!!
My family raised me to be very materialistic and as I grew up i finally was able to live my minimalist life that I've wanted to live and my family is curious about it and have been decluttering
Same. It’s so tough being in my parents’ house now. Many discussions end up talking about the joy of less stuff, but my mom doesn’t subscribe to that belief. More is not more smh
@@breatheloveadri if it isn't endangering their health I would just let it go and give them a big hug and say you love them. Don't waste time trying to win them over. Older generations keep things for lots of reasons, i am 60 and stuff just made me happy, I wasn't a crazy hoarder but I did collect small antiques from flea markets etc. Now my priorities have changed so I am decluttering but I needed to get there by myself, if someone would have pushed me it would have backfired and caused resentment.
"It doesn't serve any purpose to delay the inevitable." You are so right. Why hang on to it for 3 years to then just get rid of it anyhow? So so much sense. Also, this can be applied to nonmaterial clutter like relationships, or habits and goals that no longer serve you.
The 7 points: 1. Spending shame 2. I used it before... 3. It was free 🤦♀️ 4. Impulse buying 5. Poverty/fear/overcompensating 6. Sentimental items/shame 7. Never think about it
Definitely stems from childhood. My parents both grew up fairly impoverished and what you *had* was a source of pride. So empty spaces, blank walls, or half filled closets were signs of deprivation. Our home was SO cluttered. Trying to get rid of that mentality since I don’t believe that at all.
I felt the 'if you didn't have a lot growing up you tend to accumulate things' deep down. My childhood wasn't deprived or anything but when I first started earning money oh ho you bet I got whatever I wanted.. I'm just taking that as a lesson learned now.
The childhood theory was spot on. I was raised by hoarders and never allowed to get rid of anything to a point my room was basically unusable. Once I moved out I went minimalist within a few months because I couldn't stand having so much stuff around anymore. It's certainly better than hoarding, but I am afraid it is easy to lean into the opposite direction and never be satisfied with how little you have.
My kids are now young adults. I have many items from their childhood including trophies, school work, report cards etc. I talked to them and these items don’t have meaning to them. I eliminated a lot of stuff already but still have too much. It’s hard for me to part with it. I am taking it slow but steady. It’s my biggest challenge.
I am there too...just peel away the layers and take it a step at a time, in your subconscious you would like to be that younger self again or see your son as a child again...once you get rid of some and realize the world didn't end you can do it again. If something causes anxiety, stick it in a box and come back in 6 months....
This is hard. I kept the best of their stuff and I'm glad I did. They lost their father and now they are grown starting families of their own we occasionally pull out something and the memories it triggers bring tears and laughter. We bought a holiday house recently and these old toys are now there. I never thought we would be able to afford such a thing but circumstances change. I'm just saying there is a big movement that's very popular right now to toss everything, but these people are often young and dont have grown children, or haven't lost parents. There is no right or wrong. Revisit these collections every few years and maybe pare them down or just leave them alone for the present.
I agree with the childhood thing... My parents grew up poor with many siblings and they ended-up cluttering our home with stuff, way too much stuff. And as I grew-up with too many things (and mostly I grew up cleaning all of my parents stuff), I ended-up feeling the desire to be a minimalist... less stuff the better
This morning I discovered the physical location of the items have something to do with it. I decided to put all the things that need to be address at a doable height. No bending too low or claiming up on something to get to it that will prolong the process for when I am ready to deal with it. Maybe this comes with age... Great video...
completely agree, specially #1. I started selling on ebay stuff that I havent used for a while. amd it has helped pay off consumer debt I need to get rid off in order to keep building wealth!! Your videos are getting so much better everytime! keep it up!
This video got me to thinking. I am working hard to rid myself of clutter and have stopped buying stuff pretty much. My goal is to get rid of half of my possessions in the coming year. I've had to clean out the homes of hoarding relatives and know first hand the anger and sadness hoarding causes us. I am still frugal and make an effort to use up what I have and have weekly decluttering sessions the day before trash pickup! That way there is no reconsidering items. They are tossed and gone!
I hang onto things for the future. Lately though I've been trying to let go of things and we're having a garage sale. Most of the stuff that I've put aside for the last year (for the garage sale) I haven't needed. There has only been a couple of things that I dug out. Knowing that makes me realize that it is okay to let stuff go.
Thank you. For years, I get a pure spiritual feeling in my minimalism efforts... "Cleanse the mirrors of your hearts from the dross of the world and all that is therein, that they may reflect the resplendent light of God." ~ Baha'i Faith
I am in the process of downsizing. My son is a sophomore in High School, and when he graduates in 2023 I am hitting the road. I am in the process of converting a shuttle bus into an RV so I can travel full time. I don't plan to have a storage unit or keep anything with relatives. If it doesn't fit in the bus, it will be sold or donated. Another reason I am downsizing is because I don't want my son to have to deal with MY clutter if something should happen to me.
The best gift you could give your son. I am decluttering because I have had to deal with emptying several homes of people who have passed, i tend to be very sentimental about what goes and it has been a hard lesson but I finally realized that I don't want to strap my sons with my "treasures" even if it is sellable art.
Just discovered your channel while starting my minimalism journey - this was such a great video, so authentic and warm. As a teacher I collect a lot of "future use" clutter like school & office supplies, books I haven't read but will read *someday*, and lots of sentimental clutter like notes and letters from students I can't get myself to discard.
I used to be a pack rat. Although my family is middle class and my parents can buy me anything I want, my mom had a habit of giving stuff away or throwing them. So before I get bored of my things, my mom would have them donated or thrown away. This created a mindset of lack in childhood even though I know perfectly well we can afford to buy another one if needed. This "clutter" mindset only changed when I was in college after learning about minimalism, as well as realizing that the root cause of my anxiety was the amount of stuff I keep. I still accumulate clutter every now and then but for good reasons - to compile them for recycling or donations. I rarely throw things that can still be used but I donate them to the less fortunate in the Philippines. That way, I can make sure that the stuff really gets to them. Donating directly to those who need it makes me feel great too!
Oh, I love this video! So insightful. I definitely resonate with having too many things after not being allowed to make decisions growing up. Also sentimental things…I’m getting better about it gradually. And now that I know that’s such a struggle, I make an effort to immediately remove those items which I don’t want/need/use before they fall into nostalgia/guilt/sentimental clutter.
Great video! Very straightforward, engaging and personable. I collect the most clutter from shopping when my anxiety and pain are high, due to my degenerative tissue disorder.
I found your videos recently and they motivate me a lot. I tend to fall into the frugal minimalist, like you, so your reasoning help so much. Thank you and God bless you!
Now realizing at 50 years old, that I may have been raised thinking we were supposed to have sentimental items and keep them. I too am not a sentimental item person and have been letting go of those items! Thank you for your very insightful and enjoyable videos
These are all so true! I just moved to a small place and I've been trying to get rid of things I no longer use. Literally each of your statements have gone through my head at one point this month.
Spent last winter clearing out my partner's parents' house and realised I have way more stuff crammed into my little home than they had in their big one - also their paperwork was embarrassingly-well organised compared to mine! Think I have some work to do...
Wow nice sound and lighting! I hold onto things for the additional reason that i havent found it a new home yet and i CAN'T throw it away because it still has use. Freecycle.org, consignment and ebay have been helpful for that!
Free or gifted items!!! I'm someone who is on a budget so I never counted gifts and free stuff before I started minimalism (October 2018). I just cleared off my debt, paid off the last CC and then learned about minimalism so I don't accumulate any more debts. The clothes and accessories shopping are not a problem now, food is a tough one to deal with. Some sentimental items, I usually take pictures for memories.
I’m absolutely loving your vids, Gabe! I have a “decluttering schedule” of sorts. I declutter x amount and the end result works for me. Then when the “pressure” rises inside me in a month, or so, I again declutter. Time and time again I’ve tried to purge a medium-ish realistic looking black baby bear cub. It appeared he was clutter time and time again. I attempted many a time to let the little guy go. I now realize he remained because a special memory remained of a real black baby cub scooping birdseed out of my large porch birdhouse. At that time I lived in the CO Rocky Mountains at 9K altitude in a modern log cabin.
Gabe Bult Thank you so much for your appreciation, and encouragement!!! I sure was repetitious with “time and time again”. 😂 (and purging/letting go) It seems fitting, though. After all, isn’t that the nature of decluttering? Yep! 👍 Btw, my realistic looking bear is a cuddly stuffed animal. I can’t say the same for the real one. 😂
This is the first video I watch, but I like your voice and the content you mention about in the video! Thank you so much for the help video ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Good luck! Watching decluttering videos helped me get started and when I run into road blocks now. Clothes/ shoes are the best place to start and sedimental last.
Hey Gabe, you're doing great videos, love the content and how you speak. I think the clutter I have comes from the "learning as a child that having all these possessions is normal". On top, it is the marketing of big companies making us believe we "need" certain things. It is easier just to buy stuff as to think "do I really need this". Many greetings from Germany.
Great video, Gabe. I definitely have a problem with not declutttering sentimental items. Also, I have a hard time getting rid of stuff when I feel like I could sell it. But then I never get around to posting stuff on eBay!
I hang on to things like shoes: what if they wear out/get holes and I can't find these perfect, comfortable shoes; besides I got them on sale/free I won't get them again for this price. Thanks for the videos - they help us reason why we keep things rather than just "I need it because....(lame reason)". Your 'The Dickens Process' video is excellent!!
I think you should keep all your comfortable shoes. I kept all my comfy shoes and donated the uncomfortable ones. I have 9 pairs of shoes now but that includes 2 pairs of flip flops and a pair of high quality rain boots with arches.
I have so many sneakers that I rarely wear a pair out! I now am deliberately taking my oldest pair and wearing them for light yardwork just so I can wear them out. And not buying anymore for the next year or so.
My mom didn't have much growing up, she was one of 17 kids. Oddly enough, she doesn't hold onto much so I tend to purge often though I'm not as minimal as I'd like to be.
Because I spent money on it , got it free , received a gift, everything thing pretty much you said. I know I need to minimalist because you might move or leave to other people to go thru if you die.
Hi! I collected things because i sold them, but i don't have emotional attachment to things (luckily). But still when i sell these things then i have lots of things in my house.
So I struggle with low energy. Anemic as a kid for a short time & when pregnant a bit. Point is this..bc my energy is low at times, THINGS clutter. When I get my energy back it unclutters. But I'm always glad to have my stuff around to help me as tools in life. Stuff helps ypu save money, keeps you entertained, brings back good memories & you always have something to give to those in need. That's my positive spin on keeping stuff. Just find middle ground. Hope I'm being consistent. Lol Sometimes I don't always explain myself well bc I know what I mean to me & expect others to see where I'm coming from. But yeah simplistic living is to me having the bare basics first: home, clean eating with healthy food ( as of real recent since I'm being more careful now of what I eat) & clothes you wear. Everything else on top of that is extra. My priority is keeping it simple. For me that is my walk with God, Self care, work, relationships, & ministry. If my clutter ( paperwork) gets too high it goes in boxes until I can get to it. If my books are messy I have to make time to organize, dishes are hidden in the dishwasher & other stuff thrown in a closet until I can clean. My identity is not in my home but in who I am.And really not fitting into someone else's expectations or mold of me. If someone isn't accepting me I have already moved on in my heart. Rejection is Always redirection in my book.
I struggle with this the most too. Also, not getting rid of gifts because I feel guilty. Just this month I finally donated some clothes my mom had given me years ago which don’t fit me.
Still in the process of minimizing and decluttering (it’s been 3 years?) My partner and I accumulated a lot of stuff in grad school where we did most of our shopping at Walmart. Since then (also from COVID) we don’t go to big box stores where impulse buys are lurking and started practicing sustainable purchasing which dramatically reduced the amount of stuff coming in.
I am hanging onto purses and handbags and keychains because I have a unique collection and the fact that I have decided I am not going to buy them anymore for as long as possible...
It's good getting minimised to a certain point and then making a rule to hold yourself accountable or shame yourself whenever you welcome yet more material items into your life by noting them down, or notching down the number of days you go without adding to your already sufficient list of material possessions.
That's what my Children and Grandchildren get. From their teens on. Unless i decide to get them a box of meat from our local locker. Greatgrands are little they get one or two sets of clothes, something they will use up like a coloring book or bubbles.
Pack it all up in Rubber Maids 13 gallons or 20 gallons for clothing. Number the Rubber Maids, and put likes with likes, and keep RM#, location and contents on index cards, and keep in an index box. Keep out only what you use, and cover with pretty scarves. I love the serape cloths. Keep organized inside RM with different sizes Zip lock bags. I have organized clutter. lol I do give away plenty, because I do not like to sell things.
I guess your month-long thing is over since you’ve published to someone month ago, but I relate with a number of the reasons you list. Another category of clutter in my home at the moment is for example newspapers and flyers and such. Those free newspapers that come in our mailbox once a week here in Germany where I live often have interesting articles about things happening regionally, plans and performances and people and what not. I feel like I partially should and partially want to be aware of what’s going on around me and interesting things come up that I may want to participate in or contact people about… So I don’t just toss the newspapers when they come, nor do I just sit down and read them! This morning I went through a couple and did find some information I am glad to have. One piece I want to keep for now for example because I would like to inquire about the dance lessons it mentions, some things I just become aware of and can put the papers into the recycling. Flyers for places of local interest or entrepreneurs, natural paths etc. that I am interested in, also can accumulate. Of course it’s possible to find all that information online, or digitalize the papers. But I like paper, too!... lol
I have lots of family heirlooms that I love, or I might "like-but-don't-know-what-to-do-with" them. Other things make me feel guilty, and they're too nice to go to a thrift shop. Idk how to sell them. I also give too much value to things, and want them to be used and appreciated, and not end up in the trash.
You can always have your heirlooms appraised and insured. If you wanted to sell them you can go to a antique store but have them appraised first though. You could always repurpose or re organize and display the items. Example: Heirloom jewelry can be made into a new piece. An old vase or dish could be put on display. Some organizing experts can give you advice about sentimental items. I hope my advice helped.
Just like the Minimal Mom says....”keeping something doesn’t put the money back in your wallet.” Keeping something doesn’t mean it’s going to start working the way you thought it was going to when you bought it or that you’re going to get back into that thing or that you’re really going to start it the way you thought you were, etc etc. If doesn’t help you live a good life today then out it goes......
I hang on to stuff because i have this terrible trauma that when there's an emergency i won't have any resources left to get me by. My mother BURNED through her money and kept us in poverty so im very possessive of my stuff as an adult.
Logic: 'I can't get rid of it, it cost me $20 that's like throwing away $20.' Also: 'I can't get rid of it, it was free.' If it cost you $20 and you've had it for a couple of years, then you aren't throwing away $20, devaluation is a thing.
How do others handle people whose love language is giving? My mom is like that, and I’m minimalist. I feel bad not keeping gifts she gives and tell her not to get me anything or much, but she always gives more than I ask (yes, a great problem to have). I don’t like that she wastes money on gifts I won’t like to express her love, but I also don’t like making her feel bad or unappreciated by getting rid of a gift she’s given me (often quickly after receiving it). Anyone have a solution?
Ask her for consumable gifts like food, wine, etc. She gets to give you something, you get good stuff you can use. My sister sent us Omaha Steaks one year for Christmas. Delicious, and other than taking up some room in my freezer for a few weeks, they left no footprint in my house. Or even gift cards to your favorite restaurant.
Just food for thought: your kids stuff is officially stored on your territory and they aren’t paying you no storage rent to feel the responsibility for their belongings and most probably most of your kids stuff was actually purchased by you with your hard-earned money, so I might give them the last warning and opportunity to take back and utilize their stuff or actually rent a public storage for that, if they still don’t take it seriously you have 100% right to Clear your private territory.
For me I'm over compensating on games. Back then I had a console but didn't have money to buy a lot of games. So I kept playing the same things over and over again. Now with my own adult money and steam having discounts every week, I end up buying so many games that I don't play even in the medium term. I kept playing WoW for some reason. Despite having so many games now. Maybe I need to deconstruct old habits.
There's 2 sentimental things in my life. A lovey dovey little book my fiance got for me one valentines day. I've slowly been taping in the little notes he's written me and polaroid pictures of family members in there. I'd rather have those than the love quotes the company printed in. The other sentimental thing is a picture frame I've filled with little religious pictures given to me over the years. Family members would give me them to me so the lord and saints in them would watch over me since I'm epileptic.
100%. Clutter has made me stay in place far longer than I would have. I'm fixing that, though. I've already made some really good progress. I will never get to that "hold onto everything" mentality again as it anchors you to situations and places you may not want to be.
TheKerryzzz how much is that freezer costing you in purchase price, electricity, and extra space needed though? Toyota famously gained an edge on other car manufacturers by decreasing the inventory they had on hand at any point in time (‘just-in-time manufacturing’). I’m not saying you’d definitely save money by not having the extra fridge, but it’s something to consider.
What reasons you collect clutter?
Gabe Bult , I survived the hardship of socialism by being frugal. It’s in my blood. We used to say “it doesn’t ask for food, let’s keep it”, we might use it later. We also gave stuff that we didn’t need any more to our less fortunate relatives. We had to get rid of some stuff because we leaved in small apartments. Now I have a question for you. Why do you “clatter” money in your bank account? It’s so much easier to manage just a few dollars!!! 😉
💯👏☕
My mom sees decluttering as a chore so growing up that mindset was all I was exposed to. I thought it couldn't be fun, but I was so wrong. I am not my mom and we find joy and misery in completely different things. I never knew how fun decluttering is until I started doing it myself. 💜
My wife likes to shop well and so do I. Just for something to do. And Just in case type of person
I do it as an investment. I collect video games, comics, things like that. I know the markets, so I'll invest in what I know will accumulate value
Attitudes towards clutter change with the generations and technology.
I was a 70’s child. Everyone prided themselves on having a bulky stereo system, and a growing collection of records.
During my teens in the 80’s, the stereos got smaller and we stockpiled cassette tapes.
During the 90’s, we collected CD’s and VHS movies. In the 2000’s, DVDs. And the players to use them.
I am now a grandmother. I still have my CD and DVD collection in portable albums. They mostly collect dust as I now have wireless streaming for television, movies and music. The modems and devices take a fraction of the space and power usage.
Some things, like old family photographs (taken before digital) have to be kept, as some are over 100 years old now.
The newer pictures no longer need an album, most of them are stored digitally.
When I rent a movie, I no longer need to leave the house.
New technology has benefitted the surge of decluttering because we can shrink the storage space required.
But never forget, old technologies that preceded the new were necessary. Mobile phones as large as housebricks, clunky old desktop computers, bulky TV sets, landline phones and ADSL internet, giant VCRs, typewriters, printers, etc. It has now streamlined to smaller, more efficient products. We now hold computers in the palm of our hands, literally.
Yes! ❤️
Such a well thought and wise comment! Even though I’m a totally different generation, but I still saw most of it and I totally agree with your judgment 👍🏻
Best summary of the reasons
As my son's teacher likes to say, the cellphone we hold in our hands is a more capable computer that the wall to wall computers that sent man to the moon.....sheeeesh!!!!
My family raised me to be very materialistic and as I grew up i finally was able to live my minimalist life that I've wanted to live and my family is curious about it and have been decluttering
That's great ☕
💕
My parents were hoarders, now I’m a minimalist and clutter makes me hella anxious
👍☕💯
Same. It’s so tough being in my parents’ house now. Many discussions end up talking about the joy of less stuff, but my mom doesn’t subscribe to that belief. More is not more smh
Same. Momma was a hoarder. I could’ve been the white Barry Sanders the way I navigated hallways.
@@breatheloveadri if it isn't endangering their health I would just let it go and give them a big hug and say you love them. Don't waste time trying to win them over. Older generations keep things for lots of reasons, i am 60 and stuff just made me happy, I wasn't a crazy hoarder but I did collect small antiques from flea markets etc. Now my priorities have changed so I am decluttering but I needed to get there by myself, if someone would have pushed me it would have backfired and caused resentment.
@@justadudeintheworldman.120 But you can enable their hoarding by dumping stuff you don't want on their trash heap of a house hehe.
"It doesn't serve any purpose to delay the inevitable." You are so right. Why hang on to it for 3 years to then just get rid of it anyhow? So so much sense. Also, this can be applied to nonmaterial clutter like relationships, or habits and goals that no longer serve you.
Absolutely
Truth!
The 7 points:
1. Spending shame
2. I used it before...
3. It was free 🤦♀️
4. Impulse buying
5. Poverty/fear/overcompensating
6. Sentimental items/shame
7. Never think about it
Definitely stems from childhood. My parents both grew up fairly impoverished and what you *had* was a source of pride. So empty spaces, blank walls, or half filled closets were signs of deprivation. Our home was SO cluttered. Trying to get rid of that mentality since I don’t believe that at all.
I felt the 'if you didn't have a lot growing up you tend to accumulate things' deep down. My childhood wasn't deprived or anything but when I first started earning money oh ho you bet I got whatever I wanted.. I'm just taking that as a lesson learned now.
The childhood theory was spot on. I was raised by hoarders and never allowed to get rid of anything to a point my room was basically unusable. Once I moved out I went minimalist within a few months because I couldn't stand having so much stuff around anymore. It's certainly better than hoarding, but I am afraid it is easy to lean into the opposite direction and never be satisfied with how little you have.
My kids are now young adults. I have many items from their childhood including trophies, school work, report cards etc. I talked to them and these items don’t have meaning to them. I eliminated a lot of stuff already but still have too much. It’s hard for me to part with it. I am taking it slow but steady. It’s my biggest challenge.
I haven't been through that personally but I can definitely understand where you're coming from
Same situation with me right now
You can take pictures of the things you enjoy and store them digitally on your phone. That way you have the memory but not the "stuff"
I am there too...just peel away the layers and take it a step at a time, in your subconscious you would like to be that younger self again or see your son as a child again...once you get rid of some and realize the world didn't end you can do it again. If something causes anxiety, stick it in a box and come back in 6 months....
This is hard. I kept the best of their stuff and I'm glad I did. They lost their father and now they are grown starting families of their own we occasionally pull out something and the memories it triggers bring tears and laughter. We bought a holiday house recently and these old toys are now there. I never thought we would be able to afford such a thing but circumstances change. I'm just saying there is a big movement that's very popular right now to toss everything, but these people are often young and dont have grown children, or haven't lost parents. There is no right or wrong. Revisit these collections every few years and maybe pare them down or just leave them alone for the present.
I agree with the childhood thing... My parents grew up poor with many siblings and they ended-up cluttering our home with stuff, way too much stuff. And as I grew-up with too many things (and mostly I grew up cleaning all of my parents stuff), I ended-up feeling the desire to be a minimalist... less stuff the better
Every shot in this video is so well done! Such a treat to watch 🌼
Thanks!
My reason is decision fatigue. Sometimes it's so hard to do!
Absolutely that's a hard one. It helped to get someone to do it with me
This morning I discovered the physical location of the items have something to do with it. I decided to put all the things that need to be address at a doable height. No bending too low or claiming up on something to get to it that will prolong the process for when I am ready to deal with it. Maybe this comes with age... Great video...
completely agree, specially #1. I started selling on ebay stuff that I havent used for a while. amd it has helped pay off consumer debt I need to get rid off in order to keep building wealth!! Your videos are getting so much better everytime! keep it up!
Absolutely I've been doing that selling on Facebook and stuff and it helps to get money back for it.
Thank you I appreciate it!
This video got me to thinking. I am working hard to rid myself of clutter and have stopped buying stuff pretty much. My goal is to get rid of half of my possessions in the coming year. I've had to clean out the homes of hoarding relatives and know first hand the anger and sadness hoarding causes us. I am still frugal and make an effort to use up what I have and have weekly decluttering sessions the day before trash pickup! That way there is no reconsidering items. They are tossed and gone!
Donate items; don't throw them out.
@@annw1395 I do if at all possible. 👍
I hang onto things for the future. Lately though I've been trying to let go of things and we're having a garage sale. Most of the stuff that I've put aside for the last year (for the garage sale) I haven't needed. There has only been a couple of things that I dug out. Knowing that makes me realize that it is okay to let stuff go.
I have a tendency to hang on to things my kids made when they were small. Love your channel, by the way.
Thank you. For years, I get a pure spiritual feeling in my minimalism efforts... "Cleanse the mirrors of your hearts from the dross of the world and all that is therein, that they may reflect the resplendent light of God." ~ Baha'i Faith
I am in the process of downsizing. My son is a sophomore in High School, and when he graduates in 2023 I am hitting the road. I am in the process of converting a shuttle bus into an RV so I can travel full time. I don't plan to have a storage unit or keep anything with relatives. If it doesn't fit in the bus, it will be sold or donated.
Another reason I am downsizing is because I don't want my son to have to deal with MY clutter if something should happen to me.
Freedom. Good for you.
The best gift you could give your son. I am decluttering because I have had to deal with emptying several homes of people who have passed, i tend to be very sentimental about what goes and it has been a hard lesson but I finally realized that I don't want to strap my sons with my "treasures" even if it is sellable art.
Just discovered your channel while starting my minimalism journey - this was such a great video, so authentic and warm. As a teacher I collect a lot of "future use" clutter like school & office supplies, books I haven't read but will read *someday*, and lots of sentimental clutter like notes and letters from students I can't get myself to discard.
Love how you’re doing a month of minimalism!!! Those are my favorites!!!! 😊😊
I used to be a pack rat. Although my family is middle class and my parents can buy me anything I want, my mom had a habit of giving stuff away or throwing them. So before I get bored of my things, my mom would have them donated or thrown away. This created a mindset of lack in childhood even though I know perfectly well we can afford to buy another one if needed. This "clutter" mindset only changed when I was in college after learning about minimalism, as well as realizing that the root cause of my anxiety was the amount of stuff I keep.
I still accumulate clutter every now and then but for good reasons - to compile them for recycling or donations. I rarely throw things that can still be used but I donate them to the less fortunate in the Philippines. That way, I can make sure that the stuff really gets to them. Donating directly to those who need it makes me feel great too!
That is so awesome 👍
👏💯☕
Oh, I love this video! So insightful. I definitely resonate with having too many things after not being allowed to make decisions growing up. Also sentimental things…I’m getting better about it gradually. And now that I know that’s such a struggle, I make an effort to immediately remove those items which I don’t want/need/use before they fall into nostalgia/guilt/sentimental clutter.
Great video! Very straightforward, engaging and personable.
I collect the most clutter from shopping when my anxiety and pain are high, due to my degenerative tissue disorder.
I found your videos recently and they motivate me a lot. I tend to fall into the frugal minimalist, like you, so your reasoning help so much. Thank you and God bless you!
Now realizing at 50 years old, that I may have been raised thinking we were supposed to have sentimental items and keep them. I too am not a sentimental item person and have been letting go of those items! Thank you for your very insightful and enjoyable videos
These are all so true! I just moved to a small place and I've been trying to get rid of things I no longer use. Literally each of your statements have gone through my head at one point this month.
Spent last winter clearing out my partner's parents' house and realised I have way more stuff crammed into my little home than they had in their big one - also their paperwork was embarrassingly-well organised compared to mine! Think I have some work to do...
Wow nice sound and lighting! I hold onto things for the additional reason that i havent found it a new home yet and i CAN'T throw it away because it still has use. Freecycle.org, consignment and ebay have been helpful for that!
Free or gifted items!!! I'm someone who is on a budget so I never counted gifts and free stuff before I started minimalism (October 2018).
I just cleared off my debt, paid off the last CC and then learned about minimalism so I don't accumulate any more debts.
The clothes and accessories shopping are not a problem now, food is a tough one to deal with.
Some sentimental items, I usually take pictures for memories.
6:47 I started doing that too in 2017. The least stuff I owned then. Now I hoarded and going through moving AGAIN and just hate having so much
Your videos make me smile. Always a joy to watch!
Blessings!
Glad you enjoy them Emma💯☕
I’m absolutely loving your vids, Gabe!
I have a “decluttering schedule” of sorts. I declutter x amount and the end result works for me. Then when the “pressure” rises inside me in a month, or so, I again declutter.
Time and time again I’ve tried to purge a medium-ish realistic looking black baby bear cub. It appeared he was clutter time and time again. I attempted many a time to let the little guy go. I now realize he remained because a special memory remained of a real black baby cub scooping birdseed out of my large porch birdhouse. At that time I lived in the CO Rocky Mountains at 9K altitude in a modern log cabin.
💯👏☕
Gabe Bult Thank you so much for your appreciation, and encouragement!!! I sure was repetitious with “time and time again”. 😂 (and purging/letting go) It seems fitting, though. After all, isn’t that the nature of decluttering? Yep! 👍 Btw, my realistic looking bear is a cuddly stuffed animal. I can’t say the same for the real one. 😂
You should keep your bear. It serves a valid purpose :)
Lara Johnson Thank you! Yes, I did make the decision to keep him. He lives in a special place in my apartment, and is very content.
This is the first video I watch, but I like your voice and the content you mention about in the video! Thank you so much for the help video ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lazynessssss is why Im hanging on to clutter rt now! 🤦🏻♀️ I need to make myself go through all my things and get rid of what I don’t need.
Good luck! Watching decluttering videos helped me get started and when I run into road blocks now. Clothes/ shoes are the best place to start and sedimental last.
Happens to all of us.
Just got to immerse yourself for a few weeks and get it done then set systems to keep it that way
gremlins 347 thanks! I will have to watch some decluttering videos or a bit of motivation. 👍
Gabe Bult thanks, yes I will have to make myself just do it lol 👍
Hey Gabe, you're doing great videos, love the content and how you speak. I think the clutter I have comes from the "learning as a child that having all these possessions is normal". On top, it is the marketing of big companies making us believe we "need" certain things. It is easier just to buy stuff as to think "do I really need this". Many greetings from Germany.
Great video, Gabe. I definitely have a problem with not declutttering sentimental items. Also, I have a hard time getting rid of stuff when I feel like I could sell it. But then I never get around to posting stuff on eBay!
I still have a few things I need to sell trying to have it done by the end of the month
Im pretty close to being a minimalist without even realizing it, and my family are hoarders,,, all the things you’ve said i can check in them
I hang on to things like shoes: what if they wear out/get holes and I can't find these perfect, comfortable shoes; besides I got them on sale/free I won't get them again for this price. Thanks for the videos - they help us reason why we keep things rather than just "I need it because....(lame reason)".
Your 'The Dickens Process' video is excellent!!
I think you should keep all your comfortable shoes. I kept all my comfy shoes and donated the uncomfortable ones. I have 9 pairs of shoes now but that includes 2 pairs of flip flops and a pair of high quality rain boots with arches.
Thank you really appreciate!
That's definitely true
I have so many sneakers that I rarely wear a pair out! I now am deliberately taking my oldest pair and wearing them for light yardwork just so I can wear them out. And not buying anymore for the next year or so.
Hola, Greetings from Lima, Perú. I think clutter is a reflection of immaturity, I have visited grown ups' apartments packed with... toys!
My mom didn't have much growing up, she was one of 17 kids. Oddly enough, she doesn't hold onto much so I tend to purge often though I'm not as minimal as I'd like to be.
Because I spent money on it , got it free , received a gift, everything thing pretty much you said. I know I need to minimalist because you might move or leave to other people to go thru if you die.
Feedback: Love your healthy masculinity energy and your personality!
Love your setup and background 🌹 amazing video ❤️ thank you
Thanks!
Gabe Bult ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love Tk Maxx. That why I stay clear. Evil temptation. True about being skint as a child. Difficult to let go....I might need it one day!
So true!
Hi! I collected things because i sold them, but i don't have emotional attachment to things (luckily). But still when i sell these things then i have lots of things in my house.
So I struggle with low energy. Anemic as a kid for a short time & when pregnant a bit. Point is this..bc my energy is low at times, THINGS clutter.
When I get my energy back it unclutters. But I'm always glad to have my stuff around to help me as tools in life. Stuff helps ypu save money, keeps you entertained, brings back good memories & you always have something to give to those in need.
That's my positive spin on keeping stuff. Just find middle ground.
Hope I'm being consistent. Lol
Sometimes I don't always explain myself well bc I know what I mean to me & expect others to see where I'm coming from. But yeah simplistic living is to me having the bare basics first: home, clean eating with healthy food ( as of real recent since I'm being more careful now of what I eat) & clothes you wear. Everything else on top of that is extra.
My priority is keeping it simple. For me that is my walk with God, Self care, work, relationships, & ministry.
If my clutter ( paperwork) gets too high it goes in boxes until I can get to it. If my books are messy I have to make time to organize, dishes are hidden in the dishwasher & other stuff thrown in a closet until I can clean.
My identity is not in my home but in who I am.And really not fitting into someone else's expectations or mold of me. If someone isn't accepting me I have already moved on in my heart.
Rejection is Always redirection in my book.
Good points!🤔
Thanks Greg
I am a victim of “just in case I might use it in the future” 🤦🏻♂️
Yupppp
Gabe Bult can’t throw them away because “just in case”
I struggle with this the most too. Also, not getting rid of gifts because I feel guilty. Just this month I finally donated some clothes my mom had given me years ago which don’t fit me.
Im the opposite . I think, "I don't need this, I'll never use it." Then I'll get rid of it and need it a week later XD Fml
Want to get maximum use of every item in order not to produce garbage and pollute the planet
Yes, i feel obligated to find a home for everything...someone out there needs this object🤦
Besides all the many comments, is being indecisive at times so gotta have game plan to why u not want no more.
Lots of good stuff here.
Yes I'm guilty al ALL these. Lol But I'm addressing them a d slowly doing much much better. Great vid. Ty.❤❤❤
Still in the process of minimizing and decluttering (it’s been 3 years?) My partner and I accumulated a lot of stuff in grad school where we did most of our shopping at Walmart. Since then (also from COVID) we don’t go to big box stores where impulse buys are lurking and started practicing sustainable purchasing which dramatically reduced the amount of stuff coming in.
Gabe I love your TH-cam channel. Thank you for the amazing tips and advice :) - Westley
Glad you enjoy it Westley
Gabe what camera / picture profile / editor do you use ? Picture is amazing 😉
Sony A7 3 and iMovie
Totally, his videos are just lovely to watch
I am hanging onto purses and handbags and keychains because I have a unique collection and the fact that I have decided I am not going to buy them anymore for as long as possible...
💯👏☕
It's good getting minimised to a certain point and then making a rule to hold yourself accountable or shame yourself whenever you welcome yet more material items into your life by noting them down, or notching down the number of days you go without adding to your already sufficient list of material possessions.
One of the best gifts to give is Cash...
Every year during Christmas I quote Lucy from Charlie Brown and asked for tens and twenties
That's what my Children and Grandchildren get. From their teens on. Unless i decide to get them a box of meat from our local locker. Greatgrands are little they get one or two sets of clothes, something they will use up like a coloring book or bubbles.
@@lindam7518 😁👊
For sentimental items, take a photo and write a note to the photo, save it somewhere secure. Now you have access to it whenever you want.
Pack it all up in Rubber Maids 13 gallons or 20 gallons for clothing. Number the Rubber Maids, and put likes with likes, and keep RM#, location and contents on index cards, and keep in an index box. Keep out only what you use, and cover with pretty scarves. I love the serape cloths.
Keep organized inside RM with different sizes Zip lock bags. I have organized clutter. lol I do give away plenty, because I do not like to sell things.
I sooo need this right now!
☕👏
I guess your month-long thing is over since you’ve published to someone month ago, but I relate with a number of the reasons you list. Another category of clutter in my home at the moment is for example newspapers and flyers and such. Those free newspapers that come in our mailbox once a week here in Germany where I live often have interesting articles about things happening regionally, plans and performances and people and what not. I feel like I partially should and partially want to be aware of what’s going on around me and interesting things come up that I may want to participate in or contact people about… So I don’t just toss the newspapers when they come, nor do I just sit down and read them! This morning I went through a couple and did find some information I am glad to have. One piece I want to keep for now for example because I would like to inquire about the dance lessons it mentions, some things I just become aware of and can put the papers into the recycling.
Flyers for places of local interest or entrepreneurs, natural paths etc. that I am interested in, also can accumulate. Of course it’s possible to find all that information online, or digitalize the papers. But I like paper, too!... lol
If you had less stuff, less cleaning, a clear head, more time, you could sit down with your paper every week and enjoy it 😉
I have lots of family heirlooms that I love, or I might "like-but-don't-know-what-to-do-with" them. Other things make me feel guilty, and they're too nice to go to a thrift shop. Idk how to sell them. I also give too much value to things, and want them to be used and appreciated, and not end up in the trash.
You can always have your heirlooms appraised and insured. If you wanted to sell them you can go to a antique store but have them appraised first though. You could always repurpose or re organize and display the items. Example: Heirloom jewelry can be made into a new piece. An old vase or dish could be put on display. Some organizing experts can give you advice about sentimental items. I hope my advice helped.
Great video!
Good insights 👍🏼
I pretty much can give away anything except books. They are so difficult to be given away. 😁
'I used to use it' is a nightmare, I have decluttered loads-but I am aware some of the things I am hanging on to are things I used to use.
Absolutely especially things I used to be really into
Just like the Minimal Mom says....”keeping something doesn’t put the money back in your wallet.” Keeping something doesn’t mean it’s going to start working the way you thought it was going to when you bought it or that you’re going to get back into that thing or that you’re really going to start it the way you thought you were, etc etc. If doesn’t help you live a good life today then out it goes......
I end up just shifting things from room to room. 😄
It happens
Gifts! Sentimental value! But, lately I'd rather accept cash gifts than material gifts esp.during my birthday! 😃
I hang on to stuff because i have this terrible trauma that when there's an emergency i won't have any resources left to get me by. My mother BURNED through her money and kept us in poverty so im very possessive of my stuff as an adult.
Logic: 'I can't get rid of it, it cost me $20 that's like throwing away $20.'
Also: 'I can't get rid of it, it was free.'
If it cost you $20 and you've had it for a couple of years, then you aren't throwing away $20, devaluation is a thing.
How do others handle people whose love language is giving? My mom is like that, and I’m minimalist. I feel bad not keeping gifts she gives and tell her not to get me anything or much, but she always gives more than I ask (yes, a great problem to have). I don’t like that she wastes money on gifts I won’t like to express her love, but I also don’t like making her feel bad or unappreciated by getting rid of a gift she’s given me (often quickly after receiving it). Anyone have a solution?
Ask her for consumable gifts like food, wine, etc. She gets to give you something, you get good stuff you can use. My sister sent us Omaha Steaks one year for Christmas. Delicious, and other than taking up some room in my freezer for a few weeks, they left no footprint in my house. Or even gift cards to your favorite restaurant.
Love your videos 😁
Thanks! ☕👍
What do we do when our young kids that are not home anymore, dont want to get rid of their stuff though I do
Just food for thought: your kids stuff is officially stored on your territory and they aren’t paying you no storage rent to feel the responsibility for their belongings and most probably most of your kids stuff was actually purchased by you with your hard-earned money, so I might give them the last warning and opportunity to take back and utilize their stuff or actually rent a public storage for that, if they still don’t take it seriously you have 100% right to Clear your private territory.
Good you made me laugh 😁
Spoke to me 🙏🏽
👍☕
Materialistic cultures value, cherish & collect 'things". Our disposable culture is the antithesis of that.
I can't let go of things. I'm deeply depressed and I constantly battle cleaning.
For me I'm over compensating on games. Back then I had a console but didn't have money to buy a lot of games. So I kept playing the same things over and over again.
Now with my own adult money and steam having discounts every week, I end up buying so many games that I don't play even in the medium term.
I kept playing WoW for some reason. Despite having so many games now. Maybe I need to deconstruct old habits.
There's 2 sentimental things in my life. A lovey dovey little book my fiance got for me one valentines day. I've slowly been taping in the little notes he's written me and polaroid pictures of family members in there. I'd rather have those than the love quotes the company printed in. The other sentimental thing is a picture frame I've filled with little religious pictures given to me over the years. Family members would give me them to me so the lord and saints in them would watch over me since I'm epileptic.
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I would have moved more if i didnt have as much clutter.
For us moving help us get rid of a lot of clutter
100%. Clutter has made me stay in place far longer than I would have. I'm fixing that, though. I've already made some really good progress. I will never get to that "hold onto everything" mentality again as it anchors you to situations and places you may not want to be.
Thats why i have a feeezer in my garage.. buy meat on sale that way.
TheKerryzzz how much is that freezer costing you in purchase price, electricity, and extra space needed though? Toyota famously gained an edge on other car manufacturers by decreasing the inventory they had on hand at any point in time (‘just-in-time manufacturing’). I’m not saying you’d definitely save money by not having the extra fridge, but it’s something to consider.
@@michaelsnyder7272 thats true. I don't know. Its something im not willing to do without. So, you may be right. Ill just eat the cost..
Ooooh.... Bying things on sale... Where you buy double of what you need, because then you have 'saved' even more..... 🤕
I dont have a car to declutter i have a lot of stuff
Be spiutel and See lige the way it is
I think this film is valuable, but in my opinion You talking too fast 🙈. Maybe it's because English it's foreign lamguage for me.
If you're not a sentimental person, then how can you speak on that?
Minecraft person 😂
Gamer life