I used to think an empty house was lonely. But now I think it would feel freeing. I've been tied down by stuff, mine and my family's, for years and this weekend I filled a small dumpster. I thought it would be harder than it was, and getting started was *really* tough, but it felt so good as I tossed bag after bag and box after box into the bin.
@@mercurialpierrot7073 Agreed. We can have a clean, minimalist home and still enjoy decor and such. I like having decor pillows and big blankets. Nothing wrong with making things "homey."
Children can and should be taught to help clean as a family. They are able to load a dishwasher and clean up toys, make beds at an early age. It makes them feel like part of a team.
I'm a busy mom too, and have found the only success I've had decluttering was to compartmentalize. One drawer, one shelf at a time. I can declutter a drawer in less than 5 minutes. If I do one drawer a day, my kitchen drawers are DONE by the end of the week. And decluttering is very contagious!
How funny! I literally just this afternoon boxed up most of the decorative items in my living room and bedroom, because I'm tired of dusting them! It will be so much quicker to just dust flat surfaces. I'm not ready to get rid of them completely, they are things I enjoy seeing on the shelves, but I don't dust nearly as often as I should because I dread picking everything up and dusting it too. I'm going to put the box away for a while and see if I actually miss them or not.
1st time watcher! 🌹🎈 I am in the process of moving and downsizing. Have you read 7 by Jen Hatmaker? I am sure you have. Thank you. I look forward to more of your video’s. You are a busy lady and I am encouraged by you. 🙏🏼 God bless!
@@sunflowers730 In Japan they take one ornament out of a cupboard to stand on the surface. When they've had enough of really looking at that one, they put it away, and bring out another. A good way to really focus on each ornament, and the others don't get dusty in the cupboard :)
@@sunflowers730 That's what I'm doing & the first thing that goes through my mind when tempted to buy, is to see it as a "dust collector" or not.... Mostly yes! Don't get rid of precious items until everything else is gone.
Please don't be upset with this comment - it's coming from relief, not from spite. I am so glad you showed the videos of your clutter BEFORE you decluttered- it made me feel so much better. I am just starting my declutter journey, and have tackled very small projects. After seeing where you started, I feel more confidence that our house CAN be decluttered, despite my family not wanting to get rid of ANYTHING.
I wish I had taken more “before” footage, in those really early stages I didn’t think I’d ever put those pictures out into the universe. 🤦♀️ I thought my house was the only one. Nope....totally not the only one. Everyone has stuff somewhere! 😊
Coming over here from the MM. First time watching one of your vids! Loved it. Been on this minimalish journey since last summer. It’s so freeing 😊 i share your sentiments of deepening my relationship with Christ.
I really like that you got straight into the subject of the video. Excellent start! I am decluttering my house. We downsized into a 1200 sq ft home. It has no room for clutter! It's a new way to live & does not allow for "wiggle room!"
you are so easy to listen to, you don't ramble and repeat yourself and you don't have vocalized pauses - your thoughts are very well organized and well presented
Enjoyed your video. I just cleaned out my home office. Got rid of 3 hefty bags. My rule: only touch each item once. No shuffling...file get rid of. I worked from left to right. Took me 2 weekends. I also use fly lady method for my kitchen. Run dishes in dishwasher at night. No dirty dishes. It helps me stay centered and positive.
Decluttering is one of the best therapies you can go through. It feels so freeing and it clears the negative energy in your house. Magical. Reminder i need to start doing that again now that spring is here. Good time to do this. 👍 I just hate to throw stuff out that can be donated. During the pandemic it was hard to do that because the donation boxes were locked up and Salvation Army was closed.
Boy I’m retired and I feel like such a slug! If YOU can declutter with three kids, I have NO excuse. Its well past time. I’m going to do this. I FULLY understand the rage purging. Time for me to simplify and stop being held hostage to my clutter. Thank you for this video! I am subbing!! I’m going to tackle one space at a time. We moved two years ago from a Victorian Farmhouse with a full basement and a huge carriage barn and we gave away sooooo much. Its STILL cluttered.
The idea of having two storage units is terrifying to me. My husband and I got all of our wordly possessions into one 10×17 unit while we were between apartments. Cleaning out that one when our new place was ready was overwhelming by itself. I don't know how you did it.
Girl after my own heart ♥️. I just came across this video & am Delighted,& a ( just now) subscriber!👍🏼I am O-v-e-r-w-h-e-l-m-e-d, every time I think about de-cluttering. I don't feel so Hopeless now. Thank you!😊
I started decluttering last year. We are not big hoarders and purge every month and still our 3600 sq feet filled up in 8 years to a point that we are not enjoying our home. Staying at home during COVID inspired us to take it slow and study and purge anything we don't use or need. We donated several boxes, trashed some and sold few pieces of furniture.
All of my clothes are stored in a dresser in the closet. And the blouses hang right to the top of the smaller dresser. It's very organized and it really works. I have no dressers in my actual bedroom area. It's small stuff like that that helps. I walk into the bathroom and I can shower and everything is right there for my needs. But the decluttering does make you feel good now I'm going to listen to what you wouldn't do and then it's time for Goid Friday service to stream. And then tonight is my good Friday service at my Lutheran Church in Winter Park Florida. Someday we will get through all of this together Peace and blessings to you
Sometimes we push ourselves to get rid of things when we aren't ready. I always wait to get rid of things until I feel absolutely nothing for them and know I wont regret it.
Thank you for the inspiration, I have just cleared one drawer underneath my bed of linens that I have kept and not used . Now in the bag ready for the charity doorstep collection is n in the morning. Hurrah
I've never regretted any of my "rage purges". I wish I could do my grown kids' rooms, but they haven't moved out yet! There are some areas I cannot focus on, bcz I haven't decided what to do with them - my hobbies, in particular. Those and sentimental items such as photos are the hardest!
I wish I could purge my garage. My husband is a sweet sentimental guy who keeps everything. I would love to get rid of the beer can his friend gave him when he turned 18 and the drinking age was 18. 😂
Passage linen cupboards including empty shelves Bedroom bed to bedside tables not drawers, wardrobe built in mostly empty and empty drawers Office table and filing cabinet and empty wardrobe Bedroom two bed empty wardrobe and drawers Lounge couch, tv unit,coffee table side table for coffee and large Sid table for photos and photo album, that is I ( oh and my dogs bed)
I really want to declutter but my husband of 53 years is a semi hoarder & keeps just about everything so not to argue I’ve been keeping stuff we don’t need, I have been throwing away a lot of stuff & he doesn’t seem to notice, it’s overwhelming at times, he helps out at church food ministry & brings home food for 10 people while there’s only me & my husband, not sure where to start
same story, only he buys food that is on sale. Bakery sweets way too much and he is always tired. I here sugar does that. I've been told in a disaster they will come to our house. We could live a long time on caned food.
I read once that some kind of study was done which determined that we (meaning Americans, I think) never touch 90% of what's in our homes. That tells us something.
I'm a 1st time watcher from the Minimal Mom. I have four floors that are chock full..and I now live alone! Lol I downsized from a 4BR 3Ba home and it has been a journey. I can say that I am making some progress. I am going to follow a reader who said pick a room and spend a week on it! That might work for me!
I'm not sure if it was mention the mental / emotional toll it takes on your spirit. It's just exhausting went it looks better you feel better and have more time to do things that are really important, instead of the junk rollercoaster ride of anger, guilt, frustration, STRESS.
I’m pondering how reducing clothes reduces laundry. I can wear clothes multiple times before they need to be washed, but kids tend to dirty their clothes faster, if they change every day wouldn’t the laundry be the same regardless of how many clothes they own?
We actually had to do the garage FIRST, because there were things in the house that belonged in the garage and we needed to make the space. I'm glad we did it first because it's my least favorite to declutter!!
New subscriber♥️ I’m binge watching your videos! Love your candid approach on how to keep our homes and hearts in order as we navigate through life. Blessings! Kristina
I am going to watch this because I am, and have been for quite some time, at the "every room is a cluttered, disorganized wreck" stage. -- I am *totally* demoralized by my indecision and the most popular total room-by-room "method" has not worked except to create that mess. -- So, here goes...
This one is much longer than my typical videos....no sense is not showing how it was. I know I’m not the only one with those spaces. Step-by-step, you’ll get there! We don’t have to rely on our own strength. 🤗
This was very helpful. Can I ask, does anyone else have a phobia of filling up the landfill or thinking my items aren't nice enough or useful enough to donate? These are my "Achilles heel" while decluttering.
You don't have to throw items away to a landfill, find a free cycle site in your area or donate items. I don't throw away anything unless it's truly junk. Good luck.
I do. There is much talk about the things being thrown away, given away, donated or sold (away), but the truth is there is no "away". The majority of things are always going to be somewhere "costing" the earth, the environment and all living beings in some way. I still have to declutter, so I am trying to accept that this is the situation and I try to minimize my impact in all other areas. It can be hard at times, but I focus on making sure I will never have to go trough a decluttering process like this again, with all the anxiety that comes with it.
I recycle everything I can, paper, plastic, glass etc. My recycle bin is more full than my little one bag of trash. Also I have a craft thrift store in town so any craft items that I am not using in my scrapbooking, rubberstamping, or sewing gets donated. I am almost at my goal!
I definitely have the tendency to want to find the perfect home for my items. My recycle bin is also always much more full than my trash. I don’t struggle with thinking things aren’t good enough to donate though because I KNOW there are crafty people out there who are just looking for things to modify. In some cases you may just need to do some research. Pet shelters often like old towels and linens. Some crafters like mismatched socks, and I remember reading years ago that FlyLady’s donation center loves getting mismatched socks. Some thrift stores sell leftover fabric items to the fabric recycling companies. For more specific help, you may appreciate Dana K. White’s channel - she will sometimes talk through these types of dilemmas she used to have while trying to maintain her home, and she shares her very practical tips on how she overcame them.
We raised six boys, and they started doing their own laundry when they were in third grade. The same thing for the kitchen. They had their day to help in the kitchen too. Why are you doing so much of the work? If you have able-bodied children, teens, older teens/young adults, they can do their part. My older boys thanked me for preparing them to live on their own.
Great question Bunny! I don’t talk about it much, but we have some special needs that have limited what our expectations can be. But, as they have gotten older and more capable they have been able to take on a lot more. Having adopted from foster care chores were a little lower on the priority list.....but having less has helped moved the chores up on the list! 😁
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your page! I can relate so much to your experience, although I don't have kids yet (one on the way!). Your home is so beautiful--thank you for sharing!
Try the 30 day challenge...day 1 throw 1 item out, donate or give away. Day 2 throw 2 items out, donate or give away. Day 3 throw 3 item out, donate or give away. I'm sure you get the idea by now. It is a more manageable de-cluttering then one would think. I got this from MyBIGtinyhouselife you tuber.
I am so happy the Lord led me to this site. I am a retired chemistry teacher and you would think I would be extremely organized. But the truth is my husband and I moved into a very nice apartment with all of our stuff, all of it. So I became very irritated and pulled out everything?
My husband is a chemist, he’s a pull everything out kind of declutter too. Something about seeing all of it. 🤷🏻♀️ You’ll get there, one step at a time!
Well done. This is inspirational. I see the hubby helping with the vacuuming. I am doing this now. Did u sell anything in the process or just donate and/or throw away? I like what you said about the not managing the extra things.
@@TheAtWhatCostBlog this is good to know. I was thinking of selling some stuff but it will hold up my progress and more time. I'm going to do the same, just donate. Thank you
Dana's style has made significant breakthroughs for me too. I'm shocked by the lack of chaos as I make progress. I was expecting it to be more of a wack-a-mole thing like before, but I'm down to my storage spaces and the rest of the house isn't falling into chaos.
I don’t understand how having less clothes will result in less laundry… I think that you would have to wash even more (often) if you only have a few clothes?🤔
You're certainly not the only one. I think this is one of the most asked questions about laundry....so I did a follow up video if you'd like to watch. Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/VxskBfiREKg/w-d-xo.html
New to your channel and love it! I'm 71 yrs old and have lived in this apartment for 23 yrs now. My place has needed decluttering for many yrs but I was still working my way out of "life trauma's", and couldn't get focused for anything. I also couldn't afford a caregiver. So here I am now, really ready to trim things down and in just a matter of a few months I've lost the ability to walk. I'm trying to declutter from my scooter but it is hard to do. So, for what it's worth... people, watch her video and declutter before life moves so fast that something takes away your ability to sort your own belongings. You really don't want someone else doing it for you. God bless this lovely woman who's name I don't know.
I hear you! I'm the same age and want to go through my own clutter, not have someone else do it. Being disabled can happen to anyone and very suddenly. Blessings on you.
The regret of seeing how much money was "wasted" on items that were not a neccessary purchase is a hard lesson. If I could go back in time. Ever forward!!!
For those of you like me who just wanted to know what it was she wouldn't do next time you can skip to 13:00. Thanks for all the other info though. Very good.
I love your voice it is understandable and clear. First time I have seen your channel. You would be good at doing audio voice books. Very clear and easy to hear. Just my opinion. Thank you for the content. Don't change it. I do not have to turn it up to hear you. Love your style and color in your home.
We live in a 600 sq ft house with just the basics. I am in my 3rd year of a no-buy challenge, which keeps things from entering our home. I got rid of about 75% of our stuff in 2017 and decluttered even more in 2019! Very happy now with only what we need!
....as the kids turn into adults, you somehow wind up with their "stuff" too. When I retired, as they came over, I purged all of it. The only question asked was "do you want this"? Then I purged all my mothers stuff she had dumped on me she didn't want. Any collections of glasses, dishes, clothes not being worn...gone. Senior Center loved seeing me coming, they had a small flea market. I want to be left with only the things I need.......feels great!
My folks retired to their motorhome and I had a huge influx of stuff. I know both she and I are glad to have a whole lot less. And what a wonderful thing to be able to do for the Senior Center! Nice job!
@@TheAtWhatCostBlog We have a lot of organizations, including churchs, that people donate to. I have seen them send large truck loads anytime there is a hurricane or storms that take peoples belongings. I think at different times in our lives, we accumulate what is needed for the moment, and don't get rid of the old.........it hit me at retirement:)
I am *still* looking for places to donate good but no longer needed items. I have a hard time throwing out items that *should* be recycled but items that our collection service will not accept. I ended up with my parent's belongings, with family items that other members said they wanted but could "not take right now", with the kid's belongings as they headed off to college and new jobs far away, with friend's overstock when they downsized, and with my own things accumulated over the past 60+ years.
We moved to a smaller house in retirement that had no basement and a much smaller garage. I made up my mind that I just flat out didn't want to store anything. In my last house I spent so much time cleaning storage areas, so I used a spare bedroom as a staging area and I actually sold every tote on Facebook (in 10 minutes...guess we all have stuff). As I decorated the house I shopped the room and every day I picked through stuff in there and made a donation run every friday. Once the house was decorated I gave away everything left in the room. Everything I own you can see or open a cupboard and closet to see. Nothing in storage was a weight off my mind, it was just a bunch of delayed decisions. Having a big house just causes you to have excuses for not dealing with stuff.
Brilliant! I’m actually upsizing to a much bigger house - but that doesn’t mean more stuff. I actually plan to have nothing stored away bar a few diy things, paint tins and that sort of thing that you need but don’t want to see! Everything will be visible in a cupboard or shelf. Why have things that are hidden away.
@@1588chrissy when I got done painting a room I poured the leftover paint in a jar and put in the back of the closet. Great for touch ups and I threw the cans away, they only rust and let the paint go bad anyway. The very last room...the previous junk room...I mixed all the half cans together and painted. It came out gray. No paint cans left....I was pretty freaking serious about no storage haha.
@@poodlegirl55 that is hilarious! I also pour all into jars - very handy for touch-ups and all uniform in shape and size so easy to store. I don’t mind having a small cupboard with these types of things (like brushes, rollers, tools) but I refuse to use my home as a warehouse for shops!
It does take time....but the biggest help for me was to be ruthless! I also recommend the method Dana White describes in Decluttering At the Speed of life. She, Dawn, and Cas from Clutterbug have a course that will open again in April and it is excellent!
Don't be like me and spend 50 years shuffling stuff around Josh Becker said You don't need to shuffle it around if u get rid of it His story about his child outside and him not having time to play with him because he was so busy shuffling the stuff around got to me I can't change THAT in my life or my kids lives and my grandchildren lives Because it happened their whole life Then my granddaughter admitted as a grown-up they were embarrassed to bring people over to my house I didn't even know it cuz I was too busy shuffling trying to make room for everything. 😪😭 Be wiser Things AREN'T the important things in life God is Your family is You are your friends are .... Good luck
No....do not move out.... just yet!!? Stop buying this year... except for healthy food. But ...stage your place and declutter...get book from library...that gives you idea of what you need as functional. Carry everything else to needy people or give to church thrift or Goodwill. Only keep what you need...for weeks wear...and only few on Sunday or out with hubby wear. Get rid of fluffy stuff you wear ... hubby's don't like to see you in that anyway. Some women still want...that Grammy look??? I am 80...next month...love simple... not old Grannie look....and my given name is "Nani" 🤭☺️
I collected items from each room and moved them into my attached garage. From there, I boxed up (and donated) what I didn't need. Left behind were my (useful but) occasionally used items which I put into clear bins then stacked on shelving units in the garage. My house is decluttered but I have what I need. Shelving units and clear bins are worth the investment.
The hardest part is starting & fighting with perfectionism. Done should be good enough but my clutter really stress me out. I love how you ended this video. Thank you!
“Done is better than perfect” has been a sort of mantra for me for the past year. At some point I’ve got to call it done....it may not be perfect, and at some point I can go back and edit a space...but at some point I’ve got to be willing to just focus on maintaining it. My clutter stresses me out too. Truthfully maintenance helps more than decluttering for me, once the stuff is out. It’s like decluttering is a breath of fresh air and maintenance helps me keep taking those deep breaths. ☺️
Oh yes. I am not perfect either. I regularly declutter my closet, jewelry,.etc. but I have still have a problem. I already got the habit of decluttering the areas I am v.good at and can maintain quite well but always ignore my office stuffs. Thus, when I need motivation to declutter spaces I am weak in I will look at these videos. No one is perfect. I just take it as a journey
When I handle something, anything, I always ask myself "am I using this enough to keep" and "would someone else get more enjoyment out of this". That has helped me to get rid of so many things as I am not "losing" something but my donation may be a blessing to them.
Honey, I really wish you tube was a thing 30 years ago when I was a struggling mother and wife! I tried so many books and I can honestly say, your videos would have been so much more effective for me! I have several young women in mind to refer to you when the topic comes up again, and I know it will. You speak very clearly and honestly, like a good experienced friend would have. Of course we were just getting into sharing this stuff with each other, hence the books, when I was younger. Live and learn and share.
You and your channel are an answer to a prayer. Decluttering while praising God. Your guidance and insights are exactly the motivation I’ve been needing and praying for. Thank you and God Bless.
My parents decluttered in their 70s and it was a family gathering - so us kids were able to have some treasured items and mine are on display - I cherish them very much.
I second that!! If a tornado came and blew it away, I’d be so happy. Except my few outfits I truly look and feel good in… can’t replace those… I realized even my photo albums stress me… way too many to just enjoy and I can’t remember dates and places and faces. And that is on top of 45k on my computer!!! Why can’t we just let it all go??????
I have anxiety and I have way too much stuff! I am really trying to change! I know that I have way too much stuff. I am anxious as well. I want a clean clutter free home that I can be proud of. Some things are so hard to get rid of. Like grandma's dishes. I just have to realize I have grandma's memories I don't need her dishes. Your video relates to me so much! I move messes. Then I have more messes! You are an inspiration!
If you are not ready for the grandma dishes just do baby steps. Start with what is easier. Also for me it really helps to say thank you to that object aknowledging it was important in my life but i don’t need anymore. Or Maybe you can honor her memory having one of the dishes in display, and the others sold/given
Also consider USING grandma’s dishes. I used my great aunt’s china as daily dishes when my daughter was in kindergarten and first grade. It’s been packed since we left that house because I don’t want to chance dropping it on the tile floor, but I’m hoping the next house will have softer hard flooring so I can bring it out again.
Detachment from the material, the worldly "things" is the key to growing closer to Christ. It's also incredibly hard to do & so many of us struggle with it. How ridiculous is that when you think of the unimaginable glory of our God we are missing out on because we can't take our eye off of our "stuff!" My main issue is that my brain kicks in while trying to declutter. I literally argue with myself... What if I need it? You haven't worn it in 3 yrs... I know but what if... What if... What if... I need a "whatifectomey!"
I live now basically in an empty house, it’s an echo chamber. Don’t miss a thing! It’s just stuff.
Mine is like yours, happy to hear I'm not alone.
That sounds too far for me. I want a warm space, just not cluttered.
I used to think an empty house was lonely. But now I think it would feel freeing. I've been tied down by stuff, mine and my family's, for years and this weekend I filled a small dumpster. I thought it would be harder than it was, and getting started was *really* tough, but it felt so good as I tossed bag after bag and box after box into the bin.
@@mercurialpierrot7073 Agreed. We can have a clean, minimalist home and still enjoy decor and such. I like having decor pillows and big blankets. Nothing wrong with making things "homey."
@@mercurialpierrot7073 mine is a hot space lol. I am going to tackle it. I don't want my son to have to do it later. 💚
Children can and should be taught to help clean as a family. They are able to load a dishwasher and clean up toys, make beds at an early age. It makes them feel like part of a team.
Yeah, the kitchen looked like she is living w 3 wild animals, and obviously she has allowed that to happen.
So true, I think one of the things where i failed as a parent. My kids are great otherwise.
I'm a busy mom too, and have found the only success I've had decluttering was to compartmentalize. One drawer, one shelf at a time. I can declutter a drawer in less than 5 minutes. If I do one drawer a day, my kitchen drawers are DONE by the end of the week. And decluttering is very contagious!
I decided that if it needs dusting I don't need it.
Amen to that! I like that idea!
How funny! I literally just this afternoon boxed up most of the decorative items in my living room and bedroom, because I'm tired of dusting them! It will be so much quicker to just dust flat surfaces. I'm not ready to get rid of them completely, they are things I enjoy seeing on the shelves, but I don't dust nearly as often as I should because I dread picking everything up and dusting it too. I'm going to put the box away for a while and see if I actually miss them or not.
1st time watcher! 🌹🎈
I am in the process of moving and downsizing. Have you read 7 by Jen Hatmaker? I am sure you have.
Thank you. I look forward to more of your video’s. You are a busy lady and I am encouraged by you. 🙏🏼 God bless!
@@sunflowers730 In Japan they take one ornament out of a cupboard to stand on the surface. When they've had enough of really looking at that one, they put it away, and bring out another. A good way to really focus on each ornament, and the others don't get dusty in the cupboard :)
@@sunflowers730 That's what I'm doing & the first thing that goes through my mind when tempted to buy, is to see it as a "dust collector" or not.... Mostly yes! Don't get rid of precious items until everything else is gone.
Please don't be upset with this comment - it's coming from relief, not from spite.
I am so glad you showed the videos of your clutter BEFORE you decluttered- it made me feel so much better. I am just starting my declutter journey, and have tackled very small projects. After seeing where you started, I feel more confidence that our house CAN be decluttered, despite my family not wanting to get rid of ANYTHING.
I wish I had taken more “before” footage, in those really early stages I didn’t think I’d ever put those pictures out into the universe. 🤦♀️ I thought my house was the only one. Nope....totally not the only one. Everyone has stuff somewhere! 😊
Coming over here from the MM. First time watching one of your vids! Loved it. Been on this minimalish journey since last summer. It’s so freeing 😊 i share your sentiments of deepening my relationship with Christ.
So glad to have you here! Welcome!
I really like that you got straight into the subject of the video. Excellent start! I am decluttering my house. We downsized into a 1200 sq ft home. It has no room for clutter! It's a new way to live & does not allow for "wiggle room!"
Thank you so much! Excited to see where this journey takes you!
Oh my word! SOOO glad I found you. Not for me but to help my child. Your channel is so much needed. Thank you.💘
you are so easy to listen to, you don't ramble and repeat yourself and you don't have vocalized pauses - your thoughts are very well organized and well presented
Thank you for your encouraging feedback!
So true
Enjoyed your video. I just cleaned out my home office. Got rid of 3 hefty bags. My rule: only touch each item once. No shuffling...file get rid of. I worked from left to right. Took me 2 weekends. I also use fly lady method for my kitchen. Run dishes in dishwasher at night. No dirty dishes. It helps me stay centered and positive.
I have always felt over stressed over all the STUFF! Your spot on.
Thanks so much. It's encouraging to hear a user of Dawn's and Dana's methods.
Decluttering is one of the best therapies you can go through. It feels so freeing and it clears the negative energy in your house. Magical.
Reminder i need to start doing that again now that spring is here. Good time to do this. 👍
I just hate to throw stuff out that can be donated. During the pandemic it was hard to do that because the donation boxes were locked up and Salvation Army was closed.
Your story is motivating me to go through my home and do what needs to be done, declutter! 😊
Thanks for honestly sharing your decluttering journey. It's motivating to keep decluttering my home.
So glad you enjoyed it!
New here....live to explore my Christian faith and declutter my home.
Boy I’m retired and I feel like such a slug! If YOU can declutter with three kids, I have NO excuse. Its well past time. I’m going to do this. I FULLY understand the rage purging. Time for me to simplify and stop being held hostage to my clutter. Thank you for this video! I am subbing!! I’m going to tackle one space at a time. We moved two years ago from a Victorian Farmhouse with a full basement and a huge carriage barn and we gave away sooooo much. Its STILL cluttered.
The idea of having two storage units is terrifying to me. My husband and I got all of our wordly possessions into one 10×17 unit while we were between apartments. Cleaning out that one when our new place was ready was overwhelming by itself. I don't know how you did it.
Girl after my own heart ♥️. I just came across this video & am Delighted,& a ( just now) subscriber!👍🏼I am O-v-e-r-w-h-e-l-m-e-d, every time I think about de-cluttering. I don't feel so Hopeless now. Thank you!😊
Welcome!! You can totally do this!
Thank you!!! I really needed to hear this. God bless 🙏
Oh boy I can relate.
Started botched and stopped.
Will try again.
I started decluttering last year. We are not big hoarders and purge every month and still our 3600 sq feet filled up in 8 years to a point that we are not enjoying our home. Staying at home during COVID inspired us to take it slow and study and purge anything we don't use or need. We donated several boxes, trashed some and sold few pieces of furniture.
Inspiring in so many ways! Blessed and safe days!
All of my clothes are stored in a dresser in the closet. And the blouses hang right to the top of the smaller dresser. It's very organized and it really works. I have no dressers in my actual bedroom area. It's small stuff like that that helps. I walk into the bathroom and I can shower and everything is right there for my needs. But the decluttering does make you feel good now I'm going to listen to what you wouldn't do and then it's time for Goid Friday service to stream. And then tonight is my good Friday service at my Lutheran Church in Winter Park Florida. Someday we will get through all of this together Peace and blessings to you
Good point...time with family is not quality when we are under stress and our mind is elsewhere.
audio is beautifully modulated and clear - clarity of approach to decluttering gives me hope - I've subscribed - thanks so much!!!
I rotate out a few of my favorite things to decorate. Only things I love and am willing to dust/ clean!
Sometimes we push ourselves to get rid of things when we aren't ready. I always wait to get rid of things until I feel absolutely nothing for them and know I wont regret it.
I’m so glad you’ve found a system that works for you, I think that’s key to the long game of decluttering. ☺️
Thank you for the inspiration, I have just cleared one drawer underneath my bed of linens that I have kept and not used . Now in the bag ready for the charity doorstep collection is n in the morning. Hurrah
Wonderful!
I've never regretted any of my "rage purges". I wish I could do my grown kids' rooms, but they haven't moved out yet! There are some areas I cannot focus on, bcz I haven't decided what to do with them - my hobbies, in particular. Those and sentimental items such as photos are the hardest!
I wish I could purge my garage. My husband is a sweet sentimental guy who keeps everything. I would love to get rid of the beer can his friend gave him when he turned 18 and the drinking age was 18. 😂
I’m doing the Marie Kondo method. It’s great
My husband did that with his clothes when her Netflix series first came out and he loved it!
Passage linen cupboards including empty shelves
Bedroom bed to bedside tables not drawers, wardrobe built in mostly empty and empty drawers
Office table and filing cabinet and empty wardrobe
Bedroom two bed empty wardrobe and drawers
Lounge couch, tv unit,coffee table side table for coffee and large Sid table for photos and photo album, that is I ( oh and my dogs bed)
I really want to declutter but my husband of 53 years is a semi hoarder & keeps just about everything so not to argue I’ve been keeping stuff we don’t need, I have been throwing away a lot of stuff & he doesn’t seem to notice, it’s overwhelming at times, he helps out at church food ministry & brings home food for 10 people while there’s only me & my husband, not sure where to start
Hoarding is an anxiety disorder, try talking to your family Dr. And get a referral for therapy.
same story, only he buys food that is on sale. Bakery sweets way too much and he is always tired. I here sugar does that. I've been told in a disaster they will come to our house. We could live a long time on caned food.
You did a beautiful job. Thanks for your encouragement.
Thank you so much for putting words to this cycle that I'm stuck in!
Thank you for helping me declutter. I loved this video. God led me to you!
I’m watching for first time you’re voice so soothing and loving the Lord❤️
Thanks to Dawn, this is my first video from you. Loved it and subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
Such a clear and flows voice with a perfect story reaching so many points! Tfs. Excellent video.
Get a dumpster to clear the garage. Make it a kids romp room and study etc. Reclaim your peace centre.
I read once that some kind of study was done which determined that we (meaning Americans, I think) never touch 90% of what's in our homes. That tells us something.
I'm a 1st time watcher from the Minimal Mom. I have four floors that are chock full..and I now live alone! Lol I downsized from a 4BR 3Ba home and it has been a journey. I can say that I am making some progress. I am going to follow a reader who said pick a room and spend a week on it! That might work for me!
I would love to be able to do that 😊
I'm not sure if it was mention the mental / emotional toll it takes on your spirit. It's just exhausting went it looks better you feel better and have more time to do things that are really important, instead of the junk rollercoaster ride of anger, guilt, frustration, STRESS.
I’m pondering how reducing clothes reduces laundry. I can wear clothes multiple times before they need to be washed, but kids tend to dirty their clothes faster, if they change every day wouldn’t the laundry be the same regardless of how many clothes they own?
Yes !
I'm EXCITED for this channel for JESUS!! Thank you!! 👋🏾
You have a beautiful kitchen
🙌🏽 yes
The garage.....mmmm yep us2
We actually had to do the garage FIRST, because there were things in the house that belonged in the garage and we needed to make the space. I'm glad we did it first because it's my least favorite to declutter!!
New subscriber here! I love your voice!! Great job decluttering!!
Welcome!
New subscriber♥️
I’m binge watching your videos!
Love your candid approach on how to keep our homes and hearts in order as we navigate through life.
Blessings!
Kristina
First time watching your channel
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
I am going to watch this because I am, and have been for quite some time, at the "every room is a cluttered, disorganized wreck" stage. -- I am *totally* demoralized by my indecision and the most popular total room-by-room "method" has not worked except to create that mess. -- So, here goes...
Made it to 9:10 and have to say "Thank you!" for the honest films of the status of the room you were attacking. I need(ed) that.
This one is much longer than my typical videos....no sense is not showing how it was. I know I’m not the only one with those spaces. Step-by-step, you’ll get there! We don’t have to rely on our own strength. 🤗
That is exactly me!
This was very helpful.
Can I ask, does anyone else have a phobia of filling up the landfill or thinking my items aren't nice enough or useful enough to donate? These are my "Achilles heel" while decluttering.
You don't have to throw items away to a landfill, find a free cycle site in your area or donate items. I don't throw away anything unless it's truly junk. Good luck.
I do. There is much talk about the things being thrown away, given away, donated or sold (away), but the truth is there is no "away". The majority of things are always going to be somewhere "costing" the earth, the environment and all living beings in some way. I still have to declutter, so I am trying to accept that this is the situation and I try to minimize my impact in all other areas. It can be hard at times, but I focus on making sure I will never have to go trough a decluttering process like this again, with all the anxiety that comes with it.
I recycle everything I can, paper, plastic, glass etc. My recycle bin is more full than my little one bag of trash. Also I have a craft thrift store in town so any craft items that I am not using in my scrapbooking, rubberstamping, or sewing gets donated. I am almost at my goal!
I definitely have the tendency to want to find the perfect home for my items. My recycle bin is also always much more full than my trash. I don’t struggle with thinking things aren’t good enough to donate though because I KNOW there are crafty people out there who are just looking for things to modify.
In some cases you may just need to do some research. Pet shelters often like old towels and linens. Some crafters like mismatched socks, and I remember reading years ago that FlyLady’s donation center loves getting mismatched socks. Some thrift stores sell leftover fabric items to the fabric recycling companies. For more specific help, you may appreciate Dana K. White’s channel - she will sometimes talk through these types of dilemmas she used to have while trying to maintain her home, and she shares her very practical tips on how she overcame them.
We raised six boys, and they started doing their own laundry when they were in third grade. The same thing for the kitchen. They had their day to help in the kitchen too. Why are you doing so much of the work? If you have able-bodied children, teens, older teens/young adults, they can do their part. My older boys thanked me for preparing them to live on their own.
Great question Bunny! I don’t talk about it much, but we have some special needs that have limited what our expectations can be. But, as they have gotten older and more capable they have been able to take on a lot more. Having adopted from foster care chores were a little lower on the priority list.....but having less has helped moved the chores up on the list! 😁
You are so amazing ❤️
I love your voice 🤩.
Hi hi from SA, first time watcher. Thanks for your inspiration today, I really needed it to continue decluttering.
Welcome!
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your page! I can relate so much to your experience, although I don't have kids yet (one on the way!). Your home is so beautiful--thank you for sharing!
Welcome! So glad you've found the channel too! I wish someone had pointed me in this direction before our kiddos arrived. :)
💛 love this!
I literally stumbled upon your channel and subbed the second I heard you speak. Hope you're truly nice and not some MAGA crazy lady. God bless
I make no promises on the level of crazy or the content of said crazy. 😆 thanks for the sub! Welcome!
Try the 30 day challenge...day 1 throw 1 item out, donate or give away. Day 2 throw 2 items out, donate or give away. Day 3 throw 3 item out, donate or give away. I'm sure you get the idea by now. It is a more manageable de-cluttering then one would think. I got this from MyBIGtinyhouselife you tuber.
Love your curtains
Thanks! They are a fun addition to what has been a rather neutral palette. ☺️
Glad I found your channel.
Thank you ❤️
One kid and three loads of laundry most days.
I create a mess - big one!!!!!
I am so happy the Lord led me to this site. I am a retired chemistry teacher and you would think I would be extremely organized. But the truth is my husband and I moved into a very nice apartment with all of our stuff, all of it. So I became very irritated and pulled out everything?
My husband is a chemist, he’s a pull everything out kind of declutter too. Something about seeing all of it. 🤷🏻♀️ You’ll get there, one step at a time!
Well done. This is inspirational. I see the hubby helping with the vacuuming. I am doing this now. Did u sell anything in the process or just donate and/or throw away? I like what you said about the not managing the extra things.
We donated a majority of items and only sold a few select items. But honestly I really only had it in me to donate. ☺️
@@TheAtWhatCostBlog this is good to know. I was thinking of selling some stuff but it will hold up my progress and more time. I'm going to do the same, just donate. Thank you
I thought it said and I wouldn’t do it again when I first read it lol
Dana's style has made significant breakthroughs for me too. I'm shocked by the lack of chaos as I make progress. I was expecting it to be more of a wack-a-mole thing like before, but I'm down to my storage spaces and the rest of the house isn't falling into chaos.
Love it! Whack-A-Mole! That’s great!
I am a new subscriber . Hi from Israel . 🇮🇱
I don’t understand how having less clothes will result in less laundry… I think that you would have to wash even more (often) if you only have a few clothes?🤔
You're certainly not the only one. I think this is one of the most asked questions about laundry....so I did a follow up video if you'd like to watch. Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/VxskBfiREKg/w-d-xo.html
New friend here… hello 👋
Hey friend! 👋 welcome!
Once you stop spending too much money for things, you will have more time in your life, since you will not be spending much time working.
Wow!! Paradigm shift!! That puts it in a way that might help me move this stuff!!
I watched two thirds (13 minutes) of this video to get to the part about what she wouldn't do. And that lasted only 2 minutes.
New to your channel and love it! I'm 71 yrs old and have lived in this apartment for 23 yrs now. My place has needed decluttering for many yrs but I was still working my way out of "life trauma's", and couldn't get focused for anything. I also couldn't afford a caregiver. So here I am now, really ready to trim things down and in just a matter of a few months I've lost the ability to walk. I'm trying to declutter from my scooter but it is hard to do. So, for what it's worth... people, watch her video and declutter before life moves so fast that something takes away your ability to sort your own belongings. You really don't want someone else doing it for you. God bless this lovely woman who's name I don't know.
Hang in there - we are rooting for you!
@@antiquenotdead7 thank you for this reminder!
Thank you for the advice! You motivated me to declutter more.
Bless you, also her name is Mary Beth
I hear you! I'm the same age and want to go through my own clutter, not have someone else do it. Being disabled can happen to anyone and very suddenly. Blessings on you.
The regret of seeing how much money was "wasted" on items that were not a neccessary purchase is a hard lesson. If I could go back in time. Ever forward!!!
That used to get me really discouraged, but certainly changed my buying habits! Keep fighting the good fight!
For those of you like me who just wanted to know what it was she wouldn't do next time you can skip to 13:00. Thanks for all the other info though. Very good.
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you! You saved me 13 minutes!
@@campseifer You're welcome!
Thank goodness!
Thanks, I was going to sleep, the voice is so calming
I love your voice it is understandable and clear. First time I have seen your channel. You would be good at doing audio voice books. Very clear and easy to hear. Just my opinion. Thank you for the content. Don't change it. I do not have to turn it up to hear you. Love your style and color in your home.
Thank you! I noticed that too. Thank you for the feedback, it’s much appreciated! ☺️
I totally agree!
I also love your calm voice. It helps me relax into things
We live in a 600 sq ft house with just the basics. I am in my 3rd year of a no-buy challenge, which keeps things from entering our home. I got rid of about 75% of our stuff in 2017 and decluttered even more in 2019! Very happy now with only what we need!
....as the kids turn into adults, you somehow wind up with their "stuff" too. When I retired, as they came over, I purged all of it. The only question asked was "do you want this"? Then I purged all my mothers stuff she had dumped on me she didn't want. Any collections of glasses, dishes, clothes not being worn...gone. Senior Center loved seeing me coming, they had a small flea market. I want to be left with only the things I need.......feels great!
My folks retired to their motorhome and I had a huge influx of stuff. I know both she and I are glad to have a whole lot less. And what a wonderful thing to be able to do for the Senior Center! Nice job!
@@TheAtWhatCostBlog We have a lot of organizations, including churchs, that people donate to. I have seen them send large truck loads anytime there is a hurricane or storms that take peoples belongings. I think at different times in our lives, we accumulate what is needed for the moment, and don't get rid of the old.........it hit me at retirement:)
I am *still* looking for places to donate good but no longer needed items.
I have a hard time throwing out items that *should* be recycled but items that our collection service will not accept.
I ended up with my parent's belongings, with family items that other members said they wanted but could "not take right now", with the kid's belongings as they headed off to college and new jobs far away, with friend's overstock when they downsized, and with my own things accumulated over the past 60+ years.
We moved to a smaller house in retirement that had no basement and a much smaller garage. I made up my mind that I just flat out didn't want to store anything. In my last house I spent so much time cleaning storage areas, so I used a spare bedroom as a staging area and I actually sold every tote on Facebook (in 10 minutes...guess we all have stuff). As I decorated the house I shopped the room and every day I picked through stuff in there and made a donation run every friday. Once the house was decorated I gave away everything left in the room. Everything I own you can see or open a cupboard and closet to see. Nothing in storage was a weight off my mind, it was just a bunch of delayed decisions. Having a big house just causes you to have excuses for not dealing with stuff.
Great system.
Brilliant! I’m actually upsizing to a much bigger house - but that doesn’t mean more stuff. I actually plan to have nothing stored away bar a few diy things, paint tins and that sort of thing that you need but don’t want to see! Everything will be visible in a cupboard or shelf. Why have things that are hidden away.
@@1588chrissy when I got done painting a room I poured the leftover paint in a jar and put in the back of the closet. Great for touch ups and I threw the cans away, they only rust and let the paint go bad anyway. The very last room...the previous junk room...I mixed all the half cans together and painted. It came out gray. No paint cans left....I was pretty freaking serious about no storage haha.
@@poodlegirl55 that is hilarious! I also pour all into jars - very handy for touch-ups and all uniform in shape and size so easy to store. I don’t mind having a small cupboard with these types of things (like brushes, rollers, tools) but I refuse to use my home as a warehouse for shops!
The bigger the purse, the more you put in it!! Same way with a big house. My house used to feel big till “we” filled it with “stuff”!!
I am so impressed with you! Working full time mom, clean house, Bible Study, youtuber! So inspiring!
I have found that I want to OWN my items instead of my stuff owning me......meaning to have just enough of things that do not overwhelming me!
Amen to that! Love this!
Thank you! I feel that "I'm just shuffling stuff from one place to another" and never see the clean results.
It does take time....but the biggest help for me was to be ruthless! I also recommend the method Dana White describes in Decluttering At the Speed of life. She, Dawn, and Cas from Clutterbug have a course that will open again in April and it is excellent!
Don't be like me and spend 50 years shuffling stuff around Josh Becker said You don't need to shuffle it around if u get rid of it His story about his child outside and him not having time to play with him because he was so busy shuffling the stuff around got to me I can't change THAT in my life or my kids lives and my grandchildren lives
Because it happened their whole life Then my granddaughter admitted as a grown-up they were embarrassed to bring people over to my house I didn't even know it cuz I was too busy shuffling trying to make room for everything. 😪😭
Be wiser
Things AREN'T the important things in life
God is
Your family is You are
your friends are ....
Good luck
@@TheAtWhatCostBlog : how did you handle when you kids wanted to keep their clothes or toys?
I’ve only regretted one ‘rage purge’. The benefits usually outweigh any regrets. Onion method is too slow for me. LoL
I've never regretted getting rid of ANYTHING, only buying things I truly didn't need.
My biggest mess : my kitchen. Got rid of a lot of spices. Also piles of clothes everywhere. I just want to move out and start fresh somewhere else.
No....do not move out.... just yet!!? Stop buying this year... except for healthy food. But ...stage your place and declutter...get book from library...that gives you idea of what you need as functional. Carry everything else to needy people or give to church thrift or Goodwill. Only keep what you need...for weeks wear...and only few on Sunday or out with hubby wear. Get rid of fluffy stuff you wear ... hubby's don't like to see you in that anyway. Some women still want...that Grammy look??? I am 80...next month...love simple... not old Grannie look....and my given name is "Nani" 🤭☺️
I collected items from each room and moved them into my attached garage. From there, I boxed up (and donated) what I didn't need. Left behind were my (useful but) occasionally used items which I put into clear bins then stacked on shelving units in the garage. My house is decluttered but I have what I need. Shelving units and clear bins are worth the investment.
You have a beautiful clear voice, so nice for us with hearing loss. Thank you.
Thank you Angela, that is so sweet. 🥰
The hardest part is starting & fighting with perfectionism. Done should be good enough but my clutter really stress me out. I love how you ended this video. Thank you!
“Done is better than perfect” has been a sort of mantra for me for the past year. At some point I’ve got to call it done....it may not be perfect, and at some point I can go back and edit a space...but at some point I’ve got to be willing to just focus on maintaining it. My clutter stresses me out too. Truthfully maintenance helps more than decluttering for me, once the stuff is out. It’s like decluttering is a breath of fresh air and maintenance helps me keep taking those deep breaths. ☺️
I love your voice...you know how to punctuate and that makes it more enjoyable to listen.....Love your spirit.....
I procrastinate everything because I want to do it perfectly. I always feel overwhelmed and achieve nothing.
Oh yes. I am not perfect either. I regularly declutter my closet, jewelry,.etc. but I have still have a problem. I already got the habit of decluttering the areas I am v.good at and can maintain quite well but always ignore my office stuffs.
Thus, when I need motivation to declutter spaces I am weak in I will look at these videos. No one is perfect. I just take it as a journey
Totally agree❤️
When I handle something, anything, I always ask myself "am I using this enough to keep" and "would someone else get more enjoyment out of this". That has helped me to get rid of so many things as I am not "losing" something but my donation may be a blessing to them.
Honey, I really wish you tube was a thing 30 years ago when I was a struggling mother and wife! I tried so many books and I can honestly say, your videos would have been so much more effective for me! I have several young women in mind to refer to you when the topic comes up again, and I know it will. You speak very clearly and honestly, like a good experienced friend would have. Of course we were just getting into sharing this stuff with each other, hence the books, when I was younger. Live and learn and share.
I appreciate that Valerie! Thank you! Send them my way...we all need support and encouragement!
You and your channel are an answer to a prayer. Decluttering while praising God. Your guidance and insights are exactly the motivation I’ve been needing and praying for. Thank you and God Bless.
Having so much stuff just weighs you down. Keeps you from moving forward in life.
My parents decluttered in their 70s and it was a family gathering - so us kids were able to have some treasured items and mine are on display - I cherish them very much.
Tote shuffling is a thing! I can organize anything, absolutely anything but I don’t want to spend my time organizing I want it gone.
Amen friend! I have donated most of my totes with the stuff in them because I don’t want to run the risk of filling them back up!
Lol! I didn't know (until recently) there is a name for that thing we do: "tote shuffling"! 😂
I second that!! If a tornado came and blew it away, I’d be so happy. Except my few outfits I truly look and feel good in… can’t replace those… I realized even my photo albums stress me… way too many to just enjoy and I can’t remember dates and places and faces. And that is on top of 45k on my computer!!! Why can’t we just let it all go??????
Love the drapes in the background. Your home looks lovely.
I thought the same thing - wish she would tell us where she got them.
I have anxiety and I have way too much stuff! I am really trying to change! I know that I have way too much stuff. I am anxious as well. I want a clean clutter free home that I can be proud of. Some things are so hard to get rid of. Like grandma's dishes. I just have to realize I have grandma's memories I don't need her dishes. Your video relates to me so much! I move messes. Then I have more messes! You are an inspiration!
If you are not ready for the grandma dishes just do baby steps. Start with what is easier. Also for me it really helps to say thank you to that object aknowledging it was important in my life but i don’t need anymore. Or Maybe you can honor her memory having one of the dishes in display, and the others sold/given
Thank you! I am so happy I found you all. You are all wonderful and I am blessed
Also consider USING grandma’s dishes. I used my great aunt’s china as daily dishes when my daughter was in kindergarten and first grade. It’s been packed since we left that house because I don’t want to chance dropping it on the tile floor, but I’m hoping the next house will have softer hard flooring so I can bring it out again.
Detachment from the material, the worldly "things" is the key to growing closer to Christ. It's also incredibly hard to do & so many of us struggle with it. How ridiculous is that when you think of the unimaginable glory of our God we are missing out on because we can't take our eye off of our "stuff!"
My main issue is that my brain kicks in while trying to declutter. I literally argue with myself... What if I need it? You haven't worn it in 3 yrs... I know but what if... What if... What if...
I need a "whatifectomey!"