When my mother was in her eighties, she told me (as we sat in her nice clean, but small apartment) “it’s all just stuff. You can’t take it with you” after she died a few months later she could leave me no financial inheritance, but the two biggest gifts she left were a preplanned funeral and an apartment that was easy to “clear”. Please remember your children when you think about your earthly “stuff “.
I've been doing that. Don't want to leave piles & piles of stuff that's not special to anyone but me. It's just stuff...that will be a burden to those I leave behind. Surprisingly, it was watching videos of urban explorers in old abandoned houses that got me started thinking about it, then I found it has a name--Swedish Death Cleaning! Your mother was a wise and considerate woman.
When I was younger a very old woman told me that "we spend the first half of our life collecting stuff and the second half trying to get rid of it." Stuffication. I am in the second half of my life. You are describing me.
I totally agree. The American writer Bill Bryson said that about his parents too. We all get caught up in the accumulation stage when we are younger and then spend a lot of our later years getting rid of stuff. 😂🤣🙏🙏
I'm almost 40 . I started minimalism almost 10 years ago. Love it, I have only 15 small boxes of possessions, minimal wardrobe. But... I am physically active, hiking, walking, aerobic. I also don't look at celebrities as my heroes.
Such a goal of mine. Somehow I became the family heirloom keeper. I’m not sure what to do yet. Otherwise, I’m pretty minimal compared to society- but not compared to minimalism. Congrats to you!!
I want to be you! Lol! Am on the journey of minimalism, love the decluttering, organization parts but want to get to the time when it has allowed more freedom in how I choose to live my life. Thank you for your message.
I'm 73 and 5 years ago when my husband passed (we were only married 12 years)he left me with 3 storage units full, 2 sheds and a garage with stuff! 5 vehicles and motorcycles. Took me 3 years to get rid of stuff. Moved to be near my children and have been decluttering. I will NOT leave a mess for them. I love having less.😁💜💙
For some reason, I'm just now seeing this comment... It is true...but most of the seniors I know only truly live in their RV for the winter in Arizona and still have a house here in Montana for the summer. So, that really doesn't count. LOL It would be something to minimize down to where you truly could live in an RV! I'm not there yet! But I do think I could get there...
@@jeanninehaidl2960 LOL I mean, I get the Senior discount now at many places!! Yikes! is right!! Today I was reading directions for an OTC pain reliever and it gave the directions, then for children under 12, and then for the "elderly" and I was like, "Well, I may be more "senior" than I want to be but I'm not going to claim "elderly" yet. When the time comes, I'll endeavor to embrace it, but until then... LOL
I’m 48 & yet I relate. My friends & I are working on clearing out the extras & not feel so tied down to stuff. Our kids are living their own lives and our parents are passing items to us, so we’re trying to figure exactly what we want for our lives. Our furniture is needing replacement, yet I’m thinking can I do without & gain extra space? Why am I holding on to it after all these years? I appreciate your time & keep the videos coming. Thanks so much!❤️
I started minimalism 5 years ago, after the 5th child moved out! I’ve spent a lot of money mailing the kids their stuff, but it Was so worth it! I was packing a backpack yesterday, in case of emergency evacuations(California) and realized everything important to me fit in one backpack! How cool is that?
@@JamieM470 Maybe you could set up a weekend for each of them to come visit and have them go through their stuff and take what they want? I've found with my kids that they don't want nearly as much as I think they're going to, even of their own stuff! But it wouldn't be right to declutter for them...at least not without giving them the opportunity to come and get the stuff they want. LOL you might have to set a deadline! :-)
Refreshing to listen to someone that doesn’t have a youthful giggle and understands the two bookends of stuff we live with each day, the stuff our parents left behind and the stuff our children left behind. In the process of peeling this onion, I’m defining what I like and what I want surrounding me. It’s like waking up.
I would sit in my apartment and look around and think I have got to much stuff. I ran across a video from The minimal Mom. After I watched that I started decluttering. It took me a month of working every day. The more I donated and trashed the more I wanted to get rid of more stuff. I have gotten rid of at least 80% of my stuff and I still have plenty of stuff. I am so much happier now.
Yes, one video from the minimal mom and sux weeks later down by more than 50 percent. Fast and furious is how I would describe it. I sold a lot via a yard sale and FB Marketplace, and most of the remainder was donated. Still working on layers of the onion as Dawn #theminimalmom puts it.
I also embrace minimalism. Your statement, “am I minimalist enough”, rings so true to me. I am in my mid 70’s, downsized from a house to a senior apartment, gave my children a deadline for taking their stuff, sold or gave away lots. I truly wanted to start over. I only kept what I thought would fit in to my new life style. I am an artist, my walls are white and my (new) furniture is taupe. All the color comes from the paintings on the walls. Some I change seasonally. I also sew and craft. Recently I’ve decided to part with the craft supplies that I no longer use. All the seasonal decorations that I’ve kept, fit in my storage coffee table. I only kept what I actually use. Life is so much simpler, I take great pride in my surroundings. I am so much happier. Less is more.
In year 83 . Lived in small apts for 30 years. Keeps one from acquiring stuff. Not exactly what one eould call a minimalist. Have what I need to live. Have cleaned out my dad's house ( with a basement full of HIS mom's stuff😩), my mom & aunt's house, mh son's house. Whew! Keeping it light cause my daughter will have to clean out my stuff. Ladies, attention! I have ONE purse.
I am not sure where she got this idea from but I will never forget my cousin saying to me when we were in our twenties being a successful human is well described as a chalice. We fill it in our youth, must be very careful who we allow to drink from it in our middle years and to be successful in life we must drain it with wisdom and care in our old age so we can place it empty, well used in our passing.
I saw a cartoon picture that showed the elderly father standing next to his adult son outside of the elderly father's open roll up garage door. They were looking into the garage and it was filled to the brim with "stuff". The elderly father said to his son with a look of pride on his face, "Son, someday this will all be yours!" The son, of course, had a look of horror on his face! I actually went through this with my parents' home. And then my brothers' home. What a nightmare! I ended up with some of my parents' stuff and my brothers' stuff in my garage and now I can't park my car in it. It got me thinking about getting rid of all this stuff and now I am finally chipping away at it. It is overwhelming and painful because of the memories attached. But it all served its purpose at one time and perhaps someone else can benefit from the things that are still useful. Thanks for the supportive video!
After a series of difficult life events in my mid 50's (illness, my Mothers death) I was facing cleaning out my Mom's home and her things, crystal Vases, dishes, nik-naks. UGH. My Mom LOVED her stuff.. The guilt came on when I sold her possessions...Comments, looks & more guilt from her friends. Her best friend will not speak to me...But, I had to make piece with cleaning out HER things, and that these are just things. These are their issues and I had to let go...I couldn't carry around all these things thinking 'things' honor my Mom. So, I spent 3 years, cleaning out, purging and letting go. I am still not done but it's liberating. I am living me :)
It is such a difficult process. I'm so sorry you had to endure non-supportive behavior from your mom's friends. Unfortunately, that is not unusual. But you are rising above that and taking care of yourself---which, in all reality, is probably more honoring to your mom than if you had kept her things. Always live you!!
I find it fascinating that those who loved a person who is now deceased hold on to memories and that love. Those that had only shallow relationships with that person only care for the THINGS left behind. I saw that in action when both my parents died before I was 30. Trust me, you did NOTHING wrong.
@Sable Ann - Unfortunately parents do not realise that if they don't start clearing up it places a big burden on the children if and when the time comes. Also they belonged to an age where things meant alot unlike today. Today's mantra is declutter.
💯!! I’m 53 and single. I’ve been getting rid of stuff (never been one to hold onto unnecessary things anyway) for the past 4 yrs. Recently I had a friend say “But Leah you need more! I want you to have more!” All I could see when she said that is how she is killing her self at her job, living in a big house she can’t afford, with a car payment, etc..it only solidified my direction when I looked at her life. Stuff does not equal worth. I’d rather have the money and flexibility to travel. 🌞
In Sweden, it is quite common when you get older to do a death cleaning. This means that you thoroughly clean out, minimize all the stuff to make it easier for your loved ones the day you passed away. The process often starts around the age of 50/60 and continues at regular intervals until the day you die. As a parenthesis, I forced my children to take with them everything that was theirs when they moved 😂
I hope this can become a thing in the United States too! My children took most of their stuff when they moved out, but left silly sentimental things that they didn't really want to take with them but couldn't to bring themselves to toss either. I've noticed that after a couple of years, when I mentioned their things to them, they've been much more ready to tell me to either donate or toss them, depending on which is most fitting for the particular item! I have a very few things of my children's still in my house.
I have been a minimalist for 30 years. I will be 46 this year! I find it hard to find anyone over 30 who is a true minimalist and understands my choices. There is a different approach with age and experience. I am glad I found your channel!
New subscriber. 😁 So true. My best friend is still dealing with this...7+ years later! When I moved into my mom's house to become her caretaker...she had so many things crammed in her here. She didn't even know that she had half of it! I finally convinced her to let me declutter (ongoing at 2 year mark). Told her that I didn't want to end up like my friend. Also still decluttering my own possessions...disabled so I have to go slower than most. It's so freeing to remove all the unnecessary "stuff"!!!!!!! 🌞
Am a senior. Trying to declutter. Identify with you. You understand the mentality of what it’s like trying to start decluttering when you’re older. Subscribed. Thank you. 🌲🌝☘️
I find that even if I gather the stuff for a garage sell...it just sits there. So I have benefited more just to get rid of it take it to some thrift store or goodwill or something like that... I have given myself permission to take a loss, that has benefited me on so many different levels and there is no stress. I have been decluttering for the past 3 weeks... And have gotten rid of so much that I am shocked how much I have had all these years. Yes I could have a garage sale but there is no way that I could have done this on my own it would have stressed me out on such a level without help That I would have given up like I have in the past. By giving myself permission to taking losses, I have actually opened the door to actually live... And that is more valuable than any money I could have gotten from a garage sale.
I am 67. How timely that I found you today. My landlady is selling my rental house after 19 years so I have to move. I still have my grown kid's/parent's stuff. Today, we cleaned out decades worth of their things. Pom poms from highschool, bags of undeveloped film, childhood books, and more. It felt so good! I joined a Facebook group that gives away stuff for free... People who want items come by and pick up curbside. This will make moving much easier and being "tidier" possible. I have wanted to practice minimalism for three years (since retiring from decades of teaching) so as I purge I feel happier. I will start in the grandkids playroom, guest room, etc. I am a new subscriber, as of today. I have 30-45 days downsize and find a new place to live. Wish me luck!
This video really resonated with me and I subscribed. I lived in my house from the age of 23 to age 46 and then I sold it and moved to a condo after my divorce. That process was really painful on one hand and totally liberating on the other. I got rid of approximately 70% of my stuff. That was in 2015. Since then, I moved twice more and now my significant other and I are moving in December from a two bedroom to a one bedroom apartment. This time I am shedding probably half of my belongings. Our next step after this is to move on to our boat, which will necessitate shedding most of the rest of what I own. I feel like I have so far to go, but when I look back on what I owned when I had my house, I see how incredibly far I have come. I keep thinking to myself, why on earth did I buy all this stuff??? I never really thought about it, but I think you are right. We were sort of programmed to accumulate stuff. I also recognize now that there was a giant hole in my heart that I was trying to fill with stuff. My life would have been better all around had I not spent all that money and accumulated all that stuff, just to get rid of most of it in the end. But life is a journey and we are all learning along the way. What is the saying? When you know better you do better.
That IS a challenge and there are lots of ways different people address that challenge. I frequently remind myself that getting rid of an item in no way gets rid of the memories. And if there are items attached to memories that I only remember when I see the item...which is pretty common for people...I have taken photos of those items so I can still be reminded to remember without the actual clutter around to remind me. You will find the strategy which works for you!
Not sure how I spotted this video but sure am glad I did. I'm well over 50, 63 to be exact with a 73 yr old husband who have been together 15 yrs. Started out w/2 combined houses then my parents passed. Now we have 2 houses full of "stuff" and I'm trying to minimize my own lifetime of possessions along with a lifetime of my parents. I try to stay motivated by watching young families minimalize but they don't have to deal with crystal chandeliers, tons of antiques and paintings. Your video gives me permission to keep what I want and sell or donate the rest. I'M FREE TO BE ME!!!! Thank you!!
I’m 55 and just started the minimalist life style. I have been a tote shufffler 🤣 for years. Well that’s what my grown (32and36 year old ) daughters say anyway🤷♀️. And my mother just passed away in March and she had so much stuff. 🤦♀️ I tried to take the most important things. But as I go threw more of it now, I’m realizing I don’t want it. Im so glad I found your channel. Mindset love it! Thank you.
Thank you for making this video for those your age, I'm 25 yrs. older than you, I did fine until 55. As my elders all passed and I had more space, I started acquiring some of their stuff! I also moved twice taking it with me, crazy. I moved across county 6 yrs. ago and took very little, am now in 600 sq. ft., loving it. Using this time of staying safe, I'm still working on just having just enough. What's driving me is I don't want my daughter to have to do it. If there's so much, then things that might be important to them later will go out with the rest.
It has take me all my life and 4 years to downsize and I’m only halfway through all my beautiful collections of things I thought were important to me. . But! The final goal is to build that tiny house with that bbq roof deck on top. Now that for me is called stress free living at its finest and I can’t wait for that day to come round. Great video. Thanks..
Thank you soooo much for this video, I'm in my 60's and although I don't have a lot of clutter, I'm still battling with things I need to get rid of. LOVE your video!
Thank you! Not sure why I'm just seeing these comments now after months....clearly I don't know all there is to know about youtube yet! LOL The amazing thing to me is how there are always still things to declutter even after doing minimalism for years! But it also becomes more fun....and SO freeing!
I'm 35 and I do think my generation was also brainwashed to think more would mean success. We also have to have a mindset change. So all over 50s, on that one you are not alone. 😁
#3! This is so me right now! I found myself saying yes, yes, yes, YES out loud with each example! My stuff, our stuff, our grown/married children's stuff, my deceased parents stuff! My father went to Heaven 13 years ago & my mother went to Heaven a year ago. She wouldn't let me go though my father's things, so I've been going through both of their things this past year. It's been like grieving both of them together. My father was a minister and I found an attache case full of his hand written sermons that I will always treasure! I've been doing estate sales, moving sales, asking the way and still have so much stuff! I get it so honest from both of my parents! I know I need to minimalize, but sentimentality gets in the way so many times! Everytime I get overwhelmed I listen to you tube videos like yours to get me through the difficult times and motivate me! I'm 59 & I don't want my children to have to go through what I'm going through right now! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and insight! They mean so much to people like me! God bless you & keep you!
I’m 47 and I was raised the same way as you were. It’s really hard to retrain my brain. It helps that my worst influences in my family have passed away. No more pressure to conform.
I am blessed in that my mother, not minimalist by any means, seems to understand what I'm after and is surprisingly supportive of my decision. She has even begun thinking about decluttering her stuff to make it easier for us when she passes.
Thank you for this!!!!!! I have a very hard time convincing my parents as they often think we are ‘wasteful’ even though we are donating or giving away not throwing things away and they don’t seem to understand it’s more wasteful to continue on holding on stuff that you haven’t used for 15 years
Omg....this is sooo great....I am there i have been there I am with you on this journey....oh this is fabulous....and YES I believe it starts with the mind absolutely...I just turned 50 last month but began my journey 4 yrs ago and even though I didnt have what many people would consider a lot of stuff but I did and I still find stuff today that last yr I was ok keeping yet today I am ok declutting...its wonderful....I look forward to exploring your channel 💜
Good to see someone closer to my age on minimalism, it’s not a new idea. I read Thoreau on the topic decades ago. I agree on all points, especially the advantages.
What a wonderful perspective! I have been a minimalist for a few years now but I realize I was still holding on to shopping sprees for clothes. That seems to be the next chapter of my journey, with a shopping ban. Other minimalists inspire me, so finding you addressing those of us over 50s (I'm 61), and getting that perspective, really is wonderful!
So glad to have found this video -- I'm getting lots of inspiration from the lovely "young folks" but this video (and the comments) have helped put to words some of the parts of this experience that I'm having on my path to simplicity and minimalism. There are some specific challenges to minimalizing at this time -- kids still at home, spouse, parents who live with us, having so much space that we really don't "have to" minimize. And yet, I have enough life experience to know that I no longer want to let other people's expectations limit me any longer. Can't wait to see you other videos.
This was an amazing perspective to listen to. Western society still drives us by consumerism, and even being born in the 90s wasnt enough, I too, had to overide my worth from my material stuff. Thank you so much for this video!
I’m so glad I found you! At 62 I’ve been thinking if downsizing but didn’t know where to start! There is so much useless junk in my home, it’s overwhelming. But today I will start with my bedroom and wardrobe. 🤸♂️
When l started decluttering after a cervical op, l kept asking myself..”what was l thinking when l bought these stuff?” Life is getting exciting as every 8months l give away my things and now my mindset is ‘ l am now getting rid of stuff from a 5 bedroom house to a 3 bedroom home one day’.l thank everything l let go of for being part of my life for that time but now it will bring joy to someone else.
Thank you for this video. I'm over 50. I noticed that there are a few contents for those of us who have gone beyond just decluttering and minimizing clothes and the like. We have 50 years or so of physical, sentimental, relational and psycho-emotional clutter to consider. It's very affirming and encouraging to see others of my age group declutter and go through a a similar cacophony of motions-commotions in this life tidy journey. One thing for sure is that for every life tidy project I embark on, the closer I am to my true self 😊
Thank you so much for time-stamping! Been decluttering and minimalizing for over a year now, but you being closer to my age let me hear new takes on the process. So true that we just don't care what peers or even family think anymore. I love your direct and simple approach, and you sound like a Midwesterner, like I used to be 🙂 .
Yayy I’m so excited to hear your story and see minimalists over 50!! I’m in my almost mid-50’s and am embracing my new minimalism as well! So far, it’s been awesome! Continuing on my journey with so many great ppl in this community..🤗☀️I agree 100% with how we were raised in an entirely different generation. It’s so interesting to see the challenges. Best of luck with your channel & journey! 💥💥🎉
You are right - i havent found a single ‘minimal’ video made by someone in my age group (i’ll be 50 in a couple of weeks) much less in yours. Your video is a much appreciated one. Do continue making them level-headed, not overly and unnecessarily emotional and brimming with positive notes. 🙏
So glad to find a fellow minimalist in my age group! I’m about to turn 50 and have been minimalist for several years. We do have some unique challenges. Spot on! Thanks so much for being here. Just subscribed😀
Great video! Thank you! I'm still in my 20's, but I appreciate hearing your perspective so I can make choices now that will make it easier for myself and my family over the coming decades. Looking forward to more from your channel. :)
Much needed for those of us that have items passed down from grandparents, parents and kids stuff that they didn't want to take. I have started pairing down and started with the easy things, but now I am down to the hardest items with the best memories and I like to have around. If I ever want to downsize it has to be done!
Thank you so much for this! I like the way you covered this and looked at it both ways! As older folks, we have accumulated of lifetime of stuff! We also may have some more sentimental stuff we obtained from parents and grandparents who are no longer with us. Something that helps me is thinking back to earlier times when I had my first or second apartment, and it was so quick and easy to clean the whole thing on a Saturday morning and then have time to do other things! When I donate things I think about the joy someone else can gain from it, versus it sitting in a drawer or box. With less stuff around, I am able to display the things that give me joy and easily see them. As I go through drawers and boxes, I do encounter stuff that brings back memories.. but at the same time I had completely forgotten it even existed, so I'm less inclined to keep it anyway. I also think about what if I want to downsize back to a small apartment -- something that is closer now that I'm older! I'd rather go through the stuff now than have someone else have that burden!
OMG!!! You absolutely nailed it! I am 61, decluttering and minimalizing for the past 5 years and still not done. Moved 3 times in 4 years, and another move coming up. Before the last move in 2018, I tossed my Teddy Bear that I had since I was one year old...plus all other Childhood Stuff. I did take pictures of everything. Sadly, many people my Age told me that they dont care....who ever comes after me when I go, can deal with it! Well...I wanna enjoy Retirement and not taking care of stuff. Thank you for your Video!
Very nice video. Thank you for that point of view. It really helps when we're trying to do minimalism with my parents and accepting them the way they are. thank you
I’m 60 been at downsizing for a decade and trying to be minimal where I could for 20 years. You are so right about our generation of stuff equates to success.
Thank you for saying it nice and clear; our age is an advantage! We don't need anyone's permission or approval (except our significant other) to do what we want with our stuff. We are GROWN. Hopefully our nests are empty, and it's time for us to do what we want with those nests. I just turned 60, and am just starting out on my de-cluttering journey. I'm tired of our house running me. I want it to be the other way around. I've started in a few rooms, but have been having migraines for about a week, so had to put it off till they go away. Then I'm going to hit the "excess stuff" in this place like I'm mad at it. 😂😂 Love your video, and your beautiful view on the positive nature of these golden years. It is never too late to make your life better.
You nailed it!!!! Going through my kids art work hits differently then a 27 year old going though a stack of papers. I’m not a minimalist but I have kept our houses fairly open. My kids didn’t have pictures to look at hanging lightly off center on the walls like I did when I was growing up. My kids didn’t have drawers filled with pictures to look at. Pictures that activate emotions and memories of experiences. I regret my decisions because because my kids don’t have tangible markers that usher memories. My kids learned from me not to attach to objects and now when I walk into their bedrooms, I’m a little sad. There are virtually no meaningful objects (my son is 21 and my daughter is 18). One thing not mentioned is that younger people may not have as much stuff because from a young age, they collected technology and when something newer and better came out, they tossed the old phone or computer because the phone brought them into relationship but there was no connection to the object .I watch these young people and their videos and I hope they are saving kids pictures. I hope they tape them to the walls and on the refrigerators because that feels so important to a developing person (and parent). I hope they have messy drawers filled with pictures and stickers and wallets from 7th grade.
Our children can do so many cool things with photos of their kids....have them printed on canvases, cups, etc. They don't have photo albums like we used because they have them digitally and in their phones and in the cloud. But I always encourage them to print their favorites because, you know, you never know what's going to happen in the world and we may not always be able to count on technology.
I just discovered your site today and wow !!! it is great !!! I am in my senior years and find great value in what you are sharing. It is insightful and on point. I love your creative look too :-) looking forward to checking out more of your videos.
Thank you! For some reason I'm just seeing all these comments now....so sorry I didn't reply sooner! I've enjoyed your participation in The Life Tidy!!
Thank you for the video! As a mother with school-age child, I realize that we have to declutter along the way she grows. And teach children to focus on the experience and live the present from a young age. So when I reach your age if I persist on this lifestyle I wouldn’t have much problems with material possessions because I had been practicing all my life minimalism.
That's was an honest and inspiring piece. Thank you for sharing your tips. At 52, I am struggling with decluttering but making small progress along the way. Wishing you & your loved ones safety during this virus season. Best wishes from Melbourne Australia. M xo
I am soooo glad to have found your channel! I am in my 60's and have struggled with decluttering forever. We homeschooling our children before it was popular, essentially pioneers in the movement, my youngest is 36 now. That came with a lot of supplies that we needed. My friend and I homeschooling together and have been on the declutter journey all these years as well. We live in the country and I find the things we need and do are very different from our friends that live in town. We also have hobbies that take up a lot of space, something I am working through now. I am a quilter and have been since I was in my 20's. I ran a long arm business as well for several years. Suffice it to say, I have a lot of stuff. I find it very time consuming to deal with as there are memories attached to so much. Even though you get rid of stuff at each stage of life it seems there is something else that takes its place. I would love to hear your perspective on this. Of course there is also the parents and kids moving back home and the room reshuffle we go through as well! Loved the video today on mindset. I really needed that!
We homeschooled as well...not all the way through but at different points in each of our kids' education. I had kept all that stuff until just a couple years ago. I know A LOT of quilters and you have a lot of stuff because you use a lot of stuff. Maybe I'll make a video about hobbies... My hobbies are writing, playing the guitar, outdoor activities like hiking and camping (these are probably the things that require the most stuff!) and now making videos for my channel...not so much stuff involved with that, yet, though I could definitely use some kind of lighting! Not going to get anything like that, though, till I get to 1000 subscribers...LOL Thanks for watching and joining me on this adventure!
Great hobbies! I like to paint and draw, read and travel as well. I remember when we moved to this house 35 years ago, I had over 300 cookbooks. (I have always enjoyed exploring different cuisines), I got rid of most. Kept maybe 50. Today I have over 600 cookbooks, it is a process. I never keep all of them but I tend to acquire more as I go along. I am working on scanning what I want, I can see them on the computer better anyway! LOL! It is truly a battle to figure out what is truly necessary to keep and what is just fluff with hobbies. I am trying to keep the picture of my goal in mind as I declutter. I have a vision for my spaces and what I want them to be and all the extra stuff just gets in the way of that. I am definitely a collector of books as both my husband and myself love to read. We find that we are using e-readers more and more though. We periodically go through our fiction collection and get rid of books, usually several hundred at a time. I am working on not acquiring more to deal with in the book department but he is not on board yet. Those would be good topics for your videos too, I think. Thanks for making your channel. I think eventually more people will find you and enjoy your thoughtful presentations.
@@Herizall Thank you! I am planning to do a video about how to do minimalism when not everyone in your house is on-board. My husband is not as minimal as I am, but he doesn't accumulate too much, either...except, lol, tools and other garage stuff....but he uses them, so it's not really "too much" then... There is definitely a balance to be achieved!
Three years ago I started my journey.. It’s so freeing in so many ways ..I did my whole house in months then moved into a tiny camper... some of my family thought I was losing the plot.. ✌️..
This is the first video I saw of your channel. Would love to explore all your videos . You have put your thoughts out in a very organised manner, loved that.
It is ABSOLUTELY about that mindset! 25 years of settling, I made my Exodus. Coming to terms that I made the right decision for my sanity and haven't regretted a single moment. It was so freeing to have no qualms about saying, "No, thank you. I wouldn't want to take away the opportunity from someone who might use that. Feel free to pass it on." I have reduced my first two soldiers' items to A (one/uno/einer/un) single 20 gallon plastic tub! My last little birdy has purchased her own furniture, currently 2nd year in college and is looking for her first apartment. She's down to 3 tubs. She said she wanted to beat me to the punch of what I call the 'dump & chuck'! I know about that timer setting, consigning at the antique mart, regifting, and putting stuff into the cloud. I'm working on downsizing from the 4br/.5 acre lot to that 1br condo with maintenance. I'm SOOO READY!!
I am 62 and trying hard to minimalize. Since March with quarantine and retirement around the corner, i have been gradually letting stuff go. But, it's very difficult.
Oh, thank goodness for you! I’m 51 and have been married to a husband with parents that are highly organized, but have TONs of stuff and many storage units. They just don’t get me/us. They encourage us to get more and more! And they don’t understand recycling/reuse like myself and my 20something kids do!
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When my mother was in her eighties, she told me (as we sat in her nice clean, but small apartment) “it’s all just stuff. You can’t take it with you” after she died a few months later she could leave me no financial inheritance, but the two biggest gifts she left were a preplanned funeral and an apartment that was easy to “clear”. Please remember your children when you think about your earthly “stuff “.
YES!
What a wonderful post! Instead of thinking of herself and her "stuff" she was thinking of you. I am going to do this for my children. Thank you!
I so wish my in-laws could read this...6 years ago they joined us building a new house and they have filled it to the brim with their "stuff". 😞
I've been doing that. Don't want to leave piles & piles of stuff that's not special to anyone but me. It's just stuff...that will be a burden to those I leave behind. Surprisingly, it was watching videos of urban explorers in old abandoned houses that got me started thinking about it, then I found it has a name--Swedish Death Cleaning!
Your mother was a wise and considerate woman.
@@t3r1camp That must be a very challenging situation....
When I was younger a very old woman told me that "we spend the first half of our life collecting stuff and the second half trying to get rid of it."
Stuffication. I am in the second half of my life. You are describing me.
"There is nothing new under the sun..." It's kind of comforting to know this is not just an "our generation" experience...
Stuffication! Love that. Hope you don't mind me stealing it :)
PR RUNE ...that was me that said that, lol
I totally agree. The American writer Bill Bryson said that about his parents too. We all get caught up in the accumulation stage when we are younger and then spend a lot of our later years getting rid of stuff. 😂🤣🙏🙏
PR RUNE stuffication is a very good word for it.
I'm almost 40 . I started minimalism almost 10 years ago. Love it, I have only 15 small boxes of possessions, minimal wardrobe. But... I am physically active, hiking, walking, aerobic. I also don't look at celebrities as my heroes.
Such a goal of mine. Somehow I became the family heirloom keeper. I’m not sure what to do yet. Otherwise, I’m pretty minimal compared to society- but not compared to minimalism. Congrats to you!!
I want to be you! Lol! Am on the journey of minimalism, love the decluttering, organization parts but want to get to the time when it has allowed more freedom in how I choose to live my life. Thank you for your message.
I'm 73 and 5 years ago when my husband passed (we were only married 12 years)he left me with 3 storage units full, 2 sheds and a garage with stuff! 5 vehicles and motorcycles. Took me 3 years to get rid of stuff. Moved to be near my children and have been decluttering. I will NOT leave a mess for them. I love having less.😁💜💙
Finally a senior minimalist that doesn’t live in an RV!
For some reason, I'm just now seeing this comment... It is true...but most of the seniors I know only truly live in their RV for the winter in Arizona and still have a house here in Montana for the summer. So, that really doesn't count. LOL It would be something to minimize down to where you truly could live in an RV! I'm not there yet! But I do think I could get there...
Yikes! When did someone in their 50"s become a senior?
@@jeanninehaidl2960 LOL I mean, I get the Senior discount now at many places!! Yikes! is right!! Today I was reading directions for an OTC pain reliever and it gave the directions, then for children under 12, and then for the "elderly" and I was like, "Well, I may be more "senior" than I want to be but I'm not going to claim "elderly" yet. When the time comes, I'll endeavor to embrace it, but until then... LOL
I’m 48 & yet I relate. My friends & I are working on clearing out the extras & not feel so tied down to stuff. Our kids are living their own lives and our parents are passing items to us, so we’re trying to figure exactly what we want for our lives. Our furniture is needing replacement, yet I’m thinking can I do without & gain extra space? Why am I holding on to it after all these years? I appreciate your time & keep the videos coming. Thanks so much!❤️
@@katc7332 Thank you for the encouraging words!!!
I started minimalism 5 years ago, after the 5th child moved out! I’ve spent a lot of money mailing the kids their stuff, but it
Was so worth it! I was packing a backpack yesterday, in case of emergency evacuations(California) and realized everything important to me fit in one backpack! How cool is that?
That is SO cool!!! Such a freeing feeling! I will be praying you don't have to evacuate.
Arlene Bulldis - Hey! Nice name! ☺️ And YES THAT IS COOL. Freedom!
I guess what you mean is how liberating it is!
That's my biggest de-cluttering obstacle. I'm free storage for all my (grown) children's stuff. Frustrating.
@@JamieM470 Maybe you could set up a weekend for each of them to come visit and have them go through their stuff and take what they want? I've found with my kids that they don't want nearly as much as I think they're going to, even of their own stuff! But it wouldn't be right to declutter for them...at least not without giving them the opportunity to come and get the stuff they want. LOL you might have to set a deadline! :-)
Refreshing to listen to someone that doesn’t have a youthful giggle and understands the two bookends of stuff we live with each day, the stuff our parents left behind and the stuff our children left behind. In the process of peeling this onion, I’m defining what I like and what I want surrounding me. It’s like waking up.
It is exactly like "waking up"! It's not always easy, but always totally refreshing on the other side of it!!
For me, it's like getting to know myself, finally. Understanding what i really like and want, at last!
@@thatswhatisaid8908 YES!
In a nutshell. 😉
My theory is to surround yourself with the things you love :) And it does work:)
I would sit in my apartment and look around and think I have got to much stuff. I ran across a video from The minimal Mom. After I watched that I started decluttering. It took me a month of working every day. The more I donated and trashed the more I wanted to get rid of more stuff. I have gotten rid of at least 80% of my stuff and I still have plenty of stuff. I am so much happier now.
I love how you got motivated and could make decisions day after day and kept going! You are an isspiration 😘💕
Jen Rich Thank you.
Yes, one video from the minimal mom and sux weeks later down by more than 50 percent. Fast and furious is how I would describe it. I sold a lot via a yard sale and FB Marketplace, and most of the remainder was donated. Still working on layers of the onion as Dawn #theminimalmom puts it.
But remember don't buy again
👏👏👏😊 And Remember The Tip:
Whenever....You Bring Something IN....Always...Take Something....OUT!👍🏾👍🏾😊✌
I also embrace minimalism. Your statement, “am I minimalist enough”, rings so true to me. I am in my mid 70’s, downsized from a house to a senior apartment, gave my children a deadline for taking their stuff, sold or gave away lots. I truly wanted to start over. I only kept what I thought would fit in to my new life style. I am an artist, my walls are white and my (new) furniture is taupe. All the color comes from the paintings on the walls. Some I change seasonally. I also sew and craft. Recently I’ve decided to part with the craft supplies that I no longer use. All the seasonal decorations that I’ve kept, fit in my storage coffee table. I only kept what I actually use. Life is so much simpler, I take great pride in my surroundings. I am so much happier. Less is more.
Yes, it truly is!!
So proud of you at 70 being so together and being on top of it and knowing what is worth keeping and what you can give away for others
In year 83 . Lived in small apts for 30 years. Keeps one from acquiring stuff. Not exactly what one eould call a minimalist. Have what I need to live. Have cleaned out my dad's house ( with a basement full of HIS mom's stuff😩), my mom & aunt's house, mh son's house. Whew! Keeping it light cause my daughter will have to clean out my stuff. Ladies, attention! I have ONE purse.
WOW! You are an inspiration!!
@Silverheaded Battleaxe Yo, have one purse and two backpacks - thats enough for me :)
Love it. I also only have one purse. Why do I need more?
Love how you worded your first sentence. I’m adopting that framing. 🙏🏾
@@margaret-gi9dy i got one purse now too gave the other to charity yesterday
I am not sure where she got this idea from but I will never forget my cousin saying to me when we were in our twenties being a successful human is well described as a chalice. We fill it in our youth, must be very careful who we allow to drink from it in our middle years and to be successful in life we must drain it with wisdom and care in our old age so we can place it empty, well used in our passing.
LOVE this!!!! Thank you!
That is lovely!
Amen!👏👏👏😊
I saw a cartoon picture that showed the elderly father standing next to his adult son outside of the elderly father's open roll up garage door. They were looking into the garage and it was filled to the brim with "stuff". The elderly father said to his son with a look of pride on his face, "Son, someday this will all be yours!" The son, of course, had a look of horror on his face! I actually went through this with my parents' home. And then my brothers' home. What a nightmare! I ended up with some of my parents' stuff and my brothers' stuff in my garage and now I can't park my car in it. It got me thinking about getting rid of all this stuff and now I am finally chipping away at it. It is overwhelming and painful because of the memories attached. But it all served its purpose at one time and perhaps someone else can benefit from the things that are still useful. Thanks for the supportive video!
It sounds like you are beginning to experience the joy in that journey.
After a series of difficult life events in my mid 50's (illness, my Mothers death) I was facing cleaning out my Mom's home and her things, crystal Vases, dishes, nik-naks. UGH. My Mom LOVED her stuff.. The guilt came on when I sold her possessions...Comments, looks & more guilt from her friends. Her best friend will not speak to me...But, I had to make piece with cleaning out HER things, and that these are just things. These are their issues and I had to let go...I couldn't carry around all these things thinking 'things' honor my Mom. So, I spent 3 years, cleaning out, purging and letting go. I am still not done but it's liberating. I am living me :)
It is such a difficult process. I'm so sorry you had to endure non-supportive behavior from your mom's friends. Unfortunately, that is not unusual. But you are rising above that and taking care of yourself---which, in all reality, is probably more honoring to your mom than if you had kept her things. Always live you!!
I find it fascinating that those who loved a person who is now deceased hold on to memories and that love. Those that had only shallow relationships with that person only care for the THINGS left behind. I saw that in action when both my parents died before I was 30. Trust me, you did NOTHING wrong.
@Sable Ann - Unfortunately parents do not realise that if they don't start clearing up it places a big burden on the children if and when the time comes. Also they belonged to an age where things meant alot unlike today. Today's mantra is declutter.
3 years.. oh my you are amazing that you have done so much caring with your Mom's stuff honey xo
Could you give it to her friends. Maybe they would enjoy the things.
💯!! I’m 53 and single. I’ve been getting rid of stuff (never been one to hold onto unnecessary things anyway) for the past 4 yrs. Recently I had a friend say “But Leah you need more! I want you to have more!” All I could see when she said that is how she is killing her self at her job, living in a big house she can’t afford, with a car payment, etc..it only solidified my direction when I looked at her life. Stuff does not equal worth. I’d rather have the money and flexibility to travel. 🌞
In Sweden, it is quite common when you get older to do a death cleaning. This means that you thoroughly clean out, minimize all the stuff to make it easier for your loved ones the day you passed away. The process often starts around the age of 50/60 and continues at regular intervals until the day you die. As a parenthesis, I forced my children to take with them everything that was theirs when they moved 😂
I hope this can become a thing in the United States too! My children took most of their stuff when they moved out, but left silly sentimental things that they didn't really want to take with them but couldn't to bring themselves to toss either. I've noticed that after a couple of years, when I mentioned their things to them, they've been much more ready to tell me to either donate or toss them, depending on which is most fitting for the particular item! I have a very few things of my children's still in my house.
Yes! I never understood keeping your kids' stuff after they move out. They want it, but not enough to take it with them?
I have been a minimalist for 30 years. I will be 46 this year! I find it hard to find anyone over 30 who is a true minimalist and understands my choices. There is a different approach with age and experience. I am glad I found your channel!
If we don't pare down our stuff we leave a legacy of heavy weight when we die.
It's true.
Yep. One year + dealing with my parents' stuff 🙄
@@njoolong Yes, you are so right. Me, too. Actually it is taking me a bit longer than you.
@@GumboGirl13 so incredibly draining!!
New subscriber. 😁
So true. My best friend is still dealing with this...7+ years later!
When I moved into my mom's house to become her caretaker...she had so many things crammed in her here.
She didn't even know that she had half of it! I finally convinced her to let me declutter (ongoing at 2 year mark). Told her that I didn't want to end up like my friend. Also still decluttering my own possessions...disabled so I have to go slower than most.
It's so freeing to remove all the unnecessary "stuff"!!!!!!! 🌞
So glad i found this video at 62, im starting a new JOURNEY, it is a challenge but Im embracing this new mindset, thank you for making it.
Thank you!! And welcome along!!
I am also glad to this video. I am 45.
Am a senior. Trying to declutter. Identify with you. You understand the mentality of what it’s like trying to start decluttering when you’re older. Subscribed. Thank you.
🌲🌝☘️
I find that even if I gather the stuff for a garage sell...it just sits there. So I have benefited more just to get rid of it take it to some thrift store or goodwill or something like that... I have given myself permission to take a loss, that has benefited me on so many different levels and there is no stress.
I have been decluttering for the past 3 weeks... And have gotten rid of so much that I am shocked how much I have had all these years. Yes I could have a garage sale but there is no way that I could have done this on my own it would have stressed me out on such a level without help That I would have given up like I have in the past.
By giving myself permission to taking losses, I have actually opened the door to actually live... And that is more valuable than any money I could have gotten from a garage sale.
🤗👏👏👏...
I call it... BLESSING OTHER'S 🙏😊👍👍
I am 67. How timely that I found you today. My landlady is selling my rental house after 19 years so I have to move. I still have my grown kid's/parent's stuff. Today, we cleaned out decades worth of their things. Pom poms from highschool, bags of undeveloped film, childhood books, and more. It felt so good! I joined a Facebook group that gives away stuff for free... People who want items come by and pick up curbside. This will make moving much easier and being "tidier" possible. I have wanted to practice minimalism for three years (since retiring from decades of teaching) so as I purge I feel happier. I will start in the grandkids playroom, guest room, etc.
I am a new subscriber, as of today. I have 30-45 days downsize and find a new place to live. Wish me luck!
Welcome! I will be praying the perfect place introduces itself to you!!
l hope you find somewhere that suits you.
I hope you found a great place!
Hope everything went well!!
I hope this message finds you where you want to be.
This video really resonated with me and I subscribed.
I lived in my house from the age of 23 to age 46 and then I sold it and moved to a condo after my divorce. That process was really painful on one hand and totally liberating on the other. I got rid of approximately 70% of my stuff. That was in 2015.
Since then, I moved twice more and now my significant other and I are moving in December from a two bedroom to a one bedroom apartment. This time I am shedding probably half of my belongings. Our next step after this is to move on to our boat, which will necessitate shedding most of the rest of what I own.
I feel like I have so far to go, but when I look back on what I owned when I had my house, I see how incredibly far I have come. I keep thinking to myself, why on earth did I buy all this stuff??? I never really thought about it, but I think you are right. We were sort of programmed to accumulate stuff. I also recognize now that there was a giant hole in my heart that I was trying to fill with stuff. My life would have been better all around had I not spent all that money and accumulated all that stuff, just to get rid of most of it in the end. But life is a journey and we are all learning along the way. What is the saying? When you know better you do better.
The memories attached to the stuff is my challenge.
That IS a challenge and there are lots of ways different people address that challenge. I frequently remind myself that getting rid of an item in no way gets rid of the memories. And if there are items attached to memories that I only remember when I see the item...which is pretty common for people...I have taken photos of those items so I can still be reminded to remember without the actual clutter around to remind me. You will find the strategy which works for you!
Oh I empathize.
Not sure how I spotted this video but sure am glad I did. I'm well over 50, 63 to be exact with a 73 yr old husband who have been together 15 yrs. Started out w/2 combined houses then my parents passed. Now we have 2 houses full of "stuff" and I'm trying to minimize my own lifetime of possessions along with a lifetime of my parents. I try to stay motivated by watching young families minimalize but they don't have to deal with crystal chandeliers, tons of antiques and paintings. Your video gives me permission to keep what I want and sell or donate the rest. I'M FREE TO BE ME!!!! Thank you!!
Thank you for watching my video and for the encouraging feedback!
I am going to make a series of videos on this subject so if you have any specific ideas, questions or comments, I would love to hear them!
Well done you! It’s difficult to rid your parents things!
Best of luck to you. I hope you've been able to make even more progress since your post 9 months ago.
I’m 55 and just started the minimalist life style. I have been a tote shufffler 🤣 for years. Well that’s what my grown (32and36 year old ) daughters say anyway🤷♀️. And my mother just passed away in March and she had so much stuff. 🤦♀️ I tried to take the most important things. But as I go threw more of it now, I’m realizing I don’t want it. Im so glad I found your channel. Mindset love it! Thank you.
🌻🌹🌼I can so relate Angela. It really is an emotional journey first.
Thank you for making this video for those your age, I'm 25 yrs. older than you, I did fine until 55. As my elders all passed and I had more space, I started acquiring some of their stuff! I also moved twice taking it with me, crazy. I moved across county 6 yrs. ago and took very little, am now in 600 sq. ft., loving it. Using this time of staying safe, I'm still working on just having just enough. What's driving me is I don't want my daughter to have to do it. If there's so much, then things that might be important to them later will go out with the rest.
It has take me all my life and 4 years to downsize and I’m only halfway through all my beautiful collections of things I thought were important to me. . But! The final goal is to build that tiny house with that bbq roof deck on top. Now that for me is called stress free living at its finest and I can’t wait for that day to come round. Great video. Thanks..
I’m into this. It’s liberating. It comes on slowly.
Thank you soooo much for this video, I'm in my 60's and although I don't have a lot of clutter, I'm still battling with things I need to get rid of. LOVE your video!
Thank you! Not sure why I'm just seeing these comments now after months....clearly I don't know all there is to know about youtube yet! LOL The amazing thing to me is how there are always still things to declutter even after doing minimalism for years! But it also becomes more fun....and SO freeing!
I'm 35 and I do think my generation was also brainwashed to think more would mean success. We also have to have a mindset change. So all over 50s, on that one you are not alone. 😁
#3! This is so me right now! I found myself saying yes, yes, yes, YES out loud with each example! My stuff, our stuff, our grown/married children's stuff, my deceased parents stuff! My father went to Heaven 13 years ago & my mother went to Heaven a year ago. She wouldn't let me go though my father's things, so I've been going through both of their things this past year. It's been like grieving both of them together. My father was a minister and I found an attache case full of his hand written sermons that I will always treasure! I've been doing estate sales, moving sales, asking the way and still have so much stuff! I get it so honest from both of my parents! I know I need to minimalize, but sentimentality gets in the way so many times! Everytime I get overwhelmed I listen to you tube videos like yours to get me through the difficult times and motivate me! I'm 59 & I don't want my children to have to go through what I'm going through right now! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and insight! They mean so much to people like me! God bless you & keep you!
God bless and keep you as well 🤍🙏
That was such a nice presentation of the path of minimalism for us older girls. Thank you!!
I’m 47 and I was raised the same way as you were. It’s really hard to retrain my brain. It helps that my worst influences in my family have passed away. No more pressure to conform.
I am blessed in that my mother, not minimalist by any means, seems to understand what I'm after and is surprisingly supportive of my decision. She has even begun thinking about decluttering her stuff to make it easier for us when she passes.
Thank you for this!!!!!! I have a very hard time convincing my parents as they often think we are ‘wasteful’ even though we are donating or giving away not throwing things away and they don’t seem to understand it’s more wasteful to continue on holding on stuff that you haven’t used for 15 years
I'm working on putting together some thoughts and content for a video about this very subject....it is a very real challenge on both sides...
Omg....this is sooo great....I am there i have been there I am with you on this journey....oh this is fabulous....and YES I believe it starts with the mind absolutely...I just turned 50 last month but began my journey 4 yrs ago and even though I didnt have what many people would consider a lot of stuff but I did and I still find stuff today that last yr I was ok keeping yet today I am ok declutting...its wonderful....I look forward to exploring your channel 💜
Thank you SO much!!
Good to see someone closer to my age on minimalism, it’s not a new idea. I read Thoreau on the topic decades ago. I agree on all points, especially the advantages.
What a wonderful perspective! I have been a minimalist for a few years now but I realize I was still holding on to shopping sprees for clothes. That seems to be the next chapter of my journey, with a shopping ban. Other minimalists inspire me, so finding you addressing those of us over 50s (I'm 61), and getting that perspective, really is wonderful!
So glad to have found this video -- I'm getting lots of inspiration from the lovely "young folks" but this video (and the comments) have helped put to words some of the parts of this experience that I'm having on my path to simplicity and minimalism. There are some specific challenges to minimalizing at this time -- kids still at home, spouse, parents who live with us, having so much space that we really don't "have to" minimize. And yet, I have enough life experience to know that I no longer want to let other people's expectations limit me any longer. Can't wait to see you other videos.
This was an amazing perspective to listen to. Western society still drives us by consumerism, and even being born in the 90s wasnt enough, I too, had to overide my worth from my material stuff. Thank you so much for this video!
I love the fact that you see this at your age, how we all are marketed to .... more more more... scary really.🌹🌻
I’m so glad I found you! At 62 I’ve been thinking if downsizing but didn’t know where to start! There is so much useless junk in my home, it’s overwhelming. But today I will start with my bedroom and wardrobe. 🤸♂️
You got this!!!! Let me know how it goes....and how amazing you feel once it's done!!
M Baker I’m with you on this. It’s hard but I want to have less ❤️❤️
When l started decluttering after a cervical op, l kept asking myself..”what was l thinking when l bought these stuff?” Life is getting exciting as every 8months l give away my things and now my mindset is ‘ l am now getting rid of stuff from a 5 bedroom house to a 3 bedroom home one day’.l thank everything l let go of for being part of my life for that time but now it will bring joy to someone else.
Thank you for this video. I'm over 50. I noticed that there are a few contents for those of us who have gone beyond just decluttering and minimizing clothes and the like. We have 50 years or so of physical, sentimental, relational and psycho-emotional clutter to consider. It's very affirming and encouraging to see others of my age group declutter and go through a a similar cacophony of motions-commotions in this life tidy journey. One thing for sure is that for every life tidy project I embark on, the closer I am to my true self 😊
I turned 49 in July and I've already started this minimalist journey
great to watch someone closer to my age and you are right its totally different that a young person without a life time of stuff
Thank you so much for time-stamping! Been decluttering and minimalizing for over a year now, but you being closer to my age let me hear new takes on the process. So true that we just don't care what peers or even family think anymore. I love your direct and simple approach, and you sound like a Midwesterner, like I used to be 🙂 .
I'm 41 and glad to have this middle aged perspective on minimalism. Just beginning my decluttering journey. Totally subscribing to this channel!
Yayy I’m so excited to hear your story and see minimalists over 50!! I’m in my almost mid-50’s and am embracing my new minimalism as well! So far, it’s been awesome! Continuing on my journey with so many great ppl in this community..🤗☀️I agree 100% with how we were raised in an entirely different generation. It’s so interesting to see the challenges. Best of luck with your channel & journey! 💥💥🎉
Thank you!! So glad to be joined by others on this minimalism adventure!!
It is so interesting Jen, minimalism can start at any time in your life. Congrats.🌼🌼🌼
You are right - i havent found a single ‘minimal’ video made by someone in my age group (i’ll be 50 in a couple of weeks) much less in yours. Your video is a much appreciated one. Do continue making them level-headed, not overly and unnecessarily emotional and brimming with positive notes. 🙏
That is my aim!
So glad to find a fellow minimalist in my age group! I’m about to turn 50 and have been minimalist for several years. We do have some unique challenges. Spot on! Thanks so much for being here. Just subscribed😀
Thank you! And welcome to this little community! It's always great to know we are not alone in this adventure!
Me too. Going on 51
Hurrah. At last, someone who makes sense for us older people. Thank you.
Great video! Thank you! I'm still in my 20's, but I appreciate hearing your perspective so I can make choices now that will make it easier for myself and my family over the coming decades. Looking forward to more from your channel. :)
Dear, lady. Thank you for putting out this series.
You are very inspirational! I also love how you showed that every point can be viewed as good or bad, advantage and disadvantage. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. You pointed out some things that I never realized. I'm 61 and focused on decluttering and its a challenge. Thanks so much
Much needed for those of us that have items passed down from grandparents, parents and kids stuff that they didn't want to take. I have started pairing down and started with the easy things, but now I am down to the hardest items with the best memories and I like to have around. If I ever want to downsize it has to be done!
Yes very good points that you made! I can relate 👍🏻❤️
Thank you for creating this post! It’s so important to see the perspective from every age!
Thank you so much for this! I like the way you covered this and looked at it both ways! As older folks, we have accumulated of lifetime of stuff! We also may have some more sentimental stuff we obtained from parents and grandparents who are no longer with us. Something that helps me is thinking back to earlier times when I had my first or second apartment, and it was so quick and easy to clean the whole thing on a Saturday morning and then have time to do other things! When I donate things I think about the joy someone else can gain from it, versus it sitting in a drawer or box. With less stuff around, I am able to display the things that give me joy and easily see them. As I go through drawers and boxes, I do encounter stuff that brings back memories.. but at the same time I had completely forgotten it even existed, so I'm less inclined to keep it anyway. I also think about what if I want to downsize back to a small apartment -- something that is closer now that I'm older! I'd rather go through the stuff now than have someone else have that burden!
BEAUTIFUL!! Best video I have seen yet for seniors!! I am 70 and stuffed with stuff!! Very practical and encouraging! Thank you!!
Thank you!
Thankyou for a wonderfully insightful chunk of wisdom. I truly enjoyed your kind words.
You are so right, you have put into words what I have been thinking, thank you. 💖💞
Thank you! That was a blessing! ❤
OMG!!! You absolutely nailed it! I am 61, decluttering and minimalizing for the past 5 years and still not done. Moved 3 times in 4 years, and another move coming up.
Before the last move in 2018, I tossed my Teddy Bear that I had since I was one year old...plus all other Childhood Stuff. I did take pictures of everything. Sadly, many people my Age told me that they dont care....who ever comes after me when I go, can deal with it! Well...I wanna enjoy Retirement and not taking care of stuff.
Thank you for your Video!
Thank you so much! I love finding other people in our age group sharing this adventure!!
You are awesome!
Very nice video. Thank you for that point of view. It really helps when we're trying to do minimalism with my parents and accepting them the way they are. thank you
WOW..wow..wow!! Thank you for making this video!
Great video! You hit the nail on the head. Thank you 🙏🏾 and god bless!
I like what you said. I'm in my 60's and have my grandmas stuff my folks stuff and my husband's folks stuff. I am slowly hauling it off
I’m 60 been at downsizing for a decade and trying to be minimal where I could for 20 years. You are so right about our generation of stuff equates to success.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you for saying it nice and clear; our age is an advantage! We don't need anyone's permission or approval (except our significant other) to do what we want with our stuff. We are GROWN. Hopefully our nests are empty, and it's time for us to do what we want with those nests.
I just turned 60, and am just starting out on my de-cluttering journey. I'm tired of our house running me. I want it to be the other way around. I've started in a few rooms, but have been having migraines for about a week, so had to put it off till they go away. Then I'm going to hit the "excess stuff" in this place like I'm mad at it. 😂😂
Love your video, and your beautiful view on the positive nature of these golden years. It is never too late to make your life better.
You nailed it!!!! Going through my kids art work hits differently then a 27 year old going though a stack of papers. I’m not a minimalist but I have kept our houses fairly open. My kids didn’t have pictures to look at hanging lightly off center on the walls like I did when I was growing up. My kids didn’t have drawers filled with pictures to look at. Pictures that activate emotions and memories of experiences. I regret my decisions because because my kids don’t have tangible markers that usher memories. My kids learned from me not to attach to objects and now when I walk into their bedrooms, I’m a little sad. There are virtually no meaningful objects (my son is 21 and my daughter is 18). One thing not mentioned is that younger people may not have as much stuff because from a young age, they collected technology and when something newer and better came out, they tossed the old phone or computer because the phone brought them into relationship but there was no connection to the object .I watch these young people and their videos and I hope they are saving kids pictures. I hope they tape them to the walls and on the refrigerators because that feels so important to a developing person (and parent). I hope they have messy drawers filled with pictures and stickers and wallets from 7th grade.
Our children can do so many cool things with photos of their kids....have them printed on canvases, cups, etc. They don't have photo albums like we used because they have them digitally and in their phones and in the cloud. But I always encourage them to print their favorites because, you know, you never know what's going to happen in the world and we may not always be able to count on technology.
I just discovered your site today and wow !!! it is great !!! I am in my senior years and find great value in what you are sharing. It is insightful and on point. I love your creative look too :-) looking forward to checking out more of your videos.
Thank you! For some reason I'm just seeing all these comments now....so sorry I didn't reply sooner! I've enjoyed your participation in The Life Tidy!!
@@TheLifeTidy Great !! I look forward to seeing your future posts too :-)
I totally needed this video! Thank you. Also, that chair behind you!
@The Tidy Life, I love that you have painted colors into your home. I too did this and found that I more fully enjoyed my very green walls. 😁
Good points and take on minimalism! Thanks for sharing 👍🏿🌸
Thanks for watching!!
Beautifully done. Thanks for the insightful content. -a fellow 55 year old Mom looking forward and backward, but mostly now....
Glad I spotted your channel.
Thank you for the video! As a mother with school-age child, I realize that we have to declutter along the way she grows. And teach children to focus on the experience and live the present from a young age. So when I reach your age if I persist on this lifestyle I wouldn’t have much problems with material possessions because I had been practicing all my life minimalism.
Yes, yes, yes!!!
This is do helpful! Really well thought out. It's so hard to get rid of stuff but it makes me feel so good!
Thank you for putting this forth. It does help.
That's was an honest and inspiring piece. Thank you for sharing your tips. At 52, I am struggling with decluttering but making small progress along the way. Wishing you & your loved ones safety during this virus season. Best wishes from Melbourne Australia. M xo
Wow! i absolutely loved that...
I am soooo glad to have found your channel! I am in my 60's and have struggled with decluttering forever. We homeschooling our children before it was popular, essentially pioneers in the movement, my youngest is 36 now. That came with a lot of supplies that we needed. My friend and I homeschooling together and have been on the declutter journey all these years as well. We live in the country and I find the things we need and do are very different from our friends that live in town. We also have hobbies that take up a lot of space, something I am working through now. I am a quilter and have been since I was in my 20's. I ran a long arm business as well for several years. Suffice it to say, I have a lot of stuff. I find it very time consuming to deal with as there are memories attached to so much. Even though you get rid of stuff at each stage of life it seems there is something else that takes its place. I would love to hear your perspective on this. Of course there is also the parents and kids moving back home and the room reshuffle we go through as well! Loved the video today on mindset. I really needed that!
We homeschooled as well...not all the way through but at different points in each of our kids' education. I had kept all that stuff until just a couple years ago. I know A LOT of quilters and you have a lot of stuff because you use a lot of stuff. Maybe I'll make a video about hobbies... My hobbies are writing, playing the guitar, outdoor activities like hiking and camping (these are probably the things that require the most stuff!) and now making videos for my channel...not so much stuff involved with that, yet, though I could definitely use some kind of lighting! Not going to get anything like that, though, till I get to 1000 subscribers...LOL Thanks for watching and joining me on this adventure!
Great hobbies! I like to paint and draw, read and travel as well. I remember when we moved to this house 35 years ago, I had over 300 cookbooks. (I have always enjoyed exploring different cuisines), I got rid of most. Kept maybe 50. Today I have over 600 cookbooks, it is a process. I never keep all of them but I tend to acquire more as I go along. I am working on scanning what I want, I can see them on the computer better anyway! LOL! It is truly a battle to figure out what is truly necessary to keep and what is just fluff with hobbies. I am trying to keep the picture of my goal in mind as I declutter. I have a vision for my spaces and what I want them to be and all the extra stuff just gets in the way of that. I am definitely a collector of books as both my husband and myself love to read. We find that we are using e-readers more and more though. We periodically go through our fiction collection and get rid of books, usually several hundred at a time. I am working on not acquiring more to deal with in the book department but he is not on board yet. Those would be good topics for your videos too, I think. Thanks for making your channel. I think eventually more people will find you and enjoy your thoughtful presentations.
@@Herizall Thank you! I am planning to do a video about how to do minimalism when not everyone in your house is on-board. My husband is not as minimal as I am, but he doesn't accumulate too much, either...except, lol, tools and other garage stuff....but he uses them, so it's not really "too much" then... There is definitely a balance to be achieved!
I’m happy to discover your channel as I’m heading to minimalism journey too.
You made excellent points! Thank you!
Thank you for checking out my channel!
Three years ago I started my journey.. It’s so freeing in so many ways ..I did my whole house in months then moved into a tiny camper... some of my family thought I was losing the plot.. ✌️..
Just became empty nester! Yay! Time to declutter and downsize our lives! Super excited! Thanks for the video and Motivation!👏🎉
Every season of life does have its particular joys!
I like the idea you shared of being your own person and style with minimalism
I’m the same age and minimalist too... refreshing to listen to you speak on this topic...blessings to you 😃
as a 55 year old who is setting out on a new path alone this year this was very inspirational - thanks!
I needed some inspiration today. Thank you.
Good perspectives. Thank you.
Thank you! It's a great adventure!
Fantastic video. Love your vibe.
This is the first video I saw of your channel. Would love to explore all your videos . You have put your thoughts out in a very organised manner, loved that.
It is ABSOLUTELY about that mindset!
25 years of settling, I made my Exodus. Coming to terms that I made the right decision for my sanity and haven't regretted a single moment. It was so freeing to have no qualms about saying, "No, thank you. I wouldn't want to take away the opportunity from someone who might use that. Feel free to pass it on."
I have reduced my first two soldiers' items to A (one/uno/einer/un) single 20 gallon plastic tub! My last little birdy has purchased her own furniture, currently 2nd year in college and is looking for her first apartment. She's down to 3 tubs. She said she wanted to beat me to the punch of what I call the 'dump & chuck'!
I know about that timer setting, consigning at the antique mart, regifting, and putting stuff into the cloud.
I'm working on downsizing from the 4br/.5 acre lot to that 1br condo with maintenance. I'm SOOO READY!!
It's such a great feeling, isn't it??
@@TheLifeTidy Indeed!
I am 62 and trying hard to minimalize. Since March with quarantine and retirement around the corner, i have been gradually letting stuff go. But, it's very difficult.
Yes it is. But it does get easier....and even enjoyable, eventually!
Thanks for being so enjoyable to listen to and smart besides. God Bless!😇😁🙋♀️👍❤️
:-)
Amen sister,great video,thx
Thanks for the Webinar on minimalism.
This video was so helpful! Thank you for defining my struggles and for giving me permission to create my own version of minimalism. 😊
You are so welcome!! That is totally my goal!! It makes me happy to see someone write that!
Oh, thank goodness for you! I’m 51 and have been married to a husband with parents that are highly organized, but have TONs of stuff and many storage units. They just don’t get me/us. They encourage us to get more and more! And they don’t understand recycling/reuse like myself and my 20something kids do!
That must be very tough.