@@gwenellison5386 that’s exactly how I feel and need to do. I’m drowning here. But I started in my kitchen today. One step at a time. Thank you for the boost
Holy crap. “An item given with expectations attached isn’t a gift, it’s a bribe” was a mic drop moment. I mean a record really scratched in my head and I had to pause. Wow. Thank you for that paradigm shift!!
Joshua, I have been inspired by your TH-cam videos, many interviews, and your "Becomining Minimalist" audiobook, and wanted you to know how much you have helped articulate and expand upon my personal tendendency toward minimalism. I grew up in a household abundant with things -- there was never a shortage of anything, and in fact my mother became a hoarder which resulted in my feeling at an early age there was no comfortable place -- no room for me -- in our sizable house except in my own room which I kept clutter free and tidy. Looking back now, I realize I was traumatized by her hoarding of objects and pets. I did not know anything about "minimalism" as a child or young adult -- I just knew I innately craved order, free space, quiet and cleanliness -- things I could not find anywhere in my childhood house except in my own bedroom. Now in my upper 50's, I realize I'm extremely fortunate to have found a life partner -- my husband of 33+years -- who is comfortable with our intentionally minimalist lifestyle, and in fact, it was his idea we move to a small, simple house with an equally small and manageable yard. We moved into our 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom house 20 years ago and never looked back. The house is free of clutter, we live simply, share 1 car, and no longer crave expensive dinners out, fancy gym memberships, or exotic vacations. Upon listening to your videos again this week, I've been inspired to sell/donate more of the clothes my husband and I no longer wear. Our style/needs have changed, and someone else can benefit from the items we no longer need. I so appreciate the sense of validation from your words -- for so many years I was jokingly referred to by family/friends as "OCD" (ouch) when, in reality, it is much different than that -- it is understanding what I don't want in my life, what I do want -- and making that happen with careful and considered choices of who and what objects I surround myself with. Thank you for spreading the word so more people can understand this lifetyle choice. Lastly, I'd like to say (after hearing your old video today re: negative reviews): I appreciate and applaud your slow and deliberate speaking style -- it goes hand-in-hand with being an intentional person, and is one of the reasons I love your channel -- it is calming, and allows for a peaceful listen with time to absorb what you are saying. And anyone who criticizes your hair is just jealous (all men should be so lucky). Please keep the good vibes coming as so many of us appreciate all you have to share, and the light, validation and ease you bring to our lives.
Joshua, Wow! I resonated with too many of these myths. Recently, I got rid of even more stuff from our garage that sat in a storage unit for 2 yrs & then our garage for the past 25 yrs. It felt good to get rid of it. Slowly but surely, that garage is getting cleaned out. 😊
Dear Joshua, it has been almost five years since I discovered your videos, and they truly shifted my perspective on possessions. Coming from a middle-class family, I used to think, "Maybe I'll use it someday," or, "I invested money in it, so I should keep it." However, I have now fully overcome that mindset. Thank you!
This last week we hosted a Young Life meeting in our home. One of the first things someone said was "Your house is so peaceful." Yes, sir, that's the goal! Thank you, Joshua, for your insights and motivation.
I love that comment 'your house is so peaceful' and I'll keep that in mind as I try to keep on decluttering. Each section or room I do, I'll step back and ask how do I feel.
Great video! I got rid of a lot of my stuff when we moved from VA to NJ and then again when we moved into our house. I find it easier to hold myself accountable if I have a 'declutter' box in my front room and when it gets full, I will have my hubby drop it off on his way home. Some of the stuff I have decluttered is books and movies (really hard for me), and I really enjoy being able to donate them to my local library 🙂
There is some science behind getting rid of items and your overall health. We have been decluttering and it just makes all of my family feel better. The attic is on today’s menu and your video popped up!
1 I’m just messy 2 I need all this stuff 3 All this stuff improves my life 4 It’s not hurting anything 5 I’ll use it someday 6 I can’t get rid of gifts 7 I don’t have time to declutter 8 All this stuff is part of my identity 9 Getting rid of my stuff is wasteful
@beccaatthebeach Harsh. I'm sure Joshua would not mind if someone decides to summarise his 9 points and put it in the comments section to help people remember the points without having to watch the whole video again. If he was that concerned, then I don't think he would be doing videos like this gorgeous free. He obviously wants to help people declutter and it's not just about likes or views. Plus, you actually have to take the time to read through the comments before you even come across this lady's posted comment. The only way it would potentially hinder the number of views is anyone who prefers to go straight to comments before watching the video. I personally prefer to watch the video & then have a look at the comments. So Joshua already has my 'view' and 'like' so no harm done to the content creators!
@@MissAndDavthanks for you viewpoint but I think it’s lacking logic / he doesn’t put it in the description for a reason. Many people come to comments to see summaries and not watch the video - that is common for all channels He gets revenue from ads which don’t happen if people don’t watch He never comments “thank you” on these types of comments I’m glad you found it helpful but there’s a reason he doesn’t do it and my comment stands and really was not that harsh I was trying to give Joshua the respect and props he deserves Have a wonderful day
Actually these are excuses we give ourselves to live in mess of clutter.Thank fully I hv won the race to live clutter free with less n manageable inventory. It's freedom n peace❤
Thank you Joshua. Wonderful to have the issue of clutter reminded ever so gently "one small space at a time". How can that not be doable? Love it Live it Live it ❤
Thank you for your always inspiring videos. I have just returned home from a month in Japan. A country I really appreciate , but also a place that loves stuff and are very good at producing and selling it. It is difficult to resist buying all those cute and/or beautiful things, but it makes you think even more what it is all about - all these things. Now Im back in my homecountry and my house that holds too much stuff, even more motivated to reduce than before. I really hope I will be able to get rid of stuff in the coming months. Wish me luck.
As times goes by… I learn to live simple. My way of being it’s simpler and my life has place and space and it’s beautiful. so more often. I do find some bullying from my friends and family but I learned to suffer less from their judgement. It’s a process.
This is one of the best videos I have seen regarding stuff and life in general. I have someone in my life that’s a huge procrastinator, I think some of these can apply to other things than clutter. Thanks so much for the video.
Buying new stuff makes me happier ONLY if I really need it and if I get rid of something else, in a sustainable way☺️ more stuff never makes me happy 😌
So helpful - thank you. I’ve made great strides in decluttering throughout my house, but my craft/yarn room remains a major challenge. All nine of your “myths” apply to my massive yarn collection, lol!! But I think maybe I can make some headway now, using what you said as guideposts. Thank you again.
@ Yep, and don’t forget under the bed, too! 🤣 … so my big challenge now is to quit fooling myself about how much yarn I actually have, and look hard at all those hidden places: a sort of “come to Jesus” reckoning, I guess. 🙀
I have a large stash of yarn. So I have now got 10 boxes with lids, and each box contains a different type or ply of yarn. So I have two Aran yarn boxes. Four baby yarn boxes. Three DK boxes. One multi or odd balls of yarn box…..plus a small collection of left over yarn that can be crocheted into different coloured patterns. Finally, I have large sign that says:- BUYING YARN AND USING IT ARE TWO DIFFERENT HOBBIES. How true is that.
@@emma-woodhouse-721that's one place (perhaps the only place) that's never been a challenge for me. My parents were war babies (so the scarcity mindset) and every bed in the house had stuff spilling out from under it and it was always confronting for me. So I vowed as young girl that I would never have that. Now for the rest of the house????
Thank you so much for your Video. I was trying to get rid of Things, but there came back in a different Way ... Last Week your Video was suggested to me and after the first Time listening I decluttered and it stays like that since that Day 💪😊 never happend before. I am listening to that Video almost every Day now to change my Thinking. Thank you so much again
Oh my God... don't you love the person who gives you a 600-page book and asks you constantly if you read it and if you liked it! Uh... I didn't choose this book and I don't intend to read it.
Thank you Joshua, for your very helpful videos! I have been forced to dispose of my stuff because of relocations, and over time I am learning to declutter intentionally. Your videos encourage me to keep on decluttering - not just my physical space - but other aspects of my life too ;>))
Last month, clutterbug did something great. Especially for beginners. Every day, get rid of 5 things. Garbage, donate, whatever. Example: Monday kitchen, Tuesday bedroom, Wednesday bathroom etc. Before you know it, you've started! If you want to do more than 5, then do so. The key is to not get stressed. Don't ponder over something. Make the decision quick. You can do it!!
Don't get me started... I finally gathered together all the cables, cords and chargers etc and put them in a box. I have some electronics that I need to either sell or donate and I haven't had time to make sure that everything has its own charger/cord.
My biggest eye opener in having possessions was when my father died suddenly a few months ago. here were all his belongings left behind to be sorted out by his family left behind.
My challenge is decluttering books. Some are almost brand new or brand new and I know i won’t read them. I was ready to donate them to our local charities or library but they won’t accept books. I’ve tried listing them on FB marketplace to no avail. It just seems so wasteful to throw them in the garbage. I’d love to find solutions for this dilemma. I’m in Canada.
Both of the above are good suggestions. For collections of books related to a topic, e.g., aircraft, we will donate them to a nearby museum to resell in their gift shop. The volunteers who run the place will live having first pick 😊
@ Thanks but I live in a small city that does not have a Salvation Army and the 2 charities that accept donations here will not accept books of any kind as donations. That’s why i can’t donate them. People don’t buy them or even accept them free on FB marketplace either (I’ve tried). So I feel stuck with them.
My brother just died quickly of lymphoma: 2 weeks from diagnosis. My brain says I don’t want any “stuff”. Still, the pictures come in. Now I’m alone. It won’t be him and me dealing with our parent’s burial and stuff. It will be me. What are the answers when that day comes? Even if you’ve already done a video on this please contact me with a link to that video. Thank you
Very sorry for your loss. If it gives you any comfort, your parents burials can be pre-planned while they are alive. As far as "stuff" goes, I found it helpful to choose a few things that give you good memories of that person & let go of the rest. It's a big job but you just do a little at a time consistently and eventually it gets done. God bless you.
@ thank you. I had handed to my brother after I beat stage 4 cancer 6 years ago. We all know cancer always comes back. I also have a chronic health condition. I have been on SSDI 25 years but went back to work as a nurse. My parents are poor. The weight of this is heavy. I just keep telling myself “stop stressing. You could still die before they do.” Never dreamed our family of 4 would all die so close to each other: brother 48, father 79, mother 76, me 52. It’s sad. It’s definitely all just stuff. Thank you for your kind words of love and hope.
Do you want it? Would it be better to find a collector? In my area, Australia, twice a year we have a Stamp & Coin fair. Perhaps you have something like that where you live.
Great video! Best thing I ever did was let go of 80% of my stuff. So much happier now that I'm not drowning in crap.
@@gwenellison5386 that’s exactly how I feel and need to do. I’m drowning here. But I started in my kitchen today. One step at a time. Thank you for the boost
@@kathleennotaro9935 You got this! Like you said, one step at a time. =)
Holy crap. “An item given with expectations attached isn’t a gift, it’s a bribe” was a mic drop moment. I mean a record really scratched in my head and I had to pause. Wow. Thank you for that paradigm shift!!
Joshua, I have been inspired by your TH-cam videos, many interviews, and your "Becomining Minimalist" audiobook, and wanted you to know how much you have helped articulate and expand upon my personal tendendency toward minimalism. I grew up in a household abundant with things -- there was never a shortage of anything, and in fact my mother became a hoarder which resulted in my feeling at an early age there was no comfortable place -- no room for me -- in our sizable house except in my own room which I kept clutter free and tidy. Looking back now, I realize I was traumatized by her hoarding of objects and pets. I did not know anything about "minimalism" as a child or young adult -- I just knew I innately craved order, free space, quiet and cleanliness -- things I could not find anywhere in my childhood house except in my own bedroom. Now in my upper 50's, I realize I'm extremely fortunate to have found a life partner -- my husband of 33+years -- who is comfortable with our intentionally minimalist lifestyle, and in fact, it was his idea we move to a small, simple house with an equally small and manageable yard. We moved into our 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom house 20 years ago and never looked back. The house is free of clutter, we live simply, share 1 car, and no longer crave expensive dinners out, fancy gym memberships, or exotic vacations. Upon listening to your videos again this week, I've been inspired to sell/donate more of the clothes my husband and I no longer wear. Our style/needs have changed, and someone else can benefit from the items we no longer need. I so appreciate the sense of validation from your words -- for so many years I was jokingly referred to by family/friends as "OCD" (ouch) when, in reality, it is much different than that -- it is understanding what I don't want in my life, what I do want -- and making that happen with careful and considered choices of who and what objects I surround myself with. Thank you for spreading the word so more people can understand this lifetyle choice. Lastly, I'd like to say (after hearing your old video today re: negative reviews): I appreciate and applaud your slow and deliberate speaking style -- it goes hand-in-hand with being an intentional person, and is one of the reasons I love your channel -- it is calming, and allows for a peaceful listen with time to absorb what you are saying. And anyone who criticizes your hair is just jealous (all men should be so lucky). Please keep the good vibes coming as so many of us appreciate all you have to share, and the light, validation and ease you bring to our lives.
Thank you, Joshua. Your comment that a gift given with expectation is not a gift, it's a bribe really resonated with me.
Joshua, Wow! I resonated with too many of these myths. Recently, I got rid of even more stuff from our garage that sat in a storage unit for 2 yrs & then our garage for the past 25 yrs. It felt good to get rid of it. Slowly but surely, that garage is getting cleaned out. 😊
I refuse to be defined by the things I own. Someone might better use my "stuff"...such a great message.
Dear Joshua, it has been almost five years since I discovered your videos, and they truly shifted my perspective on possessions. Coming from a middle-class family, I used to think, "Maybe I'll use it someday," or, "I invested money in it, so I should keep it." However, I have now fully overcome that mindset. Thank you!
This last week we hosted a Young Life meeting in our home. One of the first things someone said was "Your house is so peaceful." Yes, sir, that's the goal! Thank you, Joshua, for your insights and motivation.
I love that comment 'your house is so peaceful' and I'll keep that in mind as I try to keep on decluttering.
Each section or room I do, I'll step back and ask how do I feel.
One of the most motivating posts on decluttering i have ever listened too. I'll save this one.
Thanks for the kind words Jenny.
Great video!
I got rid of a lot of my stuff when we moved from VA to NJ and then again when we moved into our house. I find it easier to hold myself accountable if I have a 'declutter' box in my front room and when it gets full, I will have my hubby drop it off on his way home. Some of the stuff I have decluttered is books and movies (really hard for me), and I really enjoy being able to donate them to my local library 🙂
You make so much sense, as always. Thank you.
I always look forward to your videos. It's a breath of fresh air every time!
There is some science behind getting rid of items and your overall health. We have been decluttering and it just makes all of my family feel better. The attic is on today’s menu and your video popped up!
1 I’m just messy
2 I need all this stuff
3 All this stuff improves my life
4 It’s not hurting anything
5 I’ll use it someday
6 I can’t get rid of gifts
7 I don’t have time to declutter
8 All this stuff is part of my identity
9 Getting rid of my stuff is wasteful
If he wanted this out there he would have put it in the description, please be respectful of creators
Thank you for summarising the 9 points. I found it very useful as a memory prompt, and I have noted the ones I definitely need to work on.
@beccaatthebeach Harsh. I'm sure Joshua would not mind if someone decides to summarise his 9 points and put it in the comments section to help people remember the points without having to watch the whole video again.
If he was that concerned, then I don't think he would be doing videos like this gorgeous free. He obviously wants to help people declutter and it's not just about likes or views.
Plus, you actually have to take the time to read through the comments before you even come across this lady's posted comment.
The only way it would potentially hinder the number of views is anyone who prefers to go straight to comments before watching the video. I personally prefer to watch the video & then have a look at the comments. So Joshua already has my 'view' and 'like' so no harm done to the content creators!
@@MissAndDavthanks for you viewpoint but I think it’s lacking logic / he doesn’t put it in the description for a reason.
Many people come to comments to see summaries and not watch the video - that is common for all channels
He gets revenue from ads which don’t happen if people don’t watch
He never comments “thank you” on these types of comments
I’m glad you found it helpful but there’s a reason he doesn’t do it and my comment stands and really was not that harsh
I was trying to give Joshua the respect and props he deserves
Have a wonderful day
Actually these are excuses we give ourselves to live in mess of clutter.Thank fully I hv won the race to live clutter free with less n manageable inventory. It's freedom n peace❤
This video is spot on!!! I’ve been heavily decluttering and tried explaining this to my mom, I think she would feel so free cutting down on items!!
Thank you Joshua. Wonderful to have the issue of clutter reminded ever so gently "one small space at a time". How can that not be doable? Love it Live it Live it ❤
Thank you for your always inspiring videos. I have just returned home from a month in Japan. A country I really appreciate , but also a place that loves stuff and are very good at producing and selling it. It is difficult to resist buying all those cute and/or beautiful things, but it makes you think even more what it is all about - all these things. Now Im back in my homecountry and my house that holds too much stuff, even more motivated to reduce than before. I really hope I will be able to get rid of stuff in the coming months. Wish me luck.
I am looking at my wardrobe and this weekend will be very very busy
Another gem - thank you Joshua. All verifiable truths. Love your accuracy & sense of humour.
Awesome video and very true. I’m in process of cleaning out my 2 car garage that’s NEVER had a vehicle in it. It’s just my free storage area. Lol
Always great to see and hear you. Thank you for the positive advice to make life simple and easy. God bless you my friend ❤
I let go ( donate)90% of my stuff just last week. Feeling peaceful and happy after all.:)
Last week? That was fast! I've been working on this for years.
You are always full of wisdom
As times goes by… I learn to live simple. My way of being it’s simpler and my life has place and space and it’s beautiful. so more often. I do find some bullying from my friends and family but I learned to suffer less from their judgement. It’s a process.
Wonderfull! When people judge others they are often insecure and have low self-esteem.
"dive deep into the mindsets and beliefs that have crafted our lives." Another Golden Joshua quote! TY JB
I needed to hear this! I will go back to it again as a reminder! Thank You!
🇦🇺 Cheers from down under.
This is one of the best videos I have seen regarding stuff and life in general. I have someone in my life that’s a huge procrastinator, I think some of these can apply to other things than clutter. Thanks so much for the video.
Buying new stuff makes me happier ONLY if I really need it and if I get rid of something else, in a sustainable way☺️ more stuff never makes me happy 😌
Exactly
So helpful - thank you. I’ve made great strides in decluttering throughout my house, but my craft/yarn room remains a major challenge. All nine of your “myths” apply to my massive yarn collection, lol!! But I think maybe I can make some headway now, using what you said as guideposts. Thank you again.
I have a huge yarn stash too, you can actually squash a bag into the smallest hidden places, lol, behind the settee, back of the wardrobe, lol
@ Yep, and don’t forget under the bed, too! 🤣
… so my big challenge now is to quit fooling myself about how much yarn I actually have, and look hard at all those hidden places: a sort of “come to Jesus” reckoning, I guess. 🙀
I have a large stash of yarn. So I have now got 10 boxes with lids, and each box contains a different type or ply of yarn. So I have two Aran yarn boxes. Four baby yarn boxes. Three DK boxes. One multi or odd balls of yarn box…..plus a small collection of left over yarn that can be crocheted into different coloured patterns. Finally, I have large sign that says:-
BUYING YARN AND USING IT ARE TWO DIFFERENT HOBBIES.
How true is that.
@@emma-woodhouse-721that's one place (perhaps the only place) that's never been a challenge for me. My parents were war babies (so the scarcity mindset) and every bed in the house had stuff spilling out from under it and it was always confronting for me. So I vowed as young girl that I would never have that.
Now for the rest of the house????
Thank you so much for your Video. I was trying to get rid of Things, but there came back in a different Way ... Last Week your Video was suggested to me and after the first Time listening I decluttered and it stays like that since that Day 💪😊 never happend before. I am listening to that Video almost every Day now to change my Thinking. Thank you so much again
This is one of your most helpful. Thanks
Decluttering can be a great struggle which takes a lot of time and energy depending on generation and circumstances. Thank you for another video. ❤
Oh my God... don't you love the person who gives you a 600-page book and asks you constantly if you read it and if you liked it! Uh... I didn't choose this book and I don't intend to read it.
Sounds like an awful homework assignment!
@@sunnymeadow575😂😂
Thank you Joshua, for your very helpful videos! I have been forced to dispose of my stuff because of relocations, and over time I am learning to declutter intentionally. Your videos encourage me to keep on decluttering - not just my physical space - but other aspects of my life too ;>))
I’m trying to declutter 32 years of life in one home. Help!
His uncluttered course is a great start when enrollment opens! I loved it!
one day at a time
One room at a time❤
Minimalists 30 day plan
Last month, clutterbug did something great. Especially for beginners.
Every day, get rid of 5 things. Garbage, donate, whatever.
Example: Monday kitchen, Tuesday bedroom, Wednesday bathroom etc.
Before you know it, you've started!
If you want to do more than 5, then do so. The key is to not get stressed. Don't ponder over something. Make the decision quick. You can do it!!
Okay fine I'll throw out my old box of USB cables from 1999 that don't fit in anything
Don't get me started... I finally gathered together all the cables, cords and chargers etc and put them in a box. I have some electronics that I need to either sell or donate and I haven't had time to make sure that everything has its own charger/cord.
Great video!! So many good points that hit me on this one. Thank you!❤
If it sits on a shelf and collects dust, it’s clutter!
My biggest eye opener in having possessions was when my father died suddenly a few months ago. here were all his belongings left behind to be sorted out by his family left behind.
Sorry that your father has passed away. I hope you're doing ok.
Great concepts, but really hard to overcome!
Number eight, the museum of me.
Hi Josh 😊
My challenge is decluttering books. Some are almost brand new or brand new and I know i won’t read them. I was ready to donate them to our local charities or library but they won’t accept books. I’ve tried listing them on FB marketplace to no avail. It just seems so wasteful to throw them in the garbage. I’d love to find solutions for this dilemma. I’m in Canada.
Hi Shelley, in Canada donate them to charities like the Salvation Army. They will sell them in their shops.
Create a neighborhood free library. Good luck!
Both of the above are good suggestions. For collections of books related to a topic, e.g., aircraft, we will donate them to a nearby museum to resell in their gift shop. The volunteers who run the place will live having first pick 😊
@ Thanks but I live in a small city that does not have a Salvation Army and the 2 charities that accept donations here will not accept books of any kind as donations. That’s why i can’t donate them. People don’t buy them or even accept them free on FB marketplace either (I’ve tried). So I feel stuck with them.
Ask your friends if they want them
Thanks for the video. I noticed it had two commercials at the start, two in de middle and two at the end?
Think of your whole life as a system and simplify the system to run smoother💃
My brother just died quickly of lymphoma: 2 weeks from diagnosis. My brain says I don’t want any “stuff”. Still, the pictures come in. Now I’m alone. It won’t be him and me dealing with our parent’s burial and stuff. It will be me. What are the answers when that day comes? Even if you’ve already done a video on this please contact me with a link to that video. Thank you
Very sorry for your loss. If it gives you any comfort, your parents burials can be pre-planned while they are alive. As far as "stuff" goes, I found it helpful to choose a few things that give you good memories of that person & let go of the rest. It's a big job but you just do a little at a time consistently and eventually it gets done. God bless you.
@ thank you. I had handed to my brother after I beat stage 4 cancer 6 years ago. We all know cancer always comes back. I also have a chronic health condition. I have been on SSDI 25 years but went back to work as a nurse. My parents are poor. The weight of this is heavy. I just keep telling myself “stop stressing. You could still die before they do.” Never dreamed our family of 4 would all die so close to each other: brother 48, father 79, mother 76, me 52. It’s sad. It’s definitely all just stuff. Thank you for your kind words of love and hope.
What do you think about (valuable) coin collections?
Do you want it? Would it be better to find a collector? In my area, Australia, twice a year we have a Stamp & Coin fair. Perhaps you have something like that where you live.
I find that getting rid of old hobby stuff is difficult.
❤😊
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
My goal is to move into a 2000 square-foot house and have nothing in it😅