I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff. But sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by all the things in my apartment. I started decluttering during the first lockdown. I'm still on it. And I feel soooooo free already...
Wow...I love you opening comments..."I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff"....Funny, I wonder what a "Normal" amount of stuff is, looks like, etc and I also wonder how long it takes to get rid of it....
Yes it's a wonderful feeling 😊😊😊 I bought a bigger house in other area of the country but I feel unhappy. I am going back to the city I love. I had a traumatic experience few years ago. I'm currently also struggling with bullying behavior at work and very tired but what makes me happy is that I am selling this place. Cleaning my stuff. Getting rid of extra stuff and I will move back to a new appartment. Simple life is better for me. Three big, light rooms are better than a big house for me personally. I created a beautiful place here and I hope that the buyer will enjoy it but I am gone to my sweet serene appartment. Less is more fits me perfect. Whether in a big or small house. Minimalism can be applied anywhere 🙏🏡😊
My husband of 52 years and together for 60 years died September 2019. He was my first and only love since age 15!! I'm alone in a 4,000 square foot home. I did gather beautiful china silver crystal ornate mirrors and fine furniture. All just stuff!! I'm not attached to anything. I have given away donated and sold many things. Still a long way to go. The memories are in my heart.
🚪65 years of holding onto things because it was instilled in me that throwing away parents belongings meant you didn’t love them anymore. But after watching many stories like this I know now that I could have been living the life I wanted instead of living my parents life of holding onto objects. Thank you for sharing and helping me begin my journey. ❤️❤️❤️🚪😊😊
I can relate. I bought my parents house after my mom passed. Getting rid of things has been hard for me because my mom valued her things so much. But it’s been suffocating me for 5 years. So this summer I started getting rid of things and it has been so freeing!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
I did this four years ago. But before I let anything go, I took pictures of items I wanted to remember. It sure made the stress of letting go a lot easier. Blessings
For me I hoard pictures, I currently have 43,000 pictures on my phone and almost 1,300 videos. & that’s just on my latest phone 😞. I waste £7 a month for 2tbs to store photos I never look at 😞.
❤️ Marie Kondo deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for how she’s changed so many lives. She gives incredible perspective when so many of us struggle to get rid of things we hold so dear and cause such frustration.
My mom passed two and a half years ago. We still haven't touched her things. It feels so overwhelming. I don't know where to start even. This was very inspirational to me. Thank you.
It helps when someone who loved her is with you while doing this. When my father died, I was paralised and depressed for years. All I was able to do is to get rid of his dentures. I mean what...? Then something happened in me and I did the same as Marissa.
I've been at it for 3+ years with my gma's OCD clean neat hoarding (child of cold war style hoarding--bags rubber bands paper everything..neatly stored for 70-80 years) It's a goldmine of vintage sales however after 3 years, I'm over it. I set a timer now and do about 20 mins at a time. If i can do more, great! Some days I don't do anything. Usually the hardest part is starting. Find a box, just one, and dump it. Flatten the box (don't do like i did and have a pile that's still sitting there--after working in vet med and being a stock manager I have a special hatred of packing supplies) OR keep box and make a donate pile that goes IMMEDIATELY into the car. Have a trash bag ready. If you cant let go, take a picture and make a lil hardback book for the shelf. Ask yourself "will this item help me lead the life *I want to lead?" (not considering anyone else but you, your mental health and life goals) if the answer is no, don't look back.
You don’t know how much I’ve cried over watching this video. My mom is a hoarder, I moved out for the first time a year ago because it was affecting me. It destroyed my relationship with her. I wished I could help her, but I decided to move on with my life and not feel guilty for not helping. I struggled with it and tried to help her for years, and she became defensive and infuriating every time. I wished I could send her this video, but she only speaks Spanish. Thank you so much for making this video with such respect and understanding towards people with this. Thank you so much!
Sometimes, hoarding is often related to trauma. Perhaps she needs support from a trauma therapist, who speaks spanish. A book , or a youtube video, or support from you will likely not meet her needs unfortunately. It's good you stepped away, and recognized it was affecting you.
I feel this on a personal level and this time with my dad. His terrible hoarding habit (and throwing fit when we throw it away stuff even if the thing looks like garbage) literally destroyed our family. We can’t do a simple DIY interior and was worse to the point none of us wants to go home because the house is huge mess. We all decided to rent and live our life peacefully on our own and it was the most liberating thing ever.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
The cleaning part resonates with me the most. If you have things, you have to clean around them, which can take hours. If you have nothing, there is nothing to clean around. The space maintains itself. When you start freeing up all this time for yourself, and to give to others, you can really start living.
You effen rock lady! I hope that you actually exist and that this is not just rhetoric. I'm ready to ditch half my shit, give nice stuff away and make my own path. Sentimentality has been stretched. Life and love has been neglected. Its actually better to be the weird lady with 7 cats than be the lonely lady with a 9 million dollar collection of rare vases from the Ming Dynasty that dies alone and bored. Am I wrong? Cheers from beautiful Colorado!
This was so powerful! My sons father left when I was 4 months pregnant and I have had sole custody. We had to move 5 times before finding our forever home and I hauled all this stuff from house to house even spending so much money on storage units. Last yr my son who is now 6 was diagnosed with ADHD combine type. Everything I read talked about the negative effects clutter can have on ADHD. So for the past yr I have been working diligently to decluttering and just recently came to the realization that when I first had him we didn’t have a lot so through fear I held on to everything we had. Now as my house becomes less cluttered I’ve seen improvements in my son and how freeing it is to let go. I know my story is very different but hearing yours is very empowering thank you for sharing your journey.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Thank you for sharing this. I have adhd and even though I struggle to take care of my things no matter how hard I try, I didn’t realise that clutter might be affecting me more than most people. Maybe I shouldn’t expect myself to manage as many things as others can? It’s difficult because I’m sentimental but in the long run it would be much easier if I didn’t have as many things to keep track of and keep tidy. Thank you for working so hard to give your son a good start in this aspect of life!! Decluttering isn’t an easy process and it’s hard to work through those kinds of fears, I imagine it would be even harder as a parent. It sounds like you’re doing really well and I hope you’re proud of yourself and your son!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
🚪🚪🚪🚪 I started my journey this year. After years of loss, bankruptcy, divorce, a fire, more loss, illness, etc...... I am FINALLY starting to let go of the "things" that weigh me down like an anchor 😢😢
The more time you put into it, it goes away quicker. But the more time that goes by IN BETWEEN working on decluttering ....well that slows down the progress. I went from having an entire basement worth of stuff in 2012 to 1 room full in 2015....fast forward... I am still working on a rooms worth of stuff , that is split up between 3 areas. The main bedrooms, living ,dining areas are between 99% decluttered, and on its way to minimalism style....just still getting there with those areas.
We entered our life with nothing and we will leave our lives with nothing. That is something I always refer to! I've decluttered several times but I aim to purge myself of all the junk hopefully for the last time. After all do we really need all these things which also clutter our minds?
@@taniayager3361 , what I hoard/clutter is my children's baby items, favorite baby outfits, photos, etc... I know WHY I do it. It is because I do not even have a baby photo of myself or any childhood memories. All were lost due to my irresponsible parents. Its important to me that I keep memories for my children. That's the only thing I really keep an excess of. So... now that they are graduating college, moving out, etc.. they can decide what they keep for themselves and what they get rid of/donate💞💞💞. Interestingly enough..... since I watched this video and posted this comment we lost roughly 90% of everything due to a hot water heater breaking😥😥😥. All of my keeping things for my children was for naught. We ended up losing it all anyways😥
I made the mistake of watching your video while putting my makeup on...I was not prepared for the outflow of tears your beautifully deep words would bring forth. But they were brought forth. And I'm grateful that they were. I see there is hope for those traumatized by painful childhoods who now seek comfort in boxes filled with things. I'm moving right now from a 4600sq.ft. home to an 800 sq.ft. apartment and I'm feeling so stuck and so torn because my things cannot fit in my new place. How I had them spread out in my home will not do in a small apartment. So I'm forced to sell, donate, and throw out. Which I believe will be good for me in the long run, but right now I'm feeling emotionally devastated for having to declutter and get rid of boxes filled with 28 years worth of things. Your video inspired me that healing is possible...and decluttering may be painful now but it will be worth it later. Thank you.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Bravo! “The clutter in your space is a mirror of the clutter inside your mind “. As a psycologist I can say that much people posses many things to fulfill there sense of emptyness. Your story inspires other people to learn to let go and be free. Collect moments not money nor objects. God bless you 🙏🏼
@@gbarthg seems like this is not her native language (neither mine) but we all get the meaning I'm sure. I'd love to see YOU practising a foreign language and then receiving this kind of dehonestating comments!!!
@@gbarthg : people don’t have to spell right to be educated. My dads a mechanic but can’t spell english right, its not his first language so i don’t expect him too. why are you being so unnecessarily condescending? Does it make you feel better about yourself?
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
This was a very inspirational video. I am a hoarder. One thing I’ve noticed that hoarders seem to have in common is loss. The loss creates such a hole that you want to hold on to anything and everything that reminds you of the people you have lost.
I'm interested to know whether we are using the word "hoarder" the same way. The two people I have known who were hoarders suffered from a compulsive behaviour tied to anxiety, and filled their living spaces to the point where they had to sleep in a section of their bed, they could not safely navigate the rooms of their house on a day to day basis without taking time to shift piles of items around, and whole rooms became inaccessible. One of the two people lost access to his basement and did not have hot water for nearly a decade because he simply could not access the hot water tank. Is this the level of hoarding you suffer from? If not, I would suggest that instead of calling yourself a hoarder, you call yourself a person who hoards things, or who had trouble letting go. I'm not trying to be disrespectful-it's just that one of the characteristics of hoarding that set it apart from OCD is that the person does not typically see that their behaviour is a problem. In addition, it is very difficult when you have family members who suffer from the mental disorder of hoarding to talk to other people about it, when the public has such a poor understanding of what it is really like, and every third person tells you, "oh yes, I'm a bit of a hoarder myself."
Yes and my personal reason in mourning was, I told to myself, I have no control about losing beloved peoples because of death, but I can control objects to not lose them... it’s time for me now to let go of everything that I don’t need anymore and to heal my pain, to be thankful for this precious moment that I was able to enjoy with this persons. I hope than I will be able to fully enjoy my present again becaus life is so short and present is the most important time in life.
I'm so glad that you acknowledged how sentimental items can be, and how it can be a VERY long, emotional process to let things go. A lot of cleaning videos seem pretty flippant about 'purging everything we own!' I'm glad that someone addressed the issue of GRIEF slowing things down. 💙
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
Amazing story! Traveling to another country with just suitcases will definitely force you to minimize. I traveled for 5 month. When I put everything in storage I saw how little I owned, and felt sad. There was a part of me that felt like by that time in my life I should have more to my name. It gave feelings of being unsuccessful. When I came back from my trip, opened my storage, and my first thought was, "what is all this junk?"
We are CONDITIONED to be consumers of quantity, not quality. It's a vicious cycle and difficult to break away from, good for you! You shook up your life and are better for it.
I am 23 and I lived with a hoarding grandmother and in general messy parents. We always had crap and I always felt so suffocated. I am living with my fiance and I've noticed that since our relationship started I have slowly but surely added junk to our house. It sucks. I want to get rid of it lol, but I also grew up poor so I now that I can finally afford things, it is hard to stop. But it's not healthy for me. I am trying to minimalize my setting and create a relaxing space that is fresh, peaceful, but also full of creative possibility. Thank you for this, didn't realize I needed to see it.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Thank you for your comment, I can really relate. Same situation here. I grew up with my grandmother in the same house and as a WW2 survivor, she was a hoarder, too. She had experienced hunger and material scarcity in her youth so she was collecting everything and buying in bulk once conditions improved. I'm still struggling with keeping my flat tidy because of the impact that had on me. I understand that my grandmother's trauma caused her behaviour, I don't blame her. It's just something I have to overcome. I found some of the tips on this channel useful, like starting with short decluttering sessions of 10-15 minutes, one drawer / box at a time.
Baby girl when we leave this planet all we can take with us is our precious memories. Your decluttering process was the first step to make sure that when you leave many many decades from today your mental "trunk" will be so full, you wont be able to close it. You just became a hero, a personal source of inspiration. I'm a stranger, but I'm proud of you. Hugs from FL.
We take our character with us. It needs to be transformed from sinner to holy. Or different. By studying God’s character, the Holy Spirit can create Christlike attributes in our hearts. Even so that we can obey the Ten Commandments. Including the fourth. Exodus 20:8-11 which is the most controverted.
This is the most beautiful minimalism video I've seen! I feel for you Marissa. I have also lost my mother to cancer and lost a lot of loved ones and I'm in my 20's. I am also a recovering hoarder and on my minimalism journey. Thank you, this message has really touched my soul today.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
I'm a grown ass German guy sitting here and crying. I totally felt what you said, we moved from 120 to 60 qm and had several breakdowns bc of all the hoards we have. Thanks for reassuring that my decision to decrease my stuff and not buy anything this year was right.
@@solidstate9451 of course I can't speak for all Germans but where I come from I'd say yes. From childhood on we're taught to see things rational and judging before deciding how to feel. But we cry often bc of anger 🤣
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Collect moments not objects. OMGOODNESS this is exactly what I needed to hear today. I'm struggling so hard everyday to get rid of things as I try to declutter things I don't even need. I have things from my Dad, He passed away 15 years ago. I love your story and the fact that you were raw and open about your heart felt feelings. Your Dad keeping things and hoarding and keeping boxes. My Dad did this. After I married my husband, he was also a closet hoarder. I've wanted to be a minimalist for about 5 years. I applaud you for your openness and honesty. I'm going to follow your journey.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Wow! Out of all the minimalism videos I have watched throughout the years, I would have to say that this is the one that is inspiring me to finally make that change! Thank you for your transparency and for sharing your story.
Wow. When I clicked on this I had no idea it would be a beautifully edited, painful, yet hope-filled story. The way you wove decluttering into telling a story about the deeper issues of grief and letting go was powerful. I felt like I was listening to a beautiful children’s audio book that would help give hope and help to others who dealt with loss and grief at a young age. 💙💜
I am so inspired by your video. I became homeless at 17 just before entering college. I worked three jobs to be able to afford living on campus year round for 5 years. I brought my entire bedroom (sans furniture) with me to college and my possessions accumulated from there. When you are so close to losing everything, how do you find peace in parting when those things? So I collected. And collected. After college I bought a storage unit. Here I am 12 years post college and still have a storage unit. For what? What could I possibly still need in there when I don't even set foot in it until I want to add to it? I tell myself, "when you buy a house you won't have to buy this or that." Such a waste of money. Of my peace. I'm in a small one bedroom apartment with my husband and 2 years old and just started to declutter my closet creating a small capsule wardrobe. It seems neverending! I'm in the process of selling items as well. But after watching this I'm feeling so motivated to free up my soul again. I need to. So thank you for sharing your journey.
I didn't realise I was a hoarder until one day I had to move a house! I believe my habit of hoarding came from I was growing up poor and everything always meant something and/or could be reuse/useful. It took me a while to get that habit out of my system. It was like a rehab! Decluttering was one of the best decisions I've made as it helps me being more organised. Before, it drained me, mentally and physically. My brain is now organised too! 😊
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
I lost my mom in September 2020 and my step Dad in Jan 2021...cleaning up their home honestly was hell...I have vowed to never clutter,so that my kids don't ever have to go through what I had to.
This is a HUGE motivation for lots of us who have gone though the same. Big hugs, Marie, sounds like you had a lot to deal with and process in a short period of time.
My Dad died in June 20, he kept everything it seems, such a huge job to clear it all up. We sold the house just after Christmas. I was absolutely done in.
I am in the start of my decluttering. I went into depression and started buying unnecessary "things" five years ago. Now, I just went throught a bag of clothes and thanked every single item before it goes to donation. Thank you! Your story is very inspiring and if there's a TH-cam award, you got it!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
🚪I have hoarder tendencies but have never gotten as bad as the horrors on that show with the same name thankfully, but the "I might need it someday" has been a problem for letting go of stuff. I have been good and am getting better at letting things go, with the help of many good videos on decluttering on TH-cam, Now that my car is falling apart and won't pass another inspection I won't be replacing it which means I have about five weeks to haul the bulky, heavy stuff out of here. Your videos have been very helpful and inspiring. Now when I pull something off a shelf and think, I might need this . . .until I see the empty space and then get more excited about that space and want that space more than what just left it. Thank you for your great videos and motivation!
After watching a lot of minimalist videos, Yours resonated with me most. I have held onto objects because they’re attached to people that I once loved who have passed on and now realize that I can still be attached to those people without holding onto their possessions. Thank you for sharing your story and helping people like me.
Great quote: "I am done putting things in boxes." Thank you for putting this together & sharing your journey. Nice that you were able to move to Germany.
🚪 I am on my journey now. What makes it difficult is my husband doesn’t see the need to de clutter like I do, so it’s going to be a very long journey but worth it 🙌🏾
i must say, i'm super appreciative of you for including a very inclusive list about trigger warnings! it's an important journey, but it's also good to remember people aren't at the same point that you are.
My beautiful son died in July 2020, two days before his 28th birthday. He died a distressing death due to toxicity from illegal and prescription Oxycodone. I still have a lot of his belongings in my loft, all his school and college books, paintings, his keepsakes, his keyboard and microphone. He was my heart, and I just don't know what to keep and what to get rid of. If I make a memory box it won't be big enough :( Nine months after his death I need to start decluttering my whole house, I just can't touch his things without falling apart.
I’m sorry for your loss, it sounds like this was very recent and raw...give yourself time. Remember it took me 30 years, and other people here in the comment section have been doing it for five, 10, or more years. Hugs and healing to you. ✨
Oh my goodness, I can imagine what you are going through. I had a child attempt suicide and ended up intubated and in the ICU and I was terrified I was going to lose him. Thankfully, I did not. I wish I could give you a hug. I don’t know how I’d ever let anything go.
My son just went to Jail on Mothers Day 2021. He will celebrate his 30th and the next 15 birthdays (or more) in prison. I feel as though I have lost him. His addiction has taken his life in ways that death never could. I have requested his things from the various people who have them. I'm terrified I'll hold onto them the way I'm holding onto the depression, anger, and sadness I feel. I'm raising his youngest child. I've had her since she was born. I know I need to be strong for her, but I feel this terrible loss. I also know how fresh my loss is, but more importantly, I know how I deal with the emotional baggage around his addiction. I tend to hold it all in close and tight. I'm afraid that if I stop hurting, I'll lose what little I have left of him here. He's in another state which makes it even more difficult to deal with. I know that he hasn't died and there is a chance for me to see him again. I can say I have a better vantage point than others but, the loss, pain, and sorrow are all the same. I will pray for you and your family.
@@NiteOwlCrafter I am so sorry foe what you’re going through. I can imagine how very difficult that would be. You are in my prayers. You and your whole family.
Judith, I am so sorry. There is nothing like the loss of a child. I lost my 18 year old in an aircraft collision almost two years ago. I am still unable to let go of his possessions. I am here listening to this vlog and I will start with one thing today. Be patient with yourself. One of my son's friends wanted his drum set shortly after he died and when I parted with it, it was unbearable. His friend had to return the set to me when he moved out of country to go to college and it made me feel better. The drum set will stay for a while. Give yourself time...day by day.
I was very shocked by the intense emotional response this video inflicted upon me. Clearly, there’s something here for me that resonates. And I think it was a message I’ve needed to hear for a long time. I think I might finally be ready to start letting go, too. Thank you for sharing. 💛
🚪I've been on my KonMari decluttering journey for 3 years and am still nowhere close to being done. It is very difficult to confront and be honest with yourself. You are an inspiration and watching your videos is motivating me to putter along my journey after being stuck in a rut. Thank you! 🙏
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
Hello I am from Germany. When I try to sell my stuff, almost nobody wants to pay for it, even when it was never used. I give it for free but some things nobody even want for free! We Western people are drowning in stuff and more stuff. We should think twice before buying something new and keep in mind that it will be trash on our planet, when we throw it away.
I live in Norway and have totally the same situation. After decluterring I have some really good quality ,totally and expensive clothes which just don’t feet me or I have never worn them and don’t like them anymore. I tried to sell cashmere jumper which costed 200 euro for the price of H&M clothes and nobody wants to buy. Then I also wanted just to give it away to those who really need clothes and nobody wanted them 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ it is also stupid to throw them away....
Wow, of all the minimalism videos I've watched, I feel that yours is the most "real"--describing a journey taking place over time and built on a foundational investigation of your relationship to things. What a messy and beautiful experience.
Oh My G'Ness...... I have just come here from Cass's channel. Your video here, is my first of yours! YIKES!!!! This one has hit home!!! I have lost my Mom, my Dad, My Aunt and Uncle, grandparents, etc.... and I have ended up with all of their items, and have kept the treasures, that I still feel them in.... but.... those items have taken over my life, my home, my heart! HOW do I let them go, without feeling I am losing them too!!! Thru Dawn, Cass, Josh and others.... the process has begun, but... SO Slowly! Looking forward to more tip, tricks and ideas from you as well.
I'm trying to break the cycle of my family's hoarding habits. A lot of my clutter is objects that I feel I can't part with because they have been handed down to me. But bit by bit I am slowly letting them go and trying not to feel guilty about it. I know that my life and my happiness is more important than objects.
Thank you. I am 55 and single, and it is truly a "process" to minimized and declutter. I plan to move from my condo to a small home, but I'm giving myself 1 to 3 yes to do it. Thank you for sharing.
This is just so good. I am a newbie minimalist, just doing a little bit every day. Your video has been an inspiration. Thank you for opening up your life and your home and sharing your story.
Blank space is elegant in a home, think of it as a “possession” and an expensive one at that. Divide the square footage of your home by the value and find out just how valuable that blank space is. You can redecorate a room simply by removing objects.
I didn't allow my husband to buy furniture. Coz when we have less things, easy to clean. The house will be neat , clean and beautiful with less things.
I love your video ,. I can relate. My adoptive mother died 25 years ago and I have no family whatsoever aside from two children with health issues. It is tough being alone, without help, and clinging onto clutter. I am currently going through the decluttering process in order to have less mental and physical stress. Thank you.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
🚪 both parents died 1+ yrs ago ...I'm in my nearly 40s, on a journey to declutter 2 houses, 50+ yrs of possessions going back 2-3 generations and untangling 2 complicated and beaurocratic inherited legal situations. Wardrobes full of things, boxes full of papers. I started 1 yr ago on this journey . In the first month I ended up in the middle of the floor crying my heart out several times while trying to storm declutter and fix things. It doesn't work like that ... I hit the bottom, had to look inward& reach out to friends, pick at the scabs, embrace the pain before I could get off the floor and start climbing again. Now, 6 months later & after many of your & other's videos, 2 books on decluttering, more loss and hours of reflecting, its finally going in the right direction. Its not fast or slow, its just a bumpy journey with light at the end of the tunnel. There are still lots of things to sort out, give away, sell, donate etc but unlike before, now I am confident I can go through this process even if it won't be easy. A year ago I was pumped & clueless ...To everyone going through the same process: take your time, be gentle on yourself and hang in there, keep at it, don't despair. You will make it! and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help or share what you're going through. If there's one thing that stuck with me from M's channel: you're not alone in your journey! You're not alone, period.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
My mum always tries to pass things to me that she has hoarded, she wants me to sell them because she feels they have value. Selling them consumes my time and mental strength and clutters my house whilst I await a buyer. I have learnt to say to her 'I don't need more money, I need more space in my home and in my head', and then I tell her to donate the item to the charity shop. I do not want to pass hoarding behaviour onto my own daughter so I am fighting it as best I can.
I filled a small dumpster just last week with things from my house. Lots was mine, but lots was my mother's or her parent's that she either"gifted" me or just chose to store in my house (that's a whole other story). I had sorted out items to sell but when the dumpster arrived I realized I didn't want to deal with any of it any longer so in it went. It feels so good being free of all the stuff and the guilt attached to it all.
Yes seeing people say they made money from their clutter just throws another mental obstacle in the way. Where did all the family possessions go during the moves? I was surprised how good this video was as I expected it to be privileged rich people showing off how they could afford to dump everything and buy things only when they need them.
In norwegian there is this word: dørstokkmila. It translates to “door step mile”. It signifies the perceived distance between you and whatever it is that you need to start doing. It’s similar to the expression “every journey begins with a single step” but that expression makes the first step seem effortless, whereas the Norwegian word acknowledges just how hard it feels. In Norway a mile is 10km, hence the significance of calling the doorstep, or first step, a mile. This is my favorite norwegian word so I love that you ask people to post the 🚪 emoji for that reason. They seem to signify the same thing. Thank you for sharing yourself so honestly and freely. You inspire me ❤️
I don't struggle with hoarding at all - my home is very bare, for lack of a better word, and I like it that way - but this is a beautiful, empowering video even for someone like me. I can only imagine how powerful it must be for a person who does face that challenge. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Oh my gosh....your background is so similar to mine. My Mom passed away from cancer in May 2021 and I received a lot of her things. My Dad is a hoarder, but he calls himself a "collector". Growing up I would receive items that I was not allowed to open or play with because they would be worth something in the future. I have a lot of stuff I need to go through and it is the start of a journey. Thank you for sharing your story, it is very encouraging for me.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
This is my first ever comment I made on TH-cam. I cried, only a few moments after you started telling your story. I'm also a emotional hoarder, from different reasons, but with the same results. My house isn't dirty but packed with tons of things that have no purpose. I have them just to have them and now they have me. I had tiny little thoughts about what that says about me and why it feels like a burden to own that much stuff, because I once wanted it and I had paid for it. I own 90 Tshirts. Just Tshirts. 90. For what? I don't even know. The fact that I burst out in Tears hearing you calling this behavior by its name made me realise that I have to work out why I am doing this and that I have to stop. Thank you for opening my eyes. You brought me a huge step forward on my personal healing journey. ❤️
Welcome to my channel, and you are in good company here with us. ❤️ Myself and others are cheering you on! 📣 Good luck walking through the door and starting your journey.
I visit boxes of moment’s and Memories stored away for years and each time I return I wonder why ? for a brief moment I remember fondly of things past then wonder who will do this when I’m now longer here🤔my husband, children ? many of these items won’t hold the same sentiments as they do for me (they don’t have the same need to hang on to things as I 🤣) so , next time the boxes surface I will say goodbye to them and store anything outstanding in my memory and a much smaller box ! I hope your Journey is as successful as my own , Good luck ! 🤗
One step at a time. My motivation was after the death of my husband of 52 years and the fact that I didn't want to burden my children after my death. My husband had 103 dress shirts and over 150 golf shirts most designer labels still with price tags!!! Italian suits and expensive leather shoes I sold some but mostly ended donating several trunk loads of his things. Now the large items like heavy solid wood furniture from Italy bought for $20,000.00 but i can't even sell for $500.00!!! People today live in small condos and do not have the space. What to do? Just do I drawer at a time. One box at a time. Only do what you can handle emotionally. You will get there and you'll be happier. I haven't regretted parting with anything because the memories are carried in my heart. Memories need little space. Be blessed ❤
"Collect MOMENTS not objects" 💕 This is so powerful. I felt it deep within. Thank you for sharing your story and being so honest ❤ I subscribed to your channel right after watching this video!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
I am struggling so much. Lost both my parents and my sister and have all their stuff. It makes me sad to look at it but sad to throw it away so I have every cupboard stuffed full. I need to be brave and let go.
I am so sorry 💕 for me it is a lot easier when you consider that you are actually rehoming the things that aren't healthy or helpful for you to keep anymore. They can bring a lot of joy in another person's home and 'live on' at a new place. Sending much love and healing your way ♡
Sorry for your loss. I can’t relate, but I can totally understand. If I may suggest one way to let go, is by starting small. For example keep only 5 things for each one that they loved/used the most or remind you of them. Once you let go of part of their belongings, it would be relatively easy to let go of the rest. Though, I’m not for letting go of everything. I enjoy keeping small pieces that are easy to store away or can be displayed like the items in this video, or even big stuff that I can continue to use such as an easy chair. I hope the future holds so much happiness for you, even when remembering your dear ones.
I am sorry for your losses.. I have objects that are sentimental too. They live in your heart, and mind no one can ever take that away from you. I have a lot of thing I am attached too ad well. I am a very emotional and creative soul so I understand. I am working on getting rid of things too. 🎶🐎⭐
I'm right there with you. I lost my Mom in 2019 and I'm an only child. So every single thing she had is in my living room/bedroom/kitchen and one small storage unit. She didn't own a ton, thankfully, but I'm having a hard time doing anything with it. I just recently came out the other side of debilitating PTSD due to her passing, and the insane depression. It's hard to even think about getting rid of any of it, but I know my Mom wouldn't want her stuff stressing me out or clogging up my house.
I am 64 and on year 9 of downsizing. Now I am getting to the last of what we accumulated. My husband passed last year. It is really hard to get rid of things he wrote on. And I have way too many hard copy pictures. It was very helpful to see what you had and went through. It really helps.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Marissa, thank you for making this video. I have recently (a few years ago) had everything i owned taken away and have only recently recovered my home in the aftermath. There are things that have accumulated while overshadowed by the losses in people and their possessions in the shadows. I admittedly knew i have to declutter to move forward but didnt know where to begin. Your video has given me inspiration and hope to make space for the future i wish to have. Thank you for the time and energy in making this video. It has really touched me in unexpected ways and i am grateful for clicking on it. Wish you and your family well
I've been watching your videos for awhile but had not seen this one yet. When I tell you that I sobbed through the whole thing, I'm really not exaggerating. Thank you. I think I needed this.
I started my journey a few months ago after yearsss of EMOTIONAL HOARDING. I finally got in the mindset that it wasnt going to happen overnight and i started using Saturday night when my family was asleep to start the tasks of letting go. So week by week i made myself go through my garage and my closet. Now I look forward to my Saturday night emotional roller coaster. I donated 10 bags of clothes and 14 totes of STUFF. Your video is beautiful thank you for the watch! Doing this has changed my life and i love watching it change other peoples lives as well.
Same here, I found this whole looking for something else, but I'm so glad I stopped & watched!! We have such a tiny apt, and so so SO MANY boxes and totes of "stuff"! I want to declutter but also am not sure where to start... however, maybe the gratitude idea will help, never thought of doing something like that. Thank you so much for your amazing video!
I know there was a warning at the beginning but it didn't prepare me. Thank you being venerable and open. This has been the most powerful and wonderful minimalist video.
🚪I’m decluttering my home right now ( my Moms house and our childhood home of 20+ years) and this video is just what I needed. It’s intimidating to declutter 10,20 years worth of items but once you get started it’s such a freeing thing. Happy for your success. Your children will surely look up to you as they get older and appreciate that.
Amen sister;) I’m on my journey as well after loosing my both parents year before last. Cleared their things with an estate sale, then kept too much. Now I’m decluttering my home. Photos were them most daunting task so we’ve taken that one head on. Getting close to wrapping up that project. We put them all on an SSD drive. It’s been a year in the process but really moving along now;) 🙏🏼 for your success in your journey, Sincerely;)
Wow! I’m speechless with a tear stained face. This hits close to home. Thank you for sharing your hardest moments. You are filled with light and joy. Even though it’s a video about minimalism it’s truly so much more than that. You are a shining example of someone who is choosing joy and happiness! I’m sure your parents are watching over you and are proud of who you’ve become.
I recently lost my mom and have moved in her home temporarily to dispose of the life she built. It's been three months already and I feel crippled by the sheer volume of stuff I have to give away. No one wants to pay a good price and most people expect the stuff to be given for free. It hurts so much to see the life my mother built being shredded into bits. Every single object evokes loving memory of her. It is a daunting task but I hope I can eventually dispose off all her belongings responsibly.
I am so very sorry for your loss - it sounds like everything is still very raw for you currently. Do what you can and give yourself time to heal. I know it’s so hard right now, hang in there. 💔
It WILL get better. I went through the same thing when my mom died. I kept everything because I couldn’t bear to let any part of her go. Now, years later, I have saved a few of her favorite books and dishes. Gradually I was able to let go. Don’t rush it, and don’t feel guilty if you get rid of something. Your mom would understand. Good luck to you.
This was absolutely beautiful. I’m currently a grieving daughter and it’s so hard to let go. I will be moving soon and I’m ready to declutter. Thank you 🙏
🚪 Packing up and decluttering, at the moment, to move into my first home. I can’t say that I am, or will ever be, a full minimalist. However, I am enjoying letting go of “stuff”. It’s additive. Freeing. I’m looking forward to my clutter free home.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. “Collect moments, not objects” really resonated with me. Inspired to change how I’m living to achieve the freedom you speak of. Thank you!
Thank you for making me cry! You never realize your hoarding is caused by heartache until you are surrounded by clutter trying to find motivation to remove it
Sometimes I thing what my family will find after I'm dead, going though my personal stuff. What value the stuff will have to them? Probably none, beside a few items that will reminds them of me. This thought makes decluttering much more easy.
We’ll done on your epic transformation! I am still a hoarder and recently Ilstarted my journey to declutter. I halved the amount of clothing I own and have cleared all the books I no longer read. I definitely feel MUCH better finally having a space which bring a me peace instead of stress. My journey has just began and I know it will be challenging but worth it. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for being brave enough to show us what “normal” used to look like to you previously.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
This is an amazing thing to pass down to your children. I inherited the “just in case” and stockpiling mindset from my family. But moving at the end of each year started my decluttering journey in college. I may be moving again for a job soon and I want to declutter a lot more to make it easier on myself since I’ll probably have to do it alone in my suv.
I just started watching your decluttering videos this week, and finally came across this one. Wow! I was moved (to tears) by your story and the growth you've experienced. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring me.
I can’t stop crying. This is the most powerful decluttering video I’ve ever seen on my ongoing struggle on keeping things and being unable to organise my home. Thank you.
This was so special. I sent this to my friend struggles to let go of clutter. I think it is related to the death of her brother/s and underlying grief. I hope that she watches this and understands that her journey too, can continue in a positive way. Peace, light and love to you.
This video popped up on my feed pretty randomly, and I didn’t expect to be in tears watching it. It felt like listening to someone narrate my own story. I lost my mom at 13 and my Dad at 23, and the emotions that come with losing your parents and your home and all your comforts are so devastating. Thank you for sharing your story. there are so many things in storage I can’t bear to touch because they belonged to my parents and the life I had before they were gone.
I’m touched by your story. I can find myself in your words. This is the best minimalism video I have ever seen and for sure it is the most touching one. Sending you a big hug.
I really love this. I am suffering the same with so much stuff ended up with from my mom and dad. I’ve donate and donated and donated and feel I will never be free from the bondage of stuff - it’s so overwhelming. Thank you I needed to hear this
You will be okay. Just start slow and follow the process bit by bit. Have gratitude for the things that have served you and your parents well. Release them with joy and donate or sell them. Don't feel guilty for letting go your parents possessions, Because you will honour them with your memories and the love in your heart you have for them. Release yourself from the prison of joyless possessions.
@@GloryDaze73 Thank you - It is so overwhelming when you end up with so much stuff. I have been trying to get rid of things for 3 years now. Two large donation trucks came by and I have made many drop-off to goodwill and I still have stuff. haha It's like a nightmare. My mom and dad had so much stuff it's just unreal. and it makes me want to have an empty house with nothing but a bed and a table. I'm so sick of "stuff". haha Thank you for your words of encouragement. This video has given me a dose of energy to keep trying
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
My husband is a keeper, "just in case I need it". I can't sit in the living room or eat at the table because there is no room. We bought a house in another state 6 months ago but haven't been able to move because I found out I had/have breast cancer and have been on chemo. I have told him this mess is not happening again, the clutter, that is. Wish me luck. Your video is very encouraging.
I have been going through this for 7 years. almost all of my family has passed away in that time. it's been rough but I am getting through it. 😊 I'm so happy for you.
This is just so beautifully done...and well summarizes how overwhelmed many of us are with too much consumerism and stuff that overtakes our life. Thank you for sharing your personal and heartfelt story.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. I'm still on this journey- I feel like I'm just getting started. However- four years ago now- I got rid of the china cabinet. I was done storing dishes I never used. Yet- I made the decision that I wanted to use the good china every day. I got rid of my old every day dishes and only use the good china now. It even goes in the dish washer and I don't care how rough I am with them. No more saving things for a special day when every day should be special.
I am a hoarder and now I find it so hard to get round my house as stuff gets stuck under my electric wheelchair 😓. This gives me hope and motivation, thankyou 💖
I kept things as a kid with animals faces on them. I was worried they would be hurt. I kept so many things as a kid that I now realize was hoarding. My mom found a dead mouse in my room and old chicken bones. I couldn't tell you why it happened, but sometime around high school I started watching organization videos because I was enveloped with other people's stuff, my own stuff, and my mom's stuff (she held onto things too). My grandpa died (her dad) and there was millions of dollars worth of junk stacked to the ceiling. I think it runs in my family. Anyways, I started organizing and slowly, very slowly getting rid of stuff. I started getting rid of the "old me" and that helped a lot. I wanted to be a new person. I continued on with something called "decluttering" and eventually found minimalism. I don't consider myself a minimalist, but I have minimized a lot. I threw away everybody else's "problems" (old makeup they wanted to throw away and I kept, old sheets they were throwing away and I kept, anything they thought was "bad" and I thought was "good."). I continued on with actual trash. Stuff that was expired, broken, torn, stained (I had originally kept stuff that had old dog poop on it because I was afraid to get rid of it and throw it away). So glad I tossed it. Here I am almost 11 years after I started my journey. It is possible and I had a huge breakthrough about 7 years ago. Marie Kondo helped me with my clothes. I took pictures of my old stuff. My house is clean now. It's a breath of fresh air. I wish you the best in your journey. Just one thing at a time.
I wanted to tell you that your children's room is beautiful. I believe that having minimal items in their bedroom, your children probably have a greater attention span then children who have the visual impact of so many things constantly mentally speaking to them. What an excellent gift of love for your children.
I’m sure your mentor would want you to find your happiness and keep moving forward - wishing you lots of hugs and healing on this decluttering journey. Just remember what you are working towards when things get tough. 💪
My grandmother had beautiful things and then gave them to my mother and now my mother just passed away and I had a estate sale and made $9000 which was great because I used it to paint , carpet , fix the window screens , plumbing and a roof! so that worked out . I’m moving to Florida and I don’t have any children so I’m going to give everything to the Hope chest charity that helps women with breast cancer and it’s very hard for me to give up everything and I cry because my mom and my grandmother loved all the collections so much and they dusted it and made beautiful pretty displays inside their homes , but now I’m tired of cleaning it and I don’t want to haul it around so thank you for this video it really helped me to deal .
"That empty space is actually full" - Absolutely beautiful. I'm crying.
Yes! That definitely resonated with me. I recently realized I like open echoey spaces...even in a home. They just feel cleaner.
Me too.
I’m crying too
same here😭😭😭that sentence💔💔💔 was so heart touching
I hope one day, I'll like you 🙏 Love it!🥰
This video is what content should be. it's not always about education. it's a story worth telling. so many empty videos but this one is UNFORGETTABLE
I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff. But sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by all the things in my apartment. I started decluttering during the first lockdown. I'm still on it. And I feel soooooo free already...
I've lived out of a suitcase for years and can still feel overwhelmed 🤣 But owning less and only what I love makes me feel so much lighter!
Wow...I love you opening comments..."I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff"....Funny, I wonder what a "Normal" amount of stuff is, looks like, etc and I also wonder how long it takes to get rid of it....
Yes it's a wonderful feeling 😊😊😊
I bought a bigger house in other area of the country but I feel unhappy. I am going back to the city I love.
I had a traumatic experience few years ago. I'm currently also struggling with bullying behavior at work and very tired but what makes me happy is that I am selling this place. Cleaning my stuff. Getting rid of extra stuff and I will move back to a new appartment. Simple life is better for me.
Three big, light rooms are better than a big house for me personally.
I created a beautiful place here and I hope that the buyer will enjoy it but I am gone to my sweet serene appartment.
Less is more fits me perfect. Whether in a big or small house.
Minimalism can be applied anywhere
🙏🏡😊
@@new-lviv Very true words, both sentences. No matter what the learning from it is, it's valuable.
Thank you. I'll try that
My husband of 52 years and together for 60 years died September 2019. He was my first and only love since age 15!! I'm alone in a 4,000 square foot home. I did gather beautiful china silver crystal ornate mirrors and fine furniture. All just stuff!! I'm not attached to anything. I have given away donated and sold many things. Still a long way to go. The memories are in my heart.
I am sorry for your loss. God bless you.
🚪65 years of holding onto things because it was instilled in me that throwing away parents belongings meant you didn’t love them anymore. But after watching many stories like this I know now that I could have been living the life I wanted instead of living my parents life of holding onto objects. Thank you for sharing and helping me begin my journey. ❤️❤️❤️🚪😊😊
I can relate. I bought my parents house after my mom passed. Getting rid of things has been hard for me because my mom valued her things so much. But it’s been suffocating me for 5 years. So this summer I started getting rid of things and it has been so freeing!
OMG - I am living my parents' life with their objects!!! Thank you for your comment.
Same
🚪
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
I did this four years ago. But before I let anything go, I took pictures of items I wanted to remember. It sure made the stress of letting go a lot easier. Blessings
I don't even have storage for that :)
I did that with some things. I dont even have those photos anymore because I learned that I didn't even need that anymore.
I let my sneakers go and clothes. It makes me happier
For me I hoard pictures, I currently have 43,000 pictures on my phone and almost 1,300 videos. & that’s just on my latest phone 😞. I waste £7 a month for 2tbs to store photos I never look at 😞.
@@girlpower5703 thanks, this give me reassurance it’s gonna be worth it
This isn't minimalism. This is therapy. ♥
Maybe a bit of both. 😉
Same thing?
@@TheNerdistheWord ✨👏✨
❤️ Marie Kondo deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for how she’s changed so many lives. She gives incredible perspective when so many of us struggle to get rid of things we hold so dear and cause such frustration.
@@TheNerdistheWord I would 💯 vote for that!
My mom passed two and a half years ago. We still haven't touched her things. It feels so overwhelming. I don't know where to start even. This was very inspirational to me. Thank you.
Wishing you all the best.♥️
It helps when someone who loved her is with you while doing this. When my father died, I was paralised and depressed for years. All I was able to do is to get rid of his dentures. I mean what...? Then something happened in me and I did the same as Marissa.
I've been at it for 3+ years with my gma's OCD clean neat hoarding (child of cold war style hoarding--bags rubber bands paper everything..neatly stored for 70-80 years) It's a goldmine of vintage sales however after 3 years, I'm over it. I set a timer now and do about 20 mins at a time. If i can do more, great! Some days I don't do anything. Usually the hardest part is starting. Find a box, just one, and dump it. Flatten the box (don't do like i did and have a pile that's still sitting there--after working in vet med and being a stock manager I have a special hatred of packing supplies) OR keep box and make a donate pile that goes IMMEDIATELY into the car. Have a trash bag ready. If you cant let go, take a picture and make a lil hardback book for the shelf. Ask yourself "will this item help me lead the life *I want to lead?" (not considering anyone else but you, your mental health and life goals) if the answer is no, don't look back.
@@dunjabakic4012 agree! Having another person there to empathize and motivate it so important 💙
💙💙💙
You don’t know how much I’ve cried over watching this video. My mom is a hoarder, I moved out for the first time a year ago because it was affecting me. It destroyed my relationship with her. I wished I could help her, but I decided to move on with my life and not feel guilty for not helping. I struggled with it and tried to help her for years, and she became defensive and infuriating every time. I wished I could send her this video, but she only speaks Spanish. Thank you so much for making this video with such respect and understanding towards people with this. Thank you so much!
If she likes reading, maybe find that book in Spanish and send it to her???
you can go to settings and have it switched to Spanish. Just click on the little wheel.
Sometimes, hoarding is often related to trauma. Perhaps she needs support from a trauma therapist, who speaks spanish. A book , or a youtube video, or support from you will likely not meet her needs unfortunately. It's good you stepped away, and recognized it was affecting you.
I feel this on a personal level and this time with my dad. His terrible hoarding habit (and throwing fit when we throw it away stuff even if the thing looks like garbage) literally destroyed our family. We can’t do a simple DIY interior and was worse to the point none of us wants to go home because the house is huge mess. We all decided to rent and live our life peacefully on our own and it was the most liberating thing ever.
@@jadenalexis820 good for you. I can imagine how freeing that is. Omg, I completely understand. You have to move on. 👍👍👍👍
Currently crying. Here I am two years later after you published this video and it just the right time for me. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
The cleaning part resonates with me the most. If you have things, you have to clean around them, which can take hours. If you have nothing, there is nothing to clean around. The space maintains itself. When you start freeing up all this time for yourself, and to give to others, you can really start living.
I’ve been thinking about this too. The amount of time I spend cleaning vs actually living my life is insane.
@@MeditateandManifestwithJonnie ☝️that part!! 100% agree.
You effen rock lady! I hope that you actually exist and that this is not just rhetoric. I'm ready to ditch half my shit, give nice stuff away and make my own path. Sentimentality has been stretched. Life and love has been neglected. Its actually better to be the weird lady with 7 cats than be the lonely lady with a 9 million dollar collection of rare vases from the Ming Dynasty that dies alone and bored. Am I wrong? Cheers from beautiful Colorado!
have you tried it ?
This was so powerful! My sons father left when I was 4 months pregnant and I have had sole custody. We had to move 5 times before finding our forever home and I hauled all this stuff from house to house even spending so much money on storage units. Last yr my son who is now 6 was diagnosed with ADHD combine type. Everything I read talked about the negative effects clutter can have on ADHD. So for the past yr I have been working diligently to decluttering and just recently came to the realization that when I first had him we didn’t have a lot so through fear I held on to everything we had. Now as my house becomes less cluttered I’ve seen improvements in my son and how freeing it is to let go. I know my story is very different but hearing yours is very empowering thank you for sharing your journey.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
It is a great motivation!!😊
ADHA isn't real. We all have different personalities and strengths. America has an obsession with diagnosis and putting people in boxes.
Thank you for sharing this. I have adhd and even though I struggle to take care of my things no matter how hard I try, I didn’t realise that clutter might be affecting me more than most people. Maybe I shouldn’t expect myself to manage as many things as others can? It’s difficult because I’m sentimental but in the long run it would be much easier if I didn’t have as many things to keep track of and keep tidy. Thank you for working so hard to give your son a good start in this aspect of life!! Decluttering isn’t an easy process and it’s hard to work through those kinds of fears, I imagine it would be even harder as a parent. It sounds like you’re doing really well and I hope you’re proud of yourself and your son!
If I could hug my self 5 years before and say "this is not ok, but it will be". Wow...This bring me to tears. Thank you!
hugs self* it will be ok!
“Collect moments not objects” I love that 💕 what an amazing transformation and life style
Yeahhh I love that statement too
This is why I only own a computer because there I can have an infinite amount of experiences!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
🚪🚪🚪🚪
I started my journey this year. After years of loss, bankruptcy, divorce, a fire, more loss, illness, etc...... I am FINALLY starting to let go of the "things" that weigh me down like an anchor 😢😢
The more time you put into it, it goes away quicker. But the more time that goes by IN BETWEEN working on decluttering ....well that slows down the progress. I went from having an entire basement worth of stuff in 2012 to 1 room full in 2015....fast forward... I am still working on a rooms worth of stuff , that is split up between 3 areas. The main bedrooms, living ,dining areas are between 99% decluttered, and on its way to minimalism style....just still getting there with those areas.
We entered our life with nothing and we will leave our lives with nothing. That is something I always refer to! I've decluttered several times but I aim to purge myself of all the junk hopefully for the last time. After all do we really need all these things which also clutter our minds?
@@taniayager3361 , what I hoard/clutter is my children's baby items, favorite baby outfits, photos, etc... I know WHY I do it. It is because I do not even have a baby photo of myself or any childhood memories. All were lost due to my irresponsible parents. Its important to me that I keep memories for my children. That's the only thing I really keep an excess of. So... now that they are graduating college, moving out, etc.. they can decide what they keep for themselves and what they get rid of/donate💞💞💞.
Interestingly enough..... since I watched this video and posted this comment we lost roughly 90% of everything due to a hot water heater breaking😥😥😥. All of my keeping things for my children was for naught. We ended up losing it all anyways😥
Same here too
Very slow.
This🙌🌱⚘💕
I made the mistake of watching your video while putting my makeup on...I was not prepared for the outflow of tears your beautifully deep words would bring forth. But they were brought forth. And I'm grateful that they were. I see there is hope for those traumatized by painful childhoods who now seek comfort in boxes filled with things. I'm moving right now from a 4600sq.ft. home to an 800 sq.ft. apartment and I'm feeling so stuck and so torn because my things cannot fit in my new place. How I had them spread out in my home will not do in a small apartment. So I'm forced to sell, donate, and throw out. Which I believe will be good for me in the long run, but right now I'm feeling emotionally devastated for having to declutter and get rid of boxes filled with 28 years worth of things. Your video inspired me that healing is possible...and decluttering may be painful now but it will be worth it later. Thank you.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Bravo! “The clutter in your space is a mirror of the clutter inside your mind “. As a psycologist I can say that much people posses many things to fulfill there sense of emptyness. Your story inspires other people to learn to let go and be free. Collect moments not money nor objects. God bless you 🙏🏼
Yes but when you let go of the clutter in your home, what happened to the clutter in your mind?
What are "people posses"? Separate groups of people riding horses? And what's a psycologist? Someone who can't spell his or her own profession?😇
@@gbarthg seems like this is not her native language (neither mine) but we all get the meaning I'm sure. I'd love to see YOU practising a foreign language and then receiving this kind of dehonestating comments!!!
@@gbarthg : people don’t have to spell right to be educated. My dads a mechanic but can’t spell english right, its not his first language so i don’t expect him too. why are you being so unnecessarily condescending? Does it make you feel better about yourself?
@@gbarthg she's hispanic , so does not write or speak english /greetings from tunisia
The trigger warning in the beginning was wonderful and respectfully given. Thank you.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
This was a very inspirational video. I am a hoarder. One thing I’ve noticed that hoarders seem to have in common is loss. The loss creates such a hole that you want to hold on to anything and everything that reminds you of the people you have lost.
thx for sharing that. it helps me have insight. sorry for your losses.
I'm interested to know whether we are using the word "hoarder" the same way. The two people I have known who were hoarders suffered from a compulsive behaviour tied to anxiety, and filled their living spaces to the point where they had to sleep in a section of their bed, they could not safely navigate the rooms of their house on a day to day basis without taking time to shift piles of items around, and whole rooms became inaccessible. One of the two people lost access to his basement and did not have hot water for nearly a decade because he simply could not access the hot water tank. Is this the level of hoarding you suffer from? If not, I would suggest that instead of calling yourself a hoarder, you call yourself a person who hoards things, or who had trouble letting go. I'm not trying to be disrespectful-it's just that one of the characteristics of hoarding that set it apart from OCD is that the person does not typically see that their behaviour is a problem. In addition, it is very difficult when you have family members who suffer from the mental disorder of hoarding to talk to other people about it, when the public has such a poor understanding of what it is really like, and every third person tells you, "oh yes, I'm a bit of a hoarder myself."
Yes and my personal reason in mourning was, I told to myself,
I have no control about losing beloved peoples because of death, but I can control objects to not lose them...
it’s time for me now to let go of everything that I don’t need anymore and to heal my pain,
to be thankful for this precious moment that I was able to enjoy with this persons. I hope than I will be able to fully enjoy my present again becaus life is so short and present is the most important time in life.
YES!!
Seems like the older folks didn't have millions of nick knacks and trivia around.
I'm so glad that you acknowledged how sentimental items can be, and how it can be a VERY long, emotional process to let things go. A lot of cleaning videos seem pretty flippant about 'purging everything we own!' I'm glad that someone addressed the issue of GRIEF slowing things down. 💙
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
I LOVE how your home looks now. I find empty space so calming.
Thanks, Nathaniel. ✨🙌✨
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
Amazing story!
Traveling to another country with just suitcases will definitely force you to minimize.
I traveled for 5 month. When I put everything in storage I saw how little I owned, and felt sad. There was a part of me that felt like by that time in my life I should have more to my name. It gave feelings of being unsuccessful.
When I came back from my trip, opened my storage, and my first thought was, "what is all this junk?"
😂
Amazing that you changed so much
So true!
You will be amazed about what you can live without.
We are CONDITIONED to be consumers of quantity, not quality. It's a vicious cycle and difficult to break away from, good for you! You shook up your life and are better for it.
I am 23 and I lived with a hoarding grandmother and in general messy parents. We always had crap and I always felt so suffocated. I am living with my fiance and I've noticed that since our relationship started I have slowly but surely added junk to our house. It sucks. I want to get rid of it lol, but I also grew up poor so I now that I can finally afford things, it is hard to stop. But it's not healthy for me. I am trying to minimalize my setting and create a relaxing space that is fresh, peaceful, but also full of creative possibility. Thank you for this, didn't realize I needed to see it.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Thank you for your comment, I can really relate. Same situation here. I grew up with my grandmother in the same house and as a WW2 survivor, she was a hoarder, too. She had experienced hunger and material scarcity in her youth so she was collecting everything and buying in bulk once conditions improved. I'm still struggling with keeping my flat tidy because of the impact that had on me. I understand that my grandmother's trauma caused her behaviour, I don't blame her. It's just something I have to overcome. I found some of the tips on this channel useful, like starting with short decluttering sessions of 10-15 minutes, one drawer / box at a time.
Baby girl when we leave this planet all we can take with us is our precious memories. Your decluttering process was the first step to make sure that when you leave many many decades from today your mental "trunk" will be so full, you wont be able to close it. You just became a hero, a personal source of inspiration. I'm a stranger, but I'm proud of you. Hugs from FL.
We take our character with us. It needs to be transformed from sinner to holy. Or different. By studying God’s character, the Holy Spirit can create Christlike attributes in our hearts. Even so that we can obey the Ten Commandments. Including the fourth. Exodus 20:8-11 which is the most controverted.
Your soul will leave this planet and your body will be buried under ground you will take nothing but your good deeds ,
That is so beautifully said, omg! I am tearing up reading this!
This is the most beautiful minimalism video I've seen! I feel for you Marissa. I have also lost my mother to cancer and lost a lot of loved ones and I'm in my 20's. I am also a recovering hoarder and on my minimalism journey. Thank you, this message has really touched my soul today.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
I'm a grown ass German guy sitting here and crying. I totally felt what you said, we moved from 120 to 60 qm and had several breakdowns bc of all the hoards we have.
Thanks for reassuring that my decision to decrease my stuff and not buy anything this year was right.
Thank you for your kind words. ✨❤️✨ Glad you are are doing well with your downsizing, as well as making the decision to do it for your well-being!
Do Germans cry less than other nationalities? I never noticed...
@@solidstate9451 of course I can't speak for all Germans but where I come from I'd say yes. From childhood on we're taught to see things rational and judging before deciding how to feel. But we cry often bc of anger 🤣
@@PlayboyReita I'm from the south of Germany. I've seen many men cry.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Collect moments not objects. OMGOODNESS this is exactly what I needed to hear today. I'm struggling so hard everyday to get rid of things as I try to declutter things I don't even need. I have things from my Dad, He passed away 15 years ago. I love your story and the fact that you were raw and open about your heart felt feelings. Your Dad keeping things and hoarding and keeping boxes. My Dad did this. After I married my husband, he was also a closet hoarder. I've wanted to be a minimalist for about 5 years. I applaud you for your openness and honesty. I'm going to follow your journey.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Wow! Out of all the minimalism videos I have watched throughout the years, I would have to say that this is the one that is inspiring me to finally make that change! Thank you for your transparency and for sharing your story.
Wow. When I clicked on this I had no idea it would be a beautifully edited, painful, yet hope-filled story. The way you wove decluttering into telling a story about the deeper issues of grief and letting go was powerful. I felt like I was listening to a beautiful children’s audio book that would help give hope and help to others who dealt with loss and grief at a young age. 💙💜
It was amazing right?!
👍⚘⚘
I am so inspired by your video.
I became homeless at 17 just before entering college. I worked three jobs to be able to afford living on campus year round for 5 years. I brought my entire bedroom (sans furniture) with me to college and my possessions accumulated from there.
When you are so close to losing everything, how do you find peace in parting when those things? So I collected. And collected. After college I bought a storage unit.
Here I am 12 years post college and still have a storage unit. For what? What could I possibly still need in there when I don't even set foot in it until I want to add to it? I tell myself, "when you buy a house you won't have to buy this or that." Such a waste of money. Of my peace.
I'm in a small one bedroom apartment with my husband and 2 years old and just started to declutter my closet creating a small capsule wardrobe. It seems neverending! I'm in the process of selling items as well.
But after watching this I'm feeling so motivated to free up my soul again. I need to. So thank you for sharing your journey.
I think stories like yours are so much more common than people realize! Wishing you lots of luck and cheering you on in your decluttering journey. ❤️
I think this is my favourite video on minimalism, a short piece of art. I can feel the calm and healing coming from this video
I didn't realise I was a hoarder until one day I had to move a house! I believe my habit of hoarding came from I was growing up poor and everything always meant something and/or could be reuse/useful. It took me a while to get that habit out of my system. It was like a rehab! Decluttering was one of the best decisions I've made as it helps me being more organised. Before, it drained me, mentally and physically. My brain is now organised too! 😊
Same here Summer! Can totally relate to the reuse or better keep it just in case. I want an organised mind too!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
I lost my mom in September 2020 and my step Dad in Jan 2021...cleaning up their home honestly was hell...I have vowed to never clutter,so that my kids don't ever have to go through what I had to.
This is a HUGE motivation for lots of us who have gone though the same. Big hugs, Marie, sounds like you had a lot to deal with and process in a short period of time.
My Dad died in June 20, he kept everything it seems, such a huge job to clear it all up. We sold the house just after Christmas. I was absolutely done in.
*hugs* from an internet stranger. I too lost my mom in September, and going through her house was a very emotional time.
My condolences. Look into Swedish death cleaning. I’ve mentioned it to my parents & started doing it myself.
Read Swedish Death Cleaning.
I am in the start of my decluttering. I went into depression and started buying unnecessary "things" five years ago. Now, I just went throught a bag of clothes and thanked every single item before it goes to donation. Thank you! Your story is very inspiring and if there's a TH-cam award, you got it!
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
🚪I have hoarder tendencies but have never gotten as bad as the horrors on that show with the same name thankfully, but the "I might need it someday" has been a problem for letting go of stuff. I have been good and am getting better at letting things go, with the help of many good videos on decluttering on TH-cam, Now that my car is falling apart and won't pass another inspection I won't be replacing it which means I have about five weeks to haul the bulky, heavy stuff out of here. Your videos have been very helpful and inspiring. Now when I pull something off a shelf and think, I might need this . . .until I see the empty space and then get more excited about that space and want that space more than what just left it. Thank you for your great videos and motivation!
After watching a lot of minimalist videos, Yours resonated with me most. I have held onto objects because they’re attached to people that I once loved who have passed on and now realize that I can still be attached to those people without holding onto their possessions. Thank you for sharing your story and helping people like me.
When she said “ If I could go back and hug my myself & say...It’s not ok, but it’s going to be”......Tearssssss
Same here...can't stop crying :') healing tears..
Great quote: "I am done putting things in boxes."
Thank you for putting this together & sharing your journey. Nice that you were able to move to Germany.
🚪 I am on my journey now. What makes it difficult is my husband doesn’t see the need to de clutter like I do, so it’s going to be a very long journey but worth it 🙌🏾
i must say, i'm super appreciative of you for including a very inclusive list about trigger warnings! it's an important journey, but it's also good to remember people aren't at the same point that you are.
My beautiful son died in July 2020, two days before his 28th birthday. He died a distressing death due to toxicity from illegal and prescription Oxycodone. I still have a lot of his belongings in my loft, all his school and college books, paintings, his keepsakes, his keyboard and microphone. He was my heart, and I just don't know what to keep and what to get rid of. If I make a memory box it won't be big enough :( Nine months after his death I need to start decluttering my whole house, I just can't touch his things without falling apart.
I’m sorry for your loss, it sounds like this was very recent and raw...give yourself time. Remember it took me 30 years, and other people here in the comment section have been doing it for five, 10, or more years. Hugs and healing to you. ✨
Oh my goodness, I can imagine what you are going through. I had a child attempt suicide and ended up intubated and in the ICU and I was terrified I was going to lose him. Thankfully, I did not. I wish I could give you a hug. I don’t know how I’d ever let anything go.
My son just went to Jail on Mothers Day 2021. He will celebrate his 30th and the next 15 birthdays (or more) in prison. I feel as though I have lost him. His addiction has taken his life in ways that death never could. I have requested his things from the various people who have them. I'm terrified I'll hold onto them the way I'm holding onto the depression, anger, and sadness I feel. I'm raising his youngest child. I've had her since she was born. I know I need to be strong for her, but I feel this terrible loss. I also know how fresh my loss is, but more importantly, I know how I deal with the emotional baggage around his addiction. I tend to hold it all in close and tight. I'm afraid that if I stop hurting, I'll lose what little I have left of him here. He's in another state which makes it even more difficult to deal with. I know that he hasn't died and there is a chance for me to see him again. I can say I have a better vantage point than others but, the loss, pain, and sorrow are all the same. I will pray for you and your family.
@@NiteOwlCrafter I am so sorry foe what you’re going through. I can imagine how very difficult that would be. You are in my prayers. You and your whole family.
Judith, I am so sorry. There is nothing like the loss of a child. I lost my 18 year old in an aircraft collision almost two years ago. I am still unable to let go of his possessions. I am here listening to this vlog and I will start with one thing today. Be patient with yourself. One of my son's friends wanted his drum set shortly after he died and when I parted with it, it was unbearable. His friend had to return the set to me when he moved out of country to go to college and it made me feel better. The drum set will stay for a while. Give yourself time...day by day.
I was very shocked by the intense emotional response this video inflicted upon me. Clearly, there’s something here for me that resonates. And I think it was a message I’ve needed to hear for a long time. I think I might finally be ready to start letting go, too. Thank you for sharing. 💛
🚪I've been on my KonMari decluttering journey for 3 years and am still nowhere close to being done. It is very difficult to confront and be honest with yourself. You are an inspiration and watching your videos is motivating me to putter along my journey after being stuck in a rut. Thank you! 🙏
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
Don’t waste your time looking back; You’re not going that way. 💛
Wow, that really spoke to me. Thank you for this.
Hello
I am from Germany. When I try to sell my stuff, almost nobody wants to pay for it, even when it was never used.
I give it for free but some things nobody even want for free!
We Western people are drowning in stuff and more stuff.
We should think twice before buying something new and keep in mind that it will be trash on our planet, when we throw it away.
I live in Norway and have totally the same situation. After decluterring I have some really good quality ,totally and expensive clothes which just don’t feet me or I have never worn them and don’t like them anymore. I tried to sell cashmere jumper which costed 200 euro for the price of H&M clothes and nobody wants to buy. Then I also wanted just to give it away to those who really need clothes and nobody wanted them 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ it is also stupid to throw them away....
Maybe there could be some charity shops?
@@anastasiadyhring Can u send them to India? Will pay for shipping...and besides.
I am in Germany too and I am struggling too to sell something here :D Crazy.. no just clothes...everything.. because everything is cheap in shops :)
I so agree, I'm in the UK and people don't seem to want good quality pre loved stuff and I hate having to throw things away.
Wow, of all the minimalism videos I've watched, I feel that yours is the most "real"--describing a journey taking place over time and built on a foundational investigation of your relationship to things. What a messy and beautiful experience.
Oh My G'Ness...... I have just come here from Cass's channel. Your video here, is my first of yours! YIKES!!!! This one has hit home!!! I have lost my Mom, my Dad, My Aunt and Uncle, grandparents, etc.... and I have ended up with all of their items, and have kept the treasures, that I still feel them in.... but.... those items have taken over my life, my home, my heart! HOW do I let them go, without feeling I am losing them too!!! Thru Dawn, Cass, Josh and others.... the process has begun, but... SO Slowly! Looking forward to more tip, tricks and ideas from you as well.
I'm trying to break the cycle of my family's hoarding habits. A lot of my clutter is objects that I feel I can't part with because they have been handed down to me. But bit by bit I am slowly letting them go and trying not to feel guilty about it. I know that my life and my happiness is more important than objects.
Wishing you all the best with this, Rosa!
Stuff can have unfortunate accidens.
@@solidstate9451 I was just going to suggest inviting a visit from a waggy tailed large dog. ☺️
You are a beautiful storyteller. I love your clarity, simplicity and beauty! Thank you for sharing
Thank you. I am 55 and single, and it is truly a "process" to minimized and declutter. I plan to move from my condo to a small home, but I'm giving myself 1 to 3 yes to do it. Thank you for sharing.
When you finish the main part, come to México to Take a different air.
This is just so good. I am a newbie minimalist, just doing a little bit every day. Your video has been an inspiration. Thank you for opening up your life and your home and sharing your story.
Blank space is elegant in a home, think of it as a “possession” and an expensive one at that. Divide the square footage of your home by the value and find out just how valuable that blank space is. You can redecorate a room simply by removing objects.
That is a really good insight!
I didn't allow my husband to buy furniture. Coz when we have less things, easy to clean. The house will be neat , clean and beautiful with less things.
I love your video ,. I can relate. My adoptive mother died 25 years ago and I have no family whatsoever aside from two children with health issues. It is tough being alone, without help, and clinging onto clutter. I am currently going through the decluttering process in order to have less mental and physical stress. Thank you.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
I cried watching this... And I don't cry that easily. Thank you.
🚪 both parents died 1+ yrs ago ...I'm in my nearly 40s, on a journey to declutter 2 houses, 50+ yrs of possessions going back 2-3 generations and untangling 2 complicated and beaurocratic inherited legal situations. Wardrobes full of things, boxes full of papers. I started 1 yr ago on this journey . In the first month I ended up in the middle of the floor crying my heart out several times while trying to storm declutter and fix things. It doesn't work like that ... I hit the bottom, had to look inward& reach out to friends, pick at the scabs, embrace the pain before I could get off the floor and start climbing again. Now, 6 months later & after many of your & other's videos, 2 books on decluttering, more loss and hours of reflecting, its finally going in the right direction. Its not fast or slow, its just a bumpy journey with light at the end of the tunnel. There are still lots of things to sort out, give away, sell, donate etc but unlike before, now I am confident I can go through this process even if it won't be easy. A year ago I was pumped & clueless ...To everyone going through the same process: take your time, be gentle on yourself and hang in there, keep at it, don't despair. You will make it! and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help or share what you're going through. If there's one thing that stuck with me from M's channel: you're not alone in your journey! You're not alone, period.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
My mum always tries to pass things to me that she has hoarded, she wants me to sell them because she feels they have value. Selling them consumes my time and mental strength and clutters my house whilst I await a buyer. I have learnt to say to her 'I don't need more money, I need more space in my home and in my head', and then I tell her to donate the item to the charity shop. I do not want to pass hoarding behaviour onto my own daughter so I am fighting it as best I can.
Yes, selling isn’t for everyone! I’m glad you are standing your ground. ✨
I filled a small dumpster just last week with things from my house. Lots was mine, but lots was my mother's or her parent's that she either"gifted" me or just chose to store in my house (that's a whole other story).
I had sorted out items to sell but when the dumpster arrived I realized I didn't want to deal with any of it any longer so in it went. It feels so good being free of all the stuff and the guilt attached to it all.
Yes seeing people say they made money from their clutter just throws another mental obstacle in the way. Where did all the family possessions go during the moves? I was surprised how good this video was as I expected it to be privileged rich people showing off how they could afford to dump everything and buy things only when they need them.
In norwegian there is this word: dørstokkmila. It translates to “door step mile”. It signifies the perceived distance between you and whatever it is that you need to start doing. It’s similar to the expression “every journey begins with a single step” but that expression makes the first step seem effortless, whereas the Norwegian word acknowledges just how hard it feels. In Norway a mile is 10km, hence the significance of calling the doorstep, or first step, a mile. This is my favorite norwegian word so I love that you ask people to post the 🚪 emoji for that reason. They seem to signify the same thing.
Thank you for sharing yourself so honestly and freely. You inspire me ❤️
love this! thank you!
how beautiful...
This is honestly so cool I think it deserves its own movie...feel like Joanna (sp?) Jinton style topic here. ✨🚪✨
Takk for sharing. :)
I loved learning this. Thank you so much for sharing❤
I don't struggle with hoarding at all - my home is very bare, for lack of a better word, and I like it that way - but this is a beautiful, empowering video even for someone like me. I can only imagine how powerful it must be for a person who does face that challenge. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Oh my gosh....your background is so similar to mine. My Mom passed away from cancer in May 2021 and I received a lot of her things. My Dad is a hoarder, but he calls himself a "collector". Growing up I would receive items that I was not allowed to open or play with because they would be worth something in the future. I have a lot of stuff I need to go through and it is the start of a journey. Thank you for sharing your story, it is very encouraging for me.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
My Mom oasses away from cancer 2021 too. Very challenging year.😢
This is my first ever comment I made on TH-cam. I cried, only a few moments after you started telling your story. I'm also a emotional hoarder, from different reasons, but with the same results. My house isn't dirty but packed with tons of things that have no purpose. I have them just to have them and now they have me. I had tiny little thoughts about what that says about me and why it feels like a burden to own that much stuff, because I once wanted it and I had paid for it. I own 90 Tshirts. Just Tshirts. 90. For what? I don't even know. The fact that I burst out in Tears hearing you calling this behavior by its name made me realise that I have to work out why I am doing this and that I have to stop. Thank you for opening my eyes. You brought me a huge step forward on my personal healing journey. ❤️
Welcome to my channel, and you are in good company here with us. ❤️ Myself and others are cheering you on! 📣 Good luck walking through the door and starting your journey.
I visit boxes of moment’s and Memories stored away for years and each time I return I wonder why ? for a brief moment I remember fondly of things past then wonder who will do this when I’m now longer here🤔my husband, children ? many of these items won’t hold the same sentiments as they do for me (they don’t have the same need to hang on to things as I 🤣) so , next time the boxes surface I will say goodbye to them and store anything outstanding in my memory and a much smaller box ! I hope your Journey is as successful as my own , Good luck ! 🤗
One step at a time. My motivation was after the death of my husband of 52 years and the fact that I didn't want to burden my children after my death. My husband had 103 dress shirts and over 150 golf shirts most designer labels still with price tags!!! Italian suits and expensive leather shoes I sold some but mostly ended donating several trunk loads of his things.
Now the large items like heavy solid wood furniture from Italy bought for $20,000.00 but i can't even sell for $500.00!!! People today live in small condos and do not have the space.
What to do? Just do I drawer at a time. One box at a time. Only do what you can handle emotionally. You will get there and you'll be happier. I haven't regretted parting with anything because the memories are carried in my heart. Memories need little space.
Be blessed ❤
"Collect MOMENTS not objects" 💕 This is so powerful. I felt it deep within. Thank you for sharing your story and being so honest ❤
I subscribed to your channel right after watching this video!
Welcome to the family, thank you for your kind words and for watching! ❤️
Can you help me in selling our eastern clothes(Pakistani formsl/informaldresses).I have lot to whom i m emotionslly attached
That's exactly what i did right after this video - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE
Also you don't loose things (to rubbery for instance) you don't have 🤣
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
I am struggling so much. Lost both my parents and my sister and have all their stuff. It makes me sad to look at it but sad to throw it away so I have every cupboard stuffed full. I need to be brave and let go.
I am so sorry 💕 for me it is a lot easier when you consider that you are actually rehoming the things that aren't healthy or helpful for you to keep anymore. They can bring a lot of joy in another person's home and 'live on' at a new place. Sending much love and healing your way ♡
Love and light
Sorry for your loss. I can’t relate, but I can totally understand. If I may suggest one way to let go, is by starting small. For example keep only 5 things for each one that they loved/used the most or remind you of them. Once you let go of part of their belongings, it would be relatively easy to let go of the rest. Though, I’m not for letting go of everything. I enjoy keeping small pieces that are easy to store away or can be displayed like the items in this video, or even big stuff that I can continue to use such as an easy chair. I hope the future holds so much happiness for you, even when remembering your dear ones.
I am sorry for your losses.. I have objects that are sentimental too. They live in your heart, and mind no one can ever take that away from you. I have a lot of thing I am attached too ad well. I am a very emotional and creative soul so I understand. I am working on getting rid of things too. 🎶🐎⭐
I'm right there with you. I lost my Mom in 2019 and I'm an only child. So every single thing she had is in my living room/bedroom/kitchen and one small storage unit. She didn't own a ton, thankfully, but I'm having a hard time doing anything with it. I just recently came out the other side of debilitating PTSD due to her passing, and the insane depression. It's hard to even think about getting rid of any of it, but I know my Mom wouldn't want her stuff stressing me out or clogging up my house.
I am 64 and on year 9 of downsizing. Now I am getting to the last of what we accumulated. My husband passed last year. It is really hard to get rid of things he wrote on. And I have way too many hard copy pictures. It was very helpful to see what you had and went through. It really helps.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
@@dr.christopherjohnson5046stop spamming the comment section 😡
Come to India @ Rishikesh near Delhi and feel of joy and love.......!
Never thought I would be so moved by a video on decluttering. Thank you so much for sharing.
Oh Marissa. I'm in tears, in the best of ways. Seeing how far you've come.
Same!
Marissa, thank you for making this video. I have recently (a few years ago) had everything i owned taken away and have only recently recovered my home in the aftermath. There are things that have accumulated while overshadowed by the losses in people and their possessions in the shadows. I admittedly knew i have to declutter to move forward but didnt know where to begin. Your video has given me inspiration and hope to make space for the future i wish to have. Thank you for the time and energy in making this video. It has really touched me in unexpected ways and i am grateful for clicking on it. Wish you and your family well
I've been watching your videos for awhile but had not seen this one yet. When I tell you that I sobbed through the whole thing, I'm really not exaggerating. Thank you. I think I needed this.
I started my journey a few months ago after yearsss of EMOTIONAL HOARDING. I finally got in the mindset that it wasnt going to happen overnight and i started using Saturday night when my family was asleep to start the tasks of letting go. So week by week i made myself go through my garage and my closet. Now I look forward to my Saturday night emotional roller coaster. I donated 10 bags of clothes and 14 totes of STUFF. Your video is beautiful thank you for the watch! Doing this has changed my life and i love watching it change other peoples lives as well.
I know it must be hard for you Cortni, but it sounds like you are doing amazing! Keep it up. 👏
@@AtoZenLife I am beginning this difficult journey
@@joys.mahaffey8109 You are in good company here, Joy. ✨
I’m a born minimalist, but this gave me new appreciation for people in my life who are not. Thank you for sharing your story.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Did your parents raise you as a minimalist? Are your parents minimalist?
Geesh i stumbled upon this and it was inspiring. Now to get started
I’m rooting for you. ✨👏✨
You go girl!
Same here, I found this whole looking for something else, but I'm so glad I stopped & watched!!
We have such a tiny apt, and so so SO MANY boxes and totes of "stuff"! I want to declutter but also am not sure where to start... however, maybe the gratitude idea will help, never thought of doing something like that. Thank you so much for your amazing video!
Oops, typo.. while not whole!
Wow thank you for sharing your story its truly so inspiring and the home you have created with so much joy is heart warming!
I know there was a warning at the beginning but it didn't prepare me. Thank you being venerable and open. This has been the most powerful and wonderful minimalist video.
😂🤣😆
This is the most beautiful and heartfelt minimalism video I’ve ever seen. Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing.
This was so inspiring, who’s cutting onions ?? “collect memories not objects” wow :”(
🚪I’m decluttering my home right now ( my Moms house and our childhood home of 20+ years) and this video is just what I needed. It’s intimidating to declutter 10,20 years worth of items but once you get started it’s such a freeing thing. Happy for your success. Your children will surely look up to you as they get older and appreciate that.
Amen sister;) I’m on my journey as well after loosing my both parents year before last. Cleared their things with an estate sale, then kept too much. Now I’m decluttering my home. Photos were them most daunting task so we’ve taken that one head on. Getting close to wrapping up that project. We put them all on an SSD drive. It’s been a year in the process but really moving along now;) 🙏🏼 for your success in your journey, Sincerely;)
Wow! I’m speechless with a tear stained face. This hits close to home. Thank you for sharing your hardest moments. You are filled with light and joy. Even though it’s a video about minimalism it’s truly so much more than that. You are a shining example of someone who is choosing joy and happiness! I’m sure your parents are watching over you and are proud of who you’ve become.
Those are the of the kindest words you could say to me, thank you M’Lisa! ✨❤️✨
I recently lost my mom and have moved in her home temporarily to dispose of the life she built. It's been three months already and I feel crippled by the sheer volume of stuff I have to give away. No one wants to pay a good price and most people expect the stuff to be given for free. It hurts so much to see the life my mother built being shredded into bits. Every single object evokes loving memory of her. It is a daunting task but I hope I can eventually dispose off all her belongings responsibly.
I am so very sorry for your loss - it sounds like everything is still very raw for you currently. Do what you can and give yourself time to heal. I know it’s so hard right now, hang in there. 💔
I am so sorry for you! I wish you all the best!
@@smallhouseinthemeadow6131 Oh boy, you’ve got me crying over here with the bathrobe thing. Sorry for your loss. ❤️
It WILL get better. I went through the same thing when my mom died. I kept everything because I couldn’t bear to let any part of her go. Now, years later, I have saved a few of her favorite books and dishes. Gradually I was able to let go. Don’t rush it, and don’t feel guilty if you get rid of something. Your mom would understand. Good luck to you.
@@lsullivan5249 ✨🌸✨ good advice
This was absolutely beautiful. I’m currently a grieving daughter and it’s so hard to let go. I will be moving soon and I’m ready to declutter. Thank you 🙏
Wishing you hugs and healing. ❤️
hugs from here too!!! xoxo
My best wishes and love in these difficult times. I hope you stay healthy and peaceful.
09o
09o
🚪 Packing up and decluttering, at the moment, to move into my first home. I can’t say that I am, or will ever be, a full minimalist. However, I am enjoying letting go of “stuff”. It’s additive. Freeing. I’m looking forward to my clutter free home.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. “Collect moments, not objects” really resonated with me. Inspired to change how I’m living to achieve the freedom you speak of. Thank you!
Thank you for making me cry! You never realize your hoarding is caused by heartache until you are surrounded by clutter trying to find motivation to remove it
That is a very poignant observation. 😔 I’m glad you enjoyed it, sometimes we need a good cry, right?
@@AtoZenLife its a good thing! Especially with letting go of things. Thank you for sharing your story! You are very much an inspiration to me!
Sometimes I thing what my family will find after I'm dead, going though my personal stuff. What value the stuff will have to them? Probably none, beside a few items that will reminds them of me. This thought makes decluttering much more easy.
I 💯 agree!
Wow! Even I have similar thoughts while decluttering.
There is a method called Swedish Death Cleaning (which is not as brutal as it sounds) which has exactly this thought as a premise.
I feel the same way!❤️
We’ll done on your epic transformation! I am still a hoarder and recently Ilstarted my journey to declutter. I halved the amount of clothing I own and have cleared all the books I no longer read. I definitely feel MUCH better finally having a space which bring a me peace instead of stress.
My journey has just began and I know it will be challenging but worth it.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and for being brave enough to show us what “normal” used to look like to you previously.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
the fact that ur journey so far lasted for five years makes everything feel more manageable :) thank you for sharing.
This is an amazing thing to pass down to your children. I inherited the “just in case” and stockpiling mindset from my family. But moving at the end of each year started my decluttering journey in college. I may be moving again for a job soon and I want to declutter a lot more to make it easier on myself since I’ll probably have to do it alone in my suv.
I just started watching your decluttering videos this week, and finally came across this one. Wow! I was moved (to tears) by your story and the growth you've experienced. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring me.
I can’t stop crying. This is the most powerful decluttering video I’ve ever seen on my ongoing struggle on keeping things and being unable to organise my home. Thank you.
This was so special. I sent this to my friend struggles to let go of clutter. I think it is related to the death of her brother/s and underlying grief. I hope that she watches this and understands that her journey too, can continue in a positive way. Peace, light and love to you.
Thank you Danielle, hugs and healing to both of you. ✨
This video popped up on my feed pretty randomly, and I didn’t expect to be in tears watching it. It felt like listening to someone narrate my own story. I lost my mom at 13 and my Dad at 23, and the emotions that come with losing your parents and your home and all your comforts are so devastating. Thank you for sharing your story. there are so many things in storage I can’t bear to touch because they belonged to my parents and the life I had before they were gone.
I’m touched by your story. I can find myself in your words. This is the best minimalism video I have ever seen and for sure it is the most touching one. Sending you a big hug.
I really love this. I am suffering the same with so much stuff ended up with from my mom and dad. I’ve donate and donated and donated and feel I will never be free from the bondage of stuff - it’s so overwhelming. Thank you I needed to hear this
You will be okay. Just start slow and follow the process bit by bit. Have gratitude for the things that have served you and your parents well. Release them with joy and donate or sell them. Don't feel guilty for letting go your parents possessions, Because you will honour them with your memories and the love in your heart you have for them. Release yourself from the prison of joyless possessions.
@@GloryDaze73 Thank you - It is so overwhelming when you end up with so much stuff. I have been trying to get rid of things for 3 years now. Two large donation trucks came by and I have made many drop-off to goodwill and I still have stuff. haha It's like a nightmare. My mom and dad had so much stuff it's just unreal. and it makes me want to have an empty house with nothing but a bed and a table. I'm so sick of "stuff". haha Thank you for your words of encouragement. This video has given me a dose of energy to keep trying
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤
My husband is a keeper, "just in case I need it". I can't sit in the living room or eat at the table because there is no room. We bought a house in another state 6 months ago but haven't been able to move because I found out I had/have breast cancer and have been on chemo. I have told him this mess is not happening again, the clutter, that is. Wish me luck. Your video is very encouraging.
I wish you luck. I hope you will get better soon ❤
I have been going through this for 7 years. almost all of my family has passed away in that time. it's been rough but I am getting through it. 😊 I'm so happy for you.
You are not alone, there are so many of us in the comments section here! All the best to you. 😘
This is just so beautifully done...and well summarizes how overwhelmed many of us are with too much consumerism and stuff that overtakes our life. Thank you for sharing your personal and heartfelt story.
Watched this for the new year, and am reassessing all my possessions again. It's truly a therapy now.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?
”That empty space is actually full” Love that!
right?
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. I'm still on this journey- I feel like I'm just getting started. However- four years ago now- I got rid of the china cabinet. I was done storing dishes I never used. Yet- I made the decision that I wanted to use the good china every day. I got rid of my old every day dishes and only use the good china now. It even goes in the dish washer and I don't care how rough I am with them. No more saving things for a special day when every day should be special.
I am a hoarder and now I find it so hard to get round my house as stuff gets stuck under my electric wheelchair 😓.
This gives me hope and motivation, thankyou 💖
Yes! Mobility is so key, clearing your space can definitely help. ❤️
I feel you Hannah. Categorize and take it 1 item at a time. Don't give up!
you certainly need an electric wheelchair ;)
I kept things as a kid with animals faces on them. I was worried they would be hurt. I kept so many things as a kid that I now realize was hoarding. My mom found a dead mouse in my room and old chicken bones. I couldn't tell you why it happened, but sometime around high school I started watching organization videos because I was enveloped with other people's stuff, my own stuff, and my mom's stuff (she held onto things too). My grandpa died (her dad) and there was millions of dollars worth of junk stacked to the ceiling. I think it runs in my family.
Anyways, I started organizing and slowly, very slowly getting rid of stuff. I started getting rid of the "old me" and that helped a lot. I wanted to be a new person. I continued on with something called "decluttering" and eventually found minimalism. I don't consider myself a minimalist, but I have minimized a lot. I threw away everybody else's "problems" (old makeup they wanted to throw away and I kept, old sheets they were throwing away and I kept, anything they thought was "bad" and I thought was "good.").
I continued on with actual trash. Stuff that was expired, broken, torn, stained (I had originally kept stuff that had old dog poop on it because I was afraid to get rid of it and throw it away). So glad I tossed it.
Here I am almost 11 years after I started my journey. It is possible and I had a huge breakthrough about 7 years ago. Marie Kondo helped me with my clothes. I took pictures of my old stuff. My house is clean now. It's a breath of fresh air. I wish you the best in your journey. Just one thing at a time.
Take it one day at a time. One item At a time. Its going to be okay.
I wanted to tell you that your children's room is beautiful. I believe that having minimal items in their bedroom, your children probably have a greater attention span then children who have the visual impact of so many things constantly mentally speaking to them. What an excellent gift of love for your children.
Thanks for sharing your story
I’m sure your mentor would want you to find your happiness and keep moving forward - wishing you lots of hugs and healing on this decluttering journey. Just remember what you are working towards when things get tough. 💪
You Can Do It! I believe in you, too!
🚪…
I'm so proud of you!!!
My grandmother had beautiful things and then gave them to my mother and now my mother just passed away and I had a estate sale and made $9000 which was great because I used it to paint , carpet , fix the window screens , plumbing and a roof! so that worked out . I’m moving to Florida and I don’t have any children so I’m going to give everything to the Hope chest charity that helps women with breast cancer and it’s very hard for me to give up everything and I cry because my mom and my grandmother loved all the collections so much and they dusted it and made beautiful pretty displays inside their homes , but now I’m tired of cleaning it and I don’t want to haul it around so thank you for this video it really helped me to deal .
@@sandbabe2245 Blessings To You 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻