Looking for more? Check out my NEW E-BOOK, called ‘Simple Happy Zen's Ultimate Decluttering Guide’. It's all my decluttering tips and advice, bundled up into one beautiful 90-page e-book. As well as new content and checklists I haven't shared anywhere else. It covers both the practical and mental aspects of decluttering. Everything you need to tackle all categories of clutter in your home and create the space of your dreams. Click here to get your copy: simplehappyzen.teachable.com/p/simple-happy-zen-s-ultimate-decluttering-guide By purchasing, you’re not only getting a beautiful e-book, but you are also supporting the Simple Happy Zen channel and you're helping me to keep creating free videos and content for the community. Your help really goes a long way, so I truly appreciate your support. 🌷 Much love, Vera
Here's another one: You buy an item and you end up not liking the item. You keep it because you feel guilty that you spent money on it. You push it aside and sigh every time you walk past it or claim to yourself that you will use it, but don't. Make peace with it. I wasted money. I feel badly. I'm going to make this a lesson learned. Next time I will ask myself if I really like it or need it. If not, will skip it. Give or sell the item and go forward...
I donate linens and towels to "Bridging" It is an organization that helps people who are "starting over". These persons have nothing and Bridging offers household items. One day a contractor was in our home and I mentioned to my visiting daughter this is the pile for "Bridging". This contractor's eyes brightened and I think I saw a tear as he told us of how that organization helped his mom and his family during a very difficult time in life. It was such an encouragement to me and propelled me to encourage others to give to them. I am guessing that other cities have similar organizations of this sort.
Get rid of the negative energy in your home. I gave a georgeous set of Waterford crystal table lamps to someone who could use them.. They reminded me of the man who lied and stole money from my mother; even though he gifted mom with them. The lamps were beautiful and looked amazing in my home but every time I looked at them I could see the hurt in my mothers' eyes when she realized the deceit she had experienced. It was the one of the best things I did for my peace.
Yes, I’m going to take this advice tomorrow. I’ve been holding on to some old paperwork that hurts me with negative memories every time I look at them. They’re going in the garbage tomorrow!!
i have an old slr camera that has been storage for 30 yrs. i have been meaning to sell it but never really gotten to it. so i bit the bullet gave it away no strings attached. the person who got was so happy that a week later he gifted me w a preloved leather bag that i have been wanting but i thought was too expensive to buy!
Thanks for sharing! Yes personally I also prefer gifting something, if I know someone who would be really happy with it. Much easier than selling and it's nice to see that you're really making someone happy with it. And like in your experience, you never know what can come of it. Acts of kindness are always the best in my opinion :)
What a lovely way of exchange. So somebody is happy with the camera and you ended up with a great old leather bag you wanted. Enjoy using the bag. Am sure it will bring you much joy. Kind greetings from Switzerland.
After watching your video I’m so proud of myself.....I’ve been repurposing everything for two years......I’ve sold $5,500 Canadian dollars worth of stuff......bags of cloths to second hand store and gave everything else away......I’m still selling being much more aware of what I don’t use anymore......I love being a minimalist it’s so freeing and peaceful.....🙏😊 thank you for your motivation and great ideas
For those having trouble when decluttering clothes, trying them on and guessing, not sure maybe perhabs Ask yourself this when considering the item, ,,would i buy this again now” this helped me alot!
That's a great question, thanks for sharing Kate. :) It forces us to look at the item objectively and not get influenced by all kinds of emotions, fears, guilts etc.
yes, that is a good tip, I had a dress I completely forgot about and after finding it again I loved to wear it and it also felt very new to me; so maybe this happens with other things again after decluttering again
I don’t know if this counts as minimalism, but we are currently doing a challenge where we are using up everything we can in our refrigerator, freezer, and pantry before we buy more food 😃
I started donating our stuff about two weeks ago. Today I worked on my closet for the second time. We are now left with 85% less clutter and I’m still going. My family things I’m loosing it. I feel better and can’t wait until I’m finished.
My elderly aunt has been decluttering. She has no offspring, so fiancé and I will be the ones dealing with her estate. She is far from kicking the bucket, but on a recent visit she said it's so we won't have to deal with it. Fiancé, who has suggested I'm losing it too, looked at me and said 'Now I see where you get it from'. I tell her not to worry and enjoy her things, yet at the same time I'm grateful (for her sake too) that she doesn't hoard a load of useless crap.
Taking an inventory of what you have can be enlightening when it comes to realizing how much you have. Writing it down will also get it out of your head and easier to then organize, reorganize and approach effectively, efficiently and empathetically. Then using a bullet journal system, you can put a tic of donate, sell, or toss beside each item. You could just put d, a and t beside them, or use a color. Some people also make it a bit easier on themselves by taking out an item for every one they bring in, and keeping a nice bin or bag by the door for the 'out' items.
When it comes to clothes you should take in consideration if the reason you haven’t worn them is because of the weather, like a really cold summer or hot winter.
I like the idea you have to actually wear the clothes you haven’t worn instead of just trying them on for a quick look. So eye opening! Our instincts are pretty spot on in our subconscious mind. But, it’s nice to confirm in reality what our mind and body has already figured out.
Happy 2020 !!! something I always enjoy decluttering before the new year is old class notes and things I won't need for the next semester. It is a great feeling.
Wow, what a great video! My son came over the other day, and said, "I think it's time I came over and help you declutter again." I was a bit offended, but he knows that it gets to me when I have too much stuff. I am a crafter and have lots and lots of art and craft related things. Fortunately I've learned to be organized and so it doesn't look like I have a lot. I also have a lot of paper that needs to be purged, I wish we didn't have to hold onto tax papers for 7 years. I truly appreciate this video, Thanks Vera
Good luck with that, Vera! I thoroughly enjoy your content ☺️ In 2020 I want to finally get rid of all the stuff that is still in my old bedroom at my parents house and I plan on starting my PhD.
100,000 subscribers is a modest number, considering that many more would find your content very helpful...can you reach out to the East Asian audience?
I’m starting a Kundalini teacher’s course in January. We are given a new name to symbolize our rebirth, am hoping to shed some of lifelong habits of consumerism and over abundance, working in conjunction with many yogic principles... it’s been a transition I started in 2011, I’ve come a long way and am excited about finally letting go of the last remnants of some bad habits ... thank you!
Let it gooooo, let it goooooo. Can't hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go. Turn away and slam the door 😄 I actually did this song yesterday when we were doing karaoke 😂 My favorite line is: that perfect girl is gone ❄
Vera, THANK YOU - your videos are such great inspiration! ✨✨✨ My house is quite well organized, but too much stuff came together through all the years... So I listed 20 categories and decided to find 20 items for each category to get rid of in a mindful way, working on one category per day. This will make 400 items less in the house before New Year's Eve! 🎉🎉🎉 Big hug from Austria ✨✨✨
Wow that's amazing! What a wonderful goal. Good luck with everything and let me know if you have some questions along the way :) If you can't find 20 items for a certain category, don't feel like you need to meet that number regardless :) Good luck and have fun!
Hi Vera, wish you all the best for 2020! My personal challenge to get rid of 20 items in 20 categories was successful! At the same time I realized how much more stuff is there for additional decluttering loops... It will we a long wonderful journey! Looking forward to more of your contents this year ✨your channel is great inspiration for my life ❤️ Thank you and good luck from Austria! 🍀
Wearing clothes you haven't worn in a while....reminds me of a day in High School. I decided to wear some shoes I hadn't worn in a long time. They were brand new and SO PRETTY! I couldn't remember why i hadn't worn them. Well, after getting off the city bus and crossing four lanes of traffic, I soon remembered why!!! I busted my a$$. I was looking straight at a bumper of a car. I quickly recalled how slippery those shoes were. I was sooo embarrassed! 😳
I have to admit, after taking some time to contemplate, I realize you are on to something with decluttering and simplifying one's life and living space. It is necessary, but a challenge for me to let go of things, or it takes work to actually question what I actually need to be happy. This is a big part of living more consciously and intentionally. Thank you Vera for getting me started with this process.
10:35 Try bundling cables and stuffing them into toilet roll/kitchen paper roll tubes; they are then easy to organize in a box or drawer, and you can label them easily too.
Absolutely perfect timing, Vera! I’m moving in a couple weeks, so I’m using it as an opportunity to get rid of anything I don’t use or enjoy anymore. This video is great as it breaks down all the categories, making decluttering a step by step process instead of a huge task. Thanks! ❤️❤️❤️
Great tips. Thank you so much. I already cleaned out a lot of stuff you mentioned but never thought to get rid of the boxes from items being used that we wont send back. Genious! Besides deletingvappps, I also delete telephone numbers I no longer need, old notes, bookmarks etc on my phone. The phone ends up working better and it just looks better and you feel better inside as well.
So many things on this list apply to my imminent cull. I did go through my linen cupboard recently and donated two large bags of towels to the local dog shelter. Today I'm restarting my half-sorted paper mountain - dreading it and looking for motivation!
Thanks for sharing Irene and I hope this video gave you some motivation :) For me, when I dread cleaning the bathroom, I always like to watch videos of people cleaning their bathroom hahaha. Good luck with everything!
@@SimpleHappyZen It has indeed motivated me, thank you! I still have quite the papernova going on (it is epic) but have got further in the last day than I have in months. Now have a full large waste sack of shreddies and estimating two more. I plan to symbollically burn this in my garden, might even dance joyfully naked around the flames cheering and clapping lol
I had two bicycles that needed new inner tubes fixed as well as a cuckoo clock. Need to work on getting rid of two containers of things we want to sell, but haven't had a garage sale in awhile. So many good ideas here. Thanks for the video Vera!
Thanks for another great video! I’m so guilty of hanging on to unsold stuff, so I’ll be tackling that situation today! I started my end-of-year decluttering yesterday by deleting about 2000 (private and work) e-mails. It feels so liberating to see the little notification dot go from a four to a single digit number ☺️
I decluttered a lot of my clothing by putting a piece of cardboard on the right side of my wardrobe. Everything that came out of the laundry I would put on the right side of the cardboard. After the year I got rid of everything on the left.
I don't have a lot of clothing, but every spring and Autumn I flip all my hangers. Next time I do that, any hangers still backwards on the bar have not been worn. If it is not seasonal clothing (meaning in not going to get rid of my sweaters because I didn't wear them over the summer) and it's on a flipped hanger, it goes away.
Vera, I have more boxes than the U.S. Postal Service.😖🤣 I keep them around “ just in case” I sell something I have to mail. I haven’t sold a thing in over a year. Thanks for the nudge to let them go.👍🏾
Hahaha yes that's a tricky category because it's always annoying when you dó have to mail something and you don't have a box :D But like you said, it depends on how often you actually use them
Great list! I have written it in my notebook and plan to tackle a category on each of my next few days off. I thought I was reasonably good but I’m bad with the old underwear/socks, things to sell & packaging to pack things to sell. Also craft supplies but that’s my side business, so I need materials. They are just out of hand! It’s made me realise how everything is connected....decluttering, prioritising your projects, organisation & managing your time. I love your videos, Vera, please keep them coming. 😘
A list of 20 things is better than 10...because I do about 5 things anyway, but there are 10 things I forgot to finish doing, and 5 things I didn't even think of! Great job on this video! I already have a rolling trolley of art supplies that fall off if I move it, so I don't, and it gets ignored. There is an art supply donation-shop that runs like a Goodwill; you drop off supplies you don't use and other artists can come in and add to their collection of art materials which can be inspiring bc we all get a little bored with our "toys". ✂️📚📒✏🖍🖌🎨Thanks Vera🌷
I use items from the thrift store to decorate my apartment. Many times these items need work on my part to transform them. In 2019 I created clutter and more work for myself than I could keep up with.This has been stressing me out. I am now taking steps to correct this situation. #1 I will not buy an item if it requires any work from me. #2 I have been purging any project components that are no longer viable. # 3 I have made a schedule to complete my all my projects by December 31. Taking these steps will net me a decluttered storage closet and a nicely decorated apartment. I look forward to beginning the new year without carrying around the mental weight of undone projects. It is my hope that I have learned enough from this experience as to not repeat it.
Thanks for sharing your experience Patricia, I think it's really wise what you're doing and it will surely help you create more simplicity in your life. You're doing great!
My husband said you forgot to mentioned my name 😂 because I have dead plants all over cause I feel bad and somehow think I have tHE POWER! to bring them back to life 😂 loving your channel thank you for all the tips and well it hit close to home 🤣
That's one of the best comments I've ever read! If you ever bring them back to life let me know... I usually forget plants need water... I'm a disaster!!!
A bag of peas in the freezer for about two years. Really Vera. This made me shudder. I never freeze anything. Maybe icecream in summer but then it is eaten within 2 or 3 days. I shop for whole unpackaged Bio food every 3 days or so. But being newly retired have loads of time. Have been decluttering again lately. Just find I need fewer clothes since retiring. Also the money I save on not buying business clothes and eating in canteens or buying lunch saves me a lot of money. However, still buy nice elegant casual clothes. Am doing a major declutter as well in my kitchen area. Now only want high quality pottery plates, cups and.... But this is kept to a minimum. Luckily I live in a nice studio apartment in Zurich, so it is impossible for me to keep stuff that is not used or brings me as Marie Kondo puts it - brings you joy. Am feeling ever so happy, healthy and relaxed. Although am 67, I feel very fit and healthy. In fact feel like in my mid thirties. But do not tell a soul about this. Much love😃😃😃
Your videos are very inspirational. They are getting me motivated to declutter my home. The only obstacle I face is trying to get my husband (and 5 year old son) on board with this a bit more. It’s challenging when you have a little boy who loves all his millions of little cars! 😂
I recommend rotating decor items whenevr they get dull, similar to holiday decorations. Some people own expensive decor items and simply tucking them away and replacing them for something new is not such a bad idea.
Very helpful tips thank you!!! I have a new kitten and so I have extra incentive to make the house safe & clean & not too much stuff laying around! This video is perfect timing! For just a few weeks the kitten is in 1/2 the house... and then gradually every room will need to be safe & neat so I'm highly motivated for the kittens sake & the new year too!! I love the clothing tip too!!! Thank you for your awesome ideas!!!!
3rd day od December...I've given away 6 pillows ,5 candles,4 magazines 3 bags of miscellany, 2 candle sticks, but so far, no partridge in a pear tree! Tomorrow, I'll do my bathroom cabinet and cupboards. Yes, my car's ongoing clutter, but I drop off donations once a week.
I have gotten rid of decor items that do spark joy, because I never had them out as I hate stuff that needs to be moved when I clean. I do not regret it.
✨😊 You will definitely reach your 100,000 subscriber goal this year! This channel is such a valuable resource, and your peaceful, non-judgemental personality is so appealing. Loved this video! I definitely still have a lot to unclutter 😀 ✨
@@SimpleHappyZen I have successfully finished the bookshelves and have downsized clothing in closets and have gone back over them a number of times. Each time I've found an item or two that either doesn't fit or isn't my style. I thought I would have a couple of grocery bags worth of items to give. It turned out to be more like 5 trash bags worth.😜 Didn't plan on that, but I m happy for it!!!
It's the perfect time of the year to let go of what no longer serves and create space for new wonderful things to come our way !!! 2020 is the start of a new decade and wonderful opportunities are coming your way !!!! ♡♡♡♡ Sending lots of love Vera ♡ thank you
@@SimpleHappyZen aaaw Vera I am so so excited too !!! :D I feel it's going to be the best year ever !!! The start of a new wonderful decade ♡ thank you so much for being a big inspiration, love everything you do, sending you the best energies !!!
Yes I love the tip to force yourself to wear something that you haven't worn in a long time because yes you will immediately say this is amazing I need to buy this more often or you just feel uncomfortable and it makes it easy to Let It Go.
Excellent video and suggestions feels a bit daunting and overwhelming as I have clutter in all of those categories. Little Steps at a time. Thank you Vera
#2. Check to see if the manual/instructions are available online first, before you let them go. #5. I am so guilty of this😂I have so many purses that need to go. #8. My mum just gifted me a bunch of her mums antique linens. I am trying to use them...
Vera cool name...i found you channel yesterday...i had to subscribed.. Iam new at minimalism....need all your videos!!!!! Iam so excited to do it...with your amazing help!!!!! Thanks🤓
Thanks Madelyn, glad you liked it :) I imagine it can be challenging when you live in a small space, especially because decluttering can make things very messy in the beginning. Take it step by step :)
Good Morning! Great, inspiring tips. Thank-you. 😊 Also, good luck on hitting 100k subscribers in 2020. ❤️ One of my goals for the new year, is a career change. I’m super excited!!!
@@SimpleHappyZen Yes, especially clothing, but I also have realized that photos of my house often let me really "see" how things look and more often then not I will move or edit after seeing photos.
What a great tip :) Lets you see things from a different perspective, almost as if you were a visitor in your own home :) Sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes haha, but they can also be your own
A very inspiring video, I'm working on several of the areas ahead of a move! I'd add one area - gardening and shed items. Even with a small backyard like mine so much stuff ends up in the shed.
thank you so much for this simple yet informative video on decluttering.. very specific and on-point.. will going to use your tips and guides for my decluttering December .. erm.. gotta reserve some time for that 😅
with food , I do the 'I'm moving or I' broke' thing and have to eat things up so as not to waste them idea. It means getting creative with ingredients you seldom use or have just a small amount left. If you have 3 types of pasta but not enough of any one for a meal just mix them together and use ... who cares after all it all tastes good
You just reminded me that I have tons of books I haven't read over a decade. I still don't know what to do. If I get rid of some of them, I will get lots of open space for new stuff. The thing I know is that I am going to get rid of most of plastic bags from stores today. I am totally a pack rat about it.
Yes books can be tricky :) Perhaps decide on a maximum number of books you want to keep, and then pick your favorites to match that number and donate the rest :)
A few years back I did the unread bookshelf challenge. No buying new books. Shop your shelf. It was one of my best decisions I made. After that I immediately decided if I would read it again. If not, then I get up cross the street and will put it in the free library. I've a lot less books now and I'm picky when choosing a new book. Also having a max of unread books you can own, before buying new ones, after this challenge helps.
@@LindasCorneroftheInternet I am also picky when it comes to buying books. I bought only 2 books so far in this year. Rather than buying so many books, I just go to local libraries. It is totally free. In addition to that, we can get so much information from the Internet for free. Important thing is getting information, not having books around me.
All great tips, especially getting rid of excess things you use for hobbies because excess does seem to overwhelm me and keep me from actually enjoying hobbies. Off topic Vera, your nails are so pretty and add such a pretty touch and splash of color to your minimal and classic beauty! Do you do your own nails or professionally?
Yes having too many hobby items can ironically keep us from enjoying our hobby :) And thank you so much! I do them myself actually, I've always enjoyed doing them, ever since I was a kid. I recently got some new polishes because I learned about the chemicals that are in most nail polishes 😮 So I switched to a cleaner brand. This color is one of my new ones and I absolutely love it
Looking for more? Check out my NEW E-BOOK, called ‘Simple Happy Zen's Ultimate Decluttering Guide’. It's all my decluttering tips and advice, bundled up into one beautiful 90-page e-book. As well as new content and checklists I haven't shared anywhere else. It covers both the practical and mental aspects of decluttering. Everything you need to tackle all categories of clutter in your home and create the space of your dreams. Click here to get your copy: simplehappyzen.teachable.com/p/simple-happy-zen-s-ultimate-decluttering-guide
By purchasing, you’re not only getting a beautiful e-book, but you are also supporting the Simple Happy Zen channel and you're helping me to keep creating free videos and content for the community. Your help really goes a long way, so I truly appreciate your support. 🌷
Much love, Vera
Here's another one:
You buy an item and you end up not liking the item. You keep it because you feel guilty that you spent money on it.
You push it aside and sigh every time you walk past it or claim to yourself that you will use it, but don't.
Make peace with it. I wasted money. I feel badly. I'm going to make this a lesson learned.
Next time I will ask myself if I really like it or need it. If not, will skip it.
Give or sell the item and go forward...
Great advice :) Thanks for sharing
I donate linens and towels to "Bridging" It is an organization that helps people who are "starting over". These persons have nothing and Bridging offers household items. One day a contractor was in our home and I mentioned to my visiting daughter this is the pile for "Bridging". This contractor's eyes brightened and I think I saw a tear as he told us of how that organization helped his mom and his family during a very difficult time in life. It was such an encouragement to me and propelled me to encourage others to give to them. I am guessing that other cities have similar organizations of this sort.
Wow that's amazing!
Never heard of Bridging. Will look them up to see if there any close to us. Thank you for sharing.
Get rid of the negative energy in your home. I gave a georgeous set of Waterford crystal table lamps to someone who could use them.. They reminded me of the man who lied and stole money from my mother; even though he gifted mom with them. The lamps were beautiful and looked amazing in my home but every time I looked at them I could see the hurt in my mothers' eyes when she realized the deceit she had experienced. It was the one of the best things I did for my peace.
Thanks for sharing and a good example. I can imagine an item like that would hold a lot of negative energy.
Yes, I’m going to take this advice tomorrow. I’ve been holding on to some old paperwork that hurts me with negative memories every time I look at them. They’re going in the garbage tomorrow!!
@@nikkihoffman2891 Good for you! You will be much happier. Merry Christmas!
i have an old slr camera that has been storage for 30 yrs. i have been meaning to sell it but never really gotten to it. so i bit the bullet gave it away no strings attached. the person who got was so happy that a week later he gifted me w a preloved leather bag that i have been wanting but i thought was too expensive to buy!
Thanks for sharing! Yes personally I also prefer gifting something, if I know someone who would be really happy with it. Much easier than selling and it's nice to see that you're really making someone happy with it. And like in your experience, you never know what can come of it. Acts of kindness are always the best in my opinion :)
What a lovely way of exchange.
So somebody is happy with the
camera and you ended up with
a great old leather bag you wanted. Enjoy using the bag.
Am sure it will bring you much
joy. Kind greetings from Switzerland.
@@user-ot1jo2mp3h warm
warm hugs from the philippines
@@arlo0611 Thanks
wow.. the more you give the more you get 😉 greetings from Malaysia 🤗
After watching your video I’m so proud of myself.....I’ve been repurposing everything for two years......I’ve sold $5,500 Canadian dollars worth of stuff......bags of cloths to second hand store and gave everything else away......I’m still selling being much more aware of what I don’t use anymore......I love being a minimalist it’s so freeing and peaceful.....🙏😊 thank you for your motivation and great ideas
That's amazing Kathie, thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful day
For those having trouble when decluttering clothes, trying them on and guessing, not sure maybe perhabs
Ask yourself this when considering the item, ,,would i buy this again now” this helped me alot!
That's a great question, thanks for sharing Kate. :) It forces us to look at the item objectively and not get influenced by all kinds of emotions, fears, guilts etc.
I think I will try the "wear clothes you haven't worn" challenge!
That's great! I thought that was such a good suggestion. Let me know if you end up doing it :)
@@SimpleHappyZen
Will do 🙂
yes, that is a good tip, I had a dress I completely forgot about and after finding it again I loved to wear it and it also felt very new to me; so maybe this happens with other things again after decluttering again
Ellen yes, that is the BEST tip!
All her videos make sense .
I don’t know if this counts as minimalism, but we are currently doing a challenge where we are using up everything we can in our refrigerator, freezer, and pantry before we buy more food 😃
That sounds great! Always so nice to have an empty fridge and freezer, and throwing away food is such a waste :)
I started donating our stuff about two weeks ago. Today I worked on my closet for the second time.
We are now left with 85% less clutter and I’m still going. My family things I’m loosing it.
I feel better and can’t wait until I’m finished.
Haha wow that's amazing, congrats!! :)
My elderly aunt has been decluttering. She has no offspring, so fiancé and I will be the ones dealing with her estate. She is far from kicking the bucket, but on a recent visit she said it's so we won't have to deal with it. Fiancé, who has suggested I'm losing it too, looked at me and said 'Now I see where you get it from'. I tell her not to worry and enjoy her things, yet at the same time I'm grateful (for her sake too) that she doesn't hoard a load of useless crap.
Your energy is so relaxing! You're home looks very calming as well.
Aw thank you so much :)
Maybe it is because she lives alone?
Donate linens, ie, sheets, towels, etc to animal shelters. There are a lot of items that the shelters can use. Usually there's a list on the website
Good tip, thanks Marla!
Taking an inventory of what you have can be enlightening when it comes to realizing how much you have.
Writing it down will also get it out of your head and easier to then organize, reorganize and approach effectively, efficiently and empathetically.
Then using a bullet journal system, you can put a tic of donate, sell, or toss beside each item. You could just put d, a and t beside them, or use a color.
Some people also make it a bit easier on themselves by taking out an item for every one they bring in, and keeping a nice bin or bag by the door for the 'out' items.
When it comes to clothes you should take in consideration if the reason you haven’t worn them is because of the weather, like a really cold summer or hot winter.
My favourite minimalist youtuber
Thank you so much 😄🌼
Asmaa Ramzy agree wholeheartedly ♥️
Asmaa Ramzy i love her and sarah therese!
I love Vera & Joshua Becker, they keep minimizing simple & guilt free.
I like the idea you have to actually wear the clothes you haven’t worn instead of just trying them on for a quick look. So eye opening! Our instincts are pretty spot on in our subconscious mind. But, it’s nice to confirm in reality what our mind and body has already figured out.
Exactly! 😄
Happy 2020 !!! something I always enjoy decluttering before the new year is old class notes and things I won't need for the next semester. It is a great feeling.
Happy 2020 Matthew! Yes decluttering is amazing haha 😄
Wow, what a great video! My son came over the other day, and said, "I think it's time I came over and help you declutter again." I was a bit offended, but he knows that it gets to me when I have too much stuff. I am a crafter and have lots and lots of art and craft related things. Fortunately I've learned to be organized and so it doesn't look like I have a lot. I also have a lot of paper that needs to be purged, I wish we didn't have to hold onto tax papers for 7 years. I truly appreciate this video, Thanks Vera
You're very welcome and I'm glad the video was helpful :) Decluttering every once in a while can be great. So kind of your son to help out too :)
Yes, the tax papers for three billion years is not great
I mine from 1994 lol
It's almost 2020! 🌟🍾 What are your new year's resolutions, or goals for 2020? 👇👇 One of mine is reaching 100,000 subscribers with the channel 😄💪
Simple Happy Zen just moved into my new home and I want my 2020 to be in a home filled with the things of mindful items.
@Maria Ziarnik I love it 🌼🤗
Good luck with that, Vera! I thoroughly enjoy your content ☺️
In 2020 I want to finally get rid of all the stuff that is still in my old bedroom at my parents house and I plan on starting my PhD.
@Vera, I am sure you will get more viewers than you expected 😍😍👌😊😊.
Resolution would be live stress free and more simpler life ;😉😁😃✨
100,000 subscribers is a modest number, considering that many more would find your content very helpful...can you reach out to the East Asian audience?
Your home looks so comfortable.
Aw thank you :)
I’m starting a Kundalini teacher’s course in January. We are given a new name to symbolize our rebirth, am hoping to shed some of lifelong habits of consumerism and over abundance, working in conjunction with many yogic principles... it’s been a transition I started in 2011, I’ve come a long way and am excited about finally letting go of the last remnants of some bad habits ... thank you!
Vera reminds me a bit of Elsa: ethereal light skin and hair, telling us to „let it go“ and „don’t hold it back“! ☺️
Love you Vera!! 🌟
Let it gooooo, let it goooooo. Can't hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go. Turn away and slam the door 😄 I actually did this song yesterday when we were doing karaoke 😂 My favorite line is: that perfect girl is gone ❄
Simple Happy Zen OMG I love it!! ❄️😄 I also love the frozen 2 songs ☺️
Going to check them out! ✌
Bina Turtle omg she IS Elsa!
Vera, THANK YOU - your videos are such great inspiration! ✨✨✨
My house is quite well organized, but too much stuff came together through all the years...
So I listed 20 categories and decided to find 20 items for each category to get rid of in a mindful way, working on one category per day.
This will make 400 items less in the house before New Year's Eve! 🎉🎉🎉
Big hug from Austria ✨✨✨
Wow that's amazing! What a wonderful goal. Good luck with everything and let me know if you have some questions along the way :) If you can't find 20 items for a certain category, don't feel like you need to meet that number regardless :) Good luck and have fun!
Hi Vera, wish you all the best for 2020!
My personal challenge to get rid of 20 items in 20 categories was successful!
At the same time I realized how much more stuff is there for additional decluttering loops... It will we a long wonderful journey!
Looking forward to more of your contents this year ✨your channel is great inspiration for my life ❤️ Thank you and good luck from Austria! 🍀
Wearing clothes you haven't worn in a while....reminds me of a day in High School. I decided to wear some shoes I hadn't worn in a long time. They were brand new and SO PRETTY! I couldn't remember why i hadn't worn them. Well, after getting off the city bus and crossing four lanes of traffic, I soon remembered why!!! I busted my a$$. I was looking straight at a bumper of a car. I quickly recalled how slippery those shoes were. I was sooo embarrassed! 😳
Hahaha great story :D
Liz Martinez 😁
Helpful tip. If you stack clothing like sweaters, the ones on the bottom of the pile are ready to go as you are not reaching for them.
Yes very true :D
I have to admit, after taking some time to contemplate, I realize you are on to something with decluttering and simplifying one's life and living space. It is necessary, but a challenge for me to let go of things, or it takes work to actually question what I actually need to be happy. This is a big part of living more consciously and intentionally.
Thank you Vera for getting me started with this process.
You're very welcome, it's definitely a process, so take it one step at a time. And don't be afraid to reach out if you have any questions :)
10:35 Try bundling cables and stuffing them into toilet roll/kitchen paper roll tubes; they are then easy to organize in a box or drawer, and you can label them easily too.
Ah so easy, great tip! :) Thank you
Now this is a good idea!!!
Absolutely perfect timing, Vera! I’m moving in a couple weeks, so I’m using it as an opportunity to get rid of anything I don’t use or enjoy anymore. This video is great as it breaks down all the categories, making decluttering a step by step process instead of a huge task. Thanks! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh wow, moving and the ending of a year, that's double perfect timing 😄 Good luck with everything and like you said, take it step by step :)
Great tips. Thank you so much. I already cleaned out a lot of stuff you mentioned but never thought to get rid of the boxes from items being used that we wont send back. Genious!
Besides deletingvappps, I also delete telephone numbers I no longer need, old notes, bookmarks etc on my phone. The phone ends up working better and it just looks better and you feel better inside as well.
Thanks for sharing Yvette, yes deleting all those things from your phone is such a great feeling. Digital decluttering is definitely worth it :)
I decluttered extbooks from college classes I dropped out of. It freed up space in my brain for going back to school and finishing my degree.
That's amazing 😄✌
Old towels/linens donate to animal shelters ❤️❤️❤️😁
Oopps someone already said 💥
Hahaha yes but it's a good tip, so no worries :D
Hi, your video encourages...I am continuing to get rid of things which not use. Thanks for your motivation.
You're very welcome and good luck with decluttering! :)
So many things on this list apply to my imminent cull. I did go through my linen cupboard recently and donated two large bags of towels to the local dog shelter. Today I'm restarting my half-sorted paper mountain - dreading it and looking for motivation!
Thanks for sharing Irene and I hope this video gave you some motivation :) For me, when I dread cleaning the bathroom, I always like to watch videos of people cleaning their bathroom hahaha. Good luck with everything!
@@SimpleHappyZen It has indeed motivated me, thank you! I still have quite the papernova going on (it is epic) but have got further in the last day than I have in months. Now have a full large waste sack of shreddies and estimating two more. I plan to symbollically burn this in my garden, might even dance joyfully naked around the flames cheering and clapping lol
I had two bicycles that needed new inner tubes fixed as well as a cuckoo clock. Need to work on getting rid of two containers of things we want to sell, but haven't had a garage sale in awhile. So many good ideas here. Thanks for the video Vera!
Thanks Ngoni and good luck with fixing those things 🤗
I just ordered a 'minimalist wallet' from Amazon. It's smaller than my husband's wallet lol! Who needs a thick, bulky wallet? I love it!
Haha yes I know those, my boyfriend also has one, they seem very handy :)
Dana Michigan great idea!
i don't even own a wallet haha I just put my Id and my cards in some pocket inside my purse and I'm good to go!
Thanks for another great video! I’m so guilty of hanging on to unsold stuff, so I’ll be tackling that situation today!
I started my end-of-year decluttering yesterday by deleting about 2000 (private and work) e-mails. It feels so liberating to see the little notification dot go from a four to a single digit number ☺️
Thanks Sarah and wow, congrats, that sounds great!! Such a free feeling right, to have an empty emailbox, oh my :) Good luck in December!
I should do that as well. I have over 25k unread e-mails 🙈🤣
srkrocke oh dear! That would drive me nuts. Good luck with that task!
@@srkrocke I got ya beat 42 K
Thanks for the ideas/ permission to let go of things that just aren’t selling... time to let it go!!
You're very welcome Lisa 🙂🌺
I decluttered a lot of my clothing by putting a piece of cardboard on the right side of my wardrobe. Everything that came out of the laundry I would put on the right side of the cardboard. After the year I got rid of everything on the left.
Great idea!
I don't have a lot of clothing, but every spring and Autumn I flip all my hangers. Next time I do that, any hangers still backwards on the bar have not been worn. If it is not seasonal clothing (meaning in not going to get rid of my sweaters because I didn't wear them over the summer) and it's on a flipped hanger, it goes away.
Vera, I have more boxes than the U.S. Postal Service.😖🤣 I keep them around “ just in case” I sell something I have to mail. I haven’t sold a thing in over a year. Thanks for the nudge to let them go.👍🏾
Hahaha yes that's a tricky category because it's always annoying when you dó have to mail something and you don't have a box :D But like you said, it depends on how often you actually use them
Great list! I have written it in my notebook and plan to tackle a category on each of my next few days off.
I thought I was reasonably good but I’m bad with the old underwear/socks, things to sell & packaging to pack things to sell. Also craft supplies but that’s my side business, so I need materials. They are just out of hand!
It’s made me realise how everything is connected....decluttering, prioritising your projects, organisation & managing your time.
I love your videos, Vera, please keep them coming. 😘
Aw thank you so much Liz. 🤗🌼 Good luck with decluttering this week and let me know if you have any questions or something :)
A list of 20 things is better than 10...because I do about 5 things anyway, but there are 10 things I forgot to finish doing, and 5 things I didn't even think of! Great job on this video! I already have a rolling trolley of art supplies that fall off if I move it, so I don't, and it gets ignored. There is an art supply donation-shop that runs like a Goodwill; you drop off supplies you don't use and other artists can come in and add to their collection of art materials which can be inspiring bc we all get a little bored with our "toys". ✂️📚📒✏🖍🖌🎨Thanks Vera🌷
Thanks for sharing and I love that idea of bringing in art supplies you're not using, and having them available for other artists. Very inspiring :)
@@SimpleHappyZen I hope it catches on!
Very inspirational video thanks Vera
Thank you. You covered a few thinks I haven’t thought about!
That's good to hear 😄 Glad it was helpful. Good luck with everything!
When it rains, we use old towels as a "rug" over our normal welcome mat to wipe our feet on. Keeps our welcome mat looking fresher for longer
Great tips. I love how relaxed and calm your videos are :)
Thank you so much Mimi 🤗🌸
I just hit inbox ZERO. Took forever but MAN does that feel nice!
Hahaha that's amazing, I love it! 😄
Love your video quality and aesthetic.
Thank you so much :) Have a lovely day!
I use items from the thrift store to decorate my apartment. Many times these items need work on my part to transform them. In 2019 I created clutter and more work for myself than I could keep up with.This has been stressing me out. I am now taking steps to correct this situation. #1 I will not buy an item if it requires any work from me. #2 I have been purging any project components that are no longer viable. # 3 I have made a schedule to complete my all my projects by December 31. Taking these steps will net me a decluttered storage closet and a nicely decorated apartment. I look forward to beginning the new year without carrying around the mental weight of undone projects. It is my hope that I have learned enough from this experience as to not repeat it.
Thanks for sharing your experience Patricia, I think it's really wise what you're doing and it will surely help you create more simplicity in your life. You're doing great!
Awesome..😍
I had kept your channel opened & refreshing page every 2-3 mins from last 20 mins... 😍💕...
Thank you Vera 🎉😍
Hahaha that's so sweet, thank you Preeti 😄 For making me a part of your Saturday
My husband said you forgot to mentioned my name 😂 because I have dead plants all over cause I feel bad and somehow think I have tHE POWER! to bring them back to life 😂 loving your channel thank you for all the tips and well it hit close to home 🤣
Hahahaha 😄😂
That's one of the best comments I've ever read! If you ever bring them back to life let me know... I usually forget plants need water... I'm a disaster!!!
A bag of peas in the freezer for
about two years. Really Vera.
This made me shudder. I never
freeze anything. Maybe icecream
in summer but then it is eaten
within 2 or 3 days. I shop for
whole unpackaged Bio food every
3 days or so. But being newly
retired have loads of time. Have
been decluttering again lately.
Just find I need fewer clothes
since retiring. Also the money
I save on not buying business
clothes and eating in canteens
or buying lunch saves me a lot
of money. However, still buy
nice elegant casual clothes.
Am doing a major declutter as
well in my kitchen area. Now
only want high quality pottery
plates, cups and.... But this is
kept to a minimum. Luckily I
live in a nice studio apartment
in Zurich, so it is impossible
for me to keep stuff that is not
used or brings me as Marie Kondo
puts it - brings you joy. Am feeling
ever so happy, healthy and relaxed.
Although am 67, I feel very fit and
healthy. In fact feel like in my mid
thirties. But do not tell a soul about this. Much love😃😃😃
I love that you're feeling so happy, healthy and relaxed :) That's amazing. And yes haha the peas... it happened, let's not talk about it 😄
@@SimpleHappyZen Did the pea story happen to you Vera? 🤣🤣🤣
If so, think I will have to come
to The Netherlands and organise
your fridge /freezer.
Hahaha yes it happened, now I always keep my fridge and freezer organized :D
@@SimpleHappyZen Thought it
actually happened. Shame on
you Vera🤣🤣🤣🤣 But life is
for living and learning.
😄✌🏻
Hi Vera you always inspire me the de cluttering continues ❤️
I'm so glad to hear it :) Happy decluttering!
Thanks Vera, even after I Kondoed a couple of years ago things have crept in and it’s good to have a reminder of what I don’t need to hang on to 😀
Yes clutter creep is real haha :)
Your videos are very inspirational. They are getting me motivated to declutter my home. The only obstacle I face is trying to get my husband (and 5 year old son) on board with this a bit more. It’s challenging when you have a little boy who loves all his millions of little cars! 😂
I recommend rotating decor items whenevr they get dull, similar to holiday decorations. Some people own expensive decor items and simply tucking them away and replacing them for something new is not such a bad idea.
Very helpful tips thank you!!! I have a new kitten and so I have extra incentive to make the house safe & clean & not too much stuff laying around! This video is perfect timing! For just a few weeks the kitten is in 1/2 the house... and then gradually every room will need to be safe & neat so I'm highly motivated for the kittens sake & the new year too!! I love the clothing tip too!!! Thank you for your awesome ideas!!!!
Aw that's so cute 😍 Enjoy your kitten and happy decluttering!!
Thanks for the inspiration to declutter before the new year!
You're very welcome Sarah, good luck and happy decluttering!
3rd day od December...I've given away 6 pillows
,5 candles,4 magazines 3 bags of miscellany, 2 candle sticks, but so far, no partridge in a pear tree! Tomorrow, I'll do my bathroom cabinet and cupboards. Yes, my car's ongoing clutter, but I drop off donations once a week.
Wow you're going strong! :) That's great Stacey, congrats!!
I am inspired to simplify my life just because of you, vera. much love, from the Philippines 🥰
That's lovely :) Thanks April!
I have gotten rid of decor items that do spark joy, because I never had them out as I hate stuff that needs to be moved when I clean. I do not regret it.
Always so glad to watch your videos. You are shining and motivating.
Aw thank you Alena 💖😄 That's very sweet
✨😊 You will definitely reach your 100,000 subscriber goal this year! This channel is such a valuable resource, and your peaceful, non-judgemental personality is so appealing. Loved this video! I definitely still have a lot to unclutter 😀 ✨
Thanks so much Nena :D Did you change something about your profile picture? I like it :)
Simple Happy Zen yes ♥️♥️♥️😊
Currently cleaning book shelves and office stuff
That's great! Good luck 🤗
@@SimpleHappyZen I have successfully finished the bookshelves and have downsized clothing in closets and have gone back over them a number of times. Each time I've found an item or two that either doesn't fit or isn't my style.
I thought I would have a couple of grocery bags worth of items to give.
It turned out to be more like 5 trash bags worth.😜
Didn't plan on that, but I m happy for it!!!
You're just so pretty and I love you videos! They are the best!
Aw thank you 🤗💕
It's the perfect time of the year to let go of what no longer serves and create space for new wonderful things to come our way !!! 2020 is the start of a new decade and wonderful opportunities are coming your way !!!! ♡♡♡♡
Sending lots of love Vera ♡ thank you
Thank you so much Erika :) Honestly I'm very excited for 2020, and 2019 has also been a great year. Happy weekend!
@@SimpleHappyZen aaaw Vera I am so so excited too !!! :D I feel it's going to be the best year ever !!! The start of a new wonderful decade ♡ thank you so much for being a big inspiration, love everything you do, sending you the best energies !!!
Yes I love the tip to force yourself to wear something that you haven't worn in a long time because yes you will immediately say this is amazing I need to buy this more often or you just feel uncomfortable and it makes it easy to Let It Go.
Yes, so easy but very effective :)
My favorite Minimalist TH-camr!!!
Lots of love and wishes!
Wish you a happy and fulfilling new year...😘
A thank you so much :) Same to you!!!
Excellent video and suggestions feels a bit daunting and overwhelming as I have clutter in all of those categories. Little Steps at a time. Thank you Vera
You're very welcome, glad the video was helpful :) Decluttering is a process so it's exactly like you said, take it one step at a time :) Good luck!
Loved these tips and your space is perfect. Love how you say it's ok to get rid of it so nicely.
Thank you Julie! 💖
Exciting! I am totally going to get in on this!
That's great! Good luck and happy decluttering 🤗✌
There were a few of these I've already done, but with the ones I haven't, I stopped the video and did each one !
Wow that's amazing! Congrats Heather! 🤗
I just found your channel and I can’t stop watching it! ❤️
Yay, so glad to hear it 😄💖
Thank you for your help and time. 🙂💛
You're very welcome Ericka :) Enjoy your day!
The hobby stuff's been deep. I gave away a leaf bag of yarn...only kept few colors.
Once again, helpful and sensible perspective. Love your logo, by the way!
Thanks so much :) The logo was the first thing I had designed when I started haha, and I still love it too
#2. Check to see if the manual/instructions are available online first, before you let them go.
#5. I am so guilty of this😂I have so many purses that need to go.
#8. My mum just gifted me a bunch of her mums antique linens. I am trying to use them...
Haha yes it's a good idea to see if you can find the necessary info online :)
even your looking is minimalist
Hi Vera, just created an account to subscribe to you:) Thank you for being an inspiration. Best wishes for the new year!
Aw thank you so much, that means a lot to me 😍💖 Best wishes for you as well
Vera cool name...i found you channel yesterday...i had to subscribed..
Iam new at minimalism....need all your videos!!!!!
Iam so excited to do it...with your amazing help!!!!!
Thanks🤓
Thank you and welcome to the channel! :)
Great video! Going to start decluttering again. I live in a small space and it can really be challenging. Thanks for the tips Vera. ❤
Thanks Madelyn, glad you liked it :) I imagine it can be challenging when you live in a small space, especially because decluttering can make things very messy in the beginning. Take it step by step :)
Good Morning! Great, inspiring tips. Thank-you. 😊
Also, good luck on hitting 100k subscribers in 2020. ❤️
One of my goals for the new year, is a career change. I’m super excited!!!
Good morning Corinna! :) Wow that sounds exciting, good luck and enjoy 2020 🤗🍾
Simple Happy Zen Thank-you.
Hope you're having a good weekend so far and thanks for your encouragement on my goal as well :)
Wonderful inspiration, as always, Vera! Thank you
You're very welcome Isabel, glad the video was helpful 🤗
Ya me getting inspired by Vera decluttering and having biiiig piles of bags by the door cuz i can't donate now because we are under lockdown
Our clothing usually travels trough the whole family and relatives
Very good ideas and reminders Vera. Thank you. Taking photos can often clarify things things for me about whether to keep or donate.
Thanks so much Diane! :) Do you mean with clothing?
@@SimpleHappyZen Yes, especially clothing, but I also have realized that photos of my house often let me really "see" how things look and more often then not I will move or edit after seeing photos.
What a great tip :) Lets you see things from a different perspective, almost as if you were a visitor in your own home :) Sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes haha, but they can also be your own
Right on time! was starting the paper clutter challenge when your video came Lol😁... great video 👍
Haha that's good timing 😄 Good luck with the challenge!!
A very inspiring video, I'm working on several of the areas ahead of a move! I'd add one area - gardening and shed items. Even with a small backyard like mine so much stuff ends up in the shed.
Yes that's a great addition, thanks for sharing!
thank you so much for this simple yet informative video on decluttering.. very specific and on-point.. will going to use your tips and guides for my decluttering December .. erm.. gotta reserve some time for that 😅
You're very welcome, so glad the video was helpful for you! Good luck with decluttering, let me know how it goes 🤗✌
All excellent tips but for me #20 is something I need to work on. Have a great weekend Vera. 🥰
Thanks Tina, you too! :) Yes I think #20 is the most challenging one, but also one that will be really good afterwards :)
with food , I do the 'I'm moving or I' broke' thing and have to eat things up so as not to waste them idea. It means getting creative with ingredients you seldom use or have just a small amount left. If you have 3 types of pasta but not enough of any one for a meal just mix them together and use ... who cares after all it all tastes good
Great tip! I do that too :)
New subscriber! Thank you for the challenge. I have declutterd books and media so far.
Thanks for subscribing and welcome to the channel Michele 🤗🌸 Congrats on your decluttering progress
Hi Veera…appreciate your efforts put into your video…it’s very inspiring and motivating as always … keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much Neelsha 🤗
This will help me so much!!! Thank you. 😊
So glad to hear it Jessica :D Happy decuttering!
(Number 9 was twice 🤓) Thank you so much to help to organize my decluttering process. ❤️
You're very welcome Viktoria, have a nice day!
You just reminded me that I have tons of books I haven't read over a decade. I still don't know what to do. If I get rid of some of them, I will get lots of open space for new stuff. The thing I know is that I am going to get rid of most of plastic bags from stores today. I am totally a pack rat about it.
Yes books can be tricky :) Perhaps decide on a maximum number of books you want to keep, and then pick your favorites to match that number and donate the rest :)
A few years back I did the unread bookshelf challenge. No buying new books. Shop your shelf. It was one of my best decisions I made. After that I immediately decided if I would read it again. If not, then I get up cross the street and will put it in the free library. I've a lot less books now and I'm picky when choosing a new book. Also having a max of unread books you can own, before buying new ones, after this challenge helps.
@@LindasCorneroftheInternet I am also picky when it comes to buying books. I bought only 2 books so far in this year. Rather than buying so many books, I just go to local libraries. It is totally free. In addition to that, we can get so much information from the Internet for free. Important thing is getting information, not having books around me.
Video interrupted by a shoppnig ad completely fits in the mood. :)
All great tips, especially getting rid of excess things you use for hobbies because excess does seem to overwhelm me and keep me from actually enjoying hobbies. Off topic Vera, your nails are so pretty and add such a pretty touch and splash of color to your minimal and classic beauty! Do you do your own nails or professionally?
Yes having too many hobby items can ironically keep us from enjoying our hobby :) And thank you so much! I do them myself actually, I've always enjoyed doing them, ever since I was a kid. I recently got some new polishes because I learned about the chemicals that are in most nail polishes 😮 So I switched to a cleaner brand. This color is one of my new ones and I absolutely love it
@@SimpleHappyZen Dear Vera, so do I! May I ask what brand you chose to try out? Thank you for an answer!