I was also recently diagnosed with MS. And I just have to say, thank you. Thank you for your honest description of your experience. Thank you for increasing the visibility and understanding of this strange illness. I struggle to explain the unpredictability of energy and concentration levels to friends and family and it always helps to be reminded that I am not alone. I wish you all the best with your channel, creative interests and MS journey!
Thank you Kaitlin -- this comment meant a lot. I'm really trying to use my channel as a space to increase visibility, and it feels good to connect with other people with this condition. Sending you all good energy on your diagnosis journey -- it's hard, so I feel for you. ❤ I'm with you on the unpredictability of it all!
Recently did a wardrobe declutter and my tip would be as soon as you have a reasonable amount of definite 'no's'- take them to goodwill/charity shop. Return to your wardrobe a few days later and you will easily declutter all the 'maybes' ( as these will now have become definite 'no's') Items you love but were previously 'saving for best' you will have now given yourself permission to wear and your slightly less loved items can be your back-ups (if that makes sense) If you are faced with a huge amount of clothing to work through it is advisable to work through in stages - otherwise you will continue to put off the task- this is my experience anyway! Nothing is more rewarding than a clean, tidy closet with everything in its place ❤ Thank you for this video 😊❤
As someone who has PCOS and POTS, I greatly appreciate your words about it being okay to adapt decluttering methods to fit your energy level. I kept putting off decluttering because I knew I couldn’t do one big declutter. This has given me the encouragement I needed to get started.
I've done mini declutters by category before. Like, instead of doing the entire closet, just do pants or tops. Instead of the whole dresser, just do socks. This helps to make the process more focused and feel less rushed or overwhelming. Or you can declutter by area but think smaller, like declutter your desk one drawer at a time, or declutter your kitchen one cabinet at a time. It may not feel like a huge accomplishment after a single session but it adds up over time to make a huge impact.
I used to have an incredible amount of clothes…we’re talking 100s easily over 500. I never got rid of stuff in a serious manner, and my mom n sister would give me their clothing items that they didn’t want It was truly horrendous. I’m down to 170-180 ish excluding sleepwear exercise and winter coats n jackets So glad you made this video. Thank you. It’s got me thinking again about how to tackle the remainder. Best wishes for your life journey from Nova Scotia
I had hundreds as well. I recently got rid of over 200’pieces. I just went to my moms to clean out what I had there and there’s easy another 100’ to get rid of. From NS as well!
I have Long Covid/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I find your content both helpful and soothing! I think your combination of minimalism with chronic illness plus psychology PhD creates such useful insights. (And no, you don’t talk to much… I literally LOL’ed at that comment…your job is to communicate!).
Have you heard of Dr Ardis? He has a video discussing Covid and nicotine. Yes, I know it sounds weird but search it up. He has relieved folks of long Covid with nicorette gum and patches. I had Covid a few years ago and could not believe how long it took to recover. It was so hard so I feel for you. Search for his video, it could be worth it.
I totally understand your situation. I'm 59 and have Lupus. I live in a small 2 bedroom house, with very little closet space. So I have to be very deliberate on what I have. And some days I just don't have the energy to start a big clean out project. So I've learned to do things in small sections and sometimes that wears me out too. But I gradually get it done and just keep trying to do the best I can. ❤
When I declutter clothes I tell myself "wear it tomorrow but if you don't want to... declutter it" I imagine myself in different scenarios with the clothes.
You are so pretty, and it's amazing how healthy and vibrant you appear. You are really such an encouragement to so many. Have you heard of "reverse decluttering?" It's where you take out the items in your closet that are absolute keeps, and then you look at what's left and start the declutter process from there. Great job on your declutter. The process is challenging but the benefits are worth it.
I have never done the MK style declutttering. I have always done it the way you are doing it now. I am getting burned out. I have been doing it for so long (relocating & a much smaller home) but am finally seeing a near end that it will be just maintenance here after, which feels great even though I am exhausted. (I'm recovering from a knee replacement and moved alone so it's taken a lot more time.) Thank you for your words of wisdom. I really enjoy your laid back videos. Many of the others are so high energy that I get tired just watching them. I'm not a spring chicken anymore. Bless you and your husband. I hope you are able to stay in your beautiful home as he finds a match.
I think the ‘modular’ approach works so well because it also helps to see how many of any one type of clothing I have. It also helps to be able to compare items ( in that category) against the others like it. As we know, we almost always just grab and wear our top 2-3 favourites in any category so any more is usually just not needed and therefore not worn. I think it is also very valuable to really look at mindfully the items that don’t get worn ( aren’t favourites) and really analyze WHY they don’t work the best. Is it the color, fabric, feel of material, the fit? Etc. This helps to prevent future errors in shopping reducing future clutter. I was surprised you were able to get rid of so many jeans, well done.
I do modular declutters too, for much the same reasons as you. I keep a big box by the front door for donations and add to it as I declutter. One thing you might want to try, for those items you love but don't wear for whatever reason, is to group them in an outfit so you can just grab it and go. If you cannot make an outfit you are excited about because you don't have the right pieces, it gives you information to make an informed decision. I also have started making monochrome outfits, if I have a red top, I make sure I have a red bottom, they go with each other but also my other clothes in neutral tones.
My closet wss worse. Shoes, boots ,handbags , boxes all sorts of stuff on the floor. Clothes stuffed everywhere. No rhyme or reason. I couldn't find anything. I Decluttered down to 3 dresses, 2 skirts, 2 jeans , 3 leggings, 3 sweaters, 3 tanks, 3 tops, 2 cardigans, 1 raincoat, 1 jacket, 1 wintercoat. 1 dress shoe, 1 sandal, 2 sneakers, 1 winter boot. My life is so much better. I get ready in the morning so quickly now. I'm following the bring one in, one out rule now also. Its so liberating
I have me and heds and am really grateful to see someone with a chronic illness and energy limitations make a declutter video! I have found streamlining my belongings really helpful- easier to get dressed and keep things clean, but I definitely agree with you that big declutters are often too much to do at once. Thank you so much for sharing ❤
I love the modular idea. I work full time and don't want to spend ALL day on my day off decluttering anything. This way I can do a little before work or in the morning on the weekends and still have time to do something fun. Thank you ❤️
Wonderful videos … loved your words and advice, on the same unloading stuff journey and the inspiration is great. prayed healing over your MS. I am sorry you are dealing with that. Your attitude is uplifting to others.
I just found your video because I want to declutter lots of my clothes and items in my house but don’t want (or can’t) do it all in once and I am looking for inspiration.. Recently (a few months ago) I also have been diagnosed with MS. And my energy is so very low I am having a hard time adjusting my lifestyle, but I really have to find a way to do everything, in my own pace.. You give a lot of helpful tips to handle a declutter process, thank you! 💕
Clothing is one of my most challenging areas in my minimalist journey. I have been regularly decluttering over many years and each time I seem to be able to let go of more without accumulating more. I really enjoyed your honest video about decluttering this area and I liked your approach. Watching you has given me some new insights and encouragement to let go of more so that I only hold onto the items that I really need, use and that make me feel my best.
I like the modular declutter idea to make things manageable. I also personally love turning hangers backwards every season (after I did a full big declutter years ago), then at the end I can easily see what I never wore! Makes it much easier to let go every 3-6 months by season and not let myself need big major declutter ever again.
Although I call myself a minimalist my clothing rack fell of the wall last week 😂 got a new one (which stands on the floor) and used the chance of change to declutter all my clothes and build a spring capsule :)
LoL my closet clothes rod fell awhile back .. right into the litter box. In my closet was the only place to keep it but now I've moved it to the only other space available, right in front of the dryer 😆 A standing rack is a great idea!
Good work! It’s also helpful to look at the items you are decluttering and identify the common reasons why you don’t like them, to avoid making the same shopping mistakes in the future. 😊
I think using multiple decluttering styles helps make sure the items you keep are the ones that have value to you. For me, when starting off I got rid of stuff I knew I didn’t want/need, as I kept doing waves it has flip flopped between that & choosing items I do want to find the ones I don’t. For my clothes I have done it by pulling them out one by one, tossing them all on the bed (both modularity by type & all at once, and done the backward hanger trick. Every method has benefits & I find value in them all, especially putting unsure items in a time-out bin & seeing if I go back for them.
Modular decluttering is such a good strategy! I have ADHD so sometimes in a mad moment of feeling productive I get EVERYTHING out to sort through, then my motivation implodes and everything lives on the floor for a few days.😅
Thanks for this video. One thing I really appreciated was that you shared how long it took. If you had not told it that it was about an hour, I would have estimated much longer. That gives me hope that mine would not take that long either. My problem with my clothes is that I have a terrible misfit wardrobe. I do not have money to add right now and I really need new jeans. I am allowed to wear jeans at work and they get dirty quickly (I work with infants.) I have literally no dresses or skirts that fit me. I am in a weight loss journey so I am hanging onto three maxi dresses. Since I have limited storage in my two bedroom apartment, I don't really have a good place to put clothes that I am saving, so they pretty much stay in my closet. I have urged a lot of clothing, but I know I could get rid of more. I think my issue is that feeling of deprivation. That if I reduce my fairly limited wardrobe, I will feel "poorer" than I already feel. Does any of this make sense??? Thanks again for sharing....
So sorry about the MS, my mother & one of her sisters both had the same thing so I've seen the fatigue & everything else that goes along with it. Hoping you have a good doctor who's not afraid to try new things.
I have Fibro, and I can tackle only so much at a time. I didn’t remove everything from my closet - I removed what I did t like or wear first, then organized according to type of clothing, then tried on things that were left and realized a lot didn’t fit so then it went to - I’ve removed about 60 percent of what I had
I simplified or "curated", as I call it, for health reasons as well. I now spend my actual weekends enjoying them- hiking, fostering kittens, working on my art, drinking good coffee, etc.
Thank you for being authentic. I struggle with adrenal fatigue and depression so it is hard to get things done really quickly like some other TH-camrs. Love your channel by the way ❤
Perfect timing for me! My closet is next on my list! I just love your style, calm voice, and connection to the humanness of decluttering. It’s not always easy and I love that you address that in an authentic way. Thank you!
Thanks for this great video. I love your calm energy and soothing voice. You gave great ideas on how to declutter with limited energy. I also have a “not sure” tote and find it’s easier to put things in it for awhile then usually end up decluttering a lot of it.
Your strategy seemed to work well. Dana K. White’s no mess decluttering may be helpful for decluttering on lower energy days or for people who might have fatigue hit unexpectedly in the middle of a project. Your s-hooks for jeans has me torn - it looks very easy and convenient, but it’s also a bit messy-looking to me! (no offense, I’m just a picky neatnik). I think it would work really well for things I might want to air out and re-wear though, so I might give it a go. Thanks for making such beautiful videos.
Wow, that was still a lot of items to go thru with your current energy level but you made it! Woohoo! It could even break into smaller chunks like casual tops, dressy tops, jackets/cover shirts, then pants, etc. Sometimes I do only what I can manage in 15 minutes. Give yourself plenty of grace and celebrate all of the wins no matter how small. Great to see your video.
Thank you for your videos and ideas. I have issues that drain my energy as well. I also get neurological symptoms that get worse the more tired I get. Unfortunately, my mind always underestimates how long or how much energy it will take to do something. So, like you, I need to just take a little nibble at a time. I can always go back for more. Thank you for the reminders and tips.
Thank you for being so open and honest. What a great video. I've been recently diagnosed with neurological issues. I'm trying to declutter and now my perception on clothing has changed. I tire so easily. Hugs, this was very helpful. You are such a sweet beautiful soul. 🌷
I loved this so much! You have helped me so much with minimalism and decluttering so thank you. 2 years ago your videos actually helped me calm down a bit during a flight, I'm terrified of flying and get anxiety. I need to declutter my closest again as well so thanks for the motivation ❤
Please don't shame yourself. You're just right the way you are. My closet is a total mess, and I will get to it here in a month or so. We all need to chill out about the race to "minimalism". My best friend has MS, and she has had to really learn how to adapt. COVID tiredness also is enough for anyone! 😂
Really appreciated your thoughtful discussion of decluttering and disability. I am waiting for a hip replacement and whilst my brain would love to do all the things my body just can’t. Breaking things down into intentional ‘modules’ is a brilliant approach and one I will be using now ❤🎉
I have decluttered and I still have too much stuff. I am going to see what I wear first this autumn and winter and then decide what to do. Simply because I don't have much money. So storing some away rather than getting rid of it is a great idea. Then I can replace stuff as it wears out instead of donating it and then having to buy again.
This was a very helpful video. I am always trying to pare down my closet. I have a hanging shoe rack that holds 30 pair of shoes and am trying to declutter at least half of them to free up space.
Thank you so much for the work you put into your videos! You are such a positive and motivating person. I have psoriatic arthritis. With that there is lots of joint pain and fatigue so I don’t have the stamina I once had. I love how you’ve tweaked the Kondo method to fit your needs and abilities. I’m going to use the Elin Method on my spring decluttering for sure! Thanks for keeping it honest! Love and prayers for you on your MS journey. ❤
After my partner’s stroke, I found I accumulated a lot more items. We were in a time in life that brought us to poverty levels. It made me realize that my minimalism journey fluctuated when I truly had no ability to afford things, i collected more out of necessity. I think that my approach to minimalism is more of an ebb and flow, that requires gentleness and empathy for the paths that life carved out for us. On another note,do you have a clothing vlog? I love your style, I’m curious of your go to brands.
I think what really resonated with me was your saying ‘but I never really reach for it!’ . I have items that for some reason I think are special and I hang on to them like they’re gold. I get motivated to wear them, try them on, and put back in the closet. After doing this several times…duh…I think it’s time to let them go. Thanks.
Your videos are so eloquent- a true joy to watch something of such quality! Closet declutters are my favorite and this was no exception. Im inspired to take a second pass through my own, to "know myself" a bit more too. My style words are narrow, natural, and noteworthy and it helps to guide my choices.
I live in Minneapolis, so moving into spring, I declutter my winter clothes.. and I ask myself three questions. 1. Did I wear this item this season 2. Did it fit 3. Will I wear it next year (in the same season) And 4. Do I have some sort of attachment to this item for any reason. (This one, I don’t really count because I’m not an overly sentimental person). But these questions help me the most with decluttering and breaking it down into seasons helps it not feel so overwhelming, especially when you’re not thinking about your tank tops when it’s twenty degrees outside.
I have a hard time decluttering clothes. People say “just keep what you love and donate the rest.” Well, I’m ho-hum about all of my clothes. I don’t love ANY of them. And I hate clothes shopping and never love anything I try on either so I feel stuck.
Years ago I kept a shirt every time I decluttered and yet I wasn't wearing it. I made myself put it on right away the next time I looked through my closet, and a little later I took it off and got rid of it. I love the "maybe bin" too. It definitely makes it go faster, less decision fatigue and you get rid of more. You don't have to apologize for owning as many clothes as you do. There will always be someone who will judge, but that is their issue NOT YOURS. : ) Thank you for the video.
Elin, I really enjoy your videos/ content! Im totally on board with the modular method. It allows decluttering to be so much more successful. Thank you for your honesty regarding your MS/ progress; your advice on how to live more simply when you have limited energy reserves is well-taken. We can all benefit from your perspective.❤️
I figured out something that truly works for me. It is: try it out! Put it on! It is only when you dress up that you can “feel” an outfit out, or at least-I do😂
I think you don’t wear this 8:07 because the color is not in your color palette! Did you ever get a color analysis?🥰 It also makes shopping and decluttering a lot easier
Great video! I too have taken Marie Kondo's method and tweeked it to how I operate to get a system that is good for me. I am an "all or nothing" type, so I do exactly as you did except I left out the bin part for sorting later. It is keep or donate for me!
I managed to get my now small closet down to where all the items I can see and actually wear. And having the floor clear makes such a difference. I live in a warm climate now so it didn't make sense to keep a lot of items that I did have-seven coats plus a few jackets, about three times as many pairs of shoes and boots. I won't get into how many shirts, pants, belts and underwear. lol Having less truly is the way to go. On another note, that redrock colored blouse is really cute. Try pairing that with a pair of the jeans you've chose to keep.
What a great video! Love the modular declutter. It is much less daunting. Thanks for opening up your closet to your TH-cam community! So generous of you ❤❤❤
It’s been a challenge finding jeans that fit, especially once I became curvier, as a mom. I used to have a few pairs, including one pair that I took a pocket knife to, because I was always behind in style (wore lots of hand-me-downs from my sister,) so I put my own holes in that pair, because my mom wouldn’t buy me jeans with holes, lol. Last year my mom brought me 6 pairs of jeans, including a pair of capris, and a couple pairs of those jeans had holes. As fun as they looked, I didn’t like my foot going into the hole whenever I went to put them on, so I cut both pairs into shorts. Now I don’t feel like I have too many jeans, because I have all the pairs I love wearing, and 3 shorter ones for summer. :) It’s the most amount of jeans I think I’ve ever owned at a time, (I had 2 pairs before she brought me the 6 others,) but I’m happy with them. My husband is a minimalist with 4 pairs. I’d rather declutter everything else, lol. Also now that I have a sewing machine, I can alter all the waistlines on them. (They fit everywhere but there, like I said it’s hard to find a perfect fit, only one of the pairs I already had was a perfect fit.)
I like these kinds of videos. It was this kind of video that inspired me to declutter my things three years ago! Which was a huge help when I moved last year :)
i agree! any idea what the song is at 9:52? i searched the lyrics, tried Shazam and SoundHound and nothing. would really appreciate a link or title if you have it! -- @spiritworldu
i found it! Jamie Drake - Beginnings. ps, i watched this video at 1.25x and i love the sound at that speed lol. th-cam.com/video/6TeUjK__MB4/w-d-xo.html
New to your channel & already love it. I’ve been trying to motivate myself to start a proper declutter, but I have fibromyalgia & struggle most days with pain &/ exhaustion. I’m definitely going to try this modular method …. I think it will work much better for me. Thx!!
I really needed to see this video right now - I’m feeling overwhelmed and can’t seem to get it all done! Maybe if I do a little bit today and some tomorrow it will all get done. Thank you for sharing.
I SOOOOoooo need to do this thoroughly. I watched your video from 2 years ago and this one and it appears you got into long-sleeved blouses in the 2 years. I could be wrong. It is interesting to see the differences. Also, I loved your green bubble sweater from the video 2 years ago. Thank you for this inspiration.
I really like the modular approach. I think it is a very practical approach. I would even do much smaller categories...like bathing suits/beach apparel. The one thing that will not work for me and quite honestly I don't understand is the "put it in a bin a decide later".... in my case if I put something in storage I will never open that box again. I see it as an extra step that is not really necessary in my opinion.
after i’m off your videos i choose my signature earth tones. i have three brook brothers business dresses. I actually wore it recently to look of black tie or a fair and I thought it came in really handy but after I wore it, and I saw a picture of myself in it, I realized it was way too formal for a party and now as I’m watching your video, those are very quality. They make me look very well, but they are dark colored navy blue and black and, I think I want dresses that are more personality and I held onto them for like four years now because of I was going to a super professional job. I have a hard time letting them go because of the name in the quality and from recently, shopping quality is not easy to fine the quality of clothing that’s being made and sold these days has gone downhill tremendously, so I’m debating with myself right now
Always ask myself. Do I love this enough that if it got ruined would I rebuy that exact item or would I shop for something?
Love that tip!
Ooh I love that, thanks!
That is GREAT advice! Thank u!
Good idea. Love it.
Good advice- will start using that question in my own closet! Thx!
I was also recently diagnosed with MS. And I just have to say, thank you. Thank you for your honest description of your experience. Thank you for increasing the visibility and understanding of this strange illness. I struggle to explain the unpredictability of energy and concentration levels to friends and family and it always helps to be reminded that I am not alone.
I wish you all the best with your channel, creative interests and MS journey!
Thank you Kaitlin -- this comment meant a lot. I'm really trying to use my channel as a space to increase visibility, and it feels good to connect with other people with this condition. Sending you all good energy on your diagnosis journey -- it's hard, so I feel for you. ❤ I'm with you on the unpredictability of it all!
@@ElinLesser is MS multiple sclerosis ? Im not knowledgeable in the doctor letters :(
@@CadetRedShirt yes, it is
Recently did a wardrobe declutter and my tip would be as soon as you have a reasonable amount of definite 'no's'- take them to goodwill/charity shop.
Return to your wardrobe a few days later and you will easily declutter all the 'maybes' ( as these will now have become definite 'no's')
Items you love but were previously 'saving for best' you will have now given yourself permission to wear and your slightly less loved items can be your back-ups (if that makes sense)
If you are faced with a huge amount of clothing to work through it is advisable to work through in stages - otherwise you will continue to put off the task- this is my experience anyway!
Nothing is more rewarding than a clean, tidy closet with everything in its place ❤
Thank you for this video 😊❤
As someone who has PCOS and POTS, I greatly appreciate your words about it being okay to adapt decluttering methods to fit your energy level. I kept putting off decluttering because I knew I couldn’t do one big declutter. This has given me the encouragement I needed to get started.
I've done mini declutters by category before. Like, instead of doing the entire closet, just do pants or tops. Instead of the whole dresser, just do socks. This helps to make the process more focused and feel less rushed or overwhelming. Or you can declutter by area but think smaller, like declutter your desk one drawer at a time, or declutter your kitchen one cabinet at a time. It may not feel like a huge accomplishment after a single session but it adds up over time to make a huge impact.
I used to have an incredible amount of clothes…we’re talking 100s easily over 500. I never got rid of stuff in a serious manner, and my mom n sister would give me their clothing items that they didn’t want It was truly horrendous. I’m down to 170-180 ish excluding sleepwear exercise and winter coats n jackets
So glad you made this video. Thank you. It’s got me thinking again about how to tackle the remainder.
Best wishes for your life journey from Nova Scotia
I had hundreds as well. I recently got rid of over 200’pieces. I just went to my moms to clean out what I had there and there’s easy another 100’ to get rid of. From NS as well!
I have MS also & have found having less “stuff” helps me so much. I loved this video-thank you.
That burnt orange blouse at 15:20 is absolutely gorgeous! 😍
I have Long Covid/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I find your content both helpful and soothing! I think your combination of minimalism with chronic illness plus psychology PhD creates such useful insights. (And no, you don’t talk to much… I literally LOL’ed at that comment…your job is to communicate!).
Have you heard of Dr Ardis? He has a video discussing Covid and nicotine. Yes, I know it sounds weird but search it up. He has relieved folks of long Covid with nicorette gum and patches. I had Covid a few years ago and could not believe how long it took to recover. It was so hard so I feel for you. Search for his video, it could be worth it.
I totally understand your situation. I'm 59 and have Lupus. I live in a small 2 bedroom house, with very little closet space. So I have to be very deliberate on what I have. And some days I just don't have the energy to start a big clean out project. So I've learned to do things in small sections and sometimes that wears me out too. But I gradually get it done and just keep trying to do the best I can. ❤
When I declutter clothes I tell myself "wear it tomorrow but if you don't want to... declutter it" I imagine myself in different scenarios with the clothes.
I was hoping Elin would try the brown shirt on and see if it fit comfortably and made her feel good.
Good advice!
You are so pretty, and it's amazing how healthy and vibrant you appear. You are really such an encouragement to so many. Have you heard of "reverse decluttering?" It's where you take out the items in your closet that are absolute keeps, and then you look at what's left and start the declutter process from there. Great job on your declutter. The process is challenging but the benefits are worth it.
I like that idea!🎉
@@lisao.4075 I heard on from Dawn on her Minimal Mom TH-cam channel.
I like this!!
I have never done the MK style declutttering. I have always done it the way you are doing it now. I am getting burned out. I have been doing it for so long (relocating & a much smaller home) but am finally seeing a near end that it will be just maintenance here after, which feels great even though I am exhausted. (I'm recovering from a knee replacement and moved alone so it's taken a lot more time.) Thank you for your words of wisdom. I really enjoy your laid back videos. Many of the others are so high energy that I get tired just watching them. I'm not a spring chicken anymore. Bless you and your husband. I hope you are able to stay in your beautiful home as he finds a match.
I think the ‘modular’ approach works so well because it also helps to see how many of any one type of clothing I have. It also helps to be able to compare items ( in that category) against the others like it. As we know, we almost always just grab and wear our top 2-3 favourites in any category so any more is usually just not needed and therefore not worn. I think it is also very valuable to really look at mindfully the items that don’t get worn ( aren’t favourites) and really analyze WHY they don’t work the best. Is it the color, fabric, feel of material, the fit? Etc. This helps to prevent future errors in shopping reducing future clutter. I was surprised you were able to get rid of so many jeans, well done.
your the second person i hear say they debate with themselves…. your page is so comforting and down to earth and real. no extra fluff and stuff!!!!
I like your approach. You made some tough decisions, and it paid off!
The modular approach is the way to do it. Thanks for sharing and your videos are so relaxing to watch.
I do modular declutters too, for much the same reasons as you. I keep a big box by the front door for donations and add to it as I declutter. One thing you might want to try, for those items you love but don't wear for whatever reason, is to group them in an outfit so you can just grab it and go. If you cannot make an outfit you are excited about because you don't have the right pieces, it gives you information to make an informed decision. I also have started making monochrome outfits, if I have a red top, I make sure I have a red bottom, they go with each other but also my other clothes in neutral tones.
My closet wss worse. Shoes, boots ,handbags , boxes all sorts of stuff on the floor. Clothes stuffed everywhere. No rhyme or reason. I couldn't find anything.
I Decluttered down to 3 dresses, 2 skirts, 2 jeans , 3 leggings, 3 sweaters, 3 tanks, 3 tops, 2 cardigans, 1 raincoat, 1 jacket, 1 wintercoat. 1 dress shoe, 1 sandal, 2 sneakers, 1 winter boot. My life is so much better. I get ready in the morning so quickly now. I'm following the bring one in, one out rule now also. Its so liberating
I have me and heds and am really grateful to see someone with a chronic illness and energy limitations make a declutter video! I have found streamlining my belongings really helpful- easier to get dressed and keep things clean, but I definitely agree with you that big declutters are often too much to do at once. Thank you so much for sharing ❤
I love the modular idea. I work full time and don't want to spend ALL day on my day off decluttering anything. This way I can do a little before work or in the morning on the weekends and still have time to do something fun. Thank you ❤️
Wonderful videos … loved your words and advice, on the same unloading stuff journey and the inspiration is great. prayed healing over your MS. I am sorry you are dealing with that. Your attitude is uplifting to others.
I just found your video because I want to declutter lots of my clothes and items in my house but don’t want (or can’t) do it all in once and I am looking for inspiration.. Recently (a few months ago) I also have been diagnosed with MS. And my energy is so very low I am having a hard time adjusting my lifestyle, but I really have to find a way to do everything, in my own pace.. You give a lot of helpful tips to handle a declutter process, thank you! 💕
Clothing is one of my most challenging areas in my minimalist journey. I have been regularly decluttering over many years and each time I seem to be able to let go of more without accumulating more. I really enjoyed your honest video about decluttering this area and I liked your approach. Watching you has given me some new insights and encouragement to let go of more so that I only hold onto the items that I really need, use and that make me feel my best.
I like the modular declutter idea to make things manageable. I also personally love turning hangers backwards every season (after I did a full big declutter years ago), then at the end I can easily see what I never wore! Makes it much easier to let go every 3-6 months by season and not let myself need big major declutter ever again.
Although I call myself a minimalist my clothing rack fell of the wall last week 😂 got a new one (which stands on the floor) and used the chance of change to declutter all my clothes and build a spring capsule :)
LoL my closet clothes rod fell awhile back .. right into the litter box. In my closet was the only place to keep it but now I've moved it to the only other space available, right in front of the dryer 😆
A standing rack is a great idea!
Good work! It’s also helpful to look at the items you are decluttering and identify the common reasons why you don’t like them, to avoid making the same shopping mistakes in the future. 😊
I think using multiple decluttering styles helps make sure the items you keep are the ones that have value to you. For me, when starting off I got rid of stuff I knew I didn’t want/need, as I kept doing waves it has flip flopped between that & choosing items I do want to find the ones I don’t. For my clothes I have done it by pulling them out one by one, tossing them all on the bed (both modularity by type & all at once, and done the backward hanger trick. Every method has benefits & I find value in them all, especially putting unsure items in a time-out bin & seeing if I go back for them.
I just love her! What a breath of fresh air!!!!
Modular decluttering is such a good strategy! I have ADHD so sometimes in a mad moment of feeling productive I get EVERYTHING out to sort through, then my motivation implodes and everything lives on the floor for a few days.😅
Thanks for this video. One thing I really appreciated was that you shared how long it took. If you had not told it that it was about an hour, I would have estimated much longer. That gives me hope that mine would not take that long either. My problem with my clothes is that I have a terrible misfit wardrobe. I do not have money to add right now and I really need new jeans. I am allowed to wear jeans at work and they get dirty quickly (I work with infants.) I have literally no dresses or skirts that fit me. I am in a weight loss journey so I am hanging onto three maxi dresses. Since I have limited storage in my two bedroom apartment, I don't really have a good place to put clothes that I am saving, so they pretty much stay in my closet. I have urged a lot of clothing, but I know I could get rid of more. I think my issue is that feeling of deprivation. That if I reduce my fairly limited wardrobe, I will feel "poorer" than I already feel. Does any of this make sense??? Thanks again for sharing....
So sorry about the MS, my mother & one of her sisters both had the same thing so I've seen the fatigue & everything else that goes along with it. Hoping you have a good doctor who's not afraid to try new things.
Thank you. Being disabled, I like your modular system.
I am starting with the dusty hangers! Then the chair... finally, the closet.
I have Fibro, and I can tackle only so much at a time. I didn’t remove everything from my closet - I removed what I did t like or wear first, then organized according to type of clothing, then tried on things that were left and realized a lot didn’t fit so then it went to - I’ve removed about 60 percent of what I had
This sounds like a really good way to make progress without wearing yourself out.
I simplified or "curated", as I call it, for health reasons as well. I now spend my actual weekends enjoying them- hiking, fostering kittens, working on my art, drinking good coffee, etc.
I have fibro and thought I love a decluter, I feel exactly how you said! Thank you for raising awareness about chronic illness
Thank you for being authentic. I struggle with adrenal fatigue and depression so it is hard to get things done really quickly like some other TH-camrs. Love your channel by the way ❤
Perfect timing for me! My closet is next on my list! I just love your style, calm voice, and connection to the humanness of decluttering. It’s not always easy and I love that you address that in an authentic way. Thank you!
Aw, thank you so much! Means a lot.
So lovely sead❤
Thanks for this great video. I love your calm energy and soothing voice. You gave great ideas on how to declutter with limited energy. I also have a “not sure” tote and find it’s easier to put things in it for awhile then usually end up decluttering a lot of it.
Thank you for taking the time to make your videos.
I am new to your channel and I love your honesty and openness… it is refreshing!
Aw, thanks, Amanda!!
Your strategy seemed to work well. Dana K. White’s no mess decluttering may be helpful for decluttering on lower energy days or for people who might have fatigue hit unexpectedly in the middle of a project. Your s-hooks for jeans has me torn - it looks very easy and convenient, but it’s also a bit messy-looking to me! (no offense, I’m just a picky neatnik). I think it would work really well for things I might want to air out and re-wear though, so I might give it a go. Thanks for making such beautiful videos.
Wow, that was still a lot of items to go thru with your current energy level but you made it! Woohoo!
It could even break into smaller chunks like casual tops, dressy tops, jackets/cover shirts, then pants, etc.
Sometimes I do only what I can manage in 15 minutes. Give yourself plenty of grace and celebrate all of the wins no matter how small. Great to see your video.
I can see you talk excitedly about some items and uncertainly about other items. I always tell myself, “if its not a hell yes, its a hell no!”
Thank you for your videos and ideas. I have issues that drain my energy as well. I also get neurological symptoms that get worse the more tired I get. Unfortunately, my mind always underestimates how long or how much energy it will take to do something. So, like you, I need to just take a little nibble at a time. I can always go back for more. Thank you for the reminders and tips.
Thank you for being so open and honest. What a great video.
I've been recently diagnosed with neurological issues. I'm trying to declutter and now my perception on clothing has changed. I tire so easily.
Hugs, this was very helpful. You are such a sweet beautiful soul. 🌷
My closet still waiting for such action. Thank you for inspiration. 😊🙏❤
Aw, thanks! You got this! :)
I loved this so much! You have helped me so much with minimalism and decluttering so thank you. 2 years ago your videos actually helped me calm down a bit during a flight, I'm terrified of flying and get anxiety.
I need to declutter my closest again as well so thanks for the motivation ❤
Please don't shame yourself. You're just right the way you are. My closet is a total mess, and I will get to it here in a month or so. We all need to chill out about the race to "minimalism".
My best friend has MS, and she has had to really learn how to adapt.
COVID tiredness also is enough for anyone! 😂
Really appreciated your thoughtful discussion of decluttering and disability.
I am waiting for a hip replacement and whilst my brain would love to do all the things my body just can’t. Breaking things down into intentional ‘modules’ is a brilliant approach and one I will be using now ❤🎉
I have decluttered and I still have too much stuff. I am going to see what I wear first this autumn and winter and then decide what to do. Simply because I don't have much money. So storing some away rather than getting rid of it is a great idea. Then I can replace stuff as it wears out instead of donating it and then having to buy again.
Way To Go Girl!!!!! So Proud of YOU. And once again, Thank YOU for sharing! I really like the modular strategy!!!!
This was a very helpful video. I am always trying to pare down my closet. I have a hanging shoe rack that holds 30 pair of shoes and am trying to declutter at least half of them to free up space.
Thank you so much for the work you put into your videos! You are such a positive and motivating person. I have psoriatic arthritis. With that there is lots of joint pain and fatigue so I don’t have the stamina I once had. I love how you’ve tweaked the Kondo method to fit your needs and abilities. I’m going to use the Elin Method on my spring decluttering for sure! Thanks for keeping it honest! Love and prayers for you on your MS journey. ❤
After my partner’s stroke, I found I accumulated a lot more items. We were in a time in life that brought us to poverty levels. It made me realize that my minimalism journey fluctuated when I truly had no ability to afford things, i collected more out of necessity. I think that my approach to minimalism is more of an ebb and flow, that requires gentleness and empathy for the paths that life carved out for us.
On another note,do you have a clothing vlog? I love your style, I’m curious of your go to brands.
Just discovered you with this video and I really liked it, it's a very good content :) I'll be watching some other of your videos soon for sure :)
Such a charming video. I love your channel very much. :)
I think what really resonated with me was your saying ‘but I never really reach for it!’ . I have items that for some reason I think are special and I hang on to them like they’re gold. I get motivated to wear them, try them on, and put back in the closet. After doing this several times…duh…I think it’s time to let them go. Thanks.
I have MS and your approach to your closet helps me.
I like the modular idea you presented. I found reversing the hangers for clothes I like to wear was an eye opener
MS girl myself 🙋. Been working on this myself you definitely hit a cord. Thank you for opening up
Your videos are so eloquent- a true joy to watch something of such quality! Closet declutters are my favorite and this was no exception. Im inspired to take a second pass through my own, to "know myself" a bit more too. My style words are narrow, natural, and noteworthy and it helps to guide my choices.
Great video. Good reminder that we don’t have to do everything at once to make progress.
Helpful especially if you have limitations.Thank you.
Love your ideas!
I live in Minneapolis, so moving into spring, I declutter my winter clothes.. and I ask myself three questions.
1. Did I wear this item this season
2. Did it fit
3. Will I wear it next year (in the same season)
And 4. Do I have some sort of attachment to this item for any reason. (This one, I don’t really count because I’m not an overly sentimental person).
But these questions help me the most with decluttering and breaking it down into seasons helps it not feel so overwhelming, especially when you’re not thinking about your tank tops when it’s twenty degrees outside.
You did a great job!!! The closet looks so refreshing and not jammed with clothes!!!
I have a hard time decluttering clothes. People say “just keep what you love and donate the rest.” Well, I’m ho-hum about all of my clothes. I don’t love ANY of them. And I hate clothes shopping and never love anything I try on either so I feel stuck.
Years ago I kept a shirt every time I decluttered and yet I wasn't wearing it. I made myself put it on right away the next time I looked through my closet, and a little later I took it off and got rid of it. I love the "maybe bin" too. It definitely makes it go faster, less decision fatigue and you get rid of more. You don't have to apologize for owning as many clothes as you do. There will always be someone who will judge, but that is their issue NOT YOURS. : ) Thank you for the video.
Thanks for sharing Aline, it's definitely made me want to re go through my clothes to see if I can let go of a few more things.
Elin, I really enjoy your videos/ content! Im totally on board with the modular method. It allows decluttering to be so much more successful. Thank you for your honesty regarding your MS/ progress; your advice on how to live more simply when you have limited energy reserves is well-taken. We can all benefit from your perspective.❤️
I figured out something that truly works for me. It is: try it out! Put it on! It is only when you dress up that you can “feel” an outfit out, or at least-I do😂
I think you don’t wear this 8:07 because the color is not in your color palette! Did you ever get a color analysis?🥰 It also makes shopping and decluttering a lot easier
Great video! I too have taken Marie Kondo's method and tweeked it to how I operate to get a system that is good for me. I am an "all or nothing" type, so I do exactly as you did except I left out the bin part for sorting later. It is keep or donate for me!
I managed to get my now small closet down to where all the items I can see and actually wear. And having the floor clear makes such a difference. I live in a warm climate now so it didn't make sense to keep a lot of items that I did have-seven coats plus a few jackets, about three times as many pairs of shoes and boots. I won't get into how many shirts, pants, belts and underwear. lol Having less truly is the way to go.
On another note, that redrock colored blouse is really cute. Try pairing that with a pair of the jeans you've chose to keep.
What a great video! Love the modular declutter. It is much less daunting. Thanks for opening up your closet to your TH-cam community! So generous of you ❤❤❤
WAY TO GO ❣️ Thank you for sharing your ideas and your energy with us. I wish you comfort and joy.
It’s been a challenge finding jeans that fit, especially once I became curvier, as a mom. I used to have a few pairs, including one pair that I took a pocket knife to, because I was always behind in style (wore lots of hand-me-downs from my sister,) so I put my own holes in that pair, because my mom wouldn’t buy me jeans with holes, lol. Last year my mom brought me 6 pairs of jeans, including a pair of capris, and a couple pairs of those jeans had holes. As fun as they looked, I didn’t like my foot going into the hole whenever I went to put them on, so I cut both pairs into shorts. Now I don’t feel like I have too many jeans, because I have all the pairs I love wearing, and 3 shorter ones for summer. :) It’s the most amount of jeans I think I’ve ever owned at a time, (I had 2 pairs before she brought me the 6 others,) but I’m happy with them. My husband is a minimalist with 4 pairs. I’d rather declutter everything else, lol. Also now that I have a sewing machine, I can alter all the waistlines on them. (They fit everywhere but there, like I said it’s hard to find a perfect fit, only one of the pairs I already had was a perfect fit.)
I like these kinds of videos. It was this kind of video that inspired me to declutter my things three years ago! Which was a huge help when I moved last year :)
Thank you for all of your helpful tips!!! I appreciate all of the tips that I can learn and then use while I'm decluttering.
I like your music selection 👌🏽
i agree! any idea what the song is at 9:52? i searched the lyrics, tried Shazam and SoundHound and nothing. would really appreciate a link or title if you have it!
-- @spiritworldu
i found it! Jamie Drake - Beginnings. ps, i watched this video at 1.25x and i love the sound at that speed lol. th-cam.com/video/6TeUjK__MB4/w-d-xo.html
Watching Emily Wheatly's channel has helped me a ton declutter my closet and figure out my style.
Love your process and think it can be used in other areas of the home. I plan on using it to declutter my yarn stash.
I am SO sorry to hear about the MS. I wish you all the luck and as little relapses as possible…
New to your channel & already love it. I’ve been trying to motivate myself to start a proper declutter, but I have fibromyalgia & struggle most days with pain &/ exhaustion. I’m definitely going to try this modular method …. I think it will work much better for me. Thx!!
Really enjoyed this. I have a couple tops that I've been struggling with keeping but putting aside in a bin is perfect.
I really needed to see this video right now - I’m feeling overwhelmed and can’t seem to get it all done! Maybe if I do a little bit today and some tomorrow it will all get done. Thank you for sharing.
I SOOOOoooo need to do this thoroughly. I watched your video from 2 years ago and this one and it appears you got into long-sleeved blouses in the 2 years. I could be wrong. It is interesting to see the differences. Also, I loved your green bubble sweater from the video 2 years ago. Thank you for this inspiration.
Great info 👌
I really needed this motivation, thank you so much. I wholeheartedly agree with the reasonings behind this declutter and feel the same way
Thank you for your encouragement❤❤❤
This is great
I also suggest to declutter by even more micro categories. So one day you focus on jeans, another on cardigans etc
Thank you for sharing your new method on decluttering.👍👍❤
Enjoyed this! You did a great job and it was a very manageable strategy and thoughtful way of decluttering 😎
So real - thank you 🙏 I have no space between my clothing in my wardrobe - Makes me feel bad about myself 😫 De-cluttering here I come.
I really like the modular approach. I think it is a very practical approach. I would even do much smaller categories...like bathing suits/beach apparel. The one thing that will not work for me and quite honestly I don't understand is the "put it in a bin a decide later".... in my case if I put something in storage I will never open that box again. I see it as an extra step that is not really necessary in my opinion.
after i’m off your videos i choose my signature earth tones. i have three brook brothers business dresses. I actually wore it recently to look of black tie or a fair and I thought it came in really handy but after I wore it, and I saw a picture of myself in it, I realized it was way too formal for a party and now as I’m watching your video, those are very quality. They make me look very well, but they are dark colored navy blue and black and, I think I want dresses that are more personality and I held onto them for like four years now because of I was going to a super professional job. I have a hard time letting them go because of the name in the quality and from recently, shopping quality is not easy to fine the quality of clothing that’s being made and sold these days has gone downhill tremendously, so I’m debating with myself right now
10:33 agreed 👍🏽
You have just inspired me to do a spring cleaning of my own closet/home, thank you!! 🙏🏽🤗