*NEW* Extreme Declutter With Me | Decluttering The Basement | My Journey to Minimalism |Lets Do This
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- #declutter #minimalism #journeytominimalism #extremedeclutter #basementdeclutter
Hello everyone and welcome to today's extreme basement declutter! The basement is one of the areas I have avoided for far too long, it's not a clutter zone, it's a clutter area. The basement is unfinished and because its unfinished, it's not appealing, functional or organized, so I end up throwing anything and everything downstairs. There is sentimental stuff, holiday/seasonal decor, Ian (my husbands) stuff, laundry stuff, misc. stuff, all sorts of stuff down there. I was able to declutter a lot but there's still so, so much more work to be done down there. I wasn't able to get to everything I wanted to get to in today's video, so there will be another basement video in the near future, where I will be doing more decluttering as well as trying to make the basement into more of a living space. I also have a breakthrough moment in today's video and that was a difficult breakthrough for me to acknowledge. Really hope you like today's video, next video will be either the Halloween clean, declutter and decorate with me or we will be heading over to my parents where I will be helping my mom continue to declutter her kitchen. I'm hoping for the kitchen declutter pt2 at my parents LOL there my favorite videos to make.
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You've got it girl! Sentimental stuff will never mean as much to your children, as it does to you.
So agree!!
Sooo true!!! 1000% agree! I never realized until now that this whole time I actually wasnt keeping these things for them, as much as I was for myself! It was like WOW! Its bittersweet watching your kids grow up 😭Thank you for watching and always being here with me Jill! Appreciate ya so much 🥰😘
I used to save a lot of sentimental things. I learned that if it’s sentimentally, take a pic of it instead of keeping all the physical items. You have the memories. I finally got rid of it all and no regrets. Your kids will most likely not care about any of it.
Basements and attics are such amazing spaces. It’s an archaeological dig, and you just never know what treasure you will come out with. You made way more progress than I thought possible for a first round decluttering. Great job!
LOL "an archaeological dig" HA! Its so true! You are so Sweet! Thank you! I really wanted to get more done (im so impatient LOL) but it feels amazing to get rid of all the unwanted stuff! I have avoided that basement for far too long! Lots more work to do in the basement but im excited to finish it! YAY! Always so HAPPY to see you here with me Doris! Appreciate you so much! Hugs 🥰🥰
Hi Danni. Take it from an old lady. Your memories are yours and your kids won’t want any of these clothes. Remember what u did. Going through your moms stuff, and getting her to let go of stuff. Enjoy going through them and let someone else get to use them now. Take photos easier to. Store. The less you have to move around the easier it will be to get around. I so enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing
I couldn't agree with you more 💯 it's funny you mentioned decluttering over at my parents, because while I was editing this video and I was watching some of the clips of me decluttering I thought of my mom. And I thought of all of the times I was encouraging her to let go of her stuff, but yet for some reason I don't apply that same encouragement for myself. And that's something I think I really need to work on. I was also thinking about all the baby stuff my mom gave me and how I really didn't need all of it. My kids are going to feel the same way, I totally agree with you. Adding more of these items to the donation piles I think is a great idea, giving it to someone who really wants and needs it. Also brilliant idea on taking pictures, I've done that in the past, but I really need to do that for sentimental items. Always so happy to see you here with me, I feel like I always write you a book LMBO. I appreciate you so much 🥰😘
On my God, I was so impressed by you getting rid of the bags of clothes without even looking at the items!!!!!
My mother saved some of my baby clothes and my mother in law saved some of my husband’s. They both gave them to us when we had our kids. They were so outdated I never used them. I decided I wouldn’t save my kid’s clothes when someone could use them when they were still in style. I only kept their baptism clothes and that was it. And if they use them, great but if not then it is okay.
Hey Dani! I did that with my boys' baby clothes. Had boxes and boxes I saved for their kids, but guess what? When I went through them, most of the clothing was rotten, like elastic had dissintegrated, and just yellowed while in boxes. Do yourself a favour, save only a handful and bless a young mom who can't afford clothing.
I saw another video where the creator went through the clothes her mother saved for her and that’s exactly what happened. They were practically garbage not useful at all. And she didn’t remember most of the little clothes anyway.
@@elizabethpaul989 It's sad. And like Danni said, she was mainly doing it for her. Kids aren't sentimental about it because they won't remember. It's still hard to let go though, but at least someone will get some use out of them.
I have found decluttering sentimental items is a process. Each time you go through the items it’s easier to eliminate a few more items.
I agree
Hi Danni, Been there done that not just for myself but also for my aging parents home after they passed. With that said.. kids clothes...you are a very giving person, I know you are..how bout looking at it with a different mindset. Those clothes could help someone with nothing or almost nothing. Wouldn't it be a great idea to keep one piece from maybe each year and donate the rest. It is just a suggestion not something you have to do. I know your struggle. My biggest struggle has been sentimental too. Lots of love.
Yes!!! I LOVE that idea so much! Not only is that a great boundary, but most importantly I would rather someone else get use out of these things versus them sitting there and collecting dust, not to mention I'm pretty positive my kids aren't going to care, they're probably not even going to want this stuff when they get older lol. But I think keeping one article of clothing for each year is brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing this with me, commenting and being here, always so happy to see you here with me. Hugs 🥰😘
Hi Danni! We lived in our present home for 14 years before we finished our basement. It looked exactly like yours. I also kept baby clothes for many years until I parted with them. My girls are 37, almost 30 and my eldest daughter would’ve been 40 years old this Boxing Day. Tragically she passed 6 years ago! She left behind two precious grandsons. They’re 10 and 7 now. They’re in grade 5 and grade 2 and doing great! We’re taking our whole family to Disney World in December. That was my daughter’s dream and she never got to go, so we’re taking her babies. It’ll be a blast! I can’t wait.
I go my 3 daughters and my 2 grandsons school binders with envelopes for each school year. You should get them for Lucas and Zoe. They are great! I gave them to my girls and I’m filling them up for my grandsons. We wrote on there new envelopes just the other day. They loved it. I bought them for my girls many years ago and I found the ones for my grandsons at a thrift store. If you don’t see them on Amazon you should try looking at thrift stores also.
Awe! You poor dear! I hope your knees are ok. 🥺
Take care and keep up the great work! 💕
Laury I am so very sorry for your loss, I cannot even begin to imagine what you've gone through, what you go through. As one mother to another, my heart absolutely breaks for you. I am sending you so so much love, thoughts and prayers🙏❤️. I think that is absolutely wonderful that you and your family are going to Disney with your grandbabies, you all are going to have an amazing time and create so many wonderful and special memories! 🥰
Definitely looking on Amazon to find those binders, I like the binders better than a container or bin, keeps things more organized and is a great boundary, esp. for me, who wants to keep everything LOL.
And oh my gosh of course I would trip over the dryer, it was a pipe or something on the dryer, I swear I am the clumsiest person ever HA! But Im okay, thank you 🥰 I appreciate you so much Laury, sending you the biggest virtual hug ❤️❤️❤️
@@danniraearranged thank you so much sweetie! I really appreciate it.
I didn’t tell you before as I didn’t want to make you sad. It’s a hard road but my family and I are strong. My girl was so selfless she wouldn’t want to ruin the rest of our lives. We are giving her children the best life we can. I wish with all my 💔 that she were here but I know I’ll see her again one day. 🙏
Thank you for the virtual luv and hugs. I sent them back to you!
Xoxoxo
You finding your old journal and rolling your eyes at your younger self was spot on to what I did when I found my old journal in my moms basement. Thirteen yo me started page one with “my life is in shambles!” 😂 And then the rest of the journal was printed out pictures of actors I found attractive at the time. I used all my dads printer ink for pictures of Angel/Spike 😅 holy crap I’m old.
You did a really good job on that basement. Those areas are never easy. Sentimental items are tough and yes us moms save things for ourselves. Our kids are never going to put their children in their old clothes, it just ain’t gonna happen. But we keep those items because we remember when our precious babies were tiny. ❤
It’s good to let a few things go and keep only the very special items. Remember those clothes and items that we hold back could be used by someone who is at a disadvantage.
Your video made me go down to my basement to see what I could let go of. Overwhelming doesn't even begin to describe it.
This comment made my week, I am so glad the video could do that for you. Yay! But I know exactly where your coming from, basements can be challenging, I know mine sure is. I had, still have lol, so much stuff down there, I feel like basements can become clutter areas so easily. But little by little we'll tackle it! You got this. I'm cheering you on! Thank you so much for watching and being here, so happy you're here with me 🥰 xo
I just love the feeling of getting ride of stuff it’s the best 👍🏻👍🏻🤦♀️🤦♀️
Great job Danni in tackling the basement, you must be proud of yourself for making a start. Also what a breakthrough moment you had in realising that your children will probably not want most of those baby and young children’s clothes. You said yourself that you “Didn’t know what to do with the clothes that were yours and Ryan’s which your mum gave you”, I bet the same would apply for your children too. If you keep clothing to pass down to them they may feel obliged to keep it simply/only because you kept it for them and they wouldn’t want to hurt your feelings. My friends who have children did the following (and what they did may help you): They kept one really special baby-grow or snuggle suit, one special toddler outfit, one first school uniform or ensemble, their first special occasion outfit (such as christening or first party clothes); and their first sports uniform (along with any medals or ribbons they won). These items total no more than five clothing sets which is enough to express keepsake sentimentality and care towards your children without being burdensome or overwhelming for them. It also does not put parent pressure on your children implying any ‘demanding wish’ for grandchildren. I hope you get to a point where sentimental items become easier for you to sort and organise, but in the meantime your basement is starting to look so much better. 👍🏻👏👏❤
Always remember that when you make the effort... you're making the effort! Yay for you! That is the door that you are opening up to embrace a new perspective--one that focuses on today. Right now. This minute. You are literally tripping over the past in this basement, so let that reality in, allow yourself to see and accept that, and then pick up the past and move it out of your home, because it's not a part of your "now."
What about a digital scrap book, take pictures of the items you want to keep from your kids and save them in digital files. That way you can get rid of the clutter, make space but still have the picture memories for reference that you can look up anytime you want. Just an idea, you do what makes you happy and I think your fabulous! Love your videos and watching you interact with your mom. :)
I’m loving the introspection regarding the kid’s items!!! For me - I have a single baby album my mom made that has the cards from when I was born, our hospital bracelets, the sonogram of me, my footprints, and then a handful of small pieces of art from when I was in day care (a ubiquitous hand turkey) - and that’s it! My husbands mom made one nearly identical for him and she also made a scrapbook for his whole first birthday but honestly for that - half the cards even she didn’t remember who the people were who sent them 😂
Give yourself permission to get rid of most of those kid clothes-clothes deteriorate over time as in the elastic gets brittle, colors fade. Just keep an example for you, like their newborn outfit. Same with toys, plastic gets brittle, some may have less safe paint. With most sentimental stuff you can pick one example and let all the rest go.
so... what I do for my kids when it comes to art work etc is each kid has an accordion folder and a big 3 ring binder and everything goes into the accordion folder at first and during the summer they go through it ( I do it with them just to make sure that they don't throw away something really awesome lol) and we put the keep stuff in clear paper protectors in the binders and then it's all organized with the best stuff. 😊
It helps me remind myself on old baby clothes that fabric doesn't last forever, and neither do clothes styles. Even if you kept them, the likelihood of damage over those 20 to 30 years is high and styles WILL have changed. Also, there's no guarantee your kids will have children, or children of the same gender. I give my nieces first choice of our girls clothes, and I feel a lot of joy seeing new babies in our family wearing those "little memories" from my kids and making new ones. 💞 The rest go to babies and children that truly don't have what they need and that is heart-lightening (where we live there are no thrift stores, so we donate directly to families in need).
From each size range (infant, toddler, preschool, elementary, etc), I save a few pieces that are really memorable and keep in their memory box.
As I have been watching, I have paused to go sort my wardrobe as inspiration to minimise.
Ahhh cards…. I love the few cards I have with my grandparents handwriting and notes in them now that they are dead. Seeing “I love you“ makes my day.
Ooh-sidenote when decluttering cards- I found money in some: always look!! 😆
I so understand. The first time I moved, I was too sad to go thru stuff so I moved it all. 18 tubs of memorabilia. Then we moved 3 times in 1 year. And downsized. I realized my kids don’t want this stuff. I threw out a ton of pictures of scenery and people they wouldn’t know. I am having trouble letting go of the cards and pictures they wrote to me when I was their “universe”. But they don’t care and I’m not going to sit and go through it. It’s really hard. Thanks for sharing to help us get rid of stuff
Make "year" books (photo print books) glue the cards on the inside covers
You did so well! An idea for kids school stuff - buy each one a bankers box with a hanging file for each grade (you can also do one for before school etc). Keep their current folder in your easy access file cabinet, command centre or whatever so you can quickly add stuff when they bring it home. At the end of that grade do a sort and done. Upon graduation they will have a full bankers box but that's a manageable boundary.
I have all my grandparents stuff and I feel the same way. It takes time to realize that you can’t get them back from it but once they pass you also can’t replace it with new memories. That is what I struggle with.
Hi Danni. You have the best expressions! You rock your videos! I just read a book called The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. I borrowed it from the library, it's a short read 100 pages. The best take away was that what we find valuable or memorable, others often do not and don't leave a hoard of belongings for others to have to go through it some day. Great job!!
I want to try the swedish death cleaning method so badly, I keep telling myself I'm going to use this method and I end up letting my insecurities get the best of me. I've heard nothing but amazing things about this method. I think that is 1,000% spot on, I totally value these items, specifically sentimental items way more than anyone else will ever value them. What I'm afraid of is that I'm going to hold on to so much stuff to pass down to my kids and it's going to be a burden on them. I absolutely don't want that. I need to stop being such a chicken and just try this method 🤣 I always feel like I write you a book, sorry 😆 always, always so happy to see you here with me, thank you so much for watching and sharing this with me. I appreciate you so much 🥰😘
Lol... the way you said "my mom"... I felt that in my soul.
I'm going through my sons stuff. He is an only child. I have scanned pictures and papers. Then i have had him go through the same items and discard what he doesnt want. So, it's not all gone, so I have digital copies. With baby clothes, I kept homemade items only. My mother knows and sews and made him some adorable items. I went from 5 to 1 sentimental bin for my son and 4 to 1 for myself. You can do this. Check out Dana White for her declutter steps. Decluttering without making more of a mess and easier to do without getting stressed.
When my dad's mom passed away no one wanted to clean out her house because she had so so much stuff.One of my cousins and I said we would do it ,it took us a month to go through things .We were told that sense we were doing it we could keep what we wanted.The hardest part for me was the home made quilts and a collection of the old Seventies Avon perfume bottles .I did keep some of the quilts, her cast iron stuff and a box of my dad's stuff.She had a box for each of her nine children.My dad's had report cards ,cards ,pictures but the most awesome think I found was a telegram from the army .My dad lost his leg in vietnam when he was 19 and telegrams was how she was notified he had been shot. As a mom myself I cried for her thinking how that must have felt..I was so glad she saved that stuff and I think that is what I think of when getting rid of personal items.The other kids didn't even want their boxes and that made me sad.I am so proud of and you should keep what your heart tells you to.I love you and your channel so much.❤️🤗
Tammy, I am so sorry I am just now seeing this comment, this comment was sent into "held for review" inbox, only because there were some words that were right next to a period, so I think it throws YT off and YT thinks your sending a website? I dont understand how I even have a "held for review" inbox considering I dont have any special instructions or restrictions on comments. So periodically I check that inbox to make sure I didnt miss anything and I seen this comment. To your dad, "thank you for your service and sacrifice, thank you for serving and protecting this country". I'm also so sorry for your loss. That must have been very hard to go through all your grandmothers belongings. Ive inherited items and thought that was difficult, I couldnt imagine going through a house full of items. Like you I would have kept the samethings, things like handmade items, photos, photo albums, perfumes always remind me of the person, I would have kept that too. But the telegrams had me tearing up, as a mother, I couldnt even begin to imagine that kind of pain and worry. Your dad and her are incredibly brave. Tammy I appreciate you so much, your so sweet! Always, always so HAPPY to see you here with me! Sending lots of love! ❤️❤️❤️
Just let it all go girl and God will take care of the rest in the future if you ask him to. 😊💛💛💛
Alli, I cant tell you enough how much I needed to see this! Thank you! And I couldnt agree with you more! 🙏...Always so HAPPY to see you here with me dear! Appreciate you so much 🥰🥰😘
I think you are wonderful - love watching you sort through stuff and also with you mom 🇬🇧🇺🇸🌸🌸
Your kids aren’t gonna want to dress their kids and their old clothes. You are correct, the kids are the memory!
Your mom should have come over to help you this time. You ladies would have had a good time! Make sure to store all items in plastic tubs. My parents sump pump failed and water ruined the few cardboard boxes they had. My mom kept clothes of mine and some are discolored or the elastic has deteriorated. But you can definitely keep a memory box of your kiddos stuff for yourself.
That would be SO FUN! I never thought of my mom coming to my house and helping me declutter HA! That would be such a fun time! I actually wanted this video to be pt2 of my parents kitchen declutter, but with my moms schedule It didnt work out, and I really needed to get this basement going, ive put it off for far too long. And oh my gosh that is awful! Im so sorry that happened to your parents. Ugh I would cry. Yes your 1000% spot on, I hate cardboard boxes too, I dont know why I use them to store items. I finally have some memory bin options in my amazon cart, im deciding which ones I want, thats another thing I should have done a long time ago LOL Always so HAPPY to see you here with me dear! Thank you for watching 🥰😘
Can I just tell you, THANK YOU! I saved all my eldest birthday candles and the like for me to present to her on her 20th birthday-for her to say, “Uh what is this?” All your birthday candles from your first birthday to your last teenage year! She was NOT impressed. 😢 I’m so glad I’m not the only one. The basement in our home is EXACTLY.THE.SAME. I’m so sentimental and this is my area of struggle as well.
Keep the kids coming home from the hospital etc or 1 favourite piece of clothing you loved seeing them in , that's what I did and my daughter did the same as she had boxes and boxes of clothes and then you have a very special memory with out all the clutter
Danni can I just say your personality is just a true light in this world. Every time I watch your videos I can’t tell if I wish you’d be my best friend or my mom or my life partner LOLL😂 your authenticity and sense of humor is just unmatched :’) so much love all the way from nyc ( btw the part where you said you’ve minimized a lot - YES YOU HAVE 🥳 great job on this declutter/ organize Danni you’re killing it on the sentimental items )
Oh my gosh Chanel you are pulling at my heartstrings, im blushing, your so dang SWEET!!! Sending you such a big virtual hug! And thank you so much, I love my minimal lifestyle and home, it took a hot minute to get here, but it was so worth it! I am surprised I didnt make more excuses to keep a lot of the sentimental stuff, sentimental stuff is my downfall, I have a lot more work to downstairs LOL. Sending you SO SO much love from MN, I appreciate ya so much dear and so HAPPY you're here with me 🥰😘
Wow! Great job once again. You may consider getting a large metal shelving unit (from a big box store) that will accommodate your large bins. These can hold the bins you currently have next to the sofa and some of your seasonal bins. Even though you felt like you couldn’t handle it, you pushed through and got so much accomplished!!❤
Hello sweet Danielle, 😊
This is what you need to do, you need to get a medium size bin for each of you, and whatever fits in that bin is what you keep. As the year’s pass you may want to keep something else and if it doesn’t fit in the bin something in the bin has to come out.
Let me assure you your children will not want that bin when they become adults so what you are saying about keeping all of this for you is exactly right. When I gave my children their bins when they became adults they were like what are we suppose to do with this. 😢 I was devastated and that’s when I realized sentimental items are just stuff. Keep what makes you happy eventually when you continue on your miminimalist journey you will continue to get rid of things. Love this video and love you. Life is slowly getting back to normal. Hugs to you and your family. I was able to catch this video early!! 💞
Rochelle I couldn't agree with you more, I was thinking about all of the stuff my mom gave me when I had kids, example, all of my old baby clothes, and I really didn't want or need it. And I was thinking about that when I was decluttering and it hit me that I'm really not keeping this stuff for them I'm keeping it more for me and that was a huge eye opener. Cuz you're right, they're not going to want this stuff, they're going to care less about it, which I can totally understand where you're coming from, that's hard, because it means so much to us 🥺 I'm glad I let go of what I let go of, but I honestly think I'm going to end up going back through all of that stuff and removing more LOL brilliant idea on the bins, I definitely need bins like that and keep to that boundary, I think that would be just a perfect boundary. And do the one in one out method if it starts to get too full. Great idea. So happy to see you here with me, always sending so much love, so good to hear that things are starting to get back to normal. 🙏❤️🥰😘
I'm living that same dream. Why am I saving my formals from when I had a 23" waist? I can't get rid of them. Plates? I bought a whole 3D Winnie the Pooh set when I worked at The Disney Store. I have YET to put them up anywhere. At this point, it would be like putting up an 80's blue duck (you know the one, they were everywhere in decorating back then). More power to you for tackling that job.
An idea I started doing is using those old shower curtains or liners for paint projects instead of tub lids or cardboard. You can use them multiple times and fairly inexpensive yet durable. Hope this helps you too. 💙
I do the same thing!
I know this is an old video of yours, and I see how difficult this is for you, but you are doing it. This journey is so good for our mental health. A lot of realisations and more space for our unconditional love for memories to be content with how things go naturally. Lots of love❤️
Never be hard on yourself on the basement. You are doing something that you need to do for your mental state
It doesn't matter how much you get done or how quickly you do it. The main point is you started. Be proud of yourself and continue at your own pace.
Lucinda, I appreciate this comment so much, I needed to see this. Sometimes I get really frustrated with myself, because I can't understand why I keep some of the things that I keep, some of the stuff is just junk LOL but I couldn't agree with you more, it doesn't matter how much or how fast, it's definitely a marathon not a race. It's amazing how much decluttering has helped my mental health. I don't feel stressed or anxious like I used to. And that's the goal. To live more intentionally, and to have peace of mind. I needed this reminder ❤️ Thank you so much for commenting, watching and being here, Im so happy you're here with me. Hugs 🥰😘
Good on you for tackling this, Dani. You are saving yourself and your kiddos a lot of future frustration. My mom made me go through my childhood stuff myself and then would criticize me for getting rid of things SHE wanted. It was bad but I’m glad I took care of it.
Relatable! My mother was hurt and upset about things from my childhood I wasn't interested in keeping. But the thing is I don't have memories attached to them, she does.
Easy , toss it all! Remodel your basement and love it!!! Make it a comfy place to hang out! I learned to only keep enough decor to actually decorate with. All the excess can go.
Isn’t it strange how we struggle over “items” I do the same thing with holding on to certain types of items and then when I declutter them eventually because I do… it’s hard but when they leave the house and they are gone Its a relief. I think why did I hold on to that. All these things are suffocating me. Weighing down my mental state. Just let it go move on I tell myself. Let it go. Love the declutters with you they also make me want to keep going with the declutter maintenance and really kick me into gear even if I’m not decluttering at the moment.
Something I’ve used when decluttering is thinking.. if it’s not an immediate yes it’s a no. No maybe items. No maybe later items. No one day* items. Just items that are useful and that I love. I want to feel good in my home and have it be functional and a place that makes me happy.
Renee, I totally relate to this, and agree with you 100%. I have let go and donated so much, so much and there's times where I've gotten a little scared with donating certain items or I question some of the stuff that I'm donating and then once it's gone it's like a weight lifted off of me. I feel so much better.
Sentimental items are definitely my downfall, but some of the stuff that I've kept, I'm like why 🤣...like the hottie whistle, seriously...why? Lol😆... Ive also been thinking a lot about the stuff I'm passing down to my kids and I really don't want all of this stuff to be a burden to them.
This seriously made my month, that is awesome that you're enjoying the videos and they're motivating, that's everything. So happy you're here with me thank you so much for watching 🥰😘
Oh girl I feel you so much on the fact we as moms tend to keep all the things “for the kids when they get kids of their own”🤦🏼♀️ nope not the case because I know what my reaction would be for a bag of 20+ year old baby clothes!!🥴 “thanks but no thanks”!!
I have found that if I tell myself I would be doing this item a disservice if I kept it in a bin for years, I tend to find some way to use it. I feel like you and I are very similar in the ways we see DIYs with everything and I have found that if something is truly sentimental I will display it in a frame or make something out of it like a quilt of baby clothes that I can wear when I am cold. It helps put in perspective what these things actually mean to me. I have also used burp cloths as dusting rags and when they are used up I can confidently say goodbye you have served me well!! I love watching your journey continue doing what you are doing!!❤
Fun and very motivating. I do love how after you stumble your cat gracefully leaps up onto the TV stand _ lol
You have grown so much in dealing with sentimental things wow you're making me smile. I'm right here cheering you on. You're very insightful. Thank you for letting us be on this journey with you 😊🧡💛
Your pulling at my heartstrings here Alli, your comments seriously have made my week! Thank you for all your kind words and for being on this journey with me! Im so grateful to have you here with me! 😘
Those clothes would really bless a child that can wear them right now, the fabric etc might break down and render them unusable by the time your kids have kids….. and they’ll want new cute stuff! You can do it!
I used to keep all cards when I was younger and for my kids. A few years ago I went through them and just kept ones that actually had a special message written in them (and found some $$). A few months ago, I tossed all of the cards from my wedding and bridal shower (after I made sure there was no money in them 😂)
I feel these feelings soooooo much! My kids are 3, 7 and 9 and we're done and grieving those baby years, and it's so hard! Thank you for sharing your journey-- many of us are going through the same things!
My garage and one extra room are filled with all my kids toys. Oh and an attic. Four kids in their 30’s. All their toys. So you’re not alone! ❤ I wish I hadn’t - if I had it to do over again I would’ve kept one bin each for them.
If the things are valuable enough to keep them, they have to be proudly displayed, not tucked away. It really helped me to make pictures of sentimental things. Now I look at photos guilt-free. And I look at them much more frequently than when I had those things in boxes.
danni, honestly i would have started bawling my eyes out while talking about the kids clothes. honestly i cried watching it. i have 5 kiddos and i’ve only kept the first outfit they took pictures in for my last 3, very sad i gave away my first 2 kids first outfit but i was young. i keep a lot of art work and some memories but i completely agree, we can’t keep everything. you go momma 💜
mate, bravo!that'ss amazing view~
You did great!!!! I have to say I was yelling TOSS it Dani, Nooooooooo hahahahaha. I wanted to talk you out of so many things. Like your 2 “set of 3” pictures hahahah. You did a great job!
Wow! Thank you for the eye opener for me. Hearing your indecision is just great.
Ok, so, here is this old lady's take on memorabilia, warning, it will sound harsh. First, wedding stuff, nobody but you cares about that stuff. Might be mean to say but it is actually true. I have a hubby and 3 grown girls so I have learned. I have nothing left from my first marriage and my second, (the good one 🤣) I have my suit and my ring boxes that's it. From my first marriage I gave my girls the rings and threw out everything else. I used to have 5 big bins of memorabilia from childhood to 20, and I'm down to a small square trunk. You need to take a look at swedish death cleaning. While the girls were growing up, they each had a small "for papers" box where report cards would go, awards, coming home outfit and that's pretty much it and I gave it to them when they grew up. I know it's hard I've been there but it was so freeing when it was all gone. Space is more valuable than stuff. I'm going through my own hard time with decluttering right now because I've gained a lot of weight because I've gotten sick, so trust me, I feel you. You are doing a great job momma, keep it up you'll get there. 😘💖😘💖😘💖
I have the same problem, I keep my kids baby clothes and some baby blankets or a stuffed animal they used to love because it’s reminds me of when they were little I keep it to hold on to those memories too, but also because pulling out that newborn onesie or baby blanket I used to wrap them in genuinely makes me happy and I just have a hard time parting with those items.
Yesssss! When you post your videos I get so excited!!!! Pushing play now. ❤
Great job, Danni! I am currently decluttering my basement too. It is a process.
Mine was why was I wanting to go back instead of the now and in future
So satisfying to see the ending result!!!
I think you underestimate yourself way too much! You have a good sense of decorating. Like, i was going to suggest that you hang those "DIY" pictures in the basement, put the TV near the couches, and have the game tables together, in a different section of the basement.
Also, i recommend getting two large storage shelving units and store your seasonal stuff and memory bins in those.
I think you gave yourself a super challenging task with the basement, if you were expecting to do it all in one day. Just keep going through things: the questions will come to you and it will get easier to part with things. I think i discovered your videos around the time i discovered The Minimal Mom and Living with Cambriea. MM is REALLY good for decluttering. LwC has a zillion decorations, and a good sense of storage/organization to go with all the stuff. But i can definitely see your interest in interior design shining.
I’ve been so busy lately I’m barely on the TH-cam, but I want you to know that if I ever am, I immediately go to your channel first because you’re my internet hot mess express bestie who’s doing a GREAT job! 💜
They’ll never be that age again but no wayyy do we need to hang on to their clothing, etc! I never knew the amazing feeling I’d feel until I let go of so much stuff! It’s like anxiety, migraines, etc..we have no clue what it feels like til we are in it or have gone through it! It really lifts so much stress off of our shoulders to get rid of crap!
I was in my moms basement a few weeks ago (almost requires a string to find your way out) and I found my journals and clothes from junior high. Why? WHY? (We’re talking late 90’s.)
I really feel your breakthrough moment. I know I’ll never fit in those clothes again, but I’m holding onto the days that I could and I don’t want to let go.
I think setting boundaries is great. It’s so hard to go through sentimental - I can make anything sentimental - but even if it’s one box or bag at a time, it’s progress. Thank you as always for sharing and inspiring!
I know this is an old video but…. It’s ok to keep things for yourself to hold onto memories ….it’s ok and for those folks who can relive memories by holding an item it’s 100% ok to do so. It’s ok to hold onto the past if it brings you joy while you live in the present.
🥰👍
Your decluttering muscles are getting stronger! One of the things I ask myself when going through kids stuff is how much of the stuff that my mom kept for me did I want when she gave it to me as an adult. Then I kind of use that as a gauge. Keep up the good work! You are doing so awesome at the tougher stuff!! Can't wait for the next one! ❤️
I am 70, I too saved thing for my kids, for years. It never dawned on me, that my grown children would not even remember most of what I saved, or care, or that their wives, being new mothers, would want new things for their new babies, just like I did. Silly me. I saved baby clothes for 30plus years, moving them from house to house. I finally gave them to my grandchildren, when they were the right age. Their moms put them in the clothes, and my grandchildren got to wear them for 5 minutes, a picture was taken, and the clothes were then donated. I leaned it was a sentimental dream of mine that my grandkids would some day wear those clothes. It was not my children's dream. Do what is best for you right now. Keeping all that sentimental stuff was just old junk to my kids and everyone else. I declutter all of it , even the family photos. It was hard, but good. There were only two thing that I had a good cry over. A ratty Bugs Bunny stuffed toy that no longer had a face, named Bigs by my son, and a rag, that used to be my other son's blankie. I threw them away, knowing no one would ever want such useless worn out items. I cried. It was not the items, it was the love they once had for the items. That is why I wanted to keep them, but that love, those memories, are in me, they are part of me. These things help make us into who we are today, those memories go with us wherever we go. I will always love Bigs bunny and blankie, even thought my son no longer remember them. They live on in me. It's ok, let those things go, while they are still good. Let someone else use them, let someone else have found memories, just like u have, let them enjoy their little one looking so cute the those sweet clothes. Share the joy, it is ok to let them go.
Just saw a hack that I think might work for your clothing decluttering. Hang a large bag in your closet. When you come across something you don’t wear or try on/wear and don’t like, stick it in the bag clean or dirty. When it gets full do a load of laundry with just those items and donate when done. That way they don’t get mixed back in with regular laundry and you forget by the time your folding clothes.
I SO feel this! I’m currently sifting through a garage filled with sentimental and inherited sentimental stuff - and my kids are nearly 30 years old! Keep going. It’s the hardest part of decluttering but you are doing great!
AMAZING PROGRESS!!!! Looks AWESOME!
Look at what @jamiesjouney did with her kids school stuff! She used a file folder method.
U can get all the photos ect scanned and put on a hard drive. That way if u have a fire you’ve got back up and we’ll less clutter, but this can be tedious but worth it.
The tub idea for the kids… I did that exact thing. One bin for each kid k-12! It worked!
Hi Danni! I think you are doing great. You are making a lot of progress in your basement. I hope you are ok and aren't in pain from falling.
Hi Danni, you should be proud, you made so much progress. Your basement is a great space and has so much potential. I hope your knees are ok, that's one thing we have in common, if there is anything to trip over, I will find it without trying!!! 😁 Can't wait to see your DIY, I know it is gonna be good!
I loved hearing about your wedding. My wedding is on Wednesday and I feel like I'm going to have trouble letting go of those items as well.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!! May each day in your journey together be filled with happiness.
Congratulations Nicole, that is so exciting ❤️
it is hard to let go of some of the wedding stuff, it's something I'm still currently working on, I'm trying really hard to just keep the most special items, and hopefully not placing all those items in boxes somewhere where they'll collect dust but try to display some of this stuff. But also I'm trying really hard to create boundaries for myself with the sentimental stuff. But ultimately It's whatever works for you and your family. Sending you so much love, thank you so much for being here with me 🥰🥰😘
Do it girl. Get rid of that old journal. I was torn about it when I got rid of mine, but reading it made me feel so cringey like you said. Sooooo bye Felicia! Don't need ya!
Omg yes!!! That journal was so cringe LMBO, if I could go back in time and meet my younger self, Id probably shake me 🤣🤣 Bye Felicia is right, it felt good getting rid of that thing. Ha! Thank you so much for watching and being here, so happy you're here with me 🥰🥰
Downsizing homes a year ago with less storage here are some ideas we did with our dungeon basement. 😂. I used thrifted fabric and attached it to the ceiling rafters like canopies, used Christmas lights and small screw in hooks to hang lights from ceiling. Painted the floor with cement paint in the areas I didn’t used rugs/carpet, painted the walls in laundry area a happy color and the living area. Used small hooks and inexpensive tension rods with inexpensive 84” curtains on the windows & added a remnant rug in the living area and throw rugs in my laundry area. Used command strips and hung decor to liven up the areas or hooks with wire to hung heavier art. We bought wire shelving with wheels from Home Depot for all my storage and bought bins for all our storage, this was the investment. The basement is organized and easy to clean and it is so nice to go down there!
Goo Gone will remove crayon. After you remove it, wash the item with soap water.
Danielle, oh my sweet friend I can see the struggle that you are having. I think you're doing a good job despite not wanting to get into it. I may have shared this but it's been a hot minute. We moved into our current house when my daughter was two and a half and our house has 4 bedrooms. When we got this house I was pregnant with our third (after having a miscarriage when my daughter was a year and half). We wanted more square footage. The bedroom that is now a guest room was filled with all kinds of baby stuff, bottles, furniture, swing, you name it. Strollers and more. After living in this house for a couple of months we lost the baby. After a while we tried again but it just didn't pan out. I had started going into perimenopause and so it was harder to try to get pregnant again. After a year of perimenopause it went straight to menopause. So we have our now 13 year old daughter. The room that housed all our baby stuff depressed as I knew we weren't going to be able to have another. Two years later I knew it was time to part with it. We did keep a few things but most of it was donated. I'm in a new season of life, I enjoy cleaning my house, organizing and hanging out more with my family (husband, daughter and friends). We all have different seasons that we go through. I'm now getting into yard work, keeping my yard up though the weather is getting cooler. I want to do more with my front porch area, but it will have to wait until next spring/summer.
As far as going through sentimental stuff, do it at your own pace. Don't feel that you have to do it for content. You should be so proud of yourself at what you accomplished so far!!! Your doing an amazing job!!
Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss, all of the pain and suffering that you went through, that's devastating. I can't even begin to imagine what you've gone through. That would be really difficult, to part with all of the baby stuff, I too would want to hold on to all of it! I know for a fact I would have done the same thing, it would be so emotional going through all of the baby stuff. Sentimental stuff is most definitely the hardest items to go through. I too have let go of things that have made me feel anxious or depressed, and I know how difficult that can be, you should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for sharing this with me, just sending you a big virtual hug. And thank you, you are so sweet, I also sometimes need to slow down and Pace myself, I become very impatient, when there's something I want to get done I want to get it done like now, and I have to realize it's a marathon not a race. love and appreciate you so much lady, thanks for always being here with me 🥰🥰😘
Great job. I have a big issue with saving cards too!! I am glad that I saved many of them because they are from loved one's that have passed and it gives me comfort knowing I have something personalized that they gave to me. I do have a bunch that I should get rid of though that can definitely go to the trash.
P.S I am glad you didn't hurt yourself with your fall....I must admit I did giggle a bit once I knew you were ok. Hugs xoxo
I totally get where you're coming from, I keep certain cards for that exact same reason. It is nice to have something personalized from a loved one that's passed, those are special. It's so hard going through sentimental stuff. I also have a bunch of cards though that no one is really going to want or look at, I just keep them because I want them lol like birthday cards or Valentine's Day cards, a lot of that can go.
And I am the clumsiest person ever, I swear I have no balance or coordination. I laughed so hard when I was editing that part, so you and me both 🤣🤣 thank you so much for watching and being here, so happy you're here with me 🥰😘
Do yourself a favor and let the clothes go. Chances are they are not going to want them. I know, I did! I saved clothes of my oldest son and when he had his son he didn't want any of it! My youngest son hasn't gone through his stuff yet.
Too funny Deanna, I dont think I mentioned this in the video, but I should have, because I was thinking, when my mom gave me some of my old baby clothes, I really didnt want them LOL I had so much clothes already that I really didnt need them. I was thinking about that when I looked at the stores worth of clothes I kept for my kids, I realized that I wasnt really keeping it for them, but actually for me. I probably have 20-30 articles of clothes in each of the kids baskets LOL its too much 🤣Always, Always so HAPPY to see you here with me dear, thank you so much for watching! 🥰 xo
Danni, You are doing an amazing job, and it has been so much fun watching you progress through your home. I am only at the beginning third of the video, so you may address this yet, but this may also be food for thought for others working through similar situation.
Sentimental kids clothes: I say this with as much love as I can, in addition to saving items for personal reasons " a time that I will never have back", consider what condition those clothes will be in by the time your kids have kids. I have had elastic in garments disintegrate within 6 years of purchase. Would you be willing to hang on to them for 20 years and then be willing to fix them at that point? Are you blessing them with totes of old clothes or passing on sentimentally weighted down clutter? Perhaps a few key items curated for them is better than baggage dropped on them. "If everything is special, then nothing is special" may apply.
My parents saved me boxes of homework, boxes of clothes, my grandma saved jumper dresses she sewed for her kids and expected me to wear....most of it was not salvageable and the guilt of wanting to get rid of it weighed heavily on me. I don't want to do this to my kids, pass on a burden. I have started to cull items down to a single memory box for each kid. They (and I) enjoy the curated collection much more now with downsizing the collection.
Wow, I felt this comment in my soul! So so true! All this stuff I'm keeping for them, is most likely items they're not gonna want or care about when it's passed down to them, it's sad but true. What's worse is, what if all this stuff is going to be a burden to them!? I would hate that. Makes me think of the stuff I've received, that's been passed down to me, and how a lot of it I didn't necessarily want, but like you said, feel guilty getting rid of it. I definitely don't want that for my kids. I know I'm gonna have to go through this stuff again and pair it down even more. Ugh sentimental stuff is so challenging for me, I have to figure out a strategy to let go. Also, such another great point, I never thought about the condition these items would be in years down the road, especially clothing. I'd rather someone else get use out of them now, then then never being used again. I have so much more work to do, down in that basement and esp with sentimental stuff, I swear I find a way to make any item Sentimental lol. I appreciate this comment sooo much, thank you! And thank you so much for watching and being here, so happy you're here with me! Hugs 🥰 PS so sorry for the delayed response. xo oh and pss "if everything is special, than nothing is special" 1000% true... Love that so much!
I made a shutterfly book of their art, especially when they were really little making a lot of art. Then you can trash the huge art projects
So brave. I wish I had done this in the past. I've had that moment where I knew I'd put this stuff aside for a 'reason' and that if I was going to use anything or have it in my life in the moment I'd already have done so and if I was being good to myself I would just not look into it but I haven't been able to quite meet that moment and dig through and reinvest to the items and arrggghhh... So, I think what you did was amazing!
I know I kept a lot of my youngest daughters baby stuff because I knew she was my last baby. But I finally realized the memories are in my head.
Daaang you got rid of soo much stuff!!!! Awesome job keep going!!! Niiiice
I made a baby box for each child. I kept a couple cute items , clothes, and special toys. Very compact but just enough for me. The rest went.
My thing is that I don't hold onto a lot of sentimental stuff. I think people confuse loving a person with needing to hold on to their possessions. Like I loved my grandmother but holding on to her personal items doesn't make it where she's still around. I do have an item or two to remember her by but that's it. I think you are right there at that realization now with the kids younger years being over. Just take some time and make multiples passes at the declutter. Like you said with the kids, how much of their cards and baby clothes will they really want and cherish as adults? I think a few special pieces would be enough. You are doing a great job and the house is looking great! I am currently doing fall decor and decluttering summer decor, bedding, and clothes that are worn out. A new season always makes me want to declutter, and decorate!
My dear, you're doing so well! I'm proud of ypu and your process through sentimental stuff. Very nice job, ypur basement has a lot of potential, I'm sure you'll take profit of it 😘
You saying you're proud of me 😭 pulls at my heartstrings! Just luv ya dear! You so sweet! Thank you! Sentimental stuff is my downfall for sure! I'm surprised I didnt make more excuses to keep more stuff LOL...Hopefully one day we can finish it? But at least until then I can try to stretch the imagination LOL and make it a little bit better. Always, always so HAPPY to see you here with me! Big virtual hug 🥰🥰
You are doing such a great job.
You're my go-to girl when I feel overwhelmed... humor helps! 🤣
I've only watched 30sec, but I can't wait until I have a chance to watch the whole video! *Fyi... coincidence... I've got TWO #2 candles in a dish on a side table in my kitchen, lol. 🤗
I'm a new subscriber (and pretty new to TH-cam). But, I've seen several of your videos and you crack me up!! I'm starting a 'home' channel, myself. I'm filming now... please, wish me luck! 🤞
I look forward to watching more and more from you, as I get inspired! Keep up the great work, girl!! 🤩
YAY!!! Welcome, I'm so HAPPY you're here with me and that you like the videos, you are so dang sweet! I cant tell you enough how much that means to me! Seriously made my week 🥰 and too funny, you have 2 #2 candles LOL! And congrats on starting a channel and starting your YT journey! Wish you the best of luck! You are going to do amazing! Thank you so much for watching and being here with me Jenna, I appreciate you so much! Hugs 🥰😘
@@danniraearranged Ohh, you deserve it... you're awesome! 🤩 I can't believe you replied... I'm starstruck, ha ha! ⭐
I told my sisters about you and how you cleaned the bathroom in your wedding dress... we all thought that was crazy funny, lol!!
🙏Thank you for your support... I'm excited, but will prob be super nervy when I'm ready to upload my first video! 😬 My basement is on 'my list', but I'm starting small... desks, closets, cabinets, etc... the basement will be down the line!
I'm finally heading home from work and I'm excited to watch your whole video... woo hoo!
🤗 🤗 🤗
So…. Really good job! It is definitely so hard! I moved 3 times in 3 years! I had been keeping sentimental stuff for my grown boys- guess what? They had zero interest!! So I picked a few things I knew they would like, packed it for them and got rid of the rest! Yup I did!
“When in doubt- throw it out!!!!!! Bless someone else with all the beautiful,cute clothes
You can do it!🙂
I doubt you may see this but if soap and water doesnt remove whatever was drawn onto the plate, rubbing alcohol could work, and if not that then nail polish remover (pure acetone) may work but if it's *plastic DON'T use acetone or do a tiny patch test of it*, because it may damage the plastic then.
Oh my gosh thank you sooo much for sharing this with me, I did use soap and water and its not coming off, uggh I can't tell if it's paint or nail polish. I'll try rubbing alcohol first and see if that works. If that doesn't work I'll use the pure acetone. It's not a big, big deal if the plate gets ruined, I'm still debating if I want to keep it or not. But if i don't id like to donate it, so hopefully I can get this... whatever it is 🤣 off lol. Thank you so much for your help. And thank you so much for watching and being here with me 🥰 xo
Idea: my mother took her favorite baby clothes of ours and turned it into a throw blanket. Maybe someone can do that for you. It would be useful and special.
Great job, Danni! I know what you’re going through. I have the same problem with sentimental things. I have gotten much better with either keeping or getting rid of things because when it’s just you living with all that stuff, who else will get rid of it. Through the years I have to think ahead and say what if I can’t take care of it, so I am purging as much as I feel comfortable with now. Thanks for the laughs. Hope you didn’t hurt yourself! Say a prayer for me. My hip surgery is next Monday. Can’t wait to see more of you later!👍🥰💜🙏
It's seems like the more and more we declutter the easier and easier it becomes, the decisions on whether to keep or let go become easier. I remember a year ago when I would second guess almost every item, now I don't really think twice about an item anymore, well...lol... Except sentimental stuff. Seriously some of the stuff I kept, Why!? 🤣 I think that was perfectly put, "purging whatever I feel comfortable with" that's the best way to go about it.
Oh my gosh I laughed so hard until my side hurt, when I was editing the part where I tripped, I swear I am the clumsiest person ever I have zero balance and coordination 🤣 but I'm okay ❤️
I hope you're okay, hip pain is awful, I'm having issues with my right hip lately, it's not fun. Sending so much love, thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏 your way, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Thank you for watching, always so happy to see you here with me 🥰😘