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I am only half way through your presentation, I have to stop and say straight away you are so right. I'm 70 so I really have old school mentality. When I had to clean out my Family's two family home it was unbearable. I thought I would get a little money here and there. Was I wrong. I called antique dealers to view what I thought was "the good stuff" and was offered 40 dollars for a dresser. I spent hundreds renting an 11x15 storage unit. I finally realized after a few years that it was insane. I did it initially because it was so emotionally over whelming to me and I was pressed for time to sell the house to pay the nursing home, so I stored everything until I could cope. I don't wish this on anyone. I'm going to downside because I am single and have no children or grands. I thank you for being so honest.
I'm going through your same situation now and as a single dealing with the emotions and being pressured to sell while finding ways and means to not just simply throw all is really an eye opener for me to downsize.
Thank you for writing back. I sincerely hope that you find some me time and don't do everything all at once.I know, easier said then done. Please be kind to yourself. Wishing you all the best,much kindness.@@nadir8804
Antique values have gone down significantly. I visited local thrift store. They only sell perfect stuff. Unique, real quality,and beautiful items were priced lower than Walmart cheap stuff!
I will be down sizing in 3-4 years time and I am starting on this process now. You’re right that no one wants your stuff. I’ve donated quite a lot, furniture is difficult to get rid of and absolutely no one wants an old piano. 😅
People with cluttered houses think the problem is they aren’t organized when in actuality, they have more items than they can manage. It makes life difficult to constantly have the stuff on the back of your mind.
I stopped buying things that I don’t TRULY need. Game changer in my life! You won’t have much clutter if you just stop buying stuff that you don’t actually need.
That is where I am too. I have everything I need, really. It's so freeing. Every once in a while I buy something, but I must love it and have a place for it.
I’ve been putting things aside that we have duplicate of or that were gifted to us for our son for when he’s out on his own. He got married last year and his wife is very appreciative of the things I’ve offered. I told her to be honest and not to worry about hurting my feelings. So far, so good. If she wants to get rid of things later I will not be offended. We’ve boxed up a lot, kitchenwares especially and it will save them a lot of money when they’re out on their own.
When we moved across country I called Salvation Army to asked if they were aware of anyone who had been victims of a fire. So thankful I made that call. The day before they’d received a call from a young couple with a small child who’d lost everything. They took a large pickup load of furniture, home decor items, sheets & pillow cases, towels & many small kitchen items. It was a WIN WIN for both of us. We felt so blessed to help someone in need & the couple was overwhelmed that complete strangers were willing to help them . We also had two young nephews getting married that each took a pickup full of stuff. It helped knowing 3 loads went to people who both needed & appreciated what we had to leave behind.
Downsized from a 7000 sq ft mansion to an 800 sq ft penthouse apartment and I couldn't be happier. My kids won't have to go through some massive hoard when I croak.
You are absolutely correct when you say nobody wants your stuff. If you have family or friends that ask for items you're getting rid of, great. Don't try to guilt people into taking your stuff, you are just placing unnecessary stress and a future burden on them. I say this as a someone in their mid sixties. Also true that people over value their posessions. An item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, period.
When we decluttered our home, I asked around to all the churches and kids friends. my extra sheets ,blankets, towels, pillows. Extra dishes. Decorating items. You name it, I helped out more underprivileged families. It made me feel so good.
This makes me think - wouldn’t it feel so good just to have a FREE yard sale? Drag it all outside, give to your neighbors and hopefully those truly in need. You have a GREAT idea!! 👏💕👏 LOVE IT
When we declutter I just put it out on the curb and it is quickly picked up, it is much less stress than trying to sell it for a few dollars. I am asking my mother to do Swedish death cleaning so we are not left with a bunch of belongings to get rid of when she passes away. She is finding this hard to do but with my encouragement she is slowly getting there.She just called me yesterday to ask me if I wanted her silver tea set, I said no because the queen is never going to be coming to my house, 🤣 Update- she has made a lot of progress, had her church pick up truckloads of stuff for their fundraiser. She is happy she got rid of it and that it went to a cause close to her heart, I am so proud of her 😊
I admire my children for not wanting what I have. They just don't want clutter. How I wish I didn't fall prey to the more is more mantra years ago. I started clearing out about 15 years ago and I continue the process monthly. I don't buy like I used to which has helped greatly. My daughter told me a few months back that she can't believe how much my mindset has changed about stuff. I took that as a compliment.
I am a second hand dealer in South Africa and I buy everything you don't want or need anymore. It is simple to deal with a second hand shop. I come to your house, make an offer on each item and if we have negotiated a price, I load everything up and pay you in cash and take it out of your life. SIMPLE AND EASY
I did this when I moved away from New Zealand to Scotland. He bought the stereo, the cutlery, everything. He said everything sells if the price is right. He gave me twice what I expected because he bought everything, not just the bed and sofa. Very liberating for me
I am selling, donating and purging my folks house, more than 50 years in a 4000 sq ft under roof. FULL basement packed with mom's treasures. Daunting. BUT the house sold well and fast when it was empty, clean, stripped wall paper and wall to wall gone. Thank goodness I had purged a lot from my house prior to this project......I have my MILs stuff now too. Marketplace is my retirement job......
Mother-in-law lived to be 95 and her attic was full of boxes.1 for every holiday not to mention her basement and garage. Finally my husband had to rent a dumpster. You are absolutely right. NO ONE WANTS YOUR STUFF!!!
Tale of 2 sets of grandparents: one set did not have a will, all the siblings fought during the funeral. The other set walked each child and grandchild through the house, limited each to 3 items, marked them accordingly, everything else was sold/donated after their passing.
Two years ago when my parents died and I was 70 I had to get rid of all their stuff and sell the house. Best money I ever spent was a professional home organizer and an estate sale company. They both handled what would have taken me literally years!!!! I then immediately downsized my house, bought a smaller patio home and did a major purge!! Happy as a clam.
You’re happy as a clam? I grieved my parents so long..still do. I was never happy just because I cleared out their house! I still miss them terribly, I didn’t care how much work I had to do after they passed away. I was just sad seeing all their things.
@@JB777zoh please don’t misunderstand! I miss them horridly and almost four years later I’m full of grief. I just meant I was happy in my new surroundings. I sit at their kitchen table everyday and sit on their old love seat on my sunroom. I gave away my stuff and kept their’s because Mom didn’t want it out of the family.
I totally agree. After going through my stuff I realized some of those memories I was ready to let go of. Definitely others I was not ready to part ways with.
especially if you are a widow or widower, it makes you feel guilty be giving away things they bought or kept ( for some reason ) BUT it is Sooo relieving to do it , you then really can start your second life , and i know the dead person will approve of this YOU onmly get one life , and it is ONLY STUFF, memories are still there and that why we do what we do right >?? to make experiences and memories? no one ever said on their deathbed i wish i had bought more stuff, instead of going to see LONDON with the grandkids ?? LOL
I think it’s because we paid good money for hood quality long lasting items years ago when we first bought it. Today's generation doesn’t see the same value in it.
Love your realistic, honest "down to earth" advice. I am 78 yrs old and am fully aware and ACCEPT the fact that no one wants my stuff. Fortunately, before my husband passed away 6 yrs ago, we had moved and majorly downsized "stuff." Two years after he died, I moved again to a smaller, more affordable home and decluttered more. It IS so important that we accept the fact that our stuff is mostly only significant to us, so I have minimized quite a lot. Also, I am still employed 20 hrs a week at a thrift store. I watch my younger coworkers buying "stuff" all the time and I just smile and think OMG, when will you guys realize that "stuff" is not important ~ life is important, but not stuff! I consistently look around my house to see what I don't need or use and take it to work with me to donate. Our thrift store, as many others do, supports local families in need, so I feel good about giving back to our community! I also feel great about sorting through my own stuff and purging rather than burdening my children with that horrifying task. Your video has inspired me even more! Thank you! ❤
I an 73 and going through my house, so your comments helped me . Drawers and my garage are full of stuff ...... I am taking to Good Will. It feels so cathartic . Life is more important YAY ! 🌹🌹
When I had to clean out a house, I did the following: 1. Yard sale -- everything priced to sell, made hundreds but not thousands 2. St. Vincent de Paul Society pickup -- they carted away the usable items that didn't sell, for free 3. County large trash pickup, but put items out early -- scheduled a pickup by the county service that hauls away big trash. I used this for things I was not even willing to give to charity because of missing parts or visible damage. But people told me to put the items out early. I did, and more than half was gone before the county even showed up. Seriously, when they say no one wants your stuff, they mean no one in your own social circle wants your stuff. But the world is full of dumpster divers who will strip a non-working microwave for parts.
@@karenm9868 Just looked at a few other yard sales in the area before I had mine. And I was wiling to haggle, since the goal was to get rid of things while getting SOME money rather than to maximize the profit.
@@karenm9868 Kijiji, craigslist, etc. to see what others are selling the same stuff for. I did this with a TV and a play pen. I priced my stuff COMPETITIVELY, I don't care about profits, that's just bonus.
@karenm9868 Take a picture of it. Use the square button next to the microphone in the Google search box. Then attach your photo. You will see everything Google can find that is often identical or similar. Many are ebay and other sellers site results which show what others are selling the item for. I find it extremely helpful.
I put my favorite furniture pieces and all my Christmas decor (30 years worth - all the Hallmark ornament collections for my 3 kids) into a storage unit for when I bought my post-retirement dream home. Last month, the entire storage facility went up in flames. I will live. My kids are healthy. It’s just stuff and we sure did enjoy it while we had it. Time for (much fewer) new things and new memories. I was looking at larger homes. Now I’m looking for a smaller home. Not going to lie….I’m somewhat relieved despite being sad that certain things I loved living with are gone forever.
Oh no! I bet that was an emotional kick in the gut. I'm so sorry that happened. Talk about a forced decluttering! But yeah, I suppose you just appreciate what you do have a move on.
Began one room a week in January - repaint and declutter. I have the kitchen tomorrow and then the master bedroom. Took my time in EACH room. The place looks fantastic and clean and free of junk in every single closet and in the drawers as well. The kitchen has taken two weeks but I also CLEAN top-to-bottom including waxing the wood floors and using a full-size rug cleaner on area rugs. Do your "Swedish Death Cleaning" while you can. I am off to the garage as well but we have been slowly cleaning out "crap" for the past 3 months. Who wants to move "garage" items that take up SO MUCH space. A bit of determination and elbow grease and trips to Sherwin Williams for paint and supplies.
We donated most of our stuff before we moved out of state. There are a few items we regret donating because we now need them and it costs much more to buy them now due to the crazy inflation. But overall, we feel much lighter not having to deal with all the junk/clutter we’ve foolishly kept for years in our crowded home!
When my father passed, I had a clearance sale and many dealers showed up. They all sang the same tune. "Don't get rid of that it's worth $xx.xx." "Okay, make me an offer." "Oh, no. I can't use it." I ended up bagging tons of stuff and my cousins helped me put the furniture on the curb. We put an ad on Craigslist to "come and get it." It wasn't long before they showed up in trucks and hauled stuff away to resell. That was fine by me. That's their business. But I don't like when they want me to PAY them to clear out and haul it away so they can resell it. As for my house, I probably take a trunk load to Goodwill once or twice a month. Whatever I leave behind, my kids can put a dumpster in the driveway and fill it up.
One good reason to declutter is to not put this burden on others. I cleaned out my Aunts apartment and my parents house. So many emotions and memories. I kept things because it was “ moms” . Now that a few years have passed it is easier to let go. I realize that generation didn’t have as much and never threw away good things. It’s hard to throw away my things too- but videos like yours are like gold. Thank you for all your hard work.🙂
My wife recovered from cancer and decided she should get rid of things so it wouldn't burden the children and me. I told her I want her dresser top left just the way it is. The children told her not to get rid of her things because she's still alive to enjoy them and they are willing to take care of it all when she's gone. The house wouldn't be the same without her things.
Hear! Hear! My family feels the same and I agree with you. I want to enjoy my things while I am here and the same for my husband, I wouldn’t want him to get rid of his collectibles. Hope your wife is doing well!
I think if there are things she is passing on to children, family or friends to let her do it so she can watch them enjoy it. That may bring her a sense of joy. Also if going thru some things and lessening the load brings her peace, don't take that away from her. Really sit down and tell her how you feel and listen to how she feels and come out in the middle with a compromise. Your way is not the only one that counts! Sorry you are going through with this, it's a struggle that no one can comprehend in less they have been in your, your wife's shoes. Be blessed 🕊️
Letting some of her things go, isn’t the same as letting her go. If she wants to let things go, that might be part of her processing her own sense of mortality. I live with chronic illness and every time something looks bad I always want to clear out because if I don’t recover I don’t want to leave a burden, but if do, I want to spend it with family not taking care of stuff. It’s just not important anymore.
Mom just moved into assisted living and I had to deal with all her STUFF, and Mom in law passed away in 2019 and left me her little house FILLED to the ceilings with STUFF. 7 yard sales, 4 truckloads to charity, LOTS of giving away. Even after that I had so much stuff - and became an ebay business. Been selling their stuff now for 4 years and still have more of their stuff to list. It's really convicted me - you're right, my kids don't want any of their stuff and they don't want mine either! So I've started decluttering big time.
Just came back from storage unit seeing someone to give 20 boxes of items away for FREE .Seen everything on ebay selling that’s makes me feel good someone will make some money on my donation . Also very important take pictures of each item or a pile . It will make you feel good thinking on how it was important in the past . Next is free video games hey we’re fun and hate when youtubers say it’s garbage .
When I moved 5 years ago ( family of 5, down to one) I had a garage sale. Here in Hawai’i it’s the best way to sell things,on island. Please plan ahead. I let go of items worth thousands for $20 dollars and I’m still having a hard time letting go. I needed the money to move a clean and deposits and vehicle transportation and etc etc. I learned my lesson. Please plan ahead 🌺
I took a different mindset when i was moving. I set aside the items I wanted to KEEP, then listed everything else on FB marketplace at .20 on the dollar. No haggling. I sold everything except for two pieces that I hired a local mover to take to charity. FYI, some moving companies will charge a smaller fee to take items to charity.
Thank you for saying that part out loud: no one wants your stuff. Older generations raised on collectables (plates, knickknacks, dolls, games, dishes, ball cards, and comic books), tend to think they can get thousands of dollars for things no one else wants. Sometimes it's hard to put oneself in others' shoes. What you love and collect may not be what everyone else loves and collects.
Same in Sweden. Many countries and cultures understand the cycle of life. In America we were brought up with consumerism and then decluttering when a friend or family member dies.
Moving every 7-10 years serves a great purpose. You have to “see” everything you own. All those closets and storage areas get emptied out. Then it’s time to donate , sell, or pass on to someone who actually wants it.
I'm the same way..the less cutter I have, the clearer my mind is. I bought a new home this year and about ready to close on selling my old home. The whole process was the most stressful thing I've ever done. I was fortunate enough to buy while still keeping my old home, so I was able to empty out the whole old house for listing - Zero clutter!
Totally agree. No one wants your stuff. Or your grandparents stuff. Young adults live differently than their parents did. The older I get (60’s), the less stuff I want & I’ve gone paperless which has helped so much. I’m embracing a more minimalist attitude!
If you are having an issue with letting go of stuff, because you might miss it, then rent a storage shed and box it up, and put it in the storage shed. Now every month you have to pay rent on that stuff that you don't really need. It won't be long before you realize you don't miss the stuff. Anything you really need to keep you will go back and get and for the rest of the stuff you will realize isn't worth the $100 + rent each month. So $100 is for a small storage shed. Another hint, if you have stuff that is stuck up in the attack that you never access or use, then you need to get rid of it. If it is truly valuable to you, then bring it down and display it in your home. Also if you are a country dweller with a few acres to a lot of acres, declutter your land. I have been looking at small little farms for myself where I can have a few goats and dogs and stuff. I am looking for a clean, well-organized piece of property with a little barn or place to put one. I want nice fences, not pieced together junk that I am going to have to completely replace. I do not care about fancy wood fences, but just good sturdy clean fences. When I am online I see pictures of patchwork fences that look like a slight breeze could knock them down. Rolls of old fence wire lying around piles of construction wood that are sitting out in the open decaying, old cars that obviously don't run, car parts spread around the property, and tools left lying around everywhere. It looks like a hillbilly/redneck junkyard, not a cute little farm. First of all, it tells me that you are probably not taking care of the house and doing the maintenance on it. I am also terrified that you will decide to leave all that mess (your treasure is not my treasure) for me to clean up. This is true for homes in towns on lots too.
I think the storage shed idea can work for some people. However, I think there would be plenty of people who would empty their house to fill the storage shed, keep the storage shed and refill the now empty house with new stuff.
Great video. People need honesty like this when decluttering. My husband and I have been slowly downsizing the last few years in preparation for a possible move. Going room by room, I’d empty a closet or dresser or whatever completely, then strategically decide what goes back in and the rest gets tossed or donated. I call it “moving in place.” It also helps to get rid of items you’re replacing, for example phones…recycle or sell back your old phone instead of holding onto it and then having a drawer full of old, dead electronics. I went through the agony of cleaning out my parents’ house after they passed, and it was extremely stressful…54 years’ worth of accumulation in the same house.
Just put my stuff at the dumpster at my apt complex! 42 minutes ago, it's now ALL GONE! Yep, 42 minutes people. It was alot of stuff too. I decluttered my whole apt this month.
Our town used-to have a "Bulk Pick Up" where you put unwanted 'stuff' curbside, and the Borough would eventually come around and load it onto trucks and take to the local dump. It was so amusing how the "vultures" would drive through all the neighborhoods and scarf most of it up. I would say, "One mans junk is another mans treasure". Now we have to take the stuff to the local dump ourselves on a given week, and an army of workers remove the stuff and load onto front loaders. I have our road trailer already loaded with an old heavy desk that I don't need anymore. It goes to the dump next week.
I knew a middle age man who collected books and had a large storage unit fitted up with bookshelves to hold his books. Not collectibles, regular books. He died suddenly and the unit came into his elderly moms hands. I advised her to tell the storage people that he died and eventually they would hold a abandoned unit auction and the buyer would dral with the contents. Well she worried the books would be thrown away so she was moving out boxes of books. She ended up needing a joint replacement. The morsl of the story is know your limits, your health is more important than someones stuff.
@@serahloeffelroberts9901 Recently I've lived in 2 different towns in 2 different states and in both, the libraries took used books to resell or to give away. And local books stores buy books, and would surely take them if asked. They must have been worth something, if the person went to all that trouble storing them. I recently took some children's books from a local thrift store that was going out of business and took them to a library, after asking if they wanted them, and them saying yes. They kept some books and passed the others around to other libraries. People go to the library nearest me today, on a regular basis and donate books and buy or take ones that are free. I thought they did this everywhere. Plus, people sell books on the internet around here and they would take at least some of them.
My mother says, if it doesn't love you or keep you warm, and you can't eat it, you don't need it. My siblings and I could easily clear their house out of nearly 40 years in a day.
I love decluttering. Each time I move countries, i get to throw out things that needed to go anyway: towels, bedding...and i get to have new colours and styles in my next place. Love it!
My favorite thing to do is take pictures of the item before it disappears. Pictures are needed for marketplace or eBay anyway. I keep the pictures. If I want to see the item (for memories), there's the picture. Also, seeing a lot of pictures of 'gone' stuff is rewarding.
I've been doing that for books for years now. It helps me when I remember a cover but not the author or title, and it just helps me remember what I've read.
My kids want my “ stuff” as you put it. They each have requested which items they want. Fortunately they each have their own taste and have not requested the same items.
There are tons of real estate experts on TH-cam-but…Kati, you are one of the best out there! We are in the process of getting our house for sale (next month) and all of your advice has been GOLD! Thank you for not only informing us of what we need to do to but also giving us the “why”. So helpful!!
Ooohh, I am going through this right now. We are moving into a tiny home so we need to get rid of most of our stuff. It been a lot harder than I ever thought. 15 years of collecting things together. We are remodeling the tiny house ourselves in & out so it is a slow go. I am not organized at all !! Huge mess everywhere, ugh. I can't wait this to be over. Thanks for the info 👍
I had a 6 bedroom, 4 bath 5K square foot home full of pretty things. When it was time to down size, I couldn't seem to part with most of it. I ended up buying two smaller homes. One to live in and one to vacation in. It worked out perfectly.
I went on a rampage and ended up selling some old pots and pans for $25.00 after i sold them I then realized they were collectors items and worth all together over $1000.00 - so do ur research....
Not true in some cases, MIL, lived in a home for over 60 yrs, for sale last year, Everything she ever owned was in this home, she never, thru away anything before the open house, house was clean, and the cellar was orderly, people had a bidding war over this Split entry home, in the end she recieved $50 k over asking price, some people could see past the wallpaper and Grandchildrens photos, 1965 $17k, to $815k, the week before she moved to her new home, put put a sign out on the lawn, make a offer, personal stuff still in the home, she had beautiful things! People took everything. She did the right thing for her. 😊
Thank you! Having SUCH a hard time going through my parents house because of the memories. I don't want a lot of the things, but feel guilty getting rid of it. This is a great compromise 🙌
@@wendyphilyaw6832 You are welcome. I am also going to take my many physical photos and put them on memory sticks and in the cloud for safe keeping a long with all the home movie videos as well. I admit, it will be hard to eventually get rid of the stuffed animal monkey collection my daughter had as a little girl. My humble home is really a memory palace to me and when it comes time to leave it I will lock the door and sit on the front step and have a good cry.
When we cleared my Mums home after she passed it was heart-breaking.. I have started to clear but hubby is very resistant but I want to make things as easy as possible for my own daughter when the time comes. Thanks for this video!
Even the local thrift stores did not want ANY of our stuff. It was all in great condition too. We live in a very rural area on 10 acres. After trying to even give away some nice real wood furniture, we finally ended up having a very big bon-fire with it all. 🔥🔥🔥Best thing we ever did! 🔥🔥🔥
I had been accumulating quilt fabrics for many years, and developed arthritis in my fingers. I packed it all up and shipped it to a friend whose church ladies make quilts for needy people.
Planning a multi generation garage sale for this summer. Going room by room and pulling everything I’m not using, or don’t want anymore for the sale. I’m amazed at how much I’ve got tucked away that will not ever get used, including some of my parents and grandparents stuff that migrated to my house! Anything left over after the sale will go to charity or the dump. My kids emphatically don’t want my “stuff”😆
I'm 74, and a former shopaholic, and began aggressiveky decluttering 2-3 years ago. Every month I fill the back of my Rav4 and take it to goodwill, without fail. i also give away any furniture I dont use regularly. The house looks a lot better, and if/when I downsize it will be much easier to do.🌺
Moving to Hawaii from Idaho… literally having to get rid of 99.9% of my stuff (3600 sq fy house). I am a minimalist and still have a ton… boy is decision fatigue setting in. Gave my daughter a metal cigar box of family heirlooms- because metal and wood is destroyed in Hawaii. Decision fatigue is real! The few things I am keeping is eye opening. Facebook market is a life saver!!!!
This is so true! No one wants your stuff. My young 20-year-old pretty much just wants her bed, some clothes (that are trendy) with a few classics, toiletries, her iphone, lap top, ipad, and iphone watch. If she can't take it with her in a carry-on luggage and back pack--she doesn't want it. I told her when I pass--just sell it all. I've de cluttered--and now am working on getting my husband to let things go.
Other options to explore for getting rid of quality items - furniture, art, decor etc- are consignment shops and auction houses. For most you can email pictures and they will decide what they think will sell. Another option is to look for shops that sell flipped and upcycled furniture. They are often looking for pieces
Quality furniture Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon sells well on Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. Mixing quality vintage pieces gives a high end bespoke look. The key is not too much furniture makes the room look small and cohesive color palette.
I totally agree about the quality furniture pieces as I have those same Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon. These furniture pieces were made of real wood and beautiful quality workmanship compared to the disposable furniture so popular today.
I had this epiphany during Covid when I was quarantined upstairs in one of my guest bedrooms in my home. It was filled with castoffs and extra decor, not something I’d really want my guests to endure during their vacation stay in my home. Every quarter since, I schedule a Vietnam Veterans pickup at my door and the relief of letting go is phenomenal. It has also inspired me to really think before making an impulse purchase knowing it will inevitably end up in the donate pile.
“The more cluttered your house is, the more cluttered your mind is.” That is exactly me to a T, which is why I’m constantly hauling trunk loads of stuff to the thrift store. I don’t have time or energy to list or mark stuff to sell, so I just donate. But my husband and I just bought new expensive leather sofa recliners for a couple thousand dollars that we want to try to get as much money back when we sell. We’re planning on moving next year, so I’m already planning. The funny thing is, this video popped up and I wasn’t even looking.
@@KatiSpaniak yes, apparently it does and I’m so glad it suggested your videos. I’ve been hooked and sharing them with my husband. But reading through some of the comments, there are people saying gray is out. Are they just the odd ones because from what I see, gray is definitely still in.
@@sleeplesscrafter So "cold" gray is out. It's more of a warm greige... But it's still gray-like with a hint of warmer tan or beige. Here are some of the colors that are in: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101112399-15488772
I painted my walls gray/green so it's not a flat gray. Green accessories complement the walls. But, when I'm selling my house, I'll ask my realtor for advice on what color I should paint.
Keep in mind that a lot of the antique furniture that you may have that she is saying 'kids these days want to be trendy and don't want!" -- NEED a full house to have. If you can't get a house of your own in today's market, where are you going to put Aunt Agnes' 12 seat dining table? For the majority of Generation X, Millennials and others, buying a home of their own is now a pipe dream. If you are constantly having 'renovictions' in your area so landlords can raise the rent more than the set amount, making you need to move every year or so? IKEA furniture is a lot more portable and less likely to make you lose friendships over getting help to move.
I’m 74 with tubs and tubs of Christmas decorations. Every Christmas for the last few years I make myself unpack them to decorate my house, but pack up some stuff from each bin to sell or donate. Especially if I haven’t used something in several years. PLUS I’m slowing down on massive decorating. I’ve managed to slowly whittle down one big area in the basement this way!
You are right. My mind is a big mess of clutter, like my house. I have stuff I moved from my mom's, my step mom's craft room (like a Micheal's craft store), my brother left in my garage, my husband's brother's stuff he left. So much stuff that I havent been able to get rid of since I had a car wreck 10 yrs ago. I am overwhelmed!!!
You are so right about being emotionally daunting, but more so with some people which makes decluttering almost impossible. Keeping stuff in storage units can be very expensive, also.
My dad came from a family of 10 siblings. When my grandmother died, everything went to auction. If there was stuff they wanted they had to buy it. Then they split up the money evenly. One of my uncles bought the house. It was drama free and no worrying about dividing stuff up.
Everyone does want your stuff! If you gift it to them. I joined a neighborhood fb group and have been able to clean out my house. Gifting will save you on physically moving things, taking things to Goodwill, trying to sell to people who want it free anyway...get over it and enjoy the joy of gifting your things!
This was clear and very matter of fact. Just cleared out parents homes and now we need to go through their stuff as well as trim down ourselves. You were very kind in how you said that the kids don't want your stuff. You are very right. They don't want it. You can also call local charities. Our local youth shelter takes stuff for kids getting their own apartment including linens, furniture, and houseware but not ceramic figurines.
Having to do this soon as well. My mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago from cancer. Last year my dad had medical issues pop up all year to the point where he now requires 24 hour care so I had to make the heartbreaking decision to place him in a senior living home. Now I need to go through his house and I plan to have an estate sale. After my sister and I (and our families) keep what they want. Then I will sell his home. I don't think anyone will take much just a few items for keepsake. We had to clear out my in-laws house which was 2 1/2 hours away not that many years ago. Sister in-law and her family lived down the street but did nothing. We kept a few things, sold a few things, donated a lot and even gave a few items to neighbors who were always there for my in-laws. Emotionally it's hard but knowing it needs to be done and keeping everything just makes it harder longer. This video helps
@@artbylauri I'm so sorry. I know how hard this is. There are companies that can help with the removal of a lot of stuff... But I'm guessing you aren't there yet. Reach out if you need any resources.
I went the estate sale route because i had lovely antique furniture. They sold my valuable antiques for a tiny fraction what it was worth. If i had known i would have gone with an estate auction instead.
Thank you for the pep talk and refresher on decluttering tips. I'm overwhelmed. In our 60s and trying to get ready to move with decluttering and repairs. (been in this house over 20 years). I'm ok with getting rid of things but husband is having a hard time with it. ugh. On top of that, trying to declutter my 86 year parents' home. This is all so much, we may have to push back a year on selling and moving.
I can totally relate to the husband issue. Mine actually came up with the decluttering concept "could we be bothered moving this to the new town?" Worked brilliantly for me, I reduced my craft supplies to a quarter what they were, my books about the same, family "treasures" that had sentimental but no display value, gone. He can't seem to part with anything, has the most feeble excuses for dragging stuff across the state that has been sitting untouched for 30 years eg TWO model planes that were both only flown a couple of times at our previous home and have sat on top of a cupboard at this one. Apparently he "needs" them both, and gets angry when I gently try to reason with him - "you want to throw all my stuff away". He can see my enormous pile of Donate boxes, he just keeps shifting things to the parts of the house we haven't got to yet, or the garage, so he doesn't have to face the decision yet. Worse is when he starts packing up bookshelves and I say "wait, I have to cull those books, I don't need them all", and he's "you can do that later, we just need to get them out of the way". Meanwhile the garage gets worse and worse...🤣
@@karenmartin9008 When my husband held up a Social Security card that had belonged to his great aunt's husband and said, "I should probably keep this." - I knew the decluttering was going to be extremely painful for the both of us. (great aunt's husband died two years before husband was even born smh)
Not thinking of moving from my home to another. I am interested in decluttering for my children when I pass. I hope your video helps me on how to do this. TY
So brave! Thanks for the reality check!! 😱 I'm still trying to accept it, but deep down... I know you're right. Because I don't want other people's stuff. 😒
Great topic and useful channel. Most people shop for the things they want and the last thing they need is more junk. Think of it the reverse way. When my son buys new appliances, for some reason, he brings the old still working item to us. We Don't Need Appliances, furniture or anything else. There are probably people new to the area, a parent escaping an abusive relationship that maybe would be happy to have home furnishings gifted to them. In over 30 years we have more than plenty and now downsizing. It ain't easy.
You are so right about nobody wanting your furniture! I’ve got a beautiful antique oak Welsh Dresser and 8’ long oak table. They’ve been in the family for many years. Not even a man who buys and sells antiques offered me more than a pittance - I have to move to an apartment and I doubt they will fit. My old house in a two acre garden is too much upkeep for me! I’ll pick out my favourite things to move and then have a contents sale of the rest. You’re also right about spending our lives collecting things and then in the golden years having to let them go!
Wonderful video thank you. My home literally sold the day after I decided to get rid of old journals holding old energy. I’m 62 and I had to purge my father’s and mothers condos and I affirm everything you say. Nobody and I mean nobody wants your stuff. In some cases not even charities as they don’t take certain things. It doesn’t matter how expensive unique or otherwise. I purged a lot of my stuff as I was prepping to put my place up for sale, today I start step two and that is what do I not want to take with me. No more old energies following me to my new home. I have 3 bar stools the previous owner of my current home left me. I am not taking those I don’t want that owners energy in my new home. Oh, and yes that’s what I’ll do as I take down wall hangings I will immediately patch the holes and pack the item. I agree start as early as you can because the more you let go the easier it becomes. Good luck everyone and again thank for this motivating video. 🏡🌟
PIANOS-There are a lot of nice free pianos on marketplace and I had one to get rid of that wasn’t as nice as some already listed. I called a moving company and they said they regularly move pianos to the landfill! That broke my heart. I scheduled them to pick it up in a week. Then I advertised “Free Delivered Piano.” I had multiple calls. They had to be within a certain radius unless they wanted to pay the difference. They had to be ready for it on a specific day. It went to a good home with young kids ready for lessons (and I didn’t have to think about my piano laying in the landfill). BTW, they charged me $200 for the move.
We thought we were sitting on a goldmine of antiques in a big two story home. We had an estate sale and made about $2k. If things have crazing or cracks it drastically lowers it. Yes people wanted the stuff but for cheap! Honestly you have to get out of the mindset of this is a goldmine and that someone for the right price will be so happy to have it. And they might flip it which good for them because truly you are not going to spend the time refurbishing. Also we got lucky that a neighbor ran a yard sale as a business and he came and got the remainder for free which was lucky. Its so much better to do it a little at a time
Just finishing up the sale of my parents' condo that they had "Down-sized" to. It was still packed with massive amounts of "collectables". I sold a few things and gave away the rest. It showed BEAUTIFULLY! I got my asking price.
Love this! Moving cross country in 45 days & just found out about a WEEK ago! (Native Cali's here) I've already sold over $3000 worth of 'my stuff' on Marketplace... which REALLY helps with the move! BUT, I was realistic... if it didn't sell in 3 days I lowered the price.
My inlaws wanted us to take a lot of their furniture when they decided to retire and move. They were very upset that we would not take a bedroom set and other things. We had been in our home for 10 years and it was already fully furnished.
I really appreciate such an honest video. As recent retirees we have decided to begin downsizing our possessions by one third now even though we do not plan to move for a decade. I am not overly sentimental with possessions but, unfortunately, my husband is so this process is more difficult for him. But as my mom once told me memories of home and possessions live on in your heart even if you literally move on from them.
We are decluttering as part of retirement. I do have one bone to pick with your declaration that no one wants your stuff. It's been one year now since we started and we have brought in over $2,000 from selling the stuff others do want on eBay. We do have 12 items that have been for sale for four months now. So yeah those items will have to be donated or trashed. We did sell some 70's designer jeans that are now back in fashion. We ask our kids what's in fashion and sell that. The rest goes to charity or the trash. Some of the stuff has gone to the kids, we let them sort through anything we think they may want before we sell or donate. Some stuff we get out of the attic we realize needs to go straight to the trash. Which is fine.
I bought a house recently came with left overs since we were renting it out furnished til we move in no biggy. However I moved over my aunts dishes they had been in our previous rental unit. There was an incent where I had stored them in this cabinet that was left behind. It hot jostled trying to move it around. Crash they all went. All the shelves fell. Honestly there was not one sad moment. I was glad to not have to be responsible for them. So as we move from our home of 30 yrs. I can tell regardless who gave to you. If what you have does not serve your purposes give them away. Habitat even takes old usable paint btw. So this move we are taking limited kitchenware , cloths,and debating if we are taking the living room and diningroom furniture. I find I knock a piece off the move everytime I do a walk thru with my list. Its April move is for October. The Kitchen is boxed due to leak. I was mortified how much 2 people owned in one tiny kitchen. 8 boxes. Yeah, the leak helped us decide not much is going with us. You don t really feel the burden of all that stuff till you pack it up.
There are many of us in our mid 20s - mid 30s wanting quality MCM and Art Deco that have been trending for the past 4 years. Other People Who love a Dark Academia look or a Cottage Core look are looking for pieces in the $100-200 range furniture pieces that are built to last. Our personal dining table was $200 with 6 chairs and table solid oak, the desk was $110. another way to get rid of furniture to people who want it is Facebook Buy Nothing Sell Nothing groups in your area .
Yes! It is all about the time you put into it. If you have time to use Facebook groups and Facebook Market Place, that is awesome! Thanks for watchign!
So true! When I purchase something now, my thought process is that it will be given away once I use it. I know that before I even buy it. I ask myself, would I be willing to give this away when I no longer want it? Because if I'm thinking, oh I can sell it later, well maybe but there really is no guarantee anyone will want it and I've just created a stressful job for future me. So if I paid $1000 for a dresser and I use it for 25 years, that was a pretty good deal and I have "used up" the purchase price. This really helps me to limit my spending and avoid disposable trendy items. I buy quality pieces and I give them a long life. When it is time to say goodbye, I have no problem gifting them to a thrift store or a family in need. I got my money out of it by using the item.
Not a whole lot of people, I'd guess. Nowadays, there's so much mass production that truly valuable, crafted items are rare. Most people are getting rid of the same stuff everyone else has.
And? They are partly valuable because they are rare. Partly because they were good quality. But how much stuff can you hold on to in hope of it having value in a 100 years?
I moved stuff to my new place. One carload at a time, it went into a spare bedroom. When I needed stuff, I took it out, and after a year, there was only stuff in there I did not need. So, I eventually took it to auction. I got about $10, for stuff, I clearly spent $50 to move (lol). No body wanted my junk.
This reminds me of George Carlin's "Stuff"..."What is a house but a place to keep your "stuff"? If you didn't have "stuff", you wouldn't need a house. You could just walk around all day."
First the jokey compliment ... when did Jamie Lee Curtis start doing real estate? :) Second the genuine thanks for breaking the log-jam in my mind. I really need to start decluttering my home in preparation for selling it and I have been stalled for years because I could not get over the hurdle of just getting rid of stuff that I know is/was valuable. You have helped me see that trying to sell things will be far more hassle than it is worth for whole swathes of items. Thank you.
I''m moving out and selling my house in a couple of months and getting my house ready now. Your video just showed up on my YT screen and all what I can say is that YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT! NOBODY WANTS YOUR STUFF AND NEW GENERATIONS DO NOT WANT TO TAKE OLD AND DATED THINGS FROM PARENTS ANYMORE! . That's why this time I decided to donate everything I am not taking to a charity org called TMM here in Tucson AZ. They are amazing helping victims of domestic violence and came over and picked up all I did not need anymore. Thank you so much for your honesty!
Donating to an organization who helps victims of domestic violence, is wonderful! I’m going to look them up. I live in Tucson (Oro Valley) as well. Thanks for mentioning them. Wishing you all the best with your move…🙂
I'm sorting out my in-laws massive amount of furniture and possessions; some of the pieces are 2 centuries old. I don't want them and no one else wants them. Sometimes it's hard to give it away. They are dark, massive, and overly ornate and it can feel like such a shame to give these things away, but it's very freeing as well. Don't let the age of a piece or sentimentally guilt you into keeping things you don't enjoy.
Awwww… thank you! You made my day!!! I’m definitely not a decluttering specialist! I have a video coming out next week and I actually tear up in it! I guess I’m passionate!!
@@KatiSpaniak Passionate is great! Honestly, the biggest struggle I have is that I have a lot of tools and "stuff" relating to building things like nuts, bolts, electrical outlets, doorknobs and things I'll use but not today. The decluttering I'm getting the hang of but dealing with the "storehouse" type supplies is much much harder for me.
@@AdHocAtom If it's in the garage, don't stress too much if you are decluttering because of a move. The garage is the last place that people care about being clean and organized.
I have been gradually decluttering for months and I'm getting better at it. I now have the mindset that, if I've had something for years and I've used it and it's still in great condition, then I have got my money's worth. I then feel better passing it on to someone else cheaply or for free. I agree, younger people generally don't want our stuff and I certainly don't want to burden my young adult children with the items I've accumulated. Bottom line is, I'm feeling overwhelmed by my belongings, why would I want to pass that feeling on to my kids?
My rule is that the trash can must be full every week. It took me 2.5 years to empty and sell my in-laws houses. We just had an infant and other family members were less helpful. My in laws were depression era children. Goodwill amvets Salvation Army did not even want to send someone over to look at the estate. I would throw something out and my sister in law would drag it back in the house. My SIL had a house sale and the only item that sold was a spatula for $.25 ! From then on Everything went on the curb. Or trash. I even hauled trash over to my house to throw out. Eventually after 8 months on market the house sold. This was 25 years ago.
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I am only half way through your presentation, I have to stop and say straight away you are so right. I'm 70 so I really have old school mentality. When I had to clean out my Family's two family home it was unbearable.
I thought I would get a little money here and there. Was I wrong. I called antique dealers to view what I thought was "the good stuff" and was offered 40 dollars for a dresser. I spent hundreds renting an 11x15 storage unit. I finally realized after a few years that it was insane. I did it initially because it was so emotionally over whelming to me and I was pressed for time to sell the house to pay the nursing home, so I stored everything until I could cope. I don't wish this on anyone. I'm going to downside because I am single and have no children or grands. I thank you for being so honest.
So sorry that I was right about this!! It's truly draining!
I'm going through your same situation now and as a single dealing with the emotions and being pressured to sell while finding ways and means to not just simply throw all is really an eye opener for me to downsize.
Thank you for writing back. I sincerely hope that you find some me time and don't do everything all at once.I know, easier said then done. Please be kind to yourself. Wishing you all the best,much kindness.@@nadir8804
Antique values have gone down significantly. I visited local thrift store. They only sell perfect stuff. Unique, real quality,and beautiful items were priced lower than Walmart cheap stuff!
I will be down sizing in 3-4 years time and I am starting on this process now. You’re right that no one wants your stuff. I’ve donated quite a lot, furniture is difficult to get rid of and absolutely no one wants an old piano. 😅
People with cluttered houses think the problem is they aren’t organized when in actuality, they have more items than they can manage. It makes life difficult to constantly have the stuff on the back of your mind.
Truth!
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
I stopped buying things that I don’t TRULY need. Game changer in my life! You won’t have much clutter if you just stop buying stuff that you don’t actually need.
So true, you need to separate needs from wants. I save so much money by having this mindset.
Same - I actually had MORE (unexpected) money for a vacation last year!! I’ll never go back to spending on things I don’t genuinely need.
truth!
That is where I am too. I have everything I need, really. It's so freeing. Every once in a while I buy something, but I must love it and have a place for it.
I’ve been putting things aside that we have duplicate of or that were gifted to us for our son for when he’s out on his own. He got married last year and his wife is very appreciative of the things I’ve offered. I told her to be honest and not to worry about hurting my feelings. So far, so good. If she wants to get rid of things later I will not be offended. We’ve boxed up a lot, kitchenwares especially and it will save them a lot of money when they’re out on their own.
When we moved across country I called Salvation Army to asked if they were aware of anyone who had been victims of a fire. So thankful I made that call. The day before they’d received a call from a young couple with a small child who’d lost everything. They took a large pickup load of furniture, home decor items, sheets & pillow cases, towels & many small kitchen items. It was a WIN WIN for both of us. We felt so blessed to help someone in need & the couple was overwhelmed that complete strangers were willing to help them .
We also had two young nephews getting married that each took a pickup full of stuff. It helped knowing 3 loads went to people who both needed & appreciated what we had to leave behind.
This is a really nice story. Thx for sharing!
Love this!❤❤❤
What a great way to declutter!
❤
I love the idea of donating to a family that was in crisis.
Downsized from a 7000 sq ft mansion to an 800 sq ft penthouse apartment and I couldn't be happier. My kids won't have to go through some massive hoard when I croak.
Yep!! Thanks for watching!
That's wonderful. To me it says you care more about your kids then material stuff.
Way to go!! ❤
You are absolutely correct when you say nobody wants your stuff. If you have family or friends that ask for items you're getting rid of, great. Don't try to guilt people into taking your stuff, you are just placing unnecessary stress and a future burden on them. I say this as a someone in their mid sixties. Also true that people over value their posessions. An item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, period.
Truth!! Thx for your comments!
When we decluttered our home, I asked around to all the churches and kids friends. my extra sheets ,blankets, towels, pillows. Extra dishes. Decorating items. You name it, I helped out more underprivileged families. It made me feel so good.
That's wonderful!
👏👏👏
This makes me think - wouldn’t it feel so good just to have a FREE yard sale?
Drag it all outside, give to your neighbors and hopefully those truly in need.
You have a GREAT idea!!
👏💕👏
LOVE IT
Awsomeness!
@@Lauren-i8i Adore this idea!
When we declutter I just put it out on the curb and it is quickly picked up, it is much less stress than trying to sell it for a few dollars. I am asking my mother to do Swedish death cleaning so we are not left with a bunch of belongings to get rid of when she passes away. She is finding this hard to do but with my encouragement she is slowly getting there.She just called me yesterday to ask me if I wanted her silver tea set, I said no because the queen is never going to be coming to my house, 🤣
Update- she has made a lot of progress, had her church pick up truckloads of stuff for their fundraiser. She is happy she got rid of it and that it went to a cause close to her heart, I am so proud of her 😊
We have been dumping my Dad’s junk for approx 2 years and it’s been brutal. Kudos for you to get your Mom to do the Swedish death cleaning.
Good for you and your mom!
@@teresalopez7081maybe she can sell her items? That might make it easier for her 😢
I do the same
Silver tea sets do well in antique shoppes and pawn shops.
I admire my children for not wanting what I have. They just don't want clutter. How I wish I didn't fall prey to the more is more mantra years ago. I started clearing out about 15 years ago and I continue the process monthly. I don't buy like I used to which has helped greatly. My daughter told me a few months back that she can't believe how much my mindset has changed about stuff. I took that as a compliment.
Thanks for sharing!! It is an important process that I still work through!
I am a second hand dealer in South Africa and I buy everything you don't want or need anymore. It is simple to deal with a second hand shop. I come to your house, make an offer on each item and if we have negotiated a price, I load everything up and pay you in cash and take it out of your life. SIMPLE AND EASY
I did this when I moved away from New Zealand to Scotland. He bought the stereo, the cutlery, everything. He said everything sells if the price is right. He gave me twice what I expected because he bought everything, not just the bed and sofa. Very liberating for me
Hi @annelienaude7200 where in South Africa are you based?
Most of them in the USA will only give you a one flat price for everything regardless of the value of each piece.
This is what I need here in Colorado. Hmmm, just thought of this…maybe I can start a business doing what you do!
I am selling, donating and purging my folks house, more than 50 years in a 4000 sq ft under roof. FULL basement packed with mom's treasures. Daunting. BUT the house sold well and fast when it was empty, clean, stripped wall paper and wall to wall gone. Thank goodness I had purged a lot from my house prior to this project......I have my MILs stuff now too. Marketplace is my retirement job......
Clean homes do sell easier! Thanks for sharing!
Mother-in-law lived to be 95 and her attic was full of boxes.1 for every holiday not to mention her basement and garage. Finally my husband had to rent a dumpster. You are absolutely right. NO ONE WANTS YOUR STUFF!!!
I know... it's sad!
Most people don't have the room for the stuff. I have no room for any of my in-laws stuff. They have both passed.
Tale of 2 sets of grandparents: one set did not have a will, all the siblings fought during the funeral. The other set walked each child and grandchild through the house, limited each to 3 items, marked them accordingly, everything else was sold/donated after their passing.
That is a good system!
@@KatiSpaniakdefinitely left everyone with nothing to argue over.
Ridiculous
Why are ppl so petty ?
@@sandysmom100 ... what is ridiculous??
I barely want MY stuff. I definitely don't want anyone else's stuff.
😆
Haha very true! Thanks for watching!
Truth
Indeed
😂😂😂❤
Excellent video! I loved that you began with, "Nobody wants your stuff!" Too many people overvalue their stuff and forget about the sunk cost!
Sad. But true!!
Two years ago when my parents died and I was 70 I had to get rid of all their stuff and sell the house. Best money I ever spent was a professional home organizer and an estate sale company. They both handled what would have taken me literally years!!!! I then immediately downsized my house, bought a smaller patio home and did a major purge!! Happy as a clam.
Good for you!!
You’re happy as a clam? I grieved my parents so long..still do. I was never happy just because I cleared out their house! I still miss them terribly, I didn’t care how much work I had to do after they passed away. I was just sad seeing all their things.
@@JB777zoh please don’t misunderstand! I miss them horridly and almost four years later I’m full of grief. I just meant I was happy in my new surroundings. I sit at their kitchen table everyday and sit on their old love seat on my sunroom. I gave away my stuff and kept their’s because Mom didn’t want it out of the family.
@@JB777z I'm so sorry. I know how hard it probably is. Thinking about you
🎉 this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I think one of the reasons we tend to overvalue our "stuff" is because we attach our memories to it...
I totally agree. After going through my stuff I realized some of those memories I was ready to let go of. Definitely others I was not ready to part ways with.
especially if you are a widow or widower, it makes you feel guilty be giving away things they bought or kept ( for some reason ) BUT it is Sooo relieving to do it , you then really can start your second life , and i know the dead person will approve of this YOU onmly get one life , and it is ONLY STUFF, memories are still there and that why we do what we do right >?? to make experiences and memories? no one ever said on their deathbed i wish i had bought more stuff, instead of going to see LONDON with the grandkids ?? LOL
Yes, i get emotionally attached to things. Im 59 and i have some things i made in elementary and jr high.
I think it’s because we paid good money for hood quality long lasting items years ago when we first bought it. Today's generation doesn’t see the same value in it.
Love your realistic, honest "down to earth" advice. I am 78 yrs old and am fully aware and ACCEPT the fact that no one wants my stuff. Fortunately, before my husband passed away 6 yrs ago, we had moved and majorly downsized "stuff." Two years after he died, I moved again to a smaller, more affordable home and decluttered more. It IS so important that we accept the fact that our stuff is mostly only significant to us, so I have minimized quite a lot. Also, I am still employed 20 hrs a week at a thrift store. I watch my younger coworkers buying "stuff" all the time and I just smile and think OMG, when will you guys realize that "stuff" is not important ~ life is important, but not stuff! I consistently look around my house to see what I don't need or use and take it to work with me to donate. Our thrift store, as many others do, supports local families in need, so I feel good about giving back to our community! I also feel great about sorting through my own stuff and purging rather than burdening my children with that horrifying task. Your video has inspired me even more! Thank you! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s important for others to hear about it also!
@@KatiSpaniak 😊
I an 73 and going through my house, so your comments helped me . Drawers and my garage are full of stuff ...... I am taking to Good Will. It feels so cathartic . Life is more important YAY ! 🌹🌹
@@Lanclasscan Way to go! It does feel good to let go of that stuff. Then we don't have to think about it anymore. ☺️
@@Lanclasscan Good for you! Congrats! Glad I could help!
When I had to clean out a house, I did the following:
1. Yard sale -- everything priced to sell, made hundreds but not thousands
2. St. Vincent de Paul Society pickup -- they carted away the usable items that didn't sell, for free
3. County large trash pickup, but put items out early -- scheduled a pickup by the county service that hauls away big trash. I used this for things I was not even willing to give to charity because of missing parts or visible damage. But people told me to put the items out early. I did, and more than half was gone before the county even showed up.
Seriously, when they say no one wants your stuff, they mean no one in your own social circle wants your stuff. But the world is full of dumpster divers who will strip a non-working microwave for parts.
Great recommendations! I highly highly recommend local companies and charities. A lot of them will even pick up your stuff for free!
How do you know what to price things at?
@@karenm9868 Just looked at a few other yard sales in the area before I had mine. And I was wiling to haggle, since the goal was to get rid of things while getting SOME money rather than to maximize the profit.
@@karenm9868 Kijiji, craigslist, etc. to see what others are selling the same stuff for. I did this with a TV and a play pen. I priced my stuff COMPETITIVELY, I don't care about profits, that's just bonus.
@karenm9868 Take a picture of it. Use the square button next to the microphone in the Google search box. Then attach your photo. You will see everything Google can find that is often identical or similar. Many are ebay and other sellers site results which show what others are selling the item for. I find it extremely helpful.
I put my favorite furniture pieces and all my Christmas decor (30 years worth - all the Hallmark ornament collections for my 3 kids) into a storage unit for when I bought my post-retirement dream home. Last month, the entire storage facility went up in flames. I will live. My kids are healthy. It’s just stuff and we sure did enjoy it while we had it. Time for (much fewer) new things and new memories. I was looking at larger homes. Now I’m looking for a smaller home. Not going to lie….I’m somewhat relieved despite being sad that certain things I loved living with are gone forever.
I am so sorry that happened to you. It might be a relief but definitely sudden and emotional. Thanks for sharing!
Plus, hopefully, you got an insurance settlement. Converted the old stuff into cash in hand with no effort!
Oh no! I bet that was an emotional kick in the gut. I'm so sorry that happened. Talk about a forced decluttering! But yeah, I suppose you just appreciate what you do have a move on.
Began one room a week in January - repaint and declutter. I have the kitchen tomorrow and then the master bedroom. Took my time in EACH room. The place looks fantastic and clean and free of junk in every single closet and in the drawers as well. The kitchen has taken two weeks but I also CLEAN top-to-bottom including waxing the wood floors and using a full-size rug cleaner on area rugs. Do your "Swedish Death Cleaning" while you can. I am off to the garage as well but we have been slowly cleaning out "crap" for the past 3 months. Who wants to move "garage" items that take up SO MUCH space. A bit of determination and elbow grease and trips to Sherwin Williams for paint and supplies.
That is a great plan and great commitment! Breaking it down can be extremely helpful and make the large project seem smaller. Thanks for watching!
Great inspiration !! I’m getting ready to do this same plan !! Room by room … prioritizing … bathroom, bedroom, kitchen…then I’ll go from there .
donated everything - a year later - no regrets
That’s usually the case
We donated most of our stuff before we moved out of state. There are a few items we regret donating because we now need them and it costs much more to buy them now due to the crazy inflation. But overall, we feel much lighter not having to deal with all the junk/clutter we’ve foolishly kept for years in our crowded home!
When my father passed, I had a clearance sale and many dealers showed up. They all sang the same tune. "Don't get rid of that it's worth $xx.xx." "Okay, make me an offer." "Oh, no. I can't use it." I ended up bagging tons of stuff and my cousins helped me put the furniture on the curb. We put an ad on Craigslist to "come and get it." It wasn't long before they showed up in trucks and hauled stuff away to resell. That was fine by me. That's their business. But I don't like when they want me to PAY them to clear out and haul it away so they can resell it.
As for my house, I probably take a trunk load to Goodwill once or twice a month. Whatever I leave behind, my kids can put a dumpster in the driveway and fill it up.
I am sorry that happened. I am glad you are trying to make it easier on your own kids. Great advice! Thanks for watching!
Good point. 😊
Clever!
One good reason to declutter is to not put this burden on others. I cleaned out my Aunts apartment and my parents house. So many emotions and memories. I kept things because it was “ moms” . Now that a few years have passed it is easier to let go. I realize that generation didn’t have as much and never threw away good things. It’s hard to throw away my things too- but videos like yours are like gold. Thank you for all your hard work.🙂
Thanks for sharing!! I appreciate your kind comment!
My wife recovered from cancer and decided she should get rid of things so it wouldn't burden the children and me. I told her I want her dresser top left just the way it is. The children told her not to get rid of her things because she's still alive to enjoy them and they are willing to take care of it all when she's gone. The house wouldn't be the same without her things.
Clearly you are not ready. It’s ok.
Hear! Hear! My family feels the same and I agree with you. I want to enjoy my things while I am here and the same for my husband, I wouldn’t want him to get rid of his collectibles. Hope your wife is doing well!
I like how you talked about the "stuff" and what it means to you. It helps to either release or to appreciate stuff truly. 🙂
I think if there are things she is passing on to children, family or friends to let her do it so she can watch them enjoy it. That may bring her a sense of joy. Also if going thru some things and lessening the load brings her peace, don't take that away from her. Really sit down and tell her how you feel and listen to how she feels and come out in the middle with a compromise. Your way is not the only one that counts!
Sorry you are going through with this, it's a struggle that no one can comprehend in less they have been in your, your wife's shoes. Be blessed 🕊️
Letting some of her things go, isn’t the same as letting her go. If she wants to let things go, that might be part of her processing her own sense of mortality. I live with chronic illness and every time something looks bad I always want to clear out because if I don’t recover I don’t want to leave a burden, but if do, I want to spend it with family not taking care of stuff. It’s just not important anymore.
Mom just moved into assisted living and I had to deal with all her STUFF, and Mom in law passed away in 2019 and left me her little house FILLED to the ceilings with STUFF. 7 yard sales, 4 truckloads to charity, LOTS of giving away. Even after that I had so much stuff - and became an ebay business. Been selling their stuff now for 4 years and still have more of their stuff to list. It's really convicted me - you're right, my kids don't want any of their stuff and they don't want mine either! So I've started decluttering big time.
That’s great!! Very innovative!
I have so much of parents and grandparents to sell. Is being an eBay seller hard? Thanks.
Just came back from storage unit seeing someone to give 20 boxes of items away for FREE .Seen everything on ebay selling that’s makes me feel good someone will make some money on my donation .
Also very important take pictures of each item or a pile . It will make you feel good thinking on how it was important in the past . Next is free video games hey we’re fun and hate when youtubers say it’s garbage .
When I moved 5 years ago ( family of 5, down to one) I had a garage sale. Here in Hawai’i it’s the best way to sell things,on island. Please plan ahead. I let go of items worth thousands for $20 dollars and I’m still having a hard time letting go. I needed the money to move a clean and deposits and vehicle transportation and etc etc. I learned my lesson. Please plan ahead 🌺
Planning ahead is KEY!! Thank you for watching!
I took a different mindset when i was moving. I set aside the items I wanted to KEEP, then listed everything else on FB marketplace at .20 on the dollar. No haggling. I sold everything except for two pieces that I hired a local mover to take to charity. FYI, some moving companies will charge a smaller fee to take items to charity.
Nice work on clearing out the clutter! It must have felt amazing to lighten the load before the move.
@@KatiSpaniak It did!
Thank you for saying that part out loud: no one wants your stuff. Older generations raised on collectables (plates, knickknacks, dolls, games, dishes, ball cards, and comic books), tend to think they can get thousands of dollars for things no one else wants. Sometimes it's hard to put oneself in others' shoes. What you love and collect may not be what everyone else loves and collects.
❤ There's a tradition in Japan. You clear your clutter so your children don't have to deal with your junk when you die ❤
Good tradition!
Same in Sweden. Many countries and cultures understand the cycle of life. In America we were brought up with consumerism and then decluttering when a friend or family member dies.
That's what I'm working on. I'm not planning to move.
@@tarablue4472me too
Moving every 7-10 years serves a great purpose. You have to “see” everything you own. All those closets and storage areas get emptied out. Then it’s time to donate , sell, or pass on to someone who actually wants it.
Truth
I'm the same way..the less cutter I have, the clearer my mind is. I bought a new home this year and about ready to close on selling my old home. The whole process was the most stressful thing I've ever done. I was fortunate enough to buy while still keeping my old home, so I was able to empty out the whole old house for listing - Zero clutter!
That is awesome! Thanks for watching!
Totally agree. No one wants your stuff. Or your grandparents stuff. Young adults live differently than their parents did. The older I get (60’s), the less stuff I want & I’ve gone paperless which has helped so much. I’m embracing a more minimalist attitude!
Love it! I have started embracing the minimalist lifestyle too!
If you are having an issue with letting go of stuff, because you might miss it, then rent a storage shed and box it up, and put it in the storage shed. Now every month you have to pay rent on that stuff that you don't really need. It won't be long before you realize you don't miss the stuff. Anything you really need to keep you will go back and get and for the rest of the stuff you will realize isn't worth the $100 + rent each month. So $100 is for a small storage shed. Another hint, if you have stuff that is stuck up in the attack that you never access or use, then you need to get rid of it. If it is truly valuable to you, then bring it down and display it in your home.
Also if you are a country dweller with a few acres to a lot of acres, declutter your land. I have been looking at small little farms for myself where I can have a few goats and dogs and stuff. I am looking for a clean, well-organized piece of property with a little barn or place to put one. I want nice fences, not pieced together junk that I am going to have to completely replace. I do not care about fancy wood fences, but just good sturdy clean fences. When I am online I see pictures of patchwork fences that look like a slight breeze could knock them down. Rolls of old fence wire lying around piles of construction wood that are sitting out in the open decaying, old cars that obviously don't run, car parts spread around the property, and tools left lying around everywhere. It looks like a hillbilly/redneck junkyard, not a cute little farm. First of all, it tells me that you are probably not taking care of the house and doing the maintenance on it. I am also terrified that you will decide to leave all that mess (your treasure is not my treasure) for me to clean up. This is true for homes in towns on lots too.
I think the storage shed idea can work for some people. However, I think there would be plenty of people who would empty their house to fill the storage shed, keep the storage shed and refill the now empty house with new stuff.
This is great advice! Thanks for watching!
@@SmithpollyYeap that’s what I did
Great video. People need honesty like this when decluttering. My husband and I have been slowly downsizing the last few years in preparation for a possible move. Going room by room, I’d empty a closet or dresser or whatever completely, then strategically decide what goes back in and the rest gets tossed or donated. I call it “moving in place.” It also helps to get rid of items you’re replacing, for example phones…recycle or sell back your old phone instead of holding onto it and then having a drawer full of old, dead electronics. I went through the agony of cleaning out my parents’ house after they passed, and it was extremely stressful…54 years’ worth of accumulation in the same house.
Thank you! I tell people to take it slow. Going too fast can definitely be overwhelming. I appreciate your honesty and advice.
Just put my stuff at the dumpster at my apt complex! 42 minutes ago, it's now ALL GONE! Yep, 42 minutes people. It was alot of stuff too. I decluttered my whole apt this month.
Congratulations! It is a rewarding process! Thanks for watching!
Our town used-to have a "Bulk Pick Up" where you put unwanted 'stuff' curbside, and the Borough would eventually come around and load it onto trucks and take to the local dump. It was so amusing how the "vultures" would drive through all the neighborhoods and scarf most of it up. I would say, "One mans junk is another mans treasure". Now we have to take the stuff to the local dump ourselves on a given week, and an army of workers remove the stuff and load onto front loaders. I have our road trailer already loaded with an old heavy desk that I don't need anymore. It goes to the dump next week.
I knew a middle age man who collected books and had a large storage unit fitted up with bookshelves to hold his books. Not collectibles, regular books. He died suddenly and the unit came into his elderly moms hands. I advised her to tell the storage people that he died and eventually they would hold a abandoned unit auction and the buyer would dral with the contents. Well she worried the books would be thrown away so she was moving out boxes of books. She ended up needing a joint replacement. The morsl of the story is know your limits, your health is more important than someones stuff.
Omg😮🙏
For next time. Many libraries will take book donations. And, many people buy books to sell them on the internet. No need to throw them away.
She tried the local libraries. Some didn't even have books(!). The storage unit was 10 feet by 30 feet so no one library would take that many books.
@@serahloeffelroberts9901 Recently I've lived in 2 different towns in 2 different states and in both, the libraries took used books to resell or to give away. And local books stores buy books, and would surely take them if asked. They must have been worth something, if the person went to all that trouble storing them. I recently took some children's books from a local thrift store that was going out of business and took them to a library, after asking if they wanted them, and them saying yes. They kept some books and passed the others around to other libraries. People go to the library nearest me today, on a regular basis and donate books and buy or take ones that are free. I thought they did this everywhere. Plus, people sell books on the internet around here and they would take at least some of them.
My mother says, if it doesn't love you or keep you warm, and you can't eat it, you don't need it. My siblings and I could easily clear their house out of nearly 40 years in a day.
That is a great saying! Thanks for sharing!
I like how your Mother thinks.
"Love people use things"
Thankyou I took a screen ahoy so I remember as I’m v leaning my closet and storage
I love decluttering. Each time I move countries, i get to throw out things that needed to go anyway: towels, bedding...and i get to have new colours and styles in my next place. Love it!
That is awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!
My favorite thing to do is take pictures of the item before it disappears. Pictures are needed for marketplace or eBay anyway. I keep the pictures. If I want to see the item (for memories), there's the picture. Also, seeing a lot of pictures of 'gone' stuff is rewarding.
That is a great idea! Photos are great for SO many reasons! Thanks for commenting!
I've been doing that for books for years now. It helps me when I remember a cover but not the author or title, and it just helps me remember what I've read.
My kids want my “ stuff” as you put it. They each have requested which items they want. Fortunately they each have their own taste and have not requested the same items.
It's great that your kids have their own unique tastes!
I donated all my good craft supplies and jewelry pieces to local seniors homes. They love it.
“If you think your kids are going to want your stuff - they’re not” 😂 🙌
😂😂😂😂
As a child, I don't 😂
EXACTLY!!!!!!
There are tons of real estate experts on TH-cam-but…Kati, you are one of the best out there! We are in the process of getting our house for sale (next month) and all of your advice has been GOLD! Thank you for not only informing us of what we need to do to but also giving us the “why”. So helpful!!
Agreed! I just found Katie and her information is concise and pithy!!! Highly recommend!!!
Donna! Thank you so much for your comments! This means so much to me!!
Thank you so much, Debi!! I really appreciative of you taking the time!
I Wish I would have continued to embrace Minimalism- that’s SMART.
AGREED! This woman is amazing
Ooohh, I am going through this right now. We are moving into a tiny home so we need to get rid of most of our stuff. It been a lot harder than I ever thought. 15 years of collecting things together. We are remodeling the tiny house ourselves in & out so it is a slow go. I am not organized at all !! Huge mess everywhere, ugh. I can't wait this to be over. Thanks for the info 👍
You got this! Thank you for watching and sharing. It can be stressful but take it slow!
@@KatiSpaniak Thank you so much. My heart has already moved but my body is stuck in the twilight zone. This all shall pass one day :)
I had a 6 bedroom, 4 bath 5K square foot home full of pretty things. When it was time to down size, I couldn't seem to part with most of it. I ended up buying two smaller homes. One to live in and one to vacation in. It worked out perfectly.
I like your idea!
Great! Glad you were able to make it work!!
What a great solution!😀
I went on a rampage and ended up selling some old pots and pans for $25.00 after i sold them I then realized they were collectors items and worth all together over $1000.00 - so do ur research....
Holy cow!!! Ugh
You said “old” this I doubt you would have received $1K for it. It’s possible.
That is a very rare case. 99.9% of it is all junk.
Not true in some cases, MIL, lived in a home for over 60 yrs, for sale last year, Everything she ever owned was in this home, she never, thru away anything before the open house, house was clean, and the cellar was orderly, people had a bidding war over this Split entry home, in the end she recieved $50 k over asking price, some people could see past the wallpaper and Grandchildrens photos, 1965 $17k, to $815k, the week before she moved to her new home, put put a sign out on the lawn, make a offer, personal stuff still in the home, she had beautiful things! People took everything. She did the right thing for her. 😊
Yes, everyone and everywhere is different! Some people do want everything but in a lot of cases, people want to start fresh with their own new stuff.
Memory items. Take a picture of them which triggers the memory with no need for the physical item. Win/win.
I heard that suggested years ago and now that’s what I do!!!
Until you need to declutter your computer....
I do that now, it really works!
Thank you! Having SUCH a hard time going through my parents house because of the memories. I don't want a lot of the things, but feel guilty getting rid of it. This is a great compromise 🙌
@@wendyphilyaw6832 You are welcome. I am also going to take my many physical photos and put them on memory sticks and in the cloud for safe keeping a long with all the home movie videos as well. I admit, it will be hard to eventually get rid of the stuffed animal monkey collection my daughter had as a little girl. My humble home is really a memory palace to me and when it comes time to leave it I will lock the door and sit on the front step and have a good cry.
When we cleared my Mums home after she passed it was heart-breaking.. I have started to clear but hubby is very resistant but I want to make things as easy as possible for my own daughter when the time comes. Thanks for this video!
It is definitely hard to think about but once you accept that one day it will come, it becomes easier to go through stuff.
Even the local thrift stores did not want ANY of our stuff. It was all in great condition too.
We live in a very rural area on 10 acres. After trying to even give away some nice real wood furniture, we finally ended up having a very big bon-fire with it all. 🔥🔥🔥Best thing we ever did! 🔥🔥🔥
Wow.
Bon fire is the best, as it's gone then.
Not legal to burn treated wood,& other noxious materials… per your local fire warden… I know … my husband is one.
I had been accumulating quilt fabrics for many years, and developed arthritis in my fingers. I packed it all up and shipped it to a friend whose church ladies make quilts for needy people.
Planning a multi generation garage sale for this summer. Going room by room and pulling everything I’m not using, or don’t want anymore for the sale. I’m amazed at how much I’ve got tucked away that will not ever get used, including some of my parents and grandparents stuff that migrated to my house! Anything left over after the sale will go to charity or the dump. My kids emphatically don’t want my “stuff”😆
That sounds great! I did that years ago with my kids and some neighbors. It was a relief! Thanks for watching!
I'm 74, and a former shopaholic, and began aggressiveky decluttering 2-3 years ago. Every month I fill the back of my Rav4 and take it to goodwill, without fail. i also give away any furniture I dont use regularly. The house looks a lot better, and if/when I downsize it will be much easier to do.🌺
Also, I take photos of things I love but have no further use for, then donate them.
Good for you!
Moving to Hawaii from Idaho… literally having to get rid of 99.9% of my stuff (3600 sq fy house). I am a minimalist and still have a ton… boy is decision fatigue setting in. Gave my daughter a metal cigar box of family heirlooms- because metal and wood is destroyed in Hawaii. Decision fatigue is real! The few things I am keeping is eye opening. Facebook market is a life saver!!!!
Thank you for sharing! Moving is a tough process but I'm glad you are getting organized now!
This is so true! No one wants your stuff. My young 20-year-old pretty much just wants her bed, some clothes (that are trendy) with a few classics, toiletries, her iphone, lap top, ipad, and iphone watch. If she can't take it with her in a carry-on luggage and back pack--she doesn't want it. I told her when I pass--just sell it all. I've de cluttered--and now am working on getting my husband to let things go.
That sounds like my kids too. They are living their own lives and maybe want a few things from home but would rather start fresh. Thanks for watching!
Other options to explore for getting rid of quality items - furniture, art, decor etc- are consignment shops and auction houses. For most you can email pictures and they will decide what they think will sell. Another option is to look for shops that sell flipped and upcycled furniture. They are often looking for pieces
That is very true! There are a lot of companies in various cities that donate to consignment shops and other shops.
Quality furniture Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon sells well on Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. Mixing quality vintage pieces gives a high end bespoke look. The key is not too much furniture makes the room look small and cohesive color palette.
Great advice! Thanks for commenting!
I totally agree about the quality furniture pieces as I have those same Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon. These furniture pieces were made of real wood and beautiful quality workmanship compared to the disposable furniture so popular today.
@@Joann-i5t This is exactly what I'm talking about...
I had this epiphany during Covid when I was quarantined upstairs in one of my guest bedrooms in my home. It was filled with castoffs and extra decor, not something I’d really want my guests to endure during their vacation stay in my home. Every quarter since, I schedule a Vietnam Veterans pickup at my door and the relief of letting go is phenomenal. It has also inspired me to really think before making an impulse purchase knowing it will inevitably end up in the donate pile.
That's awesome! Quarantine really made us rethink a lot of things, right? Good on you for making positive changes!
“The more cluttered your house is, the more cluttered your mind is.” That is exactly me to a T, which is why I’m constantly hauling trunk loads of stuff to the thrift store. I don’t have time or energy to list or mark stuff to sell, so I just donate. But my husband and I just bought new expensive leather sofa recliners for a couple thousand dollars that we want to try to get as much money back when we sell. We’re planning on moving next year, so I’m already planning. The funny thing is, this video popped up and I wasn’t even looking.
TH-cam can read Minds!!
@@KatiSpaniak yes, apparently it does and I’m so glad it suggested your videos. I’ve been hooked and sharing them with my husband. But reading through some of the comments, there are people saying gray is out. Are they just the odd ones because from what I see, gray is definitely still in.
@@sleeplesscrafter So "cold" gray is out. It's more of a warm greige... But it's still gray-like with a hint of warmer tan or beige. Here are some of the colors that are in: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101112399-15488772
I painted my walls gray/green so it's not a flat gray. Green accessories complement the walls. But, when I'm selling my house, I'll ask my realtor for advice on what color I should paint.
Keep in mind that a lot of the antique furniture that you may have that she is saying 'kids these days want to be trendy and don't want!" -- NEED a full house to have. If you can't get a house of your own in today's market, where are you going to put Aunt Agnes' 12 seat dining table? For the majority of Generation X, Millennials and others, buying a home of their own is now a pipe dream.
If you are constantly having 'renovictions' in your area so landlords can raise the rent more than the set amount, making you need to move every year or so? IKEA furniture is a lot more portable and less likely to make you lose friendships over getting help to move.
Yes. They do need more furniture!!
I’m 74 with tubs and tubs of Christmas decorations. Every Christmas for the last few years I make myself unpack them to decorate my house, but pack up some stuff from each bin to sell or donate. Especially if I haven’t used something in several years. PLUS I’m slowing down on massive decorating. I’ve managed to slowly whittle down one big area in the basement this way!
Good for you!!
You are right. My mind is a big mess of clutter, like my house. I have stuff I moved from my mom's, my step mom's craft room (like a Micheal's craft store), my brother left in my garage, my husband's brother's stuff he left. So much stuff that I havent been able to get rid of since I had a car wreck 10 yrs ago. I am overwhelmed!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but you can tackle this clutter one item at a time.
You are so right about being emotionally daunting, but more so with some people which makes decluttering almost impossible. Keeping stuff in storage units can be very expensive, also.
When you are ready to take on the task, it will be rewarding. Take your time and know it is okay to take it slow!
My dad came from a family of 10 siblings. When my grandmother died, everything went to auction. If there was stuff they wanted they had to buy it. Then they split up the money evenly. One of my uncles bought the house. It was drama free and no worrying about dividing stuff up.
That sounds like a great idea! My husband and I have 5 girls so the drama free is very key!! Thanks for watching!
As I prepare to move, it gives me joy to simplify my life, and see happy people take my items home to start a new life.
It's always a great feeling to declutter and pass on items to those who will appreciate them!
Everyone does want your stuff! If you gift it to them. I joined a neighborhood fb group and have been able to clean out my house. Gifting will save you on physically moving things, taking things to Goodwill, trying to sell to people who want it free anyway...get over it and enjoy the joy of gifting your things!
People LOVE free stuff. I am a part of those free groups and they are helpful because people will pick up the stuff. Thank you for commenting!
This was clear and very matter of fact. Just cleared out parents homes and now we need to go through their stuff as well as trim down ourselves. You were very kind in how you said that the kids don't want your stuff. You are very right. They don't want it. You can also call local charities. Our local youth shelter takes stuff for kids getting their own apartment including linens, furniture, and houseware but not ceramic figurines.
When I recorded it, I felt a bit sad. Meaning empathetic because I know how hard this is for people to get rid of their belongings.
Having to do this soon as well. My mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago from cancer. Last year my dad had medical issues pop up all year to the point where he now requires 24 hour care so I had to make the heartbreaking decision to place him in a senior living home. Now I need to go through his house and I plan to have an estate sale. After my sister and I (and our families) keep what they want. Then I will sell his home. I don't think anyone will take much just a few items for keepsake.
We had to clear out my in-laws house which was 2 1/2 hours away not that many years ago. Sister in-law and her family lived down the street but did nothing. We kept a few things, sold a few things, donated a lot and even gave a few items to neighbors who were always there for my in-laws. Emotionally it's hard but knowing it needs to be done and keeping everything just makes it harder longer. This video helps
@@artbylauri I'm so sorry. I know how hard this is. There are companies that can help with the removal of a lot of stuff... But I'm guessing you aren't there yet. Reach out if you need any resources.
I went the estate sale route because i had lovely antique furniture. They sold my valuable antiques for a tiny fraction what it was worth. If i had known i would have gone with an estate auction instead.
Excellent info! I’m in sales at a retirement community & have this conversation with every client.
Thanks!!
Thank you for the pep talk and refresher on decluttering tips. I'm overwhelmed. In our 60s and trying to get ready to move with decluttering and repairs. (been in this house over 20 years). I'm ok with getting rid of things but husband is having a hard time with it. ugh. On top of that, trying to declutter my 86 year parents' home. This is all so much, we may have to push back a year on selling and moving.
Let me know if you need help! I can provide you some resources. Info@terraluxhomes.com
I can totally relate to the husband issue. Mine actually came up with the decluttering concept "could we be bothered moving this to the new town?" Worked brilliantly for me, I reduced my craft supplies to a quarter what they were, my books about the same, family "treasures" that had sentimental but no display value, gone. He can't seem to part with anything, has the most feeble excuses for dragging stuff across the state that has been sitting untouched for 30 years eg TWO model planes that were both only flown a couple of times at our previous home and have sat on top of a cupboard at this one. Apparently he "needs" them both, and gets angry when I gently try to reason with him - "you want to throw all my stuff away". He can see my enormous pile of Donate boxes, he just keeps shifting things to the parts of the house we haven't got to yet, or the garage, so he doesn't have to face the decision yet.
Worse is when he starts packing up bookshelves and I say "wait, I have to cull those books, I don't need them all", and he's "you can do that later, we just need to get them out of the way". Meanwhile the garage gets worse and worse...🤣
@@karenmartin9008 When my husband held up a Social Security card that had belonged to his great aunt's husband and said, "I should probably keep this." - I knew the decluttering was going to be extremely painful for the both of us. (great aunt's husband died two years before husband was even born smh)
I hear you. This is so painful and can be traumatic when the other spouse isn't really on board!! @@karenmartin9008
Hi Kati. Thank you for the straight talk. Your honest opinion is really refreshing .
Thx!
Not thinking of moving from my home to another. I am interested in decluttering for my children when I pass. I hope your video helps me on how to do this. TY
Wishing you luck!!!
So brave! Thanks for the reality check!! 😱 I'm still trying to accept it, but deep down... I know you're right. Because I don't want other people's stuff. 😒
Thank you for your comment!!
Great topic and useful channel. Most people shop for the things they want and the last thing they need is more junk. Think of it the reverse way. When my son buys new appliances, for some reason, he brings the old still working item to us. We Don't Need Appliances, furniture or anything else. There are probably people new to the area, a parent escaping an abusive relationship that maybe would be happy to have home furnishings gifted to them.
In over 30 years we have more than plenty and now downsizing. It ain't easy.
Thx for your comments!
You are so right about nobody wanting your furniture! I’ve got a beautiful antique oak Welsh Dresser and 8’ long oak table. They’ve been in the family for many years. Not even a man who buys and sells antiques offered me more than a pittance - I have to move to an apartment and I doubt they will fit. My old house in a two acre garden is too much upkeep for me! I’ll pick out my favourite things to move and then have a contents sale of the rest. You’re also right about spending our lives collecting things and then in the golden years having to let them go!
Wonderful video thank you. My home literally sold the day after I decided to get rid of old journals holding old energy. I’m 62 and I had to purge my father’s and mothers condos and I affirm everything you say. Nobody and I mean nobody wants your stuff. In some cases not even charities as they don’t take certain things. It doesn’t matter how expensive unique or otherwise. I purged a lot of my stuff as I was prepping to put my place up for sale, today I start step two and that is what do I not want to take with me. No more old energies following me to my new home. I have 3 bar stools the previous owner of my current home left me. I am not taking those I don’t want that owners energy in my new home. Oh, and yes that’s what I’ll do as I take down wall hangings I will immediately patch the holes and pack the item. I agree start as early as you can because the more you let go the easier it becomes. Good luck everyone and again thank for this motivating video. 🏡🌟
Thank you for your comment! Starting early and going at your own pace is key! It helps SO much in the long run!
PIANOS-There are a lot of nice free pianos on marketplace and I had one to get rid of that wasn’t as nice as some already listed. I called a moving company and they said they regularly move pianos to the landfill! That broke my heart. I scheduled them to pick it up in a week. Then I advertised “Free Delivered Piano.” I had multiple calls. They had to be within a certain radius unless they wanted to pay the difference. They had to be ready for it on a specific day. It went to a good home with young kids ready for lessons (and I didn’t have to think about my piano laying in the landfill). BTW, they charged me $200 for the move.
It's so sad but glad you found a home for your piano. I hope a future Beethoven will love it!
We thought we were sitting on a goldmine of antiques in a big two story home. We had an estate sale and made about $2k. If things have crazing or cracks it drastically lowers it. Yes people wanted the stuff but for cheap! Honestly you have to get out of the mindset of this is a goldmine and that someone for the right price will be so happy to have it. And they might flip it which good for them because truly you are not going to spend the time refurbishing. Also we got lucky that a neighbor ran a yard sale as a business and he came and got the remainder for free which was lucky.
Its so much better to do it a little at a time
Yes, take your time and be open to the fact that it might be slow and cheap. Thank you for watching!
Just finishing up the sale of my parents' condo that they had "Down-sized" to. It was still packed with massive amounts of "collectables". I sold a few things and gave away the rest. It showed BEAUTIFULLY! I got my asking price.
Congratulations on successfully selling the condo!
I wanted my grandparents'
stuff and my parents' stuff. I'm sentimental
Love this! Moving cross country in 45 days & just found out about a WEEK ago! (Native Cali's here) I've already sold over $3000 worth of 'my stuff' on Marketplace... which REALLY helps with the move! BUT, I was realistic... if it didn't sell in 3 days I lowered the price.
My inlaws wanted us to take a lot of their furniture when they decided to retire and move. They were very upset that we would not take a bedroom set and other things. We had been in our home for 10 years and it was already fully furnished.
Yep. No one wants their stuff
@@KatiSpaniak Someone with a fully furnished house didn't want their stuff. That doesn't necessarily mean that no one wants their stuff.
I really appreciate such an honest video. As recent retirees we have decided to begin downsizing our possessions by one third now even though we do not plan to move for a decade. I am not overly sentimental with possessions but, unfortunately, my husband is so this process is more difficult for him.
But as my mom once told me memories of home and possessions live on in your heart even if you literally move on from them.
We are decluttering as part of retirement. I do have one bone to pick with your declaration that no one wants your stuff. It's been one year now since we started and we have brought in over $2,000 from selling the stuff others do want on eBay. We do have 12 items that have been for sale for four months now. So yeah those items will have to be donated or trashed. We did sell some 70's designer jeans that are now back in fashion. We ask our kids what's in fashion and sell that. The rest goes to charity or the trash. Some of the stuff has gone to the kids, we let them sort through anything we think they may want before we sell or donate.
Some stuff we get out of the attic we realize needs to go straight to the trash. Which is fine.
Great job! You obviously did it right!
I bought a house recently came with left overs since we were renting it out furnished til we move in no biggy. However I moved over my aunts dishes they had been in our previous rental unit. There was an incent where I had stored them in this cabinet that was left behind. It hot jostled trying to move it around. Crash they all went. All the shelves fell. Honestly there was not one sad moment. I was glad to not have to be responsible for them. So as we move from our home of 30 yrs. I can tell regardless who gave to you. If what you have does not serve your purposes give them away. Habitat even takes old usable paint btw. So this move we are taking limited kitchenware , cloths,and debating if we are taking the living room and diningroom furniture. I find I knock a piece off the move everytime I do a walk thru with my list. Its April move is for October. The Kitchen is boxed due to leak. I was mortified how much 2 people owned in one tiny kitchen. 8 boxes. Yeah, the leak helped us decide not much is going with us. You don t really feel the burden of all that stuff till you pack it up.
There are many of us in our mid 20s - mid 30s wanting quality MCM and Art Deco that have been trending for the past 4 years. Other People Who love a Dark Academia look or a Cottage Core look are looking for pieces in the $100-200 range furniture pieces that are built to last. Our personal dining table was $200 with 6 chairs and table solid oak, the desk was $110. another way to get rid of furniture to people who want it is Facebook Buy Nothing Sell Nothing groups in your area .
Yes! It is all about the time you put into it. If you have time to use Facebook groups and Facebook Market Place, that is awesome! Thanks for watchign!
So true! When I purchase something now, my thought process is that it will be given away once I use it. I know that before I even buy it. I ask myself, would I be willing to give this away when I no longer want it? Because if I'm thinking, oh I can sell it later, well maybe but there really is no guarantee anyone will want it and I've just created a stressful job for future me. So if I paid $1000 for a dresser and I use it for 25 years, that was a pretty good deal and I have "used up" the purchase price. This really helps me to limit my spending and avoid disposable trendy items. I buy quality pieces and I give them a long life. When it is time to say goodbye, I have no problem gifting them to a thrift store or a family in need. I got my money out of it by using the item.
That is a great mindset to have especially as you get older. Thanks for watching!
Decluttering. Oh how i laugh at those that threw out Tiffany lamps, art deco/art novo items, deemed out of date, dowdy. Fetch millions now 😂😂😂😂
Not a whole lot of people, I'd guess. Nowadays, there's so much mass production that truly valuable, crafted items are rare. Most people are getting rid of the same stuff everyone else has.
Isn't it crazy how things that were once considered old-fashioned are now worth a fortune?
And? They are partly valuable because they are rare. Partly because they were good quality. But how much stuff can you hold on to in hope of it having value in a 100 years?
I moved stuff to my new place. One carload at a time, it went into a spare bedroom. When I needed stuff, I took it out, and after a year, there was only stuff in there I did not need. So, I eventually took it to auction. I got about $10, for stuff, I clearly spent $50 to move (lol). No body wanted my junk.
This reminds me of George Carlin's "Stuff"..."What is a house but a place to keep your "stuff"? If you didn't have "stuff", you wouldn't need a house. You could just walk around all day."
I love that! Definitely true!
Reminds me of a sign in an antuque store window in Buena Park, CA in the ‘60’s: “We buy old junk and sell antiques”
@@kidavis3386 Amen. Amurika... 🙄
First the jokey compliment ... when did Jamie Lee Curtis start doing real estate? :)
Second the genuine thanks for breaking the log-jam in my mind. I really need to start decluttering my home in preparation for selling it and I have been stalled for years because I could not get over the hurdle of just getting rid of stuff that I know is/was valuable. You have helped me see that trying to sell things will be far more hassle than it is worth for whole swathes of items. Thank you.
You are welcome!! I think this is a compliment! Right?
@@KatiSpaniak Absolutely so :)
EDIT: I know it dates me to have Jamie Lee Curtis as a 'screen crush' :O
I''m moving out and selling my house in a couple of months and getting my house ready now. Your video just showed up on my YT screen and all what I can say is that YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT! NOBODY WANTS YOUR STUFF AND NEW GENERATIONS DO NOT WANT TO TAKE OLD AND DATED THINGS FROM PARENTS ANYMORE! . That's why this time I decided to donate everything I am not taking to a charity org called TMM here in Tucson AZ. They are amazing helping victims of domestic violence and came over and picked up all I did not need anymore. Thank you so much for your honesty!
You are SO welcome! Glad it showed up for you!!
Donating to an organization who helps victims of domestic violence, is wonderful! I’m going to look them up. I live in Tucson (Oro Valley) as well. Thanks for mentioning them. Wishing you all the best with your move…🙂
I'm sorting out my in-laws massive amount of furniture and possessions; some of the pieces are 2 centuries old. I don't want them and no one else wants them. Sometimes it's hard to give it away. They are dark, massive, and overly ornate and it can feel like such a shame to give these things away, but it's very freeing as well. Don't let the age of a piece or sentimentally guilt you into keeping things you don't enjoy.
Yes! It can be difficult and I completely understand. But it can also be rewarding to have that weight off your shoulders.
I'm watching a ton of these videos and yours is the best I've seen so far!
Awwww… thank you! You made my day!!! I’m definitely not a decluttering specialist! I have a video coming out next week and I actually tear up in it! I guess I’m passionate!!
@@KatiSpaniak Passionate is great! Honestly, the biggest struggle I have is that I have a lot of tools and "stuff" relating to building things like nuts, bolts, electrical outlets, doorknobs and things I'll use but not today. The decluttering I'm getting the hang of but dealing with the "storehouse" type supplies is much much harder for me.
@@AdHocAtom If it's in the garage, don't stress too much if you are decluttering because of a move. The garage is the last place that people care about being clean and organized.
I have been decluttering my house for the last couple of days and it does so much to my relaxation when there is more space,
It's amazing how much of a difference decluttering can make! A clear space often leads to a clear mind. Keep up the great work!
It's a sad fact: When we are gone, our stuff will either belong to someone else or it will go to a landfill. That's it.
Yes, very true. Thanks for watching!
I have been gradually decluttering for months and I'm getting better at it. I now have the mindset that, if I've had something for years and I've used it and it's still in great condition, then I have got my money's worth. I then feel better passing it on to someone else cheaply or for free. I agree, younger people generally don't want our stuff and I certainly don't want to burden my young adult children with the items I've accumulated. Bottom line is, I'm feeling overwhelmed by my belongings, why would I want to pass that feeling on to my kids?
My rule is that the trash can must be full every week. It took me 2.5 years to empty and sell my in-laws houses. We just had an infant and other family members were less helpful. My in laws were depression era children. Goodwill amvets Salvation Army did not even want to send someone over to look at the estate. I would throw something out and my sister in law would drag it back in the house. My SIL had a house sale and the only item that sold was a spatula for $.25 ! From then on Everything went on the curb. Or trash. I even hauled trash over to my house to throw out. Eventually after 8 months on market the house sold. This was 25 years ago.
That’s a great idea about the garbage can!! Thanks for sharing