For a quick project that your husband and kids can do, off camera, I would suggest sending them into their areas of the basement and garage, and asking them to quickly look and see if they can spot anything they'd like to add to the yard sale. It doesn't have to take them much time, just a quick walk through with an empty bin or two close at hand, spot something, put it in the bin and go on. I bet that 15 minutes or half an hour will provide you with quite a few things for your next sale.
Idea - please use the garage sale money to fix that leak in the Christmas cave. If you asked for donations to food bank or $ for food bank, your subscribers would step up.
You've done so well this year, especially given the big life events (surgery, job change, churn from the storage unit). Congrats on being able to handle everything with grace! You've talked for a long time about creating a crafting space for yourself, but always "when the basement is clear". I suggest that you modify that goal to "clear ENOUGH", and go ahead & create that space - even if it's just for the holidays. You've made space for your boys to play & your husband to exercise already, and nearly everything you have left is in organized boxes. Consider it a trial run, to help you figure out what your long-term craft space will need. It will also give you a chance to use up some of those craft supplies, which is a different type of decluttering. It's also a form of completing the task - and of course it would make for a fun video series!
Toss/donate the Easter things . The children you brought them for will be older next Easter and there will be a new to craze. Your doing great really enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work.xx
Yes, that helps me. Recycle the damaged ones, use the ok ones for donations so you can drop off the whole thing, nest the good ones if you can or store flat in a specific area. With plastic bins and boxes, I nest all of them with lids in one and keep them in a specific area to reuse.
Yikes, hold on! Just flatten them. No need to just keep "3 or 4" when Ms. Heart needs them to get rid of things on a large scale- and is usually thrifty with her budget. 3 or 4 is not realistic for this size project.
@ros8986 With the amount of things in the house and future macro to micro sorts, I think that is too hasty for us to say! Ms. Heart is doing mostly broad sorts. I think she is going to need those containers. And they are very expensive to replace these days. To have a stock of flattened stack or line-up of boxes to seal with trash, giveaways, donation is nothing to worry about. And a kind of strange thing to focus on. after all the cardboard boxes are an economical tool for getting rid! But I think it is an easy target for those of us who want to help Ms. Heart. It is easy for us, I think, to get stuck in a "get rid or everything" mindset, even when it may not the be the wisest advice because of the scale of her project. The girl needs containers! At least with this, let's not give her something so extra to worry about. That she has a stock of handy boxes for the future or this project is a SUCCESS and positive!! 📦💫✨
What are you thinking about the larger items in the basement these days? The old sewing machine and vacuum, exercise bikes, the dresser with party stuff in it, etc. I notice they've been kicking around for years, but maybe aren't used or the best way to store items vs. moisture-proof plastic bins. I feel like so much space would free up with those out of the way!
Ms. Pepper was such a supportive assistant today! She was so cute (for I'm sure, sweet relief) during the paper sort. And she was sure ready for action to monitor that bug! 🐯 Ms. Heart, I think she is learning and improving on this project same as you! What a smart kitty she is! 🐾
Just donating or posting the items for free pick up and recycling all the boxes help. Silver bugs spawn from cardboard. Switching to all plastic totes will decrease the ammount of bugs and dust and also makes you less scared incase the basement fluds again bc you can just whipe the plastic dry and everything is safe. Kind regards a fellow recovering hoarder
I hadn’t thought of this! We’ve been seeing some silverfish lately and a lot of our cardboard boxes are 26 years old! A lot of them are old Avon or office paper boxes that my mom is somewhat attached to. Thankfully she’s starting to become more open to switching to plastic containers! Once we can find the right sizes to switch out I think the cardboard will be gone!
My son's school counselor had a "pirate box" and kids earned rewards for good behavior. The school loved getting donations of small toys, new pencils, stickers (the stuff from bday goody bags, etc.). See if they'd like the Easter toys! Kids don't care what season it is when it's a new-to-them toy!
💜Empty boxes need to ALL go! Start to use your empty plastic bins for sorting....which I know you have a significant stash of (yes, I am a super fan and watch all your episodes). Also, stop the churn. The sort and purge needs to happen where the decision is made. Make your rule of NOTHING goes down to the basement if the decision is made somewhere else in the house for anything that is recycling or donations. 💜
I have been watching this declutter the basement series since it started - are we looking at maybe 1 and a half year?? I’m just curious - have you completely gone through everything now??? Or are there still items that you haven’t dealt with yet?? This is classic decluttering using the onion method - you go through everything once and when your done you start again but can make quicker decisions because you are building up your decluttering muscles and recovering in your hoarding xx
I think the same thing! I think the only part of the basement she has not shown us yet is the front right section (where there are pictures hanging on the wall). She’s come close to there but never fully done that spot I think. So once she finishes this back section she is on, the boys play area and that front right area - I think she should have pretty much everything in a labeled bin where she can do huge konmari declutters and have things organized better! Like the baby toys! I can’t wait until she does that! 😊
I think I remember these are the things the kids were unsure about or couldn't handle at the time, so it is kind of a place for them to visit and play with them again. The basement just isn't at that stage yet.
I have completed decluttering the basement! It was full of 60 years worth of stuff! I have four sections I went through. The work area (where tools and equipment is), the toy room, the laundry room, and the “dark room (the bulb was just replaced so now it is light!). My nephew still has to go through his plushies and toys but he is ready! I have to deep clean the basement too. We replaced our oil tank for our heating so now the new one is outside and there is a LOT more room!😄
I'm curious, have you stopped bringing items downstairs to stop the basement from being recluttered? Anything decluttered from upstairs should leave the house immediately..
@@ikrobiee I think it must be very hard to balance that while her hubby has the shift he has. Ms. Heart has to do a lot while balancing the family's schedules, school, church, content for this channel, etc. In the best of organized families, things get put into closets, garages, etc. Only consider that Ms. Heart has this going on constantly. It must be an unending job. (Not to mention how hard it can be, and how much time and effort it takes to sell online and in yard sales.) And I can sympathize with how, just like anyone, things don't have the perfect flow out of the house. Add to that that clutter makes it difficult to deal with clutter. So, I think the progress Ms. Heart is making will only help the process go smoother and smoother. Less stuff will make it easier to see what needs to be done. Her "small bites" approach is leading to BIG results in the basement (even with DIY challenges and the dust) and I think it's great! Brava, Ms. Heart! 🌻✨
I suggest flattening those boxes so you have less visual clutter. Besides, boxes get wet and ruin the stuff inside. Since you don’t really give things to goodwill you don’t need boxes. You have plenty of bins for storage and yard sale items. 😊
I think she does donate to gw or similar. The leftover yard sale items get donated. And donating good tubs is a waste at this point. (Not to mention the cost of the good and large ones have skyrocketed.) Plus, I am unsure Ms. Heart has empty tubs!
She has many, many empty totes - in all colors - she has 14 just from the garage sale - tons for sorting or even for donating if she wanted. She did not donate the remainder of items from the garage sale - they are in other bins beside the house for next month’s garage sale.
Playing with Pepper Kitty...cute ! You might put the Easter gifts with your Easter decorations to keep them. As for the old T-shirts you could cut out the logo on the front of the shirts into a square , save the logos to sew onto a blanket or quilt to keep. You could flatten out the cardboard boxes and put some of the flattened boxes up against a wall...you can always tape the bottom of the boxes again when you actually need a box.
I love seeing Pepper with you, happy cat 😽 I also like very much to see the tossy tossy go to the curb or the bins and the rest in their propper places like the drawers in this video. Makes me happy ☺
Good job! When you start working with the boys on their area, I'd encourage you to pull out some of those old empty yard sale bins and let them start a few sentimental bins. They are getting older, and may not want to continue managing some of their little kid toys, but may not be quite in a place of getting rid of them. This would allow them to set up their area for their right now life.
Idea for the Easter stuff: look up what date Easter is in 2025, and schedule a reminder in you calendar 1 month earlier (maybe with a 1 week reminder) that you already have these things for your nephews and nieces, then store them in a labeled box ("Easter gifts") with the Easter items. Shopping is just done extra early~ 😊
Out of curiosity, I looked it up: Easter 2025 is on Sunday, April 20th. Maybe schedule electronic reminders for 3/20 & 4/13? I'm cheering you on! I'm so inspired by your persistence in moving forward~
Another huge pile going, well done. It’s an interesting thought, the boys bringing their stuff down to basement cause it’s where you sort, and I thing you’re right. Miss Pepper 🐈 is loving that bag, like all cats love bags and boxes. I think you could use the cardboard boxes for donations as you sort more in the basement. You have plenty of totes for all your sorting. Keep up the wonderful work. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🐈🦄
So excited for the day when you could get shelves for the basement to help kee everything organized! Helps you access all bins so you don’t have to take bins off of bins to get to the bottom bin etc, also may help avoid piling stuff since you’ll have more organized towers haha
Perhaps it's time to flex your decluttering muscles a bit more and move past the baby steps decluttering. Perhaps completely clear that play area again, if the boys are still using it. Design a plan to get the basement into a usable state with nice flooring, ceiling and walls. Once the basement is done, you can start on another area of the house like the garage and perhaps you could start working with other hoarders in their homes to help them. There will be many more filming opportunities once the basement is done, so don't let that hold you back. Good luck.
Nice work on the basement!👏👏👏👏👏👏 If your niece and nephew are still young enough to be interested in those toys, save them with your Easter decor🐣- when you go to decorate for Easter, you will find the gift items, and can make baskets then. If they’re past that stage, sell/donate the items immediately, and buy nothing for them until you know you’ll be seeing them. Get new, age-appropriate gifts only if you’ll need them. You could also float the idea of paying for some sort of experience they’d enjoy, rather than gift items. If possible, make it an outing with your kids, so the cousins get to do something fun together.
I would keep the toys for next Easter just because no one is really looking for Easter toys in October. Might be hard to actually declutter them the way you like instead the landfill. If the kids do outgrow the toys like other comments are saying there are other younger kids out there.
🐰I would keep those toys for easter! make sure you stick them straight away in your easter stuff so they don’t get lost again 😊 I am so proud of you! I am going to work on mine tomorrow, you have inspired me.
I would keep the Easter things if they will still "fit" the kids next year. You have some greatl stuff for garage sale (that dead bug should go for top dollar 😂). Good job of decluttering. ❤
PAPER PAPER PAPER. If only we could transform them ourselves into napkins, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper….rather than shredded bits for recycling. LOVE YA, Jersey Gal 😍🤗. Enjoy the leaves changing colors. Isn’t it beautiful!😻
💜Once your kids decide they don't want something, that's where you as mom comes in and make the decisions and action steps for recycling/ trash/ donate without delay. Stop the churn. It's slowing down your progress. We really want to see an updraft in easy progress. 💜
I just wanted to say, I love your videos so much. I truly look forward to them every single week. So much so that I come home from work every Monday & Friday and make my husband change the channel to TH-cam so we can watch your new videos together and he does because he knows I love to watch them!! I am not a hoarder. In fact, if there is an opposite of being a hoarder, I think I may be that. I love the feeling of decluttering and organizing. It is fun to me and makes me happy. I stay on top of my organizing and parting with things I don’t need, (just because it happens to be easy for me) so I get my satisfaction by watching other people declutter (and sometimes even helping them!). Your videos are always so satisfying to me, and I love that your videos are REAL!! you are human and making huge progress by little steps everyday. I’ll admit, sometimes I get sad when your video ends because my own selfish feelings that I wish you had decluttered a bigger section- but I just end up watching the video over and over again until I am satisfied!! LOL. But it is just so interesting to hear your thought process, your healing journey on top of being really satisfying to watch! My parents divorced when I was young, and I think that’s when i developed the idea that having less stuff was always better because it’s less that I would have to carry back and forth between their houses every week. That was a long time ago and I live with my husband now but those same tendencies have carried on. You have honestly taught me that it is OKAY to have stuff as long as you are intentional and within your means. Some of these comments are a little bit tough, maybe tough love but I hope you don’t let them bring you down. The channel at the end of the day isn’t about decluttering it’s about HEALING ❤️🩹 and as long as you are making progress for your mental health, happiness and family, that is ALL that matters. Keep having yard sales because that’s what helps you! Keep your boxes and bins until youre ready to let them go! I also think you should hold on to the Easter stuff too because it will be a nice gift next year that you won’t have to re purchase! 😁😁 Anyways - I pray that you always remember your progress, that you have come so far and you are so inspiring to so many people! Love you Mrs. Heart!! ❤🦄
I think the boys were picking up the habit of not following through. They need to learn that once they have finished a declutter session to actually finish by getting rid of the items there and then
Keep going because you're doing really well! I do agree that anything seasonal that u choose to hold onto should immediately go into the seasonal decor box, then as u approach that season u can do another review. But everything else that u r holding onto for a future yard sale should be donated immediately since there is a greater risk for relapse. Ask yourself if the pennies u might make on the sale are worth the potential anxiety of keeping in your home. I have to do this all the time. ❤❤❤
@JennSturtz Yes, so true. And I also wonder how the clutter could add to anxiety and discomfort levels of others who live in a space with a hoarder. Some people become depressed living amongst the hoard of another. No one person is more important than the family unit as an entirety.
Seven Strategies in Every Best-Seller - I remember when you decluttered that from your living room years ago and I thought "I must get that book!" It's a good book - thanks for letting me know about it. Hopefully someone else will be just as inspired this time around.
I think the kids take the things down to the basement, because (unless it's easy trash) the parents are the ones who do the last decision making and actually do the getting rid of. It's also good to be able to distance themselves from the things to see the items with fresh eyes. I remember going through big phases of getting rid of things myself (much to my mother's chagrin) and honestly I got rid of some things I now regret years later! So it can be a good thing for parents to help make these decisions or to slow them down to make sure they are wise and well considered. It's okay to hold some things in reserve if you have the space. Some people have the luxury of an attic or even a toy room (ie: Mansions) to keep everything foreves, so I don't think it's abnormal or normal to have stuff for nostalgia. It's human! It depends on curcumstances and what helps or hinders a person, and that's the difference. I just hope you don't let your kids know too much of your anxiety about whether or not they may have this problem in the future. I think expressing confidence in them is key. Because isn't that what parents are thanked for in all the best award acceptance speeches? Confidence! 💛🌻💫
I love you Miss Heart and your videos are amazing. I noticed you’ve been losing weight since you stopped working. I think you’re just working so hard!!! You look great - don’t mean to get personal It’s a compliment ❤
Great job…. Im wondering if you had the clear boxes and the bags of straw to make easter baskets to put the easter gifts in the clear bins and give them that way ❤
I have a genuine question as a super organizer (and keeping in mind that we work very differently). What would happen to you if you moved everything into one corner, then taped off sections with duct tape on the floor, and only put corresponding and sorted bins into each section, with the end goal being everything in it's own little square? For me, the chipping away would be maddening, because there's no area that screams "kon Mari only" in there. I mean, you have the yard sale bins generally in the same area, but some still get missed, most toys are in one corner, but there's no clear delineation. After an initial "big shuffle", of marking out sections on the floor and moving sorted bins into their categories, you could still do baby step decluttering every week. I just ask because, like i said, for myself, i would feel like I'm only treading water with no one area "done -done". I get that different brains work differently, just curious how that system would make you feel.
I think that she is getting to the point where she has almost touched every single thing in the basement and put everything in labeled bins. Maybe once that is done and everything is at least in a labeled bin, she will do big KonMari method declutters and working on having more “complete” spaces! Idk if that makes sense but I do understand what you’re saying bc I used to have those same feelings when I would declutter myself!
if I get stuck at a decision, I usually either ask my partner to make one, then if I have a negative feeling towards his choice I veto it. But the fact that he steps in helps clarify things for me. If I'm doing it by myself, I prefer either making an "unsure" pile for later, or putting it in "keep" for another iteration of decluttering later. Sometimes we don't have the resources to make all the decisions right then and now, and it's better to give ourselves time so as not to force ourselves, not only to throw things away, but also to make the decisions.
You are doing so well. Maybe bring one son down at a time and have him go through his stuff. Remove his throw aways and bring down the second son to do the same. ❤❤❤
Keep the Easter things in your gifting section - put a reminder in your calendar - if you have a paper calendar write at the back of this years and when you get to December and get a new calendar you can transfer the detail over to next years to remind yourself!
def. keeping the easter stuff. you dont have to give everything away right away. thats a good reason to keep. but put it somewhere were you will find it and use it for gifts this time
Would you consider donating the future garage sale items to a hospice thrift store? Would save you so much time and open up your space more. Great toss, tossy today.
She probably would have the yard sale and donate the money to hospice. She never keeps the money, always donates to charity. The reason she does the yard sale has to do with her hoarding disorder. She has to do it that way right now because of her nerves.
Yard sales got me in trouble. The last time, after working on getting ready for 2 weeks, I made $75. Was it worth it? No. At the end of it, we were giving stuff away just to get rid of it. The books were taken to McKays and I got a credit while the rest was loaded up in the cars and we made 4 trips to the thrift stores. It was just nice to have it all gone.
If the Easter toys are no longer age appropriate, I would donate or get rid of it in your next garage sale. I would strongely encourage you to break down all cardboard boxes and recycle immediately. And also, sell all of your empty bins as it's holding you back, allowing you to hang onto more things or churn things.
Miss Pepper in the paper bag ❤ Put the Easter things in the Easter bin. I think it would be really helpful if you took a bit of time out to get all the empty boxes, bins, organisers etc sorted out and easier to reach when you need one.
Comments here have been very strong and it’s like many have decided to voice their true opinion in this particular video. Maybe it’s the awareness of the churning? Is this like an intervention or tough love? Maybe many are stuck and need a new direction, so I’m voting for a switcheroo for Ms Heart and I really like the idea of Ms Heart creating the craft station down stairs! That sounds super exciting! I think enough space has been cleared down there to make it happen. What do you think everybody? A beautiful craft station in the near future? ❤❤❤😊
It's so funny that you found gifts you meant to give. I just got done fussing at my mom about doing this. Unfortunately, due to life our family holidays have changed quickly in the last 2-3 years. In our family, the tiny kids have always gotten presents from older generations, BUT we no longer get together so she has this pile of Christmas presents meant for 2nd cousins and great nieces and nephews. I think if you know you'll see them, hold on to them. Or give them as a fun Halloween gift to get them out of your house NOW. If you bought them for you to feel good yourself but don't really have a close relationship with them, donate them or give them to a school for treasure box items. (And I don't mean that as a negative, making yourself feel good. I just know that I buy things a lot of time because it makes me happy even though the other person could take it or leave it.) In the future, I would definitely not buy anything unless you know you are seeing that person in the next month, buy it, package it, and have it ready to give to them.
Lots of that stuff can go in the next yard sale but then--get it gone! Nest the cardboard boxes together for use on yard sale day. Be sure to buy some more plastic sheeting at the hardware or paint store to cover it all & secure with rocks or heavy objects.
You should have a yardsale expiration date like after Thanksgiving no more yard sales, anything leftover gets donated and as you keep decluttering through the winter you'll have more for next year's yardsales for sure!
She needs the yard sales for a closure. Without them, she would keep way more things. Yard sales helps her to deal with her hoarding which we should remember is a mental disorder.
I think you should put the Easter toys in the Easter bin. They are still good. No reason to get rid of them. I think your niece and nephew would love a basket next year it’s only 6 months away.
If your niece and nephew would still enjoy those toys, keep them and use them! Better than having to purchase them again at a higher price. Put them with the Easter things so you don’t forget about them. If they have outgrown those toys, put them in the yard sale and find something else next Easter they will love.
1'st your doing so well on this journey however, in my opinion, my thoughts as we go into winter simply let go of any yard sale items do not save till next year & same with the bins/ totes- having empty bins / totes then im feeling your like oh empty i can fill it...just saying!Remeber to experiences from family & friends so mch better than more toys/ things/ stufff!!!!!😉🇨🇦
For a quick project that your husband and kids can do, off camera, I would suggest sending them into their areas of the basement and garage, and asking them to quickly look and see if they can spot anything they'd like to add to the yard sale. It doesn't have to take them much time, just a quick walk through with an empty bin or two close at hand, spot something, put it in the bin and go on. I bet that 15 minutes or half an hour will provide you with quite a few things for your next sale.
Idea - please use the garage sale money to fix that leak in the Christmas cave. If you asked for donations to food bank or $ for food bank, your subscribers would step up.
Yes, please. Winter is coming. I don't want Mr & Ms 💛 to be stressed going into it.
You've done so well this year, especially given the big life events (surgery, job change, churn from the storage unit). Congrats on being able to handle everything with grace!
You've talked for a long time about creating a crafting space for yourself, but always "when the basement is clear". I suggest that you modify that goal to "clear ENOUGH", and go ahead & create that space - even if it's just for the holidays. You've made space for your boys to play & your husband to exercise already, and nearly everything you have left is in organized boxes.
Consider it a trial run, to help you figure out what your long-term craft space will need. It will also give you a chance to use up some of those craft supplies, which is a different type of decluttering. It's also a form of completing the task - and of course it would make for a fun video series!
And it'a also a well-deserved reward... we should never wthold those from ourselves during recovery. Doing so is a means of self-sabotage!
Toss/donate the Easter things . The children you brought them for will be older next Easter and there will be a new to craze. Your doing great really enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work.xx
Flatten those boxes now. Keep only 3 or 4. Every hoarder I know saves cardboard boxes. There are always more. Tina, Al's wife
Yes, that helps me. Recycle the damaged ones, use the ok ones for donations so you can drop off the whole thing, nest the good ones if you can or store flat in a specific area. With plastic bins and boxes, I nest all of them with lids in one and keep them in a specific area to reuse.
Yikes, hold on! Just flatten them. No need to just keep "3 or 4" when Ms. Heart needs them to get rid of things on a large scale- and is usually thrifty with her budget. 3 or 4 is not realistic for this size project.
@ros8986 With the amount of things in the house and future macro to micro sorts, I think that is too hasty for us to say! Ms. Heart is doing mostly broad sorts. I think she is going to need those containers. And they are very expensive to replace these days.
To have a stock of flattened stack or line-up of boxes to seal with trash, giveaways, donation is nothing to worry about. And a kind of strange thing to focus on. after all the cardboard boxes are an economical tool for getting rid!
But I think it is an easy target for those of us who want to help Ms. Heart. It is easy for us, I think, to get stuck in a "get rid or everything" mindset, even when it may not the be the wisest advice because of the scale of her project. The girl needs containers! At least with this, let's not give her something so extra to worry about.
That she has a stock of handy boxes for the future or this project is a SUCCESS and positive!! 📦💫✨
Cardboard also attracts bugs and moisture and gets smelly over time.
@TheMeganExperience and stuff inside gets damaged if the basement gets wet
What are you thinking about the larger items in the basement these days? The old sewing machine and vacuum, exercise bikes, the dresser with party stuff in it, etc. I notice they've been kicking around for years, but maybe aren't used or the best way to store items vs. moisture-proof plastic bins. I feel like so much space would free up with those out of the way!
Ms. Pepper was such a supportive assistant today! She was so cute (for I'm sure, sweet relief) during the paper sort. And she was sure ready for action to monitor that bug! 🐯 Ms. Heart, I think she is learning and improving on this project same as you! What a smart kitty she is! 🐾
Don’t worry about the negative comments, judging. We know you are taking big steps every single week!!!! Never stop these videos, I love them!!!
Just donating or posting the items for free pick up and recycling all the boxes help. Silver bugs spawn from cardboard. Switching to all plastic totes will decrease the ammount of bugs and dust and also makes you less scared incase the basement fluds again bc you can just whipe the plastic dry and everything is safe.
Kind regards a fellow recovering hoarder
I hadn’t thought of this! We’ve been seeing some silverfish lately and a lot of our cardboard boxes are 26 years old! A lot of them are old Avon or office paper boxes that my mom is somewhat attached to. Thankfully she’s starting to become more open to switching to plastic containers! Once we can find the right sizes to switch out I think the cardboard will be gone!
My son's school counselor had a "pirate box" and kids earned rewards for good behavior. The school loved getting donations of small toys, new pencils, stickers (the stuff from bday goody bags, etc.). See if they'd like the Easter toys! Kids don't care what season it is when it's a new-to-them toy!
💜Empty boxes need to ALL go! Start to use your empty plastic bins for sorting....which I know you have a significant stash of (yes, I am a super fan and watch all your episodes). Also, stop the churn. The sort and purge needs to happen where the decision is made. Make your rule of NOTHING goes down to the basement if the decision is made somewhere else in the house for anything that is recycling or donations. 💜
YES YES YES!
Are you making suggestions or giving orders? That's a lot of imperatives...
You and Ms. Pepper did a great job! Have a blessed weekend . ❤️👍
It's amazing how quickly you're able to make decisions now. So happy for you!
Proud of you for taking the trash out right away! That's GREAT!
I have been watching this declutter the basement series since it started - are we looking at maybe 1 and a half year?? I’m just curious - have you completely gone through everything now??? Or are there still items that you haven’t dealt with yet?? This is classic decluttering using the onion method - you go through everything once and when your done you start again but can make quicker decisions because you are building up your decluttering muscles and recovering in your hoarding xx
I think the same thing! I think the only part of the basement she has not shown us yet is the front right section (where there are pictures hanging on the wall). She’s come close to there but never fully done that spot I think. So once she finishes this back section she is on, the boys play area and that front right area - I think she should have pretty much everything in a labeled bin where she can do huge konmari declutters and have things organized better! Like the baby toys! I can’t wait until she does that! 😊
If they put it in their declutter bins from their room. I wouldn’t question, just declutter it.
I think I remember these are the things the kids were unsure about or couldn't handle at the time, so it is kind of a place for them to visit and play with them again. The basement just isn't at that stage yet.
Pepper is so funny 😂 My cst likes paper bags too.
I have completed decluttering the basement! It was full of 60 years worth of stuff! I have four sections I went through. The work area (where tools and equipment is), the toy room, the laundry room, and the “dark room (the bulb was just replaced so now it is light!). My nephew still has to go through his plushies and toys but he is ready! I have to deep clean the basement too. We replaced our oil tank for our heating so now the new one is outside and there is a LOT more room!😄
Put it in your Easter bin. Write yourself a note on your calenders reminding yourself to gift those to you niece and nephew. 👍❤️
Pepper in that paperbag is so cute❤❤❤
😂 cat in bag. Its like its a universal cat trait, Pepper is so cute! 💖
You’re doing great chica! Banning cardboard boxes is going to be your next big accomplishment and helping tool
I'm curious, have you stopped bringing items downstairs to stop the basement from being recluttered? Anything decluttered from upstairs should leave the house immediately..
Yeah, it seems like it is just delaying the decluttering. Should be a rule that anything decluttered from upstairs cannot go downstairs.
@@ikrobiee I think it must be very hard to balance that while her hubby has the shift he has. Ms. Heart has to do a lot while balancing the family's schedules, school, church, content for this channel, etc. In the best of organized families, things get put into closets, garages, etc.
Only consider that Ms. Heart has this going on constantly. It must be an unending job. (Not to mention how hard it can be, and how much time and effort it takes to sell online and in yard sales.) And I can sympathize with how, just like anyone, things don't have the perfect flow out of the house.
Add to that that clutter makes it difficult to deal with clutter. So, I think the progress Ms. Heart is making will only help the process go smoother and smoother. Less stuff will make it easier to see what needs to be done. Her "small bites" approach is leading to BIG results in the basement (even with DIY challenges and the dust) and I think it's great! Brava, Ms. Heart! 🌻✨
Thats probably the goal but sometimes life gets busy. Gotta find a realistic balance
I suggest flattening those boxes so you have less visual clutter. Besides, boxes get wet and ruin the stuff inside. Since you don’t really give things to goodwill you don’t need boxes. You have plenty of bins for storage and yard sale items. 😊
I think she does donate to gw or similar. The leftover yard sale items get donated. And donating good tubs is a waste at this point. (Not to mention the cost of the good and large ones have skyrocketed.) Plus, I am unsure Ms. Heart has empty tubs!
She has many, many empty totes - in all colors - she has 14 just from the garage sale - tons for sorting or even for donating if she wanted. She did not donate the remainder of items from the garage sale - they are in other bins beside the house for next month’s garage sale.
True. She didn't donate in the last yard sale but she usually does.
Playing with Pepper Kitty...cute ! You might put the Easter gifts with your Easter decorations to keep them. As for the old T-shirts you could cut out the logo on the front of the shirts into a square , save the logos to sew onto a blanket or quilt to keep. You could flatten out the cardboard boxes and put some of the flattened boxes up against a wall...you can always tape the bottom of the boxes again when you actually need a box.
I'd either put the Easter toys in the Easter bin or put it with your gifts to give away bin.
Or donate to a womens centre or to the kids school as prizes in the kids class or to a charity!
I love seeing Pepper with you, happy cat 😽 I also like very much to see the tossy tossy go to the curb or the bins and the rest in their propper places like the drawers in this video. Makes me happy ☺
Good job! When you start working with the boys on their area, I'd encourage you to pull out some of those old empty yard sale bins and let them start a few sentimental bins. They are getting older, and may not want to continue managing some of their little kid toys, but may not be quite in a place of getting rid of them. This would allow them to set up their area for their right now life.
Will you remember next year that you have the Easter toys? If not, then donate.
Maybe make Memories boxes for the boys to put their sentimental toys into that they’re not ready to get rid of, if you haven’t already ❤
Idea for the Easter stuff: look up what date Easter is in 2025, and schedule a reminder in you calendar 1 month earlier (maybe with a 1 week reminder) that you already have these things for your nephews and nieces, then store them in a labeled box ("Easter gifts") with the Easter items.
Shopping is just done extra early~ 😊
Out of curiosity, I looked it up: Easter 2025 is on Sunday, April 20th. Maybe schedule electronic reminders for 3/20 & 4/13?
I'm cheering you on! I'm so inspired by your persistence in moving forward~
Another huge pile going, well done. It’s an interesting thought, the boys bringing their stuff down to basement cause it’s where you sort, and I thing you’re right. Miss Pepper 🐈 is loving that bag, like all cats love bags and boxes. I think you could use the cardboard boxes for donations as you sort more in the basement. You have plenty of totes for all your sorting. Keep up the wonderful work. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🐈🦄
So excited for the day when you could get shelves for the basement to help kee everything organized! Helps you access all bins so you don’t have to take bins off of bins to get to the bottom bin etc, also may help avoid piling stuff since you’ll have more organized towers haha
Perhaps it's time to flex your decluttering muscles a bit more and move past the baby steps decluttering. Perhaps completely clear that play area again, if the boys are still using it. Design a plan to get the basement into a usable state with nice flooring, ceiling and walls. Once the basement is done, you can start on another area of the house like the garage and perhaps you could start working with other hoarders in their homes to help them. There will be many more filming opportunities once the basement is done, so don't let that hold you back. Good luck.
Nice work on the basement!👏👏👏👏👏👏 If your niece and nephew are still young enough to be interested in those toys, save them with your Easter decor🐣- when you go to decorate for Easter, you will find the gift items, and can make baskets then. If they’re past that stage, sell/donate the items immediately, and buy nothing for them until you know you’ll be seeing them. Get new, age-appropriate gifts only if you’ll need them. You could also float the idea of paying for some sort of experience they’d enjoy, rather than gift items. If possible, make it an outing with your kids, so the cousins get to do something fun together.
I would keep the toys for next Easter just because no one is really looking for Easter toys in October. Might be hard to actually declutter them the way you like instead the landfill. If the kids do outgrow the toys like other comments are saying there are other younger kids out there.
🐰I would keep those toys for easter! make sure you stick them straight away in your easter stuff so they don’t get lost again 😊 I am so proud of you! I am going to work on mine tomorrow, you have inspired me.
I would keep the Easter things if they will still "fit" the kids next year. You have some greatl stuff for garage sale (that dead bug should go for top dollar 😂). Good job of decluttering. ❤
PAPER PAPER PAPER. If only we could transform them ourselves into napkins, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper….rather than shredded bits for recycling. LOVE YA, Jersey Gal 😍🤗.
Enjoy the leaves changing colors. Isn’t it beautiful!😻
Great job! I can't wait until you can set up a craft space!
Great job! You've inspired me to go declutter for a bit on this rainy day. You should feel so proud of your progress!!
Nice decluttering session!! Keep it up🎉🎉
💜Once your kids decide they don't want something, that's where you as mom comes in and make the decisions and action steps for recycling/ trash/ donate without delay. Stop the churn. It's slowing down your progress. We really want to see an updraft in easy progress. 💜
I just wanted to say, I love your videos so much. I truly look forward to them every single week. So much so that I come home from work every Monday & Friday and make my husband change the channel to TH-cam so we can watch your new videos together and he does because he knows I love to watch them!! I am not a hoarder. In fact, if there is an opposite of being a hoarder, I think I may be that. I love the feeling of decluttering and organizing. It is fun to me and makes me happy. I stay on top of my organizing and parting with things I don’t need, (just because it happens to be easy for me) so I get my satisfaction by watching other people declutter (and sometimes even helping them!). Your videos are always so satisfying to me, and I love that your videos are REAL!! you are human and making huge progress by little steps everyday. I’ll admit, sometimes I get sad when your video ends because my own selfish feelings that I wish you had decluttered a bigger section- but I just end up watching the video over and over again until I am satisfied!! LOL. But it is just so interesting to hear your thought process, your healing journey on top of being really satisfying to watch! My parents divorced when I was young, and I think that’s when i developed the idea that having less stuff was always better because it’s less that I would have to carry back and forth between their houses every week. That was a long time ago and I live with my husband now but those same tendencies have carried on. You have honestly taught me that it is OKAY to have stuff as long as you are intentional and within your means. Some of these comments are a little bit tough, maybe tough love but I hope you don’t let them bring you down. The channel at the end of the day isn’t about decluttering it’s about HEALING ❤️🩹 and as long as you are making progress for your mental health, happiness and family, that is ALL that matters. Keep having yard sales because that’s what helps you! Keep your boxes and bins until youre ready to let them go! I also think you should hold on to the Easter stuff too because it will be a nice gift next year that you won’t have to re purchase! 😁😁 Anyways - I pray that you always remember your progress, that you have come so far and you are so inspiring to so many people! Love you Mrs. Heart!! ❤🦄
I think the boys were picking up the habit of not following through. They need to learn that once they have finished a declutter session to actually finish by getting rid of the items there and then
Exactly, and they are teenagers now. They should be able to throw out old markers or crayons.
Keep going because you're doing really well! I do agree that anything seasonal that u choose to hold onto should immediately go into the seasonal decor box, then as u approach that season u can do another review. But everything else that u r holding onto for a future yard sale should be donated immediately since there is a greater risk for relapse. Ask yourself if the pennies u might make on the sale are worth the potential anxiety of keeping in your home. I have to do this all the time. ❤❤❤
@JennSturtz Yes, so true. And I also wonder how the clutter could add to anxiety and discomfort levels of others who live in a space with a hoarder. Some people become depressed living amongst the hoard of another. No one person is more important than the family unit as an entirety.
What a fantastic tossy tossy pile!
Pepper is really asking for attention today, so cute
Seven Strategies in Every Best-Seller - I remember when you decluttered that from your living room years ago and I thought "I must get that book!" It's a good book - thanks for letting me know about it. Hopefully someone else will be just as inspired this time around.
Great job….you are making such progress 😊❤️
💜Keep the Easter stuff, but stop the churn. 💜
I think the kids take the things down to the basement, because (unless it's easy trash) the parents are the ones who do the last decision making and actually do the getting rid of. It's also good to be able to distance themselves from the things to see the items with fresh eyes.
I remember going through big phases of getting rid of things myself (much to my mother's chagrin) and honestly I got rid of some things I now regret years later! So it can be a good thing for parents to help make these decisions or to slow them down to make sure they are wise and well considered. It's okay to hold some things in reserve if you have the space.
Some people have the luxury of an attic or even a toy room (ie: Mansions) to keep everything foreves, so I don't think it's abnormal or normal to have stuff for nostalgia. It's human! It depends on curcumstances and what helps or hinders a person, and that's the difference.
I just hope you don't let your kids know too much of your anxiety about whether or not they may have this problem in the future. I think expressing confidence in them is key. Because isn't that what parents are thanked for in all the best award acceptance speeches? Confidence! 💛🌻💫
I'd save the toys for next easter
I love you Miss Heart and your videos are amazing. I noticed you’ve been losing weight since you stopped working. I think you’re just working so hard!!! You look great - don’t mean to get personal It’s a compliment ❤
I am going through my home and declutterring it! I have a lot of stuff to go through but I am going around every room in the house!
Great job…. Im wondering if you had the clear boxes and the bags of straw to make easter baskets to put the easter gifts in the clear bins and give them that way ❤
Thank you for the video, your progress is huge!❤
I have a genuine question as a super organizer (and keeping in mind that we work very differently). What would happen to you if you moved everything into one corner, then taped off sections with duct tape on the floor, and only put corresponding and sorted bins into each section, with the end goal being everything in it's own little square?
For me, the chipping away would be maddening, because there's no area that screams "kon Mari only" in there. I mean, you have the yard sale bins generally in the same area, but some still get missed, most toys are in one corner, but there's no clear delineation.
After an initial "big shuffle", of marking out sections on the floor and moving sorted bins into their categories, you could still do baby step decluttering every week.
I just ask because, like i said, for myself, i would feel like I'm only treading water with no one area "done -done". I get that different brains work differently, just curious how that system would make you feel.
I think that she is getting to the point where she has almost touched every single thing in the basement and put everything in labeled bins. Maybe once that is done and everything is at least in a labeled bin, she will do big KonMari method declutters and working on having more “complete” spaces! Idk if that makes sense but I do understand what you’re saying bc I used to have those same feelings when I would declutter myself!
2 paws up from Miss Pepper ❤
if I get stuck at a decision, I usually either ask my partner to make one, then if I have a negative feeling towards his choice I veto it. But the fact that he steps in helps clarify things for me. If I'm doing it by myself, I prefer either making an "unsure" pile for later, or putting it in "keep" for another iteration of decluttering later. Sometimes we don't have the resources to make all the decisions right then and now, and it's better to give ourselves time so as not to force ourselves, not only to throw things away, but also to make the decisions.
Flattering out boxes will make space, only take a moment to tape up . Put Easter stuff in yard sale ❤
Pepper was waiting on tHe paper bag 😂
3 minutes after posting and I'm already here. I love your channel so much ❤
You are doing so well. Maybe bring one son down at a time and have him go through his stuff. Remove his throw aways and bring down the second son to do the same. ❤❤❤
Keep the Easter things in your gifting section - put a reminder in your calendar - if you have a paper calendar write at the back of this years and when you get to December and get a new calendar you can transfer the detail over to next years to remind yourself!
Today's makeup look is beautiful. It suits you really well.
def. keeping the easter stuff. you dont have to give everything away right away. thats a good reason to keep. but put it somewhere were you will find it and use it for gifts this time
Would you consider donating the future garage sale items to a hospice thrift store? Would save you so much time and open up your space more. Great toss, tossy today.
She probably would have the yard sale and donate the money to hospice. She never keeps the money, always donates to charity. The reason she does the yard sale has to do with her hoarding disorder. She has to do it that way right now because of her nerves.
Yard sales got me in trouble. The last time, after working on getting ready for 2 weeks, I made $75. Was it worth it? No. At the end of it, we were giving stuff away just to get rid of it. The books were taken to McKays and I got a credit while the rest was loaded up in the cars and we made 4 trips to the thrift stores. It was just nice to have it all gone.
Great declutter
Great job as always
If the Easter toys are no longer age appropriate, I would donate or get rid of it in your next garage sale.
I would strongely encourage you to break down all cardboard boxes and recycle immediately. And also, sell all of your empty bins as it's holding you back, allowing you to hang onto more things or churn things.
Miss Pepper in the paper bag ❤
Put the Easter things in the Easter bin.
I think it would be really helpful if you took a bit of time out to get all the empty boxes, bins, organisers etc sorted out and easier to reach when you need one.
Another great declutter ms Heart. It's really amazing how far you have come. Fingers crossed for another fall yard sale
Comments here have been very strong and it’s like many have decided to voice their true opinion in this particular video. Maybe it’s the awareness of the churning? Is this like an intervention or tough love?
Maybe many are stuck and need a new direction, so I’m voting for a switcheroo for Ms Heart and I really like the idea of Ms Heart creating the craft station down stairs! That sounds super exciting! I think enough space has been cleared down there to make it happen. What do you think everybody? A beautiful craft station in the near future? ❤❤❤😊
I suggest adding the unused Easter items to your yard sale pile. The kids will be a whole year older next year. You’re doing great!
Good job! I love watching your videos!
It's so funny that you found gifts you meant to give. I just got done fussing at my mom about doing this. Unfortunately, due to life our family holidays have changed quickly in the last 2-3 years. In our family, the tiny kids have always gotten presents from older generations, BUT we no longer get together so she has this pile of Christmas presents meant for 2nd cousins and great nieces and nephews. I think if you know you'll see them, hold on to them. Or give them as a fun Halloween gift to get them out of your house NOW. If you bought them for you to feel good yourself but don't really have a close relationship with them, donate them or give them to a school for treasure box items. (And I don't mean that as a negative, making yourself feel good. I just know that I buy things a lot of time because it makes me happy even though the other person could take it or leave it.) In the future, I would definitely not buy anything unless you know you are seeing that person in the next month, buy it, package it, and have it ready to give to them.
Toss the Easter stuff. Chances are it will get stashed again. I hope the October yard sale happens.
It seems like more work to bring trash downstairs than to just walk it outside.
Great job beautiful lady congratulations 🎊 🥳 💜🦄
I would keep the toys with the Easter decor and donate if they are not gifted for 2025 Easter.😊
Lots of that stuff can go in the next yard sale but then--get it gone! Nest the cardboard boxes together for use on yard sale day. Be sure to buy some more plastic sheeting at the hardware or paint store to cover it all & secure with rocks or heavy objects.
You’re doing a great job!
You should have a yardsale expiration date like after Thanksgiving no more yard sales, anything leftover gets donated and as you keep decluttering through the winter you'll have more for next year's yardsales for sure!
She needs the yard sales for a closure. Without them, she would keep way more things. Yard sales helps her to deal with her hoarding which we should remember is a mental disorder.
@@merrivideo I know. I was throwing this out there as a new closure idea. Maybe I change should to could!
I would put the Easter items on the towns giving page. Someone would probably still enjoy them.
How to catch a cat - place a bag or box out😂. Great job again ❤
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I think you should put the Easter toys in the Easter bin. They are still good. No reason to get rid of them. I think your niece and nephew would love a basket next year it’s only 6 months away.
See if in your community theirs a shred-a-thon or shredding company then can simply drop off😉
See if there is already other Easter gifts in the Easter box, otherwise it is okay to keep them if you wish
Hello from Germany hi Miss Heart and miouw pepper 😻🎉🎉🎉🎉
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I have to clean before getting my apartment sprayed for bugs.
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If your niece and nephew would still enjoy those toys, keep them and use them! Better than having to purchase them again at a higher price. Put them with the Easter things so you don’t forget about them. If they have outgrown those toys, put them in the yard sale and find something else next Easter they will love.
1'st your doing so well on this journey however, in my opinion, my thoughts as we go into winter simply let go of any yard sale items do not save till next year & same with the bins/ totes- having empty bins / totes then im feeling your like oh empty i can fill it...just saying!Remeber to experiences from family & friends so mch better than more toys/ things/ stufff!!!!!😉🇨🇦
Miss heart where did u get your triangle 3 hole punch? I been hunting since I saw you use it. I cant find the 3 hole version anywhere