This is how I live, people think you’re crazy because you do so much housework but they are the crazy ones I just have a place for everything. My Aunty once told me, before you go to bed straighten your pillows in the lounge room, put the kids toys away, tidy the kitchen and if someone knocks at your door early your home is tidy. I have done this for 52years.
I used to keep a clean and very organized home, but I became disabled. Just making a simple meal, doing a single load of laundry, or taking a shower requires an enormous amount of my energy and I'm no longer able to keep a tidy house. I do what I'm able to do on any given day, and tasks pile up until I'm able to do them or until I can get someone to come and help me. It's not ideal, but I'm tying to learn how to be gentle with myself about not being able to maintain the standards I want.
Everyone needs to determine what "tidy" means to them and not get stressed if your home doesn't look like a magazine photo. Keep basic clean as best you can and then enjoy life!
I hear ya. After a motorcycle went out of control and landed on me and my friend, leaving us both severely and permanently injured (The guy who hit us was not hurt at all!), I just couldn’t keep up with chores. My friends were worn out from taking me to dr, bringing me food,etc. 15 yrs ago yesterday this happened, leaving me with PTSD and agoraphobia, with the fear that something came out of nowhere and hurt me and could happen again. I struggle every day to rebuild my life and work constantly just to keep my head above water. I’m so much better with coping skills I’ve learned, but still scarred and have developed other health issues besides multiple broken bones. I am out of the wheelchair at least, but if I fall or have another even slight injury, I will return. It’s weird how things being in disarray in the past would make me crazy, I now have to almost ignore, if I’m to keep my sanity. I have to give myself permission to accept that this is my new reality. Not ideal, but I do find joy with crafts, critters, and light gardening. I can’t stand or walk for long. I balance myself with weight on one leg, so most people have no idea how hurt I am. My friend lost one of his legs in the wreck, so at least I have both legs! A few months ago, I was attacked by a redneck about parking in handicap spot. He didn’t see my hang tag, I guess, and proceeded to try to humiliate me saying I took a spot from someone who was in a chair…that I was upright, blah blah. I said you don’t know me and what I’m dealing with. I’ve been called a cripple, a gimp…He kept on as I walked toward the store, hanging on the cart. He threatened to slash my tires! I finally had enough and told him to STFU and I went in to store telling customer service about what happened. I began to cry because I felt victimized all over again. Guess I needed to get this out, as this time of year I get sad to think that I cannot do things I used to do, like walk into a store without something to steady me or getting attacked I focus on manageable chores a few at a time and small areas where I don’t get overwhelmed. A lot of self talk helps me but I also struggle with ADHD that I already had prior to injuries. Counseling really helped me get to where I am. If you’re reading this, you must be a kind person not to have moved on to a shorter post. Lol
Except don't put away my tools and materials for the DIY, job i'm doing..... There is a f**king reason why that pile of stuff is precisely ordered the way it is. And if i'm fixing your laptop, and you decide to tidy away the screws that are laid out as a map in the order they were removed, do not expect me to put it back together.
I think there needs to be a balance between an obsessively clean home and an over cluttered dirty home. Example, I am not going to wash my curtains weekly or clean every surface of my home daily or every second day. My home is neither spotless nor dirty or over cluttered. It’s lived in with five humans and one dog as well as a couple of fish. Life is far too short to obsess over cleaning. Regardless of how spotless our homes are, we’re still only here for a short time. Live life and be happy. Spend time with those you love the most.
My mother was obsessive about cleaning our home and yard. It’s all she did and never seemed to enjoy anything in life. She was always sweaty and exhausted living on coffee and cigarettes. Us kids basically lived outside while she cleaned away day and night. I never learned how to clean and have an aversion to it because of my upbringing. It’s odd, isn’t it? I grew up in an immaculate home but really don’t know what is normal vs excessive cleaning. I keep up with the basics but I get angry inside when I clean. I’m trying to find a balance between clean and tidy without the stress and anger associated with it.
I love this! My home is clean enough. When people stop by I don't apologize for the messes and some clutter because my family is busy and happy. I am trying to be more aware of not bringing extra things in that we don't need. Balance is definitely the answer.🥰
I have a friend who wants to emulate my home hitch I find bizarre as it’s just lived in but relatively tidy ( we do live in it), but she does have 3 teenage boys - enough said! I have no problem with people dropping by they take me as they find me, but I would love to get rid of a lot of things and live a minimalist life.
@@adoptedscot So, a friend of mine commented about my home, saying it is pleasant. I found this to be a compliment. She was saying it feels good to be here. I'm a life coach and prof home organizer. I think what you might have success with is tackling one small area at a time if there's things you want to get rid of. If someone wants to emulate your home, they may like your no stress home.feel, which is a compliment to you.😁👍
When you get rid of the clutter that has been taken of value space in your home. It feels so good. There are two times in my life I gave away almost all my stuff. (Due to a move) I noticed it was very hard to give it away. I was emotionally tied to it. But once it was done, it freed me up and made my life easier to manage. Once you get rid of it you won’t miss it and you will have a manageable life.
There are tricks-to-the-trade! Tidying up before you go to bed only takes a few minutes. In the morning it feels like you’ve got a jump on the day because you’re starting with a tidy house. I’ve raised 4 kids and all of them know how to clean as well as me. I taught them, when they were small, that everyone has a responsibility to keep our home clean. Now that I’m a grandmother I still follow the same principles. I have a schedule that goes from daily, weekly, seasonal, and yearly chores. For instance, seasonally, I clean my closets and replace the items I need for that season. I touch-up the paint throughout my house (4,000 square feet) with a small paintbrush. This takes me less than 15 minutes and my home always looks new! I split my house up in sections (I’m not as fast as I once was) and vacuum a section a day. I clean all my bathrooms on the same day. Because I do the basics everyday they never get out of control. It takes me about an hour of time to maintain my house everyday. I hate doing laundry so now I wait unit I have a load and then do it. I’d rather do one load at a time instead of an entire day of doing nothing but laundry. The tasks I hate the most I do first. I do all the filter cleaning (dishwasher, washing machine) the first of every month because it helps me to remember! I use Christmas and Easter for my semi-annual cleaning jobs. Little jobs are always easier and faster than waiting until the entire house is a wreck to do them. When I plan to travel, I always clean BEFORE I leave. It’s always a relief to come home to a clean house!
Yes, cleaning as you go! Make dinner, clean everything as you use it, go watch TV in piece because there's no pile of washing up left over for you to get resentful at your spouse over.
The best part of the video that struck a chord with me was when you said why can't we keep our home as neat and clean always for ourselves to enjoy, as we want our visitors to see...
Staying on top of little tasks is HUGE. Keeping a clean space clean is less time and effort than letting it get gross and then trying to get back to clean.
You got it! People with tidy homes don't shop as a hobby. They don't buy a surplus of items or keep a roomful of extra supplies & food. They buy only what's needed & maybe 1 back up . Whenever a new item is brought into the home, an old item goes out! It's sometimes hard to do, you don't always feel like doing it, but it is the answer to an always tidy home:)
I don't shop as a hobby. But I do kept extra staples around - so we always have a ready package of paper towels or toilet paper, and storage bags for the kitchen, aluminum foil, etc., around. for when something runs out. (We have drawers and cupboards where these things live.) And I don't take something out when something new comes in. (More often than not, the new thing coming in is a book... ;) Although at times we do make an effort to cull - mostly so we can keep our "Free Little Library" and our neighbors' Free Little Libraries - well stocked.
And financial freedom!!!! As a financial planner I see how “little” purchases can make you poor REALLY fast. Imagine spending $5 a day on coffee then realize that is $1,825 a year!!! Even if home coffee costs $825 then what would you do with an extra $1,000 a year?
That attitude will have you reliant on someone else to help you out when the SHTF. Every household should have food and supplies put aside to cover at least one month.
When I was decluttering 'big time' I took digital pictures of unused & stored-out-of-sight sentimental items. I also prayed over all items before sharing with a charitable group...that the next 'steward of my stuff' will be blessed & have a happy life. Doing these 2 things made & still makes letting go a breeze! ♡
I recently enjoyes many items, all were clean, in go I d condition, some of them I purchased earlier thus year. I donated them to a resale shop that as all volunteers there. There are no high paid excutives and the items are priced reasonably . The employees appreciate all the donated items. It made me feel good knowing that someone could be blessed by my donations
I love that idea! What a beautiful way to raise your vibrational energy and bring good to all. I bet that doing that ritual really does help in the letting go process. I will do the same, thanks for the tip.
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing it; I think this will be helpful in helping me let go of some sentimental items that I really have no use for but struggle to let go.
I’m a clean and tidy person ; so I was curious to see how closely your ideas describe my character/personality traits . And, you described me perfectly! I had at one time allowed 5 people to live with me in my 6 bedroom home; I’m happy to report all 5 including their damn 3 dogs are no longer living here. I kicked them out ! I clean up the mess I make as I’m making them . I don’t allow any dirty dishes to be left in the sink. I had a guess who used the toilet. And sure enough, he left a stain on the “outer rim” of the toilet !! I was mortified ! I’m 68 and live alone - and loving it! I no longer need to remind people to clean up after themselves. Everything in the house has a place; I know where everything is.
But one person living in a 6 bedroom home, maybe time to sell it to a family with children, you have a choice but I’m sure I’ll hear the usual it’s my home I’m not leaving, why should I but also probably don’t want affordable housing in your area which I don’t blame you it’s not the answer. But I feel the old folks holed up in homes many who can’t maintain them and everyone else watching a valu blame resource go back to the dirt, then only corporate can afford to repair or replace it. Why old folks feel nothing for new families saddens me deeply, it seems extremely selfish much like a child who won’t share any toys…I wonder if kindness digresses because of fear….your comment has deeply saddened me
Joshua ~ You are so right! I make the one or two minute thing a game. If I put something in the microwave for 1 min, I see what tasks I can do...I can refill the dog's waterbowl, wash a few dishes, fold some laundry or dispose of unwanted mail. I love the challenge ~ it's fun. I actually follow all 5 of your suggestions because it brings me peace and joy to have a tidy home.
Years ago I adopted a mind set to never leave the room empty handed meaning take something with you that belongs in the room your heading to. It’s so much easier to keep everything in its place.
😊Hi. Years ago, I learned “a place for everything and everything in its place.” I learned to put things back where they belong before they left my hand. It doesn’t happen over night, it’s a process. But, I was determined and now many years later I’m so thankful I have these wonderful disciplines.
The one minute task is a game changer 👊 Since the death of my husband I have fallen behind removing unwanted clutter - My mindset being “What’s the point?” Your video has been a timely nudge - thank you
Im so sorry for your loss. I've lost someone, too. Grief is consuming. When you are ready and able, start to take steps to give yourself the declutrered home you deserve. Joshua Becker is such a great help and motivator for this. I found that it was easy to build momentum decluttering once I started because I could feel how living in a decluttered environment felt much better. I hope it feels good for you, too ❤
Same here. Put on radio music and make it fun or I pick up a few items during commercials- ir breaks up the task but when the box or the bag is full it is immediately moved to the car for donating or to the trash can
I clean and organize my house for my own satisfaction and not to impress my company. I like walking in and being greeted by fresh smells and the pride I feel when i notice how much positive difference my recent efforts have made. If I have company drop by and they feel welcomed by that aura, that's good too! But I always keep my kitchen, bathroom and laundry area tidy. But other spaces are let go a bit more!
I actually clean after my guests leave. I could never understand why people wait for others to come over before they clean their own space. You should maintain it for yourself after all it is yours. It shows appreciation and gratitude.
Yes! I have said all along that decluttering is ongoing and never stops! It is for us as regular as cleaning the oven…If you do it often then it is a small task!
Keeping a tidy home keeps me calm and not feeling anxious. We like to be organized, I hate looking for things talk about a "time waste"! It makes me feel good when I look in the bedroom & the beds made, bathroom picked-up. When I get up in the morning who wants to look in a sink full of dirty dishes, now the food is really sticking to the dishes, more work. Our home wasn't this tidy when we worked, but now we're retired, and I have more time for projects in our home. Thanks for your words of wisdom...
Always do your dishes after you've eaten, clean up as you go along cooking. Clean bathroom every morning. Do washing once there's enough for a load, then fold and put away laundry as soon as dry. Make your bed every morning. Keep surfaces clear. Minimise belongings. Good job on the video!
My mum always said make a space for everything and put everything back in its space. It takes me half an hour to straighten up my living areas every day by following that rule.
Every morning my mother washed the floor of the kitchen and the scullery. After every meal she cleaned the top of the cooker, the worktops and the sink / drainer. Every spring the whole kitchen was refreshed, especially the inside and contents of cupboards. It all seemed like ritual and a lot of work but I always notice when a kitchen is not as clean.
Don't make your bed. It has to air. Even in the ww2 German handbook for soldiers is written to air your bed ( leave the sheets/blankets laying over your feet end of the bed) and make it in the afternoon. And open a window to let it air. It is against humidity.
@@gerhard6105 if you wash your linen regularly and keep the dust down and air the room you don't need to air your bed. Mine gets aired when I wash the linen.
I like that your videos are "minimal". You get right to the point, and are concise. I personally am a hot mess at times, but in the last year and a half, I've rid my house of at least 50% of our things. Some of it was just trash that I've never addressed, some of it was able to be donated. We don't need all that stuff, and I sure dont miss any of it.
My home isn’t perfect (and I’m currently only partially mobile after a hospitalisation) but in the past few years, I have realised that my guests come to see ME not my house! So stop stressing and if people call (even at short notice, as they know I’m poorly) then just be glad and thank them for coming! I never wanted a ‘show home’, just a home, and it has stuff in it. Mementoes of places, gifts from people I care about. I don’t want to chuck it (call it de-cluttering if you like, but I don’t). Concentrating so much in being perfectly clean and tidy is a waste of energy - I’m happy for my house to be clean enough and “lived in”.
Well, I have a lot (a lot!) of books, as well as a whole bunch of family photos. Luckily, there are bookshelves in most of the rooms of our house, so the books and pictures (the ones that aren't on the wall) have a place to live. And yes, I discovered as an adult (I'm nearly 70 now), that it really isn't necessary to have to "look for the scissors" every time you need scissors- you just have a spot where they always live. (My mother was definitely "not" organized). All that being said, I find the kitchen that Mr. Becker is recording from unrealistic, unless he just relies on take-out food. We have a toaster, a coffee maker, a coffee grinder, a Kitchen Aide mixer, a bread box, two containers for cooking tools (for non-stick pots and regular). And a knife block that holds 35 knives. And a microwave. Hauling what we need to cook a meal every time would be exhausting, to say the least. It's a working kitchen (and yes, we keep it clean), and it seems the height of inefficiency - and of caring more about form than function - to hide everything you use to cook away somewhere. (We do have a corner cupboard where our small appliances live). Just my two cents.
A fun kitchen is an efficient kitchen with everything you need for cooking very handy and you don't have to spend time pulling it out. It's okay to have small appliances and cooking tools on your counters. Yes, you keep it clean for safety reasons, but enjoy "cluttering" your counters with everything you enjoy about cooking.
This is how I live. I want to come home to my sanctuary where everything is calm & uncluttered. I love how there is a minimalistic flow, with only my favorite pieces out, so I enjoy my select pieces. Anyone who visits me loves my place and wishes they could be as clean & organized. It's really so easy. Keep it simple. I have two 6-shelf bookcases side by side in my living room, I am using 3 shelves & they hold my favorite things. I simply themed each shelf, but looking at them as a whole they all flow as one. I don't need to use each & every shelf & load them with stuff. I don't need to look at chaos, but the few things that just make me happy & stand out because they are simplified by less...is more
Great comments as always, Joshua. I'm reminded of the sayings, "Clean as you go', and "It's always easier to clean a clean house. I've mentioned before and will mention again that model/actress/author Isabella Rossellini told about her mother Ingrid Bergman telling the children, "Never leave the room empty-handed", and gave the examples of take a glass from your room back to the kitchen or return a magazine to the living room. For myself I've given away just over 50 books that I've never read and would only have read if I lived longer than I'm probably going to live. There's a twinge of sadness in not experiencing the reading of those books, but more than that I feel better at the removal of a burden and stress and at having more space and peace.
Your on point with your tips. I’ve been a neat freak as a kid. I’ve always modeled my home after model homes that are staged. The key is minimal. I don’t have excess decor, I’m constantly going through clothes we don’t need. Everything does have its place. I don’t lose things because things are not left lying around. I don’t like things on kitchen counter so I only have my coffee machine, dish rack and my Alexa just those three things, everything else is used as needed then put in cabinet. I always tell people, I can tell you exactly what’s in the house without me being there because of its placement. I’m big on organization. My pantry and closets are organized as well. The only thing that creates mess is my three dogs, I immediately clean up after them. My office at work is the same way, organized and clean. Fair to say there some OCD because I couldn’t function otherwise.
Teach your children from a very young age how to make their bed when they get up, hung up their clothes, pick up their toys, and let them help you etc…that means when you clean, when you cook, doing dishes etc. at a very early age they love to help…
When my granddaughter sleeps over she knows she can clutter my livingroom with the toys and crafts I have for her. She also knows when she is done playing everything is put away. She also knows when she picks up after herself without my asking, it makes me happy, and then I will team up with her to help with some of the overwhelming items.
My grand children were not taught to pick up after themselves. My daughters philosophy was just to love them. Now she’s reaping the consequences of this ridiculous decision. Can’t fix it now.
❤ that is me. Our 4 legged child (we are in retirement age) leaves her toys around and that is ok. They get put away and then she can still mess up when she wants to play. It is a home not a show house. Always tidying. A clean house is more important than her toys for play. 😂
This was something I struggled with until I discovered decluttering in 2016. So I felt like I was useless because I couldn't put everything in its place because it wasn't possible for everything to have a place. The clutter has never returned and I have a tidy home now. 🎉
I'm not very tidy, but recently, I tried to put things back in the same place! Its amazing how much less time one spends looking for something, if you can find it, immediately!
Joshua, Hubby & I are on the road to minimalism. Before someone would come visit, we asked people to give ys a wks notice, or we'd make excuses why we couldn't invite someone in...better yet we just wouldn't open the door. Since our journey started, we're still not there yet, but now we're down to a 24 hr or less notice. It feels so good to be able to pick up, sweep, mop, dust, & do a few other things in a matter of a couple of hrs vs days. Keep the inspiration coming. 😊
I used to practice nearly everything in this video until I moved back to my parents home two years ago. They offered to let me purchase it with the caveat that they could continue to live there. My dad has since passed, but he and my mom were married for 65 years and never got rid of anything for the very reasons mentioned in the video. Everything was saved because we were either going to need it someday, or it would be worth something. I've found that neither is true with most of this stuff. It was normal to me to be surrounded by clutter growing up. My mom kept the house clean, but we always had too much stuff. As an adult, I didn't live the same way. I had clean and minimal spaces, and rarely brought in things in that I didn't really need. I've been absorbed by my parents house. It's a beautiful Victorian, but it's so packed to the gills with everything one can imagine that it's overwhelming, and I've given up on trying to purge. All my efforts were thwarted while my dad was alive, and my mom just can't let go of anything. I've become depressed, and I've reached a point where I just try to ignore that I have no place to go home to where I'm not reminded constantly that I'll never be done with this project. The house is full of stuff. The yard is full of stuff, and so is the garage. It's like that movie "The Blob" where it just gets bigger and bigger, and whatever touches it just gets absorbed by it. I go to the gym, to work, and then I come home to an ongoing mess. I had no idea how out of control their hoarding had become until moving back. Whenever I think I've made a dent in it, it just gets filled in with more stuff. My life has no order anymore, and no real happiness. I'm glad that I can be here for my mom, and wouldn't have it any other way, but the toll of living in this world again after being free from it for so many years is showing on my face, and on my mental health. I don't know what to do, and even if I did, I wouldn't know how to start.
I know people who don’t like a home to be to neat and tidy not a dirty home but some people feel more comfortable in a house that looks lived in as a quest I feel more comfortable comfortable with a few scattered things around again not dirty but not a show room house .
When I was a young nurse in the 1980's, we were taught, no empty hands! Always attending to someone, or cleaning something, or studying . What I do find difficult now is that my husband does something he calls "surface filing" which means leaving his stuff on tables, sofas and chairs. My daughter dumps her stuff all over the place, not much has a home... I have given her baskets and bowls to contain her stuff, but it makes no difference. But I don't want to be a nag. Leading by example hasn't had any impact. I am now 63 and getting tired of it all. Love your videos, they give me hope that one day I will also enjoy the peace of a decluttered and tidy home.
I feel blessed that both my husband and I are on the same page with regard to keeping a tidy, clean home. It's not that we don't occasionally leave some mail on the table or some clothes on the dryer....however, if one of us leaves something like that for more than a day or two, the other will give a gentle reminder about it. We share cleaning responsibilities...Every other Tuesday, we go out to breakfast and come home, put on some music, and together we clean the house top to bottom.
They don't keep unnecessary items. They don't let cleaning tasks pile up. They don't overlook regular decluttering. They don't ignore designated space. They don't wait for company to clean up.
I have 7 now adult kids, and tho I’m no minimalist, I’ve had several come back to me and thank me for teaching them to make their bed when they get up, (I made it easy with just having a fitted sheet and a large easy to handle quilt, no fussing with a top sheet back then, to clean as you go in the kitchen, and to quit spending emotional energy on 1-2 minute jobs. I dislike unloading the dishwasher, complaining it “takes 10 minutes “… actually I set a timer and it took 90 seconds…..seriously…major lesson learned…what took 10 minutes was the internal emotional upheaval I put myself thru to do a job I disliked that took 90 seconds. So I now choose to not have an emotional reaction to doing quick jobs except to rejoice that they are DONE!
I like a clean and tidy home. However, many of the items in my home that I no longer use are attached to memories that bring me warm feelings so I will continue to put in the extra work it brings. As I age I realize that some decluttering may be necessary to help me manage more easily. To each his own.
All these rules sound good, but if you happen to have mobility issues & you're old without much energy & no help, you end up doing what you can. Things get out of control pretty quickly & it's hard to catch up!
Big deal is remembering where you left things. Be consistent where you put things. Key hanger for keys are good. When you come home put keys and c cards away as soon as you get home in the same place etc.
I will try my very best to maintain these things. FYI, you are the one who introduced me into practicing minimalism. I started last 2018, and it's not easy because I have experienced some reversions. But now I can proudly say that I try to practice it more seriously, especially now that I just retired and turned 61. I'm a subscriber from the Philippines and just wanted you to know that you are a great part of my minimalism journey.. 😊❤🖐👍!!
Joshua❤ THANK YOU- I love that your videos are short but you give us so much to think about and implement into our lives!! this video has made me truly realize that my house is in fact cluttered and I have a lot of work to do. Thank you.❤
I regularly pet sit for a family that lives in a $3.5 million, 5,000 sq ft. 5 bedroom, 5 bath house. (4 people total live in it: Mom, Dad, son & daughter). It is totally UNCLUTTERED. The house has no excess junk in it! The kitchen however, has LOTS of multiples, but it's all stored away. For example, there's two dozen spatulas, 6 cookie sheets, 3 pairs of scissors, 3 veggie peelers, 6 big ladles, 2 instant pots (6qt, 8qt), 2 blenders (a VitaMix and a Ninja), etc. Plus, a food pantry bigger than my bedroom with enough food for 3 years!
I have been watching your money series repeatedly and have made significant improvements 😇….. it will take 4 more months to get where I want to be … but thank you for reminding me that I’m not hopeless 🙏🏻
❤LOVE THIS!! Shared with all of my family-married kiddos and their families. Although the last time I did a big declutter my son called my husband and asked if I was okay? Was there something going on with me? 😆 🤣 Thanks for the motivation
This is great….and I’m getting there. It’s a process. The first one is what I struggle with…but I’m getting there. This video is a great reminder to me to stop bringing in unnecessary items. My home is, however, a much more peaceful place to live in…less stress. Thank you for this video!
@@Jack.of.all.learning Thank you! Much appreciated. After watching this video I went from room to room and took three items that were “unnecessary”…put them in a box and took them to the Salvation Army before I could change my mind. I’ll do this every weekend until I get down to necessities. I did that with my garage a few years ago and it’s so satisfying to pull my car into a tidy clutter free garage with just the few tools I need for gardening, a shop vac, and car cleaning products. Amazing how clutter and excess stuff can create stress in your life. Stay well 💜
@@lizzieb6311 Alright! I've been getting ready for a renovation which is almost worse than moving as far as "stuff" becoming inconvenient and have been purging a lot as a result. I agree less clutter is more peaceful.
@@Jack.of.all.learning Jack…buckle up. I did a full kitchen and bathroom remodeling job concurrently while living there. Using my 2nd bathroom to wash dishes was not ideal and felt incredibly disgusting. Plan on dining out if possible or at least paper plates (biodegradable ). My biggest advice - if you get annnoyed and ready to blow your stack due to the dust, noise, and people traipsing through your house all day: Walk away. As soon as you feel the pressure - go for a walk…a bike ride…something away from the mess. It’s a sanity saver 😉It will be worth it at the end…but it is stressful. With less clutter you've already tackled a big stressor during a remodel. The other thing…cover everything and INSIST they put down floor protection. You got this Jack!
The most relatable thing he said (because I do keep a very tidy home) is the one (or two :) minute rule It is the single best habit for keeping your house clean I’m always curious because it’s always based on minimalism and I’m not a minimalist at all. I like to think of myself style as Neo Edwardian :D It’s “full” without being cluttered and nowhere near minimalism. I have a lot of things around me that are there because I find them beautiful or pleasing in some way not just because they’re immediately useful - but that one minute rule that’s the main habit that keeps everything clean and looking good 👍🏻
I try to keep up to date on the little things so when big events come up the little chores don't add to the stress. Vacuum one room every day. Keep enough cat litter available! Pay bills as soon as they arrive. Fill the gas tank when it's half empty. Keep a $20 bill in your phone case. Keep a new car fob battery in the car. It ain't hard.
I don't do any "daily cleaning tasks", I clean as I go. I learned that from a grandma who could never track any task she'd left for later: once you get used to cleaning as you go, the amount of cleaning you need to do each time is tiny.
Hi, I get rid of craft supplies I haven't used in a year. I pass them on to other crafters. I trade houseplant cuttings so my indoor garden looks lush but not overgrown. We live in a 2BR condo near O'Hare airport so I need my indoor garden. Tina, Al's wife
I just gave away over 90%of my beading supplies. I never thought I would do that. I kept just a few items for a necklace I want to make and the beading tools. I've moved on....
One thing I have noticed is that people who are not sentimental have tidier homes. I am very sentimental so ai have framed photos of my great grandparents, grandparents and others that have passed in framed photos. The candle my great aunt made for me or the little teddy bear she bought for me when I moved to a giant city where I knew no one are on shelves.
I raised 4 kids mostly alone. Keeping house nearly killed me. I decided clean is different to tidy. A bit of mess never killed anyone but I remained clean with daily bed making and dishes habits. Daily load of washing put away when dry also.
It's easy to admire what seems hard. It's easy to envy whatever seems effortless. You finally made me feel this in my stomach, not just understand it in my head.
Housecleaning is overwhelming. I finally am taking the approach of clean as I go. Doing smaller tasks feel like I accomplished something. Before I know it the project is done.
Very good advice. Such a nice opposite to the very dangerous and overwhelming “ grocery and other supplies hauls” . People treating their houses as satellites storages for Walmart warehouses…
The COVID epidemic, economic and political conditions, and supply chain issues factor into the "hauls" habit. People want to feel secure in uncertain times, as well as to save money. My parents grew up in the 1930's Depression years; and as adults always had a stockpile of goods, behavior based on their memories.
@@barbarakelly1916😊My mother as a child waited in bread lines with a cold potato to snack on. So, by the time I came along she washed leftover tinfoil for reuse and bread bags before recycling was popular. Now, I crumble up tinfoil and toss in trash with joy!😂
I do all of these things, I have a routine. And when I need scissors, they are right in their home where they belong. Every time. I regularly drop off things at the thrift store, since clothes seem to be my most gathered item. Swedish death cleaning and minimalism is such a blessing to me. I always think, what if I got an accident and someone had to go to my house and they would say, this is how she lived? So I always leave it looking like a pretty little Airbnb😂 but that's what makes me happy!
I spend 1-1 1\2 hrs in the morning cleaning....kitchenbathroom everday, quick vacuum(all hard floors) steam mopping my bed and bathroom/kitchen every morning....yes everything has a place and never gets left out...i love to throw things out/ get rid of, it feels soo good...in fact my father tried to give me "binoculars" yesterday😂 i said, "why, ill never use them and they will become junk in a closet.....NO!"😂
One of the best organizational tips, as you said: a home for everything. Very important for kids and gets rid of frustration in finding things. A place for keys, mail, backpacks. Hang your coat etc. Easy habits. Great video.
My home is tidy and clean enough. I don't obsess over everything be spotless, so I don't spend much time cleaning. I kinda do it as I go. I do not clean anything every day. I do put things away most of the time - some things you can't put away every day, like a sewing or craft project. I do this for me, not for visitors. It's my home - what someone else thinks of it is irrelevant. I don't live in a magazine.
My mother always said “Everything has a place and everything in its place.” People make fun of how I labeled my cabinets and workroom, I’ve probably saved days, if not weeks, of my time searching unnecessarily for items I need to complete a task. Need it, got it, use it, return it.
When i was a kid, I'd make my bed while still in bed. Easiest clean up/tidy job to do. When i divorced, I'd tidy up the bed the same way. Why sweat the small stuff? Perfection is saved for when it's actually needed. If you're happy in your home that YOU have created, then so be it. If you want it cleaner or more organized, then do it. Dont be lazy about yourself. If your ocd, obsessed w cleanliness, worry what others think of a tiny stain on carpet but otherwise a clean home then you need to work on yourself to feel and be comfortable.
I decluttered and minimalised anticipating a busy life when I went back to work full time. No job yet and sometimes bored. But having everything in its own home cuts out the stress. ❤
Stuff is not the problem, the problem is our mindset and habits regarding the stuff. You can get rid of or and organize all the stuff, but if you don’t break the cycle of buying all the stuff, you’ll always stay stuck.
Very true. You'll find my 4-part series on 7 Life Changing Strategies to Change Your Spending Habits helpful in that regard. You can find them here: th-cam.com/video/uXfhSUZbJBw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=v04A9IZKb9dGkuGY
We used to clean before hosting people. Then one day I discovered the mental benefit of cleaning up immediately after hosting people instead of before. It makes total sense, live in your clean organized home that is ready to host at a moments notice. That way there is little stress whe opportunity comes to host, and you immediately get your home back when they leave. And it is freshly cleaned and enjoyable to live in between guests.
No excuses unless dealing with a disability. I have 3 under 3 and our house is always tidy because we're minimalists and organized. Only a few days when pregnant/post-partum or in the case of unforeseen/spontaneous activities has our house been messy before bed-and even then it gets done asap. We care about tidiness so we just pick up super quick (and only hand-wash dishes). Deep cleaning is a different story though 🙃
I have a long way to go, but one thing that's helping me is trying to not to put something down until it's done, or in its place if I can help it, e.g., mail. Another helpful tool for me is counting tasks. I may give myself a goal of 1 to 100 things to do & any little thing counts. Another thing is just getting out of a favourite chair or place & starting to move & I often gain energy. Another for me as night owl is looking at a night's sleep as the start of the next day, rather than the end of the last. Very best wishes. ❤️
Great. Another video explaining that the secret to a clean house is to clean it. People who don't clean, already know this, but they're still not doing it. Figure that out and find a solution. My house is tidy but my mom's house was always filthy and chaotic. She used to cry and say, i don't know why i live this way. She knew what she needed to do but still didn't do it. My brother hired cleaning people to help her and she wouldn't let them touch anything. If something fell on the floor, it stayed there. I realize that this is an extreme example, but a dirty house reflects something much bigger than housekeeping habits.
Thank you for analysing, summarising, sharing and reminding. It helps me in the process on my way to a more enjoyable lifestyle. As a kid I was told: Every thing at its place saves a lot of time and words. I now remember. 😂❤
I have most of my life been pretty tidy. Recently I‘ve moved many times and now, I moved as a tenant to home that was not very well cleaned. Besides it, I had a new job and - it tirned out that it is a messy place. I get tired only when I step in there. Now, I should make my place tudy in my work and at home, I have eyhausted amout of repairing work to do - if I want to see what I want. Besides, I have three cats who lose lots of hair daily. Who else has furry sheets! I do! Disorder makes tired. Especially in my workplace I am dead tired only because of the disorder.
I have a tidy home with now grown up kids (they still live at home) but it was tidy when they were younger, plus dogs and a cat. It’s not hard to clean and tidy everyday. And the less clutter you have the easier it is.
These simple habits really do the trick! It helped us get control of clutter, battle dust allergies, downsize to full time RV life, and allowed us to become semi retired in our 40’s. The habits spill over into other parts of life and become normal.
My sister is constantly cleaning and worried what guests will think if her 2000 sf house, where she lives alone, isn't perfect. I was more of a minimalist as a teenager. I am now squeezed into a senior apt with few cabinets or storage places. Everyone I know in this bldg is cluttered. With health problems it's tough to be tidy. No one here throws parties, so I guess we're OK. There's a cat in here somewhere. Just kidding.
😊Sweetheart we all start small. Try making your bed on a daily basis… then watch it multiply! You will be surprised by how good you’ll feel from that small accomplishment.
@@iluv2worshipwhen I wake up, I fold open my blanket and get out of bed and open the window. Then the daily rituals and when I go to bed, the bed could air the whole day, I lay down and only then, I close the blanket, covering me. A bed has to air to get rid of a human's humidity.
This is how I live, people think you’re crazy because you do so much housework but they are the crazy ones I just have a place for everything. My Aunty once told me, before you go to bed straighten your pillows in the lounge room, put the kids toys away, tidy the kitchen and if someone knocks at your door early your home is tidy. I have done this for 52years.
Bingo‼️🎯
yep
I used to keep a clean and very organized home, but I became disabled. Just making a simple meal, doing a single load of laundry, or taking a shower requires an enormous amount of my energy and I'm no longer able to keep a tidy house. I do what I'm able to do on any given day, and tasks pile up until I'm able to do them or until I can get someone to come and help me. It's not ideal, but I'm tying to learn how to be gentle with myself about not being able to maintain the standards I want.
Same here since becoming disabled it's becoming harder to keep things organised....
Your health and well being are more important so do what you can when you can 😊
Everyone needs to determine what "tidy" means to them and not get stressed if your home doesn't look like a magazine photo.
Keep basic clean as best you can and then enjoy life!
@@catcolb11 are you able to get free home help through the disability resources. In New Zealand this is available for persons in your situation.
I hear ya. After a motorcycle went out of control and landed on me and my friend, leaving us both severely and permanently injured (The guy who hit us was not hurt at all!), I just couldn’t keep up with chores. My friends were worn out from taking me to dr, bringing me food,etc. 15 yrs ago yesterday this happened, leaving me with PTSD and agoraphobia, with the fear that something came out of nowhere and hurt me and could happen again. I struggle every day to rebuild my life and work constantly just to keep my head above water. I’m so much better with coping skills I’ve learned, but still scarred and have developed other health issues besides multiple broken bones.
I am out of the wheelchair at least, but if I fall or have another even slight injury, I will return. It’s weird how things being in disarray in the past would make me crazy, I now have to almost ignore, if I’m to keep my sanity. I have to give myself permission to accept that this is my new reality. Not ideal, but I do find joy with crafts, critters, and light gardening. I can’t stand or walk for long. I balance myself with weight on one leg, so most people have no idea how hurt I am. My friend lost one of his legs in the wreck, so at least I have both legs!
A few months ago, I was attacked by a redneck about parking in handicap spot. He didn’t see my hang tag, I guess, and proceeded to try to humiliate me saying I took a spot from someone who was in a chair…that I was upright, blah blah. I said you don’t know me and what I’m dealing with. I’ve been called a cripple, a gimp…He kept on as I walked toward the store, hanging on the cart. He threatened to slash my tires! I finally had enough and told him to STFU and I went in to store telling customer service about what happened. I began to cry because I felt victimized all over again. Guess I needed to get this out, as this time of year I get sad to think that I cannot do things I used to do, like walk into a store without something to steady me or getting attacked
I focus on manageable chores a few at a time and small areas where I don’t get overwhelmed. A lot of self talk helps me but I also struggle with ADHD that I already had prior to injuries. Counseling really helped me get to where I am. If you’re reading this, you must be a kind person not to have moved on to a shorter post. Lol
Don't put it down, put it away.
Exactly what I've been trying to do for the past several months. Working well for me.
😂
My mantra!
💯
Except don't put away my tools and materials for the DIY, job i'm doing..... There is a f**king reason why that pile of stuff is precisely ordered the way it is.
And if i'm fixing your laptop, and you decide to tidy away the screws that are laid out as a map in the order they were removed, do not expect me to put it back together.
I think there needs to be a balance between an obsessively clean home and an over cluttered dirty home. Example, I am not going to wash my curtains weekly or clean every surface of my home daily or every second day. My home is neither spotless nor dirty or over cluttered. It’s lived in with five humans and one dog as well as a couple of fish. Life is far too short to obsess over cleaning. Regardless of how spotless our homes are, we’re still only here for a short time. Live life and be happy. Spend time with those you love the most.
My mother was obsessive about cleaning our home and yard. It’s all she did and never seemed to enjoy anything in life. She was always sweaty and exhausted living on coffee and cigarettes. Us kids basically lived outside while she cleaned away day and night. I never learned how to clean and have an aversion to it because of my upbringing. It’s odd, isn’t it? I grew up in an immaculate home but really don’t know what is normal vs excessive cleaning. I keep up with the basics but I get angry inside when I clean. I’m trying to find a balance between clean and tidy without the stress and anger associated with it.
I love this! My home is clean enough. When people stop by I don't apologize for the messes and some clutter because my family is busy and happy. I am trying to be more aware of not bringing extra things in that we don't need. Balance is definitely the answer.🥰
I have a friend who wants to emulate my home hitch I find bizarre as it’s just lived in but relatively tidy ( we do live in it), but she does have 3 teenage boys - enough said! I have no problem with people dropping by they take me as they find me, but I would love to get rid of a lot of things and live a minimalist life.
@@adoptedscot So, a friend of mine commented about my home, saying it is pleasant. I found this to be a compliment. She was saying it feels good to be here.
I'm a life coach and prof home organizer. I think what you might have success with is tackling one small area at a time if there's things you want to get rid of.
If someone wants to emulate your home, they may like your no stress home.feel, which is a compliment to you.😁👍
@@likeargamanflaming940 thank you for your positive comment - made me feel good 😀
When you get rid of the clutter that has been taken of value space in your home. It feels so good. There are two times in my life I gave away almost all my stuff. (Due to a move) I noticed it was very hard to give it away. I was emotionally tied to it. But once it was done, it freed me up and made my life easier to manage. Once you get rid of it you won’t miss it and you will have a manageable life.
There are tricks-to-the-trade! Tidying up before you go to bed only takes a few minutes. In the morning it feels like you’ve got a jump on the day because you’re starting with a tidy house. I’ve raised 4 kids and all of them know how to clean as well as me. I taught them, when they were small, that everyone has a responsibility to keep our home clean. Now that I’m a grandmother I still follow the same principles. I have a schedule that goes from daily, weekly, seasonal, and yearly chores. For instance, seasonally, I clean my closets and replace the items I need for that season. I touch-up the paint throughout my house (4,000 square feet) with a small paintbrush. This takes me less than 15 minutes and my home always looks new! I split my house up in sections (I’m not as fast as I once was) and vacuum a section a day. I clean all my bathrooms on the same day. Because I do the basics everyday they never get out of control. It takes me about an hour of time to maintain my house everyday. I hate doing laundry so now I wait unit I have a load and then do it. I’d rather do one load at a time instead of an entire day of doing nothing but laundry. The tasks I hate the most I do first. I do all the filter cleaning (dishwasher, washing machine) the first of every month because it helps me to remember! I use Christmas and Easter for my semi-annual cleaning jobs. Little jobs are always easier and faster than waiting until the entire house is a wreck to do them. When I plan to travel, I always clean BEFORE I leave. It’s always a relief to come home to a clean house!
The beauty of this is that cleaning as you go is perfect if you hate cleaning, because it never gets overwhelming!
@JoshuaBeckker sorry, no can do.
Good point!
Yes, cleaning as you go! Make dinner, clean everything as you use it, go watch TV in piece because there's no pile of washing up left over for you to get resentful at your spouse over.
The best part of the video that struck a chord with me was when you said why can't we keep our home as neat and clean always for ourselves to enjoy, as we want our visitors to see...
I keep mine tidy for me first then if visitors arrive it’s tidy for them too!Tidy house,tidy mind
@@janeforrest6838same 👍
I have a gifted cleaning lady
Staying on top of little tasks is HUGE. Keeping a clean space clean is less time and effort than letting it get gross and then trying to get back to clean.
👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Great comment
🎯
You got it! People with tidy homes don't shop as a hobby. They don't buy a surplus of items or keep a roomful of extra supplies & food. They buy only what's needed & maybe 1 back up . Whenever a new item is brought into the home, an old item goes out! It's sometimes hard to do, you don't always feel like doing it, but it is the answer to an always tidy home:)
I don't shop as a hobby. But I do kept extra staples around - so we always have a ready package of paper towels or toilet paper, and storage bags for the kitchen, aluminum foil, etc., around. for when something runs out. (We have drawers and cupboards where these things live.) And I don't take something out when something new comes in. (More often than not, the new thing coming in is a book... ;) Although at times we do make an effort to cull - mostly so we can keep our "Free Little Library" and our neighbors' Free Little Libraries - well stocked.
I needed aluminum foil...thanks for reminding me!
That's a tricky subject, but not necessarily mutually exclusive. As in, One can be a maximalist and tidy.
And financial freedom!!!! As a financial planner I see how “little” purchases can make you poor REALLY fast. Imagine spending $5 a day on coffee then realize that is $1,825 a year!!! Even if home coffee costs $825 then what would you do with an extra $1,000 a year?
That attitude will have you reliant on someone else to help you out when the SHTF. Every household should have food and supplies put aside to cover at least one month.
When I was decluttering 'big time' I took digital pictures of unused & stored-out-of-sight sentimental items. I also prayed over all items before sharing with a charitable group...that the next 'steward of my stuff' will be blessed & have a happy life. Doing these 2 things made & still makes letting go a breeze! ♡
I recently enjoyes many items, all were clean, in go I d condition, some of them I purchased earlier thus year. I donated them to a resale shop that as all volunteers there. There are no high paid excutives and the items are priced reasonably . The employees appreciate all the donated items. It made me feel good knowing that someone could be blessed by my donations
I love that idea! What a beautiful way to raise your vibrational energy and bring good to all.
I bet that doing that ritual really does help in the letting go process.
I will do the same, thanks for the tip.
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing it; I think this will be helpful in helping me let go of some sentimental items that I really have no use for but struggle to let go.
I love that you prayed over them.
Looking at videos on the internet is the biggest killer of tidy homes.
Yeah I'll do dishes right after I watch this video...
I watch these videos as an avoidance tactic.
But the videos just give me some motivation to get busy.
@@ericb8413😂
I’m a clean and tidy person ; so I was curious to see how closely your ideas describe my character/personality traits . And, you described me perfectly!
I had at one time allowed 5 people to live with me in my 6 bedroom home; I’m happy to report all 5 including their damn 3 dogs are no longer living here. I kicked them out !
I clean up the mess I make as I’m making them . I don’t allow any dirty dishes to be left in the sink.
I had a guess who used the toilet. And sure enough, he left a stain on the “outer rim” of the toilet !! I was mortified !
I’m 68 and live alone - and loving it! I no longer need to remind people to clean up after themselves. Everything in the house has a place; I know where everything is.
But one person living in a 6 bedroom home, maybe time to sell it to a family with children, you have a choice but I’m sure I’ll hear the usual it’s my home I’m not leaving, why should I but also probably don’t want affordable housing in your area which I don’t blame you it’s not the answer. But I feel the old folks holed up in homes many who can’t maintain them and everyone else watching a valu blame resource go back to the dirt, then only corporate can afford to repair or replace it. Why old folks feel nothing for new families saddens me deeply, it seems extremely selfish much like a child who won’t share any toys…I wonder if kindness digresses because of fear….your comment has deeply saddened me
Joshua ~ You are so right! I make the one or two minute thing a game. If I put something in the microwave for 1 min, I see what tasks I can do...I can refill the dog's waterbowl, wash a few dishes, fold some laundry or dispose of unwanted mail. I love the challenge ~ it's fun. I actually follow all 5 of your suggestions because it brings me peace and joy to have a tidy home.
Years ago I adopted a mind set to never leave the room empty handed meaning take something with you that belongs in the room your heading to. It’s so much easier to keep everything in its place.
Great advice
Why would something belonging elsewhere be in the room in the first place - why not just return it once it’s finished with?
Well, that's an obvious question. I'll ask my husband why he can't do that. Makes me crazy
Same
😊Hi. Years ago, I learned “a place for everything and everything in its place.” I learned to put things back where they belong before they left my hand. It doesn’t happen over night, it’s a process. But, I was determined and now many years later I’m so thankful I have these wonderful disciplines.
The one minute task is a game changer 👊 Since the death of my husband I have fallen behind removing unwanted clutter - My mindset being “What’s the point?” Your video has been a timely nudge - thank you
I’m sorry about your loss, they have grown older loss has been the hardest for me to reconcile with
Im so sorry for your loss. I've lost someone, too. Grief is consuming. When you are ready and able, start to take steps to give yourself the declutrered home you deserve. Joshua Becker is such a great help and motivator for this. I found that it was easy to build momentum decluttering once I started because I could feel how living in a decluttered environment felt much better. I hope it feels good for you, too ❤
You still deserve a tidy, welcoming home. ❤️🩹 hugs
I understand this so well. That is a question I also ask.
Same here. Put on radio music and make it fun or I pick up a few items during commercials- ir breaks up the task but when the box or the bag is full it is immediately moved to the car for donating or to the trash can
I clean and organize my house for my own satisfaction and not to impress my company. I like walking in and being greeted by fresh smells and the pride I feel when i notice how much positive difference my recent efforts have made. If I have company drop by and they feel welcomed by that aura, that's good too! But I always keep my kitchen, bathroom and laundry area tidy. But other spaces are let go a bit more!
I actually clean after my guests leave. I could never understand why people wait for others to come over before they clean their own space. You should maintain it for yourself after all it is yours. It shows appreciation and gratitude.
Because I have many neuroses William
Yes! I have said all along that decluttering is ongoing and never stops! It is for us as regular as cleaning the oven…If you do it often then it is a small task!
Keeping a tidy home keeps me calm and not feeling anxious. We like to be organized, I hate looking for things talk about a "time waste"! It makes me feel good when I look in the bedroom & the beds made, bathroom picked-up. When I get up in the morning who wants to look in a sink full of dirty dishes, now the food is really sticking to the dishes, more work. Our home wasn't this tidy when we worked, but now we're retired, and I have more time for projects in our home. Thanks for your words of wisdom...
Always do your dishes after you've eaten, clean up as you go along cooking. Clean bathroom every morning. Do washing once there's enough for a load, then fold and put away laundry as soon as dry. Make your bed every morning. Keep surfaces clear. Minimise belongings.
Good job on the video!
This is exactly what I do
My mum always said make a space for everything and put everything back in its space. It takes me half an hour to straighten up my living areas every day by following that rule.
Every morning my mother washed the floor of the kitchen and the scullery. After every meal she cleaned the top of the cooker, the worktops and the sink / drainer. Every spring the whole kitchen was refreshed, especially the inside and contents of cupboards. It all seemed like ritual and a lot of work but I always notice when a kitchen is not as clean.
Don't make your bed. It has to air. Even in the ww2 German handbook for soldiers is written to air your bed ( leave the sheets/blankets laying over your feet end of the bed) and make it in the afternoon. And open a window to let it air. It is against humidity.
@@gerhard6105 if you wash your linen regularly and keep the dust down and air the room you don't need to air your bed. Mine gets aired when I wash the linen.
I like that your videos are "minimal". You get right to the point, and are concise.
I personally am a hot mess at times, but in the last year and a half, I've rid my house of at least 50% of our things. Some of it was just trash that I've never addressed, some of it was able to be donated. We don't need all that stuff, and I sure dont miss any of it.
I appreciate the simple direct communication style too. Walking the talk
My home isn’t perfect (and I’m currently only partially mobile after a hospitalisation) but in the past few years, I have realised that my guests come to see ME not my house! So stop stressing and if people call (even at short notice, as they know I’m poorly) then just be glad and thank them for coming! I never wanted a ‘show home’, just a home, and it has stuff in it. Mementoes of places, gifts from people I care about. I don’t want to chuck it (call it de-cluttering if you like, but I don’t). Concentrating so much in being perfectly clean and tidy is a waste of energy - I’m happy for my house to be clean enough and “lived in”.
Your home's condition IS you.
Whoever is reading this comment, I wish you all the best in your life. May light fill your life. May God guide you to prosperity!
How very loving of you, thank you!
Sending you many blessings on your life too, and love, wherever you are.❤
@@katedavies9578 Thank you
Well, I have a lot (a lot!) of books, as well as a whole bunch of family photos. Luckily, there are bookshelves in most of the rooms of our house, so the books and pictures (the ones that aren't on the wall) have a place to live. And yes, I discovered as an adult (I'm nearly 70 now), that it really isn't necessary to have to "look for the scissors" every time you need scissors- you just have a spot where they always live. (My mother was definitely "not" organized). All that being said, I find the kitchen that Mr. Becker is recording from unrealistic, unless he just relies on take-out food. We have a toaster, a coffee maker, a coffee grinder, a Kitchen Aide mixer, a bread box, two containers for cooking tools (for non-stick pots and regular). And a knife block that holds 35 knives. And a microwave. Hauling what we need to cook a meal every time would be exhausting, to say the least. It's a working kitchen (and yes, we keep it clean), and it seems the height of inefficiency - and of caring more about form than function - to hide everything you use to cook away somewhere. (We do have a corner cupboard where our small appliances live). Just my two cents.
I agree. It seems now days people want their kitchen to look like they do in magazines at all times. That's just not reality.
A fun kitchen is an efficient kitchen with everything you need for cooking very handy and you don't have to spend time pulling it out. It's okay to have small appliances and cooking tools on your counters. Yes, you keep it clean for safety reasons, but enjoy "cluttering" your counters with everything you enjoy about cooking.
35 knives 🤔
My mantra;
HANDLE IT ONCE!
DONT set something down, go extra few seconds to put away where it belongs.
Yep. "A place for everything, and everything in it's place".
I like that!
This is how I live. I want to come home to my sanctuary where everything is calm & uncluttered. I love how there is a minimalistic flow, with only my favorite pieces out, so I enjoy my select pieces. Anyone who visits me loves my place and wishes they could be as clean & organized. It's really so easy. Keep it simple. I have two 6-shelf bookcases side by side in my living room, I am using 3 shelves & they hold my favorite things. I simply themed each shelf, but looking at them as a whole they all flow as one. I don't need to use each & every shelf & load them with stuff. I don't need to look at chaos, but the few things that just make me happy & stand out because they are simplified by less...is more
Great comments as always, Joshua.
I'm reminded of the sayings, "Clean as you go', and "It's always easier to clean a clean house. I've mentioned before and will mention again that model/actress/author Isabella Rossellini told about her mother Ingrid Bergman telling the children, "Never leave the room empty-handed", and gave the examples of take a glass from your room back to the kitchen or return a magazine to the living room.
For myself I've given away just over 50 books that I've never read and would only have read if I lived longer than I'm probably going to live. There's a twinge of sadness in not experiencing the reading of those books, but more than that I feel better at the removal of a burden and stress and at having more space and peace.
Mostly common sense I think
Your on point with your tips. I’ve been a neat freak as a kid. I’ve always modeled my home after model homes that are staged. The key is minimal. I don’t have excess decor, I’m constantly going through clothes we don’t need. Everything does have its place. I don’t lose things because things are not left lying around. I don’t like things on kitchen counter so I only have my coffee machine, dish rack and my Alexa just those three things, everything else is used as needed then put in cabinet. I always tell people, I can tell you exactly what’s in the house without me being there because of its placement. I’m big on organization. My pantry and closets are organized as well. The only thing that creates mess is my three dogs, I immediately clean up after them. My office at work is the same way, organized and clean. Fair to say there some OCD because I couldn’t function otherwise.
Teach your children from a very young age how to make their bed when they get up, hung up their clothes, pick up their toys, and let them help you etc…that means when you clean, when you cook, doing dishes etc. at a very early age they love to help…
Yes, until they hit mid teens, where a couple of them gets lazy and don't want to help. I constantly need to ask or remind them.
When my granddaughter sleeps over she knows she can clutter my livingroom with the toys and crafts I have for her. She also knows when she is done playing everything is put away. She also knows when she picks up after herself without my asking, it makes me happy, and then I will team up with her to help with some of the overwhelming items.
My grand children were not taught to pick up after themselves. My daughters philosophy was just to love them. Now she’s reaping the consequences of this ridiculous decision. Can’t fix it now.
Great. Perfect. Short and sweet. To the point. Not a bunch of time wasting chatter.mTHANK YOU.
My main rule w. My fam is kids things belong in their room. The items can visit the rest of the house but at night they go to sleep in their room.
Everything has a place and everything in its place 😊
❤ that is me. Our 4 legged child (we are in retirement age) leaves her toys around and that is ok. They get put away and then she can still mess up when she wants to play. It is a home not a show house. Always tidying. A clean house is more important than her toys for play. 😂
This was something I struggled with until I discovered decluttering in 2016. So I felt like I was useless because I couldn't put everything in its place because it wasn't possible for everything to have a place. The clutter has never returned and I have a tidy home now. 🎉
I'm not very tidy, but recently, I tried to put things back in the same place!
Its amazing how much less time one spends looking for something,
if you can find it, immediately!
Joshua, Hubby & I are on the road to minimalism. Before someone would come visit, we asked people to give ys a wks notice, or we'd make excuses why we couldn't invite someone in...better yet we just wouldn't open the door. Since our journey started, we're still not there yet, but now we're down to a 24 hr or less notice. It feels so good to be able to pick up, sweep, mop, dust, & do a few other things in a matter of a couple of hrs vs days. Keep the inspiration coming. 😊
@JoshuaBeckker That's ok with me. 😊
I used to practice nearly everything in this video until I moved back to my parents home two years ago. They offered to let me purchase it with the caveat that they could continue to live there. My dad has since passed, but he and my mom were married for 65 years and never got rid of anything for the very reasons mentioned in the video. Everything was saved because we were either going to need it someday, or it would be worth something. I've found that neither is true with most of this stuff. It was normal to me to be surrounded by clutter growing up. My mom kept the house clean, but we always had too much stuff. As an adult, I didn't live the same way. I had clean and minimal spaces, and rarely brought in things in that I didn't really need.
I've been absorbed by my parents house. It's a beautiful Victorian, but it's so packed to the gills with everything one can imagine that it's overwhelming, and I've given up on trying to purge. All my efforts were thwarted while my dad was alive, and my mom just can't let go of anything. I've become depressed, and I've reached a point where I just try to ignore that I have no place to go home to where I'm not reminded constantly that I'll never be done with this project. The house is full of stuff. The yard is full of stuff, and so is the garage. It's like that movie "The Blob" where it just gets bigger and bigger, and whatever touches it just gets absorbed by it.
I go to the gym, to work, and then I come home to an ongoing mess. I had no idea how out of control their hoarding had become until moving back. Whenever I think I've made a dent in it, it just gets filled in with more stuff. My life has no order anymore, and no real happiness. I'm glad that I can be here for my mom, and wouldn't have it any other way, but the toll of living in this world again after being free from it for so many years is showing on my face, and on my mental health. I don't know what to do, and even if I did, I wouldn't know how to start.
I know people who don’t like a home to be to neat and tidy not a dirty home but some people feel more comfortable in a house that looks lived in as a quest I feel more comfortable comfortable with a few scattered things around again not dirty but not a show room house .
A guest
“…. lived in ?…..” yeah right ! That to me means messy and unclean .
I have a home daycare and my house is always tidy and clean by doing these things and I always get compliments from parents when they go to my house.
When I was a young nurse in the 1980's, we were taught, no empty hands! Always attending to someone, or cleaning something, or studying .
What I do find difficult now is that my husband does something he calls "surface filing" which means leaving his stuff on tables, sofas and chairs. My daughter dumps her stuff all over the place, not much has a home... I have given her baskets and bowls to contain her stuff, but it makes no difference. But I don't want to be a nag. Leading by example hasn't had any impact. I am now 63 and getting tired of it all.
Love your videos, they give me hope that one day I will also enjoy the peace of a decluttered and tidy home.
You could claim a couple of “ tidy zones” in your home, and leave the rest to their choics
I totally understand. We can change ourselves but we can’t change our family members.
You aren’t staff, you shouldn’t have to tidy up after them. Start moving their dumped stuff and put it where they struggle to find it
I feel blessed that both my husband and I are on the same page with regard to keeping a tidy, clean home. It's not that we don't occasionally leave some mail on the table or some clothes on the dryer....however, if one of us leaves something like that for more than a day or two, the other will give a gentle reminder about it. We share cleaning responsibilities...Every other Tuesday, we go out to breakfast and come home, put on some music, and together we clean the house top to bottom.
They don't keep unnecessary items.
They don't let cleaning tasks pile up.
They don't overlook regular decluttering.
They don't ignore designated space.
They don't wait for company to clean up.
I have 7 now adult kids, and tho I’m no minimalist, I’ve had several come back to me and thank me for teaching them to make their bed when they get up, (I made it easy with just having a fitted sheet and a large easy to handle quilt, no fussing with a top sheet back then, to clean as you go in the kitchen, and to quit spending emotional energy on 1-2 minute jobs. I dislike unloading the dishwasher, complaining it “takes 10 minutes “… actually I set a timer and it took 90 seconds…..seriously…major lesson learned…what took 10 minutes was the internal emotional upheaval I put myself thru to do a job I disliked that took 90 seconds. So I now choose to not have an emotional reaction to doing quick jobs except to rejoice that they are DONE!
I am sooooo grateful for a dishwasher now in my new place. Before moving here, hand washing for 6 years after moving out of my ex-boyfriend's.
I like a clean and tidy home. However, many of the items in my home that I no longer use are attached to memories that bring me warm feelings so I will continue to put in the extra work it brings. As I age I realize that some decluttering may be necessary to help me manage more easily. To each his own.
Cleaning all the time is overwhelming as well!!
Indeed. Minimalism makes cleaning so much quicker!
Albert Einstein: "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, what then is an empty desk?"
Brilliant !!
All these rules sound good, but if you happen to have mobility issues & you're old without much energy & no help, you end up doing what you can. Things get out of control pretty quickly & it's hard to catch up!
I always clean up the kitchen after eating even if I'm in pain & moving slowly.
Big deal is remembering where you left things. Be consistent where you put things. Key hanger for keys are good. When you come home put keys and c cards away as soon as you get home in the same place etc.
I will try my very best to maintain these things. FYI, you are the one who introduced me into practicing minimalism. I started last 2018, and it's not easy because I have experienced some reversions. But now I can proudly say that I try to practice it more seriously, especially now that I just retired and turned 61. I'm a subscriber from the Philippines and just wanted you to know that you are a great part of my minimalism journey.. 😊❤🖐👍!!
Joshua❤ THANK YOU- I love that your videos are short but you give us so much to think about and implement into our lives!! this video has made me truly realize that my house is in fact cluttered and I have a lot of work to do. Thank you.❤
People with tidy homes don't ignore designated spaces is the big secret
Omg why are you describing me exactly! All 5 points fit me precisely. My mantra is, a place for everything and everything in its place.
I regularly pet sit for a family that lives in a $3.5 million, 5,000 sq ft. 5 bedroom, 5 bath house. (4 people total live in it: Mom, Dad, son & daughter). It is totally UNCLUTTERED.
The house has no excess junk in it! The kitchen however, has LOTS of multiples, but it's all stored away. For example, there's two dozen spatulas, 6 cookie sheets, 3 pairs of scissors, 3 veggie peelers, 6 big ladles, 2 instant pots (6qt, 8qt), 2 blenders (a VitaMix and a Ninja), etc. Plus, a food pantry bigger than my bedroom with enough food for 3 years!
I have been watching your money series repeatedly and have made significant improvements 😇….. it will take 4 more months to get where I want to be … but thank you for reminding me that I’m not hopeless 🙏🏻
Well done you! What an achievement! Hope you’re taking time to be proud of yourself! 👏
@@lydiasalerno2320💞💞💞
❤LOVE THIS!! Shared with all of my family-married kiddos and their families.
Although the last time I did a big declutter my son called my husband and asked if I was okay? Was there something going on with me? 😆 🤣 Thanks for the motivation
This is great….and I’m getting there. It’s a process. The first one is what I struggle with…but I’m getting there. This video is a great reminder to me to stop bringing in unnecessary items. My home is, however, a much more peaceful place to live in…less stress. Thank you for this video!
Rooting for you!
@@Jack.of.all.learning Thank you! Much appreciated. After watching this video I went from room to room and took three items that were “unnecessary”…put them in a box and took them to the Salvation Army before I could change my mind. I’ll do this every weekend until I get down to necessities. I did that with my garage a few years ago and it’s so satisfying to pull my car into a tidy clutter free garage with just the few tools I need for gardening, a shop vac, and car cleaning products. Amazing how clutter and excess stuff can create stress in your life.
Stay well 💜
To clarify - 3 items per room…not just 3 items 😂
@@lizzieb6311 Alright! I've been getting ready for a renovation which is almost worse than moving as far as "stuff" becoming inconvenient and have been purging a lot as a result. I agree less clutter is more peaceful.
@@Jack.of.all.learning Jack…buckle up. I did a full kitchen and bathroom remodeling job concurrently while living there. Using my 2nd bathroom to wash dishes was not ideal and felt incredibly disgusting. Plan on dining out if possible or at least paper plates (biodegradable ). My biggest advice - if you get annnoyed and ready to blow your stack due to the dust, noise, and people traipsing through your house all day: Walk away. As soon as you feel the pressure - go for a walk…a bike ride…something away from the mess. It’s a sanity saver 😉It will be worth it at the end…but it is stressful. With less clutter you've already tackled a big stressor during a remodel. The other thing…cover everything and INSIST they put down floor protection. You got this Jack!
The most relatable thing he said (because I do keep a very tidy home) is the one (or two :) minute rule It is the single best habit for keeping your house clean
I’m always curious because it’s always based on minimalism and I’m not a minimalist at all. I like to think of myself style as Neo Edwardian :D It’s “full” without being cluttered and nowhere near minimalism. I have a lot of things around me that are there because I find them beautiful or pleasing in some way not just because they’re immediately useful - but that one minute rule that’s the main habit that keeps everything clean and looking good 👍🏻
I try to keep up to date on the little things so when big events come up the little chores don't add to the stress. Vacuum one room every day. Keep enough cat litter available! Pay bills as soon as they arrive. Fill the gas tank when it's half empty. Keep a $20 bill in your phone case. Keep a new car fob battery in the car. It ain't hard.
I don't do any "daily cleaning tasks", I clean as I go. I learned that from a grandma who could never track any task she'd left for later: once you get used to cleaning as you go, the amount of cleaning you need to do each time is tiny.
Oh my goodness, I got 5 out of 5!! I love being a Tidy Homes Don't Do person!!
Bravo🎉🎉
Hi, I get rid of craft supplies I haven't used in a year. I pass them on to other crafters. I trade houseplant cuttings so my indoor garden looks lush but not overgrown. We live in a 2BR condo near O'Hare airport so I need my indoor garden. Tina, Al's wife
I just gave away over 90%of my beading supplies. I never thought I would do that. I kept just a few items for a necklace I want to make and the beading tools. I've moved on....
One thing I have noticed is that people who are not sentimental have tidier homes. I am very sentimental so ai have framed photos of my great grandparents, grandparents and others that have passed in framed photos. The candle my great aunt made for me or the little teddy bear she bought for me when I moved to a giant city where I knew no one are on shelves.
I constantly go through my things and declutter. Minimalist for 5yrs now. Thanks, Joshua. 👍🏻
I raised 4 kids mostly alone. Keeping house nearly killed me. I decided clean is different to tidy. A bit of mess never killed anyone but I remained clean with daily bed making and dishes habits. Daily load of washing put away when dry also.
Fantastic advice and so true! Hoarding and procrastination can create a difficult and miserable life.
Thanks for the concise reminder, Joshua. A little reinforcement of what I have already learned from you now and then helps.
It's easy to admire what seems hard. It's easy to envy whatever seems effortless. You finally made me feel this in my stomach, not just understand it in my head.
Housecleaning is overwhelming. I finally am taking the approach of clean as I go. Doing smaller tasks feel like I accomplished something. Before I know it the project is done.
Yes I agree it's all fine and we'll to declutter and keep your house tidy....... If you're well enough to be able to do it.
Place for everything and everything in it's Place. ❤
Very good advice. Such a nice opposite to the very dangerous and overwhelming “ grocery and other supplies hauls” . People treating their houses as satellites storages for Walmart warehouses…
It’s gross. And these are the same ones who go on about the environment. 🙄
The COVID epidemic, economic and political conditions, and supply chain issues factor into the "hauls" habit. People want to feel secure in uncertain times, as well as to save money. My parents grew up in the 1930's Depression years; and as adults always had a stockpile of goods, behavior based on their memories.
@@barbarakelly1916😊My mother as a child waited in bread lines with a cold potato to snack on. So, by the time I came along she washed leftover tinfoil for reuse and bread bags before recycling was popular. Now, I crumble up tinfoil and toss in trash with joy!😂
I do all of these things, I have a routine. And when I need scissors, they are right in their home where they belong. Every time. I regularly drop off things at the thrift store, since clothes seem to be my most gathered item. Swedish death cleaning and minimalism is such a blessing to me. I always think, what if I got an accident and someone had to go to my house and they would say, this is how she lived? So I always leave it looking like a pretty little Airbnb😂 but that's what makes me happy!
I spend 1-1 1\2 hrs in the morning cleaning....kitchenbathroom everday, quick vacuum(all hard floors) steam mopping my bed and bathroom/kitchen every morning....yes everything has a place and never gets left out...i love to throw things out/ get rid of, it feels soo good...in fact my father tried to give me "binoculars" yesterday😂 i said, "why, ill never use them and they will become junk in a closet.....NO!"😂
Would you come over to my house?
@@d.l.l.6578after you're done at your house, of course 😂
5 out of 5 for me🎉 Then again i have been practicing a minimalist lifestyle for about 15 years so i dont have alot of stuff.
Having a place for all necessities helps to identify the things that aren’t necessary.
One of the best organizational tips, as you said: a home for everything. Very important for kids and gets rid of frustration in finding things. A place for keys, mail, backpacks. Hang your coat etc. Easy habits. Great video.
My home is tidy and clean enough. I don't obsess over everything be spotless, so I don't spend much time cleaning. I kinda do it as I go. I do not clean anything every day. I do put things away most of the time - some things you can't put away every day, like a sewing or craft project. I do this for me, not for visitors. It's my home - what someone else thinks of it is irrelevant. I don't live in a magazine.
My mother always said “Everything has a place and everything in its place.” People make fun of how I labeled my cabinets and workroom, I’ve probably saved days, if not weeks, of my time searching unnecessarily for items I need to complete a task. Need it, got it, use it, return it.
It’s very difficult to keep from stockpiling, especially after experiencing the Covid lockdown.
And thats when my online shopping addiction started... 😏🙄😁
And INFLATION.
When i was a kid, I'd make my bed while still in bed. Easiest clean up/tidy job to do. When i divorced, I'd tidy up the bed the same way. Why sweat the small stuff? Perfection is saved for when it's actually needed. If you're happy in your home that YOU have created, then so be it. If you want it cleaner or more organized, then do it. Dont be lazy about yourself. If your ocd, obsessed w cleanliness, worry what others think of a tiny stain on carpet but otherwise a clean home then you need to work on yourself to feel and be comfortable.
I decluttered and minimalised anticipating a busy life when I went back to work full time. No job yet and sometimes bored. But having everything in its own home cuts out the stress. ❤
A place for everything and everything in its place.
Another masterpiece .makes complete sense ❤❤❤
looking at the counters behind this guy, make the "home" look like it's on the market...........rather than an inviting space
Stuff is not the problem, the problem is our mindset and habits regarding the stuff. You can get rid of or and organize all the stuff, but if you don’t break the cycle of buying all the stuff, you’ll always stay stuck.
Very true. You'll find my 4-part series on 7 Life Changing Strategies to Change Your Spending Habits helpful in that regard. You can find them here: th-cam.com/video/uXfhSUZbJBw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=v04A9IZKb9dGkuGY
We used to clean before hosting people. Then one day I discovered the mental benefit of cleaning up immediately after hosting people instead of before. It makes total sense, live in your clean organized home that is ready to host at a moments notice. That way there is little stress whe opportunity comes to host, and you immediately get your home back when they leave. And it is freshly cleaned and enjoyable to live in between guests.
No excuses unless dealing with a disability. I have 3 under 3 and our house is always tidy because we're minimalists and organized. Only a few days when pregnant/post-partum or in the case of unforeseen/spontaneous activities has our house been messy before bed-and even then it gets done asap. We care about tidiness so we just pick up super quick (and only hand-wash dishes). Deep cleaning is a different story though 🙃
I have a long way to go, but one thing that's helping me is trying to not to put something down until it's done, or in its place if I can help it, e.g., mail. Another helpful tool for me is counting tasks. I may give myself a goal of 1 to 100 things to do & any little thing counts. Another thing is just getting out of a favourite chair or place & starting to move & I often gain energy. Another for me as night owl is looking at a night's sleep as the start of the next day, rather than the end of the last. Very best wishes. ❤️
Always GREAT ADVICE to live by!!♥️♥️♥️! Thank you so much!!
Excellent suggestions! I live this way.
Why is minimalizing better than saving stuff that contain memories and comfort? I declutter but love my stuff too.
You are 100% correct. I practice all these things, and it works. I clean my place every morning before work as well.
I _love_ the one-minute rule. You saved me. Thank you!
Just do it! How much time do we waste on our devices when we could be cleaning up.
Great. Another video explaining that the secret to a clean house is to clean it. People who don't clean, already know this, but they're still not doing it. Figure that out and find a solution. My house is tidy but my mom's house was always filthy and chaotic. She used to cry and say, i don't know why i live this way. She knew what she needed to do but still didn't do it. My brother hired cleaning people to help her and she wouldn't let them touch anything. If something fell on the floor, it stayed there. I realize that this is an extreme example, but a dirty house reflects something much bigger than housekeeping habits.
Thank you for analysing, summarising, sharing and reminding. It helps me in the process on my way to a more enjoyable lifestyle. As a kid I was told: Every thing at its place saves a lot of time and words. I now remember. 😂❤
I have most of my life been pretty tidy. Recently I‘ve moved many times and now, I moved as a tenant to home that was not very well cleaned. Besides it, I had a new job and - it tirned out that it is a messy place. I get tired only when I step in there. Now, I should make my place tudy in my work and at home, I have eyhausted amout of repairing work to do - if I want to see what I want. Besides, I have three cats who lose lots of hair daily. Who else has furry sheets! I do!
Disorder makes tired. Especially in my workplace I am dead tired only because of the disorder.
I think you would be a fabulous preacher/teacher
I have a tidy home with now grown up kids (they still live at home) but it was tidy when they were younger, plus dogs and a cat. It’s not hard to clean and tidy everyday. And the less clutter you have the easier it is.
These simple habits really do the trick! It helped us get control of clutter, battle dust allergies, downsize to full time RV life, and allowed us to become semi retired in our 40’s. The habits spill over into other parts of life and become normal.
You just described ME!!
It’s EASY… to maintain a CLEAN & TIDY home!!!🏡 😊😃😁
Now I know why my house is a mess. Failed with every single item. 😢
My sister is constantly cleaning and worried what guests will think if her 2000 sf house, where she lives alone, isn't perfect. I was more of a minimalist as a teenager. I am now squeezed into a senior apt with few cabinets or storage places. Everyone I know in this bldg is cluttered. With health problems it's tough to be tidy. No one here throws parties, so I guess we're OK. There's a cat in here somewhere. Just kidding.
@@BridgetR72 lol!
😊Sweetheart we all start small. Try making your bed on a daily basis… then watch it multiply! You will be surprised by how good you’ll feel from that small accomplishment.
@@iluv2worshipwhen I wake up, I fold open my blanket and get out of bed and open the window. Then the daily rituals and when I go to bed, the bed could air the whole day, I lay down and only then, I close the blanket, covering me. A bed has to air to get rid of a human's humidity.
Thanks, Joshua. That’s what I long for.