I put four kitchen chairs, that had been in my shed for 25 years, out on pavement in preparation for a move. I went back in, and within seconds a young couple came along, they exclaimed over the chairs and each picked up two chairs and went off looking delighted.
To add to my comment below...Gayle and Ed are ALWAYS kind, understanding, and patient with anyone who finds themselves in a clutter mess. Thank you both, for helping out so much, those of us not born with a natural gene for decluttering/organizing.
Thank you Gayle and Ed for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I helped a friend move yesterday and encouraged her to take a few minutes to look through some totes that had been in the basement for years before putting them on the moving truck. 90% of the items were either discarded or donated. The 10% she kept included her social security card and training certifications that were tucked in a bag. She was shocked and relieved to find them. Just one of many ways I have used what I learned from you to help others and myself.
Thank you, Gayle and Ed. Another timely topic. I like the idea of visiting a furniture showroom, or model home, to get a brief experience of what an uncluttered home environment might look and feel like.
I had a great break through recently; instead of me saying, "I can't clean that area because there is too much to move to clean" I'm saying, "Cleaning is not an option, it has to be done. How much am I willing to move in order to clean this area?" The answer is that I'm willing to move three items of home decor from each flat surface in order to clean. The challenge is to not make the space look too sparse as I like my space to be aesthetically pleasing. It's a balancing act!
Your suggestion to sit in a non-cluttered space helped me to finally get rid of my too-big litchen island. I replaced it with one the same shape, but smaller and immediately felt better in that room. Now, cleaning the kitchen floor, doing dishes, etc is more enjoyable because the room has less visual overload.
A great reminder that often it is not the stuff that gets in the way of achieving an organized space. And I know that feeling good about getting rid of the mess only happens AFTER I have dealt with it.
Also, another reason for clutter is sociological. 1. Historically, life spans was shorter. So not as many decades of accumulating. 2. Families were much larger, and also lived near each other. So many items were easily passed on to the community and family, and used up, very easily. 3. Until the industrial revolution, items were produced slowly by hand, so only smaller quantities available. ....Therefore.human beings historically have not had to deal with massive quantities of possessions, and small families. So, most humans have not had enough time to develop the gene that deals with overwhelming clutter. When i see a home that functions smoothly and effortlessly with little clutter, I realize that someone in that lucky family has a strong gene for order. It helps me to be kind and understand that most people are not born with those genes. We still have to do something about clutter problems. But also shopping, advertising, long life spans with smaller families..... that has set us all up for a really big "mess (a pun)".
packing a suitcase…..those small mesh zipper delicates wasing machine bags…..are great for travel.. to keep clothing together or folded, like socks.underclothes, tshirts, slacks. These are inexpensive and useful when not traveling. They are very light weight, and pack easily
I put four kitchen chairs, that had been in my shed for 25 years, out on pavement in preparation for a move. I went back in, and within seconds a young couple came along, they exclaimed over the chairs and each picked up two chairs and went off looking delighted.
To add to my comment below...Gayle and Ed are ALWAYS kind, understanding, and patient with anyone who finds themselves in a clutter mess. Thank you both, for helping out so much, those of us not born with a natural gene for decluttering/organizing.
Thank you Gayle and Ed for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I helped a friend move yesterday and encouraged her to take a few minutes to look through some totes that had been in the basement for years before putting them on the moving truck. 90% of the items were either discarded or donated. The 10% she kept included her social security card and training certifications that were tucked in a bag. She was shocked and relieved to find them. Just one of many ways I have used what I learned from you to help others and myself.
That’s so cool! Glad you could gently help her move go easier!
You are soooo non-judgmental and sooo helpful!! Listen to you all the time!
Thank you, Gayle and Ed. Another timely topic. I like the idea of visiting a furniture showroom, or model home, to get a brief experience of what an uncluttered home environment might look and feel like.
So much truth in this video. Thank you for these tidbits of inspiration
I had a great break through recently; instead of me saying, "I can't clean that area because there is too much to move to clean" I'm saying, "Cleaning is not an option, it has to be done. How much am I willing to move in order to clean this area?" The answer is that I'm willing to move three items of home decor from each flat surface in order to clean. The challenge is to not make the space look too sparse as I like my space to be aesthetically pleasing. It's a balancing act!
Your suggestion to sit in a non-cluttered space helped me to finally get rid of my too-big litchen island. I replaced it with one the same shape, but smaller and immediately felt better in that room. Now, cleaning the kitchen floor, doing dishes, etc is more enjoyable because the room has less visual overload.
@@sigma_carnivoresse so cool! Glad it worked!
I love Gayle's discussion of benefits of a decluttered space at about 12 or 13 minute mark.
A great reminder that often it is not the stuff that gets in the way of achieving an organized space. And I know that feeling good about getting rid of the mess only happens AFTER I have dealt with it.
Also, another reason for clutter is sociological. 1. Historically, life spans was shorter. So not as many decades of accumulating. 2. Families were much larger, and also lived near each other. So many items were easily passed on to the community and family, and used up, very easily. 3. Until the industrial revolution, items were produced slowly by hand, so only smaller quantities available. ....Therefore.human beings historically have not had to deal with massive quantities of possessions, and small families. So, most humans have not had enough time to develop the gene that deals with overwhelming clutter. When i see a home that functions smoothly and effortlessly with little clutter, I realize that someone in that lucky family has a strong gene for order. It helps me to be kind and understand that most people are not born with those genes.
We still have to do something about clutter problems. But also shopping, advertising, long life spans with smaller families..... that has set us all up for a really big "mess (a pun)".
Very good points!
packing a suitcase…..those small mesh zipper delicates wasing machine bags…..are great for travel.. to keep clothing together or folded, like socks.underclothes, tshirts, slacks. These are inexpensive and useful when not traveling. They are very light weight, and pack easily
This has actually been helpful , you know so much out there is not . Thank you so much , I will be followling you now .
Yes, I have consigned my super long sofa , art, & chair for 90 days.
Another great topic!
Thank you!
Man, I have been unavailable for these live for months. I need to get my schedule back in sync.
Me too!!!
To answer Instagram q - I keep social media to UA-cam and Facebook. Have other accounts but don't visit.
Clutter leads to self-destruction? I think that might be a tad hyperbolic. 😋
I just looked it up and hyperbolic means exaggerated