Please give this video a like 👍 and comment with what kinds of oddly specific clutter YOU have in your home! I'd love to hear if there's anything that I've missed. 😃► 📋 FREE 10-PAGE DECLUTTERING CHECKLIST » atozenlife.com/free-declutter-checklist (try refreshing the page if you don't see it pop up right away).
"It's time to let go of the guilt that you feel about that, because your guilt isn't going to change what has happened, and it's ok to let those things go." So impactful!
Small toys, that are still in good condition, but also stuff like those cute erasers or stickers, you could collect in a box and hand out on Halloween instead of candy. The Kids could simply take what they'd like and the rest can still be donated. Yes, I know, it will sit in a box somewhere in the home until then, but it is an option and kids will gonna end up with a lot of candy anyways.
I love it! The kids WILL still end up with a lot of candy, but your house gets to be that weird, surprising place with the happy meal toys, stuffed dinosaurs, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Re: car sickness. What works for me is sitting up front - and what *really* works for me is driving. Your boys are still little, but let them know there is a solution! In a few years they can sit up front/drive and it'll help *so* much. Also look out of the window the whole time. Don't read/look at devices at all in the car. But I'm sure you've probably figured that one out already. Good luck to your boys! Motion sickness is awful.
We had to drive 30 minutes yesterday and they were okay, no mints needed. So they might be outgrowing it? Fingers crossed 🤞 thank you for sharing your tips with me!
@@AtoZenLife Thank goodness for that! I really felt for them when you mentioned they had motion sickness. I've also just got to the part of the video where you mention staticky hair and split skin. I've just discovered static guard (I got it from Walmart). I spray it on my brush then brush my hair and it's really helped! I don't have split skin, but I have very rough skin and...even worse...nails that split really far down. Ouch. I haven't found any solution to that just yet except constant moisturizing and superglue.
Came here to say all that! Sitting in the back will always give me a bit of motion sickness, but looking through the window the whole ride minimizes it. Absolutely no screens or books. Driving gives me 0 sickness!
As for split skin and nails, drinking more water does help. I’m a hair & makeup artist and my suggestion, that will also help with static hair, is: oils. Your skin, hair and nails probably lack oil, and you’re losing moisture because of that, so get one like jojoba that can be used for all 3. Use it on your skin 2x daily as the last step of your skincare (before sunscreen though), apply on nails and hair as well. Anti-static hairsprays are just oil in spray form! But they also have alcohol and some thinners. So whenever you’re done with skincare, just use the rest of the oils in your hands to spread through your nails and hair :)❤ jojoba and squalene are the best for keeping moisture in.
It broke my heart giving baby things away when my oldest was about 4, but I did it anyway. Gave to a foster mom. Later, I found water damage and mice with the things I did keep. I was so glad I gave away what I did!
Yes! Been there. I'm currently scanning boxes of paperwork in my attic. Some is now yellowing or otherwise getting ruined. Will do likewise with very old linens from my parents. Prefer it gone rather than to see it ruined
I did a big declutter today of my sentimental things from my child/teenhood. My criteria was getting rid of anything that not only had bad memories attached to them, but also things that made me feel weird. It feel so good to have exercised those demons, lol
I did that recently. I used a pretty box (Dana White's container concept) and that is as much room as I have. I kept ONE college paper, to remind myself that once upon a time I could think critically. I kept my college diploma. I finally got rid of all the photos from my first love (except one.). There is still room for more, too.
I used to draw a lot when i was in high school. I scaned all the drawings i considered important, and save them. Over the years from the like 2000-5000. I lower the data amount to like 500 pictures. And i do like to colect dolls, and sewing, so what i started to do was making dresses or clottes for my dolls, from some of the dresses on the pictures i have save or the internet pictures i have save. The first i made was a Fate Mordred clottes from a scrap of fabric that i buy the first time i got my salary, like 18 years ago. I still have to finish the doll, but the details were very entertaining to do.
My bedroom is my happy place. I have knick knacks, artificial plants and flowers, decorative jewelry tree, Himalayan lamp, charger cords, books, Bible, journal, etc. I don’t want my bedroom to look sterile. For me the bathroom has to be decluttered at all times. I love watching many videos for ideas for all my spaces.
Nursing homes also will take toiletry samples, books, DVDs, magazines, etc. in the US, the Lions Clubs accept donations of used eyeglasses. (Sometimes eye dr offices will have a repository for the lions club). A good place to donate used linens, towels, sheets, etc. are wildlife rehabilitation facilities. (The animals don’t care if they are stained!) They always need those types of donations. Thanks so much for your videos! Keep ‘em coming!
I worked at an animal shelter. We didn't, and most shelters won't use stain items. Because they don't know what kind of stain it is. And besides we as people don't like using stain items why should animals be subjected to them. Towels at the shelters are mainly used to dry the animals after a bath or if they get wet from any other sources.
Don’t be embarrassed by your back situation. As a nurse who worked in orthopedics for a time, it takes one wrong move to cause back injury. Good posture and proper lifting are SUPER important. Even if all we are doing is picking up paper off the floor, it’s better to squat than to bend. This can happen to anyone.
Yes! We must also remember that maintaining back, shoulder and core strength also helps to support these movements and help prevent injury. I pulled a muscle when putting my socks on at age 35, and was in good health. But I sit at a computer all day and certain muscle groups tend to get neglected, then have a nasty way of reminding us that they need attention 😂
As a masseuse, our bodies can tolerate bad posture and lack of exercise for so long, then one day, your back goes 'out' making a simple move. That's not what happens, your back going 'out' thru a simple move is accumulated stresses on that area. My advice is to see a good chiropractor in your area for manipulation and exercise advice. The problem is still there, waiting until it can no longer function. Much love ❤
I threw my back out when I was 30. How? Picking up a hanger. A FREAKING HANGER!!! It was weak for well over a year, and I kept throwing it out over and over... some of my favorites were while sneezing, and while brushing my teeth. I started sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair at work (recommended by my chiropractor), and I've had nearly zero issues with it since (I'm 42 now). I can't imagine my back miraculously became invincible as I aged, so I'm sure the ball is a factor. My primary care doctor said it's because the constant balancing (which I don't even have to think about anymore) keeps my core strong.
i injured my neck, looking in a mirror. i was 20 and in the military. it can happen to anyone at anytime. thank you for being your authentic self. we desperately need more of that 💛
I think my biggest problem for decluttering in 2024 is my scarcity mindset. Especially after coming out of a high year of inflation that seems never-ending. I m really trying hard to limit my spending by shopping my home this year.
@ashmeyer21 I'm in a similar boat. I have a couple bins with things I'm willing to declutter now, but havent removed them from the house. I'm working on "no spend" months, aside from food, to help alleviate extra things coming in.
ugh. yeah. I've... kind of??? dealt with it? by having a set amount of physical space and keeping tabs on local groups. I had to search them out and ask around, but I joined some mutual aid + no-buy groups, and keep track of stuff like art programs. Then I have a 'clock,' like 1x/mo, I need to turn over that collection for those programs. There are local thrift stores that take donations BUT these aren't the kind of things they'd actually be able to sell. This week I'm donating old photo boxes, a somewhat-clawed wooden cat tree (people have lots of outdoor cats + don't/can't pay for these,) and an assorted pile of art supplies. Think damaged books, random markers, scrap fabrics cut from damaged garments, etc. Not saleable, right? But the local kids' after school program doesn't have to pay to teach basic sewing skills when they get free practice fabrics. You might find some peace in letting things go if you know they're going to other low-income people/groups AND you don't intend to pile them up in your living space.
- Bags of donations sitting around -- Guilty! - Unnecessary extra wallet -- Guilty! - Keeping pretty bottles -- Guilty! 😅 - Multiple sets of measuring spoons -- So Guilty 😆 - Stretched out hair ties -- Yes! lol I've also developed such a sensitivity to mainstream candles in recent years that I did get rid of some last year, but am thinking I could definitely pare down even further. Thanks for the reminder! Really appreciate this list as it reveals how every single item truly does add up! Also you're right, I do feel loads better knowing that you, our ultra minimalist friend, still encounter and struggle a bit with such things 😉 This video gave me exactly the momentum I needed to consolidate a few blankets and pillows and even reorganize our spare closet! Now it is so much more functional and we can see what we're actively using as well as items we haven't used that could probably be given away. Thanks so much for a push in the right direction!
I did a major clean out of our bathroom 2 weeks ago--there are just two of us and we had two grocery bags for the trash and half a bag of stuff to donate! I even got rid of my curling iron, I realized that it had been so long since I had used it, I didn't remember, so it was time for it to go. The part that really cracked me up were how many boxes that were almost empty that were taking up so much space--a Bandaid box, a back cream box, etc. We have so much space now and everything has a place again. And I didn't think it had been that long since I'd done it!
We have been doing this in our house. My father just recently passed away. The house he was in has been in our family for a while. 5 generations worth of stuff. We took little bits we wanted. Then hired a person to clear out the rest. It was a tough emotional thing.
We hired someone as well. It was just too much! Dad was an art and antique dealer as well as all of the personal stuff! It took the estate expert 15 months. Yes, that's right. He and I think 3 assistants, an estate sale every 6 weeks, for 15 months. He was worth every penny we paid him.
@lauranewman564 When I hear stories like yours I first of all acknowledge your loss 😢 Next I think about the chore that I would unnecessarily leave to my son. It motivates me to downsize drastically
@eliflames5157 I'm sorry for your loss. You mentioned that you hired a person to clear out some things. How did you find the person? Did they need to ask you about everything they cleared out?
I’m glad you mentioned cutting hair ties! I also cut the circular pull tabs inside milk cartons (or anything else circular). Also cut up mesh fruit bags really well.
For dry and cracked hands try O’Keeffes in the jar. It really helped me. A little goes a long way. Thank you for your solutions and recommendations. They are helpful.
I liked it when you told us that you tend to save boxes. I tend to save jars and food containers. I decluttered them a while ago, but now they are "appearing" in my cabinet again! I guess we all have something we tend to hold on to.
Same here. I’m pleased to see there are other container hoarders. Plastic shopping bags too, mainly ones I’ve acquired on holidays abroad, which tend to be prettier than the ones we get here in the U.K. I do use and re-use them, but I don’t need quite as many as I have. I too declutter every so often but it’s an ongoing battle! ,
For car sickness, get an old ice cream bucket (good excuse for a treat) a gallon I believe but it's the ones with a handle and lid and put some small trash bags or plastic grocery bags in the bottom as extras and then line the bucket. Close the lid. Ready to grab just in case there's an "event" and the bag can be tied off and lid put on for odor control until you can dump it.
That is a really awesome idea. We carry gallon size Ziploc bags. Do the dead, seal it, and throw it away. But for smaller children, that icecream bucket idea is awesome!!
I wouldnt say this is oddly specific or guilt free but still a good list for the basics that cover on most decluttering lists. People hold on to things for just in case and lots of those are that. Maybe really old pillows, socks with holes, things with a broken zipper/closure, unusable broken gadgets are some good ones
Socks with holes are just fine for "around the yard"..in the winter I wear double socks for warmth Socks with the holes are put on first with socks with no holes on top
21:30 Small pans work great for a countertop toaster oven. I would highly recommend using toaster ovens over microwaves and your main oven. It’s so much better for reheating without over cooking, and it is more energy efficient than the larger oven.
I have an obscene box collection. I have recently downsized from my ‘box room’ to my ‘box area’. Bags too! All sizes and shapes. With and without handles. Mall bags and shopping bags. Ugh. I do have too many bags. But I’ll say this. I’ll never just get ‘rid’ of them. I’ve been grateful that I have all those boxes as well as packaging supplies like bubble wrap to use for items in and for my donation boxes! I get rid of the boxes for sure…but not until they’re full. 😊🎉 Bye stuff!! 👋🏼 😊
I've also been considering listing most of the boxes and packing materials for free on a buy nothing group. In case someone needs them... (here's hoping!? 😂) Cuz I definitely have more than I need, but it's hard to just toss them (even recycle! 😅)
I am 26 now and have been car sick my whole life, literally. Mom told me it started from the age of 2 (when they started travelling with me) onwards. There was nothing on the more 'natural' side that helped and believe me when I say, I've tried it all - from acupressure, specific food, oils, nothing. Not even sitting in the front seat, opening windows to get some fresh air, frequent stops, ... Only prescription-free pills for travel sickness helped me. I take one half an hour before the ride and I'm good to go wherever and for as long as it takes 😄 what I've noticed is that I am always car sick when roads are twisted, like in my home country. Where I currently live (Germany) highways (Autobahn) are, as I believe you've seen when living here, for the most part straight. For as long as I'm here (6 years), I was never, not even once, car sick. I can even eat when travelling, which was impossible before because I'd throw up everything, so I'd starve for hours, and when we reach our destination I would be so tired and exhausted I couldn't and wouldn't eat, only sleep. I would advise you to get those pills and save both you and your kids any pain and suffering. I know how it feels like, I feel sorry for all of you, it is not easy 😶 take care ❤️
Thank you for cutting the old hair elastic band at 35:11 to protect wildlife. We never know where our trash might end up. I always tie up plastic bag and plastic pieces before disposal, in hope that it will not end up floating in the ocean and be swallowed by wildlife 🐋 🐢
I feel inspired to improve my life when I watch your videos. I have chronic pain from a crippled limb. I'd like to see more videos by people with significant health issues about how they manage to live well (holistically) with their condition. In my experience, I've needed to be willing to accept a lot of help from family and friends to make it through difficult times. I wonder how I can break free from needing as much help. I'm still quite young, so at least I have that going for me... but sometimes it's challenging to keep an optimistic perspective.
We have a sticker book. Irs just a compasition note book but when my son comes hom with stuckers he likes to stick them in the notebook. Gives it a home and is fun for him. Just a suggestion if somone needs a sticker solution for a kid that likes them.
Re: Cracked hands. I recently discovered that hyaluronic acid (the basic serum you put on your face) works wonders for my dry hands and it has even strengthened my nails. I do a lot of dish washing by hand. I put on a couple of drops for both hands, then add regular moisturizer on them (optional- it's the HU that does the healing work).
I love your videos! We are a family that moves often and therefore I like to keep things simple so my stuff can fit into whatever home we find ourselves next. Sometimes I struggle with not having the latest trend, gadget, or fashion, but your videos help me feel normal in wanting to live a peaceful life.
Every time I stop for gas, I clean out the car. People look at me funny, but my car has so little clutter in it. I cleaned off my counters and found a moldy pepper. I just bought hand and body lotion.
Good mention! My rule has been to use up what I have before buying more, but I've noticed I keep going to the same newer wrapping paper and avoiding what I bought as far back as ten years ago -- some is unopened 😅 Not sure why it took me so long, but I'm finally giving them away so I don't feel guilty (or annoyed by my choices)!
I don’t encourage people I know to buy me gifts for any reason because if I need it I’ll buy it and though thoughtful, I likely won’t use 20% of what I’ve received. I don’t shop for gifts for anyone, preferring we make a plan to get together and share our time instead. Having said this, I must confess to having a really nice gift closet. I’m very proud of this largely unnecessary space. It says that I *can* do projects like this with the right inspiration. One day I’ll probably donate or give it away to someone who actually buys and gives gifts. Lol😂
😂I would have the opposite choice with the waffle maker. I live alone now that my family’s grown, and had to declutter my large waffle iron for a mini one that only makes 1 waffle for me.
I wasn’t able to declutter along with you, but made a list of the areas and items to tackle this weekend. I live in a super dry climate and I moisturize my hands at bedtime with a heavy body butter, then cover my hands with cotton gloves. (I also do this with my feet and cover with cotton socks.). I also moisturize after washing my hands, while they are still damp, and I wear gloves when washing dishes or any other time I’ll have my hands in water for an extended time.
I think you're not alone in pulling your back out over some everyday activity! I pulled mine out a couple of weeks ago throwing the trash in the bin. You're also not alone in staticky hair or cracked and bleeding skin! No worries, girl! ❤
Right! There are really normal activities that people do every day that can cause someone to throw their back out. An Uncle dropped a screw while he was working outside on a project, he throw his back by bending down to pick it up! I threw mine by sneezing while sitting! I absolutely love this video! Oh suggestion on the fly-away hair - take a dryer sheet (if you have one) and go through your hair with it. That will help to remove the static from it. Also, I sew a lot, so empty jars I use for extra buttons and ribbons.
What I do with cardboard boxes is break them down and put them on end in a larger box. Once the larger box is filled, any more boxes coming in get recycled. I don’t keep multiples of similar size boxes. I keep boxes because my favorite donation place wants stuff sorted into boxes that close and I have masses of stuff to donate as I work through piles and piles of stuff.
For car sickness, do not look out the side windows - it makes it worse as the picture rapidly changes. Look straight ahead. If they have to sit in the back, middle seat is best. Dramamine does help but I understand not wanting to take it on a regular basis. Caffeine tends to help as well. Hope they outgrow this, my daughter was car sick until 11-12 but seems ok now. I am still trying to outgrow it :)
..... When I tell you I just ripped off a calendar that I had on my kitchen wall, while listening to this video, that I have ignored literally for the past 3 years!!!??? ... It was a 2021 calendar 🤣🤣🤣 Gone! Omgness lol
A few things that end up piling up around my house are gardening pots, seeds and potting soil, etc. Also, I always end up with cords or chargers that got separated from the item they go with. I don't want to throw them out until I either connect them with the item and donate together or am sure they are not going to be needed!
I was annoyed to find out that my library actually will not scan from my phone! So I have to carry that card with me. I was living in a smaller town previously and they scanned from my phone
FYI, you should actually change out your contact lens case every few months (that's why they come with the solution). Bacteria can't always be removed thoroughly as the plastic begins to age and break down. TRUST ME, you don't want to mess with that! (I worked in an optometry office, so I used to see stuff like this.) If you found a specific one you like, just make sure you're still replacing it regularly to avoid bacterial infections.
Great video Marissa! I have been hanging onto a heavy glass cake stand for a very long time because well.. it’s pretty 🤦🏻♀️ out she goes!!! The cake stand hack is brilliant 🤩
While listening to this video, I went through my kitchen towels and got rid of 3 and got it nice and organized. Also- don’t be embarrassed about throwing ur back out- last year I got the flu and slept in the guest room so I wouldn’t get my hubby sick. The second day, I woke up and felt better and went to get up- ouch- my back was out! It took 2 weeks, a chiropractic visit, and lots of heat for it to heal. Welcome to middle age!
What a cool list!! I love how you really have to dig to find things to declutter as a longer running minimalist now, which makes for this great content. haha. Oh. Interesting about your boxes! When we get boxes, I break them down immediately and put them with the recycling. Magnets make me feel soooo weird to see on people's fridges these days since my mom and dad have TWO refrigerators (even though we grew up as a family of 5 with one) and both are COVERED with photos and magnets. UGH. I don't mind flat hair or cracked hands (mine are so dry too). Bye bye pretty bottles. I used to collect Jones soda bottles when first married and was happy to recycle them when we made our first move. I love how you create function from other objects (like your big dish becoming a cake stand). I was gifted TWO cake stands when I got married and never baked cakes. They were Lennox ones too and I brought them to Salvation Army in the boxes when I became a minimalist. I like how you state to people what is practical for your family and how it may not be for others. My husband actually recently asked me what happened to our small waffle maker one of my friends bought me in like 2007. I said, "I used it once and after six months donated it. It's been gone a long time. We don't need it." I used to be a swimmer too (but not competitively but I did get lessons at a gym as a kid for years and swam laps). Speedos are the best for those laps. My last suit from them I wore in 2006 until I switched to surfing wear instead. I always wore the caps and goggles from Speedo too. I finally bought some new underwear this weekend and so now I need to declutter that area. Some toothpaste containers can be recycled. I wash mine out and put them in recycling right away. I think that is a healthy habit to make. . .recycle things immediately that need it (including that junk mail pile). Are night guards for post braces wearing? My 15 year old is getting his braces off in March so I am curious now haha. I recently replaced the towels that were gifted to me for wedding from an old boss I had. I had those 19 years. They had strings hanging and everything. I really can make things last long. Oh man, I wish you still lived in NJ so we could hang out haha. No one here understands minimalism at all. I think my mom is finally convinced I can start helping her declutter. . . we'll see. You have a lovely bedroom. Other items: highlighters and pens that don't work, dead plants.
Thought I was mostly under control with decluttering but your video reminded me to do the cabinet where i keep hand creams, medicines etc, just decluttered two small boxes of medicines and creams that are way out of date and found the bag I need for keeping my passport in when i travel which ill be doing soon so thats a good find. Also realised a lot of the things in this cupboard dont really belong there and are more bathroom adjacent things so they can go else where. Whilst i went through the medicine box I realised that my wrist supports really weren't up to standard anymore so chucking the old ones and ordering a couple of new ones. Hopefully I won't get so many midnight wrist subluxions woooh.
Oh man-- the centipedes in NJ! I lived there for a year and a half in my early 20's and I do not miss those creepy guys. Also, my thumbs crack in the winter, too, and I threw my back out once picking up a shirt. 🙄 Thank you for this very practical list!!
That's my 3rd comment here haha but this video is so long, that's good tho :D I just wanted to tell my idea for that part 38:13 product that disappoint me - I recently took a box and gathered all products that I have but don't use, and I gradually try to use them, and it works perfect. I had a box full of stuff a month ago. Now it's half empty. I am smiling with every empty box I can toss. And I remind myself of that box every time I want to buy something...and how hard it was to finish the unwanted product... because the joy of buying is only at the beginning. Afterward we usually use the product happily, or we are left with a thing we don't really like, and we lie to ourselves that we will use it out one day. To make it work there are two rules tho: the box must be ugly (like amazon box you know, so you want to get rid of it, not something that looks cute so we can forget about it) and the box must be always out in your bathroom, not hidden in the drawers or cabinets, so you really see it daily!
Car sickness victims sit up front. They can rotate and take turns since there's just 2 of them. Bench seats were great for this!😂 The one in the back seat can lay down. That helps. When I was pregnant I had to drive everywhere, like my kid's dad couldn't drive me 2 blocks without pulling over. The whole 9 months, btw. Old towels go to the animal shelter along with old sheets. They wash every day, so they're always in need. Cardboard boxes can get so out of control! I'll keep maybe 3 and the rest go to a local elementary school where they get paid for a full dumpsterload, so we are supporting the school! (We don't have a recycling bin at my apartment. Bummer) Awesome video! And thanks for cutting the hair ties!
I just feel that i have found the Angel of my life ! I love u. I learn a lot from u and get a lot of good feelings from u. Im a mom too and live in germany ❤
ohhh dear you mentioned the holiday decor omg i so wanna throw that all away ughh!! I mean putting it up taking it down storing it for next time ughh NO thanks. You are the best decluttering lady on the planet. 😁
I keep a few things from my childhood and about 5 ornaments my kids made years ago, and I have very little. Just keep what you'd sob about if it was all lost in a fire. If you don't remember you have it 11 months later, donate it.
I used to have like 20 bins of Christmas decorations when my kids were little. Now in my 50s, I don’t have the desire to lug all of that stuff. I allow myself one two-shelf cabinet in my living room for all of my seasonal decorations. It really doesn’t take that much to make the house look festive and I no longer have that anxiety of storing and lugging it all.
Thanks for putting my mind at ease about getting rid of things that are not good for the earth so I'd rather keep it in the house for guilt of it existing...🤦🏽♀️
Probably falls under duplicates, but TEAPOTS!! My ex used to collect teapots, and at one point we had six different pots, but we only used one since all of the other ones were too small 😅 When we split up I gladly let him have them all, bought one that I love and I’ve never missed any of the cute tiny ones from his collection.
Boxes and pretty bottles-oh man, we must be sisters from another Mister! 😁 I feel like these are both tied to the creative drive to me. I just need to work on my current hobbies, not fantasize about how to turn everything into sth else. 🙄 Love your cake stand hack.
I can totally relate to your raw hands in the winter! What I found that works better than putting lotion on every time I would wash my hands is that I started usin shaving cream! It actually has a little bit of soap in it so it does clean your hands, and it also moisturizes at the same time. I have only had to put a Band-Aid on my hand maybe twice this winter so far and it used to be an every night ritual. Plus I would wear latex gloves during the day to keep my hands dry and I would wash the gloves instead of my hands so it was just ridiculous! I bought the Barbasol brand at Big Lots and it was only $1.99 a can versus $3.99 at CVS! I bought six cans when I was there and I still have a couple left so I think I will get through the entire winter with those!
Re dry hands: The only stuff that works to keep my hands from cracking and bleeding in the winter is Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. I've tried Cerave (it's ok) and pure lanolin (can only put it on at night with gloves--too sticky for any other time). Lotion from places like Bath & Bodyworks actually makes it worse! I have had to declutter a lot of not-good-enough lotion... The other thing is too make sure and always wear sturdy dishwashing gloves when hand-washing dishes. Good luck! - From Minnesota
Keep a pair of cheapo swim goggles in kitchen utensil drawer to use when chopping onions if youre doin a " big batch" of something. Especially if you are a mascara- wearer
This is a great video…there are a lot of things we overlook day to day! I also live in a cold climate and found that my hands will crack and bleed as well. I religiously wear gloves when washing dishes, dab of hand oil followed by hand lotion most times I wash my hands and run a humidifier. I havent had any cracking or bleeding hands at all this winter! Good luck!
For car sickness. Have them try looking out the front window, watching the road. It helps on curvy mtn roads which you probably don't have to deal with. Also Target has a "candy" , sold in the pharmacy aisle esp for motion sickness. It has ginger and other obvious ingredients and also, interestingly Vit B6. Its their Good and Gather house. Haven't tried because it was$10 for a large bag and dont get motion sickness any more. Oh, and also make sure they are hydrated
Not the topic of the video, but I always have the same issue with my skin cracking open during winter. My mom gave me the best advice for that. Already moisturize your hand during handwashing by using something like for example Duschoel (shower oil?). It already helps a lot! And then when it's especially cold I will apply a thick body lotion (usually I use Koerperbutter) onto my hands before sleeping so it won't bother me as much, but has a lot of time to really moisturize my hands.
You're supposed to change the contact lense case regularly, that's why there is a case with each bottle. Otherwise bacteria might build up and cause problems in your eyes. Also it's generally better to use a peroxide solution, as it is better to clean the lenses between uses. The cases for these have to be changed regularly to ensure the peroxide is neutralized properly.
Sweet almond oil is amazing for winter dry skin. We have a big pump bottle of it that the whole family uses instead of lotion. It really helps protect our skin in Montana winter.
Regarding dry cracked hands, I work in healthcare and have to wash hands or put on hand sanitizer many times per day. My fingers were very cracked and I had constant hangnails. I love Duke Cannon’s Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Cream. It for sure gets me through the winter and I really don’t have to use it over and over. One container lasts me years but I def keep one at home and one at work. Hope this helps!
Great video! I love the tip about cutting hair elastics before throwing them away. I hadn’t thought of that, even though I always cut apart the plastic rings that hold six packs of soda together.
Don't be embarrassed Marissa, I threw out my back 2 years ago while locking my bike when I was only 25 years old and I couldn't do anything for 2 months! Sometimes our bodies are just awkward like that. 😂 I haven't had any problems ever since! My boyfriend also had the same thing at 16 years old when he lifted me in the air the wrong way. I was very skinny at the time so his movement was just incorrect.
I have been keeping boxes from appliances where I keep attachments, manuals, etc and I store appliances when not in use. One example is my Vitamix which I have used on and off over the past 30 years and it still works as good as new even though I have had to replace a couple parts over the years. I also kept all boxes for my home theatre equipment and currently have all the electronics and speakers stored in them and should sell it all.
I have a set of three clear 'glass' casserole dishes, with lids. I use these for (1) microwave cooking (2) the lids work as covers on other dishes to stop splashes in the microwave (3) I use the upside down bases for heating plated meals in the microwave (4) storing leftovers in the fridge (5) actually as a casserole in the ordinary oven.
If you are a person who relies on your glasses for daily living, keep a backup. I’ve broken my glasses before, and fortunately had my backup pair on hand
Thank you for the video I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to declutter. I wasnted to share that regarding your contact lens case, they are meant to be disposed every few months typically when you get new solution if I may suggest just toss your old one and keep the newest one.
Most of these membership cards can be linked to your phone number and you can guys enter the phone number rather then use the cards. Except for the library. I also take pictures and save in an album on my phone certain cards barcodes like ikea family card. I almost never pull out the actual cards
Another great video! I haven't shopped there in YEARS. . .mainly because we don't have one in the area anymore. . . .but Bed Bath & Beyond would ALWAYS take expired coupons. Not sure if that's still the case.
Regarding the back situation, we love our chiropractor. My husband usually goes after being smooshed on a plane; started seeing one after an accident, and he helped a lot when I strained my back during a house move.
Please give this video a like 👍 and comment with what kinds of oddly specific clutter YOU have in your home! I'd love to hear if there's anything that I've missed. 😃► 📋 FREE 10-PAGE DECLUTTERING CHECKLIST » atozenlife.com/free-declutter-checklist (try refreshing the page if you don't see it pop up right away).
While I didn't have time for a full declutter today, I did declutter two old landline phones from a downstairs closet! 😂
Question....what if you have seasonal sheets? (Lighter for summer....warmer for winter)
You did miss a cart with compartments to declutter (rollable three shelves) trolley
Love what you said..."money was wasted when you bought the product, not when you get rid of it." ❤ Thanks.
I try to donate to charities that have helped me so that I feel like I'm giving back.
Veterinary hospitals will happily take old towels. Animals are messy and they go through so many towels every day.
Groomers and shelters, too.
Thank you for the tip. I forgot that and I do have too many old towels. G Ire
Good to know
I like how you mentioned to cut up hair ties so birds don't get stuck in them.
Yes! And anything circular, e.g. mask.
I've never heard that one before, but I love hearing that people do think or hear of that.
"It's time to let go of the guilt that you feel about that, because your guilt isn't going to change what has happened, and it's ok to let those things go." So impactful!
Small toys, that are still in good condition, but also stuff like those cute erasers or stickers, you could collect in a box and hand out on Halloween instead of candy. The Kids could simply take what they'd like and the rest can still be donated. Yes, I know, it will sit in a box somewhere in the home until then, but it is an option and kids will gonna end up with a lot of candy anyways.
I love it! The kids WILL still end up with a lot of candy, but your house gets to be that weird, surprising place with the happy meal toys, stuffed dinosaurs, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Re: car sickness. What works for me is sitting up front - and what *really* works for me is driving. Your boys are still little, but let them know there is a solution! In a few years they can sit up front/drive and it'll help *so* much. Also look out of the window the whole time. Don't read/look at devices at all in the car. But I'm sure you've probably figured that one out already. Good luck to your boys! Motion sickness is awful.
We had to drive 30 minutes yesterday and they were okay, no mints needed. So they might be outgrowing it? Fingers crossed 🤞 thank you for sharing your tips with me!
@@AtoZenLife Thank goodness for that! I really felt for them when you mentioned they had motion sickness.
I've also just got to the part of the video where you mention staticky hair and split skin. I've just discovered static guard (I got it from Walmart). I spray it on my brush then brush my hair and it's really helped! I don't have split skin, but I have very rough skin and...even worse...nails that split really far down. Ouch. I haven't found any solution to that just yet except constant moisturizing and superglue.
Came here to say all that! Sitting in the back will always give me a bit of motion sickness, but looking through the window the whole ride minimizes it. Absolutely no screens or books. Driving gives me 0 sickness!
As for split skin and nails, drinking more water does help. I’m a hair & makeup artist and my suggestion, that will also help with static hair, is: oils. Your skin, hair and nails probably lack oil, and you’re losing moisture because of that, so get one like jojoba that can be used for all 3. Use it on your skin 2x daily as the last step of your skincare (before sunscreen though), apply on nails and hair as well.
Anti-static hairsprays are just oil in spray form! But they also have alcohol and some thinners. So whenever you’re done with skincare, just use the rest of the oils in your hands to spread through your nails and hair :)❤ jojoba and squalene are the best for keeping moisture in.
I second your jojoba oil suggestion. I use it and love it! @@LivTavares
It broke my heart giving baby things away when my oldest was about 4, but I did it anyway. Gave to a foster mom. Later, I found water damage and mice with the things I did keep. I was so glad I gave away what I did!
Yes! Been there. I'm currently scanning boxes of paperwork in my attic. Some is now yellowing or otherwise getting ruined. Will do likewise with very old linens from my parents. Prefer it gone rather than to see it ruined
This really reminded me how much staying on the minimal side is about continuosly going through stuff and getting rid of it
So true 🫶
I did a big declutter today of my sentimental things from my child/teenhood. My criteria was getting rid of anything that not only had bad memories attached to them, but also things that made me feel weird. It feel so good to have exercised those demons, lol
I did that recently. I used a pretty box (Dana White's container concept) and that is as much room as I have. I kept ONE college paper, to remind myself that once upon a time I could think critically. I kept my college diploma. I finally got rid of all the photos from my first love (except one.). There is still room for more, too.
I used to draw a lot when i was in high school. I scaned all the drawings i considered important, and save them. Over the years from the like 2000-5000. I lower the data amount to like 500 pictures.
And i do like to colect dolls, and sewing, so what i started to do was making dresses or clottes for my dolls, from some of the dresses on the pictures i have save or the internet pictures i have save. The first i made was a Fate Mordred clottes from a scrap of fabric that i buy the first time i got my salary, like 18 years ago. I still have to finish the doll, but the details were very entertaining to do.
My bedroom is my happy place. I have knick knacks, artificial plants and flowers, decorative jewelry tree, Himalayan lamp, charger cords, books, Bible, journal, etc. I don’t want my bedroom to look sterile. For me the bathroom has to be decluttered at all times. I love watching many videos for ideas for all my spaces.
Nursing homes also will take toiletry samples, books, DVDs, magazines, etc. in the US, the Lions Clubs accept donations of used eyeglasses. (Sometimes eye dr offices will have a repository for the lions club). A good place to donate used linens, towels, sheets, etc. are wildlife rehabilitation facilities. (The animals don’t care if they are stained!) They always need those types of donations. Thanks so much for your videos! Keep ‘em coming!
And homeless shelters often take clothing donations which feels like they're less likely to end up in a landfill than if you take them to goodwill.
I worked at an animal shelter.
We didn't, and most shelters won't use stain items.
Because they don't know what kind of stain it is.
And besides we as people don't like using stain items why should animals be subjected to them.
Towels at the shelters are mainly used to dry the animals after a bath or if they get wet from any other sources.
Don’t be embarrassed by your back situation. As a nurse who worked in orthopedics for a time, it takes one wrong move to cause back injury.
Good posture and proper lifting are SUPER important. Even if all we are doing is picking up paper off the floor, it’s better to squat than to bend.
This can happen to anyone.
Yes! We must also remember that maintaining back, shoulder and core strength also helps to support these movements and help prevent injury. I pulled a muscle when putting my socks on at age 35, and was in good health. But I sit at a computer all day and certain muscle groups tend to get neglected, then have a nasty way of reminding us that they need attention 😂
As a masseuse, our bodies can tolerate bad posture and lack of exercise for so long, then one day, your back goes 'out' making a simple move. That's not what happens, your back going 'out' thru a simple move is accumulated stresses on that area. My advice is to see a good chiropractor in your area for manipulation and exercise advice. The problem is still there, waiting until it can no longer function. Much love ❤
I threw my back out when I was 30. How? Picking up a hanger. A FREAKING HANGER!!! It was weak for well over a year, and I kept throwing it out over and over... some of my favorites were while sneezing, and while brushing my teeth.
I started sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair at work (recommended by my chiropractor), and I've had nearly zero issues with it since (I'm 42 now). I can't imagine my back miraculously became invincible as I aged, so I'm sure the ball is a factor. My primary care doctor said it's because the constant balancing (which I don't even have to think about anymore) keeps my core strong.
Oh my goodness! 😭 I’m glad you were able to find an exercise routine that helps!
You had me at tip #1. What is it that makes us empty box aficionados? 🧐"This could be useful some day." Right. I have decluttered them. Thank you! ❤
i injured my neck, looking in a mirror. i was 20 and in the military. it can happen to anyone at anytime.
thank you for being your authentic self. we desperately need more of that 💛
Centipedes 😮😮😮. Yeah that's all the encouragement i need to get rid of boxes, thanks!
Where I've lived, we had the same issue with earwigs or roaches being attracted to the glue/tape
Brown recluse and cockroaches like cardboard too... 😵
My oddly specific clutter is old plastic tubs that might come in useful as seed trays/pots for propagating plants
I think my biggest problem for decluttering in 2024 is my scarcity mindset. Especially after coming out of a high year of inflation that seems never-ending. I m really trying hard to limit my spending by shopping my home this year.
This! I feel like inflation is “out of control” and feel the need to stock up on and good deals I manage to find….
@@creativelycountry1617Absolutely.
@ashmeyer21 I'm in a similar boat. I have a couple bins with things I'm willing to declutter now, but havent removed them from the house. I'm working on "no spend" months, aside from food, to help alleviate extra things coming in.
This is why people kept stuff to begin with, especially during the Great Depression. "You never know when you'll need it."
ugh. yeah. I've... kind of??? dealt with it? by having a set amount of physical space and keeping tabs on local groups. I had to search them out and ask around, but I joined some mutual aid + no-buy groups, and keep track of stuff like art programs. Then I have a 'clock,' like 1x/mo, I need to turn over that collection for those programs.
There are local thrift stores that take donations BUT these aren't the kind of things they'd actually be able to sell. This week I'm donating old photo boxes, a somewhat-clawed wooden cat tree (people have lots of outdoor cats + don't/can't pay for these,) and an assorted pile of art supplies. Think damaged books, random markers, scrap fabrics cut from damaged garments, etc. Not saleable, right? But the local kids' after school program doesn't have to pay to teach basic sewing skills when they get free practice fabrics.
You might find some peace in letting things go if you know they're going to other low-income people/groups AND you don't intend to pile them up in your living space.
- Bags of donations sitting around -- Guilty!
- Unnecessary extra wallet -- Guilty!
- Keeping pretty bottles -- Guilty! 😅
- Multiple sets of measuring spoons -- So Guilty 😆
- Stretched out hair ties -- Yes! lol
I've also developed such a sensitivity to mainstream candles in recent years that I did get rid of some last year, but am thinking I could definitely pare down even further. Thanks for the reminder!
Really appreciate this list as it reveals how every single item truly does add up! Also you're right, I do feel loads better knowing that you, our ultra minimalist friend, still encounter and struggle a bit with such things 😉
This video gave me exactly the momentum I needed to consolidate a few blankets and pillows and even reorganize our spare closet! Now it is so much more functional and we can see what we're actively using as well as items we haven't used that could probably be given away. Thanks so much for a push in the right direction!
😂😂 I SO understand throwing out your back doing absolutely nothing. Usually mine is sleeping or turning wrong. 😂😂
🥲
It is caused by accumulated stresses. Please see a chiropractor ❤
I did a major clean out of our bathroom 2 weeks ago--there are just two of us and we had two grocery bags for the trash and half a bag of stuff to donate! I even got rid of my curling iron, I realized that it had been so long since I had used it, I didn't remember, so it was time for it to go. The part that really cracked me up were how many boxes that were almost empty that were taking up so much space--a Bandaid box, a back cream box, etc. We have so much space now and everything has a place again. And I didn't think it had been that long since I'd done it!
A nice thing about the small keychain cards- I dropped my keys once and someone turned them in to the library, who called me to come get them!
We have been doing this in our house. My father just recently passed away. The house he was in has been in our family for a while. 5 generations worth of stuff. We took little bits we wanted. Then hired a person to clear out the rest. It was a tough emotional thing.
After I got back home tho. It made me want to declutter even more stuff
We hired someone as well. It was just too much! Dad was an art and antique dealer as well as all of the personal stuff! It took the estate expert 15 months. Yes, that's right. He and I think 3 assistants, an estate sale every 6 weeks, for 15 months. He was worth every penny we paid him.
I’m very very sorry for your loss. ❤
@lauranewman564 When I hear stories like yours I first of all acknowledge your loss 😢 Next I think about the chore that I would unnecessarily leave to my son. It motivates me to downsize drastically
@eliflames5157 I'm sorry for your loss. You mentioned that you hired a person to clear out some things. How did you find the person? Did they need to ask you about everything they cleared out?
I’m glad you mentioned cutting hair ties! I also cut the circular pull tabs inside milk cartons (or anything else circular). Also cut up mesh fruit bags really well.
If you pot plants; the mesh fruit bags are also good to put at the bottom for draining
For dry and cracked hands try O’Keeffes in the jar. It really helped me. A little goes a long way. Thank you for your solutions and recommendations. They are helpful.
I liked it when you told us that you tend to save boxes. I tend to save jars and food containers. I decluttered them a while ago, but now they are "appearing" in my cabinet again! I guess we all have something we tend to hold on to.
Also a box keeper here, especially thick, solid ones. Also baskets, and other containers. Why oh why!
Same here. I’m pleased to see there are other container hoarders. Plastic shopping bags too, mainly ones I’ve acquired on holidays abroad, which tend to be prettier than the ones we get here in the U.K. I do use and re-use them, but I don’t need quite as many as I have. I too declutter every so often but it’s an ongoing battle! ,
For car sickness, get an old ice cream bucket (good excuse for a treat) a gallon I believe but it's the ones with a handle and lid and put some small trash bags or plastic grocery bags in the bottom as extras and then line the bucket. Close the lid. Ready to grab just in case there's an "event" and the bag can be tied off and lid put on for odor control until you can dump it.
Smart idea!
Yes! And it can double as a trashcan for the candy wrappers when there isn't an "incident"
That is a really awesome idea. We carry gallon size Ziploc bags. Do the dead, seal it, and throw it away. But for smaller children, that icecream bucket idea is awesome!!
❤ the idea 😊.
I wouldnt say this is oddly specific or guilt free but still a good list for the basics that cover on most decluttering lists. People hold on to things for just in case and lots of those are that. Maybe really old pillows, socks with holes, things with a broken zipper/closure, unusable broken gadgets are some good ones
Having Socks that don't falls is highly overrated.
Most of my socks have a whole in the heel and I don't care.
Socks with holes are just fine for "around the yard"..in the winter I wear double socks for warmth Socks with the holes are put on first with socks with no holes on top
21:30 Small pans work great for a countertop toaster oven. I would highly recommend using toaster ovens over microwaves and your main oven. It’s so much better for reheating without over cooking, and it is more energy efficient than the larger oven.
I have an obscene box collection. I have recently downsized from my ‘box room’ to my ‘box area’. Bags too! All sizes and shapes. With and without handles. Mall bags and shopping bags. Ugh. I do have too many bags.
But I’ll say this.
I’ll never just get ‘rid’ of them.
I’ve been grateful that I have all those boxes as well as packaging supplies like bubble wrap to use for items in and for my donation boxes!
I get rid of the boxes for sure…but not until they’re full. 😊🎉
Bye stuff!! 👋🏼 😊
I've also been considering listing most of the boxes and packing materials for free on a buy nothing group. In case someone needs them... (here's hoping!? 😂) Cuz I definitely have more than I need, but it's hard to just toss them (even recycle! 😅)
I am 26 now and have been car sick my whole life, literally. Mom told me it started from the age of 2 (when they started travelling with me) onwards. There was nothing on the more 'natural' side that helped and believe me when I say, I've tried it all - from acupressure, specific food, oils, nothing. Not even sitting in the front seat, opening windows to get some fresh air, frequent stops, ... Only prescription-free pills for travel sickness helped me. I take one half an hour before the ride and I'm good to go wherever and for as long as it takes 😄 what I've noticed is that I am always car sick when roads are twisted, like in my home country. Where I currently live (Germany) highways (Autobahn) are, as I believe you've seen when living here, for the most part straight. For as long as I'm here (6 years), I was never, not even once, car sick. I can even eat when travelling, which was impossible before because I'd throw up everything, so I'd starve for hours, and when we reach our destination I would be so tired and exhausted I couldn't and wouldn't eat, only sleep. I would advise you to get those pills and save both you and your kids any pain and suffering. I know how it feels like, I feel sorry for all of you, it is not easy 😶 take care ❤️
💯
Thank you for cutting the old hair elastic band at 35:11 to protect wildlife. We never know where our trash might end up. I always tie up plastic bag and plastic pieces before disposal, in hope that it will not end up floating in the ocean and be swallowed by wildlife 🐋 🐢
I feel inspired to improve my life when I watch your videos. I have chronic pain from a crippled limb. I'd like to see more videos by people with significant health issues about how they manage to live well (holistically) with their condition. In my experience, I've needed to be willing to accept a lot of help from family and friends to make it through difficult times. I wonder how I can break free from needing as much help. I'm still quite young, so at least I have that going for me... but sometimes it's challenging to keep an optimistic perspective.
Perhaps you need to start a UA-cam channel if you can?❤
You are a very beautiful woman with a clear mind and a kind soul.❤
We have a sticker book. Irs just a compasition note book but when my son comes hom with stuckers he likes to stick them in the notebook. Gives it a home and is fun for him. Just a suggestion if somone needs a sticker solution for a kid that likes them.
I'm moving from a 1 bedroom to a studio apartment this month, so this is perfect timing.
Re: Cracked hands. I recently discovered that hyaluronic acid (the basic serum you put on your face) works wonders for my dry hands and it has even strengthened my nails. I do a lot of dish washing by hand. I put on a couple of drops for both hands, then add regular moisturizer on them (optional- it's the HU that does the healing work).
I love your videos! We are a family that moves often and therefore I like to keep things simple so my stuff can fit into whatever home we find ourselves next. Sometimes I struggle with not having the latest trend, gadget, or fashion, but your videos help me feel normal in wanting to live a peaceful life.
I love this! Just fyi.😂
Every time I stop for gas, I clean out the car. People look at me funny, but my car has so little clutter in it. I cleaned off my counters and found a moldy pepper. I just bought hand and body lotion.
Gift wrapping stuff. I realised my life has changed and I am just not gifting as much as I use to. So will just buy as I need. ❤
Good mention! My rule has been to use up what I have before buying more, but I've noticed I keep going to the same newer wrapping paper and avoiding what I bought as far back as ten years ago -- some is unopened 😅 Not sure why it took me so long, but I'm finally giving them away so I don't feel guilty (or annoyed by my choices)!
I don’t encourage people I know to buy me gifts for any reason because if I need it I’ll buy it and though thoughtful, I likely won’t use 20% of what I’ve received. I don’t shop for gifts for anyone, preferring we make a plan to get together and share our time instead. Having said this, I must confess to having a really nice gift closet. I’m very proud of this largely unnecessary space. It says that I *can* do projects like this with the right inspiration.
One day I’ll probably donate or give it away to someone who actually buys and gives gifts. Lol😂
I too have a box addiction as well. Yep I am trying to figure out what I need to keep for a move
I love your Pink Floyd T-Shirt!
😂I would have the opposite choice with the waffle maker. I live alone now that my family’s grown, and had to declutter my large waffle iron for a mini one that only makes 1 waffle for me.
See, that’s what makes sense for your current lifestyle 👍
Yes! I had a four waffle. Four kids gone. Wafflemaker gone. Now I have a granddaughter. I'm getting another waffle maker!
I wasn’t able to declutter along with you, but made a list of the areas and items to tackle this weekend. I live in a super dry climate and I moisturize my hands at bedtime with a heavy body butter, then cover my hands with cotton gloves. (I also do this with my feet and cover with cotton socks.). I also moisturize after washing my hands, while they are still damp, and I wear gloves when washing dishes or any other time I’ll have my hands in water for an extended time.
I kept my old nightguard for years! I couldn't wear it because my teeth had shifted, but I held onto it because it was expensive.
Same for my high school retainer and retainer cases 😅 Such weird things to hold on to! lol
I think you're not alone in pulling your back out over some everyday activity! I pulled mine out a couple of weeks ago throwing the trash in the bin. You're also not alone in staticky hair or cracked and bleeding skin! No worries, girl! ❤
Also, Aquaphor works very well at night for the dry hands. I also like Little Journey baby oatmeal lotion from Aldi.
Right! There are really normal activities that people do every day that can cause someone to throw their back out. An Uncle dropped a screw while he was working outside on a project, he throw his back by bending down to pick it up! I threw mine by sneezing while sitting! I absolutely love this video! Oh suggestion on the fly-away hair - take a dryer sheet (if you have one) and go through your hair with it. That will help to remove the static from it. Also, I sew a lot, so empty jars I use for extra buttons and ribbons.
What I do with cardboard boxes is break them down and put them on end in a larger box. Once the larger box is filled, any more boxes coming in get recycled. I don’t keep multiples of similar size boxes. I keep boxes because my favorite donation place wants stuff sorted into boxes that close and I have masses of stuff to donate as I work through piles and piles of stuff.
For car sickness, do not look out the side windows - it makes it worse as the picture rapidly changes. Look straight ahead. If they have to sit in the back, middle seat is best. Dramamine does help but I understand not wanting to take it on a regular basis. Caffeine tends to help as well. Hope they outgrow this, my daughter was car sick until 11-12 but seems ok now. I am still trying to outgrow it :)
..... When I tell you I just ripped off a calendar that I had on my kitchen wall, while listening to this video, that I have ignored literally for the past 3 years!!!??? ... It was a 2021 calendar 🤣🤣🤣 Gone! Omgness lol
😂😂 I love that
Yep I have a box addiction too. I have no problem decluttering the crap that came in the boxes but actually get rid of the box…nooooo😮😂
😅
I have a gigantic box that my printer came in and I can't seem to make myself get rid of it!
A few things that end up piling up around my house are gardening pots, seeds and potting soil, etc. Also, I always end up with cords or chargers that got separated from the item they go with. I don't want to throw them out until I either connect them with the item and donate together or am sure they are not going to be needed!
A tip: I have all of my membership cards in an app on my phone. Got rid of all the physical ones. Saves so much space.
I was annoyed to find out that my library actually will not scan from my phone! So I have to carry that card with me. I was living in a smaller town previously and they scanned from my phone
FYI, you should actually change out your contact lens case every few months (that's why they come with the solution). Bacteria can't always be removed thoroughly as the plastic begins to age and break down. TRUST ME, you don't want to mess with that! (I worked in an optometry office, so I used to see stuff like this.) If you found a specific one you like, just make sure you're still replacing it regularly to avoid bacterial infections.
Yes, I got this comment several times…lesson learned 😂
@@AtoZenLife we all just care about your eyeballs! ❤️👀❤️
Thanks for this 😊.
Great video Marissa! I have been hanging onto a heavy glass cake stand for a very long time because well.. it’s pretty 🤦🏻♀️ out she goes!!! The cake stand hack is brilliant 🤩
So glad you found that tip useful and happy decluttering 😁👍
While listening to this video, I went through my kitchen towels and got rid of 3 and got it nice and organized. Also- don’t be embarrassed about throwing ur back out- last year I got the flu and slept in the guest room so I wouldn’t get my hubby sick. The second day, I woke up and felt better and went to get up- ouch- my back was out! It took 2 weeks, a chiropractic visit, and lots of heat for it to heal. Welcome to middle age!
You were able to have more of your personality come through in this video. Well done.
What a cool list!! I love how you really have to dig to find things to declutter as a longer running minimalist now, which makes for this great content. haha.
Oh. Interesting about your boxes! When we get boxes, I break them down immediately and put them with the recycling.
Magnets make me feel soooo weird to see on people's fridges these days since my mom and dad have TWO refrigerators (even though we grew up as a family of 5 with one) and both are COVERED with photos and magnets. UGH.
I don't mind flat hair or cracked hands (mine are so dry too).
Bye bye pretty bottles. I used to collect Jones soda bottles when first married and was happy to recycle them when we made our first move.
I love how you create function from other objects (like your big dish becoming a cake stand). I was gifted TWO cake stands when I got married and never baked cakes. They were Lennox ones too and I brought them to Salvation Army in the boxes when I became a minimalist.
I like how you state to people what is practical for your family and how it may not be for others.
My husband actually recently asked me what happened to our small waffle maker one of my friends bought me in like 2007. I said, "I used it once and after six months donated it. It's been gone a long time. We don't need it."
I used to be a swimmer too (but not competitively but I did get lessons at a gym as a kid for years and swam laps). Speedos are the best for those laps. My last suit from them I wore in 2006 until I switched to surfing wear instead. I always wore the caps and goggles from Speedo too.
I finally bought some new underwear this weekend and so now I need to declutter that area.
Some toothpaste containers can be recycled. I wash mine out and put them in recycling right away. I think that is a healthy habit to make. . .recycle things immediately that need it (including that junk mail pile).
Are night guards for post braces wearing? My 15 year old is getting his braces off in March so I am curious now haha.
I recently replaced the towels that were gifted to me for wedding from an old boss I had. I had those 19 years. They had strings hanging and everything. I really can make things last long.
Oh man, I wish you still lived in NJ so we could hang out haha. No one here understands minimalism at all. I think my mom is finally convinced I can start helping her declutter. . . we'll see.
You have a lovely bedroom.
Other items: highlighters and pens that don't work, dead plants.
Thought I was mostly under control with decluttering but your video reminded me to do the cabinet where i keep hand creams, medicines etc, just decluttered two small boxes of medicines and creams that are way out of date and found the bag I need for keeping my passport in when i travel which ill be doing soon so thats a good find. Also realised a lot of the things in this cupboard dont really belong there and are more bathroom adjacent things so they can go else where. Whilst i went through the medicine box I realised that my wrist supports really weren't up to standard anymore so chucking the old ones and ordering a couple of new ones. Hopefully I won't get so many midnight wrist subluxions woooh.
Oh man-- the centipedes in NJ! I lived there for a year and a half in my early 20's and I do not miss those creepy guys. Also, my thumbs crack in the winter, too, and I threw my back out once picking up a shirt. 🙄 Thank you for this very practical list!!
That's my 3rd comment here haha but this video is so long, that's good tho :D I just wanted to tell my idea for that part 38:13 product that disappoint me - I recently took a box and gathered all products that I have but don't use, and I gradually try to use them, and it works perfect. I had a box full of stuff a month ago. Now it's half empty. I am smiling with every empty box I can toss. And I remind myself of that box every time I want to buy something...and how hard it was to finish the unwanted product... because the joy of buying is only at the beginning. Afterward we usually use the product happily, or we are left with a thing we don't really like, and we lie to ourselves that we will use it out one day.
To make it work there are two rules tho: the box must be ugly (like amazon box you know, so you want to get rid of it, not something that looks cute so we can forget about it) and the box must be always out in your bathroom, not hidden in the drawers or cabinets, so you really see it daily!
Car sickness victims sit up front. They can rotate and take turns since there's just 2 of them. Bench seats were great for this!😂 The one in the back seat can lay down. That helps. When I was pregnant I had to drive everywhere, like my kid's dad couldn't drive me 2 blocks without pulling over. The whole 9 months, btw.
Old towels go to the animal shelter along with old sheets. They wash every day, so they're always in need.
Cardboard boxes can get so out of control! I'll keep maybe 3 and the rest go to a local elementary school where they get paid for a full dumpsterload, so we are supporting the school! (We don't have a recycling bin at my apartment. Bummer)
Awesome video! And thanks for cutting the hair ties!
I honestly live like you at home - my Mum and Dad use to buy at Garage Sales as well - I have been learning to declutter as well.
I just feel that i have found the Angel of my life ! I love u. I learn a lot from u and get a lot of good feelings from u. Im a mom too and live in germany ❤
Thanks so much and happy to have you here!
ohhh dear you mentioned the holiday decor omg i so wanna throw that all away ughh!! I mean putting it up taking it down storing it for next time ughh NO thanks. You are the best decluttering lady on the planet. 😁
I keep a few things from my childhood and about 5 ornaments my kids made years ago, and I have very little. Just keep what you'd sob about if it was all lost in a fire. If you don't remember you have it 11 months later, donate it.
I used to have like 20 bins of Christmas decorations when my kids were little. Now in my 50s, I don’t have the desire to lug all of that stuff. I allow myself one two-shelf cabinet in my living room for all of my seasonal decorations. It really doesn’t take that much to make the house look festive and I no longer have that anxiety of storing and lugging it all.
Thanks for putting my mind at ease about getting rid of things that are not good for the earth so I'd rather keep it in the house for guilt of it existing...🤦🏽♀️
Probably falls under duplicates, but TEAPOTS!! My ex used to collect teapots, and at one point we had six different pots, but we only used one since all of the other ones were too small 😅 When we split up I gladly let him have them all, bought one that I love and I’ve never missed any of the cute tiny ones from his collection.
I have minimized my tea pots to six. I’ve found it impossible to only keep the one!
Oh man, I love boxes too. I really want to make cat castles, and sell stuff in the mail.
Boxes and pretty bottles-oh man, we must be sisters from another Mister! 😁 I feel like these are both tied to the creative drive to me. I just need to work on my current hobbies, not fantasize about how to turn everything into sth else. 🙄
Love your cake stand hack.
I can totally relate to your raw hands in the winter! What I found that works better than putting lotion on every time I would wash my hands is that I started usin shaving cream! It actually has a little bit of soap in it so it does clean your hands, and it also moisturizes at the same time. I have only had to put a Band-Aid on my hand maybe twice this winter so far and it used to be an every night ritual. Plus I would wear latex gloves during the day to keep my hands dry and I would wash the gloves instead of my hands so it was just ridiculous! I bought the Barbasol brand at Big Lots and it was only $1.99 a can versus $3.99 at CVS! I bought six cans when I was there and I still have a couple left so I think I will get through the entire winter with those!
The cake stand hack is brilliant!
Re dry hands: The only stuff that works to keep my hands from cracking and bleeding in the winter is Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. I've tried Cerave (it's ok) and pure lanolin (can only put it on at night with gloves--too sticky for any other time). Lotion from places like Bath & Bodyworks actually makes it worse! I have had to declutter a lot of not-good-enough lotion... The other thing is too make sure and always wear sturdy dishwashing gloves when hand-washing dishes. Good luck! - From Minnesota
Cake stand is very cleaver 🤓 ty for sharing❤
Keep a pair of cheapo swim goggles in kitchen utensil drawer to use when chopping onions if youre doin a " big batch" of something. Especially if you are a mascara- wearer
I believe in “shopping my closet”. So if i take everything out and “shop through” and pick items i would buy again. And only those items go bk in
Ooo great tip thanks!
I have one top that I would not buy again but I get compliments on it every time I wear it so I feel like I have to keep it!
This is a great video…there are a lot of things we overlook day to day! I also live in a cold climate and found that my hands will crack and bleed as well. I religiously wear gloves when washing dishes, dab of hand oil followed by hand lotion most times I wash my hands and run a humidifier. I havent had any cracking or bleeding hands at all this winter! Good luck!
For car sickness. Have them try looking out the front window, watching the road. It helps on curvy mtn roads which you probably don't have to deal with. Also Target has a "candy" , sold in the pharmacy aisle esp for motion sickness. It has ginger and other obvious ingredients and also, interestingly Vit B6. Its their Good and Gather house. Haven't tried because it was$10 for a large bag and dont get motion sickness any more. Oh, and also make sure they are hydrated
ORANGE TIC TACS!!!! Work instantly for car sickness… and less trash😉
Thanks for the great video. I am always on the lookout for creeping clutter.
Not the topic of the video, but I always have the same issue with my skin cracking open during winter. My mom gave me the best advice for that. Already moisturize your hand during handwashing by using something like for example Duschoel (shower oil?). It already helps a lot! And then when it's especially cold I will apply a thick body lotion (usually I use Koerperbutter) onto my hands before sleeping so it won't bother me as much, but has a lot of time to really moisturize my hands.
You're supposed to change the contact lense case regularly, that's why there is a case with each bottle. Otherwise bacteria might build up and cause problems in your eyes. Also it's generally better to use a peroxide solution, as it is better to clean the lenses between uses. The cases for these have to be changed regularly to ensure the peroxide is neutralized properly.
Sweet almond oil is amazing for winter dry skin. We have a big pump bottle of it that the whole family uses instead of lotion. It really helps protect our skin in Montana winter.
Regarding dry cracked hands, I work in healthcare and have to wash hands or put on hand sanitizer many times per day. My fingers were very cracked and I had constant hangnails. I love Duke Cannon’s Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Cream. It for sure gets me through the winter and I really don’t have to use it over and over. One container lasts me years but I def keep one at home and one at work. Hope this helps!
Great video! I love the tip about cutting hair elastics before throwing them away. I hadn’t thought of that, even though I always cut apart the plastic rings that hold six packs of soda together.
Don't be embarrassed Marissa, I threw out my back 2 years ago while locking my bike when I was only 25 years old and I couldn't do anything for 2 months! Sometimes our bodies are just awkward like that. 😂 I haven't had any problems ever since! My boyfriend also had the same thing at 16 years old when he lifted me in the air the wrong way. I was very skinny at the time so his movement was just incorrect.
I have been keeping boxes from appliances where I keep attachments, manuals, etc and I store appliances when not in use. One example is my Vitamix which I have used on and off over the past 30 years and it still works as good as new even though I have had to replace a couple parts over the years. I also kept all boxes for my home theatre equipment and currently have all the electronics and speakers stored in them and should sell it all.
I have a set of three clear 'glass' casserole dishes, with lids. I use these for (1) microwave cooking (2) the lids work as covers on other dishes to stop splashes in the microwave (3) I use the upside down bases for heating plated meals in the microwave (4) storing leftovers in the fridge (5) actually as a casserole in the ordinary oven.
Love the cakes stand hack. I’ll have to see if I can do that and declutter my cake stand. Without having to buy a new plate and bowl. 🤞
Cake cover. We do the same thing. Except we us the Pyrex lid of the bowl for it, just upside down.❤
I’ve seen that before, too! Smart hack 😎
A perfect time for this video- I’ve been cleaning the last couple of weeks! Closets, drawers, pantry, linens and clothes! Thanks for this video! 😊
If you are a person who relies on your glasses for daily living, keep a backup. I’ve broken my glasses before, and fortunately had my backup pair on hand
I have contacts, so those are my backup 👍
These really are items that I often have to declutter in my own house. This is a great list!
I was a box hoarder also. I may need them some day. After 1 year, yep got to go!!!
Thank you for the video I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to declutter. I wasnted to share that regarding your contact lens case, they are meant to be disposed every few months typically when you get new solution if I may suggest just toss your old one and keep the newest one.
Thank you for sharing your box pile. I feel better that I'm not the only one who likes to save them!
I have to say it is hard to impress me, but you have inspired me to declutter. Thank you!
Most of these membership cards can be linked to your phone number and you can guys enter the phone number rather then use the cards. Except for the library. I also take pictures and save in an album on my phone certain cards barcodes like ikea family card. I almost never pull out the actual cards
Another great video! I haven't shopped there in YEARS. . .mainly because we don't have one in the area anymore. . . .but Bed Bath & Beyond would ALWAYS take expired coupons. Not sure if that's still the case.
Humidifier time! Also, excess hangers mean that you have decluttered! I have donated a lot of nice hangers.
I have found that running a humidifier has made a huge difference in how my hands do during the winter! It’s cold in New Hampshire as well!
Regarding the back situation, we love our chiropractor. My husband usually goes after being smooshed on a plane; started seeing one after an accident, and he helped a lot when I strained my back during a house move.