Here's one - you have no money and you can't figure out why. You have too much stuff and you still buy more. You need to figure out how to stop buying or it will never change - it will just be DIFFERENT stuff. You need to figure out that buying stuff won't fill the void in your life.
I agree! Minimized my possessions and now makes cleaning easier. Also, a place for everything and everything in its place , makes it so much easier to put things away. This has been a 3 year conscious journey of decluttering. Sometimes I get distracted and buy stuff I do mot need …but I catch myself much faster. Love you video.
Wow! Hands down, THE BEST decluttering video ever!! I have never seen such a comprehensive listing of clutter before. I thought I was doing well on my decluttering journey, but you have shone a light on areas I obviously still need to work on. Thank you so very much, Mia! Much appreciated!!
I randomly found this older video of yours and started declutterring as I was watching in my bedroom. I DEFINITELY have TOO much stuff and will continue to declutter. Thanks for the motivation.
It takes time, but you can do it! Start with 5 minutes per day, or pick one category of items. Grab a trash bag and a donation box. I like to have videos like these playing while I decluttering. Oh, and take before and after photos of every space...room, drawer, cabinet, etc.
Sometimes, if you’re too close to an issue, or too personally involved it can be super overwhelming. If you can, you might try seeking out the help of a professional organizer. I did a couple of consulting appointments with one and that helped me get the ball rolling in my own life. The important thing is to do something-and not to ignore the situation because you’re paralyzed by it, or else in 6 months you’ll still be stuck. Wishing you success!
I started with the closet in our spare bed room. I cleaned it out, and loaded it with toilet tissue rolls, and paper towels, can't have to much of that and it keeps me from sticking more stuff in there I will have to clean out later. Never had a place or pantry to put those big 12 packs n e way. It was a start for me. Saves picking up some weekly, when I don't need to go to the store. I now go shopping once a month. Keep on hand what you use, let the other stuff go to someone that can. Make 3 boxes 1 donate, 2 trash, and 3 keep. Then make a place for everything in the keep pile.
Try picking just a couple of the items mentioned in this video a day/week. I'm the same way. At work ready to go home and tackle the world. Or maybe just declutter the kitchen today.
just as a random tip to all follow minimalists, some things i decluttered recently: - the toys my pets don’t play with anymore - light bulbs that don’t fit any of my lamps - fuses. 2 years ago the landlord installed switches instead of the screw in fuses - batteries in sizes that don’t fit of my things like AAAA or 9V - fridge magnets - excess cloths or ragged up cloths for cleaning - old university stuff - excess post its - baking forms in shapes (teddybear, heart)
Over the last couple years I feel like I’ve made a lot of headway, and very few of these apply to my home anymore, but I still find myself “information hoarding” and I didn’t completely understand why. Dana K White talks about clutter threshold, and even though we’ve pared down and everything has a home and is easy to put away and later find I still get those feelings of overwhelm. I’m realizing that what’s not too much for other people may still be too much for me. This video is helping me decide not to settle for “good enough” and keep going. Thank you!
As someone who is in the process of moving, I definitely have too much stuff. I'm going to try to declutter as I pack and hopefully start a minimal lifestyle.
Here's a few more: If you never file your taxes until April 14 or later, clutter may be a contributing factor. If your kid ever missed a field trip because you lost the permission slip. If there is an odd smell in your house and you can't find the source. If your kids are always complaining they have nothing to play with, but their rooms are full of toys, they may have too many toys to find the ones they really love and too little space to use them. If you never practice your hobby, because it would require clearing a space first. If you have more than one appliance or tech device you aren't using because you can't locate the charger. If you never open your curtains, because you don't want the mail carrier to see inside. If you've decided against a weekend getaway because packing seemed like too much trouble. If you wish you could cook healthier food more often, but you don't have enough counter space and can't locate the tools and pans you need.
Fighting the urge to fill empty spaces has worked for me. I find that having a void in some areas, ie, my kitchen countertops makes my kitchen look clean and neat. Putting everything under my sink except my knife set gives me more room to prep and it takes seconds to clean because I don’t have to remove items first to wipe my countertops off. ☺️ 💕 ☮️ 💫
Thank you for your video! I started minimalism about 3 yrs ago cleaned out our house , noticing now husband and daughter are realizing less is better it’s taken awhile but we are getting there my issue right now is crafts 🙃 I hate to part with my needlepoints and cross stitching I have bags of threads for them, I haven’t touched them in 3 yrs ! That should tell me something right? Well today they are going to be donated ! I did get into knitting and I love it !😍. I have made preemie baby hats/booties for the hospital. Scarfs/ shawls for friends etc But your right keep what makes you happy and let the other things that stress you go! Thanks
Hi, I used to have too much stuff! Watching this video made me feel good because I’ve taken care of most of these issues. I do watch a lot of reorganizing posts, but I’m implementing them to my current situation. Thank you very much for making this video. It has given me encouragement to keep going!
I stumbled onto your channel and literally one of the best decluttering videos EVER! My favorite, watching videos on decluttering but never actually decluttering. Brilliant!
I thought there was no way you'd have 50(!) good quality bits of info on this list and I was pleasantly surprised. Really great content and it gave me some things to think but overall your list made me realize I'm doing better than I thought I was. :)
Good day. I open & put the same flavor sauce packets into a small used glass spice jar. This way, we use it instead of throwing them away. We keep this in the refrigerator. We keep our shredder next to recycle & trash bin. This way, we handle our mail as soon as we get it so we no longer have paper mail clutter. Thanks for your ideas. They come in handy.
Okay, you got me on the baggie of extra screws and nails! I also have a small bin of old unfinished sewing projects on the floor next to my sewing machine. Been working on discarding a lot in 2021 and this is the last of the piled stuff. This was on point and a fun list to go through 😁
Why is downsizing t-shirts so difficult? Does anyone else have this issue? I’ll wear them all (eventually). 😬 Pointers needed! That’s the “drawer that is difficult to close”. 🥴
Try them on and get rid of the ones you don't love. Life's too short to be dealing with stuff you don't really care for. When they wear out, you replace with another really great t-shirt.
If they're in wearable, no stains, no holes condition, I've found the ones we wear most. If I don't wear them in 2 laundry cycles, or one month, they're donated. I gave them away for free on Facebook along with boxes of my other stuff. Anything with damage, I group together and specify that it is for upcyclers + practice sewists. People who love making t-shirt yarn and stuff, where that doesn't matter.
You may already have downsized, but if you or someone else reading this still need any pointers, I recently decluttered some of my closet and drawers. If it was something I had multiples of in the same style (like Tshirts), I narrowed it down by favorite fit/fabrics/images, and then by color. Like if I had 6 shirts in the same style that were all a shade of green, which ones didn't look as good on? And also for Tshirts specifically, if they had images/words of places I had never been/ bands I no longer listened to/groups I was no longer a part of.
I watched a third of the way through and then started over writing down every one except the kids' toys until I realized I have my own "toys". At least I'm not guilty of wanting more surfaces to put things on, too many options and renting storage facilities. Otherwise I am guilty of the other 47. Thank you so much, Mia. I love your videos but this one really hit home with me.
How DARE you so sweetly drag me through the mud. 😂😋🙃 Man…… before I even watched, the title prompted guilty laughter. 😅 Thank you for the conviction. 😘
Addition: you've got so many dishes and pots and pans that you can go through a whole week of cooking without ever doing any washing up - and then you've got so many dirty dishes that you don't want to enter the kitchen ever again. (I'm not allowed to declutter the kitchen. I occasionally move stuff around, but the problem stays.) For other shared rooms and my own room none of your signs applied, actually, and I'm kind of proud of that. But the kitchen, the attic an my S.O.s room.... Oh dear.
Agree with almost all except the box of nails and such we save up in a wooden box in our tool space all extra screws, bolts, and other similar items for when we do projects which happen often, and can't even count the many times this has saved us a trip to a store. Thankfully though everyone in our household understands the importance of empty space and mess free living so a lot of these we've been living with for many years. 💛
I agree, but I just got a house with a basement and it's a game changer to have these storage shelves I just put up. Back when I was at my parents, they had 4 kids and there was always a clutter issue, but they never had a basement and we had toys and did fun things with stuff so a big part of it is space and storage. Lots of good points though.
I moved to a new town 2 years ago & still have tons of boxes in my home & garage. Time to declutter!! If I haven't used/missed these items, I don't need them!
I realised I had too much stuff when I couldn’t get anything else into my junk drawer, so it turned into a junk room!! Then I made another junk drawer in a different room, and, well, you know what happened 🥴 I’ve been “spring cleaning” since last year 😱
Thanks! I’m Inspired! Not being able to use my spaces, no workable surface and feeling Overwhelmed was an eye-opener for me. Reality Check… tripping over stuff that I was thinking that I would, could, might need or use Someday.
A couple of hot sauce packages from Taco Bell in the fridge because it sucks when you get home an see they didn't put any sauce in you bag even though you asked for it.
Excellent video. My wife heard this technique for children’s toys: our two girls had a plastic turtle toy box plus toys all over the place. We boxed up half the toys, stored them in the attic and only had the turtle toy box. Then every 4 to 6 months we switched out the toys except for a couple SPECIAL ONES. Then when the girls got home they reacted like they received a bunch of new toys without us having to buy new ones. After a couple months if they start getting bored with them just do the Switcheroo! But eventually they catch on so THEN you have to buy a few new toys.
🤦🏽♀️I am guilty of too many of these things on your list 😂. I kept all the boxes of the Apple products I’ve purchased. Do I really need to keep them ?
There might be one other one: If you can't fully open any door in your house because of the amount of clothes, bags etc hanging on the special "over- hangers". Have seen that with my aunt. Thankfully I have decluttered my and her house. My pressing challenge now is dropping sugar, gluten and grains... I'll try to take encouragement from the successful decluttering. I have grown to really like your videos Mia. I like the 'mental' approach and how you break things down. Every success in your decluttering business. G Ire
I need to go through the attic and my computer, let alone finding homes for things And sometimes the trouble is while I don’t have the perfect stuff (outfits that I’d consider A-game), I can’t get rid of the b and c level because of money. Another thing is family members don’t see the point in my decluttering. While I’m saving for bigger goals, they spend anytime something is on sale. I understand they have to buy when somethings low cuz granted, we’re not rich, but it seems so wasteful to me. I’d rather save a little more and buy exactly what I need.
I agree. I think it's a mindset shift when it comes to buying higher quality (which can sometimes feel painful in the moment) vs. buying *more*. I used to love the thrift hauls just because it felt like I was saving so much money but now I just spend more on fewer things.
Love your content! - Found you late 2021 and have made HUGE improvements in my home while I watch all your previous content and always look forward to seeing you post more!! Thank you for all the work and time these videos must be! Your efforts are needed and appreciated by so many! ❤️
When you have a lot of clothes like me doesn't mean perse that you can't find anything. It ask for a good and neat organisation. I know exactly what I have and where it is.
Love! Love! Love this video... Reminds me of Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might Be a Redneck" I'll be sharing this video with family and friends... Love your videos, Mia.
Your hair looks gorgeous! 🤩 Anyway, it seems I definitely have too much stuff! Shoving things into overfilled drawers, so relatable! 🤣 I'm working on decluttering.
Ouch, You are stepping on my toes. I am on a line between pairing down my possessions and a need for preparedness. My goal would be to have an abundance of basic items that are needed and used. For example, I make some of my own cleaning supplies so I have extra white vinegar, baking soda,alcohol , borax, and washing soda but I don't have many one-trick pony cleaning or kitchen devices. I do have a lot of things that I upgraded and kept the old ones they are leaving TODAY.
I've struggled with this all my life. There's been some improvement but still a long way to go. It's overwhelming and emotionally painful at times I've often thought I may be ADHD.
Nope, sorry. I'll never give up my hardware collection. My husband just used a couple screws the other day from it. It takes up a 12" by 16" organizer box--but boy does it come in handy when you don't have to got to the hardware to find something.
Great video! I had funny counting with you to see how I was doing. I did well. I still struggle with mail, a few corner piles and boxes in attic that I don't know whats in them. So now with that info I will concentrate on those items. Thank you.
You have two VERY LARGE Amazon shipping boxes of mail, junk mail, etc. that took 3 days to sort through means you had too much stuff. That was my problem when I finally got settled this fall after a 3 month hospital/nursing home stay. It's getting better every day, but the filing cabinet still needs work. My septic tank backed up and I had to clean out my closet, so those things need to be sorted and put away, donated or repaired if I'm keeping them. I am taking a "vacation" until next Wednesday due to Christmas and will return to the clean up job. Thanks for this video and your channel.
Oh wow, that IS a lot of stuff! Way to power through Karen 💪 Enjoy a nice break over the holidays, you've been busy + deserve it! Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts here on my UA-cam channel! I see you've been very busy watching tons of videos and getting value from them 🤗
This was excellent! Clutter (my late father’s, and my partner and his teenage son) stresses me out. I can’t wait to move from my house to my own one-bdrm apartment. Already making a list of what I’m taking, room by room.
Very good content & all spot on. Admitting I'm guilty of a few of them and it may be time to declutter a couple of areas. Really like your top, very nice color, it looks good on you & with your hair!
I do love a lot of these - but can I point out that not all of them are necessarily due to too much stuff. As a renter, most rental properties are not designed with built ins for storage, nor even with reasonable storage in mind. And they're small. That can def explain some of these symptoms. 😊
Before the Chinese New Year, I threw away and gave away a lot of my old stuff. I always have this in my mind that somewhere somehow, someone will come across my things and they might find value in them. This thought always makes me not regret to let go of things I don't use anymore. One man's garbage is another man's treasure, so they say.
When you don’t have WHAT you need, WHERE you need it, WHEN you need it. Such as: toilet paper refill near the toilet because your bathroom vanity is too full, so it’s stored someplace else; or you have to leave a new roll just sitting on the floor. Or a selection of band-aids in the medicine cabinet for the occasional cut, because your medicine cabinets are full of outdated stuff. These are both things I have experienced recently in other peoples places who definitely have too much clutter and no sense of organization. Great video! (And totally off-topic, but you really look like Mandy Moore to me, lol.)
I have too many things, but so far everything I've saved "just in case", I've used it. So that's a dilemma for me, because I don't want to have clutter but I don't want to have to constantly buy the same thing...
I have 2 large dog beds and 3 smaller dog beds on the living room floor! They are for my 8 dogs plus 1 foster dog. And I have almost no wall space due to all the family photos. But these don't bother me. My guest room being used as an extra storage is my current decluttering project.
I cleared out my closet and dresser 2 years ago. I was so proud of myself and it felt so good knowing that anything I pulled out of my closet would fit without a thought. I now need to get my products listed before my husband declares me a hoarder and brings in a therapist.
You can start the decluttering process! My video library is full of tip and tricks to remove the clutter... and you can also join my FREE resource library with checklists and cheatsheets to get the process started: miadanielle.lpages.co/free-resource-library
Love your video!!! I used to hoard furniture for a while; but. I discovered a great way to let go. A desk with a flip top I didn’t get to, went to a young single mom with a daughter. I painted the desk white, and then she could decorate the desk with whatever she wanted. She made it her own & it forged a friendship by building a bridge with something someone needed!
watching this video made me realize I really don't have too much stuff, but maybe my kids have, especially clothes and toys. I don't really know how to deal with that, because most of these things are presents from family and friends.
Well watching this video make me see that I am almost there! 😀 I need to take care of my clothes and books and my niece’s toys. I do not have kids so my niece has a room in the house and it is very difficult for me to declutter toys because she wants to keep everything. Now I am using the keep away strategy! 😊 I put them away and if she does not ask for it in let see 2 to four months then I give them away. 😊
Thank you. This and one of your other talks gave me a good understanding of why people save things. I'm a born collector which I think isn't so bad but I also accumulate things like junk mail that I don't want but don't know throw away. I suppose I think I'll look at it later/see if it's of any use, but I never do that and there it sits. Because I don't save such items because I want them, I don't think this constitutes real hoarding but I'm not clear on how hoarding is defined. I suppose people who are serious collectors tend to need space that others don't. Due to lack of money, there are probably lots of collectors who can't afford to house their treasures to their best advantage. I appreciate it that you share your understanding and insights on this topic. Best wishes.
Clutter...or undiagnosed adult ADHD....turns out that was my issue, once the ADHD is addressed progress starts to happen in so many other areas including clutter.
How do you declutter things like the kitchen where your significant other has multiple specialized tools that they may only use once or twice a year but take up 80% of the kitchen storage space?
Information Hoarding!! YEs LOL! Thank you for naming that for me:) I have gotten so much better in the last three years but I have a ways to go with creating systems and good habits:)
I feel like you are talking to me. I feel so guilty. Of all 50!! I know I need to change. I’m going to let go of things I don’t use. I have three blender and I only use one, one was a wedding present that I really love, and the other one my friend gave it to me it’s hard to let go! Or give it away and my daughter gave me a ninja blender for Mother’s Day. So sentimental about them and I only use one. Listening to you it’s time to let go of things I don’t use. So thank you so much for helping me and others. 😘 Now you win a follower.
You touched on this a little, but I use to keep keys, directions to purchases I have decluttered (lol), & my son holds on to old earphones (the cheap kind) from the dollar store.
Thanks for this upload. More than a few items on your List definitely apply to me for both my home abroad and my home back in The States. I do enjoy a healthy obsession with decorative pillows 🤣, and do need to move a couple aside if several guests require use of my livingroom sectional...I do have decorative pillows on my beds, but they are not placed on the floor when preparing for bed...Thankfully, they do have a dedicated home, so there aren't any accidents at night 🤗...I'm WAY GUILTY on the "haven't used" items on your List; however, I live and work 11 months out of a year outside of The States, so all of my holiday decor and seasonal clothing back there isn't currently in play, but I believe I will use them again once I am back in my home country...While I am nowhere near being a minimalist, I have a great appreciation for the underlying philosophy and have intentionally decluttered, sold, gave away, and/or donated items that I know I'll never use again or that no longer brings me joy 😁
Wow!! As a mama of 7 kiddos, I was shocked that none of these are true in my life!🙌 I guess that goes to show that anyone can be minimal! Only maybe as an exception...a couple of my kids have more toys than they play with...but that is for them to declutter!😉 I can only gently nudge them. 😁 (I find that most "moms of many" swing wide on either drowning in stuff or easily minimalist) As a visual learner myself, it has been a matter of sanity😜😂 to keep minimal with so many kids! This was a fantastic list that I hope to come back to to keep myself in check with stuff! Thank you!
When you know a video applies to you before hitting play 🥴
Lol same
🤣
Lol--oh yeah
I may have *HIT* play a little harder than necessary. 👊🏻😂
Right 😂🤣!
When something breaks and you feel relieved instead of upset. Because… now you can throw it away and you don’t have to figure out what to do with it!
Here's one - you have no money and you can't figure out why. You have too much stuff and you still buy more. You need to figure out how to stop buying or it will never change - it will just be DIFFERENT stuff. You need to figure out that buying stuff won't fill the void in your life.
I agree! Minimized my possessions and now makes cleaning easier. Also, a place for everything and everything in its place , makes it so much easier to put things away. This has been a 3 year conscious journey of decluttering. Sometimes I get distracted and buy stuff I do mot need …but I catch myself much faster. Love you video.
Thank you Luisa 🥰
A conscious 3-year journey can change so much! Great job 😍
Wow! Hands down, THE BEST decluttering video ever!! I have never seen such a comprehensive listing of clutter before. I thought I was doing well on my decluttering journey, but you have shone a light on areas I obviously still need to work on. Thank you so very much, Mia! Much appreciated!!
Wow, thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed it :)
I agree 100% !!
I randomly found this older video of yours and started declutterring as I was watching in my bedroom. I DEFINITELY have TOO much stuff and will continue to declutter. Thanks for the motivation.
So many of these are things that happen for people with adhd - so any adhders out there, don't beat yourself up if many of these hit home!
Thank you! I purge my stuff regularly. There is more than enough space in my house... But I still have doom piles and cluttered surfaces.
I knew I had too much stuff before even watching this video, but after answering “yes,” to the first five questions I realized I had a problem. 😩
So, I’m legit guilty of all 50 of these 🙇🏼♀️ This hit hard 🥺 Feeling pretty overwhelmed on how to fix this massive problem!
Well, take a breath and break it down a bit. You can't do it all at once so don't let that overwhelm you 👊
It takes time, but you can do it! Start with 5 minutes per day, or pick one category of items. Grab a trash bag and a donation box. I like to have videos like these playing while I decluttering. Oh, and take before and after photos of every space...room, drawer, cabinet, etc.
Sometimes, if you’re too close to an issue, or too personally involved it can be super overwhelming. If you can, you might try seeking out the help of a professional organizer. I did a couple of consulting appointments with one and that helped me get the ball rolling in my own life. The important thing is to do something-and not to ignore the situation because you’re paralyzed by it, or else in 6 months you’ll still be stuck. Wishing you success!
I started with the closet in our spare bed room. I cleaned it out, and loaded it with toilet tissue rolls, and paper towels, can't have to much of that and it keeps me from sticking more stuff in there I will have to clean out later. Never had a place or pantry to put those big 12 packs n e way. It was a start for me. Saves picking up some weekly, when I don't need to go to the store. I now go shopping once a month. Keep on hand what you use, let the other stuff go to someone that can. Make 3 boxes 1 donate, 2 trash, and 3 keep. Then make a place for everything in the keep pile.
Try picking just a couple of the items mentioned in this video a day/week. I'm the same way. At work ready to go home and tackle the world. Or maybe just declutter the kitchen today.
just as a random tip to all follow minimalists, some things i decluttered recently:
- the toys my pets don’t play with anymore
- light bulbs that don’t fit any of my lamps
- fuses. 2 years ago the landlord installed switches instead of the screw in fuses
- batteries in sizes that don’t fit of my things like AAAA or 9V
- fridge magnets
- excess cloths or ragged up cloths for cleaning
- old university stuff
- excess post its
- baking forms in shapes (teddybear, heart)
Over the last couple years I feel like I’ve made a lot of headway, and very few of these apply to my home anymore, but I still find myself “information hoarding” and I didn’t completely understand why. Dana K White talks about clutter threshold, and even though we’ve pared down and everything has a home and is easy to put away and later find I still get those feelings of overwhelm. I’m realizing that what’s not too much for other people may still be too much for me. This video is helping me decide not to settle for “good enough” and keep going. Thank you!
I'm so glad you found it helpful and it's so true that "enough" is different for everyone 💕
As someone who is in the process of moving, I definitely have too much stuff. I'm going to try to declutter as I pack and hopefully start a minimal lifestyle.
Honestly, that's the best time. SO much easier when you're already going through the stuff
Taking stuff to donation centers feels really good !
Here's a few more: If you never file your taxes until April 14 or later, clutter may be a contributing factor. If your kid ever missed a field trip because you lost the permission slip. If there is an odd smell in your house and you can't find the source. If your kids are always complaining they have nothing to play with, but their rooms are full of toys, they may have too many toys to find the ones they really love and too little space to use them. If you never practice your hobby, because it would require clearing a space first. If you have more than one appliance or tech device you aren't using because you can't locate the charger. If you never open your curtains, because you don't want the mail carrier to see inside. If you've decided against a weekend getaway because packing seemed like too much trouble. If you wish you could cook healthier food more often, but you don't have enough counter space and can't locate the tools and pans you need.
Good additions! I almost did the "weird smell" one too 😊
WOW!!!! your secondary list hit me harder
Great list!
I use to relate to a lot of these signs, since last year I have gotten rid of most of it, it feels really nice now.
Fighting the urge to fill empty spaces has worked for me. I find that having a void in some areas, ie, my kitchen countertops makes my kitchen look clean and neat. Putting everything under my sink except my knife set gives me more room to prep and it takes seconds to clean because I don’t have to remove items first to wipe my countertops off. ☺️ 💕 ☮️ 💫
Thank you for your video! I started minimalism about 3 yrs ago cleaned out our house , noticing now husband and daughter are realizing less is better it’s taken awhile but we are getting there my issue right now is crafts 🙃 I hate to part with my needlepoints and cross stitching I have bags of threads for them, I haven’t touched them in 3 yrs ! That should tell me something right? Well today they are going to be donated !
I did get into knitting and I love it !😍. I have made preemie baby hats/booties for the hospital. Scarfs/ shawls for friends etc
But your right keep what makes you happy and let the other things that stress you go!
Thanks
Hi, I used to have too much stuff! Watching this video made me feel good because I’ve taken care of most of these issues. I do watch a lot of reorganizing posts, but I’m implementing them to my current situation. Thank you very much for making this video. It has given me encouragement to keep going!
I'm so glad!
I stumbled onto your channel and literally one of the best decluttering videos EVER! My favorite, watching videos on decluttering but never actually decluttering. Brilliant!
Yay! Thank you!
I thought there was no way you'd have 50(!) good quality bits of info on this list and I was pleasantly surprised. Really great content and it gave me some things to think but overall your list made me realize I'm doing better than I thought I was. :)
Well, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It sounds like you're doing pretty good ✅
Good day. I open & put the same flavor sauce packets into a small used glass spice jar. This way, we use it instead of throwing them away. We keep this in the refrigerator. We keep our shredder next to recycle & trash bin. This way, we handle our mail as soon as we get it so we no longer have paper mail clutter. Thanks for your ideas. They come in handy.
Great ideas and thanks for watching!
Okay, you got me on the baggie of extra screws and nails! I also have a small bin of old unfinished sewing projects on the floor next to my sewing machine. Been working on discarding a lot in 2021 and this is the last of the piled stuff.
This was on point and a fun list to go through 😁
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it
Why is downsizing t-shirts so difficult? Does anyone else have this issue? I’ll wear them all (eventually). 😬 Pointers needed! That’s the “drawer that is difficult to close”. 🥴
Force yourself to wear them for a few weeks and see which ones you dread wearing or don't enjoy once they're on!
Try them on and get rid of the ones you don't love. Life's too short to be dealing with stuff you don't really care for. When they wear out, you replace with another really great t-shirt.
Both great ideas! I’m starting tomorrow morning. I am resolved to conquer this drawer! Thank you both!
If they're in wearable, no stains, no holes condition, I've found the ones we wear most. If I don't wear them in 2 laundry cycles, or one month, they're donated. I gave them away for free on Facebook along with boxes of my other stuff. Anything with damage, I group together and specify that it is for upcyclers + practice sewists. People who love making t-shirt yarn and stuff, where that doesn't matter.
You may already have downsized, but if you or someone else reading this still need any pointers, I recently decluttered some of my closet and drawers. If it was something I had multiples of in the same style (like Tshirts), I narrowed it down by favorite fit/fabrics/images, and then by color. Like if I had 6 shirts in the same style that were all a shade of green, which ones didn't look as good on? And also for Tshirts specifically, if they had images/words of places I had never been/ bands I no longer listened to/groups I was no longer a part of.
I watched a third of the way through and then started over writing down every one except the kids' toys until I realized I have my own "toys". At least I'm not guilty of wanting more surfaces to put things on, too many options and renting storage facilities. Otherwise I am guilty of the other 47. Thank you so much, Mia. I love your videos but this one really hit home with me.
Haha! Well, good, I'm glad you liked it!
How DARE you so sweetly drag me through the mud.
😂😋🙃
Man…… before I even watched, the title prompted guilty laughter. 😅
Thank you for the conviction. 😘
Addition: you've got so many dishes and pots and pans that you can go through a whole week of cooking without ever doing any washing up - and then you've got so many dirty dishes that you don't want to enter the kitchen ever again. (I'm not allowed to declutter the kitchen. I occasionally move stuff around, but the problem stays.)
For other shared rooms and my own room none of your signs applied, actually, and I'm kind of proud of that. But the kitchen, the attic an my S.O.s room.... Oh dear.
So true!
Agree with almost all except the box of nails and such we save up in a wooden box in our tool space all extra screws, bolts, and other similar items for when we do projects which happen often, and can't even count the many times this has saved us a trip to a store. Thankfully though everyone in our household understands the importance of empty space and mess free living so a lot of these we've been living with for many years. 💛
I've heard people talk about stapling the extra pieces to the bottom of the piece of furniture that they go with and I think that sounds genius!
@@MiaDanielle I do this with warranties, building manuals and such I put them in a ziplock bag and tape or stapple to the original piece.
Mike drop...are you in my head and house? Oh my goodness you are so right you hit each nail on the head!
I'm glad you could relate!
It's like she has x-ray vision and can see into my home!
Hahaha 😂
I agree, but I just got a house with a basement and it's a game changer to have these storage shelves I just put up. Back when I was at my parents, they had 4 kids and there was always a clutter issue, but they never had a basement and we had toys and did fun things with stuff so a big part of it is space and storage. Lots of good points though.
I moved to a new town 2 years ago & still have tons of boxes in my home & garage. Time to declutter!! If I haven't used/missed these items, I don't need them!
I realised I had too much stuff when I couldn’t get anything else into my junk drawer, so it turned into a junk room!! Then I made another junk drawer in a different room, and, well, you know what happened 🥴 I’ve been “spring cleaning” since last year 😱
Oh no!
@@MiaDanielle ..😂 it’s all good, I’ve come across things I’d forgotten I had.
Thanks! I’m Inspired! Not being able to use my spaces, no workable surface and feeling Overwhelmed was an eye-opener for me. Reality Check… tripping over stuff that I was thinking that I would, could, might need or use Someday.
A couple of hot sauce packages from Taco Bell in the fridge because it sucks when you get home an see they didn't put any sauce in you bag even though you asked for it.
Excellent video. My wife heard this technique for children’s toys: our two girls had a plastic turtle toy box plus toys all over the place. We boxed up half the toys, stored them in the attic and only had the turtle toy box. Then every 4 to 6 months we switched out the toys except for a couple SPECIAL ONES. Then when the girls got home they reacted like they received a bunch of new toys without us having to buy new ones. After a couple months if they start getting bored with them just do the Switcheroo! But eventually they catch on so THEN you have to buy a few new toys.
🤦🏽♀️I am guilty of too many of these things on your list 😂. I kept all the boxes of the Apple products I’ve purchased. Do I really need to keep them ?
they all hit home!! think it's time to do something about it.
I love those deciding moments :)
Spot On! I would add if your refrigerator is covered in stuff!
So true, I can’t stand having anything on my fridge!
Thanks. I do feel overwhelmed when someone comes visit me. But it is because they always want to get my stuff to take home.
There might be one other one:
If you can't fully open any door in your house because of the amount of clothes, bags etc hanging on the special "over- hangers". Have seen that with my aunt.
Thankfully I have decluttered my and her house. My pressing challenge now is dropping sugar, gluten and grains... I'll try to take encouragement from the successful decluttering.
I have grown to really like your videos Mia. I like the 'mental' approach and how you break things down. Every success in your decluttering business. G Ire
Yes this is so true and encouraging. Less is better.
I need to go through the attic and my computer, let alone finding homes for things
And sometimes the trouble is while I don’t have the perfect stuff (outfits that I’d consider A-game), I can’t get rid of the b and c level because of money. Another thing is family members don’t see the point in my decluttering. While I’m saving for bigger goals, they spend anytime something is on sale. I understand they have to buy when somethings low cuz granted, we’re not rich, but it seems so wasteful to me. I’d rather save a little more and buy exactly what I need.
I agree. I think it's a mindset shift when it comes to buying higher quality (which can sometimes feel painful in the moment) vs. buying *more*. I used to love the thrift hauls just because it felt like I was saving so much money but now I just spend more on fewer things.
Love your content! - Found you late 2021 and have made HUGE improvements in my home while I watch all your previous content and always look forward to seeing you post more!! Thank you for all the work and time these videos must be! Your efforts are needed and appreciated by so many! ❤️
Thank you so much for this message ❤️ I appreciate it and am glad that you're finding value in the content :)
When you have a lot of clothes like me doesn't mean perse that you can't find anything. It ask for a good and neat organisation. I know exactly what I have and where it is.
Love! Love! Love this video... Reminds me of Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might Be a Redneck" I'll be sharing this video with family and friends... Love your videos, Mia.
Your hair looks gorgeous! 🤩 Anyway, it seems I definitely have too much stuff! Shoving things into overfilled drawers, so relatable! 🤣 I'm working on decluttering.
Oh thank you! You've got this- you'll have to share your progress as you create some awesome spaces :)
@@MiaDanielle I've already started! I have an inspection next week! I'm taking Before & After pictures! Your video was very relatable! 😃
Ouch, You are stepping on my toes. I am on a line between pairing down my possessions and a need for preparedness. My goal would be to have an abundance of basic items that are needed and used. For example, I make some of my own cleaning supplies so I have extra white vinegar, baking soda,alcohol , borax, and washing soda but I don't have many one-trick pony cleaning or kitchen devices. I do have a lot of things that I upgraded and kept the old ones they are leaving TODAY.
I've struggled with this all my life. There's been some improvement but still a long way to go. It's overwhelming and emotionally painful at times I've often thought I may be ADHD.
This 2022, I learned about this minimalism decluttering and save money and I really love it ❤
Nope, sorry. I'll never give up my hardware collection. My husband just used a couple screws the other day from it. It takes up a 12" by 16" organizer box--but boy does it come in handy when you don't have to got to the hardware to find something.
I stopped counting at 50. Could have added more but I already knew I have too much stuff.
I love this format! It also helps you see what current problems or annoyances you can look forward to being resolved if you declutter!
Haha true!
Wow, this is my life and I need to get out of it!
You've got this!
This hits the nail on the head.
Ya know I could handle being called out on a few things but damn over half... OK fine thanks I get the sign
Great video! I had funny counting with you to see how I was doing. I did well. I still struggle with mail, a few corner piles and boxes in attic that I don't know whats in them. So now with that info I will concentrate on those items. Thank you.
Love it!
Too many of these shocked me, made me laugh, and are very much Me! Lol, my molehill must actually be a mountain. One item at a time
You have two VERY LARGE Amazon shipping boxes of mail, junk mail, etc. that took 3 days to sort through means you had too much stuff. That was my problem when I finally got settled this fall after a 3 month hospital/nursing home stay. It's getting better every day, but the filing cabinet still needs work. My septic tank backed up and I had to clean out my closet, so those things need to be sorted and put away, donated or repaired if I'm keeping them. I am taking a "vacation" until next Wednesday due to Christmas and will return to the clean up job.
Thanks for this video and your channel.
Oh wow, that IS a lot of stuff! Way to power through Karen 💪 Enjoy a nice break over the holidays, you've been busy + deserve it!
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts here on my UA-cam channel! I see you've been very busy watching tons of videos and getting value from them 🤗
I'm only halfway through viewing this, and it's already resonating with me!
This was excellent! Clutter (my late father’s, and my partner and his teenage son) stresses me out. I can’t wait to move from my house to my own one-bdrm apartment. Already making a list of what I’m taking, room by room.
So exciting!
Omg...you just described me to the point🤔.
Very good content & all spot on. Admitting I'm guilty of a few of them and it may be time to declutter a couple of areas.
Really like your top, very nice color, it looks good on you & with your hair!
Well, thank you :)
I do love a lot of these - but can I point out that not all of them are necessarily due to too much stuff. As a renter, most rental properties are not designed with built ins for storage, nor even with reasonable storage in mind. And they're small. That can def explain some of these symptoms. 😊
Thank you very interesting and informative.
I’ve been called out! 😂 Thank you!
Before the Chinese New Year, I threw away and gave away a lot of my old stuff. I always have this in my mind that somewhere somehow, someone will come across my things and they might find value in them. This thought always makes me not regret to let go of things I don't use anymore. One man's garbage is another man's treasure, so they say.
That's true, you never know when someone else might actually find value in your unused things
When you don’t have WHAT you need, WHERE you need it, WHEN you need it. Such as: toilet paper refill near the toilet because your bathroom vanity is too full, so it’s stored someplace else; or you have to leave a new roll just sitting on the floor. Or a selection of band-aids in the medicine cabinet for the occasional cut, because your medicine cabinets are full of outdated stuff. These are both things I have experienced recently in other peoples places who definitely have too much clutter and no sense of organization. Great video! (And totally off-topic, but you really look like Mandy Moore to me, lol.)
Great points! I've also experienced that when visiting people and it does seem unnecessary (also, thanks for the Mandy Moore compliment!)
Some I’ve improved on in my journey. But some were zingers hitting that reality button for me! 😲Great motivation. As always, you nailed it!
Thanks Gypsy! I'm glad your enjoying the channel ❤️
I have too many things, but so far everything I've saved "just in case", I've used it. So that's a dilemma for me, because I don't want to have clutter but I don't want to have to constantly buy the same thing...
I think the answer to this is boundaries. Find a timeline of non-use that works for you and go from there
@@MiaDanielle Thank you!
I have 2 large dog beds and 3 smaller dog beds on the living room floor! They are for my 8 dogs plus 1 foster dog. And I have almost no wall space due to all the family photos. But these don't bother me. My guest room being used as an extra storage is my current decluttering project.
Sounds like you've got your priorities down 👊
I think you were a fly on my wall...Holy Chaos ..All apply..I need help or a boot in the butt to get motivated.
The minute I ended this I turned around and Replayed it, Spot on
Awesome, I'm so glad to hear it 😊
You have good energy, confidence.. subscribing for that
Thank you 🥰 Welcome to the channel!
Yep, I have too much stuff!
Very comprehensive and helpful!
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it
Great video as always!! Thank you so much ❤❤❤
I cleared out my closet and dresser 2 years ago. I was so proud of myself and it felt so good knowing that anything I pulled out of my closet would fit without a thought.
I now need to get my products listed before my husband declares me a hoarder and brings in a therapist.
Love that!
This video got you a new subscriber. 💜
Welcome!
Oh yes, I would love more surfaces because every surface is filled to the max! 😃 I do live in a really small place though. ☹️
Yeah, but what can we do about it?
You can start the decluttering process! My video library is full of tip and tricks to remove the clutter... and you can also join my FREE resource library with checklists and cheatsheets to get the process started: miadanielle.lpages.co/free-resource-library
Looked up Dana K White. Her no mess method really works. Helped me a lot.
I just subscribed! Your content and delivery is so very welcome in my world of clutter. Thank you
So happy to have you ☺️
Love your video!!! I used to hoard furniture for a while; but. I discovered a great way to let go. A desk with a flip top I didn’t get to, went to a young single mom with a daughter. I painted the desk white, and then she could decorate the desk with whatever she wanted. She made it her own & it forged a friendship by building a bridge with something someone needed!
So awesome! Thanks for sharing :)
Ugh…this applied to me more than I’d like to admit 🤦🏻♀️
Well, you're not alone! :)
watching this video made me realize I really don't have too much stuff, but maybe my kids have, especially clothes and toys. I don't really know how to deal with that, because most of these things are presents from family and friends.
Great information! I'm getting there.
Three things you can never have enough of:
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Paper Towels
Just my option
Glad you enjoyed it!
Or books specially when u have 4 kidd and homeschool.
Well watching this video make me see that I am almost there! 😀 I need to take care of my clothes and books and my niece’s toys. I do not have kids so my niece has a room in the house and it is very difficult for me to declutter toys because she wants to keep everything. Now I am using the keep away strategy! 😊 I put them away and if she does not ask for it in let see 2 to four
months then I give them away. 😊
Awesome!
Yes to almost everything! I am on a mission in 2022!
How exciting! 🎉
Me too!! We can do it!!
This was spot on!! Ahhhh I definitely have too much stuff 😩😩😩
Thank you.
This and one of your other talks gave me a good understanding of why people save things.
I'm a born collector which I think isn't so bad but I also accumulate things like junk mail that I don't want but don't know throw away. I suppose I think I'll look at it later/see if it's of any use, but I never do that and there it sits.
Because I don't save such items because I want them, I don't think this constitutes real hoarding but I'm not clear on how hoarding is defined.
I suppose people who are serious collectors tend to need space that others don't. Due to lack of money, there are probably lots of collectors who can't afford to house their treasures to their best advantage.
I appreciate it that you share your understanding and insights on this topic.
Best wishes.
Clutter...or undiagnosed adult ADHD....turns out that was my issue, once the ADHD is addressed progress starts to happen in so many other areas including clutter.
I'm happy to hear that you were able to find answers and were able to find a way that works for you!
Love this channel. You just gained a subscriber
Welcome aboard!
How do you declutter things like the kitchen where your significant other has multiple specialized tools that they may only use once or twice a year but take up 80% of the kitchen storage space?
This video might be helpful for your situation: ua-cam.com/video/pVAND1uWUCA/v-deo.html
Information Hoarding!! YEs LOL! Thank you for naming that for me:) I have gotten so much better in the last three years but I have a ways to go with creating systems and good habits:)
You've got this ❤️
"can't close my drawers"
Haha, there you go! That's one solution :)
Found your channel through Kallie "but first coffee". Happy to be here!
Yay! Welcome! Happy to have you :)
I feel like you are talking to me. I feel so guilty. Of all 50!! I know I need to change. I’m going to let go of things I don’t use. I have three blender and I only use one, one was a wedding present that I really love, and the other one my friend gave it to me it’s hard to let go! Or give it away and my daughter gave me a ninja blender for
Mother’s Day. So sentimental about them and I only use one. Listening to you it’s time to let go of things I don’t use. So thank you so much for helping me and others. 😘 Now you win a follower.
Thank you so much and welcome :)
You touched on this a little, but I use to keep keys, directions to purchases I have decluttered (lol), & my son holds on to old earphones (the cheap kind) from the dollar store.
It sounds like you've made some progress since then!
I need to have you come to my house and walk me through a declutter. You may be here for a while 😢
Thanks for this upload. More than a few items on your List definitely apply to me for both my home abroad and my home back in The States. I do enjoy a healthy obsession with decorative pillows 🤣, and do need to move a couple aside if several guests require use of my livingroom sectional...I do have decorative pillows on my beds, but they are not placed on the floor when preparing for bed...Thankfully, they do have a dedicated home, so there aren't any accidents at night 🤗...I'm WAY GUILTY on the "haven't used" items on your List; however, I live and work 11 months out of a year outside of The States, so all of my holiday decor and seasonal clothing back there isn't currently in play, but I believe I will use them again once I am back in my home country...While I am nowhere near being a minimalist, I have a great appreciation for the underlying philosophy and have intentionally decluttered, sold, gave away, and/or donated items that I know I'll never use again or that no longer brings me joy 😁
Wow!! As a mama of 7 kiddos, I was shocked that none of these are true in my life!🙌 I guess that goes to show that anyone can be minimal! Only maybe as an exception...a couple of my kids have more toys than they play with...but that is for them to declutter!😉 I can only gently nudge them. 😁 (I find that most "moms of many" swing wide on either drowning in stuff or easily minimalist) As a visual learner myself, it has been a matter of sanity😜😂 to keep minimal with so many kids!
This was a fantastic list that I hope to come back to to keep myself in check with stuff! Thank you!
I love that you shared this because that IS a common belief that people have- "I can't because I have kids"
@@MiaDanielle yes if have adhd or asd with executive dysfunction and have kids its nearly impossible