10 Things That Changed From Swedish Death Cleaning
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Swedish Death Cleaning Motivation: • Swedish Death Cleaning...
Swedish Death Cleaning Vs. Decluttering: • Swedish Death Cleaning...
Swedish Death Cleaning at 65 Years Old: • Swedish Death Cleaning...
Decluttering with Swedish Death Cleaning: • Decluttering with Swed...
I started decluttering with my mom about 4 years ago. We have made so much progress on their home but more importantly are the mindset shifts that have occurred from decluttering. It's amazing how much has changed simply from decluttering.
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😍 To see all our Swedish Death Cleaning Videos: ua-cam.com/video/aqlPkax0hMQ/v-deo.html
I was just wondered how old your mom is. I’m 64 and I have been trying to follow Dawn for a couple years, but I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and I am often not very good feeling very good at all which means I can literally usually make it to the bathroom and back to bed.
So it’s sad and it’s hard. I can’t stand my bedroom. It’s worse than it’s ever been in my entire life!
Hard to sleep in a place you’re so unhappy.
Actually, I do have an update I did recently in the last week get diagnosed with adult ADHD, and actually besides that PTSD so as soon as I get on meds for ADHD, which will be in August, I’m hoping to be able to do some more things each day, Without getting sidetracked! 😂❤❤❤
@@Nan-59 My mom is 67 and since decluttering her room is much more simplified and has a feeling of calm when you are in there.
@@Nan-59 Wow! Diagnosed at 64! I was diagnosed at 36, with autism level 1 and ADHD Inattentive. Finally understood why I have always struggled to keep my space organized and decluttered. Once I find a "home" for something, I always make sure it stays there and gets put back there. But I have the hardest time finding functioning "homes" for things! Definitely need to declutter around here.
Have you tried a grounding mat for your bed? I highly recommend it!! I was incredibly skeptical about grounding, and bought a mat for our bed with full intention of returning it. But I've noticed such a difference in my allergies and back pain!! I hope you find someone for your physical ailments. No one should have to live in pain.
@@Nan-59 I have FM as well. Moving is good for us. Try 5 mins a day and then maybe you'll get where you can do 10. Baby steps.
When I have a hard time getting rid of an item, I tell myself to bless someone who might need it.
Three cycles of life: Wanting stuff. Accumulating stuff. Getting rid of stuff.
So true! I am at the stage of getting rid of stuff. 😂
I’m at the getting rid of stage also. Why do I have so much stuff?
One of the reasons I appreciate your mom's presence in your videos is the opportunity to witness the process she went through, from a person emotionally attached to her stuff to a person who is free of that mindset. Seeing her change from one video to another is such a privilege. Thank you for letting us into your lives.
It shows us that we can change our mindsets as well ❤
Yes!!! She is such a joy to watch too, she adds some funny to it and she's just real. I love it!
You are so lucky to have a daughter that helped you. How long would it have taken if she didn't? I am facing this at this point in my life and my daughter is across the country so no help is available.
@@christinaroseman9926try to set a timer for just 10mins a day. Let things stack up a bit then take the lump to be donated or given to homeless shelter. I believe in you!
@@christinaroseman9926Try zooming or FaceTiming with her while you declutter. The most important part of decluttering is having her hear your stories. 💞
So glad that you donated the towels to an animal shelter. Animal shelters always want towels (all sizes) and blankets. ❤
I'm "Mom's" age and I'm doing the Swedish Death Clean, as well. You know you made a breakthrough when you put everything out for a yard sale and don't sell ANYTHING! And I had NICE STUFF! LOL! The thrift store was much more welcoming of the haul. But now that I'm planning round two, everything looks like junk to me and I'm not bothering with selling this next batch!
I’ve done Swedish Death Cleaning in our basement. Got rid of TONS! Now I’m starting on the upstairs! I’m 62. My parents passed away in 2020 and 2021. My parents had a beautiful home. They had beautiful things. BUT THE BASEMENT!😱 The multigenerational stuff!! My sister and I took what we wanted from the home, but sold and donated ALOT! The hardest part was taking my parents beautiful and expensive clothing to the Salvation Army. My husband and I took that task and cried all the way home. My sister and I were so grief stricken and traumatized by all the stuff. So we decided that we were not going to do that to our kids. We are now just going through the tons and tons of old photos!😱😱
Oh gosh I relate! Last year we renovated and extended a small stone barn in our garden for mum to live in. And she moved in last November. I would not let her bring much with her because she had a 3 bed house, attic, garage and shed. Now she has a living kitchen open area and a bedroom and bathroom. We did manage to make a small attic cupboard(!) and a boiler cupboard. They are now stuffed. As time went by she would give me a list of more stuff she wanted every time I went to the house. Some I resisted hard and won. But mostly I lost. However, the barn still looks nice, mainly because I refuse to knock holes in the new plaster to hang up all the embroideries in mismatched frames.
But of the slog of clearing the house to get ready for sale. I'm doing it on my own despite some health issues that really destroy my energy. 65 years they lived there and I don't think they ever threw anything away. Nothing. There were so many ornaments that nothing got dusted for decades and last week I spent too long there moving and boxing stuff and didn't think to wear a mask. I've set off allergic house dust mite asthma. It's been a tough week. I still can't breath properly. So much china. But not really nice stuff. Much of it is chipped and cracked. Endless odds and sods glasses. Clothes going back to the year dot. The outfit my mum wore to my wedding in 1985! The overcoat my dad bought before I was born. I have been weighed down with it all.
I'm betting there now. Mainly books and kitchen pots and pans left inside now. And furniture but I can get that taken away when I'm done. I still have to venture into the garage, shed and attic, except no one can fit through the hole as it's so small so I've arranged with a tall skinny builder to help me unload that space. Apparently there's more china up there and a suitcase of my own baby clothes (I'm 60). I'm worn out with it all and the state of the house now I can see the walls and floors etc isn't good at all. But tired or not, the minute I sell the place I am going to start on my own. No more will I keep clothes and shoes I can't wear in the hope I might one day. No more ornaments. I don't want anymore clutter. No more never used china in the sideboard. I can't wait to start. My problem is my husband is a natural clutterer and hoarder. But I'm not going to let him win!
I lost over the china. I have now pretty much brought over all mum's china but I bought a nice new cabinet for it, not the old, dark and dingy one she had before. I got it out for visitors in spring but the plates and cups are so small mum asked me not to do that again as people prefer a mug of tea now!
I have no idea why I have told you all of this😂😂😂 I think your video just struck a chord really hard with me today. Thank you.
My daughter has been out of state for 4 yrs and moved back to town. She came to my house (I'm 65 w\4 bedroom PACKED house) and told me we NEED to do the Swedish Death Cleaning in my home. She thought I would be upset (I do have a hard time of letting go). But I feel I am ready to LET GO of a lot and move forward. Thank You Both for posting this video. It was perfect timing for me 😘
What a tremendous gift your mom gave you Shannon. When my sister died, I collapsed from the exhaustion of cleaning out her hoard.Recently, I moved my mother from her upstairs apartment to a downstairs one and wound up in the hospital from stroke-high blood pressure from dealing with all of her stuff. It is cruel and unfair of us to keep our stuff that someone else has to dispose of when we die. When I die, it will take my son about an hour to go through all of my stuff and chuck it. I swedish death cleaned before the book was even written because I wanted to live a minimal and simple, clean life.I feel calm and always know exactly where everything is. Shannens mom's house looks amazing and she even looks younger and lighter and happier. Our stuff clutters our minds and makes us feel and look stressed without us even realizing it. Now she has the free time to enjoy her family.I am so impressed because I remember watching her start the decluttering process when she was having a hard time letting go.I am SO impressed with how far she has come. Great job ladies!
Agree whole-heartedly!
I completely understand what a gift this can be for your loved ones. I have just recently had to urgently move my parents into our home. A few weeks later my dad passed and now mom is with me forever gratefully. However, my brother took over the task of clearing their house. Dumpsters were filled. A total of 50 yards not including the stuff that was given away and kept to take here. It was a massive undertaking and the mental, emotional and physical stress was devastating. Big eye opener. I will not do this to my children. Death cleaning has begun. Thank you for all you share. It’s a great help to not feel so alone.
When Shannon asked about the socks....so cute!
I love watching you two together. I can tell you’re very close. My mom and I were the same. She passed away at 93 in March 24. We cleaned out her attic together. We had so much fun. We laughed, reminisced over all my toys that had been there 50 years! Now I’m SDC for a move out of state. Thanks for all the great videos.
"You'll come to not feel threatened anymore." Wish there was a magic wand to just get to that place immediately. But I imagine this is like therapy, where you have to face your demons and trauma in order to battle through and be made stronger from the work and the fight. But what am encouraging video!!
In Shannon and Cathy's early days of decluttering Cathy's possessions, Shannon was always so gentle and patient. I guess she learned that from Cathy. Lovely.
Shannon, your mom looks so light and free, like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. You are both glowing of light, laughter and accomplishment! Thanks for all you do! 😊
Hi Shannon! I'm in the middle of Swedish death cleaning! The kids don't want anything! 😂 But I love your channel. Love your mom, I'm in her season of life! Both of you are such an inspiration 💖
We are currently downsizing by 80% and your mother/daughter videos have encouraged me so much and helped me interact with my kids through the process. You laugh through it. 😆
I can remember your mom's resistance in the beginning and how you had to push her out of her comfort zone. It's amazing how far she's come and your dad too!
Your mom is a joy! So proud of her changes. You two are blessed to be together so often.
Your videos have been very helpful for my family. My husband is from a hoarder family and he’s really into decluttering now, after seeing how much it’s helped my anxiety and overall happiness. I started a few years ago, and he started seeing the results and wanted to join in! Now the kids are into it as well. An amazing mindset shift. Ty!
Yay! I love hearing that. Decluttering and letting go of the extra stuff has helped so much with my anxiety too.
I wish this could be true in my case. When my late husband saw an empty space I had decluttered & cleaned his mindset was 'yay, another clear surface I can drop crap onto' so my joy at what I accomplished was always short-lived.
Unfortunately now living with my older brother he has the same mindset and see's empty spaces as so empty & lonely. I guess guys just have some warped sense of 'feathering' their nest in their own sloppy way ... but the visual-overload- anxiety it gives me is unbearable.
I'm 69 and have been thinking about cleaning out more things lately, My siblings and I had to clean out my parents house after they passed away. They had lived there over 40 years. My Dad saved every nut and bolt that he found! We didn't know what went with what sometimes, cords and such as they saved those too. I'm ready to get rid of somethings that I do not use anymore and don't think our daughters would want so thanks for this video. I will have to watch more!
I think this video was so valuable to show people how your mom’s thought processes have changed. It is contagious!
Loved this video and love to hear from your mom. I’m 61 and have been decluttering for about 5 years. It takes some time, energy and motivation but is so worth it.
Thanks for sharing!!
I’m not really into fashion, but I figured out what colors look best on me. I’ve found that I eventually end up liking these colors best but don’t always realize it in the store, so understanding it better has helped me save time shopping and finding pieces I actually like long term!
Shannon and Kathy,
The love and respect you show each other with a huge dose of humor is inspiring on so many levels. Just a joy to watch and be a part of.
Love the simplicity of your house right now…..I’m 63, and hubby 66…..it’s been through videos like yours, that I have been watching the past 4 years that lead me to also do my Swedish death clean…..I first started than eventually hubby got on board….it’s made our lives soooooo much easier to manage…..I too love to now see “empty spaces”…..thanks for the inspirational videos….❤️❤️❤️👍
It is great to see how much your mom's mindset has changed since the first videos. It is inspiring.
I totally agree!
Cathy, you have never looked more beautiful. You are an awesome inspiration. Kudos to you and your fab Shannon.
Wow, thank you!
oh my, if you did nothing other than get all those magnets off the refrigerator... wow. That was so much visual clutter that it made me dizzy ! Now your kitchen is so inviting, soothing, friendly, and looks clean. With clutter, it makes you wonder what is underneath or behind things, especially in a kitchen. I'm loving the " after " pictures. So much better ! Good for you. Good job.
You two are the perfect tag team! I wish you could tour around and help people! The feeling threatened thing is huge!
Shannon & Mrs. Cathy, This is awesome! I remember watching your Mom clean all of this. It's such encouragement to see it. We are in the process of decluttering, too, because we do not have children to leave anything too. So it's up to us. Keep the videos coming. 😊
Having pitched all my unwanted belongings over a similar timeline, I enjoyed using this video to look back at how my mindset has changed. I once hoarded those shoe-filling wads of paper in a bag behind my bed. Because I MIGHT NEED THEM SOME DAY. I had massive psychological barriers to getting rid of things, and I wouldn't let anyone go near my stuff. I was so defensive that I pushed people away so they wouldn't threaten my worthless junk stash. Now I come home and find that my husband's thrown out a pile of my just-in-case things, and all I feel is relief and gratitude.
I can see my mom going though similar feelings of being threatened by the idea of getting rid of all the stuff but also seeing how good it is to let some of the excess go. Each truck load I take out of their house is a small victory for me. Layer by layer. This load was mostly canning jars! So many, but they were all in use for many years. But that was also years ago. Small steps.
So fun to hear about the decluttering journey for you and your mom. 🤗
My mom passed away about 7 years ago. She was a SAVER. Luckily, my dad was more minimalistic. So it wasn’t hard getting rid of things. Although, I’ve probably hung onto too many family “heirlooms”. 😬 I’m 57, my hubby is 59 and we’ve been slowly getting rid of things so we don’t overwhelm our kids.
I just love watching your videos. I wish you live by me to help me declutter my house . Thank you for inspiring me to clean my house. Both of you are amazing. Have a great day.
I LOVE the series you do with your mom. You two are so great together. So much love and humor. I appreciate how you disclose that it's taking years to go through your parents' stuff. I have a small place but it has taken me two years of decluttering to get where I am now and I am still working on it. It happens in layers and over time. People need to understand you likely will not just plow through your stuff in a week and be done.
I love watching you and your mom. Mine died very young when I was 24 and was sick since I was 17, so I never got to have these kinds of experiences or a relationship as an adult (Well, I was an adult but you know what I mean.) I’m glad she’s so willing to share her journey. I love the video when she went through all of her socks because I somehow have collected a ton of them as well! “You know; you’ve got to have a lot of socks!” 😂
i really relate to your comment, i wish i would have had these opportunities with my mom.. similar situation .. my mom was gone early so no adult interactions & experiences
I have loved watching the two of you in this process. I worked with my mom many years ago to get through a room filled with fabric and magazines and it was a process! That was about 20 years ago and I've been working on clearing out my stuff since then.
I recently (yesterday) realized that I could donate fabric to a group who makes quilts for charity. I have about 15 boxes of fabric (not small boxes, like banker box type boxes) and this morning I've emptied 3 to donate.
And I'm watching you and your lovely mother!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
This is so awesome that your mum decluttered and realised how freeing it is to let go of 'stuff' you don't need.
Your mom's home looks so much classier now. I bet she feels better about herself living in the simplified version of her house.
I think your mom and I are long lost twins as far as how she used to buy clothing, little mirrors, cosmetic bags etc. I can totally relate to her.
That's so wise! A fresh breeze, and it is not about death, but better life. Your mother is a charm. 👍😍😍👏👏
Your mom reminds me so much of me! I am sixty-seven and am starting my own SDC journey. Having her in this video was very meaningful. I will be working with my husband on this, as our kids don't have the patience, but looking ahead, I will do this for them. We have my 97 year old mom living with us, also. She has had such a rough time parting with belongings and still needs to do more. We drew a hard line when she moved in... everything had to fit in her room. She has an off site storage unit for which she pays $130 a month. She does not like doing so. Maybe she will look at my example and feel better about the prospect of getting rid of stuff AND saving money!!
Your mum looks so much happier and has a glow now!
I get so frustrated with myself decluttering I always feel I should have it done in 1 day . I keep hearing from people like you that it was a matter of years to get where you are.
The Difference in the kitchen before an after was absolutely amazing. It looks so great so simple, I love how all the stuff was taken off the fridge.!
I have been on my decluttering journey for a few years now. I don't replace anything immediately. I wait to see if I really miss it. So far I haven't replaced anything. I make do with other items. I thought I would miss the electric fry pan but when it quit working I threw it out and now use a pan on the stove.
So cool to hear your mom's thoughts on this! She's rocking it!
Wow! The kitchen looks so totally different and calm!!
Love the minimalist philosophy! Love this channel! Love you guys!!
Thanks so much!!
Buying something new to wear, hanging it in your closet (and never wearing it), and looking at it like a piece of art. (mind-blowing wake-up call 🤯)
I occasionally watch your videos...wow what a change in your mum. I remember seeing a couple of videos ages ago, its like night and day!
This is great. Thank you both. I just decluttered my master bathroom. Wow! That felt so good
Wonderful!
Love this topic! I’m on my own Swedish Death Cleaning journey. I love the two of you working together! So insightful and encouraging. I’m e been helping my mom a bit as well, and now she’s helping my sister. 🕊☺💕
Thanks for the inspiration. My mom died 8 years ago and whatever I couldn’t decide what to do with was put in our basement. It flooded 2 months ago and we are now ready to move stuff back in. I want to let most of it go. I mean, I didn’t want to look at it for 8 years. Right? Yes.
So sweet the way you work together as friends! 💕 I love the mantra, "I'll let the store store it for me!" 👍 and, "I'll let someone else love this!" ❤️ Mindset shift for sure 🤩
You two are such a great inspiration for people. We actually helped my mom and her husband to move several times, with each move, more had to go as their living spaces changed. It was a massive job and I no longer keep things I am not using for that reason.
Pink is so your mom's color. I'm trying to start this journey. Still trying to get through the guilt of the money spent and letting go of the fantasy self. She spends all her time wearing linen and wandering the beach in New England.....however, the real me is firmly landlocked in Kentucky.
If the day comes when you are walking the beach in New England, you can treat yourself to some linen clothes. BTW, the beaches in DE are great, and we have several outlet centers to buy that linen!
Hi Wendy, I laughed reading this because I also have these same fantasy self images. I imagine myself living in Hawaii or NY and needing all the clothes that would go with those destinations lol. But I am a mom and I don't need fancy clothes right now haha.
Great suggestions! I tell myself that keeping an object is not the only way to remember someone. You don’t have to hold onto the mug, the sweater, the ornament from your relative or friend; hold their memory in your heart, not an item in your home.
Yes, you both are an inspiration to me and I'm sure to others that watch your videos. You both have helped me tremendously in decluttering my own home and helping my mom declutter her things in the last 3 years. My mom was very much emotionally attached to her stuff which I can totally relate to as well. It wasn't easy at first for us both to go through her stuff, but I know what to say to my mom and to myself when making tough decisions due to watching your videos. I have gone back through areas in my home several times and decluttered more things in the past 3 years. In fact, I have been making at least one trip to the thrift store about every other month if time permits. My mom told me a few weeks ago that she wants to get rid of some more stuff, but we haven't had time to do it, but we will really soon. She has decluttered some clothes and shoes on her own which is great! BTW - I'm 64 and my mom is 82. 😍
That is amazing! I am so happy to hear my videos have inspired you. It can be hard to let go sometimes, but sounds like you are doing an excellent job=) I hope you have a nice Sunday.
I just love watching the two of you! You make me laugh … and also make me say to myself… that is me! I need to follow your lead. Thank you ladies!
Your mom's house looks great now, well done to both of you, you work well together x
Thanks so much! 😊
Shannon thank you so much for sharing all the videos of decluttering your parent's home. As you mentioned your mom wasn't always so willing, but it honestly gives me hope that I will be able to do this with my mom one day. At the moment, with my own mom it feels more like a battle despite her asking me to help her. Seeing you and your mom have fun decluttering really is encouraging. I can't wait till my mom has the same realizations that K(C)athy has had. Thank you for sharing, you both are truly a joy to watch.
Yes, after a lot of little decluttering projects my mom (Kathy) really got inspired and now almost every week she will tell me, "I found more stuff to declutter " =)
I just rewatched your video on our "smart" tv to catch anything I might have missed. (Plus, I enjoy watching your mom, Kathy). One additional thing that I'd like to say is that when I travel, I put my few items of makeup in a plastic quart size bag. That way when I return home, I throw it away. No storing of a makeup bag. Keep the videos coming. You two are like a breath of fresh air!! 🙂
Yes Swedish Death Cleaning is about love really. We love our family enough not to burden them with lots of work when we are gone. It’s a loving gesture but it’s also great to enjoy our simplified space while still alive. It’s a gift to our family & ourselves! Instead of cleaning all the time we get to enjoy more fun time with our kids and grandkids! Love this video!!
I didn't have that many clothes when I worked, now that I am retired I have even less.
Love this - my parents (80 years old) are doing this now and are loving it! I am selling stuff that is of value, and they are throwing out or donating the rest. Best feeling ever! In fact, I'm in my early 50s and am doing the same. Just gotta convince hubby to jump aboard! xo Vicky
I love watching when your mom is on, because I am her age and have started Swedish Death cleaning. My kids are so happy because they don't have to do it when the time comes. My husband is on board and has adapted to it so well. Keep the videos coming love it. It is hard.
Oh my gosh this was my daughter and I when she helped me declutter my kitchen, bedroom, and one and a half baths. We still have rooms to go and a basement. But at least I'm starting because I don't want to leave stuff that the kids don't want to them. I was blessed by having things and now I want to bless others by donating items I no longer use or want. It's getting easier for me to let go of things now but it was hard at the beginning.
I have been decluttering for about 5 weeks...it is so amazing!!! And I LOVE the Forks Over Knives cookbook!!! Whole Food for the win!!!
I hate it when your stuff owns you rather than you owning your stuff. My husband and I are planning on moving from our 1 bedroom apartment to a class B RV. This is a few years away but I'm preparing now by getting rid of stuff I don't need. It's a slow process but very freeing.
77.8 I think it's inspiring to me as someone with hoarding disorder to see how reluctant your mom was in the beginning and how easy it is for her now. I hold on to the hope that it will become easier for me too.
Shannon, I am so glad I came across one of your You Tube videos. I usually get bored with the presentation and their tone of voice throughout the video. You were a pleasure to watch and listen to! You have a very pleasant and calm voice that is easy to listen to and follow the storyline. I have been doing some decluttering but need to do more! Thank you for your videos and plan to keep watching!!😊😊
Thank you for being here! I hope you are having a nice weekend.
I’ve actually made a print out for house supplies. Like toothpaste , washing powder etc. I have one in the cupboard and one on the go. When I do my monthly shop I replace the thing that is missing .
I like that you both acknowledge that this is a long process, and that you have to keep going back around to declutter with fresh eyes. I see that she is feeling lighter and happier with her home. I also think that she should get rid of a lot of that glass and the dishes.
I just adore your Mom. Love to see her in more videos.❤
Your mom has come a long way. From feeling threatened to feeling free. Decluttering is contagious! What an awesome job, Kathy!!! You two are just so much fun to watch.
Awesome series. My 86 yo MIL’s home is full to bursting, there are several rooms you can’t step into. But she “needs” it all, just in case. It’s going to be a nightmare for my spouse.
I have made a habit of giving something away every time I buy something. I still have more than I need but I'm purging as I determine what I only wear because I feel guilty about not wearing them!! I love to declutter! My mother and sister, on the other hand, are pack-rats. My sister has papers everywhere! My mother has "tschotchkes" and random stuff/papers on every surface, and in every cabinet. Your "before" photos resemble what her "after" photos would look like! I have organized my mother's rooms and closets, etc., to no avail. Both my mother and sister could be classified as fledgling hoarders. Mostly because of the "just in case" or memories of each object and piece of paper, item of clothing...going to either of their houses is an incredibly stressful experience, but it motivates me to lose the clutter! Thank you for not leaving all that stuff for others to deal with...I sure wish my mom would do that. Keep up the great work!!
Your mum looks so much more lighter, younger and energetic than she did when she was holding on to too much stuff.
I’m in the process now, so this was very helpful. I have read the book and it’s very good.
The reason I am doing this following my retirement is so my children do not go through what we went through when my mother passed away. She kept everything and I mean everything. It was exhausting, it was emotional beyond necessary, and I don’t want my children to go through that when I’m gone. I love them too much to do that to them! Thanks for the motivation!
Same situation here. Mom & Dad HAD to move into a retirement community, and we had them take only what would fit. My brother and I (working full time jobs) had to clean out their four bedroom house, which took MONTHS of our weekends to do. We were quite angry that we had to spend our weekends taking care of all their stuff. This horrible experience motivated me to downsize, which I CONTINUE to do. We don't have children - but good for you for not putting your kids through this.
I love watching your Mom in the videos (I'm more her age.) I need to declutter my closet & dressers that are beyond full. I may have to rewatch all your decluttering videos! Thank you so much! ❤❤
I love your mom! I wish we could see a lot more people of her age/wisdom on UA-cam.
This is so timely. I am about to start decluttering. This is so encouraging.😊
Love this. I have learned that I can admire things without bringing them home.
Learned a lot from reading the comments.
U and ur mom inspired me to be minimalist or to declutter. My mind is getting much clearer. I am finally free actually except from my plants😂, it's manageable though but i think it's still a lot but they make me happy so they stay. Also, I used to be materialistic, but having less make me happy and content, It's amazing. U mom looks very blissful now compared before.
Thank u again for u and ur mom😊 God bless
LOVED watching you and your beautiful mom talking about your declutter journey! Have been on one of those, myself, and have slackened off a bit in the last two or three months. Your mom and I are in the same generation so have large stashes of similar clutter, more than most of the UA-cam "declutter influencers" have, and it was so reinvigorating to me to see her success and hear about her change of mindset...I'm ready to get going again! Thanks!!!
My cabinets look like your before pictures. Love the inspiration 😊
I could have coffee with your mom. I see some of the stuff she has, and I’m like, hey! Got that too! Very relatable. 🩵
Love that!
I love the honest conversation.
Absolutely loved this & I agree with Grants saying - let the store 🏬 store for you ! Yes !!!! Your parents home looks amazing now Well done ❤
Thank you so much!!
We discovered, inadvertently, that our elderly parents would say "Keep it" to us (their adult children), but would let their teen/20s grandchildren toss away!
Love to see all the art works on the wall and not hidden away in closets
Helpful video. I have begun a decluttering process and realized that it is a process and likely to take a long time. Thanks for this.
"I'm here with my mom Kathie..." Instant like ❤
Loved this video…I watch you periodically and I love the episodes with your mother…and boy, has she come a long way, baby!!! The house looks fantastic.
You have come along way… everything looks great
I can donate or throw away anything at this point.. it gets so easy
Definitely an important video. First heard the concept "death cleaning" by a friend (now 90) seven years ago. I hadn't been able to reach her for 2-3 days and she explained that she had been death cleaning ("dödsstädat" in Swedish) in the attic. Interesting as I feel that I have been doing that in some sense for more than 40 years and still have too much stuff. I am constantly revising my view of various items and change my mindset and unwritten/often emotional (irrational) "rules" about them. One can just imagine what it had been like if I never had questioned all these objects. We have the letter S for Swedes:
1. Slänga (=throw away)
2. Skänka (=give away).
3. Sälja (=sell)
4. Sortera (=sort out, organize), This includes making sure that all objects of a certain "class" should be in the same place. Once you begin to do that you will discover (at least I do) that you own several objects that serve the same purpose (like three more or less identical screw drivers). Why is that? Because when there is too much stuff everywhere you cannot find what you need in your home - everything gets diluted in everything else and this may result in you buying yet one more screw driver - you get the idea. Sorting is a way of identifying unnecessary backups that can be eliminated.
5. Spara (=save, keep)
Seven months ago my mom died (at age 95) and she essentially never threw away anything.
Her solution to keep things was to get more storage space (two houses -- one is a second home).
One obvious problem with this behavior is that this type of mess means that the next generation gets the problem to try to sort out what may be important. In practice that cannot be done because
of the lack of time - and the price for that is that some items that probably should be saved as part of important sides the family history get thrown away by mistake. One simply cannot handle situations like this.
The concept "death cleaning" drives me to tackle the worst stuff as a routine behavior and I am at least getting better at it. A key in this is, as is mentioned several times in the video, is "mindset". Changing the mindset is like a new "rule" or criterion for getting rid of unnecessary stuff.
One concept I introduced 40 years ago was "integral damage" (I partly have a math background): The space damage (unnecessary storage), D, can be described as "damage rate" (in practice volume, V) multiplied by time (t).
So D = V x t. This is about awareness of the (common sense) problem rather than meant to reflect some genius level of insight - but is seriously meant.
Lets say that I have two unnecessary files on a book shelf and they occupy 4 inches (about 10 cm) of the shelf space and I keep those files for ten years, this damage, D1, becomes 10 cm x 10 y = 100 cm x 1 y -> D1 = 1 my (unit "meter-year")
With the integral concept, this damage D1, can be seen as the same as keeping one meter (40 inches) of unnecssary files for only one year. Who would fill up one meter of unnecessary papers in files for a whole year on a bookshelf that could be used for something better?
An awareness aspect of this simple "math level" is to point out the importance of getting rid of smaller unnecessary objects as even the smaller objects cause a lot of damage when you keep them "forever" - the time factor can greatly contribute to the damage. "Normal people" probably don't need this level of sophisticated thinking and can just grab any unnecessary thing with the reflection "I don't need this".
BTW: Didn't know that this was called "Swedish" death cleaning. Are Swedes possibly the worst compared to those in other countries?
Thank you for sharing! This concept of letting go when you are older is from a book called "Swedish Death Cleaning" That is what we are trying to implement here =) I have a few videos linked in the description that go into more detail about this book.