I totally agree with you. When you determine to declutter, start in one area...either a drawer, closet etc. One you realize the weight lifted + the peace decluttering brings, I found getting ruthless with one area worked best for me, especially being a Sr + not wanting to leave the job for my kids to handle. So think "Ruthless" in the months to come as you sift through your items.
Regular decluttering is key. When I am tempted to impulse buy, I also ask myself if I want the thing enough to keep it clean. Several impulse buys have been avoided because I knew I wouldn't want to dust the object every week.
Once you get started it actually becomes fun.. The funny thing is that on the outside, nothing looks necessarily different, but I know the drawers aren't filled to the top anymore. It's an awesome feeling.
You do the absolute best videos! Watching is like visiting with a dear friend, so soothing. Your suggestions are so clear...because you give examples that engage by telling a story. Thank you.
My wife and I started to declutter in late December. The first thing was my clothing. Several boxes off to charity. We continue with just a couple of tasks each week. Yesterday was my desk and today is my nightstand. We have a large garage and barn that will challenge us, but our goal is to simplify our lives/stuff by the end of this year. Thanks for your videos, they make a difference.
I've been decluttering for awhile now. The outward signs don't show a lot of progress (I'm a hoarder) but I know things are on an upward trend because I now have homes for things that never have had a place. I rarely regret what I've given away. Feeling lighter day by day. 😅
I was brushing my teeth while listening to your video and noticed a half dozen old toothbrushes I had accumulated that “ could be used for cleaning”. They weren’t and I already have brushes with the cleaning supplies. Out they went. Finished your challenge before the video ended. Thanks
I recently heard of a technique that’s new to me & working well. It’s the 20/20 rule. If you can replace an item you haven’t used in a long time in less than 20 minutes (Amazon or a Walmart trip you’d make anyway) & less than $20 get rid of it. Half of what is in my kitchen drawers fits this. I also resist MY biggest impulse spending places - Homegoods & the non-food aisles at Aldis. Lastly, I’ve found creative uses for things I keep for emo reasons when possible- my Grandma’s elegant tea cup & saucer with the Lord’s Prayer on it is now a holder for cotton balls & floss picks on a safe shelf in my bathroom 😊
Ohhh…who hasn’t been there! It took me awhile to realize the small declutterring jobs turned into finally finishing! The trick is to live with intentions not to repeat those behaviors that eventually put you back to the beginning again. ❤
I have way too much clutter and need to get ready for a move to a smaller home. I sew and make crafts. This “requires” a lot of supplies. Today I started on my craft room. I accomplished so much in less than an hour!
I too just moved to a smaller home. As a quilter you can never have too much fabric. Hah, I had too much fabric. Giving to beginners in our crafts makes you feel good and helps them to get started. A “win win” situation.
I started about 2 years ago with "Swedish Death Cleaning" Basically I spoke with my son and family, offered them anything they might want (they declined) then I went about dealing with easy stuff and hard stuff. I found as I went along it was not nearly as difficult as I thought it might be. Life situation is changing, a family member is moving into the basement level in our home (converting to a small apartment) so there are many items from our living space (which we really haven't used in years due to health issues and climbing stairs) that needed to be gotten rid of. I sorted and just hauled off to an antique auction and made some money as well. Pairing down items has been so freeing. Yes I still have some items that will pass on to family. When we are gone my son will have a farm auction to disperse of whatever is left. I do routinely declutter once a month and then seasonally with clothing items. I also try to follow the one in one out rule. Love your videos.
Good video. That 20 % reduction in stress is motivating even if a little questionable. Declutterring certainly won’t add to stress. We are doing the 5 items a day challenge. Carole
I love Sam's idea of decluttering 5 items every day. So easy to accomplish in 5 minutes. Little by little your efforts will begin to create a new environment.
I love her idea also. Since the 1st of Januari I started decluttering with her fast five 2025 challenge I 'm getting more excited each day. Decluttered allready so much stuf! And I am just starting😊
My friend Janeen told me that decluttering was "the best thing she ever did!" and I'd have to agree it has improved my life tremendously. Another wonderful and thoughtful video Tim! And P.S. Thank you for the shout out ❤️🤗
I love all of these great ideas. I particularly enjoyed your mentioning the emotional attachment to things that seem to be the toughest things to part with. Like, oh wait, this was a gift; I can't part with that! Lol. Or, the things that your folks had that make you feel like there's just no way you could get rid of. Your comment about them perhaps thinking; well, that old thing; we would have gotten rid of it if we could have afforded something else. Absolutely hilarity in my case. The long and the short of it is when my folks passed, it was as though being frozen in time. For the most part, I remembered almost every item, where or who it came from. OMG. I moved into the cherished home and temporarily tucked most of it away in the basement. It was stacked from floor to ceiling for the first year or more. It took 3 to 5 years to sort through and get things to donation, consignment, Habitat for Humanity, and Good Will. I even hired a decluttering person for a few days. It was very rewarding to donate so much that could be used, especially by Habitat. They were thrilled to get the stuff and have made a couple of trips for tools and furniture. You might think the place is a mansion! Not. When you consider each parent with their individual things, combined household items, a small workshop and garage, that held years of accumulation over 63 years. Then there's the attic. Lol Anyway, I've been picking away at my own stuff as well there's always more to do. I'm very appreciative for all the ideas and inspiration. The emotional attachments are largely going by the wayside to make special room for the special items. I didn't even mention my own accumulation. I now can see that big light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to more space and less stress. 😀
The biggest mistake I made is thinking we'd have a 4 family yardsale. We all decluttered but so far, we aren't able to get a date set for all of us to be there. I'm to the point of just donating. I hate the cold weather but come spring, my stuff is going out of the house. It's not worth the stress of getting a few dollars later and have to work around boxes of stuff I had boxed up for the sale. Get it OUT of the house!!
I start by decluttering the one area in the space that really bugs me and after I get through that then it easier to keep going. I try to concentrate on one room at a time until it’s done and then go to the next room. I think it gets easier as you go along. Thanks Tim great video.
I think some of the stuff that you have taught me has finally started to rub off on my mom! I was very surprised to hear her tell me about going thru the secretaries' desk that was crammed full of papers. She actually got each drawer cleared out. Some papers were sorted so I can review them on my next visit, some got tossed, a bundle of notes from a dear friend got read then bundled nicely and sent back to her so they can laugh over the contents on a phone call later and some got filed in their proper file so they can be found easier when needed. The tables have been turned, I am now the adult guiding her it seems. I listened and acknowledged her accomplishment then let her know how proud I was of her for tackling that project. Maybe she will continue...baby steps, lol.
I can attest to the relief of stress when you normally declutter all year round...I experience that missing stress in my life when I go to someone else's house and see the clutter and disorganization all around, while I do not judge and do not offer any tips that are not requested, I just observe and enjoy the company. If anyone asks for my advise or help, I would gladly offer it, but I learned a long time ago, not to comment or offer help/advice when it wasn't asked for...but I do experience that stress just sitting there, and it goes all away once I leave and return to my home. Great videos and I enjoy seeing other men in the space that offers their insight.
Thank you for your videos. I am a recently and unexpectedly retired Cardiologist. I have a bad case for ADHD and procrastinate to avoid unpleasant tasks. I have tables of paperwork that are piling up. I rationalize my procrastinating and hoarding.
Yes, that's what got me started....I looked down a tunnel of a long room...living area...then dining area back to kitchen + I didn't like stuff sitting out on counter in this small home.
The best way we found to start decluttering was to downsize our house! Then there’s no choice! 😃 With kids grown up, it was time to clear out the ‘stuff’ and move to an almost tiny house! ☕️🇨🇦☕️
I can’t wait to feel less stress! My word last year was SIMPLIFY. I was able to release so much last year and also clean out drawers and cupboards and bookcases! I gave myself an entire year to do a little at a time. This video holds such wisdom and I really appreciate it. Even in the year I had to simplify, I have more to go. Looking for my battery charger lead me to cleaning out 2 drawers last night. You tell such GOOD stories. Also your practical advice. Thank you Tim. The feeling can’t be beat! It’s like breathing easier!
I just started with 1 drawer a day. & my closet i started with floor. then top shelf. then i broke up the hanging stuff, only sleeveless, then short sleeves, then long. then watching another vid, that said if you hate your closet dont use it! 😲 😆💡i bought cloth boxes and folded everything. now that closet stores fan, heater, blankets. lol clothes are under my bed.
A tip for setting goals. Years ago I discovered the “SMART” method for setting goals. S = Specific, M = Measurable, A = Attainable, R = Realistic, T = Timely. This helped me a great deal in my career and life in general. Make sure you write them down and review them often.
We are having our kitchen cabinets refaced soon. The owner of company said all the cabinets and drawers need to be emptied. He said this is good time to declutter. Done already. I have the minimal amount of dishes, pots and pans and silverware. I still continue to declutter whenever I replace utensils. I offered my daughters some mugs ( Sears restaurant (70"s) vintage coffee mug I bought years ago, Dunkin donut cups) to them. I never push stuff on them. If they want, they can have otherwise I will donate. I did keep vintage red bunny rabbit cup from my childhood 60's sans the flicker eyes. Joan
When I started my declutter many items had emotional attachments. Then I took photos of a couple of things to put up on a website to sell them. Then I decided to donate most items, some quite expensive, and I found if I took a photo of them I could easily part with them. I’m not finished but getting there a lot faster…. I’ve even started to declutter some of those e-photos…. ;)
I need to give myself permission to just throw things away. I am semi-disabled and carting things to the thrift store and unloading them is very hard on me. I can however get things into my trash can for pickup. Do not want to discard items someone could use but also cannot hang onto the same things. Help.
I totally agree with you. When you determine to declutter, start in one area...either a drawer, closet etc.
One you realize the weight lifted + the peace decluttering brings, I found getting ruthless with one area worked best for me, especially being a Sr + not wanting to leave the job for my kids to handle. So think "Ruthless" in the months to come as you sift through your items.
Regular decluttering is key. When I am tempted to impulse buy, I also ask myself if I want the thing enough to keep it clean. Several impulse buys have been avoided because I knew I wouldn't want to dust the object every week.
Avoiding the clutter in the first place is always a great move! 👏👏👏
Good thinking 😊
Once you get started it actually becomes fun.. The funny thing is that on the outside, nothing looks necessarily different, but I know the drawers aren't filled to the top anymore. It's an awesome feeling.
I find it fun too 🤗
Relief 😊
@akontarini 😊❤️
You do the absolute best videos! Watching is like visiting with a dear friend, so soothing. Your suggestions are so clear...because you give examples that engage by telling a story. Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words!
Absolutely agree ❤
My wife and I started to declutter in late December. The first thing was my clothing. Several boxes off to charity. We continue with just a couple of tasks each week. Yesterday was my desk and today is my nightstand. We have a large garage and barn that will challenge us, but our goal is to simplify our lives/stuff by the end of this year. Thanks for your videos, they make a difference.
Thank you for watching! Your kind words mean everything!
That's awesome! Clothing is a category with a high impact on your day to day life after decluttering ❤
Agree! Makes such an immediate and obvious difference, I got motivation to keep going 😊@@simply.clutterfree
I've been decluttering for awhile now. The outward signs don't show a lot of progress (I'm a hoarder) but I know things are on an upward trend because I now have homes for things that never have had a place. I rarely regret what I've given away. Feeling lighter day by day. 😅
It sounds like you’re making great progress!
You are on your way! 😊
I was brushing my teeth while listening to your video and noticed a half dozen old toothbrushes I had accumulated that “ could be used for cleaning”. They weren’t and I already have brushes with the cleaning supplies. Out they went. Finished your challenge before the video ended. Thanks
That's great!
Awesome job! 🎉🎉🎉
I recently heard of a technique that’s new to me & working well. It’s the 20/20 rule. If you can replace an item you haven’t used in a long time in less than 20 minutes (Amazon or a Walmart trip you’d make anyway) & less than $20 get rid of it. Half of what is in my kitchen drawers fits this.
I also resist MY biggest impulse spending places - Homegoods & the non-food aisles at Aldis.
Lastly, I’ve found creative uses for things I keep for emo reasons when possible- my Grandma’s elegant tea cup & saucer with the Lord’s Prayer on it is now a holder for cotton balls & floss picks on a safe shelf in my bathroom 😊
🤗
👍😊
This was such an entertaining, light-hearted video that rings so true. Thank you. The laughter felt so good.
Ohhh…who hasn’t been there! It took me awhile to realize the small declutterring jobs turned into finally finishing! The trick is to live with intentions not to repeat those behaviors that eventually put you back to the beginning again. ❤
Yes! For me it was that I had to stop my shopaholic ways and the inflow! ❤
@@simply.clutterfreethat was true for me 😊
Thank you Tim, that was very helpful.
I just want it all done by spring 😊 🌿
❤❤❤
🤞❤
I just love your little anecdotes and stories 🙂 could listen to you telling stories all day 😅☕️
❤ true ✅
I have way too much clutter and need to get ready for a move to a smaller home. I sew and make crafts. This “requires” a lot of supplies. Today I started on my craft room. I accomplished so much in less than an hour!
Way to go!
Keep going😊
I too just moved to a smaller home. As a quilter you can never have too much fabric. Hah, I had too much fabric. Giving to beginners in our crafts makes you feel good and helps them to get started. A “win win” situation.
I started about 2 years ago with "Swedish Death Cleaning" Basically I spoke with my son and family, offered them anything they might want (they declined) then I went about dealing with easy stuff and hard stuff. I found as I went along it was not nearly as difficult as I thought it might be. Life situation is changing, a family member is moving into the basement level in our home (converting to a small apartment) so there are many items from our living space (which we really haven't used in years due to health issues and climbing stairs) that needed to be gotten rid of. I sorted and just hauled off to an antique auction and made some money as well. Pairing down items has been so freeing. Yes I still have some items that will pass on to family. When we are gone my son will have a farm auction to disperse of whatever is left. I do routinely declutter once a month and then seasonally with clothing items. I also try to follow the one in one out rule. Love your videos.
Very impressive! Well done❤
Good video. That 20 % reduction in stress is motivating even if a little questionable. Declutterring certainly won’t add to stress. We are doing the 5 items a day challenge. Carole
❤❤❤
I love Sam's idea of decluttering 5 items every day. So easy to accomplish in 5 minutes. Little by little your efforts will begin to create a new environment.
🤗❤️
I'm surprised how my donation box is overflowing already by Day 14! ❤
I love her idea also.
Since the 1st of Januari I started decluttering with her fast five 2025 challenge
I 'm getting more excited each day.
Decluttered allready so much stuf! And I am just starting😊
@Ilja-Nova You are absolutely doing amazing!!!! 😍😍😍
@@simply.clutterfree thank you Sam🩷
My friend Janeen told me that decluttering was "the best thing she ever did!" and I'd have to agree it has improved my life tremendously. Another wonderful and thoughtful video Tim! And P.S. Thank you for the shout out ❤️🤗
Janeen sounds like a wise woman! Thanks!
@TheNewRetiredMe She definitely is 🤗❤️
So very true..but hard work,,however rewarding A reminder is helpful thanks Tim
I love all of these great ideas. I particularly enjoyed your mentioning the emotional attachment to things that seem to be the toughest things to part with. Like, oh wait, this was a gift; I can't part with that! Lol. Or, the things that your folks had that make you feel like there's just no way you could get rid of. Your comment about them perhaps thinking; well, that old thing; we would have gotten rid of it if we could have afforded something else. Absolutely hilarity in my case.
The long and the short of it is when my folks passed, it was as though being frozen in time. For the most part, I remembered almost every item, where or who it came from. OMG. I moved into the cherished home and temporarily tucked most of it away in the basement. It was stacked from floor to ceiling for the first year or more. It took 3 to 5 years to sort through and get things to donation, consignment, Habitat for Humanity, and Good Will. I even hired a decluttering person for a few days. It was very rewarding to donate so much that could be used, especially by Habitat. They were thrilled to get the stuff and have made a couple of trips for tools and furniture. You might think the place is a mansion! Not. When you consider each parent with their individual things, combined household items, a small workshop and garage, that held years of accumulation over 63 years. Then there's the attic. Lol
Anyway, I've been picking away at my own stuff as well there's always more to do. I'm very appreciative for all the ideas and inspiration. The emotional attachments are largely going by the wayside to make special room for the special items. I didn't even mention my own accumulation. I now can see that big light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to more space and less stress. 😀
The biggest mistake I made is thinking we'd have a 4 family yardsale. We all decluttered but so far, we aren't able to get a date set for all of us to be there. I'm to the point of just donating. I hate the cold weather but come spring, my stuff is going out of the house. It's not worth the stress of getting a few dollars later and have to work around boxes of stuff I had boxed up for the sale. Get it OUT of the house!!
I so agree!! Load in car + straight to donation thrift store.
Great ideas.
Really helpful ❤
I start by decluttering the one area in the space that really bugs me and after I get through that then it easier to keep going. I try to concentrate on one room at a time until it’s done and then go to the next room. I think it gets easier as you go along. Thanks Tim great video.
It became easier for me after a while 😊
I finished in 2023. I am in maintenance mode. My apartment is so much easier to keep clean!
Woohoo! I believe it. 🤗❤️
Well done! 😊
good to see you dug your way out of the snow and off the couch
😂❤
I think some of the stuff that you have taught me has finally started to rub off on my mom! I was very surprised to hear her tell me about going thru the secretaries' desk that was crammed full of papers. She actually got each drawer cleared out. Some papers were sorted so I can review them on my next visit, some got tossed, a bundle of notes from a dear friend got read then bundled nicely and sent back to her so they can laugh over the contents on a phone call later and some got filed in their proper file so they can be found easier when needed. The tables have been turned, I am now the adult guiding her it seems. I listened and acknowledged her accomplishment then let her know how proud I was of her for tackling that project. Maybe she will continue...baby steps, lol.
What a great start!!
✅ but if I may add enjoy the making of memories ❤
Loved ❤the return to your roots❤ So well done 👍👏
😅😊😊
Absolutely. Thank you!
💯with you
I can attest to the relief of stress when you normally declutter all year round...I experience that missing stress in my life when I go to someone else's house and see the clutter and disorganization all around, while I do not judge and do not offer any tips that are not requested, I just observe and enjoy the company. If anyone asks for my advise or help, I would gladly offer it, but I learned a long time ago, not to comment or offer help/advice when it wasn't asked for...but I do experience that stress just sitting there, and it goes all away once I leave and return to my home. Great videos and I enjoy seeing other men in the space that offers their insight.
Never ❤ on someone's else space for me as well 😊
Good morning Tim, thanks to you and Sam and Valerie, I don't have much to declutter.
I'm so happy to hear it Pam! Sounds like you're in maintenance mode 🤗❤️
Thank you 😊
@PamHaynes-oo3ck ❤️🤗
Thank you for your videos. I am a recently and unexpectedly retired Cardiologist. I have a bad case for ADHD and procrastinate to avoid unpleasant tasks. I have tables of paperwork that are piling up. I rationalize my procrastinating and hoarding.
I also have ADHD and honestly the best remedy for it for me has been reducing what I own and the number of distractions.
@@simply.clutterfree👍💕
Hi can I suggest you might start with 1 counter top that you can see. That way you'll enjoy the cleared space every time you look in that direction. 😊
Great idea!
😊😊😊
Yes, that's what got me started....I looked down a tunnel of a long room...living area...then dining area back to kitchen + I didn't like stuff sitting out on counter in this small home.
I have slowed down my decluttering from where I was over the summer. I hope to get back at it soon. It's cold. :)
❤😊
thank you! Inspiring and great reminders!
Great message. So well articulated. I use the method by Dana k white. I find it very helpful
❤ 😊
The best way we found to start decluttering was to downsize our house! Then there’s no choice! 😃 With kids grown up, it was time to clear out the ‘stuff’ and move to an almost tiny house! ☕️🇨🇦☕️
It worked for me, too! :)
GREAT IDEA !! 👍🏽 The More
Sq. Footage, the More CRAP.
Yes worked for my friend Janeen too and it really snowballed from there for her. 😊
✅
I can’t wait to feel less stress! My word last year was SIMPLIFY. I was able to release so much last year and also clean out drawers and cupboards and bookcases! I gave myself an entire year to do a little at a time.
This video holds such wisdom and I really appreciate it. Even in the year I had to simplify, I have more to go. Looking for my battery charger lead me to cleaning out 2 drawers last night.
You tell such GOOD stories. Also your practical advice. Thank you Tim.
The feeling can’t be beat! It’s like breathing easier!
I just started with 1 drawer a day. & my closet i started with floor. then top shelf. then i broke up the hanging stuff, only sleeveless, then short sleeves, then long. then watching another vid, that said if you hate your closet dont use it! 😲 😆💡i bought cloth boxes and folded everything. now that closet stores fan, heater, blankets. lol clothes are under my bed.
As far as it works for you, it's the right ✅way
A tip for setting goals. Years ago I discovered the “SMART” method for setting goals. S = Specific, M = Measurable, A = Attainable, R = Realistic, T = Timely. This helped me a great deal in my career and life in general. Make sure you write them down and review them often.
Yes! Very applicable in many areas of life including clutter-free spaces 😊
@@simply.clutterfree💕💯
😎
JUST SHOW ME THE DECLUTTERING!!!!!!!!😂😂 ❤❤❤Great video.
We are having our kitchen cabinets refaced soon. The owner of company said all the cabinets and drawers need to be emptied. He said this is good time to declutter. Done already. I have the minimal amount of dishes, pots and pans and silverware. I still continue to declutter whenever I replace utensils. I offered my daughters some mugs ( Sears restaurant (70"s) vintage coffee mug I bought years ago, Dunkin donut cups) to them. I never push stuff on them. If they want, they can have otherwise I will donate. I did keep vintage red bunny rabbit cup from my childhood 60's sans the flicker eyes. Joan
I moved into my parents house in 2023 after my daddy passed..im cleaning out 40byears of their stuff by myself
Found yor channel due to Sam of simlply clutterfree and I really like your channel
🤗
Thank you! And welcome!
Fun video!❤
When I started my declutter many items had emotional attachments. Then I took photos of a couple of things to put up on a website to sell them. Then I decided to donate most items, some quite expensive, and I found if I took a photo of them I could easily part with them. I’m not finished but getting there a lot faster…. I’ve even started to declutter some of those e-photos…. ;)
I have so much junk , im in my 60’s still working full time. Then when im home I sleep . I didnt start decluttering yet.
Take one thing with you every day... Leave a cup in the office kitchen and a book in the train ride😊 Just start❤
@kzZnAT0r obsoletely!
I'm really bad about "someday". Value has nothing to do with worth. Or memories...
I'm not a hoarder, but I am a pack rat...
🤗🤗🤗
Know your WHY before you start decluttering!
Good ⭐❤a idea
I need to give myself permission to just throw things away. I am semi-disabled and carting things to the thrift store and unloading them is very hard on me. I can however get things into my trash can for pickup. Do not want to discard items someone could use but also cannot hang onto the same things. Help.
I help my friends with the "clutter takeaway". Is it possible a friend or relative could assist with this step?
Depending where you live... There is help through some charities
I have the VA come pick up thing at my house. I wait till I have at least 4 boxes or bags full to make it worth their while.
@gumbogirls Smart!