We inherited a LOT of paintings from my mother, who was a watercolorist. We decided to rotate our wall art throughout the year. When we walk past a piece and don’t notice it anymore, we take it down and put up something else. It keeps things fresh, and we aren’t overwhelmed by feeling like we have to hang everything at once. It’s like we are living inside an art gallery. 😊
My 2 cents, as an artist - investing in a beautiful piece of original artwork will bring so much life to a room. Especially if it is a large piece that can really fill the space. Clearing out the "decor" and clutter to let those special and unique pieces shine will make a house feel like a home.
Yes this is so true! I kept most of my walls empty for a long period of time but it actually stressed me out because when I did have something on my wall, the scale and the other empty walls just made my house look like a dorm room! I love big art now- and big clocks😂
I definitely agree. Well done art is not clutter. It’s not the same thing as having a gazillion family photos on your wall. One or a few paintings (or artistic photos) on a wall can look great. Blank walls are just too spartan looking. At least for me.
It amazes me that people watch videos in minimalism to criticize the minimalist. What a sad world we live in. I really hope you stay positive and never let the trolls get you down. I really enjoy your video and use for its intended use: inspiration!
It’s funny how we are all different. Currently I am overwhelmed with the clutter in my house, which I am working on🥴. However, your blank walls and three items or less on a shelf were causing me a little anxiety! So whilst I do need to get rid of stuff, I won’t be going that far. But then on the other hand, I wouldn’t have a TV taking up so much space on a wall. As I say, funny how different we all are. And wouldn’t it be a boring old world if we were all the same? It’s all about balance❤
@@minimalease I think that’s the secret to a happy life - balance! I am so pleased I came across your video. I need to find the balance of how I am currently living with clutter, which makes me sad, and how I want to live, with things that bring me joy. Thank you for making me think, rather than burying my head in the sand!!
You said what many are thinking, but you said it so nicely. Her house also gives me anxiety and to me it looks unfinished and very blah. I have a friend that has a house like hers. And for me, there’s nothing homey or cozy or welcoming about it but that’s why homes are so personal. We have to decorate the way that makes us feel uplifted.
@@cq8822 Thank you. You’re absolutely right, it’s about what lifts us. At the moment I am weighed down by the amount of clutter in in my house. But I am trying to work on it. And it was really good to watch the video to see how someone else lives, and is rightly happy with it. But I know that’s not quite right for me. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in my thinking😊
So true! like the basket trick might work for some items for me but I need to have certain things laid out where I can see them or I’m gonna forget they exist lol even(/especially?) if it’s an item I use regularly; I will not remember it’s in the basket and will be very confused until I figure it out Diifferent things for different people 🫶
I am a minimalist for over 10 years and hardly hear Something new the Last five years. The "you dont need decor in every rooms" Tip Made my day. Thank you very much for this inspiring new Impulse. Kind regards from Germany:)
Aww this made my day! So glad it helped to listen to! ❤️❤️❤️
2 дні тому
I had too many house plants and porch plants. Too much dusting and watering. Donated some to friends. I like bare walls, maybe a clock in several rooms. Photos decluttered the rest stored in a container.
I’m an artist, I have a curated art collection, I’ve worked in a gallery in big city, and I have some experience decorating… My first floor has art allll over the walls plus a couple mirrors and crosses. But I like it. My top floor? Nothing at all. I like sleeping in a room without anything on the walls and I don’t keep any family photos out anywhere either upstairs - they are in albums in drawers. I don’t put decor in my bathroom either, I just make sure that the hand soap beside the sink is more high-end and in beautiful packaging, and my towels are nice.
😍 love it!! What a great combination you’ve found that works perfectly for your needs! It’s so great to hear about how minimalism can really work for anyone in different ways 💕 thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us!!
I know someone that lives in a cluttered townhouse. They went next door to their neighbor's townhouse (same exact size) who is a minimalist, and they commented to me how much bigger and better their home looked. It still wasn't enough to motivate them to reduce their inventory. I just can't relate. You are so right about dusting or thinking about dusting. Not worth it.
Hahah minimalism really saved me mentally I just couldn’t handle the list of cleaning and dusting all those things! And that is so interesting! It’s amazing how our spaces feel so much bigger and more welcoming with less and not more
❤ Thank you for this Becky. I’m currently decluttering 3 items a day, as it feels like a manageable amount for me to achieve each day without getting overwhelmed. I’m aiming to keep this up for the rest of the year in the hope that by the New Year, I will only have left the items I genuinely need and want ❤️
I think anyone should declutter a little...see how u feel? As for me it makes me feel way better. And I can find things better and the house looks neater. Ty for video. These videos keep me in check😊
Be careful about baskets. They may be effective organizational tools for some. But in my personal experience baskets ARE CLUTTER. Buying a basket can make you feel like you’re decluttering when you actually just need to toss things out. Any time you acquire a new item you’re adding to the clutter.
I am a minimalist at heart, but this year I found several plants that I can keep alive. You guessed it...I now have beautiful plants all over my small living room / kitchen! The only way that I can make that acceptable is to limit or eliminate other decor. Winter is coming, and we'll see if my plants continue to thrive or if they will die. If they die, I'll learn to live with some negative space. I love your channel, Becky.
Aww thank you so much! I want to get a new hanging plant for my living room, and I almost bought one yesterday. But I put it back because I'm going to wait until my birthday (Oct 9th) and if I still want it I will get it and a nice hanging basket as a gift to myself 😍 Its hard for us plant lovers out there! There are so many beautiful ones hahah
This makes me think about why I keep my makeup items on the counter when I typically only wear makeup for church on Sundays 🤔 I'm gonna try something different. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
I love this concept!! Weve moved into our house about 5 years ago and still don't have photos or have very minimal decor up. I'm also that person who doesn't want to clean more than I need to so the "3 or less" strategy is perfect for me to follow. The way your home looks is refreshing and clean and seems like a space your mind can just breathe and not worry about distractions!
I have found that putting loose items in a basket/ tray as you mentioned, really helps to make the space look tidier and less visually cluttered. Totally agree with you about not keeping more than 3 items out on any shelf. Helpful tips, thank you!Regards from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤
I am / was an ornament collector. I have them everywhere. So far I have delcuttered a lot, but Your 3 item per shelf rule is a real eyeopener. I think I will like doing this. Thank you.
I get really bad with holiday decorations as well. I bought one medium container for my ornaments and everything that doesn't fit I have to get rid of.
❤Hi Becky, I've watched all your videos and your approach to decluttering resonates with me so much 😊 I'm 71 and have been decluttering for 6-7 years. It started with digitizing photos and uploading music, and went from there. When I got to a place that felt very minimal to me, about 2 years ago, I switched to maintaining. But about 4 months ago, suddenly it felt like too much again, and I've been decluttering further -- really letting go of tons of stuff! Books, memorabilia, decor, furniture. And I used to feel I had enough space, and then I started feeling anxious again about what was in my visual field. It had to go. So my question is, what is it that makes us want to declutter in layers? Why the mindset shift about what feels like enough/too much -- even years into the process? I'd love to hear you talk more about this in a future video. Thanks for all your wonderful videos!
Just starting my journey and it’s overwhelming at first but it’s so worth it. Starting with my wardrobe. It’s crazy in the beginning to see so much stuff getting donated but it still looks like clutter. Must keep going!!! 😅 Thanks for the inspo ❤👍👏
@@SimplyBeautiful516 Yes, that's it. My brain is so overloaded with info already. When I see words on signs and dishes, etc. I feel compelled to read it and think about it. It distracts me, even if it just says "Butter." I'll forget what I'm thinking about and start thinking about butter, etc.
@@princessdumbarton9877😂 That's funny...I like a few things to have words I'll read over and over because I like the reminder every day...like something about gratitude. Definitely don't need to read labels like Butter, though, even though I do like fonts they use for containers like that. 😅
I‘m dealing with a major decluttering effort. I focus on getting things out the door on Monday morning when I take the bags (at least one) to my local thrifts (a church one that supports a pantry and a regular thrift store). It shifts the focus to giving, which is motivating.
I love your 3-item rule. I have a roommate who loves all the knick-knacky stuff but I will work my way down to 3 per area. I do have a large bookcase that holds my collection of books (my obsession) but I have a few ideas to clean it up. Great ideas and after subscribing, I’m off to binge some more of your videos! I have a tiny house with very little storage so I have units around my house to hold things (such as a stand-alone cupboard for kitchen towels and cat stuff). I’m ready to go through the majority of it and get rid of quite a bit. I’m going to work with my roommate to come up with a rotating system to change things out, either quarterly/seasonally or monthly (she has a lot of stuff). Can’t wait to see the changes in my home!!
❤ I am continuing to declutter on my minimalism journey. And I agree, not needing decor in all the rooms. I do not have decor in either bathrooms. I am going to try the three items or less on my surfaces. And happy to say my husband is working decluttering his items in our basement. We donated a full vehicle load today. ❤❤❤
❤you are speaking to my minimalist heart….it only took me 40 yrs to realize the truth and stop listening to the stuff. Thank you from a viewer that lived in Lakeside/Bryan Park area in Richmond VA now living in FL (4 yrs). You made me homesick when in a previous video when you mentioned the schools you taught in. You made the right choice ♥️🌴🇺🇸
3:38- I understand WHY my husband doesn't like too many things on the wall. Some may say: who cares what your husband thinks? *** in his family the divorce and depression rate is VERY LOW and success rate is VERY HIGH. So it's wise for ME to listen to him most times as he is experienced.
I agree. As someone who's been married since 1973, I believe fervently that spouses need to consider each other's preferences most of the time. Selfishness breeds resentment and that doesn't end well.
I love decor as well so after decluttering !!! ❤ I have dedicated one cabinet for a decor storage. There I have fall, winter, spring and summer boxes. So only current season is out on the surfaces. This helped as well!!
Thank you Becky, for another video filled with encouragement, and real help! The part about not having candles in the bathroom because they get covered in dog hair, “and our own general filth” 🤣. You probably didn’t mean to be funny, but it made me laugh. I also love how you often show pictures of what your house use to look like. Thank you for sharing visuals, and giving so many examples.
I saw a decluttering video which featured using a small three tray rolling cart (this one had the Ikea raskog cart) as a rolling office gear storage. Easy to put stuff away (including computer, easy to find stuff in the trays.
Your walls are so pretty I wouldn't mind leaving them blank. While renting and not painting my walls a color I like, I tend to cover them with art more. I also use nice thick canvas bags kind of like your basket. I'll put books and journals and pens. I loved that because it made packing for travel or even just going to read/write in the yard faster and easier. 🥰 Now that I have a community pool, I also keep a bag packed for that.
I totally get that! We rented for a long time and never wanted to paint or weren’t allowed to. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and what works for your home 💕
I read DECORATE BIG… no matter if room is small… I much prefer a large item on the wall instead of many messy looking small cluttery items….you actually don’t need to put something on every wall… I hate a “closing in on me feeling” LESS IS BEST”… especially helps mentally ‼️‼️‼️👍🏻😁I’ve embraced minimalism which is a continual process…👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the encouragement Becky 👍❤️ I'm currently struggling with a lack of counter space as well as a lack of cupboard/storage space where I'm renting to store & house things that I use everyday - I've decluttered as much from the kitchen as I can but it drives me crazy having to see the appliances I use everyday but not being able to store them away anywhere when I'm not using them 😳
I cracked up as you were crossing out the "e" at the end of decor(e)! Every time I have written that word I do the same thing! Thank you for the inspiration.
I love the 3-thing idea! That’s ideal to my eye. You mentioned “fresh air”. What if, in the no-decor room(s) one vase of fresh flowers was placed? This would provide the cozy, fresh, colorful look in one simple place. I also love the basket idea! I keep one by the stairs to fill with items that need to go up or down. Your ideas really work! Thanks!
I have a gorgeous turntable, mirrored and with crystals around the perimeter, that I used to keep on my bathroom counter. I used to keep all kinds of stuff on it, skincare, container with cotton pads, etc. I had to take everything off and wash it (it got dusty fast). Until I realized that I'm better off putting everything I use out of sight in drawers and cabinets under the sink. Same thing with my kitchen, I got rid of the knife block and utensil holder, everything is in drawers
I used to think I needed something on every wall, as well. After decluttering, I have little on my walls. My counters would be empty, too, if they weren’t daily necessities 😊. Today, I’m decluttering my closet!
I’m on a slow decluttering journey. It’s not easy and I’m not a minimalist 😊 but I appreciate the benefit of having a more spacious and clutter free environment. I noticed that you have a fireplace that seems to be right up against a wall. I thought it was unusual or do you actually light a fire?
❤❤❤ Thank for your latest advices! These are wonderful ideas to work on! ❤️❤️❤️ In the meantime I have a child that will leave for college and takes plenty of stuff with himself and declutter the rest with me! 🥰 And our youngest wants to move into another room. Another decluttering party is coming up! 😍 I love it! 😍 Have a nice day, Becky!
I love a blank wall, but my husband prefers pictures everywhere. As a compromise, I have one big blank wall, near where I sit regularly, and it is a “no go zone” for any wall decoration, except at Christmas.
Good suggestions. Necessity is spelled with two “s”s. (The overlay word on the video only has one s). Also, The word less is used for general overall volume, such as less clutter. The word fewer is used for number of things, such as three or fewer decorative objects on the shelf.😀
Not sure I’d go as far as saying ‘shocking’ but I guess that YT for you. I’m going to go and buy some nice baskets as I have too much paper clutter just piling up on surfaces. 👍 I’ll also check my shelves because some stuff can definitely be put into charity (thrift).
Physical stuff that is being used for a current project usually doesn’t look like clutter to the person in charge of that project. So for me I’m always doing 10 projects at once so my areas look cluttered to others. My real problem is when a project stalls and I don’t recognize that. Causing that stuff to be out for weeks or months. So my goal is to have structured work spaces. And when I’m not working on a part of a project get it put away. For things not part of a project I want a place for everything and everything in its place.
Omg im in a one room log cabin w a preschooler and i dint know what the solution is. We have no cothset so i have to have metal clothes racks and shelves. I lived in a 10 by 16 on my own and i made it work. Now im lost...
My daughter tends to collect anything and everything.. I've found that with a white dresser I have from ikea it helps to keep her favorite things contained but when the small drawers are full we know some of the things need to be decluttered. Good luck friend!!
The blank walls help some people clear their mind. For me scientific posters help me clear my mind. What I don’t want to spend brain power on is advertising. So I do what I can to pay for no adds.
Tell me you don’t have kids without telling me you don’t have kids. Putting important papers on the floor! lol But seriously, I love using the basket method. It’s a very Shaker or Amish way of living.
Hey! I always say acknowledging that you want less is the first and hardest step! You will find what works for you as you keep paying attention to your decor ❤️❤️ thanks so much for sharing with us!!
For myself I don’t keep many. We have 3 little libraries in my neighborhood so if I buy one I send them back out for others to read. Mostly I get my books and audio books for the library! I am very fortunate that we have a library app for audio books where I live
You have a little table with 2 chairs at it, why dont you set it up as your little 'office', where your computer sits, the little basket with all the bits in it can sit there...the basket on the floor in the corner of the room looks more like 'clutter' to me, than a table set up as a study/office area.. .. just my thoughts
I don't have any decor in my kitchen or bathroom either. It would just make those rooms harder to clean. And for me a dirty kitchen and bathroom are definite nos!
@@minimalease - Lived experience. Multiply the decades. Life is not static and throws curveballs regularly, sometimes a whole lot of them at one time. The message here is to not become too comfortable with delayed decisions. I’m currently dealing with way too many baskets in the bins of delayed decisions.
I decorate less than you. However, don't forget Feng Shui. Every single room has to have a plant or flowers (real or silk). A violet plant on the kitchen sink window sill. Orchid (or leaves) in the bath. Foyer needs colorful flowers (real, silk, picture). Avoid that dead feeling.
There's no way I want to live in austere surroundings with 0 to 3 things on flat surfaces. That feels like a hospital, not a home. I don't consider hospitals to be a measure of "comfort". I'll dust my curated carefully displayed decor items (or not). They bring me pleasure even if they have dust on them.
as always, do what works for you! This is what changed my life for the better but as people we are all different and as I always say have different "thresholds" I might think your house feels overwhelming and you might think that my house feels like a hospital but its not necessarily something I would have said to your face... haha
This lifestyle minimalist thing kills me. And it's always done completely wrong. No one should be telling anyone else how to live or what to do. Especially since someone doesn't have someone else's needs, budgets, lifestyle ect. The reason you feel overwhelmed when you go into your house is because you've worked all day, and then you have to come home and clean. Has who is 40 and has lived on our own for 23 years, has a disability and raised two kids full-time. Your house is never going to be perfect, it's never going to be Instagram worthy or Pinterest worthy 95% of the time. If you want it that way don't have kids, don't have a spouse, don't have people over, and don't have pets then your problem is 95% solved. And I have 17 tote boxes for my entire apartment I've had the same number for 23 years and you would not believe how many times I hear oh you have so much junk why do you need this. People have no right to be so judgmental especially when they have houses that are bigger and more stuff in it. And you know what I use all my stuff maybe not every day it does get used more often than you think. I've also been doing the baskets and bins thing long before the craze I was in my late teens easier for me to carry with balance of shoes. And they're not expensive or aesthetically pleasing but that's okay. They work and their functional that's what a house is supposed to do. People are also allowed to have hobbies and things they enjoy doing.
That’s why I always state this works for me but not for everyone 💕 As someone who felt a lot of shame because as you say “adulting” was hard for me before decluttering I don’t think that’s a healthy thing to say or that helps anyone
@@minimalease What I meant by adulting is cleaning is a part of being an adult just ilike going to work or raising kids is part of being an adult. I've lived on my own since I was 18 and I'm on the low income of things as well. So I get it but living on your own plies you to be an adult or living a partner comes with adult responsibilities. Cleaning and managing your home is one of them. It may not be nice to hear but that is the reality of it. And you should never feel ashamed of what you have. Because you could have a lot less. I had a house fire my first year in college. Lost everything and had to start over. I'm grateful for what I have regardless of what other people think of it. My nephews who I raised full time for a decade have also known the responsibility of picking up their things and putting it away early on because of my balance issues. They know put their dishes near the sink, their clothes go in their hampers right next to washer just outside the bathroom. And they we're taught this at 5 are now 19 and 9. Again their learning to be responsible and learning life skills that will help them as adults. No one else is going to keep their house clean or responsible for breaking or losing their things as they become and their partner is their partner not mother or this case their aunt. My nephew's lived by and still call our system throw and go and put and run. (No toys ever got broken and or clothes got wrinkles. Was it perfect NO! But it was functional and they learned Independence.
Wow, you sure take things personally! A video is just a video. The video maker is just giving their point of view, NOT ordering you to do anything. At all. Nobody is going to come to your house to check to see if you conformed. Geez.
I understand your point. We all do things differently and there are a LOT of challenges in life that rob us of energy. And no problem with disagreeing with things. You like the basket idea, for example. Not everyone has thought of that, even though you have. And I’ve gotten myself into trouble with baskets up on baskets full of stuff I haven’t dealt with. So I’m not in favor of baskets if it means delaying decisions. Those delays mean that the unimportant things become monsters down the road. Agree to disagree. No problem. No harm. No foul. Not only that, not everyone wants and needs things to be attractive. And some people don’t have an artistic sense, don’t appreciate it, don’t care. That’s fine. But other people are very sensitive to visual clutter, and it impacts their emotions and ability to function to some degree. We know personally, and from experience, that surroundings can deeply impact health and healing because clutter stimulates cortisol and the accompanying fight-or-flight response, and a whole cascade of problems (When it is only supposed to rise in the morning, to help us wake up and greet the day). You don’t have to have much money to create a serene space, if that’s something you want to do. The humblest of objects can become elements of design, often with very little effort, very little money, if any. Even tote boxes. Something as simple as printing out a bold label on a blank piece of standard paper, taped inside the front of a tote box that is clear, becomes a design statement. Or you can tape it to the outside. You can spray paint the outside of ugly tote boxes, cover them with contact paper or other paper. Lined up, they become a design feature. Repetition of size and scale and font style and color scheme equals good design, or at least better than what you had before. These videos are for people looking for inspiration, for ideas. If that’s not you, that’s fine. There’s a wealth of other things online for you. But the people flocking online for ideas, help and inspiration is the reason that so many of these kinds of videos exist.
I have probably about 30 or more items on every flat surface. The idea of having only 3, or even any small number less than 10, and being strict about it, intrigued me. If I make a rule for myself like that, I would have a hard time keeping it but it might help.
Of course you can't rid of 'clutter'. Anything can be considered clutter. Your TV remote can be considered clutter. Clutter and decor are in the eye of the beholder. What one person considers unnecessary, and another may find to be important. And again - decluttering and minimalism are two different things.
We inherited a LOT of paintings from my mother, who was a watercolorist. We decided to rotate our wall art throughout the year. When we walk past a piece and don’t notice it anymore, we take it down and put up something else. It keeps things fresh, and we aren’t overwhelmed by feeling like we have to hang everything at once. It’s like we are living inside an art gallery. 😊
Thanks for sharing 💕
My 2 cents, as an artist - investing in a beautiful piece of original artwork will bring so much life to a room. Especially if it is a large piece that can really fill the space. Clearing out the "decor" and clutter to let those special and unique pieces shine will make a house feel like a home.
Thanks so much for sharing 💕💕
Yes this is so true! I kept most of my walls empty for a long period of time but it actually stressed me out because when I did have something on my wall, the scale and the other empty walls just made my house look like a dorm room! I love big art now- and big clocks😂
👍❤️
And if it is artwork created by a person you love, you honor a sentimental item as well!
I definitely agree. Well done art is not clutter. It’s not the same thing as having a gazillion family photos on your wall. One or a few paintings (or artistic photos) on a wall can look great. Blank walls are just too spartan looking. At least for me.
It amazes me that people watch videos in minimalism to criticize the minimalist. What a sad world we live in. I really hope you stay positive and never let the trolls get you down. I really enjoy your video and use for its intended use: inspiration!
Aww thanks so much!! I totally agree 💗
It’s funny how we are all different. Currently I am overwhelmed with the clutter in my house, which I am working on🥴. However, your blank walls and three items or less on a shelf were causing me a little anxiety! So whilst I do need to get rid of stuff, I won’t be going that far. But then on the other hand, I wouldn’t have a TV taking up so much space on a wall. As I say, funny how different we all are. And wouldn’t it be a boring old world if we were all the same? It’s all about balance❤
True! I wouldn’t have the tv either but my husband enjoys it so it’s about balance.
@@minimalease I think that’s the secret to a happy life - balance! I am so pleased I came across your video. I need to find the balance of how I am currently living with clutter, which makes me sad, and how I want to live, with things that bring me joy. Thank you for making me think, rather than burying my head in the sand!!
You said what many are thinking, but you said it so nicely. Her house also gives me anxiety and to me it looks unfinished and very blah. I have a friend that has a house like hers. And for me, there’s nothing homey or cozy or welcoming about it but that’s why homes are so personal. We have to decorate the way that makes us feel uplifted.
@@cq8822 Thank you. You’re absolutely right, it’s about what lifts us. At the moment I am weighed down by the amount of clutter in in my house. But I am trying to work on it. And it was really good to watch the video to see how someone else lives, and is rightly happy with it. But I know that’s not quite right for me. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in my thinking😊
So true! like the basket trick might work for some items for me but I need to have certain things laid out where I can see them or I’m gonna forget they exist lol even(/especially?) if it’s an item I use regularly; I will not remember it’s in the basket and will be very confused until I figure it out
Diifferent things for different people 🫶
I am a minimalist for over 10 years and hardly hear Something new the Last five years. The "you dont need decor in every rooms" Tip Made my day. Thank you very much for this inspiring new Impulse. Kind regards from Germany:)
Aww this made my day! So glad it helped to listen to! ❤️❤️❤️
I had too many house plants and porch plants. Too much dusting and watering. Donated some to friends. I like bare walls, maybe a clock in several rooms. Photos decluttered the rest stored in a container.
I’m an artist, I have a curated art collection, I’ve worked in a gallery in big city, and I have some experience decorating… My first floor has art allll over the walls plus a couple mirrors and crosses. But I like it. My top floor? Nothing at all. I like sleeping in a room without anything on the walls and I don’t keep any family photos out anywhere either upstairs - they are in albums in drawers. I don’t put decor in my bathroom either, I just make sure that the hand soap beside the sink is more high-end and in beautiful packaging, and my towels are nice.
😍 love it!! What a great combination you’ve found that works perfectly for your needs! It’s so great to hear about how minimalism can really work for anyone in different ways 💕 thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us!!
Interesting video. Maybe the best way to declutter is to listen to your heart. Keep what makes you happy. Less rules. More joy.
I know someone that lives in a cluttered townhouse. They went next door to their neighbor's townhouse (same exact size) who is a minimalist, and they commented to me how much bigger and better their home looked. It still wasn't enough to motivate them to reduce their inventory. I just can't relate. You are so right about dusting or thinking about dusting. Not worth it.
Hahah minimalism really saved me mentally I just couldn’t handle the list of cleaning and dusting all those things! And that is so interesting! It’s amazing how our spaces feel so much bigger and more welcoming with less and not more
Great ideas. “You don’t need decor in every room.” “Three or less items on a flat surface.” 😊
Thanks so much 💕 they work for me so glad you think they will work for you too!
❤ Thank you for this Becky. I’m currently decluttering 3 items a day, as it feels like a manageable amount for me to achieve each day without getting overwhelmed. I’m aiming to keep this up for the rest of the year in the hope that by the New Year, I will only have left the items I genuinely need and want ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing 💕💕
I think anyone should declutter a little...see how u feel? As for me it makes me feel way better. And I can find things better and the house looks neater. Ty for video. These videos keep me in check😊
Thanks so much for sharing 💕
Be careful about baskets. They may be effective organizational tools for some. But in my personal experience baskets ARE CLUTTER. Buying a basket can make you feel like you’re decluttering when you actually just need to toss things out. Any time you acquire a new item you’re adding to the clutter.
You are not kidding. I have baskets that have basket friends. I use them for gardening but if I didn't I would have way to many
I am a minimalist at heart, but this year I found several plants that I can keep alive. You guessed it...I now have beautiful plants all over my small living room / kitchen! The only way that I can make that acceptable is to limit or eliminate other decor. Winter is coming, and we'll see if my plants continue to thrive or if they will die. If they die, I'll learn to live with some negative space. I love your channel, Becky.
Aww thank you so much! I want to get a new hanging plant for my living room, and I almost bought one yesterday. But I put it back because I'm going to wait until my birthday (Oct 9th) and if I still want it I will get it and a nice hanging basket as a gift to myself 😍 Its hard for us plant lovers out there! There are so many beautiful ones hahah
This makes me think about why I keep my makeup items on the counter when I typically only wear makeup for church on Sundays 🤔 I'm gonna try something different. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Thanks for sharing 😍
I love this concept!! Weve moved into our house about 5 years ago and still don't have photos or have very minimal decor up. I'm also that person who doesn't want to clean more than I need to so the "3 or less" strategy is perfect for me to follow. The way your home looks is refreshing and clean and seems like a space your mind can just breathe and not worry about distractions!
I have found that putting loose items in a basket/ tray as you mentioned, really helps to make the space look tidier and less visually cluttered. Totally agree with you about not keeping more than 3 items out on any shelf. Helpful tips, thank you!Regards from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤
Hey from the other side of the world! 🌎 thanks so much for sharing your thoughts 💕💕
I am / was an ornament collector. I have them everywhere. So far I have delcuttered a lot, but Your 3 item per shelf rule is a real eyeopener. I think I will like doing this. Thank you.
That’s amazing 🤩 thanks for sharing 💕
I get really bad with holiday decorations as well. I bought one medium container for my ornaments and everything that doesn't fit I have to get rid of.
❤Hi Becky, I've watched all your videos and your approach to decluttering resonates with me so much 😊 I'm 71 and have been decluttering for 6-7 years. It started with digitizing photos and uploading music, and went from there. When I got to a place that felt very minimal to me, about 2 years ago, I switched to maintaining. But about 4 months ago, suddenly it felt like too much again, and I've been decluttering further -- really letting go of tons of stuff! Books, memorabilia, decor, furniture. And I used to feel I had enough space, and then I started feeling anxious again about what was in my visual field. It had to go. So my question is, what is it that makes us want to declutter in layers? Why the mindset shift about what feels like enough/too much -- even years into the process? I'd love to hear you talk more about this in a future video. Thanks for all your wonderful videos!
That’s wonderful thanks so much for sharing your journey 💕💕
Just starting my journey and it’s overwhelming at first but it’s so worth it. Starting with my wardrobe. It’s crazy in the beginning to see so much stuff getting donated but it still looks like clutter. Must keep going!!! 😅 Thanks for the inspo ❤👍👏
The worst visual clutter is stuff with words written on it. I'm not sure how this ever became a trend.
It can easily be overwhelming ❤️ thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Gosh yes, I read everything, that would drive me mad! 😅
Totally agree. Because unfortunately my brain feels like it has to read everything. Even if I have seen it 20 times the same day. 😜
@@SimplyBeautiful516 Yes, that's it. My brain is so overloaded with info already. When I see words on signs and dishes, etc. I feel compelled to read it and think about it. It distracts me, even if it just says "Butter." I'll forget what I'm thinking about and start thinking about butter, etc.
@@princessdumbarton9877😂 That's funny...I like a few things to have words I'll read over and over because I like the reminder every day...like something about gratitude. Definitely don't need to read labels like Butter, though, even though I do like fonts they use for containers like that. 😅
I‘m dealing with a major decluttering effort. I focus on getting things out the door on Monday morning when I take the bags (at least one) to my local thrifts (a church one that supports a pantry and a regular thrift store). It shifts the focus to giving, which is motivating.
You’re amazing 🤩 thanks for sharing your journey 💕
I love your 3-item rule. I have a roommate who loves all the knick-knacky stuff but I will work my way down to 3 per area. I do have a large bookcase that holds my collection of books (my obsession) but I have a few ideas to clean it up. Great ideas and after subscribing, I’m off to binge some more of your videos! I have a tiny house with very little storage so I have units around my house to hold things (such as a stand-alone cupboard for kitchen towels and cat stuff). I’m ready to go through the majority of it and get rid of quite a bit. I’m going to work with my roommate to come up with a rotating system to change things out, either quarterly/seasonally or monthly (she has a lot of stuff). Can’t wait to see the changes in my home!!
❤ I am continuing to declutter on my minimalism journey. And I agree, not needing decor in all the rooms. I do not have decor in either bathrooms. I am going to try the three items or less on my surfaces.
And happy to say my husband is working decluttering his items in our basement. We donated a full vehicle load today. ❤❤❤
Good point re pictures. One really special picture looks far better than a lot of visual wall clutter.
❤you are speaking to my minimalist heart….it only took me 40 yrs to realize the truth and stop listening to the stuff. Thank you from a viewer that lived in Lakeside/Bryan Park area in Richmond VA now living in FL (4 yrs). You made me homesick when in a previous video when you mentioned the schools you taught in. You made the right choice ♥️🌴🇺🇸
Oo wow!! Yes we love lakeside!
3:38- I understand WHY my husband doesn't like too many things on the wall.
Some may say: who cares what your husband thinks?
*** in his family the divorce and depression rate is VERY LOW and success rate is VERY HIGH. So it's wise for ME to listen to him most times as he is experienced.
That’s great ❤️
I agree. As someone who's been married since 1973, I believe fervently that spouses need to consider each other's preferences most of the time. Selfishness breeds resentment and that doesn't end well.
I love decor as well so after decluttering !!! ❤ I have dedicated one cabinet for a decor storage.
There I have fall, winter, spring and summer boxes. So only current season is out on the surfaces. This helped as well!!
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing with us ❤️❤️
Thank you Becky, for another video filled with encouragement, and real help! The part about not having candles in the bathroom because they get covered in dog hair, “and our own general filth” 🤣. You probably didn’t mean to be funny, but it made me laugh. I also love how you often show pictures of what your house use to look like. Thank you for sharing visuals, and giving so many examples.
Aww I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing 💕
I saw a decluttering video which featured using a small three tray rolling cart (this one had the Ikea raskog cart) as a rolling office gear storage. Easy to put stuff away (including computer, easy to find stuff in the trays.
Your walls are so pretty I wouldn't mind leaving them blank. While renting and not painting my walls a color I like, I tend to cover them with art more.
I also use nice thick canvas bags kind of like your basket. I'll put books and journals and pens. I loved that because it made packing for travel or even just going to read/write in the yard faster and easier. 🥰 Now that I have a community pool, I also keep a bag packed for that.
I totally get that! We rented for a long time and never wanted to paint or weren’t allowed to. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and what works for your home 💕
Thank you for helping me on my journey to a calmer home! We are still at the beginning but it is soooo hard.
You got this! 💕
I read DECORATE BIG… no matter if room is small… I much prefer a large item on the wall instead of many messy looking small cluttery items….you actually don’t need to put something on every wall… I hate a “closing in on me feeling” LESS IS BEST”… especially helps mentally ‼️‼️‼️👍🏻😁I’ve embraced minimalism which is a continual process…👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the encouragement Becky 👍❤️ I'm currently struggling with a lack of counter space as well as a lack of cupboard/storage space where I'm renting to store & house things that I use everyday - I've decluttered as much from the kitchen as I can but it drives me crazy having to see the appliances I use everyday but not being able to store them away anywhere when I'm not using them 😳
I get that ❤️❤️ it’s hard not having a lot of counter space! I’m in the same boat
Yay! I’m happy I found another helpful UA-camr who enjoys minimizing clutter!
Welcome 🤗 so glad you’re here!
I cracked up as you were crossing out the "e" at the end of decor(e)! Every time I have written that word I do the same thing! Thank you for the inspiration.
Hahah 🤣 gets me every time!
As a grammar Nazi, my brain was screaming when it was misspelled. Ahhh happened when it was crossed out.
I love all your videos. Please share about your skincare routine. Your skin is fantastic ❤
Aww thank u!
I love the 3-thing idea! That’s ideal to my eye. You mentioned “fresh air”. What if, in the no-decor room(s) one vase of fresh flowers was placed? This would provide the cozy, fresh, colorful look in one simple place. I also love the basket idea! I keep one by the stairs to fill with items that need to go up or down. Your ideas really work! Thanks!
Great idea 💕 I love picking fresh flowers from my garden 👏💕thanks so much for sharing your ideas
I like the three or fewer idea. I need to think about all my surfaces!
Thanks so much for sharing 💕
Loved it, girl! 🙂
Thanks so much 💕
I have a gorgeous turntable, mirrored and with crystals around the perimeter, that I used to keep on my bathroom counter. I used to keep all kinds of stuff on it, skincare, container with cotton pads, etc. I had to take everything off and wash it (it got dusty fast). Until I realized that I'm better off putting everything I use out of sight in drawers and cabinets under the sink. Same thing with my kitchen, I got rid of the knife block and utensil holder, everything is in drawers
Thanks so much for sharing your insight 💕
I used to think I needed something on every wall, as well. After decluttering, I have little on my walls. My counters would be empty, too, if they weren’t daily necessities 😊. Today, I’m decluttering my closet!
That’s awesome ❤️❤️ thanks so much for sharing!!
I’m on a slow decluttering journey. It’s not easy and I’m not a minimalist 😊 but I appreciate the benefit of having a more spacious and clutter free environment. I noticed that you have a fireplace that seems to be right up against a wall. I thought it was unusual or do you actually light a fire?
We do have a fireplace we can use it but don’t use it very often
❤❤❤ Thank for your latest advices! These are wonderful ideas to work on! ❤️❤️❤️
In the meantime I have a child that will leave for college and takes plenty of stuff with himself and declutter the rest with me! 🥰
And our youngest wants to move into another room. Another decluttering party is coming up!
😍 I love it! 😍
Have a nice day, Becky!
Love it 😍 thanks for sharing ❤️❤️
I love a blank wall, but my husband prefers pictures everywhere. As a compromise, I have one big blank wall, near where I sit regularly, and it is a “no go zone” for any wall decoration, except at Christmas.
Great compromise 💕 thanks for sharing!
❤ really loving and appreciating your videos
Aww thanks!! ❤️❤️
I loved this video very much then.
these are all great tips! thank you ☺️
Good suggestions. Necessity is spelled with two “s”s. (The overlay word on the video only has one s). Also, The word less is used for general overall volume, such as less clutter. The word fewer is used for number of things, such as three or fewer decorative objects on the shelf.😀
Thanks for watching 👍
My fellow grammar Nazi, hi!
I have just found you on UA-cam. I enjoyed your video. Yes I subscribed. My name is Katrina and I live in Australia.
Welcome 💕 thanks for sharing 💕💕
This helps so much, thank u for the great tips❤️
Aww I’m so glad 😍 thanks for sharing!
Not sure I’d go as far as saying ‘shocking’ but I guess that YT for you. I’m going to go and buy some nice baskets as I have too much paper clutter just piling up on surfaces. 👍 I’ll also check my shelves because some stuff can definitely be put into charity (thrift).
Physical stuff that is being used for a current project usually doesn’t look like clutter to the person in charge of that project. So for me I’m always doing 10 projects at once so my areas look cluttered to others.
My real problem is when a project stalls and I don’t recognize that. Causing that stuff to be out for weeks or months.
So my goal is to have structured work spaces. And when I’m not working on a part of a project get it put away.
For things not part of a project I want a place for everything and everything in its place.
Thanks so much for sharing 💕
Such a great powerful video!! Thank you!!❤
Aww thank you 💕💕
Out of sight out of mind is my big problem
Yess same!
Yes I enjoy you channel and I will try this for sure 😊
Aww thank you!! 💕💕
Wow your old bedroom 😂 isn’t it great when we slim right back and love it 😊
I know right!?? Looking at those old pictures is so crazy! I can’t believe how crowded and overwhelming it used to be 🫣🤣
Interested to hear what you do about photos. Memories for your daughter. Digital? Album?
That’s! The Q&A video is coming out soon and I mention that! 💕
Really love your videos. Thank you
Aww thank you so much! ❤️❤️
Thank you❤❤❤
Omg im in a one room log cabin w a preschooler and i dint know what the solution is. We have no cothset so i have to have metal clothes racks and shelves. I lived in a 10 by 16 on my own and i made it work. Now im lost...
My daughter tends to collect anything and everything.. I've found that with a white dresser I have from ikea it helps to keep her favorite things contained but when the small drawers are full we know some of the things need to be decluttered. Good luck friend!!
@@minimalease thanks!
Decore is a verb; decor is a noun.
Ok 👍
The blank walls help some people clear their mind. For me scientific posters help me clear my mind.
What I don’t want to spend brain power on is advertising. So I do what I can to pay for no adds.
That’s great 💕
Great video ❤
Thanks so much for sharing ❤️❤️
Great strateges
Thanks so much ❤️❤️
Thank you
Thanks for sharing ❤️❤️
Tell me you don’t have kids without telling me you don’t have kids. Putting important papers on the floor! lol
But seriously, I love using the basket method. It’s a very Shaker or Amish way of living.
my daughters 7 so she doesn’t mess with my papers
I agree on the bathroom shelves. I want to take mine out, but my husband doesn't. 🤔🤔
We have drawers so luckily it wasn’t a big deal for my husband I was mostly using it for decor. Good luck friend! 💕💕
❤ I don’t have to have decor in every room.
Thanks for sharing! 😍
I love home decor! I am trying to love it less, nd stop donating then buying back something close. I'm doing o k but its hard❤
Hey! I always say acknowledging that you want less is the first and hardest step! You will find what works for you as you keep paying attention to your decor ❤️❤️ thanks so much for sharing with us!!
@@minimalease thanks for your encouragement!
Where did u get your shelves from?
My husband made them, but the brackets were from amazon
@@minimaleaseThey are pretty! 😊
How about books?
For myself I don’t keep many. We have 3 little libraries in my neighborhood so if I buy one I send them back out for others to read. Mostly I get my books and audio books for the library! I am very fortunate that we have a library app for audio books where I live
You have a little table with 2 chairs at it, why dont you set it up as your little 'office', where your computer sits, the little basket with all the bits in it can sit there...the basket on the floor in the corner of the room looks more like 'clutter' to me, than a table set up as a study/office area.. .. just my thoughts
Thanks for sharing 💕
I think it's a feng shui rule to have a blank wall in each room. At least one.
❤ The Like button is missing for me... maybe UA-cam is just doing some updates that doesn't jive with my computer.
Aww man! Well thanks for leaving a comment Jenny ❤️❤️
Right?!
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Guess who says you have to have decor in every room? The industries selling decor! 7:40
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I Like your brown boots… what are they 😂😊
They are kids uggs or they are my new ones from Vivaia! Love both!
I don't have any decor in my kitchen or bathroom either. It would just make those rooms harder to clean. And for me a dirty kitchen and bathroom are definite nos!
Exactly Same! 👏💕 thanks so much for sharing!!
What if there are no drawers in your kitchen or bathroom, for real!
Aww man that's hard! Can you bring in like a rolling cart with drawers or something similar??
Baskets are delayed decisions. They multiply. Things get complex. If you must, limit yourself to just one damn basket.
I do have one basket u can see it in the picture. Not sure why you’re so triggered I’m sure you can comprehend not everyone brain works the same 💕
@@minimalease - Lived experience. Multiply the decades. Life is not static and throws curveballs regularly, sometimes a whole lot of them at one time. The message here is to not become too comfortable with delayed decisions. I’m currently dealing with way too many baskets in the bins of delayed decisions.
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Thanks so much for sharing 💕
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Thanks so much for sharing 💕💕
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Thanks so much for sharing!!❤️❤️
I decorate less than you. However, don't forget Feng Shui. Every single room has to have a plant or flowers (real or silk). A violet plant on the kitchen sink window sill. Orchid (or leaves) in the bath. Foyer needs colorful flowers (real, silk, picture). Avoid that dead feeling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💕
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Thanks for sharing 💕
There's no way I want to live in austere surroundings with 0 to 3 things on flat surfaces. That feels like a hospital, not a home. I don't consider hospitals to be a measure of "comfort". I'll dust my curated carefully displayed decor items (or not). They bring me pleasure even if they have dust on them.
as always, do what works for you! This is what changed my life for the better but as people we are all different and as I always say have different "thresholds" I might think your house feels overwhelming and you might think that my house feels like a hospital but its not necessarily something I would have said to your face... haha
This lifestyle minimalist thing kills me. And it's always done completely wrong. No one should be telling anyone else how to live or what to do. Especially since someone doesn't have someone else's needs, budgets, lifestyle ect. The reason you feel overwhelmed when you go into your house is because you've worked all day, and then you have to come home and clean. Has who is 40 and has lived on our own for 23 years, has a disability and raised two kids full-time. Your house is never going to be perfect, it's never going to be Instagram worthy or Pinterest worthy 95% of the time. If you want it that way don't have kids, don't have a spouse, don't have people over, and don't have pets then your problem is 95% solved. And I have 17 tote boxes for my entire apartment I've had the same number for 23 years and you would not believe how many times I hear oh you have so much junk why do you need this. People have no right to be so judgmental especially when they have houses that are bigger and more stuff in it. And you know what I use all my stuff maybe not every day it does get used more often than you think. I've also been doing the baskets and bins thing long before the craze I was in my late teens easier for me to carry with balance of shoes. And they're not expensive or aesthetically pleasing but that's okay. They work and their functional that's what a house is supposed to do. People are also allowed to have hobbies and things they enjoy doing.
That’s why I always state this works for me but not for everyone 💕 As someone who felt a lot of shame because as you say “adulting” was hard for me before decluttering I don’t think that’s a healthy thing to say or that helps anyone
@@minimalease What I meant by adulting is cleaning is a part of being an adult just ilike going to work or raising kids is part of being an adult. I've lived on my own since I was 18 and I'm on the low income of things as well. So I get it but living on your own plies you to be an adult or living a partner comes with adult responsibilities. Cleaning and managing your home is one of them. It may not be nice to hear but that is the reality of it. And you should never feel ashamed of what you have. Because you could have a lot less. I had a house fire my first year in college. Lost everything and had to start over. I'm grateful for what I have regardless of what other people think of it. My nephews who I raised full time for a decade have also known the responsibility of picking up their things and putting it away early on because of my balance issues. They know put their dishes near the sink, their clothes go in their hampers right next to washer just outside the bathroom. And they we're taught this at 5 are now 19 and 9. Again their learning to be responsible and learning life skills that will help them as adults. No one else is going to keep their house clean or responsible for breaking or losing their things as they become and their partner is their partner not mother or this case their aunt. My nephew's lived by and still call our system throw and go and put and run. (No toys ever got broken and or clothes got wrinkles. Was it perfect NO! But it was functional and they learned Independence.
Wow, you sure take things personally! A video is just a video. The video maker is just giving their point of view, NOT ordering you to do anything. At all. Nobody is going to come to your house to check to see if you conformed. Geez.
I understand your point. We all do things differently and there are a LOT of challenges in life that rob us of energy. And no problem with disagreeing with things. You like the basket idea, for example. Not everyone has thought of that, even though you have. And I’ve gotten myself into trouble with baskets up on baskets full of stuff I haven’t dealt with. So I’m not in favor of baskets if it means delaying decisions. Those delays mean that the unimportant things become monsters down the road. Agree to disagree. No problem. No harm. No foul.
Not only that, not everyone wants and needs things to be attractive. And some people don’t have an artistic sense, don’t appreciate it, don’t care. That’s fine. But other people are very sensitive to visual clutter, and it impacts their emotions and ability to function to some degree. We know personally, and from experience, that surroundings can deeply impact health and healing because clutter stimulates cortisol and the accompanying fight-or-flight response, and a whole cascade of problems (When it is only supposed to rise in the morning, to help us wake up and greet the day).
You don’t have to have much money to create a serene space, if that’s something you want to do. The humblest of objects can become elements of design, often with very little effort, very little money, if any. Even tote boxes.
Something as simple as printing out a bold label on a blank piece of standard paper, taped inside the front of a tote box that is clear, becomes a design statement. Or you can tape it to the outside. You can spray paint the outside of ugly tote boxes, cover them with contact paper or other paper. Lined up, they become a design feature. Repetition of size and scale and font style and color scheme equals good design, or at least better than what you had before.
These videos are for people looking for inspiration, for ideas. If that’s not you, that’s fine. There’s a wealth of other things online for you. But the people flocking online for ideas, help and inspiration is the reason that so many of these kinds of videos exist.
If a shelf is empty... don't need that shelf.
wait for it! The holidays are coming
Like button is gone for all You Tube videos today
Aww man! Well thank you so much for sharing and commenting ❤️❤️
I have probably about 30 or more items on every flat surface. The idea of having only 3, or even any small number less than 10, and being strict about it, intrigued me. If I make a rule for myself like that, I would have a hard time keeping it but it might help.
It’s always fun to me to try something new and see if it can work for you! 😍 let us know if it ends up working for you!
I tried half for six months and another half. Felt ok with that system. Surprised by how quickly my brain adjusted.
Of course you can't rid of 'clutter'. Anything can be considered clutter. Your TV remote can be considered clutter. Clutter and decor are in the eye of the beholder. What one person considers unnecessary, and another may find to be important. And again - decluttering and minimalism are two different things.
Ok
Your title does not match the content. The title should be how to get rid of clutter not why you can’t get rid of it.
The shelves behind her are hideous!
BYE.
Bye 😘
Aww I hope u feel better now, getting that off your chest🤣🥴
They are not my style, however, you could find shelves that fit your style.
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(Don’t know if you care but the title says “hid” instead of hide 🫣)
hahaha Thanks!! 😂
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Thanks so much for sharing 💕💕
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Thanks so much for sharing ❤️❤️
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Thanks so much for sharing 💕
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Thanks so much ❤️❤️
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Thanks so much for sharing ❤️
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Thanks so much for sharing 💕