Yes! I have no problem decluttering and organizing but my partner is the opposite. I can only do so much when he’s filling up the space as fast as I’m clearing it.
Yes I agree every time my hubby does any diy he buys more stuff and then what’s left that he doesn’t need is added to the rest of it! I have no idea what this stuff is so can’t declutter it. I declutter my own stuff and tidy his but it’s not easy!
I started decluttering about 2 yrs ago, and it really is a forever process because we will always be bringing new things into our homes. I've gotten rid of an incredible amount. I also find that maybe I wasn't ready to let go of something a year ago, but now I am. I have extra motivation now due to my parents' passing/illness. Dad passed 6 months ago suddenly, mom is now in hospice. My siblings and I tried so hard to get her to move to where we all live (in the same area, along with all her grandchildren), where we could spend lots of time with her in these last few months. Yet she chose to stay in her home 12 hours away. She just kept saying she wants to be surrounded by her "things" and her view. Her attachment to her things is sad, and it's scary. She is almost indignant that we all don't want her stuff every time she asks "do you want this?" Her home is beautiful, well kept, decorated so well. Yet it's so extremely full of stuff, both out in the open and also in every cupboard and closet, behind and under places, etc. It's a 3000 sq ft home, yet I have no place to unpack when I visit. It's going to be a nightmare for us to clean out. Each time I visit, I come home and get rid of even more of my stuff. I never want to be attached to stuff.
Your comment is so poignant. I'm 65 and packing up the first floor of my house to remodel. It is unbelievable how much junk I have acquired over the years. My husband is a bit of a hoarder and I keep telling him to not leave that burden for our sons. That is so sad that she is more attached to things than to the family. I'm going to show my husband your comment. Thank you for posting that. I think you have provided me some wisdom!
Remember, she came from a different era where their possessions WERE so important. Either she or her parents likely to have experienced the depression. No social media, things were different for women, less options for entertainment...
I'm sorry about your dear father. I lost my dear father 6 years ago next month, and it was so hard at first. I'm glad he had a great life, and a great passing. But, I miss him. We hope to see our lives ones in a better place soon. For your mother, does she have any charity she feels strongly about? An illness that a loved family member, neighbor, childhood friend, pet died of? Maybe your mother would be motivated to sell things / donate to those charities. Some charities may have a donor dinner or something, where donors are honored. That might feel good. That might help your mother see the future of her things.
I know exactly how you feel. We had the same issue with my parents over full house and distance. We each went in and grabbed a few things that we wanted and then called an auction company. They did everything and we were left with an empty house that we then sold. It wasn’t cheap to do it this way but it was worth it because it removed the stress and we didn’t have to deal with it emotionally. Good luck to you 🩷
I moved into a MUCH smaller house. As much as I gave away before moving, the house is too small for what I brought with me. Sadly, right after the move, I got VERY ill and have been in bed for years. I finally feel better and am crawling out of this disaster.
My work took me into people's homes after they passed. Invariably, there was a dumpster in the driveway. The heirs would take a few things, donate some, but most ended up in a dumpster. It would take heirs months and years to sift through it all. I vowed I would not do that to my kids. I moved and downsized and got rid of most everything. I don't miss any of it and frankly, don't remember most of what the junk was. It was liberating ! When I go it'll take my kids about 3 days to empty the house.
I’m finding that several years after losing my spouse, letting go of some sentimental items is getting easier. I tried to do it sooner, but I just wasn’t ready. I’m glad I held onto those items, riding out the hard grief over time and arriving at a good place with letting go.
The hardest thing is to get started. The second hardest is giving yourself permission to say it's ok I can't get rid of this now but to move onto another area. The wonderful thing about decluttering is the things you might not have been able to face this year become the first things you can face and decide on in the next year. It is very freeing, once you start and see what you can part with, the next items become easier to decide on. Thank you for your information on decluttering. It is a process that takes time but carving out a small chunk here and there makes a big difference in your life.
A couple of years ago my ex husband died and our 3 sons were tasked with all his "stuff" and selling his house - he wasn't a hoarder - he was actually quite neat and clean but he had 3 of everything, closets filled with TP, paper towels and on and on - all neatly put away out of sight. He had 3 zero turn mowers and 7 chain saws, 2 barns with multiples of every tool imaginable - it was seemingly endless! Anyway, I heard our sons talking about "all this stuff" - wondering why he had so much - complaining about the process, the amount of time, what to do with all of it. Well I'm 73, and had decided I don't want to do that to them - then I heard about the Swedish Death system - it's what I wanted to do, I just didn't realize it had a name. So, as I've been going through my things decluttering, I'll picture my boys going through it and wondering or complaining about "all my stuff". Thats been a huge motivator for me - I'm going to offer anything they want to come get it and then I'll continue to declutter like a wild woman, so they won't have to after I'm gone. It's my gift to them.❤
Your ex-husband may have been tidy, but he definitely was a hoarder! Just because his stuff was organized doesn't mean he wasn't a hoarder. Who needs 3 of everything, 7 chainsaws, multiples of every tool imaginable, and closets full of toilet paper!!!!?? That is definitely hoarding! 😳😳🤪🤪
Hi Jenny-new viewer, subscriber and fan! You're amazing and inspiring! I'm just beginning the process of dredging and decluttering my home due to a new life chapter. Your videos and great advice have made all the difference in the world and have truly resonated! Thank you so much! I'm sure you or your smart viewers may have touched upon this--as I begin this journey I found something that has helped a lot--I'm starting with areas of my home that I have no emotional attachment to--like kitchen cabinets, the crafts area before getting into the treasures that are closer to my heart. It's helping to gain momentum because more stuff is going out which is giving me the courage to keep going and get into the more "closer to the heart" items! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words! Starting with areas that have no emotional attachment is a brilliant strategy. It really helps build momentum for the tougher parts of decluttering. You've got this!
I live in central Illinois. We have at least 2 estate sales a week around here. Typically it’s an older person’s home who has passed and their kids don’t want to deal with it. So they hire these companies to sell it all. It’s really quite sad. We were on the hunt for an upright freezer so we were hitting these sales. One home we went into had an entire bedroom FULL of elephants. Wall to wall shelves like a library with hundreds of little elephant statues. I’m sure the woman spent a bunch of money on them and they couldn’t sell the darn things. Pretty well every house we’ve been in has the same stuff too. It’s crazy.
The most difficult thing I've ever done and I actually loved helping others declutter. Lol. My husband died 11 months ago and now im alone, no children, and trying to declutter if something happens and i have to sell in the future. My craft room is where im starting and the living room, entertainment center. Its difficult and so time consuming but i know how great it is going to feel!!! Its so hard trying to part with my grandmother's things. I do one kitchen cabinet at a time and it's not so bad. Making realistic goals for myself. I donated a ton of my husband's clothing and shoes to the Appalachian area mission trips. Im in NC only 2 hours from there. It feels great that someone is wearing his clothes that lost everything. I actually prayed before giving 🙏 because it was so difficult doing it. I hadn't planned on touching his things for a year. 😢 it will take me months to do this decluttering from 40 years of marriage. I definitely want to have a yard sale in the future. 😊baby steps are important. I first went through the file cabinet and shredded things i did need anymore. And its organized. Keeping important documents in a quality fire proof safe. 🔥 😊
Really took in your words, thank you 🙂 I usually watch minimal mom, clutterbug & Dana K White but I really enjoyed listening to you so I’ve subscribed. Love the no nonsense advice but delivered kindly. I’ll be listening to this video multiple times whilst I declutter ruthlessly. I’m now down to getting rid of things I’ve kept for a couple of decades for “just in case” so I’m happy with my progress 😀
My mom died recently. Luckily she didn’t accumulate. I spent a week 1.5 hrs a day shredding paper some of it was my own old tax files left at her apartment. I threw out 98% of her clothes bc they were musty and I thought am I going to donate decades-old clothes that I have to wash or dry clean beforehand? The towels and sheets went to a neighbor’s vetenary office. Then books were neatly placed in boxes in the recycling room in her condo. Most personal items shucked. Kitchen items donated to friends, the Salvation Army, the maintenance staff where I live and some (very little) I’ve kept. There’s still more kitchen items to donate and it’s mostly stuff I left at the top of the kitchen cabinets that I haven’t used maybe ever. And all to say it’s not done yet.
I’m so very glad I found you on here!!! You make the most sense to me in what you’re saying!! Thank you for telling us the hard truth! I just turned 71 and the hardest part for me to Declutter is: I have some very nice pieces of furniture and other items that I really would like, and need to sell, but everything is done online these days-no more putting an ad in the newspaper if you know what I mean! So I end up just holding on to my stuff!! 😩
I'm 70 and have been selling a lot online. Perhaps I could allay your fears. What worries you about putting an ad online? It's easy to include pictures and more info than a newspaper, and it's free! Best of luck❤
Have you considered reaching out to consignment shops? I know a few in my area will come to the house and assess the items so you don't have to cart them in yourself.
@@kawarthalakeside Thank you so very much for your response! And yes, I love consignment stores-but all but one closed during ‘2020 in my area of Western North Carolina-South Asheville to be exact! This main one that is still open has so many rules and regulations, I don’t think that they would come out. But worth checking, but I’m not hopeful. They have a horrible reputation On Nextdoor Community in my area! My final and only thought that I could come up with was to gather enough stuff together and have an estate person come, but my big items are spread out all over my house! What is your thought on that please!?? Again, thank you so much!!💐
Liked your upload. One thing though. I have heard a lot of people, especially women, say that you should declutter your home, so that you get room for the people in your life. In my opinion, it is somewhat of a phrase... I would bet that for a fair share of people, not having other people in your life, is part of the reason for your hoarding. Decluttering your home doesn´t necessarily bring people into your life, and so, you are back to square one - sitting in your empty and decluttered home having the walls scream back at you, how miserable your life really is.
The hardest part for me is attachment to sentimental items. I'm in my 60's and still have things from elementary school. Then I inherited my parents family heirlooms and I'm learning that the next generation has very little interest in these things. Fortunately I am passed the stage of bringing in more things ... but I must declutter! Yikes! Thank you for your help.
We who live in America make a much higher wage than the people overseas whom we are buying our products from. If we determined to buy American made items that a higher price tag, we would not have as many things in our homes. But we would probably be more mindful of what we had. We would be supporting our country, as well as the fact that we would be living a lifestyle in alignment with our wage instead of living lives based on someone else’s wages.
Relocation to a new country took me 15 years to downsize with the minimum of collateral damage to cherished possessions. The deeper you go the harder it gets, so only pull out a carrier bag of stuff at a time and display it for a while as necessary. Anything plastic over 25 years old can usually be discarded immediately as many plastics decay. Check for discolouration & brittleness.
My late Grandma stuffed clothes for at least 3 ppl for a 3-lives time. Only way to get rid of most of it was to donate. Me and my Mom, we also donate (cause I put the stuff on selling apps but no one buys them).
bringing new things into the home immediately. Our home has become a storage unit. I am wanting not to be a minimalist but an essentialist. My goal, OUR goal is to have our home neat and tidy and we are putting our efforts towards this. We have a beautiful new home with lots of space that is filled. I think I also donated 500 items this past week. We will continue this, including the car, including the dog toys. And, we are stopping emotional spending.
I look at your video for motivation. have a hard time getting rid of certain things even if I am aware that nobody would want it or even if I know I could sell or donate it. We have a big attic and possibility to store. My house is clutter free but not my closets. I am also into a lot of crafts and projects so I see a utility in each thing. Sometimes I have spurts and clean everything linked to one situation: can be summer clothing or wood pieces for the craft project number 23 that is on my list.
I am sometimes shocked at what people want to give away on Buy Nothing. The mantra is definitely the expectation that "one man's trash is another man's treasure." At least they admit what is broken in what they offer.
Oh, I usually already plan what to do with things when I'm done with them. Such as that book, that goes to my sister, that other one, I can sell it on eBay, the next one to charity. And that's where they end up, as soon as I've read them. ... It's liberating!
@@ellenhazelton8872 Oh, where I live, we have lots of these public book cases. They are placed somewhere in the city, of course they have doors all around so the books don't get wet, and people can take a book there, or leave one. It works quite well. I often find something interesting there, for instance, right now I have a book by Arthur C. Clarke, "Odysee Three". (I love SF.) And I often leave books that I've read there, whether I got them from the book case, or whether I bought them.
I think for me the hardest part is the fact that I'm going through a divorce and until the assets are divided I'm having to hold onto more than what I would keep. Also, I'm not sure where I'm going to be once the house is sold so getting rid of things that you may need is another aspect that's not always easy to deal with. I do have to say the process does get easier as you go. One trick that I have started is counting what I have decided to get rid of on a daily basis. It becomes a game, one where you try to beat your score from the day before. I have found this to be a huge motivator in my process and it makes you realize how many things you have been holding onto for basically no reason, including all of that "someday" stuff.
I have an idea-let him have it all. I did. Was the best thing I did. Now everything is really mine. No regrets and no more arguments. I picked out new things I wanted and my place is perfect! 😊yours will be too. LET IT GO WITH HIM!
Correct they don't ...we don't....ive lready told my parents l am not clearing out their c.rap l don't want the stress and they are selfish for leaving it to their adult kids to do
Sometimes I wonder if the best thing to do every 5 years would be to update essentials so that in case you would pass, your children and grand children would be happy to have it. So it is important to think ahead and exchange with your family, listen to their wishes. I imagined that I could buy souvenirs that I would leave around the house. But not stuff, instead valuable things. A bit like jewelry. I am thinking about a woolen plain beige plaid or expensive sheets and towels. A piece of art, not too big of course or a small piece of furniture. I also think about appliances: the good expresso coffee machines. I know nobody wants your ugly stuff, but what about what is valuable? I even started thinking that I should start living with only valuables things around me: less but better quality.
My tip for decluttering without stress is to play some Night Jazz music and that has the effect of calming you down and putting you in a relaxed frame of mind to tackle the task ahead. Try it!
You almost got it right regarding no one wanting your stuff. Chipped mugs? No one wants your fine china sets or such either. People live differently today. I "death cleaned" over the past three years and feel so free now. Aside from family photos and a very few such things, the only items I've kept are things I want for my life now. Being clutter-free is so freeing!
@@kawarthalakeside, I highly recommend it but it's not for everyone. Decluttering is very personal but for me it was like exercising a muscle. It becomes easier and easier the more you do it. Like letting my hair go silver, LOL, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
But don't overdo it! ... My father started some of that cleaning, and he shredded a letter that was about as old as I am, which extended my parents' lease for their place before we had the house. And he complained when I wanted to read it! ... Should have taken this out DECADES ago, or let me have it, but not like this.
@@Petra44YT Letters, photos, ephemera...Ask your kids. I asked my son if I could dump my yearbooks and he said he wanted them. He's the keeper of the family history, so I kept them. Start with the big stuff, and ask your kids about that first as well.
@@denisearonow4921 My parents asked my brother & I which was so very tho'tful . Neither of us shared our parents' interior design styles or hobbies . We were comfortable w/ them giving things to family & close friends , who appreciated the items . We did , however , choose a few things that meant something special to us personally & now are there as a rememberance of our loving parents who have since passed . 💙
People who enjoy “treasure hunting” which leads them to thrift shop can take up bird watching or arrowhead hunting, etc. It can scratch that itch without all the accumulation.
My best friend has a daughter who is a shopaholic and clothes horse and gives me bags and bags of high quality clothing with tags still on. They are hard to refuse. I have to weed them out if I’m not wearing them. It’s a true love/hate situation.
Many of us have enough. I try to pass my unwanted into new families or refugees so they can use my ex-belongings until they can afford new ones. When you are 40+ in your own house you have enough. Now I prefer to collect money. Every week I send some money into my account, it helps to feel "I buy smth". Yes, I buy smth for myself in the future. The interesting point for the family food. I started buying twice less and it is still enough. I cannot explain how come but we moved from 3-4 meals a day to two and it is the time of freedome. We have breakfast (tiny) andone good meal around 4-5. Children can take fruits or yogurts during the day or sandwiches (boys are boys) but for me: less rotten fruits, less cooking, less dish-washing. And we are moving to our slim-fit shapes.
I watch these decluttering videos, then I watch the thrifting videos where they find a piece of a set I have in a box and they are so excited to resell it for profit. 🙄 How do I get rid of it all, without just donating something valuable? Or, at what point should I just find joy in getting rid of it all? 😂
It can definitely be a tough balance! I think finding joy in the process of decluttering is key. Maybe consider setting aside items that you’re unsure about and may have value, and revisit them later with fresh eyes!
It heips if one starts with the trash first.😊 Then go for the donation box and bring it to charity or the old clothing container, like Text Aid or the Salvation Army. There are plenty of very poor people that would be glad to get something second hand. ❤ t t
In my case, I'm not sure, do I do declutering. I love expensive items and antique. I'm aristrocat. I get rid of item, when I find someting bether, older and more expensive in that place .
Yep no one wants your stuff. I started downsizing all our crap when I retired 3 years ago. Our house wasn’t a mess or anything but we just had too many things we just didn’t need. We don’t have children but we do have other family. I learned early on that no one wants it. There were a few things that people took but I ended up selling or donating a bunch or it. In the end I pitched a good amount. I know there is the “don’t send it to a landfill thing” but that’s where it’s going when I’m dead so why keep it around when I am still here?
Correct 💯 No one wants it and no one wants to have to go through people's stuff to clear out The buck stops we the person themselves So best to clean out and clear out as much as humanly possible while you can
Yeah easy to say if you're not the one expected to clear it up and clean it out when you're dead It's selfish you can still enjoy stuff without items taking over the whole house and garage
Not everyone is stressed out by clutter. Lots of people cocoon themselves with stuff and love it. What stresses them out is the negative reaction other people have to their hoard.
I don't understand this: no one wants your stuff. I just had a moving sale and people bought my stuff. Very successful event for clearing out unwanted stuff.
Yeah, in my old fairly upscale neighborhood, you could put a bunch of stuff out on the lawn and make a couple hundred in a few hours. And the prices were low. I've bought many things at yard sales and used them for years.
It can be tough to declutter when you have different opinions on what’s considered "junk." Maybe have a conversation with your SO about your decluttering plans, and box up/store the things he doesn't want to part with.
My brother and I decluttered our house we got from dad. Took awhile but we got it done. I had a blast breaking all the china and crystal. Sold off some books and records. Family took some heirloom stuff.
Get started on your declutter journey now ua-cam.com/video/olTC9ytkELo/v-deo.html
The hardest part of decluttering is living with someone who doesn't share the joy of living in a clutter-free environment!
Yes! I have no problem decluttering and organizing but my partner is the opposite. I can only do so much when he’s filling up the space as fast as I’m clearing it.
Yes I agree every time my hubby does any diy he buys more stuff and then what’s left that he doesn’t need is added to the rest of it! I have no idea what this stuff is so can’t declutter it. I declutter my own stuff and tidy his but it’s not easy!
yes! seems like whenever I get rid of things he buys stuff!
Communication ⭐️
I can't communicate to my hubby,to have a shared love for living clutter free! 😢
I started decluttering about 2 yrs ago, and it really is a forever process because we will always be bringing new things into our homes. I've gotten rid of an incredible amount. I also find that maybe I wasn't ready to let go of something a year ago, but now I am. I have extra motivation now due to my parents' passing/illness. Dad passed 6 months ago suddenly, mom is now in hospice. My siblings and I tried so hard to get her to move to where we all live (in the same area, along with all her grandchildren), where we could spend lots of time with her in these last few months. Yet she chose to stay in her home 12 hours away. She just kept saying she wants to be surrounded by her "things" and her view. Her attachment to her things is sad, and it's scary. She is almost indignant that we all don't want her stuff every time she asks "do you want this?" Her home is beautiful, well kept, decorated so well. Yet it's so extremely full of stuff, both out in the open and also in every cupboard and closet, behind and under places, etc. It's a 3000 sq ft home, yet I have no place to unpack when I visit. It's going to be a nightmare for us to clean out. Each time I visit, I come home and get rid of even more of my stuff. I never want to be attached to stuff.
Your comment is so poignant. I'm 65 and packing up the first floor of my house to remodel. It is unbelievable how much junk I have acquired over the years. My husband is a bit of a hoarder and I keep telling him to not leave that burden for our sons. That is so sad that she is more attached to things than to the family. I'm going to show my husband your comment. Thank you for posting that. I think you have provided me some wisdom!
Remember, she came from a different era where their possessions WERE so important. Either she or her parents likely to have experienced the depression. No social media, things were different for women, less options for entertainment...
I'm sorry about your dear father. I lost my dear father 6 years ago next month, and it was so hard at first. I'm glad he had a great life, and a great passing. But, I miss him. We hope to see our lives ones in a better place soon.
For your mother, does she have any charity she feels strongly about? An illness that a loved family member, neighbor, childhood friend, pet died of? Maybe your mother would be motivated to sell things / donate to those charities. Some charities may have a donor dinner or something, where donors are honored. That might feel good. That might help your mother see the future of her things.
I know exactly how you feel. We had the same issue with my parents over full house and distance. We each went in and grabbed a few things that we wanted and then called an auction company. They did everything and we were left with an empty house that we then sold. It wasn’t cheap to do it this way but it was worth it because it removed the stress and we didn’t have to deal with it emotionally. Good luck to you 🩷
I’m thinking every time your Mother offers you something, you should take it and dispose of it as you see fit. She doesn’t need to know.
I moved into a MUCH smaller house. As much as I gave away before moving, the house is too small for what I brought with me. Sadly, right after the move, I got VERY ill and have been in bed for years. I finally feel better and am crawling out of this disaster.
My work took me into people's homes after they passed. Invariably, there was a dumpster in the driveway. The heirs would take a few things, donate some, but most ended up in a dumpster. It would take heirs months and years to sift through it all. I vowed I would not do that to my kids. I moved and downsized and got rid of most everything. I don't miss any of it and frankly, don't remember most of what the junk was. It was liberating ! When I go it'll take my kids about 3 days to empty the house.
I’m finding that several years after losing my spouse, letting go of some sentimental items is getting easier. I tried to do it sooner, but I just wasn’t ready. I’m glad I held onto those items, riding out the hard grief over time and arriving at a good place with letting go.
It's important to move at your own pace. I think that’s such a wise way to approach letting go of sentimental items.
The hardest thing is to get started. The second hardest is giving yourself permission to say it's ok I can't get rid of this now but to move onto another area. The wonderful thing about decluttering is the things you might not have been able to face this year become the first things you can face and decide on in the next year. It is very freeing, once you start and see what you can part with, the next items become easier to decide on. Thank you for your information on decluttering. It is a process that takes time but carving out a small chunk here and there makes a big difference in your life.
A couple of years ago my ex husband died and our 3 sons were tasked with all his "stuff" and selling his house - he wasn't a hoarder - he was actually quite neat and clean but he had 3 of everything, closets filled with TP, paper towels and on and on - all neatly put away out of sight. He had 3 zero turn mowers and 7 chain saws, 2 barns with multiples of every tool imaginable - it was seemingly endless! Anyway, I heard our sons talking about "all this stuff" - wondering why he had so much - complaining about the process, the amount of time, what to do with all of it.
Well I'm 73, and had decided I don't want to do that to them - then I heard about the Swedish Death system - it's what I wanted to do, I just didn't realize it had a name. So, as I've been going through my things decluttering, I'll picture my boys going through it and wondering or complaining about "all my stuff". Thats been a huge motivator for me - I'm going to offer anything they want to come get it and then I'll continue to declutter like a wild woman, so they won't have to after I'm gone. It's my gift to them.❤
Your ex-husband may have been tidy, but he definitely was a hoarder! Just because his stuff was organized doesn't mean he wasn't a hoarder.
Who needs 3 of everything, 7 chainsaws, multiples of every tool imaginable, and closets full of toilet paper!!!!?? That is definitely hoarding! 😳😳🤪🤪
That's very true @@judylloyd7901
Shouldn't be seen as a gift should be just seen as a respectful automatic thing to be done for those left behind
It can cause resentment if not done
Hi Jenny-new viewer, subscriber and fan! You're amazing and inspiring! I'm just beginning the process of dredging and decluttering my home due to a new life chapter. Your videos and great advice have made all the difference in the world and have truly resonated! Thank you so much! I'm sure you or your smart viewers may have touched upon this--as I begin this journey I found something that has helped a lot--I'm starting with areas of my home that I have no emotional attachment to--like kitchen cabinets, the crafts area before getting into the treasures that are closer to my heart. It's helping to gain momentum because more stuff is going out which is giving me the courage to keep going and get into the more "closer to the heart" items! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words! Starting with areas that have no emotional attachment is a brilliant strategy. It really helps build momentum for the tougher parts of decluttering. You've got this!
As a first time listener, I appreciate that you repeat things.😊
I live in central Illinois. We have at least 2 estate sales a week around here. Typically it’s an older person’s home who has passed and their kids don’t want to deal with it. So they hire these companies to sell it all. It’s really quite sad. We were on the hunt for an upright freezer so we were hitting these sales. One home we went into had an entire bedroom FULL of elephants. Wall to wall shelves like a library with hundreds of little elephant statues. I’m sure the woman spent a bunch of money on them and they couldn’t sell the darn things. Pretty well every house we’ve been in has the same stuff too. It’s crazy.
The most difficult thing I've ever done and I actually loved helping others declutter. Lol. My husband died 11 months ago and now im alone, no children, and trying to declutter if something happens and i have to sell in the future. My craft room is where im starting and the living room, entertainment center. Its difficult and so time consuming but i know how great it is going to feel!!! Its so hard trying to part with my grandmother's things. I do one kitchen cabinet at a time and it's not so bad. Making realistic goals for myself. I donated a ton of my husband's clothing and shoes to the Appalachian area mission trips. Im in NC only 2 hours from there. It feels great that someone is wearing his clothes that lost everything. I actually prayed before giving 🙏 because it was so difficult doing it. I hadn't planned on touching his things for a year. 😢 it will take me months to do this decluttering from 40 years of marriage. I definitely want to have a yard sale in the future. 😊baby steps are important. I first went through the file cabinet and shredded things i did need anymore. And its organized. Keeping important documents in a quality fire proof safe. 🔥 😊
I learned no one will want my stuff when I cleaned out my childhood home after mom mom died and I nor anyone else wants any of her stuff.
Really took in your words, thank you 🙂
I usually watch minimal mom, clutterbug & Dana K White but I really enjoyed listening to you so I’ve subscribed.
Love the no nonsense advice but delivered kindly.
I’ll be listening to this video multiple times whilst I declutter ruthlessly. I’m
now down to getting rid of things I’ve kept for a couple of decades for “just in case” so I’m happy with my progress 😀
I'm so glad to hear that you found the advice helpful! It sounds like you're making amazing progress with your decluttering journey. Keep it up!
Just getting started is my biggest challenge, easy with clothing, not so easy with the rest.
I declutter every time I visit my friend who has so much stuff that I feel closed in.
I get that. My husband is the same way!
Very informational and enlightening video.Just starting my decluttering journey and this will truly help that overwhelming feeling.
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
My mom died recently. Luckily she didn’t accumulate.
I spent a week 1.5 hrs a day shredding paper some of it was my own old tax files left at her apartment.
I threw out 98% of her clothes bc they were musty and I thought am I going to donate decades-old clothes that I have to wash or dry clean beforehand?
The towels and sheets went to a neighbor’s vetenary office.
Then books were neatly placed in boxes in the recycling room in her condo.
Most personal items shucked.
Kitchen items donated to friends, the Salvation Army, the maintenance staff where I live and some (very little) I’ve kept.
There’s still more kitchen items to donate and it’s mostly stuff I left at the top of the kitchen cabinets that I haven’t used maybe ever.
And all to say it’s not done yet.
I’m so very glad I found you on here!!! You make the most sense to me in what you’re saying!! Thank you for telling us the hard truth!
I just turned 71 and the hardest part for me to Declutter is: I have some very nice pieces of furniture and other items that I really would like, and need to sell, but everything is done online these days-no more putting an ad in the newspaper if you know what I mean!
So I end up just holding on to my stuff!! 😩
I'm 70 and have been selling a lot online. Perhaps I could allay your fears. What worries you about putting an ad online? It's easy to include pictures and more info than a newspaper, and it's free! Best of luck❤
@@moocrazytn Thank you for your kind encouragement, but it just adds to the stress and overwhelmingness of it all!!
Have you considered reaching out to consignment shops? I know a few in my area will come to the house and assess the items so you don't have to cart them in yourself.
@@kawarthalakeside Thank you so very much for your response! And yes, I love consignment stores-but all but one closed during ‘2020 in my area of Western North Carolina-South Asheville to be exact! This main one that is still open has so many rules and regulations, I don’t think that they would come out. But worth checking, but I’m not hopeful.
They have a horrible reputation On Nextdoor Community in my area!
My final and only thought that I could come up with was to gather enough stuff together and have an estate person come, but my big items are spread out all over my house!
What is your thought on that please!??
Again, thank you so much!!💐
perhaps a friend or relative could post a few things online for you and assist you in the sales. Just maybe 2 items at a time.
Liked your upload. One thing though. I have heard a lot of people, especially women, say that you should declutter your home, so that you get room for the people in your life. In my opinion, it is somewhat of a phrase... I would bet that for a fair share of people, not having other people in your life, is part of the reason for your hoarding. Decluttering your home doesn´t necessarily bring people into your life, and so, you are back to square one - sitting in your empty and decluttered home having the walls scream back at you, how miserable your life really is.
You make a strong point, I never considered it from that angle.
The hardest part for me is attachment to sentimental items. I'm in my 60's and still have things from elementary school. Then I inherited my parents family heirlooms and I'm learning that the next generation has very little interest in these things. Fortunately I am passed the stage of bringing in more things ... but I must declutter! Yikes! Thank you for your help.
Yes gen x, y and z do not want anyone elses old stuff which is fair enough
We who live in America make a much higher wage than the people overseas whom we are buying our products from. If we determined to buy American made items that a higher price tag, we would not have as many things in our homes. But we would probably be more mindful of what we had. We would be supporting our country, as well as the fact that we would be living a lifestyle in alignment with our wage instead of living lives based on someone else’s wages.
Relocation to a new country took me 15 years to downsize with the minimum of collateral damage to cherished possessions. The deeper you go the harder it gets, so only pull out a carrier bag of stuff at a time and display it for a while as necessary. Anything plastic over 25 years old can usually be discarded immediately as many plastics decay. Check for discolouration & brittleness.
Used to declutter once a year, all cupboards went through.
It's great that you make decluttering a habit!
My late Grandma stuffed clothes for at least 3 ppl for a 3-lives time. Only way to get rid of most of it was to donate. Me and my Mom, we also donate (cause I put the stuff on selling apps but no one buys them).
bringing new things into the home immediately. Our home has become a storage unit. I am wanting not to be a minimalist but an essentialist. My goal, OUR goal is to have our home neat and tidy and we are putting our efforts towards this. We have a beautiful new home with lots of space that is filled. I think I also donated 500 items this past week. We will continue this, including the car, including the dog toys. And, we are stopping emotional spending.
It sounds like you’re making great progress on your journey towards a more essentialist approach to your home!
Good turn of phase an essentialist
I look at your video for motivation. have a hard time getting rid of certain things even if I am aware that nobody would want it or even if I know I could sell or donate it. We have a big attic and possibility to store. My house is clutter free but not my closets. I am also into a lot of crafts and projects so I see a utility in each thing. Sometimes I have spurts and clean everything linked to one situation: can be summer clothing or wood pieces for the craft project number 23 that is on my list.
I am sometimes shocked at what people want to give away on Buy Nothing. The mantra is definitely the expectation that "one man's trash is another man's treasure." At least they admit what is broken in what they offer.
Less things - less time to take care of them, more space in the house and less time to find what you need.
Oh, I usually already plan what to do with things when I'm done with them. Such as that book, that goes to my sister, that other one, I can sell it on eBay, the next one to charity. And that's where they end up, as soon as I've read them. ... It's liberating!
I've joined my local library. I don't buy books anymore. Now to declutter what I have! A lot of op shops don't even take them anymore 😢
@@ellenhazelton8872 Oh, where I live, we have lots of these public book cases. They are placed somewhere in the city, of course they have doors all around so the books don't get wet, and people can take a book there, or leave one.
It works quite well. I often find something interesting there, for instance, right now I have a book by Arthur C. Clarke, "Odysee Three". (I love SF.)
And I often leave books that I've read there, whether I got them from the book case, or whether I bought them.
I think for me the hardest part is the fact that I'm going through a divorce and until the assets are divided I'm having to hold onto more than what I would keep. Also, I'm not sure where I'm going to be once the house is sold so getting rid of things that you may need is another aspect that's not always easy to deal with. I do have to say the process does get easier as you go. One trick that I have started is counting what I have decided to get rid of on a daily basis. It becomes a game, one where you try to beat your score from the day before. I have found this to be a huge motivator in my process and it makes you realize how many things you have been holding onto for basically no reason, including all of that "someday" stuff.
I love the idea of turning decluttering into a game!! I may try that myself.
I have an idea-let him have it all. I did. Was the best thing I did. Now everything is really mine. No regrets and no more arguments. I picked out new things I wanted and my place is perfect! 😊yours will be too. LET IT GO WITH HIM!
In the older days we did pass things down
Now I feel these kids won't want the items.
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Correct they don't ...we don't....ive lready told my parents l am not clearing out their c.rap l don't want the stress and they are selfish for leaving it to their adult kids to do
Sometimes I wonder if the best thing to do every 5 years would be to update essentials so that in case you would pass, your children and grand children would be happy to have it. So it is important to think ahead and exchange with your family, listen to their wishes. I imagined that I could buy souvenirs that I would leave around the house. But not stuff, instead valuable things. A bit like jewelry. I am thinking about a woolen plain beige plaid or expensive sheets and towels. A piece of art, not too big of course or a small piece of furniture. I also think about appliances: the good expresso coffee machines. I know nobody wants your ugly stuff, but what about what is valuable? I even started thinking that I should start living with only valuables things around me: less but better quality.
Do it for yourself, your heirs may not even want those valuable items.
@@tammichristensen603 Sorry if I hurted you. It was not my point.
My tip for decluttering without stress is to play some Night Jazz music and that has the effect of calming you down and putting you in a relaxed frame of mind to tackle the task ahead. Try it!
You almost got it right regarding no one wanting your stuff. Chipped mugs? No one wants your fine china sets or such either. People live differently today. I "death cleaned" over the past three years and feel so free now. Aside from family photos and a very few such things, the only items I've kept are things I want for my life now. Being clutter-free is so freeing!
I've been toying with the "death cleaning" idea. I love the idea of only being surrounded by the things that make sense for the life I am living now.
@@kawarthalakeside, I highly recommend it but it's not for everyone. Decluttering is very personal but for me it was like exercising a muscle. It becomes easier and easier the more you do it. Like letting my hair go silver, LOL, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
But don't overdo it! ... My father started some of that cleaning, and he shredded a letter that was about as old as I am, which extended my parents' lease for their place before we had the house. And he complained when I wanted to read it! ... Should have taken this out DECADES ago, or let me have it, but not like this.
@@Petra44YT Letters, photos, ephemera...Ask your kids. I asked my son if I could dump my yearbooks and he said he wanted them. He's the keeper of the family history, so I kept them. Start with the big stuff, and ask your kids about that first as well.
@@denisearonow4921 My parents asked my brother & I which was so very tho'tful . Neither of us shared our parents' interior design styles or hobbies . We were comfortable w/ them giving things to family & close friends , who appreciated the items . We did , however , choose a few things that meant something special to us personally & now are there as a rememberance of our loving parents who have since passed . 💙
My laundry is a huge problem. Its full of useful stuff on the benches, yet i have cupboards I haven't got anything out of in years.
People who enjoy “treasure hunting” which leads them to thrift shop can take up bird watching or arrowhead hunting, etc. It can scratch that itch without all the accumulation.
Or they could hunt for "treasure". Such as, rare item they can resell at a profit.
That’s a good idea. But so many people are better at the hunting and buying than the selling! Then they have clutter. 😊
Just google and "window shop" online
Just don't buy!
After a while you just move on and forget about "treasure hunting"
It starts at 1:55 with the first point. 😅🤗
Remember that your home is just a way station for goods as they move from China to the landfill.
My husband passed away 4 yrs 11 mos ago…..everything seems to have memories attached. I can’t seem to let go
I understand the feeling of wanting to hold onto memories. You will know when the time is right to let go.
My best friend has a daughter who is a shopaholic and clothes horse and gives me bags and bags of high quality clothing with tags still on. They are hard to refuse. I have to weed them out if I’m not wearing them. It’s a true love/hate situation.
Try to tell them you have enough clothes for now and they need to donate anything else or you will be in over your head-literally😮
Many of us have enough. I try to pass my unwanted into new families or refugees so they can use my ex-belongings until they can afford new ones.
When you are 40+ in your own house you have enough.
Now I prefer to collect money. Every week I send some money into my account, it helps to feel "I buy smth". Yes, I buy smth for myself in the future.
The interesting point for the family food. I started buying twice less and it is still enough. I cannot explain how come but we moved from 3-4 meals a day to two and it is the time of freedome.
We have breakfast (tiny) andone good meal around 4-5. Children can take fruits or yogurts during the day or sandwiches (boys are boys) but for me: less rotten fruits, less cooking, less dish-washing. And we are moving to our slim-fit shapes.
I watch these decluttering videos, then I watch the thrifting videos where they find a piece of a set I have in a box and they are so excited to resell it for profit. 🙄 How do I get rid of it all, without just donating something valuable? Or, at what point should I just find joy in getting rid of it all? 😂
It can definitely be a tough balance! I think finding joy in the process of decluttering is key. Maybe consider setting aside items that you’re unsure about and may have value, and revisit them later with fresh eyes!
It heips if one starts with the trash first.😊 Then go for the donation box and bring it to charity or the old clothing container, like Text Aid or the Salvation Army. There are plenty of very poor people that would be glad to get something second hand. ❤
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In my case, I'm not sure, do I do declutering. I love expensive items and antique. I'm aristrocat. I get rid of item, when I find someting bether, older and more expensive in that place .
Yep no one wants your stuff. I started downsizing all our crap when I retired 3 years ago. Our house wasn’t a mess or anything but we just had too many things we just didn’t need. We don’t have children but we do have other family. I learned early on that no one wants it. There were a few things that people took but I ended up selling or donating a bunch or it. In the end I pitched a good amount. I know there is the “don’t send it to a landfill thing” but that’s where it’s going when I’m dead so why keep it around when I am still here?
Correct 💯
No one wants it and no one wants to have to go through people's stuff to clear out
The buck stops we the person themselves
So best to clean out and clear out as much as humanly possible while you can
Is my huge pile of vintage bunty annuals worth anything ??? That's what I'm stuck on
You are literally on the internet google it!
See if something is really of value or not
Doesn't necessarily mean that people will buy them though
Enjoy your STUFF don't worry about your death. Enjoy life.
Yeah easy to say if you're not the one expected to clear it up and clean it out when you're dead
It's selfish you can still enjoy stuff without items taking over the whole house and garage
Not everyone is stressed out by clutter. Lots of people cocoon themselves with stuff and love it. What stresses them out is the negative reaction other people have to their hoard.
LOL yeah well as long as they don't have adult kids who are expected to clean the c.rap out after their dead then go for it
I don't understand this: no one wants your stuff. I just had a moving sale and people bought my stuff. Very successful event for clearing out unwanted stuff.
LOL what she means is the sentimental stuff that has no real value that people think their kids or grandkids want ....they don't want
Yeah, in my old fairly upscale neighborhood, you could put a bunch of stuff out on the lawn and make a couple hundred in a few hours. And the prices were low. I've bought many things at yard sales and used them for years.
It is very hard to declutter when your SO refuses to let you toss out junk
It can be tough to declutter when you have different opinions on what’s considered "junk." Maybe have a conversation with your SO about your decluttering plans, and box up/store the things he doesn't want to part with.
My brother and I decluttered our house we got from dad. Took awhile but we got it done. I had a blast breaking all the china and crystal. Sold off some books and records. Family took some heirloom stuff.
Words of wisdom, but I would have enjoyed seeing your face clearly and not in shadows.
Thanks for the feedback! I was battling the sun for sure in this video and will make a better attempt to keep the shadows out next time.
I don't care.