You remind me so much of my late aunt who always told me that life was messy and to clean it up and that class didn’t cost anything so there’s no reason not to have it all the time and that you could make a beautiful wardrobe out of 5 pieces. She was born in the 30’s and she lived rich with little and everyone loved loved loved being in her home.
A tip that I've found helpful with "Look at your home with fresh eyes" : Take a photo of a room, or parts of a room, and closely examine the photos. This is easier than ever thanks to cameras on our phones. Looking at a photo of a room/space provides just enough detachment, which really helps with seeing a space with fresh eyes. I always notice clutter in photos that I don't see in person.
❤️❤️ “Clutter destroys the beauty of a room”; “ “You can have a beautiful room, *right now* “; “Clutter is not compatible with beauty” = 🤯 this is so true!
Dear Jennifer, I'm very grateful for this video. It came at the moment when I'm hectically decluttering my house. I only wish the reason for the whole decluttering was different. If it was for an exchange student or family relatives coming for a big get-together, I would be excited and joyful. However, the circumstances are completely different. I'm preparing our master bedroom and bathroom for Ukrainian refugees. During the last two weeks over 1 million of Ukrainians have escaped to Poland, where I live. I'm decluttering my house with a broken heart, watching terrifying news every day. Thousands of mothers and children in need of shelter. I feel so helpless, so at least I will open the door of my home. I walk around it and think how it could selve our guests best. Pray for Ukraine, please and for PEACE 💙💛
Dear Marta, What a beautiful heart you have to open your master bedroom and bathroom to these dear Ukraine refugees. Many blessings to you for your Christ-like selfless actions. I’m praying for you to see what needs to be done as you prepare. All the best, Julie 🌷
@@juliecarns Dear Julie, thank you so much. Your prayer means a lot. On the one hand there is great politics (too great and overwhelming for me). On the other hand, there are simple people like me and small but tangible gestures of love (just like your answer). Hugs, Marta ❤
Donna here using husband's computer. God bless you - what a wonderful thing you are doing. Kudos to you and your entire family for giving shelter to those in need. I pray every day for the war to end and for peace in Ukraine.
I try to walk into my home with with a fresh sense of smell, too. We all get accustomed to the smell of our home, even if it’s unpleasant. I always air my home out for two or more hours every morning, regardless of how cold or wet the weather is. I get warmly dressed and do my most active work of the day during the airing. I’m not a fan of air freshening products or scents, I prefer fresh, outdoor air. Our course, my climate is mild, this might not be possible for everyone. Airing after cooking, in addition to using the stove fan, is really important, as is eliminating pet odors. Some people don’t even notice that a pet has urinated indoors, but visitors certainly will. Plus, it’s healthier to breathe cleaner air!
LOVE this "old-school" Madame Chic content, Jennifer! ;) This video was so enjoyable. My ten-year-old daughter audibly sighed with admiration when you showed your lovely dining room. :) Also, when my children are watching with me, they always wait for the bit at the very end that shows the book Connoisseur Kids - it's like a finale for them! Haha!
I really needed to hear this again and again. All of this and especially living in a clutter-free environment circles right back to “making the everyday beautiful”. What a gift we’ve been given to alter our environment to create peace and beauty. Thank you for a wonderful video.
I agree..... I had two young daughters , and I had lovely things in my home.. ..People who visited would ask " Aren't you afraid they will break something. Or spill on the sofa ( my sofa was off white, purchased before I had children) . I replied No, they have been taught to respect thier home, thier mothers belongings, and the sofa has Fiber Seal on it... " I wanted a nice home, children or no children. 🙂😊✨️
This is such a wise and refined approach to clutter. A chic home is a fine goal. When it comes to “looking at your home with fresh eyes”, I have discovered this method: 1) Go through the room on a bright day, straightening it up just a bit and adjusting the lighting 2) Take a few photos of the room from point-of-entry perspectives. 3) Study the photos as if you were an editor of Architectural Digest. Editors can be ruthless when they have to be. They can tweak a room’s appearance until the room shows to its very best advantage. We can do this, too. I find that when I study and critique a few photos of a room, I can be more objective and less overwhelmed than when I am surrounded and enveloped by the room itself.
I once lost a fairly expensive wrist brace, which had me frantically going into every nook and cranny of my house. Your video reminds me of the realization out of that experience. WE HAVE PLENTY of storage if we empty it out of never-rarely-keep-for-guilt reasons, then put the clutter piles by category in those newly reclaimed shelves and drawers. That has been very liberating to me.
Having less inventory, as recommended by the Minimal Mom, is the first step to eliminating clutter and the overwhelm that comes with managing all of it.
I only have 4 plates, cups, glasses and bowls now because of her advice. Even if every dish in the house is dirty, it only takes 10-15 minutes to wash them.
I like the idea of walking into your home and looking at it with new eyes. Since we enter our home often in the same doorway, I decided to enter through a different doorway, and, WOW, I can really see my hot spots. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite on Quintessence is Timothy Corrigan's Chateau Du Grand- Luce (I have the book too). I feel that no matter how expensive the home (or chateau) is, you can always find an idea, decor, or object that you can use in your own home. Also, Alex Papachristidis says he wants everything he touches to be beautiful. I like that concept too. When I turned 60, I had told you that my goal was to "live a simple life, surrounded by beautiful things". However, now at 70,. I have a son and two Granddaughters living with me and I'm surrounded by clutter instead. But, I'm not giving up. As the girls get older, I think I can get back to having the home I'm trying to have - simple and beautiful. More videos like this, please!
Great video! I'm very interested as to what your daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedule is, your house is just gorgeous! I'm weighing out a couple different methods and was curious what your routines are!
I love living clutter free. We move every three to four years (military family) and we are always making sure we don’t bring too much into our home. It can become overwhelming when it is time to move. Thank you for this video Jennifer.
My family was military too and my parents kept everything! It's so good to hear about military who decluttered! They were stationed overseas and brought back their waffle iron/electric skillet, iron, etc. I had to declutter when my mom went in to a nursing home for Alzheimers in 2015. Amazing the difference.
There are definitely military families that have a lot of belongings! It can become easy collecting from each duty station. When my father passed away we had to get rid of so much stuff. Sadly it’s been 12 years since he passed and my poor mother is still getting rid of his belongings.
I love your teaching videos. It’s as though I’m taking an online class. I’m grateful for you. You mentioned in one of your books to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable with someone staying at your house while you were traveling. It got me thinking about hidden clutter. The clutter you talk about in the cabinets. Thank you for all that you do.
I really like your lounge room Jennifer. I think that’s where you filmed this video. My issue is, where to put everything? I have very little storage for things that we actually need and I just transfer the problem areas to another space!
What a wonderful video. I agree with your premise, we need to live in a beautiful environment now, at whatever level we can afford. I strove for that in my lean 20’s and enjoy it more readily now that life has grown financially easier. But when I was young and had a small home with few pretty things, I could still try to keep order and keep things tidy. It makes such a difference to our daily mood! Thank you for always encouraging us to aim higher. Have a wonderful day!
Fantastic advice, hand out tea and cake for family meetings. Also your shirt is amazing. Perfect color for you. Thanks for your calm and classy content… you’re keeping a full time working mom of three kids seven and under sane.
I'm great at organizing stagnant spaces. Everything has a place. However, my high traffic areas are always a mess, because I prioritize kiddo time and craft time 😂 My best strategy is to reset at night.
Another great piece of advice I got ( I used to be a hot mess) was always leave a room clean and always have something in your hand to put away Example when you are going to your bedroom from your living room couch , put the remote control and blanket away properly and take a pair worn socks to your hamper in your closet. Attack the clutter right away
Wonderful video (and message). I took notes! :-) I've watched so many declutter, downsize, minimize, "get your act together!" videos, but this one was different. A very nice approach to solve a very big problem. I've been working at this for a while and made progress on #4. I've reduced the amount of furniture and rearranged the rest for better flow. A huge improvement! As I work through a major remodel, I am focusing not just on paint color or new cabinets, but also on creating a calm and peaceful space. I'm already at retirement age and planning for the next 20 years (hopefully) of life. I can't wait to tackle this from a different perspective. Your "live a more formal life" video brought me here. Several things I need to work on there too. :-) Thank you!
My husband grew up in a very cluttered, dirty home unfortunately. He tells me how blessed and happy he is that I keep our home clean, and less cluttered. 😊It is much more peaceful for him. I feel bad that he had to live in that type of environment. We sadly don't visit his parents house often because of how dirty it is...it's a hoarders type mess... I wish I could help them with it, but it's not really our responsibility. They need help with it but honestly don't seem to care about it. They became comfortable with it like you mentioned in your video. 😔
It is extremely difficult to help people who hoard. They fight letting go of any single item of useless junk, it’s mentally exhausting. Unless there’s a threat to their health or safety, it’s best not to get involved.🙂
In a way, their home is partly your responsibility because your husband (and his siblings, if he has them) will have to deal with the space when his parents die or need to move into assisted living. These types of situations can be very sensitive and there is no one size fits all solution, other than combining compassion and guidance in setting boundaries. I’m in a similar situation, except I wouldn’t classify the person in my life as a hoarder quite yet - just as a person who is overwhelmed by life changes. Even so, I know that for my help to be effective I need to do my best to understand this person’s perspective.
@@username00009 yes I agree partly. It is/was their choice to start living in that type of lifestyle though. It is more of a generational thing within their family. And my husband's sister lives the same way. So it would really fall on my husband and I someday, which is too much realistically. His grandmothers house is the same way...my husband and I have recently had to politely tell his family that we cannot keep storing their items in our house. We are NOT a storage unit lol. They need to make a choice to change their situation. We can support them in that. But it's ultimately their choice.
Sadly, I’m watching a situation in my Granddaughter’s life because of this same situation. They will never invite her in their home. She has been married for a year. First time there she had to sit outside in a car. Her husband made excuses at first, like they were working on their house. This has made a strain on their relationship.
We have been married for 53 yrs. We are planning on remodeling our unfinished basement. We are almost pretending to move by packing everything in boxes and trunks and putting in our garage while we remodel. We gave away a lot and do not want to store things we do not use. Love your videos. Thanks.
Staying clutter free is something I struggle with daily. Because our home is 200 years old and was built without any closets or cabinets, I have tried my best to retain it’s original charm by using antique furniture for storage. This sometimes means that my items are in view. For example I store our towels and sheets in a very small glass door antique China cabinet which sits in our upstairs hallway. I use a chest of drawers to store toiletries and cleaning supplies in our bathrooms. A lingerie chest by the entrance houses our hats , gloves, and dog leashes. I suggest allowing a beautiful piece of furniture into your home to help store your stuff. I would like to hear more suggestions along these lines from your viewers.
That sounds lovely! I used to be pretty opposed to furniture storage but as I've decluttered I have learned to appreciate it very much! We are in an apartment and have a somewhat decent amount of hidden storage space, but our kitchen is still a challenge in some ways. When we first moved in, we couldn't quite afford a hutch, but I discovered our extra [obnoxious to me], completely open book shelf actually worked perfectly to hold our toaster and a couple of other items I have now arranged to be somewhat decorative. Not only does my toaster now have an out-of-the-way home, but I truly don't mind that book shelf anymore! I'm looking forward to hopefully finding some antique pieces when we buy a house one day, but it has been rewarding in the meantime making do with what is already in my home and finding ways to bring unexpected beauty to our spaces ☺️
Five steps 1. Identify hot spots - Things that aren’t put away properly, things that collect. Let’s make this area functional. 2. Identify stagnant spaces - Places we can’t see, but tend to dump things. Make a plan to deal with those things. 3. Look at your home with new eyes - Imagine how a person you respect would see your home 4. Check the flow - If you want a space that flows, you have to clear the blockages 5. Is it beautiful? You deserve a beautiful home 💕
Fabulous video-and yes, I love the old school Madame Chic content too! My biggest challenge is the young child clutter. I’d love to know especially how you manage the paper clutter of your children. Mine are constant artists and making “special” pictures for me! I love it and love putting their pictures up so they feel appreciated and at the same time I love a peaceful, clutter-free home.
I love the question, "Is it beautiful?" I arrived at this myself somewhat organically a few years ago when my husband bought a useful kitchen organizer, but I didn't like looking at it! Similar situations made me realize that I don't care how useful something is, if it's unattractive, I don't want it in my house, ha! I also read some of the book, The Design Of Everyday Things, which further validated how I felt about this. Ever since that time, I have been very intentional about practical items _and_ decor, curating as I go and making sure I don't buy or keep anything that I don't absolutely love. I do make a few exceptions as needed, and am still working on parting with certain items, but overall this has been such a rewarding practice -- I highly recommend it!
We are currently finishing our basement (it was unfinished) and my husband moved quite a bit of things to our front hall entryway. It really bothered me to have our hallways congested but I thought we didn’t really have a choice with the basement in progress. I used the garage door, not the front door, most of the time. Then, one day I used the front door and as I stepped into the entryway, I was. *appalled* ! I felt so embarrassed at the thought of prospective guests stepping foot in this narrow entryway with clutter lining the passageway like a clogged artery. I took everything that was lining the walls and moved it. Some things I tucked away into the garage. Others I made temporary homes for in another part of the house. The only things I left were a couple of painting and a large mirror that we need to hang in the hallway and I placed them in front of each other to consolidate space. We still have months to go on the basement but I swept and mopped the entryway and the Feng Shui feels so much better now.
This was helpful. I follow quite a few minimalist YT channels and most focus on big de-clutters and major lifestyle changes. I have done the hard work and now it entails maintenance. I deal with every issue you highlighted. This day will be devoted to this. Each year I choose a word to focus on. This year my word was 'refine'. You are my mentor in this Jennifer!
Great video! Last winter I tackled my spare room that I use as my office. It was a discouraging sight, but 10 minutes a day for 3 weeks I got it in order. So not only was it a prettier room but a more functional room. You mentioned audiobooks, this winter I have been into Charles Finch’s series about a private detective set in Victorian England. The author does a lot of research so I am learning while enjoying a good mystery. (The author has an amazing vocabulary, I am often looking up words.) Thanks Jennifer.
Years ago, a successful friend told me that, as much as possible, she used the rule ‘handle it once’ when dealing with work issues. The rule works well in home-making also- don’t give things a halfway destination, just go ahead and take the extra steps and get it returned to its final position. My golden rules are to identify a practical place for every item you own, and to put it back there after you use it, each and every time, and to edit possessions often.
Always need to be reminded of this. Came at the perfect time! I live in a small house with no attic or much storage and clutter is really challenging. Thank you for the inspiration!
“It’s all about what you have and putting it to its best use.” You always present ideas and information in quotable statements, positive and encouraging.
What a fabulous video and so inspirational. Some people have a lot and just do not take of it and some have little and take great pride in it. It’s all about ownership and beauty…
All great tips and I love seeing your home it’s so beautiful! One thing that we struggle with in our home is bringing too much in. With as easy as it is to buy things that you think you need online, we’ve accumulated too much and without addressing this over-accumulation, it’s a constant cycle.
Your Madame Chic books helped me to change not only how I dress and present myself to the world, but to own fewer but higher quality items that I use for years. 😍
Your advice is so positive and practical. Definitely doable. I totally agree with making the home beautiful now, as opposed to waiting. And I feel it’s part of wellness to declutter and live in a peaceful home. I’ve been doing 15 minute sessions of decluttering different parts of the home each day, also by looking at the space with new eyes.
Thanks for this! I just started my own decluttering and organizing business, and love getting new perspectives on how different people do it! Beauty is something I will make sure to strive for in my own home and with those I help!
💖You encourage! Thank you, Jennifer, for these applicable reminders. My brother and I are sharing life now that we are both retired. We are a work in progress and are focusing to manage well our shared spaces. Maybe I should say it is still “progress, not perfection”, but I am grateful and we continue to refine our methods!
I love the way you present ideas & instructions on your Videos! You make it all seem so much more Cultured!😊🌷 👍You point out that being Consistent at De-Cluttering on a Daily Basis is a Good Way to do it! Being organized is a must! 👀Looking at your Home with New Eyes! I can attest to that! I'm 72 & have run my Household for 55yrs! We have two sons & I always looked at my home thinking "If I had an Unexpected Visitor, would I be Embarrassed at the way my home looks?"😖 THAT worked for Me!! 😊 😲🇺🇸 I've Noticed that we Americans tend to have more "Stuff" & are loaded down with Clutter, 😱 which includes Clothes (50+Tee Shirts, sweats etc & never have anything to wear!) Kids clothes, shoes, toys & books are Another One! Deliberately going thru EVERYTHING & throwing/giving away about 1/2 of the contents of your home is VERY Helpful! Less Things=Less Clutter! Then organize into proper places & return those things to the same place after use!! 👍😊
Hi Jennifer, You’ve tackled an essential topic here today! I keep “do not forget” paperwork behind my jewelry box: birthday cards to send this month, coupons to use asap, encouraging pamphlets to share, and an occasional bill. Anyone else need to keep these before your eyes in order to not forget? Would LOVE ideas on how you all manage these things. We won’t tackle all the children’s businesses being run from our raised ranch. 😂 Thanks, ladies! Julie 🌷
Nice reminders as life constantly changes... such as a move or a parent passing and helping a grieving parent possibly move and being in charge of helping that one to keep items or needing to hang on to items ( often clutter).
Very timely video, especially with spring bringing to life fresh motivation! We’ve been putting off doing anything to our home with a desire to move (4 years now…) and this helped me realize that I should continue to make our home feel beautiful!
I like the idea of looking at your space with fresh eyes! It opens you up to moving things around to other parts of the home or just getting rid of something you no longer love anymore. Sometimes what I use to love can become invisible and I get bored with it, but with looking at it with fresh eyes I feel free to let it go.
I heard the following expression earlier today before watching this video: If it’s out and visible, it’s decor. Yikes!! So true!! I love this video Jennifer. Springtime inspiration! 💕💐🌺🌹🌻
I was watching your video while holding my almost one year old great grandson as he slept. I was conversing with my two and a half year old great grandson and sharing Goldfish with him. My three grandchildren (parents and aunt) were on the porch talking and having fun. When you said step back and see how your house flows I laughed right out loud. My living room was adorned with a Big Tikes red and yellow car, a bulldozer, a motorcycle, a Mickey Mouse dump truck as well as an assortment of cars and trucks and a Woody and Buzz. Luckily I don't have clutter and it is quick to clean up, but you gave me my smile for the day. And I am blessed with all these cute kids! ❤
I love these tipps. You are so right. Clutter can ruin the most beautiful space. We just recently moved and for this reason, have gotten rid of a lot of old stuff. After watching your video, I am so motivated to streamline the place even more and allow beauty to enter every corner. Thank you for your beautiful videos. I am always looking forward to them. Blessings
Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you brought back some tips from Madame Chic I may just reread the book. We are getting a lot of snow today so it's the perfect day to cuddle up with a good book, first yours and then a good mystery, after I declutter of course! Thanks thanks for the inspiration!
Is it beautiful? Such a good question. So good to ask when decluttering items too. I find the most beautiful houses I enter are not the biggest, most expensive houses, but the ones that lack clutter and have beautiful artwork or decor that is not taking up every corner of the room. These are great tips that I will definitely be using as I go through my house again this week.
I was so excited to watch this video! I read your first two books in 2014, so it was great to hear a refresh/reminder about the Madame Chic method for decluttering 😀✨ Thanks Jennifer!
Love this.....just making the adjustment to the thinking that I deserve to be in a beautiful environment....genius.. More cutter tips gratefully anticipated
Hi Jennifer... Good Morning from the UK.... 🇬🇧. Jennifer I have to tell you that the beautiful shade of pink you are wearing really suits you.... It makes your face glow!! I feel that bright colours are much more flattering to your complexion then say white or beige which I think drains the life out of you... GOD Bless Jennifer.. Love your channel especially when you model your beautiful fashion choices... ❤️
Jennifer, this video was shared with perfect timing for me! I am receiving help from a friend with bigger projects but, honestly, my small home is one hot 🥵 mess!! Granted, I have lost the last 2 years due to illness but enough excuses! The clutter is making me cranky! Must be a sign of healing! Thanks, Jennifer 🙏🏻💕🤗
Hi Jennifer, I fully understand, as I now recover from an accident 7 months ago, staying ahead of clutter is one of my priorities. It has always been important to me, but now it is imperative to my well being. Blessings to you as you heal.
I agree with wanting to be surrounded by beauty all of the time. I don’t just want things beautiful, I want them to smell good all of the time as well.
Beautiful video, Jennifer! The battle with clutter is an ongoing one here. Thank you for your homemaking inspiration. I am looking forward to your video for the Chic Society tomorrow!
I work and mondays are my deep cleaning days. I worked really hard to get my apartment that I share with my partner.. and it’s like doesn’t care about how serious I am about the feng shui .. it literally has impacted my mental at this point.
Jennifer, I just have to add some more comments about this video. I totally love the idea of flow in the home, seeing it with new eyes and asking the question is it beautiful. I have been so inspired by this video I am about to make sure that all of these are present in my home. Thank you sooo much for this fantastic video.
You remind me so much of my late aunt who always told me that life was messy and to clean it up and that class didn’t cost anything so there’s no reason not to have it all the time and that you could make a beautiful wardrobe out of 5 pieces. She was born in the 30’s and she lived rich with little and everyone loved loved loved being in her home.
So admirable. Thanks for sharing.
Aww she sounds very interesting and regal! That was touching
Mind blown. Simple and yet so true! Her advice lives on!
💗💗🥰🥰Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing.💛🤍🇬🇧
A tip that I've found helpful with "Look at your home with fresh eyes" : Take a photo of a room, or parts of a room, and closely examine the photos. This is easier than ever thanks to cameras on our phones. Looking at a photo of a room/space provides just enough detachment, which really helps with seeing a space with fresh eyes. I always notice clutter in photos that I don't see in person.
❤️❤️ “Clutter destroys the beauty of a room”; “ “You can have a beautiful room, *right now* “; “Clutter is not compatible with beauty” = 🤯 this is so true!
Dear Jennifer, I'm very grateful for this video. It came at the moment when I'm hectically decluttering my house. I only wish the reason for the whole decluttering was different. If it was for an exchange student or family relatives coming for a big get-together, I would be excited and joyful. However, the circumstances are completely different. I'm preparing our master bedroom and bathroom for Ukrainian refugees. During the last two weeks over 1 million of Ukrainians have escaped to Poland, where I live. I'm decluttering my house with a broken heart, watching terrifying news every day. Thousands of mothers and children in need of shelter. I feel so helpless, so at least I will open the door of my home. I walk around it and think how it could selve our guests best.
Pray for Ukraine, please and for PEACE 💙💛
Dear Marta, What a beautiful heart you have to open your master bedroom and bathroom to these dear Ukraine refugees. Many blessings to you for your Christ-like selfless actions. I’m praying for you to see what needs to be done as you prepare. All the best, Julie 🌷
@@juliecarns Dear Julie, thank you so much. Your prayer means a lot. On the one hand there is great politics (too great and overwhelming for me). On the other hand, there are simple people like me and small but tangible gestures of love (just like your answer). Hugs, Marta ❤
God bless you, Marta! You are an angel. I pray you all stay safe! ♥️
@@TheDailyConnoisseur Thank you with all my heart, dear Jennifer ❤
Donna here using husband's computer. God bless you - what a wonderful thing you are doing. Kudos to you and your entire family for giving shelter to those in need. I pray every day for the war to end and for peace in Ukraine.
I try to walk into my home with with a fresh sense of smell, too. We all get accustomed to the smell of our home, even if it’s unpleasant. I always air my home out for two or more hours every morning, regardless of how cold or wet the weather is. I get warmly dressed and do my most active work of the day during the airing. I’m not a fan of air freshening products or scents, I prefer fresh, outdoor air. Our course, my climate is mild, this might not be possible for everyone. Airing after cooking, in addition to using the stove fan, is really important, as is eliminating pet odors. Some people don’t even notice that a pet has urinated indoors, but visitors certainly will. Plus, it’s healthier to breathe cleaner air!
I open my windows even in winter for fresh air. When my kids were small, they would wear coats in the house 😂 smh.
I also air the whole home and open all windows in the morning regardless of the weather :)
LOVE this "old-school" Madame Chic content, Jennifer! ;) This video was so enjoyable. My ten-year-old daughter audibly sighed with admiration when you showed your lovely dining room. :) Also, when my children are watching with me, they always wait for the bit at the very end that shows the book Connoisseur Kids - it's like a finale for them! Haha!
I love to hear that!
I really needed to hear this again and again. All of this and especially living in a clutter-free environment circles right back to “making the everyday beautiful”. What a gift we’ve been given to alter our environment to create peace and beauty. Thank you for a wonderful video.
I find it helpful to constantly review these principles too! Thanks for watching
Living beautifully… completely agree, I have 5 young children and refuse to wait till they are older for my house to look the way I like.
I agree..... I had two young daughters , and I had lovely things in my home.. ..People who visited would ask " Aren't you afraid they will break something. Or spill on the sofa ( my sofa was off white, purchased before I had children) . I replied No, they have been taught to respect thier home, thier mothers belongings, and the sofa has Fiber Seal on it... "
I wanted a nice home, children or no children. 🙂😊✨️
Children CAN be gently and lovingly taught how to treat people, animals, and their home.
This is such a wise and refined approach to clutter. A chic home is a fine goal.
When it comes to “looking at your home with fresh eyes”, I have discovered this method:
1) Go through the room on a bright day, straightening it up just a bit and
adjusting the lighting
2) Take a few photos of the room from point-of-entry perspectives.
3) Study the photos as if you were an editor of Architectural Digest.
Editors can be ruthless when they have to be. They can tweak a room’s appearance until the room shows to its very best advantage. We can do this, too.
I find that when I study and critique a few photos of a room, I can be more objective and less overwhelmed than when I am surrounded and enveloped by the room itself.
I once lost a fairly expensive wrist brace, which had me frantically going into every nook and cranny of my house. Your video reminds me of the realization out of that experience. WE HAVE PLENTY of storage if we empty it out of never-rarely-keep-for-guilt reasons, then put the clutter piles by category in those newly reclaimed shelves and drawers. That has been very liberating to me.
Thank you for sharing! Everyone should hear this.❤
Having less inventory, as recommended by the Minimal Mom, is the first step to eliminating clutter and the overwhelm that comes with managing all of it.
Yes! Dawn has wonderful advice on decluttering and her workbook is really good too!
I only have 4 plates, cups, glasses and bowls now because of her advice. Even if every dish in the house is dirty, it only takes 10-15 minutes to wash them.
I like the idea of walking into your home and looking at it with new eyes. Since we enter our home often in the same doorway, I decided to enter through a different doorway, and, WOW, I can really see my hot spots. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite on Quintessence is Timothy Corrigan's Chateau Du Grand- Luce (I have the book too). I feel that no matter how expensive the home (or chateau) is, you can always find an idea, decor, or object that you can use in your own home. Also, Alex Papachristidis says he wants everything he touches to be beautiful. I like that concept too. When I turned 60, I had told you that my goal was to "live a simple life, surrounded by beautiful things". However, now at 70,. I have a son and two Granddaughters living with me and I'm surrounded by clutter instead. But, I'm not giving up. As the girls get older, I think I can get back to having the home I'm trying to have - simple and beautiful. More videos like this, please!
Thank you for your positive way of encouraging people to live elegantly and clutter free. We need more positive people in the world.
Great video! I'm very interested as to what your daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedule is, your house is just gorgeous! I'm weighing out a couple different methods and was curious what your routines are!
Thanks for the request!
Her top is FIRE. so pretty.
I love living clutter free. We move every three to four years (military family) and we are always making sure we don’t bring too much into our home. It can become overwhelming when it is time to move. Thank you for this video Jennifer.
I can see how living clutter-free makes moving regularly so much easier...
My family was military too and my parents kept everything! It's so good to hear about military who decluttered! They were stationed overseas and brought back their waffle iron/electric skillet, iron, etc. I had to declutter when my mom went in to a nursing home for Alzheimers in 2015. Amazing the difference.
There are definitely military families that have a lot of belongings! It can become easy collecting from each duty station. When my father passed away we had to get rid of so much stuff. Sadly it’s been 12 years since he passed and my poor mother is still getting rid of his belongings.
@@joysilas4724 I'm sorry. My mom just kept everything and, 30 years after my dad passed, I had to take care of it. Amazing to see what they did.
God bless you and your family! Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You have a great attitude.
I love your teaching videos. It’s as though I’m taking an online class. I’m grateful for you. You mentioned in one of your books to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable with someone staying at your house while you were traveling. It got me thinking about hidden clutter. The clutter you talk about in the cabinets. Thank you for all that you do.
I really like your lounge room Jennifer. I think that’s where you filmed this video.
My issue is, where to put everything? I have very little storage for things that we actually need and I just transfer the problem areas to another space!
I’ve found it very helpful to take a photo of my rooms once in a while-it really gives you ‘fresh eyes’. Terrific video as always.
I was going to basically say the same thing.
When I put away items in their proper place, it’s easier to find it later. This is a time saver for me.
What a wonderful video. I agree with your premise, we need to live in a beautiful environment now, at whatever level we can afford. I strove for that in my lean 20’s and enjoy it more readily now that life has grown financially easier. But when I was young and had a small home with few pretty things, I could still try to keep order and keep things tidy. It makes such a difference to our daily mood!
Thank you for always encouraging us to aim higher. Have a wonderful day!
Fantastic advice, hand out tea and cake for family meetings. Also your shirt is amazing. Perfect color for you.
Thanks for your calm and classy content… you’re keeping a full time working mom of three kids seven and under sane.
Thank you so much!
I loved this video. Clutter is the bane of my household. More videos on this subject would be great!
Have a great day, Jennifer. ❤
I'm great at organizing stagnant spaces. Everything has a place. However, my high traffic areas are always a mess, because I prioritize kiddo time and craft time 😂 My best strategy is to reset at night.
Another great piece of advice I got ( I used to be a hot mess) was always leave a room clean and always have something in your hand to put away
Example when you are going to your bedroom from your living room couch , put the remote control and blanket away properly and take a pair worn socks to your hamper in your closet.
Attack the clutter right away
Wonderful video (and message). I took notes! :-) I've watched so many declutter, downsize, minimize, "get your act together!" videos, but this one was different. A very nice approach to solve a very big problem. I've been working at this for a while and made progress on #4. I've reduced the amount of furniture and rearranged the rest for better flow. A huge improvement! As I work through a major remodel, I am focusing not just on paint color or new cabinets, but also on creating a calm and peaceful space. I'm already at retirement age and planning for the next 20 years (hopefully) of life. I can't wait to tackle this from a different perspective. Your "live a more formal life" video brought me here. Several things I need to work on there too. :-) Thank you!
My husband grew up in a very cluttered, dirty home unfortunately. He tells me how blessed and happy he is that I keep our home clean, and less cluttered. 😊It is much more peaceful for him. I feel bad that he had to live in that type of environment. We sadly don't visit his parents house often because of how dirty it is...it's a hoarders type mess... I wish I could help them with it, but it's not really our responsibility. They need help with it but honestly don't seem to care about it. They became comfortable with it like you mentioned in your video. 😔
It is extremely difficult to help people who hoard. They fight letting go of any single item of useless junk, it’s mentally exhausting. Unless there’s a threat to their health or safety, it’s best not to get involved.🙂
In a way, their home is partly your responsibility because your husband (and his siblings, if he has them) will have to deal with the space when his parents die or need to move into assisted living.
These types of situations can be very sensitive and there is no one size fits all solution, other than combining compassion and guidance in setting boundaries. I’m in a similar situation, except I wouldn’t classify the person in my life as a hoarder quite yet - just as a person who is overwhelmed by life changes. Even so, I know that for my help to be effective I need to do my best to understand this person’s perspective.
@@username00009 yes I agree partly. It is/was their choice to start living in that type of lifestyle though. It is more of a generational thing within their family. And my husband's sister lives the same way. So it would really fall on my husband and I someday, which is too much realistically. His grandmothers house is the same way...my husband and I have recently had to politely tell his family that we cannot keep storing their items in our house. We are NOT a storage unit lol. They need to make a choice to change their situation. We can support them in that. But it's ultimately their choice.
Aging parents don't always have the energy and stamina needed to move things about.
Sadly, I’m watching a situation in my Granddaughter’s life because of this same situation. They will never invite her in their home. She has been married for a year. First time there she had to sit outside in a car. Her husband made excuses at first, like they were working on their house. This has made a strain on their relationship.
We have been married for 53 yrs. We are planning on remodeling our unfinished basement. We are almost pretending to move by packing everything in boxes and trunks and putting in our garage while we remodel. We gave away a lot and do not want to store things we do not use. Love your videos. Thanks.
Yes please to more clutter clearing tips!
Staying clutter free is something I struggle with daily. Because our home is 200 years old and was built without any closets or cabinets, I have tried my best to retain it’s original charm by using antique furniture for storage. This sometimes means that my items are in view. For example I store our towels and sheets in a very small glass door antique China cabinet which sits in our upstairs hallway. I use a chest of drawers to store toiletries and cleaning supplies in our bathrooms. A lingerie chest by the entrance houses our hats , gloves, and dog leashes. I suggest allowing a beautiful piece of furniture into your home to help store your stuff. I would like to hear more suggestions along these lines from your viewers.
That sounds lovely! I used to be pretty opposed to furniture storage but as I've decluttered I have learned to appreciate it very much!
We are in an apartment and have a somewhat decent amount of hidden storage space, but our kitchen is still a challenge in some ways. When we first moved in, we couldn't quite afford a hutch, but I discovered our extra [obnoxious to me], completely open book shelf actually worked perfectly to hold our toaster and a couple of other items I have now arranged to be somewhat decorative. Not only does my toaster now have an out-of-the-way home, but I truly don't mind that book shelf anymore!
I'm looking forward to hopefully finding some antique pieces when we buy a house one day, but it has been rewarding in the meantime making do with what is already in my home and finding ways to bring unexpected beauty to our spaces ☺️
Five steps
1. Identify hot spots - Things that aren’t put away properly, things that collect. Let’s make this area functional.
2. Identify stagnant spaces - Places we can’t see, but tend to dump things. Make a plan to deal with those things.
3. Look at your home with new eyes - Imagine how a person you respect would see your home
4. Check the flow - If you want a space that flows, you have to clear the blockages
5. Is it beautiful? You deserve a beautiful home 💕
Thank you!! ❤
Fabulous video-and yes, I love the old school Madame Chic content too! My biggest challenge is the young child clutter. I’d love to know especially how you manage the paper clutter of your children. Mine are constant artists and making “special” pictures for me! I love it and love putting their pictures up so they feel appreciated and at the same time I love a peaceful, clutter-free home.
I love the question, "Is it beautiful?"
I arrived at this myself somewhat organically a few years ago when my husband bought a useful kitchen organizer, but I didn't like looking at it! Similar situations made me realize that I don't care how useful something is, if it's unattractive, I don't want it in my house, ha! I also read some of the book, The Design Of Everyday Things, which further validated how I felt about this.
Ever since that time, I have been very intentional about practical items _and_ decor, curating as I go and making sure I don't buy or keep anything that I don't absolutely love. I do make a few exceptions as needed, and am still working on parting with certain items, but overall this has been such a rewarding practice -- I highly recommend it!
Hi Jennifer! This video was like a burst of fresh air! Thank you!! See you tomorrow! Love, Kellie
We are currently finishing our basement (it was unfinished) and my husband moved quite a bit of things to our front hall entryway. It really bothered me to have our hallways congested but I thought we didn’t really have a choice with the basement in progress. I used the garage door, not the front door, most of the time.
Then, one day I used the front door and as I stepped into the entryway, I was. *appalled* ! I felt so embarrassed at the thought of prospective guests stepping foot in this narrow entryway with clutter lining the passageway like a clogged artery. I took everything that was lining the walls and moved it. Some things I tucked away into the garage. Others I made temporary homes for in another part of the house. The only things I left were a couple of painting and a large mirror that we need to hang in the hallway and I placed them in front of each other to consolidate space. We still have months to go on the basement but I swept and mopped the entryway and the Feng Shui feels so much better now.
This was helpful. I follow quite a few minimalist YT channels and most focus on big de-clutters and major lifestyle changes. I have done the hard work and now it entails maintenance. I deal with every issue you highlighted. This day will be devoted to this. Each year I choose a word to focus on. This year my word was 'refine'. You are my mentor in this Jennifer!
Great video! Last winter I tackled my spare room that I use as my office. It was a discouraging sight, but 10 minutes a day for 3 weeks I got it in order. So not only was it a prettier room but a more functional room. You mentioned audiobooks, this winter I have been into Charles Finch’s series about a private detective set in Victorian England. The author does a lot of research so I am learning while enjoying a good mystery. (The author has an amazing vocabulary, I am often looking up words.) Thanks Jennifer.
Thanks, I put this on my to read list!
Years ago, a successful friend told me that, as much as possible, she used the rule ‘handle it once’ when dealing with work issues. The rule works well in home-making also- don’t give things a halfway destination, just go ahead and take the extra steps and get it returned to its final position. My golden rules are to identify a practical place for every item you own, and to put it back there after you use it, each and every time, and to edit possessions often.
I like your friend. I have to tell myself not to put it down, but put it away. Old habits are hard for me to break.
Always need to be reminded of this. Came at the perfect time! I live in a small house with no attic or much storage and clutter is really challenging. Thank you for the inspiration!
Love the painting of the ocean front town over your shoulder.
“It’s all about what you have and putting it to its best use.” You always present ideas and information in quotable statements, positive and encouraging.
Thank you!
What a fabulous video and so inspirational. Some people have a lot and just do not take of it and some have little and take great pride in it. It’s all about ownership and beauty…
All great tips and I love seeing your home it’s so beautiful! One thing that we struggle with in our home is bringing too much in. With as easy as it is to buy things that you think you need online, we’ve accumulated too much and without addressing this over-accumulation, it’s a constant cycle.
Your Madame Chic books helped me to change not only how I dress and present myself to the world, but to own fewer but higher quality items that I use for years. 😍
I listen to your videos. Your calm voice and sweet laugh motivates me. ❤
Your advice is so positive and practical. Definitely doable. I totally agree with making the home beautiful now, as opposed to waiting. And I feel it’s part of wellness to declutter and live in a peaceful home. I’ve been doing 15 minute sessions of decluttering different parts of the home each day, also by looking at the space with new eyes.
Thanks for this! I just started my own decluttering and organizing business, and love getting new perspectives on how different people do it! Beauty is something I will make sure to strive for in my own home and with those I help!
💖You encourage! Thank you, Jennifer, for these applicable reminders. My brother and I are sharing life now that we are both retired. We are a work in progress and are focusing to manage well our shared spaces. Maybe I should say it is still “progress, not perfection”, but I am grateful and we continue to refine our methods!
I am obsessed with your channel, feels like listening to a super elegant friend 🥰
I love the way you present ideas & instructions on your Videos! You make it all seem so much more Cultured!😊🌷
👍You point out that being Consistent at De-Cluttering on a Daily Basis is a Good Way to do it! Being organized is a must! 👀Looking at your Home with New Eyes! I can attest to that! I'm 72 & have run my Household for 55yrs! We have two sons & I always looked at my home thinking "If I had an Unexpected Visitor, would I be Embarrassed at the way my home looks?"😖
THAT worked for Me!! 😊
😲🇺🇸 I've Noticed that we Americans tend to have more "Stuff" & are loaded down with Clutter, 😱 which includes Clothes (50+Tee Shirts, sweats etc & never have anything to wear!) Kids clothes, shoes, toys & books are Another One! Deliberately going thru EVERYTHING & throwing/giving away about 1/2 of the contents of your home is VERY Helpful! Less Things=Less Clutter! Then organize into proper places & return those things to the same place after use!! 👍😊
Hi Jennifer, You’ve tackled an essential topic here today! I keep “do not forget” paperwork behind my jewelry box: birthday cards to send this month, coupons to use asap, encouraging pamphlets to share, and an occasional bill.
Anyone else need to keep these before your eyes in order to not forget? Would LOVE ideas on how you all manage these things.
We won’t tackle all the children’s businesses being run from our raised ranch. 😂
Thanks, ladies! Julie 🌷
Lovely video. Your home is beautiful and I enjoy your good advice. Home should be our sanctuary from the world.
I love a clutter-free spa like space... our environment either pulls us forward or holds us back
Stepping out of the home and then back in with fresh eyes is a wonderful suggestion!.
Nice reminders as life constantly changes... such as a move or a parent passing and helping a grieving parent possibly move and being in charge of helping that one to keep items or needing to hang on to items ( often clutter).
Wow! You look amazing in that color pink! It is gorgeous on you!
I totally agree with the audiobook part :) For me it's the best way to clear everything in one night because I want to finish good book ;)
I really liked the format of this video! Thank you so much for all the attention to detail and information shared! Blessings!
Very timely video, especially with spring bringing to life fresh motivation! We’ve been putting off doing anything to our home with a desire to move (4 years now…) and this helped me realize that I should continue to make our home feel beautiful!
You look vibrant in that colourful blouse. Thanks for the good reminders.
Rewatching this...just tidied up the kitchen counters a little bit and put away the clean dishes. Going to try to vacuum next, it will really help!
I like the idea of looking at your space with fresh eyes! It opens you up to moving things around to other parts of the home or just getting rid of something you no longer love anymore. Sometimes what I use to love can become invisible and I get bored with it, but with looking at it with fresh eyes I feel free to let it go.
I heard the following expression earlier today before watching this video: If it’s out and visible, it’s decor. Yikes!! So true!! I love this video Jennifer. Springtime inspiration! 💕💐🌺🌹🌻
Yikes that really puts me to shame!! I’m really going to work at it.
I was watching your video while holding my almost one year old great grandson as he slept. I was conversing with my two and a half year old great grandson and sharing Goldfish with him. My three grandchildren (parents and aunt) were on the porch talking and having fun. When you said step back and see how your house flows I laughed right out loud. My living room was adorned with a Big Tikes red and yellow car, a bulldozer, a motorcycle, a Mickey Mouse dump truck as well as an assortment of cars and trucks and a Woody and Buzz. Luckily I don't have clutter and it is quick to clean up, but you gave me my smile for the day. And I am blessed with all these cute kids! ❤
I’m moving into my new home next week. And this video was so needed.
The power of neat and clean! Thank you Jennifer...I always enjoy your videos!
I love these tipps. You are so right. Clutter can ruin the most beautiful space. We just recently moved and for this reason, have gotten rid of a lot of old stuff. After watching your video, I am so motivated to streamline the place even more and allow beauty to enter every corner. Thank you for your beautiful videos. I am always looking forward to them.
Blessings
Keep the decluttering and making the home beautiful content coming. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you brought back some tips from Madame Chic I may just reread the book. We are getting a lot of snow today so it's the perfect day to cuddle up with a good book, first yours and then a good mystery, after I declutter of course! Thanks thanks for the inspiration!
Is it beautiful? Such a good question. So good to ask when decluttering items too. I find the most beautiful houses I enter are not the biggest, most expensive houses, but the ones that lack clutter and have beautiful artwork or decor that is not taking up every corner of the room. These are great tips that I will definitely be using as I go through my house again this week.
Thank you, Jennifer. Thoughtful comments, as always.
I was so excited to watch this video! I read your first two books in 2014, so it was great to hear a refresh/reminder about the Madame Chic method for decluttering 😀✨ Thanks Jennifer!
Wonderful!
Thank you I’ll would love more videos like this. A busy season of life has me drowning in clutter and a mismash of new and old furniture.
Really great to be reminded that we can have a beautiful space right now!
Love this.....just making the adjustment to the thinking that I deserve to be in a beautiful environment....genius..
More cutter tips gratefully anticipated
WOW! I paused ...got up cleared two hotspot arears thanks again.
I've listened to all of your books while cleaning, organizing, and decluttering.
Hi Jennifer... Good Morning from the UK.... 🇬🇧. Jennifer I have to tell you that the beautiful shade of pink you are wearing really suits you.... It makes your face glow!! I feel that bright colours are much more flattering to your complexion then say white or beige which I think drains the life out of you...
GOD Bless Jennifer.. Love your channel especially when you model your beautiful fashion choices... ❤️
les tableaux de votre salon sont magnifiques !
I really needed these reminders! Thank you Jennifer! These types of videos are always so helpul. :)
Jennifer, this video was shared with perfect timing for me! I am receiving help from a friend with bigger projects but, honestly, my small home is one hot 🥵 mess!! Granted, I have lost the last 2 years due to illness but enough excuses! The clutter is making me cranky! Must be a sign of healing! Thanks, Jennifer 🙏🏻💕🤗
Hi Jennifer, I fully understand, as I now recover from an accident 7 months ago, staying ahead of clutter is one of my priorities. It has always been important to me, but now it is imperative to my well being. Blessings to you as you heal.
@@buddhahoo1 You are most kind. I too wish you healing ❤️🩹 and peace ☮️
I agree with wanting to be surrounded by beauty all of the time. I don’t just want things beautiful, I want them to smell good all of the time as well.
That yellow robe is so cute!
Thank you! Clutter is inevitable and you’ve helped me make it easier to manage 😊
Beautiful video, Jennifer! The battle with clutter is an ongoing one here. Thank you for your homemaking inspiration. I am looking forward to your video for the Chic Society tomorrow!
Me too, Luba! Thank you!
I work and mondays are my deep cleaning days. I worked really hard to get my apartment that I share with my partner.. and it’s like doesn’t care about how serious I am about the feng shui .. it literally has impacted my mental at this point.
Such great advice! Thank you, Jennifer! 🙂
Loved this...such a good reminder. These are true goals.
Clutter clearing tips are greatly appreciated! More would be wonderful. Thank you!
Thank you for the rinder!
Love this Jennifer. Thank you. Photos are beautiful.
Great Ideas
Thank You, Jennifer.
In the right moment.
Your videos are fantastic
Thank you kindly, Jennifer! Loved this video! Love all your video''s!
Jennifer, I just have to add some more comments about this video. I totally love the idea of flow in the home, seeing it with new eyes and asking the question is it beautiful. I have been so inspired by this video I am about to make sure that all of these are present in my home. Thank you sooo much for this fantastic video.
What really helps me to see my home with fresh eyes is to look at it by using a mirror. The mirror view immediately shows the clutter to me!
Thank you! This was great! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
These tips are very helpful! Thank you Jennifer.
Thank you for those great tips. Your sitting room is looking gorgeous, love the gallery wall.
"Is it beautiful?" Great measure!