How to Declutter Your Home the Quick and Easy Way
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- How to Declutter Your Home the Quick and Easy Way
Good morning! One of the best decisions I ever made was to declutter my home. A few years ago, I decided that I had had enough of the clutter in my closets and the boxes in my basement. So, I digitized most of my photos, gave away boxes of clothes to charity, and sold my old electronic equipment on eBay.
It was the best decision that I ever made! If you are thinking about downsizing - or just want to declutter a bit - I have some tips to help you along the way.
Join me as I share the highlights from Karen Kingston’s article, “How to Declutter Your Home, 20-Minutes at a Time.”
Come join us for a cup of tea (or coffee) and a chat. And, if you enjoy the show, please tell one friend about us today. Your support means so much to me!
Here are the questions to go with today's show.
Have you decluttered or downsized recently? Or, are you sincerely happy with the number of items that you have in your life? Do you see yourself having more, the same or less items in your life 10 years from now?
Please join the conversation and tell one other woman about Mornings with Sixty and Me today. The more the merrier!
And here is the article that I mentioned:
sixtyandme.com/how-to-declutte...
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We spend the first half of our lives acquiring things we think we need & the last half trying to give it all away. Great lesson for our youth; teach them young of this powerful piece of advice
The young are teaching us older ones.
There is an unexpected sense of satisfaction and achievement in decluttering. I'm in the process of moving house after 25 years in this house to a much smaller accommodation and I am being quite brutal in this process of decluttering. I'm excited to see how much I walk out the door with at the end of it all. A very liberating experience to a hoarder like me.
Thank you so much for your story and helpful suggestions for decluttering ...I have Fibromyalgia & arthritis and it slows me down. I bought too much over the last years to make me "HAPPY" , I'm a widow of over 12 yrs. and my family of 3 moved into my small 3 bed.house years ago .My sewing room and TV room became their cluttered bedrooms and my things are now cluttering the 2 car garage. My mind is so overloaded that I can't think straight . I have too much to do but we are trying a bag or box at a time .I'm 72 and it's past time to clear it OUT.Have a great week. I enjoyed your pleasant voice and your beautiful smile .Thank you.
Loved your video! I am in the process of decluttering ... For the past year! I look at some of the useless junk I've accumulated over my life and think, " That used to be cash." Keep the memories. Ditch the clutter. The process that now works for me: remove everything from the room you are clearing, clean the room, put back only what you want to see when you come into that room. Donate the rest. I get an amazing sense of freedom when that stuff is gone!
I ask myself, "if I were moving would I take it with me?". That has helped me a lot.
Always a great way to downsize!
I was thinking about that today as I was cleaning
Great tip! Thank you, Chris.
That is a great tip, thanks.
That's a good one.
I've read Karen Kingston's book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui at least seven times and given away as many copies. I am now reading it for the eighth time. :-) Her writing is crisp and clear and easy to read and always inspires me to get with it. BTW, I'm twice divorced, moved nine times in ten years, and recently, after retirement, rid myself of a household of possession, put a minimum in storage, and spent a year house/pet sitting in Europe with only two suitcases, one for winter clothes, the other for summer. I'm now settled in the US once more with my three cats and a dog and have already collected a household full of stuff. My clutter is mostly artwork and papers (my bane!), my house is more orderly than ever -- but there's still need for decluttering. I cannot recommend Karen's book highly enough!! And thanks, Margaret, for your friendly chats!!
I'm a young ethnic woman that has nothing in common with you demographically. I'm not married, no kids, etc. I loved your video. There's no distracting graphics, overly loud music, or narcissism. It was easy for me to focus with my ADD. LOL. I hope you continue to make many more. Thank you.
Thank you so much Dee - very happy you discovered us and thank you for your kind words. I do videos almost every day and you can check out www.sixtyandme.com/start to learn about all our channels. Wishing you all the best - margaret
Dee, I was also diagnosed with that. I later discovered it doesn't really exist. Yes, people may be dealing with the symptons but it isn't about any "disorder" or brain malfunction.
Your comment on this video is proof thar there is nothing wrong with you 😘
Ya! I watched a few from some girl yesterday and the music was so much louder than the video. :)
ADD does exist. But yes, there is nothing wrong with Dee. It is more difficult to complete things but nothing wrong with anyone with ADD, dyslexia or any other learning disorder.
Yes sometimes the music is too much! And I like videos where they are talking, so I can be doing other things and listening and not trapped into having to watch to get the info. Especially when they give useful info the first half, but then I’m just watching them clean/organize to music the rest of the video. I don’t have any interest in watching strangers clean their house!
"The things to say yes to rather than the things to say no to" I love it!
I have the hardest time with sentimental things like my kids school papers, my mom's cards and letters, pictures of my family. Maybe there's some stuff that just has to stay with you for your whole life. I digitized photos but now can't bear to throw the paper copies away.
Hello Rebecca, I read through your posting your emotional love to have just a few cards and letters that your children had given you as you 'saved', your mother's sweet words of love, along with many family photos. I certainly understand that.
I, myself, want to hold on to those alone, if for nothing else to keep. After I am no longer here, - - then anyone may do what they wish, but in all seriousness ~those~ are my treasures until I am no longer here. My father died a few years ago. My mother before him. I have two envelopes with his handwriting beautifully written across. I love to touch each line of his cursive art and feel the pronounced indication.
I have a pair of reading glasses my mom wore. I cherish the personal __emotional__ where those touched her beautiful face.
YES!, Some things are with you for life. What a sweet and lovely piece of you, sharing. It's called ```love``` and not many people have those memories to hold on to. I can single out many objects of STUFF without any problem, but I will keep what brings JOY and a HAPPIER time 'in' remembering back...much better than what this world is today. Thank you for unveiling your heartfelt thoughts.
I happened upon your video while searching for guidance in decluttering my home. I love you and your energy. I just want to see you every day. Well, I've got several "transition" boxes and several "dilemma" boxes, and they've been in the same "in my way" place for a couple of years. What makes my dilemma boxes more potent is that when I was a young woman in university, unbeknownst to me my family had a yard sale and got rid of things that were dear to me--a shawl my dying Nonna had knit for me, an afghan my now-dead Mother had crocheted for me, jewelry that my Mother gave to me, etc. Although I hadn't unpacked those items for a couple of years, their potency was still great for me. Every time I couldn't find something beloved, my eyes would mist over and I'd think to myself "The wretched yard sale"! So my dilemma about the dilemma boxes goes back to this. I've heard people say that if you haven't seen/used something in 2 years, get rid of it, but... Thank you again for your lovely ways. I hope I can find more of your videos.
Hi Rita thank you so much for joining the conversation - glad you found us! You can check out our other channels at www.sixtyandme.com/start - Have a wonderful weekend!
I am so sorry. My best friend (age 84) feels exactly like you do. And I am so sad for her, for her losses - and because she is emotionally hostage to "things in a box." She has so much to love in her life, family and friends, that's what really matters. .You still have memories without the items.
@@laineygann7713 thank you for sharing this.
I think you either had an unfeeling family or one that was going through trauma you weren't home for since you were in school. I hope- I don't know which I hope for. I don't want that you had an unfeeling family.
Things happen. My aunt passed and shortly my uncle developed Alzheimer's and my cousins had to deal with everything very quickly. But they were adopted. My aunt and uncle may have been mom and dad but it didn't extend to grandparents etc. They threw out pictures, cards, and whatever else we don't even know. And it hurts every time I think about it. I am much more sad than angry. To lose items made for you....great sadness.
That is how i declutter, per section. So many youtubers showing konmarie decluttering method by taking everything out. It doesnt bring me joy, lol.. its overwhelming n frustrating.. causing decision fatigue.. doing it in small section 20 to 30 minutes each time is more productive coz u will focus on doing much within short time. If you spare a day or couple hours to declutter you will easily get distracted or stall thinking u have the whole day to do it. 20 minutes decluttering is easy to incoporate into daily routine, u can do it once to several times a day depending on yr schedule or yr activities.
I'm been decluttering for a wh?ile. One thing I did was go through things only looking for photos and Christmas decorations (I have a small tree now). When my sons were here for Thanksgiving I got them all out and asked does anyone want any of these. My grandchildren especially enjoyed picking pictures and ornaments that therir grandfather and I had collected and those of their great grandparents. I was an awesome night. Now my sons have boxes of pictures and the ornaments decorate their trees!
I've read lots of decluttering books and one thing that has really helped me is the concept of removing everything from the space (drawer, closet) and only putting back the things you say "yes" to and that truly belong in that space.
Thanks Carol - thats a game changer for me because i have been looking in drawers and picking about to sort -- it takes ages - the next drawer i sort i will empty out first then put back the yes items - winner - thanks :o)
Carol: I learned exactly that from doing dollhouses. You take all the things out of a room, wash the room inside, dust off the stuff, and sort, putting things back until the room looks perfect and then you're done with that room. Repeat. In the end, I had a couple of big boxes of "extras" which I did keep until passing the dollhouse on to a five-year old girl. She seemed pretty happy with all the little things and I had learned the easiest way to sort and de-clutter real rooms. Worked best when we were, say, having new carpeting installed and had to take everything out. Too bad we don't need new carpeting, it was the perfect reason to empty a room completely. I need to empty them all again and start over! (Been over 11 years.)
I find that to be very true, if you take a cluttered desktop for example, and just remove things that don't belong, it won't look much different. But if you remove EVERYTHING, clean and shine it, you're very hesitant to clutter up that beautiful space you've just created and will be forced to deal with all that STUFF!!!
Kon Marie books helped me.
This is a good method for sure!
Hi Margaret, what a great inspiring video and advice and hints. I’m 73, my house is overflowing, and have read about the death cleanout...am vainly trying to do that! Love how you look😊
I did the same a few years ago and it is a wonderful feeling to be free of STUFF
I had to go through my parents home after my father passed away and we had to move my mom in asst living. I alone had to go through every item in her home and either get rid or give it away. Hardest few weeks of my life. I came home and made the decision to declutter. It made it easier in a way to let go and only keep those things that bring true joy. Thanks
anna horton llll
anna horton I’m doing the same now, after my mother passed away. I lost my job, which gives me the time to do this, otherwise I would not be able to. She never threw anything away, no matter how insignificant. i actually feel angry with her for leaving me with this task. I begged her when she was healthy not to leave me with all the clutter, and that’s exactly what she did.
I did this too. The MOST exhausting thing I’ve ever done in my life (& I’m actually very fit!) I vowed the same thing about my own hoard at the time but was so worn out I couldn’t even complete the task of going thru the final 10 boxes of her stuff I’d put in my garage for when I felt human again. And that was 3 years ago! I just finally cleaned the garage & will be addressing her stuff but haven’t done anything with the heaps of my own families STUFF. It’s so overwhelming but I’m going to try using some of these tips & other viewers ideas🙏
Lisa Leidy Heartbreaking to read you were angry because I could totally understand that feeling & do not want that for my kids/husband should I go early or first. Thanks for inspiring me💞
@@lisaleidy344 My partner was tasked with this several years ago after placing his widowed mother (Alzheimer's) in an Assisted Living Facility. He has several times expressed his own anger at the work and stress of going through years of belongings, as it seemed she and his father never threw anything away
He is now in the process of trying to declutter our (now shared) house, since I moved in with him last year. (I myself had moved zero times in 30 years, then four times since 2010! So I was already very much de-cluttered.)
He was trying to make room for me in his house, and he's had a difficult time getting rid of things because one of his adult children (neither lives at home) wants to keep everything she or her late mother ever had, it seems. It's all boxed up, but she won't come for it. She and her sister have already gotten the valuable items that they wanted, but I am now talking about things like mugs, placemats, knick knacks, childhood toys, the daughter's old clothes, board games, and souvenirs.
We're getting ready to leave for a month in Florida. My partner is so frustrated by this situation that he says when we return, he's going to rent a giant dumpster to toss it into from an upstairs window! And it will be hauled away!
His alternative, and I think this is what he will actually do, is to have it all moved into a storage unit, tell her he's paying the rent on the unit for 6 months only, then he will stop paying it. If she doesn't get it out within six months it will all be forfeited/lost.
The odd thing is, when she comes over, she notices things that she liked that are no longer in sight. She asks where they are. He tells her they are in a box upstairs in her old room. She really hounds him about the item in question, but she won't ever go upstairs to get any of them!
The struggle is real and ongoing, and he's determined to not leave a mess for his children to have to clean out when he is gone. It's ironic that one of the children he's trying to protect from this terrible fate is actually standing in the way!
I decluttered and redid my closet. Afterwards, I was so proud of my accomplishment, I invited visitors to tour my closet. I'm sure they thought I was nuts!
Belinda Taylor Hehehe, I love looking at tidy closets hehehe!
Belinda Taylor
hi belinda , i know this was ages ago but just wanted to say your post made me laugh out loud🤣 i can’t think of anything worse showing others- but maybe i would be that proud too ! thanks
That's wonderful! You just never know when that might inspire others to do the same thing. I struggle with the same thing, because my husband and I both have way too many things and clothes. My husband has over 200 shirts, probably close to the same amount of pants and slacks, sport coats, etc., etc. I finally took each shirt individually and made piles of keepers and ones he could donate or toss. That helped a lot. He would not do it on his own until I had to do this for him. If only I could do something with all his collections of clutter in the garage!!!!!! He is in construction (3rd generation), though retired, and is very unorganized!!! This makes it extremely difficult for ME!!! I think someone needs to write a book and do UA-cams or videos on what to do when your spouse is almost hoarder messy and unorganized!!! One of my big problems is that all the things in the garage leave no room for my things. It is like an obstacle course to get to the freezer, which he insists being in the garage.
Roxene Kimes There are great resources UA-cam etc seek them out! Sorry for your dilemma, that’s really hard & I feel for you. Best 💞
Maybe they went home snd did the same bc u inspired them
The rule of thumb for all categories of belongings is that we use 20% of our things 80% of the time. I've never had a hard time decluttering but my husband comes from a long line of pack rats. Showing him decluttering and the psychology behind clutter videos has helped him see the benefit of living lighter.
My family downsized. Kids married. Husband died. Left in large family home. Spent a few years slowly letting unneeded stuff go, little by little as people continued to disappear. When I heard my own echo, I moved into a 4 roomed cottage...letting go even more. Love it. Kept only what I really need... especially my beloved Yorkie.
manic hairdo
Especially the Yorkie of course xxx
I bow down to the Divine in you thank you
Grandma's hot rolls
🌻🍁🎃🍁🌻I hope your doing well, and I'm sorry your husband passed on, but I know we see our loved ones AGAIN, my grandmother passed away a year AGO, but she always promised me when she WENT she would come see me if she could! And she has, it's great knowing our loved one's live ON! I don't know why we don't all see our loved ones after DEATH, though.
I appreciate the mind set of focussing on keeping the few items I want to keep instead of everything I need to throw or give away
I recently heard from a dear friend that her male friend has a very aggressive leukemia and only has a short time to live. I looked at a dresser in my bedroom, knowing that at least three of the drawers contained "just stuff" and thought that if I had, say, three months to live I wouldn't want to spend it going through stuff. Nor would I want my children to go through it and judge me for keeping it! So I started with the two small drawers. I bought a pretty little round box and took some things to my granddaughter that had belonged to my mother and grandmother, along with pictures of both of them. Thus begins my special bond with my granddaughter, who is now the keeper of the family treasures. She was delighted and I was able to be guilt-free, knowing that they are still in the family but not in my possession. About ten years ago I went through my ukulele phase. I haven't played it for years, got it out, and found that my fingers are now too tender. So I packed up all my music and gave it to a friend who is learning to play. She was delighted! My grandson will get my ukulele. He is delighted! But I am the happiest of all! I no longer have that niggling guilt that I should get out my ukulele and begin to play it again. Releasing stuff is so satisfying and freeing! I need to keep at it! I also went through my clothes and got rid of a lot. There's so much more to do, but this video spurred me on! Thank you!
I started a monthly challenge. Day 1 , remove 1 item . Day 2 , 2 items. Day 3 , 3 & so on until end of month. I have a friend doing the
same. Every day We take pics to hold each other accountable. I started in August so do the math, it will inspire you. I donate, sell, use consignment shops, recycle, put items on free table at work, etc. talk about freeing feeling.
GREAT POST!
A friend had a lady living downstairs at his apt and her children were taking care of her and she said she basically had no furniture ( except a bed, dining table,) and she said it was so freeing up and loved it. She traveled to Tuscany and got around.
I had my little cousin come into my closet and she picked out outdated, old or useless things and asked me what the heck I was thinking 😆 if I couldn’t defend the item or why I needed it, I got rid of it😊 This month I got rid of 2 trash bags and a box full of shoes, boots, cloths and toys. I’ve got so much more to go!!
I loved th approach to decluttering in this video, great ideas!
I often start the everyday cleaning with putting things in a "transition basket" then they get deposited into the proper room, then each room gets cleaned as we go.
Can't wait to see more of your videos! 💜
I so agree with doing it in shorts bursts. I am in that process now. For years I did work that I has to store samples for remakes etc so the stashing and cluttering gets really bad!! So now I do a little bit at a time, also have the transit box and also a "keep", "give away/sell" or "throw away" box and store them in this so it makes it easier to let go of stuff. I do a lot of crafts so I do have a lots of materials, tools and bits and bobs I have to keep. For this I have 12 storage drawer-boxes with counters on top so everything is in its place- or should be. I went through a very depressing time in my life and let things slip badly but am now cleaning up and clearing out, a bit day by day as it gets overwhelming. It is very invigorating to see the bags and boxes go out the door, still have a way to go but have not felt this good for ages!!
I'm about 2 minutes into watching your video. You may not read this since it's been awhile since you posted it, but in case you do, or incase others read it, I want to tell you that I love the way you are able to speak with such a lovely smile. I learned from watching my own expression on FaceTime, Skype, and Marco Polo, that I am not blessed with speaking with a smile the way you do.
Aside from that, you are making excellent points. One of the problems I have it that my kids live out of state and don't even want my things I consider valuable and my sisters and mother say the same thing. ... Now to listen to the rest of your UA-cam.
Thank you so much Roxene - i genuinely love speaking to our community - i am so happy you found our channel :-)
Retired. Sold 3 bed/2 bath house! Getting ready to start a big camping trip. We need about 1% of our stuff! Good advice! Thanks!
I will be glad to get rid of our house and get something lots smaller. Yay. Congrats
A few months ago before I realized that I am on my perimenopause stage I was thinking about making my life simple because I just feel like I need it as depression sets in and I could observe that I am getting to forget things. I was thinking that if I will get older I will be more forgetful and it is not going to be fun because aside from the fact that I am single and does not have a kid who will take care of me when I am old and sickly I tend to get more depress than ever ad when I do I feel like I am sleepy at all times and I spend the whole day sleeping and crying and when that happens the house is so unorganized. So whenever I am okay I get ready for those depressive moments I declutter and make sure that I write on each box what is inside just so I will not forget. Then I start to research over the internet how to declutter then I open video about konmarie method and that was so interesting. I started to be a minimalist a few months ago I could say it helps a lot.
The one big thing that helped me declutter was recognising that everything over a certain age, was not just memories, but, actually decomposing around me. Think about that for a minute, nothing stays new or fresh forever.
ilovepoppies1 decomposing. .....this made me laugh. So true! The perfect word!
Haha, That won't work for me, I'm an antique dealer!
lanna lane Me, too, but at 63, I'm so ready to pass a lot of things on for good. I can't take care of all this stuff any more. And I realized last year that I've become a hoarder. A hoarder of beautiful things, but a hoarder nevertheless. I saw a tv episode of a British hoarder series; the woman was a famous actress who had let her house go - she found dead rats under the piles of junk in her living room! I couldn't wait to start clearing out. 😱
Rats? ewwwww. A lot of dealers seem to go on into their 80's, but then they die and leave their kids with whole storage units to dispose of. I don't want to do that to my kids! I'm beginning to look like a hoarder. I'm three years older than you and health issues have set in. I can't get the stuff cleaned and priced and into the shop in 2 days time like I used to. However, I haven't slowed down on buying. It's a sickness and many dealers know it. We talk about it often.
ilovepoppies1 good advice to a mom (me) in her mid 40’s, who’s children are still at home, but are closer to being on their own, than being young kids. ❤️❤️
A good idea on decluttering, thank you. I am on my own, have lived here 30 years. I will start to declutter now. I'm living in the UK. 👍⭐
What clever ideas! My husband and I downsized to a retirement apartment last year and I am in the process of decluttering. What I have found is that once I've made the (sometimes hard) decision to let stuff go - to charity shops or to people who need things more than I now do - I feel so much 'lighter'. I think subconsciously, outdated possessions were weighing me down and tying me to the past. I'm so glad we took the decision to downsize and declutter - absolutely the best thing we could have done..
Hi Judith - i feel that way too i love donating to the recycling shop near my house knowing that i bought the items i am donating because i loved them myself and hope others will now enjoy them!
Im a young 73 year old woman and pretty if i say so myself. Single of30 years and im loveing it wouldn't have any other way. Life is good and im happy being by myself.i have many friends and a big family. What more could you want.
Now 62, had 7 children, 9 grandchildren. I am a minimal. I love to bless others with things that no longer serve me. Excited that great thing has a new home.
Household rescue😃
I really enjoyed your great energy and sharing a lovely cup of tea with you and the other ladies!
I help people de clutter with 3 boxes. Each is marked with a yes, no or maybe tapped on. We sort till we get a full box then either put the items away in their new space, out to the garage set aside to be sold or donated. Maybe ‘s are given a week to decide yes or no and placed accordingly. Everyone enjoys the maybe box a bit to much in the beginning, after a day or two they begin to see their pattern of holding on and begin to let go more often and more quickly as we talk about their ultimate goal, and not allowing fear to hold them back from a new freedom. It’s always interesting the different reasons people have for holding onto things.
I’ve found decluttering to be a journey not a destination.
Much appreciation for your channel!
Thanks very much Katherine!
We really need to de-clutter our home and we are actually now in a position to do that. It takes a lot of energy, however, so it’s going to be a long process. That’s OK, as long as I see progress. Jeannine
I've been working on decluttering for years, and have made headway. Then my mother passed away, and had the last word, leaving me with all of her papers, pictures, etc., which I'd threatened for years to toss upon her death if she didn't help me sort it all out before. She refused, so here I am. It's been a blessing and a CURSE.
I have been decluttering for over a year. I find I really never finish. I started with my clothing. If I did not like the way I looked in that article of clothing, I let it go. But as time went on I found clothes that really were not comfortable, even though it looked good, so those clothes went as well. My closet space had more room. I do this with everything. Some things I kept, I found I did not use. I got rid of linens by keeping no more than two of each item.
You are such a beautiful and graceful lady. I am 67 and you inspire me in many ways. Decluttering project starts today! Looking forward to many more of your videos.
What a sympathetic lady.
Just as we do with Christmas decorations ( get them out for the holiday then put them away) I have linens by season (spring, summer, etc). dishes, living room pillows, pottery by seasons. I pack them by season, label the containers, and store in garage. Then only have the season’s items in the house. I used to teach school and organized my classroom by month. Now I do my house by season and de clutter by sorting and putting away. The House appears de cluttered and festive.
Great ideas!!
Mary Harvey I would never remember to change things for the next season except perhaps bedding. But I get it, especially being a teacher you guys are awesome & super organized! You have to be, to be good teacher!
I am also thinking about storing by seasons/holidays. I think it would be easier keeping same items together.
I am a giver. Declutering is not difficult for me. I bring everything to the Goodwill. I have learned to love what I have. I do not need more than I have.
Love your videos.
I give away lots of stuff too.
My first time here.... and am very glad I found you! My husband passed away a year and a half ago... and am finding my home too much work now. I own a lot of 'stuff' as I was married for 40years...and have always lived in the same house. Also I have had family move out and back in again.. others have come to stay for a short while...and everyone seems to have left 'stuff' behind too! so I am in dire need of sage advice!
Have them pick up their stuff or let them know you will donate it by a certain date.
Im ready to downsize and im only 33. Tired of all this stuff!
NeoAndersonReloaded Good for you!! Do it now & stop acquiring while you’re still young! You will be so happy & glad & your family will appreciate it💞
Thank you Margaret for your videos. I have passed them on to my sisters who also want organized spaces and to declutter their homes. We all like the Fly Lady system. The motto Fly is- finally loving yourself. Thank you again for your great information.
Fantastic video. I enjoyed listening to you and understand your talking points. Your the first! I do not use the 10 min timer.....I sleep for a couple hours before I do my cleaning and drink a double espresso....After that I have no choice but to declutter . I even put on lectures from youtube and listen to Bill Winston , a minister out of Chicago. I also vacuum, dust, throw the trash away , write bills and do paper work , not to mention the laundry and perhaps power wash the rugs and pillows on a hot day....I know this does not work for everyone, but after that espresso, GET OUT OF MY WAY! The timer is next to my alarm clock. I find this method keeps me from getting angry with myself.....Move over :)))))))))
When I decluttered my kids items, I took pictures of the things they had made. Then I took the items and boxed them up and gave the boxes to the kids so they could decide. I'm pretty sure they tossed the majority themselves but they enjoyed going through them one last time. My husband has a very difficult time letting go and this made it easier for him as he likes to find a new home for things rather than tossing.
Good strategy Darla!
After my divorce several years ago and downsizing I still have a basement full of unopened boxes, papers, photos & items of my grown daughters. I’m so overwhelmed by it all.
I’ve committed to a challenge for 10 days, 1 room a day starting 6/20. I hope this will motivate me.
Thank you
Good evening Margaret.Love the colors you are wearing,and the jewelry. You look really nice.Love all the ideas of decluttering I think I will soon be going through some things.Thanks again for sharing .Goodnight. God Bless
An idea that has helped me tremendously is to evaluate myself. What season am I in? I've decided that the self of the past or the future isn't going to hold me captive any longer. I'm not keeping anything that doesn't serve me right now. I'm older; I don't hike any more so a lot of the outdoor clothing and supplies went. I've moved on from beading to painting to quilting so I kept a really tiny collection from each old hobby and kept all my quilting supplies. I'm not a small woman and am unlikely to become so in the next couple of years so the size 12s and 14s went. I no longer entertain with big parties so the oversized platters and slow cookers and chili pots went. And so on, and so on. Now those feelings of guilt for not being the person those items would require me to be are gone!!
I really value things in my thoughts and heart / not ‘material’ things . It took me a while to accomplish this feeling / out look . Material things are just temporary . An email , note card , phone call , dinner with a loved one or friend’s are more satisfying. I keep items in my home that I only love and are necessary . It’s all about getting your priorities in order - seeing the material things for what they REALLY are . Putting items in there proper perspective.
How sweet you are! Glad I found your videos.
I've just finished my second move in two years, each time going to an even smaller apartment. It has meant that I have also gone through two rounds of downsizing and I have never felt so free. I gave all of my good china and such to my grown girls who will certainly use them more than I have ... which was once in 15 years! I more than halved my wardrobe, gave away cartons of books to the library for their book sale, and got rid of anything that I had not used or worn in the last two years. Why 2 years? Here in the northeast section of the U.S., we can have one mild winter followed by a winter of record breaking cold. The fur hat I did not use last year may be just the thing I need this winter. If I didn't use it for two years, chances are I don't need it. My weaknesses are purses and books. I am trying to go digital for my books and have pared down the print books from four bookcases to three shelves. My oldest granddaughter, age 23, is my purse police. I am steered away from the purse section of the store whenever possible, and if I buy one, I have to give one away. I went from 30 purses to 5 or 6. Now that I'm in my cozy little studio apartment with a huge window that allows for a lovely, long view, I don't miss anything that I've given away. In fact, I'm thinking I can even do with less. My stuff no longer owns me, and I only purchase what I really love and will actually use. It's a wonderful feeling.
Barb Parcells j
Good for you! I'm 73, and have spent the past 8 months slowly decluttering my one bedroom apartment. I totally amazes me how much stuff I had/have (it's an ongoing process) but the more I do the more I like it. It IS freeing and sort of magical! Salvation Army Pick Up guys are regular callers; they are a blessing for us senior folks, who cannot cart all of our stuff down to the car and then to a collection box or thrift store.
that's great, I find that doing the "low-hanging fruit" is fine, but it's difficult to keep moving forward until a planned move or similar comes in. It is a struggle for many, many people.
I think that my parents and grandparents had far less, and held on to things after wartime shortages and economic depressions showed them the value of doing that, but now we acquire things so much more easily,. A friend who is a hoarder just said that she knows the younger members of her family will probably just get in house-clearers once she's not there, and continues to live in a large house where three of the bedrooms are so full of stored items they can't really be used. (inherited extra furniture, and a lot of clothes and bedding and towels) She is gradually giving things away to charity, and I hope she'll be able to continue with this. Next year she wants to host friends from abroad, and that might give her the impetus! She isn't one of the sort of hoarders who appears on TV programmes, by the way, just a normal lady who has sorted out several homes after the death of relatives, and doesn't like throwing good stuff away.
Barb Parcells The only way I can do it is to do it in stages. It's too overwhelming to do at one time.
Barb Parcells )
I love the vibe I see on your channel. I will be watching you a whole lot more, love it!
I enjoy your message and your friendly, welcoming smile every time I watch. Keep it coming...you are appreciated!
It’s so difficult to just do it! I don’t know why. I have a problem separating from whatever I need to. It takes me forever little by little. I’m so frustrated with my own self. I have anxiety living with my accumulated stuff. But I lost some income find myself spending less. I enjoy the videos and especially the comments. I hope to get motivated enough to apply them.
Stumbled across your video today and I am decluttering at the present time. Love the ideas. I just look around and before I know it, it's time to purge again and at my age, I don't want to take care of it all. But it was interesting to realize that I am not the only one who feels attached to things I don't need
We sold our 3 bedroom, 2 studies, plus studio, home. We relocated to the city where I used to live, and my children live here too.
We ended up buying a 2-bedroom duplex in a lovely complex/estate. It is like living in a park; absolutely beautiful.
I declutter and decluttered! The local charity shop has also benefitted from this.
Giving away some of my precious books was possibly the most difficult.
Your video has given me the little push I needed: I shall now get rid if my little bunny slipper from about 70 years ago! Also two locks of my hair, which my mother had kept: it really is time!
It is really quite liberating to let go!
Thanks for the advice!
I could listen to this delightful woman all day!
Great video. I find that because I like organized spaces, I end up with lots of things in drawers and cabinets...behind closed doors. Now, I try to remember to check these places and purge, purge, purge.
Appreciate video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a good one of a kind product for decluttering your home minus the hard work. Ive heard some super things about it and my cousin after many years got excellent success with it.
Two things: if you've ever actually been to a dump and driven up the 5 story trash pile to push belongings out (as I have), it actually reshaped me into MORE of a saver of objects. Not because I need them, but because between that experience and one of volunteering for a charity shop, I came to view with horror the idea that we purge things, enjoy the high of feeling freer, but are too ready to re-consume. Charities have to set aside significant budgets for *dump fees*. Many Nations that used too accept our trash (Nigeria -fabric/clothes, China - plastics, also China - electronics/computers, etc) have closed their doors to our give aways, so they now go straight to the landfill. Fabric can last hundreds of years underground, away from light and oxygen. Plastics/synthetics, THOUSANDS of years.
So second: in following the imperative to consume lightly for the remainder of my life, I'm ten years into using things till they are truly broken/worn out. Which takes a surprisingly long time. I'm 50, and could never buy or acquire another thing for the remainder of my life and would still die with full drawers and cupboards. And FYI, most millennials are minimalistic - our kids only want art, or a few mid-century pieces. Thrift shops are bulging with unwanted glassware, China, knickknacks, linens. Antique stores are going out of business.
I truly need to eliminate more stuff, but the morality of where it goes is troubling to me. But in taking care of my elderly, frail mom, I see how important it is to have a simple, streamlined manner of living in order to age in place - the ability to remember what you have and use it falls away very significantly as time wears on.
Very thought provoking!
I agree. I give clothing to rummage sales at churches and to our local free store. Everything in there is free and take what you need. Keeps stuff out of land fills. As for papers with information on them, I burn them. I could shread, but I want the paper into ashes. In my area many antique stores have closed. Many Young people do not want that stuff and neither do I for
that matter. I liked the old stuff about thirty years ago, but now I don't want it. I gave my old heavy wood furniture away years ago. I want light stuff I can move around when I clean my house. No couches for me, only Lazy Boy recliners. My opinion.
The Magic of Tidying was an excellent book. It taught me how to fold my clothes . Now when I look in my uncluttered drawers I can see everything.
Hello, I just recently discovered your channel. I'm not in my 60's yet but I'm getting close. First of all, I find your voice very calming and inspiring. Yes, I have used a timer to accomplish things. I find once you get started, you want to keep going, but like you said, if you start getting overwhelmed, stop and come back later. One of the methods I have used is 'just 10 things each day' This can include any item...donate, garbage or recycle. At the end of the year, you will have gotten rid of 3650 items. Decluttering is an ongoing mission so you have to keep items to be decluttered on your radar. Thanks for making these videos. Have a great day. ☺
That is so true boxes of stuff I hadn't even opened in months downsizing!! Good will here they come!! lol
I Cry Happy Tears when I listen to u !! Such Good Advice
FINLEY I've found a woman more my age I keep finding all young ladies that are in their 20s and that's okay but I need to have things that I deal with our age lol I do still learn from all ages anyway nice to meet you and can't wait to get to know you.
I ditto this! My process sounds similar. Divorce....downsize. Then death of my mother and accumulation of her things and the process of clearing it all out. I kept on decluttering in small stages, but felt like I was on a merry-go-round, the process felt never ending. Decided to just DO IT, as quickly as possible. Many trips to donate and a Yard sale and finding homes for items. Now I can look at my space and say Ahhhhh............
Enjoy your empty spaces, not every corner or wall needs to be filled, and so tired of the clutter shuffle already, it's hard to clean too.
Me to, I'm so happy to find someone without little kids. Not that it's a bad thing, they are lovely, I'm happy for their stage in life, but I'm long past it.
I love the idea of the transit box and the dilemma box! This was very inspiring! thanks so much Margaret!
Me too, works so much better than the keep, donate, or toss boxes that I could never decide between so I just keep it all.
I have been looking for some logical tips. I love, and will commence the box method. I will also refrain from "cleaning up" as it does throw one off track.
Thank you so much.
Had to move from a four-room-flat to a small two-room-flat (financial reasons), so I really had to let a lot of stuff go. Sold maybe 10% of the stuff I didn´t want to take to the new flat, threw maybe another 5% away, and gave the rest of it to charity. I still got enough left, because it´s not much you really need.
Congrats to you!!!!
I love this idea of 20 minutes, thank you for this little talk
I love either chucking out, giving to charity , or giving stuff away to friends.It's so cathartic I find.Ps new subscriber + Sixty and Me.
Nobody wants my stuff as gifts - especially my grown kids. I have been a collector and I have some very nice things but people my age are all trying to downsize. Young people don't want "stuff".
Thanks for the good tips! I have SO many things that would go into my dilemma box-and then they stay there until the next time I try decluttering! Hahahaha!
Thanks for sharing you personal story, I find I put 'Likes with likes' this way I can see how much I have of the one thing. Look at the pile, then only keep what is brining you"Joy", if the item is attached to something you didn't like or has bad energy then recycle or donate.
You are lovely! I think you would be a nice neighbor to visit. Good for you, doing what you do... 🙂
I do the one drawer thing, and it so works. Also I have a pretty bag in every room, and when it comes to dusting, quite a few small ornaments end up in the bag, because I can't face having to dust it again, and on finishing dusting, the area looks so much cleaner and looks like you have actually cleaned.
ilovepoppies1 pinterest he to perk up house rooms without doing in depth jobs
I have three children and over years of suffering with different types of losses and moving I started really holding onto items. I ended up with a full home, 4 bedroom and basement. I had to declutter in order to fit into a three-bedroom apartment with no basement or storage. I still do have things at my mother's home for the children to play with when they visit, but decluttering has really made me feel a lot better. I know I can let go of even more! I think what I get hung up on is I don't want to let go of items that have pieces missing because I want to give it away with everything together. It takes me longer to let go of things because of that but I feel accomplished afterward. I really do have many more items to let go of I feel, but I know I'll get there! Thank you so much for these types of videos! They gave me good ideas. I was already using the idea of a maybe box, where I might keep it might not not sure what to do with it yet. I also kept trying to tell myself to stay in one room but that didn't work very well sometimes LOL. It really is wonderful to hear how everyone else is free releasing their clutter as well.
Hugs. Way to go 👏💪🎉🙌.
Great video. Made me get right up and visit my storage bin to try to get rid of one item out of each box! Here goes. Thanks Margaret. I like all talk of declutter. I seem to read about it more than actually doing it!!
Love your videos!!! I took two canvas bags and filled them every day and dropped off the contents at Goodwill on my way to work. After 15 days I had the clutter gone. I allowed only 15 minutes to decide per fill up. That’s 30 bags in total without the stress. Just break the big job in pieces. Yes you can!,
Your accent is so lovely .. sometimes it sounds London/English and then American! Transatlantic sounding! X
Hello!! I am so glad I found your UA-cam station! I am 65 and I am in the process if decluttering with my daughter... Karen's ideas sound like good ideas... At home on Maui, I have been working on decluttering as well, and it is slow going, however, I hope to use these tips and look at Karen's. Mahalo! mililani 🤗
Thanks Agnes for finding us! If you want to learn more about Sixty and Me you can go to www.sixtyandme.com :-)
You are easy to follow....so I listen to your videos. Thank you!
Hello! I watch your videos often and just wanted to say thank you, I enjoy listening to your ideas and advice. :) TFS
I love your video. You spoke to ME and MY clutter. I will return!
My best friend recently passed and her family was left with a horrible amount of tbings to go through includi g trying to find her will and car title. What a lesson! I am now on tbe band wagon to declutter. Why do we keep all that stuff?
What timing! I am currently dealing with trying to get my mom to go through the boxes that are sitting in our living room and have been there since we moved into this house in January. Most of this stuff has been packed for over 20 years and she has moved it with her every time they have moved! She refuses to go through the stuff. Going to try some of these tips and see if we can make some progress. Thank you! ~Elizabeth
Thank you. You reminds me of my mum who is also a strong lady like you. Wish you the best!
I am 63 and all the kids are gone, except the furry ones. Husband is still here, too. I have been going thru everything and just really digging deep and making all those dreaded decisions. I consider this the initial clean out, and will do it again soon. It is freeing, and easier to clean the house. Your video is an inspiration.
Same situation here. Hubby and I are empty nesters. Love it. We have dogs and cats...we love them.
couple ideas i hadnt thought of ,so thanks . have a nice day
I just found your channel. Thank you for the great ideas. I've worked at decluttering for past several years, stuff from deceased relatives. Sentimental stuff is hardest for me.
8/28/18...Fortunately when I had a small beach-type cottage built (not on stilts) in the country to fulfill my childhood love of the family cottage, it allowed me to only choose favorite pieces of furniture, however, in staying 100 lbs. over the years, the adorable clothing has accumulated (although I did let go of all the wonderful business suits when I took over my own finances)...So, I look at the clothing with sentiment, and all the amazing cards, gifts, and memorabilia that flow in, and just can't let them go, yet luckily, everything has a place, no clutter--just very full drawers & closets, etc., but now have reached the point to have let everyone know...If I can't Eat it, or Spend it, Don't Send It. Lol, :)
I fully agree Paula ‘ If I can’t eat it or spend it DON’T send it ‘ . I will be saying that loud and clear . Thank U sweetie .
Thanks to you, as well, Mary, your response allowed me to notice the missing 'o' in choose, and to fix it. Glad you like the little fun-saying, it's always worked for me. :)
Hi! I just found your channel and am in love with it! Thank you for sharing. I just moved from North Carolina to Issaquah, WA. after my husband's passing. These ideas are helpful.
Hi Elizabeth - glad you found our channel. I used to live in Issaquah 25 years ago - Klahanie :-) I bet it has changed a lot!
I love the transit box idea. I think I'm gonna steal that one.
Thank you for this! and for your story. I am too facing yet another crossroads. Now that I am older, I have to simplify things. And my goals years ago, are not what they are now. It is hard to let go of dreams you still want, but I too live in an apt! I am envious of your neat appearing and well organized apt. I appreciate tips on how to begin. Cindy
Thanks Cindy - hope all goes well with your next wonderful life adventure!
Hi Margaret, so glad I found you. I never had to downsize but I moved from NY to FL.after retirement. I sold and gave away just about everything. As for clutter, I hate it. I'm a minimalist. I will discard or donate in a minute and then say to myself, why did I do that? lol
new subscriber - I also feel that it's good to hear from someone who's doing decluttering and downsizing from the point of view of us "women of a certain age", because although the basics of "how to" are many times the same, but for me the "why to's" and some of the issues in decluttering as mother of a grown child, someone approaching retirement, etc. are different. You may already have this (I'll have to check your other videos) but I would love to hear about decluttering "family heirlooms" and memorabilia. I am working on this area and finding it very difficult. Sometimes family want the things and sometimes they don't so you REALLY have to make the decision to let it go.
Hi Martha - please take a look at our website - we have many articles on downsizing from all angles. www.sixtyandme.com
martha salter
Hey there. I have 2 adult daughters and am going through this. Oldest daughter bought a small home and dad and I furnished it for her. she bought a few things, but we have her lots of good things. youngest daughter does not want anything. as she lives in any apt. and has to live light. Never know when she will have to move or be transferred. Last summer she came home and went through her stuff and she wanted to throw away her high school.year books. athletic awards. plaques etc. well I would not let her do that. I donated all her high school stuff. including het academic letter jacket, to the local museum who wants high school stuff for exhibits. win win for all. she did not want her classrooms. nut I gave that to my oldest daughter to hold on to. as she is a packrat and has her home. Oldest also got the family pictures, as I wanted them to go to her as she would appreciate them. I still have the youngest daughter's pictures. maybe in a few years she may want them
If she does not, then she can dispose of them. Hope this helps.
martha salter auto correct hates me. gave her class ring to oldest for safe keeping. ring not worth anything, but someday she may want to look at it
I love the ideas, especially covering the clutter and concentrating on one area. I am tackling my art room right now. I have a lot of organizational bins, baskets, and other containers but the room still has that cluttered look.
Experts say, "You cannot organize clutter. You have to get rid of it." Hope this helps.
Get rid of not needed stuff before you get the bins etc. Then get what you need to store it in. You may not need as many totes etc. The totes, boxes storage stuff can become clutter, too. Craft stuff could be donated to a school, as art teachers need stuff.
The problem with scanning documents is that the technology changes and you can no longer get inexpensive access to them.
Start with small areas.... in small intervals of time, so to not exahausted..... if the clutters disturb your psych, cover them up while working on other portions :)....have dilemma boxes, transition boxes...etc..thank you....been real help
Small intervals are so important so as not to get burnt out. Also I have a chronic pain issue. So I find if I limit my decluttering to 15 min at a time, I don't wear myself out. I can take a break then go back to it for 15 more minutes. I can do this as many times in the day as I can physically endure.
Really needed this right now.
Brilliant tips and techniques!
You are an inspiration!!!
You made a wise choice to return to Seattle.
I bought a 1 ton Chevy Dump Truck. Best thing ever for decluttering your property. Pull up to the landfill and let it fly. Done.
Minimalism and decluttering is about doing so responsibly. What good does it do to just throw all of it away? It's a waste of resources.