Hello, I hope you are having a great day! Here is a link to my blog post on the 10 Declutter Habits that have transformed my Home: shannontorrens.com/declutter-habits/
I’m to the point where we are pretty much completely decluttered and nicely organized now it’s my goal to keep it this way. I bought a few things during the holiday sales and decided nope that’s just going to end up being clutter so I returned everything. Now on a no buy year. Only allowing myself to purchase to replace something that brakes. But first decide if it even needs replacing. Cleaning is so much easier now. Happy Sunday
Purchasing high quality items helps keep clutter down. It is something that Suze Orman spoke about that validated what I was thinking and doing. Love it, don’t buy something to replace it with another item that will break.
This uear im commited to achieving a decluttered home Just spent last two weeks having a mega purge 60 bags already gone💪👏👏 Didn't realise how physically tiring it is though 🤔😫 Thanks for inspiration Love from Yorkshire England xx
As a former Professional Organizer (retired in 2012 on disability) you are spot on! But such a great reminder as I go through all my husband's stuff who passed away in July 2023. He had Alzheimer's, so I wasn't able to really declutter for years because it would be to disruptive for him. And my mother moved in with us from Kansas in August of 2021 and then passed in November 2021, so I have all of her stuff to deal with! Needless to say, I am doing a massive clean out and your video inspired me, just hearing from someone one else and not from inside my head. Thanks!!!
"I'm over these" definitely resonated with me. I think that will be my new motto going forward. Thank you to you and your family for such great motivation.
That’s happened to me too. I had to go over and over places. When I first started decluttering I struggled to let things go. As time has gone on and I now find it a lot easier to let stuff go 😂. I am ruthless now! Clothes I was keeping because they were good quality have been let go. As have expensive (to me!) handbags I didn’t use etc. It gets easier with time. I think I’m almost there now. Just starting a massive deep clean from tomorrow. So much easier now I have a lot less clutter and am minimalist. Good luck everyone and have a great 2024.🎉😊
Really enjoy your channel. I am the same age as your mother and have been decluttering two years now. One thing I always imagined when I first started is that one day I would be finished with everything but as time goes by feelings about certain things change and out it goes. I do really enjoy the process though and your videos certainly keep me inspired. Thank you and take care!
I love the idea of the box size and when it is filled, that's it. I've been decluttering for awhile and just got rid of clothing items which haven't been worn in years because, just in case they come back in style. I then realized they were for a lifestyle(working) that will not come back(retired). It is freeing and I actually use/wear more of my clothing and hopefully look better for my current life.
So true about revisiting the same areas over and over. Peeling the onion like that really does work. I think Bcuz it takes a moment for our minds to evolve and catch up with what needs to go. As if peeling off a layer reveals more about the next layer underneath it and makes things gradually more clear to us. It’s a fascinating concept to me. I often think when I come back later why I didn’t notice it before on the last go round. Lol. Many times it’s just asking myself why I haven’t used it and then just implementing the “use it now or lose it” strategy. And then other times it’s just a matter of a thing sort of being given enough time and “chances” and its time is just finally up. Lol.
I reorganised and decluttered our walk in wardrobe as it was just a mess and got my husband on board to declutter his clothes. Now its such a pleasure to be in there.
Dana K. White’s container concept and take it there now rules ARE life changing. I’m so excited to finally see her methods reaching a broader audience.
I really love these videos because I have a hard time giving myself permission to let things go. Seeing the things you let go of help me so much to let some of my own things go!
Great tips for decluttering and maintaining. This year I too decluttered Christmas decor that I'm just over it. These past 3 years I have really been intentional with letting go of items that just take up space with no purpose. Really enjoy your videos!
Yes, layer by layer, peel that onion. Each Christmas, another layer. I got rid of the angel ornament that looked a bit creepy. I only just realized how creepy it was and then, well, I just can't un-see it😄. A few more gone because I was not feeling the joy of them. Less is more and I was able to downsize a container. Maybe next year it will be the wool coat that I am hanging on to, just in case...
Are we ACTUALLY using this instead of WILL we use this item - such a game-changing question to help push yourself into getting rid of things that are not serving you on a daily/weekly basis. Love this thought process!
Deal with incoming stuff right away… This has been my favorite tip to implement! We got so many gifts for Christmas, and I dealt with all of them straight away! Mail, groceries, gifts, packages…. They immediately find a spot in my home! Or get decluttered 😊
I donated several Christmas decor items...both before AND after Christmas. Some were just things I was "over"..even if it had been used this year. One item ( ceramic 🎅) got declutteted even after I had sat it out for decoration 😅 The habit to let thngs go is no longer painful, if that makes sense❤ Happy Friday from SW MO! We are seeing a new storm come in tonight with highs in the single digits coming up ☃️❄️🥶 I hope your January continues to be joyful, Shannon!
Hello Julia, It's great to hear from you! Yay, great job on the decluttering. I felt the same way this year about the Christmas decor, even though I used a few things I decided I didn't really enjoy them enough to keep. I hope you stay warm! =)
Thank you for teaching me to immediately place the an item in a declutter bin to donate or resell. My dad told me something as a young child that remained very impactful. I thought I was cleaning our family basement. I didn’t actually get rid of anything. I simply moved things around. He said I was playing a “chess match” with the items. I realized he was right. We were not using things, but simply moving them around. 😂 I am still learning that lesson as I continually evaluate what takes space in my home. Thank you again for your continued inspiration! ❤
Hi Shannon my name is linda.i watched you and your mom go through pictures so isat down with mine and through another of pictures out. Like you said if it is ocea or sky or water my son is not going to be want them. So I thank you and your mom for helping with that. Can you tell me what to do with old calendar.
Good ideas. I think about these ideas sometimes but not enough evidently. When I was younger I did the clutter boxes and put them in my storage room. Then in spring I has a yard sale with my mom. Now I'm older and worry about usage if ever. Love the vid.
Shannon, Nice set of habits to have. Today I gathered boxes, bags, wrapping paper, etc. That came into the house this Christmas. It felt so good to handle it all. Thanks for this vlog. Cheers
Always a good video, Shannon! My boyfriend gets mad at me often when I declutter. So, lots of times, I need to do it when he's not around and try to hide stuff in my trunk. It irriates me because it's my stuff. I ended up getting too many items of my mom/dads stuff when we cleaned out their house/garage this summer/fall, and I've changed my mind about how many things. It's just too much inventory, and it causes anxiety. ..and i just dont need it all. Some were sentimental, but now I'm just taking a picture and getting rid of it (of some items).
My husband is odd about stuff going too, and the odd thing is he grew up affluent and could easily buy anything or replace it meanwhile I grew up pinching pennies but I can get rid of what has no use 🤷🏻♀️ my daughters and I have been purging their room the last 2 wks and I’m so proud of them for being able to just focus on ‘this’ season of life 💛 but I intentionally am using large black garbage bags as precaution 🙄 he won’t even remember them ever having or using items but he’ll look at it as money we spent…. Also about 2 yrs ago I purged about a hundred bags or boxes of things and he doesn’t know anything that left … I think he asked about a coffee pot I got rid of and that’s it
Same here. I did the Mins game twice and hid everything I purged and no one noticed one single thing gone. I don’t say a word to my husband because he wouldn’t let me get rid of anything. I purge in complete secrecy. It’s getting harder though, because I have less clutter to camouflaged the bags of donations 😂😂
@lateonaname Same here. I didn't grow up with a lot and have been lower income for half of my life while my long term boyfriend doesn't give a thought to just about everything he buys as he's always had a good paying job. I would rather donate stuff I'm not using/no longer need than lay around and "collect dust." While he can easily replace stuff with no thought, I have to watch my pennies but still continue to give. I'm beyond recouping cost. It's all about inventory to me. I don't want to take care of an abundance of stuff anymore in my life.
I started to go through and get a bit more ruthless but my daughter came in whos 19 says I’ll be moving out and I’ll need these things when I move out and quite a bit went back ! She better be moving out soon lol ! I still was able to get rid of some items feels good and I’m going back in different areas now lol Thanks Shannon ❣️✌🏻
Good for her! We called these 'hope chests' for decades. The items are out of circulation in the original home and kept in a container used solely for the purpose of the recipient taking with them when they move out.
Dana K White suggested designating a space like a shelf in the garage or a section of a room for “when I move out” items for each kid so they’re out of the way and prioritized (because the space is limited). They can keep anything they like but they can’t keep everything if there isn’t enough space.
I have 3 colanders. I bought a large metal one in 1979 when I got married. I got a small blue plastic one, which collapses, for 25 cents at a thrift store. I got a medium plastic pink one for free during a manufacturer’s promotion for breast cancer. I don’t use the pink one because the holes are bigger than I like. I use the other two a lot So why am I keeping the pink one? I shouldn’t. It’s been claimed by my Freecycle group. The woman is giving it to her daughter, who is setting up her first apartment. I feel good someone is going to use it.
Thank you for your videos ❤ Quick question do you have a set number of clothes you wear? Like 7 shirts ,(dress/casual), 3 jeans, capris,dresses that you wear ? Just curious 🧐
OK, toys will keep accumulating. But other things should be somewhat under control at some point. If not, if things keep accumulating again and again, it's a sign that something is wrong with other habits (e.g. purchasing behavior!)
Well, we will always be going through things because they break/ wear out / or might not fit right / styles change. Also, things come in from mail/ kids school/ random birthday party bags/ and gifts that are given to us. But I agree there isn't much to declutter anymore for us because we are pretty minimal and we don't really buy anything unless it's replacing something.
Hello, I hope you are having a great day! Here is a link to my blog post on the 10 Declutter Habits that have transformed my Home: shannontorrens.com/declutter-habits/
I’m to the point where we are pretty much completely decluttered and nicely organized now it’s my goal to keep it this way. I bought a few things during the holiday sales and decided nope that’s just going to end up being clutter so I returned everything. Now on a no buy year. Only allowing myself to purchase to replace something that brakes. But first decide if it even needs replacing. Cleaning is so much easier now. Happy Sunday
That is wonderful! I admire your discipline. We are slowly getting there!
That's great!!!
I love that idea. I might try that too. 😊
Purchasing high quality items helps keep clutter down. It is something that Suze Orman spoke about that validated what I was thinking and doing. Love it, don’t buy something to replace it with another item that will break.
This uear im commited to achieving a decluttered home Just spent last two weeks having a mega purge 60 bags already gone💪👏👏 Didn't realise how physically tiring it is though 🤔😫 Thanks for inspiration Love from Yorkshire England xx
As a former Professional Organizer (retired in 2012 on disability) you are spot on! But such a great reminder as I go through all my husband's stuff who passed away in July 2023. He had Alzheimer's, so I wasn't able to really declutter for years because it would be to disruptive for him. And my mother moved in with us from Kansas in August of 2021 and then passed in November 2021, so I have all of her stuff to deal with! Needless to say, I am doing a massive clean out and your video inspired me, just hearing from someone one else and not from inside my head. Thanks!!!
Revisiting spaces in your home periodically to declutter is one of the best tips for me. I always find items to either donate or trash every time!
"I'm over these" definitely resonated with me. I think that will be my new motto going forward. Thank you to you and your family for such great motivation.
Thank you! I hope you are doing well.
That’s happened to me too. I had to go over and over places. When I first started decluttering I struggled to let things go. As time has gone on and I now find it a lot easier to let stuff go 😂. I am ruthless now! Clothes I was keeping because they were good quality have been let go. As have expensive (to me!) handbags I didn’t use etc. It gets easier with time. I think I’m almost there now. Just starting a massive deep clean from tomorrow. So much easier now I have a lot less clutter and am minimalist. Good luck everyone and have a great 2024.🎉😊
Really enjoy your channel. I am the same age as your mother and have been decluttering two years now. One thing I always imagined when I first started is that one day I would be finished with everything but as time goes by feelings about certain things change and out it goes. I do really enjoy the process though and your videos certainly keep me inspired. Thank you and take care!
I love the idea of the box size and when it is filled, that's it. I've been decluttering for awhile and just got rid of clothing items which haven't been worn in years because, just in case they come back in style. I then realized they were for a lifestyle(working) that will not come back(retired). It is freeing and I actually use/wear more of my clothing and hopefully look better for my current life.
So true about revisiting the same areas over and over. Peeling the onion like that really does work. I think Bcuz it takes a moment for our minds to evolve and catch up with what needs to go. As if peeling off a layer reveals more about the next layer underneath it and makes things gradually more clear to us. It’s a fascinating concept to me. I often think when I come back later why I didn’t notice it before on the last go round. Lol. Many times it’s just asking myself why I haven’t used it and then just implementing the “use it now or lose it” strategy. And then other times it’s just a matter of a thing sort of being given enough time and “chances” and its time is just finally up. Lol.
I reorganised and decluttered our walk in wardrobe as it was just a mess and got my husband on board to declutter his clothes. Now its such a pleasure to be in there.
Dana K. White’s container concept and take it there now rules ARE life changing. I’m so excited to finally see her methods reaching a broader audience.
Always a great episode! I appreciate you so much! ~ Belinda
I decluttered a coat yesterday it had a receipt from 2012 in the pocket
I really love these videos because I have a hard time giving myself permission to let things go. Seeing the things you let go of help me so much to let some of my own things go!
Love that!
Great tips for decluttering and maintaining. This year I too decluttered Christmas decor that I'm just over it. These past 3 years I have really been intentional with letting go of items that just take up space with no purpose. Really enjoy your videos!
Thank you! I hope you are having a good weekend.
Yes, layer by layer, peel that onion. Each Christmas, another layer. I got rid of the angel ornament that looked a bit creepy. I only just realized how creepy it was and then, well, I just can't un-see it😄. A few more gone because I was not feeling the joy of them. Less is more and I was able to downsize a container.
Maybe next year it will be the wool coat that I am hanging on to, just in case...
Are we ACTUALLY using this instead of WILL we use this item - such a game-changing question to help push yourself into getting rid of things that are not serving you on a daily/weekly basis. Love this thought process!
Deal with incoming stuff right away… This has been my favorite tip to implement! We got so many gifts for Christmas, and I dealt with all of them straight away! Mail, groceries, gifts, packages…. They immediately find a spot in my home! Or get decluttered 😊
Yes, I am exactly the same! =)
My declutter began after last Christmas, but that onion still needs to be peeled 😂 Love your channel for motivation ❤
We're all rooting for you. As Shannon shows it's an ongoing process.
I donated several Christmas decor items...both before AND after Christmas. Some were just things I was "over"..even if it had been used this year. One item ( ceramic 🎅) got declutteted even after I had sat it out for decoration 😅 The habit to let thngs go is no longer painful, if that makes sense❤
Happy Friday from SW MO! We are seeing a new storm come in tonight with highs in the single digits coming up ☃️❄️🥶
I hope your January continues to be joyful, Shannon!
Hello Julia, It's great to hear from you! Yay, great job on the decluttering. I felt the same way this year about the Christmas decor, even though I used a few things I decided I didn't really enjoy them enough to keep. I hope you stay warm! =)
Excellent video Shannon. Thanks as always for sharing your journey in such a relatable way
Thank you Susan! I hope you are doing well.
Dear Shannon, you are such an inspiration - thank you so much for reminding me what to do to stay clutterfree 🙏☺️ Greetings from Munich, Germany 🌈💚👋
I tried the 15 minute declutter trick and got a bag full already. Love it
It's very difficult to me to declutter things. I don't know where to start. I'm a super accumulator 🥺. I hope your videos help me. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Great video and as always great advice 😊❤️
I always appreciate your tips! Decluttering is so overwhelming that tips are really helpful!
Thank you for teaching me to immediately place the an item in a declutter bin to donate or resell. My dad told me something as a young child that remained very impactful. I thought I was cleaning our family basement. I didn’t actually get rid of anything. I simply moved things around. He said I was playing a “chess match” with the items. I realized he was right. We were not using things, but simply moving them around. 😂 I am still learning that lesson as I continually evaluate what takes space in my home. Thank you again for your continued inspiration! ❤
Yes! Dana K White calls this “stuff shuffling”
Hi Shannon my name is linda.i watched you and your mom go through pictures so isat down with mine and through another of pictures out. Like you said if it is ocea or sky or water my son is not going to be want them. So I thank you and your mom for helping with that. Can you tell me what to do with old calendar.
As always, such a great, encouraging video for those of us several years down the simple living road.
Thank you Shannon for the reminders.❤❤❤
Thank you for being here! =)
It always amazes me that you can still find things to declutter. I liked the garage declutter with your mom, it was fun. Happy 1st Sunday of the year!
Hi Linda, I hope you are having a good beginning to the new year.
@@shannontorrens1 - I have good intentions, hope they play out! Thank you.
Good ideas. I think about these ideas sometimes but not enough evidently.
When I was younger I did the clutter boxes and put them in my storage room. Then in spring I has a yard sale with my mom.
Now I'm older and worry about usage if ever.
Love the vid.
Great tips! I appreciate you and your channel. 😊🐦
great reminders here--I need to work on dealing with things as they come in the door
Gracias
Well, you stopped me when you said you and your mom were decluttering the garage together as “a fun project.” 🤣😂🤣
Shannon, Nice set of habits to have.
Today I gathered boxes, bags, wrapping paper, etc. That came into the house this Christmas. It felt so good to handle it all.
Thanks for this vlog.
Cheers
Thanks Shannon! It took me a while to learn decluttering is just not a one and done deal. It's sort of like oh look, more dishes.
So true!
When people find those dresses and that coat at the thrift store, they are going to be thrilled!
Always a good video, Shannon! My boyfriend gets mad at me often when I declutter. So, lots of times, I need to do it when he's not around and try to hide stuff in my trunk. It irriates me because it's my stuff. I ended up getting too many items of my mom/dads stuff when we cleaned out their house/garage this summer/fall, and I've changed my mind about how many things. It's just too much inventory, and it causes anxiety. ..and i just dont need it all. Some were sentimental, but now I'm just taking a picture and getting rid of it (of some items).
My husband is odd about stuff going too, and the odd thing is he grew up affluent and could easily buy anything or replace it meanwhile I grew up pinching pennies but I can get rid of what has no use 🤷🏻♀️ my daughters and I have been purging their room the last 2 wks and I’m so proud of them for being able to just focus on ‘this’ season of life 💛 but I intentionally am using large black garbage bags as precaution 🙄 he won’t even remember them ever having or using items but he’ll look at it as money we spent…. Also about 2 yrs ago I purged about a hundred bags or boxes of things and he doesn’t know anything that left … I think he asked about a coffee pot I got rid of and that’s it
Same here. I did the Mins game twice and hid everything I purged and no one noticed one single thing gone. I don’t say a word to my husband because he wouldn’t let me get rid of anything. I purge in complete secrecy. It’s getting harder though, because I have less clutter to camouflaged the bags of donations 😂😂
@lateonaname Same here. I didn't grow up with a lot and have been lower income for half of my life while my long term boyfriend doesn't give a thought to just about everything he buys as he's always had a good paying job. I would rather donate stuff I'm not using/no longer need than lay around and "collect dust." While he can easily replace stuff with no thought, I have to watch my pennies but still continue to give. I'm beyond recouping cost. It's all about inventory to me. I don't want to take care of an abundance of stuff anymore in my life.
@@kims914 Your last sentence made me laugh. I hear you. 😂
Thank you 😊
This was great!
INTERESTING VIDEO, THANKS 👍👍
Happy New Year to your beautiful family! ❤
Happy new year!!
Smart I like that thank you! 😊
Thank you
When you look at the old footage pre-Levi, you can really see how far you've come. 🙂
Thank you! 💕
Great ideas! ❤
Good for you Shannon, getting rid of those old fancy dresses!
I know! They didn't even fit, also not really my style anymore too.
Where did you get that white bench?
That was from Walmart a few years ago, but I have to warn you it's not the best quality. =)
Are those light sabers made with pool noodles?! Genius…will definitely do that 😂
Yes! They are from a party and the kids love them.
great tips xo happy new year xolori
I started to go through and get a bit more ruthless but my daughter came in whos 19 says I’ll be moving out and I’ll need these things when I move out and quite a bit went back ! She better be moving out soon lol ! I still was able to get rid of some items feels good and I’m going back in different areas now lol Thanks Shannon ❣️✌🏻
Good for her! We called these 'hope chests' for decades. The items are out of circulation in the original home and kept in a container used solely for the purpose of the recipient taking with them when they move out.
Dana K White suggested designating a space like a shelf in the garage or a section of a room for “when I move out” items for each kid so they’re out of the way and prioritized (because the space is limited). They can keep anything they like but they can’t keep everything if there isn’t enough space.
I went through my wardrobe and I have 33 items of clothing plus underwear,pjs, and bathers
I have 3 colanders. I bought a large metal one in 1979 when I got married. I got a small blue plastic one, which collapses, for 25 cents at a thrift store. I got a medium plastic pink one for free during a manufacturer’s promotion for breast cancer.
I don’t use the pink one because the holes are bigger than I like. I use the other two a lot
So why am I keeping the pink one? I shouldn’t.
It’s been claimed by my Freecycle group. The woman is giving it to her daughter, who is setting up her first apartment.
I feel good someone is going to use it.
Good job, Shannon. Can you sell those dresses?🎉🎉🎉
Thank you for your videos ❤
Quick question do you have a set number of clothes you wear?
Like 7 shirts ,(dress/casual), 3 jeans, capris,dresses that you wear ?
Just curious 🧐
I don't have a set number. I just keep what I wear all the time and I don't keep a lot of back up items. =)
Hi there sweetie pie hope you are well great ideas love your videos love from Eugenie xxx Happy New Year to you and your family 🎉♨️✨🏡💞
Do you plan to remodel your kitchen with new cabinets, flooring, appliances including a dishwasher? I can’t remember if you ever commented on that.
My biggest hurdle is my sentimental hoarding children who still live with me!!!!
Space drove my initial declutter. I found 7 rolls of invisible tape. Who needs that many? Thankfully now they're all in one place.
OK, toys will keep accumulating. But other things should be somewhat under control at some point. If not, if things keep accumulating again and again, it's a sign that something is wrong with other habits (e.g. purchasing behavior!)
Well, we will always be going through things because they break/ wear out / or might not fit right / styles change. Also, things come in from mail/ kids school/ random birthday party bags/ and gifts that are given to us. But I agree there isn't much to declutter anymore for us because we are pretty minimal and we don't really buy anything unless it's replacing something.
❤
Gosh I wish I had you or your mom to come help me declutter. Why is it always easier to declutter with someone else helping you?
Thank you!