Switching from minimalist to essentialist was groundbreaking

@@kimgordon3695 um, what’s essentialist pls?

@@elizabethmathena7668 I’m so sorry. I do understand. I have special needs kids here, (adult and young), and I do know that there’s stress unlimited.. especially when you cannot just gather your keys and go like so many people can do. If you need anything I hope that you’ll let someone know here and maybe one of us can help in some way. I often wish I just had company to sit with me when I start a difficult project. If you need someone just give a yell here 🙂 💕🙏🏼

instablaster

My boyfriend is a hoarder and I am losing my life as a neat freak.

Spot on! I have several boxes of things that I am ready to let go, but may be the only thing that stands between me and homelessness...someday. It is frightening to let go when you are afraid of the future.

@@wordsculpt: Oh, I agree and feel you.

Yes, I totally agree! Been through poverty/unemployment as well as hurricane Sandy which destroyed almost everything here. I have the mindset of "I could still use that thing or repurpose it" which os one of the ways I've survived...is reusing or repurposing..so it's hard to part with stuff even if I'm not using it at the moment. Silly example, after the hurricane, all we could eat was the Halloween candy we had. We ate that for weeks just because it was easy and available. (Yes, snickers will satisfy hunger for awhile lol) 9 years later, I've gained too much weight and trying to diet but yet, after Halloween, I can't bring myself to throw away any extra candy because I think "what if we need to eat it one day when we're starving again?" Of course this pandemic and it's uncertainty doesn't help my mindset of "what if" 🤨

I get that but that could be solved by actually selling the stuff if its something that does have value (not like in super expensive just someone might be willing to pick it up and pay for it), that way you are improving your financial situation. Also actually think through what you use or might need that item for, if you cant find a practical use and it also doesn't bring you happiness in life then it should be safe to get rid of. I have some hiking equipment I've included I literally only keep for a possible emergency at this point (was planning to use a lot when I got it but realized I never will), like if I had to flee from my own home and survive in the wilderness for a while or I have to hunt my own food because the store stops delivering or something, some of it may be needed then.

Wow! Those were my same thoughts half way through the video lol. 😆

Thank you for sharing that great tip! It really cuts down on those impulse buys!

I like to do that too. It really does help a lot. Every once in awhile I'm sad that I miss something that was on sale for a really good price. But after doing it for a while I have gotten a feel for if I'm just seeing a bargain or I really need it and it's a good deal.

Thats so helpful. I dont let myself go to target bc its like i dont decide what i need from target... target decides what i need from target. Hopefully this helps me lol

Huft.. this is me.. but not my families.. not just my parents my other families also.. like each of our house there will be clutter everywhere!! Ugh.. when i tried to declutter, or rearrange em again, they get mad.. me and my brothers don't even have a proper bedroom because of this..

Omg thank you so much this is actually really smart!! I’m horrible with money so this going to help me a lot!! Thank you! I’m going to definitely try it.

Thx!

Okay I can do this !!!!!!

I just have way to much stuff and I'm starting with getting rid of old clothes and other random crap I'll never use.

You know doing this (listing what is being covered in the video) lowers the creator channel's statistics? I saw your list and now I'm not going to watch the video because I no longer feel I need to. Videos need views in order to be successful. Please don't do this, I know for the audience it's helpful, but to the creator it's not and I believe she's put a lot of work in creating her content

@@catgato5803 that's more of a reason to watch the video to support the creator and give her a thumbs up for her video and share it !!

I love the sounds of that approach! Thanks, Carole!

Perfect and practical advice!!

It works!

that's a really great idea carole

Conesour

This is a great idea!

This is so great and my experience too, except that the "free bin" where I live, is run by the council. I used to worry a lot about what would happen to the stuff I donated at thrift stores, or whether it should have been trashed instead. I also wondered if I should try to sell some of it, but I do realize that selling is work, and when I don't want something anymore, I don't want to deal with it anymore, but get rid of it. It amazes me what others will find valueable vs worthless, but the free bin is a good help for me to practice "don't judge". I have to NOT be able to keep track of what actually happens to "my" stuff, though, and this place, which is accessible for everyone, allows me to let it go.

Love this! My old apartment complex had the same thing in our laundry room! It was also a great conversation starter with others living in the apartment

For one moment I thought the bin was called free because it can help you to be free of items you nolonger want 😄

Love this!

Aww, thank you! I'm so happy to hear that!

Moving does provide a lot of clarity!

I moved from a music teaching job, and had to declutter props, music, instruments: and then downsized from my old house....still decluttering...

They don't, though...

I now understand when I finally became stable (married, children, and home). My mother start sending me all my stuff and things. I felt sentimental with she sent those things to me. Now I know why. I am waiting on my children to become stable. And I will share this family tradition🫢

Hey, whatever works to tackle a mess! :)

Love this😂❤

Right?! Nothing more soothing than throwing at the trash to some Chris Tomlin!

Jah bless. Thanks for the inspiration you didn’t know you flourished!

❤️😂

Dr . A . Rosenberg Gee! That is exactly how my ex husband used to declutter! 😄

Me tool

I think that is how most people declutter!

This is sad. So sorry about this.🙁

🤣😂🤣

Yay! I'm so happy to hear that! I think that is essential in today's society, not just with decluttering but most things!

@@AbundantlyMinimal I actually think our tendency to compare ourselves to others, is why we need to declutter in the first place...

@@ingerfalch-jacobsen1717 Depends. I'm cleaning my room because a messy messy room makes me feel more dead then usual.

It is all about finding a happy balance! Good work for reflecting on what mattered to you! :)

​@@simbalantana4572 What the heck? Cozy is very compatible with Konmari! (Waaaay more so than minimalism, which is Not what her method is about) Did you ever actually read her book? she talks several times about how for some people they have many things that make them happy, and if you have lots of things that truly bring you joy that you need find a good way to incorporate them into your living space so that the space itself can also bring you joy. That means keeping things that make you joyful because they're cozy. Also she explicitly talks about how several of her clients needed to get rid of the things that don't spark joy specifically to make room for buying New Stuff That Does Spark Joy. Like her version of decluttering isn't about avoiding getting new stuff (again it's Not like minimalism, which is about limiting things to what's necessary.) It's about keeping what makes you happy

That is so true!

Honestly, it's more of an excuse to keep things. If you purge something that you find you need later just re-purchase it.

I AM THE BIGGEST HOARDER IN THE WORLD and the things i hoard never come in handy but i need the thungs later which my mom made me throw away

Sometimes it does.

I once threw away markers which i held for 5+ years just in case I'll need them. Few years later i really needed them for my art project...

I love that!! That is wonderful!

I do this, too. Since buying a house and having a child, I have an area for gathering charity items, which I donate once it reaches a certain volume. It’s a little disconcerting that the area never stays empty for long.

I agree, I have four kids and its a continual process. It helps a lot to treat it as ongoing. I've seen many households with young children that have gotten overwhelmed by stuff.

I agree. But also if you haven't used it, you won't miss it so even if someone took it away without you knowing, you wouldn't even be affected!

Mossy Oak Mom the best rule of thumb as you say is to be sure before putting it in the donate bag and do not look in it again.

Slow and steady wins the race!

I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

Exactly!! I think that is why I hang on a little too long with things. But I hear that problem continues when you get married....then the spouse wants to trash things without asking. *Sigh*

Same ..my younger brother. .burned nd also thrown my books. ..when I am out..or he throw my all study materials. .I keep buying even new books she throw or sell out.he even thrown my clothes so many things which is hurts. .at times..he raise hands on me...too I am 32 year girl stay with my mum and brother my father passed away 2018..unfortunately my brother keep abusing mum nd me too he is 4 yrs younger ..but control all house.as a boss..

abcc abc so sorry to hear but just keep your chin up and I'm glad you and your mom have each other ❤️

Sorry to hear that. Well now it's your decision!

That is wonderful, Lainey! Keep up the great progress!

I'm glad that system is working well for you!

I have been helping my Mom declutter and just recommended this to her. She is having trouble decluttering a lot and suggested she have a donate box and the “trial separation box” for the things she isn’t sure of. I told her to put her own timeline on it. (Maybe even 6 months or a year.). But I think this will help her see if she really uses it and realize that she doesn’t really use the items she thinks she does. I want her to feel the control over this process.

Trial Separation-great 💡 idea!

That is wonderful progress! Keep up the great work!

That is true! The outside perspective can be immensely helpful!

I'm glad it was helpful, Stacy!

Thank you, Judi! I'm so happy to hear that this was helpful for you!

That is quite a story, but it seems like it was a good idea to let go of the bad energy from it!

That’s really silly. Clearly the dress was innocent of all wrongdoing...

nmoss m I agree that would make me feel better about getting rid of it, Wonder If the new owner has bad things happen?

Daisystar Shine not sure, but I did not want it on my possession because it also reminded me of bad times.

I can’t listen to a certain song for similar reasons. I know better but it’s still difficult

Definitely! Great tip!

I'm a MAJOR book fiend. Annually, I do a book purge. I swear for the 30 books I buy each year, I often only purge like 3-5 books. I'm right there with you. The books I read are usually on the Malcolm Gladwell level. I love books about people issues, history, psychology, politics. So, if I get rid of something it's because it bombed big time and because I left it a very thorough review on amazon why it didn't stay in my library. hahaha

I agree, in my room i only need a place to sleep, a desk or something where i can work and study, my books and some clothes.

I agree100%

I began to "lend" them a little while ago keeping an it's-ok-if-they-don't-return mindset. It helps but still doesn't apply to all of my books haha and I decided to do so because I feel greedy knowing how much paper and organic supplies are needed to make a single book and only "using" it once. Not really a deccluter deal tbh.

@@reubz8644 as I said, I have a Kindle that I use frequently :) but I also like having physical books

That is wonderful! Keep up the great work!

I have done something similar but leave the box in the trunk of my car. As I find things I don't need they leave the house. Goodwill is next to one of the grocery stores I go to so it's easy to drop off regularly as the box fills up.

I have found taking pictures of the items helps me a lot too.

@@maureenclarke8120 same!!

It is absolutely a personal journey!

Perfectly said......

I once decluttered all my childhood toys and things and sometimes i miss them so much but i can’t keep a room full of childhood things. I think maybe when you want to remember something or someone you can take pictures of it and get rid of some of the stuff

The choice isn’t all or nothing, between getting rid of everything or keeping a room full of toys. My uncle had a stuffed monkey doll that he kept his entire life. My aunt wanted to throw it out once and he said don’t you dare, he’s my buddy. When my uncle passed away in his 70s, my aunt had the doll buried with him. That one doll probably stood in for a whole childhood of memories.

@@babichevi7950 very well said. You can keep a few items without having to keep EVERY SINGLE THING.

Julie Knudsen , I feel like your explanation was so complete and eloquent. Thank you for putting into a few, well chosen words what I have tried to explain to others since my parents passed, especially (not knocking it) the Ikea generation.

I love that books make you happy! :)

I struggle with book decluttering, too. This is my first year of not teaching, and I wonder, "Will I go back?" The books are important if I do because I'm a researcher--you can't replace these w a KZfaq search. So, I started separating them... ones I thing I might use, ones I used because school didn't really give resources and I wrote my own material, and ones I LOVE. I gave the "in case" to a fellow historian to start his school's academic library. If I don't go back next year, I'll give the second group to them, too. And I'll always have "too many" of the ones I love but at least it'll be a few less, lol.

It is cool to hear from fellow and former educators! I can imagine the challenges that books pose from a research perspective, since you probably need a lot of materials!

@@AbundantlyMinimal I probably don't need them as much as I think I do... I used to cycle through them, and since we didn't know what we were teaching till sometimes a week (one year 2 days!!!) before school, I was afraid to let them go. I'm actually writing about all this now--and it touches on minimalism/decluttering/finances. That's why I was so happy when I found your channel. I was editing the final draft of the book, happy that there are other educators who get it:)

Yes the thing I mainly own myself are books but if you are going to refer to them again and/or loved the story, then keep it. If not, give it to someone else to read and love. Most of my books are self help/reference books on subjects but any that are story books are classics and ones I know I will read again. But in general most books once I've read them I pass on.

Congrats, Alexandra! This is huge!

That's great, Becky! Moving is such a nice opportunity for a fresh start!

That is awesome!

Books are my biggest concern. Every room (including the bathroom) has a bookshelf with 3 or more shelves. More than half of the shelves are double stacked, so I can't even see the titles of the books hiding behind. My rules 1. Go slow. Purge one shelf at a time as you think of it while watching TV or listening to music. 2. If I can get a copy at the library purge it. 3. If I have never read it, why? Get rid of it unless you have always wanted to read it. 4. Best buddy books - gotta keep. It's okay. You'll probably read it again. And again.

Interesting

The real deal, I disagree. I got rid of all the dictionaries, thesaurus' and the like a few years ago, because with Google, who needs hard copies taking up space?

That is a great idea!

That is great to hear, Denise!

Maya The Brave of Kitwanga this is my fear.

What kind of things did you end up having to buy again? Just to get an idea of what kind of things to be careful when purging

Sounds like a hoarder

I've found that I keep things that I "might find to be useful in the future" (rarely is that the case...)

If I haven’t used it within a year of getting it, I’m getting rid of it. By that time the person who gave it to you has probably forgotten it. Sometimes I know I won’t use it in the year to come, but I still keep it cause throwing it out immediately feels a bit asshole-ish 😂 but after a year? It can go.

@@sannewalraven7723 agreed. I've gotten way more into decluttering since I posted my original comment

Stuff like that that’s unused I tend to Donate.

I'm so glad they could help, Barbara!

I'm glad it was helpful!

You are very welcome, Sonia!

That is an excellent strategy, Charisma!

I decided for myself to stop watching decluttering videos from people living in Florida or other warm places Florida person: "Look at this! I have THREE SWEATERS! Who needs THREE SWEATERS!" Me: *cries in danish*

I like the idea of decluttering by seasons. This way I am not waiting for the season to come. Live in Chicago so I go through all the seasons. Thanks

Live in KY. Typically have a touch of four seasons Decluttered summer clothes as I put them away for the season. Now have 3, yes only 3 plastic storage containers of summer clothes. I change sizes about once every 3 years so got to keep some fat clothes and some skinny clothes (not efficient i know). Worked well this past summer when I lost 45 pounds as I had skinny clothes to fall back on. Concerned will be dragging out the fatter clothes summer 2019. Haven't bought anything except thermal leggings since at least fall 2017.

I do the same but at the beginning of the next season for the next season. I usually see items I do not want to wear anymore, are too small or just worn out and then I think I don't want to wear this anymore and throw it out. Then I usually think about what items I need, in what colors I would like them and look out for those items. I also write these items down so I know that these are the exact items that I need

Good one! 🤣

😂💕👏🥴

I'm so happy it was helpful! I think there are many people who have done the same thing as you, but we all value different things differently!

A helpful phrase I use is "keep the best, declutter the rest", which could help you sort out your favorite items from the ones that didn't quite work as well as you'd hoped!

Great tips, Renata!

I'm glad the video was helpful, Mary!

these sell really well on ebay

I'm so glad to hear that!

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

Definitely! Nice work, Lara!

I'm so glad it was helpful, Jennifer!

Consign it, sell it on Mecari, bless someone use FREECYLE.

Joy Lake I ended up donating it. It’s from YEARS ago, super out of date now lol

I have my prom dress from 1963. My girls wore it and my 17 year old granddaughter will wear it. Then, maybe, I shall give it away.

I have my prom dress from 1974 and keeping it, it's not in the way...

My declutter strategy is to ask myself if the item has enough value, monetarily or emotionally, to pay for moving to my next home in three years. Those items with some value were sold via Facebook Marketplace. Included items a sibling sent home with me for which I had no use, nor did my adult children. Priced items less than thrift store to entice a buyer. The thrift stores were over whelmed with donations of people decluttering. Have many more items to post for sale for porch pickup in the spring. Never follow the 6 month rule as frequently go to my stash of fabric, plywood, hardware to create something for gifting.

Thank you! I'm really happy to hear that!

I'm so happy to hear that!

Thank you!

I'm happy to hear that!

Rebecca! I follow you on tube! I’m a Morissette fan i love your reaction videos. Glad to know you’re into minimalism too! Wow

You are very welcome, Terry!

moni x I’ve found that I can sometimes get rid of those sentimental items more easily if I photograph them first. That way I can still look at them and reminisce if I want to without having them take up space.

@@bruriadraiman5977 great idea. I need to declutter some digital things too. Than I can save some that really matter. Thanx for advice.

I like your "thank you and goodbye" approach! Thanks Olwyn!

A cardigan with a hole should actually not even go to a thrift store.

YES YES YES!!! So proud of you!

I feel your pain, especially for those you have lost. Declutter slowly. There is no rush.

Taking pics of the items and making a gallery wall is a wonderful way to salute and honor their lives! Maybe include a few pics of them or you with them too?

I hold on to items because I get sad thoughts because I say “if my kid was to pass...I would’ve wished I kept that”. I have been in the process of letting go and have even had a dumpster delivered. I’m on day 5... I started with things I KNEW without a doubt was trash. Now I’m into the sentimental things. If I become overwhelmed or start to become too emotional I take a break or move on to a different box. My strategy is to TRY to keep half and let go of half of each box. If it gets emotional I will go move onto something like a “junk drawer”. Sometimes it’s a small thing I de clutter... even if it’s as simple as an old purse. I am also realizing I need to be patient through this process. Keeping in mind what I have done and not thinking of what is still left to do. I just keep moving one box, or drawer, or whatever at a time. And I don’t get discouraged if there seems to be a box that I just can’t “halve” at the moment.... I’ll just ask myself to maybe pick just three things from the box to let go of today. I’m decluttering because I have toooo much stuff and it causing me stress. And because I don’t want my children to have to worry about all my “stuff”, should I pass on. I want them to know where to find the photo albums and the scrapbooks, and the legos(lol). It’s been rewarding so far, although I still have a long way to go. I’ve been able to find things that meant a lot but were hidden or buried by things that didn’t mean as much. And right now my rule is.....”nothing more comes in the house until I am done the first round”. My daughter saw two xmas items I put outside to give away... and she really wanted to keep them... so I told her you can keep them only if you go find two other xmas items from the box to get rid of 👍. My kids are 20 and 21.... somethings I get their input on what they might want me to keep. Those moments have been nice because I learn what kind of things they find sentimental. ( often it is different than what I find sentimental ). It’s nice to hear their point of view. That’s been the most rewarding part of this journey. Good luck to everyone out there who is trying to let go. I find that many things spark the same memory or old feeling. So if I have 10 things that spark a feeling or memory.. I will try to keep maybe only 3 of them.

I’m sorry.. my mini walk in wardrobe is filled to the rim! I can’t access clothes hung inside unless I moved everything out. It’s so stressful!!! I’m stuck with wearing what’s near the door and drawers mostly :(

Mog-Gyver O'Neill you have had a lot of pain , how terrible , I love what you said about their things having a chance to shine on someone else’s life , when my husband died , a friend said ,’ don’t cry because they are gone , smile because they were here ,xxxxx

I love it! :)

having aessy craft drawer makes me feel more professional in a way lol

I feel the same about my craft room... but time to get rid of the old and make room for new stuff!!!🤪😍😍

I completely agree. I can get by with lots less stuff in every room but the craft and print stuff. Like books, writing, etc. But yes, less stuff everywhere else, fine.

Thank you! You got this!

Welcome to the channel! :)

Abundantly Minimal Thanks!

Thanks for your comment, Sam! I guess it is an unfortunate coincidence that I look like one of your exes, but I am very happy that the videos can be helpful for you! Let's have a great 2019! :)

Exposure therapy is a thing! You're doing great

I'm so glad that it was helpful, Laura!

I want to be have that addiction!

Thank you for sharing, Sandra! I had not heard of this before, but I bet there are others who feel the same way. Thanks!

I absolutely agree that I feel my hormones do impact my “cleaning” and “decluttering”. When I’ve discussed this with the women in my family they have told me it’s normal because we prepare for a family during different times of our cycle. Certain times of my cycle I’m lethargic and less neat than others, but other times I want to have a very neat and tidy home and during these times I want to reorganize and declutter everything!

@@alexandra109 Wow! Finally found someone with the same feelings and behavior! I didn't mentioned that, but having a neat and reorganized home is part of the process as well. This month I have been doing so many things in terms of organization, cleaning, decluttering and decor (hormons + new year preparation hahaha). Awesome to read your comments. Greetings from Brazil! Happy New Year!

So true

Sandra ozio I was the same, when I had a menstral cycle. I'm menopausel now and still get like it

A gradual approach can be very helpful! Thanks, Solomon!

Thanks for sharing, Janice!

Keep up the good work, Neil!

So true!

I am so happy to hear that! Welcome to the channel! :)

Heck yes! Music makes it so much more fun!

Thank you for sharing, Kathleen! One person's clutter can definitely be another person's treasure!

Sometimes that does happen. Perhaps you might have some other items around your space that could be helpful for soap or body butter?

Thanks for sharing! I can definitely see what you mean. I actually think my background will get updated pretty soon, since we just moved into our first home yesterday. This apartment I was at where I filmed these videos was very strict about keeping things the same, so we did not hang anything on the walls, we painted nothing, etc, so it was very bare (but we knew we would only be there for a year). In our new place, we already painted a room blue and will be hanging up a few things this week! :)

Search 'cozy minimalism'. I am a crafter and a crocheter, which pretty much means hoarder. I am eating my elephant one bite at a time, one room at a time. I just purged my kitchen... I still have dirty dishes, but it not so hard to wash and put up anymore. If I don't have a lazy spell, that is.

Abundantly Minimal I look forward to watching more of what you do!

Tasha Hargrove I will search those terms too. I’m a crafter, Gardner, woodworker, etc... the idea of organization and less visual clutter sounds good. But I want to keep my interests... all of them.

I know what you mean. I love color and art. After reading the AM comment, I completely understand the lack of color and/or decor. Now, I’m glad at least there was a plant. 🌱 As soon as it started, I was thinking, a picture or mirror or something needs added to this blank wall. I find a lot of minimalism too “boring” for me, but I like the videos and applying things to my life or I would be overrun with too much art supplies (wait, is that even a thing?) and just too much in general. I’ve been working on eliminating things bit by bit. Happier with my wardrobe now, working on books soon....the sentimental stuff...I’ll get to it one day. :-)

This is definitely a great strategy! Sometimes people get overwhelmed by trying to take on too much!

You are very welcome! I wish you luck! :)

Thank you, Jill! It is very true about not needing the physical item to remember!

These are definitely important points!

@@AbundantlyMinimal thank you for this video 💛