MINIMALISM AND DECLUTTERING » 10 Questions to ask you haven't heard before

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4 жыл бұрын

MINIMALISM AND DECLUTTERING » 10 Questions to ask you haven't heard before // Let's declutter your home! How to decide if an item stays or goes? That's the question we're going to answer today.
When it comes to minimalist living, one thing that's on a lot of people's minds if how to declutter their space. What are the minimalist basics? How can I have a minimalist wardrobe, or a small wardrobe? Should I practice extreme minimalism? Or can I just get rid of some smaller things? What are the things to declutter for me personally? And how to deal with some things to get rid of that are harder, because of different emotions, thoughts and feelings?
I often get questions about decluttering sentimental items, gift items, collections, expensive items, and about feeling guilty when getting rid of family stuff, kid's stuff etc. And what to do with that giant book collection? No worries, we're going to handle it today.
If you want to change your life, simplify your life, declutter your life, then this is where to start.
I would love to hear your biggest challenge when it comes to decluttering, and how you ultimately overcame it! Please share this in the comments, so it can help and inspire others.
Lots of love,
🌼 Vera
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Пікірлер: 299

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Looking for more? Check out my NEW E-BOOK, called ‘Simple Happy Zen's Ultimate Decluttering Guide’. It's all my decluttering tips and advice, bundled up into one beautiful 90-page e-book. As well as new content and checklists I haven't shared anywhere else. It covers both the practical and mental aspects of decluttering. Everything you need to tackle all categories of clutter in your home and create the space of your dreams. Click here to get your copy: simplehappyzen.teachable.com/p/simple-happy-zen-s-ultimate-decluttering-guide By purchasing, you’re not only getting a beautiful e-book, but you are also supporting the Simple Happy Zen channel and you're helping me to keep creating free videos and content for the community. Your help really goes a long way, so I truly appreciate your support. 🌷 Much love, Vera

@dogie1070 4 жыл бұрын

Decluttering is sometimes a deep exploration into the uncomfortable times of my life. It's therapy.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely! 🤗

@kerryirving2949 4 жыл бұрын

Pancake Circus I AGREE!!

@TheFruitarianQueen 4 жыл бұрын

True!

@Loeviis 4 жыл бұрын

Very well said!

@ellenh278 4 жыл бұрын

"What if this wasn't a gift?" Never thought to ask that one. Really clarifies things. Gem of a tip! Great content in this video.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it Ellen! :) That question has been very helpful for me too

@crystalprice7858 4 жыл бұрын

My mom was a hoarder, and growing up in that environment and hating it, I went the opposite direction. At one point, I moved cross country and everything I owned fit in my car. Since then, I’ve been accumulating a lot of stuff and as time goes by, I feel myself becoming more and more anxious when I’m at home. I knew it was time to purge, but I kept putting it off. So, a few weeks ago, I started a donate pile in the corner of my bedroom and I’ll be taking it to the thrift store in a couple of days. I worried that I’d go back through it and change my mind about some of it, but the longer it has sat there, the more excited I am about getting rid of it. I’m not done yet, this is just round one, and I already feel so much better, and so much lighter. Even though I’m not literally carrying it around, it definitely has been weighing me down. I’m more than ready to let it go and start round two! Thank you for your videos. Very insightful and encouraging.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story and your experiences, and I'm so happy for you that round 1 of decluttering is already helping you in so many ways! Good luck with everything 🤗🌱

@beep-beepwatermelon4203 2 жыл бұрын

Well, that was just what I needed to read. I can relate with you because my mom is a hoarder too. Growing up i never learned about getting rid of stuff. Walking over a foot of clothes and garbage was normal. I had chronic migraines and depression as a teenager and now in my thirties im realizing how much anxiety “ stuff” gives me. Im not a hoarder but I crave having next to nothing. I hope you’re doing well.

@tammyf1541 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest challenge is getting rid of items I’ve been given as gifts. It’s not that I want to keep it, but I care about hurting the giver’s feelings, or I don’t want to deal with offending them. I need to watch the decluttering gift video 😃

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Haha yes same here, hopefully the decluttering gifts video will help! :)

@Lily45641 2 жыл бұрын

I also like the idea of putting an item you are struggling with in a box labelled "maybe". Wait a few weeks or a month and if you never reach for it, then take that box and donate it. That makes you feel a bit better about letting it go knowing you never really needed it.

@SimpleHappyZen 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! :) Great tip Michele, thanks for sharing!

@wiosnasmiechowska463 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest decluttering struggle is getting rid of art and craft supplies. It's probably because of two things: firstly, they cost quite a lot of money and secondly, I hope I'll still use them some day (because I know how to paint/draw/linocut/calligraphy/you name it... so it's kind of wasting the potential). It makes sense, seemingly. But the truth is I have no time for everything and I like doing too many things. So I've recently made a list of priorities and it turns out that way most important for me is music and there's so much I can work on in this field that there's not much time left each day for any other hobby. The second on the list was physical exercise and that would be it, no more time left during the day. And you know what? That was it. Just realizing what's most important solved the problem. I've found new homes for all the obsolete items and made some friends really happy with awesome presents. And as a bonus I got my kids do the same just because they saw how big a relief that was for me and how much more time and "mental space" I got because of that.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, amazing!!!

@Momma_AL 4 жыл бұрын

A couple years ago I did a HUGE purge of my entire home. It felt so good getting rid of all those things that no longer served me. The only thing I had a hard time parting with was my makeup of all things. I don’t wear much makeup at all anymore but I had a hard time getting rid of it because it was barely used and such a waste of money. I don’t regret getting rid of anything. I regret buying some of those things in the first place.

@crystalprice7858 4 жыл бұрын

2020 vision oh my gosh I totally understand you! I had a ton of makeup and I rarely even wear makeup now. Finally forced myself to get rid of everything but one mascara, my powder foundation and my two favorite lipsticks. Even got rid of my makeup case. I knew I wasn’t gonna wear it and I’d let some of it expire. Felt good to let it go, and I have more free space now.

@Loeviis 4 жыл бұрын

What helps me is that the money is already spent, and you can't get is back. So I would rather get it out of my life so it doesn't clutter my mind and space. Maybe an expensive lesson but you learn as you go :-)

@kkouz45 4 жыл бұрын

One of the most common decluttering ideas of boxing things up and putting them away always struck me as double the work. I believed that decluttering once was the way to go. However, i recently found some boxed items and realized I didn’t even remember I hadn’t used them in 2 years or missed those things. Wow, the lesson I learned is that if you absolutely can’t part with items, try boxing them and removing them from your everyday space. If you go back to that box in 6 months or a year and never once even thought of those things, let alone needed them for anything, you have broken that attachment and can part ways.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Karen for sharing your experiences, I also love (and have used) that tip and it works well. It is important to write a note somewhere in your calendar, so you won't forget to check the box again after 6 months haha. Have a great day!

@kkouz45 4 жыл бұрын

Simple Happy Zen the crazy thing was that the little box contained some of my favorite earrings that I put in 1 secure spot when I moved 2 years ago. They were not only safe, but totally forgotten!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Haha yes something similar happened to be a few years ago 😄

@pegasusquilts 4 жыл бұрын

Be careful which box you jettison though! 😁 My family once lost treasured heirlooms by leaving behind the wrong box when moving house...😣

@wavy6470 4 жыл бұрын

Saturday is my day for tidying up and it always make me joyful to see notification from you! Thank you, simplifying my home helped a lot in dealing with anxiety and also makes cleaning much easier when rainy days come.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Isidora 🤗 So glad my videos are helpful! Good luck with everything

@user-ii5jh2ch2i 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting points covered Vera. I have loved living in a studio apartment for many years. So although it is not so small as such, there is a limit to the amount of things one can put in it. I now use the one out first rule before the next item enters my life. Have never had problems getting rid of things due to having lived in a few countries. Besides nice things can be found or bought in most larger cities. Also being recently retired, it is amazing how fewer clothes I need. Love my lifestyle and things as they are all enjoyed and used.

@aprillesoonspalmer7987 4 жыл бұрын

I love the idea of asking "is this item happy living here?" As a very sentimental person, this is a great perspective shift to consider. Also, the idea of someone else being responsible for letting go is a good consideration! I'm an artist, so potential art materials that I've collected over the years with my intention to upcycle have been my biggest area to downsize. I like to breathe new life into old items that would probably otherwise be trash, but there has to be a limit!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much and so glad the video was helpful! :)

@SilviaN1 4 жыл бұрын

I agree - love that idea of asking whether the item is happy :-D

@jacquiharris1943 4 жыл бұрын

Yes I found these 2 ideas particularly useful, not things I have thought of before. I need to use them for a beautiful, expensive heavy wool cardigan .... that I never find the right situation to wear! Another great video Vera, thank you 🤗

@suzannederringer1607 4 жыл бұрын

It's good to not feel you must get rid of everything you have. I love to Cook and have been cooking for more than 60 years. Over time and many moves I lost or eliminated almost everything...and In the past 2 years I built up my Forever Kitchen which replaces everything I used to have that I loved using, plus new things. It's way more Stuff than one single woman in her 70s actually 'needs.' But I chose each Item carefully and the Kitchen is EXACTLY what I want and use. (I have seen Extreme Minimalists who have 4 Mugs - one for each Family Member - and no more. Really? No Guests for Coffee or Supper?) I have 'Too Many' Books - mostly Food and Gardening - and 'Too Many' Plants in the Garden and 'Too Many' Cats. Other than these I have almost Nothing. My Wardrobe is small and functional because I work from Home..and I'm way too old to be interested in current 'Fashion. '

@banu.z 2 жыл бұрын

Up to now the question; “does this deserve my service” helped me a lot (like dusting, ironing, moving, giving space…). Now I have 11 great more ways to help me decide, thank you.

@SimpleHappyZen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Banu, I love your suggestion as well!

@erinmaekinghorn293 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest decluttering problem area is craft and handicraft materials. Papers of all sorts, yarn, material for sewing, all sorts of stickers and punchers and everything possible, paints, brushes and more. Then one day, I realized that I actually use only a fraction of what I have. I want to do so much, but time and energy put a limit to what I can do. Gradually, I have been reducing my supplies. I've given away a ton and I still have a lot. I am working on reducing it even more because I like knitting the best. I will also keep a few paint supplies for my kids but the rest can go. You know what! It feels so liberating saying that. The rest can go :D A few days ago I could not have said that. I've watched this video three times now and as I result, I feel confident in saying: The. Rest. Can. Go :D Thank you Vera!! :D

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

That's amazing!! :)

@ninalopez9576 4 жыл бұрын

Erin Mae Kinghorn . Same here so I gathered a bunch of unused/unloved craft supplies and gave them to my little neighbor. Made me happy someone could use them.

@dp2404 4 жыл бұрын

If somebody else forced you to get rid of the item would you feel relieved. This is a great one!!

@dp2404 4 жыл бұрын

And YES, I would feel relieved for many many items... I have some thinking to do 😁

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it's such a great question and has helped me out many times :D Good luck!!

@jennleiker1823 3 жыл бұрын

Next year, we are moving to our Canadian retirement home after a decade overseas. This past summer, I lived VERY sparsely in this future home for a month (between renters) and the experience really inspired me to move toward minimalism... and hence a massive decluttering project this fall, now that I'm back overseas. One thing helping me now is realising that I should not feel guilty about decluttering (or rather having first purchased!) cheap, low quality items I have kept around forever... but not loved or valued. I can thank and declutter them now, knowing I would not welcome those items in my beautiful sparse new home, and that if I truly DO need/want to replace something I haven't been using or valuing anyway, I would now much rather replace it with a higher quality, buy-it-once-own-it-forever item anyway. Chances are I will never replace 80% of what I declutter after the move, but this comforts me when I start feeling nervous about getting rid of so much stuff. A (still distant, yet impending) big move to a spacious home with great light is powerful inspiration!

@connielorenz8329 4 жыл бұрын

Cleaning out my craft room, it’s hard to get rid of things I might use, but it’s getting easier because I enjoy a tidier space with more room.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Just think about cleaning it out, so you will then enjoy it even more :)

@genevieveasseo6620 4 жыл бұрын

Just a few different ways of wording the same advice. CLOTHES: I ask myself, "When I want to wear a tee-shirt, I want to choose from x number of items, and that's all I need", so I choose my favourites to keep. STYLE: I ask myself, "Which items do I want to be my *signature* look that are always comfy and truly 'me'..." and let go of the rest. SENTIMENTAL ITEMS: I agree with this 100%, "Is this item happy here, or would it be happier if I let it go to someone who will make use of it?", and the item usually tells me what it wants to do! BRAND-NEW/UNUSED ITEMS: "I'm not using it, it's not really 'me', and someone else will be absolutely thrilled to have it." I also try to pick one drawer or an area, like a box of shoes, etc., and find ONE item that I'm not really using to donate. Removing one item will give my other things just that much more breathing space, and one item at a time is progress! I'm far from my decluttering goals but getting closer and closer by the day, and it's so refreshing.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Genevieve! 🤗

@taymc407 3 жыл бұрын

Decluttering craft supplies was my hardest category yet, I'm still not done but one thing that's helped is meeting people that enjoy doing the craft I'm decluttering for. I tried scrapbooking, turns out it's not my thing. The papers and stickers stayed with me for years (until recently). Stickers went to kids that would enjoy them the most, and the decorative paper went to relatives that DO actually scrapbook, and my favorite sheets were used to decorate boxes for storing bed sheets and folded towels. I also knit and quilt, but don't do it so often that I need all the yarn and fabric I have. Some of the yarn was donated to a project that makes blankets for kids in need, some was sent to fabric recycling, and some was sold off to more avid knitters. I still have a large stash of yarn to deal with, but most of the yarn in my box is stuff that I actually want to knit with, not stuff I thought i should keep 'just in case' I wanted to knit with it. As for fabric, that's still ongoing. I'm currently taking my favorite cuts and melting beeswax on them to make plastic alternative food wraps. Then I'll get out my sewing machine and make napkins. From there, any fabric left over will be sorted into "keep" and "let go of", but making myself do all those small 'someday' projects is really helping me prioritize what sewing projects I actually want to do/are actually useful for my lifestyle (i.e. I actually would like a more eco-friendly kitchen, so fabric wraps and napkins make sense) vs. sewing projects that I don't really want to do and would only cause more clutter (i.e. I don't want or need another quilt, so I can let go of fabrics that are specifically for that). For decluttering hobbies, asking "is this something I actually want to do, or something I think I should want to do?" has helped, and "once I use these materials to make X, what am I going to do with X?" If I don't know what I would do with X, and wouldn't enjoy the process of making X, then letting go of the materials to make X will save me time, space, and the mental energy of storing it. It's still tough in practice though, lol. But it gets a little easier as I go.

@charlenebrissette3348 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest decluttering problem is my husband, he never wants to get rid of anything but I think he is slowly coming around.

@sarahthatcher123 4 жыл бұрын

You explaining how we keep items to feel in control really hit me. I have such a hard time with letting go of some items 'just incase'. Right now I'm trying to let go of more 'dressy' shoes. I'm long past the stage of going to weddings or any fancy occasions and even if I had an event come up it would be very casual. But I still have 5 pairs of nude color dressy shoes because they are quite different styles and I don't know what dress I would wear so I don't know which shoes I would want so I want the style options. Also, I have had foot injuries and have not been able to go ice skating or roller blading for more than 10 years but I just can't get rid of either because I hope/ think maybe some day I will be able to and I won't be able to afford to go buy new ones and renting is such a hassle when I already own them ( my skates are sentimental as well because they are the only pair I've ever own my entire adult life . I bought them when I was 17 years old and now I am 50.. they still fit and work well, my roller blades are hard to get rid of because they were very expensive.). Writing this out helped me hear myself more objectively....technically I should get rid of both...not sure I can do it just yet but this was a good step toward letting go. I think I just came up with a good way for me to help me get objective about my things....journal and write about what they mean to me or why I am hanging on to them and why it's hard to let go of them...thank you.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sarah and reading it, I do think journaling could be very helpful! Just to examine why it is you're having such a hard time parting with it. I think you could try to find out if the items you mentioned are currently lifting you up or weighing you down in life. Try to let any thoughts of possibly being able to use them in the future go for now and just see what they are doing to your happiness right now. Perhaps that could be helpful in deciding what to do with them.

@chloej1611 4 жыл бұрын

I love the coin toss method it definitely works for me.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Simple but effective 😄

@val6937 4 жыл бұрын

I love moving because it forces me to decluttering

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it's can be nice to take advantage of moving like that :)

@antiquesrestoration3874 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest decluttering challenge was just getting started/figuring out where to start. I overcame that obstacle by employing the KonMari method. Marie Kondo changed my life. Your videos keep the momentum going...so thanx!

@kerryirving2949 4 жыл бұрын

Antiques Restoration THANK YOU for sharing the method!! I will look it up as I stuggle with the same!!

@sarahfrancescutti9873 4 жыл бұрын

One of the areas I still get stuck is expensive items. If I paid over $200 for something, I seem to have a harder time just donating. And it’s not that I would mind donating an expensive item, it seems to be more around feeling like you said, “I haven’t gotten my money’s worth, yet” so your tip on would it be happier somewhere else is a good one. Even expensive items want to be used and loved. So I have a few items that are ready to be moved along where someone will give them more love and use! Great video as always 😀

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sarah and good luck!

@tinekejoldersma 4 жыл бұрын

I moved so many times. Eventualy from a huge farm to a small town house. I have this huge 4 meter table, it's antique from India, it's a elegant beauty from jati wood. It was filled with food, laughter and my kids, friends and pupils. It's time to let it go and buy a small one. This time in my life asks for a small table and a small desk. I experienced decluttering as part of changes in my life. Moving helped a lot 😉

@NenaLavonne 4 жыл бұрын

Love the idea of taking a photo of items of sentimental value. ♥️ You are so right that postponing a decision is making a decision. This decluttering journey has been so wonderful and has open so much space for things that actually have value. Thank you so much for this beautiful and inspiring channel, Vera! Wishing you an amazing week! 😊✨

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Nena 💖 You have a great weekend too!

@lynnecunningham6986 4 жыл бұрын

Great tips! I had a china cabinet that I loved, but I didn’t really have the space for it when we moved. I kept it and put it in an awkward space, until one day I said “I am ready for you to have a new home.” I know, crazy, but I put it for sale and a mother bought it for her daughter who was starting in her first home away from home. She loves it and that makes me very happy.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Love that story! 😍

@beatrixpoley9100 3 жыл бұрын

In relation to number 8 something that can help is “does this thing have a home in the house?” There is a place it is put every time so you know where something goes and there are not random items all over. My hairbrush lives in a drawer in my bathroom right now. But if your hair accessories live with your brush and you have a lot that it is filling the drawer it might be time to cut down on how many you have and which ones you use regularly.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 🌱 Give the video a LIKE if you enjoyed it 👍 SUBSCRIBE for a new weekly video 🌟 How to avoid the most common decluttering mistakes: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hctjgNOaqKeoZKM.html

@jenniferlemieux9844 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, I really like this video, I will try to ask myself those questions and I know that it will help me a lot on my declutering process smoothly , I struggle the most like you, expensive items, still trying to hold on to those things even really no use for me.I know I will not buy it again. I will be more mindfull on how to spend and learn my mistake from it.

@esiqueirasoares 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the vídeo!

@Melanie.8888 4 жыл бұрын

Paperwork is my biggest issue my mom keep everything. I've been 2 yrs on 45yrs worth but she was organized thank god. So I stopped shredding and were having a burning party.

@jmkgraceofgod 3 жыл бұрын

Going into the weekend with plans to declutter. I'm going to use these questions for fresh perspective. I've been feeling really stuck lately and falling into old hoarding habits. Other questions I've learned aren't cutting it, so I'm glad to have found this video tonight. Thank you.

@SimpleHappyZen 3 жыл бұрын

You can do it! :) Let me know how it goes

@margarettownsley9500 9 ай бұрын

I’m listening to your playlist today I’m feeling overwhelmed like I’m never going to get organised I could cry ‘ I’m have been trying all year 2023 I have got rid of lots of stuff but I’m still struggling to get rid of everything else that’s cluttering my life and making me depressed and anxious anxiety has been pretty bad I’ve never been organised in my life but I’ve really been trying this year I’m just feeling like very overwhelmed I have boxes of clutter and every time I look I keep thinking I can use that etc etc thank you so much for your videos

@cantocant2346 3 жыл бұрын

Such amazingly good suggestions!! I'm dealing with a piece of furniture right now that I needed clarity on. Thank you so, so much!!

@hazlosolo1894 4 жыл бұрын

Here in Mexico it is very difficult for a person to easily get rid of an object, since beyond having a sentimental value, it has a cultural value. Therefore, it is very complicated to get rid of those things that are not really useful, functional or that are no longer useful. Even so, the attempt is made :)

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

I understand, something with cultural value can have its own challenges. Good luck with everything! 🤗

@ingerfalch-jacobsen1717 4 жыл бұрын

Here in Norway too :-/

@cucaracha6 4 жыл бұрын

I've been learning a lot from your videos, and this one i feel it will be very valuable to me. My worst problems are the sentimental itens (wich are a lot) and the guilt. For me the trigger is becoming on love with decoration, loving the spaces clean and airy and watching these types of vídeos 24/7! If i brainwash myself, things around start to don't feel right and eventualy i begin to action.

@Insightology 4 жыл бұрын

Really love the tips about it being another decision that you would have to make later on.... And taking yourself out of the situation and seeing how you'd feel if someone was forcing you to make a decision....

@faithite 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this amazing and insightful video! For me, I chose to either donate, recycle or trash it because nobody wants them. I never sell them because I will never profit from them. I never give away because nobody wants 2nd-hand items. "Donate" I mentioned would refer to door to door collections or organisations that doesn't specify what items they accept and/or reject. Some charity organisations won't even accept them even though items were in good condition or close to new. *Negative alert Also... there some items that brought back bad memorise. Brought me hatred. Sometimes, I felt other people don't derserve my precious items too.

@amygoddardmusic 4 жыл бұрын

Fab video! I love the fact that it’s new questions that really apply when you’ve already decided to declutter and are in the middle of it all. My particularly tricky area is creative projects. Sewing, painting, woodwork etc. But I know I do go back to things even if I haven’t used them for a while. So I’ve been asking myself where projects are on the list of things I want to work on. If there are lots of projects I want to get back to ahead of this one it will probably never happen. If I’m still enthusiastic for it I keep it for when the time is right. This is working for me.

@genu1negal 4 жыл бұрын

Love how creative your approach is, Vera! We've all seen some version of these kinds of questions or tips a million times before, but you somehow find a way to add a new angle or fresh perspective that really resonates and sinks in. It makes the difference between theoretical or academic and actually practical to implement. Thank you and keep it up!! One more deep dive I'd love to see from you in the future is around how to simplify and demystify the process of actually getting rid of things quickly once you've done the hard work of choosing what should be eliminated. Having this kind of clarity in mind from the beginning would help us actually get started sooner without so many of the excuses or anxieties that surround that next step, which can't be ignored. Many thanks, dear 😊 xoxo

@SA-wj6fg 3 жыл бұрын

i love the last one, passing the feeling of guilt 😃

@PartlySunny74 3 жыл бұрын

Your calm and thoughtful ideas coupled with gorgeous photography make it easier to enjoy the process of letting go. You’ve taught me so much, I’ll always be grateful. Best wishes!

@pegasusquilts 4 жыл бұрын

I will use these questions today. Very grateful.

@AbbyJenna 4 жыл бұрын

My most challenging category is gifts from my parents or things they bought me when I was still living at home. I'm always afraid that they will think me ungrateful if I sell e.g. my desk to buy a smaller one.

@kerryirving2949 4 жыл бұрын

NinaBina YES!! SAME!!

@rao433 4 жыл бұрын

Your parents wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable with the desk, if it has already served its purpose i.e..

@AbbyJenna 4 жыл бұрын

@@rao433 you don't know my parents 😂 especially my mom, she doesn't understand the concept of decluttering. If she could, she'd keep all the ghings I get rid of...

@Theresa-jq3dw 4 жыл бұрын

Ask your parents to take the desk

@jessicabridges4335 4 жыл бұрын

I need too show this to my 17 year old Daughter, and 15 year old daughter. They are hoarders. I will have a hard time getting rid of my books. They all bring me joy.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Hope they will enjoy the video too :) Good luck with everthing!

@naomimay82 4 жыл бұрын

My 17 year old daughter is a hoarder also! I think maybe it is a teenage girl thing. My son isn’t a hoarder like his sister.

@AbbyJenna 4 жыл бұрын

I love the question if an item deserves a place in my future!!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it :D Hope it'll be as helpful for you as it has been for me

@moonmagnolia7 3 жыл бұрын

The last question relieves a lot of guilt. Thank you!

@SimpleHappyZen 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear it! :) Happy decluttering!

@chrischabre9382 3 жыл бұрын

These videos inspire me and I revisit them often

@user19374name 2 жыл бұрын

These tips are so unique and I have not heard them elsewhere! Love it

@SimpleHappyZen 2 жыл бұрын

So happy to hear it! :) Thanks Kay

@krisd_b 3 жыл бұрын

One of my hardest thing to declutter was greeting cards. I only kept the ones that had really special things written in them.

@SimpleHappyZen 3 жыл бұрын

Yes cards can be tricky! :) I'm like you, only kept the special ones. They can also always be digitized or put in a scrapbook or something.

@krisd_b 3 жыл бұрын

Simple Happy Zen oh good idea!! I never thought about digitizing them. Thanks!

@muhammedtawseefnoorjawad9231 4 жыл бұрын

Dear Vera, Glad to hear your thoughtful suggestions. I really appreciate what you do. Thank you.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much :)

@carolstewart1704 9 ай бұрын

SUPER HELPFUL! I am at a point in my decluttering where I have felt STUCK and I KNOW I needed to get rid of more but I didn't know what other questions to ask myself! I have watched lots of great decluttering and minimalist videos here lately (love Joshua Becker as well!) and I'll even rewatch for motivation! Tysm! I am newly subscribed today! I love you're very calm, clear presentation of the facts and the info you are conveying and can honestly say this is JUST what I needed to help me get thru this stage!!

@wavy6470 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing to for me was to take a photo of sentimental item before I let it go. That way I know there is still a part of it with me.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! :) It's so simple but effective

@merchepaar 4 жыл бұрын

I do the same. It helps, indeed!

@pigletsbank437 4 жыл бұрын

Last year I moved to a bigger appartement but let go of give and take 40% of items (and we really really (!)did not had a lot before to start with, so people did not get that part of it🤐😂) . I only miss one thing, my pressure cooker..😕. your question are great! 👍😀 should have know you back than☺ I mostly thought : do I use or need it? can I live without it in case of memory related items.. Donated all useble items to charity or Friends / family who I really knew would love the item.. some things belong to someone🙃. I do not get much gift items anymore thankfully😅 I gently and respectfully explaned people my ideas on owning things over the years. And they notice if they know you... 😉 every 6 months or so I declutter one room or closet at a time. Because Vera is right, some things belong to a part of your identaty or for some time in your life. While you change, your needs and belongings change to. The pictures could have been nice for a couple of items...

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

I love it, thanks for sharing Chantal! 🤗🌱

@priscillajimenez27 4 жыл бұрын

These are some really great points. Since I kinda home hopping right now, I'm decluttering my stuff and I'm helping the person I'm temporarily staying with to declutter as well.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Priscilla and good luck with everything! 🤗

@persephone213 4 жыл бұрын

I was just thinking a little bit ago “I hope Vera uploads today”...then like 5 minutes later, this video popped up. Loving this content and this channel is so calming to me. 💖

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Aaah thanks so much Amber, that's so sweet! 😍💖

@christined2495 4 жыл бұрын

These are such great questions to ask if your having trouble decluttering certain items, I also think the more we declutter or donate the easier it seems to let go of things we no longer need, use or want. I look forward to your videos every week Vera ❤️

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Aw thanks so much Christine 🤗 And yes I agree, the more we declutter, the better we get at it, it's definitely a skill :)

@destiny9420 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video! I am currently trying to declutter my bedroom as I've just moved back home from university. This has helped me a lot and hopefully, my room will feel lighter after using these tips!

@phyllissamkooistra4558 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent , excellent video ; such clarifying questions !! Thank you !!! Thank you !!! Thank you !!!💕💕💕

@cherylkane19 4 жыл бұрын

I have the hardest time getting rid of broken things--I just know I will get them fixed, but I usually never do. I have a cute clock that my daughter gave me that has been broken and packed away for two years!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yes I can be like that too. Try to set yourself a goal and a deadline, and write it down. If you make it a rule that you have to get rid of the item if you don't have it fixed before the deadline, you'll probably get it fixed :)

@emkay2590 4 жыл бұрын

High quality content every Saturday! Thank you, Vera!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yay, thank you! 🤗😄✨

@sophiegolden 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Vera, thanks for your video, I will write your questions to help me. Since last year I declutter my house and re organize, step by step because my health is not good. In fact I want to enjoy my stuff and stop buying things, I have enough at home. Of course some items go out in this process. After I hope to have peace at home and enjoy better my life and my home. My Mum never declutter anything and I don t want to be like her, the problem is I have also to declutter my father s stuff because she never made anything. It s a long process... For gifts, for me it s simple, it's a good memory I keep it, if this person is not in my life anymore and was bad, I put out of my house bad vibes. I will try to sell some items on internet. I made a big job last year but I don't see the end and now my motivation decrease, it s boring... If I have to move, I will take my cats with me lol, only life is important... Dank je wel Sophie

@rao433 4 жыл бұрын

Vera, you're such an original!!! Love watching (and rewatching) your videos!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you so much, that means a lot 🤗🌱✨

@dr.dariapizzuto7668 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video, Vera! My biggest decluttering challenge is kids’ toys. Plush toys mainly. Doing a toy rotation helps. Also, having an annual spring yard sale also helps. If I see that my toddler outgrew a certain toy, I put it away for the youngest (who is 1 month old). Once he is done, we will donate it or pass it on to someone else.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Great ideas! :)

@lucytitus2183 4 жыл бұрын

These 10 questions to ask myself have already help me. Especially keeping items to make you feel safe. Saying goodbye to gifts. Thank you for this video my friend. 😘🙏🏻

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it Lucy, thanks and have a great day!

@dorothyreis4082 4 жыл бұрын

I love listening to you. I have a hutch which I was having difficulty getting rid of...well I recently got rid of stuff inside it. Holding on to things that I want to keep. Probably will go thru it again before actually ridding hutch. Thks

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dorothy and good luck with deciding!! 🤗🌸 Have a great day

@jakub4305 4 жыл бұрын

An absolutely wonderful and helpful video, Vera. I often enjoy completely freeing up my Saturdays from work/studying and spending them however I like, but I found that dedicating some of that free time to decluttering and cleaning puts me in a great mindset for the rest of the day. Thank you!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad the video was helpful! And I love the idea of putting aside some time every Saturday to work on these things :)

@IndigoAwakener 3 жыл бұрын

This was certainly a very thought provoking set of questions. Thank you.

@SimpleHappyZen 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear it! :) Have a great day and good luck with decluttering

@cdeipoli1 2 жыл бұрын

I love this thoughts...

@corinnaturner5827 4 жыл бұрын

I look forward to my Saturday mornings because of you, Vera. ❤️ Great questions. I wrote them all down. Thanks for the continued inspiration.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Corinna, that's so sweet! 💖

@mandiatkinson9384 3 жыл бұрын

I'm wanting to adopt the concept of Minimalism in my life. This is very helpful for me. thank you! ❤❤❤

@cookysmith5215 4 жыл бұрын

Very, very helpful! Thank you, Vera!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it 😄 You're very welcome, enjoy your day today!

@anjumbegum2059 10 ай бұрын

Decluttering and organising is a therapy to me but my mom never lets me through anything. Not even the clothes that don’t fit us anymore. The old containers and even torn clothes. It’s a headache to me. I try not to get overwhelmed but I can’t bear so much of stuff and waste stuff in the house. Can you please make a video on how to live peacefully with non- minimalist or extreme maximalists

@01Paulsgirl 4 жыл бұрын

WOW! These are some of the most hard-core - and effective - questions I've seen. Really great thought processes. Thank you!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Robyn! 🤗✨

@MrAlucirus 4 жыл бұрын

LOVE this video Vera! Very helpful for someone like me, I've been decluttering for years but when it comes to some items I just feel stuck over and over again and kind of wait for the day when I'll be able to get rid of them without guilt. These methods seem great! :)

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear the questions in this video are helpful for you Alicia, good luck with everything!

@pestinora 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and so many helpful ideas! For me, decluttering is a journey, not an event. Sometimes we need time to part emotionally with our things and realize we don't need it. The more times I go over my stuff, the more I can see what holds value in my life and what doesn't. Sometimes we need time and that's perfectly okay - if we get there in the end! Next time I'll surely try your mindset! Thank you ❤

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Loved your comment! Have a great day

@kerryirving2949 4 жыл бұрын

P. Nóri I REALLY like & AGREE with this!! Although I've never thought of it likd this before. THANK YOU for sharing this!! ❤️

@jenniferlehner1849 4 жыл бұрын

These are very helpful questions! Thank you for sharing :)

@janas03 4 жыл бұрын

Vera, point nos. 5 and 8 r bang on for me especially 8. I always try to think things as having feelings and then if I feel they are not happy,vI say a big thank you to it for being with me and try to find it a better home. Sounds weird, but I got the courage when u mentioned it

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that! That question works very well for me too :)

@karensetchfield3495 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this Vera, it’s going to help a lot!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Yay, that's great Karen! 😄👊

@mariettaberry1711 4 жыл бұрын

The best decluttering video I've ever seen

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Wow thank you Marietta! 👊🤗

@kimsoltani5250 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest challenge when decluttering isn't the decision to let something go, I've noticed items where I've wanted to let them go for years but it's where to let them go, it's most often items that are still useful (or possibly valuable if I found the right person who wanted it) but difficult to dispose of by donating (like an antique clock which needs repair or a large but expensive dinner set), it feels like the only place left is the trash when I can't find anywhere to give them which makes it impossible to let it go. Can you suggest a video dealing with this?

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Kim and this is a good question, so thanks for the suggestion :) I need to think about it too, because I can relate with some of my items

@lauriecrose8451 4 жыл бұрын

These are great questions and tips to help with the process of decluttering. Thank you for sharing your videos. 😊

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it Laurie 🤗 Happy decluttering!

@ktrudy1 4 жыл бұрын

Yes. I need this😍 So helpful. I'm saving this vid for ref.

@NoticeMeSenpaiii 4 жыл бұрын

Great questions!! I immediately watched this a second time to take notes. These aren't just the same questions everyone else repeats. Some of these have already helped me make decisions I haven't been able to make in the past 2 years of (painfully slow and inefficient) decluttering. Time to go tackle my closet 🥳

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

I love it thanks and good luck!!! :)

@AThirstyPhilosopher 4 жыл бұрын

I love these questions! Some very unique tips and perspectives. It’s hard to pick my favourite. I struggle with decluttering kitchen gadgets I no longer use. I have the space to store them, so I don’t come across them often. They really are there “just in case,” and because I’ve sunk money into them. I’m going to try thinking about what I’d declutter if I were to move to a place with fewer kitchen cupboards. That should help with the decisions. Thanks, Vera!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it! I hope that question will help you as much as it helped me :) Good luck!

@fnma21 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips!!! Thanks!

@SimpleHappyZen 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome, good luck! :)

@aileentoomey9627 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Very insightful! I was inspired to donate an expensive painting that was making me feel heavy and chaotic. I no longer wanted it in my future. When I took it off the wall, I immediately felt better. Letting go of the guilt is freeing. Thank you!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

That's amazing Aileen!! 💖

@Karincl7 4 жыл бұрын

Sometimes i reuse sentimental items ... a box in my bedroom, a coffeecup as a sugarpot and pieces of a sculpture of a cat on the bottom of my favorite plant :)

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea and a creative solution! :)

@Karincl7 4 жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen the cat was a hard one but still in pieces and i can t see it ... I m in peace with it, it s still with me

@jonnamakkonen 3 жыл бұрын

Similar to the coin toss: I ask someone else's opinion... the way I react and whether or not I take their advice shows how I truly feel about it. Might not work for people who are easily influenced by others but I find it does work for me when I'm feeling "stuck" and of course sometimes a fresh set of eyes from someone unbiased can really help to see things in a new light. PS: I just discovered your channel and instantly subscribed!

@SimpleHappyZen 3 жыл бұрын

I like that tip, thanks for sharing Jonna. :) And welcome to the channel!

@peepingjo 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Thanks so much for all your wonderful tips! I really needed this!! xxx

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it! 🤗 Have a great day

@Cocobird5 4 жыл бұрын

Great questions -- made me think. Thank you!

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it Sue, hope you're having a good weekend so far 🌷

@amara560 4 жыл бұрын

Very insightful and original! I really needed these questions to deal with some of the harder items to let go of in my home :)

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it :) Good luck and you can do it!

@Loeviis 4 жыл бұрын

These questions are indeed questions I haven't heard before! Makes me think about my decisions in a different way. Great video :-)

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it :) Thank you!

@rosannsupino5517 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Vera, for another great video!! I'm currently "trying" to declutter my home and this has been helpful.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad the video is helpful! :D And you can do it, you're not trying, you're doing it! 🤗👊

@rosannsupino5517 4 жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen 👍

@pinklady3885 4 жыл бұрын

I'm late catching up with your videos. I feel quite enthusiastic about my journey on decluttering. I will keep clicking on... this will keep me focused. 👍❤️🎶

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing Ann and lots of luck (and fun) on your minimalism journey!

@artlife5797 4 жыл бұрын

I love this video very much. I need help decluttering gifts and objects with sentimental value. Especially that I find it so hard letting go of my father's belongings after he passed away.

@SimpleHappyZen 4 жыл бұрын

So glad the video was helpful for you Assel. I'm sorry about your father, take your time dealing with his belongings, you'll know when you're ready and it'll become clear to you which of his things you want to keep around. 🌷