Me too at 56 yo. Feels so good and freeing. Less cortisol too is great for weight management so there is an added benefit. I used to be a personal trainer and I've have folks clear their clutter before we started a program so they had less on their minds and could focus on their health .
I don’t know. I started working on reducing my possessions and simplifying my life in my twenties. I grew up in a household with a lot of stuff and was overwhelmed by it. We never knew where anything was. And then I had cancer in my early twenties and had to simplify my life for my mental, emotional, and physical health.
I seriously wish I knew about the Molly's laundry powder or else I wouldn't have gotten the yuge jug of All detergent. 🤡. I'm the same age but I wasn't doing most any of this stuff for decades(some becuz I didn't have the money to play with).. and I wouldn't do cheap skincare even when I started buying it in 2006 but I won't go "high end" either, alot of that is just overpriced making you think you need it when it doesn't even work. I could *so* relate to all of this! Saves a ton of money too. GREAT video!
Okay did we have a coffee chat? I’m already a person who never liked “stuff” but in the last few years and especially the last three I have or am becoming more and more a minimalist. I feel overwhelmed with things and nic nacs. I bet every one of those things you mentioned I have stopped over the last few years. It saves time and space and money. I’m 59 turning 60 in March and I agree with another lady who wrote it must happen with age. I don’t have pillows on my bed and stopped buying couch and bed pillows. I stopped buying greeting cards for bdays. I text people. Ha. So many little things add up. I think most people would be surprised how much you could save. I’m okay with an empty wall. Another thing I stopped buying is expensive perfume. Every year at Christmas I would go shopping for it. A few is all I need. I had tons. I’m working on stopping all the makeup and skin care unless it’s a miracle ha. Again you named every thing I have given up also. We never did meal service or subscription boxes. I do have holidays towels for decor but don’t use or wash them. Anyway this was a great segment. I agree with it all.
63 now, and everything is paid for. Fortunately, I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 18 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 13-year-old vehicle because it is all I need, I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. I retired with $985k, and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.
Right alongside you. No debt, early retirement. Children are well-cared for. On 11 acres overlooking the river valley, I'm constructing the house of my dreams. There are many methods to get rich right now, but only real-time professionals are capable of making such high-volume, near-perfect trades.
In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2020, but by the end of 2023, I had made a profit of almost $850k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.
"Izella Annette Anderson" is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment
This is useful information; I copied her whole name and pasted it into my browser; her website appeared immediately, and her qualifications are excellent; thank you for sharing.
One gadget that I don’t regret buying is a jar opener. As our hands get arthritis, etc. this gadget has made it easier to open jars because so many manufacturers don’t consider seniors.
I know a lot of people will gasp to learn I never put up a Christmas tree or decorations anymore.The way I look at it is all that stuff you put up, you have to take down!! I have no desire to do it.
That's a tough one for me! 😢 I've always loved everything about Christmas and some of my most cherished memories of my late Mom are centered around the fall holidays. We always had a real tree in all it's fragrant beauty. We would put icicles & angel hair on them adding to the magic, which sadly have been discontinued, along with the awful advent of plastic trees & greenery. My late husband & I bought a 3 or 4 ft tall white tree to put on our dining room table which we lovingly decorated. After the holidays instead of dismantling it every year I would gently pull a very large black plastic garbage bag over it and store it in a spare closet. Then the next year we would uncover it, add a couple of new ornaments. We both LOVED our little tree. When he passed and I had to make a clean sweep of my life by leaving everything behind to move to another state to take care of my elderly brother, all my Chrstmas stuff also had to be left behind and I do SORELY miss it very much. My brother had been a rolling stone who never built up any holiday items at all, so when I moved here Chrstmas was so bleak for the first several years. After 2022 holidays I decided I'd had enough bleakness (especially since I was also grieving the loss of my beloved young cat .. I NEEDED some color & the liveliness of holiday decorations) and during the after holiday sales I went to Walmart & loaded up on as much decor as I could afford. Only thing missing was a tree. This past Christmas I pulled most of it out of storage and made our living room as festive as I possibly could. It was beautiful and every time bro passed thru the room he would whisper "this is the greatest Christmas" 🥰 Still don't have a tree so I doll up a tall lamp instead. Not anywhere as magical as a live tree but it functions well for us in our old age. We never know when our last Christmas will be so I always made them the best I could for my sickly husband, and now I know how much deep down they mean to my brother, so yeah it really IS a job but is so worth it in the joy it brings.
I have a really small, cute table top Christmas tree. It’s about 18” high, I just put it away as is in the cupboard and bring it out when required. 10 minutes to decorate.
I didn't put up a tree for 20 years (live alone and it was a hassle with the cats/dogs). Two years ago I started putting up a wall tree and love it! The lights really brighten up the room and don't take up space.
Love this video ❤ The only disagreement I have is that I enjoy physically holding a real book to read. It is a simple pleasure for me. I'm not a digital book person. I frequent our local library quite a bit. My old books that I've purchased I have donated. Thanks for the video! 😊
Thank you this hit home with me I am middle age and have to stop buying things I don't need like you said you can't take anything with you when you pass God does not mind you having things but allow things to have us sign Cynthia Smith
Like some other commenters here, I prefer holding a book...being 'engaged' with a physical book. It allows me to 'be' IN the pages with the narrative or story happening within the pages. I've never felt carried away into an electronic book, like I do when holding a genuine book! I find its easier on my old eyes using a physical book, too. : )
I love books and have quite a library. I spill food on my books, though. I have so many e books and carry my ipad around a baby. Some books I buy because they should be in my library even after I’m gone. But loving my Ipad library willnot change. You can make the letters any size you want. Easy to leave notes. I don’t have to holdit up to read in bed. I can prop my ipad wth magic keyboard up in almost any spot.
Research is showing that reading physical books reduce anxiety as opposed to ebooks. After a decade of ebooks, I went back to physical books, and it made a world of difference.
I think that as we age, we really start to think about where we want to put our time, effort, and money, and that's what this video represents. Everyone's list will be different, but it's about hitting that point and realizing "this isn't worth my time, effort, or money anymore." It's very freeing!
Exactly. As the end of the horizon approaches, you get picky about what you will be spending your limited mental and physical well days on. I'm also alarmed at leaving my adult children an overabundance of stuff to get rid of when I'm gone.
@@ckp2ator389 see, that doesn't bother me at all! Let them keep what they want, give stuff away to their friends and donate. I've moved within 3 states more than 25 times, plus I"ve traveled all over the world. So, I have stuff I'm partial to. I guess she doesn't. I have memories, but also photos, etc.
Unfortunately or Blessed with 6 grandchildren who have grown with their nana buying what they desire, the day they call to spend with me is a shopping day. Have to stop.
. @@mariaramirez4357 Stop it for their sake. Even though you love them, you are not doing them any favors. They will expect this the rest of their lives and will not be good stewards of their money.
@@signalfire6I actually did this years ago to have something compact to read on the plane then toss. After I tore out all of the ads(it was a good size,chunky magazine) I actually folded the whole thing in half and stuck it in my skinny purse that I tuck inside my carry on.😵💫😖🙄
I stopped magazines about three years ago. I was getting overrun with them but I realized they were planting seeds of discontent in me. I was comparing my home, garden, etc to the designer remodels and getting disheartened because I knew I’d never have the money to do that in my home. What I have is completely fine and I thank God every day for the blessings. So I let go of the fake idealized picture I had in my head. 🌻
@@cindygaudet1390 Strangely enough, it was a comment very similar to mine that woke me up to the discontent I was feeling. I am 75 now and my husband passed eight years ago. Being on a fixed income, I feel fortunate to be able to keep up with the infrastructure That needs fixing in my home. One year after he passed, my heater went. Not surprising. It was 30 years old after all…. Then the washer and dryer. The next year mice got in my car heater. The whole heater assembly had to be replaced. The year after that was another issue-actually two. I guess I finally got it through my head that fixing up my house cosmetically came in second to being 100% grateful that I even have a roof over my head. Many people don’t. I have learned that those things are not important to me anymore. As long as the house is neat and clean and I remember to practice gratitude for all the blessings I have in my life I am content. I wish for you, Cindy, that you embrace being content with where you are. Especially at a much younger age. Then I came to the realization. 🙏
Being older and having already bought most of what I need in life, it wasn't the money that caused this problem for me. It was the time spent trying to keep my home looking like a magazine cover. With two large dogs and sliding glass doors that get new nose prints every hour, three fury cats and pet hair that accumulates by the second. Also one messy husband who I absolutely adore but who also works hard, fixes every broken thing and own multiple sets of deep tread work boots that track dirt/sand/grease with each step...and we have white kitchen cabinets (of course). Not to mention they never ever show a garden that is in natural decline after the bloom/harvest phase. I was going nutz trying to create a photo shoot home instead of maintaining a lived in/loved in home. No more!
New here, I’m 67 and agree with all your no buy things. Lol. Except for books, I love my books and I never have to worry about a battery charge or breaking them. Loving your channel ❤
My sister once asked me why I didn't have decor on my walls. She actually asked if it was "a religion thing". The reason is that I would rather have bare walls than to put up things I don't care about, that I only got because it was in my budget. I don't have collections of knick knacks because I don't want to dust them.
I turned 62 and now have gotten rid of at least 50% of stuff. And things that remind me of my past. All the old jewelry and I threw away all pictures. No one really wants them and I lost my family over the years so I did what was best for me. You will feel so light once your done. Thank you for sharing. Everyone thought I was crazy. Your so right lighten your life.😊
@@thelukeewan7602that's the hardest thing for me, for some reason. I have to finally shred my divorce paperwork and accompanying documents, I divorced in 2008...
We just don’t need so many pictures. I have a Frameo now, great electronic frame. I love it. That’s the way to enjoy pictures. We need some physical but they should be people that make us happy to look at.
The message i get from this is, it's completely ok to live your life on your terms but try to figure out what's important and "things" don't make us happy. They clutter our lives and minds and we have better things to do.
'Things' DO make me happy 😂 .. until things get out of hand. The message here for me is 'living life on my own terms' but my problem is FIGURING out what my terms are. It's an evolving editing of my life of where I and my things & people fit in together.
A couple of years ago I was in the IC Ward at the hospital and was sure I wouldn’t leave this hospital alive.. What was mostly on my mind was how difficult it would be for my family to have to go through all of my junk. It was then I realized that I could have gotten along with only about one fourth of my possessions. Since then I cleared most of it out and still have a way to go. I’ve saved money by really thinking about how much I need an item. It’s such a nice feeling now. Thanks for the advice
Same happened to me in 2019. I was so sick in the hospital. All I wanted was clean Pajamas. When I finally did come out, I didn’t care about my extensive show collection, or all the clothes, and stuff in my house. I rotated the same few outfits because I didn’t feel well enough to pick out anything more complicated. Being near death really changed my perspective on possessions
I'm helping an older couple do that now. I'm not a "certified" organizer or declutter expert, but I've seen enough Dana White videos and read enough about minimalism to understand a simple process to get decluttering done. Its not brain surgery. 😂They insisted on paying me for my time although I balked at first, but it's hard work physically so I accepted it. 😅
This was me last year. Had open heart surgery which I was sure I wouldn’t survive and felt sorry for my husband who would have been forced to deal with my stuff had I passed. Have been decluttering since.
New subscriber! ❤ I’m 52 and I agree with all you said! I love to decorate but I now refuse to waste my money on decor. I just simply don’t go to the stores to waste my money. I am in the process of decluttering and donating everything I come across in my home that I know someone else will benefit from it. Living simple, dust free and with more space is absolutely life changing, life freeing!
My seasonal decor is handmade by dear friends of a lifetime. Destash periodically. Never bought "decor" at all. No fancy kitchen appliances, china, clothes, cable tv, food services, eating out, ordering in, partying, or traveling. Love a good nonfiction library book. Bring me flowers, a plant, herbs, bulbs, fruit or homemade dessert and warm my heart.
If growing old means not buying fresh flowers ,real books and beautiful cards with personal handwriting, then no thanks. I have some Victorian greeting cards from actual people,I have found just looking around in antique stores .Their art and creativity was so amazing. It's the most insightful way of connecting to real history . I have a small chest where I keep cards sent by old friends ,my husband, children,and my small grandchildren.My daughter enjoys reading her great geat grandfather's notes .Since people no longer write letters this is the next best thing.They are precious . Digital notes and sentiments may disappear but there is something about a card ,with someone's actual handwriting that is so special. It makes me sad that this seems to be disappearing .Why?Cards do not take up much space, store them in a beautiful box (from the thrift store).I have lost very dear friends ,and on rainy days sitting down and going through the cards, reading their funny jokes and sentiments they sent me, brings the memories back,like nothing else. Re think throwing out those special cards,people. We as a society will miss it when we dont have the written word anymore.Btw there are those dollar store cards with zero appeal and a bare signature ,those i understand tossing but the more costly cards are truly works of art and should be cherished.The rest of your suggestions I agree with.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m so glad I found your comment. I pride myself on giving good cards. I think they are more important than the gift. I find special ones everywhere (even the op shops), or use a postcard or old photos and make sure to fill the whole thing with writing. I don’t understand people who write the basics with nothing personal. Why bother? I want it to mean something. So many of my friends and ex students send me photos of cards they have kept from me and tell me how much it still means to them decades later. Also, my mother reads old documents for family tree research and I am worried this is a dying skill. I am over 50 and still able to read most cursive writing but my students have no idea how to read it let alone write it!
I also keep the cards I received from families and friends. They are included in all of my scrapbooks. Its really sad that giving greeting cards have disappeared.
I make and send beautiful cards and people always seem appreciative! I ran into a former Principal who said my cards to her gave her peace and 10 years later she still has them in a glass case! 🥹
A card is as valuable as the message written in it, from a person you valued in your life. I notice this woman is talking telling us the things SHE is quitting, says repeatedly this is about HER choices. Follow suit or dont. Arguing about the value of things seems to be another thing she is letting go of.
I’m not a minimalist, but 100% agree that too many “things” in my life are dragging me down and are actually not making me happy. I have noticed that getting rid of the un-needed stuff is making me happier 🎉. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I stopped buying Anything from Amazon 3 years ago. Best day ever!!! I have saved hundreds of dollars bc it was an easy Addiction. Finally realized if we only buy online from them, that's the only competition that will be left. Think about it. There would be no place left to choose from. Then u will see prices rise exponentially.
I needed to hear this! I’m 57 and my crap has become overwhelming! I wish I could erase the crap and start over with a blank slate; an empty home!!! It’s Declutter and Destash time!
I moved to a house and got my Amazon packages stolen the first night. So I called Xfinity and talked with them about outdoor cameras. Well, long story short. I simply quit ordering things on amazon. If I don’t want it bad enough to make a trip to the store for it, I don’t want it that bad and probably didn’t need it in the first place. I’ve saved tons of money. Such a simple solution to what I thought was a complex problem.
That’s great if you can drive. Not all of us, even those younger, are physically able to do it. Small towns don’t offer the choice and economy of ordering. We’ll drive the couple hours for a fun day or to see something up close but even then we don’t have the choice available in the big city five hours away. Internet orders are easier and save a lot of money and cussing on the long drive. 😅
@@marywiggins7411I got this option when I had to replace my garage door opener. I thought it was a little weird at first but now I love it. Also, Amazon loves it because their packages stay safe and dry.
5:06 I live in a community with a lot of Mexican Americans and has tons of Mexican grocery stores which sell powdered laundry detergent in plastic bags (not jugs) that works great! Last time I bought some, I paid 1.29 for a 17 oz bag. It won't be a brand you recognize, but you will save money and won't buy a plastic jug!
omg! we are the same age and we both do not like clutter. My husband and I live a small house and I have thrown away a lot of stuff that are way too old and stuff that we do not need. I do not want too much stuff. I don't like trinkets if they are in an open shelf because I don't want to do dusting every weekend.
I am a retired Police Victim Service worker of 27+ years. I agree with the majority of your reasoning around your choices, they make sense. The only area I would not choose is the human contact points. In an age where we are setting our younger ages to rely on electronics, Facebook, texting, etc. etc., we are creating generations of non social interactions. Many youth, young adults have lost the ability to have a face to face conversation without feeling uncomfortable. I know when I send a general well-being card or realize a friend has no one to send an acknowledgment gift for what they are experiencing, as small bouquet or well thought out card does make the world of difference the their wellness. I don’t believe I have never sent a card without a thought provoking comment. Yes…… I still send out written Christmas cards with letters. I realize it is a lot of work, but for yearly contact and checking in with people……..so worth it. It is amazing the feeling one gets when they receive a card. Sorry, just wanted to let you know about the one point. You are so on point about streaming lining stuff. Just a thought🤗
I don't send cards. Nobody cares about anything good that happens to others sadly. I DO care and feel genuine happiness for them but as for writing my blessings 50 times in a letter NO thanks!!!😊
Adding scent to the air, especially in the winter when things start to feel stuffy, is easy - put on a large pot of water and simmer your favorite spices - smells amazing!
Just turned 60 and still on my decluttering and more minimal journey. And I say journey because it is a process. I do love a pretty home, but I have chosen the essential furniture pieces to make my room statement and not stuff. I do love walking into a room that feels peaceful and is beautiful. I also love my oils. I am very sensory. I don’t use them to cover a smell. I appreciate the feeling that they bring. I absolutely LOVE seeing a content maker that is older than 30 and more relatable!!! Love her inspirations and the comments on here.
so agree with everything that you say on here. I am quite a bit older than you. My children are grown and keep asking me what I want for Christmas and honestly there’s nothing that I want them to give me. I’d love just being with them and talking to them and to me that is a gift. It is the best gift of all.
As we age, our priorities change and we just want peace and simplicity. I know I do. I find something new all the time that I won't buy anymore and feel great about it.
Yes! I’m 55 and agree with 99% of your list and could even add a few. For the past few years I’ve been shedding possessions and live by some of the very same rules because I’ve learned the simple truth…too much stuff weighs you down and causes stress. Less truly is more.
About five years ago, I got a wake up call of my excessive greed and materialism- Over the course of the five years, we downsized and super minimalized- We decluttered - It’s amazing what you can accumulate and have doubles, triples…of. ( at 56) I cut my clothing buying- I went from a full walk in closet down to 20 pieces that I mix and match- I only buy if replacing- Shoes: I have a pair for work, casual, dress, outside- No more knickknacks/decor and got rid of most of what we have- No more kitchen gadgets, pots, pans…only to replace what we decided to keep- There’s so much that we stopped buying and it was a sad realization of our waste.😢 Our savings has greatly increase ☺️I’m working on slowing down my purchases of candles, perfumes, lotions😁 I’ve cut down the amount of what I’m purchasing but I can still do better-
That was me 7 years ago. I downsized to a townhome half of the size of my previous house. I threw away/donated 2/3 of the things I had. Now I live a simple life, without a lot of stuff! Most of the things that she doesn't buy any more. I haven't bought them for years. I do love my candles though. Because when I cook I use many spices. I love the fresh cooked meals but not the odor from the cooking. So I use candles (Yankee Candles) to get rid of the odor. Just opening windows don't do it. The videos I watch lately remind me that I still need to get rid of some of things that I collected over the years, but not much.
I have a 5000 square foot home filled with pretty things. I like pretty things. My home is my haven. It's where I spend most of my time. Though I could let go of some stuff and be ok. I wouldn't say that people that have a lot are necessarily greedy or materialistic. I am neither. 20 pieces of clothing? That to me is a bit extreme. I hope they are high end or they won't hold up long if you're wearing the same thing all the time. I'd like to be somewhere in the middle of where you are and where I am.
Let me help you out with the lotions and perfumes. Research each ingredient. All have autoimmune suppressors in them!!!! They shut down immune system! No lie. I ditched all that stuff 15 years ago. I'm almost 66 and on no meds. I also don't go to "wellness checks" at the "Dr's office" either. Trust me...they will find some reason to get you on a med. If you feel good. Don't go. Also, room plug in air freshners....from my experience....restless leg syndrome. Those bad boys affect your neurological functioning. IMO that is what I discovered accidentally. My then fiance plugged them in without me knowing it...behind furniture etc. Symptoms resurfaced. He finally believed me!!!! They are all in bed with big pharma
I am 68 and I am with you on this. I recently purged my clothes closet and then set my closet up with a space to hang the clothes I have worn throughout the year. Then the remaining clothes that I haven’t worn within a year will be donated.
Do you do the reverse hanger trick? Put everything on hangers going “the wrong way”, or open side of the hook facing you. Once you’ve worn something, and it goes back in your closet, put the hanger the “right way”, or open side away from you. Pretty clear what you’ve worn.
My sister taught me to put hangers in backwards at the beginning of the season. As you wear the item hang it front way. At the end of the season everything you didn't wear is still backwards. Get rid if it
So glad I found your channel. I am 80. I always loved setting a beautiful table, and planned lovely dinners for friends & family through the years. Now, my husband passed away this year. I look at the two china cabinets full of beautiful dishes, bowls & platters they mean nothing to me. That phase of my life is over. I havent any idea what to do with it all. Thinking of puting price tags on each item feels overehelming. I'm stuck, & will watch more of your videos for more ideas.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I understand. My parents passed. His passed. He passed also. Well. I finally found a “company” to help me declutter. I hated to let go of china. She let me keep 3-4 various sets but only enough for a few people. Same with pictures, frames, mugs, kitchen gadgets, clothes, hobby stuff. Is there a young newlywed in your family? Neighborhood? Church/temple? To donate or gift them to? I do feel better & my house does too. Love you! God bless
I TOTALLY AGREE with your choices! The thing I am trying to do at 62 is USE WHAT I ALREADY HAVE! I have enough candles to last me 3 years, I have made it a point to not allow myself to buy ANY more until I use what I have. I did that with lipstick and cologne 3 years ago I have finally ran out!
Here are some pro tips. I concur with you that spending five dollars or more on one card is wasteful and ridiculous. Couple of years ago I discovered dollar tree. Dollar tree sells two greeting cards for one dollar. The brand is a subsidiary of Hallmark. They have some nice wording and phrases in it. I am dedicated to keeping the written word alive and not just a text or email. So, I will not give a greeting card without writing a note, a letter of some kind. I actually stand cards up where I live for a few weeks so I can look at them. Final tip from my grandmother. I use old Christmas cards as a Christmas tag. I will not use it if there is writing on the back of the card. This is a fun way to decorate a package, so I don’t put any bows or ribbons on the package. It’s nice to keep that memory of my grandmother alive and be creative at the same time. Let’s keep the written word alive! Thank you for sharing how you are simplifying your life! Keep it coming!
I am with you on all these items girl!! Definitely do not need any of this STUFF. The stuff just makes us have to take care of it. Life is way too short. Our time is precious.
I literally could have made this video myself! In the past two years, I have donated/decluttered at least 40% of what we owned. The main driving force behind this is I had to go through my mother's house when she passed, and I will not do this to my kids. I also have a strong desire to live a much simpler life. I used to love buying clothes, but now, I just need to have clothes that I feel good in, same with shoes. I also keep things super simple in the kitchen. My deteriorating health has brought me to this point, but I wish I had done this sooner!! (PS I do like scents in my home, but I only buy soy wax melts, and use them sparingly!) The one thing that did catch my eye is the coffee maker!! New subscriber! One more thing, I still like to keep things written down, but now I use a plain notebook, which works better than any planner did!
Hi Patti and welcome! That is exactly the reason I started simplifying. My MIL had to move south for health reasons and my husband was left with all of her house possessions to deal with along with the sale of the house. She kept EVERYTHING - ugh! My kitchen is the next thing I really want to simplify. I still have too much!
I feel differently. I am 59 and my parents are still alive. My mom has been decluttering for years. The attic is empty and it makes me sad that I will find nothing there from the past.I plan to live with all the things I love. I am not worried about my son having to deal with this. We have a home filled with beautiful things. I am also still adding onto and fixing up our house. We are adding walk in closets and fireplaces. My son will inherit a nice amount of money and property. If he doesn't want to deal with it he can hire someone to run an estate sale and trash what isn't sold.
@@SusanChristmasThere are definitely two sides to this. As much decluttering as I've done, I have already started giving special family heirlooms away to my sons' and their wives. Sterling silver flat ware and serving dishes, jewelry, pictures etc. And I have special pieces packed in boxes for the grandchildren, with their names on the boxes. I inherited my parents art collection, which will go to my kids as well. I am very sentimental, and as much as I have decluttered, I still have all the things I saved from when the kids were in school. My attic is packed with all these things.....I figure they will have a nice walk down memory lane. I'm so sorry that you won't have that experience, but is sounds like you are creating a special time for your son!
@@Patti-1962 So glad you are keeping the memories as they cannot be replaced.I am sentimental about the past. It would have been very therapeutic to have the chance to explore the attic for these treasures.
Are you kidding? I’m 77, hope to live another 20 years in reasonable health, but aside from paper stuff I have very little desire to get rid of what fills my home because SO MUCH OF IT BELONGS TO MY KIDS! When I go they can finally take care of their own stuff.!
For me, less is more. I hate _stuff._ I do however love fresh flowers 💐 and am very fortunate that I can go out on my property and gather wildflowers for free. One of my guests thought I bought my bouquet from a florist.
Oh, Bobbie, I am so happy you did this video!! I'm just starting to declutter and downsize, and it's so wonderful to hear you say exactly what I'm thinking! I love what you said about extra bed pillows (my hubby doesn't care either), gadgets, and filling an empty spot just to fill it. I'm 63, and the less I have to do, the happier I am!! Thank you again for this video!!
Thank all here. I’m so ready to do my decluttering starting with way too many Christmas decorations and with an empty nest who needs all this clutter. I’m 66 and I feel so cluttered in it makes me sick!!
Great video! As hubby and I near retirement, we're starting to go through the house and (realistically) get rid of whatever we can. It will make life so much easier if we decide to downsize, and most of the things to let go are items we haven't used in forever. I'm loving not having all the clutter and I find without needing to store things, I need less storage items, from baskets, bins and even pieces of furniture. It's easy to clean, not much to maintain and I'm totally loving the open space of no clutter and clear surfaces. Your video just came up in my feed and I really enjoyed it and I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks!
You speak common sense, which is exceedingly rare nowadays. I wholly appreciate how genuine and real you are. I'm just a few years younger than you are (53) and I too have come to realization that purging unnecessary items and simplifying life is simply healthier. Thanks for remaining true to you and sharing yourself with us!
My Nana, who was more of a mum to me, passed away 3 years ago. I’m finally on the last two boxes of her things! In the past week I’ve filled 2 additional skips. We filled 5 when she passed. I can’t tolerate things on my countertops or any tables! I also despise shopping and dusting. If anyone buys me something I have to dust or clean, I’m thinking of who I’m regifting it to! The pillow thing has always driven me crazy. You’re spot on with the exception of books! I LOVE my library and reading, I have books I read often. Otherwise, I’ll pop into the library.
I recommend trying the carnivore diet. Say goodbye to arthritis and doctors. Keeps your kitchen free of gadgets and you can have a much smaller, uncluttered refrigerator. It’s the ultimate minimalist option.
No way on books! I’m a book person. I still go to the library. I love the smell of library books! Also candles. I like a nice lavender candle in bed or bathroom.very calming to me.
I’m 68 and I still buy magazines. For me they are like an inexpensive vacation. I love my kindle and only buy hard copy books for my grandkids. And now that magazines are going out of business more and more, I do miss them.and I finally found the ideal planner that works for me. Digital doesn’t work for this old school gal lol
I guess I'm not the only one in my mid fifties really trying to declutter and try to live a simpler life. As for the cleaning products, I can't live without baking soda & white vinegar. It cleans everything. I also must have my comfy pillows and a few art pieces to make my place feel homey.
I used to love magazines too, but then as the years went by, I saw the same things in them over and over again, so I stopped buying them. That was before the internet. Now virtually everything is available online for us to enjoy. I like my seasonal/holiday decor inside and out. I like my furniture, I like my clothes. I enjoy pretty things and comfort. My home is warm and cozy, and not cluttered. You can have it all in, moderation. If I cut back too much on everything I would be so bored.
I'm with you on the magazine thing....why would I want to purchase a magazine that has pictures in it of the exact same thing they put in the magazine five years ago. Drives me crazy. I actually have a big rack in my garage that has all my favorite decorating magazines in it. I have them separated by season. I literally just look at these same magazines every year to get my decorating ideas. Perfect.
I’m glad I found this video. We are moving out of our huge family home, now all the kids have grown and have their own families. We just don’t need this amount of room and the cost of keeping it warm and safe. We have bought a beautiful thatched cottage in the middle of the beautiful U.K. countryside and can’t wait to live our minimalist, smaller life. I’ve spent the last month decluttering and I can’t believe how much STUFF we have collected and stored never to be used over the years. It’s crazy 😮
You're very pleasant. I enjoyed it. Thank You. My only disagreement with you is on the fresh flowers. I'm careful with my money and I don't splurge on much of anything except my home. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't go out to fancy restaurants. But I do buy very nice things for my home, and I am going to have my fresh flowers. I'm older, single, and have few friends, and having fresh flowers in my home is almost like having a friend around. It's just a part of who I am, and something thats important to me.
I do the same and justify well.... I don't go off on expensive vacations....so the colorful flowers perk me up.... and that IS my vacation!! Hey...tons cheaper than paying for a therapist, right??!! I've cut back though to bringing fresh flowers in mostly only during winter months and/or distressfully dreary days. That's when I really need them and especially enjoy them. 👍 🌷🌱🌹💐🪻🌻
When I hit 50, 7 years ago I started decluttering and downsizing even things like my purses and shoes and makeup and stuff that made me feel better about myself in my 20’s and 30’s and now I focus more on my over all health and not all the floof ! Lol
I get pkgs of 8 greeting cards for $1.25, blank inside, at Dollar Tree. I have 24 grandchildren that I send money for birthdays and I just write a special note inside. I use the cards for all kinds of “events.” I remember my sister asking her teenagers if they’d like $25 for their birthdays, or $20 and a card! 😂
I started this in 2005, now my life is so simple and fun and peaceful. Allowing all simplicity to exist and flow with it! I think if I found a community it could be even better! Enjoying one another company is my goal with out materialism. ❤🎉
The ONLY thing I disagree with you on is my bed decor pillows, shams and throws. I want to walk into my master bedroom and feel cozy luxury….my bed decor is what makes our room feel personal and since the hubs is willing to make the bed WITH all the pillows, it’s a win-win for me! I agree with all your other item deletions! 😎
This was excellent!!!!!!! I’m 71, was raised by a hoarder and was well on my way to that myself! No more! For every one thing I throw out I lose 10 pounds off my shoulders!! Imagine how I felt when I threw out 100….YES 100 pr of new, cheap shoes never worn or only worn once! Clothes, cleaning supplies and books are still a problem. Pens and highlighters too. I have containers full of them too😂😢😂😢😂. Pray for me. Everything seems to have a sentimental value😬
It’s easier to part with things you don’t use if you can find someone who really needs those things. For example, those shoes you never wore or wore once would be good for clothing closets at homeless shelters or women’s shelters where the people have lost almost everything. . You know someone else is going to get good use out of them. Cleaning supplies may coming in handy for someone who has to clean up after a storm. Magazines are good for craft projects for nursing homes, schools, etc. The local library has a winter and a summer book sale and will accept donations of books & magazines, I have taken bags of books and National Geographic magazines to them. They use to proceeds to buy new books for the library plus things like DVDs to loan out. Old towels can be donated to animal shelters for when they wash those animals. I have saved up things for storm victims when there were requests for donations. Cleaning products, shampoo & other hygiene items that you have an excess of, towels, etc. There is a thrift store here that donates to the homeless a they use some of their profits to stock a refrigerator with perishable food to give to the hungry. I gave carloads of outgrown clothing, books, magazines, home decor, kitchen ware items etc that I had no longer any use for to that store. And I gave a carload of household items to a man who was older, single and lost his home & contents in a house fire. When you have nothing and start all over those things mean so much more…towels, linens, small appliances to cook with, cooking pots, odds & ends of flatware and dishes.Extra shirts, jogging pants, a coat & jacket, etc. . He was so appreciative of everything that we gave him. If anyone mentions that they are needing something and I can part with it then its theirs. Lost weight and my neighbor needed larger t-shirts to wear in the gym, now she has over a dozen good shirts. Stained t-shirts get cut up for cleaning rags.
Can I challenge you to take some paper and start going through the highlighters and pens? Even pencils. I had the same problem and found that by going through them I was able to get rid of many just because they were so old they no longer worked and then it was easier to get rid of some. I also have a buying hold on them because unless it is getting bought for the Christmas Stocking office supplies (a tradition my Mom started and my kids wanted to keep up after she passed). So since that first crash course where I got rid of probably 50%, many more have been run out of ink, lost at schools or work, or aged out of working since that first cleanout. But they are much better than they used to be.
When I decide to get rid of something if it can be repurposed or recycled I usually put it out in the vicinity where I live to share with neighbors in my apartment complex I'll put them out on a Friday evening and if they're still sitting there by Sunday I'll take them back in and give them to goodwill. It it makes it easier to let something go when you know it's going to go to a place and be useful and appreciated by somebody else.
You might want to try allowing yourself to only have one room where you are allowed to hoard. I did that after fighting my husband (the hoarder) to try to clean out the house. I started de-hoarding one room at a time. My husband had to pick one place he could hoard to his delight - he picked his office. Boy, it is bad in there, but I just shut the door. The rest of the house is clean and free of clutter. When my husband starts to try to leave piles around the house, I just open his office, put it in there, and close the door.
I liked a lot of your points, many of which I've already given up, many of which I never indulged in. I also appreciate that you've qualified your opinions with "this is what works for me". I had to laugh when I heard your comments about decorative pillows because that's exactly how I feel. However, after more than 10 years of living a nomadic life that consisted of a small storage locker and essentials that basically fit into 2 carry on suitcases, I now own my home and I'm getting immense enjoyment from decorating it. I'm an artist and I love making things. Much of my decor and furniture consists of inexpensive thrift store finds that I often DIY to make work aesthetically in my home. The artwork in my home is either thrifted or original artworks I've created. I feel good when I see my DIY projects and artwork hanging on the wall. This brings me to your final point about greeting cards. I totally agree with you about cards being a waste of money. The reason I throw them away is because some mass produced pre-printed sentiment with a kitschy image is totally meaningless. I make my own cards and write my authentic heartfelt sentiments on the cards. People love them. I go to the homes of people I've made cards for and see the cards displayed long after I've given them the card. To me, this is what living an authentic life is all about.
LOL she said no candles but candles are clearly visible behind her on her mantle… I’m guessing those are just decorative. Also at 9:56… it’s spelled “aisles.” 😉 I have the Kindle app on my iPad and it’s great, but not all books are formatted well for Kindle. Is the packaging that your laundry detergent comes in recyclable? If not, then it’s just as polluting as the big plastic jugs. I use Tru Earth Laundry Detergent Sheets. Completely eco-friendly and the packaging is made of paperboard that goes into the recycling bin. And it’s super lightweight!!
I’m also 57 and happened upon your channel. The minute you raised your hand, even before you said that you have arthritis, I felt like I was looking at my own arthritic hand. There are gadgets that I embrace because of function, like the adjustable bottle opener, it’s a must-have. When they come up with a dish rag ringer-outer, I’ll get that one too! I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your journey. Thank you for sharing.
An under-the-cabinet jar opener is one of the best things I’ve found to help me as I age. A spin mop set is the other….makes cleaning the tile floors a breeze.
I don’t waste money so I’ve always done (or not done) most of these things ! My solution to the card thing, I get card stock at a stationary type store or Hobby Lobby (they have good sales) it is plain paper and envelope, many colors to choose from. Then I bought a set of rubber stamps at a garage sale for $1.00 because the “stamping up” craze is over and you can get them cheap ! The kit has basic words like, congratulations, happy birthday, merry Christmas, sorry, thank you, condolences…….and so on. And an ink pad, Hobby Lobby, buy one get one free, so 2 for $3.99 ! So for less than $10 I have 100 cards that I can make for any occasion and write my own message. It all fits in a plastic shoe box and takes a couple minutes to make….they are plain and simple but really cute….I love them ! Blessings
I found that most of the things she mentioned are things that I have never bought, or haven't in many years. As the owner of a secondhand book store, she did break my heart a bit when she said she didn't buy physical books anymore. I do understand the arthritis thing, though. One of the reasons we don't bother with "decor" is because our house is wall-to-wall books, as well a several paintings that we have acquired over the years and really love. As far a clothing goes, I don't have a lot of clothes that I really love, because I generally can't find any. I feel like I'm doing okay if I find something that I don't find hideous. Anyway, this was very interesting.
Same here. I scour the thrift shops for books. No offense to e-book aficionados but to me houses without books give off an artificial, motel-like, cheap atmosphere.
Secondhand bookstores are my personal Disneyland! I'm a hybrid reader, so I do own a Kindle, but I also still have hundreds of physical books. I love the thrill of rooting around on shelves or in thrift store bins, and I don't get that feeling scrolling Amazon. :)
Correct me if I'm wrong but you don't need to buy a Kindle. I use my Samsung tablet and download books in digital form for 2 weeks from my local library. So easy and I don't have 2 devices. Great for traveling, too. I download movies and books so I have a choice while traveling by plane, etc.
Yes! Better than whacking the side of a lid with a butter knife and creating glass shards that get into your food as I have been told about by visiting nurses who have checked on the elderly who had vision problems and bleeding in stools. An easy-grip Oxo potato peeler is another gadget that I use frequently. My picker-upper tool is great to prevent bending with a sore back and to reach in the cabinets when my shoulders were swollen. But my favorite gadget is an airhorn that I bought at Dollar Tree for #1 several years ago. It comes in real handy for phone scammers from India, you know the ones named Jake or David, who say they are from Medicare or Customs and you have a suspicious package. One blast (outdoors on the cell phone) with that and they get mad enough to go away.
Hi! What a fun and informative video! Loved it!❤ Im 55 and have alot of health issues which is part of the reason im in my predicament now. This is helping me!! Im slowly cleaning one room in the home completely down sizing, donating and trash. Its rough but for 3 days i have deep cleaned the kitchen cupboards and drawers, next is declutter and drop at donations THAT day. And then organize woohoo!
Never saw this channel before. You're awesome. And I'm just like you, I refuse to buy stuff anymore. But I will say that I still have my seasonal decorating containers because I entertain a lot and I so very much enjoy decorating for the seasons. Each year I just change up what I already have and use it in new and different ways. I'm 68, and I, too, was worried about family having to get rid of all my stuff if I die. I just have one more storage space to clean out and I'm done.
This was the best video! I’m (a very young) 73 and I lost my husband 3 years ago. We entertained a lot so I’m now doing without many of these things as well because nobody sees them anymore in my home. But I’ve done away with all the same things. Gave up all magazines other than Christmas just because they make me happy. You are so on point
Simple bullet journal is better than any planner. I absolutely HAVE to have expensive shoes because I have wide feet, that saying - they last longer, buy classic styles. You can make new pillow covers to fit existing sizes, and only store the covers. We all need pretty, nothing wrong with that.
I'm 59 and I totally agree with you! I decluttered my life once we moved back to Europe after living in the States for 20 years. I used to buy stuff for the house like a manic..no longer. I do like decoratively pillows, but I bought the best quality I could afford, and I haven't changed in 10 years. I also like real books but I give away a lot of my old books. One thing I cannot give up is real flowers because I live in the city and don't have a garden.
I have two pillows in the living room and if I feel the need for seasonal throw pillows I just buy covers for them. They lay flat so are easy to store, and it makes me happy when the pillows match the decor! One thing I have stopped doing is folding washcloths. I decided just to get a large basket for the linen closet and toss in the washcloths. It saves so much time and nobody cares whether they are folded or not!
We spend the first half of our life “getting the stuff” and the latter half getting rid of it. Leading a more authentic life means I just don’t need so much stuff - just great life experiences and good friends
I’ve tried many different planners, and I’ve finally found what works for me: a monthly calendar which allows me to write out my lists for the week. This has really helped me keep organized. It’s simple for me so that I use it all the time.
People can donate magazines to libraries or doctors' offices, etc. My library has free magazines you can take home, no need to check them out, just bring them back.
I love getting older! Everything you said is spot on. Trendy stuff has never been for me. . . If it doesn't make my heart sing, I am not buying it. Thank you for your unintentional validation!
Funny the many things Americans buy, I'm amazed. Almost all of the things that you mention that you don't buy any more...I have never bought at all. Except books, which I don't buy anymore but I do get gifted to me sometimes. No wonder you guys have the huge houses. This is very different here (Europe). Smaller homes, simpler and healthier.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re giving up greeting cards. At one point not that long ago I made a pact with myself to mail two of them every month. Do you know how much people really love to see something like that in the mail? It doesn’t even have to be a birthday I could just say hey I was thinking about you the other day. 😊. As far as giving gifts, I will kind of cut my own cards and make just a little note from the cards that I’ve gotten in the mail myself but I do like the ones that get in the mail. I think it’s pretty special.
I agree. I also still hand write letters and I have NO social media accounts. If people can't call me and talk to me vs....a text....I don't need to hear from them. All of my family and friends know this. I got rid of "dumb" phone too. I now remember all phone numbers. I have corded land lines. I have an emergency burner flip phone that is kept in my car in the event of an emergency on the road.
@@5GreenAcres I, too only have a land line as well. Gave up my cell phone 5 years ago since it was such a burden and costly to use being retired. My husband is addicted to his cell phone though constantly checking and scrolling....sad to see he is like many now. I feel I have freedom again since I gave it up.
I still write letters by hand just like I did as a youngster when I moved far away. I wish there were family letters to look at but it wasn’t the thing back then.
@@jackiewhitney5031 Exactly it is so freeing. They are so addicting. It took me two weeks to not panic to leave the house to drive somewhere. I finally just got an emergency flip phone and that took care of it. I am sad for you because it is terrible to see a partner or loved one glued to those aweful things. They don't even realize how addicted they are. I most certainly didn't until I told myself NO MORE! I now have more time and I remember phone numbers again.
I'm 39 and already avoid many of the same things. I do really like my paper books though! It hurts my eyes less and there's something special about having the paper in my hands.
I just turned 55 yrs. old. I am trying to get rid of things but I have a hard time getting rid of clothes, lol. I also love to buy flowers every Sunday for myself. I'm alone and they do make me feel joy and yes I get mine at Trader Joe's LOL. I will only use a colored vase so you can't see the water :) It's really tough getting older.. I feel that the upper 50's have been the toughest time in my life. I enjoyed your video and I look forward to watching more! :)
Oh yes, at 69, I am alone. Never married, no children. Mother died three years ago after I cared for her through Alzheimer’s. Feel like I’m learning to walk and talk again. I am just now beginning the declutter journey. Bought a Kindle a while back in order not to keep accumulating books so fast. I am working on strengthening my faith, which helps. I say get those flowers if they bring you joy. You and the flowers have something in common. You are both God’s creation, so why not be friends?
I am 72, and most of your list I do as well. Several years ago I had to get rid of my parents "stuff", it was then I realized that I did not want to leave the same for my kids. As I have let go of some of the very same things I have felt liberated in time and stuff. Yes, there were a couple of things I still do but that is personal preference.
Exactly same here for me. Lost my 90 year old mom last Christmas and just turned 59. I told my daughter I will not leave her the burden of too much of my stuff so after my divorce, I purged!!
A good solution to throw pillows (if you sew) is to buy pillow forms and make covers yourself that can be changed out for different seasons. Make sure that the covers are washable and they can be kept for years. They also fold flat and a bunch of them can be stored together.
For the non sewists you can buy pillow covers just measure your pillow first. I saved one throw pillow in case I or hubby wants to lie on the sofa and read. Also useful for visitors who have lumbar back issues. I ditched the rest of them.
Everything you've said is so right on. Especially the magazines, not only are they just cover to cover advertisements , but when you subscribe TONS of junk mail will overflow your mailbox because they most certainly sell your name and address to every company out there. I haven't bought any new decor in years and haven't missed it at all. I've decluttered greatly and it's more fun than getting new stuff. I still like a paper book though. I've tried the Kindles but no, not for me.
It depens on magazine. I’m a teaveler. I subscribed to Discover Great Britain and Britain magazines. Fantastic, a lot of history, architecture, interesting places to visit. I designed my three trips later based on places I read about.
I watched your channel for the first time. I am an event planner and new empty nester. I never thought I would be in the stage of my life when décor was not important.😳 But I am with you on this. Hubs & I are de-cluttering and it feels so wonderful! Thanks for sharing your tips! I really enjoyed it! PS…@ 9:55, I think the word you meant is aisle, not isle. (No one would want to skip an isle!🏝️😉)
I bought a Kindle White for reading books years ago and it is my go to. I like that it is lighted (adjustable) and you can change the font size. I like to download a new book on my kindle when I travel on an airplane. I also like that I have a whole library of books at my disposal on a very small device.
Six years ago I bought a Fire 8 for $55, and upgraded to a Fire 10 a few months ago. I also bought a 400GB micro SanDisk for lots of extra storage and it was only $25 on cyber Monday. I bought very realistic looking fake flowers that have lasted two decades only, requiring a good dusting every now and then. Candles create sticky soot that attaches to walls and inside ducting, so instead I have a diffuser or a wax warmer for when I want a bit of scent. Essential oils have so many different uses... I find them to be worth the money for a small collection of favorites.
First time viewer. You make deliberate thoughtful points with strong determination. The end results I see are healthy, financially smart, and decluttering. Great video.
Pretty pillows on beds and lovely cushions make your home look welcoming homely and stylish, well worth the time plumping and putting on and off a bed!
@@gabesmom5615 It doesn't matter if you don't have people over. Do it for yourself! Care about how you live and enjoy the feeling of comfort it brings you.
I thought that her bed looked very sad. People who don’t want to deal with all of the shams and decorative pillows should get a pretty bedspread like most of us had growing up. There’s nothing extra to do or store but at least it will cover up sad little mismatched sleeping pillows.😬🫢
I love love love this video! So many times, I said "yes!" during this video and smiled. Same as another person commented, after losing my parents and cleaning out their home, I realized experiences not things were important to me. I still have a lot of my mom's holiday paper plates and cleaning supplies... Years later😂
Found you today. I immediately got on Amazon and got 4 Lazy Susan’s. I give up on makeup at 72. I don’t care. But your attitude towards stuff and simplicity I could have used way before now. Thankyou
Just clicked on your video; wow, you are the cutest. I am about to be 54; going through cancer for the 2nd time (Jesus is my Healer) and I have been "going" minimal for a while, but I love the ideas you brought out, and with my age and being sick right now, I do have more time to declutter more and more. I look forward to going back and watching your videos; you are so encouraging and your bubbly personality puts a smile on my face ❤❤
I agree with ALL of the 20 things! I'm 66 y/o, and recently downsized to a smaller home. I made it my mission to simplify my life. Still working on that, actually. And, I LOVE my Kindle too!
I need effective cleaners bc I am a vet and I have a lot of pets.All you need is murphysboil soap for floors walls cabinet doors etc.a good multipurpose cleaner like mrs meyers concentrate.barkeepers friend.and bleach for disinfecting.rubbing alcohol is a great cleaner for many things especially electronics.tide POWDER is great.i even use it to degrease my sink and oven top.hint...you can use murphys oil soap as a laundry presoak for heavily soiled items..works great.
I agree with everything you said. Having 5 children and homeschooling them is what really started me living more simply. Even now that all the children are grown and on their own, except one, I try not to spend money on things that have no function but to make the house look "nice". Not saying I don't have some things hanging on the walls, like a painting that my great aunt painted, but I just try to keep it simple. I do love to have pictures of family sitting around, so I consider that my form of decortating. Every year I get rid of stuff, don't want to leave it to someone else to have to take care of when I am gone. Thanks so much for sharing. Love your videos. Hope you have a fabulous Sunday!
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Must come with age. I’m 70 and are becoming a minimalist too. Things I thought were important 20 years ago, aren’t anymore.
Me too at 56 yo. Feels so good and freeing. Less cortisol too is great for weight management so there is an added benefit. I used to be a personal trainer and I've have folks clear their clutter before we started a program so they had less on their minds and could focus on their health .
I don’t know. I started working on reducing my possessions and simplifying my life in my twenties. I grew up in a household with a lot of stuff and was overwhelmed by it. We never knew where anything was. And then I had cancer in my early twenties and had to simplify my life for my mental, emotional, and physical health.
I seriously wish I knew about the Molly's laundry powder or else I wouldn't have gotten the yuge jug of All detergent.
🤡. I'm the same age but I wasn't doing most any of this stuff for decades(some becuz I didn't have the money to play with).. and I wouldn't do cheap skincare even when I started buying it in 2006 but I won't go "high end" either, alot of that is just overpriced making you think you need it when it doesn't even work. I could *so* relate to all of this! Saves a ton of money too. GREAT video!
Okay did we have a coffee chat? I’m already a person who never liked “stuff” but in the last few years and especially the last three I have or am becoming more and more a minimalist. I feel overwhelmed with things and nic nacs. I bet every one of those things you mentioned I have stopped over the last few years. It saves time and space and money. I’m 59 turning 60 in March and I agree with another lady who wrote it must happen with age. I don’t have pillows on my bed and stopped buying couch and bed pillows. I stopped buying greeting cards for bdays. I text people. Ha. So many little things add up. I think most people would
be surprised how much you could save. I’m okay with an empty wall. Another thing I stopped buying is expensive perfume. Every year at Christmas I would go shopping for it. A few is all I need. I had tons. I’m working on stopping all the makeup and skin care unless it’s a miracle ha. Again you named every thing I have given up also. We never did meal service or subscription boxes. I do have holidays towels for decor but don’t use or wash them. Anyway this was a great segment. I agree with it all.
Same here. I don’t need all the extras.
63 now, and everything is paid for. Fortunately, I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 18 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 13-year-old vehicle because it is all I need, I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. I retired with $985k, and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.
Right alongside you. No debt, early retirement. Children are well-cared for. On 11 acres overlooking the river valley, I'm constructing the house of my dreams. There are many methods to get rich right now, but only real-time professionals are capable of making such high-volume, near-perfect trades.
In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2020, but by the end of 2023, I had made a profit of almost $850k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.
@@ThomasChai05My partner’s been considering going the same route, could you share more info please on the advisor that guides you.
"Izella Annette Anderson" is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment
This is useful information; I copied her whole name and pasted it into my browser; her website appeared immediately, and her qualifications are excellent; thank you for sharing.
One gadget that I don’t regret buying is a jar opener. As our hands get arthritis, etc. this gadget has made it easier to open jars because so many manufacturers don’t consider seniors.
Yes I have one too + a ring pull aid that helps me to open a can, oh the joys of getting old 😅
Packaging is getting harder and harder to open. Or is it just age. Or both.
I know a lot of people will gasp to learn I never put up a Christmas tree or decorations anymore.The way I look at it is all that stuff you put up, you have to take down!! I have no desire to do it.
Absolutely. If by yourself and don’t care and just think of it as a job.
That's a tough one for me! 😢
I've always loved everything about Christmas and some of my most cherished memories of my late Mom are centered around the fall holidays.
We always had a real tree in all it's fragrant beauty. We would put icicles & angel hair on them adding to the magic, which sadly have been discontinued, along with the awful advent of plastic trees & greenery.
My late husband & I bought a 3 or 4 ft tall white tree to put on our dining room table which we lovingly decorated. After the holidays instead of dismantling it every year I would gently pull a very large black plastic garbage bag over it and store it in a spare closet. Then the next year we would uncover it, add a couple of new ornaments. We both LOVED our little tree. When he passed and I had to make a clean sweep of my life by leaving everything behind to move to another state to take care of my elderly brother, all my Chrstmas stuff also had to be left behind and I do SORELY miss it very much.
My brother had been a rolling stone who never built up any holiday items at all, so when I moved here Chrstmas was so bleak for the first several years. After 2022 holidays I decided I'd had enough bleakness (especially since I was also grieving the loss of my beloved young cat .. I NEEDED some color & the liveliness of holiday decorations) and during the after holiday sales I went to Walmart & loaded up on as much decor as I could afford. Only thing missing was a tree.
This past Christmas I pulled most of it out of storage and made our living room as festive as I possibly could. It was beautiful and every time bro passed thru the room he would whisper "this is the greatest Christmas" 🥰
Still don't have a tree so I doll up a tall lamp instead. Not anywhere as magical as a live tree but it functions well for us in our old age.
We never know when our last Christmas will be so I always made them the best I could for my sickly husband, and now I know how much deep down they mean to my brother, so yeah it really IS a job but is so worth it in the joy it brings.
I have a really small, cute table top Christmas tree. It’s about 18” high, I just put it away as is in the cupboard and bring it out when required. 10 minutes to decorate.
I didn't put up a tree for 20 years (live alone and it was a hassle with the cats/dogs). Two years ago I started putting up a wall tree and love it! The lights really brighten up the room and don't take up space.
My son is 23 and lives in California. So no tree here.
Love this video ❤
The only disagreement I have is that I enjoy physically holding a real book to read. It is a simple pleasure for me. I'm not a digital book person. I frequent our local library quite a bit. My old books that I've purchased I have donated.
Thanks for the video! 😊
I agree. Holding a book and turning the pages is an irreplaceable experience.
Same! Love a good book, not another device. I mark and make notes in my non-fictions like crazy! Love my books :)
I use digital books cause I get my books from the library and this way I don’t have to get to the library
Oh, I gave decorative pillows on my bed soon after I bought them, they were pain in the ass
I agree and add that our sight can be a reason for some choices.
We are not supposed to store our treasures on earth. We can’t take it with us.
Thank you this hit home with me I am middle age and have to stop buying things I don't need like you said you can't take anything with you when you pass God does not mind you having things but allow things to have us sign Cynthia Smith
@@LarryA-w4j - Nicely stated Cynthia!
Like some other commenters here, I prefer holding a book...being 'engaged' with a physical book. It allows me to 'be' IN the pages with the narrative or story happening within the pages. I've never felt carried away into an electronic book, like I do when holding a genuine book! I find its easier on my old eyes using a physical book, too. : )
I love books and have quite a library. I spill food on my books, though. I have so many e books and carry my ipad around
a baby. Some books I buy because they should be in my library even after I’m gone. But loving my Ipad library willnot change. You can make the letters any size you want. Easy to leave notes. I don’t have to holdit up to read in bed. I can prop my ipad wth magic keyboard up in almost any spot.
Yes, the digital ones aren't easy on my eyes.
@@Kinikia95Kindle Paperwhite is great for traveling. At home I read a book.
Me too, I'm with you!
Research is showing that reading physical books reduce anxiety as opposed to ebooks. After a decade of ebooks, I went back to physical books, and it made a world of difference.
I think that as we age, we really start to think about where we want to put our time, effort, and money, and that's what this video represents. Everyone's list will be different, but it's about hitting that point and realizing "this isn't worth my time, effort, or money anymore." It's very freeing!
Exactly. As the end of the horizon approaches, you get picky about what you will be spending your limited mental and physical well days on. I'm also alarmed at leaving my adult children an overabundance of stuff to get rid of when I'm gone.
❤❤❤❤
@@ckp2ator389 see, that doesn't bother me at all! Let them keep what they want, give stuff away to their friends and donate. I've moved within 3 states more than 25 times, plus I"ve traveled all over the world. So, I have stuff I'm partial to. I guess she doesn't. I have memories, but also photos, etc.
Unfortunately or Blessed with 6 grandchildren who have grown with their nana buying what they desire, the day they call to spend with me is a shopping day. Have to stop.
. @@mariaramirez4357 Stop it for their sake. Even though you love them, you are not doing them any favors. They will expect this the rest of their lives and will not be good stewards of their money.
Magazines are all ads! And the mixed messages... "Love yourself at any size", right next to "Drop 30 lbs by this weekend!!"
... right alongside the decadent recipes with thousands of calories per serving! 😂
O magazine is the WORST. Rip out all the ads and you'll have 3 'articles' left.
@@signalfire6I actually did this years ago to have something compact to read on the plane then toss. After I tore out all of the ads(it was a good size,chunky magazine) I actually folded the whole thing in half and stuck it in my skinny purse that I tuck inside my carry on.😵💫😖🙄
@@briannab5296 too true 🤪😅😂. I've noticed this many times myself
Can read them at the library for free or buy very cheap at garage sales
I stopped magazines about three years ago. I was getting overrun with them but I realized they were planting seeds of discontent in me. I was comparing my home, garden, etc to the designer remodels and getting disheartened because I knew I’d never have the money to do that in my home. What I have is completely fine and I thank God every day for the blessings. So I let go of the fake idealized picture I had in my head. 🌻
Omg that’s exactly what happens to me, even pinterest does it. Sighhh but getting much better at enjoying my ideas and my plans as simple as they are
@@cindygaudet1390 Strangely enough, it was a comment very similar to mine that woke me up to the discontent I was feeling. I am 75 now and my husband passed eight years ago. Being on a fixed income, I feel fortunate to be able to keep up with the infrastructure That needs fixing in my home. One year after he passed, my heater went. Not surprising. It was 30 years old after all…. Then the washer and dryer. The next year mice got in my car heater. The whole heater assembly had to be replaced. The year after that was another issue-actually two. I guess I finally got it through my head that fixing up my house cosmetically came in second to being 100% grateful that I even have a roof over my head. Many people don’t. I have learned that those things are not important to me anymore. As long as the house is neat and clean and I remember to practice gratitude for all the blessings I have in my life I am content. I wish for you, Cindy, that you embrace being content with where you are. Especially at a much younger age. Then I came to the realization. 🙏
Amen, sista!!
That's so awesome , being grateful for what you have !
Being older and having already bought most of what I need in life, it wasn't the money that caused this problem for me. It was the time spent trying to keep my home looking like a magazine cover. With two large dogs and sliding glass doors that get new nose prints every hour, three fury cats and pet hair that accumulates by the second. Also one messy husband who I absolutely adore but who also works hard, fixes every broken thing and own multiple sets of deep tread work boots that track dirt/sand/grease with each step...and we have white kitchen cabinets (of course). Not to mention they never ever show a garden that is in natural decline after the bloom/harvest phase. I was going nutz trying to create a photo shoot home instead of maintaining a lived in/loved in home. No more!
New here, I’m 67 and agree with all your no buy things. Lol. Except for books, I love my books and I never have to worry about a battery charge or breaking them. Loving your channel ❤
I cannot do screens all the time. Blue lights mess with my head and keep me awake at night.
Indeed! I will always read books. Holding a book and reading it feels wonderful for me.
I love them too. But, now..I go to the Library.
We spend the first half of our lives acquiring stuff then spend the second half of our life getting rid of stuff.
@@kataisa3 you got that right .. been singing that song for many years. 😉
My sister once asked me why I didn't have decor on my walls. She actually asked if it was "a religion thing". The reason is that I would rather have bare walls than to put up things I don't care about, that I only got because it was in my budget. I don't have collections of knick knacks because I don't want to dust them.
Me too! I do not enjoy them.
Amen! If I have to dust it, I don’t want it!
Very well said.
I display pictures I painted or photos I took
Absolutely 💯!
I turned 62 and now have gotten rid of at least 50% of stuff. And things that remind me of my past. All the old jewelry and I threw away all pictures. No one really wants them and I lost my family over the years so I did what was best for me. You will feel so light once your done. Thank you for sharing. Everyone thought I was crazy. Your so right lighten your life.😊
I am feeling this also. I don’t like to see reminders of the past because they make me sad.
Yes sad painful things in the past best be left there. Remove things that no longer lift your spirit.
@@thelukeewan7602that's the hardest thing for me, for some reason. I have to finally shred my divorce paperwork and accompanying documents, I divorced in 2008...
Everything should be useful or a true delight. Not sad. Good call.
We just don’t need so many pictures. I have a Frameo now, great electronic frame. I love it. That’s the way to enjoy pictures. We need some physical but they should be people that make us happy to look at.
The message i get from this is, it's completely ok to live your life on your terms but try to figure out what's important and "things" don't make us happy. They clutter our lives and minds and we have better things to do.
I got to agree 😅
'Things' DO make me happy 😂 .. until things get out of hand.
The message here for me is 'living life on my own terms' but my problem is FIGURING out what my terms are.
It's an evolving editing of my life of where I and my things & people fit in together.
THIS!
A couple of years ago I was in the IC Ward at the hospital and was sure I wouldn’t leave this hospital alive.. What was mostly on my mind was how difficult it would be for my family to have to go through all of my junk. It was then I realized that I could have gotten along with only about one fourth of my possessions. Since then I cleared most of it out and still have a way to go. I’ve saved money by really thinking about how much I need an item. It’s such a nice feeling now. Thanks for the advice
Same happened to me in 2019. I was so sick in the hospital. All I wanted was clean Pajamas. When I finally did come out, I didn’t care about my extensive show collection, or all the clothes, and stuff in my house. I rotated the same few outfits because I didn’t feel well enough to pick out anything more complicated. Being near death really changed my perspective on possessions
I'm helping an older couple do that now. I'm not a "certified" organizer or declutter expert, but I've seen enough Dana White videos and read enough about minimalism to understand a simple process to get decluttering done. Its not brain surgery. 😂They insisted on paying me for my time although I balked at first, but it's hard work physically so I accepted it. 😅
This was me last year. Had open heart surgery which I was sure I wouldn’t survive and felt sorry for my husband who would have been forced to deal with my stuff had I passed. Have been decluttering since.
I was too, and have spent the last 5 years paring down. I am selling my home and planning to rent so my kids don’t have to sell a home too.
New subscriber! ❤
I’m 52 and I agree with all you said! I love to decorate but I now refuse to waste my money on decor. I just simply don’t go to the stores to waste my money. I am in the process of decluttering and donating everything I come across in my home that I know someone else will benefit from it. Living simple, dust free and with more space is absolutely life changing, life freeing!
Good for you!
My seasonal decor is handmade by dear friends of a lifetime. Destash periodically. Never bought "decor" at all. No fancy kitchen appliances, china, clothes, cable tv, food services, eating out, ordering in, partying, or traveling. Love a good nonfiction library book. Bring me flowers, a plant, herbs, bulbs, fruit or homemade dessert and warm my heart.
Totally agree ❤
Agreed. We've even minimalist for about 9 years and we love it. We love the empty space.
If growing old means not buying fresh flowers ,real books and beautiful cards with personal handwriting, then no thanks. I have some Victorian greeting cards from actual people,I have found just looking around in antique stores .Their art and creativity was so amazing. It's the most insightful way of connecting to real history . I have a small chest where I keep cards sent by old friends ,my husband, children,and my small grandchildren.My daughter enjoys reading her great geat grandfather's notes .Since people no longer write letters this is the next best thing.They are precious . Digital notes and sentiments may disappear but there is something about a card ,with someone's actual handwriting that is so special. It makes me sad that this seems to be disappearing .Why?Cards do not take up much space, store them in a beautiful box (from the thrift store).I have lost very dear friends ,and on rainy days sitting down and going through the cards, reading their funny jokes and sentiments they sent me, brings the memories back,like nothing else. Re think throwing out those special cards,people. We as a society will miss it when we dont have the written word anymore.Btw there are those dollar store cards with zero appeal and a bare signature ,those i understand tossing but the more costly cards are truly works of art and should be cherished.The rest of your suggestions I agree with.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m so glad I found your comment. I pride myself on giving good cards. I think they are more important than the gift. I find special ones everywhere (even the op shops), or use a postcard or old photos and make sure to fill the whole thing with writing. I don’t understand people who write the basics with nothing personal. Why bother? I want it to mean something. So many of my friends and ex students send me photos of cards they have kept from me and tell me how much it still means to them decades later. Also, my mother reads old documents for family tree research and I am worried this is a dying skill. I am over 50 and still able to read most cursive writing but my students have no idea how to read it let alone write it!
I also keep the cards I received from families and friends. They are included in all of my scrapbooks. Its really sad that giving greeting cards have disappeared.
I make and send beautiful cards and people always seem appreciative! I ran into a former Principal who said my cards to her gave her peace and 10 years later she still has them in a glass case! 🥹
It’s not about age. Personal preference
A card is as valuable as the message written in it, from a person you valued in your life.
I notice this woman is talking telling us the things SHE is quitting, says repeatedly this is about HER choices. Follow suit or dont. Arguing about the value of things seems to be another thing she is letting go of.
I’m not a minimalist, but 100% agree that too many “things” in my life are dragging me down and are actually not making me happy. I have noticed that getting rid of the un-needed stuff is making me happier 🎉. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I stopped buying Anything from Amazon 3 years ago. Best day ever!!!
I have saved hundreds of dollars bc it was an easy Addiction.
Finally realized if we only buy online from them, that's the only competition that will be left. Think about it. There would be no place left to choose from. Then u will see prices rise exponentially.
I needed to hear this!
I’m 57 and my crap has become overwhelming! I wish I could erase the crap and start over with a blank slate; an empty home!!!
It’s Declutter and Destash time!
Try moving to a much smaller home. I’ve decluttered and downsized doing this twice.
Pumps, high heels 👠 had to give them away. My girl friend fell and twisted her ankle, she never fully recovered 12 yrs later.
I agree! I've been getting rid of clothes and anything I don't use.
It's okay if you want aemptyhousewithnothinginit
Amen Sister!
I buy cut flowers. I consider them produce. Produce nourishes on a physical level. The flowers nourish me on an emotional level
I will only spend money on flowers for myself if I'm really down, or on my birthday or something
Ruth here, well, l plant a few flowers or rather bulbs, or what ever and bloom year after after year,
Me too😊
Well said. I agree❤
If thou of fortune be bereft, and in thy store there be but left two loaves, sell one, and with thy dole, buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
I moved to a house and got my Amazon packages stolen the first night. So I called Xfinity and talked with them about outdoor cameras. Well, long story short. I simply quit ordering things on amazon. If I don’t want it bad enough to make a trip to the store for it, I don’t want it that bad and probably didn’t need it in the first place. I’ve saved tons of money. Such a simple solution to what I thought was a complex problem.
That’s great if you can drive. Not all of us, even those younger, are physically able to do it. Small towns don’t offer the choice and economy of ordering.
We’ll drive the couple hours for a fun day or to see something up close but even then we don’t have the choice available in the big city five hours away. Internet orders are easier and save a lot of money and cussing on the long drive. 😅
If you have a garage, Amazon can have a code to set your package in the garage
@@marywiggins7411and so a delivery guy can get into your house.
What kind of neighborhood do you live in.
@@marywiggins7411I got this option when I had to replace my garage door opener. I thought it was a little weird at first but now I love it. Also, Amazon loves it because their packages stay safe and dry.
5:06 I live in a community with a lot of Mexican Americans and has tons of Mexican grocery stores which sell powdered laundry detergent in plastic bags (not jugs) that works great! Last time I bought some, I paid 1.29 for a 17 oz bag. It won't be a brand you recognize, but you will save money and won't buy a plastic jug!
My best friend told me about the washing powders😊. They are a great price and get my clothes so clean.
I make my own, but I also use Foca brand. Brings back a lot of memories, lol.
I’m 45 and I’m a minimalist… I’ve always been this way ever since I was young. I don’t like clutter. I believe that less is more ❤️
omg! we are the same age and we both do not like clutter. My husband and I live a small house and I have thrown away a lot of stuff that are way too old and stuff that we do not need. I do not want too much stuff. I don't like trinkets if they are in an open shelf because I don't want to do dusting every weekend.
Less is more
Same!
You learned early!
Would one of you PLEASE come help me declutter?!! 😫
I am a retired Police Victim Service worker of 27+ years. I agree with the majority of your reasoning around your choices, they make sense. The only area I would not choose is the human contact points. In an age where we are setting our younger ages to rely on electronics, Facebook, texting, etc. etc., we are creating generations of non social interactions. Many youth, young adults have lost the ability to have a face to face conversation without feeling uncomfortable. I know when I send a general well-being card or realize a friend has no one to send an acknowledgment gift for what they are experiencing, as small bouquet or well thought out card does make the world of difference the their wellness. I don’t believe I have never sent a card without a thought provoking comment. Yes…… I still send out written Christmas cards with letters. I realize it is a lot of work, but for yearly contact and checking in with people……..so worth it. It is amazing the feeling one gets when they receive a card. Sorry, just wanted to let you know about the one point. You are so on point about streaming lining stuff.
Just a thought🤗
You are so right about sending flowers or a card. Receiving those things means the world to me, as I live alone with no family nearby.
I don't send cards. Nobody cares about anything good that happens to others sadly. I DO care and feel genuine happiness for them but as for writing my blessings 50 times in a letter NO thanks!!!😊
Absolutely. It means something to people
@@jeanetteh.9240I love giving and receiving cards too. 😊
I love receiving cards and I keep them 😊
Adding scent to the air, especially in the winter when things start to feel stuffy, is easy - put on a large pot of water and simmer your favorite spices - smells amazing!
Just turned 60 and still on my decluttering and more minimal journey. And I say journey because it is a process. I do love a pretty home, but I have chosen the essential furniture pieces to make my room statement and not stuff. I do love walking into a room that feels peaceful and is beautiful.
I also love my oils. I am very sensory. I don’t use them to cover a smell. I appreciate the feeling that they bring. I absolutely LOVE seeing a content maker that is older than 30 and more relatable!!! Love her inspirations and the comments on here.
so agree with everything that you say on here. I am quite a bit older than you. My children are grown and keep asking me what I want for Christmas and honestly there’s nothing that I want them to give me. I’d love just being with them and talking to them and to me that is a gift. It is the best gift of all.
I hear you…😢
Yes! I'm 55 and I just don't need or want ANYTHING but peace and company.
As we age, our priorities change and we just want peace and simplicity. I know I do. I find something new all the time that I won't buy anymore and feel great about it.
Yes! I’m 55 and agree with 99% of your list and could even add a few. For the past few years I’ve been shedding possessions and live by some of the very same rules because I’ve learned the simple truth…too much stuff weighs you down and causes stress. Less truly is more.
I agree❣
yup, whatever you own, owns a part of you/your time...I am cutting way back, so over it
About five years ago, I got a wake up call of my excessive greed and materialism- Over the course of the five years, we downsized and super minimalized- We decluttered - It’s amazing what you can accumulate and have doubles, triples…of. ( at 56) I cut my clothing buying- I went from a full walk in closet down to 20 pieces that I mix and match- I only buy if replacing- Shoes: I have a pair for work, casual, dress, outside- No more knickknacks/decor and got rid of most of what we have- No more kitchen gadgets, pots, pans…only to replace what we decided to keep- There’s so much that we stopped buying and it was a sad realization of our waste.😢 Our savings has greatly increase ☺️I’m working on slowing down my purchases of candles, perfumes, lotions😁 I’ve cut down the amount of what I’m purchasing but I can still do better-
I got rid of all impractical things by my 50th year
That was me 7 years ago. I downsized to a townhome half of the size of my previous house. I threw away/donated 2/3 of the things I had. Now I live a simple life, without a lot of stuff! Most of the things that she doesn't buy any more. I haven't bought them for years. I do love my candles though. Because when I cook I use many spices. I love the fresh cooked meals but not the odor from the cooking. So I use candles (Yankee Candles) to get rid of the odor. Just opening windows don't do it. The videos I watch lately remind me that I still need to get rid of some of things that I collected over the years, but not much.
I have a 5000 square foot home filled with pretty things. I like pretty things. My home is my haven. It's where I spend most of my time. Though I could let go of some stuff and be ok. I wouldn't say that people that have a lot are necessarily greedy or materialistic. I am neither. 20 pieces of clothing? That to me is a bit extreme. I hope they are high end or they won't hold up long if you're wearing the same thing all the time. I'd like to be somewhere in the middle of where you are and where I am.
Let me help you out with the lotions and perfumes. Research each ingredient. All have autoimmune suppressors in them!!!! They shut down immune system! No lie. I ditched all that stuff 15 years ago. I'm almost 66 and on no meds. I also don't go to "wellness checks" at the "Dr's office" either. Trust me...they will find some reason to get you on a med. If you feel good. Don't go. Also, room plug in air freshners....from my experience....restless leg syndrome. Those bad boys affect your neurological functioning. IMO that is what I discovered accidentally. My then fiance plugged them in without me knowing it...behind furniture etc. Symptoms resurfaced. He finally believed me!!!! They are all in bed with big pharma
Long ago, a friend said, "It's amazing how much money you have when you don't spend it!"
Fresh flowers are part of who I am, and buy once a week. It's the only decoration I need. And, it's fresh
I am 68 and I am with you on this. I recently purged my clothes closet and then set my closet up with a space to hang the clothes I have worn throughout the year. Then the remaining clothes that I haven’t worn within a year will be donated.
Do you do the reverse hanger trick? Put everything on hangers going “the wrong way”, or open side of the hook facing you. Once you’ve worn something, and it goes back in your closet, put the hanger the “right way”, or open side away from you. Pretty clear what you’ve worn.
Great system!
I'm in my early 40s and I'm feeling almost ready to do that with my closet. I have too much.
My sister taught me to put hangers in backwards at the beginning of the season. As you wear the item hang it front way. At the end of the season everything you didn't wear is still backwards. Get rid if it
Haha the kitchen gadgets! My son in law asked me where the bagel slicer was, and I told him , you’re looking at it. 😂
😂😂
lol lol A bagel slicer... are you kiddding me?I can't imagine a more useless thing!
😂😂😂😂😂
I can do without all silly gadgets and definitely don’t want a air fryer 😊
😆
So glad I found your channel. I am 80. I always loved setting a beautiful table, and planned lovely dinners for friends & family through the years. Now, my husband passed away this year. I look at the two china cabinets full of beautiful dishes, bowls & platters they mean nothing to me. That phase of my life is over. I havent any idea what to do with it all. Thinking of puting price tags on each item feels overehelming. I'm stuck, & will watch more of your videos for more ideas.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I understand. My parents passed. His passed. He passed also. Well. I finally found a “company” to help me declutter. I hated to let go of china. She let me keep 3-4 various sets but only enough for a few people. Same with pictures, frames, mugs, kitchen gadgets, clothes, hobby stuff. Is there a young newlywed in your family? Neighborhood? Church/temple? To donate or gift them to? I do feel better & my house does too. Love you! God bless
I TOTALLY AGREE with your choices! The thing I am trying to do at 62 is USE WHAT I ALREADY HAVE! I have enough candles to last me 3 years, I have made it a point to not allow myself to buy ANY more until I use what I have. I did that with lipstick and cologne 3 years ago I have finally ran out!
I agree,have decided to use up what I have already, then I can really enjoy going out in future to treat myself !
Here are some pro tips. I concur with you that spending five dollars or more on one card is wasteful and ridiculous. Couple of years ago I discovered dollar tree. Dollar tree sells two greeting cards for one dollar. The brand is a subsidiary of Hallmark. They have some nice wording and phrases in it. I am dedicated to keeping the written word alive and not just a text or email. So, I will not give a greeting card without writing a note, a letter of some kind. I actually stand cards up where I live for a few weeks so I can look at them. Final tip from my grandmother. I use old Christmas cards as a Christmas tag. I will not use it if there is writing on the back of the card. This is a fun way to decorate a package, so I don’t put any bows or ribbons on the package. It’s nice to keep that memory of my grandmother alive and be creative at the same time. Let’s keep the written word alive! Thank you for sharing how you are simplifying your life! Keep it coming!
Thats a good way to reuse a Christmas card.
Love this idea
Less paper, please.......more beautiful trees for us to live!
I also save the front flap of my Christmas cards & use as gift tags, I've done that for years
I make reusable cards, putting a little pocket inside enclosing a letter. One card I made came back full circle, twice.
I am with you on all these items girl!! Definitely do not need any of this STUFF. The stuff just makes us have to take care of it. Life is way too short. Our time is precious.
Agree completely. We moved across country a few years ago. Sold or gave away 80% of our stuff, moved to a house half the size.
I literally could have made this video myself! In the past two years, I have donated/decluttered at least 40% of what we owned. The main driving force behind this is I had to go through my mother's house when she passed, and I will not do this to my kids. I also have a strong desire to live a much simpler life. I used to love buying clothes, but now, I just need to have clothes that I feel good in, same with shoes. I also keep things super simple in the kitchen. My deteriorating health has brought me to this point, but I wish I had done this sooner!! (PS I do like scents in my home, but I only buy soy wax melts, and use them sparingly!) The one thing that did catch my eye is the coffee maker!! New subscriber!
One more thing, I still like to keep things written down, but now I use a plain notebook, which works better than any planner did!
Hi Patti and welcome! That is exactly the reason I started simplifying. My MIL had to move south for health reasons and my husband was left with all of her house possessions to deal with along with the sale of the house. She kept EVERYTHING - ugh! My kitchen is the next thing I really want to simplify. I still have too much!
I feel differently. I am 59 and my parents are still alive. My mom has been decluttering for years. The attic is empty and it makes me sad that I will find nothing there from the past.I plan to live with all the things I love. I am not worried about my son having to deal with this. We have a home filled with beautiful things. I am also still adding onto and fixing up our house. We are adding walk in closets and fireplaces. My son will inherit a nice amount of money and property. If he doesn't want to deal with it he can hire someone to run an estate sale and trash what isn't sold.
@@SusanChristmasThere are definitely two sides to this. As much decluttering as I've done, I have already started giving special family heirlooms away to my sons' and their wives. Sterling silver flat ware and serving dishes, jewelry, pictures etc. And I have special pieces packed in boxes for the grandchildren, with their names on the boxes. I inherited my parents art collection, which will go to my kids as well. I am very sentimental, and as much as I have decluttered, I still have all the things I saved from when the kids were in school. My attic is packed with all these things.....I figure they will have a nice walk down memory lane. I'm so sorry that you won't have that experience, but is sounds like you are creating a special time for your son!
@@Patti-1962 So glad you are keeping the memories as they cannot be replaced.I am sentimental about the past. It would have been very therapeutic to have the chance to explore the attic for these treasures.
Are you kidding? I’m 77, hope to live another 20 years in reasonable health, but aside from paper stuff I have very little desire to get rid of what fills my home because SO MUCH OF IT BELONGS TO MY KIDS! When I go they can finally take care of their own stuff.!
For me, less is more. I hate _stuff._ I do however love fresh flowers 💐 and am very fortunate that I can go out on my property and gather wildflowers for free. One of my guests thought I bought my bouquet from a florist.
Oh, Bobbie, I am so happy you did this video!! I'm just starting to declutter and downsize, and it's so wonderful to hear you say exactly what I'm thinking! I love what you said about extra bed pillows (my hubby doesn't care either), gadgets, and filling an empty spot just to fill it. I'm 63, and the less I have to do, the happier I am!! Thank you again for this video!!
Thank all here. I’m so ready to do my decluttering starting with way too many Christmas decorations and with an empty nest who needs all this clutter. I’m 66 and I feel so cluttered in it makes me sick!!
Great video! As hubby and I near retirement, we're starting to go through the house and (realistically) get rid of whatever we can. It will make life so much easier if we decide to downsize, and most of the things to let go are items we haven't used in forever. I'm loving not having all the clutter and I find without needing to store things, I need less storage items, from baskets, bins and even pieces of furniture. It's easy to clean, not much to maintain and I'm totally loving the open space of no clutter and clear surfaces. Your video just came up in my feed and I really enjoyed it and I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks!
Ditto.
100%
Yes… I’m retired and we are getting rid of all the stuff we don’t need. Less is better
To change deco pillows without the bulk storage, buy different covers the size of the pillow to change out as desired.
You speak common sense, which is exceedingly rare nowadays. I wholly appreciate how genuine and real you are. I'm just a few years younger than you are (53) and I too have come to realization that purging unnecessary items and simplifying life is simply healthier. Thanks for remaining true to you and sharing yourself with us!
So if the grid goes down and we no longer have ready access to internet.. Then what?
@@Not2daysatan - I don't understand the point of your question. We adapt, or we die. What does that have to do with my comment.
@@Not2daysatan Play chess, cards and bananagrams... 😎
My Nana, who was more of a mum to me, passed away 3 years ago. I’m finally on the last two boxes of her things! In the past week I’ve filled 2 additional skips. We filled 5 when she passed. I can’t tolerate things on my countertops or any tables! I also despise shopping and dusting. If anyone buys me something I have to dust or clean, I’m thinking of who I’m regifting it to! The pillow thing has always driven me crazy. You’re spot on with the exception of books! I LOVE my library and reading, I have books I read often. Otherwise, I’ll pop into the library.
I recommend trying the carnivore diet. Say goodbye to arthritis and doctors. Keeps your kitchen free of gadgets and you can have a much smaller, uncluttered refrigerator. It’s the ultimate minimalist option.
No way on books! I’m a book person. I still go to the library. I love the smell of library books! Also candles. I like a nice lavender candle in bed or bathroom.very calming to me.
I love a book!!!
You are a woman after my own heart.
For every item you said you wouldn't buy again, I was like yes, me too!
Great video 👏
Me too.
I’m 68 and I still buy magazines. For me they are like an inexpensive vacation. I love my kindle and only buy hard copy books for my grandkids. And now that magazines are going out of business more and more, I do miss them.and I finally found the ideal planner that works for me. Digital doesn’t work for this old school gal lol
What planner do you use?
If you have a library card you will be able to access hundreds of magazines on-line through the library. It’s a wonderful thing!
I guess I'm not the only one in my mid fifties really trying to declutter and try to live a simpler life. As for the cleaning products, I can't live without baking soda & white vinegar. It cleans everything. I also must have my comfy pillows and a few art pieces to make my place feel homey.
I used to love magazines too, but then as the years went by, I saw the same things in them over and over again, so I stopped buying them. That was before the internet. Now virtually everything is available online for us to enjoy. I like my seasonal/holiday decor inside and out. I like my furniture, I like my clothes. I enjoy pretty things and comfort. My home is warm and cozy, and not cluttered. You can have it all in, moderation. If I cut back too much on everything I would be so bored.
I'm with you on the magazine thing....why would I want to purchase a magazine that has pictures in it of the exact same thing they put in the magazine five years ago. Drives me crazy. I actually have a big rack in my garage that has all my favorite decorating magazines in it. I have them separated by season. I literally just look at these same magazines every year to get my decorating ideas. Perfect.
I’m glad I found this video. We are moving out of our huge family home, now all the kids have grown and have their own families. We just don’t need this amount of room and the cost of keeping it warm and safe. We have bought a beautiful thatched cottage in the middle of the beautiful U.K. countryside and can’t wait to live our minimalist, smaller life. I’ve spent the last month decluttering and I can’t believe how much STUFF we have collected and stored never to be used over the years. It’s crazy 😮
You're very pleasant. I enjoyed it. Thank You.
My only disagreement with you is on the fresh flowers. I'm careful with my money and I don't splurge on much of anything except my home. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't go out to fancy restaurants. But I do buy very nice things for my home, and I am going to have my fresh flowers. I'm older, single, and have few friends, and having fresh flowers in my home is almost like having a friend around. It's just a part of who I am, and something thats important to me.
I do the same and justify well.... I don't go off on expensive vacations....so the colorful flowers perk me up.... and that IS my vacation!! Hey...tons cheaper than paying for a therapist, right??!!
I've cut back though to bringing fresh flowers in mostly only during winter months and/or distressfully dreary days. That's when I really need them and especially enjoy them. 👍 🌷🌱🌹💐🪻🌻
When I hit 50, 7 years ago I started decluttering and downsizing even things like my purses and shoes and makeup and stuff that made me feel better about myself in my 20’s and 30’s and now I focus more on my over all health and not all the floof ! Lol
Freedom!
I’m 40, and yes, I started this way of living at 36 and have no regrets. I am tired of marketing. At the end of the day, who we are trying to impress
I get pkgs of 8 greeting cards for $1.25, blank inside, at Dollar Tree. I have 24 grandchildren that I send money for birthdays and I just write a special note inside. I use the cards for all kinds of “events.” I remember my sister asking her teenagers if they’d like $25 for their birthdays, or $20 and a card! 😂
I started this in 2005, now my life is so simple and fun and peaceful. Allowing all simplicity to exist and flow with it! I think if I found a community it could be even better! Enjoying one another company is my goal with out materialism. ❤🎉
The ONLY thing I disagree with you on is my bed decor pillows, shams and throws. I want to walk into my master bedroom and feel cozy luxury….my bed decor is what makes our room feel personal and since the hubs is willing to make the bed WITH all the pillows, it’s a win-win for me! I agree with all your other item deletions! 😎
This was excellent!!!!!!! I’m 71, was raised by a hoarder and was well on my way to that myself! No more! For every one thing I throw out I lose 10 pounds off my shoulders!! Imagine how I felt when I threw out 100….YES 100 pr of new, cheap shoes never worn or only worn once! Clothes, cleaning supplies and books are still a problem. Pens and highlighters too. I have containers full of them too😂😢😂😢😂. Pray for me. Everything seems to have a sentimental value😬
It’s easier to part with things you don’t use if you can find someone who really needs those things. For example, those shoes you never wore or wore once would be good for clothing closets at homeless shelters or women’s shelters where the people have lost almost everything. . You know someone else is going to get good use out of them. Cleaning supplies may coming in handy for someone who has to clean up after a storm. Magazines are good for craft projects for nursing homes, schools, etc. The local library has a winter and a summer book sale and will accept donations of books & magazines, I have taken bags of books and National Geographic magazines to them. They use to proceeds to buy new books for the library plus things like DVDs to loan out. Old towels can be donated to animal shelters for when they wash those animals. I have saved up things for storm victims when there were requests for donations. Cleaning products, shampoo & other hygiene items that you have an excess of, towels, etc. There is a thrift store here that donates to the homeless a they use some of their profits to stock a refrigerator with perishable food to give to the hungry. I gave carloads of outgrown clothing, books, magazines, home decor, kitchen ware items etc that I had no longer any use for to that store. And I gave a carload of household items to a man who was older, single and lost his home & contents in a house fire. When you have nothing and start all over those things mean so much more…towels, linens, small appliances to cook with, cooking pots, odds & ends of flatware and dishes.Extra shirts, jogging pants, a coat & jacket, etc. . He was so appreciative of everything that we gave him. If anyone mentions that they are needing something and I can part with it then its theirs. Lost weight and my neighbor needed larger t-shirts to wear in the gym, now she has over a dozen good shirts. Stained t-shirts get cut up for cleaning rags.
Can I challenge you to take some paper and start going through the highlighters and pens? Even pencils. I had the same problem and found that by going through them I was able to get rid of many just because they were so old they no longer worked and then it was easier to get rid of some. I also have a buying hold on them because unless it is getting bought for the Christmas Stocking office supplies (a tradition my Mom started and my kids wanted to keep up after she passed). So since that first crash course where I got rid of probably 50%, many more have been run out of ink, lost at schools or work, or aged out of working since that first cleanout. But they are much better than they used to be.
When I decide to get rid of something if it can be repurposed or recycled I usually put it out in the vicinity where I live to share with neighbors in my apartment complex I'll put them out on a Friday evening and if they're still sitting there by Sunday I'll take them back in and give them to goodwill. It it makes it easier to let something go when you know it's going to go to a place and be useful and appreciated by somebody else.
You might want to try allowing yourself to only have one room where you are allowed to hoard. I did that after fighting my husband (the hoarder) to try to clean out the house. I started de-hoarding one room at a time. My husband had to pick one place he could hoard to his delight - he picked his office. Boy, it is bad in there, but I just shut the door. The rest of the house is clean and free of clutter. When my husband starts to try to leave piles around the house, I just open his office, put it in there, and close the door.
This speaks to me. I wish you luck. I am emotional keeper, it's difficult when almost everything seems special. Pray for me too!
I liked a lot of your points, many of which I've already given up, many of which I never indulged in. I also appreciate that you've qualified your opinions with "this is what works for me". I had to laugh when I heard your comments about decorative pillows because that's exactly how I feel.
However, after more than 10 years of living a nomadic life that consisted of a small storage locker and essentials that basically fit into 2 carry on suitcases, I now own my home and I'm getting immense enjoyment from decorating it. I'm an artist and I love making things. Much of my decor and furniture consists of inexpensive thrift store finds that I often DIY to make work aesthetically in my home. The artwork in my home is either thrifted or original artworks I've created. I feel good when I see my DIY projects and artwork hanging on the wall.
This brings me to your final point about greeting cards. I totally agree with you about cards being a waste of money. The reason I throw them away is because some mass produced pre-printed sentiment with a kitschy image is totally meaningless. I make my own cards and write my authentic heartfelt sentiments on the cards. People love them. I go to the homes of people I've made cards for and see the cards displayed long after I've given them the card. To me, this is what living an authentic life is all about.
LOL she said no candles but candles are clearly visible behind her on her mantle… I’m guessing those are just decorative.
Also at 9:56… it’s spelled “aisles.” 😉
I have the Kindle app on my iPad and it’s great, but not all books are formatted well for Kindle.
Is the packaging that your laundry detergent comes in recyclable? If not, then it’s just as polluting as the big plastic jugs. I use Tru Earth Laundry Detergent Sheets. Completely eco-friendly and the packaging is made of paperboard that goes into the recycling bin. And it’s super lightweight!!
I’m also 57 and happened upon your channel. The minute you raised your hand, even before you said that you have arthritis, I felt like I was looking at my own arthritic hand. There are gadgets that I embrace because of function, like the adjustable bottle opener, it’s a must-have. When they come up with a dish rag ringer-outer, I’ll get that one too! I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your journey. Thank you for sharing.
She’ll miss the kitchen gadgets with the arthritis.
An under-the-cabinet jar opener is one of the best things I’ve found to help me as I age. A spin mop set is the other….makes cleaning the tile floors a breeze.
I don’t waste money so I’ve always done (or not done) most of these things !
My solution to the card thing, I get card stock at a stationary type store or Hobby Lobby (they have good sales) it is plain paper and envelope, many colors to choose from.
Then I bought a set of rubber stamps at a garage sale for $1.00 because the “stamping up” craze is over and you can get them cheap ! The kit has basic words like, congratulations, happy birthday, merry Christmas, sorry, thank you, condolences…….and so on. And an ink pad, Hobby Lobby, buy one get one free, so 2 for $3.99 !
So for less than $10 I have 100 cards that I can make for any occasion and write my own message. It all fits in a plastic shoe box and takes a couple minutes to make….they are plain and simple but really cute….I love them !
Blessings
I make my own cards too. I got my blank cards at a rummage sale!
I found that most of the things she mentioned are things that I have never bought, or haven't in many years. As the owner of a secondhand book store, she did break my heart a bit when she said she didn't buy physical books anymore. I do understand the arthritis thing, though. One of the reasons we don't bother with "decor" is because our house is wall-to-wall books, as well a several paintings that we have acquired over the years and really love. As far a clothing goes, I don't have a lot of clothes that I really love, because I generally can't find any. I feel like I'm doing okay if I find something that I don't find hideous. Anyway, this was very interesting.
Same here. I scour the thrift shops for books. No offense to e-book aficionados but to me houses without books give off an artificial, motel-like, cheap atmosphere.
Secondhand bookstores are my personal Disneyland! I'm a hybrid reader, so I do own a Kindle, but I also still have hundreds of physical books. I love the thrill of rooting around on shelves or in thrift store bins, and I don't get that feeling scrolling Amazon. :)
Correct me if I'm wrong but you don't need to buy a Kindle.
I use my Samsung tablet and download books in digital form for 2 weeks from my local library. So easy and I don't have 2 devices.
Great for traveling, too. I download movies and books so I have a choice while traveling by plane, etc.
I finally broke down and bought an under cabinet jar opener. Wow! It works easily! So silly to have waited. My RA is pretty bad.
What is the brand name , I could really use that . I use a can opener to pop the lid and towel to open . It's always a struggle .
@@desertsunset8025 okay, I looked it up. EZ OFF. I had about 25,000 five star reviews.
@@desertsunset8025Try a rubber washing up glove.
Yes! Better than whacking the side of a lid with a butter knife and creating glass shards that get into your food as I have been told about by visiting nurses who have checked on the elderly who had vision problems and bleeding in stools. An easy-grip Oxo potato peeler is another gadget that I use frequently. My picker-upper tool is great to prevent bending with a sore back and to reach in the cabinets when my shoulders were swollen. But my favorite gadget is an airhorn that I bought at Dollar Tree for #1 several years ago. It comes in real handy for phone scammers from India, you know the ones named Jake or David, who say they are from Medicare or Customs and you have a suspicious package. One blast (outdoors on the cell phone) with that and they get mad enough to go away.
Hi! What a fun and informative video! Loved it!❤
Im 55 and have alot of health issues which is part of the reason im in my predicament now. This is helping me!! Im slowly cleaning one room in the home completely down sizing, donating and trash. Its rough but for 3 days i have deep cleaned the kitchen cupboards and drawers, next is declutter and drop at donations THAT day. And then organize woohoo!
Never saw this channel before. You're awesome. And I'm just like you, I refuse to buy stuff anymore. But I will say that I still have my seasonal decorating containers because I entertain a lot and I so very much enjoy decorating for the seasons. Each year I just change up what I already have and use it in new and different ways.
I'm 68, and I, too, was worried about family having to get rid of all my stuff if I die. I just have one more storage space to clean out and I'm done.
This was the best video! I’m (a very young) 73 and I lost my husband 3 years ago. We entertained a lot so I’m now doing without many of these things as well because nobody sees them anymore in my home. But I’ve done away with all the same things. Gave up all magazines other than Christmas just because they make me happy. You are so on point
Simple bullet journal is better than any planner.
I absolutely HAVE to have expensive shoes because I have wide feet, that saying - they last longer, buy classic styles.
You can make new pillow covers to fit existing sizes, and only store the covers. We all need pretty, nothing wrong with that.
I do this, I sew a new piece of fabric on one side of a pillow.
I'm 59 and I totally agree with you! I decluttered my life once we moved back to Europe after living in the States for 20 years. I used to buy stuff for the house like a manic..no longer. I do like decoratively pillows, but I bought the best quality I could afford, and I haven't changed in 10 years. I also like real books but I give away a lot of my old books. One thing I cannot give up is real flowers because I live in the city and don't have a garden.
I have two pillows in the living room and if I feel the need for seasonal throw pillows I just buy covers for them. They lay flat so are easy to store, and it makes me happy when the pillows match the decor! One thing I have stopped doing is folding washcloths. I decided just to get a large basket for the linen closet and toss in the washcloths. It saves so much time and nobody cares whether they are folded or not!
We spend the first half of our life “getting the stuff” and the latter half getting rid of it. Leading a more authentic life means I just don’t need so much stuff - just great life experiences and good friends
I’ve tried many different planners, and I’ve finally found what works for me: a monthly calendar which allows me to write out my lists for the week. This has really helped me keep organized. It’s simple for me so that I use it all the time.
The library is a great place to get your magazine mix! I love hearing from a fellow 57 year old. I am starting to follow you today.
Oh and I also don’t buy hair color anymore. Silver and loving what God gave me!
People can donate magazines to libraries or doctors' offices, etc. My library has free magazines you can take home, no need to check them out, just bring them back.
57 here too, yeah 1966!! 😂👍🏻
That's true, but I'm afraid I might forget and rip out a page that I want. Oops!
I love getting older! Everything you said is spot on. Trendy stuff has never been for me. . . If it doesn't make my heart sing, I am not buying it. Thank you for your unintentional validation!
Well said, it shows us what is important in life without adding layers of unwarranted complexities. Keep it simple! Love your motto!
Funny the many things Americans buy, I'm amazed. Almost all of the things that you mention that you don't buy any more...I have never bought at all. Except books, which I don't buy anymore but I do get gifted to me sometimes. No wonder you guys have the huge houses. This is very different here (Europe). Smaller homes, simpler and healthier.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re giving up greeting cards. At one point not that long ago I made a pact with myself to mail two of them every month. Do you know how much people really love to see something like that in the mail? It doesn’t even have to be a birthday I could just say hey I was thinking about you the other day. 😊.
As far as giving gifts, I will kind of cut my own cards and make just a little note from the cards that I’ve gotten in the mail myself but I do like the ones that get in the mail. I think it’s pretty special.
I actually much rather people call me than mail me cards! I love trees!
I agree. I also still hand write letters and I have NO social media accounts. If people can't call me and talk to me vs....a text....I don't need to hear from them. All of my family and friends know this. I got rid of "dumb" phone too. I now remember all phone numbers. I have corded land lines. I have an emergency burner flip phone that is kept in my car in the event of an emergency on the road.
@@5GreenAcres I, too only have a land line as well. Gave up my cell phone 5 years ago since it was such a burden and costly to use being retired. My husband is addicted to his cell phone though constantly checking and scrolling....sad to see he is like many now. I feel I have freedom again since I gave it up.
I still write letters by hand just like I did as a youngster when I moved far away.
I wish there were family letters to look at but it wasn’t the thing back then.
@@jackiewhitney5031 Exactly it is so freeing. They are so addicting. It took me two weeks to not panic to leave the house to drive somewhere. I finally just got an emergency flip phone and that took care of it. I am sad for you because it is terrible to see a partner or loved one glued to those aweful things. They don't even realize how addicted they are. I most certainly didn't until I told myself NO MORE! I now have more time and I remember phone numbers again.
im 54, I so agree with you on this video with the exception of candles. I love candles.
I'm 39 and already avoid many of the same things. I do really like my paper books though! It hurts my eyes less and there's something special about having the paper in my hands.
Screens are hard on the eyes if you do a lot of reading.
I just turned 55 yrs. old. I am trying to get rid of things but I have a hard time getting rid of clothes, lol. I also love to buy flowers every Sunday for myself. I'm alone and they do make me feel joy and yes I get mine at Trader Joe's LOL. I will only use a colored vase so you can't see the water :) It's really tough getting older.. I feel that the upper 50's have been the toughest time in my life. I enjoyed your video and I look forward to watching more! :)
I am 59 and getting old is no joke. Everyday its something and for the first time in my life the future is a scary place.
I am 60 and alone and I agree with you
Oh yes, at 69, I am alone. Never married, no children. Mother died three years ago after I cared for her through Alzheimer’s. Feel like I’m learning to walk and talk again. I am just now beginning the declutter journey. Bought a Kindle a while back in order not to keep accumulating books so fast. I am working on strengthening my faith, which helps. I say get those flowers if they bring you joy. You and the flowers have something in common. You are both God’s creation, so why not be friends?
I am 72, and most of your list I do as well. Several years ago I had to get rid of my parents "stuff", it was then I realized that I did not want to leave the same for my kids. As I have let go of some of the very same things I have felt liberated in time and stuff. Yes, there were a couple of things I still do but that is personal preference.
Exactly same here for me. Lost my 90 year old mom last Christmas and just turned 59. I told my daughter I will not leave her the burden of too much of my stuff so after my divorce, I purged!!
A good solution to throw pillows (if you sew) is to buy pillow forms and make covers yourself that can be changed out for different seasons. Make sure that the covers are washable and they can be kept for years. They also fold flat and a bunch of them can be stored together.
For the non sewists you can buy pillow covers just measure your pillow first. I saved one throw pillow in case I or hubby wants to lie on the sofa and read. Also useful for visitors who have lumbar back issues. I ditched the rest of them.
Everything you've said is so right on. Especially the magazines, not only are they just cover to cover advertisements , but when you subscribe TONS of junk mail will overflow your mailbox because they most certainly sell your name and address to every company out there. I haven't bought any new decor in years and haven't missed it at all. I've decluttered greatly and it's more fun than getting new stuff. I still like a paper book though. I've tried the Kindles but no, not for me.
It depens on magazine. I’m a teaveler. I subscribed to Discover Great Britain and Britain magazines. Fantastic, a lot of history, architecture, interesting places to visit. I designed my three trips later based on places I read about.
@@utahdan231 Right, British magazines are really good. They actually have content instead of cover to cover ads like US magazines.
Totally agree with the SCENT thing!!!
those "ODORS" everything that people are putting on their clothes on their body and their house is so TOXIC
I watched your channel for the first time. I am an event planner and new empty nester. I never thought I would be in the stage of my life when décor was not important.😳 But I am with you on this. Hubs & I are de-cluttering and it feels so wonderful! Thanks for sharing your tips! I really enjoyed it! PS…@ 9:55, I think the word you meant is aisle, not isle. (No one would want to skip an isle!🏝️😉)
I bought a Kindle White for reading books years ago and it is my go to. I like that it is lighted (adjustable) and you can change the font
size. I like to download a new book on my kindle when I travel on an airplane. I also like that I have a whole library of books at my disposal on a very small device.
Six years ago I bought a Fire 8 for $55, and upgraded to a Fire 10 a few months ago. I also bought a 400GB micro SanDisk for lots of extra storage and it was only $25 on cyber Monday. I bought very realistic looking fake flowers that have lasted two decades only, requiring a good dusting every now and then. Candles create sticky soot that attaches to walls and inside ducting, so instead I have a diffuser or a wax warmer for when I want a bit of scent. Essential oils have so many different uses... I find them to be worth the money for a small collection of favorites.
First time viewer. You make deliberate thoughtful points with strong determination. The end results I see are healthy, financially smart, and decluttering. Great video.
Love this. I’m in the process of trying to do this now. In the areas where I’ve succeeded, I feel so much better without all the extra stuff.
Pretty pillows on beds and lovely cushions make your home look welcoming homely and stylish, well worth the time plumping and putting on and off a bed!
Not worth the time if you don’t have people over and not if you just don’t care.
@@gabesmom5615 It doesn't matter if you don't have people over. Do it for yourself! Care about how you live and enjoy the feeling of comfort it brings you.
I thought that her bed looked very sad. People who don’t want to deal with all of the shams and decorative pillows should get a pretty bedspread like most of us had growing up. There’s nothing extra to do or store but at least it will cover up sad little mismatched sleeping pillows.😬🫢
@@lauramitchell6725
Yes good idea 👍😀
Only if that's your style. Some of us like a more minimalist look.
I love love love this video! So many times, I said "yes!" during this video and smiled. Same as another person commented, after losing my parents and cleaning out their home, I realized experiences not things were important to me. I still have a lot of my mom's holiday paper plates and cleaning supplies... Years later😂
Found you today. I immediately got on Amazon and got 4 Lazy Susan’s. I give up on makeup at 72. I don’t care. But your attitude towards stuff and simplicity I could have used way before now. Thankyou
Just clicked on your video; wow, you are the cutest. I am about to be 54; going through cancer for the 2nd time (Jesus is my Healer) and I have been "going" minimal for a while, but I love the ideas you brought out, and with my age and being sick right now, I do have more time to declutter more and more. I look forward to going back and watching your videos; you are so encouraging and your bubbly personality puts a smile on my face ❤❤
I love watching your site! You are so honest in your opinions but also very kind. I also love your sense of humor!
I agree with ALL of the 20 things! I'm 66 y/o, and recently downsized to a smaller home. I made it my mission to simplify my life. Still working on that, actually. And, I LOVE my Kindle too!
Me too!
💯! I'm trying to declutter.
I need effective cleaners bc I am a vet and I have a lot of pets.All you need is murphysboil soap for floors walls cabinet doors etc.a good multipurpose cleaner like mrs meyers concentrate.barkeepers friend.and bleach for disinfecting.rubbing alcohol is a great cleaner for many things especially electronics.tide POWDER is great.i even use it to degrease my sink and oven top.hint...you can use murphys oil soap as a laundry presoak for heavily soiled items..works great.
I agree with everything you said. Having 5 children and homeschooling them is what really started me living more simply. Even now that all the children are grown and on their own, except one, I try not to spend money on things that have no function but to make the house look "nice". Not saying I don't have some things hanging on the walls, like a painting that my great aunt painted, but I just try to keep it simple. I do love to have pictures of family sitting around, so I consider that my form of decortating. Every year I get rid of stuff, don't want to leave it to someone else to have to take care of when I am gone. Thanks so much for sharing. Love your videos. Hope you have a fabulous Sunday!
Pictures make a house a home . I love her ideas but her walls look cold and un joyful .