Just found you and binge watched your whole channel... And then got to it and took 6 giant bags to Goodwill! Wooo!! Thanks for actually having useful info instead of just showing us yourself cleaning or organizing ✨✨
That's awesome!! :) And thanks for finding my channel helpful, I'm glad! ...and you may have spoken too soon, because now I'm uploading a totally NOT useful video of myself building a gate.. haha ;-)
Regarding the "it's hard because I remember where I bought them and how much they cost" thing, here's a mental excersise that I have made up: If you could return said item to said store right now and get a full refund (even if you already used it but now you just don't), would you return it? If the answer is yes, you know what to do. The hardest part is realising you will never actually get a full refund...but that has actually changed the way I shop! Rachel, maybe you should start a second business! Sunrise Antiques! 😁
Ohhh! That's such a great exercise! Wow, I think my answer might always be yes for the refund. Yikes... this is a little earth shattering for me!! ...thank you :)
Omg... I was stupidly excited when you went through the 5 reasons and there was so much video left... I thought YAS she's gonna film more garage clear out !! 😃😂
Ahh! Good name. I've never heard of that, but I def. have a little bit of that going on. Not on purpose, but I'll move something with the intent to categorize and 'deal' with it later, but often it sits for a looong time!
Live Action Role Playing aka playing make-believe up for grown ups. People do LARP in the UK, but I think it's more common in the US where people are a little more extravagant.
Girl, I'm so proud of you! Your garage looks soooo much better (especially since I remember the first garage video). I think you're doing a great job. Also, yay for the hubby kiss cameo :)
Thank you for this Video! My basement was so cluttered you couldn't even walk in, literally. You made me finally clean it up. We moved two years ago and just stuffed everything in the basement. And didn't touch it ever since besides stuffing even more stuff in it. And now it's ALL clean!!! And there were a lot what if items involved... ;) THANK YOU Rachel! Love and greetings from Germany!!
Aw...kiss at 11:41 :) And the sword could gladly come live at my house :) I cleaned out the garage when we moved and I only have one box from when we moved (trying to justify why I need a giant sword.) Cement things: we have a headless partially naked lady who's feet are in one place in the garden and who's torso is under the pine tree. I think I am never going to find her head nor be able to reattach her feet. We also have a headless squirrel cement figure. I think that can go as well. And finally: we get 834,000 boxes here a month from Amazon (we live in the middle of Nowhere, Kentucky, with little access to good shopping). One of those boxes contained a heavy-duty shredder. I now shred most of the cardboard boxes we get and add it to our compost pile as "brown" carbon-heavy material. I've also used flattened boxes as filler for newly built raised cinder block flower beds, to reduce the amount of fill dirt needed (they'll settle and I'll need more dirt eventually, but for now they're full).
I absolutely fall into the moving conundrum, having moved 20+ times. In the last big move (2013), I found kitchen boxes my family hasn't seen since we lived in Michigan--in the 1990s. Now this kitchen box ended up in a couple of storage units which is why it went so long before I found it. I was able to fully unpack in my current house (for the first time in 24 years). I feel soooo much better. 😊
hah! too funny! I do that a little with xmas decorations. We have FAR too many lights and other things, and I always say I MUST keep them because 'next year I'm going to go all out'. But we never do. ;-)
Lynette Daniels That's what I thought being an optimist was going to be about. "Got to keep this bike because I'm going to start cycling this summer," "Got to keep these golf clubs because I'm going to get back in to golfing".
Oh my god I feel so called out hahaha. But real talk--I've been super inspired since finding your channel, and I had the privilege of looking through my things after being abroad for 7 months (buh BYE emotional attachment), so today I actually went through all the boxes that I had that were in my mom's garage from when I moved back home from undergrad. I probably filled up about 4 boxes worth of donation items, 1 box of recycling, and flat out packaged things better so that I could get rid of 3 more boxes. All my stuff is packaged so nicely and labelled so neatly, and is out of the way from my mom's things. Basically, I just really love your videos and your outlook on minimalism, and you've definitely made a difference in my life!
I've been following your channel for 3 months now, and I have to say that you have been a great inspiration towards my own journey! Right now I'm tackling paperwork and books. Can't wait to see what you do next!
I came across your videos by accident and I have to say... You are amazing!! I truly admire you and I am gratefull for all motivation that I get from you!! I recently have some spare time and instead of lying on the couch I actually did a lot! I am declutter my house while listening to you, and it is great! Thank You!!
You are so genuine... I feel like I'm talking to a friend! My basement is what your garage is to you. Filled with donations, but we don't have a car. Although we have a neat association that will come pick up your donations for you so that's what we're doing 😊 love your videos as always, you inspire me so much. 💖
Hey there! Thank you :) The only place that picks up stuff in our area isn't running their pickup right now because they lost their driver. But as soon as they're back in action I'll be using them as well! Sounds like you're doing well decluttering/purging - keep it up! :D
I stumbled on your garage videos this morning and they were so encouraging. I just started clearing out my large shop a week or two ago. It's a huge job with twenty plus years of accumulation so I will be at it for quite a while. Your thoughts on some of your things really resonated with me and I really appreciated your no nonsense attitude about your things. As The Minimalists say, "I've never regretted letting go but if I do, I'll let go of regret." That is what I tell myself as I work.
I'm taking minimalism to the next step, I'm going to live out of a suitcase, that's the goal! but I'm still decluttering because it ain't easy, I don't have kids or anything but I want to be able to freely move around and travel so :P great video as always Rachel!
The donation pile is big, but they are sitting there as the donation center is far away from where I live, kinda the same problem you have, several trips with the car there :p other stuff I'm selling cuz I need some extra cash, the only thing I'm planning to store is my piano! Can't just give it away or sell it... It's almost a part of me! But that's a big one, I'm keeping it, storing it if I'm away or taking it with me... it depends, as for other items I plan to rent a furnished or almost furnished small apartment so I don't have to keep the fridge and such... hope it goes well
Thanks for the reminder. Im not a hoarder and tend to live on the minimal side but still stuff creeps in or never got tossed because of some of your valid points. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
That's why I am so glad of where I live. In Montreal the recycling truck comes once a week, like a garbage truck, and picks up our recycling for us. We just have to have our bins out by the street so they can empty them out. It's great because we end up with 2 to 3 bins of recycling every week.
I have somewhat the same problem with recycling. I often go through purges and can easily get rid of things, but actually getting rid of them - taking the boxes or bags to donation, putting out the recycling, knowing where to take electronic trash, etc, is the hard part. You actually didn't regress too much from your last garage video, because in them you did a lot of work on the shelves leaving the center part clear, which is where stuff accumulated - but that stuff was stuff you knew you needed to get rid of anyway, so you were able to take care of that and continue on your original progress. You are doing great! I hope you get your goal of parking inside this winter!
Rachel, thank you so much for being so real! I just found your videos a week ago & they are providing me so much motivation. I've gotten rid of 3 carloads of things since following you. I love that you slow it down to show the practical examples so often. I can't thank you enough for doing these!
I've got a garage so piled up and high! I only have a small space in front of the washer.. the rest you can't see the floor. I'm so overwelmed! I need help and I just now did a YT search and found you. This is the first video I have seen so far and what a big help already! We have weekly recycle pickup, so I'm good there, but I am completely in the Reasons 2-5!! I've always said, "what if" and put it back in the box. There are boxes from when I moved here 25 years ago! I'm going to write your reasons down where I can see them and try again to make things go away. You have given me another way of looking at it!!
I'm a crafter, so the "What of syndrome" is my absolute worst habit because I'll keep things for "projects" that there's a good chance I'll never get to. I'm also at this point now where I feel like we'll finish one room in our apartment and then the last one gets messed up again and I think it's like you said, we're moving things around as we declutter and so, for example, our kitchen gets messy again because I've put a bunch of stuff on my counter (like a soda stream) or on my table to deal with "later". I think for me that's the most frustrating part.
All what you said is totally true, but I will add one: when we are too sentimental. For example: all my sons' baby stuff, they are adults now, but I have the excuse "for my grand children", actually it is just because I can't let these things go, they make me laugh and remember when they were so cute in their little funny costumes... That is a hard one...
Yael Bolender I am near 50...l and I had the baby stuff. My mom gave it to me somewhere along the line. Things my beloved Grandmother made. Beautiful clothes, sentimental bits and pieces. Mind you... I never put my own babies in them nor did they play with my stuff. I finally let it all go a few years ago. I haven't missed any of it. Stuff that sat in my cedar chest for "some day". My three grandkids never used it.
Annie Heath I have a difference with you: my kids actually wore them, I have all these memories of them in these clothes which were made for them or bought for them. And I actually gave one thing to my first grand son. I don't think that what matters are the clothes themselves but more the memories attached to them. Plus the memories attached to what my Nanny made for them, and since she passed away and I loved her, it is even more sentimental. But I will have to find a solution for sure... :-)
Yael Bolender I think the hard part for me is less about actually letting go of sentimental things and much more about my need to find the right home for them.
You hit the nail on the head with your five reasons that you can't declutter/clean the garage! Keep chipping away at it...I'm in the same boat, but thankfully I just have 3 garages! Great job! Would love to have the stool, table/chairs and cabinet! Lol... Hope that you don't change your mind before you get a chance to put it out! Lol... That's probably the worst thing do. You might talk yourself into keeping it...lol... Hopefully, not! Btw, we put our recyclables in trash cans and haul them once a week into town to recycle. It helps a lot! Love your videos. Wish that you could post more then once a week. Feeling motivated again...might try again tomorrow to get my garage done. Anyways...Tfs....💕💕💕
Once again you are telling my story, I swear you must be a fly on my wall. Lol You are absolutely right on, we only have the present and aren't promised tomorrow. I know I've wasted too much time dealing with clutter and am really ready to be free!
sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have recycling that gets picked up by the city each week just like the trash. thanks for helping me remember to be grateful for that! looks like you made some good progress. that must feel rewarding!
These were severe life truths that I needed to hear. Thank you so much for being real. And also thank you for being willing to share your whole minimalism journey.
My county has each house have a recycle can right along with their trash can. Personally, it's been wonderful. Extremely convenient. However, back in Tennessee where I'm from, where we didn't have this, it was always fun at least in middle school when I got to go to the big recycling bins and sort out the plastics by their number and put them in the correct bin. That is one thing I'll miss for my future child/ren. Going to an actual place to get rid of recycled items can be a fun activity for kiddos.
I am so happy you made that video. Today we will clear out our basement which I like to call 'Mordor'. Because of my fear of spiders I`ve never cleaned the basement in the 10 years we were living here(and my husband is lazy, so that's that). We just threw stuff into the rooms and closed the doors as fast as possible...I am a little apprehensive what we will find in there now...watching your video gave me motivation, so thank you!
Oh lawd... I'll-do-it-laters stress me out soooo much. I try to avoid them (and push my world-class procrastinating husband to do the same), but it's sooo hard sometimes. Life happens, but we just have to fight back and get on with it. 💪🏻 Also, larping!! Best part. LMAO. 😂
I like your videos because you seem to hit the nail on the head about why we keep some of the things we do. I also like seeing all the stuff you find in your garage. lol I recently did a big clean out, but you know how it is, you have to keep purging all the time. One thing I am going to do is put a big box on the laundry room counter, and put things in it that I am not sure about. I will have some time to change my mind. If not, it all gets donated.
Hi Rachel! I love your videos, and I am currently working on minimizing my entire house too. I've donated two car loads so far! Please do an updated house tour so we can see your progress! I would love to see your finished hoogah nook!
I have been enjoying your videos immensely, especially the sped-up parts! You are helping me stay motivated on my own journey towards minimalism. Love the honesty and realism.
I love your videos, I get excited when I get a notification about a new upload! As another poster said I love how honest you are and that you always have anecdotes and reasons behind why people hoard, procrastinate, and buy too much stuff. I 100% relate to the idea of doing everything later. It's nice to know that I'm just too optimistic! You're making so much progress, I can't wait to see your garage when it's finished! Also, your eyes are amazing, you always remind me of Heather Graham. See you next time!
WOW! I love watching your journey! Thank you so much for taking the time to film & put it on RUclips! So cool! I really connected with your point at the end talking about how instead of just dealing with the recycling as it came up, now you're stuck spending an entire weekend on it! I'm right there with you! Been thinking about how much of my precious time I've wasted on STUFF! Now to put in the work so I can enjoy the rest of my days as I wish! XO
:) I'm glad you're enjoying watching! Yes - let's both put in the work now so we can be done with stuff and all the wasted time it's caused! Good luck!
Yay! Love your clear out videos! Another successful mission and some great things to remember, I so identify with the What If and the I'll Do it Later ones! Shame Im not in the US, would def drive by and pick up that cabinet! Wonder if you kept the sword and figured out what that smell was?
Can break down boxes right when putting them in recycling pile. Then the pile will be more manageable, & easier to deal with each week when you haul it away.
I'm such a "what if" person. A couple years ago, I got really into fragrances/perfumes- trying samples, finding new ones, reviewing them online, etc.. and I thought it might be cool to mix my own scents. My boyfriend bought me a great beginner kit for $35 with mixers and many different specific scents like pear and lilac. I was SO excited, until I started playing with it. The scents are SO strong and overwhelming, I couldn't even tell what I was smelling and they gave me a headache. That was 2 years ago and I haven't touched it since. YET I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN RID OF IT BECAUSE.... "WHAT IF" I CHANGE MY MIND!
RUclips suggested your video to me and it was right! Love your channel. So pleased there are so many videos to watch. Love the sped up photography and the music. Great job!
I love how honest you are! I definitely would not have admitted to the potential dead animal but I found it hilarious and relatable that you did! I also think you did a great job and that your dog is adorable!
Another reason we buy way more than we need and once you have that new have it now item home you need to move something out of your house to fit your new stuff in
I am definitely a WHAT IF person. Now I’m going to get rid of the stuff ALL of my WHAT IF ITEMS. I Feel FREEDOM just thinking about .Thank you, Thank you, I am going to do it NOW!!!
I don't have a garage and I probably never will (who really knows) but I can relate to this so so so so much. Especially the 5th point. I say high and low how much of a procrastinator I am though. because it's true. I never do stuff now, I alays push it back to later. In everything. And then that later piles up to another later and so on and so forth and then I'm a total absolute mess all over and I get discouraged about the things I gotta do. Hopefully (I should have another word for this), the new apartment will prevent this but to be honest, it's not the apartment that will change me. It's me. I gotta put my feet on the ground and say "do it, now! You'll thank yourself later". Love your videos. You are truly inspiring :)
We moved 14 years ago to a farmhouse, my china cabinet didn't fit anywhere in our home, so we stored it in our silo for the "next house" we would buy. The silo's roof started leaking, water got all over the cabinet. It was ruined after 14 years of storage. You are right, it's not worth storing stuff for that long.
Before I make this comment, it applies to me as well. Since you don't walk on the walls, make sure to use them first if possible. If shelves can be placed against a wall, you can secure them properly to it and your not creating an obstacle to walk around. If your shelf doesn't fit a location you want to use, research "french cleat". All you need is scrap wood, basic skills and imagination. I can't think of anything (be smart and safe about it) that it can't hold. Good luck!
i watch you video's from the beginning all over again. More Tan two years ago i began. Than i watch you from the beginning. We are so much futher in the proces of a minimalist. I moved to a smaller house and a bigger garden because i wanted that. I don't need a garage for stuff and a bigt house for stuff. Mine daughter and her husband moved out. And with the four off us left i think it was a great decission. i am happyer than then. And i had back than you was my friend and we did it together. the book that i liked the most was from francine jay and marie kondo. The lest because it was a fun way to look the thing you bring you joy. I can get rid off more thing but that must wait. than must the boys let the house. i have now to much stuff but hubby want's to keep it. so we keep it. every few months I go through my house and see if anything can go away. Because you really have to keep up. If you count how many things come in every month, that's really so much.
my "garage" is my living room....the pile of stuff leftover from my move oct and again in november....Ive been busy since i got here with school projects....and its August long weekend...I'm tackling this pile today.....today is the day. And i totally say what if..but I need to get into it..and do it NOW. Thanks for the motivating and real videos. no more "later" NOW IS THE TIME!....and GO!
Once again I feel like you are almost talking specifically to me. 5 large trash bags of clothing and fabric remnants wait in my garage, because I can't decide what charity to give it to. Today I will decide and tomorrow I will bring it there. And the "what if" had me look at my sewing/craft room. I know there are quite a lot of stuff there, I am really just being to optimistic about ever getting to use. I have decluttered for a few years now, and have got quite far in my journey towards minimalism, but my craft room is my prezzzzzious treasure. I recently decluttered a whole big bag of fabric and projects-gone-nowhere. It felt good!
Way to go Rachel!! Your recycling reminds me of my laundry. I would let it get backed up and overflow!!! Now I have a capsule wardrobe and that is prevented from happening 😊😄👍🏻
I must say that you have missed an occasion to become one of the best antique stores ever... You have amazing taste in objects. From one hoarder/messy minimalist to another!
so proud of you for owning up to the human mistakes we all make! you didnt have to make it public... thats why i love your channel, you keep it REAL! did you find the dead animal btw?
Thank you :) I'm glad you (and others) appreciate this stuff -- and are non-judgemental of it! :) And no, I didn't find it, but the small was unmistakable. I'm guessing a mouse my cat could have brought in. He does that if we leave the door open. I'm sure I'll find it eventually!
I was waiting impatiently for this video. I loved the geeky sword and candle! Even though I don't own many things at all I love to watch Rachel work :D
haha! Yeah this one took me a long time to edit. It's been so busy at home that I only get to edit an hour or so at a time. Believe it or not, it sometimes takes me up to 10 hours to edit/upload/post. So it makes me happy to hear that you like watching! :-D take care!!
Messy Minimalist I'm rewatching this because there's no new one. I have some ideas for mini series. 1. The avalanche effect, part 2: Where you do everything you pointed out in the avalanche video (the wall, some basement...) 2. A box a week: where you open, talk about, sort, label and throw out one box (from the last move). A surprise box that has been there, unopened, for a long time. These can be short videos. 3. Is the office finished yet? That would be a nice video, too. I hope you find the time. What did you think? :D
Yes, Tut tut it looks like rain is one of my favorite quotes and I thought I was the only one who used it. I live in a moist climate so it's appropriate. I just cleaned out my shed and I got rid of some things but even though I have less stuff in there now, it still seems as though I have too much. I think bins just make everything look like they're taking up too much space. Boxes are worse. So I'm in a conundrum with how I feel the way it looks.
OH MY GOSH I have wanted one of the Glacier National Park Pendleton blankets for years and you have one in your garage!! Girl, that blanket is beautiful!
Congratulations on getting some walking space, I love how you called procrastinating as being optimistic, lol I live with A Big Optimist who loves What if stuff for projects:) We are lucky by living in the city that recycled gets picked up at our door but still amazing how much does not make it to the curb each week, lol I totally love your videos. As per moving boxes they can be put also in craigslist as someone may need them for their move so they get used once more before ending up recycled
Real talk...decluttering my house also.. thinks you say sound so familiar. Good job on your journey and thanks for inspiring me...i also packed and hoarded and it makes me feel so uncomfortable. Greetings from the netherlands xxx
What happened to the cement fox? If the driveway is unpaved, it would make good fill in a low spot. All broken up, of course. I found your channel a couple of weeks or so ago, and have been watching your declutter videos starting with the first ones posted. I'm up to this one now. You've done a great job, and I can hardly wait to see more.
I give away a box of cans and bottles each week to a friend since they are worth money and she takes hers in also. I figure it helps her get a bit more when she takes hers down and I know they'll just pile up if I don't give them away. At other times another friend would take them to the recycle center and give them to someone needy who was turning in cans already. They were aways happy to get them. The rest of my recyclables fit in my recycle trash can.
I loved the video Rachel! I do not have a garage but I do all of the '5' mentioned. I need to get my shit together, really. Also I wish my mom understood English... She desperately needs you in her life XD I try my best to tell her all the wisdom you share but watching you clean, decide and move on is just so inspiring. xoxo
you are right about hoarding and the "what if...". Also we create future uses for things that are really broken, but never do them. or those ideas are unrealistic, such if i fix it, someone will want it--when they won't.
I'm 23 and live in a space without any big storage. So I'm kind of forced to be picky about what I keep and store. But my parents are so similar to you and your clutter situation. While I don't think I can let them watch your videos I pretty sure if I pass along your tips and experience with dealing with it, it might help them. I'm already motivated to clear out their attic haha
Boxes left over from a previous move... oh yes. Oh boy, yes. I believe we even have boxes that were never unpacked at our LAST house after a move either, and have stayed packed for the 9 years we have lived here :o
Thankfully my local council collect recycling once a fortnight. My garage is fully of my cousin's stuff or stuff for her to look at. Her house flooded so while they're doing repairs I'm storing some salvage and I also have a bunch of my minsgame donate stuff for her to go thru first in case we can replace any of her stuff that was lost.
Oh too bad about her flooding! :( Nice of you to help store her stuff. For us, if you live 'in town', the city picks up recycling too. but anyone in the country don't get that service!
Another great, inspiring video! Thank you. Yes, I'm the optimistic one, too...or maybe just a major procrastinator. Keep up the fantastic work, Rachel.
I had no idea, that was my mom's. I actually didn't really even consider it, but perhaps I'll pull that one out for a picnic blanket or something. What is it about them that makes them so pricey?
HBC blankets were traded with the first nations for fur. The "points" on them refered to how many pelts needed. The have been around for hundreds of years.
Just found you and binge watched your whole channel... And then got to it and took 6 giant bags to Goodwill! Wooo!! Thanks for actually having useful info instead of just showing us yourself cleaning or organizing ✨✨
thebionicmom e
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well done! proud of you :)
thebionicmom wow great job! feels good doesn't it
That's awesome!! :) And thanks for finding my channel helpful, I'm glad! ...and you may have spoken too soon, because now I'm uploading a totally NOT useful video of myself building a gate.. haha ;-)
Number 6 for us: we rarely see the garage. Out of sight, out of mind!
Yes!! great add.
Regarding the "it's hard because I remember where I bought them and how much they cost" thing, here's a mental excersise that I have made up:
If you could return said item to said store right now and get a full refund (even if you already used it but now you just don't), would you return it? If the answer is yes, you know what to do.
The hardest part is realising you will never actually get a full refund...but that has actually changed the way I shop!
Rachel, maybe you should start a second business! Sunrise Antiques! 😁
Ohhh! That's such a great exercise! Wow, I think my answer might always be yes for the refund. Yikes... this is a little earth shattering for me!! ...thank you :)
Omg... I was stupidly excited when you went through the 5 reasons and there was so much video left... I thought YAS she's gonna film more garage clear out !! 😃😂
lol! You guys are funny :) I'm always on the fence about filming long-winded talking parts! I'm worried they'll be snoozers!
Messy Minimalist I like all the video styles you do :) The blend is great 😄
I love how relatable your videos are thank you for being so honest and not showing just things that look perfect
:) You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
there is also a phenomenon called "churning" where you move one item to another place and possibly back again without actually dealing with the item.
Ahh! Good name. I've never heard of that, but I def. have a little bit of that going on. Not on purpose, but I'll move something with the intent to categorize and 'deal' with it later, but often it sits for a looong time!
Messy Minimalist churning is my #1 problem.... that and "so and so might want it"
I can't wait for you to be able to park your vehicle in the garage this winter!
me too!! :-D
The Messy Minimalist: I Don't Have An Excuse, I Just Have Bowls
your new slogan, you're welcome
lol. perfect. :D
"What if I go larping?" LOLOL 😂
Oh yeh, what is larping? Don't think we do that in UK! Sounds scary!
Live Action Role Play
Live Action Role Playing aka playing make-believe up for grown ups. People do LARP in the UK, but I think it's more common in the US where people are a little more extravagant.
What if I'll need this for a cosplay later?
Girl, I'm so proud of you! Your garage looks soooo much better (especially since I remember the first garage video). I think you're doing a great job. Also, yay for the hubby kiss cameo :)
hehe, thank you! :)
I don't even have a garage but I needed this video
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obsessedandstuff DFTBA
hehe, I'm glad I could help :)
Thank you for this Video! My basement was so cluttered you couldn't even walk in, literally. You made me finally clean it up. We moved two years ago and just stuffed everything in the basement. And didn't touch it ever since besides stuffing even more stuff in it. And now it's ALL clean!!! And there were a lot what if items involved... ;) THANK YOU Rachel! Love and greetings from Germany!!
Aw...kiss at 11:41 :)
And the sword could gladly come live at my house :) I cleaned out the garage when we moved and I only have one box from when we moved (trying to justify why I need a giant sword.)
Cement things: we have a headless partially naked lady who's feet are in one place in the garden and who's torso is under the pine tree. I think I am never going to find her head nor be able to reattach her feet. We also have a headless squirrel cement figure. I think that can go as well.
And finally: we get 834,000 boxes here a month from Amazon (we live in the middle of Nowhere, Kentucky, with little access to good shopping). One of those boxes contained a heavy-duty shredder. I now shred most of the cardboard boxes we get and add it to our compost pile as "brown" carbon-heavy material. I've also used flattened boxes as filler for newly built raised cinder block flower beds, to reduce the amount of fill dirt needed (they'll settle and I'll need more dirt eventually, but for now they're full).
Carol McKenzie great ideas for cardboard boxes!:)
I love what you did with the boxes. Good idea!
I absolutely fall into the moving conundrum, having moved 20+ times. In the last big move (2013), I found kitchen boxes my family hasn't seen since we lived in Michigan--in the 1990s. Now this kitchen box ended up in a couple of storage units which is why it went so long before I found it. I was able to fully unpack in my current house (for the first time in 24 years). I feel soooo much better. 😊
wow that's awesome! Good job finally getting through it all!! :) We used to move every 1-2 years for a period of time, so I feel ya!
SO happy to have discovered your channel! It keeps me motivated as I delve deeper into minimalism. :) Keep up the awesome work.
Frisky Pink Lemonade I feel the same! :)
Frisky Pink Lemonade +
Thank you! :) Good luck to you!!
I save things for when I reinvent myself. Like, next season I am going to be an amazing gardener. Anyone???
hah! too funny! I do that a little with xmas decorations. We have FAR too many lights and other things, and I always say I MUST keep them because 'next year I'm going to go all out'. But we never do. ;-)
Lynette Daniels That's what I thought being an optimist was going to be about. "Got to keep this bike because I'm going to start cycling this summer," "Got to keep these golf clubs because I'm going to get back in to golfing".
I've heard that referred to as your "imaginary self" or "ideal self" and typically the best thing to do is put a firm time stamp on those items.
Oh my god I feel so called out hahaha. But real talk--I've been super inspired since finding your channel, and I had the privilege of looking through my things after being abroad for 7 months (buh BYE emotional attachment), so today I actually went through all the boxes that I had that were in my mom's garage from when I moved back home from undergrad. I probably filled up about 4 boxes worth of donation items, 1 box of recycling, and flat out packaged things better so that I could get rid of 3 more boxes. All my stuff is packaged so nicely and labelled so neatly, and is out of the way from my mom's things.
Basically, I just really love your videos and your outlook on minimalism, and you've definitely made a difference in my life!
I've been following your channel for 3 months now, and I have to say that you have been a great inspiration towards my own journey! Right now I'm tackling paperwork and books. Can't wait to see what you do next!
Love your videos. You walk the walk, so to speak. I especially love watching your fur babies walking around in them. So cute!
I came across your videos by accident and I have to say... You are amazing!! I truly admire you and I am gratefull for all motivation that I get from you!! I recently have some spare time and instead of lying on the couch I actually did a lot! I am declutter my house while listening to you, and it is great! Thank You!!
You are so genuine... I feel like I'm talking to a friend! My basement is what your garage is to you. Filled with donations, but we don't have a car. Although we have a neat association that will come pick up your donations for you so that's what we're doing 😊 love your videos as always, you inspire me so much. 💖
Hey there! Thank you :) The only place that picks up stuff in our area isn't running their pickup right now because they lost their driver. But as soon as they're back in action I'll be using them as well! Sounds like you're doing well decluttering/purging - keep it up! :D
The sword is pretty cool! Maybe up high on a wall? Maybe in hubby's office?
Maybe! he's 'thinking about what to do with it'. ;-) We'll see what he finally decides
Let us know, and about the 'dead stank' too, we're curious!
Dinaatjuh - I couldn't find it!! It's gotta be somewhere... I'm scared what I'll find!
I stumbled on your garage videos this morning and they were so encouraging. I just started clearing out my large shop a week or two ago. It's a huge job with twenty plus years of accumulation so I will be at it for quite a while. Your thoughts on some of your things really resonated with me and I really appreciated your no nonsense attitude about your things. As The Minimalists say, "I've never regretted letting go but if I do, I'll let go of regret." That is what I tell myself as I work.
I'm taking minimalism to the next step, I'm going to live out of a suitcase, that's the goal! but I'm still decluttering because it ain't easy, I don't have kids or anything but I want to be able to freely move around and travel so :P great video as always Rachel!
Awesome! Sounds like an exciting step! What will you do with the rest of your things? You think you'll donate what you don't need, or store them?
The donation pile is big, but they are sitting there as the donation center is far away from where I live, kinda the same problem you have, several trips with the car there :p other stuff I'm selling cuz I need some extra cash, the only thing I'm planning to store is my piano! Can't just give it away or sell it... It's almost a part of me! But that's a big one, I'm keeping it, storing it if I'm away or taking it with me... it depends, as for other items I plan to rent a furnished or almost furnished small apartment so I don't have to keep the fridge and such... hope it goes well
Thanks for the reminder. Im not a hoarder and tend to live on the minimal side but still stuff creeps in or never got tossed because of some of your valid points. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
:)
I was so glad to see this notification pop up!
im always excited for your videos but when you upload a garage video i jump for joy haha. youre making amazing progress! keep up the good work
thank you!!
That's why I am so glad of where I live. In Montreal the recycling truck comes once a week, like a garbage truck, and picks up our recycling for us. We just have to have our bins out by the street so they can empty them out. It's great because we end up with 2 to 3 bins of recycling every week.
Love your videos. I found a dead lizard in my box of cleaning stuff this morning. My house suddenly smells so much better. Cats!
I have somewhat the same problem with recycling. I often go through purges and can easily get rid of things, but actually getting rid of them - taking the boxes or bags to donation, putting out the recycling, knowing where to take electronic trash, etc, is the hard part.
You actually didn't regress too much from your last garage video, because in them you did a lot of work on the shelves leaving the center part clear, which is where stuff accumulated - but that stuff was stuff you knew you needed to get rid of anyway, so you were able to take care of that and continue on your original progress.
You are doing great! I hope you get your goal of parking inside this winter!
Rachel, thank you so much for being so real! I just found your videos a week ago & they are providing me so much motivation. I've gotten rid of 3 carloads of things since following you. I love that you slow it down to show the practical examples so often. I can't thank you enough for doing these!
I've got a garage so piled up and high! I only have a small space in front of the washer.. the rest you can't see the floor. I'm so overwelmed! I need help and I just now did a YT search and found you. This is the first video I have seen so far and what a big help already! We have weekly recycle pickup, so I'm good there, but I am completely in the Reasons 2-5!! I've always said, "what if" and put it back in the box. There are boxes from when I moved here 25 years ago!
I'm going to write your reasons down where I can see them and try again to make things go away. You have given me another way of looking at it!!
I'm a crafter, so the "What of syndrome" is my absolute worst habit because I'll keep things for "projects" that there's a good chance I'll never get to. I'm also at this point now where I feel like we'll finish one room in our apartment and then the last one gets messed up again and I think it's like you said, we're moving things around as we declutter and so, for example, our kitchen gets messy again because I've put a bunch of stuff on my counter (like a soda stream) or on my table to deal with "later". I think for me that's the most frustrating part.
Cass from Clutterbug calls it 'Trashbag Therapy', she starts her decluttering rounds with a trashbag :)
Ah, that's a good idea! :)
All what you said is totally true, but I will add one: when we are too sentimental.
For example: all my sons' baby stuff, they are adults now, but I have the excuse "for my grand children", actually it is just because I can't let these things go, they make me laugh and remember when they were so cute in their little funny costumes... That is a hard one...
Yael Bolender I am near 50...l and I had the baby stuff. My mom gave it to me somewhere along the line. Things my beloved Grandmother made. Beautiful clothes, sentimental bits and pieces. Mind you... I never put my own babies in them nor did they play with my stuff. I finally let it all go a few years ago. I haven't missed any of it. Stuff that sat in my cedar chest for "some day". My three grandkids never used it.
Annie Heath I have a difference with you: my kids actually wore them, I have all these memories of them in these clothes which were made for them or bought for them. And I actually gave one thing to my first grand son. I don't think that what matters are the clothes themselves but more the memories attached to them. Plus the memories attached to what my Nanny made for them, and since she passed away and I loved her, it is even more sentimental. But I will have to find a solution for sure... :-)
Yael Bolender I think the hard part for me is less about actually letting go of sentimental things and much more about my need to find the right home for them.
+Annie Heath interesting... I am not sure it is my case... But it's sure that is a problem too...
You hit the nail on the head with your five reasons that you can't declutter/clean the garage! Keep chipping away at it...I'm in the same boat, but thankfully I just have 3 garages! Great job! Would love to have the stool, table/chairs and cabinet! Lol... Hope that you don't change your mind before you get a chance to put it out! Lol... That's probably the worst thing do. You might talk yourself into keeping it...lol... Hopefully, not! Btw, we put our recyclables in trash cans and haul them once a week into town to recycle. It helps a lot! Love your videos. Wish that you could post more then once a week. Feeling motivated again...might try again tomorrow to get my garage done. Anyways...Tfs....💕💕💕
Once again you are telling my story, I swear you must be a fly on my wall. Lol You are absolutely right on, we only have the present and aren't promised tomorrow. I know I've wasted too much time dealing with clutter and am really ready to be free!
sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have recycling that gets picked up by the city each week just like the trash. thanks for helping me remember to be grateful for that! looks like you made some good progress. that must feel rewarding!
These were severe life truths that I needed to hear. Thank you so much for being real. And also thank you for being willing to share your whole minimalism journey.
You're very welcome. :) Take care
So happy ur video is up !! The sword is a very interesting find. Maybe you can get a shadow box and frame it.
Still waiting on hubby to make a decision on it :)
My county has each house have a recycle can right along with their trash can. Personally, it's been wonderful. Extremely convenient. However, back in Tennessee where I'm from, where we didn't have this, it was always fun at least in middle school when I got to go to the big recycling bins and sort out the plastics by their number and put them in the correct bin. That is one thing I'll miss for my future child/ren. Going to an actual place to get rid of recycled items can be a fun activity for kiddos.
I am so happy you made that video. Today we will clear out our basement which I like to call 'Mordor'. Because of my fear of spiders I`ve never cleaned the basement in the 10 years we were living here(and my husband is lazy, so that's that). We just threw stuff into the rooms and closed the doors as fast as possible...I am a little apprehensive what we will find in there now...watching your video gave me motivation, so thank you!
Oh lawd... I'll-do-it-laters stress me out soooo much. I try to avoid them (and push my world-class procrastinating husband to do the same), but it's sooo hard sometimes. Life happens, but we just have to fight back and get on with it. 💪🏻
Also, larping!! Best part. LMAO. 😂
I like your videos because you seem to hit the nail on the head about why we keep some of the things we do. I also like seeing all the stuff you find in your garage. lol I recently did a big clean out, but you know how it is, you have to keep purging all the time. One thing I am going to do is put a big box on the laundry room counter, and put things in it that I am not sure about. I will have some time to change my mind. If not, it all gets donated.
Hi Rachel! I love your videos, and I am currently working on minimizing my entire house too. I've donated two car loads so far! Please do an updated house tour so we can see your progress! I would love to see your finished hoogah nook!
I have been enjoying your videos immensely, especially the sped-up parts! You are helping me stay motivated on my own journey towards minimalism. Love the honesty and realism.
I love your videos, I get excited when I get a notification about a new upload! As another poster said I love how honest you are and that you always have anecdotes and reasons behind why people hoard, procrastinate, and buy too much stuff. I 100% relate to the idea of doing everything later. It's nice to know that I'm just too optimistic! You're making so much progress, I can't wait to see your garage when it's finished! Also, your eyes are amazing, you always remind me of Heather Graham. See you next time!
Thank you! :) I ALSO can't wait to see the garage finished! hehe :-D
Your eyes are mesmerizing in this particular video. Thanks for helping me procrastinate on finals. :P
Allegra Delgardo, ikr? she should be a hypnotist.
Allegra Delgardo I also think her eyes are what pulled me in. lol
lol, no prob! Now go study...! ;-)
Got all A's, not to worry! :D
WOW! I love watching your journey! Thank you so much for taking the time to film & put it on RUclips! So cool! I really connected with your point at the end talking about how instead of just dealing with the recycling as it came up, now you're stuck spending an entire weekend on it! I'm right there with you! Been thinking about how much of my precious time I've wasted on STUFF! Now to put in the work so I can enjoy the rest of my days as I wish! XO
:) I'm glad you're enjoying watching! Yes - let's both put in the work now so we can be done with stuff and all the wasted time it's caused! Good luck!
Yay! Love your clear out videos! Another successful mission and some great things to remember, I so identify with the What If and the I'll Do it Later ones! Shame Im not in the US, would def drive by and pick up that cabinet! Wonder if you kept the sword and figured out what that smell was?
Can break down boxes right when putting them in recycling pile. Then the pile will be more manageable, & easier to deal with each week when you haul it away.
I'm such a "what if" person. A couple years ago, I got really into fragrances/perfumes- trying samples, finding new ones, reviewing them online, etc.. and I thought it might be cool to mix my own scents. My boyfriend bought me a great beginner kit for $35 with mixers and many different specific scents like pear and lilac. I was SO excited, until I started playing with it. The scents are SO strong and overwhelming, I couldn't even tell what I was smelling and they gave me a headache. That was 2 years ago and I haven't touched it since. YET I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN RID OF IT BECAUSE.... "WHAT IF" I CHANGE MY MIND!
RUclips suggested your video to me and it was right! Love your channel. So pleased there are so many videos to watch. Love the sped up photography and the music. Great job!
I wish I had a garage to tidy. I love organizing and clearing stuff out so so so much!
What if? There is no later!!! Good stuff. Also saving something I really love because it's too good to use right now? That doesn't even make sense....
I love how honest you are! I definitely would not have admitted to the potential dead animal but I found it hilarious and relatable that you did! I also think you did a great job and that your dog is adorable!
so helpful. It makes me realize so much of what I own I would never miss when it's gone.
Great inspiration, Rachel....thank you. My garage is a spare bedroom filled with things that I want to sell online. I love watching your videos!
Sherri Me too! I don't have a garage but that room is a disaster 😑
thank you :) and I feel you're pain! It's part of why I don't sell as many things these days. I hate having it sit there while I wait!
Another reason we buy way more than we need and once you have that new have it now item home you need to move something out of your house to fit your new stuff in
I am definitely a WHAT IF person. Now I’m going to get rid of the stuff ALL of my WHAT IF ITEMS. I Feel FREEDOM just thinking about .Thank you, Thank you, I am going to do it NOW!!!
I don't have a garage and I probably never will (who really knows) but I can relate to this so so so so much. Especially the 5th point. I say high and low how much of a procrastinator I am though. because it's true. I never do stuff now, I alays push it back to later. In everything. And then that later piles up to another later and so on and so forth and then I'm a total absolute mess all over and I get discouraged about the things I gotta do.
Hopefully (I should have another word for this), the new apartment will prevent this but to be honest, it's not the apartment that will change me. It's me. I gotta put my feet on the ground and say "do it, now! You'll thank yourself later".
Love your videos. You are truly inspiring :)
We moved 14 years ago to a farmhouse, my china cabinet didn't fit anywhere in our home, so we stored it in our silo for the "next house" we would buy. The silo's roof started leaking, water got all over the cabinet. It was ruined after 14 years of storage. You are right, it's not worth storing stuff for that long.
Before I make this comment, it applies to me as well. Since you don't walk on the walls, make sure to use them first if possible. If shelves can be placed against a wall, you can secure them properly to it and your not creating an obstacle to walk around. If your shelf doesn't fit a location you want to use, research "french cleat". All you need is scrap wood, basic skills and imagination. I can't think of anything (be smart and safe about it) that it can't hold. Good luck!
i watch you video's from the beginning all over again. More Tan two years ago i began. Than i watch you from the beginning. We are so much futher in the proces of a minimalist. I moved to a smaller house and a bigger garden because i wanted that. I don't need a garage for stuff and a bigt house for stuff. Mine daughter and her husband moved out. And with the four off us left i think it was a great decission. i am happyer than then. And i had back than you was my friend and we did it together. the book that i liked the most was from francine jay and marie kondo. The lest because it was a fun way to look the thing you bring you joy. I can get rid off more thing but that must wait. than must the boys let the house. i have now to much stuff but hubby want's to keep it. so we keep it.
every few months I go through my house and see if anything can go away. Because you really have to keep up. If you count how many things come in every month, that's really so much.
my "garage" is my living room....the pile of stuff leftover from my move oct and again in november....Ive been busy since i got here with school projects....and its August long weekend...I'm tackling this pile today.....today is the day. And i totally say what if..but I need to get into it..and do it NOW. Thanks for the motivating and real videos. no more "later" NOW IS THE TIME!....and GO!
"A little bit less of a total mess" should be your closing phrase for each video.
Once again I feel like you are almost talking specifically to me. 5 large trash bags of clothing and fabric remnants wait in my garage, because I can't decide what charity to give it to. Today I will decide and tomorrow I will bring it there.
And the "what if" had me look at my sewing/craft room. I know there are quite a lot of stuff there, I am really just being to optimistic about ever getting to use. I have decluttered for a few years now, and have got quite far in my journey towards minimalism, but my craft room is my prezzzzzious treasure. I recently decluttered a whole big bag of fabric and projects-gone-nowhere. It felt good!
I love old stuff too :) I think if something brings you joy, keep it.
Way to go Rachel!! Your recycling reminds me of my laundry. I would let it get backed up and overflow!!! Now I have a capsule wardrobe and that is prevented from happening 😊😄👍🏻
I must say that you have missed an occasion to become one of the best antique stores ever... You have amazing taste in objects. From one hoarder/messy minimalist to another!
haha! thank you. Believe me, we've joked for years that we should just put an 'open sign' on our garage for antiquers and pickers!
I’m the same!! I LOVE historical times and things. I used to always wish I could step back into time at least for a day
Another option for your recycling is to keep specific sized bins in there that you take to the recycling center once they’re full.
Love to see your garage declutter! hope to see another one soon!
so proud of you for owning up to the human mistakes we all make! you didnt have to make it public... thats why i love your channel, you keep it REAL! did you find the dead animal btw?
Thank you :) I'm glad you (and others) appreciate this stuff -- and are non-judgemental of it! :) And no, I didn't find it, but the small was unmistakable. I'm guessing a mouse my cat could have brought in. He does that if we leave the door open. I'm sure I'll find it eventually!
I love the annoyed faces you do, when you hold up useless things :D
I was waiting impatiently for this video. I loved the geeky sword and candle! Even though I don't own many things at all I love to watch Rachel work :D
haha! Yeah this one took me a long time to edit. It's been so busy at home that I only get to edit an hour or so at a time. Believe it or not, it sometimes takes me up to 10 hours to edit/upload/post. So it makes me happy to hear that you like watching! :-D take care!!
Messy Minimalist I'm rewatching this because there's no new one. I have some ideas for mini series.
1. The avalanche effect, part 2: Where you do everything you pointed out in the avalanche video (the wall, some basement...)
2. A box a week: where you open, talk about, sort, label and throw out one box (from the last move). A surprise box that has been there, unopened, for a long time. These can be short videos.
3. Is the office finished yet? That would be a nice video, too.
I hope you find the time.
What did you think? :D
Yes, Tut tut it looks like rain is one of my favorite quotes and I thought I was the only one who used it. I live in a moist climate so it's appropriate.
I just cleaned out my shed and I got rid of some things but even though I have less stuff in there now, it still seems as though I have too much. I think bins just make everything look like they're taking up too much space. Boxes are worse. So I'm in a conundrum with how I feel the way it looks.
Thanks so much for the tips. So helpful and inspiring. I just cleaned out my dresser and plan on attacking my horrible closet lol!
That blue stool is too cute! I would've used it to put a plant on!
So happy you took the electricals to a designated recycling center!
OH MY GOSH I have wanted one of the Glacier National Park Pendleton blankets for years and you have one in your garage!! Girl, that blanket is beautiful!
...and then she pulls out a sword and I would totally keep that too lol but the stool I totally understand getting rid of
Congratulations on getting some walking space, I love how you called procrastinating as being optimistic, lol I live with A Big Optimist who loves What if stuff for projects:) We are lucky by living in the city that recycled gets picked up at our door but still amazing how much does not make it to the curb each week, lol I totally love your videos. As per moving boxes they can be put also in craigslist as someone may need them for their move so they get used once more before ending up recycled
I am watching this and I don't have a garage.. :/
Did you find the dead body?
Besides what happened to the sword, that's an interesting question too! What was the smell?? :P
No I didn't!! I'm sure it'll show itself eventually... O_o
thank you for the motivation! I just NOW cleaned out the laundry basket that's been sitting in my room for a month!!!!!
I do not have a garage, but the whst ifs used to be a problem in my closet and pantries. I am so over it.
Real talk...decluttering my house also.. thinks you say sound so familiar. Good job on your journey and thanks for inspiring me...i also packed and hoarded and it makes me feel so uncomfortable.
Greetings from the netherlands xxx
What happened to the cement fox? If the driveway is unpaved, it would make good fill in a low spot. All broken up, of course.
I found your channel a couple of weeks or so ago, and have been watching your declutter videos starting with the first ones posted. I'm up to this one now. You've done a great job, and I can hardly wait to see more.
One cool thing about where I live is every house has a wheelie bin for recycling that gets emptied by a truck that comes around every two weeks 😃
I give away a box of cans and bottles each week to a friend since they are worth money and she takes hers in also. I figure it helps her get a bit more when she takes hers down and I know they'll just pile up if I don't give them away. At other times another friend would take them to the recycle center and give them to someone needy who was turning in cans already. They were aways happy to get them. The rest of my recyclables fit in my recycle trash can.
I loved the video Rachel! I do not have a garage but I do all of the '5' mentioned. I need to get my shit together, really. Also I wish my mom understood English... She desperately needs you in her life XD I try my best to tell her all the wisdom you share but watching you clean, decide and move on is just so inspiring. xoxo
you are right about hoarding and the "what if...". Also we create future uses for things that are really broken, but never do them. or those ideas are unrealistic, such if i fix it, someone will want it--when they won't.
Yep :) It can be hard to get past, but I think it's necessary to help with the clutter!
I'm 23 and live in a space without any big storage. So I'm kind of forced to be picky about what I keep and store. But my parents are so similar to you and your clutter situation. While I don't think I can let them watch your videos I pretty sure if I pass along your tips and experience with dealing with it, it might help them. I'm already motivated to clear out their attic haha
Good luck to you! :) I found that my/your parents generation seems to have a lot of trouble letting go of things - not sure why..!
Boxes left over from a previous move... oh yes. Oh boy, yes. I believe we even have boxes that were never unpacked at our LAST house after a move either, and have stayed packed for the 9 years we have lived here :o
Thankfully my local council collect recycling once a fortnight. My garage is fully of my cousin's stuff or stuff for her to look at. Her house flooded so while they're doing repairs I'm storing some salvage and I also have a bunch of my minsgame donate stuff for her to go thru first in case we can replace any of her stuff that was lost.
Oh too bad about her flooding! :( Nice of you to help store her stuff. For us, if you live 'in town', the city picks up recycling too. but anyone in the country don't get that service!
Just curious do you have any room to park your cars in your garage? I'd love to know how you accumulated so much stuff. 😊
Another great, inspiring video! Thank you. Yes, I'm the optimistic one, too...or maybe just a major procrastinator. Keep up the fantastic work, Rachel.
You are inspiring me to also start decluttering. Thank you for a wonderful channel. Love watching your videos.
my heart broke when you placed the Hudson Bay blanket on the side of the road pile. Those blankets sell for a lot.
I had no idea, that was my mom's. I actually didn't really even consider it, but perhaps I'll pull that one out for a picnic blanket or something. What is it about them that makes them so pricey?
I'm so happy you said something! I came down here to make sure that the blanket was safe ;-)
Maybe sell it if you don't really want it and put it toward something you need?
HBC blankets were traded with the first nations for fur. The "points" on them refered to how many pelts needed. The have been around for hundreds of years.
en.m.wikipedia.org
Currently selling new 325$ to 550$.
20 20 rule! So helpful. I'm thinking of things as I watch here, that I could pass on instead of 'what iffing'!