We have 1 blanket, 1 quilt and 2 sets of sheets for each bed and 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels for each person. All the rest we bagged up and donated to the local animal shelter. Simplified so much and we have empty shelves!
@@ericksonsails we don't have a guest room with a family of 7, so guests sleep in kids beds and our kids sleep sleeping bags or we put their second sheet on the sofa for them to sleep.
It's amazing how many decades I spent trying to "organize" when all along, I just needed to DECLUTTER. I literally end up donating plastic bins rather than buying more to house the crap I literally never use, don't need, sparks no joy or has no meaning. But wow is it such a mental shift to SEE that stuff for what it is to then remove it!
Couldn't agree more. I, too, spent many years categorizing and organizing when it finally hit me that I was suffocating under so much stuff. Joshua's first book helped me alot.
This is a new revelation for me. I was getting ready to spend money to have a professional organizer come help me. Then I started to clean out a space to put the organized stuff. That lead to getting rid of stuff. Finally it dawned on me that getting rid of stuff had to be the ultimate answer rather than organizing it all.
Yes! I wish I could say I had an "ah ha " moment, but it was more of a "well, duuuuh!" Moment for me. How can intelligent people take so long to figure that out? I was 62!
@@lchapter383 No, I think it can be done quicker. I have a family of 4 and did a significant amount of renovation in my home. Just have little time. But I’m finding I have more time now with less stuff to manage.
Thanks for telling what it realistically takes to do it.... Still worth it though. I've been decluttering & organizing for 3 years now...abd not finished. The reason: i can organiser to perfection but have a hard time discarding perfectly good stuff, or stuff that i love. Still: having too many items is overwhelming. You can not even maintain the tidyness in real time, let alone put it in order when it's not.
I kept 3 sets of sheets for each of the people in my family: myself and my two children. One to be on the bed; one to be in the laundry, waiting to be washed; and one in the closet, in case of a disaster. This worked out well for me on the night when my daughter came into my bedroom, announced that she felt sick, and then proceeded to barf all over me, my bed, herself, and the floor on the way to the bathroom. I cleaned her up, the floor, my bed, with clean sheets from the closet, myself, and then went back to bed calmly. Next, my son came into my bedroom, announced that he felt sick, and threw up all over himself, his sister ("Ewwww!"), me, the bed, and the floor on the way to the bathroom. I cleaned up the bed with the sheets that were waiting in the laundry (not the recent ones), him, my daughter, myself, and the floor. Then I went back to bed calmly. You keep one set of sheets per bed if you want. Three worked out for me.
Not only for children, but having duplicates when caregiving an elderly parent can save your sanity. And even if you live alone, you may not always be able to launder the one set of sheets you own in a timely manner. Two or three sets just don't take up that much room even in a small home. I fold each set into a neat packet so it's easy to grab a complete change of sheets from the linen closet.
'I just want to own as much clutter as possible'. Oh boy, he hit the nail on the head !! We downsized almost 3 years ago and despite buying so much less I still miss the empty shelves / cupboard we had back then - this video is a good reminder to stop buying. Even if secondhand / used / thrifted doesn't mean I need it !!
Who has 6 coats? The thing is, of you have it, you will use it. I've just thought about the clothes I've worn this week that I don't really like, nor do I actually need them, so after getting washed they are going straight onto the donation pile.
Even after deciding to declutter it's so disheartening when you look at the stuff everywhere and don't know where to start. Or after working on it for days and you feel it's not noticable....it's overwhelming
Yes! Just this last week my husband and I made the decision to downsize from a 3500 square foot home to under 1000 sq ft. I’m so at peace with the decision, it’s so very freeing. Thank you for all of your great advice, Joshua.
All these comments are so inspiring to me!!! We have a smaller that sometimes feels "tight" but I'm praying for the new FREEDOM to enjoy this gift from the Lord as we declutter it!
Decluttering allowed an entire room to be ready for our second baby. So worth it and I don't miss any of the stuff. I've probably taken 25-30 full trunk loads to the thrift store within the past two years and I'm not through with it yet. I LOVE decluttering!
The "just in case" items are very difficult for me. Prices of everything are skyrocketing, and quality is bottoming out. So if something does need replacing, you're going to get an inferior, low-quality product that costs a lot more money than you originally spent. If our economy was good & "made in the USA" was still a thing, then it would be silly to keep items "just in case"....but since our economy is bad & almost everything is manufactured in China now, it doesn't seem silly anymore. I'm proud of how much I've declutterd, and grateful for Joshua's (always) excellent advice, but this is a tough one for me.
Yep, I recognise several of them...thank you for the video! Just to remind ourselves later on: 1. I have the space; 2. I can afford it; 3. But I use it; 4. Just in case; 5. My spouse/family is the problem; 6. I don't own too much; 7. Owning less is boring.
Joshua, I am a subscriber and have followed your channel for quite awhile now. Just wanted you to know today's program knocked it out of the park. I hope you had new viewers who were listening for the first time. Your message's intent was clear, sound and absolutely sensible. How could anyone not get it?
I did a big declutter and sort and organize in 2017, when my ex husband moved out! I packed around 90boxes of his stuff! 40of which he still has to collect, as well as furniture. Then I started on my stuff.. Decluttered my clothes to a small waredrobe. Then did the kids. 2019 I continued and was able to declutter more. This year, in fact right now, I am doing another declutter sweap. Due to burnout, insomnia, depression, job and kids as well as being in year 6 of a messy divorce, I only have so much time and energy.. But I tell myself "decluttering is ongoing. Give yourself grace if you need more time to declutter some things. Take it at a speed that fits in with you and your families life and situation"... This helps me not get frustrated with myself... Once my divorce is finalized (this Winter or next Spring) I will do another declutter of things, which I don't have the head space to declutter at present. Great summary of tips!
My partner is actually a problem. He has the just in case attitude. Recently, I've been tossing things when he's at work (we have dumpsters for the community so he doesn't see it). He hasn't noticed anything that I've thrown away because it's truly unnecessary things. It really is gratifying to get rid of/donate excess things.
That means you have to launder sheets immediately in order to dress your bed. And your sheets are so going wear out sooner. 6 six sheets for every bed and 3 cases for every bed. I would consider that a minimum. My late husband was a true hoarder and he was the reason our house was a wreck. I purge things on a regular basis and i have never rented a storage facility. I contemplated that when my husband was living, but i could not afford it and i knew instinctively any space i emptied out he would fill up again.
regarding the just in case: another question to ask is "If that day came that i did need it, would i even remember that I already had it? And does it fit in the very first place I would go looking for it?" How many times have you gone and bought something you already had because you didn't know you had it or couldn't find it?
We lived with a cluttered life for the last 20 years and I spent few years ( yes ) decluttering so much stuff . Now my house is empty and it echoes . The best part is cleaning the house takes very less time and I feel I have so much time
Years back when I had bed bugs, in order to keep up with all the required laundry/vacuuming I had to quarantine all clothing to 3 outfits per person, 1 set of sheets per bed and kids toys down to a basket of Legos and a toy firetruck. Minimalism by necessity but so so freeing, made me appreciate how little I actually really needed
@@Dbb27 , That's because they hide in woodwork, funiture, cracks in floors/walls, etc.! Which is why after discovering that, I'm kind of leery about bringing second-hand furniture/antiques into my home. I also think about that when I hear mattress companies claim to 'haul away your old mattress while delivering your new one'! So, someone else's old mattress may be contaminated with 'whatever' while your new mattress is in the same truck, on it's way to your home! 😱😢
@@debracisneroshhp2827 I handled foreclosures back during the meltdown. We didn’t often find them but we made sure to keep any bags or personal items in the car or up on a counter. Two rules: step back when we opened the door for the first time and NEVER open the fridge!! 🫤😳
@@debracisneroshhp2827 never thought about the mattress companies doing haul aways while delivering new mattresses. However, the new ones are totally covered and not in direct with the old ones. Bed bugs don’t fly and they move rather slowly. I don’t see a problem.
People without dryers (or even washing machines) will need to have a change of duvet covers, towels etc. Also, some people don't have £20 at the end of the month for essentials, let alone to spend on something they got rid of. That's where the "just in case" mentality comes from. It's something that I've been working to overcome. I have too many "just in case" clothes that I don't love. I'm going to bag them up and donate them.
We recently downsized to our 700 sq foot vacation home on the beach. We had very little time between making the decision and putting our large home on the market. I had begun to declutter some months before, but in no way to the scale necessary to move. After three intense and stressful weeks, we were able to make the change to our dream location. Simplifying your home opens you up to opportunities only dreamed of before. Wish I had known that sooner.
Wow! I could have written this myself! We sold out house and moved in 21days and moved to our 700sq ft vacation rental property we have in Hawaii!! I was starting on the minimalism movement about 3 yrs before our move as well and it made going from a big house to a small tiny condo much easier. It's soo freeing to be free of clutter and extra stuff!
It's called Swedish death cleaning! It's so good of you to do that. My dad was of the generation of keeping everything. Clearing out his house was a chore to say the least.
I hear you there. My kids and I often talk about when I go. And the conversation always goes... I don't want any of your stuff. So they can have the things they have given me and good will the rest.
I've ben decluttering for about 6+ months, and feeling pretty good about what I've let go out of my house, except my clothes. However, after watching this episode, I realized how much more I had that someone else could make use of, even though I was still using them...that concept hadn't occurred to me. Just because I use it, doesn't mean I need to keep it! Out went several items and more to go! Feels so good!! Thank you!!
I can see this when i travel for a 2 week vacation abd i pack as much as airlines allow. Needless to say, i come back with 2/3 of the clothes untouched. Even when i could, i don't just use the same clothes for just one evening (seems to be wasting the amount of work that went into washing &ironing). At home i notice, that no matter how many T -shirts are in the drawer, i always end up using the top 25%. Those are the current favorites. Having to use more means I need to be busy reminding myself to use the rest of them, and that's cluttering my mind. I know all of that, but still haven't been able to declutter the rest of them (yet). But it is the way to go.
I took an antique large crochet piece made by granny when I was was small, made it into a curtain for a doorway. I now see it and it is useful and reappreciated, but disposable at end of usefulness.
Your videos have changed my life. I been able to focus on my health since watching you and getting rid of my stuff . Thanks for improving my lifestyle and health
At different times in the past I've mentioned here my complex and stressful relationship with the too-many books I have in my tiny living space, too much of a good thing, more than I can expect to read in the remainder of my lifetime. Well, after years of talking about my problem I've started going through books I've never read and may never have read and and am now taking them to Little Free Libraries around me and to the public library for their bookstore and semi-annual sales. I can't do a lot at once and it will take a long time but so far I've given away maybe 40 books and have more stacked up to go out. I'm asking myself about books I handle, "Do I really want to read this or does it simply look interesting?" Many of my books I got for free and I consider, "Would I pay to read this book? Am I interested enough that I would buy it?" As I reduce i can focus on reading the books I truy want to read. Also: when you give something away you are still you. You haven't lost any of your identity.
Hi. My books were bought a long time ago. They are in 6 cupboards. Some I have read and others ,I am just trying to find time to read. I think it is wonderful that you could let 40 books go.I need to sort mine and make a decision to let some go
i still have too many books, but about half of what i had. bookstore took some, friends of library, donated some. all paperbacks that were not worthy of reuse, i shredded for tbe compost bin.
@@sandy-rr1by Congratulations on getting so much accomplished! I'm interested in reducing the number of books I started with by about half. About seven new books have come in, but I'm now up to 300 that have gone out.
@@andrewbrendan1579 what i have found with books, is that now i have them sorta thinned out, i can now more easily recognize ones that need to go. i love books, but as i age i am admitting that certain groups of books are now just taking up space, most cookbooks, most diet and health books, most home repair books.
In our first small home, we lined the basement walls with free wooden bookshelves. It was not long before they were all full of stuff that we actually did not need. It was an eye-opener when we moved 8 years later and had to declutter.
I would love to have a basement to keep necessary off season etc things. I feel would help to keep home much more clean and fresh and uncluttered as a friend of mind does having a basement
This is the best, most concise, description of minimalism I have seen. It makes me want to take a deep breath, and ask myself, "Do I have the courage to act on these ideas?"
There is a spiritual component to your message that makes your channel so profound for me and many others. What are we put here on Earth for? Why are we alive? And how can I best fulfill that purpose? We won’t know until we free ourselves from this stuff.
I needed to hear this out loud. I am very much trying to break intergenerational hoarding tendencies. While I am not nearly as oppressed by stuff as my grandparents, or my father, I am trying hard not to get worse, or attached to things. I am naturally more of a maximalist. While I wouldn't claim to be a minimalist either, I am trying to be an intentional, reformed maximalist where I am in control of my baser tendencies or nefarious outside influence.
Joshua: I think you are the best RUclipsr on minimalism. Your video is a great example of minimalism itself! No ads, no background music, straight to the point, very practical. I also noticed that you look very energetic and sharpe. A lot of minimalists on RUclips seem to have low energy and talk like they didn’t eat, not attractive to me at all 😆, so for a long time I ignore minimalism. I think their minimalism limited them to live a full life, but your minimalism seems to liberate you and energize you. And as I went over your videos, I start to understand why, understand what minimalism truly is, and finally get attracted to minimalism. I want this kind of simple, focused, passionate life. I start to do a lot of declutter now and watch your video every day to keep my momentum! I feel good so far. So, Thank you so much! 😊 God bless you!
I was always amazed that when we went on holiday to a furnished flat and only took one suitcase each just how well we managed , with so few items , just the basics ,
When I separated from my husband I took 7 pieces of furniture, a few pieces of art, and the clothes on my back. The only “things” I have purchased in 7 years are a bike, and a couch.
This so speaks to me! I just donated the contents of my 5'x7' storage unit that I've been paying for for about five years. I loved what was in there, but know I can't deal with it all so let someone else enjoy the stuff. It's liberating and now I see how much I can still donate from within my home. Maybe I'm cured of holding on to things! :-)
How / Who did you donate to? I have a church friend who is a single man probably in his late 60’s who has three or four storage units but he never uses them. He knows he should clean them out but has been saying that for years. I suggested maybe he auction off the contents but would have no idea how to help him or encourage him to do that either. Advice?
@@mombowers4 Hi Sharon. Actually I paid College Hunks Haul Junk to pick all of it up. They will 1) move you, 2) donate your belongings or, 3) throw it away somewhere (city dump?). It was costly, over $600 plus a tip but I'm so free of it and it will all be donated among 12 different charities.
I'm working on emptying my 10x10 storage unit. I have 4 more days to get it done and avoid rent for August. I'm disgusted at the amount of crap that I'm throwing away after paying 4 years to store it. What a life lesson this has been!
Ha! “I have the space.” I’ve said that more than once🤦🏻♀️ My decluttering journey has been helped so much through reading your posts and listening to your videos. Thank you.
That is a huge problem, my parents just hide things in cupboards and the upstairs of the house. The problem I am trying to make them understand is that some day I am the one that is going to have to deal with all of their stuff 🤦🙄🙄🙄🙄.
Thanks again Joshua, 2 sets of bedding per bed for my home though, one for wash and one for wear....."just in case the tumble drier packs up" or "I drop off to sleep in front of the telly then wake to go to bed and guess what, bedding still in the washer or dryer 😨😂
That’s the first thing I think of when some mentions they only have one set of sheets per bed! It happened recently and I was grateful I could just remake the bed with another set of sheets and start washing the dirty sheets at 3:30 am.
I think it would be nice if you made a video (unless you already have), about how difficult it is for many to let go of their belongings. I read so many comments on YT (here as well) of people who judge those who cannot let go of their possessions. There is a mental process going on for the ones not wanting to let go, and I think a lot of people do not understand that, and instead resort to judgement. I know many people who would have 'benefited' from reducing their possessions, but that does not mean it is my job or duty to convince them to change, and to judge them if they don't. I think it's a very sensitive topic for many, since their possessions have accumulated throughout their entire lives, and likely feels like an extension of themselves. So, perhaps you could make a video about what you talk about in a conversation about reducing one's possessions?
This would be a great topic to discuss. Specially because I have a friend who will not let go of unused stuff and although she’s a clean organized hoarder she has so much. For example 45 towels, 200 bras etc.
My husband and I moved from a 3-story house to a 2-bedroom apartment years ago and I couldn't be happier. I used to spend countless hours on weekends organizing my belongings. Now our place has a contemporary decor with green plants that is free of clutter. This brings us a sense of calm when we walk into our space. Thanks for all your great advice. Your videos are always full of new ideas on how to keep our physical and mental spaces free of unnecessary clutter.
In the late stages of a kitchen reno. It was a total gut job and yes we increased counter and cupboard space but I decluttered as I emptied the kitchen and will declutter again as I move stuff back in. I am looking forward to an empty counter top and a few empty cupboards.
At the moment in Australia we have the media constantly reporting on shortages of everything imaginable panicking people into spending out of fear of lack .
I am currently trying to cope with that now in the U.S. There are predictions of shortages beginning this summer, so I am more reluctant to let things go and I am stockpiling food, basic living necessities, gardening supplies, and prepping items out of fear of the future.
@@homeandgardendiaries6384 So just how much do your stockpile? Worldwide famine - doesn't seem you could really prepare for that, other than to start growing vegetables right now and raise chickens for their eggs.
When you buy a new home, that is bigger , Or for an investment, the less you have to when you come to sell is best when you have less. When people come into a home, that is not their own. And they're interested in buying it, They want to visualize what their stuff would look like in the home. But when you have a lot of stuff and you're trying to sell your place. They come in, and they are confused. To have a piece of mind when you come into your home, it's good to see no clutter. When somebody comes in and sees a cluttered home that they want to buy, It's hard for them to visualize their stuff in there. It is bad enough that we can handle our own stuf, Never mind the new buyers.
That's good word right there. So good. Well, I must work on my next decluttering project.. I'm a bit slow. But each time something goes it feels good. Bye.
I appreciate your input and agree with a lot of it. However, I do think that you need 2, not 1 set of sheets per bed. In our house, we have 4 beds, all different sizes, and yet I keep 2 sets per bed and here’s why: we have had to change sheets in the middle of the night or before being able to wash on multiple occasions. We’ve had sheets wear out and break a hole, blood and other things spilled, etc. I just washed a sheet 3 times last week and ruined the color trying to remove blood, and now we need another sheet. Good thing I always have one backup because I like to research sheets before purchasing. I get organic, cotton sheets and I wash them before using. How could I instantly handle an emergency like that if all I had was just enough for each individual bed? I would rather not put myself through the stress. Countless times I have put sheets in the wash and something major changes our schedule since we are a busy family and the sheets didn’t get dried in time for bedtime. So for me, this idea of 1 set per bed is not practical at all. Maybe you should reconsider that particular piece of advice, only.
I've said that my husband is the problem, but so am I. I worked in retail for most of my life and you do fall into that mentality. Marketing tells us that "You need this" and it works because we purchase all this stuff and hang on to it like our lives depend on it.
Morning Joshua - another great video. I look forward waking up every Saturday morning to your new video . I am slowly decluttering and enjoy seeing space in my house - it is calm and easy to clean. I have realised that the satisfaction of these clear spaces lasts much longer than the thrill of buying stuff!
Thank you. I’m not sure why this video resonated so strongly. I’m always decluttering. I’ve been on a real mission for the past 18 months. I thought I was just about done. I’m not trying to be a true minimalist, but just get each category and area in my home to a manageable level. Anyway, I watched this video last night, and started purging this morning. Sewing and office supplies. Then I made a list of what I still need to go through. 19 more areas or things! I can’t believe it. How can I own this much stuff and why have I been hanging on to it? My husband keeps everything he can, mainly “just in case”, so I leave his stuff alone. The garage is pretty full, and in our driveway and yard he has 3 trucks, a 5th wheel, 1 side x side, 4 jet skis on two trailers, a boat and a flatbed trailer to haul the side x side on. I just work on my stuff and I work in our common areas, decluttering stuff he could care less about. Thanks for all your encouragement, Joshua. I really appreciate you.
Hi Joshua! I have been following you for years now and have been decluttering ever since. Last summer I finally freed up my living room got rid of 2 meters of cupboards and all the stuff which we never used. The livingroom is so airy now. The only decoration is plants. Everyone is so amazed at the difference.
It’s an ongoing process for me. I get started then get sidetracked with something that needs immediate attention. But I pick it back up and am moving forward. Recently got a second trash bin from my local service so I can put more out each week that isn’t donated. Goal is to go from two big storage lockers to zero this summer. I’ve realized I haven’t visited those lockers in quite some time looking for anything I need so it’s time to let them go.
it's a BALANCE truth in this, also it's FREEDOM to have great books I study, an extra coat when one is soaked, to have stuff that I truly use and make life better (beauty, joy, practical or combi of). Having stuff for guests, I like to be a good host When not having energy, or time to go to the store, or it's pouring outside, or the item might not be there to just HAVE IT
We are moving house very soon, we are using it as an opportunity to get rid of almost everything we own, being very intentional about the things we are boxing up to keep. Thanks so much for the motivation, I already feel so free and we haven't finished yet.
I'm here for the new year and for some new changes. I've watched to so many videos on the subject. Some have been helpful. I think, what I appreciate the most is how simply he puts the information out there. Clear and concise. I noticed this time that I gained a lot from everyone's comments too. I look forward to this. Thank you all.
I’m already a minimalist, but I literally have 5 bags of donate stuff sitting by the door. I don’t even know how it crept in. And you have reminded me that I have too many coats 🤦♀️, especially living in a climate where I usually just need a light weight one and rain coat and that’s it!
I was just thinking that I had t seen any of your videos lately & then here you are. Amazing. After looking at the devastation in Florida I vowed to donate to relief efforts. Thx for sharing your wonderful ideas. I need to resume my decluttering journey. Much appreciated 👍.
In 1991 I had to clean out a house for a sale of one of my real estate deals. There was a letter from 1954 from the ladies cousin complaining about all the stuff the aunt had left behind and she hoped they never left such a mess when they died. It was a little freaky, lol. When I divorced my then husband said I wasn’t to take anything out of the house. I left only with my clothes. It was a wonderful feeling not to own anything. Rented a furnished apartment for the summer, then into my own place. By the end of the year I was loaded with furniture that people had given me. It’s like stuff fornicated and multiplied! Twenty years later I’m rethinking how much I want to own and it’s not much.
I learnt the hard way that I should not buy things only because I can afford it, or there is space in house. Now I use various additional filters, such as - - maintenance cost and time - mental space - what if a war breaks out now (can I let it go easily) - if it is needed or am I brainwashed by media that I need it etc.
Holding on to clutter is a psychological thing. I like the wit who said, "I could easily get rid of the things I no longer want or need, but only if I could be assured before hand that no one else would want them."
Great video! A message I need to hear over & over. As I stare retirement in the face, and my body no longer has the energy for endless cleaning & organizing, I look at the real value & purpose of things in my life. But the struggle is real. Thanks Joshua.
I always feel that whenever i have 2 or more of the same items, it means someone else out there needs these extra items, so I donate them or give to someone who needs the items.
This message was very helpful. Thank you! I just started my minimalist journey and I am amazed how liberating and satisfying it is to be decluttering and letting go of things. I also have developed more appreciation for cleaning now that it’s easier to do with less stuff around.
1. I have the space; 2. I can afford it; 3. But I use it; 4. Just in case; 5. My spouse/family is the problem; 6. I don't own too much; 7. Owning less is boring.'
I just made a list of categories of stuff in our basement that need to go. Going to tackle one category at a time. Otherwise, it is overwhelming and it doesn't get done. Can't wait to see it cleaned up.
Great list!! All are relatable... except for #5 Why? Because I'm single - and sometimes I think THAT'S worse, because I don't have anyone to help decide if something is a want OR a need. Love your videos btw. They certainly bring attention to issues I have with self-control, regarding purchases and keeping objects that are not necessarily needed.
Very true. Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa has an insanely huge collection of guitars and amplifiers and says it got to that point because he has the means and there's no adult in his life to tell him No!.
Do you have a friend you could talk through decisions with? Or just talk it through aloud with yourself - that's what I used to do. The advantage of decluttering as a single is that you don't have anyone else filling up the spaces you empty! The only area I can truly declutter these days is my own clothes drawers. Even getting rid of excess stuff in my half the wardrobe just means my husband expands into my space 🙄😄
Thank you Joshua for the reminders. And I want to work towards minimalism but I keep falling into the trap of consumerism. I really needed your message to get my mind back in gear and refocus on this goal.
I do love your videos … they are just so sensible. I have decluttered and moved, and decluttered and moved, until I really am down to the things I think are useful and/or beautiful, except for the situations where my decision-making ability grinds to a halt. For example: saucepans. A one-person household does not need 3 saucepans. The small one is good for being energy efficient, the big one is necessary if I cook for more than just myself, but the middle one is the perfect size sometimes. I don’t need it, but it is convenient. So, I still have three saucepans. And: family heirlooms, especially furniture. I don’t have children and my nieces and nephews aren’t interested. However, my siblings and my own guilt won’t let me send the bedroom set that Mother bought in 1937 to the thrift store. - I “have the room”, someone in the family might want it later, there are so many memories of the houses it has been in, I really loved it once … I think my brain might explode.
Have I told you you are my favourite minimalist? I've been listening to other minimalists throughout the years but there's no one more minimalistic and laconic than you! I never get tired of your videos.
I have decluttered my life by using trunks. I waste a lot of time searching for things. Each trunk has a theme; Undergarments & socks, books, herbals & oils, toiletries, shoes, crafts, hobby. Whatever does not fit in each trunk goes to charity or friends. This also cleared & made space in my living room and my closets. i can dress much more quickly. When I open each trunk I can quickly find what I'm looking for. It's helped me to downsize and keep what gives me joy. I have a long way to go for minimalism. For me, It's a good start!
My friend is selling her huge house after 45 years. I offered to help her sort her stuff so she can sell it. She is panicked because there is so very much stuff. And now, she only wants about one tenth of it. Tina, Al's wife
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Even more important than decluttering is not buying it in the first place.
Exactly. Would be totally dumb to declutter and then start buying new stuff because u need something u threw away
True, but for many, including myself, that's hindsight. The best I can do is start from where I'm at and make more careful decisions moving forward.
We have 1 blanket, 1 quilt and 2 sets of sheets for each bed and 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels for each person. All the rest we bagged up and donated to the local animal shelter. Simplified so much and we have empty shelves!
Simplified
...and the animal shelters are VERY grateful for the donations.
Good work!
Some set aside for guests?
We have the same and were a family of 5..if anyone stays they bring there own..and they are happy to
@@ericksonsails we don't have a guest room with a family of 7, so guests sleep in kids beds and our kids sleep sleeping bags or we put their second sheet on the sofa for them to sleep.
It's amazing how many decades I spent trying to "organize" when all along, I just needed to DECLUTTER. I literally end up donating plastic bins rather than buying more to house the crap I literally never use, don't need, sparks no joy or has no meaning. But wow is it such a mental shift to SEE that stuff for what it is to then remove it!
I entirely and completely agree. Game-changer.
Organization is not the solution. Use and declutter things and thats d solution of all our problems regarding clutter.
Couldn't agree more. I, too, spent many years categorizing and organizing when it finally hit me that I was suffocating under so much stuff. Joshua's first book helped me alot.
This is a new revelation for me. I was getting ready to spend money to have a professional organizer come help me. Then I started to clean out a space to put the organized stuff. That lead to getting rid of stuff. Finally it dawned on me that getting rid of stuff had to be the ultimate answer rather than organizing it all.
Yes! I wish I could say I had an "ah ha " moment, but it was more of a "well, duuuuh!" Moment for me. How can intelligent people take so long to figure that out? I was 62!
Owning less is not boring but calming 🙂
All I had to do was watch The Hoarders and immediately started getting rid of things. Goodwill loves me!
Good for you!
Sharing is caring.
May you be bless for being generous to others.
Or watch Storage Lockers get cleared out after death. 😮😮😮
When I need motivation I watch Hoarders too!
🤣😅😂😉👍🇦🇺
I love the empty space and extra money. Just because it's "stuff from my life" doesn't mean I have to haul it around. It doesn't define me.
Almost fully decluttered after a year of working on it. I love it, love it, love it.
Did you declutter every day week month?
That's what I'm trying to do. 6 more months to go!!
@@lchapter383 No, I think it can be done quicker. I have a family of 4 and did a significant amount of renovation in my home. Just have little time. But I’m finding I have more time now with less stuff to manage.
Thanks for telling what it realistically takes to do it....
Still worth it though.
I've been decluttering & organizing for 3 years now...abd not finished.
The reason: i can organiser to perfection but have a hard time discarding perfectly good stuff, or stuff that i love. Still: having too many items is overwhelming. You can not even maintain the tidyness in real time, let alone put it in order when it's not.
It takes time but totally worth it.. Lots of trips to the dump, Goodwill, Ebay, yard sales...but man, it feels great now.
I kept 3 sets of sheets for each of the people in my family: myself and my two children. One to be on the bed; one to be in the laundry, waiting to be washed; and one in the closet, in case of a disaster.
This worked out well for me on the night when my daughter came into my bedroom, announced that she felt sick, and then proceeded to barf all over me, my bed, herself, and the floor on the way to the bathroom. I cleaned her up, the floor, my bed, with clean sheets from the closet, myself, and then went back to bed calmly.
Next, my son came into my bedroom, announced that he felt sick, and threw up all over himself, his sister ("Ewwww!"), me, the bed, and the floor on the way to the bathroom. I cleaned up the bed with the sheets that were waiting in the laundry (not the recent ones), him, my daughter, myself, and the floor. Then I went back to bed calmly.
You keep one set of sheets per bed if you want. Three worked out for me.
Not only for children, but having duplicates when caregiving an elderly parent can save your sanity. And even if you live alone, you may not always be able to launder the one set of sheets you own in a timely manner. Two or three sets just don't take up that much room even in a small home. I fold each set into a neat packet so it's easy to grab a complete change of sheets from the linen closet.
I agree with you. You can really go through linens during illness. For most things I like the one to wash, one to wear, and one for spare rule.
I had to laugh so hard! 😃
Much more sensible than one set.
Thank goodness you had them ! ♥️
'I just want to own as much clutter as possible'. Oh boy, he hit the nail on the head !! We downsized almost 3 years ago and despite buying so much less I still miss the empty shelves / cupboard we had back then - this video is a good reminder to stop buying. Even if secondhand / used / thrifted doesn't mean I need it !!
"Just because you wear all 6 coats in your closet, doesn't mean you need all 6 coats". Wow, light bulb moment ❤
Who has 6 coats? The thing is, of you have it, you will use it.
I've just thought about the clothes I've worn this week that I don't really like, nor do I actually need them, so after getting washed they are going straight onto the donation pile.
But I love my coats it is not easy to find a good nice coat
It’s hard when ur weight fluctuates. 😢
@@miaschu8175i have. Use only 1
@@Doglover1709. Your weight is within your control.
Yes but so hard if your a Crafter, a creator, a artist of several levels, woodburning, painting, etc.
The statement "energy cost" resonates with me. Looking at clutter is really draining on a person.
Even after deciding to declutter it's so disheartening when you look at the stuff everywhere and don't know where to start. Or after working on it for days and you feel it's not noticable....it's overwhelming
Agreed, it can be overwhelming so give it time.
Yes!
Yes! Just this last week my husband and I made the decision to downsize from a 3500 square foot home to under 1000 sq ft. I’m so at peace with the decision, it’s so very freeing. Thank you for all of your great advice, Joshua.
We did that 2 years ago. Love it. Good luck to yall
You're going to realize how much you love your new space
We did this in 2010. Love it. Peace.
All these comments are so inspiring to me!!! We have a smaller that sometimes feels "tight" but I'm praying for the new FREEDOM to enjoy this gift from the Lord as we declutter it!
Where do you begin the downsizing? I have things growing out of nowhere.
Decluttering allowed an entire room to be ready for our second baby. So worth it and I don't miss any of the stuff. I've probably taken 25-30 full trunk loads to the thrift store within the past two years and I'm not through with it yet. I LOVE decluttering!
The "just in case" items are very difficult for me. Prices of everything are skyrocketing, and quality is bottoming out. So if something does need replacing, you're going to get an inferior, low-quality product that costs a lot more money than you originally spent.
If our economy was good & "made in the USA" was still a thing, then it would be silly to keep items "just in case"....but since our economy is bad & almost everything is manufactured in China now, it doesn't seem silly anymore.
I'm proud of how much I've declutterd, and grateful for Joshua's (always) excellent advice, but this is a tough one for me.
Yep, I recognise several of them...thank you for the video! Just to remind ourselves later on:
1. I have the space;
2. I can afford it;
3. But I use it;
4. Just in case;
5. My spouse/family is the problem;
6. I don't own too much;
7. Owning less is boring.
Thank you for summarizing so I don’t have to sit through the video. This guy talks so slow and rambles on. This video could’ve been 2 min.
@@calisongbird thats not the point. Please do watch because the video and its presentation are excellent!
@@calisongbird Then why the heck do you come here? You're just rude. Minimize THAT why don't you?!
Thank you for the list 💕
@@calisongbird seems like a you problem to me. You have the attention span of a 5 year old.
Joshua, I am a subscriber and have followed your channel for quite awhile now. Just wanted you to know today's program knocked it out of the park. I hope you had new viewers who were listening for the first time. Your message's intent was clear, sound and absolutely sensible. How could anyone not get it?
Totally agree.
I did a big declutter and sort and organize in 2017, when my ex husband moved out! I packed around 90boxes of his stuff! 40of which he still has to collect, as well as furniture.
Then I started on my stuff.. Decluttered my clothes to a small waredrobe. Then did the kids.
2019 I continued and was able to declutter more.
This year, in fact right now, I am doing another declutter sweap.
Due to burnout, insomnia, depression, job and kids as well as being in year 6 of a messy divorce, I only have so much time and energy.. But I tell myself "decluttering is ongoing. Give yourself grace if you need more time to declutter some things. Take it at a speed that fits in with you and your families life and situation"... This helps me not get frustrated with myself... Once my divorce is finalized (this Winter or next Spring) I will do another declutter of things, which I don't have the head space to declutter at present.
Great summary of tips!
Oh that's so rough! How are you doing now? It's been a year since you wrote this comment, I hope at least the divorce is finalized by now.
More is a mess, less is best!
My partner is actually a problem. He has the just in case attitude. Recently, I've been tossing things when he's at work (we have dumpsters for the community so he doesn't see it). He hasn't noticed anything that I've thrown away because it's truly unnecessary things. It really is gratifying to get rid of/donate excess things.
Kind of sneaky though, right? Do you feel guilty?
That means you have to launder sheets immediately in order to dress your bed. And your sheets are so going wear out sooner. 6 six sheets for every bed and 3 cases for every bed. I would consider that a minimum. My late husband was a true hoarder and he was the reason our house was a wreck. I purge things on a regular basis and i have never rented a storage facility. I contemplated that when my husband was living, but i could not afford it and i knew instinctively any space i emptied out he would fill up again.
regarding the just in case: another question to ask is "If that day came that i did need it, would i even remember that I already had it? And does it fit in the very first place I would go looking for it?" How many times have you gone and bought something you already had because you didn't know you had it or couldn't find it?
We lived with a cluttered life for the last 20 years and I spent few years ( yes ) decluttering so much stuff . Now my house is empty and it echoes . The best part is cleaning the house takes very less time and I feel I have so much time
Years back when I had bed bugs, in order to keep up with all the required laundry/vacuuming I had to quarantine all clothing to 3 outfits per person, 1 set of sheets per bed and kids toys down to a basket of Legos and a toy firetruck. Minimalism by necessity but so so freeing, made me appreciate how little I actually really needed
Oh my! I’m so sorry! You must have done a good job because they’re very hard to get rid of!
@@Dbb27 ,
That's because they hide in woodwork, funiture, cracks in floors/walls, etc.! Which is why after discovering that, I'm kind of leery about bringing second-hand furniture/antiques into my home.
I also think about that when I hear mattress companies claim to 'haul away your old mattress while delivering your new one'! So, someone else's old mattress may be contaminated with 'whatever' while your new mattress is in the same truck, on it's way to your home! 😱😢
@@debracisneroshhp2827 I handled foreclosures back during the meltdown. We didn’t often find them but we made sure to keep any bags or personal items in the car or up on a counter. Two rules: step back when we opened the door for the first time and NEVER open the fridge!! 🫤😳
@@debracisneroshhp2827 never thought about the mattress companies doing haul aways while delivering new mattresses. However, the new ones are totally covered and not in direct with the old ones. Bed bugs don’t fly and they move rather slowly. I don’t see a problem.
My house burning down was a great intro to minimalism. It happened after I just finished a severe Marie Kondo of the house.
Every single layer I peel back frees up time to do more important things ❣️
People without dryers (or even washing machines) will need to have a change of duvet covers, towels etc. Also, some people don't have £20 at the end of the month for essentials, let alone to spend on something they got rid of. That's where the "just in case" mentality comes from. It's something that I've been working to overcome. I have too many "just in case" clothes that I don't love. I'm going to bag them up and donate them.
We recently downsized to our 700 sq foot vacation home on the beach. We had very little time between making the decision and putting our large home on the market. I had begun to declutter some months before, but in no way to the scale necessary to move. After three intense and stressful weeks, we were able to make the change to our dream location. Simplifying your home opens you up to opportunities only dreamed of before. Wish I had known that sooner.
Wow! I could have written this myself! We sold out house and moved in 21days and moved to our 700sq ft vacation rental property we have in Hawaii!! I was starting on the minimalism movement about 3 yrs before our move as well and it made going from a big house to a small tiny condo much easier. It's soo freeing to be free of clutter and extra stuff!
Thank you as always Joshua. You make a lot of sense. I am decluttering so that my children won't have the hassle of doing it after I'm gone.
It's called Swedish death cleaning! It's so good of you to do that. My dad was of the generation of keeping everything. Clearing out his house was a chore to say the least.
I hear you there. My kids and I often talk about when I go. And the conversation always goes... I don't want any of your stuff. So they can have the things they have given me and good will the rest.
I'm one of those that have the space, but you're so right I still own too much. Need to declutter more to achieve the peace I desire.
Menopause night sweats are a great reason to keep 2 sets of sheets. 😁😁😁
Or a fan at the bottom of the bed.🤭
@@rg-mi5hh even with a fan you wake up sweating. The fan is just to help cool you off faster.
I've ben decluttering for about 6+ months, and feeling pretty good about what I've let go out of my house, except my clothes. However, after watching this episode, I realized how much more I had that someone else could make use of, even though I was still using them...that concept hadn't occurred to me. Just because I use it, doesn't mean I need to keep it! Out went several items and more to go! Feels so good!! Thank you!!
I can see this when i travel for a 2 week vacation abd i pack as much as airlines allow. Needless to say, i come back with 2/3 of the clothes untouched. Even when i could, i don't just use the same clothes for just one evening (seems to be wasting the amount of work that went into washing &ironing).
At home i notice, that no matter how many T -shirts are in the drawer, i always end up using the top 25%. Those are the current favorites. Having to use more means I need to be busy reminding myself to use the rest of them, and that's cluttering my mind.
I know all of that, but still haven't been able to declutter the rest of them (yet). But it is the way to go.
I took an antique large crochet piece made by granny when I was was small, made it into a curtain for a doorway. I now see it and it is useful and reappreciated, but disposable at end of usefulness.
Your videos have changed my life. I been able to focus on my health since watching you and getting rid of my stuff . Thanks for improving my lifestyle and health
At different times in the past I've mentioned here my complex and stressful relationship with the too-many books I have in my tiny living space, too much of a good thing, more than I can expect to read in the remainder of my lifetime. Well, after years of talking about my problem I've started going through books I've never read and may never have read and and am now taking them to Little Free Libraries around me and to the public library for their bookstore and semi-annual sales. I can't do a lot at once and it will take a long time but so far I've given away maybe 40 books and have more stacked up to go out. I'm asking myself about books I handle, "Do I really want to read this or does it simply look interesting?" Many of my books I got for free and I consider, "Would I pay to read this book? Am I interested enough that I would buy it?" As I reduce i can focus on reading the books I truy want to read. Also: when you give something away you are still you. You haven't lost any of your identity.
Hi. My books were bought a long time ago. They are in 6 cupboards. Some I have read and others ,I am just trying to find time to read. I think it is wonderful that you could let 40 books go.I need to sort mine and make a decision to let some go
Really deep 😇
i still have too many books, but about half of what i had. bookstore took some, friends of library, donated some. all paperbacks that were not worthy of reuse, i shredded for tbe compost bin.
@@sandy-rr1by Congratulations on getting so much accomplished! I'm interested in reducing the number of books I started with by about half. About seven new books have come in, but I'm now up to 300 that have gone out.
@@andrewbrendan1579 what i have found with books, is that now i have them sorta thinned out, i can now more easily recognize ones that need to go. i love books, but as i age i am admitting that certain groups of books are now just taking up space, most cookbooks, most diet and health books, most home repair books.
In our first small home, we lined the basement walls with free wooden bookshelves.
It was not long before they were all full of stuff that we actually did not need.
It was an eye-opener when we moved 8 years later and had to declutter.
I would love to have a basement to keep necessary off season etc things. I feel would help to keep home much more clean and fresh and uncluttered as a friend of mind does having a basement
I agree Mike, that is why I do not like open shelving! They collect more and more clutter.
This is the best, most concise, description of minimalism I have seen. It makes me want to take a deep breath, and ask myself, "Do I have the courage to act on these ideas?"
There is a spiritual component to your message that makes your channel so profound for me and many others. What are we put here on Earth for? Why are we alive? And how can I best fulfill that purpose? We won’t know until we free ourselves from this stuff.
I needed to hear this out loud. I am very much trying to break intergenerational hoarding tendencies. While I am not nearly as oppressed by stuff as my grandparents, or my father, I am trying hard not to get worse, or attached to things. I am naturally more of a maximalist. While I wouldn't claim to be a minimalist either, I am trying to be an intentional, reformed maximalist where I am in control of my baser tendencies or nefarious outside influence.
Joshua: I think you are the best RUclipsr on minimalism. Your video is a great example of minimalism itself! No ads, no background music, straight to the point, very practical. I also noticed that you look very energetic and sharpe. A lot of minimalists on RUclips seem to have low energy and talk like they didn’t eat, not attractive to me at all 😆, so for a long time I ignore minimalism. I think their minimalism limited them to live a full life, but your minimalism seems to liberate you and energize you. And as I went over your videos, I start to understand why, understand what minimalism truly is, and finally get attracted to minimalism. I want this kind of simple, focused, passionate life. I start to do a lot of declutter now and watch your video every day to keep my momentum! I feel good so far. So, Thank you so much! 😊 God bless you!
Thank you Amy!
I was always amazed that when we went on holiday to a furnished flat and only took one suitcase each just how well we managed , with so few items , just the basics ,
When I separated from my husband I took 7 pieces of furniture, a few pieces of art, and the clothes on my back. The only “things” I have purchased in 7 years are a bike, and a couch.
@illawarrior hill maybe the wardrobe came with clothes inside? And she hasn't had the need to buy any more
This so speaks to me! I just donated the contents of my 5'x7' storage unit that I've been paying for for about five years. I loved what was in there, but know I can't deal with it all so let someone else enjoy the stuff. It's liberating and now I see how much I can still donate from within my home. Maybe I'm cured of holding on to things! :-)
This is lovely - God bless you
How / Who did you donate to? I have a church friend who is a single man probably in his late 60’s who has three or four storage units but he never uses them. He knows he should clean them out but has been saying that for years. I suggested maybe he auction off the contents but would have no idea how to help him or encourage him to do that either. Advice?
@@mombowers4 Hi Sharon. Actually I paid College Hunks Haul Junk to pick all of it up. They will 1) move you, 2) donate your belongings or, 3) throw it away somewhere (city dump?). It was costly, over $600 plus a tip but I'm so free of it and it will all be donated among 12 different charities.
@@ArlenePMCM Thank you. I will suggest this to him.
I'm working on emptying my 10x10 storage unit. I have 4 more days to get it done and avoid rent for August. I'm disgusted at the amount of crap that I'm throwing away after paying 4 years to store it. What a life lesson this has been!
Ha! “I have the space.” I’ve said that more than once🤦🏻♀️ My decluttering journey has been helped so much through reading your posts and listening to your videos. Thank you.
That is a huge problem, my parents just hide things in cupboards and the upstairs of the house. The problem I am trying to make them understand is that some day I am the one that is going to have to deal with all of their stuff 🤦🙄🙄🙄🙄.
I may need the item when no one else has it. With the stores closing , shelves empty . I should keep it ; cause you won’t be able to buy it.
An unintentional life, that’s so easy, thanks for the motivation Joshua.
I so need this I was not sure where to begin, even the comments help me!! I know it will takes tome but Im commited to begin
Thanks again Joshua, 2 sets of bedding per bed for my home though, one for wash and one for wear....."just in case the tumble drier packs up" or "I drop off to sleep in front of the telly then wake to go to bed and guess what, bedding still in the washer or dryer 😨😂
Or the sick two year old at 2 in the morning..
😆
Or the cat pukes on you in the middle of the night lol! The threat is real!
That’s the first thing I think of when some mentions they only have one set of sheets per bed! It happened recently and I was grateful I could just remake the bed with another set of sheets and start washing the dirty sheets at 3:30 am.
@@tawnym9938 😨😂
I think it would be nice if you made a video (unless you already have), about how difficult it is for many to let go of their belongings. I read so many comments on YT (here as well) of people who judge those who cannot let go of their possessions. There is a mental process going on for the ones not wanting to let go, and I think a lot of people do not understand that, and instead resort to judgement. I know many people who would have 'benefited' from reducing their possessions, but that does not mean it is my job or duty to convince them to change, and to judge them if they don't. I think it's a very sensitive topic for many, since their possessions have accumulated throughout their entire lives, and likely feels like an extension of themselves. So, perhaps you could make a video about what you talk about in a conversation about reducing one's possessions?
This would be a great topic to discuss. Specially because I have a friend who will not let go of unused stuff and although she’s a clean organized hoarder she has so much. For example 45 towels, 200 bras etc.
I agree. Stuff is emotional. We all cope with change and loss and aging in different ways, some by accumulating and hanging on to possessions.
I really like the channel, "A Slob comes Clean". She hits on this!
Keep in mind, in the End...you are off on a gurney, and your crap to Goodwill.
@@kookietherapy9398 indeed! I always tell myself what do I want people to find when I’m dead?
“If I can find the missing piece, then someone can get some use out of this item.” That’s an additional one for me.
My husband and I moved from a 3-story house to a 2-bedroom apartment years ago and I couldn't be happier. I used to spend countless hours on weekends organizing my belongings. Now our place has a contemporary decor with green plants that is free of clutter. This brings us a sense of calm when we walk into our space. Thanks for all your great advice. Your videos are always full of new ideas on how to keep our physical and mental spaces free of unnecessary clutter.
In the late stages of a kitchen reno. It was a total gut job and yes we increased counter and cupboard space but I decluttered as I emptied the kitchen and will declutter again as I move stuff back in. I am looking forward to an empty counter top and a few empty cupboards.
At the moment in Australia we have the media constantly reporting on shortages of everything imaginable panicking people into spending out of fear of lack .
I do think the times are changing. We have had it so good in the past.
I am currently trying to cope with that now in the U.S. There are predictions of shortages beginning this summer, so I am more reluctant to let things go and I am stockpiling food, basic living necessities, gardening supplies, and prepping items out of fear of the future.
There may be worldwide famine. Best to have what you need than need and not have food to feed your family.
@@homeandgardendiaries6384 So just how much do your stockpile? Worldwide famine - doesn't seem you could really prepare for that, other than to start growing vegetables right now and raise chickens for their eggs.
So the crisis is being created by people needlessly. Like they did here with various things during the pandemic.
When you buy a new home, that is bigger , Or for an investment, the less you have to when you come to sell is best when you have less.
When people come into a home, that is not their own. And they're interested in buying it, They want to visualize what their stuff would look like in the home.
But when you have a lot of stuff and you're trying to sell your place. They come in, and they are confused.
To have a piece of mind when you come into your home, it's good to see no clutter.
When somebody comes in and sees a cluttered home that they want to buy, It's hard for them to visualize their stuff in there.
It is bad enough that we can handle our own stuf, Never mind the new buyers.
That's good word right there. So good. Well, I must work on my next decluttering project.. I'm a bit slow. But each time something goes it feels good. Bye.
I appreciate your input and agree with a lot of it. However, I do think that you need 2, not 1 set of sheets per bed. In our house, we have 4 beds, all different sizes, and yet I keep 2 sets per bed and here’s why: we have had to change sheets in the middle of the night or before being able to wash on multiple occasions. We’ve had sheets wear out and break a hole, blood and other things spilled, etc. I just washed a sheet 3 times last week and ruined the color trying to remove blood, and now we need another sheet. Good thing I always have one backup because I like to research sheets before purchasing. I get organic, cotton sheets and I wash them before using. How could I instantly handle an emergency like that if all I had was just enough for each individual bed? I would rather not put myself through the stress. Countless times I have put sheets in the wash and something major changes our schedule since we are a busy family and the sheets didn’t get dried in time for bedtime. So for me, this idea of 1 set per bed is not practical at all. Maybe you should reconsider that particular piece of advice, only.
Agree
I've said that my husband is the problem, but so am I. I worked in retail for most of my life and you do fall into that mentality.
Marketing tells us that "You need this" and it works because we purchase all this stuff and hang on to it like our lives depend on it.
Hi, your videos always resonate. It feels like a long journey but I'm on it and am enjoying the motivation I get from your videos :-)
Thanks so much, Joshua. I continue on my journey of owning less and living more.
Terrific! We tell ourselves lies all the time. Inflation is making it important not to lie any more. Tell yourself the truth and free yourself.
Morning Joshua - another great video. I look forward waking up every Saturday morning to your new video . I am slowly decluttering and enjoy seeing space in my house - it is calm and easy to clean. I have realised that the satisfaction of these clear spaces lasts much longer than the thrill of buying stuff!
THIS! Joy of empty drawers lasts longer than joy of buying.
Just wait til you're ready to move & it will be a piece of cake.
Just in Case ! Is the biggest lie that come to mind when I want to Decluter. But after watching your Video I Keep myself motivated. Thanks a lot!!
Thank you. I’m not sure why this video resonated so strongly. I’m always decluttering. I’ve been on a real mission for the past 18 months. I thought I was just about done. I’m not trying to be a true minimalist, but just get each category and area in my home to a manageable level. Anyway, I watched this video last night, and started purging this morning. Sewing and office supplies. Then I made a list of what I still need to go through. 19 more areas or things! I can’t believe it. How can I own this much stuff and why have I been hanging on to it? My husband keeps everything he can, mainly “just in case”, so I leave his stuff alone. The garage is pretty full, and in our driveway and yard he has 3 trucks, a 5th wheel, 1 side x side, 4 jet skis on two trailers, a boat and a flatbed trailer to haul the side x side on. I just work on my stuff and I work in our common areas, decluttering stuff he could care less about. Thanks for all your encouragement, Joshua. I really appreciate you.
I understand you perfectly.
Hi Joshua! I have been following you for years now and have been decluttering ever since. Last summer I finally freed up my living room got rid of 2 meters of cupboards and all the stuff which we never used. The livingroom is so airy now. The only decoration is plants. Everyone is so amazed at the difference.
Brilliant
I’m just starting to declutter my life
Your information helps me think of things differently
Thank you so much!
I live in 500sqft with a 6mo. I have so much space that I could utilise that we could stay in the same place until he’s 16. So thankful.
It’s an ongoing process for me. I get started then get sidetracked with something that needs immediate attention. But I pick it back up and am moving forward. Recently got a second trash bin from my local service so I can put more out each week that isn’t donated. Goal is to go from two big storage lockers to zero this summer. I’ve realized I haven’t visited those lockers in quite some time looking for anything I need so it’s time to let them go.
Just think of the money you will be saving.
Been to the lockers yet? Nudge, nudge!
@@ohno6955 Couplr of times but I’ve been busy getting rid of things in my house. Thanks for the reminder. 😁
it's a BALANCE
truth in this, also it's FREEDOM to have great books I study, an extra coat when one is soaked, to have stuff that I truly use and make life better (beauty, joy, practical or combi of).
Having stuff for guests, I like to be a good host
When not having energy, or time to go to the store, or it's pouring outside, or the item might not be there to just HAVE IT
sigh. How do I realize how true this is and why it has been taking 10 plus years to acconplish
We are moving house very soon, we are using it as an opportunity to get rid of almost everything we own, being very intentional about the things we are boxing up to keep. Thanks so much for the motivation, I already feel so free and we haven't finished yet.
I'm here for the new year and for some new changes. I've watched to so many videos on the subject. Some have been helpful. I think, what I appreciate the most is how simply he puts the information out there. Clear and concise. I noticed this time that I gained a lot from everyone's comments too. I look forward to this. Thank you all.
I’m already a minimalist, but I literally have 5 bags of donate stuff sitting by the door. I don’t even know how it crept in. And you have reminded me that I have too many coats 🤦♀️, especially living in a climate where I usually just need a light weight one and rain coat and that’s it!
I used the concept, one in, one or two out.
I was just thinking that I had t seen any of your videos lately & then here you are. Amazing. After looking at the devastation in Florida I vowed to donate to relief efforts. Thx for sharing your wonderful ideas. I need to resume my decluttering journey. Much appreciated 👍.
In 1991 I had to clean out a house for a sale of one of my real estate deals. There was a letter from 1954 from the ladies cousin complaining about all the stuff the aunt had left behind and she hoped they never left such a mess when they died. It was a little freaky, lol.
When I divorced my then husband said I wasn’t to take anything out of the house. I left only with my clothes. It was a wonderful feeling not to own anything. Rented a furnished apartment for the summer, then into my own place. By the end of the year I was loaded with furniture that people had given me. It’s like stuff fornicated and multiplied! Twenty years later I’m rethinking how much I want to own and it’s not much.
I learnt the hard way that I should not buy things only because I can afford it, or there is space in house. Now I use various additional filters, such as -
- maintenance cost and time
- mental space
- what if a war breaks out now (can I let it go easily)
- if it is needed or am I brainwashed by media that I need it
etc.
Holding on to clutter is a psychological thing. I like the wit who said, "I could easily get rid of the things I no longer want or need, but only if I could be assured before hand that no one else would want them."
Great video! A message I need to hear over & over. As I stare retirement in the face, and my body no longer has the energy for endless cleaning & organizing, I look at the real value & purpose of things in my life. But the struggle is real. Thanks Joshua.
I get an adrenaline high whenever I declutter.
@@buttergirl5368 so your adrenergic events Will last till u Stop buying junk
I've been decluttering even at my job. I'm sick 😂😂😂
Me too ‼️
I always feel that whenever i have 2 or more of the same items, it means someone else out there needs these extra items, so I donate them or give to someone who needs the items.
Thank you so much for your generosity sharing. I made decision to downsize after seeing your posts year ago. I just started my decluttering life. Tks
This message was very helpful. Thank you! I just started my minimalist journey and I am amazed how liberating and satisfying it is to be decluttering and letting go of things. I also have developed more appreciation for cleaning now that it’s easier to do with less stuff around.
1. I have the space;
2. I can afford it;
3. But I use it;
4. Just in case;
5. My spouse/family is the problem;
6. I don't own too much;
7. Owning less is boring.'
I just made a list of categories of stuff in our basement that need to go. Going to tackle one category at a time. Otherwise, it is overwhelming and it doesn't get done. Can't wait to see it cleaned up.
Great list!! All are relatable... except for #5
Why? Because I'm single - and sometimes I think THAT'S worse, because I don't have anyone to help decide if something is a want OR a need.
Love your videos btw. They certainly bring attention to issues I have with self-control, regarding purchases and keeping objects that are not necessarily needed.
Very true. Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa has an insanely huge collection of guitars and amplifiers and says it got to that point because he has the means and there's no adult in his life to tell him No!.
Do you have a friend you could talk through decisions with? Or just talk it through aloud with yourself - that's what I used to do. The advantage of decluttering as a single is that you don't have anyone else filling up the spaces you empty! The only area I can truly declutter these days is my own clothes drawers. Even getting rid of excess stuff in my half the wardrobe just means my husband expands into my space 🙄😄
Every blessing and support to you Joelene. I like both of the advices given here. G Ire
Having more can give you comfort. It may be the only comfort you get.
"Just in case" .....this gets me every time! Great information. THANK YOU!
Thank you Joshua for the reminders. And I want to work towards minimalism but I keep falling into the trap of consumerism. I really needed your message to get my mind back in gear and refocus on this goal.
I do love your videos … they are just so sensible. I have decluttered and moved, and decluttered and moved, until I really am down to the things I think are useful and/or beautiful, except for the situations where my decision-making ability grinds to a halt. For example: saucepans. A one-person household does not need 3 saucepans. The small one is good for being energy efficient, the big one is necessary if I cook for more than just myself, but the middle one is the perfect size sometimes. I don’t need it, but it is convenient. So, I still have three saucepans. And: family heirlooms, especially furniture. I don’t have children and my nieces and nephews aren’t interested. However, my siblings and my own guilt won’t let me send the bedroom set that Mother bought in 1937 to the thrift store. - I “have the room”, someone in the family might want it later, there are so many memories of the houses it has been in, I really loved it once … I think my brain might explode.
Great advice. Thank you 👍🏼😊
So enlightening. Came to you from Dawn and very happy that I did. Just beginning the decluttering project.
Keeping a less cluttered home has helped my migraines significantly. There IS something to it!
Have I told you you are my favourite minimalist? I've been listening to other minimalists throughout the years but there's no one more minimalistic and laconic than you! I never get tired of your videos.
Thanks. Though I did have to Google iaconic for a definition. :)
@@JoshuaBecker Laconic is a greek word. 😊
Great stuff! It's Dana K White & Cass combined!
These years have found me becoming ever more grateful to you.
Joshua: did I ever tell you, just how much I appreciate your channel?!
You are very kind, thank you.
Good summary, helps to declutter.
I have decluttered my life by using trunks. I waste a lot of time searching for things. Each trunk has a theme; Undergarments & socks, books, herbals & oils, toiletries, shoes, crafts, hobby. Whatever does not fit in each trunk goes to charity or friends. This also cleared & made space in my living room and my closets. i can dress much more quickly. When I open each trunk I can quickly find what I'm looking for. It's helped me to downsize and keep what gives me joy. I have a long way to go for minimalism. For me, It's a good start!
Some people absolutely do set out to accumulate and take comfort in it.
My friend is selling her huge house after 45 years. I offered to help her sort her stuff so she can sell it. She is panicked because there is so very much stuff.
And now, she only wants about one tenth of it. Tina, Al's wife
Good words as usual! Thanks Joshua!
These are some great tips. Thank you for this video