Having lost a 95 year old parent 2 years ago, at 77, I'm definately sorting through our home more seriously. My mother, now 97 and still in her home has taken up so much of my time. I've spent 2 years going through that house at her pace. It's all a huge undertaking, but the two homes are better than they were 2 years ago.
Exactly!!! I am 66 married 42 years so I can relate. We have bought sold and built three houses in the last 7 years so now back home and happy but didn’t want to bring all that stuff around with me anymore….gone gone gone like the wind….gave a box to each son (3) and took photos of things I wanted to remember and am sooooooo much happier….I have always been extremely neat OCD actually but still had too many ironed table cloths, napkins, Christmas decor , clothes, jewelry…..so now I am wearing my studs and got rid of all the other “jewelry”…and am enjoying all of the “good stuff”…..❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have also read this lovely lady’s book and it really got me thinking. Both our parents have passed and so we inherited two houses full of belongings, not too drastic in my mum’s case but it has to be said that my mother in law was a bit of a hoarder!😄 I already had a full house as I am a crafter and sewer and my two mums were too. For a while my sewing room looked like I was setting up shop but after reading this book I got stuck into some serious decluttering. I have two daughters, neither of whom sew or knit so I am not going to leave them with rooms full of things they won’t know what to do with. I will admit though that the kitchen was easier to declutter than the sewing room - I’m a child of the fifties and grew up with a mum who took buttons off of shirts and zippers out of trousers, because we were a make do and mend era. But then watch your videos and try a little harder 👍☺️
Hi Robin! In 2017 when I started to come across homemaking channels to watch and enjoy here on YT…. I energetically began the process of decluttering my entire home; room by room, section by section. It quickly became the most satisfying activity; and has been so very rewarding both mentally and visually. It has freed my home and my mind of the needless clutter, and created such a calming peace in our lives. I am proud to say that since 2017; my home has remained in this very intentional and organized state, and I continue to revisit my rooms and systems once a year to keep everything this way. Hearing you speak of Swedish Death Cleaning has brought to my attention yet another great reason that this process is so good for the soul, as well as for our homes. I always enjoy when you do your decluttering videos; we seem to have several items that are so similar in our homes; (being from the same era and wedding years)….certain things that I have noticed you decluttering, has nudged me in the right direction to let go of similar things that I have been hanging on to for far too long in my own home. A little nudge to keep things minimal, intentional, decluttered and organized. Thank you so much for that; and for continuing to be my absolute favorite here on YT my friend! You provide such great motivation in such a calm and heartfelt way, with all that you share!!! Blessings as always…☺️❤️~ Audrey
Thank you so much Audrey! I'm glad we can do this together and I'm glad that you are actively enjoying all of the many benefits!!! God bless you and your family!🩵🩵🩵
Robin, sweet friend, this is a very important subject. So thankful you covered it so well. I have been doing this before I knew it had a name or concept. I started it after the experience I had with my parents home. My sweet mom and dad were Depression era people and they never threw one thing away. Not even a receipt for a paid water bill that was 30 years old. i’m so glad you mentioned the emotional hardship that cleaning your parents things are. Yes it was lots of work. Even the paperwork took me about 15 years to get completely through and shredded. But the pain I have felt and disposing of some of my mothers things that she thought were priceless still hurts to this day. You cannot keep everything. Many things had to go that cut me deep in my heart because I knew she would have been so sad to see them go. I’m trying to spare my children that pain if I can. Yes it will be work when I go because there still is a lot but I continually work on getting rid of things and try not to Display in front Them that these things Mean so much to me and that they are just things And it’s OK for them to dispose of them. One sweet story that I think I might’ve told you before is when the girls were going through my mothers jewelry and dividing up what they wanted they both wanted this centan pin that she wore all the time. Somehow it was decided that Melissa would get the pin. I stayed out of it. The next Christmas came and Melissa wrapped up the pin and gave it to Rebecca. I thought that was so sweet and mother would’ve loved that but then the next Christmas Rebecca wrapped the pin 😂back up and gave it back to Melissa. They have been doing that back-and-forth ever since 2006 when mother passed away. I know this is a long comment but I didn’t want to tell you that that Intense pain I have had for almost 4 weeks with that intercostal muscle that runs between my ribs is now gone. Hallelujah. Love in Christ
Praise God Donna that the pain is gone!!! 🙏🙌 That is wonderful news!!! Everything you said about decluttering I think is spot on! And I love the story about your mother’s pin and the exchange between your daughters! Wonderful!!! I pray that you have a very blessed week and that you will enjoy every pain free moment! God bless you my sweet friend! 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you, Robin. I am trying to declutter and eliminate as much clutter as possible. What I appreciate about you doing is your calm demeanor and showing that it takes effort but peace comes when we preservere. Have a wonderful week. .
I have been thinking a lot lately about legacy and what I really want to spend my money on that will be of lasting value to our children and grandchildren. I have concluded that what really brings joy are experiences rather than things. God bless you and your precious family!
Hi Robin! You covered a delicate but necessary subject with this concept of Swedish Death Cleaning! I haven’t read the book, but I think I should get it to learn and reflect on this subject more deeply. When I first heard about this subject, I didn’t think it was morbid, but rather inspiring and helpful to guide us both in evaluating our current belongings and learning to be more intentional, as you said so eloquently, with our purchases. I’m 67 now, I didn’t have children, and I want to spare my nieces and nephews the burden of sorting through a pile of “stuff” after I pass. My husband and I moved in a 2-bedroom condo apartment 10 years ago, so we had to declutter a lot before coming here. But more decluttering most certainly remains to be done! Many of the things we have are now old and need to be replaced, especially in the kitchen. I’m currently evaluating what I would want to buy to replace what is no longer in good condition, but in the same time, how to be very intentional and frugal about it! So your video provided much food for thought! Thank you so much! Have a great week! 💚😊💕🙏
That’s wonderful Monique! You are doing a great job. Doesn’t it feel great ?! I’m so glad we can do this together! Have a blessed start to your week! 🩵🩵🩵
I can't begin to tell you how I wish that everyone would come on board with the Swedish Death Cleaning. It is such a help for those we leave behind. A few years ago I went to help a friend declutter her Mother's stuff when she died. It was very stressful on her having to go through the stuff and the papers that she kept could have been dumped ages ago. I think we never consider that our families might not care for our stuff, or have the same sentimental value that we attach to these items. A very good video. I hope you have a great week.
I couldn’t agree more Gloria! I’ve heard so many stories like that. What a burden for an already grieving loved one. It also just feels good to hold on to only the things that are truly special and be free of the excess! I hope you are enjoying a lovely Sunday! God bless! 🩵🩵🩵
We are in our mid-eighties and I am just starting this. Some areas are way more difficult than others, but I am seeing progress as huge storage areas are getting cleared out and the empty spaces are so calming! As a knitter, sewer and crafter these areas are more difficult, but I am slowly letting things go as I become more honest with myself and KNOW I will never live long enough to use all the yarn and or make all the projects I would like to. SOOO…..onward and forward. Be brave. Be strong. Be persistent…….and you will soon be free of all that flotsam and jetsam of life!
My father passed away a little over a year ago, and sorting through and disposing of his possessions was incredibly stressful. He had already pared down his things before he passed away, so the job was not as difficult as it might have been, but deciding what to do with all that he had acquired during his 100 years on top of dealing with grief and the legal and family things that accompany death took its toll, especially on my brother, who was his executor. I'm a minimalist by nature, but I've determined that I need to organize what I own to make things easier on my family when I die. You can't live with nothing, but you can try to keep what you do own to a reasonable minimum and organize things so your family doesn't have to make snap decisions on what to do with all that you leave behind.
I think some of us find decluttering & organizing so satisfying because of the sense of control it gives our daily lives. The world is so chaotic and ‘messy’ now with all the political nonsense & noise, so staying home & having a good clear out in January and February makes us feel better. I do this every year-forget ‘spring cleaning’. I do my ‘winter clean’ so I can garden & get out more when the weather finally breaks!
Hi Robin, I’ve read most of the decluttering books but the Swedish death cleaning was the one that got me motivated to get started. I have a lot of hobbies besides sewing and scrapbooking so over the years I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff and I’m 71 now so its time for some of these things to go. I love it when you do these videos, they are so motivating.🥰
After my mom passed 7 years ago and sorting through her things was overwhelming, I began moving my own things along….I’ll be 74 this year and I’ve cleaned out a lifetime of belongings….I still have a lot, but I’ve made huge progress…..now, my daughter won’t be as overwhelmed as I was when I’m called to heaven…..thanks for shining a light on this important topic….
Hi Robin, and fellow viewers. This video comes at a very timely manner for me. Nearly 6 years ago my husband and I moved into my childhood home to care for my mom w/ dementia. In 2020, we renovated the floors and bathrooms she could age in place until her departure. She stayed with my brother during the 2 weeks of the renovations, and my husband and I went to town with decluttering. We purged a lot of our things, my childhood things, and her things (that she no longer used or remembered she had unless she saw them, which she didn't because most everything was in drawers, closets, or cabinets). We took the opportunity to make the home more functional for us and to care for her. She died this past October and now we're getting ready to list her house by the end of this month. Having had cleaned out the house in 2020 makes this process easier. But... also very sad, because I'm only now beginning to grieve her properly, and in this process I'm realizing how much of her things are gone. We're in Silicon Valley and she worked in electronics/semi-conductor for years and had collected chips, etc. Whenever someone new visited, she would pull them out and tell stories about her work. And now they're gone. I didn't want them anyway, but now she's gone and weirdly I regret getting rid of all of them because they were pieces of her. Yesterday, I started on the bin of her clothes that I just binned up shortly after her death to tidy and reset her room. I completely lost it. I managed to donate the more recent articles of clothing, that meant nothing to her nor me, but her old clothes, and I mean old because she hung on to everything, I can't sort through yet. I promised the dining table to my brother's friend, and now I don't want to give it up. As for my stuff, I'm ready to let go of most of it because I don't want the burden of managing it, moving it, and then managing it again. My husband is very much of a "what if we need it?" kind of guy. Things we haven't used in the 6 years we've been here, "yeah but what if we need it in our next place...?" Very frustrating. Thankfully, photos I have held on to. And in gathering pictures for her funeral in October, I found the gold necklace my dad and I gifted her one year for her birthday or Christmas - it was in a random envelope that she squirreled away at some point and in a huge box of cards, photos, papers, etc. So, anyone reading this and also going through a beloved's belongings, check every envelope! In the process of cleaning out things this weekend, I found my dad's belt, a button shirt he always wore, his razors, and a golf trophy (it's a silver bowl). He died 20 years ago. The belt still means something to me, but the other things, I'm like "meh'. The trophy doesn't mean much to me, but it's a part of him that I feel I can use as decor or to hold my keys. I bring his stuff up because over the 20 years I've slowly decluttered things of his that I had originally hung on to, and now mean nothing. I'm trying to remind myself of that with my mom's things I no longer have, eventually they too would mean nothing, and the things that do mean something now, like the necklace, pictures, letters, her favorite sweater and robe, her coffee cup, and a statue of Mary I still do have. But, there are the massive family portraits (5) that I don't want - what do I do with them? Has anyone else had to deal with something like that - what do you advise? These things portraits meant a lot to my mom, but I've never liked them. If I had thought about it, I could have put them in the crypt with her, but now I have HUGE guilt in getting rid of them. And the frames are thick, gold, and ornate - not my taste, so I can't even repurpose them. In any case, this video has helped, if not with my mother's things, with my own as I'm working everyday to chip away at the hidden clutter before moving.
I’m sorry about the loss of your mom Terri. I think it’s understandable that these decisions are so hard especially so soon after her passing. Maybe take it slow and hold on to the things that matter to you now - as you said there might come a day when you are ready to let go - but for now, do what help you grieve as you need. I too struggle with things like portraits and I don’t have a great solution for that, but hopefully this conversation will bring some suggestions from others who have been faced with the same challenge. My heart goes out to you. God bless you and your family. 🙏🩵
I went to Hobby Lobby a few years ago to search for something to put larger portraits into for safekeeping. I bought several portfolios that are probably more for artwork, but they are archival quality and work perfectly. I have one for 8x10 size and one for 11x14 size. I was able to sell some of the frames at a garage sale, gave others on a Buy Nothing FB group, and donated the rest. The portfolios are slim and do not take up much room. It has been a good solution until I am ready to make another decision about the portraits. Hope that is a helpful idea. 😊
This was a great video. I started the process several years ago and found my issue wasn’t necessarily what to get rid of but where to get rid of it. Then I found my community had a Facebook page to post items for free and others could express interest and pick up the items at my front door step. I don’t have to pack anything up and take it anywhere and know that someone who wants it gets it. All communication is through FB and no one comes into your home nor calls you. It is wonderful! I’ve been at this for about 1.5 years and the process is so freeing. And as you mention, it makes me much more mindful of what I’m buying which has become less and less. I’m almost at the end and feel so much lighter. Thank you for posting your process!
Robin, you did a wonderful presentation of demonstrating from small to large areas of how to declutter via the Death Swedish method. I realized after I retired and down sized that family members didn’t want much if anything we were giving up. This has made me very aware of donating so they will bless others in need. It’s a great feeling as well making our home function so much better. Thank you and God bless you.
I'm down to my last bit of Swedish death cleaning and it's the most difficult items - keepsakes, photos and memorabilia. I'm getting through it by telling myself that I have to "go to work" for at least 30 minutes each day and it's working. I can handle 30 minutes without getting bogged down. We're taking a trip in April so I've set a goal to finish before then 🤞This week I made the Pressure Luck minestrone soup that you showed a few weeks ago - of my goodness, it was absolutely delicious! That site has some amazing recipes - thanks for sharing it. Have a blessed week Robin ❤
That’s wonderful Kris! I love your goal of 30 minutes a day!!! 👍👏 I’m sure you will accomplish it and enjoy your trip knowing that you did it!!! 😅 I’m so glad you liked the soup - I agree- there are so many good recipes there! 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you for another great video Robin! It’s the memorabilia that I find the hardest to donate or recycle. I had to clean out my mother’s house after she went into a nursing home and it was brutal. I don’t want to leave that kind of mess for my kids.
Thank you Christine! I agree! That is heartbreaking and definitely motivation to get started with our own belongings. God bless you and your family! 🩵🩵🩵
I know this is a decluttering video but ive been looking for clear containers like yours for your makeup for so long! I love that the sides are straight and not curved!
We are so glad we did this. We couldn't believe how many things we had (23 years of stuff) until we started preparing to downsize to travel full time and live in 200 sq feet. Our grown children are so thankful that we dealt with our stuff. Who needs 10 sets of towels?? lol. It is an emotional, time consuming task, but we feel so much lighter and free! - Michelle
I watch a lot of "downsized" rv'ers youtube videos and I find it not at all unusual that after two or three years they start upsizing their rig. Or they have a big cleanout every six months only to accumulate a lot of stuff again. Tossing everything and keeping it from creeping back in is a hard habit to break.
@@elliebellie7816 Yes. it is hard not to buy stuff when it is everywhere. But, once you get over that need to shop, it is easier. We used to love going into antique stores, now, I can't even go in them! It feels overwhelming and too much stuff!
We moved 10 months ago to another state to be closer to family in retirement. Since this was in the planning stage for several years I was able to to major decluttering for the year prior to moving. It was after moving that I read The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. That gave me a boost to keep up with the streamlining of our goods. I really haven’t missed anything. I too continue to struggle with photos. Oh well.
I have had to deal with all of my late husband's 'treasured' items that he was unable to part with before his sudden and unexpected death. It opened my eyes to my own things as I purge the unnecessary things he left behind. It is totally a burden mentally you are so correct. Just looking at it and knowing it's 'there' is a consuming stress. As I go through and purge my life and home of these items, I feel a relief! Thank you for the much needed continued motivation.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. I have heard from many who are enduring similar circumstances and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing what you are going through. God bless you and your family. 🩵🩵🩵
Swedish death cleaning is something I have been working on for a while. As motivation, I count n on consumable items in and out of my home. I am almost at minus 1,000 in a year! It's surprising how little decluttering tasks add up! Thank you for the motivation to ensure I keep on with it. I also have the added task of helping my mum clear some of my dad's belonging as he sadly passed away last year. As a side note - thank you for sharing your Colorado trip a while ago. It looked fantastic. We are looking forward to a very similar trip this year, hopefully including the Durango train. This is a trip I wouldn't have thought of doing without your video. 🏡🏡💚💚🙏🙏🌸🌸
Hi Michelle! Sounds like you are really on top of it! I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. Your mom is so blessed to have your support. I'm so excited about your trip! You will love Colorado - especially Durango! Safe travels and God bless!🩵🩵🩵
I sent my wedding dress to africa where the brides can't afford them. My bridesmaids also sent their dresses there. Its a lovely feeling to help others.
Thank you for another great video, Robin. I've been Swedish Death Cleaning and I find it so freeing. My sisters and I had to clean out our family home several years ago and it was so overwhelming. Luckily, my mom told us before she passed away to "throw that stuff away". ;) It was still hard and I don't want anyone to have to deal with my things in the future. Have a blessed week!
I am all about Swedish death cleaning. I am 66 and need to get things done. My kids don’t want what I have. They have their own. I ask from time to time if there is any thing they think they may want in the future ..
Hello Robin, January is my usual de clutter time. Like you I just need to maintain. A clutter free house gives me thinking space, I can breathe.🤗 However I had to take care of my mum who had fall (she is fine) and her house is something else 🫣 But she will not let me and my siblings tackle this. All this leads to February to being my de clutter time, so your video was perfect timing. 🤗 Have a great week 🌿
Well done Sue! I think that many can identify with having parents that aren't quite on board with Swedish Death Cleaning! 😂😉 Have a blessed week and happy decluttering!🩵🩵🩵
Glad to see you have items for donation. I encourage you to drop them at women’s shelter’s and or organizations that assist women who are entering/re-entering the workforce. Don’t stop decluttering and have an awesome Thursday!
we have just finished cleaning out the home of my late parents. My dad passed in late 2022, and my mom just before Christmas 2023. We hired a service to take away all the bulky items of furniture, housewares, clothing, but lots of boxes of china, cutlery, hollow-ware, PICTURES and SLIDES, etc. I'm going through these and sorting them into piles for the family member to whom things pertain for them to decide what they want to do with them. My dad was 93 when he passed, and he had hung onto so many personal items and pictures from his parents AND grandparents. It is a daunting task. He had read the Swedish Death Cleaning book and sang it's praises, but he never actually did it. Stubborn old Norwegian!
I’m sorry for the loss of your parents. I had to chuckle at what you said about your dad. 😄 When it comes right down to it- it’s hard! Hopefully we can embrace it early enough to actually follow through and make a difference, but those photos and slides- 🙈😂🩵
Hi Robin, an excellent video and so interesting to watch. Have heard of Swedish death cleaning before and think it is a loving thing to do. It is a very thoughtful and kind thing to do. It is also beneficial while you are still alive, because you can live in a less cluttered environment and enjoy more peace of mind. I agree with you and I try to be very intentional about what I buy. I declutter regularly too. Much prefer to live this way and find it so freeing. Wishing you and your family a wonderful week too. God bless you.❤
Hi Robin! I was thinking a lot about your video about inflation and bulk buying. Years ago my mothers friend who lived in the Karoo was fully self-sustaining. She literally had a warehouse on her farm with goods like candles etc., (as she had a generator for electricity). She also grew her own herbs and we had lovely teas there :) The warehouse was packed with everything she needed. I wonder how much she paid for her candles at first!! I love your videos. They are so wholesome and look forward to them every week! 💚💛💙
Have been decluttering since the pandemic began. It’s funny how you think an area is completely purged, then come back to it a few years later and realize more needs to go! I was surprise's to see your Bare Minerals Lashtopia mascara. I love it, but when I’m complimented on my lashes, most people don’t know about it. I use Loreal lash primer (it’s white, looks like a mascara, and is at drug stores), blink with each sweep of mascara so it starts at base, and the result is incredible.
Mrs. here, my daughter and I have been doing this too. I noticed that you store canning jars empty. We fill ours with water and the old lids if undamaged (just in case). When I need them I can water out side plants or fill the canner. We had a water line to the house break once and I was sure glad I had water for washing!
Hi Robin. Thanks again for these great declutter tips. We are in a new year and I have a few areas to take care to declutter and revisit some areas as you have pointed out some great tips for the area I need to revisit.
About 10 years ago, I did this room by room. After we cleaned and culled the garage (which took my husband 3 months to go through it) I had a spot to put basically an entire room in. So, we started with the guest bedroom (we downsized from 3,00 sqft to 1,200 and didn’t throw anything away 🙄). Everything in the room including dresser, bed, etc- we then did a refresh with paint and trim, hung a woven shade and added a tv mount, then we brought in the bed, dresser and night stands and lamps; then I went through the 5 large moving boxes of stuff we took out of that room- linens, towels, extra clothes, drapes, Knick knacks, books- I put 2 sets of sheets for each season along with 2 duvet’s and a comforter insert and 2 throw blankets, 2 sets of bath towels, the books were added back also and a few pictures hung along with a tv; everything else was separated into boxes to donate. We did this with our bedroom, the bath, the living room, dining, kitchen, laundry room, entry- everything emptied out, room refreshed and slowly brought probably 1/4 items back into our home. Our adult children were called and asked to come look through items that they may want- they took their individual photo albums from their birth to present, a few seasonal decor and Christmas ornaments, that’s it, they didn’t want any furniture or linens or pictures. Remember that 3,000 sqft house we left- well, we were able to set up 2 newly wed couples just starting out in their rentals and that meant furnishing said rentals, linens, towels, pretty much the basic kitchen set up- yeah, we had accumulated so much we kept in the garages and attics and moved it with us, so we were able to bless 2 couples who are hard workers to set up an entire household except for food!
Hello! I read the book and have done the same thing. I am very relieved to be able to continue to declutter, pare down and better manage my belongings and our home. Thank you for sharing your journey. :)
We recently downsized from a 4200 sq.ft. home to one half that size. We took a lot of stuff to Goodwill, and had a guy who hauls away junk take at least 3 truck and trailer full of stuff away. He doesn't automatically take stuff to a landfill but instead will take it to Habitat for Humanity or some other recycle outlet. The hardest thing for me was getting rid of my library.....about 25 boxes of books.....but now I've decided I should have gotten rid of more. I decided to give it a year in the new house and re-evaluate other things like kitchen or closets. Getting family to buy into the idea is good. My husband and I differ on a lot of stuff, even if we agree to get rid of it. He just wants the waste hauler to take it away and I keep thinking someone might be able to use stuff we no longer need. His way is easier but my way is better for my soul. We are a work in progress, even after 47 years of marriage!!🙂
That’s great! I know it’s not always easy- but doesn’t it feel amazing?! We are constantly “peeling back additional layers” and still have a ways to go as well. It’s a process, but making progress is a good thing! God bless you and your family! 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you Robin! I needed this today. I’m currently at procrastination station and completely overwhelmed with the amount of visual clutter in our property. I won’t call it home because it certainly doesn’t feel like one. I think that I need to read about Swedish death cleaning, hopefully it will help me start to get things in some sort of order. Kind regards Cheryl.
Hi Cheryl! It can certainly seem overwhelming, but if you start small with just a drawer or cabinet, you will be well on your way to loving your home! God bless!🩵🩵🩵
My sister recently helped me out with my wedding dress donation. Her and her husband are retired missionaries ( and still do some volunteer work there) but still live right outside the headquarters of Wycliffe Bible Translators. There is a 'boutique' there were missionaries can visit and have what they need. I often donate there and I love that they a free to those in need.
Hi Robin, Your organization looks great! I don’t even live there, but I feel better!🤣 I love the term intentional acquisition, I believe it was! I agree we all should strive to be more mindful of everything we do in our life, eating, buying…or we get on the wrong path! You have inspired me, so I am getting up to go through my kitchen utensil drawer!😜
I started my decluttering journey when the Marie Kondo method was hot. I then continued with following other people’s methods like the Minimal Mom, the Minimalists, Dana White and finally with the Swedish Cleaning Method. I truly feel like the Swedish death cleaning method was the icing on top by the time I got to this point I had purged and decluttering 50% of my stuff and this allowed me to really think about the remaining items. Don’t get me wrong. I still own quite a bit of stuff as I have kids & live life but man does that ever release a load off of someone.
Thanks for another motivating video Robin! I appreciate all the ideas that can be put to use to n my own home! You inspired me to try the Toups an Co products. The face balm is excellent and saves my skin in harsh Chicago winter wind and cold. I’d love to try some of their make up. How do you like the eyeshadows?
Thank you Mia! Yes - I love the face balms too and the eye makeup is wonderful. In fact I love most everything I’ve tried and it is all so gentle on my skin. I’m hooked! Enjoy your Sunday and God bless! 🩵🩵🩵
Doing one drawer or cupboard is manageable. I cleaned a bathroom of clutter while on telephone hold. Felt good. Do have the junk drawer that needs a major cleaning, so that's next. A question: What is the handheld vacuum you used in cleaning your clothes closet shelf? Mine is cumbersome, and I'd like to purchase a new one. Happy week!😊
I love that you did that while on hold Cynthia! 👍👏😅 Here is the link to my vacuum: www.amazon.com/dp/B08CC3GWVJ?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzfaitha05-20&creativeASIN=B08CC3GWVJ&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2YBSNVFDEUGBV&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m_asin Thanks for watching! 🩵🩵🩵
Great job decluttering and organizing. I always purged what hasn't been used in a year except from a few things from when my children were babies. An outfit our deceased younger son Thomas wore and Daniel's tiny breathing mask and arm band he wore in the NICU the first two months of his life. He is 15 now. Will turn 16 in late May. I've always worn minimal makeup. Right now not wearing any. Still no job and for some reason my unemployment benefits stopped before the day they said it would. It ended two weeks ago but before it said until July 17, 2024. Mom and Sis are going to visit our relatives in the Philippines in April. Hope I have an income by then as my brother's wife won't make enough food for me to have some. It is difficult to cook for just myself. Can't finish most of the dishes I know how to make before they spoil.
The instant read thermometer you kept looks like mine. If it is, did you know it has a built in magnet? I keep mine on the side of my fridge. Freeing up drawer space!
Have you considered having your wedding dress refashioned into something wearable? Theresa from Lost My Thread refashioned her wedding dress (which she also made) into a dress she can wear on a regular basis. My husband doesn’t like to get rid of anything, so I do what I can with items that are mine or kitchen stuff he won’t miss! 😜. I enjoy your videos! ~Nancy
I'm also having trouble with the family heirlooms. Can't see the forest for the trees. Meaning I know there's stuff I want and don't want, but somehow it's one big conglomerate.
Thank you! It a gift I received from Fragonard Parfumeur: www.fragonard.com/en-us/ It was from a couple of years ago, so I'm not sure it is still available, but they have others that are similar. 🩵🩵🩵
Hi sissy, blessings 🎉🎉🎉🎉 always happy Heart ,for your every Post...here in George Town 💕 it's a pretty day,too receive gods blessings 🙏 he's soooo Good ps.91
Great video Robin 😊, I’m a natural minimalist, I don’t own much at all, not one piece of jewellery, I don’t even own one bag, I would say I am unusual 😂
I’ve been declutterring as well although my husband is not as receptive with his things. I find the hardest thing to deal with is pictures. We have no children so no one would want them.
Hi Joyce! Many of us have spouses that aren’t on board. That is a common issue, (and frustrating for sure) but my advice is to let that go, because your relationship and marriage matter so much more.🥰 Dealing with photos - I can’t really speak to because I have a lot of work to do in that area too! 🙈😄🩵
I have been doing this process but my husband is a hoarder and is not on board. It stresses me out. His office, basement, and garage are full of his and his late parents stuff. What do I do to get him on board?
Hi Colleen! That is a very common issue and unfortunately, there is no way to get him on board other than to continue lead by example and in many cases people eventually see the benefits. For now, as frustrated as you must be, I would let it go. Your relationship and marriage is far more important. God bless you and your family!🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlourbut if it's stressing her out isn't the marriage also important to him? My husband's hoarding has made my daily life difficult as I'm tripping over stuff constantly, it made it very stressful when he was forced to declutter his business and his mother's that he had procrastinated at the same time and in a very short time, and it will make it difficult for me if the time comes for us in that order. He is much better than he used to be but we're slowing down and running out of time to deal with it and it really stresses me out. Our parents didn't have this mountain of stuff to deal with that seems to have accumulated in the last generation. And then there's the worry of the baby being thrown out with the bathwater because someone him, me or our children will lose patience or run out of time.
@labradorite8256 Maybe the best you can do is try to organize some of it on your own. Get some boxes and group like items together, go through paperwork, etc., and affix detailed labels on each box stating what's in it. Hopefully, if he sees how much of each kind of thing he has, he'll realize he needs to grow up and deal with it. At the very least, it will make things easier to deal with later.
I have already done my decluttering but what if your spouse is not on board with their stuff? My husband never even thinks to declutter his stuff and frankly, he doesn’t want to when I talk about it 😢
I know that is hard Laura! Unfortunately, I don’t think there is much you can do if he isn’t ready. Maybe your example will motivate him one day, but in the meantime, try to let it go - your relationship and marriage matters far more. God bless you both! 🩵🩵🩵
You can donate your wedding dress to be repurposed for NICU babies as “angel gowns”. I sent mine to an organization in Texas but I found many others when I just did a Google search.
I enjoyed this video, but the term death cleaning makes me shudder every time. It IS morbid and depressing. I'd rather call it Life cleaning! :) It is much better and positive in my opinion. By cleaning and decluttering we make our *lives* better, and less stressful! My mum (French, not Swedish, born in the 20s) already implemented this concept by keeping only things she and my dad loved and used; their house was so clean, tidy and welcoming, and her goal was that we would find it this way if something happened to her. But she also did it because it made her *life* so much easier. Until her late eighties, she was always busy volunteering, meeting with family and friends, going to the cinema and cultural events, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could come any time and stay as long as we/they wanted, so her home always being in order saved her and my dad time and reduced their stress during their *lives*. My beloved parents are gone now but they are still my inspiration! ❤ I miss them so much💖
Hi Ivey! This video focuses on maintaining a decluttered home after the major decisions have been made using the principles of Swedish Death Cleaning. A key aspect I discussed was the importance of mindfulness in acquiring and retaining processions and the significance of intentional consumption. This is the mindset that motivates me to keep on top of things so that I don’t revert back to old habits. I am hopeful that this encourages others to do the same. 🩵🩵🩵
An idea for your wedding dress is to donate it to someone who can repurpose them into burial dresses for children and babies. That is what I was able to do with my dress, with a local woman.
I love that and have contacted an organization that does that, but they have more than they need currently. I would love for my dress to be passed on that way, so I will wait until it is needed. 🩵🩵🩵
Yes. Or baptismal gowns. I tried doing this with my wedding dress but when I was decluttering it was during Covid and no-one was taking them. So I just took it to the donation center.
Having lost a 95 year old parent 2 years ago, at 77, I'm definately sorting through our home more seriously. My mother, now 97 and still in her home has taken up so much of my time. I've spent 2 years going through that house at her pace. It's all a huge undertaking, but the two homes are better than they were 2 years ago.
Exactly!!! I am 66 married 42 years so I can relate. We have bought sold and built three houses in the last 7 years so now back home and happy but didn’t want to bring all that stuff around with me anymore….gone gone gone like the wind….gave a box to each son (3) and took photos of things I wanted to remember and am sooooooo much happier….I have always been extremely neat OCD actually but still had too many ironed table cloths, napkins, Christmas decor , clothes, jewelry…..so now I am wearing my studs and got rid of all the other “jewelry”…and am enjoying all of the “good stuff”…..❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have also read this lovely lady’s book and it really got me thinking. Both our parents have passed and so we inherited two houses full of belongings, not too drastic in my mum’s case but it has to be said that my mother in law was a bit of a hoarder!😄 I already had a full house as I am a crafter and sewer and my two mums were too. For a while my sewing room looked like I was setting up shop but after reading this book I got stuck into some serious decluttering. I have two daughters, neither of whom sew or knit so I am not going to leave them with rooms full of things they won’t know what to do with. I will admit though that the kitchen was easier to declutter than the sewing room - I’m a child of the fifties and grew up with a mum who took buttons off of shirts and zippers out of trousers, because we were a make do and mend era. But then watch your videos and try a little harder 👍☺️
Hi Robin!
In 2017 when I started to come across homemaking channels to watch and enjoy here on YT…. I energetically began the process of decluttering my entire home; room by room, section by section. It quickly became the most satisfying activity; and has been so very rewarding both mentally and visually. It has freed my home and my mind of the needless clutter, and created such a calming peace in our lives. I am proud to say that since 2017; my home has remained in this very intentional and organized state, and I continue to revisit my rooms and systems once a year to keep everything this way. Hearing you speak of Swedish Death Cleaning has brought to my attention yet another great reason that this process is so good for the soul, as well as for our homes.
I always enjoy when you do your decluttering videos; we seem to have several items that are so similar in our homes; (being from the same era and wedding years)….certain things that I have noticed you decluttering, has nudged me in the right direction to let go of similar things that I have been hanging on to for far too long in my own home. A little nudge to keep things minimal, intentional, decluttered and organized. Thank you so much for that; and for continuing to be my absolute favorite here on YT my friend! You provide such great motivation in such a calm and heartfelt way, with all that you share!!! Blessings as always…☺️❤️~ Audrey
Thank you so much Audrey! I'm glad we can do this together and I'm glad that you are actively enjoying all of the many benefits!!! God bless you and your family!🩵🩵🩵
I just heard you say, “If we keep it, we have to use it,”……..brilliant! My new motto to live by!
Robin, sweet friend, this is a very important subject. So thankful you covered it so well. I have been doing this before I knew it had a name or concept. I started it after the experience I had with my parents home. My sweet mom and dad were Depression era people and they never threw one thing away. Not even a receipt for a paid water bill that was 30 years old. i’m so glad you mentioned the emotional hardship that cleaning your parents things are. Yes it was lots of work. Even the paperwork took me about 15 years to get completely through and shredded. But the pain I have felt and disposing of some of my mothers things that she thought were priceless still hurts to this day. You cannot keep everything. Many things had to go that cut me deep in my heart because I knew she would have been so sad to see them go. I’m trying to spare my children that pain if I can. Yes it will be work when I go because there still is a lot but I continually work on getting rid of things and try not to Display in front Them that these things Mean so much to me and that they are just things And it’s OK for them to dispose of them. One sweet story that I think I might’ve told you before is when the girls were going through my mothers jewelry and dividing up what they wanted they both wanted this centan pin that she wore all the time. Somehow it was decided that Melissa would get the pin. I stayed out of it. The next Christmas came and Melissa wrapped up the pin and gave it to Rebecca. I thought that was so sweet and mother would’ve loved that but then the next Christmas Rebecca wrapped the pin 😂back up and gave it back to Melissa. They have been doing that back-and-forth ever since 2006 when mother passed away. I know this is a long comment but I didn’t want to tell you that that Intense pain I have had for almost 4 weeks with that intercostal muscle that runs between my ribs is now gone. Hallelujah. Love in Christ
Praise God Donna that the pain is gone!!! 🙏🙌 That is wonderful news!!!
Everything you said about decluttering I think is spot on! And I love the story about your mother’s pin and the exchange between your daughters! Wonderful!!!
I pray that you have a very blessed week and that you will enjoy every pain free moment!
God bless you my sweet friend!
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I loved reading the part about your daughters. It's a wonderful way to share.
Thank you, Robin. I am trying to declutter and eliminate as much clutter as possible. What I appreciate about you doing is your calm demeanor and showing that it takes effort but peace comes when we preservere.
Have a wonderful week.
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Beautiful story.
I like the idea of dividing the task into three phases: declutterring, cleaning and maintaining. 🙏
I have been thinking a lot lately about legacy and what I really want to spend my money on that will be of lasting value to our children and grandchildren. I have concluded that what really brings joy are experiences rather than things. God bless you and your precious family!
Absolutely! It’s always the experiences we remember the most! 👍😉🩵
Hi Robin! You covered a delicate but necessary subject with this concept of Swedish Death Cleaning! I haven’t read the book, but I think I should get it to learn and reflect on this subject more deeply. When I first heard about this subject, I didn’t think it was morbid, but rather inspiring and helpful to guide us both in evaluating our current belongings and learning to be more intentional, as you said so eloquently, with our purchases.
I’m 67 now, I didn’t have children, and I want to spare my nieces and nephews the burden of sorting through a pile of “stuff” after I pass. My husband and I moved in a 2-bedroom condo apartment 10 years ago, so we had to declutter a lot before coming here. But more decluttering most certainly remains to be done! Many of the things we have are now old and need to be replaced, especially in the kitchen. I’m currently evaluating what I would want to buy to replace what is no longer in good condition, but in the same time, how to be very intentional and frugal about it! So your video provided much food for thought! Thank you so much! Have a great week! 💚😊💕🙏
That’s wonderful Monique! You are doing a great job. Doesn’t it feel great ?! I’m so glad we can do this together!
Have a blessed start to your week! 🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlour Yes, it feels great! And I'm also so grateful to do this with you! You help me more than you know! 💝💝
I can't begin to tell you how I wish that everyone would come on board with the Swedish Death Cleaning. It is such a help for those we leave behind. A few years ago I went to help a friend declutter her Mother's stuff when she died. It was very stressful on her having to go through the stuff and the papers that she kept could have been dumped ages ago. I think we never consider that our families might not care for our stuff, or have the same sentimental value that we attach to these items. A very good video. I hope you have a great week.
I couldn’t agree more Gloria! I’ve heard so many stories like that. What a burden for an already grieving loved one.
It also just feels good to hold on to only the things that are truly special and be free of the excess!
I hope you are enjoying a lovely Sunday! God bless! 🩵🩵🩵
My husband and I have started this. I am not much of a cluttered, but I do have an issue with sentimental things. Hello from Paraguay 😊
I understand! Those items can be the most difficult to part with and I’m working on that too! 👍😉🩵
We are in our mid-eighties and I am just starting this. Some areas are way more difficult than others, but I am seeing progress as huge storage areas are getting cleared out and the empty spaces are so calming! As a knitter, sewer and crafter these areas are more difficult, but I am slowly letting things go as I become more honest with myself and KNOW I will never live long enough to use all the yarn and or make all the projects I would like to. SOOO…..onward and forward. Be brave. Be strong. Be persistent…….and you will soon be free of all that flotsam and jetsam of life!
My father passed away a little over a year ago, and sorting through and disposing of his possessions was incredibly stressful. He had already pared down his things before he passed away, so the job was not as difficult as it might have been, but deciding what to do with all that he had acquired during his 100 years on top of dealing with grief and the legal and family things that accompany death took its toll, especially on my brother, who was his executor. I'm a minimalist by nature, but I've determined that I need to organize what I own to make things easier on my family when I die. You can't live with nothing, but you can try to keep what you do own to a reasonable minimum and organize things so your family doesn't have to make snap decisions on what to do with all that you leave behind.
So well said Margaret! I couldn’t agree more. Thank you and God bless! 🩵🩵🩵
Yes, very much this. My mom died in October and I'm sorting through things now while also selling her home. My brother is useless.
@@terrirojas I'm sorry you're having to do it all on your own. Please do nice things for yourself to give yourself some love. Hugs.
I think some of us find decluttering & organizing so satisfying because of the sense of control it gives our daily lives. The world is so chaotic and ‘messy’ now with all the political nonsense & noise, so staying home & having a good clear out in January and February makes us feel better. I do this every year-forget ‘spring cleaning’. I do my ‘winter clean’ so I can garden & get out more when the weather finally breaks!
You are so right Karen! Happy decluttering!🩵🩵🩵
Hi Robin, I’ve read most of the decluttering books but the Swedish death cleaning was the one that got me motivated to get started. I have a lot of hobbies besides sewing and scrapbooking so over the years I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff and I’m 71 now so its time for some of these things to go. I love it when you do these videos, they are so motivating.🥰
I agree- this mindset is the most motivating for me too! You’ll be so glad you got started and I’ll be here cheering you on! 👏😄😉🩵
After my mom passed 7 years ago and sorting through her things was overwhelming, I began moving my own things along….I’ll be 74 this year and I’ve cleaned out a lifetime of belongings….I still have a lot, but I’ve made huge progress…..now, my daughter won’t be as overwhelmed as I was when I’m called to heaven…..thanks for shining a light on this important topic….
Wonderful Carol! That is a great kindness to your daughter. I hear so many stories like yours. God bless!
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Hi Robin, and fellow viewers. This video comes at a very timely manner for me. Nearly 6 years ago my husband and I moved into my childhood home to care for my mom w/ dementia. In 2020, we renovated the floors and bathrooms she could age in place until her departure. She stayed with my brother during the 2 weeks of the renovations, and my husband and I went to town with decluttering. We purged a lot of our things, my childhood things, and her things (that she no longer used or remembered she had unless she saw them, which she didn't because most everything was in drawers, closets, or cabinets). We took the opportunity to make the home more functional for us and to care for her. She died this past October and now we're getting ready to list her house by the end of this month. Having had cleaned out the house in 2020 makes this process easier. But... also very sad, because I'm only now beginning to grieve her properly, and in this process I'm realizing how much of her things are gone. We're in Silicon Valley and she worked in electronics/semi-conductor for years and had collected chips, etc. Whenever someone new visited, she would pull them out and tell stories about her work. And now they're gone. I didn't want them anyway, but now she's gone and weirdly I regret getting rid of all of them because they were pieces of her. Yesterday, I started on the bin of her clothes that I just binned up shortly after her death to tidy and reset her room. I completely lost it. I managed to donate the more recent articles of clothing, that meant nothing to her nor me, but her old clothes, and I mean old because she hung on to everything, I can't sort through yet. I promised the dining table to my brother's friend, and now I don't want to give it up. As for my stuff, I'm ready to let go of most of it because I don't want the burden of managing it, moving it, and then managing it again. My husband is very much of a "what if we need it?" kind of guy. Things we haven't used in the 6 years we've been here, "yeah but what if we need it in our next place...?" Very frustrating. Thankfully, photos I have held on to. And in gathering pictures for her funeral in October, I found the gold necklace my dad and I gifted her one year for her birthday or Christmas - it was in a random envelope that she squirreled away at some point and in a huge box of cards, photos, papers, etc. So, anyone reading this and also going through a beloved's belongings, check every envelope! In the process of cleaning out things this weekend, I found my dad's belt, a button shirt he always wore, his razors, and a golf trophy (it's a silver bowl). He died 20 years ago. The belt still means something to me, but the other things, I'm like "meh'. The trophy doesn't mean much to me, but it's a part of him that I feel I can use as decor or to hold my keys. I bring his stuff up because over the 20 years I've slowly decluttered things of his that I had originally hung on to, and now mean nothing. I'm trying to remind myself of that with my mom's things I no longer have, eventually they too would mean nothing, and the things that do mean something now, like the necklace, pictures, letters, her favorite sweater and robe, her coffee cup, and a statue of Mary I still do have. But, there are the massive family portraits (5) that I don't want - what do I do with them? Has anyone else had to deal with something like that - what do you advise? These things portraits meant a lot to my mom, but I've never liked them. If I had thought about it, I could have put them in the crypt with her, but now I have HUGE guilt in getting rid of them. And the frames are thick, gold, and ornate - not my taste, so I can't even repurpose them. In any case, this video has helped, if not with my mother's things, with my own as I'm working everyday to chip away at the hidden clutter before moving.
My condolences and prayers as you heal from and in the passing of your Mom.
I’m sorry about the loss of your mom Terri. I think it’s understandable that these decisions are so hard especially so soon after her passing. Maybe take it slow and hold on to the things that matter to you now - as you said there might come a day when you are ready to let go - but for now, do what help you grieve as you need.
I too struggle with things like portraits and I don’t have a great solution for that, but hopefully this conversation will bring some suggestions from others who have been faced with the same challenge.
My heart goes out to you. God bless you and your family.
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Thank you 💕@@elaineharris5867
Thank you 💕@@FaithandFlour
I went to Hobby Lobby a few years ago to search for something to put larger portraits into for safekeeping. I bought several portfolios that are probably more for artwork, but they are archival quality and work perfectly. I have one for 8x10 size and one for 11x14 size. I was able to sell some of the frames at a garage sale, gave others on a Buy Nothing FB group, and donated the rest. The portfolios are slim and do not take up much room. It has been a good solution until I am ready to make another decision about the portraits. Hope that is a helpful idea. 😊
This was a great video. I started the process several years ago and found my issue wasn’t necessarily what to get rid of but where to get rid of it. Then I found my community had a Facebook page to post items for free and others could express interest and pick up the items at my front door step. I don’t have to pack anything up and take it anywhere and know that someone who wants it gets it. All communication is through FB and no one comes into your home nor calls you. It is wonderful! I’ve been at this for about 1.5 years and the process is so freeing. And as you mention, it makes me much more mindful of what I’m buying which has become less and less. I’m almost at the end and feel so much lighter. Thank you for posting your process!
Wonderful! I have used FB Marketplace as well and it is a great way to pass on the items.
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Robin, you did a wonderful presentation of demonstrating from small to large areas of how to declutter via the Death Swedish method. I realized after I retired and down sized that family members didn’t want much if anything we were giving up. This has made me very aware of donating so they will bless others in need. It’s a great feeling as well making our home function so much better. Thank you and God bless you.
Thank you Mary! Doesn’t it feel great?! Good job and God bless!
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I'm down to my last bit of Swedish death cleaning and it's the most difficult items - keepsakes, photos and memorabilia. I'm getting through it by telling myself that I have to "go to work" for at least 30 minutes each day and it's working. I can handle 30 minutes without getting bogged down. We're taking a trip in April so I've set a goal to finish before then 🤞This week I made the Pressure Luck minestrone soup that you showed a few weeks ago - of my goodness, it was absolutely delicious! That site has some amazing recipes - thanks for sharing it. Have a blessed week Robin ❤
That’s wonderful Kris! I love your goal of 30 minutes a day!!! 👍👏
I’m sure you will accomplish it and enjoy your trip knowing that you did it!!! 😅
I’m so glad you liked the soup - I agree- there are so many good recipes there! 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you for another great video Robin! It’s the memorabilia that I find the hardest to donate or recycle. I had to clean out my mother’s house after she went into a nursing home and it was brutal. I don’t want to leave that kind of mess for my kids.
Thank you Christine! I agree! That is heartbreaking and definitely motivation to get started with our own belongings. God bless you and your family! 🩵🩵🩵
I know this is a decluttering video but ive been looking for clear containers like yours for your makeup for so long! I love that the sides are straight and not curved!
Thanks for watching! I found them at Walmart. They are the Home Edit drawer organizers. 😉🩵
We are so glad we did this. We couldn't believe how many things we had (23 years of stuff) until we started preparing to downsize to travel full time and live in 200 sq feet. Our grown children are so thankful that we dealt with our stuff. Who needs 10 sets of towels?? lol. It is an emotional, time consuming task, but we feel so much lighter and free! - Michelle
I watch a lot of "downsized" rv'ers youtube videos and I find it not at all unusual that after two or three years they start upsizing their rig. Or they have a big cleanout every six months only to accumulate a lot of stuff again. Tossing everything and keeping it from creeping back in is a hard habit to break.
@@elliebellie7816 Yes. it is hard not to buy stuff when it is everywhere. But, once you get over that need to shop, it is easier. We used to love going into antique stores, now, I can't even go in them! It feels overwhelming and too much stuff!
Super helpful! And I just love how you explained it all. You have such a beautiful home! I can’t wait to see the outside renovations.
We moved 10 months ago to another state to be closer to family in retirement. Since this was in the planning stage for several years I was able to to major decluttering for the year prior to moving. It was after moving that I read The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. That gave me a boost to keep up with the streamlining of our goods. I really haven’t missed anything.
I too continue to struggle with photos. Oh well.
Well done Susie! Ah, the photos! 🙈 We will get to those one day! 👍😉🩵
I have had to deal with all of my late husband's 'treasured' items that he was unable to part with before his sudden and unexpected death. It opened my eyes to my own things as I purge the unnecessary things he left behind. It is totally a burden mentally you are so correct. Just looking at it and knowing it's 'there' is a consuming stress. As I go through and purge my life and home of these items, I feel a relief! Thank you for the much needed continued motivation.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. I have heard from many who are enduring similar circumstances and my heart goes out to you.
Thank you for sharing what you are going through. God bless you and your family. 🩵🩵🩵
Swedish death cleaning is something I have been working on for a while. As motivation, I count n on consumable items in and out of my home. I am almost at minus 1,000 in a year! It's surprising how little decluttering tasks add up! Thank you for the motivation to ensure I keep on with it. I also have the added task of helping my mum clear some of my dad's belonging as he sadly passed away last year.
As a side note - thank you for sharing your Colorado trip a while ago. It looked fantastic. We are looking forward to a very similar trip this year, hopefully including the Durango train. This is a trip I wouldn't have thought of doing without your video. 🏡🏡💚💚🙏🙏🌸🌸
Hi Michelle! Sounds like you are really on top of it! I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. Your mom is so blessed to have your support.
I'm so excited about your trip! You will love Colorado - especially Durango! Safe travels and God bless!🩵🩵🩵
I sent my wedding dress to africa where the brides can't afford them. My bridesmaids also sent their dresses there. Its a lovely feeling to help others.
I so need to do this Robin. Ty.
Absolutely Carol! I'm here cheering you on!🩵🩵🩵
Thank you for another great video, Robin. I've been Swedish Death Cleaning and I find it so freeing. My sisters and I had to clean out our family home several years ago and it was so overwhelming. Luckily, my mom told us before she passed away to "throw that stuff away". ;) It was still hard and I don't want anyone to have to deal with my things in the future. Have a blessed week!
Good for you Diane! It feels so good doesn’t it?! Have a great start to your week and God bless! 🩵🩵🩵
I am all about Swedish death cleaning. I am 66 and need to get things done. My kids don’t want what I have. They have their own. I ask from time to time if there is any thing they think they may want in the future ..
Hello Robin, January is my usual de clutter time. Like you I just need to maintain. A clutter free house gives me thinking space, I can breathe.🤗
However I had to take care of my mum who had fall (she is fine) and her house is something else 🫣
But she will not let me and my siblings tackle this.
All this leads to February to being my de clutter time, so your video was perfect timing. 🤗
Have a great week 🌿
Well done Sue! I think that many can identify with having parents that aren't quite on board with Swedish Death Cleaning! 😂😉 Have a blessed week and happy decluttering!🩵🩵🩵
Glad to see you have items for donation. I encourage you to drop them at women’s shelter’s and or organizations that assist women who are entering/re-entering the workforce. Don’t stop decluttering and have an awesome Thursday!
Great idea! Thank you! 🩵🩵🩵
we have just finished cleaning out the home of my late parents. My dad passed in late 2022, and my mom just before Christmas 2023. We hired a service to take away all the bulky items of furniture, housewares, clothing, but lots of boxes of china, cutlery, hollow-ware, PICTURES and SLIDES, etc. I'm going through these and sorting them into piles for the family member to whom things pertain for them to decide what they want to do with them. My dad was 93 when he passed, and he had hung onto so many personal items and pictures from his parents AND grandparents. It is a daunting task. He had read the Swedish Death Cleaning book and sang it's praises, but he never actually did it. Stubborn old Norwegian!
I’m sorry for the loss of your parents. I had to chuckle at what you said about your dad. 😄 When it comes right down to it- it’s hard!
Hopefully we can embrace it early enough to actually follow through and make a difference, but those photos and slides- 🙈😂🩵
Thank you so much Robin looks amazing! I’m yet to tackle some things hopefully next holidays 🙏
You can do it Jessie! Thank you and God bless!🩵🩵🩵
Thank you. Put on your video and went through my closet and dresser.
Excellent! I love it!!!🩵🩵🩵
Hi Robin, an excellent video and so interesting to watch.
Have heard of Swedish death cleaning before and think it is a loving thing to do. It is a very thoughtful and kind thing to do. It is also beneficial while you are still alive, because you can live in a less cluttered environment and enjoy more peace of mind.
I agree with you and I try to be very intentional about what I buy. I declutter regularly too. Much prefer to live this way and find it so freeing.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful week too. God bless you.❤
Very well said Yvonne! Thank you and God bless!🩵🩵🩵
Hi Robin! I was thinking a lot about your video about inflation and bulk buying. Years ago my mothers friend who lived in the Karoo was fully self-sustaining. She literally had a warehouse on her farm with goods like candles etc., (as she had a generator for electricity). She also grew her own herbs and we had lovely teas there :) The warehouse was packed with everything she needed. I wonder how much she paid for her candles at first!! I love your videos. They are so wholesome and look forward to them every week! 💚💛💙
Wow! That is quite something! It’s not always possible to hedge against inflation, but every little bit helps! 👍😊🩵
Have been decluttering since the pandemic began. It’s funny how you think an area is completely purged, then come back to it a few years later and realize more needs to go! I was surprise's to see your Bare Minerals Lashtopia mascara. I love it, but when I’m complimented on my lashes, most people don’t know about it. I use Loreal lash primer (it’s white, looks like a mascara, and is at drug stores), blink with each sweep of mascara so it starts at base, and the result is incredible.
*surprised (oh, that funny auto-correct!)
Mrs. here, my daughter and I have been doing this too. I noticed that you store canning jars empty. We fill ours with water and the old lids if undamaged (just in case). When I need them I can water out side plants or fill the canner. We had a water line to the house break once and I was sure glad I had water for washing!
That’s an interesting suggestion
Great video Robin!
Thank you so much Terri! I'm glad you enjoyed it!🩵🩵🩵
Hi Robin. Thanks again for these great declutter tips. We are in a new year and I have a few areas to take care to declutter and revisit some areas as you have pointed out some great tips for the area I need to revisit.
Thank you Joyce! Happy decluttering!🩵🩵🩵
I read the Swedish Death Cleaning book and found it very helpful ! Thanks for another great video.
It really changes my perspective Lisa! Thanks so much for watching and enjoy a lovely Sunday!
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About 10 years ago, I did this room by room. After we cleaned and culled the garage (which took my husband 3 months to go through it) I had a spot to put basically an entire room in. So, we started with the guest bedroom (we downsized from 3,00 sqft to 1,200 and didn’t throw anything away 🙄). Everything in the room including dresser, bed, etc- we then did a refresh with paint and trim, hung a woven shade and added a tv mount, then we brought in the bed, dresser and night stands and lamps; then I went through the 5 large moving boxes of stuff we took out of that room- linens, towels, extra clothes, drapes, Knick knacks, books- I put 2 sets of sheets for each season along with 2 duvet’s and a comforter insert and 2 throw blankets, 2 sets of bath towels, the books were added back also and a few pictures hung along with a tv; everything else was separated into boxes to donate. We did this with our bedroom, the bath, the living room, dining, kitchen, laundry room, entry- everything emptied out, room refreshed and slowly brought probably 1/4 items back into our home. Our adult children were called and asked to come look through items that they may want- they took their individual photo albums from their birth to present, a few seasonal decor and Christmas ornaments, that’s it, they didn’t want any furniture or linens or pictures. Remember that 3,000 sqft house we left- well, we were able to set up 2 newly wed couples just starting out in their rentals and that meant furnishing said rentals, linens, towels, pretty much the basic kitchen set up- yeah, we had accumulated so much we kept in the garages and attics and moved it with us, so we were able to bless 2 couples who are hard workers to set up an entire household except for food!
Wow! That’s amazing! What a blessing to those two couples!
I love it! God bless you and your husband! 🩵🩵🩵
Hello! I read the book and have done the same thing. I am very relieved to be able to continue to declutter, pare down and better manage my belongings and our home. Thank you for sharing your journey. :)
That’s great Monique! Glad we can do this together! Have a blessed week! 🩵🩵🩵
We recently downsized from a 4200 sq.ft. home to one half that size. We took a lot of stuff to Goodwill, and had a guy who hauls away junk take at least 3 truck and trailer full of stuff away. He doesn't automatically take stuff to a landfill but instead will take it to Habitat for Humanity or some other recycle outlet. The hardest thing for me was getting rid of my library.....about 25 boxes of books.....but now I've decided I should have gotten rid of more. I decided to give it a year in the new house and re-evaluate other things like kitchen or closets. Getting family to buy into the idea is good. My husband and I differ on a lot of stuff, even if we agree to get rid of it. He just wants the waste hauler to take it away and I keep thinking someone might be able to use stuff we no longer need. His way is easier but my way is better for my soul. We are a work in progress, even after 47 years of marriage!!🙂
That’s great! I know it’s not always easy- but doesn’t it feel amazing?!
We are constantly “peeling back additional layers” and still have a ways to go as well. It’s a process, but making progress is a good thing! God bless you and your family! 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you Robin! I needed this today. I’m currently at procrastination station and completely overwhelmed with the amount of visual clutter in our property. I won’t call it home because it certainly doesn’t feel like one. I think that I need to read about Swedish death cleaning, hopefully it will help me start to get things in some sort of order. Kind regards Cheryl.
Hi Cheryl! It can certainly seem overwhelming, but if you start small with just a drawer or cabinet, you will be well on your way to loving your home! God bless!🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlourThank you.
My sister recently helped me out with my wedding dress donation. Her and her husband are retired missionaries ( and still do some volunteer work there) but still live right outside the headquarters of Wycliffe Bible Translators. There is a 'boutique' there were missionaries can visit and have what they need. I often donate there and I love that they a free to those in need.
Wonderful Beatrice! That’s a great idea! 👍🩵
You’re hair is stunning now. I love the color and length!
Thank you so much!!🩵🩵🩵
Hi Robin,
Your organization looks great! I don’t even live there, but I feel better!🤣 I love the term intentional acquisition, I believe it was! I agree we all should strive to be more mindful of everything we do in our life, eating, buying…or we get on the wrong path! You have inspired me, so I am getting up to go through my kitchen utensil drawer!😜
Thanks Suzy! You’ve got this! You’ll be so happy when it’s done! ✔️
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Your hair looks beautiful. Did you give in and color most of the grey?
I started my decluttering journey when the Marie Kondo method was hot. I then continued with following other people’s methods like the Minimal Mom, the Minimalists, Dana White and finally with the Swedish Cleaning Method. I truly feel like the Swedish death cleaning method was the icing on top by the time I got to this point I had purged and decluttering 50% of my stuff and this allowed me to really think about the remaining items. Don’t get me wrong. I still own quite a bit of stuff as I have kids & live life but man does that ever release a load off of someone.
Absolutely! I agree completely! Well done! 👍😉🩵
This video reminds me to tackle my storage room!!!! I have boxes in there that I do not remember what is in there!!!
You’ve got this Diane and I’ll be here cheering you on! 👏😄🩵
Wow! You have a lot of handbags.
Thanks for another motivating video Robin! I appreciate all the ideas that can be put to use to n my own home!
You inspired me to try the Toups an Co products. The face balm is excellent and saves my skin in harsh Chicago winter wind and cold. I’d love to try some of their make up. How do you like the eyeshadows?
Thank you Mia! Yes - I love the face balms too and the eye makeup is wonderful. In fact I love most everything I’ve tried and it is all so gentle on my skin. I’m hooked!
Enjoy your Sunday and God bless!
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You too, Robin!! Blessings to you and the guys!😊
Doing one drawer or cupboard is manageable. I cleaned a bathroom of clutter while on telephone hold. Felt good. Do have the junk drawer that needs a major cleaning, so that's next. A question: What is the handheld vacuum you used in cleaning your clothes closet shelf? Mine is cumbersome, and I'd like to purchase a new one. Happy week!😊
I love that you did that while on hold Cynthia! 👍👏😅
Here is the link to my vacuum: www.amazon.com/dp/B08CC3GWVJ?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzfaitha05-20&creativeASIN=B08CC3GWVJ&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2YBSNVFDEUGBV&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m_asin
Thanks for watching! 🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlour Thank you for the link.
Very motivating. I wished I lived near you...I need an immersion blender lol!
Thank you! Check your local thrift store - I bet you’ll find one ! 😉🩵
I really don’t need to see all the bin washing. Just a mention that you will do it, is enough.❤
Got it! 👍😂
I like the washing up…it was very calming and soothing.
Great job decluttering and organizing. I always purged what hasn't been used in a year except from a few things from when my children were babies. An outfit our deceased younger son Thomas wore and Daniel's tiny breathing mask and arm band he wore in the NICU the first two months of his life. He is 15 now. Will turn 16 in late May. I've always worn minimal makeup. Right now not wearing any. Still no job and for some reason my unemployment benefits stopped before the day they said it would. It ended two weeks ago but before it said until July 17, 2024. Mom and Sis are going to visit our relatives in the Philippines in April. Hope I have an income by then as my brother's wife won't make enough food for me to have some. It is difficult to cook for just myself. Can't finish most of the dishes I know how to make before they spoil.
Thank you Jean! I am praying that you will have a job very soon. God bless you and your family! 🩵🩵🩵
I love the natural colour jumper you are wearing. May I ask what brand/label it is please.
Thank you! It is from LilySilk.
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The instant read thermometer you kept looks like mine. If it is, did you know it has a built in magnet? I keep mine on the side of my fridge. Freeing up drawer space!
I didn't know that Julie! Thanks!🩵🩵🩵
Have you considered having your wedding dress refashioned into something wearable? Theresa from Lost My Thread refashioned her wedding dress (which she also made) into a dress she can wear on a regular basis. My husband doesn’t like to get rid of anything, so I do what I can with items that are mine or kitchen stuff he won’t miss! 😜. I enjoy your videos! ~Nancy
If you son and his wife have a girl one day, they might use your wedding dress for the bed decore. I’ve seen it on Pinterest.
Great idea Nancy! I’m not sure if that would work for mine, but it’s something to consider. 👍😉 Have a great start to your week! 🩵🩵🩵
I REALLY need to do this. My problem is family heirlooms and more expensive things.
Those are always the hardest! I'll be here to cheer you on Ann!🩵🩵🩵
I'm also having trouble with the family heirlooms. Can't see the forest for the trees. Meaning I know there's stuff I want and don't want, but somehow it's one big conglomerate.
🤍💜🤍 love your kitchen tea towel! If you have a link for it, please share.
Danya
Thank you! It a gift I received from Fragonard Parfumeur: www.fragonard.com/en-us/
It was from a couple of years ago, so I'm not sure it is still available, but they have others that are similar. 🩵🩵🩵
Hi sissy, blessings 🎉🎉🎉🎉 always happy Heart ,for your every Post...here in George Town 💕 it's a pretty day,too receive gods blessings 🙏 he's soooo Good ps.91
Thank you so much Calistra! Enjoy this beautiful day! 🙏🩵🩵
Great video Robin 😊, I’m a natural minimalist, I don’t own much at all, not one piece of jewellery, I don’t even own one bag, I would say I am unusual 😂
I would say so too Teresa - but in the best possible way. You are blessed that you don't struggle with accumulating clutter - well done!🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlour😊❤
Did anyone else think that was the Mad Hatter's hat at 0:10? I got a bit excited when I saw it, lol.
So funny Noel! 😂 That is my salad spinner nesting inside a springform cake pan. 😉🩵
I’ve been declutterring as well although my husband is not as receptive with his things. I find the hardest thing to deal with is pictures. We have no children so no one would want them.
Hi Joyce! Many of us have spouses that aren’t on board. That is a common issue, (and frustrating for sure) but my advice is to let that go, because your relationship and marriage matter so much more.🥰 Dealing with photos - I can’t really speak to because I have a lot of work to do in that area too!
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I have been doing this process but my husband is a hoarder and is not on board. It stresses me out. His office, basement, and garage are full of his and his late parents stuff. What do I do to get him on board?
Hi Colleen! That is a very common issue and unfortunately, there is no way to get him on board other than to continue lead by example and in many cases people eventually see the benefits. For now, as frustrated as you must be, I would let it go. Your relationship and marriage is far more important. God bless you and your family!🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlourbut if it's stressing her out isn't the marriage also important to him? My husband's hoarding has made my daily life difficult as I'm tripping over stuff constantly, it made it very stressful when he was forced to declutter his business and his mother's that he had procrastinated at the same time and in a very short time, and it will make it difficult for me if the time comes for us in that order. He is much better than he used to be but we're slowing down and running out of time to deal with it and it really stresses me out. Our parents didn't have this mountain of stuff to deal with that seems to have accumulated in the last generation. And then there's the worry of the baby being thrown out with the bathwater because someone him, me or our children will lose patience or run out of time.
@labradorite8256 Maybe the best you can do is try to organize some of it on your own. Get some boxes and group like items together, go through paperwork, etc., and affix detailed labels on each box stating what's in it. Hopefully, if he sees how much of each kind of thing he has, he'll realize he needs to grow up and deal with it. At the very least, it will make things easier to deal with later.
I have already done my decluttering but what if your spouse is not on board with their stuff? My husband never even thinks to declutter his stuff and frankly, he doesn’t want to when I talk about it 😢
I know that is hard Laura! Unfortunately, I don’t think there is much you can do if he isn’t ready. Maybe your example will motivate him one day, but in the meantime, try to let it go - your relationship and marriage matters far more. God bless you both! 🩵🩵🩵
You can donate your wedding dress to be repurposed for NICU babies as “angel gowns”. I sent mine to an organization in Texas but I found many others when I just did a Google search.
Thanks! I’ll check again. 👍😊🩵
It resonates but in the end there still will be things to get rid of😞
I enjoyed this video, but the term death cleaning makes me shudder every time. It IS morbid and depressing. I'd rather call it Life cleaning! :) It is much better and positive in my opinion. By cleaning and decluttering we make our *lives* better, and less stressful! My mum (French, not Swedish, born in the 20s) already implemented this concept by keeping only things she and my dad loved and used; their house was so clean, tidy and welcoming, and her goal was that we would find it this way if something happened to her. But she also did it because it made her *life* so much easier. Until her late eighties, she was always busy volunteering, meeting with family and friends, going to the cinema and cultural events, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could come any time and stay as long as we/they wanted, so her home always being in order saved her and my dad time and reduced their stress during their *lives*. My beloved parents are gone now but they are still my inspiration! ❤ I miss them so much💖
Absolutely! Great idea!🩵🩵🩵
Iv been doing this for awhile now. I still havent convinced my husband. He still wont declutter tools,47 allen wrenches? Well a little at a time. ❤❤
Haha Lori! 😂 I know how that goes, but in time he may just come around. 🙏😉🩵
I clicked on the affiliate link for the bake ware and it takes me to a page not found. Can you please help me out with this?
Sorry about that Marjorie! Try this link: ap.carawayhome.com/faithandflour
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Did the savings change from 20% to 10%?
Yes - I’m sorry about that!
How does this decluttering fit in with the title Swedish death cleaning?
Hi Ivey! This video focuses on maintaining a decluttered home after the major decisions have been made using the principles of Swedish Death Cleaning. A key aspect I discussed was the importance of mindfulness in acquiring and retaining processions and the significance of intentional consumption.
This is the mindset that motivates me to keep on top of things so that I don’t revert back to old habits.
I am hopeful that this encourages others to do the same. 🩵🩵🩵
An idea for your wedding dress is to donate it to someone who can repurpose them into burial dresses for children and babies. That is what I was able to do with my dress, with a local woman.
My wedding dress was donated to a cause that makes burial envelopes for stillborn babies.
I love that and have contacted an organization that does that, but they have more than they need currently. I would love for my dress to be passed on that way, so I will wait until it is needed. 🩵🩵🩵
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Thank you! 🩵🩵🩵
How about selling the wedding dress and donating the money to a cause you support if you don't want to keep it? xxx
I would love to do that - It seems that everyplace I have contacted recently is not accepting wedding dresses. I will keep looking though!🩵🩵🩵
@@FaithandFlour I was thinking more about perhaps a buying and selling app or Facebook marketplace.... Good luck!
😊hello!
Hello and Thank you! 🩵🩵🩵
1st to comment 😊
Yes you are!!! 👏👍😊🩵
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Thank you Sakshi! 🩵🩵🩵
Donate wedding dress to organization that makes unknown babies burial outfits.
Yes. Or baptismal gowns. I tried doing this with my wedding dress but when I was decluttering it was during Covid and no-one was taking them. So I just took it to the donation center.
I looked into that and they aren’t currently taking donations, so I’ll keep trying, because I think that would be a great way to pass it on!
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Thank you! 🩵🩵🩵
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Thank you!🩵🩵🩵
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Thank you Jennifer! 🩵🩵🩵