☘️ Avoid These At All Costs! How To Get Around The Most Common Decluttering Roadblocks & Mistakes

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  • Опубликовано: 24 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 105

  • @kristinestimach1484
    @kristinestimach1484 3 года назад +4

    I sell what I can. My daughter works at goodwill and they only put out about half of the donations received. Last week they dumped 4 huge dumpsters of donations. I’m selling off Knick knacks and vintage items online. I’d hate to see them in a landfill. It IS work to sell but I have made enough over the course of a year to go on a very nice vacation. Everyone dollar adds up 😊

  • @silverflame_firebug
    @silverflame_firebug 3 года назад +55

    For me, decluttering is not a one-and-done activity. I feel that it is a lot like peeling an onion - best done in layers. If you're not ready to let something go yet: don't. It's okay to wait till the next round.

    • @thatswhatisaid8908
      @thatswhatisaid8908 3 года назад +8

      You are right. Some of us are like that. I have been at it for years, each "round" or layer gets easier. But there are still a few boxes i have yet to tackle, (procrastinating out of fear.)

    • @Aleena1970
      @Aleena1970 3 года назад +1

      I feel... Shameful... That more havent been done. But after 41/2 years and 11/2 years divorced, i see things are better. Just frustrating when there is a block.

    • @anyat686
      @anyat686 3 года назад +2

      I’ve just completed the first round of attic clear out. I tried not to get distracted with boxes of photographs. I seem to be the keeper of all my parents photo albums and paperwork. But I have a clean attic. I’ll go up another day and redo a section at a time. With my stool and my radio and a cuppa tea. ! But I’m off to the dump in the morning. Car is already packed up. - that’s my exit strategy!! 😛😛

  • @ChristianAnneSmith
    @ChristianAnneSmith 3 года назад +13

    It is so key for me to load anything that is going into my car immediately. Then I figure out where it is going. Once it is in my car, I feel a sense of relief.

    • @susanbaker6065
      @susanbaker6065 3 года назад

      Yes!!! Out of the house is liberating

  • @karatethechaoswithkiki5368
    @karatethechaoswithkiki5368 3 года назад +5

    Knowing there's a break coming up or a time limit is really important!

  • @janicua808
    @janicua808 3 года назад +8

    I can never get enough decluttering advice or information about obstacles to overcome 😀 I’m rooting for a part two - and thanks for this video 🙏😃

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +1

      Coming in just over an hour. 😉

  • @melanieturvey1311
    @melanieturvey1311 3 года назад +7

    off topic but your hair looks really pretty in this video

  • @DLM440
    @DLM440 3 года назад +6

    I love you have said to be realistic about selling things.
    Too much effort involved. I’d 100% prefer to donate just out of convenience

  • @jamesbriggs5740
    @jamesbriggs5740 3 года назад +4

    I shred the papers as I go through them.
    I keep a box going for the donate stuff.
    Kathy B.

  • @pameehanson1764
    @pameehanson1764 3 года назад +4

    Sometimes others have said box it up (quarantine box) put it away for awhile and if you did not go back to get that item let it go. I don’t know if there is a hard and fast rule on items your unsure😭. Trying to make money slows down the process. I say this to myself “It’s only worth what someone is willing to pay, and they want something for nothing” so donating is act of kindness to someone who can’t afford this new💕 Yes please part 2❤️

  • @howbethdoesit5695
    @howbethdoesit5695 3 года назад +3

    I keep the decluttering space small. Not the whole closet but 12 inches of the rod. I can add in more inches as I go. Or 1 drawer, 1 cabinet, 1 shelf. I build from there.

  • @michellecornum5856
    @michellecornum5856 3 года назад +3

    I had one of those moments late last night. I thought, "Yes, if I get rid of these two things -- major step!" Only to discover that I wasn't ready to let go of either one, yet, and I gave myself permission to keep both of them. I feel better. And the process continues.

  • @dorisw5558
    @dorisw5558 3 года назад +34

    I did almost everything in small steps except for my closet. I was so frustrated with it that I pulled everything out and went at it ruthlessly. About 90% of my clothing went that day.

  • @melirose20
    @melirose20 3 года назад +13

    Giving myself permission to keep or discard a particular item was a really big turning point. I would start decluttering, get overwhelmed with feelings of guilt- guilt over getting rid of something that was a gift or throwing away something that was unusable but felt bad about filling up the landfill. I literally said to myself, it’s ok, I give you permission to throw this away or keep this. Just saying the words are incredibly liberating! It’s one of many obstacles I’ve encountered in the decluttering process but it’s nice to hear you mention it and it reassures me that I’m not alone and it’s actually not that silly to think that way!

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад

      Not silly at all. I've found it incredibly helpful too. 🙂

  • @YayaBolender
    @YayaBolender 3 года назад +17

    I agree with you about everything except about one thing: I made so much money by selling my stuff. Sometimes, I got even more than I paid for it because it became vintage and researched. But this is not the most important part: when you donate your stuff, we know that a big part of it ends up in the landfill. At least, by selling it, even if it is for two or three dollars, we are sure that the person really wants it because he or she is willing to pay for it + shipping. And yes, you’re right, it is some work and some time to list all these things and send them, but it’s worth doing it for us and our planet. And more we do it, easier it becomes. It also forces us to think twice before buying a new thing. Personally, knowing that I can find a positive solution to get rid of my stuff makes the separation easier. Of course, I am not selling what is damaged and not repairable, it cannot be donated either. Many people need money and this can be a solution for extra cash.

    • @antiantipoda
      @antiantipoda 3 года назад +5

      I love selling stuff. Then I can have the illusion that the thing will be loved and cared for. What I found is that having a "has to go" date is good. If something doesn't sell at all it has to go or you are keeping clutter anyway. I usually give it a year, because sometimes you declutter things in their off season, winter clothes in the summer and such, then I donate to those close to me first and to a charity as a last resort.

    • @kristinestimach1484
      @kristinestimach1484 3 года назад +4

      I too sell. I’ve made an insane amount mount of money over the past year! Some vintage, most not. But as my father in law used to say if you have 100 pencils and sold each one for $1 you made 100 bucks! Every little bit adds up for sure. I do think it takes a certain person to sell. You have to store items until sold. So I’ve created a 3month time frame. If it doesn’t sell then, I donate. Otherwise all my decluttered items would still be weighing me down. I will admit at times I’ve thought about ditching it all. Lol. Be over and done. Trips to the post office or FedEx can be tiring.
      I continue to sell approximately 8 items a month usually in multiple lots. So for now I’ll kept selling what sells and donating what doesn’t. 😊

    • @YayaBolender
      @YayaBolender 3 года назад +2

      @@kristinestimach1484 I actually love the post office aspect, I became friend with my postman who comes to pick up the packages, or with the people working at the post office when I go there. They sometimes comment on the quantity that I sold. It’s fun.

    • @antiantipoda
      @antiantipoda 3 года назад +2

      @@YayaBolender I like the walks to the post office too. I take my dog, I know the people who work there. It's a nice outing.

    • @phoenixrising8007
      @phoenixrising8007 3 года назад

      I like the idea of selling ...but
      sorting and storing takes precious time, energy & space 😓
      Peace of Mind is PRICELESS
      If you feel buried & paralyzed by STUFF and just looking at it makes your head spin and your stomach churn then sometimes a complete overhaul and
      a fresh start is Best 😅
      Especially if days turn into months and then years pass by

  • @rebeccanewell4385
    @rebeccanewell4385 3 года назад +3

    I recently let go of a wok. Had this wok for maybe 20 years. The apartment I'm in now has a stove that doesn't allow me the right clearance at the stove to use it. So, I have not used it for close to 10 years. I've been trying to let go of something every day. This wok kept glaring at me. "Use me, or lose me." It would 'yell' at me. So, I packed it off to good will. I still felt that I needed to keep it. My son was with me, "mom, it's ok to let it go" so I did. As I drove away I had the urge to go back and take it back. I didn't. In fact, it's been 4 days since I let it go, and I'm just now thinking about it. It doesn't feel regretful, there's just nothing in the feelings department. So I must have done something right after all. Thanks for helping us to know it's ok to let it go.

  • @biancahagenberg7471
    @biancahagenberg7471 3 года назад +21

    I agree. Small steps is the way to go. 🤩 (Wondering how many people experienced a nervous breakdown over the last few years using the Konmari "in one fell swoop" method... 🤪) Thanks for another great video today 💚👍🌈

    • @susanbaker6065
      @susanbaker6065 3 года назад +2

      😱🤪🤣🤣🤣👍thx for the laugh!

    • @howbethdoesit5695
      @howbethdoesit5695 3 года назад +2

      Kenmare, im afraid would not work for me. I just can't pull it all out. I am grateful for everything I own, or have owned, I just can't get to the point of thanking each item. I believe, Thanking God for all my blessings does it. Thanking my old t shirts, is odd to me. I think her point is to say goodbye and therefore separate yourself from the item. I dont have a problem with ditching stuff. Its all stuff. This is just my personal practice and is no way meant to mean anything to anyone but me. You do you...😊

  • @michellebiggerstaff6841
    @michellebiggerstaff6841 3 года назад +5

    I can't declutter by category, being still new to decluttering. I have to go drawer by drawer. Inevitably, as soon as I get started, "something" happens and I have to stop.
    Exit strategy, declutter during the week and drop off on the weekend. As I come to a full bag or box, it has to go to the car. That way, minds aren't changed.
    Currently I'm having to go thru sentimental things, and it's one container at a time, then I have to do something else in between. Otherwise I would keep EVERYTHING.

  • @knitty781
    @knitty781 3 года назад +4

    That 'exit strategy' is the hardest thing to do. Thank goodness you have it on the '10 things' for April! I am working my boxes towards the door. Hope to get them out of here by next weekend. Thank you for your videos and helping me get stuff out of my house!

  • @SF-ru3lp
    @SF-ru3lp 3 года назад +1

    I agree that trying to sell all your unwanted items could become a full time job! I go for the charity shop 'instant relief '. Marie Kondo's point is a good one : the expensive item served its purpose (one's need, whatever that was) the time of purchase. G Ire

  • @deborahkhill846
    @deborahkhill846 3 года назад +1

    You are the best one I have found on here for decluttering because you take time and explain things, tell us how we end up in this mess and how to get out of it. Most of the others put on music and declutter. Thank you for that.

  • @cynthiabotsko2449
    @cynthiabotsko2449 3 года назад +3

    I love the "permission to keep" idea❤♾❤ Shifting the perspective of decluttering! Fabulous🤩 Thank you!

  • @sentarose
    @sentarose 3 года назад +3

    When I declutter things I decide in advance when I'm calm not looking at anything what the number is that it's appropriate for that item. So for example if I decide that I only need 15 tops for certain season then I choose my favorite 15 and the rest are donated. I have a certain amount of space for books. and I only keep my favorite books or reference books that fit in that spot. If I buy more physical books then I have to get rid of some in order for it to fit in that spot. I think there's a tendency for people to buy another bookcase or buy another storage unit or buy another something to store something in. And it's far more effective to just reduce what you have to fit in what you already have. But at the same time you don't want your items so crowded in the storage spaces that you have that you can't access them. so I have a certain amount of space for books but that doesn't mean that they are three layers thick with books because that's how I can get all these books to fit. No there is one layer of books and I can see all of them. And if I have too many that I can't the answer is to reduce them not to buy another bookcase. Well that applies to everything for example I like to buy bracelets. And I have bought more bracelets than I have room to store them in my jewelry holder. So even though I like all my bracelets I need to reduce them so that they fit in my jewelry holder. And what I do is I save my favorites and I donate the others. I have also learned to keep things like holiday related all together so my holiday jewelry is carefully stored with my holiday decorations. and my holiday decorations have to fit in the storage boxes I have for them I can't buy more boxes because I keep buying more. So I don't necessarily use the what brings Joy I use what will my space hold?

  • @Bees-knees99
    @Bees-knees99 3 года назад +9

    Thank you, this was very timely! I was just getting ready to clean my bonus room, it was daunting. Happy to say I made a lot of progress in 30 minutes! I think a couple of more sessions and I can have it under control!

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +3

      That's brilliant! Well done you! 😄

  • @findingaway5512
    @findingaway5512 3 года назад +3

    The choice thing. Yes. The permission to keep things could make you not hold on as tight.

  • @mary-rosesullivan5319
    @mary-rosesullivan5319 3 года назад +4

    I did out the en suite a few weeks ago. Just a shelf at the time. I filled a kitchen bin bag with out of date toiletries! It's great to see like with like bottles etc on the shelves now. Next room we have to tackle is the guest room. Pray for me!

  • @ayeletayelet8706
    @ayeletayelet8706 3 года назад +3

    Yes, please make part two

  • @jennywrenn469
    @jennywrenn469 3 года назад +2

    Giving myself permission to get rid of an item has helped me so much in decluttering. Thanks so much Laura! 🤗

  • @donnav
    @donnav 3 года назад +4

    Part 2 please! 😊

  • @LoriTaylorSmithGA
    @LoriTaylorSmithGA 3 года назад +9

    Great video! I would love to see a part two!

  • @phoenixrising8007
    @phoenixrising8007 3 года назад +1

    💥🎯 So True !!
    Letting GO means letting go of the loss of money spent ...
    Letting go of the guilt
    The shame
    The dreaded buyers remorse
    Let go of past choices
    Reasons
    Justifications
    Excuses
    Rationalizations
    It’s a learning to laugh about and Let it Go with love ❤️
    the item is meaningless if it’s not used or enjoyed
    Money comes and money goes
    Stay in the flow of giving and receiving ❤️ Your Peace of mind is PRICELESS 👌

  • @GumboGirl13
    @GumboGirl13 3 года назад +4

    Yes! Part II would be great! Thank you for this.

  • @bronwyntully6058
    @bronwyntully6058 3 года назад

    The plant beside you in this video looks fabulous!

  • @cydsnest
    @cydsnest 3 года назад

    You made those bookshelf cubes look so 🥰 cute. I love your style

  • @soniapb7456
    @soniapb7456 3 года назад +3

    Really needed this, thanks!

  • @mkweber9615
    @mkweber9615 3 года назад +4

    The last two categories are exactly what I'd been hoping I could find someone to say to my mom. Well done! Only problem - the person who might need to hear it has to actually be ready to hear it. I, on the other hand, didn't need to hear it at all!

  • @phoenixrising8007
    @phoenixrising8007 3 года назад +1

    Whether Permission to purge
    or permission not too
    Do what’s Best for You ❤️🙏
    No Judgement

  • @sentarose
    @sentarose 3 года назад +2

    I wanted to support your statement about not selling things. there are people who would come to your house supposedly to buy something from you that have intentions to do violence or to scope out the place to steal. maybe that's only 10% of the people that would come and do that but why take the risk? I worked with criminals for a long time and this is the kind of stuff that they do.

  • @MemeS-sb2cq
    @MemeS-sb2cq 3 года назад

    The boxed method worked for me. My dining room table looks wonderful and it made me go to other areas that needed straightening.

  • @findingaway5512
    @findingaway5512 3 года назад +1

    Great shirt. As always my dear friend. 🌈

  • @ginny5092
    @ginny5092 3 года назад +1

    Yes to Part 2. This video really hit home for me.

  • @fabienneroure9995
    @fabienneroure9995 3 года назад +3

    Thank you for the very inspirational video! Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!🐰🐇🤍💞🌸

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +1

      And to you and yours. 🙂

  • @luna7453
    @luna7453 3 года назад

    my decluttering coach :) I am looking back so many of your videos today.. as I feel a need of clearing up.. thank you for all your content, take care ;)

  • @leesanders3910
    @leesanders3910 3 года назад

    Hi Laura, the reason it is cluttered after decluttering: (For me) Lack of intentionality or definitive style. Also not going back and making upgrades or subtle staging. Just think on those lovely teen things around the bend. You know, prom, vampire posters, MAC! I hope you don't regret decluttering more of those designer gems.

  • @kwlancaster1804
    @kwlancaster1804 3 года назад +3

    Another option for selling is to bring your items to a consignment shop. The money is a fraction, but it is still better than nothing.

  • @SF-ru3lp
    @SF-ru3lp 3 года назад

    Great point re giving yourself the freedom to keep something. I realise that I do that when I balance the 'keep item' against the amount if stuff I have/am getting rid of. G Ire

  • @zsuzsannabak1530
    @zsuzsannabak1530 3 года назад +1

    Love the box method idea.

  • @michelleneuman579
    @michelleneuman579 3 года назад +2

    Every time I watch your videos I think "I love her filofaxes/planners" Those are hard for me to declutter. A word of advise that I have not heard yet would be to not look at or be tempted to shop when your in the donate line. I have seen some "pretty good looking stuff" being donated ha ha. Also love your sassy t-shirts!

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +1

      The local charity shop I donate to has an area outside for donations, which is great. They have staff there who take in and sort through stuff, so all I have to do it hand over the boxes without stepping foot in the store. It definitely helps if you can do something like that. 🙂 And thank you.

  • @SF-ru3lp
    @SF-ru3lp 3 года назад

    I like the speed up videos of you doing your big decluttering! G Ire

  • @arelisacuna8913
    @arelisacuna8913 3 года назад +3

    Hi. I tried to sell a few things after decluttering but nothing was sold. I ended giving it to a friend.

  • @phoenixrising8007
    @phoenixrising8007 3 года назад

    Yup!!!
    Been there done that 😫

  • @Cordelia0704p
    @Cordelia0704p 3 года назад +3

    Part 2 sounds good. I was going to start decluttering my seasonal work wardrobes last spring. Then covid hit and I havent been back to my office since. I can't really declutter until I can go to work again and see what I actually wear and what I don't. I can't go try on clothes so it's not like I can just donate it all and then replace things seasonally. I could just be overcomplcating it but I have 2 closets qnd 2 dressers full of clothes I can't wear again for I have no idea how long and I don't know what to do with them. Help?

    • @crowwithgreeneyes9054
      @crowwithgreeneyes9054 3 года назад +1

      I'm not a decluttering-pro by any means, but maybe you can first sort out the things that don't fit perfect right now. The minimal mom did some great Videos about declutter clothing, and she said 1.you deserve clothes that fit, and 2. don't store clothes for a fantasy self. So I would suggest to put all your work clothes (that fit!) on your bed and select the outfit that you would wear to work tomorrow, if you had to go tomorrow. Take every piece for your tomorrow- outfit an put it back in your closet (blouse, bra, underwear,...). Now pick your entire work outfit for tomorrow, if you had to go tomorrow, because your first choice isn't available (you wore it yesterday to work, remember?). Choose how many outfits you need in total, and than look at the things that are still on your bed. Why didn't you choose those? Maybe they are dated, or not comfortable, just not your style anymore, never really liked it or whatever. This stuff can possibly go 🤷‍♀️
      Again, suggesting Dawn from the minimal mom, she explains it much better, and she IS a pro!!

  • @puffpiece1375
    @puffpiece1375 3 года назад +15

    I don’t feel bad or guilty about giving expensive things to charity shops because I don’t give much money to charity.

  • @miriam4235
    @miriam4235 3 года назад +7

    When I know I'm going to get visitors, I stuff all my clutter in boxes and baskets I and hide them in the spare room. From now on I will call it a 'method'. 😂

  • @raquellambropoulos279
    @raquellambropoulos279 3 года назад

    I did my closet today. For me its best to declutter ruthlessly and get it out fast before I change my mind. I didn't finish the entire closet. Today I did everything on the rods. Tomorrow is the shelves

  • @michelleb6395
    @michelleb6395 3 года назад +26

    I’m pretty sure the first decluttering roadblock is getting married and the second one is having kids.

  • @00wez
    @00wez 3 года назад

    When you run out of energy or will. Drop it directly. This wil make it a save-point and it will still be better than what you started with.
    Then look at the situation without spending too much energy so you can ask for help or do it a more efficient way.

  • @milkmoneycottage5439
    @milkmoneycottage5439 3 года назад +1

    Laura I’d like to get your opinion on ashes weather they’re pets or a family member you’d inherited. Thank you for your valuable advice!

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +4

      That's an incredibly personal decision and it depends on so many factors. I think if you're unsure at all, keep them. They're irreplaceable, so best to err on the side of caution. But if you're ready to let them go and the only thing that's holding you back is that you feel a sense of obligation or you're worried what other people would think (and assuming they're yours to do with as you wish and no-one else has any claim to them), consider scattering them in an appropriate and respectful place, and continue to keep the memory of the person/pet alive in your heart.

    • @juliagroom2027
      @juliagroom2027 3 года назад +3

      I don’t accept ashes for this reason. I have planned my own funeral to avoid my family having this burden, no ashes and no grave ( as such). I will have a natural burial, no headstone allowed, just wild flowers. If they choose to go and have a picnic at the spot, that is up to them but no tidying up will be needed, no maintenance. Good luck with your decision.

  • @KaysPurpleWall
    @KaysPurpleWall 3 года назад +7

    But what do I do with it all when it's decluttered? I don't have any kind of a donation center convenient to me. Throwing it away gives my little hoarders heart a ton of anxiety.

    • @YayaBolender
      @YayaBolender 3 года назад +4

      Sell it on eBay (for example), you will get some cash, preserve our planet and will feel less anxious, but be aware that it will keep you busy. I never regretted selling my stuff.

    • @HowToGYST
      @HowToGYST  3 года назад +6

      Yup, eBay is one way to go. Facebook 'buy nothing' or swap groups. Facebook Marketplace. Craigslist. Nextdoor. Etc.

    • @ikhouvanjou86
      @ikhouvanjou86 3 года назад +5

      I second the Buy Nothing (and Freecycle!) groups; Freecycle can be found off-Facebook as well.

    • @searlepage4655
      @searlepage4655 3 года назад +4

      Put it out front and Put a free sign on it .
      My dad does this in his over 50s community.

  • @anyat686
    @anyat686 3 года назад

    I’m laughing at your Bachelors peas and beans in the background. Did someone send you a parcel !! Lol.

  • @SF-ru3lp
    @SF-ru3lp 3 года назад

    I like the idea of sub-sub categories. G Ire

  • @findingaway5512
    @findingaway5512 3 года назад

    Part two! Part two! 🙂

  • @FisherOfMen705
    @FisherOfMen705 2 года назад

    I can keep it? Did you just say that Laura? Thank you

  • @sandg5248
    @sandg5248 3 года назад +1

    The only thing you really have to shred if its only has personal info everything else you can recycle

  • @Aleena1970
    @Aleena1970 3 года назад +4

    Divorce: Decluttering stuff that was 50% yours. Advice on that.

  • @trishtraynor1237
    @trishtraynor1237 3 года назад +1

    !!! There's a woman in that film wearing your face. 👀😮