The five minute rule! I have a two year old and our house looks like a tornado went through it and a lot of the time I leave it because I feel too overwhelmed with all the stuff. I need to toss things and make cleaning mote efficient.
1. 5 minute rule (if you can’t clean a room in 5 minutes there’s too much stuff in that room) 2. If this wasn’t mine how much would I pay to purchase it? 3. One in one out rule 4. No single use items (ex: apple slicer, a dress you can only wear to one kind of event with one kind of bra) 5. If it’s not for your season then there isn’t a reason (ex: fantasy self) 6. 90/90 rule (if you haven’t used it in last 90 days and won’t in next 90 it’s gotta go) 7. Stop being a storage facility for other people
oh wow - this was really rich. Especially rule no.5, "if it's not for your season, then there isn't a reason" (to acquire or keep something) got me going deep... I have a lot of past-self physical things that keep me tied to a time that was wonderful and very important, but is long past. Being surrounded by these things leaves me feeling that nothing compares to that time, so my present is always lacking... which is so not good for fully being here, appreciating *this* season of my life with its own unique gifts, and making the most of it here & now! Fantasy-self is also really interesting... it's not so much physical clutter, more mental baggage like expectations others had (or I had) who/what I should become. Now the future is here, and I am/my life is different from those expectations; the fantasy has not come true. The mental baggage keeps telling me: your life is not what it was meant to be! Your present self is not who you should have become! Which makes me feel miserable, and results in closing off to the present rather than opening into it. I'm missing out on my actual life, because of old fantasy-selves cluttering up my mind and my heart. This stuff has got to go!!!
😢I came upon this great useful video today after I made a recent choice to minimize my living. All her points are credible and worth exploring. One point in particular stood out. I currently do not use social media expect to buy and sell. And if you count RUclips. I rarely comment. Her point on social media is so bang on and deserves a mention! I feel things like Facebook chatter, instagram and TikTok if you are so attached ( like hourly, or even daily) rob our lives of time that could be used for face to face human connections, ambition to perform even simple tasks or even large projects needing your attention. Procrastinating is a big one! You may be indeed addicted to so many media connections that tasks and commitments you made are pushed back to engage in your “social life.” what ever happened to having a meal or watching a movie with a friend or spouse and not fidgeting with a device? Instead we instinctively dig for our device to respond to the notifications that interrupt our real time life! Dropping the social media habit will improve your immediate relationships, enrich your conversation with others and put your mind and body at rest as soon as it realizes there are no notifications that need attention NOW! The other points she made will not only free up your mind but your time with family. Your living space, schedule and bank account will change for the good. I’m not a hoarder by a long shot but sentimental values for things is a struggle in my life.
When I’m decluttering my wardrobe and I’m undecided on a piece, I ask myself- if I can live without it (yes -it goes) and is it my favourite (no-it goes) and this has helped me so much more than ‘do I like it’. I only want to wear my favourites…
I got more sorted when i realised I had no “ place” for things. I began with pens and pencils - whenever I found them, I put them all in one place ( a drawer). Ditto craft stuff, ditto mugs in kitchen cupboards. I had hoarded gift bags, so I use them as donation bags and tried to take one with me every car trip, small amounts at a time. I just yesterday gathered all the baskets I have collected, I like three, the rest I am going to sew liners for ( using my fabric stash!), and donate to the church fundraising stall coming up pre. Xmas. I can do it!
We live in a family house that holds the things from estates of at least 5 other couples. It would sure be nice to have space for my own things because good gad. I have to stealth donate because I live in fear my in laws will ask where something is. Why they didn’t gut the house of all the stuff is a long story. It’s a thing
So grateful for people like yourself who take the time to share your helpful insights :) The tip that clicked with me the most is ‘what would I pay for this if I didn’t already own it?’ Wow, I feel like I just unlocked the next level of declutterring. Thank you 🙏🏼
“If it’s not for your season, then there isn’t a reason” - hearing this finally allowed me to let go of some sentimental items I’ve been wanting to release for a long time but haven’t. Thanks for creating these videos you have a beautiful channel! ❤️
@@jessicarothley😂 You missed one key point of extreme organising for a minimilistic type of living without limitations. It's called hidden storage subfloors, and storage false ceilings and media walls with storage. And storage underneath the bed. It means that you get to have everything in reach but out of view below your feet or behind double walls and ceilings. You can create a sub ceiling just like you can create a subfloor and double wall inside your apartment. Yeah its a heck of a project but worth it. PINTEREST HAS THESE IDEAS
@@carolglaze1499 I was holding onto sentimental items that were given to me that were beautiful, but actually created pain when I held them. They reminded me of painful past moments, people, etc and I knew that I could not hold onto them anymore even though they were gifted to me. It was as if I had to free myself of the item to let go of the past. I now only will keep those that truly make me happy and hold positive memories 🫶🏻 I hope this helps
@@carolglaze1499 for me I let go of sentimental items that brought me pain. Ones that I held onto since they were gifts, etc. It was like closing an old chapter. I hope this helps 😊
"You are not a storage facility for other people." This statement really got my attention; sometimes I find myself "setting the stage" in my home, as if readying it for other people and what they might think, from the books on my shelves to the greeting cards I hang up to share. All of this for what? We rarely have visitors and the people who do come to see us love us for who/how/why/what we are any ol' which way! As soon as I post this comment I'm going to re-examine some of my aesthetic choices...thank you :)!
Hi Connie, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom, and I hope you are able to take it all one day at a time. When my Dad passed, I held onto as many things as I possibly could, but over time, as the emotional intensity of my grief eased, bit by bit, I was able to slowly let things go, give them away, donate, gift away etc. It took time and me changing (as time does change us and our perspectives, our needs) in order to do this, and it took days, weeks, months and even years. In the beginning, our living room looked like a Dad museum. I think this is a very personal process unique to you, it is not to be rushed or pressured, but do keep your eyes and heart open, gently asking yourself questions of curiosity along the way. Take good care and give yourself time, XOXO
I have hoarded for so long “for my children” because I was a new mum with nothing. 20yrs later and I’m very much at breaking point. I’ve watched a lot of videos on this subject trying to find an answer and you have hit the nail on the head. Thanks :-)
I declutterred my attic, I moved in to this house in 2006 and filled the attic at that time. In 2018 I decided to sort through it. I took 2 loads to the tip and filled a charity van, all I had left in the attic was 2 boxes and some important papers. I then decided to do the same with the garage, time to do the same with the rest of the house now
I recently moved states and went back to clean out my storage unit. I threw out and gave away a lot of stuff that my sister (she passed away in 2021) gave me. I told myself not to feel guilty about it. I knew I wouldn’t use it so there was no reason to keep it.
Not being a storage space for other people for me looks like- Setting hard boundaries & Saying "No thank you" to the people who constantly try to gift their hand me downs (aka trash they feel bad getting rid of) to me & my family. When people find out we are living a Minimalist lifestyle, family especially, has tried to get us to take things we don't need or want. It's hard for people to get the concept that an over abundance of material items does not bring me joy.
👋 This is the first video of yours that I'm seeing, thanks to the RUclips algorithm. I was very impressed with the quality of your content and how well-spoken you are!
The only rule I disregard is the single-use. I make room for an apple-peeler, an egg-slicer, a strawberry huller, and a corkscrew in the kitchen. They're seasonal but as necessary as my snow-shovel. My rule is The Prime Real Estate belongs to everyday items. The top shelf, the deep corner of the lower cupboard, etc. are places for seasonal items. .
My single-use items are my sushi rolling mat, my apple corer, and my strawberry/tomato corer that also does a great job of scraping out bell peppers :) Single-use items only become a problem in my opinion when you have lots of them--including large ones--and very limited space to work with....and if you haven't already simplified your kitchen.
Same thoughts. Single use Apple peeler/corer invaluable when processing apples. I think the issue is more single use items that are literally single use. You know, the pineapple corer and slicer that you use for a party & never again because you don’t buy pineapples! That stuff needs to go/not be bought at all!
Tech clutter gets me. I have so many pictures I’ll never use, so many posts tagged and memes. Also the physical stuff, cords I have no idea what they go to, old iPads iPhones, computers and drives that I don’t know how to get rid of. I have been minimizing over the last year, and my challenge is my craft space. Hanging onto what I may do when I have more time, and what is already paid for.
Wonderful ideas! May I add, as a mom whose kids are grown now, you will make your life much easier as they get older if you teach them to help with cleanup. They often love to count and sort things and be praised for it, so having them put things away as you go or when you are finished is a great habit to start building with them to make both of your lives better.
Thank you thank you thank you for making this video. You have put these ideas in such a good way that I feel like I will be able to get my husband to understand. I’m very glad I found this/you. I’ll be sharing this with my friend in California who really needs to hear this as well. ❤❤❤
Hi Jessica! I rwlly like the "rule" about stop storing stuff for others. Since I had that epifany myself some years ago it helped my alot. I often practice this when I help or try to motivate other people decluttering to. Tho I take it one step furter and look at all things (boxes aso) people actually store. Many people save their kids outgrown stuff either "small kids"-items in case the kids want them when they are grown ups or they store their young adult childrens stuff when the kids have left home. They do this instead of making decisions/making their young adult sort their stuff and the stuff just sits there for years and years and often gets destroyed by the material not aging well. All this is taking space that could be used in other ways, that make the home look cluttered or that hinder other things/activities for the person who shuld be in charge of the space. As you say it, it´s the same with gifts and things we inherrit, sometimes we don´t want them but keep them because of the person who gave us them. It becomes guilt and that is not a good feeling to have of items in ones own home. All this stuff people are keeping can also stop someone form having a better economy, a healtier life, from relocation or downsizeing aso. You talk about doing, having and bying things because others have them. I think big seldom used (formal) dining rooms are one of those things. Not all of us need one or can really afford to have a room like that or perhaps we would be better with a big fun hobby room . Still some people keep rooms that is nearly never used. It´s the same with big sitting areas, sofas, large collections of dinnerware and even space. When I am out helping people declutter (mostly family, extended family, friends aso) and the one I am helping gets their Aha! moment and se this, that you don´t need to keep stuff etc for others its such a shift in how they look at their homes, stuff and their oppertunites. It´s really fun to watch.
I’ve been waiting for your video to drop all morning! You’re one of the few RUclipsrs I love listening to that I feel like actually provides value and stimulates my brain! Lol. Love your content ❤️
It’s nice to see you actually have some decor in your home and it’s not a beige empty non lived in space. I feel like I can’t call myself a “minimalist” because I have decor on mi walls and a china cabinet. When really we don’t have a lot of stuff, I keep things cleaned and organized, and have a paired down wardrobe. So thank you!
That's why I really like Joshua Becker's definition of "minimalism" - it's something to the effect of "the intentional promotion of the things that matter and the removal of the things that detract from it".
DANG ok a random video that I expected to be full of things I’ve heard before and would just fill the ten minutes between tasks turned out to be extremely timely and relevant. I get the sense this is not a bit - she’s for real and it shows. That level of calm, assured, contentment??? Yes please. I’ve been saying for months we have too much stuff and no one seems to agree. Everyone tells me that’s just how it is. This is a breath of fresh air and so validating, Jess. Thanks for sharing your truth and inspiring us to follow ours, no matter what “the culture” is telling us!!! ❤
This content takes other "decluttering/tidying our homes" videos to a next level. Thank you Jess! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ *Currently clearing out upwards of a decades worth of miscellaneous gift stash itens* 😊❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Appreciate the idea of storing other people’s things as in other people’s ideas of what I should have. Falling prey to the marketing and such. Good food for thought!!
This five minute rule is really applicable now that our beautiful home is on the market & to easily prepare for showings. I will definitely take this rule with us as we move into a new rental townhome. Thanks, Jess! ❤
Thank you very much! The Mug rule was a real eye-opener. I looked at my stuff and wept: had it not been mine, I would have parted with most of it unflinchingly. 💖 But the season rule really cut me to the quick. "Where you're supposed to be". This is the greatest truth I've ever heard. It opened my eyes to the fact that I did indeed continue to lead a fantasy existence in my head instead of appreciating my real life journey. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 🙏🙏💖
So excellent. I do the one in, one out but I have been holding on so many clothes and items because "one day I'll need this." Love number 2 and number 4. Thank you!
All of them!! This was 🔥🔥🔥 You've translated these ideas into language I understand that goes behind the excuses, anxiety and rationalisation. New subscriber here 🙋🏾♀️
Adding this to my motivation playlist! NO plans of moving, but I'm decluttering in preparation for the next move. My poor husband is still having flashbacks from all of my stuff I had him move. #5 spoke to me.
Wow thank you! This is one of the best videos I’ve watched on decluttering! I loved the value point. That you put value to it cause it’s yours. I’m currently not home but can’t wait to get back and declutter some 😅
Makes perfect sense to me and you managed to really motivate me ☺️ Stopped the video half-way through, went into the kitchen and sorted out my mugs 😄. Good stuff, thank you 🙏🏻❤️
As someone with chronic illness and ADHD, this made me feel better about myself and that I can tackle the cleaning of my house slowly but still efficiently. Thank you for sharing 🥹💜
Great tips. I need to get rid of more. A large family here, and even though we have far less than some families half our size, it still gets overwhelming and messy. Bedrooms get so messy when there’s 2 or 3 kids in each room. They can’t keep it tidy. Our master room is also hard to keep tidy and minimal as it seems to become a dumping ground for things because we don’t have space elsewhere - my donation pile, the cat litter tray, the “I don’t have a home for this yet but there’s no where else for it to go” piles. It does not serve our room well.
#5 "if it's not for your season there isn't a reason" this one really caught my attention. I lost my husband 4 years ago and I still keep a lot of things that I will probably never use or wear again. I'm slowly letting go, and this statement helps me see a good reason too. Thank you.
I would love to see a video about running a business without social media! I have recently deleted my social media but am contemplating just doing my business pages. But I feel so hypocritical lol!
Oh wow, thank you for making this video, it speaks to me ALOT. I already use 1 or 2 of these rules but I don't enforce them all the time and I need to implement ALL of them asap.
We have accumulated so much stuff since we’ve had kids and moved into a bigger house. We used to be quite minimal and all this stuff is causing me so much stress The thing that stops me from decluttering is the guilt of overconsumption. Our accumulation will be the cause of more trash (not everything can be donated) or stuff in the world (for what can be donated) I’m at the point where I HAVE to declutter for my mental health, but if we don’t change our consumption habits, that decluttering guilt will never end…which also strains my mental health 🙃 my family needs to have a serous values realignment. And I am so passed ready for that hard conversation Thanks for this short and encouraging video
One thing that helped me was to realize these things are going to exist somewhere in the world. That place does not need to be my home. I do not need to store trash bc I feel bad about throwing it out. 🙏
Love this so much, thank you for articulating the philosophy and suggesting new and better ways to become spacious. The last rule is my favorite. (Btw do you really have a 5 min rule in the kitchen? How do you do dishes or load and empty dishwasher in under 5 min?)
There is a party of my basement that is filled with household goods of my daughter, who has lived abroad for eight years now. I'm hoarding all that stuff in case she ever comes back, even though she told me years ago to dispose of it. Thanks to you, this stuff is now going out the door, and good riddance! 😅
One in, one out. This has been my rule for cups, mugs, etc. So often there are events, fairs, holidays where we would end up with one or several free cups. Cups can get out of control quickly if there is no rule for them.
These rules are really helpful. As a mom with young kids, I have one question that I think makes this difficult to see applying: do you buy physical gifts for your kids that are things they want and don’t need? How do you keep their things from adding up?
Maybe a kid-friendly version of 1-in-1 -out ruel would be helpful? I watched a video with a kid that where told to put his old toys in a bag that santa could bring and give to other smaller kids. He seemed to enjoy to sort it out and felt proud that he was a big boy now. And as a result he voluntairly gave away parts of his toy colection at the same time as he got new toys.
excellent video. I moved to Mexico with 2 suitcases and a carry on so I started off fairly minimal stuff in the twilight of my life. In Mexico, many of the apartments are furnished so I have to work around what is in my apartment. I have storage but not a lot. I'm already wanting to declutter after 2 years. Before I buy anything, I have to think, where will I put it? I do not like clutter or disorganization so I have had to get creative with storage. I also work out of my apartment so there is a massage table and Thai Massage mat that I have to manage. I think your tips will be very helpful moving forward. Thanks a bunch!
I definitely need to revisit the season topic. But when you spoke of the mugs...I had a giggle as I have all unique mugs I picked up pretty much 2nd hand or on vacation that that I usually paid between 50 cents and 5 Euros for. So...although I do need to get rid of some of the sentimental ones that are not a fit - I actually like my everyday mugs that I would still happily pay 50 cents or a dollar for again. 😁🥰. Great video though...I need to try the 5 min rule. But first, I need to clean out more storage clutter. Looking forward to checking out your channel. Thanks!
I own 47 things. Not including consumables. (Paper products, cleaning supplies, food).... A "thing" for me can be a shoebox such as all my kitchen utensils. Or my shoebox of dental. Or my shoebox of cosmetics. I just purchased a SINGLE USE ITEM. Something I can NOT do otherwise. It's an apple core-er. After attempting to carve that core out while keeping the apple whole several times I discovered this thing. Pretty funny. I made my goal a reality - FREEDOM: “This spring I moved out of my home in thirty minutes including the time it took to unplug the fixtures. I am able to move anywhere with the same casualness as stepping out for coffee.” ~ Fumio Sasaki
I discovered a small consignment store that is very popular in my area and I have some silver jewelry that I dont wear and appreciate anymore, I think it is time to let them go and make a bit of money.
Nice job, Jess! I like that above other people's values (or, we might say, expectations- or even what we *think* they expect) being in control. 👍🏻❤ I'm relatively free of that, but there can be improvements made. 🤔
I am happily discovering you with this video 🎉❤ New subscriber here! Lots of value in this video. Many thanks ❤ I’ll keep my apple slicer tough 😁 I use it everyday! 🥰
As a parent with kids in their late teens early 20s, I absolutely feel like I *must* be a storage facility for them. Confining the sprawl is the only way to have them really manage the stuff.
I think that, with housing being so difficult for the young adults right now, it’s right to help them a bit on this if we have the space to do it. That being said, if you need something gone, it’s reasonable to let them know, and give a time limit, and then they can decide how important it is to them to keep the item. At that age, I wouldn’t force them to give up treasured things that they may want when they are in a different place, if I had room for them.
@@Peaceinmytime I get that. Its a trick to help strike up the balance of asking them to ask themselves what they feels really matters. I could never guess the changes of valued items from 2 years ago to today?!
Number six is the most difficult for me. While some memorabilia (old service uniforms) are merely taking up a little space in the attic, other items-old textbooks, hobby gear, etc-not only take up physical but also emotional space. I hope that, as the kids get older, or when they leave home, I may once again have time and energy for those pursuits. And as money gets harder to come by, I’m more afraid to get rid of something only to have to buy it again, if I can even find a replacement. (Eg some of what was in my textbooks that I got rid of I cannot find online in as easily digestible form. )
Which of these are you planning on trying out?
Getting rid of things that aren’t in my season anymore!
The five minute rule! I have a two year old and our house looks like a tornado went through it and a lot of the time I leave it because I feel too overwhelmed with all the stuff. I need to toss things and make cleaning mote efficient.
The year rule. There are garden tools that get passed over and others that are the favorites. Why keep the unused?
The 5 minute rule! It's brilliant 👏
😂 do you do house calls
1. 5 minute rule (if you can’t clean a room in 5 minutes there’s too much stuff in that room)
2. If this wasn’t mine how much would I pay to purchase it?
3. One in one out rule
4. No single use items (ex: apple slicer, a dress you can only wear to one kind of event with one kind of bra)
5. If it’s not for your season then there isn’t a reason (ex: fantasy self)
6. 90/90 rule (if you haven’t used it in last 90 days and won’t in next 90 it’s gotta go)
7. Stop being a storage facility for other people
brb throwing out my winter coat
Thank you for the cliff notes! 😅
Thanks! So so tired of videos that take 10 minutes to say something that can be said in under ONE.
very good comment
Thank you for summarizing
oh wow - this was really rich. Especially rule no.5, "if it's not for your season, then there isn't a reason" (to acquire or keep something) got me going deep... I have a lot of past-self physical things that keep me tied to a time that was wonderful and very important, but is long past. Being surrounded by these things leaves me feeling that nothing compares to that time, so my present is always lacking... which is so not good for fully being here, appreciating *this* season of my life with its own unique gifts, and making the most of it here & now!
Fantasy-self is also really interesting... it's not so much physical clutter, more mental baggage like expectations others had (or I had) who/what I should become. Now the future is here, and I am/my life is different from those expectations; the fantasy has not come true. The mental baggage keeps telling me: your life is not what it was meant to be! Your present self is not who you should have become! Which makes me feel miserable, and results in closing off to the present rather than opening into it. I'm missing out on my actual life, because of old fantasy-selves cluttering up my mind and my heart. This stuff has got to go!!!
Thank you for calling out decluttering our mental space by deleting social media! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Whole-heartedly agree!
😢I came upon this great useful video today after I made a recent choice to minimize my living. All her points are credible and worth exploring. One point in particular stood out. I currently do not use social media expect to buy and sell. And if you count RUclips. I rarely comment. Her point on social media is so bang on and deserves a mention!
I feel things like Facebook chatter, instagram and TikTok if you are so attached ( like hourly, or even daily) rob our lives of time that could be used for face to face human connections, ambition to perform even simple tasks or even large projects needing your attention. Procrastinating is a big one! You may be indeed addicted to so many media connections that tasks and commitments you made are pushed back to engage in your “social life.” what ever happened to having a meal or watching a movie with a friend or spouse and not fidgeting with a device? Instead we instinctively dig for our device to respond to the notifications that interrupt our real time life!
Dropping the social media habit will improve your immediate relationships, enrich your conversation with others and put your mind and body at rest as soon as it realizes there are no notifications that need attention NOW!
The other points she made will not only free up your mind but your time with family. Your living space, schedule and bank account will change for the good. I’m not a hoarder by a long shot but sentimental values for things is a struggle in my life.
When I’m decluttering my wardrobe and I’m undecided on a piece, I ask myself- if I can live without it (yes -it goes) and is it my favourite (no-it goes) and this has helped me so much more than ‘do I like it’. I only want to wear my favourites…
Love that!
Sound advice 👍🏻
This is harsh…but I like it! 😃
Lol. I would end up with nothing to wear! 😂
I got more sorted when i realised I had no “ place” for things. I began with pens and pencils - whenever I found them, I put them all in one place ( a drawer). Ditto craft stuff, ditto mugs in kitchen cupboards. I had hoarded gift bags, so I use them as donation bags and tried to take one with me every car trip, small amounts at a time. I just yesterday gathered all the baskets I have collected, I like three, the rest I am going to sew liners for ( using my fabric stash!), and donate to the church fundraising stall coming up pre. Xmas. I can do it!
And if you never get around to it, you will take them AND the fabric stadh to charity right?😉
‘I am not a storage facility for other people’ l. This is so true and so well said.
We live in a family house that holds the things from estates of at least 5 other couples. It would sure be nice to have space for my own things because good gad. I have to stealth donate because I live in fear my in laws will ask where something is. Why they didn’t gut the house of all the stuff is a long story. It’s a thing
BEST decluttering video I’ve come across yet after hours and years of listening.
So grateful for people like yourself who take the time to share your helpful insights :)
The tip that clicked with me the most is ‘what would I pay for this if I didn’t already own it?’ Wow, I feel like I just unlocked the next level of declutterring.
Thank you 🙏🏼
“If it’s not for your season, then there isn’t a reason” - hearing this finally allowed me to let go of some sentimental items I’ve been wanting to release for a long time but haven’t. Thanks for creating these videos you have a beautiful channel! ❤️
Love that! & thank you!
@@jessicarothley😂 You missed one key point of extreme organising for a minimilistic type of living without limitations. It's called hidden storage subfloors, and storage false ceilings and media walls with storage. And storage underneath the bed. It means that you get to have everything in reach but out of view below your feet or behind double walls and ceilings. You can create a sub ceiling just like you can create a subfloor and double wall inside your apartment. Yeah its a heck of a project but worth it. PINTEREST HAS THESE IDEAS
How did you get rid of sentimental items?
@@carolglaze1499 I was holding onto sentimental items that were given to me that were beautiful, but actually created pain when I held them. They reminded me of painful past moments, people, etc and I knew that I could not hold onto them anymore even though they were gifted to me. It was as if I had to free myself of the item to let go of the past. I now only will keep those that truly make me happy and hold positive memories 🫶🏻 I hope this helps
@@carolglaze1499 for me I let go of sentimental items that brought me pain. Ones that I held onto since they were gifts, etc. It was like closing an old chapter. I hope this helps 😊
"You are not a storage facility for other people." This statement really got my attention; sometimes I find myself "setting the stage" in my home, as if readying it for other people and what they might think, from the books on my shelves to the greeting cards I hang up to share. All of this for what? We rarely have visitors and the people who do come to see us love us for who/how/why/what we are any ol' which way! As soon as I post this comment I'm going to re-examine some of my aesthetic choices...thank you :)!
I take this point to mean that I shouldn’t be storing “stuff” for my grown up kids who all have their own homes. If only!
Thanks for sharing. Guilt clutter….My Mom passed away, and I have her things stored that I need to go through. So many memories. It’s hard to let go.
Hi Connie, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom, and I hope you are able to take it all one day at a time. When my Dad passed, I held onto as many things as I possibly could, but over time, as the emotional intensity of my grief eased, bit by bit, I was able to slowly let things go, give them away, donate, gift away etc. It took time and me changing (as time does change us and our perspectives, our needs) in order to do this, and it took days, weeks, months and even years. In the beginning, our living room looked like a Dad museum. I think this is a very personal process unique to you, it is not to be rushed or pressured, but do keep your eyes and heart open, gently asking yourself questions of curiosity along the way. Take good care and give yourself time, XOXO
@@kateb.685 Thank You for the kind comment.
I have hoarded for so long “for my children” because I was a new mum with nothing. 20yrs later and I’m very much at breaking point. I’ve watched a lot of videos on this subject trying to find an answer and you have hit the nail on the head. Thanks :-)
I declutterred my attic, I moved in to this house in 2006 and filled the attic at that time. In 2018 I decided to sort through it. I took 2 loads to the tip and filled a charity van, all I had left in the attic was 2 boxes and some important papers. I then decided to do the same with the garage, time to do the same with the rest of the house now
I recently moved states and went back to clean out my storage unit. I threw out and gave away a lot of stuff that my sister (she passed away in 2021) gave me. I told myself not to feel guilty about it. I knew I wouldn’t use it so there was no reason to keep it.
❤Sorry for your loss.
Not being a storage space for other people for me looks like-
Setting hard boundaries &
Saying "No thank you" to the people who constantly try to gift their hand me downs (aka trash they feel bad getting rid of) to me & my family. When people find out we are living a Minimalist lifestyle, family especially, has tried to get us to take things we don't need or want. It's hard for people to get the concept that an over abundance of material items does not bring me joy.
👋 This is the first video of yours that I'm seeing, thanks to the RUclips algorithm.
I was very impressed with the quality of your content and how well-spoken you are!
The only rule I disregard is the single-use. I make room for an apple-peeler, an egg-slicer, a strawberry huller, and a corkscrew in the kitchen. They're seasonal but as necessary as my snow-shovel.
My rule is The Prime Real Estate belongs to everyday items. The top shelf, the deep corner of the lower cupboard, etc. are places for seasonal items. .
Agreed. We all pick our own necessities. I like most of those too.
My single-use items are my sushi rolling mat, my apple corer, and my strawberry/tomato corer that also does a great job of scraping out bell peppers :)
Single-use items only become a problem in my opinion when you have lots of them--including large ones--and very limited space to work with....and if you haven't already simplified your kitchen.
LOL I have the same items that I really use and like.
Same thoughts. Single use Apple peeler/corer invaluable when processing apples. I think the issue is more single use items that are literally single use. You know, the pineapple corer and slicer that you use for a party & never again because you don’t buy pineapples! That stuff needs to go/not be bought at all!
Yes my egg slicer came to mind and I will never get rid of that. I'm never trying to cut an egg with a knife again 😂
Tech clutter gets me. I have so many pictures I’ll never use, so many posts tagged and memes. Also the physical stuff, cords I have no idea what they go to, old iPads iPhones, computers and drives that I don’t know how to get rid of. I have been minimizing over the last year, and my challenge is my craft space. Hanging onto what I may do when I have more time, and what is already paid for.
Rule number 2 appeals to me. I hadn't heard it before. "If it wasn't mine, how much would I pay for it?" Allows us to look at our stuff differently.
What has been helpful to me is the advice to let the store, store it for me!
love this!
That denim dress in the first moments of your video is adorable!!
I love getting rid of stuff!!! I feel so clear and at peace. Also, you're gorgeous! 🙏
Wonderful ideas! May I add, as a mom whose kids are grown now, you will make your life much easier as they get older if you teach them to help with cleanup. They often love to count and sort things and be praised for it, so having them put things away as you go or when you are finished is a great habit to start building with them to make both of your lives better.
Thank you thank you thank you for making this video. You have put these ideas in such a good way that I feel like I will be able to get my husband to understand. I’m very glad I found this/you. I’ll be sharing this with my friend in California who really needs to hear this as well. ❤❤❤
Hi Jessica!
I rwlly like the "rule" about stop storing stuff for others. Since I had that epifany myself some years ago it helped my alot. I often practice this when I help or try to motivate other people decluttering to. Tho I take it one step furter and look at all things (boxes aso) people actually store.
Many people save their kids outgrown stuff either "small kids"-items in case the kids want them when they are grown ups or they store their young adult childrens stuff when the kids have left home. They do this instead of making decisions/making their young adult sort their stuff and the stuff just sits there for years and years and often gets destroyed by the material not aging well.
All this is taking space that could be used in other ways, that make the home look cluttered or that hinder other things/activities for the person who shuld be in charge of the space. As you say it, it´s the same with gifts and things we inherrit, sometimes we don´t want them but keep them because of the person who gave us them. It becomes guilt and that is not a good feeling to have of items in ones own home. All this stuff people are keeping can also stop someone form having a better economy, a healtier life, from relocation or downsizeing aso.
You talk about doing, having and bying things because others have them. I think big seldom used (formal) dining rooms are one of those things. Not all of us need one or can really afford to have a room like that or perhaps we would be better with a big fun hobby room . Still some people keep rooms that is nearly never used. It´s the same with big sitting areas, sofas, large collections of dinnerware and even space.
When I am out helping people declutter (mostly family, extended family, friends aso) and the one I am helping gets their Aha! moment and se this, that you don´t need to keep stuff etc for others its such a shift in how they look at their homes, stuff and their oppertunites. It´s really fun to watch.
I love this! It really is little but life changing
I’ve been waiting for your video to drop all morning! You’re one of the few RUclipsrs I love listening to that I feel like actually provides value and stimulates my brain! Lol. Love your content ❤️
that is so sweet!!
It’s nice to see you actually have some decor in your home and it’s not a beige empty non lived in space. I feel like I can’t call myself a “minimalist” because I have decor on mi walls and a china cabinet. When really we don’t have a lot of stuff, I keep things cleaned and organized, and have a paired down wardrobe. So thank you!
haha I totally get that! To me, minimalism is a lot more about intentionality than strict rules or limitations. I'm glad it spoke to you!
Minimalism has many levels! It’s about not having what you don’t need, not having a specific aesthetic or owning only a certain number of items
That's why I really like Joshua Becker's definition of "minimalism" - it's something to the effect of "the intentional promotion of the things that matter and the removal of the things that detract from it".
@@SnowySpiritRubyI like that too
DANG ok a random video that I expected to be full of things I’ve heard before and would just fill the ten minutes between tasks turned out to be extremely timely and relevant. I get the sense this is not a bit - she’s for real and it shows. That level of calm, assured, contentment??? Yes please. I’ve been saying for months we have too much stuff and no one seems to agree. Everyone tells me that’s just how it is. This is a breath of fresh air and so validating, Jess. Thanks for sharing your truth and inspiring us to follow ours, no matter what “the culture” is telling us!!! ❤
En tant que psychologue, j’apprécie les règles fondées sur des preuves! 😊
This content takes other "decluttering/tidying our homes" videos to a next level. Thank you Jess! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
*Currently clearing out upwards of a decades worth of miscellaneous gift stash itens* 😊❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
hahaha go heather!
You are so wise for your years! Thank you for sharing these succinct reminders!!!
Appreciate the idea of storing other people’s things as in other people’s ideas of what I should have. Falling prey to the marketing and such. Good food for thought!!
Great reminders! When you mentioned the five minute rule, I thought of Dana K White, A Slob Comes Clean-love her!
that sounds like my life story hahah
Food for thought, I think I need to watch it again. I really have trouble letting go. Thank You!
Bless you. I needed to hear this. It is beyond true!
This five minute rule is really applicable now that our beautiful home is on the market & to easily prepare for showings. I will definitely take this rule with us as we move into a new rental townhome. Thanks, Jess! ❤
One of the very best videos on the topic!!! And I’ve watched a lot!! New sub.. blessings from BC, Canada
I love minimal mom! I am 44 and I finally cannot live like this anymore. Wish I figured this out when my babies were babies!
You presented MULTIPLE….AMAZING suggestions for decluttering!!!
FANTASTIC… video!!!
Thank you for sharing your inspirations!!🤍
You are so welcome!
One of the best decluttering videos I've seen. Well done.👏
Thanks so much 😊
Jessica, great video! You're so young and sooooo clear, this is awesome and inspiring! Thank you!
Thank you very much! The Mug rule was a real eye-opener. I looked at my stuff and wept: had it not been mine, I would have parted with most of it unflinchingly. 💖
But the season rule really cut me to the quick. "Where you're supposed to be". This is the greatest truth I've ever heard. It opened my eyes to the fact that I did indeed continue to lead a fantasy existence in my head instead of appreciating my real life journey. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 🙏🙏💖
The season reason rule hit so hard. Trying to declutter for a move and I’m so motivated to get back to my closet again. Thank you
So excellent. I do the one in, one out but I have been holding on so many clothes and items because "one day I'll need this." Love number 2 and number 4. Thank you!
This video was OUTSTANDING! Thank you so much for the inspiration!❤
All of them!! This was 🔥🔥🔥 You've translated these ideas into language I understand that goes behind the excuses, anxiety and rationalisation. New subscriber here 🙋🏾♀️
Adding this to my motivation playlist! NO plans of moving, but I'm decluttering in preparation for the next move. My poor husband is still having flashbacks from all of my stuff I had him move. #5 spoke to me.
The mug rule - SO TRUE!! I want the one-in one-out rule, especially for my adult son!! Thanks for this video!!
Wow thank you! This is one of the best videos I’ve watched on decluttering! I loved the value point. That you put value to it cause it’s yours. I’m currently not home but can’t wait to get back and declutter some 😅
Nice video. I like that you always share the name of the books you read❤
Makes perfect sense to me and you managed to really motivate me ☺️
Stopped the video half-way through, went into the kitchen and sorted out my mugs 😄. Good stuff, thank you 🙏🏻❤️
So many of these are so useful, I am really enjoying your content.
Thank you so much!
This is so good. My “baby” is 18, and there are still lessons in this video for me. I especially liked the “seasons” rule. Thanks! ❤
I'm so happy you found it encouraging!
90/90 is new to me but very impactful. I can't wait to go home and take another pass
As someone with chronic illness and ADHD, this made me feel better about myself and that I can tackle the cleaning of my house slowly but still efficiently. Thank you for sharing 🥹💜
Great tips. I need to get rid of more. A large family here, and even though we have far less than some families half our size, it still gets overwhelming and messy. Bedrooms get so messy when there’s 2 or 3 kids in each room. They can’t keep it tidy. Our master room is also hard to keep tidy and minimal as it seems to become a dumping ground for things because we don’t have space elsewhere - my donation pile, the cat litter tray, the “I don’t have a home for this yet but there’s no where else for it to go” piles. It does not serve our room well.
I totally understand and can relate to that cluttered 'this isn't serving us' feeling!
#5 "if it's not for your season there isn't a reason" this one really caught my attention. I lost my husband 4 years ago and I still keep a lot of things that I will probably never use or wear again. I'm slowly letting go, and this statement helps me see a good reason too. Thank you.
Thank you 💗
Excellent, clear, honest advice.
And perfect timing.
I am decluttering today 🎉
I would love to see a video about running a business without social media! I have recently deleted my social media but am contemplating just doing my business pages. But I feel so hypocritical lol!
always ask yourself if it adds value? it doesn't have to be a principle thing, but if you feel it costs more money than it creates traffic...?
Hi, I definitely needed this. It was straight to the point. Thank you 😊 Time for me to get busy.
That was great! I love that your advise wasn't the same old stuff everyone else says.
Oh great video! I also like this a 9 min video too! Decluttering is my next stage of life. Thanks for sharing this!
Oh wow, thank you for making this video, it speaks to me ALOT. I already use 1 or 2 of these rules but I don't enforce them all the time and I need to implement ALL of them asap.
Wow, Everything you said really connected with me! I have placed an order for the Essentialism book. Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing. Motivated to do a declutter today.
Omg this was all SOOOOO good! Found you on my discover page and you’re awesome!
Love this! Thanks!
Very helpful and a new perspective despite watching lots of decluttering videos looking for help
Thank you a lot!
This helped me a lot.
We have accumulated so much stuff since we’ve had kids and moved into a bigger house. We used to be quite minimal and all this stuff is causing me so much stress
The thing that stops me from decluttering is the guilt of overconsumption. Our accumulation will be the cause of more trash (not everything can be donated) or stuff in the world (for what can be donated)
I’m at the point where I HAVE to declutter for my mental health, but if we don’t change our consumption habits, that decluttering guilt will never end…which also strains my mental health 🙃 my family needs to have a serous values realignment. And I am so passed ready for that hard conversation
Thanks for this short and encouraging video
One thing that helped me was to realize these things are going to exist somewhere in the world. That place does not need to be my home. I do not need to store trash bc I feel bad about throwing it out. 🙏
@@mamasrelaxation8612that is very wise. I can appreciate this advice immediately!!!
Love this so much, thank you for articulating the philosophy and suggesting new and better ways to become spacious. The last rule is my favorite. (Btw do you really have a 5 min rule in the kitchen? How do you do dishes or load and empty dishwasher in under 5 min?)
Very well stated. I save your video to rewatch and share with other family members, particularly #6
Got my room clean. ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for making this video. It has really helped me.
There is a party of my basement that is filled with household goods of my daughter, who has lived abroad for eight years now.
I'm hoarding all that stuff in case she ever comes back, even though she told me years ago to dispose of it.
Thanks to you, this stuff is now going out the door, and good riddance! 😅
Sorry, typo. Meant to say Part of my basement
Ha ha . . . I liked 'party'. The stuff was having a party in your basement,and you weren't invited...oh dear. 😮😮
This is truly the best declutter video I have seen
Thanks for keeping it real
Thank you for sharing that information - very helpful! And love the outfits, keep up the great work girl! 💗
One in, one out. This has been my rule for cups, mugs, etc. So often there are events, fairs, holidays where we would end up with one or several free cups. Cups can get out of control quickly if there is no rule for them.
These rules are really helpful. As a mom with young kids, I have one question that I think makes this difficult to see applying: do you buy physical gifts for your kids that are things they want and don’t need? How do you keep their things from adding up?
Maybe a kid-friendly version of 1-in-1 -out ruel would be helpful? I watched a video with a kid that where told to put his old toys in a bag that santa could bring and give to other smaller kids. He seemed to enjoy to sort it out and felt proud that he was a big boy now. And as a result he voluntairly gave away parts of his toy colection at the same time as he got new toys.
This is so good!! Thank you ❤
Very helpful! I'm trying to downsize and this was the best post for me!!
excellent video. I moved to Mexico with 2 suitcases and a carry on so I started off fairly minimal stuff in the twilight of my life. In Mexico, many of the apartments are furnished so I have to work around what is in my apartment. I have storage but not a lot. I'm already wanting to declutter after 2 years. Before I buy anything, I have to think, where will I put it? I do not like clutter or disorganization so I have had to get creative with storage. I also work out of my apartment so there is a massage table and Thai Massage mat that I have to manage. I think your tips will be very helpful moving forward. Thanks a bunch!
so glad it's helpful!
Thank you for your wonderful advice, No. 5 really resonated with me
I definitely need to revisit the season topic. But when you spoke of the mugs...I had a giggle as I have all unique mugs I picked up pretty much 2nd hand or on vacation that that I usually paid between 50 cents and 5 Euros for. So...although I do need to get rid of some of the sentimental ones that are not a fit - I actually like my everyday mugs that I would still happily pay 50 cents or a dollar for again. 😁🥰. Great video though...I need to try the 5 min rule. But first, I need to clean out more storage clutter. Looking forward to checking out your channel. Thanks!
1 in, 1 out… practiced that today as I bought new replacement items to get the trash and old out
Great video and well presented info❤❤❤
I own 47 things. Not including consumables. (Paper products, cleaning supplies, food).... A "thing" for me can be a shoebox such as all my kitchen utensils. Or my shoebox of dental. Or my shoebox of cosmetics. I just purchased a SINGLE USE ITEM. Something I can NOT do otherwise. It's an apple core-er. After attempting to carve that core out while keeping the apple whole several times I discovered this thing. Pretty funny. I made my goal a reality - FREEDOM: “This spring I moved out of my home in thirty minutes including the time it took to unplug the fixtures. I am able to move anywhere with the same casualness as stepping out for coffee.” ~ Fumio Sasaki
This is incredibly helpful, thank you!
Appreciated all of your ideas. Liked...Does this belong to the season I'm in?
I discovered a small consignment store that is very popular in my area and I have some silver jewelry that I dont wear and appreciate anymore, I think it is time to let them go and make a bit of money.
Nice job, Jess! I like that above other people's values (or, we might say, expectations- or even what we *think* they expect) being in control. 👍🏻❤ I'm relatively free of that, but there can be improvements made. 🤔
I am happily discovering you with this video 🎉❤ New subscriber here!
Lots of value in this video. Many thanks ❤
I’ll keep my apple slicer tough 😁 I use it everyday! 🥰
😆
Very useful! Thanks!❤
As a parent with kids in their late teens early 20s, I absolutely feel like I *must* be a storage facility for them. Confining the sprawl is the only way to have them really manage the stuff.
I think that, with housing being so difficult for the young adults right now, it’s right to help them a bit on this if we have the space to do it. That being said, if you need something gone, it’s reasonable to let them know, and give a time limit, and then they can decide how important it is to them to keep the item. At that age, I wouldn’t force them to give up treasured things that they may want when they are in a different place, if I had room for them.
@@Peaceinmytime I get that. Its a trick to help strike up the balance of asking them to ask themselves what they feels really matters. I could never guess the changes of valued items from 2 years ago to today?!
Great video and tips, thank you!
Number six is the most difficult for me. While some memorabilia (old service uniforms) are merely taking up a little space in the attic, other items-old textbooks, hobby gear, etc-not only take up physical but also emotional space. I hope that, as the kids get older, or when they leave home, I may once again have time and energy for those pursuits. And as money gets harder to come by, I’m more afraid to get rid of something only to have to buy it again, if I can even find a replacement. (Eg some of what was in my textbooks that I got rid of I cannot find online in as easily digestible form. )
This is some good wisdom right here.
First time seeing your content. Great list. Following.