My mother was a hoarder of things that belonged to dead relatives. Then one day she decided she needed to pass all that stuff on to me to keep and take care of with instructions not to get rid of it because it’s important stuff. 90% of it was from people that died before I was born. Nothing valuable or useful, just stuff. I have no children to pass anything onto, not that I would if they didn’t want it. Then I thought it’s not even important enough for her to keep anymore which I why she dumped it on me. It eased her guilt of letting it go. One day I decided to pack it all up and donate every bit off it. The funny thing is she never even asked about where any of it was once it was gone. Freedom!
Thank you for saying this. I have had friends foist things on me even as I said NO. and they left it anyway.. and yet I was wrestling with guilt, wondering why that is
I've done "all the things" Marie Kondo, Swedish death cleaning, project 333 & now the sentimental items of my son, is my final journey. I lost him in Oct 2020 and I'm ready now to take a few pics of the "best " items. This was so helpful as I take the next steps~ Romans 8:28
We lost our son 28 years ago. He was 22 years old. Only parents who have gone through that know how you feel. You think your heart can’t live through it. It was so hard to part with his things. He was still living at home so we closed his bedroom door and I would go in once in a while and hold some of his things and smell his unique body aroma and cry. Then after a year of our horrible grieving we disposed of everything except only 3 or 4 items that made us smile. I don’t know how long it has been for you but you will always have him in your heart. It’s much easier if you don’t have all his belongings. He was much more precious to you than the things that belonged to him. God bless you, Donna
My husband died 10 months ago. Yesterday I donated most of his clothes to charity. I kept a few of his favourite shirts and his favourite jacket. I cried a lot but it was time to let his things go. It's really hard and hurts a lot.
I lost my mum almost 3 years ago to her third lot of cancer. In order to help my dad, we moved him closer to us, but that meant parting with lots of my mums things. She was into crafting, a lot went to friends and family- things she made or the equipment like sewing machines. Her memory lives on in the things others make now. It was also a revelation as we had no idea she had hoarded so much. She also made us laugh as we went through the process. It brought relief, a lighter feeling. She’s in our memories not her stuff. ❤
I was in the Emergency Room two weeks ago, was given morphine for pain, and within minutes started loosing consciousness. My wife was with me, and she alerted the nurse who quickly sprang into action. My vitals were bottoming out. A crash cart was brought in with several nurses and a Doctor worked to save my life. They succeeded. While my life was in the balance, all the things that I own meant nothing. I could not hold onto anything, except my faith. Since coming home from the hospital, I’ve begun to evaluate my personal inventory of “stuff” and have begun to sell or donate items that I don’t use, or no longer need. It’s easier for me to do this now while I can.
"Thank the item..." although it can sound silly to some, I find this really helpful. I consider myself a minimalist and love to put things in donation boxes. I rarely feel sad about it. But when I leave my box outside the big overhead door at the donation center and drive away, I feel a little twinge of pain every time. It helps to just offer up a short prayer, "Thank you, Lord, for providing these things for the season. Please use them to bless someone else."
I can’t believe I started decluttering back in 2020 after my dog died and before that wretched covid hit. I have to thank social media for starting me on this journey. Then came the tiny house movement and I was hooked. I live on my own my children are grown up and my husband is at peace somewhere. Once I had gotten rid of the easy stuff( clothes furniture garden supplies I found a door had opened up. I started to see how happy different animals behaved either kept or wild. It slapped me in the face. They want for only the necessities in life. Food shelter and companionship. 2024 I’m coming to the end of 30 years of just “stuff” I can’t tell you how liberating it feels. The stress in my life has lifted and I cherish every day as if it’s my last. These videos have truly helped me to become the best version that I can be and I want for nothing else.. 🍃🕊🍃
“Just because something is hard to part with doesn’t mean we need to keep it” That comment was very good. Thanks for the video. I have a lot of work to do !
My daughter was 4 years old when she died in 2012. A few months ago, l gave her 2 teddy bears away to my neighbour's daughter who is 6. It was difficult but my comfort is in knowing that a young girl loves her 'new teddies'. She plays and sleeps with them.
I have 2 chairs and a fire screen that I have had for well over 30 years and was planning to renovate and make needlepoint covers for the chairs and another piece for the fire screen. The pieces were all hand made over 100 years ago by family members so there was that attachment. Today I decided that was not going to happen and as no other family members want them I am going to let them go. It is actually quite a relief to have made the decision! They will go to someone who will renovate them and love them and I can spend time with my first Grandson without "things I should be doing" hanging over me!!!
After spending a couple years decluttering, I recently I stayed in a friend’s home where the sheer volume of stuff actually felt assaulting; near-claustrophobic. With a little down-time waiting there, I starting counting items. It caused me to set a personal goal of 50 or less items in any one given room or decor area of my own home… I know this seems like a lot to some folks, but I was counting necessary items included (dressers, lamps, alarm clock, etc). I pared down by a few items per room upon my return home… I know that comparing myself with others is unwise, yet the very fact that I felt smothered in the excess of junque told me how much I myself had changed/ transformed! Now I’ve set a new goal of 35 items per room. Not a huge change overall, but enough to make me work at it and say goodbye to that which is less than “the best” expression of who we are in our home & the memories we hold most dear.
Man did I ever need to hear this TODAY! I'm in the process of clearing out the STUFF to make room for my 92 year old mother to move in with us. I'm a Sentimental Saver... big time! But I've been hitting it hard the past couple days to declutter and remove extra furniture. My trash cans have been full. AND we're going to have an huge garage sale in a couple weeks. Thanks Josh for the extra push!
Its a process. Tyler died 9 months ago. I have been able to take some new clothes he bought, that still had tags on them, back to Walmart. Other clothes he left in my garage, I was able to take to Open Door Mission. Not yet ready to look at that box of favorite baby outfits he wore. I had always hoped to pass them to a grandson but it never happened. Definitely a process. Can't rush grief as much as I want to. Tyler, 4/8/94 to 11/8/ 23 😢 Forever in our hearts❤
Thinking of my son having to deal with all our stuff was the most motivating reason I chosen to downsize and Minimalize my home and life. Such a freeing feeling when you go on a trip and come back and see how beautiful having less really is. Thanks so much for your channel.
I have used this as a way to get rid of items. If i died today, would I want to burden my family with the extra work of clearing out my things? No, is my answer and it usually helps me. Points 9 and 10 have worked for me.
After my spouse passed I had to go through all of the stuff and there was a LOT! I made a promise at that time that I wouldn't leave the same fate to my siblings. I think one of the best gifts to leave is not having a disaster to sort though while they are grieving. I started decluttering with that in mind and the more I got rid of the lighter I felt. I'm a very happy and contented minimalist.
Having done this with both my parents and now being single, I’ve thought of that often. I think my home can now be cleared out in about an hour, including cleaning 😅
I think the same .having my parents pass away , going through their possessions I decided I do not want my siblings to have the grief of sorting my possessions out. So. With that though lt I find it easier to let go of things ..I have taken photos of sentimental items before discarding.
Mom passed away a year ago and I’ve been going through her stuff. The family has taken all they can and my sister and I have drive truckloads of stuff to good will. Now we are down to her most cherished items and it’s hard.
I’m so sorry. My mother had many treasured things as well. It took me time but I figured out that her treasured things weren’t my treasures. I was able to thank the objects for bringing my mother joy before passing them along. (Ala Marie Kondo) I kept the things that I could keep in her memory. I hope that helps you down the road. 💕
@@jernabeanI agree. I kept a piece of jewellery they wore and I wear that. Each time I see it I smile. I haven’t really kept their trinkets and stuff they loved. ❤
Joshua, Great video. We are currently decluttering & I found that taking pictures of things has really helped. Also, setting space limits for things helped tremendously, too. Recently, I was helping my Mom declutter & gave her permission to get rid of anything I had given her. What I wasn't prepared for was when she got rid of some things while I was sitting there. The next day, after a few tears from me the night before, I told her I was proud of her. 😊
I was ready to part with my china, which I used maybe once or twice a year. None of my kids wanted it, which upset me a little. I think, in my mind, it felt a little like they were rejecting me. Then I stopped & realized that was not the case, & there was no reason for me to be upset. My former china has a new home, where it is used often. I kept one cup & saucer for memory’s sake. 😊
If something is difficult to get rid of...then I don't. I keep going and revisit it again. If it is still hard, I keep it. For me, decluttering (or as I call it, refining), is a lifelong process. Just because I want it today, doesn't mean I will in 6 months. I will admit, I am not a minimalist, nor do I aspire to be one. I like my things (but I am also far from a maximalist). I enjoy interior design/decorating. I also realize I can't keep everything. I keep what I absolutely love (and ask myself ...if I am on the fence about something...would I rebuy this right now...at full price...if no...then it goes). I have also found huge inspiration in donating my "good stuff". Every summer my local cancer association has a huge tag sale. Last year I donated a trunk full of items. I plan on doing the same this year. That being said...I have never attended the sale!
After clearing out my dad’s, then my mom’s, then downsizing, then minimalism, then retiring due to illness, I’m the Arnold Schwarzenegger of decluttering muscles. Buuut, letting go of my last 2 bags of teaching and storytelling materials has taken me a further 2 years to let go. I was hanging on to that “identity” I desperately hoped I could resurrect. How appropriate that this Easter season I could give it to a new school where it will continue the legacy of teaching the love of STORY. Thank you always 💔❤️🩹❤️🥰
I'm a former primary / elementary teacher of 29 years. I have 30% of my teaching resources stored in a spare wardrobe. It has taken me 3 years to let go of the 70%, either to a current teacher friend or just as a donation.
@@mariastathopoulos744 same here. My chronic illnesses eventually made it impossible to work after 30 years in Pre-K and the last year was teaching storytelling for PK-3RD graders. I had a collection of over 2000 books which I gave away to friends and other teachers, and then so many treasured materials that I also then donated too. But this last bit was the final slam of the door. I could have easily stored it, but it was constantly tugging on my heart and making me sad. So the time has come to close that chapter of a beloved life.
I guess I had it easy. I closed my classroom, donating lots to others. However, I raised a teacher and when I retired after 33 years in elementary, I was able to ship my boxes of books and cherished units to her classroom in VA. Now when I visit her, it is a wonderful opportunity for me to relive some of those wonderful and teachable moments and share my beloved items with her students.
@@gayledeshong6736 it’s never “easy”, but doesn’t it soften the blow when you can have another opportunity to see your legacy of love through others?! How fantastic that you have your own child to carry the torch! 🥰👏
After 20 years of teaching then losing that ‘identity’ due to a chronic illness, it’s those things that I am still holding onto. This gives me hope that once my decluttering muscles (as you put it) are strong enough… I can and will let go of them and finally move on. 🤞💪✔️ Thank you for sharing! ❤ I am on the easy stuff now and only started in January so it’s slow going right now… but I can already see and feel the benefits 🙂🪴 - and I am beginning to understand now that this is a journey for life not just for Christmas! 😅
It took me about three years to declutter my apartment. It took me multiple passes to get rid of clothes and DVDs and CDs. Decluttering has become so much easier for me.
It took me twenty-five YEARS of effort to rid myselfmyself of being a hoarder. That was in my married years. Now I am decades, older, recovered from that, but still in a clutter so this has been a wonderful, wonderful help. Although I’m doing well at keeping things down, as you do, I still have things that I thought I needed and don’t, and things that I have not really dealt with, like books that I don’t want that are still on the porch in a heap!!!
I'm in the near end of sorting and tidying our home aswe are heading into our middle 70s and want to age in place. Most is done as I don't want my son to have this problem as he will be in a sad place.. yet everyday I walk through and select another piece to go. Feels so good.. I have a hard time with jewellery as no-one wears it and there is a lifetime of it. I guess the op shops will have a field day. Thankyou for your inspiring video.❤
I decluttered my house yearly, today i got rid of my clothes that i don't wear, wall art, books and etc. I have no problem getting rid of stuffs and i'm not attache to anything. I told myselt I want to be a minimalist person starting as of now. It feels great to donate 8 big bags.
This video was a life saver as I finally went through the last part of sorting through papers, photos etc of all the closest people to me who have passed within the last few years. Got rid of storage room and am saving $167 per month which in a year will afford a trip overseas
You're always encouraging. Our dog left this life in the fall. I plan to put a few of his items in a small keepsake box. I think it will be positive to set this up and to let go of the rest.
I’ve gotten to where if something is hard to get rid of I ask why. And if that reason is something of the past and not helpful I realize I don’t want it to control me any more even in memories. Great video!
I really appreciate this video. I am on a minimalist journey, and I like that you are establishing a philosophy, a framework for it. I have made over 100 donation boxes/ bags, much of it really good stuff. My advice to people is to concentrate on Joshua’s last point about generosity.You will feel much better about decluttering if you view it as helping someone else, rather than trying to sell it and hoarding up “ treasures” for yourself again. Just my take. 😊❤
Thank you so much for this video. I think it was created with me in mind lol. I stopped the video to ponder your step of embracing your season of life. I have move and minimized my life and if I am honest was feeling sad about the loss of times in the past. What is funny is that I try very hard to live my life with gratitude and I was embarrassed that I did not stop and think I needed to be grateful for this time too. Thank you for the reminder and excellent content as always!
#1 start with easier items 1:50 #2 adopt a museum mentality 2:15 #3 explore your emotions 2:53 #4 express gratitude 3:33 #5 take a photo 4:13 #6 chose only the best 4:36 #7 implement defined limits 5:13 #8 embrace life's seasons 5:48 #9 imagine a `role reversal` 6:21 #10 see the benefit in generosity 7:28 bonus: ask for help 8:00
I'm asking for prayers that my health (bad knees), allow me to do the decluttering that is way overdue. I don't want my son to be left with all this stuff that I know he doesn't want or need when I pass away. He's offered to help me remove items & my grandson has offered to help but I need to go through things because my son just wants to throw everything out.
Thank you for this. I’d done 85% of the pare down; however, I struggled over photo albums. This advice was exactly what I needed to get over that hurdle. Almost there! God bless you and yours. Your Sister in Christ
What exactly do you gain by throwing away photos? That you can't donate to anyone else, that don't mean anything to anyone else? That seems mentally unhealthy to me...unless you have 200 photo albums and no space at all at home.
I have spiritual books that have helped me along my journey. I feel like I will cry to let them go This video was very helpful because I know that I need to release them. I will thank them for helping me along and donate them to my local library Thank you 🙏🏽❤️
Great video! Just made a final pass through the kitchen cabinets for things to donate. I have nursing books that I’ve kept because they represent a lot of hard work!! I’ve decluttered probably half in total now. I need to remember your advice that keeping it doesn’t change that season of life and power through decluttering some more.
I have found your video to be VERY helpful. I am just beginning to declutter my home, and am feeling overwhelmed by the complicated-ness of it all. This video helps to break it down ...... and why. We have one son who is married, and they are minimalists. They do not want my stuff! I have to remember that. So I give myself credit that I am beginning the process, and have to keep moving forward. Thank you very much for your constructive and caring suggestions to accomplish this. 😊
I have been asked over and over what I want for my birthday and I couldn't think of a single thing until I watched this video! I have two picture frames that I keep on my dresser that I really don't like, so I'm going to donate them both and just get a digital photo frame! I am getting a new phone soon, so I can get rid of some digital clutter as well. Thanks for the idea!
Books are the thing I find hardest to declutter because I love to read and most of the books I like reading aren't available in the library. The three things from your list that I've found most helpful are keeping only the best, setting boundaries and generosity. I started reviewing all the new books I read on Goodreads - 3 stars or less and it's an automatic donate because why would I want to keep something that was just 'ok'. 4-5 stars and I have to come up with a reason to keep the book before it earns a place on my shelf. Where I used to keep maybe 9 in 10 before, I keep less than 1 in 10 since I started taking the time to review them. I've cut down from 9 bookcases to three from doing the same thing with my rereads, and I now have space on the shelves of those three. One day, I'd like to get down to two bookcases. I also remind myself of how excited I am to find a book I really want on the shelves of a second-hand bookshop, and that maybe donating some of my books will bring the same joy to someone else (most of the books I have are out of print ones, so you can't just order new copies).
#9 Imagining someone I care about suddenly living with all my stuff is a new spin that really helped. 🤓🤪 Thanks! For bonus tip #11 Asking for Help: I think it actually works best if all parties treat it as an experiment with no obligation to follow advice. You can really like and respect someone and just not vibe well about decluttering, and it's OKAY to try again with someone who might suit you better. : - )
It took me three years after taking the 12-week uncluttered course to finally let go of my grandmother's beautiful porcelain coffee serving set. I was with her when she purchased it during our only trip together to her native Germany, and it was the first item of value she had ever purchased for herself. The thing that allowed me to finally let go was to write the story to go along with the photos.
I get rid stuff by putting it in the garage for a month. If in a month it hasn't crossed my mind, then I know I won't miss it. After a year and a half of doing this, only twice have I reconsidered getting rid of something.
Great tips here Joshua - the clear step-by-step advice and very manageable process help distill what can easily be an overwhelming task into a (relatively) simple and very straightforward technique. I love it and I'll recommend it. Thanks for the continued wonderful work that you do. I see you and I thank you for it!
I started decluttering after my mother's death in 2013 - I've been continuing ever since but from time to time I just lapse with the mistaken belief that there is no more to go and then my last cat died and I started again.....sometimes it takes upheaval or shock to get the gears revved up but how ever it starts, I know it will never end. ♥
I'm working on declutting my photos. It's something I've wanted to do for years, and now that I'm retired I'm finally doing it. It's fun and lots of memories. I have 2 kids and they are each getting their's and they will ne out of my house.
I have a hard time thanking an inanimate object. Instead, I thank God, who allowed it in my life for the role that it served. Thank someone who really deserves to be thanked not an object.
While I get what you're saying, and it makes perfect sense to direct your gratitude towards what resonates with you, whether it's God or the person who once gave that object to you, thanking an inanimate object is not so different to have an emotional attachment to it.
I wanted to give away some things I really liked but didn’t need so I took them to my art class. Some younger friends gathered at the trunk of my car and took a lot of it. I was so happy to give my things a new home with people I liked. I give books to the library and things to Goodwill to save time. I don’t have time to sell things.
I like to offer some nicer things to friends too. You never know when someone will need something or find a connection to something. Feels good to let someone I know enjoy it.
Hey, Joshua! LoL i´m so loving my decluttering and getting rid of everything. I thought it would be difficult but now it´s no problem. And i´m still going ahhh good feeling
I’m going to do my massive kids memory box today. My son is here and I will ask for his views while he’s home. Maybe when he tells me he doesn’t want every birthday card he got for the last 20 years it’ll help me let them go!😮👍
8:31 - this is why i always do an "intake" when i help people unclutter/declutter. Storage styles, sentimentality, reasons for it, how easy to make a habit, that sort of thing.
I felt odd doing that as well, after reading Marie Kondo's book, but I decided to do it anyway and weirdly it helped! I also greet my home when I come home which was another Marie Kondo thing that also felt weird in the beginning, but now it makes me happy.
You are looking particularly healthy. Keep up Your great routines. I so appreciate these Years of Learning from You. My life has continually improved with Your influence. Thank You eternally !
My final issue is Walt Disney T-shirts !! I bought when I was smaller !! I live in the uk and bought them when I was in Florida - one plastic tub on top of the wardrobe but my brain can’t let them go - the rest of the house is ‘ done ‘
Yes, have your Disney t-shirts made into a quilt. Don’t get rid of them. I have a friend here in the states who has made many beautiful quilts from favorite t-shirts. If you know anyone who makes quilts, they can probably do that for you. Maybe there are RUclips videos that will show you how.
I've never agreed with the concept of "thanking the item" because the item is inanimate, dead and unfeeling. Thanking God for the gift or use of the item makes sense and puts attention where it belongs: the Creator (giver) over the creation (items).
If you are on the fence to declutter a lot of old photographs or not - scan them, have them printed into a book with subtexts, and then you can enjoy them all together without having to keep a shoebox full of pictures in your bedroom!
I’m the Opposite ‼️I never feel guilty or attached to anything I get rid of .. it’s the OTHER PEOPLE in my life that make me feel weird about it or that I’m doing something wrong .. I literally believe it makes them MAD because it’s so second nature for me not to hoard things .. and they end up making fun of me 😮
When I asked my 26 yr old son about his boxes of schoolwork I had saved, he said “those are your memories Mom, not mine”. He doesn’t remember the milestones because they were important to me, but not necessarily to him.
Had an old item that was especially difficult to let go of, it spent most of its time on the couch, just takin up space and not doing much at all, Mildred was given her vacate notice , my couch and I are much happier.
Our things are temporary just like our life is. We evolve into different stages and we can't hold on to things forever. Emerge, liberate from baggage, move on.
Why do I need to hold onto books so much? I've let go of so much of my other belongings, but can't seem to part with a collection of hard cover books, mostly classics by favorite authors that I've already read...at least 50 or so. Anyone else?
50 books seems like a reasonable amount, if you have room for them and you love them, I see nothing wrong with keeping them. It's not a moral obligation to get rid of everything save for the bare minimum. I enjoy my book collection, but now I only keep the books I really loved and would like to read again, they can easily be donated when I'm gone. I donated the books I didn't like and started a reading journal, which not only keeps track of what I've read, but also helps decide what stays.
Yesterday I brought a load of stuff to the Goodwill but I had to wait in line to unload it. I thought about the people who have to work there, I myself would go insane looking at all that random stuff I'm trying to figure out what to do with it.
I can't even do the easy stuff. It's the time the energy and the mess that it makes. I started getting some things ready and was distracted by so many things the last few weeks that they're all just sitting around. I don't know if I can ever get it done.😢
My mother was a hoarder of things that belonged to dead relatives. Then one day she decided she needed to pass all that stuff on to me to keep and take care of with instructions not to get rid of it because it’s important stuff. 90% of it was from people that died before I was born. Nothing valuable or useful, just stuff. I have no children to pass anything onto, not that I would if they didn’t want it. Then I thought it’s not even important enough for her to keep anymore which I why she dumped it on me. It eased her guilt of letting it go. One day I decided to pack it all up and donate every bit off it. The funny thing is she never even asked about where any of it was once it was gone. Freedom!
good for you! ☺️🙌
Good for you! That is a huge burden to be left with. You made a decision for you and let yourself be free.
I feel relief for you!
Thank you for saying this. I have had friends foist things on me even as I said NO. and they left it anyway.. and yet I was wrestling with guilt, wondering why that is
Glad you did that, that was a very selfish act of her to saddle you up with all that crap.
I've done "all the things" Marie Kondo, Swedish death cleaning, project 333 & now the sentimental items of my son, is my final journey. I lost him in Oct 2020 and I'm ready now to take a few pics of the "best " items. This was so helpful as I take the next steps~ Romans 8:28
We lost our son 28 years ago. He was 22 years old. Only parents who have gone through that know how you feel. You think your heart can’t live through it. It was so hard to part with his things. He was still living at home so we closed his bedroom door and I would go in once in a while and hold some of his things and smell his unique body aroma and cry. Then after a year of our horrible grieving we disposed of everything except only 3 or 4 items that made us smile. I don’t know how long it has been for you but you will always have him in your heart. It’s much easier if you don’t have all his belongings. He was much more precious to you than the things that belonged to him. God bless you, Donna
My husband died 10 months ago. Yesterday I donated most of his clothes to charity. I kept a few of his favourite shirts and his favourite jacket. I cried a lot but it was time to let his things go. It's really hard and hurts a lot.
So sorry for the loss of your precious son❤
I lost my mum almost 3 years ago to her third lot of cancer. In order to help my dad, we moved him closer to us, but that meant parting with lots of my mums things. She was into crafting, a lot went to friends and family- things she made or the equipment like sewing machines. Her memory lives on in the things others make now. It was also a revelation as we had no idea she had hoarded so much. She also made us laugh as we went through the process. It brought relief, a lighter feeling. She’s in our memories not her stuff. ❤
So sorry for your loss.
I was in the Emergency Room two weeks ago, was given morphine for pain, and within minutes started loosing consciousness. My wife was with me, and she alerted the nurse who quickly sprang into action. My vitals were bottoming out. A crash cart was brought in with several nurses and a Doctor worked to save my life. They succeeded. While my life was in the balance, all the things that I own meant nothing. I could not hold onto anything, except my faith. Since coming home from the hospital, I’ve begun to evaluate my personal inventory of “stuff” and have begun to sell or donate items that I don’t use, or no longer need. It’s easier for me to do this now while I can.
"Thank the item..." although it can sound silly to some, I find this really helpful. I consider myself a minimalist and love to put things in donation boxes. I rarely feel sad about it. But when I leave my box outside the big overhead door at the donation center and drive away, I feel a little twinge of pain every time. It helps to just offer up a short prayer, "Thank you, Lord, for providing these things for the season. Please use them to bless someone else."
I can’t believe I started decluttering back in 2020 after my dog died and before that wretched covid hit. I have to thank social media for starting me on this journey. Then came the tiny house movement and I was hooked. I live on my own my children are grown up and my husband is at peace somewhere. Once I had gotten rid of the easy stuff( clothes furniture garden supplies I found a door had opened up.
I started to see how happy different animals behaved either kept or wild. It slapped me in the face. They want for only the necessities in life. Food shelter and companionship. 2024 I’m coming to the end of 30 years of just “stuff” I can’t tell you how liberating it feels. The stress in my life has lifted and I cherish every day as if it’s my last. These videos have truly helped me to become the best version that I can be and I want for nothing else..
🍃🕊🍃
I hope you write/blog about your journey! Can help many others! ❤
What you think you own actually owns you.
“Just because something is hard to part with doesn’t mean we need to keep it” That comment was very good. Thanks for the video. I have a lot of work to do !
Agreed🎉!!
My daughter was 4 years old when she died in 2012. A few months ago, l gave her 2 teddy bears away to my neighbour's daughter who is 6. It was difficult but my comfort is in knowing that a young girl loves her 'new teddies'. She plays and sleeps with them.
That was so sweet and kind of you. May the Lord comfort you in your loss.
That is beautiful, those teddies will have a whole life. You are a very strong parent.
@@endtimes7122 Thank you for your kindness
@@skiedev Thank you for your kind words
@@endtimes7122 Thank you for your kind blessing 🙏
I have 2 chairs and a fire screen that I have had for well over 30 years and was planning to renovate and make needlepoint covers for the chairs and another piece for the fire screen.
The pieces were all hand made over 100 years ago by family members so there was that attachment.
Today I decided that was not going to happen and as no other family members want them I am going to let them go.
It is actually quite a relief to have made the decision!
They will go to someone who will renovate them and love them and I can spend time with my first Grandson without "things I should be doing" hanging over me!!!
There are a lot of heartfelt comments here. Joshua, I think this video helped many people to move forward.
After spending a couple years decluttering, I recently I stayed in a friend’s home where the sheer volume of stuff actually felt assaulting; near-claustrophobic. With a little down-time waiting there, I starting counting items. It caused me to set a personal goal of 50 or less items in any one given room or decor area of my own home… I know this seems like a lot to some folks, but I was counting necessary items included (dressers, lamps, alarm clock, etc). I pared down by a few items per room upon my return home…
I know that comparing myself with others is unwise, yet the very fact that I felt smothered in the excess of junque told me how much I myself had changed/ transformed!
Now I’ve set a new goal of 35 items per room.
Not a huge change overall, but enough to make me work at it and say goodbye to that which is less than “the best” expression of who we are in our home & the memories we hold most dear.
I love 'junque'. Special stuff, but still junk.
Man did I ever need to hear this TODAY! I'm in the process of clearing out the STUFF to make room for my 92 year old mother to move in with us. I'm a Sentimental Saver... big time! But I've been hitting it hard the past couple days to declutter and remove extra furniture. My trash cans have been full. AND we're going to have an huge garage sale in a couple weeks. Thanks Josh for the extra push!
Best wishes to you as you continue to make space for your mom!
Its a process. Tyler died 9 months ago. I have been able to take some new clothes he bought, that still had tags on them, back to Walmart. Other clothes he left in my garage, I was able to take to Open Door Mission. Not yet ready to look at that box of favorite baby outfits he wore. I had always hoped to pass them to a grandson but it never happened. Definitely a process. Can't rush grief as much as I want to.
Tyler, 4/8/94 to 11/8/ 23 😢 Forever in our hearts❤
I'm so sorry!
I'm so sorry for your loss 💔. You're doing great, give yourself time to grieve.
I decluttered my kitchen drawers this morning after one of your videos. Felt wonderful!! Thankyou.
Thinking of my son having to deal with all our stuff was the most motivating reason I chosen to downsize and Minimalize my home and life. Such a freeing feeling when you go on a trip and come back and see how beautiful having less really is. Thanks so much for your channel.
I have used this as a way to get rid of items. If i died today, would I want to burden my family with the extra work of clearing out my things? No, is my answer and it usually helps me. Points 9 and 10 have worked for me.
This is my "go to," as well. Curious that we're okay burdening ourselves but we don't want to burden others. We need to love ourselves better. 🙂
Hearts touching line ❤thank you so much
After my spouse passed I had to go through all of the stuff and there was a LOT! I made a promise at that time that I wouldn't leave the same fate to my siblings. I think one of the best gifts to leave is not having a disaster to sort though while they are grieving. I started decluttering with that in mind and the more I got rid of the lighter I felt. I'm a very happy and contented minimalist.
Having done this with both my parents and now being single, I’ve thought of that often. I think my home can now be cleared out in about an hour, including cleaning 😅
I think the same .having my parents pass away , going through their possessions I decided I do not want my siblings to have the grief of sorting my possessions out. So. With that though lt I find it easier to let go of things ..I have taken photos of sentimental items before discarding.
Mom passed away a year ago and I’ve been going through her stuff. The family has taken all they can and my sister and I have drive truckloads of stuff to good will. Now we are down to her most cherished items and it’s hard.
I’m so sorry. My mother had many treasured things as well. It took me time but I figured out that her treasured things weren’t my treasures. I was able to thank the objects for bringing my mother joy before passing them along. (Ala Marie Kondo) I kept the things that I could keep in her memory. I hope that helps you down the road. 💕
@@jernabeanI agree. I kept a piece of jewellery they wore and I wear that. Each time I see it I smile. I haven’t really kept their trinkets and stuff they loved. ❤
Joshua, Great video. We are currently decluttering & I found that taking pictures of things has really helped. Also, setting space limits for things helped tremendously, too. Recently, I was helping my Mom declutter & gave her permission to get rid of anything I had given her. What I wasn't prepared for was when she got rid of some things while I was sitting there. The next day, after a few tears from me the night before, I told her I was proud of her. 😊
I was ready to part with my china, which I used maybe once or twice a year. None of my kids wanted it, which upset me a little. I think, in my mind, it felt a little like they were rejecting me. Then I stopped & realized that was not the case, & there was no reason for me to be upset. My former china has a new home, where it is used often. I kept one cup & saucer for memory’s sake. 😊
If something is difficult to get rid of...then I don't. I keep going and revisit it again. If it is still hard, I keep it. For me, decluttering (or as I call it, refining), is a lifelong process. Just because I want it today, doesn't mean I will in 6 months. I will admit, I am not a minimalist, nor do I aspire to be one. I like my things (but I am also far from a maximalist). I enjoy interior design/decorating. I also realize I can't keep everything. I keep what I absolutely love (and ask myself ...if I am on the fence about something...would I rebuy this right now...at full price...if no...then it goes).
I have also found huge inspiration in donating my "good stuff". Every summer my local cancer association has a huge tag sale. Last year I donated a trunk full of items. I plan on doing the same this year. That being said...I have never attended the sale!
amen to not getting rid of it if it is too hard. you can always revisit, you cant get that item back.
No don’t go.
@@sct4040 To the sale? Never!!! Just to drop off!
After clearing out my dad’s, then my mom’s, then downsizing, then minimalism, then retiring due to illness, I’m the Arnold Schwarzenegger of decluttering muscles. Buuut, letting go of my last 2 bags of teaching and storytelling materials has taken me a further 2 years to let go. I was hanging on to that “identity” I desperately hoped I could resurrect. How appropriate that this Easter season I could give it to a new school where it will continue the legacy of teaching the love of STORY. Thank you always 💔❤️🩹❤️🥰
I'm a former primary / elementary teacher of 29 years. I have 30% of my teaching resources stored in a spare wardrobe. It has taken me 3 years to let go of the 70%, either to a current teacher friend or just as a donation.
@@mariastathopoulos744 same here. My chronic illnesses eventually made it impossible to work after 30 years in Pre-K and the last year was teaching storytelling for PK-3RD graders. I had a collection of over 2000 books which I gave away to friends and other teachers, and then so many treasured materials that I also then donated too. But this last bit was the final slam of the door. I could have easily stored it, but it was constantly tugging on my heart and making me sad. So the time has come to close that chapter of a beloved life.
I guess I had it easy. I closed my classroom, donating lots to others. However, I raised a teacher and when I retired after 33 years in elementary, I was able to ship my boxes of books and cherished units to her classroom in VA. Now when I visit her, it is a wonderful opportunity for me to relive some of those wonderful and teachable moments and share my beloved items with her students.
@@gayledeshong6736 it’s never “easy”, but doesn’t it soften the blow when you can have another opportunity to see your legacy of love through others?! How fantastic that you have your own child to carry the torch! 🥰👏
After 20 years of teaching then losing that ‘identity’ due to a chronic illness, it’s those things that I am still holding onto. This gives me hope that once my decluttering muscles (as you put it) are strong enough… I can and will let go of them and finally move on. 🤞💪✔️ Thank you for sharing! ❤
I am on the easy stuff now and only started in January so it’s slow going right now… but I can already see and feel the benefits 🙂🪴 - and I am beginning to understand now that this is a journey for life not just for Christmas! 😅
It took me about three years to declutter my apartment. It took me multiple passes to get rid of clothes and DVDs and CDs. Decluttering has become so much easier for me.
It took me twenty-five YEARS of effort to rid myselfmyself of being a hoarder. That was in my married years. Now I am decades, older, recovered from that, but still in a clutter so this has been a wonderful, wonderful help. Although I’m doing well at keeping things down, as you do, I still have things that I thought I needed and don’t, and things that I have not really dealt with, like books that I don’t want that are still on the porch in a heap!!!
I’ve heard the multiple passes described as layers like on an onion. I found I do that also.
@@nonnieTerri Same for me. It has gotten easier but some (few) items still stop me for a tIme.
I'm in the near end of sorting and tidying our home aswe are heading into our middle 70s and want to age in place. Most is done as I don't want my son to have this problem as he will be in a sad place.. yet everyday I walk through and select another piece to go. Feels so good.. I have a hard time with jewellery as no-one wears it and there is a lifetime of it. I guess the op shops will have a field day. Thankyou for your inspiring video.❤
I decluttered my house yearly, today i got rid of my clothes that i don't wear, wall art, books and etc. I have no problem getting rid of stuffs and i'm not attache to anything. I told myselt I want
to be a minimalist person starting as of now. It feels great to donate 8 big bags.
I love "only the best"! Thanks.
This video was a life saver as I finally went through the last part of sorting through papers, photos etc of all the closest people to me who have passed within the last few years. Got rid of storage room and am saving $167 per month which in a year will afford a trip overseas
You're always encouraging. Our dog left this life in the fall. I plan to put a few of his items in a small keepsake box. I think it will be positive to set this up and to let go of the rest.
A local rescue that lives on a shoestring budget would be ever so grateful for any donations! ❤
@@smoofollowingqalroundthewo206this is beautiful ♥️
I’ve gotten to where if something is hard to get rid of I ask why. And if that reason is something of the past and not helpful I realize I don’t want it to control me any more even in memories.
Great video!
I really appreciate this video. I am on a minimalist journey, and I like that you are establishing a philosophy, a framework for it. I have made over 100 donation boxes/ bags, much of it really good stuff. My advice to people is to concentrate on Joshua’s last point about generosity.You will feel much better about decluttering if you view it as helping someone else, rather than trying to sell it and hoarding up “ treasures” for yourself again. Just my take. 😊❤
Thank you so much for this video. I think it was created with me in mind lol. I stopped the video to ponder your step of embracing your season of life. I have move and minimized my life and if I am honest was feeling sad about the loss of times in the past. What is funny is that I try very hard to live my life with gratitude and I was embarrassed that I did not stop and think I needed to be grateful for this time too. Thank you for the reminder and excellent content as always!
#1 start with easier items 1:50
#2 adopt a museum mentality 2:15
#3 explore your emotions 2:53
#4 express gratitude 3:33
#5 take a photo 4:13
#6 chose only the best 4:36
#7 implement defined limits 5:13
#8 embrace life's seasons 5:48
#9 imagine a `role reversal` 6:21
#10 see the benefit in generosity 7:28
bonus: ask for help 8:00
Thanks for this!
I'm asking for prayers that my health (bad knees), allow me to do the decluttering that is way overdue. I don't want my son to be left with all this stuff that I know he doesn't want or need when I pass away. He's offered to help me remove items & my grandson has offered to help but I need to go through things because my son just wants to throw everything out.
Research castor oil for knees. Barbara O’Neill and others have some good videos on YT about it!
Pull up a chair and do as much as you can seated. Once you get a bag filled you can drag it out with you.
Thank you for this.
I’d done 85% of the pare down; however, I struggled over photo albums. This advice was exactly what I needed to get over that hurdle. Almost there!
God bless you and yours.
Your Sister in Christ
Me too .. and the last box or two of photos that are not in albums.
What exactly do you gain by throwing away photos? That you can't donate to anyone else, that don't mean anything to anyone else? That seems mentally unhealthy to me...unless you have 200 photo albums and no space at all at home.
Yes, I have photo family gave me. Not good memories. They don't want them. Just seems bad to get rid of the photos.
I have spiritual books that have helped me along my journey. I feel like I will cry to let them go
This video was very helpful because I know that I need to release them.
I will thank them for helping me along and donate them to my local library
Thank you 🙏🏽❤️
Someone else will appreciate them!
Great video! Just made a final pass through the kitchen cabinets for things to donate. I have nursing books that I’ve kept because they represent a lot of hard work!! I’ve decluttered probably half in total now. I need to remember your advice that keeping it doesn’t change that season of life and power through decluttering some more.
I have found your video to be VERY helpful. I am just beginning to declutter my home, and am feeling overwhelmed by the complicated-ness of it all. This video helps to break it down ...... and why. We have one son who is married, and they are minimalists. They do not want my stuff! I have to remember that. So I give myself credit that I am beginning the process, and have to keep moving forward.
Thank you very much for your constructive and caring suggestions to accomplish this. 😊
I have been asked over and over what I want for my birthday and I couldn't think of a single thing until I watched this video! I have two picture frames that I keep on my dresser that I really don't like, so I'm going to donate them both and just get a digital photo frame! I am getting a new phone soon, so I can get rid of some digital clutter as well. Thanks for the idea!
I look forward to your videos each Friday. This one is particularly good.
Thank you.
Thanks for all the practical wisdom shared here over the years.
I needed this video RIGHT NOW! Such great tips & motivation to move forward doing my spring cleaning! ❤
Books are the thing I find hardest to declutter because I love to read and most of the books I like reading aren't available in the library. The three things from your list that I've found most helpful are keeping only the best, setting boundaries and generosity. I started reviewing all the new books I read on Goodreads - 3 stars or less and it's an automatic donate because why would I want to keep something that was just 'ok'. 4-5 stars and I have to come up with a reason to keep the book before it earns a place on my shelf. Where I used to keep maybe 9 in 10 before, I keep less than 1 in 10 since I started taking the time to review them. I've cut down from 9 bookcases to three from doing the same thing with my rereads, and I now have space on the shelves of those three. One day, I'd like to get down to two bookcases. I also remind myself of how excited I am to find a book I really want on the shelves of a second-hand bookshop, and that maybe donating some of my books will bring the same joy to someone else (most of the books I have are out of print ones, so you can't just order new copies).
#9 Imagining someone I care about suddenly living with all my stuff is a new spin that really helped. 🤓🤪 Thanks! For bonus tip #11 Asking for Help: I think it actually works best if all parties treat it as an experiment with no obligation to follow advice. You can really like and respect someone and just not vibe well about decluttering, and it's OKAY to try again with someone who might suit you better. : - )
It took me three years after taking the 12-week uncluttered course to finally let go of my grandmother's beautiful porcelain coffee serving set. I was with her when she purchased it during our only trip together to her native Germany, and it was the first item of value she had ever purchased for herself. The thing that allowed me to finally let go was to write the story to go along with the photos.
I get rid stuff by putting it in the garage for a month. If in a month it hasn't crossed my mind, then I know I won't miss it. After a year and a half of doing this, only twice have I reconsidered getting rid of something.
Great tips here Joshua - the clear step-by-step advice and very manageable process help distill what can easily be an overwhelming task into a (relatively) simple and very straightforward technique. I love it and I'll recommend it. Thanks for the continued wonderful work that you do. I see you and I thank you for it!
I started decluttering after my mother's death in 2013 - I've been continuing ever since but from time to time I just lapse with the mistaken belief that there is no more to go and then my last cat died and I started again.....sometimes it takes upheaval or shock to get the gears revved up but how ever it starts, I know it will never end. ♥
I'm working on declutting my photos. It's something I've wanted to do for years, and now that I'm retired I'm finally doing it. It's fun and lots of memories. I have 2 kids and they are each getting their's and they will ne out of my house.
Hair on point! Always look forward to seeing your videos. Great, motivational advice.
Thanks for the video! Always solid, motivating content. Your hair looks great like that, tapered on the sides, by the way. A very youthful look.
My fave Josua vlog is when his stylist cut his hair and he read RUclips comments out loud. Hilarious!
I have a hard time thanking an inanimate object. Instead, I thank God, who allowed it in my life for the role that it served. Thank someone who really deserves to be thanked not an object.
Absolutely best advice and inspiration I've ever heard. Thank you for pointing me in the direction God is sending me.
While I get what you're saying, and it makes perfect sense to direct your gratitude towards what resonates with you, whether it's God or the person who once gave that object to you, thanking an inanimate object is not so different to have an emotional attachment to it.
I do the same ❤ thank God
I agree totally. I don't worship objects but I Do Worship the Lord Jesus Christ. ❤
Your whole Being incarnates the content of what you share …Wonderful ! Thank you .🌈🦋
I wanted to give away some things I really liked but didn’t need so I took them to my art class. Some younger friends gathered at the trunk of my car and took a lot of it. I was so happy to give my things a new home with people I liked. I give books to the library and things to Goodwill to save time. I don’t have time to sell things.
I like to offer some nicer things to friends too. You never know when someone will need something or find a connection to something. Feels good to let someone I know enjoy it.
Hey, Joshua! LoL i´m so loving my decluttering and getting rid of everything. I thought it would be difficult but now it´s no problem. And i´m still going ahhh good feeling
Love your channel..owning less is the key to freedom..Thank you Joshua
Joshua! RUclips hasn't shown me your videos for ages! I found you again via decluttering.
Welcome back.
Simply THE BEST advice 👍👍👍
THANK YOU for sharing your advice and philosophy 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
Yeah I think taking a picture is helpful. It usually gets lost in all the other pictures snd deleted anyway.
I've followed you for a long time, and my response to the info in this video is : WOW! So insightful & helpful! Thank you!
I scanned all my old baby photos and my son’s art projects. Now they’re all on my phone n I can see them in my timehop app
I don't know how to do it. Feel afraid they might get lost in the digital garbage.
i cleaned my catch all linen closet and it took 4 hours while watching videos. i still had conair curling irons!! lol
Just found you and really need to start decluttering! For real! 🙏🙏🙏
Had to hop on my phone to respond to this, Josh, was like you were reading my mind with the latter points there. Thank you.
Keep only the best, and role reversal made minimizing much easier.
Loooove the hair!!! 😍
Thank you for inspirations! 😊
I’m going to do my massive kids memory box today. My son is here and I will ask for his views while he’s home. Maybe when he tells me he doesn’t want every birthday card he got for the last 20 years it’ll help me let them go!😮👍
8:31 - this is why i always do an "intake" when i help people unclutter/declutter. Storage styles, sentimentality, reasons for it, how easy to make a habit, that sort of thing.
Thank you Joshua 😊
Thank you.. helpful as I prepare to move.. across country!
LOVE YOUR U TUBES!!! They keep me motivated and on course!!!! 💜
Very very good points(except talking to Objects, I couldn’t do that😐)Thank you very helpful.😊
I talk to inanimate objects all day at least they don’t talk back too much:)
I don't thank the objects either. But I do thank the Lord, who provides the objects.
I felt odd doing that as well, after reading Marie Kondo's book, but I decided to do it anyway and weirdly it helped! I also greet my home when I come home which was another Marie Kondo thing that also felt weird in the beginning, but now it makes me happy.
You are looking particularly healthy. Keep up Your great routines. I so appreciate these Years of Learning from You. My life has continually improved with Your influence. Thank You eternally !
Thanks Josh your a blessing my friend
This guy nailed it.
Thank you
Every time I feel to declutterring I think what would I take with me and what would leave behind if I was moving to another country. 🤷♀️
Imagine the things you are trying to keep are already broken. They are impermanent and will be gone sooner or later.
Thankyou
I appreciate you Joshua Becker!🎉
My final issue is Walt Disney T-shirts !! I bought when I was smaller !! I live in the uk and bought them when I was in Florida - one plastic tub on top of the wardrobe but my brain can’t let them go - the rest of the house is ‘ done ‘
Perhaps have a quilt made with your shirts. When my husband died several years ago, that's what I did with all his t-shirts.
Yes, have your Disney t-shirts made into a quilt. Don’t get rid of them. I have a friend here in the states who has made many beautiful quilts from favorite t-shirts. If you know anyone who makes quilts, they can probably do that for you. Maybe there are RUclips videos that will show you how.
I've never agreed with the concept of "thanking the item" because the item is inanimate, dead and unfeeling. Thanking God for the gift or use of the item makes sense and puts attention where it belongs: the Creator (giver) over the creation (items).
If you are on the fence to declutter a lot of old photographs or not - scan them, have them printed into a book with subtexts, and then you can enjoy them all together without having to keep a shoebox full of pictures in your bedroom!
Taking a photo really works: I did it with a lot of my parents stuff❤
❤ I sure love your videos.They are encouraging.
These are great, helpful tips! 🌟
Such wise words as always 🌟 thank you Joshua 🌟
So many good points!
LOVE #9!
I’m the Opposite ‼️I never feel guilty or attached to anything I get rid of .. it’s the OTHER PEOPLE in my life that make me feel weird about it or that I’m doing something wrong .. I literally believe it makes them MAD because it’s so second nature for me not to hoard things .. and they end up making fun of me 😮
They are not true friends!
A POWERFUL message 💪
When I asked my 26 yr old son about his boxes of schoolwork I had saved, he said “those are your memories Mom, not mine”. He doesn’t remember the milestones because they were important to me, but not necessarily to him.
Thank you, Joshua.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Had an old item that was especially difficult to let go of, it spent most of its time on the couch, just takin up space and not doing much at all, Mildred was given her vacate notice , my couch and I are much happier.
I love owning less❤ Thanks Joshua
Our things are temporary just like our life is. We evolve into different stages and we can't hold on to things forever. Emerge, liberate from baggage, move on.
Why do I need to hold onto books so much? I've let go of so much of my other belongings, but can't seem to part with a collection of hard cover books, mostly classics by favorite authors that I've already read...at least 50 or so. Anyone else?
50 books seems like a reasonable amount, if you have room for them and you love them, I see nothing wrong with keeping them. It's not a moral obligation to get rid of everything save for the bare minimum. I enjoy my book collection, but now I only keep the books I really loved and would like to read again, they can easily be donated when I'm gone. I donated the books I didn't like and started a reading journal, which not only keeps track of what I've read, but also helps decide what stays.
Ugh. Realizing I'm still on the journey. Still striving to own LESS!
Again great idea's ❤
Yesterday I brought a load of stuff to the Goodwill but I had to wait in line to unload it. I thought about the people who have to work there, I myself would go insane looking at all that random stuff I'm trying to figure out what to do with it.
I can't even do the easy stuff. It's the time the energy and the mess that it makes. I started getting some things ready and was distracted by so many things the last few weeks that they're all just sitting around. I don't know if I can ever get it done.😢