Are you ready to declutter along with me today? Have you had any 'aha' decluttering moments recently? Big hugs going out to those who need one today, or who are grieving 💗💗 And here is your FREE ticket to this year’s biggest organizing event! 👋🤩🎟 thegetorganizedhq.com/gohqv2024-freeticket-dianeindenmark/?a_aid=DianeinDenmark&a_bid=540b8b6d
Aha moment! Thinking about the large and small slow cookers I own and have decided to let go of the big one now that a new oven is about to be installed. Will keep the small one for soup and hot cider throughout autumn and winter. If it isn't put to good use, it will go, too.
I really haven't had the courage to declutter some items or even look at them. Greif 🤷♀️So baby steps. Thank you for sharing so much and being here today Diane! ❤ my sink is shining 😊
Definitely need a big hug today. It’s been a week and emotions are high. Ready to channel some energy into being productive in my home as some self-care today (because I need a win. It’s been one of those weeks where everything I touch has gone wrong.).
Dear Diane, I'm a healthy, active 79 year old. Of necessity, last year my 85 year old husband (less healthy) and I downsized into a small apartment. I have given, thrown, etc., so much, but still have books, craft supplies, Christmas, and boxes of un-named "stuff" in a small storage unit. I'm so looking forward to your journey over the next months to see how you let go of the things to which you are very attached and yet will not have space for. Also, your talk today about building friendships rather than holding on to stuff was very helpful for me. Thank you so much.
My local charity shop accepts books, craft supplies, holiday decor, as well as many other items. I bundle like with like craft supplies in zip lock clear bags. On one occasion, I saw someone taking some items I had donated to the cashier, totally delighted at having found them. Talk about making my day!😊
I’m right there with you. So many items that hold memories of my life and family. Making a huge leap of faith and daring to dream of a different future, letting go of what was.
@@patriciascottcastaneda9660 you sound like a very strong person. These beautiful words truly reached deep down into my soul. I believe all of your dreams will somehow find their way to you.
If you don't have it in your home, you don't use it, if you don't use it, you don't need it and waste money on storage. Get the family over, if anyone wants anything or has a friend that could use it, give it away, donate what you can, dump whatever you can't rehome. Honestly, you'll feel so much better, it's a relief.
When cleaning out my Dads apartment after he passed, I told my sister that I was going to donate his bedding and towels to the vets. She gave me a weird look. So bagged them up and drove them to the local veterinary hospital. Getting back into the car she thought I was giving them to the Veterans and she couldn’t figure out why the Veterans would want our dad’s old sheets and towels! It was hysterical!
My aha recently has been when asked 'Would you buy this again?' I am recognizing how many of my things were gifts. I am grateful to friends and family for their generosity but realize this has led to uncertainty in both my house decorating style and fashion sense.
Oh Diane, Indian Prince - the Prince of Teas! I am identifying so much with your very candid sharing of the passing of your mother. Mine passed away 15 years ago and we came across Izal toilet roll, and a tin of pears my mum had kept because my dad liked them.. he died in 1967! I think it is a whole new/different world after your parents go, nothing seems real and grief casts its light on everything. Thank you for restarting your videos. You are doing a brilliant job, and I am returning one big digital hug to you 💌
Dear Diane, Me and my daughter were watching your videos since you started your channel.. 3 years ago unfortunately and unexpectedly my beautiful daughter 13 left us and flew away to God.. i stopped doing completely everything. . It s already two months i started watching u again and want to watch all of your videos all together.. it s a feeling I'm with her again in our bed,watching your videos like we used to do.. sending my blessings feom Georgia 🇬🇪 ❤you really changed me... love you
I have been thinking about how dinner parties have gone out of fashion, mainly because we’ve been rewatching some films from the 90s, and there are lots of dinner party scenes. We had certain things because we had expectations of how we would entertain, and that just doesn’t seem to be a part of our lives anymore.
@@jwuertz7101dinner parties are fun, but so much work. If we do those we do them potluck and everyone brings a dosh. The host usually just does clean up. And it works out better.
This is great to watch. I’m a mother of young kids and a wife. I’ve felt so embarrassed about not having lots of trinkets and decor and all things piled up over the years. It’s great to see that at the end of the day it just turns into clutter and I can save my money for experiences. My goal has been to work hard to accumulate rooms full Christmas decor, 5 sheet sets for each bed etc. this is refreshing to see I can keep it simple.
I do that with my plates. But I also rotate them, for them to wear out the same 😅. So the colours and so on keep similar. Yesterday, I decluttered a very special memory, my ballet slippers. I used to learn how to dance. Spanish dancing which also included ballet lessons. I even went to have the official exams in The Royal Conservatory of Madrid, I stopped when I was 21. Now I'm nearly 59 and have kept my last ballet slippers, flamenco shoes, castanets and so on and I've got rid of nearly everything as I'm finding new homes yet for a few of the things. My husband is in complete disbelief. I'm so proud of myself. My decluttering muscle is really strong. Take care xxx
Mom passed 3 months ago and the legalities regarding her house are settled and the house is now transferred. She was just over 100 and hadn't decluttered and was feisty if I tried to encourage it. At her age, so few people remained and I think everything created a safe nest for her. However, I have layers and layers of someone's life to go through. With her so old, I'm not young any more either so have my down declutter to do. When I found your channel I thought how wonderful to have a companion on this journey and have subscribed. God bless.
I just moved house. I have been declutterring in anticipation, but "life happened" and in the end, I am continuing to declutter as I unpack in the new home and figuring out how to nest here. Today, I am unpacking boxes in my bedroom.
My mom still had some pieces of her wedding china when she died. I remembered it from Christmas as a kid but it wasn't something I would have used. I kept one dessert plate that I use. It's enough for a fond memory.
My coolest thing I've kept from my Mom is the mini cardboard birdhouse she painted in her nursing home a few months before she died: she was proud of it and it was so cute that she did it! I found a little cardinal to glue on the perch, and it hangs front and center on my Christmas Tree, 5 years now ! I also keep a pic of her carving a turkey in 1965, framed in my kitchen cupboard, just for me to see from time to time ❤
I just stumbled across your channel and think I will love it! Years ago I tried to do FlyLady when I was still working. Have been retired for over 10 years and don't have a set pattern. I am preparing for a craft supply sale tomorrow and have been purging now for a few weeks getting ready. Nothing will come back home with me but the leftovers will go to the charity shop. I still have my fingers in several crafts but like most crafters I have way too much! Thanks for the helpful video.. Oh, also, my youngest brother came yesterday and I loaded him up with some of our parents treasures that I knew would not mean a thing to my son but that did mean something to my brother. He was very appreciative. That was a very good feeling!
Experiences and not things is our family saying. Very hard to achieve though. My view is to use the lovely things everyday. When my Dad died we found wedding glasses that had never been used. I use them every day
I am so sorry for your loss ♥️. I lost my mom in 1997. There will be days that you’ll be so overcome with grief and other days you will rejoice at all the good and funny memories. Just remember there is no time limit on grief. Grieve when you need to, and take care of you. Love from Texas ♥️
It's interesting how our life journey sends us down unexpected paths isn't it? We lost our home to fire and downsized in the last two years from 2300 sq ft to 1100 sq ft and realized the things we have kept all have memories attached to them (function too, yeah!) I found it especially helpful to ask myself "what do I want the space that I will grow old(er) in to look like? What things are important to me?" (I'm 63, husband is 71) Our new home is filled with useful, memory rich things that we see and handle daily, but only to the extent that it fits comfortably in the new space which I designed to allow us to age safely. Thank you for the inspiration you give to so many and prayers for you as you walk into this new season of life.
I have my ticket! YAY! RA RA!!! I lost my dad in 2020 to cancer but because of 'you know what' we were not allowed to gather and say our goodbyes. It was hard 'dialing in on video' and not being able to travel there at that time. I am so comforted knowing he is in no more pain and that he knew Jesus. But there are moments when the tears flow and that is okay. I talk to him and all is right in my world again. Thanks for sharing the videos with us. I'm decluttering today myself.
Thank you for sharing your true emotions with us. You are so very generous with your positive energy. I've been lagging in going through my past family members to declutter they're home. I'm ready to no longer carry the burden of maintaining that property, and so I feel driven to go at it deeper now
God bless you, dear Diane. I'm thankful for those last memories with your Mum that sit on such a tender place in your heart. I have always felt sad that my mom missed that with both of her parents, and I hope that I will get the honor of being with her at home in her final days. 🙏🏻
“Renaissance of myself.” I love this. I’m two years in to my decluttering, and I feel very encouraged by that which you are sharing. Thank you for your vulnerability, authenticity, and shining spirit. 🕊🌿🌷✨
You are such an inspiration to get out and have experiences rather than stay at home and rearrange the “stuff”. And your comment about being intentional about it! Thanks, I needed that.
Dear Diane, Feel for you every time I hear how much grief you have. ❤ some digital hugs for you I also had to giggle when you said goodbye to the vase, and in the same sentence said: well actually you didn’t serve so much. Well then is it a good thing to go. Thanks again for another video
You got me going today! Went through all the table linens and tossed a bundle I never use. Then marched around the house with a quick look in closets to gather whatever said “I’m ready to bless somebody else”. Filled a box of shoes, clothes, baskets, kitchen stuff and what nots. Thank you, thank you, thank you Diane!
The duster is adorable. I only kept my mother's tiffany lamp I gave her and some dishes from the 1960's that we used to eat off of. When we broke down the house I made sure I donated as much as possible to St. Vincent de Paul. I have all my father's pictures and some of his religious books. I have decluttered already so I won't make my children go through what we had to do with our parents. I also have her wedding invitation which is precious. Right now I'm sorting through all the hundreds of phots for each of my siblings and my Dad's friend. I will let them decide on what they want. I can't waste my energy on other's belongings. Joan
As a daughter myself, I always tell my kids that my stuff isn’t their stuff, and to have no guilt or regrets about things of mine that they don’t want to keep when the time comes. Our collections and cherished items are personal to us and obviously don’t have the same sentimental value to our children. When my dad died I kept a couple of his pens (he liked a nice pen!) and his cardigan that still smelled of him. Very little else. My did lives in my heart not on my mantlepiece. Xx
I had the opposite reaction when my mother died. I held on to a lot of her belongings. It was like I having them around me made me feel closer to her or something. I'm in the process of letting go of some of them, and I find the ones that mean the most are the everyday items like your mum's duster. I have some of her silverware and some water glasses and I love it every time I use them. Anyway, your perspective on your mum's life of giving, helping people, and her friends is helpful to me. My mother was the same. Thanks as always for the inspiration. These early days of grief are really hard. Those emotions come up so suddenly sometimes ❤
Only managed the drawers in the sideboard but have learnt that little and often works just as well. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Thank you for your encouragement 💕
Greetings from Nevada, USA. I just learned about your channel through a podcast that I listen to called Clutterbug. She had a guest who also has a RUclips channel called "secret slob" and she was the one who mentioned your wonderful channel. I'm very sorry to hear about your mother passing. Looking forward to watching some of your archives and following along in the future. Best wishes!
Thank you for reminding us that it’s ok to let go of things that previously you kept. Go easy on yourself-it’s lovely to hear you talk about your mum but it’s obviously hard for you. Having your exciting home move to work towards is a good focus for the decluttering, and yes memories, experiences and friendships are much more important than “stuff”. ❤
You gave me the motivation to tackle the most difficult item - papers. So, I committed to spending September going through all the papers. Thank you, you cannot even imagine what a gift you're to all of us!
I was looking to sell a few big ticket items but a local family finds themselves starting over and I personally know how hard that is, I feel morally led and of course, a heart-felt responsibility to further community and compassion as we can never lead with kindness too often. As a disabled single mom, I can relate. She's helped me by motivating my going through my kitchen cabinets last night into this morning..
Yes! I gave one of my mom's three sets of china to a young church friend. She enjoys setting a lovely table. But with four children, she and her husband could not afford a set of china. Gifting it to her made me happy.
When we moved I downsized my China set to eight places and I decided that would be enough. If we needed extra places then I’d just use a few white plates. We just don’t do formal dinners really anymore. It was tough but I don’t miss it! Less to look after! Xx
Thanks, Diane, for the inspiration. I went through my china cabinet and jelly cabinet that are in my dining room. Cleaned them but found nothing to declutter as I was pretty ruthless the last time I decluttered that area. I also swept down my entryway porch and siding, rearranged my flowers on the porch and gave them a good watering. It is nice to have you back giving us encouragement and motivation.
Beautiful china teacups from the family.....I wasnt using them but a friend was delighted to get 5 . The rest I will donate to a heritage home gift shop to raise funds for it's preservation ...win win
Good for you decluttering part of a “set.” When we downsized I had an extra set of dishes I loved that had service for 10. I hated to part with it but knew I would only use it for four people as we no longer had room to have ten people to an indoor meal. My friend who was helping me pack up suggested I only keep a set of four and give away the rest. Problem solved! I still use these when there are four of us. It seems wrong to split up things that go together, but it’s whatever works best for you. Win win!
I sometimes catch myself thinking that whole sets should be preserved but when I go to thrift stores a lot of whole sets do not get sold because very few people need so many dishes any more. Often collectors are only looking for a few pieces to round out a set they already have and ordinary folk might just want a few pieces for some variety in their dish ware, like a teacup or a large serving bowl for example. So don’t be afraid to keep only want you really love or will genuinely use!
I use my good silverware every day. Its onieda so as long as i use citrus free dishwasher soap, they go in dishwasher. I gave away the "everyday" lesser silverware. Same with stemware. No simple everyday ones taking up space - I only use the heirloom hand made glases from Prague my parents handed down years ago, and a pair of fancy snifter style my departed sissy gave me. Lol people love drinking out of them!.
Diane, you are such an inspiration. I'm struggling with letting go a big box of sheet music for the piano. So many memories. I'm almost ready to let most of it go. We all have those things that are dear to us for various reasons, but it's good to remember they are just things.
🎉😊 Great Job ❤ Decluttered all of my photos from school. Everyone said: oh no. But I don't look at them, I don't even know the names of most of my schoolmates when I was 6 or 7 😂 We don't have children and even if we had, nobody is interested in this photos. We cleaned the rooms when my Granny died. So much stuff...only a few items I kept and that I use. I have my memories 😊 My husband holds on to everything. There are so many things he owns for 15-20 years and never used it. But we have to keep it😂 The absolute opposite to me.
Thank you for this (and all your) video/s. I love your down to earth approach to life. I too had to declutter my Mum's home and found many out of date food items she had forgotten about. You are so right, it is the people and activities we enjoy with them that are the true treasures of our lives. Your Mum will always be in your heart ❤
We too, are clearing out my mother’s home. It has motivated me to begin to let go of many things which I have held on to. The “stuff” just does not matter. The relationships do. Thanks for sharing in your own process and encouraging us!
We, too, have wedding china place settings for 12 people. I only have 6 places for dining so let go 6 place settings. No need to keep china for people who can’t sit down for dinner.
My condolences Diane! Your mom, like you, was such a ray of sunshine and seemed to be a person that loved life! Sending you lots of love! ❤ God bless you!
Stay-cation. 4 bags of trash out Monday. My son grilled food for the 2 of us. We made smores for dessert. We fed the neighbors chicken. It was fun watching them. We visted my daughter and son for a couple of hours.
I’m sorry for your loss. Glad you got time with your mum. I totally changed my thoughts about buying stuff after clearing my mums home in Fife when she passed. The stuff we hang onto doesn’t mean much to other people. 🏴
I hope you will show as much of the future move as is convenient. Every moment will be Helpful and Inspiring to Many of us. The messy parts are as helpful as the organized; well-planned parts.
You are motivating me to do a section at a time. Getting it done! So sorry for your loss but taking care of your Mom was a challenge but a blessing. I took care of my Mom for 2 years and it was the hardest job ever but one I would do again for her in a minute. ❤
I actually paused the video, so I could do some decluttering and then come back and watch the rest of your video as a reward. So good to have virtual company in here 🥰🥰
Thank you Diane for the free ticket x losing a loved one is so painful and then having to suffer the guilt of going through their things and deciding what stays and what goes is awful. helping my mum do this with my dads things has been an emotional roller coaster BUT! Now a few months later after reorganising things, repainting and a good spring clean I can see the weight come off my mums shoulders. I can see she is brighter and more motivated and every visitor is given a house tour - she is proud of her home xxx
I love watching the sentimental declutter. It is where the hard work happens. I have to do the garage with my hubby. It is crazy in there. He tends to collect exercise equipment which is huge and bulky.
I have my grandmothers China. I don’t remember her ever using it - Family dinners were always served on her Franciscan wild rose (?) ‘everyday’ dishes. I’ve had her China for nearly 40 years now and I’ve never used it either! But I’m taking it out of the zippered/padded storage cases and moving it to accessible cupboards so it will be easy to grab for holidays or just for a nice meal with my husband.
Our freezer went out today and it was full. We had bought a cow and all that meat. We moved it to other freezers which we cleaned out any thing that was old. Had to buy another freezer.
Very sad to hear your lovely mum passed away. You are so right when you say that it was her personality, life experience and connection she had with her family, friends and wider community which remains everything else is superfluous. Life is to be lived and celebrated. Take care of yourself while cherishing her memory. Love never dies.❤
Thank you for walking us through your thought process with your china. I just did this and realized I was keeping a few things that belonged to my grandma that I don’t even remember her ever using. They are valuable but I rarely use them myself! I’m letting them go knowing someone is going to have a thrill finding them in the charity shop. ❤
It's wonderful that you have such a treasure of memories of your mom, Diane. Thank you for continuing to share the effects of your care-taking experience with us. It's a good piece of advice to not save something just because I always have in the past, like your running bib number. That will help me declutter a chest full of mementos that have been hard to let go, even though I hardly ever get them out and see them. Thank you for your consistent encouragement. 💙
I decluttered many things when my husband passed away four years ago and I moved to a smaller condo. I only moved things that I really needed or loved. I haven't missed a thing. Prayers for a good week for you and thanks again for being a bright spot in my day 😊.
A great video, Diane. Im glad you feel able to talk about losing your mum - it's good to talk. Hugs to you. When our kids come over, there are 14 of us (they all have partners and now children). I regularly buy extra plates and then put them away somewhere 'safe'. One day, i will find where I've stashed them all! I long to be organised like you. One day, i will get there.
I love the character in your home❤ I also love that u r so real with us....we love that u share your life and emotions with us, because some times we fall apart decluttering family memories too. When my mom was in her last days she said she was most thankful for the memories she made....as they were keeping her company in her last days. Made me realize things really do not matter in the end.
Diane, thank you for sharing your lessons learned from your sweet Mum's "s passing. I came to the same realization when my parents passed away, and it's made it easier for me to re-prioritize and let go of things now. I recently gave away my mother's and grandmother's sets of china--we weren't using it at all! I really appreciate your wisdom and encouragement. And, I LOVE that little Scottish duster guy!😉
I've realised that I have done most of the decluttering STILL telling myself " Just in case" is a good reason to keep something. That's why I keep unearthing a massive roll of gift wrap when all of my grandchildren are now adults and vouchers or money is a better option for presents. Charity shop call tomorrow, and the nice man will collect donations in his car on Friday......when I will have finished the kitchen cupboards. Big hugs. 💖
Dear Dianne, thank you so much for your video. Your decluttering really helps me. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this difficult time xx
Interesting about charger plates. So many cultures never use them. I even had to look it up 😊 We do protect our table with tablecloth and mat underneath but no extra plates.
I never knew about them until recently. I did go to a Xmas party though where they had fancy chargers at each place setting but then we ate from paper plates placed on top!
Are you ready to declutter along with me today? Have you had any 'aha' decluttering moments recently? Big hugs going out to those who need one today, or who are grieving 💗💗 And here is your FREE ticket to this year’s biggest organizing event! 👋🤩🎟 thegetorganizedhq.com/gohqv2024-freeticket-dianeindenmark/?a_aid=DianeinDenmark&a_bid=540b8b6d
Aha moment! Thinking about the large and small slow cookers I own and have decided to let go of the big one now that a new oven is about to be installed. Will keep the small one for soup and hot cider throughout autumn and winter. If it isn't put to good use, it will go, too.
I really haven't had the courage to declutter some items or even look at them. Greif 🤷♀️So baby steps. Thank you for sharing so much and being here today Diane! ❤ my sink is shining 😊
Yes, decluttering in every room this month.
Definitely need a big hug today. It’s been a week and emotions are high. Ready to channel some energy into being productive in my home as some self-care today (because I need a win. It’s been one of those weeks where everything I touch has gone wrong.).
My heart goes out to you every time I see or hear your emotion over your Mum. It’s a sign of how much you loved her ❤️
Dear Diane, I'm a healthy, active 79 year old. Of necessity, last year my 85 year old husband (less healthy) and I downsized into a small apartment. I have given, thrown, etc., so much, but still have books, craft supplies, Christmas, and boxes of un-named "stuff" in a small storage unit. I'm so looking forward to your journey over the next months to see how you let go of the things to which you are very attached and yet will not have space for. Also, your talk today about building friendships rather than holding on to stuff was very helpful for me. Thank you so much.
My local charity shop accepts books, craft supplies, holiday decor, as well as many other items. I bundle like with like craft supplies in zip lock clear bags. On one occasion, I saw someone taking some items I had donated to the cashier, totally delighted at having found them. Talk about making my day!😊
I’m right there with you. So many items that hold memories of my life and family. Making a huge leap of faith and daring to dream of a different future, letting go of what was.
@@patriciascottcastaneda9660 you sound like a very strong person. These beautiful words truly reached deep down into my soul. I believe all of your dreams will somehow find their way to you.
Thankful for your loving and fun spirit. This is so helpful
If you don't have it in your home, you don't use it, if you don't use it, you don't need it and waste money on storage. Get the family over, if anyone wants anything or has a friend that could use it, give it away, donate what you can, dump whatever you can't rehome. Honestly, you'll feel so much better, it's a relief.
When cleaning out my Dads apartment after he passed, I told my sister that I was going to donate his bedding and towels to the vets. She gave me a weird look. So bagged them up and drove them to the local veterinary hospital. Getting back into the car she thought I was giving them to the Veterans and she couldn’t figure out why the Veterans would want our dad’s old sheets and towels! It was hysterical!
My aha recently has been when asked 'Would you buy this again?' I am recognizing how many of my things were gifts. I am grateful to friends and family for their generosity but realize this has led to uncertainty in both my house decorating style and fashion sense.
Oh Diane, Indian Prince - the Prince of Teas! I am identifying so much with your very candid sharing of the passing of your mother. Mine passed away 15 years ago and we came across Izal toilet roll, and a tin of pears my mum had kept because my dad liked them.. he died in 1967! I think it is a whole new/different world after your parents go, nothing seems real and grief casts its light on everything. Thank you for restarting your videos. You are doing a brilliant job, and I am returning one big digital hug to you 💌
God be with you in your grief. I believe that He is with us every step of the way.
I find it very hard to not connect objects with memories and so I hold on to way too many things. Thank you for showing me it can be done.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom, Diane. ❤ Thank you for your encouragement and words of wisdom. You’re such an inspiration!
🙏😊
I think your mum's true legacy is her wondeful and loving children.
Dear Diane, Me and my daughter were watching your videos since you started your channel.. 3 years ago unfortunately and unexpectedly my beautiful daughter 13 left us and flew away to God.. i stopped doing completely everything. . It s already two months i started watching u again and want to watch all of your videos all together.. it s a feeling I'm with her again in our bed,watching your videos like we used to do.. sending my blessings feom Georgia 🇬🇪 ❤you really changed me... love you
I am so very sorry for your sad loss. I wish you strength and peace.
I am so sorry. I pray that you find healing and pockets of peace in rewatching and remembering your beautiful daughter. 🙏
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. Really glad Diane has been a source of strength
@@lindal3966 thank you so much ✨️🙏
@@Karen-pe6oc thank you 😔🤍
I have been thinking about how dinner parties have gone out of fashion, mainly because we’ve been rewatching some films from the 90s, and there are lots of dinner party scenes. We had certain things because we had expectations of how we would entertain, and that just doesn’t seem to be a part of our lives anymore.
I thought I would entertain at home but with great local restaurants I tend to go out when friends are in town just for a day.
@@jwuertz7101dinner parties are fun, but so much work. If we do those we do them potluck and everyone brings a dosh. The host usually just does clean up. And it works out better.
This is great to watch. I’m a mother of young kids and a wife. I’ve felt so embarrassed about not having lots of trinkets and decor and all things piled up over the years. It’s great to see that at the end of the day it just turns into clutter and I can save my money for experiences. My goal has been to work hard to accumulate rooms full Christmas decor, 5 sheet sets for each bed etc. this is refreshing to see I can keep it simple.
I do that with my plates. But I also rotate them, for them to wear out the same 😅. So the colours and so on keep similar. Yesterday, I decluttered a very special memory, my ballet slippers. I used to learn how to dance. Spanish dancing which also included ballet lessons. I even went to have the official exams in The Royal Conservatory of Madrid, I stopped when I was 21. Now I'm nearly 59 and have kept my last ballet slippers, flamenco shoes, castanets and so on and I've got rid of nearly everything as I'm finding new homes yet for a few of the things. My husband is in complete disbelief. I'm so proud of myself. My decluttering muscle is really strong. Take care xxx
Mom passed 3 months ago and the legalities regarding her house are settled and the house is now transferred. She was just over 100 and hadn't decluttered and was feisty if I tried to encourage it. At her age, so few people remained and I think everything created a safe nest for her. However, I have layers and layers of someone's life to go through. With her so old, I'm not young any more either so have my down declutter to do. When I found your channel I thought how wonderful to have a companion on this journey and have subscribed. God bless.
I just moved house. I have been declutterring in anticipation, but "life happened" and in the end, I am continuing to declutter as I unpack in the new home and figuring out how to nest here. Today, I am unpacking boxes in my bedroom.
My mom still had some pieces of her wedding china when she died. I remembered it from Christmas as a kid but it wasn't something I would have used. I kept one dessert plate that I use. It's enough for a fond memory.
My coolest thing I've kept from my Mom is the mini cardboard birdhouse she painted in her nursing home a few months before she died: she was proud of it and it was so cute that she did it! I found a little cardinal to glue on the perch, and it hangs front and center on my Christmas Tree, 5 years now !
I also keep a pic of her carving a turkey in 1965, framed in my kitchen cupboard, just for me to see from time to time ❤
I just stumbled across your channel and think I will love it! Years ago I tried to do FlyLady when I was still working. Have been retired for over 10 years and don't have a set pattern. I am preparing for a craft supply sale tomorrow and have been purging now for a few weeks getting ready. Nothing will come back home with me but the leftovers will go to the charity shop.
I still have my fingers in several crafts but like most crafters I have way too much! Thanks for the helpful video..
Oh, also, my youngest brother came yesterday and I loaded him up with some of our parents treasures that I knew would not mean a thing to my son but that did mean something to my brother. He was very appreciative. That was a very good feeling!
Oh, that is brilliant! Well done, Cheryl and welcome here! 👋😃
Experiences and not things is our family saying. Very hard to achieve though. My view is to use the lovely things everyday. When my Dad died we found wedding glasses that had never been used. I use them every day
Diane, thank you for your transparency and wisdom. We loved your mum too, so it is healing to hear you move through grief. ❤
I am so sorry for your loss ♥️. I lost my mom in 1997. There will be days that you’ll be so overcome with grief and other days you will rejoice at all the good and funny memories. Just remember there is no time limit on grief. Grieve when you need to, and take care of you. Love from Texas ♥️
Hi Diane, that was food for thought today. Letting go of things to free energy and time to spend with friends and family. Love that. ❤🤗
It's interesting how our life journey sends us down unexpected paths isn't it? We lost our home to fire and downsized in the last two years from 2300 sq ft to 1100 sq ft and realized the things we have kept all have memories attached to them (function too, yeah!) I found it especially helpful to ask myself "what do I want the space that I will grow old(er) in to look like? What things are important to me?" (I'm 63, husband is 71) Our new home is filled with useful, memory rich things that we see and handle daily, but only to the extent that it fits comfortably in the new space which I designed to allow us to age safely. Thank you for the inspiration you give to so many and prayers for you as you walk into this new season of life.
I have my ticket! YAY! RA RA!!! I lost my dad in 2020 to cancer but because of 'you know what' we were not allowed to gather and say our goodbyes. It was hard 'dialing in on video' and not being able to travel there at that time. I am so comforted knowing he is in no more pain and that he knew Jesus. But there are moments when the tears flow and that is okay. I talk to him and all is right in my world again. Thanks for sharing the videos with us. I'm decluttering today myself.
Can't wait for you to move and see your new apartment 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you for sharing your true emotions with us. You are so very generous with your positive energy. I've been lagging in going through my past family members to declutter they're home. I'm ready to no longer carry the burden of maintaining that property, and so I feel driven to go at it deeper now
God bless you, dear Diane. I'm thankful for those last memories with your Mum that sit on such a tender place in your heart. I have always felt sad that my mom missed that with both of her parents, and I hope that I will get the honor of being with her at home in her final days. 🙏🏻
“Renaissance of myself.” I love this. I’m two years in to my decluttering, and I feel very encouraged by that which you are sharing. Thank you for your vulnerability, authenticity, and shining spirit. 🕊🌿🌷✨
You are such an inspiration to get out and have experiences rather than stay at home and rearrange the “stuff”. And your comment about being intentional about it! Thanks, I needed that.
I so agree! No more stuff-shuffling!
Thank you for the reminder that these things are just… things. It makes the process of decluttering easier.
Dear Diane, Feel for you every time I hear how much grief you have. ❤ some digital hugs for you
I also had to giggle when you said goodbye to the vase, and in the same sentence said: well actually you didn’t serve so much. Well then is it a good thing to go.
Thanks again for another video
You got me going today! Went through all the table linens and tossed a bundle I never use. Then marched around the house with a quick look in closets to gather whatever said “I’m ready to bless somebody else”. Filled a box of shoes, clothes, baskets, kitchen stuff and what nots. Thank you, thank you, thank you Diane!
The duster is adorable. I only kept my mother's tiffany lamp I gave her and some dishes from the 1960's that we used to eat off of. When we broke down the house I made sure I donated as much as possible to St. Vincent de Paul. I have all my father's pictures and some of his religious books. I have decluttered already so I won't make my children go through what we had to do with our parents. I also have her wedding invitation which is precious. Right now I'm sorting through all the hundreds of phots for each of my siblings and my Dad's friend. I will let them decide on what they want. I can't waste my energy on other's belongings. Joan
As a daughter myself, I always tell my kids that my stuff isn’t their stuff, and to have no guilt or regrets about things of mine that they don’t want to keep when the time comes. Our collections and cherished items are personal to us and obviously don’t have the same sentimental value to our children. When my dad died I kept a couple of his pens (he liked a nice pen!) and his cardigan that still smelled of him. Very little else. My did lives in my heart not on my mantlepiece. Xx
I had the opposite reaction when my mother died. I held on to a lot of her belongings. It was like I having them around me made me feel closer to her or something. I'm in the process of letting go of some of them, and I find the ones that mean the most are the everyday items like your mum's duster. I have some of her silverware and some water glasses and I love it every time I use them. Anyway, your perspective on your mum's life of giving, helping people, and her friends is helpful to me. My mother was the same. Thanks as always for the inspiration. These early days of grief are really hard. Those emotions come up so suddenly sometimes ❤
Thanks for being here today! Love and hugs, Elisabeth
Only managed the drawers in the sideboard but have learnt that little and often works just as well. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Thank you for your encouragement 💕
Greetings from Nevada, USA. I just learned about your channel through a podcast that I listen to called Clutterbug. She had a guest who also has a RUclips channel called "secret slob" and she was the one who mentioned your wonderful channel. I'm very sorry to hear about your mother passing. Looking forward to watching some of your archives and following along in the future. Best wishes!
❤ You’re a gift to this planet! Your mom must have been so proud of you!
10 minute foyer/entry hall tidy & declutter. PUPA shoes, jackets, purse and tote bags. Looks so much better. 10 minute miracle.
Rah, rah, rah to you, Colleen! 🎉🎉🎉
Did your mom leave you a necklace best wishes I hope you are well 🙏 God bless 💟
Thank you for reminding us that it’s ok to let go of things that previously you kept. Go easy on yourself-it’s lovely to hear you talk about your mum but it’s obviously hard for you. Having your exciting home move to work towards is a good focus for the decluttering, and yes memories, experiences and friendships are much more important than “stuff”. ❤
You gave me the motivation to tackle the most difficult item - papers. So, I committed to spending September going through all the papers. Thank you, you cannot even imagine what a gift you're to all of us!
I was looking to sell a few big ticket items but a local family finds themselves starting over and I personally know how hard that is, I feel morally led and of course, a heart-felt responsibility to further community and compassion as we can never lead with kindness too often. As a disabled single mom, I can relate. She's helped me by motivating my going through my kitchen cabinets last night into this morning..
Yes! I gave one of my mom's three sets of china to a young church friend. She enjoys setting a lovely table. But with four children, she and her husband could not afford a set of china. Gifting it to her made me happy.
Oh, that is so lovely, Melissa - well done to you both!
What goes around comes around. As you bless others, so, too, are you blessed!
❤❤❤❤@@janeb3024
Dear Diane, when you started to cry, I cried. I feel so sorry for you. I'm sending hugs and kisses to you.❤
When we moved I downsized my China set to eight places and I decided that would be enough. If we needed extra places then I’d just use a few white plates. We just don’t do formal dinners really anymore. It was tough but I don’t miss it! Less to look after! Xx
Well done, Lucie! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
I love hearing your reflections on packing up all your mum's stuff, it's so true, the friendships and experiences mean so much more.
Your 'compote' little bowls, I would use them as small soup, starter, or small sweets bowl for end of the meal. Lovely dinner set ❤
The loss of your mum is still raw, and very understandably so, and yet you are still helping others xx sending love
Thanks, Diane, for the inspiration. I went through my china cabinet and jelly cabinet that are in my dining room. Cleaned them but found nothing to declutter as I was pretty ruthless the last time I decluttered that area. I also swept down my entryway porch and siding, rearranged my flowers on the porch and gave them a good watering. It is nice to have you back giving us encouragement and motivation.
Beautiful china teacups from the family.....I wasnt using them but a friend was delighted to get 5 . The rest I will donate to a heritage home gift shop to raise funds for it's preservation ...win win
Good for you decluttering part of a “set.” When we downsized I had an extra set of dishes I loved that had service for 10. I hated to part with it but knew I would only use it for four people as we no longer had room to have ten people to an indoor meal. My friend who was helping me pack up suggested I only keep a set of four and give away the rest. Problem solved! I still use these when there are four of us. It seems wrong to split up things that go together, but it’s whatever works best for you. Win win!
I sometimes catch myself thinking that whole sets should be preserved but when I go to thrift stores a lot of whole sets do not get sold because very few people need so many dishes any more. Often collectors are only looking for a few pieces to round out a set they already have and ordinary folk might just want a few pieces for some variety in their dish ware, like a teacup or a large serving bowl for example. So don’t be afraid to keep only want you really love or will genuinely use!
A family of 6 may be thrilled to find your extra place settings!
My dad had a saying you cannot taking with you (when you die he meant).
It’s so helpful watching your thought process in getting rid of HARD items Diane! Thank you!
Diane. Great vlog.
We use the small compote bowls for side salads.
Diane I hope you keep and use your beautiful china every day! Every day is special ❤ it is all too lovely to keep in a cabinet for special occasions
I use my good silverware every day. Its onieda so as long as i use citrus free dishwasher soap, they go in dishwasher. I gave away the "everyday" lesser silverware.
Same with stemware. No simple everyday ones taking up space - I only use the heirloom hand made glases from Prague my parents handed down years ago, and a pair of fancy snifter style my departed sissy gave me. Lol people love drinking out of them!.
May the force be with you ❤
Diane, you are such an inspiration. I'm struggling with letting go a big box of sheet music for the piano. So many memories. I'm almost ready to let most of it go. We all have those things that are dear to us for various reasons, but it's good to remember they are just things.
Maybe gift it to any musicians you know? What a treasure you have😊
Thanks, Mary, what a good idea!
Love the idea to separate 4 sets of dishes then store the rest separately! It's those simple ideas that can make such a difference.
🎉😊 Great Job ❤ Decluttered all of my photos from school. Everyone said: oh no. But I don't look at them, I don't even know the names of most of my schoolmates when I was 6 or 7 😂 We don't have children and even if we had, nobody is interested in this photos. We cleaned the rooms when my Granny died. So much stuff...only a few items I kept and that I use. I have my memories 😊 My husband holds on to everything. There are so many things he owns for 15-20 years and never used it. But we have to keep it😂 The absolute opposite to me.
Thank you for this (and all your) video/s. I love your down to earth approach to life. I too had to declutter my Mum's home and found many out of date food items she had forgotten about. You are so right, it is the people and activities we enjoy with them that are the true treasures of our lives. Your Mum will always be in your heart ❤
Diane I hope you keep and use your beautiful china every day! Every day is special ❤
We too, are clearing out my mother’s home. It has motivated me to begin to let go of many things which I have held on to. The “stuff” just does not matter. The relationships do. Thanks for sharing in your own process and encouraging us!
We, too, have wedding china place settings for 12 people. I only have 6 places for dining so let go 6 place settings. No need to keep china for people who can’t sit down for dinner.
Thank you for sharing about Mom. What a sweet lady she was. And I would have kept her duster to
Thank you, Dianne. It's been great seeing you decluttering again. Rah rah rah🎉🎉
My condolences Diane! Your mom, like you, was such a ray of sunshine and seemed to be a person that loved life! Sending you lots of love! ❤ God bless you!
Stay-cation. 4 bags of trash out Monday. My son grilled food for the 2 of us. We made smores for dessert. We fed the neighbors chicken. It was fun watching them. We visted my daughter and son for a couple of hours.
Loved loved the idea of keeping the exact plate numbers as per usual guest number together!! Yay!! Will do that today!
Yay! And thank you for the kind comment, Marsolan! 😍
@@DianeinDenmark just another thought, do you need more than half a dozen dinner, side plates etc ?
@@elainedee9314 Well… the 2 kids will eventually bring partners and grandkids to the table.
Cutest hair award 🥇!! I appreciate you
Aww, thanks, Melanie!
I’m sorry for your loss. Glad you got time with your mum. I totally changed my thoughts about buying stuff after clearing my mums home in Fife when she passed. The stuff we hang onto doesn’t mean much to other people. 🏴
Your dishes are beautiful!
I loved your bright idea of storing four of each dish separately. That's thinking outside of the box!
I hope you will show as much of the future move as is convenient. Every moment will be Helpful and Inspiring to Many of us. The messy parts are as helpful as the organized; well-planned parts.
You are motivating me to do a section at a time. Getting it done! So sorry for your loss but taking care of your Mom was a challenge but a blessing. I took care of my Mom for 2 years and it was the hardest job ever but one I would do again for her in a minute. ❤
Love mom’s duster 😍 thank you for decluttering inspiration!
I actually paused the video, so I could do some decluttering and then come back and watch the rest of your video as a reward. So good to have virtual company in here 🥰🥰
A great point about the race number bib - my old self would have kept these too, but thanks to your help I am seeing things differently. Thanks! 😊
Thank you Diane for the free ticket x losing a loved one is so painful and then having to suffer the guilt of going through their things and deciding what stays and what goes is awful. helping my mum do this with my dads things has been an emotional roller coaster BUT! Now a few months later after reorganising things, repainting and a good spring clean I can see the weight come off my mums shoulders. I can see she is brighter and more motivated and every visitor is given a house tour - she is proud of her home xxx
I love watching the sentimental declutter. It is where the hard work happens. I have to do the garage with my hubby. It is crazy in there. He tends to collect exercise equipment which is huge and bulky.
Thanks, Alyssa! And good luck on the garage declutter!
I have my grandmothers China. I don’t remember her ever using it - Family dinners were always served on her Franciscan wild rose (?) ‘everyday’ dishes. I’ve had her China for nearly 40 years now and I’ve never used it either! But I’m taking it out of the zippered/padded storage cases and moving it to accessible cupboards so it will be easy to grab for holidays or just for a nice meal with my husband.
I’m decluttering stuff that’s just been stored for years ( picnic items) A perfect example of not moving as your life changes
I would keep that extra wine opener in your suitcase 😅
Our freezer went out today and it was full. We had bought a cow and all that meat. We moved it to other freezers which we cleaned out any thing that was old. Had to buy another freezer.
What a gorgeous outfit, Diane!! Love it❤❤❤
Labor Day holiday here in US. Long weekend. School starts here on Thursday.
Very sad to hear your lovely mum passed away. You are so right when you say that it was her personality, life experience and connection she had with her family, friends and wider community which remains everything else is superfluous. Life is to be lived and celebrated. Take care of yourself while cherishing her memory. Love never dies.❤
Thank you for walking us through your thought process with your china. I just did this and realized I was keeping a few things that belonged to my grandma that I don’t even remember her ever using. They are valuable but I rarely use them myself! I’m letting them go knowing someone is going to have a thrill finding them in the charity shop. ❤
Thanks Diane! I am just going to declutter one kitchen drawer today. I counted 5 peelers this morning. Time to peel back the clutter😂
That's a very cute duster. ❤
Keep pushing through Diane. You’re doing great. Go easy on yourself. xx Also go you with the decluttering . 🎉
Thanks, Mandy!
It's wonderful that you have such a treasure of memories of your mom, Diane. Thank you for continuing to share the effects of your care-taking experience with us. It's a good piece of advice to not save something just because I always have in the past, like your running bib number. That will help me declutter a chest full of mementos that have been hard to let go, even though I hardly ever get them out and see them. Thank you for your consistent encouragement. 💙
I decluttered many things when my husband passed away four years ago and I moved to a smaller condo. I only moved things that I really needed or loved. I haven't missed a thing. Prayers for a good week for you and thanks again for being a bright spot in my day 😊.
Thanks for your inspiration. I find myself welling up with you, even though it's 11 years since my mum passed.
A great video, Diane. Im glad you feel able to talk about losing your mum - it's good to talk. Hugs to you. When our kids come over, there are 14 of us (they all have partners and now children). I regularly buy extra plates and then put them away somewhere 'safe'. One day, i will find where I've stashed them all! I long to be organised like you. One day, i will get there.
That is a great idea of putting just the China that you need together. I live on my own so I will put what I do not use somewhere else.
Glad the idea was helpful! Will make setting the table so much easier!
I love the character in your home❤ I also love that u r so real with us....we love that u share your life and emotions with us, because some times we fall apart decluttering family memories too. When my mom was in her last days she said she was most thankful for the memories she made....as they were keeping her company in her last days. Made me realize things really do not matter in the end.
Diane, thank you for sharing your lessons learned from your sweet Mum's "s passing. I came to the same realization when my parents passed away, and it's made it easier for me to re-prioritize and let go of things now. I recently gave away my mother's and grandmother's sets of china--we weren't using it at all! I really appreciate your wisdom and encouragement. And, I LOVE that little Scottish duster guy!😉
I've realised that I have done most of the decluttering STILL telling myself " Just in case" is a good reason to keep something. That's why I keep unearthing a massive roll of gift wrap when all of my grandchildren are now adults and vouchers or money is a better option for presents.
Charity shop call tomorrow, and the nice man will collect donations in his car on Friday......when I will have finished the kitchen cupboards.
Big hugs. 💖
Dear Dianne, thank you so much for your video. Your decluttering really helps me. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this difficult time xx
Interesting about charger plates. So many cultures never use them.
I even had to look it up 😊
We do protect our table with tablecloth and mat underneath but no extra plates.
I never knew about them until recently. I did go to a Xmas party though where they had fancy chargers at each place setting but then we ate from paper plates placed on top!
@@olivemaycardsthat’s so funny 😂