Why Clearing the Clutter Can Feel Impossible
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Highlight from episode 380. Watch full episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
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We have been decluttering five minutes a day for about a year now. Our home is looking so much better. We have a ways to go, but small things add up. Too much stuff and it gets chaotic. Before getting rid of it, I put it on a table in the kitchen until I make the final decision. It gets easier with practice. Less to manage is so helpful to reduce stress. Now we are decluttering our diet and our finances. Guess it just comes down to maintainence. Enjoy your channel! Good job!
That is an impressive commitment br g!
G Ire
Do 30 minutes a day, it speeds up the process and feels amazing...
Glad you are making progress and recognizing the benefits!
I don’t think I could stick with five minutes a day. I tend to go in spurts, making progress quickly and then taking a break for a while.
@@username00009 I know what you mean. Each to his own... But shorter and regular is kind of what works easily for alot of us. G Ire
I am new to minimalism, but not depression. I recently was ill for nine days, and I often get depressed when I'm unable to do anything for so long, especially as household tasks and clutter pile up around me. When I started feeling better, I went to my most minimalist space first (bedroom/office) to start to make a dent on my clutter. It took less than five minutes to put everything away. That's the difference between having a cluttered space and a minimalist space... It becomes so much easier to dig out of that hole.
I've been on psychiatric meds for depression and anxiety for many years. By throwing stuff out and recycling every day, and making a trip to Goodwill once a week,
our place stays neat. I can do a load of wash, or a sink full of dishes while listening to a podcast. Since my husband and daughter are both disabled and have their
own mental health issues, just avoiding mess in the first place works well. Tina, Al's wife
I think the key there was you FEEL like you can't. Spoiler alert: You can! Even if you have low energy due to mental/chronic illness/pain, perfectionism procrastination, and/or Executive Functioning issues, forget about getting your room or home to an immaculate state all at once; chunking is the way to go. Bit by bit and day by day, just try to leave a room somewhat better than when you entered it. Declutter as much as possible and you will be amazed by the change in how you feel about yourself and your home and your ability to manage your life.
I love this!! True.
As a former messy person I learned
To use a 2-5 min timer
Every time you go in a room do one thing ( bathroom , clean the sink , next time clean the mirror )
Put the laundry away immediately..it takes 5 min and then you don’t need to iron
I use a cordless vacuum on super boost it gives me less then 20 min , so I play a game to make sure I get every room ( not about perfection it’s about getting it done)
Every time I leave the house I try to make sure I put things away like clothes , towel , dishes , grooming products
May I inquire which make of cordless vacuum you use, Lashlove? I've heard people complain that the suction on some of them is not great. I'm still hoping to incest in one, tho for the easy of use and to keep on top of cleaning. G Ire
@@SF-ru3lp it will change your life, slap it on a credit card, you won't regret it. I have a Dyson
@Sharp Canines thank you for that recommendation, Sharp Canines. Much appreciated. G Ire
@@SF-ru3lp dyson stick from Costco I think it’s $499
@Lashlove16 much appreciated info. (I live in Ireland. I'll check out the price here). Best regards. G Ire
14 months in and at the end of our decluttering journey - WOW! Our life is more relaxed and calm and the thought of all that money that was spent is a future lesson not to spend it again!
❤
Paused the video and clean my bathroom in 10 min :)
🙌😄
Thank you for speaking on the overwhelm of thoughts. I started timing myself doing certain chores....Showering takes three minutes, unloading the dishwasher takes less than three minutes. Once I put a real time to the actions I was able to tackle them.
Sounds like Dana K. White aka A Slob Comes Clean-do dishes every day, do laundry once a week, throw out trash 1st, then duh donations, take it where it belongs for what has a home, and if full, remove one item you like less and 5 minute clean-ups!
First, props to the Individual Abigail to allowing her “depression room” to be laid bare for all to see. I can relate. Though not to Abigails extreme, when I’m feeling melancholy I too find things “accumulating” in areas they don’t belong. The solutions provided are fantastic! I do the timer game and it is “game changing”….. I also find that if I can get myself to put away just ONE item then I will return for another…and another…and another. It’s like an endorphin boost to get moving and see progress. I find it more difficult to remain melancholy when surrounded by a tidy home or workspace. Thank you for your channel!
Release some patreon content. Give a taste of what’s behind that paywall
@@PowerfulMoneyHabits that s honestly rly minimalistic
The easiest and most effective way that I know to declutter my life is this . . .
Whether it is clothes, ornaments, accessories, or even the songs or pictures on your phone, put them all into a pile, pretend that you no longer own a single item in that pile, and only retrieve from the pile the things that you know you absolutely must keep, be that the item is a necessity or a STRONG want. If any of the items that are in that pile no longer bring you happiness or they are something that you would not purchase today or you would not care if they were no longer in your life, then rid of them.
Trust me, this is the best method for decluttering your life. I swear by it.
Cluttered spaces can be a sign of depression, but also spaces that are not CLEAN is a huge sign of depression and mental illness.
For Lent my brother decided to devote 30 minutes to tidying up each day. Within a few days the house didn't even need that amount of time investment. He was astonished at how much could be done in a small amount of time.
I have lived alone for the past 20 years. This may sound weird, but my clutter makes me feel as if someone else is living there with me...
I will sometimes work on just one area, like the bedroom. Make a list and prioritize the items on the list so the items more important to me get done first.
After having a difficult miscarriage, I did a clean sweep of my already clean home. It was new and only had a few decor items but I moved everything off mantle and coffee table. I couldn't face any of it or the thought of dusting. I had a 4 yr. old to take care of and did not want to fall apart. Anyway, years have gone by and I like a few things on display but get wacked in homes that are overdecorated. I fight depression and ptsd for a long ago issue. God bless. Fly Lady cleaning system helped me. Get up, put shoes on and shine your sink.
I am not a depressed person. I do have ADHD. I enjoy KC Davis. I have always been a messy person as my default. Finding ways to work with my brain instead of against it is what has helped the most. Leave the shame out of it. Accept that stuff needs managed. The less stuff you own the less stuff you have to manage. I have a ton of homeless items after tons of moves and not creating the homes and having been very indesisive and leaving things for future me. There is a lot of me doing things. I often don't sit until evening around 7pm... And even then I am popping up to do things. Small areas, little tasks and spaces, pairing with podcasts or chatty videos like this are great because I can distract my mind enough to to focus. I have not done well with timers. I have a terrible sense of time and that creates stress. But getting started anywhere always makes a benefit in my house. Make it fun. 🙂
My sister suffers with depression, and her house is completely cluttered. I love her and would like to help her declutter. I’ve tried to help her, but in a couple of days it all reverts to the original state. She says she’s exhausted, so spends time on social media. Has anyone else experienced this situation?
Me. I discovered, however, that social media itself is exhausting. Plus it makes me feel busy when I'm really not accomplishing anything. It's an illusion of productivity. You feel like you've done a lot, you feel worn out mentally and physically, but you have nothing to show for it.
I would suggest to try and help your sister develop habits for her everyday life and work on decluttering in smaller increments. I was personally in a similar situation and would recommend the Flylady system (A Better Life with Flylady Kat has a video for newbies that describes the method), also Dana K White has decluttering methods that take time but work and she talks about helping others. I hope this helps, but most important, is for your sister to know you love her and that your there to support her and not judge. Depression is difficult and your sister is lucky to have you.
I would suggest letting your do her journey in her own way. Be there for support, but don't try and get her to live her life as you believe it needs to be. I mean this in the kindest way, not criticising either of you. We each have our own journey and will feel best if we work out our things in the right time for ourselves.
CATHERINE! This would be a great question for a future podcast episode. Would you be willing to send a voice memo to podcast@theminimalists.com so we can answer it on the show? In the voice memo, state your name and city followed by your question (use a fake name if you wish to be anonymous).
I wish social media wasn't a thing. It is destroying people. I actually believe I have lost friends to it. They would rather post and scroll than get together.
💡I find it effective for myself to play a song on my phone and clean/declutter until song ends. Sometimes its one song per room sometimes per whole apartment but it really keeps me motivated and gives me momentum.
I've been on psychiatric meds for depression and anxiety for many years. By throwing stuff out and recycling every day, and making a trip to Goodwill once a week,
our place stays neat. I can do a load of wash, or a sink full of dishes while listening to a podcast. Since my husband and daughter are both disabled and have their
own mental health issues, just avoiding mess in the first place works well. Tina, Al's wife
As you read about the woman dealing with her "depression" room, it sounded like you were reading about ME! 😔
I have been dealing with anxiety, depression and stress for a LONG TIME, and I am currently in the process of needing to move at the end of March due to major apartment building renovations.
This is forcing me to make a lot of decisions about what to keep/pack or get rid of before the move.
So I'm now taking a few things at a time, and each time I leave my apartment, to go out the door... I FEED the dumpster! It feels incredible and liberating! 🤗
I don't want to move into my next apartment and recreate "Storage Locker Chic", it is tiring and draining.
Thank you both for all the advice about becoming minimalists... I want to try some of it for a while.
Wish me luck! 🤗
Good Luck. I am so glad you are doing what you think is right before moving. You are giving yourself a chance for a new way of living and hoepfully a happier one for your mind also. GOOD LUCK YOU CAN DO IT. Beleive in your self and your new decisions.
@annmyers2883
Thank you for responding. It means a lot!
🤗🥰
@@christophermyers3758 You are welcome. Have fun and look forward to the new life you are about to move into....
I kept using coconut oil not very consistently but honestly just left them alone. I did not curl anymore, as a matter of fact even now I don’t curl anymore. My eyelashes came back to normal length within a couple months. I only used mascara.
The timer is a great idea. There is also a 15 minute routine - do something for 15 minutes (even watching videos) then get up and do something else for 15, then when the timer goes, move on to something else or back to the video. It prevents fatigue from just thinking about tasks you really rather not do. But the clutter thing. Most people have the bathroom items in the bathroom, kitchen items in kitchen etc. The problem is too much stuff, fatigue in thinking about putting it away, or finding space for items. I think this is much more common. And harder to deal with.
I have been worker on this for a while even joined a facebook group, but my house has been under construction and before that I had a child w/mental health that loved to throw any thing she could anywhere she wanted, my house been in a constant state of chaos for about two years. i have been having a charity pick up or drop off at least once a month in that time. But with construction it doesnt look it. I am praying by summer I will see a difference, but who knows. It is not up too me, but I will keep working!
Timers truly help when trying to accomplish a task..
Don't look at decluttering or just simply cleaning up as a goal but rather as a process. Something that is simply a part of your day but not as a specific task or goal.
Extreme fatigue 🙋🏼♀️
18 pages of Math homework? What is that?
It’s probably in large print
Yes, I was like 18 pages??😮
Even large print… how exhausting for a child to even look at and flip through 18 pages a day???
After a couple of 'seriously given myself' to meditation practices, it wasn't difficult to learn how to silence my mind anytime anywhere. Then I also learned that meditation doesn't require sitting and focusing on the breath only, now I have side meditation sessions while walking next to the sea, carving some wood in the hand, slicing the potatoes, doing the dishes or swiping the ground as well. Only thing I focus on nothing. I only do.
Clear One area, bring back what is to stay.
One shelf. One box. One wardrobe. After a while, you have One sort of order in your life.
I say that to people a.lot..one. one counter, one drawer, one box. When you are done, decide if it's "one" or "one more"
How I get into positive action:
• Take a before picture.
• Set timer for 20 minutes.
• Have a friend sit w me, or on speaker phone.
• Put on Bach 🎶
• Before buying anything I must get rid of something.
• Take a picture of my space when it’s tidy, a nice reminder of what’s possible.
• Reward myself with a walk or desert.
What really helps me (overwhelmed, ADHD): 30 Min to 60 Min every evening. With music or a podcast.
And make the kitchen and bathroom the priority + all smelly things (dishes, plants). Keeping it hygienic first and then go by importance + urgency (not only one of them).
Love that, thanks for sharing!
The visual countdown clocks are very effective for "timed" sessions...
Motivation is difficult when our homes and lives are overwhelmed with clutter and stuff. Working on decluttering one room or even one shelf or drawer at a time definitely makes it more manageable. The benefits to the mind and body though are enormous and transformational in so many ways. Constantly remind yourself of the end goal.
Agree with kc Davis 5 things approach. Watch her short video. It’s fun. Then watch the 30 minute video to see how long it really takes. You and I are underestimating the time it takes to keep tidy. Applaud yourself.
Well said, guys. Thank you. ❤
I've been battling the hoard for years now, but I'm determined to win this year! 💪💖 One thing that is really helping so far is realizing there are "types" of clutter & each type is connected to a different type of emotional turmoil when I look at it (and same with unfinished projects!) So now when I'm working on an area, I think about what kind of emotional turmoil caused that clutter pile to happen, and I talk to myself like a friend who cares & is there to let me know that what happened in the past is over, and help me move on from it (I also project people into the "friend" role bc it's easier to believe 😅)
Something that helps is to keep track of all you did that day. Example...I cleaned the bathroom sinks, cleared a spot on the table by the couch, and filed two pieces of pd. bills, and exercised five minutes. It helps me to keep me motivated.
Podéis hacer los videos subtitulados en español?. Vuestro libro se ha convertido para mi en una filosofía de vida. Gracias
Sounds like my apartment :/
Yes, the timer is a fabulous tool. thank you. I enjoy your short videos.
Throw ADHD in with that FUN
I agree 100%. Thank you so much for the truth and validating that depression, shame and many life situations attribute to clutter. Also perfectionism while feeling those emotions.❤️
The source of my fatigue has been and continues to be depression.
The timer is HUGE. I create a narrative that tasks are so overwhelming or time-consuming. But if I set that timer and tell myself “I’ll just shred mail for 3 minutes and if I’m done, I’ll move on, but if I want to see the task through, I’ll continue.” A practical, feasible way to resist the “all or nothing” mentality that can paralyze us.
Thanks for sharing!
Picked up my bathroom while I was listening to you and mop the floor tomorrow I’ll do a little bit more thank you🎉🎉🎉🎉
Great info. .. I'm trying to go to bed at 10, no matter what's going on, but find I leave a lot of messes for morning. Don't like mornings. I'm trying to get up early, but am having trouble flipping the script.
It's true I have the energy to clean 1 corner but not the whole place. By the time have more energy, it's all cluttered again.
My late father taught me a crucial strategy-- you go from one room to another and you find things that don’t belong there-- take it with you and put into their place. Another phenomenon is multitasking. It’s not always a good idea. The day you clean, don’t cook.
When we go out to eat or have take out I'll make it a mission that day to do a clean a big area. I do need to declutter more though. More things have crept in.
Clutter raised it's ugly head at my house when I broke my leg & crushed my knee. For a year, I could not walk. Energy was minimized to 3 hours a day. Everything should have a home & if the space is too small & clutter emerges I have TOO MUCH STUFF. Guilty as charged. Now my right knee has been making up for my left leg/knee; hence, both knees are shot. I can do 10-20 minutes a day.
Wonderful discussion. Since I have been totally homebound for several years, I have lots of stuff, but I don't have clutter or things that are not used. When visitors or caregivers come here, they definitely would not think of minimalism, but I am content with my space, it works for me.
These Guys have a great delivery!! Massive Respect, Peace From London. 🙏🙏🙏
I've been decluttering the excess of my wardrobes / and at times i still feel emotional every time i let a certain item go - but the air that i breathe in is fresher - if not my clothes would be piling up and lacking space in my wardrobe - i am a hoarder of similar items in different items - I keep reminding myself that i am not my stuff everytime i let go - is been trying - because i left 2 storage bags out there but did not clear it till i was ready to let go - i always held back on items i want in the storage bag meant to be given away - so i had to faster rid them before i continue to keep everything again and thats not the main intention. It is possible - but it can't be done everything at once, you need to pace yourself - of what you really want to let go.
'NEW'?!?
Thank you for this video. I'm going to give the timer a try.
Love this! And definitely love the timer. Use it all the time. My husband always says…’your assistant is calling’ . I use the stove alarm usually … it is loud.
Also, I do a walk about the house every morning before sitting down at my desk (still working from home!) and put things away, blankets used on the couch to watch tv night before and so on. The obvious! A best practice I have implemented is having a home for everything I own. So makes the walk through the home a breeze. Makes housekeeping in general a breeze actually.
Decluttering has been a three year journey thus far for me. I don’t go wild but I do it consistently and I do track numbers on my calendar. Motivates me. I have decluttered 216 items so far this year. And over the past 3 years over 4 thousand items. Not a massive amount but it has made a massive impact on my home and well being. 😊
This video was extremely helpful to me. It was simple steps that seem manageable to me. I’ve procrastinated because there’s so much clutter I don’t even know where to start and it really affects my mental health. Thank you!
This was a really helpful segment! I have a few people in my family with mental health issues. The timer idea and the five categories could be very helpful in the future! Thank you!
No, I never "once did" have the motivation to declutter or put things away or do much of anything
I needed to be reminded of these tricks today,as well as the good feelings they bring! Ty
Great mini-episode on a very important topic! Thanks!
Thank you! ❤
? starter?
You know the one thing minimalists seem to not be minimal about? The number of videos posted. lol.
Of course, a similar critique was made of Lao Tzu by his contemporaries about how much ink he spilled explaining that which can not be explained.