This really struck a chord with me. I have absolutely cut down on my decision-making without realizing I was doing it. My closet has the same type of dress and leggings in different colors which is my daily uniform. My shoes all look exactly the same in different colors. I eat the same foods 90% of the time. It helps my brain free up some space for all the other decisions. And honestly makes life so much easier for me. I haven't always been this way but as I get older I'm finding it easier to not spend time making decisions that don't matter (to me). I love watching you and hearing your wisdom!
When I saw that green glass bud vase it made me smile because I remember we had a blue one of those when I was growing up and I always loved it. Now that you've decided to keep it please make sure you use it. Put it somewhere sunny so the glass will look it's prettiest. Ah, nostalgia is a terrible thing for decluttering. :)
That is why you declutter by category- gather everything together, like with like, (all the umbrellas, all the pens, counter appliances) and then choose what to KEEP, and then get rid of the rest - YOU MAKE ONE DECISION . For example if you would have gathered together all the house repair stuff together, you can see the totality of ALL THE HOUSE REPAIR STUFF, not just that jar. Also, I gather the categories based on their destination: school donation, then gather all the "school" categories of stuff. ONE DONATION DROP OFF. 😀
I use my "weaker" brain power at the end of the day to put out clothes for the next day, choose my breakfast...even put the cat's wet food pouch on the counter (he has a variety of flavors that I alternate). It saves me time and frustration in the morning. I've been decluttering since taking down Christmas decorations in January and I experienced decision fatigue with my fall/winter clothes. I'm going to tackle them tomorrow morning (soooo many grey sweaters!). Today's the day I finish the last couple of bins in my storage room. Good luck to you! I love watching your journey. 🌻
I'm still dreaming of the garage that only has my suitcase, one box of decor, my off-season tires, my skis and my car in it. Maybe this will happen one day.
My mother is a hoarder and has about 3 sheds 1 caravan and a small house chocker block with items like yours, plus piles of books and magazines. I know the time will come when it will be down to me to sort it out and I dread dread it so much, she isn't going to get to it in her life time. When the time comes I know where the photos are, I'll get them and paintings my dad painted and the rest will go straight away. None of it will ruin my life, not having it. Can't anyway, I live in a different country 😅 Main motivation for minimalism = not burdening my kids 💗
Paper Kawaii - Origami Tutorials me too. I have been asking myself how will I do with all her stuff? I think I may just do a garage sale and donate the rest of them away.
Have you considered bringing up Swedish death cleaning? Where the person declutters because they know their closer to the end. That way they give you what they really want you to have and there shouldn't be too much left when they do pass
Employ someone who specialises in deceased estates, local to the area. At least, get a quote, not while she is still here, but if you don't want to go through it then outsource.
We cleared my father’s house after he went into a nursing home. It was clear he wouldn’t have the capacity to do any sort of death clearing and was a maximalist, especially with papers and books. Oh my, we donated over 1500 books from the house. I’m glad we did it while he is still alive and that we didn’t have to manage that in the intense fog of mourning... though for sure this was a mourning of sorts.
If everything could go in a landfill, we wouldn't have as much decision fatigue. But because we care about the earth and its inhabitants, we put ourselves through paralysis. It's so harrrrd! Thanks for sticking with it.
So true! There is so much guilt with things going to the landfill if we can't donate it. ie, pillows....can't donate and animal shelters don't take pillows (only sheets, towels, blankets) because dogs tear them up. I don't want to throw them out, but I don't have the room to store them. That's just one example.
I've never commented on videos but I'm really early so I just wanted to say I love you're videos and they've motivated me so much into trashing a lot of my stuff! The way you've explained decluttering like how you still like some of your stuff but you never use them helped me put everything in perspective and helped reducing my excuse of "what if I need this later" to avoid getting rid of stuff.
You got this girl! Press on! Endure! You are an overcomer! Throw those hands up in prayer and say we can do this!!! Cheering for you!!! Keep your eye on the outcome you are after!! It will bless you and your family, your business, and every other area of your life!!! GO !
It really is stressful to see something just cleared out get cluttered again even when you're avoiding "collecting" more clutter. But this is a constant thing, it gets easier and you find yourself having to get rid of less and less, but it never really ends.
You are so right on this. You reach that critical crossroad where you're exhausted from all the decluttering but still have to take a few minutes each day, as you enter and leave rooms, to maintenance declutter. But you WILL get over the hump and eventually it will just be the maintenance.
Meggy Meltdown It should end at some point. That's what I'm banking on. As long as you don't bring more stuff into your home of course (or only stuff you made an intentional decision on).
M 560 sadly it never stops entirely. I just found with my partners birthday, that I can control a good chunk of the stuff coming in, but not all of it.
M 560 Do you think it can end though if you have other people in the house too? A husband and 3 kids? I am sure I could be soooo much tidier if I lived alone. Yikes , nevermind, I will take the mess! Haha. True though, getting rid of unneeded items HELPS, but I can't get rid of everything that belongs to others even if it mostly me cleaning. Mostly just thinking "out loud" here. :)
V Betta when I was a kid or a teenager I remember wanting to trash or donate my own stuff and my parents were the ones connected to it. I think if you set an example of not getting sentimental over stuff kids make there own decisions about what to let go of and what to keep. but I could be talking out of my a#$ because I am nooo psychologist. Lol. I got rid of so much living alone. . . And the minute I had people move in with me it was all undone. Womp womp
Your channel is so important to me. So many of the minimalism channels I watch, the people have already gotten down to white walls with bare furniture and empty bookshelves. Thank you fo r sharing things that I wouldn't even see on other channels.
I definitely over think situations. The bright side to all of this is that each of us are unique beings. The good, bad, ugly, and beautiful. We're all of it. This platform is so helpful. And we appreciate all of your effort.
I'm a hoarder because I have big trouble letting go. My things have been with me for so long, it's like getting rid of part of the family. I am ashamed of myself. I am a grown woman. It takes me needing to have a great deal of courage to move forward. Is anyone else like me? LOVE this channel! Thank you, Rachel!
Denise Marie Me too! I am turning the corner though by asking for help and watching inspiring channels like this and developing new coping skills etc. You have nothing to be ashamed of, it's a process and there is her out there 😊💕
Hoarding is considered an anxiety disorder. If you're getting stuck doing it on your own, please consider getting professional help. We want you to succeed!
Denise Marie, One decision at a time. A phrase that has been helping my mother deal with her extra stuff piling up is that "clutter is just delayed decisions". So once you make the decision you can move on. And when every item has been decided and you've lived with your decisions for a while, If you're still not satisfied, you go through it all with wiser eyes and heart and a greater knowledge of what is truly important to yourself. You find yourself making better and quicker decisions. I've been going through this for 5 years now. These wonderful people on RUclips are showing us the way! We can do it!
You are experiencing a very common phase of decluttering. I wrote a blog on Timeline Sabotage, basically the crux of it is that many of us put deadlines and pressure on ourselves instead of just keep on keepin' on. Whatever you do consistently is eminently better than doing nothing and better than where you were 6 months back so don't lose steam now! You are real life, you are doing great, you are not giving up. More power to you!
I can easily understand how paralyzing it can be to get rid of tons of stuff. You are doing great. Just keep chipping away at the stuff bit by bit. You can do thus and you are doing it. I appreciate the honesty you put into these minimalist videos. Many can relate and you will inspire many too. Good job!
Decision making has always been my nemesis. Something that I have found that helps this is to actively try to replace the easiest decisions with habits. It is hard to start new habits and stop old ones but it is worth it. Bed making is a good example. I don't have to decide to make the bed or not because making it has become a mindless habit. I was a terrible egg carton hoarder. I always intended to use them to start seedlings but of course I never did. I had to replace the mental "now what can I use this for?" with the mental statement "I don't keep egg cartons". I could throw things away all day long but if I don't change my habits I just have to keep making those horrible, endless decisions. I really empathize with the concern about what could happen to my donated stuff and will it really help anyone. I still am working on that one, but the thought habit I am trying to adopt is to relinquish all right and responsibility for that object once it is out the door. I'll look around to see if anyone I know needs the item first and if no one does then it becomes the donation center's and it is theirs to do with what they will. If I hold onto the worry about what they do with it then I really haven't gotten rid of it.
I 've been waiting for your new video for the past few days, and I was so glad to see that it was uploaded!! I really find you inspiring and you could be a teacher or speak at TEDx or something like that, about motivation, decisions and decluttering!! Love you Rachel!!
It's amazing watching you! I'm about to start my journey, literally today, with my clothes. My basement approximates your garage in the density of things and mind bogglingness (the "what the eff?? factor) of items I have acquired, so seeing this video, I can appreciate your difficulty, knowing that it's in my future! You really should be proud--this is a Herculean task, and you're kicking its butt! Stay strong, sister!! Also, I was laughing and yelling "Keep it! Keep it!" at my phone when you were going back and forth about the vase! Glad you decided to keep it, lol. Now get a flower in there so we don't see it in a future video!
You nailed it! You have now clarified what I have been feeling. I just cleaned out another section of my closet and I am proud of myself. I think I will find away to treat myself so I acknowledge my effort. (Pedicure etc.) Thanks for sharing your journey so I can continue mine. We hold on to the oddest things,you are not alone.
You have taken on a major project. I give you credit for keeping at it when you feel so overwhelmed. You ARE going to get this done! You have determination. I like your honesty that even though you have decluttered your spaces, sometimes you hit a wall. I think we all do. I know your subs are rooting for your success!👍🏼
My problem is that I've gotten rid of the "easy" stuff. Now I'm down to the stuff I really want to keep but don't have room for. Like my sewing machine and fabric stash.
Christine Cortese Me too. 3 years ago I gave things away that I had to buy again. I do have more space now but I also do have more things I need because I do have more space. I hope this makes sense - a never ending conflict.
Rachel, I've watched all of your videos. I'm really impressed by your dedication and hard work to make your property more of a home. You should be proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished. I know your RUclips subscribers are proud of you! I like how you called out the reality and existence of "decision fatigue" in this video. My Husband doesn't understand why I'm tired after decluttering. He doesn't consider it a large task or wearing on the mind, but it is. My biggest struggle is donating things without trying to sell them first, which also takes up more time and energy. I admire you for being able to let it all go. I pray for God to deliver you the strength to get this all done to your liking. 😉
You are doing so great!!! Your garage is looking so much better!!! Thanks for another great video, I watch them to help get/keep motivated to work on my journey!
Making your bed actually has some positive psychological effects so it's something to give a second thought! :) just pulling the sheets straight is enough to make it look tidy and get the effect. You can look it up online for more accuracy but basically going to sleep in a tidied-up bed helps you subconsciously end the day which helps with putting away thoughts for the night and also gives a sense that every day is a new, fresh one with new possibilities. It's effects are relatively good for the amount of work (1 minute) which is one of the reasons why it's often recommended to people with burn-outs and depression.
fleurified. Totally agree with you on this one. Making our bed ... first thing... so often sets the stage for the rest of the day. It need not be a choice every day... just the first time. ; ) Discipline is a gift we give ourselves. Ultimately It's ALL a mind set. What's going on on the Outside is only a reflection of What's going on on the 'Inside'. I can really tell the difference when I take the time to make that bed... it's such a positive affirmation.... far more than just a 'made bed' really.
Dear Rachel, I totally get what you are feeling because I have experienced it myself! We had a huge house, huge outbuildings, huge garage and five kids and it was an overwhelming job to go through all that stuff when we decided to downsize. I have managed that fatigue by taking breaks and doing other things that are deeply meaningful to me. Then, when I know I should get get back at it, I start again. I agree it's tough. We have been going at it for over a year now, and I am just getting to those last boxes. Powering through because you know you are doing something good is key. Taking breaks is key. I know I am getting close to maintenance mode, so that is hopeful! I think it can almost seem like it's easier to just keep stuff because making all those decisions about where stuff should go if you don't keep it, making separate piles and separate trips to get rid of those items is all extra steps. I am so happy that I don't have so many things left in my home to manage, though!! House work is much easier! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being honest! Love your videos and I am slogging alongside you, girl!! Carry on!
I don't know HOW you go through all of that stuff over and over with no end. I purged my house and it felt so good, but you have had so much more to do than the average person with owning a hotel. I think you are amazing and inspiring. Keep up the great work. Love your videos.
Listening to your process for the patching compound (and your discussion of what the place would do with iron) made me think "One of her problems is that she needs a hierarchy". When I'm putting something out for recycling that I'm not sure they'll take (or donating something I'm not sure a place will use), I take a deep breath and tell myself that once I've purged it in this way it doesn't really matter to me what they do with it. It is then no longer my problem. "Oh hey, my friend isn't going to use the shampoo I gave her cause it was cluttering up my space? Then SHE can toss it. Use it or toss it, either way, it's not in my house any more." Also, the patching compound: 1) is it any good? yes - decide if you need it / want it no- toss it, problem solved. 2) do I need it / want it? yes - put it where it goes. if there's more there already that you're not going to use it, choose the best one and keep it. Toss the rest. Arranging your hierarchy properly might help with your decision limit.
When that happens to me, I call a trusted friend or my sisters. Having someone else there to help you or to make a decision can really revive the process. Don't put to much pressure on yourself. A year ago I went through my house room by room to declutter, since then I always keep a bag for donations. I am ready to start again going through the whole house because the house isn't to the point that I want. Hope you get a brain renewal!
Just being nosey but have you decluttered your hotel of 'stuff' or was that furniture from previous homes? I love how you can leave stuff at the side of the rd, we get done for fly tipping in uk!!!! Look forward to your videos love them. Xx🇬🇧
Thank you so much! Now I know what I have! I have decludderd my home big time and beside my Physical pain from the heavy carrying, I'm continuously so tired. I sleep every afternoon and I am still tired. I thought I had a burned out or even a depression, but now I know it is decision fatigue! Thankfuly I am done now. So on to recovery!
ABSOLUTELY!!! After a month (and many more weeks) of packing, moving, and unpacking... all while job searching, leaving my job, starting new jobs, AND decluttering... ugh. I'm so feeling this. I've spent the past couple days staring and despairing over the amount of clutter happening around me. I need to "fix it," but there's so much to do and I'm all used up!!!
You are awesome, and I think you are a rock star with keeping with it - even when you have decision fatigue. I've been suffering from that for a while now, between decluttering my life, and working as admin support for a boss that has nearly every hour of the day scheduled with meetings. I love where I work, and used to love what I do, but I have been getting to the point where I can not think about one more meeting to try and fit in - not that I don't want to, I really can't - that part of my brain has a 'sorry we're closed' sign in the window. You clarified what is going on with me - decision fatigue - thank you so much for that! I love your videos, and your internal dialogue you talk about is often word for word the conversations I have in my head about clutter! But now, sometimes I have your voice inside my head instead- telling me, 'motivation is fleeting - do it when you feel like doing it,' or the best yet, 'How do you stop shopping? Here it is, Stop Shopping - Just Stop!" Love it! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us, so we know we aren't walking this road alone. One of the only things that seems to work for me for getting rid of stuff that I am conflicted about is the 'Only touch it ONE time' method. I haven't seen you mention it yet, but I'm bouncing around your videos. It was a revelation for me to realize how much touching things gives me that emotional high, and triggers the hope, or memory attached to it. So the rule is to only touch the item ONE time when sorting it. Then I can't touch it again! I've come to realize I can't even reach into the bag to resort things, or to add another item that requires shifting stuff around in the box- or I'll end up unpacking everything so I can repack it, so no space is wasted, and everything thing fits perfectly into the box - like the box is a game of Tetris or something - weird, right? But, I always end up keeping a couple of things out that now don't quite fit in the box, or, I think of some new project I could do with something I almost got rid of! But, if I don't touch it again, I get less of that. Once the boxes are set aside, I don't look in them, and I have my husband move the boxes if possible. Once, I kept the barrier between me and the 'things' by putting on my dishwashing gloves to throw some clothes in a bag quickly for donating, and I didn't keep anything back that day - I actually gave away sparkly things - a big deal for me :)
11months into my journey this month! I feel the fatigue your talking about... Seeing it continue to get junked up is why I Normally stop. BUT watching you continue to find things you don't need or want gives me the power to keep going myself! Keep up the good work!
Wow you deserve a HUGE pat on the back. Well done. The struggle is real. I am purging and it is a journey that can be overwhelming if you judge yourself harshly. My advice is love your stuff on the way out and remember that each item at some point brought you joy and was fun and helped you visualise so many creative plans for the future. Maybe too many to do but fun at the time. It's ok to have too much and as a result want less. It's ok to have loved so many things. Love that you are so creative, imaginative and appreciative of all the little treasures in this world. Bless your kind heart. ❤️ love your unique visions and dreams as each piece leaves and love yourself for thinking them. Don't judge yourself badly and criticise yourself that's what tires you out. New perspective will equal new energy x Like you I just love so many things That's more than ok 💕💕💕
I am so happy that you went ahead and cleaned in your garage even though you are having decision fatigue! I love your energy and commitment. Other things I love about your videos are the speed cleaning, your decision making process and helpful tips on what you've learned. I have a hard time finding homes for things and have corners and surfaces that need help. You inspire me to get to them and decide what to do. Thanks for sharing your struggles!
This video was just what I needed. It explained everything I have been going through and I am SO thankful for the encouragement at the end! You're amazing!
I'm glad you talked about this. I have to face making room in my crowded closet today and I find it so exhausting to make clothing decisions. I love variety, I love to wear short sleeves on hot days and long sleeves on cold days, I love to keep my skinny clothes in view to inspire me to lose the last 5 lbs, I love to alternate between pants and skirts, cotton and more silky, maxi and knee-length, you get my drift. I'm so glad I'm not the only one that feels that decision fatigue.
Wow! You have done SO MUCH work! You should be so proud that you have made it this far! I love watching your videos. You keep going even when the job seems overwhelming. Be proud of what you have done. You are being such a wonderful example for your little girl! She is watching her Mommy work hard and doing difficult things. She is seeing you admit that you need change and then commit do doing something about it. Keep it up! You are inspiring her AND all of your followers.
I don't have anything close to the amount of clutter you have accumulated but every time about I am to buy anything i don't 110% need I think about you. No way I want that junk in my home. Love your channel!
Love watching your garage videos! It's hard, but it will be so satisfying when it's done. You will be thankful you did it every day when you park your car inside the garage
Good for you for all the progress you have made! You aren't alone in this. It will take as long as it takes and celebrate every item that gets put back in it's place!
Watching your videos helps me to overcome decision fatigue and just move forward through the mess. As a family we have decided to move forward through the “stuff” to a de-cluttered, healthier, and more family centered lifestyle... a bit of credit goes to your Inspiration.
I am experiencing decision paralysis as well. We are organizing the garage. We have made great progress but I know it could be better. My husband and I still have decisions to make despite all the work we've put in. It causing me stress but I'm so glad to know it's a common phase to go through. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you for taking the time to explain this. I'm dealing with five generations worth of "stuff" stuffed in my house and I am definitely beyond fatigued.
Love your videos and your sharing your journey with us! I think we all suffer from decision fatigue and paralysis at times, especially with a big purge or sentimental items... also as eco-conscious and creative types where we don’t want items to end up in land fill and can see their utility. It has helped me to do deep storage stuff first... stuff that I haven’t accessed in a long time. I do sentimental stuff last and in small manageable chunks, focusing on digitizing what I can. I recently got rid of my obsolete ink jet printer and almost held onto the associated photo paper... when I now have a black and white laser printer. I had to step back and realize they weren’t going to get used by me and sent them to a creative reuse center.
I've binged you over the last couple of days - you have been officially binged. I have no regrets. Your videos are real and you're funny, so thank you very much. :)
I love the background music you use - you've made it your own decluttering theme now :-) Totally understand the decision fatigue issue - maybe take a day out for simple garden weeding... it's decluttering the soil without any complicated decisions.
making decision for every single item is tiring!!! u hv done very well.i enjoyed yr channel very much. as for me i declutter n rest few weeks n start again because the results are worth it
You made such a huge progress in the garage!!!! That's awesome! Also I noticed your decision making about what to keep is super snappy and quick. Anddd thank so much for caring for the environment and sorting through your unwanted things ❤️
This video quite literally brought me to tears. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! for talking about and showing the reality of clearing out stuff. What brings me to decision paralysis even faster is that I am an American living in Austria and I don't even know what some of the stuff in our house is, or where to start if I want to donate, and selling stuff is so stressful and exhausting because I am not perfectly fluent in German. Anyway, I can't thank you enough for giving a more realistic picture of what it is like to go through his process. No one talks about the excruciating part of minimalism where countless items that still have value just go into the garbage! It is also so helpful to see I am not the only one with lots of new/like new stuff that will never get used and just has to go. I live with my husband, his two teen boys, and our 1,5 year old... the each have and continue to collect TONS of stuff. I, meanwhile, have brought actual truckloads of it to the dump. Sometimes I can just do one square foot at a time... but I know every inch is an inch closer to having a calmer home and your videos have been a great inspiration. Thank you, thank you... I can't thank you enough!
this is why I love you! you are so honest :) keep your chin up girlie and keep trucking. you can do it and you know the rewards will be great! we are pushing forwarded here!
Rachel, you are doing so well, just look back at your first minimalist video and see how messy and overloaded your house was. I've just binge-watched all your videos in a few days and I'm so impressed by what you have achieved. I look forward to the day you put your car in the garage. I had a similar problem and the day I finally got the car in the garage was the day we moved out and all our stuff was gone. And you've got nearly 25,000 subscribers in a few months. Well done.
Thank you for sharing. Your honesty is so helpful to me. I have to admit I am at decision fatigue! I make many decisions at work. Although I try to pick out clothes, pack my lunch, and load the coffee pot all the night before...I come home take care of critters, sit down to eat dinner, and fall asleep for 1-2 hours. I get up, do dishes, walk dogs, and head to bed. No cleaning, no sorting, no excercise...I need to power through! You garage looks great! Thank you again!!!
I've been working on my minimalism journey a bit over half a year, and I totally relate to the decision fatigue. Some areas we didn't tackle specifically because it was too much for awhile, like the garage. We took a little break, then came back and worked on it. It's now cleared out of anything we don't want to keep or use, but it still needs to be organized. You need to give yourself credit for how far you've come!
Have you tried the Getting Things Done Method? Its a great book about how our brains get stuck in this loop and even though our brains are great at coming up with ideas and projects its not great at remembering it. So you do a brain dump and then go through it. Its more detailed but it might help you too. I've been experiencing that with work I'm just exhausted about thinking about it. Hope that helps! Love your videos as always!
Thank you! Decision Paralysis hits the nail on the head!! I’m constantly apprehensive. About too much stuff. About the decisions to purge. It’s so frustrating.
I love your videos so much. Your gluten free videos to your minimalist videos. I feel your decision fatigue completely. I have been working on thinning our Christmas decorations down to a manageable amount after combining 3 houses worth. I gave myself a plastic bin restriction (5 bins) and by time I went them the 3rd time I wanted to scream. I may participating in my last group yardsale next weekend now that I have decided my time is more valuable than the money I make from them. I enjoy the finished product of less things but I find myself having what I called sensory overload after awhile. I do find motivation watching you declutter since I have a lot of the same stuff you have. Keep up the great work...you should be proud of yourself!
Things that I think about to help push through decision making when decluttering: 1) When I die I don't want my stuff to be a burden on anyone else. 2) If there is ever a disaster such as flood or fire, the feeling of loss would be less if I owned less stuff. 3) If and when I have to move, having less stuff will make the move easier, faster and cheaper. 4) Visualizing how I want my space to look and feel.
You are such an inspiration to me. I also get stuck time to time and as our decluttering journeys started roughly at the same time, I completely get what you are talking about ❤️
IKR! Totally "Pure Michigan"! "If this was a beer can it would make sense...?" She is so awesome! She reminds me of a very dear friend and my home state (MI).
I was going to suggest a limit on your decisions in a time period. Instead of tackling a lot.....tackle a little at a time. I admire you for powering through. I kept thinking......what a mess! When you get rid of something just stop thinking about where it goes. You are burdening yourself for no reason. Your processing really helps me. Thank you! Looking forward to more from you!
I totally understand the decision fatigue. Last week I was going through several inches of paper, trying to trash most of it and organize the rest of it. After about 3 hours, give or take, making a decision on every sheet of paper, I had a pounding headache. It went away fairly quickly, but I knew it couldn't handle even 10 more minutes of that project for the rest of the day. Good Job working on that garage! I understand the feeling of "doesn't really look like progress." My craft room feels that way. I think it's because as I declutter, the stuff spreads out, rather that being stuffed tightly on the shelves. Garages are hard for me because I don't like that it's bad lighting and everything is covered in a layer of dirt, bugs or spider webs. I try to mitigate that by wearing gloves and adding light on where I'm working. Once I've fixed little annoyances, the first go through is the easiest, as in, there's a lot of stuff I know I don't want or need. But after I finish, and realize I still have too much stuff, the second and third go through can be harder (but it's still been successful!)
You've made huge progress! I let postponed decisions pile up. They don't get easier for me to make, but comes a point when I have to because I am suffocating, or, and this hurts, they are made for me, for example, the stored stuff gets ruined because I am not caring for it. I am not very good at caring for things. And that may be because I have too much stuff? Or maybe because they don't mean that much to me? I don't know. But sigh. I feel you. I see a big difference in your home. You inspired me to get up and try again. Thank you. It's exhausting. I keep trying to think of a way to make it fun for myself, but I haven't discovered a way yet.
I've watched your journey this far and personally I think you're doing a great job, don't beat yourself up. Slow and steady and it will get done. As for the garage next time you go to put something in there stop and ask yourself do you want and need it, if not remove straight away and it's one less thing to make a decision about. Good luck with the rest of your space. Donna in the U.K. xXx
In my garage I found a lot of items I was able to return to Home Depot. I was able to get about $200 back. So if there are projects you've worked on and did not use all the materials...like say light switches, electrical boxes, sprinkler parts etc, you can return them without a receipt if they have a bar code on them. I think they'll give you a credit. This helped me get rid of items that I would not have thrown out and it freed up a lot of space.
I'm sad that you're having such a hard time right now. It will get better though. It's normal to be an up and down road. You have many nice and cute things that would be hard to get rid of. I think you're very good at making difficult decisions now. You've come a long way. My flat echos when I don't put down a carpet but I still love your videos. Keep it up :D
Found your channel and I really relate to some of your dilemas....Thank you for talking about it so I don't feel so lonely in this process.... Big kiss!
I am not just working on my own place but my mil's.She just moved to another retirement home. Thanks for sharing.It does get tiring. Lol,our 17 month old grandson says go away buggers.:)
Your garage is looking great! I love watching you, it's so inspiring to decluttering my own house. I totally get decision fatigue like everyday!! Good luck on your journey!
Love the honesty of your journey. When I declutter, I imagine the amount of money spent money buying this random shit. It helps stop me spending it in the first place. Consequently I have a bit more cash these days :)
cindybin2001 it’s been shown that people who swear are generally more honest. Also whether or not someone swears is no indicator of the quality of their parenting or spousal relationships or anything else for that matter. I get that you dont like it and thats fair enough, but dont go casting aspersions on the character of others based on whether or not they swear. It’s baseless and shallow.
This really struck a chord with me. I have absolutely cut down on my decision-making without realizing I was doing it. My closet has the same type of dress and leggings in different colors which is my daily uniform. My shoes all look exactly the same in different colors. I eat the same foods 90% of the time. It helps my brain free up some space for all the other decisions. And honestly makes life so much easier for me. I haven't always been this way but as I get older I'm finding it easier to not spend time making decisions that don't matter (to me).
I love watching you and hearing your wisdom!
When I saw that green glass bud vase it made me smile because I remember we had a blue one of those when I was growing up and I always loved it. Now that you've decided to keep it please make sure you use it. Put it somewhere sunny so the glass will look it's prettiest. Ah, nostalgia is a terrible thing for decluttering. :)
That is why you declutter by category- gather everything together, like with like, (all the umbrellas, all the pens, counter appliances) and then choose what to KEEP, and then get rid of the rest - YOU MAKE ONE DECISION . For example if you would have gathered together all the house repair stuff together, you can see the totality of ALL THE HOUSE REPAIR STUFF, not just that jar.
Also, I gather the categories based on their destination: school donation, then gather all the "school" categories of stuff. ONE DONATION DROP OFF. 😀
I use my "weaker" brain power at the end of the day to put out clothes for the next day, choose my breakfast...even put the cat's wet food pouch on the counter (he has a variety of flavors that I alternate). It saves me time and frustration in the morning. I've been decluttering since taking down Christmas decorations in January and I experienced decision fatigue with my fall/winter clothes. I'm going to tackle them tomorrow morning (soooo many grey sweaters!). Today's the day I finish the last couple of bins in my storage room. Good luck to you! I love watching your journey. 🌻
I'm still dreaming of the garage that only has my suitcase, one box of decor, my off-season tires, my skis and my car in it. Maybe this will happen one day.
It is weekend. So you could try to start right now :) I am sure that you will make it if you really want to.
Did you do it?!? :D
Jennifer Drosera I even got rid of the garage 😂
My mother is a hoarder and has about 3 sheds 1 caravan and a small house chocker block with items like yours, plus piles of books and magazines. I know the time will come when it will be down to me to sort it out and I dread dread it so much, she isn't going to get to it in her life time. When the time comes I know where the photos are, I'll get them and paintings my dad painted and the rest will go straight away. None of it will ruin my life, not having it. Can't anyway, I live in a different country 😅 Main motivation for minimalism = not burdening my kids 💗
Paper Kawaii - Origami Tutorials me too. I have been asking myself how will I do with all her stuff? I think I may just do a garage sale and donate the rest of them away.
Have you considered bringing up Swedish death cleaning? Where the person declutters because they know their closer to the end. That way they give you what they really want you to have and there shouldn't be too much left when they do pass
Employ someone who specialises in deceased estates, local to the area. At least, get a quote, not while she is still here, but if you don't want to go through it then outsource.
We cleared my father’s house after he went into a nursing home. It was clear he wouldn’t have the capacity to do any sort of death clearing and was a maximalist, especially with papers and books. Oh my, we donated over 1500 books from the house.
I’m glad we did it while he is still alive and that we didn’t have to manage that in the intense fog of mourning... though for sure this was a mourning of sorts.
hahahahah the main thing I am hoarding is craft...paper ect and 7-12 boxes of tea bag folding goodies
Thank you for being so open and honest about this stuff! This crap is hard and can be exhausting.
If everything could go in a landfill, we wouldn't have as much decision fatigue. But because we care about the earth and its inhabitants, we put ourselves through paralysis. It's so harrrrd! Thanks for sticking with it.
Yasss--this is me!
So true! There is so much guilt with things going to the landfill if we can't donate it.
ie, pillows....can't donate and animal shelters don't take pillows (only sheets, towels, blankets) because dogs tear them up.
I don't want to throw them out, but I don't have the room to store them. That's just one example.
I've never commented on videos but I'm really early so I just wanted to say I love you're videos and they've motivated me so much into trashing a lot of my stuff! The way you've explained decluttering like how you still like some of your stuff but you never use them helped me put everything in perspective and helped reducing my excuse of "what if I need this later" to avoid getting rid of stuff.
Thanks! I'm glad they help motivate you! I still have trouble with that "what if" stuff... despite all the practice getting rid of it. ;-) take care!
Messy Minimalist OMG thanks for the reply!!!
You got this girl! Press on! Endure! You are an overcomer! Throw those hands up in prayer and say we can do this!!! Cheering for you!!! Keep your eye on the outcome you are after!! It will bless you and your family, your business, and every other area of your life!!! GO !
It really is stressful to see something just cleared out get cluttered again even when you're avoiding "collecting" more clutter. But this is a constant thing, it gets easier and you find yourself having to get rid of less and less, but it never really ends.
You are so right on this. You reach that critical crossroad where you're exhausted from all the decluttering but still have to take a few minutes each day, as you enter and leave rooms, to maintenance declutter. But you WILL get over the hump and eventually it will just be the maintenance.
Meggy Meltdown It should end at some point. That's what I'm banking on. As long as you don't bring more stuff into your home of course (or only stuff you made an intentional decision on).
M 560 sadly it never stops entirely. I just found with my partners birthday, that I can control a good chunk of the stuff coming in, but not all of it.
M 560
Do you think it can end though if you have other people in the house too? A husband and 3 kids? I am sure I could be soooo much tidier if I lived alone. Yikes , nevermind, I will take the mess! Haha. True though, getting rid of unneeded items HELPS, but I can't get rid of everything that belongs to others even if it mostly me cleaning.
Mostly just thinking "out loud" here. :)
V Betta when I was a kid or a teenager I remember wanting to trash or donate my own stuff and my parents were the ones connected to it. I think if you set an example of not getting sentimental over stuff kids make there own decisions about what to let go of and what to keep. but I could be talking out of my a#$ because I am nooo psychologist. Lol. I got rid of so much living alone. . . And the minute I had people move in with me it was all undone. Womp womp
Your channel is so important to me. So many of the minimalism channels I watch, the people have already gotten down to white walls with bare furniture and empty bookshelves. Thank you fo r sharing things that I wouldn't even see on other channels.
I definitely over think situations. The bright side to all of this is that each of us are unique beings. The good, bad, ugly, and beautiful. We're all of it. This platform is so helpful. And we appreciate all of your effort.
I'm a hoarder because I have big trouble letting go. My things have been with me for so long, it's like getting rid of part of the family. I am ashamed of myself. I am a grown woman. It takes me needing to have a great deal of courage to move forward. Is anyone else like me? LOVE this channel! Thank you, Rachel!
You have to start somewhere. Do it, it gets easier. :)
Denise Marie Maybe you could seek professional help? That might make it easier. I wish you the best of luck!
Denise Marie Me too! I am turning the corner though by asking for help and watching inspiring channels like this and developing new coping skills etc. You have nothing to be ashamed of, it's a process and there is her out there 😊💕
Hoarding is considered an anxiety disorder. If you're getting stuck doing it on your own, please consider getting professional help. We want you to succeed!
Denise Marie, One decision at a time. A phrase that has been helping my mother deal with her extra stuff piling up is that "clutter is just delayed decisions". So once you make the decision you can move on. And when every item has been decided and you've lived with your decisions for a while, If you're still not satisfied, you go through it all with wiser eyes and heart and a greater knowledge of what is truly important to yourself. You find yourself making better and quicker decisions.
I've been going through this for 5 years now. These wonderful people on RUclips are showing us the way! We can do it!
You are experiencing a very common phase of decluttering. I wrote a blog on Timeline Sabotage, basically the crux of it is that many of us put deadlines and pressure on ourselves instead of just keep on keepin' on. Whatever you do consistently is eminently better than doing nothing and better than where you were 6 months back so don't lose steam now! You are real life, you are doing great, you are not giving up. More power to you!
I can easily understand how paralyzing it can be to get rid of tons of stuff. You are doing great. Just keep chipping away at the stuff bit by bit. You can do thus and you are doing it. I appreciate the honesty you put into these minimalist videos. Many can relate and you will inspire many too. Good job!
Decision making has always been my nemesis. Something that I have found that helps this is to actively try to replace the easiest decisions with habits. It is hard to start new habits and stop old ones but it is worth it. Bed making is a good example. I don't have to decide to make the bed or not because making it has become a mindless habit. I was a terrible egg carton hoarder. I always intended to use them to start seedlings but of course I never did. I had to replace the mental "now what can I use this for?" with the mental statement "I don't keep egg cartons". I could throw things away all day long but if I don't change my habits I just have to keep making those horrible, endless decisions. I really empathize with the concern about what could happen to my donated stuff and will it really help anyone. I still am working on that one, but the thought habit I am trying to adopt is to relinquish all right and responsibility for that object once it is out the door. I'll look around to see if anyone I know needs the item first and if no one does then it becomes the donation center's and it is theirs to do with what they will. If I hold onto the worry about what they do with it then I really haven't gotten rid of it.
I 've been waiting for your new video for the past few days, and I was so glad to see that it was uploaded!! I really find you inspiring and you could be a teacher or speak at TEDx or something like that, about motivation, decisions and decluttering!! Love you Rachel!!
It's amazing watching you! I'm about to start my journey, literally today, with my clothes. My basement approximates your garage in the density of things and mind bogglingness (the "what the eff?? factor) of items I have acquired, so seeing this video, I can appreciate your difficulty, knowing that it's in my future! You really should be proud--this is a Herculean task, and you're kicking its butt! Stay strong, sister!!
Also, I was laughing and yelling "Keep it! Keep it!" at my phone when you were going back and forth about the vase! Glad you decided to keep it, lol. Now get a flower in there so we don't see it in a future video!
The second you opened up the drawer in the garage I said "oh no! Close it!" This is Hard work! You are doing so well!
You nailed it! You have now clarified what I have been feeling. I just cleaned out another section of my closet and I am proud of myself. I think I will find away to treat myself so I acknowledge my effort. (Pedicure etc.) Thanks for sharing your journey so I can continue mine. We hold on to the oddest things,you are not alone.
you got so much done! i love watching the space slowly clear up!
Pls make more videos You are the best you 've done a great job.. and you are getting more and more beautiful
You have taken on a major project. I give you credit for keeping at it when you feel so overwhelmed. You ARE going to get this done! You have determination. I like your honesty that even though you have decluttered your spaces, sometimes you hit a wall. I think we all do. I know your subs are rooting for your success!👍🏼
My problem is that I've gotten rid of the "easy" stuff. Now I'm down to the stuff I really want to keep but don't have room for. Like my sewing machine and fabric stash.
Christine Cortese Fabric stash is a difficult one!! Good luck
Ah... good luck! I feel similar in the sense that I've gotten my main space close to done, which felt "easy" compared to this garage stuff
Christine Cortese do you use it? if yes how often? if only a couple of times a year - is there someone you could borrow it from? maybe this helps :-)
Christine Cortese Me too. 3 years ago I gave things away that I had to buy again. I do have more space now but I also do have more things I need because I do have more space. I hope this makes sense - a never ending conflict.
herzanatomie I'm really worried about things. Tossing out things I need then buying again.
Rachel, I've watched all of your videos. I'm really impressed by your dedication and hard work to make your property more of a home. You should be proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished. I know your RUclips subscribers are proud of you!
I like how you called out the reality and existence of "decision fatigue" in this video. My Husband doesn't understand why I'm tired after decluttering. He doesn't consider it a large task or wearing on the mind, but it is. My biggest struggle is donating things without trying to sell them first, which also takes up more time and energy. I admire you for being able to let it all go. I pray for God to deliver you the strength to get this all done to your liking. 😉
You are doing so great!!! Your garage is looking so much better!!! Thanks for another great video, I watch them to help get/keep motivated to work on my journey!
1. Never make bed.
2. Jeans&pullover.
3. Coffee.
4. The shoes I always wear.
I am good at this.
Dinner kills me though.
dinner is rough!
A person after my own heart.
Dinner is cauliflower with cheese, soup, eggs and vegetables. Repeat.
Making your bed actually has some positive psychological effects so it's something to give a second thought! :) just pulling the sheets straight is enough to make it look tidy and get the effect. You can look it up online for more accuracy but basically going to sleep in a tidied-up bed helps you subconsciously end the day which helps with putting away thoughts for the night and also gives a sense that every day is a new, fresh one with new possibilities. It's effects are relatively good for the amount of work (1 minute) which is one of the reasons why it's often recommended to people with burn-outs and depression.
fleurified. Totally agree with you on this one. Making our bed ... first thing... so often sets the stage for the rest of the day.
It need not be a choice every day... just the first time. ; )
Discipline is a gift we give ourselves.
Ultimately It's ALL a mind set. What's going on on the Outside is only a reflection of What's going on on the 'Inside'.
I can really tell the difference when I take the time to make that bed... it's such a positive affirmation.... far more than just a 'made bed' really.
dinner is the most stressful part of the day
I'm your biggest cheerleader!!! Go! Go! Go!!!!
Thank you for explaining yet More of the psychological side of WHY we can’t get this stuff Done! I love your REALNESS!!!
Dear Rachel, I totally get what you are feeling because I have experienced it myself! We had a huge house, huge outbuildings, huge garage and five kids and it was an overwhelming job to go through all that stuff when we decided to downsize. I have managed that fatigue by taking breaks and doing other things that are deeply meaningful to me. Then, when I know I should get get back at it, I start again. I agree it's tough. We have been going at it for over a year now, and I am just getting to those last boxes. Powering through because you know you are doing something good is key. Taking breaks is key. I know I am getting close to maintenance mode, so that is hopeful! I think it can almost seem like it's easier to just keep stuff because making all those decisions about where stuff should go if you don't keep it, making separate piles and separate trips to get rid of those items is all extra steps. I am so happy that I don't have so many things left in my home to manage, though!! House work is much easier! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being honest! Love your videos and I am slogging alongside you, girl!! Carry on!
I don't know HOW you go through all of that stuff over and over with no end. I purged my house and it felt so good, but you have had so much more to do than the average person with owning a hotel. I think you are amazing and inspiring. Keep up the great work. Love your videos.
Listening to your process for the patching compound (and your discussion of what the place would do with iron) made me think "One of her problems is that she needs a hierarchy". When I'm putting something out for recycling that I'm not sure they'll take (or donating something I'm not sure a place will use), I take a deep breath and tell myself that once I've purged it in this way it doesn't really matter to me what they do with it. It is then no longer my problem. "Oh hey, my friend isn't going to use the shampoo I gave her cause it was cluttering up my space? Then SHE can toss it. Use it or toss it, either way, it's not in my house any more." Also, the patching compound: 1) is it any good? yes - decide if you need it / want it no- toss it, problem solved. 2) do I need it / want it? yes - put it where it goes. if there's more there already that you're not going to use it, choose the best one and keep it. Toss the rest. Arranging your hierarchy properly might help with your decision limit.
When that happens to me, I call a trusted friend or my sisters. Having someone else there to help you or to make a decision can really revive the process. Don't put to much pressure on yourself. A year ago I went through my house room by room to declutter, since then I always keep a bag for donations. I am ready to start again going through the whole house because the house isn't to the point that I want. Hope you get a brain renewal!
Just being nosey but have you decluttered your hotel of 'stuff' or was that furniture from previous homes? I love how you can leave stuff at the side of the rd, we get done for fly tipping in uk!!!! Look forward to your videos love them. Xx🇬🇧
Thank you so much! Now I know what I have! I have decludderd my home big time and beside my Physical pain from the heavy carrying, I'm continuously so tired. I sleep every afternoon and I am still tired. I thought I had a burned out or even a depression, but now I know it is decision fatigue! Thankfuly I am done now. So on to recovery!
It's so satisfying to watch decluttering on high speed. Thanks for your inspiring videos. You truly motivate me to work on my own stuff.
ABSOLUTELY!!! After a month (and many more weeks) of packing, moving, and unpacking... all while job searching, leaving my job, starting new jobs, AND decluttering... ugh. I'm so feeling this. I've spent the past couple days staring and despairing over the amount of clutter happening around me. I need to "fix it," but there's so much to do and I'm all used up!!!
You are awesome, and I think you are a rock star with keeping with it - even when you have decision fatigue. I've been suffering from that for a while now, between decluttering my life, and working as admin support for a boss that has nearly every hour of the day scheduled with meetings. I love where I work, and used to love what I do, but I have been getting to the point where I can not think about one more meeting to try and fit in - not that I don't want to, I really can't - that part of my brain has a 'sorry we're closed' sign in the window. You clarified what is going on with me - decision fatigue - thank you so much for that!
I love your videos, and your internal dialogue you talk about is often word for word the conversations I have in my head about clutter! But now, sometimes I have your voice inside my head instead- telling me, 'motivation is fleeting - do it when you feel like doing it,' or the best yet, 'How do you stop shopping? Here it is, Stop Shopping - Just Stop!" Love it! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us, so we know we aren't walking this road alone.
One of the only things that seems to work for me for getting rid of stuff that I am conflicted about is the 'Only touch it ONE time' method. I haven't seen you mention it yet, but I'm bouncing around your videos. It was a revelation for me to realize how much touching things gives me that emotional high, and triggers the hope, or memory attached to it. So the rule is to only touch the item ONE time when sorting it. Then I can't touch it again! I've come to realize I can't even reach into the bag to resort things, or to add another item that requires shifting stuff around in the box- or I'll end up unpacking everything so I can repack it, so no space is wasted, and everything thing fits perfectly into the box - like the box is a game of Tetris or something - weird, right? But, I always end up keeping a couple of things out that now don't quite fit in the box, or, I think of some new project I could do with something I almost got rid of! But, if I don't touch it again, I get less of that. Once the boxes are set aside, I don't look in them, and I have my husband move the boxes if possible. Once, I kept the barrier between me and the 'things' by putting on my dishwashing gloves to throw some clothes in a bag quickly for donating, and I didn't keep anything back that day - I actually gave away sparkly things - a big deal for me :)
11months into my journey this month! I feel the fatigue your talking about... Seeing it continue to get junked up is why I Normally stop. BUT watching you continue to find things you don't need or want gives me the power to keep going myself! Keep up the good work!
Wow you deserve a HUGE pat on the back. Well done. The struggle is real. I am purging and it is a journey that can be overwhelming if you judge yourself harshly. My advice is love your stuff on the way out and remember that each item at some point brought you joy and was fun and helped you visualise so many creative plans for the future. Maybe too many to do but fun at the time. It's ok to have too much and as a result want less. It's ok to have loved so many things. Love
that you are so creative, imaginative and appreciative of all the little treasures in this world. Bless your kind heart. ❤️ love your unique visions and dreams as each piece leaves and love yourself for thinking them. Don't judge yourself badly and criticise yourself that's what tires you out. New perspective will equal new energy x
Like you I just love so many things
That's more than ok 💕💕💕
What a thoughtful comment♥
I love how real you are. You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for sharing this journey.
I am so happy that you went ahead and cleaned in your garage even though you are having decision fatigue! I love your energy and commitment. Other things I love about your videos are the speed cleaning, your decision making process and helpful tips on what you've learned. I have a hard time finding homes for things and have corners and surfaces that need help. You inspire me to get to them and decide what to do. Thanks for sharing your struggles!
This video was just what I needed. It explained everything I have been going through and I am SO thankful for the encouragement at the end! You're amazing!
I'm glad you talked about this. I have to face making room in my crowded closet today and I find it so exhausting to make clothing decisions. I love variety, I love to wear short sleeves on hot days and long sleeves on cold days, I love to keep my skinny clothes in view to inspire me to lose the last 5 lbs, I love to alternate between pants and skirts, cotton and more silky, maxi and knee-length, you get my drift. I'm so glad I'm not the only one that feels that decision fatigue.
I find the high speed shuffling noises of tidying in your time lapses so satisfying.
Wow! You have done SO MUCH work! You should be so proud that you have made it this far! I love watching your videos. You keep going even when the job seems overwhelming. Be proud of what you have done. You are being such a wonderful example for your little girl! She is watching her Mommy work hard and doing difficult things. She is seeing you admit that you need change and then commit do doing something about it. Keep it up! You are inspiring her AND all of your followers.
I don't have anything close to the amount of clutter you have accumulated but every time about I am to buy anything i don't 110% need I think about you. No way I want that junk in my home. Love your channel!
Thanks for sharing the hard parts and not just the triumphs! It's nice to know that other people go through the same things and still push through it!
Love watching your garage videos! It's hard, but it will be so satisfying when it's done. You will be thankful you did it every day when you park your car inside the garage
Good for you for all the progress you have made! You aren't alone in this. It will take as long as it takes and celebrate every item that gets put back in it's place!
Watching your videos helps me to overcome decision fatigue and just move forward through the mess. As a family we have decided to move forward through the “stuff” to a de-cluttered, healthier, and more family centered lifestyle... a bit of credit goes to your Inspiration.
Awesome, I love hearing this. :) Good luck to you and your family!
I am experiencing decision paralysis as well. We are organizing the garage. We have made great progress but I know it could be better. My husband and I still have decisions to make despite all the work we've put in. It causing me stress but I'm so glad to know it's a common phase to go through. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Keep the vase! Minimalism is about getting rid of things that don't bring you joy and it obviously brings you joy! So enjoy it!
Thank you for taking the time to explain this. I'm dealing with five generations worth of "stuff" stuffed in my house and I am definitely beyond fatigued.
My job requires non-stop important decisions I guess that's why by evening I'm useless at tidying/letting go. Thanks for another great video.
Love your videos and your sharing your journey with us!
I think we all suffer from decision fatigue and paralysis at times, especially with a big purge or sentimental items... also as eco-conscious and creative types where we don’t want items to end up in land fill and can see their utility.
It has helped me to do deep storage stuff first... stuff that I haven’t accessed in a long time. I do sentimental stuff last and in small manageable chunks, focusing on digitizing what I can.
I recently got rid of my obsolete ink jet printer and almost held onto the associated photo paper... when I now have a black and white laser printer. I had to step back and realize they weren’t going to get used by me and sent them to a creative reuse center.
I've binged you over the last couple of days - you have been officially binged. I have no regrets. Your videos are real and you're funny, so thank you very much. :)
I am on a major minimalist mission and I ask myself ALL of those questions. You are not alone!
I love the background music you use - you've made it your own decluttering theme now :-) Totally understand the decision fatigue issue - maybe take a day out for simple garden weeding... it's decluttering the soil without any complicated decisions.
Zen Infinite Yes, I recall her penchant for gardening. I think it'd be forgivable to do a post-summer garden clear out to break up the garage rut.
Really? While i love her vids some of the background music is quite repetitive.. could just by my misophonia though
making decision for every single item is tiring!!! u hv done very well.i enjoyed yr channel very much.
as for me i declutter n rest few weeks n start again because the results are worth it
You made such a huge progress in the garage!!!! That's awesome! Also I noticed your decision making about what to keep is super snappy and quick. Anddd thank so much for caring for the environment and sorting through your unwanted things ❤️
This video quite literally brought me to tears. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! for talking about and showing the reality of clearing out stuff. What brings me to decision paralysis even faster is that I am an American living in Austria and I don't even know what some of the stuff in our house is, or where to start if I want to donate, and selling stuff is so stressful and exhausting because I am not perfectly fluent in German. Anyway, I can't thank you enough for giving a more realistic picture of what it is like to go through his process. No one talks about the excruciating part of minimalism where countless items that still have value just go into the garbage! It is also so helpful to see I am not the only one with lots of new/like new stuff that will never get used and just has to go. I live with my husband, his two teen boys, and our 1,5 year old... the each have and continue to collect TONS of stuff. I, meanwhile, have brought actual truckloads of it to the dump. Sometimes I can just do one square foot at a time... but I know every inch is an inch closer to having a calmer home and your videos have been a great inspiration. Thank you, thank you... I can't thank you enough!
Love the high speed cleaning. I watch it to get myself motivated.
this is why I love you! you are so honest :) keep your chin up girlie and keep trucking. you can do it and you know the rewards will be great! we are pushing forwarded here!
Rachel, you are doing so well, just look back at your first minimalist video and see how messy and overloaded your house was. I've just binge-watched all your videos in a few days and I'm so impressed by what you have achieved. I look forward to the day you put your car in the garage. I had a similar problem and the day I finally got the car in the garage was the day we moved out and all our stuff was gone. And you've got nearly 25,000 subscribers in a few months. Well done.
Thank you for sharing. Your honesty is so helpful to me. I have to admit I am at decision fatigue! I make many decisions at work. Although I try to pick out clothes, pack my lunch, and load the coffee pot all the night before...I come home take care of critters, sit down to eat dinner, and fall asleep for 1-2 hours. I get up, do dishes, walk dogs, and head to bed. No cleaning, no sorting, no excercise...I need to power through! You garage looks great! Thank you again!!!
I've been working on my minimalism journey a bit over half a year, and I totally relate to the decision fatigue. Some areas we didn't tackle specifically because it was too much for awhile, like the garage. We took a little break, then came back and worked on it. It's now cleared out of anything we don't want to keep or use, but it still needs to be organized. You need to give yourself credit for how far you've come!
Have you tried the Getting Things Done Method? Its a great book about how our brains get stuck in this loop and even though our brains are great at coming up with ideas and projects its not great at remembering it. So you do a brain dump and then go through it. Its more detailed but it might help you too. I've been experiencing that with work I'm just exhausted about thinking about it. Hope that helps! Love your videos as always!
At first I thought the green vase was a bong! I was like "Nooooo, don't show that" 😂
Thank you! Decision Paralysis hits the nail on the head!! I’m constantly apprehensive. About too much stuff. About the decisions to purge. It’s so frustrating.
Thank you for sharing! Today I will work through decision fatigue as well! Ty for motivating me!
I love your videos so much. Your gluten free videos to your minimalist videos. I feel your decision fatigue completely. I have been working on thinning our Christmas decorations down to a manageable amount after combining 3 houses worth. I gave myself a plastic bin restriction (5 bins) and by time I went them the 3rd time I wanted to scream. I may participating in my last group yardsale next weekend now that I have decided my time is more valuable than the money I make from them.
I enjoy the finished product of less things but I find myself having what I called sensory overload after awhile. I do find motivation watching you declutter since I have a lot of the same stuff you have. Keep up the great work...you should be proud of yourself!
Things that I think about to help push through decision making when decluttering: 1) When I die I don't want my stuff to be a burden on anyone else. 2) If there is ever a disaster such as flood or fire, the feeling of loss would be less if I owned less stuff. 3) If and when I have to move, having less stuff will make the move easier, faster and cheaper. 4) Visualizing how I want my space to look and feel.
You are such an inspiration to me. I also get stuck time to time and as our decluttering journeys started roughly at the same time, I completely get what you are talking about ❤️
Love watching you clean out your garage 👌🏻so satisfying! Keep up the great work !!
That was very interesting how you talked about decision fatigue. Never thought about that before. You continue to move forward!
I love the extra clips at the end😂❤️
IKR! Totally "Pure Michigan"! "If this was a beer can it would make sense...?" She is so awesome! She reminds me of a very dear friend and my home state (MI).
I was going to suggest a limit on your decisions in a time period. Instead of tackling a lot.....tackle a little at a time. I admire you for powering through. I kept thinking......what a mess! When you get rid of something just stop thinking about where it goes. You are burdening yourself for no reason. Your processing really helps me. Thank you! Looking forward to more from you!
I totally understand the decision fatigue. Last week I was going through several inches of paper, trying to trash most of it and organize the rest of it. After about 3 hours, give or take, making a decision on every sheet of paper, I had a pounding headache. It went away fairly quickly, but I knew it couldn't handle even 10 more minutes of that project for the rest of the day.
Good Job working on that garage! I understand the feeling of "doesn't really look like progress." My craft room feels that way. I think it's because as I declutter, the stuff spreads out, rather that being stuffed tightly on the shelves.
Garages are hard for me because I don't like that it's bad lighting and everything is covered in a layer of dirt, bugs or spider webs. I try to mitigate that by wearing gloves and adding light on where I'm working. Once I've fixed little annoyances, the first go through is the easiest, as in, there's a lot of stuff I know I don't want or need.
But after I finish, and realize I still have too much stuff, the second and third go through can be harder (but it's still been successful!)
Always great to open up RUclips and see there is a new video from you. 👏
You've made huge progress!
I let postponed decisions pile up. They don't get easier for me to make, but comes a point when I have to because I am suffocating, or, and this hurts, they are made for me, for example, the stored stuff gets ruined because I am not caring for it.
I am not very good at caring for things. And that may be because I have too much stuff? Or maybe because they don't mean that much to me? I don't know. But sigh. I feel you. I see a big difference in your home. You inspired me to get up and try again. Thank you.
It's exhausting. I keep trying to think of a way to make it fun for myself, but I haven't discovered a way yet.
You've done a lot, really. So Congratulations Rachel, keep going!!!
I've watched your journey this far and personally I think you're doing a great job, don't beat yourself up. Slow and steady and it will get done. As for the garage next time you go to put something in there stop and ask yourself do you want and need it, if not remove straight away and it's one less thing to make a decision about. Good luck with the rest of your space. Donna in the U.K. xXx
Love those chairs. Wish I lived near you. Love love your channel!
Candace Jones I was thinking the same thing
I use your videos to give myself a pep talk before decluttering, usually donating a carload of stuff. Thanks for your videos!
In my garage I found a lot of items I was able to return to Home Depot. I was able to get about $200 back. So if there are projects you've worked on and did not use all the materials...like say light switches, electrical boxes, sprinkler parts etc, you can return them without a receipt if they have a bar code on them. I think they'll give you a credit. This helped me get rid of items that I would not have thrown out and it freed up a lot of space.
Rachel! GO GO GO, Your garage is going to look amaaazing!! Be sure of that!Picture that ;) Day by day you are getting closer!
Yes this is exactly how I feel recently. Thank you for this video!
Thank you so much for this! You have no idea how much you inspire me. Sending love from Australia
I'm sad that you're having such a hard time right now. It will get better though. It's normal to be an up and down road.
You have many nice and cute things that would be hard to get rid of. I think you're very good at making difficult decisions now. You've come a long way.
My flat echos when I don't put down a carpet but I still love your videos. Keep it up :D
It's so good to hear you talking about this. I am just starting & I only have so much physical & psych energy & it takes so much time
Found your channel and I really relate to some of your dilemas....Thank you for talking about it so I don't feel so lonely in this process.... Big kiss!
I am not just working on my own place but my mil's.She just moved to another retirement home.
Thanks for sharing.It does get tiring.
Lol,our 17 month old grandson says go away buggers.:)
Your garage is looking great! I love watching you, it's so inspiring to decluttering my own house. I totally get decision fatigue like everyday!! Good luck on your journey!
Love the honesty of your journey.
When I declutter, I imagine the amount of money spent money buying this random shit. It helps stop me spending it in the first place. Consequently I have a bit more cash these days :)
cindybin2001 it’s been shown that people who swear are generally more honest. Also whether or not someone swears is no indicator of the quality of their parenting or spousal relationships or anything else for that matter. I get that you dont like it and thats fair enough, but dont go casting aspersions on the character of others based on whether or not they swear. It’s baseless and shallow.
Great video! I love how honest you are with your viewers. Keep up the amazing work!!
Thank you! :)
You are doing an AMAZING job! Well done from me in the UK! You are a inspiration x
Keep it up. Don't give up! You will get there! Look how far you've come !!
So satisfying watching u declutter.... Keep going!