After 52 yrs. of marriage, I have finally had the courage to let go of some wedding gifts that I neither wanted nor used. It felt great to give them to an organization that was having a huge sale and using the proceeds to help others.
20 Items to eliminate in your house: 1. Expired food. 2. Old spices. 3. Broken pens and markers. 4. Unmatched socks. 5. Old/Worn out shoes. 6. Tangled electronics cords. 7. Old toiletries (older 6 mos.) 8. Old take-out menus/coupons. 9. Old reciepts, unless needed for returns, business or taxes. 10. Unused kitchen gadgets. 11. Empty cleaning products. (Stick with a few that work.) 12. Chipped mugs or plates. 13. Outgrown toys. (Donate) 14. Old calendars or planners. 15. Un-used hangers. 16. Stretched-out hair ties. 17. Un-used holiday decorations. 18. Old magazines. 19. Broken jewelry. 20. Un-used gift bags. Make small manageable progress. Let's go! 😊 .
I wear unmatching socks that are the same colour. I don't think anyone is going to pull up my slacks to check to see if my socks match. I'd rather salt money away to pay for my daughter's eye glasses.
I keep a garbage bag in our laundry room and try to fill it up every week (with clutter from the house, not just old clothes) -that way I have a visual reminder to declutter in little bits all through the week. Also when trying to re-sell old clothes on Vinted, if it doesn't sell in 2 months we donate/trash it, instead of keeping a neverending pile of old clothes in the back of the closet
socks can be donated to animal shelters, they can be used for puppy and kitten onesies, or they can be used to cover body parts that are sore or injured
I like everything almost but the thing with spices: i just use more of them if they have lost their full power. Unless they have taken in a bunch of humidity. Single socks: i wear them mismatched , just kind of the same type.
I still use the Alton Brown logic: The only unitasker you can have in your kitchen is a fire extinguisher. Anything that can be done with a knife, will be done with a knife, not a gadget, anyway. But I have been decluttering and organizing my stuff for the last decade, I watch videos like these and think: "Nope, not anymore. There is none of that in here."
Do one drawer at a time so it isn't overwhelming. Sit down and sharpen all your knives at one time so you don't have to dig around for the knife sharpener again and again.
Please consider to donate Christmas decorations in November! The places that resell them probably don't have the space to store them until next season... I work at a social store and we have to recycle everything that is out of season 😢 we don't have any storage...
@kathiefleming2830 I wouldn't wear mismatched socks and I wouldn't think of donating mismatched socks to the poor. How disgusting. Spend a few dollars and buy a few bundles of socks to donate.
Its hard to declutter when you have a prepper mindset. For example, outdated food is better than no food when the next shortages come along. Not to mention that the dates don't always mean something is harmful to eat. Plus,coming from a place of scarcity and low income, its hard to trust that something could be replaced if needed again. I am working on putting my trust more in the Most High, knowing that he promises to supply all my needs, while also saving up in years of plenty to have something in the lean years to come.
I refuse to get rid of old foods by date especially canned food which is good for decades past its best by date. However I am going to work harder on rotating them and use the older foods up. Also moisture in the air in the basement will rust the cans but I've eaten out of many very rusty cans but you do have to be careful and it would be best to find another storage space.
Learn about the plants growing all around you. The ones we've been told are weeds. They're not only more nutritious than anything you'll find in a grocery store, including spinach and oranges, they're medicinal, as well! A rose bush is a vitamin C powerhouse, especially the rose hips!! Itchweed (stinging nettle) is another powerhouse and I kid you not when I tell you it's delicious!! Wear gloves, of course. and trim the young shoots in the spring. Steam them and the hairs and the stinging chemical on them disappear. They're full of just about every vitamin and mineral our bodies need for nourishment and, therefore, survival. Learn herbalism now. Stuffs getting crazy!!
Rotate and set the oldest front and center on the kitchen counter and don't touch any other food until you've used this up first. Make a game of figuring out what will match up with what to make a meal. Do the same with the freezer.
Definitely ... I ALWAYS have to remind myself to place my trust in the most high ... 😍❤️😅 I follow it up with, 'I live in abundance.' & 'I lack nothing - the Most High provides everything I require.' Whereas it's perfectly all right to keep tinned food wich has expired long ago - that's why we buy it, mind you ! - it's appropriate to be a bit more discerning with spices & herbs. Seasonings containing chilli 🌶️ , dried fruits (dates !) and paprika are prone to attract grain moths. Everything containing oils like dried bread, breadcrumbs, oats, wholegrain rice, nuts, flax seed and chocolate powder tend to become rancid after 1/2 year OR a hot season ... It's important to remember that the food we consume should contribute to our health and don't HAVE to be eating to save money (and harm us ...) in the end effects ...
@@helgardhossain9038 True, but scripture also points out how the ant prepares for winter, and how the Proverbs 31 wife and mother always has her family's needs covered by preparing ( food and clothing). I can't prepare for everything for everyone in the family, but I try to keep extra of everything. My closets are crowded, and I have things under bed and couches, but I try to get rid of things that have no purpose. I only decorate the walls, and don't have "knicknacks" unless they actually have a useful purpose, like a fancy clock or lamp, that you are going to have anyway.
Clearing old pens and pencils. I used to do that often when my kids were in schools. With odd socks, I usually keep them in a plastic bag. I put all whites facing the same way and put a rubber band around them. Same with coloured socks and dark coloured socks, so you have three bundles. When a new batch of washed socks come without a partner I go into the bag and find it in one of the bundles. You may add other bundles. Because the loose socks have already been sorted, they're easier to find without going through them again. It saves a lot of time.
I cleared old pens and markers, plastic containers, multiple wooden spoons, plastic kitchen items, magazines, cleaning supplies, personal care products and travel size toiletries. I happily toss my stretched out hair ties! 😊 My challenges: shoes, clothes, receipts, documents. Scanning and shredding is a regular activity for me and that’s helping. Thank goodness I’ve gotten so much better at not buying stuff. I tend to wear clothes and shoes until they’re totally worn - except for work clothes. I still have a lot but I’m steadily chipping away and I’m seeing progress. My one guilty pleasure - books.
Books to prisoners programs (btp's) desperately need books for our country's 2 million prisoners, and they also could use postage money to mail them! Many prisoners are bored and eager to learn and very very grateful. All subjects except horror and crime.
@@rcat32 - Good to know. Thanks for sharing! I will definitely keep that in mind. Eventually I’ll need to downsize my book collection. It’s pretty extensive.
We only buy/keep what we use and if something hasn't been touched in over a year it gets donated. I dont have a junk drawer. If it doesnt have a home, we don't need it. We have empty drawers snd it feels so good to have extra space.
I have given out gift bags out from time to time but I have some I reuse. I don't buy gift wrap. I prefer to use the little money I have on gifts rather than on paper. I have had to be resourceful for reasons I'm sure people would understand and empathize with.
To avoid Mount Washmore. Do one person's laundry in each load . Fold the load in that person's room. You avoid stacks of folded laundry. After removing the clothes from the dryer, touch each item once. Sheets and bedding should be stored in that room, too. A cleaning declutter tip. The 12 min 24 two-step toss. Set a timmer for 12 minutes you toss 24 items, and You toss each day, and donate. Give away or set out with a free sign 24 items each day. It's amazing how effective this is. Good luck.
🇬🇧 i happened to open my china cupboard last week, time for the whisky Decanter ( a wedding present) , and glasses to go, also my late Mother-in -laws ornaments
That's a good idea! Most recipes are available online anyway. I recently downloaded the Paprika recipe manager app and am moving my favorite recipes there.
The gift bags reminded me of stocking up on wrapping paper at after-Christmas sales. I still have a package of three high-end rolls I bought over 20 years ago that's never been opened. I did at least clean out my unused Christmas decorations a couple of years ago.
I sorted all of the toiletries into categories. I didn't buy anything new until I had used all of it. I didn't need to buy shampoo for a year as I used all of the brands I didn't particularly like and all of the sample bottles. I'm still using the toothpaste. I'm still slowly using old vitamins that have been in my cupboard for years. Socks with holes in them become cleaning rags. Holey cotton clothes become cleaning or painting rags.
Holey clothes are cut into 4 inch squares and used to wipe out greasy fry pans. Cotton absorbs oil and warm grease and then goes into the garbage. Much better than letting that go down the drains and cause clogs.
Wouldn't it be better to use a piece paper towel to clean out greasy pans. The cotton squares you use and throw out is adding to the mountains of garbage that doesn't decompose.
You can use the wire hangers or unwanted hangers to hang the clothes you want to donate and the donation center really appreciates clothes that are already on the hangers.
Put your socks in a net bag when washing and drying them. Regift or donate expensive items that you don't use, you'll feel better. My challenge is my art room. I went through quite a bit recently and have much more to do.
I am watching your video on Christmas Eve day. I found I need to do 85% of the things you mention! I did recently give away 2 lrg bags of very good shoes ( need wide width now) and a bag of purses to Value Village ! That felt extremely cleansing!🥰 I will continue in the New Year .Thanks ! 👍🏻👩🏻🦰🇨🇦
The church I attend participated in the "Little Dresses for Africa" initiative some years back. The other women members and I brought our excess pillowcases to church and converted them into little dresses. There was a template and while most of the women used sewing machines, I handstitched the ones I converted because I am not successful with a sewing machine. Not hard and did not take long to make a dress even though by hand. Church shipped them to the organizers in the US who sent them to Africa. Could probably do something similar with the bedsheets.
Hi! Enjoyed your video, thank you. As I listened, I went through my pens and got rid of some of them. I do most of your tips and try to get rid of at least one thing a day. It is motivating to listen to decluttering videos. I like your presentation style. One thing I heard once that has helped me was the question-would you rather be surrounded by your good decisions or your bad ones? That has helped me declutter “mistakes” that cause guilt and therefore are kept to avoid that feeling. Also, facing my mistakes rather than avoiding helps me to be more careful before making purchases.
... Socks... I swear by this simple tip - used for years (no more wasting time matching them up (esp if on the go...) use a hair tie around (top part) for each pair, when putting on fresh socks, take the hair tie off & put it in a handy spot (were you change) .. so when you change you put the hair tie back on, so they are together again... put with laundry/ wash/dry as usual and ALL the sock pairs "stay together" YAY
I take hangers to my downstairs laundry room so the shirts get hung immediately after the dryer cycle, or after the wash if it can't go through the dryer.
I used to iron shirts straight out of the washing machine and then hang them up in the laundry room overnight. No need for them to go in the dryer and they last longer too.
I'm in my 60's and still have a lot of tennis socks from when I was in high school. I numbered all the white socks so I knew which sock belonged where. In all my years, I or any member of my family have NEVER lost a sock.
From another tuber...declutter according to number on calendar...1 a large furniture it's that needs to go. Day 21...21 items declutter...heading back to kitchen to lose 21 items. Thanks.
I dont seem to have the problems with lost socks, so much. When i take off a pair of dirty socks, i turn them "together" & toss in the laundry. When i am ready to wash them, they are still together. I separate them & wash them. When i put them in the dryer, i know both socks are there. When i take them out of the dryer, both socks are there. Once again, i turn them together & put them away in the drawer. Once i wear them & they're ready to be washed again. The cycle starts again.
Old socks can make covers for canning jars to keep them from breaking against each other. Also if you pair up similar single old socks and shoved one inside the other you can drop them off at a homeless type service that serves the poor.
26 дней назад+1
Socks can get "eaten" by washers, so now I hand wash his and my socks and hang on rack to dry.
I cut the holey sock down one side to make one "flat" piece. They make great rags - remember rags? I use them for cleaning icky things and throw them out after. I also keep them with my paint supplies.
Rotate your pantry and freezer every 6 months or do it at the time you are putting away food from the grocery so you don't have to throw out food you spent good money on. Sure, there's going to be something that keeps getting shoved to the back. Set all the older dated cans front and center on the kitchen counter so they're in your face to use immediately. It doesn't matter what it is, open at least 1 can a day from those and not touch the newer foods in the pantry. Soon enough, all the older cans will be gone and you don't have to worry about them anymore. Then do the same with the freezer. Mine is organized so I know at a glance what is getting low - broths on the top shelf, next shelf chicken, the 3rd shelf is pork and the bottom shelf is beef, the door is fruits and veg and the basket is the odd things. The older of each shelf goes from left to right. To save something that might just be getting freezer burn, run water over the icy parts and it may be saved or cook it up for the dog. Sure, throw it out if it is bad and remember not to waste money again. If you don't like something, think about using it in a different recipe or give it to a friend.
Make a list of what's in your pantry and cross it off when you use that item so you know at any one time what you have and what you need to buy. Do the same with the freezer. I don't buy what I don't need. The same with the fridge; don't have leftovers hanging around for more than 3 days - better still, only cook what you're going to eat.
@@antoinettetrebus9932 Keep meal ideas for leftovers so you don't get overwhelmed on how to use them. Have a wee little bit of fresh cabbage? That's your go to for an Asian stir fry or mu shu and run the core through the food processor so nothing is wasted. Toss in other little bits of leftovers. Of course, make some Asian wraps. A dozen homemade costs what 1 single wrap from a store package does. You're at the bottom of a pot of beans and there's only liquid left? Then you automatically know you're going to heat to thicken it for nachos night or make a "refried bean" dip for the kids' after school snack or top some homemade enchiladas. Have a spoon or two of spaghetti sauce? Scramble it into eggs. Waste not, want not.
Old spools of thread and other sewing supplies. Thread can be cut off, and the spools donated to cat rescue groups to be used as cat toys. Toss or donate sewing items you don't see yourself really using in the future. Are your kids grown, but you still have their music lesson books? Donate (or toss if they are marked up).
(1) Let it go - you don't even remember what was in the last box of donations (2) If it's only semi-sentimental, take a picture and let the thing itself go (3) Do a small section every day but do it ruthlessly (4) Stay away from stores as much as possible 😊
You need old calenders if you are unemployed and looking for new job. You must memorize things you forgot for interview for next job. Who remembers when he/she finished some education or ex job? And it is frequently asked. Even a doctor can ask you how long you take some medicin etc. All your notes will be needed in twists with authorities.
I tend to reuse calendars so I don't have to buy new ones or so I don't have to waste time going to the library to print out new ones. If the calendars have details of milestones or events of interest that should be transcribed to journals, I hold onto these until I can photograph them.
I had way too many kitchenitems/food storage containers. We downsized into senior apts. Kitchen utensils incl. Several group homes got donations. Father in laws tools: some got donated to farm repair shop after he passed..
I have a lot of artwork in frames that I have no room to hang up. I need to get rid of them. Perhaps others have excess artwork too. Too many books. Declutter them also.
Product manuals - if you no longer have the product, there's no need to keep the manual. If you can, find the manuals you do need online and recycle the paper manual.
Never get rid of wire hangers. There are countless uses for them. They are hard to find and way overpriced. They can be cut and straightened for storage, support, reaching items in tight places, crafts etc...
If cans are in like new condition, the food is fine. When i lived in Europe, I met a gal who told me her brother worked in a relabeling plant. I asked her what it was. Basically large retailers send their 'outdated' cans to the relabeler, the old labels are taken off, and new ones are put on. I never asked about where these relabeled cans go, but I'm willing to be they're sold in dollar stores.
Old towels, rugs, pillows and bedding can be donated to your local pet shelter. Stretched out bras & undies, negligees that you know you will never wear. Duplicate appliances including hair tools. Placemats, table cloths and runners that you never use. CDs & DVDs, albums & cassettes. 🗑️🗑️🗑️🗑️.
7:37: chipped bowl i will keep until i buy a new one * i brought allot of hair ties - its time to give half away. * 80 old magazines are the first items i threw away. * i have some broken jewellery but they are Gold so cant throw away *
as a retired teacher the hardest things for me to let go are my teaching lessons, created curriculums and books. I taught French and i have lots of French children’s books. The school where I taught is no longer offering French. I can’t just give them to a thrift store because they are in French. One grandson loves French and comes and peruses my shelves. Four more grandchildren are under 6 years old. Perhaps they will develop an interest in French. There is a lot of money invested in them so I don’t want to just toss them. I want to donate them to a place where they will be appreciated.
Medicine bottles Soda bottles Worn out pots and pans. Cooking spoins destroyed by heat Unused serving spoons Old stationery -pens missing a refill, pencils (u only need 1) Pencil sharpners and erasers, crayons Blunt knives
I think you miss an important distinction. Broken or damaged items are junk that clutter. Junk is junk. Get rid of it. A hundred old magazines you read years ago is clutter. It is also junk. I constantly cull items, because clutter makes me feel claustrophobic. If I have a pen that doesn’t work, it’s junk. Don’t clutter up your house with junk. Don’t clutter up your house with too many “things” that aren’t junk, but excess. If your child has books from infancy and the kiddo is 9, that’s clutter. But not junk as they can be donated. It just means you don’t clean enough. Old spices kept in jars out of direct sunlight last longer than a year. I have used spices many year old that were fine. Old cans aren’t clutter. That’s just plain old neglect. Or lack of a system. Unused kitchen gadgets are clutter. Any useful items you own in excess is clutter. Find it a new home where it will be used.
Canned goods and bottles get a bit of masking tape on the label with the expiration date written there. Obvious and easier to see rather than peering at small print with my trifocals.
All socks are the same color, all underwear are nude color, stick to one color scheme for outdoor wear. Use until it falls apart. It'll save you lots of money.
Had a job where I was on my feet all day. I wanted cushy socks. Each year I bought 6 new pairs all one color. Next year a different color. I could tell the age by the color and didn't even need to match them. Last year's color became gardening socks or rags.
Look for expiration dates on food it only takes a moment to check the date especially food bank finds. Often these are ready to expire. With our health today we need to be careful of these dates.
Some good common sense advice here -- thank you! A couple of my thoughts: - Get rid of old medications, but do *not* throw them out or -- yikes -- flush them. Gather them up to take to the pharmacy for proper disposal. After my parents and in-laws passed away, and my husband I had to clean out their houses, we realized just how many medications were around. And so many of them -- in both households -- were long expired. - As far as old makeup goes: 1. Don't store it in the bathroom. Moisture in the air can cause items to go bad more quickly, or even to mold. 2. I disagree with the blanket statement to "toss toiletries and cosmetics after six months". If properly stored (i.e. not in a humid environment), powder products, like eyeshadow, face powder, and blush, can last for years. Cream and liquid makeup is best tossed a year to 18 months after opening, as those types of formulations will start to grow bacteria after that due to their water content. (Powder products last longer as they don't contain water.) Mascara should be thrown out after six months maximum, and three months ideally. You don't want potentially expired mascara anywhere near your eyes. As far as skin care and bath and body products go, they invariably have a little symbol on them somewhere, a tiny open jar with a number above it. That number indicates how many months the product is good for after opening. Makes decision making a little easier!
I recently came across a pot of body moisturiser that was bought in 1987 and it was perfectly fine. Most of the moisturiser I have I bought just before I got divorced some 20 years ago and have slowly been using it. If stored properly, it can last for ages.
I have starting to declutter boxes that have memories in them things I kept because they belong to someone in the family like my grandmother, my children or things that I’ve always been in the family that you’re not supposed to get rid of so I go through the boxes and I ask email text Does anybody want this item? If not, I am donating it to somebody else that needs it or can use it I have about six boxes of memories. I’ve got to decide what to do because they’re not doing me any good in the top of my closet because the memories are in my heart not the items. and if someone in my household or family wants that memory, they’ve got to take it out of my house to their house and store it because my house is going to be memory box free as long as I have the memory in my heart and if I need to, I can always take a picture and have it on my phone. This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do clutter so far memories of things of items of pictures of cookbooks because I wanna make sure they go to someone that wants them can use them and love them as much as much as I did. Also, I’m decluttering furniture that was handed down to me over the years while I moved out and people said you want this table oh yeah I do or do you want this dress or oh yeah I do now. I don’t need all that so that’s going and I’m not replacing it.
I just realized I own two copies of the same anniversary edition of a magazine. They are literally duplicates of each other, but were released two years apart. One was a dollar more than the other. Talk about a ripoff! My nieces like the subject matter, so I'll give them one copy to play with and I'll just recycle the other
Buy 13- and 20-gallon Rubbermaids.. Number on all sides the number 1 on up. Nothing on the floor. Use index cards with what is in each container and location, and stack 2 or 3 high, and cover with serapes, sheets, and use as tables. 13 gallon for heavier stuff and 20 gallons for bedding, clothing etc. Please cover chairs and sofa with sheets, if you have pets, and wash. If moving, please put what you want to take in bathtub and pay a company to take everything out. Do not sell, for that is dangerous, and fake money. Do not take furniture out of the country. Rent a furnished studio on a month-to-month basis, automatic rent payment with all utilities, maid etc. Rent is all you pay. Order groceries online for home delivery. Be generous to non-beggars.
I don’t like your system i have a better system. Daily I am constantly keeping things neat tidy and without clutter. I do keep gift bags and have reused several finding them handy and saving money. Plus I do talk to my kids and guess what they do want my stuff. I bought nothing but timeless furniture like from Restoration Hardware and when I downsized and moved I sold much of my furniture immediately and the girl that bought asked me to not sell to anyone else without calling her first which I have and she returned and purchased more. So I think it’s all in how good of a housekeeper you are. I have become a minimalist which helps as the older I become the less I want around me. I never buy anything unless I’m totally in love with it and know it will be used.
I don't donate anything, imo, that's just pushing my clutter off on someone else. Same with selling - unless it's over $500, it goes in the trash or recycle. Really simplifies decluttering. In or out.
After 52 yrs. of marriage, I have finally had the courage to let go of some wedding gifts that I neither wanted nor used. It felt great to give them to an organization that was having a huge sale and using the proceeds to help others.
20 Items to eliminate in your house:
1. Expired food.
2. Old spices.
3. Broken pens and markers.
4. Unmatched socks.
5. Old/Worn out shoes.
6. Tangled electronics cords.
7. Old toiletries (older 6 mos.)
8. Old take-out menus/coupons.
9. Old reciepts, unless needed for returns, business or taxes.
10. Unused kitchen gadgets.
11. Empty cleaning products.
(Stick with a few that work.)
12. Chipped mugs or plates.
13. Outgrown toys. (Donate)
14. Old calendars or planners.
15. Un-used hangers.
16. Stretched-out hair ties.
17. Un-used holiday decorations.
18. Old magazines.
19. Broken jewelry.
20. Un-used gift bags.
Make small manageable progress.
Let's go! 😊 .
Thanks for the summary. I'm a busy girl and I need to get the meat of the video at times.
Thanks😊
Thanks for the summary!!!
Thanks for the encouragement at the end! 🎉
Thank you!😊
All of my socks are the same style and color (black) so they always match and usually don’t lose a mate.
Yep, black dress socks, white athletic socks. That’s it- easy match up.
😂😂😂😂😂✌🏼
I wear unmatching socks that are the same colour. I don't think anyone is going to pull up my slacks to check to see if my socks match. I'd rather salt money away to pay for my daughter's eye glasses.
That is a good reason why I bought all my everyday socks in large value packs!
I did this!
I keep a garbage bag in our laundry room and try to fill it up every week (with clutter from the house, not just old clothes) -that way I have a visual reminder to declutter in little bits all through the week. Also when trying to re-sell old clothes on Vinted, if it doesn't sell in 2 months we donate/trash it, instead of keeping a neverending pile of old clothes in the back of the closet
socks can be donated to animal shelters, they can be used for puppy and kitten onesies, or they can be used to cover body parts that are sore or injured
I like everything almost but the thing with spices: i just use more of them if they have lost their full power. Unless they have taken in a bunch of humidity.
Single socks: i wear them mismatched , just kind of the same type.
I still use the Alton Brown logic: The only unitasker you can have in your kitchen is a fire extinguisher. Anything that can be done with a knife, will be done with a knife, not a gadget, anyway. But I have been decluttering and organizing my stuff for the last decade, I watch videos like these and think: "Nope, not anymore. There is none of that in here."
Do one drawer at a time so it isn't overwhelming. Sit down and sharpen all your knives at one time so you don't have to dig around for the knife sharpener again and again.
He did make the exception for that salad spinner... I definitely got that salad spinner lol
Minimalizam ❤
@@katrinhasnolife I never understood having a salad spinner until I had a garden. Those greens with softer leaves need a spinner.
Please consider to donate Christmas decorations in November! The places that resell them probably don't have the space to store them until next season... I work at a social store and we have to recycle everything that is out of season 😢 we don't have any storage...
The unmatched socks on your hand are perfect dusters
The poor don’t care if socks match.
@kathiefleming2830 I wouldn't wear mismatched socks and I wouldn't think of donating mismatched socks to the poor. How disgusting. Spend a few dollars and buy a few bundles of socks to donate.
"Unless you're artist"... haha yah that's the problem. I am an artist 😅
Same 😂😂😂
Yep. Same
@@ruthshere9468 you guys aren’t the long ranger😅
Same. I just added junk journals to my crafting want to list. Gathering junk now. Ha
I'm a crafter - I knit, crochet, make jewellery and I sew a lot. De-cluttering is NOT a word in my vocabulary.
We moved to a smaller house and Decluttered a lot. But I’m still finding things I can get rid of. Your video was inspiring.
Its hard to declutter when you have a prepper mindset. For example, outdated food is better than no food when the next shortages come along. Not to mention that the dates don't always mean something is harmful to eat. Plus,coming from a place of scarcity and low income, its hard to trust that something could be replaced if needed again. I am working on putting my trust more in the Most High, knowing that he promises to supply all my needs, while also saving up in years of plenty to have something in the lean years to come.
I refuse to get rid of old foods by date especially canned food which is good for decades past its best by date. However I am going to work harder on rotating them and use the older foods up. Also moisture in the air in the basement will rust the cans but I've eaten out of many very rusty cans but you do have to be careful and it would be best to find another storage space.
Learn about the plants growing all around you. The ones we've been told are weeds. They're not only more nutritious than anything you'll find in a grocery store, including spinach and oranges, they're medicinal, as well! A rose bush is a vitamin C powerhouse, especially the rose hips!! Itchweed (stinging nettle) is another powerhouse and I kid you not when I tell you it's delicious!! Wear gloves, of course. and trim the young shoots in the spring. Steam them and the hairs and the stinging chemical on them disappear. They're full of just about every vitamin and mineral our bodies need for nourishment and, therefore, survival. Learn herbalism now. Stuffs getting crazy!!
Rotate and set the oldest front and center on the kitchen counter and don't touch any other food until you've used this up first. Make a game of figuring out what will match up with what to make a meal. Do the same with the freezer.
Definitely ...
I ALWAYS have to remind myself to place my trust in the most high ... 😍❤️😅 I follow it up with, 'I live in abundance.' & 'I lack nothing - the Most High provides everything I require.'
Whereas it's perfectly all right to keep tinned food wich has expired long ago - that's why we buy it, mind you ! - it's appropriate to be a bit more discerning with spices & herbs. Seasonings containing chilli 🌶️ , dried fruits (dates !) and paprika are prone to attract grain moths. Everything containing oils like dried bread, breadcrumbs, oats, wholegrain rice, nuts, flax seed and chocolate powder tend to become rancid after 1/2 year OR a hot season ...
It's important to remember that the food we consume should contribute to our health and don't HAVE to be eating to save money (and harm us ...) in the end effects ...
@@helgardhossain9038 True, but scripture also points out how the ant prepares for winter, and how the Proverbs 31 wife and mother always has her family's needs covered by preparing ( food and clothing). I can't prepare for everything for everyone in the family, but I try to keep extra of everything. My closets are crowded, and I have things under bed and couches, but I try to get rid of things that have no purpose. I only decorate the walls, and don't have "knicknacks" unless they actually have a useful purpose, like a fancy clock or lamp, that you are going to have anyway.
Clearing old pens and pencils. I used to do that often when my kids were in schools.
With odd socks, I usually keep them in a plastic bag.
I put all whites facing the same way and put a rubber band around them. Same with coloured socks and dark coloured socks, so you have three bundles. When a new batch of washed socks come without a partner I go into the bag and find it in one of the bundles. You may add other bundles.
Because the loose socks have already been sorted, they're easier to find without going through them again.
It saves a lot of time.
🇬🇧 I always take a photo of sentimental things before they go to the charity shop
I cleared old pens and markers, plastic containers, multiple wooden spoons, plastic kitchen items, magazines, cleaning supplies, personal care products and travel size toiletries. I happily toss my stretched out hair ties! 😊
My challenges: shoes, clothes, receipts, documents. Scanning and shredding is a regular activity for me and that’s helping. Thank goodness I’ve gotten so much better at not buying stuff. I tend to wear clothes and shoes until they’re totally worn - except for work clothes. I still have a lot but I’m steadily chipping away and I’m seeing progress. My one guilty pleasure - books.
Shelters especially appreciate the travel size toiletries
Books to prisoners programs (btp's) desperately need books for our country's 2 million prisoners, and they also could use postage money to mail them! Many prisoners are bored and eager to learn and very very grateful. All subjects except horror and crime.
I am right there with you on the book situation.
@@rcat32 - Good to know. Thanks for sharing! I will definitely keep that in mind. Eventually I’ll need to downsize my book collection. It’s pretty extensive.
@@beeethetruth9645 - thank you. That’s a great suggestion.
We only buy/keep what we use and if something hasn't been touched in over a year it gets donated.
I dont have a junk drawer. If it doesnt have a home, we don't need it. We have empty drawers snd it feels so good to have extra space.
That choppy thing is well used at my house. It is a must for my huge pots of "Daddy's chili". It takes minutes instead of hours to chop everything.
It's also good if you tend to be clumsy with a knife or have numbness in your hands from chemo or diabetes
I always wanted one of these. Glad to know that they actually work. Thanks!
I love lists like this. I’ll be decluttering my gift bags this week😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck with your decluttering!
I have given out gift bags out from time to time but I have some I reuse. I don't buy gift wrap. I prefer to use the little money I have on gifts rather than on paper. I have had to be resourceful for reasons I'm sure people would understand and empathize with.
@@JanetManiateI have wrapped gifts with the comic section of the local newspaper.
To avoid Mount Washmore. Do one person's laundry in each load . Fold the load in that person's room. You avoid stacks of folded laundry. After removing the clothes from the dryer, touch each item once. Sheets and bedding should be stored in that room, too.
A cleaning declutter tip. The 12 min 24 two-step toss. Set a timmer for 12 minutes you toss 24 items, and You toss each day, and donate. Give away or set out with a free sign 24 items each day. It's amazing how effective this is. Good luck.
Best idea yet
🇬🇧 i happened to open my china cupboard last week, time for the whisky Decanter ( a wedding present) , and glasses to go, also my late Mother-in -laws ornaments
This was really useful!
Tights/ socks with holes.
I love your glasses, they really suit you
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! And thank you for the compliment - I love my glasses!
My apple corer and veg chopper are my premier gadgets!
Thank you l really enjoyed all your tips. I would like to add cookery books, l have amassed loads and they take up room.
That's a good idea! Most recipes are available online anyway. I recently downloaded the Paprika recipe manager app and am moving my favorite recipes there.
The gift bags reminded me of stocking up on wrapping paper at after-Christmas sales. I still have a package of three high-end rolls I bought over 20 years ago that's never been opened. I did at least clean out my unused Christmas decorations a couple of years ago.
I sorted all of the toiletries into categories. I didn't buy anything new until I had used all of it.
I didn't need to buy shampoo for a year as I used all of the brands I didn't particularly like and all of the sample bottles.
I'm still using the toothpaste.
I'm still slowly using old vitamins that have been in my cupboard for years.
Socks with holes in them become cleaning rags. Holey cotton clothes become cleaning or painting rags.
Holey clothes are cut into 4 inch squares and used to wipe out greasy fry pans. Cotton absorbs oil and warm grease and then goes into the garbage. Much better than letting that go down the drains and cause clogs.
Wouldn't it be better to use a piece paper towel to clean out greasy pans. The cotton squares you use and throw out is adding to the mountains of garbage that doesn't decompose.
You can use the wire hangers or unwanted hangers to hang the clothes you want to donate and the donation center really appreciates clothes that are already on the hangers.
Great tip!!
Towels and linens that never get used!
Group home got my two sets sheets and 4 extra pillow cases and kitchen items.
Donate towels to your local humane society❤
Thank you, I'm feeling motivated. I have 3.5 days to declutter before my 77 yr father moves in.🤭🙂↕️
Hope things went well for you!
Put your socks in a net bag when washing and drying them. Regift or donate expensive items that you don't use, you'll feel better. My challenge is my art room. I went through quite a bit recently and have much more to do.
Agree, 20 or 30 min can really make a difference you can be proud of - I tend to do better with smaller more frequent sessions. 👍
Small chips on plates or cups, even the rim of glasses can be sanded with very, very fine sand paper. It will be smooth and almost invisible
I am watching your video on Christmas Eve day. I found I need to do 85% of the things you mention! I did recently give away 2 lrg bags of very good shoes ( need wide width now) and a bag of purses to Value Village ! That felt extremely cleansing!🥰 I will continue in the New Year .Thanks ! 👍🏻👩🏻🦰🇨🇦
I decluttered additional bedsheet sets I never use!
my rule is three sets: one on the bed, one on the shelf and one in the wash
Over time, sheets shrink from washing and drying.
The church I attend participated in the "Little Dresses for Africa" initiative some years back. The other women members and I brought our excess pillowcases to church and converted them into little dresses. There was a template and while most of the women used sewing machines, I handstitched the ones I converted because I am not successful with a sewing machine. Not hard and did not take long to make a dress even though by hand. Church shipped them to the organizers in the US who sent them to Africa. Could probably do something similar with the bedsheets.
Hi! Enjoyed your video, thank you. As I listened, I went through my pens and got rid of some of them. I do most of your tips and try to get rid of at least one thing a day. It is motivating to listen to decluttering videos. I like your presentation style. One thing I heard once that has helped me was the question-would you rather be surrounded by your good decisions or your bad ones? That has helped me declutter “mistakes” that cause guilt and therefore are kept to avoid that feeling. Also, facing my mistakes rather than avoiding helps me to be more careful before making purchases.
I live by the one in one out rule!
... Socks... I swear by this simple tip - used for years (no more wasting time matching them up (esp if on the go...) use a hair tie around (top part) for each pair, when putting on fresh socks, take the hair tie off & put it in a handy spot (were you change) .. so when you change you put the hair tie back on, so they are together again... put with laundry/ wash/dry as usual and ALL the sock pairs "stay together" YAY
Great idea!!
I take hangers to my downstairs laundry room so the shirts get hung immediately after the dryer cycle, or after the wash if it can't go through the dryer.
I used to iron shirts straight out of the washing machine and then hang them up in the laundry room overnight. No need for them to go in the dryer and they last longer too.
I Number my socks with a waterproof pen from 1 to 10 thats ten pairs of socks enough to last till next wash day. Never missmatched socks ever.
I've never heard of that! What a great idea.
I'm in my 60's and still have a lot of tennis socks from when I was in high school. I numbered all the white socks so I knew which sock belonged where. In all my years, I or any member of my family have NEVER lost a sock.
From another tuber...declutter according to number on calendar...1 a large furniture it's that needs to go. Day 21...21 items declutter...heading back to kitchen to lose 21 items. Thanks.
Great points. What about Hair Shampoo/Conditioners
Excellent! Inspiring and motivation ❤ Thank you so much for the good tips 🙏
I dont seem to have the problems with lost socks, so much. When i take off a pair of dirty socks, i turn them "together" & toss in the laundry. When i am ready to wash them, they are still together. I separate them & wash them. When i put them in the dryer, i know both socks are there. When i take them out of the dryer, both socks are there. Once again, i turn them together & put them away in the drawer. Once i wear them & they're ready to be washed again. The cycle starts again.
Thanks. Good tips.
What helps to get started is to go around my house and pick 10 items for donation.
Old socks can make covers for canning jars to keep them from breaking against each other. Also if you pair up similar single old socks and shoved one inside the other you can drop them off at a homeless type service that serves the poor.
Socks can get "eaten" by washers, so now I hand wash his and my socks and hang on rack to dry.
I use socks with holes in them for cleaning.
I cut the holey sock down one side to make one "flat" piece. They make great rags - remember rags? I use them for cleaning icky things and throw them out after. I also keep them with my paint supplies.
Great tips.
Rotate your pantry and freezer every 6 months or do it at the time you are putting away food from the grocery so you don't have to throw out food you spent good money on. Sure, there's going to be something that keeps getting shoved to the back. Set all the older dated cans front and center on the kitchen counter so they're in your face to use immediately. It doesn't matter what it is, open at least 1 can a day from those and not touch the newer foods in the pantry. Soon enough, all the older cans will be gone and you don't have to worry about them anymore.
Then do the same with the freezer. Mine is organized so I know at a glance what is getting low - broths on the top shelf, next shelf chicken, the 3rd shelf is pork and the bottom shelf is beef, the door is fruits and veg and the basket is the odd things. The older of each shelf goes from left to right. To save something that might just be getting freezer burn, run water over the icy parts and it may be saved or cook it up for the dog. Sure, throw it out if it is bad and remember not to waste money again.
If you don't like something, think about using it in a different recipe or give it to a friend.
Make a list of what's in your pantry and cross it off when you use that item so you know at any one time what you have and what you need to buy. Do the same with the freezer. I don't buy what I don't need. The same with the fridge; don't have leftovers hanging around for more than 3 days - better still, only cook what you're going to eat.
@@antoinettetrebus9932 Keep meal ideas for leftovers so you don't get overwhelmed on how to use them. Have a wee little bit of fresh cabbage? That's your go to for an Asian stir fry or mu shu and run the core through the food processor so nothing is wasted. Toss in other little bits of leftovers. Of course, make some Asian wraps. A dozen homemade costs what 1 single wrap from a store package does.
You're at the bottom of a pot of beans and there's only liquid left? Then you automatically know you're going to heat to thicken it for nachos night or make a "refried bean" dip for the kids' after school snack or top some homemade enchiladas.
Have a spoon or two of spaghetti sauce? Scramble it into eggs. Waste not, want not.
Old spools of thread and other sewing supplies. Thread can be cut off, and the spools donated to cat rescue groups to be used as cat toys.
Toss or donate sewing items you don't see yourself really using in the future.
Are your kids grown, but you still have their music lesson books? Donate (or toss if they are marked up).
Oh my, the clutter knitters and crocheters accumulate over time.
And then some. My dearest friend of 22 years past away in May, she was a crafter and I've inherited ALL her crafting supplies. 😱
We order bulk san Francisco herb spices - & great prices i have stored in Empty candle Jrs with lids. They stay Fresh❤
(1) Let it go - you don't even remember what was in the last box of donations (2) If it's only semi-sentimental, take a picture and let the thing itself go (3) Do a small section every day but do it ruthlessly (4) Stay away from stores as much as possible 😊
I loved this video! Thank you!
This is a great plan. Thank you. ❤
You need old calenders if you are unemployed and looking for new job. You must memorize things you forgot for interview for next job. Who remembers when he/she finished some education or ex job? And it is frequently asked. Even a doctor can ask you how long you take some medicin etc. All your notes will be needed in twists with authorities.
I tend to reuse calendars so I don't have to buy new ones or so I don't have to waste time going to the library to print out new ones. If the calendars have details of milestones or events of interest that should be transcribed to journals, I hold onto these until I can photograph them.
Tinned food doesn’t really go out of date, it will last a long time. Years ago we didn’t have use by dates on tins.
It's a chopper...I love mine
Kitchen stuff as kids grew up and left home
I had way too many kitchenitems/food storage containers. We downsized into senior apts. Kitchen utensils incl. Several group homes got donations. Father in laws tools: some got donated to farm repair shop after he passed..
I have a lot of artwork in frames that I have no room to hang up. I need to get rid of them. Perhaps others have excess artwork too. Too many books. Declutter them also.
Putting light strips from Amazon in my cupboard helped me see what I actually have in my cupboards, which helped me actually know what was in there.
🇬🇧 I'm too old to wear those slingback shoes, so off to the hospice charity shop.
Product manuals - if you no longer have the product, there's no need to keep the manual. If you can, find the manuals you do need online and recycle the paper manual.
I think I put some manuals in a bag with stuff I donated to Value Village.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GREAT AND USEFUL INFORMATION ❤
Never get rid of wire hangers. There are countless uses for them. They are hard to find and way overpriced.
They can be cut and straightened for storage, support, reaching items in tight places, crafts etc...
I can do a couple of these things. Gift bags, ugly Christmas bows too. If we need anything for wrapping we can go to the dollar store.
I love your videos!😊
Mismatched coffee cups!!!
Gone last week!!!
If cans are in like new condition, the food is fine.
When i lived in Europe, I met a gal who told me her brother worked in a relabeling plant. I asked her what it was. Basically large retailers send their 'outdated' cans to the relabeler, the old labels are taken off, and new ones are put on. I never asked about where these relabeled cans go, but I'm willing to be they're sold in dollar stores.
Old towels, rugs, pillows and bedding can be donated to your local pet shelter. Stretched out bras & undies, negligees that you know you will never wear. Duplicate appliances including hair tools. Placemats, table cloths and runners that you never use. CDs & DVDs, albums & cassettes. 🗑️🗑️🗑️🗑️.
I love the idea of donating these items to pet shelters!
7:37: chipped bowl i will keep until i buy a new one
* i brought allot of hair ties - its time to give half away.
* 80 old magazines are the first items i threw away.
* i have some broken jewellery but they are Gold so cant throw away
*
My husband has first aide cream, cough medicine and biggest conglomeration of crap and out of date medicine.
I buy very few canned food so I don’t have a problem with that.
as a retired teacher the hardest things for me to let go are my teaching lessons, created curriculums and books. I taught French and i have lots of French children’s books. The school where I taught is no longer offering French. I can’t just give them to a thrift store because they are in French. One grandson loves French and comes and peruses my shelves. Four more grandchildren are under 6 years old. Perhaps they will develop an interest in French. There is a lot of money invested in them so I don’t want to just toss them. I want to donate them to a place where they will be appreciated.
We wear all our unmatched socks
Medicine bottles
Soda bottles
Worn out pots and pans.
Cooking spoins destroyed by heat
Unused serving spoons
Old stationery -pens missing a refill, pencils (u only need 1)
Pencil sharpners and erasers, crayons
Blunt knives
I think you miss an important distinction. Broken or damaged items are junk that clutter. Junk is junk. Get rid of it. A hundred old magazines you read years ago is clutter. It is also junk.
I constantly cull items, because clutter makes me feel claustrophobic. If I have a pen that doesn’t work, it’s junk. Don’t clutter up your house with junk. Don’t clutter up your house with too many “things” that aren’t junk, but excess. If your child has books from infancy and the kiddo is 9, that’s clutter. But not junk as they can be donated. It just means you don’t clean enough.
Old spices kept in jars out of direct sunlight last longer than a year. I have used spices many year old that were fine.
Old cans aren’t clutter. That’s just plain old neglect. Or lack of a system. Unused kitchen gadgets are clutter. Any useful items you own in excess is clutter. Find it a new home where it will be used.
DO a few things everyday. You don’t need six cookie sheets. Purge clothing and donate to battered women’s shelter.
Canned goods and bottles get a bit of masking tape on the label with the expiration date written there. Obvious and easier to see rather than peering at small print with my trifocals.
🇬🇧 I intend going through old keys in a box
compost your old papers, add water, done. no need to shred.
All socks are the same color, all underwear are nude color, stick to one color scheme for outdoor wear. Use until it falls apart. It'll save you lots of money.
Had a job where I was on my feet all day. I wanted cushy socks. Each year I bought 6 new pairs all one color. Next year a different color. I could tell the age by the color and didn't even need to match them. Last year's color became gardening socks or rags.
My husband uses the apple corer. Drives me crazy. 😂
@@louannhuber2651 you should be grateful !
I'd note that our feet spread out with time. If you have shoes from 10 years ago, get rid of them. They would hurt/damage your feet anyway.
I have shoes that I bought in my mid teens (1977) that still fit.
Look for expiration dates on food it only takes a moment to check the date especially food bank finds. Often these are ready to expire. With our health today we need to be careful of these dates.
Now’s a great time to purge old tacky Christmas decorations.
Some good common sense advice here -- thank you! A couple of my thoughts:
- Get rid of old medications, but do *not* throw them out or -- yikes -- flush them. Gather them up to take to the pharmacy for proper disposal. After my parents and in-laws passed away, and my husband I had to clean out their houses, we realized just how many medications were around. And so many of them -- in both households -- were long expired.
- As far as old makeup goes:
1. Don't store it in the bathroom. Moisture in the air can cause items to go bad more quickly, or even to mold.
2. I disagree with the blanket statement to "toss toiletries and cosmetics after six months". If properly stored (i.e. not in a humid environment), powder products, like eyeshadow, face powder, and blush, can last for years. Cream and liquid makeup is best tossed a year to 18 months after opening, as those types of formulations will start to grow bacteria after that due to their water content. (Powder products last longer as they don't contain water.) Mascara should be thrown out after six months maximum, and three months ideally. You don't want potentially expired mascara anywhere near your eyes. As far as skin care and bath and body products go, they invariably have a little symbol on them somewhere, a tiny open jar with a number above it. That number indicates how many months the product is good for after opening. Makes decision making a little easier!
I recently came across a pot of body moisturiser that was bought in 1987 and it was perfectly fine. Most of the moisturiser I have I bought just before I got divorced some 20 years ago and have slowly been using it. If stored properly, it can last for ages.
@@antoinettetrebus9932 Wow! That's amazing. Thanks for letting me know!
Plastic warehouse and unused containers
Yes!! plastic storage containers seem to multiply in my house!
I have no issues with unmatched socks
Im retired two years ago…the rest of my work clothes!!!
Many colleges and schools have a room or closet that have professional used clothing. Students in need can access for job interviews.
Throw away the one time use take away plastic boxes
Hard not to agree with this list.
I have starting to declutter boxes that have memories in them things I kept because they belong to someone in the family like my grandmother, my children or things that I’ve always been in the family that you’re not supposed to get rid of so I go through the boxes and I ask email text Does anybody want this item? If not, I am donating it to somebody else that needs it or can use it I have about six boxes of memories. I’ve got to decide what to do because they’re not doing me any good in the top of my closet because the memories are in my heart not the items. and if someone in my household or family wants that memory, they’ve got to take it out of my house to their house and store it because my house is going to be memory box free as long as I have the memory in my heart and if I need to, I can always take a picture and have it on my phone. This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do clutter so far memories of things of items of pictures of cookbooks because I wanna make sure they go to someone that wants them can use them and love them as much as much as I did. Also, I’m decluttering furniture that was handed down to me over the years while I moved out and people said you want this table oh yeah I do or do you want this dress or oh yeah I do now. I don’t need all that so that’s going and I’m not replacing it.
For me it‘s natural
I just realized I own two copies of the same anniversary edition of a magazine. They are literally duplicates of each other, but were released two years apart. One was a dollar more than the other. Talk about a ripoff!
My nieces like the subject matter, so I'll give them one copy to play with and I'll just recycle the other
Tip: buy 3 pairs of same socks so that when u lose one you can still pair it with another.
Buy 13- and 20-gallon Rubbermaids.. Number on all sides the number 1 on up. Nothing on the floor. Use index cards with what is in each container and location, and stack 2 or 3 high, and cover with serapes, sheets, and use as tables.
13 gallon for heavier stuff and 20 gallons for bedding, clothing etc.
Please cover chairs and sofa with sheets, if you have pets, and wash.
If moving, please put what you want to take in bathtub and pay a company to take everything out. Do not sell, for that is dangerous, and fake money. Do not take furniture out of the country. Rent a furnished studio on a month-to-month basis, automatic rent payment with all utilities, maid etc. Rent is all you pay. Order groceries online for home delivery.
Be generous to non-beggars.
Get rid of toiletries you are saving “ just in case”. You won’t use them! The hotel travel-sized ones are big clutter culprits.
I stopped buying new toiletries until I used everything in my cabinet. I used all of those little sample bottles.
I don’t like your system i have a better system. Daily I am constantly keeping things neat tidy and without clutter. I do keep gift bags and have reused several finding them handy and saving money. Plus I do talk to my kids and guess what they do want my stuff. I bought nothing but timeless furniture like from Restoration Hardware and when I downsized and moved I sold much of my furniture immediately and the girl that bought asked me to not sell to anyone else without calling her first which I have and she returned and purchased more. So I think it’s all in how good of a housekeeper you are. I have become a minimalist which helps as the older I become the less I want around me. I never buy anything unless I’m totally in love with it and know it will be used.
Thank you,Merriest "Christ"mas
What is a holiday decoration?
Pc word for christmas
What about the crazies who go so overboard with Halloween?? Totally unnecessary
Don't just throw anything out that is 'expired', seriously. Look, smell, taste and then you decide.
I don't donate anything, imo, that's just pushing my clutter off on someone else. Same with selling - unless it's over $500, it goes in the trash or recycle. Really simplifies decluttering. In or out.