When we sold our home of 35 years in 2019 we decluttered and it was so liberating. Our three grown children took what they wanted, and the rest was sold or donated! We took pictures of things we wanted to remember and made a small chat book. Our new home in retirement is free of clutter and streamlined !
We have sold a lot of stuff, pickup only, on ebay etc. and I love it when a person who will really appreciate it buys stuff. We sold a couch for a few dollars, it was in pefect condition and the young lady who bought it was radiantly happy, couldn’t believe her luck. She looked like somebody who was doing it tough and needed a break, that was worth far more than the money.
What a great story. Yes, we sometimes don’t realize that there are people who would love and appreciate owning some of the things we have lost interest in.
We have experienced the same. We let go of many items that no longer served our family stage, to see the pure happiness of the folks that are putting these items to use again made us wish we would have done so sooner
Hey, indeed the first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don't. Decluttering is indeed a transformative journey, and your tips are incredibly valuable. It's so true that clutter isn't just physical but also mental. I look forward to more content from Retirement Transformed! 🌟😊-Susan.
You're right, it ISN'T easy to declutter. Even though I don't want to necessarily become a minimalist, I am trying to downsize 60 years of stuff. I watch A LOT of videos and read A LOT of books on the subject and I finally found a suggestion that will work for me. Each member of the family gets a memory box (could be small like a shoebox or large like a wine box) to put sentimental and personal memories in. Once the box is full, that's it. I have a feeling I may need a piano box😂 I'm kidding but it's gonna be a real challenge to find the most important pieces.
LOL. We have memory boxes for the kids too. Six kids but they have more than one box each so they take up a lot of space. Starting to get them in the kids hands as they get their own places.
For Christmas one year I gave a box to each child of their memorabilia as well as things from me, their dad and grandparents that I had held on to. They enjoyed going through the box and remembering the times, people and events. Now it’s their problem and I am clutter free
Definetly ask your kids if they want items from their childhood..I have a few report cards left from school and nostalgic to look at once in a while.But only keeping a small amount. My biggest decluttering issue is paper clutter .
We agree about asking for your kids input and also to just keep a few of the items that are really special. It's often the volume of items that can be overwhelming. Thanks for your comment!
I Love Your Video on Decluttering ! You put some Humor into a very difficult task ! I remember the 1991 Oakland hills fire, where my parents lost their house. Everything was indiscriminately Burned. All of my childhood clutter, toys, books, Gone in one day ! I need the courage to Declutter again ! Thanks !
Great video Mark and Jody! I downsized 3 years ago. It took me two years to do it! I remember first looking at the first closet and was so overwhelmed I couldn’t begin! So yes that’s hard. But as you go it gets easier. By the end before I sold my house I was donating almost everything! Posted items on my town’s FB website for free. It made me feel good that others could use my items. Less feels lighter!
Once a year I go through my closet and anything I have not worn in a year gets donated. Over time my closet gets thinned out. And always allows for a new item once and a while to spruce up my wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing your view! It's wonderful that you find joy and relief in organizing and simplifying. Everyone has their own unique way of finding satisfaction and balance.
I had a neighbor who raced/showed cars for many years. One Halloween he gave away his trophies to the kids for trick-or-treat! I was in sales all my working life and have LOTS of Award Plaques. They are not fun enough to give to the kids. I will save the two best and re-cycle the rest.
Instead of giving your luggage to Goodwill, look into foster care children, they tend to travel from home to home with just a garbage bag. I think it’s a much better use of giving away your luggage.
A little feedback in case you are reading this. I really enjoy you guys, but if something is over 25 min I usually do not watch it. Thank you for your hard work in putting information together. "Shorter is better"
Hi. We read every comment and do our best to reply to each and every one. We post a 10-14 minute video every week since we started in may of 2021. Many listeners have asked for longer content so we started with that back in November. That is weekly as well. So you can choose to just watch the shorter ones. I hope this is helpful. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber.
Oh no! The basement can be a nightmare. Baby steps. Pick something up and decide: sell, give away to friends or family, donate, or last resort keep it. One item at a time. Make piles.
I'm on board with everything you say...except books. Libraries don't want out-of-date or too used books. I haven't managed to find a single place that will take books where I live!
I have 3 children and made boxes up for them with all their childhood stuff and store them in the garage so when I'm no longer around they have their childhood memories. There's 1st shoes, certificates, school books etc. Wish my mother had done this for me, they are irreplaceable
You guys are totally awesome and so funny too! I discovered your channel and can relate to the topics you discuss; you are realistic and I look forward to implementing your advice when I retire. Thank you so much from the UK 🇬🇧
I like to take worn towels and old blankets to an animal shelter that need them. Also, Church clothing banks that need clothes or personal friends that need them I have given clothes to them. Disabled Veterans have Red boxes with Wheelchairs on them.
Give the kids their boxes of stuff, let them get rid of it. Or take a picture of it and throw it out. Sale vintage toys if your children don't want them.
Take a picture of the old kids' stuff and yours then get rid of it. You can always go back and look at it, maybe. We did this with some stuff and still do it. It feels great to get rid of it, but also great if you want to go back and look at it. Digital space is cheap. It is freeing to get rid of it. Best wishes. :)
We love that idea! You are right... sometimes you want to be able to look back at it and don't need the actual physical items. We appreciate your comment.
Impulse buying can get us all in trouble. I'll do lots of research on a new item before buying it. And make sure I hold off for at least a week before going out to buy it.
There are 2 other thrift stores locally to me, along with Goodwill. I have only been donating to thise 2 as the money they raise stays locally to help here.
I vote to send the box(es) to each kid - it belongs to them, it's their stuff, they get to decide what to do with it whether that's keep it and use it, keep it and store it, or donate or trash it. It is NOT the parents' responsibility to be the Storage Unit. The Parents shouldn't have to stay in a house that is cluttered with unused stuff and things, nor should they feel they can't move aka downsize because they have so much stuff to keep track of. So sorry not sorry, if you have stuff and things that belong to someone else, that someone else should be "gifted" their things to deal with. And if they push-back, tell them this is part of #adulting.
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
When we sold our home of 35 years in 2019 we decluttered and it was so liberating. Our three grown children took what they wanted, and the rest was sold or donated! We took pictures of things we wanted to remember and made a small chat book. Our new home in retirement is free of clutter and streamlined !
Great job. Thank you for sharing this. Its inspirational for others to see this.
We have sold a lot of stuff, pickup only, on ebay etc. and I love it when a person who will really appreciate it buys stuff. We sold a couch for a few dollars, it was in pefect condition and the young lady who bought it was radiantly happy, couldn’t believe her luck. She looked like somebody who was doing it tough and needed a break, that was worth far more than the money.
What a great story. Yes, we sometimes don’t realize that there are people who would love and appreciate owning some of the things we have lost interest in.
We have experienced the same. We let go of many items that no longer served our family stage, to see the pure happiness of the folks that are putting these items to use again made us wish we would have done so sooner
“You get a vase and you get a vase”!!! 🤣🤣🤣💐💐💐
Lol! You made us laugh! Thanks for sharing!
Hey, indeed the first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don't. Decluttering is indeed a transformative journey, and your tips are incredibly valuable. It's so true that clutter isn't just physical but also mental. I look forward to more content from Retirement Transformed! 🌟😊-Susan.
Thank you Susan for this kind comment. We appreciate that you are here.
You're right, it ISN'T easy to declutter. Even though I don't want to necessarily become a minimalist, I am trying to downsize 60 years of stuff. I watch A LOT of videos and read A LOT of books on the subject and I finally found a suggestion that will work for me. Each member of the family gets a memory box (could be small like a shoebox or large like a wine box) to put sentimental and personal memories in. Once the box is full, that's it. I have a feeling I may need a piano box😂 I'm kidding but it's gonna be a real challenge to find the most important pieces.
LOL. We have memory boxes for the kids too. Six kids but they have more than one box each so they take up a lot of space. Starting to get them in the kids hands as they get their own places.
For Christmas one year I gave a box to each child of their memorabilia as well as things from me, their dad and grandparents that I had held on to. They enjoyed going through the box and remembering the times, people and events. Now it’s their problem and I am clutter free
Its so funny you said this. We are going to start doing the same thing this year.
Definetly ask your kids if they want items from their childhood..I have a few report cards left from school and nostalgic to look at once in a while.But only keeping a small amount. My biggest decluttering issue is paper clutter .
We agree about asking for your kids input and also to just keep a few of the items that are really special. It's often the volume of items that can be overwhelming. Thanks for your comment!
Tell your kids "no give backs"!
Yes for sure
I Love Your Video on Decluttering ! You put some Humor into a very difficult task ! I remember the 1991 Oakland hills fire, where my parents lost their house. Everything was indiscriminately Burned. All of my childhood clutter, toys, books, Gone in one day ! I need the courage to Declutter again ! Thanks !
Oh wow! What a terrible story. Thank you for sharing that story and also leaving this comment.
Love the vases versus old tools comment toward the end. Had a stressful day and this video put a smile on my face. Thanks for great content.
Glad you enjoyed and that we could put a smile on your face. Thank you for being here with us..
Great video Mark and Jody! I downsized 3 years ago. It took me two years to do it! I remember first looking at the first closet and was so overwhelmed I couldn’t begin! So yes that’s hard. But as you go it gets easier. By the end before I sold my house I was donating almost everything! Posted items on my town’s FB website for free. It made me feel good that others could use my items. Less feels lighter!
Great job! Thank you for sharing.
A tip from a friend…if you buy a new shirt you must remove one, etc.
Once a year I go through my closet and anything I have not worn in a year gets donated. Over time my closet gets thinned out. And always allows for a new item once and a while to spruce up my wardrobe.
I have the opposite situation, love getting ready of stuff, it gives me a release.
Thank you for sharing your view! It's wonderful that you find joy and relief in organizing and simplifying. Everyone has their own unique way of finding satisfaction and balance.
I had a neighbor who raced/showed cars for many years. One Halloween he gave away his trophies to the kids for trick-or-treat!
I was in sales all my working life and have LOTS of Award Plaques. They are not fun enough to give to the kids. I will save the two best and re-cycle the rest.
What a fun idea for your neighbor.
Instead of giving your luggage to Goodwill, look into foster care children, they tend to travel from home to home with just a garbage bag. I think it’s a much better use of giving away your luggage.
Such a great idea. Thank you.
A little feedback in case you are reading this. I really enjoy you guys, but if something is over 25 min I usually do not watch it. Thank you for your hard work in putting information together. "Shorter is better"
Hi. We read every comment and do our best to reply to each and every one. We post a 10-14 minute video every week since we started in may of 2021. Many listeners have asked for longer content so we started with that back in November. That is weekly as well. So you can choose to just watch the shorter ones. I hope this is helpful. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber.
agree I fast forward and go to comments.
Great video - very helpful. Our basement is driving me CRAZY.
Oh no! The basement can be a nightmare. Baby steps. Pick something up and decide: sell, give away to friends or family, donate, or last resort keep it. One item at a time. Make piles.
I look forward to hearing more about old photos.
Stay tuned. We are going to definitely do more on this
On father's day you could gift your tools that you want to shake loose of. It is difficult to find gifts for guys that they will use and appreciate!
That's a great suggestion! Thanks for your comment.
its been easy for me, even tho im not ready to retire. i open that trash bin and get BUSY!!! i keep old towels/rags for emergency spills, etc.
Good for you! Thanks for being here.
I just stumbled across your channel and you two are just too cute! I'm subscribing!
Welcome!! We are happy you are here. Please let us know if you have any questions. Mark and Jody
I'm on board with everything you say...except books. Libraries don't want out-of-date or too used books. I haven't managed to find a single place that will take books where I live!
I found this link which might help. Let me know if it does help.
www.rd.com/list/donate-used-books/
@@RetirementTransformed thanks, that’s very kind of you. I’m not in the US but will have another go with some of your tips.
Agree, old books are almost impossible to get rid of. I often tear off the covers and put the paper in the recycling bin.
Give to thrift stores
There are several communities near me that have little "free libraries". Take a book leave two?
I have 3 children and made boxes up for them with all their childhood stuff and store them in the garage so when I'm no longer around they have their childhood memories. There's 1st shoes, certificates, school books etc. Wish my mother had done this for me, they are irreplaceable
We love this Denise! What a gift you are leaving for your children. Thanks for sharing!
You guys are totally awesome and so funny too! I discovered your channel and can relate to the topics you discuss; you are realistic and I look forward to implementing your advice when I retire. Thank you so much from the UK 🇬🇧
Welcome aboard!
I have addiction to vases and floral decor. Tough tough. It’s getting WORSE! Heavy sigh.
We have no shortage of vases either!
Take the old luggage to organizations that help foster children or abused women/men.
Great idea!
What a unique and thoughtful idea. Thanks for the tip!
We agree with this suggestion! Donations are a wonderful way to repurpose items that someone else could really benefit from. Thanks for sharing!
I like to take worn towels and old blankets to an animal shelter that need them. Also, Church clothing banks that need clothes or personal friends that need them I have given clothes to them. Disabled Veterans have Red boxes with Wheelchairs on them.
Give the kids their boxes of stuff, let them get rid of it. Or take a picture of it and throw it out. Sale vintage toys if your children don't want them.
Thank you for this!
Take a picture of the old kids' stuff and yours then get rid of it. You can always go back and look at it, maybe. We did this with some stuff and still do it. It feels great to get rid of it, but also great if you want to go back and look at it. Digital space is cheap. It is freeing to get rid of it. Best wishes. :)
We love that idea! You are right... sometimes you want to be able to look back at it and don't need the actual physical items. We appreciate your comment.
I'm definitely not a minimalist and don't want to be but as I get older I definitely want to declutter more and impulse buy less .
Impulse buying can get us all in trouble. I'll do lots of research on a new item before buying it. And make sure I hold off for at least a week before going out to buy it.
@@RetirementTransformed wow you're disciplined! 😊 I just park myself at home more ! 😆
It is fun to watch the two of you -- please consider donating to Teen Challenge or a nonprofit. Goodwill in the PNW is not a nonprofit anymore.
We have heard this before and have changed who we donate to. Thank you.
There are 2 other thrift stores locally to me, along with Goodwill. I have only been donating to thise 2 as the money they raise stays locally to help here.
Yes, we have heard about this from many people.
I vote to send the box(es) to each kid - it belongs to them, it's their stuff, they get to decide what to do with it whether that's keep it and use it, keep it and store it, or donate or trash it. It is NOT the parents' responsibility to be the Storage Unit. The Parents shouldn't have to stay in a house that is cluttered with unused stuff and things, nor should they feel they can't move aka downsize because they have so much stuff to keep track of. So sorry not sorry, if you have stuff and things that belong to someone else, that someone else should be "gifted" their things to deal with. And if they push-back, tell them this is part of #adulting.
We have your vote. Thank you. Not sure we have enought votes yet to ship all the boxes just yet. But you are rightt in your thinking.
I plan on making a scrapbook for each of my kids have already started and yes it will be gifted to them and I will be using some of those photos
What an an awesome idea. I love this.
@@RetirementTransformed thanķ you
Take briefcase to a law school where future student may need it.
Good idea! Thank you
You guys are so funny😅 greetings from Germany
Hi from Germany! Welcome to our channel. We hope you enjoy your time with us. Let us know if you have any questions
@@RetirementTransformed Thanks for your replay! I like your content very much and have already subscribed. Yes, I will😊
De-clutter Tip: Don’t buy new stuff.
Yup!
I will take the trains!!! 🙂
LOL. Yeah it's time for my kids to commit. If not I will definitely get them to someone who would appreciate them.
Just found your channel….👍👍👍
Welcome!
Sell the trains, there are alot of collectors out there. Pictures and legal paperwork is a struggle.
Get rid of the tools😂😂
Funny. I think my kids want the trains but need to know for sure before I sell them
Salvation Army is a great charity for donations!!!
Yes, a great suggestion.
I had my adult sons come and take their stuff. They mostly didn’t want them.
That's a good plan. We tend to hold onto things assuming our kids will want it one day. Many times we are wrong.
Don’t minimize any of these categories- what’s easy for you might be hard for someone else.
Thank you @barbarapinto2305!
A tool in a vase 🤭
Not sure what you mean. But sure, a tool in a vase. I must have missed something we said.