I started decluttering ten years ago. I found that one of the most important things was to stop buying and acquiring things. When you acquire something, do it with intention ie. give it lots of thought
Taking photos of my space on my iPhone helps me to view and evaluate that space more objectively. When I look at the photos, I was horrified. I then can go on to purge the clutter.
I think you are absolutely wonderful. Your clear, yet delightfully dead pan delivery is refreshing and engaging. It's clear you are kind, caring and focused on providing correct information. Thank you for posting excellent content.
Hi Raina. That is very helpful. How traumatic for your family leaving Czechoslovakia in fear. Serious hoarding is often a sort of obsession caused by past trauma and insecurity. I have seen several tv programmes about it. Also some families buy so many things for their children. They then become overwhelmed. What a modern problem! Anyway I will do some decluttering. I stopped your video to put a few things in a bag for charity! 😇 💕 . Happy decluttering to your viewers 📦📦📦🥳
Hi Raina, another great video! I went down the “rabbit hole” of watching, reading, etc. to minimalism material beginning in 2014. Agree, our connections with material possessions is deeply rooted in our childhood, family members and our life experiences. I personally believe I learned a little something from each and every “research” piece I read & watched. In 2014, I began my journey working through every drawer, closet & cabinet in my home. I can only remember one item that I regretted to have donated. That item was replaceable but caused me to be a bit more cautious. My husband & I lived in our first home 10 years & moved everything to a home we built. We lived in that home 30 years & moved cross country nearly five years ago. I’m so glad I had already purged & downsized as we downsized from 3500 sq feet to 1800 sq feet. Packing was easy because I knew what was left, was going with us. The Minimalism documentary movie you mentioned was very impactful. To this day, I still follow the director of that documentary- Matt D’Avella. He just recently returned to RUclips after a hiatus. In case, you don’t post another video before Christmas, Merry Christmas!
I did start decluttering a few years ago and keep doing it whenever I feel like it. A few years ago in February I did that decluttering game. All in all 406 things. It was a lot of fun to figure out what I wanted to part with. In the end I was to relieved, happy and proud of myself for getting this project done. Since then, I periodically go through all my possessions whenever I am in the mood. I am not a minimalist, but I feel better with less stuff.
My sister and I both mindfully decluttered our (separate) homes. However, my sister kept buying -- and today, her home is almost back where it was. So, getting rid of stuff is important, but so is stopping buying.
Wow Raina…. Your life story about escaping Czechoslovakia in 1969 is heart breaking. Thank goodness you were able to get out but tremendously life changing. I would imagine PTSD from such an experience.
I like your logical way of looking at issues. Retiring soon and not looking forward to the decluttering process. But will be so happy when it is over and my place is organized.
Thank you. Wow - this was emotional for me to listen to your story about your early life being displaced. Very generous of you to share such a personal story. I did some decluttering and purging while listening to your video. Thank you again. I appreciated your respectful and inclusive way of discussing this topic. 💖
Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad the video resonated with you. Also, thank you for taking time to leave a comment that is always so appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend.
I started decluttering when COVID hit. Continued after my husband passed away last year. Just today filled up two big bags of stuff, one to donate, the other not worth saving. I don’t have children so I will be letting go of sentimental items that I’ve still been holding on to. Great idea taking pictures of those things. Thank you for this video.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. I am so sorry about your husband passing away last year. That is so sad. I hope you’re well and healing. Letting go of sentimental items is very hard, be kind to yourself through the process.
Oh my, yes! Think of your children!! This keeps me from keeping things because like you, I both downsized and then disposed of my parents things...five times! I keep what I love, and try to purge/declutter seasonally. It helps me to picture someone walking into the donation center, seeing something I dropped off and being excited to find it. Clothes especially, but really anything. I decluttered extensively when I moved and can honestly say it was freeing. I have regretted a few things, but thinking of my children, I think letting it just go is the best choice. I just have to say that I can only imagine your inspiring life story, leaving everything and starting over in a strange place... I'll bet you have a lot of stories. That's just amazing!
Great topic and very timely for me. My husband and I downsized into a townhome 3 years ago and while it felt great to declutter, I think it’s time to do it again - and keep it up. I love that 30 day game idea and will try it out. Will also pass along to our aging family members who need it far more than we do. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Decluttering is so important and needed. You are so right, if left for someone else to go through, there is a price attached to it. I don't save things thinking someone will enjoy or think they may want it. I ask them if they would like to have it now and give it to them. There are also items that we may hold sentimental, but others may not.
Lol, you are so right about the fact that some things are sentimental to us but not to others. My parents had stuff that they thought we were going to want and neither my sister or I were at all interested!
Happy I downsized and decluttrred before this Florida hurricane season...seeing so many piles of peoples' things in front of their homes breaks a heart but I can't help but hope many minimalist s will may be born out of so much tragedy... thank you for your important video here...appreciate you
Aww, thank you for leaving a comment. I so appreciate that. I feel so badly for people in Florida. A few years back we had a major flood in Calgary and people lost possessions because of it but it was nothing like what happened in Florida!
Yes, I am in FL as well and in my neighborhood several homes were flooded - our house sits a bit higher so we did not flood 🙏. So sad to see the piles of stuff from filled garages etc….stuff that probably should have been gotten rid of before the flooding. Thank you for your clear communication and the friendly comments, clearly a like-minded community ♥️🇺🇸
Wow, you mention "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning"! I watched some programme with Swedes helping Americans to declutter, then found a book. Generally, I like the idea of hygge and Scandinavian or Nordic way of decorating, including IKEA. 😅 You are right about clutter being connected to trauma. I know it from my family, too. Recommend brilliant YT channel 'Crappy Childhood Fairy' who talks about it and is almost kind of a therapist. Your game idea is great, too. Upwards and onwards with declatturing! 💪😆
That was really smart! We did mom and dad’s house after mom passed away, but dad was still alive but just started living in a long term care facility and their house had to be sold. What a task it was.
Well done Raina. I did do Marie Kondo’s Magic of Tidying Up when the book first came out and I found it well thought out and she really understands the energy of things. However being an artist and maker, declutterring in this way does not work and with art you actually DO need supplies a week or several months down the road. But for general household I’m glad I went through the process and like life, it doesn’t end with one big purge, it needs to be an ongoing habit.
I absolutely loved this video. I have been decluttering my things for the past five years and I thought I was in a good space. But now I have decided to sell my house and go into assisted living in a year's time. Now I am looking at my possessions in a whole new way... what is the LEAST amount of stuff I need and what should I do with all this other stuff? I didn't know where to start. Your comments about our emotional connection to things was thought provoking. Thank you for this.
So amazing this resonated for you! Thank you for watching the video and taking a time out to leave a comment - so kind of you. Best of luck with the remainder of your decluttering, trust me, it gets easier the more you go along.
I've been winnowing my house for years, so that my son won't have too much to do when I die. I've helped friends empty house after a relative has died and the job was enormous, a house packed with expensive stuff, much brand new. It was hard in every way to do it. We all vowed we wouldn't leave a job like that for our families.
Decluttering, what a lovely topic 🎉 I started to declutter my stuffs (not my husband's) before that Magic of Tidying Up became popular. It was the Tedx Talk by Angela Horn about "The less you own, the more you have", which uploaded 11 years ago. How she described when she cleared out her Mom's things after she passed and she found there were so many "nice" things that her Mom had never opened because they were for special occassions that never came 😮 Some of my family members were shocked when they found I had shredded most of my photos ＆ negatives films collections and donated a lot of my pre-loved clothing, jewelleries, handbags, shoes, belts, hair accessories, books and so on. I felt refreshed after that. Unfortunately my husband does not enjoy declutter, but I respect his decision, as long as he also respect mine and we never cross the line when it comes to common items. I heard fome one of the RUclipsrs said, "To be able to donate our loved items is to bless other people." I very much enjoy blessing others, so I still continue to declutter regularly and kept exploinge other options to dispose / recycle pre-loved or worn out items 😊
Dear Raina, you have made such a good summary here and i learned a lot. It seems i am one of those people who would make it into a big project and overthink everything. I like that you said the Minimalist guys describe a month's game but that we could do it fir a week or so. Also thank you for mentioning Swedish death cleaning. It might be a morbid term, but the Swedes & other Nordic people seem to have a streamlined lifestyle which emphasises many things you have said here- easier to clean, freeing up time to do what you really want, like a walk, painting, more aesthetic environment. I watched an interview by Prof Peter Fenwick, and he explained how important it is to let go of attachments, in his experience of NDE's and dying gently. Thank you ❤
This is my second video that I tuned in today. I love your thoughts very much. I have been using the KonMari methode. In the process I was able to discover how I gradually feel better in my mind. I still keep certain things that I was not able to throw them away. At the same time I rearranged them and gave them another life to enjoy the space where I live. I am still on the way to learn what to love and keep in my life though, I have been successful to buy less and fill the storage with meaningless things. And, I have been able to change my mindset positively ❤❤ Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Your video is very very interesting ! It took me several years (OMG) to part with my mother’s furniture and objects after her death. But after it was a libération. ( my dad and my sister also have passed ) I have kept some little objetcs but that all . Thank you for this excellent video. 👏 Bisous from France😊
I recently found your channel and have enjoyed every one of your videos. Today I was delighted to hear that you and your family were originally from Czechoslovakia. My beloved husband, now deceased, also escaped as a teenager and came alone to the US to make a life for himself. I am looking to retire in the next year or so and am finding much information and encouragement from your channel. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you so much for watching. I can’t believe your husband came to the US as a teenager! All alone. That’s incredible! I was a very young child so it was my parents that bore the brunt of such a huge change.
Great advise and thoughts! I love the idea of the game. What a nice way to get started in a non-intimidating and doable way. And thank you for sharing your family story, it was very moving 🌸
Your story is such a devastating statement. Much ❤. I have lost everything multiple times and so getting rid of things is not a problem. It is other people’s requests that becomes a problem.
Thank you for another informative video. After three deaths and having to deal with other people's stuff, I started this journey over for the hundredth time. Decluttering loved ones things after they pass, is very painful and doesn't allow you to grieve in a productive manner. I don't want to do that to my supervisors when I pass on. Everyone handles their things in a different way. For me it is great to be able to gift items to someone else who will enjoy and treasure it now or in the future. My late husband's grandmother wrote our name on the back of a photograph in a frame that was in the hallway of her daughter's home were she lived and we visited her. At her daughter's funeral my husband's cousin gave us the photograph, in the frame. I remember that feeling of receiving the photograph and how much joy it brought to us over the years. I try to gift items to friends and family when they visit now, and I bring me joy to know those items are going to a place they will be appreciated. My children don't want much of our possessions and they have been great at helping me declutter several lifetimes of stuff. Do it now, don't leave it for your survivors. If you try one method and it does not work for you try another... Organizing for the rest of us, by Dana White, really helped me. I started the journey back in the blog days, before RUclips, and she had a blog, A slob comes clean... I hope everyone finds a way to free themselves from the burden of things that are no longer serving us.
Dear Riana, nice greetings from Czech republic (previous Czechoslovakia). I have found your channel recently and it is great👍. We are the similar age and your stories/recommendation are inspiring😊😊
Great video. I love your bright white walls and counters and the cleanliness of everything. I love purging, and I regularly scan my surroundings for items to donate, but I still have too much for my small apartment. I'm inspired to be a bit more ruthless. Thank you.
I am decluttering since last week. I played your video. You gave a heart wrenching experience of leaving everything behind. Decluttering by our own will is definitely, liberating! I will try the week of getting rid of "stuff" is easier to do at the end 7 items than 30. I don't have that much, but is the little "stuff" that accumulates in a drawer or a small closet. I also can relate with warehouse stores with big bulky packages of paper towel, detergent, etc. sparks a bit of hoarding as well. This video content is once again a winner for me. Thank you 🎉
That is a good idea. I just did a garage sale and got rid of lots of things... I was looking at my underwear draw and saw so many undies that are new and fairly new. I know no one wants them but I am going to get rid of them in the garbage. I got rid of bras and pjs.....amazing how we accumulate stuff....but you feel good when you do........MINDY
Hello Raina, greetings from the Czech Republic, former Czechoslovakia. I was so suprised you originally come from my country. Do you still speak czech? I really love your chanel, it resinates with me a lot. Thank you❤️
Ahoj! Yes, I still speak Czech and I can read and write. We spoke at home growing up. I do have to say, though it comes harder now because both of my parents passed away so I don’t really speak Czech to anyone anymore. My sister and I converse in English with the odd Czech word thrown into the mix, which I think is very common for an immigrant.
Wow, that must have been so hard to move away by force from Czechoslovakia. My mum was also a 'keeper' of stuff due to living through the depression and being poor. Like you, I do like nice things but tend live without clutter.
I went through a purging stage years ago and regretted it so much. My Dad made me a beautiful wooden book shelf 10 feet tall and a coffee table. I gave them and my manual treadmill away. I had wardrobes custom made with shelves in their place and I hate them so much. I regret purging those 3 items every single day. Before you let go of something, think long and hard. Purging little things is much easier because they can be easily replaced but large objects that cost a lot, think before you let them go. Thanks.
Why don’t you get rid of those custom wardrobes and everything in them? I’m pretty sure you will start to feel much better after that - there was a reason you got rid of the book case and the table in the first place! You will probably value the empty space more than whatever you are trying to contain within the shelving.
@@audreyandrea460 l live in a studio condo with literally no storage. Those wardrobes are my only storage. I don't have much stuff either. Nothing really. And if l get rid of those wardrobes, where is my storage for everything such as clothes, shoes, vacuum, food pantry, etc going to go? I have a tiny pension and can't afford to replace those ugly wardrobes. No, l should not have purged and gotten rid of those 3 precious pieces. I regret purging those 3 items sooooo much. My point being purging may come with life long regrets and it is not for everyone. For sentimental stuff, be very very careful is all l am trying to say. Regret is so difficult to overcome.
I also had to handle the removal of my parents' organized hoard after their passing. While grieving, all of my mother's things were layed bare for an auction and for me, it was almost as sad as the day she died. I am determined not to do this to my son, so I have consistently decluttered, removed, given away, even called in a dealer from a flea market to come to my house and buy a big pile of things that she could re-sell. That was a win-win. I cannot think of one thing that I have let go of and gotten rid of that I have regretted or looked for or was sad that I didn't have it anymore. The way you describe and explain is very easy and calming and sounds like good suggestion from someone that has been in the situation and found some ways of dealing. I am thankful that you are sharing your good ideas, helping me to see why these are good ideas and in turn, I get the motivation to follow through. I want the simple, small retired life too.
I have a 650 sq ft apartment on the third floor with no garage and no elevator and a Miata. That keeps me in check pretty well. 😂 My son rents a room and practically lives out of a backpack so he thinks I have too much. It’s all relative isn’t it? I’ve moved a lot..so that helps. Too expensive for movers and storage fees. I’ve lived in 2 states..10 places and on the road for 6 months..all since my husband died 8 years ago. Arghh. I think I need to sit still for a bit. ❤❤ Thanks Raina..I love my small retired life too. I fully retired at 62. No part time anymore. I was 56 when my husband died and I was at my daughters. I really didn’t want to continue that arrangement. I needed to get my own place. So glad I did. I had some things in storage in another state and no home..we were traveling in a tiny airstream at the time. We all have such a journey and story around our material possessions don’t we? It’s a diary. Now I’m working thru photos. I’m feeling I need to dump them. What are others thoughts on those? 😮😅
Hi, I just found your channel and subscribed! You are just what I need to hear right now. I need to declutter my house but hang on to massive amounts of sentimental item from my children's childhoods. They do not want it but I cannot let it go. I like what you said about cleaning out your parents house. Thankfully my mom was a minimalist so there was only a small amount to deal with when the time came. I do not want to burden my children with a house of stuff on top of grief, it is cruel. I look forward to you next video. All the best to you from Massachusetts! 😊🌲🌳
Thank you so much for watching. Yes cleaning out my parents house was almost traumatic for someone who is a bit more of a minimalist like I am 😂. It was so overwhelming, and we only had like two weeks to get through it.
I started downsizing and decluttering in 2016 and it takes time. I am not there yet but in a couple of years. Its a wonderful feeling you get lighter and more free. ❤😊
Good video Raina, it's what I need to hear. I do very well with not buying new things, but I struggle to let things go, always thinking "I'll need it someday". I am starting this 30 day decluttering today. Thanks for the video.
Oof, good luck with that. I was fine up until day 15 and then it was a struggle. I didn’t think I had a lot of excess stuff to get rid of…. But I have to say, I surprised myself.😂
This is a huge issue at my house. My husband is a hoarder and I am not. It causes problems that force me to just disregard his attachment to his crap and I simply throw the junk away and never admit to it. Don’t come at me. I know this isn’t a respectful way to deal with it but if I didn’t, he would NEVER deal with it. I get pushed beyond my limits. And I feel ZERO guilt. Y’all keep my secret please😂
I’m with you! My husband is the same. Our house is on the market and I’m angry and frustrated every time we have a showing. I just sold a couch yesterday and he’s not happy. We have a big house full of furniture (some came with the house when we moved in) besides our own. Winter is coming soon and it’s even harder to get things done. 😢
It’s true, when I removed the toaster, various types of juicers and other kitchen gadgets, I found it that less unpleasant. My son and I used only the tools we needed. I donated many kitchen appliances, and items. I’m glad I’m decluttering however, it’s not simple because I can only remove my items because I must respect my son’s items. Thank you
Dear Raina, thank You once more... 🙂 Your words are full of very wisdom.. i am glad that YOU ARE 🙂 (and thank You for Your response my comment. It made happy - You are speak Czech 😀 Can I write in Czech language?) Decluttering is so important and needed. Think of my bereaved persons ... but for TODAY too ..
Yes you can write in Czech. I can write in Czech but my grammar is terrible and some words I don’t know. I came to Canada when I was 8 so my Czech is pretty rudimentary. But I can speak, read and write Czech and it was my first language.
@@smallretiredlife Thank You 🙂 I think, that Your Czech is better then my English ... Snažím se, abyste měla co nejvíce odběratelů 🙂 Vaše slova by se měla dostat k co nejvíce lidem ...
We emigrated to the US as economic migrants in search of work that used our credentials. With two suitcases. Total. Things have never interested me but my husband quickly rebuilt his book collection and general clutter! Different temperaments.
No, it is an original painting that I purchased probably about 20 or more years ago and is done by a local artist. Or he was a local artist at the time I think he since moved to a different province.
Hi Raina, this video came at the right time. I was sitting here reflecting on the amount of "stuff" I have to get rid of as an Interior Decorator. I have collected so many different things, its overwhelming. These are thing I can reuse to create my videos....not sure what to keep and what to let go. Any ideas that could address my situation?
My motto is if I don’t use it throughout one year it goes out. Pretty brutal, but pretty much anything that I haven’t used in a one year period or that I haven’t even looked at in that one year. I find that I never miss.
It’s actually a lip balm. It’s Dior Addict Lip Glow in the colour coral by Dior. I have been wearing that for years. The only other makeup brand I wear is Merit bpBeauty and I wear a lipstick called Millenial by them. But in this video I am wearing the lip balm from Dior.
Hello, I've watched a few of your posts that have come through my feed. When you said you were Czech, I went uh huh, that;s why I keep watching these. I have too many things myself, one thing that happened this winter, there was a post on Facebook. Donate warm jackets to the homeless. So I donated a considerable number of jackets. I have a year to go until I retire, swedish death cleaning is on the agenda.
I always declutter. I love it. I have no problem letting go of items in the moment. My issue is the regret afterwards... especially w clothing... Idk why..i even find myself re purchasing similar items to fill the " gap".. 🤔. I need to stop watching trend videos because its always an item that i just donated to goodwill 😂!!
Omg, I think there was a similar comment to yours by someone else 🤣. I have to say when I declutter, I never think about the stuff again. If I really, really, really, really want something, I just go and buy it. I mean life is too short.😂😂😂 But I have to say I don’t ever regret purging stuff. Especially clothes, I never seem to miss those at all. And it’s not like I never buy anything because I do, I just kind of make sure that if I buy something something else needs to leave the house. My goal is to not let things pile up and that is why, predominantly, I declutter on a regular basis..
Many people find it difficult to manage and care for their space as they get older, and cleaning, trash removal, recycling, etc. become more physically challenging. It seems that the best time to simplify is when you still have the physical stamina to do so. Otherwise, you might need to recruit paid or unpaid help with the process.
Yes, you are so right. I think that’s what happened with my parents. My mom got Alzheimer’s. My dad had to take care of her and everything just got out of hand.
I'm a SAHM with older teens and everyone around me is a pack rat. 🥴 I'm the opposite and yearn for enjoy, bare spaces... Your tips are really good, especially the game. I haven't heard of it, but I think I can play it for a week or so, get started and make a dent.
USSR. Not Russia. Yes. Decluttering our minds is the biggest problem. We left with only two luggage bags for each person. Never looked back and never blamed anyone for our parents decision.
Even when it was USSR my parents called it Russia and the army that invaded us in Czechoslovakia were forever called Russians by my parents. And lo and behold, back to being Russians.
I desperately need to declutter because my family is 18 hours away. I have two brothers who feel everything should go to the dump, I have no husband or children. I don’t want my family to have to come to a state they have no desire to visit just to get rid of my things.
Hello Raina. I really enjoyed this week's vlog. I love the subject of decluttering ☺ I spent 25 years of my adult life accumulating household items for a life I hoped for. When the rose coloured glasses were removed at 45, I decided to envision what I wanted my "new" to be. I pivoted and intentionally let go 100's 😳 of items that would not suit my new mid-life / retired life. I live on my own, no family. So, how many tea cups, towels, vases, chairs....does one person need? I had decluttered before I moved in 2021. Since, over the past 3 years, I have let go / donated / sold so many more items. Items not being used, and likely never to be used. I kept what I loved. I have many empty cupboards, drawers, closet shelves. I feel light, unencumbered and in control. It was, and continues to be an emotional journey. I learned alot about myself when I considered what did I really value. What did I really need. The journey continues, and I declutter regularly. It is a habit now. I'm amazed I can still find items to let go. But what I thought was important last year, is not this year. I loved your explanations and examples. Thank you for sharing. I am certain this will help some people to start on their own journey 🌱 *sorry this comment is so long
So many good nuggets here! I started decluttering about 2 years ago and it’s is a journey for sure. It really is like developing a muscle as you said and gets easier. I just reread Project 333 and am ready for that next adventure. I want more peace in my retirement years! Thank you for sharing your family’s story of leaving your home and country- the determination and courage that must take always amazes me.🩷
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I started decluttering ten years ago. I found that one of the most important things was to stop buying and acquiring things. When you acquire something, do it with intention ie. give it lots of thought
100% right on! The buying of things always gets you.
Taking photos of my space on my iPhone helps me to view and evaluate that space more objectively. When I look at the photos, I was horrified. I then can go on to purge the clutter.
That’s a great idea. I’m going to do that Thanks 👍
I think you are absolutely wonderful. Your clear, yet delightfully dead pan delivery is refreshing and engaging. It's clear you are kind, caring and focused on providing correct information.
Thank you for posting excellent content.
Awww ☺️ now I am blushing and the sweet compliment totally made my weekend! It’s always lovely to get a compliment!
Raina 💕@@smallretiredlife
Hi Raina. That is very helpful. How traumatic for your family leaving Czechoslovakia in fear. Serious hoarding is often a sort of obsession caused by past trauma and insecurity. I have seen several tv programmes about it. Also some families buy so many things for their children. They then become overwhelmed. What a modern problem! Anyway I will do some decluttering. I stopped your video to put a few things in a bag for charity! 😇 💕 . Happy decluttering to your viewers 📦📦📦🥳
Decluttter your things and your mind
Agreed
Hi Raina, another great video! I went down the “rabbit hole” of watching, reading, etc. to minimalism material beginning in 2014. Agree, our connections with material possessions is deeply rooted in our childhood, family members and our life experiences. I personally believe I learned a little something from each and every “research” piece I read & watched. In 2014, I began my journey working through every drawer, closet & cabinet in my home.
I can only remember one item that I regretted to have donated. That item was replaceable but caused me to be a bit more cautious. My husband & I lived in our first home 10 years & moved everything to a home we built. We lived in that home 30 years & moved cross country nearly five years ago. I’m so glad I had already purged & downsized as we downsized from 3500 sq feet to 1800 sq feet. Packing was easy because I knew what was left, was going with us.
The Minimalism documentary movie you mentioned was very impactful. To this day, I still follow the director of that documentary- Matt D’Avella. He just recently returned to RUclips after a hiatus.
In case, you don’t post another video before Christmas, Merry Christmas!
I did start decluttering a few years ago and keep doing it whenever I feel like it. A few years ago in February I did that decluttering game. All in all 406 things. It was a lot of fun to figure out what I wanted to part with. In the end I was to relieved, happy and proud of myself for getting this project done. Since then, I periodically go through all my possessions whenever I am in the mood. I am not a minimalist, but I feel better with less stuff.
That is awesome! Yes, that game is very eye-opening. It really allows you to see how many things you keep around you that you actually don’t need.
My sister and I both mindfully decluttered our (separate) homes. However, my sister kept buying -- and today, her home is almost back where it was. So, getting rid of stuff is important, but so is stopping buying.
Yes, totally right on the money here. Not buying more is the key thing. so hard to do in our society that’s focussed on just buying more and more.
Wow Raina…. Your life story about escaping Czechoslovakia in 1969 is heart breaking. Thank goodness you were able to get out but tremendously life changing. I would imagine PTSD from such an experience.
I like your logical way of looking at issues. Retiring soon and not looking forward to the decluttering process. But will be so happy when it is over and my place is organized.
Trust me when I say you always feel so good when you do it. It’s that whole refreshed feeling. It’s like going to the spa in a way.
Me too
Thank you. Wow - this was emotional for me to listen to your story about your early life being displaced. Very generous of you to share such a personal story. I did some decluttering and purging while listening to your video. Thank you again. I appreciated your respectful and inclusive way of discussing this topic. 💖
Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad the video resonated with you. Also, thank you for taking time to leave a comment that is always so appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend.
I started decluttering when COVID hit. Continued after my husband passed away last year. Just today filled up two big bags of stuff, one to donate, the other not worth saving. I don’t have children so I will be letting go of sentimental items that I’ve still been holding on to. Great idea taking pictures of those things. Thank you for this video.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. I am so sorry about your husband passing away last year. That is so sad. I hope you’re well and healing. Letting go of sentimental items is very hard, be kind to yourself through the process.
Oh my, yes! Think of your children!! This keeps me from keeping things because like you, I both downsized and then disposed of my parents things...five times! I keep what I love, and try to purge/declutter seasonally. It helps me to picture someone walking into the donation center, seeing something I dropped off and being excited to find it. Clothes especially, but really anything. I decluttered extensively when I moved and can honestly say it was freeing. I have regretted a few things, but thinking of my children, I think letting it just go is the best choice. I just have to say that I can only imagine your inspiring life story, leaving everything and starting over in a strange place... I'll bet you have a lot of stories. That's just amazing!
Thank you for the lovely note. Yes my parents had so many things they thought my sister and I would just LOVE to have….um, not so much 😂🤣
Great topic and very timely for me. My husband and I downsized into a townhome 3 years ago and while it felt great to declutter, I think it’s time to do it again - and keep it up. I love that 30 day game idea and will try it out. Will also pass along to our aging family members who need it far more than we do. Thank you for sharing. ❤
I’m glad some of my ideas resonated with you. Thank you for watching and taking time out to leave a comment.
Thank you so much for your video. I retired the end of April 2024 and have decluttering. I is a great feeling. It has lightened my life.
Decluttering is so important and needed. You are so right, if left for someone else to go through, there is a price attached to it. I don't save things thinking someone will enjoy or think they may want it. I ask them if they would like to have it now and give it to them. There are also items that we may hold sentimental, but others may not.
Lol, you are so right about the fact that some things are sentimental to us but not to others. My parents had stuff that they thought we were going to want and neither my sister or I were at all interested!
Happy I downsized and decluttrred before this Florida hurricane season...seeing so many piles of peoples' things in front of their homes breaks a heart but I can't help but hope many minimalist s will may be born out of so much tragedy... thank you for your important video here...appreciate you
Aww, thank you for leaving a comment. I so appreciate that. I feel so badly for people in Florida. A few years back we had a major flood in Calgary and people lost possessions because of it but it was nothing like what happened in Florida!
@@smallretiredlifethank you ❤
Yes, I am in FL as well and in my neighborhood several homes were flooded - our house sits a bit higher so we did not flood 🙏. So sad to see the piles of stuff from filled garages etc….stuff that probably should have been gotten rid of before the flooding.
Thank you for your clear communication and the friendly comments, clearly a like-minded community ♥️🇺🇸
Oh Raina, what an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing. I think you should consider writing a book. I would most certainly buy it.
Wow, you mention "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning"! I watched some programme with Swedes helping Americans to declutter, then found a book. Generally, I like the idea of hygge and Scandinavian or Nordic way of decorating, including IKEA. 😅
You are right about clutter being connected to trauma. I know it from my family, too. Recommend brilliant YT channel 'Crappy Childhood Fairy' who talks about it and is almost kind of a therapist.
Your game idea is great, too. Upwards and onwards with declatturing! 💪😆
I love the painting behind you ! I declutter on a regular basic its liberating!!!
I declutterred my mom’s stuff 4 years ago so when she passed this year it made the process so much easier.
That was really smart! We did mom and dad’s house after mom passed away, but dad was still alive but just started living in a long term care facility and their house had to be sold. What a task it was.
Well done Raina.
I did do Marie Kondo’s Magic of Tidying Up when the book first came out and I found it well thought out and she really understands the energy of things. However being an artist and maker, declutterring in this way does not work and with art you actually DO need supplies a week or several months down the road. But for general household I’m glad I went through the process and like life, it doesn’t end with one big purge, it needs to be an ongoing habit.
Yes, definitely, the ongoing habit is the big part!
I absolutely loved this video. I have been decluttering my things for the past five years and I thought I was in a good space. But now I have decided to sell my house and go into assisted living in a year's time. Now I am looking at my possessions in a whole new way... what is the LEAST amount of stuff I need and what should I do with all this other stuff? I didn't know where to start. Your comments about our emotional connection to things was thought provoking. Thank you for this.
So amazing this resonated for you! Thank you for watching the video and taking a time out to leave a comment - so kind of you. Best of luck with the remainder of your decluttering, trust me, it gets easier the more you go along.
🌸 love the painting in the background. 🌸
I've been winnowing my house for years, so that my son won't have too much to do when I die. I've helped friends empty house after a relative has died and the job was enormous, a house packed with expensive stuff, much brand new. It was hard in every way to do it. We all vowed we wouldn't leave a job like that for our families.
I started to declutter and was moving things from one room to another. I will follow your advice.
Born in Bratislava, watching you from Praha❤
Ahoy! Děkuji!
Decluttering, what a lovely topic 🎉
I started to declutter my stuffs (not my husband's) before that Magic of Tidying Up became popular. It was the Tedx Talk by Angela Horn about "The less you own, the more you have", which uploaded 11 years ago. How she described when she cleared out her Mom's things after she passed and she found there were so many "nice" things that her Mom had never opened because they were for special occassions that never came 😮
Some of my family members were shocked when they found I had shredded most of my photos ＆ negatives films collections and donated a lot of my pre-loved clothing, jewelleries, handbags, shoes, belts, hair accessories, books and so on. I felt refreshed after that. Unfortunately my husband does not enjoy declutter, but I respect his decision, as long as he also respect mine and we never cross the line when it comes to common items.
I heard fome one of the RUclipsrs said, "To be able to donate our loved items is to bless other people." I very much enjoy blessing others, so I still continue to declutter regularly and kept exploinge other options to dispose / recycle pre-loved or worn out items 😊
I remember that Ted’s by Angela Horn as well. She was well ahead of the whole decluttering trend!
Dear Raina, you have made such a good summary here and i learned a lot. It seems i am one of those people who would make it into a big project and overthink everything. I like that you said the Minimalist guys describe a month's game but that we could do it fir a week or so.
Also thank you for mentioning Swedish death cleaning. It might be a morbid term, but the Swedes & other Nordic people seem to have a streamlined lifestyle which emphasises many things you have said here- easier to clean, freeing up time to do what you really want, like a walk, painting, more aesthetic environment. I watched an interview by Prof Peter Fenwick, and he explained how important it is to let go of attachments, in his experience of NDE's and dying gently.
Thank you ❤
I just discovered you channel and have watched 5 or 6 ... and love your approach❣ I will watch more first thing in the morning. Bless you ☺
Welcome here and thank you so much for supporting my channel and watching my videos.
This is my second video that I tuned in today. I love your thoughts very much. I have been using the KonMari methode. In the process I was able to discover how I gradually feel better in my mind. I still keep certain things that I was not able to throw them away. At the same time I rearranged them and gave them another life to enjoy the space where I live. I am still on the way to learn what to love and keep in my life though, I have been successful to buy less and fill the storage with meaningless things. And, I have been able to change my mindset positively ❤❤ Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Your video is very very interesting ! It took me several years (OMG) to part with my mother’s furniture and objects after her death. But after it was a libération. ( my dad and my sister also have passed ) I have kept some little objetcs but that all . Thank you for this excellent video. 👏 Bisous from France😊
Merci bien!
I recently found your channel and have enjoyed every one of your videos. Today I was delighted to hear that you and your family were originally from Czechoslovakia. My beloved husband, now deceased, also escaped as a teenager and came alone to the US to make a life for himself. I am looking to retire in the next year or so and am finding much information and encouragement from your channel. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you so much for watching. I can’t believe your husband came to the US as a teenager! All alone. That’s incredible! I was a very young child so it was my parents that bore the brunt of such a huge change.
Great advise and thoughts! I love the idea of the game. What a nice way to get started in a non-intimidating and doable way. And thank you for sharing your family story, it was very moving 🌸
Thank you! Definitely the game is the way to declutter…and not buy more stuff 😬
I'm a new subscriber. I really enjoy your videos and feel they support my vision for my life. You are my new life coach! Thank you 😊
Great video topic. Your video made me realize that I have been cluttering. I definitely have many things that I do not need and forgot I had it.😂
Your story is such a devastating statement. Much ❤. I have lost everything multiple times and so getting rid of things is not a problem. It is other people’s requests that becomes a problem.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for another informative video. After three deaths and having to deal with other people's stuff, I started this journey over for the hundredth time. Decluttering loved ones things after they pass, is very painful and doesn't allow you to grieve in a productive manner. I don't want to do that to my supervisors when I pass on. Everyone handles their things in a different way. For me it is great to be able to gift items to someone else who will enjoy and treasure it now or in the future. My late husband's grandmother wrote our name on the back of a photograph in a frame that was in the hallway of her daughter's home were she lived and we visited her. At her daughter's funeral my husband's cousin gave us the photograph, in the frame. I remember that feeling of receiving the photograph and how much joy it brought to us over the years. I try to gift items to friends and family when they visit now, and I bring me joy to know those items are going to a place they will be appreciated. My children don't want much of our possessions and they have been great at helping me declutter several lifetimes of stuff. Do it now, don't leave it for your survivors. If you try one method and it does not work for you try another... Organizing for the rest of us, by Dana White, really helped me. I started the journey back in the blog days, before RUclips, and she had a blog, A slob comes clean... I hope everyone finds a way to free themselves from the burden of things that are no longer serving us.
What a great post. Thank you for watching and also thank you so much for sharing your own experience.
Dear Riana, nice greetings from Czech republic (previous Czechoslovakia). I have found your channel recently and it is great👍. We are the similar age and your stories/recommendation are inspiring😊😊
Děkuji moc!
Great video. I love your bright white walls and counters and the cleanliness of everything. I love purging, and I regularly scan my surroundings for items to donate, but I still have too much for my small apartment. I'm inspired to be a bit more ruthless. Thank you.
I am decluttering since last week. I played your video. You gave a heart wrenching experience of leaving everything behind. Decluttering by our own will is definitely, liberating! I will try the week of getting rid of "stuff" is easier to do at the end 7 items than 30. I don't have that much, but is the little "stuff" that accumulates in a drawer or a small closet. I also can relate with warehouse stores with big bulky packages of paper towel, detergent, etc. sparks a bit of hoarding as well. This video content is once again a winner for me. Thank you 🎉
Thank you 🙏
Thank you very much for your video. I find it very helpful.
Thank you for watching🙏
Great video and topic. Decluttering I find is always therapeutic 🙌🏻💯 thank you 😊
Thank you for watching Cynthia!
That is a good idea. I just did a garage sale and got rid of lots of things... I was looking at my underwear draw and saw so many undies that are new and fairly new. I know no one wants them but I am going to get rid of them in the garbage. I got rid of bras and pjs.....amazing how we accumulate stuff....but you feel good when you do........MINDY
Yes, I am with you on the undies thing…they comprised a significant number of my items I declutterred for this video 😂😂.
In the UK bras in good condition can be donated to Oxfam. They are sent to Africa where they are very much wanted .❤
@@judycharman602 here they do not want to do that....I have no idea why not..
Hello Raina, greetings from the Czech Republic, former Czechoslovakia. I was so suprised you originally come from my country. Do you still speak czech? I really love your chanel, it resinates with me a lot. Thank you❤️
Ahoj! Yes, I still speak Czech and I can read and write. We spoke at home growing up. I do have to say, though it comes harder now because both of my parents passed away so I don’t really speak Czech to anyone anymore. My sister and I converse in English with the odd Czech word thrown into the mix, which I think is very common for an immigrant.
Well said....I plan on doing it one room at a time over a period of time as this will help.
Wow, that must have been so hard to move away by force from Czechoslovakia. My mum was also a 'keeper' of stuff due to living through the depression and being poor. Like you, I do like nice things but tend live without clutter.
Thank u so much. This helps me to make it happen.
I went through a purging stage years ago and regretted it so much. My Dad made me a beautiful wooden book shelf 10 feet tall and a coffee table. I gave them and my manual treadmill away. I had wardrobes custom made with shelves in their place and I hate them so much. I regret purging those 3 items every single day. Before you let go of something, think long and hard. Purging little things is much easier because they can be easily replaced but large objects that cost a lot, think before you let them go. Thanks.
Why don’t you get rid of those custom wardrobes and everything in them? I’m pretty sure you will start to feel much better after that - there was a reason you got rid of the book case and the table in the first place! You will probably value the empty space more than whatever you are trying to contain within the shelving.
@@audreyandrea460 l live in a studio condo with literally no storage. Those wardrobes are my only storage. I don't have much stuff either. Nothing really. And if l get rid of those wardrobes, where is my storage for everything such as clothes, shoes, vacuum, food pantry, etc going to go? I have a tiny pension and can't afford to replace those ugly wardrobes. No, l should not have purged and gotten rid of those 3 precious pieces. I regret purging those 3 items sooooo much. My point being purging may come with life long regrets and it is not for everyone. For sentimental stuff, be very very careful is all l am trying to say. Regret is so difficult to overcome.
I also had to handle the removal of my parents' organized hoard after their passing. While grieving, all of my mother's things were layed bare for an auction and for me, it was almost as sad as the day she died. I am determined not to do this to my son, so I have consistently decluttered, removed, given away, even called in a dealer from a flea market to come to my house and buy a big pile of things that she could re-sell. That was a win-win. I cannot think of one thing that I have let go of and gotten rid of that I have regretted or looked for or was sad that I didn't have it anymore. The way you describe and explain is very easy and calming and sounds like good suggestion from someone that has been in the situation and found some ways of dealing. I am thankful that you are sharing your good ideas, helping me to see why these are good ideas and in turn, I get the motivation to follow through. I want the simple, small retired life too.
Thank you for sharing your story. So inspiring to hear that! Also, thank you so much for watching 🙏
I am just decluttering now. I have same flowers as yours now at home ❤
I always look forward to your videos 😍
Thank you 😊
I’m trying, I do find it difficult to do, but working on it. I find giving it thought, helps me let go of things. I love your cat picture behind you.
I have a 650 sq ft apartment on the third floor with no garage and no elevator and a Miata. That keeps me in check pretty well. 😂
My son rents a room and practically lives out of a backpack so he thinks I have too much. It’s all relative isn’t it?
I’ve moved a lot..so that helps. Too expensive for movers and storage fees. I’ve lived in 2 states..10 places and on the road for 6 months..all since my husband died 8 years ago. Arghh. I think I need to sit still for a bit. ❤❤
Thanks Raina..I love my small retired life too. I fully retired at 62. No part time anymore. I was 56 when my husband died and I was at my daughters. I really didn’t want to continue that arrangement. I needed to get my own place. So glad I did. I had some things in storage in another state and no home..we were traveling in a tiny airstream at the time.
We all have such a journey and story around our material possessions don’t we? It’s a diary.
Now I’m working thru photos. I’m feeling I need to dump them.
What are others thoughts on those? 😮😅
I’m so glad you were able to get your own place. It sounds like you’ve had quite a journey! Sending hugs and hope you’re settled and happy.
hugs from poland
🤗 back!
Hi, I just found your channel and subscribed! You are just what I need to hear right now. I need to declutter my house but hang on to massive amounts of sentimental item from my children's childhoods. They do not want it but I cannot let it go. I like what you said about cleaning out your parents house. Thankfully my mom was a minimalist so there was only a small amount to deal with when the time came. I do not want to burden my children with a house of stuff on top of grief, it is cruel. I look forward to you next video. All the best to you from Massachusetts! 😊🌲🌳
Thank you so much for watching. Yes cleaning out my parents house was almost traumatic for someone who is a bit more of a minimalist like I am 😂. It was so overwhelming, and we only had like two weeks to get through it.
I started downsizing and decluttering in 2016 and it takes time. I am not there yet but in a couple of years. Its a wonderful feeling you get lighter and more free. ❤😊
As they say, Rome was not built in a day! I don’t think real, lasting decluttering happens quickly, it is a process.
Can’t wait but I have a husband that will not let go of things🥲🙏
Raina I love this game idea. I’m starting tomorrow!!! I’m so glad that I came across your channel. 🌻🌻🌻
Oooh, good luck…it gets hard around day 15. At least it did for me. I had to really go through my stuff item by item!
Good video Raina, it's what I need to hear. I do very well with not buying new things, but I struggle to let things go, always thinking "I'll need it someday". I am starting this 30 day decluttering today. Thanks for the video.
Oof, good luck with that. I was fine up until day 15 and then it was a struggle. I didn’t think I had a lot of excess stuff to get rid of…. But I have to say, I surprised myself.😂
I've really been enjoying your videos. Thank you.
This is a huge issue at my house. My husband is a hoarder and I am not. It causes problems that force me to just disregard his attachment to his crap and I simply throw the junk away and never admit to it. Don’t come at me. I know this isn’t a respectful way to deal with it but if I didn’t, he would NEVER deal with it. I get pushed beyond my limits. And I feel ZERO guilt. Y’all keep my secret please😂
It’s definitely hard when two people are not on the same page when it comes to keeping things!
I’m with you! My husband is the same. Our house is on the market and I’m angry and frustrated every time we have a showing. I just sold a couch yesterday and he’s not happy. We have a big house full of furniture (some came with the house when we moved in) besides our own. Winter is coming soon and it’s even harder to get things done. 😢
@@ashleaspruce8185 we are kindred spirits girl….😊
I lived with the same problem, and it’s emotionally exhausting!
Very motivating! I’m going to
Start playing the game tomorrow!
Dear Raina 💝 Thank You for Your videos... Many many regards from Czech Republic ❤🤍💙
Děkuji moc!
Love the artwork.
Thank you so much!
made me think,raina....thank you
Love your content. Thank you so much! 🥰
It’s true, when I removed the toaster, various types of juicers and other kitchen gadgets, I found it that less unpleasant. My son and I used only the tools we needed. I donated many kitchen appliances, and items. I’m glad I’m decluttering however, it’s not simple because I can only remove my items because I must respect my son’s items. Thank you
I have a large minimalist group on facebook. By my definition, you are definitely a minimalist. 😊
Dear Raina, thank You once more... 🙂
Your words are full of very wisdom.. i am glad that YOU ARE 🙂
(and thank You for Your response my comment. It made happy - You are speak Czech 😀 Can I write in Czech language?)
Decluttering is so important and needed. Think of my bereaved persons ... but for TODAY too ..
Yes you can write in Czech. I can write in Czech but my grammar is terrible and some words I don’t know. I came to Canada when I was 8 so my Czech is pretty rudimentary. But I can speak, read and write Czech and it was my first language.
@@smallretiredlife Thank You 🙂 I think, that Your Czech is better then my English ...
Snažím se, abyste měla co nejvíce odběratelů 🙂 Vaše slova by se měla dostat k co nejvíce lidem ...
@@annavankova5927děkuji. Doufám že múj “channel” je úspješnej.
We emigrated to the US as economic migrants in search of work that used our credentials. With two suitcases. Total. Things have never interested me but my husband quickly rebuilt his book collection and general clutter! Different temperaments.
Great video!
What is that beautiful painting in the background? 😍
Canadian artist, his name is Murray Kimber.
Hello, interesting topics to thing about. Thank you 😊
I love that picture behind you. Is it a print?
No, it is an original painting that I purchased probably about 20 or more years ago and is done by a local artist. Or he was a local artist at the time I think he since moved to a different province.
Great topic!
Hi Raina, this video came at the right time. I was sitting here reflecting on the amount of "stuff" I have to get rid of as an Interior Decorator. I have collected so many different things, its overwhelming. These are thing I can reuse to create my videos....not sure what to keep and what to let go. Any ideas that could address my situation?
My motto is if I don’t use it throughout one year it goes out. Pretty brutal, but pretty much anything that I haven’t used in a one year period or that I haven’t even looked at in that one year. I find that I never miss.
Great content ! Very relevant - thx
I love the lipstick that you wear> Can you tell me the brand and color?
It’s actually a lip balm. It’s Dior Addict Lip Glow in the colour coral by Dior. I have been wearing that for years. The only other makeup brand I wear is Merit bpBeauty and I wear a lipstick called Millenial by them. But in this video I am wearing the lip balm from Dior.
Hello, I've watched a few of your posts that have come through my feed. When you said you were Czech, I went uh huh, that;s why I keep watching these. I have too many things myself, one thing that happened this winter, there was a post on Facebook. Donate warm jackets to the homeless. So I donated a considerable number of jackets. I have a year to go until I retire, swedish death cleaning is on the agenda.
Amen!!
I always declutter. I love it. I have no problem letting go of items in the moment. My issue is the regret afterwards... especially w clothing... Idk why..i even find myself re purchasing similar items to fill the " gap".. 🤔. I need to stop watching trend videos because its always an item that i just donated to goodwill 😂!!
Omg, I think there was a similar comment to yours by someone else 🤣. I have to say when I declutter, I never think about the stuff again. If I really, really, really, really want something, I just go and buy it. I mean life is too short.😂😂😂 But I have to say I don’t ever regret purging stuff. Especially clothes, I never seem to miss those at all. And it’s not like I never buy anything because I do, I just kind of make sure that if I buy something something else needs to leave the house. My goal is to not let things pile up and that is why, predominantly, I declutter on a regular basis..
I always miss the things I declutter. I think of some really cute clothes I decluttered that I regret getting rid of.
Silly you 😅. I think it's a process. We will get the re.
@ ❤️
Thank you - yes❤❤w
I have to declutter at least once or twice a year . Visual clutter robs me of my energy.
Many people find it difficult to manage and care for their space as they get older, and cleaning, trash removal, recycling, etc. become more physically challenging. It seems that the best time to simplify is when you still have the physical stamina to do so. Otherwise, you might need to recruit paid or unpaid help with the process.
Yes, you are so right. I think that’s what happened with my parents. My mom got Alzheimer’s. My dad had to take care of her and everything just got out of hand.
Great video
I'm a SAHM with older teens and everyone around me is a pack rat. 🥴 I'm the opposite and yearn for enjoy, bare spaces...
Your tips are really good, especially the game. I haven't heard of it, but I think I can play it for a week or so, get started and make a dent.
So happy you got some ideas from the video that may work for you. I remember what it was like with teens! It’s a losing battle.
@@smallretiredlife My mom is 80 and very concerned about her kids having to clear out her house. I'm going to mention the game to her too. 🙂
USSR. Not Russia.
Yes. Decluttering our minds is the biggest problem.
We left with only two luggage bags for each person.
Never looked back and never blamed anyone for our parents decision.
Yes, totally correct!
Even when it was USSR my parents called it Russia and the army that invaded us in Czechoslovakia were forever called Russians by my parents. And lo and behold, back to being Russians.
@@Jana-wz7dr yes, Russians. It wasn’t Russia though.
My parents-in-law were extreme hoarders and I am so glad I will not be doing the same thing to my own children.
Czech is cool.
I desperately need to declutter because my family is 18 hours away. I have two brothers who feel everything should go to the dump, I have no husband or children. I don’t want my family to have to come to a state they have no desire to visit just to get rid of my things.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Cats art? Is this bought art?
The art is by a Canadian artist, Murray Kimber. I bought it about 25 years ago from him. It’s my favourite piece in the house.
Takes too long to get to the topic
Hello Raina. I really enjoyed this week's vlog. I love the subject of decluttering ☺ I spent 25 years of my adult life accumulating household items for a life I hoped for. When the rose coloured glasses were removed at 45, I decided to envision what I wanted my "new" to be.
I pivoted and intentionally let go 100's 😳 of items that would not suit my new mid-life / retired life. I live on my own, no family. So, how many tea cups, towels, vases, chairs....does one person need? I had decluttered before I moved in 2021. Since, over the past 3 years, I have let go / donated / sold so many more items. Items not being used, and likely never to be used. I kept what I loved. I have many empty cupboards, drawers, closet shelves.
I feel light, unencumbered and in control. It was, and continues to be an emotional journey. I learned alot about myself when I considered what did I really value. What did I really need. The journey continues, and I declutter regularly. It is a habit now. I'm amazed I can still find items to let go. But what I thought was important last year, is not this year.
I loved your explanations and examples. Thank you for sharing. I am certain this will help some people to start on their own journey 🌱
*sorry this comment is so long
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I think it’s comments like yours that help many people to consider their own situation.
So many good nuggets here! I started decluttering about 2 years ago and it’s is a journey for sure. It really is like developing a muscle as you said and gets easier. I just reread Project 333 and am ready for that next adventure. I want more peace in my retirement years! Thank you for sharing your family’s story of leaving your home and country- the determination and courage that must take always amazes me.🩷
Thank you. And oh my goodness project 333 is like the OG of minimalism.
Great video!
Great content