Love the vulnerability in sharing that shopping filled voids for you. I don’t think a lot of people realize that’s a common thing. It looks freaking fantastic and I felt relieved for you!!
I shopped on line when my husband was on hospice and after he died....it was away to escape what I was facing... I now understand the shopping issue which I had never done prior
When you said “I’m CHOOSING not to feel shame about it”, it struck me sideways. Thank you! Hearing you almost instantly relieved the weight of the world off my shoulders.
My favorite question to ask before I buy is “can I name three occasions to wear this?” It has kept me from buying. I go through my closet every season and try on to see how I feel about the items.
My three qeustion are do you have it worn in the last six months, would you buy it again if you see it now in the store and if you wear it makes do you feel good about yourself in this piece or not?
Almost 5 years ago, I remember looking around my home and seeing piles of clutter everywhere. I decided that it was ridiculous that 3 people were running out of room in a 1000sqft house. I decided it was time to reclaim my home. I found so much more in the process. I am truly excited for you on this journey. I know that it a hard one. It is so worth it in the end. I will be praying for and cheering you on!
This is my first time watching you, but I know the pain and shame of a shopping addiction. Throwing out all of the things I'd bought, thinking each was THE ONE that would make me feel better was so hard. But with each item, it felt like another stone lifted off my chest. I still autopilot to online stores when I'm feeling some kind of way, but it gets better. I'm proud of you for being vulnerable and admitting shopping may have been your drug, and I'm so proud of you for taking the steps to overcome it. All my love. 💜
I just spent 30 mins cleaning out my email! I let it get out of control and it was nearly at 2,000 unread emails!! I’ll probably stay a week behind you on this decluttering journey but I’m here! Good job!
I’m trying to find ways of decluttering after 3 months of therapy because I realized I was shopping compulsively and I wanted to change that and It means so much for you to start the video the way that you did because I haven’t seen a lot of people really talk about this. My shopping for clothing specifically comes from neglect, abuse, and trauma growing up, but I’m a simple person and I’ve become overwhelmed by the abundance of clutter to the point where it feels like I’m being suffocated because I feel guilty and confronted by my pain every time I look around and see things I bought compulsively because I was hurting. I’m just now getting help and I realized I got caught up in instant gratification, and doing the thing that wasn’t illegal or hurting other people, trying to fill a void that couldn’t be filled with things. I’ve been struggling so much to declutter and it’s so refreshing to see someone approach this from the way you are. It makes me feel less alone, thank you for being honest!
Once you get started it's hard to stop. I end up purging and reorganizing when I feel stressed in a certain area of the house, and it always makes me feel better when it functions more efficiently. Now I just need to make the donation run! 🤦♀️😘
I’ve been decluttering for a year, and now I’m going back over the spaces and purging even more. This is such a great and needed series! Thank you for the motivation!
I THOUGHT I did an extreme closet declutter a few months ago, I now see clearly from yours it was more reserved than it could have been...I’m going back in!!! X
What I really notice that when one space is “done” it is so much easier to do a little putter that takes only a minute to keep it up. There is so much space and it feels nice to have some clarity in what we see on a daily basis. Its such a relief. It’s worth the effort and mentally heading in the right direction for personal wellness. Proud of you Angela.
This is so awesome. My life is so much different after I purged and organized my entire house. I can look around and be happy and feel like I have room to breathe. Good for you!!!
Best of luck on your decluttering journey! I started a whole life declutter in 2017. I got rid of most of my clothing (don't even have a dresser). I also got rid of all my jewelry and almost all my makeup in 2018. In 2019 I got rid of my hair and all my accessories/tools/products. I can now fit all my clothing, shoes, accessories, skincare, hygiene & makeup into 2 suitcases. It feels awesome!!
I really appreciated your raw honesty about using clothes and things to fill voids in life. So refreshing to have people be so honest and real. And you did a great job as well. I'm in the process of decluttering and it's a much slower process than most people's videos but I'm still happy and proud of myself that I'm getting it done. ☺️🙏🌸💗
I love a good declutter, that was an amazing amount of progress!! I love the idea of giving the skirts a second chance. I think its important not to make too many tough decision the first time decluttering, maybe a decision you will regret. You will find going through your wardrobe a second time when you're ready, these decisions come much easier! To anyone struggling to get started, just do it and dont make it to hard on yourself! You will build up your 'muscles' to declutter the more you do it, and it will be easier to make decisions to part with things. Don't put yourself through stress and decision fatigue, just get started and make some progress little by little!
I am totally joining you on this "Declutter My Life" series! I started last year and stopped due to a family member's chronic illness. But I am ready to tackle the rest of my house. It's fun when doing it with someone! Thanks for the inspo Angela!!
Ive also been decluttering my life the last two months. I lived out of two suitcases the three months before that. When i came back I was so overwhelmed by all my stuff. I had so much clutter that i was holding on to and i just started to affect my mental health. I love seeing you declutter because I know how freeing it was for me and how much brainspace I got back!
Retirement for me meant downsizing from 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, yard care to a 1 bedroom apartment. I found getting rid of stuff was really heart wrenching . I had to remind myself, the memories are in the heart, always with me. It feels good having my environment clean & tidy. I am so glad you talked about the emotional ties (good & bad) to stuff. Thank you for showing me I am not alone.
Decluttering feels soooo liberating, doesn’t it? A good rule that I try to use is to save only things that are: USEFUL or BEAUTIFUL or MEANINGFUL. It applies to everything. Loved the video🙂
I appreciate the honesty. I started watching another declutter video and the person had so many clothes I couldn't even finish it because it made me feel suffocated, overwhelmed, and sad for her. My grandmother, now passed, gave me the shopping intervention I so desperately needed because I was sad, lonely, etc. and shopping was my outlet. I will forever be grateful for her continued accountability in my head. My secret is that when I think I'm ready to check out I actually go back through the store and I put at least 50-75% of it back exactly where I found it. The motion of this forces me to reconsider each item and do an act of kindness for the store clerks by putting it back where I found it, which gives me more joy the happy endorphins that buying the item would if that makes sense.
Great job! I just did this with all my clothes and I know the feeling. Something I did was turn my hangers all the opposite way so not only does that show me in a few months what I haven’t worn, but it actually encourages me to wear the tops that still have the hanger turned. 💜
When you said "Maybe you buy for other people" that really struck hard. I think I hide behind giving things as an expression of love for people in my life instead of showing my feelings and expressing them. This is how I grew up and it's a hard one to stop but now that it's identified, I think I can be conscious of it. I've started two week ago de cluttering massively, yet again, and this time I am determined. It's daunting and exhausting but feels so good to see an empty space. I'm loving empty spaces! Really appreciate your video. This is the first one I've watched.
One thing I've done for slow, low-key sorting is to turn all my hangers backwards and revisit the situation in 6+ months. As clothes get washed and put back the hanger is flipped the normal way so months later I can see that I didn't wear the ones that are still backwards and I can ask myself "Do I really want to keep this if I haven't worn it yet? Really really?" and it feels much more low stakes to me. How many hours did the decluttering in this video take? That was a lot of work! Your closet looks gorgeous now!
OH MY GOSH!!! This just changed my life. I've been struggling to figure out how to know when things get worn or not (I normally sort by item so my boyfriend said just keep putting newly washed things on the left and then you'll see what doesn't get worn but that just makes for chaos) and this is it! Thank you so much for sharing!
I formerly shopped to fill my void as well. Thanks for your honesty. I donated my new clothes that I never worn to homeless shelters. New subbie here. I love it.
Came for the clothing declutter, realized I needed the deeper message. I've definitely been guilty lately of buying things with the idea that this one item will be the one to make my life better/myself complete etc. Thanks for sharing♥
I recently went bra shopping, got resized and bought 9 new bras. When I got home, I tried them all on and admired my new uplifting look in the mirror. I finished, then began stuffing them all into my bra drawer. They wouldn't fit. 😑 "Why?" I asked myself. Hm? 🤔 Could it be that I needed to get rid of at least 9 of the old, useless ones still crammed at the bottom? And that's when my decluttering journey began. So, I created a project list of what I want to purge in my wardrobe, what areas I want to improve on regarding my personal style and what, ultimately, is the end goal. So here I am watching videos, getting insights and ideas on how to commit and make this journey not only fun but lasting for a lifetime. Thank you for opening your life for others that weren't sure where to start. At the beginning. Best of luck. 🙂
Two years ago I got rid of 75% of our belongings. Don’t give up it’s worth it! You will LOVE it. We also set boundaries around relatives giving us stuff. It’s been so freeing and my stress level decreased dramatically
You did amazing I love it. I’ve been practicing minimalism for the past two years and it all started with the same epiphany as you. I decluttered my entire life, and I started with my closet of clothes. I had a spending addiction due to filling voids. And like you said at the end, I went ham! After I cleaned out my closet. Can you believe my fiancé and I are moving into a studio in June?? A STUDIO. I’m so flipping excited. I can’t believe I’ve gotten rid of that many clothes, decorative pieces, furniture, and JUNK. It feels so good. It’s helped so much with my anxiety as well. So proud of you and happy for you ❤️. Great vid, mama
Doing this today. I, too, was trying to cover pain and unhappiness. Keep moving forward! I try to remember that something done in unhappiness will only bring more unhappiness. When I look at my “things” I just feel what I felt then. Instead of that temporary happiness!
I love watching people declutter, I've already have done this for over a decade now. It's just entertaining and very interesting how much more people have and accumulate.
I've watched a lot of these videos but you touched on collecting things because you filled a void and other issues that goes with the purchasing of the clothes. This was really profound for me. I'm happy for you that you're making progress. Stay blessed
You still have tonnes of clothes for one person but as you say it is your first purge. I agree with some of the others if you put your hangers backwards then you will know by the end what you have worn as only front facing hangers will be your go to. Thanks for sharing, awesome job.
You are just so amazing for sharing how you feel and how clothing was a way of trying to manage how you were feeling. I don’t think a lot of people realize how we deal with our struggles differently. I love your fighting spirit and how despite the hurt that lead to this point you keep going and healing and you’re honest about it! I enjoy your videos so much and I really hope that others are kind to you and that you don’t feel judged by others.
I used to have so many clothes because of eight kids, hubby and I. It was miserable. I can say it’s ten times better now that I have so many less clothes for all of us! Good job decluttering!
This video truly inspired me. Honestly I was about to turn it off and then I started listening to what you were saying and yours words really hit me. I have been trying to declutter and organize my closet and its. Taking me forever, bc I get overwhelmed. But it's also more deep rooted with emotional and other inner feelings that are really hard to let go of no matter how hard i.try. the more I listen the more your words are really inspiring me. Thank you
I started decluttering last February. I am hoping to become a minimalist. I am getting there. I would go in every month and get rid of more clothes. This was an amazing freeing process. It taught me so much.
Thank you for this video. It's difficult to watch people who barely have any clothes do closet declutter videos because i can't relate to them... but i definitely relate to your "bed of clothes"... so thank you for that... and... thank you for mentioning the "filling a void" issue. I think it was really helpful to know that I'm not alone. ❤
Clothes for me is a CONSTANT clean out. My size has gone up and down due to pregnancy twice and I've kept everything over the years. Every time I put up laundry I look at my hanging clothes and quickly scan for unneeded shirts. Then every fall and spring I go through all my clothes.
You are awesome. Thanks for sharing. I thought I was the only one who had far too many clothes neatly hidden away. Neat n tidy can still be too much. I’m ready to do this...again. 👍🏼
My mother passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer in 2012. We used to love shopping together but it was more about spending the day together than buying stuff. It was our "time to talk". I went on a an absolute bender when she died. It was like trying to fill the void. I bought things I never ever wore and then gave them away. I had major credit card debt. I used to spend $10 on mascara but started buying $70 mascara. Nothing replaced my mum but I kept trying.I actually started working in retail in one of the shops we used to visit together. When I realised that the warm fuzzies given by shop assistants is mostly an act to get you to buy more stuff it helped cure my addiction. I gave nearly $4000 worth of clothes to an op shop and sold some in a garage sale. A dress I paid $130 for sold for $2. It was a huge wake up call. I now volunteer as the visual merchandiser in an op shop and I see the huge amounts of clothes come in that have never been worn. I also throw out a lot of donated junk. Ripped and stained clothes go straight to landfill anyway. You will feel much better now and you may slip up every now and then but as long as you are aware of the reasons you shopped then eventually you will control it instead of it controlling you
I just came across your channel the other day and enjoy “getting to know you”. Thank you for being so honest! It is refreshing and I can feel God speaking comfort to me through it.
these are the best - you get everything out and see what you have and makes downsizing more satisfying that just going through the hangers and taking the odd thing out your closet . you make better progress totally emptying your closet
I like your honesty about filling a void, for me it is craft items and holiday decor even if I can’t afford it. We share a lot of the same color pallet in clothes.
I plan on doing that .. but our downstairs is our main living area and I’m decluttering that right now. I’m hoping beginning of February I’ll get to my clothes. Hubby’s ... Lord help me there lol he’s the one that won’t get rid of anything. Thanks for sharing!! Very inspiring!!!
I’m watching because I’m struggling with the process of going through my clothes. My intention is to be honest and get rid of quite a bit. So far that isn’t happening. It’s hard for me to get rid of things in general. I’ve watched several video and while I realize they are sped up, it still seem like you and others easily decide on each piece. My hubby is away on a business trip, I set a goal to get through all of my clothing in the 2 weeks he’s gone. Today was day 1, I barely got rid of anything.
I am with you....I come from a large family and my Grandma was the neatest most organized person. I have room for improvement...thanks for the inspiration. ❤
Enjoyed your video on your other RUclips channel. I am so sorry for your losses this week. Praying for peace and joy for your family. Watching your videos over the years has been so encouraging. Keep on keep'n on! ❤
I find when I clean my closet out feeling refreshed. I'm not stumbling or fighting clothes to find what I need. Lol I used to donate everything but then younger family members came along and they have always want what I purge. They are happy and so am I. The girls looked so sweet helping mom in the closet. 😁
Love this series! We are moving in June so we are decluttering stuff as we move into storage while our house is being built. It’s amazing just how little we actually need. I love you and your family! Keep it up!
Was just talking to my daughter this morning about decluttering clothes. We leave the house twice a week (Sundays for church and Thursdays for chiropractor appt, sewing lessons, piano lessons and grocery hail). I really don't need that many clothes. I tend to wear the same things at home. Just need a few church outfits, a couple leaving the house outfits and a few staying at home and homeschooling outfits. Going to nurse my baby and then head to my bedroom and go through my clothes!!!
Way to go!!! What a huge accomplishment. I used the kon Marie method a few years ago to declutter my entire house. It feels so so good and makes life so much less stressful afterward.
Hi Angela, i started decluttering stuff after Jan 1st. It feels so good to get real with myself and let go of stuff i thought i needed. I have a ways to go still but feels great so far. That clothea rack in your bedroom i would use in tge laundry room if you have room to hang special clothes that you want to hanh dry or not wrinkle up or in an entry where all the kids come in from playing to hand their jackets. I have hanging racks in my laundry room to hang dry some of my clothes it is so nice. Then i take them up after I'm done and put them away. Great job, you had a lot to go through.
I've used the backward hanger method and that works very well for me. Something I heard last week was "first look at the stuff that is still in the closet because the things on the bed, counter, hamper etc is the stuff you've actually worn"... never thought of it that way but it's so true!!
Loving this decluttering series! I had my first baby in November and decided now would be a great time do this along with you as we are in a new season of life.
I LOVE THIS!!!!! I declutter my wardrobe every 6 months...if I don't like the piece anymore, don't feel good in it or I haven't used it in that time frame then that piece of clothing is gone from my life.
If you hang all of your clothes on their hangers backwards, and then wear them and replace them back onto the rack normally, at the end of the year you’ll see which items you wear and the ones you don’t!
Im only 2 mins into your vid but when you said "or maybe you buy things for other people to cover up pain," that HIT different! I DEF do that. Shoot, I'm doing the same thing (prepping for a move overseas) and I gave away SO much stuff to my Soldiers. and immediately realized it was just due to pain...I'm definitely saddened, but thank you for showing this and sharing this.
I ask myself, "how can my life be better with less?" For me, I'm not working or socializing, so how many outfits, what style, what kind, & what is truly sparking joy for me? Even if I swap around my outfits, how many do I need? Get togethers, family gatherings, church, lunch with a friend, party, graduations, weddings, funerals...how many outfits do I need? Hardly any, when I really think about it. Less. This is my goal. Less. Your getting there, girl. We're all getting there. Just don't stop. Don't give up. I'm proud of you.
I used to have a bazillion clothes because I had multiple styles that I loved. I had a goth self, a classic back up, hippie stuff and then costumes for ren fairs and medieval theme conventions. Then I changed sizes 🤣 I understand getting rid of mounds.
You did have a lot of clothes. I have a small winter church capsule and 18 shirts and two sweaters for everyday.. About the same for summer. I’ve been downsizing for years and still keep more than I wear. You did a good job.
I stumbled upon this video and I so appreciate your authenticity and openess. The comment about not keeping clothes like fine china 🍽 in your closet. 😳 So needed as I venture into this project myself. Thank you 🙏🏼✨
Wow we zowie!!!! This was hard. I am on the journey right now. I have discovered, "experience over stuff". I get it. Fill the void with...what you need. I am still in the battle. It DOES GET EASIER!! Look outside your own needs (I'm talking to myself right now) & look to helping, serving, blessing, interacting, speaking life. It's a game changer. Keep on fighting the good fight...your worth it!!
I did this a few years ago - and even decluttered the mending basket - where I found a dress for my daughter when she was 6 - she is in her 50's now - and needless to say, it was decluttered right straight to Catholic Charities. Also decluttered my towering ironing basket - then actually ironed the 4 shirts left after decluttering. Since then - I check and do a VERY mild decluttering twice a year - spring and fall - and winnowed stuff even more. Now the only things that live in my closet are things I REALLY REALLY like - and a few dust bunnies. I've also decluttered my Jewelry - but am less successful there - mostly because I inherited a lot of jewelry - and I don't wear it - but consider it as something I am holding onto for MY grandkids - IF they want it.
I am so happy I came across this video! You made me feel so much better..I buy clothes asa get away from my mental illnesses and other issues! I'm a huge hoarder when it comes to buying things! My house is full of clothes, toys, and decorations for the house that inhave never even used.. I get so embarrassed.. I dont invite anyone over bc I'm embarrassed and my kids are limited to 2 rooms basically bc theres jsut so much clothes and toys everywhere! So I have been decluttering and get overwhelmed and stop.
Yeah its a liberating feeling once its done. In reality we don't need much as long as we have our health and our families everything else is not that important. God bless
I also live in Charlotte and I love that you are giving your clothes to crisis assistance ministries. Having volunteered there before, I know that they will be so happy so have all of your clothes especially because you have such a good sense in style. Thank you!
I need to do this so bad. I have a habit of holding on to clothes because it reminds me of a specific event or moment 🤦🏼♀️. All of it just gets shoved to the back of the closet and forgotten about.
Wow you did so well. I spent most of my childhood with my Gran she was totally amazing...Now I realise she was a mimamlist..Our home was gorgeous everything had its place we had the room to play and be creative we knew wear everything was .I adopted this life style and love it So much better for our environment..and health and wellbeing...Blessings stay safe everyone in these sad times 🌱🙏
OMG, the intro to your video is so me right now! I am determined to declutter and am actually in the processing of doing so at this very moment. I love watching these kind of videos to help push me through. Thank you for sharing your process!
I'm so loving this series! Thank you for sharing and can't wait for the rest of the series. I recently went through my clothes and i know I have more to donate/throw out in my closet. and Yes! you do have to be so honest with yourself. :)
I decluttered and organized my closet this year and the feeling is out of this world! Your closet is huge and you make decluttering and organizing look simple and fun😃
I have a bad habit of keeping clothes that are cute and I want to wear but it’s just not my style. So I go through my closet every once in awhile. You did excellent!!
i do this before christmas ever year to make room. if i havent used it or needed it in the last year its gone. it was hard in the beginning - i didn't have alot of stuff growing up and i always kept stuff 'just in case'. i use the philosophy something in something out. each time i replace or buy something new i donate something to charity to keep things in check.
Love the vulnerability in sharing that shopping filled voids for you. I don’t think a lot of people realize that’s a common thing. It looks freaking fantastic and I felt relieved for you!!
100% agree.
I know it's similar for me.
For me it's stress.
I shopped on line when my husband was on hospice and after he died....it was away to escape what I was facing...
I now understand the shopping issue which I had never done prior
When you said “I’m CHOOSING not to feel shame about it”, it struck me sideways. Thank you! Hearing you almost instantly relieved the weight of the world off my shoulders.
My favorite question to ask before I buy is “can I name three occasions to wear this?” It has kept me from buying. I go through my closet every season and try on to see how I feel about the items.
What if your answer is normal day wear? That is just one occasion but still quite necessary
Aveska A i think you should see it like is it a versatile piece you know you can wear multiple ways. Not literally three occasions I think
My three qeustion are do you have it worn in the last six months, would you buy it again if you see it now in the store and if you wear it makes do you feel good about yourself in this piece or not?
@@aveskaa4736 Normal day wear includes a lot of occasions in my opinion. Errand running, lounging around the house, going to a movie, etc.
Almost 5 years ago, I remember looking around my home and seeing piles of clutter everywhere. I decided that it was ridiculous that 3 people were running out of room in a 1000sqft house. I decided it was time to reclaim my home. I found so much more in the process.
I am truly excited for you on this journey. I know that it a hard one. It is so worth it in the end. I will be praying for and cheering you on!
Your introductory comments about how we do things to cover up pain hit me like a ton of bricks. It's a simple but profound revelation.
This is my first time watching you, but I know the pain and shame of a shopping addiction. Throwing out all of the things I'd bought, thinking each was THE ONE that would make me feel better was so hard. But with each item, it felt like another stone lifted off my chest. I still autopilot to online stores when I'm feeling some kind of way, but it gets better. I'm proud of you for being vulnerable and admitting shopping may have been your drug, and I'm so proud of you for taking the steps to overcome it. All my love. 💜
I just spent 30 mins cleaning out my email! I let it get out of control and it was nearly at 2,000 unread emails!! I’ll probably stay a week behind you on this decluttering journey but I’m here! Good job!
I’m trying to find ways of decluttering after 3 months of therapy because I realized I was shopping compulsively and I wanted to change that and It means so much for you to start the video the way that you did because I haven’t seen a lot of people really talk about this. My shopping for clothing specifically comes from neglect, abuse, and trauma growing up, but I’m a simple person and I’ve become overwhelmed by the abundance of clutter to the point where it feels like I’m being suffocated because I feel guilty and confronted by my pain every time I look around and see things I bought compulsively because I was hurting. I’m just now getting help and I realized I got caught up in instant gratification, and doing the thing that wasn’t illegal or hurting other people, trying to fill a void that couldn’t be filled with things. I’ve been struggling so much to declutter and it’s so refreshing to see someone approach this from the way you are. It makes me feel less alone, thank you for being honest!
Once you get started it's hard to stop. I end up purging and reorganizing when I feel stressed in a certain area of the house, and it always makes me feel better when it functions more efficiently. Now I just need to make the donation run! 🤦♀️😘
I’ve been decluttering for a year, and now I’m going back over the spaces and purging even more. This is such a great and needed series! Thank you for the motivation!
I THOUGHT I did an extreme closet declutter a few months ago, I now see clearly from yours it was more reserved than it could have been...I’m going back in!!! X
What I really notice that when one space is “done” it is so much easier to do a little putter that takes only a minute to keep it up. There is so much space and it feels nice to have some clarity in what we see on a daily basis. Its such a relief. It’s worth the effort and mentally heading in the right direction for personal wellness. Proud of you Angela.
This is so awesome. My life is so much different after I purged and organized my entire house. I can look around and be happy and feel like I have room to breathe. Good for you!!!
Best of luck on your decluttering journey!
I started a whole life declutter in 2017. I got rid of most of my clothing (don't even have a dresser). I also got rid of all my jewelry and almost all my makeup in 2018. In 2019 I got rid of my hair and all my accessories/tools/products. I can now fit all my clothing, shoes, accessories, skincare, hygiene & makeup into 2 suitcases. It feels awesome!!
I really appreciated your raw honesty about using clothes and things to fill voids in life.
So refreshing to have people be so honest and real.
And you did a great job as well.
I'm in the process of decluttering and it's a much slower process than most people's videos but I'm still happy and proud of myself that I'm getting it done.
☺️🙏🌸💗
I love a good declutter, that was an amazing amount of progress!! I love the idea of giving the skirts a second chance. I think its important not to make too many tough decision the first time decluttering, maybe a decision you will regret. You will find going through your wardrobe a second time when you're ready, these decisions come much easier! To anyone struggling to get started, just do it and dont make it to hard on yourself! You will build up your 'muscles' to declutter the more you do it, and it will be easier to make decisions to part with things. Don't put yourself through stress and decision fatigue, just get started and make some progress little by little!
Pain & hurt & sadness, and needing to fill voids .
Honesty makes the efforts so worthwhile! 🌿💕
I am totally joining you on this "Declutter My Life" series! I started last year and stopped due to a family member's chronic illness. But I am ready to tackle the rest of my house. It's fun when doing it with someone! Thanks for the inspo Angela!!
You had a great list of things to ask yourself when decluttering clothes 😂 If I heard one more person say “does this spark joy?” 😵
Ive also been decluttering my life the last two months. I lived out of two suitcases the three months before that. When i came back I was so overwhelmed by all my stuff. I had so much clutter that i was holding on to and i just started to affect my mental health.
I love seeing you declutter because I know how freeing it was for me and how much brainspace I got back!
Retirement for me meant downsizing from 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, yard care to a 1 bedroom apartment. I found getting rid of stuff was really heart wrenching . I had to remind myself, the memories are in the heart, always with me. It feels good having my environment clean & tidy. I am so glad you talked about the emotional ties (good & bad) to stuff. Thank you for showing me I am not alone.
Decluttering feels soooo liberating, doesn’t it? A good rule that I try to use is to save only things that are: USEFUL or BEAUTIFUL or MEANINGFUL. It applies to everything.
Loved the video🙂
I appreciate the honesty. I started watching another declutter video and the person had so many clothes I couldn't even finish it because it made me feel suffocated, overwhelmed, and sad for her. My grandmother, now passed, gave me the shopping intervention I so desperately needed because I was sad, lonely, etc. and shopping was my outlet. I will forever be grateful for her continued accountability in my head. My secret is that when I think I'm ready to check out I actually go back through the store and I put at least 50-75% of it back exactly where I found it. The motion of this forces me to reconsider each item and do an act of kindness for the store clerks by putting it back where I found it, which gives me more joy the happy endorphins that buying the item would if that makes sense.
Great job! I just did this with all my clothes and I know the feeling. Something I did was turn my hangers all the opposite way so not only does that show me in a few months what I haven’t worn, but it actually encourages me to wear the tops that still have the hanger turned. 💜
When you said "Maybe you buy for other people" that really struck hard. I think I hide behind giving things as an expression of love for people in my life instead of showing my feelings and expressing them. This is how I grew up and it's a hard one to stop but now that it's identified, I think I can be conscious of it. I've started two week ago de cluttering massively, yet again, and this time I am determined. It's daunting and exhausting but feels so good to see an empty space. I'm loving empty spaces! Really appreciate your video. This is the first one I've watched.
One thing I've done for slow, low-key sorting is to turn all my hangers backwards and revisit the situation in 6+ months. As clothes get washed and put back the hanger is flipped the normal way so months later I can see that I didn't wear the ones that are still backwards and I can ask myself "Do I really want to keep this if I haven't worn it yet? Really really?" and it feels much more low stakes to me.
How many hours did the decluttering in this video take? That was a lot of work! Your closet looks gorgeous now!
i love the hanger method! i use it too
It took about 5-6 hours :)
I do this same method.
OH MY GOSH!!! This just changed my life. I've been struggling to figure out how to know when things get worn or not (I normally sort by item so my boyfriend said just keep putting newly washed things on the left and then you'll see what doesn't get worn but that just makes for chaos) and this is it! Thank you so much for sharing!
I formerly shopped to fill my void as well. Thanks for your honesty. I donated my new clothes that I never worn to homeless shelters. New subbie here. I love it.
Came for the clothing declutter, realized I needed the deeper message. I've definitely been guilty lately of buying things with the idea that this one item will be the one to make my life better/myself complete etc. Thanks for sharing♥
I recently went bra shopping, got resized and bought 9 new bras. When I got home, I tried them all on and admired my new uplifting look in the mirror. I finished, then began stuffing them all into my bra drawer. They wouldn't fit. 😑 "Why?" I asked myself. Hm? 🤔 Could it be that I needed to get rid of at least 9 of the old, useless ones still crammed at the bottom?
And that's when my decluttering journey began. So, I created a project list of what I want to purge in my wardrobe, what areas I want to improve on regarding my personal style and what, ultimately, is the end goal. So here I am watching videos, getting insights and ideas on how to commit and make this journey not only fun but lasting for a lifetime.
Thank you for opening your life for others that weren't sure where to start. At the beginning.
Best of luck. 🙂
Two years ago I got rid of 75% of our belongings. Don’t give up it’s worth it! You will LOVE it. We also set boundaries around relatives giving us stuff. It’s been so freeing and my stress level decreased dramatically
Well done sis!!! Doesn’t it feel AMAZING?!?
You did amazing I love it. I’ve been practicing minimalism for the past two years and it all started with the same epiphany as you. I decluttered my entire life, and I started with my closet of clothes. I had a spending addiction due to filling voids. And like you said at the end, I went ham! After I cleaned out my closet. Can you believe my fiancé and I are moving into a studio in June?? A STUDIO. I’m so flipping excited. I can’t believe I’ve gotten rid of that many clothes, decorative pieces, furniture, and JUNK. It feels so good. It’s helped so much with my anxiety as well. So proud of you and happy for you ❤️. Great vid, mama
Doing this today. I, too, was trying to cover pain and unhappiness. Keep moving forward! I try to remember that something done in unhappiness will only bring more unhappiness. When I look at my “things” I just feel what I felt then. Instead of that temporary happiness!
I love watching people declutter, I've already have done this for over a decade now. It's just entertaining and very interesting how much more people have and accumulate.
I've watched a lot of these videos but you touched on collecting things because you filled a void and other issues that goes with the purchasing of the clothes. This was really profound for me. I'm happy for you that you're making progress. Stay blessed
You are so courageous for showing this to the world! I am so proud that you are doing this for yourself.
I love your openness in this video. I also love your won't he do it sweat shirt. I need it in my life.
You still have tonnes of clothes for one person but as you say it is your first purge. I agree with some of the others if you put your hangers backwards then you will know by the end what you have worn as only front facing hangers will be your go to. Thanks for sharing, awesome job.
My closet was once like yours, now I am getting into minimalism more....my closet is getting empty....and I am loving it! More stuff equals stress.
You are just so amazing for sharing how you feel and how clothing was a way of trying to manage how you were feeling. I don’t think a lot of people realize how we deal with our struggles differently. I love your fighting spirit and how despite the hurt that lead to this point you keep going and healing and you’re honest about it! I enjoy your videos so much and I really hope that others are kind to you and that you don’t feel judged by others.
I used to have so many clothes because of eight kids, hubby and I. It was miserable. I can say it’s ten times better now that I have so many less clothes for all of us! Good job decluttering!
This video truly inspired me. Honestly I was about to turn it off and then I started listening to what you were saying and yours words really hit me. I have been trying to declutter and organize my closet and its. Taking me forever, bc I get overwhelmed. But it's also more deep rooted with emotional and other inner feelings that are really hard to let go of no matter how hard i.try. the more I listen the more your words are really inspiring me. Thank you
You talked about a checklist but I could not find it.
I started decluttering last February. I am hoping to become a minimalist. I am getting there. I would go in every month and get rid of more clothes. This was an amazing freeing process. It taught me so much.
Seriously decluttering is like a form of therapy for me! I always feel SO good after!
Thank you for this video. It's difficult to watch people who barely have any clothes do closet declutter videos because i can't relate to them... but i definitely relate to your "bed of clothes"... so thank you for that... and... thank you for mentioning the "filling a void" issue. I think it was really helpful to know that I'm not alone. ❤
Clothes for me is a CONSTANT clean out. My size has gone up and down due to pregnancy twice and I've kept everything over the years. Every time I put up laundry I look at my hanging clothes and quickly scan for unneeded shirts. Then every fall and spring I go through all my clothes.
Just spent this weekend cleaning house and it feels great!!
You are awesome. Thanks for sharing. I thought I was the only one who had far too many clothes neatly hidden away. Neat n tidy can still be too much. I’m ready to do this...again. 👍🏼
My mother passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer in 2012. We used to love shopping together but it was more about spending the day together than buying stuff. It was our "time to talk". I went on a an absolute bender when she died. It was like trying to fill the void. I bought things I never ever wore and then gave them away. I had major credit card debt. I used to spend $10 on mascara but started buying $70 mascara. Nothing replaced my mum but I kept trying.I actually started working in retail in one of the shops we used to visit together. When I realised that the warm fuzzies given by shop assistants is mostly an act to get you to buy more stuff it helped cure my addiction. I gave nearly $4000 worth of clothes to an op shop and sold some in a garage sale. A dress I paid $130 for sold for $2. It was a huge wake up call. I now volunteer as the visual merchandiser in an op shop and I see the huge amounts of clothes come in that have never been worn. I also throw out a lot of donated junk. Ripped and stained clothes go straight to landfill anyway. You will feel much better now and you may slip up every now and then but as long as you are aware of the reasons you shopped then eventually you will control it instead of it controlling you
This was exactly what I needed. I have shopped to fill my voids. You give me motivation. Thank you for sharing
I just came across your channel the other day and enjoy “getting to know you”. Thank you for being so honest! It is refreshing and I can feel God speaking comfort to me through it.
Totally can relate to emotionally shopping, I’m in the process of declutter . The freedom in letting go! Thanks for sharing.and great job on closet.
these are the best - you get everything out and see what you have and makes downsizing more satisfying that just going through the hangers and taking the odd thing out your closet . you make better progress totally emptying your closet
I totally agree with u on that explanation u gave! Any kind of pain or depression makes u shop or buy in excess ! Love your dicuttering
Really enjoying these and starting my own declutter. Thanks for the push.
I like your honesty about filling a void, for me it is craft items and holiday decor even if I can’t afford it.
We share a lot of the same color pallet in clothes.
I plan on doing that .. but our downstairs is our main living area and I’m decluttering that right now. I’m hoping beginning of February I’ll get to my clothes. Hubby’s ... Lord help me there lol he’s the one that won’t get rid of anything. Thanks for sharing!! Very inspiring!!!
I really love how you thought about why we do what we do (and we all do it!). It made this so much more than just a closet clean-out. Great job!
I'm starting to do the same thing, I'm pregnant with my 3rd baby and I'm working on getting rid of alot to get ready and get my boys ready.
I'm also pregnant with my 3rd. Getting rid of all the the clutter trying to get closer to minimalism. Lol
There is no purging and Decluttering like that which is done by a pregnant woman- God speed 😉
oh I need to do this... you are not alone, I definitely have an issue with clothing as well. Thank-you for the inspiration!
I've been doing the same and appreciate the frankness of using shopping to avoid stresses in life....i definitely slip back into bad habits myself
I’m watching because I’m struggling with the process of going through my clothes. My intention is to be honest and get rid of quite a bit. So far that isn’t happening. It’s hard for me to get rid of things in general. I’ve watched several video and while I realize they are sped up, it still seem like you and others easily decide on each piece. My hubby is away on a business trip, I set a goal to get through all of my clothing in the 2 weeks he’s gone. Today was day 1, I barely got rid of anything.
I am with you....I come from a large family and my Grandma was the neatest most organized person. I have room for improvement...thanks for the inspiration. ❤
Enjoyed your video on your other RUclips channel. I am so sorry for your losses this week. Praying for peace and joy for your family. Watching your videos over the years has been so encouraging. Keep on keep'n on! ❤
I find when I clean my closet out feeling refreshed. I'm not stumbling or fighting clothes to find what I need. Lol I used to donate everything but then younger family members came along and they have always want what I purge. They are happy and so am I. The girls looked so sweet helping mom in the closet. 😁
Love this series! We are moving in June so we are decluttering stuff as we move into storage while our house is being built. It’s amazing just how little we actually need. I love you and your family! Keep it up!
I loved this video. I watched it after I saw your Kitchen videos. I appreciate you are willing to share your life in this way.
Was just talking to my daughter this morning about decluttering clothes. We leave the house twice a week (Sundays for church and Thursdays for chiropractor appt, sewing lessons, piano lessons and grocery hail). I really don't need that many clothes. I tend to wear the same things at home. Just need a few church outfits, a couple leaving the house outfits and a few staying at home and homeschooling outfits. Going to nurse my baby and then head to my bedroom and go through my clothes!!!
Way to go!!! What a huge accomplishment. I used the kon Marie method a few years ago to declutter my entire house. It feels so so good and makes life so much less stressful afterward.
Hi Angela, i started decluttering stuff after Jan 1st. It feels so good to get real with myself and let go of stuff i thought i needed. I have a ways to go still but feels great so far. That clothea rack in your bedroom i would use in tge laundry room if you have room to hang special clothes that you want to hanh dry or not wrinkle up or in an entry where all the kids come in from playing to hand their jackets. I have hanging racks in my laundry room to hang dry some of my clothes it is so nice. Then i take them up after I'm done and put them away. Great job, you had a lot to go through.
I've used the backward hanger method and that works very well for me. Something I heard last week was "first look at the stuff that is still in the closet because the things on the bed, counter, hamper etc is the stuff you've actually worn"... never thought of it that way but it's so true!!
Loving this decluttering series! I had my first baby in November and decided now would be a great time do this along with you as we are in a new season of life.
Wow you are so good. I bet you felt super relief rightafter. I like that feeling...it is good for my soul.
That’s what she said!! Love it!
Thankyou for sharing ! Filling the void ! So many of us are in the same boat. You feel so alone in the moment and with all the baggage.
I LOVE THIS!!!!! I declutter my wardrobe every 6 months...if I don't like the piece anymore, don't feel good in it or I haven't used it in that time frame then that piece of clothing is gone from my life.
If you hang all of your clothes on their hangers backwards, and then wear them and replace them back onto the rack normally, at the end of the year you’ll see which items you wear and the ones you don’t!
Im only 2 mins into your vid but when you said "or maybe you buy things for other people to cover up pain," that HIT different! I DEF do that. Shoot, I'm doing the same thing (prepping for a move overseas) and I gave away SO much stuff to my Soldiers. and immediately realized it was just due to pain...I'm definitely saddened, but thank you for showing this and sharing this.
I ask myself, "how can my life be better with less?" For me, I'm not working or socializing, so how many outfits, what style, what kind, & what is truly sparking joy for me? Even if I swap around my outfits, how many do I need? Get togethers, family gatherings, church, lunch with a friend, party, graduations, weddings, funerals...how many outfits do I need? Hardly any, when I really think about it. Less. This is my goal. Less. Your getting there, girl. We're all getting there. Just don't stop. Don't give up. I'm proud of you.
I used to have a bazillion clothes because I had multiple styles that I loved. I had a goth self, a classic back up, hippie stuff and then costumes for ren fairs and medieval theme conventions. Then I changed sizes 🤣 I understand getting rid of mounds.
You did have a lot of clothes. I have a small winter church capsule and 18 shirts and two sweaters for everyday.. About the same for summer. I’ve been downsizing for years and still keep more than I wear. You did a good job.
I stumbled upon this video and I so appreciate your authenticity and openess. The comment about not keeping clothes like fine china 🍽 in your closet. 😳 So needed as I venture into this project myself. Thank you 🙏🏼✨
Wow we zowie!!!! This was hard. I am on the journey right now. I have discovered, "experience over stuff". I get it. Fill the void with...what you need. I am still in the battle. It DOES GET EASIER!! Look outside your own needs (I'm talking to myself right now) & look to helping, serving, blessing, interacting, speaking life. It's a game changer. Keep on fighting the good fight...your worth it!!
I did this a few years ago - and even decluttered the mending basket - where I found a dress for my daughter when she was 6 - she is in her 50's now - and needless to say, it was decluttered right straight to Catholic Charities. Also decluttered my towering ironing basket - then actually ironed the 4 shirts left after decluttering. Since then - I check and do a VERY mild decluttering twice a year - spring and fall - and winnowed stuff even more. Now the only things that live in my closet are things I REALLY REALLY like - and a few dust bunnies. I've also decluttered my Jewelry - but am less successful there - mostly because I inherited a lot of jewelry - and I don't wear it - but consider it as something I am holding onto for MY grandkids - IF they want it.
I am so happy I came across this video! You made me feel so much better..I buy clothes asa get away from my mental illnesses and other issues! I'm a huge hoarder when it comes to buying things! My house is full of clothes, toys, and decorations for the house that inhave never even used.. I get so embarrassed.. I dont invite anyone over bc I'm embarrassed and my kids are limited to 2 rooms basically bc theres jsut so much clothes and toys everywhere! So I have been decluttering and get overwhelmed and stop.
Yeah its a liberating feeling once its done. In reality we don't need much as long as we have our health and our families everything else is not that important. God bless
I also live in Charlotte and I love that you are giving your clothes to crisis assistance ministries. Having volunteered there before, I know that they will be so happy so have all of your clothes especially because you have such a good sense in style. Thank you!
I need to do this so bad. I have a habit of holding on to clothes because it reminds me of a specific event or moment 🤦🏼♀️. All of it just gets shoved to the back of the closet and forgotten about.
Thanks for the video, appreciate the honesty of your video
Wow you did so well. I spent most of my childhood with my Gran she was totally amazing...Now I realise she was a mimamlist..Our home was gorgeous everything had its place we had the room to play and be creative we knew wear everything was .I adopted this life style and love it So much better for our environment..and health and wellbeing...Blessings stay safe everyone in these sad times 🌱🙏
Watching this to motivate me to Declutter before the new year
OMG, the intro to your video is so me right now! I am determined to declutter and am actually in the processing of doing so at this very moment. I love watching these kind of videos to help push me through. Thank you for sharing your process!
I'm doing a seasonal declutter today. I'm ready to purge. Thanks for the inspiration!
I'm so loving this series! Thank you for sharing and can't wait for the rest of the series. I recently went through my clothes and i know I have more to donate/throw out in my closet. and Yes! you do have to be so honest with yourself. :)
I decluttered and organized my closet this year and the feeling is out of this world! Your closet is huge and you make decluttering and organizing look simple and fun😃
Made me anxious just looking at all this stuff, well done for fixing things up great video
I have a bad habit of keeping clothes that are cute and I want to wear but it’s just not my style. So I go through my closet every once in awhile. You did excellent!!
I adore you. Thanks for being so real with us.
i do this before christmas ever year to make room. if i havent used it or needed it in the last year its gone. it was hard in the beginning - i didn't have alot of stuff growing up and i always kept stuff 'just in case'. i use the philosophy something in something out. each time i replace or buy something new i donate something to charity to keep things in check.
Thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity. Love you!! In the journey with you!! 💜🙌🙏