10 Easy Rules to Own Less "Stuff" In Retirement

[@derrickholfman2]

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[@Rachadrian]

Yeah, people miss that part. You don't jet out to Puerto Rico with your life savings. Proper investing and a good business acumen are big pluses. Invest in the stock market, real estate, build businesses. That's just it.

[@Dantursi1]

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[@CindyValenti]

@@Dantursi1 How can I reach this adviser of yours? because I'm seeking for a more effective investment approach on my savings

[@Dantursi1]

I have worked with a few financial advisors before now but i ultimately settled for 'Annette Christine Conte'. She is SEC regulated and licensed in US. You can easily look her up

[@CindyValenti]

Thank you for this Pointer. It was easy to find your handler, She seems very proficient and flexible. I booked a call session with her.

[@cardinal8268]

My work took me into people's homes after they passed. Invariably, there was a dumpster out front. The heirs would take a few things, donate some, but most of it ended up in the dumpster. It sometimes took the kids a year to declutter and sift through it all. I vowed not to do that to my kids. I purged to the point it should take my kids under 10 days to get rid of everything. It was liberating.

[@prairiemark4084]

My father was old and he had dementia but still he exercised his will to get rid of most of the "junk" and he made a very good will that left few things unaccounted for. There little or no was no controversy between five children, but my father did demonstrate his favor to some children over others. We just did what he directed. It is harder to distribute the varied possessions of a well monied person than most people realize. My younger brother was the executor and he was still meeting with my fathers lawyer 10 years. I want to make easier for my heirs. Gifting some to children and g-children in a time of need before I die. And using Payment on Death rules for stock and bank accounts. Just two ways that can help.

[@michellewinkler3985]

I did that also. And I set up a trust so nothing would ever go in probate. Dealing with a death is enough for people to cope with!!!! :(

[@paulreynolds2569]

I wish my folks did the same🫤. A storage container "full of keen memories", later... I did hear on a show someone recommending taking pictures of memorable possessions and then getting rid of them. A show about hoarders. It helped some of these people "part" with the items.

[@enjoystraveling]

Yes, thank you that you’re not doing that to your children !! I had to clean up the house of my parents that also had the stuff of my grandparents and because the grandparents reached over age 90 and never decluttered. My parents reached over 70 years and never cleaned it out, and I was the last one left to clean it out. At least I’m still healthy knock on wood touchwood.

[@jjwintrs]

Good on you! Experienced the same with my mom's stuff and am working on my own accumulation to simplify things for when I'm gone!

[@walkerskii]

#1) 1 in 1 out rule. #2) Downsize residence. #3) Declutter regularly. #4) Prioritize experiences over things. #5) Store books online. #6) Sell or donate things you don't need. #7) Clean out closet clutter. #8) Multifunction TV remote. #9) avoid impulse buying #10) try to buy only the highest quality #11) Live in the present, throw out things which don't serve you anymore. This relieves you of emotional weight & creates calm

[@peterwulff469]

- yes, and #10) don't buy junk + #11) avoid impulse buying.

[@walkerskii]

@@peterwulff469 Thank you. I'll go back and edit my comment to add those two

[@notbarbie582]

Thanks for saving my time. I need it to dust the stuff I’m keeping anyway

[@georgewagner7787]

I can't downsize. I've lived in a 500 sq ft apartment for 40 years. I have a lot but not compared to someone with a house

[@barbarawarren9443]

Thank you!

[@flatlandah52]

When my grandfather died, all his possessions fit into the trunk of his car. ( he always rented a furnished apartment) A little drastic imho, but he liked to live simply and didn’t want to be a burden. Bless his heart.

[@carolyn7691]

Maybe your grandfather needed to overcome a barrier to discovering and expressing his unique identity--unless, of course, he was a monk. Life force is full of expression. No life force, no expression. Some people have a difficult time with this life lesson.

[@theresanolan1157]

People express themselves in uniquely different ways...not always through the gathering of material things ..stuff...perhaps he loved to dance or walk or look at the sunset..

[@lightningwelk]

my mom passed away this year and I went to her apartment to donate / clean up. took me one afternoon and everything was done. that’s what should be done. I was so proud of her. Only kept the necessary.

[@ciskaburger642]

and necessary is??

[@anitav7090]

Sorry for your loss

[@ari3lz3pp]

That's wonderful. My great nonna was pretty good about that also. She passed when I was 16. Now I'm in my 30s, might never retire or own a home due to the economy but I still value these tips. I don't want my children and/or husband to have to deal with mountains of BS (or myself if he passes unexpectedly). It's more stress than it's worth at a point. For everyone involved.

[@ari3lz3pp]

What you need is maybe 7 basic outfits depending on what you do/how messy your clothes get, how fast they wear out, if you wash regularly. Maybe two or three sets of pajamas/nightshirts. Only the shoes you'll be wearing regularly. If going to a cruise or special event either can save what people inheriting might treasure or more likely......get rid of it when the cruise is over. If it's stuff you only wore formally and won't likely use again. No collecting things if going minimal. Like toy sets etc. If there's a treasured valuable set of collectibles hopefully they are well organized and it's not a huge room full but a cario cabinet, a few shelves etc. at most. Not hoarding decor for the home that isn't meaningful year round. Or at least having that well organized as well. Not billions of back up soap etc. Of course this is not a prepper lifestyle or anything.....they are talking about minimalism and in circumstances more so where you're set financially and generally worry free.

[@Ninjanimegamer]

​@@ciskaburger642 necessary is the stuff we use everyday. Older people don't use much or need much. They need three to five outfits for each season (one week's worth of clothing). Older people no longer sweat, they don't work, they don't go out much and they don't get that dirty. They can get away with wearing the same outfit a few days in a row. They also don't need a ton of furniture anymore. They stop having guests over and stop entertaining. A full sized sofa and extra beds are not typically necessary for the elderly. Lots of cookware is also not necessary. They are no longer cooking for the entire family. They tend to eat a lot of smaller meals and cook infrequently. Upon moving into my first cramped one room apartment, I had enough for one single person. That's about how much an elderly person needs.

[@prairiemark4084]

My wife and I made a drastic downsize. We downsized so each of us could haul all we had into two 50 lb suit cases. We had a farm sale for a few days and sold everything. Then we had a household sale and accepted any reasonable offer. We moved to the Philippines and lived our dream for a year. But me...the old guy had a lot of health problems in the Philippines. My heart was acting up and I needed to live in the USA so I could use medicare for my heart procedures. But when we moved home to the USA we lived in a small one bedroom apartment and enjoyed it very much. We found we didn't need two 28 foot u-hauls full of stuff to be happy.

[@Mhel2023]

I'm here now living in Metro Manila for a year. I too sold everything. I'm headed back to the US for a 2 week visit then heading out to Thailand

[@lv4077]

Sounds very sad

[@prairiemark4084]

@@Mhel2023 I wish you well on your future adventures!

[@prairiemark4084]

@@lv4077 There is an element of sadness. But we built the house in Philippines in 2016&17. My wife s brother in law supervised the building. He charged $8, USD a day for his work. We have spent about 5-6 weeks there each year. I am 70 and my wife will be 60 soon. She wants to work five more years in the USA and we will try to retire in the Philippines if my health allows. I have had my pacemaker replaced and an ablation surgery back in the USA. I now have a well perfused heart and a steady rhythm with an above average stroke volume and hope for another decade of reasonably good health.

[@lorenajules4651]

My husband and I downsized to a home half the size of our previous one. We gave away a lot of stuff! It's amazing to learn that, to be happy you really don't need plenty. We kept what we will use, we have more time on our hands, more energy left after cleaning and less spending because we always have to consider if we have place for it. I don't like visual clutter, so that is always the first question we ask ourselves. A simple home, a simple life is so much better for us.

[@christopherlynch3314]

My parents have been living in the same house going on 50 years. All that accumulation plus stuff they got from relatives that have died over the years. I live across the country from them but have been able to make several trips in the last year. I have dumped over 2500 pounds of trash, one full 1-800-Got Junk truck, and at least 10 loads of books, clothes, etc. to Goodwill. Such a difference! They appreciate less clutter, and the house is healthier and cleaner.

[@2008ahbbjj]

Especially healthier! 🙌🏼

[@georgewagner7787]

My parents did it themselves thank goodness. They knew bc grandpa had to clean out his sisters house

[@judymckee5992]

You are great guy, in old age we don't have the strength to do all that.

[@starryknightJAK]

When I retired, I owned lots of work clothes. I put them in garment cases and put them high up in my closet, they have been sitting there for 2 years and I haven’t touched them, time to donate!🎉

[@MariinSC]

Make sure you keep one or two outfits for funerals, weddings and similar occasions. I worked in IT. We didn't have business attire. They were happy we didn't wear pajama bottoms to the office.

[@lisaa8795]

@@MariinSC Who does that? Are PJ's everyday wear now?

[@MariinSC]

There's always one or two. They quickly find out it's not acceptable. I think the worst/most onsppropriate one I ever saw was the co-worker in her 40ies who was about a D cup that wore spaghetti strap thin material tank tops with nothing underneath. It was interesting to say the least, especially when the AC was on.

[@jjwintrs]

I still use my old work clothes for working on my own building today... glad they still fit! 😏🪚🔧🪛🔩🔨

[@theanthonyrrmillsshow3876]

@@lisaa8795 Yes they are! Seriously!

[@stephanleslie]

And when the grid goes down I will still be able pick my books and enjoy them. Will be happy to share.

[@anonz975]

100% agree! Non-fiction books with useful information will be like gold if/when the grid goes down. Heck any good book will be highly valued.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

I live in a room the size of a one car garage. When the grid goes down I guess I start yard sale-ing. Frankly I don’t expect to be around when that happens.

[@wizzyletsgetbusy6878]

Wow you are all saying when...before 2030 do you reckon?? I have a woodburning stove and 5 old trees logged and in myvgarden but hope I don't use it all😮.

[@anonz975]

@@wizzyletsgetbusy6878 Some states are already experiencing rolling blackouts and the power grid is by far the easiest target in the event of war (foreign or domestic). No one knows when it will happen so do what you can to prepare now; remember the more you know the less you need.

[@wizzyletsgetbusy6878]

@@anonz975 Thank you! I'm in the UK..we are just as fragile. See you on the other side🙏👋🤩

[@sandramaki7819]

Stuff = stress. Less stuff means less stress. Once you have less, you never want to go back. Great video! ❤❤❤

[@ArnoldZiffle-jw2mv]

Some towns have places you can take your books for storage at zero cost & you can go get them anytime - it’s a library!! I highly recommend donating books.

[@clwest3538]

With your own stuff, do with it as you see fit - it belongs to you. I am cleaning out my house of unwanted/unnecessary things, as you mentioned; not Swedish death cleaning by any stretch - I know there are things I enjoy that my child will have no use for. But remember, you are not the last generation in your family - unless you have no children or siblings. Sometimes 'things' help bridge the past to the present. My dad is 90 - in great health - his great grand kids love handling his toys and turning the pages of his mom's photo album. They lay under a quilt my mom made when she was younger. Have we, as a society, moved into a digital only sphere? Have we completely lost our tactile senses of life? When did 'minimalism' become the best way to live? Who made those rules? Just as the saying goes - "sometimes more is just more," so also "sometimes less is just less/lack" - while the emotional baggage continues to silently hang around. (after reading comments) : When did 'cleaning out' our parents homes upon their passing become such a self imposed burden? When did it stop being cathartic? Do we really live in a digital, Ikea type world with throw away people and throw away lives? Just hit 'delete' and start over? A grey box room and an ipad of pictures and books? Have we moved into a society where monetary value is the only value to things? Has 'wisdom of the ages' become passe? Have we lost all empathy for our fellow humans and our elderly? What a sad commentary on our 'modern' life.

[@mintwally7200]

Great counter example, thanks

[@dc-wp8oc]

"Monetary value" is subjective at best and an illusion at worse. Collectors are nothing but hoarders in disguise. Three generations after we die, there will be no one alive who remembers or knew us. So, really, what is the point? As the saying goes, "we come in with nothing and we will leave the same way", so why clutter out lives with bangles and baubles? Why feel good about creating a mess that you "loved ones" will have to clean up?

[@valentinat3250]

Thank you for your perspective !

[@ashleyconnor8891]

This makes sense. The thing I dislike about Swedish death cleaning, is to get rid of stuff so there is nothing left when you die. But what if that ‘stuff’ had meaning to you? What if you simply LIKE to have it? Why make your home an empty space just so your heirs dont have to do anything. It just sounds so cold and thoughtless. However, getting rid of hoarded stuff you dont want..that can be so freeing.

[@andreer-k6136]

A sensitive and thoughtful comment… I appreciate that, not putting everything into to phone or computer, but hand down for younger members of the family…?

[@williewonka6694]

Finally retired and have time and energy to get rid of all the "stuff" and clutter that collected over the years. Its really tough, as the wife has long been a collector and impulse buyer with emotional attachment to objects. I found that painting the entire interior of the house provided the opportunity for her to review each item as she relocates it for painting in the room.

[@AhJodie]

Thank you! One day I was looking at stuff I have in a room, and it occurred to me that a cognitively impaired person put that in there, or at least that is what I suddenly saw. Up until that point, I was so proud of all my things..... I start to declutter, and when I catch myself holding on to something for more than a few seconds, not knowing to toss or keep, I stop and start at a later date. My favorite thing you said here is that these things keep us in the past rather than letting us be in the present, or even in the future. I have had a great life, but I want to be here now too! Thank you and thank you to everyone for the interesting comments!

[@eugenefirebird8938]

When my wife's parents passed away a few years ago, they had lived in their house for 50 years. It was a large house with a huge basement with several extra rooms down there -- all packed to the gills. They had more stuff than I've ever seen anyone collect. It was comical in the way that all I could do was laugh it was so much stuff -- unbelievable. It took the family over a year and a lot of work to disperse most of it. When we came home we decided to get rid of a lot of our unused stuff also to hopefully avoid this type of thing. I'd say we got to the 40% point of our goal and are still working on it. Stuff is a two edged sword.

[@sl4983]

That's so interesting! Thanks for that story

[@Julies-in-a-mood]

This is exactly my story with regard to my in-laws’ home. Plus, we had a catastrophic flood in 2020 in our own home that destroyed our entire basement. Tough at the time, but life goes on.

[@LoriClaire-yp9mt]

We've been to estate sales in those houses. Some with nice stuff, others where the mildew smell was on everything from the basement. A few had some extreme situations. There was a woman in Tucson who hoarded very nice things (jewelry, old quilts) until there was only one room her husband was allowed into. Full rooms, shed, etc. The major estate sale company couldn't hold a sale there -- it was too full to move or sort. Whenever they did a sale at someone else's house, they'd bring in a roomful of her stuff. They did that about 7 times and then took a long break on hers before resuming. It took these professional estate clearers years to sort it all out, transport it in batches to other locations, and get it gone. By then the husband had remarried and was living an almost minimalist life with the new wife.

[@janicebreaux4956]

@@LoriClaire-yp9mtWell written & fascinating account of estate pro liquidation. Thank You!!

[@LoriClaire-yp9mt]

@@janicebreaux4956 You're welcome!

[@maryelizabethcarney-quinn1812]

Decluttering is the key I’ve been doing it for months and love it.

[@maha77]

I remember the day I was looking at my huge box of *Record Albums* that were 40 plus years old, plus a record player, sitting in my closet when I really needed storage space, I remember the moment i decided to get rid of the thing that I I thought I would never part with, it was very liberating. Not only did I have all these records, I also had them all on cassette tape, I also had them all as digital files. I took them to my local record shop and sold all of it for 50 bucks. I kept one album with really cool artwork and I hung it in my closet as memory of being a teenager, when life was new and I had the whole future ahead of me. I have never regretted getting rid of them

[@clwest3538]

My dad and brother are audiophiles - they detest digital 'music' and love their vinyls; bet that record store enjoyed going through those records. My brother also saves his - he has several 'valuable' editions - Beatles, Elvis, etc. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

[@M_SC]

That’s a very positive story

[@Metqa]

That's so Cool. Someone else will get to enjoy those records. I know some of my friends would salivate over some good vinyls!

[@crp9154]

My son likely bought them all😂😂

[@dustyflats3832]

lol, I’ve been looking at CDs as I already got rid of albums. I do have a few yet, but they were moms and I still have some 45s now that I think about it. I don’t even have our stereo set up anymore as we subscribe to music radio. I finally bought a Bose radio and they started playing my favorite station in HD which I had no idea about so that was useless. In a long round about way I finally was given my grandparents victrola however what meant the most was the records and they were gone. Also for me…I get bored hearing things over and over and mostly like classical music with no words or just nature.

[@imtherapycat]

I live in a 1500sf home (downsized from 3000sf about 12 years ago) and am now looking at moving to about 1000sf with little to no yard. I've been 'decluttering' for about 6 months now. Still have to tackle that (scary) attic!

[@4951wolcott]

So true. Big house, lots of lovely things to enjoy which keep wonderful memories fresh. Done traveling. Love the chance to finally savor home life. Love entertaining and use my multiple collections of beautiful china, glassware and decorative objects. Am starting my own KZbin channel to share my largesse of things collected and loved. Don’t offload your things to follow the minimalist “influencers.” They’re making money off their “declutter” mantra. Downsizing out of guilt or doing what you think your kids want or because you expect to be “liberated” is pure folly. Things can be touchstones of moments in our lives and special people. Things that may have no intrinsic value may be personal treasures to you. You will grieve their loss.

[@jenniferclarke3622]

Yes indeed.

[@kimonk]

I agree. As long as you aren’t hoarding old food and cats. Nothing wrong with enjoying the things you’ve gathered over a lifetime.

[@MadRushMusic]

Glad to think there are people like us still out there. Beloved posessions are a daily pleasure and as you get older you need all the pleasure you can get! 😀

[@dustyflats3832]

There is some truth to that. There is also some households that you can’t walk through they are so full. As we age we want to be able to move freely and easily find what we are looking for. I say this because my mom was in a wheelchair and many things were unreachable and she couldn’t dig for what she wanted. We had a large house and it wasn’t wall to wall with stuff, but people who don’t have mobility need things closer which did get tricky.

[@johnbrown1851]

It's different if they are nice things that you still use.

[@maxfastest]

Its was super easy ! My wife of 35 years died from Gaulbladder cancer, I took all of our savings, 401 Ks and the life insurance, Sold our home, And all of our junk. And now live free on the road traveling and seeing the world.

[@johnkim163]

I am very pleased to discover that you are keeping that Maneki-Neko cat at all cost. There is a museum in Japan that has over a thousand of these cat figurines.

[@karinhart489]

Ten years ago we moved across town from a 1100sq ft home to a 1400sq ft condo. We decided it was time to get rid of stairs & get a better layout with a 2nd bathroom instead of going through the hassle of a bathroom addition. When we moved we kept a basic toolbox 🧰 and gave away extra tools & furniture (like a huge diningroom table). We got rid of 50% of our books, too. And we left 4 floor to ceiling bookshelves for the kids that bought our house because they didn’t really have any but they had lots of books 📚. We also left them our washer & dryer because they wouldn’t fit in our condo’s washer closet set-up. Anyway, it was very liberating to declutter via the move.

[@bethb7973]

Thanks for the video! Both of my in laws recently passed away and my dad just downsized his home so I have inherited lots of stuff. I’ve bought a shredder and am tossing or shredding a lot of items such as old report cards and bank statements. It feels really nice not to have my house and garage stuffed to the gills! It also keeps my mind less cluttered.

[@sbluhrs106]

Been getting ready to move to another state, after living in our home for 32 years. Just amazing how much crap we have accumulated. So giving away, donating some stuff, and getting rid of stuff that is now trash. Makes you reconsider what is important and what you really need.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

I've been slowly purging for the last 2 years...what in the world has Amazon done to my life :)

[@tedjohnson4451]

In the last Six Years: My Mom, Dad & Stepmom passed. With help, we purged down to a few boxes of Photos & Keepsakes... During that time, I downsized from a 2200 Square Foot House to a 1200 Sq ft Apartment. The "Numbers" came in right & I retired a year early. By Friday the 11th, I will be down to Two Suitcases & a Laptop Bag to Travel with. With Four Boxes stored at my Son's house. My Truck goes to my Brother on Saturday. The 18th, I fly out to the Philippines... Intention: To explore while I have the Health too.

[@OkieJammer2736]

Wise choices.

[@georgewagner7787]

Make sure you visit Cebu

[@tedjohnson4451]

@@georgewagner7787 I plan to stay in Cebu City & visit other areas from there.

[@valentinat3250]

Philippines? What is the draw?

[@prairiemark4084]

My wife and I have a house in the Philippines. It is a wonderful tropical land with wonderful people. Good luck in your life there. Enjoy yourself but do treat the locals right.

[@desertfish6239]

I leave my paperback books in the airport or in the plane's seat pocket so I don't bring it back. Someone else can read it. I leave an empty box in the garage. When I come across something I know I no longer want or need, I toss it in the box. When the box is full, it gets donated.

[@stephencrook6998]

We have started using any large boxes from online retail purchases (monthly Amazon subscriptions) similarly. We keep them on the dining room table as a reminder to fill them and process them, as another will come in a month. We have one box for goodwill/donations and one box for declutter/discard. It has helped having a visible system.

[@Woofersgalore]

Brilliant🇬🇧👍

[@susanne9602]

My sweet father-in-law died age 90 in 2010. He was a hoarder. To walk through his home you had to walk through paths of periodicals, daily newspapers, mail and books piled floor to ceiling accumulated over 40 years. There wasn't a seat anywhere that wasn't covered by clothing that hadn't been worn in decades but he refused to give away. He never threw away anything, ever. When he died, it took his two middle-aged children 6 years to go through this mess. The kind thing to do for your kids is make a will with your exact wants and do Swedish Death Cleaning now before your health takes a turn for the worse. Though I am currently healthy at age 70, I did the Death Cleaning last month and took 1200 lbs of "I might wear or need that one day" stuff to the dump.

[@theresanolan1157]

you could have donated it to charity instead of toxic landfill

[@mrt8891]

I’ve recently retired and have begun with decluttering my closets , and let me tell you it feels so good . I went to my old job and donated my work clothes to some that were less fortunate and they were so happy to receive them and I was thrilled that someone would get good Ouse out of them . The process will continue

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

What a fabulous idea. Good on you

[@patricias5122]

I like the tone of this video, unlike other "live frugally" videos, you don't adopt a smug, know-it-all attitude.

[@MariinSC]

My dad had a rule in their later years that all gifts to him and Mom had to be disposable - food, restaurant gift certificates, liquor, flowers etc. Mom didn't agree because she loved it when we gave her clothes or books but otherwise, nothing big that took up space they didn't have.

[@lorijharman-runyan6433]

This is our rule too. If we can use it up, great, otherwise, we don't want it.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Great guide! I’d use the word consumable, rather tan disposable.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

I like your Dad's rule. Honestly over the years, the fragrances, the bathroom spa stuff, the sweaters, jackets, stuff that I would never use or choose for myself. Yikes. Your folks have the 'space' that they want and that is more than good enough. Mary Poppins once said 'enough is as good as a feast'! Take that lovely Mom of yours out to brunch and spoil her :)

[@Believesinpeace]

Accidentally clicked on this, am so glad I did. Am actually in the middle of a decluttering session right now and needed a little bit of inspiration, thank you

[@sharit7970]

This reminds me of 'Swedish death cleaning'; which is simply paring out the excess so family doesn't have to when we're gone.

[@paulreynolds2569]

My grandmother was a Swede. She used to say the more stuff you had the more stuff he had to take care of.

[@livingthedream923]

Our youngest just bought a house and our oldest is moving for work in December. We are just starting the process of Swedish Death Cleaning so we can downsize to a smaller home when my husband retires in 2 years. It’s overwhelming but we will get there.

[@sharit7970]

@@livingthedream923 Good for you for doing that! Just keep making progress; ALL progress is progress no matter how small; it all add up. I like to keep a 'done' list; it helps to see the progress I've made; especially if I feel like I'm making too much. You're giving yourselves and your kids a great gift!

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

It doesn't remind me of that at all...WE all have TOO MUCH STUFF. Paring it down for sanity sake or doing it for a life style change, it's good for the soul!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I had started the one in one out rule years ago. Now I am to the "one in at least TWO out". I downsized from a 3/2 to a 2/2 last year. So much crap to get rid of it was astounding!! Although this house has many empty shelves I still think I have too much stuff. I live in Florida and am now thinking my next move will be a much smaller haul. I am sick of hauling crap around!!

[@jeanineskitchen2607]

same here in florida and 2bdr condo stuffed with stuff! i dont need but decor im over it all,and tired

[@thomasrice3592]

I have a drinking bird. Sometimes it sits on my TV stand and does nothing, sometimes I let it drink. I have Corning ware (wildflower), I have brown drip cups and bowls. I own "one of a kind" books and a kindle. Letting go things that give you comfort does not mean you are happier. The memories of "stuff" remind you that you are human. A life that was well spent. I can read about things without being less happy. I have lived in a camper for four years and found more comfort returning to my home. Most people move from home to nursing home. I'm going to stay home as long as I can.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

I have a tea set passed down from my English Grandmother. A Grandfathers clock made by my own Grandfather. Pictures of my 3 kids playing in the pool and pics of my Mom Dad and 4 siblings all piled into my Dads station wagon as we drove to Grannies house. All of those were lost in a fire and yet I am here and all of those things live in my memory, perhaps now more beautiful and valuable than they ever were. Stuff is stuff, but our lives, that is ours for the making. Enjoy your journey, where ever it takes you.

[@makloch]

I worked in hospice for many years and witnessed accumulated stuff that people unfortunately had not dealt with. Having one son, I did not want him to deal with our accumulated stuff so we started to purge and organize. Then we decided to move out of state and we bought a small house with no basement. We were forced to really purge not once but twice. I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is have just what is needed plus a bit more. Our son really appreciates this too!

[@lisafreda2873]

An idea that I had adopted after a move from a 3000 sq ft home to an 1100 sq foot home was to take pictures of those items that I felt I didn’t want to let go off but I knew I would never use them and they were just weighing me down. The pictures last forever on my phone. So when I’m feeling nostalgic I just look at the picture. That way I always have those memories with me without the clutter☺️

[@candecarro]

I LOVE the old memories!

[@CRE-w3x]

We've had a major renovation due to mold. We'd already been decluttering for awhile but when it came to having to box everything up and move it into a POD, we reallllyyyy became serious about it. We've filled two 20 yard dumpsters and now that the upstairs is complete, we are going thru what we kept again before it goes back upstairs... in a few weeks, we'll get another dumpster and plan to fill it, too!!! I just wish I'd done it years ago!!!

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

One in … TWO out, is what I did. I am downsizing by emptying the guestroom completely, which is a double room really. I emptied the 2nd (dressing) room first and now I’m doing that one. I’m trying to get my belongings all downstairs so that I can move into a teeny tiny place when I can finally sell my house. I can’t do that on today’s market with my 3.75% mortgage

[@j.m.7056]

Same here. It would cost way too much to downsize!😂

[@20thcenturyrelic]

@@j.m.7056 Right now, yes. But wait a couple of years and see what happens to mortgage rates.

[@taylorsmall2280]

Thank you for this reminder. It’s basic 101, however, I forget or turn a blind eye.

[@njk901]

Avoid storage units. You’re just renting a castle for your junk.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Absolutely!

[@IP0Monsturd]

You can be king of your junk castle.

[@danidelyon7093]

Expensive…!!!!

[@MargaretGSmith-c1q]

I know someone who rents a storage unit to store her Dollar Store/Walmart holiday decorations. 😂😂😂

[@paulreynolds2569]

I wish i could acquire and own storage units as easily as i acquire stuff.. On a good note, I'm slowly downsizing. Right direction.

[@steventogami898]

Great video. After retirement 2 years ago, been getting rid of old dated files, clutter, collectibles. Funny thing is, it is easier to get rid of now, the little used items, kid’s school files, clothing, etc., after retirement.

[@estherhurst4741]

There’s nothing like moving house to make you realize how much stuff you have!! Aggghhh. I did not think I had a lot of stuff. But when I had to pack it all up in little boxes… oh yeah. It becomes very clear! 😀

[@jeanineskitchen2607]

i agree im overwhelmed by my own stuff and starting to get rid of what i dont need or want

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

tell me about it...I moved from a 2000 sf house to an apt, I had over 200 pairs of shoes, who am I, Emelda Marcos :) I gave all but an assortment of heels for work and my walking shoes away to the Good Will 4 years ago. Today I am packing up my work suits and jackets, I retired in October :) My journey begins with Thailand in 2025 and canceling my Amazon membership this month :)

[@PrimaryIgnition]

"Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." - Neil McCauley

[@HolySchmidt]

I remember that movie!

[@walkerskii]

​@@HolySchmidt Good video, I'd encourage you to re-record a portion of this video. You started, "maybe that item belongs in storage" that is only making the problem worse, Now they are paying someone else $150 each month (or more) to store their junk, which should have been donated, sold, given away, or thrown away

[@M_SC]

@@walkerskiitoo bad you put this comment in the wrong place lol it’s less likely to be seen

[@Kin-28-8]

I retired at age 53, so I am in my early 60s. Many of them resisted me because they couldn't understand the idea of not working if it wasn't necessary. I considered the phases of my life. I worked very hard to achieve what I have now, but in my last years, I owe it to myself to "stop and smell the roses." In my instance, I departed the nation after retiring and currently reside in Latin America. It made it possible for me to appreciate my new surroundings while escaping all the bad things that were going on in America. Nobody that I know of regrets retiring has yet to come to me.

[@berniceburgos-]

Nice way to retire. For me, I believe retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha.

[@Thompson-e7h]

I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.

[@Lewistonwilliams-f5i]

Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her resume.

[@jojose417]

100% my plan retiring to another country!

[@28704joe]

I'm a Do-It -Yourselfer, I got to have machinery, tools and materials and resources all around me, it's hugely entertaining and rewarding for me. When I die I could care less what my heirs do with all the crap they "inherited".

[@M_SC]

You should care a bit about the burden for them. Tools are one thing, but endless bits and bobs cost money to get rid of

[@28704joe]

@@M_SC All they have to do is put an ad "free machinery and tools" , my shop would be cleaned out before the day is done. If they hired an auction house they would make money. I'm checking out with my toys. They'll get over it. I did my parents house and i got over it. But I get your point, i might sweep up a bit.

[@jodollman8136]

It's good to enjoy your hobbies and craftsmanship. Hopefully your family will have fond memories of you being happy making things. It's the stuff you don't care about that can go to someone or somewhere else, if you chose.

[@Gemmahaven]

If they inherited properties and worth millions, least they can do….go through stuffs that I had.

[@28704joe]

@@Gemmahaven Bingo

[@luciusblackwood2640]

I've got retirement in my sites and I'm thinking the exact opposite. I've been waiting years to find the time to enjoy all the things I own. There's no way I'm dumping it just when I'm hitting the finish line.

[@garypike4996]

I went from excess to minimumalist 6 years ago after my divorce from a spendaholic of 29 years. I feel so much better.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Feels good to be in charge of your own reality, doesn't it ?! Enjoy your journey !

[@irenewarhol1241]

I’m so overwhelmed I’m FROZEN. Thanks for the info

[@BadidaJackson]

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Be patient with yourself. It took years to accumulate. Won’t be able to get rid of it in a week.

[@katescarratt4267]

Good luck. As long as you make a start, however small, you'll already have made progress., and then it gets much easier.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Begin with your own list of must haves and see where these places align. It's baby steps, right?!

[@joshm3342]

Great advice! Regarding e-books and other digital content, we often assume we are PURCHASING when we are really buying the LICENSE to access the content. The difference is the license has terms & conditions, which are subject to change. I use licensed content, but also keep on hand a supply of physical books & DVDs just in case.

[@Hornet22k]

And sometimes that content is changed, modified, or deleted. Thank Big brother, double plus ungood think.

[@enjoystraveling]

Yeah, it’s true if you’re streaming a service such as Disney or Netflix, when you stop paying per month because you stopped the contract then you no longer can watch the movies because they were never yours in the first place, but of course when you have the DVDs, which is now Old-fashioned then you own them

[@Zar2244]

I get my ebooks from the library

[@donnabremerman1423]

We were forced to declutter when we decided to sell our house. It was so much work. I have decided to do the one for one rule in our new home and make more careful purchases in the future. I love your maneki- neko (beckoning cat)

[@craigdemi1420]

Thank you Jeff (or is it Geoff). Please keep sharing your thoughts.

[@Riggsnic_co]

Retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My Husband and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement.

[@kevinmarten]

This is true. I'm in my mid 50's now. My wife and I were following this same trajectory. Last two years, I pulled out my money and invested with her wealth manager. Not catching up with her profits over the years, but at least I earn more. I'm making money even before retiring, and my retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha...

[@JacquelinePerrira]

Interesting . I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation..

[@kevinmarten]

I definitely share your sentiment about these firms. When I was starting out, I checked out a couple of freelance investors online, so you could do the same. I personally work with Carol Vivian Constable “”, and she's is widely recognized for her proficiency and expertise in the financial market. With a comprehensive knowledge of portfolio diversification, she is acknowledged as an authority in this field...

[@Jamessmith-12]

Insightful... I curiously looked up her name on the internet and I found her site and i must say she seems proficient, wrote her an email outlining my objectives. Thanks for sharing..

[@LoriClaire-yp9mt]

Is this another off-topic sales pitch?

[@eminbc]

You used a great analogy of experiences vs things. 24 hour rule for purchases and back away from the devices that make everything so urgent to 'buy now'. Sell your so-called treasures and spend to enjoy life.

[@TarpeianRock]

Really enjoyed your vid, besides being very practical minded it’s on a meta level a lesson in philosophy-of-aging. I’m a man living alone and since a few years now I leave it to my daughter to choose my clothing. I tended to be stuck in a 80’s era “style” of clothes and she updated my wardrobe to suit my 64 years and should be stylish.

[@jtixtlan]

I am in my 4 BR house, 2 living rooms, an office, finished basement, full walk up attic, large yard. I realize now that I am retiring soon that all the stuff has become a burden. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life caring for the stuff.

[@theophilus2575]

My wife and i regularly watch Hoarders on A&E. Scares us each time. Admittedly we find more motivation through the joy of donating and extra space. But still, the show keeps our attention.

[@bdcochran01]

1. 44 years in the same house. 2. Love low end watches. Applied the one in, one out rule and I gift watches. 3. Had two commercial storage spaces. Gone. 4. Constantly reading. With the exception as perhaps 5 books, book read -book given away. 5. Plaques on the wall photographed, put on usb keys. Thrown out. 6. Videos? Put on usb keys. 7. Photographs. Sure, I have boxes of albums. Picked representative pictures and had them put on usb keys. Saved the albums for the kid. 8. I check the one credit card every day. Checks on spending. 9. Three truckloads of donations to the boy scouts earlier this year. I have another load. Road to boy scout camp is damaged for another year. Have contacted the local elementary school, local high school. Last night , the representative from local archery club came bye and took items. 10. I gave away all the shoes and clothes that don't fit last year. Sure, I still have junk. Sure, I still buy things in bulk, However it is organized so that hopefully, I don't buy the same items in bulk again until it is reasonable to do so. When my father passed on, I spent two weeks disposing of things outside his home office. Stepmom allowed me to go through things. There was not one thing salable. There was not one item worthy of donation. The few crummy tools were given to the older gentleman who was going to build a house himself after he retired!! He had hundreds of old, but not collectable books. Stepmom didn't read them. They had no commercial value. Just junk. Note this: 1. I am widowed and have a 1300 square foot house. 2. In January 2025, I will have a commercial cleaning service come in to do things that I am no longer capable of doing. Making a list now. Includes cleaning light fixtures and replacing the 10 year bulbs, cleaning windows and screens, base boards, cleaning furniture. Sure, I still clean the leather sofas and polish the wood furniture. It was much easier 70 years ago.

[@georgewagner7787]

My dad had old books but they're theology. In 2 weeks I'm taking them to an agency that ships to África

[@christopherhaak9824]

Don't quite understand why people want to get their parents out of their long time house. If it's safe and they can afford it, let them be.

[@sl4983]

RIGHT??

[@TheQueensWish]

Adult children trying to do this come off as intrusive and overbearing. Would you like your parents to come into your home and start rearranging things or pitching things out? I’ve made this mistake trying to be “helpful” but they don’t want help (from me) and I had to just shut up and leave them be. This should be obvious, but it’s not.

[@gradylucas5265]

I let my nephew stay at the previous home we lived in but had not gotten around to selling yet. One day online a woman asked if anyone had a white bedroom set she could buy for her daughter. We agreed on $300 for a set we originally paid over $2K and I was happy to help. I went to the old house to show it to her, but it was gone. My nephew had thrown it all out (into the landfill). Why the hell did you do that? He said it looked dated. It wasn't even in the room he was occupying.

[@TheQueensWish]

@@gradylucas5265 Unacceptable and quite a reach from your nephew.

[@cjhoward409]

My parents were both 82 and living in their own large home until my mom died. Then my dad wanted to downsize. It wasn’t easy on us “kids” and grandkids to sort through 50 years of living there. My mom was a mild hoarder and the attic, and basement was packed ! So many closets packed with STUFF ! So although I do agree that we shouldn’t try and force them to downsize into a smaller place, we SHOULD encourage them to clean out some areas. Not to put that all on their kids. I’m 58, my husband is 61, and we’re going through our stuff now. I don’t want to put that burden on our children. It’s not right.

[@ConchitaCh]

Im watching to hel seniors at work… sorry, not all of us are in that stage of life. children, social workers, etc that help seniors could benefit from this knowledge. Thank you for yur video!

[@thepassdude5173]

Minimalist approach I definitely agree with. However, I noticed money framed on the wall behind you. You can never have too much of that.😂

[@peterwulff469]

- fiat money won't help you if WW3 breaks out.

[@ginandtonic5888]

I like your mix of tips-- financial and lifestyle ideas.

[@LesleyCrane-Mitchell]

You can still downsize the contents and enjoy the freedom of a lovely big uncluttered house.

[@alancotterell9207]

Some people might have too much money. My home is full of kids' stuff. I am raising 3 step-grand kids and a step-daughter. I am 83 and they keep me alive. I am happy to be doing something of value in my old age. I don't worry too much about clutter - sometimes we get a skip. What you leave behind you affects the way you are remembered. The kids I love will never forget me - they have my mindset, so I will live on, after I die.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

You are on a journey of the heart and it suits you :) Enjoy and live on!

[@lalablotz7348]

We are slowly downsizing everything in our house but not moving. We plan to stay in our house permanently. We built it the way we did with that as our plan. But over the years we have just acquired to much stuff. I retired 2 1/2 years ago and decluttering has been my hobby. Clothes, decorations, furniture, kitchen gadgets etc. all gone. The rooms all feel much roomier with less in them. We only buy something new if something breaks or wears out and then we really assess whether of not we need it. Makes day to day living so much easier.

[@lisafreda2873]

I just had to spend 7 weeks cleaning out my father and step mom’s home. My father passed away 4.5 years ago and my step mom is in a memory care unit. She’s only 78😪 My husband and I had to go through 65 years worth of monumental clutter along with so many memories of decades worth of belongings and furnishings. This home belonged to my grandparents before my Dad. Also my sister passed away 18 years ago and they had so many of her belongings there as well. It was so difficult because they also had valuable collections and jewelry and furnishings that were hidden throughout the home. We had to sift so carefully through everything. We couldn’t leave any stone unturned. It was one of the hardest and most emotional experiences I have ever had in my life. When it’s time for my children to clean up after my husband and I have left this earth we have made sure that the process will be easy for them. I have never liked any form of clutter. Chaos gives me extreme anxiety. So when the time comes their tasks will be emotional but not burdensome.

[@JohnSmith-fi2ck]

My stepfather died, then shortly later my mother. I had to deal with a 45 acre farm and 3 generations of crap that my mom had in her house. I was the most stressful demoralizing thing to ever deal with. I will never do that to my kids so I already started the downsize process. I have a 6700 sq ft house and now see it all in a different light. so far I have 3 of 6 empty bedrooms now getting rid of stuff I dont need.

[@enjoystraveling]

That’s a big job!! I did deal with that also but with the smaller house, although it had the material things of grandparents also besides parents.

[@dawndexter9779]

Ideal time to downsize your self then....if you have empty rooms , your house is too big

[@glomontero6011]

Im so glad for you.

[@nedcramdon1306]

You have a 6700 sq. ft. house? Is that all? Bragging or complaining?

[@theresanolan1157]

I wouldn't mind dealing with a 45 acre farm..

[@debh5780]

I would call the sentimental items semi-sentimental, on the remote you can set it up on your phone now, and to repurpose and support stores for used items. 😊

[@Qrail]

Thank you, Geoff. I’d go for 1 in 2 out. And I’m big on just not shopping any more. Too much stuff. I buy gasoline once a month when I go out for groceries. As for getting rid of sentimental stuff. I have a ten dollar bill from my first sale in my business. It will always be framed on the wall.

[@southerngirl773]

Great advise...I feel happy getting rid of old dusty stuff! I'm not attached to anything anymore! I do love my old photos of family members! That's about it!!

[@umrmech84]

I'm beginning to make the transition from valuing material items to valuing experiences. In the past, I HATED spending money on things which left me with no tangible item afterward. We are currently planning a number of big trips, some with just the two of us and some with our kids, and will be starting on them next Spring, before our retirement, rather than waiting until afterward.

[@noreenp.9858]

Great video. I just recently retired and we are looking at downsizing and getting a one floor house. I am attached to my home so like you said it makes it harder to move. I am looking forward though to having things in the next home that I don’t have now like a first floor laundry and a sunroom. I’ve started to get rid of things and organizing since I retired. I don’t want a lot of stuff although our house isn’t over cluttered. I know my children won’t want much of our stuff either and one thing you didn’t mention is that we need to declutter while we can physically still do it and not leave that mess for our children. Also, you can get a little extra money by having a garage sale. We have an annual subdivision garage sale. It makes it easier to get rid of stuff if you get something for it. We donate what doesn’t sell.

[@knan75]

I have things that came from previous generations of my family that for which I have strong sentimental attachment. My offspring may have no interest in them, but I want to keep them thru my life. I want to protect them. It would grieve me to think of someone selling them into the hands of a person who merely thinks the painting is pretty, but has no appreciation for my deaf grt-aunt who graduated salutatorian in the 19oughts, was so loving, so giving, so skilled in multiple ways. After I’m gone, however, I’ll have NO concern about what happens to them. I’ll be captivated by my after-life!

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Sounds like you have arrived at your destination and there is everything right about that. Enjoy your journey :)

[@dandebbieminert5712]

In our area people have to pay the entire sale amount of the larger home to downsize to a smaller, newer home.

[@enjoystraveling]

I don’t understand what you’re writing please, do you mean that if someone sells the larger home for 500,000 to smaller newer house or condo worth 250,000 that they really have to pay 500,000 for the new house?

[@Happiness379]

@@enjoystravelingI’m wondering, too.

[@TheSwimmom1]

In our area smaller newer homes are going for the same price as large family homes so no savings just smaller footprint for the same money

[@CharlesStewart-d3q]

You’ve simplified everything so well!

[@dustyflats3832]

Both our parents passed away and one had a very large double story garage and one had 3 story house with full attic. Lucky I had cleared the attic because by the time the older sibs got through the second floor I said, there’s the attic yet and they about fainted, but I already had cleared that months before and they were relieved. It was worth the look at certain faces though. It was a lot of work and I miss them all.

[@miketracy9256]

Our first tiny home in 1978 with 740 finished sq ft was fine for our family of four. Now two of us live in a house four times larger. Downsizing makes sense and it will happen soon.

[@lorihamlin3604]

I’m in process of clearing my craft room of 50 years worth of assorted hobbies, unfinished projects and things collected for possible future projects. It’s very difficult, I can only imagine how hard this would be for my child to have to do before any sort of cleaning or remodel starts.

[@littlebug1026]

my house is a nightmare and I am disabled, depressed, miserable and alone. nothing matters they are just things.

[@l.v.1207]

I am so sorry. Prayers for you @littlebug 1026.

[@MikeConrad-oj6se]

I'm glad that at least you have the internet for connecting with people, even if the connections are usually transitory. Seems like one improvement in our lives.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Good advice. I try to do the "one in, one out" thing. And I go through my clothes twice a year, when I change over from summer to winter clothes, and ask myself "Will I ever wear this again?" The only exception is things like interview suits and cocktail dresses, items I may need in the future, but not all that often. The hardest thing I have to deal with is a large collection of china from my grandmother and a large collection of crystal from my great grandmother. I don't use either one because I hate to hand wash dishes, and none of it can go in the dishwasher. I have no children, and I don't think anybody else in the family wants it. So...I might keep some of the pieces, but I think I'll end up selling it all. My motto is "Get rid of it so my executor doesn't have to. "

[@LoriClaire-yp9mt]

If it makes it easier, consider keep a pair of wine glasses (or whatever) and donate the rest. You can always keep a representative item -- my grandma had tons of Franciscan Apple. I kept a large serving bowl and sold the other pieces that were in good condition. There were some damaged pieces that I kept for using in a mosaic, but if I don't make that mosaic soon, they'll have to go.

[@marciagagnon2487]

🎉Wow you are so calm. You are talking me into addressing the need to live with less. And donate to others. We have a 'free' store in our area.😊

[@katecarbone7566]

Do the easy declutterring first. For me easier means less personal. The shed was way easier than my back room that holds memory items like photos, books, toys, heirlooms. Getting the shed done gave me a sense of accomplishment and gave me momentum to continue to the back room. Also the cleaned shed gave me a place to store the things I want to keep from the back room until it’s redone (paint and carpet) and ready to hold my more precious items.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Amazon is my nemesis, along with an almost deliberate lack of self control. I just bought 3 sweaters while planning to retire in Thailand next year...hahaha I'll get to being an adult some day soon :)

[@happyzahn8031]

Good video. I have so much stuff, I have 'deer trails' to get around. 😱 Reading many of the comments makes me realize how blessed/cursed we are with so much stuff. I have finally started to seriously get rid of stuff and yet, it doesn't seem like much has happened at all. I wish I had a magic wand.

[@jjwintrs]

You may want to consider getting a helper or professional organizer to assist. It can be overwhelming at times to take it on solo. And if it's deer trails at this point, it's taken you time to get to that extreme.

[@lauralake7430]

Keep working at it. It didn't get like that in a day or a week. It will take a while to dig out

[@supersonique001]

One trick is not becoming a collector of anything, it really works!

[@angulo-ws3qi]

Too late for me...50 years of collecting LP records,movies,etc. We are talking around 10,000 records and 45's plus 000's of movies on dvd/blu-ray..cassettes,vhs tapes,books. And I find myself in constant anxiety because I really don't want to get rid of anything. I've become too physically weak to maintain my collections...80% of them are neatly shelved or crated,but as I get sicker;it has become cumbersome to "curate" my stuff as I used to. In addition,I'm a renter...no friends.. living alone with almost no family(Just 2 members left and they live across the country from me)...What the hell will I do when the landlady decides to sell the condo?(Been here for 18 years). I sincerely hope I die before I have to face that situation..and so far it looks like I may do so as my diseases are taking a toll on me to the point that I'm tired of the chemo sessions and meds..May just decide to stop all treatments.

[@douca1]

Digital media can be taken away or changed unlike paper books. Ex.-changing definition of words.

[@joycecox8285]

We are downsizing from a 3 bedroom/2 bath house w/garage to a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment. My husband retired 6 years ago and I retired less than two months ago. We don’t need the space and don’t want to maintain this much space as we get older. Just regret not having a yard sale this past summer. Could have gotten rid of so much more quickly. I have sold a some things online but that is a slow process.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

I like to ‘shop’ at Thrift stores…not saying that I buy much, but I have found a few items that I liked to have around me. So my children don’t have to wonder “Is this a family heirloom that we should hang on to?” I leave the ‘Goodwill’ sticker somewhere on it out of sight leaving no big decision needed to keep or not…only if they also liked it. 😁 Also, downsizing isn’t always a good investment when the value of your home is about the same as the smaller be it condo or house you are looking to replace it with. It may save you money having to hire someone to fix things or mow your yard but we have already replaced the important stuff like new roof, new furnace and air conditioner, generator (husband has multiple medical items that need to stay charged if the power goes out and it did once for 7 days) newer gas stove and the refrigerator is starting to go…a smaller place may require repairs or replacements and the if it’s in an HOA I’ve heard horror stories about those. 🫤 Good post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@amg9163]

@SpeakTruthBeKind I leave the thrift shop price stickers on also but not for the reasons you mentioned. I have *a lot* of stuff, so when I do routinely downsize my stuff, seeing the price on it helps with any guessing if I wasted my money on the item. Plus, for the items that I *do* keep, it's a nice reminder of what bargains are out there 😁 (that last sentence sounded a bit hoarder-ish, didn't it?! 😆)

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

@@amg9163 😆😆😆

[@sheila1013]

I totally agree when it comes to downsizing. If not careful, it can leave you out of pocket. 🤗

[@lauralake7430]

Great idea!

[@patrixjude1]

What I found helps me when I declutter is to take a photo of the stuff before I let it go. In this way I can look at the photo later and say, "Oh, remember, that was what that Moroccan conman gave me!", for instance! I keep the memory reminders but not the things!

[@barbaratarbell606]

Henry David Thoreau wrote "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify"! 😳 🤫 🤔

[@clbcl5]

But you must listen to George Carlin's ...A Place for My Stuff...

[@Crymeariver227]

Such a great skit that screamed TRUTH! like nothing else!😂

[@msigg2656]

I cannot get into digital media. I enjoy looking at my books. Ive decluttered other objects instead

[@tamib64]

We have entered a new season by being grandparents, delightfully so. I just donated a truck full of stuff in order to make our home comfortable for a child (hopefully more to come). I am very aware of making things simplified not only for my husband and myself, but the kiddos having to deal with it at some point.

[@wealthyspaces1131]

I have been teaching this for 30 years in conjunction with Feng Shui and on webinars. I have had people clear their desks whilst listening to me and they felt a sense of freedom whilst doing it. I sold books and courses on it and its a definite need for it- free from stuff that we have all been programmed to need or want by the clever manipulators of the advertising world. Primarily found in the west but will be coming to you shortly somewhere in the East as the pendulum swings!!

[@theresanolan1157]

And you are a part of the problem with your sales pitch and manipulation...

[@caroline10081]

A universal remote fits into the category of "probably won't work as well as the items it is replacing". However you can put remotes on your smartphone for the ultimate declutter. Some are voice controlled

[@candecarro]

This is an excellent video. Thank you!

[@enchiladasqueretanas]

Great advice, please do a video on decluttering at an early age (70 or even less years of age) because I am a realtor and see how the children have to deal with the excess of stuff from their parents. It is not fair to do that to our children. I am 55, bearly a spring chicken, but I do think on having a minimalistic home, and last time I bought a piece of furniture I sold another on marketplace. Thank you for your video! Wonderful content!

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Regarding the closet, most women have clothes in 3 sizes to accommodate weight changes, and at any given date two thirds of the clothes will be either too small or two large to wear at the moment. I’ve recently discovered a good way of identifying which clothes to get rid of, which is to sort them into complete OUTFITS. You soon spot which particular sweater or which particular skirt has nothing to go with it, and that’s why you never actually wear it.

[@attheranch873]

Good point!

[@theresanolan1157]

best thing is to stay the same weght

[@tjava2338]

Yep - new in, old out is useful A cleaner home with leaner closets does de stress

[@giovannanichols6878]

Since we moved from a four bed house to two bed house, I have been able to give away a great amount of items to different Christian charity. My stuff has gone to local Salvation Army, Moldova, Ukraine, Nigeria, Congo.... I so enjoyed doing it and knowing that people were blessed that has become a regular thing for me to do. Also people have been encouraged by my experience and now they give me stuff to pass on. As the bible says, there is more blessings in giving than in receiving.

[@etymologik]

I have friends who simply DON'T BELIEVE ME when I say I DON'T WANT gifts of "stuff." They're sweet & want to show affection in a tangible way, but I'm at a point where I already have everything I need or want that's reasonably priced. I tell them that if they really want to buy something, make it consumable - like a meal out. I'd much rather spend time talking with them than trying to store yet more stuff I don't want. I usually donate their gifts to the Salvation Army, which would make them sad to know.

[@autumn-g1n]

I agree 100%. I don't give or get any Xmas or birthday presents. I meet with friends for a meal instead to celebrate. Friends are just as relieved not to have the hassell of present buying too!

[@hiphoppingalong]

Have always lived in homes under 800 square feet. Limited space does limit accumulation. Am still decluttering on a regular basis. Make weekly/monthly donations to local thrift store. It is amazing how affluent our society is.

[@patriciamoore3318]

Me too! I clean out my closets regularly. 840 sq ft. Don’t need more. 2/2 so when my son comes over he has his bedroom and bathroom. What more do I need. Bought my mobile for 25K. Can sell anytime for double because it looks inside like a concrete home. I’m grateful.