10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life

[@AtoZenLife]

Please give this video a like and click 👉 betterhelp.com/atozenlife for 10% off your first month of therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp.

[@OceanFrontVilla3]

At 4:30 there's a great description of what's on the list of behaviors for ADHD people. Note; females are often not diagnosed. We learned our daughter has this, her amazing brain at age 32!

[@FWM50]

Some therapist’s listed have not agreed to have their name associated with better help. This clickbait company has dead professionals listed. They refuse to remove my name from their list. I would never be associated with this type of organization.

[@poundcake-ed2cc]

Slightly disagree. but i live in the country where the dogs poop in the field, we dont have dog parks out here at the "edge of civilization*. I can see your frustration: but hell? Thats a little harsh i beleive they deserve a fine it should be treated as littering. I really like your videos tho! Thanks for great content!🎉 2:24

[@bethbartlett5692]

IMPORTANT: Minimalism dhould be understood as Positive Clarity ! ✨ Avoid using it as a Negative Habits Solition, and rehashing of Guilt and Gea6rs Venue Release Negative Concepts and Increase the 'Focus on the Positive Feelings", associated with Minimalism, it's offering of a Classy Styled Environment, and what that does for Youu having a Clear Mind, and "Feeling Empowered!" #1 The "Universal Law of Attraction" is Absolute. Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian

[@dawnsullivan6794]

My daughter-in-law was asked in a job interview, “Give me an example of personal integrity.” She thought a moment and then answered, “Bagging up your dog’s poop when no one is watching.” She got the job! Love all of your content Marissa. Keep up the good work! ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

What a legend 👊 thanks for watching 😂

[@susanneankegotze4858]

As simple as that! Thanks for sharing.

[@SL-rg2eg]

❤

[@GrannyZanna]

😂

[@DarylSauerwald-g7n]

Yes, The when no one is looking is the most important part. The Army teaches Honor is what you do when no one is looking.

[@marionosmond3219]

I have young kids and find it a nice reframe to say “let’s spend some time putting all our things back in their places” rather than “clean your room / tidy up”. The latter always gets a negative response whereas my kids actually enjoy lovingly placing all their toys back where they belong. I wonder if it might be the same for some adults?

[@yubima]

I try not to do much on sumers, because the heat makes me sick. But im a tidy person even if i tend to do piles of stuff. Im allways declutering, and trying to see what kind of organization works for me. My cousing is geting used to organize her things and let go of stuf, and is dificult for her to get past the scarcity mentality.h​@@softsophisticate

[@angella7576]

My sister was helping her daughter sell her house. My sister noticed every time her daughter completed a task she would say ahh that feels good. So now when we have tasks that needs done in our home instead of thinking ugg I gotta get that done, we think I'm going to get this out of the way and it will feel so good. It makes a huge difference! You can grab that feel good energy in advance and it really helps get the job done😊

[@KristenONeillArt]

I'm definitely going to use this language! 🎉

[@SusanBame]

I did a no-buy January, 2024; I bought only things that needed restocking (hygiene items, food, products I ran out of). In other words, no shopping for hours online for stuff I didn't really need. If I saw something that looked interesting, I put it on my wishlist. When February came, I pulled up that list and sorted through it -- and bought two items, totaling less than $20. Yay!

[@nicolecarter1072]

Well done!

[@SheriJulier]

There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.

[@kimberiysmarketstrategy]

Thank you!

[@seven_of_nine79]

As a dog-owner I am always very disappointed to find poop lying around in private or public places. This is how some people even could start to dislike dogs in general, and that’s not their fault. It also puts a bad reputation on everyone who owns a dog. I always pick up!

[@lucydawson1344]

Same! It really is disgusting round here… people even leave it right near primary schools (I live in the UK). I have a golden retriever and always ensure I take a bag of poo bags with me

[@lesliesilverzweig4110]

Agreed! I always pick up after my fur baby and if I see trash or someone else's pup poop I pick it all up as well. It's disappointing but I want to keep my neighborhood fresh and clean❤

[@Karre_Z]

agree, sometimes I would even hold onto the poop bag and then trash it at the end of the walk. I have heard multiple complaints of dog owners not picking up their dog poop in my community, and I don't want them to associate my dog and me with that kind of behavior.

[@luisafoodadventure5294]

Agree with you. Those dog owners give all of us a bad reputation for sure.

[@jenniferpearce1052]

As a non-dog owner, yes! I live on the way to a park and get so much poo in my front yard! Ewwww! Also, people dump their poo bags in my green waste! Whyyyy? Every time they send out the trash/recycle/green waste flyer, they specifically say that poo MUST go in the garbage! I don't even have a dog and I know what it says about dog poo! 😡😧 Anyway, choir, thank you for listening to my preaching. Thank you for cleaning up after your fur babies!

[@poodlegirl55]

This tip might help seniors who have downsized. I had the most trouble with sentimental things, it was taking me forever. I filled one of my dresser drawers with what was left and every day when I was getting dressed I would look through it and find one thing I could let go of or do something with. Eventually I was down to a small amount of things that would fit in a wooden box on my dresser. Now I can just look in there and see my things and know I did a good job and is miuch more enjoyable than having a big bin of sentimental stuff in your basement.

[@akontilis1792]

This is a very helpful tip!!.

[@SalemChick]

Taking pictures can really help too. I don't go crazy (keeping not adding to digital clutter in mind!), but I made a folder in my photos app so I can still at least look at a few things when I'm in a sentimental mood.

[@toby9541]

❤

[@virginialangford6257]

Why is this a senior tip…folks is folks…folks ain’t ages

[@poodlegirl55]

@@virginialangford6257 Because seniors are usually the ones downsizing and it is a struggle for us.

[@robertneville2022]

I spent 6 months cleaning out my moms house so i could sell it : i inherited the house I finally couldn't take it anymore I got only what I wanted then hired someone to empty the house out for me After the nightmare was over i realized i need to empty my house out I got rid of all sentimental feelings Made 12 dump runs and i was done I only have only what I need to live because i be dammed if my kids are going to go through what i did cleaning out my moms house when i croak

[@paulettafajinmi6355]

Sounded expensive hiring someone

[@karenfisher4170]

this is exactly why I am living minimalist👍

[@evatyburski3234]

I am going to do the same thing when my dad passes!

[@TwistedRootsMelody]

This sounds like you naturally accomplished Swedish death cleaning. Good job!

[@TwistedRootsMelody]

​@paulettafajinmi6355 depends on how much your time and mental energy is worth to you. Cleaners are cheaper than renting a large dumpster.

[@rastafarianman1]

#1 poop rule - do I care enough about stuff to clean poop off of it #2 one touch rule - save time and energy by touching something once but dealing with it now instead of later #3 iceberg rule - physical clutter is the tip of the iceberg. The rest is internal: impulse buying, time management etc. #4 rule of equivalent exchange - clutter has a cost. Is it worth it? #5 function > form - buying books and reading books are different hobbies # 6 Ben Franklin rule - a place for everything and everything in its place #7 30 day rule - time buffer between impulse and time of purchase #8 use it or lose it - rule for just in case clutter (I might need it, or “what if I suddenly lose 25lbs”) #9 one in, one out - for every new item you bring in to your home, one old item goes out #10 5 minute rule - set a timer and you’re allowed to stop after 5 minutes but you’ll find that you can keep going after having gotten over the hurdle of having started

[@mohdyusriq4904]

Tq ❤

[@evakouts5301]

Thank you for this ❤🙏🏻

[@TG81]

My version of the 💩 rule was when we had a long-distance move. If I didn’t want to pack, move, unpack, and then find a place for the item in our new house, then it didn’t come with me. 😊 I still use this criteria when deciding whether to keep or declutter items!

[@j.m.7056]

I like that rule and will use it! Thanks for sharing!

[@cindymitchell2466]

My grandmother taught me the one-touch rule "Don't put it down, put it away" - exactly that, word for word! in 1984 when I had to stay with them for a month while my parents were on an extended trip. This is gold. I still hear her in my mind to this day dispensing this advice, right when I need to hear it 🙂

[@ColleenMarble]

I threw away a full set of sheets from my son's room once. He had an stomach bug and, well, you can guess what happened. It was epic, and not in a good way. The sheets were old and worn. I headed to the laundry room to do the awful clean-up tasks, and at the last second, I diverted to the trash. It just wasn't worth the effort when 1) we had other sheets to use and 2) we could replace the sheets for less money than my time was worth. It's a great way to decide whether to keep stuff.

[@AtoZenLife]

Totally understandable!

[@ninnymuggins5159]

ALSO APPLIES TO POTTY TRAINING AND PETS! STUFF HAPPENS...

[@downtherabbithole9143]

The poop question 🤣 As a wheelchair user, I couldn’t agree more about ppl not picking up poop, especially on footpaths. If I get poop on my wheels & don’t notice in time then I have poop on my carpet!!! 🤢 … & cleaning floors & carpets from a wheelchair? Yeah, no. That’s not a thing. Needless to say I watch where I go very carefully!!! Thanks for another great video.

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh man, that would definitely make me upset 😩

[@TwistedRootsMelody]

Fantastic comment! I never considered that the wheels are on the ground getting dirty. Sorry, that sounds stupid but there it is. Is there something like wheel covers that act like shoes? Like car wheels can have snow chains, can your wheels have like a steering wheel cover that can be secure and not slip but is also easily removable?

[@downtherabbithole9143]

@@TwistedRootsMelody well that’s a sensible idea but no I’ve never heard of covers or ‘shoes’ 🤣 for wheels. I love the idea of having clean wheels inside. Battling dirt at the moment as I have to cross slightly muddy grass to get into my house. It’s not too bad but even a little bit between the tread of the tyres & I’m picking up little clumps of dirt off the floors for about an hour after I come back inside 😠

[@TwistedRootsMelody]

@downtherabbithole9143 sounds a pain... perhaps some kind of u shaped brush to give them a wipe down when going in might help 🤔

[@KristiBranstetter]

My goal is not minimalism. I am pretty excited about where I am at in my decluttering journey. I am at the maintenance stage after three years of decluttering and organizing. I find keeping my apartment clean so much easier!

[@AtoZenLife]

That’s wonderful! 👏

[@jessicatiedt2609]

Ijust found your channel today. I have adhd and find it hard to declutter, but like to live in a clean environment. Your videos truly help!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and happy to have you here ☺️

[@anakamaruddin2975]

I have a personal hack in decluttering... chose to keep what you love from the pile... instead of, chose to letgo what you dont like... Yes... I declutter more .

[@winterfoxx6363]

Yes!! I had this realization too and am excited to try it with my giant-sized wardrobe! Do you ever get through with that but then still have the feeling you want to go though the “not love” pile a second pass? I could so see myself doing that and hope it doesn’t back fire.

[@elizabethasmith4471]

My “Wednesday” rule is for Amazon - I can only order on Wednesday. Amazing how much your “need” changes over a few days.

[@tinaxanit]

Great idea

[@gamerperson9545]

Thanks what a nice idea

[@RoScoHutch]

I followed the poop rule with my kids, and I'm glad I did. They were definitely worth keeping. 😄

[@ninnymuggins5159]

Yes, keep your kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@lorenstribling6096]

There are times when I really have to think hard about this...and my kids are GROWN! 🤣🤣🤣

[@hoodie6064]

Came here for decluttering tips, left with a therapy session and life advice 😅 this is why I love your videos 😂💕

[@AtoZenLife]

Woohoo, thanks so much and happy to have you here!

[@MyFocusVaries]

My sister broke up.with a guy after going for a walk with him and his dog and discovering he didn't pick up his dog's poop AND in 2022 still had a massive stock of toilet paper he had hoarded during the pandemic. Imagine how much he'd bought that he still had a huge stock more than 2 years later!

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh my, the skeletons some people have in their closet 😅

[@trumax33]

Those are 2 very clear signs that his character is not up to par! 😬 Your sister probably dodged a proverbial bullet!

[@joanne3450]

Wise women, clever metric!

[@rosc2022]

Just imagine how many other people he prevented from getting TP at a time when it was running scarce. Selfish!

[@MsKathiJo]

Red flags for sure!

[@jmsl_910]

i have a bday tradition... i deep dive into my "sentimental stuff" & decide if i still want to keep it

[@abbibrannan333]

No one else has ever said that as a prompt or motivation for those who just can't let go. I really like that IDEA! Now let's say the day of your birthday is for instance July 4th, now what a person could generalize across the calendar. Every month prior to one's day of birth, target to use the other 5 minute rule and dig in, and cltr. out!

[@jmsl_910]

@@abbibrannan333honestly, i started doing it when i was forty & im turning 60 soon. partly its a swedish death cleaning thing.., i dont want my kids to hsve to go through stuff that would be valueless them but its a cathartic ritual too. i nice way to reflect on the happenings of my life so far. i hope you'll try it

[@alysononoahu8702]

Much of it for me was sadness regret and obligation

[@andeeanko7079]

I love how you get to the real depths of why we have clutter. That clip of you sobbing = so relatable. I felt it in my soul, too. 🙏

[@ozywomandius2290]

I second this. Facing personal hurdles like that requires courage. An excellent example for others.

[@jeniferjohnson374]

How did she lose her family?

[@jeanmarie2928]

Thank you Marissa! I’m using a time limit working on photo collection (including declutter) for our daughter. Today I did 10 minutes and was able to set another 10 minutes and stopped. Sentimental items are more wearing for me and a time limit is more kind. A lot of us have emotions and items that dealing with in short bursts can be helpful ♥️

[@wendygricken3369]

You've helped me a lot today. I don't procrastinate but I have a chronic illness that doesn't allow me to do much. It's been bothering me so much when I can't get to my normal "chores". I will take your advise and start with 5 minutes at a time. Thank you

[@jenimcleod1553]

This is why I am watching the video too... new chronic illness (long covid since 2020) and my time/energy is so limited now... I need to majorally simplify my life!!

[@Bea_Rosy]

@@jenimcleod1553Same here! I feel so frustrated and overwhelmed, I used to be almost ocd about stuff and perfectionist which wasn’t good either, but at least I felt I had control. Since my body couldn’t do what it used to (and I’m in my 40’s here,not my 80’s - where it would at least feel like the natural result of age), my house and life organisation are basically non existent 😢

[@alexisbryanto1474]

Similar to rule 1, the Minimalist have the spontaneous combustion rule. If that room were to catch fire how would you feel if those items were no longer there?

[@AtoZenLife]

👏 🔥

[@superfund42]

I lost a bunch of film negatives and all of my jewelry making supplies in a house fire, among other things, in 2016. It's definitely very interesting to think of the things I actually lost and could not replace and still think about today in comparison to various things I own now.

[@StellaCanada-mi4zj]

😅oh yeah it makes sens thanks Mary kondo rule keep what you love the most, didnt work for me I love most of the things😂😂

[@alexisbryanto1474]

@@superfund42 oh wow, I am so sorry! Although stressful, was it nice to start with a clean slate in a way? I’m so sorry you had to go through that!

[@qj2003fall]

@alexisbryanto1474 she just said that she lost something she couldn’t replace

[@Myaussiehome]

I did a rearrange of my furniture today which makes me declutter along the way!

[@katsybo]

Love your practical channel. Love the poop rule! You’re so right about the 90/10 situation. I am clean out my house they had sat for 10-years since my husband died. It’s a lot of heavy lifting more mental than physically.

[@AtoZenLife]

Wishing you all the best with your decluttering. I know it’s heavy now, but that just means you’ll feel even lighter once it’s all done. 🫶

[@happyluv]

I think after a big trauma it takes time for us feel strong enough to take on the job of letting go. Our nervous system needs time to unwind so we are able to face the next phase of letting go. There will be lots of tears and overwhelming sadness as the healing begins.

[@katsybo]

@@AtoZenLife Thank you 🥰

[@merriestroscher5795]

I like the 5 minute rule. You can also do a small defined area - as in -- I am going to clean off the top of the nightstand. I am going to clean of 1/2 of my bathroom counter.

[@campbellblk7484]

You've really help me understand what to get rid of. Additional points for loving FMA.

[@adz5bneweng589]

An acronym I love for the one-touch rule is O.H.I.O. - Only Handle It Once.

[@patriciasauermann3805]

I struggle with that rule. Always have my hands full, so more than putting sth down or onto an empty shelf wouldn't be possible. Like that I create heaps (to be sorted away properly later) everywhere. Any advice?

[@ravenrosewitches]

This is cool

[@Myaussiehome]

I spent the day at home so I could declutter. I am doing Frugal February as I am now in the habit as you have taught me to do it. Instead of buying more I am throwing away trash and seeing what I already have in my draws.

[@millies.8810]

Thank you for mentioning the emotional and mental we have to physical things. I have realized I am hesitant to get rid of some things due to their "symbolism" in my mind. I always say each of us are a work in progress.

[@tracybishop7792]

Similar to the poop rule I’ve recently started asking myself “If this item fell on the floor and broke, would I care?” In recent months I’ve found myself almost glad when something breaks, because then I felt like I could throw it away without guilt. Or more importantly, I no longer had to find a place for it. A sign I have TOO MUCH STUFF! 🙃

[@jrecm4816]

One sentimental item I had that was in the family for seventy years fell on the floor. My reaction was, this could of been an earthquake (I live in Calif.) and I really didn't care

[@NoelleDecker-Phillips-mu9wv]

When packing for a move, something crashed to the floor breaking. My mother just quipped, "One less thing to pack!" We laughed and it became our saying.😂

[@maryannehibbard5686]

Related, for me the question I ask is "If this fell on the floor, would I try to replace it?" 'Cause I might feel badly for the loss, but not enough to replace it...

[@TheSnugglery]

I'm so glad I found your channel 😭😭😭 I'm moving countries, I've got a kiddo, I'm overwhelmed with a bunch of sentimental stuff and full metal is my favorite anime. Praise the algorithm 🙌

[@BumbleDee805]

Pausing again... those green pants look AMAZING on you! ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you so much! I love them ☺️

[@jhe735]

Where did you purchase them?

[@AtoZenLife]

@@jhe735 I got them from this Etsy shop: shrsl.com/3kqfd and here are the details about size/color » Wide-leg linen pants, customized to full-length vs. crop (olive green; size “M”). The paper bag waist is so comfortable

[@gastronomee_]

the vibes in this video are amazing. there's just something so simple about listening to you talk, mixed with the diction and amazing editing and colour on this. as a fellow creator (just started two months ago!) i'm drawing so much inspiration from your work here. keep this up!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and good luck with your channel! 🙌

[@pj8524]

With regards the "sentimental" stuff - I often say to myself if the house was burning down what is the one thing I would grab (then that tells me the ultra important thing), then the second thing I'd grab, then the third thing I'd grab etc etc. This tells me what really is important to me, and what isn't!

[@williamclark1244]

I completely agree with you about people that don't pick up after their dogs. We have a sign in our neighborhood that threatens a fine but it seems no one is ever caught. Besides the fine I think that they should have to do community service and have to go around the neighborhood and clean up any and all poop, then go to the local animal shelter and clean the kennels for a few weekends.

[@martinh8784]

Great to see that you bought some decent kitchen knives! One good chef knife and its sharpener can replace all other knives floating (uselessly) around.

[@Myaussiehome]

I agree Get to the "heart" of our clutter!! The clutter can drag us down which affects our energy to be able to clean up.

[@Huxley81]

I’ve only finished through the poop rule and I feel like I can walk away forever changed! What an awesome lesson!

[@Myaussiehome]

Yes I was telling my kids not to put things down, but put them away - after I cleaned my kitchen in the morning.the surfaces were clear and I could notice the mess as it appeared.

[@francescooper3578]

I’m old school. When our basement flooded. I kept quite a lot of items. Washing and sanitising. Mum had us saving her items when it happened to her. I had to downsize when we moved into a house 1/3 the size. I became inventive though to keep a lot items. Now with my husband gone I know I will have to move into a smaller place. It has taken me two years to get two closets crammed pack of clothing out of the house. I am slow at decision making but I plug away at other areas in the house. It helps watching these kind of videos to keep you motivated. Thanks.

[@j.m.7056]

Marissa is great. You may also like Shannon Torrens. Her videos are motivating too. Best wishes to you.

[@francescooper3578]

@@j.m.7056 thank you. Just went and listened to one of Sharon’s videos.

[@wesleywinchester1890]

You can do it.

[@wesleywinchester1890]

Just because you have a closet or space does not mean you have to fill it. Maybe the flood is a reason to get rid of things.

[@LuckyHoneyBadger-ex4ze]

I also have a one drawer rule. I tidy and reduce one drawer at a time. My biggest issue is the kitchen. Plates, platters, glasses. They need to be donated but they also need to be wrapped to be transported.

[@kymberleychristiansenrauber]

Thank you for this video, I could really relate to a lot of this as someone who walks with anxiety and depression - going minimal and simplified really seems to be helping with that.

[@JamieM470]

Love Rachel's poop question! That's my favorite video of hers. I've been asking myself "Would I be willing to clean poop off this in order to keep it?" since that video. It really clears away all the murky emotional cobwebs in the "keep vs get rid of" decisions.

[@snicky58]

The 5-minute rule is exactly what I need. I feel so overwhelmed by how much work will be involved in de-cluttering and organizing. I guess this rule sort of changes your mindset. It reminds me of what happens when you don't really feel like going for your run or walk, but once you make yourself just go out and start, you get the motivation to keep going.

[@noxsinfox1222]

I've watched many, many videos on minimalism. Yours has by far been the deepest and most engaging and functional! (Thank you soo much for highlighting that keeping stuff is not 100% the physical, but the sentimentality we have for things) Also, I yelled "HA!" out loud when you mentioned 'equivalent exchange' - I too use this system when getting new items! 😂 Glad I'm not the only one that saw the lesson from F.M.A. Thank you for this video!!!!

[@AtoZenLife]

Hahaha, thanks so much for watching 🙏

[@Mervin-Theodore]

The way Hidden Time Wealth dives into the concept of productivity is mind-blowing. Hidden Time Wealth tips are pure gold, and I wish more people knew about them.

[@CarriePatriciar]

Hidden Time Wealth is so unique. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it sooner. It’s amazing how life-changing this can be for anyone battling procrastination.

[@shaviesventure]

I have exactly like your picnic blanket since 2016. We used it every year for camping, beach and picnic for 8 years now and still in good condition. I’m impressed how the quality is. I love watching all your minimalistic videos.

[@brinawidmer]

I actually had to stop getting rid of clothes that don't fit rn. After realizing my adhd leads to weightfluctuations and me having to buy new clothes all the time.

[@winterfoxx6363]

I feel this! My weight had gone up and down, and I just don’t feel comfortable getting rid of those things. I box them up and store them out of the way, along with seasonal clothing, so that they’re not making it hard to get ready in my current body size. But I know they’ll see their day again!

[@missgreece91]

So did you lose weight and fit into your old clothes ? This is an issue i’ve going goinf through for over 4 years. Im slowly decluttering my old clothes because they were all medium and large and im xxl now. I keep buying new clothes alllll the time because i only have a few on rotation and they eventually stretch out or rip. What did you do?

[@brinawidmer]

@@missgreece91yep, it's like I found a sudden urge of motivation. I lose like 10kgs. Than I run into adhd burnout and gain it all back. Rinse, repeat.

[@Plethorality]

Yep!! I lost weight. Got rid of my fat clothes. Got fat again. Mostly stayed home because i dont want to buy more fat clothes and was too fat for my fat jeans .. me, in public in track pants, is not a kindness. Losing it again, but took a year to start to come back down. Adhd... What is my super power again???

[@Plethorality]

​@@brinawidmerso much!!! Only my range is over 20 kilos. And i am short, which is fairly unforgiving ..

[@katrinastarkweather2074]

I'm such a procrastinator! I have a garage to declutter and I'm going to apply your five minute rule! Surely I can make some headway!

[@heidimeigs5192]

Getting started really is hard. It’s mentally overwhelming when you look at the whole. Breaking it down makes it less stressful. I’ve gotten rid of things I thought I’d never let go. I was saving “family” stuff, but my sons told me in plain language that they don’t want it. So now I only have things that I actually use and love….no more closets or spare bedrooms full of stuff. It’s so freeing. Good luck to you.

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

Excellent! Some of this I've done for decades, but there's always more great ideas to learn. One of the most impactful for me is the 'only touch it once' rule... most especially for papers and mail. As i pick up the mail, I look at it immediately, and pull out the junk mail which goes straight into the recycle bin. I also take a minute to look at and open the 'real' mail, and pull out the envelopes and unnecessary pages - like the electric bill that has five pages of graphs and analysis, and the one page that actually shows you what's due... That's the only page I keep and it goes straight into my designated spot for current mail 'to handle'. This one little thing alone was a game changer, no more piles of papers laying around that get forgotten about & shuffled sround, and then must be re-examined and re-sorted by the time I get around to dealing with them.

[@wesleywinchester1890]

I think I 've always been a minimalist bcuz I luv to throw things/stuff away donate and organize. My parents went on vacation and I got in trouble bcuz of all I threw away while they were gone. I can remember it felt good.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Totally agree with dog owner/poo issue. Concerning your point on "Storage Types" and whether they work or not.. I watched Cass (from "Clutterbug") videos and did her "orgsnizing test" (years ago when she first made it available).. I found it frustrating because what I found was that I changed type (ladybird, butterfly, cricket, +1) every time I did it because the test questions were to general and do not ask according to areas in the house. And when I did the test I had different answers depending on what area I was currently occupied with. I am generally a micro organiser and don't like seeing stuff however... current paperwork has to be out and macro organized otherwise I forget it. Long term paperwork out of site and mico organized. Bathroom stuff has to be away and in labeled solid containers and anything out eg shampoo in shower has to be label free, under the stairs and kitchen cupboards have to be big clear labelled boxes on shelves or in cupboards to throw general macro categories in (accept herbs which are micro). The attic has clear labelled micro organisation boxes etc. Once I realised why the test didn't work for me, i went back and did it again using it for each individual category in mind... then it worked for me and confirmed/clarified what I had started to recognise in my organisation style. Then everything became easy and I bought the right organisation systems to suit each category... no money wasted. Thought I might add this if anyone needs help working out their organisation style so they don't have to waste time, energy and money on mistakes.

[@tknows470]

You’re a “frankenbug” 😂! That was really clever of you to go back and take the test with specific areas in mind. Great idea!!! I love Clutterbug and I am a butterfly but you’ve given me some ideas about the areas I’d rather be less visually stimulating (bedroom for example).

[@rebeccarendle3706]

@@tknows470 🤣🤣.. yes Clutterbug is great!. I can highly recommend the "space specific" test idea....Since I redid the test.. doing it each time with a certain space/category in mind, my organisation works perfectly🙂. no more chaos!... I am finally really happy with my house!! Good luck. 🙂

[@annamoukhtarian941]

I love your new home! Yes please do tutorial with cooking. Your kitchen is beautiful. So happy for you! Congratulations on your new happy journey ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and take care ❤️

[@MandyBessier]

Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. I’ve shared it with friends, and they’re all amazed at how much more productive they've become.

[@DrAnnaOsullivan]

Love your clear and concise actionable rules! Many of the rules I already follow but great to discover some new gems! Shared your video with my 21 year old daughter who needs to learn many of these simple tools to keep her space in her school residence tidy, which will greatly improve her overall mood and productivity! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@melaniecummings1954]

I love this video. I'm at the stage where I'm probably over half way through minimising, and it's so good to be reminded of these great suggestions. One minute you think you know all of the rules and then you get stuck! THANK YOU ❤

[@janetmcgee4525]

Rule 7..waiting 30 days before buying anything saved me at least $100 in January 2024 when I did a No Spend January. I was so happy. I made a list every time I wanted to buy something. Love your list Marissa. It is like a game...sometimes fun.

[@robinmuchow]

I overheard a woman say she taught her kids that if their rooms weren’t clean, they would attract spiders.

[@Elaine-u8k]

I live in Oregon and that is actually true.

[@MayDay-yn3bw]

Not to mention ants and roaches

[@joannajohnson696]

My husband has a terminal disease. Now, what you mention makes so much sense. Because I think, can I handle this when he is gone?

[@XtreamBrands]

This happened to me. He and I were in the practice of donating and getting rid of things semi regularly. After he passed, I needed help so no kidding the day after his funeral I packed his clothes in tubs to eventually donate when I felt comfortable, and scheduled a junk lugger company to take my kids' juvenile furniture. I had to hire local declutering organizers to help me sort, donate and toss things and another one to review papers and photos. I spent a solid 6 months of every weekend for 3 hours doing this and it helped me process my grief tremendously. I knew I couldn't do it alone..not necessarily for the emotional aspect but the sheer amount of work that it required. That was about 3 years ago. Today I am still working on donating items to a friend and giving books cassettes and other items away. Today is my "papers" day and "papers" is my albatross!!

[@corinapeterson2020]

Oh my goodness yes about people not picking up after their dogs!! My husband and I bought our first home in Chicago over two years ago (we have since relocated to Detroit for his job,) and I will never forget that on moving day we did our walk through and were so emotional and excited to be in our new home... only to turn around and realize that I had stepped in dog poop outside and had tracked it all the way up the carpeted staircase of the building and into every room in our new condo! And we had to wait to unpack our cleaning supplies to clean it up so the movers just tracked it even worse and we could only watch in horror!

[@ToniKnorr-rh4mz]

Absolutely agree about the dog poop. I LOVE my pups and am totally disgusted with people who don’t clean up after their dogs!

[@tiffanybittman7523]

Both my grandparents have said that and I do to. A place fir everything and everything in it's place.

[@masoudalzenifeer2979]

1:26 i had a similar experience to this poop thing today, Lol. I had some boxes in that garden and I didn’t want to throw them but a cat came and pee on them so i said its not worth it 😂

[@AtoZenLife]

😂

[@mjacks711]

Had to check the comments....a little disappointed no one thanked you for the Full Metal Alchemist reference. Beautiful story (Brotherhood also rocks), and it is so easy to see the law of equivalent exchange in the abstract and physical. Great video, thank you!

[@AtoZenLife]

Glad to have another anime fan chime in and thanks! 😁🙏

[@1esthajnalcsillag]

For me The Iceberg rule was an epiphany: it explained why it is so overwhelming to be confronted with all the clutter in my home in which I live since 1989. Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@Anna-vp4fn]

This video is a bomb to all my declutterring questions and issues. I’m very grateful for such integral video. Thank you ery much.

[@Hafhafnhaf]

I like these rules but I keep looking for a minimalist video that will actually show up and minimize me or answer the questions for me, asked in A, B and C. I can readily answer A, but B is does it provide value? Of course it all does! I don't keep trash. Also, can I display it? Of course, I can always find a way to cram it here and there.

[@joanne3450]

Love your rules! I make a game out of the one-touch rule.... can I put everything in my hands away without dropping it? One bonus of this rule is that you will quickly find out what doesn't have a home. So, put it where you would look for it!

[@suzanneturley4433]

I’ve heard it said that ‘You can tell the state of someone’s home by litter they throw on the sidewalk or dog poop that they don’t clear away’

[@susanmarie2231]

Thank you for this video. Everything you own, owns a part of you.

[@PamelaI.Burruss]

The concept of Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. It’s like finding a cheat code for productivity and defeating procrastination.

[@SusanBame]

I used to live in a tiny little town, walked my dog in the same place always, and picked up his poop in pink scented poop bags and threw the bags in the rusty 55-gallon barrel on my route. I thought I was doing a great job. One day someone confronted me about my poop-picking-up habit. "The town" was asking me NOT to pick up the poop; to let it fall where it may and fertilize the ground, naturally. I was aghast. I told them no, I would not be NOT picking up the poop; this was mostly in self-defense, because I didn't want to step in my own dog's poop! They never emptied the barrel. I think that was it. They were just too lazy to, or didn't have the means to, or something. And after a while, even in scented bags, the poop smell was pretty bad. A weird twist on the poop story, eh. I moved away ten years ago. I wonder if the poop bags are still there.

[@sopjoplop23]

Oh we arrived late at a camp site and didnt realize until we were packing up that we put the tent in dog poop! That was soooo annoying! But we have invested in our tent quite a bit and had to clean it up on the spot. Did end up have to get rid of a dog towel, as we had already packed all cleaning supplies!

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh no! That is so frustrating 😩

[@MrsSunGreen]

I absolutely love the idea of the „poop-rule“ 😂 it‘s definitely stuck in my mind now! Thank you for the inspirational and helpful tipps 💐

[@jejrstans]

AGREE about that special place for crappy dog owners. Thank you for creating the Iceberg Rule. That is the game changer for me to recognize and hopefully shift mindsets for clutter.

[@DoubleDogDare54]

The fastest way to find out you need that gizmo you donated or threw out is to donate it or throw it out. It's a lock two weeks later you will discover you REALLY have a use for that gizmo after all - to the point you wind up having to purchase a new gizmo to have because you need it after all.

[@ilianailieva9309]

I’ve been using the 5 min rule as a 1 hour rule for studying, and other things too, it’s really helpful! Love your content 🩷🌼

[@susanneh.7652]

The one in - one out rule, I’ve changed a while back for myself to go faster to the transitioning to a more minimalist life. So for me it is one in - two out 😜 but only until I feel I’ve downsized enough 😅

[@cherylkalsch5107]

It’s so hard to see you as a hoarder and in debt. I love minimalism and frugality and think you are amazing ❤️

[@susanfleming496]

Thanks for another great video, Marissa! I can tell how much time and energy you put into each of your videos. You have such good common sense. I also appreciate you talking about mental health and how it can affect our relationship to clutter. Thank you! ❤

[@gypzs9]

A question I ask myself when trying to decide is: would I be willing to carry this (whatever it is) up two flights of stairs to my new flat? If not, it goes. Works for me😊

[@MaryWheeler-p2c]

You always manage to simplify even the hardest ideas.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you Mary!

[@mollyjohansson8056]

This is the best video about decluttering/minimalism I've ever watched! Thank you!❤ also love the "poop rule" going to use that😂

[@sherimceachran1987]

My husband does not pick things up and seems to have a hoarding issue/shopping related to trauma. I agree completely with iceberg theory. In fact I agree with all of your theories. He sees a counselor for PTSD. I have plenty of my own issues to deal with…just don’t know how to achieve decluttering goals with different styles/needs as a couple. Also re: dog poop-I have noticed people sometimes are distracted especially if they have more than one dog or a dog/s running off leash energy . It wouldn’t surprise me if I missed picking up some poop-so I have a bag for karmic poop. Once a week I fill that bag with other dogs poop that I find in public spaces.

[@annamoon023]

Love this list! Not sure about the form over function… If it’s not pretty, I won’t use it - so it must be BOTH !! And I need a 30 day shopping rule in the opposite direction - as a time limit!! lol 😂 I will procrastinate and drag purchasing an item forever - researching it, etc - when I should buy it or move on.

[@ThinKtakeNotes]

Enjoyed this video very much! Love the clarity and speaking and just well done. Been taking notes on decluttering, i try to listen to the videos on Decluttering while I clean and work around the house to keep me going. I have a question though? Thrift shopping and sales shopping is a kryptonite for me but I am trying to apply the one in and one out rule on better basis. Its hard to let stuff go, but if its not doing me any purpose then their isn't really purpose. The whole I will use it later, and later never arrives lol. Its definitely fun to make more space, but to not fill that space is the challenge.

[@lorip1435]

Your comment about people cleaning up their dog's poop, got you a Thumbs up.

[@AtoZenLife]

😉👍

[@claudiadietrich1745]

The one touch rule rally word, especially with doing the dishes and putting them away.

[@sjaanwilkinson7644]

I love your channel, and find your tips and information super useful. On a side note, would you be open to sharing your skincare routine? Your skin looks amazing.

[@Iceland874]

I wait 6 weeks to 6 months before buying larger items. Great video and very heloful.

[@twright1828]

Such a good video. Really hit me when you mentioned the clutter that is below the surface. Thank you for sharing.

[@tanyawalker1673]

Wow, I love the way you think. Thank you for this excellent video. I love how succinct you are too.

[@DaylePrice-NahaniWayPS]

Love your channel, which has inspired me to declutter! Can you PLEASE tell me where you got your dining room set? I really like those chairs!

[@staycehale5903]

# 1 The Poop Rule # 2 The One Touch Rule # 3 The Iceberg Rule # 4 The Rule of Equivalent Exchange # 5 Function before Form # 6 Benjamin Franklin Rule # 7 The 30-Day Rule # 8 The “Use it or lose it” rule # 9 One in One out Rule #10 The 5-Minute Rule

[@tracib2133]

Your videos inspire me so much. I love how open you are about your story.

[@gloriayouchisonbrown7734]

Marissa, great content, you have changed my way of thinking about decluttering ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and always happy to have you here, Gloria!