10 Simple Mindsets to Help You Let Go of Things!

[@KaranasticRap]

The other day a guest jokingly asked if I had been a victim of robbery because my house seemed empty. He wasn't used to seeing clear spaces on walls and floors. If something doesn't bring enjoyment or serve a purpose, then it's only a burden.

[@angelabolivar1481]

Agree.

[@sabrina_vegan_minimalist]

A friend came to my place for the first time and said "If a burglar came to your place, he would leave you some money and a note to buy something nice for yourself". It was an empty place for her, but to me it seems perfect because in my home there are only nice things and some empty space to embrace tranquility.

[@gaylathrom]

I get that too…or did you just move in? Waiting for your stuff to arrive 😂

[@TimelordUK]

I get "are you moving out? Where's all your stuff?' To which I reply, "This IS all my stuff "

[@camillaholst7321]

😂 that is so funny...

[@thecozyconstellation]

when getting rid of possessions think of it as a sculptor cutting off the bits that are not needed for the final sculpture. if you keep everything, you're a chunk of rock. when you remove what you don't need/use/like anymore, you are becoming a work of art!

[@gloriaincalifornia1911]

Great analogy!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

@@thecozyconstellation I love that way of thinking🥹

[@monnomneteregardepas5272]

Thanks for everything Aki 🥰 I'm in a very hard part of my life right now, living in a very unsafe city, praying all the time to get out of it. Your videos are one of the only things that make me feel better, less heavy inside. I watched a looooot of them recently, and I'm on my way to take back my own life in my hands. I eat healthier things, eat less, started exercising, enjoying calm moments, got rid of plenty of unnecessary items, put order in my house and donated a lot in the last month. I even lost the weight I gained during the summer! I feel more and more empowered and calm. You really help me push through this and keep motivation Thanks a lot 🫶

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Arigatou!! I really appreciate you! Comments like yours are the reason I keep going on KZbin. Let’s live our best life together!

[@judymiller323]

May you find peace and safety until you relocate🙏🏻

[@artofjayashree]

Hope you have relocated 🥺 I pray God to help you during tough times

[@Laraigneee]

Je te souhaite de vite pouvoir vivre dans un bel endroit. Jusque l’an dernier, je ne me rendais pas compte que ma maison rendait ma famille malade. Une suite de catastrophes nous a comme poussés vers la sortie. Aujourd’hui, nous avons un appartement spacieux et dégagé et presque tous nos problèmes ont disparu. Je passe ces quelques jours de fin 2024 en visite familiale dans un quartier délabré et dangereux et je mesure la chance que j’ai de ne pas y demeurer. L’environnement a un pouvoir extraordinaire sur nos corps et nos esprits. Je te souhaite d’en avoir un beau en 2025. 🥰

[@monnomneteregardepas5272]

@Laraigneee merci beaucoup 🥰

[@HomeCanner]

My family has a history of hoarding disorder. I saw myself going down the same path, but I found a solution. Take pictures of those items!!! I am 60...I had my old tricycle, rocking horse, etc. from years of stuff. I found that taking pictures of those items, then letting them go, is SO freeing! I still have a picture of the item, which makes it easier to remember if I feel the need to. It is also a way to show that "memory" to others. Now I DO have a fairly large box of pictures, but it takes up a LOT less space than the original items.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Taking pictures would be a great idea!!

[@seraphimcelestial132]

I do the same thing. Once, i went to Good Will thrift store and saw a little girl picked some old stuffed animals, she hugged them happily while her mom shop around old clothes. Low income people need them. I rather share my old unused stuffs with them than letting stuffs got dust in attic.

[@ginadelvecchio9135]

Great idea! I have the same problem with my family. Thanks for sharing this! 😊

[@sl4983]

Almost exactly the same here!

[@jonmclaughlin4128]

The idea of gifts not belonging to the giver has come up often recently. It is a good reminder for me that when I give a gift, it is no longer my posession, it is theirs and I had better be ready for them to do whatever they like with it and throw my expectations out. Otherwise, instead of something nice, I have given out an obligation.

[@martianrobber]

One of the things I let go of was all of my artwork from art school. I took photos to document it, but I felt like I wouldn't move forward with my creativity unless I got rid of that old baggage. It was a great decision.

[@Maryam.A95]

I like the idea of donating clothes and things you don’t use or need to, because there are so many people some where in the world who might need them.

[@catfish9539]

I think when you talk about empty space being cold and un inviting. Many western minimalist houses do look cold and clinical where as Japanese minimalist don’t usually have start white walls and have warm natural wood tones and light floor or tatami mat colours. The warm tones make it more inviting and tranquil.

[@sebumpostmortem]

My brain will never fit these mindset (or vice versa?) and I' ve tried it several times with the help of professionals. Unsuccessfully, needless to say. I' m a ballet dancer so I deeply understand the meaning of practice practice practice, repeat repeat repeat! Am I always here watching your videos? Yes. Do I expect that some day, one of your sentences will make a click on me? Yes. Am I suffering from anxiety whenever I see footage of you getting rid of thing? Yes, I just can' t breath. I' ll keep on trying, never say never. Thank you🖤

[@Simplepooneh]

Every morning, I play your videos for my mom when we eat breakfast and enjoy your way of life. Everydau we promise to change our life style in Tehran. Thank u. Blessings🌷

[@SamuraiMatcha]

@@Simplepooneh Arigato🥰🥰🥰

[@chinarasultan729]

Your mood also give me joy and peace

[@AM-bm2xw]

My 6 & 8 year old boys ended up watching this with me this morning, just by chance, and the difficulty getting rid of gifts resonated with my 8 year old. Another lovely video!

[@TaurusMoon-hu3pd]

7:35 I look at it like it is a waste of money if it is not being used. It is money wasted. If it is donated, and the item is used again, the money was well spent. 😊

[@ppnovoir]

I really like the last mindset: an empty space deserves respect. I have two sides: craving for letting things go so I can be a free person and craving for things that show me my identity, that I'm not a 'robot' because sometimes my brain thinks the empty space has to have a visual representation of my personality. ie the phase "out of sight, out of mind," I won't be able to remember my ridiculous amount of creative projects if I didn't keep them out in the open and then my heart suddenly craves everything to be out of my life. It's a simultaneous feat and a draining one. I'm still in the middle of finding the right amount of display with so much trial and error. Wish me luck!

[@BrickTemplar]

This summer I decided to let go of the whole bag of clothes I wear once a year tops. Your video of how you realised that your coat is nice but you are not going to wear it often or at all, inspired me to let go of the clothes I didn’t really need anymore.

[@dianeyoung8068]

I think all the mindsets can be helpful at different times in life. As an older person now, I have sentimental photos, cards, notes and quotes, journals, etc. as I sort I realize that I have fully assimilated whatever I needed from holding on and I can let go of many things. I also really resonate with how weighted items can pull down the energy in a room. Space and a clutter free environment is so important and something that I would have benefited from as a young mother, now I understand. I could never stay on top of it all no matter how hard I tried. Everything you mentioned is a piece of wisdom that I am sure will help others.🙏

[@sabrina_vegan_minimalist]

Aki, you’ve perfectly captured the challenges that arise as you dive deeper into your minimalism journey. The initial phase of decluttering is tough, but once you get into the flow, it becomes easier until your space feels less cluttered. At that point, using your strategies becomes essential. I love your videos-they’re not only helpful but also incredibly calming. Thank you so much!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you sabrina-san! Your comment made my day:))

[@hubey]

Fantastic presentation, your personality really does shine through the more you let go. One thing I realised for myself was that prioritising attachment to memories, was saying to myself that my past is more important than my present and future. Effectively that made me think and feel that the present moment and my future had no value, and that kept me stuck. That wasn't living, it was just being a nostalgic zombie. With a liberated perspective, our best years are still to come. And that is made by a clear environment supporting a clear mind.

[@Equinella]

Well said. Thank you for the additional inspiration, encouragement and support.

[@EllenObrock-gs4tq]

I’m re-establishing my wardrobe. It’s not “country” but it’s functional. It’s not expensive but it’s classic. It is comfortable and yet is coordinated. I have very nice clothes that just don’t look right on me anymore. I’m ready to embrace the present 💝 and let go of the past. Here I go!❤

[@aquietwild]

A great video filled with fresh points. I love that you mentioned physical weight. When I moved into a van 5 years ago I obviously let go of all my furniture, and I love the literal lightweight feeling of being furniture-free. No more clunky dressers and mattresses and bed frames to struggle with on moving day. Even paper books; my collection is now digital and weightless.

[@aquietwild]

Also, hope you’re feeling a bit better mood-wise Aki 🫶🏼

[@tambooks]

Hi. I have been on a downsize/declutter path for a couple years now. All of your videos are helpful and lovely. This one was really a perfect list of concepts. Thanks!

[@andyseager5779]

Yay! Great video. My son and I watch your videos all the time. In fact, you’ve really inspired him to let go of unnecessary clutter and pursue a simpler, more authentic lifestyle. You’re such a genuinely kind and lovely person . Thank-you for all your hard work!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

I'm flattered.haha but thank you so much!! Thanks to you I can keep making my videos. Arigatou!

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Aki, thank you for sharing! Empty space… I need it for dancing, doing yoga, stretching. Many years ago, I learned in a drawing class to draw not the things but the space between them and, miracle!, the things came through by drawing the empty parts. I need more of this empty space, it’s a circle and obviously a process which comes again and again, because in different ages we’ve different needs. Enjoy the autumn 🍂🍁🖌colors, autumn is the biggest painter of all times. Love, Monika❣

[@iroh9942]

I prefer these kinds of videos from you about minimalism and living with less. Looking forward to seeing more from you on minimalism!

[@MishaeAlvarado]

Your English has changed a lot since I started watching you. You're doing amazing! I remember you said you were working more on it in an older video. Keep up the good work tomodachi!

[@TaurusMoon-hu3pd]

3:50 I like to let things go/donate things because it lets other people have things too, and at a reduced cost Also, this may sound stupid, but having a neglected object in your home is not good energy. I would not want to be that object. Let it go where it may be loved. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sebastiki2]

i feel like your videos alone bring so much peace to me. Thank you for everything Matcha

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Aww thank you!!

[@sannitaalikka]

Greetings from Finland! Thank you for your channel, you're so positive and happy and it makes me feel happy too :)

[@elJaseena]

Actually in Islam we know everything we own will be ask for accountability in the day of judgement, so don't buy unnecessary stuff obviously a good practice 👍 also donate your stuff to people will gain rewards so this kind of video really align with Islam ❤

[@susanneekelund1309]

This is my cup of tea - thank you so much for all the videos you share! They are so uplifting! 💫💚🇸🇪

[@lalad2943]

Thank you for your positivity and enthusiasm, and in sharing your Japanese culture. I feel like in some way I've tapped into the fountain of youth watching your videos. Truly you enabling the world to live happier more peaceful lives.

[@miamar5694]

I love the ❤❤❤ the way you are presenting this !!! Makes the process less painful. Your voice is also very soothing.

[@DJ_Zing]

I just went through this by getting rid of keepsakes from my travels. But they were in a box that I'd rarely open. I realized i didn't need to open the box for the memories of those travels!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

That's right! You'll never forget if it is precious memories:)

[@videowatcheriAlberta]

I am working on being an essentialist and these mindsets will help me. Thanks.

[@frihya]

I had covid three times, lost 40% of my memories. Things that I kept helped me to recover some of the memories I had. Now I record as much of my life as I can to be able to preserve memories in one way or another. I took photos, bought myself some big cloud storage and I keep everything digitally. Sometimes having things physically is not that bad.

[@kaydixie5727]

This is a marvelous and unique approach to letting go of things! And thank you for your honesty in admitting that there can sometimes be de-cluttering mistakes.

[@celinefederici6951]

Like you said decluttering and letting go is an ongoing process because one day we are not willing or able to give something away yet a few months later, one is wondering why they kept it. Padam, padam is the beginning of an ancient Sanskrit sutra...it begins ...Step by step and that is how decluttering goes.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Yeah! That's right! Padam padam! I love that!

[@Ursulada]

His way is so gentle 😃 I love his channel

[@brodyanderson9339]

The empty space respect is very true. Many people I know feel that the space must be filled. The space looks nice, but can be very overwhelming, too busy looking. I have also thrown things out and went looking for them later. But, it helped me to focus on what I kept.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you:)

[@LA-wv7gf]

As a decades long minimalist, you did a great job sharing with others the points that many of us have gone through. Great job!

[@tpriestess]

I love your light and encouraging energy!!! Thank you for your work!!! I am inspired!

[@TimelordUK]

So much content in this video. You always seem so positive and happy. I try to live intentionally and constantly review the 'things' around me. My apartment looks very minimal, however I do have a small storage cupboard which I'm not proud of! It contains a lot of stuff that I don't feel I want to get rid of but it's stuff I rarely use. Mainly, books, dvds, board games, jigsaws, a spare bicycle I haven't used for 3 years, and ten years worth of paperwork and tax records for my business. I don't want to get rid of this stuff, but it does play on my mind.

[@lachaudchristine]

C'est en effet merveilleux d'alléger sa vie le plus possible en ne conservant que ce qui est indispensable ❤

[@idaallen2252]

I moved to a small apartment and got rid of most of what I had in storage - including my wardrobe - I even started using multifunctional cookware - I feel so much lighter mentally, emotionally and physically.

[@maryloubusuttil3448]

Thankyou for your videos I wait for your videos every Saturday 😊, I am learning to let go of things I don’t need and they just cause clutter not easy as for myself and more so as a parent makes even more clutter to get rid of.. but slowly getting there. 🙏💕

[@Justno-hm3vk]

Thank you for this video. What really struck me was the need to declutter not just once, but to have it be an ongoing process. ❤

[@marileediamond8925]

I'm trying to do this right now! Glad KZbin suddenly suggested this video, its very helpful !! TY!

[@maryannlandayan2111]

I love watching you learning lots about positive living

[@happychan9799]

Although my room and life are still a mess, your channel always gives me hope. Thank you.

[@LondonGal73]

One of the best decluttering videos I have seen🥳

[@libusekarich6244]

Awesome video and tips. I have been struggling but am so ready now. I love your beautiful home and lifesryle!

[@Peachfaerie]

Marie Kondo ❤ "Does it spark Joy?" Marie also thanked things before letting go❤

[@taunmarc88]

Thank you for another great video, I’m currently trying to let go of sentimental collections of toys that I bought as an adult! It’s hard going but videos like this really help so thank you 🙏

[@0ia]

So fun! Money and Things are separate was my favorite. I like valuing the thing for what it is, not a price tag.

[@allegrosotto2126]

I visited a new friend recently who is house sitting and walking into this really cluttered house felt horrible! It helped me realise how minimal I have become 😀

[@Lisa-s7x]

❤love your wisdom. My house needs a detox. You are inspiring for me. 😊 gratitude from Canada

[@ВераПолевнева]

Thank you, Aki-san. Stay safe and healthy.🍁🙏🍁

[@agoogleuser4356]

I agree. I have to get to it. 1/4 of my living room is marked to-go but I haven’t moved things on.

[@emilyfox2072]

This video is so helpful! Mahalo for teaching us so many useful things! Love your channel. It's so positive and full of value!❤❤❤

[@calvin.somerville]

Aki your tea ceremony kimono is so beautiful! I love it so much!

[@tukitoria01]

Hi Aki! Thank you for sharing all the things you share, I can easily relate to you as we have a similar life experience. I always learn new ideas from your channel and I really appreciate it!

[@karenbee1898]

While I do like my collections of things, I do have an abundance of useless "space takers" that need to go so my "space keepers" have room to breath...your videos are inspiring.

[@hazeldavis3176]

I'm an 'extreme' minimalist, but have recently noticed a wee bit of 'fluff' I needed to declutter lol Your video was very helpful in providing the charge to get started. Thank you!

[@owenmcfadzen8170]

Loving all your videos. Please keep making many more and reliving some of the old ones. What brand are your summer pants? And your lovely kimono style cardigan/jackets? ❤

[@NewYorkerinLondon7]

Right on time. Thank you. 👌🏽✨

[@ethyleneethylene5]

Thanks for the inspiration.❤❤❤

[@DAngeloDino]

Your work is great, sense of humor and useful information. Thank you!

[@leikkivaki7909]

Just found your channel Aki and it's a source of inspiraation! I really have to go through my extra stuff. And did you know that Aki is also a Finnish male name. Arigato.

[@HeatherRose879]

I love your videos. You're one of my favorite KZbin creators. Thanks so much for all that you share. ❤

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for watching my channel:)))

[@nariu7times328]

Hello Aki, the way you describe these things, your positive view, cheerful encouragement, they are really helpful. I am not cleaning out closets yet, I am learning to live with poor health and learning to let go of things I can no longer do. Thinking of it as a grand experiment, finding my true self, respecting empty space, letting go of heavy things - I am able to adapt these to the changes in my life. I love your videos, thank you for making them. I feel like you are talking to just me, encouraging me, telling me things will be ok. Arigato gozaimasu

[@helenak.7646]

You are so inspiring! I like the number 10 a lot: respect the empty space. I will go and put my summer shoes in order right away!

[@Voztec]

love tour videos, learn so much

[@jameserwin3734]

Thank you so much for this interesting video. I have clutter nearly everywhere. It will take courage to let go of so much!

[@melongai2902]

Thank you so much🙏

[@id1346]

I've struggled with this for years, I've tried lots of methods. Thank you so much for finally letting me find good psychological motivation to get rid of things. 🙏

[@PixelMystic8]

Thank you for this knowledge. I really appreciate your videos.

[@olajj9788]

Thank you so much for your videos, so inspiring!

[@anniecochrane3359]

I was particularly penetrated by 'objects and memories are two different things' and could immediately feel how this enables me to let go things that used to belong to my parents when they were alive. But every mindset is really meaningful.

[@barbarabenz2025]

Thank you 🙏 I need to hear you many times, hope to learn it. You respect the “collector”, items, memories and the empty space. Great!

[@debbiesedgley100]

Great video Dawn! And thank you for continuing to inspire!! 🙏🏻😊❤

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Yeah:)

[@FlyingJustToFall]

Thanks Aki. U always bring great content

[@b.l.wilson9724]

Thank you. I needed this today. I’m decluttering and selling my things in a flea market booth. I have been holding things back because my heart loves them when I truly should let them go. Also, for the past 10 years I have been STUCK and I believe it solely comes from being surrounded by all of this stuff. I would love to solo travel in a van. I could have been doing just that but alllll of this stuff has been holding me back. Again, I needed this video in this moment.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Aww thank you for your kind comment!!

[@ChrisEmigh]

Aki, this is a great video. Clearly presented, friendly and informative. There is much wisdom here. Thanks for sharing this. It surely is a great place to start.

[@matttcameron_]

I was hanging on to two jackets i bought a few years ago because they were expensive, and i still really likes the style. But they were too small now so i never wore them. Recently I ended up giving them to a friend so theyre no longer taking up space, and i still get joy knowing a friend gets to use and appreciate them now.

[@sorrelgossert6976]

Yeah, that's difficult for me...letting go of the past. But, i hear what you're saying ❤

[@isaacabraham613]

Love your videos. Yes, if you need an object to remember an experience or a person, then they’re not worth remembering.

[@ninephaseartworks69]

Greetings from the USA . I wanted to say to you thank you for bringing joy into my life .

[@NyanMeovv]

‘Tis the season Aki teaches us to let go and declutter, hopefully my struggle ends this year 🥲❤️

[@theodorelux]

I shared your video with my mother and she loved it! Wishing you more success and KAIZEN! Thank you for your videos!

[@farahalzeibak6209]

I love how cheerful you are 😊 you give me energy ❤

[@myteric117]

It's only a 12 minute (+) video, but I had to stop after #1. This will take some time to digest. So, great work & thanks for sharing.

[@annuschka5345]

Thank you. Great video ❤

[@Bigdogsgowoof]

You have helped motivate me to downsize on my belongings, i feel so much peace. Thank you 🙌🏼♥️

[@TaurusMoon-hu3pd]

Beautiful video. Thank you. ❤

[@JB-1234]

Great video, No. 9 really resonated with me.

[@MaritaGutierrez-iv7wp]

You really make my day! Thank you so much! ❤ Im very happy thanks to you

[@karenh8752]

Love your wisdom from experience and love your voice! From the United States ♥️♥️♥️

[@Hanivean]

You are solving each of my issues. Appreciate.

[@zenmonk3]

Love you Samurai Macha you are awesome

[@ЕкатеринаСоловьева-ч9ц]

Aki, this is so good and helpful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!❤🎉