10 Types of Clutter + How to Get Rid of It | How to Declutter

[@aquietwild]

I like that you provide options beyond throwing something out. When we bring an object into our lives we should also be responsible for their entire lifespan including a sustainable end-of-life.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Wendy! I completely agree with you!

[@ShipCreek]

👍

[@clairejackson1865]

Terracycle! Look them up

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

I had two shirts & a pair of jeans that I was taking to t he Goodwill! I passed a resale shop & went back to see if she would buy them from me! She told me she could only give me $7.50 for all three (they were all new worn once). I asked her IF she could give me more if I traded for something she had in the store? She said YES! She had an AB machine (I had been looking for one) asking $30.00 for it. I traded my things for the AB machine & gave $10.00 for the for the machine (in excellent condition)! We both were happy!!!! An example of what might be done!!! xxoo, Judie

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is an amazing strategy, Judie! I wouldn't have thought to barter but it is clear that it has a time and a place!

[@ptolemystoned]

A note on donating expired food: I used to volunteer at a large food bank, and we accepted "expired" cans (that were in good condition, etc.) because the expiration date on the can is not the true expiration date of the product (just like the difference between "sell by" and "eat by" dates on other foods). A lot of food banks get food from grocery stores that are past their sell by date but are still safe to eat. Check with your food bank though, because different types have different rules.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for sharing this! I didn't know that information!

[@nikkil764]

I read an article where a representative from the food industry explained that the dates were not based on science or any studies. Most manufacturers just use a general time period like 2 years. It really has no relationship to actual deterioration. So donation should be fine since donated items will be used quickly.

[@lyndamorris8463]

Donate books to local senior centers. Donate womens & childrens clothes and toys to a battered womens shelter. They also sometimes take make-up and toiletries

[@greenkitty82]

lynda morris yes the idea in general is that we only buy things we need and will truly value, but we should for the good of the planet wherever possible, give our things to other people and buy second hand clothing. That way we keep real control of what we are buying and then are not wasting so much of our precious time decluttering. Too many people buy on impulse (and that includes very expensive designer items) but even though people do buy what they need at the time, eventually they grow bored of it, hence hoarding and more consuming so it's a two way battle.

[@alexvidu4517]

Thanks for the Video clip! Forgive me for chiming in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you tried - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a good exclusive guide for decluttering your home without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my cousin got astronomical results with it.

[@freefallingintograce4634]

Thanks for a great video. Just to add to your repurpose list, hairspray removes ink marks from all fabrics, including chairs, couches and clothes. It works like magic - simply dissolves them before your eyes, and all you have to do is gently rub the spot with your finger after spraying it

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for the tip! :)

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Wow! Great tip!!! With a high-spirited 5 year old son in my home, I definitely needed your tip!!! Thanks! Happy New Year!!

[@freefallingintograce4634]

Aww. Thanks. So glad. Years ago, I sat on an office desk, which had a tiny pool of RED ink on it, and it got smudged all over my WHITE pants. I was mortified. One of my colleagues got out her hairspray bottle like a ninja and sprayed the spot, and it dissolved completely in seconds. I wore my favourite pants for 5 more years and have been a believer ever since. Just used it on my leather journal and discovered that it works on leather too without taking off the colour. Happy New Year to you as well!

[@keshakellogg5995]

Thank you!! I have ink marks all over with my 4-year-old, even on my leather purse. I'm excited to try it!

[@theclumsyprepper]

Great video Sarah, a note on recycling used clothing though - it's estimated only 1% of clothes gets recycled. They used to be shipped to Africa where people would bulk buy them and sell what they can at the local markets but with the rise of fast fashion the quality is so bad that most of those countries banned imports of second hand clothing so if you donate really worn out items they are very likely going straight into landfill anyway. I used to volunteer for a charity shop and was shocked when I saw how much clothing was binned. Donating rags to charity only creates more work for volunteers, unfortunately, as no one is going to benefit from them. Either repurpose them yourself or put in the bin.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Anna! The numbers I had found were not that low, but I haven't ever worked at a charity shop to see how much is not actually used. Thank you for sharing!

[@theclumsyprepper]

@@AbundantlyMinimal We were told by management to put the fast fashion brands, like Primark, straight into the bins because they were so cheap and the quality just wasn't there. Also no towels, nobody wants second hand towels so donating them doesn't make much sense as they go straight into the bin as well (health & safety). I'm a big believer into using them up and simply not replacing the excess when they wear out.

[@Siures]

Yeah, really sad... It also depends on the region, but rags are not recycled here but mostly burned because there are so much. I try to reuse them myself, but there are some I have no use for (jersey linens with holes in it...) But at one point you have to simply get rid of them. And it is kind of Ok, if you are buying with care.

[@gr57mb]

Excellent advice and information! You mention so many options and ideas that other declutter videos don't. Keep up the good work.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Phyllis! That was my goal! :)

[@sarahgiggles9444]

I really love your whole approach on this channel. Your advice feels so relatable and approachable and like it can be actually implemented in my home. Thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Awww, thank you so much for the kind words! I am so happy that the advice is helpful!

[@jeanmurray7670]

Old t-shirts make excellent baby wipes as well!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is great to know!

[@randomyoutubeperson6954]

Thanks again Sarah: I just got my 7 and 4 year old children to choose some toys to donate: and am tackling the rest of the house. I have so far donated approximately 85 % of our things: and am hoping to be able to sell the remaining (some of the bigger items I have done so already) to hopefully get a little cash back. This Video was extremely useful and motivating ✅

[@ShipCreek]

👍

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I think it is so wonderful that you are getting your children involved in the process! You guys have been on a roll! Keep up all of the great work!

[@MSKCCooke]

Also, I just watched your "closest thing to a before" video from December '15. The progress you have made in less th than 3 years is phenomenal!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much! Whenever I watch that video back I am always stunned that I lived that way for so long!

[@kimberlyheinz4490]

Another great option is having a garage sale. I have sold so many things at garage sales and even gotten my money back from what I spent purchasing them second hand. Kids items especially!

[@themeievent]

Can't wait to get the decluttering done at home. Your tips will definitely help on the way. Awesome vid!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yay! I wish you the best with your decluttering!

[@alexandra109]

Great video. Would love to see how you set up your Amazon account and selling tips. It seems overwhelming. Also more tips on how to sell other items online, what sells good where, how to price your items, etc.

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Yes!! I definitely need help figuring out Amazon or other online selling services!

[@kathiesweeney3083]

I would also like to see a video on steps to set up Amazon account to sell

[@LutherLeonard1]

Wow, very helpful and thank you. 👍🏼 I have used Letgo to sell some items and think its a great alternative.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Luther! I'm glad to hear that!

[@sandrafromscotland]

Hi Sarah. Thank you for your time & effort creating your videos. I've donated books & DVDs to the library, they get the benefit of adding to their shelves for free and you get the benefit of borrowing them without storing them, if you really want to read or watch again! As a user of conditioner as a shave cream, it works just fine! I've also used coconut oil before! Food for thought (excuse the pun!) on keeping a note of the food that's going to waste & not buying it again. I'll remember you saying that when I'm going to buy too many carrots!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Hi Sandra! You are very welcome! That is great to know that the conditioner hack works well!

[@TrishasCrazyLife]

One thing I do to repurpose old worn out towels. I cut them down into cleaning clothes. To clean just about everything. When washing the car with them I just throw them out after because they get so dirty

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is a great tip, Trisha! Thank you for sharing!

[@belssage]

Animal shelter

[@SRfive2O]

Ditto!! So helpful! The other half of my old towels become my pups wee wee pads. Just wash to reuse.

[@michelewaterman2890]

Your video is really intelligently put together with forethought and consideration.

[@pipersecretp3]

I love the app DECLUTTR for selling back CDs/DVDs/Books without having to deal with individual buyers on Amazon.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for sharing, Emily!

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Thanks!!! My husband has a box set of The West Wing that he has really wanted to sell and didn’t know how. We really appreciate that app information

[@kimberleebrooks-trakis9563]

I would like to say 2 things: #1. I have been the recipient of five- year -old expired food cans, when you go to the food bank, they may tell you that you can only go every two or three weeks. I had two children that I would not have given expired cans that were more than a few months out of date. Thankfully, those "days of starvation " are way over, I made it out of school, and now make a very good income. This brings me to #2. I work at a mental health hospital. People most often dont think to donate to their local mental health facility, but that is where many homeless people seek shelter. Many children are mentally ill and also come from homes that can not provide for them. Please, please, please, encourage everyone to take their socks, underwear, t-shirts, pajamas, sweaters, shirts, pants, shorts, to their local mental health facility. PLEASE !!!!!! Also toys and games (not video).

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for sharing your insight, Kimberlee! I must admit I had not thought about a mental health facility as a donation center, so I appreciate you raising awareness of this issue.

[@ambeegaming76]

I have expired cans of soups I buy them when they go on sale for .50 by the flat and tend to buy a 3-5 YEAR supply and would never be so uptight as to not eat a can of FREE food just cuz of the date. If its dented, deformed or rusted that's different but just cuz of the date that's just being petty.

[@dianeyoung8068]

Thank you for this suggestion about the mental health facilities. Several months expired is one thing for canned goods, but getting sick from old food is very costly and not worth it. I think it is really irresponsible for food banks to hand out stuff that is that old.

[@marystone1526]

@@ambeegaming76 I don't see how it's petty not wanting to get sick. I've eaten spoiled food before, and trust me, the resulting food poisoning isn't something you'd like to go through. For poor people, it's even worse, for they usually don't have health insurance, so when they get sick from eating spoiled food, their risk of dying is even greater. Yes, there's the widespread misinformation that just because something is expired automatically means it's dangerous to eat. That isn't true at all, but that doesn't mean expired food is always safe to eat, either. It really depends on the food, how long it's been expired, and how it's been stored. Sadly, you can't always tell by smelling it and looking at it, either. So, please be careful with what you eat.

[@ambeegaming76]

@@marystone1526 Dates and the "Best Before" dates. If you aren't going to eat a can on April 21st that would have on the 20th just cuz you don't understand the difference between 'Best Before' and 'Bad' that's an intelligence issue. Any other reason just means you're petty.

[@cerridwenrowan]

Very useful and informative list. More comprehensive than others I have seen. Thank you ☺️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are welcome! I'm happy to hear that it was helpful!

[@maggie2936-q1m]

Very helpful. Thanks so much for the links. 😊

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are welcome, Maggie! I'm so happy it was helpful!

[@geneveiveharper]

Having leftovers of random or specific stuff can easily become problematic, so I make it a point to use all of something as much as possible. It's a simple concept, but it prevents SO much waste and disorganization.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love that! That is something we have done in the past as well!

[@AWanderingEye]

Wow, this is so comprehensive! One thing I try to do is save up glass jars then transfer my aging bulk pantry items in them. I can then 'gift' them to folks who will use them. I found facebook groups and trashnothing to help quickly find local folks who will take these. Only a matter of a photo, a post and then checking email/meet up/drop off. I live in a town with many colleges and some have their own food shelves.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you! That is a great hack for food items!

[@goldieff]

Check out the Buy Nothing project on Facebook and see if there’s a group in your area. This group allows you to post things that you are giving and also ask for things that you need. I’ve had great luck with it

[@wildminders2233]

Perfect timing Sarah 🤗 I’m literally surrounded by toys etc I don’t want in my daycare any longer and although it feels really good initially to pare it all down, I’m now looking around thinking WHAT/WHO/WHERE??? for all this stuff now?! 🤯😆

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@hellewindelv-lidzelius6998]

I just found your videos and I appreciate what you do a lot. It is really helpful. Hope okay to bring an idea for a new future video forward: What if there a children in the house that we also have to take into consideration when we (the adults) want to declutter /sell/donate inherited items? How to navigate among ones own decluttering process and the children’s potential wishes concerning the items you want to pass on? My situation: My husband and I have four children together (aged 2-16 at present moment). We want to declutter (a lot), and have inherited items from my grandmother to be looked at. And further my parents are about to move out of my childhood-home, where they have lived for more than 50 years. They generously want to give a lot of their items to my older brother (who has no children) and I. So again my question/request for a video about this is: how to declutter in inherited belongings when there more people than yourself but also future generations to take into consideration in your house? I think you mentioned that you do not yet have children yourself, but maybe you can share your thoughts on this topic anyway or have people in your minimalist network to ask about this subject. I would love (and need) a video from you about this, if you find it relevant yourself. I assume many of us here on your channel will recognise this situation or similar. Thank you!

[@wildminders2233]

Dawn at The Minimal Mom is an expert at this... and of course Joshua Becker who has written a book on the subject. It might be fairer on Sarah for you to get their insights instead of her second guessing x

[@stephanyfaycohen3842]

Fantastic and very helpful video. Many thanks.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Stephany!

[@pault4249]

thanks for the midi tutorial. i’m seeing strange behavior with drum groups on the KO. if i assign a midi channel/note on a kick, snare, etc on the KO, i can manually play sounds in an ableton drum rack, but a drum pattern on the KO plays a single note in ableton. have you tried this scernario?

[@AlexaLikes]

For a while, I used to get a lot of avon products which included creams with salicylic acid. I didn't really get facial breakouts at the time. Those creams don't need to be limited to the face. I didn't want them on my face actually - very picky about that. However, I was epilating/waxing at the time and to combat ingrows, I would exfoliate a lot. One of my blogger friends suggested using the salicylic acid creams for the legs on areas prone to ingrowns. Also... I mean, some of us suffer from backne (acne of the back) and you can use them up that way too.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for the great tip!

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Really??? Awesome tip, thank you!!! I have been trying to heal my skin and the one thing I just can't figure out is my ingrown hairs on my legs. Lol, sorry if this is tmi for some people! I just don't know what to do! I appreciate your tip!!

[@AlexaLikes]

@@Irishjay-gu5pb you have to be careful of stinging, so avoid doing it immediately after shaving, waxing or epilating. Other than that, it should help with damage control since it helps promote skin turnover. 😊 Happy to help.

[@sandraffreitas]

Great video as usual, Sarah! May I suggest a topic for discussion? What if an item brings joy but it is now useless? It seems that the minimalist lifestyle and the KonMari theories do no match. I believe that sometimes the "it sparks joy" can be a roadblock for many people during decluttering process, like "oh, I no longer need this item but I do like it". Your thoughts would be appreciated!

[@ShipCreek]

Dont let anyone dictate to you. You can totally and thoroughly enjoy a useless item. I do everyday. What I dont do is allow its friends to overwhelm me. Sometimes you arent ready to release something. Leave it. You may not ever be ready to release it. As long as you dont need to climb over it to get into your home, I dont see any problem. Last christmas holidays I released evening wear that took me 5yrs to release. 👍

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question, Sandra! I agree that it is totally fine to keep a useless item if it brings you joy! We definitely have a few items that are not as practical but I keep them nonetheless...your happiness is what matters most!

[@priscillajimenez27]

The Tshirt quilt option is genius!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad you like the idea, Priscilla!

[@JohnSmithh644]

also for mass popular books, many neighborhoods have "little free library" station outside where you can donate and or exchange some books

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love that idea, Elias!

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

I'm admiring your healthy looking plants. You look pretty In your blue shirt/dress? next to the greenery.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Laura! The plants are still fairly new but they are doing well! :)

[@David-cm4ok]

I'm admiring her healthy, heaving chest. She does look very pretty in blue.

[@kc1135]

David ew.

[@stamps4fungin]

I like that neckline better on you than the wide neckline you had in another video. I have sloped shoulders like you, and I am careful not to enhance them.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Your tips are so awesome! I’m going to check out how I can donate my old athletic shoes. Not only are your tips great, but I love seeing the tips of the other people commenting

[@Chariots1981]

Another very useful video. When I first got into minimalising through KonMari, I tended to recycle most clothing (priority was to get it out of my house). Now I sell to shops then recycle then toss. But now I'm thinking of trying to use old clothing as cleaning cloths or for polishing. Wish I had the patience to sell things, but rather just give to friends who can use them or donate. Repurposing things is another great option for many things. Electronics is my biggest problem because I have mainly very old models (e.g. iPod mini!!!) that I can't sell and have trouble finding places that will take them.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad the video was helpful! I do understand the struggle of wanting to get things out fast rather than waiting for them to sell!

[@sarahthatcher123]

Can you do a video about your compost bin? I have the tray system and I have so much trouble with fruit flies even though I do everything 'right' to prevent them.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

What a coincidence! Next Wednesday's video will be about ways to reduce food waste, and that is one of the key strategies I will be discussing! :)

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Great tip about electronic recycling

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you!

[@danielmankowski922]

It's great to know that you and Jake had a tough time decluttering your entertainment. For me, the hardest to give up were my albums (yes showing my age here!). I had collected so many, but also had little room. While I do miss them, the benefits of selling them definitely were worth it! Once again great video Sarah! I hope you are doing an anti haul video soon, need some inspiration before I do my last one of the year! 😊🙏

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks Daniel! And yes, an anti-haul video (but in an improved form) is coming in early November!

[@jennyhughes6597]

Hi Sarah, I like to donate things to our local Senior Citizens Center for their Chinese Auctions. It raises money to be used in the center and I know it goes for a good cause. And there is a disability center in town that I take craft items to for the clients to use in their art.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That sounds like a wonderful organization!

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Thanks! Great idea!!!

[@randomyoutubeperson6954]

Can’t help myself so there will be two comments today: Sarah this has came at just the right time: I’m feeling super overwhelmed at the next few months ahead of me: We’re moving early next year: and both my husband and I are having surgery that will limit our mobility (hows that for timing) so this next 3 weeks I urgently need to get as much done as I possibly can and am feeling overwhelmed!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm sorry to hear that you have been feeling overwhelmed, but am glad that the video was helpful.

[@randomyoutubeperson6954]

Thank you Sarah; your Videos are always a huge help to me! 🌸

[@rainygreymornings]

Lots of helpful tips, thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are very welcome!

[@dainahakes5748]

Love the tips and the plants!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Daina!

[@ShipCreek]

I may have been a little blasè in the past about what I brought home with me. But in the last couple of years Ive become very particular, knowing I have to deal with these things at the end of their life. So far Ive let in some mens cotton tshirts. (They're better quality than womens shirts and at least a 1/3rd of the price) a couple of pillow slips and some novels. Im a big reader and I like real books. But these days if I know I won't re-read a particular novel I pass it on pretty much immediately. Ive also learnt how to say NO to friends who want to unload their books on me😉 Im not a minimalist but there are a few areas in my home where you would think I was. Plus I love opening an empty drawer. Its odd I know but I get more satisfaction with the drawer being empty than when it was full.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I can totally relate to loving that empty drawer feeling! :)

[@ShipCreek]

+Abundantly Minimal 👍

[@MSKCCooke]

I think that does make you a minimalist to somw degree. It is a mindset and a journey!

[@ShipCreek]

+MSKCCooke 😊👍

[@lindam7518]

So true, at some point a item becomes an unwanted item. Life changes and our needs change.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Agreed, Linda! Thanks!

[@WeepingWillowkc2570]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@noelia6803]

Thank you for all the information...Donate books to the City's library too.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Noelia!

[@jessicalee3815]

I wish I had seen this video a year ago! Will definitely be using these tips moving forward. Thanks!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@sandipeterson3242]

Great information as always!! Love the addition of the plants:)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Sandi! I'm enjoying the plants a lot too!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Your link to The CD Recycling Center of America = ?

[@ittakesavillage5461]

Terracycle has been amazing for me as I downsize

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Terracycle is a great resource!

[@Haulventuras]

What is that???

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Sarah wow I really like your content you have some great points and tips. We also use old t-shirts & towels as rags. Oh by the way we also gather up scrap metal thats been laying around and take it to the scrap metal yard. you can make some extra money.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Cathy! The scrap metal is a great tip as well!

[@jaytee2642]

I have one twin bed and 5 sets of sheets for different seasons: Percale for summer T-shirt knit for between seasons ( not too warm, not too cool) Flannel for cool weather Medium weight fleece sheets for colder weather And thick fluffy fleece for Brrrr cold weather. It's just the way I roll.🤷‍♀️😄 I'll cut back somewhere else. 👍🏻😁

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

As long as you do what works for you, that's all that matters!

[@thebarky1988]

One suggestion is to look at food pantries in your area. Many accept clothing, food and jewelry. They also may accept canned food and other items. It’s a win win.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@isobelrigg5738]

Fantastic ideas, thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Isobel!

[@badroolshaw2638]

Another great video Sarah thank u

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Badrool!

[@janejones7638]

Good ideas.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Jane!

[@softfishy]

Just curious what price is the difference between deciding to sell something vs just donating it.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I try to think about the value of my time with photographing, listing, and then even shipping an item to see if it is worth it. I used to use $10 as a minimum amount, but these days since I am not selling as much I would probably use $20 as my threshold.

[@StitchingWithLove]

Really great ideas!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Leslie!

[@lynnrogersma79]

Where is the pdf guide, only see comments.

[@GloballyAware2]

Shoe boxes are sometimes needed at animal shelters too!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love the idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@caroleanndavis8255]

Drop off books at Little Free Libraries!

[@Haulventuras]

Where is that??

[@caroledavis5203]

@@Haulventuras ask about them at your local library. If there aren’t any near you maybe you could start one! They are a great way to re-home your books and share them with other readers.

[@TheShaveArcade]

I have almost 200 dvd/blu rays with out cases since we put them in cd binders. Now most places won't take them with out the case. Kind of stuck on what to do with them.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question! Do you no longer want them? If so (and depending on the types of movies you had), I bet there would be great to donate to a retirement home, community center, college or school, or some place where it would be helpful to have a collection of movies. I hope that helps!

[@TheShaveArcade]

@@AbundantlyMinimal pretty much everything that is now on Disney+ and some classics like the Rocky series

[@TheShaveArcade]

@@AbundantlyMinimal They are just collecting dust and hope to either sell or just donate.

[@ktrudy1]

Great ideas. I always donate😍

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Trudy Ann! Donating is great!

[@ktrudy1]

@@AbundantlyMinimal yes😍

[@MSKCCooke]

Thank you, Sarah. Something that we struggle with as people of your parents generation is CD's. Hundreds of them! Maybe even pushing 1000. I will admit I don't have a clue how to "download them" or "back them up" on any device to be able to listen to them later. I tried several years ago to add them to my iTunes, but they got stored on an old laptop that ran out of space, memory etc. And I just stopped.Any idea who I can turn to, to teach me options and solutions?

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is such a great question. I definitely understand the concerns of digitizing music but then switching devices or running out of space, etc. One question I have is how many you regularly listen to? Perhaps you could sort your CDs out based upon how much you like them or how often you listen to them. Perhaps you could make several piles or categories, CDs you listen to often, the ones you listen to sometimes, the ones you listen to very rarely, and the ones you don't remember listening to. Then, if there are some in the category that you don't actually listen to, those might be good candidates to dispose of. Just a thought!

[@cindybarrett6868]

Your local library may have classes on how to use electronic devices

[@JuliahistoryLover]

Exactly!

[@hsnhbo]

_What type of boxes did you keep when you buy something ? Did you keep phone's box, tv's box, etc.._

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question! In general, these days I do not keep boxes after making a purchase. However, when we were moving more regularly...between different apartments, etc, we did keep more boxes to make it easier when moving (and the spaces we were in were larger and had more storage space.

[@hsnhbo]

Only big boxes for moving purpose? Great idea. I'll consider that's to be my next habit.

[@seasonalliving2881]

I think I heard once that Goodwill will recycle old fabric or clothes that aren’t in good condition.

[@shellc3509]

When donating items ~ Give those items the best chance of further life by cleaning them well. Ie ; Shoes ~ clean soles & polish, electrical items with cords - clean them & fold up with rubber band. Imagine if you were to buy them. Respect the item you are donating & those who will buy them. 💕

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Love that!

[@michelewaterman2890]

In Oxfam actually take really worn and broken items of clothing and they are used to make other things. Most things have another use.

[@stamps4fungin]

I've always given old towels and wash cloths to animal shelters or veterinary offices. Does anyone know how to wipe a computer hard drive before donating or giving to friends? About to purchase new.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great place to donate those items! When I wiped a computer hard drive, I looked up some online tutorials about how to do it for my computer model, so maybe that could help?

[@romeoslover817]

Much of my stuff goes to relatives that can use it. Young people setting up first homes, clothing, etc. Homeless shelters, to convalescent homes, youth groups, churches, etc. ALWAYS CHECK WITH THESE PLACES PRIOR TO GIVING IT.

[@cherylward5315]

THANK YOU SO MUCH...

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are very welcome!!

[@sonyareed7909]

thank you so much...

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are very welcome!

[@jillmclean8626]

You must be in Chicago! Hi neighbor! :D

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yep, in the Chicago suburbs! :)

[@joeprete7424]

If those old Cellular Phones hold a charge, I'm pretty sure they will always work to call 911, so they may be useful to some people.

[@elizabethhamilton1166]

My friend uses an old flip phone as an alarm clock!

[@eloysuopunki7926]

All sorts of entertainment merchandise (band shirts, movie figures etc) are worth the effort in trying to sell them.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks!

[@Naanii77]

There are services (animal shelters, etc.) that will pick up your donations if you set a date to be picked up.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great point!

[@classicrocklover5615]

I like to keep 1 recent, functional "old" cell phone on hand. That way if I lose or destroy my current one, I can reactivate the old one. Most cell phone insurance plans can cost $4.99 or more per month, whether you use them or not. Then if you make a claim, there's a deductible of a few hundred dollars, and all you get is someone else's old phone, and not guaranteed the same model. If you have wifi, your old phone should work on that for free. There are many different apps that allow you to call or text for free via wifi

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is a great tip! Thanks!

[@joeprete7424]

@Abundantly Minimal ...Amazon charges $39.99 Per Month Plus Seller Fees! Do you actually find it worth that? Thanks, ...Joe

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

If you are selling a used item after clicking the "have one to sell button" on a listing, such as for a book, you can list it without the $39.99 charge. I believe that is for someone selling new items that they have manufactured.

[@joeprete7424]

@@AbundantlyMinimal Great, Thank You very much!

[@michellesunshinestar]

Good Will

[@michelewaterman2890]

Homeless shelters and hostels are usually very grateful for bedding and animal shelters and veterinary surgeries are grateful for towels. Please take used batteries to recycle bins in supermarkets or recycling dumps as they cause a lot of harm to the environment.

[@podcastbard]

Old cell phones have a vending machine at Wal-Mart where you can recycle and get money for old smart phones

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome to hear!

[@darklausal23]

You can also donate them to domestic violence centers, Cells For soldiers or other organizations.

[@kathryndalton9867]

It's a shame but 5 times I walked to charity shops with perfectly clean books who turned them away so I put on top of local bin outside there in hope someone might fancy taking them

[@dunia5063]

Hey Sarah. Do you remember me? I’m in 7th Grade. Your the 8th Grade blue team teacher.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Hello Dunia! Of course I remember you! Have a great summer!

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

I am actually thinking about my mum when I see this video. She decluttered some of her stuff but kept all of it in big boxes in her livingroom... They have been standing there for ten years now. I don't think she ever will get rid of them. I am horrified because one day I know I have to take care of all of her stuff. I wish she did at least a little bit of a Swedish death clearing because it is like she is hoarding and keeping things she does not even use or need. It worries both me and my sister but we do not manage to make her listen and let some stuff go. I feel it is very egoistic of her to not get rid of her own garbage. She will save the problem for us to deal with.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm sorry to hear this, Stina. Have you talked to your mum about it at all?

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

@@AbundantlyMinimal Yes so many times, but she always has reasons for not getting rid of the things. It is very important for her to get the right price, she does not know what it is worth and so many more reasons that I feel she wants the boxes and everything else to stay. She even told me she wants to be buried with some of it. I guess she was joking, but still... some truth in it I will talk to her again and again and so does my sister. But sometimes we just give up.

[@stephanied6711]

❤️❤️

[@stephanied6711]

I always give to family or friends and donate

[@emilybrooks4406]

I have journal clutter.

[@heathermiller3058]

We save our newspapers for a local kennel. They are always in great need for them. We only donate the regular paper, not the shiny glossy ads as those are not good for the dogs feet.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's great, Heather!

[@candyluna2929]

More people should go to an estate sale of people that have passed away

[@bent-roarhansen3972]

❤️

[@transformyourlyfe9085]

Clutter is something that takes space no matter how hard you try. So it is a continuous process to get rid from it. 😛

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Absolutely! One step at a time makes all of the difference!

[@kathryndalton9867]

I'd only be able to sell designer wear which I DON T buy

[@Michelle-xk9gl]

I have been living at Ronald McDonald House for 6 months, they except all kinds of things, just call and ask what they need.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for the tip, Michelle!

[@annetcell-ly4571]

You’re a good presenter - but my wish for all minimalist presenters is that they also use less words.

[@romeoslover817]

I forgot social services offices (welfare) and private services.

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🙂

[@mymyzie525]

This is good info. I wish it was not so long and wordy.

[@rosamunoz4625]

This was great, thanks, been searching for "how to organize your life and get rid of clutter" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Vanonnor Tenhloe Equalizer - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got great success with it.

[@aslrunner]

If you do decide to leave it at the curb, please only leave it out for a limited time and while the weather is permitting. No one wants moldy, wet furniture "decorating" their neighborhood for months on end and at that point it really has become trash and is of no use to anyone.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is very true! Thanks!