15 Little Changes You Can Make in Your Home to Help It Serve You Better

Does managing and maintaining your home cause you stress? If so, here are 15 easy ways to make caring for your your home less stressful.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Foundation.
1:38 - 1. Remove decorations that no longer inspire you.
2:13 - 2. Donate clothes you don’t love.
2:33 - 3. Reject the convenience fallacy.
3:15 - 4. Take down signs that don’t inspire a noble life.
3:47 - 5. Free up closet space.
4:09 - 6. Clear your dining room table.
4:39 - 7. Clean out your entertainment center.
5:05 - 8. Distinguish between minimizing and tidying up.
5:23 - 9. Pare down your beauty and grooming supplies.
6:00 - 10. Declutter duplicates.
6:34 - 11. Calm a space for reading.
7:06 - 12. Clear space for your car in the garage.
7:41 - 13. Tackle a junk drawer.
8:01 - 14. Set physical boundaries for your kids.
8:36 - 15. Count the “clutter cost.”

[@simini1837]

A very profound remark my husband once made after we visited the chaotic, not so clean and overflowing house of his old mother: i want a home that is small and empty enough so that I can manage it myself and not be dependent on others to help me. To me - as someone who has survived cancer but is still in fragile health - this is such a good point of departure. If you have less energy or you are growing old it's really convenient to have a simple life and overseeable home. It saves you a lot of time, energy and frustration!

[@EFN86]

Even if you have youth and energy on your side. It's much easier to have time for family, friends, and volunteer work/hobbies if you don't have a huge home to oversee.

[@simini1837]

@@EFN86 yes it is!

[@CrinaBucur]

Really wise! May you be in great health soon! 🙏

[@amandavify]

Why did you call your mother in law, his old mother?

[@mmp495]

Completely agree 💯

[@suzanneturley4433]

A junk drawer is the one thing that I refuse to have in my home. As a youngster, it was my job on a Saturday morning to tidy the ‘junk drawer’ which was fun to start with; then I both realised and worked out that every item belonged to somebody in our home. That’s when I changed the modus operandi. I sorted everything into piles as to who I thought it belonged to. Left each pile on each bed with a note which said ‘If anything in this pile does not belong to you, place it in the cardboard box that is on the landing, anything not claimed will go into the rubbish bin’. My parents took me to task for what I did, but eventually realised that it was the right thing to do. I’m nearly 70 and from that day to this, I have never had a junk drawer in any home that I have lived in. Motto: Don’t put it down. Put it away. 😂

[@kellywade8275]

You are awesome and was a badass youngster! Parents don't know the harm they cause to us children...Thank God I'm not a parent.🙏🏾

[@victoriajohnson3034]

My phone broke. A whole day without a phone. Read and entire book. First time I've done that in 15years. Learned i need a backup house clock. Was a great day! Also learned i need whole days i shut phone off and put in a drawer!!!!

[@ro.stan.4115]

15 ways to make your home less stressful: 1. Remove decorations that no longer inspire you. 2. Donate clothes you don't love. 3. Reject the convenience fallacy. 4. Remove signs that don't inspire. 5. Free up closet space. 6. Clear off the tables. 7. Clean off your entertainment center. 8. Distinguish between tidying and decluttering. 9. Pare down your beauty and grooming items. 10. Declutter duplicates. 11. Calm a space for reading. 12. Clear space 4 car in the garage. 13. Tackle the junk drawer. 14. Set physical boundaries for your kids. 15. Count the "clutter cost".

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Lol. Now I know there’s a phrase for that. I used to be so bad about “convenience fallacy.” Esp around cleaning.

[@MindyourMatters]

Thanks for this numbered list!

[@louannhuber2651]

If you get rid of old stuff you no longer wear or use and clean out the clutter of duplicates, you can get new stuff.😁 And still have more room to enjoy it.

[@kayo5291]

Not sure what is the purpose of a table if you arent allowed to put things on it.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@louannhuber2651 Yah. It helped me see that even tho I had too much “stuff,” once I cleared out the junk, I saw that I actually was lacking in some areas. I was just keeping a lot of old “useless dusties” I didn’t even like or want or need. I guess it’s the concept of “making room for better” Bcuz if we fill it all up with useless or mediocre junk, then there’s not enough room for the good stuff that really serves us better or that we just really like/enjoy. But for me mostly it’s just intention. Instead of operating from chaos and confusion, now working to operate with a lot more purpose. I found it ironic how all that junk was masking what was lacking and most needed. It’s like having ten thousand spoons when you really just need a knife. And you get lost in the the spoons (or just get used to making do with trying to cut with spoons and even if you had a great knife, you have trouble finding it. Or some folks ya know. Like me. I didn’t even realize I needed a knife-figuratively speaking, of course lol).

[@sonyaplinsky9319]

“Calm a space.” I like hearing calm being used as a verb.

[@juanitabaly2318]

❤😊

[@self4autism333]

Thankyou, I like hearing people talk about verbs.🦚🐾🐉🪴🌻⚘

[@ElsaVille]

@@self4autism333 I like that you like hearing people talk about verbs because I don't feel so alone!

[@Ominous89]

"How's life?" -"It's calming down."

[@danielled1720]

I love that you mentioned taking down noninspirring signs. The general ones are used for excuses because i used to do that. The personally insulting one to family members and yourself are just cruel. You are the first channel that I have heard to mention how destructive these negative signs are. Thank you for being a beacon towards finding happiness 😊

[@appleforever6664]

Moral of the story, throw your crap away and save your money. 😊

[@avenj4659]

True 😂

[@carriehebbelinck8188]

It never gets old Joshua , You give us permission to “ let go “ of the stuff we ponder every time we walk by it … you keep us on track and help us to live with intention in your “ non- preachy way .. I usually watched these twice ‼️🤩

[@rg-mi5hh]

So true! If the container is full, don't buy anymore. That could be a drawer, a closet, a room, etc.

[@vondrabejot9851]

Remove decorations that no longer inspire you Donate clothes you don't love Reject the convenience fallacy Remove signs that don't inspire. Closet clean Clear off the table. Clean off your entertainment center. Distinguish between tidying and decluttering. Pare down your beauty and grooming items. Declutter duplicates Calm a space Clear space for your car in the garage. Tackle the junk drawer. Set physical boundaries for your kids. Count the clutter cost.

[@ddd1dorin396]

Thx!

[@deborahpellerito6117]

👍

[@margareteraab3899]

Thanks for the list. I took a copy and printed it out. Very good video.

[@tgayer1]

I’m so thankful for you, and other KZbinrs...Dawn and Cas. My home is decluttered and organized, and I’m so proud of myself for keeping it that way with not too much effort. I’ve gained so much self-discipline.

[@debraraby4376]

Well done!

[@wilson9679]

The concept seems so simple, no nonsense. Once you start decluttering the process becomes emotional, maybe painful. Starting small trickles to the bigger tasks. Because I have a large garage I have become a depot for my siblings minamalist approach which frees up their own space but allows them to hold on from arms length. Shelf by shelf, container by container I’m eliminating. This stuff took years to accumulate so I’ve allowed myself time to sort, donate or throw away. Two generations of things, ends here!

[@nancie7487]

YOU GO !!!!!!

[@kimgordon3695]

Bravo😅

[@katherinepace7369]

I love that...does your home serve you, or do you serve your home? This is the question that caused us to recently sell our large family home and downsize. As empty nesters looking ahead to retirement, we didn't want to spend all of our time and money to maintain our home. We are now in a smaller place that I feel serves us, rather than the other way around! Thanks for your content. I recently found you and am enjoying watching your videos.

[@MySweetSammy]

"Clean off your entertainment center"

[@shiningstar1869]

Today I have been thinking about giving some of my precious houseplants away. I don't want to, I need to 😟 Due to physical illness it is too much for me to care for them all. I love being surrounded by God's creation. I have grown houseplants way before the houseplant craze (since 1987 🤗) This is my most difficult decision. I know I need to, but I don' t want to 😄

[@giennefarcais6834]

Well maybe think of the joy and pleasure they will bring to the people you give them to and be content with that? Hope you feel better.

[@angelacross2216]

I am facing this issue too. This year I’m going to pass on plants I’ve been keeping just because I’ve had them for a long time. I’m also going to consolidate similar plants into a single container to hang out together. If this plan doesn’t work they will have to go next year and bring joy to others.

[@Icon_of_Design]

Then don’t. Maybe it’s not the plants, but something else.

[@heatherburrill]

I hear that plants give you joy. Is there a way you can declutter some of your plants at a time until you have an amount you can manage? Instead of having none at all? Maybe have just a few but some paintings of plants behind those to give you that feeling of being surrounded by God’s creation. I am hoping that there is a creative way that can balance your current circumstances with that which you love

[@shiningstar1869]

@@heatherburrill Great idea. Thank you so much! 🌱🌞🌴

[@sallydee7725]

I have been mostly living this way the last few years. I had a hard time with giving away clothing, but I went and did it… I have 70% less clothing! Now my boyfriend and I both have room in our closet. We don’t need to upsize we need to declutter!

[@ddd1dorin396]

👍

[@mariamurphy1065]

What a great concept? “ is your house serving you ? “ I started decluttering three years ago when I first watched one of your videos. Thank you for changing my life 🙏

[@moniquejuteau3749]

I moved two days ago in a smaller place. Fortunately I started to declutter some years ago when I retired. I also got rid of many things during the last weeks. Well, I am still overwhelmed with some of the stuff I decided to keep! So I already started a box “Donate” and now it is full. These objects do not belong to the new home and my new life. Thank you Joshua for helping me in this long journey with your inspiring videos.

[@kimgordon3695]

💞 enjoy your new home! 🙋

[@poppymansoor2241]

You should share ypur thoughts how you decide what to let go I found it very difficult to decide what to keep

[@rosywilson3076]

I’m in the middle of moving house right now! The van seemed very full even though I aspire to be minimalish. I’m hoping to declutter more as I unpack so I’m left with just what I need 🤔

[@moniquejuteau3749]

@@kimgordon3695 Thank you very much! I love It!

[@moniquejuteau3749]

@@poppymansoor2241 It’s a long process. I stored many things (not sure to keep) in my home office and in my locker. Now that I have lived almost two months in my new condo, I see more clearly what stuff I’ll let go. Like my old golf shoes and clubs for example. I haven’t play for years. I must say goodbye to good old memories from different areas of my life. When I retired I brought with me many papers related to my work achievements. Now I don’t feel the urge to keep all of them. I am somewhere else physically and mentally. It’s funny but these things carry an energy that doesn’t belong here. So trust your feelings. It is hard at the beginning. But keep going, one step at the time. Bonne chance!

[@lovinglife3954]

Joshua you radiate the love and wisdom of God without ever mentioning him or your faith. Great advice.

[@carolethomas9943]

"calm a space" 🙌

[@heatherburch7697]

Although I embrace a minimally cluttered home as someone with adhd I MUST leave certain things out or they will be forgotten. Please leave space for those of us for whom “out of sight is out of mind” is literal.😂

[@nancie7487]

YES !! As soon as I started moving things around I became lost ! I couldn't find anything !! And became so frustrated that's things went back to total chaos !!

[@laureygreider7617]

Yes! I wish more of these people would be better at understanding and giving recommendations for those who are not neurotypical. We have other ways of thinking and feeling, some of us are artists and appreciaters , and collectors of materials for art and for future needs, for self and others, especially in these crazy times, more than “regular”people. Look at some of the interior design channels who celebrate people with rich colorful, sumptuous, and creative environments. I do want a clearer environment, but the usual ways don’t work for me.

[@maureensamson4863]

Thanks for sharing this ! If I move stuff around , I usually can't find it again ! I have to very intentionally put all these things into a file / folder / box / bag with like objects ... this also applies to papers and documents , which have literally caused me spells of anxiety , bordering on panic ! 😢😢

[@pinkroses135]

I like to minimize because I enjoy having things out. Looking at them as well as not forgetting about them. People with adhd, those with executive dysfunction from trauma, creatives, those with autism etc are often overlooked. I'll be the type to buy a comb that's aesthetically pleasing and put it in a cup that matches lol. There are differences for some.

[@cmak1212]

I feel like you're looking in my house lol. I've been working on decluttering since 2020. We've made great progress and simplified a good bit, but still at it. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@LoveThemWell]

We are in an apartment with our 3 kids and a dog. Sold our home 2 years ago and are still here:). Minimalism has been key and we won’t go back! Love this video! We marvel at how much time we have because we aren’t maintaining our stuff. If we find a home to buy, we are excited to continue living like this! Thank you!!

[@havana2banana]

My partner and I have been staying together but having separate houses. We have decided to stay in the same house now but each have a complete set of furniture, bed linen, dishes as well as pictures and lamps. I don't know how we are going to manage. These videos are some help. I am having a no buy year for clothes and cut down on toiletries, only buying when something runs out.

[@2centsuncensored672]

Consider hiring a professional organizer; they'll do all the work & thinking for you.

[@ktrn8160]

I have adhd and this was a very helpful and motivational video .

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Long story shortened, I think I have finally wrestled the big house dragon into submission. 😂😂 When you find yourself in what feels like an enormous space that never was really “you.” At least on my way. Lol. So, until I can move and majorly downsize my home size, it’s so much better than it was. I also decided to calm my entire bedroom. I also have a little nook with a love seat, a little table with a lamp and a wall pic or two that I love to look at. I call it my she cave. I think now all it needs is curtains. Lol.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Your nook sounds perfect!!

[@shirleyyoung6284]

Thank you Joshua for another inspiring video.We went minimalist about 3 years ago & have never regretted it.

[@JulienBoulardMW]

Thanks for this video Joshua! We’re just back in our little Chinese appartement after staying 14 months in a large house in France. Decluttering seems even more essential when living in a reduced space… On my way to throwing all these decorations and never-used stuff away!

[@BeBeBraveSpirit]

Don’t throw them away. Donate, sell, pass down to someone in your family or close friends but don’t throw away. It all goes in landfills.

[@christahill8536]

Clearing the dining table and kitchen surfaces in general is huge for me.

[@puggynugz922]

Before my mother-in-law got Dementia and now stays in a facility for it, her home gave me near panic attacks. It was so full of dust and stuff I couldn't focus and hated being there. I felt sorry for her oldest son, who had to clear it all out. She doesn't remember any of it, and there's very little I miss seeing. I vowed I will not live that way.

[@Bessie66]

Once you get rid of clutter - you think twice about replacing it. Can I be bothered to go through all that decluttering again? Hence, you end up saving money, the home is tidier and calmer and life becomes less stressful. WIN WIN 👍

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

"Convenience fallacy" isn't fallacy for bees and butterflies - they're visual organizers and need their everyday-used things out. Even as a cricket, there are things I always leave out because it really is too much of a bother to take them out every time I use it (I tested it, and decided it was too much work to put away and take out every time). I agree with you on the rest.

[@RS-gl9ht]

On the convenience fallacy subject, sometimes an item (e.g. my mixer) is just too heavy to lift out of a cupboard every time I want to use it. Therefore it needs to sit on the kitchen bench or it will never be used!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@RS-gl9ht 👆🏻👆🏻Exactly! That, too!👆🏻👆🏻

[@maureensamson4863]

I find it hard to dive in to get at items in the lowest shelves ! 😮😮

[@pinkroses135]

I very much fall under butterfly and agree. The way I go about minimalism is instead of having 8 things put away I'll have 4 displayed nicely. Hidden storage just encourages me to procrasticlutter.

[@margareteraab3899]

This was spot on. I am staring at my cluttered coffee table. Oh boy time to clean up 😉. Lots of great advice. Thanks 👍

[@monikavarro2020]

😂😂😂 Relatable.

[@margareteraab3899]

Monika, no matter how often I clean it up, in a week it's messy again. Need a kick in the behind. Haha 😆

[@tinahudson2531]

@@margareteraab3899 May be time to get rid of the coffee table🤷‍♀️ I find the more flat surfaces I have the more clutter accumulates. And the more I have to clean.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

This is exactly why I had to move out of the home I shared and into my own apartment. My best friend still lives in the home, and every time I visit, it just stresses me out. My apartment is my sanctuary. I’m in the process of making it “warm”. Two throw pillows (on the bare sofa I don’t like but was gifted to me), and trying to choose the right shade of warm soft velvety pink/lilac/taupe paint for the walls. Update: Wow, it’s been a month since I wrote this? I’ve since had the walls painted a lovely soft dusty mauve (Ben Moore Rose Dust-1010), purchased two soft pink throw pillows, repurposed a lavender throw, and added two smaller print pillows, which tie in all the pinks, mauves, purples, dark blues, and greens of the room. I know it sounds like a lot on a loveseat, but I very rarely have company, and it covers most of the sofa. Besides, this is for me.

[@kathymartin142]

If you don't like your couch... did you think of getting rid of it? It is nice to have only things you love in your sanctuary.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

@@kathymartin142 my best work friend visited me over the weekend. She loves the couch, and hers badly needs replacing (it’s a sagging mess). But there’s no physical way she can dispose of hers (town regulations and lack of transportation to haul it anywhere), so that negates that (otherwise great) idea of giving her the couch.

[@regenaguinn]

I love that you’ve made decisions that work for you, and I hear a peacefulness about your created home. I think you have created an enviable thing, a thing that’s peaceful and yours. 👍 😊 👍

[@HeronCoyote1234]

@@regenaguinnthank you.

[@honourgardiner902]

This is just what I needed to hear! I've been overwhelmed with all my stuff which I mainly keep in the spare room. The money issue has bothered me, but if I can donate clothes etc to a good cause, that'd make me feel less guilty of getting rid of it. You're right about the burden V money ratio! Thank you for helping to simplify things!

[@Conval-wi5eh]

While listening to this I did some maintenance dusting. It just took 10 minutes and the room feels so much better.

[@purpleflower9864]

Hello, I have been watching your videos for a while now, and I enjoy to hear the reasoning behind the why. I have been making changes in my homes and definitely feel more at peace. I still have a lot to learn and continue to thrive in this area but I won’t stop. Thank you.

[@elizabethgaldamez1729]

The work you do is changing the world for the better. Much gratitude

[@ithacacomments4811]

My mother always struggled with stuff. Now that she is in a nursing home, the stuff has become a huge issue! I go every two weeks to try to clean and organize her space. So stressful.

[@SusanBame]

Just after my 93-year-old mom fell (off a wobbly stepstool she did not maintain) while reaching for something way up in a tall cabinet she couldn't reach on her own anymore due to osteoporosis, and she kept everything way up there out of reach, we got her into assisted living and meanwhile cleaned out her kitchen cupboards. We removed NINE 55-gallon trash bags of pure trash out of her kitchen. This wasn't even dishes or pots and pans, it was trash. She kept trash in her cupboards. When we went through the pantry and the way-back parts of her cupboards, I found things in there that I'd put there when I organized her cupboards IN HIGH SCHOOL. Like 93 boxes of Jello, some with the purple aniline dye prices marked on them -- so, from the early '60s. Fifty-some boxes of pudding mix kept them company. I asked my mom why she kept so much jello and pudding. She said she was getting old, and she wanted to be able to offer her son something to eat when he came to work for her (in his 70s) and pudding was something she could do. We won't even mention the feet-high stacks of reused aluminum foil, the glass and plastic jars, the paper and plastic bags, taking up the first four feet of space from the floor to waist high, in the pantry. Nine garbage bags. That was only the beginning.

[@carolannstevens5814]

Thank you Joshua! We are minimalist and love it! Never regret it! Our daughter is as well! Financial freedom! It is so good to see your sweet family in your videos also.

[@lynnthomas5795]

Four years ago I went through all of my clothes, including the ones I was saving for 'when I lose weight'. (I still haven't, 4 years later). I allowed no more than 5 seconds to decide if each piece brought me joy. Have not regretted anything I let go of.

[@bettyhouk8727]

You are 100 % correct ! I am looking 😳at my home and I have become a hoarder 🙀( horror story) I never thought I would ever have become a 😱hoarder! I am determined 😼😠to clear this mess OUT ! Thank you 🥹! 🙏👍❤️🍀.

[@2centsuncensored672]

It happens, but you acknowledge it & are willing to act. Blessings to you on clearing as much as possible.

[@kakylong2]

Joshua, Great video. Keep inspiring us. Our house is 768 sq ft so anything can make it feel small. Ever since I heard you say your house may not be too small, you might have too much stuff, we have been on the road to minimalism. Our kitchen is a very small galley kitchen so we kept our table in the living room for 20 yrs. Then last yr we decided we don't use the table to eat at & only to keep plants on, so we took it out. We don't miss it. Great video.

[@mauraronda1265]

I agree with your message. I am totally creating the perfect calm apartment! Thank you. I follow your amazing help!

[@AsheshRajbansh]

Nos 1 and 15 are my favorites, just by calculating the ‘clutter cost’ one should be motivated to declutter instantly and save time, effort and huge cost.

[@Mushroom321-]

Ive bee a Subscriber for years !! Always a good reminder about your self question 🙋 from your videos!! Getting rid of clothes definitely feels better ! Clears our mind. 😮

[@longgone2023]

So many good tips. I did the junk drawer suggestion one better. I eliminated it completely. I bought a clear tackle box type box with multiple compartments and used it to keep small tools in the bottom and hardware and related items in the small upper tiers. I have pushpins, picture hangers, felt feet, glue gun and glue. Scissors, a small wrench, pliers, several screw drivers and this box fits neatly on a shelf in my hall closet. It saves a trip to the cavernous disaster we call a garage. Living with a near hoarder of garage type stuff taught me to have my own personal tool kit so I can hang a picture or fix a broken tea cup without asking where the things I need are hidden. Living with another’s cluttered work space is trying. But finding way to adapt is healing.

[@aipanart]

I am new to your channel. I must say that by far, this is the most useful video. I came across. I always wonder why it took me so long to arrange my house. Most of my weekends end up cleaning and tiding up my house. Now I know I have to declutter and minimize stuff to keep myself not too high . Thanks a ton for making such much needed content. 🙏 Namaste

[@leesa9673]

Joshua always gives sound advise. I wish he could come to my home and help my situation . We live in 1200 sq. ft. home with only 3 small closets, no garage, no basement, no attic. I can't help but have items on the counter. It drives me nuts that things can't be put away.

[@heatherlw13]

I hear you, I live in a smaller home with limited closets. Sometimes you just have to create the space - use hooks, build shelves, and buy storage cabinets to feel that it has a place to be, and not just visual clutter.

[@CocoB22]

When it comes to duplicates- organize and combine them before tossing them- especially non perishable items. Use them up before tossing them just because you have an extra. Also, remember that buying in bulk is not always cheaper. While decluttering and getting rid of things that are no longer useful is such a trend now- please don’t discard things just to discard things. Purchase and keep only things your family would be glad to own after you and keep you home so that 50 years of stuff doesn’t have to be tossed at one time.

[@juliekonigskind6434]

Thank you so much Joshua. Your videos always inspire me to go further with my decluttering! Blessings to you and your family.

[@AFrugalLifeTheChannel]

Constantly trying to clear my dining table!

[@janethunt4037]

I am so much happier looking at my built-in shelves after clearing a set of unused books and removing decorations that I no longer like.

[@mc5366]

Joshua, your calm voice and helpful practical suggestions has really made a strong impact on my life to live more simply. Thank you!!!

[@user-js1gw1sx9i]

Hi derrick my grandmother was native American had awesome healing capabilities she died before teaching me how to properly he capabilities I have been on aocery 30yr journey to learn and teach myself she could say a few words and break anyone's fever fascinating we healers have yo watch our emotions if your ying yang is out of balance who's lookout I learned I can feel by a person listening to my voice cuz I actually care! My grandmother could resdcanything and make the pages come I've even the Bible! My mother had visions like she did! Normally I can does things 6 months to a year before hand! I'm in physical rehab) you and I and others are a threat to the darkness because we have so much light thank you for living out your mission be blessed beloved of the creztor

[@morgantaleb9707]

I always tell my kids their room should be their chill space I feel the same about our home

[@eddiegriffin780]

Atta boy well done!

[@harlenaalton3389]

This one I just sort of glazed over in one ear and out the other. We cannot control outside forces at times, health, family that don’t care about minimalism, just tiredness of being the only one who cares at times, too busy to do things at times but the main thing is getting back into it. It’s difficult when your family say yea they believe in minimalism than never throw anything away🙄

[@virgovenussunshine8397]

It was nice to come upon this video. I hadn't seen a Joshua Becker video in about 2 years. He's smiling more these days which makes the presentation more pleasant.

[@JoshuaBecker]

Trying my best.

[@juliemaitland1176]

Joshua, you have mesmerised me with your easy to listen to ideas about “stuff”. I won’t even mention my wardrobe I have just aa few things I wear and the rest is just out of reach. However for some time I have been looking for a sturdy bookshelf for my large collection of art and adult colouring books. I have taken having a hobby to ma new level! All those books were at the back of my mind as I listened to you. I already have a great deal of space for books and if that is not enough then I guess I just have too many. Another set of shelves isn’t the right solution. A lot have got to go! Likewise clothes and multiple other items which are not serving me well. I like the idea of a much simpler environment and have watched a lot of videos on how to be more minimalist. You just hit the right note for me to believe that I might be able to make my life easier and consequently 😊happier. Thank you for taking the time to make your videos. I have subscribed so I shall have you to reinforce my resolve every week and to confess if I’m not getting anywhere!😊

[@lizzieb6311]

This is so helpful… a big one for me was putting away counter top appliances… my kitchen is lovely without toaster ovens…blenders… waffle irons…cluttering up the counters…stand mixers. My kitchen is an enjoyable place to make meals with clear wide open counters.

[@marystackpole118]

So Important!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you always!!♥️♥️♥️

[@dbartz5510]

This is a valuable list! You are a wonderful motivation. Thank you!

[@bb_lz9790]

Thank you, so much great information (and inspiration) here!!! 14 is a big one. One adult child still lives at home. Their bedroom is full of stuff, their closet jam-packed with clothes that they don't wear and our basement cluttered with their hobby materials (and many of their childhood toys that we're keeping for "some day"). I'm really at a loss as how to inspire them to declutter and clean up. It seems to cause me more stress than it causes them... Beyond that, I really appreciated No. 4. Not applicable at my house, but my mom lived in an assisted living home where one of the caregivers, whom she often joked with, frequently told her that she was "a bad girl". It was cute the first time; but after the nth time, it started to seem like Gaslighting. We got her out of there and to a facility that was much more supportive.

[@christinequintana881]

My family saved a bunch of my childhood items for "me," some of which I wanted, but mostly not. A few years ago, it was sent to me via mail after I asked that it just be donated. Basically, most of it was unusable after being stored for years. I have been referencing this with my own kiddos as we are decluttering our space. Would you rather save stuff you really don't want/need and then throw it away in twenty years, or would you rather another family enjoy it now?

[@banasreeghosh4234]

Praise the Lord brother It's so good n productive...... very well explained especially the clutter cost Thank you so much. Keep me motivating the same way. From India

[@donnaanderson3857]

I always enjoy watching what you have to say. I'm so glad that I found you.

[@Willsthriftingadventures]

Wow this is perfect thank you starting this evening after work!! Closets first!!!

[@bonniehafeman9757]

Voice of the wise. Thanks again for your beautiful articulated message . At 58 I learned that myself. Grace and peace to you and your family

[@bonniehafeman9757]

Saved this message to my personal art folder. Thanks again. Beautiful. Amen.

[@NicholasHallows]

I agree with these points. Just important to remember many charity shops/goodwill stores are inundated with donations they can't sell. Sometimes it's best to wear out clothes (use for DIY, pyjamas, rags etc) and just don't replace them. Ps. Joshua you've been reading Essentialism for a very long time now! ;)

[@leahrowe847]

Rag rugs for patios or anywhere...

[@leahrowe847]

Also post as free giveaways for crafters

[@lorarowe8525]

Greetings Joshua!!! Thank you so much for this video!!! Excellent and thought provoking content. I have been inspired and starting on my mimilist journey since November 2022. I have found peace, joy and calm as well as a great appreciation for simplicity!! The greatest gift----Waiting for the next upload thanks again----Blessings to you and your family :)

[@rachelamundsen8265]

3.05. This! I own a housecleaning business. It is true.

[@lizziemcdougall2767]

The calm space is one that I can create very quickly. Many thanks for another great video!!

[@Lashlove16]

Clear flat surfaces such as bathroom counters and dressers I removed all decor that I could not commit to weekly dusting Everything in this video is right on the money

[@kimberlyjohnson6052]

Thank you! ❤

[@HeronCoyote1234]

A few years ago my best friend lost 100 lbs. He’s always been a clotheshorse. He’s donated a few suits at work (he’s a substance abuse/mental health counselor; these items are for clients when they’re ready to get back into the workplace). We would like to bring the suits and shirts that are in pristine condition, to a place that specialize in men’s attire (like Dress for Success, for women). Any suggestions?

[@johnyang1420]

Drop them off at Goodwill

[@cecilyerker]

A non-chain local resale shop. Or a men’s homeless shelter.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

@@cecilyerker thank you.

[@Carolmaizy]

Thank you! Since I've become more minimal I spend much less time cleaning and organizing. A few mi nutes here and there works.

[@user-oq9kb5oi5f]

Thank you. I learned. I serve my home I'm changing that.

[@lizpetruzzi7700]

I would love a video sharing how you prepare and store emergency items for a disaster situation. I’m in the process of simplifying/minimizing and this is something I struggle with. I don’t use these items on a regular basis, but like insurance, I feel it’s important to have them on hand. Do you have or store emergency items?

[@JoshuaBecker]

No, I don’t. Other than extra groceries for a weekend blizzard or something.

[@behindtheveil7817]

I do. I've decluttered a lot, and still find more things I don't have a use for anymore... Being prepared for emergencies isn't clutter. And because it's not needed every day, you can keep it in storage boxes under a spare bed, in a storage cupboard, a laundry, cellar or garage. Yes, there's work involved in organising it, but it saves me having to go shopping more than once a month- saving both time and money- and gives me peace of mind.

[@deltorres2100]

Omg Yess my desk was a Catch All ..but I have been Decluttering so much and it looks Beautiful progress and I’m still working on things

[@Sarah_and_her_buns]

Excellent advice! Thanks!

[@jackieburnett6881]

Great video! Having a calming space means a lot!! Ty for your video

[@sunnyncis]

Thank you, as always very practical advice.

[@Peaches-ym9ws]

I giggled at the laundry room sign "It's tough living life in the fast lane when you're married to a speed bump." Just to be a contrarian, consider that, instead of a negative comment about her husband, perhaps she put the sign up as an encouraging reminder to HERSELF not to be the speed bump. In our family we call it "the Eeyore mentality." 😁

[@temmietaft2552]

Thanks so much for sharing this video. I found it to be very helpful!!

[@leejacobs3620]

Thanks for sharing both tips and strategies.

[@RositaOrtiz1993]

Love your calm.

[@fightingyap960]

Thank you Joshua for another great & added-value video.

[@dee-clutteringqueen5881]

Great reminders

[@jaeespo5413]

Amen You changed my life

[@fanirivers4505]

My take away is getting rid of decorations that no longer enthusiasm me.

[@christinequintana881]

I have been trying to declutter each holiday bin or bins as the season arrives. I am realizing how much just doesn't suit my taste or energy level anymore. Great time to do it as this is when people are looking for and needing the items.

[@75Cee]

Thank you!!

[@FrugalGardenerOntario]

Very motivating

[@Casper-jx1zd]

Excellent video 🌟 One of your best!

[@laxmitagurung3446]

Thanks for your help today❤.

[@pintiliemagdalena2146]

You are amazing 🙏🏻Thank you for all the videos 🙏🏻

[@MindyourMatters]

Love all these tips!

[@valerierogers9609]

One's house is just basecamp in this jungle called life.

[@donnajaemoon]

Thanks for sharing these tips.

[@andrewellis7656]

Yea - Joshua - I love every word. Thank you.