5 Essential Tips for Decluttering & Downsizing Stress-Free - Minimalist Living

[@elverdad6805]

I love the "Don't buy it again" pointer. More than once I've almost grabbed an item at my favorite thrift store, only to realize it was an item I had donated to them. 😄

[@satyavratadas1640]

Ive stopped going to thrift stores except when donating only. I force myself not to go in and only drop stuff off.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Oh wow, that's funny! I don't think that ever happened to us but we did have to buy something again a few year after donating it. At the time we really had to downsize and sort things out quickly but it did feel a bit silly buying it again. Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@NotSoEntertaining.]

Vietnam Vets of America will pick up items from your house! Small furniture included.

[@drsmbrownlee]

Thank you - this is a really realistic set of tips. I like that you include "expect challenges" and "ask for advice/take a break" as well as the more pragmatic things like categories. And I especially appreciate that you acknowledge the emotional effect of finding something again that you haven't seen for ages and had forgotten about.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

My tip is one in and one out. If you are going to buy something then you must get rid of something. Thank you Danielle and Matt for the ideas.❤❤

[@satyavratadas1640]

I use this logic aswell, but I make sure its actually one out FIRST, or else for a period i'll have two. And risk keeping both

[@cathylynnpietranton]

@@satyavratadas1640 I like that idea 👍

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Yes thanks! That's a great addition to the tip! It's too easy so keep everything if you don't do the "one out first"

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's a great idea Cathy, thanks for sharing :)

[@serenakoleno9338]

In my case it should probably be one in, five out 😂

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I am at that time in my life when this needs to be done, I don't want my daughter to have to do it all. I sure won't carry my things wherever i Go next. I think the best tip for me is to start with a small space and not try to do it all at once. THANKS !

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome, happy you found the video helpful. For sure trying to do everything too fast can be super overwhelming so it helps slow things down and take breaks :) All the best :)

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@ExploringAlternatives Thanks ! Any cues on how to get the push to get started ???

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's a though one. Most times we had to downsize it was kind of a rush, we were either moving out of a place or getting rid of a storage unit. So we were pretty much forced to get it done. Decluttering is also an ongoing process for us since we're always living in small spaces. I guess I would suggest figuring out a clear goal and the positive impact it will have and let that push you forward. I know it can be really overwhelming but if you go section by section or room by room you eventually get it all done. Best of luck! :)

[@naapine]

@@nicolelafontaine1720 maybe try the 30 Day decluttering challenge or Packing Party by The Minimalists? (:

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@naapine Great idea ! Thanks !

[@Is_This_Really_Necessary]

Whenever I do a tidy up, I ALWAYS use the term "parting with". I NEVER use the term "Getting rid of" ... "Parting with" has a more positive tone that acknowledges that the item has served its purpose. Whereas "Getting rid of" gives off a more negative tone that treats all items like literal trash. I find that if you are going to be conducting an positive activity, then changing how you word your sentences can mean the difference between treating the tidy up as an enjoyable experience or treating it as a literal chore.

[@AngelaLochCross]

My tip is to start by getting rid of two things for every one you buy if you are trying to downsize. For me, practicing this helped to make it easier to begin the process of letting things go as it can be overwhelming in the beginning, especially if you have a lot. It will also make you more mindful when you are purchasing something new if you know you will have to choose two things to let go of to have the one item.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing Angela :)

[@jocelynelangis777]

Love it and urgently need it!!!! Well done!!!thanks

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

Do not invest in consumerism, but do invest in life !

[@SkeleSquatch51]

Thank you! 💙

[@albertine2169]

When you take the photo, or if you have many photos, print them up and mount them in a small album and write the story of the object with the photo. I know you could say this album is an extra item to store, but it will probably have family stories that future generations will treasure.

[@lisaf-d1616]

You can create a digital album with the stories. Printing would be an option but not necessary.

[@albertine2169]

@lisaf-d1616 indeed you can but again this relies on internet access etc etc. I very much enjoyed your video.

[@joanhenschel3511]

This is such a kind way to put things in perspective, thus allowing us to not feel so overwhelmed. The Lord bless you and keep you xxx

[@ItsAMbutyoutubechangedmyname]

When I moved from my birth country with my son to be with his dad I got rid of my whole apartment and only took things I could carry without help. It’s very few things in my life that I can not get rid of have those things for more now since years have passed as memories from my kids

[@sarahpulver9978]

Thx you! So in love with this videos für you! ❤❤❤

[@susanritzenthaler4502]

So very helpful.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Really happy you found this video helpful! Thanks for your comment and best of luck with your downsizing :)

[@CatNoda]

I loved this video. I am sort of an extreme minimalist so when I saw your containers for things, I tell my family that containers are coffins for stuff that you probably don't need or will never look at again. I ask them to put a date on the container if they must have one and if it has gone unopened for 3 months- 6 months, whatever then to get rid of it. I also like the idea of conscientious decluttering so that we honor the Earth. The last suggestion I have is that it is important to declutter and not reorganize. My family will sometimes just re-organize and put things back and I remind them of what their goal is...to live simply so they have more time and money for life! Show by example but always be willing to lend advice IF asked for. :)

[@pattyblevins2765]

Good advice.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@DownsizingPro]

I have found when I work with clients that they just need to learn to dispose of things that are obviously trash. Examples: broken dishes and appliances, catalogs and snail mail, bags, boxes, dead batteries, clothes they are no longer wearing or that don't fit.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's very true and it's a great way to get started, thanks for sharing :)

[@eiramharas]

💚

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

I'm curious if you're still doing van life? Any chance of making a video about it?

[@cristina_h]

Lovely video. Are you living in an apartment now?

[@Britbabe53]

Love that Bill Bryson book :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Me too! Gonna read it again :)

[@Creative22222]

great idea i love your content thanks for sharing..❤❤❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for your comment, happy you're enjoying the videos :)

[@offairhead]

❤

[@teresal5553]

I was laid off 2 years ago and had to move. I had to downsize to a 1 BR & 2 bedroom furnishings had to be sold as did my sofa and dining room table and chairs leaving me with only my bedroom furniture, 2 recliners and 2 living room chairs. I only have a bedroom with a very roomy closet and under my bed to store things in. Believe me, it was so very hard for me to do. It’s home for now.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

I'm sorry to hear that you were laid off 2 years ago. Downsizing under those circumstances must've been really challenging but I'm happy that you found a home for now. All the best :)

[@brianmurphysn]

I’d be retiring or working less in 8 years, and considering this financial recession, Im deciding to begin taking up skilled trades. I’m curious to know best how people split their pay, how much of it goes into savings, spendings or investments, I earn around $120K per year but nothing to show for it yet.

[@JonesMichaeltop]

you should contribute to your retirement diligently, or better still look into financial planning don't come to youtube for advise, consult a local or trusted online broker/plannner

[@ChristianJacquet9]

i agree with the comment above. I feel fortunate to have been introduced to money management at a young age. I started working full-time at 19 and bought my first home at 28. Fast forward to today, I'm 61 and although I was laid off in March 2020 during the lockdown, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I sought the advice of a financial planner to stay financially stable and made some savvy investments, which have brought me within 15% of reaching my goal of $1 million in wealth.

[@Turk-hy3wz]

huge! I am eager to build up my reserves irrespective of the economic conditions. My 401k has significantly declined since early 2022, Can you point me in the right direction?need to rebuild

[@ChristianJacquet9]

Glen Howard Chester my trusted CFA, is a prominent figure in finance. Just search the name to see his credentials and experience.He's a wealth of knowledge for navigating the financial landscape.

[@Turk-hy3wz]

just Googled his name and his website came up right away. looks interesting so far. sent him a mail and also set up a call with him.Thanks for sharing truly!

[@serenakoleno9338]

That teapot would be hard to donate unless it's real silver. But I am a tea drinker. 😊

[@louisacuriel4651]

❤❤❤

[@sterntaler64]

"Justin Case" needs so much space but doesn't pay any rent 🤦🏻‍♀️👉 get out! 😉

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! That's so true! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@TheSimpleGypsy]

😊🌻🌼

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching :)

[@t.j.m3987]

My trouble is all the stuff I have from dead and living relatives that can't be discarded.

[@DownsizingPro]

Ask yourself if you are keeping it because you love it or because you feel obligated to keep it. You answer should tell you what to do next.

[@nononono3421]

I suggest getting rid of your western-style bed, and instead get futons like the Japanese do. I also suggest considering getting rid of the cooking range, and instead get a portable induction cooktop (some have dual burners). If you need an oven, get a 24” one that can be placed in a cabinet, or maybe an air-frier, there’s different options. A washer-dryer combo might also be good, or other options. Consider a smaller fridge, like an under-counter one. This will make it much easier to move if you move out, and save space. Flexibility is key to seizing life’s opportunities!

[@jamesengland7461]

That's not minimalizing unless you're building a home from scratch; they're buying more expensive appliances and spending untold thousands on a remodel.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for your comment! We did consider a while back getting one of those roll up Japanese style futons since it would definitely save a ton of space during the day. I think we would have to try it first though just to see how comfortable it is. A portable induction cooktop would also be nice cause it's so efficient and heats up really fast. Thanks for checking out the video, hope you enjoyed it :)

[@nononono3421]

@@jamesengland7461 none of what I described requires spending untold thousands. And you can always give appliances away so people don’t have to buy new ones!

[@jamesengland7461]

​@nononono3421 under cabinet fridge? Needs space built for it. Smaller oven? Just leaves a 6 inch gap. I could go on. Smaller fridge? Useless gap.

[@layerbera-shadowsoulherbol8269]

Is there a neurodivergent version of this?

[@jamesengland7461]

What do you mean?

[@barbarafavela5610]

Taking a picture of something you're getting rid of or giving away is a terrible terrible idea because that's just going to remind you every time you look at it that you wish you had it I really disagree with that one

[@redheadrel]

Or, for some people, it might just remind them of good memories they have of that item, though the item itself is no longer needed. It could go either way. 🙂

[@UncleGrinder]

Minimalism is for those that don't physically do anything & don't produce anything. Doing the bidding of the world economic forum.

[@jamesengland7461]

No it isn't. It's reducing clutter, maybe making some money from selling unnecessary things, making house cleaning easier, maybe living in a smaller space that costs less to own and pay utilities for. It's entirely for your own personal benefit. Have you never heard of hoarders? They are overwhelmed by all their blessings. This is a remedy for that, often by people struggling with hoarding. One can carry minimalizing or decluttering as little or as far as one wants.

[@milacg4302]

E​@@jamesengland7461

[@sweetnawesome23]

I have made the mistake of trying to do it all at once, and now my apartment feels like a spider web of clutter... BUT, I've decided I'll just do one thing every day. I suffer from several chronic illnesses due to a rare autoimmune condition, as well as anxiety and cptsd, so I have days where I can't do anything at all due to pain and brain fog, etc, and days where I think I can do more than I actually can, and end up tiring myself out. It's hard, but I'm trying my best

[@PollyDactyl]

It's as if you wrote my story, too. I feel for you. It is difficult with the issues we fight against. As they say, "One day at a time," and try not to be hard on yourself. 🪻

[@serenakoleno9338]

Dawn has videos of 'one hour better " helps to listen to as you clean out.

[@marisolenrico8971]

❤❤❤