7 Steps to Declutter Your Life and Why it's Important

[@Lenneeful]

I love the format of your videos. No annoying music while you talk and not too much static talking.

[@veemcg3682]

Rachel it is so refreshing to hear a real person being honest and straight about their experiences and changing needs. I've just realised most of the despair I've been feeling is because while listening to you I began to see that my life health and outlook have all changed so much that my natural hyperactivity, highly organised, capable self, no longer exists. Following serious illness requiring many months in hospital, major surgery and now much medication, rehab, physio and therapies of various kinds, I am now retired have severe mobility issues and other limitations. I think it's time I worked out a way of coping that works for me now instead of dreaming about getting back to "normal" because maybe this is how it's going to be. Thanks Rachel. I'm Vera from Northern Ireland

[@hollyweaver7292]

I always had trouble with fancy journals. I never wanted to write in them because I don't like my handwriting. If I get a less expensive notebook, I'll actually write in it.

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

I had to pop in to say I had this all problem my whole life as well!😆💝

[@isabelkassan5244]

Get what pleases you! And enjoy it! Let it be your friend! Who needs fancy? They are just making money!

[@vanessamay3689]

@@isabelkassan5244 True 😊

[@natasa2882]

So true for me, too.

[@luanskipolanski215]

I appreciate your long format videos a lot. Almost like we had the better and deeper conversation. Thanks, lovely content.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

🥰🥰

[@jeanneclark6930]

Oh my gosh - I thought I was terrible because I loved being with and doing things with my own kids but not others!! Thx - now I know I’m not the only one!!!

[@babytexan3038]

You give me hope, Rachel. It's helpful to hear about how your house used to be and that it can become different. ❤️

[@kristiperkins1682]

I have 4 daughters, our adventure of choice was thrift store! Until we had so much stuff! Finally, we just stopped shopping and chose to fill our lives with activities instead of shopping❤️ We go hiking, biking walking the dog. If we NEED to buy something on a trip, we choose coffee shop or tea, small and consumable.

[@LucyOEB]

I never realized that clutter increases cortisol levels but it totally makes sense. I’ve been thinking about decluttering for years lol and have actually been decluttering the last several months and it is overwhelming. I’m at the point now where I get heavy duty black contractors trash bags and am throwing away perfectly good items because the sorting process is too overwhelming and slow. I need to drastically reduce the volume of my clutter then I think I’m hoping that I can handle what’s remaining. 🤞😐

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Sometimes we just have to do whatever we can to move things along! Good job taking care of yourself! ❤️

[@SaraBlu]

I love how you took us on a little journey throughout the video. What a treat. Have a lovely day 😊

[@dianepedersen8651]

I’ve done a great job of decluttering and organizing. Now I need to set up some cleaning routines to keep the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors clean.

[@Carobmoth]

I find that a lot of this resonates with me. I can testify that once you practice some of these sorts of routines and perspectives it really does make the quality of your life so much better.

[@brightpurpleviking]

Was just thinking about more of your points and started laughing when I thought about an ENTIRE drawer of cards I’ve gotten from “blind artists association, wolf rescue fund, helping Tibet, veterans affairs,” etc! I almost NEVER send cards or written things…and most of those cards aren’t something I would ever send anyways! Off to Goodwill they go. And now I have an entire drawer empty!! 😂 serotonin is flowin’, thank you!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😁 awesome job!!

[@joidavis5210]

Decluttering has been life changing for me! Love your channel!! ❤

[@jowilliams4587]

I watch, and rewatch, your videos throughout each year. So beneficial! In my 70’s and learning so much from you. ❤

[@brightpurpleviking]

These all spoke to me, especially the journals. I have authored a book, so I truly enjoy writing. However, my mother in law was watching our son many years ago, poked through my things and read my personal journal. I was mortified and felt so violated. I have these empty notebooks I’ve had for decades. DECADES! What am I thinking!? I write in a password protected file on my old computer now! Also, I’m an artist, so my stack of empty sketchbooks is towering. I don’t enjoy sketchbooks because it’s too much pressure to make them perfect, AND the fear of snooping eyes judging my scribbles feels awful. I’m tossing these two stacks out TODAY. Thank you

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I’m sorry you had to deal with the snooping! That would be awful. ❤️ Good job on the decluttering! You’ve done a lot today!

[@hollieford8890]

I haven't had anyone snoop through my journals that I know of but... My husband passed away just over 4 years ago and had a ton of stuff to declutter as I was selling our farm out in the country (I had years of cleaning out chicken poop and didn't want to do it anymore) so moved into town. The thought occurred to me, "what if I were to die would I really want our kids reading all my journals?" That would have been too much history for them to handle so I shredded them all.

[@brightpurpleviking]

@@hollieford8890 ahhh this resonates with me so much! I had some journals from when I was a teenager and then some from my twenties…all the angst, the arguments and hurts recorded, etc. I read through some of them and found that I had forgotten much of the ick! I was proud of myself for forgetting it all, and here I was digging at the old wounds. Rereading them made me angry all over again LOL! And you are SO right. I didn’t want my kids knowing that person because that’s not who I am now, PLUS I didn’t want them carrying the burdens of knowing the things I went through. I agree with you completely! I burned them all in our fire pit and it felt so good! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Happy mother's day, Rachel! Thanks for taking us through your wonderful journey of simplifying with a Higher purpose and thanks for staying true to yourself!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you so much Alessandra! Happy Mother's Day to you too! ❤️

[@margaret1336]

Thanks for the lovely chat ❤❤.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

I loved going to that exact spot on the rim when i lived in montana. I wish i did it more alone in the quiet.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

It's so much busier now than it used to be! The parking lot was almost full, it used to be only a handful of people. At least people are getting out of the house, but I liked the solitude before lol

[@LeeC-t2w]

What a great video. One to watch over and over. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences.

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

"I enjoy my own kids... but I'm not a kid person." SAME! Being a homeschooling mom with 6 kids, people assume I'm perfect as a children's ministry volunteer... Nope. I am not your girl!!😂

[@Nourishingminimalism]

🙌🏻 😂 yes!!

[@simplecityfarm337]

Same! 10 kids here and I often surprise myself at how not of a "kid person" I am.

[@spookyfish3792]

I thought I was the only one and there was something inherently wrong with me. Thank you.❤

[@katiejon17]

Myself as well! I had my children later (37 and 40) and they are now 7 and 4, and I homeschool my oldest. But I am not someone who enjoys playing or otherwise “doing kid activities”. Remembering back, my mother was the same way. So we learned to entertain ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take my kiddos to the playground - but I’m not going to run around with them. I always appreciate hearing other moms are similar.

[@uzmaijaz7821]

Rachel I had been waiting very anxiously for your video!As always I enjoyed a lot!My dearest stay blessed

[@uzmaijaz7821]

Rachel my dearest!Thanks a ton for giving me honour and respect!

[@gracesanity6314]

Powerful video. Thank you

[@Wildflower313]

Thank you for sharing that about your divorce. Every time I hear someone talk about managing relationships I think about how the most toxic person is my life is the person I am married to. I have been trying to end the marriage and live separately for over a year. I know in my heart that once his presence in my life is limited (we do have kids) I will have the breathing room to become healthier all around.

[@ERICA850]

Finally decluttered my garage wall of kid toys, homeschool supplies, and clothes.. I've gotten rid of so much.. it feels so good. I want to minimize kids clothes even more down to less then 7 items of each. I'm afraid I might have to do laundry more often. My kids play outside in the mud almost everyday so doing laundry more often might be good for stains

[@qurleq]

This felt like an honest conversation with a bestie. I really love your perspective on things. Thanks for sharing!

[@Martha-vx8bj]

Oh how my clutter is just overwhelming me in more ways than one. I donate then regret sets in, what if I need that, I worked so hard to acquire that, etc. Then just today I had a water leak and was glad for all the extra towels since they were needed. Meanwhile I had to move tons of unorganized stuff to dry up the floor and carpet. Thinking of renting a storage space ($$$) which I know is dumb...I should just put it in the trash but then I will feel guilty. As I said..it is overwhelming! I enjoy your vlog.

[@nancie7487]

Wow this is perfect timing Mother's Day is next Sunday!! My daughter's moving I probably won't be going with her she doesn't want me to!! So anything I want to give to her I need to get it done!! Whether she wants to keep it or not is up to her!! At least I've given it to her and I won't have to deal with it anymore!!

[@momof2momof2]

When my children were in school I volunteered but would never be part of the PTA. I did things I enjoyed doing, that had little to no dealings with other people lol One way was another Mom (whom I enjoyed being with) popped popcorn as a weekly small fund raiser. We popped it, bagged it and another mom did the selling. It was fun, easy and very helpful. I also donated to my children's classrooms for things they might need.

[@catherinedouglas8049]

Loved this video, Rachel! I am so glad I find your channel.

[@amandasymon4363]

So love your honesty 👊 Wish I had figured out that it’s o.k to pick what you really want to do. People pleasing has been so sapping of my time. Thank you for all your help 👌❤️

[@sw1679]

Let us love our future selves ❤️❤️❤️

[@ninad5692]

Excellent tips, totally agree with all of it. That 'fantasy self' is such a hard one...

[@RhondaTowanda]

Another Epic video! I know I was suffering from cortisol! I feel so different now that my home is no longer full of clutter! We are finally getting warm weather! I love taking a walk this one of my dogs down our driveway, and then down the lane to the main road. I never did that before! I now feel I have time to take care of myself. Happy Mother’s Day, Rachel! 💜🌻💜🌻💜🌻

[@simonearsenault-may6814]

That is wonderful! Congratulations!!!

[@RhondaTowanda]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindamcdermott9980]

I was a single working mom, now retired, empty nested, but did not know how to slow down. It took a while. I finally learned to say “no”. I felt like I had a flashing sign on my forehead that said “ask me” ! But there was one more thing, you mentioned it, boundaries. That was so hard, it’s still hard. There is one neighbor who is very needy, very critical, very… everything. I constantly was plagued with thoughts of what I should have said instead of remaining silent. A friend advised me to “stop letting her live in my head”…. I love my life, I paint and draw and after being a working mom for so many years, I truly enjoy solitude. I still feel guilty about breaking off that relationship, and still have fleeting thought of just calling etc. but for some reason there is some reminder, a quote on Facebook, etc. and your post right now, that reminds me to not step back into a toxic relationship just because I am a nice person. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love that you journal, I do it differently, I challenged myself last year to draw zen doodles, one a day for a year. They have five panels each, I do a theme each day, kind of like journaling, telling my story in little pen & ink pictures. I enjoy your videos, never want to miss one.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you for sharing Linda! ❤️ I’ve had a few relationships like that as well. I like what your friend said- excellent point.

[@ib4359]

Thank you. Irene from Indiana

[@liztefft5312]

Thank you, Rachel, for these helpful reminders!

[@julierussell4316]

You had me at the opening commentary and your thoughts

[@kennethbailey9853]

Absolutely!😊

[@sabihakhan2463]

Really great one today Rachel, Cleaning routines and fantasy self are hard for me. Enjoyed the outing.

[@debbiestrang7774]

Great messages! Big Sky Montana! Beautiful ❤ I live in Idaho

[@simonearsenault-may6814]

Thanks Rachel!

[@galaxy98765]

Did you say goodbye to, and give some love to, your pets before you left the house? Don't know where you live, but the scenery is beautiful there. Listening to you talk about papers makes me realize what kind of trouble I am really in. I have papers spanning decades. I don't journal, because as soon as I write anything down on paper, that piece of paper becomes ....... CLUTTER! ... at least in my mind. In addition to my stuff, I also inherited the house (and 35 years of things) that my parents lived in. I do like clearing clutter if I have had a good night's sleep, but I wish it weren't so TIME-CONSUMING and tedious. Thanks for your input.

[@katjariehl7425]

So, obviously all your decluttering videos are super helpful. But what I really want to know is how you look younger in every video!!

[@kristinolan7240]

Such a helpful video !! We just moved and downsized by half !

[@wife97]

LOLROTF, your fantasy self would be Cottage Fairy or Homestead Tessie! Wonder if either would drive a hybrid vehicle? Wishing you in your beautiful, breathtaking Big Sky Country all the best from the Hudson Valley.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂 Yes! I like the Cottage Fairy - I'll have to look up Homestead Tessie! I can watch them on KZbin - that way I get a taste of my fantasy life and go on living my normal life. 😂

[@Smithpolly]

I'd say Cottage Fairy's fantasy self is also Cottage Fairy. Someone's life in a video isn't someone's life in life.

[@midlife_minimalist]

All those Archer and Olive journals (mostly bought on sale) stored untouched in their boxes and Happy Planner sticker books are looking at me right now. My problem is I get REALLY into something and buy the things and then it fizzles and I move onto something else. I’m learning not to buy the things or at least so many of them.

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

Been there, done that.

[@mary-anndyck6931]

Journals make lovely gifts if they are unused! Off your to do list and off your gift shopping list!

[@carried2500]

Thank you, very helpful and relatable.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I love my cats but for me it’s more like 500 cats and raccoons constantly yelling “feed me the good stuff.” I feel like I have to physically leave the house to catch a break from all that. The psychology seems to be that too much abundance of choices leads to decision paralysis. It is more likely to lead to chucking the whole thing and saying forget it. (Aka lol in my case it would be more like screw this cooking stuff. We’re ordering takeout). Whereas being given only a few doable choices, it’s so much easier to simply pick one. I have found cooking/food choice to be the most difficult really and I noticed that it’s Bcuz at home we try to have a variety and plan for future meals. Whereas at a dining establishment, you just sit down and pick from a limited menu which to me is so much easier than deciding what to cook. What to eat at home. Plus I can smell the food already when dining and it kind of is an awakening trigger to me. So ergo since it’s just me. Eating for one, I have just decided to accept my reality that eating out half the time or getting it to go works better for me. When it’s just for one, the cost isn’t all that different than how much groceries cost these days and just the fact that I’ll tend to buy excess at the grocery store anyways. There are deals to be had everywhere also, so I find that I can work restaurant deals just as well as I work grocery store deals. And I have found that keeping 50 lbs of meat and stuff in the fridge and freezer stresses me out more than anything. I’m working now to eat it all up and start all over like a pauper. Lol. Everyone always pushes eating at home most of the time but I did my budget and I found that it wasn’t a strain at all on the money. So that was when I let myself off the hook with trying to be the frugal Betty Crocker. lol. I would also wind up eating more veggies and salads out than at home. Lol. And just so much easier for me to make half my weekly “meal plan” just be a restaurant name. 😬 Lots of tips and tricks tho. Such as one portion is really two. Extra take home discounts (which is like 2 more meals for less than $10 etc). Using things like their salsas or sauces mixed with my home food. Taking advantage of endless salad or soup deals….coupons or discounted gift cards…and so on. Lol.

[@sable747]

You might like the Qube account/card. It simplifies the accountability and communication.

[@parkerrose3590]

The only person who brings me down and stresses me is my sister. She lives far away, but calls me at least 5 or 6 times a day to complain. It's getting worse, but I can't seem to hurt her feelings.

[@simonearsenault-may6814]

Hi! I hear you! What do you mean by “I can’t seem to hurt her feelings”? Like, you can’t hurt her feelings or you don’t want to? Either way, as a recently beginning to recover “people pleaser” I can assure you that you not only have the right to not answer every call, but also that your sister will be better off for it, because it’ll force her to have a limit to her seemingly endless complaining… good luck!

[@joidavis5210]

@@simonearsenault-may6814 I am a recovering people pleaser as well. Slowly finding freedom by putting up boundaries! It feels really good.

[@parkerrose3590]

@@simonearsenault-may6814 Yes, I mean I don't want to hurt her feeling. She does not have many friends left since she pushes them away. I tried that "don't answer the phone" and she usually leaves me a nasty voicemail or text. She has a lot of physical problems and even her kids stay away from her.

[@simonearsenault-may6814]

I have an aunt who is a bit like this and also a friend… you both need to somehow know that you are not obliged to talk many times a day to love and care for her and her struggles. Somehow, this message needs to get across… &/or you can work on ways to not take on her negative vibes when you do talk. Good luck and do read up on relationship boundaries! It’s all very eye opening!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

@Parker Rose that would be really hard. It helps me to remember that the other person’s feelings aren’t my responsibility. I can say what I need to say and then how they feel about it is their issue. It also helps me to remember that “hurting people hurt people.” Then I can acknowledge to myself they are hurting, I don’t need to take it personally. It also helps me to remember that being honest with a person and setting boundaries is more loving then taking their abuse. I agree with Simone, a boundaries book is helpful. I’m sorry you have to face this everyday Parker. ❤️

[@BL-rb7jm]

After my car accident , I went from a neat freak to a clutter freak. It was because of the trauma of having my car flipped and having someone who didn't have a driver's license or insurance hit me, To pain and suffering with a broken collarbone, which will be broken firever. And a concussion that changed my personality..I went through h*** mentally physically and emotionally and couldn't even bathe myself for four months I had to have care aids come in to do that, and cook for me. And so my mind felt really good when I went out and started buying stuff and hoarding stuff. I didn't realize it that I had p t s d, and this is all my mind operated. So fast. Forward? I still. Have? This feeling of wanting to get high from buying, so what I did was loaded up my shopping cart and walked around in the store with all this stuff that I like. And then I go have a coffee for example in walmart. Then I would walk around some more and when I came to my decisions. I would look at it in the cart, and I don't need this. I don't need that, and i'm not going to use this, and I think I already have this at home. It was getting a high from shopping, and it made me feel good inside. It was endorphins that I needed. Because of the trauma I went through after the car accident. So thankfully it's getting less and less. So now instead of buying? I'm taking of my home. I realize that even going to the second-hand store and getting things cheap is not good. Still buying. If you have to buy something because it makes you feel good, fill up your cart but give yourself time to think about it. Instead of going in and buying out of emotionals. Walk around for an hour with your cart , and I can guarantee that you may just leave with one item. That can help many people. But do it on a day when you have time. And when you don't have the kids around. Bring your own juice instead of going for a nice cream in mcdonald's l o l. With the juice your brain gets the sugar from the natural fruit. So everybody does things differently but this is what i've done and it worked for me.

[@mariabassas8714]

I enjoy your videos, you give great ideas. I don’t know if you would, I remember you posted a video a while ago on your kids rooms. I have three kids and 1 of the rooms is small. Would you consider doing a tour of your kids room? To get ideas 😊 Thank you!!! 😊

[@oldmaninthemirror]

Thanks!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiegilliam1725]

I love all your tips and I love that tea flask. Can you please give me the name of the tea flask and do they have one for coffee?

[@Nourishingminimalism]

It has the brand time "Leaf Life" I'm not sure what all they have, it was a gift from a friend. 😊

[@lianouata]

Whats in the coffee cup 💖🙏

[@princessdumbarton9877]

Having 50 types of tea to choose from would stress me out.

[@linth1717]

👍

[@aileenrose1651]

Your fantasy lady and my fantasy lady are soul mates. 😅

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂❤️

[@varose12]

Im not seeing the link for the paper clutter video

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Oh sorry about that, here it is - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3iUZ6l6mbaNndk

[@varose12]

@@Nourishingminimalism thank you!

[@sandradisclafani6725]

❤👍

[@mariaperez-i9n]

I was worried a serial killer could come and grab her.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂 Oh no need to worry! It's a busy place - lots of people walking. ❤️

[@PastleLif3]

Hahah me too! We both must watch some crazy real life stories

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Alot of stuff n my home doesn't add value, and i dont like, but my husband and 5 kids do lol like video games...

[@Nourishingminimalism]

🤣 Yeah, we have to consider their desires as well. lol