8 COMMON DECLUTTERING MISTAKES

[@sl9906]

In my journey, I’ve turned the “spark joy” for me concept into “joyful generosity” for others. Haven’t used it? Let it be a blessing for someone else! Same thing for those ‘on the fence’ items, things I like but no longer use, things that were lovely memories but no longer serve me, etc. The things in our lives should serve us, not the other way around, so if it’s not serving your “here and now” life, then let it go on to serve someone else who will love it and use it in their life ❤

[@ElinLesser]

Love this concept!! :)

[@liisaking1247]

I see a lot of comments on various decluttering/organizing channels saying that they're trying to figure out the perfect environmentally-friendly ways to dispose of various items because they don't want them "going to landfill". Two things here. The first is that I tell these people they are important too. They deserve to live in a pleasant space, not one filled with junk, that is (in effect) them living *in* a landfill. That thought is new and shocking to many people, but true. The second is that 100 or 150 years from now, every single thing they owned will be gone and most of whatever still exists in any form will actually be in a landfill. If they're very lucky, a handful of their things may be in someone else's house, being used and valued, but that's the exception rather than the rule. The way you deal with this is by how you choose to live your life moving forward. What's done is done. That won't change. But you can tread more lightly in the future if that's what is important to you. Just don't let your fear of "wasting" something, or disposing of it "incorrectly", paralyze you!

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I’ve been declutterring since I retired a few months ago. I pick a drawer, cabinet or area. It’s nice to actually see space in a cabinet!

[@HealthHappyLife]

Such a relatable list! Especially the part about feeling guilty for letting things go because they feel 'wasteful'-it’s so freeing to realize that keeping unused items doesn’t reduce the waste. Great reminder to focus on creating a more functional and peaceful space instead of holding onto things out of guilt. Thanks for sharing!

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

I live decluttered soo much I have gotten rid of my husband too 😀 I find letting go easier then those around me. I can’t wait to move so I can declutter more. My daughter’s room is my next challenge because she has too much stuff. My challenge is moving it from my house into the car and over to the thrift shop.

[@PaulaMallinson-vl5mq]

When I struggle to get rid of something for emotional reasons, a memory of a loved one, I take a photo of it. I can still look at it and remember.

[@zo_471]

Elin I find your voice and cadence so relaxing ❤

[@WynterDragon]

I need to play this episode for my MIL. She holds onto objects like they are people. She actually inspired me to start decluttering because I don't want that much stuff around me.

[@casgray4710]

I’m so enjoying your videos and it’s taken away all of my guilt. My sister in law who I love dearly bought something for me four years ago (my oh hated it and constantly tried to throw it out and we honestly would have arguments over it) well the other day she came over to help me declutter because I’m down sizing and I held it up for her opinion and she said absolutely it has to go!!!😮😮 Anyway I feel so guilt free now that I’m ready to bring on a skip. 😂😂😂 Love from the uk. ❤

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, so glad the guilt is gone!! Love this little anecdote.

[@andreeb4507]

I decluttered utensils just after my mother passed away. I still regret it four years later .

[@chazychaz7581]

Thank you for putting my thoughts during my long decluttering process into a video. I'm sure it will be helpful for many 🙏❤️ Greetings from Denmark

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

Love declutering

[@joanmacleod1362]

Number 8 really struck a chord with me. This is one of the best videos on declutterring. Thank you

[@BadNessie]

I agree with all points. What has helped me most so far is two things: 1. Discovering that a thing called 'Sozialkaufhaus' exists in Germany, where the closest one is and that they are VERY happy to receive all the items that I couldn't let go of before as they definitely don't belong in the trash but I don't have the energy to sell them. They take donations and sell them to those in need for very low prices. Me giving things away makes someone else happy and it's extremely low effort? Deal. 2. Reducing what comes in. And what's helped to get there is really reducing a few types of items (e.g. clothes) to what I'm actually using. It has helped because now I only have items that I actually use and getting something that, if I'm honest, won't be used nearly ever makes so much less sense that it did before. It would now be the 'first' irrelevant item in the collection, so why get it in the first place? Took a while to get there, but now that I'm there in more and more categories it gets so much easier.

[@ElinLesser]

Love these points/ideas!! Thanks for sharing

[@TheMennomilist]

I think little sparks joy for me because I don't like to have attachments to items, while the Japanese believe a spirit is in everything, so they treat their stuff like gods. Great list shared. I think most people struggle with sentimental objects. For me, it is making sure I stick with the upkeep, which I tend to do for the most part.

[@Caroline99777]

Glad you mention the last point. It’s the most important, actually, and the hardest😢

[@courtneyashley7732]

Great advice!

[@lindaguthrie8238]

Helpful as always. But I would definitely add in terms of sentimental objects, take a photo of them and then you’ll be able to let them go easier.

[@ElinLesser]

Love that tip!

[@thebarky1988]

I am in my 60’s and recently bought a small piano from my childhood. I was so excited when I found it. Now it’s collecting dust. I am thinking of taking a pic and giving it away. The his is so hard for me.

[@jessica-leecookland8084]

My biggest mistake is what you mentioned not having a plan on how I’m going to get rid of things or even have a plan but not getting the time. We have a baby and as you probably know all too well, we are very time poor. We have the best intentions to donate or recycle cardboard boxes at the tip but it’s soo hard to find the time. I end up putting it in the garage only to have to declutter again cos I’m not sure what I was originally going to do with the item etc 🙈😬

[@molee8863]

Some charities will pickup from your home. Maybe you can try that route 😊.

[@emilianodiaz-page4233]

Great reminders Elin! I think your last tip is the most important tip to helping all the benefits of declutterring last in our homes.

[@evasochocki5209]

Very helpful! Especially the ones about sparking joy and being in a more positive mood.

[@ElinLesser]

So glad! 🙂

[@theboujieproletariat]

I just wanted to say, your house looks so beautiful and cosy. It's not show-offy like some influencers houses... it's not easy to make a house cosy if most things are white but you did that.

[@ElinLesser]

Oh my goodness thank you!! That is my hope! ;)

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

Now I „ declutered“ my friends😊

[@marshaharwood8883]

All great points!!!

[@nancyfeeser4653]

I schedule a donation pickup every couple weeks. Even if only a small pick up.

[@Kate-lo1in]

Very good as always 🎉

[@j.b.4340]

For me, it’s the wastefulness. As a Xennial, I had always felt more kinship with my Depression Era grandparents, who saved everything, than any other group. “Waste not, want not” was the creed. It’s painful to waste things. I’m a hyper-accumulator, and I’ve got AuDHD. It feels hopeless.

[@RandyBailey-k2e]

AKA Kenneth Bailey Thank You Always !😊

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

very easy😊

[@Lupton2000]

Love your video:)

[@sophie.paludan.muller]

I love your videos, Elin, and want to find more youtubers like you🧡 Would you share some of the channels you watch? It could be about minimalism but other subjects as well…

[@molee8863]

A to Zen & Joshua Becker are some good channels.

[@sophie.paludan.muller]

@ thank you!

[@nadinehope230]

I always love your creamy house vibe just wondering what your paint colours are on your walls?

[@ElinLesser]

I always get that question but I don’t actually know! I wish I knew! Someone painted them before we got the house!

[@morro8785]

In hindsight the only regret I actually have is giving away too many things I still love and would like to have back again, but instead I took the "mature" road and gave it away. 😔

[@ElinLesser]

That can happen... thanks for the reminder

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

I like decluter and replacing, hate minimalism

[@robynwells8249]

I don’t do the what sparks joy. My toaster oven doesn’t spark joy but it’s essential. Now whenever I declutter I do ask myself is there someone who could get better use, or is it worth the time, effort and space in keeping it.

[@ElinLesser]

Love it!

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

almost daily

[@phyllissweetpea4926]

Why do 99% of “ minimalists” have white everything? Real question. I find it boring.

[@poledanceplayhouse8153]

Lol, rule nr.1 is funny to me. I have ADHD, I forget everything that I own when it´s not in my sight. Maybe I should just declutter every closed container 😅