9 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Clutter (Decluttering)

We tell ourselves a-lot of lies about decluttering and stop ourselves from getting rid of those just in case items all the way to never starting the decluttering process. these are some of the things that I have definitely told myself on my journey towards minimalism over the past few years. after understanding that they weren't true and hearing about them it definitely has helped me as I've been decluttering hopefully it can help you as well!!
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[@GabeBult]

What are the lies you tell yourself about clutter ?

[@lunalunale8358]

'If you have more oils for your skincare routine your crippling depression will go away' I'm still waiting And i got a shit ton of essential oils 😂

[@alisonforrester4612]

All of yours plus.... I’ll wait til April or May, like a diet!.... lol... Over lockdown I started boxing stuff up ( I’m in the UK) 3rd lockdown later as Charity shops are closed, I still have a car full of STUFF! Aarrrhhhh.... so now even my car isn’t minimal!!.... please send help... 😂

[@aperson1719]

I will actually find a use for it all someday

[@nickelsanddimes4890]

@@aperson1719 That's a good one. How many shampoos do people collect just in case.

[@andymagliulo]

"this will be the LAST purchase -- that will end all clutter."

[@spring7643]

4:24 "Don't wait until the stars align, because the timing is never right" 👏👏👏

[@snowflakesandstars]

1. I paid money for it 2. It's rare 3. The feeling of the person who gave it to you 4. No regrets 5. I'll do it tomorrow 6. It might fit again 7. I'm saving it for the next house 8. I don't need a system 9. I live with a non minimalist

[@dennisdelacruz8958]

“It might fit again” That hurts 😆

[@GabeBult]

Yeaaaa lol

[@alisonforrester4612]

All the time! Lol....

[@jnotlog7040]

I've 32W and 34W trousers, M and L tops rotated in vacuum storage bags. But I will never buy bigger sizes, that's just giving up.

[@theamytivillehorror]

When you do get down to the size where you can fit those clothes again, you find you don't want to wear them anyway.

[@val6937]

When you get older you might be more sentimental when a family member makes something for you. It can be hard to get rid of especially if they are no longer living.

[@GabeBult]

That's definitely true and there are some things you do want to hang on to for sentimental reasons but there's definitely a lot of things you just hang on to out of guilt as well

[@aperson1719]

I have literally just started putting on a playlist of your videos as back ground noise when I declutter. Everytime I start to burn out, I hear you say something else that pushes me to keep moving in the right direction. And for that, I thank you.

[@GabeBult]

Glad I can help!

[@aperson1719]

@@GabeBult me too 😂

[@Lisa.M.J]

I think paring things down to what’s truly valuable & essential to us, is absolutely key. However, if we don’t have a clear vision of the type of life we’re looking to create, minimalism can easily turn into a passing trend, instead of a lifestyle choice that can help us focus on what’s truly important. Great video as always Gabe. 👍

[@WilletteB]

You are wise beyond your years, young man. I started with a huge contractor bag of decluttering paper in Jan of this year. So far, 5 bags for sure are gone and I didn't count the extra stuff that went to the curb on garbage day. I appreciate your insight. I enjoy your channel. Please keep reminding me, I need less to be happy. Thanks! 🙂

[@thinkingitthrough9442]

0:26 Yes, many times we love the uniqueness of things. It's ok to fall in love with and appreciate certain qualities of things. As long as we keep it in perspective and remember the big picture of our lives. Great job!

[@christined2495]

Gabe, I watch every one of your videos, I don’t think I ever commented, but I truly think your content is PERFECTION, and in these short moments I know you must help so many realize to only have in your possessions, the things you love, use, and need can by doing so this can change your life. Life becomes more peaceful, and for some reason having less gives you the gift of time. I just adore you, and I look forward to every one of your videos, just wanted you to know. I have lived this lifestyle going on 5 years, I’ll never go back to buying unnecessary items. I walk thru home goods, and the home decor seems silly to me now, my home isn’t sparse, and I am not an extreme minimalist, I just live intentionally. My bank account has grown, I appreciate so much more what I do have. Keep up these videos, I think everyone your generation needs to listen to your message

[@GabeBult]

Thank you for saying that I really appreciate it! that's cool to hear what's going on in your life as well!

[@TheJojo01902]

I’m relatively new to your channel, but would like to say that of all the minimalism videos I’ve watched yours are the most straightforward, honest, simple, and actionable. Further, there’s an ethic of ‘don’t beat yourself up over this stuff’ which I appreciate. Thanks, Gabe!

[@crystalrainbow19]

Damn your videos are awesome. I printed out the 11 rules of decluttering that you did recently and stuck it on my wall. I refer to it all the time. So so good.

[@kimberlyb1286]

Where is this list of rules?

[@lamoon1525]

I have moved a lot over my life. Rule #1...the curtains are not going to fit the next place, nor will the decor.

[@afcopwife]

Oh my goodness, this is so true!

[@krystal7382]

I am currently binge watching your videos..which allows me to procrastinate on my "decluttering" chores. For that I am grateful 💕

[@AhmetKaan]

You'll realize how far you are in your journey, but you'll soon realize you can go even further and achieve greater challenges. Keep going my friend. 💥💥

[@weirdrage]

I didn’t realise the house one until I got my own place, I had lots of boxes of stuff I’d been waiting to unpack and realised none of it went together and my tastes had changed! I struggle with the sunk costs one, I see other people getting money for second hand goods but then have lots of time wasters and don’t make a lot. So I give myself a deadline, reduce the price at the first and donate at the second!

[@j-pan5285]

I really appreciate these videos! Thank you 🌊🤙🏽

[@DavidDavisDH]

Decluttering is a lot like paying off debt, pay off the small debt first (not so important) and then pay the large debt off (more sentimental). I'm actually doing both right now.

[@BestOfBritt]

Great video! I love your channel and how practical you are. You were one of the ones to inspire me to start minimizing and now I’ve started a channel as well, so THANK YOU! Keep it up!

[@GabeBult]

Glad you enjoy it! That's cool to hear thanks for watching!

[@melodiephoenix]

I regret decluttering my house keys lol! That was seriously annoying!

[@patwilkinson2182]

You inspire me to be a minimalist. Almost there and feeling better everyday

[@GabeBult]

👏🔥

[@cinnamonoatmeal9998]

No greater love than one has then to lay down his life for a friend. Thx for the help!

[@travisambrose]

Loved the recommendation on just piecemealing your decluttering efforts here and there for 2-5 minutes. Its a constant process, not a finite destination.

[@rocktigerdesign]

The best part of this was the “Got it from someone” that I can relate to. I have had a collection of various figurines and models that I have been decluttering myself since I’ve got into my minimalist journey. Ever since I am very mindful with what I own and only buy them when there’s a serious reason for it. However sometimes I get that odd piece from someone that I cannot really do anything with and I end up running circles in my head until I finally give up and decide to sell that piece. Do I regret doing it? Not at all! Will that person be sad coz I’ve sold it? Probably, or maybe not as I do have a ton of picture of it digitally, so I guess that is a win win scenario. 😉

[@guillaumel2049]

Hi Gabe! My comment 2 weeks ago: "I started decluttering but it's like a never ending process!" haha :D

[@GabeBult]

Yea it's just a journey not a quick thing good to see ya!

[@zsuzsannabak1530]

Yes, it is a process, create a strategy. I went through my house in 4 fazes as myself was changing and got rid off clutter blindness

[@JenniferH1724]

LOL I have been at it for three years. I have moved outside and to buildings. I want to just take some gas and a match to it at this point.

[@shakeitoff5148]

@@JenniferH1724 Try living in a trailer! We had to have everything organized bc the owner didn't want it spilling to the outside. Much easier living in a house for me.

[@JenniferH1724]

@@shakeitoff5148 I did live in a trailer once we bought a house with land the junk has exploded 20 years of stuff 😭

[@nicoleselfe2126]

Thanks for posting informative, entertaining videos, I’m trying to build up my own minimal channel, videos to come!😁

[@binabahjat8020]

Is it weird that from the get go I never had issues with decluttering iam not a sentimental person my major issue was getting ride of books because of where i live purchasing books costs min 25$ each with shipping and everything i got over it as well by trying to sell and giving it to friends and family and i am wiser with my choices now☺️☺️ i get stressed with clutter and i am an organizing addict😅😅😅 which is tiring sometimes everything needs to be in place i dont leave the house if my bed is not made even if my life depends on it😂😂😂😂i do declutter every season + when i feel something is not right, i agree with everything you said thank you❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@maximalismrehab6030]

I think the sunk cost fallacy is definitely a huge barrier to me decluttering things but as you say, the money has already been spent and whether I use the item, don't use it, give it away, throw it out etc, that money is not coming back.

[@GabeBult]

I definitely have had issues with that as well

[@TheFastingPanda]

Awesome video and I agree with most of your points. The one where I don't agree is "it might fit again". Let me explain. I lost 27 kgs (around 55 lbs) after really getting myself back into shape. A few years ago, I let go of a lot of clothes that I thought I wouldn't fit back into and now I completely regret it. Now,I have to buy a whole new wardrobe and, like you, I'm very frugal so it's a pain and I'm wearing clothes that don't fit me right. I would say, if you're serious about loosing weight and it's something that you want to achieve, keep some "motivational" clothing and really work towards that goal. But yeah, get rid of that top that's just never gonna work even if you'll fit back into it. Keep up the good work !

[@jodibraun6383]

Agreed. About 7 years ago I unexpectedly lost 65 pounds due to an ongoing health issue, but I had already gotten rid of all of my "skinny" clothes. At the same time as I lost that weight, I also lost my job, (the place closed). Try getting a job when you're wearing clothes 3 sizes too big & you have no funds to buy stuff that fits! Lol! That was not fun or easy. I now have a small stash of stuff that fits as my weight fluctuates due to my health issue. Feels much safer.

[@LazzarrusLong]

3:02 Same here. I regret de-cluttering zero items over the years. ZERO. Not a single effing thing. One strategy that might help if one is on the fence about getting rid of an item: TAKE A PICTURE of it. For me, doing so allows me to “keep” the item (digitally) and removes the mental barrier of getting rid of that item. 📸👋😎

[@TheKerryzzz]

Having antiques is like money in the bank.

[@tanz5389]

Not that much

[@SchneppFlute]

Only if at the exact moment you need the cash out of them there's actually someone willing to buy them.

[@tanz5389]

@@SchneppFlute There are some shops around me, with an overload of stuff. Unless you live in NY, prices are cheap.

[@sarahlovegrove3584]

Gabe, thank you always for your videos they are always insightful. I was hoping you could offer some advice! I have a very complicated financial predicament, I recently had a bad car accident and lost my pride and joy, my Truck, it’s one of those objects whilst decluttering and searching for what objects bring me value and joy has always stood out to me, being from the country it was my childhood dream vehicle and a dream I wanted to make come true and exerted my efforts to make that happen and took out a loan for it after increasing my income. My income had since lowered but I desperately need a new vehicle, I have enough money to buy a replacement out right but not enough to do that and build a home for shelter, I need my vehicle to make money but also need to put a permanent roof over my head so I can stop couch surfing. With out the debt I can save faster but I’m am not sure how I should prioritise my expenses.

[@christineo8510]

Also in terms of gifts, I usually prefer and ask for gift cards instead of an actual gift. There are people that insist to get gifts for Christmas, birthdays, etc. Im not really materialistic and it's such a pain to return something you don't want (gift receipts) or even worse, you are stuck with it and you end up giving it away.

[@procrastianArt]

Just watched this to procrastinate from sorting through all the things I have from hobbies I don't have the time or space to dedicate to currently... Maybe I will in the future, and that makes me want to hold on to them...

[@jamieleach9322]

Yes! I have begun telling people that I'm minimizing and it does help. 😊

[@GabeBult]

Definitely does help!

[@AhmetKaan]

"The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure." *― John C. Maxwell* Failures are the only way to success.

[@augustineschaefer5522]

My parents were raised out of the depression. They were both savers. My husband and I moved which ripped the initial bandaid off and since then I’ve not really looked back. I stumble on small things like ubiquitous chap sticks and lotions because they’re things I use...but maybe not in the quantity I still have. It’s now kind of like a game. Hold up 5 and decide which 2 leave and just like that I’m down to 3 which is still enough, but with less.

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video

[@Loly920]

You are right, its a process that you have to continue to do.

[@GabeBult]

100%

[@johnl6371]

For me, family antiques and heirlooms are the hardest thing to part with because they are often the last remaining connection we have with the people who owned them before us. Even if these things aren't worth a lot of money or serve a useful purpose, they still "spark joy" and bring happy memories of the people we loved. I do believe that we should not become too attached to material possessions, but I don't think everything has to be utilitarian to be worth holding on to. Would love to hear your take on this!

[@Lisa.M.J]

I absolutely agree with you John. I don’t think minimalism should be about “who has the least amount of stuff”, rather it should be about making space for what you enjoy & what you’re truly passionate about.

[@Lucy-ff2et]

Oh, yes. My grandmother and mother both saved every photo, card, and letter. Now I have those plus the ones I have saved. I set a goal at the beginning of lockdown to sort photos. Have not touched a one :( and I only have one nephew that might vaguely be interested in seeing any of them. I need to face the fact that keeping all my old photos will not forestall or prevent death!

[@createelegance6792]

@@Lisa.M.J Living intentionally keeps anything, any stuff we don't want from being a part of our lifestyle. Good points.

[@jrcannon8945]

Someday I know I'll needs it..lol..have gotten past that thanks to you.

[@hereshow375]

If you observe movie stars on screen, we never know how much money exactly the characters have or how much they declutter. It's a non-issue, meaning they lazer focus on the intangibles & what is needed. I like this approach in life and feel if you just do things needed, things usually take care of themselves.

[@kippen64]

Although I am not and never will be a hoarder, I will never be a minimalist either. Watching these videos just serve to strengthen these feelings. Couldn't spend a whole weekend getting rid of stuff because I don't have that much stuff. I have clothes that don't fit me but they have collector value to me. Have had the same bookcase for over three decades. So worrying that your stuff won't suit your next residence doesn't sound very minimalist to me

[@nicoleselfe2126]

I wIlL uSe ThIs OnE dAy...... like, NO, I’m never going to use this item 😂

[@wang_xian]

That video called me out haha. Thank you, i needed this

[@GabeBult]

👍🔥

[@happyjourneywithlynn2534]

Bad habit of mine....holding on to stuff still not unpacked. Like that instant pot, dehydrator, ninja blender....etc. Reasons for not using, no room and no courage. But still think, I might use it some day soon. System? I just started one with this..."Don't think about doing it, turn that thinking into action." It helped with getting a 5 tier metal shelves together and the stuff that was tossed into a box, is sitting neatly on them.

[@derekstanbro7786]

What do you do with all your remodel, repair and fixing materials, tools and supplies?

[@TripSmith]

Ha, love the Earth Runners. My favorite shoes to wear!

[@MichelleF1320]

I never had a system... We revamped so putting stuff back made it easy to know what can stay and what can't. Now, I just throw out random stuff when I look at it and wonder.. Um, why did I keep this?

[@razafiarisonlantoarisoa3233]

i am interested in green evironment , I need more information

[@Kris-jh2ud]

Love your videos!!! Don’t recognize the white brick wall. New home?

[@GabeBult]

Same home new wallpaper lol

[@martinjarvis8312]

One of the best things I ever got rid of in my journey was my wife she was so expensive now I have a nice clean minimal house and stack the green.

[@mphil66]

I deeply regret getting rid of my handwritten journals I wrote as a teebager, my baby book and of a lot of printed pictures. While I did scan the last two, I will never get back the journals. That was years ago, after decluttering everything else. Yeah, they are the only things I regret. My only consolation is that if there ever is a fire I will have the digital version of all the pics. Otherwise, the two-minute rule has been so useful! ✌🏻

[@Kad182]

Nice vid! Hey, you may mark Costa Rica on that globe :P

[@Wendathena]

Any suggestions for people have "hobbies" or other creative pursuits that could lead to income? I have a jewelry business and have bought a huge number of beads, pearls, gold charms, etc. I have a whole room devoted to my jewelry business, and I am actively making and selling jewelry creations that I make. I have bought a lot of stuff that I am not currently using, but feel that when sales are slow, I might have time to create new designs. But it gives me anxiety to see all the supplies that I have spent money on but because most of my sales are items that I have to remake over and over, I don't find as much time for creating new items.

[@ElizabethCar]

With the first thing we tell ourselves "I paid a lot of $$ for this" I combat it by trying to sell that same item for as much as I bought it for & only dropping the price after a few weeks

[@FranciscoArtavia]

Hi from Costa Rica! Is there a pin there in your globe already?? I know you speak from your experience and to your audience, who are mostly in the US. But if you’d like to consider a fun fact: in other places in the world, replacing stuff can be complicated and/or expensive. Doing the balance of holding on to stuff or not, gets tricky.

[@krystal7382]

I have gotten rid of a few things "accidentally"..I freaked out at first..then I talked myself back from the edge..and after about 15 min everything was ok again.

[@cmac2295]

I digital decluttered my IG account 😭 great video Gabe!

[@GabeBult]

Awesome! I do that every few months

[@cmac2295]

@@GabeBult I completely deleted it lol

[@christinejewels2944]

It might

[@MichelleF1320]

I regret throwing out a headset mike pop filter because at the time I didn't know what it was, its probably extremely cheap.. I just can't find a place to buy it anywhere...

[@MichelleF1320]

I constantly tell people not to buy me stuff and I am VERY picky with fragrances - as in I can't find one that I like and does not give me allergy symptoms . My mother in law always ignores it and I usually find other homes for the stuff... BUT xmas 2020, she got me a random fragrance, and I like it and I can breathe it in without any symptoms AND I don't itch. She finally found a winner... and so did I.. I'll be dropping hints for a replacement come xmas...😁😁😁

[@Viki12ify]

can you do a video about your workout routine? :)

[@GabeBult]

Hopefully in the next few months

[@suecooper2975]

"It might fit again"... Yep it did, I hung onto my fav clothes from the 90s and I can fit into them again YAY! They are now so out of style I would be embarrassed to wear them. Get rid of ill fitting clothes people.

[@GabeBult]

Lol that's also true just because they do fit doesn't mean you should wear them

[@juliomedina4267]

Hey gabe. Quick question. Do you consume cannabis ? And can you do a video on vices and money

[@ivanmayet7879]

I didn't know you were in my country :'D I hope you enjoyed it here!

[@GabeBult]

Definitely did!

[@livingwithenough8718]

OK, I've paused your video for 2 minutes and did a quick decluttering on my desk. The 2 minutes ended up to be more than an hour because I was in the groove :). But, I'm back and the rest of the video is the reward for doing that:) Thanks for the motivation:)

[@GabeBult]

That's the whole idea of the rule just start and see what happens! Glad you came back :p

[@christineo8510]

I donated most of my stuff... Yes a money waster but it helped me and my financial mindset. When I'm gifted things I usually don't get attached. If I do I take a picture of the item. I have a few things I keep in a couple of large Rubbermaid containers. One is half full. I don't intend keeping more than 2 containers - that's my limit. If the clothes don't fit I get rid of it. Because it is a pandemic, the clothes I wear for social events are temporary stored away. When it's safe to go out for social events again I'm going to go through that box. This is (and seasonal clothing) are my only exceptions.

[@jnotlog7040]

The next time I move, most of my stuff is going and starting a new with stuff I love and less.

[@Esmeelele]

i am in the proces for weightloss surgery and i am on a milimalistic tour at my own to make sure i can focus as possible on my journey... The Clothing part is the worst, because i want to empty my house, but on the other side i dont want to spend the money again in the future.... Anybody tips?

[@productiveways8886]

I've been thinking about this, what if you just buy a couple pair of sweatpants until you are ready to invest in something you like & reward yourself.

[@URBANFARMBOYS]

Can we talk about your sandals because I need them! (Well not yours; I’ll buy a pair of my own!)

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Decluttering is never over... It will always be an ongoing process as long as we live and bring new stuff into our homes... Which is normal eg kids growing up etc... But the more we decluttering and the more ofen we do it, the less we have to declutter and the less energy and time it takes to keep on top of it.

[@reliableworker7286]

Yeehaw!

[@cpw8191]

6:57 --that I need flip-flops; for others, it's the thing they have for feet

[@alexandra109]

For me it’s the thought of the waste. I want my unneeded items to be used and not end up in the landfill. I’ve decluttered about 65-70% of what I own. I still have about 5-10% left to go. The things I get stuck on are the things that can be hard to sell or donate. They aren’t trash, but I know if I donate them they will probably end up in a landfill. For example, I have a few very inexpensive “collectibles”. I enjoy science fiction and followed Star Trek for years. 20+ years ago, I bought prints and a few toys at a convention. I’m sure they have no value, but to a collector they could be enjoyed. They don’t take up a lot of my space, but I want to declutter them. I’ve tried posting online, but everyone wants valuable items. Another example are some books I have. Again, good condition, but not valuable. Unfortunately, due to COVID libraries aren’t accepting donations. They are a full set of books. I know I could bring them to my local thrift store, but then they wouldn’t be kept as a collection. I really do want to give them away. They hold no emotional attachment, but I would like to give them to someone who really would like them. I think it is this fear of items ending up in someone else’s declutter bin or not being enjoyed. I’m proud of all of the progress I’ve made, but these handful of items really hold me up.

[@spring7643]

I had the same issue, someone told me "do you value yourself or those things more?" so I ended up donating them because they were taking up too much of my mental energy tbh

[@melaniemcgarry5271]

I care about the environment a lot too and found it hard to throw stuff out that was usable, but not really donateable. To those items, it helps me to say, “this item takes up the same space in the universe if it’s in my closet or in a landfill.” Hope that helps!

[@goldieff]

See if there is a Facebook Buy Nothing group in your area. People find homes for all kinds of odd things.

[@tink268]

My fav lie -I need new organizers🤦‍♀️

[@felixveja8154]

Memories are another excuse I think, whilst some items are important, you need to remember that by throwing things out, you aren't throwing away memories or people or experiences. Also you are more likely to appreciate the few items left behind and they become more noticeable too.

[@GabeBult]

Absolutely agree

[@denieseharrell6690]

Off topic.. where did you get your papasan chair???

[@GabeBult]

Facebook marketplace lol

[@denieseharrell6690]

@@GabeBult 😐😏

[@auni2955]

2:36 me getting dressed before decluttering and embracing minimalism.

[@nelsikegaming]

I've been decluttering for 5 days and I've made $3,600. It's great! haha

[@lunalunale8358]

I have lots of trouble with mental clutter. I don't know how to 'let them go' haha

[@investyourmoney6348]

I like Ronald Banks videos on journaling to get rid of that mental clutter. Don't carry it. Throw it on others to carry.

[@MisCommunication-dj5nh]

Just heard a Pastor talk about forgiveness. Just forgive yourself when you mess up, shake it off and move on

[@levainqueur9095]

FYI: I wear a medium. 😀

[@GabeBult]

👕 here ya go

[@user-js3sb3oi2z]

Let it go.

[@christinejewels2944]

who says you can't it might be worth something later

[@christinejewels2944]

too late

[@Cat-and-Tilly]

Mat D’Avella must be jealous of your biceps.

[@productiveways8886]

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder for sure

[@jnotlog7040]

Sell 20 items that you don't need for one quality item that you really need or love. Being Autistic, people have learned only get me what I want and sometimes I say nothing at all.

[@marystacy1945]

It's not going to fit again 😊

[@terencew3840]

My ex-wife is a messy hoarder……true story

[@christinejewels2944]

don't you have better things to do? i am sorry for you

[@christinejewels2944]

waste of money

[@bucsaved2111]

You look kinda sad in your video

[@monikakonrad2951]

You told only 7 lies. And it's nonminimalist.

[@lamoon1525]

When someone gives me something I am not going to wear...I wear it once in their presence...somehow, this helps me give myself permission to let go of it.

[@JcDaGoat]

Great video