9 Things to Declutter Before 2018

[@eon1635]

I've followed tons of other channels about minimalism and decluttering to have less stuff and live a more peaceful life but seriously you are the only one that actually inspire me and leaves me thinking about how much less I can have to live a better life, seriously Melody, THANK YOU SO MUCH, hope you have a great end of 2017 and 2018 comes with great stuff for you!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

Oh how I wish I lived a minimalistic lifestyle like you do. I've been married for 29 years with one son (21 yrs. old). Over the years we've collected so much useless stuff. I find the longer you stay in one location the more you tend to keep. We've been in our current home for over 16 years and I know there's plenty we can get rid of. My husband and son tend to be hoarders but I feel I am on an opposite path. For the last 18 months I have been trying to declutter and have sold quite a bit on Kijiji (Canada's equivalent to Craig's list). I have made almost $2000 which has encouraged me to continue. I do make lists and that definitely keeps me motivated but my problem is I have some health issues which prevents me accomplishing as much as I want to. Also having two people in the house that don't want to declutter doesn't help either. I will continue to watch your videos to keep myself inspired and motivated! Thank you so much!

[@marlene9682]

Debbie's Dilemmas I have health issues also that keep me from decluttering as much as I want to. My mother has passed and she had 50 years of hoarding. Also I became a hoarder. It's taken almost 7 years and I am seeing great progress. Hope to be done by spring. Keep up the great work your doing.

[@mapledipp]

That's a great idea to sell to keep motivated. I always donate because it's easier, but I think I'll try to sell.

[@maggiebarbiery3899]

Debbie's Dilemmas i

[@carnation_cat]

I have some of those issues so I really understand. I was born neat but life forced me to be less radical and once you stop fighting the junk for any reason (fatigue, depression, confusion, etc.) it starts winning! I'm so far behind that even though I always keep fighting the top surface, the backlog is overwhelming. Sometimes I think we have to fix our health issues before we can accelerate the outward progress. A while ago I figured out that I was having a reaction to eggs. I'd get up feeling good, ready to attack my list, but first I'd have a good breakfast ...and time after time I found that after breakfast I felt like someone dropped a load of bricks on me, and I wouldn't recover for 3-4 hours so the day would be wasted because I didn't know where to start by the time I felt better. I finally realized it was such a strong pattern that it might be something I was eating. Eggs seemed most likely, so I eliminated them and it never happened again! I tested them again every few months, and after almost 2 years, found I could tolerate them occasionally. But a few days ago I had the same thing happen after an egg breakfast, so....no more eggs for a while. I've been wheat-free/gluten-free for about 4 years now and that has really helped, too. Today I'm trying to rev myself up for decluttering I'm dreading, and I remembered one thing that used to help was to turn on all the lights! I'm doing that now. Something nice to drink and something nice to listen to also helps. Putting on good shoes used to help, too, but my current sneakers hurt my feet so it seems barefoot is best for now. Blah blah blah...I'd better stop typing and get to work! :) By the way, you might also enjoy Messy Minimalist. She's just fun to listen to, not too big on practical tips....but I find that most people's tips here don't really help me. I think all of our situations must be highly individual...or at least mine is!

[@adelinam7839]

Debbie, you should check out the YT channel The Messy Minimalist!

[@Broc13]

I think you would go insane in our house. My husband collects those Funko Pop bobblehead things and has over 200 of them, so we have a shelf from one end of the wall to the other, and from the floor to the ceiling, covered in pops. We have shelves everywhere full of trinkets and electronics and toys and lego sets we built and gifts and collectibles. Our fridge is covered in pictures and magnets. I think the only room in this house that isn't cluttered is the bathroom but there are still decorations in there. I would LOVE for my home to be as simple, and efficient, as yours. It's clean but cluttered, there's a difference. But I also feel connected to the things we have collected over the years. Cleaning our house isn't hard either but I know minimalism isn't just about ease of cleaning it's about minimal attachment to worldly things. I'm trying to get better at asking myself "do I need this?" but getting rid of what is already built up will be difficult.

[@pattie2day]

This video completely shifted my way of thinking about decluttering. I've always waited until the beginning of the year to make a New Year's resolution to declutter, but it makes SO much more sense to go ahead and clear stuff out before the new year, so we can start the new year off fresh and clean. Wow, what a great concept! I finally feel REALLY inspired to declutter NOW. Why drag this stuff into the new year, right? Thanks, Melody. I love your way of seeing things!

[@maggiebarbiery3899]

pattie2day i

[@juliemix4806]

Love that you talk about systems. Having systems in place is so important. Like how are you going to handle the laudry. Or pantry .Or paying bills?. Great advice for everyone. Cheers.

[@leannesoucy1673]

micellar water is multipurpose. It cleans your face very well and can be used as a makeup remover!

[@MoreMelody]

Hope you guys like this video on my decluttering protocol. Great to do before the end of the year! Can't wait for the relaxation and organization vids in January :)

[@crosswind76]

More Melody ~ Love your videos. Always learn something new. :)

[@mapledipp]

Melody, I feel like you are one of the few true minimalists I see online, a lot of people just declutter and minimize, but are not actually minimalist. I find your videos so helpful and motivating. I was wracking my brain over what to get my husband for Christmas, but your gift video gave two amazing book suggestions, thank you!

[@crosswind76]

just like with anything on life..there is no "one" way to do anything. Melody is sharing her lovely style. Variety makes the world flow. :)

[@MsVelandra]

Loved it! Love all your videos! You've helped me simplify my Life! And it feels soo good :) happy holidays!

[@maureengannaway8635]

Hi Mindy because of you I am really learning how to de-clutter my life with useless stuff. Today I did the hall closet an it looked so much better and felt like a breathe of fresh air. Thank you ☺

[@jentothewren4952]

I feel so inspired, we just moved and I’m taking my time unpacking so that I’m organised and throwing away stuff we don’t use

[@eliwilliamson7849]

Thank you. I've been following your channel for some time. You are the only channel my husband will pause and listen to when it's on. Happy holidays!

[@juliekostas7322]

Your videos are gifts that just keep giving. You are so good at what you do. 🌹

[@chelseaclaire13]

Melody, you were talking about selling some of your clothes and I just thought to tell you how much I love the dresses you wear. It's probably not very minimalist, but I'd love to see a video about your favorite pieces or where you get some of your clothes. Your dresses look so comfy and I have a really hard time finding well made dresses that are also comfy and beautiful.

[@paulinefollett3099]

If you are a collector like me, then decluttering is a daunting prospect. I enjoy my things and am quite happy to have my craft studio a little cluttered. But I do admit when things are in order it makes the workflow so much better. I think that when you get older, possessions are not as important. With that in mind I must reduce the amount of pots, containers, and utensils in the kitchen as it is getting a little crazy.

[@laurenpoole7238]

Love this video. So motivated to re think my decluttering strategies and choices. Thankyou.

[@felinex1]

Great end of year video to help me get organised for 2018! Thanks Melody!!

[@jeanicewatts315]

Happy Holidays to you! You are my guru! I will continue to follow your advise right on through 2018! ❤

[@raraavis7782]

Oh yes, please do a video about organising and digitalizing paperwork. I have about 20 years worth of stuff in binders (and shoe cartons)...have been putting off tackling that task. Do you think I still need that recipt from 2004?? 😈

[@Lashlove16]

Funny today I helped a friend that just moved in unpack and declutter. I realized how great I feel that I decluttered 18 months ago . Never again !!!

[@cr123-cn]

You should check out the wave notebook, its awesome. You can take notes and file them in categories and then upload them to your computer with a snap of a pic on an app. Then you can use the microwave and clear the whole notebook and it will be brand new!

[@ib8189]

Hi Melody, you might like a Rocketbook reusable notebook. It uploads super effortlessly.

[@ashtimash4004]

Wonderful video & inspiring as always!

[@tristian9006]

Don't close your credit cards if you need to do anything with a credit check next year at all. Closing cards hurts your credit score!!! You should really put that disclaimer as people could listen without researching and badly hurt their credit score....

[@ssmith543]

Thanks for mentioning that! I did that and it took my credit score down over a hundred points!

[@angelakneller2880]

Love the video. As I z before we have more them mine and my Hubby's stuff in our home and as of yet can not get rid of all of it as my Hubby's dad ( though got dementia and doesn't remember what he has) stuff is still in his room, loft, garage. We can't get rid of it all as its also down to peters brothers family. But next year when it is a bit warmer we r going to concentrate on decluttering what we can de clutter!!! Thanks for the tips, I'm gonna watch some of ur older videos also to get a more streamlined look and feel to our home. Wish u could come to england and help me out!!! But I shall rope in my parents to help me as well as hubby likes to think things will come in useful later!!

[@nycreader728]

So as I'm sure you know, getting rid of active credit cards...even if you don't currently use them....tends to have a very real - and negative - impact on your credit score if you carry any balance at all on ANY other card (since it means that one is suddenly technically using far more of their available credit.) By all means, people who have any credit card debt whatsoever should put cards they don't use, or don't WANT to use, somewhere inaccessible (liken a block of ice in the freezer)...and certainly, not apply for new ones. But I'm a bit thrown here, since this is the first time I can remember seeing anyone actually advise people to just get rid of them without also throwing in the very, very important reminder that they should at least briefly pause first for a realistic assessment of what it could mean for their credit scores in the near future.

[@latmcb9863]

My thoughts exactly. Also, the number of years a person has had a credit card is also important. The longer a card has been open (and well-managed) the more of a positive impact it has on a person's credit score.

[@Emiley.Montes107]

NYC reader yes great ideas- although I was thinking the same about closing credit cards, even closing one can negatively impact your score.

[@YourMajesty143]

I don't have my New York & Co card. I have no idea where I put it. I had got it in my early 20s and haven't seen it since. I don't bother closing it bc it contributes favorably to my score even though I don't use it. So maybe cutting up cards or shredding them would be a better tip.

[@createplanprosper699]

NYC reader Oh thank you... I was just about to politely rant about that crap-tastic advice... 😅 (Now, how can we promote this response?)

[@melaniegodwin8791]

NYC that's sound advice if you CARE about a credit score. As a follower of Dave Ramsey I have learned that a credit score IS NOT necessary for most big purchases. The process takes more time but it can be done. I also don't care about a credit score because if I can't pay cash I don't buy it and I don't feel inclined to give the big banks any more money than they already have. Just my thoughts.

[@monikamolluska682]

You should look into bullet journaling if you havent yet. Somewhere to keep all of your lists.

[@jayathome2898]

i read in the book Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki, that if you think about whether to get rid of something or not, you should just get rid of that. That seems to apply to writing down something in your notebook, and having to spend part of the next year trying to decide what to do with it. Probably easier and less mental energy to just get rid of it in the first place. What do you think? What skin care products are you using, and especially the gentle one that gets rid of eye makeup?

[@nadaouazzani]

Hello Melody,thanks for you video and the amazing energyWaiting each sunday for your video :)

[@ssmith543]

I would say to get a blood test or even ask a local pharmacist about the supplements before getting rid of them. Much of our food these days is vitamin deficient. Not like 50 years ago.

[@jennarink]

Awsome Video! Tank you melody. I am looking foreward to the paper declutter Video :)

[@kathleenolszewski7982]

Nice video Melody. Thanks you!

[@madisonangulo52]

I look forward to your videos! I love how you think and your ideas! One question, when you scan your paperwork are you not concerned about the computer crashing? How do you back up your paperwork on the computer? Thanks Melody!

[@raraavis7782]

Madison Angulo She probably uses some online backup service. You basically 'mirror' your harddrive there, so your data is safe if your actual computer/phone crashes or gets stolen. Or you could also get a seperate physical harddrive you plug in and synchronise once a week or so. Then you're still in trouble in case of fire, though. Online is really the way to go...just make sure it's a trustworthy outfit that has good privacy protection and stuff.

[@carrotauntie]

Thanks for sharing ! Melody. is that eye make up remover good to use？I have tried coconut oil product and it is not working very well.

[@Elemiriel]

really motivational, thanks!

[@betb48]

Very good...lift my hat to you

[@LovedHappy]

I always love your insights :)

[@CompassBlue]

I'm going to declutter as soon as I get up from watching this video

[@lovealways2158]

Melody, did you make a video about scanning documents and receipts? I would like to see how this scanning and saving receipts works.

[@jesusmota5158]

Excellent communication!!!!!!

[@clairejones3804]

Thanks for the video. I needed this! 😊

[@coolasx-6391]

Love you Melody. Your such a cute girl and amazing inspirational girl. I enjoy watching your videos. And learn new tips and tricks to keep my life minimal, and simple.

[@mindibear]

Look into bullet journaling, I think you would like it.

[@Ch_Noor72]

Hi Melody! Great video as usual :) I noticed you lost some weight recently (you look amazing) and I was wondering if you could make a video on how you did it? I would greatly appreciate it!

[@joaquinafuentes893]

Quick question I understand the whole thing about becoming a minimalist but, I have seen many videos of people and all their stuff is white or gray or nude! What wrong with color??

[@marybishop6105]

Joaquina Fuentes nothing’s wrong with color, it’s just that white, gray, nude, black go with everything. Therefore, shirt a will go with pant b and scarf c. Likewise, shirt d will go with pant b and scarf f. Get me?

[@austin12367]

Another great video Melody! :)

[@dsearcy1ful]

hey, quick question. what are those cups on the bathroom cabinet door called? and where can i find them?

[@Brownmahfun]

Thank you.

[@banzaiburger9589]

I tested the air conditioning today just to make sure! Also I have that exact same cat toy and my Princess Jade still likes it...for now

[@zelayadivina]

Who's Mike?

[@4nikkimay]

Very helpful thx 💕

[@Naanii77]

Are cats allergic to essential oils I heard say it's not good for Pat. My daughter just got a new diffuser and we have two cats.

[@MiaStar]

It's not an allergy, it's an inability of their liver to process the EOs. Basically some EOs can be very harmful to them, as in bordering on fatal. Please do some research (with your daughter, ideally!) and keep your kitties safe and healthy :)

[@georgiakillman4116]

Love your makeup in this video, can u share?

[@jenniesgenuinegems]

Good tips, however you have an extremely small amount of items in your home. Looks pretty decluttered to me!

[@ChelseaValentine]

i thought you didnt sleep with pillows?

[@rafatsultana7722]

Can u tell me ....how do u use dermatalogica

[@renni72]

Did you say that essential oils are not good for pets?

[@julianiemi5508]

Love this video! Very inspiring

[@LisaMoss2022]

Have you ever heard of a biorythym calculator? if you feel down it might just be your biorythym. i use biorythym-calculator.net - it will show your emotional physical stats etc

[@maureengannaway8635]

I apologize Thank you Melody

[@ЮлияВасильева-п7н]

Hi! you re cool! please, tell me, how did you lose weight?

[@jasonbean7296]

Credit cards?! I haven't had a credit card in over 25 years..

[@raraavis7782]

Jason Bean What do you do when you want to check in a hotel? Or don't you travel at all? It's the one thing where I can't figure out how to get around the damned things. The last time I travelled without one...oh 7 years ago... and insisted I would settle my bill in cash at the end, I was treated like a criminal 😁 The friend I was travelling with had to 'vouch' for me...and I had already paid for the room in advance, mind you. It was just about potential mini bar costs and stuff.

[@jasonbean7296]

Rara Avis, I'm not traveling at present. I did travel extensively in the early 90's, to England mostly. My last overseas trip was 2007 to Hawaii. I worked from my debit card then. Credit cards can be handy, but it's easy to get in over your head. So please, be careful!:)

[@raraavis7782]

Jason Bean Oh yeah...I detest the things...never use them in everyday life ☺

[@annanemeckova7433]

Rara Avis What about debit cards? Is'nt it the same as credit card? You just cant go below zero with debit card? I think, there may be some advantages with credit cards :D

[@raraavis7782]

Anna Němečková Well, I guess if you're on top of your finances and not prone to overspending, there are some perks...I just grew up without them (1980/90s) and Germany has a rather conservative money culture anyway. A lot of people here only use their credit card for travelling and pay for everyday stuff by debit card or with cash. (I think we're one of the few first world countries where people are very reluctant about letting go of physical money). It's just the prevailing attitude here. Just as that it's 'bad' to spent money you don't have...it's a cultural thing as much as a practical/rational one, I guess. I'm 37 and I've never taken up a credit in my life. Of course we don't have the whole issue of medical bills or huge student loans here...and it would be unavoidable for real estate, of course. But even a car...if I needed one I would buy a used one within my budget (aka 'savings'). I've been saving up for a new kitchen for 2 years now...because I just don't want to spent money I don't have or that's meant for retirement. And while I may be a little too conservative here...the way especially most Americans handle money seems rather irresponsible to me. Consumer debt, credit scores...what a frightening world!

[@rafatsultana7722]

And itz impact on skin

[@angellawalker4948]

Good tips

[@danielle4033]

What essential oils are bad for cats??

[@dorisw5558]

D H tea tree is poisonous

[@chelseaclaire13]

Most essential oils are toxic to cats. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils as they lack some of the liver enzymes necessary to effectively metabolize these oils. Some oils that are considered highly toxic to cats include Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil, Lavender Oil, Melaleuca Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Cinnamon Bark Oil, Wintergreen Oil, Thyme Oil, Birch Oil, and other oils containing phenol.

[@danielle4033]

Thank you both for your help! I had no clue but love my diffuser :( I don't want to do anything potentially harmful to my cat. Are diffusers not good then? I heard fragrance candles aren't great for them either

[@crosswind76]

Go to #AnimalsEO.com and follow her Facebook group & website nlog. She is a Veterinarian who makes her own essential oil blends FOR PETS including cats, for Aroma and rubbed on them. I used on my cats. She has a huge description about cats and essential oils & how it depends not be source, being organic & type. Yes Tea Tree Oil is toxic to cats, so avoid around & on cats. [ kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5TNd2yYi9Bmb5o ]

[@crosswind76]

Here is Dr Becker DVM interiew transcript w/ Dr Shelton DVM about her Essential Oil Pet Blends: [ healthypets.mercola.com/sites ]

[@fairydust5658]

Who is Mike?

[@LisaMoss2022]

Have you ever heard of a biorythym calculator? if you feel down it might just be your biorythym. i use biorythym-calculator.net - it will show your emotional physical stats etc

[@carnation_cat]

I tried your link and it did't work. Turns out it was just misspelled. Try www.biorhythm-calculator.net/.