90% of Us Are Decluttering BACKWARDS!! | MINIMALISM

Today is a deep dive into how to declutter BACKWARDS by shifting your mindset around minimalism and decluttering your way to a clutter-free home - and life! The beautiful thing about true minimalist living is that it makes life easier and your home easier to maintain. From the bottom of my hoarder to minimalist heart, I want that for you. Let me help you declutter your entire life - and your best minimalist home! - from the inside out!
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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
Along my journey to let go of 30 years of clutter, I accidentally became a minimalist and it was life-changing.
Before, I was an emotional hoarder with nothing but the clutter from lost loved ones - and $25,000 of debt - to my name. Now I have a beautiful home in Europe, a happy family, live debt-free, and - best of all - wake up to a life that I’m EXCITED to live every day.
My mission is to help you conquer your clutter and simplify YOUR way to a happier and better life. HERE'S OUR STORY: atozenlife.com/about-a-to-zen...
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NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.
#minimalism #minimalist #familyminimalism

[@AtoZenLife]

Grab the checklist in this post 👉 atozenlife.com/decluttering-questions/

[@LeNaSmileyStar]

Thank you❣ Exactly what I asked for today 🥰 And so happy for your new road; #AtoZenLife what a perfect name! 😍

[@akramsalem9112]

@@LeNaSmileyStar f?xx x u from izg eer8arrx

[@akramsalem9112]

@@LeNaSmileyStar 5 fe

[@akramsalem9112]

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[@akramsalem9112]

U nu b b v

[@bluewingify]

I'm a recovering emotional hoarder who never intended to do a huge declutter or aspired to embrace minimalism. I just felt like I needed less things, but had no idea how to get there. My house was a mess, I was constantly cleaning and my brain felt as cluttered as my home. I had an overwhelming amount of stuff in storage and felt unable to let anything go without a lot of tears and pain. Then I found your channel, and that made all the difference in the world to me! You have helped me so much more than words could describe. I have let go of so many things with your videos playing in the background and all the sudden I feel so much lighter and happier. My house is so easy to keep clean now as well (which is funny because my family used to think I was just lazy back when I still had all my clutter but the truth is I clean so much less these days). And now I feel like I'm ready to embrace minimalism. It was never the plan and I never thought I could be someone that could actually do that, but you showed me that I can and that it's worth it. So this is my (very long) way of saving THANK YOU!

[@aenigmatica8]

Congrats on your journey!! Great inspiration.

[@Chap17]

Wonderful.. congratulations!

[@trystparadox9186]

Good job💪🙂✨

[@ceciliavalencia7656]

This is so awesome I long to get there one day feeling lighter. I know the daily struggle of cleaning even my kids hate that word because we do it so much.

[@harmony3395]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am seeing someone I love go thru similar and this helps 🙏

[@ritalynb7070]

I started "decluttering" by stopping buying things and stopping the flow of stuff INTO my space. I was seeking financial control. It led to me realizing I wanted more space. We live in a very, very small house, so rather than buy a bigger house I decluttered. Now our 600 sq ft home feels just right!

[@AnimalFarm341]

I’m hoping to get my 870sq ft house to feel like yours!

[@katiegould563]

@@AnimalFarm341 we have a 900sq with 3 sometimes 4 kids we are striving to do the same

[@mangot589]

You need to watch the riff George Carlin has on our “stuff”. It’s hilarious, and spot ON!

[@katiegould563]

@@mangot589 hahaha very good

[@rhodesbirdy2793]

Love this!

[@janeahrens572]

Great stuff! I don’t think people realize how much depression plays into our disorganization

[@molly_frances]

I started decluttering last year without really thinking about the root causes of the clutter in the first place. But now I feel ready to do that hard (but rewarding) inner-work. It's a marathon not a sprint. We got this.

[@theredpilla3677]

Now we are finding ways to cut the consumerism short and. share and rent no need to clutter

[@flowersafeheart]

"If you just remove the clutter without addressing the root cause of why the clutter got there in the first place, then you're gonna find the clutter works its way back into your life again." 💡Yes! Brilliant!!🥰👏💖 I see your passion and great ideas and see in the comments the positive impact your content has! Congrats on your decluttered, rebranded website!

[@chantal92]

I was recently diagnoed with ADHD - inattentive type, at 32! It helped me understand so many parts of my life. I am so ashamed of my room (the junk room) where I hide all boxes of stuff & storage I don't want to deal with. When people visit, I keep it locked and it causes me so much anxiety. These past months I have started to declutter it, which for someone like me is a HUGE step. I am looking to buy a new bedroom set and staying motivated to turn it into the beautiful minimalist bedroom that I want and dream of! Thank you for your inspiring and helpful videos. We can do this !!! One small task at a time. :) The end result will be worth it.

[@mcgalen]

Hey, how is it going for you? I just got diagnosed with ADHD inattentive too - at 56! Its overwhelming!

[@isabellap7336]

That was enlightening! I look around at the stuff that piles up and asked, what's the problem? The immediate answer was: We don't have a place where we belong. And that's exactly my own issue as well. I don't know, where I belong, where is my place where I am welcome? The work starts here. Thank you for inspiration!

[@RavenNicole89]

This helps a lot. No matter how much I declutter I seem to somehow still be cluttered.

[@Happy_Heart74]

Very, very TRUE.😅

[@Jessica_Jones]

This is now the third video of yours I have watched (subscribed after video two 😉) and I would like to simply say, you are lovely! I appreciate your unique and fun style of throwing in memes and clips not only because they're funny, but also because they help us visual folks pin something with the points you're making. I value your sincerity and openness along with your professionalism and the intentionality behind your videos (planning, precise language and straightforward requests for 'like and subscribe,' filming cute/funny little clips to go with your voice over). Your experience with the subject, confident advice, and beautiful desire to help others sets you apart and makes you trustworthy. I am very happy to have crossed paths with your channel and look forward to watching many more videos! Thank you for caring 🥰

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much Jessica, and happy to have you here! ☺️

[@platoquemado]

❤ such a lovely comment and so well said!

[@NoeDactyl]

She's so minimalist that her room echoes like an empty room heheh I strive to live like you ❤️ thank you for the advice!

[@AtoZenLife]

It’s nice to have someone enjoy the echoes versus complain about them! Wishing you best of luck on your echo journey. 💪😆

[@NoeDactyl]

@@AtoZenLife Thank you so much! 🥺💕 I already planned a weekend full of declutter and your video made me so excited to start!!

[@simonpaquet7161]

In fact, I heard through the grapevines that she's not a minimalist at all and simply put, before each shot, her mountains of useless stuff in the other side of the room

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Touché

[@wendyhummel9600]

You are an encouraging and fantastic ONE WOMAN SHOW!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much Wendy! 💪❤️

[@peacefulone4461]

Yes!!

[@krystenrenee8630]

What beautiful quote from Michelangelo, and such a good way to say, ‘start with a vision of the end in mind’. Could you do a ‘Day in the life’ video or ‘week in the life’ to show how much simpler life is without extra clutter or what you do in the spare time you have because of minimalism?

[@AtoZenLife]

You know what, I had thought of that topic, and then I forgot to add it to the list so will definitely put it on there, thanks Krysten! ❤️

[@krystenrenee8630]

@@AtoZenLife btw I’m on par with your squirrels of a feather mindset and definitely happy to follow you into the zen mindset 😂. Happy for your progress!

[@beauteoussounds1156]

Love that quote, too, as well as the ‘other Michelangelo’ one: “Cowabunga, dude!" 👍🏼

[@bizzybee6653]

My journey has been so long and not much happening. I actually put my house on hold for my body and mind but now that I am down 30 lbs I am ready to start AGAIN. Gotta get it out. And hopefully make a real difference this time.

[@shermarkham6376]

Good luck!

[@64shoreline]

I don't know how I discovered you - your youtube video just showed up as I was actively researching streamlining my wardrobe but I am so happy that I did. I have been in the process of de-cluttering my parents home - they passed away in 2021 and 2022 just 14 months apart. They left me their home which was my childhood home and boy oh boy has this been challenging. My husband and I sold our home (larger) and plan to renovate and move in but the process of de-cluttering my childhood home has been daunting to say the least. I am getting better and your videos have been extremely helpful - so much thought and reason put into the process. I have seen countless videos that say the same thing over and over but no one has touched on the emotional trauma of doing this from losing a loved one like you have. Thank you so much for letting me tear up and understand why this has been so hard and for providing the exceptional support to keep going.. I am very motivated and after I watch a video I get up to sort through some more. I can see the home I want to have now - just like Michelangelo said!

[@LM-hd1gt]

I love your authenticity and quirkiness 👍 I’d love to see more ‘day-in-the-life’ style videos to see how you approach situations with a minimalist mindset and how your various systems function on a daily basis.

[@Marielle-ej2jh]

Loved what you said about being intentional about what we want from a room. It instantly helped me understand what I lacked. I’m taking this with me. Thank you!

[@00000materialization]

what helps me declutter massively is changing furniture arrangements around rooms (which i have been doing every couple months since my childhood ;D )...seeing everything in another light and in a new structure helps so much with making visible what you actually have. the other thing is that i need to start with at least one really nice corner in every room to get an idea how the room will look later and for motivation!

[@gailtester8749]

I love to listen to the audiobook of Marie kondos while I declutter. I would love a long inspirational video that would be made especially as verbal encouragement as we declutter. You are one who really walks her talk!

[@VickiSchwarz]

Yes please

[@christineannette7482]

The Michelangelo quote is not at all cheesy, but super profound. Thank you for this amazing vision connection to decluttering!

[@alexenright1743]

I love you, I've been binging you for the last week. I love your compassion and emotional moments, I get them too so it's good not being alone. I went minimalist in 2019 to start but its been ongoing until now because I've moved six times in that time span. Moving stuff is expensive and I've been selling and donating on a regular basis. You've given me so many new ideas and tips, and frankly a reason to get past my coffee many mornings. Keep up the great work love!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much for being here, I always appreciate hearing that I’m not the only emotional one out there! Welcome to the fam. 🤗

[@HappyLife-nf7wb]

Marissa, I just can't take my eyes off your skin. So fresh and clean! Please share your skincare regime 😁 I'm a new 36yo mum and started my minimalism journey. Extremely exhausted by the amount of MY stuff alone. Not my husband's or my son's. But mine! Slowly but surely going there 😀

[@cjspeck4152]

I'm not ever planning to be a minimalist in the traditional sense. However, this was helpful for those of us who like a more busy space without it being disorganized, unusable, or just full of things that you don't love. Thank you.

[@lailasalli8743]

You sound like an amazing human being. With what I heard today, I can tell you are going to change hearts and homes into happy places!❤

[@unburriedtalents599]

It's so hard to declutter!!! 🤪😔😪 Thanks for supporting your viewers on their journey. Bless you!

[@staycehale5903]

I want to declutter so badly but can not get rid of things, ugh!! Your videos are encouraging me to have a decluttered house again

[@GillianMorrison]

Love this post. I've listened about 5 times and I'm so kind cluttered I still couldn't remember what I need but each time I listen I resonate with it even more. I'm late-diagnosed 40s ASD. So I crave routine, predictability and space, but not being diagnosed was quite traumatic as I (and others) continually perceived everything as flaws, rather than 'wiring'. So that has given me otherl pathology such as low self esteem, depression, which can make life chaotic. I've downloaded the sheets from your website and I'll report back how I'm getting on. Thank you 🙂

[@amandaondricek2815]

Just watched a couple of your videos for the first time. Thank you for your honesty and support, Marissa.

[@MadFoxxx]

I really love watching your videos. I fell love, peace, future. It's like a hug for me. I always watch and "oh, I need to change some things around here" hahaha perfect ❤

[@sherri.]

I just stumbled upon your video and subscribed. Love that there’s no background music to clutter our minds while listening! Best of luck in your new endeavor. 😄

[@alenaschreib6771]

Thank you for helping me to start decluttering!!! 🙏

[@myxochi]

I love you. I’ve been decluttering to sell our house. The house went “live” this week. Now, I hate to say I’m all done decluttering (cause I’m not) but I’m so glad your here for the continued support. We’ll find out Wed if it sold - so stay tuned fam. Love ya to the 🌝 moon.

[@AtoZenLife]

Fingers crossed 🤞 for you!

[@myxochi]

@@AtoZenLife thanks. Smil😊

[@sincerelysandi]

Awesome! Did your house sell🙏🏽

[@myxochi]

@@sincerelysandi not yet. Ugh!

[@sincerelysandi]

@@myxochi You will at the right time.

[@elizabethhurtado3737]

Hi Marissa thanks for your KZbin channel. I am new and just watched a few of your videos. Thanks from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for being vulnerable about your life story. I can totally relate. My mom is now an angel 😇 in heaven. My worst regret is not asking her about why she did some things when we were growing up. 💜 Now I am on my own decluttering journey. Please hold my hand 😊💕

[@AtoZenLife]

🤝❤️

[@drebugsita]

Wow, I am deep in the struggle and really appreciate how you address this from the root issue. I am sure mine is also from so much grief - and guilt, etc. Finally a relatable video on this that gives me hope. Thank you!

[@sarahsecondine9040]

I love what you say at 8:15. I've definitely been feeling like I continue to try to shrink myself down, but I am growing to like different things.

[@gypsybelle4757]

Thank you for this discussion about the underlying layer of decluttering. I definitely need to reflect on that part.

[@BETH..._...]

Timely video. As I work to declutter and lose weight it has become overwhelming very quickly. Thank you for your compassion when putting out your videos.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much for watching and being here - keep it up. 💪

[@username00009]

As someone who has worked with a training instructional designer, I’ve come to greatly appreciate having an outline of content for reference. Here’s the outline for this video: 1) Intro 2) Attention: What is your clutter saying? 3) Intention: Set your attention 4) Motion: Get up and moving 5) Blog and channel announcement

[@egyptkiss07]

thank you for this!!

[@user-nb5sv7cr6g]

The more I watch your videos and listen to what you say, the more interested I am and the more I think you are obsoletely adorable!🥰 ( This is an old picture, I am turning 60 in a 2024 and am looking to find "me." A better, simpler, me. ) Defiantly watching more of your videos for help along the way. Thank you😘

[@RO-wy5lx]

Just saw your KZbin channel for the first time. Great video! Started decluttering in 2016 when we sold our home of 25 years and moved into an apartment. Ramped up the process during the pandemic when we weren't going out as often. Now I am mindful and intentional when shopping, often coming home without having purchased anything and I'm okay with that. Rosie 🇨🇦

[@lanehartwell]

Hey Marissa, I have a suggestion for you for a future video. What was in the eight suitcases you took to Europe? And how difficult/stressful or exciting/fun was it to buy everything for your new life on the other end? If you covered this previously, can you point me to that video? Thanks!

[@redrose8348]

👍

[@panig8341]

just moving to turkey with 3 luggage and 3 kids next month

[@TamsynKent]

Just found your channel. I loved your calm and empathy. Thank you for being, what comes across as, a very kind human being

[@mariak.1469]

"Ουδέν ικανόν ω ολίγον ικανόν".. ancient Greek quote from philosopher Epicuros: "Nothing is sufficient for the person who finds sufficiency too little". While having enough stuff, you think you need more, nothing will ever seem enough..you will always be "hungry" for more. We can be happier by not having too much stuff. Thank you for your inspiring videos!

[@SophieSionByde]

Such a great video! You’re giving me hope that I’ll conquer my clutter, thank you 🙏

[@terezazoubkova5567]

Dear Marissa, I have been struggling with clutter for such a long time, that I feel sometimes frustrated that I will never have the beautiful home I so long for. Your video touched me so much, the quote from Michelangelo was a total “eye opener” and I thank you for it! Because I realized, that this “angel” lies beneath each and every one of us - we just need to start seeing it… So thank you for what you are doing and I wish to all of us to see our own angel - within ourselves and our homes…

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much for the kinds words and insights, Tereza - wishing you luck on your journey! ❤️

[@humbleefree]

I found your KZbin channel about 2 weeks ago and have been binge watching! I can now say that you have helped me to declutter my home. I'm a mom with 3 kids and homeschooling them, while video editing from home. So I'm quite busy. And just your simple steps have guided me and inspired me to get my home into shape again. It's so relaxing and peaceful. I know there are things that I couldn't let go, and you made me see that it's OK to hold on to them. But now I have a whole empty cupboard in my home, and I think that's so amazing, just to have the space open makes me feel so grateful. Even my husband can see that I'm more at peace and he likes our home now. My oldest son who is 6 has been playing in his room, for the first time in a long time. He actyally thanked me for donating some toys. His 2 year old brother just messes up their room, and now it's much more organized. And my 8 year old daughter loves her extra space in her cupboard to keep her special things and toys. Thank you so much! You need to hear that more often. And I look forward to watching your videos. Keep on being you! And keep on inspiring people, you have found your calling. Regards A very thankful mom

[@BrendaAnderson73]

I’m about to start binge watching.

[@humbleefree]

@@BrendaAnderson73 her channel is so worth it! She shares so much information and with a great sense of humor too😄. I found myself laughing, giggling and relating to so much. I hope you enjoy your decluttering journey🤗

[@alamedadanceparty]

I appreciate your binge eating analogy. I struggle with binge eating and this perspective is interesting to think about. Thank you for being open.

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Marissa, congrats on your new blog! I do understand how hard this was. I too am in the process of changing my blog bc I've changed direction and decided to go all in. Scary but necessary. The kinks will eventually work themselves out. Try not to stress about the imperfection. I've ramped up my decluttering and find it so puzzling that I have 2 big boxes, 2 large bags and some furniture to donate. I just want to be free! Free from the items I go back and forth on (for months or years). I'm. over. it. Time to move on and concentrate on more important things. Love you and your channel. Leslie

[@HeronCoyote1234]

This is excellent. Joshua Becker, one of the premier minimalists, says to pick out the things you want to save, and discard everything else. Like Michelangelo’s quote about sculpture.

[@kellysheppard8711]

Do you have definitely have me motivated to start decluttering and it’s about time thank you so much

[@doreenblea207]

I wish you the best with your new blog🌺 The only things I need help with right now are; lunch ideas for my grandkids(because their mom doesn't always get up to pack it or take them to school...) & how to declutter my over loaded plate. I'm a mail carrier & have no life whatsoever. Seriously, I worked 12 & 1/2 hours today, just to come home & eat Cherrios. My daughter is on a walk with her friend & my grandkids are coming to me & telling me they're hungry. They had cereal with me. They shouldn't of been hungry though, cuz their uncle bought them Burger King... I'd just like to be able to go to a place of my own & take a nice bath & have a glass of wine & fall asleep.

[@travelgirl747]

Omg. I just started crying. 😢 When you started talking about yr childhood and picked up that blue brooch.... 😭 My mum died in December and my brother died 10 days before her. All l have left of my family are "stuff" and memories. My dad died 15 years ago. I took a brooch almost identical to that and a couple more items that belonged to my grandmother to an auction house. I was offered $50. I know l should have taken it but l just couldn't let go in the end. The watch was 99 years old. Maybe some things are just too hard? I'll work around them... just for now. 😊

[@pije23]

Comparing decluttering with the quote of Michelangelo is so beautiful 😍 This is how I've decluttered my whole life without realising. And it will help me to go forward on the 'places' (literally and figurative) where I block again and again. Thanks

[@jeanc.65]

This is the best decluttering video that I have ever seen and I can't wait to put your method into action! Thank you!!!

[@margaretgreene1929]

I am watching this in May 2023. I have seen a lot of your video so know your story. an hour ago, I watched a more up to date video I note the mention of moving clutter from place to place! That is what people do. You see it on the Hoarders programmes. My problem is Digital clutter which I hope to sort out when we move into a retirement home and I am less distracted!!

[@hijabimuslimah8100]

Thank you for your inspiring videos. I have been watching “decluttering videos” but I just don’t understand how to start until I see your videos, and it makes all sense. Now, I’m on my second week of massive “DECLUTTERING” Wish me luck

[@lorraineturton4485]

I have watched a few of your videos and I think they are great ! your own journey to go from clutter to minimalism is wonderful. You are very relatable in the way you reach the down to earth type of people who are either struggling, setting personal de-clutter goals or who just want to totally do a life re-make. Good health :-)

[@kat_thefruitbat]

You always have the best acronyms, you’re so good at coming up with different ways of getting through to people, and you are so thoughtful and creative with the many ways in which you make minimalism approachable to everyone! 😍 I always come away from your videos with a renewed sense of motivation and having learned something new! 🤗 Congratulations on your new blog and revamped recipe/food site! So excited to check them both out! 🥳 Thank you for all you do to help others; you truly make a positive impact on so many lives! ❤️

[@Oceangirl1234]

I NEVER notice the table runner. I was too busy looking at you. 😊

[@AtoZenLife]

✨🙏✨

[@palestblue]

I relate to this so much. Thank you for your inspiring videos! ❤❤❤

[@elizabethbaxter4996]

Setting an intention with each room really resonated with me! So simple (slap your forehead moment) I’m going to get started on the lounge room, today!!! Also I hold onto stuff for the same reasons 😢

[@AtoZenLife]

Right? Good luck with your decluttering. ❤️

[@kendrarhodes6425]

The hardest thing for me right now is I’m living with family temporarily until our house is done. I feel like it’s not “my space” and I keep an uneasy feeling. I try to organize my stuff as best as I can. I just can’t wait to move into our house!!

[@RockDove5212]

Such a clever, calming and helpful video. Thank you x

[@jessicagrant4993]

I've been following you for over a year (maybe 2?) and love the growth! You set a shining and authentic example! I'm a special ed teacher (I see you SLP!) and my ADHD brain has such a hard time with clutter. I never know where to start. I loved today's quote, and picturing the masterpiece will help me focus. Thank you for all you do!

[@AtoZenLife]

I used to work very closely with you folks! Thanks so much for your kind words, If you want more help picturing and focusing you can check out my vision board post as well: atozenlife.com/vision-board/ The video is embedded in there, but you can see it behind me every time I’m in my office! I need stuff like this for “my squirrel brain”. 😉

[@Soo_Blessed]

ADHD They say everything in its place......but NO ONE EXPLAINS WHERE THAT PLACE IS 😢😠😟

[@kaminari666]

@@Soo_Blessed we have to decide where it is, yea i know.. and then dont forget xD

[@va1445]

I very recently subscribed to your channel and I am so glad I did. I really have been thinking about what clutter is saying - including my mental clutter. It is actually a little painful and sad, but I see how therapeutic and liberating the process and result can be. Thank you for your inspirational message. ❤️

[@AtoZenLife]

The mental clutter work is tough! Hugs and healing ❤️‍🩹 to you and welcome to the fam.

[@JamieCamile495]

We share an emotion! My husband says I’m a sensitive woman! We have big hearts! Found you a couple of days ago…cleaned out a roll top desk today!

[@countrybootsgirl]

I want to thank you for this. I do zones and remove 5/10 items per zone. I'm sorry for your loss. Recently removed sentimental clutter it was rough. If you don't use it, it is taking up valuable space. And I also asses the area before I declutter.

[@natalierinehart7109]

I was a broke child when I learned my hoarding ways, so I never learned the habit of over-buying. It's actually still very hard for me to acquire new items because I associate it with struggling to find a place for yet one more thing in all the piles. I never threw anything out or bought anything to make my life better, just stagnated in a weird shrine to my past small-child self. I've improved one side of that by discarding everything except what I already had that was useful and fit my life well. Still working hard on learning how to buy things that actually improve my life. I have plenty of space and need for them.

[@user-je2lp2iz7e]

LYNN HERE I’ve been making room for 3 months it’s all gone I have just what we need!! Thank you ,.I’m 73 and I have had doilies around all my stands and couch arms etc. all gone and wow it’s so much easier to dust etc. p.s. I’ve had doilies since I was married in 1968

[@sabrinafield2457]

This was such a brilliant insight into decluttering! I have no idea how this doesn’t have more views. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much Sabrina! Maybe share it with someone you know who needs a good declutter? It would help me a lot 😉

[@jennybird2770]

Marissa, Yes! Yes to all of this. This is the video I needed. I just paused to say thank you and send a link of it to myself to re-watch as a reminder. We lost 2 family live-in members this past year and have been having challenges with decluttering because everything feels so sentimental- but we are trying to move on and update our home for the life we want. Challenging but working on it. You are such a joy- so much wisdom. Love your channel so much. Thank you

[@AtoZenLife]

I feel that so much in my heart! I’m so sorry for your losses, wishing you lots of hugs and healing. I always say “Focus on having the life you want, not wanting the life you had.” ~ Marissa

[@stephdow29]

@@AtoZenLife YES! I went to the storage units earlier...it says 'you never got to live in that dream house.' 'You don't have a good career or enough money to look after me, appreciate me or keep me!!' amongst a whole HOST of other stuff...I'm so sad to let go of stuff I've collected from friends and travels and 'good quality stuff' I bought for the house with my ex... So, I really appreciate this video and your one quote/sentence above....!! It's just keeping me stuck and BULLYING me!! It feels so painful and sad to let go, but goodness...time to move on!!!! Thank you for creating these videos and for your help and I look forward to your new videos RE mindset etc!! Xxx

[@jennybird2770]

@@AtoZenLife t Thank you, I agree and cherish those words. Many blessings to you and your family

[@tashasmith1743]

I really like the "setting the intention " aspect of this! Very good!! I think if you start with emotional language it'll help immensely. This room will make me feel: joyful, easy, relaxed, etc.

[@chelseagarchar4338]

I have realized that I am not a minimalist. I enjoy having things around me, but things that I can do to help my mental and physical clutter is to lessen the clothing inventory. Particularly with my kids because they have way to much and it ends up being 80% of the laundry pile. Also toys have become overwhelming for myself and for them to keep on top of. Those two things in themselves would clear up like 80% of the clutter problem. Then I need to tackle my own clothing which is not as big as my three kids but still needs dealt with. My husbands clothing is fairly minimal, so his stuff is rarely a problem. My biggest problem also is I enjoy bargain shopping, what I have come to realize. If you truly do not need it, then it’s not a bargain. Which also coincides with some depression off and on that I have dealt with for years that makes me want to shop, and am finally getting help for from a professional that uses horse therapy among other things. ❤️

[@ForestFury101]

I just love your living and dining room. The furniture, everything about it.

[@amandaness6]

I have two young boys as well and the amount of school clutter that comes home is beyond! We’re trying to streamline it by looking at the artwork and assignments together at dinner before recycling but then there is the supplies and crafts and everything else that just piles up on a weekly basis. How about a video on keeping it under control with littles.

[@AtoZenLife]

Greeeeeat idea! We do get a lot of paper and craft inflow too! Thanks for the idea. 💡

[@maggiefindmusic]

Homeschooling mom here, so we have ALL the papers 🙈

[@dragondanger]

Not sure how I stumbled across your vid, but it really hit home, thank you. I’m a single mom who has struggled for years to get organized and stay on top of clutter and mess. We live in a small place and I’ve been trying to downsize our ‘stuff’. Letting go of stuff is hard. About to dive into your other videos, thanks again for this one. It came at the right time.

[@AtoZenLife]

I believe that sometimes messages happen to come to us when we need them! Cheering you on 📣 !

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

This is probably one of the most helpful videos you've done! Deciding on the intention of the space really resonates with me. Thank you very much!😊

[@Lisa-ym1si]

I lived in an empty echoing house for 20 years. Done with that. Pillows for my couch a rug for the floor. There is a balance between nothing and everything.

[@annamaesawyer7482]

Congratulations on everything you are doing. I think you are doing an amazing job helping people . Much love from the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia Canada. 🙏💚

[@minstrelgirl451]

I definitely resonate with change being scary... 🥺 But it is so encouraging to see the rewards and enthusiasm that can emerge when you take those steps! Hiking more as I simplify things is an attractive challenge... the persistent ideas for a song inspired by my grandma living with us as she nears the end of her life... that feels much tougher, but I guess it's a sign that I need to process those feelings.

[@BellaEssentialLiving]

Inspired by each and every video you share. I'm the one at the back of the audience that screams at the emotion pause, "I love you, man!" 💖 You rock!😎

[@sharon_irishgirl]

I’m going onto my 6th years of wanting to live with less I find the process of declutering hard so it’s a slow slow process but I’m slowly getting there 😀

[@kellycook4347]

I'm with ya! It's so mentally difficult along with finding the time. If I can't get rid of it now, I put it in a box and go through it 6 mos. or a year later. Finally, I can see what I use and really need. This is making me see the light at a very long tunnel. I'm still gonna be an organized maximalist because I don't like empty spaces or walls (gives me anxiety) and love comforting things around me.

[@Mama2Gingers]

Super enjoyed this one. Congratulations to you and your family on this newer version of content. 👏

[@anilayahmoore7674]

Your AIM approach makes so much sense! It's simple and it's genius! Also it sounds like a perfect idea for a book about decluttering.

[@trishashaffer3877]

OK first video and I'm in love! Thank u! So excited to follow you! I learned from the minimalist mom about deeper routed things that cause us to clutter and keep things we don't need. A topic that would be helpful is when your husband or children have a different idea for a space. For example: my husband keeps a lot of his tools and stuff in our laundry room and it is just not organized at all and won't let me touch it.

[@jennyjenkins877]

I love a good quote too and it led to a wonderful analogy about decluttering the excess to reveal what's important.

[@RachaelTV]

in all of the minimalism/decluttering videos that i've watched, not ONCE have i heard to set an intention for a room and ask what the room is for! brilliant!!

[@RachaelTV]

commenting again to boost your metrics because I see Azumanga Daioh, one of my favorites!

[@donnamuller6460]

I teared up when you did because I really, really need to declutter (I lost my parents, my sister, and two sons) but in Sept. 2021 my neurological condition resurfaced and I’m totally bedridden. My husband usually takes care of me but he’s in the hospital this week with complications involving his cancer. Sounds like I’m lying, but in truth there’s so much more. My 3 kitties know when I need extra love. I don’t know what I’d do without them. 🤍

[@g.m.4877]

I hope things have improved a little x

[@VickiSchwarz]

Sending good thoughts

[@braklola]

💜💜💜

[@miss_mish]

The comment about the intention of the room before decluttering really resonated with me. I declutter regularly but it just keeps going backwards and I think this is the key. Going to give it a whirl. Thank you.

[@christinathorsen4274]

Love the name & it looks so beautiful! Can't wait to take time exploring your blog 🙌😊🌈

[@alinevanderkolk2554]

The checklist is really helpful, no matter where you are on your journey! So excited about the new name. Sehr toll!

[@ClayatHomeMom]

Amazing video! I can’t wait to binge watch your videos!

[@maureenchristensen2959]

Love you Marissa, thank you thank you for your encouragement, you are special❣️

[@jmsl_910]

you are a GEM!!! congrats on your new blog!!

[@DestinyGPlus3]

What I'm doing that helped me, was not just go through things. But I pull out things I know I use all year round and seasonal. anything that's not in that I purge it. Not just kitchen appliances or so. But everything! I pull out what I love and then I see. Instead of going through it all at once. My clothes go in a tote, once I wear what's in it, and see after a few months the others I haven't touched. It goes by by. Clothes I wear but don't like the fit go back in it. I do this with everything

[@valeriej291]

I like the new name. 👍🏻

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much! I love it too. ❤️

[@wf1005]

This is one of the videos that are so valuable to me... thank you so much. I am thinking in the same structures you do and I can relate so well to this content. It is great finding people thinking the same way you do and even push you a little further in the direction you are moving already. Again... thank you so much.😘😘😘 Keep up your great work. I am an excited follower. 😀

[@kristiLB93]

I just LOVE you and your channel! Please keep posting. I really believe you are one of the best MINIMALIST KZbinrs out there. You should write a book!!!!!

[@SK-jp2ok]

Love this video ❤️ Thank you for sharing

[@AF-gg8lw]

This video was great. I love your analogies and guided logic for think out the intention of a space. Brilliant!