A Full Year of Decluttering With My Mom Motivation

[@Chrissyhappy]

I decluttered photos last year. So difficult. I had over 7,500 photos and got it down to about 2,500. I basically just disposed of the ones that were duplicated or rubbish. It was hard because my daughter was born with special needs so I took so many photos. I put them in albums and in a cupboard. I was so happy when it was done. I felt uncomfortable disposing of photos and it made me uneasy. After a few days that subsided. I now have albums of beautiful photos. Boy was it hard though! Good luck to anyone doing it. It’s worth it for sure.❤

[@j.m.7056]

Thanks for sharing -- you have inspired me!

[@oneheart19]

I spent the last few years doing the same. I have a very large family. I kept only the good photos and of course old photos of past family members. I got EVERYTHING scanned and on my laptop. Then I organized the digital photos into file folders. I chose a nice representation of my family physical photos and made an album. I also put my very very favorite photos into a nice but not too big wall collage frame. Some photos went into a brag book. There were many many photos left, so I gifted them to my two daughters. I also shared the digital photos with my entire family. Everyone was so happy to get such a comprehensive collection. (I'm the oldest child and have the most family stuff.)

[@williamhawthorne1375]

Good girlies enjoyed mum youre my gal ,inspired me with a lot of reasoning to be rid of souveniers xxxLizzie

[@janet1744]

I will start on photos tomorrow😂

[@rosemarydavis9347]

I've had scarves forever n never wear them

[@AdeleWDWdreamer]

Your mom nailed it with "I enjoy my house being less cluttered more than I enjoy the stuff". I've been thinking that way for a couple of years now and it's very freeing!!! Fantastic video and it was fun to watch you two together!! :)

[@bismyno1]

“don’t let the boyfriends stand in the middle, put them on the edge so you can cut them out of the group photo” 🤣👏🏼

[@marynippert8203]

I had a doll collection of dolls from other countries. I donated it to a school librarian for her to display. The kids loved looking at them.

[@wact91]

Thank you so much for putting all of these together! And thank you also for keeping your moms real life moments of her thoughts and feelings behind things in the videos. It helps so many of us to think through our own stuff. You guys are so funny together! It makes me miss my own mom.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!!

[@pamelasimmons1689]

Still my favorite, watching Mom declutter! She's the best and I love the relationship you have.

[@terriej2246]

Your mom is such a good sport! I love her sense of humor!

[@rickgonzalez1218]

Deb here. Your Mom is so right about ending up in one room when you get too old. I have seen it happen with family members. So many of our things that hold our memories are tossed away by others because it has no meaning to them.

[@mariamacdonald1007]

My grandfather use to carve those Dala-horses in his apartment in my home town, Siljansnäs, after he retired in the 1970’s.The company would give him a box of horse cut outs and he would carve them and send them back to be painted.

[@laurawasson7639]

“Well you know I was in my forties. It was a wild time.” 😂

[@Madlizzzie]

I'm 44, can confirm....maybe not as fun as her mom was having, but still lol

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

We should always declutter our own stuff before we pass. It's difficult for another person to do it while grieving. Take responsibility for your stuff.

[@petmomful2260]

So true. My son in law's parents went into assisted living, and wow, the had a LOT of stuff to go thru. Also my husband's uncle died a few months ago, and he was a wonderful guy, but was a hoarder. They had to go thru 2 floors and a full basement. There were some treasures in there, and money laying around, but so much dust and nicotine. No bugs or rodents, tho. They finally sold the building just a few days ago, so job is done. But what a ton of work, and no will or funeral arrangements. What a mess! This taught me a big lesson.

[@Knuckles89]

I’ve been watching you and your Mom for over a year and love to hear you laugh together! You both bring me so much joy! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@kwagner2380]

I'm so happy you were able to have this bonding time with your mom.

[@FionaTellesson]

After my mother passed, I found 50+ photo albums. I have taken the photos that I wanted to keep, donated any albums that were in excellent condition to the thrift store. I have a desk covered in four generations worth of key photos from her collection. Plus I have my own families photos. This is part of my HUGE declutter project. Back bedroom done ✔️ Office is on it’s way Master Bedroom is the general storage repository atm! That’s were the photos are stored… I’m on my way! Yay!!! Lounge Room half done!

[@susanhutchinson5305]

Shannon and Cathy are decluttering goddesses !!!🎉🎉

[@petmomful2260]

HaHa, they are. I enjoy watching them and how they have such fun together. I like to hear their reasoning behind getting rid of things. I am trying to be pretty ruthless in my house, but I have kept a few special things I really enjoy. I surprised myself this year, tho, cause we went to a store I love that had a huge clearance sale after Xmas. We walked around and liked a lot of stuff, but I bought NOTHING! I simply did not need any of it, and I surprised myself! This is a very freeing mindset to have. My daughter is doing the same thing. We are both tired of storing and caring for extra things. I have really noticed that my house is easier to keep clean and neat.

[@sylviarippey6488]

I saw a documentary on Amazon called Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse. A hoarder mom who chose her stuff over her family. Her two grown sons had to get rid of an entire house full of stuff, including a vacation home, and three storage units. I neverrrrr want to do that to my son. I have decluttered to the point where I have empty cabinets and drawers. I still declutter on a montly basis. Simple, clean, organized...that's how we live. 😊

[@northstar4851]

What was the hardest part for you?

[@sylviarippey6488]

@northstar4851 do you mean to declutter? Nothing was really hard. The kitchen was definitely the easiest. I purged a ton of pictures that I've had for decades. I don't think my son needs to be burdened with pictures of ex boyfriends and friends from HS, that he doesn't even know.

[@audrey5941]

You two inspire and entertain. I simply adore your humor and your beautiful relationship. Thank you for helping me feel OK about letting go of things I sincerely don’t need/want/use/ etc. taking a carload of things away to donate is such a liberating feeling.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!

[@lauriebolf332]

Your momma is a hoot!!!😅

[@rosemownow]

I really Love seeing you two do this together!!! So much love and mutual respect 🩷🩷 Such a Gift to each other!!!! And to us - anyone who still has their mom and is able to do this can enjoy it together - lucky them!!!!!

[@Susanb89]

Your mom is such a hoot! I love her sense of humor 🤣😂🤣 great video 💜

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!!

[@barbkandel777]

My favorite Kathy line: No, I've lost all feeling toward getting rid of stuff. 😂😂😂 I watched all of your videos, as you did the decluttering with Mom, but it was so fun to see this one where they are all together!

[@theannamueller]

mum was and still is a firecracker!

[@margaretvillalpando7722]

I watched this video even though I've seen all of them separately during the year. I watched it to get inspiration to declutter some more stuff in the coming months. One thing I have learned is that revisiting a drawer or space helps remind me of what I have in that drawer/space as well as realizing I don't need some of it.

[@shannontorrens1]

I love revisiting certain areas over and over. I usually find more to declutter every time. =)

[@meenakshi6344]

Me too, it feels relaxing to watch them.

[@yvetterobinson2494]

Wow! What a transformation, mentally and physically! I like what your mom said, “I no longer felt threatened by the question, Do you really need 5 of these?” That is a huge mind shift in decluttering! Awesome work👏👏

[@kimdallas2811]

Omgosh! I love your channel, especially when you’re doing things with your mom. She is adorable and you two remind me of me and my mom, how you laugh and work together. Unfortunately, my mom passed away in 2018. Soak all these days in!!!

[@pradheepag]

Mom is hilarious about cutting off bf from the photos 😂😂 love your videos Shannon, especially the mom-daughter ones! Yours is one of the few channels where Declutter is exciting, and not sad or heavy on emotions. It is so much fun!

[@patdennis2586]

Kathy, the memories are not in things. They are in your brain. Love hearing about your mind shift.

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes, so true!

[@ritamathews6535]

Is really hard when a lot of memories are lost due to an incurable disease. Sometimes a photo or an item helps to bring back a small bit of a memory. I’ve downsized to a smaller home and will continue going through things. It’s just hard.

[@petmomful2260]

@@ritamathews6535 I can see how photos can help that, or that special thing that evokes a memory. I am trying to get rid of lots of things, but I have kept some that I really enjoy. It can be very hard, but I am getting better at it. I wish you all the best, and a Happy New Year.

[@melissarhodes8922]

Shannon I just love your videos. I love the ones with your mom just as much. Every time I'm done watching a video I want to get up and declutter some more. I love the way my house feels and looks. I'm in my 2nd year of minimalism. It's so great. I no longer just buy clothes or anything. I no longer go to the sale to see what I can buy. I only go to the mall or shops when I need to. I love your title, let's declutter and laugh and have fun. I laugh while watching and I am so inspired. Cleaning and decluttering can be fun. Thank you so much. Melissa, South Africa

[@MikeyDonna]

Shannon you are so respectful of your mom’s belongings and her decisions to keep or go. You encourage and reason out her decisions but don’t insist. When my mom had to move to a small apartment a few years after my dad died I was helping her downsize and I was calling some of her things “junk” and she started crying and said that I thought all her things just needed to be thrown away. I had to apologize and rethink my behavior. I felt so bad about that. Donna

[@only1joy]

But you were sensitive enough and kind enough to apologize. Bless you for doing that. Years ago I asked my daughter if she wanted any of my things and she said she "had enough junk" in her house. Truly, my things were not junk, they were quality, but I found out how she felt.

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

Thank you for getting me going today! We moved a year ago but I still have some things in the wrong places or not gone through. It stresses me really much. But while listening to you I forced myself to do some sorting in a bookcase with photos and stuff. It really overwhelms me. I am very brain tired an have a hard time with pain and energy. That is a hard thing to combine with finding energy, sorting out or organising. I love when it is order and really was able to do some today, because of your positive words and fun video motivated me to not just rest. I feel so pleased now and lay in the sofa. One step done. Thank you for your positive and great channel!! / Stina

[@louiseconnell5846]

My mom had 20 albums, they were, like most people, arranged from old to recent. Therefore, we got them out of the albums and put them in a couple shoeboxes in chronological order and then took them to local photo lab and they put them on a usb stick (in same order) for $200 for 1000 photos. Gave me all photos back which I discarded (after I double checked to make sure they were all on the stick). They also gave me a CD of all photos. The stick plugged into a little electronic frame mom had and she was able to view them anytime she wanted even when she went into a nursing home. I did scrapbook about 4 albums for her that she enjoyed viewing as well. Big job, well done.

[@ruthturkington1736]

Extra “ junk” towels are great to give to animal shelters or depending on their state women shelters.

[@mrstn123]

I love this so much! You and your mom have such fun and there’s no drama in the decluttering!!!

[@homestatzfarmher8919]

Love the boy/girlfriend advice for family group pics!😂😂😂😂

[@Katydidit]

That was a gem!!

[@PHBRNTGGR2]

I have to do photos. Dreading this so much😩. Levi calling mama is the sweetest thing. 💕😭

[@simply.clutterfree]

Happy New Year to all. Today is 12-31-23... I think maybe it's a lucky day for all of us 😊❤️

[@shannontorrens1]

Happy new year!!

[@siobhancostello4847]

I love the videos with your mom!! 1. She’s hilarious and 2. This is real life. People, decluttering is hard.

[@patpalmer1337]

You are sooooo fortunate you have each other!

[@petmomful2260]

You are so right. I could never do this with my mom. I grew up with violence and problems and I avoided my parents. Not everyone has a fun mom who treats you like an adult, and with respect. I enjoy watching them interact and have fun, and make decisions together. My mom would have just slapped me across the face or something. She is long dead now, as is my dad. Sorry to say I don't miss them.

[@simply.clutterfree]

I love seeing the compilation video. Those that declutter regularly probably don't realize how much they are letting go of.

[@maureencunningham2317]

I love your Mom💓

[@Travellingisagift]

When you decluttered the albums, I am motivated again to do more downsizing

[@pennymiller225]

It's really helpful to see a relatable home that has been decluttered. Great video, thank you.

[@taracorley3291]

Okay I love your mom! My kind of woman! Love her sass!😂

[@michelleh9312]

I went through pictures, the money we wasted on duplicates! And so many of our dogs! I also got rid of my parents wedding album. They divorced when I was 5, and just realized it was negative energy I didn’t need. They had 2, so if I need to see any pictures, I can ask my sister. Having been the recipient of my deceased mother, father and mother in laws items, I don’t want that burden for my children.

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

You are the best! I have no energy today but you inspire my morning.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you have a lovely week.

[@pkb1647]

I used to never wear scarves...because i had so many i couldnt choose. Now i have 4 and they are part of my wardrobe! Easy to see, find, wear, put back!

[@shallimolinda]

Thank you SO much for this compilation 💜 my mom was continually stressed by all of her extreme excess "inventory," so I shared all of the tips and tricks from Take Your House Back course that are helping me over the past two years. She insisted that the kids and grands would want things. Eventually, mom's Alzheimer's issues forced her to assisted living. Surprisingly (TTL 🙌), it took four of us only 10 days to empty the house of memoriblia treasures, recycling, garbage, and donations. When I watch you & your mom, it makes me smile thinking that is the fun and same conversations my mom & I would have had IF she would have made the hard decision of facing her clutter. Much love from MN, shari t.

[@colinalexander1507]

Always love seeing your Mum. She is a realist and she knows there are bumps along the way to declutterring.

[@stephaniechessell501]

I love how the two of you work together with respect and humour! I was decluttering while watching this video.

[@solutionsgirl8439]

I love seeing you declutter with your mom. I can't do that with my mom any longer, so I am living vicariously through the two of you. ❣

[@janetreyes2777]

Your bloopers were hilarious!!😆

[@peggyharter2048]

At the 2 minute 30 second portion of this video: the big round container is actually a cake carrier for a layered cake. It was also sold as to be used as a big bowl to hold salads or cookies for picnics. Very versatile plastic container. Tupperware made that in the 70’s & 80’s.

[@only1joy]

I have one! Bought it in the '70's. I use it on occasion.

[@sakukta5151]

I still have mine, it was invaluable....cakes, potato salad, watermelon cubes, etc. There should be a long handle with it what clasps onto the handles in order to carry it.@@only1joy

[@ctt.1198]

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You for this video. I’m the one who has always gotten rid of stuff. However I’ve felt an urgency in the last few years to really down size. I’ve been feeling bad that the process seemed to be taking longer than I expected. Your video showed me that it’s a journey that takes time. Thank you for the boost that I needed to continue. I’m now inspired to let go of a lot more things in a shorter period of time. It’s very liberating on many levels. Continue to inspire us, and have a great 2024. 🎉😊

[@glendamurdoch6423]

I like that your daughter is respectful of your memories!

[@apc02d]

Love your mom ❤ I keep your videos on in the background while I declutter!

[@monaadkins7292]

Loved this video and the Swedish Death Cleaning method. MIL passed in June but we had to place her in a nursing home the year prior. It was a nightmare. She was a hoarder. Even though she lived in a small apartment.

[@glendamurdoch6423]

Every year in Winter I tell myself I will go through my photos, this has inspired me to do it THIS WINTER!!! 😆🙌

[@eleanorbuck715]

I sorted thousands of photos during the pandemic shutdown! Some dating back to 1860... May I suggest storing very special photos in acid-free albums or envelopes? You will be glad you did! Love watching you and mom interacting. Happy, Healthy New Year to you all!

[@lindanelson3706]

Love watching you two together. What a GREAT relationship...

[@shannontorrens1]

😊 thank you

[@conniesmith3922]

I love it so much when you two declutter together. Reminds me of my mother and I, usually arguing about what she could have decluttered. Laugh, I’m sure she was laughing when I packaged up her clothes to donate when she was gone from me. I know I was talking to her the whole time!!! Lol😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️

[@cazee100]

What a lovely mother and daughter. Getting rid of clutter while making such good memories - and they only take room in your brain. The laughter you shared was so lovely. Make the most of each other. Stay safe x

[@rosemarydavis9347]

I'm going to work on pictures because of you.

[@Toni-747]

My decluttering & Swedish death cleaning started almost 1 yr ago! You're the most inspiring vlogger! I'm not quitting & look forward to more of you & your mom in the New Year!!🎉

[@PamVanEeJournalMaker]

I love your mom! She is so fun!😊❤

[@kaz2666]

Ah the photo decluttering it's such a big job. Love watching you both together, it's a real joy.

[@dianemodlin]

I 100% agree with your mom! And ❤ her sense of humor 😂

[@jennybird2770]

I adore your Mom so much and am always excited when she appears in your videos. I love the relationship between you two. What a cool Mom she is! Tell her she is inspiring and awesome :)

[@deborahconkle6822]

I really love this video. I and my husband are in our upper 60’s now and I am very much in the mode to declutter. My husband isn’t quite as ready as me. However I have been going through various rooms and purging things pertaining to me and some things that we just haven’t seen or remember until we see them. We both know that within the next few years we will be downsizing. Our home is much to large for us at this point. Our kids are grown and at this point grandkids aren’t likely. We also don’t entertain any longer. Thank you for sharing this journey ❤

[@patriciagazey4693]

I like donating books and DVDs to the library for all to use

[@bernieallison981]

This was so neat. I have been going through my things for about 4 years now, and I have So Much STUFF!!! I moved last May 2023, my house sold so fast, I had been looking at places to buy but all of a sudden I had to find something quick. I went from a two story townhouse, to a 1 level. I didn’t have time to sort through everything. It is so funny, well kinda funny, my sister came to visit and she has helped me declutter and go through many totes and boxes while she is home for the holidays. You see I am still unpacking!! I loved your Video today. You both made it fun. And I don’t have children, so no-one really to leave things to. I’m finding that I really get caught up with Sentimental things. I’m too attached to things. Yet I have had to evacuate from my new home twice already since last May. Once for Fire, and last Fall because of a Rock Slide quite near my new home. So I now have a To Go Bag, and a To Go Tote. And I feel that I could just walk out and it wouldn’t hurt to just let it all go. So why is it hard to get rid of then??!! Because I love the things I have gotten over the last 30 years when I moved back home. So this was a real feel-good video and I am ready to keep getting rid of Stuff. Thanks for the Motivation, and both of your examples in leading the way. Thanks for doing these Video’s. I’m happy to subscribe. Be seeing you soon 🎉❤🙋🏼‍♀️

[@jackiegenandt6661]

Thank you ladies!!! I need this today! Doing a deep purge on my Christmas as I take it down!

[@j.m.7056]

You will feel so good to purge the decorations!

[@catiebee2619]

I love the interaction between you and your mom. I actually get a little teary eyed because it makes me miss my mum, who I loved dearly, but left me with an overwhelming amount of stuff to go through. I love that you decluttered the pictures. I wish I had done that with mum, not only because she had SO MANY duplicate and horrible pictures, but because it would have been lovely to go through those memories with her

[@debby891]

Love seeing you two work together,so much fun and doing an amazing job. I wish I could get my mom to do this, 70+ years and won’t get rid of a single thing

[@popovka]

God, your mom is so hilarious!! I love you two together

[@Meemee-mo5it]

Mom is always a joy to watch! Also, Mom's hair is so pretty!

[@katepavelle9465]

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two of you! My parents in-laws have passed recently, and my dayghters are young adults and busy establishing their lives. I don’t want to leave them with hoards of items. The problem is, we are stiill processing items that used to belong to parents and grandparents. It takes a while to detach the memories of people from physical objects. I have been selling on eBay and donating, and having one of my daughters for company sounds like an amazing load of fun!

[@lizhetherington6184]

I love how close you and your mum are! Love this channel. Liz from New Zealand :)

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@susannovak8263]

Even though I watched all of these videos individually, I really enjoyed this compilation! Every 15 or so minutes I would stop the video, get up and go through a drawer or a shelf. I was able to get rid of 10 things because I was so inspired by watching you both. Happy New Year! 🎉

[@shannontorrens1]

Wow, that is great you decluttered with us!! Happy New Year =)

[@sj6728]

I loved this video!!!! I will be watching it numerous more times!!! I have a back yard to do so I am thankful to you for all of the tips. Your Hubby is so much fun!!!

[@suebraid2480]

I LOVE you two!!! Comedy gold. ..

[@loretta1261]

I honestly didn’t think I’d like this video because I thought it was gonna be a repeat. But then I watched it and it was so funny because you two are so cute together

[@grinchy56]

At some point a house becomes a museum. It is fun to go through. Maybe your mom could make a voice recording of sentimental items.

[@sheilawest4788]

"I've lost all feeling..." love it!

[@calmnordic]

Thank you for a great video! I decluttered today and played this video in the background.

[@katiemcevoy]

Happy new year! ❤

[@eek1759]

That was such an enjoyable video and so inspiring! Your mom is a hoot and I bet you have a lot of fun with her. I have been decluttering again for the umpteenth time and am really feeling lighter and easier in my life. We are at a stage in life where we have one kid in college, but still at home, and one kid a senior in high school. They are both planning on moving this next summer and I am decluttering in anticipation of how I want my house to look and feel after they are gone. We also expect to sell the house in 2-3 years and move on ourselves, so this decluttering will make that eventual move much easier. I have been through the KonMari method and the Swedish Death Cleaning method and a few others I don't even remember, and they all have good tips and tricks to get through it all.

[@pkfamily7297]

You two are so much fun! Really enjoyed being inspired by your successes and progress while I decluttered myself.

[@julies9997]

Your mom is so funny. She seems like a cool mom. You're very blessed.

[@pambohnhoff2163]

Absolutely love watching you girls! Honestly, you're so inspiring and very entertaining.

[@sj6728]

I watched this New Year's Eve. I laughed a lot. I enjoyed watching the recap. Your Mom mentioned her age and we are the same age. I live with my Great Granddaughter and her Hubby. I did this to make sure they have a home !! I have decluttered so much that I fit in a 11x12 bedroom with space to spare . I am still decluttering and everyone makes the same comment . What do you have left to get rid of. It is amazing. I am to the point that I don't want to manage anything. Cleaning is quick and efficient. I do have some items in the garage and I can't wait to go through it again. I am going to be brutal . The goal is to move into a tiny trailer and have it in the back yard. Maybe 20 ft and no slide outs. Thank you both for doing what you do. You are both funny and adorable.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I am in my early sixties, but have been Swedish death cleaning since I had two heart attacks and Covid and pneumonia last year. My son and my husband are going to love how easy it is to get rid of my stuff if and when I die.

[@kathrynmcmeekin9931]

I just so relate to this video. I am in my late 60s and have over 40 large photo albums and that as you say before digital ones. I have been doing digital photobooks since 2014 and it is my favourite hobby. Now my problem is transferring what I like from the old albums and put some of them into a digital formal for my family. I have done a lot of research on my parents and my husbands, and am working on a digital heritage book. How I wish I had more pictures, but I do have a lot of articles. So I was very interested and enjoyed watching you purge. So nice to see you and your daughter working together.

[@michellecohron3425]

I really enjoy watching you two! You could take this show on the road!🤣🤣🤣

[@jenntaa]

your mom is su much fun xxx

[@amyblevins4814]

You two made this so much fun! 😂

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!! 😁

[@joanlandry9701]

Omgosh your mom is a hoot ❤

[@sharonevans6864]

Great video. Your mom killed it last year with her home decluttering! Really enjoyed that series, it always makes me take a second look in my home for unused objects. Have a big picture project in the works for 2024. Thank you for all your videos. Take care!

[@joellejese1747]

Thank you, I enjoy watching you two together. It reminds me of me and my mom.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks so much

[@trishhorton6514]

I loved this video. I'm feeling like crap today. but I want to go through my rooms. I think I can let go of alot ,now too. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lisarosebud6404]

You two crack me up!! My relationship w my mom was like this! And my siblings!! Good stuff. You’ve helped talk me through passing things along 😂

[@rosemarydavis9347]

Love crockpots. I've got 2.