A NEW WAY TO DECLUTTER | PURPOSEFUL DECLUTTERING FOR THE NEW YEAR

[@ACharmingAbode]

So excited to share this method of decluttering? What do you think? What have you found really works for you?

[@corinneb9790]

My style is procrastinate. I’m not very good at decluttering. I have things I have kept for years! They serve no purpose now but “back in the day” I used them. They served a purpose! Maybe they will again? The answer to that is No. they won’t. I used to have a ice crusher. It was awesome. Years ago, I used it all the time. I made snow cones for my kids every summer (my kids are 50, 48, and 43 now even my grandkids are 22 and 18! Too old for Grammy’s snow cones. I have toddler twin grandchildren but their Mom limits the sugar they are allowed). So my snowcone making days are over - oh! And I have an ice crusher in my refrigerator! This should be easy. But it’s not. It’s sentimental too - my Pop bought it for me way back when when I had jaw surgery. It served a purpose then too. Well it went in the go bag. Along with the wallet I used to love but it’s big and heavy leather. I prefer small crossover purses now so it will not serve a purpose - out it went! I did thank them for serving me so well (Marie Kondo would be so proud 😊). Tomorrow, I am gong to attack my closet. I will never be size 6 again and I’m retired. Office clothes can go to a charity that helps young women get a start - they just have to cut out enough shoulder pads to stuff a sofa LOL.

[@lagueritabella6903]

Pleaseeee where u bought your dinning table set and credenza or bufet please 🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

[@ACharmingAbode]

@@lagueritabella6903 from www.NFM.com but I don’t think it’s available anymore? Thank you!

[@grogers511]

I like your question “what purpose does this serve?” I’ve been doing a whole house inventory. Actually counting items. Deciding what we need and use - and how much is enough. I keep an inventory list in my bullet journal. Every year - I revisit categories. I declutter by like items - and by space. I keep a “storage plan” also. This is where I list every room and everything there. Every drawer has a storage purpose unless it’s empty.. These lists have developed over a few years. Now, I review my lists and think about the stuff we have. It’s a different perspective. I keep a list of places to donate or recycle. I’ve got a collection of old electronics to drop at our recycling facility this month.. But, I usually take things to my cars trunk and drop on my next errand day. February tends to be my big decluttering month. I do the kitchen one week. The bathrooms and laundry closet the next week. The bedrooms the next week. And the living areas and hall closets the last week. This year I need to spend time in our garage and my studio.I plan to do those in a warmer month - April or May.

[@ceciliavallejos9887]

Yes Thank you! Your same ideas apply to paperwork.... I find myself preaching to the four winds, because life brings upon sudden changes that render people lost and confused, Take advantage of Covid-19 era, of forced limited social activity, shopping, etc., just like going to work, transferring your methods to decluter, organize even classify life documents, or files, Where are our vital documents? Birth Certificates, Soc.Sec cards of kids, spouse even former spouse's ( this one is needed a lot!) Adoption papers, if any (I needed ours 26 years later!). Medical records, Financial Plans, mortgage, title papers, insurance, Tax records, school records. A separate file/box of personal documents per child, If you can afford it, originals be kept in a safe somewhere. I recommend keeping right there, a tool kit of post-its, pens, markers, tape, glue lots of ziplocks to group small stuff, document boxes for your files. Post a note with relevant and to whom its good for, expiration/discard dates... Make sure banks/lenders have sent a cancellation or termination notice for past mortgages, insurance, etc., keep these idefinitely. Declutering is dedicated time much like going to work at an office, but it feels sooo good to have papers in order.... All the Best!!

[@JustWatchMeDoThis]

My primary style of decluttering is to lay on the couch and watch a ton of decluttering videos from different people then declutter a few things using that method, feel great about myself and then go back to the videos for more inspiration. Anyone else?

[@leanneveverka4231]

I am excited to get my decluttering started! I just thought I would give one idea. I hated throwing out my kids artwork so I started taking photos of it before tossing it away. I could make a scrapbook or send the pics to a photo company to have a keepsake book made. This way none of the "masterpieces" are lost. Love your channel!

[@grandmaof9857]

Great idea

[@pattycarosi9618]

Great idea!

[@ACharmingAbode]

Thank you so much! That's an awesome idea!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I am doing the same thing!!

[@diane9247]

I love that! Thanks for the tip!

[@janestelter432]

Good way to save kids artwork: I have a box wrapped in Christmas paper & keep it there. Then every Christmas that box goes under the tree in an easily accessible place. Kids pull them out to show their friends, grandparents can share looking at it w/the kids. My kids are in their late 30’s now & they still pull it out every year & share it with their kids & grandkids. So cool!!!

[@schretien8714]

That is a very good idea!!

[@nancy3848]

Love it!

[@tracywaring3769]

That is a brilliant idea xx

[@Cali-Girl]

My style is thinking about it and doing nothing! So I'm sitting around as usual on KZbin and trying to get motivated to actually declutter something!

[@ACharmingAbode]

Lol this right here is real life 😂 I use to tell myself, Leslie, pining exercise routines on Pinterest, is not actually working out! I feel your pain!

[@joofark]

Thank you! Just what I needed today when I feel a bit overwhelmed with decluttering. Progress, not perfection. Got it.

[@KCtheSUNSHINE]

I have hoarding tendencies, so EVERYTHING brings me joy. So true that it needs to have a defined purpose, and also that we also need to give ourselves Grace/mercy/forgiveness for collecting so much in the first place. I do keep most of my DVDs because I've found online that a lot of them I'd have to rebuy digitally, and I'm just not doing that. But even those, if they're not a real favorite of mine, I let them go to donation to bless someone else. I also find that letting go is so much easier when I say "hey God, you've always made sure my needs are met, so I'm going to trust you that whatever I get rid of can be reasonably replaced if necessary. Thank you Jesus and may I always put my trust in you instead of stuff."

[@cindyw.2389]

I love that what you said about trusting God for what you need. Very well said, Kelly!

[@janreynolds3794]

I’m a list person…..I make a list for everything! Have always been like this! I go room by room and make a list of everything I want or need to do in that particular room. I work in one room at a time , one project at a time….very satisfying crossing those items off my list!

[@karencorson3326]

This would be me, stay in one room. Crossing off gives me inspiration.

[@kathleeneggert9342]

I always have Marie Kondo in my head when decluttering - "Does this give you joy?" Your idea "Does this have a purpose?" makes much more sense and definitely helped with putting Christmas decor back in the basement (and donating, trashing, and recyling!).

[@robertdecker4804]

You really hit the nail on the head by identifying different methods of decluttering! I get the most done when I am in a certain mood. Sometimes it goes on for hours or just for a brief time. It also depends on the type of items or the area I am decluttering. Love your approach to tackling this chore! I don’t recall you saying anything about aging and decluttering. I am 75 and decluttering is a matter of necessity. I would rather say goodbye to my stuff than leave it for someone else to trash. It makes a difference. Lots of love to you and Jason ❤

[@tpurifoy2756]

My method of declutter has been pulling the covers over my head & leaving enough space to watch Hallmarks til the guilt goes away. Thank you. This was very helpful and a way I can really clean my room. U r right the "I love this/it brings me joy but doesn't hv a purpose" has kept me holding on to a lot of stuff.

[@margaretcurren7577]

I CHANGED SAYING I NEED TO DONATE SOMETHING, TO I NEED TO BLESS SOMEONE ELSE WITH THIS. THEY WILL LOVE IT EVEN MORE THAN I DID.

[@jodierhea2658]

Comparing decluttering to dieting is genius. It's not really the method (as long as it's healthy and safe) it's the result. So doing what works for us personally, is the right method to use.

[@sharonbaughman7414]

I think this is the best decluttering video I’ve seen yet. I am going to watch this again and write down the various steps so I can get started. My goal is to get my car back in the garage! Thanks! 🙏 for me!!

[@ACharmingAbode]

Glad it was helpful! I have faith you can do it!!! 🙌

[@traceydriver3171]

I sold my house in June of 2020 so this is something I did BEFORE selling. I literally went from a 2,000 square foot home to a 10x10 storage unit….purposefully! My new home is 1,400 square feet and I am continually asking myself “do I need this” and if the answer is no, I’m donating it. The only things I have left that I’m having difficulty with is two 30 gallon bins. One full of Disney VHS tapes from when my soon to be 30 year old daughter was little and one full of family photos. I need to just get rid of the DVD’s….maybe I’ll get the courage lol. The photos I’d like to have professionally scanned. Decluttering was such an exhilarating experience. I highly recommend it. My method was “do I really need this”? Then asked my daughter “would you like this?” The answers were both No.

[@terryruiz7417]

Last month my dad passed away. Since then my personal ongoing decluttering ...yes, it never ends...was put on hold and I switched to helping make my mother's home easier for her to maintain. Because of the emotional situation, I have tackled areas that are helpful to her...a drawer, cabinet, small garage area, whatever she's comfortable with. And, yes, once his items are tackled, that group goes directly into my car and donated or put aside in my home until brothers are available for final sort. Importantly, we are making progress at her speed. One day, back to my own sort!

[@brittany.powell]

Love this! I’ve throughly decluttered my entire house and garage over the last six years. I’m in maintain mode with decluttering at this point. So I went through the whole house yesterday room by room and removed all of the items that no longer serve a purpose for us. My full bin of items that need to leave are packed up and being donated on Monday. I do an entire house declutter about every four months. But I have a constant donate bin at the ready for the daily, weekly and monthly items that need to leave.

[@cindyfischbach4675]

That’s a great idea to maintain it every 4 months.

[@estellagutierrez795]

@@cindyfischbach4675 CT

[@connieh.4689]

Me too...I am a crafter and painter...going through the "stuff" every few months is essential to peace of mind and my creativity ❤

[@louvin5671]

I loved this! We had to downsize. Talk about overwhelming. But I do a little at a time as I feel like I can do. I have anxiety and feeling overwhelmed plays a big part in slowing me down. Then the depression kicks in because I didn't get the job done. It is very frustrating. But little steps is how I have to do things. I am getting there. Thank you so much for your encouragement!!

[@ACharmingAbode]

I’m so proud of you! Every little step is one step closer! 💕

[@louvin5671]

@@ACharmingAbode That encouragement means so much to me. Thank you!!

[@grandmaof9857]

Same with me

[@louvin5671]

@@poodlegirl55 Thank you so much. We moved from a raised ranch into about a thousand sq foot mobile home with living in a 32 ft camper for a year in between. Just about everything was in storage. 2 storage units. So it was complicated. Now our 3rd bedroom is a mess. I am struggling with the space constraints right now. I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support.

[@wendyfay16]

@@poodlegirl55 I love that 'yard by yard, inch by inch'! I'm going through the same thing.

[@judyabernathy80]

What great tips, Leslie. One, I’m going to start today after work….set timer for 15 minutes!! Never thought of that. That would definitely fall into the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I love it!! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@bethlouden971]

I recently heard someone on a show say "when you declutter your surroundings, you declutter your mind". I think this is the truest thing I've ever heard. 2 weeks ago my brain wa so overloaded and I was so stressed. It was because of the holidays, living in a very small apartment with a tree with 50 or more presents all around and the fact that my son was in town and nowhere to put all his stuff!! But I've spent the last 3 days cleaning and starting to clean out some drawers and cabinets and my brain has had a total reset!!

[@leslieg8176]

Wow Leslie you have done a great job with that! I am kind of a perfectionist and I do procrastinate! I have to give myself grace because I do not have a large area to store things. I live in a small home 912 SQ ft and I do not have a garage. To keep my sanity I have to be careful about what I decide to bring into my space and to be sure I have room for it and what purpose will it serve. My grandma always said, " Have a place for everything and everything in it's place." That has always been very helpful to me all these years. I'm 62 and have been doing that method for about 40 years or so. Also I try to do one space at a time, but it can be overwhelming sometimes. I like your method of asking yourself that question, that is very helpful. So now I have to get moving and declutter! Thank you for this encouraging video.

[@judymelchert3966]

My sons are in their 40's with families. I still have 1 holiday picture they made for seasons . I hang them in the kitchen and they enjoy seeing them and showing their children.

[@cathywatkins3046]

I can't believe what you accomplished in two day's! You go girl.

[@ACharmingAbode]

💪🏻 thank you 😊

[@zazicool6275]

I've enjoyed wrapping gifts with "kid art." It's usually colorful, expressive and older relatives love seeing it. It gets tossed after that.

[@badassmystichealingtarot]

Chronic fatigue and overwhelm. I choose small areas to declutter at a time. I like your focus on purpose.

[@tracypoffenbarger2913]

My husband and I have started to declutter and we hit that ‘break’ moment. We went through books and only kept several we really liked. Got rid of lots! We’re older so we decided to obtain the help of our grandsons to take all the stuff out. They’re great help! We all have to start somewhere!

[@amandaguthrie7326]

Love this! Another thing I’ve learned about myself when decluttering is to take donate items straight to the car, and make sure they get donated right away. If I put them by the door, or in the garage, I find they end up piling up and just cluttering up a different space because I forget to run them to goodwill. Bag them up and get them out immediately! Especially if you have kids. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purged my girls room then they find the donate bag and start digging things back out. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ACharmingAbode]

This is excellent advice! Totally agree! 👏👏👏

[@gracesimplified3860]

Same here!

[@KODoch48]

My hubby is super strong in the role of “courier” - Lol! “Organizer” is my job … but I can send him out on any shopping or “drop-off” task once I’ve organized, and he gets it done without question … like taking out the donated items immediately BEFORE I can start second guessing my decisions … Sooo good for progress!

[@shernandez2276]

That’s exactly what my husband and I do. Straight to the car so that when it’s filled that day we take to Goodwill.

[@kimhamburger6097]

I love how everything feels cleaner when its decluttered. And never miss the things we get rid of. Great tips.

[@tammyphillips3334]

I did a massive de clutter in my basement. I donated two huge loads to Goodwill and gave a friend 20 boxes of old Christmas decorations I was no longing using. Took me and three other people three days. In total I removed over a 100 boxes of stuff. Now the items I use are organized labeled and ready to use next year. You really get a sense of a job well done. I still have the crawl space to clean out but like you said take a break and once you are rested physically and mentally go back to it. Great video.

[@beege4491]

I enter the room with a trash bag, A box for goodwill, A laundry basket, and a box for ' belongs in another room'. I start in one corner and work my way around the room. I agree with you about deciding what purpose each item serves and whether or not I really need it. Truth is...I mostly don't need it and it needs to go!

[@SHAlters]

I really like your 'What purpose does this serve?' suggestion. I read Marie Kondo but couldn't ever quite get on board with her thought process. This works so much better for me and love the acknowledgement of the different styles, list, entire room, etc., and the grace to switch depending on what mood you're in that day. Perfect! This has inspired me to tackle our 'junk room' which is a smaller version of your basement storage area.

[@bbkklyon]

I have been "organizing" my house since I retired in late summer! When you work full time, you just don't have time to stay on top of all the stuff that accumulates. I have also adopted a policy that nothing gets stored unless it is in a clear tote, no more cardboard boxes...you just never get back to those items! I have finally organized all the wreaths/decorations for each season/holiday in one place,....Whew, big job! Thank you for this timely video!

[@jillneer7305]

I 100% AGREE, where all the trash & decluttered items go is the hardest part!!!! There's only so much room in the trash bins. And there's only so much that donation centers can handle. 😵😵‍💫🥴

[@rebeccasha1211]

My daughter and I have been decluttering. Thank you for your helpful hints. At this point in my life, age 65, I am sick of clutter. It is not restful.

[@deerslayer9point]

Oh! One thing I learned, take a pic for your memories of items you no longer have space for. I can pull up the pic and reminisce if I want too

[@margaretbroadway7358]

The room looks great, Leslie. You're so right on when you said the overwhelming part is what to do with all you decluttered. I drove around with a trunk load of really nice items for weeks because none of the thrift stores in my town would take them as they were full up. Ended up dropping it all off in a city 4 hours away when we took a trip there. Found that more stressful than the decluttering.

[@ACharmingAbode]

Thank you! That is SO stressful and frustrating!

[@saraheshleman464]

Yes, that is a problem by us too.

[@valerieann2751]

It’s so frustrating when you’re disabled so I can’t really cart around my donations or even trash sometimes. And many places won’t pick up items. It’s gives me so much anxiety because it’s hard enough to declutter but then I end up with a bunch of boxes of discarded items that never go anywhere

[@sallylignitz3327]

Progress not perfection. Good point. It seems one thing leads to another and it distracts you as well.

[@gerielwell7977]

I’ve been decluttering for about a year. I started in my small rental 3 bedroom. I started as to-do style where I tackled 1 space/room once a week. Then I broke down the space into 5 days. I did not have much time so breaking a space down into smaller pieces really helped! Now I bought a house and am so surprised how much more I’ve been able to still declutter! Decluttering never ends. I definitely agree I use all 3 method styles depending on my mood.

[@Plethorality]

true. it never ends. to assume that it doesnt is like pretending that you will never need the toilet again after a case of the trots!. regularity is key ; )

[@ciakambeitz2357]

I am at 9:29 of your video. And I clean by what room needs to be done next. And I do that room. I do the kitchen and bathroom most often. I am currently on my room along with my kids room. We are working towards minimalism, I am loving it. We still have a ways to go. But we have been on this journey for almost three years and we are so much happier and healthier because of it. Thanks for the video. It’s nice to have someone to declutter with.

[@katrinabass9293]

Progress not perfection is priceless! Work the Good.. Better.. Best process. Start till you see that this is Good; continue till you can confirm it is Better. Then if you are able to persevere you may get to the “Best” stage! If not, at least you’ve made process toward a more organized, healthier life. Still on my journey and your suggestions are encouraging, thank you!

[@lesliephilpot5677]

I use many methods depending what I am organizing. Another suggestion is to be well rested and be feeling good physically before you tackle decluttering as it is sometimes emotionally and physically draining.

[@medinasod2013]

This video was perfect timing I'm going to declutter my craft room today and your information was very helpful. My method is one area at a time I have MS and I'm in a wheelchair that's about all I can do at a time thanks for the great info

[@DigitalJill]

I have MS too. It's so hard for me to get through a dull day where I have accomplished taking my meds and supplements , take a bath, put on a fresh change of clothing, forced myself to eat at least 1 meal, or substitute a smoothie or something light, do the dishes, feed my 3 cats-one who must be fed a special diet every 4 hours, clean the litter boxes, check in with teenage daughter and usually venture out a couple of times each week to drive to town and help her pick out groceries or drive together and pick up a restaurant to go order for a meal since she is still shakily recovering from anorexia. I don't know how to do the amount of decluttering, deep cleaning, or yard work or much else aside from exist on many days. I am so frustrated

[@dobycorder3206]

I loved that you talk about the part....nobody talks about. There are more decisions and more physical effort to make re. Getting that stuff you “decluttered” actually out of the house, to the trash, to the donation center, etc. Also you talked about feeling overwhelmed.... It happens fairly quickly for me where I make some strides getting rid of stuff, and then there’s another box of specific stuff ( old photos, books, memorabilia, etc.) and I just can’t face it! I am worried that if I take a break, I won’t get back to it.

[@lianeabeyta4515]

January 1st I make a list of each room in my house/ then I write down under each room what needs to be done... go thru purses, shoes, clothes. Under kitchen I will put clean pantry ..throw out old cups and pots and pans,, old dish towels... I do one room at a time and get great satisfaction from crossing things off the list. Last is always the garage and I do one shelf top to bottom before moving onto the next one. No flitting from one thing to another, This is the only way I get it all accomplished. And I never give myself a deadline or pressure. If I do one room every 2 days, thats fine. Its a goal , not a paying job!!!!

[@pampriddy7659]

Thanks so much for sharing your way of getting things organized and done. I really like it and will definitely be trying it!

[@mrs.snyder2170]

So true that it can be so overwhelming just to decide WHAT to do with it all. It’s like a series of hundreds of decisions by the time it’s all done! So exhausting, but SO rewarding. Another tip: re getting rid of nostalgic items, memories etc. *Take a picture first!* With 6 kids’ worth of various momentos & paraphernalia over the years, sometimes I catch myself saving it just for the memories… But I don’t have room! So if I take a picture first, it can live on forever… But just a digital copy, not actually in my house! 😅💞 Love your videos! Thank you!

[@sheilapetite6629]

my first time listening and it was excellent and spoke to my urge to declutter. The purposeful concept or thing was helpful. thank you.

[@ACharmingAbode]

So glad it was helpful 😀

[@connieh.4689]

After a move from a 3-bedroom house to a one-bedroom apartment. I definitely no longer had the attic space for all the spare "stuff" I thought I needed. So my rule is that if it's in a box I probably don't need it, with the exception of Christmas or seasonal clothing....love your video...great advice!!

[@suzanneadams9371]

Thank you! A REAL person. Not a sales pitch.

[@linda48123]

I have spent months decluttering and realized I got thru it by doing your way. Only I didn't have the concepts outlined so it was much more difficult. Getting the clutter out of the house as soon as possible was KEY! Thank you. I hope others take this to heart. You did a great job.

[@sharonadams58]

You are amazing and so inspiring to watch! First, the joy of the Lord truly shines thru you! Then, loved your tips and I like how you don't waste alot of unnecessary time! Straight to the point! Loved the progress you made....now on to my storage room!!

[@loiswood3363]

Thanks for the inspiration Leslie! I see that 'one size fits all' does not work and just makes you feel bad about not being able to follow someone else's method. We all have different learning styles, and different decluttering styles. Find the one that works for you. Your tips are excellent! Your storage room looks fantastic! Great job you two!

[@piratetaylor29]

I donated all my Video TAPE MOVIES and the working VCR to a nursing home. They set it up in the common room and everyone enjoys them now and it made me feel happy to have contributed to fun times at the home. Popcorn movie nights are a hit! Score!

[@pamelacarrasco3736]

Oh my gosh. This is the best thing I’ve ever seen. You have no idea how much you have helped me. I cannot wait to show my husband this video. This subject has kept me so incredibly paralyzed for years. I’m so glad I watched this! Thank you so much! And I’ve been super sick for a while Now, but I stayed up and watched this and I just am Super glad I did! Thank u! Best best video ever! Can’t wait to watch your other ones! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ACharmingAbode]

Thank you so much 😊 Hope you get to feeling better soon 💕

[@tinabennett8524]

I started my decluttering and organizing journey in 2016. A novel about a hoarders estate being left in the care of a friend to deal with! I thought about this mess being someone else’s to deal with, not a very loving thing to do. So, I started with is this trash or do I need it? Can someone else. I found that giving it to someone was easier the getting rid of it. Every year I am going through things and getting rid of things, but we have to if we’re buying, we have to have things leaving. Realizing that it’s a part of life, like laundry and dishes, we’re never done organizing and decluttering that was a big help for me. Also realizing that what I thought I’d want and used changed, and getting rid of those things, coming to terms with my reality. I find it easier to release my hold on things because like you visualizing the organized area, living in the space as it changes helps motivate me. I continue to watch videos for tips and encouragement, but as I’ve said, I’ve made decluttering and organizing a continuous part of my life, this is what works for me, it’s how I don’t get buried and overwhelmed.

[@ef5842]

I'm great at decorating, and cleaning, but declutter ing is hard to do. For me, it all ends up in the basement. I try to make time for it, but then I always end up having someone else do it. I usually have to pay two people to do the job with me. I stay there and supervise so it gies a little faster. Then I help them take the bags out. I am so grateful for the help and I am glad to pay the fee to get it all taken away. I usually take pictures of sentimental items before letting them go. (Thank you for mentioning about the gifts and expensive items.) I can't always have someone come help me, so your tips on how to do it myself are important to me because I face all the same challenges you've mentioned. Thank you.

[@sandrascriver7049]

great idea, i’m moving to Panama in 2 years so i need to declutter now. some items will have go with me and be distributed when i die. i will list these to keep with my will. i will need my family to pick which items they would like to inherit, then we will draw names out of a hat to see who gets what. wish me luck in getting everyone together after the pandemic!

[@lisaalexander2011]

I think pretty much all of your advice resonates with me. I especially like the "does it have a purpose", I find the "does it bring me joy" a real stumbling block because it could be something that once brought joy and the memory of when/how I got it brings me either joyful memories or memories of loved ones passed, but the actually item I may have forgotten I even had...there's where I get stuck, because the memory and joy from that stops me in my tracks. I really enjoyed the video, thank you! 💖

[@verafriesen1372]

A room at a time when I put away Christmas decor works great for me and if I stick with this plan, it starts my new year with a decluttered, clean and organized home. I feel like I’ve not only cleaned out my home but the clutter in my brain to start a new year! Now to actually get it done!

[@carolinecaroline468]

My way of decluttering is making a pile smaller and then smaller yet again it takes me most of a day to emotionally distance myself enough to let it go.😒, It may take me some time but I find this way keeps me from pulling things back out of the trash bin 😂 Thank you for all your videos, I learn more about myself, and I've been taking time to be with God daily and becoming ok with being a little selfish 😉 thank you so much.

[@kathycleary6137]

Love to do the whole room declutter. This week is my basement declutter, after putting away the Christmas decor! Can't wait, it feels like a weight has been lifted after doing it!

[@ACharmingAbode]

I totally agree! My basement feels so much lighter! Makes me happy! 😁

[@burnylowe-miller4012]

Am in the process of decluttering my office / arts and crafts room. I really enjoyed your method. For this room, I am doing the whole room and how ever long it takes. I am giving a lot to those less fortunate, a lot to the school that I worked for and keeping that that I really will use. Listening to you was a real inspiration. Thanx a mil.

[@sandythornton5166]

This video couldn't have come at a better time!! I've been so looking forward to it since you mentioned it on FB!! Thank you a million times over!!! Your ideas are so perfect for what I'm doing! Over the last few years I have organized every room and closet in our home except one...my craft room!! When my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year, (which happens to be today!!), I told him I wanted to totally redo my craft/sewing room!! I want to pack everything up and take it out so I can paint, change my curtains and give my room a whole new look!! But the stuff I have accumulated in there is daunting!! I really feel these tips are exactly what I need to help me tackle this huge undertaking!! And one of the best tips, and they are all good, is envisioning what I really want this room to look like when I'm done! I see it being a calm, uncluttered, cozy room that I will want to go in often to sew and enjoy!! I can't wait to see the outcome!! I have the motivation and now, thanks to you, I have the tools necessary to accomplish my goal!! It is going to probably take me a month or so since I have old wallpaper border to remove, walls to prepare, painting to do, not to mention the decluttering and reorganizing!! But I'm so excited to get started!! I'll definitely be taking before and after pictures! Can't wait for the after!!! :) Thank you again!!

[@CheriBomzArt]

That's my goal too! Got Massive messes. But, the positive vision & limiting media for now. Only music or podcasts helps me.😁

[@adh-in-oh6979]

Thanks for this video. I just moved and I was overwhelmed as I moved into an efficiency. Previously, I lived in houses or at minimum a 2 bdrm apt. I moved everything in and I had no choice but to declutter because I was bumping into things and stumbling over boxes. I must say I used several of your methods along the way. :) Today I am proud to say I am 90% done. At this point I am struggling with the sentimental things as both my parents have transitioned. I have decided to take the win and just hold on to these things until my heart feels I can part with them. Again, I thank you because if I had not finished by the time I saw this you would have made it a little bit easier for me! Blessings to you!

[@lauriemcilrath9391]

I'm moving into our new construction. Items have been in storage during the build. Soooo this video is PERFECT TIMING. I have boxes and boxes to cull through. Thanks for the motivation!!!!

[@lorriehansen6873]

How on earth do you always know what my struggles are? I love this! Thank you soooo much!

[@maggiefoers2038]

I am alternating from room to room so I don’t get overwhelmed. 🤦🏻‍♀️ maybe not everyone’s idea of decluttering but it works for me ⭐️

[@pampriddy7659]

Going room by room is what works best for me too!

[@kristinebeatty1576]

This is exactly what I needed to tie all of the other self help decluttering videos together...thank you so much!!!

[@flygirl2b]

That is so true that perfectionists tend to be procrastinators! I do like this simple concept asking what purpose does it serve - really makes a lot of sense. Baby steps though.....

[@anntrope491]

♡☆♡ BLESSINGS ON YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP WITH OUR CLUTTER PROBLEMS...ALL THIS "STUFF" CAUSES ENDLESS ANXIETY, & DEPRESSION...& BLOCKS CREATIVITY...THANKS AGAIN!! WORKING ON LETTING GO, & MAKING ROOM FOR LIVING...LIGHTER...♡☆♡

[@heathervona1780]

Thank you. I have 21 years of clutter to go through. Now I cant wait to get started

[@TheYarnaholic]

We move a lot and we got tired of lugging MY junk around (hubby is a minimalist and owns nothing) soooooo I donated 90% of my books (library card will let you read for free along with free audiobooks). I donated over half of my closet. And most of my statues went bye bye also. My entire yarn collection was 28 giant black garbage bags full and they were OFF LIMITS for de cluttering. The way I decided what goes and what stays was simple: clothes: have I worn it lately. Books: signed by a family member or an author-keep, toss the rest. Statues and random stuff: is there a place for it. My goal is to keep decluttering until I am free of stuff and won’t have to rent a storage locker to hold my hoard when we decide to retire and travel.

[@gracelink3595]

Purposeful is Great. I like that question about "serve a purpose". I could NEVER get past....If I Lived an Item!!! Your question makes sense. Thank You. 🙏💓

[@momberry239]

One thing that helps me is saying to meself 'this served its purpose-ibloved it then but not so much anymore-time for it to make someone else happy

[@pampriddy7659]

Wonderful advice!!!! TFS!

[@evasochocki5209]

I think that being positive and focusing on what you're keeping makes it so much easier and less stressful

[@deboraholiver3716]

i just let a bike go.... given to me by my late husband 22 years ago... I would think.... I can't let that go, it was given to me. never again will he be able to give me something... then I thought about the pention and social secuity...... I can't remedy the chain issue and don't ride the bike enough to even miss it. I set it to the curb... someone came along and was glad to get the bike. Same with an old wheel chair.

[@randyteresamyers7719]

I have so many things hanging around my house that I should ask "is this purposeful any longer". This was very helpful and encouraging, especially at this particular time of year. Thank you Leslie for your great ideas. I'm using my husband's computer--mine bit the dust and is going into the shop for repairs-- Teresa Myers. Love you and God bless you and Jason.

[@LissandaEloria]

I think this is great and I’ve used a similar method for a while: For each item I ask myself why I would be keeping it? ie what for? If I don’t convince myself there’s a good reason then it’s a discard. I would suggest a couple more ideas: 1. When discarding have separate bins based on where items need to go eg garbage, recycling, charity, gift to friends and family, sell etc. Otherwise people end up having to sort those items again. 2. Use quotas where appropriate. Eg How many coffee cups does one really need. The answer is probably no more than can fit on one shelf, or something along those lines. That sets a baseline for how many you can keep and how ruthless you need to be. Thanks for this video, it was helpful. I actually loved the owl 🦉 but totally understand your reasoning 👍

[@bernardsaberon4634]

Thank you. I'm a methodical worker. I really appreciate your input. I've been struggling with clutter for so long. Your video gives me hope. I love your logic!

[@laurice8056]

Children’s art can be scanned and kept on a flash drive. Later it can be printed out with or without their photo. Print on demand services can make your child’s art into a mug, T-shirt, or other useful items that can be sold online or given as a treasured gift to grandparents, aunts, and uncles , etc. Priceless! Furthermore, expensive items can be sold online and locally on platforms like Mercari and Facebook Marketplace. Making a little extra money this way can help to motivate us to de clutter even more 😉$! Nice video, thanks for sharing! I’m a new subscriber.

[@mikkibates7854]

I needed to clear out a spot for my new Air Fryer. More kitchen stuff followed. I found some paper plates - CARS themes - that were used for my youngest son's birthdays when he was LITTLE. I was going to pass them on, but had a fun idea. Last night he had birthday pie, for his 16th birthday. He's not driving yet, but that process will probably begin this year. It brought smiles, and they'll be used up. More continued progress. TY. Yes. Microburt timers, or smaller spaces - are helping our house.

[@yzolakitchi]

I love to do lists and can be very unmotivated when I know I have an area to tackle. So I break the huge, scary decluttering task into four smaller tasks over 1 or 2 days. 1. Take photos of the area/room to declutter 2. leave the room, make a cuppa and relax as I browse the photos 3. write a list of items I know I can throw away, or can go to a charity shop. 4. I go and 'un-shop' my home from the list - this part is quick as I have done the thinking already and I just take two bags or boxes in and gather what's on the list. I like to browse the photos and write a list on an afternoon/evening, then go 'un-shopping' the next morning when I have more energy and can take stuff to the charity shop or trash immediately. It's a great way to start the day as you have a win before your day even really gets going! :-) Asking about the purpose of each item is a great idea, thank you for sharing :-) Sending appreciation from the UK 🙂

[@sharonsteelman6330]

This really did inspire me to get rid of my kids and grandkids stuff that no one would ever look at again. Lol Also I need to apply this to all items. Thanks so much for sharing. 🥰

[@LW0214]

This was so helpful, Leslie. Thank you! My style is to usually organize one area at a time, like the master closet or kitchen cabinets. I definitely get stuck on sentimental items or things someone close has gifted me. And I have to get items I’m donating out the door right away or I’ll change my mind and keep it! P.S. You are fortunate to have a storage room and all those shelves!

[@colleenkrika7388]

I loved your video and feel like you gave us a lot of different ideas on how to declutter. Very helpful. My favorite takeaway was giving us the idea to say "Does this have a purpose" for each item, and then giving us the two examples of a family game and an old computer monitor. It makes so much sense. Now I feel I could more easily tackle any decluttering project in the future.....and there are several just waiting for me to take the plunge.

[@dianadougherty1082]

I have found that 'things' that I am keeping that were my parents/grandparents....thinking that my kids might want to hang on to....they don't want! This next generation wants to keep things light.

[@ACharmingAbode]

I agree with you! I know so many people have good intentions, but they honestly just don’t want the stuff.

[@susanpeterson9947]

I’ve been on my decluttering journey for about two years (off and on, as I have had time and motivation). I’m in maintenance mode on most of my home now, except for sentimental. That lags behind, of course, because it’s definitely the hardest for me. BUT, recently I have realized that the more I revisit those items, the easier it has become to let some of them go. So I would urge others not to give up on whatever is hardest for you…keep revisiting those items and hopefully you will ultimately succeed in reducing them to a more manageable number.

[@krischamberlain2027]

I like the what purpose is this serving idea. it takes the emotional out of it.

[@debbieskinner4402]

I like to do all the same things, clothes, books, etc. It doesn’t seen so overwhelming. I taught my grandchildren to clean their rooms. Kids get their dolls or cars out when they are tired of playing with those they get all of something else out. Pretty soon all of everything is out on the floor. For a lot of children this is too overwhelming to clean. I made a chart for the boys and girls. First pick up all the dolls/cars, then all the shoes, etc. they can check off the things they have. Instead of looking at all of it to do they only have to clean up one thing at a time. It worked for them.

[@irenejohnson9614]

My “room “ has your room beat! Seriously, your explanation is calming. I a m going to try it out.

[@kimbrown7868]

When you declutter child’s drawings take a picture and make an album on your phone (works for anything you are sentimentally attached to).

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Yes! Progress not perfection. I struggle with this and have been procrastinating things for that very reason!

[@piratetaylor29]

For the anchor draggers do you recommend setting a time limit at first until they begin to feel successful at the decluttering process? Like start with one hour a day dedicated to the decluttering process, then an hour a day to get rid of process then an hour a day to organize! Then repeat! Until done. Then move to another room like the kitchen if that's not where you started!

[@chapman1569]

Sensible and good advice. You are a decluttering fairy! It must be because you have an upbeat presentation. Thanks

[@jamieanthony6527]

suggestion- take pictures of beloved children's artwork, and create a photo book. That way you can see them, and it only takes up the room of a small book. I think it's easier to look thru often as well.

[@yolandarodriguez4961]

Man you really made me open my eyes, I have so much stuff that I don't use, but I need it!, It's just there everywhere,all my rooms.. I can't get out of someday I'm going to use it, but I don't.. so since I saw your video for the first time, this made me think, you know, you are right, I haven't used it, maybe used about twice, but just there in closet, drawers, now I am going to think like you said, "Do I really need it" No, then out it goes.... Thanks alot for your video 🥰🥰

[@helenk5579]

"Progress not perfection !" ....excellent tips! What brings me purpose also works better for me than simply what brings me joy! And once you start decluttering you usually want to keep going. Great video!!

[@jandoherty9766]

I love your way of decluttering, and that’s the way I do best also tackle one room at a time.

[@sophiadavid3441]

This was the most helpful ideas to declutter! I am in the process of my autumn declutter and clean up before Thanksgiving, X-mas, and New Years and all the entertaining. Again, thank you and be blessed!

[@lueri5659]

I like to take good photos of sentimental cards and kids stuff. I save so can search and find. Takes no space but my photos are cataloged and can always find when need and my hard drives will always be with me.

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I loved all of this, and I was so glad to see you admit to being tired and needing some time away before hitting it hard again! That's a very important step also. When I get into the mood to tackle something very time consuming, I decide if I'm really able to devote that much time to the project or do I need to wait until maybe next week when I KNOW I have more time. Otherwise, I will have made a bigger mess and be irritated because I can't finish it. So I tackle a smaller area...or more....for today, and feel good that I at least got that much finished. I agree with you about perfectionists and procrastinators! At 77 years young, I have earned the right to not be so perfect in everything. I have more grace for myself these days, but I also recognize when I'm procrastinating! Sometimes GRACE is a double edged sword. But it's "okay". Thank you, this was good. So I subscribed for more!