Avoid These Common Decluttering Mistakes | KonMari Method

[@faithrada]

To keep me motivated during the process, and not get overwhelmed.. I go back and visit my kitchen "junk" draw.. that place where my innitial inspiration came from. I realize now that when I used to TRY and tidy I was simply moving my STUFF around, never actually asking myself if it brought me joy. NOW I have ROOM and I honor what I have by giving it a space. It looks so neat and organized... it gives me such JOY, not to mention peace of mind. I want to feel that way everywhere I look. I need to do things in sections since I am recovering from a broken hand... but I just keep at it and the more I do, the better it all looks, and the more free I feel. Marie Kondo is now my Patron Saint of Joy! Just picturing her smile makes me want to make that extra effort to maintain that Space... which is SO EASY once things have their own designated space.

[@dianebalch5369]

"Stop being so selfish by hoarding things you're never going to use." So motivating!!

[@thenextcountry]

"...you're worrying about possibly worrying about something some time in the future..." Ha! Brilliant.

[@carlagarrett3244]

After a mega de-clutter about 5 years ago, I can say that I have only thought of one or two items that went, and it wasen't a oh-no, it was a oh, ya, gone. smile.

[@kelsiegoodwin8639]

Rewatching KonMari tips before tackling my new home, today. This one touched me the most. Especially, the future regret and forgetting what great things are going on rn.

[@solidstate9451]

I love that I can put stuff in my front yard and put a sign "for free" on it.

[@Everyyoueverymiau]

When I did the Komarie method, I didn’t buy any storage containers or dividers. I freed up so many boxes that I actually have some spares now 😊

[@iamnotfar]

I searched through decluttering videos for 2 hours before I found yours. WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!! I'm going to be getting rid of a lot of shit now! Thank you!!!

[@HowToGYST]

You're very welcome. Delighted you found it helpful. 😁

[@jessmakingit]

Great tips! My biggest pitfall is "I could use that for XYZ". Total art & craft supply hoarder. I've literally taken over 3 full rooms (packed) plus part of my bedroom, part of the laundry room, and part of a separate workshop space. Yes, I do this for my job, but seriously.....Ugh! Not only do I self talk "I could use this", but also "so & so could use this" so I keep things just in case they might want them in the future. I am proud that I am almost out of the workshop space, so that we can move other equipment for work into that space, and I donated some, and threw away a ton. I had a hard time with it, so my husband and DIL chucked all the scraps, pieces, and the piles of cardboard boxes that apparently I must keep. Then they piled what I needed to go through, and I did it. I'm trying hard to break free of the saving everything mentality, but the struggle is real some days.

[@Clutterbug]

So many great tips! I really like the idea not creating more of a physical attachment to things while decluttering, that can make a huge difference for some people!

[@HowToGYST]

Yes! In the video I'm about to upload I talk about how memories aren't in things. You don't have to own something to hold onto those memories. That was a big eye-opener for me - knowing I could let go of something without letting go of the actual experience.

[@ellesnyder942]

I've never regretted donating or tossing something. In fact it's like I get instant amnesia about it.

[@HowToGYST]

The amnesia has happened to me too! I'll look at an old photo or something and think, "Oh yes, I forgot I used to have that."

[@amythinks]

@@HowToGYST Sometimes I get a high off of getting rid of stuff. Ironically, I still get a little high off buying stuff, too.

[@HowToGYST]

Same, but I'm definitely more picky about what I choose to buy.

[@eugeniaviegas316]

Thanks for this! It really really helps me! 🙂

[@viviandunbar1505]

I especially related to the idea that someone else will enjoy whatever objects I hang on to, unnecessarily 😘 I also declutter one drawer at a time. Progress is always good ☺️

[@HowToGYST]

Both great ways to make good progress. 😁

[@catalinaungureanu1558]

This is a very important videoclip to watch! Adding to that, I have two places in my home, both containing extra-things that have to go in time: 1.Things to Consume. 2.Things "To Do". For the rest, my home is completely decluttered and each and every thing has its own home, forever, definitely. Just what I use currently. I have decluttered in my own manner. For example, I am not a minimalist about clothes and kitchen tools. Such things, I buy when I find exactly what I want, because I cannot find them exactly when I need them. I have my own tastes... I know exactly what I want and what I do not want. So, when I find, I buy, because I know I will make much use of that thing. On the other hand, I had things I didn't know I needed so much until I bought and used. Such as a peeler, in the old days, when it was a brand new thing, for example. So, I "waste" money on lots of things, but I keep an eye on them. Some go away sooner, others later, considering how much use I make out of them. I find it important to wear clothes that I love and to have kitchen ustensils that save me lots of time and energy. My time is important and I can take more benefit from it than working useless in the kitchen. There is a lot of work going on in the kitchen and there is so much time sucked in there. Beyond that, I have mentally oriented my brain to embrace the empty spaces and to find it unconfortable when there is any clutter. Decluttering is a way of living for me, which gives me perspective upon the core important things and priorities in my life. I can say that decluttering physically, mentally and emotionally cured me from depression and helped me start to build a life. A real life.

[@carmenhays7997]

I did what you said about doing small areas instead of categories as Marie Condo said. My biggest issue is antiques I collected when I had a house with a better set up for displaying them. They were costly and they were shopped for with my Mother who died shortly thereafter. I consciously know that taking pictures is as good as the object for memories but now living on disability I find it hard to sell on the cheap. I think I must get it all out and have someone give a price and take it all at once. Piece by piece is too painful.

[@catalinaungureanu1558]

You have to do that, Carmen. It is so healthy for your sanity. Your mother passing shows it clearly that we are only passengers in this world. Our short lives we need to live peacefully. Take care!

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Yes my mother loved antiques and so now I have a few things that I can’t decide how to get rid of them. They are not really donation things. They are kind of specialty items.

[@sueancell7655]

Too funny!!! I did a big declutter and took everything to the charity shop.... Then the next day my friend said she wanted her embroidery hoop back! Yikes!!! Had to run down the charity shop and buy it back!!! Thank God it had not been sold!! Best 20 pence I have spent this week!!! Lol. X

[@HowToGYST]

😂 Always best to stick to your own stuff. 😉

[@suecox2308]

OMG--this made me laugh!!

[@tracyannsidaway]

I have taken things to the charity shop and then regretted it so now I have a large bag in my spare room and as I find stuff I don't use or want anymore I add to it. When the bag is pretty full I take it to the charity shop. That way the stuff is usually sat there for a month or two and if I change my mind I can take it out. That works for me 😊

[@Irene-gq4jr]

I've donated kitchen items to the kitchen at work from which I can retrieve them if I want them back. So far nothing has made it back home :-)

[@petmomful2260]

Tracy, I do this, too. Some of those decisions are hard. I feel better if I know that the item is in a box, and I can retrieve it if I need to. For 99% of it, I do not retrieve it. However, if someone has a very serious problem letting go of things, this may not work. They may retrieve it all!! lol

[@Irene-gq4jr]

petmom ful I have foolishly retrieved a cheap red dress that still fits but is far too young for me and a pair of red linen trousers that will probably never fit me again by this means. Get it bagged and get it out before you change your mind lol

[@petmomful2260]

The next time you declutter, you may be able to let these items go. I have found a few things that I have retrieved, go the next time, when I have had time to process the thought of letting go. Also, I cannot get the stuff out because I have a chronic pain issue. I gather it all up in boxes, and then when I have a few, I ask my husband to take me to the donation spot. I see what you mean, tho. There is definitely a danger in keeping things around for a while. I retrieved 2 things this morning that I dejunked yesterday, but it is okay; they are very small and I will watch and see if I actually use them or not. I also have a couple of things that I do not know what they go to, so I am afraid to let them go! lol I just need to think about them a little longer. It is a work in progress all the time, isn't it? I feel that it is a great learning experience to look at my old stuff and wonder why I bought it, or kept it. Who was I trying to impress? Why did I think that was pretty or necessary? haha The crazy decorating phases I have been thru are revealing, too! Now I find myself with a new baby granddaughter, and I need a few baby things at my house! Oh, no! But I am determined to keep it to a minimum and control myself! I have also asked my husband to start bringing down some of my youngest son's boxes from the attic. He is 35 now and finally has his own house. I no longer need to store some of his things; he needs to make his own decisions. Whenever my husband goes over there to help him with the house, he will take a box or two. Then my attic will be in good shape!! I am determined to not leave my children with a huge mess when I die!

[@Irene-gq4jr]

petmom ful I have muttered every word you write! I am more motivated than ever as my fiancé and I plan to move me to his place and get a new home together. He is on board with the clear out too. I have my weak moments, the biggest of which was taking many of my mum's lovely clothes and photographs after she died in February this year. I have worn almost every item. I donated 15 bags of her clothes to charity shops so decluttering that further is hard. Messy spots in my home are now due to not knowing where to put my mum's things, and feeling paralysed about it all. They are things that mean a lot to me, so something has to give. Like you, I've come to a point where I don't want to leave anyone else to sort through all of my crap. From age 18, as a student, I moved 13 times in 10 years and my ideal would be to have only what I can fit in a small van.

[@donnab2810]

Some knitters have a disease called "startitis". Basically you start many things and don't finish. In my case I have "startitis snailicus finishitis". I start a lot, take my darn sweet time and take forever to finish. I'm getting better though. Several doses of HowToGYST videos, blogs and a few KonMari books later and there is hope for my condition. Great video! Keep my meds coming please! :)

[@HowToGYST]

😂 Hilarious! And believe me, I suffer from it too! Still working on a cure. 😉

[@sueancell7655]

Donna B - I understand completely!! What I do is have 2 knitting projects on the go and when I get fed up I swop them... happy knitting!!👍

[@leslieinadress]

I combat this disease by instituting Finishing Friday where I HAVE to finish things and am not allowed to start new.

[@MrsSchwarzwaldmaedl]

@@leslieinadress Finishing Friday - what a great idea! Love it!

[@AD-dj6zi]

@@leslieinadress Fly lady? Me to!

[@jerikropp6394]

I've been to the point before where I'll be at work and just the thought of going home and having to deal with or look at the stuff I've had anywhere from 15-30 years just made me want to go home and pitch everything and start over.

[@ellensandifer5178]

You really hit the nail on the head, I love listening to you it really helps and keeps me inspired to declutter and make my life less chaotic

[@AnDitaLee]

It took me a while to realize that I was never gonna be completely at ease with the level of decluttering I am currently working towards. I had to accept the discomfort and move through it. I accept the fear I have about letting go but I am not going to let that fear stop me. I decided to be brave and just do it anyway. Keep in mind that the fears I have are mostly old programming so I'm making a conscious choice to operate outside of my comfort zone. I am employing radical trust that my minimalist future will be good. Thanks for all your guidance Ms. Laura. 🍀

[@HowToGYST]

How wonderful that you're facing your fears head on, Andrea. Celebrate all the little victories along the way (of which there will be many, both big and small). Each day is a step forward. Keep pushing! I have full faith in you. x

[@faithrada]

How brave.. and wise... you are. You are taking a courageous step into a more expansive reality. It is our attachments which hold us back and keep us limited. Only when we are free of all our attachments can we truly KNOW our real Greatness People often say that money is the root if all evil... BUT this is not the case. It is one's ATTACHMENT to money which creates our misery. We are already COMPLETE within our True SELF. We need nothing more to make us complete. WE ARE the THAT of *I AM THAT*.

[@tauriankkf]

For me it has always been the what it's. We went through a house fire and being broke and man is it ever hard to get out of that mindset.

[@chriskeith1980]

Living in a small apartment I had to get rid of sooo much of my cooking baking stuff when I was pregnant. I just didn’t have room to store boxes of things like ice cream machines & cake making stuff. Even though there were things I used on a semi-regular basis, I knew I would have much less time to make food (much of it very labor intensive) after my baby was born. So I gave it to family members/donation places. It’s been about 3 years and I still miss making some of those things! But I felt much better when you said by the time I want it again in the future it will probably be updated. And that made me feel hopeful! I just collected so many things (some were sentimental) but I totally have different priorities and when my son is a little older and we can move to a bigger place I can get back to it! Every once and a while I just felt dumb for getting rid of so much stuff, but you clearly explained why I shouldn’t feel that way. Thank you!

[@HowToGYST]

Aw, I'm so glad you found the video helpful. Mixers and other small appliances are always updated with new features, faster motors, etc., and they're getting cheaper and cheaper all the time. So you definitely won't have trouble finding suitable replacements when the time comes. And like you say, your priorities have changed. Look forward to the experience of baking with your son. After all, it's not the cookie cutters and bread makers you're going to remember, it's the time spent with your child and the memories (and cakes) you'll make together. 🙂

[@Everyyoueverymiau]

I love Marie Kondo‘s way of decluttering strictly by category. So if one category is too big (eg clothes), you can divide it into smaller subcategories (eg only tops).

[@sjhebba9999]

I really needed this today, thank you! I’ve hit a speed bump in my decluttering, and now it just feels like a ‘have to’ instead of ‘want to’. Even though I actually ‘need to’!! Especially the bit about wasting energy listing things for sale-I have so many other things I’d rather spend my time doing, and I’m not going to lose any sleep over the paltry amount of $$ I ‘might’ have made. Cheers!

[@hollylake9153]

I always bite off more than I can chew... very motivated on the beginning, but not much of a finisher. I run out of steam and/or motivation.

[@patricek.466]

I agree that decluttering in chunks is the best way to do so. It's kind of progressive decluttering, because every month I hit a different area. I have a whole laundry basket full of items I designated as "out of here" in January-- they sit for a month or two- if untouched I bag them up for my fav. thrift shop. We also have a "swap shop" at our dump ( Open April - Oct) where I bring many housewares I no longer want. Of course, I also get lots of coolstuff there too--- all free! The ultimate in recycling !

[@merrivideo]

Patrice Kilham reusing is great 👍

[@daniellebenzon]

"Now its bedtime and every surface including your bed is full of stuff..." this is EXACTLY my decluttering method. Hahaha This challenge is going to be very good for me Laura.

[@Js20639]

I liked your medicine box. I had a similar box that I found 35 years ago that fit my sewing machine drawer perfectly. It is so true that you don't need to go out and buy special organizers.

[@nataliesawyerdavis1494]

I got lucky and was able to donate a bunch of my at-the-time newly deceased husband's winter clothing to a protest that I couldn't attend and that went on through the winter. I felt it was a win-win and filled his pockets with little goodies for them all.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

Over the course of my 70 years, I've lost count of how many times I've tossed something, only to find a week later that I could have used it...and I'm not talking about clothing, but odds and ends; things that would have been helpful in say, repairing something, or making a makeshift gadget for something I didn't have. It makes clearing out 'stuff' like stray binder rings, odd-sized elastic bands, plastic clips, assorted nails, screws, cotter pins, light-switch chains, etc. rather difficult. Every house has to have, IMO, a "junk" drawer. I always say, "A house isn't a home without a junk drawer." ;-) Cheers!

[@deadmanswife3625]

I'm not bothered by junk or clutter. Don't really focus on it. I have regretted tossing stuff. Most recently the snap in cover to a battery compartment on my AB pro. Sigh.

[@amythinks]

Great advice. Although, the argument, which many de-clutterers make about keeping something when other people could use it, well, I find that usually, nobody wants my crap. Not even the poorest people I know. In fact, the only people willing to take it off my hands are hoarders with too much crap of their own. I'm sure someone somewhere could use it, but it will probably never reach the jungles of the Congo. Certainly, it would have been better if I had never spent the money on it in the first place and put that frivolous spending toward a charity that really would have benefited people in desperate need. This process is great for changing your mentality so you don't go spending money on stuff in the first place. Then you can be more generous and help people or charities specifically with what they do need.

[@tyffi05]

Very true! I’ve made these mistakes. I also got rid of a lot of clothes that didn’t spark joy but didn’t realize that I was leaving myself without enough clothes for work and the winter months (mostly hand-me-downs and gifted clothing). I loved the benefits of having more space, but I also felt so dumb when I realized my mistake. Plus, I wasn’t in a good financial situation to buy lots of new clothes. That was a couple of years ago. I’m ready to do it again while also keeping in mind the question, “do I need this (even though it doesn’t spark joy)?”

[@eternalfizzer]

I need a little reward - just stopping for a minute with a cuppa tea to admire something that's done (finally). Before and after pics are good for that.

[@celesteb3380]

I am enjoying your channel. My dear Dad always said think hard about what you're about to buy. BECAUSE!! Next year they'll come up with a better, newer, cheaper more modern version. So if it's not totally necessary think hard before buying. Yeah well sometimes DAD! 🙄 but I do try HARD.

[@mkweber7007]

I've begun the process. I'm chipping away the perimeter with the plan to work toward my final goal of decluttering and organizing my craft area. My crafts include a little bit of jewelry ( which crossed over, sometimes, to my scrapbooking (which has a LOT to supplies), also sewing/quilting...with boxes and boxes of photos to be sorted and organized. Additionally, since I kiddo moved back home, and straight into the middle of my craft room, all the crafting stuff is migrating to my living room. Under consideration - moving the couches and tv to the dining room, and repurposing the living room as the craft room. Chip chip chip...

[@TheLittlebrowndog]

Me this morning at 1 am ! Clothes, laundry baskets everywhere! Eeek

[@tonypintcke7577]

Hi Laura! Just wanted to let you know I find you so much fun to watch! Very informative, too. 😁

[@SherbetSelket]

Ive been watching quite a few videos on KonMari and decluttering lately. This has been the SINGLE MOST HELPFUL video I have come across!!! THANK YOU!!! Especially your comment about being selfish! It was jarring to hear, but it has been very helpful in helping me let GO! Thank you!!! I live your videos!!

[@SherbetSelket]

*love

[@alicejump2290]

My problem is a feeling of abandonment because of a recent situation where I had to move after 7 yrs in a family home, I literally couldn't give up my stuff, it was gut wrenching at the time! After 6 months I am now facing mountains of stuff, I have made some progress, just to be able to function. I appreciate your advice and what seems like permission to do it on my schedule. And I will monitor where I am at to avoid the pitfalls. Thank you!

[@werelemur1138]

My parents getting rid of my things without my consent, or standing over me and making me choose which things I "wanted" to get rid of, means that even seeing a commercial for a TV show like "Hoarders" can give me an anxiety attack. Up until a few years ago, I don't think I could have watched this channel.

[@TheWhisperOfWestWind]

Same :---) but mostly with clothes. My mom got rid of so many of my clothes, when she knew I paid a lot for them, and/or really loved them, and/or they were brand new, I feel very uncomfortable whenever she enters my room now. I'm so glad she works in another city now and only comes home 1-3 times a month.

[@leslieinadress]

As a parent I am teaching my kids to hold their stuff with a light hand. I don't typically get rid of their things without their knowledge .

[@petmomful2260]

I experience a slightly different problem. I never got anything new. I only got my sister's old stuff. We were pretty short of money; I think my dad drank most of the money. My mom was extremely frugal, and was a depression child. Even now, at 63, I feel much guilt when I buy ANYTHING! I have decided to go to a counselor and see if I can get over this, and relax and enjoy my life a bit more.

[@rebeccacarter1914]

You are 100% spot on about the garage sales.

[@anarita-15]

For me it was getting rid of the bookshelves, books, movies, tv shows and games but after getting rid of all I now have all of that media in digital form on my computer hard disk drives and ereader which makes us have the stuff still but in a more manageable matter plus I now get rid of one media as soon we add another so that way we do not clutter our digital life as well making things organize and maintain :)

[@sl9707]

Time is my enemy right now. Well, that and a toddler who likes to "help". We've had to resort to section by section in our basement and our attic because there's just too much. What I need is about a week off from work and sunshine-y weather so I can pull everything outside, go through it once and for all, and get rid of all the things! I'm still trying to utilize the Konmari categories when I find items and am putting like with like so that I genuinely see how much I have and can legitimately determine what brings joy, both legit joy and useful joy.

[@pollockm3]

Being in the right mind set is the best advise.

[@teresavollmer4284]

OMG, I so needed to hear everything said in this video. Thank you for having this difficult conversation.

[@HowToGYST]

I hope it was helpful! 🙂

[@alexandra109]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I agree 100% with donating / selling. It’s easy for me to decide to get rid of items, but then it goes in the donate bin or sell area and stays there sometimes for months. I’m trying to get better with setting time lines and more realistic goals with these areas.

[@gleannemarie]

Great points! There is nothing that throws me into a panic attack faster than a claustrophobia-inducing pile of clothes on the bed! I love the tip about packing the giveaways in the car ASAP - I do that, too, and its almost a liberating feeling just to get it out of the house! Have a great weekend!

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, even just getting them out of the house makes such a big difference. Otherwise you can't really see visible progress because you still have the same amount of stuff in your home. Hope you have a great weekend too, Gleanne!

[@yamimana9918]

Great video! I think I struggle with most of these but especially the "I should at least try to make money on this" one... I’m not on a fixed income and I always wonder about that “maybe I need it later” situation because for me that has actually been the case a few times. I think this is why I have trouble with donating. I have a large comic book collection from when I was younger but most of the comics that I have, have little to no resell value but I feel that I spent a lot of time and energy and money collecting them, so I feel bad about just giving them away. Any advice? Sorry for the long comment…

[@jeannebowes2898]

As I senior, ATAD always works( A thing a day) I have play the mins game several times a year and have actually gotten hubs to join in.

[@kaliyopp1193]

You're videos are the best! I love your bag!!!! "A bunch of sh#t I basically can't live without" I want one!!!!

[@valiumk.9489]

Some great tips, thank you!! I only have to find a way to get off the couch and get some S done... :/

[@arnvonsalzburg5033]

At the moment I'm decluttering old textbooks from college, some of them mostly unread, but I won't work in my field again and moved them already twice around the country. Hope I won't regret it, feels weird at the moment...

[@sixxlee890]

Mistake number 9 is me! I get to the point where I just want EVERYTHING out! Luckily, I have a friend who comes to help me declutter, and he always makes me question throwing things out which he knows I love. It makes sense afterwards, but at the time I just want to get rid of it all.

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

well said about the selfish thing, totally on with that one, i gave all my surplus items away, and i can,t or wouldn,t have got much any way so why not let someone else enjoy them, bless them etc i asked myself have i enough and its always the same a big resounding yes, i buy what i need and that also includes treats etc because we all need treats but there is a big difference between need and want and entitlement, a whole new subject but thanks for you seem to be the only who mentions selfishness but its so true cheers Lv Jacqueline xxx

[@eileen-ezlivinglearning9415]

Well done. Struggle with things one spent a lot of money on. Or “hand me downs” from relatives, especially if they have passed.

[@Lashlove16]

Great video I think about the losing steam you should do a simple declutter for 10-15 with a timer ...then do a major declutter Kon Marie style as then you have things in a somewhat of an order . When I did the Kon Marie method I ran daily to the charity shop . It was satisfying and motivated me to do more . Also most organizers can be jewelry boxes / boxes from product you buy like phones / make up / electronics ( majority of my organizers are that )

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, always start with baby steps. They'll still eventually get you where you want to go. And I agree on the organisers. Shoeboxes are great too. And the boxes that gadgets come in.

[@pokkey]

The "What if..." scenario definitely applies to me when it comes to clothes. I have sorted through some stuff already but I need to do another overview. No sense in keeping stuff you won't get to wear, especially if it's been over a year. Better for someone else to make use of it. You had some great points to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing your awesome wisdom as always. 😊

[@joools1953]

The clothes thing is a real difficulty for me as well. Trouble is, I have lost and gained weight many, many times over the years and, as much as I don't want to face the idea that I may need those fat clothes again, I also don't want to have to spend money on buying clothes if/when I do regain. Again.

[@stargazer1359]

Absolutely Laura, when an item has outlived it's usefulness for you...Let it move on !

[@shannajager918]

Love the little bag 'a bunch of shit I basically can't live without'. Made me burst out laughing. I'd love one of those. My biggest problem tends to be getting started when there is so much to do, where to start? Overwhelming. And sticking to one piece at a time and completing it before I move on. Feel tempted to do it all at once.

[@thepeddler9226]

The big problem with us is the exit. My DH is getting old and the car is always full of his business stuff so we have to empty the car before putting in the stuff. Big enough that my two oldest children decided to come and visit every other week and empty my decluttering in their car. I'm loving this. Also, when I have stuff all over the place, like on our bed, my DH is nice enough to help me out when I'm about to cry I'm so tired (one time he offered we sleep near the fireplace downstairs and I took him on his offer). Nicole

[@HowToGYST]

There are some thrift stores that will collect items from you, so that's another option. 🙂

[@thepeddler9226]

@@HowToGYST - I'm in Ontario Canada. I tried that and they only come for furniture. But when a foundation (like Juvy Diabetes) decides to do a run, they call you up, set a date, and pick up anything except clothing. But we did solve the problem. My kids will come regularly until I'm finished. I send them pictures to see if it's enough for a pick-up or not. Works well. Nicole

[@jkrotke1]

Such a great point about letting things go so that others may use them and find value in them. That's a new (to me) and motivating perspective.

[@HowToGYST]

Hi Jenna! Yes, I always try keep it in mind when I'm struggling to decide whether or not to get rid of something. When I know someone else will love it and look after it more, it makes the decision easier.

[@sama2702]

Just a suggestion... If you can change locations while filming.. Like your kitchen looked amazing. The existing one is beautiful too. Thank you

[@jt7129]

I love the idea of adding dates to boxes. 👍

[@teacupjojo7437]

Great advice! Another hindrance to getting started...watching to many HTGYST videos and not actually GYST 😂😂

[@HowToGYST]

😂 You must complete one task before you can watch another. 😜

[@teacupjojo7437]

@@HowToGYST 😂😂😂 nooooo

[@evasochocki5209]

The what ifs are definitely a road block sometimes. Thank you for this encouragement to move forward.

[@HowToGYST]

You're very welcome. Hope it helps. =)

[@stephaniewitherrite1638]

I love your channel, it has been a big help to me today!! Can’t wait to watch more:)

[@1mollymom]

Hi, Laura! As usual, great advice. I just wanted to comment on the "donate to thrift shop" suggestion. Here in the U.S, there are two major players in the donation scheme: Salvation Army and Goodwill. IMO, Salvation Army is problematic because of their ultra conservative politics, and Goodwill (at least in my town) charges unreasonably high prices for many of their goods -- as much or more than a discount retailer like Walmart sometimes. I encourage viewers to research local charities that do not charge their clients for donations, e.g., women's shelters that collect and distribute clothing, household goods, etc. for women entering the job market or needing to equip or furnish a new living situation. Also, in my town (of 80K), there is a "Buy Nothing" Facebook group where people donate unwanted items, and anyone can simply request them. That means that many who are unable to afford even "thrift" stores have access to basics such as children's clothing and toys, furniture, and household goods. There are also more formally organized free-share networks like Freecycle.org, but I find the Facebook group the fastest, easiest, and most direct way of donating. The shelters take a little more thought and planning. I personally would only donate to Goodwill as a last resort (if I couldn't disperse of items in the other ways mentioned), and never to Salvation Army. FWIW. Here's more on the Buy Nothing organization and movement: buynothingproject.org

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, women's shelters are an excellent donation destination. The only trouble I've found with "free" sites is that, often, people snap up all the good stuff and then sell it on. It can be a money-making game for some, which is disappointing.

[@1mollymom]

Oh, I guess I'm a bit naive! It didn't occur to me that people would do that. :-(

[@1mollymom]

I just wanted to add that the "Buy Nothing" groups typically offer things that would have low or no resale value, so they're not much of a target for scammers/resellers. Here's more info for folks wanting to find or start a similar group in their area. :-) buynothingproject.org

[@stefiea.1036]

I really love your tips!! The most useful I found so far :) THANK YOU!

[@HowToGYST]

You're very welcome. Hope they help! 🙂

[@dianebrandt6884]

THANK YOU THANK YOU especally for the comments on What if? I'VE USED THAT, yes, TO STALL MY OWN LIFE! thanks for these kind of ideas I have noT SEEN on other videos. ... and, few steps. THANKS!

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

My 'mistake' is keeping things I've decluttered and asking family if they'd like it...and then I have to remind them to pick come and pick it up because I'd rather it not hanging around long after the rest is in the bin or already at the op shop...or I feel 'guilty' that I am 'passing the buck' so I'll pay postage to get it to them. Eg: It cost me $AU40+ to send some decluttered hangers, doll & doll clothes, vintage bakeware, jewellery etc. to my daughters down south. Same again...I will be posting off an expensive king comforter, matching cushions, watch and some hangers to a sister up north. I know I will have reached decluttering equilibrium when I can take it all to the op shop without thinking I should have offered it to family, or friends, first.

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

For three years I have done Peter Walsh's 31Days2GetOrganised youtube course...and the last two years I have shared it with my Clutter Free tribe on FB Messenger which is the only reason I haven't decluttered Facebook. We do three mini sessions each week rather than one each day...well I do and Tribe 'watch' on from the sidelines...or march to their own drums. It keeps me accountable anyway.

[@mallorys.8066]

Good advice! I like your decorations in the background, so fun!

[@theMermaidRhonda]

I've actually been doing pretty good with this. I've cleared off my kitchen counters, cleared out my bathroom, and just konmaried my and my husband's underwear drawers. When I did my bathroom, I had three bags full of makeup I don't use, brushes, etc...I gave them all to a friend. Problem gone! LOL She could have taken them right to a dumpster and tossed them in and since I don't know about it, I don't care! I don't miss any of it. I try to focus on one space at a time and just work on that. It's been a lot easier to let things go a little at a time. I've just been brutally honest with myself and that has made it easier to get rid of things I just don't need. One of these days we need to meet up for lunch. :) Stay warm!

[@granitemoss1451]

Crud. I am soooo good at many of these...and then we get to the saving-clothes-that-are-too-dang-small and my failing there more than overshadows my winnings in other areas! And I'm not even talking about my fave items from a size down, I'm talking the gamut of usual ladies' sizes. I am like an elevator, size-wise...rarely still, always headed up or headed down, but rarely still. But all the same, do I REALLY need a bin of clothing I couldn't possibly wear unless I lost 50 lbs? Probably not. Eek, definitely something I need to work on there.

[@petmomful2260]

K H-C, I have the same problem. I seem to fluctuate between 2 sizes. I keep the other size, but only the best things. Luckily I have a closet in my basement where I can store them. But I have to be ruthless sometimes!

[@elisabethausmus9855]

I have the same thing, sizes 6 through 14 saved and I'm a size 16 right now. I went through all those clothes tossing ones that didn't spark joy, and then put them in a box organized by size. The smallest clothes are on the bottom, and I put papers between the layers to label the sizes. I limited myself to one (large) box, and had to get rid of some clothes to make it fit. If I move up to a size 18 I will have to get rid of the smallest clothes to make room for the 14s. One box. I also put a deadline. If I haven't moved to a 14 by that date, I get rid of the 6s, and make a new deadline. Part of me knows I'm never going to make it back to a 6, but it's hard to give up hope.

[@judyweikumbenson199]

GOOD advice helping me know there are things that I will no longer use!!

[@HowToGYST]

So delighted you found it helpful, Judy. 😁

[@MLLatUtube]

Good advice - I will keep it in mind as I start my own decluttering which is way overdue

[@HowToGYST]

Oh, best of luck!

[@cruztastrophe]

Your 1st point explanation was really inspirational and I'm probably gonna internalize that message to help get me through my own spring declutter/moving house. Thank you!

[@LouiseReader]

Oh I think I've done all of these. My garage floor would indicate that- stacks of decluttered things that I haven't got out of the house yet.

[@ajajohnston572]

In my years of donating I only remembered two things I got rid of; however, they were tied to the memory of something that made me happy. I'm glad I don't have them anymore. I didn't need them I have a photo of them now and it so so much better. Donation amnesia is real!

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

hi i don,t know if this is your thing, but when something is on special offer we would normally buy 1 or 2 but all of a sudden now we buy 10, depriving someone else of a good buy, that really grates on me, but also how we have maybe 6 bottles of shampoo under the sink, realistically that would take 3 years before we get round to using it all up, cait flanders does something on this and i thought wow why am i stocking up to keep it for years i have given those shops my money to store it for them, i wait till its nearly finished then repurchase, i have also stopped buy gimmicks and those amasingly new things that will transform my life, life the fantastic conditioner that actually makes my head itch like mad and then i go back to my original one, i am on a rant sorry haha loveJacqueline

[@mimakate]

Come on Sunday! I need another Laura video. Outta whack not waking up to ur video last Friday. Love the length of this by the way. So many great strategies! Thank you 😘

[@HowToGYST]

Oh, the wifi was against me for the last one and I just couldn't get it to upload on time. Sorry! But today's is already up. 🙂

[@brendat8450]

SO very excited to have found your channel! I'm going to have fun going back to your first video and catching back up to present. Decluttering, planners.... did I say I'm excited? lol ;)

[@lindabrown0]

I'm subscribing !!!! Have been decluttering for a while, in fits and starts and have just read Marie Kondo..........Good to find someone who can give some tips and encouragement for the process (lol).

[@lorettacali10370]

I make mistake 6 and 7! I've had crap on my porch for weeks. Today is the day!

[@barkerpoe9221]

Love this step about what is actually worth it? A few dollars or helping someone else?

[@Erica8x2]

Currently sitting in mistake #2. I had time off today and my bed now is covered in a pile of clothes, my closet is half emptied and now I'm sitting next to that bed pile looking at it all a little intimidated. Thanks so much for these tips and reminders!

[@HowToGYST]

Grab small piles of about 10 items at a time, or separate out into categories (eg. t-shirts, blouses, etc.), and just keep going through each. You'll get there!

[@Dashzap]

To see all my clothes at once I hung them all in one closet, with un-hangable things on the floor. I spent a couple of days collecting everything and then finally konmaried it. Because it was in one closet, I could close the door on it while in progress. If your stuff won't fit in one closet, you could use a guest room bed or study floor, etc. The point is to assemble your pile somewhere you can walk away overnight if need be.

[@joools1953]

My bed is covered in paperwork I need to sort though/toss/shred/keep. I got rid of the file box the papers were in (yay!) but ran out of time and now I have all these piles of papers keeping me from my bed. :-(

[@petmomful2260]

I use my laundry room counters as a sorting station. I put boxes there and go thru everything. Then I can shut the door and start again the next day. It does not cause a problem.

[@declanjohn8517]

I've been divesting myself of books. If it's something I could get on Kindle or at a library if I wanted to read it again, it goes. But I have some books that are long out of print; those I'm keeping.

[@HowToGYST]

Great way to do it. I do something very similar myself. 🙂 How many would you say you've gotten rid of so far?

[@hollymoseley1355]

OMG, yes, on garage sales: "Is it really worth it?" I never made the "big bucks" others boasted about and I realized it was because I never accumulated the high-end abundance that they did...once I realized they were actually losing money and I was losing time, no more garage sales!

[@sharonyoung817]

You must have been in my home. I am still watching your video and it is all to true. Thank you.

[@AmandaBaias]

Your videos are always great! I love your style and your sense of humor. Thank you for the advice!

[@HowToGYST]

Thank YOU for watching and being so lovely. 😘

[@AuthorKatKaye]

I really love your videos, and im currently struggling with all of these. 😶😶😶

[@HowToGYST]

I think everyone does at some point. Hopefully you've found something helpful in the video, though. Something that will pull you through. Keep going, because it's worth it in the end. 🙂

[@therealmissglamBAM]

I do all of these! Especially the first one

[@sherryedwards695]

Great video with great tips. I have 2 problems: 1) I hate buying something that I already had. 2) I have a "spooky" drawer in my husband's hand me down beautiful antique buffet. Every time I start to clean or organize that drawer the phone will ring with really bad news (usually a death or accident). Another funny thing is whenever I have company over with kids for some unknown reason those kids always snoop in that drawer only (including my own kids). So from now on that drawer will continue to be unorganized and just a mess.

[@Irene-gq4jr]

Yep, hauling EVERY item of clothing out of my wardrobe and drawers, making a large pile for donation then thinking "Shit, I have to put all of this back now". The charity bag lay there for MONTHS but I'm pleased to say it did finally leave the building. Having learned nothing from that experience I did the same with half of my kitchen resulting in my living room looking like a bomb site for a few days when I was too overwhelmed to continue. If you walked into my house you'd think I didn't have a lot of stuff but trust me, even after my inital round of decluttering I still do. Everyone has so much more than they think they do and they probably don't need or use even half of it.

[@janellemargot4376]

Those are awesome! Thanks for sharing! I just shared content this morning on what not to do when decluttering❤❤🔥

[@thedaways]

Adore your enthusiasm and brightness.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you. Just trying to spread a bit of positivity. 🙂

[@nechiedavis1779]

I recently had to loose over 100 lbs for health reasons. Im having trouble getting rid of my larger clothing for fear that I might gain the weight back. I got rid of smaller clothing when I moved 3 yrs ago. I now regret that. There's just no winning.....

[@bellafox6464]

I have this fear too! But I’ve just had to trust in myself and my want and need to be healthy that I will keep up good habits and keep the weight off. Got rid of all my bigger clothes the other day and I feel great about it and am not looking back 😊 but don’t go to weird, unhealthy lengths for fear of putting it back on (like fasting on fruit for a day??) lol just live well 😊 and congrats!

[@to1620]

This is me, in reverse. So, you’re not alone. It’s the toughest category I deal with in the decluttering process.

[@TJAnderson]

What has worked for me is to put together a capsule wardrobe for the smaller (or larger size) and put it in a Tupperware and mark it with the weight range and store it away for a year. If I don't cycle back to that weight in the year I re-asses. You can usually fit a capsule wardrobe into a small suitcase or vacuum bag

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@TJAnderson brilliant

[@jessicasmith6880]

Love this !

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you. 🙂

[@imeldapearce]

I love your accent. Don't lose it. Where are you from in Ireland?

[@HowToGYST]

Kildare originally. Thank you. 🙂

[@mondrac]

Good advice in an entertaining way.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you. 😁 Hope it helps.

[@janeyd5280]

my mum had an old chocolate box from the 50s which she used to keep her important paperwork.x so recycling was about then too.!! ☺

[@olgaortiz436]

SO TRUE....