18 Minimalist Habits You Can Start Today! (Decluttering Motivation)

[@cleanmyspace]

7 EXPERT CLEANING TIPS YOU NEED TO BE USING: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3SQmpZofZdnhbc

[@Alice_Walker]

The thing I always like to remember about minimalism is that it's not having the LEAST amount of things... It's having the RIGHT amount of things. That's different for everyone.

[@annalp7520]

Alice Walker thanks so much for sharing this concept - I really like that way of thinking about it 😊

[@Michelle-qw4pl]

Alice Walker that’s a perfect way to say it!

[@amasion2882]

YES. A “downsized” kitchen is useless if you don’t have the right appliances and utensils to prepare and serve meals. It’s having the RIGHT amount of the RIGHT things.

[@065176adb]

Strongly agree!

[@dedhampster4730]

Yes Alice! We are absolute nerds in our house with D&D, all the video games (all the way back to Atari), board games and all the toys! So we will never not have things, but we can let go of the Wal-Mart Pokémon figures, only keep the collector's items and say no to cheap sci-fi swag from conventions. And always donate what is still usable.

[@cellachic4442]

This might sound morbid, but sometimes I clean things out thinking of how it would be for someone else to go through it when I pass. I don't want to go and leave a big junkyard of things for someone else to handle.

[@jodyfro1312]

Swedish Death Cleaning

[@alibalibeehive]

I do this too! Whatever helps eh?!

[@marilufresquez8943]

I do this too! a lot lateley. Will be 68 soon :( It does help. It keeps me realistic.

[@jadoreluv6891]

I do the same...not morbid at all! God forbid someone finds something that might embarrass the poor soul that has to go through my life😳

[@cellachic4442]

@@jadoreluv6891 🤣👍

[@angelicasmith9357]

She is the first person that I actually listen and pay attention to about advice on how to clean and stay organized. She is direct in her communication....getting to the point and within it, gives the advice and suggestions I came here for. Excellent.

[@sharkboy6952]

"Maybe one day I'll need that thing. " That day is always a few weeks after you've thrown it away.

[@Mpw9876]

So funny. So true.

[@ShanSKP]

Is she talking about minimalism? Seriously 😂. In this video she's wearing 8-10 dresses and talking about minimalism 😂😂.

[@ohpatricia1276]

@@ShanSKP I thought the same thing when she was going through her closet. I don’t even consider myself a minimalist but know I don’t need a closet so full I can’t find anything. Or an entire wall for my makeup🤦🏼‍♀️. Her video was probably catchy to some but the constant outfit, makeup, and hair change, damaged my simpler experience expectations when I clicked on this video 🤣

[@pearlofyahuah8472]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@RFernandez18]

Happens to me all the time. One of them was a huge bottle of hand sanitizer. About 4 days before we learned about the virus and hand sanitizer was hard to come by, I literally threw out a large bottle of sanitizer because I figured we never used it enough to have it so why keep it... Next thing you know, we had the virus. It was gold! 🤦

[@cadena141]

I'm not really into minimalism, but I am doing this: getting rid of one item, no matter how small, every day in 2020. So far, I'm batting 100% and I don't miss a thing - so far!

[@GiGiWellness28]

Good job! Keep it up 👍🏻

[@Kim.firsttimemomlife]

cadena great idea! Are you documenting it?

[@sheena3913]

Thats such a great idea.

[@AmandaD33]

I love throwing stuff away. I'm about to move and I'm about to get a trash bag LOL I make sure I don't need it of course because sometimes things you just need to keep like important documents. But some things are just old and useless. If I can't donate it to Goodwill it's trash

[@Miss_Annlaug]

Everyone benefits from decluttering evrn 8f the end goal is not minimalism. Great initiative!

[@thebudgetbee9694]

Crafting is my biggest hurdle. I can see the craft potential in just about anything and that makes it hard to toss things.

[@abbyzarger2932]

Yes... me too....

[@dayle783]

Same! I'm trying to slim down which crafts I really enjoy. Also making an effort to craft with supplies I haven't touched in a long time. Like the 20 tin cans I saved, I painted a few and then recycled the rest. Now I need to get to all the boxes I've saved!

[@leahmarks7867]

BudgetBee, you said it, honey, and holy shamoly I hear exactly what you're saying! I suffer from the same creative-perspective disease... almost everything can be turned into or used for something else rather than tossing it out. Plus, after seeing the most recent PBS documentary on global garbage [The Plastics Problem] which shows where all our "recyclable waste" is actually ending up, now it's even harder for me to throw things out... i feel guilty if I know I can use it another way but throw it out regardless. I argue with my mother and daughter about this... when is something still perfectly and useful and when is it trash. Their wastefulness is so frustrating to me! Like when my kid will leave food in her room and it will get dried and stuck inside a dish, and she would rather throw it out than invest the time to clean it. I get that certain things are just that cheap nowadays, but they have an environmental cost that far surpasses their monetary one...

[@heatherweber531]

I've just found my herd, I live here now:) hello my fellow crafters and artist. lets take that unwanted items and make wonderfully creative stuff that the masses will pay good cold hard cash for. these days it pays to think out of the box. I've been able to help my child's school to come up with un-thoughts of options for this years graduates.

[@novanettle7497]

Ah yes, the pained existence of the creative crafter/aspiring minimalist. I can only relate. Normally I go with the "if it makes you happy, it is essential" point of view, but I really do have to many hobbies at this point. And all the materials that go with them. They take up to much space and more time than I have. I have to start picking my favorites. Should also mention I am a master at starting new projects and not necessarily finnishing them...

[@clairecheney]

Easy way to slim everything down: Pretend you're moving. Belive me, I've just moved and I got rid of massive amounts of stuff, like literal mountains of stuff. Get some boxes and go through things as if you were moving. Ask yourself if you really want to go to the trouble of packing it up, transporting it and finding a new place to put. If you don't want to go to that trouble, get rid of it.

[@carmiecruz4596]

Yeah right.

[@clairecheney]

@@carmiecruz4596 are you being sarcastic? Because I can't tell your tone from your comment

[@Kim.firsttimemomlife]

clairecheney yass! Great one! Maybe this helps also; pretend you are going on a 3 week trip. Mix and match outfits. Most of the times you will realize you will have enough 🙏

[@carmiecruz4596]

Nope... Clairecheney actually we've just moved and did the same. We also declutter... 😊

[@nurita4]

Yes! I moved countries and you really have to think about what you really, really need or want.

[@lovinglife3954]

FYI an eco-friendly tip: if you can clean out your closet at the beginning of the season instead of the end, all the better. Most donation centers, especially shelters, don’t have space to keep out of season items. They will end up discarded if not in season and usable.

[@debburt251]

Great suggestion!

[@sgejupiter9740]

LovingLife I bet she won't see your comment and it's a great suggestion🌞People need the clothes during the season not after😔

[@rikajohannas8894]

LovingLife best advice found

[@kariay50]

Good advice. Thanks for sharing

[@emmaschauer5409]

I do this, also, because I am on a significant weight loss journey, and often times the things that I loved last spring/summer either don't fit me or just don't look right anymore.

[@cleanmyspace]

1:26 Learn to say no 2:22 Start small 3:13 Embrace empty space 5:06 Seasonal closet clean out 6:09 6 second rule 6:57 Actually donate your donations 8:04 Always be pruning 8:53 Small kitchen appliances 9:30 Return items nightly 11:06 Sentimental items 12:08 DIY instead of store bought 12:55 Packaging and boxes 13:26 Clean surface challenge 14:54 All the cables 15:44 Avoid single use items 16:58 Declutter pillows 17:36 Declutter make-up 18:09 Declutter towels 18:49 Declutter old medication

[@sv2253]

Helpful timestamps, thank you!

[@EllieGC]

So inspiring!! Thank you!! :)

[@philipiiijoyner8463]

Excellent decluttering tips, Melissa Maker! I already know my limits for my bedroom. ☺💗☺💗☺💗

[@alexandrasalvador9672]

Clean My Space great help!am always a minimalist whenever watching a lengthy video

[@menakak905]

Question, how do you store seasonal clothes so that they air but moths don't get in?

[@jujume2010]

My MIL is keeping me out of my minimalist lifestyle for a season. She has moved in with us so we have to put things on the counter for her to be able to reach. I am learning to be patient as this too will pass when she is gone. Right now, I will live with it as I want to make her last year(s) on this earth as pleasant as possible since her husband of 66 years just passed on 2 weeks ago.

[@lifebeginswithaseed]

Well that's sweet and a great attitude to have. Stuff is just stuff after all. ❤️

[@LB-vl3qn]

You know, your MIL probably doesn't even realize the gracious gesture you're making, which makes it even more gracious. To accommodate someone else out of love for them, especlally when it is hard for us to do, is a beautiful act of charity. She doesn't need to know. God sees. ~ Lisa

[@cheryljune1603]

Julie Mellon so kind of you

[@margarethill8442]

Julie you are a wonderful daughter in law. Bless you for seeing things through your MIL's eyes. It takes strength and heart to do what you are doing. Keep on!

[@meggarstang6761]

You clearly have your priorities in order and your heart is huge! I hope you have a good long time to enjoy her company and for her to spend her final years knowing how much she is loved.

[@robertanderson6929]

I actually use my suitcases to store my off-season clothing. In the Spring I place my Winter coats, sweatshirts and etc in my suitcases and remove shorts, swimwear, and etc. I reverse the process in the Fall. During this swap out is a great time to eliminate items which I no longer wear. If I need to use my suitcases for travel, I simply unload them onto my bed then replace the items when I return from my trip.

[@kristinradams7109]

Thanks for that! I think I'll start doing that, too.. . . . ... :)

[@zvezdapadalica15]

My husband and I do this as well. It’s the perfect place to store off-season items. I need the suitcases and they take up space in the basements anyway so might as well use the space inside them :) it helps the closets feel fresh and clean every season!

[@ramonagram238]

I use one suitcase to store bags... duffels, backpacks, beach bags, tote bags, purses etc

[@janeyd5280]

I used to do that when first married with 2 babies and No storage space. the suitcase was kept under the bed. now 48 years later I have plenty of cupboards but too much clothing and clutter..

[@irmatorres5306]

So what do you do when you need your suitcases for a trip? I would have a pile of clothes until I was done with the suitcases. 🤨

[@careykurtz2559]

Whenever I get new pillows, the old ones get "handed down" to the dogs' crates. They love them, since they already smell like us and it really makes them feel more comfortable in their crates when they have to be in them. Bonus, we don't have to wash their worn-out, old doggy-smell pillows, they just go to their final resting place in the trash.

[@carolallison9685]

Just buy good quality pillows and be done. A good pillow can last up to 20 years with proper care. You can even rip a seam on throw pillows and restuff them with better material. Thats what i did when my cheap throw pillows on my couch started the breakdown. Saves me tons of money, and its less waste going into the landfill

[@swylie830]

Just did this today!!

[@kaylapappas7715]

Yes and it served its purpose, as opposed to a $20-$40 dog bed that gets shredded in one week.

[@liliannamathers3428]

Carol, what's proper care that can keep a pillow free of dust mites and such for 20 years?

[@kariay50]

👌🐾

[@evenicholmain]

Definitely emotional items. Guilt in getting rid of things that belonged to someone you loved and have lost. I think this is the hardest thing to do.

[@anashappydays]

I agree 😅

[@auntiem1093]

You can take a picture of something that is sentimental but you don't want to keep. And then frame it so you can see it and remember it but it won't take up space

[@peggypeggy4137]

I know how that feels--like you are throwing away the memory or a part of the person that has passed away. I think what it is for me is, if I know where these things are going then it is easier to get rid of them. Get a good box and put in(all together) that set of dishes. Donate to a church, Salvation Army, etc. My husband hardly took anything when his mother went into the nursing home. He would say. I have the memories. I don't need the stuff!! Photos are good too.

[@lynnroney1234]

What I did with my parents things is that I have a "treasure box". Its a large jewelry box. I have really personal things like my mom's hairbrush that still has her hair. Her reading glasses. My dad's hair comb. His military discharge papers. Things like that. I also have a military window box for other things. They're my treasures and they're all I need.

[@michelleperram5875]

Today I finally decided to tackle my craft/crap room. I’ve been dreading this so I decided to just work on it for an hour. I got a lot accomplished in just 60 minutes and now it doesn’t look so overwhelming.

[@kathygoebel3248]

When I clean an area, the rest of my family sees it as an empty space to put their belongings or groceries when they come home. When I say something, they act as if I’m the bad guy. I can’t keep cleaning up these places for others to put their s*** there.

[@eathomelive]

@@Terri.46 I would go a step further and give them 48 hours to remove the stuff and find a place for it, or it gets tossed.

[@glendaschilder3048]

Put all of their things in a bag,hide it,let them think you threw it away..after awhile, give it back with a warning..next time I really will throw it out ❤😂

[@LorraineMatthew-oe3mm]

​@@eathomeliveNOT EVEN, 12 HOURS MAX. THEN IT GOES IN THE TRASH 🗑️

[@Charalldredge]

I wear aprons with great pockets when I am home. It holds my phone, and I can put items that need to be put away a lot easier. I can move items from room to room and even gather trash and throw it away.

[@sj2760]

That’s a great idea 👍👍

[@MR-kt1vx]

I actually like this idea

[@amanda_0034]

This is a great idea!

[@anashappydays]

Thank you for the tip 💚

[@Charalldredge]

Ana ́s Happy days no problem. AND if your not wanting to wear “support” as a women cause who wants to do that when they are home and comfy, it helps with that too! Lol!

[@scrappinfrine]

I would like to add also, when we put our home for sale, we did so much decluttering and my husband and I did really love the fact that the house felt much lighter. We have decided to change now and become minimalist in decorating and having things we regularly use around the house. We started with our clothes and our son's toys! If it fits in the house and if it has a home, then it can stay. Our sons holds dear to our rule-if we get one toy. We donate two toys. So far. So good. We don't request gifts for birthday parties and when he collects money, we ask what clothes he needs and any left over, he uses for Tuesday treats at school or we put into his college savings. Just wanted to share this part. Thanks

[@MindBodyMom]

My biggest hurdle is living in a home that is under 1000 square feet as a family of 4...2 young children...a hoarding husband (who’s trying to improve), I literally spend hours a day cleaning up after everyone. I need to just start throwing things out without telling anyone. We also don’t have a laundry room, play area, office, every room serves 2-3 purposes. It is hard but I never ever give up! Being is isolation now is actually creating more time to get our home in order. Loved this video!

[@robinhall1543]

For me decluttering is emotional. I feel guilty and wasteful tossing stuff that still has life in it. Giving to someone else eases the guilt but getting to the point where I can identify what to toss and finding someone to accept it, is difficult. Your videos are helpful and I appreciate the inspiration. I’ll keep trying!

[@janeyd5280]

robin hall some charity shops would be grateful for your unwanted stuff.x

[@mariadionisiodionisio3062]

Robin Hall you are not alone me too 😔

[@rachellindsey8660]

I got a friend who is not emotionally attached to my stuff to help with the donate/trash issue.

[@joanalcala7303]

Robin Hall...the Salvation Army will take your donations...and they help people through the the donations that get sold through their stores...I think they are non-profit also.

[@goldenparachute392]

You can take it to Goodwill and feel that you are helping others.

[@moondancer9066]

I left everything behind when my husband passed away and I moved. Now I'm in a small apartment and I don't have ANYTHING I don't absolutely NEED.

[@paula9197]

I'm sincerely sorry to hear about your loss. I also recently moved and was just brutally honest with myself about what I really needed to take with me. Living so clutter free makes me feel a lot more focused now on my priorities and that feels great.

[@cheryljune1603]

Moon Dancer someday I will do it too

[@meggarstang6761]

You don't realize how much money you save when you consider where you will put something you want to buy. I adore new towels, but there's only one shelf in the linen closet designated for towels and it's full. So, it's easier to say no to new towels because I know I have no place to put them.

[@janeyd5280]

@@meggarstang6761 I love new towels too and find them hard to resist.x

[@lightgivener]

@@meggarstang6761 if you really adore new towels you could make it a personal splurge to allow yourself new towels once a year and donate the old pile to an animal shelter for example. Of course we shouldn't be wasteful but it is OK to have some specific luxuries especially if you can give onwards. Also it makes you aware which ones you prefer, the towels that you have or the feel of new towels.

[@menakak905]

It feels like I'm throwing away our hard earned money when we're throwing away or even giving away perfectly good things. That's what makes it difficult for me. Also, it forces me to acknowledge that I made a bad purchase. I don't like the guilty feelings...

[@hillarywalker4587]

If you keep the thing and continue to not use it, you experience that guilt every time you see it. If you decide to get rid of it, you can acknowledge that it was a bad purchase, commit to spending more mindfully and then try to find a place to donate it so someone else can actually use it.

[@rebeccadbates]

One philosophy that has helped me SO much is this: however much I buy something for, use it that many times and then I’ve gotten my use out of that. For example, if I buy a really unique top for $40 will I wear it 40 times? That’s just a personal thing! Not everyone has to do it though :)

[@rachelsanchez3979]

Don’t feel like it was a mistake. Some things’ only use is to make us happy when we buy it or receive it. If it has outstayed its time, it is okay to pass it on to bring that happiness to someone else.

[@griseldaguerrero7199]

You can also sell those items you dont need on Offerup, Letgo, Ebay, yard sale etc that way you make some money from it rather than nothing.

[@Skittl1321]

The money is already spent though, you aren't getting it back. Having it clutter up your home and cause stress isn't helping. It's a good reminder to stop aquiring.

[@pamsnider1930]

My hurdle is totally the sentimental stuff. Baby clothes, toys, artwork. Also, old magazines and cookbooks.

[@Roguey84]

I’ve been taking pics of my sons drawings and storing them on a cloud. I decluttered a lot and let him keep key things. I got rid of so many things over the years but recently happening upon this made me loving living with less and keeping it that way

[@udderlylost1178]

I love this idea!

[@am2brok]

I purge SO much more clothing when I decide ahead of time...how many of each item I need. We typically wear only 20% of our clothing anyway. If I do laundry weekly, then I know I need 8 seasonal tops (7 days +1 spare). I choose to only keep what fit, was comfy & that I actually liked! I ended up denoting a few bags of clothing; but still had to shop for 2 tops to get to my # of 8. I shopped to fit my new criteria (mostly had to find ones that I actually liked)...and I shopped guilt free because I wasn't getting much & I knew I'd wear it : )

[@tinag7381]

Cracked up when you and Chad were wearing the life jackets in everyday scenarios!

[@rachelfraise9352]

As a result of some mental health issues, I became a hoarder. Im now working my way through the stuff I had accumulated. What I find hardest is the sheer volume of the task, its like a mountain I need to climb. But, I am learning to set myself little tasks and portion the job up. That way I get a sense of achievement rather than focusing on what is still left to be done. Your tips are going to be such a lifeline as I work my way through the process

[@lynnroney1234]

I understand it feeling like a mountain. I really do. Where I live there is a mental health association that had counselors who would even come to your house to help. Don't be embarrassed. They've seen a lot. When the counselor came to my home we sat together and went through things. She's here so I have to do this and she helped talk me through. It worked so well. If you have something like this try contacting them. But ya, this covid thing is keeping so much on hold. Just one little area today. It's done. Be proud. Then another little area tomorrow. Mark off what area you are going to do tomorrow right after you've finished for today. It's not an all day thing. For this hour I will work on the area. When the hour is up, that's it. Until tomorrow. That was my system that worked for me.

[@karengill6214]

I am learning to live with less clutter. In my earlier adult years i was great with minimalism but then i got hit with health problems that left me unable to move properly, things slowly got worse over the next 25 odd yrs then finally i was able to get treatment for my health that was unattainable in the past, now i have a new lease of life im going crazy clearing out but also facing sentimental tasks of letting go of what took me yrs to earn, i know i can do it but it helps to have support of people like your channel to give tips. I needed to go back to minimalism because im still limited to some degree with abilities so for the sake of physical and mental health this is the best thing for me. Thanks for sharing

[@susanparker9407]

It's been almost 14 years and I am almost done getting rid of things my only child,a son had.What you said is so true,you can still honor their memory even if you dont keep ALL their stuff.The guilt was so great(he chose to take his life) but I have some things in a curio cabinet of his to look at every day and remember the good times.

[@amberthompson1596]

I was feeling really down and unmotivated. I can't thank you enough for creating such helpful content. Instead of watching mindless t.v. for three hours. I am making mini projects and trying tip "packaging and boxes" and "clean surface challenge" Thank you for helping me out! They need to give you and Chad a Netflix show!

[@bongothom]

Thanks for Not apologizing for wanting to live in a bigger space. There is nothing wrong with having what you have earned

[@zn4317]

Am currently Swedish death cleaning my office/library. I have always been a decluttering fiend and now that I am older I have the insight to realise that it is likely directly linked to my mother’s hoarding,

[@sweetsbystaci7471]

No - I have 5 kids all at different ages with different interests. It's incredibly hard to have a minimalist lifestyle. Mostly because between homeschooling, cake business, working full time and trying to just maintain the daily needs...it's soooo hard because I'm always tired. You're an inspiration though!

[@whitneyhaynes6207]

I am living in complete clutter chaos. My hurdle is I am too overwhelmed to start. lol things don't have homes and it gives me anxiety. I am horrible at organization which makes it even harder! My boyfriend is also very cluttered and messy and his CORDS are the bane of my existence.

[@weridplusho]

Check out clutterbug. You may get some tips on starting the organization process.

[@MyLifeMyExpression]

I get overwhelmed too. We moved into a much smaller home so what we have and love doesn't fit. My husband is also a hot cluttered mess. If you make a space, he fills it. I never realised how bad this was until we moved and didn't have room for anything let alone his clutter. What I do now is to go through one drawer or one box a day. Start small so it's easier and doesn't take heaps of time. It very quickly becomes rewarding but also gives inspiration to do more.

[@lynnroney1234]

Oh Whitney, do I hear you on that one. Totally overwhelming. I get a space done and it only takes a few days and there it is again. Cluttered. I truly don't know how I do it.

[@Hollym59]

I was a Navy brat growing up. My Scottish dad wanted to keep EVERYTHING because "we might need it one day." My mom wanted to get rid of everything. I'm stuck in the middle!! But I yearn for minimalism and clean spaces. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@kaseyringer4114]

I tend to keep things that I only use/need or love, but my husband is a bit of a packrat. We have a system where the common areas are clutter-free, and he has space for his stuff. I feel like it helps, because it allows him to keep what he wants to and also helps me feel like the home isn't overrun with things. And, as a (small!) bonus, it's helped my husband see that he can get rid of things, so he's culled some of his belongings!

[@mimikennedy1914]

I love that I found "Clean My Space" today! I have been stuck for the last 5 years. Melissa, you inspire me, motivate me and seem to be speaking to me. Thank You!

[@sara19847777]

I love being a minimalist! I get it from my mom. I live in a penthouse condo with 10 ft. ceilings, and as much as I would like to add more "things" to my home, I think it looks nicer and more spacious with less stuff! Similarily, I also pack light when I travel. I always travel with a carry-on and I don't check anything....same feeling! :) I'm at work right now but can't wait to go home and do some more de-cluttering hehe.

[@anashappydays]

Me too! It relaxes my mind 💚

[@sherrieluvsseahorses9540]

I want to become like that. This video helped my thinking. Wish i loved to clean and organize. I get overwhelmed.

[@its_not_it_apostrophe_s]

That advice on disposing old pillows was just what I needed at the moment. I would never have thought of animal shelters. Thank you!

[@lesliwiese4121]

When your home is on the market, it's a great time to implement your clean surface minimalism challenge! I was a bit surprised that I really enjoyed seeing less on the kitchen counters and I now keep it that way!

[@cleanmyspace]

Makes for a more calming kitchen experience!

[@GiGiWellness28]

Recently I've reorganized the things on our kitchen bench, so the cooking utensils are now all put in the drawer, my husband (who cooks more than me) asked, "Who cooks more?" I replied, "You. But I like how it looks now!" That was the end of our conversation of this topic ✌🏼😅 Then few days later, our friends came over, one of them noticed the change and remarked how "empty" the bench is 🤦🏻‍♀️ I hope I did tell her the beauty of a "empty" bench top (she remarked when I was busy arranging things with other guests, so can't remember 🙄)

[@justinlowder3927]

So true. My house is on the market and it looks much better with less stuff out on the counters 😃

[@shellyjones9833]

We moved in a 5th wheel RV to downsize and make our life simpler. 2 years later and I'm decluttering. I still have too much stuff. The hard part is the 6 second rule and saying to myself but I might need it. For my closet, my rule is if I buy a piece of clothing, one has to go. This keeps my closet from getting too clutter.

[@christinejames5286]

I laughed SO HARD at the life jackets!! OMG... haha. Thank you for the giggle!

[@meggarstang6761]

FINALLY! Practical, helpful advice - none of that "sparks joy" nonsense. I've approached my house using many of Melissa's ideas and I can tell you it all works. I moved from the Bay Area to So California a year ago and had to sort and cull so much stuff. It was exhausting. That last contractor helping me get ready for listing went home with an entire truckload of great things I was just too tired to pack. He was engaged and was excited to show his fiance all of the "treasure." I still haven't missed any of these things. Now that I have my new house, I'm having a blast keeping it clean and well ordered without going overboard. A clean, organized space gives me room to enjoy hosting my clan and living my new life.

[@scrapjoy]

I'm asking myself, when decluttering or shopping, whether I want to clean the thing(s) short-term or long-term. This helps me weed out impulse items and stuff we don't regularly use.

[@neelkemateboer9704]

I still can't believe how big American closets are, and still you manage to get that cluttered.. It amazes me.

[@bbyluvpnay]

I started the minimalism lifestyle a few months ago. It has been the best decision I’ve made. I have been mindful of what I need to buy. I work in the medical field and I ended up purging a Lot of my clothes. Realistically I only wear clothes on the weekend so why do I need a closet full of clothes that I rarely wear? Then I started to do that in every room of the house. So I am mindful now of items I buy. Do I really need this? It saves me money and clutter in my home.

[@trishhudson151]

So you go naked the rest of the week????

[@laylalyn5485]

“One day I might need that” and “freebies” are my pitfalls. I love your tips!!

[@sherireuther9678]

This is timed perfectly for me-I am in the process of moving and packing. OMG I really think I have had a problem bordering on mania as I have all colors or sizes or iterations of items as available to purchase. I have been really picky with what I am taking. It’s not easy to do this. I have asked my friends who are helping me to challenge me to rethink the boxes for moving. I am transitioning to a basement space, fully finished, to companion my ex- mother-in-law with some dementia. Then when she passes I’ll move to a condo/apartment so I have to scale back anyway from my house. Thanks Melissa and Chad.

[@closeddoors0009]

Declutered my whole bedroom in a few hours have a minimal wardrobe now My personal space On my minimalist journey over 5 years slowly getting there Routines are so important for me Don’t go to bed with a dirty sink was a starting point for me Love watching your videos 😊

[@misschanandlerbong92]

Two big rules i go by especially as a recovering shopping addict when im buying something is “where will this be in 6 months? Is this an impulse buy? Do i LOVE it? Is it useful? Will i get bored of this item and sell it?” And when im decluttering i use the 20/20 rule, “have i not used this item in 3-6 months or its appropriate season? Can i rebuy it for $20 in under 20 minutes? Get rid of it!” I swear i have never rebought anything ive gotten rid of with this method.

[@JenniD1990]

MissChanandlerBong (nice handle by the way) can you elaborate please on your 20/20 think, like can i rebuy it for $20 in 20min, I don’t understand?

[@misschanandlerbong92]

JenniD1990 absolutely! if you are struggling to get rid of an unused item that you have been holding onto, the question to ask yourself is “can i rebuy this item anytime for under $20 within 20 minutes? If you can answer “yes” then get rid of that item because its very easy to replace and you havnt needed it in the past 6months + so if for some unlikely reason in the future if you do need to rebuy it you can very cheaply/easily. Doing this method i have yet to rebuy a single item, it makes getting rid of those “well i might need it someday” purchases Easier. does that make more sense? 🙂

[@Mona-pn6nj]

We recently lost 40 lbs and are slowly buying things that fit. However, all the clothes that don’t fit, I think what if we gain back the weight? The clothes are good. My next project is to is the closet. Donate the clothes that don’t fit And those special items, pack away. Thanks for the inspiration ❤️

[@puffsleeveskindagirl]

I'm consistently decluttering as I like to organize and I sell as an alternative income but I can't be a full-on minimalist as I love decorating my place and it's too hard to have a minimalist style in that sense: it's just not me!

[@murielaveline5809]

I just discovered this video and Boy do I need it ! Here are my 2 main problems: 1/ I don't put things away every day so then it accumulates and becomes a pile that you don't want to get to because it looks overwhelming...... 2/ it's not really the sentimental thing but it's the famous "One day I may"..... need it.... and I never do ! I'm working on all that..... I have been for over 50 years..... but this will help me..... so Thanks !!

[@foodandhomeprep8425]

I just paused the video and moved my donations to my trunk.

[@liliannamathers3428]

Where did you take them?

[@laurendemember8150]

Wooo! Good for you!💪🏻

[@jackieclingman9707]

We are working on one space at a time. Recently went through all of our DVDs and donated MANY that we hadn’t watched in years to a local shelter. My struggle: “I spent money on this and I hate to get rid of it!”

[@judithkimball2125]

Jackie Clingman; What helped me with this dilemma was remembering a quote, “Does your stuff and things around you represent who you are today?” “Get rid of clutter and you may just find it was blocking the door you’ve been looking for...” “You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are full of yesterday’s clutter.” “ *The* *more* *you* *own* *things,* *the* *more* *they* *own* *you...”* I hope this helps. Best wishes to you, on this minimalist journey.

[@mkitten13]

I feel I'm doing well, here. It's even pretty addictive to get rid of things, lol. I find myself scouring my possessions trying to identify what I no longer love or need, lol.

[@lcg2483]

I'm currently transitioning to becoming a minimalist. I started decluttering yesterday and it feels good. I kinda also feel like I can get rid of more. I live in a 3 bedroom 2 and half bath and it's just me. I plan on downsizing in the near future and can't wait to begin my journey. Loved the video.

[@belbe417]

We still use old towels n cloths for cleaning rags then chuck them when to grubby

[@27yioda]

Since finding CMS my house is cleaner and less cluttered. Loving the Three Wave Method and cleaning my kitchen sink with baking soda 😍

[@andylise08]

We say no thank you to samples, free toys at the dentist, giveaway stuff at events/parties. There's a donate box in the garage, I encourage my kids to fill up every few months with things they do not play with, read, use or grew out of. I'm not a minimalist but I do embrace open space and enjoy decluttering/organizing. I also enjoy shopping, owning things I want rather than need and I do seek life experiences.

[@carmenarroyo9235]

Elle W. lol

[@bedi09]

I used my magic bullet for years. To a point where the blades refused to rotate. Lived the 5 beautiful years together.

[@anashappydays]

That is something I cannot live without 😍

[@crystalnichols7224]

"Politely say no, but thank them for the gesture." My mother-in-law runs off crying. lol Sometimes we just keep something long enough that they see us "using" it, and then it's gone if it's not truly something worth keeping.

[@eathomelive]

I hate having to keep junk so as to not hurt people's feelings. I stopped inviting relatives over because they were always looking for whatever chotchkies they gave me. Now we meet at restaurants, or at my mom's house, or drive to see my in-laws.I donate stuff I don't like straight away. When we buy a house, I don't think I will be able to pull that off anymore. But, I will tell people we are minimalist and prefer gift cards, charity donations, etc...

[@elisakuratli1213]

I’m currently slowly transitioning toward a more minimalist lifestyle.. I’ve accumulated so many things over the years that I find it pretty overwhelming to go through them. I realized that the best thing is to just start, even with a drawer or something small. Then, when I realize how much better I feel when looking at the decluttered space, it motivates me to keep going. It’s a slow process as I have a three months old baby, so when I start decluttering I often have to make a lot of breaks to breastfeed or more generally give him some needed attentions.. It will probably take me a long time to go through all of our stuff, but I can’t wait to finally have a more minimalist and decluttered home! Sentimental items were an hard task for me as well, but I found out what works for me! I have a “memories” folder in Dropbox divided with other categories folders where I digitally store the pictures of the sentimental items I don’t want to keep anymore. So for example I have a folder for clothes, one for gifts, one for postcards, etc... By having a picture of that item, I know I still can go back to it if I want to and I feel way less guilty giving it away.

[@lovewithoutthelover]

I see all the effort in this video!! The days it took to film, outfit changes, showing examples of you actually doing each item, and the timestamps! Thank you - THIS is quality content!

[@Miss_Annlaug]

These guys create really good videos . I agree

[@quadri87]

pay attention more closely. they previously made videos about cluttering not just in the current house they're living but also in their old house as well. few of the clips it actually showed that Melissa was pregnant. basically they fished out clips and made into a video that makes sense. the only thing they did is recorded the intro/exitro for this video and incorporated it. yes its tiresome to fish out the clips and editing it. awesome effort for sure!!

[@lovewithoutthelover]

@@quadri87 Hafsa, I recognized that the clips are old and filmed on different days. It takes effort to compile clips over time and make a video visually interesting, where they could have selected to simply state the step and give a basic visual. The attention to detail, like not showing the same setting back to back, is apparent. I am commending them for their effort in making a pleasing and informative video, not in their laboring to change hair and makeup for every scene like the overzealous cast of a local theatre. Thanks!

[@tabithakendall2485]

I want so much to follow a minimalist life. I've always lived in a cluttered home. Honestly, I'm a very emotionally attached person to items by habit. Growing up whenever I wanted to toss something my parents would say something like "But I got that for you for your birthday/Christmas." (cue sad puppy dog eyes) So that put the sentimental attachment idea in my head that if it was a gift, you keep it. My husband is the same way. The difference is I've started to grow out of it and enjoy purging, while he doesn't. We now have a baby on the way so our home is getting MUCH worse. I don't want our son growing up with the idea that he needs to hold on to everything and live in a messy or hoarder like environment. I feel like this is the best step for our growing family to let go of stuff. It's gonna take a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end.

[@cindy1274]

It feels good! To declutter, now it's easy to do. I also keep a box in my garage for things I don't need then take to good will.

[@momentsformoms9467]

I do have donated a lot,to people & second hand stores but I think that’s mostly for wealthier people. I try to resell what I can & it’s not going well but I have gotten things sold over the years. I’m trying to be more conscious of what I buy now,so I don’t have to go through this stress again of ‘so much wasted money.’

[@sevenmilestretch]

To make sure donations exit my home, I call GreenDrop. They drive by my home on a scheduled day, and I can designate that my donations go to support the American Red Cross or to Purple Heart. My goal is to have a weekly appointment to keep items moving out the door. Another plus is that I can download all of my charitable donation receipts from the websites if I misplace the door hanger card they leave behind.

[@ccvirginia7098]

I discovered minimalism a few years back. I am still a work in progress but have made great strides in simplifying our home. This will help tremendously when we decide to downsize (once the nest is empty). I like for my home to look lived in but the less visual clutter I see the calmer I feel.

[@juliebryant6438]

The last time that we replaced our pillows, they were put in the dogs beds. They had torn up their old beds so I put them in their petcarts because that is where they sleep at night.

[@anashappydays]

And they can smell you and be extra happy ❤️

[@c8Lorraine1]

My problem goes back to my childhood when we lived in poverty. Now as an adult, I can afford many things and tend to buy them. I have found it easier to part with items by donating them to the local church store. They charge almost nothing for things which earn a second life in the home of some family living in dire circumstances

[@joshuathinkingoutloud]

That's a great point. If you are interested in minimalism and thought-provoking videos, you might enjoy my channel as well 🌿

[@sarahferguson0]

Hey! I hang my jeans inside out too! Also, tip for sentimental items, after my mom passed i didn't go through anything too quickly. Sometimes you just need time to process. After a few months i went through some things. After a few more months i went through more. In the beginning i couldn't toss anything but as time went by i was more able to look at some of her stuff with a fresh perspective and donate or toss much of what i couldn't do in the beginning. Give yourself some time if it's too painful. I LOL'd about the life jackets. That was hilarious.

[@kathy3178]

You gave some great wisdom on moving to a bigger home. Looking at the reasons why are so important. It is okay to go bigger if it truly is what works best for your family. Don't go bigger because you have too much stuff and you need a place to put everything.

[@anuradhabhargava5250]

I am trying to maintain minimalist lifestyle for me and my daughter. For my husband Indian nature of storing things assuming they will be of use sometime in future is the hurdle I am facing.

[@Miss_Annlaug]

I feel bad for you. Living with a collector can be extremely difficult

[@farzanarasheedashraf6429]

Melissa....hi...long post..new viewer.. For almost my 15 yrs as a homemaker...i ve acquired many plates..glasses..serving bowls...etc..mainly kitchen crockeries...which i needed as we always had a family gathering at our place... Now i m staying in an apartment..where i dont get guests on a regular basis...but wen the family come..they come in groups...its only then that i use all my plates..all my glasses.. Mel ( hope u dont mind me calling that)...i love 2 cook..love 2 entertain...i ve bought all these items ..used them with extreme love.. I really dont want 2 donate them..dont want 2 give away... After having bought all these crockery...i dont want 2 donate them..2 use disposables wen my family comes over...ireally really dont know wat 2 do...hope u can help me out...this s my major hurdle...the rest all i can declutter... By the way...great video...i m on my way 2 being a minimalist...it s really a great way 2 live...

[@singit3630]

Marriage. It's so weird the different backgrounds and ways brought to the table. I would love the airy spacey look. My husband actually seems to need the crowding in of things to be comfortable. That being said, I do what I can...

[@barahselle1786]

Yesssss! I can relate

[@th3azscorpio]

Lol. Its all about compromise.

[@Tanya_loudestgarden]

My husband too. I was a total minimalist before marriage. My apartment building management would call after their inspections and asked if I still actually lived in the apartment lol

[@bethanyperkins2309]

SAME BOAT

[@DMannionArt]

My husband is a packrat! At least I know he will never toss me out!

[@holyohnobutwait7260]

@ Clean My Space 9 min mark you are in your kitchen. Are you in love with the sign propped up in the background (next to the banana hammock)? Is it a prop for your channel or do you really love these things? I know it can change, especially if an appliance isn’t used bc the use isn’t fully connected with your mind yet… example- I use that small blender to make cappuccinos… and an appliance I can’t part with is the Pressure cooker. Just bc I have only mastered soft boiled eggs does not mean I know and live with people that get it on the Instant Pot 😉🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️😘

[@holyohnobutwait7260]

17:33 the whole thing about keeping pillows so that guests don’t lay their heads on a rock seems like 👍 great hostess. Not saying your guest room should have all upgraded spa quality amenities, but pillows are basic. 17:37 mark - is this another prop room? I understand its minimalist in a much larger house so why feel the need to fill every nook and blank space with stuff… but you are not speaking to me on a level I connect with right now. It’s not you. Ok yes positive it’s your delivery and content that your working on. Best of luck bc Lord knows I am a continuous work in progress myself. No disrespect intended. ✌️🕊🦚🥜

[@maryriley6163]

You have some good advice. Especially about hanging onto empty boxes that look so useful but only contain "boxed space". Also getting rid of single use appliances. I use my old dish cloths and towels for scrub rags. Thanks for all the tips.

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Thanks you so much for your video Melissa. I would love ❤️ to support your channel financially even if it is only by $1.99. Every little bit helps 🤩

[@alanad2339]

I'm great at decluttering but it's the follow through on where to send the stuff that I fail at. Still working on it. My garage would be much happier place if I followed through haha

[@prettyacct]

I post things on Craigslist for free and people will come and pick up practically anything.

[@SueRosalie]

I found when you keep like things together, and only in one place, don't have duplicates, you can see exactly how many of each item you have and you can easily get rid of unnecessary duplicates. Also keep a defined space for things. I finally decluttered and organised my plastic food storage containers. I keep the boxes in one plastic tub, and the lids in a separate tub. The boxes mostly nest inside each other really well when they don't have their lids on. It's so much easier to find the right container and its lid. So when the tub is full, I will only add a new container if I throw out an old one.

[@melindasalinas1821]

I'm SO happy to have found your channel! I recently noticed that I have begun to accumulate clutter and I hate that. I'm excited to get started in my one bedroom apartment so I don't feel it smaller than it is. Thank you!

[@cleanmyspace]

Thanks for watching Melinda! Good luck!

[@lunasmum6869]

Oh dear! I will never be minimalist! I just want to sort the clutter but it is now so overwhelming. We moved to a smaller home (40ft by 20ft) from a much larger home. So far so good. Then my husband became ill and needed round the clock care. Trying to get care from the council here in UK is like drawing blood from a stone! So I was caring for him myself although I am disabled. Then, last year, he passed away which hit me for six. My disabilities became worse, my income more than halved, and I couldn't do anything for some time. I'm watching videos like yours to give me the inspiration to at least tackle small bits. So, thank you, your tips are most welcome.

[@lindabyrne5692]

Sometimes I just feel confused and overwhelmed.

[@jmo5186]

That's me, overwhelmed and not always knowing where to start, now I just pick a place and set a timer and start. If I keep doing it, then that's ok, but if something I find needs immediate attention, then that is what needs to be focused on in that moment. Sometimes it is better to do anything, then do nothing. Priorities tend to bubble to the surface. If I were wholly successful, I wouldn't be here looking for hope and inspiration.

[@RFernandez18]

Same here. I don't know where to begin or if I really want to keep it so I leave it and tell myself I'll handle it later. I also keep things because of the memory that comes with but really I should get rid of it.

[@lostinmyimagination7485]

I recently had issues decluttering because of the feelings linked to the memory. I've done a lot of half marathons and kept most of the bags. About two yrs ago I declutter kept about 8 I really liked. Yesterday I had to tell myself that I never use or look at them and it doesn't erase the fact I did the race. It was hard but I packed them up to donate. I have hundreds of pics from all the races and that's more important than the physical bag. Now the struggle is the idea of "losing" money on things I've purchases. I have to realize a lot were impulse buys so I already that lost money. Being minimal helped so much with my anxiety and I want to reach that calm again.

[@ariliving]

My OCD was bothered by the inside of the fireplace. I recommend painting it with fire safe black paint, it helps make it look more streamlined and hides burn marks

[@kj5123]

Ariliving same 😂

[@sedonadelaney9261]

Less is not more, Less is EVERYTHING. Has Changed my entire way of thinking

[@cleanmyspace]

CMS POLL: What's your biggest hurdle to living more minimal?

[@dianeo]

Having things that belonged to my mother, grandmother and great grandmother! So... many... things... Hard to let go of those tangible connections to relatives that are long gone. I know you've done videos on reducing sentimental items, yet mine are still here... sigh.

[@animuauntie]

Getting family on board. My husband isn't a hoarder, but he certainly can be sentimental about a lot of items, including unfinished projects. We're working on getting creative and making sure everything has a "home," but it's still a challenge to cut back without me overstepping my bounds.

[@ItsQueenJane]

Diane O you can keep a box just for those things, nothing wrong with that. Or you can take pictures of them and keep just the photos so you can still see them every here and then

[@sabrinag3357]

Having a toddler son and a husband.

[@lynnwilliams3087]

Clean My Space Hi! I notice you often use Hebrew words (mazel tov, for example). Are you Jewish? (If so, shalom! I am too!)

[@ygb1156]

you appreciate this so much more whenever you have to move. that was the thing that really made me think "I'm never keeping useless things around ever again"

[@rebeccalunsford9372]

Getting started when trying to keep up on everything else.

[@gericavanaugh8125]

I'm going 2 be 76 this mth and homeless 4 12yrd. Your Are refreshing. I have 4 storage units and all is organza. On racks in yard bage less expensive. Its getting overpowering. I'll keep watching. Say a prayer 4 me.. Ms. Geri

[@katia_g213]

I was so annoyed with myself that I paused this and reorganized my closet 😂😂😂

[@lrlal3874]

Well done 👌👌

[@malinf7779]

I’m watching this after my bedtime & have a very strong urge to go through my wardrobe right NOW. 😃

[@ShanSKP]

How can this lady be a minimalist 🤔. Even those KZbinrs who do makeup videos and waste a lot of stuff won't wear these much dress in a single video as this lady wore. There are 8-10 dresses in a single video & she's telling she's a minimalist. wtf 😂😂😂

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

@@ShanSKP these clips have been filmed over a period of months. In some of the clips, she is still pregnant.

[@eathomelive]

@@ShanSKP She filmed it over multiple days. They don't always get everything in one take, and 5 minutes of video can take 2 days to film. A two hour movie can take 6 months to a year to finish. She is not wasteful, she is just filming on multiple days.

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thanks. Yes I practice. I did a major haul out a couple of years ago and never looked back. From time to time I find items to get rid of, in fact I did that today. It feels great. Great therapy.

[@devil200723]

I definitely tried to like this video like 3 times lol! I love minimalist things. I've realized living with so much stuff is just so dumb! Thank you melissa! I love your channel!

[@eviewesner6231]

Sentimental stuff: you can get rid of it without guilt by getting rid of of the item [in a way] while still honoring the person who gave it to you, memory associated with the item, and honoring the item itself. I love that! So freeing!!

[@Jessicat76]

Y’all wearing the life jackets cracked me up!! Like i belly laughed!! 😹😹😹

[@eddiereece5050]

I agree! It was worth them keeping the lifejackets just for the laugh. It was so outrageously silly. It was a genius, comedic “bit”

[@phyllislindeboom2944]

I like your advice on cleaning out the closet. First, picking a item like jeans and sorting through them. Second, doing it twice a year. Also, just doing a little at time and then you might feel happy and choose to do more!

[@Monkeyingyang]

When getting rid of old makeup or makeup empties (palettes, tubes, lipstick/gloss, pump/spray tops of things,) drop them off at your local L'Occitane or Origins stores so that they can be recycled by Terracycle! L'Occitane I think gives you 10% your purchase for dropping off bath and beauty empties that can't be recycled in your normal curbside recycling stream.

[@martelvonc]

I recomend that folks use a cardboard box or bags to collect donations. It's easier to just fill the box and move it right out to the car. If it's in a reuseable basket you then have to move it again into the box or bag to take it to the charity shop. Touching it the second time means donating a) may not happen because it looks like it belongs or b) let's you have discarders remorse.

[@princesswarrior6945]

The life jackets bit is too funny! I've never imagined to see someone doing laundry in a life jacket! 🤣🤣🤣