Decluttering Chaos In The Storage Room: Afternoon Rescue

Ready to declutter your space? Watch this video for 23 essential decluttering tips that will help you get organized and create a more peaceful environment. Join me as we declutter my large storage room together!
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Storage Room Before
00:40 Let's get decluttering!
06:10 About Familysearch.org

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

So glad you're here! Do you have any decluttering projects you're working on or hope to work on?

[@rachelheath1208]

My project thats been awaiting attention to declutter/go through is…. i been hanging on to past relatives info /letters /pictures, intending to move forward with it all once i feel emotionally strong enough. 💐You have given me hope now, i think i will be able to face it in comfort and peace of mind … now you have made me aware there is a world wide organisation that we can store “fam❤History”

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

@@rachelheath1208oh, I’m so glad! Familysearch is so awesome. I don’t know that I could deal with it if I didn’t know that everything will be available forever to grandkids, great-grandkids, cousins etc whenever they want to see it. It dramatically settles things down for me. My mom was dealing with it by trying to make copies of everything for everyone, which was impossible. I don’t have that pressure now and can even throw away all of those duplicate of everything I ended up with!

[@ArtyAntics]

I’m working on reorganising my art space and decluttering my dinning room ready to redecorate 😊 Ive already started and realised that I have a lot of projects on the go that need finishing. They aren’t clutter long term but right now they feel in the way. You asked about whether to keep the weights out of obligation, as an ex hoarder I’d say no, go with reality. Reality is going to be reality regardless so you’re also decluttering the guilt you will feel for not doing what you ‘should’ be. No one is perfect and I’m sure you take care of your health in many other ways. Self compassion is more important!

[@lillybug103]

I love decluttering videos where the presenter shows and talks about the items they are decluttering, why or why not. Not just music.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@nnylasoR]

Ditto! This channel was just recommended to me and I am enjoying her company. 🥰 I know this is tacky, but if I may recommend… please give [A Hoarder’s Heart] and [Remi Clog] a watch and some love. 🧡

[@lillybug103]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@cynthialoftus9794]

Roxanne, your videos are terrific. They may be the most realistic example of decluttering, especially for those of us whose children are in homes of their own, and we are finding our own desire to live with less and not have so much stuff that feels burdensome. I love watching how you make your decisions, and I am thinking and learning more from watching you. Thank you ❣️

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Oh thank you so much, Cynthia! This is so kind and helpful to me. You’ve given me some encouragement when I needed it. I hope you have a great week!

[@cynthialoftus9794]

Autocorrect hopped in and changed your name on my comment. 🙃Apologies to you, Rozanne.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

@cynthialoftus9794 no worries! It’s a weird name. Very rare. I had to train my own phone to stop doing it to me!

[@Mythriftedhome214]

Rozanne, I so love how you’re sharing this process with us and the tips! So helpful❤

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks! I’m so glad you like it!

[@anniey949]

Rozanne , I find your videos wonderful. They are so very helpful. Thank you so much xx❤

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

I'm so happy to hear that! My main goal with my videos is to be helpful - to make a contribution. It's encouraging to learn that they are helping you. 😀

[@lunarose9042]

I am working on my whole life, which is huge. 😂 I found Diana White "No Mess" dedluttering method to be THE most chronic illness friendly way to de-clutter, that I have ever come across. It changed the way I de-clutter. ❤

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

I love Dana! She’s fabulous. I think you might like next week’s video. Dana helped me a lot with it. 😉

[@lunarose9042]

@@TowardsASimpleLife Ooo exciting!!!

[@HeyJudeThrifting]

It’s perfectly fine to keep your mom’s cane. My son needed to use my mom’s for a bit after a hernia surgery and I used it after a foot surgery. We loved that we could share that cane after she was gone.❤

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks! I'm glad you think so. It's such a minor thing, I guess, but I do love having Mom's things around me.

[@annw1395]

And we're not getting any younger. Lol.

[@UniquelyLesa]

Hi there! Right here with you in the process of decluttering around my home. I love Family Search. My aunt has put in so much history on that side of the family. It is actually good to gently move and exercise if you have arthritis. Start slow and work on building mobility and strength. So I say keep the weights and use them. 😉 You made great progress in your storage room! Thanks for sharing the motivation with us. Have a wonderful weekend. XO

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks Lesa! Maybe when this finger finally gets better I can manage them. The doctor says it may take 9-12 months. That seems like such a long time. Weird break. That’s cool about your aunt using Familysearch. I love going out there and see all of the photos and such other family members have added. Hope you have a great weekend too!

[@tg3609]

I really am enjoying your channel and watching you declutter because I am in this process as well. I say don’t get rid of things until you are ready, and I am speaking of the sentimetal items. You are doing a great job and you inspire the rest of us.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad you’re here. The sentimental items are hard to I’m determined to get through them, but it won’t be easy. Those white boxes have tons of that kind of stuff to manage. It’s likely the reason I haven’t been able to face them yet. But I will persist!

[@lisafelber8202]

Wow , you accomplished so much ! I am glad though that you stopped when you did . Decluttering really can be so tiring , emotionally and physically exhausting . It’s wonderful because when you come back to it another day , it’s no problem at all . That’s why I love the idea of doing it slowly over time . I kind of compare it to dieting , small steps / small changes over a lot of time ….. makes a huge difference ! 😁

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

I love that analogy! That’s what I’m finding to. I think that one of the reasons I had trouble starting decluttering last year was that I thought I had to do it all really quickly and try at overwhelmed me. Doing a little at a time has really helped. Hope you’re having a nice weekend!

[@lauriecampbell1378]

Thank you for sharing your struggles!

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

You are so welcome!

[@rachelheath1208]

Wonderful Video. Do what it comfortable with each item. At later date u might feel different. Have faith in your instincts and compass of either way, yes or no. If others do not understand. Its not their path, but yours . Thank you for sharing in this video, through your example , Your inspiring me 💫🙏✝️

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Such great advice! I truly appreciate your support. Thank YOU for watching!

[@kathycarter1553]

Rozanne, great video on decluttering your storage room. I have been doing the same thing and thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thank you! You too!

[@laurayoder3553]

I heard your groan over moving that memory foam mattress topper. My grandpa had a saying, "that's like trying to stuff a noodle in a wildcats a$$!" I think it applies to that situation. 😅

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

It was sooooo heavy! I thought I wasn’t going to get it out of there. I can’t believe I managed to do it.

[@nancyfranks3505]

I love how you talk through things. You are doing a great job!

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thank you so much! It's quite encouraging to have you tell me this.

[@heatherobrien7782]

Great video!

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MP-fk9em]

I had hand weights that I got rid of and have never looked back. I feel like they were one of those items that are easy to replace if I ever wanted to.... it's been years and I have had no desire 🎉

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

You know what? You're so right. They aren't expensive. It's weird that I've been worrying about it so much.

[@laurac56]

Reality!

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

😀😀

[@debnelson3979]

I'm not finished watching, but your WWII letters made me think of my dad's WWII letters to his parents. I have the originals but years ago I took them all to a photocopy place and made spiral bound (plastic back then) books for myself, my brother, mom, my dad's sister, etc. etc. I can't remember how many copies I made. Anyway, everyone *loved* them! AND the originals are safely put away (in a safe) Such great history.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

That’s a great idea! I bet they were very happy to see it.

[@ColleenBee]

Ahhh, yes...weights... Sometimes I put such things in high-use areas to see if I'll use them when on the phone or when watching a video or show. Certain things work well in the bathroom when you're 'visiting for a while' or next to the door so you can do a few reps every time you leave the house. You could get your grand-daughter to make a game of passing the weights between you and her, adding in more family members who happen to be nearby. It doesn't have to be a big workout, two curls today is more than yesterday. That said, give yourself grace and kindness. Set yourself a challenge to use them at least 3 times in the next week and if you don't do it when you are trying to make that space, well, it is probably not for you - and that's totally okay.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

This is a good idea. Put them where I see them and give myself a minor challenge. If I can't make myself do it, then I guess that says it all. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@debnelson3979]

Still watching....love how you think through stuff out loud. It's helpful to us all! Let the weights go. If it causes you so.much.pain will you really use them? They are easy enough to replace - new or used. My vote: let them go.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks! They make me feel guilty when I see them. Why do we let “things”‘do that to us?

[@debnelson3979]

I finished! Well done!! I agree - sentimental is it's own day(s) AND, I try and revisit and let go of more (or pass along) Mom left me with a TON of old photos, trunks full.....and lots of other c*ap. She was raised during the Depression and a borderline hoarder. I try and keep very little and the antiques that I have asked my children (7) if they want they kindly (or some not so kindly) decline. Though several have kept furniture pieces and that's nice. I only want them to keep what they really WANT, you know? It's a process for sure! Again, well done!!

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Same with me. My mom was a Depression. That situation has long legs. I think part of my current situation is related to that. I’m in the process of unwinding it from my life. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@manosroy2]

your videos are very nice

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

How kind of you to tell me that you are enjoying them. It's very encouraging.

[@manosroy2]

@@TowardsASimpleLife i am good Your youtube channel is very nice

[@debbiehamm4857]

Put the weights in a "time will tell" box and date it for 3 months from now or whatever date feels right. If you haven't used them by the future date you can let them go without guilt.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

That’s a good idea!

[@bcvahsfam]

I loved watching this. I laughed a lot, only because I can relate. I am impressed with how much you got done so fast. Now I want to record me decluttering my stuff. Now that would really be funny. I think I get too distracted. You're a blessing. ❤

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’ve found that because I’m getting to know so many of you through the comments, when I set up the camera and start talking to it, I literally feel like I’m talking to my friends and it helps me a lot.

[@bcvahsfam]

​@TowardsASimpleLife it does feel like I'm at your house hanging out with you when watching your videos. We have a lot in common. Thanks for your reply.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

😀😀

[@annw1395]

As a genealogist, those photos, journals, and family mementos are priceless. BUT they are time-consuming to go thru. I'm sure you must have a lot of extended family who will want genealogical items if you don't. Are there some things there that the Church would want? Great job going thru that closet.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

You'll be glad to know what a record-keeper my mom was. She wrote books about all of the family lines back to the pioneers (and even earlier) and gave everybody and their dog copies. (Extended family members have been buried.) Additionally, I got them added to Familysearch. She also made duplicates of every photo imaginable and passed them out over and over every Christmas and family reunion to where it became kind of funny that she kept forgetting that she'd already done it. (That's why I made that remark about duplicates being in that basket.) My brother and his wife took her missionary journals and are going to get them on Familysearch. I have all of the random stuff, like letters to do.

[@annw1395]

@@TowardsASimpleLife That's so awesome about getting copies of those pioneer records, as well as current ones. Yes, it can be hard to keep track of who got what!

[@kingskid0312]

Yes guilt keeps me keeping things. 😅

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

It's kind of hard to get past that sometimes. 🙃

[@nolasavedmysoul]

Didn’t know you were in Utah. The DI literally sells broken items, what some people would think slot as trash, literally everything. And funny enough, I have even bought some heavily broken items for almost nothing, fixed it up and used it. I think a lot of people do that with stuff at the DI. So I have started donating more than I used to since I’ve seen the types of things they sell 😅

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Yes, I’m in Utah. Love, love, love the mountains. DI has to be happy with me this year. I’ve taken so many carloads of items that I can’t remember how many carloads it has been. It took a carload for this decluttering session and I took another one down this morning to get rid of some stuff I’ve decluttered this weekend. It’s fun to drive in there, have them swarm the car to take everything out, and drive away with a lighter mind.

[@joycetarbet5695]

I have hand weights sitting around that I should be using. But like you, I have arthritis in my hands. They would hurt more than they would help. I should get rid of them and so should you.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Sorry about the arthritis. They say this kind is inherited. Mom’s hands were seriously gnarled, so I guess I have that to “look forward” to.

[@cassandragrau7029]

Hi! I think you can let go of the hand weights. They aren’t for you. Move on. 😁 I really loved this video. You are me in my storage unit looking at all my parents family photos and other things. I have to remind myself to be nice to myself and not get upset that I’m not ready to let go of things. You make some great points. I think you do a wonderful job at decluttering. Thanks for showing up and doing your videos.

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love that you really "get" what this is like for me. Yes, we should remind ourselves to be nice too ourselves. Decluttering these kinds of things is complicated!

[@amandazplace5663]

My advice with the weights is to not get rid of them! The mental block you're having with using them is probably the "all or nothing" mentality. What if you put them out where you'll see them; somewhere that you associate with your most energetic time of day? Then, commit to 5 minutes a day. That's it! You can still get improvements with 5 minutes a day.♥️🇨🇦

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

All or nothing…. I hadn’t thought of that before. I think you’re right.

[@jennyjenkins877]

@@TowardsASimpleLife It's a perfectionist's curse!

[@RaeInTime]

14:11 Boomer!🎉😊

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

Yay! You have to know to know that. What fun that you got that reference.

[@RaeInTime]

@@TowardsASimpleLife 😁 I had no idea you were a fellow Sooner👍🎉🤗 I also really appreciate how real your videos are. No one lives in a vacuum, completely detached from our feelings that our items bring. I like that you show your struggles with things that I'm sure most everyone has 👍💛

[@TowardsASimpleLife]

@RaeInTime So nice to meet another Sooner! So glad you’re here! 👍🎉😀