AVOID HIDDEN CLUTTER!! REASONS YOUR HOME STILL LOOKS CLUTTERED| MINIMALISM

[@April-og3ks]

Sentimenal clutter... Our dad passed away in 2008. He had saved cabbage patch dolls in the original packaging for my sister and I from the year we were born with the thought they would be worth money someday. After holding onto them ourselves from 2008 until recently, I made the sentimental clutter decision to take mine out of the original packaging and give the doll to my little girls to play with. That moment brought tears to my eyes along with my husband. I just one day realized the joy my children would have in their eyes when they played with this doll and the story behind the doll surpassed the holding onto this doll for a rainy day. I convinced my sister to do the same with her doll and her kids love theirs just as much. Seeing your little girl play with the doll you played with as a little girl just warmed my heart! Thank you for sharing that with us!!!!! Sometimes sentimental clutter can have the best memories when given a new reason for keeping the item. Love your videos! ❤

[@michelleneuman579]

Your grandma would be so happy to see your daughter playing with the dolly! So sweet!

[@joannafoster3423]

Oh sentimental stuff! Had a break through today. I had a set of china that my grandma gave me. I never use them. I love the dishes we do use. But I didn't want to Goodwill the china. Then it hit me! A friend has 2 sons getting married in the next 6 months. Offered them, and one wants them. Love that they'll be used starting their life together. Did the same with baby clothes that I finally let go of to a family who's starting to foster little ones in their home. It feels so good to release that sentimental stuff to someone who really needs it!

[@dianasimplifies]

That is so great! Glad someone wanted the beautiful dishes!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I have my MIL's China. It's not old really. Maybe late 80s. She bought it piece by piece at the grocery store after they gave their tiny kitchen a makeover. It's in a bin in my basement. I would let it go, but my husband isn't willing to. He didn't even remember that we had it, but it was his mom's, so I don't feel it's my choice to make. I considered getting rid of our dishes and using the China instead, but we microwave a lot and it's not microwave safe. I decided life is easier with a bin in the basement than with China in my cabinet.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@MelindaPlainandSimple give it a couple years and since he didn't remember it let it go later. I don't mess with hubby's tools but I'm about to start getting rid of the clothes he hasn't worn in 5 years.

[@DemetriPanici]

I still think you have one of the most aesthetically pleasing rooms I’ve ever seen

[@dianasimplifies]

The whole house! Love it!

[@sallyeve4044]

100% agree about passing books along. My parents had room and rooms filled with books. It became an albatross around their necks. They exhausted themselves trying to get rid of them when they had to move. Stressed everyone out!

[@godisgood2919]

I love your channel! It's very inspiring. I did want to mention that nearly 100% of organizational/minimalist videos/blogs I read, say to throw away expired food. There are several sources (you can look up - I don't want to link) that refute this. It leads to lots of food waste. For example, one source says most canned goods are good for one to two years past the date and frozen food is still good even eight months later. Just thought I would spread the word. :)

[@vbachman6742]

True. I have volunteered at our local food bank sorting donated food. The guidelines are that canned and packaged food is still viable up to a year after the best by date.

[@julieireland9891]

I agree with your thoughts on books! The value is in the actual use.

[@amma7244]

Never too young for grandma box little kids visit in the meantime and will love it. Our grands love those toys!

[@xochilguevara3429]

This is actual wisdom.

[@mt2001ps]

Ilove the Grandmother’s box! I have kept Thomas the train items and matchbox cars! I also kept the homemade baby blankets from my grandparents to my children. So fun!

[@loribowen6467]

Good Morning. Sentimental clutter? I’m always interested dealing with any reason to help with motivation in my world of freeing up both “physical and mental clutter…minimalism is something that I strive for.” Keep up your motivational spirit… You are contagious😊😊😊

[@bnewnum]

Love the idea of a grandmother’s box.

[@lavenderandluxury]

Girl, I needed this video sooo much today. My kids toys are so hard for me to get rid of, as well as sentimental items.

[@valeried2941]

I DO keep one or two books that are special but all other books are donated to the library. And I love reading on my tablet. Not much sentimental stuff here as the best are the memories!!!also love your lipstick!!!!

[@jmsl910]

jewelry! i was amazed at how much jewelry i didn't wear anymore. i gave some away to friends, selected a few pieces to craft w & sold the gold since i only wear silver now

[@deannascott6938]

I accidentally have a grandmother's box and I highly recommend it. It has came in handy so many times. Anytime friends or family members come over that have children, I pull the boxes out. I recent got rid of the girl stuff as there is no more girls and the toys were worn out. I have 1 more grandson left to play with the toys and then it's time to say goodbye to them.

[@gabriellecontino5176]

When our family visited Venice in 2003 I bought a similar glass bowl - so beautiful- and I have brought it out for holidays.

[@nancybonarowski5427]

I know we can’t keep all of our kids toys, but I do know that both my sons,who are now 48 and 43 were so happy that I saved many of their toys and they have them and still treasure them. All my grandchildren have gotten the same joy from these toys and I am sure that in a few years, my great-grandchildren will inherit them.

[@vbachman6742]

Our local public library takes donations of books, DVDs and CDs. The annual library sale brings in money for the library and gives people a chance to purchase books they might not be able to afford otherwise. When I started my minimizing journey I donated 12 boxes of books and several boxes of DVDs and CDs and I felt almost euphoric at doing a good thing for my beloved library and helping others at the same time.

[@monaarseneau3236]

Good morning, I really like the Grandma's bin, excellent idea and never heard of it. Thanks for sharing.

[@faith1characterhope]

Wow i love the grandmother's box idea! How sweet! I am going to think about this too! One thing I decided to "declutter" recently was my morning routine. I used to fold laundry first thing in the morning before going downstairs and then unload the dishwasher and do any dishes in the sink. I homeschool and these tasks would just steal my energy before starting my day with the kids! Now I run the dishwasher after dinner on the fast cycle (not the most efficient, I know) and unload it before going upstairs, and fold and put away the daily laundry, except what goes to the kids room because they're sleeping. Now when I wake up it is soo much smoother, just make the bed, brush my teeth and start the roomba, and I can focus on my kids❤️

[@claudiaschunior8070]

You make it look so easy to let go of the clutter. I have spurts when I go around and just gather things to get rid of and other times it is just too difficult to give one thing away

[@pattibrown2939]

Our library right now all week having a book,video,magazine sale, as many as you want for whatever donations you want to give. Every book imaginable is available. They accept donation of your books. And don't forget the bake sale. We have 3 branches here. And every month they do this. They will give you bags and boxes to use.

[@connieclark1288]

Hidden clutter! Who knew how much of this we have. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[@Probablytracy]

I did the grandma box. I had a boy & a girl. I saved Legos, matchbox cars, dolls, barbies, purses and books. I have FOUR grandsons. The legos, cars and books get played with often. The other stuff went to goodwill. 💙💙💙💙

[@faithscheffler4000]

I have the same sweater as you!! I love it!!!

[@heatherncasey2004]

Funny story about my old porcelain dolls which were put away just collecting dust. I was planning on getting rid of them eventually, but my youngest daughter has made them into haunted dolls so now they are Halloween decorations and are no longer just sitting around waiting to be donated. And I love them so much more now since my daughter took time and painted them, etc.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

That's a great story!!! LOVE IT!!!

[@tracyhiggins8533]

You are really inspiring! I am exactly where you were pre-declutter!! Slowly making progress- thank you so much for the amazing tips and inspiration x x x

[@MissJuliesMontessoriMinutes]

I am so with you on the books. I just save a few that I truly love and are out of print and a few really good reference books that don't have an equivalent website yet....I also love your comment about using the item making an item an actual family heirloom, that was helpful!

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Somebody told me they had 40,000 pictures on their iPhone…I’m guessing there’s some hidden clutter there! 😂

[@vickibedford669]

Thank you for the idea of a grandmother's box! I love it and I'm going to do it!

[@fabienneroure9995]

I love the idea of a grandmother box!🤗😘❤

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

I have a Grandmother’s box. Admittedly it is a decent sized tote. It is so nice to get the really special but outgrown toys out of the playroom. It is going to be quite awhile before my grandkids start having babies...but I am prepared. 😃

[@michellemonks6855]

I love your idea of the Grandmother time capsule.

[@lindamcdermott5475]

I always enjoy your channel. Thank you for your ideas and enthusiasm. You reminded me of a special book I had as a child, I keep it in plastic in my drawer. I actually pull it out and read it once in a while. I am planning to create a memory box for myself and this will go in it.

[@kristabauer2359]

I love your sweatshirt!! If you ever want to declutter that, let me know!😂

[@sarahjavandel5344]

Love your videos! Where is your planner from? I am on the lookout for minimalist planner! Thank you

[@Siures]

I got rid of many, many books. But I reread a lot. There are books I reread every two years. Most books I do not regret getting rid of but the last layer was too much. I actually plan to repurchase some of them. Please be careful when it comes to your favorites. But rather display than hide is also my way. Good advices! My son yesterday told me he wants to get rid of his Steiff teddy. I was a bit… distressed but forced myself to say: OK, we put it in the donation box, and I will ask you again when we bring it away. But it hurts a bit though. On the other hand I do not want to have or store it. So let’s see if he stays with his opinion as he is only three years old.

[@michellemonks6855]

Oh thank God you didn't get rid of that doll. ❤

[@stephaniehughes2651]

I LOVE the grandmother's box idea! Thank you for that permission! ;)

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Glad you like the idea!

[@Amaika16]

I had a hard time with the money guilt decluttering. I've never had a lot of money and came from a frugal family that used, reused, or fixed things. So when I did have disposable income I blew on expensive things thinking it would make me feel more whole I guess? But I never used them and then when I moved I really had the ah ha moment of I don't want to pay to move all this stuff that I don't want but can't part with cuz I spent so much money on. It really changed my life that now I don't pay full price for anything. Frugal yes but more like money minimalist haha. There are so many times I have gotten discounts for just talking to the sales people, or finding fixable damage on item, or the classic using coupons and rewards. I even made a deal for my new car that saved me thousands just because they really wanted to sell it. If you really want it and they really want to sell it honestly say the cost is too high. 90% of the time they will give u a discount or even stuff for free. These huge companies really don't care about sticking to the sticker price.

[@melissajenkins7902]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. ❤️

[@laurenmanley4616]

What a great video! These are all difficult but I see my own progress. Thank you for motivating me! Also I love your top!!! Can you share where you got it?

[@plannersparkle8352]

Your beautiful glass can be candle holder for small size

[@MittenPrepperVet]

My mother's diamond jewelry gifts to me and my daughter. It's been 11 years since my mom went to be with God and I have a very difficult time with not keeping these items. I've tried, sold some misc pieces but I miss her so much it's hard to not keep the items she valued and what we have wanted to keep. 😪

[@leahl4481]

Where is your sweater from?? Soo cute!

[@dianasimplifies]

It is so easy to get rid of books for me. I just got rid of another box. All mine were stashed away just like you said. Hubby let go of his too. I kept a few from childhood and got rid of almost everything else. And the other thing is, if you change your mind later you can buy it again used! In good condition. Lol

[@OliviaCo]

I love your bowl from Venice

[@TheImperfectReader]

Hope you do a update on the grandmother's box when you become one. I'm committed to be here lol.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I can't wait to pull out some of these special items for grandkids one day!

[@MittenPrepperVet]

I'm an anti book person so getting rid of them is easy. The "some day " items are the difficult ones.

[@beccar1605]

Don't forget about books on the shelf you don't want your kiddos taking a peek in! I tried reading a book of my parent's when I was in 5th grade and was horrified! Here's a controversial topic (lol); I tossed all of my yearbooks! They did not spark any joy for me and actually brought up hurt feelings from the past. Bam. Said it!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

You should call and refer to it as the venice candy dish or something that has the story\memory in the name. That way even if they dont remember you telling them the story that time or why its a familiar item the name will trigger the memory and they can ask someone else ih why is this called venice candy dish and maybe theyll know the story or they can google it and perhaps come across other dishes from venice like it and may be like oh! Didnt mum or grandma study abroad? This is probably from then! That way not only do have the source they have a use they have a time period its from etc My mother recenty inherited an acid green humpty dumpty teapot thats nightmare fuel tbh from 1935 ish which as a baby she won in the early 60s. And of course it had been with her mother until she passed recently...but she knew the story and that it was hers so when she got it she told me said story and the items life and i did the research and found out all the details and origins based on the stamps and description and was able to value it for insurance and also so that we know that its now much older than early 60s and all that and can also make sure its kept properly and i plan on sitting down with her and getting her to write out her memories/story and put it inside the teapot that way i have her mwmories preserved and her handwriting AND its never been used as a teapot so theres no issue with keeping paper inside and keeping it nicely on display as decor now that i know oh this is special as the person who will inherit all this stuff ive got to think on unfortunately how i will manage it and if its sentimental or monetarily worth keeping at that point and make sure ahead of time i know what i want and what can be given away or whatever so that when im dealing with grief loss and all the hell of funeral planning etc that i wont have that inherited stuff to deal with as well and rarely are you given time so the things that are keep but not currently display are packaged safely away properly marked so that its a matter of moving them. My mothers a scarvity mentality super sentimental hoarder pack rat so unfortunately if i dont do it now and think on it now ill be left with all these burdens that nooje else can handle and the worst part is havibg to sift through 80 precent or more meaningless junk to find and protect the actually special and proper antique and heirloom and valuable things that are timeless and meaningful. Losing someone you love is hard enough so i hope myself and others keep that in mind when decluttering that if i died or if my parent or anyone else died would i know what they want would i want them to just take this box and donate everything else should i make sure my will is updated to include to specific stuff with stories and photos attached to inherited items etc. Like make sure the people ill give it to actually want it. Thats i think besides the everyday reasons for decluttering thats making sure youre being responsible so that your belongings arent burdens to others and that you have that peace of mind and also make it easy on them.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I have way too many books. I never thought I'd say that, but I've changed my mindset. I don't need to own books just to own them now. I will never have time to read them all. Taste and mood changes, so sometimes a book I wanted to read before is no longer interesting to me. Why keep it? Someone else may enjoy reading it. I have been decluttering a few at a time since January. When I first started decluttering my home I thought it would be a good idea to use books in my decor. Nope. Not for me. I discovered that I don't want the visual clutter and I don't want to dust it. I rarely read a book twice, so now I pass the book on to someone else when I'm done. If I'm not going to read it ever, I get rid of it. If I'm not ready to let a book go yet, I don't. I have plenty of others I can add to the giveaway pile, no need to let one book slow me down. Doing it slowly, as I'm ready, has helped me. I haven't stressed over it or regretted letting go of any books, much less anything else. Big purge or little, I haven't looked back or been sad. So far, it's only gotten better and better.

[@dianasimplifies]

Exactly right, I clean houses for a living and books in bookcases lead to tons of dust if you are not careful. It’s just not for me. So I had mine hidden in some drawers. I just got rid of most and kept some kids books I remembered fondly. I felt good giving a lot away to a book sale for charity.

[@joanneketch5103]

Hidden trash! Just yesterday, I decluttered my spice cabinet. Some of the spices and seasonings were a couple/few years past "best by" date!

[@allioakley3372]

🤗

[@cherylkalsch5107]

The only book I keep is my Bible. The others are donated.

[@catofalltrades3428]

You lost me at grandmothers box