How I Stay Minimalist | Let It Go Before and After!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks again to Noom for sponsoring this video! Click here noom.com/shannontorrens to take your free Noom Evaluation.

[@arelmurmu3361]

One of the best things of studying in a convent school was that every year we used to have a donation day/week where we gave away old clothes to the orphanage and old age homes run by the school... That's how lot of clutter was cleared away from our houses and clothes and blankets etc were given to people who were in need.... ❤❤❤

[@shannontorrens1]

That is great!😍

[@loridodson6442]

On your advice, I pared down the number of plants in my home, and watering less has been incredibly less stressful. Thank you.

[@NoelleAm]

I love how you explain how the items got there! Sometimes things just show up! Or stop being useful. Really helps with the declutter process, I talk out my items to myself now to help let go.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Amber, I find talking about the items can help even if you are talking to yourself =)

[@msmary126]

I loved this video because I love to see how people's minds work with decluttering. It makes me feel not alone!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Mary, it is hard to let things go and talking through the items can help.

[@annfarrell6479]

Great video, Shannon. A good reminder that life isn’t static, our needs change and we always have things to move along…..thanks for sharing! 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes! Thank you!

[@TheOrganizedPineapple]

Yes, I try to remember what stage I'm in and live fully in that stage. Difficult sometimes and especially difficult for relatives looking in.

[@gwenj5419]

I've found parchment paper works better than silicone mats.

[@audrey5941]

I can be pretty hard on myself when I make regretful purchases. I keep thinking I’ve learned my lesson but the mistakes continue. It’s actually nice to hear that that’s part of living and I’m not unteachable, or something. 🙏

[@shannontorrens1]

Don't be hard on yourself. One thing I have started to do more and more is I try to figure out if I am going to like the item in the first 30 days and if I don't I try to return it. This way I get my money back. Also there is so much junk being sold online and how do we know the quality until we have it in our hands? so I always return things if they aren't what I thought they would be.

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Shannon...I was so pleased with my last visit via airplane home. I took my 2 capris and 5 shirts (all from my closet)for the week! Nothing new! Easy travel all due to a minimal clothing closet! Exciting!

[@shannontorrens1]

That is awesome!

[@KarronAngel]

love your videos, you have helped me so much xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@ChocolateBoxCottage]

I appreciate the encouragement to let go of things that didn't work out or live up to expectations. Sometimes this is hard, after having spent the money. I have to intentionally give myself permission. I'm enjoying your channel, Shannon. Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow. 🌸 Michele

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Michele, I agree it is easier to let go when we give ourselves permission. I am excited to meet you too and I watched your video on making cleaning sprays and I never knew it could be so simple. I am ready to give it a try!

[@brigittamrs3805]

I'm spending a month long vacation at my parent's house and trying to declutter but my mum is reluctant to let go off things that's not been used for decades.

[@denisecarter5117]

I had the same results with the silicone mats.

[@bonessam9618]

I was guilty of taking how many things when my grandma passed away. There are a couple of things I use all the time, a couple of things I gave to one of my sisters, and a couple of ceramic roosters I remember her always having on a shelf. For some reason I feel like I am honoring her by displaying them. Honestly, I don't care for them, never have but every time I look at them I think of her and my grandpa. I also have a couple of ceramic angels from my other grandma that aren't my favorite. I really should take a picture and donate. I love when go through your items and you explain why you are getting rid of stuff. Have a good day Shannon. 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Sam, I am happy talking through everything can help. It's nice you are reminded of your grandparents when looking at the roosters. I remember when my husband and I first moved out we joked we needed a rooster because every kitchen has one.

[@user-vp5oo1no7g]

I have a few ceramic angels from my mom too. I was debating about getting rid of two earlier this week. They wouldn't be something I would buy for myself but it reminds me of her.

[@juliab628]

Has anyone else noticed that along their decluttering Journey they no longer find the need to have a replacement ready for something they are decluttering? As in Shannon's example with the lamps she did not have a replacement yet but that was still okay and she was able to bless someone with those lamps. I used to hold on to things that I wasn't loving thinking that I could not let them go until I got something better first to replace them. But now, my decluttering muscles have grown and I don't feel that way anymore I can just let it go! It's such a good feeling to know that others might be feeling this way as well.

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes! That is definitely something that has changed for me. My friend could use the lamps and the cart and that made me so happy.

[@OrganizedWithJoy]

Hey Shannon! I like to stay on top of decluttering too. It amazes me how each month I still have things to get rid of! Thanks for sharing what you are decluttering!😊

[@nathalienewman1533]

I love these monthly decluttering videos!

[@shannontorrens1]

I'm so glad!

[@queenofputrescence5167]

Piece of advice for anyone with a body pillow that doesn't have a removable cover. I used a bodypillow when pregnant with my youngest. Wish I had thought of using one with my oldest! But I put a pillow case on each end of the body pillow. The cases covered up the whole body pillow and I could easily remove the pillow cases and wash them when needed.

[@shannontorrens1]

That is great advice! Thank you for sharing =)

[@suziediva]

Great video. I have decluttered my living areas, but my closets mock & overwhelm me. So i have kept a bag in my closet now... as I come upon something that doesn't fit/don't enjoy, i just drop it into that bag. I've even started dropping other office supplies & other knick knacks around the house there... before you know it the bag fills up, get transfered out to the trunk of my car for donation drop off. Works really well for me.

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Great idea

[@gailtester8749]

I am loving these videos and have some running shoes that hurt my feet. I thought I'd keep them for messy work. But I already have some work shoes that don't hurt my feet. This has been a problem area for me too Shannon! Bye shoes!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Gail, it is so hard to find shoes that are comfortable. I feel your pain LOL.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Imagining all the things that would be cluttering up my space if I didn’t regularly declutter.....O.M.G. It would be a nightmare. Lol.

[@susan5661]

Such a great video Shannon, I appreciate how you talk through your reasoning on individual terms. Most of the time, I do pretty well, but then I have a fail. Going to Europe next month, and going through my simple wardrobe to see if I need to supplement. In the past, I had a large black scarf for the plane, and in case I got cold. Ordered it from Amazon, and whenI went to put it away I found I had a regular size black scarf which is not big enough for a place blanket but… the international flights always provide a blanket and pillow. I’m returning the new scarf today! I guess my progress is that it is being returned and not kept!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Susan, that is great you are returning something, I love when I realize something I already own will work.

[@kimhignite6521]

I am new to your videos with your mom I love them can't wait to see upcoming videos you and your mom have great ways to declutter I want to start doing that your mom is so funny

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!!

[@kimhignite6521]

@@shannontorrens1 your welcome

[@chloeruegg2352]

Shannon - I really appreciate that you explain the ‘why’ of the things you’re decluttering. It’s clarifying and brings the good reason home to me. I always come away with something new out of your videos. Thanks so much.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheOrganizedPineapple]

Great video, I too consider myself minimal but then I'm always finding more to declutter and it just never ends, I guess it's just because the stage of life I'm in. (Kids) shoes are a serious struggle LOL 😂

[@sandihumeniuk4462]

Thank you for the silicone mat section … I have thought about trying them but was unsure… Now likely won’t bother. I have had things I have purchased to make my life easier and have been a fail, I don’t need another

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Sandi, they didn't work for me. I was hopeful the mats would be a way to avoid parchment paper, but the food didn't cook the same.

[@bex438]

Hey Shannon, thanks for the motivation to get rid of some trainers that hurt my feet that I keep not throwing away as I think they may come in useful 🙈 and I really don't like throwing things away if i can help it - I've just thrown them in the bin and I feel better they are out of the house now 👍😊

[@sharonshmuel3386]

It always amazes me how much we can find to declutter !!!! - loved the video ❤️💜😘

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Sharon, I am always surprised too!

[@juliab628]

Yay, Shannon. Go, you!! I understand you. This happens to me as well. Whenever I take something from someone else thinking that I will like it, it always ends up getting decluttered in the end. And then I tell myself, "Do not take anything again!" LOL Today my decluttered items included some peppermint oil that I was saving thinking I would use it along the entrances to the house to deter spiders, a pair of worn out slip shorts, and a couple of "not comfy" pillow cases. (They have to feel soft to my face or I can't sleep well haha)

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Juliab, I love hearing what you decluttered! It is great we can inspire each other. I agree about the pillow cases, they must be soft. =)

[@juliab628]

@@shannontorrens1 😊😊😊

[@raffaellalightpink4901]

I feel the same about the silicon mats, I have tried so many times but they seems to not work for me and I even think they have kind of a plasticky smell when they are in the oven

[@shannontorrens1]

I agree!

[@annrae1597]

You could of opened the seam at the end of the body pillow and took the cover off to wash...then sewed it by hand if you don't have a machine or put a zipper in the end for future washes.

[@shannontorrens1]

It just had stuffing in it not a pillow. =)

[@JudelovesRiver12]

I tried those silicone sandwich baggies and since they weren’t dish washer safe, they just weren’t practical for me, plus I only use ziploc bags for fish usually which I’d rather just toss anyways. You’re so right, sometimes we try things and they don’t work. 🤷‍♀️

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Jude, yes sometimes things just don't work. =)

[@andeebee2530]

I love these videos, they are so inspirational. You do great letting go of stuff you’re not using. 🥰

[@shannontorrens1]

Oh thank you!

[@andreagorham1985]

Such a great video I love that you do the monthly decluttering. We have a quarantining spot as well underneath our stairs in the basement and I find it very helpful. I am glad to say that I rarely ever pull anything back out though. Thank you for the tip on the silicone baking mats, I’ve been wondering how they work.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Andrea, I personally would not recommend the silicone mats although I do see a lot of people using them and liking them. They just were not working for me. =)

[@BarnAndBeach]

I have the exact same set and I decluttered them as well. I used them several times and didn’t like them each time. She’s right in that they don’t clean up very well. I thought they would be a less wasteful solution to parchment paper and aluminum foil, but they’re a no for me.

[@timvandermey4792]

Kirkland Signature parchment paper!!! Is best. Hated the silicone mats too.

[@JudelovesRiver12]

I’m glad your friend got some nice things for her new place! ☺️ (and you said we wouldn’t care lol)

[@shannontorrens1]

hahaha! Yes my friend was so happy to get the lamps and cart.

[@dianeyoung8068]

Your baby is so precious.

[@shadegarden7375]

Sharing your thought process helps us!

[@shannontorrens1]

So glad!

[@WildKraftyAotearoa]

Love the video!!!!!!!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!!

[@kristina4944]

Loved the video, Shannon! Very inspiring!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks so much!

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Thanks for sharing your routine. I learned the connotation of trappings when Aunt passed after a long life as an artist and who had many generational inherited items. When she was taken to hospital then nursing home she didn’t want to come back to house. She even insisted I take her wig away that they kept trying to put on her nearly bald head. She laughed more and was good fun. Her sister, my mom shared memories while we Had to look through hundreds of books and pockets.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Eleanor, thank you for sharing this. It is nice you were able to share laughter.

[@lisaa3978]

This helps me so much. Thanks, Shannon!! You know what I can’t seem to declutter, even though I’m minimal? 11 extra bed pillows! 5 of which are king size. 🤦‍♀️ They’re all great quality and different firmnesses. I don’t want to give them away and certainly not throw them away, so I guess I’ll have to keep working on my thinking. I think I’ll make at least 2 of them into couch throw pillows to replace the uncomfortable ones presently on the couch.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Lisa, that is great you can repurpose them.

[@carolineevans1565]

Great video… off to declutter one more time, been doing it since before it was a “thing” but there is always a change in taste or size that gives me another chance to enjoy my hobby 😀 nb-at 2:44 in the video you’ve spelt noom as noon in the link address 😉 x Caroline 🇬🇧

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay so happy you can declutter something, dang that is spelt wrong! I checked everything about 100 times. oh well nothing I can do about it now.

[@CameliaD.]

Hi! I like your videos! Good job!!! btw: those 2 big pillows you can try washing them in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer. I use this method to wash stuffed animals and pillows and it works great.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Hi Shannon hope your all ok and Levi doing well he’s so cute 🥰 well I am rewatching your vlogs today as I’ve lost my mojo again with decluttering I’ve got yet again so much stuff to sort out I wish I was like you and keep up with it all the time but this last year with me being disabled and having gone through major surgery it’s being hard to do anything then I got depressed i just wish I could click my fingers and it’s all done Well up to now I have got rid of all my scatter cushions on the beds it’s ridiculous how many I had and now lost my mojo you always put it back there for me will carry on when I’ve watched your vlogs again lov Michelle xxx

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Michelle, it's nice to hear from you!

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

@@shannontorrens1 well we did finish what I could not be bothered to do cushions gone old pillows gone old bedding gone so now bedroom 1 is finished made bed now bedroom 2 in Tuesday as I am at the hospital Tom for tests

[@ymh1683]

Oh my gosh, those silicone mats!!! I also hated them. They always felt greasy and I just avoided using them. I gave them to my son in law.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

Did you say in another video that you got rid of boxes where things are housed like the box your coffee pot comes in. I'm moving and it seems good for moving and long term storage. FYI I'm not a coffee drinker that's just an example. Thanks Shannon.

[@shannontorrens1]

If you move a lot maybe that is a good idea to save, but I stay in the same house for years and I don't see the point in storing all those boxes just in case I move one day.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

@@shannontorrens1 thank you. I'm hoping this move will be to my forever home.

[@doccox27]

Inspiring video, Shannon, thank you. I’ll get started on another round of decluttering this week. Can’t wait to see what can go.

[@TheOrganizedPineapple]

I'm slowly going through everything again, takes constant pass throughs and changing habits. It can be difficult.

[@carolynoquinn4573]

Good for you, you got rid of a lot. And your friends are happy!

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes! I love to find people who can use something.

[@AylaHileman]

Just ordered a pottery barn kids back pack. Our other one has held up good through kindergarten. I’m hoping these will last through elementary!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Ayla, the kids have to carry such heavy things, I think that is why the backpacks don't hold up as well as they use to.

[@user-vp5oo1no7g]

If not, the LL Bean ones usually do!

[@TheOrganizedPineapple]

I have had success with Jansport backpacks. My son is in 5th grade and his backpack is just now looking a bit worn on the bottom and I bought it for him in kindergarten. So 5 years I think is awesome. The Jansport with leather bottom.

[@sct4040]

I also bought those silicone baking sheets. Terribly hard to clean, need to be scrubbed. My worse buy at Costco.

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes they are not good at all. I always saw people cooking with them and thought that would be a good solution, but they didn't work for me.

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Wow!!! Levi is getting so big!!!! :)

[@shannontorrens1]

It's going too fast.

[@thatsnotmyunicorn]

I hate those silicone mats. I agree mine are always sticky and greasy! But my husband uses them so I can't get rid of them yet!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Laura, yes! They are so hard to clean. I hope you are doing well.

[@carolbohrer6620]

I love your hair natural.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I remember the days when my son was young. We couldn’t keep up with the clothes. I’d find things in drawers brand new that he had outgrown.☹️

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Debbie, I feel the same way sometimes.

[@karenhutchins8161]

I cannot find a Join button to join the membership

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Karen, Here is the link kzbin.info/door/UqV8_zhkfU7xYvoZG70fUQjoin

[@raymondmonaghan4112]

Hi there sweetie pie hope you are well great ideas with your decluttering baking paper works better than those silicone mats more hygenic love your videos love from Eugenie your friend xxx 🏡🌻💪💓

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes I agree =)

[@fabienneroure9995]

It always amazes me the things I find to declutter! I think they magically appear on a regular basis...🤭 LOL ! I didn't like the silicone mats either ( nor the silicon muffin trays) they felt gross! Take care and cheers from such a muggy day🥵 in Ontario Canada!🧡🌻🌼

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Fabienne, yes the silicone mats were impossible to clean! So happy I am not alone thinking that. I hope you are doing well.

[@lisaa3978]

Shannon, there’s no join button showing for me. Or maybe I’m blind to it for some reason.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Lisa, Here is the link to the membership kzbin.info/door/UqV8_zhkfU7xYvoZG70fUQjoin Thank you.

[@kristina4944]

Not the cart! 😱 Why am I so attached to that cart of yours? 😆

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Kristina, the good news is it went to a friend who could really use it. =)

[@jdmmg4904]

I think it's better to reuse something someone else has decluttered than buying new stuff.

[@CrZY8650]

I'm scared of how much stuff we will accumulate when I'm having my baby in January 😅

[@ff2154]

I FINALLY Realize who you remind me so much of! Rosie Huntington-Whitley 🙂🙂🙂 you're practically sisters ❤️

[@shannontorrens1]

I had to look her up, but wow I will take that as a compliment. I had one person tell me I looked like Peg Bundy LOL

[@ff2154]

@@shannontorrens1 I Love Peg Bundy! She is the anti-Housewife 😆 Katey Segal is one of my Fav actresses. That would be a Fun Halloween Costume! 💜

[@shannontorrens1]

@@ff2154 that would be a fun Halloween costume 😁

[@michelesusanne1]

Pregnancy centers are also a good place to donate, they usually need baby items. Levi is so adorable he looks like such a happy little guy. You have inspired me to let go of those things that I spent money on but I know don't work for us. 🌷

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Michele, thank you for that donation tip. =)

[@keylalipo7778]

I just got rid of a good pair of tennis shoes that I’ve been hanging on to for “just in case”. They’re not comfortable to my feet so I finally donated them! Good riddance!😀

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay!

[@dezzh.1301]

Also donating baby stuff to your local Pregnancy Resource Center helps mamas who can’t afford stuff!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Desiree for that tip. =)

[@MR-rw3vc]

😊

[@MissKD_Kat_MN]

Be careful with Noom, they continue to charge you after you cancel. I had to file a complaint with my bank after they refused to cancel through their app.

[@r.w.5379]

♥

[@luna7453]

👌🙏🌟😘

[@lochan8180]

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone NOT FOUND written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (REVELATION 20:12-15 NKJV) Today, while you are still alive and able, may you repent from your sins, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that JESUS CHRIST is your Lord and Savior, so that through Him, your name will be written in the Book of Life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever BELIEVES in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (JOHN 3:16-17 NKJV) ✝️ By God's GRACE, the gift of Salvation and Eternal Life is available to all . You can RECEIVE it. You can REJECT it. May you choose wisely...

[@ninebyfamilyvulli7013]

👋🏾;)😘😘😘😘😘🇫🇷