How to Detach from Stuff

[@minikorsi]

I love the idea of consciously not getting things that will be hard to get rid of later! This is advanced minimalism 😂👍🏻

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

But isn't that the idea ...2 only have things that mean a lot to us....bring us joy.

[@theredpilla3677]

Knowing those possessions would need a storage unit that also requires money that can accumulate into debt you can't get rid of our possessions is enslaving us it's also ruining the earth buy this get that pay for this pay for that

[@anthonylangford8575]

I love the simplicity of black t shirts. Been wearing them for every occasion, a kind of minimalist uniform!

[@jladley]

After being forced to move out of my rental (the owner sold it), the process of removing clutter and deciding what to keep or get rid of became agonizing at times. I now own my home and have vowed to not fill the empty spaces simply to fill them e.g. that empty corner is just fine with me! Thanks for all you do.

[@swatikumari2722]

I just moved out of my rental.. there are lots of precious things that got misplaced and I was in trauma for so many days just because how attached I am to them

[@svenskaela1234561]

During this pandemic I have been stuck in a different country for 4 months and probably will be stuck here until February. I haven't realized how bad the attachment to my things is. I have really bad anxiety when I think that my record player is gathering dust that my clothes are untouched that my makeup is going bad while I can't use it. And I always try and remind mylesf that if I lost it all in a fire there would be no way to get those things back. Do I really need to be so sad over some items when I should be happy that I'm with my family and that we are all healthy.

[@rachelknight6028]

Great food for thought.

[@matt_rowley]

What will be interesting is when you get back and find all the stuff you forgot you had. It’s that stuff that can go.

[@lisa9867]

My 3 favorite things: 1. Dog (is that a thing?) I could never get rid of her. She loves and depends on me. I also love her. 2. Laptop. I use it everyday, wouldn't want to get rid of it. 3. Vitamix Blender. I use it everyday to make my own version of iced coffee frappuccino. I also make smoothies and soups. It's such a well built blender. It has a lifetime warranty and the best part is it's made in the USA! Keep America working!

[@nicolekelter4275]

I always say if someone breaks into my apartment, they can have whatever they want. Just leave the cats alone, don't hurt them, and keep their food and treats. :)

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

Yes buy American.....the job you save may be your own......

[@Jordan-4-Him-NM]

Never a hoarder-yet I could hang on to stuff. Some stuff was in a box in the garage and only seen once in a few years. I decided to stop holding on to stuff, even the sentimental stuff. I let it go, and now I look around to purposely find things to move out of my life. I love letting go of things that no longer fit into way of thinking. Loved this video- I keep coming back to it-

[@user-xy7le4nb1p]

"Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened" -i forgot his name

[@gyongyipedersen9264]

It's easy to say, but extremely bitter and painfully to do

[@zackattack80]

I love listening to you guys. I have been downsizing my belongings for a while little by little. You guys are absolutely right about letting go of sentimental items it does hurt but I had to do it. I love these shorter videos versus the longer ones because I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time.

[@BryceChristopherHodge]

I really appreciate the anecdote about Josh giving away his shoes. It reminds me of a pithy saying I heard recently, "Your value is not calculated by what you have; it's calculated by what you give." Your value is not based on what you have, but on what you have to give. This, of course, speaks to more than just monetary commodities, but feelings as well; how you make someone feel is something you have to give. And just as the recipient of his shoes was given added value (if only in the form of boosted confidence), which ultimately landed him a job offer, Josh also gained value as having been the person that was able to provide something to help someone else succeed. Josh, how did it make you feel to help a friend? Did you yourself feel a sense of added value having given those shoes away? Because I guarantee that guy isn't saying, "Thanks to these shoes I got the job." He's saying, "Thanks to my friend Josh I got the job." 💙

[@LifeinGlow]

What a thought! "Stop bringing in things you are attached to" omgosh... so true!!

[@theredpilla3677]

Paying money to get out of the possession trap wasted money to get it paid for the storage space now paying to have it destroyed or given away so someone else can follow suit

[@Meemee-mo5it]

These thoughts about letting go are extremely thought provoking.

[@AllThingsFrugalAndFabulous]

Thank you both so much! You’ve been such an inspiration to me on my journey to owning less and have been able to get rid of a lot of “sentimental” items I thought meant more to me then they actually did. Have a fabulous day!

[@Yonatan24]

The blacksmithing analogy is great! Also I like these short, searchable episodes are better than the long podcasts IMO.

[@DawidDgk]

I think so too. I don't have a lot of time for listening for whole episode but I can still get some knowledge from the short one.

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

Longer ones are good for commutes....can make them enjoyable

[@rachelknight6028]

Find the "weakest emotional attachment" stuff first and let that go first. Let the easiest thing go first...that dead weight reminded me of Ebinezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" where his Ghost of the past was weighed down with his burdens and attachments in life... this video on "letting go and getting rid of" my own chain is the first step I've been looking for for the last 12 years! Thank you so much!

[@TheFlipSideStudio_]

I have been putting things up for sale, donate , gift and throw away but today is one of those days that I’m starting to feel anxious I stopped and started watching your videos so I can resume tomorrow. I don’t know why I’m feeling like this since I have been doing well and your right it’s an addiction

[@chersgear7202]

Another fantastic video! In last few years my kids all moved out to go to college, so me and my husband decided to downsize from a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house, with a garage, basement, attic etc. to a small 1 bathroom 2 small bedroom house (no garage, no basement, no attic, even laundry room is part of kitchen ). So we had to get rid of a lot of stuff. Honestly, I never thought we could never get rid of enough. We had a packed attic, basement, craft room.. I even had a room just for camping stuff. We did it by watching your videos and reading your website. You guys have such a gift to make people’s lives so much better. And, it’s been amazing. We are saving so much money on housing alone. And, now our dream of buying a camper and traveling when my husband retires is a reality. But, Now is the struggle. I know we can get rid of more. But, hubby had a harder time letting go of so much already. He wants me to take a break from “minimizing” for a bit. Any tips? Sorry for the long comment.

[@babyroses12]

Wow, Congrats- \ lately I have idea of a one bedroom + den, with one car garage. Found one in gated community, but upstairs, carpet, and no balcony+ HOF, so will stay where I am in 1100 sq ft house one story with 2 car garage- keep yard care in my budget, lol. Installed new wood floors, carpet is not clean-in sunny northern Calif.

[@babyroses12]

Don't buy a camper, just rent for your trips. That would be one more thing to be attached to, and upkeep, etc. Or buy a comfy suv, and stay in motels with showers, beds, tv--still cheaper than the care, maintaining a camper__less stress! 😎

[@chersgear7202]

babyroses12 Going to live in the camper for a couple years while we travel and find a small town to eventually move to. So, won’t have house payment, utilities, etc. it’s some upkeep but a lot less than a house.

[@tontymarshall458]

I am grateful for the minimalist community. I get to be rid of so many more things that I would have otherwise been obligated to keep. And slowly, my husband is getting on bored. I have so much more time for bettering my life now. Chores are so much easier now.

[@rachelknight6028]

I'm starting my journey tomorrow... This clutter stress is making me sick and very depressed.

[@sunnyrain8403]

Currently sorting out my closet and it's sooooo difficult. I feel bad for throwing things out that still fit me but they're from 2010 and I'm not the same person from the past.

[@ahoardersheart]

I like your 90 day rule. Works better than my 1825 day rule 😂 #HoarderHumor

[@vickieclark5931]

LOL

[@BryceChristopherHodge]

Hashtag got me. :)

[@CanadaMills]

This was such a great discussion. I have listened to it three times on my own, and once with my partner, which sparked lots of more great discussion. The concrete examples of the theory were quite insightful and thought-provoking. So thanks so much!

[@kailebrogan447]

I'm going to try to shred my sentimental items. I'll update you guys. :)

[@baothachkvb6504]

Love you so much because your story can help someone change their life, thank you ,

[@robertlove8429]

Definitely one of my biggest pitfalls is taking on a new hobby I'm interested in, buying several tools and materials needed to pursue the hobby, only to do it for a little while and then pursue something new. The whole time I fully intend on coming back and doing the original hobby also, I end up with several interests that I would like to spend time doing, and all the tools and materials that go along with each, and not enough time for them all. Then when I try to declutter I then think of how I would like to pursue the interests and the money that was spent on all the stuff to do it.

[@TheMinimalists]

Consider restricting yourself to one for a month and see how it goes. ❤️❤️

[@tara34952]

That sounds a lot like ADHD. Have you ever been evaluated for ADHD/ADD? What you describe about jumping between interests is a classic sign. I have it too.

[@robertlove8429]

@@tara34952 I have never been officially diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, but I am 100% certain that this is what it is. I have no doubt about it.

[@Sapientiam]

I had a fast sale when I sold several flower pots recently. During that time I was stressed out, tired and too much happened at once. I made one huge mistake though. I was payed in advance the same day, put the flower pots outside for them to pick up.. But, what I didn't know, until a week later was that I had forgotten to take out my beloved antique Tibetan prayer beed necklace (worn by an actual Monk in Tibet) from one of the pots.. It was so hidden and I was so exhausted that it just slipped my mind. Now I feel like I must suffer from my stupidity. Now I will never see it again and I feel so sorry for it.😭 It meant a lot to me and therfore it hurts. I guess you could say I decluttered on a wrong day and it all went too fast for my liking. Although I do feel hapinness in getting stuff out and money on, I also feel it exhausts me at times. Which is known to all who sells most of their items that they no longer wish to keep. It's alot of work, takes time, effort and energy. But at the same time it's worth it. I now find myself struggling to get past this moment of "grief" over this loss. Yes, the item was worth much to me as it comforted me, but it had also high value in form of money. Now, what's worst, loosing money or loosing a beloved item. 🤔 I guess it hurts either way.

[@TheCyclingmaniac]

I love this idea of getting rid of the easy stuff first. First too go university texts, old photo albums pictures of people and places you don't remember or are no longer in your life. I hung on to old clothes for years still in boxes from moves years ago. gone . Thanks guys for inspiring me now I have more space and feel much freer not being owned by my stuff. Books and music two areas that are definitely tough but I hope to get there. Any tips?

[@janetpolo101]

Awesome video! You’ve helped me let go of more things today

[@morgannield5996]

My little sister's nickname for me growing up is Mimi. I searched "letting go of material things" and this video was the first search result. I think I was meant to find this video tonight.

[@GreenVegan816]

I needed this today. I'm cleaning my bedroom and I want to downsize. Thank you.

[@MichelleR.Benore]

I really appreciate you both...thank you 😃

[@agneslaufer9579]

Its simple, I work for goodwill, so I see the garbage that we get form like 40 years of hoarding . Guess what was one of the reason that prompt me to be a minimalist! AND PEOPLE STILL THINK THAT THEY DONATE TREASURES. AF

[@matt_rowley]

In the UK we have charity shops, I always make a cash donation when I drop anything off - as I know there’s a chance that some of it might go in the trash - and that they have to pay for it to be taken. I think some treat it like a free waste removal option!

[@anthonylangford8575]

My problem is I can go through the kitchen drawers and say 'this this and that can go' and my wife says 'no we might need that'. It's causing stress and arguments. We have separate bedrooms (that's another story) and my room (which is far smaller than hers) is very bare and minimalistic like a monks cell and her room is cluttered.

[@matt_rowley]

There is plenty of content - but changing people through arguing isn’t going to help. Perhaps the 20/20 rule might help? Throw away things that you can buy for $20 within 20 mins of your location. This will let. Those bits and pieces go easily.

[@gyongyipedersen9264]

@@matt_rowley Oh, this is one of the most usefull and smart advice! Thank you!!! 💚

[@sandysmith7583]

Wow! 😳 to think about stuff in their “actual” weight... something in my brain 🧠 just clicked. A good way to think about getting rid of things and how they are literally weighting me down.

[@rachelknight6028]

A bit like Ebinezer Scrooge in a Christmas Carol where he carries the heavy chain around his neck.. all the emotional attachment of things he carried with him in life he still carried in death.

[@littleripper312]

I've never been into buying souvenirs luckily or I would have a ton more junk to go through. I just take photos. What I usually do with sentimental items is I keep one item from each person who has passed away and that's pretty much it. I don't need more than one meaningful item and that way I can display them instead of just having stuff in boxes.

[@janetpolo101]

I totally feel you on that! Over the last few years I’ve been becoming a minimalist. One of the things I’ve done to control my urge to buy things on trips was to now get one magnet for the fridge for the place. My thought process was it’s small, it’s one thing (I restrict it per country/state, like if I revisited the area I wouldn’t buy again) and it’ll fulfill my need to buy something. Progress for me lol

[@fredlevel897]

I used to feel embarrassed by my dad who was keeping so much useless stuff that whenever I start clearing-up, I'm like a storm, ready to throw anything away. The problem is, that doesn't stop me from buying anything I "think" I need. So recently I started to think about any of my purchases (so damn easy to buy on on line), trying to be more intentional about it: Whenever I feel the consumerism pressure affecting me, I ask myself: - What is it exactly I'm looking at...try to describe the product instead of just being hypnotised by the image? - Where did I see that item and how did I get driven to it? - Why do I want it? - Do I really need it? - How often am I really going to use it? This self-questioning process is helping me to keep my spendings down In parallel, I am in the process of moving from a big country house 1500 SqFeet + 2 independent barns, all full of stuff to a 516 SqFeet appartment. And boy! I'm throwing away a huge lot. Anything I feel is a shame to get rid of, I think to myself "am I seriously going to use/need it in the next 12 mth?" And all these monthly editions of a maritime magazine dear to me, years of it.....First, I wanted to keep them and then I realized, well, even if I keep them, I have to be honest about it: I won't open them again. So what makes me want to keep them?..Simply, the memory of what I felt, dreamt, when I was reading them. I can get rid of them, the memory will remain and, the day I won't remember well, I surely won't need them anymore. That is my 2 cents

[@christine8754]

every time i watch a minimalist video im getting rid of something lol

[@moanateliersoo18]

this is really helpful. thank you so much for sharing your ideas :D

[@monikasea]

I am just switching to minimal style while having my 4th baby😀.I love to take pictures than getting stuff

[@NaturallyNaomi]

Love you guys. Thank you.

[@fonduebear6530]

How about when one says, "Oh wow! I forgot all about that." Some memories are better than others.

[@Theresa-jq3dw]

Really good guys! Love from the Chicago back seat singing mom. Every little thing you think that you need☺️

[@itsjustaname1740]

What about hand written cards and letters? I always hold a grudge upon myself because if anything happens to that person that’s all I really have left of them.. what do you think I should do about all the cards and hand written letters I have?

[@ahoardersheart]

I actually wrote a blog about that topic Ryan!!!! As a hoarder...the longer I have had a item in my house, the harder it is to get rid of it. On the flip side of that coin, the less time I’ve had an object, the easier it is for me to get rid of it! The item didn’t have enough time to create a memory with myself or my children. The attachment didn’t form! So I’m trying to not bring new things into the house. I’m trying to stay away from shopping! Just like the recovering alcoholic cannot go into a bar...This recovering hoarder cannot go into my trigger stores.

[@babyroses12]

Since I do mall walking in the morning before the stores open, you are able to enjoy window shopping as you exercise. You don't have to avoid all stores, don't take credit cards or money, just enjoy looking.💁

[@ahoardersheart]

babyroses12 I do love walking!!! I think that will be really good during the winter months when it’s sooo cold outside!!

[@nighatnaqi6797]

When decluttering I feel I am throwing away money when I throw away clothes & stuff I bought. I don't know how to get over this feeling

[@TheMinimalists]

It’s sunk cost! The money is wasted at the cash register-not when you let the item go. Learn from your mistakes and move forward accordingly. You got this!

[@eloisaodiadamusic]

omg why did i just discover u had a yt. now imma listen to u while i work now. hehe thanks

[@apassionforlace]

Wasn't it a Japanese saying: when you own more than 7 things, the things own you? Like, they're attached to you, so you have to take care of it. The new fad is to have storage, so you can buy and own more stuff? That can't be right. I'm a beginner with this. I just gave my children their memory box. Three drawers empty. And I got rid of postcards I got for the past 30 years. Except for the ones from my grandma.

[@llll309]

I love my stuff, clothes, house stuff and all, its all second hand from thrift stores, cost me minimal amounts

[@liisaelts7522]

I have things I won't let go, and that's OK. But if I hink about it, most of those are things that I've simply gotten used to having around me. Like those clothes, for example- they're not my favorite per say, but they are clothes I feel comfortable in, because I see myself in them and they become part of me, if you know what I mean? With things are the sMe I guess? So letting go is like taking a new look at your own comfort zone and the letting go part is like adjusting that comfort zone?

[@kipholder8577]

what about prepper supplys?? Emergency food and gear

[@carolilseanne2175]

Anything that comes into my house now must ''pay its way" or I won't bother with it. I should have added, it's not for reasons necessarily for minimalist purposes, I simply have a small house

[@danaakon7633]

My family criticizes me for having a minimalist wardrobe. My elder sister wants me to have hundreds of outfits because I am wealthy and everyone in our social circle is also wealthy. I am resisting the peer pressure to buy more and consume more. I need to socialize with other minimalists but I can't find them in my neighborhood !

[@ammonhilliard682]

What shirts are those ??

[@stuckcontactor5826]

Looks like Hanes

[@AshMCruz]

I save like 10 Pins that I really love & used it in my everyday backpack.

[@lesliedaubert4250]

I have 3 different pieces of furniture my Mom left for me when she moved 5 years ago. China cabinet, bookcase, and trunk that smells of mothballs. She didn't like the fact I don't want the trunk. All 3 items were my Grandmother's. They don't mean anything to me. To expensive to sent the cabinet to her. I want them gone. But I don't want to make her angry.

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

Ask her if she wants them. Don't keep stuff that you really don't want. Are there any other family members that may want them?

[@40mmmikemike]

Don't be too hard on yourself, we are the biggest critics of ourselves. but remember you might not need to get rid of your things to declutter your mind.

[@gloriabatista8619]

amazing! thank you

[@Coffeeismylifeblood]

What about roots? Like where do you feel the roots in your life ?

[@ananyabonjyotsna5222]

How do I sell off our old car to which I am so much attached to and most importantly grateful to.

[@RhodaStone]

I am having a very hard time-I’m moving the junk around

[@michellehughes576]

I call that shite shuffling

[@anandanabila8439]

I will let go of my own flat due to bad neighbors 😂 and I’m so happy

[@Bill0102]

Your insights are profound and transformative; similar to a book that was profound and transformative. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove

[@giannat418]

How can I let go my childhood toys? They are so special to me and bring me so many beautiful memories

[@giannat418]

HEEEELP SOMEEEEOOONNNEEE

[@TheMinimalists]

Check out our MINIMALIST RULEBOOK: minimalists.com/rulebook

[@aeko761]

If they still make you happy, you should just keep them. I don’t think it’s necessary to get rid of everything. It’s all about balance:)

[@ext1013]

it's easier to throw my own artwork but struggles to let my kids' art go even if they say, 'it's ok to throw those, mom." any suggestion. thanks.

[@melissabianca1755]

You can always scan it/photograph it first if you are finding it difficult.

[@carmenlatham4136]

I could tell this was a video from a few years ago because Ryan is talking. I think he's interesting

[@haleymanobianco9723]

What if we can't stop thinking about things we got rid of

[@williambhoe]

I came back to this video... I am just afraid that if I let go of the sentimental items, I will forget the memoties in them. And if I stop putting new things in to my life, wjere do I then get new memoried. The weird thing is, that I know I will remember these memories, but I am afraid to forget them...

[@williambhoe]

I think, maybe I think too much about what value my stuff brings others. For example that jacket my father gave me, he would propably be sad to see me let it go.

[@jesuschristiskingandsavior461]

I'm torn between being a minimalist and a prepper😂

[@cdeipoli1]

"Stuff weights us down". Why non minimalists do not understand this? why they think all the crap they hold on to means something and how they don't feel trapped in it? my mom tries to make me feel guilty every time I declutter smtg, even if I already worked on myself to detach. don't they feel the weight of stuff?

[@mathewdutchak6084]

What if you have mental conditions and trauma that add to the difficulty?

[@betrion7]

About your analogy of a person trying to get out of a drug habit. The only reason why AA and all other programs based off it are most successful and no amount of psychology can replace it is God. Psychological explanation for this is simple: if in crisis you need to count on yourself and you're the weakest link, you're doomed to fail :/ It has to be bigger than you, as in outside space and time; as in the one who created you.

[@salvease]

Very well said. God and the fact that you're among others in the same boat is the reason for the success behind these groups. The Serenity prayer is my favorite prayer.

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Germany is in Europe ;)

[@ceciliaruidiaz409]

❤❤

[@carlatoppins8567]

On it!😉:)

[@ljay7106]

So there's loads of stuff u don't buy, frees up all ur money so what do u do with all that extra money? Lol

[@iamnyssaki]

donate it, invest it, help family and friends with their financial burden, travel, take some classes to learn a new skill, etc. there are a lot of things you can do with the money. spending money is the least difficult thing to do, it's saving that's hard....

[@user-od9xe5oy5s]

How about attachment to people ?