Feel Guilty Getting Rid of Stuff? Don't.

Often we feel guilt about getting rid of things that are still useful, especially if we paid a lot of money for them. However, if the possessions you have accumulated over the years have not brought the happiness and fulfillment you desired, it is time to make a change.
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Recent videos:
How To Craft A Life You Don't Need to Escape From
• How To Craft A Life Yo...
What is Rational Minimalism?
• What is Rational Minim...
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Most popular videos:
7 Daily Habits for a Clutter-Free Home: Declutter for Good
• 7 Daily Habits for a C...
Top 10 Things to Declutter Right Now
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You can read more tips in my book, The Minimalist Home.
Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.
Find Becoming Minimalist on Facebook, and Joshua Becker on Instagram and Twitter
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#personalfinance #minimalism #becomingminimalist

[@JoshuaBecker]

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

I'd buy your book, but I already have too much stuff. Thanks.

[@devantevanderwalt]

Everything I own was in storage in boxes I have been living with my parents for a year and it got flooded last night I'm very upset I've never been a person to care about little things but now that everything I own is gone I feel a bit sad some of those items were letters written by my wife she has oassed away a few years ago and I wasn't ready to read through everything and look through everything before throwing it all out now it's al gone before I ever got the chance to see any of it the stuff that's still there like electronics and that sort of stuff all has water damage my book collection is destroyed 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I am the most upset about my books I know ranting about it here where my comment will probably go unnoticed isn't gonna change a thing vut what else is there to do I got upset and shouted at my mom now I feel bad and gna go apologise to her even though I'm still very upset about my stuff my mom put everything in storage bc of space 😢 but it's not her fault it got flooded 😔

[@lindaharris1951]

These are the things I tell myself. 1. Hanging on to these items doesn't bring back the money 2. If I donate them, it's like donating money, especially if I donate them to causes I believe in. 3. Someone else will enjoy these items.

[@victoriamather2267]

Yes!

[@tracyjones6013]

Very good points.

[@vivlee3840]

I try to do that as well, and something especially nice happened yesterday, in that a lady I've just recently met was wearing a top that I donated and she was saying how feminine it made her feel as she lives in t shirts. That was really a nice and unexpected experience. 😊🙏

[@janetecanteri49]

I think just as you do. :)

[@lindaharris1951]

@@vivlee3840 What an awesome experience!

[@janefarrer2868]

I am at a point of my life that I want to get rid of as much as possible and live as simple as possible.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

begin small and work towards that goal, one day or one week at a time

[@skybaby444]

"simply" It’s an adverb. Life is simple if you live simply.

[@morningsong8077]

Jane Farrer I’m with you.

[@guessowii]

@@chris-ci7ch smart mom! lol

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

me too. it seems the more i get rid of the more i find to get rid of....

[@mariafromgermany]

I'm at a point where I would be willing to throw everything out and start from scratch. I want to cry every time I realise just how much I own, even after I got rid of about 60% of my things - I was a hoarder. It takes so much of my energy just to OWN these things, I don't even know how that works but it does and it's destroying me. I already feel so much better about my home, but I'm still not there and it's because I kept so much just because I feel guilty. Because I wasted money on it, or someone else did as a gift. I really need to get rid of those things.

[@maicey_t.]

Wow, you actually helped me realize something about myself with that line about how it takes energy to own things. I've never thought about it like that but I really appreciate you pointing it out. I know this comment was made a while ago but I hope you've made more progress since then and I hope you're feeling a little happier and more hopeful. You've got this.

[@Nkaystouch_]

I can totally relate 😢

[@christyneoliver6613]

I know exactly how you feel. My problem is not wanting to let things go because I try to find sentimental value in everything. I'm an empty-nester. I still have things that belonged to my children. It's just so hard to get rid of things. Best of luck to you. ❤

[@Coaxyd]

i also feel bad for getting rid of stuff because of environmental reasons 😅

[@TheRealguyinvideo]

All though minimalism is a good thing for your life it’s important to remember that going to far can be unrealistic if the things you own are things you think are meaningful/logical to keep then keep them but if it’s not maybe it’s smart to get rid of them but some people take minimalism to the extreme and it’s best to only practice minimalism in a healthy way

[@Tipperary757]

Yep, my lesson has been to steer clear of yard sales, eBay and Goodwill. More waste + danger of re-accumulating. Run!

[@skeezix8156]

I can’t resist estate sales and goodwill to this day. Used to sell on eBay, been going to estate sales before eBay was created. What I do find and bring home is usually something considered fairly rare or ridiculously good condition like vintage t shirts and records. I sell them locally thru craigslist or whatever. Where I live has a huge community garage sale with around 5-600 yard sales. That’s where I get rid of what doesn’t sell. Profits for a 4 hour sale are usually around $3-4000. I won’t do this much longer but it’s still fun

[@lw6502]

No long intros, no rambling about who you are, no irrelevant boring details about stuff I don’t want to hear. You get to the specific issue and don’t waste anytime . My kind of video

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thank you. I appreciate that. We work hard on that.

[@MompreneurDiary]

💯

[@jenwhyte6440]

I recently gave away all my Pandora Jewellery away to co workers who I knew would appreciate it more than I. It was sitting in a box at home for months. The girls who received it were overwhelmed and almost couldn't accept such an expensive gift. I don't feel guilty for getting rid of them. I'm more careful with how I spend my money these last few months. I've saved so much money.

[@barbw13]

I love it!!!!

[@nariko47]

That's awesome. I just donated my clarinet, accordion, and violin to the local high school music department. It was a good run but I know I will not play again (and dont want to) I'm interested in other things like sewing and exercise. It was a season and it came and went. Done. Out my home.

[@Drew_Hurst]

A shift in energy

[@YNYNYNYNYNYN]

Well done jen. xxx

[@DigitalRaider1]

@@nariko47 Question: What was the reason for not trying to sell them vs. giving it away?

[@joemama8525]

Donating and gifting is a big coping mechanism. The guilt was alleviated for me knowing that the items could make someone else happy.

[@holisticchrissy5420]

It was the hardest when my ten year old decluttered. She was so ready and excited to get rid of stuff...a lot of stuff. Toys, legos, so much stuff that I had spent money on. I realized she was moving into a new phase, she was ready to clear out. So we went through it all and I’m so glad we did. It was a hard process for me more so than for her, but now our home is so much more clean and organized. It took my ten year old to teach me to let go and realize a clear home is more important than hanging on...

[@SharonPiano8]

Did it just go to the landfill?

[@holisticchrissy5420]

@@SharonPiano8 no, obviously broken/mismatched items went. But most were donated or given away

[@SharonPiano8]

@@holisticchrissy5420 Thanks for the reply.

[@31622Grace]

My son, the accountant, taught me the “sunk cost” principle. Life changing.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

also known as the concorde fallacy. this is true for many things...but NOT the stock market! which works in cycles :)

[@meredithmilstead7814]

This is timely. I recently sold something on Poshmark for less than half what I paid, even though the item was basically brand new. It hurt. But I had to remind myself that 1)getting SOME money back was better than the item sitting around unused, and 2)I shouldn’t have made that purchase to begin with. 😂

[@L2069-e8y]

When I sell to a local consignment shop I say the same thing. "Something is better than nothing" and "why the heck did I buy this in the first place?"

[@poodleprofessor]

My problem is that all of my very expensive items were given as gifts from my mom. Things like Waterford crystal are hard to find places to sell to. It takes a lot of time.

[@BarbiesWorld62]

I have just started to downsize my house & I am having a hard time getting rid of things that I worked so hard to get. I have become a hoarder as well. It's not as bad as a TV show. No garbage, no dead critters. I didn't have much as a kid, so I keep everything that's important to me. My therapist said that hoarding is a symptom of depression, anxiety and PTSD. I have chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia as well. I have been on a long roller coaster ride for many years. I hired a cleaning service to help out, & she has been a godsend. I am moving in the fall to be closer to family, so I'm hoping to turn things around.

[@cardinal8268]

These things no longer serve their purpose. All things have a shelf life and if they're no longer functional, helpful, useful, then they weight you down. Keeping things beyond their shelf life is smothering and keep you anchored in the past. Moving to a new place is a fresh start and the time to lighten your load and begin the new chapter. It's quite liberating!

[@traceye.6428]

My issues as well. Since I started watching Joshua, I feel more empowered to declutter and de-own. And of course, buy less. It’s been 2 years, it I have made progress with Joshua’s guidance. Because I have chronic pain, I can only do a little bit each day. I will work for 30 minutes in the morning when I have the most energy. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a short period of time. If I’m feeling good that day, sometimes I work longer and it is so satisfying.

[@carolstewart1704]

Hi luv! I just started watching these and read your comment! Just wanted to say I hope you are doing well these days and have a happy carefree and beautiful life with your family and less objects weighing you down! 🥰

[@sct4040]

You might be lonely, I hope being near your family helps. The fatigue syndromes are a possible sign of loneliness.

[@sct4040]

Donating to a charity might make you feel better about letting go.

[@Yasmin-jn8rb]

An armchair and a big bookshelf broke in my home recently. This forced me to repurpose and move around my existing pieces of furniture. I decluttered and got rid of many items, more than I had in recent months! After the decluttering, I felt good about what I had done and my home is more spacious than ever! It also made me realise that I never needed so many pieces of furniture in the first place and the lack of space was causing me to also have more mental clutter! Glad I got rid of the unwanted items!

[@amylukenash4048]

Sabeena I had two big bulky sofas trashed too. It’s crazy how expensive it is to have them removed. I will always remember that before I buy any more furniture. I haven’t replaced the sofas yet and I never will.

[@lindahandley5267]

I feel ya! I just had a sofa, 2 chairs, 2 end tables, 2 lamps and lovely Egyptian wool rug have the nerve to just walk in the front door and plop down! How dare they! I heard a rumor also, that a bed, 2 bedside tables, 2 lamps, a large floor plant, vanity, chaise lounge, floor mirror and chest of drawers was planning a break in very soon....I can't wait! : )

[@Richard-vq7ud]

My first vision was a big chair and bookshelf knocking down your door!

[@wendyeskelin8765]

Interesting how things have a way of happening ! We had been holding on to a t.v. stand in our downstairs family room BUT we don't watch tv down there and haven't in some time. It was easier for awhile to just let it stay because other areas were lived in and noticed more. Recently it went to the top of my list to get rid of it. We offered it to our lawn crew and they were thrilled to have it. It makes me happy knowing it went to someone who works hard and has done a great job for us. I wish I was around more people I knew that I would feel happy giving things to, but I figure people will also be happy to find nice quality items at a thrift store.

[@djf8619]

Unless you never used what you bought, it is not money wasted. If the item filled a role, even for a short while, or gave you some joy, you don't have to feel like you wasted your funds. Don't give life to your inanimate objects. Just be thankful for it's service to you and remove it without guilt.

[@simt1973]

Beautifully said!

[@jennifergaver1239]

Profound. I’m going to remember this!

[@JoanHitlin]

I was about to say the same thing. Sometimes a thing served a purpose in the past. But it's no longer serving that purpose now, or there's a better way to serve that purpose now. The sunk cost fallacy doesn't mean the thing was a bad purchase when you made it (although it might have been). The mistake (fallacy) is thinking that you have to keep it because you put money, time, or effort into it in the past.

[@adampositron6871]

My biggest "purge" of possessions was when I Moved from the Wisconsin to Arizona. I had a small three bedroom house full of furniture, decorations, plants, etc. I knew I'd move to a much smaller place. In fact that place turned out to be a really cool studio apartment! But I struggled with the idea of getting rid of 95% of my possessions in order to move to a part of the country I loved so much. Here it is ten years later and I've been living in a studio condo for the past eight years and I love. it. The decision to get rid of most of the stuff in my old house was hard to make. But once I made that decision it was very liberating!

[@Dulce-cm2kx]

I am decluttering and minimizing as I listen to you. I am literally listening to this video over and over like a maniac. Full blast!!! You inyect me with the courage to do this. I don't want no more material possessions. I am tired of possesions. I am giving it away. Throwing it away. I want it out of my house!!! I AM DONE!!!! 🙏🙌

[@DigitalRaider1]

Question Im asking people, is....why not sell it vs. giving it away or throwing it away?

[@traceye.6428]

@@DigitalRaider1 Joshua covers this in one of his videos. I can’t quote it exactly, but having items sit around too long while you try and sell them isn’t helpful for people like me who tend to be hoarders. Once you decide to get rid of an item(s), quickly donate it. I don’t like throwing things out unless they are broken. Sometimes trying to sell something is just more mental clutter for people like me.

[@charity2727]

Unless this your passion to do that, it is time consuming. Life goes by so fast. Think about the hours it will take to sell all of it. Maybe if you could gather it all up and number it then sell it off bit by bit idk.​@DigitalRaider1

[@larryherbert252]

You can sell on eBay, Craigslist, yard sell but in the mean time you still have items waiting for people to buy, yard sell is you set up for display and items that don’t sell you still have to pack them up-so for me I’ve just donate items and there gone etc

[@jeannedigennaro6484]

I agree 100% with this message. When it comes to “stuff”, less is more. I used to have a treadmill, Nordic Track, and Total Gym. Wasn’t using them much, they took up too much space, so I got rid of them and now just use free weights, a yoga mat, and go for walks.

[@DigitalRaider1]

Did you sell, give-away, or just trash the item?

[@vasarian]

Damn! I am looking for a treadmill because I'm always using my brother's- ha ha

[@vasarian]

Oh wait you posted that two years ago

[@larryherbert252]

Exactly, things take up space and when 1 gets rids of some things, you feel so much relief and realize how much space you have

[@panamericaco]

Never heard of the sunk cost fallacy but what an excellent point. I used to own just about nothing in my twenties and loved living in my small apartment with bare walls. Now married and living in a house there are so many things that get collected or just stored in the basement and it literally drives me insane. I long for that simpler past, time to get a big garbage bin.

[@martelvonc]

I needed to hear this today. We are decluttering in preparation of a relative coming to live with us and I thought "But I spent all this money on these things" just to give them away! I took a breath and reminded myself I enjoyed the items at the time but they are holding us back. Then off to the charity shop we took the boxes.

[@michelleprice5945]

Martha, it's hard at first but once you get in a groove it's life changing!! good luck

[@tonyaseaton9195]

Thanks for sharing that I am going thru the same thing now and I felt myself getting stuck for the same reasons.....

[@MikkoHere]

Just curious if this is a relative you are really happy to have join you, or something less than that. I imagine that would make a difference in terms of decluttering to make room for them.

[@anitastocker7315]

Thank you for being so intentional when speaking. .. it gives me time to process before moving forward. ..thank you for taking the time to bring home your point. ...

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I agree. His deliberate delivery lets the weight of the message penetrate fully.

[@louisereeves9882]

absolutely! great delivery

[@carolynworthington8996]

Didn’t he used to be a preacher? I could be wrong.

[@lizzabbott]

Yes I agree ! Very helpful delivery. Helps me to really absorb & apply these golden nuggets of wisdom.

[@Dina52328]

I have taken the advice in this video to heart. It’s true. We tend to hold on to material things for which we’ve paid a lot of money in the past. The video has helped me to finally decide to get rid of a costly comforter set bought from an interior decorator years back. It is burdensome, impractical and so heavy I can barely lift it. Time to donate it. Thank you 🙏.

[@valerierogers9609]

We acquire easier than reselling an item, if that's even possible. Leave it behind, give away. The money is gone, not important anyway. New outlook leads to new life, which is priceless.

[@lea_theminiaturepoodle5995]

I think it has to do with loss aversion!

[@nikitha515]

So true.

[@JamieM470]

Thank you! I struggle with that. I have a huge pile right now that I wanted to sell, but to sell on ebay you have to spend a lot of money on home office stuff (scales & everything), craigslist or facebook marketplace you have to meet them somewhere & I'm female so I'm leery of that. So there it all sits, collecting dust & giving me anxiety. You're right. The money was long gone years ago. Moving on with my life with a clean, open space is worth much, much more.

[@valerierogers9609]

@@JamieM470 Best wishes setting yourself free 😊

[@b4rs629]

@@JamieM470 have you thought about using a pawn shop. Won't get top dollar, but it's a lot faster trying to declutter old stuff

[@Sheli-_-]

I was so thankful my newly married daughter and son-in-law took our bedroom set that we spent a ridiculously amount of money on. It was something I was having a hard time selling because I knew how much I had spent on it. They were thrilled to have it and will treasure it for many years to come and I’m able to get it out of my house. Win Win!! We just sold our house and it’s amazing how easy this move is going to be being a minimalist.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

moving with lots of items is very stressful, costly, and mandates a certain type of living situation (square footage). it is better to be minimalist.

[@susanfudge1737]

My daughter hates all my stuff. She likes that cheap Ikea crap. Ugh.

[@gogetter3721]

@@susanfudge1737 lol

[@cuminme-c1t]

After watching this , we had a garage sale , didn't bring anything back in, what did not sell , loaded up and brought immediately to Goodwill. Best decision we made , truly grateful for this life changing video .

[@theartofcute217]

I have so much stuff that when I have free time ...im spending it organizing my stuff and trying to keep things clean instead of living my life. I'm so done with it. It's strange but ...sometimes when I go to a hotel I breathe in how clean it is and how organized everything is - And it actually helps me identify what I need to live in to be happy.

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

With all the minimalist channels out there now, you’ll always be the original minimalist to me! I’ve got a bunch of food in the cabinets and tools in the shed that I’ve been meaning to get rid of for a long time but I’ve been holding back because of the amount I spent on them. Thanks dude , I needed to hear this one.👍

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Tip on foods: if you’re donating food to a food pantry, don’t worry about the expiration dates. The pantry staff will keep what they deem usable. By the way, non-acidic canned goods last about seven years.

[@jacalli]

Tools will sell so fast! One day I sold some of my old ones.

[@cable30]

We all have spent so much in so many ways, so we just gotta be more slective as to what we get if know we not need or not gonna use later. trying to sell anything can be a pain unless u know others around who can help u do so and share the funds or give percentage for them helping u sell it any. or just donate or give to tohers who can use it at time. but if try get help selling do a note of agreement so no hassles later.

[@colleendionne2845]

tyrone b m

[@sjordan7085]

With so much economic uncertainty in the world folk need to be stashing food and supplies, NOT tossing it. How do you think folk survived and thrived in the past? Minimalists ideas are greatly flawed when it comes to survival and being able to thrive during disasters both man-made and natural. I will no longer prep for those who refuse to prepare for themselves, they will learn the hard way! Choosing to depend upon others is pure stupidity!

[@kritikitti3868]

Good points. The more things I "find a new home for", as I like to put it, the more things I find. So, I spent money on things I now wish I hadn't, I enjoyef them for a while. My town has a gift shop you donate things to. The resale of these items helps abused women. A win-win-win all around.

[@christinemason2938]

You’re so right. A donation hotspot in my neighborhood donates the money from the sale of our donations. That money goes to 1. Pay utility bills for locals in our town, 2. To the local food bank. Like you said: “A win-win-win.”

[@adamarlem9863]

We call it Finding a Happy Home :)

[@therobinmasterstheory1636]

I think we could use more thrift shops that help support abused women. Good to know you items helped out. :)

[@adamarlem9863]

@@therobinmasterstheory1636 of there is not too much of that here,so I just sell, and make a donation.

[@Incomprehensibilitiesandchaos]

well not for the women who were abused

[@christopherpatefield6150]

Good video. One thing that I think about when getting rid of past purchases is that the money has already been spent whether I keep the product or not. Keeping something does not 'unspend' the cost of of it. This means that by decluttering you are not losing any money but improving your lifestyle for the future.

[@judyrobertson9479]

I just discovered this video. I was taking a break from decluttering my dining room. That is where I keep my mothers Royal Doulton China, her mouth blown crystal and sterling flatware for 12, yes 12 and she used them. My three kids don't want any of it. This video certainly was pointed at me. Thanks a ton!

[@janethunt4037]

In other accounting terms, I tell myself that something has served completed serving it's useful life. I owned and enjoyed it for a period of time, and it's over. And the money was not wasted. Just like enjoying an expensive dinner or vacation lasted a short period of time, a purchased object often finishes serving me.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

So much of my stuff has literally never been used.

[@brendafarris7350]

Yep! You are 100% correct. I love owning less stuff!

[@JoshuaBecker]

Yes!!

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

a good idea is to download pictures of stuff you like which you can own virtually/digitally and enjoy their appeal at no cost or space.

[@santiduran6505]

Absolutely 👍

[@jcastro91235]

Thank you so much. God bless you. I am having such a hard time with my apartment. It is completely cluttered. It looks like a warehouse and I feel like my energy has been robbed from me and I have spent money on stuff for reselling but I don’t even have the energy to put things up for sale because I just have so much clutter. I don’t know how to organize anything because there’s no room so tomorrow morning with gods help I’m going to get rid of stuff and get my life back and you’re right it is a lesson I have learned if I’m going to be selling things, I might want to consider selling tiny items like jewelry

[@DP-dr6gi]

This is the #1 reason, for me, that I could not part with things I didn’t need, use or like. Through channels like yours, I have completed decluttering my entire house in the past few months. I will likely go through the process again in a few months, a second sweep. This is the way I had to do it because it brought up SO much shame. Not just guilt, but shame at the amount of money I spent on these things. I’ve been journaling along the way so that I could continue to do it. It has been so freeing. Thank you.

[@TheMcChelle]

Love your videos; they are short and to the point. I get tired of people nattering on about so many things before they get to the point! This is like a bite-sized sermon, which I need. :-)

[@TheJojo01902]

I’ve come to the same conclusion. He speaks slowly and with focus, which is easier to follow. He doesn’t meander and throw in a lot of chit chat. Sort of like Jack Webb of ‘Dragnet’ game use to say, “just the facts, ma’am/sir.” I really appreciate his speaking style.

[@kp6459]

Thank you for sharing this, I thought it was me! I can't tell you how many times I thought that, I hate it when people drag 5 minutes of content into 20. He is minimalist even in his speech. Love this channel.

[@Nakhanda]

Absolutely agree with you

[@Dbb27]

Ditto. Direct and to the point. Gotta love those videos people take five minutes just to say their name.

[@Starlight-yv8dq]

For some reason…in my mind I instantly applied your thoughts to the people in our lives as well,not just stuff… people that you’ve invested yourself in are sometimes not worth keeping around…sunken cost of time and energy wasted on people …. Food for thought 🤔🧐

[@tjwash2]

I had bought a lot of expensive drawing pencils that I never really used. After years of holding onto them, I took them to the childcare center at the YMCA. The woman I handed the bag to showed it to a 5 year old and her face lit up like it was Christmas. Things I don’t use make me frown when I see them, give stuff to people who will smile when they see it.

[@timeparty718]

I'm reluctant to let go of my stuff because it represents lost memories, but I've discovered a great method to do so, just take a photo of it before you let it go to someone else. You will always remember those memories.

[@alyssawoodman]

I have been working on minimalism for years. I watch videos like this to keep me going. Thank you

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

Can’t reach our new destination staring in the rear view mirror. Look out the windshield all 🧘🏾‍♂️

[@thomashughes4859]

Pedal to the metal, friend!

[@clairevinet3557]

I like your thought process about reaching your destination ......🙏🏼👋🏼🧠

[@lorraineturton4485]

Neat expression. So appropriate :-)

[@morningsong8077]

Casey Burns Investing Well said.

[@melaniej.roberts206]

Well said!

[@normanboyd2273]

I spent thousands of dollars when I was retiring from New York, wasted dollars moving old furniture and clothing, plus you name it to Florida. Eventually I had to donate most of it to charity. My wife refused to allow me to get rid of those things. Now I’m still confronted with many clothes , linens, kitchen assortments that we’ll Never use, yet she still refuse to donate them to charity. Wishing someone would convince her how stress free a life I’ll be for both of us if she could be convinced to get rid of the Clutter. I keep praying and hoping. .

[@lindamorrow9890]

I'm SO glad I came across this video today. I spent a good part of today cleaning out some old stuff from some kitchen cupboards. Part of that was my "Tea" shelves that I have been avoiding as I knew the tea was pretty much all expired. I am rather proud of myself as I cleared out and trashed 7.5 large plastic grocery bags full of old tea/tea bags, many unopened. I was feeling a bit guilty for all the money spent and "wasted", but now after listening to this video, it did make me think of it a bit differently. I also purged an old pressure cooker and juicer that was taking up valuable kitchen "real estate". And by the way, I was motivated to do all this today because of your "Start Here" videos, which I watched this morning. I feel a bit lighter this afternoon. Thank you for your videos. 😊

[@aprilstar33]

I’ve enjoyed these items in the past and I am not using them now, therefore, it’s all right to let them go.

[@AudreySeybold]

this is absolutely therapeutic. decluttering my space and mind. removing others energy from items handed down to me and creating my own effective space and tranquility

[@janetfuller1900]

I was just decluttering today and asked myself if the objects were for my fantasy self or my true self? Thanks for the video. I love the support and ideas you give.

[@megansjoquist459]

Thanks Joshua for this important message and strategies. This is probably the issue that prevents most people from reducing their possessions, along with the sentimental items issue.

[@TheHouseOfGray]

Please make longer videos like this one. I will keep referring back to this video to help my mindset. I had no problem at all donating tons over last two years of what I needed to undo as I was a shopaholic for certain reasons. I can give away so easily to those in need and did but now I have been hung up on my extremely expensive clothes that are a very small size and can not find a person that size. i never even got to wear half of it plus few with tags. I plan on trying to sell as much as I can online but the LetGo in person I do not want todo because of this Covid. Still so much to go through again since I am no longer same size. I have a prayer I have said for last three years. I pray to God “ Please help me to detach or put someone in front of me that I can give it to in need”.

[@lizbee726]

I was quite amused when I read a quote from the novelist Bill Bryson. He said when his parents got to retirement age they started to get rid of everything they had worked hard for all their lives. It's a bit ironic is it not? 🤔🤔🙏🙏

[@fenraven]

My mother was obsessed with her things. They mattered more to her than her kids, no kidding. Then she had a major stroke and ended up in rehab with NONE of it. Material goods are there to serve or give pleasure. When they no longer do so, get rid of them.

[@barbw13]

Kind of sad!!!

[@jennacrystalblue2244]

Whenever I see those memes on FB that say "What would you tell the younger generation to help them?" It's always the same: Do not fall into the "possessions" trap. I guarantee in a blink of an eye time-wise, you will regret all that crap you thought you couldn't live without and stop trying to be your least authentic, most artificial, fake self with makeup and clothing trends that look clownish and ridiculous.

[@livelovely4681]

Not really. They used it and no longer needed it. That's life. You aren't going to keep everything forever.

[@lizzieb.4160]

Yes. I’m 81 and having started to declutter. It’s a bit sad getting rid of things that once were so precious to me. Now I don’t care about. I thank God he is helping me stop with the shopping addiction too!

[@jeffpickering3716]

During my minimizing journey (still in progress), I realized that after I have gotten rid of something - or even throwing it away - I DON'T MISS ANY OF IT. Out of sight, out of mind.

[@L2069-e8y]

Absolutely true!

[@freespirit2194]

Wow that is so true. I paid a fortune for my first DVD player but when a better one came out several years later at a fraction of the cost I had no problem letting the old one go. I have to remember this when I have trouble letting to of outdated old clothes I know I will never wear again not to mention donating craft stuff I know I will never use.

[@anewchapter8142]

I am watching this video on repeat. I need this message to sink in. I'm getting rid of the expensive things that aren't needed anymore. Thank you for your videos.

[@anewchapter8142]

Me at 4 months later. It's still a process. But this video has helped me get rid of the more expensive items that I no longer use. And as I said four months ago.. I have watched this many, many times. :)

[@minimalistsmanaged]

The sunk cost fallacy is real! It's such a hard one to get over but once you move past it you feel infinitely more free.

[@Blomma...0_0]

I calculated how much we spent in storage in the last 14 years... i based on the lowest price we ever paid storage ($100 a month) and came to the sum of $18k spent to keep stuff we don't use and don't know exist. Now, we would like to have a water well but have no money for it... 😵‍💫

[@dawnvinciguerra2904]

I've been following you for years and working steadily and consistently on minimizing my possessions and feel lighter and freer. However, I have still been holding on to items related to old hobbies that I spent a ridiculous amount of $$ on. I feel so guilty getting rid of that stuff and keep telling myself I have to restart these hobbies just to use the stuff, even though that's no longer where my interests lie. This video is just what I needed to hear. I can't undo the past and getting rid of those items/supplies will get rid of the guilt and give me the mental energy to focus on the hobbies and interests I currently enjoy. Thank you for all the excellent content you continue to put out....it has been imeasurably helpful in my minimalism journey!

[@alfonshasel1995]

2 years later, could you do it? I am holding in to a Lot of stuff in hopes to Share my Hobby with the Kids are grown Up, while thinking that the chances for this are pretty small

[@denisem6790]

I remember when I received my grandmother's china - she wanted me to have it as I was the only one who remarked about its beauty. It was in a large bin and I would use a few pieces during holidays. It was moved with care from place to place - and stored. I got rid of 90% of this collection recently after 20 years. Sometimes such gifts can be a burden.

[@debbieolin8153]

My daughter's had that problem...we decided after checking an outlet for replacement pieces that each girl would select, they would give the set to a thrift store and keep the one piece on an easel. I have a good friend that decided to use her wedding china for her everyday dishes.

[@sujatavarma1904]

Joshua, many thanks for your wonderful writings (books and blogposts) and your even more inspiring KZbin videos. I have never had success with getting rid of unwanted stuff till I "met" you. And you do it ever so gently, I could not even tell that it was happening; it still is. Hats off to you for being such an inspiration. With love from Florida.

[@libbylife7161]

I got rid of extra stuff and honesty I have not missed any of it! I have more time and use my money more wisely. YOU ARE AMAZING! GOD BLESS YOU! :-)

[@itsreginatv]

Consistently seeing things that I know I don't want anymore but hold on to them anyway is bring me grief. I love having more room when I am brave enough to get rid of stuff.

[@pearllever2923]

Thanks for making this video, l have down sized & given lots of my stuff to charity. We don’t need all this stuff, but feel guilty at all the money we have wasted. You are right we will learn from our mistakes . Thanks Pearl

[@notenoughholidays]

This is one of my main barriers to not getting rid of something. I'm always saying 'i dont buy things to throw them away!' ☺ I could say that about thousands of things.

[@kenjoshua1]

I have been on the minimalism journey for the past few months and this has been the video I’ve been searching for to finally validate that I don’t have to sell my things. THANK YOU. 😭🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@lizzabbott]

Excellent reminder ! The freed up space in our homes, lives & minds is worth more than the money we are worried about having wasted on items we are hanging on to, but not using.

[@MonieMuse]

It’s when people gift me things I feel guilty giving them away, now when family gives my toddler gifts I really feel bad lol so many stuff animals. Loved the point you make, helps me give things away easier

[@lizbee726]

I feel like that too. I constantly request that friends stop buying me gifts but my message falls on deaf ears. I have drawers full of gifts that I neither want or need. Very frustrating. 🙄🤔🙏🙏

[@hazel3390]

@@lizbee726 honestly i feel when you have told people your boundaries and they ignore them, the fault is on their side. feel less guilt in giving these possessions away as they have disrespected you by putting their wants above your wishes. gift giving should be selfless

[@gr8fulgirl7]

The reality when it comes to wasting money is we wasted it when we bought it. I remind myself this when I’m tempted to hold onto something because I “spent” money on it.....I also ask myself “Would I rather have this money in the bank?” when I’m tempted to make an impulse purchase.

[@elvis12893]

Thank you for explaining this slowly and clearly. You can not get the money back.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

the idea is to use mistakes as positive lessons as well as historical data to guide future behaviors. they don't have to be 100% losses if they can save you in a future loss/losses. confuicious said he who does not learn from his mistakes is in grave danger.

[@elvis12893]

@@StreetFighterIIFeb Thanks for your reply. I am having trouble with emotional stuff (handed down from relatives or gifts. Who wants a big piano? No one. Going to the dump?

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

@@elvis12893 charity organizations or a simple free giveaway on craigslist or freecycle and such HOWEVER places like goodwill are no longer taking anything due to the pandemic from what i heard.

[@elvis12893]

@@StreetFighterIIFeb Thanks for your reply. The organizations around here are swamped with donations. Stuff piled outside. Only letting a few at a time in to shop.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

@@elvis12893 wow

[@lklein1804]

I don't see the word BLESS... give it away! BLESS someone else, you will BLESS yourself in return.

[@AWDTH1111]

Umm...Good for you?

[@jackieblue6116]

Sooo true. Thanks for that reminder. Blessing others is the only real joy I’ve experienced.

[@melaniej.roberts206]

Agreed.

[@vibrantwoman1323]

Thanks for your video. It helped me finally let go of an item I had been hanging on to for the last six years

[@LL-lj1kq]

I can’t change the past but, I change the future.♥️

[@JoshuaBecker]

Yes you can!

[@sableann4255]

We're downsizing our home soon. What still bothers me is the 'guilt' of parting with inherited items. I've gotten guilt from my Mothers friends, family, etc over her things. I still have many of them because of this.

[@chiwyokfong1057]

Do not feel guilty of parting with inherited items. If it was a pillow or a saucepan,your mum once used or touched,would you use it in your daily life,now? Maybe keep a few that you like,like a vase or a jug. The rest can go...

[@nayelitorres825]

I've been telling my husband I'm ready to become a minimalist. However, the thought of getting rid of stuff I paid for made me feel foolish. How am I going to get rid of stuff and now possibly get nothing in return? And then I realize, it's just stuff. I want to enjoy my kids and life, not stuff. Just don't know where to start! I am nowhere near retirement age, but I am already preparing myself for it. I have a plan on how to get there and I have a goal. I am starting now so that when retirement comes, I've already built minimalist habits and won't worry about affording life after retirement.

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

Thankyou josh!! It often haunts me when thinking about the money i have wasted on purchasing and collecting, i actually got rid of all my stuff just before i dicovered you but now i have you are keeping me in check,not to horde, somehow i dont think that i ever will again,it now seems extremely unlikely, some times it's not so much hording things as one tends to collect things over a period of time, thats why now i am bieng very vigligent, after all it took me a few years to get rid of stuff, and the last lot was in one great swoop!! I don't think that i would ever want to undertake that again!

[@SewHealthy8]

it has been a long process to get to where I am in decluttering. I am sooooo glad for that process. It definitely gets easier & I become healthier. When releasing an object I spent a large amount of $$$$ on I say to myself , the money is already spent, & it has paid for itself (either thru use, or the lesson I shouldn’t have invested so much cash in something I didn’t use 😂) I’d rather the space than hold onto an item that I don’t use. Space is awesome!

[@selah7702]

TODAY is when I need this thank you Joshua...feeling like I need to resell the items I just purged and it is stressing me out!! I need to just put the piles in the car and go donate.....

[@selah7702]

Now...to actually follow thru...guilt is such a heavy weight!!

[@lisaclark7306]

Thank you for sharing that info to give me the "freedom" to let go of those things! The guilt weighs so heavy, but, now, I feel I can do like Elsa, and "let it go"!

[@allisons1024]

I love having less stuff in my recently decluttered bedroom & bathroom

[@elizabethnajjar1375]

I love your platform and course! My first step was to stop bringing anything in that did not serve a purpose, or as in the business model you provided, a more efficient & way of living my husband & I wanted for our family. Then, I gave. That could mean to a friend or family member or member of my community that needed or wanted what I did not. Thrift stores that support causes that matter to me were good choices, too. I also repurposed/recycled/upcycled items and that helped take care of my need to shop for crafts and projects! I have not arrived at minimalism. But, I am more organized and know what items bring us purpose and joy and which ones need another home. This is a journey, Life, and it is not linear!

[@dobbiejoyner8110]

Thank you so much Joshua ! You make minimalism seem doable in small increments. Sometimes I sit and think about it and feel unmotivated because I’m looking at or going through stuff to get rid of. But I sense the peace, value, joy, increase in family time / friend time ( even if it is FaceTime or Zoom ) self - care, self improvement and really engaging in Spiritual disciplines as a blessing in my life . Bless you 🙏🏾

[@helenebennie3961]

The picture is too big. Make it small. Then you can have a small win. Lots of small wins add up to big wins.

[@zeldazoom4415]

I had a hard time getting rid of things in the basement. All consisted of crafts I was going to do one day, seasonal items that I displayed once and put down there for next, only to buy something the next year. Well you get the story. It took 3 years to clean it out. Oh mental anguish! After I got rid of the stuff, I felt a sense of relief. Letting go and moving on. I do not miss anything that has been donated or tossed! Now! I think about my purchases before I buy it. Can I use this item? If I am crafting what am I going to do with it after it is complete? What is the use of this item? All this thinking has saved me money!

[@burntpopcorn7543]

When u live in a fire zone and get Evacuation alerts on phone it makes u think about what is important in event of massive wildfire - family and pets.

[@Serenitie3]

I've been trying to get my husband to understand this. Its sooooo frustrating. WHO CARES....the money is gone let's move on

[@valarieosborne2958]

Thank you for this video. In my 60's and down sizing so your words helped a LOT with guilt and regret.

[@theelectricsplash7384]

Wow Joshua, thanks for your helpful videos! As a musician and as an A/V guy this makes sense with the hanging on to old tools that are less productive than new ones. It’s a very zen and Tao philosophy. Thanks!

[@sammyb5869]

I used to collect old school TV's from 90's and early 2000's, tons of video game systems, games, cables, controllers etc. The collection was piling up and one day I just donated everything. Those things don't own me any more. Great video here 💯

[@relax9286]

I'm moving next week. Several years ago I bought a Sleep Number mattress and I've never been happy with it bcz it has sagged in the middle since the first week. I'm thinking of giving it to someone (they will test it out this week) or tossing it. In addition to the idea of minimalism, I'm thinking of buying sustainable items in my life too for future purchases. I do want to get a mattress I feel would be made of sustainable materials and of course doesn't sag in the middle. I spent a lot of money for the mattress and at times feel it might be plainly best to move on from it. Thank you for this video.

[@mwebb3014]

One of the best decluttering/minimizing videos I have seen to date! And, I have watched many!! Thank you!

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thanks so much.

[@julias259]

Thank you Joshua for this video. I have been stuck in this very topic and struggle to let go of "things" that our hard earned money has gone into. I appreciate your words and inspiration.

[@jackieblue6116]

I say switch that guilt to guilt for not giving it to someone who could use it. Imagine that person... and give! We love to give. ❤️

[@larryherbert252]

I’m slowly learning to get rid of things, donations , just too much stuff, something’s are pack up for memorabilia for family, but when I’m gone they can do with it what they wish

[@finelifeph]

I need to hear this to let go of my unused items. I'm not using them anyway. Thanks for sharing💕

[@sandypowell8306]

Love the beard and the message! Living now is so important. We can't go back, unless someone invents a time machine. And even then, I wouldn't go back...there are some things I'd love to change, but then I wouldn't be who I am now. 😁

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

they need to bring back crystal pepsi with van halen!

[@tiggy0412]

One thing I learned from Marie Kondo... You should think of what the item taught you and thank it for that. I pretty much took that I should consider that the shirt I bought without trying it on because it was on sale and then hated to wear it as the cost of the lesson to always try it on and don't buy it just because it's on sale. I have saved more money since learning and accepting that lesson.

[@SharonPiano8]

Apparently thrift stores saw a rise in donations because of Marie Kondo.

[@jennacrystalblue2244]

As I declutter and downsize my possessions, I often have some regrets about not necessarily how much I spent, but of the real value of the items I am ditching. At the time, the purchases served some purpose in my life. But I don't generally buy crap. And I DO have regrets about how much value my things still have. I work an exhausting, physical medical job and at my age, it's difficult to get through some days. I need a lot of downtime to recover for the next round. So I tend not to volunteer or do activities generally described as "giving back." Nor am I naïve about how much time and effort selling them on Craigslist, or Marketplace or Ebay would be. I have hacked my regret about the value of my donations in my mind to be my version of "giving back." I have a great charity donation center where the results of the money earned from people's donations are obvious in my community and most of the money stays local.

[@thewovenknotcrochetthehand4721]

The concept of learning from the past to redeem it is truly profound in this context. Thank you ☺️

[@vivlee3840]

I will be watching this repeatedly on my decluttering journey!

[@MariaSegovia]

That s totally true ! We learn from our past purchases and also by getting rid of the things we need to, that doesn’t change the balance in our bank accounts

[@MissElaineTang]

So true 👍👍👍 thank you 🙏 Every time I listen to you, I feel peaceful!

[@Lotusblume.8]

I couldn’t help but think about past relationships instead of material items. It definitely applies there too. Thank you💕

[@sweetmac17]

I am trying to be sort of minimalist as much as I can. I got rid of many things I used to like and need. But those things I got rid off were things I not use for a year or so. I am changing my stuff like from big bed to small, table to foldable table, one chair, and clothes. I hope to achieve the simple lifestyle the soonest.

[@anxylum]

I have started keeping a list of all the items I’ve purchased that haven’t lived up to my expectations. It’s been helping in noticing patterns, and I find that I spend less on unnecessary items, or items that I will just end up disappointed with.

[@nwatson2773]

I’m over the guilt. It was my money, I’ll do what I want. Sometimes I donate, sometimes I don’t.

[@amylukenash4048]

Since I decluttered I’m able to bring back my hobby of crafting. I didn’t have the room before. I turned my dining room into my crafting room. When my house was full there was no way I could keep up with my hobby. Now everything in my house is wanted and being used. I have three rules.....nothing on the floor, nothing on the tables and everything must have a home or it goes. Of course I still have one room left to purge..the garage. I plan on getting that done during the next class in a few weeks.