Learning to Let Go of the Past While Decluttering

Decluttering is something that provides more freedom and peace but when you're in the thick of it, you may find yourself feeling something else. You may find yourself thinking about the past, struggling to let go of items you never use simply because it's a memory of a time gone by. So how can you declutter when your heart is feeling the pull of sentimentality? In this video, we're going to talk about how you can let go of the past while honoring those memories so you can declutter with peace.
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[@lenavonstein9671]

I am becoming a first-time-mom in 4 weeks and I am so happy I got to borrow almost every little thing from friends and family and it frees me because I know I can use these things and can give them back to their original owner afterwards so it is not cluttering up our small apartment

[@ShellTay32]

I teared up just HEARING the stroller story. My "baby" is 15 and getting rid of pretty much ANYTHING he touched as a baby is so hard for me to get rid of, so I SO get it. The only thing that really helped me start with the journey of parting with lots of baby stuff is, was you mention, donating or passing it along to someone who truly needs it. Knowing that my son's unused items are making another child's life better helped me so much to let go.

[@katyjoywells]

It can be so tough! 💗

[@syasyanorulhuda9445]

I came across your video when I'm looking for strength to declutter my university stuff. My handwritten notes, test papers, quizzes, etc are still there inside my cabinet and I've been dreading to let them go. I don't even consider them my accomplishment because I was a struggling student, acdemically. So I consider those papers as proof of my struggle, my sweat and tears just to get that degree eventhough now I'm not even working in the industry that I painfully studied for. Even after watching your video, I still struggle to start going through it but hopefully I could throw away atleast some of it.

[@katyjoywells]

Sentimental clutter can be the hardest! You aren't alone!

[@Joseph2day]

I really like people who tackle this harder part of minimalism, I think I have gone a fairly common and practical way towards minimalism, which was to first get rid of trash, then junk, then old stuff that I knew I did not want anymore. Those first steps were not easy, but I do believe for me and for most are probably a good order of operation for getting rid of stuff, but then there is still stuff that is hard to get rid of, and for good reasons. These things do require some emotional coming to terms with a fact, and it is not always easy but I think very important for growth. I feel I have grown in the process of getting rid of stuff. I wish it was easier, but some of the best things to go after in life are not easy. Also, in science there is a concept that the simplest explanation that fits all of the data (facts) is often the correct one, but finding that simple solution is not always easy. I think often minimalism done right often aligns with that one premise of science. I try to find the simplest path through life that fits all of my truest goals, wants, desires, and aspirations with an emphasis on the word "truest".

[@mella9619]

Thank you for this :’) I struggle with letting go of clothing that I think I’ll someday pass off to my future kids; you’re so right though, the recipient might not receive the gift how you *expect*, and that could be a really upsetting situation. I don’t need to harbor so much stuff with me from place to place. decluttering is an ongoing process for me, so pretty much daily I go through my closet and pull out things I’ve finally released an attachment from. I’ll definitely be able to donate some more clothing after this video. thanks again!

[@haileynichelle8343]

A - Accept R - Reframe T - Time

[@katyjoywells]

🙌

[@LadyGreyBlack]

Your kitty is adorable, just had to say that!

[@katyjoywells]

Thank you!

[@barbcarolegrafton6981]

The magical cat at 9:38 ? 😂🎉🫶🏻

[@FaithFilledHomemaker]

💜💜💜 I just love your channel! You have helped me so much! I just had a baby last month, but was able to get rid of 4 black garbage bags yesterday mainly from my sons room! It feels like such a huge accomplishment! He just turned 5 and had wayy to many toys. (Still probably does… lol) but now it’s actually manageable and fits in a few bins! I did take a few toys and put them in the garage and only allowed what would fit on a small three tier shelf that I will rotate every so often. It was hard to get rid of a few of the items but I don’t think I got rid of anything he will even miss. SUCH a weight off my shoulders. I still have a long ways to go with the house but one of the most stressful rooms to declutter i have, is now done!

[@katyjoywells]

that's amazing! I'm sure you feel so much lighter and less burdened, use that for motivation to move into those other spaces in your home! thanks for being here! xx Katy

[@florenceb1537]

I lost my daughter & husband 20 & 25 years ago! 😢 I still have a box of memories from my daughter especially - I have been able to let go of things by taking pictures!

[@katyjoywells]

I am sincerely sorry for your loss 😢💕

[@lifewithmorgellons]

Amazing advice! Thank you!

[@katyjoywells]

thanks so much for watching 💞

[@R_DLF]

ART A- Accept and Identify R- Reframe T- Time

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Great video! I love acronyms too. I’m in my 70s & am super sentimental. You wouldn’t believe the stuff I’ve kept, but I’m on the decluttering journey as a gift to myself & my family, especially our daughter, so that she won’t be burdened with it when we pass on. The sentimental stuff (which for me can be almost anything) is definitely the toughest. Thanks for a lovely channel.

[@katyjoywells]

Thanks so much for watching! 💗

[@georgina4874]

💕💕💕 Fold the sweater collar inwards.

[@katyjoywells]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennethbailey9853]

😢Thankyou. 😊

[@katyjoywells]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickasbell8825]

I am still surrounded by 46 year old crap in my apt please help me throw away old memories of these stupid friends and memories of family that is haunting me😢

[@larajohnson8656]

I see that no one has answered you, so I will try. Some things I say to myself are 1) I imagine putting one of these items in a gift bag and giving it to someone. Would they be pleased or disgusted? If I can admit to myself that they would say, “eww” then it is okay to toss it. 2) Put all the items that remind me of one person in a pile. Count them. Divide the number by 5. Can I toss that many today? Can I toss that many again in three months? Slow progress is still progress. 3) Take the items and put them in a different bin and take them to a different room. Or just move the item to a different display location. This sounds absurd, but it dislodges the stuckness somehow. Soon you will notice a difference in the way you feel about that item. 4) Trust the process. Say out loud, “How am I going to get rid of this stuff?” The Universe will answer you. You’ll be surprised. 5) Imagine what you are going to do with the space that is vacated by the tossed items. If you can, set it up that way now. Move the items closer to the exit. Once again, it sounds absurd; trust the process.

[@giocondakisses]

Aahhh I have such a difficult time with this, I have a plastic medium box with little clothes and accessories that belonged to my little 3 pounds chi, she's been gone for 7 years but she was and will always be the little love of my life, the collar and t-shirt that she was wearing last time I have them with her ashes, but I'm not sure what to do with the rest, I know if one day I have another tiny chi I won't want to dress her on same clothes, so, should I keep the box, should I donate them? I don't know

[@ShellTay32]

I so get how you feel. My "spirit animal" kitty passed in 2020. And I still miss her ever day. I have a small box items that belonged to her, like her red dish, and I have it in a place that I can see but it 's out of the way. It doesn't cause me pain to have it. I did donate some of her items to an animal shelter, which felt like passing on the love. I have other cats now, but as you said, I got them their own things. Maybe ask yourself if keeping the items make you sad or if they comfort you? I am so so sorry for your loss. I know that even after 7 or 70 years we still miss them.❤

[@katyjoywells]

I totally get it! 💗

[@Tangentbordsblues]

Nyaan

[@SirenaSpades]

So you did this whole video but we don't have any idea with this ART method even is?!

[@katyjoywells]

Hi there! I went through the ART method in the video starting at 2:16!