Let's Declutter During a Hurricane

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I did indeed film this today as a way to cope with my anxiety about Hurricane Helene so if you're looking for something to do to distract you, too, I hope you enjoy this! Comment below if you are decluttering right along with me! And for more on Swedish Death Cleaning, my full playlist can be found here kzbin.info/aero/PLygBsukzpH651IUAdwB2Nkp3PELlgxxiK&si=RH5G-hRhkkHnXybe

[@chrystaltuckness5298]

I *love* that you used the word "release"! Such a small change in verbiage, such a big shift in my perspective!

[@1timbarrett]

‘Release’ is an excellent word when de-cluttering…! 👍

[@Julies-in-a-mood]

At our house we call it “parting ways.” Much more gentle than “getting rid of.”

[@marisamarino3671]

I love your strategy of setting a reasonable goal of 10 items. It makes the task so much more manageable. Will definitely start doing this for myself so I don’t get so overwhelmed.

[@lindseyperry1121]

Jen! I love that you watch Diane in Denmark! I was watching her recent decluttering videos as she was talking about going through her mom’s things and thought to myself: these two ladies should follow each other as there are some similarities! So many good tips from both of you! 🤗

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

What a wonderful compliment. Thank you!

[@jillp1762]

I thought the exact same thing!

[@RitaVernoy]

Watching you declutter is fun for me, slightly more fun than doing the decluttering myself😊

[@donnajohansson4105]

Hope you’re ok over there with the hurricane. Thinking of everyone affected ❤

[@lisasproul8027]

I wish decluttering was a stress buster for me! I have been better at letting things go from watching your videos though. Stay safe!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Lisa it was like magic. Somehow it helps me take my power back? No idea but it worked

[@bronniepaterson4694]

I’ve started my decluttering. It’s going very well.. Done the spare room,our bedroom,our wardrobes…. Next is the bathroom cupboards and knic knacks….. Hope you all got through the hurricane ok… I live on an island in the English Channel. We get a lot of high winds 80+ MPH its quite common,but still really scary… We actually had a full blown hurricane in 1987!, It was terrifying…… I loved this video…..👍🇬🇧

[@Lovesapuzzle]

I hear you. We also live in a tree canopy neighborhood. I love it except when we have storms because our power lines are above ground. While we frequently lose power, we've thankfully never had a tree fall on our house. We did have a tree fall into our elderly neighbor's yard. It turned out to be such an uplifting event. Several neighbors just showed up with chainsaws and made short work of a huge job. It restored my faith in humanity.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Love that. Yes the neighbors will be there for each other no matter what! But hoping we don’t need to test the theory.

[@1981cchris]

I enjoyed this! I declutterred Disney shirts. Disneyland pass x 7 years = lots of stuff. Went from 20 T shirts to 10 during this video. This is after a general declutter.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I am so happy to read that!! Woohoo!!!

[@mjhadley2001]

We're up in Buford and dealing with all of the rain too. I'm watching your video while getting ready to hunker down in the basement to ride out the storm.

[@lilyellens]

Loved this. It’s like packing videos, they just bring me joy! Hope you stay safe in the hurricane and your home isn’t damaged ❤

[@dianebalinski3390]

I, too, find decluttering calming. I'm heading upstairs to declutter for an hour (setting a timer). Thanks for the inspiration.

[@shelleynorthrop9276]

Thank you, thank you! I needed a distraction from my stressful week and this was perfectly timed. Love Scooby's face! He looks like he just wants you to lay down with him to relax.

[@jamieomalley8321]

This video came at a great time...I just bought my FIRST house yesterday! Excited to declutter before packing up my apartment. Hope you're staying safe - very rainy here in North Carolina!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Congratulations that’s wonderful!!! And yes the perfect time to purge!

[@Lovesapuzzle]

How exciting!

[@lunagabriella213]

Congrats! Clutterbug on here has been uploading an all month declutter that you can still join in. She's got a funny story each day, too!

[@karlameshey6042]

Congratulations!!!!!

[@bronwynquinn4477]

Thanks Jen! I hope you all stay safe and dry and have no damage to your property! Love declutterring too! cheers from Oz 🐬🌏

[@linda-2620]

Fun video in all the chaos of a renovation and storm brewing! Prayers for peace and comfort 🌿

[@vbigelis1705]

I’m not sure if the decluttering process is calming for me-but the results definitely make me feel calmer. The older I get the clutter gives me anxiety. I declutter while watching this video and got rid of about 10 scarves and several sweaters-so thank you!!

[@mollyfien]

I hear you. My daughter is in Roswell and I worry for her and her family. I live in upstate NewYork so it isn’t something we deal with. I’ve followed you awhile now and can relate to many areas of your life. Good luck and God bless.

[@sueplunkett-cole9186]

Loving hearing your thought process as you release things... like having a template for myself - you're very decisive, I guess all that practice huh? Thanks so much for posting this!

[@mariettacobb344]

We moved from Atlanta to Galveston, TX for retirement. Living in Galveston with my dog, I keep a Go bag ready for him, too. Yes, his food, meds, water, walking g items are needed; but be certain to have their inoculation records, and any vet records which would benefit an emergency vet. Be safe.

[@julieatherton3374]

Since watching your vlogs I have started to declutter, my mum is in her 80’s and has also started to declutter she says she doesn’t want it to be left to my brother and I when she is no longer here. Enjoy your vlogs has always.x

[@evanandevergreen]

I think I need to get some pearls, just so I can clutch them when appropriate ; ) I amuse myself…

[@sarajaneb1]

I declutter when I’m stressed too. Thank you!❤

[@noraw8955]

Hi Jen! Thank you for doing this video. I needed a good distraction from the hurricane as I’m in Florida and this is my first hurricane. I’m already freaked out by the sound of the winds outside and my anxiety level is rising. So this was a welcome distraction. I am looking forward to seeing your new bathroom! I’m sure it will be great! I pray you don’t suffer any damage from Helene 🙏🏼 Stay safe! ❤❤❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

And same to you! She certainly is causing a lot of drama so let’s hope all our prep is just in an abundance of caution. Hang in there!

[@shannonjackson3316]

Stay safe . Praying your home and neighborhood has no damage from the storm. I'm excited our live stream on Sunday for decluttering. I so need to do that with my holiday stuffed animal collection. It'll be the perfect time.

[@claervue7098]

watching the weather with you. If JOYFUL calms you, go for it Jen. We're watching and wishing you well!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you! I knew you all would get it!

[@misswittank9224]

I have a little pouches problem too but I do use them. I have been trying to encourage my mum to use pouches as she puts black cases and purses in her black handbag and every day spends ages searching through her bag to find things. I told her to get some brightly coloured pouches.

[@marisadawndesigns5458]

I also have a little pouches problem. Stay safe through the storm. Thinking of you all tonight!

[@BlueBird-nf2gp]

Be safe! I hope everyone else here affected by the storm is also safe. 🍀🍀🧡🧡

[@SilverDraco]

New safe! Loved the cleaning! I soooo need to do that. Don't toss too many of your trays in case you have to drop back for some reason. - Former dental assistant

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes such good advice! I’ve kept the last three!

[@rhondalockrey9592]

I have been decluttering my house for over a year making headway & I am also a reseller so that needs constant going through. When I go through stuff it makes me feel so much better & enjoy watching others go through the same process for tips & tricks. I hope you will be safe & update us when your able too.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Filming this video REALLY helped me center myself so I’m super glad you enjoyed it!! And I will definitely do a community post on here tomorrow. Thank you!

[@jennyjenkins877]

Great decluttering session, getting rid of duplicates and impulse buys.

[@StressyStressyLemonDepressy]

I hope you and yours stay safe during the storm, Jen. Best wishes from North Carolina!

[@deborahriddle7763]

Jen, your timing is perfect! In the process of packing for a 3 week trip to SE Asia and have found my travel stuff is so disorganized. You have encouraged me to sort through and declutter. I’m also in the wake of the hurricane in Florida so wishing a safe few days for all of us. Thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Hurricanes are perfect decluttering weather!

[@southlove]

Thank you for the distraction and the tips. We are in west Cobb County and my anxiety is off the charts. I believe it will be a long sleepless night and morning for many of us. Stay safe!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Agreed. In fact we will all be in the basement and I’m trying to look at it as a cozy bonding moment 😬

[@karinaeichmann1595]

You had mentioned that you found a new cool carry on bag, please share what you found as I am looking for a great new personal item bag

[@reneenospam]

This was fun! I also live in Atlanta in Buckhead. I grew up in coastal Florida so I remember my mother filling the bathtub with water! I haven’t thought about that in years. Maybe I’ll fill ours. Hmmm… Where is your Goodwill! I’d love to shop some of your castoffs.

[@joannewilliams41]

Really enjoyed spending time with you while you de-clutter 😃 thinking of everyone affected by the storm 🥰🥰 stay safe xxxx

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much!! We’ve prepped all we can now we just wait

[@Ksvjnr]

Wow nice to see your process🎊. Take care n stay safe.🙏

[@sallypriest4363]

I was not bored❣️

[@TheFtm22]

I don't swim anymore either because the pool chemicals started bothering my skin too. I have a bathroom remodel starting on Monday and so I have to empty the bathroom (I'll be throwing things away too). My mother passed away last year and gratefully I don't have to clean out her house at this time, though I am slowly removing the easy things. My entire house is a decluttering field. Glad to hear that you did okay during the storm.

[@philippa.552]

Hope you all stay safe ❤️ Would be really interested to see a video about what you pack in your go-bag.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

This one is not video worthy as I did it in haste but YES I need to do more research and do a proper one!

[@jillisenberg9704]

Hope you are safe from the storm! ❤

[@barbarae4194]

Hoping that you and all your loved ones make it safely through hurricane Helene. 🤞🤞💛

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much - we are all prepared and hunkering down

[@rmh0116]

Hi Jen! Consider selling your items on Poshmark or Mercari so that your community could purchase some of your items! Also, I stopped donating to our local Goodwill (for profit) and instead found two thrift stores in town that proceeds go to hospice care and related services and one organization that funds services in schools for students in need. Hopefully you have an option similar in your area! Or maybe you already do that! ♥️

[@jcbnyc2009]

Be safe!!! Orlando looks good for now.

[@annajohnson4761]

I, too, have a tiny pouches problem 😝

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean…there are worse problems for sure 🤣

[@Odetta77]

I love the comment: "to know which away bag is yours" 😀 Away bags seem to be popular!

[@janetroberts7073]

I loved this! So much fun. I just did my closet shelves.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love to hear it!! Great job!

[@lindsaybreslin7106]

Sending calming vibes your way. I love this video!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you and thank you! I don't think I've ever in my life gotten this much accomplished in one day but distracting myself at least has an upside!

[@susangodejohn315]

Take care! Sending good vibes!!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Susan!

[@keithallinder6232]

(Jane) I am absolutely de-cluttering with you. We have to have some foundation work done in our basement so we are being brutal. Funny how being told you have to clean out your basement makes letting go easier. 😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I get this completely. Ugh sorry about the foundation work though.

[@1timbarrett]

I was about to get all judgy about your collection of clear pouches until I remembered my own pile-up of pens…! 🖊️ 🖊️ 🖊️

[@Lisa-zt3oj]

I actually loved watching this video! Hope the storm predictions are not accurate. Stay safe.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you!!! And yes same.

[@LeighWilson-l8t]

We are in the same boat here in Chastain Park. Stay safe!!

[@carolynmeadows4538]

Please do a "go bag" video and tell us what can of bag you use and where you store it.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So this one is rather sad but I think I will do some research and do a proper one!

[@susanritzenthaler4502]

Away Luggage stopped sending the dust cover with every luggage purchase....rude (said only aluminum, I think? and they told me to use the box it came in to store the suitcase - lame.). Great video - motivating (as always). Many thanks for sharing.

[@pattyiwamoto7163]

Love my wine skin. Re-use for all kinds of things. Buying son a bottle of Japanese whiskey so have it with me in Japan now.

[@FLOWERSANDSUNSHINE22]

Jen, PLEASE be sure to stay safe. I'm worried for you and your family! It's too bad you couldn't bring some of those items to consignment as they are quite nice (as you know). We appreciate you keeping your nerves busy and putting up the video! Your friend from Boston 🙂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It was just what I needed so it makes me happy you liked it!!!

[@emmawatson9593]

Hope all is well with your house and property. I'm interested in learning more about weighted vests if you are willing to make a video about it in the future. All the best ❤

[@lizanderson4686]

Have I moved the same sugar bowl, creamer jug, and gravy boat at least 5 times in the 9 years I’ve lived in my home? Yes. Have I ever used them? No. I just pulled them out of the cabinet to donate. Begone pointless serve-ware! Hopefully, they can bring joy to someone else. Hope you’re as safe as can be. Keeping you in my thoughts❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Ok this is incredibly satisfying to read. I love this so much!!!!

[@norma8001]

Hope you come out the other side of the storm safe and secure. Helene is missing me this time, but family in WNC is already experiencing massive flooding. Last storm I did some major declutterring to keep my mind occupied.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It just helps so much doesn’t it??

[@goofygirl1311]

Thinking of you and saying a prayer for you and your family. Go away Helene! It's good that you can be productive under stress.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly it’s like a weird super power and I’m trying to lean in 🥸🤣🥰

[@IrisGibbs-u5m]

We put our magic bands on our Christmas tree 😆

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh how fun!

[@krislambertson369]

Be safe ❤

[@anne-marievr5710]

I hope you stayed safe during this devastating hurricane.

[@jamiegiaccone2024]

Be safe!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Jamie!

[@catherinebent5101]

Stay safe.

[@gcsmom9153]

Praying for you❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you! That is very much appreciated.

[@gardensenglishandtrivia]

I've been decluttering for a while now, at present I'm trying to limit the number of books I have. In the winter I'm going to tackle the garage and cellar once again (!!!). There are four people in my house but only one person hates clutter :-)

[@Lovesapuzzle]

OMG, I swear Scooby gave you an eye-roll at about 8:00. Does he know something that we don't?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Always 🤣😂

[@melissalucas3459]

Scooby's face at 8:00 😂

[@SilverDraco]

I did laugh already and then that closeup! 😂😂😂

[@soniaceratti]

Hope all is well for you? Florida got alot of rain and wind today 🤞

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

The worst will be overnight so we don’t know yet - thank you!

[@ingmariohman8242]

❤

[@nikij.6058]

Umm, I have a little pouch problem too!!!😂

[@lunagabriella213]

Hoping for the best!!! You did a good declutter. Don't worry about having too many pouches. I keep all of mine corralled into a bag. They almost got decluttered for being Harry Potter themed, but then I decided that I won't be purchasing more pouches unless I really had to! 😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean they really are useful! Thank you

[@kellybreedlove4960]

20+ year eBayer here. I would put that Lilly Pulitzer hat on eBay!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yup and I’m sure somebody who picks it up at Goodwill will do just that! We used to do loads of eBay and Poshmark I just don’t have time for that anymore.

[@kellybreedlove4960]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I saw that at the later point in your video 😁

[@brendabrinkley8029]

Thanks I’m getting rid of stuff. It’s time

[@fionakennedy8465]

Poor scooby 😂

[@anounimouse]

Salvation Army (for multiple reasons) is our choice of resale shops to donate to over Goodwill. Goodwill is NOT a not-for-profit organization.The Salvos donate so much to trauma areas of bad weather and other great causes.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I don’t ever work with Salvation Army due to some questionable practices and giving to anti-LGBTQ causes.

[@WellEditedCo]

My disabled son was in a special ed school program from age 18-21, and during those 3 years held 9 different jobs as job training. Goodwill was the only company that paid him as well as trained him. This impressed me very much, so I support the work they do.

[@lunagabriella213]

I'm not fond of Goodwill and yet I still choose to donate to them due to Salvation Army's pro "Christian" rhetoric and anti LGBT views. I'm on the flag, too.

[@neresq]

We are hoping to sell our house and move out of Florida in the not-too-distant future and plan to rid ourselves of many (most?) of our possessions when we do. But I have no intention of bothering with selling anything. The juice ain't worth the squeeze. Donation will be our method of releasing possessions. I just hate all the resellers who divert the goods away from the people who really need them for personal use.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Ok but I used to think that to and the reality is a lot of those resellers are single moms who are trying to raise some extra money for daycare and food - at least that’s what I tell myself!

[@neresq]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I would like to believe that, but all of the ones who post here lead me to believe otherwise.

[@joysharpe1500]

Please pray for the people of Western NC.. Entire towns have been wasted away. Ashville is completely isolated and can only be reached by helicopter .helicopter.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yup. We have a lot of friends there many of which we still can’t reach. Devastating.

[@donnaj.bonnel2789]

So happy you are safe! Thank you for your video!

[@Julies-in-a-mood]

25:05 I have NO idea what that item is. Can anyone fill me in? I have to know!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Away Travel suitcases come with a laundry bag and it goes with one of my suitcases (I usually wash them and evidently didn’t put it back in its home when I washed it last time)

[@thejaevlog4998]

I'm still watching the video but I wanted to be the first to ask, "like oh my gawd, why are you sitting on the floor... with an unattractive background?!?" 😂😂😂 Sorry Jen, that was all I could think of! This is not boring and I'm glad you found a productive outlet for the chaotic energy your experiencing right now.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

SERIOUSLY I thought it too and I think it was privately an act of rebellion 🤣🤣🤣🥰

[@lindabreckler777]

Hello, Jen. New viewer. Thank you for your clear out and Swedish Death vids. They are very encouraging for me right now. Please stay safe during storm. Prayers for you and your household.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@lindabreckler777 love hearing that and thank you!!

[@marlahargrove5685]

@@thejaevlog4998 she’s working. 🫡

[@mobe494]

Gotta love some cosmetics bags! What is it about these things??🤔 I literally make a bee line to this section every time I go into Goodwill!!🫣 I have WAY TOO MANY!! Glad you are feeling better these days! 🤗🙏🏽