MAKE IT HAPPEN | 6 Questions to Ask Yourself to Make Decluttering Way Easier | Minimalism

Today I want to share six questions I ask myself while I'm decluttering that help motivate me to let things go!
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[@aperson1719]

I am a VERY sentimental person and have issues with memory loss... so the best tip I have made up to declutter is to take a picture of the item but not keeping the item itself. I won't lose the memory or sentiment when I can flip through a book of pictures of all the things I loved :) Hope this is helpful to someone else!

[@ElinLesser]

Great tip!

[@triplevirgo8739]

Thank you. I never thought about it like that... I too am so emotional about the past... It's all I have to remember... Reliving the moment & The Joy my heart's filled with ... Yet, I'm stuck w/ multiple boxes that I Don't Need... My aunt told me... If U haven't opened that box in the last 1-2yrs nor know what's in it? Then TOSS IT!! Of course then I open it & can't let go

[@aswithinsowithout]

I have been decluttering for the past two days. Not mentioning it to the children. I take breaks, cry, watch these videos, etc. my 11 yo daughter is dramatically decluttering her room: “Mom, can I get rid of all this?” Lol. At least it’s not hard for them. ❤️

[@cantocant2346]

One of the ways I help myself declutter is to compare like-colored objects. I had a red bench and a red sofa table. I thought, "If I could only keep one piece of red furniture for the house, which one would it be?" And I knew I would want the bench more so I was able to declutter the sofa table. I did this with all my white shirts, all my black pants, all my clear tupperware, ect....I respond to color more than anything so I make progress this way. Thank you for the video.

[@dp2404]

That's very interesting

[@ElinLesser]

Oo I love that idea!!! Just forces you to compare and figure out which pieces are most important! Thanks for the tip.

[@dianasavonjourney]

Wow!! Thats such an interesting idea! I've never heard anyone give that as a tip, and I love it...im going to try it tomorrow!

[@cantocant2346]

@@dianasavonjourney I had thirty two white shirts at one point and didn't even realize it! I only wore three so it made the declutter so much easier. I wish you much success!

[@michelewhite9956]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[@abbygreenwald8873]

1. Can I get by without it? 2. How often do I use it? 3. Does it bring meaning or value to my life? 4. Is there something that's keeping me from letting this go? 5. Who or what matters most to me and how does this object compare? 6.Where am I going in life and do I want to bring this object with me?

[@TheEllaTB]

Questions that have also helped me in more specific situations... When moving: Do I want to unpack this in my new house? When unpacking: Does this have a place in my new house? When cleaning: Do I want to dust/wipe/clean/ move this again? When considering my dreams: is this helping me reach my goal or holding me back? Questions are good, they get us thinking beyond the immediate moment...

[@ElinLesser]

Amazing! Love these!

[@campseifer]

Question #6 is new, at least to me. I’m going to use this question often. Thank you for sharing all of these questions. And your voice and speaking style are so easy to listen to 😊

[@shiningstar1869]

Thank you for listing these questions. I am writing them down!

[@jmsl910]

ty for the list!

[@GIGIFREELIFE]

what is helping me to declutter clothes is to sell some pieces to buy one good one I need

[@BrentWigginsWords]

My childhood had some of the happier moments in my life. I keep those objects as a reminder and for relief. They are mostly aesthetic, some duplicates. I should pare down those childhood favorites to the best memories. The objects have been an obstacle at times, and as much as I like to walk by that obstacle, it is time to overcome it. Pictures will remove the psychological weight and serve as vicarious pleasure. At least not all of my childhood is going away.

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

What worked for me was NOT doing laundry for a month, on purpose. I would wash only underwear and socks and was forced to confront those items I avoided wearing. THEN, with my frequently worn items in the laundry bag, I was down to stuff I was mostly reluctant to wear for whatever reason and was able to plow thru purging those items.

[@jmsl910]

genius!

[@kimgordon3695]

Oh my Military grade operation

[@alejandrapoch9338]

I love this video. It really resonates with me. I wrote down the questions and I’ve noticed that to me ‘how do I want to spend my time?’ is the most important question. I’ve been decluttering my entire house now for 2 full years. I can honestly say that just now I’m getting to the real mindset shift. I love how I think about stuff now. I no longer see it as ‘treasures’. I see it more in a pragmatic way. And I never thought the freedom of decluttering would make me more creative and value the things I do keep & have a fixed place for, more!! I really treasure them now and take better care of them. Not to mention the ease to keep everything clean!

[@ElinLesser]

Wow -- such a good point. Being more minimalist allows us to enjoy and care for those objects that are most important to us even more!

[@melenelewis2955]

I Really love watching your videos ! Even at 67yrs old I have learnt such a lot of how to de -stress by starting to use your tips. I also realised that some things that I took so long to obtain because they were expensive eg my piano have become symbols of failure because they don't get used often enough to justify the price paid (both financially and years of hope ) to obtain them........so it is time to declutter my valuable items! I have a long way to go hope I have enough years left to complete the process 😅.

[@bethpierce4719]

Excellent video! I recently happened upon your videos, and so enjoy your content. I am currently working towards a more minimalized home. One of my concerns is one day leaving a bunch of “stuff” (burdens) for my loved ones to contend with. Also, I just really love and thrive better in a streamlined, tidy, more organized environment.💕

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much! And I'm totally with you on that!

[@IndigoAwakener]

"What Message is this giving to me over and over, and do I want to hear that anymore?" (Clean me, use me, I'm going to waste, I belonged to so and so, don't you appreciate them or me? I was a gift, weren't you grateful? You spent good money on me, you need to use/wear me, I used to be a favorite, don't you love me anymore? Mend me. Etc. ) All our belongings send us Messages, the Noise can become overwhelming. Figure out what your things are saying to you constantly. 💖

[@jeannette7243]

Great video! Questions that I have found useful are 1. Why do I own this item, and the even more important question of 2. 'Would I buy it again? This tells me whether it has a place in the life I am living now, or if it is just another thing that I accumulated in the past. It compares to your question of 'Do I want to bring it with me?', but having to buy it again (in you mind's eye) gives it a different weight.

[@ElinLesser]

Love these questions! Great additions -- thanks for sharing!

[@bex438]

Thank you for sharing this. I could relate to so much of what you said, especially number 5 which really resonated with me on a deeper level. Since my mum who was my last direct family member as I'm a only child passed away last year, have looked at my possessions and the stuff around me I a completely different way. I have no one to pass things on to and it was incredibly difficult and traumatic going through my mums belongings especially as she was a hoarder. After doing this I made my mind up to declutter as much as I could and am still working through this process, so that when I am eventually able to move I will only have what I absolutely need or love for the life I'm living - It's amazing what a difference a shift of mindset and perspective can make ❤

[@ElinLesser]

Wow. Thank you for sharing such a personal, meaningful story. I'm sorry for your loss,. Also, this is inspiring -- having that mindset shift is the hardest step, I think. And it's incredibly how life events can embolden us to actually change our behaviors. But it's also up to us to take advantage of that inspiration and move forward with it. Sounds like you've done that! Something I'm still working on :)

[@rebeccasaunders2657]

@@ElinLesser Thank you, keep going you'll get there ❤

[@briannawilliams8779]

Your comment resonated with me! My mom is an only child and my grandmother passed away a little over a year ago. She was living in a single family home for the longest until she was moved to an assisted living for a few years and that's where she passed, but all of her house belongings are either still in our basement or in a unit. I still haven't seen the unit since the items have been put in there (2+ years) and I worry that I'm going to be forced into this situation with my mom as well (because I can see their patterns). I'm hoping for the best and I've already gotten more into the habit of keeping my personal items together because I really don't want to burden anyone like what we're dealing with now.

[@rebeccasaunders2657]

@@briannawilliams8779 I'm sorry that you're being faced with this, it's a difficult and upsetting situation. I think that people generally are inclined to put off sorting or going through their or others things for a variety of reasons, but it becomes that much more difficult for everyone when someone passes away. If you can talk to your family maybe see if they or you all as a family can sort through your grandmas belongings, it's still difficult but it makes it a little easier not to have to face it on your own. Depending on the kind of family you have, you may be able to talk through how upsetting the whole process is, hopefully that is the case for you and it will make your mum think about her own belongings. If not maybe ask a partner/close friend to help you, like I said it's a difficult and upsetting process, but the feeling of relief and freedom once the stuff is sorted out is huge. It also helps if you can donate as much as you can to charitable causes, just last week my partner took my mums old wedding dress to a charity shop for me because I was too upset, but it has really helped to get it out of my space and also to know that it will in some way be helping raise money for a worthy cause. I really hope it all works out for the best for you, take care ❤

[@michelebinder8074]

Me too, there’s no one to leave “things” to…especially when it’s the story that really matters, like, “These are the earrings Dad bought for Mom when he served in Viet Nam”. Thanks 🙏

[@katypiette3581]

Thank you for this! So true! I was 32 when my 35 y/old husband died and 7 years later I still have tons of his clothing in storage. I’ve donated and thrown out a ton of non usable stuff but it’s insane how much stuff we accumulate. I’ve struggled with my weight since his passing and it fluctuates a lot. Keeping size XS-XL as ‘just in case’ items takes up so much space physically and mentally! I’m working through it but your videos give me so much more insight! Thanks for all the time you put into your videos! I can always learn something new just when I’m feeling stuck!

[@ecto78]

Yes, these are very helpful suggestions/questions to ask! I am still a "work in progress" minimalist, but I am getting there! I tend to gather items I want to sell/declutter on eBay (I don't use Facebook, so I don't use Marketplace) & I try to list at least 25 items per week. I now just donate items that are still usable and in good condition if I don't want to fool with listing them on eBay. So, my process is gradual and much slower probably due to my selling. The selling does make me feel better, though.

[@ElinLesser]

We are all works in progress! And that's a lot of items that you list--that's awesome.

[@juliagrun7812]

Does it spark Joy? Number One question for me;) to build a life around Joy and Really Feel it

[@ElinLesser]

Good point. Nothing like a classic Kondo question!

[@TheEllaTB]

That's a good question, but I realized it could also be tricky. Sometimes I would feel anxiety about letting something go and I would assume that keeping it meant joy. However, I've learned if it's not an enthusiastic YES, it's a definite no, even if it takes some soul work to let it go

[@Blu-mc1wv]

I take a photo of a room or smaller section and send it to my friend. Then I declutter and deep clean the area. As I purge items I go back to my photo several times to really notice the progress as I go. Then I send an after photo to my friend and her amazement and words of praise really remind me that I made the right decision by tossing stuff out. And it motivates her to do the same to her home. And even her 10 year old daughter is doing the same with her bedroom!

[@rachelwycherley4121]

Great video, thanks so much! I combine my passion for animal welfare with my decluttering process. I see my extraneous items as a potential dog’s dinner or a vaccine. This makes it easy for me to let go of stuff even if I love the item. Xxx

[@cantocant2346]

Love your calm videos.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!

[@jkrieger2595]

One of my trouble spots is not necessarily clothing or objects, but things that include "information". I think I'm sort of an information hoarder! I've started using Evernote to scan docs/bills/receipts in to an online database and that has definitely helped. Yet, I find myself holding on to "high value" items in my esteem such as National Geographic magazines, or trade journals related to my job (including valuable continuing education articles). I have so many books/novels I want to read yet I never seem to allow the time to read them. Just tonight a University of Wisconsin Alumni magazine arrived in the mail (as usual) but my husband had it in the junk pile with some other catalogs/promotions. He said, "you want this?" I said Yes! And, to be fair, there are some really interesting articles about UW research in there I'd like to read. Yet, I didn't have time to read the article on the spot and all this interesting "info" to read just collects at me leading to stress dreams and generalized anxiety I think. So - in a nutshell, I can sort of manage visual clutter and possessions but information is harder for me to decipher.

[@blank_notyou]

My very first step towards minimalism started when I got a phone with a camera. I would take a picture of clothing items I wanted, and if that fulfilled my desire for it, awesome! And if not, I'd think about it a little more conscientiously still before I bought it.

[@albertschulz5575]

"What future do I envision for myself and do I want to bring this object?" did it for me. Suddenly I'm able to let go of many things from my past that were important back then and are still sort of precious to me today, but that will be irrelevant to the future I aspire to have. Thank you.

[@gloriaousley7075]

Love your channel. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been doing simple living for 3 years now. Love it❤️

[@martimar7181]

I love the term “simple living,” over minimalism. 🖤

[@ElinLesser]

Awesome! And thanks so much. :)

[@ElinLesser]

@@martimar7181 I really like "simple living" too

[@knowledges393]

Your background is full of calmness i feel it and enjoying ur video

[@ellencarlsson2787]

Great video, thank you! Question 5 was particularly helpful for me right now. As you said it's easy to get so wrapped up in the decluttering that you completely forget about the bigger perspective and the reason you want to live a more minimalist life in the first place. Love from Ellen ☀️

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for the feedback and these thoughts! I appreciate it, Ellen :)

[@biancas.6283]

When I started following we were just a few hundred, good to see your channel is doing so well! Congrats, I'm not really surprised! :)

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much! Can't believe it. :)

[@Christinamychas]

Haha I totally run into Sticky Brain too

[@ElinLesser]

haha, glad I'm not alone here :) (congrats on the name switch!)

[@InsideSophiaM]

Thank you for this. I’m starting my minimalist journey this week 💞

[@amonralice]

I sometimes write down the PROs & CONs of a "difficult" item which gives me that "decision fatigue" of keeping or letting it go. 🙄 The more CONs, the more letting go. 😁 I hope this advice will help others on their minimalism journey. ❤

[@susancook3360]

Going right now to put 2 ugly gifts in my op shop bag by the door. Thsnks

[@sandykrieger5392]

I love your beautiful setting today. Very peaceful.

[@dashaprosvy2223]

Love you videos and your approach! Thank you for sharing. I would like to hear something about digital declutter, you know photoes, old files , pictures on pinterest ...that kind of stuff.

[@kathycoomer6070]

Excellent video! I have been striving to move toward minimalism and your video really hit me like a lightbulb! You made my why so much clearer! Thank you so much!!!❤️

[@deericcio3379]

I gave away an expensive guitar that I loved because I wasn’t playing it as often as I thought I should , I sometimes regret it cause it was beautiful and it had memories attached to it , but you know what ? I took up piano and I love piano so much more than I did guitar ! I don’t think I would have taken the new challenge and joy of piano if I hadn’t let go of guitar !

[@embraceintentions]

I always ask myself first whether the item makes me happy and then whether it serves a function that nothing else that I also own can do. Those always help me to get started, but I love how you talk about asking yourself whether there is some sort of barrier. Never thought about that, so will incorporate that going forward 💚

[@Lin-1785]

All great questions. 6 is the one I'll use most!

[@sk8oasis788]

Lightness & Freedom 🎊 ❤🎉💗

[@DSS0927]

I love your videos! Thank you!!

[@OneAngelicPrincess]

Thank you for the lovely perspective! 🤩🌸 I’m currently trying to declutter myself and I’ll definitely keep this in mind ☀️

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!!!

[@sandramaki7819]

Loved this video 💚! Thoughtful questions. I think getting to the why of decluttering is critical for me. Going to think about that right now... thanks for what you do.

[@sarahthatcher123]

This is so great! Thank you...

[@lindaquennec6909]

Excellent. That last question is the kicker. Thank you :)

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for watching :)

[@DanTheManIOM]

#6, where are you going tends to help, when I was moving, it was very easy to make decisions, I simply did not have the time to fix stuff and had to admit it, or that item would not make it on the truck, I only had so much time and had to get stuff done. Even, then, we brought stuff to the new house and then, threw it out !! WTH.

[@RedNailsRedDress]

Loved this video so much thank you 🥰

[@sk8oasis788]

Zooming out really resonated Thanks ❤

[@munirasultana2313]

Great Video 💖

[@lindaroberts2282]

Thank you for sharing; I truly enjoyed this video.

[@ElinLesser]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leahtreck1083]

Aloha, thank you for this very helpful video.

[@SusanneGeert]

AMAZING VIDEO 🙌🏼🙌🏼 Saved for later and shared with friends 👌🏻 I always love your videos but topics like you went through here are extremely helpful. Please more content like this 🙏🏻 Thanks so much for sharing all this valuable stuff 😊

[@ElinLesser]

Oh my goodness thank you! Good to know--I'll keep that in mind. And thanks for sharing with friends -- it helps support me :)

[@eviozyra6300]

I really liked this video and those tips. Thank you for that! :)

[@ElinLesser]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@shiningstar1869]

Great video! 👍🍃

[@williamclark1244]

I ask myself if its worth the maintenance of the item, especially if I don't use it often enough.

[@appalachianwanderseeker]

I love the question, what type of life am I trying to cultivate!

[@triplevirgo8739]

My biggest problem is ALWAYS telling myself: I forgot that I had this! Or Someone may need this? As I remind SELF "A Cluttered Home Is An Cluttered Mind!!" Now I'm frustrated, overwhelmed & filled w/Anxiety... I Literally get tired just looking at it... So, I'll shuffle the items/boxes... Leaving me back @ square 1 --GET Rid/Donate ALL Unused/Unwanted/2Small/2Tight/2Big... My favorite line is :WHY DID I BUY THIS?!

[@susanjames3861]

Thank you 😊

[@pinayinuk]

Very nice video

[@kimberlyroche7113]

Would is your advice about decluttering items that you received after a loved one passes away?

[@runnr1971]

artwork above your fireplace... LOVE. Where did you get it? Looking for something similar.

[@lordy7933]

✨

[@AMiah-jz8uu]

Cool trouserd

[@kateboo4013]

Sometimes my barrier is: where would I dispose of this item?

[@kimgordon3695]

#TidyHouse (I'm artsy) I take a boutique approach. Less is more!

[@kimgordon3695]

I'm a new subscriber. I found you thru #MalamaLife. Beautiful Elin...

[@midlife_minimalist]

This would be a great printable!

[@ElinLesser]

oo good point... :) You've got me thinkin'

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍