MASSIVE CLOSET DECLUTTER | The Dreaded Maybe Pile | Quarantine Bins | Minimalism for Beginners 2021

[@kimberlyheinz4490]

The one thing I do when I am not sure if I should keep a clothing item or not, is I wear it to work. By wearing it all day I can decide if I like it or not. This week I got rid of 2 pair of jeans because I hated the way they fit. I immediately put in donate bin and also didn't feel any guilt about them!

[@shawnaford5540]

That is what I do as well! It works so well with the items that I am not clear about and just got into the habit of wearing.

[@kellycook4347]

That's works best for me too. I really focus on picking something to wear that hasn't been worn in a while. If I put it on and then take it off that day, most likely I don't really care for it. So, it goes to the donate bin.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Yeah unfortunately this doesn't work in a remote work world. I work in my bedroom.

[@magpie405]

thats great advice woah im gonna do that

[@sugarcandy654]

@@lowwastehighmelanin maybe u can try wearing it when u go out to buy the groceries? It’ll still help u see which items are comfortable enough to move around in n if u still like it

[@midlife_minimalist]

I always say decluttering is like peeling an onion - one layer at a time. You build the muscle that way so it becomes easier and easier to let go during the next layers. I enjoy videos like yours where you talk through the process. You Tube has become full of declutter videos of “watch me declutter on fast forward to music”. While some of that is fine, I really like to hear people’s thought processes - particularly on items they struggle with because it might help me with something I struggle with.

[@ElinLesser]

I agree--it's totally like a muscle. I'm still workin' on mine! And thanks for the kind words!

[@carolgeorge6409]

Hilary totally agree. Can’t deal the music and the fast forward

[@sekayiperkins7448]

That is so powerful “you want to act based on your value not your emotion “

[@sabrinaa8948]

I don't know how - but it never occurred to me to actually visualize what my space and life would look like if I succeed in my ultimate declutter and reorganization. So motivating. Thank you!

[@OrangeVilla]

Appreciate you being so real with the difficulties of decluttering. I have been on this journey for about 9 months and it has not been an easy one. It takes a lot of patience and hard work. It’s physically, mentally and emotionally taxing and it’s so time consuming! Most minimalist lifestyle videos I saw have the effect of making me feel worse about the huge distance between where I am and where I’d like to be. However, this video feels more relatable and encouraging. Thanks!

[@nesxya]

Two things that I have learned when doing massive closet decluttering. (My last declutter left me with 13 clothing items and 20 shoes). 1) Wearing a maybe item around the house at least a few hours. Most of the time they are uncomfortable but I like the style. Wearing the item wakes its up so I can feel and see it, which helps with the decision process. 2) If you are parting with an item that you love for whatever reason. Write it down, often times you can find a similar replacement. I'm back up to @100 clothing items and struggling with my current declutter. Your video has truly helped with my anxiety. I'm going to implement: 3) Maybe bins to check later. 4) Curating a Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe to rotate selection while working on achieving a more mindful minimalist wardrobe. Thank you for a calming inspirational video! 💖

[@saraeclipse]

I love these types of videos! I've declutter my closet so many times over the last year. Every time I think I'm done, I find more a week or so later to get rid of.

[@kellycook4347]

Same! It's really a continual life process. I didn't realize that when I started last year. It's a hobby now.

[@dp2404]

4 years in and it's still like that. My closet is slowly improving

[@hanciastefanski7860]

Thank you Elin. Your tips and recommendations are the best. All this time I thought I was a failure because I didn’t declutter quickly enough. I learned from you that I was too hard on myself. Since I discovered your channel about 3 weeks ago I have been decluttering daily and it feels so good. Thank you! 🌳

[@cherylj755]

It’s her voice and mature demeanor that coaxed me to subscribe and declutter. 💆‍♀️👍☺️

[@ourlittlefamilytacs6547]

Yeah I agree

[@carolgeorge6409]

Totally agree. Need the calmness

[@kaitlynjury6207]

Ugh this video really hits me! My quarantine bin is literally full of things I purchased during quarantine (impulsively, might I add) that I've never used. Because I paid more for these items, unlike a normal thrift find, I feel like that's why I'm holding on for so long. This video was a breath of fresh air in the world of minimalism decluttering videos. Most people don't open up with the emotional struggles as much as you did. Thank you for such great content!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so, so much! Comments like this are impactful for me, because it definitely makes me feel like others are experiencing the same kind of thing and can also relate to the emotional aspects of the decluttering process. And yeah, I definitely had some items that I had never worn, and that came with a lot of guilt for me. So I'm right there with you. But you got this! You don't have to listen to that guilt!

[@cathycombs414]

I had not heard of this WAY of decluttering clothing before..I LOVE it.....Get the things I love FIRST...then putting the rest aside temporarily ...I am doing this as soon as i can...thank you!!!!!

[@pixi78]

I don’t have quarantine or maybe bins. I declutter, sort into sell, donate, recycle piles. Then I sleep on it and go back through it all the next day to double check. I also have a psychology background and chose not to get emotional about clothes. They are just material. The feelings, memories associated don’t disappear when you declutter. I still remember the dress I wore when I graduated University 18 years ago. I didn’t need to keep the dress and the same for many other special occasions 😊

[@ElinLesser]

Wow, good for you! I'm still at the stage where maybe bins work for me, but hopefully I can get to the point you're talking about.

[@kimgordon3695]

Gifting them.to a young person starting out has given me Joy

[@dp2404]

👏Wow

[@Hugo_Mali]

No quarantine in my case either but I also can't sell anything becouse I really need it to go out as soon as possible and donation centers are not the thing really where I live, I literally have to find the person I will give it to. When it comes to hard to decide items, I've found it to be the best option if someone close to me want them.

[@sarahfrancescutti9873]

I've done a few decluttered on my clothes and every time it brings up anxiety about "not having enough" while I know that if I'm not using the items, I might as well know someone else can use it. Always a process, but worth the emotions to now have so much clarity and space in my closet, with pieces I love!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I think deep down, we know what must go. Thinking of different ways of wearing it, different occasions, how much one spent, how great the brand is, etc., just causes more stress and more hanging on to things we know we won’t wear.

[@lunaportia989]

Hi, thank you for this great video and thank you for the honesty. I believe that our journey to minimalism is as unique as ourselves. Therefore, there are no specific numbers of items, standards, and 'failures' during this journey, as every single step teaches us more about ourselves in depth and helps us understand our needs. Sometimes, we are not ready to part with certain things, and that is totally alright. Please be kind to yourself. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@christalgiffin9579]

I really love how you share your thoughts and feelings about getting rid of your clothes. It adds a bit more awareness to an item on why we may be keeping something. I am about to go through my clothes that I have way too many of. I have spent a pretty penny on them and think I will someday wear them. My job and area call for very casual clothes or I wear my "no" clothes so my good ones don't get ruined as I am always doing messy/painting/dirty things when not working. I did start to wear my "yes" clothes more, even when they could potentially get ruined. Yolo! 🤗 ✨

[@adrianpoolefamily9437]

I remember holding on to two pairs of trousers for quite a few years. I thought they were a good buy at the time but they never looked that great and I put them aside, feeling I guess guilty and you know, I might wear them again. I finally donated them and now I feel such relief because I never have to wear them again! I enjoyed the music at the beginning of your video, so relaxing. Great information and loved your honesty.

[@marvawiebe4364]

Thank you for the tip to acknowledge the emotions involved in parting with your possessions. Remembering that it is a temporary feeling will help when I eventually go through my quarantine bins, although I think I will wait at least 6 months. I think it will be easier to tell myself, "you haven't even missed these items in all that time".

[@mothermayi9545]

This video makes me feel so much more motivated to declutter and move out.

[@Chandra-pm6ql]

I was planning on doing a wardrobe declutter this week, and this video was exactly what I needed. I’ll definitely be pulling out my favourites first to design my dream wardrobe around them.

[@ElinLesser]

Awesome! I'm so glad you found this approach helpful :) Good luck with the declutter! You got this!

[@jfpdc888]

Wow.. Thank you so much for sharing from a real place of feeling about decluttering, it is so helpful for someone at the beginning of this much needed journey. I'm really happy I found your channel and right now, I am binge watching your vids for learning and support while in my process.. Thank YOU so much once again. Please know you are making a difference for those of us that find this process needed and a struggle at the same time!

[@rhosymedra6628]

I do that quarantine bin thing too...95% of the time I end up giving away the stuff that goes in there, but actually last week I pulled a sweater out of there and wore it, and now it's back with my clothes because I love it!

[@rebeccabaron1348]

I do the same thing with bins. I will put it in the garage or somewhere else that is not easy to dig into when laundry has not been done etc…. It’s the only way for me to truly get in a mindset of using what I chose and really make it work. Love your content.

[@natalies3775]

Oh my gosh. I loved your bloopers at the end. Made me smile. Thanks for another amazing video.

[@ElinLesser]

haha, glad you liked those ;)

[@seasons830]

Thankyou for the tips on cords and cleaning as you go. Think also cleaning as you go gives you time to appreciate what you have.

[@siobhanmulvey]

The emotional side of decluttering my wardrobe was intense so I had to go very slowly. I was reassessing and letting go of past selves/identities while acknowledging my current life and future self and being excited for it..yet still mourning the life I had and life I thought I’d have- all of which these clothes represented. So wild! I journaled a ton and did guided meditations so much I felt like I’d done my own intensive therapy session. Each time I took boxes to donate our of apt I felt elated and really ungrounded all at once. I had to do little ceremonies w Sage and chimes otherwise I literally binge ate (which I don’t do) bc so many feelings came up. I also now just plan to take a nap after or go out for tea or something relaxing so I have a change of scenery before going back home. Decluttering is no joke!

[@lisadavis4279]

I am making myself wear the maybes that week (as long as the item is in season and not special occasion). Wearing it makes me truly reflect on the item, if I love it and if it adds value to my wardrobe. If it doesn't make me feel great, I let it go, Marie Kondo style.

[@patriciariddle74]

I'm really enjoying your content :) I find I have to revisit decluttering the same area a few times before it gets to a stage I'm long-term happy with and able to maintain at that level.

[@terri6584]

Please know, although I have watched many various videos made by others re: minimalism/decluttering, your comment in 1 of your videos has HELPED ME THE MOST (not to bring in more stuff after getting rid of stuff" .... "We need to appreciate what WE DO HAVE. "Count our Blessings!" That is HUGE and the TRUTH! (Otherwise, old habits.......)

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much for this comment! I'm so glad this mindset helped! 😃

[@katringustin56]

I am so happy I found your channel! I love your videos and how real and genuine you are! Thanks!

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, thank you! :)

[@justalittleless4610]

Great advice and honesty. The points made from 13:25 in the video were really original, insightful and inspiring. Thanks for making such a helpful video 💕

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much! That means so much. :) (And honestly, it's helpful feedback to know what felt interesting/original!)

[@ginacamille8414]

I’ve been loving your videos! I find it helpful to keep one “not sure yet” bag that is always in my closet. It’s a cute bag that I like having out on the shelf and anything that I don’t know how or if to get rid of (sentimental things I no longer wear but have memories attached, things that are worn out but I’m not sure yet how to upcycle or recycle, gifts I feel guilty about). I let them sit in their bag until it starts getting too full, usually a few months. Then I look through it and I can more easily notice what I still haven’t used, or what I’m now ready to give away. And a few things sometimes go back in for awhile. It gives them a nice little boundary, but takes the pressure off of having to decide on them right away. Decluttering can be a marathon, doesn’t have to be a sprint!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much for sharing! I think that sounds like a great approach!

[@lisadavis4279]

Its ok to give yourself permission to bring things back or to even replace items you later miss or wish you had not given away. At least you are on the road to better intention for living with less. Good job to you!

[@kellybri9285]

Such a valuable video and you have pointed out some very good aspects of decluttering! I’m in this process since 2019 and still not done and some items I wished I’ve kept in the quarantine bin because I regret getting rid of! So being patient and thoughtful is key! Thank you for sharing your experiences and I wish you and everyone here happy decluttering🌺

[@greti_garbo7312]

I just recently discovered your channel and am already a big fan! Your way of talking to your audience is very calming, I could listen to you for hours! And I think the advice you give is very motivating 😊

[@ElinLesser]

Oh my goodness thank you for the thoughtful comment! Means a lot.

[@birdsshoes7021]

I am so happy to watch a video of the "behind the scene" of the emotional journey. I am in that process now. I do make seasonal bins and will declutter winter clothes during winter season only and summer clothes during summer. I haven't made a maybe bin yet. I notice the clothes I am not used to wear and everyday, I try to put on the ones that are "maybes" and see if I manage to use them. If every time I put it on, I end up wearing something else, it becomes clear: I will never wear it. Even if I like it, for some reason I don't wear it. This way, it becomes easier to get rid of it. (like you did with your rectangle necklace)

[@ElinLesser]

Such good insights! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@rebeccamorris7436]

I just started watching your videos, thank you for sharing. I have been interested in creating a minimalist lifestyle for years but just now am starting to take a first step. It feels great and exciting but definitely daunting so again, thank you for your guidance, tips and mistakes...it is really, really helpful 😊

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much! Glad you’ve found it helpful!

[@CarolenGrayToday]

That’s a great idea to put clothes in quarantine bins. I did that when I gained weight with clothes I just didn’t get enough wear out of and didn’t want to get rid of. I lost a good bit of the weight (a little more to go!) and completely forgot about the tote for almost 4 years until I got in to my minimalist/intentional living journey. And guess what?!? Almost everything fit so I got a New wardrobe as well as got rid of the old too big clothing!! Wahoooo!!

[@ElinLesser]

Hey, that's awesome! Nothing like not having to purchase new stuff! :)

[@LisaNix2]

I really love that you look at the psychology of things. 😀

[@annamaria1419]

This video was really eye opening for me. I really need to deal with my maybe pile. Normally I'm not that sentimental about my clothes but since the second lockdown - here in Germany - I feel attached to my clothing and have a huge maybe pile. Your tips are amazing. Thank you🌟

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! And the kind words--they mean a lot. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds the maybe pile so challenging. Sending all good vibes your way in Germany!

[@kd2538]

Thank you 🙏🏻 this was just what I needed. I’ve been doing this for years and this was truthful and empowering.

[@ElinLesser]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernadettelee38]

This video truly inspired me. Thank you for your honesty because I thought like I was alone. I value your vulnerability, clarity and strength! Love your channel. I’m new. 😁👍

[@ElinLesser]

Oh my goodness thank you so much! And welcome :)

[@Emyleeg]

Thank you! Its so true that its really hard to declutter! Like it took me months to declutter things that I didnt used, its a slow process and you need to let it go when you are ready ! ❤️

[@ElinLesser]

You are so right. I'm with ya!

[@jennesont4791]

I appreciate your honesty about your emotions

[@mondfalkin3781]

I removed all stuff that triggered my pain-center in my brain, it was hard yes, but now I deeply enjoy my peacfully lovely place, because I removed all the "dirt" and have only goldnuggets left 😁🥰 except (!!!) for paper clutter and books, this is still a challenge 😅

[@ElinLesser]

That's awesome! Congrats on your progress. (And I agree--paper clutter is so difficult!) :)

[@victoriasmees5625]

For books, I pretend I’m shopping in my own house; which ones would I re-buy right now? Which ones will I definitely reread? And then let the rest go~ focusing on what you want to keep rather than what to get rid of.

[@majesticwonder]

@@victoriasmees5625 excellent idea

[@tiddlypom2097]

This is such a great way of putting it! It's so tiring holding on to stuff because of emotions like guilt or fear

[@patriciademars7496]

Just becoming aware of pain/shame/guilt emotions. Getting rid of things that bring up those thoughts and memories is excellent. As I do "Death Cleaning" at age 80, many things will be eliminated easier

[@Nicole_Gillian]

Thanks for all the inspiration! I just did the 500 item decluttering! But I feel like I could do more! But I don’t want to be wasteful by rebuying

[@ElinLesser]

Wow congrats on doing that challenge! That's awesome. And thank you!

[@hannahoriginal4698]

I just discovered your videos today and I feel like you're so honest and kind - I love that. ♥ Thank you for being such a sweetheart. Please keep going ☺ 🙏

[@janicevin4207]

My decluttering method was: 1)owning my "style" and declutter what did not fit that style or that I did not wear any more 2) declutter the items that I had too many of (like keeping a reasonable numbers of black Tee shirts) 3) deciding on a few colors that match together and get rid of the rest 4) I donate all the "maybe" that are not of good quality ( keeping only cotton, linen, cashmere, wool blends...) 5) I sell my "good quality" clothes through my local consignment store which accepts only items by season so 4 times a year: it gives me time to revisit my 4 "maybe" seasonal boxes and it is a necessary step as I go back and forth in bringing back items, putting some back away and when the time comes to drop off my clothes I am pretty sure that I really want to get rid of them.

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for sharing your approach! Love that the first step is owning your style. That's so important.

[@terri6584]

Because I am tall & sometimes in the past have had difficulty finding something that fit properly & long enough in a dress, blouse or slacks...my biggest problem getting rid of somethings is a real fear that they might not sell such again. (ex. Not many Dresses not sold yrs. ago.) To counteract it: I purchased a sewing machine & patterns as my "backup".

[@cameronparham5067]

Thanks for your honesty. I think it will help as I am about to do this too.

[@twilde3754]

This was what I needed to see. Yep, get rid of it!

[@s_v_777]

The psychology perspective on decluttering is so appreciated! I know I’ve felt so much guilt for wanting to get rid of things I’ve never used and then the guilt stops me or my shame tries to rationalize finding a way to try and use the items but that never ends up happening. Thank you for sharing, I feel less alone in the emotional burden of decluttering

[@ElinLesser]

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad that it had that effect -- we don't need to waste our time with guilt and shame, when it's not truly warranted or helping us. Glad that I'm not alone in this! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ellawine6623]

Heihei! Lob you Videos. Just discovered your channel yesterday and I bingewatched them haha. Keep going! X

[@ElinLesser]

aw, thanks!!

[@almamagee9518]

I like the part where you mention emotions that come up during decluttering. For me it is a mixture of guilt, a creative mind (maybe I can change it into something that I do like😜), not knowing where to take some things or not wanting to make the effort to find a place to donate them. The option of putting them in the trash makes me feel guilty too.

[@ElinLesser]

Interesting point about "creative mind." Sometimes there's something very creative about the process. And yeah, I struggle with trash, too. Thanks for the comment!

[@tiddlypom2097]

I'm the same! Currently going through my place decluttering. I feel so much guilt for throwing stuff out - and for having bought it in the first place - anxiety about how to get rid of it, and sadness for "what was" or "what might have been"

[@sarahthatcher123]

I can relate to the creative mind, I have a sewing/ alteration pile that needs serious decluttering…

[@gemmarobins94]

I love your videos, Elin! I am inspired to continue decluttering and simplifying my life.

[@intentionaldes2654]

This is such a good video I’ve been considering a massive declutter and this gave me a lot of things to consider

[@patriciajohnsonson8639]

I think we feel guilty about getting rid of items, clothing or otherwise because we know how hard we worked for the money that it took to buy the items. Since we were little, we are told to not waste anything. Especially those of us who’s parents lived through the Great Depression. We in turn told our children that too. So it is hard for all of us.

[@trae4529]

That’s such a good point, Patricia, and it was definitely my bug-a-boo to letting stuff go. I finally saw a video about the concept of “sunk cost” and that we have to learn to accept the fact that the money has already been spent, and hanging on to something won’t un-spend that money. It’s been a work in progress, but it’s helping me get rid of things I’ll never use- AND be much more mindful of what I think I have to have and spend money on.

[@Hugo_Mali]

Think about all that unhealthy food and drinks you ever bought! What a waste and how much money you gave for it! When you donate some clothes or other things to someone in need it's not a waste. Don't get me wrong, I tell myself and everyone else (except very few people I've ever met who really try their best to eat only healthy food) the same!

[@catelaframboise]

Thank you so so much for this video! 🌻 I couldn't have explained the way I'm feeling better. It also hit me because it explains my feelings (and fears I didn't actually know I had!) involved with the "big" decluttering. However, I am also looking forward to being on the "other side" of it and I know I will feel lighter not only by owning less but by letting it more of what I love and truly have meaning into my life. 🤍

[@olivemaycards]

Project333 really helped me with this - choosing a specific number items to wear each season and setting aside the rest in a box. There’s no pressure to donate everything at once, but after a few cycles of changing clothes out with the seasons you start to see that there are some pieces you will never wear again. And no matter what your “number” (33 not being essential to the project, just a starting point) you find there are always some pieces you hardly ever wear. It takes a couple of years but it’s a relatively painless way to reduce your wardrobe. I didn’t follow the rules strictly and didn’t necessarily count after a while. It’s really surprising how emotional clothing can be!

[@JennMok]

Love your thought processes

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!

[@kimgordon3695]

A friend of mine was on the minamalism journey before me & gave me her fav outgrown jeans 💋

[@jillk3880]

Great video. I am going to try your approach. I was a little startled when I went through my closet and there were so few items I really loved. I’m in need of an over-haul. I think so many of us feel changed having gone through the pandemic and I think for me, my sense of style changed too!

[@cassandraknight8804]

Thank you, ......for real inspiration, my mother is dying and the consumerist guilt is so real.

[@ElinLesser]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Sending you my thoughts. Self-compassion at times like that is so important. And thank you so much for the kind words.

[@claires2096]

This is an awesome video and I love this method!

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much!

[@amiehegeman]

This was a great video. Decide before hand which ones you will sell, donate, etc. put them in a box, write a date, and off it goes. Don’t even open the box. (For selling I send them to Thred Up so I don’t have to go back thru them.)

[@sabinebente8860]

I loved this. Decluttering is so much more than just the moment you decided to do it! And your voice is so calming!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much! And I totally agree.

[@rubyyesenia9255]

When I clicked on this video it felt like I entered a meditation room.

[@ElinLesser]

I'm so glad! :) Thanks.

[@carolinerambles3885]

great vid - noone seems to mention seasons either?? here in the UK our seasons are very different... suddenly it's summer...and actually hot so we need thin cool layers but most of the time it's cold! -- at autumn (Fall) i get out my warmer, cozy layers and early winter stuff down and put away thin flowy summer clothing. - if i change certain clothing over and I know it won't fit anymore or I'm not going to wear it, it leaves the house XD its hard..coz i end up storing stuff for years before going .. yep definitely wont wear it -- the not knowing is so hard!!

[@janemuses3031]

Quarantine bins take on a whole new meaning now - I do have them but they are for clothes that I hope to wear once we are able to move about freely. LOL.

[@joannacarrington5777]

My first visit to you and I thought this was really good. Especially liked your psychology comments at the end.

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much! :)

[@lindaroberts2282]

This was AMAZING... and so so so helpful! Thank you.

[@myxochi]

I really enjoyed this. I’m now a new subscriber. I really appreciate the psychological aspect explained because I also feel this. Thank you for attaching that missing link that we see on other sites. ❤️

[@sarahthatcher123]

One issue I never see mentioned with decluttering is around the weather seasons….how can a person decide or declutter items that are summer items but it’s the dead of winter? There are so many factors ..for one, I never know what size I will be by the time the actual season comes around so some shorts are my ‘go to’ shorts if I’m a little larger and some others are my ‘go to’ if I’m a little smaller. Also, sometimes by the time it’s a new ‘summer’, I have plans/ events that have come up closer to the season that I didn’t know of in the dead of winter ( 6 months earlier). And just style preferences change a little and actual weather. Some Spring seasons we have a longer Spring with a lot more rain and another year it goes from freezing cold to hot summer weather overnight. One year I need more light Spring jackets and lighter long sleeve sweaters and another year I won’t need to wear any of them at all and go straight to shirt sleeve t- shirts. Then the biggest issue is if I did a declutter in say, January and decluttered many sweaters or dark wi get pants or jeans…where I live they stop accepting ‘winter’ donations by the end of January ( when I haven’t even stopped wearing winter clothes) …so when I declutter at the END of a season then I have no where to donate the winter items , or I have to keep them for another entire 7 months before I can donate them. I’ve never heard of any KZbinr addressing ANY of these issues or challenges when a person lives in a four season climate.

[@chinchillin6280]

I’ve booked and paid for a personal stylist which ensues a huge edit! But will get what works for me and my body type instead of spending countless dollars on clothes that I think work for me….but in the end, don’t. Definitely everyone should undergo professional help at least once in their life….sure it costs but then you actually save money getting what you need.

[@hanciastefanski7860]

That’s a great idea and I am also considering consulting with a stylist. Did it work for you?

[@Dana-lo4gn]

Yummm can you do a cooking video too… haha that pasta though..

[@maddiemalacopa1380]

I see minimalism as a tool not a destination or an achievement. Hope that helps alleviate some pressure I’m picking up on 💕

[@kimgordon3695]

Does this ITEM spark JOY 💝

[@kinshasav]

I am a collector too. I like having things around me but I hate cleaning.

[@AshleyRJones8]

Dawn from the Minimal Mom, recommends quarantining items in a donate-able box. Everything in the box is ready to donate after the quarantine period, in the sealed box it was stored in. Everything's fate was decided before it was put in the box, so there is no painful process of going back through the boxes, while still allowing you to get something if you need it. Hope that helps!

[@DonkeyMom]

I like your candor.

[@shannonstone7517]

I think if I were you or if I had to do this, I would have made a list of what I was “missing” in that month that I didn’t have my quarantine wardrobe. Say, I was missing a chunky knit sweater that could be styled with boots or overtop a dress. And if there was a chunky sweater in the quarantine pile, then I would choose one to keep. It’s easier in hindsight of course, but if I do this I will keep this in mind!

[@tango1590]

For me I'm constantly decluttering... I think the trick is ,to not getting too attached to your items ... and clearing out items on a regular basis ,possibly even seasonal....im a seasonal declutter ,and its really help me keep things in order..and then it just becomes second nature after a while.

[@sekayiperkins7448]

I decided to separate my clothing by categories to keep my clothing from wearing out . Work, weekend, night out, church.

[@sarahthatcher123]

I would recommend not going into a quarantine bin a second time at all. When you did the initial declutter, I would recommend posting any items you could get money for right away ( you can always refuse the sale up until the last minute, which gives you time to make sure you don't want it and when you see that someone will give you money will probably help you let it go) . Then all the other items put away in the bin...1) put in cardboard boxes 2) tape them up 3) put an expiry date on it. When the expiry date is up you take it to a donation place. Without opening the box. What you felt and going through it all again and keeping items is exactly why going through a quarantine bin is really not recommended. Each to there own but a general decluttering recommendation is to never give yourself that second opportunity to see or touch the items again. Human nature is that we will second guess and end up justifying and keeping things we already 'probed' we don't actually need and so we can let go of them. More of an appeal to the 'rational' brain.

[@kristinhassler7222]

I was going to suggest this as well. My thinking is that if I haven't missed anything during the set quarantined time, then I really don't need it!! It is so difficult to see those items again and start to question getting rid of them. Given that...you did an awesome job sticking to the process!! 😊 Great job with your video!

[@ElinLesser]

Such an excellent point! Yeah, I definitely could have done it that way, and perhaps I'll try that in the future! I think I had just wanted to make sure I wasn't donating things that were really overused, etc., and so that when I threw things in the quarantine bin, I really didn't have to look at items at all. But maybe that's not necessary, and that approach is even more streamlined! Thanks for sharing!!

[@icingcake]

@@ElinLesser Actually, I prefer your way of having multiple quarantine boxes better! I think I will actually do that! Because I’m finally close to less than 100 clothing items now and ready to give some kind of “capsule” wardrobe a try but I don’t want to give up anything I may need to pull out so this is perfect. I will put the rest in suitcases. And, I think I can wear out clothes and replace them in this way both without buying or cluttering up my closet with what’s stored - thank you!

[@hanciastefanski7860]

@@ElinLesser you are such a kind person. Thank you 😊

[@kathyesargent9088]

My question is why we are making such a big deal on decluttering if we have room for the clothes we like. Can’t we just give ourselves permission to have a little bit more. Maybe it’s just not that bad. Decluttering can be so emotional. Wear the the things you love in your closet and just wear them out or give yourself time to get rid of them. Do one piece at a time. Minimize slowly there is no rush.

[@thebarky1988]

This may be a silly question but I love your beige sweater. I would wear it everyday to work. Where did you get it? I don’t know if you have time to answer but thank you.

[@jenjenyoust]

I loved this video! Thank you so much for your honesty and candidness. Also, would you happen to have the recipe for that noodle dish you showed in your video? It looked sooooo amazing! Thanks so much.

[@stephaniemclaughlin8802]

Definitely having a hard time deciding on maybes since we still aren't back to all of our "normal" (pre-covid) activities. Maybe I need a quarantine bin that I can discard after we have been back to normal for a month.

[@ElinLesser]

Such a good point -- covid definitely throws a wrench into things!

[@Brittanyvcarlson]

Soooo helpful and inspiring! Thank you!! New subscriber here :) Sidenote: where is the poster behind you by/from? I love it!

[@maggiel6597]

I totally agree with ur approach! Effect! But if u have children and dogs, sometimes, we wear stuff that we don’t really enjoy but it is practical to use at that time. One of My real challenges is that, I don’t want to go shopping nor spending time to find similar items again. Especially, stuff that we have. Help me to get over this thought pls. (Keeping it in the basement or in the closet seems a time save for me in this case). In addition,new dog keep sratching my sleeves and has torn 5 shirts already. I keep my “not so favourite tops or bottom for my dog to destroy when I play with my dog. Thirdly, I want a change and wearing new colours instead of black. So have got some nicer texture and more colouring things to wear. That is my hurdle trying to push myself to wear those clothing. I want a change and not wearing the sloppiest clothes at times. I am testing those pieces and see if the new style of clothings look good on me. So I don’t want to throw /give them away. That are my struggles.help me pls?

[@kirrrbss]

I loved watching your videos! Such a great mind set for decluttering! I have a very random question! I LOVE that black button down that you decided to keep, can you tell me where it’s from? Thank you! ☺️

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I don’t have a maybe pile, I decide if an item stays or goes and that’s it. My wardrobe is still so huge that I have to be pretty ruthless. If I have a maybe pile, that’s just another step that gets put-off and I have to move everything around and try on again. I’ve only ever regretted one item that I decluttered.

[@minimalzebra]

You did fantastic!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks!!!

[@minimalzebra]

@@ElinLesser Welcome!

[@SusanBame]

One thing I do to decide what to keep and what to toss is use my pendulum. It hasnʻt failed me yet.

[@lorikorstanje2964]

Great work

[@maivaka3863]

Somehow I don't know how many shirts, sweaters or trousers I really need... I also think it would help to know that.

[@astepabovestyle1266]

Who is the music by that's featured in this video?

[@MartinCliffe]

I wonder if American closets subconsciously encourage their owners to stockpile too many clothes, with their vast lengths of hanging space. I have a single 28" rail in my wardrobe, and it's never been particularly densely packed, even before I started to declutter my things. And yes, I know it's "easier for men" because we need less variety in our outfits... but it's just a thought that came to me... if I had 6' of hanging space, maybe I'd want to have enough clothes to fill 6' of hanging space?

[@9109mandy]

Where is the best place to sell them?

[@s_v_777]

That rock on your finger, woweee 😍

[@ElinLesser]

haha thanks! 😊