MESSY TO MINIMALIST | BEFORE PHOTOS | MY REACTION

[@z0ara1]

The last video makes me feel sick. Reminding me of my situation. I’m living with my family and they’re all a hoarder. I keep getting home late because I don’t want to spend my time outside my room chatting with them and craps they accumulated. We used to have a sofa to sit in the living room, now it’s becoming a place to stack our clothes that’s dried and iron. It’s suffocating. So congratulations on your journey. I bet it’s liberating. I’ve been thinking of saving my money to buy a house and get out of this garbage dump. I hope I can get it done next year.

[@ClearYourMindset]

**UPDATE** Hey Everyone!! I've been reading your feedback and I agree. I don't think these photos are representative of a hoarder. These were all photos from after I became aware minimalism, because I don't have photos from before. I think I was too ashamed/ had no reason to take photos of my closets packed to the ceiling with garbage bags, or my drawer overflowing and breaking from my things, or how many clothes I actually kept on the floor, so of course there's no way for anyone to know or have seen the actual state of my home before minimalism. This has been a thought of mine throughout my videos as I've had trouble finding the right words to express my before state. You may notice that my video titles have changed - and while I can't change all of the content, I feel that the term “messy” is more suitable for what I've shared - even though you technically can be messy as a minimalist… it's tough finding the right word! So I'll try this for now. Thank you again for all of your feedback - I'm so grateful that we can have these amicable discussions!

[@Lashlove16]

Lia's Loft that’s soo sweet of you . We all have different interpretations of things. I thought me being messy/ hoarder was when my 2 mirror closet doors fell on me . That’s not safe . But I am glad it happened as I realized that can never happen again . Thank God I was not injured

[@nottiebynature]

Lia's Loft I'm more on the messy/cluttered side too. I set a goal to let go of half of our stuff in a year! Thank you for your videos. They inspire and motivate me to get it done.

[@perriiwinklee]

Thank you for addressing this flawlessly!!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Oh gosh! I've had instances like that. It's a real wake up.

[@ClearYourMindset]

That's a great and realistic goal!

[@VernePhilleas]

Don't feel ashamed of the past clutter, babe! You have evolved with grace and sincerity towards the elegance, joy, and control of minimalism. You are a Winner Now!

[@LatriceSydney]

hoarding isn’t what we see on TV, where they are living with 10 cats and can’t walk into their own bedroom. In fact, the synonym of collecting, is hoard. When you own possessions to own them and you have a psychological need to have things without merit or gratitude that is the quality of a hoarder. DONT APOLOGIZE.

[@perriiwinklee]

I think there may be a miscommunication between hoarder and cluttered. I love love love your videos but growing up with a diagnosed hoarder parent I can’t help but feel like “hoarder” is a bit of a stretch here..... 😔

[@perriiwinklee]

serenity My mother wasn’t even as bad as a lot of hoarders on TV. But that definition of hoarding you explained described our situation perfectly. She hoarded things she found at thrift stores and yard sales. There wasn’t a table to eat on, if you wanted to use floor space you needed to put everything on your bed or couch, and vice versa if you wanted to use the bed/couch. She collected food she “saved” money on through coupons until it went bad and she kept it anyway. She kept a expired coupons she never used in mazes of piles. I’m glad she didn’t have things that bad as that because I wouldn’t wish it on ANYONE.

[@LadyTracyOfTheDisk]

I agree. There is a continuum from minimalism to normal, mainstream-lifestyle to hoarding, with that middle zone being a large part of that continuum. Lia, you have come a very long way from somewhere in that middle zone down to minimalism, and you deserve a lot of credit for that. I don't think not starting as a hoarder diminishes that achievement.

[@purploscity]

I'm in the same boat. Maybe I'm just being too sensitive but saying four purses in being a "hoarder" is a bit of a slap in the face to those who had to live with true hoarding.

[@perriiwinklee]

serenity The environment actually made me resent possessions and when I moved out to my own apartment I incorporated conscious minimalism into my life. When my mother visits me she brings things to fill my empty home which I’m still trying to figure out ways to politely refuse haha. It’s the way she brings comfort to herself and others due to severe anxiety so it’s a little rough when I decline boxes of useless things lol

[@Lashlove16]

serenity wow my dad buys groceries like there is no tomorrow. We needed 3x the amount of bags when we had our Home fumigated. We had to take food into neighbors and friends home ... it was overwhelming to pack and unpack . My parents have some form of hoarding and it was definitely past on to me . I am fighting it and trying to learn things will come back on sale .stockpile enough to get yourself into the next sale and don’t stockpile your home so it’s just storage and not pretty and filled with expired food... last year I found hair products for African American Hair ( we are not ) that were from the 90’s 🙈🙈🙈. When we were cleaning up the garage for a garage sale

[@hazeldavis3176]

I won't say I was a hoarder- but I was definitely a Moreder. If one made me happy, just think of how happy five would make me! Then I'd need an organizer. Then a room for the organizers. Then a bigger place to live... it never ends. I've just started on my minimalism journey. Your videos have been so helpful. I really relate with the anxiety too. Thanks for all the work and honesty you put into these. I'm getting ready to move cross country in a duffel bag, and that freedom is thanks to the inspiration from your channel. Thanks!

[@karenfisher5274]

Hi Lia! I absolutely loved your video. Honest and sincere. I am a continual declutterer of 2 years. It all started with a gradual process of downsizing after selling our current house and moving into an small apartment while our youngest son was still in college. I had boxes stacked up to the ceiling! We couldn’t move around in the apartment. And this was after I had decluttered the house prior to selling it! Well 2 years later, and I am still finding stuff to donate. Your photos brought back memories. I can relate to the”organizing bins” to keep everything nice and neat, but remained empty. Hah! Looking forward to watching your other videos. Thank you.

[@Cityheart221]

Thank you for sharing what is obviously an emotional part of your life. Hoarding is a strong term. That would most likely mean you could not see your floors, counters, furniture, etc. Never the less that doesn't change how you feel. Most people own more than they need. We are bombarded with advertisements and media that encourages it. I applaud those that decide to live the minimalistic lifestyle. To succeed in it ,It has to be a personal decision. I have recently begun mine.

[@colettefaucher8835]

I appreciate your vulnerability in showing us your old photos Lia! It's crazy looking back on myself as well seeing all the stuff I thought I needed. Great video💞

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you! I was nervous about posting this but it did help me feel a lot of gratitude.

[@mrsg5806]

I enjoy your videos. Everyone’s interpretation of hoarding is different. You obviously felt overwhelmed with the amount of things you owned. Glad you are feeling happier. 😀

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you!

[@dawnfenello5112]

I just went through my cook books & I need to go through them again. I don't even use half of them.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I've been going through books too. You used a very important word: "again". I live in a small efficiency apartment and have many boxes of books, probably in excess of 2,000 books almost none of which have been read yet. I finally got honest with myself that the book accumulating had become a problem. The number of books and the space they did and do take up was and is causing stress. I made the decision to start clearing out books. So far over 300 have gone out, books I hadn't even read yet. I went through all my books and then started a second going-through and a third going-through wouldn't hurt and there's no harm in fourth going-through. I can focus on the books I really want to read and the others that didn't interest me quite so much can go to other people to enjoy. I've also had a book ban going on: only one new book has come in in nearly three months and that was book was given to me. I live in a town with library sales and Little Free Libraries and thrift shops so many books are easily accessible and even for free. I need to use self-discipline to say "No" to books and to make time to read the ones I have and most books I've read are given away. I have a small group of permanent books in my personal library/book collection but the majority of what I now have will be read, enjoyed then donated.

[@dawnfenello5112]

Wow! That is a lot of books! Thanks for sharing ( :

[@lemonecricket8501]

Okay so I just found your channel and I'm loving it! The way you present things and you're down to earth style is very much appreciated. I am just getting started on my journey towards less. What do you do about hobbies and things like that. I probably have a good 20 different Hobbies and all the stuff that goes with it.

[@lestranged]

The 'before' photos don't really look like hoarder to me, they just look like a messy person. The way I distinguish between hoarding and 'just messy', is that a hoarder has way too much stuff for the space. Like there is no way to organize it to make it fit in neatly. It's just more than will ever fit and the only solution is getting rid of a lot of it. Whereas a messy house might not really be a lot of stuff, but it's just all in the wrong place and all strewn around. Your place had a lot of empty floor space, you could walk around, but there were just a lot of random items not put away so it looked messy. The amount of stuff could fit in that space, but everything was just on the floor or on the couch, instead of put away.

[@ClearYourMindset]

This is great feedback, I go into more detail in my pinned comment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@faithrada]

lestrange. Good point. I know some think of the Kon-Mari method as minimalist.. but it really isn't... although minimalistic can also use this method. I like that she focuses on De-Cluttering by asking what to KEEP rather than what to get RID of. If you really like something, if it brings you Joy! ... keep it. BUT... also honor that item by finding a proper place for it to BE in. I love the idea of asking something if its job is done. Maybe it needs to move on... so have that conversation. Once I realized that I was only keeping some things out of guilt, because I thought I 'should'... it suddenly got a whole lot easier to let go of. Once I made the decision it just felt right.

[@lestranged]

To help distinguish between messy and hoarding here is a hypothetical: If you go into a minimalist's closet, and lets say they only own 30 items of clothing. Take all 30 items and throw them all over the floor. The house will look messy. But it's not hoarded. It can be easily tidied up in 15 minutes- just pick the stuff up and put it where it belongs. But a true hoarder house, you can't put the mess away because every closet is already full, every kitchen cupboard is already full, there is simply way too much stuff for that space. Even a small amount of stuff can look messy when it's thrown all over the floor. A simply messy house can be cleaned up pretty easily, but a hoarded house needs way more work. (and mental help too, not just physical work)

[@cielozhang3690]

Watching this video makes me heartbroken honestly (when you were feeling a little emotional) but I’m so glad where you are at right now!!!

[@ClearYourMindset]

You're so sweet Cielo! I appreciate your comments, I'll try to get back to them when I have time. Just wanted to say thanks!

[@cielozhang3690]

@@ClearYourMindset Don’t worry about getting back, just keep what you’re doing. I’m happy to support you, no condition ❤️

[@Lashlove16]

Love this video. Thank you for sharing your journey and being strong enough to make fun of it . I was at a store last night and saw all these beautiful fancy organizers and it was tempting but you don’t need all that to be organized. Declutter first and then you can figure out storage systems. For my bathroom I use equal parts vinegar/soap solution to clean the toilet/ shower doors/sink/ shower tiles/ tub . It’s cheap / nontoxic / extremely effective and one bottle .

[@SarandipityStudios]

Love the honesty, would have been nice to see the after photos of how it looks now.

[@VernePhilleas]

I LOVE hearing your gratitude for your Hard Earned Minimalism! Good on ya, Friend!

[@tjohannam]

I would call your former home messy and crammed with stuff rather than a hoarder home. Glad you feel so good today with so much less.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Totally agree. I wrote a comment (pinned in the comments of this video) that expands on this because I've been struggling with finding the right words myself.

[@tjohannam]

Thanks for the update, I guess calling it hoarding was what it *felt* like for you, to be surrounded by so much stuff even when people looking at your former stuff would call it "only messy". I sometimes *feel* like I am hoarding stuff although other people consider me very organized and decluttered when the look at my room. Go figure. ;)

[@hf1493]

The honesty makes your quality better 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ClearYourMindset]

+Mrs. Foley Thanks!

[@angelika77st]

I am really pride of you. You are doing awesome. The thing is that now you are an inspiration. I understand what you mean by your definition of hoarding, so do not apologize. There is always worse or better.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thanks Angelica! I appreciate your comment!

[@angelika77st]

@@ClearYourMindset you are welcome... 👍💕

[@dianer8881]

Cluttered and hoard are very similar. Your stuff looks as cluttered as mine. I gave it all away as well.

[@madelainedubin7262]

Oof. I've been working at reducing my possessions for four years now, and I think I'm just getting to where you were in these old photos. I am also not moving around so much, so I have been able to focus on really honoring what I already have and using it until it's end of life while reducing what comes into my home. It's slower, but still good for me. I am happy you were able to figure out what works best for you and that your life reflects who you are. (Edit: I feel like this might sound sarcastic in text, but it's really not meant to be!)

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊

[@dawnfenello5112]

I love the idea of taking pictures, I will be doing that when I get home today. I have been motivated before this video , but this video has given me more ideas & want's me go head home from work & work on things. I'm excited to keep going!

[@ClearYourMindset]

+Dawn Fenello Yay! Glad to help!

[@npigwnl]

Thank you for sharing, very interesting! I’m a fellow organized hoarder-to-aspiring minimalist and it’s so inspiring to watch videos like these!! I actually have a large coffee table with a shelf underneath, the only thing on there is the cat’s (large) water bowl! I used to fill every flat horizontal space with stuff, so I’m kinda proud of myself 😉

[@ClearYourMindset]

+npigwnl Yeah I would be! I can't help the temptation to store a small village on that shelf.

[@lestranged]

My problem with Kon Mari is, if I only kept the 'sparks joy' stuff then all I would have is piles of art and toys and candy and cute little useless things, and I would not keep important useful things like insurance papers or toilet cleaner or light bulbs. A lot of the 'joyful' stuff is cluttery, like it's just collections of cute shit with no real function. I feel like function is equally as important as 'joy'. Adulting involves a lot of things that are important but not fun. You can't live on candy, but I also don't want to live in a stark utilitarian house with no art or color. If you only kept what you need to survive, the bare necessities, then you'd never have music or dessert or jewelry. Those are not necessities, but they make life more pleasant. I think you should balance your possessions between things you NEED and things that make you happy. (and not too much total). You need both utility and joy . But books about balance and compromise don't sell, the middle path is too boring to sell books. So the popular books are usually too far one way or the other. (too utilitarian or too touchy-feely)

[@瑷阿丽璦]

lestrange You should actually read the book.... it goes over exactly what you said. Of course papers, taxes, etc... will not spark joy, but you should know what you need versus things that are wasting space, mentally and physically.

[@susanjohn6506]

When you lived like this you could have gone two ways. Don't be ashamed of how it was but proud that you chose to go more minimalist than further down the messy trail.

[@nvue141]

As I was watching this video, I looked at the subscribe button and was actually shocked (literally) that I wasnt already subscribed to you! New member of the minimalism family here!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Aw thank you so much!

[@creativecompanion]

Great Job, Lisa! Anyone can call it whatever they want. You worked hard, and you've done a fantastic job!!! Give yourself a great, big pat on the back from all of us!!!!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you!

[@karenfisher5274]

Honest. Raw. Real. Thanks for sharing.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you so much!

[@Stacyann_1]

Lia, that was nice of you to update the title and the description. to know if you were ever of hoarder mentality you'd probably need a professional but basically you would be getting comfort from keeping everything, throwing away nothing and distress at the thought of getting rid of anything, even the smallest thing. the picture of you sitting with all the stuff in the apt because of the bed bugs, is kind of like how a hoarders place might be if all the rooms in the house looked like that all the time. I sometimes think my husband and even children have that hoarder mentality as they like to 'collect' things, I think that is a sign and have a hard time throwing away things even if they don't really show much interest in the things anymore. anyway, if you are ever confused again there is a famous show on TLC I'm sure you've caught site of that can give you a taste. :) so happy you found peace in minimalism. and I love your name, Lia, so beautiful and minimalistic at that!

[@ClearYourMindset]

I think I know the one. I don't have cable but I've seen snippets. And thank you! It's actually a shortened version of my full name... not intentionally minimalist! Haha

[@rociomonserratt346]

loved this video, you provide such wonderful, sustainable/responsible ideas on how to part with things ❤️.

[@LeMarais88]

You mentioned donating your cosmetics... do places like Goodwill actually take used or new makeup? Also, do you know any places that accept plastic hangers or any hangers?

[@robinrice9836]

LeMarais88 great question

[@erikareading]

LeMarais88 I follow like "product empties" people on Instagram and one of them today was saying she gets stuff cheap from Goodwill, so I think the answer is yes...she said specifically Goodwill. I don't know about the other places.

[@ClearYourMindset]

They take new. Most of these weren't used. And ones that were used I passed along to friends.

[@BR-oh5kc]

Trash used makeup like eyeliner and mascara, lipgloss just to name a few. If you wipe the lipstick, eyeshadow, sure you can donate, but I don’t because of skin diseases. Also, donate to women shelters and men shelters they don’t sell your stuff Goodwill does. Good luck

[@seamonkeyl9061]

The thing that got me actually laughing was the nail polish! Thank you! I have ADHD and tend to have total hoarder tendencies which I find so hard to get under control. Thanks for sharing, and I'm going to keep taking photos of what I'm like so that people do feel comforted when I one day share my 'before' and 'after'. That living room photo you shared made me laugh because to me that looks TOTALLY minimal compared to what I'm currently like. Nonetheless, I take whatever I can from anyone willing to share what they've learned - thanks!

[@ClearYourMindset]

[@djr_drums]

I've just thrown away a little drawer organiser that is EXACTLY the same as one Lia shows here. It's just........not necessary haha.

[@KLCKLC-jd9jz]

I also have a problem with notebooks. I didn't think anybody else had that problem! It's starting to dawn on me that maybe I can whittle down my collection (same applies to my prodigious collection of pens, paper, folders, paper clips, staples etc.). I mean, how much stationery and office supplies does one person need? :-)

[@ClearYourMindset]

Right?! A tub of notebooks... for one person?! Why did I have that?!?!

[@valentinedesplat5862]

You, mentioning the double shelf coffee table, saying "that second shelf always ends a disaster"; me, looking at my coffee table with a double shelf full of books, papers and stuff, thinking "yep, it always is". I guess that will be my next area to tackle! 😅

[@ClearYourMindset]

Haha yup! It's such a consistent thing.

[@musicdiva76]

Do you have your fingernails done now, or do you do them yourself? What nail products would you recommend? I need a GOOD cuticle moisturizer and would love a clear coat to help my nails grow.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Lately I just apply clear or tinted gel polish to keep them safe. If you're looking for cuticle butter, try the lemon one from Lush.

[@laurenshubert8284]

It is a strange feeling to reach a point where you have decluttered and decluttered and decluttered and yet still feel like you have too much. I have reached a point where I have what I need to function on the daily with little surplus. It is hard to find where this weird feeling is coming from, do you have any tips?

[@ClearYourMindset]

I've had this question a few times so I'll make a video on it!

[@twelvesmylimit]

That was a great video! Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you!!

[@dragonfly3466]

great video. Love the earrings your wearing!! where did you get them??

[@ClearYourMindset]

Oh gosh this is all clip on stuff. Probably Icing?

[@karenelizabeth4235]

inspired to go through my nail polishes to get rid of the ones i never wear or like :)

[@creativedutchess4866]

I have that same damn table and I want it out of my life. Its always cluttered with magazines, box of tea candles, tea box, nail files, cookie jar etc. Etc. It is so heavy loaded that the botom shelf is actually bended. But I know I will be moving next year so I don't want to buy another table. I guess I'm going to declutter and commit to leaving it empty first

[@ClearYourMindset]

HAHA RIGHT?!?! It's like a fishing net or something. And actually try craigslist. I found a glass/metal table for $10 and it's one-tiered only. Great alternative.

[@creativedutchess4866]

Lia's Loft lol you're right it's exactly like a fishing net! And thanks for the tip it might be worth it to buy a temporary one tier table :')

[@christinegarrity8939]

Omg I’m so much like you Your way younger but I do everything you do I am inspired to keep giving it away Simplicity to the best way to live Excavating my authentic self Quality not quantity 🙏🏻✌🏻❤️

[@ClearYourMindset]

💕

[@debadams5602]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Glad to hear!

[@bethc8809]

Very brave to share this! Good job!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you!

[@reginamartinez7018]

Hi! I am going through my minimalist journey, but its been a bit hard. I am an industrial design major and have lots, LOTS of matetials and stationary that I need but have nooo idea how to store and hateee seeing it in my room. Everytime I take stuff out and I feel great about it I look at all the materials and they get me down... Do you have any advise?

[@ClearYourMindset]

+regina martinez If you love what you do, love the things that allow you to do it. Minimalism is about removing the excess and what you don't need, not what you love! Don't stress about it!

[@purploscity]

Hi Lia! First off I just wanna say you're a huge inspiration, and help me keep on the path of minimalism. I don't mean any hate by saying this, but it's a bit upsetting how you throw around the term "hoarder." Hoarding is a characteristic of serious mental illness. I once lived with a hoarder family member, and I can't describe the horror that came with it. Once as a child, buried in a room just filled with piles of boxes and furniture, I found a bin that was full of maggots and year old beef. I would get hurt by falling furniture. I believe that your life has been drastically changed by minimalism, but fifteen pairs of shoes, 4 bags and too much nail polish isn't "hoarding." Again I mean no hate, but I hope that you maybe reconsider your frequent use of the word.

[@lestranged]

I agree. It looked very messy, but not really what I consider hoarding.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Hi Natalie. I've actually gone into more depth on this in my pinned comment on this video. I've personally had trouble with the term myself so I took this feedback into consideration with a title change on this and other videos of mine. While it doesn't change the content within the video, I agree it's better suited based on the information I shared. Thank you for your feedback!

[@Offensive_Username]

"fifteen pairs of shoes, 4 bags and too much nail polish isn't "hoarding."" It is. As a guy I have about double the amount of things (not nail polish, but guy stuff) that Lia shows in her pictures and I consider myself already a hoarder. If you experienced a hoarder home, you should agree that 15 pairs of shoes are way too much, even for girls.

[@purploscity]

Lia's Loft thanks so much for listening. It means a lot to know that you take what we say into consideration, even when it's something small like this. :)

[@morgan6451]

Thanks for sharing this with us Lia! c:

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thanks for watching!

[@leighguy685]

Your B4 photos is the way my house is now 🙈🙈 3 kids and a husband though lol I will get there though eventually lol xx

[@Lashlove16]

Leigh Guy take it day by day ... it did not happen in one day ... so maybe put a timer on for 5-15 Min per day and whatever you can do you have done .. eventually it will get done I am a former hoarder

[@ClearYourMindset]

Oh hun, don't even compare yourself to me! You're in a totally different living situation! And honestly, considering there's 5 people in your home, then that's not bad at all! The damage in these photos is 2 people who had plenty of time to clean up.

[@leighguy685]

Im squirreling away as I speak. I've got a bag to go to charity shop so maybe a bag a week and I'll get there. It is getting depressing surrounding myself with crap all the time. X

[@VernePhilleas]

I'm a Certified Professional Coach and author of a book on Minimalism. I never thought about all the make-up clutter women have. I'm a male. But You made me realize how much make-up cosmetic clutter must have. I just have my hygiene gear (which is VERY important to me because I'm clean as fuck). I have shave cream, mint soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, aftershave, deodorant, body lotion, and mouthwash. That's it though. They're all in travel-safe bottles from my PhilleasTravel company. I liked your minimalism Show-And-Tell. Check out some of my minimalism vids on my channel. You might like!

[@shannonmaher7983]

I have the same coffee table but I removed the shelf and now have it sitting on top to protect jigsaw puzzles from my cat. Just because life gives you lemons doesn’t mean you have to make lemonade.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Hey great idea!

[@jcrosestudios]

Funny Lia...This has been and still is my process too...why do I have a mechanical pencil in my make up? LOL

[@carmendez933]

I wanted to say that the reason I found you is because you talk about going from hoarding to minimalism.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sobeidalagrange7129]

Thank you for sharing!!!!😎

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you for watching!

[@SusieRocks]

Do you not use perfume at all anymore?

[@ClearYourMindset]

I have 2 left from forever ago - a Dior perfume that I love - but now I opt for more essential oils.

[@Oyuki-Mayonesa]

Where's the video of what the house looks like now?

[@ClearYourMindset]

On my channel I've done various tours of my home 😊

[@hf1493]

Great video!!!!!!

[@lisaspikes4291]

Bags? I have enough bags to open a store! I’m not kidding! They’re kinda my thing. I got rid of a whole large suitcase full of them last year. But I still have a lot. I’ve tried to weed through them, but I have trouble with it. Everything else I can get rid of, but not the bags.

[@ClearYourMindset]

That's odd! I mean, give it time. Like with anything.

[@saranox7319]

...I understand your feelings but to me the before does not seem like hoarding. I got hoarders in my family and I secretely snapped some pics of their house. :D

[@Jo-Ann_Bartina]

Stripper Pole?

[@ClearYourMindset]

Yes although we refer to it as a dance pole because I don't strip on it =)

[@rociomonserratt346]

i’d love to know what your partner’s insight has been on your journey towards simplicity, as always thank you for sharing. i adore your insight. i think the comparison pictures are such a great idea. i will do the same.

[@liliyalapik7434]

I have more shoes than you. Lol like 30 pairs. Will be decluttering soon.

[@jcrosestudios]

I get the cringe thing too...wow I still have areas like this after the day dogs visitors etc.

[@dque_2U]

I was just streaming Your earlier videos; Congratulations on Your Journey! May U never complete it... 🌿💚

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thanks!

[@margaretl8851]

I commend you for sharing, That takes guts. Thank you.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Thank you!

[@BR-oh5kc]

Stop saying hoarder..please.. just a messy kid!

[@ClearYourMindset]

Please see the updated comment posting from 2 days ago. Thank you.

[@LatriceSydney]

I think people saying you weren’t a hoarder can be really dangerous. It absolutely diminishes your feelings and your situations because they feel they know the life of a hoarder. Not every one with depression looks the same. Not everyone with anxiety looks the same. There’s a spectrum. Why is this different?

[@ClearYourMindset]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this!

[@artsyamy73]

ridiculous how the words ‘hoarder’ & ‘minimalism’ are just thrown around nowadays🤨

[@Lashlove16]

Amy those are some trending words these days but I think an individual perspective. Some may think 5 white t-shirts is a lot some may think it’s not enough. We all live differently lifestyles in different environments so we all should respect each other . I think being in the middle is best . But I do think having less is better as it’s an easier lifestyle to maintain. I love Kon Marie as her philosophy is if you love it then keep it

[@Lashlove16]

serenity lol yes that’s true and I still think very few things make me happy that I have . But when you put all the items in the same category out and you see the all that you truly have it’s a bit shocking . We keep things that’s are ripped or broken or don’t fit well . Sharpe Pens don’t spark joy for me but I do use them often to label and color code . But then I saw all the markers that are dried out and with open caps or duplicates . So I trashed the bad ones and gave away the duplicates as they will dry out by the time I use up the ones I like the most . Also I started taking care of my stuff better . I can easily find things in seconds instead of 15 Min and trashing everything. I strongly say to watch videos like TJ’s way . They are inspiring. Not everyone is going to be a minimalist but we can all declutter things. We buy way too much . Just because we are bored or upset or it’s on sale . It will be there next week .

[@Lashlove16]

serenity this KZbinr really helped me understand Kon Marie and not to be so literal ... she is really relatable... Kon Marie is great 90% but in everything we do we don’t follow anyone 100% we have our own interpretations ... these are guidelines ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2ipqqZ5rbWCr6s

[@Lashlove16]

serenity I am on a no buy too and I don’t feel deprived . I have soo much and now I appreciate the things I have... I had an addictions for make up / toiletries/ office supplies/ shoes / ... but I could never really manage taking care of these things . I don’t like to be called a minimalist and don’t want to be that . I just want to be happy and be able to manage what I have . I want to appreciate and take care of things . I am on a no buy but I don’t deprive myself ... if I need to replace it or really want it I have bought it . I am still finishing lotions and hair care stuff since the last 18 months where I I became more conscious. The struggle is real . Just be conscious of the quantities. I don’t believe in keeping only an X amount of items . Thanks for having a civil conversation with me . I really respect that

[@ClearYourMindset]

See my pinned comment. I have taken feedback into consideration. Thank you for joining in on the discussion!

[@bethc8809]

To every critical commenter: hoarders don't start with what that show "hoarding: buried alive" showcased. That show had people at the very worst. So yeah, she doesn't have dead animals or have to step on mountains of crap in the before photos, but she's owning her before. Only she and her therapists can say whether or not she was a hoarder, not you armchair commentators.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Yeah there was quite a mixed response. While I understand where people are coming from, at the end of the day all I'm sharing is where I started. Thanks for sharing!

[@Myrslokstok]

8 garbagebags of stuff that is hardstuf, I do like 1/2 a 140 liter bags and it is a lot.

[@ClearYourMindset]

It is a lot!

[@blanez6073]

Lia, no need to explain yourself. Labels...hoarder, minalmilist...your actually beyond that. I have photos of a super ...life went sideways. briefly...which I think I still have...but will never share...never ever. Eventually they will be deleted from my digital camera...because as you have shown from real life...on your honest videos. Minimalism can spread to other areas of your life besides the obvious of a pile of stuff...which is often a reflection of the inside...outside. Don't change a blanking thing...your doing it right...I get it and I'm getting it done...what you do...how you do it...how you help others...you may even be an old soul as you have wisdom beyond your years. If I was going to put a label on you...I would call it "Liaism"...minimalism without judgement...Your Awesome! You make excellent lemonade and I'm drinking the Kool-Aid. Thank you for your service!

[@SheriNewton]

This is really not a hoarder situation, cluttered yes, but not a hoarder.

[@Svetlana-says-it-as-it-is.]

Actually is not as bad as some of the extreme I’ve seen.

[@ClearYourMindset]

Definitely not. Mind you, these photos weren't at the worst point because I was too ashamed of my home to take pictures. I'm grateful it didn't get too bad.

[@Svetlana-says-it-as-it-is.]

Clear Your Mindset I am one of those people that gets embarrassed if other people come my house and it’s not clean and tidy so I do get what you say. Thanks for your hard work and sharing it with us :)

[@sinplysamantha3341]

Lisa....sweety...I applaud you getting rid of you getting rid of and donating a bunch of your stuff...but you were no hoarder...I inherited a house that was a hoarders...and believe me....when you are donating a HOUSE worth of stuff...then you can say hoarder...I see counter tops in your pictures...floors even.....you do not see those in a true hoarders house...js...so no worries..you were not a hoarder..a bit messy here and there..but..nope...youre not a hoarder...just young and no time for cleaning..lol

[@ClearYourMindset]

+Sinply Samantha Please see the pinned comment from yesterday. Thank you.

[@misho129]

You're crazy if you think you need make up. You're beautiful. Get rid of it all :)

[@ClearYourMindset]

Awwe haha

[@mdaly4010]

Hi...just watched & was going to comment on the use of the word “hoarder” but u addressed it :) I would say messy, un organized...it reminds me of the use of the word , OCD, which is a mental condition. I think the use of the word “anal” as in “anal retentive would b a bit more correct usage. Congrats on downsizing ur things & giving things away, esp to that woman’s shelter.

[@cynthiaheart2021]

You know what I have so much craft glitter and I would use it as eye shadow but it's time to say good bye:)

[@ClearYourMindset]

Haha I know that feeling!

[@staceywatts1862]

I wouldn't exactly say you are a hoarder by any means.

[@acajudi100]

Have controlled clutter. Use 13 gallon RubberMaids, and an index box with RM #, location, contents. Use zip lock bags of all sizes to separate stuff in RM. Nothing on the floor, and make your bed.

[@silverplug]

It's super tempting, but...why? It's kind of liberating putting all those RubberMaids outside on the lawn, and setting them on fire, or having someone pick them up. Seeing stuff that doesn't belong, just kind of hanging there on the sofa and not even paying rent, it makes me think that I brought it in thoughtlessly... and now it lives in my house. It creeps me out.

[@anon4449]

You weren't a fucking hoarder