*NEVER* Buy These 15 Things...If You Hate Clutter

[@tarynmaria_]

Today I'm sharing 15 things to never buy - if you hate clutter! The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of @Skillshare-com skl.sh/tarynmaria03241 #declutteringandorganizing #minimalism Click here for a clean & tidy home www.youtube.com/@tarynmaria_?sub_confirmation=1 Join my mailing list for emails that will make your life easier eepurl.com/iB2aE2 Decluttering playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYTXap2Zl62HgMU Time saving cleaning hacks playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3OoZa2OZZWqfcU Cleaning Routines playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpC1fqh8h9Nsd80

[@suzienothing9855]

"Bringing an item into your home means you're gonna have to pay rent for it", that is a beautiful way to describe what clutter does!

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!

[@lucystrider728]

Another thing people do not realize about storage units is that they do not reward "loyalty", they increase the rent over and over to where you are paying far more than someone new. They know they've "got you" and after a couple of years you are unlikely to actually move your stuff out. Some places let you change to a new unit for the lower rent. Like she said, the stuff you are simply storing in a unit you probably do not need to keep, much less pay so much to keep when you don't even want it enough to keep it in your home.

[@tarynmaria_]

Wow, so sneaky! They know you are hooked :(

[@bahba9247]

Oh my gosh, yes! I had a unit for 20 months and they raised the rent twice. Took my stuff out last fall. (Because of the price hikes.) Too much stuff in my house now but I'm planning on a spring garage sale. What doesn't sell is going to a thrift store.

[@MTVessel61446]

Decades ago when we were merging two households, we rented a medium-sized unit for a couple years. After settling into our new (old) home, we decided to build a storage shed (DIY) calculating that it would pay for itself in 6 months. Best upgrade ever! And we're still in that same house using that same shed.

[@helenhilton2158]

Another question when it comes to storage units is, How much are you paying for the unit v. how much is the stuff worth that you're storing in it? Why pay $1000's over time to store something that's only worth $100's?

[@tarynmaria_]

@@helenhilton2158 Such a good point!

[@janiceestes9518]

My home is super organized and extremely clean. I am 70 years old, and I am done with decorating for the holidays. Today my husband and I went up into the attic and we went through all my seasonal decorations. After he went up and down all the stairs with boxes full, he finally realized why I am tired of deep cleaning, putting up holiday decor every season every year. I still have a way to go but the next three weeks I am taking charge and putting most items in boxes for a yard sale. This afternoon I started on my master closet. People actually use very little in what they have. I swim for one hour three times a week and that is what I enjoy doing in my life.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing that!!

[@RoyalPineapple-dk2vg]

Wow- that’s a big job! My Mom has reduced the Christmas decor to one nativity set and one wreath with family photos through the years. We have a live wreath to enjoy at the front door that can be thrown away once the season ends. We do sometimes see what is salvageable of the devil on the live wreath for next year. We will enjoy the holiday decor at the stores or from neighbors that can still go all out! It has made life so much simpler. Thank You for sharing! I wondered what others may do. I take photos often too if I enjoy something at the stores at holiday times. It’s enough for me, makes me just as happy.

[@RoyalPineapple-dk2vg]

Salvageable of the ‘decor’ not ‘devil’…sorry, spell check is not helping me…😂

[@williamclark1244]

I used to have a part time job at World Market and they had kitchen gadgets for everything. I realized then how ridiculous it seemed to have a banana slicer, a kale stripper and an electric mushroom to clean up messes on a countertop. A knife, my hands and a rag can do all of the things I just mentioned. BTW, I have a rice cooker. It's called a pot on the stove. lol

[@tarynmaria_]

Haha love it - we have the same rice maker!! :)

[@ktspirit1]

I have an old "rice cooker". It's an old, heavy pressure cooker I picked up at a yard sale when I was going off to college. I don't trust the seal to pressure cook, but it keeps in the steam. Voila, perfect rice. I've had that pot for 40+ years!

[@MTVessel61446]

You're right on with having to 'pay rent' for anything you bring into your home. THINGS take time, space, and maintenance so make each thing worth your while. This concept dawned on me a few years ago and I'm happy you've arrived with the same idea and are sharing it with others. It's a get-out-of-clutter-jail card!

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you so much!

[@marthahubbard9463]

I love your content. I’m a clutter free person and a clean freak, but I live by myself. So it’s easy. But it’s an ongoing thing. Don’t worry about offending anyone. I watch your channel for entertainment and I am learning from some of your suggestions too. It’s a pleasure to know there are people like you giving free advice on how to make life better and keep down the stress of having crap in every nook and cranny. Keep up the good work 😊

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you so much, Martha!! 😊

[@Marilyn-np2xh]

Ha, ha, I love my coffee table books! 😄 I have two hard cover ones. One is a big book of old barns. The other is Theology of the Home, a Catholic book with pictures of the home. I actually have visitors pick them up and look thru them. Most people like looking at my barn book! It has many pictures of old barns all across the country. I also keep whatever current books I’m reading on my coffee table. I love books! I think they make wonderful decor! And yes, I read my books. 😁

[@tarynmaria_]

Love it, keep your books - if you love them they are definitely not clutter! :)

[@mamabirdie734]

Just saw and enjoyed you on Clutterbug. The struggle me and my husband are having now while Swedish Death Cleaning is sadly, we have no children (as we met in our 30’s and now in our 50’s) neither does his only sister who lives far and visits little. Our only heirs is my eldest brothers 3 young sons 8 yr twins (special needs) and his 15 yr old living in another state whom we love but aren’t very close to bc of distance as the boys don’t like to FaceTime. To help decision making we ask ourselves, “Would we want to inherit/be burdened with this item if it were our own distant aunt/uncle?” Even more depressing is the idea that once we’re gone the things so precious to us will have absolutely no sentimental meaning to anyone to remember us by except photo albums with our parents which our siblings would want but outside of a few pics of us all we have acquired in life will most likely be hurriedly tossed in a dumpster in a weekend esp when there’s little time to take off work for relatives who are burdened to clear an entire house of a distant relative in a distant state. Our life, memories, cherished moments, end with us. Swedish Death Cleaning for childless couples is never addressed. There’s a saying a person dies 3 times. The actual moment of passing, the day they are placed in the earth, and the day the last person who remembers you passes away. The hard truth of that is soul crushing.

[@Chris-lc4bo]

My husband and I are in our 70s, we have no child and like you, we don't live near family. Before you throw out out those printed photos, scan them and put them on an external hard drive, only keep the best of the memory printed photos. You never know, what family member will get interest in Family genealogy and heirlooms and it maybe someone, you will never get to meet. We just have to hope for the best.

[@tarynmaria_]

Oh that is a hard truth to think about! I say push that thought away and enjoy your sentimental items. Anything you don't enjoy and don't think anyone else will, could be a good thing to rehome and give to someone who might like it. Thank you so much for commenting ❤

[@tarynmaria_]

Great idea!

[@mamabirdie734]

@@Chris-lc4bo Yes, what a great suggestion and very true. Seems as if most people’s knowledge of their family history rarely goes beyond that of their grandparents.

[@dianasimplifies]

We are childless as well and honestly it helps me be able to declutter more knowing there are only nieces and nephews to pass it to and I don't think any of them will want antiques. They can do an estate sale or something when we are gone and pocket the money for something they actually want! ❤

[@sailorgirl2017]

When I went to the UK for a vacation I bought cloth bags from each place, Stonehenge, Jane Austen House, Charlotte Bronte rose bag, British Museum...etc. Whenever I go grocery shopping or thrifting, I take my bags and they remind me of my trip!

[@tarynmaria_]

Awesome idea! We have bags from London - Sainsbury’s!

[@jennyjenkins877]

That was a great realization about souvenirs that are actually made in a different country than you're visiting!

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you, Jenny!

[@4Zeus20]

My son went to Ireland and brought back something from The Dollar Store. Lol

[@jennyjenkins877]

@@4Zeus20 😂🍀

[@tarynmaria_]

Too funny!@@4Zeus20

[@lauriepowell3959]

Coffee table books: I have long been interested in art, design and decorating my home. I have loads of “coffee table” sized books, but they are in my bookcases. I have poured over them often and still pull them out for inspiration. Some have been around my house for so long that I can look back at very previous trends and see how they influence today. I enjoy them (as well as my other books) and if I get tired of or won’t reread them I pass them on.

[@tarynmaria_]

Awesome, thank you for sharing!

[@TheresaDeRosa]

awake at 1AM decluttered under bathroom sink I remember living in an upper apartment 2 bedrooms parents, & two older brothers we were 10 yrs apart- slept with my parents- no closet in their bedroom only dressers- one closet in my brother room no dryer she used a clothes line even in winter & the jeans would be frozen and we laughed I do not know how 5 people lived with No space and everything was immaculate - our street knocked down n Bklyn to build a school - moved to a house - both my brothers were in the Navy when I was 8 Life was much simpler back then- Thanks to Taryn I keep going little by little to declutter

[@tarynmaria_]

Wow, amazing, you are doing awesome! Thank you so much for sharing ☺

[@sadiedom]

OXO is an amazing brand !

[@tarynmaria_]

Right?! Love the quality.

[@virginialangford6257]

Oh….the collectors…my friend buys every frog anything she sees…plastic, glass, modern, antique, realistic, cartoonish…no frog gets left behind. She and her hubby are always broke, their house is so cluttered as to be uncomfortable…and…no kidding…her guest bath has a bathtub full of frogs…

[@tarynmaria_]

I am laughing at no frog gets left behind! A few frogs are nice but a whole bathtub, wow!

[@ktspirit1]

My 93 year old mother collected dolls for years. They are all over her house staring at us and no one wants them! LOL.

[@flohough1870]

Great video! At the end of 2023, I made a list of 24 things I would not buy in 2024--anything from socks to books. They were all things that I already had too many of. Throughout the year, I'm keeping track of my "fails" to see where I'm having serious issues LOL! I plan on doing the same thing in 2025! It has helped me look at what I'm buying with a more critical eye.

[@tarynmaria_]

Love that!!

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Not had a coffee table for many, many years. When I did, I had 2 books I displayed of scenic pictures of the 2 states I have lived most of my life in. Looked at regularly. Now in book shelf and forgotten 😢.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing!

[@doctormimi9486]

Right on sister !

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!!

[@patti8617]

There is no comparison between a room lit by beautiful, warm incandescent light and harsh blue LED lighting. Test it by putting LED in a small lamp in the living room and then replace it with incandescent to see the difference immediately.

[@Marilyn-np2xh]

You can get LED light bulbs that are on the warmer side. Look at the side of the box. Get ones in the 2700K - 3000K range.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing!

[@dianasimplifies]

Agree and we get the better made incandescents (I think we had to order them) and they last a very long time. LEDs don't always last a decade. Most last a couple years or less I've noticed, my hubby does electrical work and he says the same thing. Then they start flickering and drive you up a wall til you switch it out.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Great vlog! Good list! All the people that have coffee table books, thrifted pretty books and turned around books on book shelves are people who do not read!.. they just want to look well read... its ridiculous, because having those things tells everyone that enters their home that they don't read 😂. They should just buy other home decor. So true about kitchen.. I use glass, stainless steel and Real Tupperware (life time Garantie). I only have 5 machines: hand mixer, toaster, kettle, bullet and hand coffee press. Works for everything. Sales are good if the object is already on your "need" or "want" list already. That's how we use sales. On my holidays I buy real art that are on shelves(statues) and walls. Love it. It reminds me of my holidays daily.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you so much, Rebecca!! 😊❤

[@cathynazaruk4598]

It was so funny to me when you mentioned body scrubs! I just was thinking yesterday I need to toss my Tree Hut one which I bought a few months ago and never used! I only got it because of seeing other KZbinrs talk about them a long while ago. I actually don’t like or need it! I’d rather use a scrub brush like you have, or buy something like an exfoliating body wash in a bottle.

[@Shria9]

I make those at home, too. So much less expensive and made the way I like. Easy, too.

[@tarynmaria_]

That is too funny! I know those scrubs were all the rage a while back. I saw a bunch that no one is using in my kids' bathroom and decided to put it in the video :)

[@tarynmaria_]

Yes - I used to make them too - with sugar, I need to try that again!

[@MSHoneybee210]

I put my body scrub by the hand soap and that makes me use it up because I don’t want mine hanging around till the end of time too 😂 makes me feel like my hands are getting really clean too

[@cathynazaruk4598]

@@MSHoneybee210 oh, that’s a good idea!

[@annecarter5181]

With all of those decor items & books on the coffee table, how can anyone find a spot for their coffee cups???!!!

[@tarynmaria_]

Haha, I don't know!!!

[@eleonorazaharija5262]

The general problem with people is not knowing the basic rule of shopping: unless you have a place to store it, don't buy it!

[@tarynmaria_]

Such a good rule to keep in mind!

[@willsx2]

Nice tips but I disagree on two items. 1 - coffee table books. I enjoy reading through them, they often facilitate conversation and when I am tired of one, I can swap them with friends that have similar interests. 2 - gift bags. They are easy to store, I don't need tape and ribbon and they can be used over and over

[@tarynmaria_]

Fair enough! Thank you for watching 😊

[@eronhonez]

I agree with your statement about coffee table books. I also find coffee table decor arrangements odd. We use our coffee tables, so arrangements with decor and books for display just get in the way…I don’t get it.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@Shria9]

The other thing with dollar store items is that they're not necessarily less expensive than the same item somewhere else. For example, I was super excited to find the cream Barkeepers Friend at our local Dollar Tree and almost bought it on the spot even though I already had some at home. I found out that not only was it not much cheaper than it was where I usually buy it, it was smaller. It was actually more expensive. So, what's with all the smaller containers of stuff there, anyway? Why can I only find 200g bags of Smartfood Popcorn there and everywhere else it's 325g or so for a bag that looks like the same size? Is it even actually Smartfood Popcorn in the bag? But, yes, some things are less expensive there. Just do your homework to make sure they are and don't assume you're getting a deal just because you found it in a discount store.

[@trinidiana]

Shrinkflation. It’s a thing

[@tarynmaria_]

So true!! You definitely have to do your research. I've also almost fallen for some of the items that were actually more expensive too!

[@dianasimplifies]

My MIL was a big time "hoarder"...not even kidding...she was paying for a storage unit for literal junk that she planned to sell, she paid enough in 15 or 20 years to buy a nice used car!!!! Unbelievable. I do not understand paying for extra storage but I'm super cheap 😅 since decluttering we don't even use our attic anymore except for Christmas bins and thankfully we don't have a basement so I didn't have to clean that out either. 😂 Great tips Taryn! 🎉

[@dianasimplifies]

Oh and totally agree on "organizing systems" ...can't tell you how much of that stuff I ended up giving away. I don't really like bins it turns out 😅

[@tarynmaria_]

Yes! The storage units kill me - it's such a scam and they are so expensive! Thank you so much 😊

[@michellebrenno5611]

Hilarious what you said about the magnets as souvenirs. I have defaulted to magnets since they take so little space yet remind me of a vacation - but when you mentioned they’re made in China I laughed out loud. Checked some of my magnets and sure enough. LOL! I’ll refrain from getting more of these non-souvenirs!

[@tarynmaria_]

Haha! If you love them then don't worry - I just realized it one day and decided not to buy them anymore - they were my go to too :)

[@NLY1WAY4U]

I too once collected state or special places magnets. Used them with kids papers on the fridge. No need now, so away they go...bag full of them! Clean fridge!

[@tammybrennan2040]

Occasionally I buy a gossip magazine:) read it & toss it out. Say No to coffee tables & the silly books too. 🌷

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you! I used to do the same with gossip magazines! I stopped during the pandemic for some reason but they're fun to read :)

[@Hannah_Rachel_and_Kotik]

My doctoral dissertation is my coffee table book 😂

[@tarynmaria_]

Haha love it!

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

Anything that is kept in a closet, behind closed doors, and is not used and/or looked at often, then you're keeping things hostage, you are not a "collector", you are a manager of "The Isle of Misfit Toys". Let them go.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!

[@FrenchTwist]

books and magazines on tables or in racks make a home look like the dentist's waiting room

[@tarynmaria_]

Good point!

[@BraveInRibbons]

Yep!

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!

[@cindystuder9090]

The dollar tree messiness is laziness and the company buying offs and ends and continually shipping them to stores. My mother in law is a manager at a dollar tree and her store is extremely tidy and the most successful in our area in sales. The company buys so much and it's all odds and ends that the store is constantly getting new things and they have to out it all out per company policy. My mother in law took over a new store last year and the back of the store was packed with boxes over a year old that the previous manager didn't want to put out because it would have meant arranging the shelves differently. It took a month but mil got the place clean and tidy and everything out on the shelves. Soon after that her new store was the number one in her district like her previous one. It helps that she ran her own retail business for 30 years. The dollar tree manager position was supposed to be her retirement job. Lol

[@tarynmaria_]

Wow! You're mother in law sounds awesome!

[@dianasimplifies]

This explains a lot. At our DT the back is filled with boxes. I always wonder what goodies I'm missing bc they aren't on the shelves 😂 I do love their treasures, keeps me from having to coupon, I just got some good name brand shampoo there for $1.25.😂

[@maryd253]

Great list

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!!

[@debbyfazfphotography]

My personal opinion of LED blubs is they are too intense for me. Just my opinion.

[@tarynmaria_]

I wonder if you could find lower watt ones or warmer bulbs. Thanks for sharing!

[@debbyfazfphotography]

@@tarynmaria_ Thanks. I'll look. The LED ones are much too sterile looking for me. I would be thrilled to find warmer ones.

[@sonyad7723]

I TOTALLY AGREE with NO coffee table books!!!! I have NO BOOKS AT ALL displayed!!! Even though I have over 300 paperbacks I think still in my (closed) bookshelves!!! (And even MORE in my kindle!!!!) On the funny other hand... I picked a few mostly-white Harlequins that were pretty and instead of decluttering them (already read them, and not going to re-read) like I was going to, since they were pretty, I decided to keep them and use them in my living room as coasters for my glasses!!!! Very unique and I don't have to buy anything new!!! :)

[@tarynmaria_]

What a cute idea! And functional!

[@sonyad7723]

I'll forward everyone that condensation has ruined the cover...so if you want to keep the books in good condition this isn't for you. But if you're willing to have the book as a coaster and you're ok with water rings on the books, then I LOVE it! It's adorable to hand company a small book & say "here's your coaster" lol!

[@ForestFury101]

All true.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!

[@RMFtheclumsy]

Straw popularity is weird. Why are those people so happy when they SUCK? 🤣

[@nutanbagi6494]

Nice vlog 😊😊

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you 😊

[@solidstate9451]

Bodyscrub? I use shower gel and sugar.

[@tarynmaria_]

Good one - I've done that before too!

[@marthavillanueva5505]

One thing I do not buy or keep is books. Why pat $25-30 for a book when the library is free!

[@tarynmaria_]

Love the library so much!

[@zabmcauley5647]

I love the library! I have started buying books to support the authors I love, especially LGBTQ books as they aren't found out in the used book markets.

[@sherrydockery9933]

Need to keep wedding album and pictures inside a drawer or end table for protection, where air is room temp and not moist. I would grab it first in case of an emergency.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing!

[@cathylombard964]

I have never found coffee table books desirable. I don’t have a coffee table either.

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you for sharing!

[@donnadees1971]

As I age, I look back via collections…and am just shocked- what was I thinking.

[@SuperKissybunny]

Off topic: You'd look great with a shoulder-length razor sharp, A line bob.

[@tarynmaria_]

Interesting, I'll check that out!!

[@SuperKissybunny]

Love your channel ❤️

[@CraftyComeLately]

The LED lightbulb lasting 10 years is a myth

[@doubleleterlady]

Can confirm. I bought led light bulbs 9 years ago and they have been replaced three times now

[@tarynmaria_]

Interesting! I haven't had a problem with most of ours but I did have some that didn't make it that long :)

[@trinam2503]

I have had so many LED bulbs burn out right around 1yr. They are still an energy savings, and I am a quilter and cross stitched so I prefer bright lights in most areas of my house. But 10 yrs, no, they definitely dont last that long.

[@EmOrganizer]

They could easily make them to last much longer but: capitalism. So they get the 'planned obsolescence' treatment, unfortunately. I'm just mindful of how many lights I have on and stay away from fixtures with 2+ bulbs.

[@sarahvogel1359]

Hey Taryn! Know you will want to correct the typo on your spelling of SOUVENIRS !!

[@tarynmaria_]

Ha, yup someone pointed that out! My editing software malfunctioned on that word and I didn't catch it :(

[@beabchill]

NO to LED lightbulbs. Again, NO, No, no!!!!!

[@robertakeogh8650]

❤❤❤

[@tarynmaria_]

Thank you!!

[@dennisjuliano2508]

Yeah, you crossed the line with the rice cooker. In behalf of all Asians, don’t mess with the rice cooker.

[@tarynmaria_]

I take it back!!! 😊

[@LouiseDost]

BUY Second HANDHAND

[@tarynmaria_]

Love secondhand finds!

[@lizharley5723]

You spelled souvenirs wrong!!!!!!

[@tarynmaria_]

Whoops!