Declutter Your Home Fast: 6 Tips to Help

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

What helped me most to really gain momentum decluttering was to make dropping off stuff at the donation center a part of my weekly routine. Two years ago my daughter was taking a class about half an hour away, so I knew every Friday I would drive near the donation center on our way home. Then I made it a goal to fill 4 grocery store paper bags each week to drop off (Nothing magical about 4, it's how many bags fit across the back seat of my car). Then I tracked how many bags of stuff I donated. By the end of the school year I had donated about 70 bags of stuff. It was slow and steady progress that made a big difference in the peace and function of my home.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's a great point Stephanie, thanks for sharing! Building it into a routine is a huge help.

[@thelmakatherine5396]

I do this also. On Fridays, while I am out grocery shopping, I drop my clutter off, whether it be one small bag or a whole trunk full.

[@nicholetteburris3925]

Yes! This is very similar to what I've done. What was a trunk full every week has become less than a trunk full each week, but I still drive to the store and drop off what I've got!

[@momof2momof2]

My oldest brother is 69, and this past Christmas was it for him. He has a lifetime of things he has collected, mostly things like expensive dish sets, crystal , silver, and hobbies. Last weekend we went to his home to help him group things together because he hired an estate company to sell all of his stuff including many pieces of very nice furniture. Then when that's done and over, he's selling his big home and buying a smaller home in a gated community like mine. In my home, we have spent the last 2 weeks decluttering our storage room that is attached to our home, and one cabinet in the kitchen. The feeling of being organized once again, and donating, and starting the year out once again settled and fresh is wonderful. . I even power washed our drive way :) Thanks for the video Rachel, have a lovely day 🥰❄☃💗✝🌞

[@alicejohnson6775]

Oh MY.....I so know the feelings here of overload. My Honey LOVED to shop(he was also a big gift giver.) I once told him "Honey, I LOVE the Washington Monument..............but I don't want it in my front yard!!!" He came around to understand that we could appreciate things from afar rather than owning them.

[@elizabeth__official]

😂😂😂

[@oldvillagefarm1348]

Thanks!

[@nicholetteburris3925]

Rachel, can you please talk about how photo storage and how you view memory keeping? I watch all your videos and I cannot remember you covering this. 💕

[@margaret1336]

Decision making fatigue is so real, thanks for the encouragement.❤

[@supergran1000]

Thank you, Rachel. So glad you qualified what "fast" means! It's taken me some years to get to my current state of declutter, and there's still more to do. The layers are gradually peeling away. Thanks for the tips. 😊

[@SN-sz7kw]

Ditto 💗

[@uzmaijaz7821]

My dearest darling Rachel as always I am extremely thankful to you for uploading an Amazing video!Stay blessed

[@amma7244]

It’s so soothing watching you do a puzzle.🥰🇨🇦

[@juliesnell2570]

We got puzzles back out this holiday and I had forgotten how they are a nice slow activity that encourages team work and conversation among all ages in our home. We will keep one going all the time now. Love it. Loved your video!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's wonderful Julie! ❤️

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Same i always do them and then wonder why I went so long without doing them and remembered how much i love them

[@FlowerPowerWV]

I love that you have a son named Titus. Titus 2:5 was the key verse that convicted me to stop working outside the home. To trust God in making ends meet and to become a stay at home mom and wife. ❤️

[@kristinolan7240]

I am in this process. Sometimes it seems so daunting and sometimes it seems doable. Your videos are encouraging!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Kristi! One day at a time. ❤️

[@Nina.177]

Thanks for the video, Rachel. I totally understand why puzzles work well for giving you something to do that allows and invites your children to join you. It can be hard to sit still and just be with your kids when there are things to get done.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

I got some beautiful wood puzzles from amazon for Christmas all my kids came and helped me do them without even being asked, I loved it

[@bettyjo2737]

Great tips! I started in my kitchen and I did one cabinet, one drawer a day. I scheduled it in and it was marvelous! Now I am onto the next room. You mentioned recreational shopping. I saw some gizmo at the store the other day and my fantasy self really wanted. I thought it about and put it back. My realistic self would never use it. I hope you and your family are doing well and you have a blessed rest of your week ❤

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Wonderful wisdom.

[@jessicabulloch5302]

For myself, I have found the living room and dining room to be the easiest to declutter mostly because there was not a lot of storage or little items , I was able to be practical and say what do I really need in this room? A couch, a TV a chair a plant. I also found it very helpful when you mentioned in a vlog that common areas should not be to store personal items just what we all need to use in that space. Thank you for all your help Rachel.

[@jennyroe5285]

I have been using your planner as a reminder of my days - busy or not busy - all at a glance with no frills and no guilts. I have had many planners before and they were all beautiful and.... super thick. It turned out that it was just too much frills (and pages) for me and that I felt guilty when I did not use them consistently, after spending so much on them. I did use my 79 cents notebooks in the past. Lots of them, as my daily planners (more like a record keeping of what I had done in everyday as I couldn't really plan ahead in the notebooks... I used a wall calendar for that). Anyways, the artistic self in me wants a pretty planner but the streamline style in me wants a planner that's "just right" and functional. SO far your planner has been working out . I was so surprised when Hubby actually looked at the planner with me! :) On the window shopping habit you mentioned in this video, I have no self control on window shopping so I only shop when I absolutely want/need something that I don't want to get from Amazon. The funny thing is, like the people you mentioned, I would load up my Amazon cart but I never press that "buy" button, Lol! I would move "thousands" of items to my personal wishlist but I have since deleted them all. That was one way I tamed that "window shopping" beast. We are all different and yes, we do what works for us. :) Always happy to see you put out a video! Thank you!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Jenny! I’m so happy to hear you’re using the planner! ❤️ I don’t do well window shopping either- it’s better if I don’t go into stores 😅

[@lindahodges9061]

Beautiful puzzle, and how great that you have time to do it and that your children join in also! Love your videos! ❤

[@Nourishingminimalism]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@kathrynn3936]

I’ve discovered that it’s an ongoing process! I went thru my coffee mugs months ago… then we took a trip to see friends and gained 2 coffee mugs they gave us from their area. My husband went on a retreat, and in came another mug and so on!

[@SN-sz7kw]

“You only have so much decision power.” Yes! This is it - when it comes to MY stuff. Other peoples’ stuff - I’m loaded with endless decision making power. 😂

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂 Truth!

[@jessicabulloch5302]

Rachel , it's so wonderful that your kiddos are creative with pottery, painting and origami. So many children just want to be on a device instead of being creative. I see they have caught that from you. ☺️

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you so much! Mine would prefer to be on devices! I grew up without a TV, and I felt like it was a very positive experience, we do have devices, but we limit it and I love seeing how the kids occupy themselves when they're "bored." 🥰

[@karenhaire5451]

Such good advice!

[@liap1293]

Great tips on the order in which we tackle the clutter in our homes. Leaving the sentimental items for when our decision-making muscles are strongest is a great tactic. Thank you for another great video.

[@ninjanana102]

Rachel, thank you for another excellent video. I am going to share it with a friend who is addicted to shopping. We have discussed our struggles with too much clutter & we find your videos useful. It was so calming watching you work on your puzzle & then the boys joined in. Fun times.

[@katiegleaves3792]

Rachel, I love your kind and thoughtful approach to this process. Your recognition that we are all different, and that different methods work for different people, is refreshing. You give good suggestions that serve as inspiration and can be personalized to fit our own lives/homes/habits/spaces/needs. I especially like that you mentioned Decision Fatigue! This is ABSOLUTELY one of my biggest hurdles. Also, I was a "recreational/emotional shopper" and that combined with being thrifty, crafty, and struggle with decision making... the Stuff really added up. Here's something that has helped me change my approach to shopping, and still fulfill that dopamine rush (not something I've heard anyone suggest before) - instead of just shopping for the sake of filling whatever void I'm trying to fill mentally/emotionally, I instead have set rules for myself, including a focused list of things I'm allowed to look for/buy if I find an item that fills that SPECIFIC need - AND it must replace (be an upgrade for) AT LEAST one item (supporting the "one-in-one-out" rule) and if it doesn't, then I can't buy it. This sparks the "treasure hunter" in me, but decreases the feeling that I "need to shop" for no particular reason. For example, I've had my favorite winter coat for over 20 years. The zipper is a little tricky and two of the snaps are starting to wear out. Then I have another jacket that I don't love as much, but it serves a different purpose (it's better for wet/snowy conditions) but the elastic cuffs and waterproof lining are also wearing out. But rather than buying a "so-so" replacement for either of them (the ones I've looked at all seem to be missing at least one or two of the features I really want/need in a coat)... none of them quite live up to "my old trusty coats".. so the search continues, and until I find the one that's "just right," I will make do with the two I have. Another way I've shifted my shopping/spending urges: I find ways to make "necessary shopping" fun; I turn Grocery shopping into a game, in a few different ways. >I typically shop at the same 3 markets near my home, and I know their layout pretty well. I find joy in helping OTHER people find things they're looking for (or help them find an employee if more appropriate - sometimes shoppers are just shy and uncomfortable asking anyone for help, but it can be easy to tell when someone looks lost). >OR I will entertain myself by turning the shopping into a treasure hunt - look for specialty items or things that aren't normally on my list (don't BUY these one-off items necessarily... just locate them for fun, and to break up the routine). Example: Hmmm... I wonder what's the highest Cacao content chocolate bar they have? then check the snack/candy section, and the baking section, and gourmet or organic section... but remind myself I don't need to spend $5 on that chocolate bar, and keep on walking. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but it's a form of window shopping that's easy for me to not give into the temptation to buy, since I'm practicing discipline by sticking to my grocery shopping list.

[@francinebasis8721]

Put away box works wonderfully for easily distracted people, that's me🙋‍♀️.

[@debnelson5071]

I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on the process, so many times while watching your videos I am relieved to find that someone else has dealt with their de-cluttering in a similar manner as me. For instance, in this video you addressed reaching a point where you have hit the decision-making limit, and have begun shuffling instead. I thought that was a weakness on my part, thank you for letting me know it isn’t, as I am 59 years old, and we have lived in the same house for the last 30 years-the need for de-cluttering is critical, and always a bit difficult, then I hit the wall, so to speak and have to stop! I recently listened to a speech, from a former Marine, about having discipline, the bottom line was that “discipline=freedom”. Eureka!! That was the motto I needed to hear, and allow to guide me. As long as I stay on track, and as you said, schedule in the time, take care of the daily use areas regularly, and know that it may take me longer (months, years), than I originally thought, I will succeed-especially knowing that at the other end, true freedom awaits me. Thank you, again for the calming reassurance, and perspective! ❤

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I've heard the phrase "discipline = freedom" before - I love it! It's so true, and yet we fight it so much. 😂 Thank you for sharing Deb. ❤️

[@supergran1000]

Hi Deb. I'm 67 and recently moved from the house where we'd lived for 41 years. We had so much junk! (Moving house does make you focus, however.) Rachel is wonderful, isn't she? I've learnt so much from her and other KZbinrs. Best wishes from the UK.

[@debnelson5071]

@@supergran1000 Love your “super gran” handle! Yes, Rachel’s presentation style is very suited to my personality, and her talks give me much on which to reflect! Kudos to you for doing that very hard job of editing your possessions, and hopefully have discovered some sense of that freedom!!❤️

[@supergran1000]

@@debnelson5071 ❤

[@katiegleaves3792]

I hadn't heard the phrase "discipline=freedom" but it makes so much sense. I can relate it to my former wardrobe when I was in private school (we had uniforms) and how I can apply that to other minimalist concepts/areas of the home. Rules/discipline meant a restrictive wardrobe in this case, which led to simpler morning/dressing routines (on school days at least), therefore more freedom in my morning routine, and space in the closet.

[@lucymruane]

Thank you Rachel 🌷🌷

[@betsyann6285]

Sometimes I like to just look through the makeup aisles without buying anything, it does help🙂

[@pameehanson3866]

What a beautiful puzzle of Seattle. It was one of my hubby's favorite hobbies in the winter time. I miss those pieces scattered all over the place LOL. I thought how great it was that you could clear off the table and then sit and do a puzzle in the middle of the day! That is my goal with decluttering that you could just stop and do something fun and this was probably not written in your planner to sit and put a puzzle together. Thanks Rachel and family!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

❤️ That's true, I didn't schedule in doing a puzzle. I've been trying to about once a week so we have a couple days where the puzzle sits on the table. Brian's grandma used to sit and do puzzles all the time, it's a sweet memory.

[@liztefft5312]

Rachel, I love your planner so far (received my copy a few weeks ago). I still need more practice in writing out a plan for myself.

[@michelesusanne1]

I know many declutter themed youtubers don't encourage selling items you no longer need/want but I have sold a lot on Marketplace. I always price it lower than others listed, if it doesn't sell in a week, it gets donated. If it can be replaced for $20 or less, most of the time I just donate it. With many families needing extra money, it's a doable option for unneeded things.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

As long as you don't mind the process, I agree - it's a good thing! I hate that type of thing, so it was very inhibiting for me.

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Hello Rachel! Thank you for another video post!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

❤️

[@susankimball4820]

Rachel , I so enjoy your videos . Looking into your planner 😊

[@jennyjenkins877]

Real talk for real people 🙂

[@margaretvandegrift5306]

Totally off topic, but I adore the name “Titus.” Both classic and unique.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

🥰🥰🥰

[@sherryharding5792]

Such a vibrant puzzle! Great to see you,boys enjoying putting the pieces. Just wondering what happens with it after that? Im curious to know what you would do with it. Do let me know, please.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

If we like it, we'll put it downstairs with our games and do it again another time. If we don't like it, we donate it.

[@deborahalexander9832]

Lol, my kids have the same penguin craft from Home Depot! I just recycled it.

[@patsyearnhart2080]

Thank you. I think that it would help me if you showed us how you eliminated your items. Examples😊

[@mindymudge7247]

Great video except i like dana whites no mess method where you do the put it where it goes as you declutter. I works for me cause when i was done I didn't have piles to put away.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

When it comes to purchasing more expensive items I always give myself about a month to think about it. Usually after the month the item doesn’t seem so exciting and I’ve lost interest. If not I will purchase it. Of course if it’s a necessary item for our home then that’s different.

[@katjaherwarth-wollmershaus8380]

❤

[@jeannebowes2898]

I do fifteen minutes a day. On trash nights , I do a whole house sweep! You are looking so slim and beautiful. We could declutter the chest of drawers with you?

[@sierrakringen5871]

I love your pants! Where did those come from? :)

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Duluth Trading Co 😊

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

The walls in some rooms were destroyed and everything had been moved to other rooms. My kitchen, front rooms, bathroom, and bedroom were redone but they are not normal. So many things were just pushed into another room. I think I have a room done until I open another box and it goes in the room I thought I was done with.

[@Stiggsway]

Side Note Question... do you have two different thermostats?

[@danicegewiss862]

I devote 15 minutes at most daily. Clutter isn't a one and done thing. Clothes wear out. Dishes break. When you have just a couple dishes left, you have to get rid of them and get new ones.

[@Nanatracie]

Got to ask how many piece jigsaw is that your doing, I have 1 barely done but is started, any tips cos I just can't focus on it atm but nothing on my mind or needs doing in house so I do have the time etc, no letters on back of this one so it's seems so hard x

[@Nourishingminimalism]

It's 1,000 pieces - but I like to pick puzzles that have very clear differences in the picture, so I avoid ones with lots of trees or similar flowers all over or a lot of the same pattern, because those are hard and frustrate me. If I am struggling, I want to be able to look at the picture and find an approximate place for the piece to go. 😊

[@Nanatracie]

@@Nourishingminimalism yeah I understand that all mine are 1000 pieces, this one is a photo of one of my grandsons so I've got to get this done x

[@traciseibert4532]

I hired a lady once to help me, it was 250.00 for 4 hours, that was after my husband died. 2001. Then a good friend and I cleaned out the farmhouse, we threw out 3 tons of stuff.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I'm glad you were able to do that, it's nice to have someone help and walk through it with us. ❤️

[@ap85jp87]

That puzzle would mess with my OCD mind!

[@susannovak8263]

I’m sorry to hear you have OCD. That is a very frustrating mental health condition that can really mess with your daily life. I hope you have had success working with a professional.

[@ap85jp87]

@@susannovak8263 It's controllable, I just always feel the need to finish things and that puzzle was huge.

[@sherryharding5792]

Hi Raçhel, thanks for this video. I always enjoy listening to you. However what i need to know is mwhere you put your daughter's and son's creation? I'm just curious. Wouldn't they get upset if you get rid of it, i know mine would. Please help me on this issue.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

It helps that I've been a minimalist for most of their lives, so I started when they were young, talking about only keeping things for a certain period of time. When they would draw pictures, we would display them for a while and then throw them away. The items they feel are special, they can keep in their room. My daughter is good about discarding things after a while, but our son Titus likes collecting. His space has much more stuff on shelves.

[@helly52]

My biggest issue is always thinking, well what if I get rid of something and then say 2 months down the track I wish I’d kept it. 😖 I drive myself nuts!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I think of it as a risk I'm willing to take, just so I can have the house I want. ❤️

[@Christinalovescats1958]

I was gifted from my Godfather every Christmas a box full of crystal, figurines, beautiful bowls and some things I use. Some of the items do have value but I don't want the "stuff". Why is it so hard to let go - is it the value? I attempted to sell these items but get no response. Just too much crystal that is gorgeous but it's not going anywhere even when I try to sell.

[@aprilhuffstutler1419]

Most puzzle boxes say how many pieces there should be. You can count them instead of putting them together. ( Unless, of course, you enjoy doing them.)

[@fari887]

I always put an empty big box and keep on filling it for donation till it is full.

[@traciseibert4532]

Wish you could help me

[@gracesanity6314]

If it does not support me, its out.

[@kathrynn3936]

I’ve discovered that it’s an ongoing process! I went thru my coffee mugs months ago… then we took a trip to see friends and gained 2 coffee mugs they gave us from their area. My husband went on a retreat, and in came another mug and so on!