ONE THING TO HELP YOU DECLUTTER WAY FASTER | Minimalism

[@ashalter7235]

After years of decluttering and working towards a more minimalist lifestyle, I'm realizing that if I am not 100% sure I want to keep an item, then it should be let go. The "maybe" pile really just draws out the process and 99% of those things end up eventually being decluttered. There is a reason why you are hesitating keeping that item. And more and more I subscribe to the idea that everything I keep should be a "favorite". I thought that was an impossible goal when I first heard that but it's been one of the most helpful in actually paring down enough to start seeing bigger lifestyle benefits.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Total gold advice here. When I was teaching preschool and elementary, I could tell certain parents in the first minute. Those who focus on life and core, and not screens and shopping. Their kids are a different species. They are also almost always A+ performers and generous community members. This!!

[@trinityriddell3296]

The thing that has helped me the most I learned from "The minimal mom" on KZbin. She asks "what is going to change that will make you use this item if you are not using it already?" I am able to realize the difference between my fantasy self and where I am in reality. Sure I'd love to do all the crafts, but at the end of the day I'm just too tired! So I got rid of it all

[@deannadove3505]

You and I are on the same page there. I had so much stuff for "when I have more time" and " I may need this later" that were taking up space in my mind and day, I was losing what really mattered. I never used most of the things in my home and never would. Deep down I knew that. Releasing the stuff made me feel so much better.

[@aloverofstories]

Thank you. I'm new to minimalism. Your comment helped me even more. :)

[@kimgordon3695]

This is a wonderful time to gift things that are essential to area shelter's or rehabilitation Ctr's~

[@TheNinnyfee]

The Minimal Mom recently shared "The Silent To-Do List" in a video, i.e. every item gives you a job. Imagine them all pulling at your shirt saying, "clean me", "water me", "dust me", "put me away". When I heard this decision fatigue went away quickly, I wanted to throw everything out. 😄🙈 Just the thought of being bullied by stuff into caring for it...

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

I loved this video of Minimal Mom too! Made me aware of the chatter coming from all the things!

[@shaymac23]

That thought has really stuck with me too. I just moved and every box is saying unpack me and every excess item says you don't have room for me.

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

@@shaymac23 Moving is such an overwhelming time! All the stuff chatter!!! I just moved in the last three months too and it's been a huge motivator to become minimalist. I'm terrified of having to move all this stuff again. So I have given myself a year to reduce reduce reduce. All the best with your unpacking

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Totally, 💯. This is me!

[@SpotSwims]

I decluttered a leather hole puncher 2 years ago and thats legit the only thing i thought “hey wish I didn’t declutter that.” I can tell you one thing though, I dont regret spending the $15 extra dollars for a new one when I’ve had way less clutter/stress in my life for the last 2 years.

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Thank you. Fear of regret is my biggest obstacle... and when you posed the question “Is it worth it? - to have a bit of regret, to reach the goal”..... it “hit home”... I needed to hear that. Thank you. =)

[@littleleafy]

The only things I’ve regretted decluttering were items that I didn’t know what they were at the time- I saw a brown piece of plastic and thought “what is this? If I don’t know, then I probably don’t need it!” Only after it was gone did I realise it was the button for my coffee grinder! Now I use an old key to press the tiny grinder start. Same happened to a weird piece of metal... turns out it was a foot for my dresser. Now the dresser is sitting on thick cardboard. Oops!

[@radoslavatsantsarova6866]

NHL g

[@mtracy244]

😅

[@embraceintentions]

The questions that I also try to ask myself are ‘Do I want to make space for this item above another item?’ and ‘Do I really want to spend time cleaning this?’. Those really helped me with things like home decor which I found hard to declutter at first

[@margaretroberts-neilson1356]

I have been on a journey to minamilism for a while now. Unfortunately my husband does not share my minimalist mindset so I struggle with convincing him that he doesn't need so much stuff. I have also found that minimalism is really a luxury. Until very recently our family fell on some really difficult financial times and while I was able to not add to the clutter because we literally had no disposable income, every cent went to keeping a roof over our heads and food in the cupboards. But the worry that I might get rid of something that I might end up needing or being able to use, and knowing that I could not afford to go out and repurchase it, kept me from getting rid of a lot of stuff. Now we are in a much better place financially and I am ready to let go of all that stuff. One thing that has helped is the "quarantine" idea you mentioned. If I'm struggling with getting rid of an item I pack it away in a box and if after a set period of time if haven't needed it or missed it, I know it can go. Unfortunately where I live we are still under stay at home orders and all the thrift stores I usually donate to are closed so it will be a little while before I can get my donation boxes out of the house. So for now I will just keep adding to that big donation pile dreaming of the day I can load it in the car and get rid!

[@kimgordon3695]

We are in the final generation. Our great grand parents were the 1st to experience WWI & NOW we repeat... Psalms 37 : 10 11 & 29 offers hope

[@deannadove3505]

Great video, thank you! I decluttered a room at a time, including the contents of the closet, dressers, drawers etc at once. Then, I would declutter another room the same way. Doing it this way instead of decluttering a dresser or a closet at a time, gave me a clean, clear room to enjoy right away which motivated me to do another room the next day. I never dispose of anything either. I always donate which provides a level of personal satisfaction as well.

[@abigaildunne25]

You are becoming more and more relaxed in front of the camera. Well done 👏🏻👍☺️

[@ElinLesser]

Wow, that's so great to hear!

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

So when I got pregnant, our friends said, “Great!!” And we found all their baby stuff on our front porch ! 😂😂😂 ohhh... thanks....

[@amysofia5783]

When I'm decluttering, I've found a system that works fantastic for me and speeds up the process as well: I make 3 piles, not 2: a keep pile, a discard pile, and a MAYBE pile. Note that things should not go to the Maybe pile just cuz you don't want to put in the effort to make a decision. Instead, this pile should be for items that you feel like you SHOUL get rid of it but you are struggling with reconciling guilt. Items in this pile take more time to move through the emotions. An ugly sweater given as a gift from a dear relative, mementos for trips you aren't proud to display, excess bags you arent sure if you need. This pile is to deliberate on a different day after you've already gone through everything else. Some of these items I put back, but most I end up finding ways to let go- maybe a friend really likes that sweater I think is ugly. Maybe donating my clothes to a shelter makes it easier to let go of those extra tshirts. Maybe a family friend could use that bag you're on the fence with. This system has worked very well for me.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

As much as I’d like to complete my decluttering, I don’t see it as a race. I have no problem letting something stay till my next pass through that area just to be sure. For me, the biggest rush I get is taking it to the donation center. I did it every week for a long time. Now I have less to get rid of, so it’s not as often.

[@olivemaycards]

If I’m on the fence about something that I don’t need I often ask myself: if a friend/neighbor wanted or needed one of these, would I hesitate to give it to them? There are very few things I would say no to, some things I realize I would buy a better/nicer version of, but most things I can do without perfectly well. Joining a Buy Nothing group allowed me to give things to people who are asking for things I have, as well as offering things freely and seeing multiple neighbors who could make better use of it than I can.

[@simplyme7711]

Where do you find these “Buy Nothing” groups?

[@geschichtenausdemnagarium5804]

Simple way: choose what you want to keep not what you want to declutter and ask somebody for help. If you tell somebody why you think you should keep something, youll see what reaction you hope for...

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

Ooooooo loving the idea of only keeping a certain percentage of the maybe pile. That is going to help a lot!

[@maddiemalacopa1380]

Decluttering mindfully takes FOREVER for me. Even if I’m selling it for money or for free, photographing, posting and messaging buyers and renewing listings and weighing and measuring shipping boxes takes SO MUCH time and effort- way more for me than deciding to keep or declutter.

[@ElinLesser]

Good point that I didn't address - especially if you're selling a lot of it, it can be more time consuming... (and of course, selling is a great way of decluttering). So fair point!

[@maddiemalacopa1380]

A small wardrobe calls it “unbuying” which I like. Donating it all would definitely be way easier and faster, but she thinks that going through all the trouble of making sure it goes to a new home -from selling or listing for free or finding a friend or neighbor who wants it- where it will get used also has value in potentially changing our buying habits bc well have to think about “well if I buy it and can’t return it it’s gonna be a hassle to ‘un-buy’ it. Love your channel sm, @sliceoflight

[@maddiemalacopa1380]

Idk why some of it is crossed out 🤷‍♀️ lol

[@MrGrumpyGills]

@@maddiemalacopa1380 If you use - right next to a word, the word will be crossed out. Tip: google "youtube comment formatting" to find out how this works.

[@joshmcoaching]

Have you considered just donating the items? Especially low dollar value items.

[@heatherncasey2004]

It is great that you are getting in this mindset prior to having kids. It will make it so much easier should you choose to have them. Family members can make it super hard with gift giving, and I really wish I would have thought this way prior. Now that my kids are 11 and 15 we are overwhelmed with the insane amounts of stuff we are sorting through. I wish I would have really explained to them for them to give experiences instead of stuff. They forgot about the toys in 2 days, but experiences last forever.

[@kimgordon3695]

This summer I took a weekend to go thru clothing that is no longer age appropriate but high quality & gifted them to a friend's daughter who was heading to college. It is a spontaneous way to really help & also release things that no longer fit my journey. She was delighted 💞

[@deborahguay419]

The sound of your voice is so soothing! Also, really enjoyed this video. Thank you. 😊

[@ElinLesser]

I'm so glad! Thanks so much.

[@mylittlerebornlove8851]

Another great tip to expedite the decluttering process is one that helps eliminate so much of the decision making is letting the space decide FOR you! I learned this from Dana K White and she calls it the "container concept". I highly recommend her video that she made on the container concept. She explains that a container is for "containing". It isn't for putting things in it, but to serve as a LIMIT of how many items we can comfortably fit in there. Also the things cannot be crowded in, but they must have some space around them left. So you choose your favorites and whatever else comfortably fits in there and then you let go of whatever doesn't fit. No emotions on weather it is in good condition or working condition or if it's useful. If it doesn't fit, it goes. If you want the item so badly then swap it out for one you don't like as much and take that one out.

[@joshmcoaching]

Constraints often produce better outcomes.

[@joshmcoaching]

If they're not arbitrary.

[@donnamuller6460]

My husband takes my closed and labelled boxes out to the locked shed as soon as they're filled so I don't paw through them with doubt and second thoughts. He arranges a charity pickup when there are enough.

[@chalktalkwithshari4173]

While watching this, I decluttered and dusted my coffee table (it was a disaster). Wow-it feels so good!

[@nekochan303]

the why we do it is sooo important. in my experience it was long to get started because i felt i was not fully ready. nowadays i’m making good strides with a few pauses caused by life. you are right when you get kids it’s sooo much harder.

[@LateBoomer1964]

If you realize there is an item you need that you recently de-cluttered, chances are your need was born out of the de-cluttering or you would not have known you had the item and would have gone out an purchased another. The other thing to consider is most items degrade as time goes on, so maybe it was better you threw the old one away and are forced to buy new. Just some thoughts from an old lady. LOL

[@briannawilliams8779]

I completely agree. When we went through our kitchen, we got rid of the ice cream scoop because we don't really eat ice cream or make cookies and such, and it didn't really work as well because it was plastic. About a month later, my mom comes home with a metal scoop which she now prefers, but if I need anything like it, I just use a metal spoon😂

[@olivemaycards]

Yes. Sometimes I forget that there was a good reason why I decluttered the thing - it didn’t work as well as I imagined or I never thought of using it. It’s easy to romanticize things when the reality of them wasn’t that great.

[@24carrotgold8]

I hesitate to declutter "useful" items. So now I ask myself "when and why is this item no longer useful TO ME! It may now be useful to someone who finds it as treasure at a thrift store. I send it on its way to a more useful life. 🤗👍🥳

[@joshmcoaching]

Joshua Becker asks: "What would I use if I didn't have this?'

[@letinhsong8024]

wow, talk about a "peaches and cream complexion!" beautiful! I am always impressed when anyone has an empty shelf or drawer.

[@gailtester8749]

I am the one who second guesses and pulls stuff back out. I am going to stop. Once I decide there is no going back, from now on. This will be a game changer for me.

[@ukhuynh]

You gotta watch the Minimal Mom vlogs. They helped me ease into parenting as a minimalist! You have great content!

[@TheNinnyfee]

Oh yes. The video on the "Silent To-Do List" alone is so valuable. ♥️

[@Christy6000]

Loved this video. The decluttering hat is such great idea. I’ll be using that one for sure. 🧢

[@MindfulnesswithMads]

Such a great video!! Loved the tips, thank you 🤍

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much!

[@pauladc5013]

Love this. Thank you!

[@cherylsimmons4540]

Deciding the declutter is half the battle. then - just do it!

[@micheledryden1057]

Great advice!! The more I do it the faster I can make decisions...that last

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks! So glad it's helpful.

[@lovelybobcat9675]

I did this before and that's really help me out to take more control of unecessary stuff in my bedroom so.. yeah it's kinda weird in my first attemp to do that, as long as the time goes by, i enjoyed the process, and that's is kinda satisfied to do

[@mariariosmorales2169]

Great video and great tips!! Thank you very much!

[@martigallagher7250]

Great ideas and motivational mindset concepts! Thank you!!

[@brookewardell]

I like the maybe pile idea, thanks!

[@SilviaN1]

That´s a really good advice. Something I haven´t heard anywhere else :)

[@BbIsForBrittany]

So helpful

[@sandykrieger5392]

How to declutter the boxes/parts from new products? Example robot vac with all the extras. TY

[@foodforthought1007]

Yes great advice!! 😊

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks!

[@bex438]

Another great video, thanks for sharing 👍

[@karenfernandez466]

Reminds me in her own way, to Michelle Williams in Dawson's Creek ☺️

[@traceematthews4044]

Put your de clutter items directly into a black bag. Even if you have to put the bag inside a box, out of sight, out of mind.

[@michelleneuman579]

So wise!

[@Dracomies]

Hmm. I was waiting for the punchline. Or waiting for the actual tip that makes one declutter 'way faster'. I think the video just focuses on the benefits of decluttering. But I'm not seeing a shortcut or method which saves time decluttering. I think it's just talking about how great decluttering is and how it adds value to one's life. But...I'm not seeing the tip where's the actual tip? Or maybe I missed it. As an example, a shortcut for decluttering my Google Drive would be to take everything I haven't touched in 3 years and to dump it in a folder called 'Later' etc. Basically this isn't a shortcut is what I'm trying to say :P

[@calmdowngurl]

good tips

[@love.mylalala]

❤

[@chris10tjeuh]

wise ...

[@sandrab.3538]

Be forewarned that having children means saying "no" to well-intentioned relatives wanting ALL of the things for your children. I'd say, no, thank you, please keep things at your home for the times when we visit, or some such excuse. It's difficult to do graciously.

[@mshellcurtis]

This 100. Although someone told me that was rude to do even though I do it nicely. Oh well.

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍

[@JTEmers]

,,, esei ta e miedu ku mi tin: ku aweró mi tin ku saka sèn tòg pa kumpra e kos ku mi a tira afó òf duna otro hende ,,, gotta clear the fear of what if,,, thank you! ,,, be good, Jt😊

[@imbonnie]

Why wait to have kids? Be young parents. Have a big family.

[@clairewillow6475]

Or maybe let everyone make their own decisions about family planning 🙃

[@elaineencke8586]

Get to the POINT!

[@rubencandelas2068]

Funny little girl. Thinking, thinking, and maybe maybe, never do you stop to listen to what your heart says. This includes having babies, which will quickly change your thinking🤗😂

[@Chaantel143]

Let people decide things for themselves especially things to do with kids.