Resistance is Not Futile: Avoid or Escape the Consumerism Mindset - The Clutter Fairy Weekly #92

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Today I took an entire car and trunk load to my local donation store (Habitat Restore) and a community clothes closet! I also donated a bunch of ballet clothes from when I was a little girl to a dance studio! Great progress and we've made a huge dent in the garage !

[@lj9524]

I listened to your videos as I packed to move to my smaller lake home. You gave me the courage and insights into letting go of many of my possessions. Downsizing was mentally and physically exhausting but I feel better now that it is done! Thank you for all you do on your channel!!!

[@Trwanddon]

I like the idea of making a personal memory box with a note giving the person who gets it permission to get rid of it when I'm gone. The other thing that has got me through losing my husband and downsizing my home has been a mantra, "Don is not this stuff, and this stuff is not my husband." I find myself reminding myself that I will always love and adore him, but hanging on to his things does not make me love him more. And keeping it won't bring him back.

[@kimberlywalker1015]

EXCELLENT IDEA!

[@lmajor7843]

I am writing your last two sentences in my journal to keep for the future. It is a good reminder of what matters. I'm sorry for your loss, but so glad you loved each other til the end. God bless.

[@Trwanddon]

I have an appliance cabinet. I only allow things that I can't do with my stove or microwave. No instant pots, no air fryers, kitchen aids, not even a toaster. It makes me so happy!

[@Plethorality]

you both change the world for the better. my super heroes.

[@ElisaHawkes]

Just have to say, you look so pretty in this video! 😀

[@laurenh7893]

One thing that helps me curb unnecessary spending is to tell myself that if I've lived without the shiny object bedazzling me, I don't need it. Also, if I really want it, it will be available tomorrow. Needless to say I never go back the next day. I recently unsubscribed from a few stores' email lists. Rarely opened the emails and never bought the items they promoted. It's amazing how much those emails cluttered my inbox. Now to deal with the oversupply of Halloween candy occupying space in the pantry...

[@lisamaczura3914]

While ordering a shirt I really liked, I discovered the shipping for ONE item was 17.00 and the only way I could qualify for a 20% discount was to allow text message ads. I backed out of the order because I don't like the idea of volunteering to get spam or ridiculously high shipping charges. The retailer chased me down online and offered free shipping without my asking. I got the shirt. I don't need them as much as they need me.

[@tennesseenana4838]

My granddaughters have loads of toys. Last year my daughter requested that all relatives who usually buy way too many toys for them at Christmas only buy one thing. I honored that. Some did but others didn't. Think she's doing the same thing this year. Each girl will get one gift from me this year as well.

[@intigniadickey2224]

I've noticed if I order something online then I automatically get emails from that company. So I am very careful when ordering to watch out for that little box that says "Yes, I want emails from you" and I uncheck it. Also I scroll down to the bottom of the unwanted emails and click on that very small, very light print word UNSUBSCRIBE. It is there, but you have to look for it.

[@kimberlywalker1015]

Gayle, you brought-up an amazing point.... I love to papercraft ...scrapbooking and card-making is my thing. Some of the papercrafting people I used to listen to on KZbin.... I have unsubscribed from.... they were constantly trying to sell you on the latest, greatest product and some of us just got really, really SICK of it. I try to remain positive when leaving comments ...I try so hard to encourage those who are making podcasts ... for doing such a great job of putting helpful information, together. However, I remember one time when a podcast person who does crafting and gives to the crafting community in a great, great way did a podcast on the ramifications of always, always buying. Were we going to continually buy....or, STOP buying ...and, get in the craft room, and CRAFT?!? I HAD TO "AMEN" her willingness to stick her neck out there...and, I too, left a comment on her KZbin channel that I too, had ENOUGH! I remember stating an example from a particular crafter that I no longer subscribe to( had sent me over the edge one day....with JUST ONE MORE THING TO BUY)...that, this was "THE MIXED MEDIA PAPER" for stamping, ect to buy OVER EVERY OTHER mixed media paper out there. I realize there is a balance between making a living...and, pushing product. I'm not always sure where that line is; however, I know that for myself....I HAVE TO BE MORE MINDFUL of where my $$ are going....OH, AND DON'T GET ME STARTED on spending ONLY $60 FOR THE LATEST GREATEST STAMPING, STENCILLING, DIE CUTTING SET... .ONE SET!!!!!.... COME ON CRAFTERS.....WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!?!?! I'm through yelling... THANK YOU for keeping us mindful of where we fall short on budgeting....and, buying....just to buy....ya'll an AMAZING JOB of putting the information, out there.🙂

[@nammyohorengekyoooooo]

Excellent advice! Thank you😀💟💟💟

[@jimmiecheek4392]

I hate the check out in the grocery store. Delivery has spoiled me and well worth it.

[@Stovetopcookie]

Amen!!

[@kaydixie5727]

The things we need to track down are the business that rent or sell our mailing list information!

[@katc7332]

Ordering items online and pick up at store has helped to keep better track of what’s being spent at that moment. Otherwise it’s just a guess when I get to the register. I do enjoy the experience of shopping & meeting people I know. So it’s a toss up. 🤓

[@Stovetopcookie]

20:00 the sale fallacy. Buy one for $5 buy four for $10. Don’t use the other three. Toss when they spoil. You actually paid $10 for the one you did use.

[@nbibot40]

Your videos have been really useful for me Thank you so much

[@lisachubrilo]

I've seen that documentaty,it's good. And yes I'm the GMA ur talking about. I've tamed it back this year.

[@michelleneuman579]

Ironically I was looking up the Act of Contrition Prayer and an Etsy shop came up to sell it! Love your show!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

🤣🤣🤣 you just can’t escape the marketing!

[@hotmessmomtv4117]

🙌🙌🙌 About the video game consoles!! As a mom of 4 boys, it is impossible to keep the latest and greatest version! Luckily, my oldest two have finally gained enough wisdom to see through the marketing tactics, and they play what they have. But when the companies make previous versions/games obsolete, Mama gets mad... And broke 😂😂💸💸

[@A222Z]

I applaude commentor who recognized food processor cleaning hassle, & got rid of .. I don't like to cook, would prefer yardstuff to household stuff, but I didn't find the food processor a big ordeal = I rinse & handwash w/soapy brush immediately after chopping .. I let air dry on cloth & put away the next time I'm passing thru rm = only 4 parts, maybe this is the difference. 😊

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I prepaid my funeral (not as a result of the tittle). Feels good knowing it’s done and no one has to make the decisions.

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

I wish I could afford to do that! Very smart.

[@Stovetopcookie]

And lock in a lower price pre inflation!

[@ritatharp5238]

💕 love you ❤️

[@zazicool6275]

I've been Unsubscribing to those relentless emails. Hopefully they'll start to slim down over time. I just don't need the daily prompts to cruise through web pages of stuff I don't even want and won't even buy.

[@Mkr7942]

Re: food processor: ditto for juicers!

[@MsLeenite]

When you subscribe to your local Public TV station, or get a museum membership, or concert subscription, you are immediately put on their own mailing list for future donation requests. AND your name, address, etc is sold to several mailing list companies, which then sell it to 500+ other educational, cultural, social or charitable organizations. Whenever possible, I ask myself if I really need that organization's newsletter, or the cheap tote bag or baseball cap. If not, I just send them an anonymous money order for the amount of the subscription. This way, they get the contribution but I don't get buried under a mountain of mail and spam. Of course, if you need a receipt for taxes, or they're sending you concert tickets or a membership card for free admissions, you have to find some other way to deal with it. Sometimes the organization lets you opt out of receiving mail from "third parties" when you sign up. Bless those people! It seems to have occurred to them that the prospect of all that spam was costing them donors and subscribers.

[@susangriner6736]

100 pieces of clothing? I have 100 scarves 😹

[@aliciaallen5575]

I have a couple of questions about paper clutter. Do I need to keep the receipts from my vets’ office showing what was done and when or is that unnecessary since they are required to keep those records? My cats have been going to the same place since I adopted them as tiny kittens and I have no intention of changing that. Also, do I need to keep old car inspection, oil change receipts, etc? TIA

[@jessamydelpapa3986]

I collect those receipts too! I don't think I've ever looked back through the folder. It feels like a just-in-case thing. And my vet practice always sends text reminders for when my cat is due for worming tablets, vaccination and even the monthly spot-on flee control. I doubt you can claim vet bills on tax. They will have a digital record of the cats medical histories. So If you ask/get your vet to send reminders, you should be fine. Now for the car receipts. I too keep them because I swear they have replaced my rear suspension just about every year I've had that car. And as depressing as it is to look back at all the money I've spent on that car - it lets me feel a little in control, so when they say it needs XYZ done, I can respond it had that replaced last year. They know I'm keeping track and it gives me a little confidence that, hopefully, they wont think they can take advantage of me.

[@aliciaallen5575]

My vet does send reminders and I don’t claim the cats (or their bills) on my taxes. The receipts just seemed “important”, so I kept them. I’m rethinking that after watching so many Clutter Fairy videos. They’ve helped me get rid of so much stuff.

[@bigklavanfan]

Charles Dickens gave us a picture to spur our efforts during the visit of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come as the “gray-haired rascal “, and his cohorts rejoice over their findings and their evaluation of Scrooge’s possessions and his values.

[@jessamydelpapa3986]

I like the mail-order catalogues but the useless, little, free gift you get with any purchase has finally made me stop. And there's no option to decline it. A dinky little black coin purse?!? I know I am never going to use it and you cant donate that away. OpShops will not take them as donations because they are already overwhelmed by little black bags and purses. They go straight into the dumpster apparently. What a waste.

[@therealtoni]

I need to start with declutter before how not to reclutter.....

[@essbee299]

Can I ask why the "homework" is called the Tittle?

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

They have an explanation on their website, but tittle means something extra I think :)

[@essbee299]

Thank you so much Sarafina! ❤️

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Of course my friend!

[@suzetteshares]

I remember a phrase referring to a jot and tittle. My interpretation is "down to every last detail."

[@TheClutterFairy]

Here’s our explanation of the name: www.clutterfairyhouston.com/tittle/

[@ArtyAntics]

I don't understand why the IP is so hard to clean? I only remove the silicone ring and wash the inside of the lid by hand and the pot goes in the dishwasher, it's super easy if you are not overfilling it past the fill line no food even touches the lid? Every now and then I'll deep clean it but most of the time it's fine. The only thing that is a pain is the trivet but if you soak it and chuck it in the dishwasher it is easy enough

[@andrayabarber579]

Yeah, I don't take the lid apart to clean. It's fine. I do have different silicone rings for spicy, non-spicy, and sweet. They are pretty bad about absorbing and transferring smells/flavors no matter how or how often they are cleaned. Love my instapot!

[@iamjane9628]

Totally. Cleaning it is easy.

[@AgendaInMind]

Parents chose to have kids. Kids did not choose to have parents!

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

Ideally, every child is chosen and loved by their parents. Unfortunately, that is seldom the reality.

[@Plethorality]

@@returnofthereasoner3200 seldom? i hope its nor seldom. i hope you were and are loved and enjoyed, just as you are.