How to know if you're living in chaos

[@OurHawthorneHaven]

I can’t remember who said this but as a creative I found this one reasoning very helpful: Yes, you could figure out a way to use this and save it for that time, BUT can you get by in life without it? That one question: “Can you get by without it?” really helped me get rid of a lot! Turns out I am very resourceful alongside being a creative so letting my creativity go towards repurposing instead of keeping everything was so helpful!

[@patriciawilson9216]

I love this method of living, and applying it to my daily life. Thank you

[@TheMennomilist]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Also, the fact that it took you 3 days to unpack everything as a family of 10 is incredible. Wow I have never heard of anyone say minimalism is for rich people, but maybe because I am not rich at all and everyone who knows me knows I live in my means and don't even own a home, yet have been a minimalist for 18 years. HAHA I also got a Ninja but used it only a couple of times and told my husband I was going to declutter it. Mine is not a creamy though and cost me about $40. I laughed about the stuffed unicorn that is about 5 feet long. I had one that I loved and owned in my teen years through my early marriage before finally ridding of it when I got pregnant and became a minimalist! It served its purpose well. I have a couple fun photos I had taken with it at one point. My in-laws are extremely sentimental and don't get rid of anything. It's awful. My parents are sentimental and get rid of some things but barely. haha. They are a little better, but not by much. I think their problem is that they have never moved in over fifty years while my in-laws have moved a load of times but take everything with them and keep them in boxes. Pray for us for when we have to go through everything one day. This was a fun discussion.

[@maeb7723]

Lisa, it was actually really helpful to hear you say they you don't keep any of your kids' artwork. I *think* I sent that question in. I only have three kids and it is still overwhelming dealing with their art, but I always feel so guilty getting rid of their creations. But just hearing you, a great mom whom I respect, say that you don't keep any of it?? That's really freeing, actually! 😅

[@daylasimeone336]

Oh Lisa, this is perfect timing. All of a sudden I feel too disoriented with "stuff". I've literally been walking around brutally decluttering my house since last weekend.

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

For me too. The amount of stuff we have has been weighing on us both lately and I have been thinking a lot about how we need to de-clutter and re-organize.

[@kalyntheill4078]

We are 3.5 years into our decluttering journey and I still feel overwhelmed by how much time I have to spend cleaning as a stay at home mom. We don’t bring much in anymore and we have been aggressively declutterring; I’m convinced my mind adapts each time I declutter and I become overwhelmed by having “too much” again. I don’t know how to get to a place where I can finally find peace in my home but I hope it happens soon. Thanks for this video!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

It sounds like you're doing a great job, keep up the good work!

[@heidiandbretz9867]

I totally relate to that! All this *stuff* we have makes me super agitated...daily!....so after listening to this podcast I plan to listen to Lisa's other podcast about anger management! 😊

[@abigailwilkerson5284]

I am not as far into decluttering as you are, but I relate to what you're saying too. It really helped me when I was listening to another podcast by Lisa the other day and she said, it's normal to be constantly cooking and cleaning all day as a mom, AND she said that decluttering doesn't mean that you're not going to get overwhelmed anymore; it just means you don't live in that constant state of overwhelm. Those two things helped me a lot, because I realized that I don't live in a constant state of overwhelm anymore, but then when I do get overwhelmed I feel discouraged, thinking I must be doing something wrong. But the reality is... That's just life as a mom. We can do our best to simplify, but it's still not going to be perfect or easy all the time. Anyway I just really related to your comment, so thanks for sharing

[@jenniferdamiano7447]

Yes, yes, yes!! I'm pregnant with my third and thinking I have to simplify SO much more. I've made progress but want to do more before baby comes!! My heart resonated with this! Thank you, ladies!

[@Shiryone]

We moved last year and as a minimalist seeing and touching all of my belongings was overwhelming to me too, Lisa. Certainly someone that has to take 1 to 5 minutes to decide on each item they are decluttering, has some underlining emotional issue that goes beyond clutter. You and Robin jived so well. This was so enjoyable.

[@sunflowerbrown5823]

I'm a long time sub to your Boone channel. First time here. Really appreciated this podcast! I've seen Robyn on other channels with my other favorite minimalist and they are SO helpful and realistic! If you bought into storage and organization marketing you think it will help. The key is to declutter and reduce first, then organize. Loved the points you both drew out!

[@SarahGrant-r5i]

Listening to this while I declutter my kids’ play room. It’s helping me have the motivation I need to get rid of some things that I would otherwise struggle to get rid of. Thank you for this informative and helpful podcast!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

I’m so glad you’re finding it helpful!

[@coralovesnature]

I found it especially interesting when Lisa was talking about how her own mom didn’t keep any of her stuff from when she was a kid and as an adult she doesn’t care/ doesn’t miss it. My mom is the opposite, very sentimental, and kept a lot of me & my sisters’ projects, toys, etc. from when we were kids. Now that we are all adults, none of us care about that stuff either and when our mom tries to give it to us now a lot of it ends up being donated or thrown out anyways. So all those years, it was just taking up space in my parents’ home for basically no reason. That being said, there might be a small handful of kids’ things worth keeping over the years (perhaps what the kid enjoys the most, if the intention is to give it back to them later), but I reckon the vast majority is for you as a parent to reminisce and the kids probably won’t care all that much or miss it.

[@hannahthehomesteader]

I hired a professional organizer over the summer and decluttered many truckloads of stuff. It felt SO good. But things creep back in. It takes constant maintenance! I find that I have to reset every room fairly often. I'm overwhelmed having just had anothet baby so this episode was well timed

[@MrsCW953]

Great timing. Feeling overwhelmed with Christmas decorations and clutter 😮

[@סיוןמסלר]

My god!! Just turned on the video and I am already so happy!!! I love Robin! This should be a great podcast episode. Beautiful combination of both of you ❤

[@dillinghamfamilyfarm6457]

Thank you both so much. I feel like we're drowning in stuff. We have 6 children, ages 6 mos- 11 yrs. They really struggle to let go of the many random things that they are given. But we're going to focus on it this week as we prepare for Christmas. Make room for the new coming in and try to let go of the less loved items 💜

[@KarenBachar-c6m]

Wow, synergy...I recently realized my home is filled with stuff...Do these things bring me joy (don't yet know), are these things useful/functional? (Don't yet know), can't these things that other people can use? (Don't know yet what to give away), are these things just junk to be thrown away( Don't know yet). This is my journey for 2025...to "shop my home and let go of what does not serve me! Also working on cooking more instead of continuing my reign as the drive through queen! Glad to Watch you walk this journey and see you as one of my mentors!!!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Sounds like you ave a good plan!!

[@happypace9414]

Homeschooler here. We are going to declutter kid toys this week as part of Christmas school. Basically they feel happy to participate because it feels like getting out of a formal school day. I will feel a weight lifted if we pass along some items others can enjoy.

[@heidiandbretz9867]

Ooooooo! Christmas school....I *looove* that idea. I've actually had that thought run thru my mind several times (not just at Christmas), teaching the kids to clear out clutter and let go of items as a homeschool lesson. Actually it will be a lesson for me too. Husband gets a week off Christmas, and we like to spend time just the 4 of us and limit how much travel we do (too much chaos for us introverts). So spending some time clearing out for the new year sounds wonderful

[@kerrifeliciano5752]

For the past several years, our family has done "The Great Reset". From the day after Christmas until we start homeschooling again (January 6th this year), we take down Christmas decorations, reorganize, get rid of all the extra, and simplifying. We also do a lot of goal setting, reviewing our 5 year plan, and focusing on streamlining our homestead. I feel a hundred times better when we start back to school. Definitely one of the most important times of our year.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Love that! Thanks for sharing.

[@Gumblossomhomeschool]

I love this and am stealing it! Hubby is on board too

[@Shelley-Nicole]

Caz , the creator of clutterbug, really helped me find my style of clutter and organising… she has us sorted into 4 categories of ladybug, cricket, butterfly and bees. I was fascinated by her systems as she has a storage organisation set for each bug. Thank you for this reminder Lisa, I was wanting a head start on resetting again before the new year. 😀♥️

[@myahgormley9788]

Oooh sounds interesting! I'm going to check this out, thanks

[@tomigirl30]

Perfect timing, planning on decluttering over my Christmas-New Year time off.

[@belieftransformation]

Great conversation & I got some good tips! Thanks for sharing! Holiday blessings to all 🤗🇨🇦

[@elsatesfam5229]

I love decluttering and organizing, I find it relaxing & fun!!

[@VagabondWay]

Great interview and discussion! I am seeking to put this mindset more on my front burner and interweaving these habits into life. Listening to this free flowing conversation was such an easy way to achieve that. Thank you!

[@leisawilliams1831]

I believe in having only what you need because it makes life easier and gives you more time to enrich those closest to you. Too much stuff can dramatically hinder what matters the most. Replacing things with people isn't satisfying whereas your time and resources could be used more wisely toward those you love. I am sure everyone knows this but is this a regular pattern of behaviour in your daily lives.

[@debwinfrey]

Talk about an identity crisis, after homeschooling for 28 years with six children...we are retired and getting rid of what seems like 1000's of books, actually 1000's of books 😂 and so many boxes of old school projects and binders and written essays. I'm making good progress but yes my identity is taking a huge hit! I am currating the books and my daughter-in -law intends to home educate my grands❤ !!

[@northstar4851]

I did this, too. Remember that her hsing will look different bc everything is online.

[@tiffanymarie2097]

I have made it a goal to take at least 2 garbage sacks a week to the thrift stores. The first week, it was an entire truck load. Last week it was only 2 bags. Feels so good to get rid of the stuff that is stressing me out!

[@AppalachianTransplant]

Saving *remarkable* art for your kids when they're grown up can be easily done with a large 3 ring binder with sheet protectors.

[@RCGWho]

My children all have a binder. 2/3 was mailed to grandparents to enjoy then toss, and 1/3 went into a binder.

[@daniellelamont7961]

My mom saved so much of my "artwork" and gave most of it to me a few years ago. I threw everything out eventually, but it lived under my bed for quite a while because I didn't want to sit down and go through it. My plan when I'm a mom is to just throw things out, lol.

[@northstar4851]

Wait til you have to clear out your mom's stuff

[@Esther-y2x]

Thanks so much for this episode!! This has helped me so much!! ❤ I've been trying to declutter and it's definitely a mine set that you'll have to get into. I have to small children and one on the way and I'm always feeling overwhelmed in a small house. I've declutttered my kitchen, and now slowly going through through the clothes and sister just had a birthday and grandma just dumped a whole bunch of little aunts clothes through presents 😵‍💫🥴 I'm fixing to call up good Samaritan and see what they take, cause I have a lot of good toys and clothes I don't have time to consign and don't know a needy family. Keep up all the wonderful content, I always get inspired while doing house work listening to you!! ❤️❤️

[@indiravandalen2239]

This is great! Would love to hear about minimalism i homeschooling!

[@janiebea100]

I’m a maximust! I also have ADHD, depression, limited amount of energy and pain and I have to sit down and put my feet up after 20 min of doing something. Somethings that I did before I woke up one day and could barely walk I can’t do anymore. I can’t shop in a big grocery store or a large big box store. So I have to order on line and get boxes and bags and that adds to the clutter.

[@RandyBailey-k2e]

You and Robin are both Treasures in my Life !!!😊

[@erikastanger7848]

Nah, I have 3, all 2 years apart, and we were very structured. Everything was calm, simple, and we did everything at the same time everyday. Now that they're teens and in 15 different directions, it's a little more chaotic, but their entire childhoods were full of calm and structure.

[@northstar4851]

Don't be surprised if at least one becomes a sentimentality who holds everything. Lol❤

[@sharonwittmayer1221]

Call your friend BEFORE buying them something because there’s nothing worse than receiving something we don’t really want.

[@ShelleyhitzTV]

I listened to this today and came home and decluttered. I now have a big pile of stuff to take to the thrift store LOL

[@gallolabs]

When it comes to kids artwork, I give it back to them. My kids are 25,22&19...so when I come across something, I give it back to the kid who made it...if they don't want it, and throw it out, That's cool, cuz now I don't have to feel guilty about tossing it.

[@erikastanger7848]

My kids are all teens, and each of them has a bin for art work, programs from recitals, etc, in them. Whatever can fit in those bins gets to stay, but I could not keep everything. The good news is the amount of art work and crafts diminishes as they get older. And report cards are all digital, so none of those either.

[@allisonvanwert8209]

Funny, I just encountered your last interview wih her for the first time this past weekend, nice to immediately have another one! 😊

[@christinarobinson7608]

Are you able to link the other video?

[@allisonvanwert8209]

A lot of similar information, but I find it can be helpful to hear it again

[@Jo-hello]

I have been simplifying for years. I still want less but I don’t know what to let go now because we use everything. We are moving soon so I have gone through everything we have. I feel stuck because our possessions are still more than I can manage! ( chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia) ❤

[@daphblue]

Joshua Becker, a minimalist KZbinr, once made a video encouraging people to ask “if I didn’t have this, what would I use instead?” Such as using an apple cutter, when you can instead use a knife. Just an idea

[@cindyneeper]

I haven't gotten caught up on the Thanksgiving overload in the kitchen. Thought I had it yesterday and then dinner stops me.

[@kendabrewster2154]

We constantly declutter. Getting our clothing, all seasons, down to one closet each has taken 4.5yrs but it is done. Living in a bit less then 300 sq ft really forces you to think long and hard about each item. Why carry around extra weight by storing things that are seasonal? If it doesn't fit in the closet year round it has to go. If you haven't used it in 6mo to a year, toss it. Nooks and crannies don't have to be full.

[@jennifertinkham5599]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs! Great video as always!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@louisenaude4467]

I have been telling everyone I need to do my 'annual purge' I haven't purged since my little one was born, she's now almost 3, and finally I am out of the need for nesting and ready to clear out again. This is what I want to be doing for the next week. (I'm a minimalist by heart, so it will be pretty quick to do). Want to make baskets to gift some kids with books and toys on Christmas eve

[@AppalachianTransplant]

No matter how many kids in a family, it doesn't change the needs of each.

[@davidandkelliehudson7284]

Each of my 4 children have a binder with a few pieces of art that I keep. The rest I take pictures of and trash it. Someone inform me how you deal with clutter from relatives gifting too much?

[@sherrylee1072]

Hello from NC

[@sherrylee1072]

God bless

[@rikkelauff8750]

Christmas decorations and ornaments. Can you speak on this. So much clutter.

[@jessicabosco3009]

Honestly I don't know compared to many people I know, you don't have much, I'm always wondering where your kids toys are lol

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

We encourage outside play so they have a sand pile, trampoline, big swings, bikes etc. along with each other and their imaginations. My boys have large toolboxes that double as decor in their rooms filled with legos. The rest are put in lidded wicker baskets...if you look through past videos you will see them in most of the rooms....I always look for and buy them when I am thrifting.

[@meleahwright2027]

Your eyes should be in the here and now. The past or future is causing you to purchase more clutter!

[@lynnbidigare33]

Kids toys? Overwhelming

[@deborahlangton2759]

My parents didnt keep our stuff either and i dont care. When i have put things away for my kids, i think, are they actually going to care? Like, the teeth, 🦷 “here daughter #1! Heres your teeth from when you were 5!” 😂 she would be grossed out! My inability to let go of the past doesn’t always translate to my children. 🫣