MINIMALISM FOR HOARDERS: Decluttering Tips for the Overwhelmed

[@tinabahena1254]

I recently started decluttering and I am so overwhelmed. I feel stuck because part of me feels upset with the amount of clutter I have, and the other part of me is emotionally attached to things :/ I’m definitely going to try these tips. Thank you so much for sharing 🙏💖

[@horsewithnoname12345]

The beginning is the hardest. Switching our mindset from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is difficult. Becoming emotionally detached from items is hard. But once you work on it, it becomes easier. It just takes forever so despite lots of hard work, there’s still sooooo much to do. Sometimes I feel my hoard gets worse despite having gotten rid of so much already. As if my house keeps throwing up clutter.

[@abbysmith2754]

Don't drive around for 3 months with a donation box full! WOW! I am that person! I have a trunk full that has been there for a month because I haven't driven past the donation center when it is convenient to drop it off. I will drive there straight away. And then hopefully do some more work with your tips to do it again soon! Thanks a bunch!

[@lewasil]

I though I was the only one!! Omg!

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I realized that I have been overwhelmed because of clutter, and then I would add more stuff because I was overwhelmed. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Vicious cycle.

[@claudia.mihaelaa]

Of all the minimalist moms videos seen so far, I find you the most pleasant to listen to. I too feel overwhelmed by stuff in our home and I am always encouraged to start doing something about it when I watch your videos. Wish me luck! 😊

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave such a kind comment it made my day. Best of luck with your decluttering, I am here cheering you on! ❤️ xo

[@Sonja...]

Love the tip of organising versus declutering. You can't organise clutter..

[@lorettab687]

Greetings from Melbourne. I love this video! I'm 5 years in to our minimalism journey and like you now have no trouble getting rid of things I no longer need, use or want. I know my boundaries and the space I have to work with. Our home is peaceful and calm. I can think of many people who would find this video valuable. I will be sharing it.

[@SmallChanges]

Oh Loretta I love this comment! It’s so nice to hear from other kindred spirits ❤️

[@sugarsweet8598]

Trash first was brilliant. Made me have to look at the stuff with fresh eyes. Thank you.

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

My ex was a minimalist she was hell to live with. She made me get rid of lots of my things. I'm now back with my first husband and enjoy collecting things. We are maximalist's and we are happy that way.

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Im sorry she forced you to rid youself of things. That was very much the wrong way to do things. She could have lead by example. And make suggestions. But should respect your wishes if you werent ready or willing.

[@juliamccoey7496]

Recently found your channel, and although these are all the classic tips I've heard before, there's something about your straightforward presentation that makes it resonate. It feels real, compassionate, and effective. It's not gimicky clickbait, it's the key stuff that works, why it works, and all tied together with a kind of understanding and empathy not many of the other channels seem to have. Thank you.

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for reaching out and taking the time to leave such a kind comment ❤️

[@krissy4319]

Thanks for the tips :) I recently got rid of about half of my stuff in the process of moving. Its amazing when you think back and wonder why you felt the need to hold onto so much stuff that wasnt even being used. I was keeping lots of old toys from my childhood, papers/books from school/uni and too many clothes that i wasnt even wearing. Yes its a good idea to just make a start anywhere you can and then gradually you get used to letting more and more stuff go. And I found setting a boundary works well too. I now have one box of sentimental/childhood itsms as opposed to 5! I think having a goal in mind also helps. For me the incentive came because i was moving and was going to spend a few months living at my parents before getting into my new place. I didnt want to pay for storage so was determined to make everything fit in their shed and my bedroom! The goal could be anything - freeing up a junk room for a new use, downsizing, more free time ... but keeping the goal in mind helps :)

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching Krissy and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment ❤️ I’m so happy you have found such joy in simplicity ❤️ xo

[@elle294]

I am definitely a hoarder( I don’t like trash so I don’t hoard trash😂) and am trying to become a minimalist I am so proud of myself because I at least just donated 100 or less pieces of clothing!!

[@JB-hj2vj]

Working with the space you have eg certain topics on certain shelves, certain categories in certain drawers. This is so true.

[@iowagreen8932]

These are some of the very best tips I've seen among all the decluttering/organizing books and videos out there. Thank you!

[@JzsaJzsa]

This video was so nice to watch and really helpful. I decluttered my hallway and got rid of two black bags worth of junk and letters. Thank you Oh and I got rid of more stuff under my bed, and got my daughter to declutter a large bag of toys. I did the whole it has to fit into this small bag technique. You can keep whatever you want as long as it fits into the bag. Which was nice to do alongside her. I am on a roll so thank you. Out of all the videos I have watched yours truly helped 🤍

[@SmallChanges]

You are rocking it 🙌🏻 What awesome progress you have made already ❤️

[@tammyoneill5399]

Thank you again Sarah!! You have a way of explaining things or rewording things!! I think I have been organising and not decluttering and that’s why I am still feeling overwhelmed even though everything is neat and tidy. I love your videos!! Thank you!!! ❣️

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching Tammy and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment ❤️

[@frugalfamilyof6946]

You have the best tips and advice. I agree with everything you've said. Decluttering can be so overwhelming!! Starting with trash is a great idea 👍👍👍👏

[@Sonja...]

So true. Not too hard to throw out envelopes etc as a start

[@jeanshimpeno45]

I love being a minimalist. The. less you have the easier your life becomes. I still have to de clutter rooms on a regular basis but I’m not overwhelmed any more. Great video.

[@KR-kv5dv]

Thank you!! Just beginning, and really wanting to get our house under control. With 4 children and 2 adults, it seems to be the only option for sanity at this point! Many great tips. Thanks so much !! :)

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching Katie ❤️ My minimalist journey also started as a necessity for my sanity ❤️ I would love to hear how you are going xo

[@jeibodega7467]

I consider myself a “minimalist hoarder” lol. I’ve always had a minimalist mindset and I declutter constantly but I’m emotionally attached to my most random possessions and can find it so hard to part with some things that I don’t even use that often. I have less than the average person I’ve seen but I still feel like I have so much. My goal is to fit all my possessions into the trunk and backseat of a car but I’ve got a long way to go till then.

[@stewartyoung335]

Fantastic video! 😁 i'd love to hear your advice on digital decluttering. I don't know why but i feel this area to be so overwhelming 😕

[@SmallChanges]

Yass! I will add that video to the list ❤️

[@kritikitti3868]

Not a mini or a max, sort of a middie🐰. Fun to wztch the minis & the hoarders😁.

[@SmallChanges]

Hahahaha a midi! I ❤️ it, sounds like the perfect amount xo

[@aprilcitygirltocountrywife2595]

Good point about organizing or decluttering.

[@Cherocana]

I have to share my home with two borderline hoarders. Neither have any desire to change their habits. I’ve managed to get them to keep their clutter in their own rooms, but it’s a constant battle to keep their things from overflowing into the rest of my house. As a minimalist, this gets overwhelming at times and I sometimes feel like giving up.

[@SmallChanges]

Oh Gina, I can imagine that would be so difficult ❤️ I hope that they will come to see some of the joys of your simplicity! Don’t give up xo

[@Sonja...]

Wow would be super hard

[@randaray24]

I so hope that you are able to find a way to compartmentalize somehow in order to have peace. You are certainly not alone. ❤️

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I went through that “buying more containers” phase. Now I’m trying to just let stuff go. Lol.

[@carolinetaylor]

You gave great advice full of practical and helpful guidance on decluttering. I've been really struggling with decluttering for the past 18 months. I realised that I got caught up with putting myself under pressure to get it all done and eventually I gave up. It became too hard and I also battled with guilt for having so much stuff and not achieving my decluttering goals. Having said that I'm not one for giving up. Fast forward to now I've been watching some great YT vids that have helped me with some of the emotional and practical aspects of decluttering. I haven't bought any storage or organising items yet because I am in the process of clean up and letting stuff go, and then I will organise what I actually want to keep. Your advice about setting boundaries will help me stay on track. Hi from Melbourne and thank you.

[@SmallChanges]

Hi Caroline, Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me. I'm so happy to hear how well you are doing on your journey. I'm always here to cheer you on 📣🎉!!

[@Tangentbordsblues]

7:24 haha Cartman's "hieeeea"

[@D19950701]

This is the first video about decluttering that i find super helpful and not judgemental. I feel so overhelmed with all the clutter i have but i have no minimalist mentality and i feel like i dont relate to those Marie Condo videos, but i feel like it is too much stuff for my own convenience and it hinders my daily life and I want to feel cozy at home and not always guilty of not managing... and for someone super busy and having health issues it is just hard. But ai feel like I did a huge improvement in 2021 and I am happy about it. It is a long way to go but good start is a aloy, thanks

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching Dominyka, I'm so glad that 2021 has brought some hope for the future! Progress over perfection ❤️ I bet you are doing amazing. We have a great FB group who would love to cheer you on if your interested: www.smallchangers.com ❤️

[@Sonja...]

Awesome tips about boundaries, never thought of it that way before

[@natashadickson4819]

Thank you for posting this.

[@SmallChanges]

I'm so glad you liked it ❤️

[@thismumslife_9437]

I could watch you over and over again love your declutter tips. I thought I was done with the clutter but found more stuff I could sell the last couple of days.

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment ❤️

[@thismumslife_9437]

Small Changes your welcome

[@lorettagoldyn5918]

Another great video. We are planning to move from our duplex to an apartment nearer to our grand children. Some days I feel I got my act together and other days I do not. Your videos are Great to see. Thank you so much

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much Loretta ❤️ xo

[@remoorekable]

Love this video sarah! Such great tips. I cannot wait to get my home together. You know what it’s like living with someone else...there’s so MUCH I need to go through and give away. I’ve gone to Goodwill (a thrift store) twice so far and gotten rid of some things. I have more bags of clothes to go to some friends. Little by little!!

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watch Kelly! I totally understand that what it’s like especially in a season of transition ❤️ you are doing amazing! And before you know it, it will feel like home xo

[@livesimple8868]

Love it. Thank you. I have 3 grandkids. 9,7 and 16 month old. We had a playroom and the 2 older boys just don't play in their any more. Asked them about their interests this weekend and made a list. Keeping my grand daughter in mind, I'm about to change a couple of rooms to make it simpler. My arrangement at the moment is doing my head in. It doesnt make sense. I'll have a cuppa and get stuck into it. Grandma here we go. 🤗🤗🤗🤗 For me....I am decluttering and reorganizing. 😁👌👍

[@SmallChanges]

I love everything about this! What a thoughtful Grandma to make lovely spaces with them in mind ❤️

[@mildredbryant8156]

Whew.....been decluttering for months now.....going good though.

[@SmallChanges]

Yass Mildred 🙌🏻 You are rocking it!

[@traceydrost2159]

Thank you for a great video. I live with a hoarder and now it has become a struggle. I refuse to get rid of more of my personal items to make room for him to bring in more. We are working on it , but it is overwhelming for sure.

[@SmallChanges]

Tracey that is such a challenging situation. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make progress through this journey ❤️

[@randaray24]

❤️

[@magicaltruths5539]

Excellent video

[@fulltimemar]

Hey there Sarah, i will love for u to keep the declutter visits like u did for ur mom, also if u can find frugal ideas for organizing a tiny kitchen n a no drawer closet for kids that could be fantastic. I live in spain n apartments are tiny, i have 3 boys two rooms and a living room dinning room combo, plus a tiny kitchen n fridge, hate the fact that we have only 4 drawers in our kitchen n i use them for utensils and tapper ware n hand towels for my kitchen.... maybe u can do a send me ur video episode and we can all se d u vids of our stuff n spaces and then u can give us ideas of what we can do? That will be a fantastic series for ur channel n great help for all of us!! Thanks again for sharing with all of us and inspiring us with every video.

[@SmallChanges]

Wow you are really loving tiny! I love it! I will definitely be making more visits from a minimalist! I would love to see your space and see if I can help! Please drop me a line via email or any socials xo

[@olgan6691]

Hi! I’m from Russia. I’m absolutely obsessed with the idea of decluttering my house because it gets on my nerves again and again as soon as I open my sons’ rooms. I’ve already defeated my closet and the bathroom. But I’m overwhelmed with their reluctance to change anything. Their morning routine seems to be a quest for me with all this chasing socks and sportswear, getting necessary textbooks from the rubbish bin that they proudly call their desks)))) So, I’ll be grateful if you share with us some tips how to involve other family members and particularly teenagers)))

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Let them find their own things. And if they go to school sockless or get in trouble without a book well. Sometimes humiliation can be good medicine

[@HankerinForTheHomestead]

Excellent tips, as usual! I have felt overwhelmed for so long. I'm working on decluttering, and this was exactly what I needed to hear. 🙂 Thanks so much!

[@SmallChanges]

Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to tag me in your decluttering pics 😍 xo

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

I love that you said that about applying the principles!!!!

[@angiep8217]

I did the laundry room & the walk in closet first cuz it was the worst & I got tired of leaving it cluttered as a dumping ground

[@SmallChanges]

That’s such a great idea! I still find those areas are the first to get a bit crazy 😜 xo ❤️

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

Thank you for this. I’m trying to simplify my life.

[@michelleb6395]

Very helpful!

[@gtrs8037]

GREAT energy, advice, tips & video ! 😊

[@SmallChanges]

Thanks so much!

[@vitaminhead1465]

I can’t believe this is free to watch!

[@jub8891]

this is good advice thanks.and im glad you still have furniture in your house

[@U2BEMatchmaker]

Thank you for this. I live in a small studio apartment and would like to improve it.

[@zoemma7665]

How do you deal with kids work and artwork that gets sent home from school? I am far too sentimental with that stuff but takes up so much space!

[@asliceofjhow]

Z C i'm 3 months late but try to take a photo of it, save it in the cloud and make a backup in a hard drive. I do the same for my son. Always remember not to love things but love people. The memory of the artwork and your son will always be in your heart forever.

[@annw1395]

Well said!!! This is my first (but not last!) time of watching your videos. I LOVE the way you phrase your comments, such as, "sometimes our stuff gets to the point where it is limiting our freedom ". That's perfect! I took notes! You have such a good way of choosing your words. Btw, Idk if you'd want to know, or not, but there's a typo. It's "wary", not "weary".

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment ❤️

[@DeborahAnnsuperversatile]

My girl's stuff/clothes are the hardest.

[@SmallChanges]

Girls just seem to have way more stuff 🤣🙈

[@ZenDragoonYT]

@@SmallChanges kids dont go out and buy it themselves..

[@FrugalMommaInTheWoods]

Another great video my friend,I gotta get my dad to watch this video, 😁me and daughter are searching it on TV so can watch your channel together, have a great weekend my friend 🌼🌻🏵️🌸🌺🌷🌹💐

[@SmallChanges]

You are the sweetest ❤️ Do you have Instagram?

[@FrugalMommaInTheWoods]

@@SmallChanges yes I haven't been on it much my daughter set it up lol I'll have to find out from her how to get into it lol😁hope your having a great day

[@gabrielestrunk334]

Lovely greetings from Germany! 💜 What are u doing, if family members desperately want to keep things, but it means so much more work and chaos for you to manage every day?

[@ddd1dorin396]

She didnt answer a word... Hmmm

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Just lead by example. Declutter your own things.

[@miaschu8175]

Great advice! Thanks.

[@ellenfleeton9306]

I love following you so much ❤️ thank you for your videos

[@SmallChanges]

Thank you so much Ellen!

[@smellylorenny]

I can't get ANYTHING out of my house because as soon as I've collected either trash to get rid of, or old things to donate, my mother INSISTS on going through it to make sure i'm not getting rid of any of HER things, or anything 'valuable'... this is the state of my home and it suffocates me.. I am terrified of being in my house, I dread even trying because of this. I feel ill being in here.. it's become too much to handle.

[@SmallChanges]

I’m so sorry to hear you are in such an overwhelming situation. I know these situations can be so painful for everyone involved. Thinking of you ❤️

[@gabbyyyyyyy]

I feel like taking a bull dozer thru the inside of my house and starting fresh 🤣

[@SmallChanges]

Oh Gabby I know that feeling so well 🙈I usually feel much better after a big declutter ❤️

[@amandadavies..]

I've done all that and still have too much stuff. Can't get rid of anything else, or rather so little that it makes no difference. I'd literally have to throw away stuff that I want, and i'm not prepared to do that as I've already got rid of loads that I would have preferred to keep. It makes it harder when you live in a small house (UK) If I had a house the size of American / Australian / Canadian style houses ( or a basement) my stuff wouldn't be a problem. Oh well...at least it's better than it used to be....when the kids were growing up there were toys all over the place and lots of other stuff that's now gone. I have a tip. Watch shows about bad hoarders and it'll make you feel better. I've done that but my heart breaks for those poor people, at the same time. I could cry ( and have done) when they mention the reasons why people hold on to certain things, as I can relate to some of it, mainly the bereavement part and that kind of thing.

[@KatieTwinkle]

I agree completely! 👍

[@HankerinForTheHomestead]

Another great video! I still love listening to your accent as much as I love the tips. 😁 P.S. There is currently an ad playing for some medication (Xarelto?), and it's like 8 minutes long! I figured I could comment while it plays, so hopefully that'll help you out. 😉 Oh, I also wanted to suggest that you write an ebook about moving tips! If you sold them for .99 each (or more), it would add up fast! Oh, look, the ad finally finished. 😂

[@ZenDragoonYT]

If you watch on computer get adblock. If you can afford it for mobile and you watch yt often maybe invest in premium. I havent watched an ad in about a year. Its pretty great

[@RealOrganized]

Super inspirational as always! ;)

[@SmallChanges]

You’re the sweetest! Xo

[@heidiandthechihuahuas787]

Fantastic Video! So true.

[@kneeknee23]

wow i wish i could live like that that’s just not real for me ✨Hoarder Thingz✨

[@purpleluna8413]

Oooh cool Sarah! Haven't watched your vids in ages been meaning too 🤯😂😳 I am getting better at this I still need to full clothes I was told I had too many I don't think so as I keep washing and rewashing same things but other clothes get added and it gets a bit of a pile of laundry stayed up late and folded 2 baskets Wahoo but lots of old t-shirts They dont use need! Great tips dining room yep it does get things on it! Hubby insists on keeping every flipping docket as he "likes" to put them in a dairy so knows where money has gone but prob is we have them from years ago and he never catches up so quietly get rid of them!😳😳😉👍 Our walk in wardrobe had become a dumping spot can't get in there properly so going to get in and so it! Got r8d of youngest clothes too small from his room. Not getting Coles or Woolies pieces of plastic! True about storing just for storing is it really worth it will use that for the walk in wardrobe! Thanks feeling motivated 😊😉

[@mountainviewvintage386]

Only thing that worked for me was one room at a time or one area of one room at a time & really helped me keep going if someone was there with me to push me! And setting a timer for 15 minutes or an hour & no breaks! Lol

[@Mmolesy]

My husband doesn't want to get rid of anything, he's ok with me boxing stuff up and keeping it in storage, but doesn't want me to pitch it. At our last house we kept stuff in storage for 5 years and he still wouldn't pitch it even though we never needed any of it during that time. 😞 I would love to minimalist, but don't see it happening. Not unless I go behind his back and throw stuff out. But that's rarely a good plan...🙄

[@SmallChanges]

Oh Megan, that’s such a challenging situation. I hope that your husband will come to a place that he is ready to let some things go, but I think that you are doing the best you can to find a middle ground ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Mmolesy]

@@SmallChanges Thankyou Sarah, thankfully, we have a 6 car garage, so we have space for storage. There are some things that I can dispose of, but most of it, no. Currently I'm scanning 20 years of papers that my husband has carried from house to house. Once scanned, most are thrown out.

[@bjb0808]

I don't know. If I could do the things recommended here, I wouldn't have a problem. It's not about not knowing what to do, it's about not wanting to do the things that need to be done.

[@MichelleMom2My3bl3ssings]

Hi Sarah, did Caleb get new ring for you or were you able to get it sized? Thanks for another video!

[@thelaceyadair]

I noticed the ring also! 😊♥️

[@SmallChanges]

I did get a new ring!! It’s silicone and I absolutely love it!!!

[@MichelleMom2My3bl3ssings]

Small Changes it’s pretty... got a good look on your packing and decluttering video.

[@Sonja...]

Show us the ring!!!

[@alittlesouthwindfarm3074]

My MIL brings me bags and bags of clothes like big bags. It makes me cry. Bc she doesn't handle me saying thank you but we don't need 2 garbage bags of jackets. Do you have tips for the people who mean well but don't handle saying no thank you.

[@SmallChanges]

Oh that is such our hard situation. We have been doing this for some time now so most of friends and family understand our views on things. I would just continue to speak the truth with love. In the early days I would talk about how I feel overwhelmed with lots of things and how I appreciate simple spaces. I would also suggest other ways they could help with consumable items instead. I hope this helps xo ❤️

[@ZenDragoonYT]

Could take it, say thank you, and go donate it to a homeless shelter or domestic abuse shelter

[@GiGiWellness28]

Did I see a catalogue from Koorong? Would you consider to receive their electronic catalogue via email instead?

[@SmallChanges]

That’s my word for the day devotion, I could use one online but I just love the books still 🙈 I wish it came with less other stuff though 🤣

[@bluecollarlit]

What is the accent?

[@SmallChanges]

Hi Carson! I'm Australian 🇦🇺

[@kimlec3592]

Hoarders is hate speech.😅🤣😂

[@SmallChanges]

🙊🤣Maximists? Lovers of Abundance?