Swedish Death Cleaning Changed My Life!

[@faithinjesus7817]

I was crushed when my dad sold his firefighters jacket at a garage sale. {He didn't need the money}. He volunteered at the fire station and I grew up with him getting a call over the cb radio in the middle of the night. I would stay up making sure he returned. I was proud of him and really wanted his firefighter jacket. You might be surprised what your children would want. Maybe ask them and if you are going to give it away or sell just give it to your child.

[@mountainscrapes]

The author does suggest asking people if they would like certain things. And - my point of view - if you have attachment to an item or 2 your parents have now, and are not using, ask them if you may have them now. Notice I said attachment, as in feelings or memories. I'm not saying ask for valuable things

[@sjordan7085]

I agree, some folk like to guilt trip others into parting with items they have cherished for years. I find most videos like this to be annoying! I am not a minimalist, nor do I ever wish to be. In fact, I am a Prepper, I hate to think what minimalists will do when push comes to shove and they face a man-made or natural disaster. Of course, they will be complaining and knocking on the doors of those who were smart enough to prepare!

[@MissKD_Kat_MN]

Awkward mom sent me ❤️

[@victoriaconway1]

Me too

[@MinimalistHome]

Aww, welcome!!

[@MinimalistHome]

Welcome!!

[@brennarush1402]

Yep

[@Zuzia-l5b]

Me 2

[@kylieskreationz]

My biggest difficulty is things that I might use for a crafty project. I get so many ideas of how I can use them that I can’t throw them out and when I try to do the same in the craft room the same thing happens.

[@LeaMcCaw]

For my son, I bought a three ring binder and plastic insert sleeves. Put in report cards, school pictures, awards etc. for each year. He can decide whether he keeps or tosses.

[@MinimalistHome]

Great approach! I have my binder if important family documents, but I love this idea of an important memories binder as well. 👍🏼🌻

[@vanessapierson4913]

same. plastic sleeves and 3 ring binder.

[@pamelalyon3264]

After my dad died my mom had us 4 children go through her things and mark what we wanted, partly to avoid arguments late, but so we knew what could go elsewhere. No stress

[@MinimalistHome]

that’s great! I’ve seen the opposite happen too, so I’m glad it worked out for you guys!

[@carlielees8733]

Thank! I wasn't even planning on decluttering today but managed 3 more garbage bags full ❤ it took like 10mins with you in the background. Australia!

[@labradorite8256]

🇦🇺 here too. I was watching a decluttering video one day, and spontaneously stood up IN THE MIDDLE of the video and started decluttering a drawer. I was laughing when I realised what I'd done 😂

[@elizabethtangora4353]

0:50 my mom’s grandmother did this! Near the end of her life she started putting tags on everything for who or where it should go. But she was also open to debate about it; my mom claimed more than a few things that were going to be donated or thrown away. By the time the grandmother did pass away, everybody had already sorted out what they did or didn’t want.

[@bobbijonichols5651]

I did this process last year. I sent a group text message to my kiddos asking if there were things they wanted when I was gone? A couple of days later my hubby got a call from our son asking if I was okay? Was I sick ? 😅 Guess I should have clarified what it was that I was doing. Lol!!!

[@MinimalistHome]

Genius!

[@ykook7000]

Lol but it still took them a couple of days to call 😂

[@judypeterson803]

Great job, Robyn. I like the idea of ME making the decisions. Also, I have no children (I do have lovely step children who are married adults and have their own households, mostly in other states) so no one else should have to take on the burden of disposing of my house and contents. I've lived here for 43 years and my husband passed away 5 years ago. I know the challenges of cleaning his closets and fishing equipment, etc. No one should have to go through my things and wonder if it was important to me. I should be down to JUST the things that are important, with nothing packed in boxes piled somewhere. Time to dig in!! Thanks 🤗

[@MinimalistHome]

Thanks so much Judy!

[@brennarush1402]

Please Parents if you have kids over sixteen please talk to them before getting rid of their stuff. My grandmother got Rid of my dad's comic book collection. While he was in basic training he had a Superman number one in his collection. That thing is worth over a million dollars now. She get rid of a million dollars!! A lot of his were originals from like the forties and fifties like the ones that are super valuable now.

[@lucystrider728]

Yes, ask, but I had the opposite thing happen. They had no interest whatsoever in the dozens of bins of schoolwork, art, clothes and items that I had kept of theirs so I ended up being the sorter. The clothes were undonatable as heat had destroyed them over time.

[@annmcevoy9299]

M

[@annmcevoy9299]

Oops, typo! Yes, do be careful to not get rid of everything or check w members of your family. There are things that can never be replaced.

[@miriamhavard7621]

Exactly.

[@jeanvignes]

Collectables are a special case. They need to be reviewed by a trustworthy expert. An elder relative of mine was going to post his four incredibly special Audubon prints in their giant, beautiful, frames on Craigslist! He would have been potentially inviting disaster into his home by letting random strangers know where to find such valuable art in the care of an elder.

[@goofygirl1311]

That question - Will it make anyone HAPPY if I keep this? - really helped me to make decisions about my things. Would my sons ever want the formal gowns, including my prom dress, that I wore one time decades ago? Would they want a box filled with my old collectible dolls, many of which had seen better days? What about the framed art and decor that is no longer to my taste and is stuffed in the back of a closet? How about the old comforters and bed spreads stashed away unused in the linen closet? Once I started to look at those items objectively I realized that I should have donated those items back when they were still in style and useful. By hanging on to them "just in case", I pretty much guaranteed that they would all end up in a landfill.

[@elizzy8754]

At least donate items to a charity shop that will sell them and use the proceeds for a good cause.

[@mdolphin]

Thank you for your kindness and empathy regarding why people have and keep all the things. Whenever I try to declutter I end up berating myself- why do I have this? Why can’t I give this up? Why can’t I make a decision?? It DOES feel safer to keep the things, tears came to my eyes when you said that. Thank you.

[@MinimalistHome]

Oh, it make so much sense!

[@Listen4HisVoice-g1t]

I love when cool youtubers connect you to other cool youtubers 🥰

[@MinimalistHome]

So fun, eh? 🥳

[@GrammyAmanda]

I love the phrase “simplifying things.” That’s exactly what I’m going for.

[@Sorchia56]

Agree. Memories last forever. We can’t take things with us when we die, let it go and be free of nonsense.

[@florenceb1537]

I've been working on this! I have no one to leave anything for (my daughter & first husband died years ago & my second husband died three months ago). It's a process, but I don't want to leave things for others to deal with, so back to the basics I need/want! Thanks for this collab!

[@farmerwife8412]

Thoughts as you work through this. ❤ Diane in Denmark (KZbin) is also doing this type of declutter. The passing of her Mum last month inspired her. You might enjoy her videos.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

My condolences. I have one stepson in California so he'll get his deceased father's things and my little cousin will get some cause I don't have my own children.

[@Mphscat]

At 62 and recently retired now is the perfect time to start this. I have no kids so that will be easier. Ariel sent me too! Good for both you girls doing this while you are young and have the energy!

[@MinimalistHome]

Thank you and welcome! Pleas check out my Facebook group and join my newsletter! I may be a bit younger than 62, but not as young as the lovely Ariel and many of the women in my Facebook group are older than me as well. 🌻💕

[@elizzy8754]

I'm starting a bit later than you, but at least I'm getting through the stuff! Sent 6 large bags this week to a charity shop. 6 more and counting for a municipal collection in October for damaged and unrepairable items. Did a first run through the domestic filing. Have to do all my address books tomorrow from the days when all that was on paper. It is a RELIEF and makes me HAPPY 😊

[@bex438]

Hey Robyn, thanks for sharing this 👍As I said over on Ariels channel, I am an only child with no children who had to clean my mums house just before & after she passed away 4 years ago. My mum was unfortunately a hoarder & had 50+ years worth of belongings which was very difficult borh emotionally & physically. After I had finished, my entire mindset around belongings changed & I was able to let go of & declutter over 80% of what I owned. I'm still working towards simplifying my life as I have no one to take on the things after I'm gone & I want to live an easier, more simple life whilst I'm still here & use my energy on the people & things that mean the most to me ❤️

[@MinimalistHome]

It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve managed to use the difficult process of dealing with your mother’s clutter to help you let go of your own! 👏🏼👌🏼🧡

[@cathylombard964]

My grandmother collected salt shakers. We went through them and picked out the ones we want to keep. I picked out one set for each of my adult children. I thought they would like a memento from their great grandma. Well, I was wrong. Only one of the four wanted their set. I think younger adults no longer want to inherit much of the stuff we leave behind.

[@MinimalistHome]

It depends on a bunch of things and you might be right any it’s also really great that you checked!

[@clarisahernandez5280]

My 23 year old son is not sentimental.

[@MisakiSudzuhara]

I think, the problem is that nowadays it is much easier to get anything you want. I mean that earlier you searched for things in the shops for hours or weeks AND then you could see IT - astonishing PEPPER SHAKER looked like pineapple or doll and you knew that nobody had the same. It is about memories. Now you just choose one on the website, wait 1-2 days and get it. Also today's IKEA design trends is quite standardized, all about white, wooden, made as rock, so anything is not unique.

[@ykook7000]

It's not even the younger generation it's from gen X down...gen X don't want stuff either no one is overly sentimental anymore

[@JMBBrasil]

That’s sad. I wish I had something from my grandparents.

[@lweaver979]

Love how you and Areil worked together on both her and your videos

[@MinimalistHome]

Glad you enjoyed it! So fun! 🤩

[@emilybabb115]

That Awkward Mom, Ariel, sent me. My friend helped me empty a storage unit FULL of stuff & the question she had me ask about every single item was..... "does it make your heart sing?".... that made it easier.... because so MUCH of my "stuff" would be too easy to keep if I just settled on happy.... You're both awesome. 🥰🙏

[@Abeautifulmundanelife]

Thanks you both for the great collab! Great motivation to start decluttering with a bigger picture in mind. And Yes, eternal life is real and will be great with our Heavenly Father! ❤

[@MinimalistHome]

So true!

[@robinartemis8695]

When I initially decluttered I used this method as well as the no mess process. I became a minimalist because of it ❤

[@MinimalistHome]

Love that!

[@Esti89dec]

Love you and Ariel. This was a great collab. This concept has changed the way I see all the stuff in my house.

[@mustwereallydothis]

I think that beginning in our main living areas will work best for me. I believe those rooms will be quick and easy to clear out while providing the most dramatic results. I plan to leave things like paperwork and photos at least until I have some real momentum going and need a task that can be done while sitting. If only my body was as enthusiastic about this as my mind is.

[@MinimalistHome]

Exactly! Go for it! Still, pace yourself all along (on the physical and mental levels)! 💫

[@mustwereallydothis]

@@MinimalistHome That's probably going to be the hardest part, tbh

[@kathychatterton5623]

I have 4 small boxes in the guest room closet, as I find things I want to give to specific people, they item goes in the box with their name, no massive sorting, I can change my mind and if I drop dead tomorrow the boxes can be sealed and sent off, no one will have to guess my intentions.

[@militaryhomes6292]

This honestly is a good idea for military families to do. We kinda do it because we move often but we are usually away from family. One of my husband's friends passed away last year and he is also in the military. They had the task of getting all his stuff taken care of. They had to sell a bunch of it and get rid of other things. It was a single guy. Not likely but if me and my entire family died in a car crash or something I'd feel so bad if someone had to deal with all our stuff. It's a good motivator to take care of the extra stuff we don't need.

[@CarolineT7714]

I solved the photo problem by buying a small scanner and tossing out the originals. Everything is saved to an external hard drive. Works great for other papers too. Scanner was Doxie brand. A bit more expensive than I wanted but great reviews.

[@InfinityGroupTV]

Loved your video. First one I've seen. I'm in Ontario. LOVE that you cut to a clip of Death Becomes Her. Great movie. I study Thanatology so this Swedish Death Cleaning is also up my decluttering alley. Thanks for conveying your comfort around prepping for our own deaths. We need to lose the stigma -- along with the clutter.

[@MinimalistHome]

Yes! I’m glad you enjoyed that and what an interesting topic of study! Yes! We need to loose the stigma and the stuff!

[@Pinklily-r4h]

I’m so glad you post your videos so frequently!! They keep me on track and I feel like if I lived in Canada I would be your friend! Much love Robin!!!! Have a very blessed week and know what a big difference you are making❤👯‍♀️👏🏻✝️

[@kjmwired]

Ariel and Robin, you two are straight, cracking me up !! 😂 At 74 , I'm well aware of what you're talking about. I've seen a lot of folks go on to heaven, hopefully .🙏😅 You made this so much fun and entertaining, plus so very informative 👏. These are situations almost everyone has to go through, So it really helps to share and pass along these facts. I watched Ariel, and now I just finished watching you. You both were excellent. 👏 👌 Ciao for now 😉 🏖 Kj in Tampa Bay 🤗 ❤️

[@cheristump9404]

My home is full of “just in case items!” Not any more! I have started my journey to what I DO need. I have bought nine plastic totes for each of our nine adult children. They can do whatever they want with it and took the decision of what to keep or pitch from their childhood. I call this my Chicken 🐓 move. Lol. But it’s working!

[@roar_with_mama]

This hits home for me. My husband and I both grew up in "we have to keep everything houses" and we're both completely detached from material possesions. The thought of having to go through my parents' possesions after they die terrifies me. Same for my in-laws. I helped them move two years ago and my mother in law kept telling me how she hated this vase and that candle holder. I suggested she got rid of them, but was shut down in an instant. She can't get rid of them, because they were a gift, the person who gave them is dead, etc. I know the task of getting rid of all those things will eventually fall on us and it's scary! That's why I love Swedish death cleaning and I'm doing it now, at 30 years old so my kids never have to go through piles and piles of junk when I die.

[@cynvision]

Not having read the book mentioned in the video, I did read Making Space, Clutter Free by Tracy McCubbin and it listed the kinds of excuses people attach to why they can't let items go. I do expect both books are alike in scope of asking if an item is your idea to keep or you chained to other's expectations. I just wish I had read either book before clearing out two homes after deaths. There were very historical and cool things in each home but letting them go clashed with trying my genetic tendency and upbringing towards hoarding. It came down to my having to spend money to restore a book binding or an appliance and that wasn't going to happen. And now after moving so much in four years, I know I have less belongings than millions of Americans but still look at my things and think they're too much to own.

[@PatThecat-n2l]

Your video is hilarious and very, very helpful. I’ve been overwhelmed by stuff. I now take 30 minutes every day and work on getting rid of stuff. So cathartic.

[@MinimalistHome]

Awesome!!! That’s huge! 💫✌🏼 Have you joined my Facebook group and signed up for my newsletter? I have a few fun challenges coming up soon!

[@stephanier9820]

I did this for my dad a month before he passed away, boxes and boxes to the thrift store, bags aplenty to the dump. It made it easier for my 2 brothers that came the week he passed and helped them focus on his storage units. I went back and did it again at his house to finish off what was left, a lot still. I never want to leave such work for people I love. He couldn't help it, but it did provide me some inspiration to do more than I already have in my own home

[@Shiryone]

We did the death cleaning before it was a thing. We're decluttered, gave things away to the kids that they wanted, and the rest is in our will. So, you are pretty sure that your oldest son will not move back home after college? Many do, but hopefully yours will find his career path and be able to live on his own. Love the colab.

[@mustwereallydothis]

@Shiryone The last time we did a serious decluttering, we decided to declare anything we got rid of and later found a use for, as "being lost in the fire." We decided if we would keep items or not, based on whether we would be likely to replace them if our house and everything in it had burned to the ground. It really did work. We got rid of almost all of our unnecessary belongings. Unfortunately, that was over 25 years ago, and we, along with the "help" of two of our grown children, have accumulated almost as much crap as we got rid of back then. Now, we have the added issue of having to get their approval for tossing any of their belongings.

[@sonjaschmidt4123]

I have seen millions of minimalim videos and I thought, ok, now there's nothing new coming. And now? Swedish death cleaning. Not long ago I decluttered. But now, after two SDC videos, I see lots of things that must go.

[@rowillo]

Love your channel…, I can easily relate so much to you! Thanks for being you! ❤

[@MinimalistHome]

I'm so glad! 🙂 👋🏼

[@dougandcandacebishop7259]

Thanks for posting this. LOVE seeing someone (semi-)local!

[@SeaNicStudios]

OH MY GOODNESS...I started in my garage and was shocked to find a FLOOR!🤣

[@MinimalistHome]

Yay! You did it!

[@Snoops510]

I have one small sized bin for each child/grandchild with things they might want to keep or toss one day...their choice (first toy, report cards, etc.) Other than that, only keeping actual valuables such as real jewelry and collections (art. sculptures, etc.). Everything else is going. I had already started, but this is motivating me to go up into the attic.

[@MinimalistHome]

Wonderful! ✌🏼💕

[@angeladavey5233]

Found you through "That Awkward Mom"..I Love 💗 her and now I love you too and I've Subscribed!

[@GoingGreenMom]

My Dad's parents made an inventory of all the stuff in their house when they were planning a cross country move. They had done this many times moving between countries. But this time the point was to send it to the kids. Each kid marked what they wanted, and then when they bought a house they mapped out what would fit on the other end of the move. Anything not moving, the appropriate kid got a call or an email with a, do you want to pick it up, or do how do you want us to ship it. Labels went on the bottoms of many things, and each move after that things got farmed out. After they passed there wasnt a bunch of fighting. 2 things that everyone wanted magically disappeared into the nether after Grandmother passed before the first kid showed up at the apartment. 1 of them being Grandmother's little black book of recipes. Her inbox on her desk had been cleared at some point and a typed copy of all the recipes was laying there with the file location marked so all the kids could have a copy.

[@MinimalistHome]

Wow! That’s some well-organized people! Very intentional, proactive and caring as well. 💕

[@GoingGreenMom]

@@MinimalistHome Definitely! Stark contrast to my Mom's side of the family where hoarding tendencies are a very real thing that a lot of us are dealing with and trying to overcome. My kids are 18 and 20, and I wound up telling them look, I don't want to leave you guys a mess when I'm gone, and I want you to make memories with the family heirlooms instead of stashing them away. So when they move out I fully expect they will take their room contents with them, and a good bit of the kitchen as well. And they each also have a hope chest with sentimental stuff they have saved as we decluttered and such. I've even been working on splitting up the tools so that it can be a 3 way split and everyone has enough of what they need, but not a ton of excess that they don't. And bonus points if that frees me up enough to travel more and such once they are out on their own.

[@ediedbdbd7902]

After watching a couple of episodes of “Hoarders”, I came up with this question-the other side of “does it make you happy?”: If your house burned down, what would you miss?

[@lisacarter3952]

I like that, "Life Cleaning" 🤗

[@kryssygee4814]

❤Aw!!! ❤The two ❤❤of you!!! ❤ 🎉🎉 💡IDEA. A friend’s older mom said to her 5 adult kids at a holiday party at her home- if you want something from my house put your initials on this tape, stick it on the bottom of the “thing” or write it down in the notebook. It worked. ❤

[@MinimalistHome]

Cool! 👌🏼

[@MinimalistHome]

And thanks for all the 💕💕💕 Ariel is awesome!!!

[@folsterfarms]

Awkward mom sent me - I just discovered you both this morning 😂!

[@a1m2k3y]

Found you through That Awkward mom too! Loved your video, and - I mean this in the very most complimentary way possible- you remind me a bit of Shelley Duvall! She was incredibly unique and beautiful, and such a talented actress. Looking forward to watching more... (Northern BC gal here) :)

[@kimkern4318]

I am very interested in this topic, and Robyn your hair looks beautiful in this video!!! I have put my name on the bottom of an antique desk my parents have.

[@sewingstoryprojects6178]

I did this before I loved in 2018 and recently. We downsized and now its just stuff I like and use and our house is neat and tidy....well at least my stuff is.

[@awesomecat489]

After learning about Swedish death cleaning, I'm starting to realize how much things I own that I don't really need. However part of me has a difficult time parting with these items because they still hold memories, despite the fact that I'll never use them again. For example I have old artwork that takes up lots of space that just collects dust but the effort that went into it makes it hard to let go, I also have lots of clothing that I hold onto cause 'I might wear it someday'... I truly want to declutter but I find it difficult to get past this mindset.

[@MinimalistHome]

The fact that you can name these mindset blocks is HUGE! I highly recommend check out my blog, new alter and Facebook group. I have a closet clean out challenge coming up very soon and also offer decluttering coaching that’s highly focused on mindset shifts. 💫🤞🏼🙏🏼💕

[@kathychatterton5623]

I started SLOWLY and sporadically decluttering about 10 years ago. Now I am 70 I am speeding up and doing “death cleaning” for several reasons; one I’m a retired nurse and know how quickly things and can change and the other two part reason is that I realized that almost everything I own was purchased after my divorce and the kids were grown so the kids had no idea that most of my possessions existed. And that if my SO and I die in close time proximity, my kids couldn’t leave their jobs to come clean out my crap and it would be left to his family and it wasn’t fair to them. Kids live thousands of miles away, his family lives 3 blocks away. Better I get rid of non essential stuff and leave them a manageable task. I am starting with my collections, then moving to unnecessary house hold items then when I get to sentimental (for my family and friends ) they’ll each get a small (1 cubic foot) box with instructions to keep or toss, just don’t tell me about it.

[@lynnwales2937]

I have regretted things I’ve decluttered, but it’s definitely a short term regret.

[@jeanvignes]

I have moved cross-continent several times in my life, the most recent time in 2019. Every move I am surprised at how easy it gets to just shed things that seemed so important before I had to pack up and travel/move 2,500 miles! That collection of clean, just-in-case, yogurt containers? Gone. Those paperbacks that one would never re-read because they were just brain candy and you already know who-done-it? Gone. The stack of tee-shirts that have been worn to pieces, but kept just in case they might be needed for painting? Gone. That's where I like to start when doing a declutter: Walmart water bottle with no lid? Shirt I bought on super sale but have never worn? Several tattered, chewed up, old leashes my grown dog used as a puppy? Broken umbrella? Seriously? It's easy to set a timer and fill a big box or garbage bag with things that are either perfect for donating or disposing. The box of photos I got from my sister's estate that she got from our great-aunt's estate, with no labels telling you who is in the photo (from the '30s to '50s?) I'm setting that aside and not opening it until I retire and have time to really focus on it. If I open it now, I'll spend three hours looking at the photos and then put them all back in the box until the next time. NOPE.

[@magpie3571]

Throughout the video, I'm thinking of a relative who is 76. And when you said chaff, i pictured going through things with her and asking, "Is this a blueberry, or is it chaff?"

[@lorettazaharias9692]

Great video of you 2 together! thx for all the humor ...😂

[@MinimalistHome]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danicegewiss862]

Your thumbnail looks like a friend of mine who lives in South Carolina. She is the dearest person.My favorite way of decluttering is attempting to organize stuff. You cant do it, so you have to get rid of the excess.

[@jylfearn4840]

Came over from awkward mom, your house is lovely! ❤

[@heathermoreland6015]

Sent by the Awkward Mom, loved the video, I’m definitely going to read that book. Thanks for the video. 😊

[@BergenholtzChannel]

You have a beautiful home.

[@MinimalistHome]

Thank you so much! 💕💕

[@elizabethgambino501]

😊Great video - very informative and motivating

[@maryer364]

Great explanations from the book. Thank you!

[@cottagekeeper1044]

Thank you so much! I did not know who to click on first❤️

[@MinimalistHome]

haha!! That’s awesome!

[@Sydney-g8b]

I have been doing this for so many years without knowing 😂

[@rollinwiththedavises1938]

We retired recently and may be making the downsizing decision in the future. I have actually begun cleaning out some closets and made some progress over the last few weeks and my main question to myself is will I want to take this if we move. The concept in this book will be so helpful as I go forward (and I hope my local library has it). Here are my takes from this video and Ariel's, as well as what I have determined on my own. 1)Hubs is definitely a problem 2)once you get through everything, start again. Six months or a year from now you will realize that you kept too much. 3)our kids do not want our stuff, and they want very little of the stuff they left behind, but ask before selling, donating or trashing 4)Craft supplies are my kryptonite!!! They all make me happy. Help me Lois!! 🤣🤣 5)when gifting, ask yourself if the item will make the recipient happy in a year from now. Give experiences instead of stuff. Getting off of here and tackling the next closet with new inspiration and motivation. Thank you!!

[@MinimalistHome]

You got this! Funny timing, as my next Blog post is all about Sweedish Death Cleaning. It's not quite ready yet, but you will find it soon at this link: minimalisthome.ca/category/decluttering/methods/swedish-death-cleaning/

[@obietravels652]

Start with the Tupperware 😂 seriously. Then the Junk drawer ( you know you’ve got one. Improvement in these small areas will motivate you! Papers ( like appliance manuals) Then books & in/season clothing. Go quickly. Put “maybe” items in a box & revisit later.

[@Mustlovebooks15]

I had knitting needles I had never used in the 20 years that I owned them. Finally got rid of them. I needed them literally two weeks later. Ended up borrowing a pair from my mom that I dislike and was tempted to go buy a pair. But what are the chances?!?!? Only time that has ever happened to me

[@MinimalistHome]

Oh that's funny!

[@jennyjenkins877]

Guess I'll just mosey on over to watch That Awkward Mom's video too!

[@AurorasJournals]

That Awkward Mom sent me ❤

[@patriciadeleon3214]

Great videos gals!

[@labradorite8256]

I have taken this approach because I need things to be organised. Our son is under 18. Only one of my adult stepsons would take on the responsibility of managing our affairs if the worst were to happen. I saw him in action helping clean out MILs house, and he's an absolutely ruthless minimalist 😂. And quite honestly I don't blame him. The stress on hubbys and my generation of cleaning out parental estates was enormous. I dont think either of us ever recovered. My mother died suddenly at 65 and it took ages to find essential papers etc. She wasn't planning on going anywhere, but we never know when our time is up. If I'm to leave my family heirlooms to my son, and I have no one else to ask, I need to make the job as easy as possible for my step son. Its only fair.

[@TheLadyGiles]

Awkward mom sent me. I'm not mad. Subbed.

[@Rosannasfriend]

Actually I was gonna go watch the awkward mom video on this subject, and this just got recommended to me. Looks like you guys are tag teaming again!

[@JMBBrasil]

I would like that topic 4:57 cuz I have donated things that latter on I felt like I made a mistake….heheh And my parents have thrown away things that I wish they didn’t many times. Make sure you ask them first. And not in front of the people they are giving it to…

[@MinimalistHome]

Sounds good!

[@joannewatson5444]

I need some advice.... My husband is keeping Everything! I mean .. his father passed away in 2007 and his brother just passed away a few months ago. Our closet needed another bar so we could hang my shorts and capris. ( We share 1 closet) I have decluttered my things but to get him to do the same is driving me insane.!!! He has things from when he was younger.. his dad's shirts. And ripped T-shirts, jammies, old work shirts. (From like 25 yrs ago) I get overwhelmed when I see how much SHOULD GO. I offered to help. ( I try to be calm but....) I need Help with this. I have watched your videos and others WITH him... And Nothing 😢 Hepl

[@farmerwife8412]

You can only declutter your own things. Learn to ignore their things otherwise you will only have stress.

[@farmerwife8412]

My husband is not good at decluttering either....I have learned to just do my own and accept him for who he is.

[@cb9825]

Seems like he should build another closet for your clothes if he intends to stuff the shared closet with his old clothes.

[@joannewatson5444]

@@farmerwife8412 I know I can't declutter his things... I've been doing this for about 5 years and I thought by now he would be willing to do it together... But Nope 😞

[@joannewatson5444]

@@cb9825 omg that would be hilarious 😆

[@lennyburdick3192]

DId you know batteries have expiration dates on them?

[@elainejudd4892]

My own Mom did this when she was in her mid-fifties, well before the book was written. When I moved “out west” she sent my Grandma’s old hand-made wash stand and her silver service with me. (Can you believe she gave our dolls from the attic to charity, and didn’t keep all my junior high school artwork, including the 12 foot tall Micky Mouse? Well, maybe she DID tell me multiple times to come get this stuff,or its is gone. Funny how I didn’t want to pack and move all that stuff 3500 miles. 😂) She was clearing out stuff she no longer needed or loved. When she died unexpectedly at age 60, we three kids could meet and grieve and go through the leftovers in the house we were raised in. Thankfully we are a “No, you take it, it will mean more to you” type family than many, so there were zero squabbles. There were plenty of stories and even some laughter, and we each took a few things and gave away the rest. I am retired and pushing 70. I have survived losing two sets of inlaws. I have been a legal guardian (professionally) for dozens of people. I have learned a few things I will share here. LESSON 1 - Except in rare cases, and most of the rare cases are children who have some hoarding tendencies - Your grown children don’t want your stuff. Their stuff already has their homes stuffed full. Ask them and they will be honest and tell you the very few things that matter to them. LESSON 2 - If you leave behind a lot of stuff either by death or incapacity (let us not forget - INCAPACITY!) people you love who cannot come and clear your stuff are going to rely upon a total stranger who charges a substantial hourly fee to dig through your belongings and do what you didn’t. When charged with doing this task for total strangers, I took every step my client should have taken - but then I did the deed. In one case it cost a family nearly $15,000 for me to handle their loved one’s clean but hoarded house and garage, and to manage financial affairs for them. And that was a discounted rate because the client was a friend. LESSON 3 - Sometimes we need to think about how many generations of people will want this stuff. I have dozens of step-grandchildren, and none from my own child. They don’t want my “family” stuff. Only I want my family stuff. Decisions have to be made, like that antique wash stand and my deceased brother’s piano, both hauled 3,500 miles. And those family photos. We can think generationally, and plan accordingly. A couple of years ago a cousin who was traveling west met me in a nearby town and brought me a painting my friend had done for her mother. She was thinking generationally - getting that painting to someone who would cherish it in the here and now. It is now my cherished possession. It meant nothing to her, but the painter was precious to me. I sent Mom’s silver to my sister’s stepdaughter because she wanted it, and I wasn’t using it. It feels amazing to give away things that someone we love will enjoy and use. If we give it early enough, we can watch them enjoy it!

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

I have decluttered...and recluttered...many times. Now I declutter as the speed of life and try to apply the one in one or two out rule. I have Peter Walsh's no more later and we can't keep 5mt³ of stuff in 3mt³ of space no matter how hard we try; Marie Kondo's does it spark joy and file don't pile; and now Margareta Magnusson's reminder to ask if anyone would be happy...or maybe sad?...if I donated it or threw it away on loop when I go about my day. I always have a donation bag available and I am lucky as I have four op shops close by. I also have made friends with the building's skip that gets emptied every day because I know that op shops discard 40-60% of the stuff they receive. So I have decided to skip the middle man And to buy only what I really really need.

[@ToniBergquist]

Awkward Mom sent me over and I’m happy I came!

[@robertmueller2023]

My favorite catch phrase. Three words containing crazy dangerous egoism, nihilism, and ephemeral ignorance. Ace of Bass on Bora Bora ... "Its a beautiful life, oh oh oh oh"?

[@clarisahernandez5280]

I use a combo of methods. After 11.5 years I'm decluttering my deceased husband's things. I'm having to think "will my stepson want this when I'm gone?" He's already turned down a few things.

[@deewarner3809]

Me too.

[@johannabjorkell4226]

I would be here anyway, but awkward Mom sent me too! ❤

[@johannabjorkell4226]

Or, truth be told, I felt a little threatened to.

[@GladysHodson-u4p]

Ankunding Mill

[@joanavicente5493]

Awkward mom sent me Great video!

[@MinimalistHome]

Thanks for coming!

[@mariateresarueda4079]

❤❤❤

[@andreamcgeown2476]

I like the sound of Comfy Cozy. Comfy Cozy Healthy Home...possible new name for other channel?

[@MinimalistHome]

ooohh thanks! I like that!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Cool. 😎👍

[@YoungLauren-g2w]

Ona Course

[@ladyjane5401]

Awkward Mom sent me 😊❤

[@MinimalistHome]

Welcome! 🥰

[@firecloud77]

*_STOP_* trying to change me, woman! I *_NEED_* everything I've saved over the last 67 years!

[@CanaryCaia]

My grandma, who was an early widow (my grandad died when I was 4 yo, in 1964), burnt a lot of old photos everybody in the family wanted. Photos of grandad in a New Year party wearing a White tuxedo, other photos of him at a Carnival party with his friends with silly customs of women and hilarious make up, and many others. Fortunately we could save others, but nothing like those. Of course, she burnt their letters full of love. My grandma was always too wary of being a laughable theme, that's why she burnt all that. At least I have one cookbook my grandad gave her with a lovely note in the first page. Apart of that and on the other part of my family, one of my uncles (who was a chemist working in marine biology) sold a lot of things after my aunt died. He didn't need the money, he just wanted to empty the houses to sell them (and buy the company of infamous women). I asked him to give me or sell me a collection of seashells (he knew I was a collector) and one of the big travel trunks my aunt's dad used to come and go between Spain and Argentina for years before moving here. It was in perfect shape and with lots of travel stamps. I could have used it as a crafts organizer. But he said no. The same with an old oak chest that belonged to my aunt when she was single. Don't do that to your family.

[@MinimalistHome]

Oh goodness, I am so sorry that this happened. Definitely check with the family about sentimental things

[@ItsAMbutyoutubechangedmyname]

Awkward mom came up on my youtube and just as a wrote on her video i will write it here too kind of but a tad more .. as a former swede i approve of Swedish death cleaning its not only for the people that will have to deal wit your stuff after you are gone but its also good for your own good health

[@MinimalistHome]

Yes! Wonderful! Glad you approve! 🧡

[@damarisortiz2856]

Vengo del canal de Ariel

[@nannypat6520]

Here from Awkward Mom, 🎉

[@StrickFam32613]

Awkward mom sent me too!

[@chrisnutter6933]

Show us all the “other” not staged ares and discuss if you have any thanks!

[@MinimalistHome]

do you mean areas that aren't decluttered? Don't worry, I have a tour coming up!

[@olivia9066]

😊👍

[@m0ther0ne]

Awkward mum said that there’d be ice cream 🎉

[@MinimalistHome]

haha

[@Peanut11111]

There's only me so I'm in no hurry to get rid of any thing.

[@CocoaBeans1919]

❤

[@Lifewith_charlotte_]

Okay Awkward mom. I’m here now 😊