The LIES You're Being Sold About Home Organization // decluttering, minimalism, and saving money

Are these HUGE home organization lies dragging you down or holding you back from turning your messy house into the clutter-free home of your dreams? We've talked about decluttering lies, now in this week's video we're diving into the biggest lies about home organization that brands and influencers are selling you on social media! From refrigerator restocking to closet organization, there's big money in decluttering and organizing, so it's no surprise you're being sold these lies -- but at what cost? It's time to debunk the myths and downright LIES about stuff...let's dive in!
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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
Along my journey to let go of 30 years of clutter, I accidentally became a minimalist and it was life-changing.
Before, I was an emotional hoarder with nothing but the clutter from lost loved ones - and $25,000 of debt - to my name. Now I have a beautiful home in Europe, a happy family, live debt-free, and - best of all - wake up to a life that I’m EXCITED to live every day.
My mission is to help you conquer your clutter and simplify YOUR way to a happier and better life. HERE'S OUR STORY: atozenlife.com...
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NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.

[@AtoZenLife]

Have you fallen for any of these lies about home organization? 🤔 Please give this video a like and drop me a comment below -- I look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions!

[@ArtingFromScratch]

Marissa... if people saw my house full of clutter they'd say I was a hoarder and not a minimalist but I have a very similar life journey to yours which is filled with losing family very young... (I also struggle with eating)... so my house looks absolutely full BUT in the last 3yr I have gotten rid of HALF or more of what I own and I am doing my best to do more...slow and steady

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

​@@ArtingFromScratchthat's wonderful! I have yet to begin even though I try to be motivated. Have you donated most of your items or sold them? I really struggle with donating things that are probably worth a decent amount of cash, but there's time factor involved with sewing things 😮

[@RMMomma4Eva]

I thank you for this differently! I had never heard of fridgescaping, but it was what I was looking for actually and I LOVE it! 😂 I abhor clutter so don't have it, yet couldn't get motivated to buy all of the organizing containers just for the function. But buying them to romanticize my life by adding beauty and enrichment to function, using organizers I can mostly thrift?? Yes ma'am! 😍 Think I'll closet and drawerscape too! 😄 So THANKS! 😊✨

[@ArtingFromScratch]

@Savannah-ed4rv I'm trying to sell some. I have some things that are very valuable and take up NO SPACE but then other things are just expensive enough that I want to sell them and take up more space. I saved up a lot for "when I have kids" and tbh...I'm at the point where that's looking less likely so...may as well donate those

[@susanoline5823]

It's called "Shuffling Shit". 😊

[@gwenellison5386]

It finally clicked for me when I heard someone say "If you have too much stuff, no matter how you organize it, it will look messy." That's when I decluttered 80% of my stuff over the course of three years, and then organized what was left.

[@AtoZenLife]

SO TRUE 🙌 💯

[@username00009]

This is true to an extent, but it’s missing the “clutter threshold” concept that Dana K. White talks about. Some people can manage larger amounts of stuff, and some people can’t no matter how tidy and organized it is. Mental load and capacity are important factors.

[@gwenellison5386]

@@username00009 For me it was true. I was completely overwhelmed with how much stuff I had and thought I was just a bad organizer. When I heard that quote it helped me realize what I had was a huge clutter problem. I also have anxiety and depression issues that made it all worse. I've not heard of the clutter threshold concept so I can't really comment on it. =)

[@lorimiller623]

Yup. Containerized clutter is still clutter.

[@MichelleJones-p4e]

That’s the way to do it!

[@AdrienneMint]

Instead of buying tons of organizers, i gave away all the clothing i don’t wear. I donated all the books i know i will never read again. I emptied all of my kitchen cabinets which were overflowing, and i threw out the stuff i never use. Now my cabinets are two thirds empty. My clothes closet is nearly empty and my book cabinet is nearly empty. I kept only 40 favorite books and i love living this way. I did not need organization. I needed to get rid of stuff i didn’t need or use.

[@JuliaStewart-2023]

"You will own nothing and you will be happy!" Keep working on it! WEF likes it.

[@saraocampo9066]

👏👏👏👏👏👏it is what you have to do not to buy tons of more things

[@gregkloe]

So everything is relative. I probably have about 40 books and plan on reducing to as close to 0 as I can. And that is my dilemma as I embark on de-cluttering: how much should I keep? You are doing it right though, 5S begins with Sort.

[@baigalmazuunnast1734]

​@@saraocampo9066so true 🎉

[@mountainscrapes]

Oh Julia, I laughed so hard seeing that quote in this forum. But, yea, makes me want to keep everything just to spite the WEF. 😂😂😂

[@beyondworld77]

I remember the exact moment when it hit me, and honestly, I had to laugh at myself. There I was, standing in the middle of a furniture store, staring at a sleek, expensive wardrobe. My mind was busy calculating how it would fit perfectly in the unused room at home. You know, the one where all the stuff I never use just sits? Well, I was about to buy a whole new piece of furniture just to store things I hadn’t touched in over a year. I froze. Why was I about to spend a ridiculous amount of money to hide things that clearly didn’t matter to me? I wasn’t using them. I wasn’t even thinking about them until I considered the wardrobe. And that’s when it hit me-if I didn’t need the stuff, why was I about to spend money to keep it cozy?

[@Thesignarizzler123]

Excellent point. Glad it clicked with you. X

[@pinkroses135]

Lol that's awesome you caught yourself

[@LM-kv5kp]

I have been there, too! 😊

[@AngySchwoerer]

I bought a LV bag at *suluxy* a few years ago. I took it to the LV store in my town last week to have it repaired. A store clerk inspected my bag and immediately told me that the bag was of excellent quality. She pulled a current bag out of inventory and compared the tags and I saw ZERO differences.

[@peggyking9543]

I'm in a tug of war for my soul with Wayfair, at the moment. The outcome is presently unclear! 😆😂

[@dsg-yt]

Instead of buying all new spice containers and lids, I just saved the ones that looked the same! Now I have matching spice containers and I didn't have to buy anything.

[@AtoZenLife]

What a smart hack. My son would call this “big brain” 🧠😂

[@williamclark1244]

I kept smaller coconut oil glass jars, washed them and removed the labels. I had a shelf unit built to hang on the wall next to the pantry where I store them. I buy spices in bulk, then transfer them to the glass jars. I've received a lot of compliments on it.

[@Coffee-911]

I do the same thing🤛

[@princessdumbarton9877]

I do that. I like the spice jars from Simply Organic, they are glass and a good size. When they're empty I use them to put cheaper spices in. They often come in plastic containers, I just transfer the contents to the glass jar and recycle the plastic containers. The good thing about Simply Organic glass jars is they have labels that peel right off easily. Spice Hunter glass spice jars are really good too.

[@junesammy-robidoux2305]

That's genius

[@NicholasGarofola]

Those “organization” videos of plastic going into different forms of plastic drive me CRAZY.

[@NoOctopuss]

Perfectly said

[@e.keesey]

I saw one recently where she bought plastic to store plastic cutlery. I am rather confused why she needed so much plastic cutlery. I keep mine in a picnic basket but most in there is mismatched stainless pieces I won't worry about if one gets misplaced.

[@luci0818]

I mean no doubt they're pretty, but function takes priority. I do like to watch them, but I can't do it to myself. You mean after I get home from the grocery store, I have to spend 4 hours decanting everything to make it look pretty? On top of pre wash and pre prep everything even though some things spoil faster after a prewash? Instead of putting it away in 15 minutes flat? Just for my husband to mess it up because it's too complex and changes too often(aka not his fault)? Some things I do like to decant, but not everything. And restock with drive me insane, it looks so nice fully stocked but after a few are missing, my OCD would drive me nuts, so why bother? And it's expensive

[@ZimVader-0017]

​@@e.keesey We have a small bag of plastic cutlery that is left over from takeout and such. We use them for when there's visitors or we have a gathering. Keeps washing dishes to a minimum, plus they're getting used. We also have mismatched stainless steel ones 😂

[@e.keesey]

My mother used to take plastic restaurant cutlery to a homeless shelter so it saved them buying it. I hadn't thought about that in years.​@ZimVader-0017

[@muchadoaboutkovu]

So recently I had bought a bunch of things to organize my kitchen and school supplies. Then my husband got extremely hurt and it effected our finances so badly that I had to take back almost everything I had bought. It forced me to be more creative with what I already have had for over a decade, and declutter and throw out even more. Blessing in an unfortunate disguise. (Husband is recovering well!)

[@kaasmeester5903]

Hope he gets better soon 😊

[@janiceb7474]

Grow a set. I was married for 23 years before my husband died from cancer. He decided on everything techy, cars, TV's, stereo equipment, on demand hot water heaters, who to hire to pave the drive. YOU in turn, may decide your plan doesn't work to organize, YOU make the choice to return the items. Your husband keep his nose out of it. YOU ARE NOT A DOORMAT Stand up for yourself for you are an individual. I feel SO sorry for wives that think they "must listen" to their husbands... You are a person. You must stand up for yourself.

[@subhadramahanta452]

​@@janiceb7474 I think, by hurt, they mean physical not financial

[@PinkieJoJo]

@@janiceb7474are you dense? He got hurt. Therefore couldn’t work. That affected finances. My gosh. Read the room.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I'm glad he is recovering.

[@jowen3627]

I totally agree about the empty kitchen counter thing! If you use something every day, what's the point of putting it away to only have to get it out again. But I'm one of those people who likes a home to look like someone lives there too.

[@Volkbrecht]

The point of putting things away is to be able to clean places without additional effort. I never learned much housekeeping as a kid, but I did apprentice as a lab-tech, which taught me a thing or two about efficiency. So ever since I moved out of my parent's house I kept the kitchen counters clean of things. Looks a bit empty, but whatever I want to do, I can start doing it right away without having to clear clutter first.

[@luci0818]

I'm perfecting my personal balance of the 2 - it has to make sense from a convenience standpoint. If it's everyday use, I'm not putting it away, but other clutter I would put away because moving just a few select items before cleaning is no big deal but the more there is the more annoyed I am about cleaning 😂

[@mitchjohnson4714]

I wouldn't say I "like it" but the kitchen is a workshop, not an art gallery. There's a ton going on.

[@kaia853]

@@Volkbrecht I can understand why you would feel this way but I think that the frequency in which I deep clean certain spaces is less than the frequency I use certain things. Like sure I wipe down the counter space that is being actively used daily, but I don't go out of my way to wipe down underneath my coffee maker daily, I wipe there when I do a deeper clean of the kitchen. So why am I going to shuffle around my coffee maker 7-10 times a week for something that ideally only needs to be wiped down once a week. I'm not prepping my food underneath the coffee machine, it's not in my way when I prep food, my coffee machine doesn't dump a bunch of coffee on the counter, etc. Ideally stuff you use every day should have a dedicated space that makes using it efficient. If that space it sits in needs to be cleaned after each use, feel free to put it away. But if you are going to use the thing more times than you need to clean underneath it...then it is more efficient just to move it when you're cleaning IMO.

[@Mehaara]

I agree with you on general terms - just organizing huge messes into pretty containers is silly. Cut down on your stuff first. However, for a household full of ADHD people, decanting food into clear containers is a life-saver. ADHD people tennd to have a problem with object permanence. But I use jogurt, nut butter, honey, jam, and canning jars (I live in Germany, lots of food comes in glass jars). Ever since I started keeping my leftovers in glass jars in the fridge, I have a lot less food waste. You have to do what works for you.

[@unatazzadilongevita]

I agree

[@bobcaygeon6799]

That's a great example and idea--I "live with" ADHD and, indeed, am VERY visual. If I don't see it quick enough, it won't get eaten or used, LOL. That said, my brain ALSO needs the balance of organized enough (which works for me) to create calm.

[@lindamast2766]

Leftovers for me became a mess of finally throwing out so much until I invested in some take a long containers. They're a turquoise color, all leftovers go in those, and at most meals I take them out to be used up before cooking way more. Somehow the color thing is a reminder for me to check them first to be heated up and served again.

[@Canny-Octopus]

Yes! Clear containers help me too, for this reason. Glass mason jars are my leftovers / meal prep solution, and fit so conveniently in the fridge. But I wouldn't decant milk into a glass bottle just for aesthetics (or post photos of my fridge), I don't have time or brain space for that! I love the reminder that organizing has to help us meet a need, not just be about showing off.

[@AlexisHiemis]

I think the problem is decanting things because they look pretty in contrast to decanting things because they are easier to use that way. For example I put my shower gel into a dispenser because previously I would squeeze out loads and it was expensive and a waste, and I never knew when to get new soap. Now I have a clear dispenser I use less soap and see how much I have left, problem fixed. But for laundry stuff that's just a waste of time and effort because I can just wash a day later and for juice it wouldn't make any sense for me, because washing the glasware would be too much of a hassle and I would just not do it.

[@jacquibrown4271]

Things I don’t regret buying: Felted flat hangers (turn hangers backwards and donate the ones that are still turned at the end of the season) Drawer dividers for junk drawers Folders for paperwork Fire proof box for passports etc. Packet clips to seal product containers A spare laundry basket for items to donate (so I’m always decluttering my clothes)

[@darcymoon2109]

Hanger trick sounds brilliant! Will employ!

[@darcymoon2109]

All these are great!

[@WeepingLikeAWillow]

As an ADHD parent with AuDHD kids, what you were saying about leaving things out for easy access really hits home for me. It's taken years to get our house to a point where we can keep it reasonably tidy and comfortable for all of us, while not internalizing unrealistic expectations of perfection. Trying to meet any kind of influencer standard would be a quick and certain path to executive dysfunction-driven depression. Our home is our haven, and we don't live the same way other families do due to being neurodivergent. To a neurotypical eye, our home may seem eccentric, but we love it. Our home is organized with executive function challenges, removing barriers to achieve outcomes, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and feeling relaxed and safe in our space in mind. As a parent, part of my job is to teach my children how to figure out how to work with their brains instead of against them, and this is never more difficult than when we are learning how to balance our challenges with disorganization, distraction, managing mental and physical energy, sensory issues, and our brains' constant craving for dopamine with the often counterintuitive need for some order. We all thrive in a visually stimulating house--full of art and plants and comfortable furniture and interesting things--but that can quickly become chaotic if we're not paying attention. Minimalist spaces put me on edge; like a space that's too quiet, there simply isn't enough stimulation for me to feel relaxed. The home we've created as a very quirky family strikes a healthy balance between too simple and too chaotic. And if we're having a crazy week, it's relatively easy to reset and get it under control.

[@smorodinkaja6871]

I would really love to see pictures. How you managed to do all that. I am struggling with adhd clutter and need to have everything visually accessible

[@judithstrachan9399]

It sounds like you have what suits your life. All power to you!

[@NavaSDMB]

One of my big clashes with my mother involves how to organize clothing. I'm the kind of person who buys stuff in specific colors and styles so I can basically grab any items and they'll "match", and if I don't see it it does not exist. All my trousers and skirts are dark blue or black; shoes and waist-up items can be colorful. Each blouse, vest or coat gets its own hanger. Trousers all go into the same drawer. Tees and strap tops all go into the same drawer. It's where they live. She's the kind who creates outfits, and she stores each outfit in its own hanger. So yeah: there have been so many times I couldn't find a vest, or a blouse, or a top... because she'd put it in the same hanger as something else and I just did not see it. And why the... expletives does someone put a summer blouse under the thickest coat is beyond me! I spent half a year wondering what had I done with that blouse.

[@L-K-Jellyfish]

I have to tell you, as someone with adhd, getting rid of ugly garish supermarket packaging and putting food into containers really helps me! It’s a lot less visually stimulating and makes my kitchen easier to be in. Also, putting my clothes into clear drawers is similarly calming for me because I don’t forget what I have simply because it has been put away. On top of that, once they are in these portable transparent drawers, it is going to be easier to move house with them because they are already in drawers that are easy to access when we get to our new home. Yes, it’s more bulk to transport but no more so than an opaque set of drawers!

[@tambikhai3601]

Cass from Clutterbug talks about this - that people can be divided roughly into micro and macro organizers, and each of them want their stuff visible or hidden. I'm with you - if it's out of sight, it's out of mind. So, by using the containers in my pantry (ok, a closet near the kitchen), I know what I have and can make better decisions about what to eat or cook. The other thing that's oh so helpful is my label maker - it's like my brain can rest when things are easy to find and I don't have to dig through drawers or shelves like a squirrel hunting for an acorn 😆🥜

[@virginiaschull9352]

Yes i have the issue of forgetting what I actually own,so clear containers ,mouse resistant 😂works well!

[@ushabhat4568]

Awesome! Someone said it. yes the guilt of buying unwanted things will make you keep that thing longer and occupy space too. The small plastic things are waste of money and burden on environment.

[@ladyTiger0714]

All advertising is aimed at projecting you are not good enough, and to be so you can improve your WHOLE life with buying this… will do it! You’re so right we don’t need most of the stuff.

[@CarolinaRiack]

Guys, this title had already called my attention for the denouncing tone it has 😄 and after watching it I can testify: it’s one of the most honest, clarifying, liberating videos about organization 👏🏻♥️

[@Christine-zk6hk]

Thank you for saying that you don't like hand wash dishes and that's why you have a set of 12 pieces. I live alone and I have an eight piece set because I don't like to hand wash dishes. I don't aspire to be a minimalist I just wanna have less stuff, have my house organized and calm down so I can find things. And I love watching your videos. They're so down to earth.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much for sharing, I feel like this opinion is unpopular in the minimalist community but makes SO MUCH SENSE for a lot of us! 🤗

[@sage_forensics_2261]

Yes! Too many people get caught up in the "number" of dishes they have. I get chronic migraines, so standing at the sink to hand wash (picture head/neck bent down...not good for migraines), so I also prefer to use the dishwasher in my apartment. I also live alone, so I usually only run it every other day--no need, otherwise. Also, one can look up high-peak times for electricity usage to avoid those. Most newer dishwashers really do use very little energy, and most people are surprised by this. That said, I just wanted to agree with you. What is "minimal" or works for each of us will differ--and for different reasons. We should be respectful of others and how they choose to live in their own homes. It really is none of our business. Is it? Have a great day! 🙏💜

[@dianasimplifies]

​@@AtoZenLifeyes it is a strange mindset to me too. I have a very minimal friend who has gone back to having several plates and bowls and is using her dishwasher a lot more. She has low energy so I think this is much better for her!

[@meisjeViv]

Our household is the same! When I lived somewhere without a dishwasher it was really helpful to only have a handful of plates but now when we do have one I just never want to handwash anything if I can at all help it so we have I think around eight to ten of everything for two people. (with the added bonus of having enough plates for entertaining a larger group of guests)

[@amypemberton2051]

I live alone too and I rent and don't have a dishwasher (my apartment has room for a washer/dryer or a dishwasher and thankfully my landlord chose washer/dryer). I also don't have a lot of storage room in the kitchen. I own six sets of dishes (so I can have guests and to deal with breakages) but I store four of them and just use two sets. My system for hand-washing: At night, I do a sweep and make sure all dirty dishes are in the sink. Each morning, while my coffee is brewing, I put up the clean dishes and wash everything in the sink. I leave the clean dishes in the drying rack until the next morning (unless I use them). If I run out of time or room I rinse anything I can't wash and leave it in the sink (nothing stays more than a day or two). Before I developed this system I tended to leave the dishes in the sink until they got gross, which only made me want to delay doing the dishes further.

[@hlb0111]

I'm so glad to hear you say how toxic and misleading the "quick tips" are. Nothing ends up being quick for me when it comes to cleaning. I'm easily distracted, I'm not efficient at it, I struggle to make decisions about where to put stuff - all of it is hard for me. And I work 12-14 hours a day most days so when I can't do any of these so-called 'quick' things fast, I feel like a failure, like why can't I do something that seems so simple. I'm slowly realizing what she said is true - it didn't become a mess overnight and it's not going to be totally organized overnight.

[@MlSSadventure]

People equate simple with easy. They are not the same.

[@carmenlheureux5435]

You are so right! If you declutter first, maybe you won't need to organize at all!

[@tambikhai3601]

Best advice I've heard is "Don't organize your clutter!" - I'm still working on decluttering, and I look at organizing (which I love) as my reward when I've gotten it done.

[@theresabrown1272]

I remember “FLYlady “ always saying “ You can’t organize clutter”.

[@tambikhai3601]

@@theresabrown1272 Ronald Banks talks about it as "clutter shifting" - we buy bins and move things around - maybe even thinking we need a bigger house or apartment! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_GaYFqZ82pnqMsi=ONJwAo46BBoau6AW

[@hneebrn]

@@theresabrown1272 omg I was just looking her up the other day. lol I don’t think I got past shine my sink.

[@betsysears3027]

Thank you for this. I am decluttering my home, and it's taking time. My family thinks I should be done already, but they aren't sentimental like I am. They will probably come in after I am gone and throw everything away. I am keeping what means something to me and donating or throwing out on my time limits, not their's.

[@lamann2437]

Same here. I’m 60, kids grown and moved out of state. I’m working on downsizing, as I no longer need so many of the things I used to use. I cook only for myself now so why do I need so many plates, bowls, glasses, etc? I takes a long time as you said, when you’re sentimental. (Sentimental sister right here! 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️) I’m keeping what I love (and using it rather than storing it!) My kids will probably donate 95% of my stuff when I’m gone anyway.

[@RMMomma4Eva]

Okay but do they say you are a hoarder? Just saying!

[@baigalmazuunnast1734]

I know what it is. So better do when alive 🎉. After it is some rubbish thing somehow. But when you give away now that is memorial and gift thing.

[@flgirl45]

Dear Lord! I just found your channel. I can not stand the idea that all the kitchen counters must be free of clutter. Like I'm going to put my heavy kitchen aid mixer up and lift it every time I need it. Nope! Nope, on my ninja blender, and nope on my coffee pot, paper towel holder, and my other misc items. Love my kitchen.

[@irtap404]

American kitchens are usually so big! I live in Japan, where generally the countertop space is only slightly bigger than a cutting board. Things have to go back to the cabinets every time 😓

[@daniellecarney1487]

I like the idea that organizing is not the whole answer to clutter. Since I started actually minimizing, I now have a big pile of organizing bins, baskets, boxes,… when you really get rid of a lot of stuff, you don’t need that many organizing items

[@jessicanewman4712]

I LOVE where you put your dishes! Even if they weren’t heavy, it’s an excellent location for kids to be able to access them and help put them away. Mine are in cabinets above the counter (the best option I have) and my kids cannot reach them easily enough to safely get them out or put them away. I don’t know why people have to nitpick others who have found success! Good job at finding a solution that works for your home and your family! 👏

[@emilianodiaz-page4233]

Yes people need to stop nitpicking and thinking that their solution is the best or the most logical. It’s great to share our ideas in a kind and helpful way instead of being condescending or sarcastic which is not helpful at all.

[@capaeo5532]

When my oldest was about 18 months old, all the "breakables" ,ceramic plates, glassware, casserole dishes got moved to the lower cabinets, and Tupperware metal cookware got moved to the uppers. The neighbors thought it was ridiculous. A few months later, there was a huge earthquake. Many people lost "grandma's China & crystal, off the top shelves into the floor in shards. Interestingly enough, none of the lightweight stuff like the tupperware fell off those top shelves. Fast forward that child was in college and one day said "you know Mom, I can reach the upper cabinets now, you don't need to keep the plates down low 😜

[@silviabrumoliveira00]

I just want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for saying things that many “minimalist” KZbinrs won’t say. Thank you for this video. The best video I’ve watched in a very long time! Thank you for your honesty and also letting us know minimalism can look different for everyone and our home does not need to have organized spices in the kitchen or be aesthetic to look good or be organized.❤️❤️🙏🏼

[@magietagie]

I absolutely love organization videos, I love watching a messy space turn into a beautifully organized one! And I do really love me a good organization gadget! BUT, every good professional organizer I have watched says that the first thing you HAVE to do is declutter! It doesn’t matter what organizing items you get, if you have too much stuff, then you can’t organize any of it.

[@AlicePRabbits]

I’m recently retired and started to declutter. It feels so good!

[@gaynorprice-jones1826]

Same here. I'm doing a lot of 'thinking about decluttering'. Seriously I should simply make a start! Good luck.

[@cenavisch8888]

​@@gaynorprice-jones1826 You can do it! 😀

[@DavidCruickshank]

This is the best video i've think i've ever seen on minimalism and home organisation. So realistic, so reasonable. 10/10!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Another big yes- I have semi clear counters. My kitchen always has the coffee machine and the big heavy Ninja instapot that I use daily or every other day. Ditto my paper towel holder, dish liquid -- worst of all you can see my ugly dishcloth and dish towel hanging out in the open off my dishwasher door handle where they dry best after use. That’s because cooking and cleaning are priority tasks in my kitchen.😂

[@Jamie-h5b]

For me it's coffee and toaster, and dish rack. (no dishwasher) I toast a lot lol, and I do little bits of dishes all day long so they don't pile up. I found a paper towel rack that I love---it's just a rectangular (strong) magnet with a towel holding bar that I stuck on the side of the fridge, so they're off the counter. I like it so much I bought a second one for my kitchen towels. If I hang them on the stove handle folks tend to knock them onto the floor. Now they stay put. I tried an under-the-cabinet paper towel bar but my cabinets are kind of low so it still made my counter feel crowded.

[@tinywalnut6337]

Totally thought you meant transparent countertops. You blew my mind without even trying.

[@marlbboro8091]

You kitchen sounds exactly like mine! Yes. It’s a living breathing space

[@TM-zg6mw]

👏 👏 👏 Thank you for saying this! Especially that organizing doesn’t always look pleasing but that it’s functional!

[@ryptoll4801]

I love what you say about decluttering not being the same thing as minimalism. I'm a maximalist, and I'm so tired of the stereotype that maximalists are always disorganized, messy or downright hoarders. I like having lots of unique decors, pops of color, intricate details on furniture, cushions, artworks, etc. I love details like intricate picture frames, colorful rugs, and lacy table cloths. When I think maximalism, I think vintage like jugend, victorian, romantic era, but it can also be 70's kitch, or 50's style with the colorful furniture, etc. And neither of these home styles have to be disorganized or messy. In fact, they tend to look way better when they're organized and there's been a lot of attention to how everything is put together. Kinda like how a minimalist style isn't gonna look inviting if it's just an empty, white room with no furniture, rugs, cabinets or anything, like an actual prison cell, and I don't think that's what most minimalists want either. Like there's a difference between "cold, sterile" and "less is more" there's a difference between "cluttered, messy" and "vivid, artistic." So now that I'm decluttering my home, because I genuinely have a hoarder problem and way too much stuff that has no place to go (which has nothing to do with me being a maximalist) I don't want for it be all beige and barren. I want for it to look like a vintage home with a lot of beauty and decor, but like in an organized way and no random clutter that's clearly just been dumped into x spot. Sometimes it can be a little frustrating when looking up advice on how to declutter and 99,9% of the time they're preaching minimalism as well, and hate on people who like a maximalist style. Calling us wasteful, slaves to capitalism, juvenile, or whatever. I'm 35, and my grandparents had a maximalist style, this is not an age thing, or having anything to do with morals. Like I don't hate on minimalism. I don't call you cheapskates or boring. You do you if that's what makes you feel comfortable, and it's okay to not like the same things. And I think your home looks very nice! Is it what I want in terms of decor? No, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate all the work you've clearly put in, and that you do have a great sense of matching colors and materials. My problem is when minimalists get so wrapped up into trash talking maximalists as somehow incapable of being organized and keeping our purchases under control. Decluttering isn't minimalism and maximalism isn't hoarding. Minimalists care about things looking nice too, and maximalists care about organization too. Both maximalists and minimalists want a functional and decorative home. They just have different tastes in regards to what is decorative, relaxing and comfortable for them. Maximalism and minimalism has much more to do with aesthetics than anything else. Because I'd bet your sleek white drawers with chrome handles costed just as much (if not more) than my intricately carved, dark wood drawers with brass handles did. And they are probably both equally functional at storing socks, or magazines, or whatever.

[@AlexisHiemis]

You are so right. A lot of people preaching minimalism are downright annoying. I fall into the slightly more minimalist category, because having little stuff out just calms my ADHD brain and makes cleaning easier for me. But intricate detailed spaces also fascinate me and they are often very beautiful. In fact I have a problem with hoarding which I'm working on because I like so many styles and have so many pieces that are beautiful and don't fit my already very broad aesthetic (Eclecticism, yay). Even before decluttering and getting my hoarding tendencies more under control I was kinda minimalist in my aesthetic, I just stored all the clutter in closed storage, people didn't see how overflowing it was, but it truly was. I also spent to much money cycling through organisation tools for a while, until I understood that with less it get's so much easier to store the stuff I have and use it. Minimalism can look like the morally superior thing whilest being the total opposite :,)

[@dueleylucas532]

I have watched tons of videos about organization and fell into the trap of buying all acrylic organization items that match throughout my house, however watching this video makes so much more sense than all of the rest! You explain things so well and I just learned that we all live in the real world....not a perfect acrylic world! LOL Thanks!

[@ellenhawkins1024]

I like to “decant” flours, oats, sugar, etc, into gallon plastic bags and group items by categories in large open bins with handles, no lid, so I can grab one large container to retrieve items needed by food group/process. I remove labels off laundry bottles, dish/dishwasher soaps, etc, when possible. I debox cereals and just keep the bag on the pantry shelf. It reduces the feeling that my pantry/laundry cabinet is constantly advertising to me and reduces visual clutter.

[@djkg17]

Amen! I think it’s an aspect of my ADHD but I decant everything except chemicals. The brands already won: I bought the food/product. I need uninterrupted identical glass jars to keep my visual requirements happy (I keep all my-identical, straight-sided widemouth pickle jars with matching lids)

[@josi4381]

I decant Rice, flour, sugar, oats, pasta into bigger containers that fit the shelf perfectly and thus save space. They are slim but high and I can fit, e.g. about 3kg of rice in the Container and don't have storage problems for single packages. It has Advantages and I totally get the Advertisement problem.

[@galex5060]

Ditto! I buy bulk hair products any cosmetics, shower gels, etc. I do buy good quality but less expensive which is as good or even better than the current "IT" brand or glitzy brand. Saved a fortune and don't throw away anything. I decant to a simple clear bottle for the liquids etc. I also remove all labels where possible to get rid of the visual clutter.

[@Pondapple]

My aunt used to cut the labels out of her expensive clothes. Used to drive her sister crazy since she didn't have the money to buy expensive dresses and suits.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Yup, I bought a LOT of plastic tubs until I realized that they weren’t the solution - I had to get rid of the excess not find ways to store it. Don Aslett - original minimalist from the late 70s called the deluge of Rubbermaid tubs “JUNK BUNKERS”.

[@AtoZenLife]

That’s a great term 😂

[@williamclark1244]

🤣

[@stefs3460]

Junk bunkers😂 That's funny! I never heard that before but now I'm going to use it!

[@demesrvl6761]

I still have two of Don Aslett's books!!! I read them about every other year.

[@poodlegirl55]

I call them the Devil. When we moved to a smaller home in retirement I sold every one on Marketplace. If I can't use it or put it in a cabinet or closet it went away.

[@PowerfulMoneyHabits]

I love this! Declutter your crap first- get rid of the stuff that you're not using, don't need, or don't want. Then it's easy to organize. Do you need 16 spatulas like I had? Nope! Now I have a small, medium, and large one. That's it. Easy to grab what I need and organize my kitchen. I did the same thing for all my stuff and now my house is clean and easy to keep organized.

[@WildflowersCreations]

When doing any of this try to remember these things: #1 your money and time is valuable #2 functionality is king #3 organizing after decluttering is important because you have less to organize, manage, clean, and mentally manage. Again maintaining everything takes time, your time is valuable. #4 doing things right and finding what works best for you, your family, space, lifestyle and so on takes time. There is no rush, rushing leads to mistakes, wasted time and money in the long run. #5 there are alternatives to a lot of these products that cost nothing to very little, mason jars or food product jars that are empty once you are done with them or ones you find at a locally run thrift store (these have turned out to be our favorites for many things in our pantry), cardboard boxes (my grandparents did this a lot), making extra wood shelves, and so on. #5 changing habbits can actually do more then many of these products in saving money, stopping stuff from coming into your life / home and decreasing your mental load #6 try to ignore the noise online and listen to your gut

[@janetmcgee4525]

#4..Fridgescaping was the latest trend that almost had me. Until I remembered how color- coordinating my file folders and labels caused more trouble and expense than it was worth.

[@eloquentlyemma]

I am not a minimalist - I am an ‘intentionalist”. I like stuff, but very specific stuff - anything else gets recycled or thrown out… and the things I like gets upgraded when I can afford to. Edit: fixed spelling… thanks autocorrect

[@Zaguzah]

'Intentionalist' is the perfect description!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Same. I don’t declutter - I curate. 😂

[@Zaguzah]

@@SN-sz7kw 💯😄

[@galex5060]

Yes, i too am not a minimalist, but every single item has to have a purpose and meaning. I call myself a "modernationist". I remembered recently, that when we were growing up, my mother's mantra was "everything in moderation". It must have stuck more than I realised! :)

[@lorraine.bernardettehoole7743]

You have just echoed my comment. I love the term you used. Intentionality. Describes my style perfectly

[@estherwestbroek]

I don't container my fridge, but I do zone it. Different shelves for meat, lunch stuff, dairy, jars, veg.. makes it so easy to see what I need for a weekly shop

[@rhonda7759]

Thank you for addressing the change everything into different containers. I don't understand that. Also, yes, I can't keep things off my counters. I have limited space.

[@sammisuejams]

I am so happy to hear you say this. I am still giving away my mother’s stuff, which includes so many organizational items, because she was convinced that she could manage her clutter if she could just organize it better. Those things just became more clutter.

[@FocusonFinancewithTammy]

We recently moved across the country. This required taking only what we needed. It has been freeing not having so much stuff to take care of and it frees up an incredible amount of time and energy.

[@IamSnowbird]

I have found one of the best ways to avoid clutter is to have a place for everything. For me that meant decluttering closets, cabinets, and drawers. Now I know where things go when I'm done using them and also know where to find them.

[@Jamie-h5b]

I was really bad about having "like" items in several different spots in the house. Putting all the pens in one spot, all the batteries in one spot, etc, has helped me so much. It's so much easier to find things.

[@thesender6793]

It was Marie Kondo who convinced me to store like with like, and now I know for sure where things are.

[@iriswelch3553]

When I was growing up, we didn't have to put everything into containers, boxes, baskets, etc. We put linens on the shelf in the closet, cans on the shelf in the pantry, etc.! Foil and wax paper lived in a drawer. Of course, we didn't have as much "stuff" back then.

[@SGast]

Owning stuff is a commitment of time, resources and energy. If you wanna own something and properly care for it, it requires effort. Things need to be cleaned, stored, repaired etc. I am a pretty lazy person, so my solution is to own less. Also open shelves are the worst idea if you wanna live in a tidy space. Any flat surface just magnetically attracts clutter. Countes and tables are already bad enough but I need to use them regularly so I am forced to keep them somewhat tidy. Open shelves just exist to look pretty, which they never do because a bunch of random crap just appears there. And I haven't even talked about how annoying dusting them is.

[@ashleymcgee3536]

Home organization for me has to make it easier for me to clean. Getting things off the counter and off the floors keeps me cleaning. If I feel like I can’t get to the surfaces I need to clean, I won’t do it. So the easier it is for me to put something back or put it back in its home, the better!

[@Jamie-h5b]

That's why I've been slowly--over the last several years--getting rid of furniture that crouches an inch or two off the floor. Just high enough for dust, cat toys, and spiders, but not high enough to easily clean underneath. All my furniture will eventually be up on legs. My dream stove is an antique one that's got long legs!

[@TPayne-fm8ie]

Thank you for pointing out the fridgescaping silliness. I just hate this. Also those stupid ziplock bag organizers. They come in an organizer...it's called a box.

[@TM15HAKRN]

Ziplock useful when we cut veggies and store It occupies less space nd keep things fresh too

[@nikkio.9990]

The whole those ziploc bag organizers are so stupid. now I have another thing to do when I get home from the grocery store. I have to now pull all the bags out of the box that they come in and put them into this contraption. And what happens if I've got something happening outside the house where I need to quit grab a box of ziplocks? now they're all loose inside the " special organizing box" not transportable at all.

[@hg8247]

I love love my zip lock bag organizer. It fits perfectly in my drawer. The box used to get stuck when I opened the drawer and always got smashed up. Also, love that it has the tin foil, parchment paper and saran wrap departments. I like the cutter on it better

[@giggle1971]

I had never heard of fridgescaping until today and now I have watched 2 videos that mentioned it. If you have enough time to do that, I applaud you. If you are getting into an argument with your partner because using the fridge the way it has been for years, you need to get real problems.

[@ReneeDennis-x8h]

I heavily decluttered in 2020 & haven’t regressed, but do occasionally buy a new organizer

[@zabmcauley5647]

This is a great way to do it. You've lived with your decluttered space and know what updates will help you keep your space organized or nicer to look at.

[@deedsh6280]

I love your explanation of where you store your dishes. I learned from my Mom (wish I could tell her thanks again) that 'context' can be everything and not to just go right/wrong. During one of my moves, my sister-in-law was asking my Mom to help her set up my kitchen from the boxes and my Mom declined and said that I would logically figure out what worked for me. And ran to the take out place for food for us instead. :) She was right. My context (or yours--heavy dishes and safe storage vs saving 4 steps) can be everything.

[@cmbooks2000]

This is Great information. I have so many items in my home that I bought because I was hypnotized by some influencer. I started writing items down, assessing whether I really needed them, and that gave me the time and separation to reject the purchase. I stopped shopping at Dollar Tree more than 10 years ago and that also helped me reduce clutter. The items are cheap and in most cases, unnecessary. I appreciate your channel. Thank you

[@stowie7733]

Between the decanting, color-coordinating, and displaying, I was checked out before they finished the video. I realized those were not the trends I wanted to use myself…it is a waste of time and energy. IMO it is a waste to decant from one container to another. The information I need is on/in the original container…directions, list of ingredients, expiration dates, etc. I do like container concept, in that I can’t keep more than the container will hold. It has allowed me to keep some items and let go of the rest. I use lazy susan’s in my kitchen and bathroom, not because they are pleasant to look at, but it allows me to reach all the items that would normally be hidden at the back. But I also use shoe boxes in my drawer to separate my socks (white from black). Keep it simple is my motto!

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Hi, I agree with you 💯. What I do is repurpose. I do not throw away useful glass bottles I can reuse instead of buying food containers. They are even better than square or rectangular containers because they take up less space in the fridge or cabinets. I only buy glass containers I use on a regular basis. Clothes I love and enjoy using, when I get tired of the same use meaning a skirt, I turn it into a dress using the skirt, scarves, tops and redesign into a dress only if I find it hard to part with it. That way, I recycle what I have and do not go to the store to buy something new. When I get tired of it, I will repurpose it into making things for the house if I still want to keep it, if not, I could donate or discard at this point.

[@slackerjo]

I "organized" my drawers by cutting up small boxes from the recycle bin and sticking them with 2 sided tape.

[@poodlegirl55]

I use all my containers that no longer have lids!

[@ladyTiger0714]

@@slackerjo I do the same thing, if they get in bad shape I haven’t lost anything, I replace it with another box that inevitably will show up in the post.

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

I have organized papers in the cardboard container that canned cat food comes in! I have maybe 25 of my little still empty but I keep them because they really do come in handy. I don't need to go and buy special plastic boxes at a store and then when I'm done with them I can recycle them. Years ago I used a similar boxes for my wedding and my mother covered them with a beautiful wrapping paper to hold the bottles of bubbles that I gave out to the guests. I still have those as well and they held up pretty well over the years.

[@kimmeeks6766]

The velveeta boxes work great !

[@louvylynnpunzalan8213]

I’m

[@gussieownby83]

Thank you! You are spot on. My husband and I are very disorganized with myriad interests. It was fun too all until we moved into a slightly smaller house then lost our parents in relatively quick succession, inheriting more than we had space for. We are slowly reprioritizing and grieving as we remove items from our lives that have memories, expectations, and/or hopes attached. I know the clutter is making me mentally and physically ill. I also try to remember the mantra from the Fly Lady to let it bless someone else. I'm adding my own mantra of refusing to 'move' anything else--the solution and focus is to purge...anyway, thank you for sharing your common sense.

[@lesleynelson7708]

when you mentioned a likeness to Tetris It made me think that I live like musical chairs. When I tidy up, things get moved to a different room, then when I tidy that room they get moved back again, or elsewhere. A lot of stuff doesn't get discarded - it just moves from room to room!

[@AtoZenLife]

That's also called the "clutter shuffle" and it's big culprit behind a lot of people's mess!

[@maryswanson2412]

💯💯💯👏👏👏 YES! Thank you so much for this video. As someone who struggles with ADHD and berated myself for years for not having a picture perfect home (not to mention $1000s of dollars spent on bins etc) - I think the TikTok trends are flat-out toxic and harmful. As if women didn’t have enough overwork on their shoulders already - it rarely falls to husbands to organize. Just like women still have to do all the holiday decorating. They set these impossible standards for what homes “should” be. Honestly as our family breadwinner who had to work 50-60 hours weekly I just stopped most of that and am so happy with a natural functional home 😊

[@poodlegirl55]

It's just one more pressure to put on women. We are going back to the 50's.

[@Jamie-h5b]

I gave away my many boxes of holiday decorations years ago and I've never missed them. My children are grown though, so not judging anyone. It makes holidays much more relaxing when you don't have to decorate then un-decorate, and no piles of boxes and bins to store for the rest of the year.

[@monicaluketich6913]

When I purchased my new Christmas tree a couple of years ago, I realized the amount of time I was spending to decorate and undecorate the 9 foot tree by myself. So...I decided to see what the tree would look like with just lots of gold garland and the LED lights on the tree. IT IS GORGEOUS! I have cut back on other decorations and go with large pieces ( like a 4 ft wreath above the fireplace) or a lighted sleigh with greenery in the entrance hall. I'm 68 yrs old, have no children or grandchildren to impress, and can do as I please. Holidays are much easier now. Now if I can find someplace to put my home dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and powered food, I'll be able to see my countertop. 😊

[@lamann2437]

PERFECTLY SAID!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@robinallen6716]

Not to mention that the pressure to volunteer in your community, your kids’ school, your church is almost always directed at women!

[@kyarichards2894]

Well said. Storage pieces don't solve most storage problems!

[@HoneySparkles2]

😂😂😂 I remember redoing my craft room. Went to Dollar store and bought like 20 "organizer boxes". When I finally started actually organizing..half the stuff didn't fit in boxes, or better yet..I hadn't used this thing in 4 yrs! So in the trash it went. Wound up taking 16 boxes back! (Tough decision because I might need that later) but I broke my cycle of keep..now I love my craft room and actually USE the stuff.😂😂

[@AtoZenLife]

I’m glad you were able to work through all that! 🙌

[@deniseheninger5303]

When putting your plates away, just think of it as "getting your steps" in for the day.

[@galex5060]

I do too! Sometimes I take one item at a time to do more steps! LOL!

[@erics607]

I'm trying to become more of a minimalist, but I do struggle with getting rid of some stuff. There is stuff I want to get rid of, but I'm trying to decide if I should try and sell it or just throw it away. I have also spent about a year looking for ways to light one of my rooms that has no built in lights. I thought about buying a floor lamp that has a bit of a Scandinavian feel to it, but then I questioned whether it would only work in my current house, or other houses I may end up moving to in the future. I ended up deciding to look into more flexible ideas instead that would add the light needed, but at a unique feel. I also am going on a vacation next year, and have come up with a list of stuff I want to buy for it. Over the past 4 or so months, I have crossed off several things that are more wants instead of needs.

[@SloanePaoPow]

The only organizing hacks that have helped me: velvet hangers and folding my clothes konmarie style. Everything else was decluttering

[@AtoZenLife]

Love both of those things, too! 👏

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

I'd add storing my food containers with the lids on to that shortlist - game changer for me (... And also forces one to declutter).

[@SloanePaoPow]

@@Cecily-Pimprenelle Oh yes! You're so right! I do that too

[@JMA864]

Kon Mari folding worked for me too! Just switched to lid-on-container method and a lot of containers went bye-bye.

[@emilianodiaz-page4233]

@@Cecily-Pimprenelle yes I agree. Just started this recently and I’m finding this helpful.

[@BladeX11883]

great list. Especially the no quick fixes, I have slowly spent the last couple of years decluttering, and every month its getting better. I think it sometimes takes a while because sometimes there is something you think you can't get rid of, then you give it time and you can and wonder why it was hard earlier to let go. Its a process and it takes time to get those declutter muscles working. Plus I want my house to be very intentional and functional, so I need time to be practical on what I want and don't, plus what new I items I bring in.

[@MyFocusVaries]

As another commenter noted, Don Aslett is the original with this concept. I read his cleaning book when I was first married nearly 40 years ago, and he was the first person I heard say that the key isn't organizing your stuff. It's having less stuff. He was full of useful tips like Never clean higher than your tallest friend.😂 And choosing finishes that don't highlight dirt (EDIT: neither very dark nor very light.)

[@dianasimplifies]

That's so interesting. I'm a long time cleaning lady and dark does highlight dirt. We have very light furniture in our bedroom and it's the smartest thing we ever did!

[@JudyTyler-yc7om]

I had forgotten about Don Aslett! I was married in 1970 and loved his books, thanks for the memory! I was a military spouse and we moved every three years. Don Aslett helped me clean and organize my homes.

[@Alignedwithmyself]

He was keen on large doormats to trap dirt before it gets into the house, if I remember rightly.

[@alicejhanson86]

​@@AlignedwithmyselfI still use large doormats to trap dirt before coming into my house. He still sells mats on QVC. I buy them regularly. My yard is wooded with lots of plants, pine straw, leaves, and mulch. We have a big, fluffy dog who tracks it all in. Mats are great.

[@suebee1540]

I really enjoyed your video, I got a lot of value from it. I just wanted to mention, flatware is non-silver silverware. The items you pointed to are dishes.

[@peiyinhiew7444]

This makes perfect sense! As a beginner in my journey toward a clutter-free, minimalist lifestyle, I’m incredibly grateful for this practical and sensible advice. It will save me from falling into common traps and unrealistic expectations. Thank you so much for creating this video!

[@HealthHappyLife]

This video really opened my eyes! I’ve fallen for so many organizing hacks and products that promised quick fixes, only to end up feeling more frustrated and overwhelmed. I love how you debunked these myths and emphasized that true organization starts with decluttering and understanding what actually works for my space. Definitely going to take a more thoughtful approach moving forward! 🙌

[@momoffour2072]

"Fridge scaping"???? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chloeleung1581]

Maybe I'm just cheap but I never viewed the home organisation stuff as cheap. Yes, one plastic container might be cheap, but when you want to unbox and decant your whole pantry or laundry or fridge, it adds up very quickly. Also, it may seem very tempting to have everything match and look cohesive together, but when you break or lose one, with how fast home trends change nowadays you probably can't/won't find the exact replacement either. So all that money for a temporary aesthetic, only for it to become unmatched again as soon as something changes slightly... No thanks!

[@williamclark1244]

Less is more. The key is to get rid of what isn’t serving you not to store it. Buying more bins and containers is just a way to hang onto what you probably aren’t even using. BTW - I have those same IKEA food storage containers.

[@KarMa-ws3ll]

I just use Weckglasses for Cerial and Flour storage, empty broth jars for spice storage, and empty applesauce jars for mealprep etc. These companies make you thinkg that by buying their stuff, your home becomes magically organized and the meals are basicall prepping themselves. guess what: they dont. you still have to deal with it AND cleaning an organzing that stuff on top. Plus, now you also have to deal with your old stuff.For me it is important to have as few items as possible. I dont want to spend my live organizing. if my home starts getting messy, I know its time to let stuff go. Not go and buy more containers.

[@CozyRobi]

This is so true! I got almost dragged into buying Amazon organizing products for a lot of money. But I’m glad I sent everything back in time. And I ALWAYS Declutter while organizing a space. Thanks for this video, I’m sure it will help a lot of people 🙏🏽

[@CozyRobi]

Also, I just subscribed. Love the way you explain things 😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and happy to have you here! 🙏❤️

[@PandorasExecutioner]

This is THE BEST video i have seen countering some of the tiktok minimalism organizing craze. thank you. organization is my passion, and minimalism is not helpful for people with ADHD or visual thinkers. i have really enjoyed clutterbug's channel for organization tips for different personalities--like whether you prefer things to be hidden or visible and whether you need stuff to be heavily categorized or loosely categorized. minimalism is good for people who can handle mostly hidden organization. i also use trays for frequent-use items on counters and i also have extra dishware/clothes because i dont want to be washing things all the time. the tip that was most helpful for me from this vid is NOT needing to do things quickly. i think i got kind of neurotic wanting to keep up with "daily dishes, laundry, tidy." and ideally yes so that things don't pile up. but daily-ish is good enough. i found out that my center island in the kitchen has the highest visual impact so keeping that area spotless daily is enough for me to feel relaxed. everything else can be a tad messy, and it doesn't bother me as much. doing dishes daily ish is enough. and with laundry, i am getting better at "one touch rule," but i absolutely need to just throw my things and my partner's things into a basket "for later" instead of being super on top of the whole process of it. baskets are enough to keep the floor clear so i can properly put things back later when i have more energy. i really had to choose between an aesthetic home vs having more time and energy for my hobbies. cleaning is my main comfort hobby, but if i do it neurotically, cleaning becomes procrastination on other meaningful things i want to do. it's still hard for me to let go of the "aesthetics" of a clean home, but it is preventing me from being okay when it is lived in. i love watching cleaning videos, but i need to remind myself that between the reset videos, the house is a mess but it's a happy living mess, and it's fine. we reset so that we can live in it again.

[@MyRosie2007]

I have a "spare room" where I tend to put everything I don't want to think about. Eventually I figure out what to put where, what to donate, etc. I always feel guilty that it is messy. You have helped me "lighten up". I don't have a lot of closets for extra t paper, Kleenex, and I have to be careful of the basement stairs. I put some of those things on shelves in my spare room. Oh well?

[@dianasimplifies]

Better to have it than not. TP and PT are both mostly out of stock where I live again.

[@literaturtee]

I started decluttering a year ago and it was really hard for me as I really hate to throw anything away or give it away. This feeling of "I might need that someday" was really persistent. But when I looked at stuff I hadn't used for several years (!) I knew the chance I might "need" them anytime soon was very slim. So I overcame my reluctance and decluttered quite a lot. The funny thing is that now other items that I deemed "necessary" at the time are staring me in the face as obviously unnecessary. I don't need to "reorganize", I really need to question which items and which stuff I actually use on a regular basis (there might be months in between each usage, but that could still be regular) and which items I only think I use. This attention to my usage-habits has really helped to notice this difference and to declutter and as the stuff is not there anymore I don't need to organize it at all, just the stuff that's left and that's so much less work now.

[@lormor460]

I love your videos. Common sense is the bottom line. When I first started out in the whole fridge container thing. It was fine until you needed to add leftovers, etc. one by one, each container came out. They take up room when the item inside it was used up. It’s crazy. Fridge contents change constantly. I can organize my fridge without containers. Then when something runs out of stock, I add something different because I have the room. This is one reason I don’t use bins. This is the perfect wake up call for all and for those who are possibly going in that direction. And, lol, my detergent doesn’t need to look aesthetic 😂. It just needs to be functional. 😂. Same with my pantry, my foods look fun, I straighten them up. For things in bags, like chips or popcorn bags, I use a Costco short box to contain them. Marissa, you are top notch!! ❤

[@dianasimplifies]

I'm glad you said this bc I love the look of it but I don't want one more time consuming thing in my life. Thx!🎉

[@hedgehogdilemma588]

"Rome wasn't built in a day." Yes, thank you! I remember after reading Kon Mari and trying it myself and wondering "how long is this supposed to take?" The understanding that this is a processs I can't do over a long weekend has been long and hard coming.

[@djkg17]

Marie Kondo states that the usual process takes 6 months

[@meisjeViv]

6 months of devoting a lot of time to it... If you have a few hours here and there and have to cut up the categories in smaller subcategories it will be quite a bit longer

[@CHirano-q4e]

One of the first cleaning/home organizing gurus I ever heard of is named Don Aslett. He wrote several books on the topics. He always referred to the various bins/tubs/boxes as “junk bunkers” and I’ve never forgotten it. (However, I have to admit I’m a sucker for that kind of stuff, so it’s a constant struggle for me to not buy them.)

[@jandkhilbert]

I read his books as well. Very practical idea

[@connie6410]

I have fallen for the "It's so cheap" line and regretted it every time. I love your channel and approach to organization and minimalism because you show a realistic approach that may not be cheap, easy, or quick, but actually works. Also loved your comment that organization is personal to each person's situation. Thanks for a great video!

[@jennyjenkins877]

This video was fantastic and super validating. Having a home that functions with as few barriers as possible is paramount to me. That means decluttering what is not necessary, having kitchen appliances used daily on the countertops, having enough dishes to run a full load in the dishwasher, rarely decanting or using organizers unless it actually helps, and definitely no fridgescaping!

[@AnnaiStockholm-tz8xe]

Great video! I try to avoid buying things to store other things, especially not plastics. Sometimes you have to, obviously, but mostly not. It's not just a waste of money and your time, but more importantly, to me, it is a waste of resources and adds to the environmental problem. I have organized a lot of my kitchenstuff in used cookie-tins, icecream-tubs etc. Definitely not fridge-scaping but it works 😄

[@galex5060]

Thank you! You're spot on. We already have organisational stuff for our things, AKA cupboards and drawers. Sure, there are times that you may need some containers, but it has gotten out of hand. I save boxes and containers from packaging and use these where needed for storage. It also about decluttering and getting rid of the stuff and then you don't need the "organisational" bits and pieces. In my kitchen, I have one small cupboard for all my food and spices and condiments. By the end of every week, I am running out of food, both in the cupboard and the fridge, and then I replenish by going shopping. I worked in retail and this is called the "just in time" method of supply and demand. Otherwise, you're tieing your money up in stock that you often throw away and waste. I also learnt years ago from my elderly aunt who would shop every day because, first, it was fresher, and two she did't have the space for it all. She had a teeny weeny fridge. The invention of the biggest fridges and biggest kitchens have created a "need" that we didn't have to have. Look how much people throw away in terms of food and clothes and stuff. We are consuming the planet to death. I had a friend who was an architect and people always asked for more and more storage in their new homes/renovations. He would educate them by warning them that the more storage he provided, the more stuff they would have and there would never be enough storage. He told them it was about getting rid of stuff and making it work for them, and in the end he saved them a fortune. He told them that storage costs money in terms of space, fitting cupboards, etc., and time. Simplify your life and save a fortune!

[@just-me6023]

To your point, you have to pick and choose what you do. For example, I stopped decanting it's a PITA. I got rid of all throw pillows because they were always dirty from my dog, etc. Pick what works for you and leave the rest for someone else. Pave your own path.

[@kimbitner]

Great video, Marissa. I’ve had a lot of these frustrations myself. The decanting and fridgescaping 🙄

[@AtoZenLife]

They are SO POPULAR…it drives me crazy 🤪

[@allein1001]

I only started "decanting" my laundry detergent because the box I got was leaking (I ordered it from Target online and thankfully they put it into a plastic bag so at least the powder was contained and easy to pour out). No fancy containers, either...I got some cheap Ziploc food storage containers that come in a pack of two for a few bucks. It holds a small box of detergent and closes tighter than a cardboard box. (I finally found a use for the second container last night...when I cleaned out a cabinet and discovered that the seam on a bag of baking soda was apparently coming apart.) I can't imagine wasting my time taking everything out of its original container to put it into other containers (or wasting my money on a ton of containers...).

[@thesender6793]

@allein1001 🤣 You’re so fancy! 😁I transfer my powder laundry detergent from its flimsy bag to an old ice cream bucket.

[@allein1001]

@@thesender6793 😆 I couldn’t find anything suitable in my house at the time so I looked for the cheapest option at the store.

[@psychick48]

Another thing: I had to decant many of my food items because I had a mouse problem. Mice ate through plastic bags and cardboard containers! Storing dried beans, sugar, and flour in sturdy semi clear containers kept my food protected from mice and kept my food fresher. I can also easily determine if I am running out of stuff without having to open a container.

[@Tux.Penguin]

❤ Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Marissa. This video gives me several things to think about.

[@josienunez5248]

Thank you for sharing the truth, about organization fits all sizes, and what works for someone it's different another. I am in the midst of working my home, it's overwhelming at times, but I am so happy I found you, to let me know it's not a quick fix, it's takes time, to clear things that been in your house for years. Thank you for making feel better, and giving myself a break, that I do not have to be perfect. ❤

[@lydiagoularte8973]

I store my most used items in reach due to health issues and the fact that I'm short. My most used pots and pans are on a top counter. Please don't tell the organization police. Thinking I'm going to declutter my fabric and semimetal items after I move. I wanted to do it now but it's not a quick declutter, I need to take some time. It's too much for my brain right now but it's going to get done. I wanted to pack a minimum of 20 boxes (in a one bedroom) but I'm learning I know how to put lots of items into a small space.

[@AtoZenLife]

This is a great example of tailoring organization to lifestyle - you are doing great!

[@realashandaatlarge]

You struck a chord with buying cheap things that are supposed to solve issues and them breaking apart and adding to the original problem! Great take. New sub!

[@MsElizabeth090]

I’ve been into minimalism for a while now & I really enjoy caring for the things you have & maximizing your space , without adding unnecessary clutter :) A bit hard when everyone else in the house hold aren’t minimalist or don’t make the effort to remove any clutter, on the bright side , minimalist habits are spreading around the house :) Minimalist = taking care of your physical & mental health 💕

[@dena-mo118]

Such a great point of view, Marissa. I've found myself recently purchasing items that I've seen recommended online, and once arrived have found not to be a good purchase. Then I have to take the time to package and return. I'm always encouraged to continue on my declutter journey when I watch your videos.

[@elena_a-2023]

Totally agree! Get stuff for your stuff. I am a mental health therapist and when clients mention feeling overwhelmed with their stuff, I suggest to them to do an inventory and only keep what they need and it is useful. Everything else should go. Some of them have said they feel BETTER because they let go of things they didn’t need it anymore! Organizing means moving stuff from this corner and put it in another one!

[@dianemayberry1291]

The 2 that irritate me the most are the ones that organize all that candy and that lady that goes with her suitcase into a hotel and starts using all these gadgets and products to clean and sanitize the room! That's so insane and who eats that much candy!

[@dianasimplifies]

I watch a lady who loves to watch the candy ones 😂

[@faithgky]

If you’ve seen the size of the average American, it’s obvious who’s eating all that candy. 😬🤷😉

[@MyCrystalPlaid]

Bless you for saying it's okay to have items on your counter! It has never made sense to me to spend your time putting away small appliances that you use every day. For instance, we had a toaster for twenty-years or so. It sat on the counter and was used daily. I read a review of it one time where the reviewer said they gave theirs away because it was too heavy lift from the cabinet to the counter and back every day. Wish I had known them. I'd have had a replacement toaster when ours finally gave out.

[@89taklung]

Ok we decluttered a lot, I gave up entire hobbies to declutter since I really cannot regularly engage in all of them. We put away many clothes, have only half a shelf of books left and I still have a hard time not having a mess...

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

I adore your kitchen! It's just the style Ive been after. Mid century, but not stuck in a timewarp

[@MsCheesemonster13]

So glad you included clear surfaces in your video. Other people might be able to do this, but we can’t, especially in the kitchen, where we actually cook. We have a great big heavy cutting board that is used more than once a day so we keep it out. As we are British, it would not make sense to put the electric kettle away as it is used constantly throughout the day to make tea. We grow herbs in pots indoors so we can use them in cooking, conveniently, so they are kept in the kitchen too. Stuff is kept out if it is used more than once a day, too heavy to be lifted in and out of a cupboard or drawer or, like the herbs, has to be kept in the light. Some things, like medicine that you have to remember to take, are out because if you put them away you forget to take them. To be honest, I don’t really like the look of kitchens with empty surfaces as they look sterile, not homely. This is just as well, I suppose, as ours is never going to look like that.

[@chidenisee]

Yep. I am a minimalist but I have realized some things just have to be out. I do plan on decluttering my kitchen heavily though.

[@ssk7283]

Its like finally someone said it in the midst of all organizing videos. Because I believe that organisation again needs organisation after use. You need to clean each and every container you purchase for organizing and that's a whole lot of work so better keep things that are more important.

[@jannna187]

Finally someone talks about this! Thank you for opening this topic, I see it the same way as a minimalist ❤

[@andreachilton6037]

My husband and I have very different ideas when it comes to cleaning and organizing. In the over 15 years we've been together, I've tried EVERYTHING to reach an easily attainable compromise. The things that have worked the best are the simplest: lazy susans in both the fridge and pantry, for example. I have one in the fridge for condiments. I have one in the pantry for canned goods. I have a pull-out drawer to access the mason jars I use for storing excess broths and making overnight oats. I utilize under the bed storage space, and dual-purpose furnishings whenever possible... Our sectional sofa has individual pieces to accommodate any space, and each seat has storage space within it for extra bedding, cat toys, candles, media, ect. Our bedside tables have charging stations built in to reduce cord clutter. I have 3-tier cubby towers laying on their sides on the top of the closet shelf... Clutches in once cubby, knitted pieces in another, and space on top of that for additional storage boxes. My ultimate goal in decluttering and organizing is a minimal-ish lifestyle. So far, I've found three different items to repurpose as useful gifts this Christmas 😃

[@racingrachel]

When I used to follow FlyLady closely, one of the things that she said often was "You can't organize (away your) clutter". It's always stuck with me 🙏

[@kathygreer2097]

💯 You can’t clean (organize) clutter, go shine your sink and you can do anything for 15 minutes! FlyLady changed my life and taught me how to have a clean enough house that I no longer suffered from CHAOS, (can’t have anybody over syndrome).

[@EverydayAutismMom]

Finally a meaningful video on a very important but less talked topic! I agree with everything you’ve said here and I am already starting to feel better that I didn’t fall for those scams