The TRUTH about Decluttering

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America has a problem with stuff and every couple of years there’s a new trend that promises to help us deal with our stuff addiction and probably the most iconic of this era was Marie Kondo. But we’re not folding our shirts like little pastries anymore… and neither is she.
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Script: Holly Maley
Editor: Kim Su
Project Manager: Lurana McClure Rodríguez
Host: Levi Hildebrand
Want to work with Future Proof? Suggestions? Hate mail? Get in touch with the project manager, Lu: [e-mail]

[@chuzzlewitspack9126]

I think it's important to mention that decluttering is not the same as organizing, especially to the aesthetic level you see on social media. You can get rid of 50% of the junk in a drawer and still have the rest of the stuff you keep in that drawer just tossed in with no organization. Decluttering is also not the same thing as being a minimalist. Many people can get rid of 2 or 3 garbage bags of clothes and still have a closet full. In spite of that, decluttering is still great and reducing the amount of stuff you have to deal with in your house can make it easier to keep the house clean and mentally feel like a burden is lifted. Decluttering hasn't failed, but rather the stress of keeping up with people on social media who have minimalist, perfectly organized homes has failed. Also, on its own decluttering has actually made me reduce my consumption because I don't want the clutter to come back.

[@susannaknobloch6473]

I fully agree!

[@TheLawgirlnyc]

The title of this video is misleading, as is much of its content. The video is more a criticism of Marie Kondo, and that she's commercialized her success and offers products. The idea that decluttering leads to more consumerism is, I think, inaccurate. People who "declutter" by going out and buying totes, bins and organizers aren't "decluttering" they're "stuff shuffling", which is something I did for years. It wasn't until my mother died unexpectedly, and we cleared out her house, that I started really decluttering, which means getting rid of stuff I don't use or don't enjoy (you could say "sparks joy" for the latter). Like you, decluttering also changed how I consume. Some things I got rid of (donated) cost good money. Clothes especially - lots were barely worn, some had tags still attached. I didn't rush out and buy new stuff. Feeling the pain of having bought things without careful consideration and getting rid of them has pumped my brakes on buying anything. I rarely shop except for groceries. There are good influencers out there who want you to get rid of stuff and not replace it. They're not that hard to find.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

I have a lot of collectible hobby items with pretty stable resale value, and a reasonable amount of antiques and decor to tastefully do my small house. People who just acquire a lot of consumer STUFF like boring clothes and housewares from Amazon or shopping centers is craziness to me. Even if I'm rich I'll be using my hand-me-down dishes and everyday whatnot.

[@vaderladyl]

I agree.@@MilwaukeeF40C

[@eponymousIme]

When I see a minimalist home environment, my first thought is always "sterile." I found the same to be true in the workplace. The people ith clear desks in the office were pretty boring and uncreative. In contrast, the folks with lots of stuff on their desks and in their offices were always the more interesting people to talk to and hang out with. They had a lot going on in their brains and their life, and that was reflected in their environment. There are a few exceptions, of course. I noticed that most animators had very uncluttered desks -- more like engineers than artists. The trick is to know how to operate optimally in the surrounding you create for yourself.

[@JustinAZ]

Why does it have to be a trend? I still fold my clothes and my kids' clothes as I learned from Marie Kondo. Many of her tips I carry with me years on. My house isn't perfect, but her approach helps me continually.

[@lostboy8084]

Honestly when they say it's a trend they are referring to everyone or a huge amount of people usually active socially in this current time that means social media and mass media producing various similar lifestyle changes and consuming such content or products. So you get those trend followers in both producing content or products for the current trends and the consumer of the products and content only to follow it until the next trendy thing in this case for lifestyle changes. Now if you followed the lifestyle changes like minimalist or even the declutter as the video is focused on and still follow or do your best because it helped you and that is the whole point of trying lifestyle changes fully or even partially to improve your lifestyle then its not a trend but a lifestyle choice. You may have people who will put you down for still doing last hours trend telling you to keep up with the times. They lost especially with lifestyle trends the whole point of trying lifestyle changes which is to take what will work for you and if you see any improvement in your lifestyle keep it if not then keeping it or doing what you originally did is up to you. If you see a decrease in your lilifestyle drop it as soon as you notice. Good for you you found something that works for you. Be open to try out other lifestyle changes myself I sometimes find that sections that follow a lifestyle trend like minimalism where I have my bathroom minimalist and zero waste as best as possible. But don't do minimalist or zero waste elsewhere ( well done on purpose I find myself it does creep into other areas for example reusing containers and certain furniture like ontop of my dresser is minimalist on display but not on purpose ) What works for you is the best thing to follow instead a lot of people are trend chasers and miss out on the point that it's to open people to other lifestyle choices in Hopes of improving their lives.

[@MiVidaBellisima]

Trend doesn’t mean it has an expiration date….

[@KayKayBayForever]

Me too

[@diannt9583]

I have to admit her ideas for folding clothing never sold me. I already had a method which works for me.

[@ZhovtoBlakytniy]

I have been rolling my socks for the better part of a decade after reading her book.

[@Rainbowkittenism]

The most valuable thing Marie Kondo taught me was how to let go of keeping things I didn't use or need, and for that I am grateful.

[@VAwitch]

I started with that idea through Feng Shui in the early 2000s, & KonMari ties neatly into that mindset.

[@vaderladyl]

Yes that is one of the major things to do to achieve Feng Shui perfection@@VAwitch

[@Yesica1993]

Why did you need someone to tell you that? How much $ did you give her for books or whatever? LOL!

[@LutraLovegood]

@@Yesica1993 Somebody had to teach you how to read at one point.

[@cs4887]

I still remember her saying that with gift giving: your only responsibility is accepting the gift and saying thank you. After that you can do what you want!!! Even give it way! No more guilt trips!

[@wendypierce5621]

After clearing out my mom’s place, a big home that was packed to the gills, I do think it’s important to declutter if only to not leave a mess for someone else to clean up when I’m gone.

[@Ledinn]

That's the swedish death clean up

[@FutureProofTV]

Like the other commenter pointed out, there's actually a whole movement around that very idea! Definitely think we have a certain responsibility to our loved ones to make sure they're not having to sort through all sorts of stuff while grieving...

[@Galactic_Centre]

I can attest that Swedish death cleaning helps a lot. It turned out that my father had done this (he was divorced, lived alone, it was early 2020 and if you were already meeting other people, it was outside - so we hadn't seen his home for a while), before we lost him to suicide (depression). In the aftermath it was so nice to have one less thing to worry about. We were already mourning him as it was.

[@AltruisticWarrior]

My grandma isn't doing that great and I'm dreading when she passes. She spent tens of thousands building several additional storage units at her cabin in a remote location. Thankfully with my job I can take a month off at a time, I'm gonna have to.

[@jeanettedorfman5872]

@@Galactic_CentreI’m so sorry that you lost your dad. I appreciate his thoughtfulness. My father and in-laws are both leaving us hoards to deal with with siblings. We all dread it and quite frankly, I resent the selfish hoarding and willingness to make it someone else’s problem.

[@momoffour2072]

I will never abandon living in a clutter free home. It's so liberating. My only regret is that I didn't figure this out when my kids were younger. I would have been a better Mom because I would have been so much less stressed. Interestingly, becoming clutter free has also made me far less likely to buy crap on an impulse because I don't want to have to declutter it later.

[@snorttroll4379]

Does everythingbhave its own space

[@deniseharrison1410]

I wish I had learnt about decluttering or konmari yrs ago. But I’m glad I know it now, having less is so wonderful

[@downeygirl2]

I feel exactly the same. After all those years raising kids in a chaotic home, I wish she'd been around before I had them. And you're right about how being clutter free is self perpetuating. I think that's the "magic" part - it seems so effortless to maintain it

[@nabimiso]

I completely agree. I'm in my 40's and decluttering a lot. It has simplified my life so much. I wish I'd done it when my kids were little!

[@KSLuz]

Though I don’t follow KonMari method to the T anymore, I do appreciate the structure it provided. The best part was I could let go of things that I thought was “sentimental”, but honestly it was passed on “junk” by an important person in my life. It gave me a way to let it go respectfully. Glad I didn’t get sucked into buying the organization bins and the aesthetic clothing, but it’s really cause I can’t afford to 😅

[@Wanderlenz]

That was the part that stuck with me too! It’s still extremely helpful to me.

[@Yzabell0M]

To be fair, the bins were never part of the methods. In the book she actually says NOT to buy organizational items. I feel like the show did a disservice to the advice she provided. I'm glad some of it worked for you. Same for me, it brought improvements in my day-to-day life that I still carry years later.

[@Meedup]

The KonMari method worked for me, because I read the book. The book does construct it as a one-in-a-lifetime big change, and then how to keep it, which was ignored in all following media. It's a great book, and it is in fact not a fad and not minimalism. The netflix series was bad and ignored all the more intricate parts of the book and only focused on the discarding part, and the social media, is, well, social media. As someone else said, my house isn't perfect, but her approach helps me continually, I can keep mess free, I know when to let stuff go, and I know when to keep that stupid knick knack that makes he happy and how to display it.

[@love2000amglam]

Agree! The book and her Google Talk for review did it for me. SNS and Netflix were blah.

[@Yzabell0M]

I agree, the book did change my life. Maybe not in a huge life change style, but in hundreds of day-to-day things. I never watched the show, everything I heard about it made me thing it was not in accordance to the book principles.

[@FutureCommentary1]

I just borrowed her "Life changing magic" book from the library after reading your comment. Last year I tackled all the junk in my house, discarded so many things, organized etc. I had the opportunity to buy lots of stuff recently and I passed on. I hope her method helps me get further into having less stuff. Honestly I'm happier, and my mind seems less crowded.

[@Yzabell0M]

@@FutureCommentary1 I would say the "visualization" at the beginning was what made it for me. What's my why for cleaning and decluttering? To me it was as simple as "having people over without having to spend hours cleaning before, even having people over on whim" and "having space to craft whenever I want to". As a Parisian, my place is quite small, and keeping it organized is a pre-requisite for any kind of hobby. No space for a craft room!

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

I too checked out that book at the library years ago, and I still haven't found it.

[@fielight]

One thing people never talk about with KonMari, but which really resonated with me, is the connectedness we should have to our things... like when folding your clothes, you're imbuing the inanimate object with some of your "energy." Or the right way to fold socks because they work hard for you and deserve the rest when they're not in use. It's actually a very Japanese mentality, the concept of "kami" found in all things, and a principle of shintoism. Vs a western consumerism mentality, there is no such respect bc any object can simply be replaced with a shopping trip where you can buy even more things. I think her ideas of that connection and emotion to your surroundings foster mindfulness, which should be the point - that our actions ultimately need to be deliberate and with purpose.

[@maddiemcnugget1076]

This part also resonated with me. I always thank things for the service it gives me because it feels like I’m just creating waste otherwise. And while I know the origins are in Shintoism, I do believe you can utilize/incorporate it into any belief system a person has depending on their relationship with that stuff. I do think this differs from other “trendy” organization methods and I think that’s the appeal. Marie Kondo has stated she is not a minimalist. And yeah… why should most people be minimalists?

[@mistress.villaina7591]

very true, but also something that flew past most westerners who kept saying that practical items did not spark joy for them. they didn't get this aspect of the process

[@nymeria941]

I loved this part of it! And she got made so much fun of for it, but I really do think having a mindful and respectful relationship with objects is important.

[@leifmeadows3782]

She said a lot of things that really resonated with me, and that was one of them. She also said, "objects desire to have a purpose and be wanted. If you donate them, they have a chance at that." That resonated with me as well.

[@TLSH12]

I love that, you can tell when I was the one who organized/setup/cleaned a room because I did it my way and to my standard, similar to the energy you talk about.

[@andreasstein421]

Decluttering and minimalism as a trend is crap. Decluttering and minimalism as a way of thinking is the goal. Just don't buy stuff you don't need. It's that simple. It really is. I'm doin it for years now. It works, it's good, it's not a trend, it's a way of thinking.

[@lobstermash]

Exactly! I'm not American, but I love decluttering videos as a spectacle. I can't believe the crap people buy, especially things like life-size plastic pumpkins and inflatable Santas. Blows my mind. We don't do that stuff where I'm from. 😀

[@uninvincibleete]

I actually do still fold my shirts that way. I have ADHD so folding them like that and stacking them horizontally like files has been super helpful for me to see everything in my drawer (and thus not forget it). Her tip about organizing things where you reach for them and by what you use most often (as opposed to where you think they should go based on item type) has also been extremely helpful. Really grateful for her tbh.

[@coalblooded]

I've never heard of her, but I've learned over the years that I can't just put things where they should naturally go, because I'll never find them or they'll end up where they're better suited anyway lol So my place is never "tidy" but there's a method to the madness for me.

[@krk6216]

Same!! ADHD and the folding method helps me see what I have

[@KushKiki]

Out of sight, out of mind. Can definitely relate.

[@nancy78811]

Right! Her stuff is gold for ADHD. Helped me level up. Lol

[@juulian1306]

I still use that technique for underwear and jeans but I went back to hanging my tops because I'm not that pressed for space and it is more efficient for me. First and foremost I'm clumsy and my folded tops always look messy no matter the technique. I loath doing it, so there is a chance that on a bad day I'll just throw everything on a pile and call it a day. Not good. Cutting out the folding makes it more likely that I'll keep my clothes in order. Since I have to air dry my clothes I'll just hang my tops on coat hangers after washing them to let them dry. This keeps them relatively crumple free (even my casual shirts rarely need ironing) and I can just put all of them into the closet in one go once they are dry.

[@ajum89]

As someone who has volunteered at thrift stores, & used to live in a college town where outgoing students dumped their stuff on me, I will say people are very irresponsible with decluttering. They keep shopping with no insights into where the items will end up when they have to leave. I had to sort and declutter for other people. The thrift stores also get overwhelmed with how much stuff they get & end up trashing so much.

[@katattack907]

Great point. Decluttering is most transformational when paired with a mind shift in how we purchase and care for material possessions. Without that thoughtfulness, decluttering just becomes another step in the waste generation cycle that the Western world is so efficient at.

[@MsWinterlife]

People also dump pets the same way. They get a kitten or puppy on a whim, then grow tired of them soon afterwards, and just kick them out the door one day (or dump them far away from home to fend for themselves, which is far worse). And if we dig deeper into this, don’t many people do similar things when it comes to children?

[@x.m.doodles]

About the thrift stores-i feel like if they would chill out and lower their prices a lot more pieces would leave. At my local one a thift shirt can cause close to retail price around $9-$11

[@Sabciaszek]

As a student starting my studies in a foreign country I had no contact and no know-how on where to buy second-hand stuff, I could only bring as much stuff with me as my luggage allowed me, but I needed some things urgently (like duvets or an electric kettle). After spending years in that location I realized that on the other hand, the leaving students had no option to pass their barely used stuff to the newcomers. It was so frustrating, because no one was willing to deal with this even though it would benefit everyone: new students, leaving students, the city, the environment...

[@miriamrobarts]

@@MsWinterlife Yes, it's sad when people don't consider whether they want the commitment and responsibility of a pet before they get one. I wish it was a common idea to visit or share someone else's pet. Most pet owners would be thrilled to have someone come play with, walk, or help take care of their pet, and most animals could use more attention and exercise. It would really be a win-win situation. People could also volunteer to play with or walk animals at an animal shelter.

[@Hannaheh94]

I began aggressively decluttering this year and especially in the last few months to make room for a new baby. Every time I brought loads of items to the donation center, I wondered "how can I possibly have this much stuff, even though I've already gotten rid of this much so many times?" I started keeping track of how many items go out each month vs. how many items I bring in. I was surprised to see how many items were sneaking in even when I had deliberately dropped my shopping habit. Keeping track of incoming items (and therefore addressing the real root of the issue: over consumption) has made a huge difference the last couple of months! I want to bring my son into a comfortable home and do what I can to save the environment for him; for me, this means less consumption and mindful consumption of secondhand items.

[@petergeorge4415]

I truly agree that it is the MAIN IDEA about...decluttering; it makes you realize your consumer-habits and to get action and control over it. Bravo! You are a wonder-full role model to your child. :) helene

[@Mady-lo6qb]

My sister was decluttering her wardrobe and brought me two large bags of clothes to give away. I thought noice. Later I had an opportunity to sneak into her room and see how nice and tidy her wardrobe was only to see that it looked like it had barely been touched. I know she didn't buy more stuff - it is just that she had so much and hasn't cleared out in ages that there is just too much for her to go through at once. But every bit helps.

[@Conval-wi5eh]

I have been tracking what I am getting rid of for nearly four years now. I am getting a degree in waste management and recycling, so this topic is really interesting for me. I don't have kids yet, I am still attending university so my income is limited and I live in the city in an apartment in Europe. And still, even with conscious consumerism, not much disposable income, rejecting most of the freebies I am offered and not having a family I get rid of 30-50 kg of stuff each year. And that doesn't even include stuff you have to replace more or less regularly like worn out socks, underwear, toothbrushes or moisturizer. And yes, I already did the majority of the decluttering before I started tracking. The truth is, even after we distance ourselves from unrealistic expectations, work on our comsumption habits and shift to high quality items that can be repaired, we still need to consume (in a literal way). Our lives and living conditions change, our bodies change, our interests change, and if you have kids then they will undergo these changes more rapidly than adults. And from time to time we will still make a bad buying decision or get unwanted stuff. I moved in with my partner last year. Before I had a giant kitchen, but in our new home we have much less storage space. I got most of my kitchen stuff from my great-grandmother, and I had to let go of two boxes to keep our space functional. I also rediscovered my joy for reading and read a lot of books and magazines during the last two years that I got rid of after I finished them. They were mostly second hand, but it's still a physical object that I need to get out of my home when it doesn't serve me anymore.

[@HotSzejk]

Beautiful message ❤

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

So as long as I don't BUY the stuff all's Kool N The Gang.

[@jenschafer269]

I think you said “the truth about decluttering” when you meant “the truth about the decluttering business.” My experience has been that decluttering has improved my mental health astronomically. I’ve taken hints from minimalists like the 20/20 rule and not bringing new things in unless you take old things out. I learned about having a basic daily chore list from the likes of fly lady and motivated mom. The KonMari “spark joy” idea is helpful for me. I gleaned from therapy that I don’t have to change everything immediately, and that incremental change is still positive change and valid. I know physical check lists help me with productivity and staying on task. I didn’t give any of those people money (eh except my therapist) or buy any stuff to declutter, or continue to fill my house with junk. I feel so much better. You just barely touched the truth. It’s not about there being something wrong with decluttering. But it’s also not really the fault of the people selling the fads. It’s about allowing yourself to be trained by an influencer, podcaster, business, or society as a whole. You see this in health, beauty, planning, personal finance, and career building too! The way to not be a victim is just don’t be. Don’t latch on to methods for sale or product cures. Don’t expect what you see on TikTok are real human lives. Take what is useful and move on. Use your media intake, don’t let it use you. We already know that a huge amount of content creator aren’t actually creating content. They’re just chewing someone else’s and dropping it in the mouths of subscribers like feeding baby birds. Let’s now also admit that another large fraction is just straight advertising their perfect life, their “system”, or their “life changing” product.

[@peztopher7297]

I like your 'mama bird' metaphor. 👍

[@miriamrobarts]

Yes, except the mama bird is working to get the food herself, and it's actually good for her offspring.@@peztopher7297

[@trumax33]

BEST COMMENT FOR THIS VIDEO!! I just nodded & agreed 100% to your entire comment!

[@Summer_and_Rain]

Giving myself a computer time-out time, has really made me consume better media :) and given me the time to read the books I brough and play the games I collected (^^") so a win-win

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

I feel like the biggest problem with (pleasant) minimalism/tidyism/etc. is that it's wickedly expensive. A gorgeous couch that looks nice against a plain wall isn't attainable for a lot of people. They buy a couch that's okay and personalize it with pillows and a throw blanket. Unless you live in a city, or enjoy living very simply, you also have to be able to afford to export your mess. I used to live in Paris and I lived in a super tiny apartment. Like, it was about the size of my (admittedly generously sized) closet in the US. I didn't mind the limited space. I didn't cook much for myself. There were endless restaurants. I didn't need a lot of stuff to keep me entertained because I'd spend my time in museums, clubs, arthouse cinemas, etc. etc. etc. I didn't need stuff for entertaining because there were limitless choices for where to go with friends. Now I live in a small town in New England, and I need SO MUCH MORE STUFF to live remotely as richly. I love art, so I have floor to ceiling shelves of art books. I love to eat, and I love international foods. I have supplies and tools to cook everything under the sun. If something breaks in my house I have to have tools. I can't just call the super. If I want to do something with friends, I'm probably going to entertain so I need stuff for that. The list goes on and on and on. I can't export all of those functions anymore. And realistically, I'm pretty lucky. I live within five minutes of a decent grocery store, so I don't have to have a month's worth of pasta on hand at any given moment. I live in town so I don't need a lot of the things you need for even more rustic living. It's still really hard though. A varied existence requires a lot of stuff if you don't live in an urban center.

[@MiraBoo]

That’s because being tidy is a way of staying organized and clean, while minimalism is an aesthetic. “Decluttering”should be about having a home for the stuff in your home, and not buying more than you need. If you need to buy extras of an item (like deodorant or food) because you can’t go to the grocery store as frequently as you’d like, that’s fair; just be careful not to go overboard. Also, regular “cleansing” is fine. Just don’t get rid of something perfectly adequate only to replace it. Only get rid of stuff you don’t use (thus won’t replace) or that actually needs replacing.

[@katherinekelly4782]

Well said. There's also the issue of money. When we are poor we hold on to everything because we really can't just buy it again. So we keep the ragedy sweater just in case we run out of clothes.

[@peztopher7297]

I appreciate everything you wrote, but I'm confused by your use of the word "export", to 'send away'. Did you mean something more like 'outsource'? Or even 'import', as you brought things into your home to fill your needs?

[@just1desi]

There is a phrase in english "to export a function" thats where the word comes into play. That does essentially mean to outsource the task ​@peztopher7297

[@peztopher7297]

@@just1desi Aha. So not a thing, but the source of the thing. Thanks.

[@CK1000ism]

I was really influenced by Marie Kondo and years later, still pay attention to the way I fold things, the way I treat my things. No one would ever call me a minimalist but I definitely have a different and better relationship to my possessions and buy far less and more consciously.

[@kennethd4958]

I just want to say off topic.. with all this plagiarism going on and KZbin videos and channels being called out for stealing work and not citing sources.. it’s a breath of fresh air that Future Proof has always had well made videos and cites literally every source they talk about and use.

[@coalblooded]

I couldn't agree more (though I haven't heard about it being a thing with other channels, but I'm not that engulfed in the happenings of KZbin I guess). That's one of the many reasons that I love "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver", because they're basically investigative journalists mixed with comedy.

[@cheddarbuttersworth2441]

Dude’s wife has a PhD, she’d never let him get away with plagiarism (this is a partial joke, I am sure Levi is serious about it too).

[@Gingerfrost]

Something to keep in mind he has hunted he doesn't write the scripts. Even goes "it's on them I'm just going along" Soo not sure if that is 200% completely faithful truth.​@@cheddarbuttersworth2441

[@Yeolita]

I have only heard of Marie Kondo but didn't see her work so I don't get the whole fascination for lack of a better word asap. But yes, as to your comment I must say "BRAVO, BRAVO" because I watch plots of stuff on KZbin that does not cite their sources and thought if I ever did make videos that was used information and data from sources for my contents, I would cite those sources. But as someone pointed out, I have a PhD so i want to see where the thoights were forming to the conclusions the video made. This is now a habit of mine and habits die hard (that this saying is so applicable to the ideas in this video is perfect!) 😁✌🤘

[@RaisaYang]

Decluttering itself is still very useful if you pair it with minimizing new purchases. I have a kid and fully decluttering our house really did change my life. I feel less overwhelmed by all the stuff I had to keep up with, and I am a happier, more present parent for it. I grew up in a poor country and you really dont need much to get by. I forgoed a lot of parenting stuff because my parents never used them, so I didnt either. That said, being a new parent is really hard! It's totally okay to let the house go at this stage in life. I think the problem, as always, is social media and having to generate content for a business. There's an incentive to make clutter just to purge it. But I watch cleaning and declutter channels that do other people's houses for free (in exchange for making it a video). I feel like that is a way more helpful content model than just doing a buy then purge cycle.

[@ania7930]

I think this was the whole point of the video. Decluttering is good, but only when it doesn't become an excuse to buy more, only to declutter again. Same with organisation if someone feels compelled to buy a slew of organising items XD I feel like it worked better outside of America where most people don't have the kind of endless space american houses offer.

[@EFW93]

Social media is a big impact in all of this. It's truly a "keeping up with the Kardashians" mindset. And kids also function better with less things - it helps with creative play development and the ability to see everything they have and build from within. Less really is more in some aspects.

[@lobstermash]

@@ania7930 The comparison sounds like bulimia. Not a bad comparison, considering "retail therapy".

[@alessandrasmith339]

I was very proud of myself when I repaired my own clothes 😊 I sewed on new buttons, stitched a rip, and even repaired lace! It felt good to have perfectly good garments fully functioning again

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Cool! I have been trying to fix up things. Just washed all my shoes and dyed a pair instead of buying new

[@chapman1569]

People will often get rid of perfectly good clothes because the zipper broke, if you can't repair it find someone who can. Often it is worth it.

[@juulian1306]

@@chapman1569 People will throw out perfectly good items for less. Good for me tbh. I've got a printer, a vacuum cleaner and a slightly outdated TV for free that way among other things. My bath robe is my favorite found thing though.

[@Lucylou7070]

Glad this is coming back and wonder if's a generational thing? My grandmother taught me how to mend etc. and I've never stopped. There was even in my lifetime (admittedly I'm in my 80s) a once a week class in basic sewing in the 7th grade. The trouble I have is with paper and books. OMG - these things have babies, and it's a forever job to keep at it. I adopted the one book in means one book out rule.

[@JulesM434]

My family has so much shit they haven’t used in 5+ years and still refuse to let shit go despite running out of storage space all the time, there is “decluttering because someone told you to do it online or in media” then there is “you need to declutter because you’re not even using or needing this and its taking up more space than needed”

[@Flawlesslmperfection]

This is my mom to a T! She has dozens of pieces of what she calls 'family' furniture that she inherited that she just won't get rid of, chairs that no one is allowed to sit on because they're too fragile, and entire bedroom suite of furniture (2x single bed frame, desk, chair, dresser, side tables, etc.) that is all sitting in pieces in storage because 'it's the bed your grandmother slept in as a child' and 'I might use it for a spare room someday'. It drives me up the wall, she just won't part with it despite having other smaller and more practical mementos from her family.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

You should have grabbed that furniture for your house. Almost all of my furniture and stuff like kitchenware was gifts and hand-me-downs.

[@peztopher7297]

@@Flawlesslmperfection Emotional clutter.

[@500dollarjapanesetoaster8]

@@Flawlesslmperfection Hey, I think we have the same mom!

[@jmstouter6572]

@@Flawlesslmperfectionmaybe she could sell it to a museum

[@caseymcdonald2239]

Just had a baby 4 months ago and I endorse this message. I also used Marie Kondo method just the other day- my baby girl has grown out of the first little outfit I took pictures of her wearing... I started to tear up because I didn't want to shove it in the garbage bag going into storage. My husband asked, "Does it spark joy?" I cried "YES!" and it's still hanging on the shelf. No regrets.

[@arraine]

Thank you so much for clarifying some of the nuances of the KonMari method that are lost in popular culture and even the "Tidying Up" Netflix series. It is a special interest of mine and I still think the original philosophy with all its nuance is incredibly helpful and am still finding ways almost a decade after I first digested the original book (listened to it 4 times in a row) that it is applying to my life. Every cleanse is smaller, purchases get more and more deliberate, and rooms stay tidy. It genuinely turned around the life I had before where I had to budget an extra 20-30 minutes before leaving the house just to find all the stuff I needed, where now I know where everything is (for the most part). That said, it is a shame that her brand became profit-motivated, because it really has tainted the method itself in the minds of so many and being that wealthy will really rewire your brain.

[@LuthienNightwolf]

Being a forever renter and moving every 2-3 years really cured me of accumulating “stuff”, because it’s a hassle to pack it all up. Nowadays I’m a lot more thoughtful of purchases (being poor also helps lol) and I consider the dust factor if it’s something that’s decorative. I’m not minimalist but I definitely don’t like having too much stuff. Mother in law keeps trying to give me her stuff and I keep having to say no thanks.

[@seameology]

Right? I do not like dust collectors. Furniture with intricate carvings, decor etc. My daughter is asthmatic and I couldn't live with carpet, either. It's nice to easily clean surfaces. She's left home now but I still have a problem with it.

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

What felt a a red flag in the analysis here is I've never seen a minimalist or declutter influencer ever say to buy more crap. I completely see how a consumer may "reward" themselves after dumping a ton of clothes they never wear, but it's really more of a relentless message to NOT buy, NOT accept new crap, so that the house stays under control. For Marie Kondo, I think that nonsense on her website is much more about a mega company running her intellectual property and wanting to monetize, and her inability to say no.

[@katymcdonald5481]

I have to disagree here, I see so many influencers who show their homes with all matching bins and boxes storing their stuff aesthetically and people do closet declutters every season so they can buy new clothes it’s also prevalent in people who are thrift shopping influencers who have huge clean outs only to post a massive thrift haul the very next week. Declutters aren’t just content for organising channels they’re popular on fashion and make up channels too. A huge culprit of this is the capsule wardrobe trend where “minimalist” influencers show what you have to buy to have a capsule wardrobe of mix and match staples.

[@edennis8578]

I unsubscribed from two minimalist youtubers who constantly pushed their own "packages" of decluttering books, like a package of 25 books!

[@miriamrobarts]

@@katymcdonald5481 That's true of many influencers, but I agree with @ElizabethDohertyThomas. Influencers on organizing, thrifting, fashion, & make-up, etc. sometimes have declutter videos, but it's not their main topic. Most minimalist or declutter influencers frequently stress that it's important to not buy things.

[@MusicSkeletonKeys]

Kondo’s show was clearly about celebrating the things that really mattered, being grateful, with no aesthetics attached. Her being dragged here encouraging consumerism is unfounded and probably rage bait.

[@Samuel-rq7gq]

Hate to sound generationally distant but isn't this kind of rolled up into what we used to call spring and fall cleaning ? A family time anticipated twice a year to clean (thoroughly), repair, orgainize, gift and trash and assess household needs to be budgeted in preparation of coming warm weather or cold. It fostered leadership, team work, communication and conversation, and opportunities to discover unique emerging talents and tolerances with a worthwhile reward - the least of which was the satisfying visible accomplishment of a common goal.

[@irenafarm]

The Marie Kondo thing is that, as part of that chore, you honestly assess why you’re keeping something. She heavily discouraged storage. It was astonishing to me, for instance, how many things I kept for sentimental value, but just stored in boxes in the vague chance I might want to…look at it? Maybe? The type of spring cleaning you mention, in my family, never addressed that entire category of things.

[@daegan_ftw]

@@irenafarm If those sentimental things are small enough they can be framed in a shadowbox and hung next to whom you are remembering. Alternatively if it is too big or in disrepair, take a photo and print that. Scrapbooking is also a way to actually remember what it was you were remembering by keeping something.

[@salivadriven]

I’ve been thinking about this recently myself. I’m 52 now, and live alone. This is the moment of my life that I get to keep what sparks joy and what I don’t need anymore. My kids have moved out, and so I have been assessing, donating, and refurbishing what I have and thrifting things that bring me joy. My home is an eclectic mix of stuff from my entire life so far. It’s constantly evolving, but slowly. I find something new, well, usually second hand, and add it into a space, maybe to upgrade or replace an inferior object. As an artist I enjoy this process immensely and feel no guilt because I’m not buying new. I may get something made locally by an artist but that’s even better because I’m supporting a fellow artist. I hav been a mindless consumer, but have been changing my attitude to stuff gradually over the years. If I can give one piece of advice; NEVER buy cheap flimsy furniture. For the same or less money, you can look around and get something solid second hand. I still have the first little wood table I bought at 18, but all the particle board stuff is in landfill as it didn’t hold up to wear and tear, was very heavy, and lost its structure very quickly. Timber can be repainted, jazzed up with hardware, and sanded back again as your taste changes.

[@miriamrobarts]

I agree about the furniture, but it partly depends on the item & how it's going to be used (as well as how cheap of an item), and whether or not you're capable of upcycling an old sturdy piece. I have a couple of IKEA dressers that I've had for 20 years & (aside from a couple scratches) they still look as good as when I bought them & I'm happy to keep using them.

[@vanessabogaert2104]

I’m a big fan of Tracy McCubbin. Her latest book is about stopping cluttering from entering your house and stopping shopping. There’s no point in decluttering until you’ve tackled your shopping habits. And I think there’s way more people with clutter than there are people tackling it.

[@daniellescrochet]

I think that decluttering can be an important check on the excesses of our shopping habits. When you realize you have clothes with the tags still on or 5 of an item it really makes you think, "I can't believe I wasted my money on that." Then when you are in the store and see a cute item instead of just buying it you think, "Where will that go? What will I get rid of to make space for that item? Do I like this better than what I already own?" So many times I end up putting it back on the shelf and walking away. So I do see the value in decluttering first, but I do agree that if you don't change your shopping habits you will end up back in the same place you were before.

[@nicolecarter1072]

​@@daniellescrochet it's good to learn how to admire and like an item without feeling the need to own it. That comes before considering where to put it in your home. The mindset of admiring something without wanting to have/own/keep it is a healthy mindset.

[@doreensmith6791]

@@nicolecarter1072 You know what I used to do? If I loved something and I couldn't afford, like a jacket or pair of shoes, I'd make a drawing or painting of it! It was REALLY satisfying to me. I feel a bit nostalgic actually for that time - I was very, very thoughtful about what I did purchase, because I simply had very low income. One the years I've become really good at hunting down high quality used stuff - my problem, now, is that I do have too many clothes, but I can't bear to part with some of them, because the quality of new clothes is such crap, such cheap, synthtetic garbage fabric. In the end, I guess, it is all about finding the right balance for yourself, for what you'd like to own. Marie Kondo does talk about that - kind of a sweet spot, where you'll just know you've found it.

[@ddc2343d]

I had two problems several years ago, I moved a lot, and I had a lot of stuff. I'd move into a new apartment and have 10 boxes that would go into storage because I didn't have room. I started using the Marie Kondo method; I pulled everything into the middle of the room and got rid of tons and tons of stuff. After buying a house, I have two garage shelves dedicated to things I don't need. When I find something in the house that I haven't used in a long time, I put it on the donation shelf in the garage. I haul it off to Goodwill if it sits there for over six months. This has served me well; my closest are clutter-free, as well as my house. I basically don't keep anything that I don't regularly use.

[@Suiseisexy]

Goodwill's a tax exemption scam. They abuse their employees routinely and all processing positions are dead-end by design, you cannot and will not be promoted because management is hired from outside and they deliberately hire bullies to keep processing numbers high based on the essentially incorrect belief that more items processed equals hire sales, but the relationship is actually only tangential, meaning that every Goodwill employee in an entire store is being tormented by regional to do something that doesn't make sense. This is to keep store managers from noticing the business model is a tax exemption scam that only benefits people in positions above any in-store position; the dragon devours it's own tail. Goodwill is an ouroboros of human suffering, please do not give them any more items.

[@seameology]

If something goes in the garage because I don't use it often, thats one step to getting rid of it. Every spring I go out there. (It's not heated and I live in the north) our town also has free pickup for a week in spring. So, I only need to hit the garage and not the rest of the house.

[@ColleenJoudrey]

I fell into minimalism when I wanted to clear 34k of debt in a very short amount of time and subsequently realized my 400 square foot summer cabin was more than just a cabin. I also have kids and a household full of hobby-jumpers so it can work for some people but I can also see how it can become toxic for others. My house has stuff in it, no one is naked or under-stimulated so I don't at all regret moving away from the weird hyper-consumerism trend we were tangled up in.

[@FutureProofTV]

Agreed! People have stuff - our relationship to these items and how intentionally we purchase is more important than counting exactly how many items you might own ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Gingerfrost]

XD me and my husband both have a tendency to pick up random little bits of "trash" to some. Like a random Lego on the ground of a large amusement park. And it's considered a "momento" that goes into the "momento" box. I'm sure Somone looked into that box it just a bunch of random rocks, scraps of drywall/metal, and toys lol.

[@miriamrobarts]

Yes, but you have a place that keeps it organized, and it makes you happy, so I wouldn't call it too much clutter unless your house was overrun with boxes full of mementos that you don't have space for.@@Gingerfrost

[@emilyburton4095]

@@Gingerfrost Memento is the word you want. Cheers.

[@jorget9179]

Cas (Clutterbug) is amazing. Her approach doesn’t invalidate the others, she adds to it and adds a lot of psychology to organizing and decluttering. I recommend her the most to approach clutter, it doesn’t involve buying stuff but instead understanding yourself.

[@saisamsuri]

The KonMari method worked for me though. And I’m in no way a “boring person”. Tbf I’m generally pretty organised and a lot of it are stuff I’ve already been doing. But refusing things was the big change I adopted. A lot of the stuff I ended up throwing away are free shit I never needed in the first place. I should add that I’m an Asian person living in Asia and grew up in a different culture from Americans.

[@FutureProofTV]

We don't talk enough about the free stuff we end up accumulating because we're too kind to refuse it all - it's kinda insidious ngl

[@commenter5901]

I'm a Canadian and I agree with you. I personally hate shopping but before trying minimalism, my mom would constantly give me things. She loves thrift shopping and will find all kinds of "treasures" for cheap and dump them on her children. I had a house full of junk that I didn't want or need and I was living with constant clutter till it really began to negatively impact my autistic ADHD son. He needs a clean environment and I can't spend all day cleaning clutter. So I got rid of the clutter and now it's so simple to clean. My mom no longer gives me stuff. I personally think that this video was just clickbait. Decluttering is essential, but it's also essential to cut back on spending (if that's a problem area for you). Since spending was never a problem for me, I just had to declutter and I was done.

[@Golemkind]

The KonMari method worked so well for me too! I still use a lot of it and what I don’t use, I’ve just adapted to fit my lifestyle specifically.

[@SemekiIzuio]

I dont have a problem trashing junk but its a different thing when you share a home and their territory is the kitchen living room.... so if you live alone, there really shouldnt be filled junk

[@Phalaenopsisify]

@@FutureProofTV You could do a short and nice video about free stuff. My partner has built his entire wardrobe around free t-shirts, problem is he's not the one looking down his shirt all the time.

[@bobbiefarrar3036]

I do The Secret Slobs version of the Flylady for cleaning my home - it works for me. Also, I use Dana K White's No Mess Declutter - you can stop for any interruption and not have a mess Marie Kondo left all my clothes on my bed which ended up on the floor because I had not finished going through them. Don't have that issue with the No Mess method. Decluttering has helped me not bring in other "stuff"; I can go "window shopping" and not come home with a thing, because I say to myself, you don't need that; there no place for it. (the container concept of Dana K. White). Thanks for sharing. God bless you and yours.

[@shawnaford5540]

Exactly I was not born organized so I still get great benefits of FlyLady for my day to day tasks combined with Dana K White the no mess decluttering method. Marie Kondo method almost broke me as I have an energy limiting illness so my attempt had me with piles in my living room for months. Discovered the no mess method and it really resonated that I am now a decluttering coach.

[@RandoMuser-h1o]

I remember Fly Lady from 20 years ago, loved it, but it never worked for me, it was Dawn who finally got through to me. I'm just crap at being clean so I needed less stuff. lightbulb moment. now I can keep my house clean and we aren't living as sparsely as she does (we have plenty more sheets and towels, lol), but my cupboards aren't bursting, they are half empty. I've watched the other ladies you mention, all good stuff there.

[@ttopero]

I really liked how clutter-free a friend of mine’s studio apartment was that I wanted to replicate it in my 2 bedroom apartment. After realizing how different we are, I chose to be *inspired* by him instead of trying to replicate. My place is getting more organized, easier to clean & more mine, not my stuff’s!

[@apgar2]

As someone who strives to not have too much stuff because clutter also hurts my brain, I do find that it’s unfortunately a never ending process. Even though I don’t buy a ton of stuff, I feel like I have to actively declutter all the time! Even if it’s just receipts, packaging, birthday cards, it’s not even stuff that I’ve actively bought but it does take energy to keep the mess down.

[@chickadeestevenson5440]

I'm ADHD, and have draconic tendencies. I adore my "clutter" and only a small portion of it is stuff I bought for me. I have little patience for things I don't enjoy looking at, so they get removed pretty quickly and left out for others in the apartment to pick up. A place full fo semi-organized chaos and visual noise helps keep my sensation seeking brain happy.

[@to1620]

I feel like one of the aspects that doesn’t get discussed enough around the topic of decluttering/minimalism/shopping is that of loneliness. For myself personally, being that I’m in my 50’s, single, and with no living family, I tend to view my possessions as substitutes FOR family and friends. I may not have “people”-but I do have a carefully curated space of things I have accumulated along the way, that “speak” to me. They’re reminders of past moments. They feel familiar. And they bring me a certain amount of comfort. I wonder how many other people out there have difficulty letting go of their stuff, if only because they know the pain that it will bring because there isn’t anything else in their lives to fill that space with.

[@oliviatrudi9465]

It did most certainly NOT fail. With all of those decluttering methods I finally learned in my early 30s how to deal with stuff so the stuff does`t own me. Methods my parents have not taught me and I constantly felt overwhelmed by my stuff. I developed my own decluttering style out of it and still apply it to this day. Step by step, without any overwelming feelings, being in control of the situation. I am more than greatful for these movements..

[@everstormseve]

How are y'all commenting four minutes after a 16-minute video drops and acting like you've watched the video, thought about its content critically, and now have something to share?

[@annabauman8672]

😂😂

[@TomCee53]

In response, I usually comment as I go, so that I don’t lose thoughts. Being able to edit makes it adjustable. 😊

[@kerburos]

Because gen Z children need to validate themselves as harboring an IQ higher than room temperature. They try achieving this by being "the first one the scene" with their "takes".

[@kennethd4958]

Idk about Future Proof but some channels have Patreon and they release their videos a day early.

[@hannahkaiser5110]

I was just about to comment "But I am folding my clothes like little pastries still"

[@mjtallon7101]

The heart of Marie Kondo's approach was awareness: being conscious of what you buy, what you keep, how you keep it, and what is important vs. what you can pass on to someone else. I don't usually think of this channel as trying to clickbait, but the overstatement here is verging on that.

[@leifmeadows3782]

It's very popular to knock Marie Kondo's approach without actually having familiarized yourself with her work. I'm not going to say I agree with everything she says, but she is actually way more nuanced than she is portrayed.

[@IamSnowbird]

I love decluttering videos. I don't follow any one method. But they have helped me let go of a lot of stuff and to think about what I am bringing in. My favorite take away is that I got rid of any clothes that didn't fit, I didn't like, or just never wore. It was very freeing. I've worked on other areas of my home but can't yet convince my husband to try it.

[@allenh1542]

"happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have"

[@maddinar6727]

I am still folding my pants like little pastries. And it makes me happy. ❤

[@JP-ve7or]

I still fold my t-shirts, and even store them by color. It's so convenient when I'm looking for a specific one.

[@downeygirl2]

The original Marie Condo method was more like therapy than a trend, and it changed my life. I read her book when it first came out, and did a massive decluttering and organizing, which I had done before, but since using her methods and taking her philosophy to heart, I haven't had to do it again. If you do it right, your home pretty much takes care of itself. For the last 10 years, the Queen of England could drop by unannounced and I would not be embarrassed cause my house is always tidy - and it seems effortless. Everyone should read her first book, and ignore everything she has done sine she got famous. It's gold

[@vincentvangogodancer]

Decluttering is definitely NOT a "fad." I am GenX and read magazines devoted to managing clutter in the 80's. There are different brands of decluttering that gain popularity now and again, but this is not new. In other news, I'm so old that when the youngsters say something is new, I yawn and disagree 😆

[@RM-bx2zt]

I am that old too. People talk about Marie kondo like she was the beginning of this. Henry David Thoreau had something to say about it. In the 80s there was Elaine St James and others. I still think Simplify your life is one of the best books on simplifying life. I still like to think of it as simplifying. Whether I have a lot or a little.

[@ALT-vz3jn]

Gen Z is horrible for that. It’s kind of hilarious 😂

[@MiraBoo]

Idk how anyone could consider decluttering or being organized a fad. It’s literally something everyone is taught to do with each generation from their parents and/or teachers at an early age. Some people are more effective at it than others, and it’s definitely a skill that must be learned, but it’s nothing new. Keeping a tidy house, or at least attempting to, is common practice, not some trendy fad. Minimalism, which is a fad that falls in/out of fashion, may make tidying up easier due to a lack of clutter, but it’s largely an aesthetic, not a form of organization or method of keeping house.

[@maddie8415]

Fads can come and go over time. If you see the stuff on social media that's all about de-cluttering and nothing about how we become so cluttered in the first place, it certainly feels like a fad. De-cluttering is something that's talked about more these days than in most times in the past (the '80s may be an exception). The fact that these people take such a drastic approach but don't offer any real solutions for the future also makes it feel like a passing fad with little meaning. That's how I've recently come to see it.

[@vincentvangogodancer]

@@maddie8415 One thing I will say is that the solutions in the 80's and 90's were more DIY. Like paint a coffee can or gift wrap a cereal box for storage. Now it is buy buy buy. I've always been a sucker for all things organizational, so I've been aware of it since I was a teen. Only lately has the discussion been about the root causes. Though I did read a Feng Shui organizing book around 2000. It had a chapter on cleansing your body that made it unusual. Also, karma has been used as a reason to throw stuff out. I stopped reading this stuff 20yrs ago because I figured that I knew everything. Then Marie Kondo came about and I got sucked in again. I guess that was a fad of a sort since it was so popular. I'm obsessed!! The reason I clicked on this video was the subject matter. I either need therapy or my own youtube channel lol

[@howellomaha]

Here's the thing: I'm Generation X and see my in-laws with their garage, basement and attic filled with stuff of their dead family members. And they expect us to take it when they die and all their stuff too. They want us to surround ourselves with stuff of dead generations. But here's the thing: We don't want it. The decluttering trend freed us from that guilt of having to take it. Ten years ago we would have taken it and kept it out of guilt 'This is my mother-in-law's cousin's daughter's end table....I have to keep it or I'm a bad person'. Not no more baby..... whoosh...don't want it, ain't keeping it.

[@JP-ve7or]

I wish I was as chill as you about it. When my mom died, I had to have her stuff as well as a bunch of hoarded dead family members' stuff thrown out. It's irrational, but I still feel a bit haunted by it. (OH yeah and this happened during the pandemic. Mom was always like, just call Goodwill when I die. Well, guess what, Goodwill wasn't picking up for a while!)

[@mechemik]

I'm a millennial and can remember my mom would try this guilt trap on me for years growing up but by my teens I was already doing minimalism before it was a thing (probably stoked by having seen a few relatives have such cluttered homes). Had this large childhood keepsake box filled with mostly stuff I don't ever remember using and in my 20s finally went to my mom "deal with this box as I'm not moving out and lugging this thing everywhere with me." She fussed but finally parsed it down to a few items. I also don't feel guilty if I get rid of a well meaning gift if it's not for me: I usually have other items that remind me of the gifter that I have kept and like/use.

[@moongoddess5394]

I love your take on this. I'm an old woman now with young sons and I've asked them about what they'll do with my stuff when I die. Oh mother, we'll just chuck it in a skip, they say!!!! In a curious way, it alleviates any guilt I may have felt about "having" to pass on my parents' stuff to them (as well as my stuff). They really don't want it; and they don't need it. They've also told me they don't want millions of old family photographs (pre-digital), so now I know I can go through boxes and boxes of old photos and just chuck them out. Nobody cares. It's made me feel lighter, freer & with fewer obligations.

[@charlottepeukert9095]

That's fine. But don't start buying new stuff for yourself. That's not enviromentally friendly.

[@vaderladyl]

I only keep what I like from alive or dead relatives equally, guilt will not work on me. The rest I will donate, sell or give away. What I won't do is trash usable things and contribute to pollution

[@raquels.]

I have to say, I felt my fight mode kick in when I first clicked on the video (I'm a failed-minimalist-aspiring-essentialist-raised-by-hoarder-parent who watches all those minimalism decluttering videos for inspiration), but your video was so respectful and well-written that I even clicked the like button. Props to your script writer for taking a controversial subject and presenting it in a well worded way. Terrible thumbnail though!

[@FutureProofTV]

Thanks for watching through and giving it a chance! 🙏

[@SnackingTheWorld]

I completely agree. notice all these decluttering influencers selling organizing bins and shelves and containers and all these random tools that supposedly help you get organized. If you wanna be organized, you dont need all that stuff.

[@SemekiIzuio]

False bins shelves storage container help keep thing organize and on hand but its a different thing shoving a little gadget to do one specific thing

[@petergeorge4415]

You have it! Not to have to declutter; you don't get over-stuffed with over spending (consumerism); main idea to universally understand ;) Bravo! helene

[@22OrangeGirl]

Exactly.

[@nicolecarter1072]

​@@SemekiIzuio yet you don't need to buy pretty bins. Items often come in boxes and packaging when you buy them. Reuse the packaging. When I was a kid, it was normal to cover an old shoe box in left over wallpaper to make it pretty storage. Or to paint it, draw a picture on it. Some of my kitchen organisers are just kitchenware that was unused and going to get donated, but I made it an organiser tray instead.

[@pomfiyon3955]

I live when the colleges in my town declutter, free towels, furniture, blankets, mirrors, etc. Sometimes microwaves and hotplates. I usually collect all i can and donate to the local centers so people who cant sfford it can have it.

[@maenad1231]

Every time I try to organize & declutter I end up finding long-misplaced things and end up playing with them for hours

[@miriamrobarts]

I think a lot of people get easily distracted when trying to declutter. One KZbinr* I've seen says to put the item wherever you'd think to look for it in your house. If you do that, you could tell yourself you can play with it after you've done 15 min. of decluttering (or whatever time-frame works for you). That way, it doesn't stop you & it makes a built-in "reward". * I think it was Dana K. White from 'A Slob Comes Clean'

[@emmalarson]

Marie Kondo's method has helped me from a lot of impulse purchases & is the nail in the coffin on things when I do clear things out. When I don't love something, I don't use it & it sits there taking up space and collecting dust, so I sell or donate it. I'm grateful to her for that! My house isn't spotless but there's a lot less than there used to be ☺

[@gloriareynolds4050]

An intentional way to declutter is to not only declutter things but to also declutter emotions, fantasy self, and old mentalities. My decluttering journey the last 5 months has transformed my mind, well being, and overall perspectives on things, myself, consumption, and debt. I have started living a real LIFE of meaning and purpose and adventure. It has been hard; it has included mourning who I thought I was, getting angry at the mess I created, and remorse towards my wasteful past and over consumption. The struggle to get to the other side has stripped away the old and is allowing me to have a fresh canavas of intentionally, creativity, cleanliness, organization, joy, peace, and purpose in all areas of life including a greatly significanct reduction in consumption. We all have to consume. The very oxygen we breathe and the food we eat to fuel our bodies is consumption, but really paying attention to and being intentional about what we are consuming is the key.

[@jordanmcgrory2171]

UCLA anthropologists wrote a whole book about clutter in middle class American households in the mid-2000s. There's a documentary summarising it on YT called "A Cluttered Life: Middle class abundance". The key finding seems to have been that being able to have tons of stuff does impede your enjoyment of your home. Well-worth a watch for a more low-level look at these issues. PS how good are the Bluey writers at talking to adults. It's uncanny.

[@antiblisss]

There‘s also a video series here on KZbin

[@beckyboopz1]

Thanks for validating me!!! I’ve been stressing about my clutter for years but it’s too overwhelming to address. Plus, I find that 85-90% of my stuff brings me joy - even if it’s stored in a box in my shed. Finally, a guy who gets me! Lol

[@flaval24]

After raising a family in a home we were in for over a decade I needed to downsize after moving to an apartment, still with teenagers at home. But the apartment was decent size so between all of us we still had too much "stuff". One by one the kids moved out so it was just me, still with a bunch of stuff left behind & I started feeling mentally weighed down by all of it. I was paying too much money to house things I neither wanted nor needed & I kept picturing my kids just throwing it all away after I died. Now I live in a much smaller space with much less stuff & I'm still ridding myself of things. I rarely buy anything but necessities anymore so new things aren't replacing the old, saving me both money & space. It was difficult to get started but now the less I have the less I want. Definitely not something that can be done with kids though.

[@seameology]

My mom had a big problem for years. She had eight kids and most of them left stuff behind to store. She kept complaining about their stuff despite the fact that some had been out for several years. It took her deciding to tear the house down and getting a small trailer for them to get their stuff.

[@joshmeredith3659]

I did the whole Marie Kondo thing for a while. And it worked. For a while. I'm a slob at heart, and I finally realized that I hate the work of staying organized (and clutter free) more than I love an organized & clutter free life. I *wish* I enjoyed keeping it up. But I hate it. I still fold my underwear & socks. And that drawer is the only organized and clutter free aspect of my entire life.

[@katattack907]

I got a lot of value out of Marie Kondo's book but my favorite decluttering expert is Dana K White. If you struggle with neurodivergence or overwhelm or don't know where to start with an out of control home, Dana's methods are life changing! And most of her content is free on her Slob Comes Clean podcast, her KZbin channel, and her books (which I borrowed from my local library).

[@myaccount9498]

Yeah the "container concept" was my light bulb moment of understanding why my home was overfull & helped me to donate half of my home contents into charity op shops!

[@katattack907]

@@myaccount9498 yes!! The container concept is so obvious once you think about it but I definitely wasn't living it out until I saw Dana's video. It also helps me not to buy as much because I actually notice how much space I have now!

[@myaccount9498]

@katattack907 Yeah but I had never thought about it before 🤣 & now I live by it! It helps me to explain to friends why they are "stuff shuffling" in their homes. Dana is so relatable & funny. Very blessed to have found her & I'm glad she has helped u too!

[@katattack907]

@@myaccount9498 you too! 🥰

[@HoboAhle]

@katattack907 omg thank you for mentioning Dana! I had never seen any of her content, but just watched a few vids and have learned soooo much!! I have been using containers the wrong way for way too long lol

[@bravemoon2124]

As a mom of 2 preschoolers, thank you for that “you’re doing great”, made my ❤ melt

[@vvitch-mist20]

I still think Marie Kondo has a good mindset around stuff, like it IS important to let stuff go, especially when you don't need it. She has three kids and cleaning with kids is very hard. I have one child and I hate doing it lol.

[@vinny7823]

@@leynadebono4754 That was just the headline spread around, but she actually only says that she has quit being a perfectionist, and has accepted that she can't always tidy everyday, and that's okay - after her third child.

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@vinny7823 Maintaining the mess is what I try to do tbh. I'm not making it worse but I can't "make it better". I also think having a clean but lived in house is better than making your house look like no one lives there.

[@commenter5901]

Decluttering worked for me. I sometimes watch decluttering channels and wonder how they get rid of a box of clutter every weeks because I decluttered a few years ago and I only need to declutter about a box of stuff once a year, and that is only because kids grow out of clothes and toys. But decluttering was a life saver for me because I have an autistic son with ADHD and he can not function if there is clutter around. I found the channel "Minimal Mom" (which you have a couple of pictures of throughout this video), and her "thing" is that you need to stop buying stuff and get rid of stuff you don't use. She's got 4 kids and she homeschools, so it's very relatable. My house went from being in complete chaos all the time, to staying tidy. We still have lots of stuff, but it all has a place and is easy to put away. If we have company drop by unannounced, it looks reasonably tidy. I can clean the whole 4 room house in about an hour per week because I don't need to tidy it first, because I don't have clutter. This probably works so well for me because I HATE shopping. I never shop online and I don't like going to the store.

[@Ju838ju]

I like your approach to decluttering a lot! I think it's important to not declutter once and for all but to change your whole mindset about having things. It's okay to sometimes buy something for yourself but people are buying constantly using the money they don't have, only to show of or to buy a dream version of themselves.

[@guaxary]

It's not about having kids. It's about whether you have the money to buy stuff when you need it, have a hobby outside your house, whether your parents big house is available to you, whether you cook at home, whether you live in a new/renovated place that's easy to keep clean and is designed to look nice even without much stuff in it.

[@TheCajunGaijin]

I went through the "how much stuff does a baby need anyway" phase about three years ago. We didn't do the cloth diaper thing. YEESH. I can't imagine all the washing. Now my kid is three and still we have so much stuff. Going on a short trip? The vehicle is PACKED! Going camping for the weekend? We easily have double the stuff we used to have.

[@nicolecarter1072]

Babies and young kids need much less than what many parents think they do. We used to travel around with 3 kids under 4. They needed clothes, nappies/diapers, blankets and their comfort toy. We didn't even take a pram. We used a sling instead. Nicer for the baby and takes little space. I get (unpleasantly) amazed at what many young parents today think they need for a baby.

[@ketameanii]

@@nicolecarter1072is a sling the thing that holds a baby to you

[@CallunaNightWolf]

Organizing as someone else said is different than decluttering. I prefer systems and suggestions that focus on making the home the most functional as possible. It can look lived in and even visually cluttered. But if it works without chaos then that is what I'm going for. And that is especially important in our multigenerational home with eight people. That being said, decluttering with that many people is very important even though we don't buy much things tend to come to us and accumulate. And sometimes it's time to let those things go just to make room to live comfortably.

[@nancya8262]

Well done!! I just came across your channel and you are spot on. Excellent video and as a 69 year old who has seen trends come and go I agree with everything you said, especially the part about the underhanded way these efforts get us to buy more stuff. You have a new follower,

[@jimmeven1120]

I was going to wtite something very similar but you've saved me the effort! And I'm 69 too.

[@Nick-wy2uf]

Great video but i disagree with some things, i find that some influencers like Dana K White, Dawn minimal mom and Cass clutterbug are super genuine in helping people andtalk about stopping the buying addiction/consumerism. But overall good video 😊

[@lmshanyfelt]

Exactly. Like many things, there are many ways of approaching "minimalism". Those that are based around appearances do really drive more consumerism. Dawn of Minimal Mom and others have a completely different approach, focusing instead on spaces being functional. I never purge items so I can consume more. Today I'm giving away an item because I have never used it and realized that I will never use it. I won't be buying another one that looks different. I'll just have that space in my linen closet back.

[@gmt5664]

What I got out of Kondo's book was her extreme gratitude for everything. She take time to say thank you to her purse, thank you to her shoes etc for the hard work they did that day. Because she's grateful, the little she had was enough. I decluttered my closet and nothing sparked joy. I made a lot of space, and kept enough clothes to get me through a week at work. Then I gained weight and needed more clothes so now I have 2 sizes cluttering my closet cuz I'm determined to get back into the smaller size. 😅 Not working. 😂😭

[@bc5441]

Congratulations! I don’t have any kids but I am amazed by all of the stuff this adult human has accumulated. I’ve heard about decluttering and minimalism for years but today was the day I was introduced to the bread lamp.

[@leonielaperriere6571]

I decluttered just before I moved out of my parent's house. I haven't accumulated stuff since. I only buy things that I need and that will bring me joy. Understanding that everything that we buy has an impact really made me rethinked how I consume.

[@jeannetterw]

I'm a maximalist. Some might call it clutter. But it is organized. I am unsettled by bare walls. I paint and enjoy art so there are paintings everywhere. Tonne of plants, shelves with books and sentimental knick knacks. I like interesting things to look at. It's cozy.

[@hrobinson9701]

I just recently started hearing the term "maximalist" and I definitely identify with that. I need to be far more organized but I'm not getting rid of everything and the minimalist movement repels me. I see nothing wrong with lots of pictures on walls and shelves with books and knick knacks, I'd just like to be able to more quickly locate stuff that I'm sure I have ... in a box ... somewhere.

[@jeannetterw]

@@hrobinson9701 It took me a long time to reel it in and start putting things in a specific place, and organize . To this day I still lose my keys at least once a week. It's a process.

[@drbettyschueler3235]

You are so right about getting rid of stuff so we can buy new stuff. I just donated a bunch of art supplies, to a school program, and then bought new art supplies. As I was looking at all the new stuff I had to find a place to store, I realized I was participating in an endless cycle of donate and buy. The idea of getting rid of an item, if you buy a new item, may be good for the economy but not for solving storage problems.

[@TourniquetTwin]

This is the problem with influencers..one of them, at least. People stopped thinking for themselves, and everyone looks like everyone else in their niche. I’ve always danced to the beat of my own drum, and I lament this development. Glad you’re charting your own way nowadays though. I hope that encourages more people to do the same.

[@socketlaunch]

I've really resonated with the KonMari method, personally. It's also really helped me shop more intentionally, because "does this spark joy" is not only about deciding what to keep in your home, it's also about deciding what to bring into your home.

[@Portablesounds]

The only thing I've ever found to be helpful regarding clutter/cleaning/etc. has been How to Keep House While Drowning, because it's not a "method" as much as it is a philosophy, much like Marie Kondo. It's written by a therapist who's a single mom with depression and ADHD, and the primary goal is recognizing that so much of our stress about clutter is because we see it as a moral failure rather than a lack of resources/energy. It's more important to prioritize safety than to burn yourself out trying to satisfy your own self-judgement.

[@jamesbriggs5740]

Love that book! It changed my life. That and Dana K White. No mess decluttering method. Kathy B

[@ether4211]

A simple trick is to use the decluttering 'mindset' when shopping! For example I try to avoid clutter by reducing impulse purcases by asking a few basic questions 1. Do I really need this right now? 2. Is this the 'best' version of this item that I can get right now? 3. Do I have space for it right now? 4. Can I afford it right now? 5. Is it single use or can it be repurposed/recycled/adapted into something else right now? 6. How long will I want this/keep this/use this? 7. Will it still have value in the future? This way you can spend a few moments with something that sparks joy, then put it back on the shelf or delete it from your shopping cart and move on with your life. If I can't imagine how or where I will use something or if I will struggle to find somewhere to put it there is zero point in me buying it. As a result I'm more likely to implse purcase a organic cotton t-shirt that I will wear at least 30 times, or a beautiful set of glass coffee mugs and ignore the 50% off or 2 for 1 offers on the cheap plastic crap.

[@Bunny-pr8gw]

No it didn’t fail. You just do it. I declutter every weekend. Boxes and delivery packaging, etc. all of it. I take my trash and clutter with me inside to work or Walmart and throw away. I downsize clothes I haven’t worn for a while. I rotate decor and clothing so I can see which items I can live without. I don’t accumulate shit anymore. Only what I like and what I use regularly.

[@Marie-Heath]

I read her book several years ago, and my one take away, which took a lot of stress out of decluttering was to do topic by topic instead of room by room

[@sevalle]

I have kids from 6-16 years old. I try to be very practical/intentional in what I buy and am just as uncluttered in my house as I was before I had kids. But here's the thing, my kids' rooms are not at that level, I let them express themselves, my oldest's room is so cluttered I hate going into but she's 16 and has to learn her own way. I've done my parental duty of setting the example and offer her the help and resources should she want to reorganize but its up to her. Having kids really isn't a reason to let your home go to shit though IMO. Will it be perfect with a newborn...of course not but that doesn't mean it can't still be clean and kept up to whatever your standards are

[@Smithpolly]

It might be worth listening to "A slob comes clean" podcast. It's by someone who isn't naturally tidy even though her mother was and tried to teach her to be. She talks about the tactics that work for her in keeping her home tidy.

[@brianhudgins990]

Awesome. Father of six humans. It only gets better, my brother. Your heart gets bigger, not more divided, with each one.

[@AwokenEntertainment]

this makes me feel better about my messy room lol

[@typicalc]

Ah yes, the minimalism crase. I too was one of the people who jumped on that train and benefited like nothing before. For me, it was more of an eye-opening experience that there was even a problem. I knew I struggled to keep up with my home, but it was that Marie Kondo craze that started me on the journey of decluttering. Forever grateful.

[@AwesomeVidzChannel]

Future video: Laundry Strips - Why It Failed? 😅

[@abbyski]

As I myself have learned for the past years (my oldest is almost 8), regular decluttering is a necessity for families of growing kids. (Congratulations Future Proof family!!) Just managing the clothes that currently fit, to those that have just been outgrown, to storing stuff for the younger siblings, etc, is such a task. Right now I'm staring at a giant pile of craft papers and scribbles from kindergarten, random toys that they get from a prize box. I rarely buy nonessentials for my kids, but somehow things are still brought into the home and regular decluttering is an absolute must!

[@miriamrobarts]

When you declutter prize box items, you could give them back to the teacher, or another teacher (if it's in good condition). Teachers often buy that stuff with their own money. 😄

[@zumabbar]

i think the big downside of these methods is it focused too hard on the 'aesthetic' aspect. unless it's your thing, then designating one cardboard for this and that then the other cardboard for that and this, end of story, will help you more in tidying up your stuffs. practicality all the way

[@AnnavBF]

That's the beautiful thing about Marie's full method, which starts out with identifying what you want your life to look like, then what you need to have in your life to support that, before you get to the declutter. She says to not go out and buy any storage solutions until you have fully decluttered AND exhausted using whatever you have already, including random cardboard boxes.

[@Meedup]

Konmari method has no aesthetic. It's based on being thankful, finding what you like, and how to make it practical. All of this was lost in the netflix series and the current brand social media, but very much present in the original book. In fact, in the book, she advises against buying fancy storage things

[@zumabbar]

@@AnnavBF glad to learn about that! i guess the problem is in social medias celeb then, understandably.

[@zumabbar]

@@Meedup ditto with my previous reply!

[@terryhenderson424]

Thank you for this view of the decluttering, minimalist, and zero waste movements. For myself it is often the memory invoking items, the things thst glitter, and clever little do-dads which bring me joy. In an age of inflation and availability insecurity, having a stockpile of toilet paper doesnt particularly give me joy nor a barren closet but the displeasure over alternatives propel me to make space and keep a supply purchased on sale.

[@vsznry]

Im proud to say I only returned 3 amazon packages last year. I try to make every purchase meaningful & useful.

[@Kipasaur]

That Starkid reference is so parfect for the points you were bringing up

[@rebeccastolberg2148]

Clean House by Neicy Nash was very helpful to me. It was fun to watch and gave me motivation to get rid of my childhood collections before going to college so I could move into a dorm room. My mom decluttered all her kid stuff and we had real conversation about what I may actually want to take with me and what nobody wanted anymore. Every time I have relocated or changed phases of life I have decluttered. And the threat of having to do this again prevents me from buying stuff I don't think I'll need next year.

[@mrandisg]

I loved Clean House! It was what first inspired me to start decluttering. However, I will never forget the "Dragon Lady" episode, where the homeowner freaked out and had a mental breakdown because they had talked her into getting rid of things she wasn't ready to let go of, such as her old couch. Looking back on it now, I think she may have actually had hoarding disorder, which I've learned a lot about by watching A Hoarder's Heart here on YT. Her approach is to declutter in baby steps, only getting rid of things you are less emotionally attached to and allowing yourself to keep the rest until your nervous system calms down and realizes you are still safe. That way, you are slowly desensitizing yourself to decluttering and making it a positive experience. I highly recommend checking her out!

[@nata3467]

Now that I know I am retiring in 3 years, I have been decluttering. I do not have a ton of excess but I have been preparing to downsize and want to have little to nothing to shift when I consolidate homes. I honestly have always loved cleaning, organizing etc - last 10 years , I consume very little outside of essentials. That is the key

[@katieflax9436]

Congratulations on your sweet little baby 🥰

[@Lolidropz]

Adding my own experience with the KonMari approach and consumerism in general. I read the book when I was around 18, and up until that point I had saved more or less everything from my childhood (which is a priviledge in itself I admit). The book resulted in me donating many of the toys and trinkets to the charity, but I can still feel the impact of that huge cleanout almost a decade later. In the book they talk about visualizing the kind of space and life you would like to live. If you dream of whimsical, beautiful table settings, why would you keep and continue using the cheap plain plates while keeping the nice ones tucked away for special occasions? This also forces you to face the reality of where you are at in your life currently, and what is possible and doable. The home and life I envisioned gave me a subconscious framework or a filter to every purchase once I moved out of my parents' house, which has helped with keeping the amount of stuff manageable... But currently I'm trying a low-buy year challenge, and I notice this has further pushed me to reflect on what is there to a home or a lifestyle apart from consumerism. I notice myself daydreaming of things I could buy once my challenge is over, but then I wonder to myself whether that item would truly quench my desire for novelty. Wouldn't I just want the next thing? That's led me to frequently think back on romanticized Ghibli movie scenes (they somehow represent a simple happiness and sense of wonder) and memories of times when I have felt happy in my life. It still feels like I would need to rewire my entire brain to not want to keep buying new stuff.

[@amys3168]

I was never able to maintain the konmari method. I think it’s because I already had elementary and middle school kids by then. It really did help to give me focus on what to keep though. It also helped my youngest decide to have barely anything so he doesn’t have to maintain much.

[@GreedyLane]

Wow, who would've thought, the way people dealing commodities can become commodity itself.

[@cfiocco]

And then your kids turn 7 or 8 and you réalise that having less stuff makes you more availailable as a parent because of the mental break. The silent to-do list by the minimal mom really shifted me into minimalism. As an easily distracted person and parent to four, i am so releived to be managing less :)

[@4-kathryn]

I watched that Marie Kondo show years ago, learned her folding attire method and still do it today. I like her box sorting method too. I chose not to go out and buy boxes but upcycle any hard-plastic 'take out' containers or lid and container from deli meat slices; use what you have and wash, dry it well. My home is still not super tidy but I desired wanting to find my kitchen utensils and spices easier... Marie helped me in that area.

[@hervva]

To me word declutter is new deepcleanig. Everyone, even with good habits, has stuff that once was used, even often. Then it was used for the last time, putted down and forgotten. When I clean every day I usually dont go through all my stuff. And sometimes I do and when I do I always find sth that i dont need anymore

[@kati3louwho]

I haven’t watched one of your videos in a while because they low key depress me. I think I commented on the last one too. Your production quality, style, everything- is soo good! I think you have what it takes to be a top channel, but what I realized I’m craving after finishing your video is more hope. Yes, you offer companies or education on better sustainability, but on this video I wish you had ended more with- it’s not about the fad, it’s not about decluttering, it’s about intentionality. WHEN (because we will all buy something again) you go buy a new T-shirt or something else think about everything you’ve decluttered and why you are buying this one. Take a look at where you are now from a year ago, have you found more sustainable items while finding the balance in your home for the season of life you’re in.. etc. idk. Each of these “fads” have absolutely improved my life because I’ve taken what works for me and found intentionality. I get it that you want to report on why these things have “failed” but also the positive spin on the end would go a long way I think.

[@Amphibax]

One thing I like to do is having a counter for everything I sell (or just get rid of it) -1 and for everything I buy +1 so you only can buy stuff when your counter is in the negativs. It puts you under some pressure to think about if you really need that new thing since you dont want your counter to go up in case there is some other thing. With some exceptions of course sometimes I just need something for work or so that can't really wait.

[@channelantoneon]

Something I wanted to share is that I’ve found a lot of satisfaction in actually paying attention to the things I own. Really looking at an article of clothing as I wash it and put it away. Carefully repairing something that is broken on my workbench. Repurposing old objects that have been siting for years to serve a function I need in the moment, instead of buying something new. Even repurposing something that’s lost its function to serve as a decoration, and building an aesthetic around these objects. It creates something new. I learned a lot of this from my great depression grandfather who I grew up with, and as an artist and aestheticist, combined his functional mentality with my own artistic spin to create my way of life. Also learning from history, how the older folk lived a life of repair and repurpose. It’s a lot less stressful for me knowing I’m not being wasteful and not always spending money.

[@bezka3545]

It's insane what capitalism does to people's minds. Things should be bought with intention to keep them as long as possible. So think what you buy, and don't throw shit out before it breaks down to unrepairable state. And that doesn't mean "don't buy that figurine/plushie/bread lamp", just remember it's staying with you, possibly forever, and you're responsible for finding space for it.

[@rmcnally3645]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. Its INCREDIBLY unhealthy to hold yourself to "minimalism" or the "pre-kid Marie Kondo" style of housekeeping when you're NOT The Minimalists or Marie Kondo pre-children. The message ("clutter hurts your brain") gets so wrapped up in the aspirational, highly curated, and bright-light filtered social media posts... That you loose track of the message itself which I think is a GOOD one. Now that my kids are older (6&7) actively teaching them to manage their expectations towards what will make them happy... manage their 'inventory' like clothes or toys or art supplies... Its a big responsibility to ensure that they understand the limits of what "stuff" can make you feel. Its fun to revel in bright colors and plants (down with gray or white everything!!!) BUT I think the message that "clutter hurts your brain and cant guarantee happiness" is still valid and will continue to have its place in society.

[@firdosvohra4315]

Congrats on the baby!