How do you let go of sentimental items?

[@lisa9867]

I have worked as a mail carrier for 30 years. I've had so many of my elderly customers pass away. A lot of times their family is not close by. When they do come to clean out the house they order a dumpster to be put in the driveway. Then it looks like the empty the entire contents of the house into the dumpster. Sometimes it looks like stuff (nice furniture, clothing) that if they didn't want to sell they could donate to a charity. They are usually on a strict timeline because they have to get back to their jobs/family. After the house is emptied I see the for sale sign go up. Property sells in a few days in this location. I think basically what I'm saying is that after you die all the stuff you think is important will end up in a landfill. I do hope my family donates my things to a charity. I try to keep things as clutter free as possible.

[@vaderladyl]

That really bothers me because with a little planning they could have donated all of that and it won't have ended at the landfill contributing with pollution.

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

I found it all comes down to estate sales.Then the house is sold. Young people don't seem to want memories of elderly people.

[@joylopez2735]

I hear you. I just bought a sofa at the Goodwill for $30. It was originally $50. The dudes that work there were about to throw it in the dumpster if it hadn't sold that day. It very likely came from an elderly family's home. It was nearly perfectly preserved! I'm grateful to it's deceased former possesor--as sofa's demure and streamlined like this one aren't mass produced these days.

[@joylopez2735]

@@angelgirldebbiejo Breaks my heart. In '97, I bought a family's entire photo collection in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for $5. Pretty sure they were just sent to the Salvation Army along with the rest of the home's contents. It's been years since I looked through them--all photos black and white from a time l-o-n-g ago.

[@madnessintomagic]

It’s horrible that people don’t make an effort, at least, to sell, donate, give away. Even put it on tables at the curb with a FREE sign. That so many minimalists (they’ll deny this, but there are tons of youtubes of people saying “just throw it away” “just let it go”) are so wasteful, is really demoralizing. Instead of advocating “getting rid of” things, why aren’t minimalists pushing for re-using these things and ending the development and production of NEW things that actually are garbage (quality). Yes, we all have too much stuff, but at least some of us having things with *meaning*, rather than just 3 functional things with no meaning.

[@ericagoehring1089]

I love that you did keep a few special items. Your point about not watering down the special few with TONS of trinkets is spot on.

[@cityhotel5959]

I learned in life not to hold on to material things, they could get stolen, or burn, or get removed due to money problems, like in my case, I was evicted from my home as a kid. Therefore I hold on to Nature, mountains, oceans, things that nobody can ever take away from me, mother nature is my home and my memories, it's here now and tomorrow for my grandchildren to appreciate.

[@cophater298]

what if u go blind

[@cityhotel5959]

@@cophater298 You can still use your senses and your touch

[@xZimblx]

Taking photos before getting rid of sentimental items has helped me so far and is currently helping me again during the 30-day challenge.

[@Sweet_Malou]

xZimblx I have done this as well and found it very helpful. It’s weird. But it works. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

[@stephy8429]

My father died in January of this year, 6 months to the day my mother died unexpectedly. I am in the process of going thru the family home of 40 years. This really resonated with me. Thank you

[@et1311]

That must've been very difficult. Condolences to you and your family. Kudos for adjusting in a healthy way.

[@spikeycat81]

I am so sorry. I have not gone through my mums items yet. Its been two years. My dad is ok with the delay so far. I know I can do it. I wish you really well.

[@tf19701]

Going through our stuff after being married for 15 years and having 2 boys was quite an awakening. We’ve always lived simply but at times veered off the path. It was a nice exercise in understanding value. Great video!! Makes me think.

[@thebarky1988]

I am writing this during the virus so I have more time to think. I am fortunate to have my 92 year old mom living with us. I am having her go through all the cards she gave me and my kids and having her pick out what she thinks is most sentimental or meaningful. When done I am going to have her write a note to each child and I will place them in a small box. This is a total win win for us. I would hold on to everything and that is not realistic or necessary.... hope this helps

[@jillbegay8939]

I’ve been watching your living room conversation since you started. I would say this was my favorite mainly because you shared something personal. My sister and I have discussed many times what to do with our mom’s things when she is gone. I too had started the Minimalist journey before I even knew it had a name. Thanks for all you do to help others!

[@KTB77777]

Your mom was blessed to have you for her son. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your tips.

[@stephy8429]

Thank you for sharing your story about your mother, I know it is painful. So very sorry for your lose.

[@stephisalive9889]

This is so profound. I went through a similar experience with my mom, and it’s only two years later that I am finally starting to let go of feeling responsible for being the caretaker of her memories. Freeing space up to make memories of my own.

[@carolynmontibello8421]

Thanks for doing these videos, Joshua. I grew up in a hoarding type environment and am currently in that pattern myself. I have been working on this bit by bit so I am grateful to you and Ryan for your inspiration. Keep up the good work!

[@MsSassyMT]

I never want my kids to have to go through a ton of my things. A friend of my mom's died with several storage units full of times. The kicker was this: One was hers because she had hoarded herself out of her last place, one was her mother's, who was deceased, one was her brother's, who was also deceased, and one was her son's who was in prison - 25 years to life. Basically, none of these things were needed but she kept paying on these units until death. Such a sad situation.

[@jill9606]

MsSassyMT oh my gosh!! Wow... what a burden to bear! 😞

[@vickieclark5931]

Yeah, when my mom passed away, it took a long time to go through everything. Paperwork after paperwork that she kept for no reason. It wasn't that she was a hoarder, but she just always had that just in case I need it mentality. So yeah, getting rid of unnecessary paperwork alone will save you kids a lot of time.

[@loreleipetry3821]

Really great video. I struggle with being way too sentimental about items. My son is the only child of 2 only children so you can imagine how much he stands to inherit! I married a military man so the only saving grace is that we are forced to downsize every few years when we move. I am grateful for videos like yours that address this hardest aspect of getting rid of things.

[@TheEternalSamurai]

I liked what you said about how you kept just a few of the sentimental items. Best to keep a few things that trigger those happy memories, not hundreds of things to where they all don’t seem to hold that much value. I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@RadioImmunoAssay2]

"Practicalism" - if it doesn't serve a purpose, it goes. I kind of began this lifestyle change after watching Fight Club 😅

[@hannah_micaela]

This video came at the perfect time. I am getting together with some alumni to make a t-shirt quilt for my previous band director for his 5 year teaching anniversary, and I've wanted to make a t-shirt quilt for myself as well. I wound up putting all of my extra/old t-shirts from high school into that quilt, because I know that while it would be cool to have a quilt of my own, I already have photos and memories from those years. It would add so much more value to my previous band director's life instead of my own. While I might do some questioning as to whether or not I did the right thing, I know it will make him beyond happy.

[@NCweathernice]

I went to a used office furniture store to buy a locking file cabinet. The guy who owned the store tried talking me into a file cabinet that didn't lock, because he recently acquired a LOT of non-locking file cabinets from the estate of a professor. The professor had done research for decades and kept all of his findings in file cabinets. There was so much paper from his research, that he even added onto his house to accommodate the file cabinets from the research! He had hundreds of file cabinets, all filled with his research. When he died, his family wasn't sure what to do with all the research materials. No one they contacted at the university where he did all the research wanted to go through the file cabinets. They ended up dumping ALL the research material from all those decades and selling the file cabinets to a used office furniture store. One man's sentiment is another man's trash.

[@nezusixx9098]

This makes me realy sad. All the years of hard work and no one cares about. But it also shows that if he had kept his papers minimal, perhaps someone has had motivation to go through.

[@thewonderfulwizardofozisan7573]

Sorry to hear about your mother. Thank you for talking about this, really helpt me today.

[@misskelly9184]

I’m crying!!! I don’t know why I’m having a regret about giving something away. It was a set Of 4 chairs and I gave away 2. They were my great aunts who was like a 2nd mom. I gave them away last year and now I’m all of a sudden having a regret. I have so many things of hers and don’t know why I’m so upset about a couple of things. This really encouraged me to let go. Thank you for your time. I really realize I have a problem I must face and deal with

[@TheMinimalists]

Just as you are not your things, neither was she. ❤️

[@misskelly9184]

@@TheMinimalists thank you ❤️❤️

[@blues4ray]

Thank you. I found this very clear, honest and moving. I am still working and with success on clearing objects belonging to my family, but l find letters and writings so much more difficult. Thank you again

[@Jikan04]

I've just got rid of my last two sentimental items. When I first started this journey I had a real problem with removing sentimental items. I hadn't really realised these things had become burdens. I've moved house a lot and have been dragging my mum's old furniture with me each time, and things from my childhood. Over time I started to see there was no practical use for these items in my life, and also I started to feel guilty when I looked at them because I knew I was thinking of getting rid of them. But I couldn't get rid of them due to the attachment. Anyway, each few months I got to a point where I could let go of a few, then a few more months later. After each of these times I felt mentally/emotionally lighter. Now I just have some photos which I'll keep hold of probably. They take up a lot less space jmj

[@Peter_Parker69]

take several picture from every angle. make a good system with multiple external hard drives. hide them in different places, give a few to family and friends who're willing to keep them for you. so even if you're house burns down. they're always with you to look at as an old senile person, triggering those good memories.

[@danr1832]

Hi I found you guys thru Dave Ramsey's site. I am being force-fed minimilisim, and starting to like it (grin). Thru circumstances I moved into a 160 sq-ft trailer a year ago. And filled two large storage units with stuff. Living in a very small space forces you down to the essentials. And if it isn't needed it is VERY MUCH IN YOUR SPACE->CLUTTER, you want it out of your space immediately. I'm realizing most of the stuff in the storage units is truly junk and I'm paying $300-month to store it. As you have already experianced, I find I'm much happier with much less. And I've started the process of cleaning out my storage units. I just want to say thanks, your message helps us to live HAPPIER (less cluttered) lives.

[@dkbegue]

I started with going through my boxes drawers stuff I have stored for years and not used Now getting to the more sentimental or more heart tugging items

[@nelidaflores1286]

Thanks for all your info! I am on my journey to get my life in order!

[@desiree2086]

There are pleny of sentimental items that I did not get rid of because when I did go through this stuff I started to remember nice memories that I had forgotten about (I've had a trauma). And they truely made me happy at that moment. So what I think.. get rid of it when you no longer get happiness from it. I personally kept diaries, some drawings, some photographs and scrapbooks. It did not feel good to let it go, I'm not going to push myself in it.

[@juliamullins7370]

How much food do you keep in your pantry and refrigerator as a minimalist?

[@matterstorm6733]

I started with thinking about the food I cannot live without, then I calculated how much money I need for food every day, from there, I now buy only the products important to me, and add one or two new items every week when I go grocery shopping. That way, I change recipes on the fly, and keep my refrigerator filled with just the right amount of food.

[@chycammillionrednour6776]

I think that this is just another step on the journey. At some point of removing things that nolonger serve you, it becomes easier to see that certain foods nolonger serve you as well. I donated and tossed all the foods that did not serve the best version of myself that I aspire to be. This included a lot of prepackaged processed foods, so I am left with a lot of perishables and some jars I keep with staples like beans, rice, dried fruits and nuts. That being said, my mother moved into our home recently and has started to attempt packing my pantry with what she calls "real food". This is a whole new problem to overcome. I did finally toss out a bulk of tupperware that she insisted apon me keeping, this felt like a small victory.

[@kalpanadave8988]

We only go shopping when our fridge is almost empty. We found out that we should not do grocery shopping like clockwork..for example every saturday or every sunday. Many times we have a really empty fridge and then we wait another 1-2 days so that we can dig into the pantry and make something from there. it has reduced our grocery bills. Also, keeping an inventory of your pantry and looking over it before grocery shopping helps with not buying duplicates.

[@peopleplacesandperspective5564]

Yes, it does get easier to let go! Nice video! Thank youu

[@reginapenglaze8342]

❤️ thank you so much for sharing those memories PLUS we have just moved & I can relate to that box & moving

[@tacocat9472]

I like your idea of taking pictures of sentimental items before letting go. I think it’s a better way of keeping the memory than have the item stuffed away in a storage locker or attic.

[@roselynvaldevieso9589]

Hi! Your videos are of so much help to me. I'm transitioning to minimalism lifestyle. Getting so much ideas from your videos. Thanks a lot!😊

[@vickieclark5931]

Yeah, I have a few things from my mom and grandparents that I value. But it's just a few things that I always remember about them. My mom had lots and lots of stuff like your mom did. She wasn't a hoarder, it was just life that accumulated and her having 2 daughters, of course she kept all of our baby stuff like most parents do. But certain items really meant a lot to me so I kept those. But most of the stuff she had ended up going to other people or just got thrown away. But as you said it's hard to value certain items when your overwhelmed with all these other items that you think you value.

[@aliciaambriz5549]

This video is really helpful thank you so much for posting this. This is the hardest part for me when trying to mininalize my life. The sentimental items but it is getting easier.

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

As you get older, your memories aren’t as good and those sentimental items help you trigger good memories. Holding on to excess crap doesn’t serve you but don’t let go of things that trigger good memories as you will realize as you age

[@hopeschambach2576]

That was what I was thinking. So how can one incorporate not keeping sentimental stuff in excess, and trying to remember specific memories that are special when triggered by looking at them. Hard balance. I have heard of people taking pictures before removing them out of their life, and I listened to a interview of a guy who said he took pictures of his items from friends or of sentimental things and put them in a book. And one friend came over and saw an item they gave to him, and it sounded they were pleasantly surprised that their item actually made it in the book!! Haha...how neat is that. The book owner said he sees and looks at the items more now than when they were all over his house. Makes sense, as visual clutter can become so overwhelming to the point that we don't see them as valuable and special anymore. Like a blur... I think this way can honor the person that gave the item and we can have a special place to go to trigger our memories. For what it's worth.

[@mouseypuu]

This video, amoung many of the others you have put out, have been really thought provoking for me. So much so, that I'm writing my research essay this year about minimalism, and because it has to be tied to the topic of memory, I want to focus in on the topic of sentimental items, why it's hard to let go sometimes, the meaning we get from them, stuff like that. Love your guys' channel! Currently in the process of decluttering and starting my journey of minimal living (:

[@penelopeza9497]

I stumbled upon your comment and find very interesting the fact that you did your research thesis on minimalism in relation to sentimental stuff as I always had a kind of minimalistic sustainable 'brain' since childhood but sensitive the same time, living with collector/a bit of holders parents. The same topic also is a great interest of mine, recently thinking in relation on an arts MA. Is your essay done now? If it is in written in english would love to read it if it would possible...? :)

[@nadialunamakeup]

I love how your shirt looks soooo good quality and elegant!

[@robbien.3964]

Nadia Luna I noticed that, too.

[@francinadozier1172]

Nadia Luna yes it has a clean look to it.

[@minimalistgangster1267]

Sorry to hear about your Mom.

[@Telcomvic]

Oh boy! Both my grandmas made doilies. I gave away bunches of them to family and friends who wanted them after my mom passed.

[@dh1474]

Thanks Joshua, that was really helpful, appreciated!

[@2011Rob1n]

Thanks for sharing your personal story, was very heart felt 🙏🏼

[@ennuiblue4295]

I finally got some momentum going but my problem was i would pull everything out like they said, then reminisce about what each item 'represented' and lovingly tucked it all back away again 🤣 it was slightly counterproductive. This time i got my small bookcase and said I'll only keep what i can fit on it. There are a few i really do want to keep but the (vote off the island) mentality helped a lot. It made me realize even if something was from somewhere/someone/something.... who cares? Its just collecting dust now. Doesnt mean the experience means any less if its gone. And now im rambling

[@terencelewis1374]

" Start with the stuff in your basement, loft or storage facility". 1) get rid of your storage facility, it only encourages you to hoard and retain stuff, 2) If you haven't been in your loft or basement to retrieve an item in the last six months you don't need the things in the loft or basement. 3) get rid of the things in your loft, basement and storage facility.

[@lorenheard2561]

Your Mom would be happy with you living to your full potential,and pleased that you are making memories of your own! Also,I'm sure that if she could see and hear you now,she knows you'll never forget her!

[@gmvalentine626]

Your post made me tear up. It is beautiful.

[@mattm.6569]

the hardest thing for me is eating, i live in a small boring town and work a lot so since i went minimalist i been saving money and get bored while im at home so a lot of my time and saved money has been going out to eat or buying more food to make dinners, but i admit i feel free after getting rid of so many things i been dragging around with me my whole life

[@kimdenardo1076]

That was extremely helpful. Thanks for what you do for people :)

[@ss9436]

This plus the Konmari method helps with the process.

[@no.rest.in.this.measure]

Hi, my name is Braedyn. I'm a junior in high school. How would you effectively explain to parents, or guardians, basically anyone who is paying for you to survive that something that they bought isn't providing value anymore? For example, this last school year, I got a nice notebook (mom paid for) to keep my work and notes organized. The year is over and I'm finished with it. It's just an unnecessary book of paper with useless information on it, so I put it in the trash. When my mom saw it, she threw up a little bit of a fight. How would you explain that it is done serving its purpose and there is no need to hold onto it?

[@Lashlove16]

B. Watts Sometimes with parents it’s hard to change them . If it’s in good condition donate it . Try to recycle it Worst case trash it somewhere public like at school or a restaurant or shopping center trashcan .

[@matterstorm6733]

B. Watts - Try showing them one or two good youtube videos of minimalists, just tell them to watch something that is dear to you personally. They will hopefully watch it then, understand your way of thinking, and maybe even start it themselves. My mother horded and bought too much stuff, too. But finally, she can let go of most of it.

[@no.rest.in.this.measure]

I know lol I was hoping no one was gonna catch that. I am ashamed 😬😅

[@bethc8809]

It seems you explain your view really well when written. Maybe write out your thoughts and hold them as you try to talk to your parents? It's something that helps me. Good luck!

[@Lashlove16]

Myfinekilt I edited my comments

[@yvonnenardone7686]

As a. Im going on this journey of re evaluate everything I own. I realized that I have an intense conection with my mothers things and this video made me cry, because I cant keep my mother close with things. My concern is what about my family history.

[@i2harry]

If you have a little family museum, what would you put in it? What stories do you want to tell?

[@utahiggs]

So inspirational!

[@Pretty_clear]

I️ remember this ted talk! This is awesome

[@TC-kn9kk]

Take photos of the sentimental items. That's how I deal with it. We can always revisit the photos and still keep the memories in that manner.

[@karljordinson5897]

A lot of the items I collect like movies aren’t available to own online or to stream. Clothes and clearing out the wardrobe is a big liberation to owning less Clothes I haven’t worn for over a year. Minimalism has stopped me buying new clothes ever January sale the U.K. has buying for buying sale doesn’t happen now

[@lindatait5326]

I think ‘Iamhappywiththismuchstuffism’ sums it up quite well.

[@stephf3274]

You are appreciated!!! Thanks for these videos

[@Cherokie89]

Not the place for a comment like this, but I've always wanted an eames lounge chair.

[@christinebowe4523]

Cade Johnson lol

[@solarsatori]

I can't find the name of the artist but I saw one in a gallery in which the artist had reupholstered it with sweatshirt fabric and added a hood to the top of the chair. Needless to say if I ever get my hands on one it's gonna be DIY time.

[@llbsab]

Love you, Joshua.

[@simplyredislandgirl]

Very useful advice!👏👍😊

[@freestyleliving4145]

I have studied minimalism and applied a lot of these principles to my life I'm having a really hard time making a decision you see I've been a gamer since I was four or five I bought tons of games I never considered myself a collector I played a lot of them but a lot of them I bought just to have it subconsciously I realize that now because I am trying to shrink my room down of the things I own and I have 200 plus cases of games I never really realized how much I cared to see the cases in the artwork until I came up with the idea that I would buy a 200 CD binder get rid of the cases to save room because that would be half of my room I take up I now realize I guess I did have some kind of collection with it and I actually enjoy seeing artwork showing my girlfriend or people the games it's an emotional thing I never realized the problem I'm having is I want to shrink down and be logical because I want to do tiny home or RV living eventually and need to get used to it but I have a hard time getting rid of these beautiful artwork cases it is not practical to keep them when I can just put them all in a CD binder but what do I have to show who I am and what do I having life if I do not have a display of who I am. I'm an extremely practical person that likes things cut-and-dry as simple as possible and feel like I function better with less clothes but I've been living my life freestyle Messi I want order but I feel like I might be depressed getting rid of the things I love I also like martial arts and collects swords and weapons this is who I am I had an idea that I would get the sheets that you can put in binder and I would slide this CD covers in them so that I could have a binder but it would take up room of the artwork plus I do not want to sell the case with the artwork because that makes it worth more if I ever want to sell it I think this is what I'm going to do I just would like to share my experience

[@carolesteinberg7463]

When I downsized I kept my teddy a small doll from my voyage to America on the queen mary and 2 teeny clay pots my sons made when they were little and a small tablecloth my mom made when she was a girl. I gave away or sold everything and moved into a sprinter van. I don’t even remember any stuff I got rid of. Freedom.

[@greyareaRK1]

I'm extremely sentimental, so it's difficult to let go. It feels like betrayal.

[@gmvalentine626]

i know how you feel. I feel like that especially when I am trying to get rid of something that a family member or friend has chosen especially for me or made for me.

[@allisonallison5969]

I felt that also, however, heard this several years ago - should you (I) die wouldn't whoever came in to clean out your house probably toss everything out or donate it anyway. That stuck with me.

[@vaderladyl]

@@allisonallison5969 Only us care about our things so after we die the only person that cared for that stuff will be gone so yeah, if they want to do away with them so be it, but while I am alive they will remain with me.

[@spikeycat81]

I feel that if I weigh my feelings on each object of guilt versus the joy it brings. Often I'm holding on to it out of guilt or a misplaced sense of obligation. Work your way up to those things. Think about displaying items or taking a photo of it.

[@hopeschambach2576]

So hard to find balance sometimes. We need to get rid of excess, for sure, So how can one incorporate not keeping sentimental stuff in excess, and trying to remember specific memories that are special when triggered by looking at them. Hard balance. I have heard of people taking pictures before removing them out of their life, and I listened to a interview of a guy who said he took pictures of his items from friends or of sentimental things and put them in a book. And one friend came over and saw an item they gave to him, and it sounded like they were pleasantly surprised that their item actually made it in the book!! Haha...how neat is that. The book owner said he sees and looks at the items more now than when they were all over his house. Makes sense, because visual clutter and sentimental items can become so overwhelming to the point that we don't actually "see" them as valuable and special anymore. Like a blur... I think this way can honor the person that gave the item and we can have a special place to go to trigger our memories. For what it's worth.

[@spikeycat81]

I think keeping a small sentimental box can be nice. But only really meaningful items. And I hope to keep one item of clothing like a cardigan to wear. I may make a scrap book of some papers.

[@resist7219]

My house got robbed a couple days n they took my controller and some other things I had for my childhood gaming memories and it’s just so hard to get over. Yeah I’m getting a newer better one but my own idea and emotions creating a fake consciousness towards my controller that meant a lot to me (keeping it clean n what not) affecting me so negatively, and I think the worst part was losing my sense of innocence towards strangers. Im like 14 so I guess that’s life. Anyways i don’t care if anyone reads this, it’s just me venting about my emotions.

[@sarahjustme]

Thank you for sharing this, your content helps a lot :)

[@jenniferselespara1327]

Thanks for your help☺☺

[@dparansky]

Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@starry8688]

How do you handle what to donate versus what to toss in the garbage? I feel like “donating stuff” makes us feel less guilty about our consumption of crap. Essentially I want to consume less, resulting in having less to donate or toss.

[@vaderladyl]

Better donated than put in the landfill.

[@Angela-xk2jy]

House/apartment tour please 🌻

[@lisa9867]

I'd love to see a house tour too!

[@ChristianBaloga]

Thank you! ❤️🙏🏻

[@IcyfireGaming]

Here's a question for you: Do you give back the items someone has given you but you didn't want it? This just happened to me. Someone has placed immense value in a certain item and then given it to me. But I honestly, do not care and do not want it. And my plan is to give it back but I wanted to hear your opinion on this topic! Thanks!

[@stephanienoble421]

icyfire369 I’m experiencing the same thing. I’ve actually told this person I don’t need/want anymore jewelry since I barely wear any lol but they keep buying them. I’m at a loss of what to do.

[@michelleduval27]

Stephanie Noble you can thank this person, sell this item on ebay or give it to someone who need/like it. People give presents to make you happy. So, you can just sell this item if you don't need it & go to the movie/restaraunt/have a good time in general on those money. Isn't it what person wanted?

[@stephanienoble421]

Marina Ogneva very true! It’s my father in law and he asks me about the things he gives me regularly, I’m pretty sure gift giving is his love language. I don’t want to offend him but I don’t want things I’m not going to use.

[@IcyfireGaming]

Stephanie Noble are you telling him that you don't want these things? Cause if you're not being honest, then I don't know what you're doing. Lol. I'd be less worried about his feelings...but I'm pretty ruthless and direct.

[@lemon1653]

Marina Ogneva That makes it hard that he “checks in” on the things he has given you in the past. I have someone in my life that does that too. I’ve tried to carefully explain that I love an item for a time, but I let go of it when I feel like it’s no longer serving it’s purpose. I don’t think the other person “gets it” yet, it still seems hard for them. I try to be sensitive to their feelings and I think they try to understand, but it’s still hard for everyone. So anyway, you’re not alone!

[@jayontario7285]

Spot On

[@gustavlof6607]

How do you apply minimalism on food?

[@trieuhuynh1512]

Eat less :) Eat essentials: protein, good fat, some carb, no/less sugar, vitamin supplements, drink only water, no alcohol (dehydration, sugar & empty calories).

[@ktrudy1]

Needed this. Ty😍

[@bamaloo6791]

Love the word essentialism

[@melissataulbee2048]

I have always donated items if I haven't worn them in a year. However, like everyone else....I replaced them with items I didn't need or even used.

[@diosadeamore]

As a child, I would find the drawings I'd gifted to my mum in the trash can. This hurt me a LOT. But she says she was just trying to keep on top of the clutter and wld get rid of older or excess drawings. Only keeping the best. Still this hurt me, even knowing the reason. As a result ive kept EVERY drawing my child has ever drawn. But i know I have to declutter these at some point..... its so hard 😔

[@penelopeza9497]

Such a difficult topic when it comes to art created by others. I don't think this is just 'stuff'. I really understand why it was hurting you. Can I suggest some ideas for your child's drawing? :))

[@mirandaerickson9196]

When my great grandma died she had so much stuff!!! And she had lived in an assisted living facility for the last at least 10 years of her life. The amount of stuff she had was incredible. My grandma thought I would like a ton of it. I was given a lot of jewelry that my great grandma had tracked when and where she had received it and how much she paid. I also received a brand new stand mixer that is older than me. I have kept that since it is useful and I didnt have one but the jewellery I dont have much use for.

[@lolaj6488]

Do you have a video for Mother’s who have lost their young child? My cousin lost her 19 year old daughter and her room and stuff are still the same. It’s been 10 months

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Did you do a TED Talk by any chance? You and your story sounds very familiar...

[@amanda5nicole]

176Blue both Josh and Ryan did Tedx Talks. This story is also in their podcast and documentary.

[@Alexander-le5fx]

Well, It's hard to get these books if you aren't in America. I'd like to read one of those, but I have found neither e-copy nor an audio version.

[@vaderladyl]

Yes I do have books that are irreplaceable too.

[@juliag.1231]

Thanks! My question is: What do you do with those things you think "I really might need this one day"... f. e. I do arts and I have the stuff to make my own colors from scratch, but I never do, I always buy them ready-made, so in the end, I have since 10 years this gear, and I never use it.... ?????????? Thanks and Greetings from Germany!

[@kaseycentanni753]

i have been practicing minimalism for a while, BUT i have been keeping a few ugly knickknacks from my grandmother because i feel so guilty getting rid of these things that she kept for 60 plus years and passed on to me. how do i really get over this ??

[@lemon1653]

Kasey Centanni Marie Kondo’s book helped me with this. First, realize that your grandma gave them to you to bring you joy (which they’re not doing). Your grandma probably wouldn’t want you to keep them if she realized they were just causing you stress and annoyance, because that defeats the purpose of her giving them to you. So let them go. It also helps to thank the items. Instead of getting rid of them in spite and feeling guilty, thank the items for allowing your grandma to have the experience of giving you something, and let them go in peace.

[@mmissokia]

What I’m really struggling with is with my kids mementos. What to keep for them, how much is enough for them to look back and see how they grew up. It’s not my stuff, but if I ask a six year old if his drawing is special and is it something he’d like to keep, it’ll be a yes most of the time... so how to make those decisions for them?

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Maiju DSM I take a picture of some of the really good ones and print them in a book like Shutterfly, along with other photos of the time, so the picture is in context. Shutterfly can be a bit pricey so you could make your own scrap book. Sometimes I take a picture of the child with the picture. And then ditch the picture.

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Good Stuff! ☮️💟

[@rachelknight6028]

This is the hardest part for me... Letting go of the Emotional attachment really hurts... I feel like I'm throwing out my Mother, my mother in law, my Aunt Gloria... but the stuff is becoming too much and I want to be FREE! I need help in letting go. 😭

[@TheMinimalists]

You are not your stuff. Neither are they.

[@rachelknight6028]

@@TheMinimalists thank you. Mum is not in those things... I can keep 4 or 5 things of hers... The real important stuff like her Bible, her reading glasses, her coffee cup... Thank you guys for helping me.

[@sandraangelkiss]

the only sentimental items i have is an id of my mom she is dead, & a letter of my grandma she also is dead, thats all everything else like photo albums i digitalize

[@unproductiveworkshop]

Came here to see if I can take 8 minutes to sell the PlayStation 2 that I had since 2015, first ever retro gaming experience. At an age where I'm having limited time to play and I have to be more and more selective with what I choose to play, or spend time on.

[@dollsandfrills1770]

Hi my name is Jessica from TN. Can you be a minimalist and a collector? I know that sounds ridiculous, but I love to collect vintage toys to display in designated areas of my home. However, I try to be more of a minimalist in other areas of my home.

[@annawonders1466]

I wonder what is your zodiac sign?... Taurus and fixed signs for sure will have a much harder time letting go of stuff

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

i'm taurus and I throw stuff in the bin with ease!

[@feathersky860]

💥💥💥💥💥

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

The big problem, for me, with minimalism as it’s portrayed is it’s so drab. It looks like prison. Institutional.

[@vaderladyl]

Yes it could feel that way but you don't have to be a minimalist like that. You can make minimalism work for you and adapt to your tastes and lifestyle. You can have few things but things you love and have color and style and so on.

[@michaelmac4103]

Hulk smash ?

[@melindalemmon2149]

a lot of echo lolol

[@panmicrotones]

Don't call it essentialism loool