Ep. 199 | Decluttering Questions

Joshua and Ryan discuss decluttering our spaces, lives, hearts, and minds. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
How do I determine what to keep regarding my hobbies? (00:37)
How do I determine what to keep regarding seasonal and special-occasion clothing? (16:40)
How do I help my family members become more organized? (21:35)
How do I appropriately keep and store holiday decorations? (25:42)
How do I determine the appropriate amount of toys for my child? (27:16)
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Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast
#TheMinimalists

[@anthonylangford8575]

My wife's relatives finally got the message a few years ago that Christmas i only require beer and chocolate! Anything else was always donated to charity shops in the new year!

[@lea_theminiaturepoodle5995]

I love the feeling of letting go of stuff I don't need. I feel so free! 😁

[@elaine-65]

Yes , me too!

[@jjuniper274]

I'm proud of myself. I've been hanging on to almost 375 of my late brother's classic rock albums for nearly 30 years. In total, I had close to 500! SEVEN totes! 🥴 I'm a musician. The music will always be in my head. I let the last of them go yesterday. I saved 5 as artwork for my walls. I was able to find out the value and sold them for $700 over the past year. You guys, it has been SO incredibly freeing!!! Thank you for helping we "collectors" to minimize too. 💞

[@loreneknight9755]

I LOVE the common sense of it all. You are caring, compassionate & logical in your advice & learning as you go attitude. Thank you so much for your content. Loving this.

[@96ej]

Excellent video, I'm not what many would consider a minimalist but for Christmas and birthdays the only thing I really ask for is coffee, tea and or consumables. This is made a great difference in my life of not collecting things that I didn't want in the first place.

[@darkdaruma1605]

like that ! buying season products also bring a lot of meaning to those celebrations in my opinion

[@gb-nz]

Buying certain things in bulk quantity is OK once in a while to save a few bucks... I do it for toothpaste/deodorant/shampoo/toilet paper, the kind of stuff that will definitely be used. Food may be worth it as well if it is a staple item. Minimalism & Budgeting go hand in hand. The more I practice one, the better I get at the other :)

[@corrieandjassie]

On the issue of women’s special occasion wear. I have the iconic little black dress to wear for special occasions. I have two one for warm and one for hot weather. I have shoes to go with and I often pick new jewelry when I use the dress to keep it fresh.

[@phyliciajoykloes]

I like the blue shovel story. That's sweet. I've been thinking of bringing my sentimental toys to my classroom since it's currently just laying in my drawer. I'm a bit in doubt, but listening to/watching your podcasts helps.

[@lorimartin4476]

We just downsized & got donated about 2/3s of our possessions. That included decades of hobby and decor. Re hobbies- know the physical properties of what you have and how quickly you use consumables. Art supplies can dry out or go bad. Fiber materials (embroidery floss, yarn, thread, material) degrade over time. The thread I purchased for a specific project years ago now jams my machine. The 4,000 pots of paint never all got used. Re decor- I switched to meaningful seasonal decor years ago and I supplement with 1-2 items for a specific holiday. For example, I love autumn so I have just enough autumnal items to make it look seasonal. At Halloween I add 1-2 Halloween specific items which then get swapped out for 1-2 Thanksgiving items. Removable pillow covers take up almost no space.

[@happyjourneywithlynn2534]

How can decluttering be done, when grief has its grip so tight upon you? I have this problem for the past six months after the passing of Candy Cane, a cat who been with me for 17 years after taking her off the street. I did toss out an easy chair, where we both spent what little time being left to us, before she would pass away. I couldn’t bear to sit in that chair without crying 😭

[@nancytesta-meyer5408]

It takes time, and there isn't a deadline for grieving. What has helped me is holding something that reminds me of them and seeing if it makes me feel good or not good. The 'feel good' items can be placed somewhere for when I'm nostalgic. The rest needs an appropriate way to part with it.

[@jacalli]

I boxed up about 50 balls of yarn, couldn't sell it. So dragged it out and made an Afghan for the fair this weekend. Some of us are a work in progress!

[@jomycoke]

Love It!

[@elaine-65]

I would love to see you guys to do an episode with your suit on. I bet u guys would rock it. Me hubby works from home , owns only one suit for past 10 years that was a very expensive hand me down from his older brother. But only wears it on special occasions. Me, I get my special occasion dresses for 3 bucks from the thrift store. Rest of the time in my running clothes. Lol

[@TheMinimalists]

Ask, and you shall receive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOzeKBpjMh1gaM

[@nutellabrot9047]

I am from Germany and I remember years ago on christmas time walking into a k-mart in Miami to buy something. I have been so "brainly" :) overwhelmed by the amount of the blinking colours, sparkle and lights, that I had to leave the store without being able to buy anything. Since then I kept it simple with the christmas decoration :D That was wayyyyyy too much stuff to handle for my humble brain

[@priusa8113]

Don’t waste money on holidays decorations!!! Get rid of them,it costs you money as well as physical and mental clarity:):)

[@corrieandjassie]

I have friends that buy $30 snow globes every year.🤷🏻‍♀️ I have decorations but I have space to save them and use them every year. Timeless and enjoyable items that all fit into two boxes(including the fake tree I bought used).

[@maryanncormier2394]

I found episode 199 delightful. It was refreshing to hear your current thoughts on decluttering. You both were funny and more lighthearted today. Thank you.

[@marieschieler1914]

At the beginning of a season I put all the hangers in backwards. End of summer if I haven’t worn it and not a special occasion outfit, I donate.

[@kimberly8185]

I've done this before and just did it again today. I tend to grab the same 5 shirts and wear over and over again. Hoping this will help.

[@mermeow]

Haha! I stopped buying facial tissue boxes & just use TP to blow my nose. :)

[@jessie9653]

Me too LOL 😂

[@nancytesta-meyer5408]

Me too. It made more sense since we're more likely to use the toilet than change out a trash bag.

[@sawamichelle]

I use hankerchiefs.

[@MrBrilliant001]

I use curtains

[@gb-nz]

I use my flatmates panties

[@alyssa13renee]

I am so guilty of the free stuff! My last time at the store the cashier said if I buy 3 more dollars worth of items i will get a free bag so i went looking around the store quickly trying to find ANYTHING over 3$ and ended up going home with 2 extra items i never intended to get in the first place

[@unlonely9007]

We are a family of 4 living in 230 square ft, and I've never felt that it was too small or not enough space. But I have felt that we had too much stuff for space.

[@darkdaruma1605]

why not get read of the actual excess, the one that steals your space away and taking the spot of a meaningful and useful item. Then there isn't too much stuff since you are complete

[@jjuniper274]

Thank you Josh and Ryan for your words of wisdom. I think my over accumulation of "stuff" is due to the fact that...I have room for it -- 3,500 sq ft, a 2.5 car garage and a 10 x 12 shed allows me to spread out and not notice, but at this juncture in my life, moving is not practical, just to get rid of "stuff." Therefore the mission is simple, try to get 50% out in 5 years.

[@jomycoke]

That's a great goal ♡

[@Myrslokstok]

When you go true all your stuff, you might find like new clodes that you did not know you had bought, that are brand new, and that you actually will use at once. It is like shoping.

[@chloelachance5755]

Loved the blue shovel story!

[@Myrslokstok]

If you have to much stuff you will not find the stuff when you need it anyway.

[@mia13ean]

Instead of buying disposable tissues, buy handkerchiefs or cloth napkins. They're washable and multi-purpose. Better for your wallet and the environment.

[@christinejuchem2037]

Coffee Percolators no need for coffee filters and great coffee 😀

[@Myrslokstok]

There are metall coffe filters you might concider, you do not have to buy a lot of them or run out.

[@dirk9787]

I threw out my painting shirts and trousers, because I hadn't needed them for years... a week later I helped friends paint all their rooms in their new house :-/

[@edennis8578]

You could go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army thrift store and get some cheap clothes that you don't feel bad about wrecking. Now, some thrift stores have raised their prices too much, but it might be an option in your area.

[@darkdaruma1605]

another way is bying throwable overalls :cheap, compact, good cover, look professional 😎

[@corrieandjassie]

I saved one shirt for paint and yuck work. Lol my MIL asked to borrow a work shirt and was shocked. She was like you don’t have any work shirts? I pointed to the work shirt I was wearing. Lol

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Hoping you see this since this video is older. I'm decluttering "stuff in storage totes" after hearing your thoughts on "organized hoarding". How does one let go of artwork their child made if you have a lot? Also, how does one let go of artwork your adult child made for you if it's not something you would hang on the wall? I don't want to upset my child or hurt their feelings.

[@wendy645]

I know this was a year ago, but I wanted to chime in on the kids artwork. I say take good pictures of it all and then make a photo book (like on Shutterfly) and/or get a digital frame that will rotate through the pictures. On either option, I suggest finding a way to label who made it and their age, if possible. Then trash or recycle the original pieces. 😁

[@sarahlockridge7879]

@@wendy645 I ended up just taking pictures of him on my phone and threw them out! Best thing I ever did. Thank you!

[@ritalynb7070]

The 20/20 rule doesn't work for me because I am 2 hours drive (round trip) from a store and gas would cost more than $20. Therefore I do hold in to "some in case" items, but I am intentional about keeping these items. For example, I have 1 extra power cord and 1 extra extension cord because driving 2 hours to by an extension cord is ridiculous and the likelihood of needing one from time to time is high.

[@sarahkriel9975]

We use a French press so no need for filters, and the grounds are awesome for our compost! There are reusable paper towels that are washable out there now which is awesome! You can wipe, rinse, and continue to use them instead of grabbing another paper towel. Our family also uses cloth napkins for tissues. Softer, washable, and sustainable. Tp is still something we purchase, I've joked with my husband about switching to family cloth since we cloth diaper, but that's too far for him lol 😉 Also, in regards to having a family (I have 3 kids, ages 3, 5, and 3 weeks) and stuff not being in it's "home", that stresses me out as well. What has helped me is getting a decent sized stylish basket and it becomes the drop space if something is not in its home. At the end of the day the family works together to put it all away. It helps our house appear visually put together and takes away some of the pressure. Compromise 👍

[@noureisha29]

You are my supporters guys

[@feathersky860]

Thank You Both 🇺🇸 🐾

[@jjuniper274]

You guys...HELP! I am invited to multiple Pampered Chef parties this fall. I don't want to buy unnecessary stuff, but I feel an obligation to go. My solution is to buy things as gifts, like for my adult daughter and her new house, but then what on Earth will SHE do with them?! Her kitchen is 1/3 the size of mine! Ugh It's a visious cycle!

[@troywesterbur706]

I love how you guys make this all sound ridiculous and ridiculous being prepared sounds. I know I just made that sound ridiculous as well. For me its my garage. I have a three and 1/2 car garage and couldn't fit a single car in it. Now I can fit 2 in there. Its getting better. The garage is a place where everything I am going to need ends up. From random nuts and bolts to camping gear. Plus all my recycling which takes up a lot of space. I don't have a service so I have to haul it all. It would be far simpler to just throw it in the trash but that goes against my values. The various hardware takes up lots of room as well but every time I get rid of it I end up replacing it. It seems I don't need it until I get rid of it then I have to go buy it again. Having a small farm OK maybe not farm but for sake of argument we will call it a homestead it can be difficult to not be prepared or hoard certain things to keep it together.

[@jjuniper274]

90/90 is a great rule!

[@carylmaluping9632]

GREAT CONTENT

[@TimFromWales]

Tee Shirts !!! Yes I hear that !

[@findingaway5512]

My kids LOVE all that free crap. I need a have some sort of a storage system for them because I genuinely do like all that stuff but they end up collecting it without a limit.

[@BibiRamos]

if you think your holidays decorations only take up space, you shouldn't really keep them.

[@leonchalita2169]

Amen sis

[@rozday4467]

Hi.thank you for your guids but I have a problem .I live in a country that every thing is so expensive because of our money I live in Iran and I have so many things but I know if I let them go and they come handy one day I can't buy them anymore 😭 What do you suggest 👀

[@darkdaruma1605]

If you think you have too many things, you know you have to let go some stuff (tastes and needs can change). But being conscious that everything is valuable, give the right credit to the things you need to keep: durability, effectiveness, multi-task, meaningful to you and your family..

[@terrideniseA]

Maybe give up something you almost never use, that would be easy to borrow from someone else in the future.

[@MagellanMG]

Hopefully someone can answer my question. I am a recovering spendaholic. I have a lot of stuff and as a result a lot of credit card debt. I'm selling what I can, but I really want to get out from under this mountain of stuff. I'm having trouble justifying paying for all this stuff that I no longer have. Any suggestions or advice? Thank you!

[@nancytesta-meyer5408]

I've referred to those as 'lessons learned' payments while I budget and work more hours to pay it off.

[@Cackle77]

Dave ramsey.

[@Shelly_B]

Agree with Zara. Listen to Dave Ramsey, as well. Free. On KZbin.

[@ismailyaqub7390]

Why not stop buying Kleenex altogether and use handkerchiefs instead?

[@Myrslokstok]

When it comes to hobbys you seldom do, rent the stuff, try the latest. Start small, do stuff you realy like insted.

[@kimberly8185]

I love Karen's idea!!

[@barbarapope349]

@Myrslokstok hahahaha yes I can never find stuff and it is like shopping sometimes!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MaverickRenegade54]

I thought Fall was Autumn? Spring comes before Summer.

[@kylafish]

those girls with DRAWERS of makeup scare me!!! so so so wasteful, and unnecessary. use what you have

[@opensourceultralight7025]

Where's the Spear Link?😛

[@dkbegue]

Ella's intro is to adorable Josh

[@mav7697]

For hollydays decoration I do decorations but its all hand made by me from natural and so biodegradabile materials I find in the countryside were I live, so ended the hollydays It all goes back in the nature with no conseguenses for the ecosistem climate change or even my pocket. Exept for Halloween decoration but I mean I'm goth and its my all year decoration (olso my decoration Is not only decoration but have pratical use likes my bat jewellery hanger )

[@Janneli2024]

What about my gold water proof watch that cost me 300 plus but needs a new battery now the drama is I have to send it away to the surf company to have fixed and that thought is a drag right there why can’t I just throw it out ? what it cost me is value wasted to my brain I haven’t worn it in 6 years omg

[@nomnomnomnon4659]

You can try to use reusables (cofee filter, kleenex, etc) so you never have to buy more.

[@24ZEPACDC]

Why a studio apartment?

[@zenithlifestyle4841]

Leave the fish alone they don’t wing to be speared 😂

[@KleineMausii17]

I am from germany and i wonder... a normal couple here has about 80 square meters for their living. Is that big or small for you?

[@celinee.9562]

I don't know who you are asking ? Me ?? I personnally am very happy with 40m2 for two people with one collective room (kitchen+open space) and two private ones, and a mini bathroom. All is in the design ! If the design sucks, then it sucks less to live in a big space. (Except for the heating, which is something!) _ couples like to invite children or animals in their lives maybe, so it all depends of the design and access to outdoor space and the neighborhood. It all depends if one of the adults has a passion or a profession which needs a lot of space. Crafty or arty stuff ...

[@ritalynb7070]

My house is 58 sq meters, but that is very small for North America. The average American home is 241 sq meters (statistical average).

[@gabriela.....]

Just quit fishing. #govegan

[@pinkorganichorse]

Suppose you're fat but you keep clothes that are 4 sizes smaller than you are because you will lose weight?

[@TheMinimalists]

Check out Project 333!

[@pinkorganichorse]

@@TheMinimalists I have never heard of this project. I love the idea. It will take me 24 working hours to do it but I'm ready.