Decluttering a FULL Closet With My Mom

[@shannontorrens1]

Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/shannontorrens to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.

[@helenaprovenzano8966]

I use those small cups for my grandkids for snacks!!

[@home_yes]

Shannon, I just decluttered my you-tube subscriptions, saying goodbye to dozens that give me anxiety, etc. NOT YOU! Love you and your mom decluttering! Just wonderful, funny, motivating! Thank you both

[@suncoolbreeze2656]

I’m starting to declutter my KZbin subscriptions too. Sometimes I’m like, why am I watching this content creator? They aren’t anywhere close to my life. But watching Shannon and her Mom decluttering together is always a joy 😀

[@kingskid0312]

Freeing isn’t it?

[@shannontorrens1]

Wow thank you! I am so happy to have you here. I tend to do that on Instagram. Sometimes I get a lot of anxiety watching over there and I tend to take extended breaks from that app. SO I know that feeling.

[@NancyLila]

My favorite videos are when you declutter with your mom. ❤

[@youandmeandmultiplescleros402]

Your mom is really confident in decluttering nowadays. It's wonderful to see how the two of you work together.🧡

[@makelljensen4324]

Your horse drawing is amazing!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Hikercat299]

Brilliant inspirational snippet phrase from your Mum near the end, “I don’t need to keep organising things I don’t use”. Thanks Kathy, that’s a real motivational gem to remember and work by when decluttering “ruthlessly”!

[@aprilhoover3481]

I kept my own artwork for years, dragging it from house to house to house. I finally asked myself the right question that gave me permission to declutter it - "Would I frame this and hang it on my wall?" If yes, I did. If no, into the trash. Because if I wouldn't hang it on my wall probably nobody else would either. It was soul crushing at the time but now I can't remember any of the pieces I threw away. The joy was in the creation, not the final product.

[@shannontorrens1]

I agree with the joy is in the creation! I have found if I hold onto every creation sometimes that stops me from working on more art =)

[@monamorgan9452]

Either pull off the stickers on the clear tubs or turn them to the back, it actually makes the closet look cluttered after all your hard work😊 I learned that years ago after thinking my spaces looked cluttered after a weeks worth of decluttering, I discovered it was eye clutter.

[@bethreisman8869]

Yes. Drives me nuts!!!😂

[@colleenisaac6647]

Hooray for Mom! You need to label the bins to make it easier to know what’s inside.

[@marshamengel1769]

"A horse is a horse of course"! Your mom always makes me smile!

[@CherylCoolidge]

I love this declutter with you two. So fun!

[@simply.clutterfree]

Ruthless is the word Kathy! I always try to be ruthless when decluttering 😊

[@simply.clutterfree]

Kathy the one hanger in the closet can go! 😂

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes! My mom is getting really fast a decluttering now days. =) I hope you are doing well.

[@simply.clutterfree]

☺️💖😊​@@shannontorrens1

[@bogusiagsk3371]

"That's where we keep the spiders" 😂😂😂 Your mom is sooo funny! 😂😅😂

[@juliab628]

P.S. I have the camcorder bin with various VHS tapes and believe it or not, there is even a camcorder with a tape stuck inside. I remember I was recording our oldest ...our son... when he was around twelve playing his guitar and then I couldn't finish because the tape was stuck. We even took it to a camera guy and they couldn't figure it out. The bin has two different camcorders in various states of disarray. And then all of the VHS tapes... One has the ultrasound of our son on it! I was a nanny at the time and the father of that child I was taking care of made us an extra copy on an empty VHS tape he had. I've asked my husband several times, "What are we going to do with all of these v h s tapes?! and camcorder tapes?!" Somehow, we have to get it all condensed. I thought about taking it to someone who does videography. Or maybe, that's even outdated. I just don't know. But let me tell you we recorded everything.... Birthday parties weddings recitals concerts and tape after tape of just the kids playing. I get anxiety thinking about it. How can we even watch It?When the equipment to watch it is broken or missing cords/chargers or whatever. One time we were even holding onto an old TV that had a VCR in it just to use it for that purpose but we finally let that go... This bin is in our bedroom closet along with all of the photo albums and negatives... The anxiety on this is real. In saying that, this is the only thing left in our house left to tackle. Husband isn't stressed at all. He just says, "yep.That's the bin with the camcorder stuff."😮😅

[@micheledryden1057]

Congrats on reaching 100k subs!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@abundantlyinspired]

The best thing about your videos (besides loving you and your Mom working on projects together!❤) is that you prompt me to think of my own spaces and I go and declutter as well!!!!🎉🙏🏻

[@shannontorrens1]

I love hearing that! Thank you for being here.

[@ashleydonohoe7941]

You can hire someone to put the most sentimental home movies in dvd form. Don't get rid of it. Because there will be good memories in those movies once your parents are passed away. I have some of my grandparents that are no longer with us.

[@razsbags]

I have lots of videos my mother recorded of my parents, but hours to sit down & watch through to find which videos they are in.

[@maureenvandine7882]

As always so much fun!

[@lmagas-om9dp]

Our public library had a machine that you could take all your old vhs tapes and transfer the data to a USB drive. I did it with our 25 year old wedding video.

[@juliab628]

Shannon&Kathy~ Someone here wrote how they started to declutter their youtube subscriptions except for y'all.....SAME. When I first began this journey in 2017, ALL minimalism & simple living channels seemed good, then you just realize, if everything is valuable, nothing is valuable- bc you cannot focus-kind of like..decluttering! It's like... you begin to see clearly what is helpful and what is not. I am very thankful for you! This video brought so much: Relatability. Plus, so many laughs in the process. ( .... "Well I was going to start making my own clothes in my spare time so"...)Anything in life starts with a wonderful attitude and positivity, which you all have! When I saw this video pop-up I thought, oh I only have my one little craft area on our closet shelf in our bedroom and it's all decluttered. But I told myself, i'm going to grab all of it while I tune in. Sure enough?!? I Filled a whole trash bag with things from my crafty stuff. I thought I would have nothing bc i'm already Decluttering one item a day every day this year. But those "hobby things" are almost tied to our self worth like security blankets, in my opinion. I think hobbies are very important and good to have. But, it's also very important to reassess what season you're in and what hobby or hobbies you love the most❤ I thought I'd post my list of what I let go of here in case it can encourage someone like ya'll have spurred me on today ❤ Crafty photo box Yarn to make dish scrubbies Sewing case with..old thread LOL Ribbon & wire like twine heehee ✏️ mechanical pencils Knitting pattern ( partially started several yrs ago..still on needles!) Yarn to go w/ knitting pattern Nail color Nite light Alarm clock Pom pom balls (bought for one specific craft I won't make again) Pkg of copy paper Pkg of sheet protectors Laminating machine Blouse Plus more I've forgotten... As you can see I found other things along the way that were not even in the craft bin. All of this I did during your video❤🎉😊 The dish scrubbie yarn was new but I realized that no one cares for dish srubbies.But instead, they want dish cloths. The knitting pattern is a funny story. For years I wanted to knit my own teddy bear... Because I thought it looks cute as an accent or decor piece. Now i've decided it's just too tedious. I don't know what my addiction to that is but somehow I thought about Kathy's cat🐱shirt that she finally let go of. So i'm sure you understand😊 Kathy I can relate about being in your bedroom with the record player singing to your songs. I used to roller skate to mine in the basement as well LOL Thoughts of 🛼 to blondie and the beach boys are now coming to mind..LOL Love and hugs to both of you😊😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Hello Julia, It's so nice to hear from you! I love that you share what you are decluttering because it is very motivating to me and others who might read your comment. Keep up the good work! And I hope you are enjoying the warm weather =)

[@StellaClare29]

Great demonstration of decluttering in layers!! Just like an onion, the next layer reveals itself as time goes on!

[@shelleywinn8731]

AT the end of the day the most important take away will be "Time Spent With Your Mother"!!!

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes this is very true. It doesn't matter what we are doing it's the time spent together that matters the most =)

[@TrinaOrange]

Love your pillow cases project. Nice declutter.

[@SusanL-ds6lc]

LOVE your relationship with your Mom. I know you know but, treasure every moment. I miss my Mom. Curious, do you have siblings? If not, you two are an outstanding example that one can be wonderful! xoxo

[@ALi-bn6bf]

Great job! A couple suggestions 1) record albums-you can take a quick photo of the album cover and donate the album. If you love the songs they will automatically pop into your head when you see the photo later. You can also find many songs on the internet if you really want to listen to them. 2) old family pictures/movies/dvds- definitely save until someone has time to carefully evaluate them. My hubby recently had the time to scan and enhance family photos from many many decades ago. We rotate many of them on an electronic photo screen…precious memories!

[@HissNHer]

New-ish watcher here. I’m 30 years old and found your channel when looking for decluttering motivation. I started switching up my home coming out of my 20s as had a complete mindset change and wanted to embrace being more minimalist (plus save some money). You’ve had a massive impact on my progress and I cannot thank you and your Mom enough for that! ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!

[@lindaroyal8161]

Excellent job! Ruthless!!! It's surprising, we keep crafts and bins of potential craft supplies. I had them when my daughter was in school, because there was always some project she needed for school. So much easier to come up with something from the bins then to have to go out to a store. I downsized my craft and sewing stuff years ago. I kept only the basics of sewing for that occasional button or hem; all fits in one drawer of the antique singer sewing machine!

[@beccachurch]

Your mom is SUCH a good sport through these.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

I enjoy your shares but do have a comment to make about your “bins” that I noticed you don’t appear to remove the stickers on the outside of any of the bins. 😂😂😂 When it comes to the VHS tapes, I believe they decrepitate/break down over time - I was told 10 years for VHS, and at Costco they were put on DVDs, and they really weren’t very clear. You may want to look into figuring out which ones you want to have transfered over…also there is a little girl out there who loves horses but lives in the city who would love the drawing of the horse in her room. ❤

[@simply.clutterfree]

I was sitting waiting for the latest video! Happy Sunday everyone! 💖

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for being here =)

[@Noreenlee1]

My anxiety level went up when I saw those VHS tapes. I felt better when you put them back for another day. Those things take lots of time and thought, and they don't take up that much space.

[@shannontorrens1]

Yes that is a project for another day. The thought of watching all that footage is scary to me.

[@noeliakline]

Please don't throw away any of the art, I LOVE IT!! Someone will truly appreciate it. If I lived close, I'd pick it up

[@sct4040]

This is my 3rd day shredding old paperwork, 😮 so much work. Got rid of 3 pieces of furniture.

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay! Good job =)

[@fianorian]

Golly. I thought I was the only one who remembered Mr Ed!

[@kellyrogers9296]

Love these videos!! I've shared with many friends who are downsizing or retiring!!! They've been a great encouragement to me as I have just "Closed" on my home last week and shake my head in disbelief that I was able to let go of so much by watching you help you mom!!! Shannon you are helping "lots" of older moms out there do this without fear and in turn I'm finding gladness and relief from not having it!! Thank you!!!

[@melissataylor8910]

You can put the games and puzzles in plastic bags then cut out the picture of the puzzle or instructions for games in the bag. Label! Saves SO much space ❤️

[@tammygreene5323]

Oh my gosh I’ve got those same bins filled with old sewing bits! Time for me to release them! Thanks for the encouragement and entertainment, Kathy and Shannon.

[@amplified506]

Mom looks fabulous in the hats!

[@lannieglass7535]

I think the fun is getting to learn about stuff from the past. it's cool to listen

[@charishurt1768]

Fantastic job beautiful lady congratulations ❤

[@iriswelch3553]

I'm laughing at the tracing paper - I have that same package, probably from Jr high! (I'm retired!). I recently decluttered my sewing and crafting supplies and reorganized my sewing room. It was hard, as I still sew a lot. You both did an amazing job going through all that

[@connieclark3562]

Love your videos with your mom, I would have watched this twice as long, I love listening to your conversations (you both are so entertaining) and your thought processes as you work through the declutterring. More more more!!❤

[@PHBRNTGGR2]

I have that same Starry Night Canvas hanging on my wall. 😂💕

[@jwuertz7101]

There's a cat charity using donated fabric and ribbons to make cat toys as a fundraiser if you want somewhere to further reduce your inventory for a good cause. 😃 I am proud of the progress you made. I am seeing how much refining is needed after the initial pare down and you are a great role model. ❤

[@theannamueller]

one look and it flies straight in the tossing box - what a development from the first decluttering sessions!

[@sharonevans6864]

I am so glad you both keep finding things to declutter because I love watching you working together. Your shows are the best ! Take care.

[@AGomoljak]

"Hang a bird" is my new favorite phrase. 😂

[@shannontorrens1]

Haha! I was wondering who would pick up on that LOL.

[@JV-ph3rx]

Love watching you and your mom declutter. We had the same problem with lots of home/family movies. My oldest brother started a youtube channel and he uploaded all of the movies onto the channel and shared the link with family. We have had so much fun watching the parades, holidays, road trips, and family gatherings. It was a lot of work for my brother; however, we are so thankful we have access to them anytime we want to reminisce.

[@helentaylor4911]

Love the Mr Ed reference

[@jeannebowes2898]

I just saw the word Mom and just jumped on!❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you!

[@jenniferb.7250]

Shannon, I just love the videos with your Mom, she is so funny and the two of you work so well together!❤

[@loreestahl5783]

Love the mother daughter sessions and keeping it real. Inspired to tackle my craft closet Again. They do multiply. Thanks ladies.

[@shannontorrens1]

You can do it!

[@melaniehoffman8512]

I love seeing you and your mom working together.

[@solitudewithmichelle]

I love watching your mom go through her stuff. i look forward to seeing her.

[@christiewalsh5244]

Love watching you and your mom declutter things! Your mom is so darn cute!

[@SkyBlueWooHoo]

That was fun to watch and very inspiring. Can't believe how much stuff you cleared. Your artwork is great.

[@janemaryagnes]

LABEL EVERYTHING ❤

[@lindapearn6793]

YES!

[@mc5366]

Love videos with Mom. You two are so fun to watch. Great decluttering progress!

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay! Thank you!

[@happyluv]

So relieved you hung onto to the horse drawing! Please keep your artwork...it doesn't take up much space and honestly someday you will truly value it. If it were me I would find a nice frame and hang it in one of the boys bedrooms or an office...or make a feature wall in a hallway of all your art. I guess you can tell I'm a sentimental maximalist! Surrounding yourself with art that you were once inspired by is a GOOD thing!!😊

[@Sacredsimplicitylife]

Great realistic decluttering! All three of my sons ride horses, one in particular would love that drawing! 😁

[@michellegleave2550]

I am really finding that I need to declutter a space, then come back later, maybe months later, and make another “pass through” because it’s like peeling layers of the onion, you go further and deeper each time and surprise yourself. I love these videos, and it’s so true, what do you do with art work, or home videos? I’ve just gone through the process of putting my home videos onto my computer, so now they are digital files and I can let go of the bulky tapes. You can have this done professionally, or connect your vhs machine up to your computer with some inexpensive software to make those conversions yourself. Perhaps while you’re there, you can edit it down to the essential, just of people and occasions and not endless landscapes, etc. Greetings from Michelle in Australia.

[@bonessam9618]

Great job, Cathy! It's amazing what we keep for years and years...especially when it comes to craft supplies. I love that bird material! Please make sure to show us after you complete the pillow(s). 😊

[@maureenbrophy7852]

Both of you are gifted-- beautiful drawings & paintings 🥰

[@karengoodchild7510]

I personally don’t part with anything crafty . But that is because some things are so hard to get here. Have several times in desperation had to order from the states and the shipping is more expensive then the actual item! So buying as you need is probably the best option for you both. Shannon your art work is stunning 😍. How talented you are, and how lovely that you both share this amazing talent x

[@judyellen4412]

As usual, Shannon, love the videos with you and your Mom. Please let your Mom know that pink is her colour and that she looked especially nice today. Love all the videos…keep ‘em coming!

[@annw1395]

The craft and sewing supplies -- donate them to grade schools, senior centers, boys/girls clubs. That horse drawing is fantastic!!! Hang your art on your walls; make a gallery wall. Let the grandkids see what you've created. And there are a lot of people (like us) who like horses but can't afford any, so don't downplay who might want that.

[@lakequeen64]

Hi Shannon,my Son and I just love watching you and your Mom,you guy's make decluttering fun ❤️🤗❤️

[@ToniBergquist]

I’m working in my craft room today! Thank you and your Mom for the “be ruthless” encouragement ❤ Toni

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Brilliant decluttering vlog as always.. I moved my ribbons to my gift wrapping paper and use it to decorate presents. If I need it for crafts, I can still use it, but it is being used on every gift I wrap. Once its gone, its gone. Then I can buy new IF I need it for a craft project. Take the family VHS and DVDs to a company that can transfer them onto a hard drive (then distroy them). Thats what I did with ones I wanted to keep. I stopped "making videos" because we NEVER watch them.. but we love looking back at photos in our foto album books.

[@TerTerH78]

This decluttering interested me, I also had sewing things from high school. I’m 63 yrs young and don’t even sew! I also had so many craft supplies that I got overwhelmed with it all. Got rid of it through the years and didn’t miss much of it. Now venturing into journaling the books that I read and trying to be very conscious not to buy just to buy! Also use to do craft stuff with my grandkids but they don’t like to do it now, youngest is 7! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@janetlewton6190]

I was just listening to Marshal Tucker Band today! “Can’t you see” 🎶 I am also from the “album” era 😊

[@colinalexander1507]

There is always next time to do the next stage. Every little baby step is progress.😄😄

[@CynthiaMiller-cc3qj]

Shannon, there are companies that digitize photos and old VHS tapes. You get everything back on DVD’s. My sister did this and was amazed at the space that was freed up.

[@terrychittam945]

Love the horse ,you should sign it and do as a give away ❤❤❤❤

[@missmeakat]

Get the VHS tapes digitised as soon as you can - they degrade after 20-25 years so the ones from the 1980s are really at risk of being lost! I got my mum's tapes digitised for her birthday, the shop transferred them to DVDs and it was really easy

[@desertfish6239]

May I ask where you sent them? Looking for someplace reliable. Thanks.

[@missmeakat]

@@desertfish6239 it was a local independent shop in north west UK so probably not very useful to you. They had good reviews and kept the tapes on site rather than posting them somewhere, which is why I went for them!

[@StellaClare29]

This was great, thank you! Also, thanks for mentioning you learned your lesson in sewing with old thread!! Great reason to start fresh, I never thought of that!!! Love it 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Oh yeah! It just falls apart over time.

[@Tubewomen]

Wow great job on this declutter its so inspiring . 😀 You should sell your art work that you no longer want . You and your mom are very talented artist. ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!

[@karenk380]

"Pick up the rick rack"!😂 oh no, keep the zippers! I like to make bags and use zips and rick rack and trims. Velcro, also handy. But great job clearing out. so hard to go through crafty stuff as you can imagine all the possibilities. you are lucky to have little kids who are of the age for crafts. Such fun. My hubby has his collection of albums. we don't have a record player either.😒 Love that bird fabric! If you know of a local animal shelter, they might do charity auctions or sales for fundraising and would sell your original art, especially if it is animal related. Just an idea. Fabulous work ladies. Another layer removed.👏

[@donnagrifford7142]

Fantastic job! Priceless fun times n memories made together! Yippee 🥳 👏👏👏👍💞😃

[@lucytitus2183]

You both are amazing!! Y’all give me strength to keep on this decluttering journey. I use to watch Mr. Ed too! ❤️💕🤗

[@shannontorrens1]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

The empty boxes could be used for storing shoes.🥰 I love watching your mom declutter. She’s doing a fabulous job.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sherri.]

It definitely takes a few passes as we build our decluttering muscles.💪🏼 I was hoping Kathy would save one of the hats for camping! 😂😂😂

[@shannontorrens1]

Haha! We will need some hats for camping =)

[@randalynshaw7262]

Beautiful drawings! Great job decluttering!

[@jeannettecleveland5233]

The part about the horse had me chuckling pretty good. 😂

[@aliciataylor4820]

Great job!!❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jennybird2770]

Yey! Kathy! ...or is it Cathy? I love her - she rocks so much :)

[@pattik8335]

You and your Mom are so motivating, inspiring and so much fun to watch! Plus, your Mom has great taste in music.

[@patriciacerwin6266]

Wow, your art work is absolutely amazing. Wish i had such talent. I couldnt let any of that go.

[@denisearonow4921]

I used to sew a lot. My past self loved it. I decluttered my sewing machine and supplies years ago but held on to a small sewing basket for mending. You inspired me today to part with a lot of colorful spools of thread. I have a mostly neutral wardrobe now (hello, self). Though the thread was contained in the basket it was chaotic in there. I saved the colors I may need for repairs and have filled a quart ziplock to donate. Gee, if I ever need red thread (or burgundy, etc. ). I'll pick it up then. Cheers.

[@lindapearn6793]

Please add LABELS! My Clutter-buster lady couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of LABELING! She said the act of having to open a bin to determine what is inside takes a lot of energy that you don’t have to use.

[@labradorite8256]

AMEN!

[@jwoo222]

Thanks for the inspiration, as always! I’m dealing with a bad back right now so I can’t do any major decluttering, but this is a reminder that even decluttering relatively small spaces really adds up & makes a difference! Im going to pick a few areas (that don’t require reaching, climbing or heavy lifting) and work on that today!

[@dainahakes5748]

I just Love you and your Mom!

[@RedRubyStones]

I needed to see this! I just took out a huge box of ribbons and crafts out of my closet this morning! I have it within my sights so I have to declutter! 😂

[@cantocant2346]

Your Mom might need to: Hang a bird Make Fourth of July spiders Meet someone with a horse one day and give them an original horse drawing! I have to laugh because I always think of reasons to keep things too, lol. I love you both and this was another great declutter!!

[@KarenHoyt-Bonkahoney3]

I have several puzzles that my daughter and I share back and forth. I have a window seat where I store some of my older ones and I have gone to putting them in extra large or large ziplock types of bags. I just gut the front of the box out and place it in with the puzzles. It takes some much less space. I am slowly going through the puzzles and making sure all the pieces are there, then will give away if I decide not to keep a few a the special ones. I have done the same with the kid puzzles and have them ready for when our two younger grandsons are here. Great job of finding new homes for some of your items.

[@terryruiz7417]

These videos almost always inspire me. I'm thinking of bins I need to go through now. Thanks.

[@sherryfisher6048]

I always look forward to your videos but especially love the ones with your mom!

[@KarronAngel]

Hello girls, did mom go and get another ball to bounce on...lol....? Love to see these videos. Hugs from the UK. xxxxxxxxxxxx

[@darcyrobb3692]

Definitely sell your art’ especially the ones with signatures then put in your children’s education fund or a travel fund. Good declutter🙂🍁🇨🇦

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! Great idea!

[@Lonni180]

Keep the art! My mom and dad are both artists and are critical of their own work, and stored it away. But as my siblings and I have aged, and we have older children who appreciate original art, they have given us many of their of their creations. We appreciate having their artwork they produced years ago, and display them in our homes. Keep it to give to your posterity when they are ready for it (giving a little at a time works better than dumping a whole pile. That's too overwhelming and they may not appreciate the individual pieces when presented with several pieces at once)