I started saving nice things "for the future" when I was about 25 years old. I'm now almost 70 and I haven't used that stuff! So I'm asking myself, how old do I think I have to be before it's ok to use the nice things?

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

I would say it’s time to start using all your nice stuff!!! ❤️

@Plethorality

3 ай бұрын

Use it now. Get rid of your boring stuff.

@aishasaeed1661

3 ай бұрын

Omg this is me too, I hear you. Looks like we are looking for a perfect version of ourselves. We need to enjoy our things, tomorrow is not assured❤

@majesea

3 ай бұрын

Use the stuff you love and give the stuff that no longer work for you for someone else will want and bring them joy❤

@kendylthelongway1135

3 ай бұрын

I used to have that same issue. I wasted so much money and time shopping for things I never used. I now only buy things I plan on using in the present bc tomorrow isn’t promised.

The hoarder in me: "Maybe my house is just too small" 😂😂

@marieprince3994

2 ай бұрын

Haha lol that's me too !!!😅

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 Um…no, lol

@jamiesmith2724

2 ай бұрын

In all fairness, we are having that issue too.

@tulaniredding6975

2 ай бұрын

This is Me! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

@yasminehmmm6020

2 ай бұрын

Declutter book Declutter at the Speed of life talks about this and using the container concept

My grandmother would buy nice things and put them away. She would buy sheets and towels and put them in a trunk never to be used. We always had the same sheets for months on our bed, of course, they were washed once a week, but she never used the new sheets or put out the good towels and face cloths. When she passed, all that stuff was so old that it almost disintegrated upon touching it. I found that I was doing the same thing until my husband pointed it out to me that I was buying nice dishes and towels and other things only not to be used. Now, I buy things for my house and myself and use it immediately. Life is short, what are you saving those things for? Someone to find after your departure only to either use it themselves or give it to the goodwill or someone else.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

I’ve seen a few of these stories and it’s wild that we do that. It makes me sad to think we can go our whole lives never actually enjoying the moment bc we “save it for later”.

@nakialandry5988

2 ай бұрын

This is me. I use some, but I have a LOT of unused/ muultiple items

@temi4116

2 ай бұрын

Really like the info this speaker is relaying. She doesn't ignore the psychological factor. Many decluttering speakers ive listened to don't address the psychological aspects beyond a tiny amount. It's important to include possible mental blocks we declutterer people often have. And then implement the ways we can effectively and sensitively work through them. I can think of several things right now, which Ive been unable to let go of until now. Successful reworking of outlook thanks to this speaker. I'm very grateful.

@eugeniaperry4278

2 ай бұрын

This mind set also comes from poverty, never having enough, or thought of it will keep you buying things just to say you can, and never use it 🙏🏾😢❤it was in my family too.

@shelynaemerald4676

2 ай бұрын

Nowadays you might as well give them away or sell it on eBay cause goodwill charges such ridiculous prices lol.

My favorite question to ask is, "how would I feel if this spontaneously combusted?' If I wouldn't be sorry (or if I'd be secretly glad) then that item should probably go.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Love this!!!!

@serendipityshopnyc

2 ай бұрын

Similarly, when in doubt about a piece of clothing, I think: if I spotted a stain or a tiny hole in this, would I be relieved to have a reason to get rid of the object, or do I love it enough to keep wearing or try to repair it? On a gut level, you know what you really love.

@andreaskye

2 ай бұрын

This is fantastic! Thank you!

@miaschu8175

2 ай бұрын

I remember feeling relief when a dish smashed as I was sorting out the kitchen (getting ready to declutter). That made me realise how much I wanted to let stuff go and made it easier to get rid of things. I still need to make another pass over the contents of my kitchen cupboards, but I'm pleased with how much I've let go and donated to charity already.

@jeanniestaller797

2 ай бұрын

I found myself envious of the people who lost their homes in the fire in a nearby town. Now what does that tell you?!

I finally decluttered only to realize that my home was still a mess because I have too many friends who are hoarders and have gotten into the habit of storing their stuff at my place. Seriously, I have entire rooms I can't use, and people refuse to get their stuff for years while expecting me to store them for free. It's actually costing me a few hundred dollars a year to cope with not being able to use entire rooms of my house. This New Year's Day I let everyone storing their trash at my house have two months' notice that I'll be disposing of it. One person got mad at me for being petty since I have such a big house, so I explained that I wasn't going to start charging them a storage fee. Another told me to sell his stuff and give him the money, but I refused to take a volunteer position when my time is already spoken for...by me. I feel much better now, and although I'm sure I'm going to hear more about it I don't see that I have any legal obligation to care anymore when they can't be bothered to care either.

@saundraandrade9019

Ай бұрын

I have a similar situation. My garage and storage room are full of all of my grown children's stuff. I like the solution you've come up with and am going to present it to my kids (27-43 yrs old)

@poonyaTara

Ай бұрын

@@saundraandrade9019 It will make you unpopular for a little while, but it demonstrates the self-respect essential for respect for others. I can tell you from personal experience, though, that children sometimes don't realize how much we're imposing on our parents. My parents responded in kind by bringing a box of my baby clothes I didn't even know was stashed at their home and giving it to me as a birthday present. My husband was ticked, but it made me happy because I realized that they understood how ridiculous the situation is. I want to enjoy their company, not be a burden.

@shaynannigans

Ай бұрын

Yes to this. My mom’s friend left a couple of boxes of stuff at my mom’s house for a decade and I was like if she hasn’t needed it by now then she doesn’t need it and it got trashed when we moved my mom.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

I firmly believe that while we help others, you also gotta do what works for you! Can't love others well if you aren't loving yourself- and getting your space functioning for you is a form of self-love.

@Lis_718BX

21 күн бұрын

Sell my things and give me the money 😂😂😂😂😂 somebody went to Costco and bought the audacity in BULK

I started watching this on my tv but came to my phone to comment. I’m about 5 minutes into the video. When you said something about your marriage, I quickly thought “oh she’s married very young” nothing too deep, just a quick thought. Then you said you’re 43 and my mind is blown! Girl what?! You barely, barely look 25! 💕💕💕

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

🥹This is too sweet, thank you so much! Yes, girl- I am grown, grown!!! 😂

@PatfromJamul

2 ай бұрын

Hi, I agree with you! I had a similar reaction to her and her appearance. I thought she MUST be very young. Then she told us her age, and I was astonished! She looks quite young and lovely. Her skin is great and her complexion is flawless. Her teeth are gorgeous, too. (I am quite jealous.)

@rosemarymccammond9899

2 ай бұрын

My first reaction was wow, this woman has it together and how beautiful she is. Look at that smile, it’s perfect. And he skin! What a beautiful soul to get to the essence of a problem and give us a pathway to solve it.

@peachy_reina

2 ай бұрын

It don't Crack! Lolol I'm 5'1, 116 lbs andmy 13 year old is more developed and taller than me (and I have 4 other children). When I tell them I'm in my 30s they're like, "Oh.." 😂😂 always thinking I'm 12 😭😭

@elayned6147

2 ай бұрын

Incredible looking woman, agreed!!

"No matter where we are in life, no matter our age, we are just in time to live the life of our dreams." I LOVE this sentiment!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!!! It’s my life affirmation! 🤗

@Hmy8799

3 ай бұрын

THIS!! Caused me to IMMEDIATELY subscribe and click on the notifications button!

@dyoung2739

2 ай бұрын

I ❤that sentiment,too

I’ve been decluttering for well over 10years. Started as merging two households into one and then purging what we don’t need, etc. I started to hardcore declutter about 5years ago when I realized I still couldn’t keep up with the house work. I’ve had two key takeaways - first I needed to find my “clutter threshold” and second, I realized I was buying things to “temporarily fill a need” instead of just buying the better item up front. So I was never truly happy with what I owned. Now I buy with intention. If I have to wait a little longer, so be it.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

This is SOO good!

@cristina9753

Ай бұрын

Yes!!!

I’m just gonna say. Birthday cards is what I love I kept now. My grandparents died and that is mainly what I have left over from them talking to me directly their handwriting and words they actually chose for me as I can feel like I can read that and have them there with me for a moment. I’d think long and hard before throwing away letters from family and people you’ll always love and miss

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Love this! Definitely don't think that things you still go back to are clutter- especially not hand written notes. Keep those memories!!! I was talking about the stuff that we have no attachment to and don't know why we're holding on to it. 💕

@tinawalker5335

2 ай бұрын

This is my weakness, I can’t get rid of cards, pictures or obituaries 😢

@user-tk8ip7hq3l

2 ай бұрын

Those are the hardest to get rid of but the photo idea is a good one as paper and ink fade with time.

@Kelly_Ben

2 ай бұрын

I wish I'd realized this... what a wonderful way to keep them close.

@sherrya.marlowe8058

2 ай бұрын

I totally get your thoughts! I took my grandmother cards and ones given to my mother and aunt by my grandmother cut the important words out and part of picture I liked and glued a collage onto an plain box from Hobby Lobby and gifted it back to them. They were amazed and grateful. Now the cards can be ‘seen’ and have a useful purpose. Cheers!

Yes!!!! My mom passed away in my late twenties. I felt like I was obligated to hold on to her things: 1- because mamaaaa!!! 😭and 2- as the only girl in the family I was expected to be the Chief Mama Memory Protector. 🙄 So it was really hard to declutter her things. ON TOP OF THE FACT that she was the family historian and the eldest daughter of the daughter! So she had her things, granny and pawpaws things, my brothers things, ALL THE THINGS! C L U T T E R - C I T Y It was hard but I made a lot of headway. Still a journey tho... Thank you so much for your videos!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's a shared bond that none of us really want to have but helps us to understand what each other is going through. Wow!!! Yes, that's a lot. Being the one who feels duty-bound to manage all of the memories is quite a heavy load. So proud that you've made some headway!!!

Doing this for my mother. She has been doing this for other people and family. She deserves an uncluttered safe space.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Awww, I love this! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

@quyenielam5058

16 күн бұрын

Very hard to do it for your parents, unless they are ready to make a change. Though, most elders don’t think clutter is not healthy 😕

I recently lost 123lbs. I’m currently in the process of moving. I just rid of a construction size bag of clothes that I really loved or never got to wear. I kept them thinking that I can tailor them, but it would basically be reconstructing a whole new garment. I had to remind myself that I now have the opportunity to enjoy the clothes that actually fit me now.

@meman6964

2 ай бұрын

I moved from size 1x, then 16, 14, now 10-12 These clothes are too good for Goodwill. Looked around at church, assistant yoyth pastor is a vit larger than I, so two shopping bags and handful of things on hangers, she'll save $$$ and I have space.

@Keentasticday

2 ай бұрын

Congratulations

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Congratulations!!! That's so inspiring! Sounds like you are enjoying a whole new life!💜

@HeronCoyote1234

Ай бұрын

I’m proud of you! I know your health is better because of what you’ve accomplished (physical and emotional).

#3 Layer is also a key to spending money wisely. Discovering how much you buy for your ideal or fantasy self but don’t actually use is a real eye opener.

@christythomson536

2 ай бұрын

I lived in St. Louis. Loved it!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness, yes- that is SUCH and eye-opener! Also made me realize I wasn't treating myself the way that I deserved. St. Louis is a fun, undercover gem!

I extend my most sincere condolences for the loss of your parents. Thank you for mentioning why you kept their belongings in storage. It has been three years since losing my mom in law. I had a very hard time parting with her things, and my late father in laws things as it was like losing them all over again or like disrespecting them by letting their belongings go. I realize it is okay to let someone else enjoy the pieces, whether furniture, knickknacks, or clothing. I also realize I have to have my own things around me, which align with who I am and not live "in someone else's house, living someone else's life." It has taken over three years to unload three storage units and to clear out my own house but I am 90 percent done and I am starting to feel like my old self again. The time it took to fuss with all the stuff was overwhelming, time consuming and depressing.

@katiejon17

3 ай бұрын

That’s a lot of loss. I lost my mother 10 years ago (I was 35 and her passing was unexpected). I found that it put things in perspective for me. If I can live without my own mother, I can live without mere possessions. It’s been a good reminder as my children get older as well, and the pull of their artwork and baby clothing feels overwhelming.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Thank you and condolences on your loss as well. 💜 The trauma of loss really does a number on our sense of reasoning. I have come to terms with that realization as well that letting their stuff go doesn't equate to letting them go. I think I always knew that mentally, but my heart/healing had to catch up with it. But it has been a weight and it's time to fully heal. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

That's such a good and healthy way to look at it! It's always amazing to me to see how differently we all process grief. 💜

@Hmy8799

3 ай бұрын

@@katiejon17wow-this is a super powerful way of thinking about things. My mind is kind of blown because I’ve listened to SO many decluttering videos/podcasts/audiobooks etc, and not a single person has ever mentioned this, which is surprising. I’m sorry for your loss, but think it’s amazing that you were able to come to what I consider a pretty profound realization, that I want to thank you for sharing x100000. I’m lucky enough to still have my parents with me, but have been struggling with clutter/overwhelm for as long as I’ve lived on my own. I’m also very ADHD, which certainly doesn’t help things-but I spent SO much time just LOOKING for things….and now I’m thinking about my parents’ ages and how that wasted time looking for things-and honestly, the time spent wasted due to the overwhelm caused by clutter (which makes cleaning much harder and a longer process!). So you’ve kind of lit me up and inspired me to be ruthless in my decluttering-which luckily I’d already planned on doing for half of today! Thanks again for sharing your wisdom!

@katiejon17

3 ай бұрын

@@Hmy8799 I’m happy it helped! I shut down my YT channel a few years ago and I’m toying with getting it back up. There’s so much discussion for all of us to have. And certainly when we choose to live minimally, our finances also improve without even trying. ❤

Girl, I just donated my dad's tuxedo a few weeks ago. He's been gone almost 25 years. I kept one of his sweaters and I use his old scissors and shears when I sew. Those things make me feel close to him. The rest didn't. My mom - I kept her nurse's cape and a housedress she used to love hanging out in. Those two things make me feel close to her, and celebrate who she was. But it takes time to realize what those few things are and pare down the rest.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Love this! It sometimes takes a while to figure out what is most valuable to us.

I’ve been saving things since 2005. I started selling all those things on eBay and Mercari during the pandemic. 400 listings and 2 garage sales later I’ve finally decluttered my life.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Woohoo!!! Congratulations!!! I imagine it feels SOOO good and freeing!

@zundrasluxury6287

Ай бұрын

I sell on all the platforms and it’s taking awhile. I decided not to go back to my bargain stores.

The taking a picture idea is a superwoman level solution. 💪 Take pictures and then print them on photo paper or regular printer paper. Put them in a photo album and write a little blurb or the story of the memory with the date of each experience. Then, you really can let go of the actual item. The memory is what is important. 🥰

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

♥️ ♥️ ♥️

@tek3freak

2 ай бұрын

Love this!

@GuidedbyHeartSong

2 ай бұрын

This. The hardest thing for me to get rid of has been my son's stuff from when he was a kid. This is going to help me break through today. Thank You! 🙏🏽💙💙💙💙💜🌎🕊️

@meman6964

2 ай бұрын

Also take before and after photo of each area as you are working on declutter.

i took a huge tub of photos, art work, certificates, documents and scanned them all and put them on an external hard drive. A lot of work, but well worth it.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

I need to do this too!!!

@cedrichotspot

2 ай бұрын

Me too, what a relief!!!!🤗

I donate to a charity called IRIS that sets up apartments for new immigrants and refugees.thinking how that blanket..towels ..chair..desk etc will help a family that has fled war famine poverty etc..makes me feel good about letting it go.these people often flee w nothing except the clothes on their back.they have nothing....and a lot of us really have too much stuff.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Oh, I love that! Thanks so much for sharing! 🫶🏽

@shawnaleewhitney6630

2 ай бұрын

Great idea! The university in my community has a program that supports young adults moving out of the foster care system and into an apartment or a dorm. They accept gently used small appliances, bedding, and furniture. I'm sure there are similar programs in other communities.

@VeeBee81

2 ай бұрын

Wish they had that in the UK.

@pwood6532

2 ай бұрын

@@VeeBee81 when my mum moved back to the uk in her 80s..she was helped by a charity that helps the wives of ww2 veterans.maybe search there..or w charities that help the elderly.I found the IRIS charity after extensivenonline search..they werent easy to find.also try churches charity or salvation army.

@HeronCoyote1234

Ай бұрын

I attended a talk at our local library, on refugees in our area. They had a list of needed items. Even though I’ve been a minimalist for a number of years, I still had items and pieces of clothing that I could donate. The coordinator of the group (this is through the state) mentioned that the Afghan women we’re welcoming are excellent seamstresses. I happened to see that Joann’s had a sale on Brother sewing machines (50% off). I just wish I could have bought more than one.

Thank you for showing your real home in its real state.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 Yes, it gets messy! That’s part of life.

Thanks for the advice. I am on a working on leveling up in life and I truly feel that my clutter is distracting and weighing me down. (Crazy but True)

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Actually, it’s not crazy at all! I actually have another few videos talking about exactly that! Best wishes as you work to get rid of the clutter!

@lucindabreeding

3 ай бұрын

Not crazy at all!

@ebonimami

3 ай бұрын

Not crazy at all. I'm currently feeling the same way.

@coleenbrugh7953

2 ай бұрын

Same!! It can feel suffocating and causes me anxiety which is my motivation to go through the tough process.

Great video! If you need a little more incentive to declutter, calculate how much of your mortgage payment is spent each month for the space taken up by clutter. Say if you have a 1800 sq. ft. house and a $2000 mortgage you are paying $1.11 per month ($2000/1800) for each sq. ft. of your home. If you have a 12 x 12 ft. room full of clutter, that is 144 sq. ft. You are paying 144 x $1.11 = about $160 a month for that cluttered up space!

@elib7311

3 ай бұрын

It’s too early in the morning for that much math 😂😂

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Oooh, I love this!!! Really puts it in perspective...and, ouch!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

😂😅

@sharondalynnewton7562

3 ай бұрын

OMG I’m thinking you must be an engineer! LOL

@donceltic4631

3 ай бұрын

@sharondalynnewton7562 Ha Ha! You caught me!

I have a craft room that is taking over my life. I can’t get into it and when I do squeeze my way in there, I can’t create anything so after I heard your video, I took an Imaginary pencil and I split the room up into six imaginary parts and I’m going to start cleaning it as soon as I press the send button and thank you for sharing how to declutter. Pray for me I’m going in.😂😂😂 11:50

@jonathannkuwi5654

Ай бұрын

Hi? Are you still alive?

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Yes, we all want to know how you made it out?!?!😂 What a brilliant way to divide up your space and start getting it in order.

@robinrice1540

12 күн бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣 yes I’m alive but I have to be honest. I cleaned one corner of the room and started a mess on the other corner of the room but I’m still alive. I’m so sad. It’s funny. I am so sad that I can’t get this room clean.🤣🤣🤣

@jonathannkuwi5654

9 күн бұрын

@@robinrice1540 😂😂

I’ve been decluttering for about 2 years. It’s been getting so much easier now. I noticed that some things are harder than others to get rid of. My weak spot is all of my office/craft supplies

@sharondalynnewton7562

3 ай бұрын

I hear you on the craft supplies! I’m a serious crafter! Have an entire room dedicated to the hobby. Nope not gonna do it! Lol

@carinenouboussi5660

3 ай бұрын

Lol, we can never have enough craft supplies...that we never use🫣😂😂

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

I, too, have a weakness for office supplies/stationary/crafts. 😂

@miaschu8175

2 ай бұрын

Same! The main improvement I've made is to stop looking at stationary and crafting supplies, even when there's a sale :)

@karenkeyes5737

18 күн бұрын

I thought I was going to need counseling to get rid of my craft supplies, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. I didn’t know about the layers then but looking back, I did go through the layers. I got rid of duplicates. I looked at what my current interest were, and got rid of items associated with crafts I no longer enjoyed or did. I got rid for old patterns with sizes that no longer fit & were outdated styles. For the sentimental stuff, I picked a spot and only allow myself to keep what would fit in the designated space. That made me decide what was really important to me. What made it easier was donating some supplies to teachers. Giving things to people that I knew would use and enjoy them. I sold some items, which put some money back in my pocket. When I start slipping, I remember my reason why, which was to make space for what I really enjoy. Now I’m realizing I need to watch the lack mentality-not wanting to throw things away because I could use it to make something. What can I say…I see treasures in trash. I own it. I just have to be mindful about that. If I’m not making anything with it…I don’t have a current project or use for it, I let it go so I don’t end up going down that rabbit hole.

Another component to this is donation. Donate the items you really can’t use that you know someone else would really love, but donate to a cause that is close to your heart for me It was donating to a local, battered women shelter, and a domestic violence, safe house, because I went through domestic violence, this gave me a sense of purpose and love.❤

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

So true. I really love this component of donating to places that mean something to you- makes it a lot easier 💜

@meman6964

2 ай бұрын

Scout troop or small private preschool would be so happy with craft supplies.

Thank you for saying with Layer 4 - there’s no set time to release items. It’s good to hear from the perspective of someone that understands that an emotional loss is the hardest to deal with when trying to declutter.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

❤️❤️❤️

Hey! Don’t forget sometimes we hang onto things for positive vibes as well! Some folks have tshirts, socks, hats, etc. that they use as memories of fun events or times where they did something memorable. BUT, they are taking up unnecessary space. 10 shirts from The Bahamas!!!! 30 pair of Christmas socks???? Come on now! Let it go. Keep 1 or 2!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Very true!!!! Thanks for that reminder. I think that could fit in happy memories (layer 2). Hmmm…thoughts?

@kenpatterson7742

3 ай бұрын

Agreed! BTW…we need to get rid of some cards!!!!! And some doggone tshirts!!!!! Grrrr. Round 4 of decluttering in the Patterson household! Kristi let’s do some things!

@miaschu8175

2 ай бұрын

I have a t-shirt that was bought on holiday 44 years ago. I could just about squeeze into it, but I would never wear it and haven't since I was a teenager. I think it's time it went to the great rag pile in the sky!

I just found your channel today. I've already listened to this post twice, and I know I will be listening to it again. My best "Aha!" moment came when I listened to Dana K White's channel, and she explained her "container" definition. definition. Your house is a container. It has a limited size and volume. Then she breaks it down even further. Each room in your house is a container. Each closet, drawer, shoebox is a container. You can only fill each container with the amount of stuff that fills that space. Whatever does not fit must find another home, be donated, or trashed. I'm paraphrasing quite a bit, but once I got that I could not just keep stuffing my containers to overflowing, it became easier to pick out what was most important to me to keep in that container. Six trashbags of clothes were, quickly, donated. It's still a slow process for me, but it's getting better and easier. Good luck to everyone going through this process.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

That is a really brilliant strategy! Thank you so much for breaking it down. Glad you found the channel! 😉

Something my DinL OFTEN says when she visits my house is, "your house is so peaceful." I believe what she's really noticing is the clean kitchen surfaces, the lack of clutter throughout & the calming effect created by having an easily maintained home. It pleases me, for her, that she has found a place of respite. ♡

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Clean is so peaceful!

Storage units are... Difficult. After my first husband died, I moved back to Kansas but was paying for storage in California until I could finally afford to go back out there and deal with it. I donated a bunch of it to Salvation Army, had somebody haul away a whole other bunch of it, shipped back about five or six large boxes of things I wanted to keep, then took the remainder to the nearest dump. It was a big 'ol pain. What I should've done was gone back, shipped what I wanted to keep, then stop paying and let the storage company auction off everything else. "But that's bad for your credit!" I can hear people saying. Eh. Is it? If you're in a stable place and it's unlikely anything will need a credit check any time soon, whatever. It rebounds eventually.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

THIS!!! 🙌🏾

@757Princess

2 ай бұрын

I always thought you could cancel the unit and they charge a ‘clean out fee’ and they make money either way.

Thanks for the "questions" to ask ourselves. We are getting ready to move soon, ourselves. When my husband and I got married, I put a tub in our utility room. I told him it was there and if there was anything he didn't want, need, like, used, or couldn't wear to put it in the bin. Once it got full I would be taking it to Goodwill. This still gave us a chance to "go back and get it" if we needed to. After 16 years, there has only been 1 time that he/I went back to get something out. He repurposed said item and is still using it today. 🙂

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

I REALLY like this idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing! Good luck on your move 😊

@mssassy1038

3 ай бұрын

@@kristidoingthings Thanks! Hope you get settled in soon to your new place.🙂

@jewelsbarbie

2 ай бұрын

I absolutely love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing it. ❤️😊

I totally relate to this I have moved between MA and SC twice in the last 5 years. I have two storage units in MA. I finally said enough is ENOUGH. I booked a flight and took off work so I can spend 2-3 days clearing out my storage and moving on. These are great tips to get me thru it. Thank you ❤

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Get it, girl!!! Love this!

Oh my gosh the husband showing up with “mmhhmm…keep turnin’ keep turnin’” caught me off guard 😂😂😂😂😂😂 he’s been waiting for that moment.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂 He's always ready for the moment! Lol!!!

@HopeFilledchats

Ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂

Great advice. I have gone through layers of cleaning our over decades. I’m almost 60. Raised 6 children. Married 20 yrs. I like what you have to say here. One category I made up was “props.” This is the delusional category. Hahahaha Things we keep for a life we don’t actually have. I had some home bread making things. I was never going to use them, but I saw myself as a home made bread maker. Lol it was this weird glass tube for long, thin loaves and some other things. I do make home made bread occasionally. A regular bread pan is fine. I didn’t need all this extra things way back when our small house was over crowded. I don’t miss it at all.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Sounds like you've made SOOO much progress! Congrats! 🤗

Whew!! The first layer is ME with mail, but I honestly fit in layers 1 thru 3. I glad I've stumbled upon this video today because I've been thinking about decluttering for a while and this my PUSH to do so!!!!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Woohoo!!! You got this!!

As a rule, I really love to declutter. Even so, I get bogged down at times (okay, pretty often lol) and then search for a thought-provoking channel to refocus. There are some good videos out there, but yours is one of the BEST I’ve seen. Thank you for explaining your concept of declutterring layers. It’s an excellent way of understanding the process. I haven’t yet looked to see if you already have, but you should definitely write a book!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Aww, thank you so much! I haven’t, but I’m loving the idea!

“This is what we’re actually working with “ 😂😂😂thank your for showing what moving really looks like !! For being real !❤. Great video !!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 Thank you!!!! Moving is UGLY!

I personally tried to change my shopping habits by instead of buying everything that i am interested in, i would take a picture of it and if i keep going back to that picture or can't stop thinking about it then i might actually buy it but it often results in me not buying it and helps me to keep my space.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Love this so much!!! Great idea!

Wow! The layers are a perfect way to describe my clutter traumas. Thank you!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

💛

@a.b.creator

2 ай бұрын

​@@kristidoingthingsI have a storage unit also..with a piano from 1930s my great grandmother gave me and I used to play flawlessly. I haven't had a house yet to put it in and I'm almost 50. I love my piano..sadly it costs me $80 a month to keep it. I really don't want to let go of it. This is my hardest decision.

Your layers make so much sense, this is my first time seeing your channel. The beginning pan with you and your husband made me laugh. My current stage of dealing with layers is the 4th layer. My father passed away 2 years ago, we had an estate sale but there were many items that the 3 of us kids wanted to keep. Some items we had no room for, so I moved them down to my work warehouse (I own a small business). This has allowed me time to get over the sentimental aspect of all these items. I have some in my home and coming to realize that some of the items I don't want and neither do my siblings. I have plenty of other things bringing nice memories and I am incorporating them into my decor. But having the place to put things has allowed me to deal with the sentimental stuff. Thank you for your clarity and sharing your journey to help the rest of us, you are a beautiful lady!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your kind words. So sorry for your loss. It can be so hard to know exactly what to do with those belongings but it's good you're finding what you want and coming to terms with what you're willing to let go. 💛

@Karina_Engr

2 ай бұрын

Same, I love the truth shot. ❤ and you’re such a cute couple.

@user-tk8ip7hq3l

2 ай бұрын

When my mother passed away at 91, my brother and I gave away her furniture and clothing to neighbors and charity. She had a 45 year old plant that my brother replanted in 4 pots and gave to siblings and cousins. Her knitted throws and some articles of clothing I made small throw pillows for my brother and grandchildren.

@airdrummer55

2 ай бұрын

What a sweet video, so practical, too. Beautiful attitude. Well done.

Great tips about getting rid of deceased family members' things. The stuff makes me feel sad and that's a great reason to simply get rid of it. Thank you! And yes, they've been gone for 20+ years now. Again, thank you so much!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Aww, you're so welcome!

@HerWanderlust

Ай бұрын

Bring the family to go through maybe? I know that I don’t need my mom to keep all my grandmothers things for me for the future- I can look through right now, and choose the heirlooms that call to me specifically. That way I have things hers that holds meaning for me as a person…and nothing more 💜

This is the best declutter video I've ever seen. The 4 layers hit it on the head.

@kristidoingthings

14 күн бұрын

I'm so glad you enjoyed and it resonated with you!!! It is literally how I think about all of my clutter now!

THIS IS GOOD. ESPECIALLY THE QUESTIONS. I TELL PEOPLE THAT DECLUTTERING IS A PROCESS THAT MUST BE DONE IN BITE SIZE PIECES OR THEY WILL GET OVERWHELMED AND STOP ALTOGETHER. MANY FEEL BAD BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT NEEDS TO BE DONE BUT THEY DON’T HAVE THE ENERGY TO DO IT. ONE MUST HAVE A STRATEGY, A TIMELINE, AND EITHER AN AUDIOBOOK OR SOME GOOD MUSIC TO SET THE ATMOSPHERE SO THEY CAN GET THAT ONE CORNER OR THAT ONE BOX DONE TODAY. THANK YOU. 😊😊😊😊😊

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Yes!!! A little bit at a time works wonders!

I am in all 4 layers. 😢😅😂🤣 I, too, have a storage unit I'm going through... it's taken me three years to get to almost done (after an unwanted divorce 😭). My son's been helping me through most of it, but most of the stuff is mine. And most of the "treasures" I saved for both my sons (things I inherited), they don't want... and I don't blame them. We can't push things on our kids. And we can't hurt ourselves with storage units that cost us money for No Good Reason. 😅 Good Lord Above. Anyway, I'm slowly but surely getting through stuff. I bring a few bins home, paw through them to make sure there's not some kind of paper I should shred or some treasure worth bazillions - 🤣 - and then I GLADLY THROW this stuff in the trash. It feels GREAT. I was donating it before, but that was adding another step, and I decided that I don't have time for that either - besides, I don't need to make the CEOs at Goodwill rich on my dime, because we know they Don't pay their employees enough - so I'm fine with tossing my stuff, new or used, I Don't Care. It makes me feel free and happy. Thanks for your encouragement, my dear. I am subscribed! 💐🙏🏽🤗🥰

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! I’m so glad you’re here! ❤️❤️❤️ Storage has eaten up thousands of my dollars 🤦🏽‍♀️ Sounds like you are working your way through things! It’s a process but so worth it. (I am also a firm believer of throwing things away. I love donating but if it’s gonna stay in my home too long, I’d rather just get rid of it by any means necessary.)

Those are good questions to help make the decision about what to keep and what to let go. Something that helped me to see things differently was to ask myself if I was selflishly keeping something that someone else would find to be a blessing to have in their home.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Ooh, that’s a really good question!

I've had the same issue with my mom's stuff since she's passed. It feels like you're letting go of her memory. I've slowly been learning objects are not memories, the life we had with her is. So our basements have been cluttered for years. And all it does is make me sad, still to this day, seeing her life in boxes. It's basically ruining her memory for me. It's been a huge process to get through.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

So glad to hear that you’re coming to terms with how to best hold on to her memory in a way that doesn’t overcrowd your home 🫶🏽

Thank you for this. I’m definitely a stage two hoarder and working on clearing out my house. I actually now love throwing stuff away. I just have a whole lot of stuff so it takes time but I’m on my way.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Proud of you!!!! Starting is the hardest part.

I love how you describe the emotional feelings of why we keep stuff on a deeper level than the “ use keep donate” philosophy.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Thank you. I realized that for me there was an emotional component to it and I needed to figure out "why" I was feeling so attached to things.

I am in the “WTF was I thinking?!” stage. No joke. When I get mad and disgusted with myself, I purge … A LOT. I literally drop off donations to Goodwill at least once a week. I stay out of stores & “shop” at home. I have saved soo much money doing so. I now HATE accumulating objects and LOVE empty spaces & GROWING savings. How my mind has changed!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

LOL!!! I'm loving this stage you've added! Once you start and are serious about it, it really changes your whole mindset.

Oh my days, your manic laugh when you're panning around your place - I lost it! Laughed with you. Good on you for showing this and sharing your techniques.

I LOVE your layers!!! GREAT explanations of each!!! For layer 4, I recommend if people have multiple items from a past away loved one(s) they are trying to declutter. Think of the memories the items bring up. Every life has its ups AND downs. So only keep a few of the items that bring up the VERY BEST memories of your loved one! The Minimal Mom had a vid on KZread where she explained how she had these dolls as a child and she loved keeping them in pristine condition. Whenever her younger cousins came over she got anxious about some of her dolls bc of how they played with their own dolls, and wanted to hide them. Then as an adult, her mother 1 day suddenly brought her the bin of all her childhood dolls for her own girls. She looked at them and the happy memories were there as well as the anxious feelings about her cousins ruining them. Instead of giving them to her girls, she decided that she didn't want to see them in her house and think of those anxiety thoughts all the time whenever she see she kids playing with them, so she donated them to charity! Much like my story of a person who broke into my house while I was sleeping...(long story cut out)... I never wanted to see that same bedroom again. I changed my entire bedroom from blue & green plaid to pink and white. I even got rid of my side table. And the old bed set? I brought it to an animal shelter in a different city than the one that I volunteered at (just to make sure that I would never see it again!)

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

I love that! Keeping the very best memories!!! So often we only remember the good things and don't realize why we have mixed feelings about an item.

Mail is the biggest clutter for me. It took two days to shred all of this stuff lol.😂

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

I have been there!!! At one point I had BOXES of it. My husband rolled his eyes at me so many times as he helped me shred it. 😂😂😂

💖 your approach for layer 4. I help a lot of people declutter, and I usually have them put together 1 or 2 clear bins, which I call "memory bins." the goal of these bins is to put in all the memories that don't have a place in your house decor, and once a year, you pull them out and enjoy and relive those memories. This forces a limit on what one can keep - only those memories that are most important and ensures that the person actually revisits the items. Some people need tactile memories, and that is what the bins are for. If folks don't need tactile memories, I recommend they follow your advice on taking a picture and letting the item go. there are many people out there who will treasure that item, display, and enjoy it, and not keep it in a box.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

This is sooo true! Thanks for sharing from your expertise!!! I know your clients find it so helpful. 🤗❤️

I don’t know why this came across my feed. Think God is trying to tell me something.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

He might be...💜

@Mochafairiemonster

Ай бұрын

I KNOW God is telling me something and now it’s time to be obedient 😅

@shaycampbell1597

Ай бұрын

Same here🥴

@loveli210

23 күн бұрын

You too huh‼️🤣🫶🏽🙏🏽

@heathergardner3095

15 күн бұрын

Same. Lots of great advice.

I like how this factors in emotional intelligence. Great video, thanks for the helpful tips.

@kristidoingthings

14 күн бұрын

Yes it does. I really think many times we have to know and understand the "why" behind things in order to change.

Hi .For the storage unit that u have with all your family items. I would suggest that u think of the good memories u had and pick out 5 items that bring back those memories from all those items. Frame the items if they small or designate a memory wall to it if they bigger. When u have the items that bring back the good memories it will easier to part with the rest. Good luck

@juliemarshall7458

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this! ❤

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, this is great advice!!! 💜

Her husband, "Keep turning, keep turning." LOL.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

😂😂😂

i got so overwhelmed i got depressed and stopped my journey of decluttering which compounded it. Thanks for talking about the fourth layer , the heart. ,this explains why moving or geting rid of thing that were m y mom's was so very hard while onlookers kept saying you need ot get rid of all that. It felt like someone was ripping my heart out

@kristidoingthings

15 күн бұрын

Aww, I completely understand. It's incredibly painful when it feels like that is all we have left of our loved one. You'll know when it's time. 💜

Yes, free shredding days!! We have these every now and again, they are so helpful! Free! Great video!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

The best thing ever!!! Thank you much. 😊

You're SO RELATABLE! Thank you so much for validating the feelings and actions I've kept private all these decades. What a relief!!! ❤

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

So glad it’s been helpful!!! You are not alone ❤️

I’ve pretty much always maintained a fairly clutter free life as an adult, and much more now, because I grew up in a household with too much stuff and I did not want to live that way. Moving is stressful but has always been a great time to let go of items that no longer serve me or the house to which I am moving to. Less material things equal more freedom to live and be happy, and I love an aesthetically pleasing environment, clutter free, full of space, natural materials, lots of natural light, and big windows with sweeping views of nature. That, and travel are what we invest in.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Love this! My hubby is the same way which I am SO thankful for. I'm sure you're a great influence on the cluttery people in your life. And big windows with natural light- so my jam!!!🤗

A big yes to decluttering being a layered process. I got rid of 400 books when I moved a few years ago, and kept probably the same amount. I make jewelry and many of my friends do also, so I had A LOT. A few months ago I went through my jewelry and got rid of 20 pairs of earrings, several bracelets. I still had 100 pair of earrings. Just the other night I went ahead and got rid of 7 more pair of earrings that I just could not part with last time. I also passed 20 books on to a family member. I'm trying to make a commitment to myself to keep going and keep revisiting. It was hard to get started because honestly the way I store and display my items was so organized that everything appeared as if it served a purpose. 😂

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

lol!!! I totally feel you with the “things look organized”- I feel like I’m the queen of that 🤣

Hi Kristi! I subbed right away when you said your background was fake and you showed the real deal 😂 I related to that so much. All of these decluttering "layers" haunt me but I am learning to let go fast and furiously as I get older. Truth is... we don't ever think about nor miss the things we declutter. 💯💯💯

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Hahaha!!! It was such a mess! And you are so right. We don't miss the things, but get so scared to let it go. My new saying to myself is "I don't need this!" (I mean unless, of course, I do. 😂 But I usually don't.)

I've been in my house for 23 years, from 45 to 68 years old. I have been through many changes in lifestyle in those years and being in 1 place for so long the clutter has just added up. Time to clear the cutter! Thanks for you help!!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

you can do this!!! 💜💜💜

"Would I buy this again today?" Brilliant! I've been seriously decluttering for around two years and that simple question is going to help with my next pass over the house. Also "What action am I taking to use this?" I love that simple idea of holding myself accountable for making something functional in my home. Thank you ❤

@kristidoingthings

27 күн бұрын

Oh, good!!! 🤗 I’m so happy that feels looks something that will take things to the next level for you! It’s helped me to detach from the emotion of “stuff”.

I struggled with decluttering all my life. Nothing seemed to help. Until one day, when I just realized what I had was an unhealthy attachment to... useless stuff. To be honest, it was almost like a spiritual awakening. Why was I so attached to all that stuff? It was worthless and I always wasted energy trying to organize it, to find new ways of storing it. I was a slave to my own junk. Useless, insignificant objects that I couldn't throw away because I was too emotionally tied to. For example, I had so so many things from my grandparents who passed away. Why did I need so many of them? Were my memories of them depending on objects? Would giving up that stuff mean I would forget they ever existed? Obviously not. So I ended up only keeping my grandma's earrings and grandpa's mug. That's it. I had tons of newspapers and magazines that I kept with the intention of using in my DIY projects, but I never got the time to actually do those projects. I kept telling myself I HAVE to keep them and use them somehow because it's recycling and it's a good thing. It actually added a lot of pressure on me because every day I saw them was another day I would blame myself for not DIYing. Sooo toxic. Eventually I just gave them to a recycling company. It's still recycling, I don't have to do the entire process myself. It's honestly the best feeling ever. To finally understand that stuff is just stuff, unimportant, and I am above it. I am the one that matters.

@betsychavez2914

2 ай бұрын

So helpful tome, thank you.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

How freeing to no longer be a slave to "stuff". It's amazing how when we finally let go, we realize how much these things that we thought were so vital were actually only serving to hold us back- plus we don't even miss them when they're gone. Yes, you are the one that matters! So happy for you!!!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

To me too!

You hit me in the heart at 4:32 because I can totally relate. I am doing that same thing!!! My mom passed away in 2008…I know I know. And I cannot bring myself to throw somd stuff away.

@krystalTiger

2 ай бұрын

Hear you!! I’m literally watching these coz I need to start removing my beloved Mum’s things, lost her 2020, and it’s freaking me out and ripping me up!!! How is it not cruel to pull apart what she spent 45 years collecting 🥺😭😭

@positivechic1463

2 ай бұрын

@@krystalTiger I hear ya!!! My mom’s purse still in my closet. I can’t bring myself to throw it away….i feel like I’m throwing her away😩😩😩

@krystalTiger

2 ай бұрын

@@positivechic1463 yes!!!!!!! Same. I haven’t even touched her underwear drawers, clothes, have her handbag, office and art. Nearly everything where she left it. And now my Dad is very ill and I need to move home and I can’t fit unless I start sorting her things and I’m freaking out!! 🥺😭😭😭😭😭. Everything has its place and her colour coordination and setup - but it doesn’t fit my needs or suit my taste, but it feels like a hug from her when I’m around it. It’s sooooooooo hard!!!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Aww...yeah, it is SOOO hard. 💜 But we do have to eventually determine what to keep and what to realize doesn't actually move us in the direction we want to go. But that doesn't make it easy.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Awww, I definitely feel you! Your loss is still so fresh. I'm sorry for your loss and for the pain you're feeling. Sending you so much love! 💜💜💜

I like having a memory bin. The bin is the limit to how much stuff I can keep and if I want to add something to the bin and there isn't room, I have to let go of something else. Because not everything that is sentimental is something that you want to display or use. I have things like my first baby doll, my grad cap and gold cord, my wedding dress, my son's first sleeper, etc. (my wedding dress was not big and poofy, and I'm not worried about it staying in perfect condition, we've been doing anniversary pictures while I'm wearing it every 5 years and it's held up fine so far)

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Love this idea! I’ve been thinking of doing that for my memories.

I think this video is a nudge I need to finish what I started. I've been prone to saving stuff for "the future", but after the past four years of dealing with my dad's estate, which turned out to be multi-generational stuff, we are beginning our own decluttering journey. His estate gaught me a lot about what is important to save and what is not, but I could trace his personal roadblocks to "dealing with" stuff as the periods of deep grief and loss of loved ones. I could also see periods when he started functioning again while going through paperwork that became organized and neatly filed. Going through all the stuff of three generations as we cleaned, sorted, donated, sold, and tossed taught me that the kindest thing I can do for my kids is to not make them go through the same thing. My final project on his estate will be to scan and digitize all the family photos and hand them out on flash drives along with any of the family memoirs. Now I can look around at my own belongings and see them with less of a nostalgic haze. I am keeping a few items of my relatives' to remind me of their lives and replace items I've outgrown. Watching your video, I realized you have perfectly framed the questions we need to ask as we (my hubby and I) embark on our next adventure of renovating our own home! Thank you for your lovely video!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Wow!!! What a profound way to think about your things and the legacy you want to leave your kids. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

I lost one grandparent in high school. My mom kept her house as is for ten years not cleaning it out and then she passed away (was a hoarder) since 2019 I’ve been selling and donating her stuff and my grandma’s. Then my dad’s mom passed in 2020 and it’s been another four years of getting rid of things and sorting through two estates so glad we’re at the tail end of it :)

@kristidoingthings

8 күн бұрын

Wow!!! You've gone through and gotten through a lot!!! I am sure it feels like a weight lifted to have sorted through most of those items. Hopefully you kept a few sentimental ones. 💛

Ma’am you hit the nail on the head with describing the layers. This is exactly what I think of the items I want so desperately to get rid of. I am going to use your suggestions , because I never thought of it like this. I am sure this is going to help me so much to get rid of STUFF. Thank you so much for making and sharing this video. 😊

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

So glad it’s helpful!!! It’s definitely helped me!

I love your calming vibes. Please do a, 'lets clean together video!' 🫶😀

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! And thanks for the video idea!!!

I watched so many decluttering videos and yours just sinks in differently. Thank you for sharing. Your authenticity feels very comfortably.

@kristidoingthings

15 күн бұрын

Aww, thank you so much! I am very glad that you enjoyed and that it translated well. I am not a decluttering channel but I really thought the mental/emotional process of this journey for me needed to be shared.

@ptiteours

13 күн бұрын

@@kristidoingthings And that is what helped me and what I needed, your focus on the mental and emotional process. That is the root which led to the clutter. 🙏💛

It's so hard to say goodbye layer is me. I was literally decluttering my closet as your videos played and this one came on. I was taking my moms🙏🏽things from our primary bedroom closet to another closet in our home. Wheew!!! This one is big hard. Thank you for making me think deeper about this.

@kristidoingthings

15 күн бұрын

Big hard!!! Yes it is. You are so welcome, and I am so sorry for your loss. You'll know when it's the right time for you to fully let go. 💜

When things belonged to your parents ( esp clothes and personal items) who have passed away, I realised that those things were not my parents, so I cld toss them, I kept a few special things. And never make the mistake of putting your parents stuff in paid for storage, you will still be paying for it in many years time rather than make the decisions.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Amen to all of that!!!

I love your energy and relatability! Keep it up gurl!❤. Ok hold up! I just got to the part about your parent’s stuff!! My mom passed when I was in my 20s, my dad in my 40s, my office is literally cluttered with ALL of their stuff?!!! IDK what to do with it!! I love it! Some of it is literal treasure!! I’m trying to clean up!! Thank you for this post! Very timely

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! 😊

My layer is It’s so hard to say goodbye. I have dozens of books, craft and toys I accumulated over 10 yrs (and counting) of homeschooling my kids. But i found the perfect solution. I posted items for sale. Periodically, I cut the price if not sold. Once it gets to 75%, I wait 1 month and then donate the item. I started in December with the toys, im now looking at a whole box that will probably go to donation and i feel justt as excited. Im also finally using all the storage containers i accumulated, arranging and rearranging TO FIT THE NEED OF MY FAMILY❤.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

This is brilliant!!! Thank you for sharing!

After losing 6 much loved family members & a bff in ~5 years I was struggling with decluttering both their things & mine. I’d gone into therapy & she told me it would be natural & healthy to feel any & all emotions. That really helped a lot. I found myself laughing, crying, reminiscing. Also I did 1 person at a time & it took multiple rounds before I was done. Allow yourself to feel all emotions, they’re all valid & it helps with the healing process. Blessings on you all whether you’re organizing or saying goodbyes to memories of loved ones. The digital memories is a great idea that I’m gonna go back & do it since I don’t think I’ve ever thrown away a card given to me.✨

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

Wow...that's such a lot of loss in a short amount of time. Your story is such an encouragement to me. Thank you so much for sharing- I genuinely appreciate it. 💜💜💜

@btay4322

2 ай бұрын

@@kristidoingthings Thank you so much, some of them were old (that doesn’t make it less painful though), but it was the young ones that just knocked me down so hard, a drug overdose, younger people dying of Covid, my bff had had Covid, had still not fully recovered and her Dr pushed her into having a minor same day surgery, sent her home, there were complications and her husband said she knew she was dying. That’s so painful bc she was so scared to have the surgery. But life does go on and we celebrate them. The best advice I got about grieving is “Grief is not linear; it does not come in stages, a common misconception. It's unique to the individual.” So don’t let those books tell you that you go through 5 steps and you’re done. You’ll know when you’re healing. It feels really good to give away their good clothes, jewelry etc to the domestic violence shelter and see these women starting all over again with really nice clothes and accessories. My bff would absolutely love that. Acts of service really seem to help with the healing process. Take good care of yourself and your loved ones.✨

@judylerner2806

17 күн бұрын

So sorry for your loss. I'm 80 now & paying over $600 a mo. on 2 storage units. No More family just me. 3 generations of Really Good things. Dealing w/health problems & do not ALWAYS trust drs for good reason. I have had bad experiences w/"organizers". Beware. I have someone coming to help this wk & must emphasize I must do things my way, carefully. I need to downsize, move-I live 47 yrs rent stabilized but 3 flights of stairs-getting harder. I hate what the so-called organizers did & wish them no good! One person (my lawyer's daughter) was great-helped me until she got a real job & had to leave. Forget "Goodwill" only goodwill they have is for the CEO. I liked the Salvation Army. Anyway, much to do before I die. Arthritis has taken over & I know I need several operation. Already had hip replacement that didn't work so well. I've had to cancel an upcoming trip b/c of an operation-so disappointed. I sound really old but don't look it-keep myself in shape. I just hurt a lot, used to be strong. Got an A/C off the shelf, into my car, across the parking lot, up 3 flights ( rolled it) & in my window on the hottest day of the year years ago. I'm 4'11" 94lbs. Had a lot of strength. No More. Hoping to make things better!

@btay4322

16 күн бұрын

@@judylerner2806 You sound like you’re in great mental and physical shape! Don’t let the organizers run over you, you tell them it’s your things and to be mindful of them. I wish you the best. Ps. I woke up one morning and felt a shift and everything was changed, I packed it up, one room at a time and was done within a week. I also reread my comment and 1) I’m not a hoarder😂 and 2) those family members didn’t live with me. I was told by a therapist it’s important to go through everything and whatever we feel is valid but we also have to take action or it becomes a tangible or mental burden. And now that it’s all donated and given to people who can use them (and I threw away all but the most important cards) I feel lighter, freer. I wish you the best on your journey and just remember-it’s things that have value to us but if you should try to sell them, they have very little intrinsic value -unless you’ve got a Picasso someone kept!♥️

I live in STL too! This city is so underrated. Hope you're enjoying this bipolar weather that we're having lol .

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Hey hey!!!! Yes, there’s so much to do. And no, not loving the bipolar weather- please make a choice!!! 🤣

@danas3148

3 ай бұрын

Love STL! Hopefully getting up there soon to see my Cards ❤ and always going Spaghetti factory among other places!

Iv been decluttering I think 4 years now. We have a two bed two bath apt and for about 4 ish years me and my daughter slept on the couch because her room always ended up being the dumping ground no matter how many times I’d organize it. And now because Iv been decluttering and changing my mind set to less is more. Because I love projects weather it’s painting or cute crafts or I even have done furniture but I’d be all over the place and not finish most projects and now they give me anxiety just thinking about it. But I do want to paint my walls lol 😂 so rn I think I’m in the find a home for the stuff I maintain daily because if I can’t find a home for it and I don’t truly need it then I get rid of it.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Now that we have moved we are in the position to find space for the things we actually DO want to keep. It is SUCH a process! 😅

@nicolejones5790

2 ай бұрын

@@kristidoingthings oh I bet! Lol I always find myself moving stuff around trying to find what works for us once something is just not working right anymore. My husband loves it haha NOT!

You are the 1st declutter to PRECISELY identify my struggle. I am a master organizer. I can enter any room, closet, or garage overflowing with disordered piles of things, literally floor to ceiling, and put it in orderly intuitively labeled organizers - but my OWN treasures? …they’ve been hanging around. You spoke to my needs. I subscribed!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Aww, so glad you’re here and that it helped! I truly believe we have to understand why we do things to get to the root of it. I was re-reading your comment and thought about how I am also a really good organizer. I had so much less perfectly tucked away, and home so clean, but I knew there was stuff that needed hanging and could feel the weight of it. Best of luck as you continue your journey!

Hi Kristi. I just found your channel today. I've been on a decluttering journey for quite a few years and I think I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The past two weeks I have been pulling tons of things out of closets and the attic and I am having a yard sale this weekend with my step-daughter. I am 54 and for the past 18 years I have been lugging around the country not only my things but my deceased parents belongings. Items that I used to consider as "treasures" while dealing with grief have now become a burden. I also live in a much smaller home and there just isn't room for a lot of these items and I am a completely different person than I was all those years ago. I felt a little stuck and emotional today and needed some fresh new inspiration. I searched for decluttering videos and found you. You hit on a lot of topics that really resonated with me. My little home is a disaster right now with all of the things my husband and I are hauling to the yard sale Saturday but I am seeing how it's going to be so much more spacious and clean. I could go on and on about this journey but I'll just say thank you for your video and I just subscribed!

Thank you for the inspiration, I'm now going through the stack of mail that's been sitting on my desk for way to long ! And I love your decluttering questions, very helpful.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

The MAIL!!!! Lol! Glad to know I'm not alone. So glad you found it helpful!!! 💛

Kristi, I am verry happy that your channel is growing! I discovered you about 2 weeks ago and you had about 8.000 subscribers and now you have over 9.000! Keep going you have such great and meaningful videos! ❤️🙏

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

thank you so much!!! I am really excited to see it moving and know that people are finding the content helpful!

I tried to invite my son to go to an arts and crafts fair with me last weekend and he was like mom just say no! No more chachky! I’m a sucker for knickknacks. 😂

@kristidoingthings

27 күн бұрын

Hahaha!!!! I guess the real question now is “did you still go?!”

I love your questions of "how does this make me feel" and "why have I kept this" because if something doesn't make you feel good but you've held on to it, it can be tremendously revealing and healing when you process those internal thoughts and emotions ❤️ I also agree about recognizing whether or not it feels like the right time to part with things. If you're in a position to let some time pass until you do feel confident in letting go, it can be so empowering and healing. Sometimes, for various reasons, you have to part with things before you really want to. In those cases, what has helped me when I'm worried about whether a sentimental item will be fully appreciated is giving it away on Buy Nothing or community giving groups. This path allows you not only to tell the story behind it as a way of saying goodbye, but it often also let's you experience the excitement of the person receiving it ☺️

@kristidoingthings

8 күн бұрын

Really analyzing what the clutter is doing to us I feel has helped me to more critically evaluate why I'm placing so much importance on these "things".

@Jessica_Jones

7 күн бұрын

@@kristidoingthings absolutely!

I love your attitude. Thank you for hitting on the reasons we keep stuff. Loved the whole video.

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

thank you so much!!! So happy you enjoyed it! 🤗

I love the investigative questions, and giving deadlines to use the items. This helps me even more with my decluttering project. I am excited to jump back in. Thank you so much for this video!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

🤗 Yay! I am so, so glad that you found it helpful!

“I will make sure this doesn’t BECOME clutter by…” LOVE it I work from home now & now i have to actively wear my clothes & jewlry but also acknowledge some stuff i don’t need anymore

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

It’s so easy to have the same outfits on rotation when we work from home!

“Where I am in my life, would I buy this? I LOVE that!! I’m in the process of moving and needed this.

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

So happy that it helped! ❤️

Thank you for this next motivation! I’m thinking of tossing some (non valuable) things I’ve supposedly put on the side to take to Goodwill: for months now. At this rate it’s never going to get there, anyway.

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

This definitely hits home. I used to be so guilty of keeping stuff in my car or closet for MONTHS to give to goodwill before eventually putting it back in my closet 🤣

@tngirlz4622

3 ай бұрын

In Canada various charities will pick up donations from your home - the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Kidney Foundation, and in some areas, the Salvation Army. There are probably charities that would in the States, too - maybe Google it and see what comes up. If you get on their ‘regulars’ list, they phone and say, “Our truck will be in your area on such and such a day, do you have anything to donate?” Then you put it out by 8am, they pick it up some time during the day, and it’s not your problem anymore! There are also big metal donation boxes in grocery store parking lots - they don’t take everything at the donation boxes, though. I know exactly what you mean - I would drive around with stuff in my car for MONTHS, then take it out because we needed to pack the car for a trip. 😁

@babygurl794

3 ай бұрын

What I’ve learned to do with that is I start a bag and whatever goes in the bag goes out the door to goodwill by the end of the day….I had to do this otherwise the goodwill bag would just sit there

This video was so helpful for me! So many decluttering videos recycle the same advice and it seemed like it worked for lots of people but not for me. I think the difference with your recommendations is that they aren’t yes/no questions. Your questions make you think and reflect more deeply and that has really helped me reframe things and better understand my reluctance to let things go. Thank you thank you!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

aww, this makes me really happy to hear! For most things in life we have to figure out what works/doesn't work for us.

OMG! Your explanation/plan of action when decluttering… by using “layers” makes more sense than any other!!! Plus, usually it is kind of like peeling the layers away of “stuff” before we can get to the core!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Awww, so glad it was helpful and made sense to you!

That made a whole lot more sense than “does it spark joy”!

@kristidoingthings

2 ай бұрын

That may be enough for some people. But I always need to know "why am i like this?!?!" LOL! Glad you enjoyed 💜

I hear you about the mail!!!! Mail has been my downfall!😂😂😂

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 My husband has to force me to deal with the mail!!!

@godwins7778

3 ай бұрын

A secret I learned along time ago. Don’t bring it inside unless it’s a bill or of importance. All the junk mail/ads throw right into the outside trash cans before coming in.

This is right on time for me. Also, I appreciate how well-produced this video is. You really DID that, Ms Kristi. Thanks!

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Aww, thank you so much!!! 🤗 Happy to hear that you enjoyed!

I love this video! I've been working on decluttering....started with the garage. I let my husband do this.. My kids are 9 and 7. Throwing away their baby items is so hard! I had to walk away. Next thing, my kids went through their own dressers and closets..I just gave them the keep or donate pile directions and walked away. They did great. My next goal is my own closet and dresser. Im in the 3rd layer with this.

@kristidoingthings

8 күн бұрын

Sounds like you've come up with a really good system for yourself!!! Hmm...maybe you can let your hubby and kids help with some of the closet stuff too...???

I was scrolling minding my business and came across this video…and the way this message blessed me….plus I thought I’ve been doing a deep cleaning and I’m “decluttering” 😂…over and over God makes a way as he has used you as a vessel for me to get passed layer 1 with this mail and layer 4 thinking “I’ll need this one day for a day that will never happen! 😂…I said all that to say, thank you…!!!!

@kristidoingthings

Ай бұрын

Aww, this is so kind! So glad that it was a blessing to you. 💜

These are Helpful thoughts as I progress through the Layers and actually that concept makes my struggle make sense. Today I had high hopes of getting to two areas I have been wanting to finish conquering (oh I hear the perfectionism problem in that word 🙃) for months - but alas I spent all day resetting other areas. Tomorrow’s forecast looks Hopeful- Will try these questions ❤

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Were you able to get to it?!

@jodi578

3 ай бұрын

@@kristidoingthings You are Totally Sweet for checking in on me ♥️…For me God has been Calling me to Much Prayer for our Nation - so again this is my Need to manage less stuff…I have reset areas and Have Much Ideal Peace when I enter those spaces ( but those Hubs of Foolishness are still trying to stare at me). We are Entering a New Season so I am Hopeful to discard, discard when I get to it - but I have to Share one Thing that I think has A Lot to do with the Problem. As I was considering my projects…I asked the Lord, What’s the Big Deal on this why Such a Block - You will be Wowed by what He said, He brought to remembrance a shirt I was given when my Father passed ( it was sort of like an Outdoor Concert Shirt with signatures etc. - the concert was held on my Grandfathers old farm that’s why my Dad went.) Anyway God led me straight to the shirt amongst the stuff…it was almost as if I put my hand in and pulled it out easily). On it was Poseidon ( a False God), I had overlooked it when I received it…Gone went the False Idol - God is Honored! I Feel now that I will be able to get to that Space - It is Absolutely ridiculous that that was even part of the artwork. Thank you for the Accountability…It’s Helping ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Sis. I had to stop and pause at 1:14 because OMG you got me with that beautiful background and congratulations on your new move. Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency with your decluttering journey🥳

@kristidoingthings

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Girl, I couldn't record the WHOLE video in front of my packing mess 😂😂