We spend the first half of our lives collecting stuff and the second half getting rid of it all. What you own, owns you. Life is so much brighter and lighter when you are free from clutter.

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

What you own owns you. Very powerful words.

@mikea.4477

11 ай бұрын

I’m learning this lesson at 40! Americans collect way too much crap smh.

@TallyDrake

11 ай бұрын

Well said!

@jenn9579

11 ай бұрын

So true! But that is the cycle of life.

@timdowney6721

11 ай бұрын

@@jenn9579Only if you choose that cycle. Ask yourself how you come to believe you need something. More often than not, it’s because someone else (real person or advertisement persona) has it. “You” doesn’t mean you, personally. Almost all of us do it…..like good little followers of the American Dream.

Nothing wrong with being 65 in your parent’s basement. I’m right there with you. After my divorce, I got a house with a full finished basement where my oldest daughter lived until she married. Mom got Alzheimer’s - my parents had a larger house that was getting too much for my dad to handle while caring for mom. I asked them to move in with me and I took the “basement.” Mom passed a few years ago and now my dad (who is 91) is on the main floor and I’m downstairs. It’s a perfect situation for both of us and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

@W124phreak

11 ай бұрын

Good for you. Caring for a loved one with Dementia is hard. ❤😢

@MrSatyre1

11 ай бұрын

I just sold my place and moved my recently disabled mom out of her multi level home of 42 years, helped her buy a smaller, simpler place, and moved in with her to look after her.

@legalbeagle295

10 ай бұрын

Bless you

@dondouglas1321

10 ай бұрын

My hero.

@Kalanimauimusic

10 ай бұрын

Quality time with loved ones--priceless.

I really like that term essentialism instead of minimalism. I could get on board with that

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

😊

@dee1458

3 ай бұрын

Agreed. A term more people can relate to, that is more realistic, pragmatic, practical and purposeful, that is not a compromise, and that doesn't evoke a bare bones bland room, with just 3 items in it, for the "minimal" sake of it.

I retired, and then my husband passed away. I was left with all of this to clear out. My son even said to me, "Please don't leave me your house and all this stuff, I wouldn't know what to do with it!" Got me thinking. Our kids don't want our knickknacks, our furniture, our dishes. There are not enough lifetimes to go thru all of this. It literally made me panic. I started the process of what you are doing. Thanks for this video.

@TheNewRetiredMe

6 ай бұрын

My condolences on the loss of your husband. ❤️

@jorgemendes1484

4 ай бұрын

swedish dead cleaning

@wolfgirl13555

3 ай бұрын

I lost my husband 11 years ago. We were both young and had just bought a house and didn’t get a chance to unpack because we wanted new flooring and I have a lot of inherited china. So here I am … 11 years later and I still haven’t been through all of the boxes! I wish that I had done it even 9 years ago. Now I’m living alone and don’t have any room!

@jimmyharrison7251

2 ай бұрын

My son told me the same thing !!! He said get rid of it !!! But I don’t want to, but I’m not taking it with me either !!!

@turtleanton6539

2 ай бұрын

​@@jorgemendes1484yrs

You haven’t lost your mind. You’ve found it ❤

@patrickbodine1300

11 ай бұрын

Of all the things that I have lost, I miss my mind the most.

@Anastashya

11 ай бұрын

@@patrickbodine1300 By your reply, it’s quite obvious you have not! However, your humor is enjoyable 🤭

@mikemcgeary2638

11 ай бұрын

The word “minimalism “ never sat well with me, but “essentials “ feels right. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to see the room makeover. Marie

@alessandraferrara240

11 ай бұрын

Very refreshing

@cynthiaennis3107

11 ай бұрын

@@mikemcgeary2638same here...I hate that word! It usually means all straight furniture with no character, also. And not even essentials!

So refreshing to watch a gentleman of a certain age talk about “stuff”! You are a natural to the camera.

@barbarakelly1916

11 ай бұрын

As a semi-retired educator and professional speaker, i agree. You have a relaxed, friendly, and clear presentation style... doing as my editor advised me to do: " keep it light, bright and tight". I had not thought of a variation on minimalism ...essentialism. Bravo! to you for suggesting a philosophy that works for me. (and probably for many others ). I'm off, to start living the lifestyle that expresses who I am NOW.

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

Thank you both for your kind words!

@tdustonpcd5762

11 ай бұрын

I agree fully!!

@jacquelinemcgowan8164

11 ай бұрын

Hi there, thankyou for sharing, plse can you tell me why you are storing things else where, to me thats just shufflings around from one spot to another, i have found the more furniture ie cupboards and boxes the more you feel the need to fill them, its crazy and greedy, i need to declutter again. I went too far and felt i was eliminating my life, my daughter passed away 4 months ago and her take on life was, experiences over possessions, one smart girl.❤❤❤❤❤

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

@@jacquelinemcgowan8164 They are only being moved temporarily while I decide if I’m keeping the bed or changing it. Trying to keep it all together until then. Thank you for watching!

You didn't lose your mind. I had several aha moments when I pulled out EVERYTHING from one category, makeup, toiletries, clothes, and piled them up. After I got over the embarrassment, realizing how much money I wasted, I pulled out the expired things and trashed several hundreds of dollars worth of products, then I went through the rest and realized that I had more stuff than I could ever use in the next 5 years minimum. I donated a lot to my housekeeper. The most important thing I did though, was to STOP SHOPPING. And every time I thought I needed more organizers, I went instead through my things and thinned out the stuff. It feels really good. I still have too much stuff, but it's a process. I'm working on it.

@danzbutrfly

5 ай бұрын

Thank God I am not the only one who feels terribbly embarrassed by all the hundreds of dollars I spent on crap and have to declutter it all....hundreds of dollars or products for all and everything....I fall for the advertisements.

@akontarini

5 ай бұрын

@@danzbutrfly best part, now you know...good on you!

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

😊

@aprilbaxter2578

23 күн бұрын

This is where I'm at. Mom lived with me until she died, and there is a lot of stuff she had that I just can't, and don't want to trash. She was dirt poor growing up, so her possessions, what few they are, whether they are junk or not, meant so much to her. I don't know how to get past the feeling that if I throw her things away, I'm throwing who she was away, and forgetting her. I loved Mom so much, and I didn't say it often enough. There were rough times at the end. She was bedridden due to a mistake at the hospital. She spent the last five years in bed, and died at 93 years old. I miss her terribly.

Boy, did that sound familiar! I will have to say, however, that my wife is the primary reason we have so much "stuff." She has a hard time getting rid of anything. I also retired when I was 65, and now I am 75 and still covered up in "stuff." When I retired, I decided to learn how to go about selling things online. After watching many hours of KZread videos, to learn about reselling, I opened an eBay store and started listing things. Over the past several years I have sold several thousand dollars worth of "stuff," and I contribute all of my profit to various conservation and environmental education projects. So...we still have WAY TO MUCH STUFF, but now we call it inventory. LOL

I love the idea of “essentialism” even more than “minimalism”. Thank you for sharing this term.

@toniacarroll1027

11 ай бұрын

agreed i love that after this video, i now know the difference. ❤

@timheller8475

10 ай бұрын

I agree with you, Essentialism is a better description then Minimalism,

@Keturah53

10 ай бұрын

Oh yes, its a much better term! Things that are essential to some, might be clutter for other.... I really need to write that term and put it where i can see it everyday! I have been trying to get my head around being a minimalist for years, now i know why it never worked for me 😃

@Keturah53

10 ай бұрын

@11p22e33t44e thank you, I will look him up . I feel sooo relieved that whilst what I have may seem as clutter to others, are actually my essentials lol. But, in reality, I do need to get rid of a LOT of stuff 🤔

@kimberlyeley5816

9 ай бұрын

I love your video. You are helping more people than you know.

Clutter is a cushion to keep you safe from the cold world - it takes a brave and honest heart to deliberately live without armour.

@user-ep3ck5re4o

11 ай бұрын

Well said 👌🙏

@janicetasker1854

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this comments. Just perfect to really get me going faster

@tauisuitonu8505

10 ай бұрын

Clutter is like a cave. Some of us feel more comfy with things we love around us.

@annerose1925

10 ай бұрын

Profound. Certainly rings true for me.

@jospsalm91

10 ай бұрын

​@@tauisuitonu8505yes!!

Well, thank you! I'm 58 now and my wife and me have been collecting stuff for as long as we live in our house which is 33 years. It has bothered me for years, but my wife doesn't want to throw away anything and I let that stop me. I cleaned out my parents house, so I should know better. So, I will start today with looking at my stuff and doing away with what I don't use or need. Thanks for the inspiration! 👍

@thisisnotoleg

8 ай бұрын

You got this. Lead by example, and you both will savor the clean space.

@kathieamacher687

8 ай бұрын

I don't wanna have nothing. But I am sorting thru and getting rid of.

@gbp618

8 ай бұрын

I had a yard sale when I retired. What didn't sell went to goodwill. My home looks bare but no way I was lugging that stuff back inside

@ericferguson68

3 ай бұрын

My husband doesn't want to part with anything that "might be of use", so I'm starting to go through my own things, the kitchen, and bathrooms. I'm determined to start this journey in 2024. I'm tired of feeling like Cinderella, while the rest of the family has fun,

Suffered thru trauma my entire childhood, my heart was empty into adulthood. So I bought stuff. Realized I was trying to fill the emptiness of my soul. Corners scared me so I filled them with stuff. 64…healed from allot I’ve lived thru and now, I’m committed to decluttering. I tell myself that I’d bought all this stuff, to bless others. Now, it’s time to give it to them…whoever them is 😊☺️😉. Decluttering is a good thing. Can’t say I’ll embrace essentialism, but I definitely don’t need everything I have. Giving to Salvation Army, Goodwill, Hope Chest 2-local domestic violence store. Bottom line, someone will be blessed by what I’ve spent too much $$ buying. Thanks for your video…it’s encouraging.

@SamanthaSweetAnne

9 ай бұрын

That is a great way to look at it. I have kept all of my babies' clothes. It is so hard to let go of them.

@sharonjones7138

9 ай бұрын

@@SamanthaSweetAnne Yes it is!! My sone was a preemie. Born at 24 weeks, he was so tiny…

@lizs8506

9 ай бұрын

I understand everything you have written. I too fill my heart with stuff. I think I have enough time to reverse this and try to deal with my trauma another way. Good luck with everything x

@brianbailey462

9 ай бұрын

Why not sell it ?

@junepearl7993

9 ай бұрын

I truly wish you much joy and peace for the rest of your days. You deserve it. Good luck with your decluttering project.

We lived in the country for 41 years, so “stuff” had a whole other dimension. What we learned: 1. I thought a 17 yard dumpster was too big; I was wrong. 2. If we were stuck between “keep” or “toss,” we tossed. 3. If we thought “the kids will probably want that,” we were probably wrong. 4. We found lots of places to take donations of things we did’t think ANYBODY would want. 5. When we said “enough,” we went through again and found more stuff to get rid of. Result: we went from a 1700 sq. ft. house on a basement with garage to a 1200 sq. ft. condo with a modest storage area….and everything we had fit quite comfortably, NO extra storage anywhere.

@eddiebattles6493

11 ай бұрын

When I had to clean out my parents' house and dad's workshop we filled and emptied a thirty yard dumpster three times. And that was AFTER multiple truck loads of furniture and other STUFF was repurposed to other people.

@suew4609

11 ай бұрын

@@eddiebattles6493I did that, too, with my parents stuff. We moved them 3 times. Ugh! Now I’m on the other end of it and I need to pare down. It’s really hard!

@elisabethm9655

11 ай бұрын

Doing the same myself…yup, your questions sum up my process, too. 😊I really like the term essential better than minimal. I’m going by the motto (and no,it’s not on a plaque 🙄) Only permit those things in your home which you find useful or beautiful, preferably both

@4chiron

11 ай бұрын

@mencken8 : 2. If we were stuck between “keep” or “toss,” we tossed. That is a keeper! Thank you for saying that!

@martaescobar7625

11 ай бұрын

"3. If we thought “the kids will probably want that,” we were probably wrong."🤣🤣🤣😂😂😄

I think as we get older we realize how “stuff” really weighs us down. I’m 64, retired and I’m dealing with this now. I had 2 houses full of all this “stuff”, I had a fish camp and a home. I recently sold my house and camp and moved into a much smaller home to be debt free for retirement and I am juggling trying to manage all of this. I will be doing some serious downsizing. I grew up poor so I spent my whole life collecting and buying but now it doesn’t mean the same to me. A clean, simple house is what I want now. The struggle is real. ❤❤❤❤

@TimChilders

11 ай бұрын

Yes. The struggle is very real. I was hanging on to stuff accumulated through 2 marriages and divorces. Breaking free of the “stuff defines me” cycle is both scary and liberating.

@rossiele

11 ай бұрын

I agree, the struggle is very real! I'm 59 and 'm at this point too. I can't believe the amount of things accumulated in my home (well, also because an aunt died leaving me all her stuff, and my parents too... So there are LOTS of things that arrived in my home that way). I'm working at making space in my wardrobe, but can you believe I managed to give away 8 large bags full of towels, sheets, blankets, etc. and my wardrobes are still full? (only, not so full as before.. You opened the doors and there was a solid wall of stuff) It's really a struggle...

@elaineg5301

11 ай бұрын

I'm also 64, retired two years. Have been decluttering off and on now for the last year. It feels so much better getting rid of stuff I don't really need. I don't want our kids to have to do this for us when we're gone Also hopefully some of our donated stuff is being used and appreciated by others.

@cardarmom5499

11 ай бұрын

Why keep the furniture. Sell or give away.

@normasubia6807

11 ай бұрын

Yes the struggle is real !!!!❤

Essentialism, what a great word! I like watching minimalist videos as they give me ideas and push me to ask myself if i really need what i have, but I've never considered myself an actual minimalist.

@akontarini

2 ай бұрын

💚👍

@amritabhattacharyya4882

2 ай бұрын

😊

Myself and my 4 siblings are clearing out our parents’ brick ranch (mom passed away in March). They’d been there more than 30 years and, though not hoarders, accumulated a lot of things. What strikes me as we’re working hard to empty the place out is how many items had sentimental value to them, yet I don’t think they’d looked at them in years. Just things they wanted or couldn’t bear to toss out. Interestingly, the vast majority of it is has no sentimental value to us kids. We have at least another month of work ahead of us… my wife and I promised ourselves we’ll strive to put our only child in a better situation after we’re gone. Would NOT want her to try doing this on her own. So here we are, in our early 60s, decluttering a bit at a time. My commitment is to get at least a couple items out of our house every few weeks.

@TheNewRetiredMe

7 ай бұрын

My condolences on your loss. Attachment to memories through the things we own is a powerful force. Good luck in your journey!

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

🤍🤍🤍

@akontarini

3 ай бұрын

@@kzZnAT0r 💚

@JoanVBruce

4 күн бұрын

Im 83 and decluttering with a. vengeance.Im moving to a small house which is more managea le than this one. I have lived here 38 years, done ecery hobby imaginable and collected all the bits. I have stored bedding enough to house an army! Its all going out. Such a relief,my kids will thank me.❤

De-cluttering is real therapy ... it clears the mind for new pastures and future expansion.

Well done! My dad died eight years ago. He had survived my mom by 25 years and another wife as well. I was charged with emptying the house he had lived in for 55 years. All I had to do was take all the stuff outside for the collectors to take it to the tip! They removed eight tip truck loads. The tipping fees alone cost a fortune! These men did a great job. I’m now 74, with a terminal illness. I had vowed and declared that I wouldn’t do the same to my children but I’m not doing it fast enough. Thanks for the timely reminder. To leave it for my children must be one of the most selfish things I could do. I don’t want to be that person. Thank you.

@janicevin4207

11 ай бұрын

it is called the "Swedish Death Cleaning"

@kimlowe705

11 ай бұрын

@@janicevin4207 Thank you for this. I looked it up on Google and some of the ideas are very useful (I hope!). It’s good to know.

@rosannemcdonald2607

11 ай бұрын

​

@peacefulfeeling

11 ай бұрын

Great video. This has been on my mind, too. And I am starting tomorrow. Thanks for the push. ♥️

@annerose1925

10 ай бұрын

Wishing you the best kimlowe

I’m 44 and have a very simple life. I’m not a materialistic person. I don’t get excited or happy over a kitchen table, or counter or car or house. I’m happy on life, I love spreading kindness and all about making things easier. The more you buy, the more you have to clean. I agree with everything you said and you are right on track. Keep on keeping on 😊❤

@kennyg1358

9 ай бұрын

Classic humble brag

@darla218

9 ай бұрын

@@kennyg1358 ew no. Just trying to support and share with others that you don’t need to have nice things to be happy. It’s just more work for you in the long run.

@mel4856

9 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more 👍

@darla218

9 ай бұрын

@@mel4856 thank you :)

@mel4856

9 ай бұрын

@@darla218 I feel the same, so many people equate happiness these days with buying things. I love being out in nature, seeing the animals, living simply, and just enjoying those simple moments and joys. Keep on enjoying your happy things too 😊 🌿⚘

Good for you - you are not crazy. At age 50, I sold everything I had from my 3,000 sf home. Put what I needed in my Jeep and moved to Mexico. Life changed and I moved back to the US and at 69 years old I’ve buried myself with stuff again. I remember the feeling of freedom without “stuff” and I am starting to declutter and minimize my 2,400 sf home. I’m loving it. With every thing I get rid of, I gain more peace. Keep going.

@DeepThinkingGPU

9 ай бұрын

stop keeping up with the jones, move to a mobile home. haha, that you can't do. ok a tiny home then

As a senior myself, making your home easier to move around is essential. Moving around large pieces of furniture is an accident waiting to happen and the beginning of our decline. Remove scatter rugs, especially if they cover wires, add handle bars where needed and for goodness sakes, stop storing stuff that requires a ladder to retrieve! OK, gotta get back to decluttering. This video has incentivized me.

@rusticgardenretreat4892

11 ай бұрын

I so agree with the comment about large pieces of furniture. I routinely give away to the church flea market to support summer camp, gave away a closet full of teaching materials to a local daycare (still need to clear out more of that), and still, my garage has too much stuff in it. I have had to tell my children, "No!" as they seem to think my house is their storage facility. No is a very nice word. I do need to get rid of more "heavy" furniture as they interfere with my cleaning.

@mad2barxhst

11 ай бұрын

For us seniors, it’s very important that we stop storing stuff that requires a ladder to retrieve. The risk of losing our balance while climbing a ladder is not worth it.

@meganlalli5450

10 ай бұрын

If you're short, using a step stool or stepladder is a necessity. I aim for keeping what I use most often within my reach, but some items used once every two weeks are too high for me to reach without the step stool. When the kitchen renovations are more nearly complete, a few if the higher placed items will be lower. Having to move everything out of the kitchen made me aware of how many things lived there that didn't need to be there. Some items have left the house altogether; others will be kept somewhere else in the house and brought into the kitchen when needed.

@MISSPINKNEY45

9 ай бұрын

Stop storing stuff that requires a ladder resonates with me. I am 65 and almost broke my neck trying to pull down a bedspread that I still didn’t use. Now I have decided everything on top is going. Thank you!

@ruthperin6576

8 ай бұрын

I am a 72 year old woman. I bought a motorcycle lift and used it to lift heavy furniture so I could place furniture sliders under the furniture. Under other things (floor speakers, etc.) I put on plant casters. Makes mopping, baseboard cleaning, under bed (yes, the king sized bed, too!) a breeze.

I have only lived in 2 homes and at 73 I have 4 generations of 'stuff' in drawers, closets, boxes in the basement, & garage.. After 45 years in my home, you can imagine what has been collected. Thank you for reminding us about 'what is essential', a full heart and appreciation.

@cynthiachristopher6809

10 ай бұрын

I’m so happy 😊

@catistrolling7333

10 ай бұрын

Same here - kids don’t want it so I sell it and use $ to fix house or go on cruise

@Debo6778

10 ай бұрын

you sound just like me.Over whelming to me

@lindadavis5668

9 ай бұрын

I collect, then purge the house, then I buy more, then purge, buy more, purge.😂😅😅

@agiagiagi5692

9 ай бұрын

​@@lindadavis5668clearly... you have too much money 😂

Your video helped me realize something I've been suppressing for years. Years of buying and collecting nonsense to mask my trauma. I know it may not make sense to many, hell, I didn't even understand it for years. Thank You. ❤

@bananaanna1373

9 ай бұрын

My husband and I were not able to have children the “old-fashioned way.” For reasons I won’t go into we didn’t adopt. I have spent so much money on decor and jewelry. Moms sometimes comment, in a nice way actually, about my beautiful things that they don’t have. I tell them I didn’t have kids to spend $ on. I would rather have had the kids.

@ed517382

7 ай бұрын

I but stuff to.try and escape my depression but the clutter makes me more depressed. So I understand similarly the link to mental health/trauma and buying things to "find happiness".

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

🤍🤍🤍

8 months out from this vid..I watched it. At a time I'm - once again! - culling my possessions. Your "re-definition" of having less ..i e. *not* minimalism! Instead.. "essentialism"...is such a better way of owning things! Thank you!

@akontarini

2 ай бұрын

💯

@dink8125

2 ай бұрын

@@akontarini Coming from you, Ma'm! That 100 means a lot!

@amritabhattacharyya4882

2 ай бұрын

😊

@kzZnAT0r

Ай бұрын

😊

@dink8125

Ай бұрын

It's me again. I stsrted with "essential' & moved a very little bit into "minimalism". There *is*, IMO, a difference. Slight..but significant. Still looking at my "stuff" with first thought "Is this *essential*? It helps *me* keep focused. Family pics are not "essential* but try to trash them & I may cut your hands off!😂 I'm belaboring the point, but thank you so much for that one word...essential.

I am in the process of decluttering my life of 50 years of stuff. Having grown up poor I tend to hold onto stuff that I might need someday. Starting during the isolation of the pandemic I started getting rid of stuff. My favorite way to declutter is to place stuff on the curb with a free sign. It's a good feeling when someone takes the item. I have been asked why I do not sell items, I do not want to deal with people for a few dollars.

@marianhunt8899

11 ай бұрын

You are also helping people who have little which is always a good thing to do. When we got our first small home, the elderly lady donated some of her furniture to us. It was such a blessing and I still think of her kindness to us as a blessing.

@carlacrawford9322

10 ай бұрын

I like to put stuff on the curb, too. Our town used to have a spring cleaning day. It was so much fun to see our stuff disappear.

@DebraCole-dr5fy

10 ай бұрын

Yes, and I was one that picked up some of the stuff. My brother just helped me clear my outbuilding, having to break down some of the old furniture with a hammer. It went from bad to worse over the years. I meant to refurbish, repaint, etc. all these treasures! (I am an artist). Got rid of tons of old frames beyond saving. Some trash. Shame on me!@@carlacrawford9322

@conniewojahn6445

9 ай бұрын

I do the same thing. Street corner is one of my first outlets, especially for larger items. Also, the club house at a trailer house park. That's for smaller items, good quality clothing, craft items, and food stuffs. Disappears. Large furniture goes to veteran's who do pick up. Yes, it's a good feeling to get it out of my house and someplace where it's used. Little by little, it's going.

@jackiefernandez8080

9 ай бұрын

I'm always leary of people (strangers) coming to my home anyway, so curbing and giving (drop off style) is the way I will go. I have SO much stuff(junk, crap, but it seemed important at the time). But grew up without a bunch of money and I had 6 kids, so hand-me-downs was my life.

After my wife died in 2017 after giving up the house and moving to an apartment in 2016, after a couple years of intense grief I realized how much crap we had, and I decided to un clutter my Apartment and life, and being a disabled 61yr old widower with a cat I realized I didn't need all the stuff, I put a lot of stuff out by the dumpster where people take the stuff they want, cleaned out the garage so I could leave the door open when I go out, I hadn't even watched TV in a year or so, so that went also as did the bulky TV cabinet, I kept two comfey chairs and a couch, the cat uses these, a small sideboard and a coffee table and nice bedroom set from my late parents, my computer table a secretary and two folding chairs from the folding table set I gave away, a nice desk and my late Mother in law's china cabinet, to display some keepsakes from my wife and family, and my small Matchbox car collection, my Guitars , books CDs DVDs two cat trees an end table and two nice lamps, it's like a weight was lifted off me, I have nobody left alive to clean out my apartment when I croak, but whomever does wont have much to toss in the trash, I have nothing of any real value, when my Downstairs neighbor died of covid a couple of years ago his friend took three weeks to remove thousands of books this guy had, all rotten trash, terrible, I prefer the term Minimalist, so I only keep what I use and need, I would never live in a retirement community as we saw all the restrictions they put on my MIL and those that live there, worse then an HOA, I don't care for restrictions, please do some research about these places before moving in to one, sorry for the long rant, great video and God bless you all

@jjsifo1

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the rant, I have always been skeptical about retirement communities.

@mad2barxhst

11 ай бұрын

What you described is so true. Unfortunately, many can’t accept the fact of getting rid of their junk.

@timheller8475

10 ай бұрын

@@11p22e33t44e Yes, I guess minimalist would leave one sitting naked in an empty apartment, haha

@sharonberg4817

10 ай бұрын

I've lived in two different retirement communities and both worked quite well for me. No restrictions that I've come across. I am still downsizing. Have gotten rid of two storage units, one to go. Plus there's too much stuff in my bedroom. I'm looking forward to getting rid of my stuff, but with being a sentimental type, it's sooo difficult. Eyes on the prize.

@terimccallister4897

10 ай бұрын

😅

You haven't lost your mind, you've found it. It can be a difficult process. I am a widower who has to come to terms with the fact that the life we built together doesn't exist anymore, and it ain't easy. I still live, alone, in a 4 bedroom house, which is nuts. Thanks for sharing. It might just be inspirational.

@virginialopezrey6860

9 ай бұрын

I'm not a widow, but I have downsized in stages: first from the huge house to a large 2 bedroom condo (which I enjoyed for 21 years) and now to a smaller condo. I think it was easier that way. Just a thought.

I know,I have a house full of crap. You’ve started me off now,thank you. Declutter begins today! ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

We are on our third retirement! I’m 75 and my husband is 80. When he retired from the Navy, we bought a house and settled down as we had a teenager and we wanted a regular life and live the American Dream. Within a couple years we realized it was a mistake. We liked moving and seeing new places, new people. So after 22 years and Hurricane Katrina he retired from his job, we sold the house, bought an RV. We spent about 15 years traveling.About three years ago after a couple medical scares we retired again, the traveling was more work than fun. We still live in our RV near family. They want us to find an apartment or retirement community…we would have to get furniture! I realized when we sold our house, no one wanted our ‘stuff’ not even family. I’ve been getting rid of stuff for years! Still have a ton, even in this RV. You’re not crazy, as we age we gain wisdom!

After clearing out my father’s home and my best friend’s home, I’m clearing out mine as well. Don’t want my daughters to go through a mess once I’m gone.

@cheerubebayonettaholopaine2638

11 ай бұрын

as a daughter i was glad my father hadnt much stuff left in his life. he was sick and nurses took care of him. they kept everything in perfektion, but still me and my brother had to empty the flat. it was less, but still much to do. i dont want to imagine, hoe mich it is to do with a full house 😮

@suzannederringer1607

11 ай бұрын

There's a Swedish book about doing this. They call it 'Death Cleaning' - so your Kids won't have to do it after you die. Not a happy term, but a good idea.

@suew4609

11 ай бұрын

@@suzannederringer1607 Unless you wanna punish them, then you leave it for them to do! Lol Just joking, really!

@isaultra3405

11 ай бұрын

@@suew4609 with that you only punish people who really need these things, so DONATE 😉

Finally, someone in my age range talking about decluttering. Thank you! Yes, I kept my dinning table, mostly due to the fact I have so many solid wood pieces I've inherited, and I rethought how they could be used, break from the 'fixed' ideas. My dressers hold my spices, pantry items, pet supplies. My kitchen table? My large cook prep space, crafting, company gather spot. Any dresser top is lined and used for my cooking tools I use for prep, especially my crockpots. I like to prep cook for the month, so my freezer has ready meals for me. Your dresser with the shelves, I have my own version of it. I made that my bookcase (hidden) and my sheets went into the drawers. Top is spring, bottom is winter for my bedding.

I watched you for the first time today. Laughed all the way through. I'm a widow and understand every word you said. I've downsized many times. And now live alone and still have too much stuff. So I will giggle to myself as I do it again, getting rid of more stuff. Especially stuff I don't even like. Can't wait to see what you do with that room . All the best to you. Thanks for the fun video.

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

🤍🤍🤍

Love seeing more mature voices on this platform. Your wisdom and guidance are very much needed. Thank you!

I am a guy, age 65 and retired, who has been on a downsizing quest for a couple years. I've watched so many videos here about 'Swedish Death Cleaning' and 'Stuff That Doesn't Spark Joy'. Almost all these advice videos are by young women, or by young men advocating total minimalism. Which is fine. But I was starting to feel like I was the only older, retired guy tackling a life's worth of accumulation. Thank you for sharing your inspiring video.

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! For sharing your struggle. I totally agree. So many videos are made by women. Almost like men aren’t supposed to worry about it. LOL

@sleeplessinchicago9082

11 ай бұрын

@@TheNewRetiredMe It makes me laugh when I see articles titled "Declutter your entire house in one day". What very few decluttering gurus mention is that even though the goal is the same, the tactics of achieving it are very personal and incremental in nature. Absorb all the good advice and come up with the method that works for you.

@debnelson3979

11 ай бұрын

@user-ju2cb1mj2l - you are NOT alone! As a mom of 7, grandmom of 23 and counting - it's important to downsize!! None of my kids want the stuff!!

@carolperdue7534

11 ай бұрын

@@debnelson3979 So true! My daughter has already told me she's renting a dumpster when the time comes, lol. Seriously though it put things into perspective when it comes to mindlessly buying more stuff and I have started downsizing already, even though I don't plan to move.

@debnelson3979

11 ай бұрын

@@carolperdue7534 - Aw Carol! My oldest said he was just going to "torch" the place! He's my most unsentimental one, though. Fortunately, I have five daughters that won't let him to that! Though they are all more on the minimal side, I at least have the feeling that they will "look" before they just torch it all! LOL!

I turned 60 this year, big new house, no furniture, no room for furniture, have multiple storage units in multiple states..... Clutter. Mine, my kids', stuff previous home owner left.... Im buried well ahead of my demise. Can't afford a dumpster..... Overwhelmed but I think this video helped. Bless you.

Seeing this video gave me new ideas to pursue. I am 78 and have been accumulating things for 60 years. Never getting rid of anything - I might use this someday! I am now focusing on getting rid of stuff! Not only my household stuff, but a garage full of tools, with many duplicates. Your philosophy and success has given me a better outlook on STUFF! Thank you!

My advice for those watching. don’t wait until you retire to declutter your home start now! Makes life easier, live with less.

@Fraukuckucksuhr

11 ай бұрын

I do that from time to time, feels goooood!

@lindag5076

11 ай бұрын

I have been on my jouney for a couple years and it’s an ongoing thing for me. It has made me think twice before buying and bring things in my home. Is it perfect? No, but more manageable. I’m loving his video and can’t wait to show it to hubby…nickname “ Just In Case” 😂

@Myeverydaywifelife

11 ай бұрын

@@lindag5076 Hi Linda! I do declutter videos on my channel if you are interested.

@YasuTaniina

11 ай бұрын

I'm in my early 30's. I've been on the declutter journey for 5-10 years. It's just slow going with chronic illness and very young kids

@Myeverydaywifelife

11 ай бұрын

@@YasuTaniina Keep at it darling! I suffer from bouts of depression on & off since I had my thyroid removed in 2012. So my house gets cluttered up again during those times and no decluttering gets done just the basics so I totally get that. Well I/we feel better we can do better. Hang there 💜👍

No, you have NOT lost your mind. You are practical and a planner. Stuff weighs you down. Guess what--you will NOT miss a thing!!

@timvala7577

11 ай бұрын

I would take stuff to the goodwill and after 2 months I forgot what I got rid of!😂😂

A breath of fresh air, someone not doing the minimalism thing! I see red, when I hear people say to trash those family photos, because you can scan them and look at them on your phone. Or to pitch something only because you haven't used it the past 6 months or year. Sounds like you have found that happy middle ground.

Just found your channel and I couldn’t agree with you more. In the past 4 years, I’ve whittled my way down from an 1100sf house, to a 21 foot travel trailer, to a park model (essentially a single wide with an addition). I’m in the process of selling that and moving to a small 5th wheel in the country on family land, and I’m super excited. I was so overwhelmed by all the ‘stuff’...like I was tied down to/by everything. When I decided to downsize, it was fairly easy. I went room by room asking myself one question, “will my kids want to deal with this (picture, bowl, etc.) when I’m gone?” That made the purge very easy. Now I have a few kitchen items, minimal clothing, and probably too many art supplies, but I’m not completely insane, so I’m keeping them. 🤣 I feel so much lighter, and can really focus on the simplicity and beauty of faith, family, and friends. Kudos to you for simplifying your life!

My husband retired and we thought about downsizing which spurred us to declutter. So far, we've donated 50 filled contractor bags of stuff to Habitat for Humanity and another 10-15 contractor bags filled with clothes to the local school thrift store. It's been such a pain that we've sworn not to buy anything we absolutely don't need.

@liann3881

10 ай бұрын

I’m in that process right now. Lordy, what a tedious JOB.

@gortagnan

10 ай бұрын

Yes! And I am dreading facing my hoarders life and I am now 74 !

@abbyrock5684

10 ай бұрын

@@gortagnan One day at a time, pal - it's how we did it. Also, take one cabinet or closet in a room and finish it and then move on to the next, etc. It gets way too overwhelming if you start in 1 place and get distracted and move on to another room - ask me how I know this! 😃

@Mustnt_Grumble

10 ай бұрын

@@abbyrock5684 Thanks for your suggestion as that’s been my problem exactly! I become so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff that I have to go through, that I literally do anything to avoid going through it all. Especially sentimental stuff, it practically paralyzes me to even think of parting with that sort of stuff.

@abbyrock5684

10 ай бұрын

@@Mustnt_Grumble Sentimental stuff is off limits, lol. I did get large plastic bins for each of our children's keepsakes and one for family keepsakes. It's nice because our grandchildren enjoy going through their parents things. Once you start going through things, it becomes easier to say, "Donate".

I downsized and decluttered in Dec 2021 into a studio apartment. The process was physically and mentally exhausting, but well worth the effort. I am 68 years old, retirement is not an option yet, and I love my scaled down lifestyle. I hope your video will inspire others.

@kathyharmon2093

10 ай бұрын

66 and still working as a nurse, thought I’d be living in my current apartment forever, circumstances happen and I’m moving to a 2 bedroom duplex ( actually lived in the duplex 16 years ago Lol) it’s my son and I and we enjoyed living there but it has significantly less storage space so I am going through tons of “ stuff “😑as much as I hate moving it’s a “ new start” so I’m tossing what I don’t need or want or won’t have room to store and looking forward to our fresh start 😊😊😊

@defaultworkouts

10 ай бұрын

at age 15 (I am now 47), I was a minimalist. life is much easier when you simply don't care about stuff and just enjoy life for what you value (unless it is stuff). I find it surprising that old people actually continue to buy stuff they will never even use, let alone "collect." they forget they are leaving the planet soon as per the stats of lifespan, if not earlier.

@susanmarie2231

10 ай бұрын

@@defaultworkouts Maybe that’s why they still buy stuff they will never use. Denial of mortality. I am now old enough to ask myself, will I ever wear this again in my life? Will I ever use this item again in my life? How many of these do I really need?

@defaultworkouts

10 ай бұрын

@@susanmarie2231 people love to collect or just have stuff "in case" or maybe live with their fantasy self. I tried my best since I was a teenager to never get into that mindset. I use what I need on the spot and that's that. rarely have I needed to repurchase something again and I definitely do NOT collect stuff! it is ALL junk lest you buy stuff to resell like baseball cards but then again real estate or stocks are a better bet over time...

@UVIcki

9 ай бұрын

​@@susanmarie2231I can see that because I don't think my parents planned for old age or their mortality

I just turned 61 years old and I’ve felt so bogged down by all the stuff in my home. A lot of what I have was given to me by my parents. I was a “good girl” and gladly accepted it, because that made them happy. Something’s I really wanted d/t their antique quality. Other items I’ve stored in my garage and attic. I’ve recently started the process of only keeping what I need. I donate to the less fortunate and I’ve been selling items online. It feels so good to lift that weight of clutter. Best wishes ~

Clicked like immediately after seeing the thumbnail. I’d much rather listen to the advice whose been there and done all that (and creating great content!) to teach me because no one ever took the time. Thank you! I needed this.

I am sooo there! My Mom was a hoarder. Not a filth hoarder….a very organized hoarder. We had a four bedroom house growing up. As each one of my siblings and I left home, our room was filled from floor to ceiling with stuff. She passed away and it took me and 3 of my siblings weeks to sort through her “stuff”. We donated a lot of it and then we had a three day yard sell. At the end of the yard sell we gave everything to a couple that had a second hand shop. That’s when I realized how hard it is on your loved ones to go in and sort through and get rid of “stuff”.

@LoisDiCicco

11 ай бұрын

I did all that with my mothers house as well. So hard to part with pieces of their life, your early life, all while mourning their passing. I came home and started decluttering my house. I don’t want my kids to go through this.

@anntrope491

11 ай бұрын

@@LoisDiCicco I'm in the same mindset. I do not want my children to end up this burden.

@rpl1421

11 ай бұрын

What do you do with generations of family photos from parents and grandparents??!!! My son isn’t interested in them; but, they have been cherished for 3 generations. I am at a complete loss as to what to do with them.

@johnhall3570

11 ай бұрын

@@rpl1421Did your parents have any siblings or cousins? Maybe they (or their children) might be interested in the photos.

@johnhall3570

11 ай бұрын

@@rpl1421Also, have you considered having the photos digitally scanned at high resolution and then stored on a computer, CD or some other electronic storage? (Of course, that type of storage leads to its own headaches, but at least you could dispose of the original physical photos and feel a lot less guilty over it…)

My wife doesn’t understand people with stuff stored long term in storage units and came up with a very good point about them. A 10’ x 10’ storage unit is about $160/ month in the US and a lot of storage units are storing junk and furniture. So at $1920 per year after 5 years you will have spent close to $10k in storage. For that money you could go out and buy all new furniture and it makes that junk very expensive. Great video, thanks. Cheers, Stuart 🇦🇺

@melmoland8809

10 ай бұрын

You're exactley right. It don't make any dollars and cents lol.

@marijowakley7770

10 ай бұрын

I've said the same thing to my significant other. He's slowly catching on. Hoarding is a mental thing.

@debrahostick4652

10 ай бұрын

I have had a storage unit for 6vyrs or so. I did the math & yes I could of bought all new stuff for a whole house with the $$ I spent in the storage fees. My issue is in my 70s I don't have anyone to help me move, sell or trash it.Especially since it is always hot here in a unit..Smothering 🔥 here

@toosexy7955

10 ай бұрын

I had STUFF in storage one time and half of it was ruined from dampness, I'll never do that again!

@scroungasworkshop4663

10 ай бұрын

@@toosexy7955 Yep, wasted money.

You have not lost your mind. I have rented a booth space in a flea market to sell my unwanted/needed stuff. What doesn’t sell goes to the Good Will. So I am making a little money while having a hobby at age 65. I am having a ball looking at the report everyday to see what I sold. I spend 3 hours a week in the booth rearranging and adding new stuff. I spend 2 to 3 hours a week at yard sales or Good Will adding stuff to my booth that i otherwise do not already own. This satisfies my shopping needs. I spend a few hours researching and pricing my stuff. This give me something to do in my retirement other than crocheting {which I love}.

No, I don't think you've lost your mind. I've lived in the same home for over 30 years. I've recently started the de-cluttering process, which can be daunting at times! That which I have accomplished has been rewarding enough to keep going! I've watched many minimalism KZread videos for inspiration, and I knew that wasn't quite the right approach for me. The concept of essentialism? Perfect! Thank you! 😊

My opinion: EVERYTHING you said makes perfect sense. Every time I hear the word 'minimalism', I cringe. It makes me think of a bland, sterile, LIFELESS, uncomfortable existence. But, ESSENTIALISM, now that's something I can wrap my head around. Not crowded or cluttered, but comfortable and colorful. Yes, now I have a whole new way to view things. Congratulations on your journey to becoming an 'essentialist', and thank you for sharing your outlook with the rest of us. 💚😊💚

@susanbailey7829

11 ай бұрын

Perfectly stated!

I wish my dad and his partner could have come to this realization. For many people the idea of their stuff is comforting. And then as children we are left to clean and purge later. I have so much respect for this man and his ability to embrace change.

@nickorange4881

11 ай бұрын

there are older people that grew up with very little. so for many there might be a need/desire to have more/collect. im just glad i see it right now, so i have time to declutter get rid of things and have my space feel calm and peaceful because it currently does not.

@mafp22w

11 ай бұрын

I just had to move my mother into assisted living. She didn’t want to live with me and my wife (she did not want to submit). For the better part of three months, my wife and I had to spend cleaning out my Mom’s house of all her stuff. For years, I had asked her to clear out her stuff, but she refused. In a way, Im glad that I had to do the cleaning before she died rather than after. At least now she knows how much work cleaning her stuff up was. It is very wrong to leave your junk for someone else to clean up. These are the things one should learn in childhood. Clean up your own dishes. Clean up your own room. Take your cart back to the store. Etc. etc. It isn’t someone else’s job.

@serenityinside1

11 ай бұрын

Well said . Had to do it for my mother when she moved house. 3 weekends solid. Bloody ridiculous- I was furious 🤨

@pattidj4384

11 ай бұрын

@@mafp22w My MIL was so selfish. We cleaned her house for sale so she could move into my daughter's family home. She had her bedroom and living room furniture moved to daughters home. Insisted that my daughter had to get rid of her furniture which she did. Complete junk arrived and was furious that her dishes were no where to be found the 1st day. She's in an assisted living home now and with 1/10th of her crap. I'm finally able to forgive her.

@suew4609

11 ай бұрын

@@serenityinside1 That’s all, three weekends? What are you complaining about? I spent several years cleaning out my parents place going over there once a week or twice a week. They moved three times as an elderly couple, and my mother have an Alzheimer’s, even though we begged our father not to buy another house he couldn’t stay very long in. The man drove me crazy. He wouldn’t listen to any advice. In the end, it was my sister and I, and then we had to sort out his financial mess! Just know you didn’t have it so bad!

My stuff is suffocating me atm. You’re an inspiration. I’ve been thinking about culling my stuff for ages and you’ve just given me the jolt I need to begin decluttering. I’m holding onto furniture for members of my family who aren’t quite ready to collect it - that’s been over 2 years. It’s all gotta go.

Found this channel by accident. In April of 19 I lost my Mom. I'd been living with her to take care of her because she was elderly. I retired at 60 because of Mom's health; I too am 65. I actually did what you're talking about in this video. Essentialism, not minimalism. I however feel it is an ongoing process. I'm about to go through my clothes (shirts, coats, shoes, hats, etc..) again this week. Great idea for a video. One push back, I "don't" consider myself "Old."😏

@TheNewRetiredMe

7 ай бұрын

My condolences on your loss. It is definitely a lifelong process. I’m posting more on that soon.

@akontarini

7 ай бұрын

💚💚💚

@amritabhattacharyya4882

5 ай бұрын

❤

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

🤍🤍🤍

I'm 61 my husband is 67. We opened a booth at the flea market as we start downsizing our home. Thought we might get lucky and make a little cash as we thin out our stuff. We are loving the feeling that we are getting as we get rid of stuff. We downsized our house four years ago, and that's when we started thinning out the house. We love it!!! More time to figure what we love doing. We love travel in a simple way , spending time developing our community, spending time with grandchildren, cooking quality meals that keep us super healthy. We were all tricked into believing that stuff is the key to happiness.

@stuart6478

11 ай бұрын

my parents choose stuff instead off a relationship with their kids. I can't wait till they die and we can be free from their greed.

This story sounds so familiar- my daughter was the one that got me started about 15 years ago. I am 67 now she came to me and said mom don’t leave all this stuff for us to go through at first I was deeply hurt and then I started looking around and realized how much we collected over the years..So I am always downsizing- I have an empty box always available to put stuff in. I just decluttered the kitchen last winter,am now focused on a storage closet. The garage is almost empty. I’m on board 👍🏻

@DebraCole-dr5fy

10 ай бұрын

Good for you!

@goofygirl1311

9 ай бұрын

Good for you and good for your daughter for speaking so plainly to you about the need to get rid of the excess stuff. She is absolutely right - our kids do not have the space for our stuff nor will they have the time to do the decluttering for us.

@mssdn8976

9 ай бұрын

Great idea, always have an empty box ready

@juliadaniels3871

9 ай бұрын

Hi Becky! Reading your msg sounds so familiar with my 2,daughters & my son!!!! After their Nan passed( my Dear Mum) the girls said to me( my youngest daughter is very straight to the point and say it how it is!!!) " Mum! Sort out your blooming stuff cos if you should pass away we won't have time to grieve as we will be too busy ( excuse me!) getting rid of all your SH*T"!!!!!!!!!!😏 I didn't take too kindly to that remark but in reality she had a strong point!!!!!!! My son~(iL) says to me I procrastinate too much!!!!!! I will have to deal with it soon!!!!!! I'm sure like you & your daughter, Becky I will & know I will feel much better for DOING IT!!!! It's making that START!!!!

@lizaldam2157

9 ай бұрын

For Pete´s sake, I am sure if you leftboxes full of diamonds no one would complain about having to clean up! Most forget very quickly they are one of the reasons their parents have things around.

Haha before you even said it, I was thinking of Carlin's "A Place for my Stuff." Brilliant!

I retired at the end of 2019 and have been working on decluttering our house but have lots more to do unfortunately. I wasn't "brutal" enough on what to get rid of so now have lots more to deal with. My problem is that I love decor and thrifting decor. I was selling stuff on eBay for a while but that got too time consuming, and folks didn't want to pay me a reasonable price for a lot of what I was selling. I have also been helping my 83-year-old mom declutter her house since I retired. She lives 40 minutes away from me so we can't spend as much time on decluttering her house as we probably need to, but we have gotten rid of a lot of stuff from her house. I have a spot where I put things that I have decided to donate and when I get a significant amount, I take it to the thrift store. Watching your videos has helped inspire me to get rid of more stuff. I watch other KZreadrs that have helped inspire me and keep me motivated to keep decluttering.

It's a good mindset sir. I am 68 and both of my parents recently died. The amount of STUFF I had to go through was stunning to me. My dad passed first, then two years later my mom passed. I don't want my children to have such a daunting task.

@isaultra3405

11 ай бұрын

Same here! When my grandmother died I had to go through all her possessions because my mom was not able to, she had so much stuff she NEVER USED. I donated most of it, I drove it away with my full car countless times. That's why I decided to live minimal

@LisaSimplified

11 ай бұрын

Exactly what motivates me. I'm 64 and I don't want my son to be burdened with my stuff. Most of it supports the house and I'm in under 1k sq feet. I love black trash bags.

My husband is home in hospice care now. I love him dearly, but am actually looking forward to getting rid of tons of stuff that he is attached to and I am not. I think it will help me in the grieving process as well. This may seem harsh to many people, but I just want to simplify my life. Thank you for the push!

@Dbb27

9 ай бұрын

There’s nothing harsh whatsoever. Your husband is in your heart, not stuff that isn’t being used.

@wingabouts

9 ай бұрын

I've been widowed 15 years and am still getting rid of my husband's things. It is a process, you need not rush. Some things will be easy to part with, others not. Tossing his toothbrush was actually difficult, it was me facing reality that he wasn't coming back. I keep a spot in the garage for the boxes of things I'm parting with next. Then I have an annual garage sale to help with being on a fixed income. Widowhood is not an easy road, but my faith in Jesus Christ has been an anchor to hold in every storm I've faced. 💖 May the Lord bless you as well. 💖

@sandybrown1033

9 ай бұрын

After my husband died it took me 10 months of hard work to get rid of stuff. My plan was to move back to Canada to be near my kids and help with grandkids. In the end I called an auction company to take away the rest. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I am now back in Canada starting over in my home town. I need to declutter again! I loved the video, very inspiring ❤

@stephaniealva8025

9 ай бұрын

Its okay!!! My mother passed away a few years ago. I was so happy to get rid of CLUTTER. the clutter was a symbol of her sickness for me. Keeping the most precious possesiobs was hard. I don't have the space or money to keep everything. I do regret some items I parted ways with. Had to clear and sell her home as fast as i could, buy over all happy im not paying storage on a massive unit. I do have a small storage unit and that is manageable. Part with clutter and don't feel bad about keeping some things. You can always part ways with it later. I wish I had been able to take a little more time but that's life. Good luck to you❤ Part

@xeniaw.3105

9 ай бұрын

Thank you all for your thoughts. Yes, there is so much clutter, mine and my husband's and for some reason, him being in hospice really makes me want to clean house of all our clutter. There are a few things to save, but he will always be in my heart and not in the stuff. @@stephaniealva8025

Thank you. I did something similar almost a year ago. I also stopped visiting yard sales, antique stores, and any kind of sale. I focus on one hobby. I plan to do an essential review once or twice a year now. It feels great and meaningful. I call it lightening my earthly load. I’m 72. God bless.

No, you haven't lost your mind. In fact, you may be in the process of regaining it. Like you and others who have commented, I, too, have stuff that needs to go; stuff I haven't looked at or seen in years. So, this summer, I started on a quest to dig out my stuff out of my garage and send it on its way. I was successful to the tune of two full pickup truckloads! I still have a lot more to go, but it's a start. Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts about this subject. It seems to be one that a lot of us of this age group are beginning to embrace. I wish you great success, and I'm looking forward to hearing more.

64 and retiring. I recently moved my 90-ish year old parents from their home to an apartment. We had to rent a large dumpster to collect all their “stuff”. That had a deep impact on me and I won’t be doing that to my children/grandchildren. I’ve embraced Essentialism after reading Greg McKeown’s book. I have a vision of my home feeling like a beautiful Airbnb-welcoming and spacious even though my home is not large. You know what you don’t see in an Airbnb? Clutter! At least not the ones I choose to rent. I’ve put the days of organizing and re-organizing clutter behind me and I haven’t looked back. Freedom from the things that owned me! Good luck!

@normasubia6807

11 ай бұрын

Well Said ❤

@52tazdi

11 ай бұрын

Omgosh so doing the same thing and i feel the same about not doing this to my children and grandchildren

@vib.3969

11 ай бұрын

Airbnb? Not a good comparison since nobody really lives there people are only passing through

This couldn’t of come at a more perfect time. I’ve been struggling so long holding onto and still bringing in stuff I don’t need at 73 just lost my husband my precious dog am still caregiver for handicap brother but drowning in stuff I don’t even want or need. You have blessed my with courage to do what I need to do to stay healthy. Stuff drags you down. Thank you

@kirkwilson5900

11 ай бұрын

You can do it! Free yourself from stuff. I'm 51 and still stuck with so much stuff that I work thru a little but I just wish it was all gone. Good luck!

@rosemaryansah4566

11 ай бұрын

Thank for this. I am working on getting rid of stuff!

@W124phreak

11 ай бұрын

Sorry your dog died. That hurts 🐶💔😢

@W124phreak

11 ай бұрын

And your Husband too, of course. 💐 ❤

@stephennickles7389

11 ай бұрын

Being 73 as well...we spent the last 10 yrs caregiving my in-laws and their stuff, my wife has been dragging her feet about emptying our house, now she and I are using walkers (temporarily I hope), but zero chance we can go up to the "bonus room" where the real hoard is. Strike now while you are healthy. Loss of a companion is devastating, my heart goes out to you. You are not alone

I’m going through the same process. I finally got tired of hauling everything around when I move. 😬

This was well articulated and thought out. "Just the things I need to live a good, fulfilling, and joyful life. Free from distractions. Free from clutter." perfect mantra..

@kzZnAT0r

24 күн бұрын

👍🏻❤

About 10 years ago I cleaned out my parents’ house of 50+ years of things. So much stuff that I don’t even remember seeing before. That is the time that I started cleaning out my house. I still have more than I need, but am changing my mindset on buying stuff.

@liatori6214

11 ай бұрын

There is this book about "swedish death cleaning". I still need to read it.

@sleeplessinchicago9082

11 ай бұрын

@@liatori6214 Great reference! Decluttering impacts us directly as well as whoever will be cleaning up after we are gone. It is scary to realize how much stuff we accumulate over decades. Sorting through it and getting rid of it is difficult and required multiple iterations. The stuff is literally weighing us down. If I were to advise my younger self, I would say "Live minimally and save maximally".

@mrscms831

11 ай бұрын

I think thats where most of us start to realize how much "stuff" we have amassed along the years, is when we have to clean out our parents house. Im "essentializing" my stuff so my kids dont have to do it.

@ambilaevus7607

11 ай бұрын

My Aunt's house in 2012 did that for me. My Mom had presents over a decade old in the closet. I stopped buying a lot of stuff. I keep trying to figure the wisest clothes to keep.... I had some clothes I tossed then I needed later and it wasted money to have to replace.

@sarahferguson0

11 ай бұрын

That's how it happened for me too! Lord my mom had so much stuff. Rooms of stuff! I didn't want my kids to have to go through that so i came home from that experience with a new mindset.

Absolutely brilliant video. We’re 67 & 58, both retired. We have started Swedish Death Cleaning our home. Passing on things we no longer need/want. Gifting items now, instead of putting them in a will, getting our home in order for an easier, more peaceful life with less clutter/stress. It’s quite a process but proving to be worth the effort already. We do not want our family to be clearing out loads of STUFF whilst grieving. This was what my husband & I had to do for our parents. We’re lessening the load. Best wishes 💜

@cynthiakeller5954

9 ай бұрын

Thing is the kids will just throw everything out. My mom was like that. What ever we didn't take went straight into the bin. I got a set of pretty pink bowls that must have been bought in the 50s from that clean out. What ever was treasured was tossed. We've been slowly giving the kids whatever they ask for. I need to have a garage sale, a HUGE garage sale, lol!

@thebucksstophere8870

9 ай бұрын

It feels good to get rid of it! Your children will Thank You! We were left with 65 years of stuff! Nothing worth much and ended up having to pay more than it’s worth to haul out of their home.

@cynthiakeller5954

9 ай бұрын

@@thebucksstophere8870 Thanks for the motivation. I don't need to do that to my kids

@delanabunch8990

6 ай бұрын

I’ve been doing the Swedish Death Cleaning, too. It was hard at first. Even after donating bags and bags of clothes, barely a dent. Worried how I could part with treasured objects. Years went by, but now, it’s easy. Just do it! It makes other people so happy to get cool stuff for free, and the cleared-out space gives our minds a place to breath!

@doloresm7396

5 ай бұрын

Yes, I am also in the process of Swedish Death Cleaning. I guess this will be our thing but our neighbor started this and unfortunately I was her target for her stuff. Why, I don't know as the last thing I needed was more stuff.

You’re spot on!!!! We’re doing the same thing. You’re not old… and neither are we!!!😂🌹

One drawer, one cabinet, one closet at a time! Feels good to declutter 💜

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

It is amazing!

@Pinay_Prenny

11 ай бұрын

Nice approach.

@Soapandwater6

11 ай бұрын

That's the way we have to do it; otherwise, we feel overwhelmed and never tackle it.

@LynneC44

11 ай бұрын

That is what I am doing!!! It feels so great.

@Myeverydaywifelife

11 ай бұрын

@@LynneC44 Excellent!

I’ve been doing the same thing for the last 5 years. I am 66. At first, I thought I might have to sell my house, my former husband and I were going through a divorce. Luckily, I was able to weather that storm (hurricane) and I still have my house. I made weekly trips to the landfill and the local donation centers. Even now, after 5 years, I still look around here with a critical eye and take things I thought I “needed “ with me on my regular trips to the landfill. I have probably reduced my inventory by 75%. It feels so good. I still work full time and my house is small. But it feels spacious to me, because it’s not cluttered and crowded with “stuff “. I’ve always been a fan of George’s bit on stuff!

Spot on. I'm buried in stuff. Thanks for inspiring me to get out of this mess!

I appreciate your input on reducing the clutter. I loved my Mom and Dad dearly and when they eventually moved to an assisted living apartment, we three kids did out best to clear out the house we had grown up in. Mom and Dad had lived in that house for 65 years. It was overwhelming!!!!! And out of sentiment, I kept a lot of things that I probably shouldn't have. I now have my house full of that stuff, my Mother-in-law's stuff (really nice stuff!!) and our collections for the 23 years we have been in this house. Now I am overwhelmed with all of my STUFF! Our two kids and their spouses don't want it, so........... Bottom line is that all this stuff weighs me down. I want rid of it. I don't want my kids to have to deal with it, but I just don't know what to do with all of it.

@dreileigh9210

9 ай бұрын

Donate donate donate…. You can try to sell some of it if you have time, maybe just the really nice stuff. It isn’t hard to google it and see what’s it’s worth. But if it’s overwhelming just donate it.

@maiadean7053

9 ай бұрын

I was struggling with downsizing until I realized that our local church has a thrift store that raises money for their mission programs. Giving them my valuable clutter really helped me not feel guilty about downsizing.

My husband and I started getting rid of stuff 10 years ago. Eventually we decided to move into a garage apartment that is 320 square feet and is behind his moms house. His dad had just died and his mom was 89. We stored furniture in a shop behind our house and moved in with a bed, couch, chair, and two cabinets. After three years we sold our house to our daughter and family so we had to cull what was in the shop. We saved some tubs of memorabilia and 4 pieces of furniture. That went into a shed by our apartment. His mom is 94 and very healthy but has slowed down a lot. We keep the yard and help out as she needs us. Someday when she dies we will sell her house and all she has kept and hopefully move into a small apartment with our few belongings. So much easier to choose and move when we don’t have all the things we used to have. Our children will bless us for getting rid of our own things like the book Swedish Death Cleaning says and not leave it to them like our parents did us. So for now we are 71 year old children living behind mom.

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

I can totally relate. :)

Good Morning! I have no idea why this video popped up on my Home page but boy did I need to hear your challenge/message. I’m 67, an empty nester, in a house full of memories & collections I no longer deem essential! I appreciate the spark you’ve ignited! Also reading the comments encourages me to know there are others who are in this stage of life as well. It’s time to make this a priority…

@TheNewRetiredMe

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! I'm just now catching up on all the new comments, and they are so encouraging to me as well!

@NancyAnderson-nt8bm

11 ай бұрын

Good for you! Don't leave it for somebody else to go through!!!

@catfish24

11 ай бұрын

You speak words of wisdom my friend.

@anitasimmons3599

10 ай бұрын

​@@TheNewRetiredMeThank you. The comments are very helpful and motivating. You hit a home run with this video.

👍 Thank's for sharing. Greetings from little Austria 🇦🇹

I like that word and concept. “Essentialism” I don’t identify with a minimalist exactly but I can identify with holding on to essentials.

@kzZnAT0r

3 ай бұрын

❤

@akontarini

2 ай бұрын

❤

I am 88, still good health going thru stuff I have to give away. I feel so free doing this. I don’t want my children to have to do this. Really like your video.🙋🏼‍♀️

@GM-vf7px

10 ай бұрын

Hi Lovely Dorothy/Very Inspirational!!! - Here's to the next 88!!!!!Cheers from Canada!!!!

This morning, a perfect example of how accumulation happens: My wife and I were preparing a crock pot meal. She was measuring a couple of ingredients and said “Next time we go to the store, I want to get another set of measuring spoons.” Which would be the third or fourth set rattling around in various drawers, along with four or more sets of measuring cups, multiple sets of funnels, large, medium and small, wooden spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc. The trap is that when something new comes in, NOTHING goes out. The ‘logic’ is now we have a spare. Want to talk appliances? Crock pot, Bread machine, vegetable steamer (we do use that a lot), 3 sizes of blender, an industrial-strength mixer (I call it the ‘cement mixer), electric frying pan (plus 3 sizes of stove top frying pans), 4 sizes of pasta cookers. Then there’s the ‘once in a blue moon’ articles: tabletop cheese slicer, scale, cake dish, deviled egg dish, various thermoses and commuter cups, insulated lunch bags. That’s just hte kitchen, and I know I left some things out. (Sigh).

@Cherie5353

11 ай бұрын

So true.

@serenityinside1

11 ай бұрын

Then pack it up and take it to a charity shop…TODAY!! What’s stopping you both .. jeez 🙄

@harleyb.birdwhisperer

11 ай бұрын

@@serenityinside1 Domestic Tranquility..

@giap9913

11 ай бұрын

As a start, to decluttering, IF that is your goal, I suggest, if you have the room, removing all the extras to a passive storage area, only keeping the items that are used regularly in your active living areas. It makes negotiating our daily lives so much easier & keeps rooms like the bathroom & kitchen functional & easy to clean. Keeping 'active' & 'passive' storage areas keeps my sanity, as I live in a small home.

@johnhall3570

11 ай бұрын

@@serenityinside1 Fear of getting chewed out by his wife, probably! 😉

Thanks for the great topic😊!!

Trying to maximize open space in our small apartment. Glad I found your channel

Well the YT algorithm finally gave me a video that I appreciate 😂 Im a 61 yr old widow sharing a house with my two youngest kids and a granddaughter. I gave up the master suite and moved into the downstairs bed room ...and am processing through 33 years of accumulated STUFF. I'll follow you for inspiration on how to redefine my space to reflect my current interests and needs. Thanks for being brave enough to share your journey😊

@mel4856

9 ай бұрын

😂 you tube gave me the same 🎉 a video I like too

Your children will love you even more now that you're proactive, moving unnecessary stuff out. Two men and a truck charge $250 per hour to pack and move boxes. God bless!

@Bird2920

11 ай бұрын

We're talking about this in our family right now, my father-in-law passed away. He didn't have very much stuff, but it is still a lot to manage. This has made us more aware and proactive for our other living parents that they need to start trimming down all of the unnecessary items from their homes. Also, this has put in perspective the need for stuff vs stuff we use. We can see pretty clearly now after all of this that we don't need even half of what we have sitting in our storage/basement. Thanks for a great video outlining your journey to a simpler lifestyle!

I got tired of managing all of the stuff and in 2020 I decluttered a ton. I’m grateful I realized I want less stuff before my Mom passed in 2022. It really helped me not keep all of her things in an attempt to hold on to her. I think the process of settling her estate which in large part means dealing with the contents of her four bedroom house of 35 years also opened my eyes to minimizing what I have. My mom had a beautiful historic home which she loved and cared for. She did declutter thankfully but there is still stuff in her house after an estate sale , a tag sale and countless hours of trekking stuff to various donation sites. The world tells us the stuff will make us happy but that’s very temporary and then we have to figure what to do with it all. Id recommend the books Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki and Make Space for happiness by Tracy McCubbin. Thanks for the video 😊

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

🤍🤍🤍

Essentialism! Love it. I’m 55, with deceased parents, and have been on a “purge” journey the last year, or so. It was difficult to inherit so many family “things” from my 30’s onward, and now I am in a serious mode of purging so my daughters won’t be in the same predicament as I’ve found myself in. One day, hopefully long from now, I will pass things onto my girls and grandchildren, but I want meaningful items left behind… as you said… not stuff that clutters my life, my mind, and bogs me down, not to mention just another thing that needs to be dusted and arranged and in my care. I’m ready for a more carefree, enjoyable, less tethered life for many reasons and your perspective is very refreshing. I also am not shooting for minimalism because things still end up in control with that mindset… no sense in stressing over that extra item or two, but the things that end up staying in the house do need to be important, not just because it’s “supposed to be” important. My caretaking days of things is something I’m considering and reconsidering every day as I go through the process of purging. Allowing myself time to purge yet not letting that translate to perpetual clutter is the key, for me. Love your videos and how you’re so at ease, as if you’re in conversation with us viewers. It is definitely an ever-evolving process to go through the stuff in our lives. You’ve encouraged me to go through several drawers that need clearing… I don’t think I’ll ever wear those stockings or slips ever again! Lol. Thank you for sharing!

I love this - listening to a wise person who has been through different phases of life. This is REAL WISDOM.

My husband and I have just hit 65, and we constantly discuss this. I worked from ages 15-58, and I have an entire life based on teaching. Lots of books, clothes, shoes, collections, etc. It seems like a good time to listen to my husband and begin to pare things down.

@radisrose

11 ай бұрын

I often go through my stuff to get rid of things I don't use. It's also about thinking that kids or siblings will have to take care of this once you're not here anylonger.

@rev.buttons2482

11 ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with books..if You use them and makeYou happy though 😉

@rev.buttons2482

11 ай бұрын

​@@radisrose..Or maybe finding some great retro-treasure among them😊. ..As long as your stuff is well-kept, not up to ceiling and house is clean, you do not have to worry about it, i'd say...

@jammy92955

11 ай бұрын

Being a teacher myself over the years you build up on resources that probably you haven't used for ages. It is hard to get rid of teaching material but then nothing lasts forever.

@user-is6de8pp7k

11 ай бұрын

Get rid of everything. You don’t need it.

You have a good voice. I "watched" your video while driving, just actually listening to you talk. And, I felt awkward being 53 and living with my mother! You're 65! Good on you. ❤😊

I totally agree, I'm slowly getting rid of ALL MY STUFF!! It's very freeing!!

10 years ago I said to my hubby, 'we're not really' stuff' people, so if we don't buy stuff we don't need, we can work less' and we did. That's not to say we hadn't accumulated stuff we liked or needed but we didn't need a TV in every room or 50 pairs of shoes each.

You hit the nail on the head! I think at 73 I am becoming a hoarder. Thanks for the encouragement to essentialize my life.

@moniquemuramatsu8199

9 ай бұрын

It must be the age of 70! I live in 450 square feet I have to much stuff. I resettled in my home town in Michigan from Chicago a

@serenity90210

9 ай бұрын

I loved this. I'm 59 and feel exactly the same. It's so refreshing.

@thedustmancometh

8 ай бұрын

I’m not quite 55 and I collect junk, just accumulate, sad! God’s pretty good at cleaning house for me, though. Had a big house fire just a couple years before the Joplin Tornado- wiped out both times! Now I fear I’m overdue…

@kzZnAT0r

4 ай бұрын

😊

I'm working on it! Thanks for the encouragement!

I think we all fell prey to thinking that we needed more of everything. Fancy dishes for special occasions, lots of decorator items, on and on. I'm constantly unloading and my friends think I'm crazy to get rid of so much but I feel sometimes like I can't breath. I don't want my children to have to deal with all the stuff when I'm gone. I had to do it for my parents and in-laws. Now I know better.

We could all lose 50-60% of the “stuff” we’ve accumulated. Probably more.

@Dani-ICU-RN

11 ай бұрын

Yes you realize that when you stay in a hotel for a week or two

@edselguru

11 ай бұрын

And not only that, but when we pass away, 90% or more just gets thrown out anyway.

I’m 74 and drowning in stuff……so depressing. I try to toss or give away and my husband drags it back…..‘I might need that’ dialog. You are refreshingly honest!

@nbenefiel

11 ай бұрын

I am 72 and trying to declutter. My husband never throws anything out.

@awakenotwoke2643

11 ай бұрын

I (a guy) am both of those people.,😂

First time watching. It's refreshing to get a male's perspective. Thanks for sharing.

Almost 70 and newly retired too. My father was a real mister fix-it, never threw out anything 'cause it might be used to repair something - sometime - somewhere. I must have learned that lesson very well because I also tend to keep all sorts of odds and ends - you never know. And then when I finally toss something because it's taking space I need for something else, the next day I need that something. As a child of immigrants, we had few objects from the old country and so every little thing became precious. The thought of throwing something out was almost a sin against the fading memories of the past. After they died, it was my job to clean their house. It took more than a year to go through all of the stuff they collected and I still have boxes that need to be sorted. Thanks for the wake-up call before it is too late. Definitely don't want someone else to go through that exercise.

My husband has just been told that there are only a few months left. For years my kids have complained that they don't know if they will have time to sort through all my stuff. I know now that it is time to get rid of things. It will break my heart, but i want the 'family 'stuff to be obvious, not buried in piles of junk. You have been a wake up for me, thank you!

I love the word, essentialism!! My Mom recently went to Heaven and we cleaned out her house (my Dad passed 15 months prior), and she was not a hoarder or anything like that but she did have a lot of stuff to get rid of -all the Knick knacks, kitchen stuff, blankets, etc. It made me realize that everything we have just gets trashed when we leave this earth and I have vowed to stop bringing in anything to this house that won’t get used and get rid of stuff that is taking up space!

Love your vibes🎉 Another nugget we could add to a ‘retried’ life is adding vibrant color to our wardrobe and surroundings like f fresh flowers, abstract art, bright cushions etc🕺

After just about 7 years of losing my husband I found myself Procastinating on Down sizing but just started a week ago this video helped me be more serious about what I NEED to what I THINK I WANT ..so every thing is going just keeping my bed television and buying a really nice recliner and of course my Bodyguards 🐕🐕😍 Thanks for sharing your journey very helpful stay safe and healthy and Enjoy your life time go's fast that will be step 2 for me 🧘‍♀️

My mother once told me “hoarding” started from some trauma experienced as a child. Cause doesn’t matter, feel the relief from throwing away excess junk cluttering your mind!

@sondrasmith2691

11 ай бұрын

It can also start when a real health crises occurs, where the cleaner and organizer of the house, becomes very ill.

@debbiebarrow817

11 ай бұрын

And your absolutely correct. If it's cluttering your space, it's cluttering your mind!

@safffff1000

11 ай бұрын

My buddy has hoarded over 10 million dollars and hates to see a few dollars thrown out.

@patdenman3887

10 ай бұрын

The clutter belongs to my son raised by an abandoned wife of an alcoholic. Trauma and many moves. I live with him and cabinets, etc, are packed and disorganized. Tired of trying to keep things in some kind of order. So I am getting rid of all but bare minimum of my own "stuff'".