When the mood takes me I’m quite good at declutterring. I stopped being attached to stuff a long time ago - apart from a few items of baby clothing when the children were both new born to remind me how vulnerable and tiny they both were 💜. Although I know there is a box of almost every piece of school work / art work from child minder to nursery to year 1 that needs a huge sort out!
My problem is how quickly it all accumulates again even though I think I’m not keeping stuff.
Plus my husband’s way to sort stuff is to pile it all in a box it bag for ‘later. There are lonely boxes in our eaves who have been waiting for later for about 15 years 🙈
I used to listen to the minimalist's podcast religiously - around 10 years ago - and have attempted this challenge a number of times over the years. My problem is definitely sticking to it for the whole time and then not getting up to the days that make the biggest impact. I'm sure I once did it backwards - so you started with 30 items on day 1. But I do think there is something in the way you build on it. I must give it another go!
For me there was because I hit a wall around day 15 and gave myself grace and switched to paperwork for a while which was insightful in itself… I found myself feeling so proud of the online business owner I started out as… before I knew anything really - all enthusiasm and word documents…
I love the suggestion of 1 item on the first day of the month, 2 on the second etc. I find the 12–12-12 rule really helpful. You locate 12 items that need to either be thrown away, donated, or kept and repeat accordingly.
My husband likes to hold on to things "just in case" as well. When we moved into our tiny house we really had to think about what earned the right for space in our home. Some tough conversations! And it's crazy how much we accumulate in a short amount of time!
Aw I’m glad it spoke to you. I re read it and thought it was a bit simplistic but it seems to have struck a chord - maybe that’s what we need at the moment? ✨✨❣️
Aw Kaspa - good luck with the move. I hear you on the “hobbies” and I do think there is always space in our life for watercolour. I like to paint and then write a quote over the top - make an artwork and gift it - perhaps of service to you this time of year? ✨❣️
I just started doing this yesterday! I had many incomplete clothing clean outs from the closets - bags of clothing/other things in a pile. I went through it all and donated all the kids clothes to another parent I know (1 bag), and 5 more bags are currently in my car ready to be dropped off. Feels good.
The kiddo is now starting to go thru his toys to try to sell what he can and donate the rest. Also the bathroom is done.
The kitchen is next, today. My dad likes to give me useless kitchen stuff at Christmas from home goods or other discount stores. I’ve stopped that but I now need to get rid of a lot of it.
Stopping the flow is part of it isn’t it - so so hard with kids. Mine got three new toys last week because we were on hols but I’m centred about it because childhood is short and my nerves are pretty shot by whining 😂 they will all find good homes after. ✨✨🙏
Yes. The husband is also motivated to do a “free” or nearly free garage sale of the storage shed stuff. My ocd brain is in pure glee. He’s tge type to hold onto things “just in case”’or because it has memories or feelings n good condition.
Well it’s interesting because back in the spring, The Minimalists announced that they were taking a break from social media for the rest of 2024, so they aren’t active on any of those platforms. I listen to their weekly podcast episodes. They are on Apple podcast, Spotify, etc… They are very informative about the topics they talk about and while I may not always agree with their perspective on things, the conversations are very interesting 😊
Ooo I’ll look them up there thanks Mackenzie! I think it would help me monthly to tune in. Like I said the process was as deeply uncomfortable as it was cathartic but I do think it’s so possible to find a balance with it. ❤️
They also have documentary on Netflix which I remember being interesting. More about the Minimalist lifestyle than practical tips but a good watch. (Also good soundtrack/score - which I know because my husband still plays it 😄)
I’m a declutterer too. I love it. Two years ago I inherited our family home when my ex and I separated. He got the nice tidy minimal condo and I got a lot of ‘stuff’! A cellar and garage full of tools and building materials and so things I’d kept just because I had the space. I’ve been declutterring since then. I have spurts and have gotten rid of so much which feels fabulous , but there’s more to go yet. The inside of the house is mostly done. Now it’s just my things, what I want. Mostly!
Oh it's hard Georgia - we got rid of our garage in summer and I had so much regret at the contents of 'just in case'. - trying to be more mindful and kind to myself - we'll get there.
I love a good declutter, it feels so liberating. I’ve moved homes/countries regularly since my teens and somehow always accumulate too much stuff each time. I usually have much larger accommodation abroad.
It can be hard to let go of stuff when I realistically WILL need much of it again in the future in different climates (it can go in storage). But I’ve found that in among the “essentials” there’s also often things I’m clinging onto for sentimentality or “what if?” Like clothes that don’t fit, or old postcards. And lots of duplicate items. I spent 6 months making regular charity shop visits after my last move back to London! It felt good to pass it on for someone who needed it and to free up space in my tiny flat. 😅
I got rid of so much the last time I moved and I don’t miss any of it. Since that liberation, I’ve found it easier to not hang onto things unless I truly know I’ll use it.
It really is. I have a closet clear-out project on my to-do list for a snowy day. I look forward to donating quite a few items. It will be refreshing. Gooooood idea to do some more clearing before planning for Christmas!
I saw that challenge and I just can’t imagine being able to build up to decluttering that many to things day by day. It feels overwhelming to me. Decluttering has been overwhelming.
I started 4 years ago and I’m so grateful I live in a static caravan where I’ve had to keep going, bit by bit. Otherwise I may have stopped by now. I’m down to a small pile in the bedroom and my wardrobes to do.
I wrote a post about the last clear out I did of the en-suite toilet that had been full to the rafters. I noticed that the remnants of my ill health are comparable to the remnants of this remaining physical clutter. And still, it doesn’t motivate me to complete it.
It’s taken me on a journey of recognising I need help. I need support. It was a long post but a popular one:
Ooof yes and all in good time. I actually have a friend and ex colleague who holds space for people to declutter - she doesn't have an online presence but I would highly recommend her - she's ex corporate, chronic health warrior too. xx
I found someone down here! It didn’t come off in the end - she wanted to skill swap and I was happy to. In the end Rael stepped up. He cleared 50% of the space in my kitchen and streamlined my living room. What a hero!
He’ll come back again when I’m ready for the rest. I have to recover from it all first. Maybe - hopefully most likely - next spring 😆
I set up a challenge on Facebook a few years ago called give away every day. I found 5 items a day to give to charity and other people joined in. It was a good feeling all round.
When the mood takes me I’m quite good at declutterring. I stopped being attached to stuff a long time ago - apart from a few items of baby clothing when the children were both new born to remind me how vulnerable and tiny they both were 💜. Although I know there is a box of almost every piece of school work / art work from child minder to nursery to year 1 that needs a huge sort out!
My problem is how quickly it all accumulates again even though I think I’m not keeping stuff.
Plus my husband’s way to sort stuff is to pile it all in a box it bag for ‘later. There are lonely boxes in our eaves who have been waiting for later for about 15 years 🙈
I used to listen to the minimalist's podcast religiously - around 10 years ago - and have attempted this challenge a number of times over the years. My problem is definitely sticking to it for the whole time and then not getting up to the days that make the biggest impact. I'm sure I once did it backwards - so you started with 30 items on day 1. But I do think there is something in the way you build on it. I must give it another go!
For me there was because I hit a wall around day 15 and gave myself grace and switched to paperwork for a while which was insightful in itself… I found myself feeling so proud of the online business owner I started out as… before I knew anything really - all enthusiasm and word documents…
I love that. Digital clutter can be such an energy drain too!
I love the suggestion of 1 item on the first day of the month, 2 on the second etc. I find the 12–12-12 rule really helpful. You locate 12 items that need to either be thrown away, donated, or kept and repeat accordingly.
Nothing beats a good sort out!
Ahh so just 12 anytime?
Yes and you can repeat as often as you like. 😊
My husband likes to hold on to things "just in case" as well. When we moved into our tiny house we really had to think about what earned the right for space in our home. Some tough conversations! And it's crazy how much we accumulate in a short amount of time!
It really is isn't it - I did discover some gems while decluttering - I'll write about that for next week I think...
Just wow, Claire - this entire post is a prompt for my soul. THANK YOU. ☺️
Aw I’m glad it spoke to you. I re read it and thought it was a bit simplistic but it seems to have struck a chord - maybe that’s what we need at the moment? ✨✨❣️
Not at all simplistic - and what’s more, you told me exactly what I needed to hear! x
✨🙏
As we prepare to move (a long process!) we've been decluttering and mostly it feels so good.
A pang of sadness as I let go of books that I'm just not going to read and it feels like I'm saying goodbye to the person that bought them.
Immediate regret after throwing away my small set of watercolours and sketchpad.
Quickly buying a new sketchbook and it remains unused... Maybe the first impulse was right with this one.
All these different versions of ourselves.
Aw Kaspa - good luck with the move. I hear you on the “hobbies” and I do think there is always space in our life for watercolour. I like to paint and then write a quote over the top - make an artwork and gift it - perhaps of service to you this time of year? ✨❣️
Thanks Claire, and yes _so many_ hobbies over the years. The watercolour with quote sounds like a lovely gift 🎁
I just started doing this yesterday! I had many incomplete clothing clean outs from the closets - bags of clothing/other things in a pile. I went through it all and donated all the kids clothes to another parent I know (1 bag), and 5 more bags are currently in my car ready to be dropped off. Feels good.
The kiddo is now starting to go thru his toys to try to sell what he can and donate the rest. Also the bathroom is done.
The kitchen is next, today. My dad likes to give me useless kitchen stuff at Christmas from home goods or other discount stores. I’ve stopped that but I now need to get rid of a lot of it.
Stopping the flow is part of it isn’t it - so so hard with kids. Mine got three new toys last week because we were on hols but I’m centred about it because childhood is short and my nerves are pretty shot by whining 😂 they will all find good homes after. ✨✨🙏
Yes. The husband is also motivated to do a “free” or nearly free garage sale of the storage shed stuff. My ocd brain is in pure glee. He’s tge type to hold onto things “just in case”’or because it has memories or feelings n good condition.
Yes and then do you have those conversations that start… “didn’t we have one of those somewhere?!” 😂
I totally play dumb. But usually I know we tossed it or I tossed it secretly. 😈
Hahaha 🤩🙌🏻
Yup, The Minimalists talk about this challenge at the beginning of every month, it works! Glad you were able to have a good declutter, Claire 🩷🌿✨
Ooo where do you follow them? I don’t have IG on my phone…
Well it’s interesting because back in the spring, The Minimalists announced that they were taking a break from social media for the rest of 2024, so they aren’t active on any of those platforms. I listen to their weekly podcast episodes. They are on Apple podcast, Spotify, etc… They are very informative about the topics they talk about and while I may not always agree with their perspective on things, the conversations are very interesting 😊
Ooo I’ll look them up there thanks Mackenzie! I think it would help me monthly to tune in. Like I said the process was as deeply uncomfortable as it was cathartic but I do think it’s so possible to find a balance with it. ❤️
They also have documentary on Netflix which I remember being interesting. More about the Minimalist lifestyle than practical tips but a good watch. (Also good soundtrack/score - which I know because my husband still plays it 😄)
Aw yeah I think I watched that years back… it was nice, it made me want to throw everything away…
I’m a declutterer too. I love it. Two years ago I inherited our family home when my ex and I separated. He got the nice tidy minimal condo and I got a lot of ‘stuff’! A cellar and garage full of tools and building materials and so things I’d kept just because I had the space. I’ve been declutterring since then. I have spurts and have gotten rid of so much which feels fabulous , but there’s more to go yet. The inside of the house is mostly done. Now it’s just my things, what I want. Mostly!
Oh it's hard Georgia - we got rid of our garage in summer and I had so much regret at the contents of 'just in case'. - trying to be more mindful and kind to myself - we'll get there.
It's SO hard! But so worth it. Good luck xx
I love a good declutter, it feels so liberating. I’ve moved homes/countries regularly since my teens and somehow always accumulate too much stuff each time. I usually have much larger accommodation abroad.
It can be hard to let go of stuff when I realistically WILL need much of it again in the future in different climates (it can go in storage). But I’ve found that in among the “essentials” there’s also often things I’m clinging onto for sentimentality or “what if?” Like clothes that don’t fit, or old postcards. And lots of duplicate items. I spent 6 months making regular charity shop visits after my last move back to London! It felt good to pass it on for someone who needed it and to free up space in my tiny flat. 😅
It does feel so good to pass it on doesn't it Holly - I love that feeling too especially with the kids stuff.
I got rid of so much the last time I moved and I don’t miss any of it. Since that liberation, I’ve found it easier to not hang onto things unless I truly know I’ll use it.
It is so liberating isn't it - I'm going to do some more gently today before I start planning Christmas stuff...
It really is. I have a closet clear-out project on my to-do list for a snowy day. I look forward to donating quite a few items. It will be refreshing. Gooooood idea to do some more clearing before planning for Christmas!
Totally. Enjoy!!!
I so aspire to be like you with clutter one day!
I saw that challenge and I just can’t imagine being able to build up to decluttering that many to things day by day. It feels overwhelming to me. Decluttering has been overwhelming.
I started 4 years ago and I’m so grateful I live in a static caravan where I’ve had to keep going, bit by bit. Otherwise I may have stopped by now. I’m down to a small pile in the bedroom and my wardrobes to do.
I wrote a post about the last clear out I did of the en-suite toilet that had been full to the rafters. I noticed that the remnants of my ill health are comparable to the remnants of this remaining physical clutter. And still, it doesn’t motivate me to complete it.
It’s taken me on a journey of recognising I need help. I need support. It was a long post but a popular one:
https://warriorwithin.substack.com/p/i-need-help
Ooof yes and all in good time. I actually have a friend and ex colleague who holds space for people to declutter - she doesn't have an online presence but I would highly recommend her - she's ex corporate, chronic health warrior too. xx
I found someone down here! It didn’t come off in the end - she wanted to skill swap and I was happy to. In the end Rael stepped up. He cleared 50% of the space in my kitchen and streamlined my living room. What a hero!
He’ll come back again when I’m ready for the rest. I have to recover from it all first. Maybe - hopefully most likely - next spring 😆
That’s so perfect for you guys I love that! ✨❣️
This is a nudge to get my stuff, and my mum’s stuff, sorted. Thank you. 🙏
It’s a lot. I’d really recommend Suzy’s posts on it all - it’s such gentle encouragement
I set up a challenge on Facebook a few years ago called give away every day. I found 5 items a day to give to charity and other people joined in. It was a good feeling all round.
Oh I love that Claire - very gentle.
What a delightful summary of your experience. Thank you, its inspired me to take more steps, with compassion.
Glad it felt like that for you Caz.
I love that formula. I've got an intray piled high with filing that needs doing. If I just did one thing a day it would make a difference!
Yes Alex totally... and for the paperwork, I put a tv show on I like and have seen before and just sat and fed things to the fire with grace.