Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/
Sorry if someone else has already mentioned this, but just one thing I disagree with and that's the first point. We all sweat a surprising amount during the night, to varying degrees, and this moisture goes into both the bedding and the mattress. Warm humid conditions are just what dust mites love. For a healthy bed, the bedclothes should be pulled back and the bed left to cool and air for no less than 30 minutes. This allows any moisture to escape and keeps the bed fresh as well as helping to prevent large build ups of dust mites (plus of course washing bedding every 1-2 weeks). I pull back the bedclothes, whether a duvet in winter or sheets in summer as soon as I'm up, then make the bed once I've washed, dressed, had my breakfast and washed the dishes.
Plus I have seen my neighbour who would strip her bed, hang the sheets outside in the breezy sunshine and put them back on. She said that she lived like I a 5*hotel everyday.
Thank you for the great video. For people who want to later return to it: 1. Make your bed 2. Put away your coat and shoes 3. Recycle junk mail 4. Put clean dishes away 5. No clothing on floor 6. Put away keys 7. Don't leave out bathroom toiletries 8. Pack away school stuff 9. Empty your car 10. Put away dishes 11. Store away kitchen appliances 12. Pick up toys 13. Tear down card board boxes 14. Put away remote control 15. Return chargers and cords away 16. Fold your blanket 17. Empty full trash can 18. Return reading materials 19. Throw away expired food 20. Put away tools 21. File papers
Sad to say, I lived my entire messing up my home. Cleaning it spotless. Dropping everything, losing keys. Cleaning spotless, and the cycle continued. Good news is, Old Dogs can learn new tricks! After retiring at 64, I watched your videos and others and got my home, clutter free and beautiful at all times. Yeah. Thank you.
@@KKJournals My problem is my messy husband. I used to be soooo organized and kept a spotless house. After 25 yrs together I’ve chosen to ignore his messes rather than fight about them all the time. 🤷♀️
People think we’ve put everything away and cleaned up before they come over, but our house is just like that all the time. These little habits work. Dirty dishes in the dishwasher, not the sink or counter. Clothes either rehung or in hamper. Bathroom products under the sink. Bed made. Junk mail thrown away in the garage on the way in from the mailbox. So much easier than trying to deal with a messy house later.
I agree with everything except putting the coffee pot and toaster away. Too much of a hassle to have to drag it out every morning. They have a permanent home on the kitchen counter.
My home is clean and organized. Yet there is NO darn way I would put the coffee maker under a counter. WHY does it need to be hidden? Wasted time for a non issues. As was this video--nothing here is not common sense.
There is no reason to put away the toaster! You are going to use it again and the energy to take it out is wasted time. Also- there will always be crumbs you can’t get out of the toaster- why put it in a cabinet! To attract bugs??
@@koniroyval7467 I agree in theory that this is common sense. But many people who have loads of clutter in their house, don't have common sense when it comes to clutter. Also many parents don't know that any child no matter how young should be taught to put their toys away. When I was watching kids, I taught them (as long as they could walk) to put put the toys away. Obviously I'd help with the really heavy toys. But even if the kid is only putting a couple of things away, it teaches him a life long habit.
Coffee pot is used everyday so it stays out. Toaster is used once a week (or less)so it lives in a top oven on a small cookie sheet. My two ovens are valuable real estate and I hardly ever use them. I don’t have kids in the house to make that a dangerous situation.
Thanks for saying, "If you are able. .." I love the idea of a clear kitchen counter, but my disability makes that very difficult. Your careful words, well as your practical videos, are appreciated.
I just came across this video by accident and I’m glad I did. I’m a 70 year old retired, widow and I find that as I got older, I’ve become more and more disorganized at home and the clutter is increasing. From watching the video, I can see that if I were to start applying those 20 one-minute habits, my life would change for the better and I would feel less stressed out. I am going to type the information, print it, and look at the list everyday until I change my bad habits. Thank you so much for the video. Greetings from west Texas 🌞🌵🌼
Someone told me about the 'no empty hands rule' and it really helped me. Just moving from room to room, there's always something that can be tidied, relocated or binned. The thought of a huge tidy up is too upsetting but just low level multi tasking stops things accumulating
Great tips, Joshua! You reminded me of what I read in Isabella Rossellini's book "Some of Me": she wrote of her mother Ingird Bergman who loved order and cleanliness: "Never leave a room empty-handed," she would often say to me, meaning that there's always a glass in the living room that needs to be taken to the kitchen sink, a magazine in the bedroom that has to be returned to the living room, and so on. She taught me how to be orderly and how to clean house effectivey". I like the sayings "Clean as you go", and "It's always easier to clean a clean house'.
@@oscarfelix1952 Very interesting! I wonder if Sean Connery was once a Boy Scout. The Scouts have a saying or policy about leaving a place better than you found it maybe cleaner than you found it.
I try to imagine any of today's actresses knowing anything about keeping house, much less taking care to impart that to their daughters. Nope, I cannot imagine that today.
I detest towel drying dishes, so the drying rack gets a lot of use. I put the dishes away once they've had some time to air dry. But I've incorporated emptying the drying rack into my "no idle time in the kitchen" rule. If I have any short period of time while I'm waiting for something in the kitchen (coffee to brew, water to boil, something in the microwave, etc.) I don't leave the room. I spend that 1-5 minute period on improving the condition of the kitchen. A working kitchen is never perfectly clean. There's always some brief task available to be knocked out while I wait on things. Put away clean and dry dishes, wipe down counters, cabinet doors, or an appliance, sort through a shelf of the fridge to make sure nothing's been pushed back and forgotten, sweep the floor, etc. Using those few idle minutes to keep up with little things makes it easier to keep a cleaner, functional kitchen.
Same. If I see someone drying dishes, I know we can't be friends. It's a matter of priorities. It's such an absolute time waster. Anyone like-minded wd rather be dancing with or without music. (There's always music in my head!)
I follow these and it IS life changing. After minimizing, these steps help a home be visitor ready every time. My anxiety disappeared after following these years ago. I had horrible anxiety but having things all put away made me feel more in control
Yes!!! I do all of these and my kids are getting really good at it too. They came home with a full backpack on the last day of school and they spent the first 15 minutes sorting and organizing. 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Julie S the reason why your kids sorted n organized their book bag is because you have done what so many parents haven’t don’t Teaching them to be neat n organized 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽
Good for you! I have three boys, so that’s not happening 😂 But I often get comments on how clean our van is, and our house is pretty neat and uncluttered compared to a lot of people’s. I think good habits and minimalist mindsets have a LOT to do with that.
I do some of these things, such as empty the car of everything that came into it that day, when I arrive home. I've given friends rides and had them say, "Oh, you didn't have to clean the car for me!" when they got in the car. It's not really "clean" persay, it's uncluttered. There is dust on the dash and dirt in the floors. Lol
Yes, that is very important. Making the bed immediately is very unhealthy. The dust mite/bacteria will multiply very quickly if you don't let the bed breathe first
I know I felt like I do all these things but I just wish I could get everyone else in my house on board. I feel like cords are everywhere all the time and as soon as I put one up someone will need it.
@@mj2030 I have a slight advantage over you there, there is only me and two cats. However, when I used to have a house full it was impossible to keep everything as I wanted it. Don’t worry about it! It all gets done in the end xx
I’m a recently retired Paramedic. People tend to forget that items left in the cabin of your vehicle, even though you may have attempted to “secure” them in some fashion, are likely to become flying projectiles in the event that you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. 😫
I love this list...I've incorporated many of these in my routine for several years now...However...I had to create "homes" for items to be put away. Example: a basket to fold away blankets on the sofa, drawer for car keys, place for remote control, etc. Hence, I first created the homes first for the items to put away, then get in the habit of putting away. I even had to put sticky notes on certain drawers and baskets to remind myself that they served as the new home for x,y,z
Great suggestions. The biggest challenge is finding a place for everything. And getting rid (decluttering) of things we just don't need to hold on to. Just finished going around my house for the past 60 minutes doing what you said, Joshua...which would have taken me just a few minutes had I put things away at the moment. Love the video!
Excellent video. If you clean up as you go it’s so much easier. We’re retired and we finally went to 1 car after decades of having two. My car was always clean but now that I’m sharing I am very mindful of keeping it clean. My husband is very neat.
Thank you for being so generous in sharing your knowledge with us! I discovered minimalism six years ago through your “Minimalism, Spirituality and Why It Matters” video and it has made me a better christian as well as a person who values what is truly important in life. May God continue to bless you and your family 🙏🏻🌼
I do all of these steps and I cannot tell you how relaxed I feel knowing where my keys and wristlet are. The tip on the car is especially important to me. In fact when I empty my car out each day I wipe down the cup holders that tend to get sticky if my tea spills. Then the next day my tea mug and water bottle have a sanitized landing space. I have one going to college. That kid will be in so much trouble because he was taught but it didn't take (because I was so adamant about it so he rejects the steps). I said "you're in trouble if your room mates are messier than you or neatfreaks. Thank you for the video. Going to rinse out my berry bowl right now.
I have failed on and off for 15 years to keep a home i can be proud of. I want to be able to tell my friends “ stop by anytime” knowing my home will be organized. I love your tone and the fact you go straight to the point.
The 1-minute rule is difficult to implement at first, when there's a lot of stuff to put away, but even an ant can eat an elephant if he takes small bites. It's even easier if you start with a small elephant.
@Connie Beane, this comment of yours is a reminder why I no longer allow any beverages anywhere near my keyboard, and sometimes the monitor! LOL. The keyboard has been "aerial attacked by high velocity liquid projectiles" waaay too many times and was rebelling at being cleaned... yet again. Simple solution... all beverages get checked at the door- no exceptions. If I really need a coffee (hot/iced w/wo additions) I go to it. No more interruptions while reading comments and... no cleaning necessary! Seriously, Connie, your comment would definitely have resulted in a keyboard clean, LOL. Have an Awesome week.
@@jddo3298 oh yes, agreed, no beverages near electronics unless in a tightly sealed thermos. Also why when loading or unloading my car I have learned to always put my keys in my pocket or on the ground...after locking myself out of my car and dropping them in a donation box! Hard lesson learned.
thanks for the simplicity of this viedeo. it was decluttered. so succinct that I had to rewind bc I spaced out for a sec and missed several. so crisp. nice job.
Thank you so much! My childhood home life was characterized by disorganization, clutter, and overall messiness. As an adult, I decided to learn how other people keep their living spaces organized and clean. Videos like this help me to identify bad habits and replace them with good ones. It's so amazing and empowering for me to finally learn!
I leave things in the car when I am going go out the next day. Swimming gear, stuff for my art lesson etc. Saves time first thing in the morning. I also leave egg boxes in the boot because I give my empties to a food bank that operates in the same community centre as my art class. That way I don't forget them on the day. I love your videos. Thank you.
Making decisions is my weakness. The junk mail is easy to throw away but it is the ones that needs follow up or filing that aways gets me! Also, would love to store appliances but not enough space in the cabinets. Great list!
Yep I agree and do most of these tips. But.. I don't put away all appliances. That would drive everyone nuts! We keep out the kettle, toaster and blender because they are being used all day from 7 am to 7 pm from multiple people because my kids and I are all on different schedules with school and work. So everyone is coming and going using these 3 appliances at different times all day every day.
@@gloriaincalifornia1911 I did try it🙄.. It did not work as a famliy (only when I was single and with my partner)! .. As I wrote, we are 4 people using all 3 appliances multiple (
I have a small apartment kitchen with deeply inadequate storage, especially for a household of three adults who like to cook, one of whom has different dietary habits from the others, and all three are on slightly different schedules. It's so tight in there, I bought shelves to put in the dining area for use as a pantry, as the cabinet space doesn't allow for both dishes and food to be in safe and accessible spaces. My plates won, and the food got kicked to the shelves. There's no way I could clear the counters more than I have. The toaster, the cutting boards (in a magazine holder), the knife block, the flour and sugar canisters, the large utensil jug, and the coffeemaker all live on the counters. We're careful to guard against acquiring much in the way of appliance/gadget clutter, but there's only so much you can do in a small kitchen unless you aren't actually going to use the kitchen. For a working kitchen with serious storage issues, we're as counter clear as we reasonably can be.
@@LucyLynette well done! 👏. You do what works for you and your family🤗. So long everything has a home (in cupboards, on shelves or on the worktop) and so long it doesn't cause you stress, and anxiety and functions efficiently for you and you family, your solutions are perfect! 😊... Minimalism is different for everyone because we all live different lives! Don't let you tubers affect your personal judgment 😊.
Great list. Happy to see that I already do almost all the ones relevant to me (I don’t have kids or a car). The one I struggle with is filing papers - when I get mail that needs action I do tend to keep it on the hall stand but I’m going to try the “Sunday box” idea I saw on another RU-vid channel. Other things I do: - fold laundry when it’s dry (I’m in the UK and air dry) rather than leaving it hanging for another few days. - put clean laundry away right away (I don’t own a laundry basket so it forces me to deal with it immediately) - rinse out recyclables (cans, bottles) and flatten cardboard packaging (food boxes) as soon as they’re empty and put them straight in the recycling box - change out light bulbs - put things on the grocery list as soon as you finish them (or as soon as you open the last of your stock) - rinse the bathtub after every shower to wash away soap scum and residue - put reusable grocery bags back in their place as soon as you’ve put away the shopping so you always have them next time The more I think the more I realise I have!
I agree to all points except rule 19. Don't throw away food just because the date on the can/box/whatever is expired. The date is there because the company has to guarantee the food is good before that expiration date. It's not simply going inedible just because the date arrived. A friend of mine works for an organization collecting expired food from supermarkets distributing it to households willing to first try if something is good before they throw it away. They are only a small organization and they alone save hundreds of tons of good food per year.
Absolutely. Im surprised hes even advocating this as its such a waste. Besides meat, and if products are properly stored, those dates are only relevant to a certain point. I use my dairy at least a week beyond the date. Dry products take a loong time to become stale in airtight containers. Pasta and dry beans last indefinetly in airtight containers. And cans can last years if undented and left in a cool dark place. In this economy, with so many struggling, I wish he would advise using up expired foods, asking family if they would use it or donating it before its expired.
Canned foods are good almost indefinately. I look online to check actual expiration dates. Recently, I looked up canned tomato juice and found that juice is good about two years beyond stamped dates. I also had about 15 cans of vegetables beyond "expiration" dates. I marked the cans and have been using them in date order. Out of many "expired" cans, only two were not good. I am 77 yrs and have a limited income, so checking dates online and using up cans has saved me quite a bit of money.
Great video, thank you. My mum taught me many of these, so I am grateful for that. I am okay with my kettle and toaster being on my kitchen bench though
Making the bed should be the last step of the morning routine, not the first. Throw back the bedding and let it air out while you get ready for the day. Making it up the second you get out of it doesn't give sleep sweat and odors a chance to dissipate, and can leave you with funky bedding. Who wants sheets that desperately need changing by mid-week? Optimal time for airing is a couple of hours, but if your schedule allows for less, any is better than none.
I like to make my bed after I dress and before I leave the bedroom. Not a couple of hours, but definitely aired out. Works for me. I usually (if warm enough) turn my heater off or down, open my window, go let my dog out, use my restroom, let dog in, feed & water cat & dog, back to bedroom -- get dressed, fold my current PJs up in my current sleep hoodie & place that bundle by my pillow, then make the bed. That gives a little air out space of time without being arbitrary about a length of time (cause I don't think I'd get to making my bed if it was about a certain amount of time).
That is so true. I make my bed a couple of hours later, but when I get out of bed I found my blankets neatly back, so the room has still an orderly appearance.
I fold my blanket back so that it can air out all day. I find that covering the entire bed back is really an optics (looks "made") and habit thing for people.
Here's a tip: declutter your kitchen cabinets. There's probably stuff in there you never use that would leave room to put away the appliances you do use. (That said, putting stuff away in upper or lower cabinets can be challenging to those of us who are older and have difficulty lifting heavy objects.)
I’ve needed these tips forever. I’m a level 3? (I think) hoarder, these tips are manageable. I get lost in trying to do big cleanup jobs, often becoming overwhelmed. THANKS 🙏🏾
Great advice! I really want a tidy home, although I am a little bit lazy when it comes to put away clothes and dishes right away. But I will keep on trying.
I enjoy your videos!@ We downsized to 1200 sq feet & every day I realize the smaller space must be purged every year. I pulled everything out of the closets & cupboards that we do not use. As I take inventory of these many items I think, the 80% gone and 10 or 20% keep. Big job right now.
I was nailing every single one & feeling all smug then he said "Put away your tools." **gasp** Then he said "You know who you are." .......He got me! How did he know??
Thank you very much. Most of this makes sense. If you live in senior housing in a small apartment, some things simply are not feasible. Specifically 7 and 11.
Great sensible tips. I learned to not make anything a 'two step process'. In other words, don't put it down, put it away! Thanks for this helpful advice.
I have to throw a lot away since my hubby grew up poor. I found tortellini that expired 2 months ago in the back but he probably hated throwing out. I have trouble with many areas but not food. I got sick once eating a too old item and never came close again.
Told my kid when he was little, “When in doubt, throw it out”. Also, “We don’t eat furry food”. And……I NEVER got upset if he threw something out that he questioned.
@@deb9806 I've gotten into the habit of writing the exp. date on the label if it's close dated. On some things with a "use within X # days after opening" I'll write the date opened, like broth or jarred sauce because I usually don't recall what I made with it or when anyway. lol. As for clothes... they usually fall into 3 categories, too tight, too loose or just about right, the Goldilocks method. Oh, the 4th category is... wait, did I really wear that to school, you've got to be kidding! Debra, God Bless you and Keep you Safe in His Loving Embrace. Have an Awesome week.
RE: #15 As soon as I get a new charger I attach folded over duct tape on the cord part and label it with a permanent Sharpie as to which thingy it belongs to. That way I never again have to spend a couple of hours trying to match up and toss (recycle). If your charger is white you can mark the plug directly. Good-bye tangle drawer.
Thank you for your videos Joshua. I have found them helpful but I think this is the first time I have commented. One thing I would add is that, from experience, I know that it's easy to be so overwhelmed and not know where to start, that you think, once I've tidied up I'll start the new habits, but really you might as well start the new habits straight away, regardless of the messy house.
YES! This is my literal motto for life and has been for years. Whatever I notice something that needs to be done, I ask myself if it will take 1 minute or less to do. If so, just do it now! If it is something that will possibly take a little longer, I'll give myself some grace time to decide if I want to just do it and get it done with or do it a little later. Being mindful of the one minute rule helps motivate you to do just about anything, even if it will take more than one minute. :)
Thanks for this. I am learning minimalism and i start from really far. Habits are the more dificult to change. But one by one i am seeing changes. Thanks for it
I can’t take it. My brother was this fastidious. He would collect guests coffee cups long before they had finished their coffee or tea. He couldn’t stand the clutter! 😮 He made most people a nervous wreck.
It definitely takes me much longer than a minute to make my bed, but I do love seeing it made. I think that you can also put wipe counters on this list, especially bathroom countertops which are much smaller than kitchen countertops, but even kitchen counters are quick to do, and it's especially helpful when you spill something sticky.
Thank you for another great video 👍🏻!! The problem for me is getting my husband on board with me 😩 but hopefully when he sees me doing these he will join.
I have the same problem with my adult son and his girlfriend. They just don’t seem to care. I try to set a good example, but nothing I do seems to make a difference.
All my life i thought I've had the strange habit of immediately washing up and putting away everything I've used, I really can't leave anything without cleaning it up right away. Now I find out that that is actually a good habit because I indeed never have mess or dishes :)
Love this idea as I'm looking around the room thinking I could have done all that in less than a minute and have had everything put away. Thanks for the inspiration to do the little things to keep my house looking clean and tidy.
Thank you, I'm beginning to become concerned with my own environment I saved things like plastic bags fearing I would need them in case of emergency, or to organize or for landscaping for land I dont own, coffee cans in case I needed for tiny wood stove, or citronella candle making. Getting rid of stuff is easy in summer, harder in winter.
Great tips. To also keep the house clean i always try to clean one thing when I go in a room..takes less than a minute in most cases: for example, using the bathroom...clean the mirror or the sink faucet or the rim of the toilet. It doesn't replace a deep clean but keeps the space presentable.
I agree with almost all your "clutter free home" remedies, except one.....never make your bed immediately, always, ALWAYS air your bed, roll back all the bedding, and open the window, for 30 minutes, then make your bed, it keeps your bed fresher and less germs.
I love the idea of opening the windows to air out the room. Sadly, we have very high humidity in our area and extreme temps (very hot in summer, very cold in winter), so there are only a handful of days each year where this would actually be feasible. But on those very rare, dry, tepid days in the spring and fall, we always open our windows and relish the short time we have to enjoy it.
This has helped me tremendously. Have moments leave things out. But working on everyday. Teaching family and its working well. Dishes are a work in progress with family.
Keeping surfaces clear and always making my bed as soon as I get out of it. I have a dining table that is also used as a desk in my lounge. My rule is ALWAYS to keep this clear. Clutter attracts clutter
Ugh nothing is more frustrating than being the one who puts everything back where they found it once finished with it and the having the rest of the house leave everything laying around,
Yes!! This is my struggle. 6 kids, small house, husband works from home... Even when it's "clean" there are random things all over the place. I'm not sure how to overcome this...
@@amberhoward9034 Try making a checklist for each child (age appropriate), and acknowledge tidying with a small reward. (Stickers are good!) My kids quickly adapted to making their beds when I introduced ‘pillow candies’ for this task. It made their rooms feel like a fancy hotel.
I scan most everything I need to save, file it electronically, back up to a fat storage drive, and shred the originals. Saves an incredible amount of time when I have to find something, and saves a huge amount of space.
After getting up, I use a dedicated (only for this job) handheld vac and sweep the sheets and pillowcases, let it air for 30 minutes, and then make the bed. Next best thing to the washing machine! 🌈
All mentioned in this video are my problem. Just recently found this channel---the right time. Just completing my newly renovated home, and will initiate a new, decluttered, minimalistic way of life. Wil be watching more of you. Thanks.