I decluttered my life in 30 days 

I'm a mother of two, work full time and working on my masters degree part-time. Decluttering lowers my stress levels and I get better grades. So I declutter before each semester.

I like to play the game “backwards”. 🙂 On the first day I declutter 30 things, on the second day 29, and so on. I like it better that way. At the beginning you are motivated and it's easier to declutter more, and at the end the number of things to declutter decreases. Perfect! ✨ One question I like to ask myself is: if I were moving house and had the opportunity of leaving everything in my old apartment, if for some reason I no longer needed or wanted it, which things would be worth packing into boxes and taking with me? Another good question is: If my house burned down and I had the opportunity to buy everything I owned again, assuming I had the money to do so, which of my lost items would be worth buying again?

Sell if you need the money. Donate if you need yout sanity.❤

I'm 74. I get rid of 20 items each day. Some recycling, some trash, some donations. Three of us are in a 2BR apartment near Chicago. Tina, Al's wife

I'm in a constant state of declutter, It's a never-ending saga, it would seem.

While I was watching this video, I went into my Apple Settings and realized I was indeed paying for WAY too many apps that I no longer use. Thank you for the reminder, I'm going to treat myself to a coffee as a self-thank you :)

Cluttered space = cluttered mind is really a thing for me. After living in our home for 23 years we’ve accumulated a lot. As I’m older now and my health is not great I feel completely overwhelmed. I’ve been on a minimalism journey for a while but at a snail’s pace. When I feel okay I try and attack a drawer or a closet but there’s just so much stuff. If it was up to me most of our things would be gone but as I share our home with my husband and grown son it’s not possible. We’ve also bought a home to downsize to so I don’t want to take all this stuff to the new house. Wish me luck as my family promised to help me in our basement today. I’m so excited.😂😂😂

I am also at that point where I just want to rent a dumpster and get rid of everything 😅

When you are overwhelmed with it, get the stuff OUT of your space- take that bunch of donations and leave it somewhere today. That will help with the motivation when you see the space cleared!

Hi! I’ve been decluttering for a month… so to not get too overwhelmed I take breaks for a few days and rest. I have found places to unload my stuff. A consignment shop for my clothes. She will donate them if they don’t sell so that’s a relief. My stuff like kitchen stuff, knick knacks pictures etc, or good junk to Goodwill, or a Veteran’s Home or Woman’s Shelter. Lastly I’ve thrown stuff out. My kids don’t want my stuff so it’s going bye bye 😂 My hubby and I are in our 70’s and our house is too big so it’s actually 40 years of stuff! I loved watching you and your energy!! I’m definitely going to go thru all my stuff twice. Plus I’m definitely going to keep watching and following you for more tips ❤️

I started at the back and worked my way forward. I inherited a lot of stuff from my Mom and Grandma, and most of it is beautiful pottery and art and books, so I do not want to get rid of a lot of it, but I have little room for all of it and I still have all my own stuff. So my method is to ask myself am I keeping this from guilt? or do I truly love it and can find a place for it? I will never be a minimalist, but at least I can truly love everything I bring through life with me.

I love the idea of skipping around with the number of things to declutter! thanks

this video came at a perfect time for me! i'm moving next month and have been putting off packing because i desperately need to declutter my life and make sure i'm intentional with the things i'm bringing into my new home. amazing job getting through this challenge even when it got really tough, and thank you for the great tips!

It doesn't look like you have loads of stuff to start with so you are doing really well to get rid of more. I have stuff everywhere, all storage is full as well!

Thank you for this video! I like your methods, and this is super helpful and realistic!! I keep feeling such a weight of having too much stuff, but then really struggle to figure out what to get rid of and/or how to organize what I want to keep.

I love how you started to change your content a little bit. Actually happy to know you from your WFH diarys. But I love how we start to see your life more and I love that diversity 🙌🏻 keep doing what you're doing

I can totally relate to the feeling of wanting to get rid of everything. Seems easier to do that and move forward.

I'm currently wrapping up my first attempt at this challenge (which I meant to start with the new year and then talked myself out of a few times in panic 😅), and it's been going pretty well! Some adjustments that I had to make: -Going in linear order works best for my brain, but I always have a tote bag or box in the corner of my room where I can toss stuff as I go about my day or if I declutter a big category that would put me over the number of the day, then I pull from there if I am struggling to reach the number of items or I'm really busy -I'm not pressuring myself to do a big spring clean right now, but it's mostly because one of my roommates is moving next month and we're going to rearrange the apt so I'm going to have an office space outside of my bedroom, so I'm telling myself it's about making that process easier and the heavy duty cleaning and organizing can wait -Doing multiple passes through a category or whatever really is necessary because it becomes so much easier to let things go when I've had time to sit with it -But in addition to that, I also try to consider if there are ways I can repurpose any items or simply improve my storage so I don't find myself in a position or buying the same thing later down the road and having to deal with it all over again -I have a little notebook that I've designated for this challenge and I write down every single item I'm decluttering so I don't forget what I've done and I can remind myself of why I've let something go -I think part of the original challenge is to clear the stuff out of the house/space immediately like every day, but that feels like an overwhelming amount of work to me and would discourage me from continuing, but I have blocked out some time every week on my calendar so can do a trash or donate drop

I did the mins game twice and each time in linear order. I‘ll definitely will do it in random order next time. So when I have more time or energy I can do more or if I‘m in a rush I can do a lower number. Good idea.

I am in the process of decluttering , I am planning to do it in 14 months since I signed my lease for that period; I think if you die nobody will care about your stuff and it is going to end in the garbage or donation ; This way of thinking makes me detach myself from things

Having to make so many decisions while decluttering can cause genuine stress and decision fatigue. Dana K White, has a great method called 'no mess decluttering'. It's a very different take on decluttering and can be great for people who find the process overwhelming, either due to time constraints, amount of stuff, or difficulties with letting stuff go. I agree about a second pass - I've been decluttering for the last week and went back to my craft cupboard 4 times! Because in between the decluttering days, I was still struggling to get to the items I needed, so clearly I still had way too much 🙂 Well done for sticking with it, especially on the digital side - always a nightmare.

I really love the idea of splitting the decluttering into categories, it is really helpful as I am currently decluttering and I also noticed so many things I never even used. Another thing I personally am inspired by is keeping things I will use for traveling as it helps get into the headspace of letting go of things no longer needed. P.S: I literally love your tattoos

Very inspiring! Honestly your content deserves more likes and attention, your content is very high-quality

For me i dont let the declutter pile get more than a bag full before dropping at the donation because having things like sitting around gives me nervous intense energy. And i too skip around days and i bank days too sometimes so it i got rid of 45 things ill cross off 30 and 15 so if i skip tomorrow ill still be on track

I love watching your videos. You bring about such a calm and relaxing tone to my brain. Appreciate your content and voice 😇

Hi Angel, I really liked this video. Thank you for the tips you gave on things that were challenging for you while you decluterred your environment. It is something that I want to do but since I have always been unsuccessful at decluttering in the past. This motivates me to try once more.

If I would do this, I would start with 30 things and make my way down.

thank u :) i’ve been in this exact position, country and all, deeply, for extensive months (just the season) i was hoping to find a video instead of making my own. grateful you have the strength i need :*;):’) congrats angel.

Thank you for acknowledging the overwhelm! :)

Hey Angel, I saw this video on RU-vid Creators discord server, really love this video! You did a great job decluttering even though it was stressful for you. I need to do another one since it's been a couple years since the last one. Thanks for sharing this experience Angel!

Hi! I am a successfully recovered type A and have a suggestion if you're open to it. On the day that you were overwhelmed, that's the day to use the "1 item". It allows you to accomplish a goal set, without forcing your brain and body to submit when it's clearly telling you "no". One of the MOST important things I've learned is to directly ask my body a question. Example: "Do you want to do this today?" At first I didn't hear anything, now I will literally hear the word Yes or No, very clearly, and often before the sentence is even over. When you were in overwhelm, that was your body indicating very loudly that the answer was No. If you're anything like I was, your body is yelling because you aren't listening when it speaks. So, on that overwhelm day, ask yourself - "Hi body, do you want to do this?" You may hear a No. Then you pick up one EASY item, put it in the box, and celebrate that accomplishment (hey, you hit the brief!), close the door on decluttering for the day (actually though, no forcing yourself to do other chores because you don't feel good about 1 item. FULLY close the door and move one to other things with a smile. You listened to your body, that's amazing! You should be proud.) What this practice does is teach your body that you will listen to it. This will create more trust between your brain and body instead of always letting your logic brain run the show and beat your body into submission. There is less frustration, pain, and overwhelm when you repair that bond within yourself. I hope this comment helps other recovering type As :)

I’ve been needing to do this! This may finally be the inspo I need!

Taking this one as inspiration!

You did awesome great job

Ive done the mins game 2 or 3 times, and RU-vid is a great accountability buddy. I never planned or forced declutter sessions in any particular category. I just kept an eye out and made a pile throughout the day and then decluttered areas that were annoying me to "finish up the day" in the afternoon or evening. Then I'd lay out the stuff on the freezer to record and then sift out the donations and trash to get ready for the next day. If I had finished a shelf or category and had extra items, they went to the prep area for the next day. And since I typically chose January I wound up at 498 so I would typically be pushing just a bit harder to hit 500 by the last day.

Love the idea of playing the decluttering game but jumping around the numbers, I haven’t thought of that before! Makes it feel less overwhelming to not have to stick to an order… almost like a decluttering Yachtzee!

I am currently in a moving process where i am decluttering my stuff. I first and foremost sell my items, but i have also been giving Tons of stuff away for free, even though i Could have gotten alot of money from selling it.. It sucks to just give it away when i actually Need the money. But, since i am moving and i am storing my items at a family member meanwhile i am looking for a new apartment i actually need to get rid of Alot. I take care of the items i have room for, but not just Any random item. Moving is stressfull..🤯😓 I'm no stranger to getting rid of things, as I've been doing this for several years now, on my journey towards minimalism. I know EXACTLY what it's like to feel overwhelmed and to want to get rid of EVERYTHING. That's when you should pack things away in boxes that you can't see through and put them away, to then get through each and every one of them one at a time. By doing so it wont be so overwhelming, since All the things will not be scattered everywhere.

I'd love more suggestions on how you did the digital declutter!!! That's where I REALLY need some help and encouragement (and more knowledge of where to even begin!!) Thanks!

I 🤍 to organize and just remove things that don’t mean a lot to me anymore it’s really great

Thanks for the insight! Currently renting a studio bedroom as I decided to lease my 5 bedrooms house years ago and I also moved out from my own master bedroom as I am only paid 1/4 for the studio from the money I am getting from renting my master bedroom plus the tenants also would like to rent the garage too so I need to get rid most of the stuffs as I can't move freely in this studio! Also, realizing that I've never touching most of these items for the past years.

I've always loved traveling light, and as I get older I want to apply this to my life too. I want to travel light through life. My kids won't need my stuff anyway.

- give things away to friends, family or thrift stores - keep a box by the back door all the time ready to hold items that need to go, then schedule the donation or giveaway asap - if you bring a new item into your home, consider getting rid of one or two things

Great video

This is a good video. Found it entertaining.

If l have not used in a year...gone. also furniture cluttering rooms. All books. Cds. When l realised my clutter was hoarding out of fear. I stopped.

important for me is to make breaks before I feel like it. I set timers and do not overdo

I NEED that desk!! I’m going through this whole decluttering and organizing too. I work hybrid and that desk is what I need. I have an L shape and it’s not working with my monitors! Job change, desk needs to change!

Keep the 1st 5 days for days you are overwhelmed. When i get overwhelmed I go to day 1 declutter one easy thing and then call it a day. That way you are not breaking the flow but not super overwhelmed either because you have time to decompress

where is the black bottle of water from? its so cute

Knowing we will downsize eventually, I try to live now like we're ready to make that move. There are obviously still items that we wouldn't take (guestroom furniture for example) but each room is pretty minimal, which is a lot easier to keep tidy and for cleaning too. I prefer to go room by room and allow myself to only put aside the stuff I can get rid of in one trip. I just cannot have piles of things hanging around, it gives me anxiety. I will have a bag for trash and get rid of it as soon as it's full, I will have a table where I will photograph items I want to sell immediately, with a box underneath to store them in until they go(I have a time limit in which they need to sell by also). Once that box is full I have to stop. Perhaps 3-4 bags for donation (has to be an amount I can carry in one trip if I can't park near the charity shop to drop them off) I have been at this for 6 years now though!

Glad you didn't get rid of your Snoopy tee shirt!

A way to declutter for me is imagine myself im moving out the house and asked myself if i stil need the items. There are items i want and dont want to let them go yet and thats fine but items i no longer use. I use give it away

00:00 ☕ The speaker embarked on a 30-day decluttering challenge to simplify their life, from physical spaces to digital clutter. 02:47 📝 Tips for effectively decluttering include creating a personalized tracker, organizing by categories or spaces, and not following a strict linear order. 04:32 🤔 Strategies for deciding what to keep or discard include assessing sentimental value, considering relocation, and questioning usage frequency. 06:58 🖥️ Digital decluttering involved sorting through files, unsubscribing from newsletters, and creating organization systems to streamline workflows. 10:36 🌟 Reflections on the challenge reveal insights into what truly brings value and clarity to life, beyond just physical decluttering.

When decluttering paper, is one piece of paper considered one thing? Also when decluttering digital space, is one e-mail or one image considered one thing?

yes was planning go for travel a year, so I wanted to clear all my belongings until all can fit in my backpack

I actually use “foreign travel” as a way to minimize. I have no intentions in moving, but when I pick something up, I say will I take this if I move overseas? If no, I don’t need it.

cool video. what brand is the monitor stand? (wood thing)

@angelzheng what brand is your black coffee/tea vessel? TY!

Personally for me it's more about being a good gatekeeper of things entering our house. Some things are unavoidable, like my 6 yo's papers, drawings and handicraft pieces from school. Almost every day something comes home with her. Other times it's our teenagers bringing in some things that have been given from other people, like a bag of secondhand clothes to sort through or free items they received while shopping, like a key chain. And then there's me, buying things. Mostly well thought about before buying a new thing and seldom on a whim. But there's also things as buying new shopping bags because we didn't take one from home before doing groceries. (Mostly the teenagers and hb.) The less personal things I sometimes declutter without asking my family members, like the shopping bags, if there's too many of them, the oldest go into the shed and get used as container for empty bottles with deposit on them or empty jars from food for the glass recycling. After a while they stain too much and then we will put them in the trash.

Did you find your cup?

Did you find the coffee cup in the end???

I wish I saw more of the actual decluttering

I also did this challenge and uploaded it but I swear I could do this challenge all over again because I have so much stuff 😅

Fingers crossed Angel picks the US to move too 😅

I love this video, what a great project! If you accept just one tiny piece of feedback: I find the clicking sound effects just a little bit too loud here and there. But otherwise this was such a high quality and well made video! Well done!

Where did you get the arm for your screen? I didnt find it in the links

We’re gonna make fun of ourselves for how much we said ‘literally’

What was that app you were using to delete photos ?

I did my bedroom and myself and my husband got 12 black bags full so I think I've got my 400+ items😂

What does linear order mean please?

Nothing really matters anymore, only the Digital Space. Go minimalist on everything, except for gaining views and subscribers. Everything going to get donated. Except for the Ring light and the laptop and phones. That is the Irony of our generation. We can have less of life, but of clout and online happiness.

612 amgel

It is not a mins (minutes) game, it is a minimalism game.

❤️❤️❤️❤️🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🥺🥺🥺🥺

I'm sorry Angel! I never meant to hurt you! I never meant to make you cry; but tonight I'm cleaning out my closet (one more time) Ha! I got some skeletons in my closet And I don't know if no one knows it So before they throw me inside my coffin and close it I'mma expose it; I said I'm sorry Angel! I never meant to hurt you! I never meant to make you cry, but tonight I'm cleaning out my closet

decluttering but the first thing you did was purchase something lol.

That clicking noise is beyond annoying.