Looking for more? Check out my NEW E-BOOK, called ‘Simple Happy Zen's Ultimate Decluttering Guide’. It's all my decluttering tips and advice, bundled up into one beautiful 90-page e-book. As well as new content and checklists I haven't shared anywhere else. It covers both the practical and mental aspects of decluttering. Everything you need to tackle all categories of clutter in your home and create the space of your dreams. Click here to get your copy: simplehappyzen.teachable.com/p/simple-happy-zen-s-ultimate-decluttering-guide By purchasing, you’re not only getting a beautiful e-book, but you are also supporting the Simple Happy Zen channel and you're helping me to keep creating free videos and content for the community. Your help really goes a long way, so I truly appreciate your support. 🌷 Much love, Vera
My husband and I are decluttering our basement right now. We are "seniors" so we work a little each day. This is working well for us. We don't get overly tired or overwhelmed! Everything that is not trash is being donated. This process is taking a lot off our minds. We don't want our kids to have to deal with all of this when we are gone.
Sparing your kids from cleaning and recycling your belongings is a great gift them. My kids don't really want much of my stuff. I label what is wanted by whom, and then follow your process. It is such a relief to have less
Thanks for the tips. Here’s my summary. 1. Declutter/purge only your stuff - let other folks declutter their own stuff. 2. Declutter/purge when you are in the right ‘state of mind’. 3. Declutter/purge a little daily, weekly, or monthly so you have enough steam/momentum. 4. Focus on benefits of decluttered space and positive aspects of purging stuff. 5. Keep your process simple for decluttering. 6. Focus only on decluttering. The time to organize/get storage containers is when you’re done. 7. Make decisions on your own about which items you purge/keep. 8. Ignore potential for regret about decluttered/purged items. Ignore future cost of re-purchasing. 9. For possible sale items, calculate potential income. Is it worth your time/effort to sell them? 10. Move purged items out of home immediately - or ASAP.
Teach your kids to declutter -- show them how you decluttered something and how nice it looks and how nice it makes you feel, and then tell them that there are poor kids who could use their excess toys and then help them to declutter in small steps, such as books one day, board games another, video games another, clothes another, puzzles another, etc. My kids are grown and the main things they have kept are their Lego sets and childhood books. And a few small doodads they kept by their bedsides. Teach them to destress and relax too. Turn off the electronics for part of the day and get them involved in hobbies and skill acquisition. A musical instrument, learning to cook or sew, how to set up a tent, carving, wood burning, cross country skiing -- anything that strikes their fancy. Scouting used to teach a lot of that and I think kids miss out on SO much -- nature lore, taking wildlife photos, making collections of stamps, seashells, rocks, leaves, etc.
Made all the mistakes of decluttering. Only yesterday I got rid of an old trike. My kids used yo use it and so did my grandkids. They are too big for that now so bye bye. Boy did I get into trouble with hubby. He wanted to keep it and so did my 30 year old son. BIG no no........to chuck something that's not realy mine.😱😳🤪 Lesson learned and I do realy feel bad and I did apologize . At the moment I only have one area decluttered and the rest is all over the place because I....... yep took everything out everywhere. Back to the drawing board , sit back and think a little. Thanks for your video.🤗
I agree on all points. Some of them really hit the nail on the head with me like the one with selling. Also, leaving stuff that is decluttered too long in the house. Thank you Vera⭐️
Thank you. I ran out of steam. So was bing watching you tube as a distraction. Came across this video and found the reason why I had run out of steam. I can start again, thank you, xxx
Keeping it in sections is best for me..not so overwhelming. Right now I am decluttering sentimental stuff. It’s not easy. You give me so much encouragement! Thank you for all you do!
That's great, keeping it in sections. Sentimental stuff can be challenging, you're doing great, just be patient and keep going :) Thanks for your support!
Thanks for pointing out these issues like decluttering other’s stuff and moving things from one side to other side of the house instead of getting rid off. I have started decluttering and must say its a slow and sometimes hard process tho. Thank you for helping,this life changing process gets easy and clear for me. Much love❤️
Thank you Vera for this useful video ! Loved the advice to not to declutter and organize at the same time. I think this idea that I had to get rid of the useless stuff AND to tidy the rest up nicely was keeping me away from decluttering. So no more excuses !
Thank you for the video! I have been wanting to declutter and follow my inner gut more. Luckily, making my home a healthful breathing space for myself in my life is in my control and I hope to enhance that by making room for my thoughts and find peace. Thank you for this kindness :)
Your tip to not declutter several areas at the same time is great 👍 that only creates a mess. Just doing one small area at a time does work, even though that's slow and time-consuming. Having afew boxes in one area also works, one box for keep and another for don't keep. Then to group similar items together within that 'keep' box into separate 'homes'. Once the 'homes' for similar items are set up, it's easier to start clearing another area. Eventually each separate 'home' can be organised later as, like you say, that's a different task. I was fed up not finding what I needed, to then have to buy another one, only to find several of those same items later 🙄. Now there's a 'home' for those grouped similar items, to go straight to. Thank you for your videos and help 👍
Great tips, and perfect timing for me! I've done my first big decluttering a couple of years ago, but it's time to do it all over again. Hugs from California! 🤗
thank you for this video! you hit the nail on the head. I started decluttering in more than one room and it became a more stressful project. lesson learned :-)
I agree with you about to not declutter someone else's stuffs. Decluttering without their consent will only hurt them, especially when you (unknowingly) throw away their precious belongings. My mom used to declutter my things without my consent so often that I lost count. One day she thrown away my wall posters and my childhood's loose leafs collection, not knowing that I cherish them so much. I got so mad at her for that and my anger hurt both of us.
‘Will fix it and then use it’ is something I have stopped doing. Specially here in India we love doing this and you cannot imagine the sight of our lofts (usually full of stuffs which are not working). However, slowly from last month I am decluttering and it feels so good.
I liked all of the tips you mentioned, I will consider all this and trying to decluter first then organized . Thanks, I think I'm on my way to declutering using all the tips you suggest here.♥️♥️♥️
I am just beginning to pare down my belongings. I like what you said about not doing it all at the same time. One room at a time - or closet - or drawer - or shelf. And, I haven't decided to streamline every area. I will likely indulge myself in a hobby just so that I don't feel deprived.... until I can fully appreciate the liberation in the other areas of my life. One reason I want to do this - is so things are neater and more organized. Another reason is that our children have grown up and have their own places - and I would like to down size to a smaller home in the future. Also, I don't want my children to have to deal with my stuff when I die...want the process to be as pain-free as possible for them. My father was a minimalist (in the 1980s) and it was easy to tie up the loose-ends. My mother was a hoarder (and had accumulated a lot of stuff when she had a lot of money) - it took years to deal with her mess 30 years later. I would never want to put my children in such a difficult situation.
I would love to see a video of what you/a minimalist still keeps in the cupboards and drawers after the decluttering. A housetour of your place after. Because i think you said you didnt have before and after pictures of your place.
No I don't unfortunately.... though my apartment has changed a lot since my last apartment tour video, so maybe I can use that as 'midway' footage haha
I actually lost 7 lbs, and can wear my older clothes again. It was a good thing i kept some really nice clothes and not donated them, especially clothes for work. I was too plump at 130 for my frame, now i feel so much better. I do regret ridding some things I really need, and should have saved.
Yes sometimes it can be good to save items! Especially if you have a clear goal about how you will go about using them again in the future like in your case, weight loss. Enjoy your weekend 🤗
@@cameliap1146 That's what they say to make you buy more stuff after tossing out a bunch of perfectly good items... Rewarding yourself for losing weight or whatever is exactly the kind of consumerist BS trend that leads to perpetual decluttering sessions followed by more shopping. If the clothes are ill fitting or otherwise not right even after weight loss then by all means toss them, but replacing something that is perfectly fine with more of the same just for the sake of it is not at all environmentally friendly, let alone minimalist.
I just love your videos!! The energy is the best :). How you put doing what works for you as number one totally sums up what I like best about your videos above many other minimalism RU-vidrs. Thanks for putting that energy out into the world!
Thank you so much for another wonderful video. I wish you much happiness with your YT channel now as your full time occupation. It's wonderful and I so enjoy the content. With much love from the rural forests of Tasmania, Australia
"Decluttering without ones consent" I call that mom being mom. Maa! Where is my..? Already, gone. Board games, Pokemon cards and toys ones I liked and enjoyed playing with. Ones she like hangs around. Thanks mom.
Almost everything that belonged to my kids I gave to them to get rid of, that way I was not burdened with the guilt of throwing it away. Currently I am going through photos, put into different piles. One son said he didnt want them, I said, well if you want to throw them out that is up to you, I am not going to do it. It is so freeing even if the items are yet to be collected, lol
Hi Vera Very good tips thank you very much. I also received your newsletter my husband or I are not summer people either. We love Autumn,Winter and Spring.❤
Vera! I’m totally enjoying your newsletter. I hope your heatwave is over soon. Thanks so much for the great tips. I recommend your channel to everyone I know! Love from Arkansas, US 💜😘
I did a masdive declutter a year ago. However, I now regret getting rid of some my books. I should have put things I was doubtful about to one side. Waited and decided a little later. I just got rid of things too quickly.
Thank you Jenna, that's really sweet :) I agree, I can certainly see the value in it, but for me personally I like my folding to be a bit less high maintenance :)
Vera: I'm still having problems with the letting go of pricey stuff. I had a method that I thought would work, but it isn't. Nonetheless, I truly learned my lesson about impulse shopping. No more of that!
Yes impulse buying can definitely lead to some items that are tricky to declutter 😣 Have you looked into the option of selling them or giving then away to someone you know?
@@SimpleHappyZen Yes, I had a plan to sell them, but it isn't working. My friends don't like the style of my handbags, so I think I'm going to sell on eBay and see what happens. I don't want to give them away because I want the money to add to my European tour (The Netherlands included☺️) in a year. But you're motivating me to get rid of these items asap, so thanks!
In my experience, there's almost always someone looking for what I'm selling on ebay haha. Hopefully it'll work out. And wow a Europe tour! That's great :) And thanks for planning to visit our small country :)
nice video, I see lots of things in which this will help me. However I am a disabled Female who doesnt want to be a minimalist, I have no relatives or friends close by and my things are my memories. the other day i got out an old jacket and i sat and just looked at it and rmembering all the great places i have worn it and the great memorys it brings back. Will I wear it again doubtful its from the 70's (with leather fringe ) lol. But taking a photo of it just wouldnt be the same for me. My thingsare like little time capsules and since i dont have much of a future, memories are all i have.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal story! I can definitely imagine and I would also advise you to keep that jacket. The smell and feel of the texture will not come across in a photo :) Take care! 🌱 Hope you will have lots of time for making new memories
Dear Jeaniej Butler, I just wanted to say that you do have a bright future ahead of you, even if it's hard for you to see it, in this season of your life. None of what you've been through will be wasted. Peace and hope be with you. 🙏
@@user98dlk7hg6vc Thank you so very much for your kind words,, I really needed them today. You see yesterday my best friend of 50 yrs and the sister I never had passed away. We have always lived accross the street from each other so right now I truely am feeling lost.
@@jeaniejbutler4911 I'm so sorry for your loss.... I do hope that in time you will find peace and comfort, and hope. It will probably take time (it usually does), but hang in there with everything you've got, and seek out the things/activities/people/music that gives you happiness, to help you through this. I don't mean to sound shallow, but sometimes these smaller things can help us through the biggest upheavals, and keep our thoughts from entering into deep downward cycles, until things begin to improve again. Please know that every tear, every sigh, every groan is heard and counted, and you are never alone, no matter what your emotions might tell you. And finally, please reach out for help - a relative, friend or a professional - it can make so much of a difference, if you're open to it (even phone calls, if face-to-face is not possible). Praying much hope and peace comes your way very soon
Je maakt echt fijne video’s. Helaas woon ik met 25 nog thuis en ben ik helemaal in to de Marie Kondo en The Secret en opruimen en zooi weg (ja heb nog steeds veel, maar niet meer TE veel, vind ik zelf...) alleen loop ik aan tegen de ander niet zo ver meekrijgen als ik zelf. Moet zeggen dat m’n moeder wel probeert en best wat in de tas die altijd open staat om naar de kringloop te brengen. Maar echt grondig alles uit een troep kast of bewust dingen weggooien die we never nooit gebruiken, dat niet. Terwijl ons huis heel vol staat en ik me daaraan erger hahaha
Dankjewel Brenn, fijn om te lezen dat je mijn video's waardeert! 🤗 Ik woonde ook thuis tot mijn 24e en ik begrijp heel goed wat je zegt 😊 Op een gegeven moment wil je gewoon je eigen plekje waar je alles kan indelen zoals je het zelf fijn vindt. Komt vanzelf! Blijf gewoon doorgaan met je eigen spullen, wellicht inspireer je je moeder nóg meer 🌱😄 Succes en dankje voor je comment!
1.Listen to your own heart not someone else’s advice. 2. Don’t tell your friends or family your new found discovery. 3. If one of the things you choose to get rid of is something that one of your family members or friends would enjoy and you have seen them admire it, give it to them. Nothing is more satisfying to your heart than seeing the joy on their face when they get a gift they really didn’t expect. Good karma! 3. Really be honest with yourself, if you hadn’t done anything with an item or not worn it in 6 months ( excluding seasonal wear) get rid of it! I am also a former hoarder and I am working out my hoard issues, hopefully this helps someone!
Rosy Wilson it’s pawning not palming and if they comment how much they love & enjoy it , then give it to them. Who are you to give advice/ comment to me? I am probably older than you and been around enough to realize that when people want something they will insufferably remark about it, or not say anything at all!
Great vid Vera and great advice!! I've done that well maybe I'll fix it, wear it etc. I'm learning to say no and let it go. Love your hair in this vid. I can't wait for the cooler weather so I can wear my side braid again. Summer is too hot here Lol!! 93° here today. Hugs!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗💚💚💚💚
@@SimpleHappyZen I'm from New Jersey in America. We have really hot humid summers here. I have some quick errands to run today then I'm back in the house for the day Lol!! 😉😉😉😉😄😄😄😄
I love your channel so much. That, you might notice I find your ooolllld videos 🤩 bcs I still learn so much. Thank you Vera ❤love your contents. Stay Healthy Stat Blessed Love ❤ Shehnaz Ahmad Your tour guide whenever you decide to visit South Africa 🇿🇦
Hi Vera, do you have any advice to fight against the fear of the future, how to overcome a difficult moment in life, and how to regain your spirits when you are sad? by the way i love your videos !
Hi there, thank you so much :) I don't have a video about this specifically, but I do have some videos that might be able to help you out in some way. Of course I don't know the specifics so it's hard to give advice in a comment. But I think you might like this video, it's about impermanence and how to deal with things changing and not really lasting: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Y5VWj7bvzeM.html (I also talk about being afraid of the unknown and the future) and I also have a video about dealing with change in life ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KUECR2NVQqg.html and about things you can do to boost your mood when you're feeling blue: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Xk0KMTx5x8U.html
How would you suggest dealing with your grown children’s clutter that have moved out of the home. My daughter has moved out 3 years ago and I still have all her clutter. Her house is too small to take everything she would like so it sits here collecting dust.
Hi Irene! I totally get it. Perhaps you could already make a date with your daughter to go through all her things and slim it down? Try to do it together but also set a goal to keep only a certain amount of her favorites. Maybe set aside 1 or 2 boxes that she can fill. You'll keep them for her until she can fit these things in her own home, but then at least you'll have less clutter and it will be much more organized. :) Good luck!
I started decluttering during lockdown but I'm having difficulty in getting rid of the stuff. Charity shops are closed and the collections are all suspended so I ended up with lots of bags around the flat ☹
Lol my husband culled some of our toddlers stuff without checking with me. I saw the toy at Vinnies and ended up buying it. *it was a bilingual toy so my son can learn some spanish. 😉
Hahaha dankjewel! Leuk dat je die cursus doet. :) Ik heb mazzel want ik ken toevallig een Japanse lerares die mij nu ook thuis les geeft. Dus dat is altijd erg leuk. Ik spreek trouwens een beetje Japans in deze video, mocht je het leuk vinden om te zien: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Eh8xr5zmqUY.html
Love this, thank you. I also like doing one area or closet at a time. If I threw everything or all clothing I owned into a pile I would get so much anxiety and start crying,. I have 3 different sizes of clothing in my closet for when I lose weight, some with tags still on. The smallest size I havent worn since 2012. I sorted through it all and still kept half of the small sizes. No bueno. I guess I need to be more honest. Also this morning I went through some perfume I was giving away and thought oh, hey no I want to keep this. I need to get this stuff out of my house asap, as you suggested.
Great vid, very helpful, , identity clutter, only have what I need , special photos, What do you have for air freshener?? Essential oils ?? Or essential oil deffuser ?? Thanks
My parents wont let me declutter the house. I keep decluttering my space but they pick up things from the trash, and they don’t understand that furnitures, drawers and stuff are not made to store the things you own but never use. I know that I can’t force them, but it feel really stressed by the amount of things in the house
why is everyone so obsessed with minimalism nowadays? and what's with the "does the item spark joy" question? does a screwdriver spark joy? do you use it every day? no and no. will you throw it away? heck no! you're going to need it in a couple of weeks and you don't want to run to a store and buy a new one every time you need it. and i can continue in the same way with many other items. we don't own most of the stuff because it sparks joy but because it is useful to us in one way or another.
It's being mindful of what to keep and what to let go. What essential for anyone is different for anyone, and even in time it is different. Having a screwdriver is a necessary item. Having 3 of the same ones isn't (especially if you buy new ones cause you forgot you had one). If all things have their place in your house, it really gives you clarity of mind.
@@andrehebben5831 well, as per screwdrivers and tools in general, the more you have the better. i often end up buying some new types because the manufacturers seem to have some kind of a secret pleasure in creating as many various types of screws as possible :D :D also, i end up buying more tools only to be able to fix other people's stuff just because they refuse to buy these things and say they don't need them. my aunt has 1 screwdriver and she says she doesn't need more. well, obviously, if you expect other people to bring everything with them and fix your stuff for you, then you don't in fact need anything.. she seems to constantly want to get rid of stuff claiming she doesn't need it. she finds spare batteries in her drawer and offers them to me. not realising that sooner or later she will need to replace the old batteries in her tv remote. she is driving me crazy. unprepared people who do not have anything in their homes drive me crazy. it is not that they don't need anything. it is that they don't realise what they need or might need in the future. when someone is so minimalistic that they call you over and hardly have an extra cup and plate to give you and they only offer you water because they have nothing else at home (because they "don't need" anything else) and they have zero tools and expect you to do something for them, that is the worst kind of people.. my grandma on the other hand has everything at home. anything you might need, she has that. she is always prepared. she has many types of drinks to offer you, she always has a cooked meal to offer you, she has a lot of plates to host a family lunch any day, she has all the tools you could think of and I love that. i don't quite understand the relation between the amount of things you own and the clarity of mind.. but i hate when people have nothing at home. some of these people are totally useless. lol...literally as i finished writing this comment my aunt sent me a message that she would like me to bring some batteries for her pedometer when i come over :D doesn't even bother specifying what type. what does she know anyway.. so now i need to bring all the battery types i find at home and all screw drivers, as i have no idea what her pedometer looks like. you can live a pretty simple life with a clear mind when you rely on other people for everything. and let others worry about everything
Nevertheless I have my small “magic toolbox” that contains the right tools for most jobs. First line tools do most of the work, they’re there and I know how to use them.
I don't think everyone is so obsessed with minimalism. Even the understanding and application of the concept itself vary from one person to another. It's just a matter of being organised and tidy so that you won't spend much time cleaning.
I've been holding on to a camouflage rain coat that belonged to my Late brother, I used it during one rainy season when my Car got vandalized and I started ridding my bike to work .. It became very handy but, I havnt used it for the last 3yrs. Or more I am feeling its time to let that go that my brother 's Vibe may rest also ... How would you let go of something of that sort ?????
Hey there, thanks so much for sharing your story. To be honest, I don't have any experience with close family members passing away. I don't really know how I would go about decluttering such an item. My question would be, where does the feeling come from that you're thinking about decluttering it? If it comes from a good place, wanting to move on maybe and like you said letting his vibe rest, I would say it could be a good thing. But if you're not entirely sure, maybe keep it around for now. If you decide to declutter, maybe it could be something in a meaningful way. Giving it to someone who might need it or donating it. It depends on the state of the coat of course.
I think with some things it is also not smart to declutter. I really disagree with konmari's approach to papers. In particular salary slips can be really important later-on for pension claims. Especially when one keeps moving around. So I would say: also make sure that you are smart about decluttering, especially with items you cannot replace.
Mistake that I see more often than anything else: “ I need to go to container store and buy plastic boxes..” Noooo! Don’t put your crap into boxes. Get rid of it. After all, plastic is bad for environment.
I had a friend who helped me pack up my house to move out of state. She constantly remarked on how much stuff I had and what I should let go of. I actually decluttered before I started packing, and had a lot of things I sold, donations to charity, giveaways to friends/family, recycle/trash. When I got to my new location, I couldn't find my good towels that I used for guests. I suspected my friend bagged them and put them on the charity donation pile that was picked up because she thought I had too many towels. When I confronted her, she made up excuses as to the whereabouts of my towels. The last time I confronted her after I had unpacked everything, she finally admitted she may have given them away because they were stained. They were my good expensive white towels I barely used because I saved them for guests, so I knew they weren't stained. Now I have to buy new towels because I do not have enough, but I can no longer afford expensive towels like she discarded for me. It is unfathomable to me how someone can actually make a decision about getting rid of someone else's things without their knowledge.
Decluttering and letting go of stuff is a lot easier when we realize we are creatures of habit. if it is not being used in your daily routine, you probably won’t need it.
