I did this from over a 6,000 square ft. home after my husband's passing, no kids, no family. Donated everything started over now live in a 615 ft condo everything is brand new i started over again. When my passing, my niece will have it easy. I'm still young, 70-year-old, but less stressed in my life. God bless love your videos, always informative and uplifting.
I am listening to this as I am decluttering my closet. Two years after my husband's death I downsized from over 3,000 sq ft to a 1,200 sq ft condo. I was able to simplify everything but my closet. I am now accomplishing that!
I’m sorry to see some people commenting who are bringing their negativity and criticism. This is a channel about sharing life experiences and lessons learned. We are not here for comments from people who express judgements without listening to the entire video, or start nitpicking formatting and semantics. To those people , please step out of this “conversation.” Thank You Sandra for your grace and elegance. ❤
Hi Sandra. It’s so true! It’s a shame that I so overlook this when I reached 60 or 70 years of age. I would have been much happier if I had lived a minimalist life without worrying about having a big house full of everything to show our good standard of living. I would be able to do much more important and enjoyable things like travel more. The important thing would have been to live my youth, which passes so quickly, working yes, but for myself, to truly enjoy life as much as possible. Thanks for your videos.
I am 81, hubby is 83. As I downsize, I find he has more stuff than I do. I have more clothes but he has collections after collections. I am finding that putting stuff in the trash is less stressful than trying to find someone that wants it. So old casual tees and the like, go into trash. No tag sales or garage sales. It is just too much to handle. If anything might be resell-able, we donate to a shop that gives 100% to fallen hero families. I wish I had more good items to donate. In the same cottage for 60 years.
I once read a statement that said, "Abundance is not measured by what flows in, but by what flows over. The smaller your cup of need, the sooner you will see the abundance."
Oh Sandra, I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately. Years ago, I realized I had fallen into a cycle of constantly buying new things, never feeling truly satisfied and always craving more. But when I truly encountered God, my heart shifted. I became grateful for the blessings already in my life,my family and, above all, a loving God who watches over me every day. Without even noticing, I let go of consumerism. Thank you, dear. Your videos bring me such peace. I love hearing your voice and seeing your wisdom shine. You look beautiful! God bless you abundantly! 💝
So true Sandra, I've removed many possessions from my life. It's liberating. Being a widow my house is is very simplified. My garden is however full of flowers which gives me joy
Mommy Sandra you're a such a huge blessing. I'm enjoying you all the way from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Lots of love to you ma. You are so pretty, both in the inside and outside. What a blessing
Sandra, you’re such a Gem!! Thank you for this! Just yesterday, we cleaned out the garage and I brought in my son’s baby blanket from 36 years ago. He passed when he was 23 in a motorcycle accident in front of our family home. I didn’t want to stay living there so we moved 3 months later. My husband packed the entire house, I just couldn’t do it. It’s been 12 years and we still haven’t unpacked half the stuff. 40 years of marriage we’ve accumulated things we just don’t need. I have jewelry I’ll never wear again and my kids/grands don’t wear the “old” stuff even though it’s valuable. It’s time to get rid of it. Your video gives me the inspiration to get it done. Thank you Sandra.. you’re such a beautiful gift to me! 💞 Kristi Cress
Loved this! My husband passed 2 years ago and I thought I was going to purge like crazy. Well I haven't. Two weeks ago I had a water leak from the AC unit and ruined two closets and a large portion of relatively new flooring. I have a 2700 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms. .My bedroom along with two others will not have to be replaced, I have an open concept so the living area, breakfast area, kitchen, formal dining office and one bedroom has to be replaced so the flooring all matches. . Insurance had movers come in and do a pack out. Took 7 people 3 days which included all furniture. As I sat last night in the one chair I have in the house I thought to myself how nice it was to not see "things" everywhere. When all those boxes come back, I AM GOING TO PURGE. Blessings to you from Texas.
hi Sandra, I love my simplified life. We downsized and Decluttered when we moved from Virginia to South Carolina 11 years ago. It is so freeing not to be burden down with a bunch of stuff. I would never want to leave a house for stuff for my children to have to clean out and get rid of, especially when they are grieving. Having too much stuff in the home can also be a safety hazard as we age. Having the love of my family and peace in my heart means more to me than any material possessions. Much love, Sheila
🌻🍁🌾🐿 Hello Sandra! Today is my 67th Birthday and I'm here for your wisdom. I've always looked for your inspiration. I'm in that spot of living in the big house while my parents and husband have passed away and my oldest son and family have moved far. It's so overwhelming to clean out the house. I don't buy much of anything and I'm trying to donate a lot. Start cleaning out while you're young !! My prayers 🙏 are with you, my friends and family throughout Fla and the rest of the South. God Bless 💞
I refuse to let “stuff” drag me down. My goal is to move into a beach house this year and if I can’t lift it myself, it’s not coming with me. Will be a major life change but a big 10-acre farm house with lots of inherited stuff won’t do me any good. I am already thinking ahead at 44 years old, downsizing and investing in a beach house that will triple in value with less upkeep-a much smarter move.
I've been married for 46 years and have lived in our home /farm since 1992. Alot of things I can't get rid of (tools, farm stuff) etc. but things in the home I am packing up for auction in the future. My son, who will be in charge when my husband and I pass, begs me to please get rid of as much as I can . Such good advice. It's the memories and experiences.
My brother lives in Sarasota and unable to reach him due to power being outside hopefully soon. I have lived minimally since I lost my home to a fire many years ago. My life changed drastically . I am single have things I enjoy and use and yes love seeing in my space . I dislike clutter and useless “things “.Also pertains to clothes . I wear and enjoy what I have. This goes for everything in my life even people that do not serve me well. Feeling free is the absolute best joyful liberating space to give you peace of mind body heart ❤️
In my previous life, I moved 22 times in 28 years. I should have purchased furniture on wheels it would’ve made all the moves easier. Actually it’s a humerus saying. Since I turned 60, I built a beautiful small cabin of almost 2000 square feet and what I have I love and look at it every day. Enjoy your castle Sandra !!!!
I relate to this so much ! I moved from San Diego to Jax Beach 24 years ago. I made my New Year’s resolution one word “Simplify” ! I turned my move into a party ! I had 3 yard sales and each one of them I invited a different of friends …I made homemade goodies & custom Red and friends enjoyed and actually we made new friends. To clean out my office if 14 years I had 5 shredding parties where I invited one person who I had wanted to know better but never had the chance. That’s 5 great friends I now have for a lifetime. I had a “Mardi Gras tree” to sell and one lady asked how much, because here mom & dad had a Bed & Breakfast in Solana Beach that was all about New Orleans. I told her I would give it to her because I would love for it to be enjoyed. She took it and me with her to deliver it and her mom & dad gave my hud and & I a free night at their B & B in a night her dad and his two friends were playing Music at a beach pub so we and the other 4 guests all went ! It was a great time. I know this is long but I was dreading the whole move and with a little creativity it turned into such a blessing. God bless you !
I've been stuck for a long time, The amount of work seemed so heavy. I'm reading the comments for inspiration and you even added fun! You, My Dear, and the story of your creativity have pointed me in a much better direction. I have also been dreading and putting off and dragging my feet, because I couldn't imagine what could be at the other end of the tunnel. I still don't have the answer to that, but I do see how even the process itself can be enjoyable. I've said for a long time that God will help me, when He sees that I'm serious. Thank you for the little push to get started... Fun can always motivate me!
We lost our home of 29 yrs to fire in 2022. It was absolutely hard but in the aftermath our new home (1/3 the size) is a reflection of only the things that are special to us-everything has a story and brings a smile to our faces. Yes, we were forced to into downsizing but once our downsizing muscles got stronger the whole process became so much easier. Just remember, this journey looks different for each of us based on what we hold dear. I highly recommend getting rid of the excess in our lives, it leaves so much space for peace.
in our home 55 years. my husband has wanted to move for past 20 yrs! and we've looked but never found a place we liked as much. now we're in early 80's and it'll be harder to physically move BUT the idea of getting rid of some stuff per your comments sparks me.
We started getting rid of things for several year that we never used and our kids didn't want. The best thing we have ever done! Then, we sold our 3333 sq. ft. house (got rid of no longer needed furniture) and bought a 1640 sq. ft. house. We love our "tiny" home and love that it's not filled with lots of STUFF that we didn't use or need anymore! Also, our children will have an easier time of getting rid of our remaining stuff when we are no longer here. God bless you and yours.
As an only child with no kids, this is an important topic. I am in the process of clearing things out at 63. I just retired so I don't need alot of things to stay home. I will gladly let things go. Thanks Sandra for the extra confirmation that this is the right way to go about this. I wish there was a donation center that would bring a truck and take it all away.
Letting go of things is difficult for most. But so worth it! Even if you do small bits at a time. Before you know it, you've downsized! It really is freeing and provides fresh new energy. Love that! Thank you, Sandra🧡 We love you, girl!💞 Glad you're safe🙏
Lady Sandra I truly look forward to your Sunday posts. I appreciate your wisdom and insights. You have a unique way of reaching our minds and hearts and you make me feel as if I’m sitting there with you just you and I having a cup of coffee or tea and that you’re speaking to me personally. You are a treasure. Blessings to you and your family.
Hi Sandra, this video is right up my alley… after my parents passed and my siblings and I decluttered and sold their house, that is the day I became a minimalist, I started to go through every drawer, every closet, every inch of my home, if I didn’t love it, or need it I donated it.. I can say I must have decluttered 3/4 of my possessions. Right before Covid I was about to buy clothing I was in need of, of course everything shut down, and I lived for the whole spring and summer with 6 outfits, it was freeing, of course I have added some clothing now, but I realized I didn’t need a closet full of clothes, what I have I wear, and I never say I have nothing to wear anymore. I also have limited storage space, so I allow myself one container of fall decor and one of christmas, if I see something in the stores, I know I have to part with something I have, and I usually walk away without purchasing.. everyone should declutter and make life simple and peaceful… Great video xxxooo
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 AMEN Sandra:)! Sending prayers out to Florida families impacted by the Hurricane... 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 I so agree Sandra:)...Oh my goodness, when my kids and I relocated and downsized our lives in 2019 from a house to an apartment, (all my kids were grown and had graduated out of highschool, and were all working full- time here locally), it truly was and has been a Blessing:)... I am medically retired now, and it has been such a Blessing to not have to worry about if something breaks down in my apartment home, I can call maintenance to come and repair it. I don't have to worry about maintaining a yard at my age, because the apartment landscapers cut and maintain the grounds. I love to clean and decorate, and because the apartment home is compact, clean, affordable, and cozy, it's just been easier to create a cozy home out of it, and so much fun:)! Less stuff, more "us time" as a family:)...It is so much easier to let things go as I have grown older and wiser:). I have had health struggles, but, in all honesty, this simpler life and living has been the best chapter, and truly Blessed, freeing and Joyful chapter of my and my adult kids lives, so far:). We are grateful:)...
My mom started clearing out her possessions as soon as she found out she had terminal cancer. She made sure everything went to who she wanted it to go to. That made our lives so much easier when she eventually came to live with us and then passed away. Moving her out of her old place was simple. And when she passed we didn't have to figure out what goes to whom. I moved into a slightly smaller house a year ago, but it has way less storage so I had to get rid of tons of stuff. It felt so good. I kept all of the stuff I use or have fond memories of. It made my life and peace of mind so much better. You don't need all of that stuff. It's oppressive.
Our family has been working on clearing unnecessary things also. You are right, the family home accumulates many peoples things. I feel like I have appreciated the things I bought, was given as a gift, once used, or had a purpose. Now I am at an age where I need to thin out belongings so other people do not have to do it when I am no longer here. Heres to less things!
Hello Sandra always a joy to listen to you. I needed to hear this today as I am downsizing and needing to get rid of so many things it does feel overwhelming I will remember your excellent advice xxx
Great tips sandra. When my husband passed away almost 2 years ago I grappled with things I wanted to keep or let go of. I held on to some things for a while however later a family member suggested taking a picture of the thing that I might have had a hard time letting go of but honestly did not need to keep around. I did this and I feel better knowing I at least have a picture of that memory in my phone... I can go back and look at it and feel better💝
Sandra, you are my inspiration. I am 71 years old and currently busy to get rid of a lot of stuff. Less is more . With best regards from Germany/Cologne, Sabine
I have been in my condo 25 years. My husband passed away 3 years ago. I am in the process of decluttering. It's freeing and makes me feel lighter....thank you.
Two years ago I had a health crisis and I, thank to God, got through it; It made me realise that owing staff I didn't need was really not important to me anymore. And that when I thought I needed something, it was not really the case. I stopped buying things as I have, anyway, enough staff in my closets to last me for the rest of my life.. I try to use my money on things that really matter. And only buy a pair of shoes if I really need it! Thank you Sandra for your videos full of wisdom and peace.
Sandra Im really trying but its hard I love my stuff. Almost everthing I have, has memories. I dont want to leave 2 homes full of stuff like my mom did it was great stuff, antiques, and such, but I dont want to leave all that work for my daughter. Im going to keep on working to declutter. Wish me luck. Lol😂
I’m in a 2700 home and at 71 need to hear this. I am keeping boxes upon boxes of my mom’s geneology. She loved it and it brought great joy to her life but not to me or my 2 brothers. Still, I can’t just throw it out, the the next generation wouldn’t like that. I’m also the storage unit for a nephew. But neither is an excuse I have plenty of my own stuff I can be working on. My weight has always fluctuated that is my issue with clothes, yet I am almost always at home due to a chronic illness so that excuse doesn’t fly either. :-)
@@gumbogirls a nephew has already said not to throw it away. I need to go through and purge some though. Mom didn’t stick with her direct line she was interested in all the siblings. Back in those days she and a half third cousin once removed that she became great friends with would take trips to small town courthouses. She had a blast and I think it kept her sharp to 92. I guess the joy she found in it also makes me hesitate so I’m just going to let the next generation mess with it. Plenty of other stuff I can get rid of though. :)
I love to listen to you Mrs Sandra. I never had many things, because I couldn't buy them. Anyway, I've always been more of the essential, and in terms of clothes, shoes and everything we as a women like to have, I've always liked the good of the best, but again the necessary. When it's old, or I really need new things I go there and buy it. Now getting older I became a minimalist and life becomes much more practical and simple. Love from UK.❤ 😇
Hi Nana Sandra. During this past Summer, I did a minimalist cleanse in my home. We had a closet full of boxes, we had not opened in over a decade. On our balcony we have 6 bins, two of them those double wide and length, full of "Stuff." I filled an entire dumpster in our basement full of "Stuff trash bags." Every year we go through the clothes and jackets, and if we had not worn them in a years time, I donated them to the building thrift shop, or they went into the trash. Now going into the Fall and Winter, the apartment is stripped of unnecessary "Stuff" and what we kept, is now in those bins on the balcony, (Which is covered and deep). We have one of only six covered balconies in our building. We live in a very spartan apartment, by size, so we live a very minimalist lifestyle. There is no room for "Stuff" to accumulate, and we only have a single flex spot that is four feet square, where the Christmas tree goes every year. And we only have one closet space, in our entryway where we can store all the Christmas decorations, luggage, and winter gear. I was worried for you as of late. The last hurricane I experienced was Andrew in 92.
Thank you for the message and for including memories of Arthur❤. I will always keep my year books from 7th-12th grades and photographs. All I have are the memories, only 1 teenage friend calls few times/year. Glad you and others are safe😊
Good morning Sandra, Great video. I am 76 and have been a minimalist all my life(not to the extent I am now)I have always found too many possessions a burden. I still really enjoy videos about minimalism and simplifying my life because we all can "slip back "into old habits and get caught up in consumerism.
So happy you were safe from the storm. It really hit Orlando & we had no power for three days. People are still without power & sadly some have lost their homes. Thank you, Sandra, for helping everyone learn how to find joy. "Things" don't bring me joy. Spending time with people making memories and creating laughter are the things that bring me joy. Take care, Sandra.❤
Thank you, Madame for a wonderful and helpful conversation today! I am reminded of a favorite quote by Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D. "that clutter is more than just disorganization and that it can be a sign of having too many things". It helps us to ask ourselves what do we really need day to day or what makes us happy v. what might be unnecessary or no longer serves us? Autumn is a great time to purge and let go before the end of the year. 🍂🎃🍁🌞
This is so true! Becoming a minimalist during lock down during the pandemic, is one of the best steps I've ever taken. I appreciate your videos. God bless xx
I really appreciate this topic. This has been a focus as I approached my 30’s and makes such a difference with cleaning, time, and being intentional with space, values, time, and shopping. ❤
Hi Sandra just watched and listened to your conversation. It really hit home. Stayton (my partner) and I are going through things to get rid of. A neighborhood garage sale is happening this Saturday so hopefully everyone will want to buy everything haha. When my daughter visits from South Korea she says mom you have so many clothes why don’t you get rid of some of them and she doesn’t have room in her luggage to take any. She hasn’t seen all my jewelry but she knows I have a lot. oh my that would be another issue My clothes and jewelry make me happy. I try not to keep purchasing things not easy though when you love fashion. Your living room years ago was unreal oh my goodness such a collection of items from your children. Whoa !!! I know keeping just the things you really like and they have memories and bring joy in your life is the way to go. Get rid of STUFF !!!! A great conversation 👍 ❤
Thank you, Sandra, for reminding us of the importance of downsizing! 🤗 Our parents taught us to be content with what we have, as it’s too easy for material things to take over BIG time!! Your words always bring such clarity and peace, just what I needed to hear! 😂 💞
So true Sandra I definitely know now at 71 I need less.i don't have the space ..but just want to be comfortable and enjoy little things around .me .VIP to be grateful for the good things God has given .. blessings to you😌🌹
WOW! That was an overwhelming site in your living room from your attic! I thought I came with a lot of things! When my husband died … we had lived in our house in LA for 15 years … longest time in any home we had … as we moved with his job! I pulled out a lot of things before I moved and just sat out in front of house and people took! But still had a lot to move! For three years I have been giving a lot to my Church to sale … that helped me and them … still have my second bedroom piled up with boxes … and my son has a lot at his storage building! I am at a point now where that it’s their problem when I die! Lol 😂 I have been trying to clear up that bedroom for three years … if I get to it … will be done … if not … it won’t! So enjoyed this Vlog! Have a wonderful week! 🧡🍂🧡🍁🧡🫶🏻🫶🏻
Very wise words, Sandra. Live that life of few posessions since 2003. They laugh at me, not knowing what it takes to live it. And Im in swedish death cleaning, to make it easy for my kids. Thanx for your video!
Yes, Sandra, I am started to decluttering my overwhelming home full of STUFF!!! It started small and slow but I have to pick up the pace! I no longer wanted to be under such stress with the feelings of burdened down and heavy! It stresses me out daily for years! I promised myself once I accomplished the perched, I shall never be burdened with STUFF again as I have for years! Too much STUFF stole my peace and happiness! At 76, time to move on from all the STUFF no longer serves my current and future life!! 🎉
Very interesting video. My daughter started simplifying a few years back in her early 50's and she is feeling much lighter after having raised 3 children in her big house, accumulating lots of stuff. The things I struggled to give away I don't even remember 1/2 of what they were now.
Thank you so much Sandra yes we were in the direct path of Milton I can't believe how fortunate we are and how grateful I am for all the love prayers support from the electrical companies, gas suppliers and food water I could go on and on and on❤
I ❤️ this Sandra! I’ve been going through/downsizing 30+ years this past year since my husband passed. He left me a huge shop full of things, including what he accumulated from his father (whom I never met). His shop was his creative space after retirement and he built many fine wood items. Our house is full of things he made, which I enjoy and reflect him. I still have my own accumulation of collectibles. I’m an art quilter. It will be a job for me going into this next year, but I’ll get it done. I’m also taking time for myself and my own health. Good advice Sandra
I am going thru sorting out my possessions and wondering what to keep or dispose of. Sandra it is so true that stuff really is a burden..where to store it what to do with it. Your advice is spot on. Thank you do much for sharing this!
Also things must come in on their own! Ha ha! Yes I have been downsizing for 7 years now! Things like great grandma’s good jewelry goes to my niece. She is a family historian! I am tight with money so do not buy! Live is more important than things! Love 🙏
We have all our stuff in storage in Florida -we came back during hurricane- afraid of losing it all my personal not the material. Thank you ❤🙏🏻❤️I really needed to hear this It’s been difficult days (no family friends )sleeping in the car- not having water, food with three dogs😢-hotels were booked -
So sorry! We have been hit so hard this year here in Florida. We got lucky down here, but my prayers go out to you, hoping you will get back to some normalcy. Prayers your way!!💕
I love Marketplace, meeting new people who come around and give you money for stuff. I have nothing from my mother, my sisters took it all. I had to fight for a keepsake from my grandmother. So meaningful stuff I'd really like just isn't there.
Thank you for your insights Mutitudes of folks in your part of the country have lost everything due to the hurricanes. They have been decluttered by force.. It would be helpful to do a video on how to be a survivor of forced loss of personal possessions . Everybody is thankful to be alive but truly saddened over the loss of their belongings. Please share your insights on this circumstance.
All of your records, photographs and personal memories that cannot be replaced would be heartbreaking. I have friends who lost everything in a fire. Trying to replace just documents that are necessary was so difficult for them.
This is great video. I downsized from house to apartment and now moving into a little house. When I saw that photo I thought about my parents. But they liked to hoard things.
Amen, Sandra. Less is often more. Woof! If you have not seen "Up In The Air" with George Clooney it is a must see on this very topic although he takes it too far...but I don't want to ruin the ending for you.
