A Practical Guide To Decluttering And Owning Less

Decluttering and living with less is a concept that many people can comprehend, but the act of actually doing it is often overthought and overcomplicated.

Between numerous rules and the games one can play in order to simplify their life, I can understand why someone would struggle with knowing exactly where to start.

So today, I'd like to offer you some practical decluttering advice that's straightforward, easy to implement, and works regardless of how experienced you are with decluttering and owning less.

⇨ Decluttering and building clarity course:

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// Mentioned in this video ⇩

10 Ways To Declutter Sentimental Items

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:28 The 3 question filter
2:17 Trash bag tango
3:11 The F.A.S.T. method
5:35 Commit to a routine
7:01 Part with things, not memories
8:14 Manage your paper trail
9:55 Know your clutter personality
10:57 Give everything you own a home

⇨ FREE: Clutter to Clarity™ Quick-Guide + Core Values Worksheet

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// WATCH NEXT ⇩

10 Practical Ways To Own Less

Decluttering Advice For Messy People

Decluttering Advice For Faster Results

How Much Do You Really Need As A Minimalist

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Items in my minimalist wardrobe
⇨ My go-to minimalist t-shirt from CUTS

Things and Resources I Use Daily

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// Take this ☝🏾 conversation on the go with you. Listen to The Ronald L Banks Podcast ⇩

Overcast, Amazon, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and more...

// Read my latest BLOG post for more value:

#ronaldlbanks #decluttering #owningless

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// L E T ' S C O N N E C T

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// A B O U T

I'm Ron Banks, a minimalist + creative writer sharing my knowledge and inspiration on living a meaningful life with less.

Ronald L. Banks is my journey through lifestyle habits + personal growth. Follow my journey and learn how you can live your meaningful life.

Thanks for watching! & remember, Stay True to You!

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Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored video. However, some links listed in this description are affiliate links.

[RonaldLBanks]

Which piece of advice in this video did you find the most helpful for you on your journey?

[angelwings]

I decluttered Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. It’s great not having to look at everyone’s ‘lives’ online or feeling the need to share mine. I don’t need to know what you’ve eaten today, how much sleep you did or didn’t get or what your child got up to today. I can just be me 😋

[tonyokyo]

“The stuff in our lives, sentimental or not, have an expiration date.” Wow. What a powerful and true statement.

[amyschmidt]

The very last sentence "put things away and whatever doesn't have a home is first to go on the chopping block". THAT got my attention. I'm doing it Right NOW!😊

[britniewing]

"If it doesn't have a home, then it is clutter." YES, that made me think! I will be looking at the items around my home very differently!

[DemetriPanici]

Ever since I’ve found minimalism, the old adage “less is more” just becomes more and more true

[violetxoxox]

“Would I trade my inner peace for it?” I’ve been struggling with trying to declutter for over 20 years and I’ve watched more videos and shows, listened to more podcasts, and read more books on the subject than I could ever begin to count, but that question … I felt like an earthquake shook through my whole body when you asked that one question. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Just … wow!

By the way, I don’t know why I’ve never come across your channel before — well, yes, I do, the stupid algorithm that barfs up videos/channels with the highest views, not necessarily ones that would be most beneficial — but after watching only two of your videos so far, I’ve already gotten several great tips for ways to look at decluttering from angles I’ve never heard anyone else talk about. Things like core values and inner peace. I’ve heard plenty of influencers talk about asking whether an ITEM brings value to my life, but not whether it fits with my personal CORE VALUES. And plenty talk about decluttering to bring more calm into my life, but they’re talking about it from the perspective of calm surroundings, not INNER peace. I’m just now realizing many if the things I’ve been keeping because I thought they brought me JOY have been terrible in terms of inner peace. I’ve stressed about whether I should let them go so many times, they bring me no inner peace at all. None. I never thought about it that way before!

This feels like a real game-changer for me. Thank you! ☀️💛

[arussellturner]

The fork analogy to “having a place for everything” is brilliant.

[JacobKustra]

I would love to see a video where you help a fan or family member becoming minimalist through mindset changes and a deep declutter! That would be an awesome series!!

[shirleypol]

The thought that helped me declutter a lot was that someone else needed it more at this point in time.

[tinapullen]

"Don't just put it in the other room". I am so guilty of this. If I am not sure of something I put it in my spare bedroom. Don't even ask what that looks like!
Love your videos!

[jalynefidler]

I am so extremely grateful to have found your channel. I am 59 years old and lost my Mom when I was 11. My mom lost her mom when she was 8 and my Dad lost his mom when he was 14. We have a ton of sentimental clutter that has been passed on to me! On top of that I am an artist that has every type of art supply, jewelry making supply, collage and mixed media supply! I am telling you... I so need your counsel! I have some serious serious clutter to tackle and your calm manner and very organized and helpful ideas are a blessing to me. I have watched so many different clutter videos but none has helped me like yours. You have a gift for teaching and encouraging. I feel better already and I have only watched 3 of your videos. I am in therapy working to bring simplicity and peace to my life. I cannot accomplish this without addressing all my emotional clutter AND physical clutter. Thank you Thank you Thank you Ronald.
Jalyne in Utah

[pambeni]

This is the most uncluttered piece on decluttering that I have heard. So helpful, thanks!

[gungariana]

thank you for the advice ronald.. now i try the F.A.S.T. method :D

[TheDriftwoodlover]

I’ve used the trash bag tango successfully the past. You’re so right that repeated daily (or even twice a day) you’ll feel the progress in a week or two. I’m committing to starting that up again so I can complete my “big” declutter. Been stalled too long doing sporadic declutters.

[allanlowe]

Well done Ron! I especially like "Everything you own has a home." Thanks!

[kimberlyperrotis]

My grandmother, who grew up during the depression, was a hoarder, out of the resulting feelings of material insecurity. Walking through her home involved weaving around piles of decades-old magazines, clothes and just plain junk. She even kept piles of extra blankets and other bedding stashed under all the mattresses. I just couldn’t relax in that cluttered, dusty environment. My Mom grew up to become a person at the other end of the spectrum, she purges too much!

[fridayschild]

I love the concept of “if it doesn’t have a home, is it clutter”? That resonates with me. Thanks!

[flufftronable]

Dealing with it right then and there is where I always struggle.

[TheMarshallsPartyof]

I just took so many notes from this video... and I am ready to change my life. Now that I have admitted that I have a problem... I am praying that I have the strength to execute! You don't know how much I needed this. Thank you!