7 Tips to Help Keep Your Resolution to Declutter

My hope is that your resolution to declutter will not fade away. But instead, that you and your family will enjoy all the benefits of owning less.

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You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:14 1 - Start easy.
2:04 2 - Choose a lived in area.
2:44 3 - Touch every item.
3:23 4 - Donate.
4:06 5 - Read.
4:40 6 - Tell a friend.
5:09 7 - Embrace imperfection.

[kathycooper]

Per my sister -in-law I'm no fun to shop with since I've adopted your practices. Ha ha!

[Shiryone]

"It won't be perfect, but it will be better." So very true. It has been better.

[juliemarkham]

Love "decluttering is not a marathon".

[joannas]

You are so very right that trying to sell it can become yet another albatross and side pressure of selling it and arranging pick up - in a safe area, no less. But donating items, removing them, and being free of them, is immediately liberating. When I've sold something, I am stuck with thoughts of price (did I go too low, too high), the interaction etc. When I've donated or gotten ride of items, and they're gone, I have found I'm not even missing these things. I look around my space, can walk around without tripping over my clutter obstacle course, I can smile and breath some relief 😊🙏

[conniesoares]

My first decluttering was the plastic drawer and I kept going back to the drawer and taking a picture of it to send to my sister who was a minimalist for many years before I understand…I kept going thru drawers, cabinets and try to keep going thru places in my house. I just shared my story today to a friend who has a lot of stuff. I love having less stuff!

[jennifershaw]

I agree that donating the bulk of your items is best. When I want something out of my house I want it out now. Plus it feels great to support my community charity shop that in turn donates back into my community.

[rosanne]

I try to tidy and declutter daily. It may be receipts, makeup samples, one drawer, my desk, etc. I start with trash; empty boxes (often Amazon), junk mail, expired or old lotions, samples, etc. This has been a habit for years so there’s often VERY LITTLE do handle. I ALWAYS donate clothing, household items, gently used toys, books, etc. it really is liberating! You have more time for PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS instead of “inventory control” and constant cleaning.

[williamclark]

I have some items in the downstairs closet that I had planned to place online to sell but I honestly have been procrastinating about doing it. Whenever I donate I no longer give any thought about the item. It's just gone and hopefully has helped someone less fortunate. I truly have felt better going about it that way.

[laurasagan]

My husband and I downsized our home from 3700 sq feet to 1200 square feet and we love it. I still am sorting through stuff I wasn't ready to give up and will finish that process this summer.

[michelleg]

I’ve been decluttering slowly for a year. I feel like my decluttering muscle has become better and now is easier to declutter. I Love it!!

[tgayer]

I’m so thankful for my decluttered home!

[christined]

My first to declutter was the junk drawer in the kitchen, I went from drawer to closets and cabinets. Started in kitchen and ended with sentimental. I was always a bit minimal, but really dug deep with my belongings. I found a wonderful thrift store and donated, donated, donated…There is no greater feeling then owing only what you love and need

[kakylong]

My first room to declutter was the kitchen. I wasn't that attached to most of the stuff in there, so that was a good place for me. Now, we are working on different rooms. My Hubby is working in his office while I am working in my craft room. It's so freeing. I figured you'd recommend Dawn from the Minimal Mom's book. I think she's your biggest & most successful fan. 😅

[queenesther]

Thanks. I watched your videos and got me to declutter my entire home. Just did one drawer of clothes today, slowly but surely. Thanks!

[paulinegagne-bertrand]

I did a first round of my house last year and got rid of a lot of clutter. This year I will be doing a second round. It felt so good after the first round. I always think twice before bringing something new into the house. Great video and thanks.

[lindatawera]

I purchased a decluttering book as a teenager and remember one comment they made was in a house or work fire how many people die trying to remove their stuff. We need some stuff but certainly need to prioritize what and when how important it is.

[angelasnodgrass]

I have listened to two of your audio books. Great information. Thank you they have helped me a lot. My home is calm and peaceful. I love my home.

[janetlarue]

I need this video on repeat. Thank you!

[bb_lz]

I recently got rid of a crumbling bonded leather couch in the living room and replaced it with a couple chairs that were clogging up the corners of our family room. I like both rooms better and wish my wife did too....

[Carolmaizy]

Once again, solid advice here. I routinely go through one small area (drawer, shelf, cupboard, etc) at a time. I never come up with much anymore, but there's always something to get rid of.