Top 10 Things to NOT Declutter First

Take heart. You don’t need to start with the hard stuff.

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Recent videos:

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Most popular videos:

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You can read more tips in my book, The Minimalist Home.

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

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[janrogers]

I did it one drawer or shelf at a time. In every room the clutter was because I had nowhere to put the things I was using. The cupboards and drawers held the things I never used, so I started with them, then I could put away what I used and leave the surfaces free. It still brings a smile to my face when I open an organized drawer or cupboard to get what I need.

[snippetsordinarylife]

The best decluttering advice I ever got was to declutter 2 things a day. How easy is that? My house was in desperate need of decluttering, but the thought of doing it was overwhelming. Two things a day I could do. Of course, you never do just 2, but closer to 20 or even 50. It makes you feel really accomplished. It took some months to see a real difference, but it changed my whole attitude forever. Since then, I declutter constantly and a bigger one at least once a year.

[virgierutledge]

We are 72, have been married for 52 yrs. We raised two sons. I used to put photos into albums. I stopped years ago. Now, I am at peace with all photos and albums in two huge bins for the boys when I die. Likely, they will not want them. But I have no problem letting them deal with it. We have decluttered everything else, prepaid our funeral expenses. So we are free to be happy and retired.

[sandyrusek]

My son and daughter in-law help me with my kitchen. We sent 2 entire kitchens of stuff to donate. I had 2 and 3 of almost anything you would need. 3 sets of pots and pans. 4 sets of dishes. 3 sets of silverware. Dozens of glasses. So many coffee mugs. So much stuff for entertaining. Our children now do that.We are empty nesters. We don't need a million things in the kitchen.

[emeryjunkjournals]

Really appreciate that you don't have ads!

[christined]

I began my journey in my kitchen, and I kept going it has been four years now, during the pandemic I went thru all photograph albums, and decluttered all that weren’t the best, I have a few more sentimental items left to declutter, it is liberating. I gave a collection I had that was worth few thousand dollars, and donated it to be auctioned off to help dogs and cats that needed surgeries and also for the rescue of animals to find good homes, it made me feel so good, and glad I didn’t sell this collection.

[thatswhatisaid]

I started in my bedroom. It wasn't that difficult, and didn't take too long. That way, no matter how much mess was in the rest of the house, or how badly everything else was going, i always had my minimalist retreat to end the day in.

[andrewbrendan]

My name is Andrew...and I'm a book-aholic.
What's SLOWLY working for as I downsize is to MAKE time to read books then donate those books to the public library for their store or to put them in Little Free Libraries around where I live. I don't suggest that book lovers not allow any new books in but I do suggest keeping a record of the number of books that go out and the number of books that come in and to keep the outgoing number larger than the incoming number.

[Katherine-evth]

1.Photos
2.Sentimental Items
3.Paper
4.Garage
5.Toys(kids)
6.Partner’s things
7.Drawers
8.Collections
9.Digital Clutter
10.Books

[samnotley]

i started with my kitchen surfaces and my dishes, cutlery, pots and pans and utensils, its crazy how quickly you can see a change. its easier to keep tidy, keep the clutter down and I've cooked more

[dyoung]

My New Years resolution was to donate 1/2 of my possessions this year. I’m decluttering up to 2 hours per day and donating at least once a week to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

[julielalb]

I started my decluttering journey with Dana White from the Slob Comes Clean. Most decluttering experts say to start with the bathroom because there are no emotions attached to the bathroom items. Dana said to start with the first space you see when you come into your house. I lived in a condo with an open living room(kids space)/kitchen concept. So I started there - with the visible clutter. It made me feel less overwhelmed really quickly and it was easier to tackle the rest after. Do not start with a drawer! You won't see your progress.
Really good tips, thanks!

[dlarsen]

Is it weird that now that I have become much more minimal (partly thanks to you!) I am so much less sentimental? I hardly want to keep anything I once found memorable. I find it prevents me from living in the present and instead keeps me looking backwards.

[cuppajavaplease]

These suggestions are so true. I saved my large box of family photos to declutter last, but found I am not yet ready to go through them so I left the box under the bed. My husband had to be institutionalized, so it will take time for me to be able to sort through personal photos. I would recommend leaving anything that has a deep personal attachment for last. In fact, wait until you are emotionally strong enough to tackle it.

[carolotter]

You're right. Going through paper clutter and old photos is the worst and takes forever.

[alanbirkner]

Thanks. I started with china we never used. Books we didn't need. Linens we never used. Hobby supplies we didn't need. Moved on to clothes we never wore. I
helped my daughter get rid of 80% of her stuff when she moved back with us after 20 years away. Again, linens were easy, books were easy, dishes, pots and
pans were easy. Now, she looks through more sentimental things on her own. Tina

[simini]

Great video! Just to remember for viewers who come back to the video 1 photos, 2 sentimental items, 3 paperwork, 4 garage, 5 kids toys, 6 your partners stuff, 7 drawers, 8 collections, 9 digital clutter, 10 books. Start in visible objects and areas first!

[colossus]

I have declatter many areas in my home, However, every time my husband see an empty space he think it's for him to put something 🤦 it's endless. Thank you Joshua, I had learned a lot from you.

[Shawna_Show]

Just minimized by 80% before a big move! I started with the most difficult areas first and that worked well for me. You are right.. can get quickly burned out if not careful, I can definitely relate to that!

[maureengannaway]

I'm so ready after this twilight zone pandemic haze that the world has been in to decluttering stuff. Thank you. I'll be watching your videos to get this done.