Are you overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing or decluttering your home? Maybe decluttering is a project you’ve been putting off, unsure where to even begin. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place. This video is designed to help you navigate the emotional challenges of decluttering and downsizing, based on feedback from my previous video and my personal experience.

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In my earlier video, I covered the specifics of how to get rid of your belongings, (decluttering) and you can find a link to that video here: [ Ссылка ]

Today, however, we’re focusing on the emotional aspect of decluttering, which often is the hardest part!

If you’re new to my channel, let me share a bit about my journey. After losing my husband, I decided to sell everything I owned. I needed to declutter. I left behind a four-bedroom house with a three-car garage and all the memories it held. Instead, I chose to travel the world, living in timeshares and cruise ships, figuring out where I wanted to settle next. If you want to follow along on my adventures, hit that subscribe button and join our community.

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Are you currently in the process of decluttering, or is it something you’re planning to do? If my story or tips resonate with you, please let me know.

I’m not a professional organizer, but I have lived through the process of letting go and decluttering almost everything I owned. Everything I currently possess fits into a small 4x3 storage unit and the trunk of my car. Let me share with you the insights that helped me overcome the emotional hurdles of downsizing.

Seek Help from Friends:

One of the most effective strategies I found was asking for help. Friends who aren’t emotionally attached to your belongings can provide the objective perspective you need to declutter. They can keep you on track, helping you sort through items quickly and efficiently. Whether you buy them lunch or offer some other form of appreciation, their support can be invaluable and can speed up the decluttering process so that it doesn't have to give you a headache.

Let Go of Perceived Value:

Sentimental value vs real value. We often overestimate the value of our belongings due to our sentimental attachment. I had a collection of over a thousand salt and pepper shakers from my mother. Sorting through them to find valuable pieces was overwhelming, so I sold the entire collection to someone with an eBay store. It was a relief to know they would find new homes where they’d be appreciated.

Similarly, I discovered that items like fine china and record collections often don’t hold the value we expect. Yet, occasionally, you might find a hidden gem, like the silver Christmas tree I sold for over $200. It’s a balance between letting go of what you think something is worth and recognizing when something might actually be valuable.

Cherish the Memories, Not the Items:

For items with significant sentimental value, consider whether a photograph can serve as a sufficient keepsake. Remember the end goal is to declutter. I had an antique organ from my great-aunt and an old bed frame I initially planned to store. Realizing the cost of storage outweighed the emotional attachment or sentimental value, I decided to keep photographs instead. These pictures are always accessible, allowing me to cherish the memories without the burden of physical storage.

Joy in Giving:

One of the most rewarding aspects of downsizing and decluttering was seeing others find joy in my belongings. I sold an antique bed to a young girl who was ecstatic, realizing it was worth far more than I had priced it. Her happiness was priceless, and it felt good to know the bed would be cherished.

Keep What You Truly Can’t Part With:

If there’s something you absolutely cannot let go of, don’t force yourself to part with it. Weigh the cost of storage carefully, as out of sight can often mean out of mind. However, if an item holds irreplaceable sentimental value, it’s okay to keep it.

No Regrets:

People often ask if I regret getting rid of anything in my decluttering mission, and my answer is no! Letting go of my belongings freed me from the emotional attachment and the burden of material possessions. Now, everything I own fits in my car and a small storage unit. I kept a crystal collection with deep personal significance and a few other items, but overall, I embrace the freedom and lightness that comes with minimalism.

I hope these tips help you on your decluttering journey. If you have specific challenges or if something I shared resonates with you, let me know in the comments.

For practical steps on how to declutter, check out my other decluttering video at the end of this one.

Ultimately decluttering should take a massive weight off your shoulders and I hope this video has helped you to declutter like a pro! x.

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