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.
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// Mentioned in this video ⇩
10 Ways To Declutter Sentimental Items
• 10 Ways To Declutter S...
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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
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// WATCH NEXT ⇩
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• 10 Practical Ways To O...
Decluttering Advice For Messy People
• Decluttering Advice Fo...
Decluttering Advice For Faster Results
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How Much Do You Really Need As A Minimalist
• How Much Do You Really...
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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.
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Thanks for watching! & remember, Stay True to You!
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Which piece of advice in this video did you find the most helpful for you on your journey?
The 10min daily decluttering is something I’m going to try. It seems like a little commitment but will compound over time. That combined with everything in its right place & one in one out rules I already follow should do me well & actually be sustainable.
I actually never gave much thought of which kind of "clutter personality" I could be. Actually, realizing what holds me back sometimes is very helpful. And I like the 10min tango. Been doing that, but naming it like this makes it sound like more fun;) Thanks for this video! Make me think about some more stuff, as usual. Like your simple, educative, and positive style. Peace!
Something my Dad used to say, "Everything should have a home, and everything should be in it's home!"
Thanks Ronald! Sooo many pieces of advice: I definitely text the kiddos when I find their ‘stuff’ lol I definitely have a clothes pile for donation, seems I always find a piece of clothing that I don’t wear or like how it fits. When I find a household article that I don’t use, donation pile. Love your videos!
The twelve month rule!
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!😊
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 😋
Yes exactly, it's a big waste of time.
May I know: What did you do as part of the decluttering process for social medias? I am thinking of taking a social media detox but I am unsure as to where to start
@@DaughterOfMaat I would not delete them, just make them unactive unless you don't use them anymore. It feels strange at first, but I don't miss them anymore. I started investing on the stock market instead, I'm reading a book on it right now.
@@DavidDavisDH Ah, I see. Thank you for the response. That is a good beginning step for me to try. Have a pleasant day 😊
@@DaughterOfMaat consider deleting the apps from your phone. If you have to log on to the computer to access social media, your usage should automatically decrease.
“The stuff in our lives, sentimental or not, have an expiration date.” Wow. What a powerful and true statement.
Yes! 🙌🏾 really happy this resonated with you! Keep growing on your journey Tony!
"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!
It challenges the way you think for sure! I’m glad you enjoyed this Britni! Keep growing and learning on your journey!
Ever since I’ve found minimalism, the old adage “less is more” just becomes more and more true
I don’t consider myself a minimalist but am in the same place appreciating that less is more.
The thought that helped me declutter a lot was that someone else needed it more at this point in time.
“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! ☀️💛
Adapt to a lifestyle, be thrifty, set a budget, save money, and make investments to live within your means. I benefited from this as a six-figure income. With this strategy, my retirement savings have increased by almost $1 million.
I use to be like this when I was younger, now I'm way better with money. I'm just not impressed with a lot of material items anymore. Having a budget and having patience is something I had to practice overtime.
how do I go about this Zach? I want to try all my options
The older I get, the more I change. I find I don't need as many things as I did when I was younger. I feel better with less stuff.
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!!
Yesss! Please do this Ronald!!
100% agreed!
me too!!
@@corinna_maybe let’s hope he does it!
@@debbiepalmer1094 It would be such a great series!
"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!
The fork analogy to “having a place for everything” is brilliant.
This is the most uncluttered piece on decluttering that I have heard. So helpful, thanks!
Thank you! I’m happy you found value in this Pam!
Great way of putting this @PamBeni and so true. The delivery and tips are so succinct. It makes it all feel very doable without the fanfare & fluff... just practical, measurable techniques. Highly enjoyed this!
Just gifted my daughter all her yearbooks to take to her house...
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!
I used to joke we are kids of depression era parents !
So happy to be a minimalist😀
Keep growing and learning on your journey Maureen!
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
Hey Jalyne! I’m really happy that my content is helping you so much on your journey. I’d love to see if there is an opportunity to help you out further, please send me an email. There is a contact link at the bottom of my website: www.ronaldlbanks.com
Dealing with it right then and there is where I always struggle.
That’s the challenge, but when we start doing simple things like this, it’s a complete game changer!
I live with my mum, I am someone who likes to keep things minimal, and throw things out/not buy things. Mum keeps everything, borderline hoards things, and it’s so frustrating! 😂
I have a video here about how to live with a non-minimalist. I’m not sure if you’ve seen it or not but definitely a ton of value I believe will help you! kzhead.info/sun/d8h7mLp-fnyenIE/bejne.html
Hard when we keep our kids things, such as pics, I have 2 boxes full of them. 😮
Being in a cluttered environment makes me feel unsettled. A book I read i college (I don't remember the name) gave great advice... handle each paper once. Meaning if it comes in file it or through it away! DO NOT leave it lying on the table or desk with all the other papers or months!
Exactly! “Handle each paper once” absolutely right! Thanks for sharing that Craig!
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.
Peace, Space and Freedom!! ❤
With the pandemic and working from home, some items were not used in 12 months. I don’t think it’s necessarily a good idea to get rid of everything not used during that period, since as we get back to normal we might need them. I have decluttered, but I’m also giving myself more time for some items.
Great point Dominique! One should definitely consider their own circumstances and needs before decluttering anything. Thank you for sharing this with us!
@@RonaldLBanks Ronald, adult kids in another state- Ca. to NY, just won't pick up their stuff, bought 4 plastic containers from Walmart; put the trophies, yearbooks, awards, prom pictures, etc. Stacked them in his old closet, garage,lol.
@@bjwilliams this would only help with a small portion of your son’s things, but you could look into using media mail to ship books to your son. Media mail postage is a lot cheaper than regular postage.
I always say the "Peace" at the end with you. I don't know. It is just so satisfying HAHAHA
Haha! That’s awesome!! 🙌🏾 I love it!!
I'm going through a lot of decluttering right now and it's a lot of hard work but worth it. Selling a lot and being more mindful of what I use and want in my life. If you aren't intentional with what you use and bring into your home and not let go of you can end up on an episode of hoarders lol that show is also super motivating for getting rid of things and cleaning.
I cleaned out my closet a month ago and kept 1/3 of the contents and it felt great.
I have relaxed the one-year rule for my wardrobe, just for this one particular time, because during the pandemic, I haven’t worn most of my regular clothes and accessories. I am just now beginning to go out more again, so I’m going to allow an extra year. But, if not worn a year from now, out they go.
My plan is the same!
I will do 10 min ritual from now on, daily for the rest of my life. I’m sick of stuff that I don’t need but still in my life
1:37 It’s sounds so simple yet it’s hard but I just had to learn to let go
Decluttering your things is not so difficult. Decluttering mind and priorities is a challenge
You’re right about that! Mental and emotional clutter are definitely challenging but with the right approach and patience you’ll be able to clear these areas as well!
I have found the opposite, I have been able to rid myself of toxic people, of hangers on, takers have made my life simpler, know when i need to take time out and get away. My block is the stuff, overwhelmed and attached to all the stuff!
"Things that used to glow, don't even glitter anymore." This will make my decision-making process so much easier about things I used to love, usually, I'm torn by the thought of getting rid of something that I used to love. Thank you for this video!
Thanks, Ronald ☺️. Your videos have changed how I view my life.
Well done Ron! I especially like "Everything you own has a home." Thanks!
I have a paper recycling bin right at my mail drop-slot in my garage. About 90% of my mail goes right into it, I don’t bring anything into the rest of my house unless it requires some action from me. There’s also a trash bin, for those extremely annoying cases where they put a plastic card, or other non-recyclable item like adhesive stickers, in the letter, you can usually feel them. We can’t control a lot of our junk mail, but they should make doing this illegal. In the UK, you can post a “No Junk Mail” sign and the postal carrier will comply. I wish we had that in the US. I also hate how bills come with extra sheets and “offers” from people selling junk.
Just discovered your channel today and subscribed. I was searching decluttering, but also there are strong emotions (I'm a widow). I'm at the point where I know (in my head) that looking at his things and crying is unhealthy after this amount of time, but crying at the thought of getting rid of them. When I'm not home and mention his name, I'm fine. A little sad at missing him, but I don't cry in public. It's when I'm home around some of his things that I still have, that I cry. I know I need to get rid of the rest of his clothes, his wallet, etc.. but I need the motivation or good sense, to do it. I know it's past time and I'm ready, but I need to get over that hurdle mentally first. After seeing many channels where they just don't get it, I am really enjoying your channel! You "get" the emotions behind it. I also think I'm the worrier type clutterer. I am so grateful I found your channel.
My husband died unexpectedly. I had no problem donating his clothing, keeping a few so I could "smell" him. I figured donating his clothing would give another man possibly a leg up in their life. I'm going on 3 years & still have emotions that hold me up from letting go. Give yourself as much time as you need! Big tight hug cause you probably need one. ❤❤
@@cstevens8788 Thank you so much :)
I can listen to your videos everyday and learn something new or remind myself of better habits. Thank you so much!
I’m really glad that you’re enjoying my video Karen!
Trash tango gives a new beat😊-I like it.
Love doing a 10 minute declutter! I take a trash bag & a donate box. So effective & helpful! Great video. Ty 💕
Giving everything a home is so powerful. A few years ago I helped my aunt clean up her house (she's a hoarder, no exaggeration, and yes she got mental health help too). You mentioned forks and spoons having an obvious home in your kitchen drawer, but for her, that wasn't even true. Every single item she had floated around to any free space. After throwing away the garbage and spending weeks and weeks decluttering duplicates of everything, we found homes for all the items. I think that lifted a burden off of her where now she doesn't have to think every time she needs to get something or put something away.
“Stuff in a pretty basket is still clutter” really hit me!
Please dont make a minimalism is dead video like everybody else. You are doing a great job and have a great voice. Love this content.
I found that sentimental things to take a digital picture and then donate. Because the memories are still there just not the object. Living with less is such a cleansing experience. I work at it every week finding more things to let go of, I learned alot of this after my Dad's passing along with subscribing to your channel - plus your Dad's statement is exactly 💯 true. Thank you for your videos because I have continued to learn from them as I take this journey forward. 😊
I love the concept of “if it doesn’t have a home, is it clutter”? That resonates with me. Thanks!
I will implement this today
Great! I’m excited for you and your journey Rina. Have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
im moving and really overwhelmed. im going to keep listening to u
Super practical, thank you 😊
Awesome video!!
I’m dealing with the paper clutter by scanning the less important papers with the iPhone and than I store them digitally. In this way, I have physically only very important paper. Btw, I scan them too, but for backup purposes.
Oh my gosh, the fork thing is fantastic! It really drives home that some things are just in the wrong place and need to move. Equally, the things that don't get a home no matter how hard we try, are a great candidate for getting booted: out of the door! Thanks so much. This will make me think of a fork lying under the bed.
I love the FAST method and the idea that everything has an expiration date. Thanks for mentioning declutter as you go. I do try to remember this and just this week pulled things from wardrobe that didn't feel right anymore.
Love this! Declutter
Love your videos.
Brilliant as always the 3 questions are part of my newest tools
I am so glad I found you! I love your videos. Please keep them coming! You’re so insightful and relatable. Thank you
Such a practical and direct approach to the clutter dilemma! Thank you for sharing!
You always have the best videos! Thank you so much for this! Greetings from the Philippines!
Thank you so much Danibelle! I really appreciate that! I’m happy you enjoyed this video!
You’re great! Ty for the help
Been up for 2 minutes and it's already a banger!
I appreciate the love my friend! Thanks for watching and supporting!
I really needed to hear that clutter goes further then physical clutter, thank you 😊
It goes much further that just the physical stuff we see. We also have to deal with the mental and emotional side of life and clutter. I’m glad this conversation resonated with you my friend! Keep growing and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
I really appreciate your calm and steady demeanor. Thank you so much for this information it is super helpful and helps to put things in perspective, enough so to get started with some projects. I would love to hear more about how each personality type can go about the decluttering process differently. In other words does each personality type attack the clutter different from the other two personalities?
Mari Kando talks in her book about how there actually aren’t as much specific personalities of clutter. Well maybe there are, but it doesn’t help too much with dealing with the clutter. She says the main types of messy people there are are 1. People who can’t let go of things 2. People who don’t put things away, and 3. People who are both
Thank you, these suggestions are clear and easy to put into practice, I'm going to bookmark this one.
Great tips! Super helpful. Thank you ❤
I'm pretty sure I have a trio-clutter personality, all three resonated with me
Great video. I have a basket and a shredder in my gargage, I drop all the mail in the basket, and once a week, go thru the mail, shred stuff with my name on it and trash everything else. I get all my bills online, so very rarely do I have something in the stack that requires my immediate attention. Paper literally never enters my home.
I have a similar set up in my garage! Works so well.
Thank you so much Ronald for sharing this tips to declutter our lives. Awesome!!! ❤
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!
You have the strength in you my friend. You sound ready and able from this comment and I’m here to help you. Check out this article I wrote detailing how to build a decluttering system: www.ronaldlbanks.com/blog/how-to-build-an-effective-decluttering-system
Many of your suggestions touched me, especially would I trade my inner peace for it? If that doesn’t jump start a person on decluttering, nothing will! Also, I am overwhelmed in life clutter personality, what tips do you have for me?
Thank you Ron. Your approach really resonated with me. You have given me the support to tackle paperwork and books which is my last area that I've struggled with
New subscriber to your channel. Love your content and vibe. Thankyou.
Your videos are inspiring me to get started on a massive de clutter of my closet. Thank you!
Omg I'm so glad I found this channel!! This was all right on time
This is such good advice; I need it so badly. Thank you 👍🙏..
Am glad I watched you’re videos honestly this whole thing is brilliant when I get rid of stuff or donate or recycle etc etc it even makes the house look more clean and simple I could really make use of the extra space I freed up and it might help me with my studies & tasks
I ain’t never gonna be a minimalist buuuuut I watched the full video because your voice is soothing. I mean this respectfully.
thank you very much
This video is amazing! Incredibly informative and engaging! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m really glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this with you!!
The fork and spoon example is so simple but makes total sense!
Everything has a home! Love your voice.
Thank you, I really appreciate not only the advice, but the kindness that shines through each word. Lovely to listen to, and very helpful. I've been working on decluttering my life (it's been a slow process, but progress is being made all the same :) ) and it is making such a huge difference to my mental health. It is so much easier to focus when there aren't piles piling up all around me of "stuff". Thank you again!
So good! Thank you :-)
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed this!
You are so helpful, so direct, so “real.” Thank you!
I’m very happy that you’re enjoying my content Julie!
Awesome !
I’m glad you enjoyed this!
Super helpful ideas! Thank you!!
You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed this!
You are really great. I’ve picked up phrases that have really resonated with me. I’m going to started decluttering again.
You’re amazing. Thank you!
Thank you so much my friend!
Wow! Full of so many useful gems!! Thank you
Glad it was helpful my friend!!
Dear Ronald, thank you so much for your inspiring videos. I love stuff and clothes. I'm a compulsive and impulsive shopper. Holding on to a budget is my biggest problem. But I've degluttered a lot. Now it's a challenge not to replace them! But watching your videos helps me to stay tuned! Thank you so much.
A home for everything is huge that I will start implementing immediately. I can see in my home office where things pile up because they don't have a designated home. Thanks!
I’m glad this idea helped you Lynne!
Thank you for this , I learnt about clutter personalities I’m so grateful I came across your channel. I can relate to all the personalities but will do more research to find a way to manage and get out of the cycle. Thank you.
Interesting video Ronald, Minimalism has changed my life and my view on it big time. Greets from the Netherlands!
Great video, clutter 101 in a nutshell. Brilliant. I don't have a 'home' for everything because I have way, way too much stuff. But the stuff that does have a home, funny how we never lose it. Great video, thanks
I started typing a whole essay but figured nobody cares. So I just want to say, that I find your videos, very interesting and helpful. Cheers man.
Your voice is very soothing ♥
Good video. Simple, elegant and useful, good job man
Thank you Juan! I’m glad you enjoyed this!
I have let so many items sit and collect dust over the years. Some valuable (re: nostalgic) items and some just straight up trash. Being in the technology realm, I hold on to random screws and cables throughout the year. I like this video a lot, thank you! I just moved so I'm ready to declutter and already started that process!
Wow. It's taken me a year to find you. I have watched so many "minimalist videos" & they don't help. Funny how their homes echoe! Ugh. I will never be a minimalist, however since the death of my husband I must declutter. It's very difficult, mainly because he was a golf entusist & many things are not only sentimental but valuable. I am trying to forget selling & simply donate. No amount of money can replace the comfort in my own home. Thanks for your advice.
I seriously love your channel! Thank you for your videos :)! They are extremely helpful for my minimalist journey!
Awesome! I’m really happy that you’re finding value in my content. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. Would love to help you out further as much as I can!
Good stuff!! 👍🏽
Thank you!
You are an amazing communicator! Great content. So glad I found you today!
Thank you so much Angela! I’m glad you found me as well. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!