31 Things Most People FORGET to Declutter | minimalism + decluttering

Summary

In this video, Marissa from Aisen Life shares 31 often overlooked categories of clutter that people tend to forget about. From overflowing memory boxes and old voicemails to decluttering goals, schedules, and finances, she covers a wide range of areas that contribute to clutter, both physically and mentally. Marissa also offers practical advice on organizing household items, digital clutter, and even habits like diet and finances. She encourages viewers to set goals, manage their schedules, and declutter for a more organized, stress-free life.

Takeaways

• 🗂️ Memory boxes should be decluttered regularly to ensure they contain only the most meaningful items.
• 📱 Voicemails can accumulate over time. Set aside time to review and delete old, unnecessary messages.
• 🎯 Revisit your goals periodically to prevent overwhelm and ensure you're focusing on what's most important.
• 🗓️ Declutter your schedule by identifying priorities and limits to avoid burnout from chronic busyness.
• 💰 Financial clutter, like unused subscriptions and old credit cards, can cost money. Regularly review and streamline your finances.
• 🛍️ Set deadlines for items you're trying to sell online. If they don't sell by a certain date, consider donating or discarding them.
• 🧴 Household cleaners, especially worn-out tools or unused supplies, should be decluttered and disposed of safely.
• 🎒 Regularly check your purse, briefcase, or backpack for clutter like old receipts and papers.
• 🍽️ Declutter your diet by reviewing unhealthy or unnecessary food habits and making healthier choices.
• 🧹 Clear out reusable bags, gardening supplies, pet toys, and other overlooked items that may be taking up space without being used.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a memory box, and why does Marissa suggest decluttering it?

A memory box is used to store sentimental items or keepsakes that aren't displayed or used regularly but are kept for their emotional value. Marissa suggests decluttering it because it can become overfilled, and people may keep items that no longer hold as much meaning. Revisiting and sorting through these items helps ensure only the most special memories are kept.

Why does Marissa recommend decluttering voicemails?

Marissa recommends decluttering voicemails because they can accumulate over time, especially if left unchecked. She realized she had old voicemails from as far back as 2018, many of which were no longer relevant. With voicemail transcription technology, it’s easy to skim through and decide what to delete.

How does Marissa suggest managing multiple goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed?

Marissa suggests focusing on a small number of goals, ideally two or three at a time, to avoid burnout. Once progress has been made and habits established, new goals can be introduced. Trying to juggle too many goals at once can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unproductive.

What are Marissa’s two tips for decluttering your schedule?

Marissa’s two tips for decluttering your schedule are: (1) Know your priorities, and (2) Know your limits. These steps help prevent chronic busyness and the burnout that can come from overcommitting.

What is financial clutter, and how can it be decluttered?

Financial clutter refers to unnecessary subscriptions, apps, and accounts that people may be paying for without using. Marissa suggests regularly reviewing finances to cancel unused services, avoid late fees, and track spending to save money.

Why does Marissa suggest setting deadlines for items you’re trying to sell?

Marissa suggests setting deadlines for selling items online because if things don’t sell within a certain time frame, it might be a sign that they aren't worth as much as expected. At that point, it’s better to donate or give them away rather than letting them take up space.

What does Marissa advise for decluttering household cleaners?

Marissa advises going through cleaning supplies and disposing of items you no longer use or that are no longer functional. For chemical-based cleaners, she recommends safely disposing of them or donating them to a local organization in need.

What areas of the house does Marissa say people often forget to declutter?

Marissa mentions areas like the top of the refrigerator, hard-to-reach cabinets, inside purses, briefcases, wallets, and the car. These spaces often collect unnoticed clutter that can build up over time.

How does Marissa suggest decluttering your diet?

Marissa suggests decluttering your diet by eliminating things like sugar, artificial food dyes, or processed foods that don't align with your health goals. She also recommends being mindful of foods that could contribute to behavioral issues in children, such as those containing certain dyes.

What are some examples of digital clutter that Marissa recommends addressing?

Marissa recommends decluttering digital items like smartphone apps, email inboxes, and digital photos. Organizing these items helps reduce stress and makes it easier to find what you need when using your devices.