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10 Decluttering Principles to Help You Own Less—for Good

Joshua Becker

101,917 views

These ten principles will guide your steps towards a clutterfree and meaningful life, whether you’re just starting out, or picking up where you left off.

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You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/bo...

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

20 Comments

@lauramccollum5686 1 year ago

“Well organized clutter is still clutter.” Say it louder for the ones in the back! 🙌

@kensiblonde4203 1 year ago

I like how Joshua retains such enthusiasm for a topic he’s been talking about for so many years. He always sounds like he discovered minimalism last week.

@simply.clutterfree 1 year ago

The investment of my time and energy in decluttering for the last 4 years has given me a new lease on life and peace for the next 40 years ❤

@daughterofmyabba 1 year ago (edited)

Dont organize what you should be getting rid of.

Thats the tip thats been super helpful for me. ❤

@michelesusanne1 1 year ago

The idea that my kids will have to deal with our belongings some day gives me a whole new perspective and ease in letting go of of things. What a gift to leave them with a lighter burden.

@barb2204 1 year ago

One reason I've always liked to listen to Joshua is that he doesn't talk a mile a minute! He is easy to understand, and has great ideas concerning decluttering wisely.

@LeMErin21 1 year ago (edited)

“…owning less clears the path for living more.”
I love that.

@simini1837 1 year ago (edited)

I recently moved to a 55m2 apartment and I am so happy with it! I have everything I need and decluttered the rest. I notice however that living in a smaller space is not mainstream, many people are kind of shocked that i choose to live smaller at the age of 47. Its strange that society still thinks that bigger is better and owning a lot of stuff is the ideal.

@typoholic 1 year ago

I’ve been listening to, reading, and watching content like this for years… but this is the most concise, concrete, and actionable list I’ve seen (even from your other work). Great job. I think I'll take notes on these and keep them posted somewhere in the house. What a great video! Glad to see this even if it’s been said before elsewhere.

@kelsiemaw7064 1 year ago

I have minimized my wardrobe to the parameters of project 333 but now I am even thinking about taking it further to the 10 item wardrobe because I realized I was wearing my favorite 2 or 3 outfits anyway. Crazy how I am SO much happier and I get complimented all the time on my 3 outfits!!!

@LindaDabrowski 1 year ago

I remember one of your tips a year or so ago that has helped me so much, and it was to ask myself what I want to keep rather than what I want to get rid of. Starting from that viewpoint has made de-cluttering so much easier for me.

@ruizclaire 1 year ago

I noticed today just how many cupboards are in Joshua's kitchen. I bet most of them are empty. I know he downsized but compared to UK homes his kitchen is massive!

Thank you for the content. I like to start my Saturdays with your calm and thoughtful words.

@JenniferEusebio-lo2wx 1 year ago

I’ve been ready and have been wanting to help my mother declutter, most importantly to make things easier recycle which would be first priority. It’s been a battle that I am not allowed until she is ready. It’s hard very very hard, I want my parents to live their golden years the way they should.

@valerierogers9609 1 year ago

A friend once told me I "needed" a chest of drawers. I told her when it needs to be dusted, organized or moved I'd call her 😅

@DaoNuHongNhien 1 year ago

This video came at the perfect time. I’ve been feeling mentally heavy, and I didn’t realize how much of it was tied to the stuff around me.

@KelliC-mw7dc 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you for this content Joshua, I have no problem decluttering and letting go of things.I usually do one in one out rule....my weakness is the thrift store so number 7 really speaks to me.I haven't fully embraced the overconsuming concept.I really need to work on this! Thank you!😊

@jas021 11 months ago

The way you talk makes me actually think about what you say. Only after your videos did I properly get rid of stuff. Ive been watching other youtubers almost daily and never got such good results like after a few of your videos. Especially with the fact that I also want to spend time with my kids instead of my stuff

@ketutsugita2226 1 year ago

The less stuff i own the more happy and easy my life .

@ZileHuma-i7e 6 months ago

Its a pathway to an intentional living and peaceful lifestyle.

@dschultz6981 1 year ago

This distills the benefits of minimalism so well! So many other YTers talk about minimalism and do a good job, but neglect to mention #7: we have to stop the inflow, otherwise all our efforts are wasted. Understanding this is the "why" behind minimalism. Keep up the great work!