10 Things to Get Rid of TODAY - Week One Declutter Bootcamp

[@schradrm]

The hotel samples....we collect them and then donate them to homeless shelters. Much needed!

[@aclawson7004]

Thank you for your videos, they are motivating.... I remember my grandma (a depression era child) saving elastic bands, bread bags and the string from the dog food bags. When she was diagnosed with cancer, I moved in with her. I expected to find stockpiles of these items. She had enough elastic bands for 2 door knobs, 1 Tupperware of bread bags and 2 small holders of string she saved from the dog food bags. I was shocked. As I lived with her, I learned her secret. She had a compulsion to save these things, so she did. But, she limited the space she had available to store the items. When both doorknobs had about 10 elastic bands, she would throw half of them away and start collecting again. Same with the string and bread bags. When her containers were full, she threw half the contents away. I learned many lessons from grandma that year, and how to control clutter was one of the best.

[@heatherhillis4062]

This is exactly how I manage my hoard. Once it overflows its designated space, toss all but the best, and start over. This is true with yogurt containers, tissue wrapping paper, and bubblewrap packing supplies as well.

[@madhatter909]

@@heatherhillis4062 I recycle all the plastic containers

[@brendamaun5455]

As Dawn, The Minimal Mom says, "Let the container be the bad guy."

[@Rikuluva12]

I don't know why but for some reason you saying "we do not store trash in our house" really resonated with me. Something about that line just made it so much more clear why I should stick with doing this and how I should view all these little nicknaks.

[@suzie2080]

I know I love Joe's grandparents! Hysterical!

[@sandrawheeler5077]

I've decided that I am now at the stage in my life that I don't have to keep crappy pens in my house. Even if they still write but don't write well, I throw them away. I have a brand that I love, so those are the ones I keep on hand. Love your videos!

[@Clutterbug]

I'm so glad!

[@SusanFlowers_]

I'm right there with you. I was just doing that the other day. After so many years, it's time to throw them all out and buy some new ones. But I do have a favorite brand, too, and use permanent and highlighters.

[@aaronhaumesser4283]

My husband and I were both raised not to waste anything. Mine was more because my mom was a single mom and didn't handle money well, so we would go without stuff a lot. My husband had several older people in his life that went through the depression and saved everything that might be useful. So our house turned into a hoarded mess rather quickly when we got married. Now we have 5 kids. I found you, Dawn, and Dana at the beginning of the year and y'all have made such an impact on me and my mindset. My house is slowly getting better and my husband is getting on board. There's still that tendency to save a lot of things for "I might need that someday" but I'm learning that I feel so much better when the clutter is GONE! 🥰

[@udalimb384]

Children of Depression Era parent angst is real. I've added environmental plastic waste stressors. I have hotel samples that will not hit the trash. I put them in my workout bag. My horde from two years ago is reduced but still significant.

[@denicewilliams1165]

Can I ask channels for Dawn and Dana please? TIA 😊

[@kbailey3238]

@@denicewilliams1165 dana is 'a slob comes clean'. Think dawn is 'the minimalist mom'

[@michelesoto5919]

@@udalimb384 I don’t use the hotel items-I bring them home &’donate them to our local woman’s shelter with the dental bag I get from the dentist, I do use the items in the bag.

[@mrsducky3428]

@@denicewilliams1165 Dana kzbin.info

[@whitney6641]

Miracle sock hack... buy socks that are all identical and just throw them out individually as they get holes

[@sabatham]

Thats what I do!

[@Isabel_fit]

Yes! My husband does that and I can’t wait to do that with my collection when my current collection of socks get holes

[@theampski3794]

I do this. I will never go back.

[@andreawright3505]

Yes!! Same here

[@livingsaving7257]

Yes, buying all of one type of sock makes it so easy to match socks.

[@RebelAlliance42]

I was raised in poverty with not enough of anything, and I struggle with hoarder tendencies. That's why I find your videos so invaluable! When I say you've helped me sort my life out, I'm not kidding! I love this new challenge, and I intend to get on it on Thursday!

[@mandiwolfe6631]

We keep those packets of condiments, napkins, plastic silverware, etc in a large ziploc bag. My hubs travels one week a month for work and it's perfect for him not to have to buy supplies. We also take them camping

[@AMcDub0708]

Sounds like you are actually using them often enough to warrant keeping them. Most people keep it and then never ever touch it again.

[@Sakrysta]

Yep! Perfectly legit to save if you know you’re using it!

[@pancakey636]

i keep my packets in an old peanut butter jar lol 2 in 1 from her list hahaha

[@herewego8586]

I put them in a ziplock bag in our picnic basket. We mostly use the salt.

[@mojsharhappy]

@@AMcDub0708 great point!!

[@megan2176]

I actually love using notebooks up to the very end. I love consolidating my lists on new pages, and never get rid of the books until every page is used, front and back. I know they're cheap and easily found at the $ store, but there's something so satisfying about finishing one up. :)

[@leigh6804]

I agree! I had a bunch of partially-used spiral notebooks that I couldn't bring myself to throw out... I'm now taking them to work and using them to write down phone messages and/or as scrap paper. Even if it's only pennies saved, it's a good feeling to use them all the way up!

[@megan2176]

@@leigh6804 True! I'm also a tiny bit paranoid that some really great idea is hiding among the pages, so i have to really scour the whole book before I toss/recycle it, just in case! :)

[@shanelisa27]

I just can't toss notebooks until all the pages are used (and I do use them up). Also, would never be able to throw away a journal or anything filled with art. I have some journals that I have written in over several years (with huge gaps in between).

[@710LENNY]

I found an old spiral steno pad like a year ago? Still had some info in it I wanted, so dealt with re-sorting that, but since there was more than half of it with empty pages I couldn't let it go to waste. With covid limiting outside activities, I have subscribed to having grocery flyers delivered by email, and I go through the flyers and make lists in the steno pad. Then turn it over for the next week. Hope I live long enough to finish it.

[@megan2176]

@@710LENNY Haha, I love that! May we all outlive our notebooks! :)

[@CraftyConceptswithErin]

I literally laughed out loud when you said “you are NOT going to use the socks for cleaning” I save them every time thinking I will clean with them and never do 😂

[@Clutterbug]

See! Let them go! :P

[@KS-xb3cg]

Might come in handy with the next TP shortage. Lol

[@carolrooney3353]

and if you do end up using them for cleaning, they end right back up in the rotation of stuff to sort though to find what you need....just toss them.

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I actually do use them for cleaning, but I make it evident that it is a cleaning rag so that I don't mix it with the good socks.

[@cstar6682]

I think people that lived through the Great Depression learned the hard way to not waste anything. Also, a tip I read about for not losing socks. Keep a lingerie bag in your closet and put dirty socks in it. Then throw the whole thing in the wash. Cass, you can even skip folding etc. by having two bags one for clean and one for dirty. Just put the clean bag back in the closet. Also, if you buy all the same socks...no matching required.

[@skylights2379]

That’s a very good idea! 😊

[@miarenee6703]

My parents too! That’s a great sock tip!!! Thank you 🙏

[@karenrobbins4622]

My husband went the "all matching socks" route, and he's been pretty smug about it since. 😝

[@krislewis9942]

I went the all matching socks way too, 🤣

[@kaylarief3509]

I tend to buy matching socks for my boys and husband and dress socks for me. For my athletic socks, they come in fun colors, but since they are mine, I don't mind matching them. Also, I have 2 boys who wear the same size, so one gets white socks and the other gets black. The hardest part is some of the "nicer" brands will have a package of white socks with different colored stripes on the bottom. It drives me crazy because they are almost the same, but not quite. I don't think my boys would care and would wear them even if they don't match, but I notice when the "orange one" is missing, for example. :-P

[@silvershandiin]

Unburden yourself of these items: 1. Get rid of coloring books/notebooks 2. Unpaired socks 3. Food storage containers without lids 4. Samples, small packaged condiments 5. Expired meds: prescribed and otc 6. Greeting cards 7. Old calendars and planners 8. Unidentified frozen foods 9. Receipts 10. Dead pens/markers/crayons/colored pencils (I took notes for you!) 😉💕

[@lisa-4770]

Thanks! Super helpful!

[@thekingwhostitches]

Thank youuuuu!

[@karenmcgrath1449]

Thank you super helpful! 👍 and on top of it, you have a great sense of humor😉

[@korsetmaken]

In her previous video there's an ebook to go with this bootcamp. Totally free and it includes this list. Just a tip

[@herarogers]

It's such an amazing feeling when I've been decluttering long enough that every single thing on this list has already been let go of! Celebrating myself today! If you haven't gotten here yet, you will! And it will be worth it! ❤️

[@BeGoodtoYourselfbyMargo]

Congratulations on your clutter free home 🌸

[@juliejoseph2201]

Same.

[@natwandering]

Little tip for the greeting cards, scan them in if they have sentimental value to you! I have a folder on my computer with cards so I can always go back and reminisce without keeping stacks and stacks of cards. Also, if you have any little packets of condiments, use them, don't just throw them out, unless you really don't like them in which case you shouldn't have kept them in the first place ;) Or if you work in an office that has a kitchen, take them there! Always did that with mine and they always get used in the office when someone has a flavorless lunch ;)

[@plantswoman]

This was hilarious, but I've gotta say, I'm with Joe on this one. I save the yogurt containers too. I use them to store bulk meals in the freezer (soups, chili, pasta sauce, taco meat ...). Just this past weekend, I made a large pot of chili. Most of it is going into the freezer in yogurt containers for meals further down the line. I recycle the containers after that.

[@humb1089]

I actually use it for giving food too then other doesn’t need to return the container. It holds a lot too.

[@caitlincunningham8354]

Yes, me too. If you use them then they are useful.

[@EmilyHercamp17]

💥 Yes! 💥 If YOU are using them they ARE useful (but honestly, if you are are not. . . )

[@ember13dp]

But that’s what food storage containers are for

[@ncgatorlady]

I use those type of containers for paint. I work somewhere that we buy paint in gallons. I may not need a large amount, and don’t want to carry a whole gallon around. Paint is easily stored in a sour cream or yogurt container and tossed when it’s empty.

[@CelinaMaddox]

My great grandma grew up during the depression and she never wasted anything. She was a hoarder. My grandma, mom, and siblings are all hoarders too. Living with people like that fortunately made me the opposite. I wouldn't say I'm wasteful I just am more of a minimalist because I hated the stress of so much stuff growing up.

[@bjgoels1]

Not "hoarders", savers. Hoarding is a psychological disorder.

[@theperegrinecatholic2892]

My grandmother, who was a small child during the Great Depression, used to save and reuse coffee grounds. Her house was always tidy, but she was a pack rat because of the Great Depression habits she learned as a child.

[@lynesesarazen3066]

During their time frame, no computers were as sophisticated back then as they are today. I too use to do the same thing & began realizing everything now can be found on the internet. Recycle bin, here comes all my paper stuff!

[@susanlance8179]

My daughter feels this same way. I encourage her on her journey. I still go back and forth and some areas are very hard for me.

[@yolandacaban2930]

Great, Love the first session. I'll have to pause and do it. Than you for great advises, I personally think it's very helpful

[@pamelacallaway3922]

I definitely relate to “keep it to use later”. As a science teacher, I was always looking for items to use in experiments. My grandparents and parents always saved things to regift or share with others. I’m glad I was exposed to this, because I now understand why I’m always saving things to donate or use in a project. I can finally put my car in the garage after decluttering, donating, and purging! It’s a great feeling to finally getting control of space limitations!!

[@jeanniemulhall1415]

I'd like to thank you and Dawn and Dana for all your inspiration to declutter and simplify. I've always kept a fairly neat and organized home but five years ago I moved from a large house to a much smaller house and while I got rid of a massive amount of stuff prior to the move it wasn't nearly enough. I've spent the last year seriously decluttering the living space of this house but I have a dirty little secret ... I decluttered right into my garage and my basement which by the way was already stuffed to the gills with years of crap from 3 grown children who no longer live here and 2 deceased parents, along with furniture that no longer fits in my house. My living space is a peaceful and serene home floating above an ocean of chaos and toxic waist. I recently mustered up the courage to begin the basement clean out and after 1 full week of dedicating myself every day all day about 50% of of the stuff is gone. It is exhausting mentally and physically but I'm determined to have peace and freedom from this mess that haunts me every single day. I'm still on the outer layers of the onion and to me it still looks like an episode of Hoarders but I'm getting there! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the insight and the inspiration!

[@Clutterbug]

You are so welcome. Keep up the great work. You've got this!

[@madhatter909]

Oh Jeannie Mulhall I'm so proud of you. Keep going, chin up, take a break when needed.

[@AnimalFarm341]

Can totally relate. Keep going! I’m right there with you! Blessings

[@brendajackson294]

I'm a year late on the comment. Hope you have accomplished your goal. I'm finishing up my father's/stepmother estate and sister's estate. All have passed now. So much stuff.

[@PARoth2011]

I can so relate to your story, I’m doing my garage right now too and it is so mentally tiring. Hubby and I brought 2 households together 18 yrs ago then I thought I got rid of so much when we moved 5 yrs ago but my garage and attic in the barn has been full and we have had to park outside for 5 years. It seemed every time I made space for the car the space got filled again. These videos teach and inspire me SO much, I CAN get this done and this is the end of that clutter bull crap..lol..I think I’ll start with the many pens lying around the house 😂😂😂

[@minikraut]

I SOOOO agree with you on greeting cards without personal handwriting!

[@SweetieMcPetey]

I helped my best friend clean out her grandparents’ house after they had to move into assisted living. They had boxes of empty ice cream buckets, Pringle containers, etc all because they could be useful. And while, yes, you could make use of those things it’s more likely you’re just leaving it for your kids or grandkids deal with and do you really want to put that stress on them?

[@queenofputrescence5167]

I keep one ice cream bucket and have had it for years. (Don't even buy buckets of ice cream anymore). But an ice cream bucket makes a great puke bucket when a family member is sick.

[@lauralaforge558]

Queen Of Putrescence Emesis bags (like at the hospital) are an extremely worth it purchase imo.

[@SweetieMcPetey]

@@queenofputrescence5167 that makes total sense! But you have ONE for a specific use… these folks had a box of them in a hot attic disintegrating.

[@kb1236]

@@queenofputrescence5167 I give them a plastic grocery bag so I can throw it away.

[@queenofputrescence5167]

@@kb1236 that’s what we have in the car for when they get carsick!

[@vickipeaster4453]

A super large laundry basket with socks. That literally causes my heart to race. Out it goes .. guess I just needed someone to say it’s ok

[@polgara28]

Awesome! ❤ You got this!

[@thirteenstitches2713]

I have a giant reusable shopping bag full of single socks 😅 I’ll try to let it go lol

[@nicholetteburris3925]

My thrift store takes all kinds of fabrics. I would feel less guilty dropping off a whole basket full there. Maybe you would too?

[@NaomiC336]

Funny you say this, I went thru my sock drawer before I watched this. I got rid of more than half of my socks. All kinds and it felt so good. I just stuck them in my car where I keep donations. ❤️❤️

[@Jamieaaronball03]

Good for you!

[@danabrown1157]

Cass I LOVE This! I love having you as a coach, pushing me and.keeping me accountable! This is a new season for me in my spiritual life, and in my home! This Ladybug is organizing and decluttering her life! Love You!

[@christinemott8799]

Me too only problem is it stilllooks all tge same .only cleaner. I have lots of storage boxes , hat boxes, picnic baskets for srorage. Only now i have storage cute items sitting around and idk what to put in them.lol

[@smiffy8364]

Most of these things could be recycled rather than go to landfill.

[@adrianmendez5408]

Thank you for the great ideas!! Though I cringed when you threw the yogurt containers in the trash, I would put them in a recycle bin. At least I won't feel guilty throwing away picture christmas cards and I have a lot. Regular cards you can make bookmarks and donate them to a senior care center with a note for those that don't have family or lonely do to the pandemic. That was a NHS project that my daughter does.

[@vbachman6742]

Not every city recycles and those that do usually accept only certain types of material. When you are doing difficult things like decluttering, doing every single thing corectly is not as important as just doing it.

[@katiemartell6520]

I love you Cas. You are so motivating! This is exactly the kind of hand-holding I need to “get the job done”. The one thing I did this week that I’m proud of is I took all my spring-summer clothes and putting them in a special under the bed container. Then I organized my fall/winter clothes and color coordinated them and recycled any that don’t fit me. I would recommend any unopened hygiene items be donated to a shelter for abused women (or men) or a food bank. They will be appreciated. Thank you so much, Cas. I needed this!

[@laurabridge365]

We are trying to teach our kids to be mindful where 'trash' goes - there is actual trash, and then there is recycling. When I declutter, I try to fill a trash bag of actual garbage and then fill our recycling tub full with papers, yogurt containers and other plastics, etc. Thanks Cass - this video is on my to do list for tomorrow because I know I have plenty of items 1 - 10 lurking around!

[@Havanah2006]

Yes yes yes 💪 ❤ 😍 💖 1 black trash bag done, soo much more to do but we are doing it! From Brisbane, Australia 🇦🇺

[@annsdecor9831]

Joe is my long lost twin when it comes to the containers and the condiments.😂🤣 I actually use the containers to give food away. That way I don't buy containers to give away food, and it don't go to waste. Also, I don't worry about who didn't return my container. 🤣😂

[@jenaeUS777]

Same! We just made a huge pot of chili last weekend and I was glad to have those yogurt containers to share with others. And my Mom shares food with us in the huge potato salad containers from Sam’s club. Then we don’t have to worry about returning the container.

[@katgallardo2797]

That’s actually a great idea!

[@lalahdz9553]

I dont want to worry or return containers. I use the to give food to family. I bearly buy any.

[@vazlet]

Wow now this reason makes a lot of sense! I always throw everything out but I think this will now be in the back of my mind.

[@okiebrown6201]

I used to keep reused containers but dollar tree has them so cheap. Just spend a $1 & let the recipient of food keep the container.

[@cassiehenry550]

I finally threw out greeting cards from my wedding 5 YEARS AGO!! It felt so good.

[@SusanFlowers_]

Thank you for bringing your older videos out because they are extremely helpful! I fall back from time to time, and I need your videos! They give comfort in knowing we're not alone. Please keep shuffling the old videos and adding the new ones. And especially thank you for the tour of your home. It is so much fun! You live what you teach. God bless you, Cassie, and everyone who listens to you.

[@kathypidcock5492]

We have people on the “road kill call list” in Alaska. Deer, Elk, bear, whatever, if they get a call they have so many minutes to get to where the animal is, and pick it up. Then, they OWN all the processing equipment, so they spend the next many hours doing all that gross stuff. But, they have food in the freezer for the whole family and neighbors, etc. I live in another world, Arizona. Love you Cas!!

[@valeriecross9811]

I come from 2 generations of hoarders (variety levels). It has been a long journey for me to break old habits. Your channel, and the take your house back ladies have helped me so so much. Thank you!

[@hpetterson2265]

I'm at least a 4th gen and I get it! All of these ladies, Cass, Dawn and Dana, are AMAZING!

[@LindaASJ]

When my mom passed, I threw out probably 50 containers she stored: ice cream buckets, butter containers, yogurt cups, jelly jars…on and on and on. I swore I would never keep any food containers that had food in them from the grocery store.

[@D3adWednesday]

This is a great video. Timely too! I just got my breaking point yesterday and realized I am never resting because I "should" be tidying this or cleaning that. If there was less clutter everywhere, wiping up the spilled food or kitchen counters wouldn't be so tiring and daunting.

[@laurielankin5513]

I love trash bag therapy! You are so clever and honest. I'm really enjoying your boot camp and think it's a very clever way to face our clutter issues. The only suggestion I have for you is to talk more about recycling. When you tossed that pile of yogurt containers in the bag, I winced because thought about cluttering up the landfills. I winced again when you tossed in old coloring books, planners, etc. Those could be recycled too.

[@Silrielmavi]

I was also raised in a family where nothing goes to waste, so learning from you and Dawn and Dana and others has helped me let go of some of those family habits. I've gotten to the point now where we only keep just enough of the yogurt containers so that I can take food to family, friends, and neighbors when they're not feeling well or when there's a new baby, makes it so they don't have to return anything or do dishes. I took dinner to my neighbor last night in some of these containers, and was feeling good that there weren't many left in my house.

[@louhale22]

Absolutely hear my parents and grandparents on my shoulder when getting rid of ANYTHING!

[@Evie329]

Thank you for this! This family will be doing this challenge together. I love hearing about Joe's grandparents.💚 I'm from a large family and my Grandpa would never take a plate at dinner. He would literally wait for everyone to finish and eat what they didnt eat..... Nothing went to waste on the Reservation where we are from, or in their house. Such sweet memories that really put things in perspective. ✌

[@kimcoburn9798]

A true example of an unselfish man who made a priority of providing for his family. Thank you for sharing.

[@SIC647]

I decided to have my son take over the task of pairing his own socks, when he was about 8 yo. After having done it twice, he asked me to buy him all black socks. 😁 Et voila, never any lonely socks and the task is easy for him.

[@dianasimplifies]

Amen! Hubby has only plain white or black. Makes life easy!

[@allisonmiller3148]

Smart kid!

[@justanotherjessica]

My husband and I switched to solid colored socks. I have gray socks. He has navy blue for work (he's a postal worker) and black for at home. We have a handful of special socks that are different like socks to wear with dress shoes and compression socks for road trips or flights but they are easy to pair up and they're used rarely.

[@ToddlovesCopper]

My son plays a matching game with his socks and loves it so it helps me to have characters and designs on it. But yes it is such a fun easy chore for him

[@kericue2065]

I have 3 boys and I taught them to do their own laundry. Yes, they opted to get all the same black socks. As for me I have only 4 pair. 🤗🧦

[@cindynielson4231]

A lot of our parents and grandparents grew up and lived thru the "Great Depression" where the mind set was not to through out anything. I think that idea has been passed down over many generations. Great video! TFS

[@justinephelps3639]

I’ve been ruthlessly decluttering beforehand and thought I was about “done” but still got a bag of trash from this 10 step declutter! 🙌🏼

[@eternalabundance39]

So interesting how you think you are done but there seems to be more!! That is what I am finding.

[@debbiep7419]

For the holiday cards with photos, I cut out the photo and place it in a frame so I can enjoy looking at it all year. Then when I get an updated photo of the same family/friend the following year, I update the photo in the frame.

[@farmerwife8412]

What a great idea!

[@patriciagalanakis4540]

I read a great idea - take a picture of the picture and assign it to the contact for the person in your phone. Will be updated annually.

[@MK-be6lf]

@@patriciagalanakis4540 lovely!

[@christyb7455]

Fantastic idea!!

[@christyb7455]

@@patriciagalanakis4540 that's a great idea as well!!

[@am7241]

I love the laugh I get when I stay to the end. I always stay to the end,🤣🤣 thank you for the motivation, as always!

[@ruthbarrett8907]

Being brought up by Depression era parents, I , too have a tendency to “see the good in all”. Thank you for the videos, I am freeing myself of so much and enjoying the process!

[@suewiley1422]

The part people tend to forget is that that generation were truly the first to recycle most everything. Gotta love that.

[@bethbrown2316]

Super helpful - I filled up a whole trash bag with half used composition books, spiral notebooks and legal pads. Thanks for the permission!!! Just what I needed.

[@somesunshinegirl5314]

Thanks, you had me go over a lot of places in the house where I knew I stored trash but never took the time to actually remove it. 3 bags are gone and I am feeling accomplished today.

[@Clutterbug]

Great job!

[@lindamaglione7189]

The "nothing goes to waste" mantra is what made decluttering so hard when I first started. My grandparents lived through the depression, so they were very frugal their entire lives. However, they were not really into wild game; they raised their food on the farm. My parents as well hung onto things that were passed down from previous generations. I have passed a couple of items on to my sons...but made sure first they actually wanted them! It has been so freeing to have followed you and Dana and Dawn and gotten my house under control. I don't want to leave a big mess for my family to have to clean up! Still have a ways to go....working on fantasy self related to hobbies, and photos. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@deborahalexander9832]

Love the video, thanks! After seeing your colorful sock pile ( which I used to have too), I decided to buy each kid a bag of socks that are all the same. THey don't have to be white, just don't have to match them because they are identical. I have black, my daughter white, my sons are gray. Each kid has a box in their room where we dump them, just grab two socks and you're good. No more matching cute little character socks. Has saved me so much time!

[@daniawesöm]

Whoowee! This is great! More of a bootcampish edge in contrast from your normal flair….I’m headed to grab my trash bag and trying to find the mute button for my shoulder perched grandma (farmer from Idaho, mother of four, Great Depression survivor) and Baba (old believer pure blooded Russian) Certainly known for their waste not want not stance on virtually everything. Wish me luck, can’t wait for the next step!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Yay! I've done 6 of the 10 things for week 1. I also completed the first 8 days today on the 30 day challenge. Feeling productive!!! Thanks, Cas!

[@kathyengland3534]

Okay, so confession, I DO save old socks for cleaning! Especially good on ceiling fans and cleaning the blinds. HOWEVER: I do go by the container concept (thank you, Dana); so any cleaning cloths or rags that do not fit in the plastic tote get tossed. Greeting cards are my hardest in your Boot Camp. When we were younger, we couldn't always afford a nice gift for each other, so cards became VERY special to my husband and I. However, I need to carve out some time to get more ruthless....maybe. Thanks for the encouragement, Cass. On our way to cleaner homes for the holidays!

[@kristenzabell8954]

I scan greeting cards and then insert the digital image into my kids' photo books that I make each year, or to the family photo book if the card is more for the family or my hubby or I. Even if you don't make photo books, you can still just save the digital image of your greeting cards, organized by year and by month in one spot on your computer for you to look back on. Then toss the hard copy. (if you don't have a scanner, you can easily take photos of the cards by laying them flat on a plain background like a floor or table and take the photo without any shadows or angles; it will look like you scanned it) I even do this for all of the Christmas cards we receive each year! I insert the digital image into my annual Christmas photo book and love looking back at how our friends' kids have grown, etc.

[@BlondeQtie]

it’s okay to keep valuable cards! i enjoy re-reading them every few years. toss the ones you don’t like.

[@joanneentwistle7653]

When I cleared my mother's apartment, I found an entire garbage bag of tiny little 1 inch balls of yarn. I tossed it, but I kind of regret it now because it would have made an awesome scrap afghan since I took up crocheting during covid lockdowns! But her shower curtain had blanket stitch repairs around the holes. Don't ask about her underwear drawer 😱. My mother was born during the depression in 1932. Back then you didn't waste a thing. I think that it is a good idea if it is balanced with common sense, but there comes a time when you are not living but just existing in a house crammed with garbage. Then you're wasting your life.

[@cjay233]

My mother was the same. When she passed away, when I saw her slips and bras that she had sewn repeatedly, I felt bad and ashamed of myself that I didn't take better care of her. If I had known that, I would have bought her some new ones. She could have bought them herself, but she was always saving up to leave no funeral debt behind. And she didn't.

[@AMcDub0708]

As someone who’s made a scrap yarn afghan, don’t regret throwing away the yarn. It’s a very very tedious task of constantly switching colors when you run out of yarn on your little ball, and then weaving in the ends. It’s enough no give you arthritis and a headache. You dodged one there! 😁

[@ritadaniels3175]

I just think it WOULD have been GREAT when U REALLY MISS HER OR as U said during quarantine?? In HER MEMORY?

[@veronicageorge7820]

@@cjay233 Your mother sounds pretty amazing. I know you regret missing those things, but I am sure she was proud she was doing things *herself* and so well that you didn’t even notice. 😉 Thank you for sharing that sweet story of her. I am praying for you to have sweet memories of her. ❤️🙏🏻

[@cjay233]

@@veronicageorge7820 Thank you.

[@rdnretiredatlast4918]

Thank you for keeping it “real”, Cass - so many of these items were applicable to our situation. Re-listening to this while actually doing the work really helped! 🤗

[@judithmitchell4667]

I hear you Cas My parents lived through the depression and were farmers. " Waste not, want not". It does subliminally affect you. Have a great day. Blessings Judith 🎭🎵

[@josiespreitzer1690]

My parents were older when I was born. They grew up during the Great Depression, so I was taught to save, and do have a hard time letting go of things. Thank you for helping me work on this. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season😊

[@Clutterbug]

Thank you so much! Happy holidays to you as well!

[@Scarlettbunny27]

I’m holding off on the odd socks until after we’ve done the whole house declutter and tidy. We’re finding lost socks everywhere. Anything that’s odd by the end is either becoming a bean bag for the activity kit or being chucked.

[@carbenyos]

I don't buy greeting cards, planners, special notebooks and very rarely vitamins.I never take condiment packs from restaurants or minature shampoo from hotels.Keep receipts for clothing until first laundering.I came from a home where eveything was kept, but I'm cured of it. The yogurt containers could be used for childrens crafting. I got a 10 on today's video! Waiting for next video!

[@eivlysdranoel]

Love your videos with their anecdotes at the end. It's all so refreshing. I guess all those watching your videos recognize themselves in your stories.💕

[@webarts4you]

I'm a recovering hoarder [thanks Mom and Dad]. I just did all these last week! I guess I'm ahead of the game! Learning I am a micro butterfly was a huge thing for me, thanks Cas. I've been working on my home for a year now and it is almost ready for the holidays for the first time in years. I couldn't have done this without you!

[@amyisles437]

I’m so happy I only had to tackle 3 of the 10. The first aid stuff, the cards and the receipts. This is because of you. I have been watching you for years and all the other stuff in the list of 10 I tackle on a regular basis. Because of you my house is better. It still isn’t perfect yet but I’m getting there. Thank you so much for your help x

[@4Zeus20]

Thanks about the greeting cards. I was torn to throw them. Ill look at them one last time.

[@aslenabrown3246]

Sometimes those empty containers.come in handy for getting of old grease and rotten refrigerator food

[@debbykidd9813]

But limit the number you keep. I have up to 10 jars for grease under my sink. When I use a few then I save a few more.

[@alwayscoffeetime]

I feel good that I’ve already done a big declutter a while ago and the only thing on this list are receipts, a nice easy declutter week! 😁

[@joan_of_arc1431]

I love your enthusiasm when you talk about decluttering. I Have health issues so I do not declutter as much as I want to at times. I do love to organize and you have given me great inspiration. Due to lack of space in my home I have my small office nook between the fireplace and the back of part of our U shaped couch. Everything has its place. Sometimes there is a bit paper clutter but I go through that quickly. I know I need to shred paper stuff again very soon. In my pantry, it was designed to be an office but I don't like being separated from my husband who is in the living room. So it became our pantry and storage for soda's and big kitchen items like my stand mixer and our indoor grill. I took your test and I am a cricket btw. It fits me to a T. I could go on and on about how I use my space and about some of the little cluttered area's I want to tackle when I have a good day. Thank you for your video's Bless you

[@dianegum2287]

Honestly so glad you said I only have to get rid of the greeting cards that people didn't write in! I do keep those special ones with sentiments in them from people I care about. I don't ever feel bad about trashing the ones only signed.

[@merrivideo]

Joe is doing the right thing. If you at least recycle containers, they should be clean. The error in the process was to not put it in the recycling bin. To reduce the sauces problems, ask the fast food employer to only give you the specific amount you want, if any. Is better to reduce first.

[@wishiwuzahomestead6338]

Exactly! If they aren't washed out the recycling plant just sends them to the dump.

[@eraber6738]

Agree! Put them in recycling, NOT the garbage!

[@queenofputrescence5167]

@@eraber6738 If you can. We can only recycle plastics #1's and #2's. So we can't recycle yogurt or sour cream containers. Seriously irritates me.

[@eraber6738]

@@queenofputrescence5167 Oh, that's a bummer. Understandable. We can't recycle glass where I live and that really grinds my gears!

[@wishiwuzahomestead6338]

@@queenofputrescence5167 I don't know if you garden but I use them for potting seedlings up from the teeny starter pots. I use them until they start to crack. At least they weren't single use. Obviously I don't save every single one but they can be useful if one actually USES them. 😂

[@inoflo5155]

I kind of feel bad and proud of my daughter, she loves to paint, I showed her how to use her dad’s old socks to clean up her paint brushes and messy desk since she was a toddler, she’s 6yrs old now and every time she sees me throwing away a sock she’ll go and grab it and she’ll scold me for throwing it away when she can use it for her paint brushes lol she even has a section where she keeps her old socks that she uses to clean her paint brushes 🙂 not sure if it’s good or bad but she does always asks when throwing away some sort of plastic container if it’s recycle or sink lol 🤦🏻‍♀️ we reuse lots of things in our household 🙃 Tfs

[@kb1236]

My husband saves his old socks and uses in the garage, he goes through them pretty quickly though. I have seen him come in and search his drawer for a sock developing a hole.

[@amietedeschi3203]

My old and unpaired socks usually go to my classroom. They make great whiteboard erasers, much better than anything you can purchase!

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

Bravo to you for teaching your daughter how to re-use things! Thank you and your daughter on behalf of the environment.

[@adrianagonzalez29]

All for decluttering but I actually use those random lifeless containers in my fridge for washed fruit and veggies that I've prepped for my toddler. Those condiments from the restaurant again I use for my toddler during meals and when I pack lunches for my husband. Glad to know that the only other thing on the list that I need to take care of is the bills. Thanks Cass for going step by step with us. Looking forward to next week's check in.

[@maureenbullis1805]

Using condiment packets for sack lunches is a great idea!

[@MC22Scott]

Where I work we rarely have condiments so I've always held onto them. The cutlery too: I keep a set or two in my car in case a fast food place forgets to put them in the bag.

[@christyb7455]

Same with the condiments!! I put them in my husbands lunch😊

[@holliequinton2616]

My grandmother's earliest memories were of the Depression. She's now 97. I cleared out her fridge the other day and there were those condiment packets and sauce cups (don't know WHAT was in them) and stuff that was obviously not good. I was fortunate that she wasn't trying to put things back as has happened in the past. I am a terrible clutter bug myself and am inspired by your videos. It's helping me to get rid of things.

[@freeschmidt]

I'm watching the first time through for company and focus while I tidy up the basement. You and Dawn and Dana are helping me get things how I want them, thank you!

[@cherryb5008]

I was just cleaning out my pantry and told my husband, “I didn’t even live through the Great Depression like my parents, yet my prepper tendencies beg to differ.” I started stocking up on harder to get items and staples in 2020, and have been trying to get through them and not letting myself by more. My parent’s pantry was the same.

[@leahrowe847]

The way they talk about the supply chain breaking down, you may be glad you have some items in your pantry

[@BeckyAnn87]

Definitely relate to the containers and sauce packets 😂 growing up we always used the food containers to store leftovers. We didn’t have Tupperware lol. So it was always a toss up if you were grabbing the margarine or leftovers 😂😂

[@leahrowe847]

I just write on them with a permanent marker so I knowwhat's inside, then it wipes right off the plastic when cleaning!

[@christyb7455]

Toss up if you're grabbing the margarine or leftovers🤣Yep been there!!

[@gingereaves4097]

@@christyb7455 Me, too!

[@katesanders2219]

I'm going to have to search, but I think I've cleared out most of those things as part of my decluttering! :o I do keep Taco Bell Fire sauce packets because I don't use it often enough to warrant buying a bottle, but I put them in a baggy labeled with the date I got them so I know to toss them after a couple months, lol.

[@lisagavin3402]

I put dates on mine as well.

[@notavailable5911]

The box of 1000, that they come in, usually has an expiration of a couple of years.

[@sammylove14]

You are such a great coach because you are helping people actually DO IT RIGHT NOW! Instead of just watching and thinking of doing it sometime in the future.

[@juliec3437]

I needed this. Thank you. 😊

[@MegVanAbi]

I cleaned out my desk draw at work while watching this twice. Thank you! It looks so much better!

[@superspot14]

My yogurt containers are always used up for painting projects. They are awesome for pouring some paint in and then you can carry them around while you paint corners/trim boards. Then you have a handy lid to keep your paint fresh while you are in between coats! I've been watching your videos for so long, all of the other steps are already done :)

[@Notmyname1313]

Agree with all of this! Thanks, Cas! Joe’s grandparents are still alive, like one set of mine, because of eating wild local game and food. My “city” grandparents died a LONG time ago. Good sleep and mostly organic food is the secret to a long healthy life. 😊

[@AliceHope-ForParentsOfROGDkids]

Oh Cas ... I did your trick of only storing plastics with lids. It has changed my life. We have less but each one we have is usable ... LOVE IT

[@stanksalvala]

I love this. When I start thinking about decluttering, my mind immediately goes to the things I keep around that no one else understands, so I've put it off. Watching you, I see so much that is so easy to part with, quiet trash that sits there not looking like trash. It's also helped me think differently about stuff. I am still a deeply sentimental person, so I'll probably always have a bit more around than other people, but I also buy less than other people. Watching you, I see that that's not true. And when I tell other people about decluttering, it's the same. A friend of mine struggles significantly with clutter for a variety of very legitimate reasons, but he's been keeping two huge piles of recycling in his house (one on each floor) because he's getting rid of them one bin at a time. Because I'd been watching you, I told him to just get it out of his house. He'll be able to recycle later but aiming for perfection now is crippling him. It's amazing how many stupid things we hang onto for no reason, while focusing on the things we love that we think others will tell us to get rid of.

[@melanies.6139]

I’ve done all these pretty recently, so our house is in good shape in that respect. My sock matching hack is to safety pin the toes together before tossing them in the hamper. Then they’re already paired after washing. 😊

[@brooke5395]

You're a friggin genius. I swear my dryer sits just on the border with the Bermuda Triangle.

[@melanies.6139]

@@brooke5395 Lol, I saw that hack in a magazine years ago. Makes life easier. 😊

[@happymamaof5803]

I wish children would do this.

[@gingereaves4097]

@@brooke5395 Mine does, too, and I live alone, so how do lids and socks disappear?

[@gingereaves4097]

@@happymamaof5803 Bribe them! LOL

[@suredeydo]

In so glad it's "week two" next and not day two. Don't think I can do this all in a day.

[@carollizc]

When my sister's boys were small, we tossed all socks (ours included) into a shopping bag. Once a week or so, I would sit down in front of the tv and match socks. I loved doing it, as it was satisfying - I had a pike of clean socks, ready for the drawer, and soothing as well since it wasn't something I had to think about, and I never had to feel bad about sitting watching tv.

[@pamkenel7534]

I do have a lot of pens from trade shows that are just sitting in a drawer not being used, ok today is the day!

[@cschrock2]

My husband's grandma found uses for the bag cereal comes in. She often used them as freezer bags but she also stored cookbooks inside of them. We inherited one of her cookbooks that had been used, evidenced with all her handwritten comments (which recipes were keepers, little tweaks, and which ones to avoid) but other than that was in mint condition regardless of being decades old!

[@kimberlywalker1015]

I have a hat box that sits on the floor in front of the dresser for 2 reasons: It looks pretty...but, (Dana would be proud) also for the LIMITED NUMBER of unmatched socks we can have at 1 time. Twice a year, I make sure ALL the laundry.is completely ...done...and socks are matched. Whatever socks are left...get, like you said, dumped in the trash. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long before that collection starts up, again. I don't know where I got this idea from....but, it has REALLY HELPED thru the years....... Now, to go check on the pens,.... 🙂

[@naturegirl0415]

This is coming at the perfect time! Moving in December and I’ve been getting rid of stuff since June. Need that extra push to get rid of more. I don’t want to me minimalist but need to get rid of more clutter.

[@kimacker8594]

I absolutely was raised in a family where you do not waste, and so was my husband so it's really hard to get past the fact that we always have to clean our plate, even though we are full.

[@monagordoa6360]

I cut up my mix matched socks to dust with! Then right after I throw them away

[@ruthturkington1736]

Definely side with Joe here about yogurt containers! After living in Venezuela most of our married life, watching ladies use them as well as margarine containers as “Tupperware “, I save them! They work great for freezing big pots of beans and homemade soups. Perfect size for leftovers!

[@fabigrossi2976]

The generation of my grandparents lived through WW II, some of them remembered WW I (Europe). They saved everything, no matter what. Shoe laces of shoes that couldn't be worn anymore, nails, buttons, definitely glass they bought something in, margarine cartons... You name it. And they always had food in stock. They knew what it was like to not be able to buy even the most basic things, to have nothing to eat for days, nothing to feed the kids. I know in America it's trending to have food in stock like a grocery store in case of emergency, but we in Europe don't do that. Although we experienced many horrible wars here, one lasting for 30 years, two WW and many more.

[@steph6337]

I'm kind of shocked to hear you don't store food there. Many (non-mainstream) things I read or watch is saying Europe is going into a food shortage/crisis. We're likely headed that way too, so I'm not meaning my comment to sound lofty.

[@Diniecita]

@@steph6337 I think the whole world is about to go through a famine.But, get rid if the trash so you have space for what’s important or YOU!

[@tonyapatrick4451]

My dad always saves nails. In fact I remember growing up and watching him straighten nails to use for building other things. He recently built a cabin on his farm and 80% of the nails were ones he saved and reused.

[@constancewilliams4619]

I remember Mom collected buttons in a round tin; and we used jelly jars for drinking (the tops popped off; not twist/screw off type). Don't know the exact history of margarine, but my memory from the fifties is a bag of white margarine with a dot of coloring that had to be squeezed and massaged through the margarine to make it look like yellow butter. (Optics). Cartons may have existed too, but I think the coloring still had to be added.

[@flightlessphoenix77]

@@steph6337 generally houses are a lot smaller in Eirope than the USA and more people live in apartments. Lack of storage space is a factor. I try to keep some extra tinned goods/dried goods in but they have to live under my bed as I have no other space for them.

[@momoffour2072]

If you're worried about throwing away an important receipt, take a picture of it. I also keep a 12-month rotating file. I stick papers in there that I might need in the short run. At the beginning of each month, the stuff from that month in the previous year goes into the shredder.

[@eternalabundance39]

Will most places accept the picture of a receipt

[@MochiTheMaincoon]

Great motivation video! I'm starting right now! On a side note, it would be best to say at the beginning Grab your recycling bin and a garbage bag since, plastic containers, cards and receipts are recyclable items not trash. Also, past date medication is still good (it's a way for the pharmaceutical companies to make more money, there are documented articles on that subject). Looking foward to the next step 😀

[@tinaprice4948]

I went through my son's room when he moved out only taking things he needed at first, told him ill clean his room and not throw anything away. OMG , I found like 30 socks stuffed into every nook and cranny and found maybe 20 silverware lol :/ (all his socks are the same so at least I never had to worry about single socks) YAY!!!!

[@marym346]

We use those empty cottage cheese and yogurt containers for painting, grease containment, onion storage after its been partially used (I'm allergic and don't want them in my usual food storage containers), so there are some uses for them.

[@marym346]

I'm allergic to onions too!! Also allergic to peppers.

[@laursie88]

I love this so much! 100% coming back to this again in a few months to keep me on the right path.

[@NancyThecheerfulheart]

This is excellent! I needed this amount of details. So good. Thank you for this !

[@marybetholewinski9697]

I've had deer meat that was in the freezer for 7 years at my grandma's house. She was known for hoarding stuff in the freezer but the worst was when she made us some toast with honey. After we had eaten most of it she asked,"now there's nothing wrong with that honey is there?". "why Grandma where did you get it from?" "Well I was next door and Dottie had it in her garbage can. It was only crystallized so I dug it out of her can put it on the stove and heat it up to get rid of the crystals and it's just fine now." "Grandma, please stop going through other people's trash"😳😵

[@littlemouse9900]

Pure honey almost never spoils, there is still editable honey in the tombs of the Egyptian Pharoahs.

[@justineharper3346]

That sounds like my grandma 😂

[@iHeartAmySue]

@@littlemouse9900 exactly. Grandma is right. It never goes bad.

[@moonxshakti]

Honey is a rare example of actually good forever as long as it doesn't get foreign substances in it. And you just use a double boiler method to reliquify it.

[@conniesoares157]

I am helping a friend to clutter to make room for a large item she has purchased, I am so proud of what she has come to see as “taking up valuable space “ I keep sharing with her the words of declutter from you, Dana and Dawn with the goal of her putting things away in the designated spot because that is easier than just putting it in a random spot then trying to find it later. Thanks for your videos Cas!

[@sufranklin4439]

I use unmatched socks for cushioning ornaments. They work great for protecting fragile ornaments.

[@wallflower5182]

"Not wasting anything" really resonated with me. My parents lived through the Great Depression, and they kept so much around the house and were so proud when they were able to use any item for whatever cause. And, of course, I followed in their footsteps for a long time until it became so overwhelming and spiraling out of control in my own house. I had to smile with your roadkill story, because my mother had a similar experience. We lived not far from a chicken processing plant, and every now and then, a chicken would escape. My eagle-eyed mother would watch the road, listen for the horn or a squeal of the car brakes, and presto-chango, we'd have winner-winner chicken dinner. I honed my chicken plucking skills right at my mother's sink. At this point in my decluttering journey, I limit my 'cottage cheese containers' to 2-3 so I have a throw-away leftovers container to send along with family after a meal. As I have decluttered, the multitude of baskets I used to hang on to became fruit/bread baskets for those who couldn't get out easily during the pandemic. Instead of the question, "Where can I keep this?" I ask myself "To whom can I gift this item?" or get rid of it. It's truly freeing.

[@michellebrooks5582]

Great ideas 💡 thanks

[@madhatter909]

I love your chicken story!