2 Years of Stretching Her Declutter Muscles 💪

This is my mom’s closet. 2 years ago, she would never have been able to tackle this closet. But as you guys have seen, my mom has been putting in the WORK. (The real work of decluttering.) And all that work she’s done over the last 2 years has turned her into a bona fide Spacemaker! She hardly even needs me anymore. She’s gone from being overwhelmed and desperate for my help to being empowered and excited. My goal for all my clients is that they’ll realize that they have all the power to take control of their home and make things better forever. And that their declutter muscles will get so strong that they are no longer afraid to tackle any room or any closet. When that change happens, it’s truly life-changing.
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[@SpaceMakerMethod]

🚨LOOKING FOR CLUTTER in San Angelo, TX 🚨I'm looking for declutter projects to feature on the channel. If you (or a loved one) are in need of decluttering help in or near San Angelo, send me an email at [e-mail] - Filming to take place in early March and it's FREE! Deadline for submission is February 1, 2024.

[@eyrunsigrunardottir6977]

I love how quick and confident your mother is now with decluttering - but I don´t want her to fire you because I really like those videos with you together 😊

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Hehe! I think I'll have to hire her before she puts me out of business😜

[@KristiBranstetter]

April, your mom is doing a great job! I think that I am at the maintenance phase after nearly three years of decluttering and organizing! It has been a journey of trial and error. I have found what works and what doesn't for me.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

It's all about experimenting. Congrats on reaching the After phase and being able to sustain it with maintenance. That's a great feeling. 💛💪

[@tammycope3145]

Your mom is doing amazing! She might start her own declutter business soon!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Oh I already have some plans for her (wink wink).

[@sarahkinsey5434]

She should give sewing tips on how to upcycle or alter your clothes

[@AWanderingEye]

Re: Consignment I have a pal who tries this and finds that the C stores only want things that are within the past couple of years. Another venue, if you don't need the income, would be to take the items to a "swap". We had one here where folks pay $5 admission (to pay for the space) then everything you take is free, and you can take as much as you want. Everyone who has things to swap comes a little early so the organizers can sort them in to their categories or by size. Great opportunity to share with the community and get a better wardrobe. I know it was labor for the organizer but she does the swaps about 3x per year and has a real enthusiasm. So if your area doesn't have such, consider hosting it yourself. Churches often have the folding tables, clothes racks and folding chairs needed, but an elementary school lunchroom would work as well. This swap also had try-on rooms set up in two corners for folks who wanted to try things on before leaving. I would recommend just wearing a tank top and leggings and trying things on in the aisle. It was "female" only and kiddos were accepted if the parents supervised. It lasted only about 3-4 hours including set up/break down. It was a great mother-daughter event too.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I wish I could fully convey just how much I LOVE clothing swaps. I never thought about charging an admission fee for the space or food/bevs, that's a great idea and would make it so much more fun. As soon as we settle in a long term home, I would love to se this up. Thanks for jogging my memory on this. Such a fun way to reuse clothes.

[@barbarabaldwin8922]

I remember HEB. We lived in Corpus Christi when we were first married and my husband was in the Navy. Our cat was found in the HEB parking lot when she was a kitten and we adopted her.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Great things come from HEB 💛

[@olivemaycards]

It’s great that your mom is so motivated now, but it’s always helpful to have someone to chat to while you declutter, and it’s such a gift to be able to laugh over shared memories. The bit where she was talking about doing the trash first reminded me of her fellow Texan declutterer Dana K White - she recommends starting with the trash and “duh” donations and easy stuff before you ever have to get into the emotionally taxing stuff. You often find there’s plenty of space for the hard/just in case stuff if you can get rid of the easy stuff that no one cares about.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Absolutely on both parts!

[@JennyHanlon]

April, your mother is so cute and i am delighted she feels more comfortable now on camera. She is so funny 😂

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛💛💛

[@josephdaly2015]

Wow the size of those piles. I really didn’t think the closet was bad and your mam did absolutely fantastic. Reusing the bakery container really is genius 👏👏👏 I was expecting the dog to sneak into the room to steal the shoes 👟 😂 Have a great week and hope all the items go quickly at consignment. Mary, Joes wife 👏👏👍💪🙏💐🦮

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I banned Winston from decluttering :) I have to say, Dirk was a much better helper 💛 But luckily Winston is cute 💛

[@agohl85]

My mom grew up in a true hoarder situation (like so bad that when my grandma passed away and they cleaned out the house, I asked grandpa if he'd taken down a wall and bought a new couch and he said, no, he'd just gotten rid of my grandma's "hoard" that had made up an entire wall and hidden the couch my entire life) so from the time I was just a tiny kid, she was already training me to be a regular declutterer- if it hasn't been used in the last 6 months (unless its a seasonal clothing item), it didn't stay in our house... that and my mom and dad flipped houses while we lived in them and then sold them and moved on so we moved every few years and purged with every move too..... And she STILL needed me to come up and help when they downsized after we all moved out....Life just accumulates over time and our needs and wants eb and flow over time. I lived in a one bedroom apartment in DC and got rid of at least 50% of our stuff when we moved to Florida that I just didn't want to deal with moving it and then when we moved into a house in FL, I still got rid of probably 50% of our remaining belongings - and that was after a lifestyle of purging belongings every 6 months and not bringing anything in without something going out....but that also included getting rid of cheaper furniture from our early marriage for better quality things too and also just a change in style preferences and color schemes.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@cheryllewis-scott8741]

You keep interrupting your mom’s conversation with herself 🤣🤣🥰. Too funny.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

🤣

[@dai649]

She has been doing a brilliant job! Her home is beautifully organized for her needs. I am happy for her.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛💛💛 Thanks for following along on the journey!

[@valentinat3250]

When going through my closet, I ask myself, “Will I miss this?” I can say confidently now, no, I don’t.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Love that!

[@LadyFen]

You’re mum could set up her own decluttering company now! ❤I love your content with your mum, you’ve got a lovely relationship x keep up the good work mum 😊

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I think I'm going to have to hire her 💛💛💛

[@DipityS]

I do love spending time with you mum - she is an absolute darling and the two of you work so well together. I was so impressed with Mama April taking charge of the organise! Oooh! I love your hand-tatted cardi - it's such a find!

[@voiceojane]

The rug in that room is sooo pretty!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

We found it at Big Lots!

[@daniellep6807]

I definitely agree with the keeping just in case for certain items. I’ve gone through a huge declutter the past few years and although I don’t necessarily immensely regret anything there’s some stuff I’m like I could have used that. Example I decluttered a fancier purse thinking I really have no use for it (out of the season of people getting married in my life) and then I wanted it for a random wedding we were invited to and bought an unnecessary expensive one bc it was the only option I could find:/ Did I need to buy a purse in the end no I probably could have used my normal purse and no one would have noticed🤪

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I completely agree. As long as you have enough space, I don't think there is any reason we shouldn't hold on to the "just in case" items.

[@GrunonFeliz]

GREAT job, Spacemaker Mom!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛💪

[@GardenerPhyl]

I’m so inspired by your Mom. I feel like her ‘stuff’ is a reflection of her life. When she began her decluttering journey she was dealing with so many difficult losses and changes in her life. Here she is a few years later and fully embracing new experiences, which shows in her ability and enthusiasm in releasing her possessions and happily moving forward with confidence. Impressive! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Well said and spot on!

[@GardenerPhyl]

@@SpaceMakerMethodI’m 60 so I think my season of life mirrors your Mom’s. I do enjoy all of your videos, but watching your Moms journey has been especially inspiring for me, and I suspect we represent a mostly untapped audience who would benefit from similar decluttering experiences.

[@mimarimani]

Wow, your Mom has so much cool clothes!!

[@beckyshell4649]

I have let go of most of the ‘ I might need it’ stuff and haven’t had any regrets. Once you get rid of some of those things and nothing bad comes of it ,it gets easier to let go of more. I don’t get rid of things that can’t easily be replaced if the time comes that I need it.

[@ilanapeters4239]

Amazing job as always, April and "Mom"!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛💪

[@paulacrocker9019]

I love how respectful you are of your mom and her choices. You can tell that you two have a very close, loving relationship.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛 Thank you!

[@paigemorgan8898]

Such a good point not to declutter just for the sake of it. The most sustainable garment or item is the one you already have. Even the best re-selling / consignment / thrift options still end up with clothes in the landfill so if you're able to find a way to use up the things that are already in your house, you're not contributing to that cycle. (And of course, donation/consignment is still better than trashing things!)

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@sharonmakowsky172]

Great job, Mom and April! I love watching your videos! She does a fantastic job. Can’t wait for more. Hugs to all! Special hug for Izzy when you get back home. 🥰💜🥰💜

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Izzy sends her sweetest meows 💛 She definitely missed us (and we missed her).

[@BlueBird-nf2gp]

Great job Mom! 😊🐦

[@arianarodrigue268]

Great work, space maker mom!!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Thank you! 😊

[@potsylvania]

Your mom is precious ❤

[@kerry0411]

You're mum is such a sweetheart. It'll be so great when she has both her summer and winter clothes in the same room - another step in the hassle free life she's creating 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I'm hoping to do this for her on my next trip + finally tackle the photos😵‍💫

[@jackandlill]

I've loved watching your spunky, sweet, talented mom go through this change!! I cannot though Believe it has been 2 YEARS!!!!! That's crazy!! The time is going by so extremely fast - I would have guessed it was a year ago!! More power to you Mom! ♥♥

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Seriously... time has really flown by.

[@bevalexander5897]

Love videos with your mom, April. I used to live in San Antonio, and loved HEB!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I LOVEEEEEEE HEB. My husband and I really enjoyed shopping there again on our visit back.

[@debbierosa9572]

Love the super space maker flex at the end! Amazing job mom!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

The best!

[@sharonsomers5513]

Your mom is doing such a great job.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

She has really become a Spacemaker!

[@lucyroberts2800]

I love watching you work with your mum it’s a little bitter sweet to watch the wonderful relationship you have. I was bought up in a world where you kept things for best my mum has Alzheimer’s and it’s taught me that life is short . I’ve got rid of mismatched everyday cutlery and I use the second best as everyday . I got rid of so many things that I’d held on to because I want my children to have an ease at what’s left . Memory boxes for each of them have been given as soon as they have their own house for them to decide if the precious things inside are wanted to them . Myself I have two childhood pictures of myself . I make sure that I have given photos out with names on I took loads . As I complete rooms I’m given freedom to enjoy life I wish I’d done it years ago I’m still young but it’s so lifting and freeing . I understand the just incase mentality I was bought up in a biggish family and we then had a biggish family ,at times we didn’t have much the feeling it gives at the end far out ways the stuff . 😊

[@karenf8470]

You heard it here first: I sense a spin-off series hosted by your mom. 😉 You two work so well together though...keep 'em coming.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

You read my mind :)

[@jennyjenkins877]

Your mom is awesome... mawesome even!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛 haha, love it!

[@viviancunssuarez]

Love your mom's videos ❤

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@jackandlill]

Your mom is Inspiring Me!!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@suzannelawson9215]

Your mom reminds me of myself. I am a senior citizen and your mom looks about the same height as me. Nice you are helping her.

[@theresalee2266]

Thanks for keeping it real.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Always!💛💪

[@pamelafreeman4548]

Awesome job! I am a grandma and doing the same!😊

[@edfitzgerald6626]

LOVE MOM Great job !

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💪

[@3TXSisters]

Oh, how I love this series! You and your mom together are great! She was flying through those clothes. I wish I lived in San Angelo, lol. Actually, we'll be in Houston at MD Anderson at the end of January and for a month in March for my husband's cancer treatment. We live in Florida, so it's a jaunt. We're so blessed that he's able to be treated there. Hope there are more videos in this series. Take care, Linda 🦋

[@dagnolia6004]

loud next to the minimally loud! hahaha

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

😜

[@shirleyadkins4254]

Luv it

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Thanks!

[@gracemeneses9217]

I wish my mother could let go shes 91 has cloths from when she was in her 30's in her closet porcelain dolls very materialistic all her life my sister and i we will have a job ahead of us

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@cathyferguson1590]

Love it! I'm still praying she gets all new velvet hangers😂😂😂

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Oh man, I don't think the resourceful West Texan in her will let that happen :)

[@_JanetLouise]

good job Mom!!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@odalithcardenas3697]

The brown belt is definitely "iconic"

[@RoseofSharon3]

I know you do a lot of closets with your clients but do you ever sort their closets by fall/winter and spring/summer? I find this method helpful when I’m trying to find something to wear. And I do the same for shoes. It really saves times in the mornings when I’m trying to get ready for work.

[@ChasingTravelAdventure]

Work with whatcha got ❤🎉

[@Brigitte_Cantin]

I love your mum 😂💖 all finished with the book? Was this just a Christmas visit or did you move back? I remember (I think) you saying there were Visa issues? Lots of love from Ottawa Ontario that is 😂😂😂 😘😘💖💖💖💖💖 I like to call personal items the unmentionables 😂

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Almost finished! Hoping to publish it in February. And it was just a visit :) BRRRRR I bet it's cold there.

[@debmacie1612]

When going through my clothes, I ask myself: will I wear this, does it fit into my new lifestyle? I also keep a few seasonal and dressy items so I don’t have to rebuy things that can be expensive just for occasional use. I also do not keep things that I will wear “when I lose weight”. I have found that every time I lose weight my shape changes and those smaller sizes don’t always fit. My big gift to myself and my kids is to go through the whole house once a year and get rid of stuff (Swedish Death Cleaning) so there should be very little to deal with at the end.

[@rebekahengal7281]

Great work, April and Mom! Might I suggest getting these microphones that you can clip onto your collar? Especially when both of you turn away from the camera towards the closet, I can barely hear and understand you. I know that there are limitations, so it's only a suggestion, and I'll keep watching either way. But a better sound quality would be so appreciated! Thanks

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

YES! It's on my list of things to buy before we batch film videos next time. Just a few more videos already recorded with the current mics.

[@AWanderingEye]

Around the 6:00 mark your mom shows she could have a youtube channel upcycling clothing. Maybe you can help her set up a video spot with her sewing machine and encourage her? She has a lovely personality and already wants to show things to the camera.-A plus in my eye. Hopefully you see this SD and pass my idea along...TIA

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

I will tell her she would already have some subscribers 💛💛💛💛

[@zoëavy]

Erm..... Question! What are consignment stores? Fan from Greece here where we don't have these kinds of stores... (unfortunately!)

[@Jasmine-in-my-mind]

Consignment stores are re-sale shops. You bring in your clothes; the shop owner looks over them and decides which ones are likely to sell, and they put them up for sale in the shop. You receive a percentage of the profit for any of your clothing that is sold. If the clothing is not sold, you can take it back. Or sometimes, the unsold clothing is donated to charity. It depends on the shop's policy.

[@maddscientist3170]

mama has a LOT of clothes

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Do what works for you.

[@1234OopsyDaisy]

❤

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

💛

[@littleone7404]

Put her clothes back on to the felt hangers she would have more space in her closet. Then put the box of Slips on shelf where the pants where that she hung up that its off the floor.

[@toocooltobeold]

I want you to come to my house ❤ I need to get an email off today!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Are you in SA?????

[@toocooltobeold]

@TheSuitcaseDesigner I wish I was in San Angelo I love it. I'm in NM it's only a 8 hour drive.

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉