A Lifestyle of Decluttering - What that Looks Like

[@LilCraftyNook]

When my husband asked me where something was the other day, I innocently asked him “Where’s the first place you’d look for it?” Oh boy!! Did I get the stink eye!! I had to stop and explain about you and your system. Then he was ok. 🤪🤣

[@bridgettevickers3409]

Dana is the most relatable person ever! I want her to be my best friend and ruthlessly follow me around with a donate box.

[@jodiharkness486]

I feel like her and I are sisters separated at birth..haha!! So much of her past relates to me. I am slowly getting to match her in present day!

[@reemmasoud77]

Same!! 🤣

[@zkatt1959]

Ditto!

[@briannascott6221]

I’d sign up for that service lol

[@carlathelibra4228]

💯!! And hello to all of you who are in this same boat... I’m so relieved to know I’m not alone, lol!

[@torrie956]

My donate box is a clean kitchen garbage can with a liner. When it is full, I just take out the filled liner and tie a knot in the top of the bag so no one can get into it. Then that goes into the trunk of the car. Yes, I write “donate” on the bag so it goes to the right place!

[@lyndablair2646]

Smart!

[@cinnie2543]

I LOVE that! I think I'll find one with wheels so I can easily push it from room to room, depending on where I'm working. Perfect! Thanks.

[@MyBlessedNest]

That’s a great idea!

[@Mimi2Two]

Oooooo GREAT idea. Thank you!

[@ps0195]

Wow this idea is fab!

[@hlegler]

"Clutter is delayed decision making"

[@brendatomlinson]

That’s how I view it. I’m notoriously a non-decision maker but I’m working on it.

[@anyat686]

I’m on my 3rd round of decluttering my kitchen in 3 weeks. If I couldn’t get rid of the item the first time, or second time, I didn’t sweat it or spend too much time on it, I just skipped that decision and put it back. But as my confidence grew and felt the benefit of decluttering, I finally got rid of them today. Rome was not built in a day !I’m thrilled.

[@roseschulze1647]

@@anyat686 Yes, and I'm discovering that it really is true that you build up your "decluttering muscles" with each round. It's like enjoying the added space and being able to find things easier spurs us on to find even more to get rid of!! Best of luck to you. :)

[@SF-ru3lp]

It's from Andrew Mellen. G Ire

[@laurawade6335]

I have 3 married daughters. One of them just told me that she missed the lesson from me on keeping a clean house 🤣🤣. I told her about your channel, and she said that you are just like her, and she can relate to you. She downloaded one of your books and basically hasn’t put it down. Thanks for being so real and relatable!! 😀😀

[@bridgettevickers3409]

Laura I can relate to your daughter. My mom was practically a minimalist, while I am completely the opposite.

[@sheilaanderson5646]

My grown son told me recently that I failed to teach him to clean properly.

[@carriekarademos9211]

i love that you were a bit out of breath after your 5 minute pick up. i need to speed my walking up now.

[@alicejump2290]

Addicted to decluttering! It’s a good thing!

[@emilylong9887]

Love the comment about “I’d rather never have to put it where it goes” that’s how so much of the junk I’m my house gets decluttered. I get tired of putting it “where it goes” so it leaves my house for good.

[@myway3050]

Minimal mom has a way where she says do it the lazy way. That means make it so easy to put it away so harder not to. Check out her video on the lazy way. Dana and Dawn did a you tube show together with Cass.

[@cathieclove3101]

this is my motto for loose change. it was a real problem. I would pick it up and place it in the coin containers. after this continual clutter, I thought if I have to pick it up, it goes into my purse. shortly thereafter, I noticed no coins on the carpet. I laughed. problem solved.

[@aprillee83]

Same deal with people who live in a clean home. They’re just always habitually wiping things and rinsing out the sink and tub and doing laundry and vacuuming regularly without really thinking about it. In my mind, I rarely “clean the house.” It’s just kept up automatically.

[@djf8619]

In January, a friend and I made a checklist for things that we do each day. It was originally meant to show us just how much we do all the time, but never give ourselves credit for. But, I am a bit of a slob, so it helped me to get things done, so I could get a check on that list. Now, it has become habit, and just as you say, I do it automatically without even thinking about it. Making this list was a real help in establishing that habit.

[@amygibbs2318]

This was so helpful. I am so discouraged when I have to declutter a space I just decluttered. But now I can accept that it is a lifestyle I need to embrace.

[@ps0195]

Me too. This vid was a kick in my seat tonight. I have been putting some off because I thought “ why am I needing to do this again?”

[@allsquaredup9717]

I really need to apply this to my garden. I tend to do back-breaking work-until-I-drop sessions of garden cleanup. When really sometimes if I just went out for smaller sessions of some deadheading and light weeding it would stay looking presentable more often. I’m headed out to trim some dead irises. It will look so much nicer and I won’t look like frazzled earthworm after.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Yes!!! You are so right! Thank you, All Squared Up! I've often thought I should just do my weeding in frequent short sessions, but then stay so long I dread doing again and it gets out of control...Just like when I do that inside my house! Thanks for this comment. I'm going to start thinking of it as decluttering and tidying up now. Do it in sections or in 5 minute time slots. Mindset shift. 🎉🌷🌹🌸🌼🌻🌺💐🎉A bouquet of flowers for you!

[@terryk6458]

I like to weed and deadhead while I’m having my morning cup of coffee every morning. When my coffee is done, I’m done.

[@katiegreen5759]

Terry K, i would have to put my coffee in a camel back so i can use both hands. Then I’d have plenty of energy to do stuff with all that coffee 🤣

[@johdonnaharris2637]

I need a plaque with your saying on it. “A home with NO clutter is is a home that you NEVER stop decluttering!” GENIUS!!!!!!

[@keenabumgardner5266]

Makes so much sense!! Why do we think we have to clean out the whole closet instead of taking out the random object when you see them? 🤦‍♀️

[@sfowler1017]

The permanent donate box changed my LIFE a few years ago. Cannot recommend it enough!

[@courtenayhillger9716]

Having a continual donate box and everyone in the family knowing where it lives is EVERYTHING. It took me about a year to get them trained, but now I just go in there and it is full of their things 👌🏼

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Dana, I've been using many of your tips. It's making a difference. Thank you. Having a donate box that I donate THE BOX has helped because I do not look at items again.

[@ellen8996]

I now look forward to the end credits for a chuckle like Cas's end stories. Thanks, Reid!

[@debbietampasheher3682]

Oh yes. I love clutter bug's stories :)

[@LetterLadyZ]

The end credits are great.

[@jeanneclark99]

I love Reid's "credits" at the end; they are always hilarious!

[@lindaburnside3832]

I realized recently, that decluttering can be like impluse spending. You can burn through thousands of dollars on $5 at a time and wonder where it went.

[@jvisser4848]

And then you realize you should not have bought those things. And that can help prevent you from buying new clutter (because you might well wind up Just throwing them away).

[@christinejohnson8256]

Good way to explain that decluttering is a process and a lifestyle! Looking forward to Saturday all day declutter!

[@paige5191]

I am obsessed with your videos! I'm so glad you're doing them often on youtube!!

[@rg-mi5hh]

It is kind of therapeutic to daily find a few things that haven't been used for a long time and give it away to someone who might enjoy it for awhile. It is more blessed to give than receive anyways.🤭

[@BellyKat83]

Reid is my favorite editor... I'm a fan of that twangy music, too!

[@victoriaturnershoemaker3723]

Love the credits at the end! They always make me giggle 😜

[@tawnytuppence5573]

You have a sassy voice. Can I say that? I mean it as a compliment. I hear your sassy voice in my mind sometimes when I’m working with my stuff, and it really helps! Thank you, blessings!

[@marymartinez8047]

You’re absolutely right about the decluttering lifestyle definition. As I was preparing dinner last night I realized there was a whisk in my utensil jar that I couldn’t remember when last used. I popped it right out and into the donate box. Yes, my kitchen can probably use another declutter/straighten up session but in the meantime I have more room. Thank you for all your great tips!

[@glendaw5221]

Good job Dana! If anyone watching this hasn’t signed up for the course you will miss out on a great course. Plus it fulfills your need for sitcoms because these three leaders are hysterical. And human. And kind. Did I mention funny?

[@reemmasoud77]

Which course?? I need this course please share more details!

[@glendaw5221]

@@reemmasoud77 hi. Dana K White, The Minimal Mom and Clutterbug put together a decluttering and organizing course. It may not be open right now but it will be again soon. Go to The Minimal Mom’s You Tube channel and binge! As well as A Slob Comes Clean.

[@jeannebowes2898]

I clean and declutter without thinking. I donate every week on Tues, Trash/recycling pick up is on Tuesday morning. Makes life easier!

[@eileenlester4342]

Yes. I now live a lifestyle of decluttering! So freeing. 🌞

[@Ceserious]

The dancing tights part, I needed a belly laugh today. Thank you so much!

[@phyllissweetpea4926]

A home without clutter is a “HOME “. Not just a house. You are always a practical pleasant person. Thank you

[@simplyblessed3219]

Perfect way of explaining. I am finding myself doing this weekly. I put my stuff in a trash bag. Then straight to my trunk. Straight to donation. It makes decluttering much more manageable. Ty for the vid

[@lindacanaslee9909]

It’s really amazing just how much easier to do a maintenance declutter after you’ve done the massive declutter of an area. This is what has empowered me to do a maintenance declutter as I go. Thank you Dana!!!!!

[@MV-tw9ku]

I just figured out this week why you go by Dana K. White. 😂 Mr. Dana White has a different career. Anyway...in the last month I've listened to both of your audiobooks. I don't know why it worked, I just keep hearing your voice in my head telling me to wash my dishes and I do. I'm seeing improvements and even bringing my dear husband along with your principles. I've recommended you to my sister whom you remind me of. Thank you for sharing what you've learned and being who God made you to be. ❤

[@gerihenry2261]

I think if you shared decades ago we seriously would not have hoarders. haha. Because I think it all starts with decluttering daily. Whatever level we all are at, light messes to hoarders, we're glad you share all that you do. Loving your book "Decluttering at the speed of life" on audible, very helpful!

[@hlegler]

You're 100% right--it's gotta be a daily habit. How does stuff accumulate so stinkin' fast???? Best of luck on your decluttering journey! :D

[@gerihenry2261]

@@hlegler Thanks Heather, to you as well! Covid sure is a great time to start looking within to see what we can do without. ha! Cheers!

[@marywiggins7411]

Hoarding is not the same as having clutter....

[@gerihenry2261]

@@marywiggins7411 no it's not. But hoarding does start with clutter, physically and mentally.

[@springbird21]

I love the lifestyle of decluttering… What a great idea! Thank you for that because I need to continue without making large projects! Yay! 💋

[@barbaracardoza9786]

Yes, yes, yes. I love my "donate box"! In the box. And when the box is full, out of my life. Each item, each donation closer to ending my current state of being overwhelmed. "Dishes first". "Second 5 minute declutter." Freedom, peace and serenity.

[@Eveline260]

... but you're not saying it ISN'T our fault either... right... gotcha. But seriously, you have made such an impact on my life with your books and youtube videos. THANK YOU from a Dutchie in Germany ❤

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I love your videos. You make decluttering funny, if not fun. Thank you so much for always sharing your thought processes. For people like us, that's a key ingredient for successful decluttering.

[@azzagendi2104]

I love your videos and podcasts, they helped me a lot. I am in the process of listening to your podcasts from the beginning, I am now at no. 166. They accompany me in my process in getting back control on my house. Appreciate you a lot. Greetings from Cairo, Egypt.

[@cynthiapatrick2723]

Dana: A life style of decluttering. Wow, very interesting thought. A light bulb moment. Reid loved the music plus the speed up went right along with it. LOL

[@michelleb6395]

I appreciate your no nonsense advice. You and Cas are two peas in a pod and I love you both!

[@JessicaPandino]

I do use donatable donate boxes, BUT I do go back through them. Yes, I almost always do take things back out. They stay in another donate box but don't go out quite yet. I do this because it makes it easier for me to put things in the donate box in the first place! And because once I volunteered for a thrift shop, so now I always organize and label the boxes/bags I take.

[@gingerstrahan7464]

I keep focusing on your furniture and those tray tables because THOSE HAVE BEEN MINE for years.

[@donnawiseman9311]

I'm so glad I found you through minimal mom! I love your videos! They are SO helpful! Please keep them coming!

[@kathysheeran6589]

Yes Dana always decluttering. Doesn’t come natural to me either. I get you ❤️❤️

[@laurasmith9195]

Today l set up 2 donate boxes. AND l actually started putting stuff in one. Yay! Luv these inspirational videos. Thanks!

[@barbkandel777]

"I'm not like saying it's your fault that my house it like this but....." - Bahahahaha!!!!! Love this video (and the end credits) , Dana!

[@vickieg8791]

I dropped off a car full of boxes at the donation place today. My daughter took another load a while back but this is the first I've done since Covid hit. I had a lot of old toys I thought I could make money on but I was tired of even thinking about them so off they went! What a relief to have it all gone and now I know where the drop off place is!! (I'm new to the area) Yay me!! Tomorrow I'm planning on going through more boxes & probably making another stack to to take!! Thanks for the inspiration, Dana!

[@KatyInNH]

Congratulations on 50k!!! Another great video and great editing! Love the sassy credits at the end too!

[@simplyblessed3219]

Housekeeping is a workout. 😀

[@debbiemize2269]

I love your decluttering philosophy! And it has really helped me.

[@susannaharget509]

Great way to look at the whole issue of decluttering--thank you!

[@jenAKnND]

I laugh so much watching your videos. You are hilarious and I wish we could be friends!! 😁 Love all the tips... I seriously never thought to take something out where it doesn’t belong because I just saw that I didn’t have time to declutter the whole thing. Brilliant!

[@cherylhughes9487]

Amen, Dana... we constantly declutter and always have a donate box ready to go to our local charity. It’s the best way to live 👍🏻

[@noconnell874]

Love your Down-to-earth approach!!

[@francescanorton9805]

I did big planned clearouts for about 10yrs. Now I've decluttered 85% of my belongings, I just declutter as I do my jobs around my home. Some weeks I'll find nothing to declutter, other weeks I can fill a bag. ❤

[@blancahuerta6713]

I love a donatable donate box! I can just grab and go. I used to always move from a nice box into a bag from my kids stuff and I would always pull things out saying 'oh my, how can you get rid of this. It's so cute, so many memories, someone else can use it.' This video was great, explaining the lifestyle of decluttering. I just got rid of 3 things yesterday and felt a little accomplished, I am how you were...darn I have to declutter this area.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Oh yes! For your sake and theirs, be careful about questioning their donating decisions. Moms have more influence than they realize. It's lifelong. My parents stopped by our house once when I was gathering stuff to put in a garage sale. Mom saw a teddy bear in the pile with '2000' embroidered on it's paw and said, "You can't get rid of that. You're dad bought that for you when (my great-niece) was born." So I kept that teddy bear that I didn't really want to keep for at least 10 or 15 more years!!! My parents rarely came to my house, but I kept a houseful of stuff I no longer wanted because my mom taught us to keep everything. Everything had value and memories attached. Guilt clutter. And the one time I got brave enough to get rid of something, she happened to stop by. One word from her was all it took. Every time I looked at that teddy bear I remembered. It represented everything in my house that I was afraid to let go of. It wasn't until my mom died (Dad was already gone) that I could finally start cleaning up my mess, mentally, emotionally, and now two years later, physically. I'm 62 and dealing with a lifetime of stuff because I second guessed myself when my mom questioned my decisions...even when she wasn't there. Only her voice was in my head. I realized I had deferred to others my whole life, even as a child, and I did the same thing whenever my husband questioned my decisions. No more. He says, "But it's cute." I say, "It's ALL cute, but I can't keep everything." It's my stuff. I get to decide. My mom was a great mom. I love her and miss her. I know she didn't intentionally hand down or create a clutter mindset, and I understand why she attached value and memories to things. So this is not to blame, just to explain how innocently the unintentional lessons can be taught and reinforced. I would love to have my mom back AND also be the me that now bravely says, "I can't keep everything."

[@blancahuerta6713]

@@MelindaPlainandSimple This was good to hear, I can relate with my mom saying things of me getting rid of things during this course so I wouldn't want to do that to my kids. The donatable donate box has helped me not touch the items my kids are getting rid of and second guessing their decisions.

[@micheledryden1057]

Great advice on decluttering, Dana!

[@michah321]

That timer scared the xxx out of me! Lol. So much relief when I realized it was the video. I was like. " What is that alarm? What is it for? What's happening in my life?.. like a meerkat.. I love these videos. Thank you

[@phaedrarogers2793]

Your content is so relatable. You're me hero! Thank you for everything. I cherish your helpful efforts.

[@lisadearing5960]

The golf clubs were hilarious! I wasn’t expecting that! 😂

[@pattym2402]

Thank you. Love your system. Enjoy your day.

[@tiffanytempleton2201]

Great video 🥰❤️ I love how you break everything down into manageable , reasonable and realistic chunks. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@merriambl]

Appreciate all the videos you've posted this year and love the editing!

[@peggyengstrom8253]

I love your end credits, they make me laugh every time. 😆

[@irishcottage]

Dana K White is a genius. Thank you!

[@gsthompson4592]

Ohhh Mercy Dana! I wish I had watched this earlier than I did today! I had gathered up my 21 items in 20 minutes (yay me) yesterday. However, I was in a hurry and just stuck them in a travel bag (that I use). Sooooo, you know where I'm going with this, right.... 😂. I went today to move. Well, low & behold. This gave me time to reconsider. Bad choice! Kept 2 items outta the group. Won't be doing this again guys! Also going tonite to join the course. I need y'all more than ever. Luv you All! .. gt

[@portiaread9484]

I just finished both of your books and signed up for the course! I can’t wait to see and hear and do this! Thank you Dana and Dawn and Cas!

[@sallylastname1319]

I just love this new video series.

[@jurylee1]

Thank you for all you do to help us. I truly appreciate it 🤗

[@margarettatana3453]

Omg, your singing my song, i always buy thinking, I'll chuck something, i have almost a whole donate room 🤯 through Clutterbug I have discovered you.

[@kimhaughton3771]

I love how you call things Do-Lolly! I've had the same habit for years except I call it a Do-Dah! A never ending source of amusement and confusion for my co-workers. 🥴😆

[@hopefulforhumanity5625]

I always hit a point where I don't know what to do with a thing. So I walk away and leave a mess and start on a new project. It's awful!

[@brendatomlinson]

I think many (most?) of us do this. That’s why we’re here.

[@tishratcliff9601]

I love the donate box! I’m going to get some packing boxes, and always have a couple on hand.

[@xtina1610]

I always enjoy your videos. I especially liked the music editing on this one. 😁 Props to your editor.

[@jillgott6567]

I so want to live this way ! A step one at a time- YES !

[@linda27189]

I just purchased both of your books and will be starting reading one tonight....I can't wait! I love your personality and sense of humor. I'm excited to learn as much as I can from you to get my home back under control. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us 🤗

[@AngPerry]

You are so fun to watch and really inspire me to keep it up thanks

[@arashy]

Love your sense of humor. Am I the only whose heart started racing at the thought of getting rid of the queen-size items? 😆

[@ps0195]

I was saying in my head....not the shams!!!

[@roseschulze1647]

Dana, I recently have gotten into watching your videos, and listened to one of your books on Audible. I watch several others also (The Minimal Mom, Clutterbug, The Secret Slob), and one day a light bulb clicked: all of you that I enjoy watching and learn so much from had ALL, without exception, said their homes had been very cluttered and it overwhelmed them. I think the fact that you all really know our struggles and through trial and error found methods that worked for you makes you better, caring teachers. Thank you (and your cameraman hubby) for the very helpful, humorous, and relatable videos!! 😘

[@danareevesmusic]

Love the editor’s notes at the end.

[@DBanksofKC]

Dana, Do you ever feel the need to clean things before giving them away? I find - especially with anything fabric - towels, bedding, clothes -- I want to wash them before I give them away. I think it is a carry over from the days when my son was little. The hand-me-downs were always freshly laundered - an extra sign of care for the person who would receive them. I suppose it isn't necessary, but I want to send my things out into the world with a bit of care ❤ and blessing for the person they will serve next.

[@g.flesch9731]

I always donate clothing washed & neatly folded. I have a designated church thrift shop I have adopted as my go to. The shop is run by a woman & I only give things they can easily sell. No junk.

[@oi812NM]

Yes, I always wash, dry, fold and place nicely in a bag. I don’t know why, I always wash clothes I buy as well. 😃

[@judym4100]

Thanks for straightening the throw on the chair! My hero! Lol

[@caroldecoteau1929]

You are so funny! Thank you for teaching us how the decluttering steps apply to tidying, too. And always ongoing!!! So great!

[@nancyhurt7145]

The word -declutter- would have never crossed my mind years ago!

[@amandabrown4895]

This. This. And all this. You are spot on. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@DebraofSENC]

You are so funny!🤣 Thanks for sharing this. Your process helps.

[@myway3050]

Excellent advice!! I keep looking for things to let go of. My house is organized but I feel like I need gutts to let go of some items that still fit perfectly on the shelf. Do I need them? I dont want the shelf to look bad, so I keep them. Ahhhh! So I definitely agree. I continue to stay in the mindset of decluttering. Working on my gutts😜

[@lilaboss6894]

Dana, I love you! You really get me! Thanks to you I look for something to get rid of every day. I'm slowly making progress and I'm so thrilled that I can start to see the changes. Thank you for helping those of us who are truly not "normal" when it comes to cleaning and organizing! ❤️

[@denaclements3936]

This discussion is very helpful for me to hear because I am like you in your thinking. thank you for what you are doing. I am going to get rid of some of my linen.

[@pattiharrison1211]

Love your advice! I am trying to do these things too. It’s helped so much. ❤️

[@suezeeq12]

You are freaking hilarious! Loving Take Back Your Home. So glad I was on the waitlist and able to get in!

[@lorettacasillas6547]

You have a great personality 😉.

[@aileenspinney7619]

I always have a donate bag , thank you for telling me it’s a good thing.🙂

[@triciakaplan2763]

You are so much fun! Just LOVE you!

[@dainahakes5748]

I just love your real ness!!

[@pamjordan1793]

I have donate bag always. It makes things easier.

[@kressten]

Thank you for being so real! You’re a blessing!

[@joycedickinson4478]

Just found you and I love you already! I struggle with health issues that severely limit my energy and drive to do this thing! Looking forward to exploring more!!

[@sandyh8755]

Me,too! Just a little bit at a time.