Applying decluttering the process to all sorts of decisions: Responding to Comments

Every once in a while I do these clarification videos answering questions that come up in the comments of previous videos.
Mentioned:
My books: www.aslobcomesclean.com/book
My (mom's) okra recipe: www.aslobcomesclean.com/2011/...

[@traceyrees3668]

Just wanted to say ' take it there now' has literally changed my life, as a lifelong procrastinator, I have used it in all aspects of my life, not just when decluttering. It has impacted in my personal life, my home and my work. Your voice in my head has become a mantra whenever I have a choice to make about anything...take it there now, do it now, send that email now, make that phone call now, make that decision now. It is life changing, thank you so much. I love you 😍 💗

[@kayelle8005]

Yes agree. I’m trying to apply it to phone calls I don’t want to make. Work in progress.

[@kateweatherwax6484]

OMG me too - Dana's mantras help me MASSIVELY.

[@outlawonadventure]

Yes! I take it there now and if I get distracted where I take it and start decluttering in that room, I take what I find THERE to wherever it goes and so on.. so the constant distraction isn't a problem, things aren't strowed everywhere and things are getting put where they belong, so even if I end up bouncing around I am still making progress!!

[@outlawonadventure]

Suggestion for moms with kids at home.... when my kids were young, I had a shelf in the kitchen that held a basket for each family member. Whenever I found stuff laying around, I tossed it in the basket for who it belonged to. Then we would clean out our own baskets and put the things away when we had time. Worked great on crazy days

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Men do not become pregnant, but they are parents too.

[@outlawonadventure]

Please forgive me. "Parents" with kids at home. 🤷‍♀️

[@lennyburdick3192]

Dana, thank you for answering questions repeatedly. It is important, we only hear things when it is time for us to hear them. And each time we might hear more or different.💙💛

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

We got into the car today to go out to lunch and my husband had purchased a new sunshade for the car. The sunshade was still in the cardboard packaging. I knew we would use it when we parked at the restaurant, so instead of waiting until we got to where we were going and then removing the cardboard packaging and tossing it in the back seat (where it would likely remain), I pulled it off before we left. Then I got back out of the car and I headed for the outdoor trash can. As I tossed it in, I said, "Take it there now". LOL Whoo guuurl, you are in my HEAD!

[@TheOnlyLila]

What you said about using an office for a storage space is so relevant. I have done this and then I just end up with a cluttered room and a cluttered mind, which is not good in an office.

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Your advice to “take it there NOW” has helped me SO much b/c I would always take something to the general area, for ex., the stairs (so I could take it upstairs later). Also, I’m so guilty of putting stuff aside or in a box as I “decluttered,” only to find that I’d wind up with random boxes of my good intentions-all still decisions to be made AGAIN! “Better, not perfect” has tremendously helped me, & I say it to myself all of the time! Thank you!

[@Coffeecup.0110]

I use the phrase, “What CAN I do?” all the time these days. It really works well. Thank you!!!

[@cinderellafan362436]

I sure hope Reid doesn’t EVER stop editing your videos Dana, I for one will miss the comments. Loved the video, great info! Blessings to you both! ❤️

[@ooman56]

I'm at 4:19 minutes into this..."It isn't a storage space." If I get nothing else from this video, that would be enough. It helps clear up so many of my problems. Thank you. On to watching the rest of this...has anyone told you lately how brilliant you are?

[@lozzieburger]

That part of the video was very helpful to me too! 😊 Catch-all rooms were a real problem for us in our last house. Just because there might be space in the study or the spare bedroom (stuffed into cupboards or in the corner) doesn’t mean I should just use those rooms as a random storage space for dumping stuff I want to keep.

[@barbaravieira2239]

Thank You, Dana for your compassion and your wisdom. 💜 Your two questions: "Where would I look for this item?" and "If I needed this item would I even remember that I owned it? Or would I go out and buy another one?" Have helped me tremendously.💜 Dana, your statement that "You can keep anything; but you can't keep everything," is so validating and liberating. Most of all Dana, your explanation of your "container concept," has been life changing for me. Thank You, Dana 💜

[@Elizabeth-490]

I had a “Lost and Found” basket when kids were at home. If it wasn’t mine when I was picking up, it went in L&F. That’s where kids would look if something was missing, and when it got filled I pulled it out and said take what’s yours before it goes in the donation box. Lifesaver!

[@JaneH3675]

😊 that's awesome👍

[@cheerfulmouse]

Oooh-Ahhh!!! I would be donating probably a box a day with this 😅😎

[@diannamcbride1607]

Reid does know that he never has permission to leave as your editor, right? His comments are priceless! I just want to say that I appreciate you SO much, Dana. Our home has benefited much since I've been following you. Thank you.

[@brendatomlinson]

I’m so glad you asked this question, I’ve been slightly panicked at the idea of Reid going away to college this Fall and no more editor!

[@cltinturkey]

@@brendatomlinson I say he can and should go off to college but we need for him to keep editing. Yay Reid!

[@brendatomlinson]

@@cltinturkey Yeah yeah of course we’ll let him go to college! 😁

[@boasjanet7265]

How about a college close to home? Yes - love to Reid!

[@brendatomlinson]

@@boasjanet7265 Okay then it’s settled! 😆

[@dianasimplifies]

We all have so many cute or pretty things in our homes. You mentioned people were asking about tins. Someone gave me a cute cookie tin type container. I held on to it for about 2 weeks. It matched the colors in my bedroom, that’s my most simplified space in my home. I looked at it a couple weeks then sent it on it’s way. I just decided it wasn’t worthy of dusting or sitting out!

[@carynmeyer118]

My most valuable lesson post pandemic is that... it's OK to be over stuff. Yes... I was VERY into whatever once upon a time.. but now I'm over it. Even if I have room. Even if it's cool. Even if it's from someone I love. If I'm over it... It's out.

[@jac4YouTube]

"Take it there now" runs through my mind all the time now, thank you very much.

[@lindamusser7370]

These videos help me more than you can know. Decluttering has been such a journey for me (I'm a wife, mother, and grandmother) and there's no one to talk with about it. It's hard to deal with the "trash flow" where you get new and get rid of old. I like the "progress not perfection" and "take it there now" concepts.

[@cherihendrix3076]

The take it there now principle has helped me declutter in a much more efficient way. The stuff shuffling has stopped being a problem.

[@Smith-he6bg]

Shtuffling 😂

[@juliewright1895]

I just love your and Reid’s senses of humor!!! You two are a kick! Great video, as always. Thank you. 💐

[@luzmariaperez2180]

Dana, I love that you take the time to make these clarification videos. Thank you so much for sharing your time and experience with us.

[@Ann.shecopeswithhope]

Thank you for trusting Reid on the audio! Way more important than hair in a bun 😉. You are a gift to us who NEED your method! Blessings 🤗And I love your books too!!!

[@Elizabeth-490]

Went to Alabama last week for UA graduation (my daughter!), moved her to Mobile and took a day trip to Pensacola Florida. This Vermont mom tried okra for the first time and loved it! Discovered new bbq sauce to die for too!!

[@glendaw5221]

I never tire of hearing you say take it there now. Looking forward to using the okra recipe.

[@KettyFormaggio]

I sense that your decluttering strategy can somehow help me, adhd 45yo mom & editorial creative, not only in keeping my house tidy, but also keeping my time skedule for work more effective.

[@Wendy-WackyWomanCreations]

I can't get enough of hearing you say "Take it there now". I do sometimes fill up "small baskets" to take to one place. Then I have to put the stuff away to bring the basket back. This is the first and only method that has EvEr worked for me. That, and finding out I am a butterfly so now I know how to organize MY way!

[@SouthernGurlSaves]

My roommate would hide all my items in drawers when she was cleaning and then i would go for days looking for my items. Now I have designated spaces for my items . It makes finding them easier for me

[@pameehanson3866]

Love listening and watching your video's as I learn something each time on my journey. I have come to realize this is a continual process. Funny me when you moved I thought great you have already organized and decluttered, I realized then the Dragon head moved with you! I have been so frustrated as I feel no progress but it takes time. Thanks for your inspiration.

[@KayberM]

Dana I love your videos. You’ve helped me so much. You’re funny too which brings a bit of laughter to such an overwhelming process.

[@MS-is5ni]

U r such a sweetie. So real. U have and still do help me massively. Thank you x

[@Jinjer2]

Take it there now was totally life changing for me. In the past I always set stuff aside to be put away or dealt with later and that definitely was not working. Thank you!!!!

[@joyceumstead3864]

Thank you so much. I have started the take it there now….. what a tremendous help it’s been. Your videos are so helpful.

[@lesliehobby7266]

Your process is so simply profound! It is transforming me. I did not realize how much trash I had. The container method is…. Amazing 😻. I think your method is more simple than the konmarie method. She is great but it was too overwhelming for ME. It seemed like I made more of a mess. Right now my “put it in its place right now”, I have to put it in the room it belongs, but it is working for me right now! Thank you for all your help. Right now I’m on my linens and comforters. MAKING PROGRESS!!!

[@lesb9613]

You have helped me so much. When I can't find something now, I stop myself and ask "where would be the best place for me to put this item" and I look there first. I've started very good habits. Thanks!

[@gs-vg8uf]

You are ‘growing’ into your KZbin role (too corny?) but it’s so nice to watch. The genuine understanding and concern for others and the twinkle in your eye as you sass comes across. Thank you for all you do!l PS Reid, one day could you roll the black screen for a bit longer after the credits and add a bonus postscript ?? (No pressure;) Love your editing!

[@ritatharp5238]

Thank you for sharing Dana, very good talk. I appreciate you so much. 🤗

[@jillbruce3624]

Always a pleasure Dana. Thanks to you and of course Reid.

[@vickieg8791]

Very nice, Reid! I'm sure that put a smile on your Mom's face. It did for me!

[@mompofelski4191]

I can't be the only person who says (as I'm taking something where it belongs) "DANA, I'm doing it - I'm doing it!!!!" or "DANA, you're a rock star!!!!"

[@FrattandChelsea]

I LOVE fried okra!!! My dad called them WAGON WHEELS!!! Texas in the 60s and 70s...such wonderful memories! Thanks Dana for the trip to the past and for the recipe!!! (Oh yeah...and the GREAT advice as always!!!)

[@janethunt4037]

This was the best!!!! I've been working on kitchen cabinets and drawers, and have made great progress. But I'm really in your remedial class, so I will need to watch this again. Remembering your dragon head video is helping me to let go of a set of books from my childhood that I don't think I ever read. It will free up a lot of space on my book shelf.

[@monmarra9696]

Love the credits at the end, and can’t wait for the okra recipe. Bad okra is yucky.

[@robinkhan7468]

Zoning. 😎 That is the mental container within a space that keeps one focused on priority and purpose. As I look at my center piece on my table while listening, an abalone shell hotplate that I find beautiful, I am in realization that it’s oval shape on a square table takes up room others would have sitting there as a purpose for eating and sharing knowledge. I am usually sitting there alone, but it’s not inviting others toward equality. Time to find something round again for the intention of the table vs a pretty thing for a hot dish. I tried a bare surface but it bothers me. 😁

[@lennyburdick3192]

Reid, we really appreciate you!

[@sovereign_soul_starseed]

Love you SO HARD, Dana!

[@karenstairs8273]

Thank you for the recipe...I've loved fried okra since I lived in Texas in the early 80's...Now back in New England the only place I can get it is Cracker Barrel ...and I don't go out to eat very often. Now I can make it at home. This would be a Happy Mess in my kitchen for sure!!

[@manyhats3846]

Yes, what CAN I do!! Anything done is better than nothing!! I do understand all or nothing! That is my typical self. I have been trying to change to the " Best you can!" concept! This is helpful, and does not lead to build up!

[@Candiegirl13]

I think, I'm trying to set my mind to this one room can be a mess but they can't all be a mess. I'm thinking of this in a progress and only progress way if I can strive to get all the rooms people would see managable then that spare room can be the room you shut the door when people come over for now.

[@angielovett4159]

That was a great one. Thank you! 💕

[@lisaann6267]

yes, you pointed in the right direction. :)

[@amma7244]

Yeah this is basically how the first 10 years of decluttering here went and then as empty nesters my husband (still a piler) suddenly had a lower clutter threshold. I had long since given up trying to change him.

[@abrareads]

It seems to be human nature to think we are the exception to a process or program when really we may not trust ourselves to do it or have convinced ourselves that we are the one a process won't work for.

[@lucindawilson5510]

starting to practice your method thanks

[@SassySue67]

Take it there now is a great idea but it doesn’t work for me because I live in a tri- level home so to take stuff to the basement means three sets of stairs. I use baskets for each level of my home then take the basket to each level when I’m decluttering and put it where I would look for it.

[@brendatomlinson]

“have backup flour ready” 🤣🤣🤣 You crack me up Dana

[@lizziemcdougall2767]

THank you!

[@JaneH3675]

Thank you for not comparing people to insects. 🐝 🦗 🐞 🦋

[@juliatepe5760]

Looking forward to the okra recipe! Hope to plant okra seeds soon.

[@robinjohnson9351]

You Are the Best.... I was looking for a specialty battery that I bought a while ago. You know what popped into my head? Where would I look for this first. Walk to the spot I thought I would look first and there it was!!!!!!! So Thank You.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

Coming from Pennsylvania, I don’t even know what okra is, I’ll have to look it up…. Then take your word for it. I’ve been watching your videos for a long time and taking your advice. I find everyone useful. Clutter, although still creeps into my space, fairies 🧚‍♀️ must bring it in when I’m not looking. You have inspired me to tackle the shelves in my closet…. It needs to be done. I foresee a donation trip in my near future. I also have made the decision to sell my stand mixer, food processor, and giant stock pot that I need to stand on a stool to stir. It’s a stage of life thing, I just don’t use them anymore.

[@taridevaney6554]

Oh love that!

[@lorraineas1888]

I just read your fried okra recipe. I make fried zucchini the same way, it's my grandmother's recipe, I learned it from my mom. Just cut the zucchini in strips like French fries instead of circles.

[@DanaKWhite]

I’m hoping to have zucchini so I’ll try that!

[@ElizabethChronis]

It’s also how I make fried green tomatoes.

[@amberwilburn8648]

I've literally never had okra...let alone made it. But if you post an okra cooking video I would 100% find the closest source of okra in Michigan and try it out! Sounds fun!

[@theampski3794]

Southern transplant in Wisconsin here. You can get frozen okra at Walmart. You need to sort the stems out before battering and frying though.

[@girllittlemorbid]

I stop & look at messes & think "Is there anything I can take it there right now?" Lol If you want to use boxes or baskets like that, it helps me to limit the number I'm allowed to have. Like one bin & then I have to deal with it instead of filling up another one..

[@MegOfBroccoli]

I started off putting things in a box and taking them where they went at one time, but then I'd "abandon" the box because something came up or I had to leave or I just got distracted. So it didn't work for me. When I started putting stuff away as I came across it, then it was okay to get distracted because I wasn't left with a box of shit that wasn't done being put back.

[@christineb2640]

I’ve never had okra before, I’d love to see you cooking it 🤗

[@Candiegirl13]

I'll try anything once but I've yet to have okra.

[@briannab5296]

Oh my .. Ladies you will LOVE fried okra! .. boiled okra in soups is great too.

[@danaerakstad7924]

I'm looking forward to the Okra video 😍

[@laughingmillennial1460]

I want to throw my 5 cents on the small bin to put stuff in that belongs to another room (11:45). I used to do it with cardboard box, and the things would sit in that box for eternity, so that doesn't work for me. I often don't want to walk with every single thing so I have smaller bin and I restrict myself to have no more then 20 items in it (usually it is around 10-15). As soon as I reach that I go to put those things away. I often dislike putting things away so I am making deal with myself that after I put those things away I would take small break, or after I deal 3 times with a bin like that I can grab coffee and play a game for half an hour. One thing to add, I only put things to the bin that I am sure I want to/need to keep and they are either misplaced, so I just return it to its designated place or I need to find a storage place for it, but I am sure that I am keeping it. As for big things I find it better to take it the their designated place right away as they tend to be in the way.

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@outlawonadventure]

It's just my husband and me and he straws as bad as I do. My plan is to get him his own container or two and put his mess in that for him to sort. Anytime he can't find something I will direct him to his containers

[@lauramaillie3745]

My Mom would put our found stuff in our room on our dresser or bed. That way it was out of her way and it was no longer her responsibility.

[@bmonster]

I make a pile of the stuff I find of my daughter's thru the house in the living room in the ottoman in the living room. When she gets home from school I tell her "that pile is yours if you want to keep take it to your room and save it from mommy and the evil trash can monster" that usually works. No she doesn't organize the way I would like but it keeps the rest of my house cleaner lmao

[@sherryebridwell8663]

Love your earrings!

[@kathygoodwin]

If I want to get the husband's items moved I have been asking him where he would look for this first, and then I might slip in an attempt to get rid of some items. It takes a while to work out the best way with other people's stuff. You do need to have the trust that you haven't thrown their stuff out, as that was the problem in the early part of my decluttering, he thought I would throw his things out. Then he had resistance to talking about stuff.

[@LedgerAndLace]

Dana, Amy Sedaris was on Seth Myers talking about decluttering and showed pictures of some of the things. HILARIOUS! I think she needs your help. :-)

[@findingaway5512]

If you like Amy Sedaris I listened to her on the Smartless podcast as an interview and it was great. She seems like a very eclectic artsy fun soul. I bet her house is packed with all kinds of crazy stuff.

[@brendatomlinson]

@@findingaway5512 She has bunnies! I’ve seen pics of her home in some magazine and it’s as artsy and eclectic as you might expect.

[@courtneyglasco2216]

Your son is hilarious.

[@lindalarson5468]

Regarding your first comment, I think this question really gets to the essence of the stress and paralysis of getting started with decluttering. That is, when your house is out of control, it is kind of like stepping into one huge simultaneous equation where you can't figure out where to start because everywhere you'd take it now is also overflowing. If that makes sense.

[@lindalarson5468]

And, post script, Reid is hilarious. I hope you pay this young man well!

[@CL-mn1yq]

Also you are the adult, yes, you do get to make decisions for kids. Not saying EVERY decision, but yes.

[@lindaspiess3545]

Are you left handed? Not that it matters, just think you are. I love your channel, the doing the dishes first really has changed my home! Thanks! Do you have a sore throat? Take care.

[@kayelle8005]

Dana mentioned on her podcast that she was recovering from laryngitis.

[@annaclose7043]

So uhhh - - - was Reid 7 in 2011? Did he really get his start in -ography that early (photography, videography)? If so! Good job for taking such amazing pictures of Okra, Reid! (I am def. trying the recipe out - thanks for sharing)

[@debbielee93]

You did not say this I don’t think but I had forgotten I used to use each child’s laundry basket and line them up on the couch and the put their stuff in it. Then I had them take it to their room

[@kristinlee7736]

You may have answered this before, but what do you do with your kids school stuff-papers, art work, first writings, etc. Help! I have four kids and have a difficult time trashing it. They don’t want it, but when I’ve gone through some of it with them-they have enjoyed the memories. Ugh! So hard!

[@kayelle8005]

Dawn talks about a memory box for each child and that is the container so when it’s full it’s a reassessment of what’s more important to keep.

[@astrongmama]

I didn't see any of the links in the corner you pointed to. I love fried okra, and I grow okra, so I'm definitely checking out the recipe. (Edited to say, your recipe is like mine except I use oil instead of shortening. Can anyone say why shortening makes it better?) Love the credits on this one, Reid.

[@brendatomlinson]

I’m not a cook -at all - but my mom used only Crisco shortening to fry okra and it was delicious! You can’t go off-brand with shortening, gotta be Crisco. I can’t speak to cooking it in vegetable oil.

[@ElizabethChronis]

Shortening is frequently used for frying because it has a high melting point and is more heat-stable than oil … basically, it has one of the highest smoke points (temperature where the oil breaks down) and it provides additional resistance to heat fluctuations after adding the food. I’ve also heard that it “lasts longer” - as in, you can re-use it for frying more times.

[@brendatomlinson]

@@ElizabethChronis Okay, now we know! Thanks Elizabeth!

[@kayelle8005]

I saw the links so not sure whether they were added in later.

[@giennefarcais6834]

So have you come to the point where everything is the way your want it and you're happy with what you have organized? And if so, do you have strategies to keep things in that state and not falling back to where it was?

[@JaneH3675]

Get in the habit of doing a 5 minute or 10 minute pickup daily and keeping the kitchen clean. Try a monthly declutter to keep things under control. These are great tips from Dana.

[@jeanerdman143]

You have enough on iTunes that I can look at old posts this summer. No ptroblem.

[@knotbender]

Sad. I don't like okra so went to look for recipe but don't see it. Love the tips for decluttering my house though

[@donnatrobaugh1676]

How to deal with? a hi-fi y husband is letting collect dust in the basement? It really won't fit in our next house ( downsizing). Ps. It was his Dad's... sentimental

[@mummy005]

I hope you are feeling okay. Your voice is a little raspy in this video. Thank-you for your videos.

[@Smith-he6bg]

😂Reid’s editing at 7:11

[@BeProductiveCreations]

I have a question. I have six kids ranging in age from 10 months to 13 years old. We are in the process of decluttering and following all of your decluttering rules, however I'm struggling with how to do these with the kids because sometimes they ask the question where would I look for this, but it's not where I would look for it so it gets put in the wrong place. But I can't do all of it by myself or we will never get done... Or maybe I'm going about this all wrong? I just need to work through the different areas of my home on my own and declutter them and just have the kids help with the regular chores until the home is decluttered? But what do we do in the meantime when we are picking stuff up from the floor and putting it away but we don't have a home for that stuff yet? And how do I get them involved so that they learn the process and don't fall into the cluttered habits they know so well now? I feel like I'm overthinking this.

[@mollym5587]

I started with areas I had control over. Kitchen, laundry, pantry, etc. As I finish an area, I take the family on a “tour.” 😂 I still get some questions about where things are but since I’m the main person using the items I put them where it makes sense for me. I’m getting to kids rooms now and will definitely do what you said and ask them where they would look for it first since it’s their things.

[@laurahoman7083]

I am considering starting a KZbin channel. I need to find a Reid of my own.

[@donnatrobaugh1676]

How to deal with: hubby has a giant box of really old books from h.s. that really aren't useful anymore, but he doesn't want to part with ??

[@JaneH3675]

When I began decluttering I started with kitchen and livingroom which are shared spaces. I promised him I wouldn't touch his things. As I began to toss out extra stuff we didn't need and some of my own personal things, he began to declutter and reorganize his things after 4 days. I told him how great his areas looked and went back to working in my own areas. Of course he will not get rid of a lot of his things but that's ok. Our living spaces are much better and easier for me to manage. Its a work in progress and I just keep on going.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

My okra is the best Omg themselves fighting words! I expect to see some respectful begging to differ in the comments

[@DanaKWhite]

I stand by my claim!!!

[@ElizabethChronis]

I was ready to argue … but my grandma fried okra the same way, so same recipe & I wholeheartedly agree it’s the best.

[@paulacostello6912]

I've never tried okra.

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

It's so funny when Dana points to a video link that never appears. It's like wishing for a fairy. Otherwise, good advice.

[@LorreneRomanic]

I think I've only had okra a couple times in my life, and I'm pretty sure it was frozen. All I remember was that it was really slimy. LOL

[@briannab5296]

Fried okra isn't slimy and if okra is cut into small slices when boiledt with other veggies in a soup it won' be slimey. It's just slimey when it is boiled whole. A bonus to slimey okra is that it's an excellent natural laxative.

[@GratefulDeb270]

? What about cards & labels that we get from charities? If I use them, I feel guilty. If I send them money, they send me more crap. Help pls? Great books & videos! Ty 💕

[@MV-tw9ku]

I don't feel guilty using address labels from charities/businesses. They sent me junkmail that I had to open up, shred my name, and throw away, so...I earned those stickers. 😆

[@pamelal939]

You did not request these items so you SHOULD NOT feel obligated. They are expecting a response from you which will be cash.

[@aliciasmith8401]

With your ring-hand, just point straight up!

[@monicacollins8289]

In my 69 years, I've never eaten okra. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dhdhrhhhdhrhrjrj9385]

How ARE you 😉🤠😜🌹💍🌻💘

[@SugarMamma]

I love this holistic take on minimalism! Fantastic tips and hacks. I love constantly learning about new ways to incorporate minimalism into my every day life. I made this video about how I declutter my home to keep a calm space. I hope you gain something from me as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d36zk6KPZ5qMeKM xxCC!