BIG Decluttering Progress (Even When Skipping the Hard Stuff) - One Hour Better Coaching Session

We made so much progress! It's amazing what you can do when you give an hour to a cluttered space, even if you have to skip a good bit of the hard stuff.
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[@laurenpigott885]

"they bought it for her for that birthday not for her whole life" preach Dana! Your directness is a gift. Thank you for sharing the process with all of us.

[@susanrikimaru6630]

Shout out to Jessica’s friend who was working hard behind the scenes to help make it happen 👏🏻

[@Noreenlee1]

I was paid to make a couple of quilts out of a friend's baby blankets. It was a ton of work and wasn't cheap. In my opinion, new quilts with new material would have been so much nicer. Sometimes old and worn is just old and worn. Take a picture and move on. (I know, I'm too practical.)

[@wildrose070]

Unless she is keeping her children's clothing for sentimental reasons, anything that has elastic probably needs to be donated because elastic doesn't last very long.

[@tammyc1812]

I've figured this out too,somehow, if you're not wearing something on regular basis, it just sits there and dry rots or whatever

[@JaneH3675]

True

[@positivelysimple]

What an interesting observation! This is so true!

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

As someone who has sons 12 years apart, I can tell you elastic in clothing rarely lasts past 12 years. Unless there is emotional attachment, it's much better to donate as soon as you know there will be no more babies. Otherwise, the elastic gets crunchy and no one can use it.

[@katie7748]

You'd be surprised how long some of it can last. I used some of my baby and toddler clothes from the late 80s/early 90s on my own children born in the late 00s/early 2010s and it was just fine.

[@sandywilliams848]

I am a better housekeeper, because of you. People are always telling us that our new home is so “relaxing.” We moved twice in the past year (rental while building our new home in another state). My husband and I feel like we the items we are letting go of will reduce stress for our children when we depart this life.

[@mdexperience2011]

Dana’s right when she says get rid of what you know you can get rid of. If it’s too hard, come back to it later and it may be easier to decide what to do with it then. Improvement is improvement no matter how small it is.

[@chiarad4080]

I love the 1 hour better videos. Thank you ! 😊

[@Conval-wi5eh]

Her saying "I don't remember any of this" while looking through the kids clothes is so powerful to anyone that struggles to let go of their kids' outgrown stuff. I have always been un-sentimental about clothing and sometimes even feel bad aboout it. I don't care about my prom dress or my wedding dress or newborn clothes. But it's a powerful message to actually hear someone say "I don't remember the cothes I put on my kids anymore, because it was a busy time and I was sleep deprived and just assumed I would be sentimental about this stuff."

[@carmiejones8289]

Dana, you are amazing. Your patience in the beginning when she was first struggling with most every item... But you stepped her along to help her build some confidence and momentum. Now she can continue with that confidence and momentum on her own, thanks to you!

[@granitemoss1451]

I so appreciate Dana's expert coaching and those kind enough to let the rest of us watch their process and progress.

[@michah321]

Honestly what's really helpful is listening to the woman think through each item rather than rushing through to get done fast. I know what the stage is the easy donations to get progress quickly. But hearing her think it through is helpful

[@bethreisman8869]

Very interesting. This younger mother struggles with letting things go. As she moves further away from those baby/ toddler years and she sees how clothing begins to accumulate she will realize saving only the precious few pieces are actually manageable over time. She did well and Dana you were respectful of her and this time in her life. ❤

[@ebufi7957]

I let go of my children's clothing and toys, but I can not let go of all their writings and art yet. It is too emotional.

[@katie7748]

I was keeping stuff from my children for grandchildren but got sick of storing and moving it all the time. Sigh. I didn't get rid of all of it but most is long gone now. I miss it and hope I don't regret it (especially seeing what the future holds) but oh well. Too late.

[@ingmariohman8242]

I really like the one hour better videos. Makes bigger decluttering projects more doable.

[@denisewhitney5926]

Reid, you did an awesome editing job!!! I used to want attic storage, but since finding Dana... I'm so glad that my attic is stuffed with insulation and isn't a great storage area! AND my house is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter because I have insulation up there and not stuff!

[@Conval-wi5eh]

Also, having a lot of stuff in your attic can be a fire hazard.

[@tricitymorte1]

It's weird to me to see that people have used their attics to stroke so much stuff. My childhood home in Florida had an attic access in the garage. We only kept the Christmas stuff up there. In my own home, I only have a tiny little attic with access in my bedroom, and I have never once even opened it. When we were having the roof replaced, the guy that came to assess the roof looked in there, but that was it.

[@JLJ2730]

I've always been fascinated with attics because movies and shows had attics full of treasures. We finally got one with our home and the enchantment is gone. :) It's way too hot to access it 6 months out of the year. We have 9 foot ceilings and a shaky ladder. Many of the planks have dry rot or tons of roofing nails. Who knows if the insulation is toxic as old as it is. We plan to clear it out completely, reinsulate, and stop using it. A storage shed is a lot more accessible.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@Conval-wi5ehTrue! Friend of mine lost almost an entire 4 br colonial after lightning struck their home and fire started in the attic, witnessed by a neighbor. The garage and family room behind it survived.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I’m glad mine is only accessible through a tiny opening through the garage. Nothing large, including most men, would fit through the portal. 🤣

[@lucystrider728]

Stuff kept in the attic is likely to get heat damaged. So much stuff just should not be kept as chances are if it is getting packed away we do not need it, will not use it, will not be getting it out in the future, and no one actually will want it in the future. Nearly everything should just get donated while it is still usable, or tossed if it is not donatable. Don't make a future hoard you will have to Swedish Death Clean or leave to others to deal with if something happens first. Thank heavens for Dana for those of us who kept it all and are now doing this!

[@kendratai]

I never thought about the attic. We have our own house now and haven't even thought to use the attic. I grew up wirh attics and have all negative feelings about them. It was always Christmas time and my mom and dad had to deal with getting in the attic and pulling the 20 containers out for Christmas....not pleasant. Then i watched my in laws stress out about getting ridiculous things in and out of the attic, kids toys, bouncers, Christmas stuff they never used, it was insane. I realized watching this video, i have really negative associations with attics because of situations like this. Plus we live in the desert and attics here get like 300 degress and eveything melts. I'm glad this woman is taking the time to declitter her attic though, what a blessing to her family

[@janispope4295]

Same, plus I react really badly to the insulation, itchy blotchy skin. Wouldn’t use an attic even if I had one.

[@jinglesh1398]

These real life declutters are so helpful. She said things that I've thought to myself so when you talked her through it, it hit home hard. Thank you both so much!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@ruthtownsend8652]

Yeah this struggle is why I decided the attic was not a space in our current house when we moved in. Too cramped. Too difficult. I just erased it as a possibility because I've done that juggle before

[@AmythefirstA]

Reid's caption. 😂 I don't keep anything in our attic because I'm too scared to go up there. We've lived here six years and I don't even know what it looks like, so...I guess that's good that it's not getting cluttered! 😂

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

So motivating to watch and see how others make progress. Thank you to both of you for allowing us to watch.

[@brendatomlinson]

How fun! I don’t have kids but I can relate bc I have dog dresses and sweaters that were my little girl’s who died traumatically in 2018. I thought my next adoptee would be a girl but it turned out I found a boy who needed me. He can wear some of her sweaters but I honestly cannot let any of them go because each one has wonderful memories attached. I do need to go through them one by one to find some I’m not sentimentally attached to. Thanks if you read this far.

[@Patricia.R.]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you’re not covered up in things due to grief, that can get overwhelming. There’s nothing wrong with keeping sentimental items. Dana says, you can keep some things, but we cannot keep everything. I know it might be hard. I hope you have someone to talk with about your grief, and share good memories about your daughter. God bless you!

[@kayelle8005]

Sorry for your loss. They are such important parts of our families and they see us through some great times and some devastating times 💕 My best girl died last year and I still have all her dog bowls, her leads, toys, blankets & beds apart from the ones I buried her with. It’ll be awhile before I’m ready to let any go. One day. Not today.

[@jennw6809]

Having a friend help is a lifesaver. I have an amazing friend who came and helped me with my near hoarder-level garage today. We made so much progress and due to him I was able to get the stuff ALL THE WAY GONE. I could never have done so much on my own even if I worked the same length of time. I did have to occasionally tell him to not get ahead of me :)

[@charlensing3120]

I love “one hour better” videos!

[@jennyjenkins877]

It was nice to see her get on a roll with the decluttering momentum!

[@katjaamyx2922]

I really appreciated seeing how much progress happened, even allowing for "that's too emotional, I'll leave it for later." And then, too, it seemed like as the project went forward, the fear of getting rid of things was reduced. That was very encouraging. PS. Reid's ending comments still rock. 👏👏

[@nancyj621]

I know two people who have fallen through their attic! One was very badly injured. The other one caught himself from falling all the way through. The danger is real.

[@gentledove6804]

Love it! No mess-progress and only progress method! Skip if it’s too hard and go to the next thing!

[@pinkcharms]

Her struggles r so relatable 😂

[@buddyneher9359]

What a wonderful, encouraging video! Thank you for letting us watch from the (safe) sidelines 🙂 Also, loved Reid's end notes. Ha ha, the mystery of the attic entrance! I'll be staying tuned for further adventures 💕

[@JaneH3675]

Yeah, this is why we shouldn't keep everything! Nothing wrong with sentimental items but if you keep it all then nothing is special. And I absolutely agree with the container concept.

[@cherylvisger8467]

Recently returned home from a 6 week vacation (never done that before) and after dropping everything from my car in my entryway and not putting things away for 2 weeks I knew I needed "Dana"! I started my morning watching this video and then felt compelled to watch some more short ones on "How the Container Concept Reminds me", "Follow the decluttering process","Follow the process on Any Mess", and now I'm heading to my "visible" space to declutter. I am so grateful for you Dana, sharing your life experiences with us! Every time I watch you I laugh and think, "Oh my gosh! She knows my brain! You have helped me beyond where I thought I could ever go with decluttering and I have a long way to go." Your talent to communicate with those of us who think the same is a gift and I am forever thankful that you pursued this important career. I love the notes at the end of your videos and you not only are helping me overcome a life-long problem, you brighten my day! Thankyou!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

My attic is the WORST and I know I need to get up there. This was so inspiring! Thank you!

[@lucindawilson5510]

Dana .... you are truly amazing..bless you.

[@kathystearns9012]

Love ur last moment explainations, Reid is really funny 😅❤

[@Karen-pe6oc]

AAgreed. I look forward to those closings almost as much as the content!

[@gsthompson4592]

This one was actually enlightening to me Dana. If I had a friend to help me through the process, I probably wouldn't have so much stuff. I'm a member of TYHB & I luv it, but motivating myself comes hard at 69 with a partial disability. I do have my husband, but he gets bored with the "process".. lol I do want to say that you had a lot more patience than I thought you would. Amazing. You were so kind and understanding. I don't mean to say that I thought you would be mean, but I did think you would push harder in a one hour process. Great job! Thanks for sharing. ... Glenda

[@debe5728]

Kudos to you, Dana. Though there was obvious indecision . . . perhaps her reluctance to declutter some things without her husband's output . . . you gently dealt with the situation and helped her to get some momentum in the end. I think I can see my "past me" in her reluctance . . . this was a good ingredient in this coaching session and might help some others to say, "I would have let that go." We all have that ah-ha moment, and this young lady might come to that in the future.

[@evelynphillips-gutchell8237]

This was very instructive---I recently helped my sister in her basement and we got rid of alot of stuff, but it was hard for her. I think I'd do a few things differently next time :) Thanks, Dana.

[@brendatomlinson]

Progress not perfection ✊🏻

[@hollyreadschildrensbooks]

You are so patient!!! 😅

[@glendaw5221]

Amazing. Better is good!!

[@mindymudge7247]

So glad to see reids comments at end so funny!

[@nancycerreta5629]

Wonderful encouragement here. Thanks.

[@saraedge4659]

Great job, Jessica!

[@janethunt4037]

This is encouraging me to start on the attic now that the weather is cooler. My attic will be a bit similar to hers. More stuff in it is not my stuff than is, but I want to deal with my clutter.

[@donnawiseman9311]

I enjoyed this, but I wanted to tell you I love Reid’s ending comments. That’s so sweet!

[@happyonthehomefront4317]

Yay! I love these! Hi, Dana, from NC!

[@lauramathews3151]

The only things I recommended storing in attics are holiday/ seasonal decor. Or if you live in 4 seasons states, the clothes you rotate between the warm and cold months.

[@lisaann6267]

my favorite 1 hour video is with your friend Janet. 😁😁that was so fun!

[@NancyThecheerfulheart]

So eye opening.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Ty ty ty! For your books & videos! ❤

[@pamwood3956]

This was very interesting. It seemed that it got a little easier for her as she went.

[@robingage2855]

Hi Dana, I just watched a video you did about eight months ago about selling your Dean Martin album on eBay. I didn’t read through all the comments to see if anyone else said this, I did write it in the comments, but not sure if you’ll go back get to read all comments. Anyway, the reason the other album sold for more is because it had free shipping. So the seller had to pay the shipping and so surely didn’t make that amount after paying shipping.

[@brucewayne2091]

Wow, tight space to clean up.

[@ry-zt9ex]

those last 8 minutes though! great job :)

[@Marialla.]

If there's a large space to declutter, like a whole bedroom, is it better to do the five steps on one pile/section at a time, or better to go over the room as a whole while asking those questions?

[@sherylskord4041]

I used to want to make a quilt with kids clothes but decided to just keep cut out swatches big enough for quilt squares and just make a baby size quilt for each kid for THEIR babies someday. That could be a heirloom but very small and easy to store it or use as a wall hanging in i a nursery or other room. This limits the volumes of baby clothes I keep! Make theb fabric CUTS now and trash the rest of the outfit.

[@loritempleman2951]

I get so much out of the "one hour better" videos!

[@SoMagicalMichele]

I loved this!

[@olololo9224]

I still have the baby clothes bc I was hoping for us potentially having another child for 6 years, my spouse doesn’t want one and it has been a dying dream.

[@cheerfulmouse]

I like the part where she comiserated with you about Easter eggs 😁

[@cheerfulmouse]

If you were looking for attic access, where would you look first?! 😆

[@cherryboo65b56]

She’s having a hard time

[@seeker751]

Where would he(husband) look for things that he might fix? Great sentence I will be stealing .

[@rg-mi5hh]

That could be a playroom. Or kids sitting area with some toys? I wouldn't use that for storage. Dragging stuff in and out of there would drive me crazy.

[@laurac4572]

I couldn’t watch the whole thing. The audio was bad and I was not getting much useful info.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

This was the worst audio I've seen on this channel, iirc. There are in person 1 hr better videos with great audio and virtual with better audio if u want to look for them

[@mwgrover]

For fabrics and plastics in attics and garages...the extreme heat and cold ends up weaking the materials. If it's important, don't store it up there - find a climate controlled environment.