Clearing Your Clutter

Sign up for our WellCast newsletter for more of the love, lolz and happy! goo.gl/GTLhb
Even if your house doesn't look like the set of "Hoarders," odds are you have too much clutter in your life-and it's stressing you out! It's not easy to get rid of your junk; you might have some misguided idea that you'll eventually find a use for your stuff. But did you know your clutter is actually costing money? Check out our Clutter Cost Equation to find out just how much your stuff is setting you back, and then take our steps to getting rid of it in the most efficient ways possible. Your wallet and your mental health will thank you.
Check out some other awesome episodes of WellCast:
1. Coming Out goo.gl/amysN
2. Coping With Grief goo.gl/aD4OH
3. How to Break the Ice goo.gl/CmS8O
4. Dealing With Rejection goo.gl/f3Pw5
5. Party Survival Guide for Introverts goo.gl/WYZVe
ABOUT WELLCAST:
In this twice-a-week show, we explore the physical, mental and emotional paths to wellness. With an emphasis on education, the show addresses both the latest trends and long-standing practices of wellness-everything from the efficacy of the gratitude experiment to the importance of sunshine and vitamin D. Follow along as your host, Kate, guides you through a bi-weekly journaling exercises that helps you apply what you've learned. The ultimate goal: one year, one show, one journal, one collective journey to wellness.
Like us on Facebook! goo.gl/0DHVJ
Follow us on Twitter! goo.gl/Ylcv6
Find us on Google+ goo.gl/ylCVT
Follow us on Tumblr! goo.gl/Ds3TB
Follow us on Instagram! goo.gl/q3IUC
Follow us on Pinterest! goo.gl/lNhu2

[@julianacatacombs3983]

I've been decluttering for a little over a year now and it's been helping me to clear my mind and focus on other matters which were being neglected. Clutter really does take up a good chunk of mental, physical, psychological energy. Too much clutter sucks, very toxic. This is a project that can change your life♡

[@kathyhurrle2966]

I've been decluttering for almost a year. The first few months was intense. I'd wake up shaking in the middle of the night during that time. But I felt amazing with every garbage bag I took out of my house. Now I get rid of things more slowly because most of what I wasn't using is gone. When winter is over I'll evaluate what I didn't use or wear to see what winter items I need to get rid of. This has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I'm just now starting my own business (and I'm 60) and my mind feels much clearer and I have more time to start a business because I'm not thinking about all of the stuff I had that I wasn't using.

[@minecraftkunoichi7383]

I have a friend who's room is so messy, you can't even see her floor. so being the amazing and well organized friend that I am I decided to help her clean her room. and after about 3 hours (we were up until 1 am) we went through 3 boxes of old clothes, found missing earrings and jewelry, organized makeup and craft supplies, and vacuumed half of her floor. Her mom came in, saw how much we cleaned and said that I should come over more. 😊

[@kellys1458]

Priority of piles: (1) Gift -- (2) Donate -- (3) Sell -- (4) Recycle -- (5) Trash. Trash should be very last resort. Please don't overlook recycling! (I avoid #3 because the time cost of selling is maximum compared to all other options. That money is already spent, often long long ago; so why fret over it now?)

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

I find it helpful to organise everything first. Like once I've gathered together the several miles of Ethernet cables I've acquired over my life, and coiled them neatly in a box labeled "Ethernet Cables", It's easier to decide which ones are worth keeping / dumping / donating.

[@Austinniya.]

Selling things at a monthly market is also good. Not only do get to see your stuff go, but also who it goes too, engage in talks with the buyers, hear what they say about what they're buying from you, the memories they have of what you're selling, negotiate a price they're willing to pay to you, and most importantly; you getting out into the sunshine; the fresh air; mingling with the community; being part of something within your town. Makes you feel good about yourself :)

[@p3nnycraft]

Well done explanation, but one little thing I'd do differently is that when you set something sentimental aside, don't instantly start thinking about it, that slows me down a LOT when I'm cleaning. Instead if somthing takes me more than 20 seconds to decide on I put it in pile number four (the "think about later" pile) then when I'm all done cleaning and not feeling so clingy I go through the whole pile and decide what I _actually_ need. Most of the time I can convince myself to get rid of at least 3/4ths of the pile, because when I'm thinking about that thing I kinda want to keep and that thing I _really_ want to keep, chances are I'll feel more inclined to get rid of at least one of them. ;)

[@watchwellcast]

The Wellcast journal is something you keep yourself, like a handwritten diary or you can write it in online. It's just an exercise to help you along in your journey, a chance to do some reflection.

[@marinaliakoura579]

I am just so sentimental with everything! I mean everything... it breaks my heart to throw something I have spent so much time with. I feel empty...

[@Jessica-vf4bd]

+Μαρίνα Μαρίνακι That's exactly how I feel!

[@gargee29]

Me too😣

[@kpopgrrl]

Don't forget about recycling, especially for electronics.

[@AnotherSpecialEdMom]

I live with two horders (OK, not actually horders, but close enough). I finally had to have a close friend of mine come in to my house and help me to go through the garbage (literally in some cases) and just be ruthless. We all feel so much better. Sometimes you just can't do it yourself. Don't feel badly about it. There is no sin in asking for help. The experience just makes you a better helper in the future.

[@Backup-br9os]

you should do a video on cleaning your room

[@kargelr]

200x500=10,000...... My math teacher father is rolling over in his grave. And he's still alive.

[@Firerose6975]

100,000. There's the answer! Am I smart yet?

[@charlibrownandpeanuts1732]

I've watched this video heaps of times it's like my little pep talk before I tidy my room! :) lol

[@SarahRohrs]

Help me!!! I'm addicted to watching clutter busting videos then still can't get started :(

[@dianeneill499]

I'm on a long time coming, shine it up again program atm. It's great to see the sun light bouncing off my treasures again. What I want to share, being the queen of stuff, is that you don't own stuff, it owns you. It owns your time (time is money btw) keeping it clean, mended, and insured. One might have unlimited money, but we don't have unlimited time. What do you want to do with your time? Ask yourself that every time you consider a purchase. Do you want to keep it clean? If you don't keep it clean, then you may as well throw it in the trash before you bring it home! Dirt as an appetite for eating through everything. Maintenance is never mentioned by those trying to sell us on subscribing to consumerism, we need to look at the small print.

[@outbackeddie]

The clutter in my house consumes an inordinate amount of my time. I don't worry about the storage cost of clutter because I don't really think that is a legitimate concern for someone that owns his own house and doesn't plan to move to a smaller home. But I do worry about the time and aggravation cost. I figure I am spending about 1-2 hours per day looking for lost things, picking up stuff, finding shelf space for items, moving junk just to clean, etc. If I could reduce my clutter this would save me roughly 7-14 hours of time every week. The time savings and aggravation reduction is the real issue for me.

[@reyhanozturk2832]

Usually, I like having some stuff reminding me some memories but, sometimes they are piling up and when it comes to organized I hate wasting time with that. I like decluttering on every occasion, I like giving them people who need more than me unless they are worn-out. I keep following the rules " when new one comes the old one should go" especially clothes.

[@DakotaandKota]

my desk and loft area are REALLY dirty, and my room is too. there are so many things i want and NEED to do.....but my room, my loft, and my desk are usually the places i need for them. i really feel boosted when i watch one of these videos, and i think im going to clean up my loft, desk, and room. thanks wellcast!

[@janetc217]

This was the best decluttering advice so far m basic and informative, and on a personal level it involves myself , being a widow , watching decluttering videos that suggest teaching your husband and family organization is a turn off

[@jakiaratliff4012]

Hello. I am a student at independence university. They had one video for us to watch about time management. It definatly helped! And I am sort a hoarder so I can't wait to put this video to good use. Thank you for all your tips and help and I look forward to seeing he others

[@maggiemcdowell5594]

I grew up with my mom. she was a hoarder, and still is today. I thought that hoarding was okay as a kid, and to this day, I have EXTREME anxiety to clean. I get panic attacks and sometimes even faint if something is too clean or too dirty.

[@AnarelaSilvera]

I was very surprised when I discovered this videos were free. It restored my faith in humanity, people trying to help people, just that. Good job, guys! Thank you :)

[@mateobarela333]

watchung this channel makes me realized how much of a mess my life is

[@TechnoW1zard]

I completely agree. I was raised in a house where clutter was perfectly normal, that is all I knew. Any time a surface was cleared off it was a temporary state, there had to be something in every somewhere to show stuff was getting done and another project was waiting after your current project was done. If there was no clutter I would be very fearful and have a lack of control. I have hired professionals and still this is an issue for me and may be the rest of my life.

[@deltanebula8622]

One of the things that I would have difficulty with are either 1) things I don't often, but are useful, and 2) things that I think could be useful or interesting later.

[@moonlitbutterfly5391]

+Ana Rita But what if that object is old or is not made anymore, you can't really get rid of it if you can't buy it again. For me, I just organized what is most important and useful to me in places I would find them, like my keys for example. I put the important stuff that I don't really use in a basket to bin and put them aside(organized) so if I need that object again, I can find it at that bin.

[@benresnick8064]

One idea that has helped me is to "Throw down a challenge." Make it a game. See how fast you can get one section done. Shoot a reality show of yourself using a smartphone or camera. Ideally, it would be more fun if you have a teammate you can trust, but if you have to do it by yourself, make it as fun as possible. Sing or dance. Listen to comedy or an audiobook. Take breaks to celebrate progress. For me, it's always easier said than done, but I still hope this helps.

[@user-pp5cb6xl4t]

very very well done. thanks for sharing tips for de-cluttering.

[@izzyp1296]

I like your profile name:)

[@user-pp5cb6xl4t]

+Izzy P Thank you.

[@ApplePie2luv]

I liked the idea of taking a picture to reduce the clutter. My high school bedroom was soo full of clutter that when we went to remodel it, I just took a picture of each wall and could then use those to remind me of what I used to have there.

[@ThePurpleCurry]

It's 100,000, not 10,000. Do the math.

[@katieg1524]

what?

[@vikingwolf26]

i thought of having a yardsale to get rid of what i do not want.

[@HamCubes]

The key is to organize mentally before beginning. Portion out certain tasks: one day collect all the dirty laundry and sort into throw away or to be washed (to keep or donate, clean those both). If there's too much laundry all over, collect laundry in one room or one storey of the house and then throw away or wash. It seems like an insurmountable problem now, but approach it like it is just a lot of easily-done small tasks. Good luck =D

[@shygirlnow2011]

yea, I guess I'm in!!!! I just steam cleaned the carpet and its made a world of difference....moving a lot over the years its just too overwhelming to go through all the crap!

[@AnneMcGurty]

As a professional organizer and productivity consultant, I agree that people waste money on storing stuff -- look at the thriving off site storage business. A stronger impact may be to look in the workplace. The average executive spends six weeks per year looking for or recreating information, six weeks of a $60K worker is $7,500. My opinion is there needs to be a behavioral change while clearing the clutter to save money and/or time. Things don't clutter, people clutter.

[@TrindyForce]

It's $100,000 worth of clutter. I realized there was a big fucking problem when 1/3rd of the place was taken up by clutter but it didn't take up 1/3rd of the cost of the home. If 500 of your 1,500 square feet of your $300,000 home is taken up by clutter, than 1/3rd of your home is taken up by that clutter and therefore 1/3rd of the cost of the home. $100,000, not $10,000.

[@johnnier6036]

You have given me a lot of food for thought. The square footage theory really makes sense. I will join Clutterer's Anonymous (CLA) here in my city. Supposedly, it's a very helpful 12-step program. Thank you for your insight.

[@meganhanson257]

I am a huge fan of you guys!! Kepp up the great work and you guys will get really far!!

[@IggyPop251]

These are feng shui advices and they are pretty cool, thank you!

[@_jacq_]

Where can I find more information about Jean Arnold's studies about the ailments related to stress hormone? I've had heart problems for the past 12 years and I'm trying to determine if my clutter and high level of stress is giving me chronic bradycardia. Thank you.

[@aditiwalke5997]

You guys have really helped me in my day to day life ......Thanks a lot ! And always keep doing the good work ...

[@LJMcGuireDesign]

Interesting way to think about it -- I will have to look through your videos and see if you have one about paper clutter and filing methods. Most of my clutter consists of papers with information that I want to be able to refer to, but don't have a system for filing. Out of sight, out of mind. On the other hand, buried under a pile is also "out of sight" -- and opportunities get lost! I need a system.

[@pcatMe]

I agree, the cost equation makes no sense to me. It costs me nothing to store it but it DID cost money to collect it and has emotional costs and even physical ones if I trip over junk or sprain a back moving it.

[@5hineepropertyofleetaemin]

I hated the first 2 steps so much! The idea about photographing sentimental items was wonderful though, i loved it.

[@TheRevJerry]

My wife is a full-blown hoarder. We're ministers, and she says she's keeping this stuff for ministry. But it's like Hotel California...it can check out any time it wants, but it never leaves! I'm stressed out beyond anything you can possibly believe by this clutter. God gave us this 3600 sq ft home 17 years ago and it's been full for 14 of them. You can barely walk through it and she doesn't want me to bring anyone here..Duh...And we used to hold church here, can't anymore. I need help!

[@charlibrownandpeanuts1732]

I just love the animated picture of the little boy in the corner it's so cute

[@MrsMkelly]

ok, I've been procrastinating for years on this and I know its time to take action. especially with papers and storing things on my computer and of course forgetting all about it. I can't even tell you what i have but i do know my computer is 75 percent slower. where to start? I will prepare myself to do this tomorrow.

[@draconian99]

maybe find a separate location to store your paperwork safely? i don't know if you use filing cabinets but that is a good start as well. i myself do a lot of paperwork because food safety laws are getting more paranoid with farmers each year. we have to keep our documents for many years as well.

[@dpwolfe67]

Great advice Thank you... I will pass this on...

[@sallylemon5835]

if only disposing items can be easily worth it, for all and for the environment, I'd instantly make move on decluttering. my problem with cluttering got to do with environmental friendly trait, as well as negative trait of procrastinating. When I see so much items I get lazier and demotivated to clean, compared to room with less items. Now I seem to got over more the loving the items factor, if I get people to clean up my room and they ask me to select only current items, which, smaller percentage to keep, I wouldn't mind the rest get cleared up, because it doesn't have to be me being the one who throws the item, therefore, less guilt on me. if only 3R is that easily allocated; the items that can still be used is consumed by others who need it, and recyclable items go only to recycle place, decluttering would be whole lot easy, knowing what you're letting go, goes to the right place and consumed rightfully instead of stuff it all in the garbage; that creates another waste and garbage issues. this is why I find it hard to declutter; it's no longer much about what I let go, but where is the worthy place to let go.

[@EngieVid]

It is not easy to tell a hoarder to get rid of stuff, especially this way. Hoarders will only clean up when they really want to. My grandma is a hoarder and she would have a fit if I ever told her to clean up anything. Showing this video to her would do nothing and upset her.

[@luis2626]

but if that empty space is not used?...Isn't that a waste too? after all, I'm still paying for it. This logic is so flawed

[@ferret813]

ahhhh but empty space doesnt cause you to produce stress hormones, so its in your best intrest

[@kargelr]

So the solution to expensive empty space is to pay for things to fill it? Is that what I'm reading? That's silly in the extreme.

[@mittp5584]

100,000$ not 10,000$, 1/3rd of house value. Much more costly to worry I guess

[@LanguorousLass]

I agree with the commenters who say the monetary argument makes no sense at all. The only way in which using that space for clutter would cost me money would be if I had purchased a larger house so all the clutter would fit. Which isn't true at all.

[@OldPiePie]

If the space is empty after clearing out clutter, isn't that a waste of space too? Our house is not a retail store, calculating the value of space don't work as well

[@mckenna8663]

I didn't follow your arguement (the equation). Stick to: 1 Clutter IS causing you to be anti-social(you don't invite people over and live in fear of people stopping by). 2 Clutter DOES promote depression(you walk into the door after a good day/ok day/fair day/even a bad day. And you are greeted with chaos mess, and growing smells (empty the sink and fridge). And it makes you feel terrible. 3 Clutter DOES add to a lack of focus (umm where was my __fill in the blank__?.. and off-track you go).

[@ImSofaKingGood]

It's certainly an interesting way of looking at the situation.

[@elizabethneilson5233]

I found this very informative and plan to start today to clean out my draws using her plan. Thank you.

[@SweetTeaSipper]

I understand. I don't want to say too much, but I had a family member that was/is a hoarder. I will never live with them until it is fixed. It totally restricts social life, ultimately mental health of those who have to put up with it. It is an indicator of deeper emotional issues.

[@JubJubtheWonderHippo]

Well, if it was bought away from your house, it wouldn't be clutter in your house, and you wouldn't be using a formula involving the area and cost of your house. If you have clutter in your house, getting rid of it won't get you any more money, it won't save you any money, and you can't sell the space. Your house is the size it is, and you pay or paid what you do/did. There is no saving or losing involved. You could say the same for having furniture too close together too though.

[@funguy4utube]

Perfectly done ! Thanks ...

[@skullcid]

Where do we get a WellCast Journal???? :( I NEED TO KNOW!!!

[@millierojas2526]

but how can we start it?? im really interested... took your advice on some videos and i hope they work... but i love the idea of a journal :)

[@benresnick8064]

Thanks. Interesting video, and I agree with the concept of Organization. However, I can't say I agree with the "cost of clutter" mathematical calculation. Just my humble opinion of course, and I can't guarantee this is correct here: $200 x 500 sqft doesn't equal $10,000 You forgot a 0. 200 x 50 = 10,000 200 x 500 = 100,000 Or, a simpler calculation would be: 1/3 of your $300,000 house is worth $100,000. Another alternative for sentimental value items is called a "storage unit".

[@DanTheManIOM]

I started by looking at just one item, keep it or get rid of it ? If I keep it,where should it go. Getting rid of it - toss, craigslist or donate it. Craigslist or eBay can be a pain, so I just give it away sometimes. eBay is a complete waste of time - you do all the work - photo, describe it, answer questions, ship it, and they get a peice at each point in the disposal...great business model for them. - I also start with getting stuff off the floor...

[@apollobraden]

such a good video, thanks for the advice

[@Attackofthehank]

so... when I buy or rent a home they come in and check out how much square footage I'm actually using? Pretty sure you pay for the whole thing whether you use it or not.

[@wahigal]

I found this equation of clutter with cost interesting. It may not be as motivating a factor however for renters. Is there an adaptation that takes renting vs. owning into consideration?

[@orangespicedtea2228]

I think she meant like they are not pleasant to have, and also I think she means skin conditions that can be easily cured, like breakouts. Skin conditions that are hereditary or that are natural to someone cannot be easily fixed by decluttering. Although I see where your point of concern comes from, I can't say I agree that she is being snotty about it.

[@leonieabram803]

Hiya, could you possibly do a video on earning money for kids or how to start a KZbin channel. Thx xxx

[@32jim2]

OK so once i clean out my clutter should i tear down the extra space to save me money? what good is a 1500 sq foot home without stuff? Yes i want to get rid of stuff but it is HARD.

[@cooldesertknight]

Really helpful. Thank you :)

[@Ehal256]

Space isn't gone when I use it, it's just being used. That $100,000 (not $10,000) was already spent when you bought the house.

[@nrviognjiocfmbkirdom]

A third of 300.000 is 100.000, also 2 x 5 = 10 so 200 x 500 = 2 x 5 x 100 x 100 = 10 x 10.000 = 100.000

[@JacobCain86]

The Sleep and Creativity Challenge is set to private

[@ministerdana1534]

Clutter is a huge issue for me. I stopped working and I'm in school full time. The House has gotton worse, there is clutter everywhere, dirty clothes, dog urine and poop,alot of roaches. I try to set aside time to deal with the mess.I get started then never finish. I dont want anyone bothering my stuff or come to the house. I feel like I made this mess I should clean it up. Not Hoarders but close enough.

[@dungeonHackMedia]

I see what you did there. Playing to the commercialist attitude of every American to reduce the commercialist attitude of every American. So clever.

[@arianelcole]

You cant tell your instincts thats there is not a snake behind that box of pizza, that resumes all the sicollogical bullshit, but I really cant clean at night.

[@benresnick8064]

Sorry to give unsolicited advice; "disease" would be correct. What is the definition of "rich?" For me, whenever my home has been cleaner, it has helped me make money because I am more organized and productive. Furthermore, you can sell stuff you find while cleaning your home. Sincerely, Ben

[@nicolejones9756]

I love this channel it as helped me so much

[@witchhatter]

The "cost equation" is too much of a distraction for me. The presence of old tat does not directly impose a financial cost. It does prevent you from using the space for something else, and if that something else could be a financial benefit, then the cost is based on what's being obstructed, not some percent of the home's value. This really sticks out to me because it's the type of distorted explanation that convinces people a tax cut is GIVING someone money when it's actually seizing less.

[@tamdeb419]

I have to read 4 books for summer but I don't like reading and I don't like the books but I have to read them. What should I do?

[@MrLeonthebestest]

Where can i find the wellcast journal?

[@Uatemysoul]

My clutter is mostly gaming stuff and books. My desk has over 400$ in paints and wargame miniatures on it. and that is just my desk. My room could be a game shop on it's own with the stock I have. The only sentimental thing I have in my room is my grandfather's cane. I also have about 40k magic cards but they are stored in a small room over my bathroom If I can manage my goal of owning a game and hobby shop I will lose a lot of my clutter.

[@Uatemysoul]

Ana Rita all my video games are digital. The miniatures are for warhammer so I have tons of them limiting isn't really an option, and this is also a small source of income for me as I paint miniatures for other people, getting said people to take them home is a tricky part. I now work at a hobby shop I have sold most of my cards and I do own a kindle but I like to have books I can give to people and somehow my house has become a home for wayward sci-fi and fantasy. I have been decluttering for 2 days very resently. And cleared my bookshelf and I somehow replaced my bed with a futon. Still have clutter, but have quite a bit less and my situation has changed.

[@FirepawBear]

UGH... but that is so much effort... and stuff does make me happy... (for 5-10mins)

[@phogroian1]

What I'm taking away from this is that I should pile and stack my stuff higher so that is takes up less square footage. No?

[@livmckibbin]

really great video

[@emilyproductions2106]

I can't get rid of my stuff if I'm bored it's something to do and I love them but I never use them

[@hotapplepie3757]

200x500=10000 woooooooooooooooow wellcast team you may be doing wellcast but you sure didn't take math class clap clap

[@FlyLadyFan]

I don't get the 'wasting thousands of dollars of space with clutter' connection. The stuff in that space is not worth $200/sqft. When I sell/buy a home, that is the cost for the structure, not the contents. Totally unrelated subjects.

[@azsli2]

I was thinking the same thing

[@spookmonster52]

Don't worry the math and logic in this video were completely wrong. The value of an empty closet is still the same as the value of a full closet per square foot. However if you have filthy things in your closet that attract insects then it decreases the value of the space. But items that you have already purchased don't accrue additional fees by existing.

[@nicolejones9756]

can you do one about cleaning you room

[@cookiejar.mp3]

For the sentimental part...well I'd NEVER throw out my sentimental things...I LOVE them! (Not hating or anything)

[@rainbowfay]

No offence but I love a lot of stuff I can't just get rid of it :/

[@rainbowfay]

***** no but thx for reminding me

[@funguyscienceman]

***** I have a stuffed animal since I was 3. I can't just give that away. A picture just isn't the same. It's one of the few things I have which I had when I was a baby. It's survived all these years, and I can't just give it away.

[@Neverlandlostgirl07]

Rainbow Fay same

[@princeofdarknessxyz1]

my head hurts from all the clutter...most of the stuff is from my parents who passed months ago...and i'm trying to minimize their stuff but part of me wants to let go...cause my mom bought a lot of clothes...15 of those large homedepot boxes are all her clothes...but I miss her so I don't know what to do...IDEAS ANYONE?...and seth wants to burn them

[@ileanarendon2561]

You're an amazing artist :)

[@2000konnie]

Great video. Just one thing needs to be added. Please only donate items that are clean and in good condition to places like Goodwill. Throw trash away.

[@ladyredconstance]

I love this . Im going to subscribe.

[@Triton1051]

me too! luckily a box w/ high speed internet but a box all the same! ;)

[@osgNeco]

Did they give you the bulk discount? (Sorry...had to)

[@lindstrange]

I have so many stuffed animals from my childhood, it’s so hard to let them go :( any tips?