One Question Makes Getting Rid of Clutter Easy

Don’t know what to do with your clutter? Instead of worrying, learn the one question you need to ask to find the solution that’s right for you. The question magically turns the drudgery into discovery. There’s a good answer right around the corner, if you ask. Thanks for subscribing to learn more about how to enjoy decluttering!

[@jem5252]

Wisdom and value in this video. When my Mother died, I couldn't bear the thought of "making a profit" from her things, so I called a senior housing complex and asked the Manager if I could spread my mom's yarn, dolls, etc. out onto a very large table they had in the lobby and give the stuff away to seniors who would like something. In one afternoon, it was all gone. And I donated an older electric wheelchair to the same complex and they knew exactly who needed it the most; an elderly gentleman who had a manual wheelchair and had to push himself backwards through the hallways to get anywhere. An Assistant Manager sent me a card thanking me for the donation because now that man was able to get around effortlessly. It was a pleasant experience and I felt good knowing that others could benefit and enjoy my Mom's stuff. It feels so much better than throwing it in the trash and one level higher (emotionally better) than dropping it off at a thrift store. I also gave the Manager a custom-made coat for a large woman and she knew some of the larger female residents and would make sure one of them got it. Yes, you are so correct...there is an answer for everything but you do have to stay with it emotionally and mentally, slow down, and think it through. Thank you very much!

[@jem5252]

@@annesmith6582 Hi Anne. My Mom passed away in 2007, but I still have fond memories of that day, because many women came up and were happy to have skeins of yarn, and one lady asked for one of the little dolls. There were two left so I invited her to take both so the “sisters” could stay together. It was so sweet. Her eyes lit up, and she held them to her chest as she walked away. My Mom would make little blankets for the little dolls and then give them away to children. Yes, that day was truly a win/win moment. If you’re able to do something similar, I hope it will bring you joy as well. Thank you for your lovely comment! 🙋🏻‍♀️🥰

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

My mam has cancer her and my dad declutted before Xmas and never looked back they was loads of stuff all went to charity and raised a lot of money for them it is so lovely and calm with all the junk gone and its relaxing for my mam go for it it is life changing x

[@ClutterClarity]

Nice going Michelle! Taking care of our home can be such lovely, good work. Congratulations on your progress! Thanks for writing, and subscribing! Enjoy, Laura

[@acajudi100]

At the age of 79, I moved to Queretaro, Mexico on 11-2-2021, because the USA was too dangerous and expensive. I always gave away all my life, and I still do, but it was so freeing to have everything removed from my apartment, and giving my kitchen and bath preps to my super nice friends. It is $800 per month less expensive living in Mexico, and my rent includes a furnished apartment, all utilities, WiFi, and maid service. My apartment is in a 24/7 secured gated community, and I have groceries delivered to my home, as I did in the USA. I have a beautiful view of the city, and the people are so kind and respectful.

[@kookietherapy9398]

Proud of you! I have given all my things away before, only to replace it. That's the hard part. Currently planning a big move and Frozen again. I have moved overseas a few times. Deep down I know I'll feel better being hugely lightened, but currently wasting weeks just staring at my home and 10x10 storage unit that cannot be a part of my world.

[@dianegaus3561]

You are soooo right! I had several questions on how to find storage for things and a friend had the perfect answer for me. STAY CONNECTED! People know other people!!

[@laineygann7713]

You can't ignore the pressure of guilt. This dog collection doesn't give me joy, but my mother cherished it--so I must keep it. That's more what they are thinking. It's not even the value or amount, it's guilt. If these things didn't belong to your loved one, you'd toss them like they were on fire!

[@Centralmassmedia]

My house is cluttered with a lot of guilt.

[@ashleybutler86]

Free those dogs to others who may cherish them.See it as a gift.Pray and then let them go xxx

[@deadmanswife3625]

I'm sure it's not bothering anybody that you have this junk in your house. I don't know why people get so worried about it don't they have anything better to do than sit around and look at their junk and worry about it. I get plenty done and I don't worry about any junk that I'm keeping I don't care whether it's guilt or any other reason if I'm not ready to let it go guess what it ain't going

[@ClutterClarity]

Lainey, The objects are not your mother! Keep a representation of what your mother cherished, but not everything. Nothing to feel guilty about. Your'e not donating your mother, you're donating/sellfing once loved objects, giving back into the community for someone else to love/enjoy. You don't want to toss them or put them on fire. Too extreme. Just know you do have a choice, they are yours now to decide what to do with. Good luck! Thanks for subscribing, more videos to come soon, Laura

[@galwayaga]

Probably the best video about clutter I've ever encountered. Thank you!

[@kanzleitietjen8676]

Laura Moore, you are an angel of knowledge combined with deep understanding! Impact to say lovely goodby up to problems of procrastination. Dear greetings from Evelyne near Bremen, Germany

[@allinherideas4776]

I have watched a lot of videos on home organizing and you are so amazing and speak directly to the mind I have with the introspective and actions that come with our attachment to things❤❤❤❤thank you!!!+

[@lanapoulliot7682]

Just discovered your videos and am loving them! My husband doesn't want to let go of anything- and I want to have a big purge! We've been married for 20 years happily. I think I will work on my own stuff and at least I'll have a good feeling about that.

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi Lana, Yes, focus on what you can do, learn negotiating skills, and often when you are seriously making on-going progress, husbands at least attempt to make progress on their own. I'm often in the midst of couples to help them make better agreements. Please join me for upcoming webinars to learn more. New video describes them. Take good care, and thanks for subscribing! My best, Laura

[@patriciachicco9763]

Lana Poulliot my husband is the same way. I can’t ask his opinion about my stuff because he either takes it for himself or tries to convince me I can use it in another way or the just in case scenario. I even have to get rid of stuff of our son because he wants to keep his toys for memories sake.

[@ludwigvonmiseswasright4380]

@@patriciachicco9763 Dawn from "Minimalist Mom" advises a box for sentimental items. As big or small as you want, but all sentimental items must fit in the box. It helps keep them safe, and ensures only the most meaningful are kept.

[@ClutterClarity]

Lana, Yes, work on your own stuff. Lead by example. The more you want to "purge" the more your husband will want to hold onto stuff. Reacting to each other. This is life work we all gotta do - thoughtfully. Leave your husband alone for now, work around him, and enjoy your progress. Thanks for subscribing, more to come soon! Laura

[@FrannyFine1993]

Still on my own decluttering journey, I take items from family, friends and work "trash" to Savers. The drive thru is so convenient and I feel good about recycling to help others. Thank you for your teachings.

[@ClutterClarity]

You're welcome! Savers is a good place. I mentioned it in the video, but that section got edited out to make the video a bit shorter.

[@ClutterClarity]

Yes, Savers is great. You're very welcome. Glad to share my teaching. Please join me for upcoming webinars if you like. New video describes them. Enjoy, and thanks for subscribing! Enjoy! Laura

[@patschneider5671]

Those ‘perfect homes’ have attics and basements and storage lockers full of ‘stuff’! Pat in Colorado

[@JaneH3675]

Some of them do. Yup.

[@NSeiling]

thank you for posting your videos. The biggest thing I need to change and declutter is my thinking...not so much what I should change my thinking about, but what is good and need to be reinforced.....the body will follow. This is important to me because I have health issues and have given a whole new meaning to "baby steps"! Y'our videos have been so valuable.....I listen to one a day (like a vitamin) and then "chew' on it for the rest of the day. God bless you as your videos have blessed us.

[@ClutterClarity]

Yes, change your thoughts, your words, your story, and your spirit and body will feel better. So glad you have found value in my videos. Take your time, and persevere. Please join me for new webinars. Just posted a video to describe them. Take good care, and enjoy your progress. Thanks for subscribing! My best, Laura

[@kimberlywalker1015]

I needed to hear this good advice, again....We moved a couple of weeks, ago...and, I'm DETERMINED to make the predetermined number of shelving units WORK for my crafting space. I'm at that place where NOW...I have to really decide(the rest of the crafting stuff was easy...I knew these were "keepers"). NOW begins the "spreading out" process....I'm going have a little auction with myself...the payment is the space left...and, the rest goes to charity....hmmmmm...maybe a senior center. 🙂Thanks, again..🙂

[@paulatortora-tan4593]

I just came across your videos . I am so grateful . What a blessing your counsel is, thank you 🙏

[@footyfan101ful]

I don't why but when I first saw your face I started crying. It must be a sign that I need you.

[@MJ-fm4wy]

Senior/adult daycares, senior centers and adult border cares also need toys, craft items or other types of donations for their clients. Also, Boys & Girls Clubs and most local headstart preschools; love having crafts or donations for their sites.

[@sharonbeckmon9837]

I had over 100 beanie babies...what to do!?!? I gave them to a local organization to give away at an upcoming event in our small town. They are going to use them as prizes for the games they are planning. Another place is the school...teachers sometimes have a basket for good behavior, etc. in the classroom. The young ones really like this idea. They gather Happy Meal toys, etc. to hand out as incentives Teachers also like items for their reduce, reuse and recycle assignments. I have a can opener, from Pampered Chef, that opens metal cans of food, leaving no sharp edges. It breaks the seal and the lid comes off intact. They were going to use them for arts and crafts projects like mobiles, coasters, ornaments and other useful ideas! Go teachers!

[@ClutterClarity]

That's great, Sharon! Yes, yeah teachers! There's an answer for it all. Thanks for subscribing. 3 more videos to come for summer Friday Flicks.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Hospitals would love these, too, for little kids that come into the ER. A little stuffed animal makes all the difference when they are scared and in pain.

[@ClutterClarity]

Sounds perfect, Sharon! Thanks for your comment. Please join me for upcoming webinars if you like (new video describes them), and thanks so much for subscribing. Take good care, Laura

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi there, some hospitals take them others don't because of the dust that settles on them. If they are still in their boxes, you're good to go anywhere. Enjoy, and thanks for subscribing! My best, Laura

[@ClutterClarity]

That's great Sharon! You figured it out and created solutions that felt good for you. Thanks for writing and subscribing. Enjoy your progress! Laura

[@sherrillperez9796]

Thank you for you vids! You would think decluttering would be easy until you start going through everything left from deceased relatives. Especially my late husband's things that I am still emotionally attached to. Going through my own things is difficult enough!

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi Chris, Decluttering is emotionally and logistically complex. It's not easy, but there certainly are practical way to make it easier. Take your time, keep showing up steadily through time to decide a representation of stuff from loved ones to keep. We all have to do this work at some point. It really can be a burden, so persevere with patience and build a support team around you. Thanks for subscribing and sharing the videos with loved ones! Take good care, Laura

[@ClutterClarity]

You're welcome! Yes, the objects are not your husband, though. You're attached to him, keep a representation, his or your favorite things, and let the rest go in a thoughtful way for someone else to use or enjoy. Take your time, but persevere with patience. Thanks for subscribing, more videos to come soon! Take care, Laura

[@RickMartinYouTube]

Sentimental attachment is an obstacle

[@ClutterClarity]

Of course, this is emotionally messy work. There are ways to learn, criteria to let go of the sentimental, when appropriate. Good luck, Laura

[@ClutterClarity]

Yes, it is for many. That's why you need to discover what you're really attaching to, and is it getting in the way of enjoying your present home and life. Turn the drudgery into discover to set yourself free. Persevere with patience. Thanks for writing and subscribing! My best, Laura

[@avadea5296]

still it's a part of what makes us human, like it or not

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Great info and advice!!

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Firemen and police / social workers used to give a stuffed animal to kids whose house was burning down.... or kids taken out of their home by social services etc. To calm Sad, Scared kids. ( Don’t know if they still do this) They would have to be completely clean and new looking. * They might have a rule that they must be brand new from a store - Would need to ask to find out. (Hospitals worry about passing germs and dust.)

[@ClutterClarity]

Yes, thanks for sharing, Susan. I know what to do with stuffed animals, it's more what feels right to a specific client. They do need to be in pretty good shape, clean, preferably in the container they came from. The hundreds and hundreds of stuffed animals I go through with clients is simply stunning. Almost all get donated, not tossed. Look on internet to find destinations. Thanks for subscribing! Take good care, Laura

[@melizmatea]

What about those who overthink? What about the people who stand there for an hour making a list of the order in which to do something and constantly changing it until finally there's no time to even do anything?!!! I make lists and think and think...and nothing seems okay. I'm still frozen!

[@username00009]

Dana K. White has a great no mess decluttering method that she describes on KZbin. Another tip that works for me is making my list, but scattering the steps all over the paper so I can “map” the steps and have room in case I need to add more steps between two that I already mapped. This process gives me more confidence in my first step.

[@JaneH3675]

I didn't make a list at all. I simply got up and began working in my kitchen. Then the livingroom. Then a linen closet....etc. took 2 months for the initial declutter. Now it's 6 months later and I'm working on another layer of my things, but it's easier now. Lists don't work for me. Action is what I need. I listened to Dana K White and Dawn the Minimal Mom while I was decluttering. Was very helpful.

[@leslierusgrove164]

Loving your method! Thank you!

[@martharamos5150]

Your explanations are invaluable Thank u

[@ClutterClarity]

HI Martha - thanks so much. Means a lot that my approach is helping many. I you want to learn more, please join me for upcoming webinars. New video describes them. Thanks for subscribing, and enjoy your progress! My best, Laura

[@ClutterClarity]

Thanks Martha! Hope your making good progress, and thanks for subscribing! Take care, Laura

[@ChrisSaenz13]

Your videos are so helpful!!! Thank you!

[@ClutterClarity]

Thanks Chris! More to come soon, promise! Thanks for subscribing, Laura

[@randielyse28]

I am a public school kindergarten teacher, and I use them in my reading center. Students love to grab a stuffed animal to 'read to'.

[@ClutterClarity]

Good to know! Great idea. Thanks for subscribing, more videos coming soon, Take care, Laura

[@greggoreo6738]

She's a good Woman! A good Soul! Gregg Oreo long beach ca

[@RuthEveryoneMakesMusic]

You are 😻 amazing!

[@dennisclass]

Q: "What do I do?" A: Read Marie Kondo's book.

[@sugarjoe50]

Beanie Babies, one of the biggest gimmicks of all time. The manufacturer made a mint from worthless "collectables".

[@JaneH3675]

Hahaha yes

[@workingdownthewips]

I would donate the broken dolls to a doll hospital if I didn't want to repair them, If you don't need money you donate to charity, can you imagine how happy a bunch of children would be to receive a new in box doll for Christmas/birthday.

[@ClutterClarity]

Yes, I have heard of doll hospitals before. Thank you.

[@ClutterClarity]

Good idea! Thanks for your comment. Take care, and thanks for subscribing! Enjoy, Laura

[@NikkiP4444]

My husband is a hoarder! So many rooms that can't be used or can't even be cleaned!

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi Nikki, Please reach out for help from a professional organizer in your area, or social services. Don't know enough about your situation, but respect the complexity - skilled help can make a world of difference! Take care, Laura Thanks for subscribing! Laura

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

So is mine. 37 year old books that he has never read! Bafflement.

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi Nikki, Yes, clearing out while he is gone is a strategy, but an outdoor shed or storage unit is another option, since your situation is emotionally complicated. Sometimes you really do need more help, and it's too much on your own. Visit NAPO.net for a professional organizer near by or County Hoarding Task Forces are spreading across the country to give a united effort from different services to take care of the house. Maybe one is near you. Thanks for subscribing. More to come. Good luck, Laura

[@NikkiP4444]

@L. A. McDonough He collects big heavy things like metal bookshelves, cars and car parts...

[@AtheistEve]

2:54 Haha. Sometimes, having neighbours who have even more cluttered homes gives everyone “permission” to be as messy.

[@kimmyg990]

I’m really struggling with what to do with the boxes my Le Creuset cast iron ware came in. They are cluttering up the garage (6 boxes), but in my head I’m telling myself I will need them very soon (within 2 years timeframe) to facilitate the safe move of my beloved cookware to a new house. Except looking at them in the garage reminds me daily that we are still here in this house. It’s really playing on my mind as I’m working through decluttering.

[@kimdinnel1110]

Sell them….Oh they are worth a lot of money then you can buy what you want when you are ready 😊

[@pl414]

FYI...red marker is hard to read on the board. Certainty on this video, but also in a classroom.

[@mary-ud2wp]

She's very likeable.

[@ClutterClarity]

Hi Mary, Thanks for your comment. Sweet of you. Hope the videos make your decluttering easier. Thanks for subscribing, you'll get notices when more videos are posted. Enjoy, Laura

[@scottclute7443]

Fear and doubt kill a Christian thinker.......

[@cherryboo65b56]

Doll museum

[@deadmanswife3625]

And when you get rid of all this junk then what's your excuse going to be why you're too distracted to get your goals accomplished. Just do the stuff you've got to do set your goals accomplish the things you want to accomplish and don't worry about your damn junk

[@acajudi100]

Open up boxes, and let people take what they want. Close the bank accounts.

[@ClutterClarity]

Sounds logical and practical. Emotional stuff gets into people's way, though, so that needs to get cleared too... then they can simply take care of their stuff. Thanks for your comment and subscribing! Take care, Laura

[@ObservationStation_77]

I like the info but why such an bland unattractive background of a classroom?☹️

[@ClutterClarity]

Because that was the room I was put in, and the angle for cameras. it wasn't about the classroom, it was about the content. Hopefully you found something worthy of your attention! Take care, Laura