Decluttering Q&A March 7, 2023

[@mwebb3014]

Today is one of those days where the only energy for decluttering is dishes and look for trash. I just took a large trash bag to the can and sink is clear. Go me!! I’m now relaxing and listening to this. 🥰

[@LisaSmith3663]

I've down dishes and I've taken a couple things where I would look for them. Still have dishes and made a mess wiping off two shelves that I need to decide what to put back. Next time I get up to use the bathroom I have another dish or two to wash. Oh I forgot I was running a load of laundry. So now I have to get up to run it again so I'm thinking what else can I do quickly before laying back down.

[@beccismith4454]

🎉

[@sarahmadden3636]

I'm proud of you:)

[@mwebb3014]

@@sarahmadden3636 thank you!

[@loriolsen5785]

"If you see it all, you see nothing." I used to leave stuff out everywhere that I was afraid I would forget about. But because it was a chaotic visual mess, my mind was overwhelmed and I couldn't actually FIND what I was looking for when I needed it. I don't do that anymore.

[@dianasimplifies]

Yeah I doubt that lady can find it either, it becomes an excuse I think, she prob has to look thru tons of paper to find anything

[@Jamama4]

Regarding body doubling, it is how I use your videos. As I am working you are with me. It is very encouraging.

[@ArtistCreek]

Me too. Very motivating.

[@ICU-mw7su]

You ARE a words person- you care about using them correctly! That's so refreshing in this age!

[@dotsamantha]

For anyone who finds themselves lamenting when they've missed a live. Dana doesn't spam videos, so if you change her notification bell to "all", you hopefully won't be overwhelmed with notifications from her channel, and you also won't miss any lives in the future.

[@kayelle8005]

Thanks I didn’t even know there was an option, although her live videos are normally at 4 or 5am for me 😂

[@dotsamantha]

@@kayelle8005 you're welcome! I have it turned on for my faves

[@Wendy-WackyWomanCreations]

@Jennifer Morgan I have MS and fatigue super fast. Dana say Progress and only progress with Take it there now For me, sometimes it is only one thing, but that IS progress. I admit, I do have small baskets so I don't have to run back and forth. It is Still Working!!!

[@kayelle8005]

Yes I live on my own and have ME/CFS and have used Dana’s method to completely organise my home and streamline cleaning. It’s made a huge difference to my health and such a relief to know I can manage even on those days when I can only be out of bed to make meals. In the program now to become a coach and likewise needing to do that at a slower pace but so excited that I will be able to help people with health challenges declutter.

[@gumptionologydecluttering]

Once I did laundry day and decluttered my kids’ clothes it got a lot more clear that I was keeping more clothes for every size than would be able to fit in my drawers anyway! It was such a relief when I realized it 😂

[@amybee40]

To the person with the question about your daughter cramming her container full... May I ask you to consider something? If she has started hoarding lint, that may be a signal that she is not coping well with YOUR decluttering goals. Maybe it is too much pressure for her. Girls like to have their little collections of trinkets and stuff. Consider that she may actually NEED more space, another container, for her precious things. And that she needs to feel that what belongs to her really is hers, and not part of mommy's project. And perhaps you'll know that you've hit the right balance when she gets rid of the lint on her own.

[@GoingGreenMom]

To the person that pulls things to them, I found that I kind of caccooned if I was anxious or down, and I had issues with too much space in an area of my home. What I found was that I could paint walls darker colors, and arrange furniture to fill up space. This kept me from filling the space with stuff as much and helped my mental health tremendously.

[@mylifesings-mariaklingshei1786]

Watching the replay but on the DAY it was recorded. Yay me! Also, ANY time I feel overwhelmed with getting my house tidied up, I hear you say “do the dishes.” And you know what? That totally helps! I’m reading “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” and I legit hear you in my head as if I’m listening to an audio book. It’s wild! And I love it! 😄

[@NJHeart2Heart]

GREAT book! I have the audible and listen to it over and over :)

[@chianti95]

Definitely Dana’s best audio book. I listen to it whenever I need to jump start my re-decluttering mojo. I know the steps ( and I’m pretty good until I get to the container part), but hearing her say it out loud and listening to it repeatedly really helps. My only quibble with it, really, is some of the examples she uses are too small and they don’t really take up much space … when you’re facing a challenging pile, having her spend time talking about how to declutter ponytail holders or another similarly insignificant and not very mess-inducing item seems like she’s not getting to the crux of the problem, but it’s an inspiring read nevertheless …

[@kaywilliams1065]

I binge listened to your podcasts, and have been picking away at decluttering. It's So True - if you declutter, you automatically become organized with your "take it there now". I didn't see it at first, but I can find about anything now! Love your books!

[@bonnie_nelms]

Such a major point…one item at a time, not making anything worse! I cannot tell you how many years I’ve pulled out a bunch of stuff, had to stop midstream, crashed and burned, then left with a much worse situation at the end of the day…and not being able to face going back to it. I’m excited (and hopeful) to start with your process. Thank you.

[@gracearnold7317]

FYI: Farther is measurable distance (A yard is farther than an inch.) Further is implied distance. (Dana furthered her education in decluttering.)

[@heathrusty]

Oh man, I didn't realize that the first question would be emotionally triggering for me. We adopted our son, and even though I'm over 40 I've held out hope that maybe we'll have another. Getting rid of the baby clothes feels like giving up hope. And decluttering those feels like too much pressure. Not sure I'm ready for that one. That's ok, because I still have plenty of other decluttering to do.

[@janethunt4037]

I went through something similar. I just was not ready to give up a couple baby items when we moved and I knew I would never have another child. I moved a bouncy seat and a baby carrier. A year or two later, a new friend was expecting her first, and I was happy to give them to her.

[@darren4895]

I understand this, I sold all baby clothes after my 1 child as I thought I might have opposite sex anyway, and after 6 years I had another one but the joy in buying new things was incredible Heather

[@julzluvzdollz]

My kids are 13 and I’ve decluttered as much of their baby stuff I’m willing to part with for now. I had plenty of other items to declutter in my home without touching the baby items I’m not ready to part with. I’m ok with that. They are the most import thing that ever happened in my life so I’ve given myself the allowance to declutter only these items over the coming years and only when I’m ready to part with them. Instead I’ve decluttered my large wardrobe, my holiday decorations and home decor. These things alone made my home feel much lighter and clutter free. I keep the baby items I have kept in a closet that I created space for these items. They are precious to me so my trade off was letting go of the less precious items. Be gentle with yourself on the sentimental stuff. Focus on less sentimental items until you are ready you’ll be amazed how much you can get rid of working around them.

[@tabiandro]

I think it would be easiest to declutter all “gendered” clothing first, eliminating the needs for “boys” and “girls” clothing. There’s a high likelihood grandparents and such would buy more clothing for additional little ones, filling any gaps.

[@LisaSmith3663]

I've been binge watching you. I just realized I'm watching a current one. I've watched others you talk about but only recently started watching you and you are adding to what others say but also explaining how I need to move forward and how I naturally just did some of the things you said. I'm getting nervous because I can see an end in progress in some areas. I've downsized from a full size house to two storage units and a cargo trailer. I'm down to the cargo trailer as storage and getting the trailer in shape so that if I had to move it things wouldn't go flying.

[@erika-xu1wg]

It took me a while to get the hang of storing kids' clothes but I think I have it down now - figured I'd say what we did and maybe it'll help others who are brainstorming! We keep one tote per size (newborn and 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months, 24 months and 2T, 3T, 4T, etc). Each tote has boy, girl and neutral clothes (we prioritize keeping neutral). I started collecting clothes before my son was born and whenever a tote was full, I had to pass along some stuff to make room. How many of a particular size do you really need, after all. Since I knew I was having a boy, I prioritized boy or neutral over girl if anything needed to go. As he approaches each size, I unpacked the tote to see if there were any gaps in clothes - and as he outgrows clothes I can pack away what I liked the most and make a little extra space for girls clothes too, just in case :). Rinse and repeat for future kids. Oh, we have a separate tote for coats, bc even a coat that's too big is better than buying a coat if I don't have one in that size and I didn't want to look thru multiple boxes lol.

[@Serena.Hope.Eternal]

Hi Dana, I would like to suggest that you use captions so the hearing impaired can watch and learn from this and your other videos as well. Thank you! 🥰

[@msfrost9049]

You can use settings and select automatic text. Hope that helps.

[@scscraps6119]

Turn on captions in this video

[@almmason7]

Yes, the hearing impaired person/ or anyone who wants can turn it on in their own settings on KZbin. I'm not sure if the person making the video can on this platform.

[@allyv68]

Hey! My question!! My little chore helpers are now 5, 3, 2 and I'm due in 3 weeks with that baby I mentioned. 😅 You're absolutely right that it's about how much I can manage to teach in this phase. Thanks!

[@marthaj5466]

Hey, nice to hear from you again! :)

[@beans4853]

Hi, loved your question! I have a 5,4 and 1 year old. What I found helpful was to put the oldest in charge of a big task and he needed to give his sister tasks to help him complete it. Also, whenever they ask for something extra (or just to go outside to play!) I have them do a chore first so they're motivated to do it. Congrats on the new baby and good luck!

[@carlajetton7560]

It just dawned on me that I need to declutter an outdoor area -- dauuuu -- I just saw some "trash" that has been there for a decade. I can't believe that I hadn't seen this!! Thank you for helping me.

[@thebaroness2977]

💡!

[@heatherburrill]

I also have very low energy now due to a recent illness (1+ year ago). I am now needing to move because of this and I have been using the 5 steps to declutter for the move. I do as much as I can while sitting (to conserve energy) and set a 5 minute timer and then rest between those times. I am amazed at how much progress I have made in the past 6 months. The container concept has been so helpful too. It feels so good to donate boxes of stuff that I will never have to unpack. I am thinking of the moving POD as a giant gift box filled with my favourite things. 🥰 I feel on track for my move in 2.5 months.

[@dianasimplifies]

To the lady with all the kid clothes she is storing, just a thought. My friend bought tons of clothes on marketplace in the correct size for her grandson for like $5-10 total and they were all very cute and wearable. I would prob pare down to 5 items each size that I absolutely LOVED and my kids loved and only keep those. I agree with Dana. One bin girls, one bin boys. If that!

[@cherylallis2458]

Decluttering with very low energy: Start with the things you can reach from your bed- the night stand, for example. Definitely watch Dana's vid on "No Mess Decluttering." Work for a few minutes then rest. Slow and steady wins the race. Also, be kind to yourself and use the phrase, "It would be ideal if this room was totally decluttered," rather than, "I need to totally declutter this room." That way you are not upset with yourself for not accomplishing the impossible.

[@laurat7324]

Bringing Up Babyface's comment made me think about one of the Priority shipping boxes at the post office. "If it fits, it ships!" Her 4 yo isn't wrong. It DID fit in the container, even if it's bursting. In her little mind, she's doing it right. I applaud her mom. She is getting her little one started off right.

[@sarahk758]

Something that I love that you said- don’t focus on what you need, focus on what you need to function. Needed that today. Gave me an aha moment to be more ruthless again

[@christinethompson3175]

I love listening to you when I am decluttering especially the lives as I don’t feel like I am missing the visual

[@beccismith4454]

Yes 😊

[@emilyjohnson1717]

Dana, I really appreciate how you don't take a GET RID OF EVERYTHING approach. You offer such a balanced view: Maybe it is ok for your husband to keep things for a yard sale. Maybe it's healthier to take a step back from decluttering and make sure the decluttering itself isn't taking over your whole life.

[@j.schwartz2355]

I’m watching this on the replay… Didn’t catch it live. Love to listen to all of your discussions about getting decluttering going! Just wanted to say, the lighting that you’re using on this particular episode is fantastic! Very bright!

[@amandagreathouse6142]

Decluttering Coaches, what a million dollar idea! Shark Tank worthy for sure 🎉

[@vickieg8791]

Wow, baby clothes is so true! Save only very few! I had clothes passed down from my mom that I wore, used some for my daughter. Added to that clothes made/bought for my daughter then passed down for granddaughter. So many things...sized for wrong season (cold winters here), granddaughter was longer torso so all the cute bib pants were too short. Totally not worth all the keeping! Besides baby clothes are so easy to aquire.

[@seaspeaktome9167]

I kept some stuff “in case” that was clean when I packed it but ended up with yellow milk stains appearing as it sat in a bin for years. Was worse to let go of after when another baby could’ve easily used it.

[@findingaway5512]

The detailed and visual organizers thing..... Cas calls this style bee's. Lots of times bees see use in everything and have trouble letting go. Her clutter connection book has a great section on these it is very good I highly recommend looking into it. But also like Dana said she needs to declutter first. Bees like to do things perfectly or all at once too. This can cause them to stay in a state of freezing and stuff shifting since they can't set up the systems they want. I personally am not a detailed person but I am absolutely a visual person. That said..... Even when you are visual having everything out it all eventually gets eaten by clutter blindness and gets forgotten anyhow. It gets visually over whelming and makes it hard to find things because if we do stick it somewhere random we won't remember. Or it will get something set on top of it. She can still have specific homes for very important things in a visual way but having everything visual makes nothing visual. For me... As I have less stuff. It makes me more able to put things away, find things easier and remember homes for them. Large categories/ like with like can help when you get to an organization stage. But as wise Dana say..... Just decluttering achieves what we want organization to do. ( I'm paraphrasing)

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

Listened to your podcast while decluttering boxes in the basement (or would it be called a storage unit since it’s in an appartment building?) with a donate box, a trash bag (plus recycle bag) and (not quite following your method today) a ”these are things I want in the flat but I won’t take it there now because it’d mean shutting the light off, locking the door, going up some floors, take it *there* and then go back down” reusable shopping bag. Worked great (except, well, the bag hasen’t been emptied yet, but it came up with me, the basement is better and the flat doesn’t look messier). The bag might have bern ”cheating” but had it been full, I’d then have left and put things here and there where they belonged in the flat, and then gone back (... or maybe not, but the basement would still have been better). Progress and only progress. Delighted to listen to you again before sleeping!

[@kayelle8005]

I did the exact same thing yesterday with my storage unit in my apartment building. Must have been the day for it 😂

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

@@kayelle8005 maybe Tuesdays inspire us! I’m happy to report that the bag has been emptied today (and is ready to go back down for another round or two whenever I can).

[@kayelle8005]

@@Cecily-Pimprenelle I had a friend come over and take what she wanted from my donate pile. The rest is going to the charity shop tomorrow. It was really the first layer. I’ve got 14 shelves in the storage unit so I’m planning one shelf an hour over the next few weeks as I can only do an hour a day, three days a week. Aiming to finish by Easter. Wish me luck 🤗

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Great job Jo! It seems you have all that you need…I’m so jealous! 😂 I have such a difficult time decluttering at times. Thanks for the motivation to keep organizing! xoxo

[@AngelRawien]

I literally tuned in as you were ending. I was listening to your book and then got on KZbin to procrastinate when I saw your Live. 😅

[@helenawalker7393]

DOOM box = Didn't Organise, Only Moved- found that out a few days ago - I had been thinking it was a term in the States for boxes full of stuff you needed for doom-laden scenarios (hurricanes/tornados etc) now realise it's just stuff I'm keeping until Doomsday comes... 😉

[@thebaroness2977]

TYSM ~ I've been trying to figure out what it meant, but finally gave up!

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Woohoo ! I love to talk decluttering ❤❤❤

[@hummus6150]

I was always being gifted hand me downs. I had a box for each child with their name and the words Too Big on it! Just have to check in there every three months for ‘new’ clothes

[@momof5xys]

I love this hair length on you, Dana!

[@SF-ru3lp]

To Kendall H. I think it's not unreasonable for you to want to use your own stuff. I also think it's reasonable for you and your husband to discuss the practicalities of combining 2 houses. It is a blessing to each party, but it is also a challenge for both parties and all will have to make some sacrifices. I'm sure that when your in-laws started living in the house they had so much less stuff than now. Every blessing to all. G Ire

[@A222Z]

If it were me staying in the mother-in-law house, i would 1st declutter to my very favorite of my own stuff, then gradually start boxing up everything I didn't want to use of their stuff & store. Might have to designate a whole rm (& hopefully there is one or basement/garage space) If it's short-term & free or low rent, then it's easier to put up with. Long-term, you have to get more creative in decluttering conversations. 🤪.

[@almmason7]

Totally agree, Thanks for making this comment! 😁

[@SF-ru3lp]

To the lady with the huge basement housing alot of car boot sale items: I think Dana's point is a good one- to agree on a reasonable area and that what doesn't sell might be donated. I think you both might be able to discuss a balance between his need of amassing stuff and what you can cope with. You might need to see a full clearance once a year or at least the pile much reduced. I struck me that I might be asking him to fund curtains and rails to screen off the area so that the remaining area will feel like a nice homely space. The price of the curtains etc might be recouped from the eventual garage sale....? I do like the idea that things affect things, affect people and have consequences... God bless all. G Ire

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Just barely missed being here live. Will go back and watch it.

[@BB-ej9hk]

Loving laundry day! Thanks

[@kamillsap3155]

I love what kacieheartsjesus said……I too listen to you and the Take Your House Back team for bodydoubling! I listen to the course and individual videos to keep me motivated!

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

I had 2.5 yrs between babies 1 and 2, and 4 yrs between babies 2 and 3. One of the mums said I could keep all the stuff for the little one. I said absolutely not, it's bad enough storing it for 2 years. I am not storing 4 yrs worth of clothing at all times for the littlest one. I'll keep coats, dressing gowns and bathers (swimmers/cozzies) coz they are hard to find in the size u need when u need them. And the kids could ask for stuff to be stored if they loved something. BTW due to body sizes and shapes, things occasionally were handed UP, or shared.

[@janethunt4037]

I have a big attic. But it really holds more than my clutter threshold can manage. It has wayyyy too much stuff from my son's childhood.

[@GoingGreenMom]

I am a visual organizer.... If I can't see it, it doesn't exist. What I'm finding is that our house of visual organizers have very low clutter thresholds. But we can keep long term storage tucked into a box under a rack and it doesn't need outside storage and keeps the things in use from expanding.

[@elecbarberella]

😂 When you were sitting on the column it reminded me of a Glamour Shots prop.

[@marystipp2444]

Great suggestions, very helpful.

[@bunbun8670]

Idea for husband who wants to hold onto lots of things for a once a year or so garage sale: maybe he would agree to posting it ALL for sale on Craigslist or Facebook, wherever - sell it ALL together to one buyer, as a “lot.” “Must take all.” He/you will need lots of photos of everything, so a buyer can see what they’d be getting. Price it at roughly the $1 each that he wants to get (and maybe he will round down for the total number?). This could work! Though the whole idea is based on his wanting to get about $1 for these items - if he actually enjoys holding the garage sale, all bets are off on this idea 😂

[@denisefrankovich3080]

The "farther/further" thing baffles me as well! 😆😆😆

[@catty2chatty]

One thing that can be done with the children's clothes.....if they are hard to get rid of for sentimental reasons, get them made into a quilt. Something that can be used and enjoyed.

[@stacijohnson9825]

To the person who is moving into their in-laws home. I don’t know your exact situation but most of us who help the younger generation (unless they are elderly and need help), most likely they are hoping you eventually move out and have your own place to call home (I would assume). Therefore, why would they want to get rid of their stuff?

[@aksez2u]

I agree. It could be a completely different scenario, but if they are there at ALL temporarily, it would seem extremely presumptuous to expect the in-laws to get rid of much of anything to accommodate. I guess they could furnish their own bedroom, use their own towels and bedding, etc., but displacing kitchen items, decorative items in the living room, things like that, nope.

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

I got the impression that it might not be temporary (otherwise the answer is, in my opinion, ”unpack what you can’t live without, possibly pack the in-laws stuff if you bring better options to use, and store the packed stuff until you move out”). I felt it was more a ”my inlaws can’t/don’t want to live by themselves anymore and my spouse will get the house eventually so we’re moving in early because it’s more practical” situation. That being said, even then it can be worth it to only unpack the clothes, perhaps some linens or can’t-live1without kitchen stuff, and leave the rest in storage.

[@lililoladzinergrl5255]

If they are to be living with the in-laws I will share my aunts experience when she moved in to live with my 94 year old grandmother. My aunt could not store any of her kitchen items in the kitchen at all- my grandma would put even my aunts knives in her bedroom or the garage. It may be quite tricky dealing with this situation with the i laws. Open and clear communication in these early days is key to setting the boundaries of the expectations on both sides will determine how to proceed. Good luck 🍀 best wishes to you❣️

[@LisaSmith3663]

Annette Smith that is so me. I have empty drawers and clean spaces and stuff all around me.

[@yadiaag7771]

42:11 I have the same problem with my craft items. I decided to get rid of an entire box last week and now I emptied another container. My last container is overflowing now but that’s 2 large containers down. It’s been there for 8 years. It took 8 years to do this 🫣 No more! I’m going to take out stuff again when I find the will. Craft is my nemesis, my biggest friend/enemy. It’s both exciting and incredibly stressful. But my room is a mess. My brain can’t do this. Also paper clutter! I’m so done 🤮

[@heloisaportela1226]

Lisa Woodruff talks about digital declutter.

[@ElizabethChronis]

Oh wow! I decided to do what you suggested before you suggested it! I’m taking this as a total win 💜 Our main living space is doing great, we can always tidy in less than 10 minutes at its worst, and most days the tidy is less than 2 minutes (with 3 kids 4 & under!!). But I want to do more, so we decided to reclaim more space by getting rid of furniture. We ditched a couch - 3 couches didn’t feel cluttered before, but we’re happier with the extra space. Next up is to get rid of a couple side tables and upgrade a cheap bookshelf to something that looks better, like a single floating shelf.

[@sherrilindstrom3064]

It takes a while, but this works. Have your Mom put it away. Have zones and put like objects with each other. I have put something away and found another one that I had put away earlier. Video of take pictures of what is in a cabinet. 😊😊

[@magpie3571]

I think your hair looks cute like that!

[@MissTiffanyK1]

Yes Dana, farther is distance, further is more. To remember, I think of the"u" in further like a little angle \/ (if you really use your imagination and think mathy thoughts), so it's a "degree" of something (how much more). 😊

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Garage sale: give some friends 10 bucks each to buy some bulky items and trash/donate it. Pointedly buy some stuff out of your own money and trash it.

[@heartofpink]

❤While this is a comment on appearance which I usually refrain from but omg. Your hair looks BEAUTIFUL!!! ❤

[@karatethechaoswithkiki5368]

April Perry talks about digital clutter

[@amybee40]

So does the gal on "But First, Coffee" if I remember right.

[@karatethechaoswithkiki5368]

And GYST

[@elwoodjonsey7961]

Helping mom cannot be done in long stretches or she will shut down.

[@lovinglife3954]

DOOM - didn't organize, only moved

[@fishermanwife7086]

Most people have a garage sale then donate the leftover, it seems like she doesn't like keeping stuff after a year. Would totally bug me.

[@lililoladzinergrl5255]

I have a hard time getting rid of things but am ready to get rid of things because I can’t handle the overwhelm. Heres my question- I am having a hard time getting rid of my daughters massive toy collections that we collected together. We already have 2 doom boxes and my garage doesn’t have space to box all of these play sets we have that my daughter is fine getting rid of but I am struggling to part with due to the complete collections we obtained. I have given tons to family and friends but these last bits I can’t seem to part with . Any tips?

[@olivemaycards]

This might have some deeper psychology going on, but could you work on seeing the complete collections as having served their purpose, something you two did together that satisfied a need at the time? Does it bother you to split up the collections or is it the idea of not having the proof of your collections any more? It might be something to journal or talk through with someone, why it’s so hard to let go even though your daughter is over it. Alternatively, can you let go of *easier stuff* to make room for these things until you are ready to part with them?

[@lindamusser7370]

What if you have space but not the bandwidth to deal with the garage stuff? It may be "his" space, but your responsibility. Just let it go?

[@cassandrariggle893]

How can I become a coach?

[@DanaKWhite]

Go to declutteringcoaches.com