Decluttering My Bathroom Counter

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I'm #decluttering my bathroom counter using my five step, never-a-bigger-mess decluttering process. I wish it wouldn't ever get recluttered, but oh well. I just use the process again. And again. And again.

[@olivemaycards]

Thank you for saying that if you declutter something and regret it you would feel sad, but then… 🤷🏻‍♀️ life goes on. So many people get so hung up on fear of regret! But we’ve all lost stuff and felt sad and continued to live. Most people who have too much clutter are probably sad from losing things *in their house* amongst the clutter, or from doing a crazy stash and dash panic clean up. I find it a lot easier to keep track of the truly precious stuff if I don’t have random crap everywhere.

[@TrainFan2013]

Reid is having fun with these credits. Hysterical!

[@MartiMax22]

This could not have come at a better time! My 92 year old dad just asked me to come help him clean out his bedrooms at his house to prepare for my mom coming back from Rehabilitation after a fall. I've been waiting for him to be ready for me to jump in and help him. Yay!

[@pluckyheroine9482]

@ Marti Peterson 💖💗💓💞 to you for helping your parents out.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

That’s a great sign from your dad. Good luck and much progress.

[@gapeach51170]

I have to say that my favorite part of your video's has become the closing remarks by your editor. :) Please do a short video with him! We want to meet Reid!!!

[@cinderellafan362436]

Loved the video and comments from Reid. Please if possible, make the full version of the videos available to those of us who NEED the explanations you offer instead of the sped up versions. I really appreciate the time & effort it takes for longer videos. Great motivation to clear clutter. Thanks!! ❤️

[@lynnej.9357]

My spare bedroom is a dumping ground. I have promised myself I would resolve one basket/box/bag of stuff in there every day. Just now I went up there and I was stumped, but I tidied a wee bit, then I looked at one little bin of stuff and took out the obvious garbage and at least a few things that obviously belonged somewhere else. At least it's better than it was!

[@Iloveflowers2024]

If it's better than it was then that's something to feel good about. So I say good job and well done.

[@victoriaturnershoemaker3723]

Better is better😁

[@evasochocki5209]

Excellent advice. I would rather live with a few small regrets now and then, then to live with clutter every single day. That's brilliant! Thank you

[@Samus419]

Agreed! I'll forget about them after a day anyway...

[@plminor12]

Am loving the editor’s comments in the credits.

[@wyoag12]

Oh my gosh! The end credits are fantastic. 😆 I’m actually a pretty organized person and your videos are still helpful to me. My new favorite thing to say to myself is “better is good!” Helps with my perfectionist procrastination (when I won’t do something because I don’t have time to do it perfectly). Also, I just love your videos because you are so fun to listen to. You are real, honest, and sarcastic and I love it!

[@user-fy4us4jm8v]

NGL when you picked up the cup "I said look out. That might still have a little water in it." and sure enough it did. Glad you caught it. Thank you for these videos. You show a new way to adjust some of our thought processes that might hindering our progress. Recent subbie here.

[@tamarapace3036]

Thanks Dana, just what I needed to get inspired. Reid I hope this is a fun project for you. You'll never regret working with your mom.

[@MsDoglover02]

"I'd rather live with regrets, than live with clutter" needs to be my daily affirmation! Thanks!

[@mizzezjones]

Why does a big grin cross my face when I see you’ve uploaded a new video?😃

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Ditto

[@micheledryden1057]

Thanks for the humor as you declutter. I worked in my kitchen (emptying the dishwasher and drainer) while watching you work! It's another way I declutter faster.

[@caejackson1]

You are such a blessing! I feel like you get me, completely! You regularly talk about getting distracted and not finishing and that’s why you have developed the techniques that you teach. What you teach is perfect for me. I have adhd inattentive type and was wondering if you may have adhd also?

[@brendatomlinson]

I’m undiagnosed ADD and find that I “get” Dana’s systems better than any others I’ve tried.

[@tonia.5861]

The closing credits are a must. Even if I have to rewind them because apparently I don’t read as fast as I used to🤣

[@kryxena]

They are so funny, but do speed by!

[@Smith-he6bg]

Yes I love them! 🤣 So funny! 😆 I have to pause and read them because they go by so quickly

[@carolsailer1395]

I think he should slow down the credits...lol

[@theorragames9729]

I slowed down the playback speed so I could read them. 😄

[@danareevesmusic]

Me too I have to pause and read Reid. Also, he snuck in some during the video I almost missed it because I do more listening than actually watching.

[@suzy1676]

Brilliant 👏! "I'd rather live with regret than with clutter!" I love it!

[@californiadreamer5968]

First: Thank you! Your content is helpful, inspiring, and humorous. Last: I always get a chuckle when the credits roll….but, even on half speed I can’t read fast enough and I’m getting frustrated with the rewinding. Can you slow your roll please, or double space. (Triple) Actually last: I can’t believe I’m writing a comment about the credits. It’s a compliment, really! 😚

[@newwife777]

I hit pause/play/pause/play so I can read them!

[@Romans828girl]

@@newwife777 I do the same thing. Pause, read, play, repeat. Especially when the thumbnails pop up for the other videos and you can't see the credits in the bottom half of the screen. They're worth the effort!

[@ChristinaBiasca]

I have never read your book- I just found you. But your brain works like mine. I literally follow these steps or close to them when I declutter and clean. I can't wait to follow you more! Found you from Dawns channel. I just enough watching others doing what I already do haha. Helps keep me accountable in some weird way!

[@tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239]

Thank you for whatever sacrifices you made to read your own audio book in your own voice.

[@elizabethschreiber55]

I have both of your books. Loving them. I am a hoarder, but you understand us too. It has made a huge difference in my life. I have to start over with my kitchen. I have been studying for my Deaf Ed exam and passed it!!! Now I am applying for jobs every evening!!! No, openings for Deaf Ed, but I am also an Assistant Speech Path. Thanks for all your ideas!!! They are making a huge difference. I spread the word about you almost everyday. NO...I am not a crazy woman!!! Just wanting to find that stash of underwear before I shower. thank you!!!

[@siobhancapell]

I love the back and forth between you and Reid in the credits. So relatable and real. Kudos for being so genuine on this platform.

[@AyannaFootman]

Can u please do a video on the stuff we have on the outside of the fridge. Organization tips, all the save the date magnets, graduation/ baby shower pics, it's overwhelming, whatever advice u can give. Thank u!

[@mandyodwyer6457]

I have some pretty trinket boxes that I have collected over the years. (You know like from Mother's day etc.) I have them around the house , sometimes out of sight and I use them as containers for putting in small things that I find that belong with say a game or an odd earring , paperclip etc. I will never throw these sentimental boxes away and I find them so useful for this . I also sometimes buy boxes as new ornaments that I will use for this purpose too.

[@deborahgrover9358]

We have one small bathroom for three adults (well one person is my baby, but she just turned 20) so I keep all my makeup and jewelry in my bedroom. I have a zipper bag for my makeup which I keep in a black fabric tote on my bookshelf along with my body lotions, deodorant, etc and I purchased clear stackable containers for my jewelry that sits on my bookshelf. That seems to work best for me.

[@marthabinder4899]

You look young and strong, Dana! I’m not and so I can’t do all the running here and then there, upstairs, downstairs, detached garage, and car in order to put one or two things away ……….so I am relegated to the old fashioned way of collecting like things and going only once upstairs to the bedrooms/bath, etc. In fact, I often keep a bag or basket downstairs that collects all day long to go upstairs …….. and visa versa for things that need to go downstairs from upstairs. Then I take it upstairs at night when I go to bed ……. putting the things away, of course, and take downstairs things in the morning. I sort of do a hybrid system of decluttering. For all of you out there who are like me, it’s ok…….cuz all you can do is all you can do! Dana, I’m enjoying your books and videos and am gleaning lots and lots of wonderful ideas. ❤️

[@jesseb5112]

Part of the landscape is so incredibly true!!! I have done a massive amount of decluttering, but some surfaces still collect. I am going to do a dresser top today.

[@shannonbrown7488]

You should do a whole video on decluttering regret (just a suggestion)!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I love the container method, totally how my brain works and helps in only having as many duplicates as you actually need and will use (or none depending on the item)

[@trulygodsgrace]

Not that I should be awake at this hour of the night, but your video zapped me into declutter mode! Ha! I finished the bathroom countertop and the two small drawers beside the sink, finding things I didn't even remember I owned! Even better, I found a few things I can no longer use (bald) but people in my home who are hair-obsessed will love plus some healthcare items that I also know specific people actually need! Also decluttered worn out masks, replaced with new unopened ones, and made a short list of things I want to address tomorrow (by taking quick pictures). I didn't want to disturb anyone sleeping so I worked quietly. Threw out just a few clothing items I don't want anymore and did a super tiny master closet clean up while at it. Maybe now I can sleep! Lol. Thank you!

[@shirley7777]

Was so happy to find Dana's videos. Her mind works exactly like mine does when it comes to clutter and cleaning. I am finally able to keep my living space looking reasonable for the first time in my life, and I'm 62. (Couldn't even keep my bedroom tidy as a kid.) Thank you Dana.

[@001-x1b]

Small tip for people loosing earrings and rings: Jewelry Boxes are cheap and some can hold up to 100 pieces of jewelry neatly displayed.

[@Samus419]

Yes! And I'm about to donate one! (Because I have two and I don't have very many pieces of jewelery that I like) Actually, I only keep the keepsake ones in my jewelry box because I'll forget they exist if I put my wearable ones in it. I display those.

[@josephinenelan4204]

I'm wanting to get a wall mount with hooks behind a glass door to display my jewelry. I had done that as a teen to help decorate, and once I'm done bouncing around in apartments for 1 year max a time (not worth larger holes for me) I intend on getting something to mount on the wall for my jewelry, and another wall mounted china cabinet for my most used perfume. Nice jewelry and perfume bottles also double as beautiful decor items if you like that kind of style! Then I don't need unusable knick knacks, either! It saves soooo much counter and drawer space.

[@meman6964]

And there are so many in the thrift stores now. One less thing in the landfill!

[@kristispangler9435]

I just love your style, Dana. Your methods, explanations, real-life videos of you implementing your own system in the same space yet again (aka real, real life), your sass, and the hilarious credits are just delightful. Thanks for being brave enough to share yourself here in this space.

[@fwebster6226]

Love reading the end credits for yet more hilarity 😂

[@carolinegemming4230]

Thanks so much Dana - the concepts and ideas you put forward have really helped me be able to let go of so many things! The container concept and the donatable donation box are my buzz words :) I tell all my friends

[@oatssettle846]

Thanks Dana! I bought Atomic Habits, recommended by many different people, and of course, Decluttering at the Speed of Life. Looking forward to it!

[@michelelanning5501]

I really appreciate how real you are. Your bathroom is not magazine perfect and you show real life. Thanks!

[@Lillbetlayne]

Sending this video to the mom I got to talk and work with tonight (this is KS Elizabeth Morgan) and we didn't make it beyond duh clutter, we were talking about donating and then budgets came up and then we'd been talking for two hours. Wanted to send her a link that made it simple, and I am so so happy that you have such a recent video with all five steps, yay!

[@SuperTisha319]

I LOVE audiobooks too! I found out from my Noom program that doing something you love while doing something you should but don't want to is called Temptation Bundling and helps build new habits. So you're definitely onto something with audiobooks during decluttering!

[@DonnaLHaney]

Regrets either way! I regret living in clutter, so an occasional decluttering regret is more than a fair cost of digging out!

[@DonnaLHaney]

In fact, as the earring example pointed out, if you can't find something when you need it due to clutter, you have effectively lost use/access already!

[@DonnaLHaney]

Bought "Decluttering at the Speed of Life", listened at 1.8 speed. This video is a good summary of the book, 5.2 step process to get to 1.) Everything in it's place, 2.) Stuff fit the available space, all without making a bigger mess/stop anytime and it's "better". 😃🌈👍

[@lauramccoy2465]

The pink blouse was a beautiful choice 💗

[@elizabethrace5406]

This video ended and I thought, "I'm not done hearing you talk yet!" 😆 My thought process is similar to what yours was before you came clean. I gotta keep listening until the things you say become second nature.

[@susanengelhardt9665]

Bookwoman of troublesome creek! My fav book I listened to last year!

[@hopewebb5114]

I love to clean and declutter to the sound of classic country music, Elvis too or listening to a David Jeremiah sermon! It's very motivating to me and I feel so great when I'm done!!

[@bethanndillon4238]

Thanks Dana for always being REAL with us! Love your books and the TBYH Course! It’s been so helpful to know I am not alone in my various states of clutter (mess!) 🥰

[@shonapape4451]

Great video seeing the decluttering steps in practise. Always love Reid’s comments at the end!

[@gerrimarion5255]

Awesome video!!! I like the fast forwards!!!

[@lindapedersen-hylka7170]

I'm reading your blog, like you suggested, backwards. I am loving it. I can relate to so many things you say. Just wanted you to know I've been enjoying you on youtube for a while & now I am thoroughly enjoying your blog also. Thanks for all the help, advice & honesty you've shared with us.

[@shannonbrown7488]

WHAT? You mean I CAN'T keep everything? Lol! I guess if I could I wouldn't be here, watching you, and buying your books! Love your books! I've already read and donated the first one (a big deal for me because I love books and hang on to all of them like grim death) and am onto reading Decluttering At The Speed Of Life. I recommend your books to anyone who want's to get there house in order.

[@Samus419]

I'm in an annoying middle stage where I've graduated college, but don't have a job, so all my stuff is in boxes, but I want to get rid of a ton of it. No closet/dresser style containers right now... I love your videos anyway!

[@KatyInNH]

As Dana would say... Just look in a box.... You might find something right away that you can start with and it will be better than before!

[@thebeachyfarmhouse6410]

Closing credits are the best but dont read that fast so keep rewinding and pausing. Liked that its not perfect but better at the end. That makes me Think i can do it too.💕😍

[@hollyb5432]

Loved the "disclaimers" at the end of the video!

[@KatyInNH]

Thank you for showing us the bathroom as was. It is so helpful to listen to you walk through the process. Thank you for keeping it real!!!!

[@emmkaa2099]

Dana, you are so precious and so real and so helpful! Although I "got" what you said about the five steps to decluttering, somehow listening to you talk through them helped bunches. You, my dear, are simply the BOMB! I also really, really like the idea of listening to an audiobook while I'm working, which is something I've been wanting to start doing anyway, so, yeah... two birds... one stone? Yes ma'am, done and DONE! With love from the super hot Southern California desert, MK ♥️🌡️🌞🌵

[@jinglesh1398]

I can relate to absolutely everything you say and each and every video you put out. But I've got to be honest........I LOVE your comments at the end of the videos the most !!! Your sense of humor is beyond hilarious !!!!

[@justusewater1]

Love this Dana! I have read every decluttering book out there, but YOUR book is BY FAR the BEST and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!! LOVED it!!

[@Romans828girl]

Dana, even if I got Nothing out of your videos, I would watch them just for Reid's remarks. That young man is brilliant. The apple does not fall far from the tree.

[@linnsvensson1640]

I Love your top- the flattering cut and the color!! I also love watching your videos! God bless.

[@rebekahpagedesigns]

Thank you for Chirps tip and discount - I paused the video and got your book right away! It’s been something I’ve wanted to do but you know budgets! So thanks! 😊

[@peggymarsh6569]

I am starting this journey & your videos are helping!!!!

[@barbarahatfield8027]

It’s the first Time I see your video . I’m looking at videos for decluttering and cleaning and need motivation . I like your , you make me laugh, I see myself . Keep on the good work

[@melindafalls1227]

Am I the only one that has no life and would rather see the entire video without the fast forwarding? I love Dana's sense of humor it's a lot like mine. I love these videos I just wish they were longer.

[@Cheetahwoman7]

I agree with you. I really don't like the fast-forwarding because it's her explanation of what she's doing and why that help me out.

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

I love her sense of humor, too, but I appreciate the fast forwarding sometimes because it allows me to more quickly binge watch some of the videos that motivate me to get busy in my own house. Hopefully Reid is leaving in some humor. 15 to 20 minutes per video would be better than 10 minutes of Dana any day, though! 🙂

[@pattiharrison1211]

Love your videos ❤️ They are real and your strategies work, thanks

[@Fiery154]

I’m using your steps to help me teach my 6 year old daughter how to clean her room.

[@TehilaM102]

👏

[@EmilyHercamp17]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I LOVE the credits SO much! And the hilarious family dynamic! 😊

[@Fkiria]

I'm currently decluttering my hall/bathroom closet. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@jennifertinkham5599]

"I would rather live with regret than live with declutter"~Dana Bingo!! Yes, yes, I want to remember this!

[@emmawheeler4624]

Love audio books, always put something on when cleaning. Probably my top tip 😄 and now watching you Dana is another of my top tips, you've helped me so much in the last two weeks that I've found you. Will the course be reopening again at all? I'm a single mum with 4 teens with autism add ADHD etc, and I have physical limitations with various chronic pain and energy limitations, so the course with yourself, Dawn and Cass sounded soooo good! Please keep going, you're a lifeline!! Xxx

[@kimberlywalker1015]

As ALWAYS...GREAT VIDEO. You look so pretty in pink.....and, your mirrors....LOVE THOSE. THANKS for being such an encouragement to all of us. Bought the book....LOVED IT...Will one day read theu it, again....this is one of my FAVORITE types of books to read.

[@jovannatetreault8033]

Great video! Love the end wording, mostly because I have twin sixteen year old boys. I’d love to see a video on teen rooms and clothes. My house (teens included) is so much happier with less junk around, but would love to hear from someone who is a few steps ahead of me.

[@danielemeilleur2732]

Thank you for your videos. My new mantra is: « Better is good » 😊🇨🇦

[@barbkandel777]

Another great video, Dana (and Reid!) LOL That color is so pretty on you, Dana! Your counter top looks so much better!

[@180daytotalbodymakeover]

I read The Mother-In-Law for my book club and I could hardly put it down!

[@michelled.613]

You are so great, Dana! I would love to see a video about my situation. I made the mistake over and over of making piles instead of taking it there now. So now I am swimming in piles and boxes of miscellaneous (that are just hidden piles)! Help!!!

[@Spokenfan]

Speaking of Great Audiobooks how about both of yours 👍🏻👍🏻. Thank you for sharing 👏🏻 Stay safe healthy and happy 😃

[@SmileySunrise]

I enjoy your videos! I joined Chirp the end of May just to get your audiobook on sale! Thank you Chirp and Dana! :-)

[@workin4alivin585]

Thank you for living in a REAL home, and giving the rest of us permission to live in REAL homes, too. I'm sick to death of the pressure and shame foisted on us from minimalism influencers and Better Homes & Gardens/media tyrants. Most of us don't live in "hotel room" houses, devoid of personal belongings.

[@abbymcelroy4248]

Just bought your book for $1.99!😲🙌🏻

[@Sonshine279]

Hi, love your tips Dana! Have both of your books. Any chance you could slow down the credits? I cannot read as quickly as it scrolls and I do not know how to slow it on my phone. They are too good to miss!

[@Samus419]

What I do: I tap the screen to pause the video, then tap it again once I've read it. I repeat until the credits are over. Enjoy!

[@Sonshine279]

@ Samus, thanks, have tried that but on my phone the screen has 3 previews by then and the pause button visible and the back light goes off. Just does not work , wish it did on my phone!

[@Haynorie]

You can slow down the playback speed of the video. I agree I wish they were slower. Sometimes there's a little gear on the video and sometimes it's 3 dots. Click that and go to playback speed. You can make it half speed or slower and then it's easier to pause as well.

[@Sonshine279]

@Rei Thanks! That did help and sad to say I was clueless to it! Must say it is good for credits but pretty creepy to listen to Dana that way.😆 Glad I know how to get it back to normal too!

[@brendatomlinson]

@@Sonshine279 Me too Judith, the video previews obscure the end credits.

[@erincassidy-cernanec9755]

Great blouse! Thanks for your candor!

[@elizabethdavis1696]

You should get an earring organizer

[@peaceandquiet1983]

I went to Chirp and got your audio book on sale. That was hours ago, but I'm back!!

[@meman6964]

I paid full price for it last week from Google books. 😰 Will the other book be listed with them soon?

[@planopolly]

Love your blouse!

[@angelabstractart6168]

💚💙🧡💜💚 I'm happy that you found your earrings... I've done the same thing. 🙄

[@carolc8311]

Sorry, have to pause you, I’ll be right back- I have to go check out Chirp and those books you recommended 😉

[@mssixty3426]

Haha, I didn't think your videos could get much better - now waiting to read editor comments at the end 😄😆

[@helenakathedollyworldunive835]

i need a T-shirt with the saying: Id rather have regrets than have clutter!!

[@DonnaLHaney]

Yes! I regret having clutter, so it's a fair trade!

[@creativelycountry3343]

Just finished bookwoman of troublesome creek after seeing it in your recommended. Wow! Great read!!! I highly recommend “Wonderland creek” by Lynn Austin-it’s another book about a packhorse librarian.

[@coal.sparks]

Did you wind up decluttering the third pair of readers or keeping them? I couldn't tell. And it looks SO MUCH better at the end. I have a couple of teens at home. Any suggestions for convincing them to declutter their stuff? So far leading by example has just provided them with more space for their cr... uh, delightful belongings. I wasn't going to say "crap"! Your method is just so brilliant and perfect for the way my brain works!

[@mjschoensee93]

My one and only gave decluttering gal!

[@darc4183]

Better for sure!! Also, cute top. Would you share where it's from?

[@notafraid2fail]

You look so great!!! Thank you for the helpful video!

[@moniquerusso9675]

I didn’t know about chirp. I just got my first book using your code! ;)

[@trishahutchinson3485]

You are my hero!

[@Deb_Creamer]

The black trash bag comment got me 😂. My kids will absolutely re-home a used qtip if they can see it 🙄

[@monicaschultz9761]

Yeah for the Mary Kay products!!!!!!!

[@sweetthink]

That author - Kim Michelle Richardson - has several wonderful books! The Book Woman is my favorite, though.

[@madebylora]

Sad that Chirp isn’t available in the uk. It sounded so good!

[@elizabethschreiber55]

I need to clean the bathroom counter. So, a 5 minute clean is not going to do it for me. My fault...Love you Dana!!!