Decluttering My Cookbook Space (Again) Because the Shelf is a Container

[@alysonbuttonstone]

I'm 70, and just lost my husband in February. I have just about completed my "Swedish Death Cleaning" project. With the help of my kids, I gave away or threw out something like four dumpsters' worth of stuff. It was really right up there with the most distressing things I've ever had to do, but I wanted to have my possessions in an orderly state -- so my kids wouldn't have to deal with disposing of all of it when my time comes. The most amazing part of it all is that my mind has gotten consistently more peaceful as the project went forward. The drawers were all cleared of clutter, the sideboard, too. The basement, the eaves, the old furniture covered in cobwebs in closets. And what the children didn't want went to people in need. The feelings of relief were palpable, like a storm ending and the water going smooth. I only wish I had discovered you earlier, because you added one element -- your charming sense of humor. Thank you so much for being such a friendly voice.

[@bridgetengle4045]

I just wanted you to know that I love the blame it on the container idea! My son did not want to get rid of the clothes that were over flowing out of a drawer of his. I told him " Well buddy, if it was up to me you could keep it all, but the drawer will not let us." We can only keep what the drawer can contain. He was good after that! Thanks for the help😁

[@azlizzie]

I wonder if anyone has any precocious children rebutting with, “Then can we buy a bigger drawer?”

[@gbk1t]

That one works for my family too😅😅😅

[@tammyhaase7574]

I am just like you. I am 57 years old , and I am a slob. You made me understand things I have not learned in 57 years. Thank you.

[@TheWigleFamily]

Reid's credits are my favorite!

[@kimkay1741]

Same!

[@karenharris3123]

Love them!😊

[@emmatowers2819]

Humour is obviously a family trait!

[@jesseb5112]

I wasn't reading them until I read this. Too funny!

[@stowie5790]

Great inspiration for me as I am decluttering my cookbooks today…I have a full cupboard shelf plus 2 shelves of a bookcase full of cookbooks. What is comical about this is that I don’t like to cook. I guess my thought process through the years has been that if I find the right cookbook, I will magically like to start cooking. I’m almost 60 years old…and I realize that no cookbook is going to change my view on cooking. I raised two good kids and they miraculously made it through their childhood without me starving them. Thankfully they both like to cook and my son actually married a chef (LOL) and my DIL will look through the books first, keeping what she wants and the rest will be donated. The time has come to say goodbye to wishful thinking!!

[@wildsheepc]

A few years ago at a thrift store, I found and purchased a picnic basket almost exactly like the one that you put in the donate box in this video. (Yours is in better shape.) It has made a most excellent knitting basket for me-portable and spacious for sweaters in progress!

[@kidjayjay2772]

Since watching a few of your videos I use the question " Where would I look for this first" all the time! Thank you 😊

[@maryyoder7949]

Me too

[@AprilBrand74]

Yes! It's a have changer

[@amyjohnson7527]

Yes! Same!!

[@dianatapia-wrighted.d.4893]

Yes!! Me too!! It has helped a lot in organizing my house

[@beckyunderwood4220]

Decluttering is like shoveling snow or doing the laundry. No matter how many times you do them, you WILL need to do them again!

[@suzy1676]

That's perfect 👌

[@azlizzie]

I think it’s less like shoveling snow and more like doing laundry/dishes. Clutter, laundry and dishes accumulate a little each day, so little a day keeps the monster at bay. Snow, on the other hand, occurs overnight and takes a big effort. Habits like doing the dishes and laundry everyday are similar to making sure you aren’t overloading your containers. Minimalists call it one in one out, but really if your container is full or near capacity you must do this too.

[@conniebeane6164]

Love the concept of "don't pull everything out." That invariably creates an even bigger mess.

[@zainabfarooq9468]

I am from England, a town called Manchester. And i really appreciate how you kept the books from england lol

[@crystalmontalbano9798]

Oh Gosh! I have a picnic basket just like that in my loft. I bought it for outdoor concerts 20 yrs ago, and haven't been to one since,

[@auntkaz422]

I totally LOVE your down to earth style of decluttering. And I'm 100% on board with skipping making a huge mess to declutter.

[@elizabethdowney3412]

I got way over seeing the cleaning mommas clean their CLEAN house. I just need real cleaning that makes me not feel alone and not ashamed. These videos actually coach me and teach me how to properly declutter and organize.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Thanks. I am so appreciative of what I learn from these videos.

[@katjaamyx2922]

I watched this a couple of years ago when it was first published and now enjoyed watching it again. It's a wonderful demonstration of the AMAZING method you've developed. I appreciate you and your work so much.

[@sundoesshine8800]

The Don't-pull-anything-out technique is Genius. I've been trying to figure out why. I think it's because we types have short attention spans. So by just Chipping away at the pile, you get to see the space visually thin out and become lighter and that Encourages us to continue. Had we pulled everything out (made a Mess) all you see is mess so it's waay more mentally taxing and makes us want to flee the scene. Plus then your brain has to deal with organizing it to put it back. No Wonder I always pooped out after 1 shelf. Can't wait to try!

[@carlaeskelsen]

Thank you thank you thank you for not telling me to pull everything out!!!!! As though I'm not tempting fate by pretending I'm not going to get interrupted with a giant pile of decisions in the middle of the room. Thanks you for keeping it real. This I can do. 🙏🏻

[@emmelia-6068]

"Decluttering gives me so much more awareness of what I have".... YES! Thank you. This was perfect for me to see today. I reduce future clutter because I won't buy it, because I have a better idea of my inventory, because I decluttered, because you wrote your books and made your videos! Yay!

[@ritamckenna6788]

Exactly

[@tammywammy6384]

I use a zip top bag for each type of plastic utensil. That way I can see if I have 3 spoons left and need to get more. Thanks for showing me how to declutter without making a bigger mess!

[@susancarter2820]

So agree with the "no borrowing" items. I always forget that I have them!

[@sundoesshine8800]

And it's so entirely embarrassing to return it after years, it's like a big ball of shame.

[@belindamcintosh1671]

Cookbooks and recipes are near the top of my decision difficulty. After my Mom died almost 13 years ago, I was given a lot of her recipes and cookbooks. I was able to give away some of them to family, but she also hand-wrote a lot of recipes over the years. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who has a lot of those.

[@danareevesmusic]

Thanks for being so real. Decluttering is forever and learning to NOT take everything out is a lifesaver. Reid you are amazing at what you do. I recommend a raise for Reid we are here for him too😂

[@arashy]

Interesting that I’d rather watch you declutter than to do it myself. 😇 You are very entertaining, including your ending credits. 😆

[@KellyHarrison1]

Aaah. The cookbooks. This is great. You inspired me to reduce my cookbooks from three shelves to one! Really nice, expensive cookbooks. And I’m so glad I was able to donate them to my local library thrift store.

[@maggierose97]

I'm amazed at how well the container concept works. At first, I didn't even bother to try it because knowing myself I would just get a larger container or a second one. But no! I use this as my main decluttering method. It's addictive because it's like solving a puzzle. I have even gotten stuff decluttered to, for example, 2 containers. Then a few weeks later challenged myself to reduce the 2 to 1 container.

[@DanaKWhite]

I love this SOOOO much!!

[@kimhr1069]

Hi Dana. Thanks for another great video. I recently started decluttering my cookbooks, also. I don't know if this will help anyone but I have a tip to help purge them. When I have bad days (health wise) and can't be up very much, I will take several cookbooks and go through them. If I find a recipe I make, or still think we'll eat, I take a photo with my tablet. Some cookbooks only have 2 or 3 recipes, but I've been keeping the book just for those 2 or 3. ☹ I have folders on my tablet, labeled like cookbook categories, to sort them. If you prefer, you can copy them by hand or print the photos. I've already purged 47 cookbooks! When I did a lot of cooking, I received a lot for gifts. I can't wait to get down to a single shelf. Thanks again for your inspiration. ❤❤❤

[@sarahharris7563]

That is a great idea!

[@YogaWithGail]

Love your face expressions as you go through your talking!

[@charleyme]

😂😂😂😂 14 minutes in and finally threw out the Solo cup! I was beginning to think that she was just going to keep the one cup in case. Thanks for giving me a good laugh @danakwhite

[@nmbr6kid]

Oh my goodness, you made me laugh!!! I was sitting here saying “get that solo cup”…” get that solo cup”….then I started thinking 🤔 maybe the solo cup is important some how 🤣😂 I just love this comment. So funny 😆

[@katiegleaves3792]

This is fantastic - Thank you Dana, for another super helpful, relatable video!!!!! Especially the part when you get to the plastic utensils... lol. I used to be the head of our office's Party Planning Committee, and we had potlucks every month. Over the years, I saved the large deli/catering style lidded containers (salad bowls, veggie trays, meat/cheese platters, and tongs/serving spoons, etc). Well, our whole department went "work from home" shortly before the pandemic... and I HAVE BEEN HOLDING ON TO THOSE CONTAINERS THIS WHOLE TIME - justifying it as "I could use them to start seeds for my garden next year... or donate them to a shelter or something... Well. Painful but Proud little moment for me (one of many as I embark on my Decluttering Journey...) I put them all in the recycling bin this week. They took up the whole can - you know those big rolling ones the city provides, that you put out on the curb for weekly pickup. 😅 That really put it into perspective, how much space they were taking up in my house!

[@katiegleaves3792]

One piece of advice I can share about keeping track of what you already have, to prevent buying more of the same thing (certain food items, or plastic utensils... all the spoons... lol) is to use a grocery list app on your smartphone (I specifically use "Out Of Milk" because it includes a feature were you can take an INVENTORY of your foods and such, so you know what you already have, AND what you're out of! Bonus tip: when you're decluttering your pantry, it is a perfect time to enter the "inventory" on the app.

[@deniseharwood9521]

@@katiegleaves3792 This is me, stopping immediately to pull up my rarely used Out of Milk app, and going to the kitchen and recently de-cluttered pantry to scan everthing. Thank you!

[@jsr2844]

Im here for the end credits. I like her sons sass.

[@loritempleman2951]

I'd say he got that from his momma!

[@suredeydo]

Me thinking it was her husband 😬

[@tawanarose2898]

Not taking everything out makes sense but that was what I wanted to do until you reminded me about being able to walk away. Smart!!

[@theampski3794]

"Which means it's authentic..." Buahahaha! 🤣🤣🤣 Also, I find myself decluttering while I'm shopping. Would I donate this at a later date? Yes...not worth buying in the first place. Thank you (and Reid) for these videos. They mean so much to those of us with ADHD and a house.

[@metalheads228]

We had an oil furnace puff back in our home. Which means that every cookbook I had was covered in soot/oil and had to be thrown out. Over 75 cookbooks in the trash! But as I was throwing them out I realized that I rarely looked in my cookbooks for recipes anymore. The shelves had been such a mess that I googled the recipe I wanted instead of wading through all the books. Now I have my favorite recipes saved on my computer in a neat little file. So much easier!

[@laurencunningham8281]

Although I have a long way to go, I hear your voice saying “Do it now!” When I’m about to put off or just move an item. You have helped me get motivated again to get my spaces under control. Thank you!

[@susancook3360]

I have gone from you doing my head in to making the most incredible sense and changing my life. I have trashed/recycled, donated and moved 3 cupboards and 10 drawers and loved every minute. so, sorry and thank you. And you're v cute too.

[@rondavogan7100]

Your videos are always so helpful, funny and real! Love Reid’s end credits!! He needs to make that a regular addition! Y’all are hilarious! Dana, the back of your hair looks great, love the highlights!

[@debrathomas2704]

Great video, Dana! I love how you emphasize “ not everyone should remove everything from the container before starting to declutter, as you may have to step away and this messes up another space.” Some people could handle this easily, but if I had to step away, I might feel so overwhelmed when I looked at the new mess, it might stay there for a really long time. 😅

[@seanagarrow7488]

“It’s spelled with a “u” so it’s authentic...” Lol! I recently purchased your books (on audio) and just joined the Take Your House Back program...Your humor is priceless! Thanks for keeping me laughing through the decluttering & organizing of my home:-)

[@mrslhaldane306]

Being English, Dana's comment on this really made me laugh.

[@msobliv]

I have so many cookbooks, and hardly ever use them. Some were inherited from my mother, and I couldn't believe it when I saw among your collection "Southern Sideboards". I have a copy that looks identical. For some reason, it's so hard to get rid of the ones that I inherited. I realize that I probably purchased mine for perhaps one recipe, and it's a bit easier to declutter those (I'm making progress with those). I joined the Take Your House Back in January, and it has been a life changer for me. Thank you so much for fantastic sense of humor, and your encouragement.

[@alexa574]

Great content, Yes, decluttering has helped me stop buying and shopping mindlessly. My big problem now is to find activities that I want to do that does not involve eating out or shopping!

[@ginamcdonald7854]

I recently went through cookbooks and realize I now need to do that again. I rarely use any of them, just need to donate!!! Thanks!!!

[@gs-vg8uf]

Reid, I’m so glad you have the editing job - the end credits are so worth it!

[@monicanaya377]

Awesome video! Super helpful. I’m waiting on my book (Decluttering at the speed of life) to arrive so I can finally declutter the right way. I’ve done Konmari and other methods but all are super overwhelming for me. I’m positive this is it for me. 🙌🏼

[@erinkimmel9479]

Funny thing about buying things you already have. I had a lint roller that had a broken handle and refills stored nearby. I ordered another complete one with the handle. When I went to put the refill from the broken handle away (where the refills are stored) I found another whole lint roller, handle and all. If only I had looked!

[@annacater7223]

I have wanted to like this video so many times while it is playing! I LOVE not pulling EVERYTHING out and being super overwhelmed by it all. Thanks for passing this on to us!

[@bethoney96]

“If I needed this item, would it ever occur to me that I already have this item?” LIFE CHANGING

[@laurab2747]

Thanks for the inspiration! I have more cookbooks than any one person who rarely cooks needs. Weekend plans set. 🙂

[@jenniferkendrick]

You've inspired me! I have a ton of cookbooks! Although they fit in their container, I don't use any of them! Think I will donate! All except "The Joy of Cooking"! My husband gave me a copy when we first got married! Never did learn to cook really well! I hate it actually!! Love your videos!!

[@countryfrau8328]

Yes! Decluttering/organizing has really shown me what to STOP buying and saving. I am REALLY GOOD at saving things and not nearly as good at stopping when I have enough. You are so good for me! Thank you!

[@cindystuder9090]

Yes. Declhttering is a continual process. People would say that I have a very tidy and low clutter house. Well, it isn't always that way. I'm always decluttering something, somewhere on a regular basis. It's never ending and I've accepted that which makes the process a little easier.

[@loriolsen5785]

I really like your point about refamiliarizing yourself with what you have in a space. I've actually purchased the same cookbook twice because I forgot I had it! We can forget what we have when we don't stop to look from time to time. Thanks for keeping us going through this process!

[@musicislife4184]

I found this channel from the Minimal Mom today and I love it! I 100% agree with the idea of decluttering in a way that if you had to walk away right now it would look better. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@katiegee5173]

Seriously Dana, I'm here to watch YOU! Thanks for making it fun.

[@amyjohnson7527]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I laughed so hard!!! “Surely there’s no trash In there.” Has been my thoughts on numerous occasions. And I have been so wrong.

[@jeannebowes2898]

Your humor helped me part with seven books( half of total ) will donate to library sales shelf.

[@glendaw5221]

The solo cup slays me.

[@Samus419]

I'm watching this way too late: I got a mental image of a cartoon solo cup on a murdering rampage. It was cute and dark at the same time. Which means it was creepy. But I thought it was amusing enough that you'd like to know. 😊

[@Karen_Koch]

I also wondered what happened to the cup 😂😂 It wasn’t trash, but suddenly it was gone 🤔 And then it was back! And finally she saw it 👏🏼👏🏼

[@lorisiccia5914]

Red Solo cup waa first thing I saw...Went from on the shelf to inside the shelf where basket is...instead of trash. Or add it to . or maybe where there is one... there is another nearby.....put it with its friends in the stacked cups in its sleeve packaging....or maybe it was there holding pens at one point for writing out recipes. I have one cabknet just for my cook books...i stopped buying the cookbooks..but then 6 more came to me as gifts. I mentioned a few times I had to stop buying books since i was moving...4 of those arrive after moving... ugh they still don't fit....Thank you!....but honestly was anyone listening. I love em but I dont have room in my tiny apartnent for more Nice cookbooks but why so big? Some stabd on end bug big ones have to lay flat...but i find i dont look as those often that way jusg for the shifting of things is awkward. The 4 extra are on my shelf of my kitchen island...but I may need to do another round with cookbooks. Sometimes when there are too many...none get used becausd you know you have to shift things just to get to that ond you want...and try no to knock others over.

[@b.s.6562]

I love the way you make your funny looks and faces. You are brillant.

[@kimberlybrenner6331]

I love that you are doing more videos...so helpful!!!!

[@cinderellafan362436]

Reid is fabulous! Love his comments. Thanks Dana for making the Container concept a Duh for me. Thank you! ❤️

[@Salina12345-o]

I just love you, your space is just like mine, thanks for sharing 🤗

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I keep my CD player and a few CDs in a picnic basket in our family room. Compact. Decorative. Portable. Easy access.

[@CatJackon]

I love Reid's comments at the end of the video. Boy did I laugh!

[@pamelalivengood8356]

I love seeing reality. And some one will be thrilled to find that picnic basket!

[@deek6115]

You are OFFICIALLY ny new Favorite Person!! 😁Thanks for this!

[@lennyburdick3192]

Thank you for doing videos and keeping on. It is good and appreciated stuff!

[@anwar83wtf]

The difference is amazing

[@ImJustCoolerBro]

I actually love this style of no mess decluttering. I DISLIKE intensly the whole pulling it all out thing because I feel overwhelmed at the idea of putting it back!! Also, love being able to leave something half decluttered because I ran out of time, but you can't see it all out everywhere. Like my spice drawrer. I started cleaning it out - literally took out the trash first (listening to you years ago must have stuck!) and thats all I had time for, so closed it and no big mess everywhere to worry about, and the drawer was slightly better and less to do next time I get a chance to declutter it.

[@lindahodges9061]

Great video and the back of your hair was on point and camera ready today! 😉 Love your curly hair!

[@Iloveflowers2024]

Hi Dana, Your method definitely works better for me. I don't want to be Pulling everything off the shelf and having a big pile on the floor like other people may tell us to do. And you're so right. Decluttering helps us to see what we have already in stock and we don't end up buying more and duplicating things. I've done that several times. Ugh. Love your videos, you are really helping me with decluttering, getting my home in order before listing it to sell. Big thanks to you.

[@tamerat3794]

I have that exact same picnic basket!!

[@anhu8528]

I am so glad I'm subscribed to your channel. I can't tell you how many cookbooks I've given away (Southern Living collection, Betty Crocker, who knows what else, plus cooking magazines). But what I found interesting is that I felt a sense of calm after your declutter that I usually get after I declutter. Nothing stresses me out like a super cluttered mess. Loved the credits! Thanks for this!

[@strawberryholt]

I LOVE you because you are real. I have been able to process and let go of so much thanks to you.

[@jennacraine7334]

As a Canadian, I’m just delighted that you were so excited by the word “favourite” with a u and using it as proof it was a British cookbook. That’s how we spell it here, too.

[@rosemarydodds7665]

"...and better equals.... Good." I think I need to remind myself of this more often, as I still hope for perfect sometimes.

[@tawanarose2898]

I feel like you must be my sister were so alike! Love watching your videos: they're entertaining and so informative and encouraging. Yesterday I decluttered my spare room for hours while watching your videos.

[@addiemarzec1570]

I got rid of all my cookbooks. I now use pinterest and have a book I keep the recipes my family really loved.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

Wow! You are so brave! I have more cookbooks than any 3 women would admit to, and will need to live a thousand years to try even a fraction of all those recipes, but it's hard to decide which ones i can let go.

[@messybunonabudget8773]

I aspire to be you one day! I do use Pinterest a lot and have a cute little recipe binder with matching cards that were gifted to me. I did just realize though, if I make one of our spare binders a recipe book, I could fit the cards I have and random printed recipes. And I wouldn’t put off adding them to the book because I need to hand write them on a card.... and I can copy the couple recipes I use from some of my cookbooks to add to the binder and donate the book. Thanks for inspiring the breakthrough!

[@glendaw5221]

Same here. I kept two nostalgic ones but now donating.

[@kathiparshall8094]

I just did two and a half bookcases of cookbooks this weekend. I got it down to two bookcases so far and Not completely done, but this area is very emotional for me. I will tackle more of it this week. Thanks for the advice.

[@TheFractalStorySpinner]

I used your technique for the 'leaving the house' drawer in the kitchen. I've been putting off organizing that drawer for a really long time. It was done in about 10 minutes. Thanks.

[@kathybullmer8884]

Thanks for sharing your how to videos! You have inspired me to declutter! I also have ADD and the way you explain it finial makes sense!

[@lauramcgilp7692]

Oh darling Dana you have me in stitches 🤣 with your actions I love it and your advice is quite brilliant too🥰

[@mommamoore]

I love how easy your concept is with the steps. Thanks for sharing!

[@GratefulDeb270]

Please add closed captions. Ty! Love your books & videos! I love my house now because of you! 💝

[@___melanie]

Oh yes! There are some words I can’t catch ☺️

[@JayP-kd5rc]

I love your approach to decluttering. Something I have to do all the time as well. Good video! Thanks.

[@emptychair8141]

I had things sitting around looking for homes from clearing out mom's apt after she passed in February. And last week decided it'd be good to move a shed filled with stuff from old place to new place before summer heat sets in. So I'm knowing all about those messes of pulled out clutter. I'll be so glad to get to the end 😩

[@mssixty3426]

Been there, done that too. I don't know what I'd have done if my children hadn't helped me. I had a path through my house because all my parents stuff was just crammed in. I had to face the fact that sentimentality could be dangerous if carried too far, and that sentiment needed to be selective.

[@jaybee8094]

Great video Dana. This is off topic but your hair is gorgeous!

[@ladyradiana]

Love your channel and especially that you always keep it real. Thank you for bringing humor to the subject.

[@cinnie2543]

I am SO with you on not borrowing! I'm awful to return things. And I know I should NEVER have someone give me something to read either. :) This was super helpful, as usual. I just love hearing your thought process as you go through the steps. Thank you. And many Kudos to your editor.

[@bellewoods7188]

I had that Grandma recipe book...I too sent it to the donate pile. Thanks for the video, you've inspired me to declutter my own cookbook shelf.

[@rienafrench1905]

I love how much difference you made in 16 minutes and some seconds, even though you spent so much time describing what you were doing!!! I bet if you weren't making a video, that would have taken you just 10 minutes. So awesome to see the visual!

[@kaitlynburger4770]

Oh my gosh, thank you I feel like you speak my language. I always said I love to organize and keep things tidy but never felt like I had the time, so I've managed my time better and gotten more organized with butfirstcoffee and now with the container method it just clicked. I'm so glad people like you are on the internet. Total life changer.

[@kathleenhill5838]

Kudos to the women who keep me and actually use their cookbooks. I have hardly any left because I was not using them.

[@effiecross2008]

I recently found your channel, and just finished reading both your books. As a hoarder who is married to an even bigger hoarder, this video helped me really internalize the decluttering steps. Thanks!

[@angelawhipple5376]

That answer: “If that bothers you, then maybe you should find someone else....” No, no, no...” I watch you and Dawn and Cas. And your videos I think are the most like me-and I enjoy the sarcasm and humor-and I am a chronic over-thinker. My husband will tell you that. Over-thinking paralysis.

[@alesiaspears198]

YOU ARE GOLD!!!!! Thank you for being so real!

[@rachelheath1208]

Fabulous 🤩 inspired i am to continue i do find i want to do more! When i watch your channel , i use to be ill and recovering now. I found your U-tube ...then went to your web site... and found there your podcasts. I have issues with pacing myself still learning how much I can do. Your techniques have given me new insight Giving me tactics that are do-able.. As well as the container concept "My physical and mental energy daily is finite" I have realised I have to work within the parameters of my capabilities on a daily basis. ( i will never ever again pull everything out an area to try and sort it out. Each time I did that I got drained, and felt like I was going backwards.) I will be forever grateful to you, I can put things together in my mind and move forward Changes are happening at home finally thanks to listening to You and your example of a practical solution.🤩

[@heidihey9389]

Just found you and love what you are putting out! Thanks for showing your real clutter! These tips will help me get a jump on my own clutter and keep the momentum going by looking at individual items. You just stopped me from buying a bigger cart for my craft supplies which I really don’t need!

[@lisaann6267]

thank you, you make me smile. i had to get rid of most of m cook books, too much arthritis. no more ladders.

[@marysusa6985]

I love you, I love your videos and I find myself thinking about maintenance of the hard work you do decluttering while watching. That was my challenge, but I have gotten so much better at maintaining clear clean spaces, closets and drawers over the years. Flylady was a huge help with learning to do a little at a time to maintain which is so much easier than having to do the same decluttering over and over. Thank you for sharing your process with us.

[@m.allisonburdette118]

thanks for the reminder about "consolidating" step; I forgot that one and it is such a great step; can you do a video on this consolidating step in your "Container Method"... love this Method...completely changed how I look at my stuff...and made me realize how my viewpoint on clutter was condemning me to always be cluttered!

[@pameehanson3866]

LOL the "Cooking with Soup" is one of my favorite cookbooks, funny how one persons DUH is another person willing to let go of something else to keep that cookbook! I use to collect cookbooks and now I only have the books I actually use and the rest are gone, They fit under a small table by my kitchen and the coffee maker sits on top and I love the look! Thanks for your video today!

[@DanaKWhite]

Well now I’m wondering if that Donate Box is gone yet......

[@Romans828girl]

@@DanaKWhite Don't do it, Dana! Step away from the box...

[@cinnie2543]

@@DanaKWhite Too funny!

[@kathiemckenzie7847]

Hi! I'm on your 2nd book!! Hello!! OMG!! I love them so much! I am a professional procrastinater and HORDER, I hate it and I am also so stressed from my house. It's so overwhelming 😫

[@Marialla.]

Your hair is so pretty, with its curls and highlights and lowlights! I always wished I had pretty curly hair like yours.