Decluttering Q&A: 12.12.2023

I'm answering questions submitted at AskDanaKWhite.com. Go there to ask questions for future lives. I'll also take questions in the second half of this video from those watching live.
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01.42: Do you have any advice for breaking through a " decluttering plateau"? I've gotten really good at identifying and letting go of clutter...however, I still feel I'm above my clutter threshold
06.38: What if other family members ( spouse and young children) have higher clutter thresholds? Do I ask my husband to honor my clutter threshold or just grit my teeth?
12.08: We bought a home a few months ago and are in the process of practically gutting the house while we are living here. Any tips on how to manage the chaos on this situation?
16.59: I need help with modifications for lower back/mobility problems... how can you clean when you can hardly walk or carry things but need to be able to at least do the minimum?
21.40: ​​??? how to help a 17 year old declutter when she wants to hang onto everything for her one day kids
27.50: Discovered you yesterday. Question: Senior fixed income. Get rid of now replace later, no dollars for that. I really like your approach. Any videos on my particular situation.
29.48: ?My mother has hoarder like tendencies, depression, and just got diagnosed with Parkinson's but wants to have a better home. Is the kitchen the best place to start? get that 100% and move on?
31.18: Recently, I was given a very old and tattered family Bible, which my grandmother had written in the margins. What do I do with it, I really don't want to keep it❓❓❓ HELP!
31.53: ​​Question: grief/ sentimental clutter. What is your approach? I have a room in my basement FULL of items from my late husband
37.38: What do I do when all the clutter left is my husbands? Also a strategy for the screws and nuts and bolts he lays all over my counter?
38.58: How do I manage not piling more clutter as I buy more things?? Like holding onto packaging boxes because you might need them?
40.56: How do we deal with that self loathing, are there any good phrases to encourage to keep going instead of giving in to that guilt?
42.53: ​​?? how do you teach 4yr old that new toys are not always necessary. I have tried to state that we don't have space. Container concept has been a struggle for him. should I declutter without him?
44.44: ​​?? How to store old photos without albums??
45.10: ?? Hi Dana! How to live with baby equipment clutter (swing, bouncy chair, etc) when I’ve been decluttering for so long and was at a ‘sweet spot’ (we have 3 boys in school and now a baby at home). Thx!
46.39: ​​??? I’m having another baby in the spring. How can I prep for those postpartum months when I know my clutter threshold will be lower? But it’s temporary?
47.34: Digital decluttering. Do you have any ideas or trainings for that?
48.45: ?? what to do when working on 1 space & I take things to it's home, that space also needs decluttered, there's no room? I feel like I have to then do that space to make room & nothing gets done.
50.46: ​​I have so many books all over my apartment. I pick them up and let them lying around. I wish I did better
51.30: ???is the audio book in Dana's voice???
53.31: ​​???what is the high level difference between your books? just read one
54.55: ​​??How to help my parents the most with decluttering??
55.59: How to deal with demotivation? I live in a house with two grown adults and I'm trying to focus on myself but it feels like they keep making messes right where I cleaned/decluttered or bring in more

[@amygregg1658]

Thank you, Dana! You are the most helpful decluttering educator I’ve ever found! You really get it, and you are SO good at articulating what’s going on and how to approach it. I’m so thankful you do what you do. ❤

[@MPray411]

Amen 🙏

[@bonniespruin6369]

I agree! She is the most helpful of them all!

[@michaelaaltenhofen5939]

.😊​@@MPray411

[@livinwiththeedges8283]

Agree!

[@CreativFarmGal]

I started this process and was always commenting to my husband and son how great it felt to declutter MY stuff that didn't serve me. I never touched their stuff. Now my son asked me to help him with his room and hubby is also doing bit by bit. 😊

[@Elizabeth-490]

Dana’s audiobooks are so great because it’s her voice in her voice- and she is so funny! Also, it is so heartening to hear questions from new moms here- the fact that you’ve found Dana at this early stage of your life is going to make parenthood so much more manageable and peaceful. I found Dana’s method after mine left for college…things would have been so much easier for me as a mom if I knew her method earlier.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Thank you ❤ Some days I don’t have motivation but I just realised I need to trust the process even if it’s just doing the dishes and imagine declutterers everywhere cheering me on. I then congratulate myself for the job done as a habit not because I might feel the happiness in that moment.

[@regineheine5707]

Your approach is really Great, especially Not blaming and Shaming me for having this Situation-this did always keep me Stuck. When a friend does this , I feel opposed and shut my inner windows.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Hang in there and be kind to yourself. I know what you mean. I’m in the process of changing my mindset after living with a hoarder who blamed me for decades of the house being a mess and didn’t like the way I cleaned. I wish you well with your journey to the home you love and thrive in. ❤

[@grutarg2938]

You can do it! Cheering you on for every bit of progress, because that's what makes a difference.

[@thelindseyhaeger]

Highly recommend the Take Back Your House Group!! This will be my third year....great community and support from the three ladies!

[@sharonwest1602]

My husband is catching on he put on a shirt 👕 the other day it was to tight he said put it in the donate box

[@Elizabeth-490]

Awesome!!!!

[@angelahagemeyer698]

Yes! Get those decluttering muscles strong before tackling the grief type items. It has taken me several years of being a true declutterer to finally tackle my deceased father’s stuff. I finally did it yesterday and I was shocked at how much easier it was!! I was literally sick/afraid every time I looked at the box holding his stuff. I finally got so sick of looking at that box (and moving it around my house) that I just ripped open the lid yesterday and went at it. It was much less scary than I had built it up to be in my head, but I think that is because I now know more what I truly value and have the bandwidth to keep. It was so liberating to get rid of that box, and I immediately tossed the actual box (even though there was nothing wrong with it) just because it fell so good to conquer it.

[@courtneyglasco2216]

We love that lady on the internet.. She's helped a lot of people clutter things they don't need. 😍😍

[@bunbun8670]

Love love love, “oh, is there anything here at ALL that might be trash?” Etc. So funny, and actually so kind and useful for that 17 year old daughter or whomever you are helping!

[@bethc7243]

I’ve started listening while working from home alone. Thank you for the company and the “you can do it” messaging while working on a totally different difficult task. Haha

[@virginiango8779]

I’m sure your book is terrific but what I need to do at this point is take action and that is exactly what I did today. I declutter a cabinet under my island but it took only an idea from my daughter to made realize that the best place for pots and pans is the cabinet next to the stove😂. That is the first place we should look first. That should give you an idea about the mess is in my head and my house 🥺

[@livinwiththeedges8283]

My favorite way to spend 5 minutes on my home when it feels too much is to grab a trash bag and fill it, just walk around and throw stuff in it until it is filled. I take it out and think well my life is one trash bag less crazy. I feel like it allows me to do something that isn't easily undone, like the dishes will need to be done again in a couple of hours, a bag of trash gone is GONE forever! I never have to see it again.

[@cb9825]

This green jumper compliments your eye colour so well! ❤

[@lisaschreiber2893]

OMGosh that would be a great course for anyone to take! I started out watching the minimal mom because it was so easy, not like the traditional sleeping with the enemy minimalism I was used to but more of what fit you. while I have always watched Cass for organization, it wasn’t long before I realized I missed a step, and then I found you. the progress isn’t perfect its simply progress decluttering- perfect middle step to get it all done before I organize. thank you for that! ❤

[@ELaurence]

This is all SOOOOOO helpful! Thank you, Dana! My home is getting to a point where I am enjoying it in a way I have truly never enjoyed it. I see much hope for the future! Thank you!

[@sonjapriebe8478]

Dana, your Q&A's are always great and so helpful 🥰 Greetings from Germany

[@rg-mi5hh]

Good video! Just took a box to goodwill today. It wasn't much, but it was stuff that needed to go and someone may enjoy getting it. This is a good time of year to do ate, because Chrostmas is coming and if they are lightly used books, someone will enjoy it as much as you did.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Been building donate and recycling boxes lately and wondering when to take them to the centres as there isn’t much in them at the moment. Thanks for the encouragement just to take it there without filling up the car. ❤

[@marisolboone5404]

My son is a teenager but when he was four I did try to include him in donating toys but when we attended the church festival where they gave away toys as prizes he seen a kid with his old toy and he forgot he had donated it he wasn’t upset but I realized it doesn’t matter if you do it without them but I did let his personality make the decision he actually prefers a minimalist lifestyle………..but there is one item he refuses to declutter and I am forced to leave alone and it is this huge angry bird cuz his cousin gave it to him 😂😊

[@kimberlywalker280]

So thankful for you and your wisdom. ❤ I just want to take the time now to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. So thankful that CHRIST JESUS is TRULY the REASON for the Season: John 3:16. TFS. 🙂

[@beckyharding6571]

Thank you so much for answering that first question. I know it seems so simple but it was where I was getting stuck too.

[@marjoriejudge5348]

re: the boy stuff like nuts ,bolts, tech accessories (from husband or son) on counter - when I'm clearing the counter I put those on their dinner plate at the table or bar (whichever we are eating at ) so they have to be accountable for them before they get dinner that night .....🙂as an engineer my husband hogs most the space in the residence - garage, basement, and never edits clothing and never puts his laundry away.....btw, some family members actually think you've asked them to cough up a lung when they are asked to help w/ anything related to cleaning let alone editing all their possessions ........that's the reality for some people😁

[@keric3730]

Just a story for you all. I go to work and see and smell the delicious ginger and spices dishes that my Vietnamese Coworkers bring. Honestly the thought that crossed my mind was that if I bought a different set of plastic containers then maybe i would start to bring amazing dishes to work also. I have to tell myself that no, i need to work on time management, food budget, grocery store lists and then maybe i can bring amazing lunches to work.

[@carnivoreheals]

I have watched you for at least 2 years now. I still learn something new and get motivated every time I listen.

[@marisolboone5404]

So when moving I utilize suitcases and will put one clean sheet blanket and pillow case then in a back pack clothes so the transition is easier for each person and instead of having to wash right away but until the actual move like Dana said one sheet ect and wash and put back

[@AgathaVelvet]

28:00 -the value of your space... So good Dana.

[@thelindseyhaeger]

Dana, you are a genius! Such a great Q and A!

[@DawnOnBlueridgeMtn]

I love this type of video, thank you! So many helpful tips!!!

[@Sarah-px1ru]

My issue is that when I don't want something that everyone in my family thinks I should keep because it belonged to someone who has since passed, they make it sound like it's JUST one book or JUST one greeting card or JUST one piece of paper. I CAN AND SHOULD make room for it and prioritize it. But yet they don't want it either.

[@JaneH3675]

I hear ya!

[@JaneH3675]

I went through my sentimental stuff alone. I didn't ask anyone what I should keep. I set aside 3 small containers for it. When they're nearly full, I'm done.

[@gbk1t]

If it’s your stuff, then it’s your decision. If they don’t like it…..tough!

[@JaneH3675]

Also there were a few items I texted and asked my daughter if she wanted them. When the answer was yes, I gave them to her as soon as possible to get them out of my house. The sentimental stuff is the hardest to declutter. I worked on my kitchen, livingroom, and bathroom first. Then I did my clothes. I saved the sentimental things for last. It made it so much easier to deal with. I wish you well 💕

[@katie7748]

There's a lot of sentimental stuff I've gotten rid of that I massively regret getting rid of. Remember, "you will own nothing and you will be happy." 😕

[@justsewit_tk5477]

We had this situation in 2021 where our house was destroyed by a category three cyclone (in an area where we didn't get cyclones). My house before the cyclone was C.L.U.T.T.E.R.E.D! I was trying to contain my clutter but struggled with everything else - this house belonged to my late in-laws and half their stuff was still there. We were FORCED to live with less after the cyclone and 6 months went by before we had to go back and get the things we wanted to keep. My kids were "what do we get?" They realised they didn't need it! We are only just now building the clutter again after being in a new (much tinier) home. My bedroom is a dumping ground so REALLY needs attention.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

Thank you.

[@1HorseOpenSlay]

"🎶🎶🎶 monchichi monchichi, oh so soft and cuddley, with a thumb in it's mouth it's really sweet, loves to kick it's little feet, happy happy monchichi!"🎶🎶🎶( Still remember that commercial!😂)

[@mscheapskate]

Dana, OMG I LOVED my Monchichi and almost bought myself one a few years ago. Thankful that I was already deep into Decluttering. So I didn’t. 😂

[@marjoriejudge5348]

superb video

[@aidar4816]

I remember my monchichi!! I loved that toy

[@carolgeorge6409]

Dawn that green look so good on you!

[@justsewit_tk5477]

My husband REFUSES to do five-minute pick ups and complains that because he works away during the week (and I don't) that he doesn't have to clean up around the house "picking up other peoples' stuff" - doing the dishes is his pet peeve even when he's home. The trouble is HE leaves HIS stuff lying around and I have to clean it up! It's majorly frustrating!

[@regineheine5707]

Why do you have to pick your husband‘s stuff and clean it up?My Last effort would bê, I won‘t to continue this way. Two ways: as he knows, what is his stuff, he can Either Pick it himself or you throw it into a bin. Before the bin is Full, Last warning. Either he does his specific work or you throw it into the trash bin and it will bê Away forever. Such behavior is unacceptable. In which Century do we live!?

[@marilynpeppers1356]

This will grow into resentment. In you, and eventually, in him because you are resentful. Tell him you feel like the maid and ask him if he really wants to have “intimate moments” with a grumpy maid.

[@marilynpeppers1356]

@@regineheine5707…great advice, IMO!

[@autumnb7135]

Best definition of clutter ever!

[@Jennuine_food]

Monchichi oh so soft and cuddly

[@katefree9539]

Thank you!

[@llllllllllilillii]

Dana WE LOVE UUUUUUUUUUUUUU Merry Christmas!

[@rachelbryant9238]

Love the Monchichi! Still have one. Lol 😆

[@klemmie]

@ 6:35 the only other suggestion I have is making sure the organization system isn't the problem. Do they have to dig thru stacks of clothes, or are they easily grabbed (hung or stood on end) without disrupting the rest of the surrounding clothes and put back easily.

[@annettestewart7903]

Monchichis.... we're going old school today lol

[@lanach6456]

With baby stuff, I'm getting rid of stuff that babies have grown out or not playing with the toy. ( I'm using plural for baby because I have twins)

[@deborahalana8027]

16:00 not me not paying attention bc my mind got stuck on B-A-N-A-N-A-S 😭 🎶

[@juliashearer7842]

"There's so much trash!" 😂😂😂

[@Cookmomx3]

❤

[@jamesbriggs5740]

We are remodeling ( upstairs apartment bathroom and floors first) and a lot of the stuff is in our kitchen and spare room is in the way. It's really bothering me. I don't even feel like even doing the daily chores. It's going to be five weeks more. Help! Kathy B

[@CreativFarmGal]

What if you think the whole toy collection could be moved to a larger space? And that space to the smaller one. Is that allowed?

[@christi3411]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maggiebates3941]

I missed it!!!!! Do you go live at 1 est?

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

She does....but sometimes later or misses just depends

[@sheristrybos5831]

How can I find the printable for the decluttering steps? I checked your website and didn’t find it anywhere

[@olivemaycards]

I think there’s an option to sign up for her newsletter mailing list to get the printable.

[@sheristrybos5831]

@@olivemaycards I do get the newsletter but I can’t find the option to print the steps page

[@rg-mi5hh]

Good video! Just took a box to goodwill today. It wasn't much, but it was stuff that needed to go and someone may enjoy getting it. This is a good time of year to do ate, because Chrostmas is coming and if they are lightly used books, someone will enjoy it as much as you did.

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

Great job!

[@bethreisman8869]

Thank you.