Decluttering Q&A: 9/12/2023

I'm answering questions submitted at AskDanaKWhite.com. Go there to ask questions for future lives.
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01.46: I have been wondering about doing an emergency to go bag of sentimental items that I would be heartbroken if I lost to grab incase I had to run out of the house?
08.20: How do you help someone who doesn't necessarily want your help? My mom is a hoarder..I know I can't change her, but is there nothing I can do?
13.26: What should you do with items that do not have a home, but a planned home. Not a fantasy home, but more like if you plan to purchase this new home within the week.
18.05: Do you have any suggestions for what to do with clutter that comes with organizing an event such as a bridal or baby shower? The items for the event seem to take over the house until the actual event.
21.57: Toy mess is my nemesis. How do I get the toys under my clutter threshold while representing that it's their stuff, and teaching them how to tidy without losing my mind.
25.50: ​​??? Does the 5 min pick up mean the whole house or one room? Because = small children
27.00: Mom of 3&1 yr old and having a hard time getting home under control w/two little ones. What do I do when I literally only have five minutes a day to clean/declutter? It feels pointless to try.
28.54: ???Which videos do you recommend to remotivate me? I am at a stalemate.
30.21: live with my 2 sisters. So we have 3 people putting things away in common areas (ex. kitchen). What is your suggestion for getting us all on the same page on where we would look first. (labels??)
32.17: Advice on a sewing room?
33.46: ​​??? Walk in master closet is one giant doombox full of sentimental and random storage. Encouragement please? I've decluttered everywhere else, this is the last place.
35.11: ??? Garden question… we have a lot of veggies coming from the garden. What do you do with them after you’ve gathered?? Tomatoes, peppers, okra, etc. Instead of just on the kitchen counter?
39.04: ??? mom has toys she used for therapy with her patients, she wants me to have them, will be mad if I say no, doesn't want me to donate them, she won't donate them. what do I do?
40.13: Tips for decluttering with kids? Should I do it alone? With them? My son is super sentimental and we’d keep a dust bunny if he saw it in the trash.
42.13: What if your husband doesn't want to simplify as much as you do? For example in the kitchen where it's everybody's inventory. And we both cook.
44.49: ??? Hey Dana! Are you planning filming another One Hour Better? They are so inspiring! I’ve rewatched them so many times while I work
46.22: ??? Tips on how to be RUTHLESS!
48.41: I need to separate from my shoes, I will never be able to wear heels again... so why do I keep them?
50.05: ​​I am owned by 7 cats! Advice on how to decluttering them and let some go?
52.09: ??? How can you think through getting rid of costly clothing that is no longer relevant?
53.37: can we gift coaching sessions for the upcoming holidays?
54.15: ​​??? What do I do with all the boxes of greeting cards I’ve kept from every birthday, Christmas, wedding etc, packed in boxes, drawers all over the house!
57.26: Where did you purchase the first audiobook? I have the 2nd & 3rd?

[@brg2743]

This channel should be way over a million subscribers. It is right up there with Dawn the minimal mom, and Cas on clutterbug. I have learned so much from you and our house looks so much better. We declutter in small amount daily and it really makes a difference over time. We try to make something better each day. We worked all summer in a small bathroom/storage and it is almost done. New curtains are up and cleaned area. Yay. It took awhile, but so worth it. Wonder if you could have guests live on with you and talk through a space? Even virtually. I liked those videos when you were able to do them in your free time🙃of course.

[@supercrazydesi]

Absolutely! I love Dana and the way she talks. She is fabulous.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I agree. I appreciate that Dana sticks to this topic and doesn’t get into remodeling and redecorating.

[@simplyme7711]

I watch and can relate to Dana way more than with the others. So thankful.

[@llllllllllilillii]

@@simplyme7711 Me too. 100 percent. She's just like me but I have no kids. I always think I can do every craft with a million dolollies. lollllzzzz

[@llllllllllilillii]

@@TheDriftwoodlover I know I love how in her declutter with me video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5izq52NrruqfpI she just fixes the damn cabinet and then puts what she wants in there and then arranges it simply no expensive clear boxes to buy etc and make you take it there now! hahaha If I followed those rainbow ladies with their million expensive lucite organizing boxes I'd be in the poor house. There's ZERO redecorating or buying sh.

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

Helping small children learn to put something away, before starting something new, helps them more than allowing them to become overwhelmed by having everything out, and gives them the room to play with or do the thing they want to do.

[@olololo9224]

True wisdom! And I had to teach myself that discipline before they learned

[@michellechouinard4958]

Literally the only thing I'd think to take if there was a fire is my keys and money, after ensuring my kids and husband are safe. The idea of having my life in danger and wanting to grab useless stuff is mind-blowing to me. I would not miss photos if they were gone. I'd just make new memories and be grateful to have everyone safe. But if you have things that mean so much to you, just put them in a fireproof safe.

[@amberjeanne9308]

As someone who has been in a fire, I ran out without shoes and wearing shorts in January. Usually a fire means you leave everything. A fire safe box or storing things on the outside parts of your house and behind typically closed doors are probably a better plan. If you have to flee from disaster a list of items to grab quickly is good and having empty bags handy.

[@samlambert4897]

I lost my house to a fire in 2017. The only thing I was concerned about was getting me and my family out it the house. Even if there had been a box of sentimental I wouldn’t have had time to grab it

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

True, and firemen will tell you not to worry about saving things - that’s when people get hurt or die

[@lynnettelg]

Hugs to you. I hope you’re doing well.

[@outofmyelement932]

I love the One Hour Better videos!

[@vivr662]

I love the container concept. It really focuses the mind when I am shopping or receiving items that others want to give me. When the container is full it is so much easier to say no to 'stuff'.

[@heathrusty]

If you have irreplaceable photos or the like, you can digitize pretty much everything this day and age. Save it to Google Drive/Photos and for extra protection, save it to a flash drive or hard drive that is stored in a safety deposit box.

[@sisterj9099]

I learn something every single Q & A! Thank you ☺️

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I loved the all-day declutters in the Take Your House Back course. Because I feel overwhelmed, I procrastinate so committing to the day and the camaraderie and structure of the group kept me going. Did I take an extra break because I’m 68, yes? Did I order a pizza for dinner, yes. But I got lots done and they were always great shots in the arm. They alone made the course worth the cost.

[@melissaweller3718]

Regarding doing the dishes: I reduced the number of place settings from 8 to 4. There are two of us. The extra dishes are in the china hutch. I reduced the number of baking pans, sauce pans, and frying pans, and other kitchen items. Those extras are stored in the basement. Now I have have less dishes to wash! I love it.

[@kimberlywalker280]

I always appreciate your wisdom. Just recently finished a 4 month redeclutter over the whole house.....most days, I worked hours....feels so good to have it done. Made a decision....since I have done this process several times thru the years,( I'm REALLY over the "push, push, push" trying to get it "all" done)... SOOOOO, You may also quote this technique to us too...forgive me for not remembering "where" I got this idea....but, it is genius! Today, and yesterday I have done a "5 minute decluttering"...and I am HOOKED! I will now do 5 minute decluttering daily M-F. I appreciate you so much.❤

[@ry-zt9ex]

lol... I missed the live because I was watching Dana at the HQ thing. I guess it's all Dana , all the time for me these days 😋 Still purging, decluttering....getting stuff out! Not sure if I will ever be the person with little bins and labels on everything... I am nowhere near that yet.....but getting things out is realllllly helping. There is something *no nonsense* about this method that really works in my ...brain? ha! Thanks Dana!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

😂 no harm there!

[@lonnarheaj]

Never underestimate Pickled Okra! Pickling is a great and tasty way to use part of a bumper crop.

[@SamCurtis-yk8cv]

I’m so glad someone asked about greeting cards❣️❣️ I also have cards in little piles all around my house. Now I know how to handle these the best way 💜. Thanks

[@sandrainontario6710]

I am so glad someone brought up the go bag! I am just about to go through a box a framed photos, put some in an album, send some to my niece, and donate frames. But there are a couple of them I'm going to put in a page protector in my go bag. They could get wrinkled and beating up in there but to me they're irreplaceable. Of course I will be taking pictures of them as well.

[@HomesteadingChicks]

We have one spot for pending projects. It’s a folding table in the main path of the basement. So we have a bucket of tools for the repair project while waiting for parts. A ceiling fan that needs to be put up. A laundry basket of sheets and blankets to rotate upstairs. Presents for the next party in a tote bag, ready to load. A small bin of paper plates and bowls for when I have surgery in a few weeks. That’s all that fits so no more projects!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Great idea

[@kaywilliams1065]

I really needed this reminder. I've been avoiding the files on, in, under my desk and I just need to grab one file looking for trash. Duh. Thanks Again!❤

[@trumax33]

The go bag is something maybe we should all think about. A friend of mine ALWAYS had a backpack with him. He had a change of clothes, his passport, some cash, some MREs, some bottled water, the contents of his wallet & file cabinet scanned & saved to a flash drive, a First Aid kit, a multi-tool, a flint, some hand sanitizer, a spare cell battery, and a mylar blanket, among other things. He said he could build a shelter, live in his car or leave the country at a moments notice without having to go home first. You nener know when you might need some of those things.

[@creativelycountry1617]

For the temporary clutter such as for a party, I have found that keeping everything in cardboard boxes, not just loose floppy bags everywhere helps. Even if I put the bags in the boxes it just feels better. Label the box “party materials” and corral it in there.

[@rositakennedy6740]

Hire party supplies if you don’t have a large house to store them, also realise as soon as the event is over that stuff is clutter. Consider white /neutral/clear host ware that can be used for any event/holiday rather than themed ones.

[@dawncozine50]

This process can take time to build strong muscles. Keep at it. You got this !

[@JaneH3675]

For decluttering with small children might I suggest using a 'time will tell' container? That way they are not fearful of their toys being thrown away. Let them know the toys are just going to be stored for a while. If they ask for a specific toy later on then you get it out for them. Eventually they won't miss what is in the container because they were allowed to pick out their favorites first to keep.

[@cheerfulmouse]

Thank You!

[@diannatrost8045]

The container concept is so powerful. Thank you

[@JaneH3675]

For greeting cards and letters. I narrowed mine down to 1 small flat container that easily fits on my closet shelf or will slide under the bed. I kept only special ones. And actually have room for more in the container. But have decided to stop saving them unless they are super special. I had to think, no one is gonna want to have to go through all those cards after I'm gone. Every letter and card from my husband is contained in a seperate zipped bag in that container and will be burned at my death. They are only special to me. Saving every card becomes a burden that you don't need. The container concept is very useful when making these decisions.

[@kathychatterton5623]

Re: “go bag” of sentimental items. I see nothing wrong with keeping your sentimental stuff in a container that can be easily grabbed if you have to evacuate but I think you need to be realistic about your ability to be able grab that bag in an emergency. I’ve lived in areas where I have had to evacuate for floods, wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes. Having a bag of sentimental stuff sorted, and ready to go can be great when you have time to think about evacuation. But that isn’t always the case and you should work to have realistic expectations. When your house is on fire NOW and you need to get yourself, your loved ones and your animals out, stuff is unimportant, no matter how sentimental. When the authorities say a natural disaster is heading in your direction, prepare to evacuate, then having those decisions already made is helpful. I live in a wildfire area, our most sentimental items live in a suitcase that gets moved to the garage (along with prescription medicines, important papers and emergency pet supplies) during fire season so we can throw them into a vehicle in literally seconds. But leaving them there would put them at risk from other hazards so it isn’t a long term solution. I could prep and stage them for evacuation and then have a garage fire when I am way from home. Someone could break in and steal my stuff, our area could flood. Heat and cold can deteriorate your items. Be realistic.

[@nikf.8741]

I have been so much better about getting rid stuff before keeping it. For example, I got a toiletry bag that came with a bunch of plastic fillable containers. I immediately threw half of them in my recycling bin because I knew it wouldn't fit in my container.

[@GoingGreenMom]

Hoopla has your audio books! Its my library system.

[@JaneH3675]

Thanks for that info.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I love checking them out regularly to listen while I work around the house - especially end of month if I have “unused” borrows.

[@Pamsouthdakota]

You are respectful in your advice 🥰

[@abbyfoote9478]

Happy Birthday, Reid!

[@for_one_and_all]

Dishes, 100%. It doesnt feel like its going to make a difference but it does. It does!!

[@susanaustin4809]

If I were going to be mowing in a week or two I’d probably be boxing up my books along with other stuff. Then go shopping for a few new items I needed for my new home after I moved in. But that’s just me. 😊

[@deborahdenine5]

A blue moon is the second full moon of a month.Most months have one,so when the second comes is is rare.Hence the saying once in a blue Moon ,cause iT is not often we get two

[@user-fv4qx5qz8y]

I tend to hop around from room to room never really finishing a room not sure why, but I have finished a few areas and love it, so you would think I would stick with one room till finished, lol

[@reneeprasil6153]

As a mom/grandmom/teacher, you would think that i would have had this epiphany years ago, but...it just clicked! "Kids' stuff/clothes/toys/room" clutter stuff is OUR issue. Our children do not buy their own toys/clothes/stuff---we do. Or friends do, family members do, etc. But we as their parent/guardian/teacher are the ones responsible. I recognized that it was my responsibility to show them how to clean, how to organize, how to make decisions on what to keep and what not to keep. But it just clicked that it is also MY responsibility to NOT BRING IN extra stuff/clothes/toys without making sure that we had space for it I have just now realized that I was the one allowing it initially. It took me a long time to choose experiences over stuff when choosing gifts for my family . I did try to encourage grandparents to place the money they would have spent on big/many presents into a trust fund, bonds, savings accounts, trips when mine were small. It is harder getting others to buy into this way of thinking. My reason for sharing is not to 'mommy blame', but to share what has taken me years to see. Placing the blame on the children for not doing what I was trying so hard to do but couldn't quite make it work, robbed me of some joy that I could have had with my own kids. I don't want any other mom to experience that and the guilt that comes later. Best wishes for you all!

[@kathychatterton5623]

I am a gifts person, I learned to give smaller gifts on other occasions than Christmas and birthdays. For example, kids would get a taken gift on Christmas, but their mom would get a Christmas in August envelope to cover new school clothes and school supplies. It made their mom’s life easier, filled my need to give gifts and it spread out the accumulation and amount of stuff.

[@haylibowen1609]

I was the same way as your daughter. I loved big high heels. The tallest pair I had was 4 in however My mom's rule was I had to wear a long dress if I were big heels. I got judged a lot by certain family in our church saying they were hooker heels but my mom knew I was classy and lady like So she allowed me to wear them 😂❤

[@Pajali]

Another idea for Michelle, who wanted to be ruthless with her stuff: try reducing the size of your container. Say, if you have 3 boxes full of yarn or whatever, you could limit yourself to 2 boxes. You’ll still have a finite limit, and unless you’re really creative with how you pack your boxes, you’ll end up with less yarn. 😄

[@GoingGreenMom]

Yes, blue moon was August 30th I believe.

[@GoingGreenMom]

And the new moon is 9/15

[@anitajohnson782]

👍

[@d.zyned2thrive584]

Is it even safe to have a container of belongings that you absolutely must save in a fire?😬

[@ThKiwi]

Not a house fire, but if you get a notice that a fire is headed your way and you have a few hours to evacuate, maybe. I have a contingency plan to get my many pets out of my house quickly if need be, but I’m well aware that in the case of a house fire I’m grabbing my daughter and making a run for it.

[@Wendy-eb2tl]

Yay, 1rst

[@lorimeadows8165]

For the woman whose mother is a hoarder - could she start with helping the father reduce any of his items he no longer wants or needs? Perhaps her mother will appreciate the progress and agree to some purging.

[@adz5bneweng589]

I will be a forever member of the Take Your House Back course. Getting my house manageable, easier to clean and keep clean. Feeling so much better too. Dana, Dawn and Cas are the true gurus of decluttering. Highly recommend!