Decluttering Q&A: Extra bedding? Things that Need Repairs? Extra bins?

Answering questions about decluttering!
Learn my whole process in my book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life: aslobcomesclean.com/book
Submit questions for future lives at AskDanaKWhite.com
Find a decluttering coach who uses my methods at DeclutteringCoaches.com
Join the Take Your House Back course at aslobcomesclean.com/take
03.13: What should I do with my old office stuff until I can make a new office (need to renovate)?
09.56: Would it be too extreme/weird to declutter down to 1 sheet set and blanket per bed and just wash and replace as needed, so only winter and guest bedding need storage? Or is it better to upsize the container?
13.20: What do we do with things that we need to do something with? I.e. something we need to fix, a lamp we need to buy a lampshade for, something that needs to be taken somewhere outside of her house etc.
19.19: I am stuck decluttering upgrades if items that don't end up being upgrades. For example sandals I love but were getting shabby. Replacement were not as comfy so I ended up keeping both.
24.56: As I declutter, I am emptying several storage bins and drawers. I know I will need some of them somewhere, but probably not all. How do I deal with bins when I'm not sure what I will be keeping?
28.20: What do you do with clothes you want to sell but cannot? When do you just donate? I have a hard time letting go?
34.32: How to deal with decluttering with so many interruptions with a 6month and 3yr old. I am loosing my mind! Please help!!
37.32: ​​? My home is pretty clean, but I love home decor and I like to switch things out seasonally. As a result, my basement shelving is full of decor, accent furniture, etc. I need some tough love!
39.27: ??? How did you let go of kitchen utensils or appliances- I do have space - but It drives me crazy for stuff I use a couple times a year
40.08: We're a family of 3 living in a small 2 bedroom apartment in NY. So we have seasons, need to store out of season clothes-- can this actually be done without leaving out of season stuff at my mom's?
42.47: I have a brain injury that's impacted my executive function (similar to ADHD). I clean and organize my office, but I keep re-cluttering it! What tips can you share so I can stop this vicious circle?
46.26: ​​??? What do I do with all of the single socks? I’m ashamed to say I have like three baskets full. And even more ashamed to say … I’ve had them for years! Send help
47.36: we are in the process of adopting a newborn. we currently have 2 children & we want to declutter baby clothes...both of our children were born within 10 days of one another...how do we declutter?
49.33: Is there any utility to decluttering storage spaces first- so you can bring in there now when decluttering other areas?
52.09: ? Should I be worried now wrong time of year to declutter the Christmas decor I did not put out?
53.28: Any tricks for decluttering specifically with selling my house and moving in mind?
53.49: How do you prioritize where to start?

[@FisherOfMen705]

As much as we all truly benefit from your live Q&As, there's not one of your viewers who would have held it against you to take time off for being sick. Take care of you, you're amazing Dana!

[@MorningClarity]

"Even though you feel pain in decluttering, it's going to help you in the future." 💖

[@gaild9003]

Dana you are so genuine and sincere! I just love listening to you any chance I get! My son has a brain injury from an ATV accident a year and a half ago which greatly affected his executive functioning as well as his ability to sleep. He has always been pretty organized and minimal with his things, and donating stuff he doesn't like/use has always been easy for him. Now it is an absolute necessity to keep his bedroom and study area decluttered and very simplified. He's in college, but commutes from home. He recently took all of the decor off of the walls in his room. It seems so bare to me, but it helps him. I had wanted to display our guitars and other instruments on the wall in the music room where his study area is, but he has been fighting me on this. As I watched this replay, I realized the reason that he has been fighting me on this is that to him, it would be too much visual "noise". To anyone with a brain injury, my heart goes out to you. It's hard! It's painful to realize and accept that you can't do everything the way you used to. Decluttering and simplifying can definitely help though!

[@KatyInNH]

Hi Gail My husband had a very severe TBI . While I do know these injuries are different, I just wanted to tell you that my husband has continued to heal. His inability to have multiple things going on at once has greatly improved and only is apparent now when he is tired. I hope the best for your son, you and your family as you continue forward. Please take care of you too…. Wishing you all the best!

[@gaild9003]

@@KatyInNH Thank you for that! It truly helps to know that there is hope! Zach has improved overall, but the constant headaches and lack of sleep are hard on him as a freshman college student. He is majoring in Civil Engineering (his choice!), and the calculus, chemistry and physics are extremely challenging! Fortunately we were able to get some accommodations in place to help, and we are making sure his load is as light as possible. I'm hopeful next semester will be better for him! Thanks again!

[@KatyInNH]

@@gaild9003 So glad it helped! Zach's determination and his great support system are what will keep moving him forward. My husband and I are both scientist so I understand the workload. As Zach progresses, he is rebuilding his strength in all areas. People continue to heal through the months and years - the brain is amazing. My husbands physician told us that people that are smart heal much more fully - and that has certainly been the case for my hubs. All the best to Zach, You Gail, and your family and support team!

[@gaild9003]

@@KatyInNH ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart!!

[@lb9549]

Best wishes for your son

[@sandywilliams848]

You methods and reasoning make so much sense!!! You have changed this old lady’s life for the better!!!

[@avanellehansen4525]

Yes. The only person that has helped me! So doable!

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

About the shoes, years ago I bought a really lovely expensive pair of shoes, they were so painful to wear, and made my feet bleed. For ages I kept them, because I had spent, for me, a lot of money on them. (And no they weren't heels) I finally let them go as they were never going to be worn, and they only made me feel the pain of the wasted money and blisters. What I did learn was to be very careful about only buying shoes which were comfortable and that I liked. Not having the shoes on the rack allowed me to move forward rather than feeling the guilt still that I had made a mistake. We all make mistakes, but the real mistake is not learning from it, and punishing ourselves by holding onto something that simply makes us feel guilty or stupid. There is so much power in letting items go, because the feelings we have attached to them if they are negative also go.

[@Swayspirit]

Yeah I used to wear a pair of low-heeled school shoes when I was a teenager that really hurt and gave me bleeding blisters but I loved them. So I had to wear others all week so I could wear my favourite ones one day a week! I learnt at that early age that, for me, comfort in shoes always win!

[@sherylporter9557]

Keep the lesson, lose the shoes.

[@MegOfBroccoli]

Shoe buying on line is so frustrating. I just own very few pairs so I don't have to keep dealing with it.

[@jreed1169]

Love your videos!! My A D H D is going through the roof with the buffering. Please reload this one.

[@nicolettehare3322]

I missed your Live Q & A because I was decluttering pens and pencils so that they only fit into the containers they were supposed to be in. 😅 I decluttered my closet again this week - stuck in room last few days due to trying not to get anyone sick. Annnd, I will be decluttering Christmas (and Fall )decor before it gets put away for next year. Thank you so much for your encouragement!! I’m also someone who doesn’t like being told what to do or tricked into doing something - not by others (a given) but by my own self. It doesn’t work. 😅 P.S. “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” is #1 in the Hoarding & Addiction Recovery book section on Amazon!

[@kellyvarley946]

Oh my goodness Dana between the stops and starts with the buffering and the ads today I had a hard time getting thru the replay 😞

[@delphinelb8774]

Me too … I try to listen to it little by little

[@christi3411]

I could listen to you all day everyday and some days I do. 🥰

[@Sml1965]

Enjoyed listening while I was decluttering. Very motivating. I love the container method! It changed everything.

[@SF-ru3lp]

We don't use tumble dryers quite as much as you do in the US. I dry my sheets outside in a covered, slatted metal 'trolley'(LennonLines) so I do need a spare set of sheets. I saw an interesting idea in a talk by Andrew Mellen ("Unstuff Your Life"). He put spare 2 sheets in a pillow case and stored the whole folded set in the room (the wardrobe in the room) where they would be used). Might not suit everyone. G Ire

[@ilakaiser3778]

Single socks make great puppets for elementary classes or youth groups. Also great for dusting and swiffering floors then throw away. It is easier to donate items by mind shifting to not a donation but a blessing to someone else.

[@MegOfBroccoli]

They also fit in a trash can.

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Mom always said you needed 3 sets of sheets so you could have one dirty, one on the bed and one in waiting. Yup its a pain but its saved my butt plenty of times over the years.

[@leightrammell4892]

That rule may have been created when sheets had to be washed by hand and dried on the line. They used to iron sheets, too. I like the one set idea, but a person probably cannot wash the entire household’s bed linens on the same day, especially for a family of nine!

[@Michelle-zd9xs]

I have gotten so good at decluttering. With 2 kids, we had so much pile up plus holding onto crap we both brought to our home after college. It feels so cleansing to get rid of the clutter. Ppl don't realize how much decor alone can make a room feel cluttered, especially the farmhouse decor with words on it

[@Carolmaizy]

We are a family of two seniors. I only do laundry once or twice a week. I have extra sheet sets and pillowcases in two bins on the upper shelf of our bedroom closet. We also have extra towels.That way I can wash sheets and towels together when I have enough for a full washer load, which isn't every week. On the day I strip my bed linens I immediately put the clean ones on, then dust and vacuum the bedroom.

[@brittneyferguson1555]

I just started looking into the book 📖 Oh how it speaks to me. I was sitting in my living room & just exactly as I read the part of you looking around, defeated & crying in the living room, I did the exact same. I knew that was a sign. I am trying & starting. I decluttered my pots & pans & had to catch some of my old "keep it" behaviors. I do feel better with the space. I'm looking forward to reading more.. thank you for the honesty ❤

[@saracroft21]

How is it going for you Brittney? I'm curious since you posted one year ago. Hello from Germany :)

[@rg-mi5hh]

We decluttered Christmas stuff last year that wasn't used. Not all of it was let go of, but a little made difference. Now Christmas fits in the closet for Christmas stuff. It was so much easier to find stuff this year! Christmas lights look great outside, but somettimes it looks cluttery to me if it is overdone. Some people can make a lot of decorations look nice and some just look like a mess to me.

[@lindamusser7370]

Getting rid of even a little is like losing a little weight that makes your pants fit better.

[@emilyharrison1340]

Not specific to decluttering but I love your curly hair!! So pretty!

[@Katy_living_simply]

We have a King bed, Full, twin, and crib (Family of 6). The only ones that have a second sheet is the baby. We do not use flat sheets. We do have two Queen air mattresses for guests. And have two fitted sheets for that. Which get stored away. I only keep two pillows for guests and 2 blankets (king size) that can be used for the air mattresses. That's it. We had 7 family members stay for the holidays and I was able to supply them all with somewhere to sleep with clean sheets. Alot of people travel with their own pillows anyway or favorite blankets. So, that's extra stuff I don't have to keep for all my family. Our immediate family is about 30. They would never expect me to keep things to accommodate everyone if they all came to visit. So I keep it simple and let them know what I can provide for them.

[@tricianm6213]

Genius!!! Telling guests what you have and what they need to bring. Again... Genius! ❤️

[@Katy_living_simply]

@@tricianm6213 Hello!! Where in NM? We are in LC.❤️

[@MBXGill]

I love this!

[@marywiggins7411]

Sound was glitchy on replay?

[@beverleyb5372]

Based on the livestream comments, it seems that the livestream was lagging for everyone which of course makes the playback seem laggy as well.

[@ginamcgrew9955]

Family of 9 sheets: could you store an extra set of bedding in small tote under each bed? Or in individual bedroom closets? I have small kids and during times if illness, I need extra sheets NOW!! I cannot deal with one set each until kids are older. But it's up to you and your chapter of life 😊

[@katie7748]

Omg this!! Tummy troubles, bedwetting, nosebleeds...sometimes multiple bedding changes in a single night...we couldn't afford any extra sets so back then we used to have them just sleep on old towels or blankets on the floor for the rest of the night. I'd rather clean the carpet than have stained mattresses LOL We now have the luxury of keeping at least two extra sets per child on a shelf in our closet. When they outgrow them or they get worn out, they'll get used as dropcloths for painting, donated to a local shelter (they are ALWAYS needing linens!), or simply folded neatly with labels as to what size and set at the end of the driveway for free.

[@Swayspirit]

I remember when my kids were little, they had a s&d virus and we went through every sheet within 2 days and we had a few!!! We have never had a tumble dryer and unless it's a hot summer day you'll never get anything dried the same day in the UK. And you can guarantee when they're on the line it will rain!!! So, even now they're grown up, I have to have 2 complete bedding for each bed and pray I don't need more!!!

[@lindamusser7370]

What I hear from you overall is: Accept reality. That's good mental health.

[@Oceangirl1234]

Completely

[@Elizabeth-490]

Yes, you were live but it is really glitchy- but still worth listening! Awesomeness!

[@tawniamartin5559]

I just started reading your book” declutter at the speed of life” a few days ago

[@janethunt4037]

I loved your explanation the value of donating - saving time, convenience, things leaving quickly and easily. I'm becoming a believer of this as I see how long I handle things to list on eBay.

[@MegOfBroccoli]

I lived in a studio apt. in NYC during grad school and I didn't even have a closet. I had built-in shelving that was 10 inches wide on one wall and a "linen closet" that was like 3 feet high and 20 inches wide. I kept my wool coat in a large basket on the "living area" floor [it was a studio] and I put a large wooden cutting board over the top of it to be a "table" between two chairs. 🤷‍♂️🤣 you do what you have to do. Last 2 yrs of grad school I made a wool coat every year then donated it in the spring. Then just made another one the next year.

[@annblachly8068]

Can you reload this? There are so many breaks in it.

[@lubnan08]

I thought it my my internet. Thanks for posting something

[@ceciliecardwell6057]

Still so many breaks. I gave up on this video unfortunately 😢

[@kimesch9698]

Take it there now is a great way to get in my daily steps!😂

[@sharellbrewer1496]

For the extra sheets; fold them loosely and store them under the mattress at the end of the bed. I've put the extra sheet sets in the pillow shams behind a small pillow. No one ever noticed. Also, you can buy the next size sheet up for the bottom sheet instead of a fitted sheet. They fold much smaller and easier and are easier to store. I fold the sheets and one pillow case and store them in the other pillow case. They store really flat. They also roll up better if that works better for storage.

[@lennyburdick3192]

Thank you for answering first with affirmation and praise. It reminds me to go there first with all all all interactions!

[@MegOfBroccoli]

Great comments on the organizing containers. I started donating the big shit almost immediately but I saved smaller containers because I was saving my sewing decluttering for last and I figured I'd need some of them. I still donated most of those!

[@debbiev.1311]

So happy to have made the Live...thank you!! ❤🤗

[@shibolinemress8913]

Single socks can make great pet toys. I stuff mine with catnip, scrunchy paper, other rags, and more, and just tie off the tops. They're done in a matter of minutes. Animal shelters usually love handmade toy donations. ❤

[@Carolmaizy]

I also have had several shower curtains for about 8 years. I wash and change them and the liners every three months. I love the ones I have and won't need to buy another probably for the next 12 years,lol.

[@catgrrr1]

What kind of liners do you use? The only ones I can find are the plastic ones and I’m not too keen on throwing that into our washer

[@Carolmaizy]

@@catgrrr1 honestly, I use cheap liners from the dollar store. I wash them maybe three times then use a new one. The shower curtains are good quality fabric, but using cheap liners doesn't bother me.

[@lorivybihal5385]

I use different sheets of the widget that I use in the summer so I do have a backup set for each bed. I still wash and put them back on for the season. We like flannel in winter

[@cin4195]

Thank you so much! Your methods are amazing! From the actions to the mindset everything is amazing! Your method is the fastest and most accurate way to basically UN-MESS ANY MESS one object at a time which is usually how messes are created in the first place. The decisions are final and immediate. So are the results. Exactly what is needed when overwhelm has set in as well as maintenance techniques. I have your books in audiobook form and they were a great investment. You and minimal mom have been the two people that have gotten me off the couch so thanks again!

[@roxanes43]

*lightbulb moment* I don't have to try to manage as much stuff as my mother does effortlessly, and accepting to be okay with that 😁

[@jessandjessica452]

I love your wisdom! Thank you!

[@maryhysong]

To the single sock folks; With 3 kids I'd have the same issue. About once a month I would make them all come sit on the floor and dump out the basket of singles. First sort colors from whites then sort into piles of the same kind (all white, grey heels, ect) Then pair them up. Then throw away all the leftovers.

[@angelaschmidt9563]

Yes hon you've been live😁

[@annblachly8068]

Vacuum bags for out of season clothes. I donate good single socks. There are people with only one foot, right?

[@monicacollins8289]

Animal shelters welcome your donated towels and bedding.

[@karoosten232]

The bins!! I have a carseat box full of bins. That’s just the smaller ones 😵‍💫

[@Blankenshipable]

Just awesome!

[@annlink8265]

I don't know if I haven't looked at enough things on the website, but I cannot find where to submit questions for the live videos. Do I need to email her? I thought there was a google form somewhere but I could not find it. Can anyone help me???

[@teresarose7524]

need a coach in Martyland!

[@user-jk1ed2kp9v]

? ? Paper hoarder, I’m trying to break the CPTSD to break the habits of worrying about shredding something I will need later. I am making progress slow but not fast enough??

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

My Mom gives name brand items to the one consignment store where she always has at least 50.00 every time she goes. It's out of the house and she didn't have to worry about selling it, plus it's not near the amount of loss when you get money for it. I won't buy shoes anymore unless I feel like I can wear them a minimum of 8 hours at a time. For the sock person or those bags of one socks, I use them to make snuffle mats for my dogs (helps tamp down their energy level) and gifts for my dog obedience students:. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZWWq4eOesplfck. The last project she makes a pillow, but I use it for a snuffle mat. Can cut the ends if you might be concerned about the loops. Sara Ondrako also has a video on how to make a snuffle mat with a pocket. I used a basket and cut up sweatshirts that were too bad to be donated. Hope that helps.

[@lisakrings5419]

❓ not kidding, we have 18 totes of clothes from newborn to size 7 that have been used for six kids. I’m going to go through and get rid of tons of it. It’s ridiculous…no one needs all these clothes. I’m overwhelmed. I’m going to go through and toss any stained ones or any needing any type of repair. Any suggestions on the next step?

[@sarahk758]

Hey :) I went through this, downgrading all of future clothes for our last born. What I did, was have a tote for future shoe sizes, and a tote for future clothes sizes to keep in my last borns closet (we only have two children). From size 2t up, I decided how many to keep of each item, rolled them up to save space, put in the tote. Example: 7 pairs of pants, 7 pairs of shorts, 7 shirts, etc. Coats and sweaters I put in those vacuum bags - and allowed myself two bags (since that’s what fits in his closet). Btw, the dollar tree vacuum bags work awesome. I labeled and boxed up the rest. Personally, I’ll be selling the rest at Rhea Lana’s when it comes in the spring, but if you have the storage space, you could hang on to more to see if you need more clothes in the future. I figured by the time he reaches 4t/5t he might have some preferences of materials he wants to wear and we can always buy the occasional extra shirt or pants if needed. Hope you find what works for you!

[@lisakrings5419]

@@sarahk758 thank you! That makes good sense to me…keeping a certain number of each thing. It’s a great way to make some concrete boundaries. That was my issue…what boundaries can I put in place to help me through this. I appreciate your input 😊.

[@darleneh608]

I have some of those plastic, zippered bags that blankets are sold in. I chose the nicest of the stored clothes, things that I would be happy to have, good condition, etc. Put them in a tote using the bags to separate each size. On top of the items in each bag, I set a note card with the size written on it using a nice, bold marker. That way, when I need a specific size, it's easy to grab exactly what I need. Because everything is nice, it feels like shopping in my own home. I'm also ruthless about which sizes I'm willing to keep. In my case since it's just my clothes, and just aspirational clothes in case I lose weight, I only keep two sizes below my current size. For you, you might keep two sizes bigger than each of your kids. Or some other boundary that makes sense to you. I think the key, though, is to just keep the nicest of the clothes, things in great shape, that you love and would be happy to wear. Don't keep things that you're not wild about in hopes that they'll work anyway.

[@lisakrings5419]

@@darleneh608 Thank you for sharing your ideas 😊. I especially love the thought of keeping only the nicest of the clothes. There’s such an over abundance, it makes sense to use that as a way of deciding what to keep and what to let go.

[@sarahk758]

@@lisakrings5419 that was my issue too. Having boundaries! I seriously have about 15 large boxes of clothes to sell/donate. And that’s just children clothes lol everything else I just donate. Way easier lol. I have a super low clutter threshold (what I can maintain), so for us- having a set number of each item works. Same as with dishes math, having clothes math helps me keep on top of laundry before it piles up, and it’s easier for me. Everyone is different though. Agreed with other comment about picking the best out, we did that for both looks and comfort wise. So far little one hasn’t complained about any choices he has!

[@johndoe-cr3eu]

I just have low energy. I have trouble getting up off the couch and throwing stuff away. Any thoughts?

[@MsJ0an]

Start small and with a timer. One shelf at a time. Find a donation box the night before and place your garbage bag in it so you don't procrastinate because you don't have the items needed. I really dislike mowing the front and back lawn because it takes an hour to do both. So I do them on different days. On those days I don't turn on the TV and right after I get home from work I change into my chores clothes. Also I don't mow on the days I know work is not going to drain my energy. You can do it! Even 5 mins helps and can motivate you to keep going. 😊

[@1plus1equals25]

🤩

[@angelica351a]

34:30

[@joycain1119]

i love your ideas. but everytime i went through ur vidieo it keped stopping over and over . i found out it isnt mine but your connection

[@carolgeorge6409]

You have been cutting out a lot. Must be bad connection or my phone!

[@marie-lynn5767]

People don’t talk to your shoes