Decluttering Q&A with Dana K White 4.11.23

I'm answering questions submitted at AskDanaKWhite.com. Go there to ask questions for future lives.
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[@almostahippie]

When my son was around 5, we sent him to a speech therapist as advised by an education evaluator. The therapist had to do a vocabulary assessment and held up pictures for my son. The picture of a couch came at some point and hmy son said: ‘Couch! ‘ then he went on to add ‘we have two of those-one to sit on and one for the laundry!’ I’ve never been so embarrassed! ☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@misa5941]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Maloma12]

Doesn't sound like he had any trouble with speech!! lol! (Sorry, I couldn't resist). They certainly do come up with some interesting things to share! lol 🌿M

[@Jeanniebugg]

Pausing the video to comment on the laundry question. I don't fold laundry in my laundry room. I take the load out of the dryer, immediately take it to my bedroom, immediately fold everything on my bed, and immediately put it away. You don't have to fold the laundry in the laundry room. You can take it elsewhere. Just, don't dump it and walk away. The problem is dumping it and walking away. The issue is not where you fold the laundry, it's that you fold it right away and that you put it away right away.

[@ps0195]

I do this

[@annepinkney6921]

Agree 100%. I’ve taken to doing this or folding directly from line into basket then putting away immediately. It is so much less stressful than digging thru a procrastapile for items to wear 😅 Its the “Take it there now” of laundry.

[@rosywilson3076]

Yes! The ‘take it there now’ of laundry! Thanks 😊

[@deborahalana8027]

Yes!! I fold and sort by piles and put away mine laundry and the things that go in the linen closet. I hand my husband his pile to put away, it takes 5min tops

[@jennesont4791]

This is my technique too! Hot from the dryer, dumped on the bed and fold immediately (usually while watching youtube videos).

[@fionaschiffl8065]

If I’m feeling overwhelmed I spontaneously pick up 5 things from around the house and put them in their correct spot even if it’s in the bin. I also try to do that everyday anyway, even a few times a day. I don’t stress out about it and it feels good afterwards. It only takes about 3 minutes. This became a habit after doing this constantly for 2.5 days about a year ago and it’s still working.

[@tonibergquist61]

I must admit that I love folding/hanging clothes straight out of the dryer as they are nice and warm and easier to take care of. I can be done in less than 10 minutes. PS I also love having a laundry day ❤

[@daCubanaqt]

I love having a laundry day too!!

[@Hope-ot1xy]

I do the same! It helps me get it done and out-of-the-way and not something that I still have to do because it’s an unfinished task. I do laundry every day because we just have a lot of laundry, and it helps to really keep it all under control. I don’t have to look at piles and, be thinking that I still have to do that. Very freeing!

[@MyPDDaily]

I appreciate you non-judgmental style!!! Thanks for all you do!!!

[@vivr662]

If you hate folding laundry then you need less clothing and linens. Work down to your clutter threshold for this type of object.

[@GoingGreenMom]

Or you could just hang stuff instead of folding..... My kids actually requested that I start hanging shirts instead of folding, and I eventually switched my own stuff over too. We are all pretty visual, so it is a bit of a win/win because we can see it easier than if it is all folded up too. When you are down to pants, shorts, and underwear, there is less to fold. And we hang dry, so it is pretty much pull it off the hanger and maybe fold it in half before tossing it in a basket or onto the pile.

[@ritatharp5238]

Thank you for saying the person who gets asked where things are, gets to decide their place/ home.

[@margaret1336]

My suggestion is to put the ironing board up next to the dryer use it to fold, then put it away and put washing away. ❤❤

[@heatherhoover9963]

My tips for folding laundry out of dryer...i get overwhelmed by large loads. So i either do smaller loads or say "I'll put away 5 things right from the dryer, take a short break, then do 5 more" i do more steps, but i need the excersise anyway!!!

[@seaspeaktome9167]

The container concept works pretty well with my 4 yr old. She recently wanted a stuffy that she’d let go of last time and we had a moment about it, where I supported her saying “oh, you’re missing your penguin. You wish you still had it That’s so tough”, then had a big snuggle and a cry, but then she was ok. I think it’s a good lesson that you can get rid of something and even miss it sometimes but still be ok ❤ For the earlier question about laundry, I don’t fold right out of the dryer (for a couple reasons I won’t get into), but what has worked is only going down to the laundry room and getting the stuff out of the dryer and into the basket when I’m ready to put away. I go right to the room where it belongs and put it all away right away.

[@brg2743]

I started decluttering our breezeway. Old gardening containers, stuff not needed or used and it is really looking nicer. I do little each day and it is looking better everyday. Now I want to paint it.

[@katherinep1010]

Thank you for the abbreviated version of the questions on screen. It is very helpful, especially since I often watch the replay over several days as I do dishes and laundry.

[@jennyb.5873]

I can relate about wanting to sell everything. I had like-new and brand new designer shoes that I had a set in my mind a monetary value because I knew what I valued it to be. I wasn't going to use the items, so I knew they had to go. I tried to sell and NO ONE wanted them, even at rock bottom prices. I finally was able to let them go and donate. NOW, I had a chandelier I paid $400 dollars for and I COULD NOT GIVE IT AWAY. I finally sold it for $100. STILL, I could have easily written it off on my taxes for that $100 I just could not part with it to donation. It had many pieces and was going to take a lot of effort to pack as it was delicate. LOOK how I'm STILL trying to justify it! THE MONEY WAS SPENT. It was not serving me! Why go through the mental and emotional hassle of dealing with parting with it? I find after I've parted with the expensive designer shoes and chandelier, I can part with other things to donation much, much easier now.

[@margaret1336]

When I talk about selling stuff my husband says to give it away we’ve already had the fun out of it.

[@grutarg2938]

I had a great team decluttering today. My partner asked for my help with her music studio. I helped by walking her through the steps and encouraging her. I didn't touch any of her stuff, but I dusted where I could and emptied the trash, recycling & donation bins when they got full. It was so nice to work alongside each other. We went back in to sweep at the end and the room looked so much better and bigger.

[@LorreneRomanic]

My adult son comes to my house a couple times each month to help with various jobs (firewood, house maintenance, etc.) so I ask him if he was looking for a certain tool, etc, where would he look for it first - mostly the basement, laundry room or the shed - and then we decide on a home for it together within that location. That way, if he's here while I'm at work, he doesn't have to search everywhere to find it. This has been really helpful!

[@rochellena4082]

Hello, I really appreciate your videos, I live in apartment building and nothing has helped me out more than your steps. It is not perfect, but getting there thanks to your method and self attitude makes a huge difference fore right now!

[@misstbutterfly883]

I like to use mesh laundry bags for socks, I have one in my bedroom to put all my socks in, and through the week, I put my kids socks in others... They can go straight from the washer into the dryer and that saves time on sorting 😉 (I also take washing to my bed and fold it while watching/ listening to You on KZbin ... hehe I also have a garage where I hang on their hangers to dry, my wardrobe going clothes (saving $ on drying, no wrinkles etc) so its straight from drying and into the closet 😊 Love your tips Dana!❤ God Bless

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Place laundry basket on the floor close to the dryer. Just fold each item and plop in basket. It totally works!! I have also used a ironing board especially if items in the dryer I am planning to iron. Ironing board is an adequate size for the task but not toooo big and it’s easy to stow away

[@SloanePaoPow]

Fold each individual piece of laundry as you pull it out of the dryer so it goes into the basket folded. Then you can put it straight into the dresser from the basket.

[@gracieofgod8899]

For the laundry…I can’t fold straight from the dryer. I use the container concept by allowing one basket of unfolded laundry at a time. Keeping the laundry in a basket means I can move it if I need to. I can usually fold one basket of laundry throughout the day, so I do one load a day. If I still have left over unfolded clothes from the day before I can condense laundry to one basket. If I have more than will fit in one basket, then that is a visual cue that I need to make folding laundry a priority.

[@patdennis2586]

Laundry folding… fold onto an ironing board or folding table at the dryer. Time yourself. Do it for 30 days. Laundry tongs… life changing tool for large capacity washer and dryer! I bought a 17 inch pair. Love them and so does my back!

[@annmerchant452]

I use a little fold up stepping stool for my 5'2" self or I hold my 6 year old granddaughter by her feet & lower her into the washer. Lol. She loves it.

[@3TXSisters]

​@@annmerchant452 😄😄😄

[@yadiaag7771]

Solution to shelves you can’t fill or can fit random things is to take them out. Take out slots, break down spaces to bigger ones or take the entire thing out if possible. I’m having trouble fitting stuff into several boxes so I removed several boxes worth of things. I’m not sure why I needed them in the first place now.

[@jeme7339]

On folding laundry...I fold each item just in front of me, ie not onto a flat surface. Also, as each item is pulled from dryer or taken down from drying rack, I place it in a small laundry basket as there is no other place to stack it while pulling out the next item.

[@cheerfulmouse]

Lol 😆 Your reaction to the dog is basically always the same. I hope Reid makes a compilation of these moments over the summer, just as a fun reminder of the reasons you are fun to watch!

[@marthaj5466]

Dana, thank you for explaining that strange wig head behind you! It was kind of freaking me out, wondering what it was 😂

[@kathykaplan2451]

I had to make a game out of laundry. I folded during a tv program and raced to get things put away during commercials

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

Laundry, the ongoingness of laundry. Yes, no one (but maybe some do) enjoys folding it but I remember learning that if I folded it really well, there were less creases and therefore less or no ironing, which I dislike even more. Also know there are seasons in your life where things are harder, you have less time, you get interrupted more etc, so you may have to juggle your approach to the task, for example when my children were very little I used to hang the laundry outside overnight in the summer as I had time in the evening to do it, because they were in bed, and time in the morning to get it in and put away whilst they had a morning nap. You maybe have to work around the gaps in the time you have. Also if it helps, each item given back washed and cared for says "I Love You Enough To Do This For You"

[@jennesont4791]

I'm a weirdo that LOVES folding laundry. I love taking that mess of fabric and making orderly little piles of items. It gives me an inner calm that nothing else does. My husband calls me the laundry fairy because before he even knows that the dryer has done, I have his load all folded on the bed. Everyone in the house is responsible for their own laundry (washing and putting away) but I seriously love jumping in on everyone's folding. LOL

[@alisonsmith7162]

The kimono question: historical societies, opera companies, japanese highschool classrooms, school drama productions might take kimonos.

[@plushymom]

When I was planning my utility/laundry area layout I had a great idea - I now have 2 large laundry baskets side by side which give me space to fold clothes at comfortable height 😀

[@nikkikoz4720]

With laundry I take it to the room it's going to with my phone and watch an awesome show I save for laundry and put it directly in the drawers (I only fold certain things).

[@shellc3509]

Thank you so much Dana! Light bulb moment on donating vs selling 💕

[@vickiuridge3375]

I've just caught up on the live and as always I'm so grateful to you for all your advice and help. I listen to you on audible and watch videos nearly every day. You are such an inspiration. I love your books too. ❤xx

[@JoanneWhitlock]

We repurposed a closet by taking out shelves, adding a rail and putting in a set of drawers at the bottom. Much better than shelves.

[@stephanied6711]

❤❤

[@kellymarberry6467]

On the kimono question: Donate to a theater group! So many more will appreciate their beauty!

[@lindamusser7370]

When you think you want to sell something, ask yourself how much you would pay to have a neat house.

[@louisagomez585]

I fold and put away from the dryer... Done.

[@findingaway5512]

I need you to speak in your British accent. 😊

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

I have been listening to you too long. You paused and struggled for a word describing your paper clutter baskets. I supplied Doo-lolly for you. You're welcome.

[@maureensheil4051]

I need to fold it right away! Otherwise, I have to turn the dryer back on to get out the wrinkles. I hate ironing more than folding laundry.😂

[@LorreneRomanic]

I've been putting off going through really old photos - most of which are already in scrapbooks (lots of duplicates and blurry pics - why did I save all those pics years ago? lol) I also have lots of negatives to throw out - like from 1988 or earlier to approx. 2009 when I got a digital camera!

[@laurathronson667]

When I fold out of the drier but not put away people dig threw the basket and mess what I just did 😢

[@lisamaher7571]

Smaller loads is what worked for me.

[@lenari9567]

and it helps to have less clothes and wear them a couple of times before washing.

[@laurat7324]

I think people are naturally going to be curious about other things (curly hair products) when you've been watching someone's channel for a while. After watching Reid's comments at the end of videos, I find myself wondering about him. NOT in a creepy way. But it just naturally makes me curious. What will he do after college? Is he the jokester out of all 3 of your kids? I'm not asking for answers. Just making a point. If your curly hair is tamed, just tell the viewer what she could try. If she doesn't like the product, she can look elsewhere.

[@erinschulten4651]

Dang, that makes too much sense. I think I can actually put the laundry away from the dryer. I hang up everything instead of folding and just put socks and underwear in bins.

[@cassieleydsman8861]

I’m ad I missed the live stream but I am in a one room apartment with a 7 month old son what to do with toys bed and all the extras HELP

[@kmac2482]

The answer is always less stuff to manage. Container concept - you only have the space you have.

[@cassieleydsman8861]

@@kmac2482 thank you i just got some different kinds cheep but alot better especially with the toys and clothes

[@Maloma12]

~20:00 I remember that Oprah episode!! VALUABLE information!! God forbid that anything should happen to anyone but, if if does, don't ever let a criminal take you to a second location...that's where they will have the upper hand. Your life depends on it!! FIGHT! 🌿 M

[@sherryruddell3588]

Ellen Bloomfield....what is a bread banneton?

[@mariettedemarest5173]

A basket for proofing sourdough or rustic bread.

[@RadCenter]

I'll never understand who so many people think putting away laundry is such an arduous task. I grab the load of laundry out of the dryer, march it to my bedroom, dump it on my bed, and have it folded or hung and put away in less than five minutes. What's the big deal?

[@RadCenter]

PS I do a quick sort on the bed before folding or hanging-separate socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc. Takes less time, because I can pull out the right amount of hangers for the number of tops I have, etc., and I don't have to go back and forth to the closet.

[@heathrusty]

Everyone is different. What might be overwhelming to one person is not to another. I know someone who can build the most amazing things (think decoration builds, custom shelves, costumes, etc.), but is totally overwhelmed and intimidated by cooking. It's not helpful to compare how well any of us do anything, because either we end up feeling discouraged because others seem to do it so much more effortlessly and better than us, or we feel superior and a little bit judgmental of others. Neither is productive.

[@GoingGreenMom]

If I had to guess, it might be because they didn't pre-make the decision to go through all the steps of the process or they get distracted. These days I hang dry on the hangers we put in our closets, but I know when the kids were little it was easy to get distracted.... Mom, I need to go potty! Mom, we're hungry! Mom, I need help with my homework!

[@annblachly8068]

Most likely they have been piling several loads of laundry together then folding in front of the television and it takes a long time. Actually, setting a timer for the true amount of time it takes to fold directly from the dryer has never been done to realize it is faster to do now then later in a huge daunting pile. Same reason for hesitation to unload the dishwasher which can often be 2 minutes or less if it was timed. They've made it an extra task when it can be a task done when waiting for heating up in the microwave, coffee to brew or cooking breakfast on the stove.

[@jennesont4791]

What makes it a chore is if it's not easy to put away (like if the drawers are too full already)