Decluttering Q&A with Dana K White 4.25.23

I'm answering questions submitted at AskDanaKWhite.com. Go there to ask questions for future lives.
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01.43: I love the container concept and have been working to implement it among my stuff. However, my partner is a "collector", and any space I clear he ends up filling back up with his stuff. Any advice?
09.09: What is your view on taking pictures of those things that are hard to part with sentimental reasons? Is it a good idea or is it better for one's mental health to just let it go?
12.42: I'm trying to follow your steps and it's the only thing that actually works for me...I've made decluttering mistakes in the past I panic I'll make more but want a peaceful manageable home.
18.40: We moved 9 months ago and I still have so much wall art I have not hung yet. I understand procrasticlutter but it seems like too much to do right away, so it's become exploding head clutter.
22.38: My question is about my paper crafting supplies...the larger storage room, it is so full I have little room to work. How do I decide what goes there in the middle of the mess?
33.43: ??? I have no clutter nor dedicated space issue. Not even for sentimental stuff. However, some of those make me more sad than happy and I want to get it out, but I just can't part from it. Any advise?
37.07: ​​??I have one bedroom that has no purpose and it ended up being a storage, where lots of things go that I don't know where to put.What do you think about the storage room?
38.29: Do you have a good way to store photos? We have tons and don't want to get rid of them. We could scan them and put them on digital storage but I know at that point we would never look at them.
40.22: ​​????When your mind wants to do steps 1-3 at one time or you find yourself sorting before getting to step 4 I have to redirect myself so much, is that something that will get better????
41.36: ​​??? Any tips for how to keep your car clean/decluttered?
41.57: ??? I love Take Your H. B., But had challenges. 1. How do I get the $10 price as a returning student? 2. How do I get to the new Facebook page 3.
42.35: ​​??? My mom has inherited a lot of clutter from my grandparents who are still living (assisted living ). How does she take her house back, when it isn't technically her stuff she's drowning in?
45.45: ​​??? What are your hobbies? (Some declutterers on KZbin seem to make decluttering their only hobby. Please please tell me we can have hobbies beyond decluttering!)
47.53: !!! OK my question, might be a retraining I need. I LOVE sorting and organizing and have to constantly redirect myself to just look for trash or whatever step I'm on instead of sorting??? ALSO....
48.53: ​​??? How do I overcome start paralysis ??? Also are there any guided groups to help me not feel alone and also have accountability and guidance???
51.04: ​​Where do I look for someone that I can hire to help me make the bulk of the decisions?
52.11: ​​??? js "sorting" is "make it fit" consolidating. I will def try "I am just decluttering right now!!" self talk lol
52.47: ​​Stuff. Any tipps how I get my family to help? I am off fto work for almost 12 hours… they are at home working
53.54: ​​TAKE YOUR HOUSE BACK is it a big review of what you ladies have already put out on KZbin?

[@Chaundradickinson]

I love listening to you. I hear the question and know how you'll answer. It's so helpful when I'm on my own and question myself but hear you answering me. Thanks for all you do.

[@janethunt4037]

I always learn something from your Q&A sessions. Thank you for doing these.

[@brg2743]

I just try to make a space more presentable each day. It may be something small and that's okay. Over time it adds up. The basement, the garage and the shed are going little by little too.

[@3TXSisters]

I'm fairly new to the decluttering life, lol. At almost 72, it's about time. I've never liked clutter but was a champ at stuffing drawers and closets before company came. Thank you for your help! Take care, Linda 🦋

[@karrenbrown8453]

About the CAR question- car math is just like dishes math!! Every day clean out the trash and anything that has an established home (that is not the car) it’s the only way I keep my car clean- and I invested in a car wash package, so I can wash /vacuum it anytime, and it makes me happy all clean & fresh looking.

[@lorimeadows8165]

Pets welcomed! 🐕🐈🐇

[@NJHeart2Heart]

I think one of Dana's most important "GEMS" is how her process forces the person to face the reality of the space. So many other people go to great lengths to teach one how to ORGANIZE, but you can't fit stuff in space that isn't there, and you have to GET IT OUT OF THE HOUSE. One in one out...container concept... 2nd question as a "reality check"... all really valuable ideas!

[@lindawade9647]

I agree. Someone I used to pay for a course with said if it's in your house you have room for it. That was bad advice for me, as I knew I was stressed being over my clutter threshold. Dana has been the only person who has helped me get rid of things and continue having hope and not give up.

[@sandradavis7132]

I love it when pets make cameos or otherwise participate in vids or live streams.

[@radiantmessenger3369]

More dog, please! 🐕♥️

[@katsspace4688]

For the lady that asked the 1st question with the partner who fills up a space that you’ve cleared, put a nice empty box or anything empty that will fill the space☺️ That way, your partner doesn’t see that as a spot for their collection. Or just tell them” that clear space isn’t for your collection please” and surely they’ll will respect what you’ve asked.

[@braelynheltne6328]

Taking pictures lets me let go of the thing without letting go of the memory because otherwise I'm afraid I'll never remember the memory it triggers if I don't see it again. But I think it depends on the person.

[@debbiev.1311]

Great Live!! ❤🤗🐕🐾🐾

[@CalmVibesVee]

So many good journal prompts ! I love good questions to ask myself to help me process thoughts towards habit change! Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤

[@SarahCbyneedleandthread]

I think you were talking directly to me about craft stuff! I must get it done. I feel like trying to “organize” that room is my life’s work but no organization to show for it! 😢

[@theresahoward7216]

I didn't catch this live but I really enjoy these questions. As far as regret goes... I realized through this process that I was rebuying and loosing items in the clutter way more than I regret actually knowing what is missing.

[@heronhouse2018]

Watch your videos all the time. Just saw you on Mel Robbins and you were fantastic! Love the tip "take it where it goes", this has helped so much! ❤ You are so fun to watch. Thank you!

[@ktrudy1]

Omg this is my question lol

[@heidiweinert3260]

It is my understanding that there is a correlation between hoarding and dementia. That is not to say everyone who hoards has dementia. I totally feel this way. I am only 51 and my memory stinks. I also am very, very visual too. I also wonder if hoarding behavior can actually contribute to dementia in some way. Could be a chicken/egg scenario.

[@deborahalana8027]

I just realized I have roach infestation at home and thank you so much for this, Dana! I'm watching this live to get a grip and not lose it while calling the exterminator 😂

[@LorreneRomanic]

I started using Command Picture hanging strips to hang artwork since I'm not sure if that's its final spot.. this has been a game changer for me!

[@christinab9133]

❤❤❤

[@SF-ru3lp]

Gorgeous colour on you, Dawn. G Ire

[@evasochocki5209]

Your answer about the sentimental items was very good. While you were saying all that I was thinking maybe people hold onto it so that they don't have to feel guilty. Like my sister will say oh no you threw away Mom's old whatever it is? So if I had a picture I could say well I took a picture to remember it

[@MegOfBroccoli]

The fear of regret may be one of the biggest reasons people don't "go all the way." I was in that mindset initially, but as I saw how much better my house looked as I got rid of stuff, I felt like I couldn't get rid of stuff fast enough. 👍

[@lindawade9647]

If I saw a picture of something I got rid of that was sentimental, I would feel depressed. I looked at pictures from my childhood at toys I had, and was grieved that they were gone. If I hadn't seen the picture I would never had remembered I had them in the first place. Then, what do you do with all the pictures? More clutter to save, not to mention the time it wastes to keep stopping to take a picture. Then you can't get rid of the pictures. It is horrible advice for me, leading me down a deep rabbit hole of anxiety.

[@celticsurfersully13]

❤

[@katherinleblanc1294]

can hear you.

[@MegOfBroccoli]

Holes in walls are nothing. You can repair it. I call the rent-a-husband and he makes a hole look like it was never there. But he does make me keep a small can of paint here now. 😆

[@MegOfBroccoli]

If the person in assisted living is non compos mentis, I would get rid of their stuff that cluttered up my house.

[@ruthprice8990]

I take pictures then when/if I'm ready to let go I can get rid of the picture.

[@lindamusser7370]

What happens when you get rid of your visible clutter and partner piles it? He/she won't see it if he/she keeps cluttering it up. Junk abhors a vacuum.

[@susanneahlman]

I have a question I hope you can explain, I really hope you see this. I am Swedish I do not know what you meen with, I think you say the ”the things”. Thank you. I am really struggling here

[@Ke_kito5]

❤🐕‍🦺🐾❤

[@Jan-2020]

Is the A Slob Comes Clean Session with the other two people (Dawn & Candice) all previous recordings and not live???

[@katherinep1010]

The main course is all prerecorded. There are live sessions but I don't know how often, and there are many previous live sessions still available.

[@NJHeart2Heart]

@crystalsea72 I'm just watching Dana's live and am like you :) I LOVE sorting and organizing! :)