Decluttering the JUNK Cabinet

I'm cleaning out my junk closet! I'm JUST decluttering, and getting rid of the clutter! So so much in there we don't need! My book: www.aslobcomesclean.com/book - How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind, cleaning and organizing strategies that work in real life, and a real life messy house!

[@vanessablanc2074]

I feel like I’m watching the saga of the headshots! 😂 We all have those items. But seriously, your methods have helped me and I enjoy watching your videos! ❤

[@FoD1975]

I used to be the "empty it all out first" kind of person, and constantly ended up with bigger messes, because of running out of time/energy, or being distracted, or having something more important to do. Not any more! I really can't thank you enough, Dana. Now I take a cupboard, or whatever, one thing at a time. The "put it where you would go to look for it, and do it right now" idea is brilliant. I'm starting to actually find things where I expect them to be! And the best thing is that, whatever point I get to, the mess is BETTER not worse, and I don't have piles of stuff to go and put away because everything has been dealt with, one thing at a time. Awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you.....😂

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

It is so helpful to see someone actually go through a messy space and the process of dealing with each item. Thanks it's very helpful.

[@christine55416]

so helpful to see you do these steps in real life/practice

[@shannaphillips9319]

4-11-24: Laughing so hard and so thankful to find u. Thank u for the hope u have given me that I need, that fits in the container and is right where I would look for it first…in my 💗. In a different video u said that people like us r not a lost cause. That statement has allowed me to throw away a huge pile of shame and despair (into a black trash bag) as it isn’t something I would want to donate. U r changing lives. God Bless u.

[@shellyg8884]

Thank you for being real. So many de-cluttering videos are so impractical. I appreciate that you didn't make it perfect.

[@crystallane8379]

I appreciate you, Dana!!! God bless!!!

[@aleksandra...]

Ok, I've been watching your videos since I found you (a week or so ago) and I'm preparing myself to start dealing with my stuff... It's overwhelming mess with no end in sight, it feels... And I definitely need to do some things differently, to adjust to my specific circumstances (chronic illness/fatigue/POTS, small apartment, mess tightly packed mostly sentimental and fantasy hobbies? supplies, delayed bathroom renovation-stuff puzzled into wardrobes, big bathtub in the kitchen! (serves as recycling station, lol), and can't afford to not sell...) Nevertheless what you are giving me is invaluable! First of all I feel seen, and then - there's that paradigm shift: forget perfectionism*, "just" better is great progress, &do what needs to be done NOW. But I'm 49 and it feels so strange, I look at the area I need to tackle, somewhat prepared to do it and brain starts it's well rehearsed MUSTS. 😞 There has to be _`disabusing yourself from wrong/unhelpful ideas`_ learning curve, I guess. So I'm listening to your videos, some repeatedly hoping to internalize the thought process... and also trying to think outside my old box, and in line with your messages, re:how to approach things I still don't have figured out (we'll rip out those impractical built in wardrobes, but should try to avoid making something just differently unsuitable...) or, to minimize getting up/walking if possible. And this one is absolutely my favorite so far. I'm downloading it. It has it all, theory, practice, emotions. Love your humor and attitude. Chef's kiss! Also, 💡 for me, but maybe you covered it somewhere, I think your method is also applicable for digital clutter. It's something that effects me the most Thank you so much for everything you put out in the world! I'm thinking about positive psychological effect to many people more or less like me (and you) and appreciate that impact you're making. Much love from Serbia. 💜 *FOR NOW! I'm not going to, it's my thing, but perfectionism can only be final step. And I appreciate how _you_ don't do it. It's equally inspiring in a way.

[@hhhunt777]

Wow, I'm new watcher. Those black and white pics,Beautiful. I would've made a box decoupage, the outside. For your personal memories!

[@lindenpeters2601]

I love this method and these questions, because it really helps you figure out what works for you! I bring our portable DVD player on almost every road trip, because my kids don't need unfettered internet access, and coverage can be spotty. It's also faster for me to throw DVDs into a case, than to sit down and wait for movies to download so we can watch them offline. I'll start one downloading, then keep packing other stuff and forget about it. Also, streaming services are constantly getting rid of our favorite shows, adding another element of unreliability to the streaming option.

[@workin4alivin585]

re: streaming services Yes, they think they are keeping us hungry. They are really causing fear, distrust, anxiety and anger. Not good feelings to associate withyour brand.

[@eathomelive]

I love how you talk about having to buy more school supplies, b/c you couldn't find what you already had. Clutter does cost money. And, if you need it right then and have to pay full-price, that means you weren't able to get things on sale and save money that way. This has happened to me before. I also really like that you put things back where they belong right away. I always put things to the side to put up later and end up with a box of random stuff sitting there for a few weeks, b/c I didn't put it away when I was organizing.

[@sweetpea3472]

This is totally the funnest decluttering video I've ever watched! Thank God! You are so cute & funny. Lol.

[@gerriczado8410]

Totally agree! Laughed out loud when you said it's been 20 years since the teacher gave you the videotape. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@sharie5706]

I really enjoyed seeing your process in action! I have fought your method of just dealing with the space intact and not taking everything out, because that's what "they" always say you should do, but your way really works for me: Progress is better than creating a big mess.

[@DanaKWhite]

Yes! Fear of a big mess keeps me from even starting!! But knowing that even if I stop in the middle I'll have made progress lets me start!

[@laurabalzekas4163]

Great video! I agree progress not perfection! I do things in smaller chunks I could never pull all that Mess out onto the floor it would be too overwhelming. The other day I did a single drawer. That's it and I was super proud!

[@barbsjournalcreation3668]

I wasn't going to tell anyone because it seems silly, but reading your comment made me want to share--one day while waiting for the oven to pre heat, I decluttered two kitchen drawers close to my stove. Dana makes you feel it is possible!!!! and it is possible. Wish I had found her sooner.🥰

[@Elizabeth-490]

This is your funniest one ever!

[@juliashearer7842]

I think this is my favourite video of yours and I have been bingeing 😅

[@gbk1t]

Love love love this video,,,,,,,,, thanks for sharing this 💓

[@01Paulsgirl]

Dana, you make me LOL so many times through this! Thank you for so beautifully illustrating your methods, including that you're not looking for "picture perfect" shelves, but the ability to find an item you value when you want it, because it's where you would look for it first. Very helpful and realistic! God's blessings to you!

[@MsMeredtih]

Your facial expressions are killing me! 😂😂😂

[@susygenevieve]

I'm so happy I found this video! I love how honest you are, and I just put your book on hold with my library. Almost all my closets look like this and it's overwhelming to just start, because I think it needs to be perfectly organized as soon as I'm done. I never thought to just declutter only and then move on knowing it's better than before. So excited to watch more videos and read your book!

[@auntkaz422]

You address so many of the issues that have kept me stuck in my clutter. Feeling overwhelmed about having to deal with an even bigger mess to address the mess I already have. Having to make decisions regarding emotional/sentimental items. Wanting to take care of things in the very best way (selling items, recycling them perfectly, etc). Etc. You are so down to earth about how you address these issues that I have finally been able to move forward with serious decluttering and I feel really good about it! Thanks!

[@saraha7632]

You are awesome!!!

[@dorothythorpe6183]

Thank you, Dana. I had a BIG problem and couldn't begin because it couldn't be solved. Read one of your books and began. HUGE progress! Thank you SO much! Really, really!

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video

[@clairewillow6475]

Ohh guurrlll that headshot! Betty Davis eyes 💯 I totally understand wanting to keep that

[@coleDavis-df5yi]

I love that you didn’t have to go buy all kinds of cute labeled baskets! Go you! Nothing against them, I love them, but mine never look as cute as other’s.

[@amsbmp]

I really enjoyed your blog, I like that you recognize progress has a positive and that it doesn't need to be perfect. let's face it life isn't perfect so getting neat and tidy should be good enough. besides everyone sees good enough in there own way. I tend to get frustrated and it's all or nothing. I'm going to try your approach see how it works for me. besides your comical you make light at. thank you for that. I agree it doesn't need to be so seriously taken. Got to go get your book. 😊

[@sunnyblueskies6505]

😂 😭 😂 "The orange cloth in my memory shelf is a pair of chicken pants. Pants from a chicken costume, not pants worn by chickens." Thank you for inspiring me to go declutter a few things 🙌

[@angelamiller9748]

You are my people! Thanks for doing a new video!!

[@jennilulu6692]

Oh my gosh...I watched you a few years ago and then you weren't putting out vids much any more. But now, here you are! I MISSED YOU! I can't wait to catch up watching your new stuff!

[@dancingkay2604]

God you are sooo funny!!! I have avoided decluttering for ( not saying) ...so I came across your videos, and I CRIED LAUGHING 😂 I felt INSPIRED to clean up !!! My husband hoards and wants everything....anyways I’m feeling in a better mood to stare at my clutter !!! 💗

[@nancywidows463]

A whole lot better is a great way to be!

[@DammitRandyFarms]

I just bought your book on kindle last night...you speak to my soul lol. As I was reading I found myself saying "Oh my God, YEEEESSS!! She gets me!!" Thank you so much! I actually have hope for the condition of my house now. Also, you're hilarious!

[@carolbaker2393]

"moment of sadness"..."Ok BYE!" XD

[@haircandykina]

This was motivational and hilarious 😂

[@linbron2018]

I do that too, moment of sadness then good bye . Someone else it can go too. Today I donated and it feels great

[@carris3ringcircus390]

Aaaaand I've found my favorite KZbinr! DINGDINGDING

[@christinavallem5669]

Good to see the two questions in use. Thanks!

[@amy2284]

You are so fun to watch!! I’m reading your second book - just found you through Minimal Mom channel

[@rhonmarquess3146]

You're a hoot! 😁 I found you thru The Minimal Mom

[@JaneH3675]

That's how I found her too. Minimal Mom (Dawn) kinda got me started but then I found Dana and my decluttering really took off. She's a huge help. I've been sharing her steps and videos with a friend. And now she's working on decluttering too.

[@ellie-rose5495]

Crying with laughter watching this! its so true - you are a legend Dana x

[@oatssettle846]

You are so dang funny❣ I love it. Your realness, and the practicality of it all. Especially when you tell those perfectly organized people this video is not for them. Go watch something else. It us for us that need it. I am glad you are doing videos❣

[@kathrynswogger1347]

Always check! Yes! I just went through old suitcases before donating and found clothes from when we moved last summer! Haha!

[@karlaoneill8576]

Watching your videos and listening to them while I sort through a room helps keep me going. Thank you! Your tips are on my level.

[@deirdrewang-falatico816]

I tried the Kon Mari method, and it was good … when I could get through it. UTI found that it was best to work on that when/if both hubby AND kid were away… preferably for a decent chunk of time, like 2 or 3 solid days, which hardly ever happened. (Scenario would be like school break, daughter with grandparents or aunt for a special multi-day visit, hubby was on business trip. The planets align like this only once every few years…) My hubby said he would cringe when he saw me go “all in”… because, as you’ve acknowledged in your book… life happens, you get interrupted for any number of reasons, and the space ends up worse than when you started. Your Decluttering Method, “Take It There Now” concept, and Container Concept are EVERYTHING. (Oh… and focus on decluttering completely before starting to organize!) It has helped with the mindset I need to make *progress*. I keep repeating the mantra “Less is Better, Better is Good”. Love your books, podcasts, and videos! I love how you talk through it…it’s as if you are reading my mind. You are SO relatable, and show that you once thought a certain way about your STUFF, but here is how you were able to part with it… you either forgot you ever had it, you wouldn’t have known where to look for it, you have duplicates, the stress of keeping it around to sell or donate to “the perfect person” was not worth it cluttering your space, etc. Thank you, Dana K. White!

[@cherylcoolidge8249]

I just subscribed today to your channel. You are so funny. I love watching your channel!!

[@faithnelson2261]

When I was decluttering my file cabinet last month, I found an envelope with $47 in it. Win-win. Less junk in the file cabinet and more money in my purse.

[@workin4alivin585]

I seem to find money everytime I clean. I must subconsciously leave myself "Easter eggs" as rewards for cleaning. 😅

[@tracywodonga8112]

love this video! I have read your book and am listening to your podcast as I declutter my home - we are so alike in our slob thinking!! I have made so much progress following your tips! Like you, the old me would have been tempted to pull everything out of here and sort that way - and no doubt get side-tracked and end up with a huge mess and probably shove it all back in when I didn't have time to get back to it because I had to cook dinner or something! Thankyou, Dana!!! You really have made such a big difference in how I see our home!

[@neverstoplearning2]

You are amazing! I love your book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life. I love it so much, that when I realized you had a youtube channel, I subscribed before watching any videos! Then I started binge watching. I listen to your book on audible while I am decluttering. Thanks!

[@Kristemamber81]

This video is fantastic. So helpful. It's NOT perfect. It's not even beautiful. I grew up with goal of perfect and it's seriously also made cleaning and decluttering so hard for me to complete. Thank you for this!

[@shapienails3067]

OMG I love it So Funny " Moment of Sadness (( Sigh )) Ok Buy " !!! LOL Enjoy watching people making decluttering fun :) New Sub ...

[@tracegates8841]

Yes, my dear, you are my kind of person. I miss you on video. I love your podcast.

[@karenrich9092]

Now this is NOT a Junk Cabinet, but a utility cabinet. Use the word utility when you have cleaned out the closet, cupboard or drawer. If I know I have a lot of things to sort through, I would have a "Put Away Box" by my side, so I can put things away when I finish my period of time working in that area. Leaving the job to put away a pair of shoes, for instance, wastes time and you can get side-tracked from what you intended to do.

[@awesome4someful]

I love your work Dana. And you’re humour is fabulous

[@anyat686]

I knew you’d have a big declutter for a cabinet that I’m about to face into today !! I needed the motivation. ! Tks.

[@suzyvegan3836]

You are hilarious and so inspiring, Dana!!! Thank you!!!🥳👏🎉

[@ukiahduran6793]

You crack me up! I read your book. It was good. I ... still can't wash dishes yet. But I am moving them to upstairs bathroom so I can wash them.(sink not working)

[@workin4alivin585]

Keep moving forward, friend. Better every day is the goal. God bless you and your journey.

[@Goldiloxandthe3bears]

Love your personality!

[@annalou6750]

I love this! 😂 Your book is so good and has honestly created a paradigm shift in my heart and home. I also backtracked and listened to your first book as well. 😁 When I look around and see clear space for mental margin I feel such joy. I literally cried over the change occurring in my heart and mind. (My brain works in a by similar way as yours.) Anyway, thank you or sharing. 🙏🏻☺️

[@welldone4789]

Oh yeah exactly same thought process here....these declutter/therapy videos are what I ve been looking for for a long long time.... Life changer ....like really...thank you thank YOU....

[@ewacarlton9804]

just so funny, I was laughing my butt off. In the end the sense of humor is what counts...

[@auntkaz422]

... Moment of sadness... Sigh... OK, Bye! I can't even tell you how much I LOVED that!!!

[@workin4alivin585]

I wanted the final result to be organized, but there can be no doubt it is much better than before and, if it didn't get any better, it is workable. That is the freedom your method offers. Decluttering is different than organizing. Two separate tasks.

[@niamhcutter9300]

I love your videos gives me motivation xx

[@Whoknows867]

I have missed your videos!! I'm loving the longer video style too ;)

[@DanaKWhite]

Thank you!

[@Fiery154]

I’m a little baffled by the small distinctions in where things are stored. Like storing mailing supplies in a different place than school supplies or a duvet cover and sheets (from a different video)

[@adelevercueil9172]

Hi Dana. You are the best! Love your method to declutter.. not organized but decluttered! Brilliant! "Box of droppings" that was so funny 🤣 thanks for the video...

[@elizabethbrown504]

This was fantastic. I needed to see what to do when you asked your questions and the answers were: I don't know where I would look for this first, and then: yes, I would know I have it and I would go looking for it. You just made room for it right there fo snow-thst's the not organizing part I guess. But in a way you did organize. you put like with like and it's contained in space.

[@pen5532]

So happy to see you here. I listened to pods cast for a while and you were my favorite!!

[@pattyobryan3992]

I like the container concept. Top shelf for memory things great idea!

[@workin4alivin585]

I did, too. A tucked away place, for treasures to be occasionally rediscovered. 🙂

[@samanthaj1979]

Oh my word!!!😂😂😂 I LOVE your humour, angel sing song (kids read in the car) and strategy. This was so helpful for me. Much Love!Thank you!

[@arashy]

Go, you! Love watching your videos!

[@kidjayjay2772]

Lol about the vhs video tape.

[@eathomelive]

I love your blog and videos. You are adorable and make me laugh, and you do a great job. I do want to say that when you (not you specifically, but everyone) donate things, make sure you aren't donating games with missing pieces and stained or torn up clothes, not working small appliances, etc... They end up having to trash that stuff. It's just more labor that charities have to pay for.

[@kathyconklin4549]

😆4th chess set…too funny

[@beautyplayground]

You did great :)

[@Nadiarus]

Question: what if the thing is useful but we don’t have space for it yet? Stuff is just floating in my house because of it.

[@Smiles4Me2]

You are so funny! I love what you do!

[@jenniferjapak3888]

I wish I could understand leaving everything inside and Dex littering/organizing it all but my brain doesn’t work this way.

[@workin4alivin585]

And I think she would say that's okay, too. We all need permission to do what works for us. Why we need permission is another story.

[@kathrynarnold1966]

I'll be honest, I love that you modeled the mind-bending struggle, shame, and frustration parts of the job, because those are what make me quit and go do something mindless...or eat ice cream. I think that after hanging in there and finishing the job I would still want to feed my over-heated brain a pint of ice cream (salted caramel with chocolate truffles). Any suggestions for redirecting that self-defeating need to self-soothe?

[@johnroekoek12345]

Noooo. Don't throw that away! I would fail at this task. (Like buy a new stamp including the ink, and use that stamp.) Okay, I stop typing now.

[@workin4alivin585]

If I liked the stamp, I would re-ink it. Perhaps it's season in her world had passed.

[@llllllllllilillii]

yep yer my kind o person 😂

[@Gardeninggurl]

lol 😅i like your strategy lol😅

[@lindahart9773]

you are so funny and very good

[@asparrow5505]

😂 love how real you are

[@fotyfar]

❤👍👍

[@jennytaylor3409]

lololol Oh my goodness I am so glad I found your channel!! You are SO Funny!!!!! And Way helpful! Thank you!

[@asparrow5505]

I don't think people use portable DVD players anymore with online streaming services and digital copies being so popular. Technology goes "obsolete" so fast that I buy the cheapest model I can get away with that has the stats I need. You're lucky if you can get 10 bucks out of it with shipping included.

[@MM-pj4bl]

You are really funny. Had me cracking up multiple times.

[@FebbieG]

4:58 I found an old diaper box filled with plastic bags (the kind that sheets sets come in sometimes) in my closet today. There was also a huge weirdly shaped bag that looked like a car seat came in it. ..... Hahaha

[@JaneH3675]

Oh my! I use those zippered sheet bags to store cards and letters in. It's hard for me to toss out cards from my kids and husband. I have nearly 20 yrs worth but they are neatly packed and stored in a memory container.

[@lorig.7127]

Electronics can be recycled at Best Buy and Staples for Free! Just bring it to the Customer Service desk.

[@LorreneRomanic]

The video is great, but I think I like the credits even more 🤣

[@fenlandfhs4987]

We don't have a junk cupboard, we have a junk house - its getting better though, one pile at a time! Will be easier when this covid stuff is done and charity shops are open again!

[@emptychair8141]

Truth be spoken 😬

[@Beepbopboop19]

😂so relatable.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I fill a bag each week for Goodwill. Then I fill a bag for the homeless shelter. Recycling and garbage go out every day. My mom hoarded papers and trash, so I clean as I go. Tina

[@sparkleafter50]

Sorry Ms. Henderson...lol

[@iwalaninichols913]

The scissors live in my kitchen drawer too... LOL

[@jxn1056]

Girl...I thought i was the only one with a legit junk cabinet!! lol... well mine is a junk closet in the hallway. intended for towels..sheets..etc. nope..not mine 😅

[@azhotmom]

Thank you Dana! Question: how do you help someone who doesn't want to part with (donate) junk?

[@workin4alivin585]

I say gently, my friend, be careful. We do not get to define "junk" for others. The value of any item is subjective (which is why it's easier to help others with their stuff than to manage our own). Having said that, Dana's motto is: "you can keep anything, but you can't keep everything." Have the person choose their favorite things first for any given space/container (which includes the house, garage, etc.), then get rid of the rest. Understand their clutter tolerance may be different than yours. The goals for them are: -to know what they have -to know where to find it and, -to not feel their home is out of control (not feel overwhelmed by their stuff). This is an ongoing process throughout life. If you are sharing a home with this person, there will need to be discussion and compromise. Best wishes as you help them work through and detach from their excess stuff.

[@azhotmom]

@@workin4alivin585 Wow thank you!

[@Cookmomx3]

😂