Different Situations, Different Clutter Thresholds

I teach to declutter to the Container first, and then to your Clutter Threshold. This is because the Clutter Threshold varies by situation and life stage.
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[@mwebb3014]

My husband is disabled and I am having to completely rethink the whole house. I am a master level jenga organizer. That no longer works because he will open a drawer and dig through it until he finds what he needs leaving a heaping mess in his wake. Closets too. Not his fault. I need to keep drawers, cabinets and closets very basic so he can access things he needs, wants and enjoys. I am having to say buh-bye to lots of stuff that’s been cool to own but not really needed by either of us. I encourage everyone to start now because you never know what life will throw at you and it’s easier to declutter while you have your youth, energy and stamina. Dana, your decluttering method is perfection. Thank you. 💕

[@user-fv4qx5qz8y]

You are so right!! My husband now has a disability that we did not see coming and I now have more responsibilities. Following Dana’s methods really helps, love the container concept. Wishing you luck 😊

[@myaccount9498]

Thank you both of u for your encouragement! My chronic pain is getting significantly worse & I'm trying to declutter to make my home disability accessible again. Same home, except now every space has furniture in it. Lots has to go to get a walker through every room.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Every little bit clears up space. The bigger stuff is hard to trash due to limits on how you can put out, so we do a little each month that is bulk.

[@myaccount9498]

@rg-mi5hh yeah a race to fill the bin by bin pick up day

[@avanellehansen4525]

I'm 71 and you are changing my life! Thank you!

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

So cool!

[@pam81161]

I asked my husband if he would help me go through the bottom 2 cabinets in the kitchen with all my baking pans and other unknown kitchen stuff. I have a vague nemory of what is stored in there. I haven't looked in there in over 10 years. He got so excited he almost fell off his chair.

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

As a kid, I didn't like cooking/baking because it took so long. As I got older, I realized it was because we had too much stuff, and it took forever to find anything. Now that I am an adult and I have my own house, my kitchen is highly simplified. I can now bake things on a whim, and it takes like 20 minutes.

[@irisbear9421]

Even as an adult I hate cooking, but one thing I've learned is that it was mostly because I always had to wash everything before I could start (assuming I could find it in the first place). Maybe one day it will be something I actually enjoy!

[@olivemaycards]

I had a kitchen drawer that I was trying not to buy organizers for but I couldn’t get it to stay neat. Finally realized that it just had a few too many things in it, extra cheese graters and a few gadgets we rarely use. I put them in an out of the way space where I look for ‘kitchen things we rarely use’ and now the drawer just works without needing dividers.

[@joannafoster3423]

Love the point of decluttering down to the lowest threshold of those who use the space. Perfect!

[@lorig.7127]

Tip: get a command hook and hang that strainer inside a cabinet door. The drawer then becomes easily accessible.

[@janjones9761]

Yes, that's what I did. But my husband still puts it in the (wrong) drawer.

[@janjones9761]

Dana, I would like to get your opinion on something. My husband is great. He helps out in the kitchen, making meals, washing dishes, etc since I have cancer. But he claims that he is he is helping me by putting dishes up; they're all over the place, not my system at all, and I have to go back and put them where they belong. Am I being petty for asking him, for ex not to stack dishes that are still wet, making sure the bottom of pot is clean, because if you stack it with others, you will have to rehash the one it got stacked on. And utensils, etc. get tossed in different places each time so no one knows where anything is. What to do?

[@nbraker]

The answer is labels. Written/typed/taped labels for each drawer, slot, etc so he can READ what goes where. Even on outside of cabinet if necessary. Also, consider rezoning entire kitchen WITH HIS CHOICES so he knows where they go because he designed it. For dish stacking make a catch phrase "dry top and bottom" as you show him how to stack. Repeat short phrase as you do it, he hears it over adn over and it sinks in. @@janjones9761

[@trumax33]

What a 💡 moment! I'm just now realizing my clutter threshold is lower in spaces I share with others. I can handle more stuff in my own space, but those shared areas are more minimal....interesting!

[@caroljoiner3321]

Your decluttering advice is awesome, but the.. comments from your editor are my favorite part. :)

[@LaJuana558]

❤😂❤

[@poisondartfroggify]

He’s great!

[@kd33d]

👋❤ Good Morning. I'm learning my clutter threshold. All I know right now is that I am still OVER it. I'm hoping some day I just magically sigh and realize I'm there 😊

[@cl3381]

😂👌

[@chelseajones5977]

Amen! “You want to enjoy the phase of life that you’re in now. And the people that you’re living in your home with right now. So the answer is less stuff until the space is easy for you to keep under control.”

[@funnycurlysoul]

For the kitchen utensils : I use labels everywhere so that my family can put things away easily (without yelling mooooooom, where does this and this go). I do it not in a fancy way, usually with painter's tape (always have some as we are renovating). If my youngest needs to use it, I make a small drawing next to the text. The whole family loves it, it makes putting things away "thinking-free" and "remembering free". In the kitchen, pantry, wardrobes, workshop, entryway... labels everywhere :p

[@olivemaycards]

I put labels in my utensil drawer too. It might seem strange to others but I can reach in and grab the tongs or spatula in a split second while I’m cooking. I just hand-wrote little labels, nothing fancy either.

[@terie.2165]

Yes! I label everything! Painters tape is my friend. It’s messy looking, but it helps. Second shelf A bookcase in the living room at the right hand side has a label that says Library books read. Right next to it is library books Unread. Honestly. I didn’t go to the library for years because I kept losing the books now I know where the library books go and which ones we read or not read. I even label Tupperware containers With leftovers in the fridge, so I won’t forget what’s in there. I like the light green frog tape because I can see what I wrote. And there is a sharpie Right there in the coffee cup with my pencils , Magnifying, glass, and kitchen scissors. The tape hangs on one of the cup hooks on the cupholder. Looks like crap, but then I use the system. The older I get the simpler things have to be. There’s not a lot of real estate left in my brain for me to try and remember everything especially when I make a change. This helps me.

[@serenakoleno9338]

I added incentive to your one hour better system. I pay myself $4.00 for an hour of decluttering and 50 cents for donate boxful. Money goes towards summer vacation. l put 12 things I want to create habits for in the bottom of an old cupcake tin along with quarters in specified amounts I assigned to it. $2 for yoga, $1.50 for Spanish, etc. I can earn $12 per day. The act of putting the quartes in a can to count at the end of the day is very inspiring and motivating to me. Better to plan a vacation than wasting money on bringing more"stuff" into a stuffed apartment. 😊

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

So cool! Great idea!

[@rebeccajordan4491]

I keep the same small strainer in my pantry with the rest the colanders and salad spinner. It’s in the “things with holes” container.

[@lynnshepard7485]

I’m reading “Decluttering At The Speed of Life” and Peter Walsh’s “Let It Go” right now. You, Cass, Dawn, and Peter are making a significant impact on my life! Thank you. 😘

[@heatherbeelishop]

Dana, thank you so much for these videos! I think a lot of people when they first hear the word “threshold” they confuse it with “tolerance”. Often we have a high tolerance to clutter being everywhere and it doesn’t seem to bother us (until it does!) but we can have very low thresholds, hence why it’s out of control… thank you for being relatable and all your content, you have helped me help other dear people in my life!

[@user-wg1dh9ix6y]

I just want you to know that I've really been enjoying this last series of videos where you dive deeper into explaining different parts of your method. I have basically watched all the others and these are a good recap and have helped clarify some things for me. I have been working on my house quite a bit this last year and it is feeling much closer to my clutter threshold and therefore much more manageable. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

Reid editors note is what my husband would say. Doesn’t matter how much thought and time I do with a system. After 54 years I’ve learned to make things as simple as possible and not tell him how my system works. Of course it is kinda funny to see his eyes glaze over. ❤

[@bettyparker3317]

About your kitchen drawer: Another ADHD YTuber talked about how great it is to get/have everything you need for a task right there, in reach, at hand. Her point was that ADD people get too distracted if they have to stop and search. But really, as you say, it just makes things sooo much easier and faster! I’ve done major de-cluttering, and I have a container/space for pretty much everything now. But I’ve also realized (I think) that my threshold is very, very low. The areas where I’ve cleared out to an extreme minimum (comparatively) are so much more appealing-peaceful?-to me than areas with more stuff, even though there’s plenty of space for the stuff. It’s still kind of a struggle to remove what’s left. But I should better realize that in the end, I’ll feel much better when I don’t have all that “stuff” screaming for my attention. But it’s still hard! More tips in that direction would be hugely appreciated (if any of that makes sense). Thanks for getting all of us moving, to whatever degree!

[@laurat7324]

Yay!! I was hoping Reid would address the whole thing about what drawer to put things in!! He's learning right along with the rest of us!! BTW, I decluttered FIVE pairs of shoes/sandals today! So proud. I tried them on and realized that I can't handle heels anymore. Flip flops hurt my high arches. So out they go!

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

Way to go!!

[@lindawilson4625]

Thanks for the LOL at the end!

[@lynneschannel7325]

I would have struggled with that just once, (when removing it from the drawer), then put it back handle first (toward the back) from there on out. 😂

[@rebeccamay6420]

"That" would get stored elsewhere in my kitchen. It's infrequent, it's awk-weird, it goes elsewhere.

[@rg-mi5hh]

I put utensils on both side of the stove in cute cookie jars. So much easier. No drawer to keep opening and shutting, digging, getting just one thing out. You have to do what works for you. Good video.

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Hmm n I do both

[@r.p.9829]

Mine are in crocks I got from my dad...right next to my stove

[@pam81161]

To the left of my stovetop, I have 4 cylindrical crocks that are arranged by utensil height - tallest in the back to smallest in front. That way, I don't knock them over reaching for my items. Admittedly. I may have too many utensils, but I use all of them so often. I try to cook meals that serve 4-6 people, so we have leftovers. There is only 2 of us, so I use the dishwasher every 2-3 days to economize.

[@patriciagalanakis4540]

Not me - can’t handle things on my counters. 😊

[@serenakoleno9338]

For cooking stuff that needs straining, I love the pasta pot set I inherited from my parents. It's thick stainless steel, so I can saute in it for soups/stews, pasta sauce. The colander insert is great for pasta, potatoes, shrimp, etc. Stores inside along with a stainless steel bowl and sits on the stove because I use so often. I live alone but batch cook on weekends. Not enough drawers in my tiny kitchen so I store frequently used stuff in small crock and some utensils and pans hang on back of freestanding pantry shelves. Works for me and easy to find/ put away. I buy pretty pans and add a few decorations to look at. I love my little plaque that says Romaine Calm and Carrot On 😂

[@ArtistCreek]

I STILL cannot handle decluttering my utensils. I have 3 large crocks of them. They are like memory triggers for me. In a good way. I'm not ready. I will be but not yet. BUT I had a donation pick up today! I jave a two week limit. I put items valued over $10 on marketplace. After the fist week it goes to $7. If it doesn't sell it goes in a box by my door for the donation pickup. I was holding things too long before scheduling a pickup and then I end up pulling things out of the box...oh I MAY use that. Not I WILL or I need to use it now. It got me in trouble. So off it went today. Books were hard for me. I had about 200 books. I had my adult kids and some friends come over and take what they wanted and the rest left today with my donation pick up. It felt SO good to free up that space!

[@llllllllllilillii]

Oh and I don't worry too much about clutter threshold because you taught me to go easy on the perfectionistic stuff. I just keep hittin that TRASH TRASH TRASH step over and over again, I guess I'm just in a different stage of the 5 step process. You're at step 5, I'm on 1.

[@nikkibadzik3948]

Hi Dana! You are my og! Your methods are the ones that i always go back to. Thank you for giving actionable steps to people who are clutter challenged. I have really been internalizing the clutter threshold lately, and it has helped change my mindset so much. Thank you for sharing what you've learned.

[@annw1395]

I like that: you want to enjoy the phase of life that you're in now". Wise. I love your Container Concept, too! You and Reid both are both so funny. Maybe put your strainer in a different drawer or cabinet with utensils that aren't used on the daily?

[@creceyvarney6767]

It makes a ton of sense! And I realize that taking common spaces down to the lowest clutter threshold of the person who uses the space is my next step. I don’t want to be the only person who can find the thing that someone is looking for because it’s “on the left, two shelves down, in the back”. 😂😅

[@rebeccamay6420]

I get this! Honey will call or text to ask if we have any [what], and I'll reply with its location.

[@1HorseOpenSlay]

Yesterday I took a big box of stuff I really liked to goodwill. My house is still out of control, but if can just keep doing that, there is hope!

[@suewright984]

I know. But taking good stuff means someone else can use it. I am almost there!

[@KlingonPrincess]

So yes! to this. I'm down to the layers where everything is good. I used to go through every item at the donation center to make aure they wanted them. Now they know its only good stuff in the boxes.

[@suewright984]

The Mercantile knows what I’m doing and loves to see what’s in the boxes.

[@martyC9578]

Love you, Dawn and Cass. We downsized a year and a half ago to a 42 foot 5th wheel (less than 400 sq ft) after dreaming and working towards that goal for 15 years. It was hard decluttering 85/90% of our stuff but now I find myself looking around and tossing things in my donation box. The container method has been an extremely helpful in my journey and my husband has no problem (mostly) working with the concept as well. Thanks to all of you for helping so many of us out.

[@OutToTheWoods]

They call them throw pillows cuz the first thing you do is throw them away

[@m.e.nickels]

Always stay til the very end to see what Reid is gonna put 😂

[@suewright984]

I have two magnetic bars with 5 hooks each. I put them on the side of the fridge next to the stove. Everything is handy and out of a drawer.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Love love love your books & videos! And I love my house now because of you & them. ❤ thank you! 😊

[@clarisahernandez5280]

Just yesterday mom said "you only have one spatula?"

[@OutToTheWoods]

My cousin came over and looked in my cupboards and said you need more dishes. I thought I had too many😂😂

[@mjgriffin49]

I just love you and your son. He is so hilarious 😂

[@kd33d]

Big dog says challenge accepted 😂 or at least that's what my German Shredder would do😂😂😂

[@LaJuana558]

German Shredder!!! 😂😂😂❤😂😂😂

[@claradiblasi354]

Your kitchen looks great, no one single piece of paper!

[@LedgerAndLace]

"I ♥Ma Tongs" needs to be on a T-shirt. My friend had to get grabber-thingies after back surgery and I realized it was the same as your "Tong Principle." It's REALLY helpful for hard to reach spots, high or low! When I moved to my new place, I decluttered my cutlery drawer and went through 3 different sets. I liked the spoons from one set and the forks from another, etc. So I picked out all my favourites and donated the rest. Does it all match? No. Do I care? Not even! For all us TYHB peeps, looking FW to "Applying the No Mess Process to ANY situation" today! 🙂

[@cynthiafisher9907]

IKR? I wish I could find a whole set of flatware that I like all the pieces!

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@cynthiafisher9907 YES!!!

[@clarisahernandez5280]

My aunts have "laundry tongs" to reach the bottom of the washing machine. 😆

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@clarisahernandez5280 Me too, thanks to Dana! 🙂

[@KlingonPrincess]

​@@clarisahernandez5280 I'm short and know the struggle. Why did i never think of laundry tongs? Thank you!

[@queeniechua5673]

I really find the container concept very useful. It forces me to declutter to the point which challenged me; otherwise, I would just be decluttering only a minimal volume which has no impact. What can be done when the people you live with do not care about clutter? I live with relatives who own a lot of stuff and are comfortable living in a chaotic environment. But it's driving me nuts!

[@babytexan3038]

I think it depends on the dynamics of who owns the place you live. Like if it's your house and you're hosting the relatives (or even if it was like you're own kids), then it's fair to establish some guidelines of rooms/closets they can use how they want and then ways common areas need to be. But if you're the one staying with them or if it's an equal roommates situation, maybe try keeping your own room beautifully clean and minimal and taking happiness from that and then helping tidy common areas to whatever degree you feel like for your sanity without feeling imposed on. Just a thought! That's hard. Good luck!

[@user-fv4qx5qz8y]

Shout out to Dana, thank you for being here for those of us that need the guidance that you provide, I love that you keep it real, I also enjoy your sense of humor. It’s the right dose of medicine some days 😊

[@jejrstans]

OMG! I love this explanation and the examples. So helpful!! and REID!! such funny credit notes!

[@Random_Mom]

I love your videos and Reid‘s comments, too!😂

[@karenpowers2225]

This was the encouragement for the day! Thank you! ❤🎉😊

[@andreaf.6572]

One of your best videos ever!!! It makes so much sense. ❤❤❤❤

[@trishferrer8209]

That made L0TS of sense, Dana, thank you! 😊

[@carnivoreheals]

This is my hardest, but probably most important aspect of your decluttering method! I would love more videos on the clutter threshold topic. Thanks for all your help, Dana! ❤

[@debbiev.1311]

In addition for me, it's different clutter thresholds for different rooms too! 😘

[@vickiuridge3375]

Dana, thank you as always for all your help and support on my decluttering journey. I listen to you daily and you have helped so much. Learning that i just had too much stuff and about my clutter threshold is a game changer. Thank you ❤❤

[@marionbylsma1167]

Are use a command hook and hang the stainer on the of my cabinet door

[@susannestieglitz7707]

Wow, lightbulb moment: you are so right about the idea that we should consider everyone’s clutter threshold, versus focusing on solely MY clutter threshold. I have a 14 and 17-year-old, who basically have been forced to live with MY clutter threshold for years and is not OK and I’ve always known that but I’ve never heard anybody else really say it in such a clear and specific way. Like I think at the end of the day, the main reasons I’m always trying to declutter (and have been for about 17 years) is for them, and to give them the kind of home and life that I know they would rather have😢. My boys share a bedroom and it’s almost spotless, because that’s how they prefer it to be. And I try to keep the rest of our apartment nice enough for them to use but I just don’t do a good enough job and they tend to think that they don’t have as much control over the rest of the home because they are just kids after all. my oldest occasionally does try and Declutter the dining room and I usually override his attempts.🤦‍♀️

[@SF-ru3lp]

I love your tee- shirt, Dana! 😅 G Ire

[@cherieiduke1723]

My clutter threshold is because of people. My in laws moved in, and someone dumped a mama cat and her 3 kittens. I found one home for one cat, but 9 pets husband and 2 elderly people... I just cant

[@kellybarrick1720]

I recently purchased a nice swt of utensils so i could have cohesiveness! My utensil drawer is now not only gorgeous but its functional and way less chaotic! I love when your videos pop up! Makes my day ❤

[@beckyshell4649]

I agree,I got rid of a bunch of dishes that were parts of multiple sets. I purchased loose plates and bowls from the Corelle outlet store. It made such a difference .

[@kellybarrick1720]

@@beckyshell4649 That is great! When my wife and I moved into our first home, my parents bought us a nice set of white square dishes. They are perfect for every holiday, every occasion!

[@suewright984]

I recently cleared all metal bowls. Found I never used them. My family hasn’t even noticed they are gone.

[@jnhosier3]

Makes sense to me. I tried detailed organizing for my son's vehicles. Cars, trucks, semis, monster trucks, and race cars all in different bins. Nope! Didn't work. Now we have all monsters trucks in one bin and all other vehicles in another! Also: Reid is my favorite editor!🎉

[@tp2387]

"Doesn't seem like anyone else in my house knows that!" 😂 I hear what you are saying Dana, loud and clear ! X

[@blkbrn1952]

I think the only way my husband will understand where to put things is if I put up sticky notes. I had the hateful corner cabinet organized but he is making it a chore to keep up. I wish I had taken pictures because now I can't really remember exactly myself.

[@llllllllllilillii]

Great camera angles and lighting perfection lovin it!

[@terryruiz7417]

Interestingly, I can make my kitchen works. Others who visit only a few times a year can complain about my set-up. My attirude....tough cookies! Spooning my ladels and flat serving pieces works well for me, and it's my kitchen!

[@susanwalgren3939]

Your channel is so relatable. However, there is one process during decluttering that I feel needs to be changed. That is when you come across things that should not be put in a donation box: when u just have the lid from a missing cup, rusty mason jar lids, chipped dishes and glasses, warped frying pans as well as ones that the non-stick coating is chipped and peeling. Also regarding clothes, do not donate stretched-out elastic waisted pants, shirts that have ring -around -the -collar and pit stains, shoes that have been worn-down and the inner soles are filthy, stretched-out men’s leather belts, etc, etc. I just see too many declutter bloggers put so many things into their donation boxes when they SHOULD be putting them in the trash!

[@kellyclemmer9715]

It’s so true how individual this is.. I probably use that same strainer every single day, and I’ve never ever used it to make mashed potatoes….

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

LOVE your kitchen😊.

[@suzy1676]

Great advice!❤

[@marionbylsma1167]

For me, organizing the kitchen is the easiest thing I’m having trouble with my sewing room

[@lynnshepard7485]

My sewing rooms, oh my goodness! I must find a donation center close to me that will take high quality dressmaking fabric where other sewists will love them. I have more than I can ever use. I love them all, but they’re adding to my stress level terribly! Good luck with yours. 😘

[@marionbylsma1167]

@@lynnshepard7485 I really don’t have that much fabric. It’s mostly making clothes, smaller or fit right then maybe I’ll try something new.

[@terrimartin3034]

Interested in seeing pics of your fabric stash​@@lynnshepard7485

[@christinesmith4217]

Is that your pool behind you?! Looks very nice!

[@gaynorprice-jones1826]

I can't imagine only cooking mashed potato a handful of times a year, and I never use a sieve either! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@llllllllllilillii]

omg by the way, I FINALLY tackled some of my 5ft storage unit and omg it was a complete and utter OHHH SEEEE DEEEE fest with having to shake every single item out cuz SPIDERS!!!! hahahaha But I was able to make a YUUGE 55 gallon bag full of trash, just started throwing most everything away cuz your voice "get it out of your house quickly" was goin around in my head.

[@jeaniemcdaris8276]

❤

[@terie.2165]

Does anybody else have trouble remembering The new Established place that they have assigned some thing after They declutter? I do! I need to help things out where I see them because I will forget where they are. So I’ve been using the reminder lists on my iPhone to help me keep track and it’s working good. The list is called. Don’t forget where you put it. So I will take the soldering iron out of my underwear drawer(?!) , Put it in the first place I would look for it, and then verbally tell Siri Where I put it. “Siri remind me The soldering iron is in Green plastic box 2nd shelf of the little table next to the toolbox in the middle bedroom”. Honestly if I don’t do that I won’t know Where anything is and that anxiety Was keeping me stuck. If I move something later, then I can correct the list. The key for me is to do it right now. . Verbally. “Hey, Siri remind me, I put the metal strainer In the cupboard above the refrigerator next to the yogurt maker And the cupcake holder”. I don’t have to keep it in my head, and I don’t have to worry that things will get lost.

[@kennethbailey9853]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@glendaw5221]

Oops Reid!

[@bethfioritto]

lol, no one in my house knows that the utensils go in specific containers either.

[@Viwhip]

I have a very low clutter threshold

[@vanessablanc2074]

You need a potato ricer!!!

[@SassySue67]

Dana, if you use that strainer to drain the water from potatoes when you make mashed from scratch. You do know you can use your spaghetti strainer instead right?

[@DanaKWhite]

It isn’t for the draining. It’s for lowering into the boiling water without splashing.

[@SassySue67]

@@DanaKWhite Oh, not gonna ask why you would need to do that. I just boil and drain. Lol

[@AlyciaAllenTolmach]

@@DanaKWhiteif you are talking about putting the potatoes in the pot of water, could you use your tongs for that? 🙂

[@7binaz109]

@@DanaKWhite As a person who makes mashed potatoes on an almost weekly basis, I just put the potatoes in the water when it's cold. Now you've got me wondering if I've been doing it wrong all these years 🤔🤔🤔

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

I had no idea about this strainer

[@marcy7162]

Maybe I’m a cavewoman, but I just grab ice with my hands.

[@kristinalebardin7908]

❤