How to Avoid the Biggest Decluttering Mistake

[@cheriehepburn2492]

I like your videos very much. I’m OCD and a pro at beautifully organized and storage of ... stuff. When I retired it had to go and that was the easy part. What I neglected was to figure out how I would make that happen. I’m 70 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and what goes on in my mind may not always filter down into my hands and legs. I found myself in a sea of stuff I didn’t want and the GoodWill is not as accommodating as expected. So having a clear plan on how to make the mess vanish is as important as deciding to make it do so. I am extremely pleased with having more counter and closet space. And, having room for food in the kitchen was an added plus.

[@WhereIsCynthia]

Laura! WOW!! I've never heard anything like what you are sharing. There's a deep well of authentic compassion and understanding that helps me realistically look at my own stuff without deep shame and criticism from myself and others. This is the message I've been needing to hear my whole life. I grew up in an emotional war zone with a physical environment that reflected the emotional abuse and neglect. I've been trying to pull myself out of it for decades and keep struggling. I just discovered your KZbin content today and subscribed after the first video. I can only imagine how much of a difference you're making in thousands of people's lives and I'm so grateful for what you're sharing with the world. God bless you. I mean it.

[@ClutterClarity]

Cynthia - WOW back to you! So glad you are pulling yourself out of your past. These are practical life skills that can be applied to all areas of your life. A fresh perspective makes a world of difference, opens you up to the possibility of peace of mind. Notice without the judgment as you make progress. Good for you! Thanks for subscribing, and sharing with people you love. Take good care, Laura

[@thechunderchunder]

Probably the best advice on decluttering I've come across yet and highlights exactly where I've been going wrong. Thank you!

[@avadea5296]

after listening to numerous experts on self-organization - 'cos I knew I needed to declutter hard, feeling bad I couldn't bring myself to do it - this woman in fact got me WANT to do it! she knows how to tame the rebel spirit inside of you and make it a rewarding joy ride

[@FR-tb7xh]

I’ve watched several of your videos - you’re an amazing mentor! You understand the psychology of clutter, how we built our cluttered worlds, that we’re overwhelmed but often paralyzed to fix them, and how to begin resolving it. With joy, no less. After the first video I watched (the one where you told the story of the elderly gentleman hopeless to deal with his mountain of old photographs), I was so inspired to just experiment with the thought process on a very small task (something in the bathroom). It didn’t matter if I even accomplished it - what mattered was understanding my mindfulness as I did it. I couldn’t believe how powerful it was to look at a task so differently. I’d seemingly lost all discipline keeping things organized over the past couple of years. Since the pandemic, family and friends just haven’t been visiting as much if at all, and I guess they were always motivators to polish my home. After watching your podcasts, I’m learning to deal with my mess more thoughtfully and attack the clutter without external motivation. I’m thrilled with the results … My passion is cooking. But a 6’ length of primo kitchen countertop had been taken over by new spices and condiments (in part because I removed most of my cabinets years ago with a bank of windows). Who knew I had 3 jars of marinated artichoke hearts and 2 jugs of maple syrup (for poudings chomeur)! And a lot more. But I was able to cut it down a bit, and bought a great 5-basket rack system that I screwed into a couple of studs. Installing the rack was non-trivial (my Dewalt drill batteries weren’t recharging and all the power tools have switched over to incompatible Lithiums, so had to buy a new drill, the rack came with crappy hardware so I had to buy new, etc.). It took me three days (at a mixed pace), but I kept my ‘eye on the prize.’ Voila - a basket for all my Asian spices, sauces, and sesame oil, a basket for my Indian spices, and 3 baskets for everything else. I’m so motivated, I’m actually looking forward to dealing with other mini-projects. After that rack, theoretically all of them should be a piece of cake. But I know enough now that past success doesn’t imply future success. So I’ll keep watching. 🙂

[@kkpkkprr]

Laura is amazing, she is changing my life!

[@janicejettsitter2097]

Decluttering is an ongoing process. I started my major decluttering in September of 2015. 3 trunk loads and one car load later, and I still find things to declutter. Now I have an area for donations. When something doesn't fit into my life, it gets tossed or donated.

[@ClutterClarity]

Good for you, Janice! We declutter for life, as long as we're alive. Once you catch up like you have, it's not hard, is it! Congratulations on your progress. Please subscribe to get notice of future videos, posted on Fridays. ENJOY!

[@silfervox2970]

Love, love, love your approach to decluttering. So gentle and helpful. Thank you for your videos! I really hope you write a book one day.

[@ClutterClarity]

So glad you are enjoying my approach and videos. Book coming "It's Your Mess, But Not All Your Fault! This is complex work in a messy culture. Thanks for subscribing to get notice of new videos every Friday through the summer! Take care, Laura

[@Tribulatoryfighter]

I LOVE this woman! She is VERY inspiring!

[@ittakesavillage5461]

I would get so stuck on items I couldn’t donate, and couldn’t be recycled local. I found a company called terracycle and I have been freed. You buy a box, fill it, and they recycle it. Broken items, pens, all the little random things were holding me back.

[@Whatworksthisworks]

Great advice! Thank you!!!

[@ClutterClarity]

Thanks for your feedback, Nancy. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Please subscribe! YOu'll get notice of future videos, posted on Fridays. ENJOY!

[@jenniferbriski567]

Thank you for the advice, it helps.

[@CraigsOverijse]

I spent an hour or two dividing craft paper into keep me and gift to girl guides this week at end my craft space didn’t look much different but guides have a big box full.

[@debbieh4678]

Thank U

[@ClutterClarity]

YOu're welcome, Debbie! Subscribe if you want to get notice of new future videos, posted on Fridays! ENJOY - Laura