How to Stop Bringing Clutter Into Your Home

Telling someone (okay, ME) to just stop bringing things into my home didn't really work. But I had to stop in order to change my home. Today, I'm sharing what actually helped me change my desire to shop.
My books: aslobcomesclean.com/book

[@fianorian]

Since I decluttered, my friend doesn't like going into shops with me anymore. I look at stuff. I admire it. Then I walk away because I DON'T NEED IT.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

🤗So smart. I'll practice doing that.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

yay!

[@merryannebrown]

This made me chuckle ! I have a friend that I'm trying to "help" declutter and I do the same. Every time she goes into a shop or garage sale I ask her does she Realllly need that. :)

[@kimberly8185]

It does make ya a whole lot more picky what you bring in..

[@Nan-59]

…maybe you need a new friend!!😱😆🤣🤣😂😂😂🥳✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@moniquefuselier7711]

"You can keep whatever you want, but you can't keep everything. " That advice of yours has been the most helpful and freeing for me.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

me to

[@angelajohnson7374]

Yes! This!

[@JustineAnderson1]

It's like Weight Watchers for your stuff! I love it!

[@Hillside-Hive]

@@JustineAnderson1 as soon as I saw the comment I thought, "you can eat whatever you want but you cannot eat everything" WW here too.

[@myaccount9498]

Thank you Dana. The "container concept" is helping me transform my home from an overcluttered + embarrassing pig sty into a functional, peaceful home. I have finished 3 whole rooms and the difference is phenomenal. 💐🏡

[@idid138]

Nice job. I'm partway through my 1st room, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. 😉

[@Duckies1023]

Jealous! I’ve done 1 dresser top and a catch all in my living room. Sooooo much more to go!!! It feels great but never ending…..

[@aimmeesu9161]

Wish I could take, share my pics

[@aimmeesu9161]

@Made in Australia Yea😊

[@deborahbernal9953]

“I could identify things as future clutter!” Love how you phrased this! 😃This has become true for me, too, thanks to you!

[@jeanarino732]

don't forget that your daughter said she LOVED your mug collection so that when she moves away from home you can pack it up and send it with her! It will be something that makes her feel at home wherever she goes!

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

As noted in the credits Reid enjoys the mug collection to. Rotation of mugs in and out of home works for us. I'm always finding mugs at various thrift shops, sales, or free. Our current mugs will end up in the calving barn or on a bailing machine that is in our shop for repairs. Many get broken. Cool, room for a different one. I had to embrace the knowledge that if I ever need another one ( of anything!) the universe will provide. That has never failed me yet. I have all I need.

[@idid138]

That's what I was thinking. We used to call this a "hope chest" for some day brides, but now let's just call it a "hope they move out chest".

[@bun04y]

Yeah, when my daughter moved out she moved into a studio apartment so she didn't take a lot of her things...they're still at my house. Now she has moved across the country (it was supposed to be short term but now looks permanent) and she has a bunch of her stuff in a storage unit. So she's got clutter here, and in the storage unit! LOLz. I am hoping that when she gets a "permanent" place she'll come collect her stuff OR allow me to get rid of it. The funny thing is, she is wanting me to get rid of my clutter because she doesn't want to inherit my mess one day.

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

​@Craftybunny see, my mom held my stuff in college, but wanted me because she was moving houses shortly after I moved for my first job that whatever I didn't claim and take with me THEN AND THERE was getting donated! 🙃 But it worked! I still have a couple pieces.

[@susanmckay5085]

LOVE how Reid uses the post-video credits for his "two-cents worth"!

[@terrimendenhall1473]

My clutter, one of them, is cute notebooks. I was in a store yesterday and was looking at them. Decided I don't need any of them. I was so proud of myself. 😁

[@christinagallegos4854]

My kryptonite is notebooks as well as cute pens too.

[@sandywilliams848]

I love you!!! I am 74 and just hear your voice saying, “Take it there, now!”

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I love the feeling of dropping off boxes and/or bags to donation centres. I feel weight fall off my shoulders and just like I’ve accomplished something. My goal is to make at least one trip a week to a donation centre. It may not be a lot but it’s a step in the right direction without being overwhelming for me. Thank you Dana for the motivation.🥰🥰🥰

[@aimmeesu9161]

I'm going to try this. Loving the feeling of taking the stuff

[@loriennyanzi1290]

My trunk in my car is still full, I can't seem to drop this stuff off. Uugh.

[@mommalion7028]

@@loriennyanzi1290did you drop it off yet?

[@sarabrook4696]

Someone offered me an apple slicer the other day and I said no thanks. That was big for me. But I learned that with my 1 drawer for kitchen gadgets, I don't have room for an apple slicer and I am perfectly happy using a knife. Yay! No new clutter! Another thing I have noticed is that when I do go out and buy things, I come home and put them away right away. They don't sit out in bags by the back door. My kids got new pillows. I immediately took the old pillows out of the pillowcase and put in the new ones. The new medicine goes in the basket and the expired goes in the trash...

[@ChristysChannelYall]

So here’s a fun one. I had a hard time getting rid of my broken clothes dryer and wound up having to pay $40 for someone to come and get it. Talk about adding insult to injury. It was so heavy that even with a hand truck I couldn’t manage to get it out of the house. Sooo, I don’t have a dryer now 😂. I was so mad about having to PAY someone to remove it that I just bought an extra $20 drying rack and decided to see how it would go with just putting my laundry on two of those. So far it has been a surprisingly successful experiment. No more accidentally shrinking favorite clothes AND I’m actually saving about $30 a month on the electric bill. Now for disclaimer, I am a super minimalist and it’s only myself and one son that live here and we live in a warm climate so stuff dries quickly, but hey, as long as it’s working I’m not buying another one.

[@mjcossel6136]

Good for you! Most of Europe dries their clothes this way! And it’s way easier on your clothes, saving you money in the long run on replacements.

[@cececarter7663]

Hope this is still working for you. In Australia we hang out our clothes on the line. I bought drying racks like you and have them on the verandah. So much easier (no rainy weather problems). I bought some with rod for hanging with coat hangers. Now putting away is so much easier. Only smalls and pjs in the draw. Everything else hung up to dry and put straight into the wardrobe, when dry.

[@serenakoleno9338]

I put 2 extra shower rods inside the tub area for drying clothes. They are high enough that I can still shower. They are on either side and I stand in middle. The heat duck is in ceiling so works well for when too cold to dry outside. Works great for hand washable too. 😊

[@sanjalisnjic7271]

The way I stopped buying is that I don't go to stores any more and on the internet I intentionally ignore any ads as much as I can. I just buy food and hygienic products and then I go only to the shelves with items that I need(no ornaments, dishes etc.). I have everything that I need. Everything is neatly in its place and eveything sparks joy!!

[@deniseharrison1410]

My biggest downfall is secondhand shops or what we call Op shops in Australia. But I’m learning, I see something and I say to myself “Ok Denise what are you willing to let go of if you bring it home?” This is helping me to stop refilling my home.

[@tiffytattoo2450]

Yes! Also you can love something and find it cute BUT don't want it in your house. I will probably love another blue and white china set, and I appreciate it's beauty in the shop, but that's not a justification to bring it home. It can stay there and still be beautiful.

[@pcs1120]

I love the revolving door approach. Something comes in then something goes out.

[@ednarose86]

Here's what I like about the plastic cups. It reminds us that we are allowed to like things that are new to us! So many times, I'm like "Oh, well that's nice, but I already have one of those." Or "I don't have the space for those." So this reminds us that we can see new cups and fall in love with them, and bring them home, but there has to be something there that you are willing to get rid of, in it's place.

[@janiceglines606]

I understand the concept; it all makes sense. But if I loved the blue, I would toss four bud vases and use the blue mugs for vases. lol.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Yes, was wondering if you could use for some type of decor.

[@debbiev.1311]

Agree...double duty! 😉

[@elisabethpatterson9417]

Yes I was going to suggest the same thing! But only if she really uses real flowers or it would just be more clutter and another chore.

[@myrahuber260]

I would use them for propagating my Golden Pothos cuttings. 🙂🌱🍃🌿

[@antoinnette0621]

I ALWAYS enjoy reading Reid’s credits at the end of each video!😂

[@elizabethb913]

One blue mug kept elsewhere for pens or makeup brushes or flowers (or replacing some other "uglier" container) could be fun. Then you would get to look at it every day.

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@Elizabeth, Lol, I was scouring the comments looking for this comment!🤣 I was like, knowing Dana's audience, I KNOW I can't be the only one thinking "PENCIL/PEN HOLDER" for the beautiful cobalt blue cup that she liked to "look at" didn't prefer to drink out of! 😆 Thank you for confirming that I'm not alone! 😆😆 Happy Decluttering...and re-purposing if needed! 😆😆😆

[@lucycliburn2344]

Two mugs my mother had are now repurposed, one to hold our remotes and one to hold my pens and pencils. Daily reminders of my mom.

[@carolgeorge6409]

I do this ! And love it!

[@cindyhenry1410]

Cobalt blue is my fav too....I would use those to root plants! 😊

[@kathystearns9012]

Your words of, "Take it there NOW !" have been a BIG help to me... It's like it's a recording in my head and the extra steps I count as exercise too 😁

[@hippityhop99]

If you told me 5yrs ago that I'd find a video about cups and mugs this riveting, I'd have laughed! But Donna!!! You're a life changer for the best possible way!

[@DanaKWhite]

Hahaha!! This made me laugh!

[@veronikam3836]

"I drank out of them - I washed them, don't worry...." LOL. I love your little side notes. :-D

[@thurst3224]

Dana....Turn 1 of the blue mugs into a candle! This way, you can keep the beautiful blue that makes you smile, and the candle has a handle so you can safely take it around the house while still lit (during power outage).

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

But I saw 8 candlesticks on the shelf. Does one of them need to go to make room for the candle mug? And in a blackout you'd want unfiltered white light. Without judgement, it seems to me you are still at the 'how can I justify keeping the thing' instead of 'does this thing deserve a spot in my space, and what needs to go to make room'.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@greatauntlizbethg9137 And You’ve moved to the judgmental level?

[@kimberly8185]

I would put candles in the blue mugs too .. I have a bunch of boring plain candle holders that could go for sure

[@carolbabb7875]

I would save a blue mug for daffadils in the spring.

[@kristintagress2614]

LOLOL Reid regarding the "never used blue glasses"!!!!! This is a thing, being absorbed by our own relationship with a home and not being able to really see that our journey is impacting our families. Here is where there is an opportunity for a family to come together and laugh about silly serious stuff!

[@EmilyHercamp17]

LOVE you Reid! 😍💖 Thanks for bringing 'White (Family)' humor to the internet! 🤣🤣🤣

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Good that both kids spoke up. Many times my family or friends do not.

[@DocTardis10]

I really love Reid’s commentary at the end of every video. Lol

[@sewcraftymarigold5556]

Last weekend I went to the trift store knowing what I needed to look for. My eyes were shining for everything I saw. The shopping cart was becoming full. I went through the stuff in the cart and reminded myself if I would be able to use it for what I needed for. Many were No 😧. Then what was left, Do I really like it or love it? Bought only 5 items from a cart that was becoming full. I am so proud of myself.☺

[@ETcallhome]

I like this question: Can I live without it?

[@lebleubayou]

I'm working it. I have made a rule: for every item I bring home, I have to pick at least one but preferably two things to get rid of in some manner. So far so good. And I am going shopping less often by far.

[@melandscoob]

Dana, I have to tell you, one of my favorite parts of your videos is always the end credits. It's clear that your son has inherited your sense of humor. Love it!!

[@sandradavis7132]

Welcome back, Dana! And thank you, Reid, for the larger, slower end credits fonts so those of us with getting-old eyeballs can read them!

[@Meme-go9ts]

Dana, you are amazing and I could really listen to you for hours!! As a hoarder, you are helping me shift the way I look at stuff... it was bringing me down so much and I had been stuck for years and years. Thank you so much for all the help :')

[@hollypaplow6082]

Having the different color cups for guests helps you to know which one belongs to each person. Great choice.

[@bethheerten1132]

"Future Clutter"...another amazing gem from Dana. Thanks for the concept. Myself, I have realized that I have to stay away from Thrift Stores.😭

[@pamwood3956]

Me too...and the Dollar Tree 🙄

[@karenjohannessen8987]

@@pamwood3956 I've gone to the thrift store several times now (and not bought ANYthing!) because I didn't find the "right size, glass pan lid" I need. It's feels kind of weird, but in a good way!

[@jinglesh1398]

My brain is broken and this was a light bulb moment for me. It makes perfect sense now. Thank you for spelling it all out for me , I guess I needed that.

[@johnwolfe2616]

Sue Wolfe- Aha, Dana. Those cups "Spark Joy" for you! Marie Kondo would be so proud!! 👍♥️

[@krisalogan6381]

Decluttering has seriously helped me mentally and it’s helped me keep from bringing in extra stuff

[@vivianhudacek1556]

I am SO glad you’re back! And I am lusting after those cobalt blue jar mugs! I must say that I have gotten SO much better about not shopping, partly from the pandemic restrictions but mostly b/c I do consider what I’ll do with the item. In the past I have kept everything-clothes, school papers, decor. Slowly but surely I’m making progress. Thank you so much! (Last week I threw away a whole binder of notes I’d taken in Literary Criticism in 1976.) :)

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Lol! Sounds like me!

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

@@cynthiafisher9907 ditto

[@Kay-12345]

Ya!! I’m still chugging along 🥹

[@marilynknowles6611]

Oh my goodness! I have a binder from college. I keep it because I may want to go study it one day. 🙈🙄 It’s going in the burn pile right now! Thank you for this comment!!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

@@marilynknowles6611 Truth be told, I still have LOTS of school stuff, not just from being a teacher for 40+ years but also from being in grade school even. I’m so sentimental & have always loved school! I am getting a tad better at letting go, however. :)

[@amechealle5918]

I’m currently in the beginning stage of decluttering and I gotta say it’s almost traumatic. I am not quite sure what I’m doing I’m watching decluttering videos organizational videos. And I’m trying but oh my gosh it’s so not easy. Thank you for this video is giving me a little help for the right mindset. Pray for me I’m gonna need it, thank you again for this video

[@Emkfry8020]

It gets easier as you do it. Best wishes!

[@briannab5296]

It IS traumatic! .. Overwhelming. Sad. Exhausting. . .the decision fatigue alone is unbearable.

[@karrienelson9035]

15-20 minutes at a time! Celebrate progress!

[@kaywilliams1065]

Remember, Black trashbag and donatable donate box and start somewhere Easy. Look for just trash first. Then Obvious things to donate. Then anything that needs to be taken to where it Really belongs - take it there now. You will already be better off and will Not have made a bigger mess. I Love Dana! These are her basics, but check out her podcasts. Great to declutter by. Best Wishes for you!

[@blujeans9462]

If it's too difficult, you may not be ready. And that's okay. I made several unsuccessful attempts over the course of 10+ years. But I knew I was ready when it finally was not only not difficult to decide but was also enjoyable - for the most part. :-). It's never super easy when you have to part with things you've had for a long time. But, eventually, your life comes to a point where you are ready to start a-new. Sometimes it's a move; sometimes a life change - most times it's 'swedish death cleaning', as it was for me. :-)

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Donating and decluttering cured me of impulse shopping. However, there is always that one special item that lands in your home, usually for free. I've been learning how to repurpose my things. Those blue mugs can be used for so many things: shells, bath salts, candles, led candle holders, fairy light containers, etc. If you put a lid on them, you can use them in the kitchen to store spices, teas, baking soda? In the bath, cotton balls or q tips. With the days getting longer, I think it might be fun, to put them in a sunny window to reflect the sunlight during the day, and turn on an led candle or string lights at night. You could even use them as Christmas decorations.

[@helenebennie3961]

I was kind of thinking the same thing. Vases?

[@dawnjeffersramstad8401]

I am happy to report that I applied the one in one out rule. My old ice cream scoop was embarrassing with its wear and tear. It required hand washing. So when I found a new, name brand I trust scoop that was dishwasher friendly, I brought it home from Target. Then telling myself that I was blessing a future archeologist (I love Time Team) I sent my well used old one off to the future in my trashcan.

[@shellyturner2766]

My husband and I are over 65. We went to an estate sale in our neighborhood... What was scary was how many items similar to what we have were out for sale. It made me want to get home and declutter some more!

[@merryannebrown]

I have discovered that you can have less than a whole set of something. I just donated a Huge colander that I don't think I have ever used. The set has 4 smaller ones that fit into each other and I have always used the biggest one as the holder for the others, that I do use, but have never used the biggest one for what it was made for. This concept has helped me recently declutter my mugs "collection". I have also changed my preference in style of mugs. I had a set of 4 mugs that I only used maybe 2 of. Got rid of the 2 I don't use and solved acouple space questions at the same time. :) Point is if your the only one using them. Just keep 1 or 2 that you use and donate the rest.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

My parents have 2x2seater, 2x1seater lounge set and will not split the damn thing despite one of them really needing a recliner these days. The recliner sits in the overstuffed playroom where it apparently used as needed.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

@@greatauntlizbethg9137 I feel your pain. Age has a way of letting things get stagnate. Hope the lightbulb turns on for them. If not, I hope you find a way to not let it bother you. I'm working on that with my dad, 81.

[@sherylporter9557]

I bought an antique coffee table that had 4 smaller 3 legged tables that fit underneath it. On a side view all I could see were all these legs - looked like a weird insect. I struggled with the idea of separating the set...but then realised I only like the proper table...and got rid of the other awkward ugly dangerous ones.

[@karenjohannessen8987]

@@sherylporter9557 Yay - Way to go! 😄 The other tables will bring joy to other folks, who'll never know that it was a "set".

[@carolgeorge6409]

Maybe you can get them to move one out and the recliner in on a trial basis

[@brendatomlinson]

I’ve been following the container concept with my mugs. I have a finite number of cup hooks under the upper cabinet to hang them on. This year I’ve become obsessed with hand thrown pottery mugs. The texture, irregularities, and creativity is overtaking my love of my previous beautiful but manufactured mugs. If I find one I must have, I have to choose one to let go of. There’s room for more hooks but nope, I’m sticking to my plan. It may seem small but it’s a huge success for me.

[@merryannebrown]

I've just done this as well. My birthday is coming up and while adding things to my wishlist I added mugs like you described and have already decided which others will be going. I know now that if I want those new mugs I need to know which are going ahead of time.

[@brendatomlinson]

@@merryannebrown yes!! I’m down to choosing mugs I love but tend to use last because they don’t hold as much, or the opening is so wide my coffee cools too fast.

[@merryannebrown]

@@brendatomlinson Exactly. One set ready to go has lip size that nobody could get their lips over without dribbling on themselves. :)

[@brendatomlinson]

@@merryannebrown You get me! 😊

[@merrieboone]

When you are describing yourself in the beginning of loving the thrill of the hunt of a yard sale and the free table I’m laughing because that is me!! So relate to you Dana! Glad you’re back :)

[@annw1395]

I like how you walked us thru the process, step by step. I used to think if I liked something, or if it was pretty, that was a good enough reason to buy it. As I aged, I realized that there are WAY more pretty things out in the world than I could ever own. Use the blue mugs as water glasses instead of mugs.

[@eb9844]

We have small mason clear jars (250ml) and we use them for water. Saw it years ago served to us at a restaurant so I used the idea. My kids love using them. Since they are thicker they don’t have a tendency to break as easily as regular glass cups. We only drink water in my house so they are used very often. I have more than a dozen. Also, they serve a dual purpose, they fit perfectly on my blender for single serving smoothies.

[@barbkandel777]

Your Container Concept is pure Gold, Dana! It really is a game changer. Oh, Reid. 🤣

[@katiebellejohnson2688]

Awesome advice! 🥰 My local Goodwill was my downfall-so many useful/pretty/vintage things! Also, as a pianist I was distracted by your lovely piano, which I’m sure brings a lot of joy into your home. You’ll need to find a way to move it to an inside wall, otherwise the varying heat/cold temperatures will irreparably damage the fragile parts of your fine instrument. Once you move it, it will stay in tune longer and cost less to maintain. 😘

[@adrianekeils7971]

I noticed the same thing as the mom of a musician that has spent so much money on those fine instruments. It’s a beautiful piece.

[@shadegarden7375]

Yes, inside wall!!

[@RUT812]

I’m a pianist, too, & I agree ☝️

[@katie7748]

Also, away from direct sunlight and never in a basement. My father tuned them for a living lol

[@afn1231]

I am presently reading your book “decluttering at the speed of life “ and I love your humour so much I had to see if I could find you online !! So glad I found your KZbin channel. You are a true gem 💎 thank you for being you and sharing your experiences, wisdom and great sense of humour. Take care

[@remnant1018]

There are countless people out there making declutter videos and writing declutter books, but your lessons are the only ones that have really spoken to me. Declutter advice may all have the same end result, but it looks like it needs to fit the viewer’s life and needs to make sense to be of any use. Thank you for continuing to produce such relatable content and for making decluttering make sense.

[@rosesawyer4864]

GET OUT OF MY HEAD WOMAN!!! Really, though, this is so helpful to hear. Over and over and over...

[@CindaMurphyRealEstate]

I love how you break things down SO MUCH. You are one of so few “experts” that speaks our language. Much love for you, Sis! 🥰

[@kaleenasowell9140]

I think it's important to note that we don't have to keep all of a set either. You could keep just one blue cup and it may cut down on the cluttered feel.

[@vonny10096]

I did that today!...kept 4 mugs that remained from one set, fav pattern,...and 1 each from 3 other sets that just had 2 or 3 in them.. (guests can use the odd ones lol). Im glad i wasnt being silly, thanks Kaleena for letting me know it was a good idea.... Oh and thank you Dana for helping our brains, great video and editor comments...and i bet the pretty plastic/glass doolallys make you smile every time you open that door...they look very lovely.

[@jillwhitman7208]

Thank you sharing your thought process! It helps the rest us make peace with “being wrong” or changing our minds, or simply moving on without guilt. You are in my head! Much appreciated!

[@elizabethandiosa4579]

Wow, you're amazing. I used to live like that. Then a relative asked to give me a few things. She litereally sent over a one ton truck full of garbage to my home and had another relative dump it on me. When i wanted it gone, she became extremely abusive. Eventually I dumped those relatives it was traumatic. Now trauma happened again and i got surrounded by a wall of clutter. I didnt know where to start but i see the light again. Thankyou. I am working on it. Blessings

[@nuksandmissies4466]

Just happened to run across your channel today...as I was listening to you, I was saying to myself, "PREACH! GIRL, PREACH!!" 😂... Great advice. Thanks for helping me to continue in my clutter-free journey!

[@jellybean-ky1ip]

The one in, one out rule has helped me. If I cant part with what I have I cant buy more. It is hard because there are so many pretty things. Christmas decorations and other seasonal decor is hard for me. There is a reason our Moms brought out the same decorations year after year. Sure it had a lot more to do with money but it was a lovely tradition when the Christmas village went up. BTW is was cardboard.

[@kallypaschall1178]

Dana... I don't know if I've commented before, but you changed the trajectory of my life. We had just moved in with my "in loves" and were storing all of our 10+ years of marriage + kids and pets stuff in a metal shop on their property (while we built our forever home) when they experienced a total loss fire... The metal shop survived and we moved into it. I saw it as a giant rectangle with no defined spaces. Boxes piled 6ft high a boat and razr and mower. Plus a ton of tools. Trying to live in it while our house was being built seemed impossible. I've never been so depressed. You empowered me to live. Right where I was. You gave me the skills and hand up I needed to approach what seemed insurmountable. When I think of what you've done for me. I can't help but cry. I've listened to your "Decluttering at the Speed of Life", and "How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind" books 3x each this summer. (I'm dense. 😂) So thank you. 1000x over!!! ❤ Sidenote: Do you have a place to access the included forms for each of those books? I got them on audiobooks.com.

[@cindyhenry1410]

Wow! How are the “in-loves” (my boss used to them the “out-laws” lol). What a crazy story!

[@marcipalin9917]

When I lived in a one bedroom apt while saving up for my home down payment, I lived on the premise that if I bring something into my apt something has to leave so it made me pause to make sure if I needed object and where would it go. I moved into 3/2 home and my two guest rooms have been my offenders. I had a recent epiphany that while I don't have to fill up every cabinet/ closet, I now need organization. I've decluttered but nothing has organization. Every weekend I pick one thing in the house to work on. It's a work in progress. I love your video and thanks for sharing.

[@susanramarge8188]

We missed you!

[@loisbolton1800]

It is good for me to be told that there is an “after” or a maintenance plan, so to speak, once the process of decluttering is practiced & mastered. I have hope that happy time will come! 🙏

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

The minimal mom (or was it hoarders heart) recently said something like it feels like failure to need to re declutter a space you've already done it. But it's an ongoing process. Calling it a reset feels much better.

[@lizziemcdougall2767]

I love your t-shirt. The advice to be sure to "do the dishes" has worked so well for me. My kitchen, which is the centre of our life at home, is much more manageable; there is counterspace available for food preparation, and I don't feel embarrassed if someone comes over because the dishes are done. Many thanks for another great video!

[@de3182]

I have avoided garage sales and thrift stores (accept for donating) and dollar tree for about 5 years now. It helps a lot!

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I started decluttering with Cas about a year ago and discovered the Dollar Tree KZbin videos. I noticed that as I was decluttering I was finding ways to use the stuff I had by "shopping my home". Right now they have a lot of colored glass, so I passed some of their suggestions to Dana while I am using some ideas for inherited items I'm not ready to get rid of. I can declutter plenty of things that I'm not emotionally attached to, but using some of the inherited stuff may make it easier for me to "let go" when the time comes.

[@mirjamwurtz6408]

"I don't need this" is such a liberating phrase.

[@debbiev.1311]

I'm in the thick of the decluttering process..."less & better" every day!! Thank you Dana for being such an inspiration!! ❤🤗 Great video...love your sense of humor, & your colorful plastic glasses!! 😉 (oxymoron intended 😂)

[@annw1395]

A friend had the saying: "SOS". "Stay Out of Stores". I use that to help me. Also, knowing that if I'm going to buy something that I need to know "WHERE it's going to go", and "what I'm going to use it for" helps keep me from bringing a lot into my home. Thx, Dana. I've missed you!!

[@RadCenter]

I notice a big overlap between KZbinrs who shop at thrift stores and yard sales and KZbinrs who are overwhelmed with STUFF. I would recommend that anyone trying to get their house under control stay away from those "bargains" and instead buy the best quality items for their homes they can afford. Those items are much less likely to end up being decluttered several years later. If you must shop at thrift stores and yard sales, never go without a list of specific items you're looking for, such as "small lamp for Pete's desk" or "small end table for living room." Know where each item will live in your home before purchasing anything.

[@merryannebrown]

So agree! I'm doing this now. Things I buy now have to be quality rather than ikea type that aren't worth the space. And of course the one in one out still applies. :)

[@lindaeg]

I love this video! I've felt bad for looking in the thriftstore since I started decluttering, because I didn't trust myself to not bring home something crazy. But I'm totally fine! My brain has changed... Now what I came home with today was cleaned and placed where it's new home would be. Today I didn't need to get rid of anything to make it fit, but I totally would. Now I know that I'll always love one thing more than the other and it's pretty easy! I still have a long way to go at my hobbyspace, but you have helped me so much! Thank you, Dana! For being real and relatable ❤️

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

The first time I walked into a thrift store and came out with nothing because the clothes weren't exactly what I was looking for, I didn't need another tray even tho that one was cute, I didn't need, I didn't need, felt very strange indeed. I enterred thrift shops with a new mentality. Then snapping up cotton sheets as sewing fabric became my kryptonite for a while coz they're not always available, but now they're on a 1in 1 out basis too. *glances at fabric pile toppled onto floor*

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Linda Eg I like what Paige says(Farmhouse Vernacular), she rents things from the thrift store as place keepers until she finds the perfect thing. Then she takes the place keeper back to the thrift store.

[@jessicabrown6943]

I love how you talk us through these struggles. I am always thinking of “new places” for stuff. But I need to use the container concept!!

[@joycemitchell2092]

Loved this video! I am so HAPPY you are BACK! I love your methods of decluttering. Today I went back into my storage room to declutter and felt overwhelmed! I didn’t know where to start then I thought…Trash! Start with trash. And I did! I got a lot done. THANK YOU, Dana!

[@bethb5076]

Thanks for talking through the thought process! I am debating bringing a new kitchen gadget into my home. It’s good to hear the thought process before I make a purchase !

[@brendatomlinson]

My sister-in-law keeps insisting I need an air fryer. First time I said, I don’t cook, I won’t use it. She replied, it’s great for reheating pizza the crust stays crispy. Hmmm. Next time she mentioned it I said, I don’t have counter space for another appliance. So yeah, I’m probably getting an air fryer for Christmas. 🙄

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

@@brendatomlinson Regifting or selling is completely acceptable in this situation. No air fryer or microwave in my home. Added bonus is less cleaning hassle. Zero guilt.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

We also have a zero holiday gift policy. Experiences not clutter is our motto.

[@brendatomlinson]

@@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976 I appreciate the idea but I know they’re expensive and I’d prefer to deter her from making the purchase. Hopefully she’ll eventually understand that I really don’t want one. Last Christmas she and my brother gave me the best gift ever - a Costco membership. It has saved me so much money on pet food, coffee, and gas, the things I buy most. I stay away from the impulse purchases they push with samples.

[@eb9844]

@@brendatomlinson haha. My kids kept saying to get an air fryer. I had one years ago and disliked it so I gave it to my BIL. Back then air fryers were made differently. About a month ago I gave in and bought one at Costco. Let me tell you, what a game changer. I love it so much that I don’t care that I no longer have room on my kitchen counter. 🤭

[@stempelwerkbysandra8058]

Forget to say: I am happy that you‘re back, Dana. i missed your videos so much that I even bought two of your books, although they are hard to get in my corner of the world and only available in english, which isn‘t my native language, what you might already noticed. But I really enjoyed reading ‚Organizing for the rest of us‘, so that I bought ‚How to manage…‘ right afterwards 😇

[@marylandmonroe]

I have to thank you so much for all these tips. They resonate better than any other thing I have tried. I have started decluttering my home without making a mess. My daughter and granddaughter will have access to my kitchen to choose things they'd like to have. If I'm not using them now or have no plans for them, then they are leaving my house. My daughter has already said she'd love to have a Kitchen Aid mixer. Since I rarely bake now that I'm on my own, the mixer will go next door to live with her. If I need it, it's a short walk away.

[@rosemarygrabowski5834]

Dana I love it that you "get" me. Thank you soooo much for stepping out and sharing what you do! (Plus, you're funny. Right?!? LOL!!) God bless you, sister!!

[@debbiemize2269]

I love your advice of where would I look for it first! That is why my 50 foot measuring tape is kept in the pantry! That space was previously used as a catch all closet, but I knew that measuring tape was in there, so when we revamped the storage spaces in our home (after watching several of your videos!), that under stairs closet was perfect as our long term storage pantry. But the tape remained! Everything else went to a new home (literally!) or a new space. Thank you for your guidance ♥️

[@SIC647]

So much. All my shop tools are in one place. Except my exacto knife which I keep with my sewing tools. Not because I use it there, but because of some reason that is always where I look for it.

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

Yep, my mom also follows Dana and she always looks for her fingernail clippers in the remote control caddy. And now when I am at her house I know exactly where they are.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

@@ImLunaShesZeta awesome

[@shaynaformity1384]

My scissors are in my silverware drawer in my kitchen for the same reason! And I purposely don't keep an extra pair in with my knitting supplies because getting up to go into the kitchen for scissors is a good practice to prevent my body getting stiff from sitting too long. And I just might get something to drink while I'm in there.

[@lynnegordon6749]

I brought home 4 snowmen mugs from my local thrift store this afternoon. Brand new in gift box. They may be mine for winter use, or they may become individual Christmas with goodies in them. I was thinking about space and the number of mugs I own. Thanks Dana.

[@jrob8071]

YES! I recently passed up a very nice garage sale because I had spent so much time emptying my father’s storage unit!

[@donniekean1541]

How did you get into my head and my thinking! Everything you say resonates with me. And, even though I am a thousand steps behind you in the decluttering; what steps I have taken so far inform my future purchasing. Thank you more than you can imagine for all the encouragement. My 89 year old mother is benefiting from your advice, I’ve helped her some and told her about your advice and she is working on it. I don’t want to be doing this at 89! I mention your name to my husband and he says “just do the dishes??” And I say - yep! Again, thank you.

[@jenniferfarmer8514]

Hi Dana thought this might make you and others smile. Inspired I decided to de clutter my junk draw. Opened draw. Felt totally overwhelmed so shut it again. Opened draw later tipped the whole contents into black bin bag and hurled in the bin. Don't know what I threw away. Don't know if I needed anything in the draw. Too late!! Draw empty contents gone. Not sure if this method is recommended but sometimes a girl has to do what a girl's gotta do. Jen x Stratford upon Avon

[@bethheerten1132]

Love it, Jennifer! You are a brave woman.

[@brendatomlinson]

That was a very brave move Jennifer! I simply couldn’t do that mainly because I’ve been searching for my mom’s lost diamond watch she wore in the 70s. It could be literally anywhere!

[@jenniferfarmer8514]

@@bethheerten1132 I'm not brave Beth but having lost my beloved husband 3 years ago I realise that stuff is just stuff and should I really need anything that was in that draw it will find its way back to me. Clutter was drowning me swallowing me and depressing me and the freedom I felt at emptying that draw was massive I keep opening it and looking at the space. Jenx

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@jenniferfarmer8514 So sorry for your loss. But, so glad you are taking steps towards finding peace in a decluttered home. Blessings to you! May you find hope, peace and strength as you move forward. 🙏

[@jenniferfarmer8514]

@@TrinaRaysTrekofLife Thank you so much for your good wishes the grief journey like the declutter journey is circular and long !! A strategy I have found useful is that for everyone thing I bring into my home I donate 3 things It is mostly working !! God Bless. j Jenx

[@emmsue1053]

Is it a "want" or is it a "need"? BIG difference, wants can go on forever! Thank you Dana.

[@biblioholic7139]

I want that blue mug. Even if you don't use it as a mug, consider using it as a decorative holder (pen/pencil holder, vase, etc). Also, I hope Dana got the end message from the editor before getting rid of all the blue mugs.

[@holliev492]

Thanks Reid for the ending! That's awesome. I am also struggling with decluttering our home without getting rid of everything my husband likes. (Thankfully it's just the 2 of us, so that's easier to manage than 2+ OTHER opinions)

[@grutarg2938]

If he's on board with the container concept, you can each take turns putting something into the container. When it's full, you each have your favorites and it's fair.

[@shaynaformity1384]

Thank you for wearing T-shirts with your slogans on them. Before you even got into it, I paused the video and went into my kitchen and washed the dishes. Win! Now I can get some knitting in while listening to what else you have to say. :-)

[@loriolsen5785]

Excellent video, Dana! I think it demonstrates that our homes are NOT stagnant. We aren't trying to create "perfect" homes that never change. Things are going to change. But with your tools, we won't let our homes become unmanageable again!

[@marthaterhune2156]

1) Dana, I love your shirt. Embracing the routine of doing my dishes daily or when I don't know what else to work on (nectar life gets crazy) has made household tidying (aka keep it under control) so much easier!! 2) thanks for taking about using your new cups and how much you enjoy them. I received too many glasses as seedling gifts (2 different sets of 12). We unboxed one set and saved the other for "someday" when the dust set head gotten broken or something. Well that was nearly 12 years and 5 moves ago. I still had the other set (the ones I actually registered for) still in the original box. So I opened the box and for out 2 glasses and washed them and used them with my husband for a few days. Immediately we enjoyed using these "new" glasses much better. So I packed up all 12 of the others and gave them away to a young adult who was moving into an apartment. P. S. The gift receipt was still in the box after 11.5 years 😆

[@monicacreates]

Why not keep one of the blue glasses as a vase? Flowers would look cute in it. Sometimes I bring something in that I enjoy for a time and then let go again, especially things I find for free at the recycling station or buy cheep in a thrift store. I allow myself to do that within the limits I have set up for myself.

[@robinmcmillin4132]

OMG! What you said was so simple to understand. What I don’t understand is why I never realized it before! I’m finally at that point that I can’t handle all the “stuff” anymore so thank you so much for this!!

[@ThKiwi]

I have a similar weakness for red glass! My MIL has a red glass lamp that I would not be able to say no to even though it wouldn’t match anything in our house. She’s getting ready to downsize hugely so it’s a distinct possibility. I’m ready to declutter my pretty lamp that matches the rest of my decor to make space for the red one if needed! XD

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Does MIL know. Mention it. She may have no clue

[@ThKiwi]

@@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976 She does! She’s recently widowed so getting ready to downsize but also struggling with decisions, so we’re trying to make sure she doesn’t feel any pressure regarding any particular items.

[@daisygillespie2125]

Omg! I'm totally guilty of the yard sale stuff ... I've been trying to give it to family and friends. LoL now it's down to donations only. But, I have gotten rid of over half of it. Thank you for your help.

[@tealolly93]

Love the step by step thought process, so many of us have these same issues!

[@deborahbernal9953]

Maybe you can use the blue mugs as vases for blooms and greenery from your garden! 🌷🌿🌸

[@TheDanawhitfield]

I can not find adequate words to tell you how much I appreciate your videos!!! I am currently on stress leave from work and the one goal I set was to declutter. I tried making lists and a plan and just wound up shifting piles and crying and having panic attacks. Until I found your videos. In the two weeks since I saw your first video, my house and my life have been totally transformed. I’m not close to done but I’m finally making PROGRESS 🙌🏼 Just having someone tell me exactly where to START - is what I needed. It stopped the pile shifting and the chronic overwhelm I have felt for years. As a neurodivergent working married mom of a six year old, plus two now grown bonus sons, I have made every mistake you outline over the years. I know you were uncomfortable with making videos at first (and maybe still?) but the way you sit and go through multiple examples is so helpful. The way you speak so authentically and make sure to humanize yourself and connect with us by repeating the fact that you were out of control as well, allows us to feel seen, accepted, and hopeful. You are clearly hilarious and I would LOVE to hear what comes out of your mouth when you’re not censoring yourself😂 I just wanted to say thank you. For sharing these life changing tips with us despite your discomfort. You have made a very big difference in my life and I can see I am not alone. I wish you all the success, love, belly laughs, and green lights in your life. Have a nice day ❤

[@cindyhenry1410]

Ooooo the addiction is strong in you Master Jedi 😂😂 Your eyes just light up talking about that free stuff! I am a plastic cup, mug and water bottle hoarder!! But my cupboards have space so I keep them 😃Cobalt Blue is also my fav! I have a window in my kitchen with glass shelves and I root plants in glass containers and the sun shines through them and makes me so happy! I will keep what makes me happy 😊 TYFS ❤️🦋💜

[@trishcampana]

I'm loving the credits/ comments at the end of the videos. Thanks, Reid!

[@EverTheOptimist37]

I love that you mentioned your childrens reactions. When my kids were younger I'd colour code their stuff, when I spotted a set of mugs in blue, red, green and orange I got them for them and they've been used for a year or so but we're at capacity. One of my kids won a mug and I didn't want to get rid of his coloured mug. But it's not just me that has to live with this system. It has to work for us all to work at all. When he's home from school I'll let him swap it out. Thank you.

[@Mickshickle]

“Garage sales were my kryptonite! “ 😆 I feel that

[@serenakoleno9338]

As well as thrift stores and free stuff. 😂

[@heidilopez-felix8105]

Love the cobalt blue mugs😢

[@bonnie-jeanschmidt2537]

Dana, I love the container = bad guy concept. Bravo on your progress!! 🎉 AND I also have to say that Reid’s comment at the end literally had my laughing out loud! 😂

[@lynneross319]

I too, loved the thrill of finding treasures for my home. When I was bored I’d head to the op shops. Most of what I’m now decluttering is those wonderful bargains. Back to the op shop I go! Waste of time and money, but I’ve learned my lesson. Thanks for your inspiring videos.

[@melodyshurtliff2868]

Oh my goodness! Reid White your credits commentary is hilarious! Hahahaha!

[@suziehancock4378]

You are so funny! I laughed out loud when you swung open the cabinet door with the plastic glasses! Thanks for all you do, it is truly helpful!

[@LynnJaeger]

I love your concepts, Dana, but when it comes to mugs our container is a bit bigger! We just set up a "coffee bar" for all the coffee and tea goodies (cleared out a whole cupboard shelf + in the kitchen) using a you-put-it-together console table we ordered on the web. It's under the 72-mug mug rack we have had for over 44 years. We don't do glasses because I break them, instead we drink from mugs and metal goblets... and the rule at our house is: the first time you come here you are a guest and you can use any mug on the rack. The 2nd time you come here you are family, and you put a mug on the rack so it is waiting for you. We have moved (and enjoyed!) that rack through 5 temporary home and it is now on the dining room wall in our hopefully forever home... looking at all the mugs is like having all our friends and family with us all the time!

[@dianajones1334]

This is the second time I have watched this entire video and I find that I am coming around to the clutter threshold awareness that I have been so blind to. Right thi minute I have some glasses on my counter that are about to be boxed up and donated. I feel like you and I were twins separated at birth because I too love garage sales and to top that off, I have loved the thrill of finding treasures at our many great thrift stores in my area. My husband goes to garage sales and buys low and sells at a reasonable profit if I don't.latch onto the item first and STUFF it somewhere so I Can KEEP IT!!! Because of watching your videos; Dana and purchasing and reading 4 of your books, and watching videos by your friends, Cas and Dawn; I am recovering from my overwhelm with clutter of really great stuff. I got home from work recently and my daughter-in-law, who live here too, came at me with open arms saying that she had waited all day to get home from work. I was puzzled and asked "why".

[@dianajones1334]

Oops, she waited all day for me so she could hug me because I had declutter ed the kitchen drawers and she opened one and found what she wanted right away! That hug was so appreciated!