How to Use Awkward Pauses to Declutter

Awkward pauses are the key to making it through any survival mode time (like summer) successfully. Learn to recognize them and use them well. Decluttering during Awkward Pauses will help you make a LOT of progress.
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[@j.chayo45]

I love how you are prioritizing your college age children. You are a great mom they are blessed to have you ❤️ Enjoy your summer 🙏🏼

[@MegOfBroccoli]

She sounds like she's prioritizing being busy just to be busy.

[@mishpotter8387]

​@@MegOfBroccoli I don't understand your comment

[@Iloveflowers2024]

​@@MegOfBroccoliwhat does that even mean? When kids are off school parents are more busy doing things with them. If they are college age kids and come home for the summer. That means more work with cooking meals and tidying up. Etc. Also going out doing more activities with them. There's definitely a different "feel" and energy shift to when children are in school and when children are off school. I totally understand why Dana is taking the summer off so she can focus on family and be there for her family. It takes time and energy to make videos. Dana doesn't owe us anything. She gives these videos and all the awesome advice for free.

[@Noreenlee1]

This reminded me of when my friend Patty and I used to call each other in the morning, a few times a week. We both had little kids and SO needed a connection with another female grownup. It was before even portable phones, so we were tethered to the wall by the cord connected to the receiver. So, we bought extra-long curly cords, tucked the phone under our chins, and cleaned anything we could reach while talking. It was how we both cleaned our kitchens and often started dinner for that evening. I still remember the she called me saying, "Noreen, guess what I am doing? I'm in the laundry room downstairs AND I'm talking to you at the same time!" For at least a couple of weeks, I got a similar call from her from probably every room in her house. It's still a wonderful memory.

[@elinerasmussen122]

Love this!

[@only1joy]

Good old days. I did the same.

[@GrannyLinn]

My friend and I did the same thing? 30-foot cord!

[@carolg.6838]

Dana, thank you for "permission"n for small spurts and encouragement that it will make a difference.

[@kotorinekochan]

This reminds me a lot of body doubling videos or phone calls. Sometimes just a small connection with another person can bring the motivation!

[@bookworm1956]

One of my favourite awkward pauses is at work, while waiting for customers who have an appointment. Say, the customer is supposed to turn up at 3 o'clock, I'm finished with my previous task at ten to three, and I use the 10 minutes to tidy up. If my customer is punctual, I have advanced 10 minutes. If my customer is late, or a no-show, I quite often end up doing stuff that has been annoying me for months (finishing a project counts as decluttering). Since I've started doing this, two things have happened: My workshop is a lot tidier than it used to be, and I am no longer resentful of my customers when they are late or forget, which is good for my mental health, and good for customer service.

[@kristinj7173]

I am working part time in a garden center and it is so obvious how a 1 to 5 minute pause (or 30 sec pause) can get stuff done while you watch the register. There are so many tasks. I was in other areas of the workforce for 4 decades previously but retail really brings it home.

[@bityew]

Dana, your method was THE method that has made a gigantic difference in taking my home back-but THIS! Learning to work on my home in the awkward pauses has been life changing! Because of my physical limitations, I can't sustain long periods of thinking/processing/take-it-there-now, BUT I completely CAN do your 5-step process in tiny bursts-and because my energy flows and ebbs in cycles throughout the day, recognizing and CAPITALIZING on awkward pauses has taken my home from a disaster 18 months ago to completely livable and lovable today, with only a handful of small piles left to go! Thank you for your help, wisdom, and generous sharing! What a help you have been!

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

Way to make it work for you and make progress! Your story is an inspiration!

[@Swayspirit]

I was going to do lots of decluttering today but have been struck down by stomach flu! Good example of when life happens!

[@auntiemame7076]

That is awesome! You are inspiring me to take action.

[@carolvandevanter3028]

I challenge myself to do things during commercials. It ALWAYS amazes me what I can do in just minutes!

[@FrattandChelsea]

I did this TODAY 😊😊😊 I looked in my kitchen drawer for name of someone I KNEW I hade written down who does yardwork ... I never found the name BUT I spent about 15 minutes going through scraps of paper & business cards & threw out things from 2007 ...so BETTER IS BETTER ❤❤❤❤❤ (Honestly, it was HUGE stack of paper clutter that is now GONE 🥰🥰🥰)

[@GrammyAmanda]

I love these tips. Awkward pauses are for accomplishing goals. Not for checking my phone. 😂

[@deniseharwood9521]

OK, I absolutely LOVE this! Really, really LOVE this.

[@katsspace4688]

💯

[@barnowlwatcher]

And stop playing Candy Crush!!!

[@katsspace4688]

@@barnowlwatcher 🤣🤣🤣

[@GrannyLinn]

😹😹😹 Yet here I am looking to see what Dana had to say. Well, I usually use my awkward pauses well. Today I needed some inspiration. 😊

[@thisisbethm]

I will miss you this summer, but it gives me great joy that you prioritize your kids!

[@MegOfBroccoli]

She takes off because she has enough privilege to do it. That's why she does it. She says it's for her kids but she won't be financially hit by it. She has enormous privilege that millions don't have.

[@thelmakatherine5396]

❤❤Dana, I want to thank you so much for your help. My hubby is ADHD, and I am autistic. Very long story short, yesterday I approached him with the Define the Room technique. We both decided that his "crafting" room was actually a "craft supply storage" room where he never actually crafted (not enough room to spread out.) So we both came up with plans for storing his supplies in that room and creating a defined space for him to craft in another room.

[@deniseharwood9521]

Love this story! I think that's how I'm going to start defining my craft room, a craft supply storage room. At least until I declutter a bit more.

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

So good, thanks for sharing!

[@glendaw5221]

Right after I watched this I had 20 min til I was scheduled to go on Zoom. Here’s what I did: unloaded the dishwasher, put a dirty dish and fork in it, fed and watered the birds, wrote out a get well card including the stamp and put it in my purse, put a recipe off the fridge into my recipe binder and reheated my coffee. Four minutes to spare so I’m going to gather my Bible and journal for the Zoom Bible study. (With Dawn’s sister Diana Kokku)

[@kiba4687]

I just heard you on siriusXM radio radomly a few days ago and i finally tracked down who it was i heard. I am so glad i found you. I am 50 and sick of crying and feeling like shit because i can never figure this out. When i heard you say moving out a few pieces of trash makes the space better and that is progress - it blew my mind for some reason. Moving a hand full of stuff at a time right away. WHOA. Like lightbulb moment. I have allready cleared a shopping bag of random stuff! I have 20 more in that one room....but its PROGRESS. It made me feel better about myself. I cant wait to watch all of your videos while i am working on my house!! ❤

[@rlrl2768]

You can do it! Her techniques are great 😊 Listen while you apply what she is saying 💜

[@kiba4687]

​@@rlrl2768thank you!! I got 4 bags cleared out now! :)

[@lisamunchausen7158]

I have to tell you how much you have helped me declutter my husband’s shed. I am not finished but still working. My husband passed on Feb 29. He was a pack rat, omg! I just started slow and constantly working working working on the shed. I used your method and have continued, It is looking better and the progress keeps me motivated to continue. Dana, thank you so much!!❤

[@justusewater1]

Hugs and prayers

[@lindamusser7370]

When I pick up something, I hear you say, "Take it there now." Then I do. 😊

[@TinyFlav]

When watching TV/ KZbin I use commercials and credits as my akaward pauses. It's about 8-10 minutes of cleaning for a 30 minute show. I get so much done and I don't feel guilty for watching so much . Things I can get done during those times are dishes, vacuum a room, laundry, wipes counters, clean the toilet, wipe the stove.

[@charletteprzybylski3417]

I like how you have categorized those odd moments between the daily events, "awkward pauses". I have been using those odd moments to do even a partial chore: while my first cup of coffee is brewing, unload the dishwasher or wash up my husband's breakfast dishes. I'd rather use those odd moments of the day to tidy up than to spend hours cleaning. Thanks for all the inspiration!!

[@debracarter7363]

"Take it there now" really works for me and I am so amazed at something so simple really makes a huge difference for someone like me. I tried other methods and just end up with lots of tidy piles everywhere which looks worse and causes me to stop/overwhelmed. Now I at least just have a few things out - it seems inefficient, but it really isn't - it save my mind. One thing at a time makes it easier and faster and I can feel like I accomplished something/finished at least a couple things . Thank you, thank you thank you :)

[@kathychatterton5623]

I call those little bits of time, “stolen moments”. I hate, detest, abhor house work and that was before I developed health issues. Now almost everything that gets done is done in stolen moments. It is amazing how much can get done. If I only have 5 minutes to do the dishes and when I reach the 5 minute mark, I find I am close to finishing I’ll finish in the next minute and a half. It is extremely rare that that extra 90 seconds will mess up my schedule, and the dreaded dishes are done!

[@alynmaus5029]

My awkward pause. One sentence into Dana’s spiel and the battery runs out!!! So while it is charging up enough to start up my iPad again I tidied away the clothes on my bed. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gaynorprice-jones1826]

It was meant to be!

[@auntiemame7076]

This woman is brilliant. Love when she is on Mel Robbins. Hope she is being more appreciated by the larger audience.

[@HistorianMom]

We are going to miss you but what a fabulous and healthy process. Also, I’ve learned to *love* awkward pauses!

[@smoothtruth]

❤

[@queensmum]

Thank you for your sensible advice, it sounds so "Duh" but it's changed our space so much. Lately I've been slipping and letting dishes pile up when I get busy with work, but taking those 3-5 minutes waiting for the microwave to reheat leftovers, those 3 minutes while the pot is warming up to boil water on the stove, to just do the dishes, has made a huge difference. Because even if the rest of the house is a disaster as least the dishes aren't out of control. And when it comes time for that inevitable panic clean because someone's coming over last minute, having the dishes done or at least not piled up above the sink gives me time to actually go around and pick up the clutter and wipe down the table. And when I get disheartened by the mess/clutter I come back and watch your videos for a pep talk!

[@karencorson3326]

Have a wonderful summer!! You deserve a break for you and your family.

[@shirleysauls1968]

My 6-year-old grandson refers to his mother’s donate box as the “delete pile.”

[@ladypaz]

I love it! So funny!

[@marthavanderpool6829]

Brilliant!!

[@lisajoy9588]

Love it!

[@dawnsanfilippo6357]

That's historical!

[@alhood3]

Every morning when I’m waiting for my coffee to brew I unload the dishwasher!✅. Enjoy your family this summer! What a great pattern you have for that

[@amandayoung9813]

I set our coffee to brew on a delay, it starts automatically and is ready for me in the morning! But I don't let myself get a cup until the dishwasher is empty. It's a reward lol

[@elinerasmussen122]

Thanks Dana! Your decluttering content is THE BEST!

[@MichelleL83]

Great direction for summer! I had a couple of awkward pauses last night and was able yo wipe down the bathroom counters & mirror, do some dishes, and go through a small stack of papers. Felt SO good!!

[@melaniehutchinson5306]

Love this. You can also gamify it for those ADHDers out there. Set a timer so you don’t get distracted and forget to go do the next thing that is after the awkward pause. ( because we might get stuck in Waiting mode) . Then race the timer and see how much you cans get done, the next time see how much more you can get done.

[@chrisdalebout5106]

That was perfect timing. I did not know I had awkward pauses. I am looking forward to getting a lot more done now. 😊

[@katiej2948]

I totally respect your summers off policy, and I would do the same thing if I were you! But…I miss you! I hope you’re having a great summer!

[@Ghost-lt4sf]

We’ll miss you, Dana! Hope you and your family are having a good time ❤ I’m gonna go through your backlog of what I missed during Winter/Spring!

[@shannonstone865]

Love it! Especially appreciate you showed us your dish brush and not a brand new one ❤

[@cheerfulmouse]

My kids are starting school this week, and I know many others have, so I'm creeping on the YT page again to see when Dana may be back ❤❤❤

[@bria2596]

I'm so glad you take summers off. Great and wise decision.

[@LaJuana558]

Apparently Reid started his vacation early….can’t see all of his comment! 😂😂😂😂

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

LOL

[@fionaschiffl8065]

I bought a dishwashing liquid with a different scent and different sponges to try out. The scent is making me smile and I like the new sponges. It’s changed up the dishwashing game. I wasn’t expecting that. I’d used the same sponges for 32yrs.

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

I've had that experience. So fun! Who knew, right?

[@fionaschiffl8065]

@@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching Yeah! Here’s to geeking out over the small things! Have a great day…from Australia!

[@cristinas4398]

Same here! Husband and I have barely survived rent and bills, and often struggled to have food here, but then on the rare month where things were better, my choice was sometimes to splurge and get a new sponge, or a colored dishcloth, or a soap dispenser. It made me so happy. Glory to God 😍 😊

[@jl1726]

Congratulations on keeping a promise to yourself, under enormous pressure to keep producing content. Enjoy your summer. That’s a big take-away for me from today’s video.

[@buddyneher9359]

"Small things, completed." 😎 Thanks for leaving us with a great plan for the summer. ☀ And you! You have a super summer, Ms. Goddess of Decluttering. 🌟 Can't thank you enough for how you've changed my life. 🌠💕

[@lynnettemurphy8243]

I've just had a pause, ad break in podcast. Went to bring items upstairs, ended up sorting china. Now its sorted, washed & ready to be packed for charity shop in morning. Just need another awkward pause later, and it puts be ahead by at least an hour tomorrow morning. Or not doing somthing in morn to "save time". Family time is precious, so enjoy your time with them. Have a lovely Summer together. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🙏☘️🇮🇪

[@paulacostello6912]

I have been using your awkward pauses idea this year and it's revolutionized the state of my kitchen. And every time i do it, i think of you. Thanks so much Dana! 💗

[@creativelycountry1617]

PSA- if you are not listening to Dana’s podcast, you must! Little snip-it from today to get you laughing at yourself “if you needed this free egg boiler, even though you’re allergic to eggs…where would you look for it first?” I died laughing! Like maybe I’m not that bad (love your exaggerated for most people examples Though)but ya…I can be very illogical sometimes 😂😮

I love that you prioritise your family ❤

[@patriciaseaton1522]

Thank you for this, Dana. Instead of feeling badly about the state of my house while drinking my morning coffee, I cleaned up a pile of mail that was right in front of me for ten minutes. Your tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[@Traci_Carlson]

I did the dishes while watching this video. 😊 Great advice, but I do hope my life is never this hectic that I can’t sit down and rest for 5 minutes.

[@KlingonPrincess]

Awkward Pause - the whole Summer! Let's all keep decluttering and have awesome stories to share in the Fall! Have a wonderful Summer Dana 🌻🍄

[@LoveMeClutterFreeCoaching]

Yeah, today is day one with 9 yr old son. I'm bracing myself. It is such an awkward season--summertime. I feel so out of control with kids at home in the summer. It isn't easy. Sigh.

[@shannondee438]

I second this… I can’t keep my house clean with two kids that are tornados but I remind myself (Ages 8 and 5) this is temporary and try to enjoy 😉

[@rlrl2768]

The number of times I’ve caught myself just standing there waiting for the microwave 😵‍💫I catch myself like what am I doing always plenty to do in the kitchen 😅

[@maryl9601]

Yes, enjoy family and friends. Love it. We can go over the other videos you have made. It will be a refresher course so to speak. Family is so important

[@MediocreArtsandCrafts]

I will miss you but I’m so glad that you take time for you and your family. ❤

[@tamarahickman1683]

I just finished your first book that I checked out from the library. It’s awesome. I feel like you just decoded my brain.😂 I’ve actually been working on decluttering for several years and have gotten pretty good at it, but I always have random leftovers and follow-up piles that need to be dealt with. Your advice to only tackle what you can fully complete is golden. And I love the idea of using the awkward pauses for something that will bless my family. That’s instead of making excuses for scrolling on my phone since “there’s not enough time” to do the bigger version of a project. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Enjoy your summer with your kids! 😊

[@TodaywithTerriK]

Transitioning from at home kids to empty nesters is a huge life adjustment. I have stepped back from cleaning, decluttering, and even KZbin at times to keep my family a priority. Always here to support you girl!

[@joannevans2505]

Enjoy! Of course I’ll miss your videos but I respect your choice to put family first!

[@ingmariohman8242]

Have a wonderful summer!

[@olivemaycards]

It can feel like I never stop when I go go go during all her awkward pauses, but then when I have longer relaxing time at the end of the day I find I can actually relax because things are already pretty well tidied up and under control.

[@vickiuridge3375]

Hi Dana. I'm so glad I watched your video today, considering it was a couple of months ago you put it up. I've been in a rut and my health hasn't been great so everything has been neglected. Thinking and getting overwhelmed I knew you were the one to get me back on track. Back to listening to your books which I have and your you tube videos. Starting with the dishes and going from there. So from the bottom of my heart a huge thank you for all your help and support. Hope you have a wonderful summer with your family. Take care. Lots of love ❤️ xxx

[@jenniferenright-ford1112]

This is true for retirees too.

[@trillianmcmillian2660]

you are simply the best! thank you

[@trishferrer8209]

Dana, I hope you're having a great summer filled with hugs from your kiddos and hubby!

[@katherinejohnson659]

I’m pretty sure this is the key to life! 😂… thanks! Needed this!

[@nunyabusiness5414]

Thank you for your dedication to all of us! So grateful for your content

[@user-cn3zo9vi5h]

Have a great Summer! I just cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes during this video! I feel wonderful 💖

[@jylromain6439]

Have a great summer. I'll just binge some old vids since I haven't seen them all. That's what we do here in the Southwest in summer. Swim or be indoors in the a/c. 🌵 🥵🌵 Actually my awkward pause is during the heating of my tea water. I do my kitchen exercises. Pushups against the counter, and a variety of leg raises and squats.

[@janethunt4037]

I love your first point. I hate doing the dishes that don't go in the dishwasher. But I'm going to try going there in my pauses.

[@ursybearjohnson]

Your soooo AMAZING !!! You’re helping me sooo much!! I just bought two of your books yesterday… I can’t wait to read them sister! God Bless 😇

[@carolcollins3108]

Wow wow ! I found my BIG FEAR.... IM SO AFRAID OF THE BIG MESS CREATED. THROW EVERYTHING OUT. THEN IM OVERWHELMED. Big Mess Im OVERWHELMED and then mentally tired and afraid of throwing away stuff. I hope that at last this process is gowing to get me living in a space that I'll love to call home. Thank you. Thank you so much, I'v already started. While I listened, I took out my black trash bag and I started putting things away. Feels so good. Because at last I feel like I can do this. Somehow I dont feel the emotional fear of letting go. With the questions of do you Love it ? etc... Where would I look for this first ? Take it there now.... This makes so much sense. Thank you. God Bless.

[@Feribrat99]

I still keep a few empty baskets around when I am straightening up and I go from room to room returning and taking stuff to where it needs to go without dropping it all. I am older and it takes more energy to run back and forth. Something in a basket can also let you gather the things that need to go to same place. I will not leave it there but use it to give myself a more effective run through the rooms.

[@olivepeterson4424]

Enjoy your summer! I’m going to savor the awkward pauses and get it done!

[@SueSniffles]

Enjoy your family and summer. We will miss you and await your return in the fall. Hopefully with less clutter😊

[@FaithfulandTrue949]

A.amazing GBY 🙏🏻💕 frazzled lone mom

[@juliewright1895]

My mom took advantage of awkward pauses so I learned this growing up. I love your name for it and I’m SO glad that you’re teaching others about it! It IS life changing! It makes me feel so much more productive on those coming and going sort of days! Enjoy your well deserved break!

[@connied8507]

I've broken 2 of those dish scrubbers. I use a pretty pump dispenser that never leaves the side of the sink. 😊 . Even if the changes are small, it lowers stress.

[@isabellerininger6249]

Such a timely message. I totally space out in awkward pauses worrying over not having time to do anything. 👍

[@beckyshell4649]

How do you eat an elephant,one bite at a time . I hand wash my dishes,I like a fresh cloth each time . I don’t like‘wasting’ the cloth that isn’t really ‘dirty’ so I find something to clean so my cloth is ‘dirty’. I have a bag and a rag routine , I do my wipe down and fill a bag with trash or donations every day. I also do one small organize a day ,often it is just a drawer but it all adds up.

[@user-wz2sj4dj8s]

I so enjoy ALL your content!! You & your family enjoy your summer!!! Rewatching your videos!!😁

[@loriennyanzi1290]

I will miss you. I decided to use your declutter for my bedroom. It's so pretty now, I am not even good at decorating

[@kristinj7173]

Clean the bathroom counter and sink, clean the toilet, make the bed or change the sheets, dust the window sills. Agree, there is something. It eventually becomes intuitive.

[@mrsstrople]

I got my library to order Organizing for the Rest of Us when it came out. Listening/reading your others on the library overdrive :)

[@theresahanson-rf4id]

Great point! Have a wonderful summer! I too now have college aged children One is starting this Fall and other in med school

[@chellemiller2404]

Have a great Summer Dana! Looking forward to you coming back in the fall!!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Waaaah!!! I’m going to miss you - even that sass (especially that sass!) 🥹🥹🥹

[@mscheapskate]

Dana, I LOVE that couch! 🛋️

[@lesliec8069]

Have a great summer with your family! Thanks for your system!

[@eulalia3446]

Yes, so true. Scraping up little fragments of dead time and putting them to use. Amazing what you can accomplish in a couple of minutes here and there.

[@bluesky1028-w8d]

Good advice!

[@Iloveflowers2024]

A couple of my awkward pauses are when I use the microwave. 2 minutes, 3 minutes, I use that time to put away items that are on the counter. Wipe surfaces down. IF everything is done already then I fit in a few of my PT leg exercises while standing at the counter. Commercials during tv shows is a great awkward pause. I use it all the time. I have chronic pain and issues and the awkward pauses really help. I can sit down and rest in between the activity.

[@gwenewing6837]

Have a great summer!

[@kelly_kpb]

Wait! My favorite part is Reid’s outro and his digs at his mama! They got stuck halfway up and I just see the line about basketball In the pool! I want the rest!

[@granitemoss1451]

Have a wonderful summer, Dana. We'll be ready for you when you come back in the fall!

[@debraneighbors8764]

Dana, have an awesome summer! I absolutely love how great my house is starting to look. We thought we lived in a small house, but it actually feels quite big now that so much of the clutter is gone. Thank you for everything!!

[@robinsteinweg5767]

Thank you, Dana! Good for you, putting family first. I just purchased one of your books--but I'm beginning to act even before I read. ; )

[@leecotton3242]

Have a great summer, Dana!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Have a great break! I stack or unstack the dishwasher when the microwave or kettle is on. If I’m going from one room to another I’ll look around to see if there’s anything to take there or to a room on the way and it’s become instinctive and I do it every time. If I do a job that I wasn’t planning on doing, it’s a bonus job and it feels good. When I take the trash out, I’ll grab the branch cutter and cut stuff up for the green waste bin for a few minutes. That’s been a game changer as I hate gardening but have a massive pile of branches to do. If I’m bringing the green bin back in, I’ll tend to do 5 mins of filling it immediately. I also prep the washing for wash day and it makes it easier in the morning.

[@debbiev.1311]

One of my favorite "awkward pauses" is waiting for soup to heat on the stove...amazing how much one can get done in a short amount of time!! 😘 Have a fabulous & fun Summer!!! ❤️☀️🌸💦🩱

[@juliemarshall7458]

Love you, Dana! ❤ See you in the Fall! 🍁

[@880mtrac]

Have a great summer ❤

[@jnevil3201]

Have a great summer with your family. Your credits are not playing at the end. Hugs

[@MsStingFan]

Thanks Dana, will have this one saved and on repeat. Great tips and I love that you will be with your college kids this summer (me too) - I use the same dish scrubber -- Enjoy your summer and see you in the fall!

[@denisebunker6674]

Summer's off are the best! College age kids are great too.

[@JaniceSanders-tn7xx]

Dana, I love your tips, great video as usual! Have a wonderful summer!

[@susanmunoz7688]

We will miss you Dana. Have a wonderful summer.❤️

[@jogiese3483]

Thanks for all you do for us! Enjoy your family time this summer and we'll see you this fall.

[@deniseharrison1410]

We will miss your videos and the help you have given us. Enjoy your break