Let's Talk Trash! (and decluttering)

Throwing away trash is the first step of my five step No Mess Decluttering Method, and it really is as simple as "Throw away trash."
But I know that when you feel overwhelmed, nothing feels simple or easy, so I'm talking about what I do and don't mean by "trash."
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[@kristin7762]

This step has been revolutionary for both me and my husband. He no longer gets nervous when I suggest we look for obvious trash in the basement, etc. The first time we did it together, he picked up an empty cardboard laptop box and started debating whether or not we “needed” it. I said, “Oh Dana says that’s not obvious trash and we can skip it” and let me tell you, the absolute relief on his face made me so happy 😂 Your 5 steps have taken all the drama out of decluttering together ❤

[@DanaKWhite]

I love this!!

[@lazygardens]

Obvious trash would be the cardboard box from the laptop that broke 5 years ago. 💻

[@kristin7762]

@@lazygardens 😂

[@rhondahigh7005]

Truth...her system is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

[@hannahcrumley3103]

@@lazygardens😂😂😂😂 yes I just threw that box out last week!

[@BB-tn6yp]

Just wanted to come on and make a comment about the container concept. I had an epiphany yesterday when talking to my daughter about making a schedule. And I realized that my time (i.e. 24 hours in a day) is a container. I cannot squeeze more time into my day, therefore I need to determine what tasks can be completed in that day/# of hours and not beat myself up when I cannot get everything done. Thank you for awakening me to this container concept that has opened my eyes to so many things.😊

[@laurat7324]

Wow, I have never thought about time as a container but you are so right! I will remember this. This is helpful especially during this busy holiday season.

[@Saforra99]

YES! wow. so good!

[@theoffkeydiva]

Dana, I have to once again thank you! For the past 3 days, I've been tying myself in knots because I had a bill that I needed to pay that I have been putting off for WAY too long b/c I was pretty sure it would be, like $4,000. When you told us to "Look, look, always Look" and talked about "commitment free looking" I steeled myself, and checked the account... I owed $32. I have been walking around worried I was going to be sent to collection when in reality, it was $32. The relief has left me boneless, but I never would have gotten here without your help. Thank you so much!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

So glad for you! Take care of you and be kind to yourself…always. Sending you a high five!

[@kristin7762]

That’s awesome!

[@llllllllllilillii]

I totally do that where I won't open any of my mail because I can't take another inch of bad news or people hassling me and I opened it all thanks to Dana's encouragement to "look" and it was all good news.

[@Saforra99]

YAY!! (+ how relieving! :) )

[@azlizzie]

Any time I am overwhelmed, I always start with trash now. Whether I get to decluttering or not. It’s just a great first step for everything. :)

[@seaspeaktome9167]

Agreed. It’s always my first step when I’m tidying up at home too.

[@katjaamyx2922]

You really can't go wrong that way! 🩵

[@user-pw2bc8wz9h]

I want to give you a big THANKYOU for not putting music in your videos 😅😅😅

[@cherieiduke1723]

I stay to the end to watch Reids comments at the end. They never disappoint 😅

[@SassySue67]

Me too

[@thatsillysmithgirlakateres3399]

Same!

[@lisahumlicektaylor2682]

Me too.

[@haveawonderfulday279]

Same. But for real - I would have never noticed the sweaty lip if they didn't mention it 😂

[@smileyginger1]

one of the best phrases that hit me at just the right moment was "don't be afraid of the dumpster." I was a child of and perpetuator of that scarcity-mindset-keep-everything mentality. What didn't help was a LOT of online shaming around not just throwing stuff away, repurpose everything, shame on you for sending stuff to the landfill. Something finally broke open in me one day and I looked around at all the "stuff" that I was going to reuse, or fix, or and realized that much of it really was... trash. like it had served its useful lifespan, any attempt to fix would take up time and energy that I'm already in short supply of and that I could direct to other activities, there was no REAL moment that I would go looking for that thing, ever. I was suddenly empowered to say "NOPE" to that annoying voice that was always whining "but you can reuse this." I literally walked around with trashbags saying "nope. nope. nope" tossing stuff in. I think some of the loads I even took to the dump myself so I could have the satisfaction of throwing the bags in the giant dumpsters. My house is not perfect, and it probably never will be. I do have hobbies that have "stuff." I have pets and they have "stuff." I will never be a minimalist. But unfettering myself from the metaphorical cinderblocks tied around my neck has given me more momentum to let go of other things that can be given away or sold that AREN'T trash, but no longer serve me.

[@sam12587]

My sons Dad(my ex) is a hoarder. Kiddo is picking it up for him despite my best efforts. Playing your videos in the back ground during meals & housework is helping put cracks in the growing habit believe it or not.

[@shellyjohnsen3667]

Love love Step One: Trash. If there’s a question about the item, if there is emotion attached, it’s not trash. Look, look! there’s always trash 🎉

[@rg-mi5hh]

Skipping it is a very important part of decluttering. Otherwise, nothing would be gotten rid of. It happens in layers. Loved your recent video on cleaning in layers. Has really helped me not be discouraged with an imperfect space.

[@janeosborne165]

I was sitting at my computer watching this and decided to pick up trash and recycling. My desk looks so much better in just a couple minutes. Thanks, Dana, for your compassionate messages.

[@llllllllllilillii]

isn't it awesome for those of us who don't SEE clutter at all, this really works.

[@ltwhite1313]

Dana, you’ve changed my life. I’m in the middle of separating from my husband and was diagnosed with cancer in April of this year. Facing mortality and the reality that one or both of us will have to move out of our family home brought more anxiety about my home’s clutter than ever. It’s been a looming monster for years and years. Every day I would lament cooking (something I love to do) because I didn’t have any space on my counters to prepare the meal I so wanted to lovingly make for my family. I was cranky all the time about the messes and piles everywhere and prior to learning your method, I would drag everything out into a big pile and start going through it one item at a time and of course get overwhelmed when interrupted or when I ran out of energy or became decision fatigued. I’ve listened to two of your audiobooks in the last two weeks, countless KZbin videos like this one, and I’ve also registered for the deep dive thing in January with Dawn and Cas and you. (They too have been life changing because all of this is shifting my perspective). More is NOT more. More is MORE to deal with. MORE is more mess. MORE is more stress. I wish I could share the before and after pictures here. I spent a few hours in my daughter’s room last week and she listened to the five step method. We worked on her room for a few hours each day for maybe 3 days and completely transformed it. She’s ten and she had joyful tears when she realized the progress being made and got her finished product in order. She kept wanting to hold onto things that she really didn’t want because she thought it would hurt feelings of people who had given it to her or would upset me because it was a book I gave her that she knew she would never read. I gave her permission to donate these things and I saw a weight lifted off of her when I said it was ok to make space for the season we are in, and that someone else would LOVE the book she had no interest in reading. She’s thanked me all week for the peace she now feels in her space that’s not overstuffed with stuff. I’m working a little on it each day. I’m currently on a medical leave but will be returning to work in January, so my goal is to have the house (mostly) decluttered and more functional before I get back to work. It won’t be perfect, for sure, but your words have stuck with me- progress is better and better is good. Thank you so so much. ❤ PS - my daughter asked if you had merch. I, too, LOVE the chronic overthinker shirt. Keep up the great work. You’re changing lives. I so wish I could share the little video of my five year old dragging out an old table and chair set when I was working in his sister’s room. It was adorable and too funny but he’s on board. 😆 Happy holidays. Thanks for being such a gift to so many of us who struggle.

[@grutarg2938]

That sounds amazing - especially teaching these skills to your children.

[@Saforra99]

that must be SO hard + discouraging -- and yet so exciting + encouraging that these things are helping you and your family. Way to go! All the best!!!

[@katherinep1010]

I have been a podcast listener for about 6 years now, and I am so glad you decided to keep doing KZbin too! Your videos are fantastic.

[@jean1051]

Agreed!

[@angelaromolo6517]

I had changed my KZbin play back speed to 75% for an Italian class I am taking. I didn’t realize that it stays that way for all videos. I was thinking, gee, Dana is really speaking slowly today 😂

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

I change it for tennis videos, and then I think my "regular" KZbinrs are having a stroke. 😵

[@laurenswift9368]

Let me tell you. I am a very methodical, organized person but somewhere in the midst of having 4 children and collecting tons of stuff, I started to freeze up when I’d look around and be overwhelmed. I grew up alphabetizing my books for fun as a 7 year old, so I didn’t even understand how this happened. 😝 Thank you so much for simplifying things so well. The steps are easy to follow and get me moving. Even if a piece of advice feels like a no-brainer to me, you have given me so much insight into my family members and helped me put into words what I do to teach my kids. This is helpful for my whole family!

[@lazygardens]

What de-trashing does for you is give you room. Breathing room as well as working room. I hadn't thought about it also being a way to discover what is in a space, but if you are through about looking for trash, it does. Skipping something you aren't sure about and keeping up your momentum beats "analysis paralysis".

[@nancyj621]

Dana’s system is genius! I never think I will find trash, but I always find trash. Also the permission to just look is fantastic. Even if I don’t declutter anything, just looking makes it so much less scary.

[@mariannatodd7010]

I agree about the looking part!

[@llllllllllilillii]

it is scary isn't it? I'm often afraid a spider will jump out at me lol

[@16demolka]

This in the best advice - when I get overwhelmed with dirty dishes on my countertops I always start with empty bottles and tubs that always end up on flat surface instead of recykling bin

[@maggiebates3941]

It’s the best way to bridge the gap between wanting to do it but being frozen in overwhelm! I am so thankful I came across your videos and books and take your house back course!! They’ve changed my life! Momentum over motivation!

[@bookworm1956]

And when I feel really overwhelmed and don't know the difference between up and down and can't make any decisions about what is trash, I go deal with pre-existing trash. In other words, I empty all the bins (trash cans). I can be quite certain that neither my kitchen nor my bathroom bin needs any further sorting. Once I've done that, I usually start seeing other trash that's just hanging around. I didn't see that empty detergent bottle next to my washing machine before. But somehow, an empty bin next to it makes it obvious. Quite often, though not always, by the time I'm done with really obvious trash, the bins are worth emptying again. And I do it and go from feeling really awful und overwhelmed to so much better. Also my life drastically improved when I realised I can set a permanent timer on my phone for the days the different bins need to be put out into the street (I'm in Europe, there are several different bins with recycling or left over non-recyclables going out on different days). Now I almost never have to deal with my bins overflowing.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Great comment, thanks!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Yes. Good on you! At the moment I start off doing a random trash/take it there now session with no pressure. If I take something to one room and there’s something in the new room that needs trashing or relocating I do it instead of concentrating on one room or area. I remember to be kind in regard to my feelings instead of saying, “What a mess!” I say, “Better is good. Progress and only progress.”

[@grutarg2938]

Yes, I know what you mean about an empty bin being so inviting. Or an empty drain rack inspiring me to wash some dishes.

[@ltellis63]

I am dedicating January to taking out the trash. I had such an "AHA" moment while watching this when I realized I can apply the "only trash" step to going through all my papers. Can't tell you how grateful I am for this. What a gift!

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

I talked to my husband about the just trash concept and it helped him to really look over everything and become motivated. I always stay to the end to see what Reid will come up with.

[@LedgerAndLace]

What I LOVE about this is it has worked not just with physical trash, but also digital, as well. When I'm designing, I used to keep every image in case I needed it. Same with photos. Nope! I get rid of it and it has made such a difference in my process of designing. I still have way too many photos, but I also go through them and declutter. THANK YOU, Dana!!! ♥

[@fionaschiffl8065]

I do that too! I love trying different things in Illustrator and Photoshop and keep them. I try to get rid of a few older ideas once I finish working on the photos but it’s hard. My Illustrator designs are continuing to morph and I always go back to an older design to take it in another direction. I’ve sacrificed a lot of copies of family photos and just keep the good ones to make room on the drives. I’m very particular with “Where would I look for it first?” on the computer too.

[@crystalsea72]

Right? revolutionary that there are "trash photos", that was a very good video she did about that. I don't really need a picture of a thumb just cuz it was there for some reason, nor do I need 10 poses that are almost the same. lol for REAL!

[@emmamccoy8381]

Just wanted to say Thank you! I watched your videos (and Clutterbugs videos) for a good year before my MIND SET was ready to get rid of the clutter. The biggest thing, for me, was disconnecting things from my EMOTIONS!! HUGE, HUGE, HUGE!! Thank you for reaching a community of OVERWHELMED folks 😁❤

[@fionaschiffl8065]

So glad you’re making major progress! I just went through my sentimental box from the 80s. I ended up asking myself if I’m actually attached to it or just keeping stuff (e.g. books) because they were part of a collection or just because it’s old. I tested myself by putting stuff in the trash or donate pile to see how I felt (not the system but it worked and I go with what works) and didn’t feel anything for it or felt good about letting it to a new home. I also realised that I kept a lot of magazine articles and pictures that are easily found on the internet now. Nothing went back into my box that I’d tested. This lead to turning my first wood burning art from ‘84 into a riser for decor. I realised I’ve never hung it since the late 80s. Took a photo of it before painting over it as I realised that’s all I needed. 😊

[@emmamccoy8381]

@@fionaschiffl8065 that's GREAT! 😁

[@mariannatodd7010]

Thank you so much, this is so helpful! Especially the part about skipping something that starts becoming hard. I have been decluttering sentimental items from my closet, some things I have had since I was 5! I read about a hundred letters I kept from high-school, and I saved exactly 3 of them. After that I was so exhausted I have left the boxes piled up on my work table. Since watching this, I'm going to put the rest of my old sentimental stuff BACK in my much-better-closet, and move on to the next part of my house to declutter. Thank you for the "permission" to skip it!

[@Saforra99]

well done! + hooray for having a new game plan (+ a cleared-off-again table :) ) Good luck!

[@katjaamyx2922]

It's incredible what happens when you have permission to 1) Do the easy stuff first and 2) If it isn't easy, skip it. Dana, thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing your exploration of the subject for so many years and for continuing to share it with the rest of us. I don't know what caused me to have so much terror over letting go of "the super important thing", but your method helps me get past it. What a relief.

[@grutarg2938]

Oooh! I hope this is the first in a series of five videos that go into each of the five steps. Pretty please!

[@Cassie-pt7mt]

I've been slowly decluttering my 85-year-old mother's house for years now. Today, I am shredding cancelled checks and tax returns from 1984! Yipee!! Lucky me. Please clean up your hoard before it falls on to your children and grandchildren to do for you. (I've been paying my teenaged kids to help with the heavy lifting) It's really cruel to pass your "to do" list down to your loved ones.

[@JaneH3675]

Absolutely! I'm 60 and I will not leave my junk for my kids to deal with. Been decluttering since January this year 2023.

[@danarzechula3769]

Very good point. Inspiring.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Yes. I went through Mum’s paperwork each year to keep on top of it. Hang in there. Thank goodness for chocolate! I asked Mum if we could declutter the garage. You couldn’t fully open any car door. It took 1.5 days to make her realise we weren’t throwing out her life, just the rubbish like paint can from ‘82 from a different house, sister’s muesli bar wrappers and pram from the early 90s. I knew I didn’t want to do it one day down the track when there were going to be sad feelings or an awful family member to deal with.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

@@JaneH3675 I bet you’re kids appreciate it and you are thriving in your accomplishment. I wish you all the best with it!

[@hlphowell]

My husband has bank statements from high school. Unfortunately it’s not my trash.

[@amarbyrd2520]

"Look, always look" is an amazing strategy!! ❤❤

[@LaHermitess]

Thanks for diverging from the traditional recommendation of emptying everything from an area targeted for decluttering, and then beginning the sorting process from a huge pile of stuff...often now on one's bed or living room floor. Your process of one thing at a time until it is housed or disposed of, is such a simple concept...but one that had never occurred to me (a procrastinating, easily distracted, quickly tired/bored, declutterer) until you said it. I'm a major supporter of both your videos and books (all of which I've obtained and read) and wanted to offer one tiny suggestion. Although I don't think anyone in your now undoubtedly international audience will be mystified as to what 'trash' is... that word is very much an Americanism. I wondered if it would be valuable at the start of each video which includes that term, to clarify that YES, you are talking about actual 'garbage' (here in Canada), 'rubbish' (in the U.K. and Australia) and perhaps other terms elsewhere. It might just underline exactly the type of items you are suggesting can be tossed immediately without question or concern. Just a thought from a grateful fan.

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

This process is genius and so unlike any other decluttering method.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Thank you for the books & videos and sanity it’s brought into my home & my life! A couple of years living with the container concept & it still amazes me how good it feels! When I’m putting away clean clothes, putting away groceries, etc… it’s a beautiful feeling having breathing room! ❤

[@carlajordan9602]

I love the notes at the end in the “credits.”

[@ruth1996]

It is so bizarre no matter which of your KZbin videos I turn on I instantly go into declutter mode I just recently got your third book once again spellbinder sure I watch other videos but the fact is what you've taught me works thank you my favorite decluttering buddy😅😅❤😂 Love Ruthie

[@lisakay6742]

I already like you ... within 5 minutes. Something tells me this is gonna work for me. I will comment as things progress! Wish me luck.

[@karenc6582]

My mom passed away this year, and when my husband and I went to clean out her apartment, at first it was very overwhelming. But then I said let's just start with the obvious trash and that helped us so much. Now I'm still using the decluttering process to go through the boxes we'd packed up, but it's working and I'm getting there. Thank you to your wonderful process. It's helped me so much deal with my paper clutter problem and now my mom's things.

[@Saforra99]

My condolences! That must be so hard! But it's nice to hear that Dana's methods are helping you deal with the overwhelm 💜💜💜

[@GratefulDeb270]

Ps I LOVE “take it there now”! It’s so very helpful for me… instead of getting overwhelmed, just doing this one item. Ty!

[@deborahcaudill7306]

Watching this on Thursday night and my big trash has been taken to the curb. Now I can look for extra stuff that can go. Tomorrow is recycling day. Once my car has been unloaded, it gets a wash and vac. Triple header-I'm pumped. Thanks.❤

[@bonniewoodard2771]

I thought I didn't need this video... boy, was I wrong ... hearing you say this #1 step over and over and over has helped me get started Again! Thank you Dana xo

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Yes! Please keep repeating. Some of us are a lot more overwhelmed and stuck than others.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Yes, hearing Dana’s voice in your head is a real motivator!

[@patriciafears5278]

I have no idea why this came up on my feed, but you have really just helped me. I have a team coming to help me and I have not slept in days. I'm going to do exactly what you've said. I might be able to get through this now. Thank you so much.😊🙏🏾

[@fionaschiffl8065]

I’m renovating. This week I walked into my laundry and dining rooms and heard a voice in my head saying “Just look for trash.” I did and imagined you doing a happy dance next to me! As I’ve moved stuff around the house before painting, “Where would I look for it first?” has been crucial to set up temporary organisation. It also doesn’t make sense usually to look for stationery in the linen cupboard while I paint my stationery buffet in the shed. Thank you, Dana❤

[@laurencunningham8281]

So true! It helps me get started when I feel overwhelmed, trash and recycling. Then I put things away where they go and straight to my donation box. Instantly better! Thanks so much for continuing to inspire me!

[@emazey5044]

Perfect timing as I set to round up all the trash in my apartment! One small area at a time. Thanks for the validation! 🤗💕

[@SpicyMelange]

This week I took an area rug to the trash. That guilt trip was over, in a short amount of time. I decided I hated the material and the cleaning was so expensive! Then I carefully cleaned a different area rug and sold it. Opening up HUGE space was SO freeing. Thanks for your great work, Dana.

[@mizzezjones]

You two are so cute with your post comments. Thank you for making the video for the rest of us. You know what I mean. 😉

[@rhondahigh7005]

DRAWN OUT VERY VERY WELL YOU ROCK DANA...LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@LaughKiKi]

Dana, you look stunning here 🌸 And also... your method works so well- for myself and for my clients. Thank you 🤍 Greetings from Berlin

[@FisherOfMen705]

Yep! This used tissue is definitely trash, this rubber band might have a use so its not quite trash. Dana is the most helpful declutterererer. Been watching for years, always helpful!

[@dianneroberts2786]

I "test" the pens and rubberbands before putting them away so only the good ones are kept.

[@dwohio8283]

I wish I knew how to tackfully share this with my friend. She could use it!

[@mindymudge7247]

Oh reid , you always make me laugh. Mom will bop you fir that one🤣😂

[@suzy1676]

Look, look, always look 👀 helps SO much! Looking for trash solves this! It helps to know what's Actually there and Decreases angst! Thanks Dana! ❤😊

[@hummus6150]

You don’t often mention it, but looking for trash (even if there is none actually in the space) means you look at the stuff without any expectations, and allows the level of anxiety to gradually decrease. Thank you 😊

[@Mayfrancisxavier]

It seems like an obvious step, but not one I thought of in the past, and it just works so brilliantly to getting started. Thank you Dana.!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Very helpful! And your advice in past videos to “Look! Look! Always look!” has helped me immensely.

[@mousenation3867]

That makes sense thanks 🙏

[@deborahalana8027]

I used this technique to clean up my work emails, the inbox was full. Truly a game changer!! Thank you Dana❤

[@pattyclements5149]

Just watching and listening is helping me restart. I finished up quite a few spaces and hit a wall. I've struggled to get going again. I also get caught running out of time before I get completely done and it can take days before I can go back and finish.

[@janethunt4037]

Great encouragement! Yes, we work best without deadlines and with permission to skip things.

[@dawnbyland7568]

Thank you this was helpful. I will now put dishes away and was dishes

[@cathystinar124]

This is an awesome way to start! I can tell you i have had rooms that overwhelmed me and i have no idea where to start. I like your method and it has worked for me. 💯 Percent. This is the jumping off point that works! Thank you Dana!!!!! 🎉

[@cherylstevens9665]

Your makeup looks especially beautiful in this video, Dana. And yes, the tips are great too. I have been decluttering for the past three years with more to go, but I’m getting there.

[@scmommy4539]

Best title of a video, ever! Love you Mrs. Dana White & this community! ❤❤❤

[@RobinRPeterson]

Reid, I love your comments at the end!

[@mondfalkin3781]

this helps me so much with dealing with my digital clutter of photos from the last 20 years 😅 Thank you so much Dana- I was so overwhelmed I could not start ... now I just quickly go through and delete all photos that are obviosily trash... which reduces the amount by half 😊

[@grannysgotballs8897]

My young grandsons were visiting less than an hour and I found lots of trash after they were gone. Picking up trash the other messes were not overwhelming Gumballs on the floor for one

[@FaithfulandTrue949]

God bless you ❤️✨️🕊🕎🙌

[@sflasaint811]

Girl - I just got 6 bags of trash out of my condo. This is embarrassing when I have to put 2 bags in cart at a time, go down elevator, walk it across the condo parking lot out to the dumpster. But i did it. I'm actually caught up on trash for now...

[@dianehand1396]

Trash. The empty band-aid wrapper on the bathroom counter. The candy wrapper your kid stuck in the couch cushion. The mostly empty paper coffee cup from 2 days ago and wrappers on the floor in your car. Easy trash. You can do this!

[@joannagraybill5295]

Better is incredibly valuable 💚💚💚

[@danamiceli4948]

Love it Dana! Better is important! When I start with trash it gives me momentum and usually more progress than I might expect. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Yes, I’ve found I procrastinate less with the process and it makes me go and do other things too.

[@19profchaos10]

I love your lipstick color!! 💄

[@bunniejefferson83jefferson35]

!!!!!! Just to let everyone know I have been struggling on getting my house decluddered I tried using music but your video is my motivation and ur advice has gotten me so far even though I'm not any where near done I can't identify alot of the trash so I skip it and go to step 2 I narrowed 2 6cubed shelves outta my arts n crafts room and that I got so excited I recycled 7 banana boxes full of stuff than that's a big step

[@epowell4211]

Brilliant. I think it's an important step because we forget we are capable of success, we have to learn to win, we have to practice it. I believe there are very few people out there who do this step and can't find one item to dispose of, and even those few have accomplished something by attempting it. Decision making is very tiring - every store planner knows this. As soon as you enter, they hit you with displays designed to give you decision fatigue. The other important thing about this step is the seeing: what you imagine can be killer. Your brain wants minimal effort for greatest reward and will conserve energy whenever possible. Therefore, when it sees a task it deems unworthy, it will make you tired so you will avoid it. Your brain will play out the worst case scenario, no matter how unlikely, and will say "not worth it." Doing small steps like this fights that impulse twofold.

[@karenswartzlander5411]

Your advice to “just look” at the pile has helped a lot. I was a little surprised it took almost 12 minutes to get to a concrete example (the used gum wrapper), but maybe that just means I don’t have a problem identifying trash. I tend to get hung up on some of the later steps. But your process overall has really helped me look at declutterring differently.

[@dorothythorpe6183]

Reid! That's catty! Dana, I didn't notice. You're beautiful! This is a good video. Simple as it is, throw away trash, garbage, recycling too. And once that step is done, I'm in! I'm in the cycle of making things better. Thank you for a step even I can do.

[@terrisouza2692]

Hi Dana , this is exactly what I needed explained and to hear. ❤. Thank you so much❤❤. See you next time and have a great week!

[@emmawheeler4624]

always helpful Dana, always, you’ve helped me so much in the last couple of years ❤

[@LeanOnMeWithLinda]

Brilliant!!! Thank you for skip it. ❤

[@LeticiaCuenca]

Thank you Dana, this is really helpful, love your videos! ❤️ A few days ago I finally decluttered the top of a dresser that had stuff that had been piling on. I used your no mess method and it worked so well, I was very happy and proud afterwards. Still a long way to go but I’ll take that win for now!

[@Patricia.R.]

Here for the credits, getting valuable information the whole video!🤣🤣 Seriously,though, ... I am watching this video because you’ve helped me, so much FOR.YEARS. I’m still breathing, so... still decluttering. My main thing is knowing how you’ve helped me, but wanting to help others; family and friends... but do not want to come across as judge-mental. How can I help them without damaging relationships? I know they’d feel better if they knew they’re not alone or misunderstood. “I get it.” But not sure how to broach the subject. 😢

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Maybe talk about where you started an how overwhelmed you felt, the process to getting to where you are now, etc.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

It’s hard but leading by example with your house hopefully will spark something in them. Maybe even ask them to help you declutter an area of your house, put on some music for fun and have a meal afterwards. I think they have to be ready for it in their minds and hearts. Then having you there as a buddy will do wonders. They will have seen the process works at your place. I asked my Mum if I (and my aunt) could clean out her garage and she would direct us. We started with rubbish (old paint from ‘82 and food wrappers) and it took her 1.5 days to realise we weren’t throwing out her life, just the rubbish. She finally settled down and although the rest of her house had a lot of stuff to go through I think it helped her a few years later to declutter when about to sell her house to downsize. I was cleaning my walls and ceiling in the laundry as I thought I was going to sell my house. I had a movie on and when “Girls just wanna have fun” started playing, I found myself dancing on the bench. I was being safe as I had the fridge pushed up against the bench. Who knew you could have fun cleaning when you hate standing on benches!

[@lucindawilson5510]

thank you Dear Dana ..you are one of a kind thank you thank you xxxxx

[@reefprayerresin]

Dana, you are a godsend, and you so get it!!! This is brilliant, thankyou! Just what I needed to hear, yet so obvious now I’ve heard it… New Sub here…. Now to deal with my storage shed… ❤❤❤

[@reneegould646]

It was very helpful! Thank you.

[@debbiewood8260]

Your videos help so very much! Thank you!

[@KSLassie457]

Good video. And you look really nice today! So pretty and put together ❤😋

[@carrie3206]

I so love this for your husband! Kudos to you for sharing Dana’s valuable advise that, Dana says that’s not obvious trash so you can skip it! ❤❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@madebylora]

Oh Dana, you do talk a load of rubbish!!! (Just to clarify in case anyone reading this thinks I’m being rude, it is actually a joke! I mean, it’s a rubbish joke, but still a joke! Haha 2 jokes for the price of one! Haha)

[@Jane_Moss]

I’m hysterical about the sweaty lip comment in your credits haha😂 likely you are the only one that sees that

[@DanaKWhite]

20 year old sons let NOTHING go….

[@Susq15]

I was like, Reid! You are in TROUBLE! Don't worry, Dana. I couldn't tell.

[@Jane_Moss]

@@DanaKWhite😂

[@robinjones2610]

I (autistic/adhd) live in germany where they're pretty strict about recycling. But personally if i try to stick to perfect recycling, I end up with an appartment full of trash, and so much overwhelm. Periodically and just throw it all away and it feels so much better 😅 I leave recycling to people with more mental capacity 😅

[@deborahcaudill7306]

The main reason to declutter for me is I'm a packrat and useful info is hard to get rid of. Some of it is out of date or recipes I'll never fix. Those will be gone soon. My immediate problem is I can't find my food inventory sheets.

[@lindamusser7370]

I love your (and Reid's) comments at the end.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Thank you for talking about skipping items. That's actually how I started my decluttering journey 3 years ago, and it has served me well. I didn't know about decluttering videos on KZbin then, so I had nothing and no one to guide me, nothing but instinct. And nothing to keep me going but desire. I knew I have a tendency get bogged down, so my first decision was to not let decision-making stop my process. I had a house overflowing with stuff, so I knew I could easily move on to something else, something I was ready to let go of. I'd come back to the skipped items eventually. Taking this approach took the pressure off. It made decluttering less stressful for me and pretty much decision-free. I feel like I always make progress, even if it's just planting the seeds for future decluttering. My house is not perfect. It never will be. But it is soooo much better. What motivates me to keep going? Seeing the progress. Feeling the freedom of cleaned up and cleared out spaces. Wanting more of less in my home. Thanks for all you do to help others, Dana! Happy Decluttering! 💕

[@newcreationcoachingllc6491]

Thank you!

[@jpkko412]

Thanks!

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Love this! 🩷

[@TreasureForeverOfficial]

I really needed this video lol thank you

[@laurehancock1334]

You look really nice today!

[@kimcoburn9798]

Thanks

[@arashy]

Dana and Reid, around 15 seconds into the video you inserted a link above Dana’s head. Those don’t show when casting to the TV. It’d be great if you put those links in the description, because (when not casting) I tend to select the link and not return to the video that had it. I HATE missing any of these videos 😆 Speaking of which, I will now return to watching this one…

[@llllllllllilillii]

You are a GODDESS!