Live Q&A

You can ask questions to be answered on future lives at AskDanaKWhite.com. I'll answer some questions from there and then take questions from those who are here live.
Mentioned: DeclutteringCoaches.com
patreon.com/aslobcomesclean
aslobcomesclean.com/five
Take Your House Back - aslobcomesclean.com/take
01.53: My question is about decluttering things that you later need. How do you deal with the guilt? One ended up buying something because I'd decluttered. The other made do, but they were both annoyed.
10.06: I hate to see a bunch of stuff that can be reused go to the dump. Was easy-er to resell book at yard sales but not anymore. Donations get thrown away at libraries
19.16: Is it worth taking" Take Your House Back" now? Living with in-laws until new home construction complete. I want to go every weekend to declutter storage unit so we don't have to move that old stuff.
20.16: Disabled friend wants help "cleaning out" garage but wants to keep almost everything. We end up just moving things around bc she can use "use later" or "sell" feel like we get nowhere.
30.13: What's your advice for someone struggling more after moving to a larger house? We have less stuff than in our previous, smaller home because we got rid of a ton of stuff when we moved.
34.22: Christmas dishes- December 2016 has your preparation/meal planning changed since then? You were making special dishes as in exclusive for Christmas. Now when your kids are teenagers/young adults?
36.21: How do I one out, one in? I need tips to get over my brain. The idea is obvious, but so hard to do in real life! I love all the things but the clutter is creeping up again.
37.56: I keep hearing my house is big enough when there's no clutter, but what about 1100ft2 for work from home hubby's office, 1 master bedroom, one bedroom for all 4 kids ( 5yrs to 6mos old)
40.00: ??? We are about to have the opportunity to tour the finished version of the house we are planning to build. Any insights on what to especially make note of or consider? It’s a one time open house
41.35: ​​?Should you have your house under control before taking your certification course. I want to help my mom and hopefully also help me in my house.
47.33: ??Do you you think about decluttering (letting 'do I need this' stew in your brain for a while) prior to the actual decluttering?
52.35: ​​??How do you get over the guilt of decluttering a relative's stuff that you just don't have the energy to sell? Or should I hold onto it until I can sell? Money made would help pay her exp in Asstd L.

[@zmommy4044]

Hearing that others regret decluttering things they want to use later is so helpful because so many people on KZbin talk about decluttering and act as though they never have regrets and then when I do regret something I immediately want to hold on to more of my stuff rather than let it go. Your perspective on the tidy space being worth the regret was so freeing.

[@laurtheonly4980]

Same! I’ve already had a couple big regrets, and felt like I was doing it wrong. Other people don’t have regrets. So so helpful

[@Elizabeth-490]

This fall I had a large party and realized I had decluttered my drip coffee maker from the basement which I had been saving for just in case I have a large party. We survived with my everyday single use pod machine and everyone still had a cup of coffee! Momentary “oh drat!”, but we survived and the party is over and I still have use of that precious space!

[@SuzySylvania]

For decades I was the person to go to if you needed a costume item or prop item or party supply or holiday item or craft supply. Most of my friends and family didn’t keep every dang thing they ever accumulated! I don’t care about being “that woman” anymore! It’s the 21st century and everyone can get what they need in a few days by ordering it online. I still fight the urge to save things, but I definitely have stopped accumulating! Thanks, Dana! You have helped turn the ship that was headed towards the iceberg!!!

[@janethunt4037]

I love it! Choosing regret over clutter. And you survived!!!!

[@grutarg2938]

I shared this with someone who has trouble decluttering, and she said it was helpful to hear that for every 100 things Dana decluttered, she only regretted one. Those are good odds.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@grutarg2938 True. It’s a great perspective to remember. I should make a post-it and post it.

[@connied8507]

Thanks for redefining "declutter". It is a more life skill and less an end goal.

[@thisisme_iamsam]

I appreciate the regret topic, I over think and sometimes do regret but I have a very tidy home. The idea that I’m choosing tidy over not regretting makes it more acceptable.

[@jennifermccraw7687]

For all of you who also have always wanted to do The Very Best Thing too. Raise your hand with me!! Dana's exactly right - it's a trait of those of us who clutter up closets, drawers, shelves, and on and on. 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@Marialla.]

Irving Finkle of the British Museum collects diaries and journals from ordinary people, for their historical significance. They are the only documents that will reliably have exact dates as well as the lived experiences of daily life for average folks. If you have old journals etc (maybe from ancestors) that you have no room/desire to keep, sending them to the British Museum c/o Irving Finkle would be an excellent way to preserve their value without losing your own storage space.

[@alyssamurphy2002]

Container concept- I started labeling my storage areas (inside of cabinets and refrigerator) so that it needs to be contained on that shelf, also so guests can know where to look!

[@jillianguilford5191]

I need to take time to label things. That would make it easier for me too.

[@Elizabeth-490]

I’ve done that for years! It’s the only way I can function- no labels means forgetting and chaos for me!

[@marymaryquitecontrary]

I've had the book problem for years. In particular, I accumulated nearly a thousand Regency-period paperbacks that I shared back and forth with a friend for years. All stored at my house, as she lived in a small retirement apartment. When I was ready to let them go, I could not find a library, used book store, or even the local book sale that was held annually for several days at a fairgrounds building. My friend suggested putting them out in her hallway or near the facility library with a "take one" sign. Success!

[@laurahudson8210]

More and more communities are putting up free "libraries"... basically, an ongoing book swap with no limits for leaving or taking (as long as it fits in the small enclosure).

[@SF-ru3lp]

You are so right about "out of a hundred things I declutter, I may regret ONE item"... and it's only a chance that I might be in a position where I might regret the loss of the item. The Minimalists suggest that lots of things can be replaced within 20 minutes at or below an outlay of 20 dollars/euro. It helps me to keep things in perspective...G Ire

[@christi3411]

Decorated the Christmas tree while listening today. Decluttered so much more than I expected.🎄

[@anng.r.687]

For the person who struggled with donating books or tossing them. One thing I’ll often do is whenever I see one of those little mini libraries on people’s front lawns. I will stop and put two or three books in there and that helps me spread them around and maybe get to people who wouldn’t ordinarily find those books. It eases my mind too because it feels like I’m not throwing away and letting them sit at Goodwill.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

We have one in a park and it is SO popular. The best sight is watching little kids stopping to look for books with their paremts.

[@laurahudson8210]

We have these in my town, too.

[@lildebleigh84]

Thank you for doing these Q&A’s! They are so so helpful!

[@bria2596]

Loved the discussion, especially re assisting the disabled friend, and the last one of clearing out items for a person going into a nursing home. Extremely helpful on so many levels.

[@karenkouns577]

Couldn't agree more. Content here is always so helpful. Thank you Dana!

[@FoD1975]

How is it that you look younger and younger as you get older?! 🥰 Thank you for this brilliant video. Xx

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I've donated books to "Little Libraries" in parks, at schools and even homeless shelters.

[@brendaputnam4675]

I use to work in the library and yes we would have 2 book sales a year and the profit would go towards the summer reading program. What wouldn’t sale would be donated to another branch library to try to sell.

[@rebeccataylor9752]

Love how the book cannot have another life if it's still in your house!

[@lindamusser7370]

I have thought this kind of thing many times. Landfill or your house, it's still on the planet.

[@celestemudrich5798]

Dana's response on this was so insightful and a perspective I have never considered. She is brilliant!

[@theresekeane8660]

I also remind my highly ethical sister who doesn't want ANYTHING to go to landfill that her house isn't just a substitute landfill area

[@dianasimplifies]

I’ve decluttered my whole house. More than once. I almost never remember any of it and I don’t regret any of it! I was recently looking for a nice set of colored pencils I hadn’t used in years. Suddenly I wanted them. Hubby thinks I got rid of them, I prob did. It’s ok I can order a new set. ❤❤❤

[@liztefft5312]

Dana, I really appreciate your patience and wisdom. It's not just about decluttering, but about changing the way we think. I'm still a work in progress. Thank you for teaching and bringing clarity. ❤

[@mickih7931]

There is a used bookstore about 125 miles from us in NE. They accept all book donations. All books to buy are $2 each. Every person who goes into the store get to choose a free book. She gives books every month to anyone who has a need. She is also offsetting gas costs by crediting $.10 per mile off your purchase. We pack boxes of books and when we get a car full we make a trip to donate. It has been so freeing for me to know she is making a living for her family and helping so many people in the process❤️

[@neon.neutral]

Another ah ha moment for me, Dana! WHen you talked through the person helping the friend.... I am guilty of not following through to the end. Finallly it clicked for me that you really do have to do it now. I had some major progress yesterday, so thank you!

[@elaineashley1958]

Dana, I thought this was one of the best live Q&A you have done. Great answers! 🙌🏼

[@shaysherwood7729]

I just want to say that I appreciate how you always validate the challenges of a persons circumstances.

[@susyh5186]

Thanks Dana for doing this live and sharing lots about the reality of decluttering and helping us with your tips and approach. 😌👍🏼💕

[@connied8507]

Where to take unwanted books: used book retailer, extended care facilities, homeless centers, union halls.

[@lb9549]

I appreciate the honesty about decluttering regret. We have had a handful of things we have had to rebuy after getting rid of (definitely not just ONE). I still choose rebuying occasionally and keeping a peaceful house.

[@cyclone8644]

What I love best about you us thatcyou are so REAL about the struggle!!

[@westmdmama]

For books you can also take them to nursing homes, hospitals, and little free libraries.

[@jennie9]

And correctional facilities. My parents donate to the one here regularly. There are restrictions that you might not encounter elsewhere, though. No hardcovers and certain topics are not accepted.

[@ranahall9000]

Decluttering regret- if I feel it creeping up when decluttering, I ask myself if the inconvenience of replacing this item later is worth the peaceful living environment I will experience now if I declutter it.

[@NJHeart2Heart]

Helping a Friend who asks for help but is resistant to taking action 20:16... if the answer is "keep", it isn't an answer to one of Dana's questions. Rephrase the question according to Dana's questions. VERY helpful video.

[@pattyelaine9563]

Love your perspective on decluttering regret. I just did a big pre-move declutter and I know my daughter will inevitably be annoyed with some of the things I decluttered.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Would your daughter be able to help sorting throught things, putting the "keepers" into a fixed number of boxes? At the end of the day you need to reduce stuff to move successfully and there are soooo many jobs and decisions involved in moving... G Ire

[@pattyelaine9563]

@@SF-ru3lp My daughter doesn’t live near me but her stuff lives with me. That definitely would have been helpful. It was stressful doing it all on my own.

[@SF-ru3lp]

@@pattyelaine9563 I see what you mean, Patty.... I didn't realise your daughter is an adult. Well unfortunately you have to manage your situation in a way that reduces your burdens. If your daughter has been living without certain items long enough that they are a burden to you then probably she can survive without them. It's hard to establish healthy boundaries but it's necessary. May you both receive the blessings you need over the next months. G Ire

[@laurat7324]

Your viewers on the Live were so helpful and encouraging to each other in the chat. That was nice to see. Off topic: I used to watch Grey's Anatomy and I finally realized who you remind me of- Jessica Capshaw, who played Arizona!!!!

[@marymaryquitecontrary]

Re selling stuff for $$ to put toward assisted living expenses, visit a few thrift stores or surf eBay to judge effort vs gain. Unless the items are high-value and "having a moment," you'll probably be appalled at how little a dent the proceeds will make toward expenses. If you're a seller, go for it anyway, but for a lot of us it would be time well saved by donating instead. Tip: be sure the owner is permanently in assisted living. I had a friend who moved back home and found her sister had already started to strip the apartment, including kitchen basics she had to replace.

[@beckimiller7090]

Thanks for this Q&A. You're a blessing to me.

[@beachprints]

I am literally decluttering things in "my room" while watching this video, It helped me to be more in the mindset to donate or throw away stuff I have put off for a long time.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Concerning the items I am getting rid of now. I must have faith that if I need it again it will be provided.

[@katherinleblanc1294]

I love this channel, thank for all you proven way of cleaning. decluttering

[@micahtaylor6765]

I too recently moved into a bigger house than I've lived for the last five years (almost twice the size) and part of the adjustment for me included time and training children because we were so used to only having the kitchen table to do anything on (dinner, crafts, games, homework) and now we have a counter and extra spaces that can stay messy without affecting dinner so much. So it may be a routine shift as much as a clutter threshold with moves like that

[@nataschalorez8885]

If you know for sure your donation place or library throws out the books they recieve, you can find another solution. Give them away to people who have wood stoves for example. They can use the books to get the fire going. If you refuse to throw them away because they will end up in the landfill..... When you die, they will end up there anyway.

[@LEDewey_MD]

First thing I thought of regarding the "disabled person" was the "container concept" - that seeing all of the things together that "needs to be fixed or sold" - causing a reality check to help this person. Difficult situation, no doubt.

[@susanmakiha9838]

I used to feel guilty with sending something to the dump if it had even a vestige of usefulness left in it ... trouble was, in trying to save the RUBBISH dump, my house ended up looking like a rubbish dump lol

[@annabelle4845]

I love all of your advice and can't believe how much I have been decluttering since I have stumbled upon your channel. You know what you are talking about and that make your advice so valuable!

[@jeme7339]

Regarding a new-build...make sure the coat closet is deep enough to hold winter coats!! Make sure there is a dedicated place for a broom, mop, and vacuum (NOT in the coat closet or pantry)!! If you need a pantry for cool,dry storage, make sure there is not a heating duct against the wall. A space for paperwork not in the kitchen or bedroom is a good idea. A 4 bedroom house should have room for at least 8 people to LIVE in it. The coat closet as well as the dining room should accommodate 8. No exterior door should open directly into living space. A buffer space is needed to keep wind and weather out and provide a place for wet boots and coats. It is helpful if the driveway and mailbox can be seen from inside the house. If neighbors are close, the garage sides of the houses and the non-garage sides should alternate so the car noise is not near a bedroom, but another garage..

[@beachprints]

I LOVE your five step process. I love the "take it there now": Where would I look for this item is so wise. Then, you will be able to find it easier later."

[@gracieofgod8899]

A larger house needs more cleaning, which means you have a lower clutter threshold than you had in a smaller house that needed less cleaning.

[@Angela.0411]

Regret is occasional. Clutter is constant...and anxiety-producing!

[@lb9549]

This is one of your best videos. I appreciate that you really drilled down on each question and you had new pieces of advice I hadn't heard before.

[@monicacreates]

About family not liking us decluttering things, if they want things kept, they need to manage them. If they don't want to do that they certainly can't expect us to do the job! Talking about adults and teenagers, not children, of course.

[@jonelledavenport8701]

I love listening and learning. Please continue.

[@heatherburrill]

I put books in people’s free libraries throughout the city

[@connierussell8850]

Thanks so much for all you share,it elps Sooo....many of us

[@debbiev.1311]

Sad I missed another Live, but watching the replay is invaluable!! Working your process & making progress is actually happening at my house these days...it's been a long time coming...so very grateful!!! ❤

[@DanaKWhite]

Oh I'm so glad to hear this! The process works!

[@dianasimplifies]

My library does friend of library sales too, so does the other town close to me. I donated nearly EVERY book to them. They were happy to have them. They also discount them heavily the last day so I’m sure a lot more leaves toward the end of the sale.

[@babajayne]

Our local VFW has a books donation bin (partnered with New Legacy Books) where they accept anything with an ISBN. Maybe there are more around the country?

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

True. My library sorts the donations - books too old don’t sell so they leave them out for free throughout the year. What isn’t taken goes to recycling. All is not completely lost!

[@jillbruce3624]

Great questions and answers, Dana.

[@jillianguilford5191]

Taking stuff to where or near where I would look for it has changed my home.

[@DanaKWhite]

I love hearing this!

[@Elizabeth-490]

Me too!!

[@handmadeschwan]

The fact that you can go out and buy something new when you have decluttered something you ended up needing shows that that item was replacable.

[@kayelle8005]

Have purchased the decluttering coaching course. So excited to get started over my Christmas break. 🤗

[@DanaKWhite]

Yay! So excited for you!

[@kayelle8005]

@@DanaKWhite so am I!

[@ourphone305]

Dana I love your videos, and I have no idea if you have any control over this, but the number of commercials that are being included by KZbin is insane, to the point of being intrusive. Keep up the good fight, you have been instrumental in my journey to take back my house.

[@jeme7339]

Yes, the commercials break in mid-sentence, and some are sooo long! The content creators should be alerted as to when the breaks will happen or allowed to structure breaks so they do not interrupt mid-sentence.

[@ruthmgonigle5914]

I doubt there is anything the channel creator can do on a free channel.

[@laurahudson8210]

One of the channels I watch takes a pause and fade to black for a few seconds a couple times, to indicate to YT where a commercial break will fit.

[@christi3411]

I always learn from all the videos but especially love the Q&As.

[@kathystearns9012]

It's also spending money for peace of mind and calmness of your home 😮

[@jillianguilford5191]

What goes into the dump will eventually disintegrate and become soil that at some time will help to grow vegetables, grass or gains. The phrase I learned that I can release these things back to Source (of creation)

[@grutarg2938]

I had a few very yucky/moldy books, and I just tore up the pages and layered them into my compost.

[@tonibergquist61]

The coarse Take your house back is so worth it!!!!

[@barbarapinto2305]

I have needed or wanted some things i decluttered. But I don’t regret the extra space and sanity in my house.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Hi Allegra C the thought just occurred to me: would it be possible to contain the office in a closable cupboard and for the room to be used for children's beds at night time? You might nit want it in your master bedroom but in theory the functions operate at two different times if day and for some people might be combinable in the same room... Just a thought... I do think that minimal stuff in a small house is the only way its manageable. Every blessing to you, Allegra. G Ire

[@laurahudson8210]

They have tons of cupboard-style offices out there. Might be a good option.

[@rpkent953]

you could donate books to hospitals and nursing homes and adult day care centers.

[@jac4YouTube]

Let's face it, no one is perfect but we can all learn from each other, someone may have a solution you didn't think of

[@beachprints]

I also love "I can keep anything, but I can't keep everything!"

[@amybarton3814]

You can donate books to nursing homes and also to the jail

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Allegro c if u see this, does it make sense to put the 4 kids in the master bedroom and 2 adults in the smaller bedroom?

[@katherinep1010]

I was the one who asked about struggling after moving to a bigger house. I've been thinking about it since I asked. I think it comes down to 'more to clean' like the commenter said, more sq ft to vacuum, another bathroom to clean, a tub AND shower to clean, instead of a tub/shower combo, etc. I also think my clutter threshold is LOWER in a larger space, which seem counterintuitive, but the same amount of stuff strewn over a larger living room, or 2 kids' bedrooms instead of one is just more overwhelming and makes me not want to start, so I'm more likely not to do the dailies, which makes things worse, and on and on. I'm trying really hard right now (again) to get the dailies firmly in place. Every time I feel like I might have a handle on them I get really sick or injure myself and am physically unable to do them for a while, which makes it hard to start up again. I'm coming off of a hand injury that left me unable to wash any dishes that couldn't go in the dishwasher, unable to vacuum, etc. And that was rough. I'm seeing progress now that I can do most of the things again though. My husband and I are also constantly going back and forth on house size for the (possible, way in the future) next move once the kids are out of the house. I want to go smaller again, he wants to go bigger. No way can I handle a bigger house!

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Tell hubby part of the cost of an even bigger house is a weekly cleaning service. You will be closing the doors on the extra bedrooms and bathrooms and not using or cleaning them. Pr he can fo them if he wants them so badly and doesn't want to afford help.

[@ajenkinson3443]

End the discussion with your husband about the next move. It’s irrelevant, years away, and not worth the stress. If he brings it up say you don’t want to discuss it until it’s more relevant. If you have things that can’t go in the dishwasher, put them away in a time will tell box or donate them. It’s unnecessary stress!

[@laurenentwistle1207]

Such a good Q&A - thank you Dana!

[@SassySue67]

Too funny, teenage girls will always be annoyed with their mothers. 😂😂

[@mamabubu6505]

Great q&a. Thank You 💐👏

[@SassySue67]

Some nursing homes and senior centers will take used books for their clients.

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

Many libraries will recycle the pages so only the covers go in the trash. If I know absolutely no one would want the book., Mainly due to condition or out of date, I recycle the pages myself.

[@tealolly93]

At 0:01- I love your 2-step eyebrow raise! 😆😁

[@LisaSmith3663]

Ideas on what to do with old yearbooks or do I keep moving them from place to place?

[@danaerakstad7924]

Toy question. My child is 9, she has a bunch of American girl type things. She never played with them. They are in the storage area. What do I do? Keep storing? Encourage her to sell them? Will she maybe play with them someday? Saving them seems silly. We have lots of toys but it's funny as my kids friends come over and want specific toys my kids have since passed on. I feel silly keeping a bunch of toys for all their friends my kids don't play with.

[@annaslonaker]

If your kids have moved on from certain toys I would encourage them to pass them on to others who would still enjoy them, perhaps even some of those friends 😉. This time of year is perfect for having your kids bring together things (toys, clothes, books) that they no longer want to make room for new things they may be receiving. Even if you don't celebrate any holidays it would help create a fresh start for the new year. Once they have decided what they are done with, you can help them decide what should be done with it (sell, donate, gift it). It is possible that your kids will be happy donating things that you see resale value for, or you want to keep for future possibilities. Please try and allow them to be done with it. If mom needs to keep something in a "sentimental box" or to sell something to be at peace with allowing them to remove it from their space then that needs to be on mom, the child is done with it.

[@danaerakstad7924]

@@annaslonaker Thank you for encouragement! I asked her if she wanted to sell them she said Yes!!!!! And she if getting her cash for ALL of it today! There were TONS of people who wanted her cast offs. Thank you again for helping me have the extra nudge to teach her am awesome lesson. And I'm letting her keep all the money.

[@missinthecastle3335]

? What do you do when your child declutters their room, but leaves the excess they do not want to donate in other spaces in the house? I’ve taken boxes of their excess clutter they dumped in the Guest Room, and donated it. I made the wrong choice and am reminded of that decision.

[@LiliVanilli248]

Entirely unrelated but hair is looking excellent! 🙂

[@Lynntahl]

Decluttering or recycling books is not the same as burning them. At some point books are just paper. You do the best you can, within the system that is set up for landfills or recycling. It’s not your fault things are they way they are.

[@margo7581]

Take a video of the open house

[@Marialla.]

? Question at the end, validation wanted. I'm decluttering and come across something that frazzles my brain. Maybe it's too emotional, or had too much "I'm going to need this someday (though I can't remember why)" baked into it. Other items I've decluttered have seemed easy or even joyful to get rid of! But then this one thing practically HURTS to think about. I can't decide where to "take it there now" and I can't decide to declutter it. Maybe the best I could do is clean it (if it's dirty) and return it to where I found it. Even if I'm not sure about it in any way I figure at least I'm not making it's space any worse than when I found it, right? I know it's not ideal. I feel guilty for not completing the decluttering process as I see you doing in your "one hour better" videos. But sometimes I just haven't got the spiritual oomph to handle every situation. Maybe I'll be stronger later, when I come through on a "round two" declutter, after I've decluttered other areas and more of the "easy stuff". Maybe I'll build up more of those decluttering muscles, or make more space in my brain after enough other clutter-stress is removed overall. But I'm just not always able to face every decision right now. Anyway, I just wanted to ask for validation for this weakness. I don't often see you telling anyone to just leave clutter be where you found it, once you know it's clutter. I do see you saying "handle the easy non-emotional stuff first", but I wanted to ask for affirmation that choosing NOT to declutter something can be a good decision of it's costing you too much angst and pain right now. Maybe avoiding the difficult/painful stuff isn't a good long-term solution. But maybe it's good enough for sometimes, in the beginning? I mean, we've lived for so long with so much worse, surely having just a few designated "not fighting this battle today" spots is okay?

[@sarahharris7563]

Have you watched the video of Dana helping her husband declutter sentimental stuff or her early decluttering videos? She talks about things being “one hour better” and following the process so you can walk away and it’s better than it was when you started. If you’re stuck, I would take a break. If you’ve found some trash and put things in homes or decided to donate them, you are better off. Give yourself 15 minutes a day and leave it. You will regain mental energy and remember that angst and fatigue when you’re tempted to purchase something new or rescue something from the landfill. It’s hard, but you’re right-progress is progress! Keep chipping away and be proud of your progress.

[@ellen8996]

I think you are looking at it as every decision has to be perfect for all time. This is where the onion process comes in. It is NOT okay to skip the process on everything, but sometimes it is okay to decide that you aren't ready to declutter an item right now. Maybe on your next pass through, you will find it easy to decide to declutter or find a new home for the item. So each time you go through an area, you remove another layer of the onion until it seems comfortable.

[@grutarg2938]

I 100% validate you. You haven’t made it worse. You haven’t put things in a keep box. It is totally fine to skip some things and keep working on the easy stuff. Remember it’s “one hour better” not “one hour perfect” or “one hour done”. I find it helpful to have a friend or family member support me with some of the difficult things- mainly by listening as I talk through the process. And as you declutter other areas with easy stuff, you may find that you’ve created space for the difficult item to go.

[@Marialla.]

@@grutarg2938 Thank you! It actually does help to hear you say that. I've backslidden a lot this year, because things got rough for me in many areas, but I'm trying again to make progress. Thank you for helping me lighten my mental load a bit while I start again.

[@grutarg2938]

@@Marialla. Glad to hear that I helped even a little. This is such a nice community. You can do it!

[@Candiegirl13]

Books. Library sales where I live declutter their inventory doubles, less loved books, etc, usually in crappier condition, but if your donation is not like new, it's trashed, go figure. No half priced books here but saw one in my travels and they are so overpriced for used books. People where I live can't afford to shop at thrift stores as they are so overpriced that a Dollar Tree item used can be $3. LOL.

[@loxleybattle2591]

So helpful!

[@kennethbailey9853]

Thankyou

[@kelly-ux8zy]

I heard 1 in 2 out on a you tube video that might help with clutter creep? Love your videos Dana x

[@lindabeard488]

Hi, Dana

[@lindamusser7370]

I have a hard time getting rid of books. I have to tell myself that books are not sacred. Only the Bible is sacred and you can always get a copy.

[@qtluvBilly3]

Books can also go in recycle.

[@marthabinder4899]

Os one need to have their home declutter Ed in order to take the class?

[@anitawilkie7275]

I was nodding!

[@jillianguilford5191]

If the relative needs money, can the person asking the question delegate the selling?

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Gawd … could you imagine emptying three dishwashers?? Too much!!!

[@marymaryquitecontrary]

😂😂😂👍

[@kimberly8185]

I've has a couple minor regrets. I got over it quickly though. Just a simple. Oh well.

[@sarathreet2017]

When Covid first started my local libraries would throw away or not accept donated books for fear of Covid transmission.