Mindset Shift: Let the Stuff Flow through the House (Especially USEFUL Stuff)

This isn't a "How to Declutter" video, but the explanation of one mindset shift I've made regarding that super useful stuff that comes into the house and feels worth saving.
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[@arlenekeith6235]

Those free tote bags are what I use to hold donations when I don't have a box full. The bag then can go also. Thank you for your wisdom on decluttering !

[@xtina1610]

Awesome idea

[@lauramathews3151]

Same

[@adz5bneweng589]

Same!

[@outofmyelement932]

BRILLIANT!!!!

[@cindystepp7793]

Great idea!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Plastic tubs from margarine, sour cream, and yoghurt used to accumulate in my tupperware cupboard until they spilled out every time I opened the door. One of the first rules I implemented when we moved last month was that none of those would stay in the new house, no matter how "useful" they seem to other family members. If all the real tupperware is occupied that means the fridge needs to be decluttered of leftovers lol. Let the plastic tubs flow through the house into the recycling bin!

[@Pajali]

Absolutely! Leftovers are something else we need to keep “flowing” through our house before they stagnate. 😉 For anyone who has kids, some schools take donations of recyclables for art projects and such, so it’s worth asking if that makes it easier to let go of your plastic containers.

[@dianaklien1560]

Every now and then I call a “fend for yourself” night. If there are leftovers that they could have grabbed, but that they don’t that night, I throw them out because nobody is going to eat them. I also put a sticky note on leftovers with the date they are being put in and if it has been 4 days or so, I throw it out. Mind you, this is very unusual because I have grown men and a male teenager around that tend to be hungry and love the simplicity of microwaving a leftover meal.

[@patriciaseaton1522]

I absolutely need to do this as well with those containers and, especially, with JARS! I won’t ask myself why I keep so many, I will just recycle all but two today.

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

I use the margarine tubs, but only keep as many as will fit in the drawer. When they get stained or cracked, I recycle that one and replace with another. But, I don’t want to pay money for containers.

[@kroberts9285]

hahah I bloody love you. "where do y'all keep your donkey cubes then". That's going in my head for when I want to keep a container but can't think what to put in it and it will help me to get rid of it because NO I DON'T HAVE ANY DONKEY CUBES! 😂

[@sueannnatter5295]

What is a donkey cube ?

[@Liberal.Linda.]

​@sueannnatter5295 I bet Dana means range cubes (cattle feed), which are compressed alfalfa. They're about as big as your thumb. Cows, horses, and donkeys think they're a chocolate-covered granola bar.

[@ripple_on_the_ocean]

"Donkey cubes" threw me right off there. I was like "wait is this some essential decluttering thing that I am going to need??" 😂

[@marianneperry6924]

😂😂😂

[@JanisOnTheFarmette]

Same! And I actually have donkeys! 😂

[@amberschwartz6316]

Hahaha 😂 same here!

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

This speaks to the scarcity mindset shift to the abundance mindset. It is powerful and I have to embrace it more often than perhaps I do.

[@cynthiahoward2844]

This week i was handed a free bag at my mammogram appointment. Because of my midset change, I left that bag behind. 😊

[@cherisebeekman]

Basically, you are trusting that what you need will be provided when you need it❤ it’s the opposite of the poverty mindset, and it can be so hard to break free, even when resources are not scarce! I think this is why my grandparents, who were children during the depression, had a giant ball of twine that just kept growing year after year.

[@amberschwartz6316]

That was so well said ❤️

[@charlottes.401]

If it grows, I probably don’t use those “just in case things”. What I realized is that I needed to start using those things. Sometimes I start using the twine and sometimes I start getting rid of it instead of keeping it.

[@SB-131]

😂

[@lynnfelthauser7181]

I found Dana’s “Nony” videos several years ago and they made me sob - I had found myself in them and there was HELP! I watched them all, and it took a long time for me to learn my clutter threshold, recognize that the piles were indicators of where I just had too much stuff, stop agonizing over things I was holding into because they were sentimental to my mother (not to me!), and not cry with relief when my house was just 5 minutes better. This past January, I laughed as I decluttered my bedroom and ditched SO MUCH STUFF out of just my nightstands I hadn’t looked at in years. I’m not done, but I don’t hate my little house anymore. Thanks to Dana, Dawn, and Cass for helping me find my tribe and come closer to a peaceful home that isn’t yelling my silent to-do list every single day!

[@ucfhillcollege8296]

You got this! Be proud of what you have accomplished!!!

[@mrik7868]

Way to go! Oh, some more Nony videos would be fun.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

When my kids were grown, I downsized my home. Looking at all my jampacked stuff I felt horrified that I had made a mistake, I needed a bigger house! No. I just had too much stuff. I still do, but it's nothing like it was 12 years ago.

[@hb7282]

What is Nony? Sorry, new here

[@mrik7868]

@@hb7282 Nony is short for / a nickname for Anonymous. Dana started out writing anonymously, so instead of signing anonymous, she used Nony. Very clever.

[@Courtney7171]

I worked at 2 different thrift stores over the years and we always had to break down the boxes so whenever I donate anything now I always put them in bags because it’s always easier for them to deal with. They really need plastic shopping bags for their customers.

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

This is super insightful and I’ll remember to do this. I clean and purge fairly often so those bags can go with them instead of accumulating in a stack of bags in bags in boxes in the closet. Thank you ❤

[@rebekahtablante327]

I’d love any other advice you gave from thrift stores! Like, what kinds of things were a burden for you, and what kinds of things you just throw out.

[@janethunt4037]

Good to know this.

[@madisonwagnaar9751]

“Sorry Betsy, sorry about that…” I’m very thankful you explain the donkey cubes 😂

[@JFlocRNa]

Ooh, it's almost time to plan for the holidays. Time to rewatch the "14 days to open your home to guests" playlist again!! I don't even believe I'm having guests this season, but it's good to have the home cleaned, decluttered and decorated early to enjoy the season, especially those of us with seasonal affective disorder.

[@amberschwartz6316]

Ooo, good idea as someone else who has SAD! Even though the holidays are past, a good idea!

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Dana, I like the idea of 'floating things', a river transporting unneeded things to other places where they are more needed, even putting them into the recycling bin, starting a new life. Never thought of it that way, because as a creative person, I can use almost EVERYTHING… Thank you for sharing. Love from Germany, Monika❣

[@debbiev.1311]

I can attest to your mindset shift...it happened to me as I began to get serious about decluttering!! I no longer feel the need to keep those "useful" boxes, corrugated cardboard for craft projects, bubble wrap mailers, reusable bags...& my list continues to grow as I let things flow!! Thank you Dana for continuing to inspire me!! ❤️🤗🙏🏼

[@itsmekimmielc]

I literally had this happen to me before i watched this video! corner of a cupboard ( you know, that dead corner of the cabinet pre lazy susan) i had been 'saving' those useful containers..... of course i had forgotten about them. but all were useful... recycle bin they went and i put an empty cardboard box that just fit into that space.. to prevent me from putting more stuff back there....

[@NotoriousPND429]

Over the last two years, I kept the glass bottles our spaghetti sauce comes in, thinking I'd do something creative with them. I just cleaned out my cupboard and chucked them- bc two years later they were still sitting there, taking up space, collecting dust. Bye 👋

[@LaJuana558]

Love Reid’s comments! Know he makes you not only proud…but laugh a lot!

[@TheBroccoliFiles]

I used to do that, but those jars are not airtight. They work when you buy them and keep the opened stuff in the fridge, but unless you buy airtight lids for them, they won't work for storage, like against infestations or keeping your food fresh.

[@nancycy9039]

@@TheBroccoliFilesdidn’t know they aren’t airtight. I just stored a bunch of coffee beans in mine, thinking they are airtight 😮

[@aaronandjessicaowulette1595]

As a person who has the mental and hereditary disorder of hoarding, I need to tell you how much help this video provides. Thank you so much for making it.

[@thisisbethm]

I know this is a side note, but my mom had to sell the family home-my dad died just over a year ago. She misses hearing the neighbor’s donkey very much. (She’s 70, and it was a large home in the country with 5 acres of land. It was too much upkeep for her, and not safe.) But also the video was a good reminder that I don’t have to keep all the useful items that come into my home! Just what I need to use!

[@smoothtruth]

❤

[@user-ce9yo1sx6c]

Donkeys are so sweet. They get a bad rap but they nudge for pets like a puppy dog.

[@natashyas4149]

I was 100% thinking about the things I couldn't replace and went straight to the hard stuff. Thanks for reminding me to start with the easy stuff!

[@annw1395]

So true!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I love this analogy. 🤗🍁🍂 I do this too now. I used to keep all of the lids from my hubby's ice cream because they're plastic and useful. Now I keep six. They fit nicely in a food storage container that was destined for the declutter pile. I'm learning to do it with other things too. I also do things "when i am ready" not simply because someone else says to do it. That has served me well so far in my decluttering journey. I grow into it. Seeds are planted. I realize what works for me and soon i am ready to do it because of my desire to have less in my home so that i can manage it. Grace. And no guilt for taking the time to grow and learn. Thank you for teaching the why's and how's and that it's okay to grow. Mindset shift!

[@janetmajor1152]

Beautifully said!😍

[@carolg.6838]

Yes, very nice. I have stuff I will use to make clothes and other things that will give me a creative outlet, relieve stress, etc.when I have time. Retirement is not far away and I won't havd $ to replacr. I could not handle holding up every item for yes or no. Nor have I uses it lately. I do have to work on letting go of old clothes not worthy to donate, etc. Seems people get on a roll letting go of stuff.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

@@carolg.6838 It does seem to work that way. It seems like a foreign concept at first, but once we start decluttering, we keep finding things we no longer need. I didn't know how to let go when I first started, but now I can. I still don't let go until I'm ready. But when I'm ready, it's easy. Most of the time. And no regrets. I had a lot of supplies for sewing, art, crafting, etc, too. In my case, I knew I wasn't using it and that I would not be using it, but I wasn't ready to let it go. So I didn't begin decluttering that stuff until I was a couple of years into my decluttering journey. No guilt. It was fine where it was. Even then, I did it in layers, as I was ready. Meanwhile, I was continuing to make progress with the things I WAS ready to let go of. The more I let go of, the easier it got. But I never forced it. I would say, if it's something you plan to use when you retire (congratulations, BTW), skip that stuff for now if you have the space to store it. If you want to go through it and narrow it down, go for it, but if you have other things to go through and declutter, focus on that instead. When you retire, you can take some time to go through those creative items, decluttering any excess or things that no longer fit your vision or desires. Or you can get busy creating and make decisions as you go. Meanwhile, you'll have made progress. Just do what works for you. No guilt. 💞

[@carolg.6838]

@@MelindaPlainandSimpleMelinda, thank you for your kind words and example. I am 3 years from social security age and will still need to work--hopefully less hours. I will try to gather a few easy things. I will have to accept some will need to be tossed but can ask for help if I get stuck on donate or toss. My sister always encoursges me when I say I did so much in the house, but to anyone walking in it would still be a mess. She tells me to be happy over the improvement that DID happen. I think the St. Francis serenity prayer is fitting for each day's effort. And ending the effort with something enjoyable to do for balance.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

@@carolg.6838 Your sister is right! We tend to expect ourselves to get it all done at once, but that's not realistic for most of us. If we break those big jobs down in to little bits, it really adds up over time. Like your sister says, focus on what you've accomplished. It can be a great motivator. And give yourself grace. Whatever you get done each day is good enough. You've got this, friend.

[@ibitibit]

I know Dana said this is only a piece in a puzzle, but this "flow" idea is actually sooo good, i feel like this will be a new mantra for me ❤

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Love the water analogy. I don’t want my house to be where stagnant flood water ends up!

[@MadonnaWF]

Thank you for all your work to help us cluttered ppl. I SWEAR by your method. Bc of ALL I’ve been able to do using your method, ALL the change my neighbor and friend Ro has seen in my home, she recently joined TBYH. 25,000+ items gone from Dec 22- Now. I have purged about 60%, so I still have more but what a huge difference. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

[@wendyeskelin8765]

I wish I had kept track. I did to some extent for donations .. 25K is so impressive.

[@brendatomlinson]

You’re a decluttering rockstar!

[@barnowlwatcher]

Just WOW! Hard to wrap my mind around that number. Did you use some sort of tracking system as you went or just count the items in each box heading out the door, whether it was trash or donation?

[@MadonnaWF]

@@wendyeskelin8765 I didn’t track/ count from Dec - May. My numbers hubby has taken number of boxes I donated- bc I did track that, and multiplied by avg number of items in each box SINCE I started counted. He feels it’s safe to add 18-20,000 items to my current number. At first there was so much stuff, I just needed it gone. Happy purging.

[@MadonnaWF]

@@brendatomlinson I definitely have an urgency. We’re needing some work done on the house, and I actually had PLENTY of room for the workman. After much thought and consideration, our new goal is # minimalism vs prev goal of manageable inventory. Happy purging!

[@justjennifer8448]

Yes! Yes, I do have a neighbor’s donkey who comes and literally begs me to give him treats!😂😂😂 His name is Chocolate and he brings me so much joy! Ok, off to watch the rest…

[@ritasnellgrove6343]

Yes! I use coffee creamer. I always feel guilty because I try to eat healthy. Nothing else works for me. And I can so relate to our girl scout years. You've helped me so much Dana. I had 1 thing I wanted to donate this week (a lamp). I wanted to take more with it but didn't think I could find anything. Looking thru my kitchen one more time I found 37 more items. They were tiny (metal straws I never used, cat food plates, extra strainers, etc). It filled a box. Took it immediately to Habitat for Humanity. Feels so good!

[@llllllllllilillii]

No one will ever take my International delight french vanilla coffee creamer from me. lol

[@TheBroccoliFiles]

That coffee creamer shit is so bad for you. It's just a bunch of artificial ingredients, plus it's not even vegan, so it's not cruelty free.

[@llllllllllilillii]

yes and it's delicious and my life is good instead of being miserable eating stuff that tastes like cardboard (health food) lolllzzz

[@carolinegraystone9308]

I use the heavy cream in UK called extra thick. The cows are making it as we speak. No heart doctor for me. We have to do the things we do and not judge what people eat and drink. Be happy. God bless.

[@lisam5744]

I like the idea of 'there's another one coming soon' for repurposing containers. I tried to repurpose everything that came into my home and ended up with clutter. I had good intentions and I do use food-safe containers for freezing/storage...but they just kept coming in. So I got rid of what I knew was extra to what I actually needed and the clutter is taken care of. Now I recycle what comes in (after it's emptied, of course) because I know that I've got what I need. And clutter makes me itchy. LOL

[@lovinglife3954]

Love this. Glass jars, plastic containers and take out containers used to send food home with other people and don't lose my own "good" plastic.

[@valeriekravette787]

I've actually gotten to this point with books. I used to have a huge library. I just don't have the time to read like I used to, and am donating a lot...but I have a few that clearly are "flow"--I will look at them one last time, and then donate to my Little Free Library. Even stuff I'm holding onto has a project attached and an expiration date.

[@Sharla1213]

Thanks Dana! I’ve been keeping too many cardboard boxes for when I sell on eBay but turns out I hate selling on eBay 😅

[@roseshak8440]

"Get to-ably"....i love this

[@smileyginger1]

I laughed SO hard at "donkey cubes" that I had to stop the video. I'm just visualizing a little long ears standing in your front yard yelling. You are very sweet to keep treats on hand for him.

[@amberklein6893]

Hm… Keeping everything is a mentality of fear and lack. We are afraid we need to keep “it” for later, because we won’t have the ability to get it later. Which means living a life with the mentality of faith and abundance: “I always have what I need” “I always have enough” “Everything always works out for me” THIS is the mentality of being able to let stuff go, the mentality of being able to share, the mentality of peace. This is the way people with clean organized homes view the world. They know they don’t have to store 100 bags because they know they can always get a bag when they need it. -I LOVE IT. Your video gave me this epiphany. Thank you!

[@bityew]

The mindset shift is EVERYTHING. Having an easier day-to-day life is WAY more important to me-now-than all my stuff-which I loved, but was distressing me because it was just. Too. Much.

[@youtubefan8459]

Your knowledge that you've shared in your videos has helped me start decluttering after years of living with a messy home. It's makibg me feel so much better to finally be able to let things go and work towards a cleaner, neater space. Thank you.

[@stephaniemcguire]

Ok, so I just emptied an egg carton. Hubby likes me to save these, but our chickens aren't laying good now, and I have several already saved. I threw it away. Yay me!!!!🎉

[@33space]

Every time I push play on one of your Videos I am so thankful and reminded again how much my brain is wired like what you describe. Thank you for each tip and heartfelt gifts to us all.

[@persephonebasilissa5109]

As a Dune fan, I heartily endorse this principle of "the [blank] must flow!"

[@carlaephotography7096]

So, you saw my stack on my dryer?! Lol….oh boy did I need to hear this. As I was literally trying to decide where else should I put them…as they keep falling and I keep picking them up. Creamers and coffee containers! Let them flow, right on out! This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@mrsstrople]

These stagnant areas even build up dust and 🙈🙉🙊 even bugs... such a good reminder to look for these.

[@joannevans2505]

Amanda from the “This Crazy Life” KZbin channel sang the praise of your “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” book in her latest video as she decluttered her home.

[@marylove7919]

My thing was sour cream containers. It actually surprised me because it was my husband (who keeps everything!) suggested we could let those extra sour cream containers go!

[@conniemcclanahan1122]

One video may not change your life, but YOU have most definitely changed my life. I am ever so grateful for you!

[@cindygrim3060]

We have red coffee containers flowing through our home, I've stopped hanging on to them because I know another will come along too! It makes recycling them so much easier.

[@bethheerten1132]

I'm with you on the Red coffee containers. They are so useful but they do flow through my home.. Our waste system no longer accepts plastic and I feel guilty throwing them out. Thanks to Dana I have allowed myself ONE SHELF in my shed to keep them; the rest go in the garbage. They are great for packaging snacky things for our upcoming bake sale at church.

[@amandab.6815]

This is good, especially for family members I have that think they have to save anything with any possible future utility. Something can indeed be useful, and still be clutter. Because we only have the capacity to use a certain number of things in our present lives.

[@rpb638183]

One day at a time Dana! When you held up that creamer container my eyes lit up.😂😂😂😂😂 I find help in perspectives of others and this is what I appreciate the most from your channel. Change is good and change is hard. I’ve been overwhelmed for so long. I’m just pushing forward. Thanks.

[@ucfhillcollege8296]

This one made me laugh and laugh! And then the credits at the end! We all need a neighbor that has a donkey!!!

[@SassySue67]

Dana, I just picked up “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” from my library. I can actually hear your voice in my head as I read each page. Thank you so much for helping me let go of the stuff. 😊. I keep finding myself saving empty glass jars, for what I don’t know!! 😂

[@haircandykina]

Same 😂

[@sherylskord4041]

To make you feel better I keep some glass jars also but only ones with good sealing lids. My husband is always asking for one to wash out a paint brush, or to store nails/screws, etc. But i keep only the number that fit in my Tupperware cabinet. Thanks to Dana, I recycle the ones that don't fit. 😊

[@SassySue67]

@@sherylskord4041 I use empty tic tac containers for small nails and screws.

[@sabine9012]

I didn't know either. How happy was my son today, when he was making rose hip jam for his friends and the glass jars were still there.

[@Fiery154]

I bought the audio book version, and I get to literally hear her voice 😅. I’ve been through it twice already. You are in for a good read!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

As an artist, I tend to save containers, jars, printmaking texture stuff, and this video has really helped me finally realize that, yes, I will come across more of this as it flows through the house. So, up to my art room I go to purge a ton of unnecessary and duplicative stuff. Thank you Dana. This hit home.

[@andieelaine7271]

I’d like a donkey to come to my fence and hee haw for a treat. But, I’ve got a dog that goes over to the fence and stares at the neighbor until he gives him a treat.

[@carolinegraystone9308]

hoarder extraordinaire. I notice you are a Christian ,so will make this comment as I think you will understand. For me it has definateIy been a spiritual matter. All the charity shop finds . Always just needing more. I made this a matter of prayer and even the hard stuff has become easier to let go. I think about my grandmother's fruit bowl and my mother's handmade quilt. They have drifted off into the river of life but the memory is close to my heart. For me this hording will be a tempting battle all my life. 67 cardigans in the first cull.Greetings from UK. God Bless

[@cheerfulmouse]

Recently realized a kink in what I thought was a good process. I have a donation spot. And often like to take some things to specific places, as our thrift places vary in product availability, and I have like 8+ stores that are easily accessible. I'm good about grouping things, and generally just bag or box up, as I have enough to do that. I realized I was running out of bags, and had even donated a bag of bags, I was kinda missing. When I realized I could intentionally get an extra flat box at the grocery store. Which is where the mindset shift came "donatebale donate container" Duh, I can intentionally keep a limited amount of donation containers at my donate spot,so I don't run out of plastic bags as frequently 💙

[@Usepen]

You are a gem. So glad I found your channel! 👏👍🌸

[@jeanpolkoski2107]

I've been decluttering for about 6 months. I still need to do the pictures (ugh)! But I was sitting here today thinking, I really like my house. It's very small but it is working for us now. If something comes in, something has to go. Craft room is the biggest challenge but everything fits, the rest went to my neighbor and Goidwill yesterday. Yay!

[@marybethbasu8858]

What a great video! I have hoarder tendencies around useful stuff and craft supplies, but I love this concept of things flowing through the house. It ties into what I learned from the pandemic, which is that even in a very long and weird situation with shortages, I did NOT need to hoard essential things in my small house to get by. Phew!

[@jeanmcintyre4662]

Love that y'all "almost" have a donkey😂

[@UnadornedInIndiana]

Great video!! I just declitteted those same amazing Coffee Mate cream containers and those awesome Folgers coffee containers. I had totes of useful containers that screamed out to me how useful they are as I tossed them out. If you struggle with this kind of things, Dana is the one to follow because she gets it. Decluttering At The Speed of Life can be life changing if, like me, you struggle with getting rid of these things. Always a good reminder, even for those if us who can recite the basics by heart. 💕

[@loumoon7660]

I would love a video about “regretting” donates. I regretted donating a black dress when I was in high school. And now I struggle to donate clothes or things I think I might regret. It’s something I’m working on but I would love to know her thoughts ❤

[@lynnpoag8173]

I once donated some pot lids that didn’t seem to have a pot to match, BUT later discovered that I donated the lid that I could use on my pressure cooker that can double as a crock pot IF I STILL HAD THE LID! Oops!!

[@dianneroberts2786]

I think she has mentioned regretted donations... If I remember correctly it was a grand total of less than a handful of items that she was able to replace when actually needed - but I could also be thinking of a video by either Cass from Clutterbug or Dawn the minimalist mom. So far, the only thing that I have regretted was a purse pattern that I made YEARS ago - and thought I would never make again... but since I made the original pattern I was able to re-create it (and make new modifications to my liking). I REALLY think that given the PROCESS of her decluttering and the fact that you START with the EASY decisions, that by the time you get to something that you might legitimately regret donating, you will have established better decision making skills and have the space if it is something you need to keep.

[@patriciacerwin6266]

Dawn from Minimal Mom has a "time will tell" box and you could put that dress in there. Then give yourself a time period, 6 months, etc, and revisit that dress. If you love it, can wear it, keep it. Get rid of all the items you know you don't want first, which will free up space. Never feel forced to get rid of something you love. Just find a home for it.

[@jillians5792]

I think my problem is I use emotion first when decluttering, your strategies are SO helpful for detaching from this, thank you!

[@NovasYouTubeName]

DANA!! One of your funniest!!!!!!!😂😂😂❤❤❤❤😂😂😂❤❤❤ “Don’t judge- I mean do ahead and judge me I don’t care”! 😂 “Oh. Y’all don’t have donkey cubes?” 😂

[@mariahwilson6505]

Thank you! The water idea is going to stick with me as I move through my storage spaces!

[@sherylskord4041]

I keep the totes stored inside one larger one so one takes up the same room as 10. That helps. Also when one of my adult kids visit & I send them home with "stuff" , that's my chance to give away a tote bag! Also I keep 5-10 totes folded inside one bag in the back of my car for groceries. But definitely too many are too many!

[@kellyzakel-larson8545]

I love this mindset shift. I have thrown away special containers, because I was de-cluttering, only to not have them come back into my house (packaging changed or we no longer buy that product). I now understand that I can keep what I have a place for (you know one or two of these specialized containers) and that is okay. I don't have to get rid of everything (I'm not a minimalist) but I do want an organized house.

[@thebaroness2977]

This reminds me of the tissue box collection that I kept for the longest time because the box designs were so pretty and haven't been as beautiful since ~ I felt silly, but they really made my heart happy... so sorry I didn't keep them.

[@kellyzakel-larson8545]

I have done the same. I have one in my bathroom that I continue to put new tissues in when it is empty.

[@lynnpoag8173]

I have a container addiction. I once thought that if I had “that” container, I would finally be organized. Yeah, that didn’t work. Now I have too many and it’s really hard for me to get rid of them. I’m a sucker for cute containers.

[@truffles1111]

One thing that affected my mindset: I heard someone say that if I hold onto too many things, I am saying that God is "stingy" - that He may not take care of my future needs like He has in the past. Now, when I have too many very neat things, I try to "bless some on their way"!

[@sonjapriebe8478]

Dana, I love your decluttering method. I think it's the best and most helpful of all methods out there. All the best to you from Germany

[@laurat7324]

I think you and your editor both have a soft spot for the donkey! My mom saves so much stuff. "That's a good box," she'll say. She will save glass jars. I understand the mentality but it's like you said- these things will be coming into our lives routinely. No need to save each and every one.

[@kariburlon5790]

Someone recommended you and your channel...and im so thankful she did!

[@lazygardens]

I have a shelf for these things - the canning jars that came with the spaghetti sauce or peaches, the plastic containers, the metal coffee cans - so I will have one when I want it. But they accumulate Periodically when the shelf fills up I put an ad on Craig's List for "free storage containers" and someone comes and gets a dozen canning jars, or the coffee cans or whatever for their own uses.

[@haircandykina]

Are you spying on me? I have a bag that looks just like that and coffeemate containers 😂

[@alicejump2290]

Probably up to a 20% of stuff in my home is saved for later I might need it! Another group of things are around because of trauma around both childhood and adult moves, when I was telling a friend about this I realized that significant events caused these moves so the stuff was associated with emotions not practical needs! This video helped me process all of this! I recently made clothes decluttering progress! Appreciate you sharing and teaching us about how to get it together and make our homes function!

[@jessa4799]

i really appreciate how you are humble and share how you have not "arrived" as you just keep on keeping on. it makes you relatable and watchable and not overwhelming but inspiring. God bless you hugely!

[@stephaniemcguire]

Oh, I love the water analogy! That helps me! We had a donkey move in at neighbor's behind us across the creek. I can't see it through the tree line, but man, I sure can hear it😂

[@eileenlehonnyberg1576]

Sounds like you need some Donkey cubes - whatever the heck those are???

[@bethpiercebaker2322]

This is my most favorite video ever❤️❤️❤️ 1. Unapologetically heavy on the cream for your coffee (amen sister) 2. And you said donkey cubes and I want to know how many people got confused by that😂

[@caseymartin5337]

Donkey cubes! 😂 I had no idea what you were talking about when you first said that!

[@lynnshepard7485]

I really appreciate this video about your flow through the house concept. There was a great idea in one of the comments about using the bags for donations. I have purchased too many reusable grocery bags that I’ve accumulated and now I know how to whittle them down. 😊

[@Noreenlee1]

My daughter bought me a little coffee-cup heater that sits on the end table. I love it because I love hot coffee!

[@trumax33]

How about those nice clear plastic tubs w/the blue (or red) lids that sliced lunch meats come in? I had started amassing quite a stack and told myself if I didn't use them by the first day of Fall, I would just put them in the ♻️. When I decided to gather all my different containers of 🐚 from all my beach combing, I had a 💡moment! Those lunch meat tubs were perfect! Durable, see-through, easy to label and a uniform size...so stacking them in a larger box (and condensing them down) left me with organized shells in a smaller space & plenty of the old cardboard boxes to recycle. And if I need any more, I'll just save the one from next week. Now....on to all those bags that are accumulating!

[@jlabatmom2404]

Funny you should mention this! I just decided last weekend to do this. I am decluttering and taking the bags that I empty, folding them up, putting them in the donation bin. And those useful containers are going into the recycle bin along with the toilet paper rolls I've been storing up for crafts. You are a confirmation of my idea. Thank you so much for your blogs and articles you put out. You are blessing.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

I hate decluttering the margarine and takeaway containers under my sink. I also wash and reuse cereal bags, and have too many of those. But when I have more than would fit in my freezer, or they fall out, or I can't find the specific kind I know is in there, they have to go. The space under the sink is the space under the sink. Bonus, when the dishes get overwhelming, I can start by throwing away all the cereal bags and some of the containers.

[@TheFrugalFreeGal]

I’ve been donating all of our free flowing bags to the thrift store and they use them to bag up peoples purchases! I end up with so many and yes, they are useful but they do pile up fast.

[@dianaklien1560]

Hey, less than fifteen minutes from listening to this I let a cute little velveeta box flow into the recycle bin because I know I have another one coming and I had no use for it right now. Thanks!

[@janethunt4037]

I figured this out before I found you! Enough is enough on very useful items. Mine is lunch meat containers with red lids. Perfect for using to give Christmas goodies.

[@KJDogluv]

Omg those coffee creamer containers are great.

[@laurenentwistle1207]

This is me with glass jars! I feel liberated to let them go now 😂

[@rg-mi5hh]

It is so important to be able to let stuff flow back out of the house while it is not overwhelming. Trying to do that with less stuff is so much easier. That way, when life happens, you only get a little accumulation and not an impossible task to take care of then. Still have a few containers of lotion that is used daily. Can't wait until that space is open again.

[@ucfhillcollege8296]

And to the list…tp cardboards, paper towel cardboards, butter containers, cheap food storages containers that came with the food, Amazon boxes, Gatorade powder canisters, milk jugs, etc.

[@jaindeau772]

LOL, I just took two coffee cans to the recycling bin! I’ll empty another in a few weeks.

[@shellyjohnsen3667]

Thank you! I think of things as energy - when it get stuck, it gets sour.

[@terib1234]

You've got me thinking about what things we use in our house like that; coffee containers, ice cream buckets, glass jars; all things there will always be more of, but that I use occasionally for various things . Thank you for the perspective!

[@glicmathan1771]

I just started watching your videos yesterday and they are incredibly helpful! My house is a construction zone, work studio and storage facility. Not so much a “home” right now. Thankfully I now live alone, but it also gives me less incentive to stay on top of things. I’m doing renovation work and I downsized from a bigger house. Not sure what space I’ll move into next, which is a big part of my problem - how much furniture I’ll need or not need etc. I truly value most of what I have taken years to acquire. I have a lot of cool mid century furniture I bought cheap along the way. But I still need to get rid of everything I can. I laughed when you talked about “boxes” as I’m storing them for moving, hopefully this spring! They take up a ton of space in my garage. So I’ve started boxing up things like books in preparation for moving. I never thought I’d end up in this situation so overwhelmed but videos like yours are helping me! Thanks so much! 🙏

[@granitemoss1451]

I really like the water analogy about stagnation.

[@wendyg.97]

Yes indeed. At our house it's the "Costco size box of Tim Hortons coffee pods"...small, sturdy, super useful boxes, but once I have more than 3, the extra go right into the curbside recycling. Glass jars and egg cartons get purged regularly, too.

[@yvonnelara3076]

I totally understand you!!! I thought I was the only one!! No judgement here.

[@neon.neutral]

This was great. Had a thought today as i was decluttering... if i need this again how fun will it be to buy a newer better version!! Progress 🎉

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

I decluttered about 8 coffee cans the other day. I was shocked. They take up so much space.

[@downtoearthsewing]

So good to be realistic about the abundance that we enjoy most of the time. And to TRUST that more things will come or if they don't we'll just use the old one a little longer. A message that really stuck with me from another channel is this: what is the impact of letting go (or letting it flow, like you said) versus keeping it? I think for most things in my life, the impact of letting it go now and enjoying a peaceful home is much greater and REAL than the POTENTIAL impact of maybe needing this thing some time in the nebulous future. What's the worse that could happen if I pair down the hundreds of socks our large family is constantly trying to manage? Maybe I'll have to run out and get a pack of socks. Not the end of the world. But if pair down and make my daily life more manageable by getting rid of excess stuff, that would have a big and real impact NOW. Love how honest and transparent you are about what works for you and what your thought process is.

[@juliehedges999]

"Where do you put your donkey cubes?" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@danaphillips8998]

I cackled at the donkey cubes😅 half the time I just listen to these for the comedy

[@brendadahl5439]

I love your sense of humor!

[@user-st9gr3oo4z]

We use our coffeemate containers for a little leftover paint used in our house for touch ups and marked with color/brand etc. like you……don’t keep if don’t need right then knowing we’ll have one empty regularly. Same with reusable plastic containers. I don’t ever keep them unless I know I’m having company that will send leftovers home with so they don’t need to be returned. Then I’ll only keep them ones that I empty like the week of or while I’m preparing food for when the company is coming. If I do have a couple around. I may reuse once and then throw away. You will always have availability to more!

[@amberschwartz6316]

Love the editor's credits haha 😁 congrats on basically having a donkey!!

[@cmarie8099]

Oh my goodness YAAAAS!!!! ❤🎉❤ THIS! I love the water analogy! *Mindshift*

[@julicarter]

32oz Greek yogurt containers! How many do I *really* need? I use one for horse feed, one for chicken feed, one for livestock salt & minerals.... I probably can get rid of the stack of rest!

[@creativelycountry1617]

I have a small dollar tree bin in one of my cupboards that I keep a few yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, cool whip containers in. Holds 8-10. Once it’s full I don’t keep more, until it gets lower again. it’s nice to know I have some if my kids need for animals or a craft. Or if I need to send food to someone. But it’s good to have a container to be my limit 😃

[@StephieGsrEvolution]

I have a problem with my greek yogurt (and other) containers because our trash company doesn't do above #2 recycling. 😣