Need a Decluttering Reality Check? Taking It There Now Gives You One

When I "take it there now" I force myself to make a realistic decision. Giving something a home and then acting on that decision means I'm dealing in reality.
Mentioned: www.aslobcomesclean.com/resto...
My shirt: amazon.com/shop/aslobcomesclean

[@mollycluff943]

As a librarian who just had a huge dragon display up for lunar new year, I can attest that someone will see this at the thrift store and love it!

[@ninak8506]

Yes I was thinking that very thing. Some high-school library, art or theater dept. A Chinese restaurant with similar decor. It will be loved.

[@alisonj1384]

A college office or student cultural group would LOVE to have it.

[@kimbucha2949]

I came across a random electrical cord thingy of my husbands. I asked him where he would look for it first because I was going to put it away. So I took it there and put it away. Fast forward 2 weeks later, he's tearing the house apart looking for his cord. (He thought I decluttered it, lol) I went right to the bin he told me to use and retrieved it for him. I guess it really wasn't the first place he would look! haha!!

[@melissanorrbom4734]

man eyes!

[@Smith-he6bg]

😂 that’s great that you remembered even though he didn’t!

[@eileenlehonnyberg1576]

Maybe the first place HE would LOOK is to ask you?

[@melissanorrbom4734]

@@eileenlehonnyberg1576 I could say that about most anything.

[@sandywilliams848]

You have changed this old gal (74!)’s life!!! Even my husband (78.9) is catching on and recently (when replacing closet carpets) donated two pair of boots, numerous gym/travel bags, and perhaps 20-30 store bags he was keeping “just in case.” I love the take it there now, as most of ours is trash and/or donate!!! Never thought we’d be moving again, especially out of our dream home in a desirable community, but even at our age, we can be of assistance to our youngest daughter and her family. Texas, here we come with less clutter and almost no pictures in frames!!! #losethestash!

[@krybastian2611]

I was struggling with what do do with costume jewelry that I received after an old friend had passed away. I like the colors and that they remind me of her but would never wear them and I always feel their placement is unfinished on my jewelry table. I’ve decided to put them in with my Christmas boxes so that I can use them to decorate my tree/ make ornaments. I have decided to do this with a few other things that I am happy to see once a year but they don’t fit into my day to day life. Thank you!

[@bethheerten1132]

I do this as well. My late Mother's dainty little China teacups look absolutely adorable on a small Christmas tree in my dining room ONCE A YEAR.

[@summertakacs-michaelsonch8842]

I do this too! I took old, sentimental baby toys and kids art projects, and made ornaments out of them! Our Christmas tree every year, is a beautiful collection of sentiments of love and fond memories. I've made ornaments out of a collection of sentimental bits and bobs removed from bigger items that were too bulky to keep, but was holding onto because of sentiment. It's helped me let go, while keeping visual memories and making something new out of the old.

[@norahofmans4280]

Great idea

[@timrachelandjulia]

That's such a smart idea!

[@moniquefuselier7711]

"I am forced to face reality when I take it there now." YES!!!!!

[@SF-ru3lp]

I like that too. Postponed decisions (Andrew Mellon's wise caption) have led to the pile of 'stuff' being in the wrong place. G Ire

[@cyclone8644]

"Take it there now" has revolutionized not only how I declutter, but also how I maintain the already decluttered areas. I am the queen of procrasticlutter (lady, you need a vlog dictionary of all your awesome words and phrases!) . My house was nothing but piles of procrastination. Piles of dishes. Piles of laundry. Piles of paper. Piles of......piles. By taking it there now, poof! All the Piles are disappearing! I'm not a dumb person, but just giving things a name (I now call those things my procrastipiles) I am able to tackle them easily. Before, all i could think of was " a mess". An unnamed, indistinguishable mess. The whole house was just a mess. A name combined with an action is brilliant and simple. I can't thank you enough!!

[@messycook]

This was awesome, thank you! I have a bunch of “dragon heads” from trips that seem to be stuck to me….now I have a framework to let them go. Put that in your next book. Maybe that’s a title idea…”how to part with dragon heads”. 😁 Thanks for remembering the credits!

[@nicole1184]

Two large Tervis-like cups have literally been in my counter for months. With no real home. I knocked them off the counter yesterday by mistake. They broke. What a relief….. have never felt that with clutter before. Wow! Now I knew where they went. The recycle bin.

[@veronicageorge7820]

@ Nicole I have been there. God bless broken things, lol.

[@KNRK379]

Haha we're moving g & there's been a couple fragile boxes where I've thought "really hope those don't get broken!" Then almost immediately, "but broken things are so EASY to declutter..." lol

[@veronicageorge7820]

@@KNRK379 Good luck with your move. I hope only things you would “approve of” get broken. 😉🙏🏻

[@donnathompson2138]

🖐🏼🖐🏼🖐🏼

[@mariemcgregor1884]

🐲, when you said seasonal decor in the attic I thought “wow, she decorates for Chinese New Year” 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@stepht5]

4 of our 5 ‘kids” have gone to Hong Kong at least once with my husband, to the largest international leather show 🙃. You’ve made me very grateful that none of them have come home with a giant dragon head 😂😂 Mainly because then I’d have to decide where a dragon head goes, for the rest of my life 🤪

[@emilasmith4279]

Hilarious! Oh my gosh. I just retired started really trying to get rid of the endless piles of stuff. Previously I would start and then have more smaller piles resulting from the sorting, and then they would end up everywhere because I didn’t do the final step. This go round I did the “take it there now” step. Holy moly. Can say a lot more stuff went out the door and I’ve actually repurposed spaces that prior didn’t have a good function. Can honestly say “take it there now” has been a game changer for me. Thank you Dana!! 🌸❤️

[@tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239]

"Take it there now" is a game changer for the slob that needs to overcome maximizing trips.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Your voice in my head yesterday as I decluttered a back room, "Is it perfect? No. But it's better." I filled a curb rolling trash can with computer books from 20 years ago spouting obsolete technology. You have no idea (well, maybe you do) how your practical life skills affect the masses. I use "Take it there now" as a method to get in my steps. :) Keep it up!

[@theohiohousewife]

This is perfect. We are moving my husbands "work shop" from being hiden in the basement to being in full view in his new garage. He is very surprised at how much he has and things look different under the bright lights in an open building than they do hidden in dark corners of the basement. Sometimes moving a questionable item to a new location makes it obvious that its time to go

[@charlyheather1822]

... what stuck me more than the "take it there, now" or the dragonhead was the idea of not storing anything that isn't seasonal (in the attic). I might tweak that one a bit and then go to have an earnest conversation with our attic and the stuff it is holding... There will be stuff that is not seasonal. But there ought to be a rule or two in place about what goes there and what doesn't ...

[@michelleneuman579]

Moving with you dragon head makes me realize that we are all a work in progress. I realize the struggle is real for many of us with certain items. Baby steps make it easier.

[@LedgerAndLace]

Organizing is SO easy and simple--to an already organized person! It's much more empowering to come to a decision through your method vs. having an organizer say, "Why are you keeping that?" One sparks reflection and discovery and ultimately a decision you can feel good about. The other feels like having to go on the defensive and justify your life choices. P.S. Con-GRADS to Reid. Haha 🙂

[@fleabitz1474]

That listing headless mannequin thing in the background needs its story told.

[@nicole1184]

He is in timeout right now. Face to the wall😂

[@cltinturkey]

Reid's credits (and editing contributions) are a great addition to your channel. Thank you both!

[@EmilyHercamp17]

ALL is forgiven! 😍 Now Reid KNOWS, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we notice AND appreciate him! 😁👍

[@lindaburnside3832]

You so accurately express out loud all of the conversations i have about stuff but never said where anyone could hear it.

[@MrsOhgi]

"Take it there now" helps me in picking up too.

[@donnajones9006]

I have a lighthouse cookie jar that is my nemisis. It's on my counter, been there for years, hardly ever filled with cookies. But I can't seem to get rid of it.

[@astrongmama]

My oldest started high school last fall the same day my youngest started preschool. The startings were so hard on me, I can't even contemplate the finishings. Shout out to Reid! Graduating high school is one of life's first real, grown-up accomplishments. I suspect it will be the first of many. I love your credits, but don't beat yourself up. Senior year certainly does start to pick up steam about this time of year.

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

This was awesome! I was just sharing with my mom about your philosophy of take it to the place now and as I go through different things I'm realizing how much I can let go. Last night I went through some things and I found some old things that I had from when I was young and I let them go. My daughter said to me Mom are you okay you're letting go of so much stuff is your health okay? I said yes I just don't want stuff packed in closets and stuff anymore

[@justlovelyj.l.349]

Hi to the woman who has changed my life for the better. As I was purchasing your new book I was referred to an older book written by you. Talk about putting your heart out there!! “Giving God the worst of me”. Thank you for being a blessing and motivating me.

[@katherinelipari6610]

So grateful that I found you early on in my married life. We live in Oakland with three little kids in a small two bedroom apartment. No attic for storage. We homeschool. Music lovers. Hobbies people. An absolute clutter bomb waiting to happen. Thankfully we have kept the philosophy of accepting the reality of our home. It has allowed our kids to get to live their childhoods in a home that isn’t crazy pants, and has the stuff that they REALLY want.

[@paulacostello6912]

LOL. Well that dragon's head sums up just about everything people i know thought i would love -- and didn't. I'm still trying to get up the courage to get rid of some of those things even though the friends probably forgot all about the items right after gifting them to me. :)

[@KNRK379]

Do it! We have gotten rod of SO many misguided gifts over the years. The givers rarely notice & the few times they said anything (my mom) I , told her I donated it. She wasn't always happy, but I tell her my things are mine to decide what to do with. Now she pretty much exclusively gives me cash 😊 win win! Not having things I don't like/use SO outweighs the few moments of discomfort when she asked about them.

[@ritatharp5238]

Thank you for sharing Dana, confronting the reality is so important to learn. The struggle is real! The older you get, the harder it gets because of less energy to deal with it all.

[@bearlycountry2406]

I have a big, red checkered old picnic basket that I love, I keep shuffling it around my house, it doesn’t fit in anywhere. Your dragon head is totally reminding me of it! I’m hearing you but I don’t want to get rid of it. The struggle is real!!

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

haha I love "these were not the colors in my head!" I've been questioning my past decluttering journey as I see things with todays eyes.... It's good though! Get it gone or get it used!

[@quickflip7185]

A few years back I was dealing with my late mother's belongings and ran across a box labeled "nativity scene" I remembered her displaying at Xmas when I was a kid, but had not seen it in decades. I was a bit hesitant to open the box because I remember it being this fragile, delicate, beautiful manger with all the included figurines. I was afraid it would bring back a flood of emotions and potentially upset me. When I opened the box, the figurines were made of plastic and the manger was barely held together with cheap materials and glue. Hahaha It went straight to the thrift store.

[@jenre]

As I enjoy your humor and sarcasm very much, i had an idea for a video while I was watching Cass’ video “A MESSY Home can HELP you get more organized”. At the end, Cass she gave examples of “you don’t know what it’s really like to be a slob until …….” I think it would be hysterical if you would do your own version. Your deslobification process is so relatable and so are your honest admissions of the way your home used to be. Have a great day and know you are appreciated so much!

[@bethsullivan748]

I was an elementary music teacher, and would have loved to have this for multicultural programs! Also, martial arts schools would want it- they do Lion Dances in parades and demonstrations. Keep up the great work, Dana! I love, love, love you, Dawn and Cas!

[@xtina1610]

I like taking the "A place for everything....", statement as an end goal. Not an expected reality right now.

[@connied8507]

This is what progress looks like 🙂 Thank you so much. 🙏

[@merrieboone]

I love y’all so much. Halfway through the video every time you brought the dragon head back in the camera shot it made me laugh !

[@lindsaykjoy]

What a great idea! There are so many times I think something will work in my head and it just doesn’t 😂

[@nancyharkins6570]

No need to apologize about the credits. We wanted you to know they are the "cherry on top" and we notice them! Thanks for all you do. I recently moved and I have learned some good ideas from your move and post-move videos.

[@melanies.fuller7360]

I am so glad you tapped into that emotional/sentimental point. It has made me rethink hundreds of items in my home. Stuff that I thought I could never let go of, just got tossed, after decades! Thank you for changing my life by unlocking my brain.

[@mindymudge7247]

You’re forgiven Reid and Congratulations on you up coming graduation!!!

[@angelamarden9684]

Dana, you're a hoot. 😆 love your methods and your sense of humor.

[@emmelia-6068]

Congratulations to Reid! And once again Thank You to you, Dana. This video had me nodding my head at the same time as I was laughing out loud. Glad nobody was here to see me, haha. Your content, whether repeated or not, whether accompanied by funny credits or not, is always encouraging and helpful and just a treat. God bless you for helping us deal with the reality of our homes! And you're funny! 😂💖

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

When Dana started talking about “everything in its place” I got this sad feeling that I’ve been assigned to the remedial homekeeping channel. 🥺

[@DanaKWhite]

Sorry that this made me laugh!

[@mayflowerlace]

This is where you get the support you didn’t have before so you can actually succeed. 🥰

[@annseigman1824]

If I needed this item, where would I look for it first..this has been a game changer for me! Thank you!

[@lillianmartinez1593]

Wow, this really hit a nerve! I have been blessed with traveling to over 40 countries around the world, and needless to say I have collected quite a bit of stuff. Although most of my stuff is small, I need to thin things out and really use the container concept. I still have some of these items in boxes. Not all of them fit in the cabinet. Please keep inspiring us to move forward with our goal of having our home under control! TFS! 💕🌴😎

[@nancydickerson7920]

I enjoyed listening to your thought process. I just realized that I am doing that now, but not verbalizing it to myself, so it's helpful listening to you. Right now I'm living where we go from winter storm and high wind warnings (steady 50 mph winds) to high fire danger with real wildfires overnight. And I' m arthritic and just had to give up my car. It really makes you think that all of this could be lost overnight, and what would I need to take with me in an emergency evacuation? I like your goal of not keeping anything in the attic that is not seasonal decor.

[@kellygraves3817]

Dana, my baby is 33! I feel your pain. Good luck to Reed!

[@soulexplorer76]

Omg I absolutely looove that dragon head (I'm a Dragon in Chinese astrology)!! 😃 It looks amazing!!! But even I would probably not keep it even if I had the space for it. When you showed it my first thought was: how do you dust that thing? I have a loooong way to go when it comes to clutter which means that cleaning is difficult if not impossible at times and in certain areas, it just feels hopeless, so one of the criteria that I try to use is how easy or difficult a certain thing is to clean and am I willing to put in the effort. It can help when you have to decide whether you want to keep something or not. And also when acquiring something new 😉 Thanks Dana for all your content and I always enjoy the credits 😊

[@AskAngelaBrown]

"I'm pretty sure we have an attic but I haven't figured out where it is yet." ROFL I just love you Dana! You're so adorable and I'm so proud of you. Keep up the great work. Sending hugs & happiness! 🤗🤗🤗

[@DanaKWhite]

Awwww, thanks!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

LOL, Dana, the first thing that I blurted out when you held that up was, "OMG that thing is UGLY!" Then I said...hmm, maybe donate it to a local school's drama department. That thing is definitely something that I'd want out of my house asap! Trust me, I'm not judging because I've found 'treasures in my house that were just as bad (probably worse).

[@thefarmista]

You and Dawn REALLY helped me get my house under control because you acknowledged that getting rid of stuff is really hard when you start and it's okay! And the way you two explained things just finally made it click that the house is a mess because there's too much stuff and the problem isn't "not enough house". No worries about the credits, but we love them!

[@kathysheeran6589]

Good luck to Reid in senior year. It’s a busy time. You both do great- credits or not. Thanks for all you pour into us ❤️❤️

[@TheShizNat]

Thank you!!! I never know how to give everything a home. 💡Just discovered your channel. Thanks for being real!! You speak my language.😁

[@carynday7253]

This momma just wants to say thanks for your videos. Just watched your video while I took everything off my cluttered bathroom counter and “took it there now”.

[@sarahcox6129]

Yikes... I feel my own self conviction seeing the Lion head. Here is my scenario: Event 1: I get inspired to create large art project for a theatrical production. Event 2: enjoy brainstorming session where I practically construct said art project. More inspiration about the show production, audience reaction, etc.. Event 3: then ponder on the afterlife of the art project... Where will it go after the production? Will I need it for another show? Can I store it for that long? Would someone else like to have it when I'm gone from production life? If I recycle it, how easy to make another one?...and so on. Event 4: feel defeated before I even get started. Close the book on product art/prop notes. Event 5: feel guilty for the stifled creativity... Try to lift my spirits with the idea I did not overwhelm myself with a project I was just going to throw in the burn pile. I feel so torn between my creative self and the balance of orderly home. I don't want to create what I'll have to kill later. Is it better to have loved and loss than never to have loved???? aAAARGGgg

[@ursulamoney203]

OMG, you are in my head!

[@newtkeeper]

Thank you for being so tough. I have enjoyed your voice in my head in my decluttering journey.

[@conniesoares157]

That was great listening and reminded me why I don’t listen to some KZbin videos who say that it is useless to take items to where they belong as they declutter!

[@geniereyrey8282]

Oh how I wish I was close enough to get that dragon head. Thank you Dana for all of your videos

[@LudmilaT.]

I say "Everything HAS a place and every place HAS a purpose." Not everything IS in its place because sometimes it does need to be taken out, and sometimes it takes a while before it gets back, and by that time something else is out of its place... but everything HAS a place to go.

[@debraleague8135]

Loved the video!! Congratulations Reid!! Glad the credits are back! See we notice and appreciate you!!

[@chrisludwig3610]

Congratulations Reid. So excited for you. You do an excellent job for your mom. Btw... I'd look for that dragon head in my craft room... Inspiration and decor! ❤

[@cynthiaewing6584]

I’m only 10 minutes in to this and I think it is one of the best organizing videos that I’ve ever heard. Actually, I didn’t say decluttering videos, because putting items where we would look for them IS - to me - ORGANIZING 😉.

[@irenegarcia1851]

Donate the Dragon head to a kids museum they will display it and display your family's name as donated by. All kids can enjoy it ☺️

[@wendiweberpal9741]

It is magical really! I've experienced it as well with random things I just can't make decisions on. Once I try to use it or display it, it helps to make a decision!

[@donnaanderson3857]

I love, love, LOVE the questions. It has helped me to get rid of stuff that just was to much. I take things were they belong now. I don't really mind cleaning, like I use to.

[@glendaw5221]

Me! I want the beautiful dragon head. Do I have a place for it? No. Will it match my decor? No. Will my granddaughter love it and play with it? Yes for about 5 minutes. Sigh. Take it to the thrift shop.

[@suzanbak1]

I Love your sass & hilarious, compassionate self!! Lots & lots 💕💕💕u r so humble & fabulous

[@jennyksslr]

Hopefully a theater finds it for the perfect play.

[@MLiesel]

Hi, Dana! I just had to tell you that I am having a breakthrough with actually using your steps instead of just getting excited about them every time I engage with your content 😜 I realized that I was falling into old patterns of pulling a bunch of things out to declutter, as well as stuff-shifting. Today, I faced a daunting space and told myself “just look for trash!” And repeated it every time I got stuck or felt overwhelmed. It worked so well!!! Among so much progress in a cluttered room, your steps helped me to go through a doom box of papers that’s been lurking in a corner since 2022! Thank you for helping me so much; I appreciate the ideas you share more than I can express. Making progress in my home is boosting my confidence and helping me see myself in a different light. My whole life is shifting because of the ideas you teach. Thank you!

[@jamesbriggs5740]

I am overwhelmed with two spaces that are full of small items that require going through each already sorted box in them. My paperwork and art stash. Kathy B

[@taniakyriakou1823]

I’ve just discovered you. And the phrase “take it there now” is so clever. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is too abstract. Your phrase is action oriented and empowering. I’m so excited to hear more.

[@jennyjenkins877]

Reid's credits at the end make the video a perfect 10/10!

[@jazmincat]

OMG I love your dragon head. I am a little jealous. :)

[@timrachelandjulia]

We love you, Dana & Reid! Reid, congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Keep that sense of humor throughout your life, and you'll continue to make others smile. 🙃

[@aliciamarana]

Thank you so much for your bravery to share your slob journey and your wisdom for breaking down the steps of how to manage our homes! I love you. You are my spirit animal, lol. I have your books. You are a treasure. Thank you.

[@karenkouns577]

Thanks for giving me another way to consider sentimental items.

[@marthayoung4867]

I have started implementing your five steps. Take it there now is challenging, but I love this concept. Thank you!!

[@marym346]

LOVE the dragon head!!! You had a whole, big office! But I understand.

[@jillbruce3624]

Loved this one. Yes someone is going to be thrilled and do the happy dance.

[@brg2743]

A high school drama team could use it or an elementary school that does music programs or studying other countries.

[@janethunt4037]

You make a lot of great points here. I recently decluttered some kitchen counter space, and 2 things I really wanted to keep were not obvious on where. So, I put them aside to think. The next day, the place for 1 came to me. I'm still thinking on the other, and it may be time to let it go.

[@k.0910]

Congrats Reid on your college graduation! Ya yippee Dana you're a rocking mom! Hooray for credits... you all need to do some funny outtakes at the end. 🤣 😂 😆

[@u2abulous]

That dragon head is incredibly cool! It’s heartbreaking to let it go but I completely understand.

[@katherinemcgauchie9104]

Stay till the end of Dana’s videos for the credits, stay till the end of Cas’ videos for the stories, stay till the end of Dawns videos for the feels 🥰

[@samantharokes2143]

I could see that being displayed in a Chinese restaurant.

[@danareevesmusic]

1 Lady who noticed the credits were missing last time And… noticed the typo 😉 🤣 Also… I am completely programmed with the phrase Take it there now And the decluttering Q’s I hear them in your nice voice BTW

[@Katy_living_simply]

This is by far the best video you have done. Clear and to the point. You can apply it to almost anything.

[@kanona0115]

The look on your face “momma of a 4 yr old who finds this?…. You’re welcome, 😳”. 😂 😂 😂

[@PuzzlesC4M]

I’m pretty sure we’re friends because that is definitely something I would find fun at 21. Theater friends for life.

[@carmenflowers7175]

Knowing where to look for it help me to getting organized😀thank you for your help.

[@CreatedByGwen]

Puts giant dragon head inside a cabinet and says.. hmmm something isn't right about this lolol.... thanks for another great video Dana, your videos have been so helpful for me :)

[@kristinjackson9434]

So good! Thank you! Happy Graduation to your Reid! My Reed is rocking the finishing up of 7th grade!

[@laurenmanley4616]

Yall are hilarious 😂 loved the credits. We're moving and I'm decluttering with our new home in mind. Challenging...but I'm doing it! I do not want to move, store and pay for anything unnecessary. Thanks, Dana! Ps my baby is graduating this year too 😢

[@janetthornton7909]

So you’ve been “dragon” it with you from house to house. 🤣

[@crystalhanger754]

I so needed this! Love love love! Thanks so much!

[@janethassing2523]

I hope you donated it to the closest Elementary School. I would have loved this in my K classroom!

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Love your ideas! 💜

[@jamienelson2095]

Q: I feel like I’ve Decluttered the majority of my house using yours and many other books. (Thank you by the way). My home is looking great and feels so much lighter. I want to keep the momentum going but now that most of it is done I’m getting stuck. What do I do now? What’s next?

[@chreudinegueur6367]

Enjoy it? Focus your time and energy on experiences? (maybe the Minimal Mum KZbin channel is what you actually meant)

[@jlee3269]

This is so simple ... but so smart!!! Thank you so much for this big insight !!!!

[@organized4]

LOVE your t-shirt!!