6 CRITICAL Organizing Rules for a Functional Home

These 6 Organizing Rules are critical to getting your home organized fast and efficiently. Stop wasting time sorting and stop wasting money on a million containers, I'll show you 6 simple rules that will change the way you organize your home.
Download my FREE Macro Organizing Guide here: clutterbug.me/products/organi...
#declutter #organize #clean

[@betzy7514]

I inherited 2 sets of heirloom dishes from my grandmother and great aunt. They took up a lot of space and I never used them because they couldn’t go in the dishwasher. Finally I donated them to a thrift shop in an area where Amish people lived. I was told that those families often came in looking for lots of sets of dishes that they could use when feeding large gatherings. Since they hand wash anyway, the fact that the dishes have gold trim was a non-issue for them. I felt good that they could be going where they would be appreciated and used!

[@renamed304]

My parents put their gold trimmed china in the dishwasher for thirty years, yes gold trim fades, so what, you’re using it! My mom’s attitude was you can always get the gold repainted if that is important to you.

[@lisaandrews1658]

I went from being a buffalo. It is my new category. I could wreck a room faster than you know because I didn't get rid of things and nothing had a home. I took all the advice here and I am now loving being an actual cricket. I decluttered first. Then found a home for things. I love my new space.

[@pamelavendetti1844]

I love the buffalo category! Perfect description 🙌🏻

[@KlingonPrincess]

😅

[@skybabe1959]

Lisa! I am so freakin' happy for you, there is just nothing like loving being at home!!!! haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa buffalo, can I steal that?

[@robinstallings3167]

I’m laughing so hard, a buffalo that’s too cute.

[@carolbabb7875]

Ha ha--another improving buffalo here! I leave a trail everywhere I go!

[@desireetman]

As much as I love streaming services and cable, these are luxuries that not everyone can afford. So as much as I appreciate the “tough love” I’ll be keeping my CD’s and DVD’s that i listen to and watch. A suggestion for those looking to organize these items-I bought a DVD changer that holds 400 DVDs. Before loading them I took inventory, decluttered ones we didn’t want and then put the inventory on a spreadsheet to track. This spreadsheet was put into a family binder (which divided by genre, number and alpha) so you can easily find you are looking for. We love entertainment on the cheap and this is the easy way to go. Love all you do. Thanks for the great content.

[@annetterae7]

Who could argue "for decluttering" with that awesome system? 🎉

[@amybee40]

Yes !!! Not only do I use DVDs and CDs on the daily, I do not have cable, OR any streaming services other than normal old youtube. I'm currently re-listening to all my old mix tapes from the 80's and 90's (yes, CASSETTES!) and remembering all the love that friends put into making them for me. I'm decluttering some of them, but slowly, Swedish Death Cleaning style...

[@fwebster6226]

The sound quality of cd’s is also far superior to Bluetooth or streamed music too

[@user-jt8jl8zl1g]

0

[@monabiehl6213]

I have some DVDs I keep on my living room. These movies are only available as DVDs. They are not available for streaming. I am old person so I like old movies.

[@mrb4761]

We do have DVDs and CDs because the big media companies are starting to play around with the streaming agreements ...

[@lindseye2750]

Us too, on Feb 1st our favorite movies series we watch once a month was removed from the streaming service so I immediately cancelled it, not paying for it without those movies but so thankful I have them on dvds!

[@kaylariggs5188]

Yes. So true. They're constantly trading them from one platform to another every month.

[@MissPurbeck]

"When everything is visual, nothing is visual", says it so well!

[@skybabe1959]

Hi Miss, it's so true! Cas is helping me so much, I am a visual thinker and now I know that's how I organize, knowing that i'm a butterfly helped so much. I had no idea about the different types!

[@liisaking1247]

I don't have a TV or use streaming services. I buy all the seasons of shows I love and then watch them over & over & over again. And my late husband was a sound engineer, so there are both CDs and DVDs in my studio. Oh, and vinyl. And I love it!

[@angelahagemeyer698]

For photos: I am sorting mine by the main subject / person in the photo. This is helping me tremendously in my ability to emotionally deal with photos of my deceased father and grandparents. I really struggle with pictures of him still and so by putting all the “dad” pictures together in a MACRO way, I have been able to get them out of totes and bulky albums and into photo storage boxes much faster. I also make a rule - “no looking past finding the subject” - what I mean is, I briefly look at the picture, just long enough to determine who it is, I toss it into the container and move on. I actually started by getting big paper grocery bags, labeling them with my relative names and literally tossing in photos like I was playing a game. Then I gathered a pile from a bag and neatly put them into the boxes, once again NOT LOOKING at the photos. If I stop and look I go down memory lane and end up driving myself bonkers and won’t get it done. Hope that helps someone else!

[@lauramitchell6725]

That’s what I always tell my friends when they are decluttering. Put ALL the papers that you find into a laundry basket for later,don’t let it derail the rest of the room. Then on a Sunday afternoon,watch a movie that you’ve seen before (so that you don’t have to worry about missing details) with a trash can,shredder,and a few broad topics. Same advice for sentimental items or photos,do it AFTER sorting out the “catch all room”!

[@kj7653]

Thank you. This helps me tremendously.

[@ndgrandma1818]

What about pictures with several people in them? Do you put them in groups ? That’s where I get hung up!

[@sunflower6153]

Thank you for that! I've got 2 full large tubs to go thru. 🙄😏❤️

[@leeannswift2671]

I only save th best of everyone in photo albums and flash drives unimportant pics go

[@abetterlife5120]

“We don’t ‘people please’ stuff.’ Wow! A light just went on. Thank you!!

[@IreneLoudou]

Have watched hundreds of KZbin videos but never in my life would I imagine that a video about organising the house would be so so healing for me. And it's not only about the object that you're making all those videos it's also you, that makes it all different and so awesome. It's the things that you've been through and all this touching truth that comes from your mouth and the way you say everything that it just makes me cry. Your videos are not just another videos of another KZbinr , they're videos that come from the heart of a true friend. I send you my real love from Greece and hope that you very soon will decide to go to the doctor because we want you here for long.And your family wants that more. ❤❤

[@dptfo]

An update: my husband Decluttered his computer, and now he does the dishes in the morning before he goes to work (because I do them every day now and there’s not a lot to do and he’s never overwhelmed) and this has changed my life. Also, we have a family closet in our laundry room and I realized I’m a bee, so I took the doors off the cabinet and now it’s beautiful and so easy to keep tidy. I believed I was a ladybug because I stuff mess behind closed doors, but in every system in my house that works, I’m a bee!!

[@jennifermccraw7687]

Tip for photos - when I did all of mine, I thought of who would like to look through these. Friends from out of town would enjoy seeing highschool/college days, my dad would enjoy seeing family photos...so I made books based on type. So they're called Friends. Family. Jenny little. Matt little. Our wedding. Ancestry/Generations (for all the black and whites) And then one for each of my kids. I bought highly rated plain albums on Amazon and I chose highly rated because my thinking was that these would be still available in a couple years if I needed more. I have five on my living room shelf and one pretty box with little plastic albums from dollar tree for smaller categories like my son wanted his year of kindergarten to have for himself and that box is where I put loose photos I come across.

[@jennie9]

Great idea! You could organize your digital photos that way, too, if you're someone who doesn't want physical copies. I love the idea of having a collection of photos of my pets throughout the years and not having to sort through 30 years worth of unrelated photos to get to those ones. Plus, when I'm gone, people can easily see what category of photos they might want some of and chuck the rest instead of having to go through them all.

[@judithcarrillo3157]

I love your ideas. I would like to see a pic of what your Amazon choice

[@jennifermccraw7687]

@@judithcarrillo3157 RECUT MS 4x6 Linen photo albums is what I bought but it looks like ARTMAG Fabric Photo Album 4x6 is the listing that has all the color choices. And then I bought Better Office Products 48 mini photo albums pack of 6 for the smaller categories.

[@patriciasibel4917]

Cas, I adore you❣️I have four grown sons and I wish I could adopt you as my daughter. 💗 I’m a cricket/ bee, but, depending (on a drawer or room ) I can get ladybuggish 😱😮for certain things. I micro organize to the point it takes hours and hours for a 30 minute job 🤣. I’m learning from you. 🎉I found you first on HGTV and I’ve been watching you on utube ever since. Found Dawn and Dana because of you 🩵. I lave laughed and cried identifying with you. You are so much more to me than an “ organizer”. Your warmth, sincerity, vulnerability, and humor makes it so much easier for me to tackle my disorganization and A D D. It’s an ON GOING process… Thanks for your tough love too. You are precious , Dear Girl.

[@Clutterbug]

Thank you so much for your kind and loving words. You made my day. I appreciate you.

[@isabelrollesmachado5108]

Bluray/DVD watcher here! One way we keep extra movie clutter out of our home is to take advantage of our local library system. If you live in a big city like we do, your library system might even have popular TV shows and new releases as well as classics and kids movies!

[@lucystrider728]

I realized I can always find something if it is macro in one place. If I make too many categories, I forget what I called it or where I put it. I have fewer larger bins. Also still love cds since we already have so many, have portable players that work everywhere without internet connection especially while traveling. The setup still works and is free, just old fashioned. On the other hand, I got rid of all my mismatched socks and bought all new comfy black socks so I can stuff them all in a drawer without pairing and pull any two out to wear without looking for a match. Makes laundry and early morning dressing both so much easier! That change was totally worth it.

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

Dana (and Minimal Mom and Cass from Clutterbug) changed my life. My hub is getting on board because he has noticed how easily I can function with MY things and our neutral spaces. My children are grown at this time but these tactics would have made life so much better for all of us if I would have had them when they were young. IT WORKS!! I'm now helping a friend of mine declutter using these steps.

[@skybabe1959]

Rosa that is amazing! I just can't believe how people get on board, my kids just came up and they did such a bang up job upstairs!!!! I just want to cry with gratitude! Have an awesome day honey!!!!

[@melissab8322]

OMG, I had a similar idea for storage of my son's Thomas trains. I got a piece of plywood, painted it green and put castors on it. This way he could keep his trains set up, but they could be wheeled out of sight under his bed when he wasn't playing. If there was something taller than the bed space, we just put it on its side till he pulled the board out and set it back up. So much easier than trying to get him to put them away each time!!

[@maria-ij5fz]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have ADHD and have an extremely difficult time organizing and keeping it organized. I feel so hopeful when I watch the videos and gain a new confidence.

[@sweetlady6059]

I just recently got diagnosed with adult adhd (they aren’t able to tell if I had it since childhood or came on last few years) but organizing my space has been super difficult the last few years. I have donated items and yet there still is so much left. And I can’t get to a lot of the items either I’m too tired or motivation is difficult - I’m trying and maybe these steps will help!

[@susa5846]

​@@sweetlady6059 if you have ADHD you have it. It doesn't develop during your lifetime. As you wrote you're diagnozed lately: I found out I have ADHD two years ago. The KZbin channel howtoadhd was very helpful for me to understand why I can master very difficult things but can't do the easy ones everybody seems to do effortless. Knowing about how my ADHD functions helped me making my life easier. I'm sure it will help you, too. Maybe I should add that my husband got diagnozed two days after me with ADHD and our child (which is too young to be diagnozed yet) is very likely ADHD like us. So we're an ADHD family. Ask yourself what you really want to do in your life. What makes you feel good? What makes your day better? What do you really need to feel well? And what makes you freeze or feel bad? Anxious? For me I need peace and freedom for my head and thoughts, books, music (I have a piano and a violin), painting, sewing, crafting. We love puzzles, playing games and watch our DVDs. So these things are in our livingroom. But we don't need e. g. many clothes, shoes or makeup. I hate to decide what to wear. So I decluttered what I don't wear and don't love. (And this only!) My husband needs open shelfing, so we have all books, puzzles, games, DVDs in open bookshelfes in the livingroom. But I can't stand seeing clutter or too much stuff. So we zoned our home and what really helped me feel calm and peaceful is having a colour scheme in our whole home. This means: We have three to four colours we use in every room for nearly everything: white for most of the walls, our kitchen, our wardrobe, our couch. Birch for everything which is wood: our bookshelfes, beds, shelfes, ... And blue/turquoise and a few golden accents. Of course the kidsroom is way more colourful because of the toys. But our colour scheme helps even there. I have e. g. a music zone where my piano is. Our wardrobe is our dressing zone. We tried different solutions until it was functioning for us. Be creative. And don't give up. Give yourself time. You can declutter and have a better life. Concentrate on the positive things: what you want, what you need, what makes you happy. I wish you all the best! 🍀❤️

[@pinkbutterfly3221]

You need a Nobel Prize for this! Period End STOP!!!

[@terrirodriguez6137]

I have a pj weakness! After watching a multitude of your videos today I was like sure I can do these things eventually...Then putting away laundry (I'm a folder) I noticed I'm washing and putting away the same clothes each week, soon I went through my dresser and filled 1 and a half large trash bags from 1 dresser (mostly pj's). I hadn't wore most of these clothes for more than a year. Someone will be happy with the. I'm a nurse so 5 days a week it's pj's and uniforms. Thank you😊

[@susanshuffield8628]

Decluttering the whole house to "good enough" and then going back and organizing is magical! I have been decluttering and minimizing and organizing one space at a time, and I run into trouble when I move on and then find something that belongs in my already decluttered, minimized, organized space! Starting over TODAY!

[@M1326]

Awesome video... We have a wall of DVDs, that watched daily... my kiddos have autism and they are in their 20s, and they still watch their DVDs...to us that is living and valuable... they are organized, categorized and in pristine condition... with that being said, we are not a nick nack family, so the DVD collection is our decoration... lol

[@farishanazir1315]

You're my # 1 organising expert. I love how down to earth and real you are. I look at your videos and podcasts a few times each.

[@cellgrrl]

Just a thought Cass, I am a Senior now and remembering where things are is more of a challenge for me. While I believe I have always been detailed, a little disorganization I could tolerate for awhile and still find things. These days, I dare not change where I put anything, else I will never see it again. Therefore I am most definitely a cricket now and put things in categories "like goes with like". If I do this things run smoothly, but if ever I don't think about where something goes, it ends up in a month long scavenger hunt.

[@sherriramsey593]

Don't sort into piles 😂 THANK YOU, CASS! I've done this all my life, thinking one day I'm going to get the secret sauce for success 🤦‍♀️🤣 now that I've got the space planned, I'm fitting the stuff to the space one container (former pile) at a time 🎈

[@paulahart5129]

I have really become a fan of Cass and her Clutterbug pearls that she shares. My husband is gradually getting on board and this is a big step for him. Thank you Cass for your transparency - it is much appreciated!!!!

[@lindagalico7121]

Love your suggestion to macro organize to container that fits the space , then fine tune later

[@deannekauffman9692]

I came up with a new mantra”I can’t save everything if I want to save my sanity”

[@amandataub842]

Cas, I do love your unicorn in your background. Not only do we have CDs and DVDs, but we also have VHS tapes. Yes, we have players for all of them and we do listen / watch all of them. We are also readers, so we have lots of books that we read and reference with bookshelves in multiple rooms. Each room has different types of books. We have decluttered all of them multiple times, but I want to declutter them again now that our only child is out of the house. We also keep a charity donation box by the back door for items that we are done using or having in the house. We just took a few boxes and bags to our local charity of books, clothes, craft stuff, and other nice crap.

[@jeme7339]

"Nice crap" haha. Yes to books and tapes and cds and dvds!

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

It took a while for me to find my organizing style. I thought I was a butterfly because I felt I needed to see everything and I’m not naturally detailed. Over time, I realized I’m a mix of ladybug and butterfly. I don’t mind having things I used at least once a day out and visible. I store items within cabinets and drawers in clear containers, but use decorative baskets and pretty boxes for things that are on open shelves and on surfaces.

[@mffmoniz2948]

I want some things out of sight, but others I want them out. My kitchen counter is usually empty, I need to see the free space, but 1) the L corner has a tower on shelves of little appliances that out of sight I'd never use again like a toaster or juicer b) towels hanging everywhere because it's clean, it just needs to air out a bit, so why should I put it back or put it to wash? And no decorative anything except the flowers on the window and paintings on the wall. Counter space is precious. I already have my appliance tower (it's also my coffee corner and where the water cooker lives), the micro, and a holder for spatulas, big soup spoons, whisker and etc whatever you call them and... that's already too much. No more. No fancy pretty cook book, no vase with fresh/dried flowers, no nothing. The rest I need empty because I cook.

[@shellc3509]

DVD/Blu Ray storage idea I use: I have over 500 movies & store them alphabetically in Bellagio-italia Tuscany binders (looks great on the shelf) Then I easily scanned them using the bar code into “My Movies 4 pro “ Now have a database of my movies that can easily search by titles, actors, etc. on my phone & iPad mini. Best software / storage combo I’ve found. Plus when shopping - quick search I know if I already have it. (Can also identify if it’s DVD, Blu ray, loaned out or bought on line.) Clean minimal storage 😊

[@01baia]

We have a "useful cupboard" in one cabinet in the laundry. It holds all sorts of occasional use stuff - super glue and wood adhesive, builders tape measure, glasses mending kit, electrical tape, etc. etc. etc. Works SO well for us.

[@dotcassilles1488]

I call it home maintenance... Tools, light bulbs, batteries, chemicals, garden tools, etc

[@susannapichula9947]

@Clutterbug, I found your KZbin channel from buying your organizing course. I also heard about your channel from the minimal mom's KZbin channel. This year I decided that I deserved to have a house that is free from clutter. Today I donated 3 bags of clothes to the donate bins in our town, tomorrow a box of gently used shoes is going out the door and donating the shoes to people in need. I've decluttered 2 kitchen cupboards. Decluttered the entrance closet. It felt good to see the small amount of progress that I've made this year. Come March we are decluttering our garage.

[@lonnarheaj]

One thing I have recently discovered is that our young adult GRANDKIDs are interested in keeping family heirlooms that their parents never had any interest in - who knew. Arg! Our daughters are both all about the idea of anything that can't go in a dishwasher is not worth keeping ... this includes silverware, quality china, crystal, and probably furniture. This puts a bit of a wrinkle in my plans to unload a LOT of the family treasures I inherited from my Mom (a fine item collector/hoarder) and my husband's Mom. One solution I have thunk up is to try selling some of the better quality/higher maintenence items I want to rehome, and that the grandkiddos are less interested in a local antique store that takes consignments. I might divy the funds with 'em, or my dear hubby and I may take a nice trip and show pictures of the trip pictures to the grandkids. Fortunately we have a few square feet left in our barn that isnt already full of parental possessions, so what the grandkiddos show interest in for the future will be carefully packaged, clearly labeled, and take up residence in barntopia.

[@strawberrylove5684]

One serious question though: if those items are actually special, then why weren’t they given prominent placements in YOUR house. Why aren’t they being used every day in YOUR house? If you have to keep it in storage, then it’s just excess crap (even if used to belong to a relative). If you really liked it, it would be on display IN YOUR house

[@LoveToRead3]

And I would say - if you are willing to do that for your grandkids - I would tell them they have to go through and look at everything at least once per year and say if they still want it.

[@dptfo]

Also, for your grandkids, the chances are they’re never going to be maximalists like the culture of the last few decades has been. Minimalism is the thing now, but Quality Minimalism. So save beautiful crystal glasses, in sets of 2 or 4, or even just one, if you have them. They don’t need all 16. Same with real Silver silverware. They’re going to want it, but also they’re going to have to do maintenance on those pieces. They last a lifetime if cared for, but if you’re gifting too much, it’s too much inventory to do any of those pieces justice. So. A set of 6 or 8 forks, 6 or 8 spoons, and like 2 butter knives. Don’t give more than that because they don’t need them piled in their sink the rest of their lives, you know? They don’t need the guilt that comes with a full set. But it’s getting more difficult to obtain things that will last now. And china too, sets of china used to be all the rage but no one wants it now because it’s not microwave safe. But the generation that’s growing up now is appreciating that people put thought and effort and skill into making beautiful thing, and that’s a culture that has gotten lost. The thing is, they don’t need 10 dinner plates and 10 salad plates. They need maybe 8 total, or even just 2 or 4, and it’s actually better if they’re all similar in size but not matching. Small plates are more useful than large ones.

[@collywogs2258]

​@@strawberrylove5684 You have an excellent point. For example; I'm in the process of trying to explain to my dad that if I didn't see my mom actually wear the jewelry my mom has, it really has no meaning to me.

[@clarissadossantos9944]

Hahaha! Just moved to my grampa's place, he had 14 scissors around ! Lovely!!

[@donnaj1546]

I went through teens room when she was on a trip and put her old decor items in a bin and replaced with her new decor. She was scared at first but then she saw it and saw how much more “her” her room was and she didn’t ask to put the other stuff back.

[@jeffpardo855]

Thank you for this - I really got a lot out of this! I read an organization book that I actually did relate to … except the part that said that ALL like items should have ONE home only. After that, I couldn’t follow anymore - the “have a place for scissors in every room you use them in” concept makes SO much more sense to me!!!

[@chrysvest4746]

I don’t have cable or any streaming services. I have rabbit ears for TV, and a pretty good collection of DVDs that we do watch often. Especially the kids cartoons.

[@MadebyMargie-ck7px]

I love the tips about valuable real estate & macro organizing first. I bought furniture with storage for a new hobby. This bee was going crazy trying to mentally organize & decide sizes for drawer dividers. I just need to consider what I use most, near which drawer, & put it there. Then live with it before fine tuning. Corner of brain at peace. Thank you.

[@melissac8959]

Yes!!! We have hair scrunchies in the kitchen to pull back my toddler and preschooler’s wild hair when they eat.

[@jennifermccraw7687]

Another tip to help kids - tell them you want to get them a new comforter/bed in a bag but you want to make their whole room nice. So send them to make room for their new stuff. "New" rings exciting for kids and helps them (sometimes haha) identify "old". My mom did this for us and we thought we were so rich getting a new comforter "all the time" but looking back I think she did that maybe five time for my childhood but I saw it as "all the time" we get new comforters!! 😉💙💜

[@skybabe1959]

awesome sauce!!!!!!! What an idea!!!!!

[@elizabethsorensen7363]

That is a fun idea!

[@user-vd8ze2nd6b]

Love this Cass! I'm for reelz a "Butterbee"😂

[@stanksalvala]

Thank you for emphasizing the need to start by decluttering your own stuff and the reaction that you can provoke by decluttering other people's. Failing to do this is one of the more destructive things you can do within a family.

[@deanatrail9695]

I still have DVD's and CD's. I collect movies and older music. But i have all of them organized and looking good. Lol. Love all of your advice. You have helped me so much getting my house decluttered.Thank you. Love your videos. Don't stop making them. They help a lot of people. Have a great day.

[@tracyfeener]

I like to put like things together, and I think I’m a ladybug. My husband and I just decluttered our home and we got rid of a lot of stuff.. I listened to all your videos while doing it! Thank you!it was like you was with me the whole time.. we have learned so much from you.

[@nancytim1486]

I am a happy little cricket. When we bought our new house it had two walls of storage ((total 40 feet x 4 levels). It is all behind louvered doors in a long hallway. All filled with bins and labeled. When I watch your videos, I just smile and agree with it. It is so nice to be one the "pretty much done" side of organizing.

[@debbiemize2269]

Love the waist to eye level being prime real estate!

[@franckelatter9829]

I still have my old 45’s and LP’s A No I am keeping them and DVD and CD’s too and my stero and turntable.

[@dianeruddle24]

Grown Children's Memory Bin tip - My mom recently gave me mine. A huge tote. She brought it over and we went through it together. I kept a small box of items out of it, she ended up keeping a small box. Most of it was thrown out but it was fun to hear the stories. She was slightly offended at first but it ended up great with fun memories to boot. Highly recommend way of distributing those bins back to the kids.

[@cpatel587]

This macro organization thing makes so much sense to me now after almost 12 years of trying to micro organize everything and never actually able to finish it 😢 and than feel disappointed and stressed!! Thank you so much for this you are an angel ❤

[@cellgrrl]

The tip for scissors is very useful. In what room do I not have scissors? I think the powder room that is pretty much reserved for guests. Every room has a pair of scissors and in fact, I believe I just might have to get two for the kitchen because every thing you buy needs a pair to open packages these days. They are cheap at big box stores.

[@sierralovesdogs]

I have scissors in: main bathroom, kitchen, family room, and where I store wrapping paper

[@karenlebeter4196]

I have scissors in my car (center console) to open boxes & bags when I go to P.O. (small town, no mailbox at house).

[@janeahrens572]

Have you EVER tried to pickup or move down one of those Kitchen-aide mixers?!!! HEAVY! Where would you put that elephant?

[@LM-kv5kp]

I don't have much on my counters, but I do have a small area that's my "baking center." My Kitchen-aide mixer is on the counter and everything I need for baking including pans, bowls, measuring cups, flour, sugar, etc. are located in the cabinets and drawers above and below the mixer. It's been a game changer for me because I used to hate lugging everything to a counter space by my sink to bake, so I just wouldn't bake. Now everything is together and I actually enjoy baking now.

[@musicandartsconnection]

Thank you, Cas, for answering my question! Your suggestions and guidance on those memory containers up in the attic were absolutely what I needed to hear.😊 I actually shed some tears as you answered my question. I will also apply the great information that you provided for so many others on the livestream regarding inherited items and more. xo

[@SassySue67]

If you’re keeping the memory box in the attic you might want to put some silica gel packs in the tote to absorb moisture so that paper memories don’t get mold on them.

[@traciefromSunderlanduk]

Had reminder on but missed it as family popped in sorry, going to watch it all now x

[@shawna930]

Same here. My dad stopped over so I missed the live but I'm here for the replay 🎉

[@bebedanz5163]

I always think function, then beauty. I am not one category but use different ones for some rules/ things. I have a collection of nativities from travels around the world, in my den, all on open shelves. In the bedroom, I like all stored and hidden and this protects from dust. My house has a real dust problem, but I just bite the bullet on the open shelves since I take such joy in seeing the nativities daily. Love your podcasts. Decluttering clothes now.

[@Clutterbug]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rhondatallent2396]

I've been tricking myself to make decluttering easier by putting stuff in a bin and I'm not gonna throw it out!😆😆😆I've never seen a kitchen with open shelves in it. That would drive me CRAZY!

[@sunflowers6172]

I think it is gross. Pet dander/hair is always flying around even after I sweep. 😂

[@MissPurbeck]

Rule 3, absolutely agree. We have screwdrivers and the most used tools in a drawer, at accessible height ( arthritis). Saves so much time.

[@alonys]

We are moving and this talk helped me to think hard if I really want to pack everything or if I can declutter. Many thanks.

[@shawnbyars3618]

I am so glad you said I can be more than one bug. I have different rooms that are visible and some not.

[@natashyas4149]

This is super helpful esp the helping others and praise and not judging when they do choose to let something go

[@SavedbyGrace-re7vw]

Organize for your space...NOT your stuff. 💡 Lightbulb moment....I've been doing the cricket 🦗 thing and making tons of categories and your quote about doing the endless categorizing first until you die unless you macroorganize first lololol You are so funny 😂 Thank you so much!!

[@lindagalico7121]

I organized Spices into baskets that fit into my spice cupboard . Salt and pepper in easiest shelf, baking ( cinnamon,nutmeg etc ) meats ( onion, g arlic) Italian ( basil orageno ) and flavors on top shelf that seldom use . Then pull out basket that has want need when making soup etc.

[@brendah9484]

YES! It works to macro! I zoned months ago, now today I went thru to get rid of things to see what is really needed again.

[@francescarter276]

OMIGOSH Macro organizing is my game-changer!! 🤸

[@judytrigg751]

Cas, you definitely do not “suck at organizing”! You give excellent examples and explain them well! Please don’t beat yourself up!!!

[@phionaruwona5361]

Cass you are the best organisation mentor . Thank you so much

[@debbieohalloran9102]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE GREAT SUGGESTIONS!

[@arlineswardson6012]

Really good tips, Cass! Side note: you’re looking fabulous!

[@jenniferv6949]

I love what you said at the end about what to tell our family! I'm going to write that down!!

[@boog.2751]

Great rules Cass. Thank you. We have winter 7 to 8 months of the year where we live, so we never forget socks, but its a good reminder of putting a place by the door of what we do often forget. Love the zoning rule.

[@ladyb5888]

I got this notification February 20th. Better late than never.❤ Don't forget how Awesome you are. Loving "Take Your House Back" class. I encourage everyone to pay and get registered for this class. It will help the chaotic stuff you have. ❤❤

[@clarekrueger9990]

Thank you Cas. You are a wonderful human and such a blessing to us all. Thank you for all you share with us.

[@Pausereflectandbreathe]

I am declutterring and organizing while listening to you. I just donated a trunk full to Goodwill today before picking up my kids. Gosh! More to go! I think I’m a bee and maybe a cricket in some areas of the house. Don’t know if that make sense but I failed many times trying declutter and organize with baskets and bins to make my house pretty then I got tired of the style so I donate them and do it again. Whew! Hopefully I got it this time, blaming the container why I can’t keep everything. I think it’s working now. Thank you sooo much! You are awesome! ❤️🙏

[@melsy203]

This was absolutely wonderful!! Thank you for sharing all of these nuggets of wisdom and for being so kind and nonjudgmental. ❤️❤️❤️

[@HannahCogswell-cb6gh]

Thanks. You've been a huge cleaning help. It helps knowing where to start when everything needs cleaned at once. I can't do too much visual.

[@balancingyourbusiness]

I love what you said about the Memory Bins. This should be true for anything handed down to the next generation. Giving permission and no guilt are things we should always pass down.

[@pearlrichardson4179]

This video is what I needed so much to hear & I WILL be SAVING to replay over & over AGAIN. You said what I have been thinking about the valuable real estate talk since I have down-sized to a senior citizen apt that has less storage space & square footage. When you stated the following: "when everything is visual nothing is visual" that statement is REAL TALK that I NEEDED to HEAR RIGHT NOW as I AM going through this decluttering journey. I am god-smacked with the "term" CLUTTER BLIND". YEP THAT is DEFINITELY ME RIGHT NOW. UGH I'm only 15 mins into the video. Let me continue hearing the rest of it. 🤣😉🙃

[@karenfrank8514]

Talk about timing! My hubby is gone for the weekend so I am “re-organizing” my craft office space. I finally accepted RULE 1 this last summer. I’m over 70. There are only so many craft projects I’m going to be capable of completing. Although it’s painful, I’ve been giving away bags and boxes of fabrics and patterns. Decided I want to focus just on Genealogy and Heritage scrapbooking. I look at some videos by scrapbook influencers and know 3/4 of those supplies are dried up!!! NO ONE can use all those inks and paints and supplies!!! I’m limiting my supplies to what I will use everyday and will comfortably fit in my space. **Unfortunately, right now, everything is in huge piles in the hall outside my office space!!! Why didn’t I know Rule 5???? **Rule 4 is another Eye Opener. Looking around my home and accessing, with new vision, all my V. R. E.!!!! And the JUNK in it! Also liked that I’m not necessarily the same “bug” in each area of my life. I can be a BEE in many areas, or a Cricket in others…… or a complete ADHD mess when overwhelmed! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! You are making my life better with every video.

[@DecFirefly1210]

Absolutely love your description of me😂. Thank you ❤

[@fabienneclavier5984]

I too still have dvds and cds, and still buy them. My 13 year old as well. We like to physically own these. There's nothing like them! We don't use streaming systems at all.

[@cynthea53]

U R the Best, this one is the Best, my problem areas are now solved, thanks to you-trying to fix as u go & needing to macro way! An Ideal Rule!

[@PrairieDawnC]

Cas, I've heard you talk about organizing the space and then adding the items before, but this time it finally clicked! The various photo examples hit the spot. Butterfly here. I've got a bunch of closets to deal with now. Thank you!

[@jonelledavenport8701]

Excited to tune in. Thanks for sharing. I look for to hearing from you 😊

[@kariny9457]

This makes sooooo much sense! Yes- til the day you die! I feel like I’ve been trying to do this for 20 years! But I’m starting to get what you’re puttin’ down! ❤

[@jonelledavenport8701]

😊 excited to tune in. Thank You❣️

[@lisagoad5621]

Thank you Cas! Always so helpful.

[@Clutterbug]

Hi! Grab your FREE MACRO ORGANIZING GUIDE here: clutterbug.me/products/organizing-category-guide

[@rebeccariordan6391]

This was probably one of the most useful videos that you've done. I always take away so much!

[@ModiLuvs3]

I just absolutely love your content. Thank you for the motivation and inspiration ❤

[@MichelleNeff-mk1xv]

I just love listening to you Cas! You are so encouraging and motivating and also make me laugh ☺️ thanks for being you!

[@rubycubez1103]

Im a bee!!!!! 🐝 My issue with decluttering also has to do with OCD. I get physically uncomfortable and anxious if things arent completed in a certain order. It wont work if I change the order or dont organize accordingly to what feels right. Its completely nonsensical, I know this. Many times I feel brain has another brain thats in control. I love visual abundance and organization but feel stuck and overwhelmed. I dont want to blame it on having Asperger's but I feel it has a lot to do with it. Im self aware and paralyzed...fantastic mix.

[@bbgirl11569]

OMG you are amazing I love that number 5 make a lot of sense now I'm going to be able to finally finish... You made me feel good love you girl thank you

[@michellekienzle5091]

Thank you Cas!!

[@fromheadtofood]

Love the though love talks you give!

[@xongkkerije]

My only comment about sending your parent's things to Goodwill. Be sure and take it somewhere out of your parent's neighborhood. I am pretty sure my Mom would buy and bring it back. Either because she recognized it or because, "Hey, I found dishes to match grandma's dishes."

[@tawnym9938]

I think I actually bought my own stuff back!

[@kristinahentila4872]

Thank you!❤

[@jennie9]

I remember watching a video a few years ago that gave the opposite advice about zoning your most commonly used kitchen items because the channel was focused on getting people moving more. The idea was to put your most often used stuff in the harder to reach cupboards and shelves so that you had to bend, reach, and stretch more, which would keep you more flexible and limber as you age. It was an interesting concept and I still sometimes think about doing that but I haven't because my frustration with that system would probably outweigh any improvements to my body...or maybe not...

[@mifmemo7416]

I love your channel. Trying to slowly incorporate better more maintainable cleaning styles. Right now hubby and I are repurposing the coat closet by our front door into a mini mudroom. I needed to accept that we're not hanger people. Hooks are the same effort as tossing over a chair/couch. (I'm a bee and hubby is a cricket XD.. and pretty sure kiddo is a butterfly)

[@youtubewatchings]

54:04😂😂😂😂😂 thats so funny, i do that too "they are somewhere" at Goodwill😂

[@daniellecharland-gruhzit1177]

Thank you for this video

[@susannehahn6778]

Thank You so much 🐝

[@moenindustrialoffice9358]

you were wonderful.. I super enjoyed this video and you gave so much common sense information...THANK YOU... off to jump start some decluttering!