Organizing Solutions are not the (actual) solution; decluttering scarves and belts

I always assumed there was something wrong with me because organizing solutions never worked for me the way did for the people in the magazines. Turns out, they're not the solution. Understanding that the "solutions" are "contain"ers is the solution. Get my book here: www.aslobcomesc... for full explanation!

[@marideathydeelz5334]

Your container theory blew my mind. I am still shaking my head at the absolute brilliance of your break down. We all should know it…but we did not think it through. Thank you.

[@annenaylor2340]

“That is a scarf…and it looks itchy!”….as she drops it to the floor! I was drinking water at the same time and almost spit it all out - hilarious! Dana you crack me up! Thanks for the real life play-by-play.

[@cherylgonzales4146]

The idea of decluttering without making a bigger mess is awesome! Thanks.

[@kathleentighe-smith8372]

The "take it there now" rule was a life changer for me! Boxes of stuff waiting to be put away just created more piles, and yes made a bigger mess.

[@DanaKWhite]

It makes such a huge difference! Yay!

[@moviemommy9039]

Yesterday I heard my son say ‘put it where you’d look for it first’. 😳😳😳And I tell myself ‘take it there now’ almost daily 😁😁😁

[@dianeshaw9061]

Doing a small section where you don’t take everything “out” at once has really helped me on my “stuck” moments of late. You are so right; you can walk away from it at any time and you haven’t left a disaster to clean up later; it’s already “better”, and that’s how I am able to continue the process. I don’t know why I had never heard or thought of this. Game changer!!!

[@brightpage1020]

The "donatable donate box" literally changed my life. We put all the donatables in empty diaper boxes now. 2 toddlers in the house makes it easy to place a donatable box in every room and load it when we're on our way to church so we can dropoff quickly after. Piggybacking habits ;)

[@nicoledixon1039]

YES! YES! Diaper boxes are the best "donatable donate box," never too heavy and if you declutter often that's often all the box you need for a project. I used them ALL the time when my kids were in diapers.

[@teresakeith5539]

2 huge gifts you've given me in your videos, (that I just started binge watching thanks to the minimal mom!) are; 1)Do not make a pile, put it away where you would look for it first! 2) Don't over pack your "container"! Iam looking forward, yes forward, to tackling some of my disasters now! Tools are POWERFUL. THANK YOU♡♡♡

[@DD-xf1yd]

Your tips are excellent. Thank you. But I also enjoy the hilarious humor you bring to your topics 😄. Thanks again.

[@fairsunshine]

I wish I could get the sound louder. WE LOVE YOU!

[@regdesousa9763]

She is so right I started getting rid of stuff and organizing and went out and bought a bunch of containers and now that I am doing it again I find those containers take up more room then anything else and I am pitching those too!!!

[@sct4040]

I use boxes from delivery to organize with (labeled). If I change my mind, I can always recycle them. Much cheaper.

[@suefrack2958]

I noticed you dropped the brown purse in the donate box without looking inside of it...I almost did that, but thank goodness I did look cause I found a change purse inside that had $20 in it!

[@DavidLindes]

Yeah, I was going to ask (re 6:18)... don’t you have a “look inside” rule, Dana? Does that somehow not apply to this context? If so, I’d be curious to understand your basis for that. Or am I remembering that rule from one of your peers? (I found the three of you via a friend just recently, and I’ve been binging content from all three of you, so there’s a real risk of it mixing in the ol’ brain... but I *think* it was you... because your videos have been my favorite, because (I think) your... oh, what does Cass call the thing that drove her bug categories... anyway, that thing... seems closest to my own, of the three of you, though I’m enjoying aspects of the content from each of you.)

[@CindyLejeune]

I always take pictures because I can see flaws in the room with the picture so I always clean and then take pictures to make sure everything looks great. So that was a really great idea

[@booklover0924]

“This is super cute. I’ll never wear it” story of my life lol

[@hlegler]

These videos are so inspiring. Thanks for posting the "messy middle" of your journey!!

[@betterworkitout]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💀 When I was in 4th grade and he was a senior in highschool or something. Hahahahahahahahahaha omg you kill me!!!

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

I figured out the limit of my coat hook rack when it fell off the wall 😏

[@monikabennett]

Your advice is amazing and works really well for moderately difficult (to me) decluttering. I always get stuck with having too much stuff, although to other people it would seem totally okay. Your thought process via the walkthroughs are so helpful to see. "It needs to be functional" thank you!

[@carolnolan9439]

Dana took your advice donated all my yarn I haven't used to knitting club that makes blankets and mats for homeless and all my hotel soaps shampoos etc to be put in bags and given to homeless

[@introvert22]

Im beginning to come around to your method. I'm usually the take everything out and then clean the cabinet person. I can start with a hall way linen closet.

[@janethunt4037]

Thank you! This was helpful. Loved hearing your thought process on each item.

[@brightpage1020]

You ditched the dude rag you sometimes wear on your head. You’re looking great!! What beautiful hair! Must say I have loved your books so much and have passed copies through my family system... so appreciate your sensible, down-to-earth, reality based take on this common issue. The only thing that has me down about your work is that you referred to yourself as a a slob. I hope that is no longer one of your self descriptors or a way you identify yourself. You are so much more than that. Beautiful work and look how much you have connected with women around the country - no regular old slob would waste energy doing that. Glad to see you sprucing yourself up and enjoying the shine you deserve. Cheers to your success and much more of it, Helpful Lady. Preach!

[@GratefulDeb270]

Thank you! Your books & videos have shown me the way to declutter my home and now I love it!

[@lucidmimi1006]

WOOT WOOT 😃 Dana!!! SO glad to see a new video from you. You ROCK! Thanks so much 😊 for all of your INVALUABLE help.

[@DanaKWhite]

Oh thank you! I'm trying to do more videos more often!

[@silverose1209]

Great tips. I am going through and listening to your podcasts. Great motivation for me!

[@aimeeelizabeth1]

Listening your audiobook right now really like👍🏻and totally resonates with me❤️

[@DanaKWhite]

Oh yay! Thank you!

[@elizabethrountree6331]

I watch decluttering videos all the time and I love yours!

[@doubleagaming690]

You mean I don't have to hold onto the belt for the sweaters that I don't wear the belts!?! What! I need to go breathe now.

[@RUT812]

Thanks for saying you’re not a scarf person. I thought I was the only one.

[@gapeach51170]

Take the scarf that you saved and tie it to the bag you saved that you say you use all the time. If you love the print and the memories of the scarf but don't wear it...find a way to use it so you can enjoy it! :) Bag bling! SN: I know this video is old so you may not still own those items. hahaha

[@megg904]

Very creative idea love it

[@AnHeC]

Sounds like saving trash for sake of deluding yourself.

[@jennesont4791]

I can relate to this! I have a plate hanger as another catch all too

[@lisarosebud6404]

Love your humor

[@homemovies1961]

5:57 Hope the Mother in Laws not watching :) lol

[@sct4040]

Labeling really help me, otherwise, I would have no idea where everything goes. I have 1 basket for hand towels, and 1 for wash clothes, etc. Thank you 99 Cent store.

[@christinab9133]

Love this!! 💕💕

[@drhasnahtoran7029]

I notice that a number of your videos have really low volume and I need to use my headphone, which is not very convenient

[@auntkaz422]

Even with headphones I can barely hear her 😕

[@lynettebanas1937]

What if… you pulled out something which you liked but just needed repairing? Where does stuff like that go?

[@myrahuber260]

Hi! You could try a "time will tell" container. Put a reminder on a calendar or your phone and give yourself a set time to either repair it or take it somewhere to be repaired. If it doesn't get done before your deadline, then it wasn't really that important to you to be fixed and you can toss it. 🙂

[@DreamingCatStudio]

I’m new to you and love all the tips I’m picking up! I have a question: what if you wanted to keep 1/2 of what you donated? Would you then need to find/create a new home for them?

[@kristinday998]

How do you deal with items that you know you should get rid of but that you spent money on? I struggle with throwing away things I've bought with good intentions but never used or quit using?

[@alisonsmith7162]

The minimal mom is brilliant re this.

[@sonjawinkler6023]

Use it or lose it 😉 It's not worth the guilt! We are humans and make mistakes. Give yourself grace and go on. 💜💙💚💛🧡❤ Hugs from Switzerland

[@kristinday998]

@@sonjawinkler6023 Thank you, Sonja!! You're right!! I appreciate the reply!! :)

[@nancyparker2199]

Been there, done that. Don't beat yourself up. The money is gone. Keeping the items just makes you feel bad every time you see them. Donate them, and it will make you feel better.

[@dianerobichaud8609]

Makes life simpler if you have less choices in everyday life!

[@dracofirex]

*Pulls out a small wool hat* Me: Nice, it gets way too cold here for a hat like that, though. Dana: It never gets cold enough here in Texas for this. Lol dang.

[@kristan2873]

I can't hear you ! Darn, your video sound is lower than all the other vids I have been watching. :(

[@sunflowers730]

Agree! I was watching her video and had to turn it up then an ad came on and about deafened me! Especially since I was listening through earbuds.

[@carolgeorge6409]

Just wondering since you don’t like scarves , why do you have so many ?

[@scarletbluefield2542]

Hi Dana. In order to be notified when there's a new video posted, subscribers need to click the little bell (next to the subscribe button), to turn on notifications. Love and am inspired by you! Just had a little deflated moment, though, realizing anew that for those of us with slob vision, this is a never-ending process. Humph.

[@DanaKWhite]

Yes, I always feel bad to burst that bubble! But hey, there's a chance you're better off than me, right? And thanks for the info on the notifications!

[@paulastamper6225]

I am watching this and you said it is never cold in Texas. Wow

[@lindawade9647]

I am subscribed, but I don't see that I am getting notices for your videos.

[@tiffanychapman6593]

Was that a joke or is that sediously the age difference? Not judging just asking lol

[@marythibodeau866]

You are so funny Your mannerisms

[@coolrunnings3]

Not for older people, I can hardly hear you😐

[@TRuth.T]

Be a better " Gate Keeper". Don't bring the stuff in ;)