Q&A: Good News! There are No Quick Fixes for your Messy House

[@carynmeyer118]

I found your blog ten years ago. I had grown up in my mother's hoard, she had grown up in my grandmother's hoard. One morning I woke up and realized that I was raising my baby in my hoard. And I decided to stop the cycle right then. It took me 7 years. YEARS to get my home to a place where I felt it was "normal people" levels of clutter, and not "crazy people live here" levels of clutter. My baby is 12 now and in Jr. High. And over the COVID year we became the house where the kids hang out. I never brought friends to my mother's home as a child, but my kid has sleep overs here just about every weekend. She's been helping me declutter and clean our home since she was in preschool. I hope the cycle is finally broken. Thank you, Dana. For posting all those years ago as Nony, and sharing your journey with me.

[@findingaway5512]

Awesome. 🙂

[@gingersnap1568]

So wonderful you! What an inspiring comment.

[@sherrywiley4817]

That's awesome!

[@blackwhite1406]

WOW!!!!!! That’s amazing... you’re an absolute SUPERSTAR! 🌈💥💓

[@barbw13]

Awh girl- once my mom died when i was 14 and i only had my dad who never got rid of anything- never mind my Moms stuff- and i NEVER haf friends over... Its hard but it can happen

[@StarrREVA]

Have to comment. I am a obese woman. Your "Less=Success" is a great diet slogan too. Not to mention the container concept (my stomach is only so big - you can eat anything you just cannot eat everything). Let's see how would I do the other stuff in light of diet -- 5 minute "tidy" could mean exercise/moving. Oh no, this is too much for my brain -- too simple to be any good. LOL

[@wendygans]

You are probably on to something!

[@keepingupwiththejoneses746]

Great point! I also have been pulling her slogan into time management. A day has only so many hours. Those hours are the containers for our activities. You can do ANYTHING.. But you cannot do EVERYTHING.

[@annotter2150]

I recommend listening to Allen Carrs. The easy way to stop emotional eating. It's chock full of metaphors.

[@jannmacdougall1448]

I do Whole Foods Plant Based and at 68 am a good weight strong and healthy, I also do the 5/1 ratio, that the carbs in a food need to be no more then 5 times the fiber...it has helped me get back into my container, tough at first but so worth it...God bless you on your journey🌻

[@amyjohnson7527]

oh my word! I'm reading her second book and was just using the same concept!

[@LdyCalvrt22]

“You can keep ANYTHING but you can’t keep EVERYTHING” I needed to hear this today Dana! Thanks! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@coastal_meezer]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@tphilli469]

Thank you Producer Reid for all of your efforts!!! I devour everything your mama bear shares and I know you are working hard to help her! You both are rockstars!!!

[@KJDogluv]

I have listened to your books over and over in headphones all day long sometimes for 12 hours as I declutter my massive mess. Lots of tears but I feel you are reading my mind and talking directly to me. THANK YOU SO MUCH DANA

[@MikeyDonna]

Without knowing it my mother taught me how to develop the habit of knowing I can’t keep everything and making decisions about what is most valuable to me. When she and I were grocery shopping I would say I wanted a certain package of cookies and she would tell me ok and I’d put them in the cart. In the next aisle I would ask for a bag of candy. She would tell me ok and I’d put them in the cart. Then she would tell me to wait, put the cookies back. It would happen a few times while shopping and in the end I had the treat that was most important to me. I’ve tried to put that strategy to work when I consider buying that new T-shirt or whatever. Seems we are no different than children. We want it all. Donna, Mike’s wife

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

I totally did that with my sons when they were little too!!

[@ShellL]

I think she Definitely knew. Thanks to your Mum

[@lbbass616]

Please please say something about the elderly and decluttering their home. I started 5 yrs ago and almost done. Did not want to leave mess for my 2 kids and grandkids when i go to my next home. Plus older people cannot clean like they once did. I love your videos You are the best. Please go for the old people. 😍

[@avanellehansen4525]

Same suggestions, it just takes us longer.

[@hlegler]

"You can keep anything--but you can't keep EVERYTHING." #truthbomb

[@granitemoss1451]

I really appreciate how realistic you are, Dana, for those of us who aren't really into minimalism as some would define.

[@StitchingDeb]

Oh my goodness, Granite ~ I agree!!

[@AndreaSooHill429]

Indeed...so trueeee

[@carlaeskelsen]

Thanks. Agreed. Minimalism is (to me) like the equally unhealthy polar opposite of hoarding. It's so sterile and unappealing to me. There must be some healthy middle I can be happy with. I'm hoping. I really like this channel.

[@s.a3099]

@@carlaeskelsen I agree. I prefer simplicity over minimalism. And that looks different for everyone.

[@barbkandel777]

Dana, your superpower is just being amazing! Don't ever cut your adorable curls off, in case you're like Samson. We don't want you to lose your superpower. 😂😂😂

[@carlajetton7560]

I just want you to know -- that every time I watch your videos -- I cry. You understand me. Thank you. My home is healing and my emotions are healing.

[@StitchingDeb]

Way to go Carla! You are not alone - so if you need to - pop on here and comment. Crying is so good, isn't it? It refreshes not only your sinuses but your brain :) I cry too!!

[@carlaeskelsen]

I love this teeny tiny safe space...

[@Clutterbug]

So much truth! Loved this video.

[@jodiereminder2287]

Reading Dana's books is a game-changer! I cannot recommend them enough!!

[@EmilyOrtiz]

It's weird listening to a stranger 😳 who's reading your thoughts (Audible) 🤔 but I'm thankful I'm not alone. Your the boost & guide I needed. 🤗 Thank you for sharing. Love your book, can't wait to read the first one next.

[@chelas4619]

Totally agree!

[@Silrielmavi]

I've listened to Decluttering at the Speed of Life once and How to Manage your Home Without Losing Your Mind twice, totally recommend.

[@Marissathered]

@@Silrielmavi which one would you recommend to read first?

[@Silrielmavi]

@@Marissathered I'd recommend reading How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind first. It's more of an overview of things that help in the house, and goes over the basics covered in Decluttering at the Speed of Life, and then DatSoL goes into more detail, room by room, category by category on how to declutter.

[@nancydickerson7920]

I DID IT! My pictures finally have a home in my living room on a folding shelf that holds them in bins plus two keep-sake (banker's) boxes. Do the bins need work? Yes! But not today. They fit in one container, the shelf. They are not scattered about the floor and other furniture in multiple sized boxes. Had it not been for you, Dana, I would not have been able to differentiate between unobtainable perfection and just establishing a home. With time, they will be decluttered also, but for now, it's all good. I still have other categories of paper that I need to establish a home for, but it's getting closer to possible.

[@rachelhanenburg3341]

Exactly! It IS such GOOD news to be reminded that turning around this aircraft carrier is not supposed to go as quickly as my kayak. The time it’s taking by using my new daily efforts is NOT a sign that I’m failing. Without new habits being what changes my space, a freshly cleaned out/simplified/tidied up space will revert right back.

[@SandRatCountryMom]

Dana---I love that you "read my mail".....and then you answer it, without mincing words. Lol. Your books & system are the first (of many read & tried) that make sense to me and are working. My daily 7 (dishes, general tidy, make bed, 1 load laundry, spiff up bathroom, sift cat litter, check calendar & planner) have made a huge difference and now I'm ready to start decluttering deeper. Although I love your books and they are very complete, listening & watching you repeat & demonstrate the principles in real life really helps reinforce it for me, it helps in the third dimension. Thank you!

[@KatyInNH]

Your comment is great - I think that I will call the daily 7 that you enumeratd ----- the MAGNIFICIENT 7!!!!!

[@StitchingDeb]

I just found you and I am soooooo motivated!!! OMG - had no - literally NO idea other people were like me in their thinking about stuff! I am "home", lol! You are a huge blessing already and I am binge watching you while I work!!

[@keepingupwiththejoneses746]

Me too!!!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

I STRONGLY recommend getting the books (or downloading them into your kindle). They are literally life changing. And easy to dip into for instant motivation when you're flagging.

[@StitchingDeb]

@@itsacarolbthing5221 Thank you Carol and I will do that now. Which book first?

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

@@StitchingDeb I would go with Decluttering at the Speed of Life first, so that you can make a bit of sense out of your space and give yourself room to move.

[@wyoag12]

I listened to Decluttering at the Speed of Life and loved it. Highly recommend!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I listen to the audio version while I work around the house. Agree - it’s well worth listening to Dana.

[@Imaginetheday1967]

Her audiobooks are great!

[@carlaeskelsen]

Thanks for the recommendation. 🙏🏻

[@robinjohnson9351]

Even after you simplify, things sneak in... "you can keep anything but you can't keep everything" will help it stay under control. I love this saying!! Thank You.

[@StitchingDeb]

Me too Robin!

[@mwebb3014]

I took 5 large boxes full o’ stuff to Goodwill this afternoon. It was my second trip there this week. It feels so good to get stuff permanently out of my house. Your books are incredibly helpful. I have them in my Kindle app on my phone so I can refer to them easily. Thanks Dana! 🥰

[@lynnbrady4193]

The enemy of success (for me, anyway) is “for now.” As in, “I’ll just put it there FOR NOW.”

[@bethheerten1132]

I tell myself "Don't put it down, put it away." I say it out loud - sometimes very loud - and then follow through. It helps

[@livinwiththeedges8283]

@@bethheerten1132 I do this to. Haha

[@evelynlee3323]

I have said many times that those two words are why my house is the way it is. I know that realizing and admitting is the beginning but I have been stuck at that step for years!

[@aliciamarana]

I just bought two of your books and listened to your first book while I cleaned and decluttered and did the first step! Dishes are done and I am loving you and loving that I found my people! Finally someone who speaks my brain language and gets it!

[@amybee40]

True wisdom. And you hair is super cute today.

[@va1445]

I have had to learn to accept that "better" is usually "enough" - at least for now!

[@ninak8506]

My favorite 5min pickups are : 1. putting the dishes away & cleaning kitchen clutter 2. Clearing the kitchen table 3. Picking up the family room (fold blankets, pick up pillows, return shoes to their rooms, dog toys in a basket, vacuum)

[@lindaharris1941]

I loved your sound effects when describing the women's t-shirts. 😂 There was a point when my body shape changed and I went from medium to large. Now it's all about comfort!

[@aimeeontheharp]

I have read your Decluttering book and love it. I love your videos because they keep me focused and remind me of what I learned... sometimes you will say something in a slightly different way in a video that helps it click even more! Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts with us!

[@debbielenoir5472]

I gave my DIL my son’s “going home from the hospital outfit” to use on my grandson. That’s much better than leaving it in my memory trunk.

[@granitemoss1451]

Congrats on the new grand baby!

[@MikeyDonna]

Was she ok with this? Or was it to soothe your sentimental need? I remember the fun of picking out my firstborn’s outfit to wear home. I hope she wasn’t deprived of this. Donna, Mike’s wife

[@ruthlloyd1163]

@@MikeyDonna she doesn’t need to use it as her going home from the hospital outfit-just an additional newborn cute outfit.

[@ThePinkMyth]

My mom gave me my going home outfit to use on my daughter and I used it for her first trip to my parents’ house. I did pick out the outfit I brought her home from the hospital in. Just an idea for a different but still special use for an heirloom. 💕

[@debbielenoir5472]

Of course she was ok with this. I offered it to her and she loved it. This was almost 3 years ago.

[@sherryhudson9075]

The moral of the story.....control your stuff...don’t let it control you 👍

[@lbbass616]

Love this saying. Thank u

[@neverstoplearning2]

LOL! So true. If you were constantly in disaster status now, I wouldn't be looking to you for advice. I love that you are "recovered."

[@aaronhaumesser4283]

You have given me SO much clarity and freedom!!! I was just like you (tried everything to get organized and nothing worked and my house was a complete disaster) and I'm slowly getting it decluttered and figuring out the container concept thanks to you, dawn, and cas on KZbin and the take your house back course! There's so much you talk about that makes me go "DUH!!!!" WHY have I never thought of that before?!? Thanks so much ❤️

[@DebraofSENC]

Did a five minute on my dryer while watching this, it made a world of difference. Thank you!

[@sandyh8755]

Dana, I want to thank you so much for the things you taught me. I read your books probably a year and a half ago. At that time, I had a sort of dishes routine in place, but not every day. It is shocking what a difference dishes make. I have since added 5 minute pick up, put it there now, progress not perfection, make the bed as daily routines/mantras. I have chronic pain and a long hard day of cleaning/decluttering is not possible for me, but most days 5 minutes is! Put it there now is so helpful because then I don’t have a big mess to deal with later whenI certainly won’t feel up to it. I’ve been working on decluttering and I’m pleased to say that my public areas in my house are presentable all the time. Perfect? No, but I wouldn’t die of embarrassment if you showed up at my front door! The rest of the house, except my husband’s parts, are really coming along. You have changed my life!

[@RLL620]

These videos help me so, so much. I am glad that you are sharing your wisdom with us. Have a Blessed Day!

[@karleytrautman8285]

I seriously love you! I think we’re kindred spirits. It gives me a lot of hope to see your house and know you’re making it work. And your books are so relatable!

[@adrianekeils4120]

Your editor's notes at the end of every video are the best!😂😂😂 Somebody got their sense of humor from momma. Love the sass.

[@kerrydesilets4226]

I always stay to the end for the notes 😆

[@Nan-59]

LESS = SUCCESS Brilliant! Well watching your video it occurred to me why I've always loved going out to my camper so much and it is because everything has its place, you cannot leave anything out because of mice, and everything fits in the place it belongs! There is absolutely no clutter anywhere because once again, a camper in the woods = mice 🐭 I've already realized that's why hotels are so amazing to go to but it never occurred to me that's also why going to my camper is so relaxing and so rewarding. We are getting there. I'm 61 and I didn't have this I didn't live with this kind of chaos in my house as a kid. My mother had a place for everything and everything has its place. And when you were done using it, by golly you put it back. My mom was strict about putting things away. Really too bad I didn't get that from her because I wasn't that way, so I continue on as an old lady, still working on it! I don't want to leave all this mess for my kids. Five minutes is doable I have chronic diseases that keep me from doing much, but I usually have five minutes in a day!! I just need to use it!!

[@jenniferdamiano7447]

Dana, yes!!!! Ugh, I'm sorry to say that I didn't want you to be right. I mean I really didn't want you to be right. I hated the idea of taking something to wear it belongs. But when I do that, what a difference! And I am happy to say, after much, much work I can finally work on my daily tasks confidently. I have noticed a difference with doing my dishes everyday and cleaning my counters everyday and all that jazz. I think I have discovered that what I thought was my clutter threshold is no longer my clutter threshold. I am discovering I need to get rid of more. But it is refreshing to know what a difference I have felt in this process and will continue to feel as I continue! Thank you for your continued inspiration and support!

[@ReadGKChesterton]

You speak directly to me, and shake me out of my state of denial about having to get rid of things!! Thank you sooo much!!! 💙💙💙

[@alidaodonovan7203]

Dana, I've said this before and I'll say it again. I LOVE YOU AND I LOVE YOUR SYSTEM FOR DECLUTTERING!! I LOVE YOU BOOKS!! Yes, I've read them and I still love to see your videos because I need your inspiration on an ongoing basis. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! Everyone else, READ HER BOOKS! They will change your life!!!!!

[@Patricia.R.]

I have been on your prayer team years ago when you wrote “Giving God the worst of me” ... I finally bought your two books listed here... and am reading them on my Kindle. I am implementing these steps in my home. And they work! I realize how easy it is to have slob vision as I get older. Thanks for all you do!

[@deborahgrover9358]

I just took three big bags of clothes and one very large Rubbermaid container full of items to Goodwill. The gentleman told me to take out the items and put them in a big bin and I told him he could keep the container which made him happy (and me ecstatic).

[@katsspace4688]

Such great advice. If you didn’t do the 5min pick up, by the end of the week those areas would be a much, much bigger job. Thank you for sharing your knowledge xx

[@beckyholland4309]

Thank you, thank you...its still difficult, but I'm not quitting!!

[@800ST-moto]

The question, "where would I look for this first? " has made a huge difference! I used to "organize" then I couldn't find anything! 😁

[@trippinwithgrandma5718]

I just used your concept and was able to get my toy closet organized! I had made a decision that all the toys would fit in the closet (my container) in my "grandkid" guest room (instead of being on bookshelves all over the room AND in the closet). I have been getting rid of the toys that I didn't want to keep, and only kept the ones that were played with. I found a shelving unit (at a garage sale) and the toys still didn't fit. Then I had an aha moment and realized that there were things in there that weren't toys! So I relocated them and then everything fit. It was magic! Well, magic thanks to you!!

[@colleenbarry5197]

The cotton polyester blend shirts in my closet always end up being the ones I never wear and get donated! My dry, lizardy hands tend to stick to that fabric and it doesn't feel as nice on, so 100% cotton for me! I am one of those who can't stand tags and can't stand constriction ( why why are there 3/4 sleeves? Just wear a long sleeve shirt and push the cuffs up or back down as needed but the 3/4 sleeve has no option like that, okay that was off topic but needed to be said! ) Great video, you are the cat's pajamas!

[@bethheerten1132]

I'm with you on the 3/4 sleeves. That are - at the same time - too short, and yet too long.

[@susanb2171]

My children are in their thirties they have steadfastly and repeatedly told us they do NOT want our stuff. Aside from one or two heritage family items they are not interested. I have all my parents stuff.Intervention. Thanks.

[@DebraofSENC]

Same here! It is very difficult to let family heirlooms go. Our adult children do not want our stuff either. The biggest thing for me to downsize is my adult children's fine art they did in high school and my own fine art. It even bothers me to talk about it.

[@susanb2171]

@@DebraofSENC It makes sense as those items are extremely personal and often reflect our emotions. I wish you love and luck!

[@DebraofSENC]

@@susanb2171 Thanks and ditto! I'm working on it. My husband and I lost both our widowed mothers eight months apart within the last two years and we had to sell both properties. We did not expect them to sell so fast and had to move everything out in a short period of time. We donated to charity and divided most of their items with older family members but we kept alot too. I understand what you are going through, it is kinda overwhelming. These videos are helping ALOT!

[@SvetikKonfetik]

I listened to both books and I only allowed myself to listen while working on my house. Every time: "do the dishes", so I would drag my feet to the kitchen and do the dishes, but then, smile once they're done. 😊 Life changing books for me! Well written and well read! It works, and THERE'S HOPE!

[@patwagner9308]

We are in the process of a massive decluttering of our home. We make sure there is extra trash &/or recycling set out at the curb for pick up every week....or donations to thrift shop or to someone we know who wants it. One of the things I keep telling myself is : every thing makes a difference . In other words, our house became cluttered by bringing big things into it & little things & not enough going out on a regular basis. So, even if I remove a couple small things that don't make a visible difference, it's still a step in the right direction....& eventually, we will see a difference.

[@karengreene1999]

Wow I am learning so much from you! Don’t very often find someone who’s brain works like mine does. Over thinker - very detail oriented. I need to hear the detail to learn and understand the big picture. 🤗

[@Susq15]

Dana, you are the best. Just the right medicine for a case of the "I cant's..." The videos are wonderful; keep 'em coming!

[@syndey7]

Thanks Dana! This is one of my most favorite videos that you have done. You are AWESOME and I appreciate your wisdom.

[@mindymudge7247]

You and Dawn from minimal mom have spoken on same “5 minute pickup” this week! Double barrel encouraging. Thank you🥰👍🏻

[@Marialla.]

At an awards ceremony once Dolly Parton was holding a borrowed fur strategically in front of her elegant evening gown because a seam had popped. As she thanked the lady who had loaned her the fur, she quipped, "My daddy always told me you can't put fifty pounds of mud into a five-pound sack!"

[@AliciaElnagger]

i love your videos so, so much! I'm glad that you keep making them. no pressure to continue, i just want you to know that i appreciate what you've done so far and will be grateful for whatever comes in the future. also, those shirts are amazing, i need to go buy some!

[@10nurse29]

I have read your books- love them! I’m in the take your house back course! I love all of you! Your method has changed my life. I’m slow going due to responsibilities but you and I have so many of the same tendencies and I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU!! You are a blessing!!

[@dawnlittle946]

Love this and love you 😍 My house is far from where I want it to be - that said I’ve made so much progress this year thanks to you, Cass, & Dawn. 💜💜💜💜

[@sarahsuetopka4748]

You speak reality with a little bit of sass with a whole lotta love, I dig your style 👍

[@brendadunston9895]

Already tried "keeping everything" and it does not work. :)

[@divalicious541]

I just wanna know what hair products you use because your curls look fabulous!

[@samaritzdesigns8871]

Thank you Dana! I needed to hear that part about what to do if there is no room for the stapler

[@Marissathered]

Me too!

[@cinderellafan362436]

Great video! Thanks! ❤️

[@amygibbs2318]

Love the audio books y’all..just listening to her motivates me! I turn them on with all declutter projects!

[@GratefulDeb270]

Love love love BOTH of your books! They’re wonderful & I learn more each time I read them again. Ty!

[@duckymr1]

I love your videos!! So much!! Just as you said a bunch of people knew about the one in one out rule, and you didn't and pretended to nod your head yes. Haha.. this might be one of those that you and/or other people might not know. I hope you'll share it if you think it's helpful! I learned this as a kid - my mom taught us and said it over and over. And maybe its another thing people might not know... which is this: another super important thing to learn for yourself and to teach your family is to throw away garbage immediately when it becomes garbage - ie. Right after you bring groceries home, you unpack the groceries and then the bag goes where it should- reuse, recycling or garbage! You bring home a new pair of earrings, put them in their new home immediately, and then the earring holder package is garbage so put it in there, not on the counter! Likewise, you finish the toilet paper roll. Then the roll itself immediately should go in the garbage right then. You finish a package of food or you open a can of food, so the trash/recycling should go in the trash/recycling immediately! You finish a meal? Well, then napkins go in the trash asap and dishes go in the dishwasher or sink or at least the kitchen counter asap! Literally right after the item gets unwrapped or used up, then the packaging or other trash needs to find the trash bin immediately, right in that same 1 second time period. Finish the tissues? Then the tissue box needs to go in the recycling/trash right at that moment. So the trash part of the process needs to be attached to the first part of the process; they go together. Anything else is lazy and creates work for you later. You peel the sticker off a fruit? It should immediately go in the trash! Or at least on your plate and then in the trash at the end of the meal. You create a pile of mail recycling? Then the pile needs to go in the recycling right then, right after the pile is created, so as to finish the process. Otherwise it creates more work for yourself later. Likewise, it helps to teach your kids this and then they know what should happen to trash when it becomes a piece of trash. I'm still working on my home and your videos help a lot. I'm excited to read your book when I get the time!

[@cherylgore5324]

12:50 "It's not me. I would totally let you keep it all." 😂

[@rachelvidal1053]

Yes! Maintenance done during daily routines has dug me out of "disaster status" in some areas as I zone clean a bit at a time. Example: Bathroom daily maintenance of toilets and sink has now expanded to monthly detail AND shower!! My weekly home blessing now keeps my floors under control for the entire house. Although I do more than just the floor middles to help house look & feel better since decluttering is not complete.

[@glendaw5221]

Great video!!! I liked that you mentioned thresholds. I have space but a very low threshold. Pens and highlighters are the worst for me to get rid of but I have ONE smallish container now.

[@kimberlywalker1015]

I just had to comment one more time....Our family just moved....I was SO DETERMINED to live with LESS this time.....and, yes....I had already decluttered several times, before....but, still felt that we had "too much"....for instance, our bedroom was FULL of furniture....our front room.....FULL of furniture....HATED IT.😪 THIS TIME, YAY!!!!😀 Got rid of furniture YAY....pictures...YAY....pretty mirrors....YAY.... IT IS SUCH A COMFORT to come home....LOVE IT!!!!😀 Backing up in my story about putting the all the stuff away from moving...I started taking stuff out to the garage one day...that needed to go out there... I opened the big garage door....and, was met by boxes still FULL of stuff ...waiting for a home...FLOOR TO CEILING. 😪 I put the garage door down again....and, was INSTANTLY discouraged. I went and watched a video on decluttering....gathered courage...went to the garage....asked GOD for grace...and, dug in...took probably 2-3 car loads of random stuff that we NO LONGER NEEDED....It took 2 weeks just to work on the garage...and get it clutter free...organized...and, ready to take the stuff that needed to be out there...I honestly can't remember what I took to the goodwill...except for a few random things that I've NEVER MISSED!😀 THANK YOU SO MUCH for videos, and words of encouragement....I keep watching to stay inspired to "LESS = SUCCESS!😀

[@welldone4789]

This is the opposite of Mari Kondo method . And the right one for me. If I was forced to " Mari Kondo " my house i think I d set fire to it instead ! I do like Mari Kondo as a person (Just making that clear) . 😀

[@DebraofSENC]

I have felt the same way. I read Marie Condos first book and Spark Joy is next to my bed waiting to be read. It was a gift! My likes and dislikes change so often so her technique does not pan out for me, but this young woman's teachings help me alot more. The Flylady, The Daily Conniseur, Minimalist Mom and Fairyland Cottage helps also. Thanks KZbin!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Take a look at Diane in Denmark, too. X

[@DebraofSENC]

@@itsacarolbthing5221 ☺ I follow her, too!!!

[@mhop1690]

I loved this video!! So much truth 🙌! I really liked what you said about doing the maintenance now because that's what's going to keep the house together. And also when you said that doing the 5 mins helps keep the house together. I use to be one of those people who set aside days at a time and worked on one room and it was awful!! Lol so glad I found a new way to keep the house together ❤

[@oatssettle846]

I resonate so much with you! Thanks for all of your wisdom and solutions!!! I have been watching to old ones, now I will have to go to August of 2009!!! You're the best❣

[@bethw4815]

Really helpful video! Encourages me to just keep chipping away. Thanks Dana!

[@carlaeskelsen]

For extra pens, scissors, etc that you don't want to get rid of, you can keep the few that you need, and make yourself a little "home store" somewhere in the basement, back room or garage, that you can shop from when you run out, instead of having to go to a real store and buying them again.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Gold... pure gold Dana. I love all of this... a million thumbs up!

[@Smartie1B]

This is deep. So delightfully practical!

[@rebeccam1027]

Thanks for the great content. It's been very helpful to me. Have you considered having pictures of your blog title and your books overlaid on your welcome so you don't have to keep repeating that information in every video? Easier for you and visuals are great for viewer. Thank you for all the help!!

[@emptychair8141]

Good idea !! Like a sort of commercial at the beginning!

[@dellapurdin]

I just have to say thank you Dana. I stumbled across your videos a couple of weeks ago and it is a game changer for me. I just got your books on audible and I listen when I clean or declutter. I have adhd and keeping my house tidy and decluttered is INCREDIBLY difficult for me. I can now see a light at the end of the very messy tunnel. I'm not sure how long this will actually take, but I have begun.

[@TheAmandamook]

Dana, these new videos make me so happy. I remember old blog posts where you tearfully couldn’t manage to pick up hangers off the living room floor. The overwhelm was so real back then. These simple steps, done over and over, work. They just work. So encouraging to see. (And my house looks a million times better then it did back when I first started reading your blog). ☺️🙌🏻

[@cinnie2543]

I love this. I have an affirmation posted on my desk that I wrote years ago: "Perfection is only an illusion". I need to say a quick prayer for those folks who gave it a thumbs down. They must be really in a dark place.

[@maureendavidson8264]

I love your books, I love your videos. You always keep, or put me back on track. And yes, it is better.

[@180daytotalbodymakeover]

The credits at the end are just the best... second only to your snark. 😂😂😂

[@zuzanaxyz8866]

Two of your rules I have adopted for myself - “better” and “put it away NOW”. The first one I don’t need to explain :), the second one is helping to actually get stuff DONE “full circle”. I used to - let’s say, when doing laundry - do four loads (from the whole week) at once, then fold all the clothes, make piles and POSTPONE the actual putting them away. The reason being - the cupboards are full even without them (of course) and it’s difficult. I stopped making piles of things, I try my best to put away stuff IMMEDIATELY and it helps immensely. I dont hoard “unfinished business”. I still totally suck at decluttering, because everything in my household is an emotional item for me :((, but at this time, I am at least doing my stuff better than so far…

[@kristacook7985]

1:55 - What do you do with the pens that don't fit? 3:34 - 5 minute pickup doesn't work when you can't put the items away - no space to do so! 8:32 - What about when you see everything as valuable? How do you help your kids through this process? 13:05 - How do you choose the right container? How do you apply the container concept when you currently have containers that are all full everywhere? 15:14 - What if I have plenty of space? 16:37 - Addressing complaints (prelude to this starts at 16:10) Sorry, you're not even touching what a disaster is... looking around where you are you're home doesn't look like a disaster status.

[@marvellousmrsmoller]

I love taking a before picture to show myself that I really am making progress. If I don't take that picture I often don't think I achieved anything...despite being able to see the pile of throw-aways that I generated! Putting my phone camera on hyperlapse gave me a speeded up video of myself doing inspirational progress (15min makes a 1 min video) Seeing myself doing it is a great way to motivate me and build momentum

[@chapman1569]

When I compare what we had in our house 25 years ago, I realise how much stuff we accumulated. My threshold had been reached. I realise that I cannot go around all my stuff in a week. Ideally I should be able to check all my stuff in a year and sort and eliminate what we are no longer using. Just like making an inventory of our lives. I love your simple tricks to eliminate the emotions that come up when dealing with the stuff. My mom is moving into a nursing home and we are helping her going through the process, it is illuminating how stuff can hinder our lives and it is freeing to let go and throw the stuff that is no longer good and usable and to give away what is good.

[@carolinescheepers5170]

I found your channel yesterday, and wow you already got me working on my kitchen and putting away clean laundry, the containet concept sounds like the solution to everything going on in my house thank u for this video from South-Africa

[@jennw6809]

Saying you can't do the maintenance tasks until your home is perfect, is like saying you'll start paying the bills once you're out of debt. Or that you'll start eating healthy once you lose the weight. You have to start doing those things first, and they will lead you in the right direction!

[@wolfinallen7757]

Girl, you had me laughing. I only have one pair of shoes. Most of the time, I do go barefoot. But I proudly own three containers of pens.

[@laurenvillafuerte]

Love your advice and mindset! I am listening to this video as I drop off one large bag of items for donation and 2 large bags of kids stuff at the kids resell place near me. It feels so good to let go of all that, so I don’t have to manage it, anymore. Do I still have way too much stuff in my house? Yes! But Less = Success and Better is Good! 💯❤️

[@queenvalentine7944]

Yes, I learned so much from your books and videos! Highly recommend!

[@katwellkaye996]

OMG, I love you!! I almost spit out my dinner when you talked about the t-shirt sizes. 😂 And I LOVE the credits... always makes me laugh. TY!

[@MrsJoviolet]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your books transformed my house. I now enjoy my home instead of constantly wishing I could move. I love your approach because it works and it is not hard.

[@marym346]

I had to try to watch it three times because I kept getting interrupted. So, I guess we're even! 😂

[@sharie5706]

Dana, I love your videos and hope you continue them, you have such a great personality (you have a great editor too, never would have known it took 3 tries to get started)! Don't misunderstand, I also enjoy referring to your current and older blog posts and podcasts, but adding the videos is a plus.

[@mermeow]

Don't forget...your home is a container. So if it's stuffed to overflowing (like mine)...uhh...where was I going with this? LOL! Just get rid of some stuff, so your OG container isn't smooshing your life. I had been making progress pre-pandemic...Doh!

[@dirtywater04]

I threw away pens! They might be dried out or might not. Sigh.

[@melindafalls1227]

i love your videos. I think it's your sarcasm that I enjoy so much. It's not mean it's just funny. I also think I enjoy your videos because you understand me and I understand you. Keep the videos coming please.

[@kellyl7610]

Not all of us are watching you because our house is a mess. My house is very organized and minimalistic. I just enjoy your videos and your humor. 😆

[@nicholejones8002]

Bless you!