The REAL Cost of your Clutter | Clutterbug Podcast # 175

[@joanberman6654]

My problem is the emotional attachment to generations of items - mothers and grandparents things left or given to me.

[@jelyfisher]

I've been too ashamed to make real friends with the women around me because my house is never as pretty or clean and tidy as their's. My cluttered house holds me back so much from reaching out to others and inviting them to my home.

[@cmak1212]

I had the same issue for years. It would take a weekend to clean enough to have someone over. I'm not finished my decluttering, but I've made a lot of progress. It is so freeing to be able to have someone come over on short notice now and know the house is tidy. Don't give up. It took time to get here, but you can do it.

[@jelyfisher]

@@cmak1212 thank you for the encouragement!

[@Hinoki352]

I am in exactly the same spot as you. I have been shifting my views and habits for awhile now (thanks to Cas, Dana K White, Dawn from the Minimal mom and others) and slowly changing my home. I used to be so discouraged when I would go to those womens’ homes; now I still have anxiety over it but I choose to be inspired by their spaces and the way they approach “stuff” and curating their home. It gives me a little boost and something tangible to work towards. I am light years away from where I want to be, but also light years from where I started! You can do it!!!

[@amyciampa490]

It takes a lot of courage to state that. You are most definitely not alone. The support of these online communities is great. I’m just shifting now and you can too!❤

[@mizzezjones]

My heart goes out to you. I wish there was some way we could help each other.

[@jacquelineblackburn4668]

Your shows are changing my life and I can't thank you enough.

[@lyneljohnson2960]

When Cass said “messy hide messy hide messy hide” I cackled out LOUD. So relatable!

[@debbiekirkland6801]

“You aren’t wasting money by decluttering.” That is so good! I need to tell myself that.

[@nata3467]

I have to say I've been a victim of oh I'll just sell this but the reality of his I don't have the time nor energy to do so so now I've shifted to I will donate this to an organization that will price it at a way they can get money out of or someone finds it and gets a surprisingly happy deal on a Saturday thrift.

[@terrilloyd3691]

“You are worth more than $100.00,” is such a great way to think about things. The key as a next step, is to really consider what you bring into your house. Emptying and refilling your home just doesn’t make sense. I no longer buy more than one extra of cleaning and toiletry supplies and such.

[@jandegarmo1802]

Starting in January, I've done a total reset in my home. Every room in my house. I've gotten rid of so much stuff that I've rearranged furniture from different parts of the house for better use. I love my house now. I've needed to do this for so long. I did spend a small fortune on organizing containers and shelving units in my craftroom and other parts of my home. But it's totally been worth it. Everything has a spot now, and I love not having stuff everywhere.

[@MellyMel1984]

I found that after my mother passed away, I became a mild hoarder. I feel like the memories are tied to belongings now. I know that they’re not, but letting go of things, literally feels like I’m letting go of memories, and I don’t know how to get past that mindset, and set myself free from that guilt.

[@joanberman6654]

I wish there was a podcast that talked about our journey - the emotional bond we have with generations of belongings and mementos. Clutterbug : are you listening? Help us!

[@Lindaastewart7015]

Sometimes you can take a picture of the thing. Way less space needed to store a photo than a ‘thing’.

[@SAD-ij8in]

Forgotten money... we have started the declutter process and this week my husband found a retirement account from one of my former jobs. I thought he had transferred it with the rest of our accounts when he retired but he had forgotten it entirely. It was worth 4,000$

[@MsDoglover02]

Listening this reminded me of when I got out of a very unhealthy marriage with a hoarder and hoarding wasn't even the reason I left him. When a real estate agent showed me a beautiful new apartment to rent, I cried as we pulled out of the property. I told him I didn't feel like I deserved such a nice place. That was almost 20 years ago and I thought of it because of how you talked about deserving a clutter free lifestyle (which I have been enjoying). Thanks!

[@laurieg6142]

Acknowledging there are seasons of life helped me. I can let this...go because I don't need it in my current season even if it was so important in the last season.

[@shellyturner2766]

I agree! This has been huge for me.

[@cs4887]

That is so important. Not only for decluttering but for so many other things in life. For example, I had less white hairs when I was younger but I also had more acne!! 😅 enjoy each season!

[@katsspace4688]

The real cost of clutter in our homes is immeasurable…..until we do it. A really fab pod cast❤️❤️

[@JoanneWhitlock]

It's hard to communicate how much better it is once you have decluttered. So much better than I could've hoped for. ❤

[@jomycoke]

❤agree‼

[@pamelacrooker9274]

I want to report that I got rid of (14) things. I finally got motivated half way through the pod cast. My husband kept giving me strange looks knowing that this was MY TIME to have in my sewing room. ….but it was worth it. Thank you for inspiring me. I am doing the 30-day challenge and had missed June 3rd & 4th. I am back on track now.😊

[@aprilpacholski3012]

Cass I'm litterally laugh crying right now. Spot on the same. I went from cleaning and tidying non stop, every second I wasn't working my full time job to now, since I found you, I have times in the day where I think, what do I do now? Lol. I might need a hobby but I have no clue what that might be. I've never had one.

[@tonibergquist61]

I shredded a half basket of paper clutter while listening/watching your podcast! Thank you ❤

[@gwenj5419]

Psychologically it's been shown when you have a huge backlog of product, you unconsciously use more product than you need.

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

I think I am starting to make the mental shifts…. I’m thinking and behaving differently lately… I am still keeping way too much, but I AM getting better at letting go. Anyway… thank you for this podcast. 😊👍🏻

[@cherylgonzales4146]

I understand about the shuffling from space to space. I'm in the process of decluttering in my late 60's. At least you figured things out earlier!

[@andreaharper2380]

I just realized I hadn't ever subscribed to your Podcast channel so now I have. But I found it funny that I started listening to this after I took a little bit today to go through my home desk and tossed a bunch of old crap that I hadn't done anything with in years. Donating a couple of things and re-homed another item. I went through all my work sticky notes and put a bin next to my desk to hold all my notepads and scratch paper I use for work and I can actually see my desk surface again after months...

[@cmak1212]

I've been enjoying your podcasts. This one was great. I was listening to you while I put away laundry and then filled a bag in about 10 minutes clearing some things from a closet. Every bit helps. Thanks.

[@lisarivers1438]

Hey Cas, ok 29 mins in and it hit me ! Ok I do donate stuff and I feel good when I fill up a giant bag and sometimes it takes a lot out of me to fill a bag but then it takes awhile before I fill another bag so I find myself saying "I get rid of stuff but I don't see a difference" so when you said "yes do that everyday for a month" is when I realized "oh I've bought many new things before filling another bag" so that's why I don't see a difference 🤥

[@deborahderosa4987]

I decluttered 265 items that will go to families in Mississippi during our habitat for humanity trio. Last week, I took over 300 items to St. Vincent de Paul . So exciting. Sad bc the items are from my daughter. But she’s in college now and I don’t need those cute t-shirts any longer.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Great post. I'm not familiar with St Vincent de Paul but the Habitat for Humanity ReStore was incredibly useful in my decluttering process. I would bring in old tools and small furniture and watch how this charity helped others when I saw a young couples shop for discounted furniture or customers leave with a shovel or some tools,. Habitat also sent a truck to pick up furniture I was unable to fit in my car. This is definitely a charity I would recommend checking out if you have one in your area.

[@annoravetz5908]

I remember the T-shirt phase! Every time we went to the mall we came home with another T-shirt. Finally I asked her, "How many T-shirts is enough?" Both she and I didn't know what to say.

[@kimberlystrickland189]

Cass, your voice is so soothing.

[@aprilk.7497]

LOVE The Declutter Hub!! Been listening for a few yrs!! They are great!!

[@tubeyou2184]

Id love to see a video on how to teach little kids how to tidy and clean and the difference. I have a 4 year old daughter so its timely.

[@CadetRedShirt]

@TubeYou21 cass actually has done that on the main Clutterbug channel!

[@elizabethshaw6727]

Thank you so much You have such a good way of communicating And it is very encouraging To keep going and declutter It brings peace and happiness ❤

[@marjoriemyer2508]

Housecleaning and life skills has changed between generations. One of my main chores was to dust. I haven't had a can of pledge or a feather duster in 30 years. As far as I know, I'm the last one to use a branched web catcher. My mom had one Hoover vacuum my whole childhood. Last week I just bought my first wet dry vacuum mop contraption and will try to figure it out this week for my birthday.

[@pearlrichardson4179]

I will be adding these ladies to my decluttering journey & will be following them on the different platforms. Great podcast!!!

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Hi, I really enjoyed this podcast. I appreciate this conversation, it was empowering, soothing. Meaning sometimes it's hard to let go because emotional psychological and any other issues people may have and to hear compassion in your voice it's empowering enough. I also took a lot out of the invited guests about money being wasted. Have done a lot of that in the past and learned from it. Enjoying this podcast is putting it mildly. Thank you and appreciate the fact that all of you not just talk from knowledge but from personal experiences as well. Who else better to give advice than someone who knows first hand of what's it like and the struggle people go through. Thank you once again.

[@dianehand1396]

That is really great! If it is in a cupboard, in the dark, it isn't having a life. (at least that is what I learned)

[@bissy_in_melbourne]

Omg.... managing your mess..... this is me!!! Hours and hours wasted... thank you cass that's soooo eye opening... that's so motivating

[@arizonashopper5095]

Cas, what you said from around 16:00 - 19:00 was the most profound to me. It describes my life exactly. I have NO idea how people have the time to binge watch shows or go out with friends. HOW?! I am also fighting cancer, so you'd think I'd be willing to change this, and spend quality time instead. I'm working on getting there, but it's taking 10x longer than I think it would take anyone else...

[@katrinalikethehurricane1]

I have absolutely had those resentment feelings towards my husband, about him not helping me "clean".

[@janfromnycsavesmoney8723]

How very inspirational! You all are great! TFS!

[@PuzS]

This was an amazing podcast! I loved your conversation! Thank you very much!

[@juliatepe5760]

Just earlier this morning I spotted some casserole dishes I bought at a flea market only because they matched my dishes. They have only been used for display, never for cooking. I have plenty of casserole dishes for cooking. They will be boxed up for missions donation today. Cass you did a lovely job speaking with these kind ladies. There is no shame in putting worth and value in our emotional well being. Thank you so much and for being honest about your own decluttering journey.

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@juliatepe5760Good for you,I have a hard time “breaking up a family” 🤭😫😂🤣😅

[@brendah9484]

I agree.... I've been focusing on myself to declutter my stuff! Now I notice adult children & husband are decluttering their stuff!

[@kennethbailey9853]

You have been a Blessing for Years!!!😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@kimberlystrickland189]

OMG what you said about people pleasing your stuff is so spot ONNNNN

[@alanbirkner1958]

My mom was a hoarder. I throw out, recycle, or give away at least 20 items each day. Sometimes they are craft items, sometimes clothing, sometimes just papers, but my neighbors apartments are still emptier. Tina, Al's wife

[@gonzaga45377]

My mom is a hoarder too. Now she is giving me the stuff she doesn't want anymore but makes sure I'm not throwing it away or giving the items to charity. I wait a while to make sure she has forgotten and then dispose of the items. She did call the other day to tell me not to get rid of some thing that she saw in a thrift store because they were asking $40 for it. Goodness a whole $40.

[@lenetteshaw4833]

Yay! Three of my favorite organizers together in one video/podcast!

[@kimberlywalker280]

Cleaned out the medicine...its been on my list of 5 min decluttering for the last 3 months...finally got it down! YAY! APRRECIATE YA'LL! 😀

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I love my Bath and Body Works hand soaps, especially if I can get them at a low price. My sale stash does not go to waste. In a way, donations have monetary value. I can't afford to donate to every charity, but if I donate nice things I never used and will never use, that allows me to donate to more causes, so the item has value to me as a donation. Now that I found a few deals at the thrift store, it is easier to donate my things because someone else donated the item I found. It is like "paying it forward."

[@gonzaga45377]

That is what is helping me get rid of my stuff. I like to think that someone else will appreciate it and use it while I only kept it hidden in a closet.

[@camillaclaesson3220]

I try to visualise that items i do not use/really like, if I donade them, they could really become someones favorite item. It could be cherished. Or give a grandmother/Mother the opportunity to buy a gift for a Childs birthday. Nice new things we get as gifts, duplicates, i put in a gift box that i check before goding on a birthday/x-mas/dinner.

[@vickiuridge3375]

Loved this podcast. I follow you all and have done for a long time. I'm from the UK. You've all helped me in my decluttering journey. I have alot of health issues so some days I really struggle. Thank you to all of you xx❤❤❤

[@annoravetz5908]

Even when I was a little girl, I would pick up when our mother told me, I would clean the bathroom and help with the laundry and dishes, and I would vacuum and sweep and put things away to help our mother. We learned in CCD that it was good to help our parents, it was part of "honor your mother and father", one of the 10 Commandments. Then I would have lapses, and then I became a teenager. It was as if those brain cells that were "pruned" in adolescence were the decluttering and organizing cells. It's been a struggle ever since.

[@brendakirk5275]

❤ Leslie and Ingrid! Well, you too, Cas!! Great podcast!

[@nata3467]

I had a friend who had a lot of issues with clutter and one time helping him declutter his office I found over $5,000 in uncashed checks.... Wish I could say that taught him a lesson it did not he ended up becoming even a worse hoarder after I moved out of the town

[@moyracarlyle1446]

😢

[@JOSWEBCROCHET]

This was an amazing episode! I will certainly be looking these ladies up.

[@HannahRainbow88]

Another lovely episode; thank you all 👏😊 I pared down the paper clutter and tossed a lot of recycling in the right bins (paper, plastic bottles etc) from each room while listening. I also put my son's best recent art pieces in his memory bin, to free up the front of my bookcase shelves again. Gotta love the breathing space and "quick wins" you gain from it. Thanks for the inspiration 💗

[@michellekienzle5091]

Everything all of you have said is so true!! I need to get rid of my crap!!

[@moniquebutler8572]

I loved this conversation! I am sharing with friends. Thank you very much.

[@riverqueen4561]

So grateful to have found your 2 uplifting channels. I laffed when you said you found time to have nothing to do - to be bored - wish you so well @clutterbug 💫💚💫

[@RonDale-jy8et]

rated this one TV and then came online to (try and) finish!! These 2 ladies are fascinating> Iam amazed how close (and honest!) you gals have gotten... even though you've just met!! Got to check out these two ladies...!

[@gailgohrick5836]

Found $$ is one of the best parts! I have found $10 and also two gift cards with $60 on them! But current motivation is that I would rather be in my craftroom crafting! The hard part is letting go of things that I think I should sell - but that is such a time taker!!

[@Christy6000]

I truly enjoyed this video with your guests. So much good information. Thanks to all of you. ❤

[@Hmy8799]

2 of my fave podcasts coming together!! Loved this sooo much❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@donnatrobaugh1676]

My friend is totally overloaded... would you suggest a professional? I've offered to help...she won't let me over, not even her family!

[@clairedaines508]

You could maybe wait until your own house is a disaster zone, then invite her over to hang out amid the mess without a word of apology or embarrassment. She may start to realise that a messy house isn't some kind of moral failing, and that you won't judge her.

[@chasincelebrations]

This podcast episode was truth serum! I can relate to everything that they said… 😩 decluttering as I listen to it! 😅

[@tanyas9097]

Threw some cosmetics in the trash while watching your video. Daily progress.

[@brg2743]

Good info! Another good person to do a declutter with is Hoarder's heart. She needs help with a small bathroom.

[@lotsoflovestephanie-joy9060]

Decluttering is a trade off. Junk whisking, peace within 😌

[@MindfulStir]

Oh Cass, are you ever NOT excited?? ❤❤

[@kims3431]

Decluttered 4 drawers and a cabinet while listening … thank you!

[@KSLassie457]

You ladies have discussed what I think is a major issue at the root of our problem of not knowing how to Declutter, clean and organize. When the women started working outside the home, they were not around to teach their children about the basic life skills. We grew up unaware of what meant to “clean our room “. Or cooking/baking from scratch. Or sewing clothes.

[@brandybarnett9953]

I’ve been filling a large trash bag a week for awhile.

[@terrilloyd3691]

Watching this again for inspiration ❤

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Cas, Best of Luck with the Fire Dept.!!

[@RonDale-jy8et]

This is Cool...! Really helpful...!

[@thecreativegramgram8592]

You declutter and save money because you don’t shop much cause you have what you want and need nothing. Dont want to bring anything in to mess it up so you stop shopping or buy less. Even groceries.

[@elsakeller196]

I love your stuff! It would be nice to give the guests more speaking time though!

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

I think emptying one room putting chairs and table and using it as a clean canvas from where to decide what you love is a good technique

[@ninnymuggins5159]

About being "worth more than $100", can we PLEASE have permission to donate an expensive and unwanted gift or two from inlaws?? LOL 🤭Why must we keep things that we never liked and never wanted?

[@clairedaines508]

You have permission! Seriously, if an item isn't serving you, send it on its way! If the giver's intentions were pure, then they will be glad to know it's going to someone who will actually enjoy it. If it came with strings attached, all the more reason to ditch that toxic object!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I remember as a 5 year old being so overwhelmed when told to clean my room, nobody told me how. If mom had said “first let’s pick up clothes. Ok now let’s…

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Love this thank you Cass💕NonnaGrace 🐓

[@rinainlondon8]

very nice

[@RonDale-jy8et]

"Do you want the space or the stuff?" I would rephrase do you want the Peace .....or do you want the stuff?

[@katebertie4496]

Could you please make a video on how to teach your children how to declutter?

[@susanmcdonald1486]

This is one of the reasons why I'm scared to find a man. I am sensitive for criticism

[@christinehorvath4769]

The real man for you will accept your challenges and support you through them versus criticize you. I thought the same thing, and was terrified but they are out there and my relationship is proof! When I first started dating my BF and discovered his place was along the minimalist lines I was terrified to let him near my place. I always made excuses to go to his place vs mine. Over time he began to question it. I told him I liked to go to his place cause I felt like I was at Hotel M each time I visited cause it was so relaxing. He said my home should do the same for me and if it didn’t he’d be happy to help. Eventually I trusted him to let him in and he didn’t balk once. He accepted me - all of me (and my stuff) and as our relationship gets stronger I clearly see I don’t need the stuff. I used to garage sale and thrift to fill my time (and my home). Now we gather experiences and memories together versus stuff. Best thing ever!!!

[@ambrasones6545]

I know this was posted a while ago but I decided declutter my bathroom and told myself whatever was expired had to go. I got rid of 90% of the clutter just by doing that. 🤣

[@Stacy-iu6ch]

My son has OCD so clean your room was ugly. I figured out to do tell him let’s go pick up all of the cars. Take a small break. Let’s pick up the dirty clothes or let’s see what we can find under clothes on the floor. Thanks for your time, Ladies.

[@phylpott1]

I'm 77 and need to get ready to die. I have so many things that mean so much to me. Most of our furniture is hand-me-down antiques. I have things that belonged to my parents, my in-laws, and grandmothers. I have my beautiful wedding china, crystal, and sterling silver as well as inherited sterling from an aunt and china from Mom and one set from my mother-in-law. Do younger people even want these things any more? We have one daughter who lives on the other coast. Shipping furniture would cost more than the furniture is worth if she even had room for it...I haven't mentioned it to nieces yet but I doubt they would want to polish silver or handwash china or sterling... My husband is 82 but he could very well outlive me. He won't know what to do with everything. I can't even get him to help in the garage or the storage building in the back. He won't even tell me what to do with the leftover stuff he used to sell Neither of us know how to set up a website for that merchsndise. I have begun decluttering things we don't use now, but i don't know when or how to donate the rest. We do not have money or available credit to hire anyone to do it. Frankly , I'm running out of physical energy ... i'd appreciate any suggestions you may have.

[@clairedaines508]

First of all, my dear, give yourself a break! This kind of thing IS hard, especially when you're looking back over a lifetime of memories, both yours and loved ones. Your daughter will eventually have to deal with that, too, when you no longer have need of any physical possessions. You can lessen any potential guilt for her by emphasising now that the relationships in your life are far more important than things. Write her a long, loving letter about your memories of her, and assure her that she doesn't have to keep anything in your house that isn't special or useful to her. Take pictures of items that have sentimental value to you, and write down what you remember about them eg who bought it, what it was used for, any funny stories etc. This will be a wonderful heirloom to pass on to your descendants without having to store and maintain the actual items. It also makes a great new tradition, as others can add their own pictures and stories to the record. Reach out to your local churches for help in decluttering as well as charities, even if you're not religious yourself, as they will have a community wide network and be most likely to know where an item will do the most good. They can also organise things like yard sales, or help you clean up any spaces that have been cleared out. They'll jump at the chance to do good on such a large scale, trust me!

[@valentinaposto3808]

My mum would throw all my clothes on the floor and make me tidy my closet when it was messy🤨.

[@JaneH3675]

Wow! That was mean!

[@deboraballes9044]

I have a friend that let her adult son move back in and once threw his stuff out the window since he wouldn't pick it up. I was horrified but secretly had fantasies of doing the same with my older sons🤭🤭🤭😂😂

[@olivia9066]

👍

[@shoppingislifeuk]

Nice

[@erika-xu1wg]

Who buys a used treadmill for $500?

[@charlenebrissette3348]

I have been a cleaning freak since I can remember. I love to declutter and organize.

[@northstar4851]

Please come to my house!! I'm close to completely decluttering the main areas, but the office/hobby is still entertaining Fantasy ME. Lol

[@charlenebrissette3348]

@@northstar4851 Would if I could.

[@cariefrost2930]

Please not PodCast...boring

[@ClutterbugPod]

This is a new channel just for podcasting! Don't worry, my regular Cluttebug channel won't have podcast episodes on it!

[@mousenation3867]

I love this Podcast channel, your pod casts are amazing.