The SECRET to Decluttering a VERY MESSY Home

[@sarac9565]

I agree with this so much!! I thought I was weird and my husband thought I was really weird but I kept telling him "I need to clean the basement out because I think that would help my anxiety a ton and help us get our house in order." He didn't understand how much the mess and clutter of the basement was affecting the rest of our house. He is loving the freshly decluttered and organizing basement now and has thanked me more than once for putting so much work into it.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

That's AMAZING!! Your hard work really paid off!!! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@junesammy-robidoux2305]

I totally understand I am telling my husband something similar, for us it's the garage. I do it in small chunks but I can't do everything because most of it is his stuff, car, house repair stuff, and computer. So instead I turn to other things I'm "in charge of" the linen closet, medicine cabinet, kitchen cabinets you get the picture. Each time he opens a freshly decluttered and organized place he is always surprised, he mostly does not re-clutter the space but his problem is putting this back. It's a work in progress, especially when you are polar opposites on decluttering, organizing and cleaning. Wish me luck.

[@rebeccabarrett7522]

The thing that hangs me up the most is my husband's things, hes gone half the year and when he's home we don't focus on decluttering. In the past it was my kids toys, now i know less is more. and then the things I've spent money on. It's slowly getting easier to declutter but It's others people's stuff I have the hardest time with

[@debvoight1310]

100 percent agree with you! Clearing the unseen spaces first makes a huge difference not only in the space but it's inspires you to keep going (sure worked for me)! Been on this journey now for quite some time and my day to day life has become so much easier. I think twice about purchasing anything now and am focusing now on decluttering debt 😊 Thank you for the continued inspiration!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I’m so impressed with your dedication and focus!!! Good for YOU!!! 🔥

[@lesliecurlis4846]

Totally agree! Start with the hidden. I complete one room at a time. Decluttering is Neverending.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

You're right!! Staying clutter free is an ongoing process!!! but once you've gotten a bulk decluttered, it gets easier and easier AND you know where your clutter threshold is, making it easer to know when things have gone too far! I love that you completed one room at a time!! YES!!! I bet that felt SO encouraging! Way to GO!!!

[@michellecipriano1245]

“Decluttering is never ending” That is so true! It get’s easier, but we have to maintain it.

[@karenmclean2375]

I moved 6 months ago. I thought I'd gotten rid of a lot of stuff before the move (I did) but it wasn't nearly enough since my new space is smaller. I'm now going through many boxes marked sewing stuff, kitchen & 'mom' (4 of these). It's slow but I'm making progress. I'm hoping to finish all of the remaining boxes before Thanksgiving. Then it will be on to Christmas boxes. Thanks for reminding us decluttering is a process!!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

The same thing happened to me when I moved!! I thought I got rid of EVERYTHING I didn't use anymore, I was SO WRONG!! I kept decluttering as I unpacked and it was amazing! Good for you!!! Keep chipping away!

[@michellereader5456]

Me too!!! 😂

[@nonnieTerri]

Yes! After decluttering for the last couple year, I find I still have too much stuff! I keep plugging away at it and I find my house is so much easier to clean.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

It's an ongoing process!!! Good for you! Ahhh YES Having an "easier to clean house" is LIFE CHANGING!

[@alejandrapoch9338]

Hi Candice, you look lovely today. I love your braid and make up😊 I have been decluttering my house for the past 4 years (married with 3 girls) and I used to be so messy! I have ADHD and was lucky to get twin girls! I also started to notice that everything shifts if you declutter the hidden spaces first just like you say and then get everything a home. But when you first have so much stuff it can be overwhelming. Been there. You have to keep decluttering your stuff because it’s been building up over years most of the times. I can now finally say I don’t have any clutter. Just the daily stuff. So there is an end to the big decluttering! 🎉 I have become more mindful of what I bring into my home now because I love how easy it is to maintain my home organized and clean ❤ Thank you for always being there to cheer me on with a big smile. I love your channel

[@summerthompson3284]

SO HELPFUL❤

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I'm so glad!

[@carolstewart1704]

Yes! I have watched SO MANY declutter videos that say to start where you see the mess and that that will keep you motivated! But on all honesty... If you dont have cleared out spaces to put these things away.. then to me youre not getting anywhere and like you say.. its frustrating and discouraging!! I can see both points of view tbh, but i REALLY think this is an AMAZING way to get started!! You can go into a closet etc and see things you can easily toss/donate quickly bc its OBVIOUS that you havent used any of it in ages! 😅 And if anyone reading this is wondering.. YES! It DOES get easier the more you declutter!! The thing they tell us about "building up those decluttering muscles" its a real thing and its MARVELOUS!! 🤗💕 Happy decluttering my friends!! And tyssm for the video!! 🫂💕

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thanks for sharing your encouragement!! And I agree there are also benefits from decluttering VISIBLE spaces in your home...but I found I made the most efficient and lasting progress when I started in the concealed areas (for me these were my pantry and bedroom closet FIRST)

[@carolstewart1704]

@@FancyThatwithCandice I am definitely going to find me some quick wins in a closed space this week! 🥰

[@karenrich9092]

You're right about decluttering the large areas of your home first. Now, when you clean out a closet, there will be room in the garage to store hand-me-downs.

[@sable747]

A lot of the things I struggle with are things like handmade (like quilts, crafts) or I intend to donate something and a family member is convinced we should sell the item, it doesn’t sell, and I forget about it for months. We also unpacked after a move and have 1/2 less storage than we did. I’ve got piles all over the living room.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Have an area of your home where you keep your "to sell" items. Contain them if you can in a large box or tote. If it's furniture, put an actual piece of paper on it that says, SELL BY and then date. This way you can't forget about the larger items and the smaller stuff is consolidated. Take an hour or 2 on a weekend or evening and take photos of everything. List all of it at once and whatever doesn't sell in 2 weeks-1 month get's donated!

[@sable747]

@@FancyThatwithCandice wow n thank you

[@mariaperez-i9n]

My approach was different. Started when I start to clean, the entrance/dinning room/living room. Live alone, so whenever I found stuff that were not supposed to be there, I moved it to the room where I was eventually going to place it. Then, when, it was the room's turn, I found or make a place for it. I got progress everywhere I go, there was nobody to move the stuff.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I LOVE that you found an approach that works for you!!! Everyone is a little different!

[@godstendermercies6394]

You are such a joy to watch. So helpful. Thank you 🕊❤️

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

You are so welcome

[@rebekahmulato8750]

Wow one of the best videos I have seen in a very looooong time!

[@lalaatppe8851]

Giving up is my problem. It’s so overwhelming because I don’t know what to do with anything 😂 going to try starting on the hidden areas today and see how it goes ❤

[@junesammy-robidoux2305]

I have to give you huge props for this video very very helpful and insightful, I today agree with everything and got some very good actionable ideas. Thank you.

[@marywiggins7411]

How do you store seasonal decorating, clothing, cookware, summer coolers/dispensers?

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

a couple of totes for christmas and one tote for every other holiday combined, my seasonal clothes are in my closet hanging up!

[@christak3363]

Nice tips as usual 😊 You look so pretty btw 😊

[@michelesusanne1]

Thank You Candice, II always get fresh ideas from you! When we get stuck in our decluttering progress, we can try a new approach and look in less obvious places (hidden clutter)

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

So glad this was helpful!!!

[@karinwade]

Thanks for the question "Where would I use this item most often?" That helps me clearly identify where the item needs to be not where I reason to convince myself it should be

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I love this because it's individual! Where would YOU use it most often? I have scissors in my baking cupboard because I open yeast packets and trim my wicks RIGHT THERE. Glad this was helpful!

[@karinwade]

@@FancyThatwithCandice Yes, I also keep scissors in the cupboard in my kitchen. I'm debating on returning my water flosser to the counter instead of under my sink. I think it should be out of sight but since I moved it under my sink I am no longer using it. I guess I need it to be easy and a visual reminder. The extra steps to fill it, plug it in, empty it and put it back under the sink aren't working.

[@deloreshall5459]

Hey girl. Totally agree. Basement still bain of my existance. Getting there. Great tips.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Yes!!! Little by little is the way to go!!! You’ve got this!!!

[@christinepage6256]

This is how I’ve always cleaned. I like to deep clean in spring so that I can do a quick overall clean in autumn before the holidays. I take everything out of a space,, put back what I like and how I like it (leaving lots of room around things to get them in and out). It makes follow up cleaning really easy because things fit and I can simply wipe off around items on a shelf if it’s become dirty or I can take out the few items that are organized there (if there’s a lot I put things in labeled bins) and clean up in just a few minutes. I have been able to take on my entire kitchen in just 10 minutes here and there over a couple of days.

[@danaplate6459]

Declutter concealed places first - this is brilliant! Makes so much sense with your video! Thanks! Always rooting for my #1 KZbinr!!!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

You’re the sweetest!!! Thank you!!! ❤️

[@Promontoriumm]

Thank you very much 💚🩷❤️

[@bex438]

Thanks for sharing a different perspective Candace, I've decluttered a massive amount over the years but have always started with the visible areas, this makes so much more sense! 👍😊

[@claudiarepp4471]

Great reminders

[@chrisludwig3610]

Love your daughter's artwork.

[@thebusybees2006]

Your shirt is so cute! Thanks for the video!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you!!! Tj maxx!!

[@thebusybees2006]

@@FancyThatwithCandice yw

[@verlenelewis9866]

I might need it someday is what holds me up.

[@pamwood3956]

I think that's my problem too. I've gotten through most of my sentimental stuff. As I have no children, I passed the family stuff to my brother, my only sibling. As unfair as that sounds, when I'm gone, he will be the one that has to deal with it. I told him that whatever he wants to do with it is fine with me. The one thing I can't bring myself to do, is bury my pets ashes 😢 I know I don't want him to have to decide what to do with them. I have about 15 individual boxes or urns from my pets (and my mom's beloved pets) over the past 20 years. I will stay where I am forever so I want to make them a memorial here, I just can't decide where, how etc. It's killing me. I need to do it I just can't.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I love the 20/20 rule for this. If you can get it or ORDER it in 20 min or less for $20 or less, it goes. Also, if you can't remember the last time you used or OR you have something else that could work in it's place, it goes! Put an actual expiration date on the items (I use sticky notes) and the next time you pull it out, if the expiration date as passed and you still haven't used it, it goes!!! A few ideas...I hope that helps!

[@alejandrapoch9338]

Maybe you could find a beautiful spot in your garden where you love to sit and you burry all the ashes together and grow yours and your mother’s favorite plant/flowers. I would keep it simple and beautiful. But that’s just me

[@marywiggins7411]

​@pamwood3956 I would get bricks made with their name, and bury the ashes beneath the bricks in a little garden with a bench. That way you can visit them in the garden.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

@@alejandrapoch9338 lovely idea!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@klmjtr]

I feel like I can’t focus on my health and weight and life in general until I get my house in order first.

[@pamwood3956]

Yes! I feel like I can't focus on anything that needs focus because I look around at my house and it's always nagging at me.

[@brittanychaston1032]

This sounds weird but places that are high bother me the most. I have 2 kids under 4.5 (besides my 4 month old) that get into everything. We have to keep many things put up out of reach so anything high becomes a catch all. Definitely need to reduce the stuff

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Oh YES!!! Do what works for YOU!!! And I'm like you, the visible areas actually do bother me the most!! I was just able to make the most efficient and lasting progress when I worked backwards! Maybe box up the visible areas (for now) and ONLY pull out the stuff you need as you need it. At the end of a couple months, get rid of what you didn't use!

[@klmjtr]

I have no storage for things I use and also I have things that get used but very infrequently but I would like to keep.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Not having any storage space is VERY TOUGH!!! I would suggest elevating your beds and keeping storage under there!

[@janiceestes9518]

I decluttered my home. Attic and garage too. I have decided I am not going to buy any holiday decor this Christmas. It will just sit in the attic for 11 months.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Same here!!! I also bought nothing for Halloween! 👻

[@christinacline6069]

As a heavy Dana k White system user, you can feel the anti-systems in this video. Love your channel too.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Oh Dana is AMAZING!!! I read her books and I watch her regularly!

[@vazlet]

I love your top - it's so beautiful! Where did you get it please? -Lety from Chicago

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you!!! Tj maxx ❤️

[@raymondmonaghan4112]

Hi there sweetie pie hope you are well just take one day at time or one mess at time if I have time I try to clean or declutter every day love from Eugenie your friend xxx 💕🦋🤞🌞🍵

[@michellereader5456]

Agreed!!! It’s the sentimental….

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Oh yes so tough!! I’ll try and do another video soon about sentimental stuff!!!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

It makes sense to deal with the hidden stuff. I def think most times it’s Bcuz the hidden spaces are totally full so there are even more things Bcuz there’s no more room in the hidden spaces and simply having too much that won’t fit makes it have to lay around the house. Imo it’s simply Bcuz at that point it’s never easy to just put things away. So I would say yah. The boundary concept. It only gets to sit if it fits lol (cat lady rule #27 😅😅). There is a part of me that loves new “gadgets” but another part of me who doesn’t want to have to learn new “complicated” things. So there they sit in limbo land for awhile. I think my biggest hangup prob is potential future use. It’s prob the room I use for cleaning supplies, DIY stuff and storage that gives me the most trouble. (Similar to a garage space Bcuz I don’t have a garage). That’s where I throw anything new that is a big ⁉️ for me. And that’s prob the other struggle. The things I have to read instructions for or need handyman help with that I never get (such as the clearance bug zapper I never put up-but it will be useful later…or so I tell myself. Lol). I think part of that is my struggles with either asking for help or lack of confidence in learning the skills to do it myself. Maybe overestimating my bandwidth for some things. I don’t really struggle on a human level (just me) but I DO have to work to get things running efficiently Bcuz I have a number of cats. It’s like a farm in a way. Indoor food/water. Outdoor food/water. Raccoons. Messes. Places to lay and climb and play etc. Safety measures. Managing “spats” lol. Etc. So I think me crashing into minimalism was the best thing ever for me. Lol.

[@gurbeto5298]

I have stuff that I use and don't have space to put it in and I don't know what to do. So they are in boxes in another room. Any ideas?

[@debvoight1310]

Ask yourself how often you use the item, can you borrow it from someone else? I have lived in a small house all my adult life and I am just realizing this is my space and the only space I have for the things that serve me. I want it to be beautiful and clutter free. There is always hold ups for me in the just in case items in the first pass through the space the first time, but the second time I can let go of more Hope that helps some

[@gurbeto5298]

@@debvoight1310 thanks I will try to do that hopefully I can get rid of somethings

[@debvoight1310]

@@gurbeto5298 one day at a time :) Wish I started this process many years ago, glad I eventually realized that there is much more to life than shuffling stuff.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Try stackable storage. I like my items hidden and labeled, but acrylic drawers also work GREAT if you're more visual! Home Goods also sells little rolling cart storage racks that are INCREDIBLE for adding storage to any space in your home!!

[@Michelle-by9fp]

I have the hardest time getting rid of things that I know I can sell. Even if it’s not for very much (even under $10). Growing up I didn’t have everything I needed all the time so I know the value of having something and having paid for something. I feel guilty wasting money, but I also feel guilty wasting time trying to make back some of that money. Thankfully we are in a place where financially we don’t need the money. Any extra money helps, but we can easily cover our basic expenses. Please help! My garage is filled with “to sell” items. My husband is coming home from a deployment, and his regular job is very time demanding, so time is our most valuable asset. I need to figure this out!! Besides all the piles of stuff “to sell” which I often don’t sell, gives me very very high anxiety

[@karenmclean2375]

I would suggest picking a day or two to have a sale. Have a friend(s) help price everything. Be sure to include a half-price sale on the last day with 2-3 hours left. Arrange to have everything that doesn't sell donated when the sale is over. Advertise the sale. It may be tempting to look over what doesn't sell, but I would suggest trying to resist doing this. Good luck & enjoy having hubby home!!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

These are GREAT suggestions!

[@michellereader5456]

OR …. Donate to people you know!! & bless them OR drive it away & donate it away

[@KathyLange-p8t]

Similar problem but I have vintage or antique items. I live in a small town with few places to sell?????

[@Michelle-by9fp]

Also, every paper of my kids is sentimental to me! I literally have several huge bins of papers it’s very overwhelming. Also I keep all other kinds of papers “just in case it’s important”, idk why it is so hard to keep that mountain of papers manageable

[@emilychapman4122]

I have this same problem. All my kids school papers, artwork, awards, etc. All the billing statements, attorney paperwork, manuals, etc. It is so overwhelming and paralyzing to even think of trashing any of it. But I also feel overwhelmed with the multiple filing cabinets. Ugh... IDK where to begin.

[@catherinelain1370]

@@emilychapman4122I used to save every paycheck stub, every certificate, all my son’s artwork, special projects, cards, etc. I finally decided to get rid of it. I went through the pay stubs one last time. Mind you, I had them from age 16 (working summers) and I am now almost 71. I threw them away. Don’t miss them at all. My son is 47 and I asked him if he wanted all the papers, certificates and a big notebook with every card he was given from birth until age 8 that I made. He went through it all and said he did not want to keep it. I looked through it and then through all of it out. I don’t miss it at all. It was very freeing and I felt weight drop off my shoulders. But I understand you have to get to that place where you are ready to let it go. I thought about it and realized I never looked at any of it unless I needed to move it for some reason. Anyway, thought I would share my experience.

[@karenmclean2375]

I helped my aunt go through 30 years of paperwork. First, I explained that she only needed to keep 7 years of taxes. Then we went through bills & bank statements. I explained she could get copies of anything she might need from the company or online. We compromised with her keeping a years worth of statements--shredding the 1 year old bill when the new one came in. I then created files for house related things, original sales info etc & her husband's military stuff. I convinced her all of her manuels were available online. It was a big job & a lot of shredding. She is down to 2 file boxes.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Amazon sells these little school paper organizer books that are SO CUTE. I just discovered them myself, and I'll be sharing them soon. My parents kept A TON of my drawings and little craft projects from my childhood, and it was a lot to go through as an adult. I only ended up keeping a few. They have a small bin of keepsakes from each of their kids as well. Maybe take pictures of a lot of the projects and make a album and only save a handful of your favorite art projects? I really do hear you on this one, though. I CHERISH artwork and little school projects from my kids. I have a little bin of keepsakes myself!

[@marywiggins7411]

Our household is terribly cluttered with hobbies and future stuff, it's now beyond ridiculous. I think I have convinced the hubs to ditch some books, I am willing to weed out some of my hobbies, and start actually doing the ones I love to do (to keep my sanity) which is anything sewing related. The hubs and I are both ADD, so that exacerbates it.

[@yvonnelanese-coppola4999]

My kids things that I’ve kept for when I have grandkids. Well, they are in their 30’s and no grandkids 😢 Also, I’m an only child, my parents are divorced and I get everything. Memories are attached, hard to let go. My mom will tell me, this is from your Aunt in Germany or this is from your great grandmother, ugh 😩 I’m getting better, I downsize 10 years ago, I did purge quite a bit, but I still have way too much. Kid things that I think they want. I’m now taking pictures and asking do you want this, if they say no, I donate it.

[@annlavine3576]

I like hidden places and those that are seen. I do not have a place like that

[@sherryojeda9178]

My dining room table and the extra room that should be the office. The "office" is more like a storage room right now. And the cats litter boxes. 🤭😕

[@joannafoster3423]

My biggest hang up is my kids made it or gifted it to me, and most of them still live in the home, age 15-22.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

That sentimental stuff is so tough!!! I keep my favorites and photograph the rest!

[@alejandrapoch9338]

Yes, I do what Candice says and I take a picture of my child holding the craft/item❤

[@jessicanehrboss6725]

I have NO problem getting rid of things!! Lol

[@misbah3493]

First one😂

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thanks for being here!!!