THROWING EVERYTHING OUT IN 2024 / Decluttering, Organizing, & Cleaning! Whole House Declutter

Try Rocket Money for free: RocketMoney.com/catherineelaine #rocketmoney #personalfinance
In today’s video we are cleaning decluttering & organizing my basement of my small home. Lets go from messy to minimal together! I'm sharing tips & ideas to organize your small home more efficiently and talking about best practices for decluttering. I am always cleaning, organizing, and decluttering over here on my channel so be sure to subscribe for more!
-------------------
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: CATHERINEELAINE_
-------------------
COPPA: This video is not made for kids.
Music courtesy of: www.epidemicsound.com
for business inquiries only: [e-mail]
FTC: This video is sponsored by Rocket Money. Some links may be referral links.
#declutterwithme #organizewithme #catherineelaine #declutterandorganize

[@CatherineElaine]

Try Rocket Money for free: RocketMoney.com/catherineelaine #rocketmoney #personalfinance

[@poodlegirl55]

We retired to a smaller home that had no basement. The garage is not big so I left that for my husbands tools and decided that I would not store anything and gave away all my storage bins and totes. Everything I own is neatly in my house. I bought enough clear plastic sweater boxes to fit on my guest room closet shelf and filled them with my holiday decor. I started with my favorites and when they were full I donated everything else. I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels to know I never have to clean out a shed, garage, basement or attic again the rest of my life. It was my retirement gift to myself.

[@Joce123]

Inspiring! As my budget has gotten better through extreme frugal living I look at an extra item and decide if I could afford to replace it if I absolutely need it...then I discard/donate it. Also..no one wants my stuff!! ( like adult children)

[@21cormorants]

That concept of curating the favourite pieces, and letting the size of the containers/space dictate the amount you can keep has been such a game changer for me too! I’m struggling not to let things creep bigger, but it’s a learning curve! Knowing you have a place for everything you own, and knowing it’s all where it ought to be, though…? You’re right; it IS such a gift! Thanks for sharing your experience! (And I’m sure your husband loves and appreciates having such a dedicated space for his tools and to use them!)

[@poodlegirl55]

@@21cormorants And he downsized/decluttered his tools too and doesn't mind a smaller space. It was a relief to him too. More room for fishing poles.

[@Joce123]

​@@poodlegirl55Funny story My son owns a condominium that has dropped ceilings. He often goes fishing in the area.. One time when they were using the condo for themselves he hid the fishing poles up underneath the drop ceiling tiles. Months later when he went back to use the condo for himself his hidden fishing poles were there to use.😊

[@Courtney6]

Instead of shredding I plug my kitchen sink and fill it with hot water and put all of my papers in it and swish it around until the ink basically washes off the papers and then I squeeze out the paper (usually into a big ball.. so fun lol) and put it in the trash/recycle. It’s so much easier and faster than shredding.

[@KateC51]

Genius idea! Thank you 😊

[@21cormorants]

This will sound so silly, but I think I watched about forty seconds of your video before I took off and FINALLY got through a room I’ve been struggling with for a YEAR! 😂 I don’t know what it is, how you did it, but thank you!!! I think it was a combination of seeing your basement - so much like what mine was when we moved a year ago, but now it’s “off-limits” so I’ve had all my junk in this problem room! And then you said something like “you won’t BELIEVE how it turned out!” And I could just picture my ideal room when you said it, and I finally got right to work!! I’m watching the rest of your video now, and I’m so excited to see how your basement goes! (You did amazing! The “yard sale” was such a wonderful idea!! What a great way to rehome your belongings!! Inspired!)

[@CatherineElaine]

I am so happy I could help!! 🥹 this is why I do what I do! Thank you so much for watching and joining in on the decluttering journey!

[@monac9459]

Just a helpful tip to others who have a hard time letting go of emotional objects...take a picture of it. My mom passed away in 2017. We did declutter shortly afterwards but I still had one bedroom full to the ceiling that i had a hard time with. This week I have given away 4 big uhaul boxes full of stuff. Sent it to goodwill. I divided stuff up and am sending some to sisters. Its so mind relieving to do this. Its just stuff.

[@lauriepowell3959]

Dear Catherine Elaine I enjoyed this video while I was cooking and planning to declutter yet another section of my garage. I retired from teaching and have no idea why I kept boxes and boxes of self generated lesson plans. If I had good sense, I would have just tossed them in the school dumpster as I broke down my classroom! I am now 70 and it really does take me longer to complete these purges because I both move more slowly and got caught up in looking at everything. My garage became so packed (former art and reading teacher) that at first I couldn’t even get to the middle of garage to replace burnt out light bulb! Thanks again for the inspiration. 👍❤️

[@Joce123]

It is so encouraging to see that other people have the scene challenges with clutter that I have had.

[@lindadidomizio5025]

What a great idea to have a free yard sale...all of those organizing containers look brand new! It is nice knowing that someone else can use them.

[@CatherineElaine]

I love that someone else gets to use them!

[@21cormorants]

It’s such a great idea! I keep thinking I’d like to sell some stuff so it goes to a home I know will use/enjoy it, although I wouldn’t mind donating… but last time I donated, I went to the shop two days later and saw the brand-new items I’d donated had been through the ringer just getting from the donation station to the shop floor! A free yard sale sounds like a great in-between!

[@NoelleAm]

Incredible how much you accomplished in a day! Serious stamina. Very motivating, thank you!

[@CatherineElaine]

I couldn’t believe I did it all either! Thank you for watching!

[@sara.nicosia]

I gave my vhs to a shop and they digitalize it for me and now i can watch it in my laptop etc. ☺️

[@thedupontnest]

My grandparents and parents have had this done successfully as well!

[@maddielc204]

My Opa did this and after he recently passed my family could not be more thankful that he did. We have all the memories and it's all digital!

[@patriciavaris7280]

I'm from a different country but have also utilised digitalizing here on old c-cassets and so on and succesfully saved those old memories 😊 you should definitelly google possibilities near you

[@red881109]

Can I ask how much it cost? I have so many on VHS and others to digitize

[@thedupontnest]

@@red881109 where it wasn’t me personally, I really have no idea. Probably varies by location and whoever the person is doing it!

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

I found that when I have shelving in the garage or basement, I have "given myself permission" to hold onto things that we really don't need to be holding onto. So we got rid of the shelving unit in the basement and have a stack of up to four bins and four bins only - which hold offseason items, with one bin for winter coats/boots and two bins full of Christmas decor. This has kept everyone honest about what needs to be saved and what does not need to take up space in our home. I'm trying to follow the advice of so many decluttering / minimalist experts out there who say that if you are keeping something in a box, bin, or in the back of a closet or in the garage or basement (and not using it at least monthly), then it is EXCESS aka CLUTTER and we need to set it free. "You're not going to use something more often when it's been packed away." #truthbomb

[@CatherineElaine]

That’s such a great rule of thumb to follow! I think once we’ve weeded out anything unnecessary we will definitely get rid of any excess shelving

[@Joce123]

We even gave away all of our dressers!!. Each of us and there are 2 of us ..each have a coat tree and a small tote for socks and such.

[@maddielc204]

I try to post everything I declutter to my local "Buy nothing" facebook page. It's good to know that it's actually going to people that need it instead of going to a thrift store that might throw it out if it doesn't sell. I've also been going to clothes swaps, you get free clothes and it refreshes your wardrobe while also cleaning our your own.

[@Clevast]

It's amazing how liberating it feels to let go of excess stuff. 😍

[@CatherineElaine]

It really is!

[@DuckieM]

I love this video. It's so satisfying to watch. Just a couple of tips, 1. (tip from another youtuber) if you need to use storage bins, buy clear ones so you can see what's in them without needing to open and look to see what's in it; and 2. scan all important documents and save them onto your computer so you dont need to keep physical copies and can print them whenever you need a physical copy.

[@pamhuckle3029]

And make sure you back them up!! A friend's computer got a virus and it deleted a lot of her important records.

[@PatriciaCarrier]

Awesome work! I really like that you gave your stuff away instead of selling it.

[@AleahMartins]

Here for allllll the decluttering motivation! 😍 You already know my basement is a WRECK, so this is much needed!

[@rali6511]

It's amazing that you're here for motivation having in mind that I watch your channel for motivation also. But for more than six months watching you and some more youtubers became part of my family❤

[@chillibird2511]

You've done such a great job- love the process you did for giving things away and getting rid of the trash. The plan you have sounds a perfect way to get the area how you want it. Really enjoyed watching ❤

[@nadinewilliamson1037]

Omg. How motivating. I've been waiting for this video. Great work. Tax documents 7 years. I bring my stuff monthly to staples to shredder. Very cheap

[@michigangrandma3452]

Thank you for the tip on Staples... I will definitely go there.

[@rosecorbin2917]

Are you able to stand there and watch them shred it? I wouldn't just want to drop it off considering it is private information.

[@nadinewilliamson1037]

@@rosecorbin2917 you are.

[@Bethany900]

I used to have a shredder, but it died. So, instead of buying a new one, I take anything that needs to be shredded to Staples. It's a little over a $1 per pound for stuff that needs to be shredded. Totally worth it to me.

[@kerri7749]

Hi do they shred it in front of you? #trustissues 😂

[@Bethany900]

@kerri7749 I totally get that! They don't shred it in front of you. There are bins that are locked that you put everything in that you want shredded. As far as I know, none of the staples employees has access to unlock the bins, only the company, Iron Mountain does. They come pick up the bins to be shredded. I also looked on staples, and apparently, there is an option to rent a bin directly from Iron Mountain. They deliver the bin to your house and come pick it up.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

No staples etc near me so I soak the paperwork in a sink pull apart,then mix with household rubbish

[@Joce123]

​@@hazelmeldrum5860We took a Weber barbecue grill lining it with aluminum foil. And then burn the papers carefully..water near..

[@allisongodfrey8104]

I'm so excited that this popped up on me feed .You did a great job. Thanks for the motivation!

[@cherilynclements3188]

Catherine, You are pretty amazing! I still am flabbergasted at the extent of your growth since you started your channel! Take care...Cher

[@karlaziler3949]

Catherine, WOW!! You were ruthless! What an inspiration!

[@rosecorbin2917]

I think it's nice to have a personal shredder. That way you can easily shred something as the need arises. You can always take large amounts somewhere else.

[@barbarapratt5682]

Yay! I know this has been on your mind and to do list for so long! I’m happy you are finally tackling it. Even though we can’t see our basements every day, knowing they are clutter free, clean and organized is a great feeling! Great job…looking forward to the next one 😊

[@shortypShortyp]

Hi Catherine! You did an amazing job decluttering! So proud of you! You really have come such a long way with how you declutter! Can’t wait for the next video!

[@d.k.s.4057]

Wonderful video! Appreciate your commentary as you went along about what you were doing and how you decided what to keep and what to give away. Very generous of you to share with so many the "bounty" from your basement! I also find that when I am in the mood to sort and make decisions, being ruthless with my discernment makes the chore go faster and easier. And I feel like a burden is lifted from my shoulders! The best thing afterwards was my husband's big smile and the ease with which I could find things and clean/maintain. Thanks you for sharing! new subscriber today- this is so worth my time!

[@maureenfrancis6288]

Wow! This was such a satisfying video to watch! I loved you putting things out for free and have them taken quickly. I have watched your channel for a couple of years and enjoy seeing you minimize your space! I have been a minimalist since before there was a word for it and help others declutter their spaces. Very few people are able to quickly get rid of things in their basements as you did!🙂

[@annettelangille5222]

You did an amazing job! Thank you for the motivation to get things done today!

[@cinchloe1117]

Great job decluttering your basement. I know it's gonna look amazing when you're done with everything. You always organize very beautifully. ❤❤❤

[@desertsky505]

I never shred tax documents or major documents like mortgages and titles and things like that. While most people think this IRS can only go back 7 years, I attended a training as a business professional. The IRS can go way way way way way back if they think you've committed fraud. So keeping those records is really important I keep the last 5 years of tax documents in paper period the rest are scanned into hard drives. I hope this is helpful

[@louisedillon6797]

Our county dump has a shredding event 3 times a year. We drop off those papers and they shred them. I had a shredder at one time, but it couldn’t handle the shredding and broke.

[@pikaxmochi]

You did an amazing job! Can’t wait for the next part.

[@zinebmahjoubi1992]

I just love your decluttering videos 🥰

[@Savedbygrace412]

Hello! Totally enjoyed this video and looking forward to seeing more basement declutter!! Have a wonderful day!🥰

[@susannekoster511]

You did so great! I was so happy to see this video today. I started my basement yesterday. What an exhausting job it is.

[@misaki7325]

Omg this was so satisfying and I’m glad the stuff went to good homes

[@edvandervelden4603]

Great job, thanks for the motivation

[@jessicaroessel8303]

That was a great video. I especially like when you discuss what is in each box and your thought process for how you are handling the items.

[@CatherineElaine]

I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!

[@Joce123]

Your family is lucky for all of your efforts

[@bethbranson9050]

KUDOS and a big WOW for your Part 1 decluttering transformation! It did not disappoint! Cannot wait for Part 2!! YES YOU CAN do anything you put your mind to!❤

[@CatherineElaine]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Justme_elizabeth]

Amazing !! Well done x

[@bethhusted1111]

Great job! You inspire me to get me working on my basement too.

[@lindagray8920]

WOW! You did some work! I can’t wait to see the next video.

[@tamarabooth5534]

Now THAT was a great transformation! Great job! You def should be happy and feel good!! Such a great start!!!!!!! You got this!!

[@CatherineElaine]

Ahh thank you!!

[@anniq2678]

You did such a great job!

[@rmf4]

I love basement declutter videos! Great effort.❤

[@CatherineElaine]

Im so glad you enjoyed!

[@dreamer6943]

I love all your decluttering and cleaning videos. It's inspiring me to have a clear out.

[@CatherineElaine]

That makes me so happy to hear!

[@katalintoth4580]

It was really motivating, thank you!!😊

[@myrnachenault8248]

Wow great job! I know the feeling of just wanting to get rid of things no matter how much I spent or might use it later. As Dawn The Minimal Mom says “your mental health/peace/calm is SO much more important”. I am also glad you’re on the decluttering kick now because I love watching decluttering videos 😂.

[@dorisfish8471]

Thanks for all the decluttering motivation ❤

[@CatherineElaine]

You are so welcome!

[@ivcin]

The best video!!!!! Can’t wait for the next one! Excellent job❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CatherineElaine]

Ahhh thank you!

[@nervodyne]

Love these videos, and you've quickly become one of my favorite content creators when it comes to decluttering and cleaning - I'm going back and watching videos from last year now! We do donations to a woman's shelter here, with our things. It's a secret home for women in unsafe circumstances, and we meet up and destash because they need everything to start over. I've gotten rid of a lot of storage that doesn't work for us anymore this way. Not sure if you have anything similar where you are, but it's a suggestion.

[@MomCat03]

God is good! I have a four bedroom home FILLED with stuff, nice stuff, new stuff, because my now ex after 22 years wouldn’t get rid of anything and I’m drowning in it everyday. My ADHD makes it hard to focus so I don’t know where to start. Your video DID inspire me, & I hope to build momentum. Thx so much for sharing and reminding everyone it’s space we need, not stuff!💕🙏

[@nellya.9920]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear that. We can all use motivation and tips that works individually. Which lead me to comment to you about a KZbin channel I’m subscribe to that will help you. Midwest magic cleaning. Go check it out. He has ADHD. He can help a lot.

[@CatherineElaine]

I’m so so happy that you found this helpful and motivating 🫶🏻

[@MomCat03]

@@CatherineElaine ❤️

[@MomCat03]

@@nellya.9920 thx so much...grateful!💕🙏

[@nellya.9920]

@@MomCat03 your so welcome. We got this. Little by little. It can be done, and get our space back. 😊

[@melissapickinpaugh4389]

I absolutely love this video! Can't wait for future ones. It was so motivating!

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you so much!!

[@debralawler-nt9si]

Good job can't wait fir the next episode makes me want to go thru everything in.y basement

[@Carolannjuliaa]

i am loving the basement clean out! so inspirational!!

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you!!!

[@jowhite1860]

Catherine, that was such a motivating video! Great job!! Our local UPS store has a shredder where you can take your paperwork to. I am feeling very motivated to start our garage clean out before it gets too hot. Thank you

[@sharamckinney575]

Very inspiring video! In regards to keeping paperwork, I’ve been told to hang onto anything financial and government related for 7 years then it’s safe to shred after that.

[@gracerodriguez6869]

Great job, I know it is alot of work but so worth it

[@uzmajoseph7541]

Awesome awesome work done. I like how you are thinking about others and helping others by sharing what you have in excess. God bless you all. Lots of blessings and prayers for you all.

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you!! 🙏🏻

[@countrycleo5268]

Great job! Feels so good to declutter so much, right?! I laughed when you were going through the instruction manuals. My daughter told us we didn't need any either. I still kept some. I right the purchase date, model number, serial number, etc on them.

[@margaritamartinez6413]

Categorize, organization Yeah!!

[@jessicaperlove4715]

Nice work! And good music choice!

[@jeannethbayle2716]

Satisfying to watch and motivating. Thank you for sharing.

[@CatherineElaine]

You are so welcome!

[@emilasmith4279]

Amazing! You were like a whirlwind getting rid of stuff! ❤

[@CatherineElaine]

It was such a productive day 💪🏻

[@ruthprovost1781]

Good video very helpful, thank you Catherine

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Amazing! You got so much done in one day. 😊 This was so motivating for me! 💜

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you for watching!!

[@sherriegilbert4761]

Awesome job. That is a big task

[@michigangrandma3452]

You must keep important papers for 7 years according to my tax accountant. Also, you can take your papers to be shredded at some local UPS mailing centers. They charge by the pound. Trust me, it is worth every penny they charge. I wore out my paper shredder and it took hours and I think I got carpel tunnel doing it. At least it felt like it......just some thoughts., Great video of letting go... Awesome that you shared those items and blessed others.

[@mel0815]

I did this in my garage recently. I still kept some organizers and such for use in the future, but I let go of a lot! Always a good feeling! Omg glad I am not the only one terrified of the instant pot lol!!

[@rotemafriat3689]

Yay I waited for it!

[@lfuentes4098]

Amazing job!

[@katiepunter6981]

You go girl!

[@vickieschlender2215]

You go girl!!! 🎉

[@audreyplace3742]

I can relate to feeling like the basement is a dungeon.. lol . My house was built in 74 and back then the laundry is in the basement. I wish I had a beautiful laundry area but at present it’s not . I’ve been looking on KZbin and Pinterest on ideas for basement laundry redo’s to get ideas. That will be done in the future. Right now we refreshed our bedroom and bathroom.. plus refreshing our 2 tier back deck. We hope to refresh the other 2 bedrooms next year , then tackle the basement the following year. It all takes time and money . Thank you for the tips on the free ‘yard sale’ .. that is a great idea. Kudos to you for getting it done . It is a lot of work but do freeing as you said . I too just went through our file system in our basement and office upstairs and we got rid if 3 bags worth of very old ‘data’ . Thank you for the inspiration!

[@jkp62]

My parents had the laundry in the basement and mom got tired of cement walls and floors. Dad didn’t want to do a thing to it and Mom said he can do laundry in a dungeon. Mom got a few quotes and had 2 guys come and paint the walls and pipes and ceiling white and another guy came and poured an epoxy floor with grit in brown (she said it was better than grey cement), she then brought an old pine dining table down to the basement and 2 chairs, bought some pine shelving units for laundry supplies, put a transistor radio on the window sill (did I mention this was about 1976?) and a braided rug under the table which she used as a folding station. Mom jammed out to Elvis, Frank Sinatra, some rock and roll and country back then, she made due bit made it what she could in an unfinished basement.

[@audreyplace3742]

@@jkp62 That is such an idea .. our basement is section sort of into 4 sections with the laundry area one of them . The pastt owners had put up light colored hardwood or so thing similar to ship lap but very rough . I have a vision of putting unfinished cabinets and staining ourselves .. and a counter to go on to the top .. but that has to wait . We got the house in 84.. then our family began and life was moving fast.. now my family is green and has their own family , my husband & I are retired and trying to refresh our home . Thank God it is a small home.. no need to downsize. lol. I’ve like 50’s, 60’, and county music as well. Enjoy your day . Thank you for sharing

[@leezasims9959]

What an inspiration!!!!!!!Wow you were really ready to let go ive never seen anyone do this much in one day on their own and video, and set up to actually get people to come and take what they wanted on the same day. Great job. You made so many decisions. Im sure you slept well that night and maybe for a few nights x congratulations on your efforts. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you so much!! It was such a great productive day and I felt great with the progress 💪🏻👏🏻

[@dianneperry2903]

1st time watching your channel. Great job!

[@deborahglaves7434]

I've been looking forward to this video.

[@nazishatif976]

Good job. Really amazing

[@janirav3454]

thank you, so motivating!

[@audreyplace3742]

This is a great video.. I can relate , we have a storage area in our basement and my goal is to declutter that and to just keep and organize those things we do use . And also organize the basement.. it is semi organized but needs improvement.

[@jen8491]

Wow! You made a huge dent in the basement. Great job. I can't wait for the next one. Have a great day ❤

[@lorikorstanje2964]

Way to go fantastic! I bought long led lights for my basement for a hundred dollars it is a major difference you will love it

[@maryv4612]

Loved this video

[@doriscassan6996]

Good job Catherine! I was going to add that big labels help too, but it sounds like that will happen later in the process of organizing. For some bins, I put separate labels for each thing that is in the bin, so that if I declutter something out of the bin, I just remove that particular label. And it reminds you of what things are in that bin. Also I find that sheer or clear bins help too, as it reminds you of what is in there and how much. I am looking forward to Part 2!

[@CatherineElaine]

I will for sure be doing labels and cohesive bins 👏🏻 I can’t wait!

[@skyeangel61]

Wow just wow! I don’t have a basement but I do need to go through my cabinets. Thanks for the inspiration you did an amazing job! Love ya

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you so much!!

[@sarahrking]

Enjoying your videos while I’m on the couch recovery from emergency gallbladder surgery 2 days ago!!! No fun, but at least I have you to keep me company 😂❤ Awesome basement transformation

[@kaydublin5164]

Been waiting for these videos.😊

[@CatherineElaine]

Yay! I hope you liked it!

[@rhondageorge3159]

You did amazing job and it's such a big job!!

[@CatherineElaine]

A huge job but feels SO good to finally work on it!

[@Ann-vr1qr]

What a huge amount accomplished in just one day!! 💖🎉🎉

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you so much!!

[@jacquiebeattie649]

Lord what a transformation Catherine!!! What a great idea, putting stuff outside for free. You have to be exhausted!!!!! Great video!!!!!

[@CatherineElaine]

I was exhausted but felt so good!!!

[@vickig4289]

Great job CE 😃

[@dawndooley152]

You did great!!

[@katevaliente7130]

I’ve seriously been waiting to see your basement since January.

[@Joce123]

I love your ideas and those of other commenters

[@valerie718]

You are doing great!

[@roses609]

Great motivation

[@MomCat03]

Wanted to add how much I miss having a basement. We live in the desert where homes don’t have basements, so storage facilities are what everyone uses, and it’s costly. You would think when it’s 118 during summer, builders would make basements a standard feature as it is a way to keep a huge piece of your home cool!🤷🏼‍♀

[@CatherineElaine]

Yes sometimes when I think about moving out of New England I think about how I couldn’t live without a basement and it’s definitely not the norm in other parts of the country!

[@user-vr9nt9kq6t]

Keep warranty info on appliances, you may find it in the user manuals. but otherwise that stuff can go. I keep quick start guides so I have something to refer to if I can't remember the error codes or functions I don't use often. Tax stuff is 7 yrs for personal and 10 yrs for business.

[@danabrown2391]

Wow, you did fantastic!

[@CatherineElaine]

Thank you so much!