Weekly Decluttering Question and Answer - 4.9.24

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02.43: Can we donate holiday and seasonal items any time of year, or is it better to wait and donate them close to the holiday season?
04.52: Do you have any organization tips for a group? I volunteer at a charity and we have a hard time keeping things organized. It has to be as easy to put back than it is to leave out, anything else?
09.07: What do you do if you have trouble organizing paperwork, clothes etc.
12.13: What is the course like? What does it cover?
13.21: When we talk about 5 minute pickups. How many of these per day are reasonable? I feel like I have to do at least one 5 minute pickup per hour to keep things manageable.
18.27: My brain says I need this. How do I let it go? It's access clutter.
23.50: How do you stop the incoming once you've decluttered and feel like you need to fill that space again. I feel like "oh, I decluttered now I can get more stuff"
28.14: Have you decluttered to only a few face cleaning products?
33.41: I want to help my mother in law who is somewhat of a hoarder. I want to gently and lovingly help her with her house.
36.05: I'm having a hard time decluttering more clothes from my closet. I know I haven't worn them, but, I keep thinking what if we start going back to meeting a lot of people again( before covid) then I would need them. Should I keep them or get rid of them?
38.06: How long is the take your house back course?
38.55: My household went from 2 to 6 over last summer. I still haven't gotten a rhythm and it's still overwhelming trying to get everyone on the same page. Hope you can give some guidance.
41.20: I moved to a new place after my parents died and then had a stroke and everything is everywhere and I have no help. How can I do this with mobility issues and depression and grief.
44.20: What do you say about tackling dirty jobs (like the dusty garage) but only having minutes at the time?
45.40: I'm working on a room I wish was waist deep, I'm focusing on trash and easy stuff, everything else I put into bags or boxes to go through later, is this correct or am I stuff shifting?
47.29: Any tips for managing grown children's things they want you to keep that are filling up storage spaces in a very small house?
49.43: 3yo and 4yo share room. They did great with trash/ easy stuff. We got to no room, which do you want to declutter? They wouldn't agree and anything that left one would have a meltdown. Any tips?
51.14: Will you do more of the decluttering deep dives? Also when will you be able to tell us more about your new book?
52.52: I got a new comforter and it's huge. I would have to get rid of all sheets and towels to make it fit where I'd look.
54.14: Four years ago we went from a 4bdr ranch with a 2 car garage to a 2bdr apartment with an attached one car garage. Is your course geared more towards a house or can it help me?
54.38: I already watched you, Cas and Dawn all the time, and I feel like I have some good momentum going on decluttering my house. Do you think it makes sense for me to still do Take Your House Back?
55.58: What would you recommend for someone who knows they will be moving in the next year but doesn't know if it is in 3 months or 12 months?

[@janethunt4037]

I've been listening to you and decluttering for 1 1/2 years. I STILL learn something helpful EVERY time I listen to one of your Q&A sessions. Thank you for making time to do these.

[@laurahazel6884]

I missed the "live" but this is for Scarlet and her cluttered charity shop. I also volunteer at a charity thrift and what works for us is colored dots (each month a different color) on all media (books, DVDs, puzzles, board games, etc.) and month dated stickers with individual pricing on everything else. We do a store-wide 1/2 price sale 4 times a year and then whatever didn't sell, a RUTHLESS purge. Having the stickers on items makes deciding what leaves our building super easy; you can tell at a glance what's been around way too long!!!

[@vyvyhexe]

This is brilliant, thank you so much!

[@grutarg2938]

Good idea - if it's not selling, it's not worth giving it space in your shop.

[@thatsfunny2051]

I'm not married yet and I don't have any children. I'm so grateful that I found you, Dawn, and Cas before I'm responsible for a whole household and little ones.

[@sarahk758]

Yesssss. You are blessed!! With my two year old I can implement Decluttering his toys and possessions myself, but my 6 year old, I have to do with him. He has a natural hoarder heart like I do, so it’s really really slow moving to get him to declutter 😅

[@batkins406]

For the urge to buy more in after decluttering -- beware the one-out-one-in trip up. Because something left doesn't mean it needs to be replaced if we're over our clutter threshold. To get under our clutter threshold we need to reduce inventory. AFTER we get UNDER our own clutter threshold, we can do a one-in-one-out habit. But it always starts with finding the right amount of inventory for our personal space and capacity to manage stuff.

[@cheerfulmouse]

Did 5 minutes on receipts in purse. Not done, but better!! Was tempted to pull more out, and was like NO! Just start here. Gonna take a break & do something else, keep chipping away at the overwhelm ❤

[@fionaschiffl8065]

I try to clean out the receipts and lists too. Always find more than I thought were in there especially when it comes to shopping lists.

[@cheerfulmouse]

@@fionaschiffl8065 I actually have been keeping up with them pretty well. I had done a few in the car last week. But issue was I had gas receipts that were done but needed to be in the house for next year's tax stuff. The stuff that wasn't done was other papers. I don't even know all of it yet 😬

[@fionaschiffl8065]

At the beginning of doing 5min pick up, sometimes I was too stressed so anytime I walked from one room to another I’d just take 5 items to where they belonged (even rubbish). Not 5 items from one room, it’s more a case of going from the bathroom to the laundry to the kitchen, etc. and picking up an item. Even if it only took 2mins, I knew it was better. Then next time I’d walk into a room I’d quickly check for another item and start again. I’d still try to do a 5min dedicated pickup if I had the strength and consider what I’d done so far as a random bonus. I still do this even though I’m feeling better.

[@MlSSadventure]

Sounds like a waitress mantra we had ‘ABC’ - always be carrying. Whether it was grabbing dirty dishes on the way to the kitchen, fresh ketchup bottles and napkins out of the supply closet or just one more pen in our aprons - ABC the whole shift. It helps a huge amount, a little bit at a time.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Grown kids’ stuff in a small house: I gave my kids 6 months to get their stuff out of the house after they moved out (getting a job and accommodation, not during college). They protested, moved a few times and 18 months later they still hadn’t done it. My nasty ex is a hoarder and told me off for telling the kids they can’t leave their stuff here especially since they didn’t declutter before moving. I packed up their stuff and sent it to them. They weren’t happy and said they didn’t have room for it. When I found out about the container concept I thought of my kids. The newly decluttered areas were immediately taken over by my ex. I felt so out of control but don’t regret what I did as I believe the stuff would still be here 14 yrs later.

[@tammypatterson7489]

Listening to Dana K White audiobooks from the library makes such a big difference for me. I accomplish more decluttering while listening. It helps me keep from getting discouraged so easily.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

If I have a dirty job to do and don’t want to do it all at once, I leave the cleaning items there so if I go to that room or the garage, I have everything there including a bin. Half the hassle is getting it ready to clean.

[@MinaGrowsUp]

I discovered your method when I was newly married. It was the only "organizing" method that worked for me. And now that I have a kid and need to manage this new home arrangement, I have peace of mind that having a functioning home is doable! Thank you 🙏❤️

[@rachelsmith6194]

Our garage is the space that is overwhelming having to get trash out, donations, declutter, and eventually organize. This weekend, while we were ready to get lawn work done, I spent a little bit of time just looking around and doing what I could in that time. It was such a great feeling knowing that I've taken care of a few things. And I have a suggestion for decluttering with a mindset of moving at some point. We are a United Methodist pastor family. We know at some point, we will move. When I'm deciding keep or not keep, I ask myself is this move worthy. Is this worth to pack, move, unpack? If not, don't keep it!

[@mariahwilson6505]

Re:Take Your House Back course - I was able to make most of my mindset shifts with all the content these ladies have made available for free - but I wanted to give them some support and show my gratitude by buying this course. It is packed with great content, the renewal is nominal and you feel a sense community by being part of it.

[@lynnhendley8910]

My adult daughter is a horder . Everything she has she says it's hard to let go. She is our caregiver and lives with us . My husband and I are disabled Seniors in our 70's.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Sending you a hug. I lived with a hoarder for 30+yrs and he never changed. I hope your areas of the house are safe for you both. ❤

[@BPK4699]

Interesting.

[@susanmunoz7688]

You are such a blessing to so many of us, thank you ❤️

[@boasjanet7265]

Take Your House Back is SO worth it! It may sound like a lot, but I have seen a few other programs substantially more expensive. Just try it out for yourself!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

My motivation for decluttering is to trust the process and know that there’s days or minutes of major progress and times of what feels like little progress but know that probably tomorrow the work that I did today makes a huge difference for that next session. Hang in there even if you feel like little progress has been made. It’s a process. 😊

[@joyceanderson7506]

Your course saved my home! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@119_37]

About the problem of storing a comforter- try storing it flat between your mattresses.

[@beverlymccracken4953]

I've used the container concept many times. Also, take it there now! Thank you.

[@charlottewilson4680]

I have been a member for two years. These three ladies are amazing. I have my clothes to down to the 33 items per season, my house is under control. I am now working on photos and memory items.

[@saraseay]

Awkward pauses! Yes! My husband doesn’t know how to use the 8 minutes it takes to boil pasta, but I have three things he to choose from every time! ❤

[@Bestamourof8]

Thank you for sharing your information with us. And encouraging me to keep trying to get it done.

[@beverlymccracken4953]

I'm so thankful for our church garage sale in May! I've been boxing items up . I've also been thinking about what I want to donate. I'm actually pleased and surprised with what I'm coming up with. So much stuff! I thank you for YOU!

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Your concept of “best” has helped me so much to get things out. Now is better than best because requiring ourselves to find the best way to move things on, causes us to hold onto things.

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Take back your house was one of the best things I’ve done. Helped me peel back more layers of the onion and reset my clutter tolerance so I’m having a much easier time keeping clutter free.

[@JaneH3675]

I like the awkward pauses; then I can sit and put my feet up and listen to one of these videos. 😁

[@BPK4699]

Great! 😊

[@user-my5yt3je9b]

I was on my journey and then my house flooded. Now I fill overwhelmed!!!

[@MlSSadventure]

Gosh! That’s terrible. How are you able to deal with that?

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Im sorry that happened- hang in there.

[@susanprice3377]

Dana, you are on target with the group organizing issue being decluttering. At our church, we have been going thru closets, storage spaces, and shelving, and ruthlessly getting rid of things that haven't been used in years

[@susanprice3377]

Because someone needs to take responsibility for discarding these things, or finding a better home for them

[@pam81161]

I have developed a good habit of spotting things that are out of place as I walk through my apartment. It could be throwing away pieces of trash or moving an item to its designated spot.

[@pixiedoodledust]

I love TYHB!

[@debbiev.1311]

Grateful for the replay!! ❤🙏🏼

[@cynthiazumbrunn8700]

For some reason I can't even explain I had every tax return since 1980! Finally shredding to the recommended last seven years. Even though going through them was sentimental watching life changes and I was tempted to keep some just to show my kids but then I'd have to figure out where those go so I'm forging ahead . Bonus the grandkids love to help shred lol

[@sheilawurtsbaugh4881]

I spent 2 weeks sorting taxes. Those work books had social security numbers written in on forms! Well worth it.

[@trumax33]

I don't feel quite so bad now....I had receipts from my vet's office for meds & food for a dog that's been gone for over 13 years! What WAS I thinking?! 😂

[@lucindawilson5510]

thank you a trillion times your method works ..haha only i do need to listen to you cause i forget and need reminding

[@SarahAnew]

No, she’s right, Dana. Third party streaming is soon being taken away by Facebook. I’m not sure if there is a workaround. There almost always is.

[@juliehowman3912]

The course is amazing

[@twigglybun4802]

I just listened to your podcast for the first time. thanks for you help 《3

[@lynnpoag8173]

If I miss the all day declutter, will I be able to watch on another day? How long is this course available if I join, but can’t participate everyday along with all you ladies? I have all your books and reading them is like candy. 🍬

[@DanaKWhite]

You can watch the recordings whenever you want! They’ll live within the course. You have access to the course for a year and then can renew for another year for $10

[@lynnpoag8173]

@@DanaKWhite That’s awesome! Thank you! Taking my house back this summer is my goal!!

[@llllllllllilillii]

Not gonna lie, every time you say now I have to say it in your texas accent naaaaaoooooow hahahahaha

[@juliehowman3912]

I’m one and a half years in but really struggling

[@michelesusanne1]

What specifically? Maybe other viewers can give you some ideas to help. When I struggle, I go back to basics, make your bed, keep up with dishes & laundry, clear off flat surfaces, go around a room and take things out, that don't belong in that room. I also walk in the front door or the door you used the most and tackle the first area of clutter you see. Keep working at it, it's progress over perfection 😊

[@juliehowman3912]

@@michelesusanne1 my home has improved. when I started, I literally had just a goat trail through the house. Now I have clear patches on the floor, and clear passage through, which is indicative of progress. I do take pictures before and after and try to do “10 minute tidying” as often as I can but my mobility is limited, I don’t drive and if it doesn’t leave then it gets reabsorbed. Discovering I’m a butterfly has made a huge difference but my son and his wife came in and just went hell for leather in one are and I have no idea what they threw away. That has set me back hugely. My son says I’m just stuff shuffling and whilst it may look that way, I’m sorting through huge hoards of arts and crafts supplies, which I’m trying to apply the container concept but it goes like this… Ooh I will put all the punches in this tote, oh they don’t all fit but they are not all equal so then I put like with like, bag them in silicone bags which is fine but takes up even more room, so I decided to put my edging punches in a different tote, and the punch anywhere stamps in their own tote, the punch systems in their own tote and the sets of punches in their own tote. And just like that, I now have 5 totes and they don’t fit where I want them to be kept. The same with scissors. My son says to just keep one pair of each size, or pattern in one central place which does not work for me. I need scissors wherever I may need them. I have 3 in the kitchen, I for cardboard, one for meat and one for veg. I have one in my embroidery, another in my cord making, then card making has a set of fancy edging scissors, my 3 pairs of different size friskars scissors, my fussy cutting scissors - scrapbooking has the same. So as you can see, a year and a half in and I still have more stuff than house. Currently I’m looking at every craft individually to see which ones I can let go, as my dexterity is waning some, and my eyesight is not what it used to be. My son’s point is very valid it has been a couple of years since I’ve actually crafted because even now, I have no space to craft. I will keep at it but I’m struggling with motivation and letting go of things. I also struggle with dishes math but am on top of my laundry at present.

[@GreenWhitePurple]

It sounds like your son has a big heart and wants to help, but doesn’t understand. Do you think he’d be willing to watch some of Dana’s videos where she talks about how to help someone else declutter? And talks about her method. I have an issue with craft supplies. Something which really encouraged me was reading a comment on one of Dana’s videos where the person said that reducing their craft supplies enabled them to actually do their crafts. Even though they have fewer items, they’re doing more and really enjoying what they have. Also, Dana’s words that you can keep anything, you just can’t keep everything. Maybe you prioritise the scissors and keep them, but let go of a lot of decor to make room. Or clothes, cleaning supplies, useful tins and jars and boxes… whatever is less important to you.

[@juliehowman3912]

@@GreenWhitePurple I like the idea of getting rid of other things. I’ve actually printed the checklist for the bedroom, the room I’m working on, and the daily checklist which are laminated so I can tick them off. I also gave my son the book to read, regarding clutter styles so he can learn that I’m a butterfly, and hopefully find a little more patience with me. I made him wast the questions and answers with me on Friday, as I had missed them on Tuesday but he just checked out. He’s a cricket by nature, minimalist with fancy systems and nothing extra. He buys a shirt - he gets rid of one. He is a chef yet his kitchen is so minimalist that I often wonder whether he even uses it. I know he does but no, he has no problem with hoarding. My sister also came up as a butterfly but her husband keeps her on track as he cannot tolerate mess. He’s not as bad as Karl, but he also likes everything in its place. I’ve asked them to keep on at me about 10 mins tidy, and the daily chores. But this was only discussed on Friday. I have a plan, I will work towards improving my bedroom, whilst maintaining my bathroom and improving my kitchen as I work my way through maintaining that. Then all that is left is the lounge. So although I’m struggling I have a plan and I’m using the resources on the course including watching Dana and Cas on their KZbin and podcast, but at this point Dawn triggers my anxiety, I think because she is such a minimalist whilst I appear to be a maximalist. I have removed 6 cubic meters of stuff over and beyond my weekly rubbish bins. That does not include all the stuff that went on free cycle so I am making progress, but it’s really slow, and when my son “helps” it sets me back

[@KlingonPrincess]

It's taken me three years of SERIOUS decluttering to get my house feeling functional, cute, and easy to maintain. Keep on going! Bit by bit you will get it. Along the way, it starts feeling better and better. Hugs

[@NicolaLouise]

Are you still doing all day declutters in the course or adding any new content?

[@rcg7446]

Although getting things out of your house is important, give some consideration to your donation place. They may not have a place to store your Christmas decor during the summer, and they're not going to be able to sell it until November. I think it's stuff shifting. You're just increasing time-bound clutter for them.

[@cvgsunset5844]

This is a good point, *AND* it’s also up to the donation place to let people know if they’re not accepting certain types of items during certain times of the year. My local places have notices up frequently about what they are/aren’t accepting. If someone isn’t sure, they can always ask before donating, but I wouldn’t encourage people to assume a donation place won’t take it. For some people, that’s enough of an excuse to let stuff sit in their house much longer than it needs to, or to just put off dealing with holiday stuff altogether because it’s “not the right time of year”. Like I said, this is a valid point, and I would encourage people to ask instead of assuming they can’t or “shouldn’t” donate holiday things during certain times of year.

[@lynnpoag8173]

@@cvgsunset5844I make a point to donate our excess Christmas decor as we’re bringing it out for the holiday season.

[@rochellena4082]

❤❤❤❤

[@sosummerset]

Thanks for your Q & A Session, Dana. Too annoying the high cadence of advertisments every few minutes. These are cluttering your valuable session.

[@sjphoto9167]

When you said Siri I'm not talking to you my phone said uh huh 🙄

[@pixiedoodledust]

??? Advice on getting unstuck,?

[@michelesusanne1]

Go back to basics, keep up with dishes, laundry, clear off flat surfaces, pick up trash, take out trash, pick one room and take things where they belong, declutter just that room. Sometimes, just keeping up with basic tasks gives us the motivation and muscle to tackle more. You can do it🎉

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Take out the trash, boxes, bags, newspapers. Make the bed. Do a small load of laundry and put it away. Wash the dishes, dry, and put away. Just keep going, and you’ll want to do more.

[@robertakeogh8650]

???How Much Is the sale price for the TYHB course?❤

[@DanaKWhite]

$94

[@doubleleterlady]

It’s usually $98 on sale