When I first came across Dana's system I started quietly doing the dishes daily, keeping up with the laundry and decluttering my belongings. I was amazed that, with no prompting/suggestion from me my ultra messy husband joined in - a biblical scale Miracle! Dana is so right about leading by example; no nagging required - try it.
This happened to me too. After a few years my husband no longer looks through the items that I’m planning to donate he adds things to it!! He even started emptying the dishwasher each morning, because he realized I fill it and start it every night.
Licensed Funeral Director here. I agree with her response. If you have lost a close loved one, please do not be in a hurry to get rid of all their things. Wait til you're ready. If it hurts to look at, box it up, and store it. You will regret it later if you send everything away now, and have no keepsakes for later.
After my husband died after a long illness I got rid of easy stuff first like sox, underwear, pajamas then moved on to other clothes slowly as I felt ready. Family kept a few of his shirts and some of the grandkids either wore them or slept in them. We are all different so do what feels right for you.
My husband died last April from a long fight with cancer. Most of his things have slowly made their way out except his ties. When I am ready I will make a small quilt out of them. He was so neat and organized time will take care of what it needs to. Bless all of you.
Widowhood brings a whole set of problems in decluttering. I lost my husband four years ago. I had to sell our house quickly. It's a tough journey. My love to all going through this.
I too lost my dear husband of 52 years after 12 years of his increasing care in April. I am wearing his shirts at home. Somehow the shirts and suits are the most difficult. Because he had wonderful coats, gloves, hats etc for the cold I was eager to pass them to a men's shelter we had both supported. I kept 2 of our favorites. I'm sure in time more will go but now I'm concentrating on other stuff. After so many years of caring for him I have plenty to do. It piled up to say the least but Dana's books arrived the week he died. They helped me "do the dishes " when I couldn't function.
Since we're talking about decluttering after death... I have a thought or 2. My sister-in-law passed away. And when my brother was ready to clear out her things, I helped him. And for example, all her Cosmetics & toiletries, I just took them all. Initially I was throwing things out, but I could see each item was painful to see in the trash. So I did that at my house. I cleaned & reused what I could, recycled, donated etc. We discussed a couple places for donations and we settled on a battered women's shelter. Clothing we did a similar thing.
Hands down, Dana has the best decluttering strategy. What seems overwhelming becomes completely manageable when applying the steps. I decluttered the top of a bookcase yesterday, and it took me 5 minutes. I had been putting it off for months.
Sending you some warmth from the Australian summer! What’s snow??? I’d love some snow here each year, I have to settle for photos of it instead. Have a great day!
I don't remember who told me this, but when I am sorting sentimental things, I "rub all the love off of it - and bless it on its way"! There is always someone who would be very blessed by having things that are just cluttering up my space. Thank you for teaching me the container method and how NOT to make a bigger mess when I declutter. You are a treasure!
truffles, what a wonderful idea and way to look at it! I may rub all the love off of a couple of items I've had a hard time sending on their way. Thank you.
Whatever works! I have also found the Konmari method of thanking items, useful. And now I, thank God, for letting me use the item, for the memories, and praying He finds someone new to bless with it. Viewing everything as if it really belongs to God, and I'm just using it on loan, really gives me perspective & peace.
Qu for next time: have you done any research into science behind "Time Passage Awareness Disorder"? I never connected my clutter issues with my spatial / time awareness issues until I read your book. I feel like it explains sooo many things about my struggle with cleaning, clutter, work, everything!! When I was young, my Mum asked how long my homework was going to take, and I remember being affronted because how on earth was a person supposed to know how long something was going to take until they actually did it?? LOL.
When my mom died, I wasn’t ready right away to go through her things. I held off for 6 months. By then, it was still difficult but with help from my brothers, we got it done. We had some tears but we also had some laughs and lots of love. It’s different for each family. PS I accidentally donated my mom’s high school yearbook where she was homecoming queen! I went to the thrift store and bought it back! Lol! 😊❤️
It still hurt like hell to donate my father's shirts 17 years later. I was planning on washing and donating a hat that I'm finally ready to give up but realized there are probably 2 or 3 others that I can't let go of. That being said people move, houses sell and have to be cleaned. In order to find the strength to sell or donate my father's things, I had to find organizations or people that reminded me of him because it made me feel as if I was somehow helping him. And it still hurt. I loved the story about buying back the yearbook because I was paralyzed for years after finding out that I donated something of value to a thrift shop. I really wish you guys would do a show on estate sales, auctions and house clean outs. Even if you aren't cleaning out a family members home, people who are downsizing are a little apprehensive because they have heard of people who had bad experiences.
My clutter threshold has changed over the years. When I was a stay at home mom I could keep so much more under control. I now work 50 hours a week and since I've always been a minimalist, have had to purge out so much more. My rule is if I'm the one with the responsibility to maintain it, then I decided if we keep it. I was surprised with how much my husband was willing to part with when I would say, ok....so if you want to keep all these extra Christmas lights, then you are responsible for putting it up, taking them down and storing it. Immediately he said to donate it....lol
I have an indoor clothesline and I hang the clothes with a fan blowing on them. Dries as fast as a dryer if it's a small load. A bit longer if it's heavier clothes. You could put two fans on them and it would dry really fast.
The Container Concept is Brilliant! Finally I understood why I couldn't get my house under control. I'm a quilter & I realized my sewing room was clean & organized, but the guilt of the rest of the house was keeping me from quilting! I had to purge the rest of the house.
For me, Laundry, dishes and bedmaking every day are still an "effort" but once I do them I feel such a sense of accomplishment...even if nothing else gets done. But of course, doing those encourages me to do more.
Oh Dana, my 19 year old son has been home from university over Christmas and returned to his accommodation today as he is due to work at his part time job tomorrow he’s only been home 6 days but he left the bedroom turned upside down. Instead of being overwhelmed and closing the door on it until I was motivated to tackle it, I entered his room with a bin bag to deal with the “trash first’ thank you so much I had that room cleaned tidy and ready to use again in less than 20 mins and I used your 5 step decluttering process thank you and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year from Liverpool Uk xxx
I know you’ve told us this stuff before but the refresher is really motivating right now. I’m down to the tough sentimental clutter right now which is more tiring than expected but by letting go what stayed has pride of place.
2:14 - How would you go through or deal with a dead husband's things? I think it's time to donate some of his clothes, I'm keeping his shirts and having a blanket made that will be a keepsake - I think I am ready. 7:47 - How do you nurture your writing craft? How do you foster focus quality time to write about your decluttering journey for you books, blog and podcast? All the while maintaining your household and living a decluttered life? 10:24 - How to go about laundry day when I don't have a dryer? Dryers really just kind of are not a thing where I live, everybody hangs their laundry to air dry and so do I but I have space to dry one load at a time and that takes about a day. In reality, I put laundry off as long as possible, even longer when there is a load currently drying. 14:03 - How do I find my clutter threshold? I've started decluttering the overflow but dread the fact that hidden away everything is jammed. 17:18 - I struggle to declutter stuff from my past self because I might need it for my future self (ie. notes from previous courses I took or taught and may need for future teaching work) but try to limit my bookshelves and not keep boxes. It's not something I can go out and buy again. 20:53 - In the first book you have four daily habits and then one task per day for five days for maintenance; how do you build in the deep clean? 24:43 - Once decluttering is underway and you're putting things where you would look for them, how do you decide what and how much furniture to buy for storage? We are a family of four living in a small 1,000sqft older home with very small closets with very little storage furniture. Right now we need some practical storage solutions. 28:05 - Helen S has forgiven Dana for accidentally banning her in the last video 28:36 - I'm at my clutter threshold except for paperwork, I can declutter old papers but need a system for managing papers that come in and sorting/storing important papers... 30:43 - Consistency and finding your clutter threshold 33:54 - The Container method is I could not fit a 1200sqft house into a 950sqft apt and that is where I am at today, realizing too much stuff and not enough storage. 35:31 - How can I assure my family that I’m not upset when I declutter? 36:14 - How do you determine a home for an item. I have a lot of needed homeless items because I leave them out because I don’t know the best place to put them? 36:38 - Dealing with a very messy bedroom… what do I do with the clothes when I can’t even reach my dresser & closet? 37:34 - How to not feel guilty about where things go? 39:05 - I’m considering a “packing party” (a la the Minimalists) in order to SHOCK my system and remind me that an EMPTY house is the way to go …. Thoughts??
I was 37 when I found out about and bought silicone tongs for my washing machine, because this other short lady from Texas on the internet, said it was so nice to have!! I'm sold, I even wrote laundry on them 😅
I don’t normally declutter till later in January. I am decluttering now because we are moving with in a couple of weeks to a much smaller place. We have been in this house for 7 years. Thank you for these videos. I have been following you for a few months. It is really helping my thinking.
To the person with the laundry question and no dryer……. I have a dryer, but limited water intake - I have a well and septic tank so try not to overload the system. I have a basket the size of my washer(so the container concept), and when it is full, I run the load of laundry. I have adjusted to it and so happy that I am doing a load every day or two (just hubby and I). I like it a lot since I never Have a big pile now
I agree! This is us too. We are four in the family but you don’t need to wash every piece of clothing when it’s worn once…wears out clothes faster and isn’t the best for the environment to be using so much energy, water, etc. We can do a load every second or sometimes third day and I also have a basket that I know fits in the washer if it’s full. The other key I’ve found is to get it in the wash first thing in the morning before I do anything else. My laundry is right off my kitchen so I see when it’s finished and get it hung up, but if it wasn’t I’d set a timer to remind me. Also, each step (washing, hanging, putting away) takes less time than I envision. And, each person in the family folds and puts away their own stuff, I just bring it to their rooms.
2:00 Decluttering Loved Ones' Things 5:20 Book Promo Blurb 7:45 How do you write and maintain your home? 10:15 Laundry without a dryer 14:02 Clutter Thresholds
17:15 What if I need it in the future? 20:50 Deep cleans and routines 24:40 Storage Furniture 28:35 Paper Clutter 30:40 Consistency + Clutter Thresholds 33:50 Container Concept 35:30 Reassuring Family
After listening to your latest podcast, I wanted to make a comment but could not figure out how to do it. Your podcasts and your RUclips videos are so inspiring. I often get quite a bit done while listening. This morning I was doing my dishes and then moved to other things. For way too long, I did treat housework as a project. When you're done with the project you should be done and not have to think about it again but of course there it was the next day even. Life is so much easier since I declutter and do daily chores. Now I can devote my time to real projects like sewing and painting and home repair. I've also embraced my scattered brain and allow myself to float from one area to another. Instead of scolding myself, I just kind of walk around doing what strikes at the moment. I get a lot done, without getting bored, and I get more steps everyday! I have learned so much from you, Dana, thanks!
I love all of your helpful, wise decluttering videos!! My house (and daughter's) homes (and hearts) are being transformed...one step at a time!! Hugs...
My husband has shown no interest in any of the self-help books I've raved about. But when I was listening to the audio book of 'How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind', he listened to some and said, "Wow, she's smart." Just now I went to get my pre-order bonus flow chart off of the printer, he asked what it was, and after I showed him, he said, "That's really cool." I laminated it and magneted it to the side of the fridge where he can make use of it too. Hooray, step #1 of my "master plan" to get him to join me in decluttering and maintaining a simplified home is complete! You and Dawn (and Tom) and Cas ROCK!!!
Dana these lives streams are great! I have been watching them after they are live because of timing but they are so needed! Found you through Dawn and have learned so much from you both! Thank you!
Love seeing these Live sessions! I’m so glad you’ve jumped back into RUclips full force this past year. Keep ‘em coming, Dana! Also, I like where you’re going with your hair - looks beautiful on you. ❤️ Such kind, compassionate thoughts on dealing with stuff after the loss of a loved one.
For the lady who hangs her laundry to line-dry for 24hrs... I would do a load every Mon, Wed, Fri for 2 weeks to see if you find that useful. If the drying isn't happening fast enough you might be able to avail of a public dryer to help clear the backlog... G Ire
I am taking the Take Your House Back course! I have been watching Cas for a long time. i found Dawn from her. But I didn’t find you Dana until the course. But I have to say your decluttering with only progress has been life changing. I have been decluttering this week. I hadn’t been able to make any progress till now!
Hi I am new to finding Dana and I’m desperate for help support and getting rid of things. How has this course helped you? I’m interested in your observations....thanks in advance. “In a heap here”
@@lydiaernst1412 Well while I was watching Cas I did a lil decluttering before I had my son over 5years ago. In that time chaos had descended. Before I started the Take Your House Back course I started watching Dawn (The Minimal Mom) and I was able to let go of stuff in the garage that was my son’s old baby furniture. I wanted to do more. My husband just wanted me to focus on getting the dishes done and laundry done. Plus a special needs son was taking so much of my time and attention. I started decluttering small areas this week. I used her method rather than making piles. When my son needed me every few minutes I could stop and then come back! Also in the method you take stuff there right away. I started doing that when I am doing housework. For example, when I do laundry, I find trash in my husbands pockets. I used to pile it next to the washer on a shelf. The other day I am like, ”Duh, just but a trash can there. Then it is thrown away right then.” I have also been trying to earn income from home. The more I declutter the more mentally I can focus. It makes me confident. When I have a work project I finish the whole project. Every time I do something positive the leads me toward a goal, I think of progress and only progress. I have been washing my dishes daily for a few weeks now. Currently, we have a busted pipe and have to use water from the store. I still did dishes today! The phrase helps me remember why the habits are important to me!
@@lydiaernst1412 I know you may want some more clear instruction than I gave in my reply. All I can say is watch the videos! Also if you really are in a heap and want out, I highly recommend the Take You House Back course. It is linked in the description of most vids..It is the most supportive community! Plus the three ladies who do the course really make a perfect team! They pull together so many things and walk you through everything. They were drowning in stuff once and truly get how people think and feel!
I don't use a dryer for my clothes (mostly by choice), and I do use the laundry day concept. You have said previously that if you don't finish the laundry in one day, that it just extends until you get done what was dirty that week. I use that and just extend the drying out. So I (generally) wash and hang clothes on Tuesdays, and try to put them away on Thursdays. If I have more loads than I can finish, I will do them Wednesday etc. I think this concept could still be stretched out, but if you have a large family and very little room, you still might have to do laundry every day - no promises. I just want to encourage the person writing in that it is possible to adapt this method for dryer-less living!
My husband died 4 yrs ago...for me it was so gradual ....I just got rid of the suit he wore when we got married...that was the last thing I held onto....I just needed to b ready...takes time . everyone is different
I had such a laugh yesterday as I searched for a place to put a single command hook that I wasn’t going to use at that time. Back story, I needed one hook and I thought I had some but there were none where I looked for them so I ordered a small pack in my Walmart curbside order yesterday. I used the one I needed and then wondered where to put the other one. Duh,where I looked first! BUT I’d ripped open the package so hanging it with a push pin in the linen closet wasn’t going to work. I’d have to think on it so I set it on top of the dryer, which is adjacent to the linen closet. Then I looked up on the wall over the dryer and 5ere were FIVE PACKAGES of various types of Command strips/hooks etc….. pinned to the wall… but this was not where I’d have looked for them. I’m fairly new to the idea that they really work so I’m guessing I went nuts once I discovered they really did work and bought an assortment and stored them ever so nicely. 😂😂😂. Now they are ALL in the linen closet! Forever and ever amen! I bought your book in audible some time ago but it was only recently that I jumped into it full force. Your 14 days to guest has been fantastic too! At age 72 I’m finally proud of my daily practices! And I’ve had first guest over since the pandemic began! Twice! Blessings to you and yours for making these videos and your books! ❤❤❤
During Covid lockdown, I had to work as a massage therapist. To protect my roommates, I moved into a tent on a friends farm with no easy electricity (about 500 feet from my tent) and no running water but for a hose. This made it very apparent how many clothes, socks etc I needed. I got an eco-egg, asked each client to keep and clean their own sheets, and turned the rest into rags for throw away toilet paper and mess cleanup.
I love the lives. I love how your encouragement and care comes thru and it’s ok if there’s glitches or the tech doesn’t work perfectly. Not that your caring doesn’t come thru in the edited versions but I’m encouraged by just feeling like how a friend would chat, you know. I am finding that I’m more motivated to clean and organize if I have a RUclips friend in my ear. I think it makes me feel like I’m not the only one doing housework even if I’m the only one in my house. Thanks for taking the time this week too encourage us with the lives. They’ve been a huge blessing. Thank you!!! I hope you so them more in the new year!
YES you made perfect sense to me about not worrying about how and when to fit in the deep cleaning before getting the seemingly "lesser" mundane dailies done... I didn't ask the question this time, but I've literally been wrestling with that very thing for a few weeks now. I'm not completely strong enough yet to get these dailies done daily yet, but at least some of it gets done some of the time now and I don't slide back into full messy house. So thank you!!! And I think you seem very composed in your live streams! They're just as helpful and fun / enjoyable as the edited ones. Except there's a glaring lack of Reid's funny edits and end credits 🥰
I don't have a dryer either. Ive divided my laundry into two days. I also have extra fold out lines. I found that really helped. I also still have emergency washes but they are little.
Your Q&A sessions are the absolute best!!!! They are helping me so much to see how your decluttering principles can be applied to real situations. Thank you so much!!!!! I am going back to listen to as many as I can make time for.
I just want to say that your decluttering paper video is the only one that made sense to me. I highly recommend it. I don’t know if it’s because of the names you used for the different categories, or what, but for the first time I was able to make sense of paper clutter. 😊
For the lady who lives with her family in a small house... we are in the same situation (but there are just 2 of us)- we definitely have decluttered robustly so that we have what we currently use and store what we will be using next season, we use white or cream coloured plastic boxes (shallow and deep ones). They blend in with wall colour so that they visually "disappear". We have one IKEA taller "cube" unit and books, hobby items, files etc all have to fit in there. I use boxes within cupboards aswell to maximize the space. I'm happy with the results. I hope this helps! Best regards. G Ire
I have listened to your videos and podcasts and have read two of your books. Listening to this particular Q&A, I realized that even though I know your take-it-there-now strategy to get through a decluttering project and use it, for some reason I was reverting back to my old methods when I was thinking about decluttering my bedroom closet. Apparently it takes time to change old mindsets!
Thank you for the answer you gave on the one load a day and just giving it a week. This can be applicable to so much in my life. I need to deal and accept the situation as is and just tackle it one bit a day. Thank you!
Hi, Dana. Happy, healthy new year to you and your family. My question is most difficult. I’m a caretaker for both of my parents and I’ve taken over my deceased grandparents old bedroom, that had eventually become a storage room for both of my parents things, too. I am having a really tough time clearing out this one last section of the room, as it has some items that are at least one hundred years old. I can’t ask where I’d look for it first, because some things I’ve never even have seen before. How do I finish it and how do I make this bedroom finally mine? Thank you and God Bless. 🎊🎉🎊
Bless you for caring for your parents. It's a demanding task. Please don't neglect taking a few mins for self care. Best wishes for all of you in the New Year. Sorry this isn't any help for your dilemma.
@Regina DellaVecchia That must be so hard! I agree with julia, definitely try to find some minutes for yourself as well! (Which is probably hard in a not-yet-yours room...) Try and have grace with yourself -- it doesn't all have to get done now + you are allowed to decide to keep (or just not deal with!) something now + then decide to actually declutter it later. Some thoughts: * Try working on one box at a time -- and even if not gone, less? less is definitely progress. (even just using the first couple questions: trash/duh donations/goes-somewhere-else) * Can you try gathering like items together? Maybe seeing that there are x many of a certain type of thing makes it easier to say that these 2 (or 10) are nicer/more your style/seem more keepable than the other 5 (or 20..) * Here's a purely visual suggestion (though not a permanent solution!): if the visual clutter/busy-ness is hard to deal with, could you at least stack the boxes in an orderly way? or lay a blanket/sheet over them for a single pattern instead of lots of different items? (that is, of course, until you have time/energy to process/decrease inventory) * Yes, there may be some monetary and/or sentimental value in these old items, but there is also value in peace of mind (often reached with less inventory + more space). Sometimes it is overall more useful to give it away for free, because you free up your emotional energy + your time (rather than worrying about getting a good price + having to coordinate sales). * If you're really worried about the sentimentality (but you are not personally attached in it) you could ask siblings/relatives who might see emotional value in it first. If they don't actually want it, then that might free you from the sentimental hold it had on you. before giving i In any event, good luck! If you want to share more details about types of items, readers + Dana may be able to come up with some more specific advice as well. All the best + God bless
For the person talking about the packing party, I would ask Dawn (The MInimal Mom) about it. It would be a lot of work, but it would definitely be a total reset. Dana - a packing party is where you pack up every single thing you own into boxes and only remove what you need as you need it. After a month or two, you are probably safe getting rid of everything that still remains in the boxes.
Lol, I have a dishwasher and I don't use it because I like getting my dishes hand washed to get it done. Who cares what others do, do what works for you.
This year as I was wrapping gifts and I finished with a roll of wrapping paper or a pack of stickers, etc. I heard your voice saying, “Take it there now!” Thanks! I finished the task with a tidy area!
Love your videos! So many tips are making more accountable for my clutter and lifestyle. Do anyone else find after a declutter session, whether it’s 5 mins (or more) that your lower legs and feet feel lighter? That’s even when I’ve decluttered shelves above my head. It’s a fun feeling and lasts longer the more I declutter over time. Hello from Australia!
I know right now I am under my clutter threshold but I also have been buying stuff faster than normal. As I have developed routines and have found what I like and dont like I have been buying items to suit that. Because I have notice I am biy8ng more than normal I have also been motivated to get rid of things I have been keeping because I can manage them and have space for them but dont really use. I am actively trying to stay under my clutter threshold to keep the ease of my life.
yes, get rid of that broken piece of furniture, because its not likely to ever get fixed, and love your new book. its not as wordy as your other one. and nice size & color.
Thank you so much for all your videos-so helpful. I am looking forward to getting my preorder soon. I know it will motivate me to get more done. I want to mention that I think you look especially lovely today; new haircut? You seem to be glowing. I want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year. 🌸🍃
My mother hung laundry on clothes line when I was a kid. We had two long clothes lines in our yard and she could hang a lot of clothes on it. Maybe the person who hangs her clothes could expand her clothes line area if she can.
After watching your laundry video the other day, I was thinking about, why I don't manage to put away the laundry. And what about the whole process disturbed me most... We do have a dryer, but out of different reasons ( Environment, energybill, not all clothes are not made for the dryer...) we hang most of it. In the summer outside, in winter inside. Which was a problem, cause it ended up in the livingroom on one or to drying racks and I hated that. After decluttering the office area, which is a big open space on the first floor, I put them there and all of a sudden, two or three problems solved. It's not filling up my mane living area and I have to shove it around, when someone comes over. No more need for a basket full of folded laundry, since I take it of and bring it directly to the room it belongs to. I love it.
A load a day (or maybe every other day) is the only laundry method that works for me. It's just me and my son in my household, and he wears uniforms to school. He only owns two pairs of uniform shorts and three shirts, so I have to do laundry often. But I usually wash my clothes and his other clothes with his uniforms and doing it daily works great.
Just want to say that when you use your laptop, it is a much better camera angle for your eyes. I feel like you are looking RIGHT into the camera here instead of very, very slightly off camera when you use your other devices. Keep up the great work!
Hi Dana - I always love your videos! I love that you answer our questions. Here is another one, regarding paper. What do you do with papers that were handouts from various things that have ideas on them that you like. Some examples: Thinking errors list, cleaning tips, vacation places to visit, Dana's five step printable that will be free when I pre-order my book...etc. :-)
How do I keep my husband from being upset about what I've chosen to declutter? It's my stuff and not sentimental in any way. They were Christmas gifts and things that "could be useful one day and were perfectly good". Things like lotion and shower gel I don't like, socks that don't fit me and I'll never use, and scented hand sanitizer I won't use. Oh! And I also tried to use the One In One Out rule for candles I had been given and he got the candle out of the trash! (It was almost burned down to the base) How do I keep him from doing this? I've tried to talk to him and explain about my low clutter threshold and how I feel like I'm drowning in stuff and it makes me feel claustrophobic but I don't think he understands. I'm a stay at home mom so I take care of the house, but I can't take care of it, and my family, if I'm paralyzed and overwhelmed. (I've told him this) Don't come after my hubs, he cares, he just doesn't understand how LOW! my threshold is.
I have a similar husband problem! When I started I would declutter my stuff one paper bag or small box at a time; I would hide the box or bag in the closet and sneak it out to the car when he wasn't home. It was slow, but with small children I don't have time for large declutters anyway. I would have to hide stuff in the trash or save it for right when I was taking the bag out. Then if I did a public area like the kitchen I would put the box on the counter and he was invited to take out anything he wanted-BUT- it had to go on HIS space (he has our basement designated as his space, I don't go down there if I can avoid it 😉). I had to explain clutter threshold and my inability to care for all this stuff many many times. He still doesn't get it, but doesn't argue with me about it anymore. He took two diaper boxes full of candles and candle holders and I've never seen them again! When Christmas came around he wanted to bring out some pretty glassware he had and I told him he could only if he was willing to manage it: that meant he had to wash it all by hand, take the cups currently in the cupboard down to storage, then after the holidays swap everything back. He knew from previous battles of will that I would not help since I said I would not. He never did bring out the cups lol! (Probably couldn't find the box they are in!🤣) I think letting him always have say in donation boxes and telling him that I respected his right to keep anything he wanted really helped. And over time his space filled up and he took less and less out of the boxes. I also used the container concept on him without explaining it to him. For example I decluttered the books and when I invited him to go through the ones I wanted to let go I told him any book he wanted to keep had to be swapped out with what is currently on his half of the public space or go down to his space. Now he sees how much better it is to live in our house and always find what I need right away. And how much easier to clean it is! I guess what I'm saying is just go a little at a time so as not to spook him! Slow and steady! I also watched these videos and minimal mom alot when cooking or doing dishes and so he knew I was really getting into it!
Wow my kid is 3 years old, I have been decluttering a little before he was born. So it have been easy to declutter his old stuff, because we will not need it later.
Is the flow chart still available? My husband and I are working together to adopt your method, and he was saying just this morning that a flow chart would help.
I just pre-ordered your new book (the first one I will read) and received your flow-chart by email. I was very disappointed that your flow-chart includes "trash" and "donations", but NOT "recycle" nor "repair". It is very difficult for me to trash stuff, but is easier to declutter when I can send it to recycling. If there is no recycling alternative, it will stay in my house and not get decluttered. It is also difficult to get rid of stuff that I could repair. That is a problem, when I keep putting off repairing things. Might have to declutter alot before I can make the final decision about what to do with good stuff that just needs repairing. I don't know if you include these topics in your book(s), but wish they had been included in your flow-chart.
It may not be in the flowchart but Dana has said many times that recycling is part of the trash step. They don't have recycling where she lives, so she defaults to trash but she says that if recycling is part of your system, then do it as part of the trash step. I personally think of it as the trash/recycle step. As for repair, she's mentioned that she has a place for things that need to be repaired. She either puts salvageable broken items there or fixes them in the moment.
Dana uses the term 'trash' to include recycling as many areas don't have recycling available to them. I decluttered old paint cans at our local recycling centre. The guy there told me they would be shipped to Liechtenstein (very beautiful Alpine country 1,000 miles away overseas and land) for incineration so recycling isn't all it is cracked up to be. I'm all for repairs but value your time. Remember it all eventually ends up as trash. The trick is to BUY LESS! Thanks Dana!
How do you decide how to donate clothes or sell them? Especially if they are new with tags. Do you even recommend selling anything. Just found your challenge and love it. Feeling overwhelmed
I am a little confused by the "one load a day " I have to wait a few days to get a full load of towels, sheets, dark clothes, and whites. Do other people let it pile up some and then separate to wash OR mix any laundry together to wash daily?
Maybe there are a lot of people in those households. Also, kids often get their clothes dirty more often than adults. Pet bedding can also add to the laundry. Personally, I mix all my colors together and often wash my towels with my clothes because they don't shed (I like thin towels).
Hi, I really like the info here. Just one thing, I know you said you were trying this on your laptop (so you could read comments easier). I notice that the screen shakes sometimes. Could it be that the desk you are at is a bit wobbly? Don't mean to be picky, just something to consider. Thanks
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
When I first came across Dana's system I started quietly doing the dishes daily, keeping up with the laundry and decluttering my belongings. I was amazed that, with no prompting/suggestion from me my ultra messy husband joined in - a biblical scale Miracle! Dana is so right about leading by example; no nagging required - try it.
This happened to me too. After a few years my husband no longer looks through the items that I’m planning to donate he adds things to it!! He even started emptying the dishwasher each morning, because he realized I fill it and start it every night.
Stories of hope! May it be. 🙏
Same here! It's motivating when see the peaceful feeling of less cluttered areas
Licensed Funeral Director here. I agree with her response. If you have lost a close loved one, please do not be in a hurry to get rid of all their things. Wait til you're ready. If it hurts to look at, box it up, and store it. You will regret it later if you send everything away now, and have no keepsakes for later.
For the person behind on laundry, consider going to the laundry mat just to get caught up. Then start fresh. It will be less overwhelming!
Good idea! Some laundries provide service too, if you really hate laundry.
I was also thinking a couple of fold away air dryers, or hang things on coat hangers on a tree branch might let you do 2 loads at a time
Hang on the shower curtain rod
That's a good idea. You can do so many loads at once at a laundromat.
After my husband died after a long illness I got rid of easy stuff first like sox, underwear, pajamas then moved on to other clothes slowly as I felt ready. Family kept a few of his shirts and some of the grandkids either wore them or slept in them. We are all different so do what feels right for you.
I lost my husband 5 months ago and still can't let go of his belongings except to family. Gave myself permission to wait on almost any decisions.😢
My husband died last April from a long fight with cancer. Most of his things have slowly made their way out except his ties. When I am ready I will make a small quilt out of them. He was so neat and organized time will take care of what it needs to. Bless all of you.
Widowhood brings a whole set of problems in decluttering. I lost my husband four years ago. I had to sell our house quickly. It's a tough journey. My love to all going through this.
I too lost my dear husband of 52 years after 12 years of his increasing care in April.
I am wearing his shirts at home. Somehow the shirts and suits are the most difficult. Because he had wonderful coats, gloves, hats etc for the cold I was eager to pass them to a men's shelter we had both supported. I kept 2 of our favorites. I'm sure in time more will go but now I'm concentrating on other stuff. After so many years of caring for him I have plenty to do. It piled up to say the least but Dana's books arrived the week he died. They helped me "do the dishes " when I couldn't function.
@@rosemariealvarado9902 ❤️
Since we're talking about decluttering after death... I have a thought or 2. My sister-in-law passed away. And when my brother was ready to clear out her things, I helped him. And for example, all her Cosmetics & toiletries, I just took them all. Initially I was throwing things out, but I could see each item was painful to see in the trash. So I did that at my house. I cleaned & reused what I could, recycled, donated etc. We discussed a couple places for donations and we settled on a battered women's shelter.
Clothing we did a similar thing.
Taking it to your house to sort is a great idea.
This is off topic, but your hair is so pretty and you look naturally lovely.
Hands down, Dana has the best decluttering strategy. What seems overwhelming becomes completely manageable when applying the steps. I decluttered the top of a bookcase yesterday, and it took me 5 minutes. I had been putting it off for months.
Isn't that so typical? We put off for months what we don't realize will take us just minutes!!
Hello from Wisconsin! I am decluttering 5 inches of snow off the driveway! Send warm thoughts!
Sending you some warmth from the Australian summer! What’s snow??? I’d love some snow here each year, I have to settle for photos of it instead. Have a great day!
Also in WI, but happy to say I'm in a condo so don't have to shovel any more! :) Stay warm.
Warm thoughts from sunny, 80s weather in Florida! (Used to live in Northern IL, I know your pain) 😎
I don't remember who told me this, but when I am sorting sentimental things, I "rub all the love off of it - and bless it on its way"! There is always someone who would be very blessed by having things that are just cluttering up my space. Thank you for teaching me the container method and how NOT to make a bigger mess when I declutter. You are a treasure!
truffles, what a wonderful idea and way to look at it! I may rub all the love off of a couple of items I've had a hard time sending on their way. Thank you.
Whatever works! I have also found the Konmari method of thanking items, useful. And now I, thank God, for letting me use the item, for the memories, and praying He finds someone new to bless with it. Viewing everything as if it really belongs to God, and I'm just using it on loan, really gives me perspective & peace.
@@idid138 I totally agree! He owns it, we are stewards. Glad you pointed that out!
Qu for next time: have you done any research into science behind "Time Passage Awareness Disorder"? I never connected my clutter issues with my spatial / time awareness issues until I read your book.
I feel like it explains sooo many things about my struggle with cleaning, clutter, work, everything!! When I was young, my Mum asked how long my homework was going to take, and I remember being affronted because how on earth was a person supposed to know how long something was going to take until they actually did it?? LOL.
When my mom died, I wasn’t ready right away to go through her things. I held off for 6 months. By then, it was still difficult but with help from my brothers, we got it done. We had some tears but we also had some laughs and lots of love. It’s different for each family. PS I accidentally donated my mom’s high school yearbook where she was homecoming queen! I went to the thrift store and bought it back! Lol! 😊❤️
Love this story.
My mom has been gone nearly 3 years and I'm still going thru things. As Dana says , do what you are ready for and you did!
It still hurt like hell to donate my father's shirts 17 years later. I was planning on washing and donating a hat that I'm finally ready to give up but realized there are probably 2 or 3 others that I can't let go of.
That being said people move, houses sell and have to be cleaned. In order to find the strength to sell or donate my father's things, I had to find organizations or people that reminded me of him because it made me feel as if I was somehow helping him. And it still hurt.
I loved the story about buying back the yearbook because I was paralyzed for years after finding out that I donated something of value to a thrift shop.
I really wish you guys would do a show on estate sales, auctions and house clean outs. Even if you aren't cleaning out a family members home, people who are downsizing are a little apprehensive because they have heard of people who had bad experiences.
I just cleaned up and vacuumed my living room in 5 minutes because it’s totally decluttered!!! 😊😊😊
Jealous!
Great feeling isn't it??? ❤️
My clutter threshold has changed over the years. When I was a stay at home mom I could keep so much more under control. I now work 50 hours a week and since I've always been a minimalist, have had to purge out so much more. My rule is if I'm the one with the responsibility to maintain it, then I decided if we keep it. I was surprised with how much my husband was willing to part with when I would say, ok....so if you want to keep all these extra Christmas lights, then you are responsible for putting it up, taking them down and storing it. Immediately he said to donate it....lol
Great idea.
Cool move! 👍
I enjoy the live shows. Of course it’s not perfectly orchestrated but that’s what makes it fun. 😊❤️
I have an indoor clothesline and I hang the clothes with a fan blowing on them. Dries as fast as a dryer if it's a small load. A bit longer if it's heavier clothes. You could put two fans on them and it would dry really fast.
The Container Concept is Brilliant! Finally I understood why I couldn't get my house under control. I'm a quilter & I realized my sewing room was clean & organized, but the guilt of the rest of the house was keeping me from quilting! I had to purge the rest of the house.
Your perspective of looking at charities that take your donations as providing you a service by taking your clutter is so refreshing.
For me, Laundry, dishes and bedmaking every day are still an "effort" but once I do them I feel such a sense of accomplishment...even if nothing else gets done. But of course, doing those encourages me to do more.
Oh Dana, my 19 year old son has been home from university over Christmas and returned to his accommodation today as he is due to work at his part time job tomorrow he’s only been home 6 days but he left the bedroom turned upside down. Instead of being overwhelmed and closing the door on it until I was motivated to tackle it, I entered his room with a bin bag to deal with the “trash first’ thank you so much I had that room cleaned tidy and ready to use again in less than 20 mins and I used your 5 step decluttering process thank you and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year from Liverpool Uk xxx
I know you’ve told us this stuff before but the refresher is really motivating right now. I’m down to the tough sentimental clutter right now which is more tiring than expected but by letting go what stayed has pride of place.
2:14 - How would you go through or deal with a dead husband's things? I think it's time to donate some of his clothes, I'm keeping his shirts and having a blanket made that will be a keepsake - I think I am ready.
7:47 - How do you nurture your writing craft? How do you foster focus quality time to write about your decluttering journey for you books, blog and podcast? All the while maintaining your household and living a decluttered life?
10:24 - How to go about laundry day when I don't have a dryer? Dryers really just kind of are not a thing where I live, everybody hangs their laundry to air dry and so do I but I have space to dry one load at a time and that takes about a day. In reality, I put laundry off as long as possible, even longer when there is a load currently drying.
14:03 - How do I find my clutter threshold? I've started decluttering the overflow but dread the fact that hidden away everything is jammed.
17:18 - I struggle to declutter stuff from my past self because I might need it for my future self (ie. notes from previous courses I took or taught and may need for future teaching work) but try to limit my bookshelves and not keep boxes. It's not something I can go out and buy again.
20:53 - In the first book you have four daily habits and then one task per day for five days for maintenance; how do you build in the deep clean?
24:43 - Once decluttering is underway and you're putting things where you would look for them, how do you decide what and how much furniture to buy for storage? We are a family of four living in a small 1,000sqft older home with very small closets with very little storage furniture. Right now we need some practical storage solutions.
28:05 - Helen S has forgiven Dana for accidentally banning her in the last video
28:36 - I'm at my clutter threshold except for paperwork, I can declutter old papers but need a system for managing papers that come in and sorting/storing important papers...
30:43 - Consistency and finding your clutter threshold
33:54 - The Container method is I could not fit a 1200sqft house into a 950sqft apt and that is where I am at today, realizing too much stuff and not enough storage.
35:31 - How can I assure my family that I’m not upset when I declutter?
36:14 - How do you determine a home for an item. I have a lot of needed homeless items because I leave them out because I don’t know the best place to put them?
36:38 - Dealing with a very messy bedroom… what do I do with the clothes when I can’t even reach my dresser & closet?
37:34 - How to not feel guilty about where things go?
39:05 - I’m considering a “packing party” (a la the Minimalists) in order to SHOCK my system and remind me that an EMPTY house is the way to go …. Thoughts??
Great summary of the questions!
@@kj1443 thanks! If you click on the time too it takes you directly to the question - makes it easy to relisten to any of the concepts.
@@kristacook7985
Thank you, Krista! You are doing God’s work. 😉
Missed the live but happy to watch. THANK YOU 😊 FOR THESE
Whak-a-doole and Doo-Lolly are now words I use.
Also, "Lady on the internet"
Take it there now...
Thank you 😊🙏💜
I was 37 when I found out about and bought silicone tongs for my washing machine, because this other short lady from Texas on the internet, said it was so nice to have!!
I'm sold, I even wrote laundry on them 😅
I don’t normally declutter till later in January. I am decluttering now because we are moving with in a couple of weeks to a much smaller place. We have been in this house for 7 years. Thank you for these videos. I have been following you for a few months. It is really helping my thinking.
Dana, I am watching this after but the first answer was so appropriate. The key is when you(me) say " I am ready".
Your new book is listed in Amazon as #1 new release in the category Stress Management! Is that spot on or what?! 😂❤️ Congratulations, Dana! 👏👏👏
To the person with the laundry question and no dryer……. I have a dryer, but limited water intake - I have a well and septic tank so try not to overload the system. I have a basket the size of my washer(so the container concept), and when it is full, I run the load of laundry. I have adjusted to it and so happy that I am doing a load every day or two (just hubby and I). I like it a lot since I never Have a big pile now
I agree! This is us too. We are four in the family but you don’t need to wash every piece of clothing when it’s worn once…wears out clothes faster and isn’t the best for the environment to be using so much energy, water, etc. We can do a load every second or sometimes third day and I also have a basket that I know fits in the washer if it’s full. The other key I’ve found is to get it in the wash first thing in the morning before I do anything else. My laundry is right off my kitchen so I see when it’s finished and get it hung up, but if it wasn’t I’d set a timer to remind me. Also, each step (washing, hanging, putting away) takes less time than I envision. And, each person in the family folds and puts away their own stuff, I just bring it to their rooms.
2:00 Decluttering Loved Ones' Things
5:20 Book Promo Blurb
7:45 How do you write and maintain your home?
10:15 Laundry without a dryer
14:02 Clutter Thresholds
17:15 What if I need it in the future?
20:50 Deep cleans and routines
24:40 Storage Furniture
28:35 Paper Clutter
30:40 Consistency + Clutter Thresholds
33:50 Container Concept
35:30 Reassuring Family
After listening to your latest podcast, I wanted to make a comment but could not figure out how to do it.
Your podcasts and your RUclips videos are so inspiring. I often get quite a bit done while listening. This morning I was doing my dishes and then moved to other things.
For way too long, I did treat housework as a project. When you're done with the project you should be done and not have to think about it again but of course there it was the next day even. Life is so much easier since I declutter and do daily chores. Now I can devote my time to real projects like sewing and painting and home repair.
I've also embraced my scattered brain and allow myself to float from one area to another. Instead of scolding myself, I just kind of walk around doing what strikes at the moment. I get a lot done, without getting bored, and I get more steps everyday!
I have learned so much from you, Dana, thanks!
I don’t know how you talk about this stuff all the time but I never get tired of listening 🤣
I love all of your helpful, wise decluttering videos!! My house (and daughter's) homes (and hearts) are being transformed...one step at a time!! Hugs...
I love that you and Cas are friends! I love you both and I am learning so much from both of you! Thank you!
My husband has shown no interest in any of the self-help books I've raved about. But when I was listening to the audio book of 'How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind', he listened to some and said, "Wow, she's smart." Just now I went to get my pre-order bonus flow chart off of the printer, he asked what it was, and after I showed him, he said, "That's really cool." I laminated it and magneted it to the side of the fridge where he can make use of it too. Hooray, step #1 of my "master plan" to get him to join me in decluttering and maintaining a simplified home is complete! You and Dawn (and Tom) and Cas ROCK!!!
I love this!!
Dana's system clicked with me....it works so well...it's not what to keep it's what has to go...thank you Dana!
I love the flow chart. I put mine in a plastic sleeve to protect it.
Dana, you're a lot of fun to spend time with-- and motivating, too.
Super excited for your new book! Thank you for all of your encouragement and decluttering strategies ❤️
We dry laundry on airing racks here, I do a load every second day. That way even the thickest items are sure to be completely dry.
Line drying is great if practical. A dehumidifier also works well.
Dana these lives streams are great! I have been watching them after they are live because of timing but they are so needed! Found you through Dawn and have learned so much from you both! Thank you!
Love seeing these Live sessions! I’m so glad you’ve jumped back into RUclips full force this past year. Keep ‘em coming, Dana! Also, I like where you’re going with your hair - looks beautiful on you. ❤️ Such kind, compassionate thoughts on dealing with stuff after the loss of a loved one.
For the lady who hangs her laundry to line-dry for 24hrs... I would do a load every Mon, Wed, Fri for 2 weeks to see if you find that useful. If the drying isn't happening fast enough you might be able to avail of a public dryer to help clear the backlog... G Ire
I am taking the Take Your House Back course! I have been watching Cas for a long time. i found Dawn from her. But I didn’t find you Dana until the course. But I have to say your decluttering with only progress has been life changing. I have been decluttering this week. I hadn’t been able to make any progress till now!
Hi I am new to finding Dana and I’m desperate for help support and getting rid of things. How has this course helped you? I’m interested in your observations....thanks in advance. “In a heap here”
@@lydiaernst1412 Well while I was watching Cas I did a lil decluttering before I had my son over 5years ago. In that time chaos had descended. Before I started the Take Your House Back course I started watching Dawn (The Minimal Mom) and I was able to let go of stuff in the garage that was my son’s old baby furniture. I wanted to do more. My husband just wanted me to focus on getting the dishes done and laundry done. Plus a special needs son was taking so much of my time and attention. I started decluttering small areas this week. I used her method rather than making piles. When my son needed me every few minutes I could stop and then come back! Also in the method you take stuff there right away. I started doing that when I am doing housework. For example, when I do laundry, I find trash in my husbands pockets. I used to pile it next to the washer on a shelf. The other day I am like, ”Duh, just but a trash can there. Then it is thrown away right then.” I have also been trying to earn income from home. The more I declutter the more mentally I can focus. It makes me confident. When I have a work project I finish the whole project. Every time I do something positive the leads me toward a goal, I think of progress and only progress. I have been washing my dishes daily for a few weeks now. Currently, we have a busted pipe and have to use water from the store. I still did dishes today! The phrase helps me remember why the habits are important to me!
@@lydiaernst1412 I know you may want some more clear instruction than I gave in my reply. All I can say is watch the videos! Also if you really are in a heap and want out, I highly recommend the Take You House Back course. It is linked in the description of most vids..It is the most supportive community! Plus the three ladies who do the course really make a perfect team! They pull together so many things and walk you through everything. They were drowning in stuff once and truly get how people think and feel!
Thank you for your time! ❤️
@@planwithSC thank you for your time! ❤️❤️
I don't use a dryer for my clothes (mostly by choice), and I do use the laundry day concept. You have said previously that if you don't finish the laundry in one day, that it just extends until you get done what was dirty that week. I use that and just extend the drying out. So I (generally) wash and hang clothes on Tuesdays, and try to put them away on Thursdays. If I have more loads than I can finish, I will do them Wednesday etc. I think this concept could still be stretched out, but if you have a large family and very little room, you still might have to do laundry every day - no promises. I just want to encourage the person writing in that it is possible to adapt this method for dryer-less living!
My husband died 4 yrs ago...for me it was so gradual ....I just got rid of the suit he wore when we got married...that was the last thing I held onto....I just needed to b ready...takes time
. everyone is different
I had such a laugh yesterday as I searched for a place to put a single command hook that I wasn’t going to use at that time. Back story, I needed one hook and I thought I had some but there were none where I looked for them so I ordered a small pack in my Walmart curbside order yesterday. I used the one I needed and then wondered where to put the other one. Duh,where I looked first! BUT I’d ripped open the package so hanging it with a push pin in the linen closet wasn’t going to work. I’d have to think on it so I set it on top of the dryer, which is adjacent to the linen closet. Then I looked up on the wall over the dryer and 5ere were FIVE PACKAGES of various types of Command strips/hooks etc….. pinned to the wall… but this was not where I’d have looked for them. I’m fairly new to the idea that they really work so I’m guessing I went nuts once I discovered they really did work and bought an assortment and stored them ever so nicely. 😂😂😂. Now they are ALL in the linen closet! Forever and ever amen! I bought your book in audible some time ago but it was only recently that I jumped into it full force. Your 14 days to guest has been fantastic too! At age 72 I’m finally proud of my daily practices! And I’ve had first guest over since the pandemic began! Twice! Blessings to you and yours for making these videos and your books! ❤❤❤
During Covid lockdown, I had to work as a massage therapist. To protect my roommates, I moved into a tent on a friends farm with no easy electricity (about 500 feet from my tent) and no running water but for a hose. This made it very apparent how many clothes, socks etc I needed. I got an eco-egg, asked each client to keep and clean their own sheets, and turned the rest into rags for throw away toilet paper and mess cleanup.
I love the lives. I love how your encouragement and care comes thru and it’s ok if there’s glitches or the tech doesn’t work perfectly. Not that your caring doesn’t come thru in the edited versions but I’m encouraged by just feeling like how a friend would chat, you know. I am finding that I’m more motivated to clean and organize if I have a RUclips friend in my ear. I think it makes me feel like I’m not the only one doing housework even if I’m the only one in my house. Thanks for taking the time this week too encourage us with the lives. They’ve been a huge blessing. Thank you!!! I hope you so them more in the new year!
YES you made perfect sense to me about not worrying about how and when to fit in the deep cleaning before getting the seemingly "lesser" mundane dailies done... I didn't ask the question this time, but I've literally been wrestling with that very thing for a few weeks now. I'm not completely strong enough yet to get these dailies done daily yet, but at least some of it gets done some of the time now and I don't slide back into full messy house.
So thank you!!!
And I think you seem very composed in your live streams! They're just as helpful and fun / enjoyable as the edited ones. Except there's a glaring lack of Reid's funny edits and end credits 🥰
Yes I feel to declutter in January as its a quiet period before everything gets to busy. However I missed mine this jan. So I am starting now.
LoL "Cass from quarterback" ; your closed captioning is funny. For anyone wondering, it's Cass from clutterbug.
I don't have a dryer either. Ive divided my laundry into two days. I also have extra fold out lines.
I found that really helped. I also still have emergency washes but they are little.
Yes! Thank you for talking about laundry without a dryer! I live in Japan and it is a daily reality.
Thank you so much for your work. My house is getting so much better day by day!
Your Q&A sessions are the absolute best!!!! They are helping me so much to see how your decluttering principles can be applied to real situations. Thank you so much!!!!! I am going back to listen to as many as I can make time for.
I just want to say that your decluttering paper video is the only one that made sense to me. I highly recommend it. I don’t know if it’s because of the names you used for the different categories, or what, but for the first time I was able to make sense of paper clutter. 😊
My sis-in-law had a quilt made from my brother's concert shirts. It came out great.
For the lady who lives with her family in a small house... we are in the same situation (but there are just 2 of us)-
we definitely have decluttered robustly so that we have what we currently use and store what we will be using next season, we use white or cream coloured plastic boxes (shallow and deep ones). They blend in with wall colour so that they visually "disappear". We have one IKEA taller "cube" unit and books, hobby items, files etc all have to fit in there. I use boxes within cupboards aswell to maximize the space. I'm happy with the results. I hope this helps! Best regards. G Ire
In our family as the great grandparents past, the grandma made a pillow cover out of shirts for each of the grandkids
I have listened to your videos and podcasts and have read two of your books. Listening to this particular Q&A, I realized that even though I know your take-it-there-now strategy to get through a decluttering project and use it, for some reason I was reverting back to my old methods when I was thinking about decluttering my bedroom closet. Apparently it takes time to change old mindsets!
Thank you for the answer you gave on the one load a day and just giving it a week. This can be applicable to so much in my life. I need to deal and accept the situation as is and just tackle it one bit a day. Thank you!
Hi, Dana. Happy, healthy new year to you and your family. My question is most difficult. I’m a caretaker for both of my parents and I’ve taken over my deceased grandparents old bedroom, that had eventually become a storage room for both of my parents things, too. I am having a really tough time clearing out this one last section of the room, as it has some items that are at least one hundred years old. I can’t ask where I’d look for it first, because some things I’ve never even have seen before. How do I finish it and how do I make this bedroom finally mine? Thank you and God Bless. 🎊🎉🎊
Bless you for caring for your parents. It's a demanding task. Please don't neglect taking a few mins for self care. Best wishes for all of you in the New Year. Sorry this isn't any help for your dilemma.
@Regina DellaVecchia
That must be so hard! I agree with julia, definitely try to find some minutes for yourself as well! (Which is probably hard in a not-yet-yours room...) Try and have grace with yourself -- it doesn't all have to get done now + you are allowed to decide to keep (or just not deal with!) something now + then decide to actually declutter it later.
Some thoughts:
* Try working on one box at a time -- and even if not gone, less? less is definitely progress. (even just using the first couple questions: trash/duh donations/goes-somewhere-else)
* Can you try gathering like items together? Maybe seeing that there are x many of a certain type of thing makes it easier to say that these 2 (or 10) are nicer/more your style/seem more keepable than the other 5 (or 20..)
* Here's a purely visual suggestion (though not a permanent solution!): if the visual clutter/busy-ness is hard to deal with, could you at least stack the boxes in an orderly way? or lay a blanket/sheet over them for a single pattern instead of lots of different items? (that is, of course, until you have time/energy to process/decrease inventory)
* Yes, there may be some monetary and/or sentimental value in these old items, but there is also value in peace of mind (often reached with less inventory + more space). Sometimes it is overall more useful to give it away for free, because you free up your emotional energy + your time (rather than worrying about getting a good price + having to coordinate sales).
* If you're really worried about the sentimentality (but you are not personally attached in it) you could ask siblings/relatives who might see emotional value in it first. If they don't actually want it, then that might free you from the sentimental hold it had on you. before giving i
In any event, good luck! If you want to share more details about types of items, readers + Dana may be able to come up with some more specific advice as well. All the best + God bless
I’ve been using a blend of Packing Party/Container Concept to get ready to move. It’s working great!
For the person talking about the packing party, I would ask Dawn (The MInimal Mom) about it. It would be a lot of work, but it would definitely be a total reset.
Dana - a packing party is where you pack up every single thing you own into boxes and only remove what you need as you need it. After a month or two, you are probably safe getting rid of everything that still remains in the boxes.
I just bought your new book!! Can’t wait.
Thanks so much for doing this Dana, I really appreciate it 💕
Lol, I have a dishwasher and I don't use it because I like getting my dishes hand washed to get it done. Who cares what others do, do what works for you.
This year as I was wrapping gifts and I finished with a roll of wrapping paper or a pack of stickers, etc. I heard your voice saying, “Take it there now!” Thanks! I finished the task with a tidy area!
Love your videos! So many tips are making more accountable for my clutter and lifestyle. Do anyone else find after a declutter session, whether it’s 5 mins (or more) that your lower legs and feet feel lighter? That’s even when I’ve decluttered shelves above my head. It’s a fun feeling and lasts longer the more I declutter over time. Hello from Australia!
I feel the same way, yes. I feel lighter when I declutter even the smallest area. 💕
Those of us in the Northern Hemisphere feel light-headed.
@@mayflowerlace 🤣🤣🤣
When I drop a load of donations off, I feel lighter in my shoulders. It’s as if I was carrying the weight of that clutter around.
Lol at “you’re not a rando.” I just love your style.
YOU are BEAUTIFUL! may you and your family have a blessed new YEAR! ❄🌲⛄✌🏻🙏🏻💙🤗
I know right now I am under my clutter threshold but I also have been buying stuff faster than normal.
As I have developed routines and have found what I like and dont like I have been buying items to suit that.
Because I have notice I am biy8ng more than normal I have also been motivated to get rid of things I have been keeping because I can manage them and have space for them but dont really use.
I am actively trying to stay under my clutter threshold to keep the ease of my life.
I LOVE these Q&As!
yes, get rid of that broken piece of furniture, because its not likely to ever get fixed, and love your new book. its not as wordy as your other one. and nice size & color.
Thanks for the motivation!! Getting my trash bag now. Annnddd GO! 😁
Thank you so much for all your videos-so helpful. I am looking forward to getting my preorder soon. I know it will motivate me to get more done. I want to mention that I think you look especially lovely today; new haircut? You seem to be glowing. I want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year. 🌸🍃
My mother hung laundry on clothes line when I was a kid. We had two long clothes lines in our yard and she could hang a lot of clothes on it. Maybe the person who hangs her clothes could expand her clothes line area if she can.
After watching your laundry video the other day, I was thinking about, why I don't manage to put away the laundry. And what about the whole process disturbed me most...
We do have a dryer, but out of different reasons ( Environment, energybill, not all clothes are not made for the dryer...) we hang most of it. In the summer outside, in winter inside. Which was a problem, cause it ended up in the livingroom on one or to drying racks and I hated that. After decluttering the office area, which is a big open space on the first floor, I put them there and all of a sudden, two or three problems solved. It's not filling up my mane living area and I have to shove it around, when someone comes over. No more need for a basket full of folded laundry, since I take it of and bring it directly to the room it belongs to. I love it.
A load a day (or maybe every other day) is the only laundry method that works for me. It's just me and my son in my household, and he wears uniforms to school. He only owns two pairs of uniform shorts and three shirts, so I have to do laundry often. But I usually wash my clothes and his other clothes with his uniforms and doing it daily works great.
Such fantastic ideas- you break it down so well , thank you 🙏🏻
25:00 storage furniture question answered
Thank you!
Really enjoy your lives videos!!
Just want to say that when you use your laptop, it is a much better camera angle for your eyes. I feel like you are looking RIGHT into the camera here instead of very, very slightly off camera when you use your other devices. Keep up the great work!
So helpful, order your books!
Hi Dana - I always love your videos! I love that you answer our questions. Here is another one, regarding paper. What do you do with papers that were handouts from various things that have ideas on them that you like. Some examples: Thinking errors list, cleaning tips, vacation places to visit, Dana's five step printable that will be free when I pre-order my book...etc. :-)
Please make more of these!
How do I keep my husband from being upset about what I've chosen to declutter? It's my stuff and not sentimental in any way. They were Christmas gifts and things that "could be useful one day and were perfectly good". Things like lotion and shower gel I don't like, socks that don't fit me and I'll never use, and scented hand sanitizer I won't use. Oh! And I also tried to use the One In One Out rule for candles I had been given and he got the candle out of the trash! (It was almost burned down to the base) How do I keep him from doing this? I've tried to talk to him and explain about my low clutter threshold and how I feel like I'm drowning in stuff and it makes me feel claustrophobic but I don't think he understands. I'm a stay at home mom so I take care of the house, but I can't take care of it, and my family, if I'm paralyzed and overwhelmed. (I've told him this)
Don't come after my hubs, he cares, he just doesn't understand how LOW! my threshold is.
I have a similar husband problem! When I started I would declutter my stuff one paper bag or small box at a time; I would hide the box or bag in the closet and sneak it out to the car when he wasn't home. It was slow, but with small children I don't have time for large declutters anyway. I would have to hide stuff in the trash or save it for right when I was taking the bag out.
Then if I did a public area like the kitchen I would put the box on the counter and he was invited to take out anything he wanted-BUT- it had to go on HIS space (he has our basement designated as his space, I don't go down there if I can avoid it 😉). I had to explain clutter threshold and my inability to care for all this stuff many many times. He still doesn't get it, but doesn't argue with me about it anymore. He took two diaper boxes full of candles and candle holders and I've never seen them again! When Christmas came around he wanted to bring out some pretty glassware he had and I told him he could only if he was willing to manage it: that meant he had to wash it all by hand, take the cups currently in the cupboard down to storage, then after the holidays swap everything back. He knew from previous battles of will that I would not help since I said I would not. He never did bring out the cups lol! (Probably couldn't find the box they are in!🤣)
I think letting him always have say in donation boxes and telling him that I respected his right to keep anything he wanted really helped. And over time his space filled up and he took less and less out of the boxes.
I also used the container concept on him without explaining it to him. For example I decluttered the books and when I invited him to go through the ones I wanted to let go I told him any book he wanted to keep had to be swapped out with what is currently on his half of the public space or go down to his space.
Now he sees how much better it is to live in our house and always find what I need right away. And how much easier to clean it is!
I guess what I'm saying is just go a little at a time so as not to spook him! Slow and steady!
I also watched these videos and minimal mom alot when cooking or doing dishes and so he knew I was really getting into it!
Black rubbish bag and if it's yours, need to know basis!
Wow my kid is 3 years old, I have been decluttering a little before he was born. So it have been easy to declutter his old stuff, because we will not need it later.
Is the flow chart still available? My husband and I are working together to adopt your method, and he was saying just this morning that a flow chart would help.
Hi Dana! Thank you for sharing.
I think filling out the form and receiving it, took all of 11 seconds. 😄
Yay!!
I'm fairly sure someone has mentioned this but papers can be scanned into your computer and takes up no physical space.
Creativity + Clutter yup, you get it
I just pre-ordered your new book (the first one I will read) and received your flow-chart by email. I was very disappointed that your flow-chart includes "trash" and "donations", but NOT "recycle" nor "repair".
It is very difficult for me to trash stuff, but is easier to declutter when I can send it to recycling. If there is no recycling alternative, it will stay in my house and not get decluttered.
It is also difficult to get rid of stuff that I could repair. That is a problem, when I keep putting off repairing things. Might have to declutter alot before I can make the final decision about what to do with good stuff that just needs repairing.
I don't know if you include these topics in your book(s), but wish they had been included in your flow-chart.
It may not be in the flowchart but Dana has said many times that recycling is part of the trash step. They don't have recycling where she lives, so she defaults to trash but she says that if recycling is part of your system, then do it as part of the trash step. I personally think of it as the trash/recycle step.
As for repair, she's mentioned that she has a place for things that need to be repaired. She either puts salvageable broken items there or fixes them in the moment.
Dana uses the term 'trash' to include recycling as many areas don't have recycling available to them. I decluttered old paint cans at our local recycling centre. The guy there told me they would be shipped to Liechtenstein (very beautiful Alpine country 1,000 miles away overseas and land) for incineration so recycling isn't all it is cracked up to be. I'm all for repairs but value your time. Remember it all eventually ends up as trash. The trick is to BUY LESS! Thanks Dana!
How do you decide how to donate clothes or sell them? Especially if they are new with tags. Do you even recommend selling anything. Just found your challenge and love it. Feeling overwhelmed
I meant channel😊
I like the live chats 👍
Use a box for each kid, so they can take the box of stuff to their room and go through it there.
Suggestion Dana...that grey background on the printable is going to use unnecessary ink. Might rethink?
I am a little confused by the "one load a day " I have to wait a few days to get a full load of towels, sheets, dark clothes, and whites. Do other people let it pile up some and then separate to wash OR mix any laundry together to wash daily?
Maybe there are a lot of people in those households. Also, kids often get their clothes dirty more often than adults. Pet bedding can also add to the laundry. Personally, I mix all my colors together and often wash my towels with my clothes because they don't shed (I like thin towels).
Hi, I really like the info here. Just one thing, I know you said you were trying this on your laptop (so you could read comments easier). I notice that the screen shakes sometimes. Could it be that the desk you are at is a bit wobbly? Don't mean to be picky, just something to consider. Thanks
Your hair looks great😁