I recently discovered your channel. I love it! I won’t bore you with details, but the past 4 years have been one setback after another. I finally took control of my health. Drs, telling me for years that there was nothing wrong with me. My Cardiologist asked me if I’d seen a thyroid doctor. Since my md has always said my thyroid was fine. Jump ahead a few weeks. I had 3 out of 4 Parathyroid glands removed a couple of weeks ago. I’m feeling like a new person!! I have energy, who knew!?! I’ve cleaned my closet, and, am now starting on my kitchen pantry! I found you when recovering from another surgery about 6 weeks ago. You are such an inspiration! My neighbor started watching you, too! So, now I have a friend to keep each other motived! Just celebrated my 80th birthday, and, people guess I’m about 55. Now, I feel like it! You are a new friend, and, I’m going to listen to you as I clean and purge! Wonderful feeling!! ❤️
What?? That episode was only 35 minutes? I cleaned so much in my kitchen while listening.😮 We underestimate what a difference such tiny time spans make. I love listening to you while cleaning or tidying. ❤
I started crying when you said it's ok to be overwhelmed if you have the time. I am single with no kids or pets and am sitting in a dump watching this. I am overwhelmed. Letting me know it's ok gave me the motivation to get up and trash all the empty shampoo bottles in the shower. I'm a bee and have a house full of half empty bottles and organizers still in the box because I'm waiting until I have the time to do it perfectly; that time will never come, I have more time than most, but not enough to do it perfectly.
Hi, I hope you read this… I am in exactly the same boat as you… I was looking back of photos of my one bedroom apartment when I first renovated it and it was gorgeous, but for some reason I didn’t recognise that and over time I have kind of trashed my own home.. the first home I ever bought… the kitchen is almost ruined, the floor is FILTHY - I spent $7000 on that floor. And I’ve never done this before in my life but I’ve been sleeping on the couch for the last 3 weeks because there is so much junk on the bed. I’ve avoided the point it has gotten to til now, binge-watching Netflix daily and isolating myself. But I saw your comment and YOU and Cass have motivated me to focus on what I can do TODAY: which is tidy my bed, and clean the kitchen. Sure, it might not be a deep clean but it’s better than squalor. THANK YOU and I hope you keep focusing on what you can do just for today…
I read it. Thank you for your reply. It is helpful to know I am not the only person who behaves this way. Your response has motivated me to get up and do some more cleaning. Last week, I put a cardboard box by my front door and have been dropping in donations. I am not pulling out everything in the closet, but when I see something I no longer use, I just drop it in the box. I know we have to catch up, so we have to do extra, which is hard, but we can eat this elephant one bite at a time. I'm proud of you for tidying your bed!
Wow, I feel so proud of you both! ❤Keep it up one thing one item at a time. Make your space sooo comfy and enjoyable. I finally did that with my bedroom and now I don't allow ANYTHING on my bed unless it's laundry and I'm folding it! 😂 I tough loved myself and I am so motivated by Cas and all you folks making comments. We can do it!! Make OURSELVES PROUD and comfy!! ❤
I'm 66yrs old and just started my minimalist journey. I have decluttered 90%of my home (minus my teenager's room and hubby's garage) I feel so free and at peace.
This weekend I went through my closet and donated 3 fancy dresses, 7 suits with skirts and blouses, 1 jacket, 5 silk blouses, 1 wool blazer, 3 wool skirts, 2 pairs of slacks, all from when I worked in an attorney’s office 30 years ago! Also 10 casual tops, 1 sweatshirt, and 2 bathrobes!!! You are such an inspiration!
The summer of last year (2023), my husband and I looked at our living environment and started going through things, decluttered, purged, and etc. We still have a few more spaces to work over together, but I think we have done a good job so far.
I have a large home. I have always been very mindful of my spaces. Raised 3 sons and all the friends too. Now my Mother with Dementia lives with us. Clearing out her home was TERRIBLE!! I never want my sons or daughter in-loves to go through the same DRAMA! Thank you for giving me permission to say OUT DAMN SPOT!
That same thing happened to my sweet hubby. His mom had dementia and was a hoarder. It was a huge mess. She wouldn't even let him get rid of obvious trash.
I feel the exact same…my mom is boarder line hoarding with crafts items for years & won’t throw anything away but perfectly sane…my husband & I have cleaned out areas when she was in hospital,etc & within a year, her or my younger 57yr old brother will have stuff back in that clean space….I swore that I would never have a crowded house & let my daughter have to deal with, so that’s been a huge motivation to stay organized…It’s totally frustrating dealing with the excuses from my mom but this year I’ve got better boundaries…thank you for your help Cass ❤
I am doing exactly this for my son. He already asked. "I'm" Almost there!! Now my husband's garage is another story but I'm still working on being an example. :)
Your calm voice motivated me to wash the dinner dishes early and put together an appliance I got for Christmas and throw away the box. No major clutter here. And no excuse but I had surgery yesterday. So the next thing I did was call a family meeting to tell everyone to step up because I do need to rest. Doctor's orders. If I can do dishes with one arm, they can work miracles with 2
Omg 🥹 I’ve watched your videos for SOOO long, that right when I hear you say “Hey Clutterbugs…”, my mind & body automatically go into cleaning & decluttering mode 😭 sorry, this is so random, but ilysm Cas! You helped me from the moment I first became a mom. I started cleaning & organizing because of you. That then led to organizing my day, my finances, & my goals (very slowly, but surely). That in turn helped strengthen my relationships & stay on top of every appt, birthday, holiday, & self-care day 🥲 I now have 4 kids, 2 grandparents with cancer, 2 sisters who are learning to adult, & a job where I can stay home to take care of all of em 😭 my husband’s been with me since day one & said he can see the change. I just can’t believe it’s 2024 already. Pls keep doing what you’re doing because honestly, you’re helping in ways that are hardly acknowledged & I know I’m gonna keep needing your videos through the rest of my life 😭💜 thank you so much for being you & sharing your beautiful self with us!
I needed to hear these words so bad! I have been so depressed because of everything that I have that I just get so overwhelmed and hide in my room which is also a disaster. I am going to implement what you said and I'm going to kick myself out of this depression with stuff and start being a big girl. I do appreciate the tough love❤
Cas: As always I very much appreciate all of the work you do to help us learn how to improve our lives. I am hoping this little tip I'm going to share may be helpful to someone. The words we use, just like the things we keep in our house, tell us a story. The word "control" can be a problem for a lot of people because it indicates that such a thing exists. That if we just "do things right" we will "have things under control" and whenever we feel out of control we automatically assume we are doing things wrong. I had this problem big-time and I'm confident it contributed to my clutter problem. After some work with my therapist we re-phrased the way I think of it: Management. I don't control things, I manage them. My own behavior, the stuff in my house, what I eat for breakfast, are all things that I manage. Once I released that the concept of control was damaging and started managing my words to tell me a different story my anxiety reduced and it was easier to get moving. This is now my official opinion: the words we use are clutter more damaging to us than the clutter in our house, and the clutter in our house can be a symptom of us not de-cluttering our minds of words that don't serve our ability to manage in a constructive and healthy way. I really hope that sharing this helps someone else. It was a contribution to me finding the Clutterbug channel in the first place.
it took me one year and 4 months. i just got out of the little pool and trimmed back a tree. this has been a dream for the last four years. i’m in heaven
I feel all of this.....I started watching The Minimal Mom and you about 2 weeks ago and a switched flipped. I have got rid of 70% of all my kitchen, most all of the my living room, cleaned out my entire hallway, and i am starting on my bathroom and laundry room this week end! I feel amazing you girls are the absolute best!!! I feel like a new person im even taking better care of myself....From the bottom of my heart Thank you :)
Cass you said you’re yelling to us already but your voice is still the sweetest! I love listening with that soft, full of emotion and encouraging voice…..
I cannot over state how much the "reset the house and tidy the kitchen before bed every night" has improved my life! I've been doing this for a while now so it is a habit. Do I ever fail to do it? Once in a while - and when I do, I regret it. Thanks Cass and the other wonderful You Tubers who have changed my life! 🥰🥰🥰
Cas, every time I listen to you I love you more. You have motivated me for several years, and gradually I'm getting there. I started out a very organized person, but 45 years of chronic disease and pain have made me see what is important and let the rest go. I declutter little by little and only keep what I need and love. I used to do crafts and volunteer and run around with my kids but life has gotten gradually much harder. My kids are grown and I have grandkids now. When they come to visit, or I go to them, everyone helps to get the work done. I am truly blessed with my family. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation.
Cas, this is the BEST podcast anyone ever made! I've battled clutter for most of my life, tried and failed to change, and now I have realistic hope! THANK YOU!
I just recently started to follow you & I thank God to have found you. We are in the process of moving out of our home of 30+ yrs! And, I don’t want to take most of the stuff we have let alone repeat the clutter we have lived in. Your words have helped me to deal with letting go of emotional & physical stuff. Thank you Cass🥰
I moved a year and a half ago and didn't realize I had an physical illness that was not allowing me to do the things I always could (MS with orthopedic issues caused by it) plus rates of movers went up drastically and in my mind, I didn't understand how much I would be paying. I ended up having to just say "leave it" and I had to pay on the back end to have it cleared out because I could not afford to have it all moved and then sort. In hindsight, I should have realized early I needed to not take everything and instead "shop" my place for what I truly wanted to take and then have people come take what they want for free and then if I could discard things great, if not then hire someone to clear the rest and clean. If you are early in the process, I encourage you to do this.
There actually is, hoarding is often treated by anxiety-OCD specialists, and research does happen. There has been some specific research that found hoarding disorder is actually a separate issue from OCD and chronic disorganization. 👍🏻
I really love the support that you, Dawn and Dana give people like us. I LOVE Harry Potter and I looked in my cup draw and there were 3 Harry Potter cups that I don’t like and hate using because they are too small, I have my favourite mugs I use. I decided to bite the bullet that donate them. Did I struggle YEP because they are Harry Potter. Did I second guess myself YEP But I’m telling myself, I don’t like them, I don’t use them, just let them go. And that’s exactly what I’ve done.
The best part is, in a few days or weeks, you’ll have moved on - getting rid of ‘useful’ things helped me make so much progress - good luck on your journey, your on the right track 😁
Cass I always knew I was what a cricket is before I knew that was a cricket style, but never could understand why it didn’t work for me. The key was learning what my OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WERE! The lightbulb went off why no one else was keeping up with my beautiful system and all I was constantly doing was picking up after everyone. And being resentful about. OFCOURSE unfortunately I had to figure it out through lots of trial and error because it was before I found clutterbug/you. But when I finally found you and read all about the other styles I felt so validated as a mom and housewife that I was working so hard and not a bad housekeeper. I was just fighting against my other bugs who as we know over crickets win. I was so organized and meticulous but my house was trashed bcz my other bugs weren’t keeping up and I was exhausted trying to keep it up for them. Literally never could understand why all I was doing was cleaning but it would be a disaster in minutes when everyone came home (five kids and ladybug husband who always stashed everything and forgot about where everything was or that it even existed. Aka bills and everything else). PLEASE this year share more of this with new to your channel moms this important part of the puzzle. Bcz we can do our system all we want but if we live with conflicting bugs it’s going to be uphill battle till we put that part of the puzzle in place. If you don’t live alone you need to know your other family members styles and how that falls into place when you’re not the same style.
Oh my gosh, you just described my life! Kids are now grown and my husband and I are decluttering zone by zone. So far, 3-4 zones and 8 carloads to the donation center and several large bags of trash are gone. Lots more to do but we’ve got a good start.
Hi I've listened to your videos all day. While clearing out the clutter. Thank you for helping me finally make a start on clearing out my clutter. I am beginning to feel empowered. There a lot for me to do and I know this is a slow process. Some of my living room is tidy and most is disorganised clutter. But now I've made a start I will keep going with it. There's still three bedrooms a hallway and kitchen to sort. Plus 40 years of mine and other families members clutter that's inherited to clean outfrom the loft and garage. But now I've started that's it! 😂❤❤❤
Im 60 yrs old, and i have been single for 90% of my life. Life has been full of the highest highs and lowest lows. Not having kids or a husband to be accountable to has always allowed me to procrastinate. You ladies have been my life saver. I have gained so many skills and new habits that has allowed me to see the forest for the trees. Thank you so much for helping me change my life.
Thank you. I feel like we all need to give ourself permission to not be perfect about how we declutter. Because you are 100% correct, sometimes it’s too much to sort and organize and donate or sell, if you don’t need it and you don’t have the capacity to do those things, Throw it away! And liberate yourself in the process. Thank you.
Hi Cas. I love your videos and planned on organizing my whole home this year. Clean and all. My husband passed away unexpectedly late January and now all I can do is clean little at a time much less declutter. 😢
Cas, I watched and listened this 5 times...July 14th. I have filled up my car. I am slowly decluttering. I love THE TAKE YOUR HOUSE BACK. I have told you in the past, I have ADD. I get depressed and lack motivation. You are helping me. Slowly but surely. Love you all 3 from Take Your House Back. I appreciate you so much. I tell you this aftery video. Thank you, again Cas!!
Opened my office closet to find some garbage while I was listening to this and I ended up getting rid of so much! Decided to listen again and keep going. This is saved to my cleaning playlist. Your motivation obviously worked!
Cas, Thank you. I appreciate all you, Dawn & Joshua do to encourage us to let things go. My hubby & I are on our own decluttering journey. We went home for Christmas & was encouraging my Mom to let things go & gave her permission to get rid of anything I had given her. What I didn't realize was the day she decided to go through some stuff & how it was going to affect me while I was sitting there watching her chunck stuff from me in the garbage. I did cry a few tears. I took some pics of items & the next day, I told my Mom how proud I was of her for letting it go & to keep it up. 😊 Next wk I am planning on purging a bunch of stuff from my sewing / craft room. I'm looking forward to a cleaner, more creative space. 😊
This is what I needed!!! Tough love 💪 ❤ especially since I just put 4 baskets in my cart for Target pickup 😅. I’ve since deleted my Target pickup and will use what I already have to get things together.
I can't say enough good things about meditation. I have given up on doing it right, I'm never sure if I am. But simply sitting with my eyes closed, calmly resting, taking deep and measured breaths really helps so much. It's very calming, and clears my head. Even if I only manage to do it for ten minutes. If I have a headache or I feel unwell, even if my back hurts, I just close my eyes and breathe. I gave birth in the 80's before they had epidural. We had lamaze class. It was all about breathing to alleviate pain. It does work. And it gives you a break in the middle of cleaning up the mess, so I can continue instead of giving up.
Thanks, Cass! My word for 2024 is CHALLENGE! And I am taking on the challenge of 15 minute kitchen reset and 15 minute tidy daily! Also looking forward to the all day declutter on 1/13 to jumpstart a year of getting rid of the excess! I am scheduled for kidney surgery in Feb so inspired to create a more restful healing place for myself!
Wow. That was fantastic! I grabbed a bag and kept listening while I filled it and cleaned out a large junk drawer. Your speech just propelled me along! I'm sure I'll be listening to this video a LOT on my journey to an organized home and life! Thank you! 🎉
When growing up in a big family my mom gave us just one task each to help with dinner mine was setting the table and another sibling cleared the table ect
On the subject of not buying containers, I have used shoe boxes for years. The boxes and lids make great temporary places to see if your organization system is going to work. After 27 years of having all our over the counter meds in shoe boxes, I finally bought clear acrylic bins to take their place. The system has worked for decades so I finally purchased nice bins.
Happy New Year Cass! I’m finally breaking through my fear of lack of due to growing up very poor & getting rid of items that will be useful if the world ends. Each space I take back reminds me that I actually operate from abundance and can bless others with my extra items.
Hi Cas. I follow you for some month now. I have done a lot in my house because of you and also the flylady method. But what I like most is... I send my good friend with depression your video and podcast links for a while and she was not really interested in watching them. When I started your 30 day declutter challenge this month I also send her my photos and tried to motivate her to do it too, but she didn't... That mad me sad and I chatted with her about her depression and what else stops here to clean. I used your words to show her that cleaning could help her with depression too. Like if you don't do it today, it makes it harder for you tomorrow. Guess what... It helped. I am so proud of her, what I directly told her. And she should be too... I learned from you😉 I hope that this can change her life for the better and that she stays on track somehow, maybe in her own way. Thank you.
Thank you Cas. Our house is now just my house, God rest their souls. We've been in it for 10 yrs and brought our former clutter with us, then added more. When Mom moved in her place was like your "former self's" place, pathways to get through it. Hired 2 separate auction-clean out companies after spinning my wheels on my own. So, now I'm having many of the rooms repainted and I'm decorating and arranging it the way I want it. It was kind of a sudden decision so, starting on the 1st floor, I'm emptying 1 room at a time, clutter and all, and only putting back what I love. I'm fortunate to have a big space to move things into temporarily (Mom's suite). Whatever is left I'll donate the good stuff and throw out the rest. Yes it's working backwards from what you, Dana and Dawn suggest. But for this floor I think it's the most appropriate method. When "Ahhh" happens on the 1st floor I'll tackle the 2nd floor the way y'all suggest. I promise! So thank you for your motivation and your suggestion to wash the dishes and do a 15 min tidy every night. I've never done that but it makes sense. Until the 1st floor is done I'll have to start with just doing the dishes. PS my daughter, who lives 2 hrs away, told me about you a couple years ago. I randomly watched your posts and some of Dawn's since yours linked there. Recently, as life has changed and become less stressful, I've been watching the 2 of you and now Dana. I'm pretty sure the 3 of you are "responsible" for my big motivation to declutter, redo, and get daily life organized. Please pass my thank you's on to your "declutter buds".💞
You have such a soothing, comforting voice! It was a pleasure listening. I grew up in a house where it was chaos & scary to have people over. I want a better environment for my kids. They are all little right now so the mess is real but I will be FIGHTING for my tidy home! 💪
You speak so much sense Cass, thank you. My "stuff" has been really getting me down. I have to fight with myself to get off my butt and sort things, but once I am on a roll, I feel so good to have done so! I only have me to blame, and I only have me to sort the stuff, so it will probably take a long time, but to make a start will be massive. xxx
2024 has been HARD! I’ve been months without a washing machine TWICE. I’ve been weeks without a dishwasher ONCE. All of the plug-ins in my dining room and half of the ones in my kitchen just randomly stopped working and will probably never be fixed. We almost lost my quadriplegic husband TWICE in the last 2 months and the list goes on. I’m big on “counting our blessings” bc I know it could always be worse but I have been struggling and I REALLY NEEDED THIS VIDEO! I actually cried at the end lol (emotional girl) …. Anyway, Thank You.❤
Might I gently suggest that not everyone can adhere to the strict dishes and tidy-up, eg. the disabled and/or elderly (I am both.) When that is not possible due to illness or frailty, maybe people in those circumstances could come up with their own daily must-dos. And I'd love to see an occasional emphasis on techniques, tools, and tips for people who are not able-bodied. If home care is the goal, many of us would appreciate the guidance of a gentle soul like you to help us take care of things ourselves so we can remain in those homes as long as possible. Thanks so much for all you do!
I feel this too. I’m a stay-at-home mom of two little ones and after dinner is a very busy time of my day. I do all the cooking and then Cleaning up the kids, and bath time and finally getting a shower myself and putting everyone to bed. It’s busy, and even just 15 minutes is a stretch when everyone is sleepy and it often feels like much too much to do at the end of the day. We do 3 meals a day here at home and my kitchen is never not in use. So what I started doing instead, I’ve scheduled 8 minutes of dishes 4 times a day. If there’s a pile or I’ve fallen behind, I don’t always get them all, but surprisingly 8 minutes is plenty of time to make a dent in what’s there, if not complete it all. If I want to keep going I will, but after 8 minutes, I’ve given myself permission to stop if I need to. I’m not sure of how severe your limitations are, or if you are cleaning for just yourself or also others, but maybe you could try setting a timer a few different times throughout the day, for however much time is comfortable to you. Focus on the goal of just making progress, knowing that you’ll have several opportunities to keep moving forward throughout the day. “Clean as you go” has never worked for me, but requiring myself to do a task 4 times a day when it’s convenient for me, has dramatically improved my situation. It sounds like it would be more work, but it’s honestly so much less. Also with children, it’s easier when the timer is the bad guy. I often get interrupted when I’m trying to make progress, but when I have a timer set, I can tell my children that they have to wait for that remaining amount of time. I’m accountable to stick to it, and they’re learning to be patient.
Your comment is a great suggestion for a future Cas video. In the meantime, I am the parent of a teen with a disability who wants to learn to be at least semi-independent. As a mom, I am trying to find tools and methods that she can use to maintain her space. Though we don’t have it all figured out yet, we have found a few things that seem to be working well. She has lower muscle tone and less-than-optimal coordination so things like spray bottles and laundry detergent jugs are hard for her to handle. So, we use laundry sheets, a Clorox toilet wand with one-use scrubbers, and disinfectant wipes. Are they the most effective or environmentally friendly options? No, but they do make cleaning and laundry doable for her. It’s worth the trade off for us. We can be environmentally friendly in other ways like reduced packaging or lower consumption if it’s important. But for her independence we will make whatever adaptations need made. She also does chores in smaller increments. Rather than clean the entire bathroom in one pass, she cleans the counter and toilet, takes a break and goes back later to do the tub, then again later to do the mirror and floor. There’s no rule that says it all has to be done at once. I know I didn’t offer much in the way of practical advice but maybe it can help to think of things from a slightly different approach.
I wish your daughter all the best--she sounds like a wonderful young lady. Wouldn't it be great to have more video resources to address living independently with disabilities? There are far more of us out here than folks might realize. @@aliciam6177
I certainly remember when my days resembled yours--whew! I'm well past that life stage now. Declutering and lack of physical strength make for a Catch 22--making life easier means decluttering, but the body just says nah, I don't think so. My goal this year is to do the entire house--I'm off to a good start. Heck, even the turtle crossed the finish line in the race with a rabbit. @@dptfo
Casa talks about just do something for 5 minutes. When I’m hurting/tired, can’t walk, I sort papers while on the couch. Or I sew on a button. Or I look at a bookshelf and find ONE book to give away. Or I toss one old bottle of something from my fridge. I say “one thing is leaving my house every day!” That’s doable, even in a pain flare-up. You can do it!
You have so many followers you may never see this. I have been a fan for a long time, but your comment about holes in underwear cracked me up. Back in the 70's I had a sweet Aunt who had to hang her laundry outside to dry. Her underwear was beyond repair. One night her hubby was mad and called her a Raggedy A$$ Tightwad (after seeing the clothes line). I just thought this would appeal to your level of humor! ❤ .
My dad is 92 and STILL WORKING and has holes in his undies and refuses to throw them out!!!! He can def afford new and he has plenty of new yet won't get rid of the old!!!
@mjgriffin49 I had holes in my underwear and it was my last clean pair and had to go to work. Unfortunately I ended up in the ED and was admitted to hospital and all I had were those holey underwear !
That section on “that girl who used to…” where you talk about how gross you used to be and how now you are effortlessly tidy…that needs to be a short or reel. Almost made me cry…so powerful.
i find this so motivational. thank you. i really enjoy listening to the "list" of things that can get thrown out. It feels like "permission" to throw things away.
Cas- Oh girl you rock so much! I think the best thing i've heard you say now is about being your own hero and saving yourself ; "Put on a freakin cape and save yourself!" YES!! I'm putting that on a post it and putting it on my goal calendar. Love when you give tough love :) 😍🤩❤
Cas, I don't know how you did it, but apparently have been swimming around in my brain! And my house.! I want to cry with relief that someone really really understands. I need to listen to this podcast over and over. I need some tough love. I am in it to take back my house! ❤ God bless you!
I've actually paused this to write. Thank U so much. This is hitting so hard, it's as if ure sat Infront of me telling me straight. I can't thank U enough for this. I got diagnosed with ADHD last year at 49. Made my life suddenly make sense. I found U thru my love of organising but never understanding why I couldn't get there! When I saw U talking about ADHD and ure struggles I cried. I get ya. Which means mayb U get me too?! So mayb there R people who don't think we're just lazy or messy. I can't wait for the day I feel comfortable with my own space that I can b this confident. Althou uve made me cry I know it's not U but that scary doubt and all those years of people telling U , ure rubbish, always late, forgetful, messy, disorganised..,I could go on. My point is, thank U. For ure videos, ure strength, ure confidence and ure honesty. Ure helping me find my strength again. After nearly losing my husband suddenly and then a long recovery I feel like I can start living again. Enjoy our future together. As a family. Ure inspirational and U probably won't ever c this but I'd like U to know. U make a difference. And I don't even live in the same country! Lol impressive! Adhd whittering in full effect! Lol Summary .... Thank U! ❤
I don't know who needs to hear this, but there are times when it's physically impossible to do what should take 30 or less minutes at the end of the day. When you have chronic health conditions which are flaring up, for example. I have times where i could probably washup and tidy at the end of the day, but it would be much faster and less stressful to do it first thing in the morning. For most people this will NOT be the case. Noone really wants to clean up yesterday's mess first thing. But if it is for you, that's absolutely ok. We will get there!
I love you Cass! I am going to listen to this over and over. Your encouragement is like a lifeline to me but I also need your tough love to kick me into gear! Love this!
I needed to get fussed at. And to give me a pep talk. I have a yard long list of whining but that is all it is. I will press on, thank you.. I have emptied two rooms and more to go! Thank you. You can fuss at me all the time. Thank you.
I’ve been working on the fridge the past few days. I deal with chronic pain, so I can only do so much at a time. But Ive made some progress getting rid of things I intended to use but didn’t and the expired things you mentioned 🎉
Thank you for applying personal honesty. From the trauma of lack… I too share the struggle. No one supported/ taught me. I/ we deserve that peaceful place earned in this tough life!
I started cleaning the kitchen every night and doing the tidy up. Honestly, it hasn’t gotten any easier. I guess I’m slow. I ensure everything is absolutely clean and I wash my hands 20 times as I’m cleaning the different surfaces. I work all day, make dinner, and clean. I don’t feel like I have time or a life for anything else. With that said, I know I still feel better than if I had not cleaned. Great video!
And the truth shall set us free ❤❤❤ I agree with you 💯 and I’m so overwhelmingly tired Im going to take my ADHD meds AND ace my space than my life 🥰🙌🏾🙏🏾 THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH YOUR A GEM 😇🤗
I have a tiny flat. In 20 months, I have been decluttering one cupboard at a time. I now only have my clothing 2 bags 2 boxes to sort, a few boxes of toys, and my bedding to do. Then my craft items. I'm finding this last part to do so darn hard. 😕. My room is now my 3 sons room, my living room is now my bedroom, and the tiny room is now my new living room. Went from myself and 2 sons to my 25yr old coming home and my ex coming back. Too much stuff no room. Hope to get a move as this is not big enough for 5 people. I like to see my stuff in see-through boxes 📦 😊 . I also micro manage. I have done 2 full sweeps of my whole house. Still not done. I got fed up having to do it all myself. So started to minimalise towels kids clothes plates cups everything not necessary has went. Stuck keep putting off this last bit. 😫 i don't know why I struggle with this last bit. Once it's done I've to start painting the whole flat room by room Boys room, hall, livingroom then my room and kitchen. Big goals at end if can get over this hump. 😢😢😢😢 i procrastinate a lot. I also suffering from CPTSD. Start therapy on Tuesday not sure if thats affecting me also. Im visual need to see it. Think this comes from my childhood traumas
🥲 Thanks Cass! 🙏 I'm in the process of decluttering for 8 days now. I really resonate with what you were saying. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired! So moving forward and I'm doing this for me. ❤
This is such a wonderful podcast. One of your best! I have done a lot of decluttering and cleaning in all but two rooms. Time to roll up my sleeves and get 'ER done!
Ive listened to this lots of times now and each time I go off and sort something else . It gets me fired up to do it everytime. You're brilliant, come live with me for a week. Then you could sort my husband out with his hoard in his container. 😮 Love you 😊
You are self deprecating. However, you are also very wise. Your intellect is a wonderful asset. Believe in yourself! This is coming from a long time school teacher ❤
Yes! I've done it! I love my home again. I feel free. Unburdened. I'm the HERO of my own life & going to be the HERO for my sister & great-niece. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Cas. I love you. You do not give yourself enough credit. Up your self talk game, Love.
You're the me I'm gonna be... thank you for your honesty and for calling out the mess I live in but still not making me feel shame and guilt- I actually feel empowered and hopeful. Wow- that's not how I usually feel. Thank you
You're really doing a service for people. I don't see anyone else with this delivery/vibe... You really care. Props
I recently discovered your channel. I love it! I won’t bore you with details, but the past 4 years have been one setback after another. I finally took control of my health. Drs, telling me for years that there was nothing wrong with me. My Cardiologist asked me if I’d seen a thyroid doctor. Since my md has always said my thyroid was fine. Jump ahead a few weeks. I had 3 out of 4 Parathyroid glands removed a couple of weeks ago. I’m feeling like a new person!! I have energy, who knew!?! I’ve cleaned my closet, and, am now starting on my kitchen pantry! I found you when recovering from another surgery about 6 weeks ago. You are such an inspiration! My neighbor started watching you, too! So, now I have a friend to keep each other motived! Just celebrated my 80th birthday, and, people guess I’m about 55. Now, I feel like it! You are a new friend, and, I’m going to listen to you as I clean and purge! Wonderful feeling!! ❤️
What?? That episode was only 35 minutes? I cleaned so much in my kitchen while listening.😮 We underestimate what a difference such tiny time spans make. I love listening to you while cleaning or tidying. ❤
I started crying when you said it's ok to be overwhelmed if you have the time. I am single with no kids or pets and am sitting in a dump watching this. I am overwhelmed. Letting me know it's ok gave me the motivation to get up and trash all the empty shampoo bottles in the shower. I'm a bee and have a house full of half empty bottles and organizers still in the box because I'm waiting until I have the time to do it perfectly; that time will never come, I have more time than most, but not enough to do it perfectly.
Hi, I hope you read this… I am in exactly the same boat as you… I was looking back of photos of my one bedroom apartment when I first renovated it and it was gorgeous, but for some reason I didn’t recognise that and over time I have kind of trashed my own home.. the first home I ever bought… the kitchen is almost ruined, the floor is FILTHY - I spent $7000 on that floor. And I’ve never done this before in my life but I’ve been sleeping on the couch for the last 3 weeks because there is so much junk on the bed. I’ve avoided the point it has gotten to til now, binge-watching Netflix daily and isolating myself. But I saw your comment and YOU and Cass have motivated me to focus on what I can do TODAY: which is tidy my bed, and clean the kitchen. Sure, it might not be a deep clean but it’s better than squalor. THANK YOU and I hope you keep focusing on what you can do just for today…
I read it. Thank you for your reply. It is helpful to know I am not the only person who behaves this way. Your response has motivated me to get up and do some more cleaning. Last week, I put a cardboard box by my front door and have been dropping in donations. I am not pulling out everything in the closet, but when I see something I no longer use, I just drop it in the box. I know we have to catch up, so we have to do extra, which is hard, but we can eat this elephant one bite at a time. I'm proud of you for tidying your bed!
Done is better than perfect. It really is. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to get done. We can always improve it next week.
Keep it up! Great job
Wow, I feel so proud of you both! ❤Keep it up one thing one item at a time. Make your space sooo comfy and enjoyable. I finally did that with my bedroom and now I don't allow ANYTHING on my bed unless it's laundry and I'm folding it! 😂 I tough loved myself and I am so motivated by Cas and all you folks making comments. We can do it!! Make OURSELVES PROUD and comfy!! ❤
I'm 66yrs old and just started my minimalist journey. I have decluttered 90%of my home (minus my teenager's room and hubby's garage) I feel so free and at peace.
Sounds amazing!
This weekend I went through my closet and donated 3 fancy dresses, 7 suits with skirts and blouses, 1 jacket, 5 silk blouses, 1 wool blazer, 3 wool skirts, 2 pairs of slacks, all from when I worked in an attorney’s office 30 years ago! Also 10 casual tops, 1 sweatshirt, and 2 bathrobes!!! You are such an inspiration!
I am so proud of you!!!
Cass, I get such a kick whenever you say "stop it"! 😅 it always makes my day ❤
One of my favorites of hers too ❤
Me too❤
The summer of last year (2023), my husband and I looked at our living environment and started going through things, decluttered, purged, and etc. We still have a few more spaces to work over together, but I think we have done a good job so far.
I have a large home. I have always been very mindful of my spaces. Raised 3 sons and all the friends too. Now my Mother with Dementia lives with us. Clearing out her home was TERRIBLE!! I never want my sons or daughter in-loves to go through the same DRAMA! Thank you for giving me permission to say OUT DAMN SPOT!
That's why Swedish Death Cleaning with our own possessions, not to be morbid, will spare our loved ones that agony after we're gone.
That same thing happened to my sweet hubby. His mom had dementia and was a hoarder. It was a huge mess. She wouldn't even let him get rid of obvious trash.
I feel the exact same…my mom is boarder line hoarding with crafts items for years & won’t throw anything away but perfectly sane…my husband & I have cleaned out areas when she was in hospital,etc & within a year, her or my younger 57yr old brother will have stuff back in that clean space….I swore that I would never have a crowded house & let my daughter have to deal with, so that’s been a huge motivation to stay organized…It’s totally frustrating dealing with the excuses from my mom but this year I’ve got better boundaries…thank you for your help Cass ❤
❤ Daughter-in-loves, that's so sweet.
I am doing exactly this for my son. He already asked. "I'm" Almost there!! Now my husband's garage is another story but I'm still working on being an example. :)
Your calm voice motivated me to wash the dinner dishes early and put together an appliance I got for Christmas and throw away the box. No major clutter here. And no excuse but I had surgery yesterday. So the next thing I did was call a family meeting to tell everyone to step up because I do need to rest. Doctor's orders. If I can do dishes with one arm, they can work miracles with 2
Take care of yourself! I wish you fast recovery.
The dishes and a 15 minute tidy up are GENIUS!!! It makes a huge difference!!!
If we worry about throwing things in the trash, if something happens to us, God forbids, it'll all go in the trash anyway.
Sooner or later, everything is trash. Nothing lasts forever.
It’s so tragic but true. Corporations need to make less wasteful products! Someone pls invent a chemical that can safely biodegrade all our trash. 😢
Someone said it all ends up in the trash whether it’s now or in 100 years from now
Omg 🥹 I’ve watched your videos for SOOO long, that right when I hear you say “Hey Clutterbugs…”, my mind & body automatically go into cleaning & decluttering mode 😭 sorry, this is so random, but ilysm Cas! You helped me from the moment I first became a mom. I started cleaning & organizing because of you. That then led to organizing my day, my finances, & my goals (very slowly, but surely). That in turn helped strengthen my relationships & stay on top of every appt, birthday, holiday, & self-care day 🥲 I now have 4 kids, 2 grandparents with cancer, 2 sisters who are learning to adult, & a job where I can stay home to take care of all of em 😭 my husband’s been with me since day one & said he can see the change. I just can’t believe it’s 2024 already. Pls keep doing what you’re doing because honestly, you’re helping in ways that are hardly acknowledged & I know I’m gonna keep needing your videos through the rest of my life 😭💜 thank you so much for being you & sharing your beautiful self with us!
I needed to hear these words so bad! I have been so depressed because of everything that I have that I just get so overwhelmed and hide in my room which is also a disaster. I am going to implement what you said and I'm going to kick myself out of this depression with stuff and start being a big girl. I do appreciate the tough love❤
Cas: As always I very much appreciate all of the work you do to help us learn how to improve our lives. I am hoping this little tip I'm going to share may be helpful to someone.
The words we use, just like the things we keep in our house, tell us a story.
The word "control" can be a problem for a lot of people because it indicates that such a thing exists. That if we just "do things right" we will "have things under control" and whenever we feel out of control we automatically assume we are doing things wrong.
I had this problem big-time and I'm confident it contributed to my clutter problem.
After some work with my therapist we re-phrased the way I think of it:
Management. I don't control things, I manage them. My own behavior, the stuff in my house, what I eat for breakfast, are all things that I manage.
Once I released that the concept of control was damaging and started managing my words to tell me a different story my anxiety reduced and it was easier to get moving.
This is now my official opinion: the words we use are clutter more damaging to us than the clutter in our house, and the clutter in our house can be a symptom of us not de-cluttering our minds of words that don't serve our ability to manage in a constructive and healthy way.
I really hope that sharing this helps someone else. It was a contribution to me finding the Clutterbug channel in the first place.
Speak life ❤
Thank U. ❤
it took me one year and 4 months. i just got out of the little pool and trimmed back a tree. this has been a dream for the last four years. i’m in heaven
im still listening and i’m still applying all of these ideas.
I feel all of this.....I started watching The Minimal Mom and you about 2 weeks ago and a switched flipped. I have got rid of 70% of all my kitchen, most all of the my living room, cleaned out my entire hallway, and i am starting on my bathroom and laundry room this week end! I feel amazing you girls are the absolute best!!! I feel like a new person im even taking better care of myself....From the bottom of my heart Thank you :)
I love the part where you said, “Put on a freaking cape and be your own hero!” 😂 💪🏻 I am binging your videos! I love making my home feel amazing 💗
You said the word "overwhelmed", and I started to cry. Yes.
Cass you said you’re yelling to us already but your voice is still the sweetest! I love listening with that soft, full of emotion and encouraging voice…..
I cannot over state how much the "reset the house and tidy the kitchen before bed every night" has improved my life! I've been doing this for a while now so it is a habit. Do I ever fail to do it? Once in a while - and when I do, I regret it. Thanks Cass and the other wonderful You Tubers who have changed my life! 🥰🥰🥰
Cas, every time I listen to you I love you more. You have motivated me for several years, and gradually I'm getting there. I started out a very organized person, but 45 years of chronic disease and pain have made me see what is important and let the rest go. I declutter little by little and only keep what I need and love. I used to do crafts and volunteer and run around with my kids but life has gotten gradually much harder. My kids are grown and I have grandkids now. When they come to visit, or I go to them, everyone helps to get the work done. I am truly blessed with my family. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation.
Cas, this is the BEST podcast anyone ever made! I've battled clutter for most of my life, tried and failed to change, and now I have realistic hope! THANK YOU!
I just recently started to follow you & I thank God to have found you. We are in the process of moving out of our home of 30+ yrs! And, I don’t want to take most of the stuff we have let alone repeat the clutter we have lived in. Your words have helped me to deal with letting go of emotional & physical stuff. Thank you Cass🥰
I moved a year and a half ago and didn't realize I had an physical illness that was not allowing me to do the things I always could (MS with orthopedic issues caused by it) plus rates of movers went up drastically and in my mind, I didn't understand how much I would be paying.
I ended up having to just say "leave it" and I had to pay on the back end to have it cleared out because I could not afford to have it all moved and then sort.
In hindsight, I should have realized early I needed to not take everything and instead "shop" my place for what I truly wanted to take and then have people come take what they want for free and then if I could discard things great, if not then hire someone to clear the rest and clean.
If you are early in the process, I encourage you to do this.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I will definitely do that. Positive vibes going out to you 🙏🏼
@@wendyg6030 thank ypu, and I hope it is a great move for you, and peaceful.
Moving house is the very best time to really declutter. I want to downsize just to declutter. Lol
There should be a science in staying organized, and Cass should be a scientist in that area!
There actually is, hoarding is often treated by anxiety-OCD specialists, and research does happen. There has been some specific research that found hoarding disorder is actually a separate issue from OCD and chronic disorganization. 👍🏻
I really love the support that you, Dawn and Dana give people like us.
I LOVE Harry Potter and I looked in my cup draw and there were 3 Harry Potter cups that I don’t like and hate using because they are too small, I have my favourite mugs I use.
I decided to bite the bullet that donate them.
Did I struggle YEP because they are Harry Potter.
Did I second guess myself YEP But I’m telling myself, I don’t like them, I don’t use them, just let them go.
And that’s exactly what I’ve done.
The best part is, in a few days or weeks, you’ll have moved on - getting rid of ‘useful’ things helped me make so much progress - good luck on your journey, your on the right track 😁
And now someone else can love them.
Cass I always knew I was what a cricket is before I knew that was a cricket style, but never could understand why it didn’t work for me. The key was learning what my OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WERE! The lightbulb went off why no one else was keeping up with my beautiful system and all I was constantly doing was picking up after everyone. And being resentful about. OFCOURSE unfortunately I had to figure it out through lots of trial and error because it was before I found clutterbug/you. But when I finally found you and read all about the other styles I felt so validated as a mom and housewife that I was working so hard and not a bad housekeeper. I was just fighting against my other bugs who as we know over crickets win. I was so organized and meticulous but my house was trashed bcz my other bugs weren’t keeping up and I was exhausted trying to keep it up for them. Literally never could understand why all I was doing was cleaning but it would be a disaster in minutes when everyone came home (five kids and ladybug husband who always stashed everything and forgot about where everything was or that it even existed. Aka bills and everything else). PLEASE this year share more of this with new to your channel moms this important part of the puzzle. Bcz we can do our system all we want but if we live with conflicting bugs it’s going to be uphill battle till we put that part of the puzzle in place. If you don’t live alone you need to know your other family members styles and how that falls into place when you’re not the same style.
Oh my gosh, you just described my life! Kids are now grown and my husband and I are decluttering zone by zone. So far, 3-4 zones and 8 carloads to the donation center and several large bags of trash are gone. Lots more to do but we’ve got a good start.
Hi I've listened to your videos all day. While clearing out the clutter. Thank you for helping me finally make a start on clearing out my clutter. I am beginning to feel empowered. There a lot for me to do and I know this is a slow process. Some of my living room is tidy and most is disorganised clutter. But now I've made a start I will keep going with it. There's still three bedrooms a hallway and kitchen to sort. Plus 40 years of mine and other families members clutter that's inherited to clean outfrom the loft and garage. But now I've started that's it! 😂❤❤❤
Waking up to a clean kitchen is absolutely lovely. So worth those extra minutes.
Im 60 yrs old, and i have been single for 90% of my life. Life has been full of the highest highs and lowest lows. Not having kids or a husband to be accountable to has always allowed me to procrastinate. You ladies have been my life saver. I have gained so many skills and new habits that has allowed me to see the forest for the trees. Thank you so much for helping me change my life.
Thank you. I feel like we all need to give ourself permission to not be perfect about how we declutter. Because you are 100% correct, sometimes it’s too much to sort and organize and donate or sell, if you don’t need it and you don’t have the capacity to do those things, Throw it away! And liberate yourself in the process. Thank you.
Hi Cas. I love your videos and planned on organizing my whole home this year. Clean and all. My husband passed away unexpectedly late January and now all I can do is clean little at a time much less declutter. 😢
I’m sorry for your loss ❤
Cas, I watched and listened this 5 times...July 14th. I have filled up my car. I am slowly decluttering. I love THE TAKE YOUR HOUSE BACK. I have told you in the past, I have ADD. I get depressed and lack motivation. You are helping me. Slowly but surely. Love you all 3 from Take Your House Back. I appreciate you so much. I tell you this aftery video. Thank you, again Cas!!
I love your weirdness. Dont change that! You are awesome and i love the energy
Opened my office closet to find some garbage while I was listening to this and I ended up getting rid of so much! Decided to listen again and keep going. This is saved to my cleaning playlist. Your motivation obviously worked!
Thank you. I'm keeping this on repeat and borrow your passion to feed my motivation. Hugs to you sweet bug.
Cas, Thank you. I appreciate all you, Dawn & Joshua do to encourage us to let things go. My hubby & I are on our own decluttering journey. We went home for Christmas & was encouraging my Mom to let things go & gave her permission to get rid of anything I had given her. What I didn't realize was the day she decided to go through some stuff & how it was going to affect me while I was sitting there watching her chunck stuff from me in the garbage. I did cry a few tears. I took some pics of items & the next day, I told my Mom how proud I was of her for letting it go & to keep it up. 😊 Next wk I am planning on purging a bunch of stuff from my sewing / craft room. I'm looking forward to a cleaner, more creative space. 😊
If she’d donated the items that you had given her, you would have felt better. I think she would have, too.
She did donate some of it. 😊
I really enjoyed hearing your soothing voice. You were so motivating and without yelling at the top of your lungs.
This is what I needed!!! Tough love 💪 ❤ especially since I just put 4 baskets in my cart for Target pickup 😅. I’ve since deleted my Target pickup and will use what I already have to get things together.
I can't say enough good things about meditation. I have given up on doing it right, I'm never sure if I am. But simply sitting with my eyes closed, calmly resting, taking deep and measured breaths really helps so much. It's very calming, and clears my head. Even if I only manage to do it for ten minutes. If I have a headache or I feel unwell, even if my back hurts, I just close my eyes and breathe. I gave birth in the 80's before they had epidural. We had lamaze class. It was all about breathing to alleviate pain. It does work. And it gives you a break in the middle of cleaning up the mess, so I can continue instead of giving up.
One of the best and most inspiring videos on de-cluttering that I’ve ever seen!
You’ve come a looooong way!! Thank you for taking the journey and helping so many of us along the road too! ❤
Thanks, Cass! My word for 2024 is CHALLENGE! And I am taking on the challenge of 15 minute kitchen reset and 15 minute tidy daily! Also looking forward to the all day declutter on 1/13 to jumpstart a year of getting rid of the excess! I am scheduled for kidney surgery in Feb so inspired to create a more restful healing place for myself!
Wishing you the best during your surgery.
🙏 for health and healing
Wow. That was fantastic! I grabbed a bag and kept listening while I filled it and cleaned out a large junk drawer. Your speech just propelled me along! I'm sure I'll be listening to this video a LOT on my journey to an organized home and life! Thank you! 🎉
When growing up in a big family my mom gave us just one task each to help with dinner mine was setting the table and another sibling cleared the table ect
On the subject of not buying containers, I have used shoe boxes for years. The boxes and lids make great temporary places to see if your organization system is going to work. After 27 years of having all our over the counter meds in shoe boxes, I finally bought clear acrylic bins to take their place. The system has worked for decades so I finally purchased nice bins.
Decluttering my craft/Barbie/Rock and Roll room as I listen to you. Barbie thanks you!!
Happy New Year Cass! I’m finally breaking through my fear of lack of due to growing up very poor & getting rid of items that will be useful if the world ends. Each space I take back reminds me that I actually operate from abundance and can bless others with my extra items.
I need to hear this! I need to reset my mindset by hearing more like minimalism, frugalism and decluttering. Thank you so much
Hi Cas. I follow you for some month now. I have done a lot in my house because of you and also the flylady method. But what I like most is... I send my good friend with depression your video and podcast links for a while and she was not really interested in watching them. When I started your 30 day declutter challenge this month I also send her my photos and tried to motivate her to do it too, but she didn't... That mad me sad and I chatted with her about her depression and what else stops here to clean. I used your words to show her that cleaning could help her with depression too. Like if you don't do it today, it makes it harder for you tomorrow. Guess what... It helped. I am so proud of her, what I directly told her. And she should be too... I learned from you😉 I hope that this can change her life for the better and that she stays on track somehow, maybe in her own way. Thank you.
Thank you Cas. Our house is now just my house, God rest their souls. We've been in it for 10 yrs and brought our former clutter with us, then added more. When Mom moved in her place was like your "former self's" place, pathways to get through it. Hired 2 separate auction-clean out companies after spinning my wheels on my own. So, now I'm having many of the rooms repainted and I'm decorating and arranging it the way I want it. It was kind of a sudden decision so, starting on the 1st floor, I'm emptying 1 room at a time, clutter and all, and only putting back what I love. I'm fortunate to have a big space to move things into temporarily (Mom's suite). Whatever is left I'll donate the good stuff and throw out the rest. Yes it's working backwards from what you, Dana and Dawn suggest. But for this floor I think it's the most appropriate method. When "Ahhh" happens on the 1st floor I'll tackle the 2nd floor the way y'all suggest. I promise!
So thank you for your motivation and your suggestion to wash the dishes and do a 15 min tidy every night. I've never done that but it makes sense. Until the 1st floor is done I'll have to start with just doing the dishes.
PS my daughter, who lives 2 hrs away, told me about you a couple years ago. I randomly watched your posts and some of Dawn's since yours linked there. Recently, as life has changed and become less stressful, I've been watching the 2 of you and now Dana. I'm pretty sure the 3 of you are "responsible" for my big motivation to declutter, redo, and get daily life organized. Please pass my thank you's on to your "declutter buds".💞
Thanks for the constant support and encouragement!
I have a family of 5 and we are all butterflies! It's chaos. I'm definitely in survival decluttering mode.
You have such a soothing, comforting voice! It was a pleasure listening. I grew up in a house where it was chaos & scary to have people over. I want a better environment for my kids. They are all little right now so the mess is real but I will be FIGHTING for my tidy home! 💪
You speak so much sense Cass, thank you. My "stuff" has been really getting me down. I have to fight with myself to get off my butt and sort things, but once I am on a roll, I feel so good to have done so! I only have me to blame, and I only have me to sort the stuff, so it will probably take a long time, but to make a start will be massive. xxx
2024 has been HARD! I’ve been months without a washing machine TWICE. I’ve been weeks without a dishwasher ONCE. All of the plug-ins in my dining room and half of the ones in my kitchen just randomly stopped working and will probably never be fixed. We almost lost my quadriplegic husband TWICE in the last 2 months and the list goes on. I’m big on “counting our blessings” bc I know it could always be worse but I have been struggling and I REALLY NEEDED THIS VIDEO! I actually cried at the end lol (emotional girl) ….
Anyway, Thank You.❤
Might I gently suggest that not everyone can adhere to the strict dishes and tidy-up, eg. the disabled and/or elderly (I am both.) When that is not possible due to illness or frailty, maybe people in those circumstances could come up with their own daily must-dos. And I'd love to see an occasional emphasis on techniques, tools, and tips for people who are not able-bodied. If home care is the goal, many of us would appreciate the guidance of a gentle soul like you to help us take care of things ourselves so we can remain in those homes as long as possible. Thanks so much for all you do!
I feel this too. I’m a stay-at-home mom of two little ones and after dinner is a very busy time of my day. I do all the cooking and then Cleaning up the kids, and bath time and finally getting a shower myself and putting everyone to bed. It’s busy, and even just 15 minutes is a stretch when everyone is sleepy and it often feels like much too much to do at the end of the day. We do 3 meals a day here at home and my kitchen is never not in use. So what I started doing instead, I’ve scheduled 8 minutes of dishes 4 times a day. If there’s a pile or I’ve fallen behind, I don’t always get them all, but surprisingly 8 minutes is plenty of time to make a dent in what’s there, if not complete it all. If I want to keep going I will, but after 8 minutes, I’ve given myself permission to stop if I need to. I’m not sure of how severe your limitations are, or if you are cleaning for just yourself or also others, but maybe you could try setting a timer a few different times throughout the day, for however much time is comfortable to you. Focus on the goal of just making progress, knowing that you’ll have several opportunities to keep moving forward throughout the day.
“Clean as you go” has never worked for me, but requiring myself to do a task 4 times a day when it’s convenient for me, has dramatically improved my situation. It sounds like it would be more work, but it’s honestly so much less.
Also with children, it’s easier when the timer is the bad guy. I often get interrupted when I’m trying to make progress, but when I have a timer set, I can tell my children that they have to wait for that remaining amount of time. I’m accountable to stick to it, and they’re learning to be patient.
Your comment is a great suggestion for a future Cas video. In the meantime, I am the parent of a teen with a disability who wants to learn to be at least semi-independent. As a mom, I am trying to find tools and methods that she can use to maintain her space. Though we don’t have it all figured out yet, we have found a few things that seem to be working well.
She has lower muscle tone and less-than-optimal coordination so things like spray bottles and laundry detergent jugs are hard for her to handle. So, we use laundry sheets, a Clorox toilet wand with one-use scrubbers, and disinfectant wipes. Are they the most effective or environmentally friendly options? No, but they do make cleaning and laundry doable for her. It’s worth the trade off for us. We can be environmentally friendly in other ways like reduced packaging or lower consumption if it’s important. But for her independence we will make whatever adaptations need made.
She also does chores in smaller increments. Rather than clean the entire bathroom in one pass, she cleans the counter and toilet, takes a break and goes back later to do the tub, then again later to do the mirror and floor. There’s no rule that says it all has to be done at once.
I know I didn’t offer much in the way of practical advice but maybe it can help to think of things from a slightly different approach.
I wish your daughter all the best--she sounds like a wonderful young lady. Wouldn't it be great to have more video resources to address living independently with disabilities? There are far more of us out here than folks might realize. @@aliciam6177
I certainly remember when my days resembled yours--whew! I'm well past that life stage now. Declutering and lack of physical strength make for a Catch 22--making life easier means decluttering, but the body just says nah, I don't think so. My goal this year is to do the entire house--I'm off to a good start. Heck, even the turtle crossed the finish line in the race with a rabbit. @@dptfo
Casa talks about just do something for 5 minutes. When I’m hurting/tired, can’t walk, I sort papers while on the couch. Or I sew on a button. Or I look at a bookshelf and find ONE book to give away. Or I toss one old bottle of something from my fridge. I say “one thing is leaving my house every day!” That’s doable, even in a pain flare-up. You can do it!
Drinking my coffee this morning in a clean kitchen (for the first time) is so nice 🥹
Bring the tough love Cass. ❤️
You have so many followers you may never see this.
I have been a fan for a long time, but your comment about holes in underwear cracked me up.
Back in the 70's I had a sweet Aunt who had to hang her laundry outside to dry.
Her underwear was beyond repair. One night her hubby was mad and called her a Raggedy A$$ Tightwad (after seeing the clothes line).
I just thought this would appeal to your level of humor! ❤
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My dad is 92 and STILL WORKING and has holes in his undies and refuses to throw them out!!!! He can def afford new and he has plenty of new yet won't get rid of the old!!!
@mjgriffin49 I had holes in my underwear and it was my last clean pair and had to go to work. Unfortunately I ended up in the ED and was admitted to hospital and all I had were those holey underwear !
That section on “that girl who used to…” where you talk about how gross you used to be and how now you are effortlessly tidy…that needs to be a short or reel. Almost made me cry…so powerful.
Minimalist here.....I love the validation for my life long allergy to stuff!!!! Thank you Cass ❤ 🍁
Crying watching this. I am crying and overwhelmed. Already emailed Jackie. 😢
i find this so motivational. thank you. i really enjoy listening to the "list" of things that can get thrown out. It feels like "permission" to throw things away.
Thank you for the tough love Cas! We love you too! :)))
Cas- Oh girl you rock so much! I think the best thing i've heard you say now is about being your own hero and saving yourself ; "Put on a freakin cape and save yourself!" YES!! I'm putting that on a post it and putting it on my goal calendar. Love when you give tough love :) 😍🤩❤
Love waking up to a clean sink!
Such a great video!! I’m listening again months later and it’s still motivating. Love it.
You are the clutter angel for helping me so much! I’m in the early stages of declutterring- but I finally getting stuck in to it with your help- 🎉🎉🎉
Cas, I don't know how you did it, but apparently have been swimming around in my brain! And my house.! I want to cry with relief that someone really really understands. I need to listen to this podcast over and over. I need some tough love. I am in it to take back my house! ❤ God bless you!
I've actually paused this to write. Thank U so much. This is hitting so hard, it's as if ure sat Infront of me telling me straight. I can't thank U enough for this.
I got diagnosed with ADHD last year at 49. Made my life suddenly make sense.
I found U thru my love of organising but never understanding why I couldn't get there! When I saw U talking about ADHD and ure struggles I cried. I get ya. Which means mayb U get me too?! So mayb there R people who don't think we're just lazy or messy. I can't wait for the day I feel comfortable with my own space that I can b this confident.
Althou uve made me cry I know it's not U but that scary doubt and all those years of people telling U , ure rubbish, always late, forgetful, messy, disorganised..,I could go on.
My point is, thank U. For ure videos, ure strength, ure confidence and ure honesty.
Ure helping me find my strength again. After nearly losing my husband suddenly and then a long recovery I feel like I can start living again. Enjoy our future together. As a family.
Ure inspirational and U probably won't ever c this but I'd like U to know.
U make a difference. And I don't even live in the same country! Lol impressive!
Adhd whittering in full effect! Lol
Summary .... Thank U! ❤
WE appreciate you, and the 2 others so much! THANK YOU! TAKE BACK MY HOUSE! ❤❤❤ 🙏
Hi Cass, just wanted to tell you if your hair looks really pretty today! Thanks for always giving us motivation!
I cried watching this Thank you. I am worthy. I am deserving. There is nothing wrong with me I can and will have people over. ❤
I don't know who needs to hear this, but there are times when it's physically impossible to do what should take 30 or less minutes at the end of the day. When you have chronic health conditions which are flaring up, for example. I have times where i could probably washup and tidy at the end of the day, but it would be much faster and less stressful to do it first thing in the morning. For most people this will NOT be the case. Noone really wants to clean up yesterday's mess first thing. But if it is for you, that's absolutely ok. We will get there!
I love you Cass! I am going to listen to this over and over. Your encouragement is like a lifeline to me but I also need your tough love to kick me into gear! Love this!
Brilliant watching at the tail end of 2024 and it’s just what I needed ❤
I needed to get fussed at. And to give me a pep talk. I have a yard long list of whining but that is all it is. I will press on, thank you.. I have emptied two rooms and more to go! Thank you. You can fuss at me all the time. Thank you.
Love 💕 your podcast #204-so many notes! Thank you-tomorrow’s a new day!
I’ve been working on the fridge the past few days. I deal with chronic pain, so I can only do so much at a time. But Ive made some progress getting rid of things I intended to use but didn’t and the expired things you mentioned 🎉
Thank you for applying personal honesty. From the trauma of lack… I too share the struggle. No one supported/ taught me. I/ we deserve that peaceful place earned in this tough life!
I started cleaning the kitchen every night and doing the tidy up. Honestly, it hasn’t gotten any easier. I guess I’m slow. I ensure everything is absolutely clean and I wash my hands 20 times as I’m cleaning the different surfaces. I work all day, make dinner, and clean. I don’t feel like I have time or a life for anything else. With that said, I know I still feel better than if I had not cleaned. Great video!
Use rubber or nitrile gloves, so your hands aren’t exposed to so many chemicals or the need to repeatedly wash your hands.
Thank you! I think I will put this one on repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat!!
This is exactly what I needed today
I have to be my own Hero!!! No one is ever going to come help me!!
“You get sick of yourself” 🤢 🤒 😷 🧦 “of feeling lazy”! Bingo!
I LOVE the medicine analogy!!
Ur podcasts are life changing for me. U r more then a blessing to me❤
Wow, I'll be saving this podcast for continued motivation & encouragement 😅❤
And the truth shall set us free ❤❤❤ I agree with you 💯 and I’m so overwhelmingly tired Im going to take my ADHD meds AND ace my space than my life 🥰🙌🏾🙏🏾 THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH YOUR A GEM 😇🤗
I don’t like top sheets either. Fitted sheets and pillow cases I vacuum seal in small bags, flat. Saved ton of space.
You are legendary! Thank you for great content, Cas! ❤
I have a tiny flat. In 20 months, I have been decluttering one cupboard at a time. I now only have my clothing 2 bags 2 boxes to sort, a few boxes of toys, and my bedding to do.
Then my craft items. I'm finding this last part to do so darn hard. 😕. My room is now my 3 sons room, my living room is now my bedroom, and the tiny room is now my new living room.
Went from myself and 2 sons to my 25yr old coming home and my ex coming back.
Too much stuff no room. Hope to get a move as this is not big enough for 5 people.
I like to see my stuff in see-through boxes 📦 😊 . I also micro manage. I have done 2 full sweeps of my whole house.
Still not done. I got fed up having to do it all myself. So started to minimalise towels kids clothes plates cups everything not necessary has went.
Stuck keep putting off this last bit. 😫 i don't know why I struggle with this last bit.
Once it's done I've to start painting the whole flat room by room
Boys room, hall, livingroom then my room and kitchen.
Big goals at end if can get over this hump. 😢😢😢😢 i procrastinate a lot. I also suffering from CPTSD. Start therapy on Tuesday not sure if thats affecting me also.
Im visual need to see it. Think this comes from my childhood traumas
🥲 Thanks Cass! 🙏 I'm in the process of decluttering for 8 days now. I really resonate with what you were saying. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired!
So moving forward and I'm doing this for me. ❤
This is such a wonderful podcast. One of your best! I have done a lot of decluttering and cleaning in all but two rooms. Time to roll up my sleeves and get 'ER done!
Ive listened to this lots of times now and each time I go off and sort something else . It gets me fired up to do it everytime. You're brilliant, come live with me for a week. Then you could sort my husband out with his hoard in his container. 😮
Love you 😊
You are self deprecating. However, you are also very wise. Your intellect is a wonderful asset. Believe in yourself! This is coming from a long time school teacher ❤
Good talk Cas 💗
Happy New Year!
As a matter of fact I named my big wardrobe Everest 😂
Yes! I've done it! I love my home again. I feel free. Unburdened. I'm the HERO of my own life & going to be the HERO for my sister & great-niece. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Cas. I love you. You do not give yourself enough credit. Up your self talk game, Love.
You're the me I'm gonna be... thank you for your honesty and for calling out the mess I live in but still not making me feel shame and guilt- I actually feel empowered and hopeful. Wow- that's not how I usually feel. Thank you
I'm here for this tough love 🙏 Thank you so much ❤