How to Declutter Clothing Using My No Mess Decluttering Process
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2022
- People ask how to apply my 5 Step Decluttering Process from my book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life, to clothing. I'm sharing how to do that in this video.
My books: www.aslobcomesclean.com/book
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If I put something on to wear and take it off because I don’t like how it fits or the fabric is too clingy I no longer put it back in the closet it now goes right in the donate box.
Same!
Yes!
@@susannapapagno7996lol
I need to be like that
This is smart. I'll mentally i'll and think I have to keep it just because I paid for it and wore it.
You are the first person I’ve ever heard separate decluttering from organizing, and it’s such a light bulb moment for me! Trying to do both simultaneously is why I always get stuck. Thank you!!
I think I might be in the same boat. I get overwhelmed if I don't separate the two.
Aha! moment here. In my university botany class, the prof explained weeds to us as we walked through a prairie meadow. "These pine trees, here? They are weeds. They do not belong in a prairie meadow, and if left to themselves, they will multiply and eventually destroy this meadow. What is a weed? Anything that does not belong. Even if it's a beautiful thing." THIS APPLIES!
I've tried SOOOO many cleaning methods: Fly Lady, Clean Mama, etc., etc., They're all good. But using your "Declutter" method along with your standard (Do the Dishes. Sweep/Vacuum Floor. Five minute pickup/tidy) is the best. THE BEST. It works better for me than ANY OTHER METHOD!
Even doing a five minute tidy using your 5 questions is PERFECT.
You don't realize how good you are. Thank you SOOOO much for sharing.
I couldn't agree more. The other systems just become too much. Her's I can do
At least for me personally- I have ADHD and I can easily become overwhelmed and overstimulated. All of the other methods look great hypothetically but actually trying to apply them and stay on task without saying “ugh every Tuesday of my LIFE I have to deep clean the bathroom?” When I’m more of a “follow the dopamine” and “keep the house organized enough so I don’t lose my mind.” Lol it’s just too much. For people that are already overwhelmed as it is the last thing they need is yet another notion of “good job you didn’t clean the bathroom on Tuesday again.” And yes I clean my bathroom - quite frequently but specific day things are not my thing. Especially with 2 toddlers and every day is a new surprise.
Dana helps keep it simple with a motherly reminder to do your dishes 😉 she is such a lifesaver!
I LOVE the no mess decluttering method. Applied it a few days ago and decluttered lots of clothes and blankets. Will definitely continue with this process. So helpful!
In my humble opinion, I think different methods work for different types of people. Also you have been building small skills all along the way resulting from each of the other influencers plus what you probably taught yourself along the way with some awareness of your own ideas.
😅 Like the musician who becomes famous overnight but their success is actually attributed to the decades of singing and playing before someone found them at the height of their talent.
@@ClarityDetermination, your words are the truth. ✔️
🙌🏻
Notes for myself
1. Trash - damaged
2. Easy stuff - for elsewhere, for someone else
3. Duh - donate
4. (a) where would I look? Take it there NOW
4. (b) If I needed it did I know I had it?
5. Make it fit
5a consolidate - like items
5b container limits - put & take easily and quickly
Thanks for saving my time! I don't like too much unnecessary talking. (no matter how good the person and the theme are).
Thank you! I took as screen shot of your notes.
❤
I needed these too! Thanks for saving me the time! 🎉
Thanks for this list--very helpful.😊
When I started decluttering my house I started with my clothing since that was the area causing the most frustration. I had everything from size 14 to 28 stuffed! Now I only have what currently fits and I like to wear so there's lots of breathing room. It's easy to get dressed now and I love looking at that very slimmed down space. Truly a joy to own less. I probably got rid of 85% of my clothing!
Congratulations! I also have a wide range of sizing , so hard to declutter this section
Watch the video from The Minimal Mom called "easiest way to declutter clothes" it's fantastic! You start by building your wardrobe on your bed, choosing the things that you feel good in. So you're finding the stuff you like and use and then seeing if there's anything specific you should buy, to fill the gaps that make you feel like you have "nothing to wear". The stuff she says, her perspective is great. Dawn and Dana are the best for my perspective!
“I’m not going to put this pressure on future me.” …. Yes.
Me, too. Better to donate so that someone else can get use out of the items still.
The hard part of doing clothing is trying everything on in multiple sizes prior to giving to friends & donating the rest. Help! Suggestions welcome! 🙏. (Health issues so can only do a few things a day or week). Pleased you succeeded in getting your wardrobe to your satisfaction. ❤
Just an aside.When something is hand wash or dry clean only such as wool or silk. I just wash on gentle cycle in cold water and hang dry it. I've never ruined a garment doing this. Thanks to you and your decluttering methods Dana, they really make the process so much easier ! 🌹
Be aware that with silk if using an enzyme detergent it can ruin the texture of the silk and if the water is super alkaline it can also ruin the texture. Thankful you haven't had that issue but not everyone will be so blessed.
I think she was just using this as an example, not for advice on how to wash it.
@@gbk1t yes, I realize that :)
yes, absolutely! my washing machine actually has a cycle called „hand wash”. Then hang dry or lay flat
@@amandah3205 there is special detergent for silk and wool.
You’re like super nanny for overwhelmed working moms dealing with unmanageable homes. Thank you! Yes, I always put these things off because it’s so overwhelming and then the piles stare at you every time you walk past. Now I can declutter without making a bigger mess. Love this channel. So glad I happened upon it.
I just found your channel and I’m embarking on Day 1 of what is sure to be a looong journey. I have been paralyzed by the overwhelming situation I’ve created for myself after losing everything in a wildfire in 2017.
At the time I thought,”as hard as this is, it’s a fresh start and I’m only going to acquire what I truly need and love”! Yea. Fast forward six years and well… I can barely breathe.
The good news is, I’m not afraid to let things go, it’s just how and where to begin! Ugh it actually gives me anxiety.
But I feel inspired by your approach, and your real and relatable nature. So thank you sister.
So I’m starting right now dammit!!! Got a hot date with a box of black bags and some loud music!!!
🏋🏼♀️Oh lawd… wish me luck…🫣
The "take it there now" step has really been helpful for me. If I make a pile to take later, I have a pile for much later!
Yes, I am making myself do this! It literally takes seconds and saves me from having to glare at another pile! 😂
Yes! I call those "memory piles" because they are supposed to remind me to deal with this pile of stuff later. And later rarely comes. Only more and more memory piles. Sigh.
Same for me too!!
I used to try & do the "other rooms tote" and I never liked to empty it, so I never was ready to declutter another space, because I always had that full tote stopping me. I resisted "take it there now" but now I get it, and it helps in many ways.
@@lisadearing5960 t,rŕŕarþrrrrrtattrtr tttrtta5
You have given me a lot to think about. I only have one closet with 2 racks for clothing, but in the center walkway I have 4 big totes stuffed with Christmas decorations and ornaments. I gave to bring those out to get to the clothes hanging in there. My husband's 20 collared shirts are in there...all 2xl when he now wears 3xl. Donation bag. All my dresser drawers are full of 1xl or 2xl blouses and knit tops. Donation bag. I have 20 boxes of clothes in the hallway across from the laundry - they need folding. If I donate all the clothes I mentioned, I can actually put the clothes that fit us and that we do wear in the closet and dresser, thus clearing the hallway. That is my goal for this weekend.
"Have", not "gave".
We basically wear the clothes that are in 4 of the boxes in the hallway outside the laundry area. For the past 3 years, I have had chronic health issues, including fatigue, that limit my mobility and how many pounds I can lift. I only have my husband to help me. We can not afford a housekeeper. That is how our apartment has gotten so cluttered. Before 2021, I was able to maintain much better. It is so difficult now, and it is embarrassing to have anybody come into the apartment. I keep hoping we will hit the lottery, but the odds are against us.
I would like to recommend that you watch videos from Dr Ken Berry on the Proper Human Diet.
Being lethargic is a result of poor food habits. I've been there, gained a lot of weight, and was lethargic.
I went to the carnivore lifestyle, I'm no longer lethargic and able to let go of things, my health is better, and I've lost weight.
I pray you find your way to be!
I love when you say, "The space that you have, is the space that you have." I actually use that when I am helping others. Great video, Dana! Reid, as always, 🤣.
Moment of appreciation for calling me out On the favorite sweater with a hole in it…that I was waiting to magically repair itself in my closet 😩
Right! Seems like a duh, but we are ALL waiting for the magical repair fairy.
This method really forces me to decide whether I love an item enough to finally fix it! I can either do it myself or pay someone to do it but if I really love it, it's worth it. I am not much of a sewer but I can do basic stuff or use fabric glue. I also bought iron-on jean fabric that you can use to patch holes in jeans. I can keep my favorite jeans going for even longer that way.
The things with paint or bleach spots that haven't vanished... 😞😭
I acted so long for a nice wool coat to repair its ripped pocket that moths came and made the decision for me...learned something
@@jesusislord2457 Oh my! I have a blouse just like that hanging in my closet. 🤦♀️
I am trying to watch these videos in my free time because I work SO much I have hardly any time to “get my life together”-- I’ve been living in clutter for a long time and it’s NOT good for my mental health (or anyone’s)
What resonated with me the most was about the black pants and “which ones you are hoping to find” when you get dressed. This is definitely me. I will frequently pick up two or three others first and pass them over looking for the ones I am hoping to find and always seem to wear while the others just sit there
11:07 I'm not willing to do what needs to be done RIGHT NOW; it needs to go into the donate box (or trash). do not put pressure on future self. THIS SNAPPED ME OUT of my zombie pile of fix-its. thank you!
I have bins full of clothes and fabrics that need repairs or as projects! At 77 you would think after between two to 4yrs I would get it, it is just taking up space! As a social worker I could write a paper on the emotional investment, only a few minutes in on this video my eyes and mind opened to reality! Thank you!
Yes, yes, yes! I was raised altering, making repairs, sewing clothing & projects…. it’s depressing to see these unfinished things piling up, reminding me how much I’ve slowed down :/ Many unfinished quilts & projects that I won’t finish before my time is up…. Thanks for making me not feel that I’m the only one….
Yup, my (older) sons rub my face in it when I finally drag out my mend box and those jeans that needed repair no longer fit them 🙄
@@deboraballes9044Teach him to sew by hand or machine if he is old enough. Mom doesn't have to do everything. 😅
Yes, I needed that jolt of reality, too, except I increased 2-3 sizes. Got to ask myself 2 questions: does it fit, and am I going to wear it? If the second answer is No, then it's got to go!
Sometimes, putting stuff in the mending pile gives us the distance we need. When finally we look through that pile, decluttering is much much easier. I have 2 mending piles. One is the easy mending I really am gonna do. I do it every 2-4 weeks.The other is stuff I will probably declutter - eventually.
For the past 40yrs everything that says hand wash is washed on gentle at my house 😁 And then either hung or laid on a towel to dry.
This 5 step method is magic. To be honest, I could watch videos using this method for ALL spaces and ALL types of items! Just keep repeating these videos in every space please, Dana! Thank you !!
I specifically keep a pair of paint pants and a paint shirt solely for when I paint (or work with messy things) I am a Very messy painter.
This video was helpful. Thank you Dana
I have a set of "paint clothes" as well as 2 sets of "dirty garden job" clothes that I keep in a drawer separate from my regular clothes.
@@rev.robynyoung7680 great idea! I will do that!!! 😁
Yes. I have way too many work clothes. We have washing machines. Why do we need so many clothes.
Haha I used to have like 8 pairs of pants I told myself were for painting until I realized my husband does nearly all the painting. Tossed!
@@debbieleonhardt9668 totally agree I've ended up with more work clothes than wearable clothes before now because of this....
I mean how often do you paint? unless you do arty stuff or you're a painter and decorator .....
I moved from a 3bdm house with 70 % in the storage shed on property.
I moved into a studio apartment! Oh, gosh, you can't believe how many black trash bags of clothes i have donated. How? Why did I have so many articles of clothes?
Ive been in here for a year now, and just gave up 2 more bags. Im happy to have given/donated so many things, not just clothes. Feeling so much lighter now!
Lmao this is me now. Thx for the hope!
I recently learned that steaming used garments sterilizes them! Much faster and easier than having to wash or dry clean.
Sterilizes but will not remove dirt or stains, but just right for certain situations. The dry cleaning bags you put the clothes in in the dryer also work well for lightly worn, unsoiled clothes that need a refresh (like a suit jacket you wore a couple of times but is not dirty enough to go to the dry cleaner)
Something that has really transformed my closet is applying the 333 rule. Courtney Carver (minimalist blogger) wrote a book called the 333 Project: for 3 months only keep your favorite 33 clothing items (that look fabulous on you and coordinate well together) in your closet/ dresser. Everything else in storage or toss. Then every 3 months when the season changes I go "shopping " in my storage bins & rotate clothes. I don't count out 33 items, I probably have 60 items but that's not rhe point. I only keep what is my favorite, what suits the season that I love and I know I will wear. Right now it's about to start getting colder in the next month so I wll rotate all my summer stuff and bust out my fall wardrobe. I love it so much. One thing that really rang true is when courtney says, " whether you believe in the 333 rules or think its dumb, I bet you're already living it. Chances are, I bet you only wear your same favorite pieces over and over again and half of your closet goes untouched. "
Does that mean owning 333 things? Because that's a shit ton of clothes. I never owned that much even before becoming a minimalist.
@@MegOfBroccoli reduce your wardrobe to 33 items; then rotate every 3 months as needed. Some of my things are staples that never rotate out
That is so true. I went from size 1xl to size 3xl/4xl due to medical issues & medication. Now, I need to donate all the clothes that don't fit. My new clothes that fit me are 4 pairs of wide legged leisure knit pants, 4 sweat shirts, 4 pairs of slacks, 8 blouses, 4 t-shirts, about 20 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks, 2 knit hats, 3 coats, and 2 pairs of gloves, 3 or 4 neck scarves, and 2 pairs of shoes. I also have 4 knit cardigans and 4 knit sweaters that are cozy and comfy. I actually have more than I thought. However, my husband has a lot more clothes than I do. He has at least6 pairs of jeans - 3 lined ones for Winter and 3 regular anytime blue jeans. Then he has a black pair, a red waterproof safety pair with matching rain jacket, and a tan dressy pair. We have to go through his clothes soon and weed ot the stained and ripped items.
Stained t-shirts get cut up into shop/cleaning rags and put in assigned storage. Yes! I cut them up "now" , and put them "where I would look for" rags. Great advice as always Dana, thanks! Closets are pretty good at this time, so I'm going through the grandkids toys. Nearly have a box full for missions.
I do the same! In my case the important is to do it right away! If I put those t-shirts away so I can cut them up LATER, it never gets done and I still have t-shirts that were meant to be cleaning rags. So I MUST cut them now!
I give t-shirts and all appropriate clothing (and comfy fabrics) to my pet rats in their cages to snuggle up to! After that I just throw them out when I clean their cage! Thanks Dana, love your videos!🐭🐭🐭🌸🌸🌸
I also like to make rags,but they do need to be easy to access!😊
The jacket with the itchy shoulders🤣😂😅. I love your honesty and sense of humor on top of all your practical advice🙌🥰
I finally get it and the first part of my journey to decluttering was my clothes. I was still a shoe hoarder and bought a behind the door shoe holder that holds 14 pairs and that became my container and limit. Truthfully these are the only shoes I wear and the rest were stored in a box under the couch......If I want a new pair then one of these has to leave and that solves the shopping issue for me only replace what is worn out. Thanks for sharing about clothes this took me about 5 years to complete and understand how many clothes, shoes and handbags we actually use and the rest is storage.....
Same I used to have over 100 pairs of heels...I brought 32 behind the door rack that becomes my limit for all shoes now lol
I also heard someone say which I thought was a great idea, to take out all of your favorite things that you wear all the time and you know you want to keep and put them on your bed or something. Then makes it easier going through the rest of it to determine whether you want to keep it or not
Yup, get the "I'm keeping these for sure" pieces out of the way first....backwards to how we usually do It😊
I take my stained tee shirts cut them up into squares put in my kitchen drawer and use for cleaning my cast iron then into the trash. Save $ on paper towels as you really don’t want to use them for cleaning cast iron anyway.
Have a certain size area in my drawer for these pieces of 1 time use cleaning rags.
Another great video! Something that helps me is to take two items on the right side daily and see if they need to go or stay. Push them to the right if they stay. Next day, do two more items. The closet will soon be done. A whole closet for me at one time is so overwhelming that I quit. Reducing inventory really helps keep it easy to get in and out of it. Not beinging more and more in helps too. Having too many is just not manageable.
Color coordinating and putting alike items together. Very good advice.
If it’s cotton fibre/damaged…& you struggle with the waste; cut I into one-use garage rags! Dirty it & toss it! (Tube Socks are great for this, too! Wash car & toss!)
I do that but I wash and reuse mine. I never have to buy cleaning cloths.
1:05. "Clothing is useful. We have to wear it.....Really!.....Please!" You are hilarious! You seriously are!
In terms of closet containers, I’ve also learned to embrace the amount of hangers I have instead of buying more. My closet is huge but I don’t have a load of hangers (I upgraded from a much smaller closet). So I’ve begun to use the amount of hangers as my container.
That's how I get my husband to get rid of old clothes!
Awesome!
I too have been keeping stuff that has failed to magically repair itself 🤣 I now see that I have to put these in the donate box. 👍🏻
Your honesty, self knowledge, and willingness to put it all out there is such a gift! Just like everyone else who finds their way to you, I am so grateful to find a process that continues to help me break free of my self imposed, overwhelming, toxic internal monolog. Your humor helps me laugh at the many roadblocks I've kept in my mind for most of my life. So, another thank you. I may be llate to the party (and everything else) but I'm catching up quickly!
lol, I’m Late to everything else, too. I drive myself crazy and it’s exhausting.
This is the most useful decluttering process I've ever heard! I am decluttered and organized everywhere except for my closet and when I walk in there I become paralyzed! I have a very large closet and it's easy to ignore it. I've gained weight in the last couple of years and keep holding onto things thinking I'll get the weight back off. This gives me hope and a starting place. Thank you!
I want to honestly say that you are amazing. I started watching your videos today and I can’t seem to stop! I would love to read your book!
I went to look on RUclips today for an “expert” on decluttering.. It seems my clutter, and especially my clothes, has gotten way out of control! And that’s probably the understatement of the year! But When I saw your thumbnail , idk something in me said, this gal - now she looks like she’s got something to bring to the table! And boy was I right! You’re a very smart woman. speaking for myself, someone who has been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, even experiencing some mild/moderate depression and lack of motivation, all I wanted was someone with clear - cut and calm instructions on what I need to do to climb out of this distress. better yet, someone who has experience. Someone who can empathize with the emotional pain and struggle of having to many things…You’re so beautiful and truly a great mentor for so many people. I get the feeling that during these covid times,a lot of us have had to face the monster that’s been living and lurking within our closets and cabinets etc. thanks for coming to our defense, we’re in this and we can get out of this together! keep up the great work! & God bless you and your home. In Jesus name.
You're so right, Dana, about the "handwash only" item. If the care of an item is such that it doesn't fit/flow easily with the weekly/regular routine of washing, drying, folding clothes then it becomes a separate/special/burdensome task and that is not 'becoming streamlined'. Streamlined is what is working for me. Thank you for all you practical help, Dana.
Just decluttered 2 dresses 2pants boots and a handbag all in great shape, just while watching this video. All in my donateable donate bag. Thank you ❤️
Check with your Goodwill. Mine takes clothing that is torn or stained for scraps.
Perfect timing. Recently, I went through my closet for the 2nd time to declutter. I realize that I have a lot more jeans than I need, even though I have plenty of space for them. Jumping into the last step & clearing out some jeans!
I figured out a long time ago that I always search for clothing to wear based on season. So I arrange everything in my closet by length. For instance I have three sections for my tops/shirts - long sleeve, mid length sleeve and short sleeve. Same with pants. It’s worked super well for me…
Get-to-ably this is why I love you Dana. So relatable!
This advice never gets old. I love this concept!
Your plan is so fantastic. I keep a trash bag and donate box handy. As someone else said your " take it where it belongs...now," suggestion and "do the dishes" have been a huge help to me. Thank you, Dana. I always recommend your site to anyone needing help organizing.🥰❤️
My goodness- I LOVE hand washing! Wool items get a gentle cold hand wash ( woolite, then rinsed several times-no wringing, and fabric softener) in the sink or bathtub ( scrubbed clean first) and gently rolled in dry towels, then hung or laid flat to dry. Love it! -especially on a warm day when I can place them in the shade to dry.
Thank you 🌞
What excellent timing. I have been opening and shutting my wardrobe for weeks trying to put off the task. Having lost 42 pounds I am at the stage where everything fits but !!there is so much stuff I can't choose an outfit one of the ways I've decided to keep the stuff that people have complimented me on when I'm wearing them Then I go back to your original video where you asked the question is it hanger worthy? Got rid of all the dry clean only and the hand wash only. The donate box is filling up the clothes choice decreasing. Thank you Dana. Jen Stratford upon Avon England x
I grew up not having many clothes. I now have too many clothes like most Americans, but I still don't like to throw away clothes. If I have old tee shirts or leggings I cut them up in uniform squares for cleaning rags. I have a small basket that I keep them in and when it gets over half full I start throwing away dirty rags instead of washing them. I throw away socks and underwear and donate everything else. If items aren't up to par they can discard them. I never buy dry clean only and if an item "bleeds" it is gone with the exception of jeans.
This is my first time meeting you. What a great post! My problem is sentimental papers. Greeting cards, travel brochures, ticket stubs, kids artwork, photos & more. I'm going to go look at more of your videos now. ☺ Such a pleasure to have found your channel.
Try taking a picture of your favs and then get rid of the physical item 💜
I went on a clothes diet. I didn't buy clothing for a year .At the end of the year, if I hadn't worn it, it was donated. It worked. Now I only buy replacements for what I have. I buy mostly second hand except for socks and underwear.
You are a genius, Dana. And a gifted teacher.
And a blessing to my life.
I have all of your books- highly recommend to all!
This was the BEST VIDEO on decluttering the closet I have ever seen! I wrote down the steps and plan to use them soon. I’m in the process of decluttering my space so very timely! Thank you, Dana, for your generosity in sharing this.
I recommend you all the time to my friends.
And I relish your sense of humor. I laughed aloud several times. So that’s a bonus!
Thank you again! ☺️🙌❤️
Listened to this video 5 times while decluttering my closet. The black bag works because I can see through the white ones and I don't have the feeling of financial guilt as I do when using the white ones. Taking it there now can be difficult at times because some items I want to sell and require more time/steps/effort. It is the size of a laundry basket and that is my container limit. Progress not perfection. Thank you, Dana
Don't forget the value of your time when thinking about the money worth of the clothes. How much time will you spend churning the clothes but maybe never getting around to selling them? You can always get more money but you can never get more time.
“Get-to-ability “ this one needs to be on a t-shirt 😂😂 “looking nice-ish” - love your made up words. I have a very small closet in an old house so a while ago I consolidated my closet however I kept dresses and jackets/ coats in my daughter’s second closet (yes she has two , weird). I used your tip to put all dresses together etc and I have consolidated even more now! Thanks as always. I agree with amber klein/ your decluttering method makes the most sense!
Perfect timing! I haven't tackled my closet in 3 years, and seasons are jumbled together, as well as clothes that shrunk horribly while hanging in the closet during the worst of covid. I dread this task, but am now determined to see it through! Thanks, Dana!
Isn’t it amazing how clothes can shrink from just hanging in the closet! 😁
Shrunk during covid.
Ha ha ha!
Thank you for demonstrating this process. I like the "take it there now" step for clothes in particular because so often it is more practical to donate those items than to clean or alter them so that they fit. I always have too many outfits and not enough time to fix clothes so that I can wear them. Thanks again!
The 'Why' doesn't matter because 1) there is NOTHING helpful in the answer 2) it's not the past that matters, it's the future ❤💪
I love this. Clothing is probably my biggest clutter issue!
I used to use a tote or cardboard box for every room and drag then all from room to room; which was unmanageable. Until now the best decluttering process I could come up with was what I called "freestyle point-to-point decluttering" whereby, without any list of priorities, I take the first out-of-place item I see and take it to where it belongs and repeat from there zig-zagging around the house. T-I-T-N didn't appear to be much different. Initially I resisted because it was still walking back and forth all day, half of which was empty -handed. Nevertheless I took the coaching and tried it. WOW! It's a two edged sword, particularly with larger items, as you actually see the decluttering happening before eyes in the space you are focussing on. My system was random and didn't give any satiisfaction until the whole house was complete. I love the T-I-T-N principle. Within a week I found myself not only "Taking it there now" when something was conspicuously out of place but also "bringing it here now" when I saw something was conspicuous by its absense. Two weeks in and it's all just second nature. I don't even think about it now.
I will admit I do use 2 litre square plastic icecream containers to consolidate the small items (just as you look around for mutiple items to "take there now"). I can quickly write the room or project name on the container near the top with a whiteboard marker. Without lids they stack nicely inside each other with the room/project name (e.g. sewing) visible. They take up little space and I can see all the names together in one column. This way I'm not walking back and forth all day with small items like a needle (to the sewing room), a hair pin (to the bathroom), a stapler and a pencil (to the office) then repeating the process for multiple similar items . As soon as a container nears being full I take it to its room and put away its contents. When the container is empty I wipe my finger over the room name and put it on the bottom of the stack to be reallocted to any room or project as required.
Sometimes "walking in circles" does get the job done. 😊
And you get your steps in
Great idea. Works much better when you have mobility issues 👩🦽
Reid's comments are hilarious! So are Dana's! Love these videos!
I had a drawer for clothes to paint in. I don’t paint. 🤷♀️
lmbo! Your simplicity and honesty truly made me lol! TY. It woke me out of the trance of watching, reading and listening about how to best tackle all this clutter when what I really need is to close the laptop, get out of the chair and start SOMEWHERE, ANYWHERE! just quit procrastinating! That chuckle broke my trance and motivated me! TY👍
I love learning from you! I laugh when you slip in little funny lines and keep talking ... I think like you talk! Thanks for being you!
Bravo👏👏👏 I think I am going to attempt my closet finally!! I have been avoiding this area!!
Man your methods have changed my life and I have always strived for perfection. Now I easily continually simply maintain my now peaceful everyday enviornment. May God Bless Specially Forever as You have Blessed So Many Others. This is Huge how You Improve Lives and Your Teachings Just Keep On Giving. How Could Anyone THANK YOU ENOUGH?
Great walkthrough of something that may seem simple, but your process make it even easier and really ultimately brings the clutter down to what you really want to keep. love it. Thanks for sharing!
I just went through mine and my kids closets. Took about 30 min and took the clothes to donate the following day before I had time to think about it and boom feels so good.
Thank you for the reminder to:
Take it there now!
A few days ago, I was determined to go through some paper piles on the living room table. It took quite a bit of time, just to do one section. I live in a multilevel house and I’m 71 years old.
The recycling was on the same floor as me. The shredding is a floor up, so that managed to get delivered to the right location when I went up the stairs the first time.
But, I staged a few tiny piles of things, that needed to get filed or put away, the next time I go downstairs. I have walked passed and over them for three days.
I am promising myself to put them away today - the first time I go downstairs - today.
I appreciate the peptalk, and a review of the five steps. M
Your books are terrific. I got them on audiotape from the library on a rotation basis. Thanks.
My now-retired Soldier husband used to say, "Embrace the suck." It's what you have to do to get through.
My favorite part of every video is Reid's comments at the end!
Thank you for your clear-headed thinking advice Dana!
This was sooooo helpful as I have conquered the visible clutter have been dreading doing my closet. Everything is squished in there and has spread to outside of the closet. I asked myself how to apply your guidelines aka 'take it there now' when clothing BELONGED in the closet. But you covered that so well and other questions I had. So thank you. I'm going to start with a one hour session tomorrow. Oh, and another 'take it there now' that can apply to clothing is if you aren't wearing something because it needs to be altered (in my case, shortened) or repaired. I have a repair box that I would look for something that is in need of repair but I don't want to add clothing to it. So I am going to allow myself to indulge in adding a container for clothing repairs/alterations.
I love how the first steps remove items to shorten your decision making time later. And I also love how you've incorporated consolidating or 'like with like'. I have three brown cardigans that I do wear often and I know I don't need all three so I am going to use your reasoning skills to help me decide which to donate.
Love your channel, have two of your books on Audible, am working through all your podcasts on my PodcastAddict app as I declutter. Your humour and logic keep me going!
Bookmarking this one to rewatch when I tackle my clothes decluttering! Thank you, Dana - I've always really struggled with the clothes issue, and I'm sure this vid will be a big help to me.
Perfect timing! Thanks Dana 💫
You're right...it doesn't matter why we keep clothing with holes and stains, but it still puzzles me that I do! 🤪😂😂
I often used the old ratty, stained and holey items to sleep in and never occured to me to have something nice. I finally got rid of those things as the also do no make you feel good about yourself and rather have one nice set of pj's vs drawer full of old useless items. Great Video
Beautifully done. 👏
I love this video… It is so timely for me right now. I have already gone through my closet, but I get so bogged down. I’m going to re-go through my closet and use the steps!
Very practical examples. I just went through my clothes but didn’t think about some of the things you said. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing. You'll never know how much you have helped me.
I just found your channel and you are so subtly funny 😂
I also have been in the minimalist/organization world for a long time and I find your advice really approachable because I have ADHD. I've seen a lot of advice and these little details about how to think about an item or a space really changes things. Thank you!
I am doing this right now. Ty so much!
You explain the process so well! :)
#4 is exactly correct! It sounds ridiculous at first, but when you think about it, it makes SO much sense. I've hung things up in my closet that should have gone in my P.J. drawer and vice versa. So, yes, that question is valid! Thank you for pointing this out.
Excellent! Going to use this process!
Thanks so much for taking the time to actually walk us through the process. I'm a visual learner and it makes a qorld of difference for me. ❤
I love it! Applying it to specific categories! I have trouble letting go of digital things like files and apps. Sometimes I think I want to use it in the future.
Soooooo glad I came upon your video today! Thank you!!
Thank you for being SO practical and straight forward. Many other channels make amazing points, give good tips and can help shift your mindset, BUT that's all normally jammed into an overwhelming amount of 'theory' or various segways. I really love how you cut to the chase, give super specific, relatable examples...and come across as a real life human with self aware humour. THANK YOU and thank you again! P.S. Your hair looks extra great in this one.
Also, the thing that holds me back the most is exactly what you mentioned in another video...about usually making more of a mess in the meantime, or wanting to do it until it's perfect and not being able to step away if necessary. Your 'no mess' method makes all the difference to getting over that hurdle.
❤ Absolutely brilliant Dana. Thanks
I have a donate box in my closet at all times. If I try on something and I’m not immediately happy, I drop it right in. When it’s full I tape it up and drop it off
You are an absolute delight. You speak the way I think…though I always think I’m wrong or cray cray. To hear you, affirm things I d thought is so inspiring. Trash clothing? Always thought it was a great sin. Thank you!!!
My washing machine has a ‚hand wash‘ programm and a second one for wool and silk. Isn‘t that common? Never thought about that my machine is something special 🤔🤷🏻♀️ thank you for your inspiration, Dana. i really love your video and I glad, that you‘re back from your absense 🥰
Your tips actually make such sense and easy, than any other like posts.
Very helpful video.... Thank you!
Excellent steps!!!!!
I love that you always start with trash/rubbish. I didn’t think we had trash but every drawer has some things that are not being kept and are not being donated or recycled. Some things just go in the bin! I am still not sure if I can do it first but I do it. Love your advice ❤
Like Jessica Z. (thanks, so many good comments), I do my hand washing /delicates in my washing machine with gentle soap type cleanser, low temperature and with the extra barrier protection of mesh wash bags with zip closures. As long as you have a delicate cycle on your washing machine this should help with those tricky care labels.
I even use this method for my structured underwire bras.
Thanks Dana for your posts.
Tip: if you have any clothing item that says handwash only, you can wash it in the machine on a delicate/gentle cycle. It's the same thing. Or just put the spin cycle to medium or low instead of high.
Also, you can do this with dry clean only items too.
Thanks Dana
Yes ! It’s much easier to put clean clothes away, right away, when the drawers and closet have breathing room ! Carries over to whole house. Thanks Dana !
Thanks Dana!!
Your book taught me to put a diaper box by the kids’ dressers and one near the dryer so as soon as it comes out of it doesn’t fit, it goes in donatable donate right away. We piggyback habits by passing the donation center on the way from church or our Friday Funday putting.
Thank you!
When my kids were small I did this and made it even easier by having friends with kids just a size or two smaller so I would gift as soon as I had a bagfull😅