Your approach is so powerful! It really helps while I declutter and pack for a move. I gave away a sentimental lamp bc I just don't have enough ceiling for it. My ceiling-container is full. Got rid of so much stuff without guilt! Amazing!
She's always giving the power back to the owner, so they are free to come to that decision on there own, when they're ready. This is so pivotal for those of us who resist being bossed.
I just had an experience with the container concept yesterday: I was trying to carefully remove several platters from my china cabinet, but they were kinda wedged together. As I pulled them out, one fell to the floor and smashed into a million pieces. Obviously it wasn't fitting into the container with ease! It was a favorite platter, too, but now it's totally broken, and in the garbage. But the first thing I thought of was you, Dana, and using the container concept. Lol. I did a better job when I decluttered my Tupperware drawer the other day, and limited myself to what fit EASILY in the drawer! It looks so nice and is so much more functional! (I keep going back and opening the drawer, and looking at it. 💟 ) The ultimate container is our whole house (and property), so the smaller containers (cabinets, closets, trunks, boxes, etc) have to fit easily inside the space with room for family members to easily move. The container concept really helps me!
We did a major declutter of one of our rooms a few years ago. I used to get anxiety any time I looked in the room. We removed everything, ripped up the carpet, painted the walls and turned the room into a home theater! Best decision ever! Now I love the room!
That’s great! 💜 I did the same sort of thing in my craftroom! For years I keep rearranging everything’s and buying more storage. 🥴 Then I just took everything out of the room, redid the floors, painted the walls. Then only put back what would fit nicely, got rid of the rest! 💜
I love how you embrace your "awkwardness". You are adorable. You remind me of Cass and thats what I love about her. Because at the end of the day, we are all people trying to make our lives work for us. Most of us are a hot mess 😂. Hello from NW Indiana 👋 Keep up the amazing work!
I live in Florida and we are blanket people all year long! I think I have 15 blankets! 🙀 My blankets not in a container though. They are on backs of chairs and end of the bed etc. Also about to declutter my closet and was thinking I have not worn these things in over a year. I wear leggings and tshirts mostly because I only go out once a week. So yeah creates a dilemma. 💜 I did play the minimalism game in February and got rid of over 400 items so there is that! 💜
You should have called this video “A Blanket Statement” 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry, I couldn’t resist!! Great info and inspiring as always. I have to honestly say I have not seen blankets as clutter despite having 3 different areas in my home for storing them. I am in North Texas... it’s rarely cold enough here that I need more than one. Thank you for making me think about something I hadn’t!!
I go on too. I think it comes from talking to non expressive people who just stare at you rather than engage back, a camera certainly doesn’t even smile and nod back 🙄😬😅 you’re just getting the point across and literally teaching the concept in multiple ways for a multiple of ears- I grew up in a house that always expressed understanding verbally and quickly... my kids takes after my husband and sit there mutely leaving me to guess whether they’re even listening in effect I repeat myself in a variance often 🙄 love your personality and your videos 🤍
omg. thanks for sharing! I thought I was the only one to figure this out. I'm an overexplainer (trying to curb) because my mother would stare at me blankly. no acknowledgement. it's an overworked muscle, and a problem.
I was the kid who felt the need to apologize to the Christmas trees we could not bring home with us. I love this video and it makes so much sense. Thanks for the videos and for your books. Total game and life changer!
Thank you for bringing to my attention that I value my family more than things in my home. They need a home that is inviting & comfortable to live in. This really has resonated with me. ❤ Time to get more things out of my house & make it a home.
I wish you'd been doing this back in the EARLY 2000s. I needed this info so much! Still do, but not as critical now. My son deserved a space where his friends could come over. 💔
Don’t worry, girl! I love your ramblings. We are one of the same brain. You make perfect sense to me. As I watch older videos, I see your ah-ha moments and growth. It is super helpful! Decluttering at the Speed of Life is so perfectly named. I will tell you though, you have propelled mine into warp speed. My deslobifcation is not over, as you say, it will always be an ongoing process, BUT I’ve grown so much! Thank you!
“Containers for limits” Thank you. I’m one of those people who didn’t naturally have that aha moment. I needed so much to hear this. Now I’ll put this into practice.
I’m a major minimalist and just came across your channel. I really like your approach with the container concept. I did that when I started on the road to minimalism. Eventually I have wound up with only a few containers period. I slowly have decluttered to the point where we have mostly just what we need and really love and it’s a small enough amount that it is all used regularly. I have very bad ADHD and this is the only way I don’t find myself continuously cleaning.
I find it very odd how many people argue with someone who is decluttering on YT, even when that person (like you) says they’re ok getting rid of something because they like other things a lot more. It’s a kind of enabling that perplexes me. And I really appreciate your decluttering questions as part of my process. They’re deceptive - they seem so simple but they’re really brilliant. Did I even know I had this? Where would I look for it? And even as a pretty experienced declutterer your container concept transformed my idea of my closet shelves - I was storing things that I didn’t really use in space I needed for things I did use and value. Doh.
Even when I’ve heard it dozens of times I still love hearing you talk about the container concept. Or wash the dishes. Or a 5 minute cleanup. Going to look at your tee shirts. I need a vee neck!! Keep making the videos!!
I love the way you speak and explain things, you make perfect sense to me! And I love that you're making videos again. I know they are a lot of work, and I appreciate you so much!
I love your videos! I've always told myself that if I allow myself to get a bigger container, I'm always going to need an even bigger container. (And, not to get too nerdy, I'm reminded of Boyle's Law, which when pertaining to clutter is roughly, "things will fill the space they're given.") :)
I love your videos: the advice about containing your containers is very helpful for me! Thank you for being real and relatable. I looked through my closet last night and am donating over 20 pieces of clothes tomorrow. Smiles...
Thank you for the part about valuing your dogs as family members. I felt, at one point recently, as if I needed to defend why I have things for my cats (to someone who offered to help me clean my house, which didn't turn out so well, as they did not understand my priorities). There's only my husband and two cats living here, and the cats are indeed part of the family I need to make a livable space for. It's just nice to know someone understands that. Thank you for all the great tips. This is incredibly helpful to me.
Your book “Decluttering At The Speed Of Life” was one of the first books I read on decluttering and it changed my whole thought process on decluttering. Where would i first go to look for something was the light bulb moment I needed. I decluttered so much based on that one concept (along with an earthquake which helped to speed up the process). Now I have the container concept down and through my continuing decluttering journey, I have found that I have too many containers (gasp!!). I have a number of wicker baskets of all different shapes and sizes and I have realized I just don’t like them. So I’ve added unused containers to my decluttering pile (my daughter may find the baskets useful). Less containers, less stuff!
I had clothes not in rotation before lock-down due to other life changes. I didn't ditch all at once. Some eventually went to BFF and felt great to give. Some are listed to sale. If they don't, I'll re-evaluate but so far I'm enjoying the increased closet space!
Your advice fits for a multitude of situations beyond quarantine..we are not living in ideal times, therefor make peace with the idea that there will not be an ideal solution.
I'm so glad you're posting regular videos! And every time you say "I hope that makes sense," I'm over hear nodding "YES, totally!" I'm also enjoying the credits and other captions that I'm guessing are the work of your son... Could you ask him to leave to leave them up longer, or run the credits a little sower? I just don't read that fast! 😆
My ex's family motto was "More space, more storage, more stuff"... Problem was, we were drowning in un-stored stuff within our space. He left, originally with only a couple of suitcases' worth (it was supposed to be temporary) and then found living in a clear space was great! He expected me to store all his stuff... Heck no, that wasn't going to happen!!! My home is not his storage unit! Relationship is over now, yet all his *treasured* possessions remained. I have to sort through it all because his stuff is all mixed in with mine (which I miss and mostly want to keep)... I don't have the emotional fortitude to blitz through everything in a gigantic purge so I'm doing it a little at a time but your container approach has helped me tremendously!
Just watched this video again after avoiding crafting all weekend because I find my craft room overwhelming. I love crafting but I would have to clean and organize to craft. I thought if I had a craft room it wouldn’t be messy because I would be able to keep it clean. Now that room is overrun with stuff. Time to go through it again and use the container idea again.
HELLO Dana!! I watched this a few days ago, and I sort of forgot what you talked about. But that doesn't matter because I am writing this because I am a HUGE fan of yours. I love the container concept. It so works for me. I also love your method of decluttering, I love the part about starting with a spot or item, or container that needs work and getting rid of trash first without removing anything else at that time, then moving to donate, or determining what you could sell. I also get behind the idea of taking an item, or items, to their forever homes immediately. I'm a WW Lifetimer that desires getting as many steps in a day as I can, so even if I have to make multiple trips to the same area of my home, I'm glad to do it. It's a good thing that thrift stores do not ask my name when I drop off items, because by now, they will all be getting to know my by name really well. I really just want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Keep up the good work, and know that you are very much appreciated!!!
My hint for de-cluttering clothes is: Wear it. Just put it on and either walk around the house or go to the store. 8 times out of 10 I realize “This is uncomfortable…this is not a good color for me…this is not flattering…etc.”
Love these Q&As... especially appreciated as I know you’ve said previously this is out of your comfort zone! 🤗 ‘Dust lines on shoulders’ is one of my all time favourite tips 😉 Thank you 💐
My question is, do you have to wash clothes that have dust lines before donating them? I have a ton of clothes that I need to get rid of but washing them all seem daunting...
Dana, One of your videos that I watched mentioned to start with the items in a dresser not on it. Actually start at the bottom of the drawer. CHANGED MY LIFE! My whole house has things piled on every dresser and cabinet. I had to watch you for a couple of months for it to sink in. That video did. Thank you
All the talk about blankets made me think of my mother. She wasn't a hoarder, but I was curious once about how many blankets she had so we went through and counted and there were over 60. My mama loved her stuff. :) but she always knew where everything was. I can't say the same about myself, so I'm enjoying the decluttering process.
Oh my goodness! I'm excited! My eyes can see and my brain is thinking! All you have said makes sense! Mind blown😳😀👏👏👏👏 Why has it taken me so long to understand this??🤦🏻♀️So glad I keep watching your channel!☺️❤️
I love, love, love your videos.. I think just like you. I hear you say what I think to myself.. you are such a motivator!! My home is becoming more beautiful, cleaner and less stressful.. Thank you!!
So grateful for your videos and realism. Keep going! This medium is more accessible for my brain. Anyway, throwing away pens that don't write and asking myself/my kids where we would look for something first is really working for me! Thanks!
I gave our walk in closet to my husband for Christmas, and I have a separate closet in our bedroom. He puts all of his stuff in his closet which includes two chest of drawers. All of the rest of the containers in our room such as the furniture and my closet is what I use. He was estastic, and now so am I!!
" people come first " I just got a storage unit to store my stuff til I can declutter enough. I hated moving things to make dinner, moving stuff to sit down and even having to move around things to sleep.
I did this once, and it was helpful. It cleared out the space I needed so I could shift things around and declutter. However, it did become a bit of “out of sight, out of mind.” After paying on it for a year, I brought it all home. Suddenly, I had so much clarity about what I did and did not want to keep. I kept thinking of the money I spent to store it, and that translated into “was this item worth spending that money?” I think my decluttering muscles had gotten stronger. I listened to her book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life four times that year, which helped to adjust my mindset. I wish you well!
@@katiebellejohnson2688 thank you I'm traveling to the unit on my days off to sort it there and take it directly to the donation center and in some cases friends who said they wanted my things 🙂
@@sherryhudson9075 I dont have enough space to sort through it in my small apartment without making a big mess. So I'm sorting at the unit. The manager at the storage unit said I'm alright to spend as much time there sorting through things as long as I leave by 10pm.
In general, I don’t think storage units are a good idea because people pay for them for several years and end up spending more money on storage than on the actual value of the items being stored. But if you have a lot of stuff, I guess it can be thought of as a giant quarantine bin to see what you actually miss. It’s great that you are visiting it and dropping stuff off at the donation bin on the way home. Blessings on your journey.
Really enjoy your videos! Know you are super busy, but would love to see more! They are sooo encouraging! Can listen while working or ect... Thanks for all you do! Have a great day!
Dear Dana and other more successful decluttering folks -- I have 10 empty medium size containers in the corner of the family room -- representing PROGRESS on decluttering before my upcoming knee replacement. Seeing this video has been encouraging. The Big Creature yet to be addressed is sewing supplies1 Thank you, Dana.
Read your books and following you now on YT. Also signed up for your classes with Cass and Dawn. Between all you ladies if I can't get decluttered I have a problem. Well my #1 go to when working on this is my CONTAINER. The biggest being my 950 sq ft apt. Then you work your way down to closets and then actual containers. Kind of like those russian dolls and when they all fit together into the big doll I think I will arrive at my clutter threshold. I am not a minimalist because I like to look at things and enjoy my pretty things if it doesn't sit out then it has to go. The best part today was the thing about hobbies. You answered my "frustration" of what to keep and what to let go of. Thanks for sharing.
Finish the thought or not, I adore your personality and watch your videos as soon as I've the time. Thank you so much for your inspiration, action has been taken over intention around here.
Omg. This is a simultaneous gasp (that almost hurts) and also a warm hug of empathy. EXACTLY the kind of necessary acknowledgement needed, followed directly by kind and useful redirection. Thank you x 10000000. Also, I love your mental track. I travel a similar road💪🏻🥰😁
Your books with the editing to keep the concepts all organized are definitely helpful, and your TH-cam videos are a great complement with more interconnected thoughts :) thanks for the great video!
Can’t say it enough... love, love, love your book “Decluttering at the Speed of Life”. It’s so helpful & I love my home now! It’s more relaxing, I enjoy cooking more now & I am more easy going because I can find things (where would I look for this? And now, it’s there! ). Thank you so very, very much!
Thanks Dana. Currently trying to teach the container concept to my messy-and-besides-I-need-to-see-my-stuff 10 year old. Not easy as she won’t part with anything, but we’re getting there.
You are smart to tackle this now. I thought my kids would outgrow their "love for their things" (aka hoarding) but they have not. In fact it has only gotten worse! I have tried and tried talking them into donating the stuff they are not using but they just are not there yet.
Your books were such a joy to listen to (audible) that I’ve listened to them twice already 😂. Looking forward to the next one that’s available by preorder! My house is getting to the point of being “company ready” at any given time thanks to your guidance ❤️.
Great tips, I've used big containers with lids for years (I hate them). I actually don't use them for items I'm keeping, I'm using them for items that I have for sale. The items are in clear great quality containers. That way 1: I can see what's is them, 2: They won't get dusty or get kitty fur on them and 3: When the items sell, the containers can go as well. I do use dollar tree locker bins under the sinks. That way1: When I need an item, it's easy to pull it out and 2: It keeps items protected from an unexpected leak. We've never had one here (crossing fingers we never do).
Thank you! The container concept has changed my life. I read your books and refreshing/reminding myself of the basics with your podcast and TH-cam is so helpful.
Family and fur babies always come first. I live with 3 large dog beds in my family room. My family and fur kids gat there space first. Not great for decor but great for living 🌸
People over stuff! I love that! It brings emotion into what could be a strictly logical decluttering session! I have a problem with saying no to blankets. And I even live in Dallas where it is warm about 2/3 of the year, and hot 1/2 of that time, and down right scorching the other half of that 2/3. Anyway I LOVE blankets & have stashes everywhere. I love that my grandkids can just pull out a blanket or 2, and curl up on a chair (that doesn't already have junk on it). Maybe I will inlist their help to make those tough decisions about giving some of them a new home! Because I am paralyzed with them.
Blankets can be folded sort of long and narrow and hung on a hanger in the closet. Then they almost disappear. If our clothing is decluttered, we'll have plenty of room for some blankets. Also sheet sets can be hung on hangers too. Another way to hang blankets is to get two Christmas wreath over the door hangers and a dowel cut a little narrower than the width of a door that has nothing going on with it like the back of a bedroom door, or inside a closet door. Hang fold the blankets long and narrow, and then in half over the dowel. Then place the dowel ends into the hooks of the wreath hangers. Cheap, easy way to make blankets practically disappear. Also they can be spread out UNDER the mattress of the bed during off season times. Again, they disappear.
Whenever a guest comes over and asks for certain things, I always have to go get them for them because I don’t put things where normal houses would keep extras of specific items. But it works for us and we know where they are so oh well..
side note... with the Cover Girl (Brazen Raisin) Outlast lipsticks... do NOT use chapstick as a topcoat when you run out, unless you want to remove the lipstick. Found that out the hard way but love how easily it comes off at the end of the day!
Your approach is so powerful! It really helps while I declutter and pack for a move. I gave away a sentimental lamp bc I just don't have enough ceiling for it. My ceiling-container is full.
Got rid of so much stuff without guilt! Amazing!
The "where would I look for this first" question is the BEST!!!!!
Yes! I used this question on my husband about the unopened dijon mustard. He gave me a specific answer so that's where I put it!
Yes. This phrase has helped me immensely.
Sometimes I have a hard time answering that question
That's when you declutter the item.
"Could I get a bigger container?"
"Of course you can!" She says while shaking her head NO! 🥰
She's always giving the power back to the owner, so they are free to come to that decision on there own, when they're ready. This is so pivotal for those of us who resist being bossed.
I just had an experience with the container concept yesterday: I was trying to carefully remove several platters from my china cabinet, but they were kinda wedged together. As I pulled them out, one fell to the floor and smashed into a million pieces. Obviously it wasn't fitting into the container with ease! It was a favorite platter, too, but now it's totally broken, and in the garbage. But the first thing I thought of was you, Dana, and using the container concept. Lol.
I did a better job when I decluttered my Tupperware drawer the other day, and limited myself to what fit EASILY in the drawer! It looks so nice and is so much more functional! (I keep going back and opening the drawer, and looking at it. 💟 )
The ultimate container is our whole house (and property), so the smaller containers (cabinets, closets, trunks, boxes, etc) have to fit easily inside the space with room for family members to easily move. The container concept really helps me!
P
"People over things", thank you.
PEOPLE OVER MUTTS!
We did a major declutter of one of our rooms a few years ago. I used to get anxiety any time I looked in the room. We removed everything, ripped up the carpet, painted the walls and turned the room into a home theater! Best decision ever! Now I love the room!
That’s great! 💜 I did the same sort of thing in my craftroom! For years I keep rearranging everything’s and buying more storage. 🥴 Then I just took everything out of the room, redid the floors, painted the walls. Then only put back what would fit nicely, got rid of the rest! 💜
@@Myeverydaywifelife sounds awesome! I bet that is your favorite room now! 🙂
I am so glad you are making video's again. I don't always have time to sit and read but I can watch/listen to a video while working :)
I listen to TH-cam while doing dishes.
I love how you embrace your "awkwardness". You are adorable. You remind me of Cass and thats what I love about her. Because at the end of the day, we are all people trying to make our lives work for us. Most of us are a hot mess 😂. Hello from NW Indiana 👋 Keep up the amazing work!
I totally agree !
Who is Cass?
Hmmm. Northwest Indiana…I’m in Northeast Indiana. Hello fellow Hoosier.
I live in Florida and we are blanket people all year long! I think I have 15 blankets! 🙀 My blankets not in a container though. They are on backs of chairs and end of the bed etc. Also about to declutter my closet and was thinking I have not worn these things in over a year. I wear leggings and tshirts mostly because I only go out once a week. So yeah creates a dilemma. 💜 I did play the minimalism game in February and got rid of over 400 items so there is that! 💜
You should have called this video “A Blanket Statement” 🤣🤣🤣
Sorry, I couldn’t resist!! Great info and inspiring as always. I have to honestly say I have not seen blankets as clutter despite having 3 different areas in my home for storing them. I am in North Texas... it’s rarely cold enough here that I need more than one. Thank you for making me think about something I hadn’t!!
😜
"Blanket Statement" HAHAHAHA! Love it!
I go on too. I think it comes from talking to non expressive people who just stare at you rather than engage back, a camera certainly doesn’t even smile and nod back 🙄😬😅 you’re just getting the point across and literally teaching the concept in multiple ways for a multiple of ears- I grew up in a house that always expressed understanding verbally and quickly... my kids takes after my husband and sit there mutely leaving me to guess whether they’re even listening in effect I repeat myself in a variance often 🙄 love your personality and your videos 🤍
omg. thanks for sharing! I thought I was the only one to figure this out. I'm an overexplainer (trying to curb) because my mother would stare at me blankly. no acknowledgement. it's an overworked muscle, and a problem.
Yup, and it's aggravating when the person your talking to doesn't respond and engage in the conversation.
I was the kid who felt the need to apologize to the Christmas trees we could not bring home with us. I love this video and it makes so much sense. Thanks for the videos and for your books. Total game and life changer!
How adorable!
Yes....I liked the video before I even watched it because we all know I’m going to like it🤣
Same!
Yep
Thank you for bringing to my attention that I value my family more than things in my home. They need a home that is inviting & comfortable to live in. This really has resonated with me. ❤ Time to get more things out of my house & make it a home.
I wish you'd been doing this back in the EARLY 2000s. I needed this info so much! Still do, but not as critical now. My son deserved a space where his friends could come over. 💔
Don’t worry, girl! I love your ramblings. We are one of the same brain. You make perfect sense to me. As I watch older videos, I see your ah-ha moments and growth. It is super helpful! Decluttering at the Speed of Life is so perfectly named. I will tell you though, you have propelled mine into warp speed. My deslobifcation is not over, as you say, it will always be an ongoing process, BUT I’ve grown so much! Thank you!
“Containers for limits” Thank you. I’m one of those people who didn’t naturally have that aha moment. I needed so much to hear this. Now I’ll put this into practice.
The container method is helping me so much.
Love "How to manage your home without losing your mind."
I’m a major minimalist and just came across your channel. I really like your approach with the container concept. I did that when I started on the road to minimalism. Eventually I have wound up with only a few containers period. I slowly have decluttered to the point where we have mostly just what we need and really love and it’s a small enough amount that it is all used regularly. I have very bad ADHD and this is the only way I don’t find myself continuously cleaning.
I find it very odd how many people argue with someone who is decluttering on YT, even when that person (like you) says they’re ok getting rid of something because they like other things a lot more. It’s a kind of enabling that perplexes me. And I really appreciate your decluttering questions as part of my process. They’re deceptive - they seem so simple but they’re really brilliant. Did I even know I had this? Where would I look for it? And even as a pretty experienced declutterer your container concept transformed my idea of my closet shelves - I was storing things that I didn’t really use in space I needed for things I did use and value. Doh.
So true! We forget that the family needs room too, not just the stuff. The house is a container for the family and what they need and truly want.
Even when I’ve heard it dozens of times I still love hearing you talk about the container concept. Or wash the dishes. Or a 5 minute cleanup. Going to look at your tee shirts. I need a vee neck!! Keep making the videos!!
The clutter threshold and container concept are genius!
Helped.me.a lot!
That the container's space is all you have is finally what started my husband on decluttering!
I love the way you speak and explain things, you make perfect sense to me! And I love that you're making videos again. I know they are a lot of work, and I appreciate you so much!
I absolutely agree! Dana helps me feel more hopeful, confident, & sane.
Your container concept is definitely God inspired. Thank you for sharing. Your instructions make decluttering so much easier.
I love your videos! I've always told myself that if I allow myself to get a bigger container, I'm always going to need an even bigger container. (And, not to get too nerdy, I'm reminded of Boyle's Law, which when pertaining to clutter is roughly, "things will fill the space they're given.") :)
I love the nerdy reference! 🤓That made it sink in better for me!
I don't remember Boyle's Law, but that is so true!
I love your videos: the advice about containing your containers is very helpful for me! Thank you for being real and relatable. I looked through my closet last night and am donating over 20 pieces of clothes tomorrow. Smiles...
I love the “ Do your dishes first and 5 minute pick up the most!”
Thank you! your Q and A sessions are so helpful. Your books and concepts have changed everything about how I look at my house, space, and stuff! :-)
Thank you for the part about valuing your dogs as family members. I felt, at one point recently, as if I needed to defend why I have things for my cats (to someone who offered to help me clean my house, which didn't turn out so well, as they did not understand my priorities). There's only my husband and two cats living here, and the cats are indeed part of the family I need to make a livable space for. It's just nice to know someone understands that. Thank you for all the great tips. This is incredibly helpful to me.
I love your candid TH-cam videos. Thank you for your honesty and humor.
Your book “Decluttering At The Speed Of Life” was one of the first books I read on decluttering and it changed my whole thought process on decluttering. Where would i first go to look for something was the light bulb moment I needed. I decluttered so much based on that one concept (along with an earthquake which helped to speed up the process). Now I have the container concept down and through my continuing decluttering journey, I have found that I have too many containers (gasp!!). I have a number of wicker baskets of all different shapes and sizes and I have realized I just don’t like them. So I’ve added unused containers to my decluttering pile (my daughter may find the baskets useful). Less containers, less stuff!
Love this 💗 thanks
I had clothes not in rotation before lock-down due to other life changes. I didn't ditch all at once. Some eventually went to BFF and felt great to give. Some are listed to sale. If they don't, I'll re-evaluate but so far I'm enjoying the increased closet space!
Oh my.. I thought it was my dog. I paused it like 5 times to see what he's barking at😂 But weirdly every time I paused he stopped 😂
Your advice fits for a multitude of situations beyond quarantine..we are not living in ideal times, therefor make peace with the idea that there will not be an ideal solution.
I'm so glad you're posting regular videos! And every time you say "I hope that makes sense," I'm over hear nodding "YES, totally!"
I'm also enjoying the credits and other captions that I'm guessing are the work of your son... Could you ask him to leave to leave them up longer, or run the credits a little sower? I just don't read that fast! 😆
Hi Dana I keep my socks in my shoe cupboard, you are correct put your stuff where it makes sense to you. Hello from sunny London
I like the idea. I don't have many shoes and the sock boxes would fit there
My ex's family motto was "More space, more storage, more stuff"... Problem was, we were drowning in un-stored stuff within our space. He left, originally with only a couple of suitcases' worth (it was supposed to be temporary) and then found living in a clear space was great!
He expected me to store all his stuff... Heck no, that wasn't going to happen!!! My home is not his storage unit! Relationship is over now, yet all his *treasured* possessions remained.
I have to sort through it all because his stuff is all mixed in with mine (which I miss and mostly want to keep)...
I don't have the emotional fortitude to blitz through everything in a gigantic purge so I'm doing it a little at a time but your container approach has helped me tremendously!
Stick to it! You'll get there.
Good boundaries! Keep it up!
Good plan! Your goal is in sight!
I love the end credits! I always understand you -- maybe I hear randomly.
I think there is something so relatable about her.
😂
Your decluttering method kind of reminds me of Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball. Start with the smallest debt first. Gives you good momentum.
Just watched this video again after avoiding crafting all weekend because I find my craft room overwhelming. I love crafting but I would have to clean and organize to craft. I thought if I had a craft room it wouldn’t be messy because I would be able to keep it clean. Now that room is overrun with stuff. Time to go through it again and use the container idea again.
I have been decluttering using Dana’s method. As someone with ADD it truly is helpful and freeing.
HELLO Dana!! I watched this a few days ago, and I sort of forgot what you talked about. But that doesn't matter because I am writing this because I am a HUGE fan of yours. I love the container concept. It so works for me. I also love your method of decluttering, I love the part about starting with a spot or item, or container that needs work and getting rid of trash first without removing anything else at that time, then moving to donate, or determining what you could sell. I also get behind the idea of taking an item, or items, to their forever homes immediately. I'm a WW Lifetimer that desires getting as many steps in a day as I can, so even if I have to make multiple trips to the same area of my home, I'm glad to do it. It's a good thing that thrift stores do not ask my name when I drop off items, because by now, they will all be getting to know my by name really well. I really just want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Keep up the good work, and know that you are very much appreciated!!!
My hint for de-cluttering clothes is: Wear it. Just put it on and either walk around the house or go to the store. 8 times out of 10 I realize “This is uncomfortable…this is not a good color for me…this is not flattering…etc.”
I never really made the container connection before until I started following you and reading your books. Thanks for the click!
Love these Q&As... especially appreciated as I know you’ve said previously this is out of your comfort zone! 🤗 ‘Dust lines on shoulders’ is one of my all time favourite tips 😉 Thank you 💐
Yes, dust lines. Why didn’t that ever occur to me??? She had to tell me. 😆
@@TheDriftwoodlover Same 🤦🏻♀️🤣
My question is, do you have to wash clothes that have dust lines before donating them? I have a ton of clothes that I need to get rid of but washing them all seem daunting...
@@BooksGSDs dust them off? Better just to get them out of the house. Go you :)
@@mumsfun The dust seems to like to cling and not want to come off. They are WAY overdue to be decluttered.
Dana, One of your videos that I watched mentioned to start with the items in a dresser not on it. Actually start at the bottom of the drawer. CHANGED MY LIFE! My whole house has things piled on every dresser and cabinet. I had to watch you for a couple of months for it to sink in. That video did. Thank you
All the talk about blankets made me think of my mother. She wasn't a hoarder, but I was curious once about how many blankets she had so we went through and counted and there were over 60. My mama loved her stuff. :) but she always knew where everything was. I can't say the same about myself, so I'm enjoying the decluttering process.
Dana. Thank you. Someone else is in my brain.
Oh my goodness! I'm excited! My eyes can see and my brain is thinking! All you have said makes sense! Mind blown😳😀👏👏👏👏 Why has it taken me so long to understand this??🤦🏻♀️So glad I keep watching your channel!☺️❤️
I love your book, I'm a hoarder and wanting to change
Reformed hoarder here. It is a lot of work but so worth it.
🤗
You should watch hoarder's heart channel. She declutter from a hoarder point of view.
@@simonethach7134 thank you, I will!!
I’ve learned that I don’t need it all. I have more confidence in myself that I can make do with what I have
Thanks Dana! Love the T-Shirt!
I love, love, love your videos.. I think just like you. I hear you say what I think to myself.. you are such a motivator!! My home is becoming more beautiful, cleaner and less stressful.. Thank you!!
So grateful for your videos and realism. Keep going! This medium is more accessible for my brain. Anyway, throwing away pens that don't write and asking myself/my kids where we would look for something first is really working for me! Thanks!
You're the best and so real! Love your podcasts but have really been enjoying your videos too.
Thank you for helping me! I now have "done the dishes" for a couple months, It's changed my life! Thank you!!!
Tell your son that it's good editing practice.... he may use this skill in the future. Love your style.
I gave our walk in closet to my husband for Christmas, and I have a separate closet in our bedroom. He puts all of his stuff in his closet which includes two chest of drawers. All of the rest of the containers in our room such as the furniture and my closet is what I use. He was estastic, and now so am I!!
I love your personality so much!
" people come first " I just got a storage unit to store my stuff til I can declutter enough. I hated moving things to make dinner, moving stuff to sit down and even having to move around things to sleep.
I did this once, and it was helpful. It cleared out the space I needed so I could shift things around and declutter. However, it did become a bit of “out of sight, out of mind.” After paying on it for a year, I brought it all home. Suddenly, I had so much clarity about what I did and did not want to keep. I kept thinking of the money I spent to store it, and that translated into “was this item worth spending that money?” I think my decluttering muscles had gotten stronger. I listened to her book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life four times that year, which helped to adjust my mindset. I wish you well!
Storage unit is just another step to avoid doing the decluttering you need to do. A bad mistake
@@katiebellejohnson2688 thank you
I'm traveling to the unit on my days off to sort it there and take it directly to the donation center and in some cases friends who said they wanted my things 🙂
@@sherryhudson9075 I dont have enough space to sort through it in my small apartment without making a big mess. So I'm sorting at the unit. The manager at the storage unit said I'm alright to spend as much time there sorting through things as long as I leave by 10pm.
In general, I don’t think storage units are a good idea because people pay for them for several years and end up spending more money on storage than on the actual value of the items being stored. But if you have a lot of stuff, I guess it can be thought of as a giant quarantine bin to see what you actually miss. It’s great that you are visiting it and dropping stuff off at the donation bin on the way home. Blessings on your journey.
Really enjoy your videos! Know you are super busy, but would love to see more! They are sooo encouraging! Can listen while working or ect... Thanks for all you do! Have a great day!
Dear Dana and other more successful decluttering folks -- I have 10 empty medium size containers in the corner of the family room -- representing PROGRESS on decluttering before my upcoming knee replacement. Seeing this video has been encouraging. The Big Creature yet to be addressed is sewing supplies1 Thank you, Dana.
Read your books and following you now on YT. Also signed up for your classes with Cass and Dawn. Between all you ladies if I can't get decluttered I have a problem. Well my #1 go to when working on this is my CONTAINER. The biggest being my 950 sq ft apt. Then you work your way down to closets and then actual containers. Kind of like those russian dolls and when they all fit together into the big doll I think I will arrive at my clutter threshold. I am not a minimalist because I like to look at things and enjoy my pretty things if it doesn't sit out then it has to go. The best part today was the thing about hobbies. You answered my "frustration" of what to keep and what to let go of. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, store a quilt in an old pillowcase so the fabrics can breathe. But do get it out and use it, love it, cherish it.
Finish the thought or not, I adore your personality and watch your videos as soon as I've the time. Thank you so much for your inspiration, action has been taken over intention around here.
Omg. This is a simultaneous gasp (that almost hurts) and also a warm hug of empathy. EXACTLY the kind of necessary acknowledgement needed, followed directly by kind and useful redirection. Thank you x 10000000. Also, I love your mental track. I travel a similar road💪🏻🥰😁
Your books with the editing to keep the concepts all organized are definitely helpful, and your TH-cam videos are a great complement with more interconnected thoughts :) thanks for the great video!
I love the end credits!
The container concept is very helpful, but I literally hear you tell me "do the dishes". 😆
Can’t say it enough... love, love, love your book “Decluttering at the Speed of Life”. It’s so helpful & I love my home now! It’s more relaxing, I enjoy cooking more now & I am more easy going because I can find things (where would I look for this? And now, it’s there! ). Thank you so very, very much!
Thanks Dana. Currently trying to teach the container concept to my messy-and-besides-I-need-to-see-my-stuff 10 year old. Not easy as she won’t part with anything, but we’re getting there.
You are smart to tackle this now. I thought my kids would outgrow their "love for their things" (aka hoarding) but they have not. In fact it has only gotten worse! I have tried and tried talking them into donating the stuff they are not using but they just are not there yet.
Don't buy more. Ask family to invest instead of gifts. Start with clothes and explain donations.
LOVE your videos!!!! We are moving abroad and our suitcases are our containers. It is interesting to look at our stuff in such a finite way.
Your books were such a joy to listen to (audible) that I’ve listened to them twice already 😂. Looking forward to the next one that’s available by preorder! My house is getting to the point of being “company ready” at any given time thanks to your guidance ❤️.
Great tips, I've used big containers with lids for years (I hate them). I actually don't use them for items I'm keeping, I'm using them for items that I have for sale. The items are in clear great quality containers. That way 1: I can see what's is them, 2: They won't get dusty or get kitty fur on them and 3: When the items sell, the containers can go as well. I do use dollar tree locker bins under the sinks. That way1: When I need an item, it's easy to pull it out and 2: It keeps items protected from an unexpected leak. We've never had one here (crossing fingers we never do).
Thank you! The container concept has changed my life. I read your books and refreshing/reminding myself of the basics with your podcast and TH-cam is so helpful.
Family and fur babies always come first. I live with 3 large dog beds in my family room. My family and fur kids gat there space first. Not great for decor but great for living 🌸
I’m listening to your audio books right now. Thanks for sharing your experience!!! I love your TH-cam videos.
Thank you. I have too much. I’m trying
People over stuff! I love that! It brings emotion into what could be a strictly logical decluttering session! I have a problem with saying no to blankets. And I even live in Dallas where it is warm about 2/3 of the year, and hot 1/2 of that time, and down right scorching the other half of that 2/3. Anyway I LOVE blankets & have stashes everywhere. I love that my grandkids can just pull out a blanket or 2, and curl up on a chair (that doesn't already have junk on it). Maybe I will inlist their help to make those tough decisions about giving some of them a new home! Because I am paralyzed with them.
I’m glad you mentioned that your dog was barking, because I thought it was mine! 😁
Your videos are really helping me downsize as I’m moving into a smaller home next month
Dana! I just found your podcast and I'm already feeling more in control of the house. Thank you!
I love the funny credits at the end! Cherry on top of a very informative video!
Love 💗 your videos, love your humor! I get something out of every video I watch
Blankets can be folded sort of long and narrow and hung on a hanger in the closet. Then they almost disappear. If our clothing is decluttered, we'll have plenty of room for some blankets. Also sheet sets can be hung on hangers too. Another way to hang blankets is to get two Christmas wreath over the door hangers and a dowel cut a little narrower than the width of a door that has nothing going on with it like the back of a bedroom door, or inside a closet door. Hang fold the blankets long and narrow, and then in half over the dowel. Then place the dowel ends into the hooks of the wreath hangers. Cheap, easy way to make blankets practically disappear. Also they can be spread out UNDER the mattress of the bed during off season times. Again, they disappear.
Our brains work the same, and it's okay 😜 it's frustrating, but it's also a super power 💜
I always enjoy the Q&A. You touch on so many points.
Thank you for your helpful Q. & A.'s!
And thank you, EditorSon! :D
I like the babbling style - it’s like how my brain works. I can usually follow you just fine.
Friends have put me on a ‘spectrum’ too though. 😂🙄💐
LOVE the CLOSING CREDITS!
Do not get a bigger container! Let go!
Love your humour ❤️ thanks for sharing
Whenever a guest comes over and asks for certain things, I always have to go get them for them because I don’t put things where normal houses would keep extras of specific items. But it works for us and we know where they are so oh well..
I appreciate your videos! My brain gets it. Thank you
The phrase for lots of talking is what my grown ADHD daughter affectionately calls "word vomit," and yes, I'm guilty of it, too! Great video.
Love the shirt!
Thank you for another brilliant and realistic video🤩xxx
side note... with the Cover Girl (Brazen Raisin) Outlast lipsticks... do NOT use chapstick as a topcoat when you run out, unless you want to remove the lipstick. Found that out the hard way but love how easily it comes off at the end of the day!