I Tried Dana K White's NO MESS Decluttering System!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 พ.ค. 2024
- Dana K White has this pretty unique way of decluttering that I think you may appreciate! Watch this video and learn how to declutter without making a mess. It may just change the way you look at your stuff!
⬇️Watch this next!
I Tried Dana K White's Cleaning Routine for a month:
• I Tried Dana K. White'...
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Dana's TH-cam Channel: www.youtube.com/@DanaKWhite/f...
Dana's Blog: www.aslobcomesclean.com/
Dana's Podcast that covers the 5 steps: www.aslobcomesclean.com/2021/...
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 I need anger management
0:51 Decluttering doesn't have to be this way
2:15 Step 1 (Trash)
3:14 Step 2 (The easy stuff)
4:48 Step 3 (DUH clutter)
6:24 Step 4 (Ask these 2 questions)
8:25 Step 5 (Make it fit)
9:33 My review of the system
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I would have eaten that strawberry bar at the spot and saved me the trip going downstairs.😉
I try not to do that sort of thing as I'm trying to lose some weight so that could be why she didn't or maybe she'd just eaten and was satisfied.
Isabel François my thoughts exactly 😂
I was waiting for the slow motion destruction of the yummy looking treat too. I was always eating while I was nursing. 😂
😂😂😂
Saaasammmeee! 😂
Take it there now is supposed to be irritating. It makes you donate things rather than have to take it to your stash place because the donation box is closer 😂
No its not.
I like that the "make a trip for every item" rule creates a built-in consequence for clutter accumulating. Next time you're in the bathroom with a fruit bar, you'll be less likely to leave it there because you'll remember making 20 trips in one day and now 1 trip today doesn't seem so bad.
Or maybe that's just me.
I was thinking similarly. The one or two times that you declutter this way will probably program you to put things back where they belong right away.
Or you mean, next time your kid brings a fruit bar in the bathroom? Even though theyre supposed to eat in the kitchen? ;)
But your comment is true! Ill hve to try this system....4 kids 4 and under, theres alot of distractions around here....
best solution for the fruit bar is to just eat it :P
Built in consequence. You are a harsh self task master. 😂🤣😂
I used Dana K Whites methods and minimal Mom during the pandemic. Success I did cheat a little on the “ take it there” concept. But, hey, I’m 75 and often make my own rules. 👵🏻
I think you have the wisdom and have earned the right to make your rules. I love thinking of ideas as starting points instead of set in stone. We all have unique needs that change from day to day.
That's what my thought was on the "take it there" concept. My mother's been trying to declutter, and I think everything EXCEPT that step would work for her because even the bare-minimum-necessary-for-the-day two trips up and down the stairs is genuinely difficult for her with her arthritis, lupus, and other health conditions.
Maybe a compromise for mobility issues would be to have a laundry basket or some other container for "upstairs" things (or downstairs if you're decluttering an upstairs space) and when it's full you carry the laundry basket to the correct floor and finish putting things away. It still keeps the mess contained, and if you're not living alone you can get someone else to do the basket-carrying.
Yes, a basket has worked, then the next time I’m on the stairs it all goes. I think Dana is trying to prevent people just sitting the whole basket in the basement and thinking they’re done for a few more days… Then they never get back to that basket full of stuff.
Go ahead and make your basket of things to put away but if you notice these baskets becoming a problem, then you know you gotta "take it there naow"
@@idid138 Here's a daily subroutine that will probably work well for people with mobility issues.
1. Set timer for 15 minutes.
2. Start decluttering the chosen area. Stuff that has a home upstairs/downstairs goes in the move-it basket.
3. When the timer goes off, get someone to carry the basket up/downstairs.
4. Everything in the move-it basket goes in its place. If you run into Step 5 problems, the stuff that has to be discarded goes in trash or a second basket, the donation basket.
5. When the move-it basket it empty, the donation basket gets moved into the back of the car (or a cardboard box set aside for donations if you don't have a car).
This "loop" is probably going to take 30 or fewer minutes, but the likelihood that you'll produce more than a laundry basket of "move it there" stuff in 15 minutes is pretty low.
I love how these minimal, decluttering moms all support each other’s channels! It warms my heart!
I can't believe how incredibly naive and ignorant you are about how TH-camrs manipulate people to watch each others channels so they can make buck.
Dana's 'Container Concept' blew my mind. It's life changing.
Same!
Her Container Concept is pure gold!!!
Yes, I heard another say, " do I really need more then one of this item?"
I very much agree with you, that one concept has made sorting through so much more straight forward and logical. I've been making doll rooms and accessories for them from what is basically used stuff and deciding what I should keep to use became SO simple once I heard Dana K White's container concept. I'm a much "happier crafter"!
Same!! I always thought that there was no point in getting a container, since my inventory of facial products etc varies over time. But I put it all into a shoebox and labeled it "Facial Products". Then did the same thing for my Makeup stash, my sunglasses, dental items, my backstock of vitamins/meds, etc. I haven't had any issues with that closet since then, and it looks so tidy! And my kids know where to go to find toothpaste or whatever.
But Dana K does say before you go downstairs have a quick look to see what else obviously needs to go down at the same time. I love this one !
I think her methods build really good habits for cleaning, etc. I now walk by something and instantly think "that trash" and throw it out or "that doesn't belong there" and take it to its home. Which has then made my actual cleaning SOOOO much easier.
Yes, and to save myself a trip later, if I'm going downstairs I look around and think "Is there anything I can take downstairs with me?"
I was decluttering my basement a few years before my retirement and well before I ran into Dana K White and her good ideas. I asked my cleaning lady to help me, I paid her and she helped on a few Saturdays over the next year. She ran filled donation boxes up to the car and did a lot of trips on the stairs for me. I had to make the decisions. She likes to be very active. We were both impressed at how much got done. She was also my ruthless deputy when I would ask her to help me with the "when might I ever in the world need something?" It was amazing to me how easy packing the basement was when I moved at retirement!! Win!
@dan k🇺🇸 okay.
As a maid, yes we can make decluttering not only easier, more efficient but fun too. Decluttering with a friend has many benefits.
Lord bless this angel! 👍😎
@@barbaramoss6413 it's a scam, don't respond to dan k
I know. Thanks.
I read her books 18 months ago and it has changed my life. I have tried for 40+ years of marriage to keep a tidy house and couldn’t ever manage. I still have areas that I’m working on but the areas I’ve already done have stayed tidy and easy to keep clean. Life saver!!!!!
That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you!
The take it there now part is definitely easier when you don't live in a house, but a small appartment.
Dana says she often finds things that belong somewhere two steps away from the area she is working on. Otherwise, if she has to leave the room, she looks for other items she has to carry to the other room with her using her two hands. So the trips get more efficient.
I think you explained her two decluttering questions better than Dana did. Good job!
I wanted to thank you for this video, I did only 10 minutes in my bathroom cabinet and threw out a grocery bag full of expired stuff and garbage, plus donated a shoe box of items (I live in a condo so I immediately took the donation box upstairs to the laundry room where everyone leaves for someone else) I already feel better!
Yay!! Great job 😁
This is revolutionary. I never declutter because the mess it makes is really discouraging and with a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 7 month old, creating a huge mess is just not practical.
This is the best!
I know yes the mess u create... but u know what u should just do one section at a time maybe just start with your stuff like your clothes personal things. When u declutter yes u will make a mess don't get discouraged by that. It will get fixed. And with your babies it's worth it. 💕have a good day hopefully that encourages you
I love this for making interruptions okay. I wouldn’t like it if I had a two story house!
I've still got a LONG way to go, but Dana's method is the one for me. My OCD & anxiety kicks in if I try to pull everything out like most organizers suggest.
Her advice about putting something where you'd look first was huge for me. If someone wants to use a screwdriver or hammer, they can find it in one of my kitchen drawers. Need a broom? It's in the hallway closet, not the laundry room where it's "supposed" to be. 🤷♀
Yes, exactly! “Where _would_ I look for it” is a very different question from “where _should_ I look for it” and I love that she acknowledges the difference ❤
Yes! My Tide pen for spot treatment is in my drawer next to my stove because most of my oops happen when I’m cooking. Is that a normal place?, no but it works for me every time
I have tried different decluttering and cleaning systems overtime. I usually end up taking a little from each one and kind of meshing my favorites overtime. I would love to see a video on your favorite concepts that you have continued to use after trying all these!😀
I found that putting up one item at a time to be time consuming. When I use to watch Jordan Page, she had a tip for putting what doesn't belong in a basket. Then put it where it goes when you either finish or the basket fills up. If you need to stop, everything is already in a basket, for easy put away later.
For me it depends on what I am decluttering if I need to pull out everything. I did my kitchen Thursday, some cabinets I pulled everything out. Others I looked over, I could see what needed to go. Then I was able to straighten up what was left.
I like your channel the best for declutterimgg and cleaning. I appreciate that you try these different methods. Then give honest feedback. Also you have the best sense of humor.
I believe that snack bar more accurately belongs in your tummy, and should be put there right away!
But seriously, I like to put the out-of-place things in a small basket and when that's full I do what I call puttering - I putter about and put things away. It worked when I had babies because it's easy to put the basket down for later and it was actually an entertainment for them to be carried around while we put things away...until it wasn't! 😆
Love your videos! ❤️
The take it there now step also includes a quick glance to see if any other items are headed the same direction, then you can take several items right then
My rule is touch it once. If I pick something up, I HAVE TO put it where it belongs. If I have to take it to another room, I also look for several easy to spot items that goes in the same place. Yes I make multiple trips but it’s so easy to not have to empty a box later….. only issue is I also have to be adamant about returning to the area I was cleaning so I can actually finish!!!!
A stray toy…. Off to the playroom oh look! Hot wheels and legos let’s tidy these up….. oh a book, let me take this to the bedroom….. oh make the bed, look a dirty sock, let’s go to the laundry…… I’ve cleaned all day and got nothing done🤪😂
So I have to make myself go back to the original area.
🤣yeah that's why Dana says keep your donate box and trash bag in the area you are decluttering so you have to return there.
That sounds like you’ve actually gotten a lot done! The items may be small and scattered over the whole house, and therefore you don’t see a big difference, but it’s all positive steps.
I’ve listened to her books a couple of times in the last year or so, and using this method has led to BIG decluttering success in our home! I wish I’d done this when our seven children were small. Instead, I was paralyzed by the fear of making a bigger mess.
Ok, I don’t have children, but if I had seven small children at home, decluttering is the last thing I’d probably be thinking about. My hat’s off to you!
Love Dana's container concept. It is what finally gave me success with decluttering. But I can not do her "take it there now". She's right but I just can't stand the feeling of inefficiency. TIP: Dana says when you have one item that goes to the garage or wherever, you can stop and take a quick look to see if there are other items that go to the garage. It's OK to cheat a little bit. Dana has books, a podcast, blog and TH-cam channel.
I couldn’t do that one myself! I would probably have a container to put things in to disperse to other rooms!
I love the container idea tho! We are a work in progress.
I agree. It's inefficient and wastes time -- of which, I don't have a lot. So I would definitely tweak that part of it.
Yep! I grab whatever I can carry that needs to go in that direction and then "take it there now." It works just fine as long as I don't set anything down until it's reached its final destination. What I *can't* do is sort things into piles (or bags/boxes/baskets) to put away "later" ...because later could be days (or years 😶) layer. Basically, it's the absence of a "keep" box/pile that makes it work, regardless of if you're doing "take it there now" with one item or several, as long as you really are getting it to the place where you'd look for it first, you're good. 🙂
@@maryclarke9894 if dealing with multiple things at a time works for you, that's definitely quicker. However, it's actually not more efficient for some people. For example, if you are easily distracted, constantly interrupted, or have chronic health issues where you may not be able to predict how much work you'll have the energy for. It's more efficient to have one thing completely finished than having to leave a bunch of things half done, which is what often used to happen to me before I started using this method. It's not necessary for everyone, but it can be a real game changer for those of us who have experienced getting stuck in the "messy middle" of the more traditional decluttering process for way too long, which can be incredibly disheartening.
I consider “take it there now!” an opportunity to log more steps (which I sort of hate counting but Garmin got me hooked on, sigh).
This video is a decluttering game-changer! Dana K White's 'no mess' system is genius, and That Awkward Mom's hilarious commentary kept me entertained and inspired throughout. I'm excited to tackle my clutter with this method and finally say goodbye to the stuffed animal invasion - thanks for the great tips!
Great video... love your humor... :)
One note, I think on the "take it there now" step, I think she says to look for other items that need to go to that same place as u go. That way if u see like 5 items that need to go downstairs u go ahead and take them with u to save on trips.
In the future, should you ever need an air mattress and pump, they actually make self inflating air mattresses with built in pumps that even deflate the mattress faster.
I will say, I decided not to declutter my air mattress pump and I put it with my kids summer inflatables.
Thank you for the amazing content as usual! 🖤 your “interruption” is the cutest! She has such pretty eyes and those cheeks! 😊
I really love how she has laundry one day a week instead of a load a day. I do not have a washer and dryer so I have to go to the laundry mat. So a load a day doesn't work for me.
I love her decluttering method. My entire apartment is all on one floor so just taking one item at a time is easier. But just think of it as getting your 10,000 steps in if you are still doing that.
Dana and Dawn's system is awesome. One of Dawn's videos is what suddenly clicked with me to begin with and I decluttered practically my entire house. Once I got started, it felt so good, I didn't want to stop. My husband, of course, thought I had lost my mind, but he's beginning to see the benefits
Do you remember which video of Dawn's that 'clicked' for you?
@@lynnej.9357 it's been at least two years, so I don't remember, but ,it's the way she goes about decluttering. I had been dreading digging into my closet for a couple of years bc I thought I would have to empty the whole thing and make a huge mess and do it all in one day. When she said, you can just go in and remove a few things at a time, start small. That was it,I was like, of course, why didn't I think of that. Anyway, that and her video on sentimental clutter, giving us permission to let things go, you don't have to keep something simply bc someone gifted it to you. It just set me free.
@@tammyc1812 Yup. That all makes perfect sense. Thanks!
The "take it there now" rule really helped me get started on this life-changing process. I was overwhelmed, and just had the "aha!" moment, realizing decluttering and organizing are NOT the same thing. I was also healing from life-long anxiety and my stuff was rebelling against me everywhere. The many trips to put away DUH clutter has helped reprogram my brain to take time to put things away to save time later. I'm full of hope now!
I also love step 4.
As a modification to avoid going up and down stairs a LOT, I usually grab a whole handful of things that go to another floor and then put them all away right then. I do occasionally fill a small bin or shoe box to take to another floor at the end if my knees are particularly bad. It absolutely takes way longer to get that little box of things put away, but the space I was working on got done, and that's important progress for me.
If you're unsure whether to keep something, the Minimal Mom recommends to get rid of it if it can be repurchased for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes. Its been a great litmus test for me
But...5 of those items is $100.
I think I would halve it - less than 10 dollars in 10 minutes. @@waypay1
If I had a baby that cute decluttering wouldn’t be priority either lol. Such a fun and cute fam!❤
I love how you explained these. Dana's 'container theory' helped me get rid of a lot of stuff instead of continuously getting bigger containers. So simple, yet somehow it never occurred to me before. :D That combined with Marie Kondo's idea that the purpose of some items is to teach you you don't need them made getting rid of stuff so much easier.
Yes, and I credit Dawn from the Minimal Mom for encouraging me to forgive myself for bad purchases and letting them go to live better.
One of the things I like about her method is, in the long run, it trains the brain to put things in the right place immediately.
I can‘t believe you didn‘t just do the obvious and eat the fruit bar to save a trip! Duh! 😅 Keep up the good work, you always make me laugh 😊
Lol 😂
My kids heard me laugh and made me replay your talking mess pile bit 5 times :).
I love the way you share truth in your videos. I am 76 years old and I've tried so many "expert" opinions. You are so correct in that we all have different lifestyles and lives. I thought after my kids were raised and out of the house my cleaning chores would be easier. NOT! My husband is retired and now takes the place of our kids. LOL! I found over the years to deep clean one room a month. No more "Spring Cleaning" or "Fall Cleaning". I have a fairly large house so the one room a month strategy seems to work for me. We also have five cats inside the house. Did I mention the kids left the house? (rolling eyes). The kitty cleaning is another story. But finding things that help the cleanups for them is getting easier. Thanks again for your common-sense advice.
In one of her videos, she did look through the area she was decluttering to see if there was anything obvious that should go to the spot she was going to and took it at the same time. But she did not stop and take everything that should go out of the room, just the stuff that was going to where she was headed. Her method has been a game changer for me. She also has the method of setting the timer for 15 min and do what you can in a space. Really a good series to watch.
You can do a quick scan of the space to see if there is anything else that goes to a similar home. Aka, if you find a spoon, quickly look to see if there is anything else that jumps out as kitchen related
Very cool! I was thinking that I had no decluttering needed and then my linen closet came to mind. Yikes! The approach of not creating a mess by clearing it out to another space is genius. I will enjoy doing my linen closet now just to try something new. Thank you, too, for always making me laugh and feel good about cleaning.
She said when you find an item and a place to take it, look for other items that go in that same place to prevent the overload of stairs.
I really appreciated that this method included putting misplaced items away along with throwing away trash and donating items. I've always thought of decluttering as throwing or giving away stuff, but my main issue isn't stuff I need to let go but stuff that gets misplaced by small humans, so this is a missing piece for me.
A sassy cat sounds worth it. 😂
I love her system, but as a disabled person I can't make as many trips, so I modified the concept... I have a basket/tote & look in the area for anything that doesn't belong, no matter where it goes, & pile them into the tote, then I take one tour around the house putting stuff away into the right spots until the tote's empty. Even if I'm interrupted, I can still start back where I was with minimal mess (just the tote) out of place, but I'm conserving energy so I can get through an area b4 I'm exhausted (sometimes)... LOL!
For me, it's all about the baby steps & having it be "Better" than b4 I started!
I decluttered my 2500 sq foot house a few years ago using Dana's method I got rid of 17extra large totes n tons of black trash bags. I we t t I the attic to the basement n all the way out to the garage. It was a game changer. Then when I decided to go tiny 430sq feet a few months ago I used it again. Perfect
I always keep a small basket with me for things that belong somewhere else. It keeps the mess contained and allows me to do 1 trip to different areas of the house.
Actually, I remember a video where Dana takes more than one item, for example, if you found something that goes in the kitchen, you try to look for more items that would go there, the take it there now is no mandatory to do one by one.
I’m really happy to see a new video from you. They’re always entertaining.
My favourite thing I learned from watching Dana’s videos is the cointainer concept, but specifically that your home is a container too, and that you and your family being able to actually live (happily and comfortably) in the space takes priority.
The "put it back where it belongs" step is definitely not for everyone. I have seen her do something to make it a little more bearable though:
She gets as much as she can hold in two hands. THEN she puts stuff back. Saves multiple trips.
However, this doesn't work for me or my hubby. He for sure has undiagnosed ADD, I just have trouble focusing when there's a ton of mess. We for sure would need a pile. I think what might help is a small basket that can be filled with stuff for one area, and then taken there when it gets full. That way, you can still create a pile, but aren't left with multiple messes to clean up.
Yep! If I walk every item to where it belongs, I’m running out of energy real quick. Also, I would probably get distracted (I have ADHD too) and never make it back to wherever I was decluttering!
ADD here too, and yeah, I would get distracted 79 times while taking the item to where it belongs...I'd end up finding it later in an even more odd place, along with 16 new half-finished projects. I grab a few baskets and assign them each a room, so then if I leave in the middle of decluttering (highly likely) the mess is at least contained to one small area, and it's easy to jump right back in without too much thought.
Off topic but can we just take a moment to appreciate the adorableness of your daughter😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
"Where would I look for it first?" has been a game changer for me.
@dan k🇺🇸 what's the question?
Dana K white has changed my life ❤❤ her
I was resistant to the “take it there now” concept but not having piles when I get interrupted or want to stop, was really what worked for me
Dana & you.... The dream team!! I have a top tip to stop a flat surface attracting clutter. Once you've cleared it, put something gorgeous on it, like a vase of flowers, or maybe some artfully arranged candles etc. Spend time making it look just right for you, really stylish. Make sure that corner of your home makes your heart sing. Then you'll be intrinsically motivated to keep it like that instead of it feeling like a chore. It will give you joy every time you pass it and will help you feel like a person who is in charge of your home.
I honestly don’t know why Dana’s book and concept hasn’t blown up. It’s actually the easiest and most realistic one. I listen to the book on x1.25 speed like I listen to most TH-cam talk videos while I’m decluttering for inspiration. There are sooo many little good tips aside from the major concepts.
I'm glad you tried it! I think my favorite part is asking "where would I look for this first?" - because it forces me to put it in a place where I'll actually find it the next time I need it - and if I wouldn't look for it, it goes in the donatable donation box! If I find something that belongs somewhere else, I try to find other things that go there too (as much as will fit in my arms) so I don't have to make too many trips. I don't have young kids, but I'm very distractible, so not making a mess is good for me too
Really love your humor. 😂
It took me a long time to fully grasp Dana's "clutter threshold" concept. But once it clicked, I realized that I'm *almost* there in my decluttering journey. I was closer in our previous home, but then we moved to a smaller place so my clutter is taking up more space than it used to. But it's a fun challenge to figure it out here.
One tip I heard for moving (Sorry I can't remember who from, or I would give them credit) When you shift in do NOT fully unload each box - only unpack the stuff you know you love and/or use regularly. 'Quarentine' the rest.
My unfinished decluttering piles talk to me too!!you make me feel so normal💖
You are so helpfully funny and honest with sharing your own mistakes: i recognize myself and have to start smiling inwardly at those 'demons' who say "you will never have a nice and decluttered flat anymore, you failure!'. Very very helpful that my failures are a result of doung it all at once and wrong advice / expectations! Keep on doing what you are doing, dear!
The Container Method is a straight up win for me.
I LOVE her 2 questions only method and the container concept was seriously a lightbulb moment for me.
For me as well. Your house as a container, genius!
With "Take it there now", she also said to take a quick look for anything else easy going to the same area/direction. Getting into the habit of taking it there now really helps keep clutter in check, and more manageable.
Your baby is SO adorable! ❤
When you found the tools, you could have looked around for any other items going to the same place and saved multiple trips. No rules that you can only take one or two items at a time. Dana even says this, I think.
Take it there now tip! I saw some where she did this tip that when you have something for (let say) down stairs in the kitchen... you take a look at the rest of the space your working on and load up your hands/ arms with as much for that area you can to cut down the number of trips!
As an overthinker, her method helps me so much!! I'm a student so I don't manage a house, but I do manage a club space (it's similar to managing a living room, but for students).
It's also worth noting that with the "take it there now" method, it's a great reality check. If it's not worth it to you to take it there now (cause say you found another... marker, but you know you already took 3 of them and you don't want to go up/down the stairs again), you can just stay where you currently are and donate/trash it!
I needed this method. I still have a pile in my dining room of stuff I'm donating that has been there for weeks.
I adore Dena. I have read all of her books multiple times, I subscribe to her membership, I listen to all her podcast. The hill that I will die on is that I feel like her decluttering questions are in the wrong order. If I would not know that I have the item then I stop right there and donate it. There is no reason to go through the question of where would I look for this. Her method is really the only thing that has ever worked for me and I am so thankful for her.
Ooh, I used some of these steps yesterday while trying to declutter my Lil Girl's room. I bet adding in all the steps I didn't know about I'd be much better at this. Maybe I should try this with my boy's room.
Isn’t it the most beautiful thing, that you can check out every expert in the “buffet of cleaning and organizing,” and then just take what tastes good to you/works for you?
Definetely love the 'container is the limit' concept, I use that as well. :) I think a way to modify this system, is 'don't make a bigger mess than can be cleaned in 2 or 5 minutes'. This way, you can be relatively mess-free, but maybe a little more time efficient.
We all have our own methods, but no matter what, decluttering is definetely the main thing that makes it easier to keep the living space clean and tidy. :)
My method:
1) Pick a room, pick a closet/dresser, pick a shelf/drawer, and start there.
2) Pull everything out, purge the 'duh' items, put aside things that belongs elsewhere. Go through the remaining items.
3) Write down if there are anything missing, or need an upgrade so you can purge the old item (organizing containers, kitchen utensils, etc.)
4) Clean the shelf, and put the remaining things back as organised as possible.
5) Decorate. Either the top of the dresser when you are done, or organise in a way that 'spark joy' when you see it.
6) Put the 'out of place' things back where they belong.
7) Move clockwise around the room, until you finished every drawer/shelf/etc. See if there is any furniture or decorations you want to upgrade or add, so it 'sparks joy' to be in that room. :)
I've always been a much bigger fan of making a pile of put away things first, then taking the pile to put away the things- but hey, taking one or 2 items at a time with multiple trips can help us get our exercise in!
I’m lazy and hate the “take it there now” despite knowing it works. So I always see if anything else needs to go downstairs before I head down. I’m not making a pile and leaving it there, but grabbing up an armful of things to take downstairs to their homes now. It’s helpful for me!
Oh my, just decluttered my laundry & linen closets. Took 4 EVER🤣 Omgoodness, was full of "What the heck is this? I'll deal with it later" stuff... Uhg. From moving right before the pandemic & dealing with constant sickness. Arg, this year's gonna be so fun🙄😁 Well, at least I got started. Fixed my great room to be usable, so finally gonna enjoy my house I guess? Thanks for showing us this method❤️👏👍
I knew you'd love this. I agree, taking things there right away is a pita. I'm not sure if there's a good way to deal with that stuff - if you let it pile up, then you've got to deal with the pile later; if you take it there now, you're making lots of trips up and down stairs or whatever and you realize WHY it was left there in the first place "it's too far, I'll just leave this here for now". And for now becomes forever. You could look at Dana's system as an exercise program? A lot of those organize your life/work/what have you systems seem to have a "touch it once" rule - if you take the fruit bar to the kitchen now, you don't need to think about it EVER AGAIN. Well, until you're hungry.
I like the Slob Sisters system called the 4-box method, throw away, put away, give away, and storage. The put away box is an anti-sidetracking device, keeping you in the one place you are decluttering. When you are interrupted, simply grab the easiest container and empty it. The system also eliminates piles and repeat trips away from your job.
First of all, you look great after having your beautiful daughter. So slim and trim. And look at the excercise you got making all the trips up and down the stairs 😁 I love the theatrics in your videos. You're as entertaining as you are helpful in showing us the most popular decluttering, cleaning or home making strategies. I always look forward to your videos! Thank you!!
Thank you so much!!
Dana has so many great ideas, doesn't she? I've utilized a number of them because they make so much sense to me.
Personally I'd have found a small bin and started filling that up with items that I knew had other homes downstairs, then even if I was interrupted, they'd all be in a neat bin, and since it was the bathroom and I have ADHD which makes me easily destracted and forgetful, I'd leave it on the sink so that when I go to the bathroom, it'd remind me that I needed to take that downstairs. Plus I'd already be up because I was going to the bathroom, and objects in motion stay in motion so it also would have reminded me that I was decluttering the bathroom cabinet. Best of all worlds!
Remember to also take a quick look for anything else you can take when you " take it there now." Even if that item belongs to a room close to where the other item lives you can take it too.
This is a pretty cool system. Thanks for sharing! I can see it being very helpful when decluttering with other family members as well, because there are built-in logical steps. It's not "You want me to get rid of my stuff!!" vs "The house is overflowing!!", LOL! And although we did do the Marie Condo method back during COVID, when most of us were home all day and had the time to devote to that kind of undertaking, back in everyday life, I don't want to drag out every item of clothing my kid owns at once. One dresser, or even one drawer, at a time is nice small chunk of time that neither myself nor my kid mind taking out of our day to deal with overstuffed clothing areas. (And that 5th step is perfect for dresser drawers that currently barely close!)
Omg! You have me cracking up with ur intros like u have no idea. I’m literally crying 😂
I think step four is very interesting! Sometimes I can't say goodbye to an item because 'I might need it one day' - but then realise I forgot I had it and bought it new anyway. Never thought to look at those items in this way! Will definitely use that step in my next decluttering day.
"Take it there now" is fantastic for me - get lots of steps in (wear sneakers!), and don't have to think too hard about each step (so I can listen to an audiobook while I'm doing it)
Your kids are so cute, & you crack me up! I do love Dana. I hear her telling me to “take it there NOW”!
Your sense of humor is amazing. I'm so glad I found your channel!
After your last video I read (listened) to Dana’s books! Love her methods, can’t wait to watch this!
Oh my goodness!!! All the cute Skyla and a sassy cat all in one video? You have outdone yourself! I am crazy visual so I actually like dragging things out because I see the progress. There have been interruptions though and the chaos can be overwhelming. So I’ve learned to do a drawer instead of all the drawers. Things only get completely drug out when it’s time to reorganize and that gets blocked out in a planner. That container as a limit is the best idea. Thanks for including play dough time with the cutest boy ever. It gives perspective to why we do this stuff. Amazing video as always! Love to y’all.
i love the take it there now concept...it finally stoppped piles of decluttering mess that constantly overwhelmed me and just made an even bigger mess and reminded me why i just threw things in the cupboards in the first place...to clear away stuff...now stuff has a home or gone
Well dang it all - I watched (and LOVED) this video, like I do all of your videos, and now I'm down the decluttering and organizing rabbit hole. I've watched a ton of Dana K. White's videos, and found another one I love - Clutterbug. My husband just sits and smirks, but our house is looking amazing, and the trash guy wonders what is going on in my house!!!
You're amazing, and your baby is the CUTEST!!!!!
I love Dana. I don’t put stuff in a pile. I keep going until my hands are full or I carry a small basket with me and when I have 3-4 items I go put them away and come right back.
I really, REALLY like the "take it there now" part of her method. It's something I've done for years and I just tell myself that this is my exercise. Works for me! Plus it helps develop the habit of putting things away right now rather than waiting until later which never comes because of those dreaded interruptions. So if you put things away right now, there will be much less to declutter in the future. Win win! Keep up the good work.
This sounds exactly like the way I started putting my laundry away once I had my last baby and actually nursed her for 3.5 years. (My first success.) I got SO interrupted SO often that I started the one touch rule on the laundry pile. Pull a pair of underwear, fold it, put it in the drawer. Pull out a shirt, put it on the hanger, put it in the closet. It was the same motivation. I found myself endlessly sorting piles that just got piled back together only to need to be re-sorted every time I started again. I made literally no progress. The way I did it actually got things put away. I've modified it now that my interruptions aren't SO constant (but still pretty constant) in that I make a little pile of five things which then get put away, all 5 at once. Maybe something like that could be a good modification to this system. Put away 5 things at once rather than only 1.
I had to pause to tell you my unchanged toilet paper roll solution, I need the supply in each bathroom to be reachable while sitting on the toilet! I have it in the cabinet under the sink in one, and in the bottom drawer nearest the toilet in the other. When the current roll is very low, I just go ahead and change it AHEAD of time, and then finish off the last few papers from the old roll over the next few bathroom visits. I got tired of finding myself stranded. We keep bulk bags of the rolls in the closet and then stock the toilet reachable stash from that supply ahead of running out too.
I'm so glad you checked out Dana's system! It has been a game-changer for me!
Hahaa your cluttering taunting you bit 😂
The thing that's helped my family the most from Dana's method is that you start with trash and easy stuff. It makes it seem less intimidating to start sorting through stuff.
Thanks Ariel, I'm not one of the many people who knew about Dana K. White--I found out about her from your last video, and have been on a decluttering journey now! Love your videos for their tips, humor, and adorable baby cameos. ☺
Dana does recommend looking through the box/drawer/space you are decluttering, for additional items that go in the same or nearby space as your first item to "take it there now", and filling your hands with them for less trips. For example, I found my pen that lives on my desk, in the wrong spot...now I look for other misplaced "desk items" to take at the same time (paper pad, paper clips, etc) and add them to what I'm carrying, then take them all at once. Less trips and all dealt with. This works for "on the way" items too...heading to the office and passing the coat closet? Grab those gloves and put them away while on your way to the other spot.
You really do your homework! Thanks so much for the tips and the laughs!!! 💚 100K is so close You deserve it!! ❤