I have put things together from you, Dawn, and Cass, and my life has changed. My house was a warzone. I had a mental break last year and couldn't clean. Everything was disgusting and I had piles of clutter everywhere. I mean everywhere. Piled on the couch, table, counters, extra beds, floors, it was embarrassing. I couldn't clean around the clutter. Now I actually want people to come in! You guys really saved me. I can not thank you enough.
That's awesome MM! I'm cheering you on! I've struggled with too much stuff for years too! Have been working my way through my stuff since I've "met" Dana, Cass & Dawn over a year ago. I am more than 2/3 of the way done now, so that had been encouraging! I work a full-time job still, so it has been taking me a while to get through my things. However, as Dana says... "If the space looks better than it did before, that's progress!" I love these remarkable women and am so grateful for their willingness to share these tips & tricks with us to help make our lives more manageable! If we both keep plugging away, one day at a time, we will get there! eventually!
@@barbaragrove3651 I'm so proud of you!!! Finding the time when you work can be a challenge, so it's wonderful that you have been making so much progress. You will be there before you know it. Thank you for the encouragement! ☺️
I'm so glad you're feeling better and making progress! Dana, Cas, and Dawn have taught me so much too. To be free of not only the clutter, but also the reasons for accumulating the clutter, and knowing how to control, manage, and deal with clutter going forward is wonderful. I still have a ways to go, but I give myself the grace to declutter at the pace I can go. Whether it's time, energy, health, or something else, we all have things that slow us down. Even slow progress is progress. Happy decluttering, ladies!!!
@@MelindaPlainandSimple sunshine, it's glorious sunshyne, to know I'm not alone. It's one thing to watch a video it's another to connect with others who are watching it too putting it to use
This is what my husband says he feels. I don’t feel it, so I’m doing it *for him* But then I find something I’m willing to part with and he wants to keep it. I’m spinning my wheels
"Take it there RIGHT NOW" made me successful in decluttering! It also helped me donate items. If it wasn't worth putting away right NOW, it wasn't worth keeping and went in the donate box.
For about 50 years, (I'm 68), I have been accumulating stuff. I have been decluttering for about 15 years. I call what I have been doing walk-around-cleaning. I have been putting things where I would look for them and what I have found is not only did I buy one more of the thing, but 2,3,4 and sometimes 5 more of the thing. That is the record, 5 needle nosed pliers, 2 drills, 3 complete drill bit sets, two 12 inch quilting hoops and many other examples. I LOVE Dana's questions! I am starting to pick up speed. Thank you for the inspiration. Also, my husband is nearby and hears when I listen to your videos and actually said he needed to declutter his desk.
I used to use the method of piling stuff to take to other rooms instead of ‘take it there right now!’ This was before kids, constant interruptions and brain fatigue. The keep piles stuff is for young people with wayy too much time on their hands. Dana’s method is for people who CANNOT afford to make their house more crazy pants. I usually only have a few minutes to clean before a baby is crying. Those minutes must be used making the house better, not crazier! Love Dana’s method.
I can identify with this so completely. I’m easily distracted and overwhelmed. Been listening to Dana for less than a week and my house is already looking better.
The question “would I even know I had this thing?” is extremely useful to me, especially for those junk drawer items. Sometimes I even remember that I WAS looking for something like this recently, I didn’t find this one, but I made do without it, so then I know I can probably make do without it again.
So true! I always felt ashamed of my inability to declutter and organize like the ‘experts’ (looking at you Alejandra) until I found Dana and Cas/Clutterbug. Now my ADD brain has a template to follow that works for me. Dana’s a treasure.
Dana, I want the outcome of a nice decluttered space. I don't want to be told what to do. But you go under the layers and tell "why", so then I can 'obey' what I m being told to do. Wish I could explain this more clearly. Anyway thanks for "Better", "Do visible spaces 1st", etc.
@@meman6964 This is PDA Autism, through and through! You probably have ADHD and Autism together, PDA is a profile of Autism. Look it up! You're welcome!
I have found that once I hit decluttering fatigue, that energy for putting things elsewhere has diminished too. Putting away piles of items in order to complete the project can feel overwhelming. If I don't deal with those piles right away, not only do I have the mess, but I risk forgetting where I had planned to put things, so even if the piles are still separated I have to think it all through again. I love this method of putting it there now. It has helped me so much. No mess left behind. It looks better than it did before. I don't have to go through the stuff twice. And there's always this certain familiar voice in my head asking me where I would look for it first and telling me to "take it there now." 😄It's almost like having a decluttering buddy.
@@cynthiaewing6584 I find that piles work better for me than one thing at a time decluttering, but I definitely put those piles away. And I only get out what I can deal with completely. If I get interrupted, I can put it all back in my container, but neatly, so I don't have to start over completely when I get back to it.
Googly eyes are easy. In My grandson's homeschool art bucket that is in the China cabinet because we homeschool at the dinner table so I emptied the cabinet and use it for all the homeschool paraphernalia! This Grammy doesn't need 6 china sets, she needs worksheet storage!
I so agree. I have 26 plates from 2 different patterns. One antique still and the other one is from the Company that I work with, but only hubby and I. Don't have that many parties. Need to figure that out. 😲
We discovered that all the "dinner parties" we have are so casual that disposable dinnerware suffices. So, goodbye excess dinnerware. We only need 4 of each piece of permanent dinnerware. Coffee mugs, on the other hand.... 😂
In the SAME boat. HELPFUL. YOU HAVE A DETAILED BRAIN. ANALYTICAL SKILLS are a sign of intellectual intelligence. Please see you great qualities and beautiful nature. I don't know where my goggle eyes are to even donate them or why I own them. I will get over it.
I am truly benefiting from your videos. Still throwing away pens that don't work and asking question #1. I also went and bought black garbage bags. I was using clear ones before, but the black is truly helpful with sentimental teens in the house! 🤓🤣🤣😂
I love your videos even though I am super organized. My daughter is like you and will spend a whole week organising and then be back to square one within a week. I showed her your videos and she bought your book and she is actually decluttering now . You are the only person she can relate to and she loves your ideas.
If I put things in the 1st place I’m going to look for it later, I am setting my future self up for success. I’m giving myself a gift in the future. When I go to that place in the future, looking for that thing, I am saving myself frustration and loving my future self.
Your "Where would I look for this?" struck me, as a couple of times my MIL has chosen to "straighten up" my kitchen/pantry area while I was out of the house, and I literally could not find some items for months, including an item I had just bought, because she put them where SHE wanted to. My daughter tends to step in now and say, "Don't worry, Gram, I'll put it away" since she heard me going crazy about not being able to find the "straightened up" items! Dana, you seriously have been a God-send in just the couple days I've been following you! Thank you!
I just finished both of your books! After watching your YT channel and podcast. I just love the sensible take on decluttering. It took me about 6 years to decide, that I'm not redoing my house anytime soon. So, the cabinet space I have is what I have. Make what I have fit the space. It has helped my frustration level so many times! Things are pretty easy to find and things don't fall out of the cabinets at you!
First Question 1:38, 2:15, 3:27, 4:02 4:32-4:44 This is a new insight for me. One thing though: This way is a lot more walking around the house; instead of say, putting everything that goes upstairs in a basket at the bottom of the stairs. recap 7:23 Second Question 7:49, 8:03 Donation regret 9:20, 9:30 Comes down to 11:05 and 11:29 Thank you for your insights.
We use where would I look for this now on a daily basis and when new things come in the door. It’s relieving me from being the finder of all things and I’m learning how others organize in our house.
My moma always taught me...There's a place for everything and everything for a place...If there is to much stuff in your house..keep those things that serve a purpose..and rid your home of everything else that does not serve a purpose! :D Great advice that I have lived by for many years!! My problem is that I box everything up that we no longer use or need..then store it in the attic or basement..thinking one day we can use them...or someone in my family can use them...or maybe for a yard sale...but with Covid the past 2 years we have not rid our home of this stuff and I have an attic full of stuff that I have boxed up! So I do need to just take the boxes and rid my home of them!
I agree. It had been a game changer for me. It is so freeing. No more where should it be! And I am able to find things since I have put them where it makes sense to me to look
My husband passed away over two years ago, and I’ve been needing to declutter and reorganize his garage. It’s so overwhelming because I have no idea what half that stuff is! These two questions are going to help me with this huge project! Thanks!
Maybe “Have I ever needed this ?” is a good question. Maybe pick what you want and let others who know what the items are and how to use them take the rest off your hands in a garage sale ?
Same here, my husband was a "collector" , he passed last summer. I don't have a clue what most of the garage stuff is, I am still working on it! What seems to help for me, I have really great neighbors who have been helping, they know what most of the stuff is and even bought some things from me. I need to have a huge yard sale, so I have been asking what things are worth and looking items up online helps too.
I literally decided to declutter a bag of odd stuff this morning realizing I have 7 clippers 🤦♀️ and i asked where would i look for them ? Well now a couple have a new home rest are past on so i felt like i accomplished something before work and was like now i have time to check out decluttering videos 😊 and you popped up with clippers lol Love your videos 💕
I just reviewed this, and remember learning years ago that when tidying, touch each item only once. So, pick it up, dont move from one place and shuffle it to another, but put it away immediately. Over the years, when clutter seemed to gather, I was reminded of that lesson. And then, I discovered you! Same basic lesson, still works so well!
You are brilliant. And through your videos you are currently talking me through a detailed declutter of papers and sentimental items which was torturous until I found you. Talk about Freedom at age 55. Thank you so much!! :)
May I suggest the audiobook version? It helped me greatly to start listening first, and then I got motivated to start on the work of decluttering. I'm slowly and steadily making progress, and that never happened before. Dana's ideas and thought process really clicked for me! If you listen while decluttering, it's like she is cheering you on and helping you to maintain your focus. I even found myself yesterday working on a shelf in the cabinet next to the microwave while I had something heating up. It's starting to become a habit now, too! Yay! You can do this, too! Thanks, Dana!
Dana, I love both Cas and Dawn - but you... you are my HERO...You are my spiritual mom. My brain works exactly like yours. I may admire and aspire to be more organized like Cas or more minimal like Dawn, but my truth is you. From the first time I read your book where you substitued 'scarf' for 'book', I knew I had found my caped crusader. Please keep up the good work. God bless.
Have to say although i still have the marathon to do, so far, these two questions and the no further mess technique. I will admit however that i needed to move piles into boxes so the process was not so daunting. I have a clutter coach working with me too. I started with 27 boxes just in my lounge, and am down to 11, but it takes persistence. I have read both your books a few times and for the first time in my life the hoard is beginning to wane and the habbits of maintenance are being established. Thank you
Wow, congratulations! That's HUGE progress. How are you doing now? She is the 1st person to speak my language with decluttering clothing. She should have her own show!
@@shadowprovesunshine absolutely, the progress continues albeit slow, but getting rid of a recycling and a rubbish big bin that holds 3 bin bags(the standard big black ones) a piece each week, is progress. Sadly I have found I am unable to ‘donate’ stuff as if it does not leave my house immediately it gets reabsorbed back into it. So recycling and rubbish are the only two choices. I have got rid of some stuff on free cycle but again unless it goes on the day I post it it does not leave the house. My clutter coach no longer comes in, as she was prone to making decisions on my behalf which would breed resentment. She also took umbrage at my ascribing credit to the techniques that work ie decluttering without a mess and decluttering at the speed of life and my rejecting her favourite technique of make a huge mess and ask if each item sparks joy. That does not work for me. I respect that it may for many, but creating more of a mess within a mess makes no sense in my brain. I will once I have fully decluttered get in an organisation person, if needed but I’m already finding that my home is more organised as I can find things because they have been put in a place where I decided. That question. “If I had to find something, where would I look for it, and the follow through of putting it there seems to work wonders. A strange phenomenon I have found is I am finding that when I find whatever it is I’m looking for in that place, I seem to return it to that place. Something I doubted would occur. As more and more things are defined by their containers, and things placed where I would look for them the whittling down of stuff continues.
I really really love the two questions, thank you! I have some questions about the questions though!! 1. I've been in this house for 20 years. So when I ask "where would I look for it", I'd look where it's always been, whether that's a good spot for it or not. Especially if that answer is "in the pile of stuff on my desk". Blah. I think the way past that, for me, is to get clear on what category a thing is, and make a home for that category - and put sticky notes in the places where I'd normally go to look for them, to tell myself where they're now stored. 2. I'm totally happy to spend the $3 again for googly eyes ... but then i think about the fact taht they're made by some poor slave-equivalent person in China, and how this stuff is destroying the planet, and it's not such an easy question any more. I *think* the answer is to not buy them in the first place (cos taht's when the damage is done, NOT when i get rid of them) ... but I'm ADHD and impulsive and blah blah blah. Guess I can only keep working on that!! Thanks again, would love anyone's feedback or follow-up ideas! - Julie
Dana, thank you for these questions. I have struggled to manage my inventory since I was child. I have struggled with the idea that I was just lazy or didn’t care or was anti-authority, when in reality I was overwhelmed to the point that I would have meltdowns. No, I don’t want to work harder than I have to but I am a hard worker. I have what I call, “ooh, 🐿 “ brain, too. (I am undiagnosed, but so many things fit for me not to believe.) It has been exhausting. I am finally making real progress albeit slowly as I work through your co-taught course “Take Your House Back.” Thank you! The shame I have carried for decades is lightened knowing I am not alone and there are solutions. Better ways to approach all that we manage in our homes. Better mindsets and practices.
You are an absolute godsend. I think my brain must work in a similar way because this is literally the only decluttering advice that has actually worked for me. Thank you!!!🙏
I’m helping my 27-year-old daughter’s best friend get control of her over-stuffed apartment this afternoon, & one of my prime messages will be your question #1: where would you look for it first & take it there RIGHT NOW! Will also add question#2 to my arsenal. Wish me luck! ❤️
your are my #1 organizer hands down...I am going through a major pre-chemo purging. I have enlisted my family in your questions...when they question the questions I have them watch this video again...wish me luck as it starts 11/3
Thanks for giving me permission to work harder... not smarter!!! I like the way you brought out about putting each item away rather than creating piles to be dealt with again at some later time!!! That resonates with me, but I realize that it seems like an inefficient way to work. Now I hopefully won't feel so guilty when I find myself doing this. To some people, this might not make sense at all, or might seem like a lot of wasted time and steps, but I GET THIS!!!!! Thank you! 💕
I had multiples because of that second question. Once I got rid of my multiples, I had a place for everything. The decluttering was instantaneous. I saw progress immediately. Getting rid of multiples…was a life changer. 🥰 💕 🌻 👧🏽
P. S. I would put googly eyes with the sewing & crafts stuff - bought a cheap stack of 5 plastic drawers to sort sewing supplies into. But yes Googly Eyes will probably not be needed ever (because grandkids are teens so are not doing crafts at home anymore) so they should be donated! ❤
These videos are really helping me stay afloat on my decluttering. I get up in the morning excited to list what I am going to get done for the day and the list grows each day because my stamina is better. Thank you for your very kind honesty about these challenges.
Omg! You are a saint! Literally everything you talked about hits home with me. From the piles of this goes here, these go there, to the inevitable of leaving the piles to do something else and then coming back to the piles being a single pile.. omg. Thank you!!!
I am ADHD and this video with the 2 questions is the best! Putting it somewhere "right now" breaks things up for me just enough to keep me focused and I don't feel guilty I go off to follow the butterflies! Thanks so much.
Dana, I love your books and method! My second question is a bit different though. I almost always remember that I have one. What I cannot remember, even if I put it where I was sure I would look for it first, awhile ago, is where on earth it might be, now. The obvious place to look for it, if it's a miscellaneous thing like googley eyes, is almost never obvious later. So I ask myself, "will I ever be able to find it again," and the answer is usually no.
I'm moving very soon from a place I lived for 14 years to a smaller new place. MUCH downsizing needed. Alone, in poor health, at Christmas time. The question that finally really helped me: Do I want to manage this? Thank you for this phrase! It's saving my life, or at least my sanity, and I've made so much progress so quickly.
Loving your videos and your books since my brain works very much like yours. I try to put things in the vicinity of where I am most likely to use them. So I have clippers in my handbag, clippers in my bedside table drawer, extras in my bathroom cabinet and a pair in a box in my living room downstairs ( because who wants to go all the way upstairs when I need them?). Thankfully I live alone with 3 pets and have a 3 bedroom house so if I weren’t so messy, everything does have a home and I could probably tidy it up in a few hours if I had to. But then it would need a good cleaning too before I would feel good about having people over. I dream about having a tidy clean home where spontaneous entertaining can take place, but alas, I’m losing hope. This is who I am.
This video is totally life changing. I'm not being sarcastic. I have just filled four garbage bags to throw away and two to donate. I'm dreading going through all our craft and art supply stuff, but your second question and the whole talk about that is making a lightbulb go off! Thank you!
“Take it there now” is brilliant. I used to think that was getting distracted but it’s not. I like how you say that you never have to think about it again. ❤ Thank you!
Your question #2 has allowed me to let go of so many things that I’ve held onto for YEARS. The reality check is exactly what I needed to be able to admit to myself that just because something has value and I might even use that particular item someday , doesn’t mean it actually holds any value in my home. Another just truly mind blowing concept for me (I THINK it was right at the end of Decluttering at the Speed of Life) was the idea that nothing you purchased is ever wasted, unless it’s sitting in the back of your closet unused. That has also allowed me to let go of so much that I’ve never been able to, because I can hope it goes to someone who WILL put it to use, and that’s a much happier thought :) Thank you!
Take it there NOW is such a good piece of advice. I’m the queen of making piles and never touching them or only touching them when it’s completely out of control. Thank you!
I find that with my ADD, taking things to other rooms immediately is very distracting because I see something there that needs to be done and get sidetracked! I’m using a basket to put things in for other rooms and taking the basket to rooms after finishing an area. Otherwise, I end up doing a little bit in all rooms and it never seems to get better!🤦♀️
I get it, I have ADD too. But I think that's the reason for question #1 & then taking the item there immediately (ex. nailclippers in the liv rm that belong in the bathroom medicine cab). If you do get sidetracked once you get to the bathroom, then your original area (the living room) is STILL better off than it was before you removed that item because now there are no more nail clippers in the living room. The AD/HD "mess" kicks in when you tear apart the living room with the idea of putting every single thing away where it belongs. Then you sort it into some piles/baskets & gather up all the bathroom stuff & make your way there. But if you THEN get distracted in that room (stuff in bathroom that belongs in your bedroom, the kids bedroom, the laundry room, etc). You're now tearing apart the bathroom & making new piles in the bathroom of things that belong in your bedroom, the kids' bedrooms, the laundry room, etc. But... Now it's time to pick up the kids or make dinner or help with homework, & what do you have? A living room that's all torn the hell apart with piles or stuffed baskets everywhere, a bathroom that now has piles and now you're too busy to put all those baskets away properly. I try not to gather up piles anymore now. But what I will do is while I'm standing there getting ready to take the item to the bathroom, I will look HARD right then & there at the surface or item I'm working on and ask 'IS there ANYTHING else right here that I can take to the bathroom with me RIGHT NOW?' I don't wait until I have gathered a big enough pile I just grab what I can immediately see that's headed in the same direction. It makes a huge difference. Also, it's a decluttering session that you don't have to put off until you can set aside a whole 3 to 4 hours to work on it, you can do it even if you only have 15-20 minutes to spare right now. Because you're not making a mess to clean a mess. At least I think that's what Dana was trying to say? Sorry for writing a mini-novel!
Gina McDonald, I'm the same. Tho I don't have many things in rooms that belong elsewhere. I have 2 rooms that are storage/ catch all places. If I'm working downstairs I'm not going up 16 stairs with a single item. It makes sense but I'm too easily distracted. I have a mind like a grasshopper. Have done it a few times, its the logical tho not time saving way to do it. But as long as each area is better, that's progress. Hope you're working tru it & doing well. Only new to Dana & her channel. After watching several other methods on different channels that I subscribed to, I have now unsubbed. Dana is the only one I'll listen to. She totally gets the way I am. I smile & nod when I listen to her podcasts. She's a genius that has set me free to pursue my dream of having a clutter free home. Ordered her books today. Sorry, I went off on a ramble, I can never just make my point & move on. Hope you're doing well in your decluttering journey.
@@stephanied6711 i find if i go into a room, and take out what does nor live in thar room, cam put it all in a basket, then put things back into their own rooms, NOT NECESSARILY AWAY, YET ... then everything is back in its room... then with each room i am in, i am only dealing with the stuff that lives there, and until then, at least everything is in its own room, not sprrad out, doing my head in!
I have been decluttering for about 3 months now and I actually get really excited if I have to buy it again because I know it will be useful this time around and not just on a whim or on sale.
My daughter solved the googly eye problem. She now has a phone case that stares at me any time she is on her phone..... Or if she lays it on the counter. Lol.
I keep googly eyes in 2 different places. If they have a back post they go with crochet supplies for the amigurumi critters. They poke through and are secured with a back washer. If the are flat backed they go with the card making supplies. I used them on frogs 🐸 and 👻 ghosts. 🤗👍🥳
I can relate to the procrastination problem , not starting because I will make a bigger mess and I don't have the time or attention to devote to it, etc, etc! This is helpful. Thank you! 😊
OMG I love you! " Get over it!". Decluttering REGRET has tormented me for a looooong time! Just you identifying this disorder of thinking is liberating and FUNNY!!!!! Thank you, I do the hypothetical argument ALL the time!
Another eye opening question/video!! I never thought about it this way "Would I pay x amount to have this space decluttered?" Absolutely yes! That is really helpful..I think the difficult part is when the item is "irreplaceable"...but still back to another video of yours, it does not have to be the thing I start off with then...thank you Dana!
For me, to reduce clutter is to reduce buying. I have learned to be deliberate about what I buy. I replace things instead of adding to the inventory. If I buy new towels, the old ones go and so on. Buy the item if you absolutely love it and visualize the perfect spot for it. If it can refresh that space by removing the old, all the better.
Same here! Ive gotten so much more done because Ive let go of the idea of having to do the project just right. Now I do a project and smile that I got started and the space is better. Totally helped my hubby's thought process too. Big thank you
Being able to make things better without creating piles has really helped me ! I do projects differently now, imagining I might get interrupted, and with a family I always do ! I never have a mess when I’m done. Like washing dishes as I go when cooking. No mess at the end ! Yeah !
I have fibromyalgia and probably am on the Asperger's spectrum this is doable for me - I will need to put up notes with those questions in each room so I remember what they are. I also for cleaning use Marilyn's Way - so there is basic cleaning daily/weeklyzone plans/monthly focuses. I've been quite ill for some time so little has been done, not even cooking due to fatigue and pain. I hope using these questions will help me to focus when and where I can.
You are awesome! Logical, down to earth, reality check, decluttering tools; and entertaining while you speak the truth as in "get over it". Your advice has helped me so much and now sanity has been restored to my home because, an uncluttered home is a peaceful place to be.
I have TAD (time awarness disorder), too! I need to hear these tips over and over on my decluttering journey. They really do help, even when they are reminders from past videos. Today was the first time I realized that the 1st place I'd look IS the "should go" place in my home. I'm sure you have probably said so in the past, but that is the part of the message my brain heard today. Love your videos!
I have a rule I use for what can go with little to no regrets. Can I replace it for less than 20 dollars and in 20 minutes. The googly eyes were probably bought for a project that may or may not have gotten done or you forgot you had them and purchased them again. I did some serious soul searching and asked myself that about a lot of my previous hobbies. I love to crochet but to be honest nobody really wants my hand made items. So I finally did what I thought I would never do and got rid of my crochet stuff and leftover yarn. I literally got rid of 3 totes of yarn and hooks and I know the elderly folks at the senior center will make good use of that cast off. Sometimes having somewhere for things to go that they will bring others joy just makes it easier to be honest with yourself and say what joy does this bring me, taking up space and room that could be used for something else or just freeing up a space to be able to breath. I can now lay my hands on what I need when I need it. I no longer rack my brain do I have that and even found the strength to avoid my triggers for dragging in more crap. But it has been a struggle and an uphill battle at times. I remind myself that by not spending money on items that are fleeting in my life I can afford to the the things that are truly important to me, like traveling and spending time with friends and family. Simplify and downsize the sanity the save just might be your own.
I was going to say the same thing; I don’t remember which declutterer said that, but if you can replace it in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, you should have no regrets getting rid of it! Someone else says something along the lines of “the store is where I store it”, meaning don’t buy extra, buy as you need.
You have saved my house I have decluttered two cupboards bookshelves and three chest of drawers and found homes for so much the taking it to its home your method lit a light bulb in my head thank you so much
Thanks so much for letting us peak into your brain. Until recently, I didn't realize how much mental space I was using to maintain or battle my clutter. I really identify with how you think & I'll be using those questions for sure!!
Truly helpful. Thanks Dana for breaking it down for us and teaching us how to keep decluttering simple! You have thought through what stops us in our tracks typically: the logic and thought process.
Great advice! I have to conserve energy and strength (fibromyalgia and CFS, among other things), so taking 1 or 2 things immediately to where they should go isn't an efficient use of my very limited energy. I bring several baskets into a space when I declutter, and label them with the different places or rooms things need to go to, then just drop them in the appropriate basket. When I feel like I'm fading, or I've had enough of the decluttering for now, I'll take the baskets to where they go.
I have the same conditions. I live in a small apartment and want to declutter. For me, I'd just plan on doing less decluttering in a day - say 2- 5 minutes at a time - pacing myself so I can take the thing to it's home.
@@jillianguilford5191 It can be so difficult for us, taking on these projects. I applaud your efforts - I know how draining these projects can be, plus recovery time.😔 I'm planning to start making videos again on how to live with fibro and the other conditions, so if you wanted to subscribe to my channel, soon there might be some tips that I've figured out over the past 30 years of dealing with my often uncooperative body.🙂
I bought your decluttering at the speed of life for myself for my birthday---love it! And even though my house is usually under control I love using your method when I go thru a space again😊
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I have put things together from you, Dawn, and Cass, and my life has changed. My house was a warzone. I had a mental break last year and couldn't clean. Everything was disgusting and I had piles of clutter everywhere. I mean everywhere. Piled on the couch, table, counters, extra beds, floors, it was embarrassing. I couldn't clean around the clutter. Now I actually want people to come in! You guys really saved me. I can not thank you enough.
That's awesome MM! I'm cheering you on! I've struggled with too much stuff for years too! Have been working my way through my stuff since I've "met" Dana, Cass & Dawn over a year ago. I am more than 2/3 of the way done now, so that had been encouraging! I work a full-time job still, so it has been taking me a while to get through my things. However, as Dana says... "If the space looks better than it did before, that's progress!" I love these remarkable women and am so grateful for their willingness to share these tips & tricks with us to help make our lives more manageable! If we both keep plugging away, one day at a time, we will get there! eventually!
@@barbaragrove3651 I'm so proud of you!!! Finding the time when you work can be a challenge, so it's wonderful that you have been making so much progress. You will be there before you know it. Thank you for the encouragement! ☺️
I'm so glad you're feeling better and making progress! Dana, Cas, and Dawn have taught me so much too. To be free of not only the clutter, but also the reasons for accumulating the clutter, and knowing how to control, manage, and deal with clutter going forward is wonderful. I still have a ways to go, but I give myself the grace to declutter at the pace I can go. Whether it's time, energy, health, or something else, we all have things that slow us down. Even slow progress is progress. Happy decluttering, ladies!!!
I'm Sooo happy for you And hope to feel the same
@@MelindaPlainandSimple sunshine, it's glorious sunshyne, to know I'm not alone.
It's one thing to watch a video it's another to connect with others who are watching it too putting it to use
Sometimes the space is more valuable than the stuff. My mantra while decluttering.
Amen.
i love this!
Mine also!
This is what my husband says he feels. I don’t feel it, so I’m doing it *for him*
But then I find something I’m willing to part with and he wants to keep it. I’m spinning my wheels
This principle could work for PILES of PAPERWORK!!!
“Where would I look for this first?” That has been a life changer for me! Never lose something from putting it away in a “special” place again!
Point of use storage is a great principle
"Take it there RIGHT NOW" made me successful in decluttering! It also helped me donate items. If it wasn't worth putting away right NOW, it wasn't worth keeping and went in the donate box.
Yeah, having to take it all the way upstairs makes me like some of my things a lot less.
Listening to her I feel like somebody actually truly understands me.
I had my mother-in-law moving in, and needed to move around 2 bedrooms and eliminate a craft room. I am SO GRATEFUL for this system!!
For about 50 years, (I'm 68), I have been accumulating stuff. I have been decluttering for about 15 years. I call what I have been doing walk-around-cleaning. I have been putting things where I would look for them and what I have found is not only did I buy one more of the thing, but 2,3,4 and sometimes 5 more of the thing. That is the record, 5 needle nosed pliers, 2 drills, 3 complete drill bit sets, two 12 inch quilting hoops and many other examples. I LOVE Dana's questions! I am starting to pick up speed. Thank you for the inspiration. Also, my husband is nearby and hears when I listen to your videos and actually said he needed to declutter his desk.
I used to use the method of piling stuff to take to other rooms instead of ‘take it there right now!’ This was before kids, constant interruptions and brain fatigue. The keep piles stuff is for young people with wayy too much time on their hands. Dana’s method is for people who CANNOT afford to make their house more crazy pants. I usually only have a few minutes to clean before a baby is crying. Those minutes must be used making the house better, not crazier! Love Dana’s method.
I can identify with this so completely. I’m easily distracted and overwhelmed. Been listening to Dana for less than a week and my house is already looking better.
The question “would I even know I had this thing?” is extremely useful to me, especially for those junk drawer items. Sometimes I even remember that I WAS looking for something like this recently, I didn’t find this one, but I made do without it, so then I know I can probably make do without it again.
You are so awesome for those of us with a cluttered ADHD brain! We need simple and to the point.
So true! I always felt ashamed of my inability to declutter and organize like the ‘experts’ (looking at you Alejandra) until I found Dana and Cas/Clutterbug. Now my ADD brain has a template to follow that works for me. Dana’s a treasure.
Dana, I want the outcome of a nice decluttered space. I don't want to be told what to do. But you go under the layers and tell "why", so then I can 'obey' what I m being told to do. Wish I could explain this more clearly. Anyway thanks for "Better", "Do visible spaces 1st", etc.
Amen!!!🙌
I was listening and wondering, "does she have adhd too? Cuz everything she says makes so much sense.
@@meman6964 This is PDA Autism, through and through! You probably have ADHD and Autism together, PDA is a profile of Autism. Look it up! You're welcome!
I have found that once I hit decluttering fatigue, that energy for putting things elsewhere has diminished too. Putting away piles of items in order to complete the project can feel overwhelming. If I don't deal with those piles right away, not only do I have the mess, but I risk forgetting where I had planned to put things, so even if the piles are still separated I have to think it all through again. I love this method of putting it there now. It has helped me so much. No mess left behind. It looks better than it did before. I don't have to go through the stuff twice. And there's always this certain familiar voice in my head asking me where I would look for it first and telling me to "take it there now." 😄It's almost like having a decluttering buddy.
Perfectly stated!!
Dana has been my decluttering buddy too!
Especially with 14 Days to Make Your Home Ready for Guests.
@@cynthiaewing6584 I find that piles work better for me than one thing at a time decluttering, but I definitely put those piles away. And I only get out what I can deal with completely. If I get interrupted, I can put it all back in my container, but neatly, so I don't have to start over completely when I get back to it.
Amen
Googly eyes are easy. In My grandson's homeschool art bucket that is in the China cabinet because we homeschool at the dinner table so I emptied the cabinet and use it for all the homeschool paraphernalia!
This Grammy doesn't need 6 china sets, she needs worksheet storage!
Love!!!
Keep our homeschool supplies in a hutch as well!!!
I so agree. I have 26 plates from 2 different patterns. One antique still and the other one is from the Company that I work with, but only hubby and I. Don't have that many parties. Need to figure that out. 😲
We discovered that all the "dinner parties" we have are so casual that disposable dinnerware suffices. So, goodbye excess dinnerware. We only need 4 of each piece of permanent dinnerware. Coffee mugs, on the other hand.... 😂
Just think- taking items where they go one by one, instead of all at once, helps bump up that 'step count' for the day!
Your method also helps me develop a habit of putting an item away as soon as I am finished using the thing. It's a "just do it" mindset or mind reset!
My mind is blown. This makes SO much sense to me!
Decluttering At The Speed Of Life changed my life! And my house is much more organized and clean...progress over protection. Thanks Dana!!
In the SAME boat. HELPFUL. YOU HAVE A DETAILED BRAIN. ANALYTICAL SKILLS are a sign of intellectual intelligence. Please see you great qualities and beautiful nature. I don't know where my goggle eyes are to even donate them or why I own them. I will get over it.
I am truly benefiting from your videos. Still throwing away pens that don't work and asking question #1. I also went and bought black garbage bags. I was using clear ones before, but the black is truly helpful with sentimental teens in the house! 🤓🤣🤣😂
The right now part is key ---- delayed decision making is the root of my clutter and potential messiness.
I love your videos even though I am super organized. My daughter is like you and will spend a whole week organising and then be back to square one within a week. I showed her your videos and she bought your book and she is actually decluttering now . You are the only person she can relate to and she loves your ideas.
If I put things in the 1st place I’m going to look for it later, I am setting my future self up for success. I’m giving myself a gift in the future. When I go to that place in the future, looking for that thing, I am saving myself frustration and loving my future self.
The added exercise of running items around is a bonus!
Yes! Got an extra 3000 steps in today running stuff around!
Your "Where would I look for this?" struck me, as a couple of times my MIL has chosen to "straighten up" my kitchen/pantry area while I was out of the house, and I literally could not find some items for months, including an item I had just bought, because she put them where SHE wanted to. My daughter tends to step in now and say, "Don't worry, Gram, I'll put it away" since she heard me going crazy about not being able to find the "straightened up" items! Dana, you seriously have been a God-send in just the couple days I've been following you! Thank you!
Your system is genius!
I have to clean in 2 and 5 minute increments, because I have little distractions running around. Only these techniques have made it possible.
I just finished both of your books! After watching your YT channel and podcast. I just love the sensible take on decluttering. It took me about 6 years to decide, that I'm not redoing my house anytime soon. So, the cabinet space I have is what I have. Make what I have fit the space. It has helped my frustration level so many times! Things are pretty easy to find and things don't fall out of the cabinets at you!
My favorite part of this video is when you say to trust yourself
I really resonate with you and your thinking - I like the questions you are asking and I love your thought, “It’s not perfect... but it’s better”.
Yooooo. Where WOULD I look for this, not where SHOULD this go. 🙌🏽 giiiirrllll… pssshhhh. I am so grateful I found you. Thank you.
First Question 1:38, 2:15, 3:27, 4:02
4:32-4:44 This is a new insight for me. One thing though: This way is a lot more walking around the house; instead of say, putting everything that goes upstairs in a basket at the bottom of the stairs.
recap 7:23
Second Question 7:49, 8:03
Donation regret 9:20, 9:30
Comes down to 11:05 and 11:29
Thank you for your insights.
nice breakdown! Thanks!
Thank you so much. Helps one with Adhd.
Thank you, good grief.
I listened to Decluttering at the Speed of Life while I decluttered my house. It was as if my friend was with me, helping me to just do it!
We use where would I look for this now on a daily basis and when new things come in the door. It’s relieving me from being the finder of all things and I’m learning how others organize in our house.
Thank you for saying this! I’d have not thought of this perspective ♥️💯
My moma always taught me...There's a place for everything and everything for a place...If there is to much stuff in your house..keep those things that serve a purpose..and rid your home of everything else that does not serve a purpose! :D Great advice that I have lived by for many years!! My problem is that I box everything up that we no longer use or need..then store it in the attic or basement..thinking one day we can use them...or someone in my family can use them...or maybe for a yard sale...but with Covid the past 2 years we have not rid our home of this stuff and I have an attic full of stuff that I have boxed up! So I do need to just take the boxes and rid my home of them!
I'm now in the habit of asking myself: where would I look for this first?
It's very helpful!
I agree. It had been a game changer for me. It is so freeing. No more where should it be! And I am able to find things since I have put them where it makes sense to me to look
I got the stink eye from my husband when I asked him that once!! I quickly explained, and “Dana said it”!!
That's soo helpful thanks
What if you’re not sure where you would look for it first, but you’d know whether you already had some?
I love your cute little phrase!🤣
My husband passed away over two years ago, and I’ve been needing to declutter and reorganize his garage. It’s so overwhelming because I have no idea what half that stuff is! These two questions are going to help me with this huge project! Thanks!
Maybe “Have I ever needed this ?” is a good question. Maybe pick what you want and let others who know what the items are and how to use them take the rest off your hands in a garage sale ?
I hope this challenging project offers you a positive and healing experience. Sending prayerful thoughts to you!
@@annmariehicks1239
Thank you 😊
Same here, my husband was a "collector" , he passed last summer. I don't have a clue what most of the garage stuff is, I am still working on it! What seems to help for me, I have really great neighbors who have been helping, they know what most of the stuff is and even bought some things from me. I need to have a huge yard sale, so I have been asking what things are worth and looking items up online helps too.
@@mrs.z4370
Good luck to you! 🤗
I literally decided to declutter a bag of odd stuff this morning realizing I have 7 clippers 🤦♀️ and i asked where would i look for them ? Well now a couple have a new home rest are past on
so i felt like i accomplished something before work and was like now i have time to check out decluttering videos 😊 and you popped up with clippers lol
Love your videos 💕
you give the most *actually* practical advice on decluttering I've found. I really appreciate it.
I just reviewed this, and remember learning years ago that when tidying, touch each item only once. So, pick it up, dont move from one place and shuffle it to another, but put it away immediately. Over the years, when clutter seemed to gather, I was reminded of that lesson. And then, I discovered you! Same basic lesson, still works so well!
You are brilliant. And through your videos you are currently talking me through a detailed declutter of papers and sentimental items which was torturous until I found you. Talk about Freedom at age 55. Thank you so much!! :)
May I suggest the audiobook version? It helped me greatly to start listening first, and then I got motivated to start on the work of decluttering. I'm slowly and steadily making progress, and that never happened before. Dana's ideas and thought process really clicked for me! If you listen while decluttering, it's like she is cheering you on and helping you to maintain your focus. I even found myself yesterday working on a shelf in the cabinet next to the microwave while I had something heating up. It's starting to become a habit now, too! Yay! You can do this, too! Thanks, Dana!
Love the simplicity of your decluttering style.. and you look very pretty today
Dana, I love both Cas and Dawn - but you... you are my HERO...You are my spiritual mom. My brain works exactly like yours. I may admire and aspire to be more organized like Cas or more minimal like Dawn, but my truth is you. From the first time I read your book where you substitued 'scarf' for 'book', I knew I had found my caped crusader. Please keep up the good work. God bless.
My sentiments exactly! I'm reading her book A Slob Comes Clean and it's my exact same thought process...shes is producing REAL results in my life!
Have to say although i still have the marathon to do, so far, these two questions and the no further mess technique. I will admit however that i needed to move piles into boxes so the process was not so daunting. I have a clutter coach working with me too. I started with 27 boxes just in my lounge, and am down to 11, but it takes persistence. I have read both your books a few times and for the first time in my life the hoard is beginning to wane and the habbits of maintenance are being established. Thank you
Wow, congratulations! That's HUGE progress. How are you doing now? She is the 1st person to speak my language with decluttering clothing. She should have her own show!
@@shadowprovesunshine absolutely, the progress continues albeit slow, but getting rid of a recycling and a rubbish big bin that holds 3 bin bags(the standard big black ones) a piece each week, is progress. Sadly I have found I am unable to ‘donate’ stuff as if it does not leave my house immediately it gets reabsorbed back into it. So recycling and rubbish are the only two choices. I have got rid of some stuff on free cycle but again unless it goes on the day I post it it does not leave the house. My clutter coach no longer comes in, as she was prone to making decisions on my behalf which would breed resentment. She also took umbrage at my ascribing credit to the techniques that work ie decluttering without a mess and decluttering at the speed of life and my rejecting her favourite technique of make a huge mess and ask if each item sparks joy. That does not work for me. I respect that it may for many, but creating more of a mess within a mess makes no sense in my brain. I will once I have fully decluttered get in an organisation person, if needed but I’m already finding that my home is more organised as I can find things because they have been put in a place where I decided. That question. “If I had to find something, where would I look for it, and the follow through of putting it there seems to work wonders. A strange phenomenon I have found is I am finding that when I find whatever it is I’m looking for in that place, I seem to return it to that place. Something I doubted would occur. As more and more things are defined by their containers, and things placed where I would look for them the whittling down of stuff continues.
I thought no more videos till fall so this is a treat to have a reminder!!
I also thought she was taking a summer break. Great to continually see videos (keeps me on point with my decluttering tasks!)
The podcast returns in the Fall, but she's doing a weekly video on TH-cam. YAY!!!
@@LedgerAndLace YEA!!!
I really really love the two questions, thank you! I have some questions about the questions though!!
1. I've been in this house for 20 years. So when I ask "where would I look for it", I'd look where it's always been, whether that's a good spot for it or not. Especially if that answer is "in the pile of stuff on my desk". Blah. I think the way past that, for me, is to get clear on what category a thing is, and make a home for that category - and put sticky notes in the places where I'd normally go to look for them, to tell myself where they're now stored.
2. I'm totally happy to spend the $3 again for googly eyes ... but then i think about the fact taht they're made by some poor slave-equivalent person in China, and how this stuff is destroying the planet, and it's not such an easy question any more. I *think* the answer is to not buy them in the first place (cos taht's when the damage is done, NOT when i get rid of them) ... but I'm ADHD and impulsive and blah blah blah. Guess I can only keep working on that!!
Thanks again, would love anyone's feedback or follow-up ideas!
- Julie
Dana, thank you for these questions. I have struggled to manage my inventory since I was child. I have struggled with the idea that I was just lazy or didn’t care or was anti-authority, when in reality I was overwhelmed to the point that I would have meltdowns. No, I don’t want to work harder than I have to but I am a hard worker. I have what I call, “ooh, 🐿 “ brain, too. (I am undiagnosed, but so many things fit for me not to believe.) It has been exhausting. I am finally making real progress albeit slowly as I work through your co-taught course “Take Your House Back.” Thank you! The shame I have carried for decades is lightened knowing I am not alone and there are solutions. Better ways to approach all that we manage in our homes. Better mindsets and practices.
Such a good feeling to not be alone! I'm undiagnosed too...
You are an absolute godsend. I think my brain must work in a similar way because this is literally the only decluttering advice that has actually worked for me. Thank you!!!🙏
Son, you are awesome at editing your mom and since she has a sense of humor, I'm sure she loves it too!
"...I'll put it here for right now...." The seven scariest words in my life.
I’m helping my 27-year-old daughter’s best friend get control of her over-stuffed apartment this afternoon, & one of my prime messages will be your question #1: where would you look for it first & take it there RIGHT NOW! Will also add question#2 to my arsenal. Wish me luck! ❤️
Report back here under your comment! I would like to hear how it worked out. Thanks and best of luck! 💕
Hey how did it go?
your are my #1 organizer hands down...I am going through a major pre-chemo purging. I have enlisted my family in your questions...when they question the questions I have them watch this video again...wish me luck as it starts 11/3
Thanks for giving me permission to work harder... not smarter!!! I like the way you brought out about putting each item away rather than creating piles to be dealt with again at some later time!!! That resonates with me, but I realize that it seems like an inefficient way to work. Now I hopefully won't feel so guilty when I find myself doing this. To some people, this might not make sense at all, or might seem like a lot of wasted time and steps, but I GET THIS!!!!! Thank you! 💕
I had multiples because of that second question. Once I got rid of my multiples, I had a place for everything. The decluttering was instantaneous. I saw progress immediately. Getting rid of multiples…was a life changer. 🥰 💕 🌻 👧🏽
P. S. I would put googly eyes with the sewing & crafts stuff - bought a cheap stack of 5 plastic drawers to sort sewing supplies into. But yes Googly Eyes will probably not be needed ever (because grandkids are teens so are not doing crafts at home anymore) so they should be donated! ❤
These videos are really helping me stay afloat on my decluttering. I get up in the morning excited to list what I am going to get done for the day and the list grows each day because my stamina is better. Thank you for your very kind honesty about these challenges.
Thanks for saying phrases that are now stuck in my head. Has made a great difference to me. You are the greatest simplistic declutter help for me!
Omg! You are a saint! Literally everything you talked about hits home with me. From the piles of this goes here, these go there, to the inevitable of leaving the piles to do something else and then coming back to the piles being a single pile.. omg. Thank you!!!
And the get over it.. perfect!
I am ADHD and this video with the 2 questions is the best! Putting it somewhere "right now" breaks things up for me just enough to keep me focused and I don't feel guilty I go off to follow the butterflies! Thanks so much.
Dana, I love your books and method!
My second question is a bit different though. I almost always remember that I have one. What I cannot remember, even if I put it where I was sure I would look for it first, awhile ago, is where on earth it might be, now. The obvious place to look for it, if it's a miscellaneous thing like googley eyes, is almost never obvious later. So I ask myself, "will I ever be able to find it again," and the answer is usually no.
You are changing my life so much. I really can't thank you enough.
LOVE this!!!! Thank you Dana! You have changed my life forever. My husband thanks you too!
I truly agree! And I have to listen again and again to have it sink in... TY Dana!!!
Girl you are brilliant!
I pray I will have a friend just like Dana K White some day.
Me too💕
Right!! She's so REAL & relatable. I love her ❤️
That’s darling! Agree 😂
@@meridelmoss1802 that’s terrific
Me too! I just love her!
I'm moving very soon from a place I lived for 14 years to a smaller new place. MUCH downsizing needed. Alone, in poor health, at Christmas time. The question that finally really helped me: Do I want to manage this? Thank you for this phrase! It's saving my life, or at least my sanity, and I've made so much progress so quickly.
Loving your videos and your books since my brain works very much like yours. I try to put things in the vicinity of where I am most likely to use them. So I have clippers in my handbag, clippers in my bedside table drawer, extras in my bathroom cabinet and a pair in a box in my living room downstairs ( because who wants to go all the way upstairs when I need them?). Thankfully I live alone with 3 pets and have a 3 bedroom house so if I weren’t so messy, everything does have a home and I could probably tidy it up in a few hours if I had to. But then it would need a good cleaning too before I would feel good about having people over. I dream about having a tidy clean home where spontaneous entertaining can take place, but alas, I’m losing hope. This is who I am.
This video is totally life changing. I'm not being sarcastic. I have just filled four garbage bags to throw away and two to donate. I'm dreading going through all our craft and art supply stuff, but your second question and the whole talk about that is making a lightbulb go off! Thank you!
“Take it there now” is brilliant. I used to think that was getting distracted but it’s not. I like how you say that you never have to think about it again. ❤ Thank you!
Your question #2 has allowed me to let go of so many things that I’ve held onto for YEARS. The reality check is exactly what I needed to be able to admit to myself that just because something has value and I might even use that particular item someday , doesn’t mean it actually holds any value in my home.
Another just truly mind blowing concept for me (I THINK it was right at the end of Decluttering at the Speed of Life) was the idea that nothing you purchased is ever wasted, unless it’s sitting in the back of your closet unused. That has also allowed me to let go of so much that I’ve never been able to, because I can hope it goes to someone who WILL put it to use, and that’s a much happier thought :)
Thank you!
“Should” is a judgey word! This is soooo helpful!! “TPAD” Love it!!😂Thank you!!🥰🥰
Take it there NOW is such a good piece of advice. I’m the queen of making piles and never touching them or only touching them when it’s completely out of control. Thank you!
I find that with my ADD, taking things to other rooms immediately is very distracting because I see something there that needs to be done and get sidetracked! I’m using a basket to put things in for other rooms and taking the basket to rooms after finishing an area. Otherwise, I end up doing a little bit in all rooms and it never seems to get better!🤦♀️
I get it, I have ADD too. But I think that's the reason for question #1 & then taking the item there immediately (ex. nailclippers in the liv rm that belong in the bathroom medicine cab). If you do get sidetracked once you get to the bathroom, then your original area (the living room) is STILL better off than it was before you removed that item because now there are no more nail clippers in the living room. The AD/HD "mess" kicks in when you tear apart the living room with the idea of putting every single thing away where it belongs. Then you sort it into some piles/baskets & gather up all the bathroom stuff & make your way there. But if you THEN get distracted in that room (stuff in bathroom that belongs in your bedroom, the kids bedroom, the laundry room, etc). You're now tearing apart the bathroom & making new piles in the bathroom of things that belong in your bedroom, the kids' bedrooms, the laundry room, etc.
But... Now it's time to pick up the kids or make dinner or help with homework, & what do you have? A living room that's all torn the hell apart with piles or stuffed baskets everywhere, a bathroom that now has piles and now you're too busy to put all those baskets away properly.
I try not to gather up piles anymore now. But what I will do is while I'm standing there getting ready to take the item to the bathroom, I will look HARD right then & there at the surface or item I'm working on and ask 'IS there ANYTHING else right here that I can take to the bathroom with me RIGHT NOW?' I don't wait until I have gathered a big enough pile I just grab what I can immediately see that's headed in the same direction. It makes a huge difference.
Also, it's a decluttering session that you don't have to put off until you can set aside a whole 3 to 4 hours to work on it, you can do it even if you only have 15-20 minutes to spare right now. Because you're not making a mess to clean a mess.
At least I think that's what Dana was trying to say? Sorry for writing a mini-novel!
Gina McDonald, I'm the same. Tho I don't have many things in rooms that belong elsewhere. I have 2 rooms that are storage/ catch all places. If I'm working downstairs I'm not going up 16 stairs with a single item. It makes sense but I'm too easily distracted. I have a mind like a grasshopper. Have done it a few times, its the logical tho not time saving way to do it. But as long as each area is better, that's progress. Hope you're working tru it & doing well. Only new to Dana & her channel. After watching several other methods on different channels that I subscribed to, I have now unsubbed. Dana is the only one I'll listen to. She totally gets the way I am. I smile & nod when I listen to her podcasts. She's a genius that has set me free to pursue my dream of having a clutter free home. Ordered her books today. Sorry, I went off on a ramble, I can never just make my point & move on. Hope you're doing well in your decluttering journey.
Same
@@stephanied6711 i find if i go into a room, and take out what does nor live in thar room, cam put it all in a basket, then put things back into their own rooms, NOT NECESSARILY AWAY, YET ... then everything is back in its room... then with each room i am in, i am only dealing with the stuff that lives there, and until then, at least everything is in its own room, not sprrad out, doing my head in!
“Where would dI look for these first? The store. “ I should get rid of it, I store these things at the store, lol
TPAD! There IS a diagnosis for it! I LOVE YOU!
I have been decluttering for about 3 months now and I actually get really excited if I have to buy it again because I know it will be useful this time around and not just on a whim or on sale.
My daughter solved the googly eye problem. She now has a phone case that stares at me any time she is on her phone..... Or if she lays it on the counter. Lol.
I keep googly eyes in 2 different places. If they have a back post they go with crochet supplies for the amigurumi critters. They poke through and are secured with a back washer. If the are flat backed they go with the card making supplies. I used them on frogs 🐸 and 👻 ghosts. 🤗👍🥳
I can relate to the procrastination problem , not starting because I will make a bigger mess and I don't have the time or attention to devote to it, etc, etc! This is helpful. Thank you! 😊
OMG I love you! " Get over it!". Decluttering REGRET has tormented me for a looooong time! Just you identifying this disorder of thinking is liberating and FUNNY!!!!! Thank you, I do the hypothetical argument ALL the time!
I love to analyze too! But then i don’t get anywhere..,your 2 questions have helped me beyond any books I’ve read
THANK YOU!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Another eye opening question/video!! I never thought about it this way "Would I pay x amount to have this space decluttered?" Absolutely yes! That is really helpful..I think the difficult part is when the item is "irreplaceable"...but still back to another video of yours, it does not have to be the thing I start off with then...thank you Dana!
Best 2 decluttering questions ever. Thank you.
LOL moment...cute little saying...GET OVER IT!
For me, to reduce clutter is to reduce buying. I have learned to be deliberate about what I buy. I replace things instead of adding to the inventory. If I buy new towels, the old ones go and so on. Buy the item if you absolutely love it and visualize the perfect spot for it. If it can refresh that space by removing the old, all the better.
LOVE the "editorial notes" at the end of your videos! I almost want to fast forward to watch them first. Great job to both of you!
This is life changing… brilliant! Where would I look first! I use the box method so this is perfect combo.
Where would I look for it first?! That same question has made such a difference for me! Thank you!
Do it now and it’s better than it was have helped tremendously and echoes in my head…….thank you 🤗
Same here! Ive gotten so much more done because Ive let go of the idea of having to do the project just right. Now I do a project and smile that I got started and the space is better. Totally helped my hubby's thought process too. Big thank you
Same here it's been a blessing to do it this way and put it in their proper places
BEST decluttering advice EVER! My procrastinating-ocd-adhd-spirit thanks you so much!!💚💙💜🙏🏽🙏🏽
Being able to make things better without creating piles has really helped me ! I do projects differently now, imagining I might get interrupted, and with a family I always do ! I never have a mess when I’m done. Like washing dishes as I go when cooking. No mess at the end ! Yeah !
I have fibromyalgia and probably am on the Asperger's spectrum this is doable for me - I will need to put up notes with those questions in each room so I remember what they are. I also for cleaning use Marilyn's Way - so there is basic cleaning daily/weeklyzone plans/monthly focuses. I've been quite ill for some time so little has been done, not even cooking due to fatigue and pain. I hope using these questions will help me to focus when and where I can.
Hope you're feeling better. 💐
You are awesome! Logical, down to earth, reality check, decluttering tools; and entertaining while you speak the truth as in "get over it".
Your advice has helped me so much and now sanity has been restored to my home because, an uncluttered home is a peaceful place to be.
I have TAD (time awarness disorder), too! I need to hear these tips over and over on my decluttering journey. They really do help, even when they are reminders from past videos. Today was the first time I realized that the 1st place I'd look IS the "should go" place in my home. I'm sure you have probably said so in the past, but that is the part of the message my brain heard today. Love your videos!
I have a rule I use for what can go with little to no regrets. Can I replace it for less than 20 dollars and in 20 minutes. The googly eyes were probably bought for a project that may or may not have gotten done or you forgot you had them and purchased them again. I did some serious soul searching and asked myself that about a lot of my previous hobbies. I love to crochet but to be honest nobody really wants my hand made items. So I finally did what I thought I would never do and got rid of my crochet stuff and leftover yarn. I literally got rid of 3 totes of yarn and hooks and I know the elderly folks at the senior center will make good use of that cast off. Sometimes having somewhere for things to go that they will bring others joy just makes it easier to be honest with yourself and say what joy does this bring me, taking up space and room that could be used for something else or just freeing up a space to be able to breath. I can now lay my hands on what I need when I need it. I no longer rack my brain do I have that and even found the strength to avoid my triggers for dragging in more crap. But it has been a struggle and an uphill battle at times. I remind myself that by not spending money on items that are fleeting in my life I can afford to the the things that are truly important to me, like traveling and spending time with friends and family. Simplify and downsize the sanity the save just might be your own.
I was going to say the same thing; I don’t remember which declutterer said that, but if you can replace it in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, you should have no regrets getting rid of it! Someone else says something along the lines of “the store is where I store it”, meaning don’t buy extra, buy as you need.
You have saved my house I have decluttered two cupboards bookshelves and three chest of drawers and found homes for so much the taking it to its home your method lit a light bulb in my head thank you so much
Thanks so much for letting us peak into your brain. Until recently, I didn't realize how much mental space I was using to maintain or battle my clutter. I really identify with how you think & I'll be using those questions for sure!!
Such a good point! I have so much more important things to devote my mental space to!
Truly helpful. Thanks Dana for breaking it down for us and teaching us how to keep decluttering simple! You have thought through what stops us in our tracks typically: the logic and thought process.
Great advice! I have to conserve energy and strength (fibromyalgia and CFS, among other things), so taking 1 or 2 things immediately to where they should go isn't an efficient use of my very limited energy. I bring several baskets into a space when I declutter, and label them with the different places or rooms things need to go to, then just drop them in the appropriate basket. When I feel like I'm fading, or I've had enough of the decluttering for now, I'll take the baskets to where they go.
I have the same conditions. I live in a small apartment and want to declutter. For me, I'd just plan on doing less decluttering in a day - say 2- 5 minutes at a time - pacing myself so I can take the thing to it's home.
@@jillianguilford5191 It can be so difficult for us, taking on these projects. I applaud your efforts - I know how draining these projects can be, plus recovery time.😔 I'm planning to start making videos again on how to live with fibro and the other conditions, so if you wanted to subscribe to my channel, soon there might be some tips that I've figured out over the past 30 years of dealing with my often uncooperative body.🙂
This is the most helpful decluttering advice I have ever heard.
I have Dana's audiobook and listen to it while I clean and find it so motivating.
I bought your decluttering at the speed of life for myself for my birthday---love it! And even though my house is usually under control I love using your method when I go thru a space again😊
Same here