Troubleshooting the No Mess Decluttering Process: What if the Place Where I'd Look First is a MESS?

I'm answering a question I get often from those starting to implement the No Mess Decluttering Process in their homes: What do I do if the place where I'd look for something first (Decluttering Question #1) is its own cluttered mess? What if there's no place for it in the place where I'd "take it there now?"

Links:

[andyndanaemcburney]

I love how you show your different feelings during the process and don't act like you love every second of it. It helps the rest of us keep going when we don't feel like it, too.

[xtina]

Stuff shifting is what I did for years. I'm so grateful for your help. I'm well on my way to getting my house under manageable order. It amazes me how much removing stuff from my house de stresses me.

[granitemoss]

It never ceases to amaze me how there IS trash, 8 or 9/10 times, even when I think, "No way is there any trash in that space!".

[connied]

Had an aha moment. If I haven't used something in a long time (even if I could make space) just get rid of it.

[amerrystitcher]

Decades of “organizing” and even decluttering have been beneficial, but the true gift you’ve given me is NOT TO MAKE IT WORSE. All those years of “get it all spread out and empty the space you’re organizing” used to scatter my focus and send me down rabbit holes so I had piles everywhere. The concept of not stuff shifting is major, because I excel at being able to wedge things into that take it there now space, like nobody’s business. Thank you.

[bylo]

I LOOOOVE that you're keeping it real and showing a messy house. I'm so tired of professional organizers...who are already organised and have beautiful homes. I'm sure they're great at what they do, but a lot of what they show or recommend is just not achievable for someone like me.

[janethunt]

Thanks, Dana. I often get distracted by the messy area that I'm taking something to. What an encouragement to focus on the one being worked on.

[KSLassie]

Since the start of my decluttering journey, I’ve come to realize that I have had to expand my definition of trash. Any item that is no longer useful to me can be trashed. If it’s not broken and in good shape I may choose to donate it. But if I am not currently using it or I haven’t been looking for it, it must leave my house. ASAP.
My biggest problem is being able to get it to a donation place. So hang in there. On day at a time! 😋

[shelly]

Thank you so much! I have been stuff shuffling for several years, cleaning out one
room and shoving stuff into another, then cleaning that room and shoving stuff back into the area I just cleaned! It has been so frustrating. I appreciate you taking the time to demonstrate this method. Now, I just have to DO it! 😊

[yadiaag]

For the first time in a LOOONG time my room is becoming less cluttered. The concept of bring it to where I would find it by itself is Gold….i pick up and item and think “yeah, when the flying heck am I EVER going to use or need this?” or “this item isn’t even worth my space or time” or “I’m lazy even if I put it away it would be hassle to clean again” slowly my room is starting to look better. I can actually vacuum without moving 50 million things onto my bed.
I’m even actually finding stuff I actually need….FINALLY
It’s embarrassing it took so long.

[jillychandler]

Although I only go out of my home to walk Madge my rescue greyhound, (due to my sever anxiety I have not been out and about since 2020, and live in a very rural place, but love it) I have decided to let stuff go for free, and have put things up on my free local website, and they are gone! Before, I have been having to pay someone to come and take the stuff away for me. I have tried selling things, but do not seem to have much luck, and folk would have to come and pick it up from me. But letting things go for free that I no longer need, is clearing my house at last! I listen to you Dana, and you make so much sense. Thank you for the video. Blessings from Jilly & Madge, from West Devon, England. xxx

[LaJuana]

The person who had to come back and replay end to see Reid’s comments because I was busy decluttering as Dana spoke…that would be me! I have withdrawal symptoms when he doesn’t edit a video and leave comments! 😂❤😂

[dpstoops]

Thank you for talking to me as a friend. Your tone and casual “duhs” resonate with my brain and makes a huge difference in whether I’ll be successful 💕

[rebeccasourpuss]

This is something I have so much trouble with! Also, the word you were looking for is "hexagon." 🙂

[bookworm]

Hi Dana, I 'd just like to say thank you so much for all you do!
I started using your method some time last summer, so it's been, what, 9 months or so?
I'm having a concert tomorrow. At my home. My best friend is a professional musician, and she offered, a month ago, to come to my place for a small private concert, with her duo. With a brunch later.
It gave me the necessary push to declutter pretty much the last remaining corners of my house, and since yesterday I have been shifting around furniture to arrange for seating for 30 people. But I'm not stressed. I will prepare some food, everyone else will bring some more food, and some designated people will bring extra plates and glasses (and take them away again at the end).
And I say it again: I am not stressed. I have 30 people coming in less than 24 hours and Everything is fine. And the last week was fine, too. Thank you! 💖💖💖💖

[terryruiz]

I just managed to go from 2 filing cabinets down to one. A project I dreaded, began yesterday, finished today. BIG SHRED PILE. You inspired me, and it's done! Thank you!

[sonyad]

I was trying to look for the video that you focused on the "where would you look for this first", "and if I don't think of any place immediately, would I even remember that I had this". But I couldn't find that video, so please feel free to repost this for me elsewhere if you want. I think this is an AWESOME example!!!!

I have a kitty vet appointment today for my kitty so I took down her carrier that stores on the top shelf in my closet. Inside I know is a little pillow for her that I intended she would sit on to pad her ride, but instead she likes to hide under it. She's a scaredy cat with everyone but mommy:(

Today when I took it down off the shelf, instead I noticed a bottle of Feliway calming spray that I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT I HAD!!!! BUT that's the beauty of where I stored the spray bottle!!!! I got to spray her carrier today, actually USE the item that I purchased (about a year ago to calm them both during the move from CA & there was some left)!!!
When I was organizing my living room couch-side table and it used to live in the drawer, I was like 'ill never look for this in here, but WHERE would I look for it? NO where, bc I wouldn't even remember that I HAD it!
...but then I had the idea what if this particular item I didn't have to LOOK for, it just jumped out at me when I NEEDED it most???' lol

And it worked like a charm!!!!

[carolyns]

Awesome demonstration … seeing methods in real time action really makes a lasting impression. Thanks!

[creativelycountry]

You know you’re going to have to give us a new bathroom tour, right!!?? 🎉😊

[DeeAnnGunter]

VERY impactful!!! WOW!! 🎉. I absolutely LOVE the way you boil it down to the lowest denominator!! Thanks so very much for being SO REAL & relatable. ❤️