Three (Unexpected) Signs that It's Time to Declutter!

I mean, you already know you want to declutter. But these are three things that used to frustrate me in my home, but didn't automatically register in my brain as reasons to declutter. Through my deslobification process, I've realized that the way to solve these frustrations was to get rid of stuff!

[plantswoman]

Reid’s editorial postscripts are priceless! They are incentive to watch the end credits, because they always make me chuckle. Thanks, as always, for the incentive, Dana!

[dptfo]

When your sink is full of dishes, dig through there and see what can go. Gross old Tupperware, a chipped mug, the spoon or cup you hate. Toss it BEFORE you wash it. If it’s something you hate washing, here’s your permission to let it go and never ever wash it again.

[VickiKolman]

Coinciding with this, sometimes when we think we need more of something, it's because we don't actually like or use the ones we have, so we stand there staring thinking that we need more, in the meantime all the useless ones are still around. Decluttering my clothes in the past allowed me to think about what I wear versus what annoys me or doesn't fit quite right, I donated a lot and then I was also more mindful when I bought more in the future because I had a better idea of my true needs.

[michellehughes]

It’s nice to have videos when you don’t have people to help, share, teach or talk too.

[granitemoss]

It's amazing how many problems decluttering can solve!

[jerifreeman]

Your strategy has changed my everyday struggle!! I used to ask myself how does ONE person make such a mess?? Everyone who has come to my home says it’s “always clean” well yes it LOOKS clean but those closets and drawers 😮 stuffed and crammed with various items I stuffed away!… I started following you a few days ago and I’ve truly found something that WORKS for my brain to be consistent! After decluttering my closet I did my drawers and these are drawers that haven’t been functional at all for 4 years!! I’ve always said “one day I’ll get organized..!!” So thank you!! Since learning your method I’ve kept everything clean/picked up by asking whatever item I lay down or see an item laying around I say “Hey!! are you home?” So straight to it with every item.. I feel my lifelong struggle has been rewired and I am free!! Thank you thank you THANK YOU 🎉❤😂 I’m starting my hallway closet today!

[julierhodes]

This is so true! I grew up with a hoarder mom, in extreme poverty. If we did not have clean cloths for school because there was a huge pile of dirty laundry, mom took us to buy more. No clean underpants? Go buy more, despite not really having the money to do so. It just added more cloths to the pile. Yes, do the laundry, and dishes. Then you can see that you actually have too much!

[xtina]

Here are my two signs that you need to declutter

1. You're breathing
2. You live in a space with stuff

[smz]

Such great points, Dana.
I'm helping a girlfriend declutter/downsize starting next week. We started this whole conversation because she said to me, "I need to get organized!" (Meanwhile, she's overwhelmed with stuff, I know.) I told her that I follow Dana K. White and how much you've helped me. She said, "Really? You? Overwhelmed with stuff? You seem so organized!" I said I'm relatively organized now because I've decluttered BIG TIME--about 1/3 of our stuff is gone, if not more. And I CONTINUE to declutter. It becomes a way of life, e.g., a donate box ALWAYS has a space in our home. Then I recommended Decluttering at the Speed of Life to her (audio version--such a GREAT book) and told her I'd help her at least get started using your methods.

[mymindness]

Your first tip was an actual lightbulb moment for me. I need to declutter my clothing. I have actually tried solving the “I can’t find any socks” by thinking I didn’t have enough and buying more. I can see now they are just getting lost in the overwhelming piles of clothes. 🤯

[jom]

I am 67 live alone decluttered 2 years off and on house is easy to keep up donated donated donated, what a great feeling to share with those who need it. Now giving to Grandkids their albums its not my thing and i said so they totally understand. I told them now you finish the story.

[angeltipsplus]

Oh my!! This was so nostalgic!!! For YEARS… I said those three things. I don’t have enough room, I need a new cleaning routine (or maid), and I need “time” to get organized!!! I found you over two years ago…. I made a list of 52 areas to declutter. Each week I’ve decluttered an item (area) on the list. The first time my declutterring muscles were pretty weak, but I got your book for Christmas 2023… and went HARD in 2024. It’s been almost a year since I’ve said, or thought, or EVEN FELT… those 3 phases. I have “MORE THAN ENOUGH!!” And, I’m glad He doesn’t judge my once messy… now much better… home!!!

[deirdremylod]

I so appreciate your concept of the clutter threshold and the 5 minute pick up. I’ve been decluttering for years and sometimes feel like the only goal is to get rid of more. But the clutter threshold gives me permission to keep things I love because my house is still in control. And when a hot spot crops up I can differentiate between just being in need of a pick up vs. needing a purge so that a pick up would be easier.

[lynettehansen]

Thanks for this. Every time I get shut down for trying to declutter I remember the things I’ve learned from you! I could have easily gotten rid of twice the stuff I did before we sold our house but I also had to remember how to work with other people. In the easier areas (clothing and kitchen) my husband managed to do a pretty good job of letting stuff go. Between donations, garbage, giveaways and selling things we eliminated (not kidding) at least 1000 cubic feet. I’m looking forward to doing it again when we unpack and again when we organize! I’m hoping that I can flex my husband’s decluttering muscles as far as possible so we can simplify our lives!

[nopontraduction]

Hi ! Just to say thank you :) I'm from France and my house was out of control due to depression. Now that I'm feeling better, I following your method and it helps me a lot ! My dishes is done currently 🤭

[nhuslage]

Laundry day has been a game changer, and, in the process, I donated so many things as I was hanging things in my clothes. It took me 5 days to do all the laundry for 2 people! And, this Wednesday (my laundry day), I was able to do 2 loads! My husband is the dishwasher in our house, because I have eczema on my hands. I shared with him about dish math. He now washes the dishes daily instead of twice a week! Thanks, Dana!

[lissettemorales]

I definitely need to declutter because I repurchase when I can’t find stuff

[vickienipp]

I listen to all your podcast and watch all your YouTube, but by far my favorite thing is still the words from you and your editor they make me laugh every single time. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

[amybruck]

My daughter finally did this with her clothes! She and her kids had SOO much! The sheer volume was overwhelming! Now she doesn't mind washing clothes (as much!)

[TG-mxwb]

Yes, but also when I start thinking I don’t have time. No time to clean, no time to do things I enjoy outside of work. It makes me want to buy craft supplies or new decor, usually as a one-a.m. alternative to doom scrolling. And the answer is actually decluttering.