How to Declutter Clothing Using My No Mess Decluttering Process

People ask how to apply my 5 Step Decluttering Process from my book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life, to clothing. I'm sharing how to do that in this video.

[lindseyhollifield]

You are the first person I’ve ever heard separate decluttering from organizing, and it’s such a light bulb moment for me! Trying to do both simultaneously is why I always get stuck. Thank you!!

[SassySue]

If I put something on to wear and take it off because I don’t like how it fits or the fabric is too clingy I no longer put it back in the closet it now goes right in the donate box.

[robinsteinweg]

Aha! moment here. In my university botany class, the prof explained weeds to us as we walked through a prairie meadow. "These pine trees, here? They are weeds. They do not belong in a prairie meadow, and if left to themselves, they will multiply and eventually destroy this meadow. What is a weed? Anything that does not belong. Even if it's a beautiful thing." THIS APPLIES!

[amberklein]

I've tried SOOOO many cleaning methods: Fly Lady, Clean Mama, etc., etc., They're all good. But using your "Declutter" method along with your standard (Do the Dishes. Sweep/Vacuum Floor. Five minute pickup/tidy) is the best. THE BEST. It works better for me than ANY OTHER METHOD!
Even doing a five minute tidy using your 5 questions is PERFECT.
You don't realize how good you are. Thank you SOOOO much for sharing.

[jessicaz.]

Just an aside.When something is hand wash or dry clean only such as wool or silk. I just wash on gentle cycle in cold water and hang dry it. I've never ruined a garment doing this. Thanks to you and your decluttering methods Dana, they really make the process so much easier ! 🌹

[jennieg]

🙌🏻
Notes for myself
1. Trash - damaged
2. Easy stuff - for elsewhere, for someone else
3. Duh - donate
4. (a) where would I look? Take it there NOW
4. (b) If I needed it did I know I had it?
5. Make it fit
5a consolidate - like items
5b container limits - put & take easily and quickly

[joannafoster]

When I started decluttering my house I started with my clothing since that was the area causing the most frustration. I had everything from size 14 to 28 stuffed! Now I only have what currently fits and I like to wear so there's lots of breathing room. It's easy to get dressed now and I love looking at that very slimmed down space. Truly a joy to own less. I probably got rid of 85% of my clothing!

[kathystearns]

Girl, I just love you because you are SO motivating, and you understand that ANY thing we do to declutter IS progress, and we aren't a failure if we don't get it ALL done straight away ! ❤❤❤😊

[devakicasey]

I just found your channel and I’m embarking on Day 1 of what is sure to be a looong journey. I have been paralyzed by the overwhelming situation I’ve created for myself after losing everything in a wildfire in 2017.
At the time I thought, ”as hard as this is, it’s a fresh start and I’m only going to acquire what I truly need and love”! Yea. Fast forward six years and well… I can barely breathe.
The good news is, I’m not afraid to let things go, it’s just how and where to begin! Ugh it actually gives me anxiety.
But I feel inspired by your approach, and your real and relatable nature. So thank you sister.
So I’m starting right now dammit!!! Got a hot date with a box of black bags and some loud music!!!
🏋🏼‍♀️Oh lawd… wish me luck…🫣

[karenhaire]

The "take it there now" step has really been helpful for me. If I make a pile to take later, I have a pile for much later!

[pam]

You have given me a lot to think about. I only have one closet with 2 racks for clothing, but in the center walkway I have 4 big totes stuffed with Christmas decorations and ornaments. I gave to bring those out to get to the clothes hanging in there. My husband's 20 collared shirts are in there...all 2xl when he now wears 3xl. Donation bag. All my dresser drawers are full of 1xl or 2xl blouses and knit tops. Donation bag. I have 20 boxes of clothes in the hallway across from the laundry - they need folding. If I donate all the clothes I mentioned, I can actually put the clothes that fit us and that we do wear in the closet and dresser, thus clearing the hallway. That is my goal for this weekend.

[ashleysmith]

This is a perfectly good shirt, but I choose not to wear it BECAUSE THE SLEEVES ARE WEIRD. I finally found someone who speaks my language. 😂😂😂

[kathleenflatley]

What resonated with me the most was about the black pants and “which ones you are hoping to find” when you get dressed. This is definitely me. I will frequently pick up two or three others first and pass them over looking for the ones I am hoping to find and always seem to wear while the others just sit there

[angieineverettcust]

I also heard someone say which I thought was a great idea, to take out all of your favorite things that you wear all the time and you know you want to keep and put them on your bed or something. Then makes it easier going through the rest of it to determine whether you want to keep it or not

[creativelycountry]

Moment of appreciation for calling me out On the favorite sweater with a hole in it…that I was waiting to magically repair itself in my closet 😩

[barbkandel]

I love when you say, "The space that you have, is the space that you have." I actually use that when I am helping others. Great video, Dana! Reid, as always, 🤣.

[nancyrowlen]

You’re like super nanny for overwhelmed working moms dealing with unmanageable homes. Thank you! Yes, I always put these things off because it’s so overwhelming and then the piles stare at you every time you walk past. Now I can declutter without making a bigger mess. Love this channel. So glad I happened upon it.

[girlonaswing]

I specifically keep a pair of paint pants and a paint shirt solely for when I paint (or work with messy things) I am a Very messy painter.
This video was helpful. Thank you Dana

[alicejump]

I have bins full of clothes and fabrics that need repairs or as projects! At 77 you would think after between two to 4yrs I would get it, it is just taking up space! As a social worker I could write a paper on the emotional investment, only a few minutes in on this video my eyes and mind opened to reality! Thank you!

[dar]

I moved from a 3bdm house with 70 % in the storage shed on property.
I moved into a studio apartment! Oh, gosh, you can't believe how many black trash bags of clothes i have donated. How? Why did I have so many articles of clothes?
Ive been in here for a year now, and just gave up 2 more bags. Im happy to have given/donated so many things, not just clothes. Feeling so much lighter now!