Follow the Decluttering Process Even if you Aren't (Technically) Decluttering

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Published 2023-09-01
It's easy to get caught up in the WORDS around getting your house under control. What's the difference between decluttering and organizing and tidying and straightening and cleaning and on and on and on.

But those conversations are only helpful if they actually help you. Like, help you get stuff done. Today, I'm talking about how it's perfectly fine to use the decluttering process even if you aren't technically decluttering. If it helps you, use it. On any overwhelming mess. Or any mess at all.

Mentioned:

The Take Your House Back course is on sale NOW!!! Go to aslobcomesclean.com/take

My podcast aslobcomesclean.com/podcast

My books: aslobcomesclean.com/book

All Comments (21)
  • @juliatepe5760
    Life is a container, you can only fit so much into it. Very well said, Amen, Amen, Amen! Hope you enjoyed the summer.
  • @reneeroberts3319
    🙌🏻Here’s a “pat in the back” for Reid!!! Dana, love that you prioritize family over the summer & happy to see you’re back! 🎉
  • @carlajetton7560
    I do exactly what Dana is doing here (after I have been practicing her method for over a year now). I find that I do this with everything. Yesterday, I went to get a cookbook and next to the one I wanted was a random little book that was useful to me years ago and in good condition but "What! I still have this?!!" -- now it is into the donateable donate box. So proud. Thank you Dana -- you have changed my life. You are amazing!!
  • @susanprice3377
    Honestly, the 5 steps work for just about any task: cleaning, decluttering, yardwork (as someone already mentioned), tackling work at a job -- the priority of getting rid of trash to clear the decks/your mind/a path, then putting out of place things where they belong works for email sorting, starting a writing project, home renovation ... whatever! The visibility rule and container concept have similarly wide applicability, and have made my life SO much easier. Thank you! (And great job, Reid. Have a wonderful semester!)
  • @lauradyer6293
    I regularly use the steps to declutter my mind when I get overwhelmed with work stuff as an administrative assistant! So fun to apply the metaphors of trash, easy stuff, etc to work tasks and see myself “take it there now” to not make a bigger mess! Appreciate you, Dana!!
  • @sandismiles2320
    Here’s another “Pat on the Back” for Reid! Best wishes for a great semester. And Dana, thanks so much for your 5 step process. While watching your video, I realized I use it daily in all kinds of situations! It really helps to break down the task.
  • @lilaboss6894
    As someone whose house is completely out of control your advice is a God send. I'm slowly working my way through my house looking for the easy stuff and it's working! I'm making progress. Thank you for being there for all of us "slobs"!
  • @debraneighbors8764
    So glad you are back! I hope you had a great summer. I've been doing my dishes every day and my kitchen always looks great now. Thank you!!! I've been using your 5-step decluttering process throughout the house, and things are really starting to look good. We are now at the point where the rest of my family have noticed the improvements and have started decluttering their own areas. A win for sure! You are my #1 guide and inspiration in this process. Thank you so much!!!
  • @tnctnc5972
    I am so proud of you that you do this for your family such a blessing to have a mom who takes time off for her children and husband ❤
  • @user-mr9yd3bw9k
    I now have you in my head Dana ‘do the dishes’. Actually been the most life changing. Beyond that 2 most powerful are : folding laundry out of the drier (I now realise how much I actually have) and put it where it belongs : it just goes there whether I’m decluttering or just living everyday AND it’s a big house so never done as much exercise in my home. Thank you Dana xxx
  • @MelissaB3
    Reid, welcome back from your year abroad and helping from college definitely earns a “pat on the back!” Missed the videos this summer but was very happy for you enjoying your family!
  • @janispope4295
    All I remember from your pre summer message was 5 minute pick up and do the dishes! We are still on school summer holidays in the UK and it’s getting me through. Thanks
  • @lizwright8613
    Thank you for this, and for saying many times that finishing a project/hanging a picture/putting the laundry away all count as decluttering. At this point I just call all that plus cleaning and cooking "housework." I used to get so hung up on the categories! And well done, Reid!
  • @3tecs
    Awesome point about taking summers off! That is my goal for next year! Kudos to you! 👏
  • @hannahcrumley3103
    Reid, have a great year! You do a great job! Thank you Dana! You keep me sane while dealing with overwhelming decluttering situations!
  • @lauriegarland5728
    You are the first person that really goes through the thinking process and that is so helpful. I find I look at the mess , get overwhelmed and then just clam up and do nothing, it becomes debilitating!
  • @karrenbrown8453
    Yea Reid!! Thanks for still being a part of your moms business, even away at school. She & her heart for teaching others have made a real difference in my life & I am so grateful!
  • Pat on the back for Reid, and so glad that you‘re back, Dana 🙏🏼 the kitchen is the only room I keep clean, no matter how overwhelmed or tired I feel before I go to bed. The cluttered kitchen at the next morning, when I want to make coffee and have a breakfast lead me to bad emotions - so cleaning my kitchen is the last thing I do, before I do my bed routine. But it was a hard piece of work to established that routine and need several of your videos. So thank you, Dana 🥰
  • Glad to have you back Dana! Good job Reid. I was rewatching your “1 hour better” videos, especially the live one, and wanted to ask for more please!!!! A full length version if possible! ❤
  • @juliec3437
    When I'm overwhelmed with dishes, I find it helpful to say, "ok, I'm just going to put 10 dishes in the dishwasher for now." I usually end up doing a few more. And if I come back to it later, it seems do-able. 😊 Thx for all your tips👍