A Slob Comes Clean

I remember being scared that I’d never figure out how to get my house under control! I was petrified of someone ringing my doorbell without warning! This week, I’m sharing some common fears around decluttering and how to remove those fears!

We (those of us who struggle with clutter) tend to love collections! But we also know they can get out of control. I’m talking about collecting in a way that doesn’t send the house spiraling into clutter.

I am doing something kind of fun. As you know, I have a Patreon group, and we had an in-person retreat.  I asked some of them if they would come on and share a pivotal or transformational moment for them in their own process of getting their home under control. It's all private, but they've agreed to do this for the podcast.  And I think it's really fun to hear from others what has been the difference maker for them.

I’m answering your decluttering questions that were submitted at AskDanaKWhite.com

• Due to some kitchen updates, I had to empty out my kitchen cabinets. Since I got everything out of the cabinets, I feel like it's a perfect time to declutter and reorganize!! How should I tackle this whole kitchen?
• I've decluttered a ton. I'm pretty happy with how far I've gone, but I can't help feeling that I could go further, even though I have plenty of space for the things that I have. Any thoughts on this?
• My family of 7 lives in a 2-story home. All of our bedrooms are located upstairs, and it’s a constant struggle to get the kids to take their laundry, toys, and personal items upstairs. Do you have any suggestions for making this process easier?
• I don't know what to do with the greeting cards I get from my husband and children. I feel guilty about throwing them out, but realistically, they have no home! Please help!
• My biggest struggle is with dishes. I wash them as I need them, like you said, you do clothes when they are all dirty. I am physically unable to stand or sit for the required hours it would take to complete them. Help!
• I need more walking space in my apartment. I started decluttering the dining room and behind my living room chair. But, the items I am keeping are on the dining table, because I can't get into the spare room where I'd look for them first. Should I have started with the room I knew I would look in first for those things?
• I have two questions. First, what do I do with "donations" when in my area, there is no place to donate to? I've searched countless times and asked many people. Second, how do you deal with people in your home shaming you for decluttering? 
• Your "take it there now" method allows me to do something without making the situation worse. It only gets better if that's the only task that gets done. Thank you.
• How do you deal with toy clutter? My daughter is 3 years old, and the toys that deserve shelf space change every day. How do I (or we) choose what to keep?