Do you have Declutter Blindness?  

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I’m a senior who will be downsizing in the next few years. The question I ask myself as I look at each item is : “ Will I really want to MOVE this to a small condo? “. This strategy works beautifully. Will you girls please do some videos for seniors like myself. I think there is a HUGE market for that. Love you both! Thanks for all your help.

So I work as a nanny to a pretty well off family (big house, lots of stuff), and because of both of your channels, I spent 3-4hrs helping them declutter and reorganize their home. In just that short amount of time, we got rid of SIX full garbage bags worth of stuff. My decluttering journey has helped jump-start my employer's decluttering journey!

Definitely the more you declutter the less you buy. I shop and enjoy looking but have no need to buy.

The story is part of the grieving process. It lets me say goodbye to the item if I have re-membered it. Maybe I wouldn't be able to do that if someone was spending time to help me declutter, but I can do it when I am alone, and when I have done that story telling I can let it go properly, not regretfully.

I got sick in 2021 and went through treatments in 2022. I have finally got most of my energy back. I decided that I would rather go through all of my stuff and get rid of the things that don't fit my body or in my life anymore, rather than leave it for my family to sort through later. I view that as taking as much off of them as I can because I Love Them!

I'm so jealous of anyone that gets to call Dawn their friend. She is a top tier human.

My gosh, Dwan, you are so right about adhd!!! My son is 7 years old and has adhd. Since I decluttered our home, he is calmer, he finds things to do, it's easier for him to focus, I have more time to play card games and board games with him, he plays with his 3 year old sister much more. My anxiety is so much better! I love binge watching your channel and now started with Clutter bug as well. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!!!

Minimalism saved my life really. Having less stuff is so freeing but it is hard at first to let go. After you let go at first, then it becomes easier.

You two ladies and Dana K White totally changed my world! I spent decades buried in clutter never realizing how overstimulating and distracting it was! I only wish I found you all when my kids were still at home. Over the past year I have decluttered the living space of my home to a manageable level and only have closet in guest bedroom and our third bedroom to declutter. It was hard letting go of things at first, thinking of all that money wasted, but like Cas said, it makes you think more about purchases moving forward. To satisfy my impulse shopping I use my wish list on Amazon and add items to that instead of shopping cart, then after I study it for a while, if I still want it I buy it later after I’ve had time to think on it. That satisfies the thrill of finding new things without the buyers regret!

It helps me to snap a "before" pic and search it rather than the room for easy "No" items. Somehow that little bit of distance helps!🤓Also: Taking photos of gifts & sentimental items I don't actually use so I can keep the reminder of good feelings without the actual object. It really is the thought that counts! : - ) Thinking about how a donated item will benefit someone who'll actually use it.❤

I lost the keys to my shed. After 5 years, I finally got around to getting the lock opened. I’m now decluttering everything. If I haven’t used it in 5 years, I don’t need it.

I’ve recently started taking photos of the spaces I need to declutter because of Declutter Blindness. Looking at the photos shows me how bad it’s gotten and why I am completely decluttering my house as I type.

I'm currently helping an elderly friend declutter, and I do take the time to listen to the stories attached to every item. They have the most amazing stories from a lifetime of experiences, and it makes them feel seen and respected, which makes it easier for them to decide what they want to keep etc. Sure, it makes the job take a bit longer, but that's fine, I enjoy spending the extra time with them. If I hurried things along, it would only cause extra stress and resentment. This is something they chose to do, there's no danger of eviction or anything.

I had to do several decluttering passes in order to get to the point that I felt I had done enough. However, I still have a weekly decluttering task on my ‘to do’ list and I still find stuff that can leave my house. I’m a Minimal Mom fan. I never miss a video and often go back and rewatch some. Cas, love your robe and it was you that helped me figure out why the organizing systems I had didn’t really work for me. Thank you!

I’ve got ADHD and have been decluttering thanks to Dawn, Cass and Dana. It has been transformative and I’m so thankful. I’m trying to teach the same to my children now who are very similar to me😊

I've actually found that in clearing the clutter, I figure out what I really want instead.

If there is one thing I want to scream at people is that merchants are NOT YOUR FRIEND.

You guys SERIOUSLY MOTIVATE ME, SO MUCH!!!!!!!!! 💛 You make me feel like I CAN PERSONALLY DO THIS!!!!!!! (I also think that you both make an AMAZING TEAM!!!! 🙂)

Dawn is such a cheerleader 📣! Encouraging, inspiring, cheerful 😄! Silly, funny, and human.

I’m listening and I’m crying. My therapist has been trying to tell me the same thing about people. Declutter the toxic people, even if they’re family. Yes it’s hard, but if it’s better for you and your health, it’s worth it. It’s not easy, but you’ll feel better in the long run. I have a difficult time decluttering the things from childhood that have good memories attached to them. Like things from my step-dad, my grandparents. My time in Girl Scouts. Those things that gave a safe place or feeling.

You guys are rockstars!! What I love about you guys is that you know what we go through. It's talking 5 years to declutter since my husband died. I'm so glad you guys are here.

When I declutter it's actually very helpful to tell the story of each thing. Giving voice to my sentimental items is validating and helps me to emotionally let go.

Two of my favorite ladies!!! Love you both!! 💞💞

I so agree with you about when you help others declutter - all you do is hold a bag/box etc and they make all the decisions. But the fact that you're standing there helping out with morale or keeping a focused direction, is priceless to those you are helping. Case in point - this past weekend my husband, who has adult ADHD, was at a loss about what to do with his cram packed clothes closet. He asked for help, and I said sure. He pulled all the clothes out to the livingroom, and we went through each piece. I asked him questions I have heard you and Dawn talk about. My questions for each piece were "Do you like this or enjoy wearing this? Does it fit? Is it worn out?" We were able to get rid of many items when we weren't concerned about the price we paid initially, or the fact the shirt didn't match any of his suits or pants. We also went through all his ties using the same criteria. To go further, we designated about half his clothes to the basement as seasonal, so that he could change out for heavier wear when the season turned cold again. But all this helped make much more room in his closet, and he is overjoyed with the result. Now, with fewer choices to make when pulling out clothes, he can easily target an outfit to wear. You and Dawn have been a tremendous help to us.

I go back and listen to Dawn often and especially when I need declutter inspiration. I love how she gets into the psychology and let's you understand what the outcome can be and look like.

Im decluttering, been for 3 years. Been trying to get my husband to also, and he has got rid of alot. But the other day he got sad, and said " i dont know who i am anymore, i got rid of so many things" Did not know what to say other than- "you r not your things" 😢

So true with ADHD and the clutter! I’m a teacher and this year my summer project was to declutter the whole house. I decluttered for years but could never get rid of enough clutter. Finally cleared out the rooms and thoughtfully put the important parts first. It has helped tremendously.

Dawn was speaking about contentment and consumerism, and I have an inspirational saying pinned to my board that says, "Contentment flies away when conparison comes in to play." This saying always keeps me focused on what really matters. This was a great interview and thank you both for the hard work you did to bring it to us.

You both have dramatically changed my life. I’m just getting started with decluttering and then organizing what’s important in each area and when it is finished is such a joy to me. I love cooking more. I feel more free I feel more creative. It’s truly remarkable what you guys do and thank you so much. I love your happiness and your cheerful laughter. My big problem is my fiancé. He wants to keep everything and we had to combine two households so I’m working on him slowly, but surely to let things go.

I went really overboard with our Easter hunt last year, but with decluttering so much the past year I only bought a chocolate bunny, pack of plastic eggs, and a pack of Reese eggs to fill the plastic ones and a little painting thing from the dollar store. My kids had a blast, it was faster and easier for me. Loved it 😊 😊😊😊

I'm feeling convicted that I need to help my pre teen daughter declutter her room even more as a piece to help battle the anxiety she struggles with

Decluttering reminds me of quitting smoking many years ago. I thought “What will I have left? What will I do with my time if I’m not smoking?” It was my first insight into my mindset. The smoking was 1. An addiction that made me feel better in the moment but was hurting me in the long run (like clutter), and 2. It was a distraction from feeling things I didn’t want to feel because it kept my head too full to think. Acquiring things to keep up with the Jones’s , for the most part, wasn’t the issue. It was

Isn’t this so much fun hearing two of our favorite friends talking about how we can be free of clutter and at peace? Thank you both and God Bless you for all your help.❤️🤗♥️

Cas, I love your cozy blue robe. I enjoy watching you and Dawn. When I was decluttering one day, I found The Minimal Mom on you tube. Very helpful ideas, thanks to both of you.

I'm reminded that Andrew Mellen said that clutter comes from deferred decisions. Therefore Cass's prompt to pick up each item and ask the question as to whether I need/like every item one at a time is very spot on. We need to revisit all our unmade decisions. G Ire

This was so helpful, thank you to both of you! I definitely have clutter blindness- overwhelmed and shut down when I see a big pile. Also that point you said about when you had a lot of stuff you tended to buy more stuff,…and now that you have less you want to buy less. I LOVE that

Love Dawn and Cas!

Cass, I have a lot of earrings so I bought an earring micro-organizer but found i always had earring strewn across my dresser! In one of your videos you talked about this very issue. I got a beautiful little glass bowl at a thrift shop and put it in my dresser. now I just toss them in the bowl and my dresser looks great!

I think the key to your success is to keep the client focussed and to drive the process forward! Very difficult to stop yourself from going down the guilt, just in case, memories rabbit hole when trying to declutter on your own. Also, Cas, thanks for the tip that non-fitting clothes are toxic - that helped me to bin about 75% of my wardrobe! Love you, Dawn and Dana - keep up the good work, ladies!

I have been on the minimalist journey about 2 yrs & my family knows it. They used to load me down with all their unwanted items, but not anymore. Now, my Mom has started going through their house, so us kids won't have to do it after they're gone. Thank you, Dawn, Cas & and Joshua, for inspiring me, which in turn has inspired my family. 😊

Yay!! so happy to see Cass and Dawn together! Terrific motivation 🤩

Some of my favorite ppl in the world in one podcast/video! Oh yay! 🎉 I’ll be listening to this more than once!

Two of my fav people! 😍 really needed to hear this!! Declutter blindness definitely gets me, I feel like all I do is declutter yet so much is still around me!! Thank you for the advice ❤

I agree Cass! Dawn is inspiring, relatable, not intimidating… she has a special gift.

One of the valuable things you have given me is the idea of giving myself permission to get rid of things that I spent money on and then change my shopping habits and accumulating habits so in the future I don't reclutter and I start saving all the money I used to spend! Like Jesus said, go forth and sin no more. It helps end the guilt trip stumbling block. I can do more valuable things with my time than shuffle stuff.

So good, love you Dawn and Cas. I think those empty containers in my hallway can go tomorrow 👍😃😃😃

Ooo, ooo! At like 27:00 not only was I not taught to declutter, my Mom (who had mental illness) didn't involve me in decisions and would randomly throw stuff out, so I felt more out of control. I think, in a way, the stuff was soothing and became a symbol of soothing or love or just--even if it was a hair brush, it was more constant than my unpredictable mother. Now at almost 50, I've finally freed myself of most of that baggage and have built up my decluttering muscles. I've felt safe. I value experiences over stuff. ❤

Cass makes me cry all the time lately! She is so loving and genuine. “You did this!”

This is my first minimalist birthday and I managed to convince all my family not to buy me any stuff, I am getting money from some and my mum bought me a year of my medical appointments in advance :D

I love you both!!! I started decluttering this week and my family is on board!!! I'm so excited

Both you & Dawn reeeally inspire me. I appreciate you both. ☺️❤

So true, after decluttering a lot of stuff my tendency to buy things on impulse has radically decreased…as if the object that caught my eye is more a source of future annoyance than a thing to want 😂😂

My strategy for helping someone is to ask them first to look for the easy discards. PS I helped declutter housemates storage units - $550 per month they had for almost 20 years.

I just got rid of something that was supposed to solve a specific problem. I bought it and tried it for a while but it didn't really work for me. It stayed around getting in the way until I decided it needed to go. Everything I buy really needs to be on trial to see if it's a keeper.

I have always called it “selective sight”. We tend to see things differently than most people. And being surrounded by our possessions actually bring us feelings of security. I have found it helpful not to ask myself what do I want to get rid of (if it’s a useful item, I can easily find a reason to keep it), but what do I want to keep. And I follow up by asking questions like “Have I missed it; Do I use it; etc ...” I am slowly making progress now. The hardest part is figuring out what to do with it. There are a limited number of places nearby that we can donate to. 😢 You ladies are the best! And the TYHB group has been so helpful for me and many others. Thanks Dawn, Cas, & Diane 😊

From my experience, having someone that doesn’t live in the home with you and who has more of an “outsider looking in” perspective of the clutter, it holds you accountable and it makes it harder to go through all of those mental gymnastics of keeping it or not. I totally get how her going to other people’s homes and literally holding their clutter in front of them causes them to realize “wow I really don’t need this.” 💕

As an extremely sentimental person, when it comes to decluttering special keepsakes, it has often helped me to share at least a part of a given story to sort of tip the scale toward giving something away. I suppose it gives space to verbally process and be grateful for the story it tells from my life, and then I move on. My mom and I have gone through quite a few declutter sessions and especially when we both share fond memories about something, it's strange but it helps us to share the moment one last time and then say goodbye :)

I love this one! So good! Thank you! I will relisten many times. Thank you again for putting this new channel together. It’s awesome!

Great !!!! … You ladies rock !!! … this episode is worth listening to , over and over again !!!

I began decluttering in the 1990's after reading a couple of books by Don Aslett. Decluttering is like peeling an onion, there's always another layer until you get the end, which is what is right for you personally. But it's also a continual process as we live in our homes and items continually come into them via the mail, shopping, gifts, other people, etc. Once you have a system in place to keep control of it, things rarely get out of hand any more. I know, because that's how I've lived for the past 30 years.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do some podcasts/videos on downsizing seniors! I am 61 and trying to help 80 year olds move into independent living apartments. Boomers that have lived in the same house for 30-40 years have a lot of build up! Thank you

I decluttered my clothes three times. Now I have 23 t-shirts, that fit and that I like. Ten of them are dark. Now it gets difficult. I dont need so many shirts. Should I discard a shirt, that fits and that I like? Same with underware. I am smart and well educated and realized through you, that decluttering has nothing to do with intelligence. Your advices sound so simple and they are so tough. Decluttering is a mental and emotional process, merely a physical.

Are you being cozy in a bathrobe or are you sick today? Great chat with Dawn, you two are my favorites.

Dawn said one word a long time ago that brought me into the light. That word was INVENTORY. I was like wait... what? and I watched it again 🤯she blew my mind. My mind immediately went to ( inventory = work ). I was sold on minimalism from that point on. My 3 favorite declutter gurus are Dawn, Cass and Dana.

Oh my goodness this is such a gift of a video !! Thanks ladies !!!!!! Cass thanks for doing this in your robe and thanks to you and Dawn for all your encouragement !!!! God bless you both much !!!!!!! 15 minutes a day i CAN DO! Lord help me do it !

Aww!! Two of my favorites together in one podcast!!🎉❤🎉

You ladies are the absolute best. Thank you both for all you bring us. You really do change so many lives, personally speaking. 🤗🏡

"stop the stories"...best advice ever!

Dawn, no matter what you are talking about on your RU-vid channel i always get some golden nuggets that i have used to transform my life!

I like the word manage...that is true..all these people are spending so much time on managing there amounts of stuff!!

First thought...I love Dawn's laugh. These are the two decluttering experts that resonate with me. I am decluttering my house to do a major remodel (all flooring, painting interior, gut and replace kitchen and two baths). We basically have to move out. I have 3 months to get almost everything out. We are selling and donating some furniture so it is just gone when we remodel. We have been in this house for 25 years and raised 2 kids here. Thankfully we have a vacation home that hubby, 2 dogs, 1 cat and youngest child (college aged) will be at all summer. I will be back and forth between the two houses - working remote a lot. To add to this, we have lots of stuff from in-laws' house we sold last year. I feel a bit overwhelmed but Cas and Dawn defiintely help me stay focused and motivated. Excited for the "new" house though 🙂

This was great. I personally could never have anyone decluttering with me. I much prefer to do things on my own & I would hate someone telling me what to get rid of. I also can’t go clothes shopping with anyone, as I only like bright colours & hate drab ones like black & brown etc. A few years ago a lady I know took me shopping for some new clothes & kept criticising me when I chose red & yellow etc. I felt so stressed by the end of it. Never again.

Telling the story when decluttering is my process of saying 'thank you'. For a moment I remember, I cherish, I may take a picture and then I let it go.

It’s such a great idea to video your house too. Then look back or have someone else look at it and give constructive criticism.🏡💗 Thank you both!🥰

I could listen to both of you everyday. Now, mind you I do enjoy listening way more than getting up and doing. (Oops) lol I just recently told both my daughters 18 and 22, DO NOT KEEP any of my stuff when I’m gone IF you truly do not want it. Don’t keep anything of my moms either just because it meant something to me and/or my mom. I collect elephants and I told them, you don’t want them then don’t keep them. (I know, I probably don’t even need them anymore but that’s for a different day. 😂 I adore you both and I HAVE DONE SOME THINGS AROUND THE HOUSE BECAUSE OF BOTH OF YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

I like the phrase "quarantine" for items. I hadn't heard of this but I tried it with some kitchen items. I put them in a box in my closet to see if u could live without them. After a few months, I donated them.

🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congrats on 55K!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I’m getting ready for Autumn 🍂 by baking some yummy breads & desserts this weekend!!! In New Orleans we don’t get much cool weather until later in the Winter. So I can’t pull out the fun Fall wardrobe yet. But, I can have Cocoa & S’mores!!!

Thank you for helping us with this journey.

What got me started, was I like my house clean and the extra stuff was in the way and I was moving things all the time nothing in order.then I started watching videos for clutter and organizing.

You and Dawn are so great to listen to together! 👌👌🥳🥳Hope to see more of this! 🎉🎉

Absolutely, a storage container is: quarantined items you don't need. the time never comes. You absolutely don't need it even if it's got value. (What I find when talking to my friend- she thinks everything could be sold but doesn't realize the negative emotional impact of keeping it)

This is honestly so profound.

I have had some serious health issues over the past couple of years, but this year, I managed to stay out of the hospital, so I'm planning to declutter as much as I can. I have several sets of china from my family. When I find them, I plan to get boxes to store them properly. Then, before I do that, I will set out a place setting with the serving pieces on a nice tablecloth and take a picture of them. That does 2 things: the picture preserves the memory, and it also allows the items to be sold online. Taking pictures of things allows you to "keep" the things without actually keeping them. Thank you for your videos. Sometimes, I have to watch them repeatedly to get the job done.

My two favorite ladies on youtube together! Their videos (and Dana's), literally saved me! I finished their course for decluttering and it was life changing

This is such good information! Sooooo helpful. 🥰😊🤩

Clutter blind - that’s what I am.

I think that while we don’t see it, it still weighs you down at the same time.

You and Dawn are my favs! Both of you are so inspiring and calming. I'm working at decluttering my home. The mental breakup with stuff is hard, but I'm letting go. Thanks for your great information!

Two of my favs! Love you both. Thanks for all you do! ❤

I probably watched half of the video before I realized you are wearing your bath robe. 😂 Work goals!!

Omg have been watching for last couple of weeks, today I took up 7 75litre bags to the vets for the animals, was blankets and big throw cushions, took 3 bags out to trash the other day.... I'll keep binge watching til I'm done! Ty from New Zealand ❤

All the talk of guilt, shame, and obligation resonated with me. ❤️ Thank you SO much for both of your thoughts! ☺️

I’m working through “Decluttering By Faith” right now! I’m learning about my emotions and relationship to stuff and grounding myself. I’m enjoying the book so much that I bought a copy for my daughter, too. She’s already a master declutter-er but she’s thrilled to get the book. Me…I definitely have Declutter Blindness!

My two favourite girls! The two of you have helped me and countless people. Thank you!

You ladies always make videos worth watching. ❤ Don't need to ever stress. Love ya both. Thanks for all the wisdom and inspiration ladies! Always a great blessing to me.

"If I love the person, I have to keep it." Gosh, so true! We make things so sentimental. Thanks for that refocus!!

I never realize what I “need” until I go to a store. Stay out, indeed!

This episode is so inspiring! Thank you ladies!

Great video Cass and Dawn! Loved this!