How to Diagnose Someone's Organizing Style WITHOUT the Quiz | Clutterbug Podcast # 167 

I love the fact that you said "you've already spent money on it and you are no richer for having it and you will be no poorer for getting rid of it" this will help me immensely going forward xx

Cas, I hope you realize how much you are helping people! This is a brilliant talk, full of motivation, empathy and love. Thank you so much! Sending love from Spain ❤

I’m laughing when you describe a detail organizer and I’m like doesn’t everyone put all the pens together, the spoons together? Why would someone not want to do that 😂. Interestingly though I’m not good using a planner.

So… I grabbed a trash bag… started with under the kitchen sink. Found that the floor of the cabinet had rotted out 😮. Now my simple declutterring has turned into a small home improvement project lol! I am now alone so had to figure it out on my own. It ain’t pretty or “right” but it’s done and usable. Problem sometimes when trying to deal with old houses and no room. You never know what you might run into, and I think that is also a big part of my problem when it comes to declutterring some areas. But I filled a trash bag, “fixed’ the cabinet and feel good about my accomplishment. Thank you for all your inspiring videos! Not only are they inspiring but also very understanding, non-judgemental and compassionate. I’m so glad I found your channel!

Cas, through you, I learned that I am a ladybug. But before I started decluttering, I couldn't have guessed that. Until I started getting rid of excess so I COULD put stuff away, I didn't know WHY I was so stressed all the time by my home. I knew it was "messy" and I needed to "clean more," but on a deeper level, I knew there was something else wrong. When I found you, Dawn, and Dana, I realized I was overwhelmed by everything in my environment. I set out to purge my home of undesirable items and discovered that I love visual simplicity. I love grabbing something out when I need it, and tossing it back away when I'm done. Quick, easy, out of sight! Thanks for returning my sanity!

22:18 Squeee to the puppy coming in and flopping down for a little snooze!! 😃❤🐶💞😍

I got teary-eyed in the last few minutes -- just what I needed to hear. This is about loving our self and giving ourselves the space we deserve. Amen.

PREACH, Cass! 😃24:04 to 31:23 is pure mindset magic and inspiration! 🤩😍 30:24 "..and fill so many bags and so many boxes until you finally wake up one day and you look around and you think ‘Wow, my house looks pretty good, and I didn’t even clean it.’ That’s your moment. That’s you clutter threshold. That’s the moment when life becomes easier because YOU were brave enough to let go of all the stuff that’s making it hard." ❤ Love ya', Cass!! ❤

Home office shared with hubby. I thought we both were mostly crickets. Listening to this, I realize my hubby may be more bee and I may be more ladybug. His stuff laying everywhere drives me crazy! But I have a hard time filing papers away because I have detailed files and it isn’t working.💡😂

Anyone else want to snuggle up and take a nap with the puppy? ❤

After 3 years of decluttering, I'm still not there. Forced to downsize and from time to time, I just feel so much loss that it's hard to just keep getting rid of MORE. I'm stuck. Thank you, Cass. I needed this today. 😢❤

I still have a really hard time figuring out my husband’s style … I know he’s macro, but I can’t tell visual vs hidden because he seems to do both. I’d swear he’s a ladybug, but he doesn’t hide all his stuff out of sight, just out of the primary space. For example, his stuff in the bathroom is all randomly shoved into drawers - except the hairbrush, which is set on whatever the closest flat surface was when he finished brushing it - anywhere from the bathroom counter to the kitchen counter or a dresser, even 2 floors away in his office. Or his clothes - his closet & dresser only contain what he currently wears weekly and everything else is stored in other rooms, even though there’s plenty of room for it in the spaces . However, he never closes doors. It’s like he easily becomes blind to clutter until it’s in his way. He does have ADHD, so I know some of this has to do with that, but it’s so hard to figure out systems that stick. I’m seriously considering tying a rope to the hairbrush so it can’t wonder off 😂

Determining someone's style is so much nicer than diagnosing someone's style

My husband and I are both lady bugs through and through. Learning that about ourselves (and then binge-watching your videos) has changed our home DRAMATICALLY. I can’t thank you enough, Cas!

Wow. Was not expecting such a huge impact video when a I clicked on it. Feeling so enlightened after this. Thank you❤❤

"know thyself" - an age old concept that rings oh so true on so many levels.

Cas, this is a fantastic podcast. I realized months ago that my husband and I organize completely differently. But as a small business person, I am finding that when it comes to filing away "my" paperwork, my files were too detailed. The lawyer's experience completely explains my current home office frustration. Thank you!

Ooooh! This makes so much more sense now. I don't LIKE seeing my stuff but if I hide important things they will die where they were out but if I just drop it I'll keep seeing it. I like most stuff put away as long as I use it so ritually that I couldn't possibly forget about it. My detail is determined by the time savings. Its so easy to put all my batteries with the same type in a caddy that I will because I don't want to dig when I need the battery but paperwork is all together because I'll likely never need it again so who care! I thought I just had multiple organization personality disorder 😅.

I love this. I always thought I enjoyed things being hidden away. While I do enjoy the aesthetic, I realize I am an "out of sight out of mind" individual and will never reach for hidden items. I'm a proud bee through and through now. 🐝

Hello After watching your podcast, I believe I'm a bee. I stack until I find a way to store it and I'm a perfectionist. I have a hard time doing a "partial" tidying up and coming back to it later. Your podcast has been a huge motivator for me and I now understand my ADHD better.

This was very useful. I have learned at visual doesn't have to mean 'clear' for me, because sometimes clear isn't pretty, and I like pretty. LOL. Clear can men a pretty box with a label on it. I also love this quote: "you've already spent money on it and you are no richer for having it and you will be no poorer for getting rid of it" I am going to get rid of some organizational pieces that are the wrong size. I am a butterfly, I think. That said, I'm also trying to account for how my disability (in a wheelchair) fits in... Like, I can't go as high with vertical storage as I might like. And I can't necessarily reach a pegboard (and I'm not sure I'm even allowed to put one up, given the rules in my rental unit re: attaching stuff to walls).

I love seeing your new fur baby come in and chill out!🐾🐾❤

“Trust yourself” 🥰 This is my new favourite life mantra and I love it! Thank you Cas x 🙏🏼

For me, I think I don't fall neatly in your "detailed / non-detailed" categories. What I kind of noticed, is that I like things in little categories. Things that are in different categories together in a drawer or box stresses me out a lot. But I also notice that I don't put thins away if it's not easy. And for me it's not the mental energy of sorting things, but the physical energy of putting things in their place. The amount of steps I have to take. I won't open boxes, or remove things that are stacked to put things in the right box. So I kind of follow your advice for crickets (because I definitely prefer my organisation hidden.) But I have an extra rule. I call it the "one step rule". Things have to be in micro categories, but it can't take more than one step to put things away. So I have boxes without lids, or drawers. But the boxes are small, and all the drawers have dividers. And this really seems to work for me. I have implemented this in my kitchen and a few of the storage solutions in my work space, and this really seems to stay organised. I am slowly working on tackling the rest of my house

Thank you, Cass, for this very wise, kind and practical message. I am always inspired and encouraged by your words.

Just by watching this…. So Empowering such encouragement! I absolutely love you Cass! Bravo for allowing us to feel strong, you are compassionate, empathetic and so understanding!!

Awesome video Cas! You're so inspiring!!

I think this is the pep talk I have been needing. Thank you so much! 🥰👍

Cas, I have watched a lot of your videos and this video was one of my most favourites. You know that feeling when it ends and you just want to watch it again! Yes that was the feeling! Loved it 🩷

I’ve been watching your channel for years. In October/November I started thinking about actually decluttering and did a Swedish Death Cleaning. I have empty drawers, cabinets and closets are organized and downsized! Thx for the motivation.

Cas, I have read the emails you send. I have watched your podcasts. But this one really spoke to me. It is less important how I organize than I need to declutter, really take the blinders off and get rid of stuff. Thank you.

I am someone who genuinely fears imminent economic collapse and suddenly finding ourselves in the next great depression. I seem to be alone in this fear in my immediate circle of close family and friends so I cannot express my fears without having them brushed off and ignored. Despite my fears I also have (undx) adhd imo and am no prepper. I struggle to organise the basics of life and keep a halfway tidy house without being also able to prepare far in advance. I have 3 children with higher than normal needs (food allergies, autism and adhd) and so that is a lot to manage. Before the last few years I was trying to get my life on track and clear out what was almost a hoarders amount of junk & clutter. This goal is really the only thing that makes me feel in control and happy as it seems the one thing I can try to control. I cannot seem to feel calm with a messy unorganised cluttered house. So I have decided, even though I fear economic uncertainty and potential food shortages, rather than panic buying food against my husband’s wishes, I am going to continue to focus on decluttering. This sounds a bit crazy but I have decided even if things collapse and we have no food, I would rather it happen in a clean tidy uncluttered house. The reason being is I know I will be able to think more clearly and take positive action in the moment if the place is tidy than if it is a cluttered mess. If it is a cluttered mess and things collapse I know I will simply not be able to function at all and would go into a freeze response of fear & panic and deep depression and that won’t help anyone. So those are my weird thoughts but its the only decision that keeps me feeling calm and positive.

Your voice is the BEST!!!! Thank you for your time!!! And help! ❤❤❤

I'm listening to this (and not quite done), and I feel like I fall in an in-between category. I'm detailed to a point. And visual and uncategorized to a point. This fits my personality because I'm also a writer, and I can plot a book only so much before it goes off the rails. I studied to make myself more organized with that aspect of life, but I'll never be 100%. So... I guess I'm really me no matter what I'm doing, but I'm trying to do it better!

Cas, your podcasts need to be put into books. So good 😎

LOL! I opened my junk drawer and it's neat. My sneakers came off about an hour ago and they are next to each other, in front of the hutch. I opened the cabinet and took out the bowl I haven't used in possible a year. I have been going through my stuff for the past 6 months, since I found you and the other ladies. I am getting there. My husband needs to see some stuff so I won't get rid of those items but I can move them (I'm in the kitchen watching you). He doesn't cook but every once in a while, he wants ___ . So the hutch can hold those items. It's close enough. Thank you for the videos. I actually started listening tonight while I sewed Christmas gifts and the videos kept going. Sewing is done and now kitchen declutter will start again. I think I'm a Bee or Cricket. :)

Watching and listening to you helped me realize why my husband wouldn’t “organize” his work area like mine. He had to see his notes on his clients and projects. I like things filed. Thank you for helping me to understand there are types of organizing styles. And maybe understand him too. 😉 ❤

0:12 Hi Cassandra, My name is Merrawyn - living and working on the Gold Coast and I will be 74 in late June😱😱😱. Where has my life gone!!! I need to do things smarter and easier now that I am in the “over the hill” mob. Feeling terrified to be honest. I have completed your 30 day boot camp and getting closer to liking my spaces around the place. Amazon , Silly Sollys (similar to Dollar Tree), TKMax & Bunnings (similar to Home Depot) have been my go-to for getting things organised. I need to do things smarter & easier to manage house keeping and cleaning. I so love some of the gadgets being used on the RU-vid vlogs & I daily watch folk like Clutterbug, Minimal Mum Dawn & her sister Diana & Ashley from Til Vacuum Do Us Part to name just a tiny few. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement & also teaching us how to let go of things that clutter our lives. Love and blessings Ⓜ️❤️🤗 Merrawyn

Hey Cas! I've been watching your videos for a long time. But the last few weeks, I've been binge watching! Lol. Life is out of control for my family right now. Losing both parents, recently. So deciding what to keep from Mom's house and bring home, what to declutter from my house, etc.. I took your free master class last night. I immediately got up and did a no mess declutter! I haven't even finished this video, so I'm probably on a completely different topic, but hi ADHD. I have a full bag of trash. And like 4 huge bags of donate!!! Thank you for your guidance! -Mel

This is soooo helpful. I wasn't sure about my style even after taking the quiz a few times and getting different answers. The way you put it here let me see what exactly I do and how i organize my stuff, not how I would like to organize it, how I actually do it in general. That helps me decide how to org the stuff that isn't working. Now, my husband, another story altogether. LOL!

One of your best podcasts ever!!! I thought through our home, how I've organized it, and also realized that aging has changed a few ways we've been forced to rethink. Dirty clothes have to be brought to a laundry room daily. Carrying a basket downstairs in our upper 70's, no more. Under bed storage, too hard now. Kitchen storage, rethought for ease of use. Would you please address storage suggestions for bodies that age, as knees and backs have to be considered? Thank you!

Cass you are amazing..everytime I want to clean up an area I put on one of your videos and I am instantly motivated. 😊 Thanks.

The best on utube!

Thank you for making our ways, ok. 😊

Wow. I usually do something while watching podcasts. But I found myself just sitting and watching. I know I'm a ladybug but I now know what my husband is! Thank you!!

I feel I'm one of those who is very room-dependant in my organizing style, at least when it comes to visual vs hidden. I think detail-wise I am definitely more of a detailed organizer. But in terms of visual I am drawn to whichever style makes more practical sense for that room. Like my entryway out-in-the-open, visual organizing just makes more practical sense. I tried having a wardrobe, but getting a hanger and hanging my jacket when I came in just was too tedious for me to follow up and I ultimately always wound up draping it across the back of one of the kitchen chairs instead. But the moment I removed the wardrobe and put up hooks instead I hang my jacket the moment I walk through the door. I have open bins for hats, gloves, scarfs, etc. and I hang my most used ones over the edge so they are quickly located when I need to get going. My bathroom is the complete opposite. The only item sitting on the bathroom counter is the handsoap dispenser. Everything else is either in a drawer or a cabinet. But that makes practical sense to me as it isn't more work for me to open a cabinet door to get my toothbrush, lotion or anything else I need. And it leaves the counter open for me to lay out whatever else I need at that moment, like my change of clothes. My kitchen is a mix. I prefer a mostly clear counter, but I have dedicated space for frequently used appliances on a separate counter since it makes no practical sense for me to constantly put them away. My livingroom is majority open and visual, I have a lot of DVDs, boardgames, figurines, etc. And all of those things are openly on display and I very much prefer to have them out in the open. But I obviously use hidden storage for more utility-style items, like pens, hobby supplies, etc. And my surfaces there are neither empty nor full. There's usually a couple of decorative items spaced out on them.

It didn't take me long to know I'm a hidden clutter/organizer. I get anxious when there's too much visual stuff. I am mostly ladybug, but in some areas, I'm a cricket.

It so figures that Bees would be the one to throw you for a loop. And yeah Im a 🐝. I went and looked all these places and my shoes are lined up, separated utensils, pens are even color coded. I had to take time to test them all and separate them based on their ink color. Ones that weren’t blue and black went together.

I totally love this video. So on it. I myself have been on this journey of living simple life. I have a story to share. I've been wanting to help my mom for a while on decluttering her house, however I had no idea on how bad it was until I went over there. It wasn't until she broke her ankle in January and had surgery that I realized it. She actually became a horder with clothes and shoes. But once I started helping her decluttering, she's realizing she doesn't need this stuff. It's definitely a process.

I think it’s useful to give yourself permission to experiment and fail with systems. I haven’t bought fancy storage until I know it works. My office is next and yep I’d love to buy nice stuff but I know it’s not yet working so I need to try out something new. Around the house I like stuff put away but for work it’s out of sight out of mind. Just trying to figure out how much visual I need to keep me on track and productive without the overwhelm. Office is currently my garage but due for conversion this summer so fingers crossed this will help!

I think one way to tell if someone is detailed, ask to see how they store files on their computer lol. Mine are categorized in folders and sub-folders and sub-sub-folders. Pretty sure I'm a cricket haha. I store almost NOTHING on the desktop...

WOW Cass, you are always a big help but, today was great 👍👍👍👍👍Thank you and God Bless you 😊🤗

Cas, I love your channel, and I love listening to your stories. I've just thought it would be so cool, if you contacted that lawyer client again and ask her if she still has that system.

Could you show an example of the lawyer's vertical storage layout? Perhaps a rough sketch of the room? Thank you .

This was WONDERFUL! I have made progress, but I have so much more to go. I’ve been effective lately by jumping on one small, defined area or type of stuff & working for a set period, like 15-20 minutes. I do best in the morning after I’ve had my coffee but before I’ve gotten involved in the day’s activities. Thanks, Cass!

I'm very impressed!

Love your diagnosis! I'm a combination of styles. For me, it depends on the room as to whether I'm organizing visually or out of sight, large categories or small categories.

I LOVE your hair 🥰It makes your eyes stand out

"Hot mess sandwich" over here!! :D

Thank you for showing me that I need to give myself more grace!! ❤🤗

Thank you so much for the encouragement!!! 😊

This started out real cute and by the end turned into a life changing motivational lecture Subscribed

The last few minutes in particular were so motivating

Wow this is great! My family has opposite organizing styles, so it’s interesting to hear how you help others with opposing styles. I may approach things in a detailed way that is not always what they may need to stay organized. Thanks for sharing this! It’s super helpful

I live with another person in a small inconvienient apartment (so we share a lot of space) and I constantly try to organize things and processes at home (that STILL has a lot of homeless clutter, oh, gosh, I don't have proper place for an iron and it pisses me a lot). But that, unfortunately, is only me. The other person is not willing to do anything, but enjoys being messy instead. Every time I start talking about tidying, organizing, decluttering, that other person becomes a hedgehog. Even if I say: "Let's do it together, I'll help you. You'll see, an order is a good thing," the answer is: "Don't touch my stuff! I'll do it myself.. sometimes... maybe, because I don't have time (yea, looking TV all day long surely takes time). I see no dirt, I see no clutter, you're just talking nonsense! My things are in order (yea, all-in-the-HEAP)" The subject bites (literally) and runs away (physically). I think that the other person is a butterfly (and I am a lazy procrastinating cricket), and I think that the main problem is lack of motivation and loss of a habit to be organized and tidy. When you are forced to live in a messy bucket for 30 years, you either go mad, either become clutter-blind and mess-ignoring. But when you mess-ignore for so long, you keep the messy bucket supported even if the original cause is long gone. I think that I must say something, find some words of persuasion, not my usual straightforward way, but what and how?

I used to be a very detailed organizer. Now I understand I had a need to control the growing amount of possessions. Having realised that and now shedding everything that does not fulfil its purpose, I have become a less detailed organizer. Still a hidden organizer though! Which is challenging with a visual, non-detailed partner 😊

Omg 😊 I can see now that I’m a detailed person. I’m definitely a cricket🦗. I need more time and more categories to organise. My bf is definitely a ladybug🐞. We both live in a small space

This was so informative on organizing styles! Thank you!

I just signed up for your expert course and boot camp. My house is a total wreck and I am going to need both courses to get me on track, them maybe I can help others who are in the same mess

Little Penelope is so cute! She was having little dreams ❤. What a good puppy 🐶

I'm a ladybug & a cricket. I'm divorced & very, very organized & have become a minimalist lol. I live in a very small apartment with little storage so, I have had to learn how to make my small space work for me. I've learned so much about myself, and as my family says about my OCD, from you. Thank you so much Cas ❤.

While listening to this podcast Cas I decluttered my dresser and my bike gear box and through out 2 big bags full of stuff, ty for giving me the strength to do this. Xx

Great video Cas! I wonder if you could do a series on how to accommodate multiple styles in the same house like you touched on? I am a bee and my husband is a ladybug - there are always battles on what gets thrown into a closet vs. left out for me to find again especially in the kitchen. Thanks!

Thanks Cass

That was my favorite podcast of yours so far!! It you had me thinking so much about my organization style. I am visual but want to be a hidden organizer! 🤪Also, towards the end, what you said about “not being richer with the stuff and not poorer when we get rid of it” was great!! Thanks!

I feel like I'm hidden and visual because I want to easily access my things but as clear as possible space. Then again, I think the fact that we are a family of 11 plays a part in it, and my time is precious. Lol

So interesting! My son and I live together, I just realized we are opposites, plus he is good at organizing and I just don’t have that talent. He is the hidden type and I am visual.

Talk about inspiration!! Thank you for empowering me! I will Be watching this more than once 😊.

Amazing podcast. It’s a great reminder our organization styles do not fit in one checked box. I live with visual people, but I prefer my everyday items out of sight and where they belong. If I’m down to a 10 minute pickup on others items, but less than 5 on my own items.

I relate to that lawyer! I have empty dressers but had my neighbor build open shelves. I have hooks for most my other clothes. My kitchen cabinets are always open. I have open shelving for my pantry. I have visions of a pantry with indus wire shelves and my desk in there so I can see what I have to decide what I want to cook...

I just took the quiz- it's a nickname of mine, so it's especially "me" 😆

I love your podcast! It's the most soothing, uplifting, & inspiring soundtrack I've discovered yet to listen to while I'm decluttering the difficult stuff - things that aren't "no brainers". Thank you!!!💗

I Love you so much, thank you for sharing your knowledge and understanding of us, You are such a Godsend, talented and perfectly clear. Such a beautiful picture of FACTS and knowledge

I Love this S🐝 much!!! ❤️🥰

I am detailed but I have a lot of areas that I need to detail. I know I like to see stuff. Because if it is out of sight then I forget to do something or that I have it.

Cass, you could do a meditation recording! Of course we all want you doing what you’re doing, but you certainly have the voice for it. I’m laying in bed at 4:00am, unable to sleep and your voice is so soothing. 😂 ☺️ Also, I wish I were friends with you IRL. You’re awesome!

Great podcast! Very helpful!

I think that I could be a cricket, but I’ve learned that’s going to take a while to happen. In one of Cass’ videos she talked about defaulting to visual and fast and easy. So I’ve been trying to do that. I call myself a grouper. Bin that I can group similar items in and hide in the closet. Drawers and cabinets only as detailed as needed to find stuff. Grocery lists on the frig so I remember to add to it. I know I need to do a lot more decluttering. Especially getting things out of the “staging area” aka the garage. 😊

Best podcast ever!!!

I am visual but not with paper seeing paper stresses me out i don't even like words out or in decor items or visible labels. I can do labels in hidden places. Like inside the fridge. I was trained to be ashamed of mess to hide mess from people who might show up so for years even after I discovered I was a visual bug my house still wasn't clean and I needed it to be clean for others so I cleaned regular for a bit and then I would run out of time and start shoving and hiding random stuff in hidden places but that became very problematic and make more work. It took a while to unlearn cleaning is hiding and hating my house so much when it was clean because I couldn't relax because I couldn't live in it. I couldn't function when I had to get things out and put them back and I was exhausted and just wouldn't do it.

Great episode👏! I loved this one so much that even though I already listened to the podcast after seeing the thumbnail for this video I knew I wanted to watch it too so that I could again hear these awesome tips 😍

I really learned a lot this was so useful, thanks

The calm way you teach us to embrace our daily mess so that it can diagnose our problems is comforting & validating! My endless detailed doom piles tell me I must be visual & detailed. I like the “finished product” of clean spaces, but functionally they stress me out bc I can’t find (ahem forget) things if I can’t see them.

Excellent video Cas!! ❤

You are amazing and such a sweet way of saying things. I learned so much about myself by watching just a couple of your videos. I am such a hybrid of a couple of bugs, because I’m one bug in our private spaces and another in our public spaces……but now I KNOW! Thanks so much.

The pups desire to chew affects my style, e.g., I don't want them following me into the closet to put shoes away or hang a coat, so coats hang on the back of a chair and I had to stop using a basket by the door for indoor/outdoor shoes. I downsized, was bedridden, and still need to figure out how and where to store things. I want to fit into this smaller house. I am working toward this ( I just ordered IKEA shelves and cubbies.) On any test (personality, etc.) I always hover right at the middle where quadrants meet, so I am an ecclectic mix. I know thst, to a point, I can handle clutter because it is vidually stimulating, but the time comes when I want to see less.

So refreshing to hear all this! Thank you!

The last 5 minutes are AMAZING!!

I really do love your work! I’m still trying to figure out me! It seems like it would be so obvious but despite how much I love & appreciate organization, I just can’t get there! 2024 will b e the year!

I’m a bee 🐝 and so is my 7 year old daughter. I’ve gotten the sterilite drawers and put them in the cubbies instead of a bin and put a label on each drawer. Digging around in a bin drives me crazy. My 74 year old mom is a ladybug 🐞 and I just stay away from her section of the house. Caregiving can be hard if you try to control everything so we definitely use the container concept.