home organization for CHAOTIC PEOPLE.
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Help me, help you 💕 This video is kindly sponsored by Brooklinen :) Get $20 off your Brooklinen order over $100! Just click here bit.ly/3MPm0uM and enter my promo code CAROLINEW.
💕 Caroline
***
💕 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒
Cord organizer clips - amzn.to/43WAyjV
Cord clips (for wall) - amzn.to/43WABfB
Cord cover (paintable, for wall) - amzn.to/44gzXcq
Stair basket / catchall - amzn.to/3NNxLDR
Toy catchall - amzn.to/3XsSJuN
Laundry basket - amzn.to/3pobZNC
💕 𝐌𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓
Not For Everyone: @not4everyonepod
*available everywhere you get podcasts.
SPOTIFY - rb.gy/i983zk
APPLE PODCASTS - rb.gy/ifqw7d
💕 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
***
My camera - amzn.to/3ljewWU
My lens - amzn.to/3lxCAFS
My mic (camera top-mount)- amzn.to/3xgU4ZG
Other mic (for voiceover, podcasting) - amzn.to/3YkmmhE
Camera tripod - amzn.to/3xfPuuw
Phone tripod - amzn.to/3xkw3AE
💕 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
This video was edited by the magical @benner.mp4 ❤️
💕 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒
carolinewinkler@thesociablesociety.com
*I'm sorry, I'm not able to take on new design projects!
💕 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
00:00 - Intro
1:40 - what this video covers
2:55 - the PROBLEM
3:30 - 2 main reasons you're cluttered
4:30 - the EMOTIONAL side of clutter
6:43 - the RED WINE HACK
8:04 - thanks to Brooklinen :)
10:50 - EASY clutter elimination
12:00 - give the eye a break
13:00 - satan's electronics
14:42 - open storage is a LIE
15:06 - the internet will DRAG ME for this!
16:05 - the difference between HOARDING and COLLECTING
18:40 - don't let anyone do THIS to you
19:50 - kids' organization tip!
21:00 - the story told by clutter
23:00 - GET A WITNESS
💕 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑
All opinions are my own. Some links listed are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if anyone decides to purchase through them. Thank you so much for your support!
Please note that I am not a professional, in fact I am the literal opposite. I am just a plebeian out here loose on the streets. Things that I am NOT: a builder, trainer, craftsman, therapist, nutritionist, physical therapist, medical professional or anything else. All projects seen on my channel must be completed at your own risk and responsibility. Please see your own professional or counselor for professional support. Do your research and be safe!
#interiordesign #washingtondc
My spouse has ADHD and the best thing it has taught me is that he needs EVERYTHING for a task in arms reach so we have “stations” that allow you to stay in one area and frankly it’s helped me a lot too. So cat food goes by the bowl rather than the kitchen and everything to make coffee is in the drawers/cabinets right under the coffee machine. If you have to leave to get something it needs a new spot ❤ hope this helps someone! Y’all got this.
My late husband liked to have all his "stuff" spread all over the house where he could see it every day. It seemed like a validation of his achievements in his life. I kept a few things and donated the rest. Much calmer.
Absolutely! This is also why I have about 20 pairs of scissors, and multiples of other small affordable items I use in multiple areas.
If I have to go grab a screw driver from another room, I'm likely to get distracted. And if it lives in the room I'm using it in, the chances it'll get put back, and I'll be able to locate it next time, are far greater.
Even neurotypical people keep pens and paper in multiple places throughout their home, (or they most definitely did prior to making notes on smart phones) because it's important to be able to write down a number, grocery item, reminder... before you forget. Same thing.
This is a great tip, thanks!!
This sounds like it should be obvious but I needed to hear it like that, thank you!
This is why I read comments. Every now and then you'll find a gold nugget. Thanks for the tip! 😊
Tip for purging your closet: Do yourself up in your best hair or makeup and do all the things that make you feel beautiful before trying on old clothes
I absolutely love this tip and am going to use it
Doll myself up and then try on the clothes or just do things I love? 😅 sorry I'm dumb 😢 please explain like I'm five
This is such a great idea!
@@audraburke1526doll yourself up until you think you look pretty using the products you love. Then try on clothes
@@audraburke1526process:
1. Doll yourself up til you’re feeling yourself
2. Try on old clothes
3. does it make you feel lovely?
- Yes - Keep it
- No - donate it
On the fence?
- keep it if it’s a basic
- if it’s for a specific outfit, try it on with that outfit. If you love it, keep it. If not, donate it
- still not sure? Turn the hanger the wrong way on the rack or indicate it otherwise. Set a check in reminder for a month or two in the future. If it’s still the wrong way when that reminder goes off, donate it because you didn’t use it.
The amount of clothes that I keep just so I have clothes to wear when painting walls, even though I have NEVER done that, is actually insane
lmfao same
Wow. I feel seen.
This hit home 😂
I just see that as symbolic of your optimism that someday you will paint.
You calling me out like this is really rude.
The wine spill test is genius! "Sparking joy" never really worked for me, but asking myself how devastated I would be to lose an object has unlocked something for me!
Ya know, same. I started thinking about the cultural difference between the two. Although I value Marie Kondo's work, not all things land. We need to hear perspectives that resonate & speak to the culture we come from. I don't like saying this, but, (and I'm assuming you're American like me) our culture seems more readily to focus on loss, than joy. Yes we want to romantisize what it means to be happy, but largely people of Western culture seem to seek continuously, whereas from Marie's Japanese culture the happiness is in the little day to day things. I feel like that is the correlation. Just an opinion.
I am highly unwell. Got a heck of a lot of bipolar depression, a thriving ED, and no sign of a cure. That said, I have an uncluttered, organized, and- as of recently- a clean! home. I’m the lady who cleaned her microwave after watching your depression video. The wild thing is- I’ve kept cleaning it every week. I created a whole weekly cleaning routine (nothing too fancy) and it always helps me feel like more of an adult functioning human. This is the kind of advice I need Caroline. You are my inspiration. And a laugh riot. Thank you. 😊❤️
ah Kristin ❤ I appreciate your sense of humor and appreciation of a good laugh. AND ALSO i hope you know that you deserve real support! i know it takes a crazy amount of perseverance and patience, but you are definitely worth it. I thought an ED was a lifelong sentence and have since found otherwise. reading your words hits me in the chest and you deserve all good things. I love that you have the weekly cleaning routine. it is amazing how much more on top of things /sane i feel when i can clean. congrats on finding the system that works for you, you're doing a great job ❤
There is a cure... Eliminate the cause, try low oxalate carnivore diet.
Check Amber O'Hearn. She used to be bipolar.
Thank you so much for your loving words ❤️ The ED stuff is DEEP, man. I have been to the ends of the earth with it, and it is in fact well-managed at this point. But the obsession persists. You give me hope it can get better ❤️🩹 It’s weird that the decluttering stuff is easy for me; I literally love getting rid of stuff 😂 But I’d always get to this point where I was like, “Ok, it’s definitely tidy enough in here to clean,” but then never, ever clean my toilet or floors or microwave. But just the small step of figuring it out is really giving me hope overall. Thank you for all you do!!! ❤️
Recovering alcoholic here 🤚 I've also been in recovery for ED and drug addiction and codependency for 15 years. Also won the genetic lottery with depression and anxiety 😂
A) sending both of you love today
B) I needed this video. Fuck clutter, I hate it. We grew up poor and I was terrified to throw things away.
C) When I can, I try to watch these types of videos whilst I clean/organize. It makes me feel less alone.
BAMFs Unite 🤩
@@aeconiglio We’re not alone! May your recovery continue and your mental health improve ❤️ I too “won” the genetic lottery and feel hopeless at times. I find OA super helpful at this juncture- not sure if you do 12-step? All the best to you my friend 😊
My FAVORITE closet organization tip is having a "half-dirty" hamper
I have a regular hamper for dirty clothes, and a second one next to it for clothes I don't quite want to put back into the drawer, but are clean enough I'd wear again. Prevents the dreaded pile on a chair or the floor! And when it's time to do laundry, I just wash em both!
This sounds interesting as I've been struggling in my current bedroom because there's physically no space to hang the half dirty clothes on a rack or on the back of a chair. But the question is: how can you re-wear clothes that have been already worn, after they've been enclosed in a hamper? Aren't they going to be all wrinkly and smell not fresh?
@@WhatashameMaryJane I've used an over-the-door rack with a lot of success. The clothes get to breathe.
I air out the clothes I've worn, especially shirts and tops, then I hang them with the other clean clothes.
@@WhatashameMaryJane Can you put up a clothesline/ladder inside a closet or armoire? I have a blanket-ladder that I use for this purpose, I made it out of 2 1x2's and some wooden dowels, and secured the top to the wall with command strips so it doesn't tip over. It works great, it cost $12, and it takes up no space. Or you could get a couple of pant hangers and casually drape the half-dirty stuff over it.
I use a section of my closet for this. Hanging up "half-dirty" clothes rather than leaving them on a chair or the floor or a bed has changed the game.
The Marie Kondo thing of basically saying "Thank you for your service" to something before dropping it in the trash or Goodwill bag has actually helped me a lot. It sort of helps ease the weird guilt of getting rid of something - if you used to love it, it acknowledges that; if you bought it and absolutely never used it, it gives you the space to appreciate that maybe it's purpose was just for the thrill of buying it; etc.
God almighty, how long have I stood with one object or another waiting for Spark Joy.
The Wine Spill method is better for me, but I am at the What Would I Grab In a Flood or Fire Besides the Cats stage…
Oh, how I love the sentence "Somebody is going to be really happy with this!"...
Since I have started saying that to remind myself that I already have things that make me happy, and that it's really not in my best interest to keep things that can make someone else more happy than me for sure, it's much easier to let it go.
Also counting the items I have helped me a lot: for a single persons kitchen having 7 pots and pans is richt, it's so abundant! This means that the extra 5 pairs of pits and lids can go and live somewhere else without me missing them. In the end I took ONE set back, because I saw I only kept the smaller pots, and then I remembered: what about when you have guests, and, what will happen even more frequently, when I cook multiple servings and freeze them for future use?!
So, I even have to remind myself to not only keep the bare necessities, but also think about what would be nice to have just in case.
I am currently cleaning out my father's house, and although I really do not need 30 wineglasses, 6 would be nice, even though I can not imagine a situation where I would use them all at the same time anywhere soon. But they are vintage and I adore them, so why not? The definitely make me happy, and I know I would be mad at myself to let them go, now.
That's another thing I remind myself of: I can always put it away later as well, let's start with a good purge first!🎉
I told exactly that to a few close people who have a huge problem getting rid of things they no longer use and never will again. They got those things, spent money on them, and they enjoyed its value. They don't own anything to that object anymore, nor the object owns them. It has run its course of service.
Girrrrrl you so Craaaazy! I love it! 😂🤣
That was the one thing from Marie Kondo that still works for me 5 years later. I buy more purposefully with my decor and clothes (not perfect, but definitely better), and I'm able to purge areas of my house when the clutter starts to get to me.
I went through an actual "red wine test" experience when I had a shelf collapse next to my laundry that had 1) a potted plant 2) a bottle of perfume spray, and 3) a decorative glass tube of chunky glitter. It's very hard to keep anything you don't need when it's covered in wet, sharp, sparkly dirt that smells like weapons-grade peachy sweetness.
This made me laugh out loud
😂
I'm sorry that happened to you, but thank you for sharing. You made me laugh
_It's not free to keep junk around your home. You pay a huge emotional price. And you pay a price in your home, it's no longer a safe space, it's now a cluttered space, confined space, a little claustrophobic. You're paying a price every day._
This is so true and 100% speaks to me since I keep a bunch of stuff out of frugality.
I thought she was going to say, your stuff is eating up square/cubic footage that you pay x dollars a month to occupy. Sort of a cost-per-wear concept, but for space. A $2300 a month for 1000 square feet (to keep it simple), you’re paying 2.30 per sq ft every month, and a chair or table you don’t like or benefit from uses 5 to 15 of those feet (e.g.) every month. So hundreds to thousands of $ a year, to ‘store’ them.
Favorite quotes from today's video:
"Bless this mess, no f*** this mess!"
"I don't need all these Chinos"
"Cords are the Devil's play things"
"Open storage is a lie"
"That's a personal preference but I decided it's the law"
Also: As a former personal organizer...I approve this message! 😆
That first quote had me laughing out loud!! It’s so dang true. As a pro organizer too, I was saying, “amen”! Haha
Yessss and “ let’s take some of these frames down dog” 🖼️ 😂
'you don't want to have to SURVIVE your own HOME'
I recently decided my house wasn't the family museum 15 YEARS after my mother died. Everyone got what they really wanted years ago. Never helped me purge what was left. If anyone says anything about what I've gotten rid of, I just look at them for 10 seconds and change the subject. There were more things that made me sad instead of happy. Have gotten rid of so much and don't have to explain anything to anybody. Feels great! I'm 63. 😊
Exactly! Good for you! I have an ongoing battle with my sister these days because she wants me to keep our late mom's stuff in my house as she doesn't have the space for it but doesn't want to part with it. I keep telling her that I will not do it and if she wants it, she has to keep it at her place. She's not happy about my firm position at all... 😁
@@karmagination If she really wants it she can rent a storage unit. Good for you standing your ground.
Good for you, I have a few family pieces but that's it and if my daughter doesn't want them they'll be going because I won't be here for much longer and I'm not leaving shit for anyone else to deal with. Xx 😊
I'm so proud of you. The same happened with my mother after both of her parents died. It was the emotional weight that kept her hanging on to stuff, and none of her siblings were helpful at all. It took her years before she allowed my dad to help her declutter, layer by layer. You're right- you don't have to explain anything to anyone, and your space is your own! Sending you peace and love 💓
Exactly, if your parents also keep your grandparents’ stuff you quickly have two households cramped into your place.
I know it sounds cold, but my bf‘s father passed after a long disease and his mother keeps giving him stuff like elder people house shoes, bathing robe, etc. or a locomotive which could have stayed on her attic for another few years instead of the corner of our office. I honestly think she wants to get rid of the stuff, but the same time tries to give him a hard time with being sentimental about it. I constantly try to get rid of clutter so no one has to deal with it later.
"You deserve a safe space, a santuary, where you don't feel like you're trying to survive your own home!"
THIS!!!
A TV Show with Caroline visiting people with cluttering problems? I'd be totally down for it🤩
Oh god the screaming
Chaotic evil Marie Kondo hahahaha I need it
@@MichaelaBelle omg "Chaotic Marie Kondo" I'm dying
No, it kind of wrecked clutterbug and others. They change to start catering to producers wishes and the spark they have fades a bit.
I love clutterbug, wash your mouth out 😢
Just did this with a friend who hoarded for 15+ years, met with her twice a week for 1.5 months & we thinned down her entire home. We had a yard sale this past week. What didn’t sell went on market place or to the thrift store. Seeing how much this has changed her & her husband’s life & living space was thrilling for all involved. She got rid of soooo much. So proud of her!
wow that is such a loving thing to do ❤ I wish I had someone that kind of help with my hoard it’s having a devastating impact on my life and letting go for me is an ordeal
Ahh that is huge! It is infinitely better and easier doing it with a friend.
@@bluejay5531 it now has a name in the decluttering community. "Body Doubling" is what they call it, and there are even zoom groups to help. Really it is accountability to help get started, and encouragement through the process. You meet and do it together, ask for support when neeeded, etc. It has helped me so much, though i have a long way to go clearing the overwhelming amount of stuff that came from several deaths in the family in a short time. (Grief is a very difficult thing to manage when making decisions about keep or let go). Anyway i will give a caveat. Like any support group, you have to go in with your heart held back a little until you see what kind of people they are. Caroline's gift is to yell at us with humor and obvious love. Some people are just plain insensitive and mean. If you run into those, dont judge all body doubling groups by them. There are good ones who can help you reach your goals of letting go of excess stuff, and do it in loving, supportive ways while still giving a kick in the pants if you need hard truths. ❤
Suggestion: You can take a picture of your cards and/or letters and then throw them away. That way it is not cluttering your home and you still have a picture / memory of it.
@@bluejay5531his is where a professional organizer could really help. I am one and I know my clients have felt it’s nice to have an outsider’s help and someone to guide you through the process with grace and support. I also haul the donations/trash away for my clients which is super helpful so if you do look into one in your area you could see if they offer that as well :) Hope you are able to get your home, mind, life where you are wanting and needing it to be!
It’s not free to keep stuff in your home….whoa! TRUTH! How many times can I LOVE this video? I will be watching this video over and over and over and over!
Yes!!
Hello Caroline! My mom passed away two months ago. She was 86, and we knew that she was a bit of a hoarder, but when my sister and I started cleaning out and decluttering her house, we were shocked at the amount of stuff she had accumulated over the years. The saddest part is that most of the objects that she was keeping and collecting for us, for our children and for our grandchildren (because she thought they were beautiful or fun or useful) had to be thrown away or donated in the end because no one was interested in them. She thought that we would want all those things but she had never asked whether we actually wanted to have them. All for nothing... so sad! We all picked a few objects to remember her by, but that's all we needed.
Also, she kept tons of stuff just in case she would need it later on. She kept so much and for so long that she eventually forgot she had all that junk and just bought more of the same things again. Keeping too much stuff only amounts to bigger piles of junk in the end.
So now I'm decluttering my own house, big time! My husband passed away as well last October, and there are still many boxes of belongings to go through...
-- Johanne (62 YO and loving your channel!)
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm trying to get my own elderly parents to declutter a bit while they are alive but they won't budge. So I'm not looking forward to the day I need to go through all their stuff
So sorry for your loss, Johanne. I also lost my mom two months ago and cleaning out her closet has been all the feelings Caroline described, but I know that she was not her stuff (even though she loved stuff). I'm also keeping a handful of small things, but that's it really.
@@JKTO Yes, it can be disheartening to consider all the work that this clean up will entail later on, but at the same time, I totally get their position. Elderly folks often grew up during very difficult times. Many, like my mom, were raised in an extremely frugal manner during World War 2. This has created a lot of insecurity resulting in this need to surround themselves with a lot of objects acting like a security blanket. It must be extremely hard to rid oneself of a lifetime of old habits
@@teadesi Thank you, and my condolences for your mama's passing as well. It is indeed a difficult step. My sister felt nauseous each time that a load of boxes was sent away. Like you, I think that the best memories of our loved ones are in our hearts and not in their belongings.
Wow. Thank you for sharing that. It is a sad loss but your words are good food for thought for all of us. I know we’re strangers but my condolences on the loss of your mom plus your husband.
One tip that helped me get rid of boxes of sentimental stuff was to take a picture of each item before I threw it away. This way, I can still "look" at them on my phone for a dose of nostalgia or to trigger those specific memories without having to lug around boxes of movie tickets, cards, notes, random crap, etc, for the rest of my life. Such a relief!
Great tips !
I’ve never tried this! But I like the idea a lot. It kind of feels like a safety net :)
I have been doing this too!
Great idea!!! Thanks!!!❤🇬🇷
I was thinking about the taking picture ideas as well.
Caroline, I’m so glad you’ve found an editor that matches your energy on every level. This is peak content!
I was just thinking that! Paige picked up on the "hoardering" thing, and I feel like that's a situation where it's easy to make fun of yourself but maybe not of someone you have a business relationship with. But Paige did, and it elevated that moment in the video. She's doing a great job overall.
Oh she’s the greatest❤
LOVING the music!
Absolutely....kudos to the editor!😊❤😊
Was thinking the same thing! One of my favorite videos so far
Similar to the basket idea: accept that certain things gravitate to certain spots and organize them in situ. Stop obsessing about the fact that a laundry basket doesn’t belong in the living room. If your husbands socks end up by the back door every day, put a tiny basket there for socks. He will never take his socks to the hamper in the bedroom! I always forget the take my earrings off until I’m already in bed and too lazy to get up. Put a little earring bowl next to the bed. That’s where the earrings belong!
I am unwell. Making those little steps makes a huge difference, but it’s so hard to do. I’ve gotten my home down to “moderately messy” from “absolutely disgusting” with just a couple little steps and I’m so proud.
Congrats! I'm still in the "absolutely disgusting" phase, especially my kitchen...But I hope I'll get there...
@@branganewolf6322 My kitchen is still a work in progress and regularly gets disgusting. My biggest tip is prioritize dishes and prioritize the most disgusting dishes first. Even if you always have a few dishes in the sink, just keeping the dishes cycling through will ensure that A) you have dishes to eat off of and B) your dishes never grow legs and walk away
@@cjboyo thanks for the tip! My kitchen already looks so much better! Should be so obvious, but it really isn't...
Little steps are going toward your North Star. They are loving yourself. The direction is all that matters. And LOVE is there. for you no matter what the direction, because in reality, that is who you are! Totally!!!
Ahhh I really relate. I am a single mum of two with a small single sink in what could be a cute, unrenovated kitchen but is actually kinda bad. (I like that my kitchen has "character" but I also long for a kitchen "laboratory" with swab-able surfaces.) I am also aware that I have a patterned china fetish so that I have too much dishware in rotation which contributes to massive washing up sessions. CZcamsr : "The Minimal Mom" is great on this issue but I seem to have retained the washing up problem. @@cjboyo
Thank you!!! I'm an actual pathological hoarder with ADHD and I needed this. Cleaning feels like confronting my flaws and worst fears of judgement. Which sounds super dramatic but (trauma dump) I've been criticized and shamed a lot for being messy by my abusive parents. But shame doesn't make me feel motivated to clean. It makes me freeze, feel overwhelmed, do nothing, and lay in my own filth.
Ahh that feeling of overwhelm is so familiar. ❤ even if youre feeling it to a greater degree. I have a lot of practices that I didn’t mention here of doing a 5 min daily clean, little mini routines like that that help a lot. Cutting yourself off from cleaning so u know ur just gonna do it for 5 min, or just clean that one drawer. And that helps me get past the overwhelming dread! U got this bb ❤
ADHD also here-- I listened to an NPR interview of a hoarder who comes from literally hundreds of years of hoarders in the same NYC family. No shame for them, they hire house cleaners and also someone to de-junk the house every six months. A museum curator also visits occasionally because they have stuff from so far back that some of it is historically important (some of it is apparently already in a museum). My pro tip is, if you possibly can, get a house cleaner and other outside help. ADHD is a disability that requires outside assistance, and that's fine. Cleaning is not a test of character.
@@KateKraussI would watch that TV show: a museum curator who discovers museum quality junk in hoarder homes. Like antique roadshow in reverse.
@@KateKrauss "Cleaning is not a test of character." I'm writing that down and keeping it. I wish I'd been able to say this to some people when I was younger. (ADHD too, btw.)
"Organization Solutions for People with ADHD" by Susan C Pinksy and Dana K White are for us ADHDers. There is an interview with Susan Pinksy that's awesome on CZcams and Mel Robbins just did one with Dana K White that really explains the her process. Very similar to advice here. But basically the less stuff to manage the better off you'll be. Getting everything down to picking up a room in 5 minutes. I've been decluttering the last 6 years and it takes time. But progress is progress. Even if you can only do 5 minutes a day that's progress. Timers are ADHDers secret weapons too! ❤
Things I've done to make organizing/cleaning easy for me:
1- keep a donate box in my car at all times, fill it up regularly, even if it's just 1 thing at a time.
2- slowly replace all my ugly stuff with pretty stuff so I want to take care of it, and it looks better on the open shelving I have to use in my tiny kitchen.
3- I hate folding clothes, so I don't. I have drawers and just throw the clothes in and hang what is prone to wrinkling.
4- I hate cleaning every day, so I don't. I have cleaning task lists for each room and as they need it, I will pull out the list and check off each box. Each room gets cleaned Mayne once a month, probably less. The lists take all the brain work out of it. Pop on an audiobook and go to town. Ends up being kind of fun.
5- close the kitchen every night. I spend most of my time in or around my kitchen and when it's dirty I am stressed. So every night I have just a few things I do that keeps it clean. Put all dishes away or in the dishwasher, start the dishwasher, wipe counter if needed, put away any food from today, and sorta clean the sink. Takes 5-10 minutes depending on how dirty it is.
6- do laundry more frequently. I have a laundry basket that's split into 3 bags. I sort the laundry as I take it off. I'll do laundry for me, hubby, and baby about every other day. Just one load, all of the way through, Wash, dry, and put away. No folding!
7- baskets for everything! Baskets for shoes so they're bot all over the doorway. Baskets for toys. Baskets for towels. Baskets for cleaning supplies. Etc.
8- toy rotations! I have a couple larger baskets with a variety of toys for my baby (she's 2). I'll keep all but 1 put away and rotate which basket is out for her. Seriously limits how many toys I have to deal with day to day, but keeps them interesting for her.
9- climbing toys instead of small parts toys. Kids need big body movements, give it to them!
Good luck finding what works for you!
2 is a good one. I've started to do that as well. When it's pretty I'll actually use it and get things done 😂
As a mama of 7, I second all of these! Great list!!🎉
Vouching for the climbing toys! And many other things you listed, yes yes
A donation box in the car!!! Brilliant!
This is one of my favorite videos you have done. My tip for everyone is for paper clutter. I mean the kind of paper you have to keep for legal reasons. I bought a large white binder at Wal-mart and the clear plastic sleeves. I put my marriage licenses, divorce papers(yes, those are plural), social secuity info, passport, car title-you get the picture...the crap you need right after you throw it away. This way, if there is ever a flood, fire, or emergency breakup, you can grab your "important papers/documents binder" filled with hard to replace papers and get out with it tucked under your arm. I have a seperate binder for my medical papers, pet medical-ie. rabies licenses/certfificates, microchip info, somgwriting, and one filled with greeting cards for people for birthdays/holidays so I am never short a card.I just buy everyon'es for the year in January and slip them into the clear plastic sleeve, and into the binder.
I put all important documents in a suitcase with a doomsday scenario in mind, too. I live in an earthquake-prone country (Indonesia) and it gives me peace of mind that all my important papers are reachable and portable.
Mom tip- along the lines of "contained chaos", I put a cute basket/bowl in just about every room in my house for the bits and pieces of toys or whatnot that my toddler strews around. It is a lifesaver. I can empty them at my convenience and throw things in quickly so that the room doesn't make me feel crazy. 10/10 recommend for my parents out there or anyone who struggles to put things away 😘
I have done this for years (I have 5 kids) and this has SAVED my sanity when it comes to tiny toy clutter when trying to do a quick clean up.
And honestly those little bowls/baskets of random little toys also make excellent "busy boxes" when a kid gets bored or needs something to occupy them while you finish a task or are cooking dinner. I will sit them down at the table with a tray and hand them the little bowl of tiny treasures and they will have the best time with imaginitive play.
A great parent tip! Will need more baskets now. Btw, I’ve been watching a channel called Jady A, she’s an educator and a mom of 5 and she stores most of her kids’ toys in transparent boxes in the basement. They are also signed. And she rotates the toys every week or a few times a week. It looks like box # 1 is all building cubes. Box # 2 is all dolls. Box # 3 is all role play etc. It doesn’t get overwhelming for both you and kids. The kids have continuous play with one or two types of toys at a time. Really love her system.
Bonus points if you can teach your kids to help with this (or give them their own baskets, backpacks to wear on their fronts, etc for tidying up their toys). I used to give my friend’s kid stickers to put on her basket whenever I noticed she had tidied up with it. She loved it and it taught her a good coping mechanism (we’re fairly certain she has adhd as both her parents do, but she’s too young for a formal diagnosis)
Partner of an ADHD adult: this works for them too 😂 I put baskets within reach of the places he sits - couch, bed, bathroom, dining table, kitchen counter - and now I'm not resenting all the random stuff on every surface!
Yesss! I got a set of these vintage small wooden bowls that I've dubbed "clutter catchers" and have set them in the spots that were organically collecting clutter around our home and it has made such a difference! They were a dollar a piece, and have been one of my favorite purchases as a homemaker/mama!
A friend of my late husband's was a book snob. He refused to listen when I told him what I liked to read, always thinking he knew 'the exact volume' that would change my mind. It didn't. But his gifts took up 2 shelves in my very limited space. I was always afraid of seeming ungrateful (I was) so when he passed away last month, I cleared out those shelves right away. I took them to a second hand book store and they were thrilled to get them. I now have room for my ever growing and well read collection of books on Tudor England. I also have a library app on my phone to keep the physical books to what fits.
Well done! With lots of love from someone who lives down the road from Hampton Court 😀
For everyone who is overwhelmed by organising just know that first organization is always the first draft. Take note when something in the system stops working. And rather than blaming yourself for another failure think of it like an editor making changes. We are always changing, so our habits and wants. Always leave space for change. Earlier I used to like doing my skin care in the bedroom, I realised I was slacking because I used to forget my cleanser. I moved all my products to the bathroom. Now I do not slack. Every once in a while I like hanging my clothes in my wardrobe and everytime I realise why it does not work. I do not have enough space for it, so it becomes a mess. And it is okay to go through all of this. Organization is to make things easier in life. So if putting your daily use items in a drawer or shelf make it an inconvenience, make an intentional space for it. It is not as tough as it seems.
For the people who like keeping cinema tickets and flowers and little flat craps : create a scrapbook ! We did that with my boyfriend to keep all our memories and we love it❤️ everytime there’s something we wanna keep, hop, scrappybook as we called it
I started listening to audiobooks, and now I’m so much more excited to do so many chores like dishes and cleaning because it’s a time I can listen to my books without feeling like I should be more productive
Pairing a relaxing - enjoyable time distracts from the negative chore.
I bought Bluetooth Headphones for this. I can keep on listening when I Vacuum Clean or when I move around. It was a Game changer for doing my chores
If anyone is hesitant about getting rid of stuff they've had for a long time - ( I don't mean your precious objects, I mean the stuff you KNOW you don't use/need) I PROMISE you it will feel GOOD. You will free yourself. It's pretty fucking amazing, actually. "It's not the letting go that hurts; it's the holding on."
couldnt agree more. love this confirmation
«It’s not the letting go that hurts, it’s the holding on » If I needed another t-shirt, I’d print that on it. ❤
@lindaroy4061 It occurred to me the other day; So many of the things I have are because they meant something to someone else. I have items that hold no memory for me. The only thing special is who they belonged to. It was a great wake up. It just hit me, I'm tired of hanging on to other people's memories. My home, and my brain are too cluttered already. I can't do it anymore.
@danihoney524. I totally agree! I have an old blanket that’s not even hand-made that belonged to my husband’s grandmother he didn’t even know. Haha! That’s getting cleared! And I give permission to everyone who’s got something I gave them to chuck it as well while I’m at it! ❤
I’m SO glad you said something about the open shelving!!! It’s a disaster 99% of the time!!
Yes! I bought shelf units from WalMart to use as bookcases, due to a low budget. The books are arranged neatly, but I so wish it was closed storage. I settled for keeping less books on the shelves.
My most ridiculous fix was to buy a second laundry basket, and stick it exactly where my dirty clothes were piling up because I never got round to moving them. It was definitely one of those 'why didn't I just do this before?" moments. No law about owning only one laundry basket.
I spent forever thinking I would be a failure if I accommodated stuff like this, like "just get it together🙄". But then I did exactly this and I feel so successful for not having the pile on the floor😅. Why are brains like this? Lol
Haha we have 8 laundry baskets in our house...for 2 of us! And at the moment they are all full, some of dirty clothes, some of clean clothes and some of things I'm not sure so I'll have to wash them again anyway just in case...eventually
This one resonates with me, so much. Visual clutter in particular is so incredibly stressful for me. And for a long time I’ve felt chaos and stress. Every time I walked into my home. Part of it is that I have two kids my husband and I both work full-time. He was also a part-time graduate student and there was just so much going on that staying on top of it was not possible, what we decided to do was get a cleaner, someone to come in every two weeks. That way every two weeks my husband and I would take an hour together go around the house and just prep for the cleaner to come over. He would come do his thing and four hours later our house felt so much more peaceful to me that it was worth the cost of having him come in. Absolutely saved my mind. Save my marriage definitely helped distress for us.
omg she made one just for us chaotic girlies 😭💜
my best girlies
Also very relevant for us chaotic boyos (or is it manlies)
We have lots going on. 🎉
What the hell? I'm literally cleaning and purging and trying to figure out how to fix this mess!!
I am so thankful for Caroline, I mean that , seriously.❤
Me too! I came in from cleaning outside needing a break and so the video was up. Happy cleaning!
Same! I was just looking through the book Organizing for the rest of Us because I've been trying to declutter for a long while now and keep getting overwhelmed, and now Caroline posts about organization tips. Amazing! I am loving this video.
Me too.
Caroline. This came at the exact correct time in my life. I’m the legit definition of a sentimental hoarder and I’m just coming out of being institutionalized (2 weeks ago 😅). Now I’m back home and trying to get my house back in order somehow and going through all of my boxes and boxes of stuff. Your videos helped remind me it’s ok to throw out my grandmas fucking cheese grater, but I can still keep a blanket from her lmao. I freaking love you dude. I think the universe sent me this specific video at the exact right time 😭 I’ve watched you for months, but the crazy timing of this video in my life is legit too perfect 🫠
It's 4 months since your comment, but I wanted to pop in and say I hope you are doing more than okay!
Lots of great advice in this video. Another trick I use to help me get rid of things, especially things I have to literally throw in the dumpster (which is super hard for me): "This thing HAS to exist; it doesn't have to exist in MY home."
Yasss! How did you know I needed this video RIGHT now?! My ADHD is RAGING. You are a GEM! Thank you!!! 😍🙏
just had a sense :)
I literally needed this so bad
Said it once and I'll say it again: interior design & organization x mental wellbeing is totally your wheelhouse
"I'm so lovable! This could go on forever!"😂😂😂😂😂
Love how you rock that pink sweater:)
There's more therapeutic and healing for the soul in this video than any decoration tips. Sending love to you for doing this, and love also to who ever is watching. You can do it!
I have some blank walls in my house and for the longest time I’ve felt like maybe I just had no style. I needed to hear, “you don’t have to decorate every wall”. Loved this video!
I’m with you. It’s too busy to me and not calming.
I don’t like plants everywhere either.
@@antoniafoster8264e either! I really have an aversion to interiors with too many plants. Love a plant here and there, prefer a flower arrangement lol.
I thought so too, walls too blank. Then I walked into my neighbor's house and the overwhelming amount of art on the walls had my eyes screaming for blank space. Went home and said, nope, my walls are perfect for me. They give me a sense of calm
Tell that to my husband! I struggle to prevent him from adding more to our walls than we already have.
I'm fascinated by the fact that, at the rate of decluttering videos I've watched in my day, you still manage to give new, and really good!, advice. This applies to pretty much all of your videos; no matter how much I've engaged with a topic, you always say something I've not heard and is actually really insightful. Keep up the good work!
I'm sending this to my 21 yr old daughter that lives in a 570sq apt and she loves to buy over sized everything,no counter space and she buys tall containers or huge fat containers that don't fit under her cabinets! Thank you Caroline you have made this so unbelievably easy to get clutter out!! I love alllllll your content keep it coming! Love you!❤😊
Hilarious and so relatable! I've also really benefited from ClutterBug videos too, she loosely categorizes people into macro or micro organizers and visual or hidden organizers and then gives insightful methods for each. And she encourages embracing the not yet perfect systems as they progress and improve. Also most of us watching this channel are probably neurodivergent - adhd, autistic, bipolar, dyslexic, etc. Our brains are wired differently (and kinda cool and creatively), so we organize differently than the neurotypical peeps.
Loved this video! Keep 'em coming!
I freaking love you. You remind me so much of Zooey DesChanel and you have the best personality! I feel like we would immediately become best friends because you’re the kind of girl every girl needs in her life to be honest and loving. I love your videos, as I am trying to break the generational cycles of obsessive hoarding within my family. Going to school full time, working, having a toddler, and fighting brain cancer makes it a struggle to juggle but you seriously help boost my motivation and confidence to tackle our home. So thank you.
GIRL! Did you say brain cancer AND school AND a toddler?! I don't know you, but I'm sending you a sh*t ton of love today!!! I'd be curled up in a ball. Just having the bandwidth to make a comment on a CZcams video... sometimes that's too much for me! ❤❤❤ to you and your whole family
Sending you love from Australia, Amanda! Take care of you and keep being awesome.
She looks à heck of a lot more like Zooey Deschanel than Tom Hiddleson I’ll tell you that much for free
Sending you love, OP, wishing for you to succeed in life love and health ❤
@@nicolegregory4429 I would be interested in that! Thank you so much!
@@aeconiglio thank you so much….🥹♥️🙏
Ever since I found your channel, I've become so much more motivated to make content. Your genuine approach and unwavering passion shine through in every video you create. #basicallybesties
oh man this is so touching. And i am loving your video titles - so, so nice to see content like yours. keep it up :)
@@Caroline_Winkler thank you! That’s super encouraging. I know you know how much work this all is. Hopefully will get my break soon. 😅🤞🏼
I totally agree! The raw, openness (and humor, of course) are great reminders to further let myself just be me in my videos!
The Red Wine Rule (is this the right name for it?) is GENIUS! I am looking around my house and 99% wouldn't pass. It makes me want to go fling red wine all over the place. But maybe just letting things go will be less expensive or messy :D
As for the multi-step, pain in the butt craft system, my mom is a human factor's engineer and she always says, "If it's not easy to access, it won't ever get taken out and if it does, it won't get put away." It used to make me crazy when I cleaned my room as a kid, but she is 100% right.
I seriously laughed out loud when I read your comment. Actually spilling the wine on things would force you out of the imagination phase into a "Well now it has to go!" reality. If that makes sense...
your videos make my happier. after my husband passed I clung on to a few of his belongings, even though I am a minimalist. it took me a few years to realize what you just said - out loved ones are not in these objects and , more importanty, we will NOT forget our loved ones even if we let go of their belongings.
❤️
Oh HELLLLL YAW I never clicked so fast
Same! I saw it and thought, "I need this right now"
😂 it me, too. dont worry
Loved this! Something I always found helpful was taking the moral weight out of mess. It’s not a moral failing to be untidy! Frustrating? Sure. Visually cluttered? A little. Unsanitary? Maybe sometimes, if you’ve got food scraps piling up for example. But morally wrong? Nah. It’s way more fun to just keep your space to the standard you enjoy 😊
Can you make a version for people who throw literally everything away because we are deathly afraid of holding on to too many things and feel suffocated easily by our environments to the point our homes don’t really feel personal or inviting? 😳
Same! My mother is a hoarder and I've helped my parents move several times and every time I go home and do a purge of my belongings so I don't end up like them. I don't even have a desk to work at, I just sit on the floor lol
Same here. When I‘m about to buy things, I often already think about, how relived I will be to throw it out again after some time. Sounds crazy, I know 😅
The overlooked item here is NOT letting ourselves fall back into the trap with Target shopping trips, Amazon prime etc. Getting to the core of “what is it that I really want/need.” In the past I would purge stuff, only to find months later I was back to bringing a bunch more stuff into the home
Don’t forget the health factor! I’ve helped my friend clean out her stuff twice and there was so much clutter it was impossible for her to clean around all of it and each time there was so much dust, bits, hair, mustiness and even mold in and around everything. I was sick for days after each time. 😷🤧
Your friend is very lucky to have you❤
How did you become so wise at such a young age? I’m 53, a recent empty nester and have just started a massive decluttering challenge this summer in my home. Sentimental kid stuff abounds! Absolutely love your design and lifestyle content and personality! (And your podcast) …. For those decluttering… I’m also following The minimal mom also on YT… very helpful!
oof
also love love love the minimal mom!
I'm in the same boat as you.😊
I found my kids wanted to leave most of their stuff in my home and refused to take it. I gave them a 6 month window and to get it out. 18 months later I packed it up myself and sent it interstate to them as they protested. I’m sure if I hadn’t it would still be here over 10 yrs later. Congratulations on reaching the milestone of being an empty nester and enjoy the new chapter of your life. I’m now single and around your age and just starting to organise my house without a hoarder here which is great. I’m a Cass from Clutterbug bee organiser.
That was nice of you to send your kids their stuff❤
THIS. This is exactly what I need. I found your channel through videos about organization and it was fate. Ive had a very hard ... like... decade. And my house is an absolute reflection of my state of crazy. Im in that unfortunate phase of knowing what needs to be done but not having the time to get much done at once, but I use my day off each week to get chunks of my spaces better. Its not as fast as I would like, but we are getting there. Your videos have been what has helped me finally be able to donate so much stuff. Like multiple car loads per week. And I STILL have so much stuff. Im definitely a hoarder, but im working on it.
When I'm being super body dysmorphic, I make myself take pictures/videos of myself in my outfits even though I'm convinced I look awful in it. Then I put the outfit away, forget about the pictures. When I come back in a few months and see the photos, I'm not in my head anymore and can suddenly see much more objectively :) This has helped me declutter my closet with more certainty, and stop hating on my body ❤
This is the most accurate “targeted” video for me 🥲🥲🥲 my chaos keeps things spicy, part of the decor 😂
the viewers have made it clear to me that they are unwell, and i listened
I’m 75, love your videos and this one helped me so much! Everything you said is me!!!! Every wall in my home is a gallery wall😂😂😂😂. I’ve saved every f…king card I’ve ever received. Too many colors!!!!
TOO MUCH!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!!!
I did the same for years! Had cards dating back to childhood. Did my version of Swedish Death Cleaning/purging and have felt much lighter. Highly recommend!
Ah I’m so glad you’re liking the videos and finding them helpful! The card obligation is tough!!! I really had to hit a breaking option where it wasn’t an option any more. And now I don’t think twice about which I need to keep. There’s hope!!❤
I have to say thank you, Caroline. I'm starting redecorating my house after my parents moved in another country 4 yearsago. I had all their stuff all over the place and I hated to be home. I realize that if they don't stay here, I don't have to be surrounded by every shit they collected durring the time. You helped me realize that i can do stuff arround budget frendly. And for that i thank you cause you helped my mental health
This is so good! My mom passed a few months ago, the same day I moved into my new apartment. I've been keeping objects I don't use or need just because she was the one who gave it to me , it's been a challenge. But you saying "Getting rid of this item won't make you forget the person that gave it to you" is very comforting. I am in the process of decluttering her home as well and need the reminder that items are not the person. Thank you!!!
Ahhh! Yep, this is me rolling the boulder of two generations' hoarded snapshots up the endless mountain of sentimental obligation. Also, I am the daughter of a woman who believed clutter would disappear if she bought enough baskets. I don't know if it's nature or nurture that makes me unwell, but by cracky, you've lit a self righteous fire under me this time, Caroline. Sick, proud, and getting on with it!
Generations. Actual history. Letters dated 1700... whatever. Seems they should go somewhere besides the shredder. But the University Archivist wasn't interested. I'm thinking original/primary source material for history student research projects. I don't know... Are there really that many vaults of letters from the century our country was founded that these could not be of interest? Not sure who else to ask.
Dear Caroline, my entire 12x16 laundry room is that basket you say to throw stuff in until you can deal with it. Prime real estate taken over by «I’ll do it laters ». But this video gave me new hope and motivation. Ima tackle that shit tomorrow 😂❤
Im thinking the next step to having a catch all basket 🧺 could be to have a day/time of the week scheduled (with an alarm/reminder set) to put away everything in the basket 🤔
There's a lot of good advice here. I'm pretty organized. the one way I express myself is through a lot of weird shit on my walls and plants everywhere. I'm not giving up my maximalist old man aesthetic for anyone!
I’m sitting here nodding while taking notes on my phone lmao. This is so helpful. Especially when you said “you’re paying an emotional price to keep these items” yes! That makes so much sense and it allows me to finally say goodbye to some things.
I had to clean out my spare room (that is also my daily office) and let me tell you I feel less stressed with those boxes gone. I am slowly doing an entire house purge and I can't wait to feel less stress.
they really hang over you like a cloud! i know the feeling. amazing work 🙌
I find when I declutter that my lower legs to the feet feel lighter for days. Love the feeling. Congrats on the declutter!
Omg the first minute had me HOWLING. "No, FUCK this mess" killed me. I am highly unwell and I LOVE organization, it soothes my crazy brain.
🤣🤣 Yes: 1) I am part of the huge unwell population. 2) I spend way too much time managing my stuff. 3) I am hoarder-ish. 3) Yes, I am holding on to something. 4) I do know what it feels like to give everything away and it does feel freeing. 5) Oops I did it again. I am cluttered up....Refreshing channel...thank you.
Caroline, I love your energy and personality!! I am a 53 yr old single mom with just diagnosed ADHD (2022) . Everything overwhelms me, LOL. You are a big help! This has to be my favorite video so far, although I just found you about a month ago! May you be blessed for what you do, thank you! 🤗🙏
I've got adhd so I'm ready af. My place LOOKS clean and tidy but.. don't look in the laundry room, bedroom closet, loft closet, or north corner of the bedroom or in most drawers 🙌 (although I totally reorganized an entire cabinet today that I've avoided for years yay)
Good for you!! Glad to hear that
honestly, there is a lot of value to just containing the mess out of sight. whatever makes your life doable! if it's not a problem...then it's not a problem!
I've been a minimalist for years now. I followed the Clutter Bug organization system and happened to be a cricket. I've always suffered from anxiety and PTSD and out all things, having a home that works for me without little maintenance has been the game changer.
Oo haven’t heard of this org system, I’ll check them out thank you!
Omg Caroline, clutterbug is the best you tuber, she has a great quirky energy too. Her 4 bug system was mind blowing for me too
Top 5 things I do on a daily basis to not get myself overwhelmed with cleaning, clutter and doom & gloom procrastination:
1) Put away coats, clothes, shoes in a designated area/coat tree/chair/hooks, etc. that lets them "breathe" after wear.
2) No matter how exhausted you are, keep the kitchen clean. At least toss all garbage in the trash, put away leftovers, and soak your dirty dishes, pots & pans in the soapy sink/bowl, and put the rest in the dishwasher. You'll feel better in the morning when you don't see a pile of crap all over the countertop.
3) Always straighten up your living room/den nightly before going to bed. That means taking all the dirty cups and glasses to the kitchen (to do #2), tidy up the coffee table and side tables, fold the throws & blankets, and fluff up the sofa cushions.
4) Make the bed after you let it air out while you shower, get your coffee ready, and get dressed. Be sure to stretch out the fitted and flat sheets, remove extra pet furs and hairs, and fluff up the pillows. Making the bed instantly makes your whole bedroom look 80% cleaner! When you go to bed at night, you'll have a fresh bed to lie on, like at a hotel. Added benefits--the bedding last longer, and you won't have to wash them so often--except your pillow cases, which should be changed out a few times a week.
5) Keep a roll of paper towel in your bathroom cabinet or on the counter, and wipe down the vanity, mirrors (with a swoosh of Windex), countertops, faucets, etc., after each use. Again, there will be less deep cleaning to do, plus it just looks and feels better every time you walk into the bathroom.
These 5 tips may seem like a lot to do daily, but trust me, once you start, you'll see that your whole place feels well kept and the overwhelming sensations of cleaning from scratch is reduced a lot. Whenever you do have unexpected guests, you're not having to clean a whole lot either.
One tip that helped me a lot is PUT RUBBISH BINS EVERYWHERE, especially in places where you usually like to leave packages and wrappers lying around. There are some very pretty, affordable bins with automatic lids out there. And now instead of wrappers on the couch it's wrappers in the bin next to the couch.
YES! I've been saying this (in my head or to an empty room because no one cares about my thoughts on home organisation, which is fair) for years... "Open storage" is not storage, it's display!
Definitely guilty of having too many plants, but I love the jungle vibes.
One thing that helps me get rid of clothes I'm emotionally attached to is to put those items at the front of the closet so that they're "top priority." After a month, if I wore them I get to keep them because they're still adding value to my life, if I didn't wear them I donate them so that they can add value to someone else's life. When I feel apprehensive about getting rid of the item, I like to remember that donating a piece of clothing gives someone else the opportunity to enjoy it rather than it being forgotten in my closet. Not a perfect system, but it's helped me.
Wow. I’ve never thought of it like that. Thank you for this new perspective. I feel like it will be easier to purge all the clothes i have.
I mean I hesitated to even include it bc obv some people make it work! It’s just always too cluttered for my claustrophobia
If you love it, don’t change it❤
@@Caroline_Winkler Totally, it can get very cluttered very fast! Girl, don't hesitate on my behalf, we love your honesty and unique perspective 💖
Dont mean to be a partypooper, but most donated clothes end up in landfills in countries like Ghana. Unless its great quality it propably wont be loved by someone else. Maybe you could try to repurpose it instead? Also stops you from buying new clothes to fill that newly opened closet space again. Or see if one of your friends like it?
@@sophie-7210 You bring up a very good point! Another option is to recycle the clothing. Earth911 can help you find a textile recycle center. A lot of companies will also take your used clothing and reuse, donate, or recycle based on the condition of the item.
Your videos feel like an emotionally safe space to me. Thank you for acknowledging that clutter/disorganization is related to mental health and providing advice from that angle.
You're the bomb! As someone with a 2 BR apartment and lots of things but ADHD and close to a burn-out (I am now going down to working 75% crammed into 3 days and 4 days off), I feel seen.
My clutter I often feel is a manifestation of my malaise. I am chaotic, but I love order. So I am tackling it. First the paper (scanning and recycle), the "clothes that are still good enough for at home" (all 4 dressers full of them) + my handbag collection. What's not used I am giving away, selling, etc. Goal is to move to a 1 BR apartment in a few years. First getting rid of stuff, paying my loans off and then move. I realised I loved hotel rooms for the orderly minimalism and for brining only a suitcase to the situation. So I am getting my main bedroom to be streamlined and calm. That's tomorrow. :-)
Man, I love listening to you frantically talk about any subject at all!!!!!! Love the video!
By the way, this is perfect timing!!! I've been looking for a good quality towel set and now that's it. Brooklinen it is!!! Thank you so much 🥰
oh the towels from Brooklinen are insane. it was actually hard to show exactly how thick and fluffy they are on camera. im excited for u to check them out. and thank u for joining for the frantic energy!
Your living room looks so beautiful and cozy! I don't think we've seen a full tour now that you mounted the media storage.
doh thank you!! i gave a bit of a home decor update in this vlog in case you missed! czcams.com/video/7NeaDNaZcp0/video.html
but maybe i should do another!
My parents both have some “hoardering” tendencies that I absorbed subconsciously and never realized how much stress the mess had caused me until I had to move back in with them last year. I realized my entire depression apartment just can’t fit into my childhood bedroom and have been slowly getting rid of stuff since. These are some excellent tips. Thank you for your videos Caroline!
I’ve done a lot of decluttering, minimizing, and redefining my style and systems. You bet I’ve gone through all the resources available.
This girl carefully explains some of the tips and paradigms in a way that is succinct, approachable, compassionate, and delivers the most impact to your space without too much work from you. This video is a gem! Pass it on to your friends and family.
Also! The declutter process never ends, because life won’t stop being chaotic, your space will get messy again once you run into another one of those periods where you drop the small cleaning habits. Don’t trick yourself into thinking an improved system will fix it all. Embrace the mess I say. But at some point you will have to clean again for a peace of mind. 😂
Yeah, the talk about how it's hard to give the thing away but the not having it part doesn't hurt was brilliant.
I just sat up past my bedtime on a Monday evening to watch this. You're killing it, Caroline!
Also!!! The "coral stuff onto a tray" idea is golden. So many spots in my house now have some sort of square on which to place 3 or 4 items and my eyes and heart feel better each time I look at that spot. So, thanks for that too!😊
Ah I’m so glad. It’s been a huge revelation for me, makes it all a bit less painful if you know u just have to get through that bump
Yes! I got this from the viral organisational video that brought me to your channel and it was so helpful. I made a tray for my washing up stuff immediately and Months later it was working so well I upgraded to a nicer marble tray and I love it 😊
The emotional handcuffs are so real. When you mentioned the "red wine hack", I immediately cried thinking about all the birthday cards in my memory box being destroyed, but felt a relief thinking about my jewelry, purses, and some old clothing I've been holding on to. I also have a scarcity mindset I'm slowly letting go of. I used to have a 5 year rule on keeping random trinkets and scraps, but the relief I had when I took it down to a 2 year rule was insane! One day I'll get it lower. Thanks for the catch-all basket idea, I think that will really help in the long run.
I love the very full gallery walls you showed! Maximalist forever!!!
YES! I’ve been wanting this video since you said “I don’t have time to make organization my whole personality” because SAME 😂😅
Same!!
Who has the time !
You’re adorable. Love your ideas. I’m 66: have 3 daughters, tried the baskets on the stairs, didn’t work. I even tried leaving MONEY in the bottom of the baskets. They are all in their 30’s now, they all have their own ideas of organization but survived my crazy & I’ve realized it’s an evolving process. What worked for you in your 20’s doesn’t work in your 30’s. Be prepared to change & be okay with that. You will look back on these days & realize how beautiful you were and wonder why you didn’t appreciate them more. You are more than enough. You are wonderful.
I'm one of those people that hangs onto things because they belonged to someone who passed away. My first husband passed in 2020 and I am still trying to work through all of his things. Some are easier than others to let go, but then there are some boxes I still haven't had the heart to touch. It's tough, but it helps when you know those things are going to someone else who could use it or appreciate it. Because if they stay with me, they are just sitting in a box, which doesn't help anyone, including myself. I just take it one box at a time.
A tip that really helped me with getting rid of things is this: if you are struggling to throw things away, get a bag and put anything you're considering getting rid of into it. Then close the bag up and put it out of sight.
Come back to it after a week, month or whenever you stumble upon it again and have a look through. Did you think of any of the items in there while they were in the bag? Usually the answer is no - you didn't miss them at all and likely forgot they existed. It makes finally throwing them away soo much easier.
And if there is something that you still can't throw away, no big deal, just take it out again! Because you're not getting rid of anything immediately the bar to put something into the bag is much lower, and the overall result is that you get rid of more things that really aren't bringing you any joy anymore! :)
To add to this tip, for anyone who doesn't have your level of discipline...give it a little longer than a week, maybe a month. If you haven't missed anything in there, do not open the bag! Just donate it! 😅
I needed this today. I was basically bedridden for 4-5 months in 2021/early 2022 and I feel like I've never been able to "catch up". I also struggle while cleaning/decluttering because the injuries that left me immobile tend to wear me out quickly. My house always feels chaotic which makes ME feel insane. I'm trying to focus on smaller areas and completing one task fully before moving on to the next. Baby steps but I do see some improvement. You give great tips here for helping with visual/emotional clutter that I'll definitely try implementing!
I too had my house get way out of hand when dealing with a chronic illness. I’m doing much better now but I feel so overwhelmed at what needs to be done to get the house in order. Im just focusing on doing small tasks or addressing one issue. Over time this is adding up and I’m not feeling as overwhelmed.
I wish you well with your tidying up. I have a back injury and couldn't function for a while, and it gets hard to cope when you can't do what you always did.
I focus on one room and do one thing at a time, or I become overwhelmed. The place can look like a cyclone has passed through while I'm sorting, but I eventually get there.
Tomorrow is my wardrobe sorting with my motivational play list of songs to push me along.🌷
This came just in time. I got fired today. I can’t wait to use my time in between job to get beyond treading water in my home. There’s so much I want to do, and I never had the time while working full time with 2 kids!
I’m also going back to school to become a LMFT.
Blessings in disguise, even if they’re chaos :)
You will be OK!
much love to you, unstopable!
I’m a trucker and have seen a lot of loyal good people get canned. I’m convinced management doesn’t like input from experienced employees. Those places never operate at a potentially higher level.
What you said about not forgetting someone just because you let go of their stuff hit home for me. A lot of my family has adhd and struggles with object permanence, so physical reminders of experiences or people are actually very helpful for grief and self-soothing. That being said, we don't need 16 reminders of the same person collecting dust in storage for us to honor their memory.
Something to add - Prevent future clutter by looking at your purchasing habits and holding out on impulse buys. We have EVERYTHING available to us through the internet, and Amazon makes it so easy to buy a bunch of stuff we don’t need, and probably don’t even want in the long run. Decluttering and organizing is already frustrating enough, so don’t backtrack by “rewarding” yourself with more shopping, only to fill the same space with more junk.
Everything about this video had me nodding my head YES. As a professional organizer, my first step with a client is the declutter and sort process, which is the MOST important part of the organizing my process, in my opinion. Caroline, you’re amazing! Thank you for being you and for sharing your thoughts so openly. I love your channel! ❤
I have donated and given away many items where I had emotional attachment, but felt burdened by its continued presence in my life. The moment it leaves, I feel instant relief. Very sound advice Caroline! It is a life long auditing process of what is most important to you and discarding the rest of the clutter.
Yes! 💯 agree!
Yes! I'm on day 3 of purging. Have a few boxes and MANY bags ready to go to donation. I had a TON of small framed photos (3×5, 4x6, 5×7)- family and deceased pets....I had to tell myself, "Getting rid of this does not mean I don't love them." I took the photos out to put into a small keepsake box and put all the frames in the donation box. I was feeling so cluttered and tired of moving these frames around and dusting them. The fact many were shoved in a closet not even being enjoyed... It's so so hard. And gifts are terribly difficult to get rid of....it doesn't mean I didn't love the gift when you gave it to me. Doesn't mean I don't love you, but I can't store all this stuff.....
Wow. The closet that is filled with emotion about how you feel about your body at that moment really hit home. I love how you make it ok to not be ok with our stuff but its still too hard to overcome sometimes. Just by you knowing the feelings behind the habits we have its incredibly forgiving and with forgiveness to oneself can start the changes needed to make a difference. Rather than constantly repreanding myself for why I'm so messy or cluttered there are actual understandable reasons. Thank you so much!!!!!
Am cleaning up the yard today of the ex’s (hoarder) rubbish and rearranging the sheds today. Also painting the lounge and dining room to reduce the colours on the walls. Going through hard divorce but cleaning up and changing everything is feeling good. Got rid of a kitchen gadget I’ve never used in 20 yrs the other day. Couldn’t believe I was that clutter blind when I’m very organised! Thanks Caroline, great editing too!
Omg! Did my sister tell you to do this video for my benefit?! She's my witness and she can be brutal, but she knows me and she's always right. She was here two days ago helping me purge (for the umpteenth time) and my home is once again my sanctuary. So if you really want to purge, get a witness. They're also the person that will make you feel proud of yourself for doing the hard work! Caroline, I've said it before, but at 63, I'm just now growing into my skin and your videos always hit the spot. Your snarky charm makes me so happy!
I've always had "that chair" that just accumulates a huge pile of unworn clothes, clothes in laundry limbo, etc. I eventually decided to put some Dollar Tree over-the-door hooks on the inside of my closet door and I haven't had a chair pile ever since. I keep the hooks on the inside of the door so I can just close the door and forget about it. When I have the energy, I will filter though the hooks and distribute things to where they need to go. Literally changed my life and really helped me understand the concept of supporting the organizational habits I already have.
After watching Clutterbug videos, I finally recognized (and accepted) that I need it to be very easy to put things away. I used to have pretty storage for things like pens, pencils, erasers, markers, etc... but I would just leave them scattered all over my desk. So instead I took a cardboard box and put it in my desk drawer, and every time I want to clean my desk I just sweep everything off the desk into that box.I specifically chose a cardboard box, rather than some fancy storage solution, because I didn't want any pressure for it to be a "pretty" solution.
I remember hearing an organizer say people are either pilers or filers. I am a filer married to a piler. He likes everything sitting out, and I like everything tucked away in a drawer or cupboard. We compromise - things like his oatmeal that he eats every day and likes sitting out on the counter? It gets put into a nice canister that I can live with. I'd rather have it in the cupboard but that doesn't work for him. It's a continual negotiation and process.