Decluttering (or Storing) Sentimental Stuff
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Sentimental stuff is the hardest to declutter! But it's hard living in a space that's being taken up by stuff that isn't for your right now life. So it has to be done. I'm talking about ways to deal with your sentimental clutter.
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Clutter Free January Storage Spaces Playlist: • Decluttering Storage S...
Such a powerful moment when you said we didn’t signed a mortgage for a storage unit but for a home to live in.” WOW
Favorite word of 2021: “crapalanche”.
YES!
😂🤣😂
I have watched quite a few decluttering videos, but never heard anyone say "prioritize your RIGHT NOW life." That statement is like a key that opens the door to my freedom from clutter. Thank you so much!
Amen. I grew up with my mom holding on to everything, "just in case".
I read her books and this was absolutely my biggest take-away
“Their cute little toes that are no longer... cute.” 😂
This made me LOL!😆
🤣🤣🤣
Girl! The internal WORK you have done and your transparency in sharing it with others... WOW! You were hiding a world of healing under all that STUFF! Thanks for unpacking that for me and everyone else that watches this (hugs)
HA! Adding 'crapalanche' to my dictionary!
This is the best comment. This is how I feel. People focus on methods or techniques. Dana focuses on the emotional/psychological reasons for the problem to begin with and how to work on those. Yes healing. So freeing.
@@anitas5817 I LOVE the way you put that!
Well said!😊
I agree that it is important to remember that many things deteriorate in storage (fabric ages, papers, odors, dampness, moths, etc.). When you finally come to look at something years later, it often is no good.
My sister had boxes of kids clothes in the HOT attic for a few years, and the elastic waistbands turned all stiff and crunchy. Garbage now!
@@annw1395 I’d be the one going “I can replace the elastic!”
Bc I can. I sew and I love to sew. This is my brand of crazy. I have to stop and remember that it is not worth my time.
My husband has a cute little (almost antique) Mazda Miata convertible. He got a new car bc that one was having some problems and really wouldn’t be safe in a roll-over accident. Should have sold it then. It might have fetched a few thousand. But it sat outside and leaked in the rain and rotted. It isn’t fit to ride in anymore.
I have learned this lesson. Get rid of things at an appropriate enough time that someone else will be able to squeeze a bit of use out of it still.
Been there, done that. Old quilts ruined. Totally my fault as I procrastinated going through stored items. Still sad.
I like “I can keep anything I just can’t keep everything.”
I love the phrase "prioritize your right now life." This shift in thinking is everything!
Your children's future spouses will thank you for sending them off one day without every childhood item they owned! 😜
I have had to downsize my own childhood toys to make room for my children's! And my husband hasn't quite got on the boat yet. 🤣♥️
My husband still has that parachute dude!?
“You can keep ANYTHING... you just can’t keep EVERYTHING!” I love this. I have really enjoyed your recent videos, I really hope you do make some more, so refreshing to hear advice from someone who has been there. Thank you!
“All the feels and none of the frustration.” ❤
Long live the container concept!
When I heard about the container concept, I immediately thought it was a brilliant way to look at my space.
Oh Dana, please make more videos. You are such fun! You don’t look like a mom with a 19 yr old. I won’t tell you how old my sons are 😂
You’ve got an infectious spirit and you make things so real. Keep up the great work!
She has a huge array of audio podcasts called “a slob comes clean”. Highly recommend!
"Crapalanche" needs to be in the Dictionary. love it 🔥🎯😍
More, more, more! Always more videos! Great advice as usual.
You absolutely HAVE to keep posting videos! You are amazing on camera! And your videos are SUPER helpful for visual learners! ☺️Thank you for sharing all that you do!!
As you were talking... The lightbulb went off in my head. It made sense what I have been doing. Keeping tons of not only our daughters stuff, but our grandchildren's stuff as well. I mean tons of it.... Clothes, toyboxes filled with toys a bicycle. This is the really sad part. Our daughter and her family moved this past summer to Texas because of the Hurricanes down here. So the grandkid's who... have outgrown most of this stuff won't even be here using it. In the mean time it is no longer giving me the "warm" joyous feelings anymore. Now it gives me more frustration as it's more clutter taking away valuable storage and living space in our home. Thank you Dana! I seriously needed to know it was okay to get rid of this stuff. The kids have their own toys up there so they are going to be donated down here. But I will keep one each, a toy and outfit. That would be manageable. As always.. No pressure for another video. But they have been so helpful. Everyday I am setting my timer and going to town. It may only be 30 minutes or an hour. But it feels good to be slowly getting out of the paralysis stage. God Bless You !🙏🙏🙏
Dana, I think it's sweet that you have 3 things from your in-laws that you enjoy in your right-now life. That's enough. You are a great example to the rest of us.
From a young mom of two babies who has been feeling sentimental decision paralysis all week from trying to declutter and store baby clothes...this actually made me cry. And helped so much. I feel like I can get moving again! Love all your videos and your book, thank you for making them! (Usually they make me laugh instead of cry 😂)
Want a feel good way to get rid of baby clothes? Nursing homes with memory care units sometimes give their residents with dementia “laundry” to fold. A bag of baby clothes is loved by those lovely grandmas to fold and refold to occupy their days. Ask the Recreation Director at a nursing home if they want them. But I know how that can take time to arrange, donating to goodwill is faster and other new mommies will get good use of your babies’ clothes
Me looking at the 5 plastic Tubs of childhood items my parents gave me and I wanted to go through after work today: Yass 👏❤️🙌 Thank God! 🙏You’re timing for posting this is perfect 🤩❤️🙌😎
Digging through the layers is an ongoing archeological project. Thank you to you and your cameraman for helping me recommit and refocus. Until I found your videos I felt overwhelmed and hopeless. You keep it real and remind me the only way to eat the elephant of my clutter is one bite at a time.
Thank you again for taking the time to record. And thank you to your cameraman too!
You used the word "crapalanche" at our house we use "Jenja"- laundry Jenja, fridge Jenja , cupboard Jenja, paper pile Jenja. Just like in the game you lose if it falls over or spills out. I really enjoy your videos, you are helping me work through the brain hurdles of decluttering our space. Thank you! Recently read "Decluttering at the speed of Life" best book I have ever read on decluttering. 💕
Dana I can't tell you how much your videos are helping me!!! Just purchased your books, so very excited and much less overwhelmed!!! Bravo LADY :)))
My father followed this "just keep one" strategy. He was the tooth fairy at our house and after his death we found three baby teeth in his dresser organizer (there were three of us kids). It kind of got us in the feels because we were all in our 30s at the time and had no idea he had kept them. His dresser organizer was where he kept his watch and pocket change so he would have seen the teeth daily.
You do not look old enough!
That gorgeous family pic is the perfect backdrop. Glad the camera man didn't object. Thanks!
My kids each have a generous size bin on our basement shelf. We edit it each year, it has really helped them to set limits and decide to keep or discard what is most meaningful to them. What we want to keep may not be what they want to keep.
Decluttering baby clothes (and beyond!) was the the hardest part emotionally. I literally cried as I was doing it. I kept one outfit and one homemade sweater for each of my two kids and myself.
I agree. I can declutter most other things so much easier than baby clothes and school papers, their lil stories and drawings, etc
My daughters had SOOOOO many t-shirts and they didn't want to part with any of them. It didn't matter that the shirt was 12+ years old and no longer fit, the memories attached were too strong. So, with their permission, I sent their t-shirts to a company that makes simple quilts out of them. My girls were so happy. I even added some surprises to their quilts; like a piece of baby clothing.
You can't believe how much the word "container" has helped me. I hope you continue making videos.
Your videos are SO refreshing! Thank you for keeping it real!
I always suggest taking a picture of whatever is sentimental that you can't keep.
I spent the whole 12:34 nodding my head. So happy to listen to someone of like thinking.
My husband kept a yellow onesie that my now 14yo son wore as a baby, because when he wore it, my husband called him his little yellow pudding. It takes up so little space in the wardrobe, but so much space in his heart.
I hope you continue to do videos. I find that you are very relatable and great ideas.
Love the video! The usability of the storage space is often overlooked, yet really important...
I keep a little book beside me all the time, and I write down sayings in it that are wise, funny, or heart touching. In your video today, you gave me two. Thank you so much.
Those little boots made me squeal with delight!! So stinkin cute!
“Crapalanche!!!” OMG!!! I’m crying again from laughing so hard! I love your videos, Dana! Hahahaha!!,
You are such a joy to watch. The way you say things makes it all “make sense!” Thank you for these videos:)
Thank you! I am where you were all those years ago. And your ideas are so practical! I won't give up!
I have also saved our kids' cowboy boots. I have the favorite pair from each of our five sons and one daughter, and I keep them lined up on our fireplace mantle. Our eldest is now 32 and our youngest is 11. Seeing them brings back awesome memories for us all. It helps that our fireplace is quite rustic looking. I don't save a lot, but the things I do are meaningful. Thank you for your video!
Neither my brother nor I have children. Would be interesting to hear a guest speaker talk about sorting items to keep with no future recipient. FYI I already gave away most memorable family items to children of cousins but they dont want more.
Can you draw up a will saying after you pass on to donate your items to a charity of your choice. Or maybe have the items sold by an auction and then donate the money to the cousins you do have or to a local charity or someone you know that's in need?
Omgosh! I’ve all school projects for my children. I laughed 🤦🏻♀️when you announced your son was age 19; my child is nearly 40 and a sibling died tragically 💔a few years ago. Sadly I kept these objects for them & presumptive grandchildren. I’m going to digitalize and have the sacred 🔥 bonfire. People & peace are more important than stuff. New to your channel; looking forward to your book because I believe you’ve “cracked the code” for living in peace!💕✝️💕
I really love your mindset changing advice - living in the NOW - so helpful. It's so true that we are not truly cherishing an item if it's crumpled in a bag or hidden in a pile. I have found so many things that because of my clutter have become destroyed and under appreciated. Thank you for this video. Please keep doing them!
Crapalanche... Couldn't stop laughing. Nice word coined by u!
Very effective video! Love the way you look at one item giving you the warm fuzzies!
Thank you for making videos & thanks to your 🎥 man. I am glad to reap the benefits of your journey as I walk through mine.
I'm a senior citizen traveling in an RV. All that's important in life is loving your family and friends. All that material, or excessive material stuff, is a huge drag. Take a picture of it and donate or trash it.
This video is gold! First I cry because of those tiny clothes and boots. Then I cry from laughing because of the "crapalanche". ❤
Crapalance is my new favorite word! I truly appreciate your videos. I have also started listening to your podcasts and have bought you books since finding you
I really appreciate this video. Sentimental feelings over things is most of the clutter in my apartment.
I enjoy when you post. I just bought & listened to your you book(audio) Decluttering At The Speed of Life. Also in the Take Your House Back FB group. I started my decluttering journey in 2015 and haven't looked back. But the "COUNTAINER" concept has really helped me...and I'm explaining it to my 88 yr old Spry & witty mother(which I will be the one to declutter her home later on down the line) It really made sense to her. She has a 3 br hm and a storage room full.(uuhhgg) I hope to get to this spring even with my disabilities. 5 -15 minutes at a time. Thank you!!
Thank you thank you thank you! Had a lightbulb moment listening to this!
Have struggled SO hard with sentimental and you saying you just need to keep one thing to feel the warm fuzzy feelings just makes so much sense! Totally get that snd going to try to tackle again with that mindset!
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Dana! You are instilling HOPE for those of us whose brains think like yours!! Thank you. Loving the Take Your House Back course 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻. You meet me where I am in this struggle 🤗.
Thanks for posting your videos this month! You are so motivating!
You have words of freedom, my Dear. You are honest and have walked a path so many of us find ourselves stuck on. I feel like you are pointing the way, and with humor. Thank you!
Dana! I cried at our first child's Kindergarten graduation! Banner over the stage said "Class of 2000" !!! Yes, she turned 40, three days ago. How can that be? I'm now 60 and my baby boy turned 33 last September. I've kept a few little things for the warm fuzzies. Thank you!
Marie Kondo talks about keeping items that spark joy. I realise that your description of the warm fuzzy feelings makes that real for me. Off i go to see if any of the stuff in that box actually gives me those feelings. Thank you, Dana!
That last point is so important. I’ve seen a lot of people claim they value stuff but they have too much to take care of or even know what they have. It’s not valued if it’s lying on the floor or shoved into the back of some dirty storage space. And I love the point about not letting sentimental stuff get in the way of your life right now.
I don't have kids but I have to say when you pulled out the little cowboy boots I full on melted. Absolutely a worthwhile keep! :)
I don’t have an obvious stuff problem, but it is something I have to constantly work at and be aware of. You describe (seemingly) so easily what my problems are. There was a sign I remembered my grandma painting when I was a kid. After she passed I had an emotional response to getting rid of it - not bc of the sign, but because of the memories of that day. I was so tempted to keep it. A sign I didn’t actually want, nor did it make any sense for me to own. I finally decided to take a picture. I see that picture more now than I would have that sign which would have been packed away and the memories come rushing back just as quickly as they did when I saw and touched the actual sign. The photo fits into my actual photo storage, too! It’s an option for larger or impractical things!
Keep posting videos! U r inspiring.. U don't look old enough. Love u book decluttering at the speed of light. U remind me of me.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love the videos you’ve been posting. I love your approach and how real and straightforward you are. You’re “container concept” has been a game changer for me.
So, my problem is that I keep sentimental things bc they are family heirlooms, and nice antiques. My great-grandparent's antique books, or sterling silver, or Grandma's paintings that she painted (professional quality), or mahogany furniture. I like them, but the container is stretching a bit. No other family to share with.
I think every timeperiod has ITS own stuff. The Things from The past hat to fit in your live.
Sometimes old Things have The traveling thru The Times only surrvive , because Off Persons Like you. But when They dont fit anymore sell it to the antik collectors or donate To a Museum. For me have Handmade unique Things Like The Paintings The highest value. Out of your Family History ,You can Tell The Story Off The Artist.
With The best wishes from Germany
Awesome, Dana! Explaining how you had to change your thinking is so helpful. I think you and I are about the same age and probably started the "deslobification" process around the same time. We had a person ALWAYS giving us stuff to "help" us. 🙄 and had a lot to get rid of.
"Crapavalanch" souds like my desk a few years ago. I called it "Mt. Avalanche". No more of that! Clutter free January was so helpful
I love your videos. I feel like I'm chatting with a friend. Thanks for the real advice!
You are definitely, for sure, 100% my type of person. Omg. I am reading your Decluttering at the Speed of Life book right now. Highly recommend this excellent book. ❤️ Love these videos you are making as well - so very helpful! I am currently at home healing after a 9 day hospital stay - pneumonia and sepsis - and trying to heal while being surrounded by my clutter is not a good feeling. Definitely not the most healing and calming atmosphere - and I’ve created it all myself! :( I have filled one black garbage bag, though, and out to the dumpster it went...so it’s a start! Thank you for being the person you are. Sending love and good health to you from Michigan. 💖
Hope you are feeling better!
Many thanks...so real it made me cry...good tears all the way! I get it too🙏
I LOVE seeing you pop up in my feed, Dana. Keep making videos and we’ll keep watching!
This is great! Simple and yet I hadn’t figured it out!
Crapalanche!!! Yes that is my storage closet right now to a T! My baby stuff and clothes my son outgrows is overtaking a once curated storages space. We are trying to have 1 more kid and I know it is short term storage but I have to pull everything out to get to anything I use during the year. This video really helps to put it in to perspective and to really zero in on what we would need for the next one, and really only what we need - not EVERYTHING. Thanks!
So simple and clear. Your experience, explanations, and manner are so helpful for me - thank you!
I like the new word "crapvalanche"! I have been listening to your podcasts and loving them. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge! I hope that you do more videos, but do what's best for you.
Yes, I love that word too. If it was in the dictionary, there would be a picture of my closet next to it.
This video is great!!! You are beautiful, inside and out! You explain things so well about living for Right Now. I love your word "Crapalanche". I love - you can keep "ONE" thing that gives you warm fuzzies. That is powerful.
Although I do not have slob brain (I’m the opposite; I see EVERYTHING out of place), I still LOVE your videos and have issues with clutter and feeling overwhelmed. Keep up the good work!
Thank you!! So much good simple advice. I’ve got lots of fixing to do. You almost made tear up. Appreciate you 🥰
This was the video I was looking forward to most in this series. Thank you!
Five in two months Dana! You're rocking it! I was just watching the end of one of Cas's clutterbug descriptions (the cricket from Jan 2018), and she reminded me of you talking about how you might not succeed in continuing to post. Whatever you post, we're happy to see you. Look at her feeling Eggfreakingzactily like you exactily two years ago...
This video was spot on for me! I have way too many sentimental items 😱 I HAVE to let some go!! Keep these coming, love all the inspiration 💗
Love love LOVE your sense of humor!!! 🙌🏻😂❤️ Thank you for going through all that to help the rest of us!! (Actually my husband needs to see this-🤫my memorabilia is right on my dresser and three items of clothing in my closet!)
Great work putting out content! I have been thoroughly enjoying your UA-cam channel!
You are adorable!!!! I love your sense of self deprecating humor!!! Right up my Alley! My friend says you remind her of me. Lol best compliment EVER!!!! I have your books. I have your podcasts. What more could I need?! Thanks for the motivation and inspiration! 💕
Absolutely nailed the topic ....💕💕💕💕💕💕
For sentimental things that I know there's no practical reason to keep, I take pictures of the items and then get rid of them. Allows me to declutter while still being able to look back at the item and remember the good times and feelings associated with it.
LOVE her videos. I have already implemented her “method” and my kitchen looks amazing and STAYS amazing !!!
I love how you said you can keep anything, but you can't keep everything! Awesome point! You are definitely the best on the subject! Look so forward to your videos! And thank you for not referring to "Monica's closet." Everyone says that and it gets old. I've never watched the show and just glad you didn't say it😂
Omg dana I needed this!! Thañk you thank you thank you. I have read all your books, can't wait for your next one honestly. Lol. But even after the podçasts and books and the course take your house back. This helped me finally click with sentimental stuff. Girl your amazing! Thanks again!!
‘Deslobification’. LOVE IT!
So very helpful! Thank you!
Thanks for giving me permission to keep one. That makes a lot of sense to me!
I adore your videos, they are so motivating. Thank you for posting them!
You are amazing, your views fit the way I live my life. Thank you for being you.
My favorite takeaway from this is your last comment about how if you really care about 'stuff,' you give it the space it needs. I, too, think that I uniquely care about my stuff more than others do. But of course, overflowing containers of sentimental items means I approach them with feelings of dread instead of the joy or wistful reminiscing I expected to feel.
Thank you, Dana, that actually was yet another eye-opener ❤❤!
Lots of great ideas. Love the crapalanche word! Encourage people to take pics of all the items they’re letting go if they’re sentimental. I also believe in BIG word labels on my totes in front and then label a little more info on the side index card - still large enough to see without needing reading glasses. Also, space bags can help reduce sentimental clothing and blankets a lot! Thanks!
I’m glad it’s the plan. 😁 I would miss you. I love your podcasts too tho.
Seriously, you have helped me more than anyone.
The best video I have ever watched on this topic, so helpful!
My granddaughter loved her mom’s pink cowgirl boots 💕