Another video for the Clutter Guilt Series I have going this week!
Honestly, other than just not telling someone I’m donating something they gave me, this is the method I use most. It’s what I’ve found to be most effective when explaining to someone that I need to get rid of something they think I should keep.
It’s always been pretty obvious to anyone I know that I struggle with clutter. People love to be helpful. Framing the conversation that way can really defuse the argument.
If you can’t see the video, watch it here.
Here’s the script:
The Please Save Me From My Stuff Approach
GUILTEE: (on the phone) Hey, how are you?
GUILTER: Good, what’s going on with you?
GUILTEE: Well . . . I’m working on getting the clutter out of my house.
GUILTER: (Too excited) Oh that’s great! I’m so glad!!!!!
GUILTEE: Yes, it’s so much work, but I’m determined to make get my house in shape!
GUILTER: Oh, I’m so proud of you! You are going to be so much happier when you’re done!
GUILTEE: Oh I know! I can already tell a difference in how I feel and I still have more to declutter!!
GUILTER: (Overly, annoyingly excited.) Lots more, I bet!
GUILTEE: Yes, and I’m amazed at how much easier it is to clean up in the rooms I’ve decluttered.
GUILTER: (Big, annoying, know-it-all nod) Mmm-hmmmm. Girl, you are sooo right. I think you’ll be able to finally keep it clean if you can get rid of all that junk you have.
GUILTEE: (crossed eyes and pained smile) Mmmm-hmmm. Thanks for the encouragement.
GUILTER: Listen, sweetie, if there’s ANYthing I can do to help you, just let me know. I mean, I’ve always wanted to get in there and . . .
GUILTEE: Actually, that’s why I was calling.
GUILTER: (Surprised) It is?
GUILTEE: Yep. I have an entire BOX full of things you’ve given me over the years that I’ve decided I don’t need.
GUILTER: (offended) Really? Hmmph.
GUILTEE: Yes, like all those games you gave me when you cleaned out your closet?
GUILTER: Mmm-hmm.
GUILTEE: We haven’t EVER even played them! And that old-timey-looking shoe-shining-thingy? I’ve never really had a place to put it, I haven’t shined a shoe in years, and I’ve tripped over it ten times in the last year! (hahahaha)
GUILTER: I just thought it was cool. And that you might like it.
GUILTEE: Oh I did. I did! I LOVED that thing! But you know me! Always thinking things are cool but then they just turn into clutter!!
GUILTER: well, I guess I understand.
GUILTEE: So should I bring that stuff over? Or should I donate it? It is going to help me SOOO much to get this house under control to get the clutter out!!
GUILTER: I guess you can donate it. I mean, if you really don’t like it anymore.
GUILTEE: Thank you SOOO much! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help!!!