This one will help you avoid the need to use any of the Clutter Guilt Conversations I posted a while back.   I call it “Let’s get this clear before I take it” approach. Click here if you can't see the video. Script: Me: It is so great to see you!! Them: You too! Me: I can’t believe how big Annie is now! I’m not ready … [Read more...]

I've got five six of these Clutter Avoidance Conversations to help you get through family gatherings without bringing home stuff you don't need. Today's approach: “You Know I Can’t Handle More Stuff” Click here to if you can't see the video. Script: Them: Hey sweetie, come in here for a minute, K? Me: What do you need? Them: … [Read more...]

Today's Clutter Avoidance Conversation takes the "But I Already Have One of Those" approach. So logical. (Sometimes) so hard to communicate. (Click here if you can't see the video.) Script: (Me, entering the door, carrying food.) Me: Hey, we’re here!! Them: (Coming around the corner) Well, hello!! Do you see it? Did you … [Read more...]

I had too much fun doing sample Clutter Guilt Conversations a few weeks ago. Really, too much. (Waaaayyyy too much.) As the Holiday Season starts here in the U.S. next week with Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate to share some approaches for avoiding clutter that well-meaning friends and family try to give you at family gatherings. I'm … [Read more...]

No script today. You can totally do this one without even opening your mouth. Just take the box of clutter, stick it in your trunk, and drive over to the nearest donation place. Basically, it's the Declutter Now, Answer/Avoid Questions Later approach. Click here if you can't see the video. I have had WAY too much fun doing these … [Read more...]

  I'm kind of questioning whether I should include this one in my series of Clutter Guilt Conversations this week. It's not my goal to offend the ba-jillion well-meaning people who've said stuff like this to me. OK. Fine. I'll share. This is my favorite response when people just WON'T stop. When they insist they can solve all … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

  Another Clutter Guilt Conversation. I explained my thoughts on Clutter Guilt in yesterday's post (that also has a video!!). My first choice is to not worry about the guilt, but sometimes that isn't possible. If you're paralyzed, and can't get rid of things because of the guilt, you might try one of the conversations I'm sharing this … [Read more...]

Clutter Guilt is a real thing. I get questions about it. I did a podcast on the subject last week, and then had this idea for a series of videos. For my own Clutter Guilt situations, I have the unique advantage of having a blog about decluttering, which means most people in my life (most, not all) KNOW I can't handle stuff and understand when I … [Read more...]