A Professional Organizer On What To Keep, What To Get Rid Of, And How To Live Better At Home
In this episode, Chelsea speaks with professional organizer Jolin Polasek, owner of Sage Organization and Design, about all the things we're doing wrong in our homes, and how to fix them - from not using vertical space to letting dirty clothes pile up on that random chair.
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Two tips that helped me the most: One, everything NEEDS a place. (Find a home for every item) Two, don't handle items twice. (Meaning instead of putting that jacket on the couch or the floor, put it in its place, its HOME, so you don't handle that item twice). Game changers for me.
I've heard a relevant saying: "A place for everything, and everything in its place." No comment on how well I practice that - or don't.
@@ratamacue0320 I've heard the same. I think it's a cooking saying but for me it helps in all aspects :)
@@rocioiribe5841 I do the same thing - 'don't put it DOWN, put it AWAY' and that has completely changed my life and my space.
@@lopsidedtree yes! Same thing! Totally changed things for me
And I love how she said that it’s like magnetic, that things are almost pulled to the place that they belong… So easy! And fun 😃💖
Every time Chelsea adjusts her glasses, a butterfly is born
This comment struck me in such a cute way. Thank you for the smile.
I read this then looked at the video just at a moment she was adjusting her glasses 😂
@@Freefall1357924 me too 😂 love her
LOL. I love this.
Couldn't help but smile at this comment
Whenever I would toss a thing I didn't find essential, I used to think 'what if a crisis comes? Maybe then I would appreciate the ugly trousers as I would have no trousers otherwise?' I come from Poland and I'm 29 and here the possibility of next war or system collapse has been present in the minds of many. Imagine my surprise, when the corona came and it turned out all the spare things are even more of a problem as you're stuck with them at home.
My mom's been cutting up worn out pants and shirts to create washable shopping bags and little organizing bags
I read somewhere that if it can easily be replaced for $20 or less, get rid of it.
It's a problem common to anyone who grew up poor. You learn to hold on to things "just in case" and keep that behavior long after the circumstances change. It takes a concerted effort to change that behavior and learn to let things go. Personally, I started with letting go of things that probably wouldn't be good anymore even if that crisis did come up. Things that expire, or are out of date, or clothes that aren't likely to fit again. Starting there, it slowly became easier to let other things go as well.
@@fnsmike Good perspective. I need to try that.
I spent large parts of my life in austerity, and it became too easy to keep random junk. The "I might need it someday" thinking is hard to root out. I purge regularly when I can.
I really enjoyed this, the only thing that got to me a bit was referring to people who have “the chair” etc as being lazy - being disorganised isn’t always due to personal choice, e.g I went undiagnosed for 20 years for ADHD and I was accused of being lazy and slobbish which really affected my self esteem because I thought they were right, when in reality I just found trying to organise things too overwhelming. Nowadays I have someone come and help me when I need to do a big organisation task like moving home or packing for a big trip because my brain simply can’t figure out where to begin otherwise
I feel exactly the same way! I’m undiagnosed but I’m concerned I might have adhd myself.
Also, those who have depression or anxiety disorders don't always have the emotional energy to deal with figuring out what to do with their stuff. I have generalized anxiety disorder, and there are many things I don't figure out a good way to store it until it finally pops into my brain and I can't believe I didn't think of it before. But I just didn't have the emotional energy to do it.
@disgruntledmoderate5331 Hmm.. Interesting. I think some anti-anxiety drugs (sleeping pills) can cause a lack of clarity also. Especially some of these ppl who are on multiple medications. Some seniors - whoa! They can be on SO many. I swear it's a racket but I guess that's a different comment section topic.
Thank you! I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and ASD and was very bothered by how they referred to people as lazy. Extremely unempathetic. I wouldn’t want people like that helping me, personally.
The idea of the “fantasy self” is a tough realization why we hold onto so much stuff.
Open shelving in a kitchen just means you need to wash everything before you use it, as well as afterwards. Kitchens produce grease, even if you run the fan every time you turn on the stove.
yes I agree! I'm constantly cleaning the few things that are out in the open (mainly small appliances), I would never opt for open shelving in the kitchen!
Thank you for saying this!!! I am always astonished that people have open shelving!
True.
I feel like open wardrobes (racks) are impractical for the same reason. You need doors on your wardrobe so dust doesn’t settle on your clothing.
Totally agree, yet I have two. The key to open shelving is to put on it the things you use EVERDAY. Things on my shelves do not have the time to get greasy or dirty as they are constantly in use, so have to be cleaned. I should also mention, that when I renovated, I bought a second hand kitchen and some appliances, but bought a large vent fan.
Everybody: Minimalism etc etc... huzzah! Me: *spends the whole video googling where I can buy a giant wrought iron demon frog*
Did you find it? If so please link.
😄
I DID NOT. I'm still a little upset about it, tbh.
I recently learned that "maximalism" is a totally valid decorating style..... at least that's what i'm telling myself
Hilarious!
the demon frog discussion made me snort-laugh throughout. amazing. a cautionary tale.
Honestly I want that frog so much now; it sounds amazing.
I think its a sad reflection of immaturity. Its okay to say I appreciate you thinking of me but am not a frog person.
I would love a frog and frog collection like that 🐸❤
This was so interesting. The highly intelligent, respected, contributing members of society that you were describing with the imploded closets sound SO. FAMILIER. I bet a lot of them struggle with executive functioning for one reason or another (ASD, ADHD, etc.). We can use ALL of our organization and planning energy at work so when we get home there is literally nothing left. It's like being a severe introvert and having to use all of your social energy at work. When you get home, you have to recharge in order to function. This doesn't leave us with a lot of time when we have energy to get things done in our own homes.
HAlC11235 - You put this well. I think you’re right! That makes sense. I think for many people this can happen without realizing it. Great to have someone sign a spotlight on it and assist in finding ways that work for you
So true! I have ADHD and you've described exactly me until a couple of years ago when I was finally diagnosed and treated. You spend what little energy and exec functioning you have on your job and outside people, so when you get to your own space for your own happiness and well-being, you have nothing left.
Yes, can relate. ADHD can make creating structure very hard while being creative and doing complex projects are manageable. But the disorder creates tremendous anxiety and really impairs functioning. Really here for all the tips
I am an introvert and have generalized anxiety disorder, and I don't have the energy after work to do much of anything.
Yup! ADHD/ASD person here. I wish more people understood us and how our brains work. It would explain so much, and then maybe they wouldn’t just assume everyone is lazy.
When I saw the thumbnail “organizing secrets” I thought it meant how to organize your secrets... I was confused lol
Yeah I thought this was a conspiracy episode
And I didn't learn any organizing secrets either...
Me too :D
After watching the Minimalist documentary and Marie Kondo, I got rid of a lot of stuff. Unnecessary Material items not only take your money but also mental space!
I’ve been looking for a good way to organize my secrets. Vault? Locked box at the bottom of a well? Whispers on a winter wind? So many options.
Pink glittery diary with tiny padlock, written in UV ink
I'm jealous because I don't have any secrets 😔
So the "how can they live like that...I can't help it... It's a choice" conversation... asking someone who suffers from depression anxiety or any of a host of mental illnesses (whether recognized or unrecognized) "why don't you just clean up?" Is like asking an addict why don't you just stop using drugs or asking a diabetic why don't you stop eating starch & sugar. Im glad you're blessed to be well organized but pleasetry to be conscious of those who struggle to stay on the grind to live and neglect their personal space because of their internal struggles. Probably a correlation between your client's drug use the clutter and unaddressed emotional distress.
I was surprised that a professional didn't get this concept.
Yeah, I thought the comments around this topic were tone deaf
Yupppp. I felt super judged by that comment and stopped listening.
A little able-ist generally. I'm disabled, and I work full time. I can't always take 5 extra steps to put something in the "right" place.
Exactly what I was thinking. The way they put out those comments are very hurtful. Let us all be thankful for our skillset. They can be organized, good for them. I can do my taxes easily and you don't see me slamming them about it. It's a little insensitive especially for people who suffer from depression. There'll be days where the only thing I can do is to open my eyes, and that's okay.
I watched this late but one piece of advice that helped me with the everything chair was over the door hooks. The reason my chair always filled with stuff was I didn't want to put clothes that weren't clean back in the drawer but they weren't "wash me" dirty yet, think jeans. They go on the back of my door and I have to use them before wearing clean clothes. The chair stays clear and I can enjoy sitting it!!
I use over-the-door hooks for certain items, the chair for pjs, and I put everything else directly onto the hangers on one side of my closet. Like, I made a rule that if I take off something I plan to wear again, it must only make one stop: it can't go on my bed and then move to the hanger later, it must go straight to the hanger. Except when I'm in a hurry. I'm often in a hurry when I have to leave the house. Still, it's better than nothing :)
Ok in defense of planners I have adhd and I need to physically write it all down and see it. It works way better because it’s a physical book I can see instead of an app I forget to open. Maybe I like it better because I’m a college student and have to write down specific assignments but I just really love planners.
I enjoyed this conversation. Today's guest was professional, intelligent, and I believe approachable to her clients. The tips that resonated with me were: does this item serve you, vertical storage, and putting each item in it's place. Thank you.
She wasn’t approachable to me. These folks don’t seem to be aware of neurodivergence and lack empathy imo
Great video, although it is a little frustrating to hear lots of convo saying how simple it is to nail things and hang things off the wall, install shelves/change them etc. when you live in rented accommodation. I can't change anything about the property, not even the furniture. I also live with other housemates, so I can't force them to throw out their own stuff in communal spaces. It's not that there's nothing to take away from this, there definitely is, more it's a little frustrating at those points!
A kinda odd workaround that I have for not very dirty clothes (jeans, etc.) is that I just have a 4th basket labeled "wear again" in my hamper. It came with 4 baskets and I only used 3. It's changed my life lol
Got into another argument with the fiance regarding sauce packets and the literal HUNDRED or so takeout plastic wear that's been just sitting there forever. Fun fact: I donated the utensils to a shelter and tossed the condiment packets. 💪🏼
Just in case anyone sees this- food pantries can usually take condiment packets, and they can be a good option for people who don't have secure housing with a place for larger containers or perishables (living in a motel, shelter, etc)
SO glad to hear of someone taking the trouble to be conscientious and donating something that could have easily been thrown away but will surely be appreciated!
Recently I was getting stressed by all the stuff in our small London house. I could clean every day and soon after there were things lying around again. Then I came across video about Marie Kondo’s Konmari method. Read her book and I am in the process of decluttering our house. This lady is saying very similar things. Basically do not overdo the organisation, make it simple, find place for each thing you want to keep, make it functional.
lol...Chelsea is amazingly funny "no no no, you can curse. For shit." 😂😂😂 whyyy does she do this to me!
Wow. Super judgy about those of us who haven't been blessed with exceptional executive skills. You sure are better than the rest of us. I hope you're both very proud of yourselves.
Same here. I often heard it perusing thru youtube and had no idea what it actually meant outside of context clues.
As someone who loves kitschy "cottage core" decor, that frog sculpture sounds like a joy.
It also sounds like a fun conversation-starter!
Between the frog and "You wanna party, girl?" I think I may have pulled something.
I read somewhere that part of the problem is wanting a 'fantasy life' instead of living in our real world. That is why we hang on to so much...bc one day we might need it or become the person we dream of being. Though it's probably not going to happen!
But I think it’s nice to keep some of those fantasies, if it’s not harmful to the current life.
Ive lived with my mom all my life. I'm 22 and she has sort of moved out but pays the rent while I live here, and everytime she comes home she cant understand why I can never keep the house clean. She gets mad and irritated at me, but what I found out is that there is TOO much clutter stored away that doesnt allow me to store the actual essential things. For example, mugs. My mom would only use 1 mug and so would I. Yet, she would come home with sets of 4, then 3 other random ones another day until our "mug" cabinet was completely full. We still only used 2 mugs out of over 20. My mom IS lowkey a shopaholic, but shes also very clean and neat so to her, everything has a place. However, since she keeps buying things and expecting me to put them away- theres just no more space in our 2 bedroom apartment. Ive taken it upon myself to throw out/ donate things that haven't been used in over 2 years. Towels that have stains, rips, holes etc, she still wants to hold on to them because they were expensive, I try to talk her out of keeping them because we have "new sets now". Its a process that I am also learning, but clutter stresses her out yet she doesnt see how shopping affect this!
Maybe if she had to find a spot for stuff, she would stop bringing stuff in because she would realize there is no space for it. *hopefully*
Omg I blushed when she explained "we stan"
Every time someone makes a "millennial" joke, I roll my eyes. I'm a 28 year old millennial who has had a checkbook since 18.
I feel that way too about Millenials don’t work hard jokes. In high school I raised my bro for my chronically ill mother, went to high school, did college running start classes, and worked a job to pay bills. In college, I worked 30 hours a week, went to full classes a mix of undergrad and grad because I qualified for a special program, and worked 30-40 hours a week for an unpaid internship in publishing which is extremely project labor intensive. Not a single person I’ve met making those jokes could’ve handled that work load and level of work ethic.
Yeah, those jokes are cringy
I’m a 24 year old Millenial and when I was 18 I used to use checks to game the system when I was a couple days before pay day but I needed gas 😅
Heck I had a checkbook by 16
I wonder how many of her clients have adult adhd. Not being able to keep up with basic home stuff is one of the major symptoms.
~37:25 “if you can’t eliminate the problem then eliminate the bad habit.”
Love the video 😊👍 I disagree about the Rumba though: we had a Deebot and it was absolutely perfect: got into corners, deep cleaned carpets (we had our carpets professionally cleaned right before, and the Deebot pulled out more stuff), which lead to us selling our regular vacuum cleaner after a year. We had it going several days a week though and I'm someone who doesn't allow shoes inside, wash floors every other week and machine-wash rugs. About blenders: I need one. I make pure soups and smoothies quite often. Super impractical if I had to use a stick blender.
Please tell me about your favorite machine washable rugs! My dog and toddler dwelling thanks you in advance ❤
22:11 HUMMMM. As someone who suspect they might have ADHD, I politely disagree. It could be interesting to see how different mental health ( autism, adhd, add, bipolar disorder, etc) affect, if they do, our spending habits, and what the dynamic between the mental health disorder and spending are.
I'm an organizational nerd and this episode has been 100% rad! Thank you! Also, I use my blender LITERALLY DAILY (sometimes a few times per day, as well as my French Press).
There are a few areas in my home that are cluttered, so I'm looking forward to the advice!
OMG SO EXCITED FOR THIS! Im addicted to watching pantry and kitchen organziation videos so this is perfect 😅
FYI - hoarding is now recognized as a discreet disorder in the DSM - it requires psychological intervention.
Yessss!! I was looking up videos on how to organize just yesterday and getting really inspired to do so and then this pops in my feed. ❤️
something that I realized about the chair full of stuff is that sometimes even if you have a space for things it has to be easy to access or you just won't use it. if you have to remove a box from the top of the pile to storage something in another box eventually you will stop using those boxes, it's just too complicated for an everyday system. another thing is that you need to keep everything as visible as you can. you will notice that the area in your home that you frequent the most is the most organized and the less visible will be the one with the disaster.
Omg I’m so glad you guys had that casual conversation about the roomba because I’ve been pondering about purchasing one for the last few months
I think you’re being quite presumptive about blenders-some of us have smoothies, shakes, açaí bowls, and frozen margs on the reg!
I made 5 cold soups this week with my blender, and a sorbet too! And many many margs over the weekend... oops
I use a little ninja food processor constantly for smoothies and banana nice cream and my immersion blender for soups. It’s the giant pitcher blenders that take up over a square foot that are hard to justify unless you’re making smoothies for 5
I just have a lot of strawberry smoothies lol its the easiest decently healthy snack that keeps for a few weeks
I'm on the 42 min mark searching fot comments on the blender thing I was like WHAT, NOW?. LMAO I'm from Colombia, and let me tell you, probably in all of South America, we couldn't even fathom a kitchen without a blender.
I was really hoping there'd be an, "I'm going to insert a picture of the fire frog HERE" moment...still waiting....lol
Thank you so much!!! I listened to this entire video while purging and organizing my entryway. I truly needed inspiration. 😊❤️😊❤️😊❤️😊
Your voices and pace are so identical it sounds like one person talking thru the whole video. 😉
It's interesting listening to this as a hoarder. I've been working on my hoarding for probably 7-8 years now to gradually get rid of stuff and I would probably say its still cluttered to a normal person. Your things tend to give you comfort, so its not a chore to be home, its comfortable, but I definetly don't like having people over and I hate people touching my things if they do come over. There is definetly stuff I have now, that a normal person would throw out, and I hope to one day get to that point. Because I would love to live with less stuff, because it is relaxing, but also having stuff is comforting.... so its a hard line to walk and get used to.
I believe you'll find the right amount of things for you! I remember in my early 20s I had a lot of stuff and it was too much for me, then I went to the other extreme, and now I have about the right amount of stuff for me. I hope your friends are just fine with your home being as you like it, and listen to you when you ask them not to touch special stuff. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that only you know if you've got too much stuff or the right amount of stuff.
As an interior designer and a person trying to sort out her money, I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Thanks TFD!
Ohhhhh!!! I’m excited for this video!!! I’m a hoarder cleaning out my hoarded house so I need all the advice I can get!!! Lol
Hope you document it and let us see through your journey! Would love to watch how you organize your house ❤️❤️❤️
Didn't expect to see you here. I've watched quite a few of your videos. So happy to see you are tackling your problems!
Me too. I’ve watched several of your videos. You have a lot of courage and I hope you will keep going. I have a friend who is very much like you. I share your videos with her.
When she said she assesses the area like 3-d Tetris, I was like omg me too me too!
27:00 YES! this is the first year I've wall mounted stuff and gosh it makes such a difference!!! And I've been renting for 8 years!!
If you keep calendars digitally, I would recommend making an archive yearly (either paper or digital). (Sometimes older items disappear.) And in 50 years, they will be fun to look at!
The joy in the giving of a gift is not in the gift, but the giving. Genius!
I come back to this video again and again :) thank you so much
I love all things organising and think it goes hand in hand with having our finances in order. Just so I know I've three pairs of jeans to not accidently buy a 4th.. that sort of thing. Loved listening to Jolin and look forward to further episodes with different speakers even if outside of finance per say.
My closet is organized with those cheap small shelves from Walmart. They were originally used for shoes by a family member. When we moved recently, I took those shelves and stacked them along one wall in my new, big closet. They work great. I also added a few cheap bins from Dollar Tree and Dollar General. No, none of them is special and pretty but they do the job in helping me stay organized. I don't have purses thrown everywhere and my shoes, bedding, scarves and sweaters now have a place. I even had room to hold a few special books I didn't have room for elsewhere. I was a chronic slob, so I used this move to purge things and set new habits to make sure I hang up my purse on the hook and put away my clothes either on the hangers or in the laundry basket now. I MAKE myself, no matter how tired I am at 3 a.m. when I come in. It really helps establish a much better mindset for me. My pretty chair is now empty and available for me to sit and read. It's so much nicer.
Great guest! Loved listening to her.
I LOVED this episode. It was like having coffee with two friends and discussing this topic in a fun, joking, yet helpful way. I've already sent this to several friends who are looking for a decluttering boost/inspiration. Keep up the good work! And thanks!!!
A really great resource: A Simplified Life by Emily Ley. Very realistic, real-life "minimalism." Personally I never really understood the whole Kondo "spark joy" thing. I find Emily Ley's style to be much more practical though of course if Kondo worked for you then more power to you!
I love her! Followed her biz on IG. Love the freshness of her page. Thanks for featuring her. 🥰
Excited for this video :) Been following your channel for a long time now. Your work & content is excellent. *Ps. Thank you for supporting my channel*
Btw, I LOVED hearing from Jolin! ♥️
I loved this episode! Jolin speaks so well and is so informative. Down to earth and honest. Amazing!
That throw pillow comment just related to me so hard right now. I recently solved our dresser-top issue by putting all my plush on top (and I don't even know how I own so much plush, I've never purchased a plush in my life) which made it both look intentional and also eliminated the throwing-crap-on-the-dresser-top issue. Not my fav color scheme (pastels not really my thing), but looks 10x better and more intentional than before.
Chelsea I was just about to buy a vacum before buying a rug to clean it and also to clean my couch but you just reminded me I cant rent a vacuum from home depot and get a laundry washable rug. You the bomb 💣
Love this convo!! Really enjoyed it thanks :)
Awesome episode! Informative and entertaining.
This feels quite tone deaf. I love TFD & y’all usually do an excellent job at recognizing privilege and adding nuance. Definitely was not expecting to be shamed for clutter from someone whose profession is decluttering homes. The video reads as incredibly judgmental, especially around the 20 minute marks. Would definitely love another TFC with a different organizing professional who doesn’t straight up bad mouth people paying for their services. Not to mention there’s no effort to acknowledge nuances such as: disabilities, working so much that you physically don’t have energy to handle things on your off time, mental health struggles, inability to add shelving to rental properties, etc.
Agree. I felt a lot of judgement. Clearly this is a neurotypical person who hasn't experienced the adversity of being so tired/disregulated at the end of the day that there's no energy left to make yourself do all the "just one things" to keep your house organized.
Put a basket on the chair. Then the stuff is contained and you can carry the basket and put the stuff away.
Or put the things back where they go in the first place
I kind of love the tip with the basket 😄 I feel like not everyone has the discipline in the evening to fold their clothes neatly and put them away if you just want to fall into your bed and sleep 😊
@@lenaziems5892 especially if you work unusual hours
I like that idea IF you put it away.my mother has a ROOM filled with baskets that we are now trying to help her go through.
yea lol i think once you start exceeding the first basket you need to realize it's not helping
Probably moving out soon. Greatly need this!!
Love your channel. Thanks for all the Great content
20:43, wise words over funtional vs trending. Practicality vs. popular. Mic drop moment, thank you Jolin.
Thanks and my favorite part was when Chelsea spoke about the no need for apologizing to your guests for your home. Thank you that’s is what needs to be. Honesty. For sake you are in my home and I have to apologize for what? Great show. Thank you
A lot of my problems organizing come from my aversion to buying furniture. I move so often, I spent the majority of my life having to fit everything into a suitcase. And I never seem to move out of that suitcase.
A have a small shelf in my wardrobe that I put the clothes that aren't clean and nor completely dirty yet, like that jeans worn once. This way I can remember to reuse them as soon as possible, avoid "the chair" and keep my clean clothes super clean!
This was fun!! Thank you!!
Listing to this podcast while deep cleaning!
I love your guest!! 🙌🏻👏🏻🦋💜
I loved this soooooo much
Loved this video!
I enjoyed your conversation a lot!
"Get comfortable mounting stuff on walls." *cries in rental* We have SUCH high ceilings! I desperately want to put nails into the walls and hang things, but the landlord has very strict rules about what we can and can't do to the walls.
I use command hooks. So far so good. 😊
Metal command mounting points with the double command strips can hold most any artwork! It's like mounting a nail to the wall. www.target.com/p/command-jumbo-universal-picture-hanger-white/-/A-13713764?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Home%2BImprovement%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Home%2BImprovement&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=1019404&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&ds_rl=1247068&gclid=CjwKCAjwztL2BRATEiwAvnALckBUQqB2UjF0aCUeKDGTZ5J3xv5KlbDFB01QKHMrCPBrEpZ-JLr_-RoCMYYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I was raised to not put nails in the wall-was never allowed to tack up posters or put up frames-and I have no idea why! Not all the homes we lived in were rentals either. But I’ve carried that restrictive attitude about hanging stuff on walls into my adulthood so now I have pending artwork and photos just sitting around. I’ve tried command hooks but I’d also make sure the paint/wall surface is okay for it too. One hook I used took off some paint on my wall and it’s gonna be a hassle to try and find the same paint swatch again.
Same. And our walls aren't even smooth so I can't use command hooks. We have a weirdly decorated rental with straw and faux brick walls so command hooks don't work. We've just put up tall shelves everywhere and mounted things to the shelves. Wire shelves don't look the nicest but they are SO useful, versatile, modular, and they ALWAYS resell.
Great video!
Vacuum Cleaners: I lived without a steam mob for years - until the entire bungalow was wooden flooring and tiles with a small carpet rectangle in the lounge. I have owned a vacuum cleaner for 59 years. During my first year at university my parents asked what I wanted for Christmas. "Your old vacuum cleaner." Instead I got the current one and Mum got a model upgrade. I kept that for the next eight years and then Mum and I got the next upgrade which lasted me for twenty years and my parent's 27 years. They do not build equipment like that anymore. When I moved into halls of residence they had cleaning staff. Changed the sheets, hoovered and dusted the rooms. Never understood why. Anyhow. The lady on the floor I was on asked me if I ever used my room. The bed was laid. I had a continental duvet and had to make my own bed like for ever! The book case was organised exactly the same as every other day. the desk clear and the room spotless. I told her I had a vacuum cleaner - which I stored in the closet out side my room along with a trunk - she was speechless. When I packed to move out and she was going around clearing up the rubbish from the rooms already vacated and saw the pile of boxes ready to go she did not believe all that stuff had been in my room all year. It was much easier way back then. No hi-fi - a transistor radio. A pocket cassette recorder. No TV, no computer, no tablet, no laptop, no mobile phone or a hundred power bricks. I did get a manual typewriter, had a battery powered calculator, had drawing and writing stuff and in the college building, at the bottom of the stairs in the basement stored my bicycle. Other than the books - lots of books - I now take more on holiday than I typically had at university.
Usually TFD is great about recognizing privilege so it was really surprising to me that they were so cavalier about messiness being a choice when for a lot of people a lack of organization can be a symptom of mental illness. I think it’s okay to acknowledge the steps that cause messiness and disorganization but light shaming does nothing to help people who are looking to change that.
I agree, this interview felt so shallow and they left so much unpacked. Definitely not what I'm used to from TFD.
Totally agree. Dealing with cleaning and struggling the shame and how much holding onto things has affected my life. It is not laziness or simply not making the choice to organize. And there is a lot of anxiety that can come with financial scarcity and lead to holding onto things, and even hoarding. For me, having ADHD, I feel like I do not have the wiring to work through the process of creating structure
Shame definitely helped me to start making the choice to be more organized, even though I've been dealing with a cocktail of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD my entire life which absolutely contributed to my prior inability to rely on executive function. I still struggle with it every day, and I still have slip ups where I let my house fall into disorganization, but it is empowering to know that I have the choice and responsibility to decide to keep doing my best every day. Aside from being neurodivergent and mentally ill, I also have a mountain of baggage from growing up moving from homeless shelter to DV shelter with a severely mentally ill mother who didn't clean more than once a month and never instilled the importance of habits, discipline, hygiene, organization, or cleanliness in us for our first 18 years. None of that is my fault, but it's still my responsibility to make the choice to work with/around my shortcomings and challenges. Mental illness is an explanation for maladaptive behavior and struggle, it is not an excuse. Mentally ill people can still make choices, and can still be motivated by being told that their habits and behavior are unacceptable. The fact that it's HARDER for mentally ill people to do things doesn't mean that they don't still have to do them. We can have compassion for struggle without letting ourselves off the hook or pretending that choices aren't a part of our everyday lives. Shame is an uncomfortable emotion, but it's okay to be uncomfortable sometimes, especially when it's regarding something that will make your life better once you take steps to address the original shameful behavior. Messiness and lack of organization can ruin your life. It can damage your relationships, as it did with several of mine. It can damage your finances, your health, your ability to relax and thrive peacefully in your own home. Mental illness is often made worse by disorganization, lack of cleanliness and chaos. It is an objectively negative trait that should be addressed if at all possible, and feeling uncomfortable with yourself for choosing to live that way is a good thing, because otherwise people will do it forever. I know I would have if I hadn't realized that I would continue to suffer if I kept constantly fucking up and allowing myself to sabotage my life. It's not "privileged" to acknowledge that messiness is a choice. Just because it's not your fault that you are predisposed to make bad choices, due to circumstances out of your control, doesn't mean that you're not responsible for your behavior and that you don't have an obligation to take the steps to address these issues yourself. Mentally ill people have agency, let's not treat them with the indignity of low expectations and protecting them from ever feeling bad about the things they do that are harming them.
@@AtomicR-Word There are privileges and that is ok. Messiness is not a choice if you are struggling to function and do not have the support or tools yet to tackle it in an ongoing way. You sound like you are speaking down to those of us who have voiced our struggles, rather than expressing understanding. But good for. you for figuring it out, through your choices or whatever it was that got you there - you didn't specify. But for the rest of us trying and yet struggling, we don't need this type of "concern." It wreaks of condescension and good ol' shaming - and no, it is not helping one bit. I've got shame covered already, thanks
This. I stopped watching at 40 minutes in, after leaving my own irate comment. Guh.
Ruggable is the way to go for kitchen rugs. I love mine 💜
“You came with a look” love that
They make a great point about the cost of not being organized and not loving your home, which addresses concerns about the cost of hiring an organizer. Obviously hiring someone is not for everyone but if you dislike being home and instead spend time away from it, you need to look at the money you're spending as the cost of not improving your home.
I appreciate that you don't spam ads throughout the podcast even though you can. Quality conversation and very interesting! :)
When I first saw the Thumbnail title, I thought this was tips on how to hide a body 😂 Despite the slight confusion, Awesome Content yet again! Thanks very much!
I moved so many times in my life. And I live in a tiny Chicago studio. This time I left everything in my suitcase collection. Looks like a star wars set. With symmetrical boxes stacked to the ceiling and my speaker cabinets. Thanks to chronic injuries, sleeping on my Turkish rug. Really opened up this 600sft
i have a shelf unit for my small appliances now, it was life changing. I have use all the ones I kept. I would starve without my instapot. Now that i work full time, write, and have a side hustle business of content creation I don’t have time to cook normally. My instapot has saved me hundreds a month because otherwise I’d have just order take out.
I agree Quickbooks is super user friendly and I have seen it been used by businesses. Also, Organisation is very important.
I had a tiny studio apartment cluttered to death with family "gifts" that I felt too guilty to get rid of: cheap carnival trinket knockoffs, clothes a size too small, random stuff (like a large tablecloth) that I couldn't possibly use. I was also poor. Years later I heard about the "Re-Gift" and went OHH SNAP! I have their useless items! Got rid of everything I hadn't already thrown out. Also, my partner told me that "gift" in German meant "poison". NEVER EVER EVER KEEP STUFF OUT OF GUILT. 🙂
I have a Turkish rug in my kitchen. It’s durable, well made, I got it at an estate sale, and I’ll clean it like I clean my wall to wall carpeting, as needed and with a handheld cleaner.
Loved this. Also, the organizer seriously resembles Kate Middleton!
Great episode! Jolin needs to come to Barbados 🇧🇧 !
Iron Frog Candelabra......It's a terrible thing when people think they are helping you with your collection, by adding to it. Someone once said to me they were going to get me a [insert what ever it is I don't want]....I was able to say "please don't....I am good with my own hunt. On another note, when my Mother passed I was letting go of things, and to this day i don't know why I let go of the mid-modern salt pepper and sugar set, that was by some famous designer.....but I did and my needing to see it on the table again, that I hunted for it until I found a set to put back on my table. It brings me joy to see it. Then that stoopid pink ceramic bull that someone gave her because she was a Taurus .....has gone on to, I hope, a better life.
Hello from a Wisconsin native! Although I do find it funny that you mentioned the whole checkbook thing... at 30 years old I still LOVE my checkbook, but being in charge of both mine and my partner's account (not joint), it's much easier for me to budget by creating a manual (aka, notebook) solely dedicated to budgeting and financing
Roomba is awesome! But it depends on your floor and how you clean areas it can’t get to. I used roomba solely for 3 years when I had concrete floors.
"organization is a choice" me with ADHD: *sweating*
I stopped watching at this point. For a long time I was struggling with my mental health and was trying so so hard to overcome it, and would read or hear the generic message of "try harder" or "it's a choice to heal or not heal" and.... oh man I think that's why I have so much in common with people with ADHD... we've been through similar (but different) things
Sauce packets: Junk drawer vs Fridge is the hot new debate I want to have online.
Cassandra Yorgey I’ll take the first swing. Fridge!
Garbage
Drawer!!! But if I was being smart I'd throw them away LOL
Junk drawer
fridge, always