Below are the results of our survey released in preparation for episode #243 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.
We asked our audience, “How often do you deep-clean your kitchen, going above and beyond whatever daily or several-time-a-week routines you maintain?”
Note: Hover over any pie slice in the chart to see the text of the answer and the number of respondents who selected that answer. (Mobile users: Click on the slices for details.)
To view the complete, detailed survey response from any respondent, click on their name (or “Anonymous user”) in the table below. You may also find it easier to read long responses in the detailed view.
| Name (click to view full survey response and comments) | If you shop in thrift stores, resale shops, charity stores, pawn shops, or other sources of second-hand goods, what kinds of things do you look for? | If you’ve ever completed a major decluttering project, have you experienced re-cluttering anxiety afterwards? | How often do you deep-clean your kitchen, going above and beyond whatever daily or several-time-a-week routines you maintain? | What routines or habits have been useful to ensure that your kitchen is always clean? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee | Jeans is my most frequent purchase. Have bought kitchen items such as ladles, serving spoons, butter knives, Corelle that matches my set, water galsses, wine glasses, purses (have never found the perfect one anywhere), pillow cases. Would buy furniture items if needed. Would prefer not to buy stuffed furniture. (But who can predict the economic future?) | Hardly ever | Clean as you go - try to wipe counters and stove top during meal prep or shortly after. Fridge and freezer are kept clean and organized. Fresh veggies do occasionally die, but they are contained and can be gotten rid of pretty easily. It is never a surprise - it results from unexpected changes in schedule when I have stocked up. Pantry is organized, and stocks are rotated whenever new goods are bought. | |
| Julie Anne | I enjoy looking for very old pieces of Delft from the Netherlands. After years of collecting, it's identifying the real stuff, (not the items made for tourists,) that is a thrill. It can't be cracked or damaged either. By being very selective means I look way more than buying. When I rarely by it usually is something very unique and I'm much more satisfied with it. Of course I must have a place to put it or I just admire it where it's at in the store. | The feeling of stress usually hits me when I get interrupted just before I complete an area. Life happens but the derailment seems to yell at me. | At least once a month | Load dishes throughout the day. Counters & stove wiped down after supper. |
| A.G. | I'm very cautious of second hand shoes. I wouldn't buy used socks or undergarments. | I don't worry much about clutter returning beforehand but if it does start to happen I get anxious and overwhelmed as I see things start to accumulate. I try to continue decluttering if it starts to be an issue again. | Hardly ever | I do dishwasher dishes on my days off work (I have 3 days off) and my husband does the handwashing. We also do extra when people will be over. |
| Kathy | Since beginning decluttering journey, I rarely shop for anything other than regular household items that I buy new (batteries, repair materials, etc.). I have toyed with the idea of going to a thrift store to look for a used kitchen appliance I might like to try out, such as an air fryer, but I haven't done so. | This isn't exactly on point, but I experienced declutter "deflation" after having done a major cleanout of my own stuff, only to have rooms fill back up again when we had to move my mother-in-law's things here when she moved to memory care. It was deflating to lose the sense of accomplishment as her things created more clutter than what I had before I decluttered. It took over 6 months of waiting before I felt it was time to sensitively dispose of it all, which I did in stages. Now, one year later, I'm ready to retackle my own stuff again, though I still have some furniture I'm holding for one of her children to come and get. | At least once a month | I do a modified Fly Lady zone cleaning process, so I am always doing some deep cleaning in some zone most weeks, in theory. 🙂 For the kitchen: weekly sweep floor, clean microwave; daily dishes, wipe down oven and counters, wipe table. Biweekly: wash floor. Monthly zone clean: dust surfaces, chairs, wall art; declutter/clean under sink, bookshelf; wash cabinets; wash fan/vent; clean oven once per every other zone cleaning week; wipe small appliances; deep clean fridge; wash windows; clean out 1 or 2 drawers per zone cleaning week. |
| Anja | At present I am not doing any shopping. | I have experienced a bit of re-cluttering anxiety and then I feel the need to declutter more and do that mostly. | At least once a year | "Wipe now or scrub later." Helps a lot. |
| Kathy | Purchase: Clothes, Crystal Never Unsure look things over? | Grandma memory blanket [ let go ] It's gone I set it free... Watch it come a full circle in time. | At least once a week | Areas of disarray address Container shelf Frig shelf Yo yo though in addressing timing Clean up can be a stress motivator of energy release. |
| Anonymous user | I would only buy used: furniture, cars I would never buy used: bras, panties, socks | At least once a year | The sink is always empty and clean. Counters are empty and clean. Stovetop is empty and clean. | |
| Lise | I would not say "only" or "never" regarding preowned items... I would shop for clothing or props for Halloween. I would not shop specifically for footwear since I do not feel comfortable with preowned shoes. | Eek! Yes!!! I was just cleaning a shelf of baking stuff (pulled everything out) and looking at the items - feeling stressed. Pulled a few to donate. I want to make/test 2 pans to see if they are still keepers or if it is time for them to go. | At least once a year | Wash/dry/put away dishes and wiping down counters & stove. Clean/clear frig once a week. Trash removed usually each day or 2 days max. |
| Anonymous user | Furniture from Facebook marketplace | Yes I have experienced decluttering anxiety when I see stuff all over the floors | Never | Dishes |
| Ellen in W Michigan | I don't usually shop at thrift stores. I don't have the patience and would rather go without than spend hours looking for what I need. I did, though, buy two kitchen chairs from the Habitat for Humanity Resale store when I went to donate some items. I had been shopping for chairs and I couldn't even find anything I like, much less could afford. For $20 I got two chairs that will get me by. | Some. I got rid of so much before and after I moved into my new apartment and I love the open, airy feel, but I have a hide-a-bed for guests (I used to sleep in a chair and give them my bed.) and I got new bedding for that, but then I had to find a place to store it. It is a balancing act to decide if the benefit of any thing will be worth the space it takes up. My closets are fuller than I'd like, not yet packed, but my cooler is currently stored in the back of my car. | At least once a year | I wipe down all counters and stove-top every time I do dishes. This means that I need to take care of anything that doesn't belong there. I wipe out my microwave (inside and out) every Friday. I usually clear out my refrigerator before I go grocery shopping and wipe up any spills. I have 3 acrylic trays on my shelves where I usually put anything likely to leak or drip so that I can take the tray out and wash it easily. My refrigerator has loosely defined "zones" to make it easy to find things. If/when I notice dirty spots on my cupboards or appliances, I try to wipe them right away or when I am wiping counters. I seldom do a full wipe-down. I'm bad about floors and make do with my robot vac/mop. |
| Anonymous user | Out of ecological concerns, I buy second hand as much as I can (instead of new). Mostly crockery to replace my broken ones, clothes to change my wardrobe or for specific occasions (dress, bag etc to attend a wedding, etc. The only things I would not buy second hand would be a mattress or pillows. | No, I have not, but I have only experienced a major decluttering for my mother, so it was not my stuff or my space. Instead there was a dread that she would accumulate again. | Hardly ever | - clear and wipe kitchen/dining table (at least once a day, often several times a day) - clear and wipe countertop surfaces and hob (several times a day) - load the dishwasher as we go - hand wash the rest, let them drip dry + finish drying and putting away at least at the end of the day - clean the sink every 2 to 3 days (ideally every night) - fridge inventory / clearing / refilling on Saturdays (shopping day + main cooking day) - fridge cleaning about every 3 or 4 months - microwave oven cleaning every week, clean cloche if splashed (not daily but often) - clean the dishwasher filters on Mondays - clean presses as the need arises - change hand towel, tea towel (dish cloth) and cloths daily. - vacuum cleaning almost daily - Mopping the floor on Fridays, sometimes more often if floor especially dirty - clean cat bowls and eating area daily |
| Hawthorne | I try to always buy second hand, but there's nothing that I would only buy second hand. If I truly need something and can't find it in a buy nothing group or second hand, I will buy it new. I try to source everything possible second hand other than socks and undies. Those are about the only things I buy new or I make new from thrifted yarn or fabric/elastic | Yes, I have done multiple major declutters of my crafting are/shelf. Early in my journey, they became re-cluttered rather quickly and I would feel so anxious that I would at first avoid crafting at all. But as I built my muscles and understood that it's natural for spaces to become re-cluttered as stuff is always entering my space. We just have to process things and continue to declutter bit by bit. Now, my space stays cleaner and I try to do regular maintenance declutters instead of one massive declutter every so often | At least once a month | Not storing anything that isn't kitchen related in the kitchen. Daily dishes and wipe of the surfaces. Weekly cleaning of the fridge and freezer. Cleaning the floors every other day (everyday during gardening season). And most surprisingly, weekly dusting of the open surfaces of the kitchen. Dusting really does make a visual difference in a space |
| Sally | I like thrift stores for wooden furniture, clothes, and kitchen wares. I prefer to buy used for economic and environmental reasons. I would never buy a mattress used, and am likewise leery of upholstered goods. | Have not experienced recluttering anxiety; l’m still trying to get initially decluttered! | At least once a month | Dishes washed every day, stove and countertops wiped clean daily, floor swept daily. |
| Laurie | I've mostly bought shirts for myself and my husband second-hand. I can find quality brand clothing that is in perfect condition at a fraction of the price of what the item originally cost. The quality is better than something I could by at a big box store. I've also bought home decor items. I don't buy something unless I have a specific place that I know I'm going to use it. I've bought costume jewelry and shoes if I have a special occasion and many times, I donate the item back when I'm done with it. I wouldn't buy a used mattress or used underwear. I would be hesitant to buy furniture covered in fabric such as a sofa or chair. | I've had to learn what is too much by experimenting. I thought that I liked a cozy look with shelves nicely displaying items that were pretty, but I wasn't dusting the shelves as often as I should have. So, I had to decide how many items I was willing to move in order to dust the shelves and the items on the shelves. I started with seven items per shelf, then five and now three. I'm not willing to move much to clean! And the shelves still look pretty with just a few special items. | At least once a year | In the morning after breakfast, I rinse off the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. I spray down the countertop with soapy water and wipe it down. I sweep the floor maybe once a week. That's clean enough for me! |
| Anonymous user | I like old tableware. Dining utensils are well made with good design and smooth edges where they’re supposed to be smooth. My hands are arthritic, so I like lightweight items. Items that are nostalgic and don’t take up much room are preferred. I don’t shop often—not many regular places that sell used and vintage items are near me. | I clean up clutter in my bedroom and believe I won’t let it get bad again in front of my closet. Two weeks later it’s back. Shoes and houseshoes gather there and an occasional husband’s item gets thrown there for some reason. | Hardly ever | Wash dishes, wipe down counters and appliances, and organize the pantry. Wipe up spills as they happen. |
| Sarah J | I have looked for pretty, seasonal items in my size and price range in the past and may continue to do so. Mostly I am also considering what to put "back on the river of stuff" now, as you say, Gayle!! | Well, about 2 years ago, the clutter was controlled visually. March 2024 and again in October 2024 I started pulling everything out of my 4 closets to get rid of it. Having stuff in my living space, I cannot think. | Hardly ever | Picking up or wiping up visible messes. |
| Peggy | I don't generally shop thrift stores because I lack the patience to look for specific items. | This mostly happens to the space (her townhouse) I helped my daughter to declutter. (I stopped counting at 65 hours worth of help). She calls herself a hoarder and I think she might be on the spectrum. I do have anxiety because I would like to get it into a reasonable condition for her but that would be a repeat of all that I have already done plus more work. | At least once a month | Keeping dishes done tops the list! Our kitchen is cluttered-looking because hubby is the cook and he likes certain things out on the counter. Our entire counter is the approximate size of 1.5 times a dish drainer size. I have gone over our kitchen to get rid of things we weren't using or that were expired. It has greatly improved the storage areas for the things we do use! It's easy to grab things for a meal as well as return them to their spots. I know where everything is. |
| liz | Never | having a dog | ||
| Dawn | A. I look for clothing, binders, craft stuff, and specific items (i.e., last time I got 4 glass dishes to use in the oven so I can make a recipe exact for four servings). B. I buy used when I'm going down to another size, if I know it's not my stopping point. I only buy binders used because retail is too expensive. I find whatever I can for the same basic reason. Oh, yah. Frames. It's more fun that way too because then I can paint the frame a different color so it's fresh. Caveat. I also get frames at Dollar Store for "expected" sizes. I currently have some things I want to frame where shopping thrift makes it a lot more fun...and because I'm cheap. Why pay more when you don't have to? C. I can't really think of anything. I would only buy batteries if they were still in the original container. Possibly some furniture items due to the damage in use taking too much energy, time, or skill to repair. | It's my goal to finish this year, so I'm not really acquainted with it. At the same time, I was minimally stressed when I started putting things in a particular couple of drawers because I knew it was the start of clutter. I wasn't bothered because I know that doing a refresh isn't that big of a deal. At the same time, they needed to go there because I didn't want them to be visible clutter in the living room. | At least once a year | *Making sure that all of the dishes are done and put away before going to bed. *Having specific "zones" in the refrigerator for certain items and moving them back in place if they get a little disorganized. *Taking out the trash/recycle on Tuesdays (pickup Wednesday) and sweeping the floor. DH takes care of mopping the floor. *I've developed a master shopping list. I hope to follow that up with an inventory list to make shopping and food prep easier. |
| Lola | I look for hardware, art, studio pottery and hard cover books from the 1900's to 1930's. I won't by used kitchen appliances or electronics. I don't buy used clothing any more because it is hard to find something I like in my size. | I generally don't worry about re-cluttering because I know the volume of what coming in is less than 10% of what is going out. | At least once a month | Dishes let don't pile up. Clean and put dishes away right away. Everything has a designated place. Perishables are planned into meals quickly. Freezer management to prevent freezer burned food. Limit reusable storage container and throw out damaged plastics. I only have a toaster, an electric kettle, a container with wooden spoons and spatulas, and S & P on the counter tops. Regularly question if I'm using all the cookware I own and donate anything that does not make the cut. |
| Becky | N/A | I feel like I am not allowed to buy anything else ever again and when I do I feel guilty. For example, I gave most of my books away but ended up purchasing a set of 10 books that I loaned out that were never returned. I love the series and will reread, but still second guess myself for buying the which is really bad since I used Christmas money gifted to me to do so and because I had decluttered so much I have room on my bookcase. | Hardly ever | 1. Do dishes as I go. 2. Wipe counters down daily 3. Put everything away after a meal 4. Never leave a sink full of dishes |
| Anonymous user | Never buy used shoes, sox, or underwear. | N/A | At least once a month | Washing up straight asap and putting everything away. Wiping down surfaces using throw away cleansing cloths. Cleaning out garbage bin with disinfectant twice a week after collection. Descaling washing machine, kettle, iron from time to time Cleaning the floor daily. |
| Anonymous user | Containers to use for floral arrangements. | At least once a year | Clean as I cook. Utilizing a timer to trick me into getting in the groove. Doing things in stages. Menu prep for the week. Deep clean one small area at a time. Having a chair. | |
| Rene | Don't thrift shop. | Anger at spouse who keeps buying kitchen gadgets and then a sinking depression. That leads to retail therapy on my part to lift myself out of it. And that causes spouse to purchase more! It's a real chicken and egg situation with each of us blaming the other, lol. Enough blame and shame to go around. Yeah, the cycle seems to be anger, depression, retaliation, shame, repeat! | At least once a year | Always? Maybe I'm in the wrong group <grin> |
| Kristin | I try to stay out of thrift stores. When I do go in I am usually looking for something specific, or making a donation and get sucked in. Last time I went shopping in a thrift store I was looking for a purse because I could not find one I liked in any other stores and I was in need of a new one. In the past Ive bought clothes, bags, decrative bowls, books, and music CDs in a thrift store. There isn't anything that I would only buy used. I would never buy shoes second hand. Probably because they can't be washed. yuck. | When I moved states for a new job, I decluttered my closet to a capsule wardrobe before moving. 4 years later now and I am at the point that my closet rod is stuffed to the point where hanging my clothes can be a workout. I have to push everything over to fit each piece. I don’t know how this happened because I honestly hate shopping for clothes, but I guess it just slowly crept up on me. I am so annoyed by this and keep thinking I need to find the time to try everything on and purge. Just that gives me anxiety though. | At least once a year | I try to load the dishwasher as dishes are used. |
| Celina | so I do something in between which is outlets. Unless i need something specific, like my favourite tights brand, I go for random outlets for clothes, shoes and electronics. I LOVE outlets electronics in fact, becuase I never buy cutting edge gadgets. I also love second-hand bed linens because they're otherwise very expensive and low quality still. So classic cotton that's been washed many times and proves still usable is my thing. Also, sometimes CD albums, because they have examined and rated disc condition, so I always know what I'm buying. Plus I'm a 90s baby into 80s music, so often many CDs are not even available anymore otherwise. Also, my ball jointed dolls - prefer used and deals and fixer-uppers. And I love flea markets with old lace and threads for crafting. Again, better quality than the new ones. I like to re-use lace and beads off old clothes, so if I see some for little money that I can reuse for sources, then I buy them. Also, I'd never buy a new car unless a small a cheap one, but still probably off some new year sale anyway 🙂 | I generaly noticed recluttering, but now I just understand that with some thing e.g. papers you need to let go of this fear and understnad that it's a habit. I do have more things than when I started decluttering but I'm okay with that because I know that I need them. | At least once a year | regular dish washing, examining if there are some foodstuffs I don't use so I can either remember I have them and use or give away to family. I like clean countertops, with no spills, etc. visual hygiene is important to me. |
| Cara | Only buy fabric things that can go in washing machine. never buy shoes. | Not anxiety. More just despondency when stuff starts to accumulate again. | Hardly ever | Schedule people to come visit- requires that deep clean happens. Husband does dishes/basic cleaning every night- marrying him was a great decision. |
| Evelin | I usually don't buy second hand but once I saw an expensive dress that I couldn't afford full price so a few years later I bought it second hand (found it on an online platform for second hand clothes) | It's not really anxiety but I am very well aware of the fact that I could fill the space up with clutter again. | At least once a year | We used to do a "kitchen rush" every evening before going to bed but sadly have gotten out of the habit. |
| C | I used to buy baby and toddler clothes, toys, wash them well. (Little ones grow so fast) I still buy books, sometimes puzzles. If I see a pretty shawl or gloves, those too. I would never buy shoes. | I was doing well, then each time parent/elder died accumution began by default= I had to find the best way to dispose of more valuable items. Same with books and papers. Seems to be in waves. | At least once a year | Quick tidy before going to bed; washing items as I go about cooking. Put groceries and sundries away asap. |
| Lala | I used to look for vintage things but I don't shop in those stores anymore. I have too much stuff now. So of course all the vintage things would be used except something might be new now and then. They don't put out things that people would not buy. I wouldn't mind pre-worn bras but I draw the line at underwear LOL. | Let's put it this way, I have years of accumulations which are still overwhelming me but I am making a dent. For one thing I no longer look for anything to collect at all. If I come across something I can use, or I've been looking to buy new in other stores then I might purchase it second hand, otherwise not. Also when I am selling at a flea market, I purposely never look at anything else for sale so that I can keep all of my profits and I don't add to my collections. I've been really good at doing that for the last several years. I do get anxious when I look around my house and I want to sell everything but I don't have the ambition and energy at the same time. | Never | I keep my fridge clean and I make sure there's no bad food in there. I keep my counters where I prepare food clean everyday. I only use a few dishes so I have to clean them quite often. And my microwave is also kept clean anytime I cook something that spatters or makes a mess. I don't use a stove, only a microwave. I'm on my third microwave in 40 years. |
| Anonymous user | I look for name brand clothing that I could not affort to buy new, such as Chico's or Coldwater Creek. I look for like-new pieces that were likely gifted to someone and turned out to be the wrong size or color for them. | After decluttering quilting materials after deciding I didn't want to pursue sewing, I started accumulating drawing materials to try out this new activity. I'm trying to keep the inventory down and not save every inspirational item (e.g. tissue boxes or envelopes with interesting patterns on them). | At least once a year | I don't stock up on items. I learned to buy only what is needed for planned recipes and to have a few staples on hand. I remind myself that I don't live in the outback and am able to get to a grocery story; I don't have to maintain a large stock. |
| Ginger | I can’t think of anything I absolutely WOULD ONLY buy used - nor any I WOULDN’T buy used - except the items usually not resold - like underwear. I keep a list of items in my phone’s reminders app. Listed under Errands. These are items I can live without. But, cI’d like to have if I come across them at a good price. 🔳 Current list: ▪️Pieces missing from my flatware. (Oneida Michaelangelo) ▪️Snack plates. ▪️4oz ramekin. ▪️Tiered tray. ▪️Books. | No. When I do a major declutter - I take before & after pictures. I think this establishes my new normal. I keep the photos in a private Facebook page dedicated to my home organization. I have photo albums for each space and some categories. These albums serve as a reference. 🔳Examples: ▪️I have cleared the bathroom linen closet - then during my husband’s health crises it exploded with all the things. I knew it was happening. I knew why. I knew I’d reset it back to zero when he progressed and no longer needed these items. I think it helps to have a clear picture of my normal. My zero. ▪️The same happened with my bedroom closet. It was perfect. Then, I stashed things there to get them out of my way during the time after my parents passed away. But, I knew what it was supposed to look like. So… I eventually got it back to zero. ▪️In my kitchen - I’m rethinking the way we store some items. So - my new normal will/may change. When/if it does - I’ll take new before & after photos. | At least once a month | 🔳 I have routines for morning, coffee time, afternoon, after supper, before bed - and monthly. (Inspired by FlyLady) These seem like a lot when it’s written down. But, it’s habit & routine now. There’s a smooth practiced flow to it. It’s usually quick. 🔳 Morning - Kitchen 1. Put away clean dishes. 2. Start drip coffee. 3. Check & Mark off wall calendar 4. Feed kitties 5. Quick tidy of breakfast dishes & surfaces NOTE: The bedroom, bathroom & laundry are also part of my morning routine. The whole routine takes about 30 minutes excluding making/eating breakfast. Of course, there are days I make coffee & crawl onto the sofa and start my morning routine in the late afternoon. It’s okay. 🔳 Coffee Time There are no kitchen specific tasks here. This is when I sit with my water & coffee & take meds, check blood sugar, clear email, text & voice messages, call histories and photos. And, practice Duolingo Spanish & American Sign Language. 🔳 Afternoon - finish laundry load, 1. Prep supper. (I do a weird thing where ingredients go to the left of my prep area. As they’re used - they get moved to the right. Then, I can take a minute to put things away.) 2. Warm soapy water in sink 3. Prep dishes into warm soapy sink water 4. Wipe up spills while cooking 5. Put prep dishes into dishwasher 🔳 After Supper 1. Put away left-overs. 2. Dishes rinsed & into dishwasher 3. Wipe surfaces - check oven for spills 4. Add kitty dishes to dishwasher 5. Sweep & Mop or spot clean floor 6. Take-out trash. New trash bag. 🔳 Monthly - The 2nd week in each month is for my kitchen. I spend a little time each day to do a few tasks. I keep a detailed list and rotate through it. I write the date beside the task to remind me when it was last done. ▪️Section 1: Contents of the Kitchen 1. Declutter round through kitchen. 2. Update inventory list. I keep a list. It’s easy to update it. ▪️Section 2: Structure - Deep Clean 1. Walls & Ceiling 2. Windows & Blinds 3. Cabinets - inside & doors 4. Drawers 5. Pantry - inside shelves, floor & door 6. Countertops 7. Faucet 8. Light fixtures & switch plates 9. Floor ▪️Section 3: Appliances - Deep Clean 1. Small appliances - list 2. Large appliances - list ▪️Section 4: Decor - Deep Clean 1. Wall decor 2. Silk Plant 3. Surface Top Objects ▪️Section 5: Repair, Replace, Refresh 1. Make list of needs 2. Make list of ideas about changes - what’s working, what’s not. |
| Carol | I used to purchase items from thrift stores for resale. I haven’t been to one in over 5 years. I still have a lot off stuff cluttering my house that I didn’t sell! Now I carefully research items that I need and will go to eBay first to get new items at a discount. | I wish. I am chipping away at my accumulation now. | Hardly ever | For 30 years I didn’t have a dishwasher When we moved 4 years ago we finally got one. It is life changing! We put the dirty dishes in there immediately and put the clean dishes away while it is still warm. We also keep the countertops wiped down. Everything else is a mess 😂 |
| Anonymous user | At least once a month | Keep clearing off the counter, wash cooking/baking stuff as I go, don’t keep too much in the refrigerator or pantry | ||
| Kim | Clothes, sports equipment, dishes, CDs, DVDs, furniture, crockery, footwear, books, art, pottery. I buy most things used. I prefer to buy most things used. | I have generalized re-cluttering anxiety. To combat it, I de-clutter every day and live in a small home with almost nothing in my on-site storage unit. | At least once a year | Spot clean floors daily, do dishes and wipe down counter daily, use fizzy tablets in the sink every few weeks, wipe out the fridge/freezer weekly, wipe cabinets/shelves regularly, clean surfaces weekly |
| Patti | I don't have the patience to shop in second hand stores. | Yes. I've had things start to pile up again. In these situations, I think my "re-cluttering anxiety" comes in stages. At first, I feel energized and motivated to take care of those items right away, to keep the space clear. However, if I don't tackle it promptly, clutter starts to accumulate. The longer the "re-cluttering" occurs, the more I begin to not "see" the clutter again. | At least once a month | I have a mandatory closing routine, where I clear and clean the counters and stove, and run the dishwasher. If there are large pots or pans from cooking, I hand-wash those. My goal is to have the sink and counters clear and clean when my husband and I come down in the morning. My closing routine is made easier if I keep up with the kitchen throughout the day! |
| Ria | Kitchen items, books, quality artwork, limited clothing (jeans, wool sweaters, casual knit tops). I would never buy used shoes. | Currently going through recluttering anxiety related to my wardrobe. I don’t know how many pieces I have but have the sense I have too much. Yet sometimes run out of key items (sweatshirt, knit tees, socks) certain times of year when I am more active and may change clothes three times daily. I try to evaluate when putting away clean clothes — is there something I don’t need or use? So far have identified a few possible items | At least once a year | I have taken to washing the floor in zones over two days. When I do that, the whole floor gets washed more often vs when I try to do it all in one day — mostly due to the drying of the floor, keeping dog out and inconvenience. |
| Anonymous user | never buy underwear unless new in pkge but everything else. | At least once a month | clear counters every night. no food left on counters. plastic containers for all drygoods in pantry. garbage taken out every night. wash sinks every time use. NO dishes in sink. | |
| Becky | Unusual Board Games- my adult Children and their families love to play games at get togethers. High end childrens clothing for grandchildren or for my daughter in law to sale at a childrens resale shop. Toys that my grandkids would enjoy- based on their favorite characters. Clothing for myself, husband or son who lives with us. It is getting so expensive and most of our clothing is older. Easy to boost your clothing thru these. Our clothing is also changing from ‘professional’ to more relaxed- so cleaning out and replacing at same time (who needs 60 ties when you retire?) | Anxiety? No. Concern? Yes. A lot of the items I buy at thrift stores will go home with adult children. Our move 2 years ago cleared a lot, but am now beginning to reclean and finish unpacking a last box, putting newer pictures up on the wall, etc. so, I hope to do a ‘deeper’ clean and finish decluttering. | At least once a year | I watch cleaning shows on tv- the ‘hoarder’ type shows and it helps me do a deeper organization and cleaning of the kitchen. Lol! |
| Cee | Buy only tops or dresses at thrift stores machine washable only. Wouldn't buy used shoes because could mess up the foot since everyones foot wears differently in shoes. Would look for rings. | After clearing out dining table and entry way feel stress when others disrespect and continue to make a drop zone | At least once a month | Wash and put away dishes daily. Spend extra time weekly getting rid of worn storage containers and bags of miscellaneous food items no longer being eaten that take up space . I give family members a chance to reclaim any items not belonging in kitchen before I toss the eve of trash pickup day. |
| Lela | I look for all the things: decor, furniture, clothes, kitchen items, & more! Wooden furniture (end tables, bookshelves, etc) ONLY USED because most newly made furniture is rickety junk, in my opinion. Shoes NEVER USED — I bought secondhand shoes in the past, but after seeing a relative fighting severe foot fungus (& reading it can live in places like carpet for up to 3 years), I just can’t buy used anymore. Items for cats NEVER USED because I don’t want my cats freaking out when they smell other cats on their “new” beds & toys. | Nope | At least once a year | Feeding wet food to my cats forces me to wash dishes several times per day, rather than letting a mountain of dirty dishes pile up like I used to years ago. My cats also jump on the counters sometimes, so I feel compelled to clean the counters well before I prepare food. I cook in large batches that my hubby & I eat for multiple days. That way I don’t have to cook full meals & mess up the kitchen every day. (We are empty nesters.) |
| Anonymous user | I usually look for decor stuff that is different and unique. Not something you would generally buy in per say Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, etc. Books are the number one thing I look for. I never buy used clothing or shoes for some reason. | No anxiety about re-cluttering, only decluttering. I know I do not want to get back to where I was at, but I think I have had a major mindshift. I lived with somebody for 12 years and towards the end of our relationship I realized how all that stuff he had, I had, seemed to mean more than me. I know he needs help, but I know I was done with all the stuff. Most of which brings back sad memories of people that are no longer in my life. | At least once a month | I wouldn't say my kitchen is always clean, because I do struggle with the idea of perfection, which can stop you in your tracks. I believe also I have ADHD, which is a constant battle to deal with. I use the term CAYGO, which was McDonald's term that they used. Clean as you go! So I try to put things away as I use them, bring groceries and put away, etc. |
| Anita O | I've been known to buy decor or dishes for an event and donate it back right after the event. I enjoy buying the nice dishes like cut glass bowls as wedding gifts. I look for clothes, but I have to love them to buy them. My husband buys books, and often donates them back. I love how my favorite charity thrift shop (St VIncent de Paul) uses the proceeds to feed the hungry, help people get jobs, and help give a second chance to those emerging from incarceration. Donating my stuff to them always feels good. | My anxiety spot is the multi-purpose room where I do household business and volunteer projects, and sew, and store all our photos - and it has a bed for guests. It feels like I'm always re-setting this room for a temporary use! and keeping on top of 'office clutter' is the worst. Thinning down the photos is the future decluttering project that overwhelms me - but if I make progress, it will open up a little space in here! | At least once a year | Cleaning off counters "as I go" and doing dishes daily. Having thinned the stuff in the cupboards, I no longer have trouble returning everything to its place. God bless my husband who keeps the floor clean! |
| Denise | Stuff I will buy: Jeans. Pants for my father-in-law. pots and pans. Holiday decor. | I cleaned out my last "Catch All" room in Sept 2021. I was VERY worried that I would just re-clutter it... because I always had!!! I belong to Take Your House Back and posted Before and After photos every DAY for a while. And then I went to weekly photos and then monthly. Now I feel confident that I've made enough change, that I post photos 3 times a year. The room has stayed neat, tidy and decluttered for over two years! Yay me! | At least once a month | Doing the dishes. Every. Single. Day. I used to do the dishes once or twice a month and the dishes would pile up past the faucet! I wipe the counters almost every day, but I miss days. Same with the floor. I wipe the baseboards and cabinet doors and walls as I see spills or every couple of months. I take everything out of the pantry and wipe that down once a year. |
| Noreen | I look for decor items that I can either use or do a DIY on. I also sometimes look for household items that I can resell on Ebay. | At least once a year | Wipe counters and clean sink nightly. Refrigerator clean out every 2 months. Vacuum several times a week and mop every other week. | |
| DM | home decor or art (pictures and frames), glass or ceramic items to use in a new way ( handle-less creamer for a pen holder) , clothes, plant pots I'd never buy undergarments or shoes, but I'm fortunate enough to be able NOT to. | I downsized throughout the whole house many things that hadn't been used for years. Several years later, I realized that we needed several of things that were gone in the " great purge" . So, I made do with substitutes for most of the items. Spouse is still cross at me. Who would have guessed that he would want to start canning in his seventies? I had done all that and didn't want to start again. | At least once a year | Leave the kitchen clean at night so that you have a clean space in the morning. Make my bed every morning. Pick up stray objects and put them away. " A place for everything and everything in its place." My mother swept the kitchen and diningroom floors three times a day, after every meal and often again after we went to bed. I try to sweep at least twice a day. Mop the kitchen floor every day or second day. Have a routine for loading and unloading the dishwasher. |
| Eve | Q1: Cute tops in my size, sterling silver, handbags, furniture Q3: Undergarments, shoes | Not exactly, but the last time I did a huge purge, I went crazy shopping and trying to serioulsy decorate my space. I truly went overboard. Bought so much on sale that I woudl eventually use, such as wonderful outdoor gardening containers, new storage bins that weren't all icky, area rugs to replace the worn out ones etc. Then I got injured and I have several huge new rugs standing up in my porch waiting to be installed after 3 years. Excuse is that I didn't have help or we didn't want to let anyone in during the pandemic. Then there was the pandemic shopping that turned into prepping, only I didn't have space for it (can you guess which Houston client this is?) | At least once a year | Putting everything away and not leaving items on the counters. Berating family to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving in the sink. Being really cranky with the family when they don't follow through or leave their messes for me to clean up. |
| The Mags | I sometimes shop at good will. I mainly look for good seasonal clothing and household goods. And no. | No I have not experienced the recluttering effect. Once it get it cleaned out. It stays. Getting it started and done is the hardest part. | At least once a month | Take it out. Put it away. Open it. Close it. Dishes washed right away or dish washer. Keeping up on it as it happens really helps |
| Anonymous user | Look for Gently used sheet sets Glassware Cookware tops/lids/pots missing or damaged Never buy Underwear Bras | Books I cannot seem to resist buying books that are not available from the library. Paperwork I manage retirement and healthcare paperwork for three older adults. It’s a loosing battle to keep up. | Hardly ever | Morning and evening routines with the dishwasher Placing dirty dishes into the dishwasher throughout the day |
| Summer | I keep a running list of items I don't need / want right away. That list will guide my visits to second-hand items. I consider children's toys, books, clothing. Women's accessories Houseware/kitchenware I would not purchase used shoes, pillows, or stuffed animals that cannot be washed. | I cannot say I have "clinical anxiety" per se about decluttering a space but i have often realized it is easy to re-accumulate stuff over time. | At least once a year | Washing and putting up dirty dishes Wiping down countertops Wiping out my sink |
| Millie | I only go to a thrift shop when I need a specific item. For example, I purchased a secondhand iron when my old iron died. The cost of NEW iron was ridiculously high; the thrift store iron was cheap and was, in fact, the exact same model as the iron that had died so I already knew how to use it. It was a win-win. I would never buy used pants or used shoes at the thrift store. I would probably most other items used. | No. | At least once a year | The basics - wash dishes daily and wipe counters down. Sweep floor every few days. |
| CHRISTINE | BEDBUGS ! bedbugs can easily hide in all upholstery fabrics, clothing, purses, shoes, books, luggage. and even in the joints of wood furniture.. It is a complete health and home disaster when bedbugs enter your home. The only materials safe from bedbugs are hard, clean materials like plastics, metals, glass/ceramics. So I do not shop at thrift stores, as I do not want to bring bedbugs into my home. but I have donated metal pot racks, lamps , dishes, and plastic furniture to thrift stores. I have even donated a lot of wood furniture to thrift stores, which did not have bed bugs in them | Zero anxiety. But when I do re clutter, I am aware of it, I address it immediately. Maybe because it was so much work and time to declutter (with a bad foot for a year, etc). I NEVER want to have to declutter certain areas , ever again....like the whole basement. | At least once a year | My kitchen is never 100%"clean". I prep, freeze and cook mostly fresh food., especially if there is a sale on organic, fresh vegetables, So my kitchen is in operation, most of the day. I cook all my meals from scratch, because I am on a strict vegetarian, organic fresh food diet., So my kitchen is usually messy, but not dirty. Thoroughly , cleaning the kitchen sink every night. before I go to bed, is an area I have been working on improving. And also emptying the dishwasher right away. I think the kitchen is the one room in my home that is a trade-off. I can spend my limited time maintaining a very clean kitchen. Or I can spend my time preparing extremely healthy meals. And just get around to cleaning the messed on areas of the kitchen as needed. |
| Gabriella | If I need something specific quickly, I just walk over to the large thrift store near my home and see if they have it. Often these items are of better quality than what I find in stores downtown. I sometimes look around at flea markets or the like just for fun - and try not to buy anything, unless it is something I really want. There are some clothing items that would be so expensive new that I resort to buying them second hand (like truly high-quality cashmere sweaters for instance). Things like shoes, underwear, etc., I buy new. In general I find it more fun hunt for interesting clothes in thrift stores and the like. I usually find the clothing in big department stores pretty boring. | I'm still in the process of reducing my stuff as much as possible. Besides getting rid of things, I'm very careful not to bring a lot of new things into the house. Even though my inflow/outflow ratio has been about 1:10 during the past years, I keep feeling a little worried every time I acquire even a small number of new items (mild pangs of recluttering anxiety :o). Putting my things back in order regularly is no problem and I enjoy doing so. Re-accumulating a lot of things would make cleaning up more difficult. | At least once a month | I keep only the items that I actually use, which boils down to having only a reduced number of appliances and specialized gadgets. Every item has its designated place and it is easy to put them back. I'm working at learning to clean up while I'm cooking. |
| Jeanne | I no longer shop in these stores, I am limited to where I can go. Hubs and I once sold vintage for many years Both our parents were antique dealers and we were forced to clear their sizable estates. The past year has kept me burdened with clearing my hubs estate. I hope to finalize all by the end of summer. I am a daily declutterer , and am happy to gift and donate. | Both our parents came to be hoarders in their later years. I prefer to keep my home minimal , clean, and well organized. Such an environment would give me extreme anxiety. | At least once a month | Daily cleans ups as needed, Weekly floors and fridge, then the Fly Lady list the second week of each month. I do the entire list for each cleaning zone. I keep a minimum of items in good order and condition. My kitchen nook is very little, efficient, and pleasant to work in. |
| Ernestine | I look for clothing, household goods, books, craft instruction books and magazines, anything that looks like something I can actually use. I used to look for decorations, but not so much anymore. There is a shop run by a church here in the town where I live. Everything there is free. I tease the ladies: "So if I need to bring this back, you'll give me double my money back, right?" When my husband was alive, he would buy a lot of tools at several different pawnshops. I've had to get rid of most of them. | My decluttering has never been completed yet. I'm still dealing with my husband's stuff 4 years after his death. | At least once a year | Wash the dishes every day. Pick up stuff that has fallen on the floor. Mop the floor regularly. However, my kitchen is not yet always clean. But I'm working on it. |
| Rose | Items I look for: home decor, furniture, housewares, miscellaneous. Only buy used: glass serveware (platters, wine glasses, punch bowl. Never buy used: underwear, cosmetics (unless clearly new or unopened). | Yes, I've experienced recluttering anxiety. Usually I get complacent at first when it starts to get recluttered, thinking I'll clear that flat surface "tomorrow". But then I get busy tomorrow and it doesn't get done, and before you know it it's back to messy! | At least once a year | Run the dishwasher daily, even if I don't have a full load. Do a "closing shift" after supper - put leftovers away, run dishwasher, wipe counters and sink, put out clean dish towels, set up coffee maker for morning. |
| Allison | I try to buy used whenever possible, especially clothes. There are a couple items in particular I'm looking for. That said, I would never buy used shoes or undergarments. | My strict one in, one out rule means areas never get out of control once decluttered. Therefore, I don't experience anxiety about re-cluttering. | At least once a month | Cleaning and putting away dishes and empty food storage containers daily. Putting food away when finished. Wiping down counters daily as well as the stove and microwave when necessary. Placing a napkin or paper towel over items in the microwave helps keep down splatter. |
| Karen | I started reselling in my retirement so I buy everything used; however I would never buy personal items used. | I decluttered my entire first floor; however started reselling as a side hustle. My basement has gotten out of hand with all the things and I am having to start over in that area. The struggle is real trying to find a balance. | At least once a month | I try to keep my kitchen table, counter and sink clear. I am terrible at doing dishes and have to force myself to do them. |
| Laura | I like to find vintage decor items (art, frames, glassware) at thrift and antique stores. I would never buy anything stuffed (pillows, stuffed animals, sleeping bags, etc.) | I have never experienced this. But now that I have heard about it, I probably will - so thanks… | Hardly ever | Wiping all counters and sink. I enjoy this because I love the fragrance of Mrs. Meyer’s Snowdrop All-purpose cleaner! I also dispose of expired items regularly. |
| rowan | N/A | we have a "sink is to always be empty rule" as well as desginated counters (his/hers/shared) | ||
| Patty | Look for serving dishes , coastal decor, old buttons, old bottles. Would probably not buy clothing. | No | At least once a year | Hiring a monthly cleaner and keeping it surface clean and things put away daily |
| Yvonne | I have purchased clothing for myself and my young children from a thrift store. I have purchased high end second hand jewelry from eBay, and I have purchased a lot of second hand designer handbags from Poshmark. I personally would not buy previously worn shoes second hand . | We have a walk in attic in our home. It is huge. My husband is a collector and loves to fill the attic with whatever he can. I swear he has some fear of an open and clear space. I spent a lot of time clearing most of my belongings from the attic in an attempt to clear the space. Instead of leaving it that way, my husband found a way to fill it back up. Now, I feel so much anxiety when I go up there that I try and avoid the space altogether. I never go up and if I need something I just make my husband get it. | At least once a month | A reset every night before bed. Keeping the counters clear of excess appliances. Putting dishes in the dishwasher and running it every night regardless of how much is in it. |
| Mel | I have decluttered several areas but they do not stay decluttered. I feel like a failure at this as my home seems as bad now as it ever was. It is still overwhelming to look at every roo. And see a mess and stuff everywhere. | At least once a year | Loading tbe dishwasher each evening, clearing countertops after use. | |
| Lynn | Haven't been for a couple years, but did shop for most of my camping goods at Savers. I found used cookware, dishes, throw rugs and blankets for car camping in the wild. I also buy things to use as pots for houseplants. I keep all the camping stuff in storage bins in the garage. | I prevent the anxiety by limiting what I buy and doing a decluttering pass through the house once a year as I do a deep clean in each room. I keep a donation bag in the closet for things to immediately go in there if no longer wanted. I also have a space in the garage to accumulate items for donation until I have enough to justify a donation run. | At least once a month | All food put away and dishes in dishwashe, counters wiped downr before bed. Empty dishwasher the next morning. I do bulk food prep for a few days of meals and this helps to limit the mess to once a week. I also grocery shop once a month and put things away immediately. |
| Isabelle | I buy EVERYTHING second hand except for panties (bras and bodies I do) and socks. 98% of the contents of my household is bought used/ secondhand. | I am not sure, but my gutt feeling is saying "no". It's more that I have this feeling of being certain that the space will return to its cluttered state, but without it causing anxiety. It stems from a deep "acceptance" of being "an unorganized person" and that that this determines who I am while feeling extremely unhappy and ashamed of it. Thus, returning to the - truely undesired - state of clutter would simply be a confirmation of this crazy self-belief .... In fact, I have had a very strange sensation in the last weeks when waking up to a tided and calm bedroom every morning; it feels calm and relaxing but at the same time also gives me a slight feeling of feeling lost as if a "coat of insulation" has been taken off ..... bad-shit-crazy stuff 😉 And no, Iam mentally stabile, but very outspoken about my thoughts and feelings. | Never | My kitchencounters are clean and as empty as possible every day. I put away the cleaned dishes while making coffee in the morning, clean up and do the dishes while cooking and after our lunch, and before going to bed. Things get put away into their spot. Deep cleaning the fridge 1-2 a year .... Deep cleaning the cabinets etc. .... don't really have a routine that works. Tried doing one cabinet (low and high cabinet) per week .... didn't work out in the end ..... tried doing a drawer a day, which worked for a few days and then I fell behind again ..... And as I use my kitchen really intensively, it needs repsective attention .... So, very curious to learn from others!!! ;-)))))))) Thanks for posting this question!!!! |
| Melissa | I often go to the Salvation Army’s thrift store to donate what I’ve decluttered and I shop there sometimes. I buy things I need- clothes like sweaters, coats, gloves and pants. I also buy kitchen items and other home goods if I need them. I don’t buy underwear or shoes and I don’t buy decorative items, just functional ones. | No. | Hardly ever | If I spill something, usually I clean it right away. I keep the dishes done up daily. I aim for all dishes done before bed. I wipe down counters, cupboards or the fridge as they need it. When I’m cleaning up the kitchen. I try to keep my dishes I keep to a minimum - only what I need. I follow the one in one out rule. |
| Anonymous user | Expensive cashmere pullover jumpers I live in them Antique Victorian furniture nd rugs | If I don’t have enough drawer or closet space for additional items then they stop being put away as it’s too crowded | Never | I hire the deep clean done I am 73 and work full time and have a sick husband It is money well spent |
| Name (click to view full survey response and comments) | If you shop in thrift stores, resale shops, charity stores, pawn shops, or other sources of second-hand goods, what kinds of things do you look for? | If you’ve ever completed a major decluttering project, have you experienced re-cluttering anxiety afterwards? | How often do you deep-clean your kitchen, going above and beyond whatever daily or several-time-a-week routines you maintain? | What routines or habits have been useful to ensure that your kitchen is always clean? |
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