Dooley Noted: Dooley Method Library

Lesson: Declutter Clothing With Kids

Dooley Noted — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:28:05 GMT

In this 20 minute lesson, you’ll learn skills that go well beyond your kids’ closet:

How to turn a simple clothing edit into a meaningful experience
How to help your kids tune into their body
How to guide decision-making without taking over
How to build resilience when letting go feels hard

This lesson is a sample of what paid subscribers receive. Once a month I’ll be releasing a video lesson from the Dooley Method — a deeper dive into the chapters to help you put the method into practice with your family.

For around the cost of one large coffee a month, you’ll have access to the full library as it grows.

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Home organizing is letting go of what no longer serves you.

Parenting is knowing when to let go and trust your child to figure it out.

The Dooley Method is practicing both — together.

Video Lesson: Connection Time - Part 2

Dooley Noted — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:28:49 GMT

This video share more details about Connection Time and how you can use it to help you ease your children’s separation anxiety before you take care of your own organizing projects.

If you haven’t watched the Connection Time Lesson - Part 1, you can watch it here.

The full lesson is available to paid subscribers only.

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Video Lesson: Connection Time - Part 1

Dooley Noted — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:28:39 GMT

Workshop Replay: How Your Family Can Become a Team Around Clutter

Dooley Noted — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:24:00 GMT

Whether you feel like you have to do it all yourself, or just want to start building a foundation in your home to work as a team, this lesson shows you ways to shift how your family handles clutter — without nagging, bribing, or power struggles.

You’ll learn 3 takeaways you can start using today:

✦ Shift from “you vs. the kids” to shared responsibility
✦ Respond with curiosity instead of fear
✦ Solve the root problem, then reinforce what’s working

Plus two Dooley Method tools I use with families all the time:

✨ S.H.I.N.E. (Seen, Heard, Independent, Nurtured, Engaged) to develop internal motivation

✨ Character-based language (instead of “good job”) to build confidence + responsibility

This is a recorded workshop originally created for a live session. The full replay and downloadable presentation are available to paid subscribers.

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Hosting family but still have clutter everywhere?

Dooley Noted — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:53:14 GMT

Hi there! I hope wherever you’re watching this, you’re nice, warm, and cozy. It’s been really cold here in New York, and I’ve learned how to layer my clothes — but it’s still not very comfortable getting out of the house, especially when I have to walk the dog.

Anyway, the reason I wanted to make this video is because I’ve been thinking about all the families still in the process of decluttering their homes. If you’re also hosting family, relatives, or friends for the holidays, it can feel stressful knowing there’s still clutter to tackle or surfaces to clear off so you can set up displays for presents, food, and decorations.

If you’re still in the middle of decluttering, you might even feel embarrassed if someone comes over and opens a messy closet. So I just wanted to offer a few thoughts on that. It’s okay, especially when hosting, to temporarily gather the things you haven’t gone through yet into boxes or bags for different categories. Maybe one for clothing and accessories, another for electronics, cords, and plugs — so you can presort the things you’ll get to in the new year.

In the meantime, to help reduce some visual clutter, just create these “to-do” bags and make sure to label them so you know what’s inside. Remind yourself to be grateful for the things that are waiting patiently for you to deal with them when you’re ready.

Look at your January 2026 calendar and see if you can schedule a weekly appointment with yourself to go through each bag. This takes some of the pressure off worrying that someone might open a closet and things will fall out. You could even make a cute little sign that says “Do not enter — Santa’s workshop” or something fun like that.

Hopefully, that brings you some relief, because sometimes we just need someone to say it’s okay to do that. I know it can feel like tossing everything into bags means you’re not decluttering “properly,” but the difference here is in the presorting. Putting things into categories now makes it so much easier when you’re ready to go through them later.

I hope that helps. If you have any urgent organizing issues or need extra tips, let me know. I’m always here for the families I work with and everyone who subscribes — you don’t need to feel stuck or alone trying to deal with your clutter.

Happy holidays, and stay warm!

Chapter 1: Clutter's Impact on Parents

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:23:00 GMT

Is it hard to feel connected to your family because you feel overwhelmed and distracted by the mess surrounding you? What exactly is activating those feelings? We’ll explore the big emotions that can arise when living amongst clutter.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Feelings activated by clutter
How clutter fuels anger
Shame in organizing and parenting
Shift from fear to growth mindset
Let discomfort be your guide
When partners aren’t doing their share
Asking for help when struggling
When kids aren’t interested
Worksheet: Celebration. Challenges. Commitment.

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Upgrade to download this chapter and access the full Dooley Method library — all 26 chapters plus new content added regularly, including exclusive lessons, worksheets, and podcast episodes — for around the cost of one large coffee a month.

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Not yet ready to subscribe or prefer a physical book?

The Dooley Method guide and workbook lets you learn and reference the information anytime without having to download each chapter, while still giving you access to all the video lessons through QR codes inside. It also includes a complimentary 30-minute welcome call to get you started. Purchase your copy here.

Chapter 2: Clutter's Impact on Kids

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:22:00 GMT

Children’s relationship with clutter is more complex than it may appear. While it might seem that kids don’t care about mess, clutter can significantly impact their emotions and sense of security. How parents handle clutter plays a crucial role in shaping how children perceive and manage their mess.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

How clutter affects children
Look beneath the children’s refusal
Hearing “no” invites connection
Developing family values
Worksheet: Raising children with character
Lifting children up through empathy
Empathy in practice
Your tone matters
Turning Tension Into Teamwork
Worksheet: Reinforcing and developing skills

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Chapter 3: Small Change. Big Impact.

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:21:00 GMT

The clutter in your home didn’t pile up in a day and will take time to reduce and reorganize. However, there are small changes you can make now to address key areas that will help calm your senses, reduce visual chaos, and prepare your home for the more in-depth work ahead.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Small actions chip away at old habits
Addressing accumulation problems
Worksheet: Identifying and limiting the source of clutter
8 steps to reduce surface clutter
Prioritizing your well-being
Worksheet: Envisioning a bedroom that brings calm
The important skill of noticing
“Follow the flow of convenience”
Worksheet: Kids’ activity pages

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Chapter 4: Parenting Tools for Cooperation

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:20:00 GMT

Sometimes, asking the family to help take care of the home can feel like walking on eggshells, stirring up anxiety. You may even question if the effort is worth it.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Generational influences on parenting
Survival instinct impacts on parenting
Worksheet: Showing up grounded
Stress regulating tools for parents
Parenting starts with the S.E.L.F.
Worksheet: Be sensitive to stress signals
Worksheet: Extending empathy
Enhancing listening skills
Being flexible
Shift from me vs. you to us
Helping kids regulate emotions

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Chapter 5: Raising Responsible Kids

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:19:00 GMT

Fostering true responsibility goes beyond obedience. When kids feel connected and valued, they’re more willing to care for their belongings. It’s not out of fear or to please, but because they take pride in themselves. This section will show you how to nurture that sense of ownership while strengthening your relationship.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

3 Types of responsibilities
Worksheet: Dividing up responsibilities
Cooperation: Using rewards or payment
Cooperation: Using threats or punishment
Cooperation: Using chore charts or lists
When checklists are used effectively
Showing appreciation
Words that influence outcomes
Foster collaboration
Worksheet: Scheduling tasks

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Chapter 6: Developing Internal Motivation

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:18:00 GMT

In a fast-paced society, the pressure to be productive has become the norm. Parents often worry about their children’s future success, sometimes at the expense of enjoying the present moment. This section explores how to shift from external pressures to internal motivation, helping children develop confidence, resilience, and the drive to pursue their goals by practicing at home.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Getting unstuck from insecurity
S.H.I.N.E. a light on internal motivation (Seen. Heard. Independent. Nurtured. Engaged)
Is “Do your best” an effective motivator?
C.A.R.E. can motivate action (Connect. Acknowledge. Resolve. Empower)
Applying the C.A.R.E. approach
Motivating toddlers and young kids
Motivating teens
Motivating through routines
Motivating using visual and verbal cues

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Chapter 7: Building Connection

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:17:00 GMT

It would be easier if kids always cooperated, but their resistance is crucial for them to grow into independent, resilient thinkers. Building trust and strengthening connections is key to fostering cooperation. This section provides tools to help you achieve that.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

What is Connection Time
How to set up Connection Time
When to set up Connection Time
What if your child doesn’t want to stop?
What if your child insists on the same activity?
When you have to miss Connection Time
Connecting through stories to solve a problem
Connecting through stories to handle big feelings

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Chapter 8: Achieve Lasting Organization

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:16:00 GMT

You might have been conditioned to believe that organizing your home year-round is normal or even necessary. While seasonal changes or life events, like having another child or getting a new pet, might require reconfiguration, constant reorganization is unnecessary when you have designated homes for your belongings and the skills to keep clutter from building up again.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Common home organizing methods
Worksheet: Evaluating methods
Breaking the clutter cycle

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Chapter 9: Declutter With Confidence

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:15:00 GMT

Making decisions about what to keep or toss doesn’t always come easily, especially when we fear regret. Fortunately, every item you declutter is an opportunity to strengthen that decision-making muscle.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Feel confident in your vision
Worksheet: Envisioning your home
Understanding relationships with what you own
Decision-making by setting the bar
Timing for decluttering matters
Deciding how much to keep
Fear of making the wrong decision

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Chapter 10: Declutter for Parents With Clarity

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:14:00 GMT

Asking the right questions helps parents declutter with confidence. Start with your bedroom and bathroom to create clutter-free spaces where you can relax and recharge, then move on to shared areas like the kitchen and home office. By tackling your belongings first, you set an example and prepare yourself to guide your children when it’s their turn. (This will be covered in the next lesson.)

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Finding clarity through questioning
Declutter clothes with clarity
Declutter accessories with clarity
Declutter bath and beauty products with clarity
Declutter kitchen and pantry products with clarity
Declutter books with clarity
Declutter paper with clarity
Declutter random papers
Reduce incoming papers
Declutter sentimental items with clarity

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Chapter 11: Decluttering With Kids

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:13:00 GMT

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of kids’ toys and books they’ve outgrown. It’s about teaching children to make choices confidently and understand why they like or dislike certain things, and developing critical thinking skills along the way.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

The parents’ role in kids’ clutter
Introduce decluttering to children
Guide kids through decision-making
When you disagree with your children’s decisions
When children struggle with letting go
Declutter kids’ clothes with clarity
Declutter kids’ books with clarity
Declutter kids’ papers with clarity
Declutter toys and games with clarity

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Chapter 12: Release With Appreciation

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:12:00 GMT

The reluctance to let go is often tied to deeper emotions like fear and guilt, trapping us in a scarcity mindset. In this section, you’ll discover strategies to release items freely and appreciate the purpose they served.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Reasons to release with appreciation
What is a scarcity mindset?
Worksheet: Shift from scarcity to abundance mindset
Worksheet: Prepare an exit strategy
Letting go of unwanted gifts
Letting go of sentimental items
When children won’t let go
Saying goodbye teaches resilience
Building trust during decluttering
The “Thank You” box

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Chapter 13: Organize With Purpose

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:11:00 GMT

“That spot makes so much sense!” is the goal when creating suitable homes for your belongings. This section introduces the basic principles of purposeful organization, followed by practical steps for organizing each room in later sections.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Organize your home purposefully
Set boundaries with containers
Improve access and visibility
Organizing habits to avoid
When children make a mess while organizing
When the family isn’t putting things away

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Chapter 14: Organizing Dressers and Closets

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:10:00 GMT

When your clothes are organized, mornings become less stressful and help you feel more in control. In this section, you’ll learn practical ways for maximizing your closets and dressers to create a wardrobe that works for you.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Organizing dresser drawers
How to fold T-shirts and tops
How to fold pants
How to fold dresses and more
How to fold socks
Choosing which drawer to use
Swapping seasonal clothes
Organizing hanging closets
How to optimize your hanging closet

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Chapter 15: Organizing Accessories

Dooley Noted — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:09:00 GMT

Whether you add a bold necklace to dress up a T-shirt or throw on a hat because you’ve been too busy with the kids to wash your hair, find homes that keep accessories organized so you can easily add some flair and fun to any outfit.

Watch this introduction and download the PDF to learn:

Introduction to organizing accessories
Finding homes for your jewelry
Finding homes for watches and sunglasses
Finding homes for shoes
Finding homes for purses, bags, and luggage
Finding homes for hats and caps
Finding homes for scarves, ties, and belts

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