If this is your first time watching any of my videos: 1) Welcome!!! 2) I don't normally make videos this LONG (almost all are 5-10 minutes), I won't make a habit of it! 3) I'm still learning! I just started posting consistently in June and this has been a rather public learning curve! ;) So if you notice me glancing to the right (I'm trying to think of the next thing I want to say), the lighting going in and out or other technical quirks...I will get better at this! BUT, I hope you find the info helpful and I look forward to supporting you on this journey...it is SO worthwhile!!! :)
I've been watching minimalist videos all week (and hoarding videos) trying to figure out how to get rid of all my clutter that is causing me stress. Yours was the first video that resinated with me. I cook from scratch nearly every meal and I find myself having to wash a pot before I can use it or change my menu plan because the pan I wanted to use was dirty. I've always thought I NEED everything IN my kitchen because I cook so much. After watching your video, I thought about all the times I've stayed at condos on vacation. I still cooked most meals from scratch on vacation even though it was a pared down kitchen and it was less stressful because everything was washed or put away quickly. I still feel like I need a lot of what I have, but I don't need the things I use twice a month IN the kitchen when I have a half empty closet 10 steps away.
I'm 60 years old and have been getting rid of stuff I just don't need.It is hard to get rid of something I paid good money for , but when I donate it I pray for the person who receives it. I may not know them , but I pray they are blessed by my donation and it somehow makes their life easier or it brings them joy. Thanks to you and your family for these videos.
When I left AZ-after we adopted our grandkids- and moved to CA with my husband ( they were in DCS custody for 2yrs) I technically donated 3/4 of what I owned==family, friends, thrift stores. Every time that I would kind of get upset about it, I'd tell myself the same thing =that I had blessed all those people . I had a homeschool set up=couple of thousand dollars worth, that I gave to the homeschool group where we participated in sports. That was really hard on me=and again I thought all those children will benefit from all those goodies. Now I made a mantra when I throw something in the trash=especially food (I grew up righter the war ended in Germany, so food was scarce )it would make me cringe-now I say -whenever I think about -thank you, abundance is here for me now- may you all be blessed.
I cleared out so much from the kitchen after watching this that my husband asked if we were moving! Feels so freeing to get rid of the 20 year old wedding gifts we never use!
It's not laziness. It's a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed when there is all this clutter lying around or tucked in in places around the house. You are right, laziness doesn't have anything to do with it at all. Thanks for a fantastic channel.
I love "vacation rental idea 💡 " so so worth the work. Today I loaded every seat and entire back of my suv. I donated all of it. It was so freeing. Thank you!
I use the "vacation" mentality with clothing a well. I realized once when I was traveling I had all my favorite clothes and nothing else. Getting dressed was easier and I never missed the clothes waiting for me at home.
When I find myself wanting to buy clothes or decluttering, I ask myself if I was traveling for a month would I want to bring this to wear often. This keeps me in check with my goals also my secret dream of RV life. : )
Your video is spot on. I do all the things you do. Its awesome and so care free. Last year I had a brain tumor removed. When I came home from the hospital, I realized that I had to change things. I couldn’t take care of these things nor did I want to. As soon as I healed, I got rid of everything and simplified my home. We lost my income so we couldn’t eat out much so with my kitchen simplified, it’s so fun to cook and save money!!! I love my new simplified life. My grocery bill actually went down too. Thank you for this encouragement for others ♥️
ok, i have seen a zillion vdos ( not an exaggeration) on purging, decluttering, organizing etc and NEVER has a channel inspired me So much as yours has. Thank you for making these videos. The way you explain everything makes so much sense and so relatable. Onto, binge watching your videos.
I am at the pre-beginning of my declutter. A lifelong messy person whose holy grail quest has always been order. I have also watched hundreds of “get your crap together” videos. This series is the one that has given me actual hope. I’m ready to start with my insane kitchen and even worse pantry. Love this lady!!!!
I’m kinda sad that I didn’t take before and after photos because the change has been so so good! I’ve been struggling with cooking and cleaning the kitchen and feeling overwhelmed by the kitchen as a whole since I got pregnant with my first. She’s 7 months old now and I was fed up with feeling that way! It only took me 3-4hours to minimalize my kitchen and it has STAYED CLEAN for a month now! I’ve also been implemented your meal planning system and feel like our aspirational veggie death count has been much lower lately and we’ve been going out to eat less because I feel like I can cook more often. Healthier. Cleaner. Less expensive. Less stress! Thank you!
I had a friend who visited me and made a lot of negative comments about the fact that I had decluttered a large amount of my kitchen stuff. She came up with one reason after another that I would regret having pared-down. At the time I just Shrugged and told her that it worked for me. One of the things you commented on is if I had people over I wouldn't have enough dishes for everyone. She was referring to whole place settings. I just shrugged and told her that if I was inviting more people over than I had dishes for I would kindly ask somebody if they would bring some of their extras and wash them and return them by the end of the evening. Later I spent some time at her home. She lived in a large 4 bedroom home where I had only lived in a 2 bedroom home. She had literally three feet of counter space to do all of her food preparation in because of all of the things on her counter. she hated doing dishes so she would let them stack up until they were piled high next to the sink. She didn't have a dishwasher so doing dishes involved having to bring out a folding table. There was no way to clear off the counter because the covers were so full there was no room in them. In the dining room she had a bookcase actually two bookcases full of Crystal and China. These were things she rarely used even when she had company. My little pared-down kitchen was so much more usable then her well-stocked when was. I had 8 ft of usable clear counter. My dishes are washed twice a day. I don't have a dishwasher. I almost always have a tidy kitchen and rarely eat out. But cleaning is super fast, wipe the counter, nothing to move, no grease catchers. Sweep the floor and the dishes take five minutes to put away. But my friend would have greasy things on her counter, Crocks of spoons and cooking stuff, canesters, spices, multiple cutting boards, decorations, all needing wiped down but she hated doing it so it was rarely done. Then it was a weekend long or more project. I have gotten rid of so many things for my kitchen over the years. Every year I have fewer things not more things. And I have no regrets except that I didn't start doing it sooner. and one of the reasons I didn't do it sooner was because of peer pressure that I just had to have all these things not only from this friend but from family members and neighbors. I think I cared too much about fitting in. I started paring down before minimalism was even a word people knew about. I was actually inspired by the flylady back in the 90s. But then gathered more due to peer pressure. I don't care how my friend lives. I care for my friend. I don't need to change her. When we talked, she admitted she was jealous and pressured me to be like her to feel better about herself. I feel better being more comfortable in my home. I don't let anyone try to pressure me to change anymore.
"When we talked, she admitted she was jealous and pressured me to be like her to feel better about herself." Wow, way to be an example, even when it isn't easy!!! I think as adults I think we'd like to be past the point of peer pressure, but unfortunately, it can almost be worse at time! This is inspiring, though, THANK YOU for sharing, I know it will inspire others, too, to follow their heart and stick to their guns!!! :)
S Rose I was doing Fly Lady in the 90’s right along with you! We down sized our home before that was a popular thing. It was then that I realized how much STUFF I had! I’ve been decluttering for years! Good for you being ahead of the times😉👍🏼!
I have a few friends like that! I enjoy my time in their big showplace homes set up for entertaining. AND, I love returning to my small simple home set up for 2 people to live peacefully with one another. My father left me with these words of wisdom that can apply whenever we feel pressured by other people who want us to live and compete with their lifestyle. “Take care of yourself, do what’s BEST for you, and don’t jeopardize what you have built for yourself.” What’s best for others is not necessarily best for all.
I used to say to myself, "If my mother in law showed up right now, what in this room would embarrass me?" Then I was able to focus on what to clean up and find solutions for.
I am a big gardener - and grow and process much of our own food. So I do have a lot of tools that a vacation rental wouldn’t have. But even still, the idea to make an efficient kitchen is still laudable. I need my apple peeler, juice maker, canner, dehydrator, and cherry pitter - but I don’t need to store them in my kitchen!
I agree that we are wired differently. One friend keeps weekly lists of her household chores and she actually ADHERES to them! She truly LOVES to clean. I. DO. NOT. So thank you for creating this channel, Dawn. Keep up the good work!!!
I like how you say that we are just wired differently. I don't like to cook and a messy kitchen does make it more stressful and more of a chore. Your videos always inspire me and motivate me and make me feel like I can do this! And slowly but surely I'm getting there.
To me, a clean freak is someone who actually loves to clean, where a neat freak is someone who likes things to be neat and tidy, but hates the actual cleaning. I happen to be the latter of those two. I recently discovered your channel, in fact, last weekend I cleaned out my half of our closet (hubby is still struggling) using your keep clothes that fit your today's body, getting rid of about 85% of my clothes. How freeing! This weekend I have been going through our kitchen, and it is indeed harder for me than the closet, as I love kitchen gadgets, small appliances, etc., but thanks to your wonderful advice, I am having an easier time decluttering our kitchen items. Thank you, Dawn! 😀💕😀
I’m starting to believe that you were sent from the RUclips gods, just for me. Every time I go to a rental house/timeshare I think, I need to do this to my kitchen!... then I get home and it never happens because I second guess everything, especially with kids. You just validated every thought I’ve had, and showed me how to implement it. I am so so grateful for you and your enlightening videos. Keep um coming, because it’s the only thing that’s EVER worked for me😂🙌.
I drive my family crazy becsuse i put my ocssionally used items in the garage in a rubbermaid container to keep less in the cupboards i get overwhelmed easy...waiving the flag there.
Update ....35 minutes into it I filled a trash can with food and saucers I never use. Lids with no bottoms . Empty over the counter medicine bottles. Some big stuff I use occasionally will be stored in our barn in the morning. This was so freeing... Tomorrow fridge and coffee cups. I love how you said in another video how we have to manage inventory ..It really made me think. So thank you so much for the motivation
Thank you for making the distinction between people who like to organize/clean and those of us who prefer to spend our energy doing other things - it’s not about laziness 😜
A friend of mine, who had a cleaning business, said the most messy people are professionals, because they live more in their heads than their houses. Not all, of course, but I could relate. Just not wired for cleaning. I have always wanted to be a minimalist. You are showing me how. Thank you so much.
OMG! Finally! I'm that person that doesn't enjoy cleaning 😅 I feel like you understand me and I'm thankful for this video It helps me a lot! You are so realistic! I love you 😍😁
I just saw this video. I know it is 2 years old but it could not have come up on my RUclips feed at a better time than now for me in my life. Me and my husband moved twice in the last 3 years and I cannot tell you how much stuff I have donated from my whole house and my kitchen still has so much stuff and I know this but I figured I would give it a little bit of time. Well my son recently came home for a visit and he said mom you have too much stuff in the kitchen. So this got me thinking and your video got me moving! Great video, you’ve convinced me to “just let it go!”
I’ve watched a ton of minimalism videos and this one is different. It really has given me inspiration to try again to reorganize and de clutter. Thank you!
Totally agree! You really have a way of making the thinking of it be so much more sensible! I thought about "easier to cook in" and in another vid u talked about giving items away to someone who can find value in something that we ourselves don't and how selfish that is. Again, GENIUS! I took just a couple hours on Memorial Day and pitched at least half my tupperware. I kept the ones that matched & have a BAG of the others to a friend who is $truggling. We BOTH win! Thank you & keep 'em coming!
My name is Beverly…I’m a 70 year old widow who has been trying to get rid of things, in order to NOT leave so much for my kids, grandkids, great-grandkids to make decisions about. Once I did on cabinet in my kitchen, I realized there was a really old cabinet that I hadn’t opened in years…probably 25 years! {This cabinet actually closed off the top of my regular cabinets! I’d forgotten it was even there!} I quickly grabbed a trash bag and step-stool! It took less than 15 minutes to pull everything out and dumps it in the garbage bag! I love it! Thanks for your encouragement! Much love to you and your sister!
Newcomer... and I’m hooked. In one week I have de cluttered the whole house! Feels so refreshing. I actually get a high out of seeing all the trash bags. Last week a total of 18 BIG bags of unused stuff... my family of 5 hasn’t even noticed yet! I’m still going strong and tackling the kitchen today. Thank you for the inspiration!
Great video! I usually don't hang in there for a 24 min. video, but it was just too helpful, encouraging, relatable to miss! Can't wait to start on my kitchen! Keep up the good work, and stay as helpful and down to earth as you are here. Thanks for putting yourself out there!
"Get rid of all of the crap in your kitchen so that you can enjoy it, and so that you can enjoy time with your family, and so that you do not have to feel guilty about it anymore." LOVE IT! Plan on simplifying my kitchen today so that I can have more time in the evening to rub my husband's tired feet from working all day long for our family, and so that I can have time to play with my 4 children and create memories in these fleeting days that I will miss one day- instead of cleaning and organizing the same things I worked on yesterday, which do not have a true, everlasting impact in light of eternity. But, I still want a clean kitchen and I want to wake up with a spring in my step and twinkle in my eye, so simplifying my kitchen is definitely the answer! Thank you a lot! For teaching and encouraging us in what you practice! 🏡🌸☺
"Its a process for everyone and I haven't arrived yet" what a great way to end your video. I think the moment anyone thinks they have "arrived" is the same moment they should be afraid. No one says that life is a destination. The saying is "life is a journey" for a reason because we need to be moving forward always ❤ thanks for the awesome video!
I like the idea of pretending my house is a vacation rental. Another thing I have done as I declutter is to say if I were moving to a new house would I take this with me? Playing these little games with myself has been really helpful. I have done little things to try to declutter and simplify and I'm nowhere near where I want to be but I love your videos because you give me encouragement to keep trying. Thank you.
Sat eating lunch in england watching this , I was inspired to get up and go in kitchen , I thinned out things I had not used and had too many of , your video hit the spot , best I have watched , I have subscribed of course .thank you ,
I want to thank you for this tough love! In 20 minutes I had a big box of cups, dishes, and glasses and to calm peaceful upper cabinets! Thank you again! I will keep this up until it’s done!
I’m in a wheelchair so it’s been hard to do this but I started on one cabinet putting only those things I use every day. It feels so good. Onto the next one🤪
My thought with the “I don’t want to get rid of this bc I spent x amount of money on it” thing is that I’ve already spent the money. The money is gone. If it’s sitting around and not being used and making my house cluttered and making me feel stressed out, then that’s just even worse. Another RUclipsr I watch (I think it was Catherine from Do It on a Dime) said something along the lines of: we get rid of things for one of two reasons, either we no longer have a use for it or we shouldn’t have bought it in the first place. So either be thankful for the purpose something served in your life and be willing to let it go and let someone else use it, or it was just a mistake to buy (or didn’t get returned quickly enough) and we need to learn from it. But holding onto things just because we spent money on it, doesn’t get the money back, so we might as well let it go and be thankful for it or learn from it.
Me too, after washing like 40 cups I realized some had to go, people are so funny in my house they'll drink out of a bowl if all of the cups are dirty... So sweet for me lol
Oh I just remembered one share house I lived in, my dinner set was the only one in the kitchen. No one would wash up after themselves so I removed half the plates and stashed them under my bed. Problem solved!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, thoughts and ideas. The whole time I was thinking "thank God I am not alone with this problems". This helps so much.
I hear a midwestern accent! But that only adds to me loving what you share here!!!!! OMG!! 😍 I’m going to end up watching this over and over!!!! I want to simplify so badly!!!
I love that you are very intentional and gracious about not being judgy or condemning, but rather you are so sweet to encourage us to have less mental LOAD and more freedom in our new found efficiency! I am easily overwhelmed. I have WAY WAY too much mental load. I saw a video of yours recently and thought YARIGHT! I could never! But then I saw your bathroom drawer video...the one with your bank account pulled up...and I said, "I could probably do THAT!" So I did. And then I prayed "Lord help me do this again somewhere and gain momentum. " Girl! Im sitting here right now going the 20 years of scrapbooking scraps and 'some day' projects and was so overwhelmed I began the process I call the 'walk-away-walz' (walz in-see the mess, walz out- do ANYTHING ELSE, walz in- see-scream, walz out....repeat repeat repeat.) So I literally played this video -because it was long) while I finally began this hell, and as I hoped, my trash bag began to fill up. This sounds so silly I know, but truly, THANK YOUUUUU!!!
Well some of us “lazy people” work 40+ hours a week in an office or outside the home and don’t want to spend our weekends folding underwear and cleaning our kitchens. We’d rather use that time to take our kids out to the park, a museum, ice cream etc. Not dusting fine china 🙄 and even if you don’t work outside the home, who cares! Lots of people would rather spend time doing other things instead of cleaning, it has nothing to do with being lazy. And don’t get me wrong cleaning is rewarding and I like the feeling of accomplishing something, but I don’t like spending 3, 4, 5 hours cleaning my house on a daily basis lol which is what I used to do before minimalism. I really love your videos. ❤️
When my son was born, I was bombarded with information, including articles about how much I could hope to achieve as I recovered from the birth. One line that sticks in my mind was that after a while I'd be able to do light dusting (whatever that is). O joy, I thought. As he grows up, people will be saying he's a right little thug, but his mummy kept a a lovely clean house - not a speck of dust anywhere! Actually, that's the only line I remember, and I ignored that. A child is much better company than a duster.
I am an 'only parent' with a 6yr old. We downsized and moved to a little town safer and with a better job. I am drowning in stuff and just want to go for a walk with my daughter on a sunny day. I appreciate these videos. No one needs to find reasons to throw stones at each other- it's positive! We all learn and do things differently. We talk and shop differently. Cause we are... Bingo! Different. Don't let it disrupt you, and don't create negativity for others either.
@@bethanykolander2498 i had four children, always clutter, now they've grown and 3 left and there's still clutter. Last week for two days I recycled 10 electrical items locally and next day 3 big bags of clothes to a second hand shop. Still lots to do. Enjoy your child though. Time is precious and it flies.
I love this video. This is so helpful to me. I decluttered my kitchen several times. I love it. I cook a lot more. I enjoy my kitchen now. Thank you Dawn. Yes I have watched this several times.
You are a BIG BLESSING! Like you have said I have tried to organize and reorganize, but it would not hold up. I would work from morning till night however house would also seem messy. This minus the inventory is a genius and God sent. It is empowering and slowly the house is taking shape and I find peace and joy in many places, when I open cupboards or my closest. I have a long way to go. However I trust this path and committed to it. Thank you Dawn you have given me hope and changed my life for the better ❤ Either it enhances, empowers you or entangles you. Criteria for the object to stay or go.
I’m new to watching and I’m addicted because of your sunny disposition!😍 I’ve just started TRYING to live minimal. I’m finding it tough but I keep going forward, purging things that I don’t use or bought on a whim. It feels so good to cupboards and think, I really need to organise this. This video is great. Love the simplicity in your ideas.❤️Much love from London!🇬🇧
I fall into the category of already neat and fairly organized. I do not think you are lazy just brilliant for figuring out at an early age to prioritize your time. Time is the commodity. Simplifying has given you more time to do what you do enjoy. Bravo! In my youth I enjoyed spending a lot of time cleaning but as I'm older not so much. You have inspired me to truly evaluate and prioritize what I keep in my home. We've been removing alot of things we no longer need or use! Thank you for the great ideas and your kind energy!
So happy I found this video!! I’v stayed in few vacation rentals this year. And every time I think why don’t I scale down the kitchen like this rental. I love to cook so I do some extra gadgets quite regularly. But there is a lot room for improvement. You just inspired me to finally get it done!!🤗
It was fun to see a vacation home kitchen from a minimalist point of view! When we rent a house for the holidays, we always question what is available there in terms of cookware, boards, knives, glasses, cutlery, dishes. We LOVE to cook and will take all the "basics" which we are told aren't there. Some things we take anyway. Extra tea towels, extra dish rags, sharpening steel (even though you can somewhat sharpen a knife on the bottom of a plate), spices ... Depending on the response, knifes, cutting boards, storage containers ... If the letter tells us he has "one really good teflon frying pan" there, that's not for us, lol! Having said that, I think that your way of dealing with clutter is wonderful and I'm really enjoying watching you and picking up bits and pieces (no pun intended). You are refreshingly upfront about what you believe in. Keep goin' gal!
Oh my gosh!!! Yes!!! We go to Florida every year and I always think while I am there how little we live with and get along perfectly fine, not just with cooking but with clothing and toys too. We rent a house for 3 weeks and get along fine with the bare minimal. I’ve already gone through my kitchen in the past but I think I may go through it again and simplify even more!! 💕
On vacation how much do you cook tho? I cook every meal. 20-21 meals a week. I need my stuff. Im trying to fit in an RV so Im downsized but not to bare basics like on vacation.
I have 6 kids and a full time job my house is totally overwhelming and I have been watching so many organization videos and reading all I can. But I just could never find a system that works . Finding your videos has been a total live saver for me. Thank you very much for helping me to stay motivated and stress less. You're awesome!
😂🤣 this is so me! Thank you for your honesty and the "be tough on your stuff" pep talk. I am unfortunately one of those people that needs to hear the hard truth now and then.
I love your videos! I am a minimalist at heart but after living in my home for over 20 years, stuff has accumulated. I’m in the process of downsizing and the information you share keeps me motivated. Thank you so much, Dawn!! 😊
Yes, 20 years would make it more difficult, I'm fortunate that we moved every two years for the first ten years of marriage, so that did make things easier! Grace for the journey!!!
You are so RAD! We've made changes years ago like NOT having too many kids cups, not too many utensils etc. But, NOW I'm super motivated to GO FURTHER! I'm going to make a list & go through each cabinet this week! A big giant THANK YOU!
I love this idea. We always rent either a cabin or house when we go on vacation and it never occurred to me to look at keeping a tidy kitchen from a vacation perspective. Thanks for sharing!
I did it! Spent roughly an hour going through cabinets and got rid of more than I thought I would. Still have a few uppers to sort through but happy to have more space. Thanks for helping me see this in a new light.
Thank you! The principles in this video can be applied across the board. While I'm by nature a clean and organized person, this video made me look around and notice all the "stuff" we have around here that do nothing for us and can go with no love lost. The only area in the kitchen I could not purge was my coffee cup shelf: Many of them were gifts from my kids and I just can't get rid of them...even though I only need, like, two. Maybe some day, but not today, and that's ok. 😊
I find your attitude super inspiring and encouraging! I watched a video of yours a few weeks back, and that along with Darci Isabella's videos I've been inspired to get at it. 2 weeks later I am happy to say I've done nearly my entire house, excluding the kitchen, which is tomorrow's project. Thanks for the tips and, if I remember I'll tag you on you on instagram with some before and after pics. Take care!
She is! I was turned onto the idea of minimalism by her videos and it's now become a bit of an obsession for me. It just feels so darn good and makes life SO much easier. Thanks for sharing your knowledge - I'm learning a lot for you.
I truly enjoyed your video! So nonsensical! Not judgemental! We recently moved from a 1,300sq ft house where we raised our 5 kids. We are empty nesters now. I recently retired. We bought a 4,000 sqft home so we could have everyone over. I now have many empty cabinets. You're right I love it. I do not get joy from cleaning but I do get joy that everything is neat! I will continue to watch! You go girl!
I've never left a message before on youtube but i just have to say....That was one of the best video's I've watched! I like the 'guilt free' attitude you're encouraging.....We all have way to much stress to allow 'things' to add more stress! Im not a minimalist by nature but i am organized. It's hard to stay organized with to much stuff. I think you've convinced me to pursue minimalism......Thank you....Marie
I cleaned through our kitchen after watching this and we are moving in a few weeks. You just made my life easier by giving me less to pack. Goodwill will love my donations. My back and husband thank you.
Oh my I just stumbled upon you. This is my first time ever watching your channel, and this is going to sound crazy but Ive been praying to God for help with my home, I'm thinking you just might be the answer to my prayers. Thank you thank you an again thank you.
I love your practical, yet original way of tackling clutter. It really does go a lot deeper than many channels, and it makes me think and analyze why I do what I do. You really seem to understand that decluttering is not simple for most people, yet there is still a way to do it, and to get a lot of peace afterwards. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos and delve into the inner workings of the psyche. Love the vacation home rental analogy.
I love your videos. I have watched several I have gotten rid of so much stuff that doesn’t mean anything to me anymore So much happier. And so much more manageable without getting stressed !!!!
I've always said that my "minimalism goal" would be to have a home that is easy to sublet on short notice. Fully functional without the personal.clutter lying around.
I decluttered my kitchen several years ago & never regretted it. For those rarely used items that often only get used a few times a year or less, but I don't want to have to buy them again, I bought two of those small plastic bins that have three drawers in them. They fit perfectly side by side in a bottom cabinet on the top shelf completely out of the way. Those items aren't clogging up my drawers and I know right where they are when I need them.
I really like you! I feel like you really get me!! And the way my brain thinks! I love how non judgmental and sweet you are too! So easy to receive from, knowing you have been in the trenches and have found what works best for you and your family. Thank you for being willing to share and put logic to the emotion!!!
I wish i could like this video 20 times. Everything you said is SO TRUE and REAL. About having 4 cooking hobs and 12 pots and pans, I felt like thumping my head when you said that, WHY didn’t i see that before lol. And my peace of mind is priceless. Thank you for this video!
We are currently renting the home that we live in and I absolutely adore the kitchen it’s a large 4 to 5 bedroom farmhouse. However we will be moving and downsizing into a 14 x 70 mobile home so at this point in life I’m trying to Declutter as much is possible because I know it’ll make things more organized when packing and moving into a smaller home. This video for my kitchen was wonderful motivation. to see crisp and clean blank counters really help to get rid of those extra things we know longer need. Our biggest battle is we are a family of six and don’t have a dishwasher. Our oldest child just turned four so unfortunately all the dishes rest on mom. I’m starting to realize less materialistic things mean more time I can spend with my family. Not excited about the move but it will permit us to eventually buy our own home which will be a blessing.
Oh I hear you, our dishwasher didn't work in our last house so it was all me, too, since our kids were too young at the time...the move doesn't sound fun, but small spaces can be a blessing, we lived in my parents basement for 9 months before we moved into our current house and it reinforced how little we actually need! Best wishes on your journey, and that is cool that it will allow you to own your own home, way to keep your eye on the prize!!!!
I see what you did there! You are so sharp, clever, brilliant and....right! Vacation kitchen! THAT is what got me in! Thank you so much for this video!!
Clutter makes me anixous and in a bad mood. I am turning into a minamilast for sure. When I come into a room that is clean and tidy i feel sense of calm.
Clutter also makes me anxious. I'm becoming more aware of that as I let go of stuff. My kitchen is still a bit of my nemesis. I have a few things I don't know what to do with. There is the basket of eggs that I collect everyday from my chickens and the bowl of scraps that need to head to the coop everyday. I find because they're out on the cupboard they are drawing more clutter to them and it multiplies. I know that it will improve with every pass of decluttering, but its an everyday decision to continue to pick up after ourselves. I know that as I/we have less there will be less to put away too.
I hate clutter with a passion - I have pretty much eliminated it from my living space, but visiting my parents is always super stressful because their house is full of it, and has been since I was in grade school (I/they are slowly going through it, but it's taking a really long time because the only time any real progress is made is when I'm there, which is only 2-3 times a year). For the first time in over 20 years, over Christmas we finally went an entire week with only the essentials permanently on the kitchen table - butter dish, napkin holder, and Advent wreath - and it was GLORIOUS, but it only happened because I stayed on top of my parents to keep everything unnecessary off (it used to get so bad that there would only be room for 1 person, when it can easily seat 5 in its present position (6 if pulled away from the wall); they really love having a clear table, it's just hard for them to keep it that way without me there to (kindly but firmly) hound them every day to take care of anything that's on it that doesn't belong there, although I've heard it's getting better - well, better than it was before we finally cleared it off, despite it being a month since I was last there; as they declutter, it will continue to improve).
I just stumbled upon your channel. You are an answer to prayers. Thank you for the inspiration. I feel like you have confidence in me being able to simplify my life - even though we do not know each other. So thanks for the confidence and support, haha! I think you are going to change my life. Thank you!
I noticed years ago that I was incredibly happy and relaxed at our family cottage because it was so easy to keep clean and tidy. I have bumbled along for years procrastinating creating the same environment in my home. I am very much like you and want an easier way to do things. We aren't lazy. We just have different things we enjoy. I don't enjoy cleaning. I'd rather read or garden or bake. I decided yesterday that the basement is my focus til it's completely done. One area at a time. I have laundry in massive piles. I have already done my bedroom and gone through my clothes to pare them down. So most of the stuff I wash will be donated. Love your videos and your thoughts and ideas have really helped me get focused. Lori
Our kitchen is very basic but to make sure we use everything I put a small piece of painter’s tape on everything. If the tape stays on in three months it’s gone. I love how clean your space looks and it gives me a few ideas to let go of a few more things. I love to clean, love it, but I don’t want to spend all my time cleaning. I want my time for more fun things. Open shelving solved a lot of my kitchen clutter problems haha.
I did try that but I reverted to whatever gravitates to the bottom or is pushed to the back or to the side is not being grabbed first so as Peter Walsh says take out the bottom or back third and ditch.
"I think your peace of mind is worth more than any item". That's what I'm trying to work towards and hoping my child and spouse will want to work towards.
Here is the thing, if you have time to do extra cleaning projects and extra cooking then that's great! However it is good to have things minimized down and everything streamlined so that on your busiest days you know that your house is in order. It's not about working harder it's about working smarter. Great content Dawn! Thanks for reading, Carrie Spencer
Something important that I think you nailed here is the self-compassion you have throughput your process. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I’m in the middle of downsizing so this was an encouraging video. I would, however, keep more long term storage foods in case of an emergency. We had a power outage four days long. Those times are when canned foods came in handy. Our wood stove was the cooktop. I definitely need to pare down my pots and pans! While I’m not a minimalist by any means, it does de-stress to have less stuff. Thank you!!
Yes, you are right about emergency foods...I think we take for granted that my parents live a mile down the road and have enough in their pantry and freezers to fee a dozen people for at least 6 months ;)
This so resonates with me. It's not that I don't want to part with things but it upsets me that I spent money on something that I may not have used or used once or twice. So my mind goes into that "one day" spiral, then i put it back in the cupboard, annnndddd...take it out again in 6 months time, again unused. I have to just say that the money is gone, it was an experiment, and what I learnt from it is that I don't need it. Because the clutter and stuffed cupboards are really stressing me out. Thanks. You are the first declutterer who has ever mentioned the guilt over wasted money. New Subscriber.
I totally agree! I began my minimalist journey three years ago and now I’m a mom of two. I downsized so much of our kitchen gear that we ended up ripping out all our cabnets and putting in open shelving. It’s beautiful and so light and airy now.
You won't regret it...I replace the overhead cabinets with glass shelves for the cups, mugs and glasses. I put the crockery in a deep drawer beside the dishwasher. As Peter Walsh says your space defines your stuff...And...a horizontal surface is not a storage solution...floors, benches, tables, beds...
Thanks for making it real and making it human and doable as well. And thanks for addressing those things I deal with in cleaning and clearing. I plan to do this tomorrow but if I take pictures I might scare everyone. Ok, I will take pictures but my kitchen in not normal, I will see when it comes. Thanks again!
I love the idea of imagine your kitchen as an AirBNB. When I'm vacationing in an AirBNB, I cook more creatively, with fresher ingredients and less stress. While there are some tools, supplies and activities that are specific to longer-term meal prep or food preservation, I can provide those things their own physical and mental space.
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If this is your first time watching any of my videos: 1) Welcome!!! 2) I don't normally make videos this LONG (almost all are 5-10 minutes), I won't make a habit of it! 3) I'm still learning! I just started posting consistently in June and this has been a rather public learning curve! ;) So if you notice me glancing to the right (I'm trying to think of the next thing I want to say), the lighting going in and out or other technical quirks...I will get better at this! BUT, I hope you find the info helpful and I look forward to supporting you on this journey...it is SO worthwhile!!! :)
Yours is the video I most related too when researching the subject off decluttering. So, I'd say you are doing a good job and keep it up!
Nice job but faster faster faster... not so much auxiliary information! I kept zooming forward.
Oh man...I needed the tough love approach, so yeah...although this may have been longer than other videos, it was exactly what I needed.
I've been watching minimalist videos all week (and hoarding videos) trying to figure out how to get rid of all my clutter that is causing me stress. Yours was the first video that resinated with me. I cook from scratch nearly every meal and I find myself having to wash a pot before I can use it or change my menu plan because the pan I wanted to use was dirty. I've always thought I NEED everything IN my kitchen because I cook so much. After watching your video, I thought about all the times I've stayed at condos on vacation. I still cooked most meals from scratch on vacation even though it was a pared down kitchen and it was less stressful because everything was washed or put away quickly. I still feel like I need a lot of what I have, but I don't need the things I use twice a month IN the kitchen when I have a half empty closet 10 steps away.
Hi there, I was watching your paper declutter part 1 but I'm not super tech savvy & it went to the kitchen video & I can't find part 2 :-(
I'm 60 years old and have been getting rid of stuff I just don't need.It is hard to get rid of something I paid good money for , but when I donate it I pray for the person who receives it. I may not know them , but I pray they are blessed by my donation and it somehow makes their life easier or it brings them joy. Thanks to you and your family for these videos.
When I left AZ-after we adopted our grandkids- and moved to CA with my husband ( they were in DCS custody for 2yrs) I technically donated 3/4 of what I owned==family, friends, thrift stores. Every time that I would kind of get upset about it, I'd tell myself the same thing =that I had blessed all those people . I had a homeschool set up=couple of thousand dollars worth, that I gave to the homeschool group where we participated in sports. That was really hard on me=and again I thought all those children will benefit from all those goodies. Now I made a mantra when I throw something in the trash=especially food (I grew up righter the war ended in Germany, so food was scarce )it would make me cringe-now I say -whenever I think about -thank you, abundance is here for me now- may you all be blessed.
That’s a really beautiful idea!
I cleared out so much from the kitchen after watching this that my husband asked if we were moving! Feels so freeing to get rid of the 20 year old wedding gifts we never use!
It's not laziness. It's a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed when there is all this clutter lying around or tucked in in places around the house. You are right, laziness doesn't have anything to do with it at all. Thanks for a fantastic channel.
I love "vacation rental idea 💡 " so so worth the work. Today I loaded every seat and entire back of my suv. I donated all of it. It was so freeing. Thank you!
I use the "vacation" mentality with clothing a well. I realized once when I was traveling I had all my favorite clothes and nothing else. Getting dressed was easier and I never missed the clothes waiting for me at home.
When I find myself wanting to buy clothes or decluttering, I ask myself if I was traveling for a month would I want to bring this to wear often. This keeps me in check with my goals also my secret dream of RV life. : )
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Your video is spot on. I do all the things you do. Its awesome and so care free. Last year I had a brain tumor removed. When I came home from the hospital, I realized that I had to change things. I couldn’t take care of these things nor did I want to. As soon as I healed, I got rid of everything and simplified my home. We lost my income so we couldn’t eat out much so with my kitchen simplified, it’s so fun to cook and save money!!! I love my new simplified life. My grocery bill actually went down too. Thank you for this encouragement for others ♥️
You are NOT lazy. You are optimizing your time and space wisely. And oh, yes, your videos are appreciated!
ok, i have seen a zillion vdos ( not an exaggeration) on purging, decluttering, organizing etc and NEVER has a channel inspired me So much as yours has. Thank you for making these videos. The way you explain everything makes so much sense and so relatable. Onto, binge watching your videos.
WOW, thank YOU! That means ALOT!!! :)
Chani P she does make it all so practical and doable! I wish she lived next door!
EXACTLY!
I agree! Thank you for doing these videos!
I am at the pre-beginning of my declutter. A lifelong messy person whose holy grail quest has always been order. I have also watched hundreds of “get your crap together” videos. This series is the one that has given me actual hope. I’m ready to start with my insane kitchen and even worse pantry. Love this lady!!!!
Hello! Anyone else here in 2024 trying to simplify your home more?!💛✨️
Yes mam! I’ve gotten through so much in the last month with Dawns help!
I’m kinda sad that I didn’t take before and after photos because the change has been so so good! I’ve been struggling with cooking and cleaning the kitchen and feeling overwhelmed by the kitchen as a whole since I got pregnant with my first. She’s 7 months old now and I was fed up with feeling that way! It only took me 3-4hours to minimalize my kitchen and it has STAYED CLEAN for a month now! I’ve also been implemented your meal planning system and feel like our aspirational veggie death count has been much lower lately and we’ve been going out to eat less because I feel like I can cook more often. Healthier. Cleaner. Less expensive. Less stress! Thank you!
I had a friend who visited me and made a lot of negative comments about the fact that I had decluttered a large amount of my kitchen stuff. She came up with one reason after another that I would regret having pared-down. At the time I just Shrugged and told her that it worked for me.
One of the things you commented on is if I had people over I wouldn't have enough dishes for everyone. She was referring to whole place settings. I just shrugged and told her that if I was inviting more people over than I had dishes for I would kindly ask somebody if they would bring some of their extras and wash them and return them by the end of the evening.
Later I spent some time at her home. She lived in a large 4 bedroom home where I had only lived in a 2 bedroom home. She had literally three feet of counter space to do all of her food preparation in because of all of the things on her counter. she hated doing dishes so she would let them stack up until they were piled high next to the sink. She didn't have a dishwasher so doing dishes involved having to bring out a folding table. There was no way to clear off the counter because the covers were so full there was no room in them.
In the dining room she had a bookcase actually two bookcases full of Crystal and China. These were things she rarely used even when she had company.
My little pared-down kitchen was so much more usable then her well-stocked when was. I had 8 ft of usable clear counter. My dishes are washed twice a day. I don't have a dishwasher. I almost always have a tidy kitchen and rarely eat out. But cleaning is super fast, wipe the counter, nothing to move, no grease catchers. Sweep the floor and the dishes take five minutes to put away. But my friend would have greasy things on her counter, Crocks of spoons and cooking stuff, canesters, spices, multiple cutting boards, decorations, all needing wiped down but she hated doing it so it was rarely done. Then it was a weekend long or more project.
I have gotten rid of so many things for my kitchen over the years. Every year I have fewer things not more things. And I have no regrets except that I didn't start doing it sooner. and one of the reasons I didn't do it sooner was because of peer pressure that I just had to have all these things not only from this friend but from family members and neighbors. I think I cared too much about fitting in.
I started paring down before minimalism was even a word people knew about. I was actually inspired by the flylady back in the 90s. But then gathered more due to peer pressure. I don't care how my friend lives. I care for my friend. I don't need to change her. When we talked, she admitted she was jealous and pressured me to be like her to feel better about herself.
I feel better being more comfortable in my home. I don't let anyone try to pressure me to change anymore.
"When we talked, she admitted she was jealous and pressured me to be like her to feel better about herself." Wow, way to be an example, even when it isn't easy!!! I think as adults I think we'd like to be past the point of peer pressure, but unfortunately, it can almost be worse at time! This is inspiring, though, THANK YOU for sharing, I know it will inspire others, too, to follow their heart and stick to their guns!!! :)
Similar situation at my place!
My friend is also hoarder an I am dowsizing all time for years now....
S Rose I was doing Fly Lady in the 90’s right along with you!
We down sized our home before that was a popular thing. It was then that I realized how much STUFF I had! I’ve been decluttering for years! Good for you being ahead of the times😉👍🏼!
I have a few friends like that! I enjoy my time in their big showplace homes set up for entertaining. AND, I love returning to my small simple home set up for 2 people to live peacefully with one another. My father left me with these words of wisdom that can apply whenever we feel pressured by other people who want us to live and compete with their lifestyle. “Take care of yourself, do what’s BEST for you, and don’t jeopardize what you have built for yourself.” What’s best for others is not necessarily best for all.
S Rose ...To long to read your statement
I love your energy. So balanced. sweet, kind, patient and humble. "what is worth your peace of mind" AMEN
Thank YOU, that means more than you know!!! 💕
I totally love the "vacation rental" inspiration. That nails it. Kudos to you for making the THINKING easier!
I used to say to myself, "If my mother in law showed up right now, what in this room would embarrass me?" Then I was able to focus on what to clean up and find solutions for.
Tiny Living I really like that idea too. Very inspirational.
I used to clean those vacation houses. That was my intro to classic simple living.
I am a big gardener - and grow and process much of our own food. So I do have a lot of tools that a vacation rental wouldn’t have. But even still, the idea to make an efficient kitchen is still laudable. I need my apple peeler, juice maker, canner, dehydrator, and cherry pitter - but I don’t need to store them in my kitchen!
"Be tough on your stuff". I like that!
I agree that we are wired differently. One friend keeps weekly lists of her household chores and she actually ADHERES to them! She truly LOVES to clean. I. DO. NOT. So thank you for creating this channel, Dawn. Keep up the good work!!!
You have got to be one of the sweetest people on YT. I love your personality, you have such kind and down to earth manner.
Agree! 💘✝️💕🙌🏻
Totally 👍 agree
It’s The Light ✝️
I like how you say that we are just wired differently. I don't like to cook and a messy kitchen does make it more stressful and more of a chore. Your videos always inspire me and motivate me and make me feel like I can do this! And slowly but surely I'm getting there.
To me, a clean freak is someone who actually loves to clean, where a neat freak is someone who likes things to be neat and tidy, but hates the actual cleaning. I happen to be the latter of those two.
I recently discovered your channel, in fact, last weekend I cleaned out my half of our closet (hubby is still struggling) using your keep clothes that fit your today's body, getting rid of about 85% of my clothes. How freeing! This weekend I have been going through our kitchen, and it is indeed harder for me than the closet, as I love kitchen gadgets, small appliances, etc., but thanks to your wonderful advice, I am having an easier time decluttering our kitchen items. Thank you, Dawn! 😀💕😀
I’m starting to believe that you were sent from the RUclips gods, just for me. Every time I go to a rental house/timeshare I think, I need to do this to my kitchen!... then I get home and it never happens because I second guess everything, especially with kids. You just validated every thought I’ve had, and showed me how to implement it. I am so so grateful for you and your enlightening videos. Keep um coming, because it’s the only thing that’s EVER worked for me😂🙌.
Well I think you were sent from the RUclips gods, too, THANK YOU for the encouragement, I appreciate it more than you know!!!!
This is just silly...too much chatter and unrealistic
Marisol Reyes 🤔
I was just thinking she was sent for me 😀
I drive my family crazy becsuse i put my ocssionally used items in the garage in a rubbermaid container to keep less in the cupboards i get overwhelmed easy...waiving the flag there.
My personal goal has always been work smarter, not harder. Don't know why anyone thinks that's lazy, but there you are. Love your videos!
Efficiency not laziness ❤️. Efficiency allows you to have time left over to spend on what you enjoy: family, hobbies, etc. 😁
Most brilliant idea that I gleaned from you is to limit the number of pans you have so that you have to wash pans to use them! I love this!
Update ....35 minutes into it I filled a trash can with food and saucers I never use. Lids with no bottoms . Empty over the counter medicine bottles. Some big stuff I use occasionally will be stored in our barn in the morning. This was so freeing... Tomorrow fridge and coffee cups. I love how you said in another video how we have to manage inventory ..It really made me think. So thank you so much for the motivation
Random Shenanigans and I have ya yyyyyyyy
I love how great the concrete visible results can be - really helps to keep me motivated.
Girl not lazy extremely smart!!! Simplification is a gift to us all! Let people say lazy...they can miss out! I'd rather spend my time with family!
Thank you for making the distinction between people who like to organize/clean and those of us who prefer to spend our energy doing other things - it’s not about laziness 😜
A friend of mine, who had a cleaning business, said the most messy people are professionals, because they live more in their heads than their houses. Not all, of course, but I could relate. Just not wired for cleaning. I have always wanted to be a minimalist. You are showing me how. Thank you so much.
OMG! Finally! I'm that person that doesn't enjoy cleaning 😅 I feel like you understand me and I'm thankful for this video It helps me a lot! You are so realistic! I love you 😍😁
I just saw this video. I know it is 2 years old but it could not have come up on my RUclips feed at a better time than now for me in my life. Me and my husband moved twice in the last 3 years and I cannot tell you how much stuff I have donated from my whole house and my kitchen still has so much stuff and I know this but I figured I would give it a little bit of time. Well my son recently came home for a visit and he said mom you have too much stuff in the kitchen. So this got me thinking and your video got me moving! Great video, you’ve convinced me to “just let it go!”
I’ve watched a ton of minimalism videos and this one is different. It really has given me inspiration to try again to reorganize and de clutter. Thank you!
Wow, that is awesome, thank you and you can do it!!! :)
Totally agree! You really have a way of making the thinking of it be so much more sensible! I thought about "easier to cook in" and in another vid u talked about giving items away to someone who can find value in something that we ourselves don't and how selfish that is. Again, GENIUS! I took just a couple hours on Memorial Day and pitched at least half my tupperware. I kept the ones that matched & have a BAG of the others to a friend who is $truggling. We BOTH win!
Thank you & keep 'em coming!
I'd better do it... I live in a Tiny House on wheels! (250 sq ft WITH 7 dogs!).
My name is Beverly…I’m a 70 year old widow who has been trying to get rid of things, in order to NOT leave so much for my kids, grandkids, great-grandkids to make decisions about. Once I did on cabinet in my kitchen, I realized there was a really old cabinet that I hadn’t opened in years…probably 25 years! {This cabinet actually closed off the top of my regular cabinets! I’d forgotten it was even there!} I quickly grabbed a trash bag and step-stool! It took less than 15 minutes to pull everything out and dumps it in the garbage bag! I love it! Thanks for your encouragement! Much love to you and your sister!
I’m grateful to God for leading me to your channel! This video was so helpful and inspiring, and you are so encouraging! Thank you, and God bless you!
Thank YOU Lisa!!! Blessings to you to and GRACE for the journey!!! :)
Newcomer... and I’m hooked. In one week I have de cluttered the whole house! Feels so refreshing. I actually get a high out of seeing all the trash bags. Last week a total of 18 BIG bags of unused stuff... my family of 5 hasn’t even noticed yet! I’m still going strong and tackling the kitchen today. Thank you for the inspiration!
Great video! I usually don't hang in there for a 24 min. video, but it was just too helpful, encouraging, relatable to miss! Can't wait to start on my kitchen! Keep up the good work, and stay as helpful and down to earth as you are here. Thanks for putting yourself out there!
WOW, thank you Betsy, I greatly appreciate this!!!
"Get rid of all of the crap in your kitchen so that you can enjoy it, and so that you can enjoy time with your family, and so that you do not have to feel guilty about it anymore."
LOVE IT! Plan on simplifying my kitchen today so that I can have more time in the evening to rub my husband's tired feet from working all day long for our family, and so that I can have time to play with my 4 children and create memories in these fleeting days that I will miss one day- instead of cleaning and organizing the same things I worked on yesterday, which do not have a true, everlasting impact in light of eternity. But, I still want a clean kitchen and I want to wake up with a spring in my step and twinkle in my eye, so simplifying my kitchen is definitely the answer!
Thank you a lot! For teaching and encouraging us in what you practice! 🏡🌸☺
"Its a process for everyone and I haven't arrived yet" what a great way to end your video. I think the moment anyone thinks they have "arrived" is the same moment they should be afraid. No one says that life is a destination. The saying is "life is a journey" for a reason because we need to be moving forward always ❤ thanks for the awesome video!
I like the idea of pretending my house is a vacation rental. Another thing I have done as I declutter is to say if I were moving to a new house would I take this with me? Playing these little games with myself has been really helpful. I have done little things to try to declutter and simplify and I'm nowhere near where I want to be but I love your videos because you give me encouragement to keep trying. Thank you.
Sat eating lunch in england watching this , I was inspired to get up and go in kitchen , I thinned out things I had not used and had too many of , your video hit the spot , best I have watched , I have subscribed of course .thank you ,
Wow this is awesome!! Way to do and thank YOU!!! :)
I love how you address so much mindset stuff in this video. So helpful and essential!
Hands down best kitchen decluttering video I've ever seen! I watch so many organization videos and your methods are the best. 😁 Thank you!
Thank you Amy, I greatly appreciate this!!! :)
Simplicity is best. Even now during hard seasons. It is good to remember that simple is a blessing
I want to thank you for this tough love! In 20 minutes I had a big box of cups, dishes, and glasses and to calm peaceful upper cabinets! Thank you again! I will keep this up until it’s done!
I’m in a wheelchair so it’s been hard to do this but I started on one cabinet putting only those things I use every day. It feels so good. Onto the next one🤪
My thought with the “I don’t want to get rid of this bc I spent x amount of money on it” thing is that I’ve already spent the money. The money is gone. If it’s sitting around and not being used and making my house cluttered and making me feel stressed out, then that’s just even worse. Another RUclipsr I watch (I think it was Catherine from Do It on a Dime) said something along the lines of: we get rid of things for one of two reasons, either we no longer have a use for it or we shouldn’t have bought it in the first place. So either be thankful for the purpose something served in your life and be willing to let it go and let someone else use it, or it was just a mistake to buy (or didn’t get returned quickly enough) and we need to learn from it. But holding onto things just because we spent money on it, doesn’t get the money back, so we might as well let it go and be thankful for it or learn from it.
Oh I love this way of thinking about it, thank you for sharing, I know it will help others, too!!! :)
Amen!
And we can bless someone else who will use something we can't use.
And once the item is gone, we never think about it again, or if we do, it is with a huge sense of relief that it is GONE!
I am the dishwasher....so I have reduced how many plates, bowls, and cups. That has helped our dishes so much.
Me too, after washing like 40 cups I realized some had to go, people are so funny in my house they'll drink out of a bowl if all of the cups are dirty... So sweet for me lol
Oh I just remembered one share house I lived in, my dinner set was the only one in the kitchen. No one would wash up after themselves so I removed half the plates and stashed them under my bed. Problem solved!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, thoughts and ideas. The whole time I was thinking "thank God I am not alone with this problems". This helps so much.
I hear a midwestern accent! But that only adds to me loving what you share here!!!!! OMG!! 😍 I’m going to end up watching this over and over!!!! I want to simplify so badly!!!
"What is your piece of mind worth?" Love it!
PEACE of mind
Peace
I love that you are very intentional and gracious about not being judgy or condemning, but rather you are so sweet to encourage us to have less mental LOAD and more freedom in our new found efficiency! I am easily overwhelmed. I have WAY WAY too much mental load. I saw a video of yours recently and thought YARIGHT! I could never! But then I saw your bathroom drawer video...the one with your bank account pulled up...and I said, "I could probably do THAT!" So I did. And then I prayed "Lord help me do this again somewhere and gain momentum. " Girl! Im sitting here right now going the 20 years of scrapbooking scraps and 'some day' projects and was so overwhelmed I began the process I call the 'walk-away-walz' (walz in-see the mess, walz out- do ANYTHING ELSE, walz in- see-scream, walz out....repeat repeat repeat.) So I literally played this video -because it was long) while I finally began this hell, and as I hoped, my trash bag began to fill up. This sounds so silly I know, but truly, THANK YOUUUUU!!!
Well some of us “lazy people” work 40+ hours a week in an office or outside the home and don’t want to spend our weekends folding underwear and cleaning our kitchens. We’d rather use that time to take our kids out to the park, a museum, ice cream etc. Not dusting fine china 🙄 and even if you don’t work outside the home, who cares! Lots of people would rather spend time doing other things instead of cleaning, it has nothing to do with being lazy. And don’t get me wrong cleaning is rewarding and I like the feeling of accomplishing something, but I don’t like spending 3, 4, 5 hours cleaning my house on a daily basis lol which is what I used to do before minimalism. I really love your videos. ❤️
I completely agree! And thank YOU!!! :)
When my son was born, I was bombarded with information, including articles about how much I could hope to achieve as I recovered from the birth. One line that sticks in my mind was that after a while I'd be able to do light dusting (whatever that is). O joy, I thought. As he grows up, people will be saying he's a right little thug, but his mummy kept a a lovely clean house - not a speck of dust anywhere!
Actually, that's the only line I remember, and I ignored that. A child is much better company than a duster.
I am an 'only parent' with a 6yr old. We downsized and moved to a little town safer and with a better job. I am drowning in stuff and just want to go for a walk with my daughter on a sunny day. I appreciate these videos. No one needs to find reasons to throw stones at each other- it's positive! We all learn and do things differently. We talk and shop differently. Cause we are... Bingo! Different. Don't let it disrupt you, and don't create negativity for others either.
@@bethanykolander2498 i had four children, always clutter, now they've grown and 3 left and there's still clutter. Last week for two days I recycled 10 electrical items locally and next day 3 big bags of clothes to a second hand shop. Still lots to do. Enjoy your child though. Time is precious and it flies.
Jackie martin Or even putting a timer for 15 minutes for each room helps a lot! Even if its during the week or just weekends:)
I love this video. This is so helpful to me. I decluttered my kitchen several times. I love it. I cook a lot more. I enjoy my kitchen now. Thank you Dawn. Yes I have watched this several times.
I appreciated your "Wired differently" Theory. Such a helpful insight. Thank you :)
You are a BIG BLESSING! Like you have said I have tried to organize and reorganize, but it would not hold up. I would work from morning till night however house would also seem messy. This minus the inventory is a genius and God sent. It is empowering and slowly the house is taking shape and I find peace and joy in many places, when I open cupboards or my closest. I have a long way to go. However I trust this path and committed to it. Thank you Dawn you have given me hope and changed my life for the better ❤
Either it enhances, empowers you or entangles you. Criteria for the object to stay or go.
I’m new to watching and I’m addicted because of your sunny disposition!😍 I’ve just started TRYING to live minimal. I’m finding it tough but I keep going forward, purging things that I don’t use or bought on a whim. It feels so good to cupboards and think, I really need to organise this. This video is great. Love the simplicity in your ideas.❤️Much love from London!🇬🇧
It gets easier. I declutter bit by bit.
I fall into the category of already neat and fairly organized. I do not think you are lazy just brilliant for figuring out at an early age to prioritize your time. Time is the commodity. Simplifying has given you more time to do what you do enjoy. Bravo! In my youth I enjoyed spending a lot of time cleaning but as I'm older not so much. You have inspired me to truly evaluate and prioritize what I keep in my home. We've been removing alot of things we no longer need or use! Thank you for the great ideas and your kind energy!
So happy I found this video!! I’v stayed in few vacation rentals this year. And every time I think why don’t I scale down the kitchen like this rental. I love to cook so I do some extra gadgets quite regularly. But there is a lot room for improvement. You just inspired me to finally get it done!!🤗
It was fun to see a vacation home kitchen from a minimalist point of view! When we rent a house for the holidays, we always question what is available there in terms of cookware, boards, knives, glasses, cutlery, dishes. We LOVE to cook and will take all the "basics" which we are told aren't there. Some things we take anyway. Extra tea towels, extra dish rags, sharpening steel (even though you can somewhat sharpen a knife on the bottom of a plate), spices ... Depending on the response, knifes, cutting boards, storage containers ... If the letter tells us he has "one really good teflon frying pan" there, that's not for us, lol!
Having said that, I think that your way of dealing with clutter is wonderful and I'm really enjoying watching you and picking up bits and pieces (no pun intended). You are refreshingly upfront about what you believe in. Keep goin' gal!
Oh my gosh!!! Yes!!! We go to Florida every year and I always think while I am there how little we live with and get along perfectly fine, not just with cooking but with clothing and toys too. We rent a house for 3 weeks and get along fine with the bare minimal. I’ve already gone through my kitchen in the past but I think I may go through it again and simplify even more!! 💕
Yay, that's awesome!!
On vacation how much do you cook tho? I cook every meal. 20-21 meals a week. I need my stuff. Im trying to fit in an RV so Im downsized but not to bare basics like on vacation.
I have 6 kids and a full time job my house is totally overwhelming and I have been watching so many organization videos and reading all I can. But I just could never find a system that works . Finding your videos has been a total live saver for me. Thank you very much for helping me to stay motivated and stress less. You're awesome!
This makes me SO happy to hear!!!!! Thank YOU!!! :)
😂🤣 this is so me! Thank you for your honesty and the "be tough on your stuff" pep talk. I am unfortunately one of those people that needs to hear the hard truth now and then.
I love your videos! I am a minimalist at heart but after living in my home for over 20 years, stuff has accumulated. I’m in the process of downsizing and the information you share keeps me motivated.
Thank you so much, Dawn!! 😊
Yes, 20 years would make it more difficult, I'm fortunate that we moved every two years for the first ten years of marriage, so that did make things easier! Grace for the journey!!!
Genius idea. You really understand the psychology of decluttering.
I think this was the PERFECT length!
I pray it inspires others. XXOO
Thanks Dawn!
You are so RAD! We've made changes years ago like NOT having too many kids cups, not too many utensils etc. But, NOW I'm super motivated to GO FURTHER! I'm going to make a list & go through each cabinet this week! A big giant THANK YOU!
I love this idea. We always rent either a cabin or house when we go on vacation and it never occurred to me to look at keeping a tidy kitchen from a vacation perspective. Thanks for sharing!
Taking before pictures is a great idea. I have so much to do I think it will help in doing each area one by one.
I did it! Spent roughly an hour going through cabinets and got rid of more than I thought I would. Still have a few uppers to sort through but happy to have more space. Thanks for helping me see this in a new light.
Wahoo, this is awesome!!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!! Great work!! :)
Thank you! The principles in this video can be applied across the board. While I'm by nature a clean and organized person, this video made me look around and notice all the "stuff" we have around here that do nothing for us and can go with no love lost. The only area in the kitchen I could not purge was my coffee cup shelf: Many of them were gifts from my kids and I just can't get rid of them...even though I only need, like, two. Maybe some day, but not today, and that's ok. 😊
I find your attitude super inspiring and encouraging! I watched a video of yours a few weeks back, and that along with Darci Isabella's videos I've been inspired to get at it. 2 weeks later I am happy to say I've done nearly my entire house, excluding the kitchen, which is tomorrow's project. Thanks for the tips and, if I remember I'll tag you on you on instagram with some before and after pics. Take care!
😁😘
Wahoo!!! This is awesome!!! Way to go!!! And only 2 weeks--this will inspire others!!!! (Isn't Darci the greatest!?!)
She is! I was turned onto the idea of minimalism by her videos and it's now become a bit of an obsession for me. It just feels so darn good and makes life SO much easier. Thanks for sharing your knowledge - I'm learning a lot for you.
Please show us how you are applying it in your home! Can always use the inspiration!
Little Mountain Ranch n
I truly enjoyed your video! So nonsensical! Not judgemental! We recently moved from a 1,300sq ft house where we raised our 5 kids. We are empty nesters now. I recently retired. We bought a 4,000 sqft home so we could have everyone over. I now have many empty cabinets. You're right I love it. I do not get joy from cleaning but I do get joy that everything is neat! I will continue to watch! You go girl!
I've never left a message before on youtube but i just have to say....That was one of the best video's I've watched! I like the 'guilt free' attitude you're encouraging.....We all have way to much stress to allow 'things' to add more stress! Im not a minimalist by nature but i am organized. It's hard to stay organized with to much stuff. I think you've convinced me to pursue minimalism......Thank you....Marie
I like that slogan: Be Tough on your Stuff!
Just what I needed. My kitchen is wearing me down!! So tackling it this week. Thank you!! Holding onto so much stuff!!
Good luck, you can do it!!!! :)
I cleaned through our kitchen after watching this and we are moving in a few weeks. You just made my life easier by giving me less to pack. Goodwill will love my donations. My back and husband thank you.
Oh my I just stumbled upon you. This is my first time ever watching your channel, and this is going to sound crazy but Ive been praying to God for help with my home, I'm thinking you just might be the answer to my prayers. Thank you thank you an again thank you.
I love your practical, yet original way of tackling clutter. It really does go a lot deeper than many channels, and it makes me think and analyze why I do what I do. You really seem to understand that decluttering is not simple for most people, yet there is still a way to do it, and to get a lot of peace afterwards. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos and delve into the inner workings of the psyche. Love the vacation home rental analogy.
So young and so smart!!Why has it taken me forty years to finally "get it" ??
I love your videos. I have watched several
I have gotten rid of so much stuff that doesn’t mean anything to me anymore
So much happier. And so much more manageable without getting stressed !!!!
I've always said that my "minimalism goal" would be to have a home that is easy to sublet on short notice. Fully functional without the personal.clutter lying around.
I decluttered my kitchen several years ago & never regretted it. For those rarely used items that often only get used a few times a year or less, but I don't want to have to buy them again, I bought two of those small plastic bins that have three drawers in them. They fit perfectly side by side in a bottom cabinet on the top shelf completely out of the way. Those items aren't clogging up my drawers and I know right where they are when I need them.
I really like you! I feel like you really get me!! And the way my brain thinks! I love how non judgmental and sweet you are too! So easy to receive from, knowing you have been in the trenches and have found what works best for you and your family. Thank you for being willing to share and put logic to the emotion!!!
This is just what I needed! I just scrolled your channel and I have more watch later videos than probably I can do all year. So good - thank you.
I really enjoyed this video! And there is nothing lazy about being efficient and making your life more enjoyable.
Amen!!!
I wish i could like this video 20 times. Everything you said is SO TRUE and REAL. About having 4 cooking hobs and 12 pots and pans, I felt like thumping my head when you said that, WHY didn’t i see that before lol. And my peace of mind is priceless. Thank you for this video!
We are currently renting the home that we live in and I absolutely adore the kitchen it’s a large 4 to 5 bedroom farmhouse. However we will be moving and downsizing into a 14 x 70 mobile home so at this point in life I’m trying to Declutter as much is possible because I know it’ll make things more organized when packing and moving into a smaller home. This video for my kitchen was wonderful motivation. to see crisp and clean blank counters really help to get rid of those extra things we know longer need. Our biggest battle is we are a family of six and don’t have a dishwasher. Our oldest child just turned four so unfortunately all the dishes rest on mom. I’m starting to realize less materialistic things mean more time I can spend with my family. Not excited about the move but it will permit us to eventually buy our own home which will be a blessing.
Oh I hear you, our dishwasher didn't work in our last house so it was all me, too, since our kids were too young at the time...the move doesn't sound fun, but small spaces can be a blessing, we lived in my parents basement for 9 months before we moved into our current house and it reinforced how little we actually need! Best wishes on your journey, and that is cool that it will allow you to own your own home, way to keep your eye on the prize!!!!
I see what you did there! You are so sharp, clever, brilliant and....right! Vacation kitchen! THAT is what got me in! Thank you so much for this video!!
Clutter makes me anixous and in a bad mood. I am turning into a minamilast for sure. When I come into a room that is clean and tidy i feel sense of calm.
YES, I think you are definitely not alone in that regard!! Best wishes with simplifying :)
Clutter also makes me anxious. I'm becoming more aware of that as I let go of stuff. My kitchen is still a bit of my nemesis. I have a few things I don't know what to do with. There is the basket of eggs that I collect everyday from my chickens and the bowl of scraps that need to head to the coop everyday. I find because they're out on the cupboard they are drawing more clutter to them and it multiplies. I know that it will improve with every pass of decluttering, but its an everyday decision to continue to pick up after ourselves. I know that as I/we have less there will be less to put away too.
I hate clutter with a passion - I have pretty much eliminated it from my living space, but visiting my parents is always super stressful because their house is full of it, and has been since I was in grade school (I/they are slowly going through it, but it's taking a really long time because the only time any real progress is made is when I'm there, which is only 2-3 times a year). For the first time in over 20 years, over Christmas we finally went an entire week with only the essentials permanently on the kitchen table - butter dish, napkin holder, and Advent wreath - and it was GLORIOUS, but it only happened because I stayed on top of my parents to keep everything unnecessary off (it used to get so bad that there would only be room for 1 person, when it can easily seat 5 in its present position (6 if pulled away from the wall); they really love having a clear table, it's just hard for them to keep it that way without me there to (kindly but firmly) hound them every day to take care of anything that's on it that doesn't belong there, although I've heard it's getting better - well, better than it was before we finally cleared it off, despite it being a month since I was last there; as they declutter, it will continue to improve).
I just stumbled upon your channel. You are an answer to prayers. Thank you for the inspiration. I feel like you have confidence in me being able to simplify my life - even though we do not know each other. So thanks for the confidence and support, haha! I think you are going to change my life. Thank you!
Omg! I accuse myself of lazy 😔😔😔 so good to know I’m not the only one that thinks it’s not laziness! 💪
I noticed years ago that I was incredibly happy and relaxed at our family cottage because it was so easy to keep clean and tidy. I have bumbled along for years procrastinating creating the same environment in my home. I am very much like you and want an easier way to do things. We aren't lazy. We just have different things we enjoy. I don't enjoy cleaning. I'd rather read or garden or bake. I decided yesterday that the basement is my focus til it's completely done. One area at a time. I have laundry in massive piles. I have already done my bedroom and gone through my clothes to pare them down. So most of the stuff I wash will be donated. Love your videos and your thoughts and ideas have really helped me get focused.
Lori
Our kitchen is very basic but to make sure we use everything I put a small piece of painter’s tape on everything. If the tape stays on in three months it’s gone. I love how clean your space looks and it gives me a few ideas to let go of a few more things. I love to clean, love it, but I don’t want to spend all my time cleaning. I want my time for more fun things. Open shelving solved a lot of my kitchen clutter problems haha.
like this idea
LOVE this idea!!!! And CAN'T WAIT to add open shelves to our kitchen and get rid of our ugly uppers!!! Yours have inspired me!!!
I can see how open shelving would help you pare down, but it has to be constantly dusted or wiped! I avoid open shelving! lol
I did try that but I reverted to whatever gravitates to the bottom or is pushed to the back or to the side is not being grabbed first so as Peter Walsh says take out the bottom or back third and ditch.
Great idea!
"I think your peace of mind is worth more than any item". That's what I'm trying to work towards and hoping my child and spouse will want to work towards.
Here is the thing, if you have time to do extra cleaning projects and extra cooking then that's great! However it is good to have things minimized down and everything streamlined so that on your busiest days you know that your house is in order. It's not about working harder it's about working smarter. Great content Dawn! Thanks for reading, Carrie Spencer
Amen Carrie, so well said!!!!
Something important that I think you nailed here is the self-compassion you have throughput your process. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I’m in the middle of downsizing so this was an encouraging video. I would, however, keep more long term storage foods in case of an emergency. We had a power outage four days long. Those times are when canned foods came in handy. Our wood stove was the cooktop. I definitely need to pare down my pots and pans! While I’m not a minimalist by any means, it does de-stress to have less stuff. Thank you!!
Yes, you are right about emergency foods...I think we take for granted that my parents live a mile down the road and have enough in their pantry and freezers to fee a dozen people for at least 6 months ;)
This so resonates with me. It's not that I don't want to part with things but it upsets me that I spent money on something that I may not have used or used once or twice. So my mind goes into that "one day" spiral, then i put it back in the cupboard, annnndddd...take it out again in 6 months time, again unused. I have to just say that the money is gone, it was an experiment, and what I learnt from it is that I don't need it. Because the clutter and stuffed cupboards are really stressing me out. Thanks. You are the first declutterer who has ever mentioned the guilt over wasted money. New Subscriber.
I totally agree! I began my minimalist journey three years ago and now I’m a mom of two. I downsized so much of our kitchen gear that we ended up ripping out all our cabnets and putting in open shelving. It’s beautiful and so light and airy now.
YES! Tom agreed to do this in our kitchen, too...it just has to wait until winter...can't wait!!!!
You won't regret it...I replace the overhead cabinets with glass shelves for the cups, mugs and glasses. I put the crockery in a deep drawer beside the dishwasher.
As Peter Walsh says your space defines your stuff...And...a horizontal surface is not a storage solution...floors, benches, tables, beds...
Thanks for making it real and making it human and doable as well. And thanks for addressing those things I deal with in cleaning and clearing. I plan to do this tomorrow but if I take pictures I might scare everyone. Ok, I will take pictures but my kitchen in not normal, I will see when it comes. Thanks again!
I have found my people
Ha! I love this comment, Melissa Mac Edward-Juhl! And yes. Agreed!!
I love the idea of imagine your kitchen as an AirBNB. When I'm vacationing in an AirBNB, I cook more creatively, with fresher ingredients and less stress. While there are some tools, supplies and activities that are specific to longer-term meal prep or food preservation, I can provide those things their own physical and mental space.