THANK YOU for watching, I truly hope that this is helpful as you work to declutter your house! Here are a few links mentioned in this video: Free Declutter Your Kitchen in 15 Minutes Printable: www.theminimalmom.com/pl/2147641143 Free Declutter Toys Quickly Step by Step Training Video: www.theminimalmom.com/pl/2147649398 Private Mentorship Group, to learn more and to sign up, visit here: cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group Full Video with Courtney from Project 333: ruclips.net/video/6YU5yRSInKQ/видео.html Minimalism Hacks Video: ruclips.net/video/HDdxeF5cdS4/видео.html Full Interview with Dr. John Delony on Toxic Clutter: ruclips.net/video/9FVDCl2HUT8/видео.html All my best!!! - Dawn
I very much agree with most of what you share; its a very helpful strategy, but the one point I strongly disagree with is the trash bag with the belief it doesn't really matter because if all 131 K viewers (as of one day ago) each fill up a bag for the landfill that could be repurposed by someone else, or recycled, that is a LOT of additional needless trash into the landfill because it is in addition to millions of others who mindlessly throw into the landfill rather than repurpose or recycle; I believe it absolutely DOES harm the environment and create a toxic mess.
NEVER BE AFRAID TO THROW THINGS AWAY. I say this as an employee of a thrift shop that regularly gets to sort through donations. Ask yourself about every item you think you should donate: Why am I getting rid of this? Would I buy this? Your local thrift shop DOES NOT WANT your chipped mugs, stained shirt, old shoes, or random parts to kitchen appliances. They will just THROW IT IN THE TRASH ANYWAY, and are you okay with making them take care of your trash?? (It's costing them money that could be going to whatever cause they support!) Just use the black garbage bag please!! Or recycle if you can. I wish everyone could spend just one day at a donation center. Let me tell you....I donate VERY LITTLE of what leaves my house! Thanks for being real, Dawn. Don't ever be afraid to speak truth on the decluttering subject. YOU ROCK!!!
Thank you for this and what you do! I'm always so hesitant to throw things in the trash but then my "maybe donate" pile grows bigger and effecting my house. When in doubt, throw it out I suppose!
Some people know how to up cycle an item that you are throwing in the trash. I am a recycler and I believe all items can to used or up cycled by someone that knows how with great ideas. Please try to donate items that can be used or up cycled don’t throw donations out because you think it’s not a useable value to someone else. A chip in a cup doesn’t devalue the item to some. Our earth needs people with great minds for useful items made into something else. Thank you.
Thank you for this comment from a very old lady that has donated chipped mugs and so on I appreciate this comment and I will donate less and recycle more You have a blessed day
Thank you for this validation. On caviot, I volunteer at my church's clothes closet. We take nick nacks, linenens, etc. I would throw out things chiped, torn and stained, however with the direction of the closet directors, they have ppl that will take such items. I have even taken stained large mens shirts I use to work my garden. One will just have to ask those free donation places if they accept otherwise "throw away" items.
As a senior (73), I’ve had to identify my season of life and my temporary status on planet earth and current life. My key decluttering quest this year is “Would I move this?” And when the answer is “NO”or even “not likely”, then out it goes. I feel liberated from those “what ifs”.
I'm 71 and totally agree. Also my 96 year old mum passed away and the amount of clutter she had which had to be gone through was horrendous. (Even though we love and loved here dearly.) I don't want to leave this as an inheritance for my kids when I pop my clogs.
I'm taking it a step further, Kathleen. "Would/could I carry this from the car or up a flight of stairs to put it in my new apartment?" It has to be pretty darn special to justify the physical effort that can be so challenging for Seniors like me.
I had a cabinet in a house I just sold which was actually intented to be a sink cabinet but I had it in my mixing area. This area was connecting my frig and my pantry cabinet and had a nice long countertop. This cabinet had a rollout bottom shelf. No shelf above so it was tall enough to put all my much used electrical appliances such as toaster, coffee maker, blender, mixer, juicer, electric can opener etc. It was a 36 inch cabinet with double doors. It worked so well I highly recommend doing this if possible. Very easy access to these things and everything right there in one place.
I want to note something for us poor people that can't just go to the store and buy what we need when it is needed.... you can still get lots of great tips from minimalist videos like this! Use it as a guide and don't get frustrated that you can't get rid of as many things as they do. Just do what you can. 😊 even though I have to keep lots of things just in case, I still find so many things I have had as a backup that really didn't even work well and was just making life harder... like that spare can opener that got stuck EVERY time I opened the drawer !!! I tested it and it barely works! I finally threw it away yesterday after it being in my way for over two years 😅. These videos are soooo inspiring 😊
I was raised in a not wealthy household so I am always thinking can I replace this if I suddenly need it after it's been under the bed for 5 years😂 . These videos have helped me to free my mind and live more realistically❤
After losing my son two years ago, I started to let things pile up in the closets in the cabinets and in my daughters room and play space. I am so glad that I happened upon your videos. They have been so helpful. I’ve been able to clean three spaces in just one day. Losing a child fills all of your brain space. I’m so thankful that I’m pulling through and I can get back to an organized decluttered home ❤
Bless your heart- my hubby of 49 plus years. Moved to heaven 3. Months short of two years. That along with moving from our home of 8 years from the country into town with a two bedroom. Full garage with all my husbands tools from being a maintenance man and fishing. And of course it's clothes and shoes and medical supplies and and and... You know the drill into a one one bedroom has been a very emotional challenge. It's been easier to focus on writing/reading/ watching educational RUclips videos and the list goes on to avoid the pain of dealing with the clutter dealing with the piles and not knowing where anything's at. I do have a small storage that's absolutely crammed to the ceiling. 10x10. And even knowing that paying sixth only 63 a month when you add that up over 2 years it's pretty expensive. Junk. Dad even I've gone over in number of times and it's just it's too much emotionally of what do I let go of? What do I keep? I'm a canner/ artist/ tutor/ creative creator/ writer lol and the list goes on and on. A lot of it I picked up in oh yeah and I forgot to add sewing. I picked up well. My husband's health was failing. I thought it was 4 weeks or a year but one of my dance team pointed out it was actually four. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is there are three beautiful things that Jesus spoke to me but one would apply to your situation. A week before Roger passed which was very peaceful and quiet. Even with the diabetes and bladder cancer that he had, there was no pain. Which was such a blessing. But Jesus stood beside me and I wished I had looked because I felt his presence so strong and what he said wouldn't have been any clear if he'd actually spoke audibly out loud because here's what I heard very clearly. " In light of his age, and Roger just turned 80, how old you're going to be in a couple of days and I was going to be 77 and the fact that I'm coming back soon... You're not going to be separated for very long." Dear one, I hope that's a comfort to your heart because that's what's made my grieving so much easier if I can put it that way. It's only been the last couple of weeks that the hard part has been. That is younger brother who within 6 months lost all three of his siblings. So there's been some tension between us of how to take care of Roger. And I've felt really guilty about a week ago when I attended memorial service when one of the members of our dance team passed away and saw her video and felt guilty that I haven't done Roger's memorial service and neither have I taken care of his headstone just because of finances. The things that keep me going is like looking up a joke and a few joke books. I picked up at Walmart so that I have a new joke to ask or share with people and help make their days brighter/ I bought a tiara that I wear when I go shopping that when people ask me if I'm queen for a day I say no. I'm queen every day/ or if they ask me if it's my birthday I say will not today but I like wearing it so that I can give away free smiles at no extra charge. Which always brings a smile and a a positive comment. Oh that's really great from young people to older people. I've even thought at times it's starting a princess tiara club and encourage women and young girls to get a tiara and go and give away free smiles and some have even taken my challenge to get some plus nothing Bibles that are free. I pay them postage but they're amazing. Little books that were hand sewn on real leather in India and it's a brother that wanted to share Jesus with everybody. So he just went through and picked out all of the verses in the gospels about Jesus and had the Bible society put them together and it has a prayer of commitment at the end and at the very very end it shows you how to order more. And I put it in a ziploc bag and add a few what I call pocket treasures like the little glass rocks that you put in flower vases/ or I make pearl poodles out of Mardi gras beads/ Oriental trader. I maybe buy a package of little special erasers that have got flowers or butterflies or bumblebees on them. Just little things that it's a point of contact of conversation and of course the colors draw kids or the parents and then I just begin sharing with them how much these little Bibles mean to me because it shows me somebody that really loves me and then I'm going to see it. Get to see soon. He's giving me assurance that I'm going to heaven because I trust him and I hope you'll join me. So I've been rambling and I'm sorry but I just it's hard enough losing my spouse. I can't even imagine losing a child. I've been promised out of Isaiah 53 and 4 that I will have more children than a married woman could have because we were childless and barren during those 50 almost 50 years. But before I leave I wanted to leave with a chuckle or two... to lift your immune system by releasing an anti depression hormone that happens every time we turn up the lips into a curve that changes everything, which is called a sacrifice of joy because often we don't feel like doing it. But that's why it's called a step of faith cuz they're hypothalamus doesn't know we don't mean it. But God does and when we honor him by doing it when we don't feel like it, it actually makes us feel better in spite of ourselves. And besides that, it makes us richer because it increases our"face value" 🤗 So do you know what the longest word in the dictionary is? People often respond. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious lol which I feel pretty smart that I can say that as long as I remember to start with super. But it's actually sMILEs Because there's a mile... Between the two s's. I'll remember to pray for you as we both struggle along as I hope you will for me. I've made a commitment that by October 15th I will have written, published and launched my book to create a bestseller on Amazon. Working title WIDOWS.... WE ARE PRIVILEGED... HERE'S WHY↔️ by SONshine Shari Houston. Blessings... dear one hope to see you in Heaven soon. Remember, ... WHO YOU ARE MAKES A DIFFERENT and I HONOR you for honoring your precious life who was entrusted to you... what a gift and treasure you were allowed to raise for Heaven. Thanks for letting me ramble (smile... guess you didn't have much choice😂. But didn't want to forget to give you a tip. I found out where I can take my van and have the dents pulled out. I take it to the.. DENTist. 🫢💞
I have to share that I have MAJOR clutter chaos in every area of my home. I've spent the last year working on my childhood traumas and limiting beliefs, but this was one hurdle I just could not crack. I knew I was going to take back my life and my home -- I was no longer the person who enjoyed all these things. I was determined to start with my kitchen on a Sunday. I spent the prior 3 days watching videos on the mindset and psychology behind clutter. I was determined to be successful in letting things go this time. Things I've been holding on to since 1998...gone! I was able to walk into my craft room, kitchen and closet and load several huge boxes up with things I could have never dreamed of letting go. My biggest hurdle was all the brand new items I had in packages. Thanks to this video, I was able to let it all go. I have a lot left to do, but the process is no longer painful or impossible. My hoarding mother is here on vacation and painfully watching me do all of this. I hope it inspires her too! Thank you so much for the effort you put into this video and all that you share!
Dawn!!! You completely came through for those that cannot afford the Take Your House Back course!!! Talk about walking the walk- you're the real deal lady ❤️
I've found over the years that i am not giving up all my hobbies. They bring me my joy. The best situation for me is a super organized storage space for hobby bins. Keep them out of my day to day spaces. Small bin for each hobby. Herb and tea drying, chocolate and candy making, sewing projects, candle making, humming birds, seed starting, canning, etc. Have what i need easily accessible but not is my kitchen cupboards!
@@Wenjenzel choose space stuff will go. Then choose bins with lids that fit the space. Label and place bins in place empty. Then fill bins accordingly. Only keep what fits into designated bins. The rest goes. Forces you to make good choices. I keep tools to do hobby first. Then minimal supplies. I buy or gather supplies i need as i need.
At 70, I made the decision 2 let go of hobbies/ crafts. I kept the ones that were my top 5! The ones that I never seemed to 'get' 2, I let go of. It may a good place to start.
These videos are so good. I’m about ready to start decluttering. I lost my husband 8 months ago and our joke was always he was the hoarder and I the enabler. He always bought in bulk even though it was just the 2 of us. Our garage is full of boxes that were never opened during our 26 years of marriage (things he had in storage b4 we got married). It was too overwhelming for my husband and he didn’t want me throwing his stuff away. Being cluttered had become a lifestyle. Now all these boxes are mine and I’m just now at the point that I’m ready to take on the emotional journey of decluttering. I’m in a new season of life and my house needs to match it.
I think this sounds like a very amazing way to transition into your new life. Take charge of your home and sort of do a reset where things are about you now. Im sorry for your loss. I think youre about to embark on an incredible new journey and it starts with decluttering. Good luck!
Oh sweet lady… I’m sorry for the loss of your hubby, I can not imagine going through that. I’m happy that you’ve gotten to a point that you can start moving forward and I’m excited for you for your next chapter ❤
I'm so sorry for your loss. But you are right, you need to make your home a place for you to live your life going forward. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is a book to help in your emotional journey of letting things go so that you can live your remaining life to the fullest. There is also a series by the same name on Peacock, is you get that. The whole point is to make your home a place that supports you. People often get overwhelmed by the Stuff left to them by people they loved dearly.
God bless your efforts. Grief can slow you down, and sometimes even halt all your best efforts, but let me tell you, from someone that lost their husband just a couple of years ago. I am now finally getting through all of the clutter that he and I both had a hand in collecting AND doing it with a fresh new mindset!!! - so I am right there with you honey!!! 🩷 and it’s exactly videos like these, that we need to watch to motivate ourselves sometimes to work THROUGH the grief🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💕💕💕 YOU GO GIRL!!!
I noticed the bins for the kid’s socks. I came up with a brilliant solution that changed my life 😉 I purchased mesh lingerie bags for each of my kids that I would hang on the closet door. When they had dirty socks, they placed them in their bag. On laundry day, I washed and dried the socks in those bags and it was their job to match them up and put them away. The bag was then placed back where the cycle would start all over again (as laundry does). No more sock issues! This worked for years! It worked so well that I even implemented this for my husband and I. Give it a try!
I take that one step further. Every year in prep for school, my kids get to choose their style and color of socks. I buy plenty for the year. I pass down if I can, otherwise I pass along to others what socks are nice and fine. We don't fold socks, we don't fold socks.
My sister-in-law buys only two sizes of generic white socks which she shares with the older kids while the younger ones all share the smaller ones. They're kept in a bin and they don't match any socks.
Got the mesh bags for my three grandkids and I'm hoping that they use them but I'm afraid that they have not bought into the process yet. Maybe it'll kick in later?
I love the “planting seeds” if I donate something expensive or super amazing to me I’m going to pray that it’s a seed of a blessing to someone else who needed one.
Yes! SOWING is a huge teaching in the Bible, that what you give to someone will be MULTIPLIED back to you. So if you need money, give away some of your money. If you need time, give away some of your time, then watch God give you more free time. Sounds opposite, but God promises that you will REAP what you SOW, multiplied times over.
Believe me! They are! I was able to purchase a canning machine that someone donated to a local charity thrift shop. You have no idea what it meant to me to be able to purchase a canner that helps me store foods for my family. It was a life saver! With only $50 a week to feed 4 people that canner became a game changer! It was a blessing for my family and I greatly appreciate the person that donated it. (yes, I bought it, got to my car and cried) I love it when people donate canning jars also. I was able to get a $100 canner for only $15! The jars were only 50 cents each! The money goes to the local Children's Hospital. You may not need something but believe me, there are people out there that find those things live saving game changers! Donate it even if you think it's junk, someone needs it.
My son had a hard time parting with anything he created. His room was a mess. Finally, I suggested we take pictures of his artwork, and we gave him a digital camera. He went through his room and took pictures of everything before he tossed it, and kept the extra special art he created. From that point on, he learned the value of regaining the space in his room. I don't think he ever went back and looked at those photos, but he can if he wants to. 🙂
I had a really difficult experience which absolutely shifted my mindset around having ‘stuff’ - my mother was a ‘mend and make do’ kind of person, and would keep everything and anything ‘just in case’. She become incredibly unwell with a terminal illness, and the house became overwhelming, but she kept on holding on to things ‘just in case’. By the time she reached out for help, as we wanted her to get a cleaner and other sources of support to help her but was too embarrassed to allow other people into her house, it was too late. When she passed, I had to clear through the house, picking through years of objects stashed into every corner and space. I respected my mother’s independence to live her life as she wanted and having things helped her feel safe especially as her family were very poor when she was little and those behaviours were survival strategies. But, the volume of ‘stuff’ everywhere just become unmanageable and prevented us from being able to get her help to make her life easier sooner. My own home is significantly leaner and as soon as I start having more stuff, I have an absolute itch to purge and decant to a charity shop. And I realise that I rarely miss anything I donate - listening to you talk helps gives me a language to articulate my thoughts, especially the idea of what serves me in the season I am in now. And not holding on to things ‘just in case.’ It’s completely a mindset shift to challenge how we hold on to things we just don’t need. Thanks for your videos x
@ Tammy Elward I can totally relate to your story about your mother. Mine was the exact same way. When she passed 2 years ago, despite 2 major purges before her death, she still had so much excess. Unfortunately I kept a lot of her photos, art and art supplies, sewing machines and supplies because of my emotional attachment to her things. Know that I had to move into a smaller home last year, I began to feel overwhelmed by the volume. So I started to question everything of hers that I kept. This weekend, I started my purge even before seeing this video. Thank you so much for your post about your mother. It helped to confirm that I am not alone.
Thank you for sharing. I also experienced this with both my own parents and my husband’s homes. It was overwhelming and so sad. They all ended their lives surrounded by clutter that would have mortified their own younger selves. It’s a hard emotional lesson. I am endeavouring not to do that to my own children but a warning. That stability if belongings can creep up as you get older as they are definitely security blankets for your past life. I still have my son’s first winter coat. He is 44 now! So being selective I choose to keep just one really special memory per decade in my box if memories. It starts with my wedding dress. This has helped. This has touched me deeply. Thank you for your video Dawn and thank you for your reply Tammy. ❤
My in laws are hoarders. I’ve talked about this being a huge concern of mine with my husband. My parents experienced this when my grandmother passed away. It was extremely burdensome on them to go through everything she hoarded. My husband and I have had to get to a place of acceptance that we can’t change his parents. We will have to budget for a professional service to purge the house when the time comes. It’s far too big of a job for us to do ourselves.
As someone who used to be a minimalist, who gradually got overcluttered, but then came to realize that I actually like to be surrounded by aesthetic things, I've realized something. If it gets in my way it's a problem, but if it doesn't, I can enjoy it! So what I've decided to do moving forward is to have maximalist walls, and minimalist almost everything else. It it can't go on a wall or a bookshelf up against a wall, it's in the way and I don't need it.
I agree! I have noticed the same thing. I decorated my walls with art, have very nice lightings and carpets, but go minimal with other stuff on flat surfaces, floors and furniture generally. It makes my home clean and airy, but still not looking boring or cold.
I have to say that this was so inspirational. I didn't get all the way through it before I paused and went down to the kitchen to declutter. My husband was so impressed that he sat at the table with me after dinner and just talked like we were at a restaurant. (Perhaps the clean decluttered table made the difference.) I can see this will take some time but I'm highly motivated now. Thanks again.
A few years ago I realized this and started to see the cleanliness of my home as medicinal rather than a shameful failing. I’d notice that my dishes were piling up and ask myself, what was going on and then make an effort to do the chore almost like a prescription. I realized by taking that outward action I was changing my mind and creating an internal balance. I try to keep up on things, but do find I sometimes still struggle. I see it first in my personal space. I think the first outcome from this turn of perspective is I’m way more forgiving of myself. My surroundings, closets included, make a pretty good mirror of my mental space, adjusting the outside adjusts the inside.
I love this thought! Like a prescription :). Exercise has been that for me for years - but I'm finding this is true for myself as well! Thanks for putting it into words!
“Decluttering fatigue is a real thing because you have to make so many decisions over & over & over”. 🙏THANK YOU! I’ve been making great progress, then hit a wall. I felt like my brain was spaghetti. 🙏THANK YOU so much for helping me understand this is part of the process & I’m not completely crazy. Maybe just a little. 😂😁 The peace of mind with simplicity I’m experiencing is a beautiful reward for all those decisions being made. 💝😍 - Single mom, empty nester, now teaching music full time out of my home.
This video worked a miracle! My hubby watched it with me and when it was over he asked me where I wanted to start. I had done a lot myself already but we both cook and I put off doing the kitchen because I didn't want to get rid of something he might want. So I said kitchen utensil drawer and before you know it, we had decluttered the whole kitchen, utensils, dishes, decorative items, lots, two boxes full. They are going to consignment on Wednesday. Feels so good! Thank you for such wonderful inspiration!
You have no idea how often I quote you to my hubbie! This week another breakthrough as he has decided to clear out five bags of trash from his office and a bag of clothes, woohoo! I spent all of 2022 doing the house but so pleased he can feel the difference and decided to clear out for himself. Thank you for the treat of a super long video.
@@hfamilytravels yep - the arguing or forcing our spouses into it, is not helpful, and can lead to negative responses, backwards progress, even dissonance or resentment. I plan to try "gently leading (my husband) by example" - meaning, I will continue working on my own stuff (which is the majority of the clutter anyway) and in time, that will shed some light on what's left in our home. Those unaddressed items will be for US to decide on together, along with the items that require HIS decisions/involvement. I had recently come to this conclusion as a friend was helping me declutter another "onion layer" in our basement. I was approaching my limit for the day (clutter threshold, decision fatigue) when we came across a box of old computer parts/ electronics/ magazines (husband used to build/fix computers for a living, and is still a Gamer). My friend tried to encourage me to just make the executive decision and throw it away. I refused, explaining that it isn't mine to decide - I have enough of my OWN decisions to make, plus it would be disrespectful of me to toss his stuff (AND I would prefer not to be the one making ALL the decisions for our home). I will find a way to invite and involve him in the decluttering process at the right time and in a way that will have positive results.
I want thru my closet. It has been a game changer. Getting dressed takes minutes now instead of hours of upset. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't get to stay. If I don't like it or the way it looks on me, it goes. My husband saw what I was doing and actually went thru his clothes on his own! 😮
It took me a week to get through this video because every so often I would just have to pause it and go declutter a space. I've gotten quite a bit done and I did it in very small bites. I am super grateful that the people I live with are also on board with this project and they often praise my efforts. That makes a huge impact on my motivation for sure. Thank you for all you do on this channel.
Yep, I also paused the video and cleaned out the junk drawer that’s been bugging me since we moved in to the house! I threw away a 15 year old digital camera, a part to my food processor that I haven’t and won’t ever use and instruction manuals for things from IKEA. Also asked my husband to move all of the home appliance manuals to his storage area because we disagreed on keep/throw away. Our compromise was you can keep them, but not in the kitchen! That drawer looks awesome and I feel really good about it! Took me 10 minutes.
Your laundry room looks great. But you didn't show how you filled up your containers. I've been having problems visualizing how to put the laundry supplies and light bulbs. What do you do with missing socks? 😂
There are so many "minimalist/de-clutter" videos out there but there is something about yours that feels real and not sanctimonious. I think it's the way you laugh and smile (and the great tips!) that really helps people out because this is very stressful. I spent the last 3 days going through boxes of photos, cards and letters, child drawings and report cards and it's tough to see how we were once so young and looked great (and didn't know it!) or looked horrible and did know it. Seeing photos where half of the people in the family picture have passed away, dogs that we still miss etc. I had already tackled my entire kitchen, my books, all of my clothes and the garage with your help so thank you! I am starting to see the results now and I think it's like losing weight - nothing nothing nothing and then suddenly clothes loosen, people notice and you can see definition.
We painted the floor and what a difference… but it is now pealing. 😕in some spots. We do not get water nor do we have dampness. Maybe there was a better way to do it but I did wash the entire floor before painting. ☹️
I LOVE what she said about our clothes need to work for us. It's such a helpful revelation. Taking things literally comes easily to me, so I then imagined saying to my clothes that don't fit "You're fired!"
I cannot get over how much you have changed my life and my perspective. I had been drowning with my four-year-old, my two-year-old, dog, and husband with all of our stuff. I’m so thankful to have found you a year ago and the freedom you have given us! Not to mention we are now better stewards of our money because you have changed our perspective on stuff. So thankful! Keep doing what you do! I’m so motivated to declutter and clean every time I listen to you that now it’s becoming habit to turn a video of yours on when I get to work 🤣
Oh, you mentioned "dog". I'm having flashes of the baskets, shelves, and closet floors and shelves that are filled with "stuff for dogs". I think I will start with their stuff first - they won't know any better as long as I leave their current favorites in play. Thank you!
Every time I listen I’m motivated to get rid of stuff too! I just added a couple more things to donation bag as I listened and am in line to drop off at thrift store right now. Lots of people must be decluttering for the New Year! 😊❤
Thank you for this video! You are truly motivating many people on utube. You help so much by explaining how to do it! I’ve saved this to play over and over to keep myself motivated. Bless you! ❤️
I have learned so much from you Dawn. Yesterday I did hours of cooking and baking and my kitchen counters were a mess when I finished. And then…. It took me less than 10 min to everything cleaned and put away. Low inventory truly works better than any organizational system. Thank you so very much ❤️
I have been struggling for years to declutter - I've watched and listened to various videos and podcasts, but none really motivated me. Last night I came across this video - I didn't expect to find an hour and a half long video on decluttering so rivetting! I love the concept of my 'season' of life, your step by step approach makes sense, and actually seeing you tackling clutter and making choices showed me how to do it. Half way through the video, at midnight, I cleaned out the top surface and half a drawer of the chest of drawers in my bedroom. Doesn't sound like much but, boy, so much went into trash (deodorants I'd tried but didn't like) or the donation box (smelly Xmas gifts I'm not going to use). Now I can _find_ the products I use, my electric shaver has a tray to live in, and, most importantly, my bedroom is just a little calmer and more restful. Thank you.
Dawn: "my bedroom is also really small" also Dawn: has a complete seating arrangement for two people in the bedroom... No shade, just funny from my bedroom that just fits our bed, bedside tables, clothes closet and also is the laundery drying place 😅. I'm making a dress while listening to you and you have some really good insights! Loving it. Also loving your pace :)
I love it that you treat us like friends that came over to visit. I even smile at your including a pan that has been used recently. I enjoy the casual familiarity of your videos. Great content, thanks!
This compilation feels like a personal version of the all day declutter for those of us who can’t purchase it! I will be rewatching again and again!!!!
This idea really resonated with me: set up my kitchen for THIS season that I'm in now. I cook differently than I did 1-2 years ago. I just sold a dehydrator since (despite good intentions and even a new book for inspiration recently), I just didn't use it. I sold it for a loss, but that initial investment was gone anyway. The peace of mind, removal of guilt and reclaimed space was so worth the monetary loss!!
I really wanted to thank you for your videos. They have helped me release a lot of shame in realizing that Im not a bad mom or lazy, i just have too much inventory to manage! In addition, my husband overheard me watching your videos and realized how true what you were saying actually is. For the first time ever he has fully got on board and is being as active in reducing inventory as I am. I truly have hope that in the next few months to a year our life is drastically going to change and it started here with your channel ♡
This is giving me such motivation to de clutter. I am a senior who lives in a tiny apartment, and I have a storage full of stuff I have been putting off going through. Believe me, I still have clothes from the 70’s and 80’s I have been keeping, but very hesitant to throw away. I have a problem of getting rid of stuff, but because of my age and very limited space I just have to bite the bull it and get rid of it. I am making a commitment to begin now. You have given me many great tips.
You should take the 70s and 80s clothes to a retro Consignment and make some money or even Facebook Marketplace all of it all at once would be easier to get rid of at a consignment store then selling it piece-by-piece. You would be making a lot of younger people really happy to have authentic styles from the 70s and 80s
I had a storage unit in NYC for 7 years, that was _"out of sight, out of mind"_ which caused problems for me. Not only did I waste over $25k over those years to store stuff I didn't care enough to go back to, but I ended up buying so many replacement items of what I realistically could have retrieved from the unit. The storage unit was too far to walk to, so it would require a taxi to and from ($50 per visit), the facility was indoors, smelly, dark and unpleasant (creepy sometimes?) Anyway, lots of excuses for me to not deal with my stuff there. One day I mentioned it to an acquaintance, whose facial expression told me what a waste of $$$ it was and would continue to be if I didn't address it. I took several months to make multiple visits (and spent the $50 for round trip taxi rides to do so, but didn't have any other choice at that time) and I sorted through nearly 100 boxes. I scheduled Salvation Army to come pick up over 70 of those boxes. I brought 10 boxes back to my apartment of things I thought I wanted and the remaining boxes were just trash (I even had in that storage unit stacks of papers, magazines, unopened bills from over 10 years ago). Such a waste. But I was glad to finally make a plan to get rid of that stuff and the monthly payments for storing stuff I didn't think about or no longer care about.
@@amg9163 This helps me so much! I too have a storage unit that I just took all my Christmas decorations back to and was thinking, this is ridiculous! I need to go through and get rid of so many things in there! That is so impressive of how many boxes you got rid of! I am going to do the same thing hopefully!
@@tammyr2966 Thank you for your response. Old habits are tough to break... After that storage unit downsizing, I still accumulated way too much (over 50 sweaters, about 75 scarves...) but I am aware of the compulsion for me to buy comfortable things. I need to work on that. I hope you are able to work on a way to downsize in a way that works for you. ☺️ Good luck!!
@@amg9163 Oh goodness! I know how that is! I am slowly starting downsizing, and only buying what I need! Thank you for the good wishes. I still have to go through all my parents things. My mom passed away in September and my dad 4 years earlier! I am getting all my decluttering done on my own stuff, then going to tackle their stuff. Part of my storage unit is my brother’s stuff who passed away 6 years ago. And yes old habits are hard to break!
Sweet girl. Your voice is magic! I click on your video and I don't even have to hear exactly what you are saying (cuz I've listened to many of your videos) I just hear you in the back ground as I'm working and it's like rocket fuel. Thank you so much ❣️
I steered clear of Hobby Lobby, At Home, Joanne’s, and Homegoods after Christmas this past season in effort to downsize. Not sure if my family noticed, but it wasn’t easy and I did at one point had a crying moment as my sister continued to share all of her shopping experiences. I even threw out my Christmas tree😩. This has been very hard for me. Please keep me in your prayers.
Well, even if your family didn't notice, WE are proud of you and your restraint!!! I also made the intentional choice to avoid all of those home/craft stores this season (it's been 6 months for me actually!) I even unsubscribed to their Apps and Text Alerts to help minimize my temptation. And wow, what an impact it had! The ONLY decor/holiday items I bought this year were Christmas stockings from Dollar Tree, for the new members of our Household (Roommate and her cat & dog).
Feel your pain. I have to stay away from organizer sections in stores dollar tree most of all. I am in bus 🚃 Fulltime so made realization my storage u it for literally more full of bins and baskets than stuff. Like my bus 😮plan to make a large donation soon.
Oh, I feel your pain. (It helps when you see that you still have much of the stuff you bought after Christmas last year.) A shopping addiction, let's be honest, leads to a lot of clutter. I know that's true for me, anyway. Congratulations on your restraint! Did you tell your sister you were cutting back? I feel bad you had a crying spell. Hopefully you later felt good about your choice to cut back? Prayers. 🙏🤗and a hug.
I'm a VERY frugal, fairly organized person and I'm feeling you. With my habits and limited income AND the pandemic and trying to stay out of stores, I still sometimes want to go someplace I have no business going and buying something I don't need. 😀
My kids definitely play more when they have a clean clear space to let their imaginations flourish! Every time we declutter toys and make more clean space our kids get so inspired. Usually they want to play with the empty cardboard boxes more than their toys 😅❤️
Dawn, your videos finally “hit” me in the right spot. I would watch them sporadically, and I must say that the first time that I saw your videos I thought that your home looked so sad! and frankly I thought that it must be so sad for your kids growing up that way. Well, your message finally hit home when I started hearing “Do you need this at this SEASON of your life? The word “season” hit me like a block of wood. I will be 70 next year! And I can’t believe how fast life has happened. To give you some content of my life, I have a knitting project for a sweet garment for my first granddaughter to come home from hospital when she was born, well, she will soon be 21 and the item is still unfinished! I am now on a minimalist bend. My family think that I am dying because I recently donated over 120 books. I love books, but I now realize that I don’t have to own them. I have a fantastic library within ..10 minutes of my home, and the Internet at my finger tips. I am borrowing books even on the Internet so that I don’t start cluttering that too. I am a new “convert”. How do you handle over committing? I am invested in my church and work at a church, so many times I feel “obligated” to commit to something that is “very good/essential” but that I am really not wanting to do or zapped off energy. I am also nuts about teaching people how to budget and I want to make that a priority. Please help me on getting some clarity with commitment/obligations. I know it is great to help, but I can’t get back my time, and no one is stepping up to do the things that I need done in my home. How do I let go of the guilt or not be tempted to overcommit? I jut recently, within this past summer began to declutter and to truly enjoy my home! I love this feeling of bliss. Thank you.
Since you mentioned church, maybe a Bible verse may help. Matthew 7:3-5. Take the log out of your eye before you can take the spec out of your neighbors. Yes, this verse refers to hypocrisy& I’m not calling you a hypocrite, but calling attention to another way this verse can be seen. Handle yourself, and your own challenges in life, before you take on other people’s. Even though you love your church, you should take the time that you know you need to commit to fixing whatever issues and challenges you may have. Something that might make it simple is to start with a day. One day a week that is dedicated to you & what YOU need in YOUR home or life. You don’t commit to anything or anyone else on that day, guilt free. Because first, you have to take care of yourself. It’s not selfish, it is self preservation.
You are a superstar! Keep going until your home is exactly as you want it. You have certainly earned that right. May I suggest that even if just temporarily, you start to decline obligations in order to allow you the energy to finish this project for yourself. If you don't fill your own Cup first, what shall you pour from to help others? As one of God's children who has served others your whole life by the sound of things you deserve a little time to replenish your physical environment. Like many of us you have tolerated and managed your home while serving others . Since the word season resonated with you, I think it is your season to invest in your peace of mind and facilitate house work for yourself in this season of your life. A time to simplify. It's your turn to give to yourself for a bit.
I used to overcommit myself to many community service organizations, until I got to the point I was completely burned out. I dropped everything for a time to recover from Adrenal burnout, and I learned that "it is OK to say No"! I am now very careful to not take on too much. I am much happier and healthier. Put a note by your phone that reads "It is OK to say No!" Do Whatever works for you so you don't burn yourself out. That is not what God wants for us. He wants us to have a balanced life.
This video was so helpful! My husband and I are in our early 60s and just moved to a smaller house after raising 8 children in a large farm house! Decision fatigue is real! I need the encouragement to get rid of things without guilt! Thank you!
My husband and I just spent all fall working on decluttering our house. It’s definitely being done in layers, but feels so good! We are almost 3 years married and we’re both single into our 30’s. Combining 2 households sure added up. For a fresh start for the New Year we switched around some of our rooms to better fit their uses. So now my husband had the biggest bedroom in our 1910 house to use for his music room. Decluttering and working through our spaces definitely has helped us show what things are our priorities and what aren’t. Ironically, I now have the smallest bedroom for my office and have donated almost all of my past and future “fantasy self” art supplies. It feels so good to not have those old things hanging over my head. I haven’t painted in like 10 years or knit in 6! Decluttering has helped is much in having a very old house where not everything is up to date and easy to clean. Thank you Dawn and Happy New Year!
The way I like to think of it is, if you get back into painting or knitting in the future, you can enjoy some fresh new supplies. So no harm in donating what you're not using now. I donated all my embroidery thread because my vision is too bad now for cross stitch. But if I ever need it in the future I can buy it again.
I am a 73 yr old lady who is totally inspired by your videos. It has changed how I think and do my decluttering and thinking about both my small old mobile home and myself. Just need to say THANK YOU for sharing the way you do and the things you do.
Never apologize for long videos. I love your videos. I’m always sad when they’re over. You are such an inspiration. I’ve been a minimalist for the last 2 years, all thanks to you and your videos. I’m also from MN (currently living in CO). Hearing all the MN references and actually being able to relate is a nice reminder of home. I will never move back tho. Between the winters and mosquitoes, nope! 😂
We were able to remove an entire bureau because we went through our clothes and donated a bunch of things we weren’t wearing. The empty space in our bedroom is so nice!
I heard that question the first 2 times I listened to this. This time I really hear it. Though not always the easiest question to ask. But I see I need to keep it in the front of my mind as I work through my house, I really think it is going to help make the effort more productive, effective. Thanks for making the point again. 😊
@@lisafeck1537 I liked the part about using about 20 % of the stuff we own. Now, I can begin to ask: What DON'T I use? It's hard when you've invested money in it, but the time spent shifting it, sorting it, putting it back is getting too time consuming! I would rather save TIME than money these days. I feel throwing out or donating things that I spent money on might also teach me to be more careful what I buy in the future. I am at a season where I want to live more simply and focus more on my relationship with Jesus....so all the stuff around me doesn't distract me when I go to spend time with Him, read the Bible, pray for people and so on....... Sometimes, just asking myself "What are my goals?" helps me throw out/get rid of things that don't fit into those goals. As someone who believes Jesus is returning soon, I see how futile owing a bunch of stuff is -- and it ends up owning me, anyway. Not here to preach, just sharing my personal journey in decluttering.
i am only 15 minutes in and i must say - this is the BEST video i’ve ever seen on decluttering. i love each time you get “worked up” - it’s passion! you care about yourself and your family, plain and simple. thank you for sharing this with us, i’ve been roughly adopting this system since the pandemic, so i’m excited to see someone else put a blueprint to it :) cheers to 2023, stay happy and healthy! ♥️
Suggestion- use the bin you put your toaster in to hold your kpods. Open the box and dump them into the bin. It’s much easier to reach into an open bin and grab a kpod than to take out the box take out a pod and put the box away. And your toaster don’t need a bin, it will just make the bin crummy.
@@donnakreye3716 Better yet, bin the toaster for real...as in get rid of...and you'll never have to worry about crumbs or unnecessary carbs. Not to mention all the space it takes up. I haven't regretted getting rid of mine.
I’ve been following this Channel for 2 years. It’s helped me while I was married but now I’m recently divorced. I’ve come back to these videos to help me through the process of packed up his items and making changes in my home. My home feels so heavy and I know I can donate more and declutter more. I also have a brain injury and I get sensory issues. I’ve learned visual clutter and certain items/colors cause brain fog or headaches. I like house plants and simple decorations. I also have two girls 4 & 6.
You CAN do this! Give yourself some Grace as you go along. Everyone starts and stops, then starts again! Your little ones need less stuff, but you do, too. You are worth peace, and can stay in the moment more easily when you’re not corralling items from one place to another. Yay you!!!!
I been decluttering with you for a while and i can’t stop watching because i always need more motivation to declutter. I went through almost the whole house in one day with this video and got a full box out of every room. I’m feeling so much closer to my minimalist goal
Taking Dawn from room to room with you is so motivational I've been decluttering for a long time and then there's been sicknesses and a couple people in the hospital Four Emergency Care children surgery a baby I just again have taken one two three four truck loads of stuff God has blessed me so much in my life that regardless of what I take it seems like it doesn't make a dent in how much I have Decluttering a two-car garage A screened in porch and a four-bedroom house. God bless Dawn No I'm not a shopper I have a friend that passed away left me a ton of her stuff There's six of us in my house nobody else really wants to declutter Dawn says GET ER DONE I'm going to! I don't think I'll be a minimalist SIMPLE LIVING is my goal I can't wait!! I just can't wait!! 💚💙 love you Dawn
This is a wonderful video. I really really struggle with my bee-like tendencies and many hobbies… I play music, I sew, have a cricut and do crafts, make jewelry, love makeup… but I have found the things that I don’t love and keep decluttering until I can manage all of my hobbies. It was REALLY hard at first but now I feel so much better when I purge the mediocre for the sake of keeping the things I love.
Commenting to say I put this on and decluttered my entire house- bedroom, bathrooms, guest room, kitchen, baby’s closet…EVERYTHING. (11/16/23) I didn’t feel overwhelmed by my stuff before this but watched the video anyway and then after the third trip to goodwill I was like damn we had a ton of crap. I will revisit this and do another pass in a few months and hit the “catch all spaces” and update how I feel. Kitchen already feels easier on the same day 🎉
A few years agoI participated in a challenge during one month when I sorted out one item on day one, two items on day two, ..., 28 items on day 28. It was so freeing to see items go I did not use or enjoy any longer. That was such a good exercise and got me started on my path to declutter. Sometimes I need several go throughs to let something go and I am allowing myself that time. I recently moved to a smaller condo and felt completely overwhelmed with the amount of things I have. So, yet again, it's time to assess and let go and I am looking forward to declutter my home. My challenge is to control what I put into my home.
One thing I have found helpful over the years for organizing owner's manuals (power tools, yard equipment, appliances) is to place them in one page protector (for each item) and put them in a three ring binder labeled on the outside (I don't label the inside of the binder--too cricket for me). I just put one in the garage for the tools and yard stuff, and one inside for appliances, etc. This helps as reference for how to use, troubleshooting, and part numbers, warranties). Dawn, you are the BEST!! Thank you for sharing.
Dawn first I love you. Want you to know, that ghee butter doesn't need a recipe. It's just clarified butter. You can use it to cook whatever we need butter or fat... like even eggs.. It's wonderful. No waste there at all. I keep it at all times as someone really into cooking.
We are decluttering out basement this week and dropped of donations today - many items we have been storing for 7 years since moving in - but they didn't match with our home style vs our apartment life. If felt so good. We both thought ' we could sell this" at times - - but just letting it go has actually been a weight off my shoulders!
I used to sell some things but for some reason it's more trouble than it's worth now. I'm happy to donate because it does sting a little if it's barely been used so it will teach me to be less impulsive when I'm purchasing.
Half of my family are now minimalists, which means some rooms are decluttered and now very functional, a couple of rooms are completely paralyzed with stuff.. But one more is noticing the difference and has started giving it a try! I am happy to help but try not to harp, I think letting them notice how much they like the areas I am in control of because they are not cluttered. So there is hope that our whole family will get on board. Your tips and explanations have been so helpful to me in parting with clutter!
It gets easier. My mindset was about getting rid of something I paid good money, etc, etc, etc……when I released that mindset….it changed everything! I also quit buying new clothing. I only buy preowned. I recognized how quickly I was tiring of fashions. Paying two dollars for a high end all ready laundered and easier to determine quality.
Listened to this while organizing our bedroom and closet that has been overwhelming me for the past several months and hearing you break things down gave me a sense of calm which made this process easier. I ended up donating so much clothes. Thank you!!
Dawn, you have truly changed my life! We have 5 children (ages 5-14). I have been watching your videos since March 2022. I watch them every week. I am definitely believing in the onion method. I have been decluttering layer by layer. It is amazing how much having less has changed my life. Thank you so much for your encouragement, attitude and ideas!
My dear life-long friend is going through a massive undertaking right now and your divine timing to posting this video couldn't have come at a more PERFECT time! Thank you so much Dawn. The person she's working so hard for is in the hospital and it has layers and layers of feelings and emotions for her. Pray for her please🙏
I have practiced intentional living and minimalism for years but we had 5 in our family, lived rural and at one point had a zero waste store. I was used to buying in bulk & cooking in bulk. But we now have an empty nest and it has taken me about 5 years to realise I just don't need the " bulk" anymore! I love how you talk about " current season" at 55 I'm definitely entering a new season! Thanks for reminding me to revisit what I actually need in my home xx
what i learned this past year with watching you and clutter bug is that decluttering is all about intentional living. actually intentional what you need in your space and also letting go what has ended its purpose❤❤ great channel
This has to be the best organization/mindset you have ever expressed. I had intended to do nothing and stay in bed today. You inspired me to do some serious decluttering. Thanks so much Dawn. ❤
Thank you for this video❤️ we recently had all our floors re-done and it took 3 weeks and everything has been in chaos. It's so overwhelming that I just don't do anything. I found this video and I play it everyday as I declutter and put things back where they belong. I like that you always go back to forgiving yourself and giving yourself permission to get rid of things. Slowly things are getting back to BETTER than they were.
Ok I spent the good part of my morning watching this on and off. I want to say thank you so much for the continuous amazing videos you put out. I found you years ago and am now probably on year 3-4 but everytime I watch a video of yours I learn a little bit more and am always going back over my house. To anyone that’s just starting take it slow and I promise it really does help with the mental stress of having to manage everything. 💕
I loved this video. I think the longer ones that are not a 15 minute tidy, but a real, relatable, chaotic space, then watching you take a armful, then another gathering of trash, then a grouping...it was amazing. Thank you for saying we weren't taught how to do this, nor a time in the country when we are encouraged to accumulate more. What a great outcome for all your effort. I hope my declutter muscles get close to where yours are someday.
You are changing my life! After watching your episode with the Awkward mom and then another of your episode about closet organization and junk drawer I cleaned out my closet and junk drawer today! I was shocked at how much feeling was attached to my clothes. Feeling upset because they didn’t fit or they were in disrepair, styles I no longer enjoy and outfits I had during old relationships. My journey has just begun but I’m so excited for the future!
Love the minimizing tips here ... I've recently done what was called "Swedish Death Cleaning" of my wardrobe and yes!! Those jeans that were too tight were indeed mocking me!! Getting rid of stuff was so cathartic!! They all went to a food & clothing bank and I feel great that everything I have right now fits and makes me feel good about myself.
Thank you, Dawn 💕 You inspire me. I’m a school counselor and I take advice from very few people. You my dear are an exceptional lady. Thank you for your advice and support 💕
Use your immersion blender for amazing soups, making homemade bean dip, & quick application if you don't want to clean a food processor or pour hot things in/out of the food processor/blender. Lots of great options, but depends on how you cook.
Yep, I got rid of my big (jug) blender, food processor and whisk in favour of a stick blender with 3 attachments. It takes up a fraction of the space, which makes our tiny kitchen function so much better!
I am saving this to watch in one go. It is going to be the best treat after a long day at work! I have been taking pictures of the peaceful room(s) I am creating with decluttering and it lifts my mood so much to capture it to review and admire the depiction of utter peace and calm.
I'm so thankful God inspired you to share your wisdom and perspective, and directed me to your channel. You have changed my life. Two years ago I started my minimalist journey, and besides living in a cleaner calmer home, with less effort, I have been able to implement my "let it go" skills and decluttering 'muscle' in other parts of my professional life, which has been pivotal in my personal growth. As a parent, I may have fallen short of my hopes and best intentions in many areas, but with your encouragement and example, I have been courageous enough to give my son the gift of freedom from guilty clutter (unlike my childhood) I have not yet found that I have decluttered something I needed to replace. I have thought, "oh, darn, I just donated that... Oh well, I can use __" or I realize I am going to be completely FINE not doing whatever I thought I needed the thing for. I literally can't think of an example! At best, I have utilized a thing or two or of my time will tell... But honestly I put it back right afterwards (I was being lazy not to wash a spatula!😂) The simple joy of a half empty kitchen drawer is truly the gift that keeps on giving... THANK YOU for giving it to me!!!😊
This video came at a great time. It motivated me so much to declutter more. We had a snow day, which made it the perfect opportunity to rewatch the video and declutter with Dawn. I had 8 boxes of donations. I loaded my car and couldn’t wait to get it to my donation center. I’m 80% there to a simplified home.
This was a great compilation Dawn! I usually don't like mashed up clip marathon videos but you did a fantastic job on this. It is very cohesive despite being filmed over a long time period. I have seen all of the individual videos but in watching them again like this I got even more motivation and tips! You're the best!
I'm new. I've watched a number of podcasts and people on minimizing. However this particular long video breaking it all down and no uncertain terms, for some reason it really actually hit home, it started sinking in. The next morning I (uncharacteristically) didn't turn the TV on or even eat, other than coffee, and the started blasting into the kitchen. I feel I have to really adopt a ruthless, lethal attitude toward getting things out of my environment. I'm getting ready to watch the entire podcast again. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, much love 💕
Same here!! Cleaned out 6 small areas since discovering her channel last week, and can't wait for the whole house to be done!! 🎉 Hoping by July 4 to celebrate INDEPENDENCE day😊
I love what Dawn said about books sometimes having one or 2 good ideas! Sometimes I'll tell my husband about some idea or theory I have on something and he'll say, "You should write a book on that!" To which I reply, "I just gave you one page worth of an idea. And that's all I got!" haha Love this video, Dawn! Thank you!
I am still watching the video and enjoying it tremendously. I work for an organizing company PT, but mostly as a public school substitute teacher so when clients for the business are cool with stuff leaving their house we can distribute to needy causes. Teachers will happily take used stuff in 2 seconds flat. What I've noticed go quite quickly lately are used binders and used or new paper protector plastic sheets to go inside them. They are highly desired by teachers who are often short on supplies. Of course, many other supplies are needed, too. Feels great to have things that many would feel no one would want get snatched up so fast.
This is great!! 🥰 It's like a huge compilation of all the great tips you've been sharing for years. Dawn, please know that you've made a huge difference in our lives. Thank you for your commitment to sharing minimalism with us!!! I'd love to share our story with you sometime! ❤️
Oh, and join the community like I have! You can post your story in the Facebook group and share pictures, etc, and Dawn is great at interacting on there!!! ❤️
Watching this 1yr later and yes you live more minimal than the average American home without a doubt! We are 1.5yrs into the minimal journey and its truly life changing!! So happy I found your channel ❤️ now I'm watching through your old videos
2022 was the year I went thru my upstairs. Our primary living space. I'm on disability due to a series of strokes in 2018. My energy level is limited. Roughly 5 to 8 hours a day is productivity. We are a blended family and currently have 6 kids ages 15 to 22 at home. Two kids recently moved back in due to purchasing a home and going back to school. Love the time will tell bin. My bins are labeled by kids. Since we are still downsizing from combining two households. 2023, I'm going back thru the upstairs and downsizing again. I'd love to do the basement. The reservation is that the two who moved back in put their stuff downstairs. They too are downsizing their belongings!! So. I've designated the dining room as donation central. I let all the kids know before I take it to donate. We have 10 kids between us. I've had to be patient with them and myself. Having a designated space for donations has helped the kids downsize without asking me about where to put stuff. I've sold over $3000 on marketplace. So it's been a successful first year. Thank you. Here's to simplifying more!
Kinda funny story: when Hubby and I purchased our first house, (936 square feet) it seemed huge. (Well, we had been living in an efficiency apartment for a year.) Then one weekend, within a month of moving in, my parents arrived for a visit - in Dad's pickup truck. One thing they brought was a picnic table, which we used for a kitchen table for a couple years. (Yes, we were thrifty) And the rest was "all the stuff you told us you wanted us to save." The *very next weekend* DH's parents pulled into the driveway in a station wagon - full - expressing the same sentiment. They've all passed away - but I've always wondered if this was a coordinated effort. Our 936 sf home was now full. So it was then my job to pull up my big girl pants and make some decisions. I did it in stages over the next few years.
I soooo needed this video right now. Starting with the kitchen too, perfect. We have a TINY kitchen, so your comment, "everything is harder in a cluttered kitchen," actually made me feel really emotional. With two small kids at home, this is absolutely true! We worked really hard before Christmas to do a big round of decluttering in the house and there's still more to go - your videos have been SO helpful throughout the process, thank you!!
I love how kind, disarming, and encouraging you are! I always feel happy & encouraged when I listen to your videos. You’re a sweet soul and a breath of fresh air! 🤗
I watched this afternoon whilst cooking for a family dinner and was inspired to take action. My husband mentioned in passing that I didn't need to add tinned chopped tomatoes to the shopping list as their were 12 cans in the cupboard which is low and hard to reach. So we swapped out a few cupboards and cleared out a few unwanted items in a couple of hours. My revamped and reorganised cupboards make me so proud and happy!
Thanks for all the great ideas! The generation before me went through the depression (or their parents did), so the fear to part with things was very real for them. My hubby certainly doesn’t mind me cleaning & organizing as long as I don’t touch his stuff! 😂 He is very reluctant to get rid of stuff that “we paid good money for!” Thanks for your encouragement! 😊❤️
You’ve got a new sub! I’m such a hoarder 😅. I’ve got so much stuff. I’ve moved around the world and back, I’ve gone from a four bedroom to a two bedroom house and have accumulated so much! I worked selling vintage items, so having kept so many items I’m now overwhelmed. In the last three years I’ve been living with the damage from severe Lyme infection and meningitis. My life has changed drastically and I desperately need to simplify my life. Your videos have motivated me to make a start and go through each room slowly. The bathroom and kitchen are going to be first on my list.
Thank you Dawn! I also enjoy the shorts and normal videos, but this very long one is a great gift! You always manage to put into words what we all so desperately need. 💪🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You are helping those of us who are overrun with material stuff and want a more peaceful and organized life. Thank you. Disregard the naysayers. They’re either jealous or it’s just a reflection of where they’re at, which you have no control over. It’s all we can do to try to keep ourselves together. Hang in there everyone. Don’t EVER give up. Love and Peace.
I loved this !!! So grateful that I found it. One of the best decluttering videos I have seen. I am in the process of a whole house declutter and re-organization. Decision fatigue is overwhelming at times. I appreciate the helpful hints you have offered here. They all make so much down to earth sense. Just what I needed to continue tackling some big projects.
This is so very helpful. I've been a subscriber for awhile now and am very slowly but surely de-cluttering my small apartment. Your tips and stories have helped give me permission to really go even further in getting rid of needless things that are taking up space and energy. I've saved this video to refer back to and to visit some of the links for continual inspiration and reminders so that my apartment can be less cluttered and more peaceful, and less embarrassing for others to see. Thank you for doing these videos, Dawn.
When it comes to clothing, and the fact that I have just one closet in my apartment, I find that a seasonal approach is something I can appreciate doing twice a year. You've got some great tips here, thank you!😊
THANK YOU for watching, I truly hope that this is helpful as you work to declutter your house! Here are a few links mentioned in this video:
Free Declutter Your Kitchen in 15 Minutes Printable: www.theminimalmom.com/pl/2147641143
Free Declutter Toys Quickly Step by Step Training Video: www.theminimalmom.com/pl/2147649398
Private Mentorship Group, to learn more and to sign up, visit here: cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group
Full Video with Courtney from Project 333: ruclips.net/video/6YU5yRSInKQ/видео.html
Minimalism Hacks Video: ruclips.net/video/HDdxeF5cdS4/видео.html
Full Interview with Dr. John Delony on Toxic Clutter: ruclips.net/video/9FVDCl2HUT8/видео.html
All my best!!! - Dawn
Happy 13th birthday, Adeline!! Welcome to the season of life of having teenagers, Dawn!😜
Thank you for doing this video. I know it could have been in your paid course but I appreciate you made it available to all.
Thank you Dawn so much for this video! This is exactly what I needed to start my decluttering process! 😊
😮
I very much agree with most of what you share; its a very helpful strategy, but the one point I strongly disagree with is the trash bag with the belief it doesn't really matter because if all 131 K viewers (as of one day ago) each fill up a bag for the landfill that could be repurposed by someone else, or recycled, that is a LOT of additional needless trash into the landfill because it is in addition to millions of others who mindlessly throw into the landfill rather than repurpose or recycle; I believe it absolutely DOES harm the environment and create a toxic mess.
NEVER BE AFRAID TO THROW THINGS AWAY. I say this as an employee of a thrift shop that regularly gets to sort through donations. Ask yourself about every item you think you should donate: Why am I getting rid of this? Would I buy this? Your local thrift shop DOES NOT WANT your chipped mugs, stained shirt, old shoes, or random parts to kitchen appliances. They will just THROW IT IN THE TRASH ANYWAY, and are you okay with making them take care of your trash?? (It's costing them money that could be going to whatever cause they support!) Just use the black garbage bag please!! Or recycle if you can. I wish everyone could spend just one day at a donation center. Let me tell you....I donate VERY LITTLE of what leaves my house! Thanks for being real, Dawn. Don't ever be afraid to speak truth on the decluttering subject. YOU ROCK!!!
Thank you for this and what you do! I'm always so hesitant to throw things in the trash but then my "maybe donate" pile grows bigger and effecting my house. When in doubt, throw it out I suppose!
Amen!! I work at a thrift shop as well. The amount of things donated that we have to throw out is staggering!!
Some people know how to up cycle an item that you are throwing in the trash. I am a recycler and I believe all items can to used or up cycled by someone that knows how with great ideas. Please try to donate items that can be used or up cycled don’t throw donations out because you think it’s not a useable value to someone else. A chip in a cup doesn’t devalue the item to some. Our earth needs people with great minds for useful items made into something else. Thank you.
Thank you for this comment from a very old lady that has donated chipped mugs and so on I appreciate this comment and I will donate less and recycle more
You have a blessed day
Thank you for this validation. On caviot, I volunteer at my church's clothes closet. We take nick nacks, linenens, etc. I would throw out things chiped, torn and stained, however with the direction of the closet directors, they have ppl that will take such items. I have even taken stained large mens shirts I use to work my garden. One will just have to ask those free donation places if they accept otherwise "throw away" items.
As a senior (73), I’ve had to identify my season of life and my temporary status on planet earth and current life. My key decluttering quest this year is “Would I move this?” And when the answer is “NO”or even “not likely”, then out it goes. I feel liberated from those “what ifs”.
That makes a lot of sense to me, too. Thank you.
I'm 71 and totally agree. Also my 96 year old mum passed away and the amount of clutter she had which had to be gone through was horrendous. (Even though we love and loved here dearly.) I don't want to leave this as an inheritance for my kids when I pop my clogs.
I'm taking it a step further, Kathleen. "Would/could I carry this from the car or up a flight of stairs to put it in my new apartment?" It has to be pretty darn special to justify the physical effort that can be so challenging for Seniors like me.
Asking myself the same question!!
I had a cabinet in a house I just sold which was actually intented to be a sink cabinet but I had it in my mixing area. This area was connecting my frig and my pantry cabinet and had a nice long countertop. This cabinet had a rollout bottom shelf. No shelf above so it was tall enough to put all my much used electrical appliances such as toaster, coffee maker, blender, mixer, juicer, electric can opener etc. It was a 36 inch cabinet with double doors. It worked so well I highly recommend doing this if possible. Very easy access to these things and everything right there in one place.
I want to note something for us poor people that can't just go to the store and buy what we need when it is needed.... you can still get lots of great tips from minimalist videos like this! Use it as a guide and don't get frustrated that you can't get rid of as many things as they do. Just do what you can. 😊 even though I have to keep lots of things just in case, I still find so many things I have had as a backup that really didn't even work well and was just making life harder... like that spare can opener that got stuck EVERY time I opened the drawer !!! I tested it and it barely works! I finally threw it away yesterday after it being in my way for over two years 😅. These videos are soooo inspiring 😊
I was raised in a not wealthy household so I am always thinking can I replace this if I suddenly need it after it's been under the bed for 5 years😂 . These videos have helped me to free my mind and live more realistically❤
Just saying but that house is huge! Most people dont have that space i recon i could keep ontop of mine if i had that house!
Right🎉😅
Lol i used to think the same thing. Lol even in my bigger space I struggling. It's a slow shift in our mind set.
@@danarzechula3769❤
An hour and a half of Dawn? It’s like a Minimal Mom movie! I love it.
Exactly. So good!
👏🏽😎
I had the exact same thought!
I loved it too! I just hope I didn't mess with her algorithm because I wasn't able to watch it all at once.
It’s amazing, love it ❤
After losing my son two years ago, I started to let things pile up in the closets in the cabinets and in my daughters room and play space. I am so glad that I happened upon your videos. They have been so helpful. I’ve been able to clean three spaces in just one day.
Losing a child fills all of your brain space. I’m so thankful that I’m pulling through and I can get back to an organized decluttered home ❤
Bless your heart- my hubby of 49 plus years. Moved to heaven 3. Months short of two years. That along with moving from our home of 8 years from the country into town with a two bedroom. Full garage with all my husbands tools from being a maintenance man and fishing. And of course it's clothes and shoes and medical supplies and and and... You know the drill into a one one bedroom has been a very emotional challenge. It's been easier to focus on writing/reading/ watching educational RUclips videos and the list goes on to avoid the pain of dealing with the clutter dealing with the piles and not knowing where anything's at. I do have a small storage that's absolutely crammed to the ceiling. 10x10. And even knowing that paying sixth only 63 a month when you add that up over 2 years it's pretty expensive. Junk. Dad even I've gone over in number of times and it's just it's too much emotionally of what do I let go of? What do I keep? I'm a canner/ artist/ tutor/ creative creator/ writer lol and the list goes on and on.
A lot of it I picked up in oh yeah and I forgot to add sewing. I picked up well. My husband's health was failing. I thought it was 4 weeks or a year but one of my dance team pointed out it was actually four. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is there are three beautiful things that Jesus spoke to me but one would apply to your situation. A week before Roger passed which was very peaceful and quiet. Even with the diabetes and bladder cancer that he had, there was no pain. Which was such a blessing. But Jesus stood beside me and I wished I had looked because I felt his presence so strong and what he said wouldn't have been any clear if he'd actually spoke audibly out loud because here's what I heard very clearly.
" In light of his age, and Roger just turned 80, how old you're going to be in a couple of days and I was going to be 77 and the fact that I'm coming back soon... You're not going to be separated for very long."
Dear one, I hope that's a comfort to your heart because that's what's made my grieving so much easier if I can put it that way.
It's only been the last couple of weeks that the hard part has been. That is younger brother who within 6 months lost all three of his siblings. So there's been some tension between us of how to take care of Roger. And I've felt really guilty about a week ago when I attended memorial service when one of the members of our dance team passed away and saw her video and felt guilty that I haven't done Roger's memorial service and neither have I taken care of his headstone just because of finances.
The things that keep me going is like looking up a joke and a few joke books. I picked up at Walmart so that I have a new joke to ask or share with people and help make their days brighter/ I bought a tiara that I wear when I go shopping that when people ask me if I'm queen for a day I say no. I'm queen every day/ or if they ask me if it's my birthday I say will not today but I like wearing it so that I can give away free smiles at no extra charge. Which always brings a smile and a a positive comment. Oh that's really great from young people to older people. I've even thought at times it's starting a princess tiara club and encourage women and young girls to get a tiara and go and give away free smiles and some have even taken my challenge to get some plus nothing Bibles that are free. I pay them postage but they're amazing. Little books that were hand sewn on real leather in India and it's a brother that wanted to share Jesus with everybody. So he just went through and picked out all of the verses in the gospels about Jesus and had the Bible society put them together and it has a prayer of commitment at the end and at the very very end it shows you how to order more. And I put it in a ziploc bag and add a few what I call pocket treasures like the little glass rocks that you put in flower vases/ or I make pearl poodles out of Mardi gras beads/ Oriental trader. I maybe buy a package of little special erasers that have got flowers or butterflies or bumblebees on them. Just little things that it's a point of contact of conversation and of course the colors draw kids or the parents and then I just begin sharing with them how much these little Bibles mean to me because it shows me somebody that really loves me and then I'm going to see it. Get to see soon. He's giving me assurance that I'm going to heaven because I trust him and I hope you'll join me.
So I've been rambling and I'm sorry but I just it's hard enough losing my spouse. I can't even imagine losing a child. I've been promised out of Isaiah 53 and 4 that I will have more children than a married woman could have because we were childless and barren during those 50 almost 50 years. But before I leave I wanted to leave with a chuckle or two... to lift your immune system by releasing an anti depression hormone that happens every time we turn up the lips into a curve that changes everything, which is called a sacrifice of joy because often we don't feel like doing it. But that's why it's called a step of faith cuz they're hypothalamus doesn't know we don't mean it. But God does and when we honor him by doing it when we don't feel like it, it actually makes us feel better in spite of ourselves. And besides that, it makes us richer because it increases our"face value" 🤗
So do you know what the longest word in the dictionary is?
People often respond. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious lol which I feel pretty smart that I can say that as long as I remember to start with super.
But it's actually sMILEs
Because there's a mile... Between the two s's. I'll remember to pray for you as we both struggle along as I hope you will for me. I've made a commitment that by October 15th I will have written, published and launched my book to create a bestseller on Amazon. Working title
WIDOWS.... WE ARE PRIVILEGED...
HERE'S WHY↔️
by SONshine Shari Houston.
Blessings... dear one hope to see you in Heaven soon.
Remember, ...
WHO YOU ARE MAKES A DIFFERENT
and I HONOR you for honoring your precious life who was entrusted to you... what a gift and treasure you were allowed to raise for Heaven.
Thanks for letting me ramble (smile... guess you didn't have much choice😂.
But didn't want to forget to give you a tip. I found out where I can take my van and have the dents pulled out.
I take it to the..
DENTist. 🫢💞
🙏🏽💙
❤ So sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish no parent ever had to go through such heartbreak. 💕
I am so sorry. I pray for your peace.
I have to share that I have MAJOR clutter chaos in every area of my home. I've spent the last year working on my childhood traumas and limiting beliefs, but this was one hurdle I just could not crack. I knew I was going to take back my life and my home -- I was no longer the person who enjoyed all these things. I was determined to start with my kitchen on a Sunday. I spent the prior 3 days watching videos on the mindset and psychology behind clutter. I was determined to be successful in letting things go this time. Things I've been holding on to since 1998...gone! I was able to walk into my craft room, kitchen and closet and load several huge boxes up with things I could have never dreamed of letting go. My biggest hurdle was all the brand new items I had in packages. Thanks to this video, I was able to let it all go. I have a lot left to do, but the process is no longer painful or impossible. My hoarding mother is here on vacation and painfully watching me do all of this. I hope it inspires her too! Thank you so much for the effort you put into this video and all that you share!
Dawn!!! You completely came through for those that cannot afford the Take Your House Back course!!! Talk about walking the walk- you're the real deal lady ❤️
You hit the nail on the head...she truly is the real deal!!!
💞
100% AGREE🙌! Dawn THANK YOU!!!
Fyi, and I had to take advantage of it, there are payment plans for us on the lower income bracket. Ask about possible scholarships too!
Yes! Dawn- I hope you make tons of money from this gem!
I've found over the years that i am not giving up all my hobbies. They bring me my joy. The best situation for me is a super organized storage space for hobby bins. Keep them out of my day to day spaces. Small bin for each hobby. Herb and tea drying, chocolate and candy making, sewing projects, candle making, humming birds, seed starting, canning, etc. Have what i need easily accessible but not is my kitchen cupboards!
Can I be your friend????😍🥳
I need help with this! 🥰
@@Wenjenzel choose space stuff will go. Then choose bins with lids that fit the space. Label and place bins in place empty. Then fill bins accordingly. Only keep what fits into designated bins. The rest goes. Forces you to make good choices. I keep tools to do hobby first. Then minimal supplies. I buy or gather supplies i need as i need.
That’s a really good idea.
At 70, I made the decision 2 let go of hobbies/ crafts. I kept the ones that were my top 5! The ones that I never seemed to 'get' 2, I let go of. It may a good place to start.
These videos are so good. I’m about ready to start decluttering. I lost my husband 8 months ago and our joke was always he was the hoarder and I the enabler. He always bought in bulk even though it was just the 2 of us. Our garage is full of boxes that were never opened during our 26 years of marriage (things he had in storage b4 we got married). It was too overwhelming for my husband and he didn’t want me throwing his stuff away. Being cluttered had become a lifestyle. Now all these boxes are mine and I’m just now at the point that I’m ready to take on the emotional journey of decluttering. I’m in a new season of life and my house needs to match it.
Best of luck for an emotional journey into your husband's past.
I think this sounds like a very amazing way to transition into your new life. Take charge of your home and sort of do a reset where things are about you now. Im sorry for your loss. I think youre about to embark on an incredible new journey and it starts with decluttering. Good luck!
Oh sweet lady… I’m sorry for the loss of your hubby, I can not imagine going through that. I’m happy that you’ve gotten to a point that you can start moving forward and I’m excited for you for your next chapter ❤
I'm so sorry for your loss. But you are right, you need to make your home a place for you to live your life going forward. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is a book to help in your emotional journey of letting things go so that you can live your remaining life to the fullest. There is also a series by the same name on Peacock, is you get that. The whole point is to make your home a place that supports you. People often get overwhelmed by the Stuff left to them by people they loved dearly.
God bless your efforts. Grief can slow you down, and sometimes even halt all your best efforts, but let me tell you, from someone that lost their husband just a couple of years ago. I am now finally getting through all of the clutter that he and I both had a hand in collecting AND doing it with a fresh new mindset!!! - so I am right there with you honey!!! 🩷 and it’s exactly videos like these, that we need to watch to motivate ourselves sometimes to work THROUGH the grief🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💕💕💕 YOU GO GIRL!!!
I noticed the bins for the kid’s socks. I came up with a brilliant solution that changed my life 😉 I purchased mesh lingerie bags for each of my kids that I would hang on the closet door. When they had dirty socks, they placed them in their bag. On laundry day, I washed and dried the socks in those bags and it was their job to match them up and put them away. The bag was then placed back where the cycle would start all over again (as laundry does). No more sock issues! This worked for years! It worked so well that I even implemented this for my husband and I. Give it a try!
I take that one step further.
Every year in prep for school, my kids get to choose their style and color of socks. I buy plenty for the year. I pass down if I can, otherwise I pass along to others what socks are nice and fine.
We don't fold socks, we don't fold socks.
My sister-in-law buys only two sizes of generic white socks which she shares with the older kids while the younger ones all share the smaller ones.
They're kept in a bin and they don't match any socks.
Got the mesh bags for my three grandkids and I'm hoping that they use them but I'm afraid that they have not bought into the process yet. Maybe it'll kick in later?
Brilliant!
Great plan!
I love the “planting seeds” if I donate something expensive or super amazing to me I’m going to pray that it’s a seed of a blessing to someone else who needed one.
Oh, that's so sweet! Thank you.
Yes! SOWING is a huge teaching in the Bible, that what you give to someone will be MULTIPLIED back to you. So if you need money, give away some of your money. If you need time, give away some of your time, then watch God give you more free time. Sounds opposite, but God promises that you will REAP what you SOW, multiplied times over.
Believe me! They are! I was able to purchase a canning machine that someone donated to a local charity thrift shop. You have no idea what it meant to me to be able to purchase a canner that helps me store foods for my family. It was a life saver! With only $50 a week to feed 4 people that canner became a game changer! It was a blessing for my family and I greatly appreciate the person that donated it. (yes, I bought it, got to my car and cried) I love it when people donate canning jars also. I was able to get a $100 canner for only $15! The jars were only 50 cents each! The money goes to the local Children's Hospital. You may not need something but believe me, there are people out there that find those things live saving game changers! Donate it even if you think it's junk, someone needs it.
Yes! That thought is so motivating and flips that "switch" that opens the floodgates. Our rarely used things are someone else's dire need.😔
Love this...
My son had a hard time parting with anything he created. His room was a mess. Finally, I suggested we take pictures of his artwork, and we gave him a digital camera. He went through his room and took pictures of everything before he tossed it, and kept the extra special art he created. From that point on, he learned the value of regaining the space in his room. I don't think he ever went back and looked at those photos, but he can if he wants to. 🙂
Genius!
I had a really difficult experience which absolutely shifted my mindset around having ‘stuff’ - my mother was a ‘mend and make do’ kind of person, and would keep everything and anything ‘just in case’. She become incredibly unwell with a terminal illness, and the house became overwhelming, but she kept on holding on to things ‘just in case’. By the time she reached out for help, as we wanted her to get a cleaner and other sources of support to help her but was too embarrassed to allow other people into her house, it was too late. When she passed, I had to clear through the house, picking through years of objects stashed into every corner and space. I respected my mother’s independence to live her life as she wanted and having things helped her feel safe especially as her family were very poor when she was little and those behaviours were survival strategies. But, the volume of ‘stuff’ everywhere just become unmanageable and prevented us from being able to get her help to make her life easier sooner. My own home is significantly leaner and as soon as I start having more stuff, I have an absolute itch to purge and decant to a charity shop. And I realise that I rarely miss anything I donate - listening to you talk helps gives me a language to articulate my thoughts, especially the idea of what serves me in the season I am in now. And not holding on to things ‘just in case.’ It’s completely a mindset shift to challenge how we hold on to things we just don’t need. Thanks for your videos x
I'm sorry you lost your Mother. I think of mine every day. Dawn has helped me a great deal too
🙏🙌💌💌
@ Tammy Elward
I can totally relate to your story about your mother. Mine was the exact same way. When she passed 2 years ago, despite 2 major purges before her death, she still had so much excess. Unfortunately I kept a lot of her photos, art and art supplies, sewing machines and supplies because of my emotional attachment to her things. Know that I had to move into a smaller home last year, I began to feel overwhelmed by the volume. So I started to question everything of hers that I kept. This weekend, I started my purge even before seeing this video. Thank you so much for your post about your mother. It helped to confirm that I am not alone.
Thank you for sharing. I also experienced this with both my own parents and my husband’s homes. It was overwhelming and so sad. They all ended their lives surrounded by clutter that would have mortified their own younger selves. It’s a hard emotional lesson. I am endeavouring not to do that to my own children but a warning. That stability if belongings can creep up as you get older as they are definitely security blankets for your past life. I still have my son’s first winter coat. He is 44 now! So being selective I choose to keep just one really special memory per decade in my box if memories. It starts with my wedding dress. This has helped. This has touched me deeply. Thank you for your video Dawn and thank you for your reply Tammy. ❤
My in laws are hoarders. I’ve talked about this being a huge concern of mine with my husband. My parents experienced this when my grandmother passed away. It was extremely burdensome on them to go through everything she hoarded.
My husband and I have had to get to a place of acceptance that we can’t change his parents. We will have to budget for a professional service to purge the house when the time comes. It’s far too big of a job for us to do ourselves.
Omg!!! 1.5 hours listening to Dawn telling me how to make my house better 😭 I LOVE IT SO MUCH!! Thank you!! ❤
I got so excited when I realized it was a SUPER LONG video from Dawn! YES!!!
Me too!😂🎉
Seriously though, when she said it will be longer than usual and I looked and saw and was STOKED!
My thoughts exactly! Love love videos like this to body double and keep motivated. Thanks Dawn, your wisdom and help is so appreciated!!🥰
So grateful 🙏
As someone who used to be a minimalist, who gradually got overcluttered, but then came to realize that I actually like to be surrounded by aesthetic things, I've realized something. If it gets in my way it's a problem, but if it doesn't, I can enjoy it! So what I've decided to do moving forward is to have maximalist walls, and minimalist almost everything else. It it can't go on a wall or a bookshelf up against a wall, it's in the way and I don't need it.
Love this!! ❤
"Is this in my way?" is my new decluttering mantra! Tyfs 😉
I’ve decided this too. I have come to hate knickknacks but I love art and family photos, so wall art will be our home decor. 🎉
You reached what Dana K White would call your clutter threshold!
I agree! I have noticed the same thing. I decorated my walls with art, have very nice lightings and carpets, but go minimal with other stuff on flat surfaces, floors and furniture generally. It makes my home clean and airy, but still not looking boring or cold.
I have to say that this was so inspirational. I didn't get all the way through it before I paused and went down to the kitchen to declutter. My husband was so impressed that he sat at the table with me after dinner and just talked like we were at a restaurant. (Perhaps the clean decluttered table made the difference.) I can see this will take some time but I'm highly motivated now. Thanks again.
Hehe, awe!!
Yes. Isn't that sad? We used to just grab food and sit in front of the TV and not talk at all. @@MegInASheathDress
How lovely!
A few years ago I realized this and started to see the cleanliness of my home as medicinal rather than a shameful failing. I’d notice that my dishes were piling up and ask myself, what was going on and then make an effort to do the chore almost like a prescription. I realized by taking that outward action I was changing my mind and creating an internal balance. I try to keep up on things, but do find I sometimes still struggle. I see it first in my personal space. I think the first outcome from this turn of perspective is I’m way more forgiving of myself. My surroundings, closets included, make a pretty good mirror of my mental space, adjusting the outside adjusts the inside.
Very well said!
I love this thought! Like a prescription :). Exercise has been that for me for years - but I'm finding this is true for myself as well! Thanks for putting it into words!
As Dr. Jordan Peterson says, begin with cleaning your room....
Thank you you give me a chance to there’s hope for me
You are very wise. Thanks for verbalizing this for us.
“Decluttering fatigue is a real thing because you have to make so many decisions over & over & over”. 🙏THANK YOU! I’ve been making great progress, then hit a wall. I felt like my brain was spaghetti. 🙏THANK YOU so much for helping me understand this is part of the process & I’m not completely crazy. Maybe just a little. 😂😁
The peace of mind with simplicity I’m experiencing is a beautiful reward for all those decisions being made. 💝😍
- Single mom, empty nester, now teaching music full time out of my home.
This video worked a miracle! My hubby watched it with me and when it was over he asked me where I wanted to start. I had done a lot myself already but we both cook and I put off doing the kitchen because I didn't want to get rid of something he might want. So I said kitchen utensil drawer and before you know it, we had decluttered the whole kitchen, utensils, dishes, decorative items, lots, two boxes full. They are going to consignment on Wednesday. Feels so good! Thank you for such wonderful inspiration!
My kitchen has been on my list for a long time 😬 we cook a lot as well and use some stuff at holidays only so it’s tricky
He's a keeper!! 😉
You have no idea how often I quote you to my hubbie! This week another breakthrough as he has decided to clear out five bags of trash from his office and a bag of clothes, woohoo! I spent all of 2022 doing the house but so pleased he can feel the difference and decided to clear out for himself. Thank you for the treat of a super long video.
Yay!!! This is so awesome to hear!!!!
I am in that boat too!! I have given up 'fighting' him over his 'stuff' and concentrated on the rest of the house. He is slowly coming around ...
P
Yes! I always quote dawn to my dad! … well Dawn says just get rid of it. Haha
@@hfamilytravels yep - the arguing or forcing our spouses into it, is not helpful, and can lead to negative responses, backwards progress, even dissonance or resentment. I plan to try "gently leading (my husband) by example" - meaning, I will continue working on my own stuff (which is the majority of the clutter anyway) and in time, that will shed some light on what's left in our home. Those unaddressed items will be for US to decide on together, along with the items that require HIS decisions/involvement. I had recently come to this conclusion as a friend was helping me declutter another "onion layer" in our basement. I was approaching my limit for the day (clutter threshold, decision fatigue) when we came across a box of old computer parts/ electronics/ magazines (husband used to build/fix computers for a living, and is still a Gamer). My friend tried to encourage me to just make the executive decision and throw it away. I refused, explaining that it isn't mine to decide - I have enough of my OWN decisions to make, plus it would be disrespectful of me to toss his stuff (AND I would prefer not to be the one making ALL the decisions for our home). I will find a way to invite and involve him in the decluttering process at the right time and in a way that will have positive results.
I want thru my closet. It has been a game changer. Getting dressed takes minutes now instead of hours of upset. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't get to stay. If I don't like it or the way it looks on me, it goes. My husband saw what I was doing and actually went thru his clothes on his own! 😮
It took me a week to get through this video because every so often I would just have to pause it and go declutter a space. I've gotten quite a bit done and I did it in very small bites. I am super grateful that the people I live with are also on board with this project and they often praise my efforts. That makes a huge impact on my motivation for sure. Thank you for all you do on this channel.
That’s awesome! 👏🏼
Yep, I also paused the video and cleaned out the junk drawer that’s been bugging me since we moved in to the house! I threw away a 15 year old digital camera, a part to my food processor that I haven’t and won’t ever use and instruction manuals for things from IKEA. Also asked my husband to move all of the home appliance manuals to his storage area because we disagreed on keep/throw away. Our compromise was you can keep them, but not in the kitchen! That drawer looks awesome and I feel really good about it! Took me 10 minutes.
I am doing exactly the same thing now! It will take me all weekend to watch.
I have watched repeatedly, I may have to watch in sections, to help me move forward more effectively.
Your laundry room looks great. But you didn't show how you filled up your containers. I've been having problems visualizing how to put the laundry supplies and light bulbs. What do you do with missing socks? 😂
I’m a minimalist now and I give you all the credit Dawn! You will never know how much I appreciate you and your channel! ❤😊
Thank you Debbie! I really appreciate this!!! Happy New Year!!!
100% agree! Thank you, Dawn!
I agree.
Absolutely!! Same here!!🙋🏻♀️
Thank you for encouraging me to resume my de cluttering! Any tips for when the husband is a hoarder?
There are so many "minimalist/de-clutter" videos out there but there is something about yours that feels real and not sanctimonious. I think it's the way you laugh and smile (and the great tips!) that really helps people out because this is very stressful. I spent the last 3 days going through boxes of photos, cards and letters, child drawings and report cards and it's tough to see how we were once so young and looked great (and didn't know it!) or looked horrible and did know it. Seeing photos where half of the people in the family picture have passed away, dogs that we still miss etc. I had already tackled my entire kitchen, my books, all of my clothes and the garage with your help so thank you! I am starting to see the results now and I think it's like losing weight - nothing nothing nothing and then suddenly clothes loosen, people notice and you can see definition.
So excited for an extra long video from the Minimal Mom! 😍 My life has changed for the better thanks to you!
Pots and pans!! We had this conversation 2 days ago with my in laws. Thank you.
Thanks, this was great. 🎉
I know what you mean about the Dollar Store.
So good to know that you also have some shelves that are not perfect. 1:19:23
We painted the floor and what a difference… but it is now pealing. 😕in some spots. We do not get water nor do we have dampness. Maybe there was a better way to do it but I did wash the entire floor before painting. ☹️
My plan is to be clutter free by the end of ‘23! Room by room and cabinet by cabinet. Thanks for a lot of great suggestions!
I LOVE what she said about our clothes need to work for us. It's such a helpful revelation. Taking things literally comes easily to me, so I then imagined saying to my clothes that don't fit "You're fired!"
I cannot get over how much you have changed my life and my perspective. I had been drowning with my four-year-old, my two-year-old, dog, and husband with all of our stuff. I’m so thankful to have found you a year ago and the freedom you have given us! Not to mention we are now better stewards of our money because you have changed our perspective on stuff. So thankful! Keep doing what you do! I’m so motivated to declutter and clean every time I listen to you that now it’s becoming habit to turn a video of yours on when I get to work 🤣
Oh, you mentioned "dog". I'm having flashes of the baskets, shelves, and closet floors and shelves that are filled with "stuff for dogs". I think I will start with their stuff first - they won't know any better as long as I leave their current favorites in play. Thank you!
Every time I listen I’m motivated to get rid of stuff too! I just added a couple more things to donation bag as I listened and am in line to drop off at thrift store right now. Lots of people must be decluttering for the New Year! 😊❤
Thank you for this video! You are truly motivating many people on utube. You help so much by explaining how to do it! I’ve saved this to play over and over to keep myself motivated. Bless you! ❤️
I have learned so much from you Dawn. Yesterday I did hours of cooking and baking and my kitchen counters were a mess when I finished. And then…. It took me less than 10 min to everything cleaned and put away. Low inventory truly works better than any organizational system. Thank you so very much ❤️
Yes! Love hearing this!!!!
I have been struggling for years to declutter - I've watched and listened to various videos and podcasts, but none really motivated me. Last night I came across this video - I didn't expect to find an hour and a half long video on decluttering so rivetting!
I love the concept of my 'season' of life, your step by step approach makes sense, and actually seeing you tackling clutter and making choices showed me how to do it.
Half way through the video, at midnight, I cleaned out the top surface and half a drawer of the chest of drawers in my bedroom. Doesn't sound like much but, boy, so much went into trash (deodorants I'd tried but didn't like) or the donation box (smelly Xmas gifts I'm not going to use). Now I can _find_ the products I use, my electric shaver has a tray to live in, and, most importantly, my bedroom is just a little calmer and more restful.
Thank you.
Great video to kick off the year! "Let 2023 be clutter-free!"
You got it
I think you did a great job pulling a bunch of different videos together to make a whole house video. What a huge editing job! Thank you!
Dawn: "my bedroom is also really small" also Dawn: has a complete seating arrangement for two people in the bedroom...
No shade, just funny from my bedroom that just fits our bed, bedside tables, clothes closet and also is the laundery drying place 😅.
I'm making a dress while listening to you and you have some really good insights! Loving it. Also loving your pace :)
I love it that you treat us like friends that came over to visit. I even smile at your including a pan that has been used recently. I enjoy the casual familiarity of your videos. Great content, thanks!
This compilation feels like a personal version of the all day declutter for those of us who can’t purchase it! I will be rewatching again and again!!!!
This idea really resonated with me: set up my kitchen for THIS season that I'm in now. I cook differently than I did 1-2 years ago. I just sold a dehydrator since (despite good intentions and even a new book for inspiration recently), I just didn't use it. I sold it for a loss, but that initial investment was gone anyway. The peace of mind, removal of guilt and reclaimed space was so worth the monetary loss!!
I really wanted to thank you for your videos. They have helped me release a lot of shame in realizing that Im not a bad mom or lazy, i just have too much inventory to manage! In addition, my husband overheard me watching your videos and realized how true what you were saying actually is. For the first time ever he has fully got on board and is being as active in reducing inventory as I am. I truly have hope that in the next few months to a year our life is drastically going to change and it started here with your channel ♡
Wow this gave me goosebumps!! Thank you and way to go! You're doing the hard work!!! Happy New Year!!!
I wish my husband was like that
Im happy to report that tonight alone we removed 80 POUNDS of clothing from our house. And MORE to go!!! And I swear we arent hoarders lol.
This is giving me such motivation to de clutter. I am a senior who lives in a tiny apartment, and I have a storage full of stuff I have been putting off going through. Believe me, I still have clothes from the 70’s and 80’s I have been keeping, but very hesitant to throw away. I have a problem of getting rid of stuff, but because of my age and very limited space I just have to bite the bull it and get rid of it. I am making a commitment to begin now. You have given me many great tips.
You should take the 70s and 80s clothes to a retro Consignment and make some money or even Facebook Marketplace all of it all at once would be easier to get rid of at a consignment store then selling it piece-by-piece. You would be making a lot of younger people really happy to have authentic styles from the 70s and 80s
I had a storage unit in NYC for 7 years, that was _"out of sight, out of mind"_ which caused problems for me. Not only did I waste over $25k over those years to store stuff I didn't care enough to go back to, but I ended up buying so many replacement items of what I realistically could have retrieved from the unit. The storage unit was too far to walk to, so it would require a taxi to and from ($50 per visit), the facility was indoors, smelly, dark and unpleasant (creepy sometimes?) Anyway, lots of excuses for me to not deal with my stuff there. One day I mentioned it to an acquaintance, whose facial expression told me what a waste of $$$ it was and would continue to be if I didn't address it. I took several months to make multiple visits (and spent the $50 for round trip taxi rides to do so, but didn't have any other choice at that time) and I sorted through nearly 100 boxes. I scheduled Salvation Army to come pick up over 70 of those boxes. I brought 10 boxes back to my apartment of things I thought I wanted and the remaining boxes were just trash (I even had in that storage unit stacks of papers, magazines, unopened bills from over 10 years ago). Such a waste. But I was glad to finally make a plan to get rid of that stuff and the monthly payments for storing stuff I didn't think about or no longer care about.
@@amg9163 This helps me so much! I too have a storage unit that I just took all my Christmas decorations back to and was thinking, this is ridiculous! I need to go through and get rid of so many things in there! That is so impressive of how many boxes you got rid of! I am going to do the same thing hopefully!
@@tammyr2966 Thank you for your response. Old habits are tough to break... After that storage unit downsizing, I still accumulated way too much (over 50 sweaters, about 75 scarves...) but I am aware of the compulsion for me to buy comfortable things. I need to work on that.
I hope you are able to work on a way to downsize in a way that works for you. ☺️ Good luck!!
@@amg9163 Oh goodness! I know how that is! I am slowly starting downsizing, and only buying what I need! Thank you for the good wishes. I still have to go through all my parents things. My mom passed away in September and my dad 4 years earlier! I am getting all my decluttering done on my own stuff, then going to tackle their stuff. Part of my storage unit is my brother’s stuff who passed away 6 years ago. And yes old habits are hard to break!
Sweet girl. Your voice is magic! I click on your video and I don't even have to hear exactly what you are saying (cuz I've listened to many of your videos) I just hear you in the back ground as I'm working and it's like rocket fuel. Thank you so much ❣️
I steered clear of Hobby Lobby, At Home, Joanne’s, and Homegoods after Christmas this past season in effort to downsize. Not sure if my family noticed, but it wasn’t easy and I did at one point had a crying moment as my sister continued to share all of her shopping experiences. I even threw out my Christmas tree😩. This has been very hard for me. Please keep me in your prayers.
Well, even if your family didn't notice, WE are proud of you and your restraint!!! I also made the intentional choice to avoid all of those home/craft stores this season (it's been 6 months for me actually!) I even unsubscribed to their Apps and Text Alerts to help minimize my temptation. And wow, what an impact it had! The ONLY decor/holiday items I bought this year were Christmas stockings from Dollar Tree, for the new members of our Household (Roommate and her cat & dog).
Feel your pain. I have to stay away from organizer sections in stores dollar tree most of all. I am in bus 🚃 Fulltime so made realization my storage u it for literally more full of bins and baskets than stuff. Like my bus 😮plan to make a large donation soon.
Do it for you! You matter
Oh, I feel your pain. (It helps when you see that you still have much of the stuff you bought after Christmas last year.) A shopping addiction, let's be honest, leads to a lot of clutter. I know that's true for me, anyway. Congratulations on your restraint! Did you tell your sister you were cutting back? I feel bad you had a crying spell. Hopefully you later felt good about your choice to cut back? Prayers. 🙏🤗and a hug.
I'm a VERY frugal, fairly organized person and I'm feeling you. With my habits and limited income AND the pandemic and trying to stay out of stores, I still sometimes want to go someplace I have no business going and buying something I don't need. 😀
My kids definitely play more when they have a clean clear space to let their imaginations flourish! Every time we declutter toys and make more clean space our kids get so inspired. Usually they want to play with the empty cardboard boxes more than their toys 😅❤️
Dawn, your videos finally “hit” me in the right spot. I would watch them sporadically, and I must say that the first time that I saw your videos I thought that your home looked so sad! and frankly I thought that it must be so sad for your kids growing up that way. Well, your message finally hit home when I started hearing “Do you need this at this SEASON of your life? The word “season” hit me like a block of wood. I will be 70 next year! And I can’t believe how fast life has happened. To give you some content of my life, I have a knitting project for a sweet garment for my first granddaughter to come home from hospital when she was born, well, she will soon be 21 and the item is still unfinished!
I am now on a minimalist bend. My family think that I am dying because I recently donated over 120 books. I love books, but I now realize that I don’t have to own them. I have a fantastic library within ..10 minutes of my home, and the Internet at my finger tips. I am borrowing books even on the Internet so that I don’t start cluttering that too. I am a new “convert”. How do you handle over committing? I am invested in my church and work at a church, so many times I feel “obligated” to commit to something that is “very good/essential” but that I am really not wanting to do or zapped off energy. I am also nuts about teaching people how to budget and I want to make that a priority. Please help me on getting some clarity with commitment/obligations. I know it is great to help, but I can’t get back my time, and no one is stepping up to do the things that I need done in my home. How do I let go of the guilt or not be tempted to overcommit? I jut recently, within this past summer began to declutter and to truly enjoy my home! I love this feeling of bliss. Thank you.
Since you mentioned church, maybe a Bible verse may help. Matthew 7:3-5. Take the log out of your eye before you can take the spec out of your neighbors. Yes, this verse refers to hypocrisy& I’m not calling you a hypocrite, but calling attention to another way this verse can be seen. Handle yourself, and your own challenges in life, before you take on other people’s. Even though you love your church, you should take the time that you know you need to commit to fixing whatever issues and challenges you may have. Something that might make it simple is to start with a day. One day a week that is dedicated to you & what YOU need in YOUR home or life. You don’t commit to anything or anyone else on that day, guilt free. Because first, you have to take care of yourself. It’s not selfish, it is self preservation.
You are a superstar! Keep going until your home is exactly as you want it. You have certainly earned that right. May I suggest that even if just temporarily, you start to decline obligations in order to allow you the energy to finish this project for yourself. If you don't fill your own Cup first, what shall you pour from to help others? As one of God's children who has served others your whole life by the sound of things you deserve a little time to replenish your physical environment. Like many of us you have tolerated and managed your home while serving others . Since the word season resonated with you, I think it is your season to invest in your peace of mind and facilitate house work for yourself in this season of your life. A time to simplify. It's your turn to give to yourself for a bit.
@@Mayray1019 and @cin4195 your words were for her but they spoke to me at a time I needed to hear them. Thank you both! ❤
I used to overcommit myself to many community service organizations, until I got to the point I was completely burned out. I dropped everything for a time to recover from Adrenal burnout, and I learned that "it is OK to say No"! I am now very careful to not take on too much. I am much happier and healthier. Put a note by your phone that reads "It is OK to say No!" Do Whatever works for you so you don't burn yourself out. That is not what God wants for us. He wants us to have a balanced life.
This video was so helpful! My husband and I are in our early 60s and just moved to a smaller house after raising 8 children in a large farm house! Decision fatigue is real! I need the encouragement to get rid of things without guilt! Thank you!
My husband and I just spent all fall working on decluttering our house. It’s definitely being done in layers, but feels so good! We are almost 3 years married and we’re both single into our 30’s. Combining 2 households sure added up.
For a fresh start for the New Year we switched around some of our rooms to better fit their uses. So now my husband had the biggest bedroom in our 1910 house to use for his music room. Decluttering and working through our spaces definitely has helped us show what things are our priorities and what aren’t.
Ironically, I now have the smallest bedroom for my office and have donated almost all of my past and future “fantasy self” art supplies. It feels so good to not have those old things hanging over my head. I haven’t painted in like 10 years or knit in 6!
Decluttering has helped is much in having a very old house where not everything is up to date and easy to clean.
Thank you Dawn and Happy New Year!
Wow Katie, this is so awesome to hear -- WAY TO GO!!!!
@@TheMinimalMom Thank you Dawn!
The way I like to think of it is, if you get back into painting or knitting in the future, you can enjoy some fresh new supplies. So no harm in donating what you're not using now. I donated all my embroidery thread because my vision is too bad now for cross stitch. But if I ever need it in the future I can buy it again.
Thank you for sharing this! Very inspiring. Layer' decluttering 🙋
@@Lisatwade Yes, definitely! I gave most of it to my nieces who are really into paining these days.
I am a 73 yr old lady who is totally inspired by your videos. It has changed how I think and do my decluttering and thinking about both my small old mobile home and myself. Just need to say THANK YOU for sharing the way you do and the things you do.
Never apologize for long videos. I love your videos. I’m always sad when they’re over. You are such an inspiration. I’ve been a minimalist for the last 2 years, all thanks to you and your videos. I’m also from MN (currently living in CO). Hearing all the MN references and actually being able to relate is a nice reminder of home. I will never move back tho. Between the winters and mosquitoes, nope! 😂
We were able to remove an entire bureau because we went through our clothes and donated a bunch of things we weren’t wearing. The empty space in our bedroom is so nice!
“Does this fit my current season of life?” Such a helpful question as I work to downsize our life in our new home, new season. Thank you, Dawn!!!
I heard that question the first 2 times I listened to this. This time I really hear it. Though not always the easiest question to ask. But I see I need to keep it in the front of my mind as I work through my house, I really think it is going to help make the effort more productive, effective. Thanks for making the point again. 😊
@@lisafeck1537 I liked the part about using about 20 % of the stuff we own. Now, I can begin to ask: What DON'T I use? It's hard when you've invested money in it, but the time spent shifting it, sorting it, putting it back is getting too time consuming! I would rather save TIME than money these days. I feel throwing out or donating things that I spent money on might also teach me to be more careful what I buy in the future. I am at a season where I want to live more simply and focus more on my relationship with Jesus....so all the stuff around me doesn't distract me when I go to spend time with Him, read the Bible, pray for people and so on....... Sometimes, just asking myself "What are my goals?" helps me throw out/get rid of things that don't fit into those goals. As someone who believes Jesus is returning soon, I see how futile owing a bunch of stuff is -- and it ends up owning me, anyway. Not here to preach, just sharing my personal journey in decluttering.
i am only 15 minutes in and i must say - this is the BEST video i’ve ever seen on decluttering. i love each time you get “worked up” - it’s passion! you care about yourself and your family, plain and simple. thank you for sharing this with us, i’ve been roughly adopting this system since the pandemic, so i’m excited to see someone else put a blueprint to it :) cheers to 2023, stay happy and healthy! ♥️
Suggestion- use the bin you put your toaster in to hold your kpods. Open the box and dump them into the bin. It’s much easier to reach into an open bin and grab a kpod than to take out the box take out a pod and put the box away. And your toaster don’t need a bin, it will just make the bin crummy.
This is exactly what I was thinking, as well as "I hope the rest of this isn't similarly silly".
That’s why my toaster is in a bin, because it leaves crumbs!!!!!
@@donnakreye3716 Amen!
@@donnakreye3716 me too!!! Keep the crumbs confined and clean it when cleaning the kitchen.
@@donnakreye3716 Better yet, bin the toaster for real...as in get rid of...and you'll never have to worry about crumbs or unnecessary carbs. Not to mention all the space it takes up. I haven't regretted getting rid of mine.
I’ve been following this Channel for 2 years. It’s helped me while I was married but now I’m recently divorced. I’ve come back to these videos to help me through the process of packed up his items and making changes in my home. My home feels so heavy and I know I can donate more and declutter more. I also have a brain injury and I get sensory issues. I’ve learned visual clutter and certain items/colors cause brain fog or headaches. I like house plants and simple decorations. I also have two girls 4 & 6.
You CAN do this! Give yourself some Grace as you go along. Everyone starts and stops, then starts again! Your little ones need less stuff, but you do, too. You are worth peace, and can stay in the moment more easily when you’re not corralling items from one place to another. Yay you!!!!
I been decluttering with you for a while and i can’t stop watching because i always need more motivation to declutter. I went through almost the whole house in one day with this video and got a full box out of every room. I’m feeling so much closer to my minimalist goal
Taking Dawn from room to room with you is so motivational I've been decluttering for a long time and then there's been sicknesses and a couple people in the hospital Four Emergency Care children surgery a baby I just again have taken one two three four truck loads of stuff God has blessed me so much in my life that regardless of what I take it seems like it doesn't make a dent in how much I have Decluttering a two-car garage
A screened in porch and a four-bedroom house.
God bless Dawn
No I'm not a shopper I have a friend that passed away left me a ton of her stuff
There's six of us in my house nobody else really wants to declutter
Dawn says
GET ER DONE
I'm going to! I don't think I'll be a minimalist SIMPLE LIVING is my goal I can't wait!!
I just can't wait!!
💚💙 love you Dawn
This is a wonderful video. I really really struggle with my bee-like tendencies and many hobbies… I play music, I sew, have a cricut and do crafts, make jewelry, love makeup… but I have found the things that I don’t love and keep decluttering until I can manage all of my hobbies. It was REALLY hard at first but now I feel so much better when I purge the mediocre for the sake of keeping the things I love.
A fast reader sees; make...love!😂
Turn it all into side hustle & you'll luv the rewards
Commenting to say I put this on and decluttered my entire house- bedroom, bathrooms, guest room, kitchen, baby’s closet…EVERYTHING. (11/16/23) I didn’t feel overwhelmed by my stuff before this but watched the video anyway and then after the third trip to goodwill I was like damn we had a ton of crap.
I will revisit this and do another pass in a few months and hit the “catch all spaces” and update how I feel. Kitchen already feels easier on the same day 🎉
A few years agoI participated in a challenge during one month when I sorted out one item on day one, two items on day two, ..., 28 items on day 28. It was so freeing to see items go I did not use or enjoy any longer. That was such a good exercise and got me started on my path to declutter. Sometimes I need several go throughs to let something go and I am allowing myself that time. I recently moved to a smaller condo and felt completely overwhelmed with the amount of things I have. So, yet again, it's time to assess and let go and I am looking forward to declutter my home. My challenge is to control what I put into my home.
One thing I have found helpful over the years for organizing owner's manuals (power tools, yard equipment, appliances) is to place them in one page protector (for each item) and put them in a three ring binder labeled on the outside (I don't label the inside of the binder--too cricket for me). I just put one in the garage for the tools and yard stuff, and one inside for appliances, etc. This helps as reference for how to use, troubleshooting, and part numbers, warranties). Dawn, you are the BEST!! Thank you for sharing.
Great idea! Especially keeping the warranty/receipt with the manual.
Great! Finally someone who doesn't say to get rid of all your manuals. And have to search the internet for the information in the manual you need.
Dawn first I love you. Want you to know, that ghee butter doesn't need a recipe. It's just clarified butter. You can use it to cook whatever we need butter or fat... like even eggs.. It's wonderful. No waste there at all. I keep it at all times as someone really into cooking.
We are decluttering out basement this week and dropped of donations today - many items we have been storing for 7 years since moving in - but they didn't match with our home style vs our apartment life. If felt so good. We both thought ' we could sell this" at times - - but just letting it go has actually been a weight off my shoulders!
I used to sell some things but for some reason it's more trouble than it's worth now. I'm happy to donate because it does sting a little if it's barely been used so it will teach me to be less impulsive when I'm purchasing.
Half of my family are now minimalists, which means some rooms are decluttered and now very functional, a couple of rooms are completely paralyzed with stuff.. But one more is noticing the difference and has started giving it a try! I am happy to help but try not to harp, I think letting them notice how much they like the areas I am in control of because they are not cluttered. So there is hope that our whole family will get on board. Your tips and explanations have been so helpful to me in parting with clutter!
It gets easier. My mindset was about getting rid of something I paid good money, etc, etc, etc……when I released that mindset….it changed everything! I also quit buying new clothing. I only buy preowned. I recognized how quickly I was tiring of fashions. Paying two dollars for a high end all ready laundered and easier to determine quality.
@KW watching the videos…..yes he’s turned the corner
Listened to this while organizing our bedroom and closet that has been overwhelming me for the past several months and hearing you break things down gave me a sense of calm which made this process easier. I ended up donating so much clothes. Thank you!!
Dawn, you have truly changed my life! We have 5 children (ages 5-14). I have been watching your videos since March 2022. I watch them every week. I am definitely believing in the onion method. I have been decluttering layer by layer. It is amazing how much having less has changed my life. Thank you so much for your encouragement, attitude and ideas!
My dear life-long friend is going through a massive undertaking right now and your divine timing to posting this video couldn't have come at a more PERFECT time! Thank you so much Dawn. The person she's working so hard for is in the hospital and it has layers and layers of feelings and emotions for her. Pray for her please🙏
I have practiced intentional living and minimalism for years but we had 5 in our family, lived rural and at one point had a zero waste store. I was used to buying in bulk & cooking in bulk. But we now have an empty nest and it has taken me about 5 years to realise I just don't need the " bulk" anymore! I love how you talk about " current season" at 55 I'm definitely entering a new season! Thanks for reminding me to revisit what I actually need in my home xx
what i learned this past year with watching you and clutter bug is that decluttering is all about intentional living. actually intentional what you need in your space and also letting go what has ended its purpose❤❤ great channel
inbox me🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
You won🎁🎁🎀🎁🎁🎁
This has to be the best organization/mindset you have ever expressed. I had intended to do nothing and stay in bed today. You inspired me to do some serious decluttering. Thanks so much Dawn. ❤
Thank you for this video❤️ we recently had all our floors re-done and it took 3 weeks and everything has been in chaos. It's so overwhelming that I just don't do anything. I found this video and I play it everyday as I declutter and put things back where they belong. I like that you always go back to forgiving yourself and giving yourself permission to get rid of things. Slowly things are getting back to BETTER than they were.
Ok I spent the good part of my morning watching this on and off. I want to say thank you so much for the continuous amazing videos you put out. I found you years ago and am now probably on year 3-4 but everytime I watch a video of yours I learn a little bit more and am always going back over my house. To anyone that’s just starting take it slow and I promise it really does help with the mental stress of having to manage everything. 💕
I loved this video. I think the longer ones that are not a 15 minute tidy, but a real, relatable, chaotic space, then watching you take a armful, then another gathering of trash, then a grouping...it was amazing. Thank you for saying we weren't taught how to do this, nor a time in the country when we are encouraged to accumulate more. What a great outcome for all your effort. I hope my declutter muscles get close to where yours are someday.
You are changing my life! After watching your episode with the Awkward mom and then another of your episode about closet organization and junk drawer I cleaned out my closet and junk drawer today! I was shocked at how much feeling was attached to my clothes. Feeling upset because they didn’t fit or they were in disrepair, styles I no longer enjoy and outfits I had during old relationships. My journey has just begun but I’m so excited for the future!
Love the minimizing tips here ... I've recently done what was called "Swedish Death Cleaning" of my wardrobe and yes!! Those jeans that were too tight were indeed mocking me!! Getting rid of stuff was so cathartic!! They all went to a food & clothing bank and I feel great that everything I have right now fits and makes me feel good about myself.
Thank you, Dawn 💕 You inspire me. I’m a school counselor and I take advice from very few people. You my dear are an exceptional lady. Thank you for your advice and support 💕
Thank you so much, that means more than you know!!!!
Use your immersion blender for amazing soups, making homemade bean dip, & quick application if you don't want to clean a food processor or pour hot things in/out of the food processor/blender. Lots of great options, but depends on how you cook.
Yep, I got rid of my big (jug) blender, food processor and whisk in favour of a stick blender with 3 attachments. It takes up a fraction of the space, which makes our tiny kitchen function so much better!
I am saving this to watch in one go. It is going to be the best treat after a long day at work! I have been taking pictures of the peaceful room(s) I am creating with decluttering and it lifts my mood so much to capture it to review and admire the depiction of utter peace and calm.
I've been following Dawn for years, and slowly the house has gotten in order. It feels so good every single day!
29:00 🤣
This is like a manual for getting your house in order! Thanks so much Dawn, this IS the year I finally get things under control!
I'm so thankful God inspired you to share your wisdom and perspective, and directed me to your channel. You have changed my life. Two years ago I started my minimalist journey, and besides living in a cleaner calmer home, with less effort, I have been able to implement my "let it go" skills and decluttering 'muscle' in other parts of my professional life, which has been pivotal in my personal growth. As a parent, I may have fallen short of my hopes and best intentions in many areas, but with your encouragement and example, I have been courageous enough to give my son the gift of freedom from guilty clutter (unlike my childhood)
I have not yet found that I have decluttered something I needed to replace. I have thought, "oh, darn, I just donated that... Oh well, I can use __" or I realize I am going to be completely FINE not doing whatever I thought I needed the thing for. I literally can't think of an example! At best, I have utilized a thing or two or of my time will tell... But honestly I put it back right afterwards (I was being lazy not to wash a spatula!😂)
The simple joy of a half empty kitchen drawer is truly the gift that keeps on giving... THANK YOU for giving it to me!!!😊
This video came at a great time. It motivated me so much to declutter more. We had a snow day, which made it the perfect opportunity to rewatch the video and declutter with Dawn. I had 8 boxes of donations. I loaded my car and couldn’t wait to get it to my donation center. I’m 80% there to a simplified home.
This was a great compilation Dawn! I usually don't like mashed up clip marathon videos but you did a fantastic job on this. It is very cohesive despite being filmed over a long time period. I have seen all of the individual videos but in watching them again like this I got even more motivation and tips! You're the best!
Erin, I could not agree more! Thanks for pointing it out.
I'm new. I've watched a number of podcasts and people on minimizing. However this particular long video breaking it all down and no uncertain terms, for some reason it really actually hit home, it started sinking in. The next morning I (uncharacteristically) didn't turn the TV on or even eat, other than coffee, and the started blasting into the kitchen. I feel I have to really adopt a ruthless, lethal attitude toward getting things out of my environment. I'm getting ready to watch the entire podcast again. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, much love 💕
Same here!! Cleaned out 6 small areas since discovering her channel last week, and can't wait for the whole house to be done!! 🎉 Hoping by July 4 to celebrate INDEPENDENCE day😊
I love what Dawn said about books sometimes having one or 2 good ideas! Sometimes I'll tell my husband about some idea or theory I have on something and he'll say, "You should write a book on that!" To which I reply, "I just gave you one page worth of an idea. And that's all I got!" haha Love this video, Dawn! Thank you!
inbox me 🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
You won 🎁🎁🎁🎀🎁🎁🎁
This is one of the best videos about organizing and housekeeping I have ever watched. Thank you, thank you! I will be coming back to watch this often
Does it move you to make a difference in your life?
I am still watching the video and enjoying it tremendously. I work for an organizing company PT, but mostly as a public school substitute teacher so when clients for the business are cool with stuff leaving their house we can distribute to needy causes. Teachers will happily take used stuff in 2 seconds flat. What I've noticed go quite quickly lately are used binders and used or new paper protector plastic sheets to go inside them. They are highly desired by teachers who are often short on supplies. Of course, many other supplies are needed, too. Feels great to have things that many would feel no one would want get snatched up so fast.
This is great!! 🥰
It's like a huge compilation of all the great tips you've been sharing for years.
Dawn, please know that you've made a huge difference in our lives. Thank you for your commitment to sharing minimalism with us!!!
I'd love to share our story with you sometime! ❤️
Create videos on RUclips about it all using voice over and pictures while vlogging at the same time!!
I would LOVE to see them myself!!
Oh, and join the community like I have!
You can post your story in the Facebook group and share pictures, etc, and Dawn is great at interacting on there!!! ❤️
🙋💞
I listen to every word you say but when Dawn gets worked up that is my sign to pay extra attention. And thank you for that!
Hahaha, love it! THANK YOU!!!
Watching this 1yr later and yes you live more minimal than the average American home without a doubt! We are 1.5yrs into the minimal journey and its truly life changing!! So happy I found your channel ❤️ now I'm watching through your old videos
2022 was the year I went thru my upstairs. Our primary living space. I'm on disability due to a series of strokes in 2018. My energy level is limited. Roughly 5 to 8 hours a day is productivity. We are a blended family and currently have 6 kids ages 15 to 22 at home. Two kids recently moved back in due to purchasing a home and going back to school. Love the time will tell bin. My bins are labeled by kids. Since we are still downsizing from combining two households. 2023, I'm going back thru the upstairs and downsizing again. I'd love to do the basement. The reservation is that the two who moved back in put their stuff downstairs. They too are downsizing their belongings!! So. I've designated the dining room as donation central. I let all the kids know before I take it to donate. We have 10 kids between us. I've had to be patient with them and myself. Having a designated space for donations has helped the kids downsize without asking me about where to put stuff. I've sold over $3000 on marketplace. So it's been a successful first year. Thank you. Here's to simplifying more!
Kinda funny story: when Hubby and I purchased our first house, (936 square feet) it seemed huge. (Well, we had been living in an efficiency apartment for a year.) Then one weekend, within a month of moving in, my parents arrived for a visit - in Dad's pickup truck. One thing they brought was a picnic table, which we used for a kitchen table for a couple years. (Yes, we were thrifty) And the rest was "all the stuff you told us you wanted us to save."
The *very next weekend* DH's parents pulled into the driveway in a station wagon - full - expressing the same sentiment. They've all passed away - but I've always wondered if this was a coordinated effort. Our 936 sf home was now full.
So it was then my job to pull up my big girl pants and make some decisions. I did it in stages over the next few years.
Wow! That was a whole Minimal Mom course in an hour and a half! So good Dawn 😁
Dawn I love listening to you as I’m getting my home office decluttered. Your mantra of “reduce inventory” has totally transformed my thinking!
I soooo needed this video right now. Starting with the kitchen too, perfect. We have a TINY kitchen, so your comment, "everything is harder in a cluttered kitchen," actually made me feel really emotional. With two small kids at home, this is absolutely true! We worked really hard before Christmas to do a big round of decluttering in the house and there's still more to go - your videos have been SO helpful throughout the process, thank you!!
So funny! I get worked up talking about these topics with family and friends! And everyone in my house is tired of hearing, “Dawn said……..” 😂
I love how kind, disarming, and encouraging you are! I always feel happy & encouraged when I listen to your videos. You’re a sweet soul and a breath of fresh air! 🤗
I watched this afternoon whilst cooking for a family dinner and was inspired to take action. My husband mentioned in passing that I didn't need to add tinned chopped tomatoes to the shopping list as their were 12 cans in the cupboard which is low and hard to reach. So we swapped out a few cupboards and cleared out a few unwanted items in a couple of hours. My revamped and reorganised cupboards make me so proud and happy!
Thanks for all the great ideas! The generation before me went through the depression (or their parents did), so the fear to part with things was very real for them. My hubby certainly doesn’t mind me cleaning & organizing as long as I don’t touch his stuff! 😂 He is very reluctant to get rid of stuff that “we paid good money for!” Thanks for your encouragement! 😊❤️
You’ve got a new sub! I’m such a hoarder 😅. I’ve got so much stuff. I’ve moved around the world and back, I’ve gone from a four bedroom to a two bedroom house and have accumulated so much! I worked selling vintage items, so having kept so many items I’m now overwhelmed. In the last three years I’ve been living with the damage from severe Lyme infection and meningitis. My life has changed drastically and I desperately need to simplify my life. Your videos have motivated me to make a start and go through each room slowly. The bathroom and kitchen are going to be first on my list.
Thank you Dawn! I also enjoy the shorts and normal videos, but this very long one is a great gift! You always manage to put into words what we all so desperately need. 💪🏻👏🏻👏🏻
She truly is a gift with the ability to reach people and help them. I agree with you 100%
Thank you, that means more than you know!!!!!
I agree!! Thanks, Dawn!
You are helping those of us who are overrun with material stuff and want a more peaceful and organized life. Thank you. Disregard the naysayers. They’re either jealous or it’s just a reflection of where they’re at, which you have no control over. It’s all we can do to try to keep ourselves together. Hang in there everyone. Don’t EVER give up. Love and Peace.
inbox me🔝🔝🔝🔝
You won🎁🎁🎀🎁🎁🎁
I loved this !!! So grateful that I found it. One of the best decluttering videos I have seen. I am in the process of a whole house declutter and re-organization. Decision fatigue is overwhelming at times. I appreciate the helpful hints you have offered here. They all make so much down to earth sense. Just what I needed to continue tackling some big projects.
Don't forget those "time will tell" boxes - they can be handy when you don't wanna lose your momentum, getting hung up on individual objects 😊
Just last night I’m prayed for this 🙌.
Thank you for the encouragement, the change in mindset and borrowed energy (worked up is good 😁).
This is so very helpful. I've been a subscriber for awhile now and am very slowly but surely de-cluttering my small apartment. Your tips and stories have helped give me permission to really go even further in getting rid of needless things that are taking up space and energy. I've saved this video to refer back to and to visit some of the links for continual inspiration and reminders so that my apartment can be less cluttered and more peaceful, and less embarrassing for others to see. Thank you for doing these videos, Dawn.
When it comes to clothing, and the fact that I have just one closet in my apartment, I find that a seasonal approach is something I can appreciate doing twice a year. You've got some great tips here, thank you!😊