Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/minimalmom to get 20% off your Helix Kids Mattress, plus two free pillows! And thank YOU for watching!!! I hope you have a great day! - Dawn
Got a link for this lip color? 😍 Also thumbing thru your mattress link. My littles is ready to have his own bed but I’ve been concerned about toxic materials so thanks!
@@lindaelhady Then pass and go on. You should change out your kids mattresses every few years and as they grow. We have children to provide for. If that doesn’t pertain to you, or your kids are unfortunate enough you don’t care, then don’t stop to spread your negativity.
I doubt you'll see this but I just want to thank you. I'm 62 and my husband and Mom passed away 10 years ago. Since then my house has gotten completely out of control. I've been watching your channel for about a week and have cleaned out two junk drawers and donated 4 huge garbage bags of clothes. It's the top of the iceberg and daunting but I won't stop. I just appreciate all you've done for me ❤️
That is amazing! I know from experience that the very first steps are the hardest. But just look at what you've accomplished! If you get tired, try doing a small job like a drawer or things hanging on a peg rack. It will help you to feel so successful to look back on what you've done and spur you on! Best wishes to you!
SAME HERE- I'm 72 and after years of procrastinating, after watching just a few of her videos, she gave me the inspiration and "know how" to get started! Even after spending 3 weeks down in my back, I've accomplished a lot for me. It is exactly like she says, the more you do, the more you want to do. It IS gratifying and FREEING and oh so satisfying. Clutter does weigh us down! I've cleaned out the tupperware, the medicine cabinets, paperwork in my office, excess pots and pans, cookbooks, and some clothes (that's difficult for me). I keep a large garbage bag tagged for Goodwill and just add things as I come across them. I also have a large bin tagged for my son and his family and add to it almost daily. I tell them if they don't want it, donate it - just don't bring it back to me! Keep going! The more you do the easier it becomes and the more you want to do. Good luck!!!
I recently gave my mom's china and my grandma's silver plated flatware to a clerk at Walgreens. We fell into a conversation and it became apparent she'd love them. Rather than donate to the thrift store they went to someone who wanted to know the history. It was a win/win. I usually will donate anonymously to the thrift but feel good knowing those items are appreciated. Serendipity 😊
I had things in the trunk of the car to drop off at our Goodwill, but they were closed. Then I went grocery shopping. I popped open the trunk and there it was. The first lady I saw coming towards me, I asked if she could use a heavy metal plant basket and a light metal basket....she did! Two things gone to someone who appreciates them! LOL!! She was the first and only person I asked! I felt wonderful!!
Love that story. My aunt asked if i wanted certain items from my Grandmother. I don't use formal items anymore. I told her to find someone in her church who would be blessed by the items. Maybe a new bride who likes to have a nice set of flatware or china.
Well if you spent 10-15 however many years not doing one in one out or doing minimalism and you've grown and changed (and still are) plus have any storage areas it'll take a minute lol
Free Stuff: I donated 2 boxes of stuff to our thrift store and they thanked me by giving me some hand crafted candles - such a sweet gesture, but I really didn't want to take things home after dropping of my donation 😅🙃
Regarding the memory box and first-hand sentimental... almost a year later, I'm still working through my parents' house and its 70 year accumulation. It's so frustrating to not have any idea why they kept certain items. I don't want to leave my kids with the same type of mess. I'm taking photos of my own sentimental/memory box items and using the information section to type out a brief note of what the item means to me.
Wow, you've done it again! This video is a game-changer for anyone struggling with clutter. I love how you broke it down into three types of clutter: duplicates, free stuff, and things we didn't ask for. It's so true that these categories are the main culprits of a messy home. Your walkthrough of the entire house was super helpful. I've got my eye on a few "duplicate" items that I need to part ways with. And those hotel shampoos? Guilty as charged! Time to let them go. Things to consider: The idea of "firsthand sentimental" vs "secondhand sentimental" is brilliant. It's a new lens for me to look through when deciding what to keep. The Helix kids mattress segment was informative. It's good to know there are safe and comfortable options out there for kids. Overall, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to declutter and simplify their life. Keep up the great work!
This is so helpful! I fully decluttered our home 3 years ago and it's so frustrating to see the inventory creep back up. I love all your great ideas to keep going on this minimalism journey - and it really is a journey, isn't it!? Thank you as always for all that you do- you have helped so many of us here live more peaceful lives. We love you too! 💞
I keep old photos behind new ones and we LOVE looking back everything a new photo goes in! I do this work kids school photos and they all have to go through their pile to get to the newest one! Photos don't get wrinkled and we enjoy them once a year!
Dawn, please find an animal shelter to donate old towels and wash cloths instead of adding them to the landfill. I take all my old ones to my dogs groomer. They love getting them and use the wash cloths on the tiny dogs.
Dawn, don't throw the trampoline things away. Get a black marker and write on the box what it is and give it to the thrift shop! You are going into town anyway, so put it in your errand box for the next trip. Bless someone else! "Waste not, want not!"
But then you are forcing yourself to deal with that junk. Her whole point was to get it out of her life as fast as possible so as to not have deal with it. That is why you simply toss it and let the trash collector deal with it. Who is going to be blessed by a box of junk that came with a trampoline anyway?
So helpful! I watch your decluttering videos frequently because this is my difficult area. You nail all the reasons why we hold onto stuff. So thank you dawn for snapping me back into reality. 😊
I don't know, Dawn. About towels, I feel that the older they are, the more absorbent they are. I love the feel of the old ones much more than a new one that has to be broken in. For me, it's when they become very threadbare that I say, "goodbye" to them. Thank you for all you do, BTW!
My favorite thing I've done this week was use flat sheets I had, and my grandma had (both never used, we were just holding onto them), and I turned them into curtains! Repurposing items has been my calling recently. Also helping my grandma declutter little by little because she's 80 years old lol. Love her to pieces
One of my favorite lines....say it with me clothes with tags still on. I love the conversation in the bathroom while still on the potty. Great reminders Dawn. Thanks for sharing. ❤
In my city you can donate all of those hotel small size shampoo etc to the local cot shelter. Just to keep in mind. I keep a bag of all that stuff and then donate all at ince
I would have opened the accessories to see if the kids would use any of them on the trampoline, something that has come with a trampoline was a hoop for basketball, very cool. I'm guessing nothing in the box needs to be kept anywhere but at the trampoline.
I realized I had several outfits for "just in case"I needed old clothes to do. messy things like paint or mow in-clothes I would not wear out in public. My closet was packed so I kept one old outfit to destroy with paint and got rid of all the rest. Now my closet has enough room again and I have enough hangers again. Also got rid of "project"clothes I thought I would repair, lengthen, etc that were a little pile on my shoes. Pile gone, shoes accessible again. I have enough clothes and none of the projects were actually favorite clothes I would miss. The projects were not actually getting done either. Dawn is great and opening our eyes to what is just making a mess and needs to go!
For many of us, we knew cluttering was happening but weren't focused on fixing it because of the delivery from others. You make it simple and fun, and remind us of the benefits with so much grace. Thank you.
Dawn, thank you a lot!💐 I can't say how grateful I am!!! I came across your RUclips channel in January. I've been decluttering since then. I follow a lot of your minimalist tips. It has changed my life a lot. I have more time, courage, money for really important things now. I choose really interesting job projects now. I spend less time on chores and more on short trips with family. I spend less money on clothes and books. We organised a lovely birthday for my son at home with home-cooked meal. I understood that I had always had a kind of inner tendency to minimalism. But marketing,advert, thinking of other people's opinions stopped me🤭 Your new videos help us stay tuned!🤗
I FINALLY got out all of our bins from the attic and made each person in the family a memory box! I first decluttered our sentimental items. And I was proud of myself for getting rid of 4 photo albums, and just taking out the pictures I wanted to keep! Question: did you get rid of old diaries/journals?
About 20 years ago, I found all of my diaries from high school and college. Reading them was just depressing, so I took the whole mess to a friend's house and burned them in the fire pit! During my current round of decluttering, I found more journaling that I'd done during a particularly spiritual year, and reading them makes me feel happy, so I keep them.
I got rid of my old journals because they were depressing...although I came across one that was full of highlights of my senior year in college, so I enjoyed reading that. Everyone is different, though.
I never was much of a journal-er, so that wasn’t an issue for me, but I did get rid of my artwork that I made in HS and college and my yearbooks…they didn’t elicit happy memories so I decided to let them go!!
I have a lot of journals that I was planning on burning (had them all in a cardboard box waiting for a bonfire one night) but never got around to it. My Dad got sick and shortly after, passed away. I went through some of my journals, which I had tucked old letters, pictures, cards and notes from him. I was so glad that I had not burned the box! I would just suggest that if it's not something you want others to read (when you pass away?) that you go through them and burn that part or those books.
Every vet clinic. Pet shelter can use old towels. We go through so many towels and bleaching rips what towels we have. Animals always need towels. Baths. Comfort. Illness. Whelping. Just a suggestion.
So good, Dawn! I have been decluttering for years (and accumulating and decluttering again) but I still need these videos to remind me and motivate me. Thank you!
One of the things I love about your channel is the usual absence of any hint of "tough love." As someone with a difficult childhood where cleaning and organizing got tainted by recurring shaming, your gentle encouragement has been a godsend. While I love the idea of Sassy Dawn in principle (as in 24:52), I'd prefer it not be aimed at me. < : - ]
We take our hotel samples and pour them into our current shampoo/conditioner bottles. This happens twice a year during our spring/fall deep clean. When we first did this I saved enough money that our winter prep gear ( plastic for windows etc) was payed for cause I didn't have to buy shampoo etc for a month or so. It also saved for school supplies ( small hairsprays, mousse etc) for older kids gym bags. We even donate to the junior/high school now. Also prom dresses. There's a lot of girls that their families don't have the extra money for a dress thier kid would wear once.
I don’t know if this is all over the country or just where I live but regarding vases, bring them to your local florist as many are having trouble getting them and really appreciate any they can get.
One tip for organizing Legos: sort by shape, not color. If you have a container full of 2X3 bricks, it’s easy to pick out the red one. If you have an entire container full of red bricks, it is much harder to find a red 2X3 brick; they all look so much more the same. If you don’t have enough of one size to fill a container, you can put two different sizes in the same container.
Condiment packets are trash, but I bring those little silverware packs to work and leave them in the drawer under the microwave. Very handy for employees who forget a fork for their lunch.
As I watch your videos, my mind starts to wander to the things I can declutter and as soon as the video is over I immediately get those items and out they go! Thanks for the inspiration!
THANK YOUUU!! Dawn I needed that mindset shift - get a new lunch kit for example and then get rid of the old one. Not because it’s not good anymore but to be able to enjoy the benefits of a simplified house ❤
lol We stayed with my in-laws last week and in her bathroom magazine basket she had a magazine from 2005. It featured an article about Martha Stewart which ended up being pretty interesting.
I can't imagine growing up with a mom who realizes her kids are more important than things. I was raised by Depression era parents. Kids were expendable. There were too many of them. Used gift wrap on the other hand.... precious!
I finally took all my shampoo/conditioner samples, travel sizes etc and emptied them into my regular shampoo/conditioner bottles. Yep, mixed them all up and used them all. So satisfying.
Me too! I just put all of the shampoo my husband cannot resist grabbing on our way out from hotels into the hand-washing pump and I’m using the body wash to clean the toilet . Thank goodness he never takes the conditioner.
I've been decluttering my whole house - basement, closets, storage areas under the eaves - with the help of my daughter. It's great to finally tackle things that have been squirreled away for decades. Lots of stuff going to one big yard sale, thrown away, donated. I've discovered one new category that's taking up a lot of my time - plastic storage bins! All this decluttering is leaving a lot of empty bins. It's taken me many days to match them up with lids, keep a few favorites for future use, and send the rest to the yard sale. I'm left with orphan bins and lids that don't match that will be discarded. By the way, remember that old bath towels are welcome at animal shelters.
Second-hand sentiment. Exactly. @15:47 How many times have I picked up an object at my parents' house and heard "That belonged to your grandma/that nice neighbor lady/your great uncle/your father's old friend?" (The implication being "...so don't get rid of it.") It's nice to acknowledge that the item makes you think of a person fondly, but, as an only child, I can't be the curator of the entire family's memories! Internalizing this and readjusting my view so my own daughter won't feel guilty shedding things she may inherit.
About the duplicates. Why are you getting new curling iron or hair clip if the old ones are perfectly fine? Okay, maybe the socks and shoes are worn out but it seems that the problem is that too much new stuff just keeps coming in. And about the trampoline accessories, I would keep those in case some parts needed to be replaced. Or if you don't want to keep it, at least open the box and recycle each part individually (cardboard, metal etc.).
I have been putting lotion that is close to being used up by my chair that I sit in. I only have one there at a time. I also have some nail polish that needs used up there. They are in a small basket. They get used daily or often. Have gotten rid of an entire basket of lotion in a year. I found I had three eyelash curlers. I got rid of one. Three bathroom vanity drawers are now usable instead of stuffed.
FYI-This is helpful to me to have on while I am decluttering. I appreciate that you remind us where our priorities should be and that we can even enjoy our 'stuff' more when we know where it is and use it. Thank you.
I totally get the idea of getting rid of extra things that come with stuff. Just went through the cabinet in our garage yesterday and got rid of quite a few extra parts for things we didn’t need. I’m just wondering if the extra accessories for the trampoline might include hardware that might be okay to keep around in case something breaks and would save you having to order it. If it was hardware/parts that might not take up much space. Also see how it makes sense to chuck the whole box away because there’s no point in keeping something you may never need or that you will forget you even have if you would ever need it. Either way, you do you 😊. I don’t think either way is wrong
I use old socks for cleaning rags. I put my hand inside and spray the sock. Black for a black surface so I don't get white lint on the black surface. And white for light surfaces. And if something is really yucky, you can just toss it then. However, since i hadn't yet learned the container concept, i now have a huge rag container. So using up and tossing some is beneficial. And the good ones i keep and reuse and store neatly.
I went through the process of using up all the hotel shampoo, conditioner, lotion a while back. It probably took a month! Lol. I don’t bring it home anymore!
I love your videos. I have downsides my mom 3 times. She wants me to store and keep everything. Old cookbooks. Everything. But I have had 3 years of health issues. Hospice in my home for multiple times, different family members, and then my own health. One day I will be able to make better moves. Right now, I'm struggling with day to day. Until then, I am learning. Until then I try to make one or two steps here or there.
I’m new to seeing your videos 🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing your gift of healing! That may sound weird, but you’re helping my anxiety & I feel blessed that I found your channel. Then you said, “If it’s grody” and I started cracking up 🤣 I haven’t heard that term in a dogs year❣️
Animal shelters often need old towels and blankets. Win-win-we declutter and the animals benefit. I just found your channel and am loving the tips! Thank you!
I like IKEA throw pillows! You can get nice inserts, and whenever you need new covers they will always fit. They come in every color and many patterns.
When my grandma died we had a family auction. Recently one of my cousins had a garage sale and a spotted some of my grandma's serving dishes including the huge humble crock that was always overloaded with mashed potatoes. I was so tempted to snap them all up. But I didn't. I'm single, I've never hosted large events like Grandma did and I never will. So instead I took pictures which I will cherish in my Memories photo book.
Thank you for the reminder. I agree with the sentimental items. I keep what’s memorable and others I feel I can pass on to other family members that may enjoy ❤
My biggest struggle is paper clutter! I have 5 bins of random papers that I have collected throughout the years and i don’t know why it’s so hard to sort through.
I’m so glad I found your videos! I started decluttering about a month ago and I’m amazed at how much better I am feeling. I do have a lot of antique items I’m going to have a yard sale to try and get some money for and what doesn’t sell gets donated! I relate to most of the items in this video you mentioned, my mom gave me new kitchen towels that I love but I never got around to decluttering the old ones. I am definitely going to do that after work! Thank you for all your videos, I love watching them! I went back to your first video and have binge watched them all while I work!
Have you considered trying to sell the antiques online? Hitting a bigger audience of people who are actually looking for antiques may be more effective than hoping that the right people stumble across a yard sale.
I have found that my clutter is mostly caused by shopping as a sort of recreation. I especially like thrift stores. I am trying to learn to buy only what I really need and to use the" one in, one out" rule when I do buy anything. It is not easy, but I am getting better at it.
Hi Dawn! Small suggestion for the coffee table I saw during the Lego section. Since you mention visual clutter & you love bins, get 2 -3 bins that fit in that middle section of the table to put all of the items in. I love bins because they make any pile of items look neat if you just throw all of the items in, & they make it easier for kids to clean up. ☺️you might’ve thought of this already, but I wanted to mention since you’re always giving me such good ideas to reduce visual clutter! Thank you!!
What I love about this video is that I find it hard to work in one location in my house at a time and the items listed by category instead of room gives me permission to go through my house not always by area but by type of item. Im anticipating that this approach will help get me started
I really enjoyed this one! I have been watching for a while and my family is pretty minimal. Every once and a while though we need this! Thanks for great content. You’re the best.🙌🏻❤️
Great tips. Fanny pack made me lol. Totally different thing in the UK. 😀 I must be really unusual, as I only own 1 pair of shoes. I’ve never understood the shoe thing. I hate it when you sit on someone’s settee & it’s covered in cushions. I never know what to do with them.
I've been watching you and Tom for some time now and enjoy your sense of humor and sensibility. While I've gotten some great ideas and encouragement I can't and won't get rid of sentimental items that mean something special to us not to mention that I like my little items sitting on a table or 2 (nicely arranged). I do not like a house that is too sterile and sparse. That would not represent me and things that are interesting to me. I did, however, box at least half of those things & labeled which made the surface less cluttered. Then in 6 months or so, I'll switch and the boxed items will seem all new to me. I do have a lot of collectables but it's all put orderly in cabinets & such. Since I got married 32 years ago everyone that visits (new or old) have always complimented me on my decor and how they feel so at home and cozy. That's how we ended up having all the card games & cookouts here, which I like.
I always take the small products from hotels, soap, shampoo, lotion and also free toothpaste from dentist. The women's/ children center is thrilled to get these products.
Today I’ve put a piece of decor on Marketplace; a guitar amp and a couple of ceramic statuettes also. I have a limited edition guitar I must sell also… maybe two to keep only one. I’m also donating some other decorative stuff. So that was just today. A little every day and you’ll get there. If you quit buying stuff it’ll go even faster. I put stuff in clear bins a lot or tissue boxes to make cleaning shelves and drawers much easier
I always find some new information from your videos. I have been subscribed for a while now and my home is so much easier to manage and I have got rid of so much stuff over time. This days takings for me is craft stuff and second hand sentimental. Thank you. I also came later to this than you and my adult children have a lot of stuff yet the other day my son was looking enviously at my bed room so I think I may have a convert.
Thanks for your inspiration! I am decluttering for about 3 weeks now, and wow i donated around 10 boxes already, feels SO good! But i have alot to do still 😅 But i am struggling with the walls..i have pictures, plants and little bookshelves on my walls which i kinda decluttered but im not ready to remove them, so my livingroom still looks kinda full
As a crafter, I would get lots of samples from companies. They're so fun to receive in the mail because it's like a little present full of crafty surprises but after a few years of this, they accumulate quite a bit and you realize you don't - and can't! - use half the stuff because there's just so much of it. I've been slowly getting rid of them by gifting them to friends and neighbors and they're quite happy since they don't have the budget for those kinds of products. It's a win win. :)
I love you! and why did you buy a new curling iron? If it's good enough to donate, isn't it good enough to keep and not replace? I don't often use a curling iron, so I don't know. Thanks for all your good work
Thank you Dawn! This is so great. I have decluttered SO much in the past year (thanks to your videos! 😊) but there's always more we can do, right! Especially when extra stuff comes along. So I feel encouraged to go through some spaces today that I've been putting off ❤
On the subject of donating, i just recently donated a lot of “in good condition but no longer fit me” bras to an organization called I Support the Girls. They distribute them to women who need them. Just wanted to mention it in case anyone needed to know what to do with old bras. 😊
Hotel items, I make little ziploc bags of those items, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a snack to hand to the homeless as I pass by them! Just a fun idea to do with your family to help others!
I was a plant merchant, while plants are lovely indoors & out, you’re bringing dirt inside.. which makes for more work. Most houseplants will do well outdoors with plenty of shade, water, & protection from freezing. Spray with soapy water, should you see any pest.
I go through every month and donate stuff, between being minimal and doing the Swedish Death Cleaning even though I am only 51 , I am just getting rid of so much stuff, my husband passed away last October and I am just getting rid of all kinds of stuff. I live in a 384 sq ft house, so it can get cluttered quite quickly if I am not careful
Every time I watch your videos like this one I get up and rd of stuff. I find these very motivating. Even if it is something small I feel better afterwards. I just purged my fall decor before I begin decorating. i also went through my makeup. Sometimes a use my time will tell bin but most of the time it just goes either to charity or trash. My big purge will be my attic once it cools down this fall.
Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/minimalmom to get 20% off your Helix Kids Mattress, plus two free pillows! And thank YOU for watching!!! I hope you have a great day! - Dawn
Do you have an episode for moving into a new RV that you plan to live in full time?
@@alysiachristensen5475b yt😂😮🎉😮🎉🎉a🎉a
Wait. Two free pillows? Do I really need them? LOL
Got a link for this lip color? 😍 Also thumbing thru your mattress link. My littles is ready to have his own bed but I’ve been concerned about toxic materials so thanks!
@@lindaelhady Then pass and go on. You should change out your kids mattresses every few years and as they grow. We have children to provide for. If that doesn’t pertain to you, or your kids are unfortunate enough you don’t care, then don’t stop to spread your negativity.
I doubt you'll see this but I just want to thank you. I'm 62 and my husband and Mom passed away 10 years ago. Since then my house has gotten completely out of control. I've been watching your channel for about a week and have cleaned out two junk drawers and donated 4 huge garbage bags of clothes. It's the top of the iceberg and daunting but I won't stop. I just appreciate all you've done for me ❤️
Jacqueline, your recent progress is a big deal; many of us can relate to getting stuck, for years, even. Give yourself a big smile. Well done.
That is amazing! I know from experience that the very first steps are the hardest. But just look at what you've accomplished! If you get tired, try doing a small job like a drawer or things hanging on a peg rack. It will help you to feel so successful to look back on what you've done and spur you on! Best wishes to you!
SAME HERE- I'm 72 and after years of procrastinating, after watching just a few of her videos, she gave me the inspiration and "know how" to get started! Even after spending 3 weeks down in my back, I've accomplished a lot for me. It is exactly like she says, the more you do, the more you want to do. It IS gratifying and FREEING and oh so satisfying. Clutter does weigh us down! I've cleaned out the tupperware, the medicine cabinets, paperwork in my office, excess pots and pans, cookbooks, and some clothes (that's difficult for me). I keep a large garbage bag tagged for Goodwill and just add things as I come across them. I also have a large bin tagged for my son and his family and add to it almost daily. I tell them if they don't want it, donate it - just don't bring it back to me! Keep going! The more you do the easier it becomes and the more you want to do. Good luck!!!
@@howdyyall3225k
Me too. 72 and all you said!!!!!❣️🙏🎶🌻🦒
I recently gave my mom's china and my grandma's silver plated flatware to a clerk at Walgreens. We fell into a conversation and it became apparent she'd love them. Rather than donate to the thrift store they went to someone who wanted to know the history. It was a win/win. I usually will donate anonymously to the thrift but feel good knowing those items are appreciated. Serendipity 😊
I LOVE this story.
I'd rather have situations like that tbh than have to lug stuff to donate and not be sure if they're wanted
I had things in the trunk of the car to drop off at our Goodwill, but they were closed. Then I went grocery shopping. I popped open the trunk and there it was. The first lady I saw coming towards me, I asked if she could use a heavy metal plant basket and a light metal basket....she did! Two things gone to someone who appreciates them! LOL!! She was the first and only person I asked! I felt wonderful!!
@@nancyrampmeyer8492 that's beautiful!
Love that story. My aunt asked if i wanted certain items from my Grandmother. I don't use formal items anymore. I told her to find someone in her church who would be blessed by the items. Maybe a new bride who likes to have a nice set of flatware or china.
This video reminds me I need to remove yet another layer of the onion. How does our house accumulate so much!? It is an ongoing process!
It's so true! And the more people in your household, the more that is (ongoinly) brought in.
🤣 I too have another layer of the onion! I thought I couldn't get rid of anymore, but wow is there more! It's such a fun and interesting process!
Yes. it's fun to get rid of junk. Lol
Me too - next onion layer next week!🙌
Well if you spent 10-15 however many years not doing one in one out or doing minimalism and you've grown and changed (and still are) plus have any storage areas it'll take a minute lol
Free Stuff: I donated 2 boxes of stuff to our thrift store and they thanked me by giving me some hand crafted candles - such a sweet gesture, but I really didn't want to take things home after dropping of my donation 😅🙃
Burn the candles😆they are meant to be gone in a few evenings, not to be kept for years!
Dunno why I read 'candies' and was so confused 😂😂😂 just eat them!
Sounds like a great regift 🔥
Lol!!
Regarding the memory box and first-hand sentimental... almost a year later, I'm still working through my parents' house and its 70 year accumulation. It's so frustrating to not have any idea why they kept certain items. I don't want to leave my kids with the same type of mess. I'm taking photos of my own sentimental/memory box items and using the information section to type out a brief note of what the item means to me.
Wow, you've done it again! This video is a game-changer for anyone struggling with clutter. I love how you broke it down into three types of clutter: duplicates, free stuff, and things we didn't ask for. It's so true that these categories are the main culprits of a messy home.
Your walkthrough of the entire house was super helpful. I've got my eye on a few "duplicate" items that I need to part ways with. And those hotel shampoos? Guilty as charged! Time to let them go.
Things to consider:
The idea of "firsthand sentimental" vs "secondhand sentimental" is brilliant. It's a new lens for me to look through when deciding what to keep.
The Helix kids mattress segment was informative. It's good to know there are safe and comfortable options out there for kids.
Overall, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to declutter and simplify their life. Keep up the great work!
This is so helpful! I fully decluttered our home 3 years ago and it's so frustrating to see the inventory creep back up. I love all your great ideas to keep going on this minimalism journey - and it really is a journey, isn't it!?
Thank you as always for all that you do- you have helped so many of us here live more peaceful lives. We love you too! 💞
I keep old photos behind new ones and we LOVE looking back everything a new photo goes in! I do this work kids school photos and they all have to go through their pile to get to the newest one! Photos don't get wrinkled and we enjoy them once a year!
Dawn, please find an animal shelter to donate old towels and wash cloths instead of adding them to the landfill. I take all my old ones to my dogs groomer. They love getting them and use the wash cloths on the tiny dogs.
Good idea. As a side note, it does not take long for non-synthetic cloth to break down because the mildew eats away at it pretty quickly.
SassySue67 I chuckled at the part where you said “ use the washcloths on the tiny dogs”. Cute!
Dawn, don't throw the trampoline things away. Get a black marker and write on the box what it is and give it to the thrift shop! You are going into town anyway, so put it in your errand box for the next trip. Bless someone else! "Waste not, want not!"
But then you are forcing yourself to deal with that junk. Her whole point was to get it out of her life as fast as possible so as to not have deal with it. That is why you simply toss it and let the trash collector deal with it. Who is going to be blessed by a box of junk that came with a trampoline anyway?
I agree send to a thrift store. It's really not that hard. As if our landfill aren't huge enough already. So sad.
I loved the statement "I have enough throw pillows...right now". Girl, we know you!
I mean, until fall 😂
So helpful! I watch your decluttering videos frequently because this is my difficult area. You nail all the reasons why we hold onto stuff. So thank you dawn for snapping me back into reality. 😊
I don't know, Dawn. About towels, I feel that the older they are, the more absorbent they are. I love the feel of the old ones much more than a new one that has to be broken in. For me, it's when they become very threadbare that I say, "goodbye" to them. Thank you for all you do, BTW!
My favorite thing I've done this week was use flat sheets I had, and my grandma had (both never used, we were just holding onto them), and I turned them into curtains! Repurposing items has been my calling recently. Also helping my grandma declutter little by little because she's 80 years old lol. Love her to pieces
One of my favorite lines....say it with me clothes with tags still on. I love the conversation in the bathroom while still on the potty. Great reminders Dawn. Thanks for sharing. ❤
In my city you can donate all of those hotel small size shampoo etc to the local cot shelter. Just to keep in mind. I keep a bag of all that stuff and then donate all at ince
I would have opened the accessories to see if the kids would use any of them on the trampoline, something that has come with a trampoline was a hoop for basketball, very cool.
I'm guessing nothing in the box needs to be kept anywhere but at the trampoline.
I realized I had several outfits for "just in case"I needed old clothes to do. messy things like paint or mow in-clothes I would not wear out in public. My closet was packed so I kept one old outfit to destroy with paint and got rid of all the rest. Now my closet has enough room again and I have enough hangers again. Also got rid of "project"clothes I thought I would repair, lengthen, etc that were a little pile on my shoes. Pile gone, shoes accessible again. I have enough clothes and none of the projects were actually favorite clothes I would miss. The projects were not actually getting done either. Dawn is great and opening our eyes to what is just making a mess and needs to go!
For many of us, we knew cluttering was happening but weren't focused on fixing it because of the delivery from others. You make it simple and fun, and remind us of the benefits with so much grace. Thank you.
Dawn, thank you a lot!💐
I can't say how grateful I am!!! I came across your RUclips channel in January. I've been decluttering since then. I follow a lot of your minimalist tips. It has changed my life a lot. I have more time, courage, money for really important things now. I choose really interesting job projects now. I spend less time on chores and more on short trips with family. I spend less money on clothes and books. We organised a lovely birthday for my son at home with home-cooked meal.
I understood that I had always had a kind of inner tendency to minimalism. But marketing,advert, thinking of other people's opinions stopped me🤭
Your new videos help us stay tuned!🤗
I FINALLY got out all of our bins from the attic and made each person in the family a memory box! I first decluttered our sentimental items. And I was proud of myself for getting rid of 4 photo albums, and just taking out the pictures I wanted to keep! Question: did you get rid of old diaries/journals?
About 20 years ago, I found all of my diaries from high school and college. Reading them was just depressing, so I took the whole mess to a friend's house and burned them in the fire pit! During my current round of decluttering, I found more journaling that I'd done during a particularly spiritual year, and reading them makes me feel happy, so I keep them.
I got rid of my old journals because they were depressing...although I came across one that was full of highlights of my senior year in college, so I enjoyed reading that. Everyone is different, though.
I never was much of a journal-er, so that wasn’t an issue for me, but I did get rid of my artwork that I made in HS and college and my yearbooks…they didn’t elicit happy memories so I decided to let them go!!
I have a lot of journals that I was planning on burning (had them all in a cardboard box waiting for a bonfire one night) but never got around to it. My Dad got sick and shortly after, passed away. I went through some of my journals, which I had tucked old letters, pictures, cards and notes from him. I was so glad that I had not burned the box! I would just suggest that if it's not something you want others to read (when you pass away?) that you go through them and burn that part or those books.
Every vet clinic. Pet shelter can use old towels. We go through so many towels and bleaching rips what towels we have. Animals always need towels. Baths. Comfort. Illness. Whelping. Just a suggestion.
Yes! I donated a TON of blankets to our shelter and they were so grateful. Towels will be next.
Sometimes i do not have the bandwidth to think about what charity so i throw out old towels.
So good, Dawn! I have been decluttering for years (and accumulating and decluttering again) but I still need these videos to remind me and motivate me. Thank you!
“It’s okay to let it go or throw it away” has been the most helpful for me.
The dentist pks are great for Christmas boxes for children overseas ❤
One of the things I love about your channel is the usual absence of any hint of "tough love." As someone with a difficult childhood where cleaning and organizing got tainted by recurring shaming, your gentle encouragement has been a godsend. While I love the idea of Sassy Dawn in principle (as in 24:52), I'd prefer it not be aimed at me. < : - ]
We take our hotel samples and pour them into our current shampoo/conditioner bottles. This happens twice a year during our spring/fall deep clean. When we first did this I saved enough money that our winter prep gear ( plastic for windows etc) was payed for cause I didn't have to buy shampoo etc for a month or so. It also saved for school supplies ( small hairsprays, mousse etc) for older kids gym bags. We even donate to the junior/high school now. Also prom dresses. There's a lot of girls that their families don't have the extra money for a dress thier kid would wear once.
I don’t know if this is all over the country or just where I live but regarding vases, bring them to your local florist as many are having trouble getting them and really appreciate any they can get.
One tip for organizing Legos: sort by shape, not color. If you have a container full of 2X3 bricks, it’s easy to pick out the red one. If you have an entire container full of red bricks, it is much harder to find a red 2X3 brick; they all look so much more the same. If you don’t have enough of one size to fill a container, you can put two different sizes in the same container.
Condiment packets are trash, but I bring those little silverware packs to work and leave them in the drawer under the microwave. Very handy for employees who forget a fork for their lunch.
As I watch your videos, my mind starts to wander to the things I can declutter and as soon as the video is over I immediately get those items and out they go! Thanks for the inspiration!
THANK YOUUU!! Dawn I needed that mindset shift - get a new lunch kit for example and then get rid of the old one. Not because it’s not good anymore but to be able to enjoy the benefits of a simplified house ❤
lol We stayed with my in-laws last week and in her bathroom magazine basket she had a magazine from 2005. It featured an article about Martha Stewart which ended up being pretty interesting.
I can't imagine growing up with a mom who realizes her kids are more important than things. I was raised by Depression era parents. Kids were expendable. There were too many of them. Used gift wrap on the other hand.... precious!
I finally took all my shampoo/conditioner samples, travel sizes etc and emptied them into my regular shampoo/conditioner bottles. Yep, mixed them all up and used them all. So satisfying.
Me too! I just put all of the shampoo my husband cannot resist grabbing on our way out from hotels into the hand-washing pump and I’m using the body wash to clean the toilet . Thank goodness he never takes the conditioner.
Good job!
Haha, nice!
I did that with lotion too...hand lotion, foot lotion, sample lotion...everything! Lotion is lotion right?? 😂
Good idea!
Love your practical suggestions! I am spending the summer letting go of at least 50% of our STUFF!!
Before you toss it, try mixing a little of the liquid filter into your foundation😊 it’s too much on its own but very nice mixed in.
One question: if something is not broken and still working, why buy a new one? Doesn't sound frugal.
I've been decluttering my whole house - basement, closets, storage areas under the eaves - with the help of my daughter. It's great to finally tackle things that have been squirreled away for decades. Lots of stuff going to one big yard sale, thrown away, donated. I've discovered one new category that's taking up a lot of my time - plastic storage bins! All this decluttering is leaving a lot of empty bins. It's taken me many days to match them up with lids, keep a few favorites for future use, and send the rest to the yard sale. I'm left with orphan bins and lids that don't match that will be discarded.
By the way, remember that old bath towels are welcome at animal shelters.
Keep up the great work!
Second-hand sentiment. Exactly. @15:47 How many times have I picked up an object at my parents' house and heard "That belonged to your grandma/that nice neighbor lady/your great uncle/your father's old friend?" (The implication being "...so don't get rid of it.") It's nice to acknowledge that the item makes you think of a person fondly, but, as an only child, I can't be the curator of the entire family's memories! Internalizing this and readjusting my view so my own daughter won't feel guilty shedding things she may inherit.
Great video Dawn! Very motivating. Thanks for caring about us! ❤ you!
About the duplicates. Why are you getting new curling iron or hair clip if the old ones are perfectly fine? Okay, maybe the socks and shoes are worn out but it seems that the problem is that too much new stuff just keeps coming in. And about the trampoline accessories, I would keep those in case some parts needed to be replaced. Or if you don't want to keep it, at least open the box and recycle each part individually (cardboard, metal etc.).
I have been putting lotion that is close to being used up by my chair that I sit in. I only have one there at a time. I also have some nail polish that needs used up there. They are in a small basket. They get used daily or often. Have gotten rid of an entire basket of lotion in a year. I found I had three eyelash curlers. I got rid of one. Three bathroom vanity drawers are now usable instead of stuffed.
FYI-This is helpful to me to have on while I am decluttering. I appreciate that you remind us where our priorities should be and that we can even enjoy our 'stuff' more when we know where it is and use it. Thank you.
I totally get the idea of getting rid of extra things that come with stuff. Just went through the cabinet in our garage yesterday and got rid of quite a few extra parts for things we didn’t need. I’m just wondering if the extra accessories for the trampoline might include hardware that might be okay to keep around in case something breaks and would save you having to order it. If it was hardware/parts that might not take up much space. Also see how it makes sense to chuck the whole box away because there’s no point in keeping something you may never need or that you will forget you even have if you would ever need it. Either way, you do you 😊. I don’t think either way is wrong
I use old socks for cleaning rags. I put my hand inside and spray the sock. Black for a black surface so I don't get white lint on the black surface. And white for light surfaces. And if something is really yucky, you can just toss it then. However, since i hadn't yet learned the container concept, i now have a huge rag container. So using up and tossing some is beneficial. And the good ones i keep and reuse and store neatly.
I went through the process of using up all the hotel shampoo, conditioner, lotion a while back. It probably took a month! Lol. I don’t bring it home anymore!
I had a stack of dentist toothpaste samples. I put 1 in my travel kit and systematically used the tiny tubes until they were gone.
I love your videos. I have downsides my mom 3 times. She wants me to store and keep everything. Old cookbooks. Everything. But I have had 3 years of health issues. Hospice in my home for multiple times, different family members, and then my own health. One day I will be able to make better moves. Right now, I'm struggling with day to day. Until then, I am learning. Until then I try to make one or two steps here or there.
Tiny hotel stuff is great for not having to buy more, packing for camping, or donating.
Also, old socks double as dust rags for me.
Right, but you'd keep those things in their own special place, not mixed in with the new ones!
I’m new to seeing your videos 🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing your gift of healing! That may sound weird, but you’re helping my anxiety & I feel blessed that I found your channel. Then you said, “If it’s grody” and I started cracking up 🤣 I haven’t heard that term in a dogs year❣️
Animal shelters often need old towels and blankets. Win-win-we declutter and the animals benefit. I just found your channel and am loving the tips! Thank you!
I like IKEA throw pillows! You can get nice inserts, and whenever you need new covers they will always fit. They come in every color and many patterns.
I keep hoping they'll come out with a bigger selection of different shapes and sizes.
Good to know!!
When my grandma died we had a family auction. Recently one of my cousins had a garage sale and a spotted some of my grandma's serving dishes including the huge humble crock that was always overloaded with mashed potatoes. I was so tempted to snap them all up. But I didn't. I'm single, I've never hosted large events like Grandma did and I never will. So instead I took pictures which I will cherish in my Memories photo book.
Thank you for the reminder. I agree with the sentimental items. I keep what’s memorable and others I feel I can pass on to other family members that may enjoy ❤
Thank you for the helpful reminders, Dawn!
My biggest struggle is paper clutter! I have 5 bins of random papers that I have collected throughout the years and i don’t know why it’s so hard to sort through.
I feel your pain! I recently shredded several bags of paper work...however I have a bunch of filing left to do with the remainder 😢
That box of accessories might contain extra springs in case one breaks, as well as extra bolts and washers in case one falls out.
I’m so glad I found your videos! I started decluttering about a month ago and I’m amazed at how much better I am feeling. I do have a lot of antique items I’m going to have a yard sale to try and get some money for and what doesn’t sell gets donated! I relate to most of the items in this video you mentioned, my mom gave me new kitchen towels that I love but I never got around to decluttering the old ones. I am definitely going to do that after work! Thank you for all your videos, I love watching them! I went back to your first video and have binge watched them all while I work!
Have you considered trying to sell the antiques online? Hitting a bigger audience of people who are actually looking for antiques may be more effective than hoping that the right people stumble across a yard sale.
I have found that my clutter is mostly caused by shopping as a sort of recreation. I especially like thrift stores. I am trying to learn to buy only what I really need and to use the" one in, one out" rule when I do buy anything. It is not easy, but I am getting better at it.
Me to
That "Justin Case" is a troublemaker!!!! Thanks for your educational refreshing videos.
2nd hand sentimental!!! omg Definitely !!
I found you a year ago. You have inspired me so much. Thanks for all you do!!
Love this video!! Thank you so many great tips! (Dawn your eyebrows look great!)
Hi Dawn! Small suggestion for the coffee table I saw during the Lego section. Since you mention visual clutter & you love bins, get 2 -3 bins that fit in that middle section of the table to put all of the items in.
I love bins because they make any pile of items look neat if you just throw all of the items in, & they make it easier for kids to clean up. ☺️you might’ve thought of this already, but I wanted to mention since you’re always giving me such good ideas to reduce visual clutter! Thank you!!
What I love about this video is that I find it hard to work in one location in my house at a time and the items listed by category instead of room gives me permission to go through my house not always by area but by type of item. Im anticipating that this approach will help get me started
Enjoying this so much, new inspiration! About the curling iron though, I put my older one in the trailer, one less thing to pack!
I really enjoyed this one! I have been watching for a while and my family is pretty minimal. Every once and a while though we need this! Thanks for great content. You’re the best.🙌🏻❤️
I have lots of tea but I drink coffee most of the time. So I took my teas to my office to be shared.
Great tips.
Fanny pack made me lol. Totally different thing in the UK. 😀
I must be really unusual, as I only own 1 pair of shoes. I’ve never understood the shoe thing.
I hate it when you sit on someone’s settee & it’s covered in cushions. I never know what to do with them.
I giggled like a child at fanny pack. It’s so weird it has two such different meanings.
I'm saving this for a time I can take notes you gave me so many ideas thank you
I've been watching you and Tom for some time now and enjoy your sense of humor and sensibility. While I've gotten some great ideas and encouragement I can't and won't get rid of sentimental items that mean something special to us not to mention that I like my little items sitting on a table or 2 (nicely arranged). I do not like a house that is too sterile and sparse. That would not represent me and things that are interesting to me. I did, however, box at least half of those things & labeled which made the surface less cluttered. Then in 6 months or so, I'll switch and the boxed items will seem all new to me. I do have a lot of collectables but it's all put orderly in cabinets & such. Since I got married 32 years ago everyone that visits (new or old) have always complimented me on my decor and how they feel so at home and cozy. That's how we ended up having all the card games & cookouts here, which I like.
I always take the small products from hotels, soap, shampoo, lotion and also free toothpaste from dentist. The women's/ children center is thrilled to get these products.
Today I’ve put a piece of decor on Marketplace; a guitar amp and a couple of ceramic statuettes also. I have a limited edition guitar I must sell also… maybe two to keep only one. I’m also donating some other decorative stuff. So that was just today. A little every day and you’ll get there. If you quit buying stuff it’ll go even faster. I put stuff in clear bins a lot or tissue boxes to make cleaning shelves and drawers much easier
I always find some new information from your videos. I have been subscribed for a while now and my home is so much easier to manage and I have got rid of so much stuff over time. This days takings for me is craft stuff and second hand sentimental. Thank you. I also came later to this than you and my adult children have a lot of stuff yet the other day my son was looking enviously at my bed room so I think I may have a convert.
Use freecycle or trash nothing to get rid of stuff you don't want. My stuff has been snapped up quickly and it stays out of landfill.
Every time I watch your video, I grab a garbich bags and go through the house. It's amazing I always get a bag full. 😊
Thanks for your inspiration! I am decluttering for about 3 weeks now, and wow i donated around 10 boxes already, feels SO good! But i have alot to do still 😅 But i am struggling with the walls..i have pictures, plants and little bookshelves on my walls which i kinda decluttered but im not ready to remove them, so my livingroom still looks kinda full
Good place to donate scruffy old towels are vet practises or animal shelters. They are always really pleased to have them.
Thank you, I'm headed to my kitchen cupboards right now!
Great video. You leave no stone unturned. Thanks, I needed this.
I’m proud of myself for bringing very little into my home...but I live alone, so I have it a bit easier! 😄. Thanks, Dawn!
I have an entire closet of photos before digital. I cannot part with them...but my craft supplies...whoooo boy. I need to purge. Thank you for this!
Open it Dawn. It will only take you 5 minutes to figure out if the kids will love it or not. It’s paid for, right?
Oh my gosh this helped me and motivated me so much. I have so many old things I keep just bc.
I think "protect your bandwidth" may well be my new mantra and favourite saying! It's very true.
As a crafter, I would get lots of samples from companies. They're so fun to receive in the mail because it's like a little present full of crafty surprises but after a few years of this, they accumulate quite a bit and you realize you don't - and can't! - use half the stuff because there's just so much of it. I've been slowly getting rid of them by gifting them to friends and neighbors and they're quite happy since they don't have the budget for those kinds of products. It's a win win. :)
If you are part of a Buy Nothing Group...you can put that unopened box out there with a description of where it came from and see if someone needs it.
I love you! and why did you buy a new curling iron? If it's good enough to donate, isn't it good enough to keep and not replace? I don't often use a curling iron, so I don't know. Thanks for all your good work
Common sense and inspirational for me. Will rewatch this one time and time again as I’m on my decluttering journey (I’m just starting)
Maybe send the trampoline accessories to Goodwill?
Thank you Dawn! This is so great. I have decluttered SO much in the past year (thanks to your videos! 😊) but there's always more we can do, right! Especially when extra stuff comes along. So I feel encouraged to go through some spaces today that I've been putting off ❤
On the subject of donating, i just recently donated a lot of “in good condition but no longer fit me” bras to an organization called I Support the Girls. They distribute them to women who need them. Just wanted to mention it in case anyone needed to know what to do with old bras. 😊
Hotel items, I make little ziploc bags of those items, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a snack to hand to the homeless as I pass by them! Just a fun idea to do with your family to help others!
This was the best video so far that gave me a solid idea/plan on what to get gone!
I was a plant merchant, while plants are lovely indoors & out, you’re bringing dirt inside.. which makes for more work. Most houseplants will do well outdoors with plenty of shade, water, & protection from freezing. Spray with soapy water, should you see any pest.
I go through every month and donate stuff, between being minimal and doing the Swedish Death Cleaning even though I am only 51 , I am just getting rid of so much stuff, my husband passed away last October and I am just getting rid of all kinds of stuff. I live in a 384 sq ft house, so it can get cluttered quite quickly if I am not careful
Every time I watch your videos like this one I get up and rd of stuff. I find these very motivating. Even if it is something small I feel better afterwards. I just purged my fall decor before I begin decorating. i also went through my makeup. Sometimes a use my time will tell bin but most of the time it just goes either to charity or trash.
My big purge will be my attic once it cools down this fall.
❤❤❤❤❤ So helpful! Thanks, Dawn! I love Tuesdays. 😊